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PROPER DEFEATS RED LEAF IN HARD RACE. Holtman Makes a Poor Start in the Feature and is Ridiculed Changes Track Monday. San Francisco, Cal., January 20. Proper, carrying top weight and at odds of 2 ro 1, won the valuable Llssak Handicap at a mile by Indies from the lightly-weighted Red Leaf. The victory came after :i prolonged and thrilling struggle through the stretch in which Knapp and Radtke both shone to the best advantage in the saddle. Kxperts agree that, the winner ran many pounds below his eastern form and that his victory today was due solely to the tremendous advantage lie obtained at the start, which was one of the worst seen here this season. In his whole career the unlucky starter probably never had as unruly and intractable a field of horses and riders to contend with as In tills particular race. Nor was he ever greeted with a more violent public demonstration of disapproval after a start than that accorded him tills afternoon at the Oakland track. Mr. Holtmau leaves tonight to take up his duties on Monday at Ascot Park, relieving Richard Dwyer, who will finish out the California season here. Both the racing and climatic conditions were of the very best today and an Immense crowd turned out to enjoy the sport. Favorites and outsiders were represented equally In the winning division. Thirty-three looks occupied positions in the ring. The weights for the 0,000 Burns Handicap will he announced next Monday. Never before in the history of Californias great classic lias there lieen such intense and wide spread public interest in the big race as now prevails.
