Prospects at Buffalo, Daily Racing Form, 1902-08-24

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PROSPECTS AT BUFFALO. Indications are that Buffalo is to have a race meeting of high order. Horses from here in considerable numbers are to go on and many are to go there from Saratoga that were not expected until recently. In this connection the following letter from Buffalo to Morning Telegraph, under date of August 20, is of interest : "The first meeting of the founders of the Buffalo Racing Association was held yesterday and the following officers were chosen : "President Gen. George S. Field. "First Vice President Bonson Rumsey. "Second Vice President William Hengerer. "Third Vice President Dr. Charles Cary. "Secretary-Treasurer Harry D. Williams. "Governors Harry F. Kamsdell, George Blei-stein, Edward Ellsworth, William C. Warren, John R. H. Richmond, Dr. Alexander Curtis, George M. Birge. "Dr. Curtis and Mr. Birge being out of town have not yet had an opportunity of accepting their election to the board of governors. The clubhouse promises to bo a prominent feature in the life of the new course, and there seems bound to be a good deal of satisfaction in the organization, as announced. General Field, president, has long been a man prominent in the business and social life of the city, as have been his associates on the board of officers. "General Field is no stranger to the horse, having been identified with the local turf organization some years ago. Not on of the others mentioned but is a sportsman in keeping with all that is best in the word, and their interest in the horse and the development and racing of that animal has long been steadfast. "The clubhouse membership will be limited to 100, and, judging from present appearances, there is bound to bo an early waiting list. For years the gentlemen drivers of Buffalo have wished for an institution of the kind, and now that they have been given a plant in keeping-with the best in the country they have taken hold of its management as enthusiastically as could be desired. It is very probable that the Kenilworth race course clubhouse will play a prominent part in the social life of Buffalo, not alone during the actual racing season, but for the whole year round. "Work is being rushed at the course these days, and the stranger who has not visited the site of the plant for some days is apt to be agreeably surprised at the remarkable changes which will confront him. Work on the clubhouse has reached such a stage that Architect Denslow is awaiting alone the arrival of the latest shipment of pieces from the mill to complete that structure. It will be a beauty when finished, and with the white and green paint, setting forth the colors of the association, will be a great adornment to the grounds in itself, while the interior should bo unusually attractive. " From the widespreading veranda of the clubhouse one of the best views of the grounds can be had. Work is progressing rapidly, not alone in the direction of the clubhouse, but in the completion of all the structures of the plant. The big grandstand is a work of art and an example of the in-ventivo genius of the modern builder. Long and roomy, it should be one of the coolest spots on the grounds, even in the hottest weather. "The concrete flooring of the seating level of the stand, an innovation in racetrack building, is something handsome and reassuring as well in its appearance of stability. The front row of boxes is now being completed and chairs are already arriving to be placed on the various levels ef the stand. "From the broad rear promenade of the stand ono can have a splendid view of the paddock and other pavilions directly in the rear. Underneath the stand there is a pavement of brick, and offices, jockeys rooms, ice houses, bars and other features have grown into reality. "Further up the track comes the fields t and, a rather imposing structure in itself, which is now so close to completion that a few days will suffice to make it whole. It is understood that the admission to the free stand section will be 50 cents, with for the grandstand section of the course. Many will take advantage of the field section, which, while not affording as close a view of the finish as other points of vantage, will give the spectators a splendid view of the horses turning the final curve for the fight through the stretch. "Goorgo V. Hankins, who has been devoting his time to the completion of the track proper, was a happy man when he declared that his work in this direction was all accomplished and that a little harrowing and rolling today and tomorrow would put the conrso into condition for galloping. The course bristlos with ideas gleaned from Mr. Hankins long experience in this business. The chutes which serve to start tho horso3 on the straightaway for the mile and a quarter and three-quarter mile races will be a decided novelty for Buffalonians and ono much appreciated by horsemen, accus-I tomed to deplore the oarly crowding of their candi dates at the start in the crush for position at the rail. Tho track is so built as to be easily drained, and promises, with a little use, to become one of the fastest, if not the fastest course in America. " Treasurer M. S. Denslow and Judge Swigert paid a visit to tho course yesterday. Mr. Swigert told a reporter that he had received a number of early applications for stall room and expected that ample as their accommodations would be they would not bo enough. We have room for over .600 horse?, said he, but I know that there will have to be some stabling on the outside of the course. "A few horses have already arrived and are in the barns. "The Buffalo Railway Company is busy installing a switch system similar to that in use during the Pan-American, and the association is grading tho near-by approaches from Main street for the laying of the rails. Scores of horses and men are laboring at this work alone. Next week will see a general clearing up of the debris. "Yesterday men were busy sowing the infield wih grass seed and it is expected that this will sprout to a noticeable color by August 30, the opening of the meeting. While much in the way of adornment will have to wait until next spring, the fact is that today not one in 500 Buffalonians realizes the splendor of the racing plant that will confront him on Derby Day."


Persistent Link: https://drf.uky.edu/catalog/1900s/drf1902082401/drf1902082401_5_2
Local Identifier: drf1902082401_5_2
Library of Congress Record: https://lccn.loc.gov/unk82075800