Horses belonging to the estate of Henry L. Straus sold at auction at the Timonium Fair Grounds. While the sale was held under adverse weather conditions, a crowd estimated at 1,500 attended. Bidding was brisk, and the prices were considered quite good. The auction was conducted by the Maryland Horse Breeders Association, with George Swinebroad as auctioneer and Humphrey S. Finney announcing.
The mixed sale saw 38 bring $103,000. Top price was $12,800 for a chestnut yearling filly, purchased by L.S. MacPhail.
Three Straus horses were not offered, instead retained by Mrs. Straus. They were Pilaster, winner of the Riggs, Pimlico Cup and Prince George Autumn Stakes that fall while leaseed to trainer Frank Bonsal; the producer Ladyinthemoon, and her stakes-winning daughter Nokomis.
n The 1950 racing dates set by the Maryland Racing Commission were similar to recent years, with the major tracks accepting the proposed schedule, although threat of conflicts with New Jersey loomed, as dates for Garden State, Atlantic City and Monmouth had yet to be released. Of Maryland's mile tracks, Bowie and Havre de Grace were not expected to face competition from New Jersey.
Havre de Grace still proved a victim of the clash for dates, as 1950 turned out to be its final meet.
n Five horses-in-training and five yearlings owned by the estate of Crispin Oglebay sold at Pimlico. The sale was "outstandingly successful," as the 10 realized $200,600, for an average of $20,060. A new high price for a yearling that year was recorded when Harry La Montagne spent $40,500 for a colt by *Blenheim II out of On the Level, by *Sickle, surpassing the previous mark of $37,000, paid by trainer Moody Jolley for a Menow--Risk colt at Keeneland.
n Baltimore's nationally distributed Turf and Sport Digest magazine named Calumet Farm's Coaltown Horse of the Year in its 14th annual nationwide poll of sports and turf writers and commentators. "Of the 203 sports authorities who voted and were asked to name but one horse in this classification, 102 cast ballots for the dashing son of Bull Lea--Easy Lass." First in 12 of his 15 starts and second in the other three in 1949, he earned $276,125 for owner Warren Wright.
The Daily Racing Form's Horse of the Year, Capot, finished second in the Turf and Sport Digest poll with 71 votes.
n Editor Humphrey S. Finney made the rounds, including a trip to New Jersey. His Editor's Saddle-bag note of October 15: To Philadelphia this morning, thence to Garden State to meet the Wallis Armstrongs and to watch that grand mare Bewitch beat Harry Isaacs' good filly Imacomin and a first class field in the Vineland Handicap. Had a visit with Gene Mori and Walter Donovan before heading for Moorestown for the night.
n Breeders' Awards for 1949 were paid out by the state's four major and five minor tracks to 69 Maryland breeders of winners of open races. Total payments were $34,520. The leading earner was Mrs. R.H. Heighe of Prospect Hill Stud, in Bel Air, with $1,770.
