“Lots of luck, fellows,” the clerk called. “Hurry back now.”
THE WIDENER HANDICAP
17
The searching cameras of the television networks were mounted high on a platform outside the paddock. They caught the field of six horses leaving their saddling stalls and walking around the ring, their bodies, glistening in the sun, as colorful as their riders’ silks.
The CBS telecaster spoke to his vast nationwide audience. “The Widener Handicap has drawn a record-breaking attendance of over 45,000 fans to Hialeah Park on this sunny but cool day in February,” he said. “Six top handicap performers are poised for the big race over the classic distance of a mile and a quarter. Heading the field is the Black, United States champion, who is carrying the silks of Hopeful Farm and is top weighted at one hundred thirty-six pounds. There he is now on your screens, being ridden by Alec Ramsay, who is known to have one of the best heads of any jockey now active. That’s Henry Dailey, his trainer, walking alongside.”
Suddenly the Black bolted, scattering the crowd on the paddock rail.
The telecaster said, “The Black looks like a champion and acts like one. Seeing him in the full bloom of his career is a new and exciting experience for a great number of people here at Hialeah today. It is estimated that at least an extra ten thousand patrons have turned out because of his presence.”
The cameras continued to follow the Black around the ring as the telecaster went on. “A close second choice of the large crowd here today is Flame, an island horse, representing the United Kingdom. He captivated the public last Saturday by winning the Hialeah Turf Cup in record-shattering time, and there are many who believe this foreign challenger can match strides with the Black. It is the anticipation of such a duel between the ‘Big Two,’ as they are being called, that has brought international attention to this year’s Widener.”
Flame had come to an abrupt stop and was looking at the crowd outside the paddock ring, his ears pricked up.
The telecaster commented, “A noted trainer told me a short while ago that Flame is the most inquisitive horse he’s ever seen at a track. And as you can see on your screens, Flame is very nervous. The white lather about his loins is known as ‘washing’ and horsemen are not inclined to enjoy seeing it on their horses just prior to a race. However, Flame was ‘washy’ last week before a large paddock crowd and went on to score a considerable upset. Today he will be attempting to pull an even bigger trick, that of beating the mighty Black.
“He is being ridden by the apprentice jockey Steve Duncan and will carry one hundred and thirty pounds, six less than the champion.”
The cameras switched to the other horses as the call to the post sounded. The telecaster continued, “The lightweights in the field are not being overlooked by the crowd. There are many fans who believe these horses will be strong contenders in the race, despite the presence of the ‘Big Two.’ Number One is Mad Wizard with the young and very popular Willy Walsh up. He is toting the featherweight of only one hundred and eight pounds, and has a high turn of speed that makes him dangerous in any company. He can carry his lick a mile and a quarter, too, providing there isn’t a lot of pressure put on him in the early stages of the race.
“The Number Two horse is Apache with the very successful Jay Pratt in the saddle, making a total package of one hundred and ten pounds. Pratt has won more races at Hialeah this season than any other rider. Apache has the reputation of being a ‘sometime’ horse, turning in a good race one day and a bad one the next time out. His trainer told us earlier that he believes Apache is ready for a top effort. If so, Apache with Jay Pratt in the saddle will be a combination to watch.
“Number Three is Sail Away with the veteran Nick Marchione up for another one hundred and ten pounds. Sail Away is one of the most determined and consistent horses in racing today, seldom racing out of the money. He is a very workmanlike animal, going about the business at hand soberly and most effectively. During four years of hard racing at all the major tracks in the country, Sail Away has given his best every time he’s gone to the post. With the greatest rider in the country to guide him today, Sail Away should be a strong contender in the homestretch.
“And here’s another fighting horse who wants to win every time out. Number Four is Bronze Prince with Pete Edge up for a total of one hundred and twelve pounds. Racing fans know that Bronze Prince is a money horse. He runs best from off the pace, and usually has to overcome the disadvantage of a nonchalant start. Often during the running of a race he has been disregarded until the stretch run, and then comes boiling down on the leaders in the last few strides to get the money. Today he has a rider whose courage equals his own. Bronze Prince and Pete Edge might well provide a distinct surprise at the finish of this race.”
