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HAAYTHORNES OPENING DAY. t Despite the cold damp weather and threatened rain a goodly crowd went to Hawthorne yesterday to welcome the opening of the regular Chicago racing season of 1900. 1 It would be hard to find a more pleasing spot anywhere in or around the city than is the | Cicero course and with all buildings bright with fresh paint and flags Hying from every post and corner of the grandstand, the grounds presented a gala appearance. Taking Monday as a criterion this should be one of the healthiest seasons in racing circles ever seen in Chicago. The Hawthorne folk struck for an open betting riiuj and won their point. The consequence was that twenty-five regular bookmakers paid their 00 per day and drew in for three days. Besides these were two field books and a combination book. There was much interest and curiosity centered about the new Hawthorne starter, Jake Holtman. His starting was excellent and on two different occasions when he dispatched fields so closely bunched that it was hard to tell what horse was in front or what WAS last. the crowd could not restrain their enthusiasm and roundly applauded Mr. Holtman. In Hawthornes cozy little judges stand were Harry Kuhl and Charles Trevathan, both competent, uuassumint, gentlemen, and the public. at least that portion of them that were there yesterday, seemed to have perfect confidence in them. This fact was clearly demonstrated when the natural favorite, Meddler, bolted at the water jump in the steeplechase. There was a gathering around the stand. a there always is after the race with a questionable result, but not a murnier was heard. It is to be hoped that such will l o the case during the entire 1 season. Among the new bookmakers and one that is always most popular in Chicago and in fact anywhere, was the genial Barney Schreiber. Barney is fresh from St. Louis and reports that the racing is flourishing there. The street car strike handicaps the meeting to a certain extent but with this drawback Barney says the attendance is up to and al ove the average, and never before was the outlook so bright for a successful season as it is now. The Flight Stakes for three-year-olds and upward at six furlongs was the stake of the day and despite the muddy condition of the track furnished a cracking good contest. Going to the post it was 3 to 1 take your pick between Sam Fullen and Hermoso. The race proved to be between this pair and they fought it out from the head of the stretch home. Sam Fullen winning by a neck. Hermoso is speedy, but possesses little or no stamina. He was off I in front and considering the condition of the track set a terrific pace, but he never could get out of Sam Fullens reach and as the latter is a ! good game colt he was awarded the decision by a neck. From a spectacular point of view the second i 1 race, which was a selling affair at one mile, overshadowed the others in every respect. Starter , i Holtman was lucky in catching the field all 1 together at the first trial and made a perfect start. Astor went to the front on the first turn, • and, closely followed by Prestar. showed the way to the half. Here Prestar took up the running and led to the stretch turn, when there was a general closing up. and when well straightened I out for the run home the contest narrowed down to a struggle between Lady Meddlesome. The Elector and Trimmer, and a jolly struggle it was. too, the Lady winning by a nose from The i Elector, and he but a neck m front of Trimmer. The first race fell to Ed Gartland II. in a close finish with Boney Boy. He won the purse by virtue of a head. As good a horse as Boney Boy is. it seems a pity that he is not in better hands, at least some one should have him that would I put a decent rider on his back once in awhile. The steeplechase furnished a lot of excitement - in the way of falls and other accidents. • Battus. from J. H. Smiths stable but presumably - owned by B. J. Johnston, easily won the I fifth race. Loves Labor finished out the day by romping r home eight lengths in front of Microscope and I Bermuda Prince. Soiala will arrive at Hawthorne Thur.-day. «nd as Miss Bennett i- now there it is probable s that a meeting between this pair of cracks will I take place before long.
