One of the biggest Thoroughbred deals of the time marked Abram S. Hewitt's sale of his entire holdings. "A colorful character," the White Post, Va., resident planned to devote his time to his duties as a legal adviser to government agencies. It would be the first time Hewitt would be without horses in more than 20 years. He was well known as the importer of *Ksar and Belfonds, breeder and part-owner of Phalanx, owner of the likes of Jacola and Some Chance, and former owner of Pilate.

Alfred Vanderbilt's Sagamore Stable was on its way to its most successful season, with Loser Weeper ranking among the nation's best handicap horses with four stakes wins, including the Dixie at Pimlico and Suburban at Belmont; and Next Move among the best 3-year-old fillies after her win in the Coaching Club American Oaks. The previous year's champion 2-year-old filly, Bed o' Roses, had yet to start.

Paul Ebelhardt, of Kentucky's Calumet Farm, judged the 1950 crop of Maryland-bred yearlings, picking Henry S. Horkheimer's chestnut son of The Rhymer bred, by Country Life Farm, as champion of the MHBA's annual yearling show. Presented for the first time was the Henry L. Straus Challenge Trophy, a memorial to the MHBA's late president. Given to the show champion, the trophy would be held for one year and returned for competition, with a replica becoming the permanent property of the winner.