The horses disappeared within the tunnel, but the cameras on the grandstand roof picked them up again as they emerged from the other side and stepped onto the track. As the post parade began, the telecaster continued, “Today’s Widener could be one of the great contests of all time in America. Races like this don’t come along very often. It takes more than rich purses at popular major tracks to achieve them. It takes more than the genius of press agentry or the showmanship of Broadway. It takes luck … and luck this year for the Widener came not only in the presence of the Black, United States champion, but in the form of Flame, an unknown island horse who came to Hialeah Park via Nassau. Despite the great records of all the horses racing for the Widener Cup, it is Flame who is filling the principal role in this drama to prevent the Black from extending his dominion to international dimensions. We will know in a matter of minutes if Flame, the foreign challenger, can live up to his star billing.”
Alec moved the Black into the Number 5 starting stall, satisfied that his horse had been warmed up just as Henry had wanted. He had taken him all the way into the backstretch before returning to the gate in front of the stands. It should not take the Black long to get into his best stride. He was supple enough, alert enough to move to the attack the moment the gate was sprung.
Flame was putting on a show for the crowded stands, rearing skyward as an assistant starter sought to grab his bridle and lead him into the gate. But despite his antics, he seemed to be under control. Steve had good hold of him and with no further trouble Flame walked into his starting stall. The boy’s face radiated confidence, perhaps, like his horse, responding to the fans’ applause.
Alec turned away. He thought of Steve Duncan only as a competitor now and no longer a friend in need of help and advice. Steve was on his own.
The Black banged against the sides of his stall and Alec spoke to him softly, telling him to wait, that soon they’d be off and running. He knew his horse would be able to handle the top weight of 136 pounds, and their next-to-outside post position was better than being closer to the rail. Even with all the warm-up, the Black might be late in breaking from the gate. At least, though, there was no chance of their being pinned on the rail today.
He saw Willy Walsh in the Number 1 stall, all set to go. Light-weighted as Mad Wizard was, Willy wouldn’t have any trouble getting him out of there. Mad Wizard had the early speed to go to the front immediately, but Alec didn’t think Willy would keep him in the lead very long. He’d be afraid Mad Wizard might get lonesome out there all by himself and start looking around for company. Willy would take hold once they were free of the pack, saving his horse’s speed for later on. But Alec knew he couldn’t be sure of anything today.
Only when the race was under way would he know what Willy’s tactics would be. There was no telling what any of the riders would do, regardless of past performances, until the moment of decision came. They were all good enough to contrive a masterpiece of riding from beginning to the end. He could win on the fastest horse only if he made no mistakes.
Alec steadied the Black and looked through the grilled door in front of him. He learned something new in every race he rode. This kind of knowledge, of a practical nature, was the only kind in which he
had any confidence. He hadn’t been able to learn it from Henry or anyone else. Within a few seconds, he would have a lot of decisions to make. He had to have enough confidence in himself to make them quickly. If he hesitated, he’d lose the race. He had to avoid jams. He had to sense what was going to happen before it happened.
Flame bumped against the sides of the adjacent stall, but Alec didn’t turn his way. He ignored all the horses in the gate, just as he did the clamoring crowd. All that mattered was the track in front of him. There was a slight haze overhead and a breeze came up from the south, blowing stronger and stronger in his face. He sat quietly astride his horse. The Black had lost his skittishness and was quiet, too. So was the crowd. Everybody awaited the start of the race.
The gate doors flew open and the bell clanged. Alec shouted at the top of his voice, as did all the other riders. The Widener Handicap was on!
The Black broke easily as the horses plunged ahead. Alec watched the riders as well as their mounts. Apache had outbroken the field but Jay Pratt wanted no part of the lead; he was already holding back to prove it. Willy Walsh sent the feather-footed Mad Wizard to the front, bolting away from the tangled stampede behind him. Jay Pratt kept backing off Apache from the early pace and was fourth as the racing field passed the stands for the first time.
