triple dead heat: Belmont Park Swarmed By Flying Machines

What follows is the third installment of the Triple Dead Heat horse racing showcase, featuring items obtained while following the lovely Amy, of Smitten Kitten fame, around yet another antique show.

If you enjoy this series, be sure to check out previous Triple Dead Heat posts regarding Flea Market Finds and Friday Fun with Seattle Slew and Foolish Pleasure.

(As always, left-click on the photo to enlarge for easier viewing. Click on your "back" button to return to the blog post.)

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The first find was a copy of Bit & Spur from December, 1910 promising a feature on The National Horse Show.

Inside the yellowed pages was the story of The Aviation Meet at Belmont Park. Elizabeth H. Gregory wrote, "For the time being, Sysonby, Roseben, Colin, Fitz Herbert and other kings of the turf were forgotten."

Later, Gregory writes, "First, it was notable in that the nine days of flying ended without a single fatality."

Phew. Death does put a damper on things.

Wright or wrong they're flying at Belmont

"...passing in front of the grandstand, four of the eight cylinders of the engine went "dead"...and the machine CRASHED to earth."

That can't be good.

"At first it was feared that the young airman had been seriously hurt as the machine had been reduced to a flat heap of wires and canvas."

No kidding.

"Brookins (the pilot) soon released himself from the heap and stood on his feet for a second or two and fell again to the ground. He was taken to the hospital and it was found he was suffering principally from the shock."

I'd ask for a second opinion.

Those magnificent men in their flying machines

Spectators such as Mrs. Belmont Tiffany and Mrs. Adolph Ladenburg watched from the smoky comfort of Mr. Vanderbilt's box.

If you read the small print you'll discover that Mr W. R Gilbert, a well-known Canadian writer, can send you a recipe for curing worms in horses. "It cannot be put up in marketable shape, but it is an old recipe that was given to Mr. Gilbert by an old Indian in consideration of favours extended to him."

Do you like dogs? Raymond Belmont sure does. Check out the Belmont Beagles!

Up, up and away!

It must be true, have you ever seen a fat jockey?

A little bit of Can-Con for those reading from the Woodbine area. Here's a copy of the Toronto Star from May 20, 1939. The King's Plate is going to be held on a Monday...

Colourful artwork adorned the cover of the paper...

Colourful headline writing adorned the inner pages. I'm sure the King was thrilled.

Great action photos. The top shot reminds me of the work of Dave Landry photography.

(If you must know, Archworth took the guineas in 1939.)

I found this cool print possibly taken from a book though I can't place it...anyone care to guess?

Tacony and Mac - no cheeze

Check out this horse and dog infested cover of Riding - The Horse Lover's Magazine. For a mere one shilling and sixpence, readers could get caught up on equestrian events, point-to-point and learn about intelligence in horses. Deal!