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FITZ HERBERT IS BEATEN AFFLICTION FINISHES IN ADVANCE OF HIM IN THE ORIENTAL HANDICAP. Defeat of Hildrcths Crack Colt Due to Mishap at the Start for Which the Winner Was Responsible, New York, September 25. The racing at Gravcs-eml tills afternoon was replete with Incident. The defeat of the great Fitz Herbert In the Oriental Hnmlieap overshadowed all other happenings in importance. Affliction, of the same age as Fitz Herbert, and in receipt of thirty-one pounds actual weight, did the trick. With K. Martin up, James It. Keenes filly ran amuck at the start and bumped the Illldreth pair, Fitz Herbert and Moquette. to their knees. Arasee and Wise Mason were also seriously impeded by Afflictions oblique liights to the rail. Dorante broke clear and well on the extreme outside. With the menacing contenders removed. Affliction established a clear lead and was never afterwards headed. Havlnglost at least live lengths by the interference. Kitz Herbert recovered his stride and attempted the herculean task f overhauling the leaders. Three furlongs from the finish he had raced into second position, one open length behind his recklessly ridden filly opponent. In the tremendous closing drive which ensued the heroic colt momentarily lapped the leader, but lie had shot liis bolt and finally he failed by a length of getting tip. The going was both dry and wet in spots, therefore uneven and cuppj-, and in consequence a serious handicap to a young anil heavily burdened horse like Fitz Herliert. His defeat under the circumstances was universally deplored. Some idea of the violence of the collision at the .start may be gained from the fact that Moquette. an equal sufferer with his illus-trioiiH stable companion, was never able to get within hailing distance of the pace at any stage of the running. Track conditions were considered unfavorable and Muskette was not added in the Oriental. With clear skies and a drying-out wind it was generally expected that the queen of the fillies would Ik; sent to the post, and a big crowd journeyed to Gravesend, despite the colossal counter attraction of the Hudson-Fulton celebration. It was remarked afterward that James Howe, the astute trainer ot the ICcenc stable, probably knew what be was about when he elected to depend on the second string of his entry. The fact that Grasmere was started in the Prospect Handicap created some surprise. The gigantic and long-striding .Meddler colt has heretofore shown a pronounced- disinclination for muddy going. When queried on the subject, Mr. It owe said: "Jrasniere should be able to run through a plowed field and beat the kind lie is opposed to today." And lie was not far astray in his deductions, although formidable opposition came from an unexpected quarter in the rejuvenated iretend. which in his preceding races lias been hopelessly outpaced by youngsters of moderate class. Grasmere and Irelend were quoted at respectively 2 to 1 and -1 to 1 at the close. The field included live other starters Shannon. llheiry-olii. Eye White. Iiuise S. and Niagara. The start found the favorite unprepared and away llntfootcd. By tile merest chance he found an opening on the inner rail, through which he darted into the lead. In the meantime Dugan on Iretend was displaying feverish anxiety to get into quick touch with the puce, but encountered interference and Grasmere increased his lead. This enabled him to score a lucky dead heat. Iretend was going so handily at the end that he would have been in front in another stride. First money was divided. A farcical steeplechase preceded the running of the two stakes. The odds against the logical form favorite receded steadily in the betting and the race resulted according to ring indications. The persistent backing for Monte Carlo, the ultimate winner, bore fruit. The stewards investigated and announced the suspension of McAfee, rider of Andrew Hummers, the favorite, and of W. Forman, owner of Monte Carlo, and bis stable. The six favorites were defeated, with the solitary exception of Grasmere. and he only partially saved the day. The initial event furnished a spectacular struggle, with May Amelia and Twilight Queen displaying pronounced superiority at the end. Dugans persistent efforts wen; rewarded with success on Woodcraft in the tiftli race and he won, with the second best horse beating the lightly-weighted St. Joseph. Grand stole a long and winning lead with Captain Swan-sou in the closing race, while Glass practiced four-mile ridiug tactics on the odds-ou favorite, Glenna-deaue. Percy Puniphrey, with the horses of L. . Shobe. which include John Garner Ccnlre Shot and Chief Hayes, will ship to Jamaica. There is no truth in a published statement that the charge by the Long Island Railroad will be increased to 0 per horse between Sheepshead Ray and Belmont Park. The regular fare of will be charged, no change being even contemplated. On account of the unauthorized claiming of Blaek-ford 13 their trainer, the owners of the Lexington Stable have placed their horses in James Blutes stable, to be in future trained by him. Harry Payne Whitney, who arrived from England yesterday, was not at the course today.