Alec restrained the Black, keeping him in fifth position, where he could see what the other riders would do. Right from the start the masterminding of the jockeys had begun. Willy Walsh wasn’t taking hold of Mad Wizard but letting him go on. Jay Pratt was backing off Apache still more. Nick Marchione had Sail Away just off the pace in second position, putting pressure on Mad Wizard. Pete Edge was scraping the rail, trying to squeeze Bronze Prince on the inside of Sail Away. He was taking a big chance, for Nick wasn’t giving him much racing room. But Pete Edge wouldn’t quit trying. He drove his horse through an opening and alongside Sail Away. The run to the first turn was shaping up as a veritable duel between the two riders while Willy Walsh on Mad Wizard was a stride ahead of them.
Alec watched Jay Pratt and all the other riders up front. He kept sizing them up, almost in the manner of a boxer studying his opponents. Only Steve Duncan was missing; he was in back somewhere. The Black was striding easily as they approached the first turn. Alec was surprised to find himself within hailing distance of the leaders, for he knew Willy Walsh was setting a sizzling pace for the first quarter of a mile. The Black kept moving ahead and Alec leaned into the turn with him.
They were off Apache’s hindquarters and just outside of him when Jay Pratt let his horse drift out a bit. For a few seconds Alec was uneasy, waiting for some indication that Apache was going to change his path. The two horses were at a “heel clipping” stage. If he’d been a little farther back he could have dropped to the inside of Apache. As it was, in order to go inside now he would have to slow down the Black or gamble that he still had enough room to take him in over Apache’s heels. He decided quickly that it wasn’t worth the gamble at this early stage of the race. Both horses might go down if they clipped heels.
He made his decision to stay on the outside of Apache going around the turn. Once they had completed the turn and were in the backstretch he would make his move to the front.
A few seconds later, Alec realized that Apache wasn’t continuing his route around the turn but was floating out still more to the center of the track! Alec waited for Pratt to straighten up his mount, but Apache continued to move out, taking the Black with him! Alec began checking the Black, not wanting to lose any more ground to the front runners. He’d made a bad decision, but there was still time to correct it.
As he took the Black back, almost choking his horse in order to get him on the inside of Apache, Flame suddenly appeared from out of nowhere. He swept by along the inner rail, closing the gap between himself and the leaders. Steve Duncan was in a race!
Alec tucked the Black in behind Flame. Steve was trying to split the flying pair directly ahead of him, but Nick Marchione and Pete Edge wouldn’t let him through. Alec saw Steve settle back in his saddle, content to wait. The Black was flying now, but so were the others. The pace was going to be very swift going down the backstretch.
As the horses moved into the backstretch it was, as Alec had thought it would be, a rider’s battle all the way. Willy Walsh called upon Mad Wizard for still more speed as Nick Marchione and Pete Edge kept pressure on him. Flame was full of run in fourth place, despite the blazing pace. Again, Steve tried to get through between the two flying horses in front of him. Failing, he took Flame back a stride and then loomed strongly on the outside of Sail Away and Bronze Prince.
The Black moved closer to the pack but Alec kept good hold of him and stayed near the rail. It was no time to make a move with the spine-tingling battle going on ahead of him. He would save the Black’s speed and stamina until the jam broke in front. It was still anybody’s race.
Willy Walsh had Mad Wizard still in front, holding on to his slim lead despite the awesome pressure that was being maintained behind him by Pete Edge and Nick Marchione. Willy seemed determined to stay in front, an ambitious project with a horse that was known to go a distance only if allowed to set his own leisurely pace.
Pete Edge had Bronze Prince right on top of Mad Wizard and was fighting for every foot of ground around the race track. Nick Marchione was just outside them and had gone for his whip. The swashbuckling, powerful Sail Away responded to Nick’s urging and moved more to the center of the track, blocking Flame when he attempted to pass again. Once more, Steve had to drop back to avoid Sail Away’s heels but came on again stoutly from the inside.
