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Red Smith

Red Smith
Credit...The New York Times Archives
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May 4, 1975, Page 229Buy Reprints
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LOUISVILLE, Ky., May 3—To prepare a thoroughbred horse for a race like the Kentucky Derby, to time his development so he reaches his peak on the first Saturday in May and to recognize the signs when this has been attained—these are the hallmarks of good trainer. Diet, proper shoeing, equipment changes, overcoming horse's bad habits, teaching good ones, working him enough for fitness but not enough to dull the fine edge are only few of the complexities involved. Nobody understands this better than the veteran horseman, Phil Bieber.

Sports of The Times

“In the nineteen‐thirties,” Bieber recalls, “Lou Smith had acquired Rockingham Park, and after some political squabbling a mutuel bill was passed in New Hampshire. Massachusetts and Rhode Isand followed suit, setting up circuit that included Suffolk Downs outside Boston and Narrangansett in Pawtucket.

“Realizing that some first‐class racing was necessary for continued success, the tracks programmed a stakes every Saturday and went all out to attract top performers. Many of the best horses like Equipoise, War Relic, Cavalcade and others came to compete. In those days Market Wise, third to Whirlaway in the Kentucky Derby, was one of our good horses. Lou Smith persuaded Louis Tufano, the owner, and George Washington Carroll, the trainer, to enter a Saturday stakes.

“The horse arrived on a Sunday. six days before the race. He was given a stall next to my outfit. Newsmen, photographers and a celebrity or two were alerted and the publicity was set in motion.

Tom Wasn't Himself

“Carroll sent word that he would arrive later in the week, for he had horses in New York to care for. He had given Tom, the groom, instructions and said he would keep in touch. This was not unusual. After the welcoming ceremonies, Market Wise was placed in his stall and Tom made certain that oats, hay, water, etc., were all in order. It was late afternoon and he left to find a room near the track, saying he would return early the next morning.

“Monday, Tom did not show up. After my morning's work, when I was ready to leave, I looked in Market Wise's stall. He was quiet but had no oats, hay or water. The place was filthy. I told my foreman, Mac, to take care of the horse, to give him hay and water but to feed him only one quart of oats three times for day. The usua amount is 10 to 12 quarts a day. And I emphasized, ‘Under no conditions take the horse out of his stall, not even to walk. I wanted no responsibility for a possible accident.

“Tuesday, no Tom. Mac continued to care for Market Wise, but I was concerned. I inquired at some rooming houses, and at one a lady told me she had rented a place to Tom. He had gone out about 9 o'clock Sunday evening and returned Monday noon, but ‘He wasn't himself at all. He had left again after 7 P.M. and had not been seen since. It wasn't hard to guess what had happened.

“I told Lou Smith the story and he hit the ceiling. ‘I'll have to locate Carroll,’ he said. ‘In the meantime, Phil, keep up what you're doing and don't let the horse out of his stall. Please keep your mouth shut and tell your men to be quiet’.

“Lou called everywhere but couldn't locate Carroll. He had gone to some farm to look at some yearlings. Lou left word for him to call. Very important! But the call didn't come.

Power of Prayer

“Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and still no Tom. The horse had not left his stall since Sunday. He was well behaved. Publicity kept grinding. Lou came to look at the horse. ‘I'm scared, he said, ‘I haven't the authority to scratch him. He's sure to be out of condition and the race will be a farce, with an even‐money shot. What can I do?’

“ ‘If Carroll doesn't show up tomorrow.’ I said ‘the stewards will have to scratch. If he does come, you go to the nearest synagogue and pray that the horse doesn't fall down from weakness.’ Lou could have slugged me.

“Saturday at 6 A.M. Tom arrived, red‐eyed and shaking, but sober. He asked one of my exercise boys to gallop Market Wise once around the track, and while the horse was out he cleaned the stall. Then he washed the horse and walked him for half an hour. This was the horse's entire training for week on a severely reduced diet.

“Carroll arrived about 9 A.M. and asked about the horse. ‘Couldn't be better,’ Tom told him. ‘This bunch won't even warm him up. Carroll felt the horse's legs, slapped on the rump and told Tom he'd see him in the saddling ring. ‘Keep up the good work. I thought, ‘Boy, oh, boy! I don't want to be around these guys after the race’.

“When the race started, Market Wise was in the middle of the pack. He stayed there to the stretch. Then his jockey hit him a couple of licks. ‘Now watch him explode,’ I thought, and he certainly did. He pulled out, wheeled around the horses in front and won going away. In the winner's circle Lou Smith laughed at me. ‘See, wise guy? I told you everything would be all right’.

“ ‘Sure,’ I said. ‘By the way, give me the address of that synagogue. I can sure use it.’ I have often wondered If George Carroll had known the truth, would he have scratched? Where ignorance is bliss, tis folly to be wise.”

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