KinSource - Tale of the Week - Dan Patch A Methodist

KinSource

Minnesota Tales

The Sacred Heart Journal, November 30, 1905, p. 1

DAN PATCH A METHODIST.

M. W. Savage, of Minneapolis, the owner of the world's greatest horse, Dan Patch, stipulates in all of his racing contracts that no betting, pool selling nor liquor selling is permitted at any track where Dan Patch paces. When he was offered $3,000 recently for waiving that stipulation for one day at the Delmar Park races, St. Louis, Mr. Savage telegraphed a reply which bids fair to become famous: "Sorry, but Dan Patch joined the Methodist church two years ago." Mr. Savage was in earnest so far as Methodism is concerned, for whatever may Dan think about backsliding and revivals and fast living, his owner, Mr. Savage, is consistent and highly respected member of the church. He is doing a great work for racing, in making it respectable and honest.

Mr. Savage brought the Canadians to time by insisting that Dan Patch should not pace at Toronto, unless he was given assurance and a bond guaranteeing that there should be no liquor selling or betting allowed at the track. The Toronto Board of Control agreed with Mr. Savage and ordered the track closed because the Toronto Driving club was openly allowing betting and bookmaking. - Pioneer Press