Worcester Democrat and the ledger-enterprise. (Pocomoke City, Md.) 1921-1953, 1940-01-05

California racing strips, founded by
the famous Prince Poniatowski, who
married Betty Sperry, was Sims IA
vorite stamping grounds.
Riding Susie for Slim was Dimples
Diapers first booting assignment
since Charlie Bassitt had fired the boy
the week before.
BY coincidence Bassitt had a mare
in the race named Madam Foo Foo.
She was an 8 to favorite this day
and Susie a long shot.
While Slim was absent from the
paddock, Snapper had some ideas OF
his own on the coming race.
"Now, Draper, you listen to me and
we'll grab this purse right from under
Bassitt's nose," Snapper began. "Sus-
les all the early speed of the race.
But she'll weaken in the stretch, sure.
"Now, this Madam Foo Foo has a
weakness, l know. saw her run
down in Texas last year. When she
pulls up on even terms with Susie and
starts looking her in the eye, tell you
what you do"
Ard Snapper whispered something
in Diapers ear.
"Do what told you and see what
happens" was Snapper's parting ad-
vice as Draper hoisted himself into
the saddle.
The race was run as Snapper pre-
dicted. Susie was out in front COM
ing into the stretch, where her asth-
ma caught up with her as usual, and
Madam Foo Foo, bold stretch run
ner, came laundering up on even
terms with her.
But instead of forging into the lead
Madam Foo Foo began to hang and
she and Susie came staggering to the
wire noses apart. The camera gave
Susie, on the outside of the track, the
nod.
Bassitt was Tuning. After a talk
with his new rider, Willis Boles, he
came storming up to the judges stand
II want this kid Draper suspend
ed; he interfered with my horse" Bas-
slit told the Judge.
When the judge attempted to waive
Bassitt down by stating he saw nc
interference, Bassitt protested holly
ct was invisible interference" he
yawped. "That kid Draper kept yell
ing, Whoa, Madam! Whoa, Madam!
all the way up to stretch.
Bassitt explained to the Judge that
it was a secret few knew, but Madam
Foo Foo would stop to walk wher
anyone shouted Whoa, Madam at her
The judge had a single track minC
when it came to infraction of riding
rules Diapers trick was as ser.
ious breach as though he had reach
ed over and yanked Madam Foo Foo's
saddle blanket.
II told Draper to do it," Snapper
meekly confessed to Slim after the
Judge had suspended the jockey.
do you want to get US all ruled
off," Slim blazed.
After the last race Slim appealed
to the Judge.
YOU'RE not going to throw the book
at this poor, misguided boy, are you
judge?" he pleaded. "He made a
mistake, sure, but he didn't realize
what he was doing. Consider Diapers
background. Came out of an orphan
age. Never has ridden for anyone
but Charlie Bassitt until I picked him
up"
After grim pause, the Judge said;
II don't know just why Pm doing this
Slim, but I'm going to rescind the
suspension and put Draper on proba-
ton"
Slim assured the Judge there would
be no cause to regret it. His promise
proved amazingly prophetic for Drap-
er turned out to be an overnight sensa-
ton.
Slim visioned a profitable summer
itinerary in the West, but chance
meeting with Heather one Monday
during the final week of the Tanfor-
an meeting changed all that. She
was at Martinelli's, in North Beach,
with Mr.. and Mrs. julius Reeder, who
We're giving a dinner for a group OF
horse owners. Slim came in alone and
was on his way to the bar when he