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SURPRISES AT SARATOGA SIR JOHN JOHNSON WINS DELAWARE HANDICAP AND MASKETTE IS UNPLACED. Beverwyck Stables Representative Beats Stanley Fay a Head — Textile Scores at Lucrative Odds in the Hurricana Stakes. Saratoga, N. Y., August 6. — It was a big half-holiday crowd that turned out at Saratoga this afternoon and many New Yorkers who delayed their visit until the end of the week saw Sir John Johnson win the Delaware Handicap and Thomas Monahans Textile take the Hurricana, for two-year-olds, which latter is a new stake on the Saratoga Associations list. Each of these victories came in the nature of a surprise, but each race furnished lirst class sport and that atoned somewhat for the failure of the favorites. Though the morning broke dc f jdrdlj cool for August and there were huge banks of clouds that threatened a dowiqiour at any time, before post time for the first race the skies cleared nicely and conditions were ideal lor outdoor sport. The track was in better condition than at any time since the opening day. but it was still ctippy from recent rains. The Hurricana was the most important race in point of value, being worth ,700 net to the winner, which makes it truly important among the races of the season. It is a live and a halt furlongs dash, for two-year-olds and is named for General Stephen Sanfords breeding farm at Amsterdam, N. Y. It was the first running of the Hurricana, though it is promised that it will continue a feature of the Saratoga season in years to follow. An even dozen went to the post in the Hurricana and of the lot Richard F. Carmans Semprolus, winner of the Flash Stakes 011 the opening day, was made favorite, though as good as 16 to 5 could be had against his chances. Special Brew was another that was fancied and Meridian and Belmonts pair. Footprint and Whist, came in for liberal support. The race was a good one from start to liuish. but some unfortunate crowding on the lirst turn resulted In .Meridian being badly knocked back when he was running in second place and it is probable that the interference prevented his securing a share of the purse. Semprolus, in spite of his heavy impost of 130 pounds, was the one to cut out the pace and ;ihaek-leton. a colt that has been showing keen speed in all of his races, went along with him. It was just when Shackle ton made his rush that Meridian was knocked back anil it appeared that he was the one that interfered with C. L. Harrisons starter. Textile had broken none too well, but Jockey Knapp was working him through the field gradually and it was early apparent that he would cut an important figure in the result. At the head of the stretch August Belmonts Whist moved up with a rush, but just when he loomed up dangerously he went wide. By this time Semprolus was plainly tiring mm his early effort and. Textile, cutting a corner into the stretch, came with a rush that was irresistible. Both Semprolus and Whist fought along gamely, but the Monahau colt had plenty left and at the Hnish he had half a length to spare and was going away. The real surprise of the day came out of the running of the Delaware Handicap and ft was not so much the winning of Sir Jo4in Johnson as it was the defeat of James R. Keenes Maskette. the best I By in the stable of the vice-chairman of the Jockey Club anil an odds-on favorite for the race. She had been working exceptionally well for trainer James Rowe and he was entirely confident that she would be the winner. Stanley Fay was scmnd choice in the market on account of his good race behind Olambala in the Saratoga Handicap, and Sir Jaunt Johnson was next in demand, though plenty of 8 to 1 was offered against his chances. It was seen during the parade to the jiost that Maskette was slightly lame, but little attention was paid to that fact for the reason that she supposedly outclassed her company and the lameness did not appear to lie acute. When the break came Sir John Johnson Jumped into the lead and Notter permitted Maskette to trail along after him. Both were going along under restraint, and it appeared as though the filly was capable of passing the big pacemaker at any time. Notter made the attempt to move up on the first turn and it was then apparent that Maskette was not herself. She hung badly and in less than a furlong it became evident that she was well tieaten. When Maskette dropped back jockey Keener made his move with Stanley Fay and at the head of the stretch he was closely lapped on Sir John Johnson. It seemed likely that he would heat the big horse home, but Sir John Johnson was far from through and jockey Powers, riding an exceedingly confident race, was content to hold his lead of a head all through the final furlong and to the finish. He could have won by a greater margin had he so desired. The North American Steeplechase went to Aunt Jule easily. She was rated behind her company For a turn of the course and went to the fruit when called 011 to win with plenty to spare. To a false start before the race every horse in the field with the exception of StOUre went over three of the fences. In the running of the race. St. Faisenay. an added starter, stooped in a hole in the back field and. falling, broke two of his legs. Fortunately jockey Allen, who rode ham, was not seriously hurt, though it was found necessary to destroy the horse. J. F. Ryan, director of the Canadian National Bureau of Breeding, has been here for a few days soliciting stallions for the work of the organization in which he is so active. K. F. Carman donated the wi ll-bred horse. Terah. by Abo Frank — Charm, to the bureau. He had previously contributed Baas mount and Acrobat to the organization. Mrs. L. A. Livingston. S. C. Httdreth. 6. R. Tompkins. W. F. Presgrave. Barney Sehreibor. George Whitney, T. C. -McDowell and others have promised horses, and this will probably be Mr. Ryani most successful trip. "The National Bureau has caught on all over Canada," said he. "and has also created interest abroad. The visit of General Sir John French to Canada this year was a good thing for an. He examined muny of the horses and reported favorably on the work. We expect a shipment of stallions from England in October, and about the same time there will be a private consignment of fifty broad, nones in foal to such stallions as Flying Fox, Arizona. Bugarde. Collar. Pride and other well-known aires. The bureau foals this season are especially fine and farmers are well pleased. There are about 700 foals this year, and the 1911 crop is expected to exceed 2,060." Indications are that the officers race, a feature of thc present Saratoga season, will be contested by a field of twelve or fourteen horses. J. S. Heahty is training a pair that are already on the ground from Fort Riley. Kan. Four are on the wav from Fort Ethan Alien, two will come from Fort Thomas. Ky.. two from the Washington Barracks, two from Port hTyer. one from tlie School of Construction and at least one from Fort Oglethorpe. This last- named fort has the distinction of keeping up a pack of hounds, probebiv the only military puck In the country. General Leonard wood is heartily In nc-cord with the race, and is lending his aid to make it a success. With General Carter and General Grant he will be a specially invited guest of the Saratoga Association to witness the running.
