view raw text
GOSSIP OF THE TURF. McChesney, the Montgomery Handicap favorite, will receive the first visit of his owner, E. E. Smathers, tomorrow, according to a telegram received by "Boots" Durnell, who has charge of the horse. Smathers wired that he would arrive in time to see his colt start in the handicap, and would bring a big delegation of easterners with him. McChesney will make his debut in Smathers "all brown" in the Montgomery. Thomas Hitchcock, Jr., lost by death last Sunday, at Bennirtgs, Dick Thompson, the most promising steeplechaser in his string. Dick Thompson died of exhaustion just after reaching the track. The entire Hitchcock string arrived from Aiken, S. C, after a tedious two days trip, and it is believed by Mr. Hitchcocks trainer that the death of ! Dick Thompson was directly due to the failure of the railroad company which brought the stable north to fulfill obligations contracted for when they accepted the consignment at Aiken. A suit by Mr. Hitchcock to recover damages may therefore be instituted. Two of the best starters in America will officiate at Latonia this spring. The announcement was made several days ago that "Jake" Holtman and "Dick" Dwyer had been engaged to handle the flag. Holtman will be there for the opening and will send the horses away in the Latonia Derby. When Hawthorne opens he will come to Chicago and Dwyer will take his place. They have been working at the San Francisco tracks this winter, vand the deal was closed with them by Secretary E. Hopper, who is acting as presiding judge at Oakland.
