More from the "Cherry and Black"

           Today we continue our exploration of the wonderful old book “Cherry and Black: The Career of Mr. Pierre Lorillard on the Turf,” by W. S. Vosburgh, printed in 1916. In it, a visitor (presumably Vosburgh) details a trip to Rancocas Stud in Jobstown, N. J., where Lorillard established his 1,500- acre thoroughbred nursery, as well as chronicles the racetrack exploits of Lorillard’s stable.

           Among the following passages, the author describes the stallion Mortemer, a grand French stayer who came to the United States at age 15 after a successful stud career in France, and stood at Rancocas until he was 21. He was moved to nearby Brookdale Stud before his death in June, 1891. You can read more about Mortemer here:

http://www.tbheritage.com/Portraits/Mortemer.html

           From "Cherry and Black":

 

           On a slight elevation facing the south stands a huge glass house, a crystal palace which but for its height might be mistaken for a greenhouse. It is the "Playhouse" in Rancocasan vernacular— a sort of kindergarten, where the weanlings are turned out during the winter. It is not used until the frost sets in, but the weanlings had been kept in this morning to afford us an opportunity for close inspection before they were turned loose in the paddock.

           This mammoth glass building is 350 feet in length by 250 in width. The floor is covered with sand which never freezes and allows the youngsters full scope to play and romp during the coldest days in winter.

           As the door is opened the sight is bewildering. Thirty-three colts and fillies are at play, mostly Mortemers and mostly chestnuts. They were but recently weaned, and the brown mare Hildegarde was still with her foal, a brown filly foaled late in June. It is difficult to form an opinion in such a constantly moving throng, but a chestnut colt from Highland Lassie was among the most forward—"an early foal— Feb. 18," we are told.

The French racehorse and stallion Mortemer (http://www.antonioraimogalleries.com/shop/raimo/5523.html)

           Mortemer was standing like a statue in his yard. There is something impressive in the personnel of "the mighty Frenchman." Massive, stately and imperious, he looks a king among horses. A deep red chestnut with a narrow, divided blaze, he stands 16.2 h, measures 73 inches girth; his arm at the swell, 19 inches; below the knee, 8 inches. His shoulder-blade is 32 inches in length; and from hip to hock he measures 42 inches. His off forefoot has given them some trouble, otherwise he carries his age well and is as gentle as a dog. In his first season here he had 40 foals from the 46 mares with which he was mated.

 

To be continued ...

 

Rancocas Stud - the "Cherry and Black"

           One of the more enjoyable rides I take several times a year is through Jobstown, N. J., on my way to Cream Ridge. The highlight of the trip is always seeing Helis Stock Farm off to the left, the ornate gate and buildings of what used to be historic Rancocas Stud.

           Many articles have been written about Pierre Lorillard’s once majestic thoroughbred nursery, but recently I stumbled across a buried treasure thanks to the newly-opened vault called the Digital Public Library of America. There, I found the entire text of the book “Cherry and Black: The Career of Mr. Pierre Lorillard on the Turf,” by W. S. Vosburgh. The frontspiece of the book states that it was “Printed for Pierre Lorillard” in 1916.

           That the farm still exists today, though not for thoroughbred racing and breeding purposes, is nothing short of a miracle, given the rate that the surrounding land in Burlington County has been bulldozed for development.

           Back in the late 1800’s, Rancocas Stud was established by Lorillard, a Gilded Age tobacco millionaire, and named after the Rancocas Creek, which runs through the property. Its 1,500 acres was home to an indoor training barn and outdoor training track, a manor house, multiple barns and homes for workers, and an iron front gate with winged Mercury emblazoned upon it (see photo, below) that he brought from the Bowery Bank in New York. Many of these structures still stand today. It reportedly cost Lorillard more than $1 million to build the farm.

