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JAMAICA TRACK MAY DISAPPEAR. New York. November 10. It is practically a foregone conclusion that the Jamaica race track will I be sold In the near future and cut up into building lots. The land is owned by the Ryder estate and I was leased six years aso for a long term to the .Metropolitan Jockey Club. W. H. Reynolds, the president of the club, obtaining an option for the ultimata purchase of the plant. The Long Island Real Estate Company has made an offer for the land, it was said yesterday, and the race track stockholders have practically decided to give up their lease. As the Metropolitan Jockey Club kept no reserve fund but paid dividends on the full profits of each meeting, it would be impossible to conduct racing at a loss in future without assessing the stockholders. When the Metropolitan Jockey Club leased the property plans were drawn on an elaborate scale for buildings and a track that would compare favorably with those of the other racing associations under the control of the Jockey Club. Probably the finest clubhouse In the country was constructed, together with a steel grandstand seating 8,000 persons and a field .stand with room for 5.000 more. The betting ring, as large as any in America, was so well appointed that there was room .for 200 bookmakers around the four sides. The track was the only cause for fault-finding, for the reason that it was kite shapekl, with two sharp turns and a short Jiomestretch. The lawns were so broad and sloping Ihat probably 20.000 spectators could nave seen the racing standing up. The leading stockholders are Timothy D. Sullivan. Patrick H. McCarren. Eugene Wood. W. H. Reynolds. Edward Burke. George Considlne and others identified with the turf. Jamaica has always been called "Sullivans track," although "Big Tim." it Is said, does not !hold a controlling interest. In huilding this plant it was estimated that 50,000 was expended, all of which has been recovered in six .successful seasons. The spring meeting this year aietted more than S7S.O0O profits, of which. 820.000 was lost on the fall session of five days. The Jamaica track is on the old Springfield branch of the Long Island Railroad at Locust Avenue station. It is about two miles from the Jamaica station, ou the main line. Since the track was built a township has sprung up in its vicinity, and the value of property has greatly increased.
