William Garth.
The subject of this sketch was born
in Albemarle County 43 years ago,
and it is safe to say that in his generation
no man has brought better renown
to his home. He stands today
as the premier horseman of America,
and his entries are so far in the lead in
winnings that he is undoubtedly in a
class by himself. Thirty-five times
at Bennings and Pimlico has he taken
first money, and thirty-five times has
he secured places, a record that has
never been equalled in the same length
of time. He is justly proud of this
achievement, and our people are proud
as well. At Bennings the name of
Garth as trainer was enough to always
send the betting price down, for the
book-makers knew that his horses
were always run to win, and his rare
ability in her possession nearly always
placed them in the front. Virginia
trained horses were the most popular
of the Bennings meet this year, and
day after day witnessed an enthusiastic
tribute to Mr. Garth. His favorite
horse, Pater, after winning five times,
was sold for about $5,000, and is now
one of the most famous horses in
America. Paeon, also won five times,
Bobbie Kean, four; Orphan Lad,
three; Lady Vera, two; Hyperion, two;
his other winners being T. S. Martin,
Judge White, Kassil, Merrie Lassie,
Savigny Kivlington, Follow On,
Dunseverick, Gravella, and several
others, making 35 winners, while
other horses 35 times came inside the
money. In addition to his work as a
trainer, Mr. Garth is interested in
[ILLUSTRATION]
William Garth.
breeding on a large scale, his stallion,
Masterman, by Hasting's, out of imported
Lady Margaret, is one of the
great horses of the United States.
His dam has produced eight stake
winners. Mr. Garth is the owner of a
fine home and splendid farm of 600
acres of the best land in Virginia,
about 4 1-2 miles from Charlottesville,
and it is here that all his training is
done. His stable will house 45 horses,
and is equipped with every modern
convenience. Each horse lives in a
comfortable box stall, while the sanitary
arrangements are perfect. Water
is furnished from a large reservoir, and
is of superior quality as well as being
a protection from fire. The training
track is one-half mile in length, and
is always kept in splendid condition.
A large corps of riders and assistants
is employed, each being an expert
in his line, and each giving his work
conscientious care. All is done under
direct supervision of Mr. Garth, which
guarantees faithful work and the best
possible results. In addition to his
ability as a horseman, Mr. Garth
was formerly a star football player at
the University of Virginia, and is recognized
as one of the greatest athletes
of our country. His great strength
has aided him to a large extent in the
arduous work of his profession. He is
still a young man, and his enthusiasm
and pride in his work, coupled with
untiring effort and scrupulous honesty,
will undoubtedly bring even greater
results in the future. He is largely
interested in agricultural and other
pursuits, and is a liberal and progressive
citizen.