Nearing the final turn, Mad Wizard began tiring and Willy Walsh went for his whip. Mad Wizard drifted a little wide and Pete Edge took advantage of the rail opening, sending Bronze Prince to the inside of the flying leader.
But Willy Walsh was not going to give way. He brought his mount on again, moving once more into the lead. It was Willy’s fling at greatness.
Alec gave the Black another notch in the reins and his horse took advantage of it, ready and anxious to begin his powerful drive to the finish. Alec had to make up his mind quickly whether or not to make a move on the turn or wait for the stretch run. A lot depended upon what happened up forward. He didn’t want to have to check the Black as he’d done on the first turn. This close to home it might cost him the race. He’d have to make the right decision fast. He watched the other riders closely. Somewhere behind him was Jay Pratt who would be coming on any second with Apache. Jay had an uncanny sense of pace and was not a rider to be considered “dead” before the homestretch.
The horses roared into the final bend with a rush. The last quarter mile of the Widener Handicap was coming up and the tension, both on the track and in the stands, mounted. Already it had been as exciting a horse race as was ever run, and once more a big shuffle was developing!
Mad Wizard, on the rail, was holding his lead over Bronze Prince by a head. Sail Away was another head behind and on the outside. Flame was coming on again, trying to get by all of them. The Black was starting to move, and coming up from behind was Apache. This race was not just between the “Big Two.” It could be called the race of the “Big Six!”
There was a deafening roar as Pete Edge went for his whip for the first time. Whack, he blasted Bronze Prince in an effort to move ahead of Mad Wizard. Whack, whack, whack, he blasted him again. But it didn’t do any good. Pete Edge put away his whip, and Mad Wizard retained his lead by a head going around the turn.
Alec decided quickly not to make his move until he was in the homestretch, for things were popping ahead. When Pete Edge stopped using his whip on Bronze Prince, Nick Marchione went for his. The veteran rider gave Sail Away two hard smacks on the left side in order to get him clear of Bronze Prince’s heels. As a result, he was right in Flame’s path again! Alec saw Steve check his mount quickly and almost go down!
Nick Marchione was switching his whip from his left to his right hand when it flew out of his gr
asp. That didn’t stop him. He smacked Sail Away barehanded and the courageous horse responded, inching up on the outside of Mad Wizard. The three leaders pounded around the turn with Flame regaining stride and going after them.
Alec gave the Black more rein and moved up behind Flame, where he’d be able to challenge at the top of the homestretch.
The crowd was on its feet as the horses came off the turn. Once again, Pete Edge went for his whip, trying to get Bronze Prince ahead of Mad Wizard in a desperate lunge. He whipped and slashed at his mount’s hide but Bronze Prince was through. The horse faded quickly despite all Pete Edge could do.
Alec saw the opening left by Bronze Prince on the rail and guided the Black toward it. Instinctively he’d made his decision for the run down the homestretch. He was going on the inside of the front-runners rather than around them in his drive for the finish. There would be no time for a second choice or for regrets; the wire was less than a quarter of a mile away. The racing field had now entered the corridor of noise, and pandemonium reigned. Alec sent the Black into an all-out drive. Their final move had begun!
Far on the outside and coming off the turn was Apache, with Jay Pratt rocking in the saddle. They, too, were going all-out during the last stage of the Widener!
Willy Walsh saw the Black forging his way through along the rail, trying to pass on the inside of his horse. For a second he thought of whacking Mad Wizard again. It was a temptation to use his whip at this crucial moment but his cool head advised against it. Mad Wizard was giving this race everything he had and it wouldn’t do any good to hit him. Willy stashed his whip; it would be a hand ride all the way to the finish, regardless of the outcome. With the reins alone he spoke to his horse, his lips unmoving. “Come on, horse,” he said. “Hold yourself together a little longer. You’re not as tired as you think you are. You’ve got me to hold you up. Don’t let this big black bull get by you.”