 

 

Rancocas Stud gate, courtesy of Librarian1975 at flicker.com

           Here’s an excerpt from “Cherry and Black” that describes Rancocas from a visitor’s point of view circa 1890:

           We had kept late hours, and the sun was shining when we awoke. All was astir as we peeped from our window and viewed the spreading acres of the estate, which sank with the horizon, in the golden mist of the October morning.

           Men were coming and going and the roll of wagons told that the day's work had begun. Presently we see a string of eight horses trotting on the training track. They are yearlings. The sight is too much for a racing enthusiast; we dress hastily … The track covers three quarters of a mile, with easy turns, and here it was that Saxon and Attila learned their lessons, and Parole and Iroquois were first put through their paces.

           A big brown two-year-old is leading as "schoolmaster" to a lot of yearlings, and Endymion brings up the rear. But the gentlemen are on the veranda, and we are reminded that breakfast is served.

           One can form little idea of the magnitude of Rancocas by a casual glance. The farm covers 1500 acres, mostly meadow land. It is slightly undulating, on a somewhat sandy stratum, which insures good drainage. Of its stock operations it need only be stated that it consumes

20,000 bushels of oats per annum, and 7,000 bushels of carrots. The stud consists of eighty broodmares, eight stallions, forty-eight horses in training, including yearlings, and forty-four weanlings, not to speak of a large number of half-breds and horses for general use.

           The cattle are exceptionally fine, and the sheep and Berkshire pigs are strong in numbers.

           But it is not in live stock alone that Rancocas can boast its productions. The nurseries are among the finest in the land. Strawberries, cucumbers, tomatoes, and melons are to be had ripe and juicy in and out of season; while the cellar, constructed for the production of mushrooms, is quite a model of its kind. The floral productions comprise roses of varied shade and perfume, and water-lilies of delicate hue peep out from their hiding-places, while rare exotics from distant points of the Orient and the Occident grow side by side in profusion.

           The training stable is circular in shape, and within is a walking ring for winter work on the straw-bed, and well sheltered by the boxes surrounding it.

           The horses are out, and old Parole leads, looking rough and ready as he rolls his eye at us. Herbert follows, "a plain horse but a good doer"; Barrett lays back his ears in sullen disdain, as though he overheard some remarks from the company of his being “a Derby disappointment."

           Pizarro, "the Lincolnshire beauty," dances gaily in the sunlight as he passes, looking

more robust than when he last bore the "cherry" jacket. Gonfalon, a burly brown, and little Nimrod jog along demurely. Spartacus we hardly fancy, but Amazon, a lovely filly, prances and dances with excess of spirits. Venetia follows, and then Disdain. Inconstant, Breeze and Battledore come along in Indian file, quite a corps d'elite, comprising winners of the Atlantic, August, Red Bank, Optional, Breeders, and Champagne Stakes. Hiawasse is enjoying the "rest cure" in her box, round as a ball, and few would recognize the winner of the Monmouth Oaks, Ladies, and Mermaid Stakes but for her familiar Vandal head and long ears.

            To be continued …

Beauty's in the Eye of the Beholder

           Here’s another gem from the Keystone Racetrack archives, this time courtesy of the Philadelphia Tribune from September 29, 1978, a little less than four years after the Bensalem course opened. It’s interesting to read about the way things were 35 seasons ago – there was a distinct beginning and ending to the season, and there was little overlap in race dates in the mid-Atlantic region, leading to an abundance of horses and jockeys.

           The article is entitled: “Keystone Preview: Cosmetic Improvements Heighten Racing Fun,” and there is no byline. Methinks the author, whomever he/she was, may have been embellishing things a bit. After all, the track was built hastily upon land that was once a pig farm (this is no joke!).

            In the past, every time Keystone Race Track opens a new thoroughbred season, the track in Cornwells Heights presents a new and pretty appearance.

           The Keystone autumn/winter meeting will open Sunday, October, 1, and when it does the setting will be newer and more beautiful than ever.
           To illustrate, there will be twin lakes in the infield. There will be a 10-foot wide canal connecting the two bodies of water and bridging the canal in the emerald infield will be an attractive gazebo.

