Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1957-09-10

PRlSED to know that Workman was not born in
Swampoodlep that area Immediately surrounding st.
Aoysus Parish and heavily populated by Irish in the old
days but in Hoboken N. j. sad mission his fathers
funeral brought the 52-year-old boy to washington on
cold, blustery New Years Day in 1916 beginning his
story in fictional style.
Sonny didn't win all the big ones and yet his record
replee with victories in important handicap and stake
races that turf men recognize the true test of horse
and rider The Toboggan, Hopeful Hawthorne Gold Cup
Carter, Wood Memorial to mention few, were counted
among his achievements.
Workman enough of the depression, too to slash
away some Of his earnings and invest them in way that
has freed him from financial He still smiles recall
ing the establishment of real estate broker when he
produced $4,000 check to pay cash for home for his
mother Not all went for the house. for Sonny shrewd
enough to get $4,000 of for cash.
THAT CHECK, BY the way, was payment for Sonny's
victory Boojum his stabemate, Whchone in the
Hopeful Stakes at Saratoga Jimmy Burke finished fourth
on the colt in the Belmont Futury and replaced by
Sonny Usually, riders split the 10 per cent jockey fee
when they team up a winning entry and Workman
was agreeable to that arrangement Then Trainer Jimmy
Rowe, jr4 surprised Workman.
81 was just testing you to if you going to be
a pig and ask for it ALL" Rowe qupped Here's little
something extra"
The stable took of Burke too of course but 1t
1t could afford it. for Owner c. " Whitney reported
to have wagered 100000 Boojum in the books The
winning purse $26,150.
Sonny later won the Withers on Whichone.
WORKMAN NEVER LED the list of winning riders,
but thanks to such horses Equipoise, Top Fght-a
winter book Kentucky Derby favorite who didn't get to
Louisvie-White Clover II and Larranaga he was the
leading winning rider in 1880 and 49, In 1882 his
best year. the frecked youngser 152 races q per
cent of his chances and 438-hird largest
by rider until then Leading rider that year
H. R. Riley with 1T victories.
Two years later Sonny 81 races, booting in %
per cent Of his mounts and accommodating $385070 in
purses. No. rider that year Johnny Gilbert with
2l2 wins.
The Whitney Stable knew sonny's true worth as early
1927 when the late Guy Bedwe, shrewd iron-hsted
trainer for Comdr ]. K L. Ross Stable, offered $4,000
for the boys contract
mo" Harry Payne Whitney demurred, "If he's worth
that much to them he's worth at least that much to US"
ALMOST ALWAYS THE chart footnotes read that
Sonnys horse splendidly rated" handled in
Workmans usual awless fashion," that he had ridden
"heady" race and had something left at the finish.
There times when Sonny called to the judges
stand to defend himself against foul claims, of
for he was bold rider Some called him reckless but
John j. FITZGERALD, the New York Telegraphs distin-
guished writer best described him vigorous" More
than once FITZGERALD gowingly pictured the response of
Workmanridd horse ITO the sting Of the CAD and the
urge of hand and heel" In few words, Sonny gave 1t
everything had and he had plenty to give in those famed
driving finishes.
SONNY RODE THE great Equipoise to world record
mile Of 1342s under 1913 pounds in the Deavan Purse at
Chicago in 1882 the first time horse bettered 1885 at
distance But he is best remembered for his triumph
Equpose in the 1880 Pimico Futurty. driving rain
turned the strip Of mud and Equipoise left
at the post.
II thought we we're out Of it," Sonny related land
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