Sport: The Two Tortoises

Everyone knows who wins a race between a hare and a tortoise, but who wins a race between two tortoises? Answer: the tortoise with the smarter jockey.

In the Midland St. Leger Trial Stakes last week at Birmingham, England, only two horses went to the post. All others had been scratched because the track was dry and hard and the distance, a mile and five-eighths, was punishing. Gordon Richards, Britain’s leading jockey, with 163 winners this year, was aboard the favorite, Ridge Wood. The other horse was Courier, ridden by Tommy Lowrey. Each trainer had told his rider to let the other horse set the pace.

Ridge Wood and Courier broke well from the starting tapes but immediately slowed to a walk as both jockeys tried to follow their instructions. A starter’s assistant cracked his whip but could not even raise a canter. It took Ridge Wood and Courier 1 min. 24 sec. to stroll the first furlong (in that time a really good horse, doing his best, can run seven furlongs).

After that the pace picked up a little, but not until they were one-quarter mile from home did they start to run in earnest. Richards brought Ridge Wood to the wire in front by three lengths. In spite of spectators’ boos and an inquiry by track stewards (who found that no rule had been infringed) Ridge Wood’s owner picked up $4,648 in prize money. Time: 5:13 4/5. World’s record for the distance: 2:39 4/5.