           There are other cosmetic improvements. Floral beds with emphasis on red parenthesize the tote board. Two canopies offer cover and color to patrons arriving by public transportation and for those with a preference for valet parking.
           MOREOVER, ASIDE from adding a second lake and other eye pleasers since the previous season closed in May, Keystone has constructed a large outdoor walking ring, enlarged the paddock and increased the depth of the area between the paddock and the entrance to the stands.

 

 

           Nice. Very nice. But what about the horses?

           As the only major track in operation (Atlantic City will close before Keystone opens) south of East Rutherford, N. J. and north of Maryland, Keystone has the pick of runners that have campaigned at Atlantic City, Delaware Park, Monmouth Park, and other points.
           Racing secretary Larry Craft received applications for stalls for more than 3,000 horses. The best were accepted. Many others have subsequently been situated within easy vanning distance of Keystone.
           THE PREFERENCE trainers show for Keystone is a tribute to this track which offers a marvelous racing surface and a rich purse structure.
           Four outstanding trainers – Danny Lopez, Marty Fallon, Jay Walton and Bobby Camac – were accepted at Meadowlands but chose to come here. Lopez was co-champion at Meadowlands last season, too. Fallon, incidentally, had an outstanding meet at Meadowlands.
           The stables of these trainers were among the first to bed down at Keystone. Other early arrivals include the runners of Dan Hasbany, Dave Vance, Dennis Heimer, C. W. (Charles) Baddeley and Dr. John R. S. Fisher.
           Hasbany recently captured the New England championship. Vance, of course, leads all trainers in career triumphs at Keystone with 342.
           Virtually all of the successful jockeys in past meets at Keystone will be back. In addition, Larry Snyder, the Midwestern standout, will be here to ride the stars of Del Carroll’s stables.
           POST TIME will be 1:30 p.m. through October 28. Racing will be held every Sunday during the meeting which will run until the end of May, 1979.
           Each day’s program will be made up of nine races. Wagering will include the daily double, six exactas and two trifectas as well as win, place and show betting.

A long-lost racetrack in northeast Philadelphia

            A subject which has always greatly interested me is that of long-gone and little-known racetracks, especially those in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

            Thus, when I learned that there was a harness oval located not far from where I live in northeast Philadelphia, I couldn’t wait to do a little research about it.

            The New Philadelphia County Fair at Byberry conducted its first race in 1912 and continued until the late 1920s. It was located on the south side of modern-day Byberry Road, west of Roosevelt Boulevard and the Short Line Railroad, behind the old Somerton Fire house.

            Harness racing, plus the judging of farm animals, produce, preserves and baked goods were all part of the County Fair. There was a half-mile race track, two large buildings, and a grandstand on 100 acres.

            Sadly, the land upon which the Philadelphia County Fair once stood is now a mish-mosh of single homes, rowhomes, and businesses.

            The following photo of a postcard from the Library Company of Philadelphia Print Dept. depicts a plethora of County Fair buildings and activities. In the background are the Women’s Building, Crane’s Ice Cream stand, Crackerjack the Mexican and Sealskin Horse, and a station for automobile maintenance.

    

From the pen of Red Smith

           Believe it or not, the renowned sportswriter Red Smith actually wrote about Keystone Racetrack, way back on December 13, 1974, in the New York Times.

            In this article, entitled “Weekend of Brotherly Sin,” Smith discusses the Bensalem, Pa. oval’s foray into Sunday racing, with a little Pennsylvania horse racing history tossed in for good measure.

           Walter Wellesley “Red” Smith, in case you’ve never heard of him, was a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and one of America's most widely read sports columnists.

