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Colonel Smith, the epitome of an old-time sporting man, never talks back to a lady who also happens to be his employer. He knew that this particular lady was immensely pleased with the handsome way he has handled her horses this year and last. In 1927 Mrs. Sloane, with part of the millions her late, eccentric father John F. Dodge (automobiles) left her, decided to take,up horse racing. She had bad luck until Bob Smith, 40 years in the business, took over her stable two years ago. He bought Time Clock for $700, Cavalcade for $1,200, High Quest for $3,500. Brookmeade had acquired Okapi for $6,500 and Inlander for $7,200 the year before. With these bargains as the nucleus of a small stable of 39 head, Trainer Smith stepped out in 1933 and proceeded to lay the foundations for a record which is now unequalled by any other horse-owning sportswoman in the history of U. S. turf. Beginning with Inlander's triumphs in the Arlington Classic and Travers Stakes last year, Mrs. Sloane's horses have won 19 important stakes, six of this year's big races: Florida Derby with Time Clock, Chesapeake Stakes and Kentucky Derby with Cavalcade, Wood Memorial and Preakness with High Quest, Toboggan with Okapi. Winnings for 1933-34: $232,605. This more than covers Mrs. Sloane's racing expenses, since she maintains no breeding farm, winters her horses in public quarters at Columbia, S. C.
Mrs. Sloane, Brookmeade's Trainer Smith and Jockey Garner were out for at least two more prizes for the stable this spring. Both the Belmont Stakes ($60,000 added) and the American Derby ($25,000 added) at Chicago will be run June 9. High Quest is entered in the Belmont Stakes, Cavalcade in the American Derby. Last week Trainer Smith was in a dither, did not see how he "could be in two places at once," thought he would stay with High Quest who, although he will not admit it, is his favorite of Brookmeade's flashy pair of 3-year-olds.
*Another freak racing accident occurred on the second day of racing at Belmont. Samuel Riddle's All Aflame was leading in the Lark Purse, Jockey Charlie Kurtsinger up, when suddenly the colt shied at the crowd's cheers, bolted to the inside rail, crossed legs, tripped, fell. Jockey Don Meade and Queen's Flag tumbled over the fallen horse and rider. All Aflame broke his shoulder and was killed. Jockeys Kurtsinger & Meade miraculously escaped injury.