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REVERSES AT LOUISTILLE. DOUGLAS PARK FAVORITES FAIL THEIR BACKERS AND SOME LONG SHOTS PREVAIL, Lawrence P. Daley Defeats Polly Prim and-Pirikola. Announcement Made That Purses- Will i Probably Bo Reduced. Louisville. Ky., September 30. Pleasant weather brought about a noticeable improvement in the Doug las Park attendance, but tho speculation was of about tho same volume as on preceding days. The alleged steady loss to the club gave rise to a rumor yesterday that the meeting would be discontinued. Manager AAinn denied, that any such proceeding would be resorted to. To curtail expenses, however, it will be necessary to reduce the purses, beginning with ftlouday next. In this connection Mr. AAlnn said: "We started out to give big purses, but we realize now that tthe system of betting in not a popular form and is reducing our Tittendance to the smallest possible numbers. To meet the contingency and reduce the loss we are forced to sustain we aro compelled to reduce the purses. This is only in lino with wliat has been done at Lexington and Latouia. at preceding meetiugs. We have not entertained any idea of discontinuing the meeting and will continue until the close with the present system of betting." .Air. AAluns statement should set at rest any further reports that the meeting will be abandoned or that the books will be put on at Douglas Park. The victory of several long-priced horses during the afternoon added spice to the racing. The Autumn Haudicap. at a mile and a sixteenth, brought together a select field, with Pinkola again cujoviug favoritism. As in his previous start, poor riding and interference partly accounted - for his defeat. Lawrence P. Daley and Polly Prim led him at the . finish. The Cook three-year-old. under capable riding, ran a sterling race and showed some of his old-time form when rated in the top division. He whs favored to some extent bv a clear course, while Pinkola was being buffeted about and In many pockets. Polly Prim managed to get second piace onlv by virtue of Powers superior ride. Favorites wenn downed In all the races, but the only real long-priced winners were Sniff, in the third, which paid 78.00 for each investment of , and AVhlsk Broom, in the fifth., which returned lier backers 01.15. Finishes were fairb close during tho afternoon. Jockey Mc-Gee. the promising apprentice, distinguished himself by piloting Ben Sand, Sniff and Lawrence P. Dalv to victory. A. Powers was successful on Carew aiid Anneta.Lady and Franklin on Whisk Broom. Jack Chinn, chairman of the State Racing Commission, who is here observing the racing and watching thooperation of the mutuel and auction pool system of betting, when asked what lie thought of the situation, said: "There Is no use deceiving oneself any longer, this system of speculation will not do. And there is no use forcing it on race-goers any longer. During the spring months I was firm in my conviction that it was the only method of speculation and I still think it is the fairest. It is unpopular, however, and keeping people away from the tracks. The Racing Commission made a mistake in Insisting that it should be in use on all tracks under their jurisdiction, but this can be remedied and will be. No smart man will refuse to rectify a proved mistake, ami the mutuels have certainly been proved a mistake." Asked if the Racing Commission will grant the Latonla association permission to operate their meeting witli books on. Mr. Chinn said: "Speaking for myself. I favor restoring the bookmakers and I believe the rest of the members composing the commission will also be in accord with me." Commenting on the small attendance and speculation, he remarked: "This is a slow death." Wardine. which was a starter in the opening race, struck a soft spot near the three furlongs post and broke his leg, enforcing his destruction. Charles F. Grainger, who Is serving as associate iudge. was absent from the stand today, and AV. Shelly officiated in his place. Mr. Grainger went to Cincinnati on a matter of personal business. Alfred G. Aanderbilt took out a coaching party to the track this afternoon. Jockey Deverich arrived here this morning from Hamilton. He will do the riding for Fred Luzader and J. AV. May. After betting had been in progress on the secbud race for some time It was found necessary to excuse Orphan Lad from starting on account of illness.