HUGE STAKES TO BE WON IN AMERICA

Chronicle (Levin), 19 June 1946, Page 6

HUGE STAKES TO BE WON IN AMERICA

According to an American sporting journal ' outstanding foreign horses, such as Australia's Bernborougli, would iind ricli pickings in America if tliey eame. The interest of the American Tliorouglibred liacing Association was aroused by a report (mcorrect) tliat Mr. A. O. llomano intended to ship Bernborougli to the United States for the Santa Anita Handicap next year. Association members liotedj however,tliat Bernborougli had been runniug his best at six or seven- furlongs. Tliey pointed out tliat unless he could win at greater distances it Would hardly he worth bringing him over. .* No sprint ra'ce earriea a stake of more than £8000, and most are less than £3000. The big-money lmndicaps in tlie United States are run over nine furlongs to a. mile and a-half. American liorsemen warn tliat if Australian horses are brought liere tliey should be given sufficient time to get used to American racing conditions before euteriug the Sauta Auita aud similar handicaps. It is suggested tliat they _ miglit be entered in several Californian races in fanuary and February to aecustom theni to local conditions. For example, the San Pasqual Handicap, a £1(5,000 race over eight and a-half furlongs, and the £1(5,000 San Antonio Handicap over niue furlongs, would test Australians against liigh-quality American horses. Botli events are run at tko Santa Anita racecourse ^vlle,l■e the mile and a-quurter £32,000 liaudicap is lield in mid-March. Keen Competition If an Australian norse performed well in California, his owner could ship him east for tlie spring and summer meetings in New York, Maryland, aud Illinois. He would be eligible for such events as the £10,000 Suburbaii, Dwyer, and Brooklyn Hanclicaps aud the £5)000 Saratoga Handicap. On his return to tlie vvest the liorse could enter the £1(5,000 Washington 1'ark Handicap in Chicago, and reacli California in time for the £24,000 Hollywood Gold Cup at Hollvwood Park. Anv Australian liorse woukl fmd tlie competition as keen as, possibly kt-ener . than, anything in Australia, but he would have a chance of winning as ■ much in oue season liere as in a life time of racing in Australia. Winnings of £75,000 in a single year by top horses are becoming almost comnioiiplace in the States.