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SARATOGA OFFICIALS ON THE ALERT. R. T. Wilson, Jr.. President of the Association, Says Every Suspicious Race Is Investigated. Saratoga, N. Y.. August 27. At a dinner given last night by the Saratoga Racing Association to a number of racing officials and newspaper men, R. T. Wilson, Jr.. president of the association and owner of the Futurity candidate. Candleberry. said that he would be the happiest man in America if his colt should win the great two-year-ohl race. The young racer is certainly improving in his work and many shrewd horsemen think lie has an excellent chance. Mr. Wilson; however, said also that he thought James R. Keenes Sweep would be the most dangerous contender. Candleberry is a half-brother to McCarter and cost bis present owner ,550. Philip J. Dwycr bought him for ,550 as a yearling at the sale of the Millstream Stud last fall, but when Mr. Wilson said lie would take him off his hands at an advance of .,000, Mr. Dwyer resold hiin. Candleberry is by James R. Keenes Hen Brush, also the sire of Sweep, therefore several well-known turfmen have a sentimental interest in Candleberrvs success. Among other interesting things told by Mr. Wilson at the dinner was that last fall his trainer. Thomas J. Ilealey. was offered R15.000 a vear and ten per cent, of his winnings to go to England and train for a prominent turfman, a close adviser of King Edward. Ilealey, however, declined to leave Mr. Wilsons employment. He has been with hjm for sixteen years. Mr. Wilson went on to say: "It gives me much pleasure to see so many representatives of the press present at this dinner. I believe that there has not lieen in the past as strong an association between the press and the directors of the turf as there should have been. Under the existing state of affairs, it is necessary that we should all work together, and use our best" efforts to place the turf on a high plane of excellence. In regard to the investigation of races that have a suspicious appearand! to the onlooker, no pains have been spared to make a most searching investigation of every race run at the present meeting that savored of inconsistency. It would be injudicious to give the information we possess publicity, for that would thwart the object of our investigation. I thank you very much for your enthusiasm in regard to Candleberry in the Futurity. I can only say that I shall be pleased and gratified should mv horse win; that is. if he proves himself the best in the race. This little affair has made a long stride toward a mutual understanding and cordial relations between the racing powers and the press. Of the Saratoga meeting I wish to assure you on behalf of my associates that every effort has been made to keep the racing free from scandal, and to have the sport conducted in a sportsmanlike manner. Mistakes that were errors of judgment on the part of individuals who endeavored to do right must be overlooked. I thank you on behalf of the Saratoga Association for the good work you have done individually and collectively. I want you all to have a good time and thoroughly enjoy yourself, and hope, when another year rolls around, that with the. united efforts of all the lovers of racing the sport will have regained its prestige as the foremost and best of all outdoor sports."
