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! JUMPING RACING IN FRANCE. Paris, France. December 24. — The French crosscountry racing season closed Sunday, December 15, at Autenil. when the nineteenth day of the autumn session at that popular hippodrome under Steeplechase Societys rules was again favored with fine weather. Race-goers have been particularly fortunate this season, for fine Sundays have been sandwiched between days of rain and storm. The closing day was successful from every point of view, and the attendance was very large. The turnover at the pari-mutnel was 80,000. The percentage on this sum, deducted for expenses, breeders premiums and charities was over 8,000. No wonder the French government gives active encouragement to the race courses, and rates and taxes are reduced in consequence of the revenue derived from them. The jumping season in France has been one of many triumphs, and M. Gaston Dreyfus, who carried off the Prix Maubourguet on Sunday with Adonis II.. has done well with his stallion, Saint Damien, which was the sire of Sundays winner. Saint Damien again heads the list of winning stallions under Steeplechase Societys rules, his produce having won no less than 0,965 in stakes. On this sum. If. Gaston Dreyfus receives a percentage, and he also becomes entitled to the government premium of ,000, and an art piece valued at ,000. This is the sixth consecutive year that the place of honor has. been occupied by the son of Saint Simon, which has been a remarkable success at the stud In France. The principal winning owner over jumps has been M. Fischhof, who heads the list with 09,010 to his credit. M. A. Veil-Picard comes next with $£.725, and M. Ch. Lienhart is third with 9.52".. The leading jockey is Alec Carter, who has ridden 139 winners, but Parfrements total is only two less. Although Sunday was a fag-end day, it had on the card a steeplechase worth altogether ,950. a hurdle race of the same value, and four minor races worth over .O00. M. Fischhof has renewed his agreement with Alec Carter, retaining the first claim on the services of that jockey next year.
