Big John

In all the world there was no happier man last week than Manhattan Banker William Woodward. Sitting in his box at ancient Churchill Downs, the 63-year-old millionaire watched his big bay colt, Johnstown, parade from the paddock with seven other top-notch U. S. three-year-olds--all that were ready to start of the 115 nominated last February--for the 65th running of the Kentucky Derby.

Millionaire Woodward, who owns one of the finest stables of race horses in the world, had won two Derbies before (with Gallant Fox in 1930 and Omaha in 1935) and had won Great Britain's coveted Ascot Gold Cup last year with Flares, a son of Gallant Fox. But Turfman Woodward, a serious student of blood lines, took special pride in his long-legged Johnstown, whom railbirds nicknamed "Big John." It was his idea to breed his fleet-footed Jamestown with La France, a beautiful little mare who, because of a broken hip, never could race. Johnstown was their foal and Owner Woodward had followed the colt's career as though he were an only child.

Last year, as a two-year-old, Johnstown won only seven of twelve races. Because Johnstown ate too fast and often made himself ill, his trainer invented a sievelike device to feed him oats slowly. Johnstown swiftly improved. This spring, in three starts, no rival could get within six lengths of his heels at the finish line. Last week, Owner Woodward saw Johnstown join one of the Derby's smallest fields as one of the shortest favorites in the history of the race.

After two magic minutes, for which 80.000 racing fans jampacked Churchill Downs last week, everyone, from the 50-c- standing-room to the $99 boxes, agreed with Owner Woodward that Johnstown was a great horse. Taking the lead away from speedy little El Chico (winter-book favorite) at the first quarter, long-striding Johnstown streaked farther away from the field at every pole, breezed under the wire in a common gallop, with ears cocked as if wondering what had happened to the rest of the gang. Six lengths behind was W. L. Brann's Challedon, one length in front of Jock Whitney's Heather Broom. El Chico, on whom some million dollars were probably wagered in winter books, finished out of the money.

Sharing Owner Woodward's joy, as he accepted the gold trophy (and $46.000) was his trainer, 65-year-old Jim Fitzsimmons, who had saddled both Mr. Wood ward's previous Derby winners. To "Mr. Fitz," as he is known to all racing folk, went 10% of the prize money. Another 10% went to Jockey Jimmy Stout, who had won his first Kentucky Derby al though he had ridden a favorite twice be fore. An hour later, while Louisville toasted Johnstown as another War Admiral, another Exterminator, another Man o' War, the big bay received his reward: three quarts of oats, a quart of carrots and three kinds of hay.

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