Here’s an excerpt from his column about Keystone:

           One-month-old Keystone Race Track in Cornwells Heights, Bensalem Township, Bucks County, Pa. is the youngest gambling hell in the land but already far gone in wickedness. There on the outskirts of staid Philadelphia, and nowhere else in America this year, a man can win a $100,000 race and lose his immortal soul on the same weekend. The Heritage Stakes, the last $100,000 event in this country for 1974, will be run there tomorrow afternoon, and 24 hours later Keystone will conduct its first program of Sunday racing, plunging the community headlong into sin. It is curious that Philadelphia, “the most pecksniffian of American cities,” according to Henry L. Mencken, should precede New York into iniquity, but by the time Belmont and Saratoga start desecrating the Sabbath next summer, horseplayers in William Penn’s greene countrie towne will be hardened characters, probably beyond redemption.

           As human depravity is measured, it was only yesterday that Pennsylvania lowered its standards to permit such profane pursuits as baseball and fishing on Sunday. This just goes to show what happens when the first crack in the dike goes unrepaired.

           Next thing straitlaced old Philadelphia knows, she’ll be wallowing as deep as sin as she did in her earliest, purplest past. Though it is seldom remembered today, Penn himself had been in the slammer several times before he even saw America, and the town he founded was no better than she should be. As early as 1699, in fact, Penn imported the stallion Tamerlane and two mares to Philadelphia. A decade before the American Revolution his grandson, Richard, was president of the Philadelphia Jockey Club, easily the fanciest such organization in America, candidly created “to promote the Pleasures of the Turf.”

           It is frequently related how young bucks of Ben Franklin’s time endangered pedestrians by racing horses up and down Sassafras Street and persisted in this reckless behavior in the face of municipal disapproval until the thoroughfare came to be known as Race Street, the name it still bears.

The Gallows Game

           That wasn’t Philadelphia’s first race course, however. An earlier one is described thus by William H. P. Robertson in his “History of Thoroughbred Racing in America”:

           “Penn’s plans for the City of Brotherly Love included a group of vacant squares intended as public recreation grounds, and one of these areas, Centre Square, was frequently used for racing, accounts of which include a description of horses ‘dodging in and out among the trees.’ (The trees might have been somewhat preferable, at that, to the Square’s later accoutrements; Hervey reports that when it was cleared and converted into a common, the Square was utilized for public hangings, and the horses raced around a gallows which stood in the infield.).”

           Penn was both a racing man and a breeder and he noted in his “Reflexions and Maxims” that “men are more careful of the breed of their horses and dogs than of their children.”

           The first Sunday program in Pennsylvania consists of three allowance races and six claimers. Daylight being a trifle skimpy this season, first post at Keystone is 12:30 p.m. on weekdays, but the law says 1 p.m. on Sundays. In Colonial days, Maryland forbade racing “near the nearby meetings of the people called Quakers.” Today Pennsylvania forbids it until Quakers get out of meeting and make it to the mutuel windows.

Red Smith

A dark day in northeast Philly, circa 1986

As promised, we present another article from the archives, this time courtesy of the Philadelphia Daily News. Entitled "Track Buyer: Off-Price is Best Bet," and dated May 13, 1986, it describes the deal made to sell the financially troubled and shuttered Liberty Bell Park in far northeast Philadelphia to a developer.

A key paragraph perhaps sums it up best, when the realtor representing track owners stated:  "We've been marketing the property nationally and internationally for more than six months now. There was very little interest in reactivating the site for racing entertainment. In fact, it was almost non- existent."

Unfortunately for me, I live right down the street from the monstrosity now known as Franklin Mills Mall. Today, 27 years later, the Mall is a magnate for thieves and low-lives, and I often wish it was still a racetrack. It was built hastily and without any rhyme or reason, desecrating the land upon which thoroughbreds and standardbreds once trod.

RIP Liberty Bell Park.

Track Buyer: Off-price Is Best Bet

By GARY THOMPSON, Daily News Staff Writer

Posted: May 13, 1986

   The owner of Liberty Bell Park yesterday agreed to sell the racetrack for $23.3 million to a Washington, D.C., development company that has tentative plans to build a shopping center on the Northeast Philadelphia site.
   Liberty Bell Park Inc., the track's corporate owner, plans to sell the 288- acre property to Western Development Corp., which has preliminary plans to build a large commercial development at the track, located at Knights and Woodhaven roads. A 1-million-square-foot shopping mall, specializing in discount stores, would anchor the project.

   A final sale depends upon a number of conditions, including re-zoning of the property to permit mixed-use development, said Neil Heyse of Cushman Wakefield, the real estate firm representing Liberty Bell Park Inc.

   People who live near the track are likely to oppose such a zoning change, said Councilman Brian J. O'Neill. Track owners planned to meet last night with O'Neill and several neighborhood representatives to hear the residents' concerns related to the sale and the development proposal.

   O'Neill said he has told the track owners to "expect a hard sell."

   "The people in this community were very much hoping to get a racetrack again," he said. Nearby residents don't care about the extra city tax revenue that a big commercial project would create, he said, because they don't feel their taxes buy adequate city services. The big concern, he said, will be the impact on local traffic.

   "The project is going to have to be sold on its merits, and it's going to have to be sold to a community that is already congested and doesn't want any more traffic," O'Neill said.

   The track has been closed since August 1985. Liberty Bell Park Inc. tried to sell the parcel to another track operator, Heyse said, but that option died when it became apparent that reopening the track did not make financial sense. Liberty Bell has been losing more than $1 million a year for several years, he said.

   "We've been marketing the property nationally and internationally for more than six months now," he said. "There was very little interest in reactivating the site for racing entertainment. In fact, it was almost non- existent."

   O'Neill, however, said one track operator agreed to meet the property's original $20 million asking price, with a few conditions. The new owner wanted to keep $6 million in tax write-offs accumulated by Liberty Bell Park Inc. and be granted the right to develop a portion of the land for commercial use. Western Development, O'Neill said, apparently came up with a better offer.

   Heyse blamed most of the track's problems on the burgeoning casino industry in Atlantic City. Local tracks have a hard time competing with the casinos for gambling dollars, he said. Heyse said Western Development's proposal represents the most logical use for the site.

 



 

Liberty Bell Park before (right) and after, as Franklin Mills Mall (left).

Keystone Kapers

     While doing a little digging through the library archives, I ran across an interesting series of articles written in the 1970's about Keystone Racetrack. Keystone, hastily built in 1974 on a pig farm  in Bensalem Township, Pa., was the heir apparent for Liberty Bell Park in northeast Philadelphia, which was experiencing severe financial difficulties and would close in 1985. That year, Keystone's name was changed to Philadelphia Park, which eventually morphed into the oddly-named "Parx" in 2010.

     Beginning today, I am going to present these articles in an effort to dredge up a bit of history about the "big box on Street Road," as it was fondly referred to. This first one, dated Oct. 24, 1976, boasted the headline: "Racing Secretary Gabriel Fired."

     PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 23 (AP) - Keystone Race Track Racing Secretary Frank Gabriel has been fired following an admission that he tampered with post positions for the $25,000 Doylestown Handicap.
     Gabriel admitted arranging for Foxy J. G., a Pennsylvania-bred mare, to get the extreme outside post position. Foxy J. G. does poorly racing on the inside. Gabriel has been racing secretary at the track since its opening in November 1974. He was secretary at Maryland's Laurel Race Course before coming to Pennsylvania.

     Perhaps most notable about this article is the fact that the track now runs the Foxy J. G. Stakes for Pennsylvania-bred fillies and mares each year. Foxy J. G. became a foundation broodmare for the Castle Rock Farm in West Chester, as her daughter, Farah Foxet, became the dam of the multiple stakes-winning sprinter Power By Far.

     Gabriel had a long career in racing, and passed away in 2005 at age 81. Here's his obituary notice, courtesy of The Blood-Horse:  http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/26940/retired-racing-official-frank-gabriel-sr-dies