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GOOD DAY FOR FAVORITES FIVE FIRST CHOICES ARE AMONG AFTERNOON S WINNERS AT HAMILTON. : . . WT: Oakhurst Takes Steeplechase Race in Promising Style — Donald Macdonald Winner of Handicap— Dr. Andrew J. Smith Dies. ; ; •v 1 Hamilton, Ont.. August 16. — Form was well oh, served this afternoon, five of the eight races being won by favorites. Tlie card was one of the best yet offered by Secretary Loudon, and contained as features the Nursery Plate, the Ontario Selling Handicap and the Green Steeplechase. The latter race, which was over the short course, proved easy for oakhurst. which raced iu the colors of Thomas Hitchcock. Jr., last season. Oakhurst was counted one of the promising steeplechasers developed last year, and todays start was his second effort this year. On his race this afternoon It looks as if he may yet develop into tlie high-class fencer that Mr. Hitchcock hoped he would. Donald Macdonald, one of the shiftiest selling platers racing on the Canadian circuit, took another ■■IM. when lie made a runaway affair of the Ontario Selling Handicap. He was ridden by Musgrave, dashed to the front rounding the first turn and made all the pace under slight restraint. Grania and Radium Star suffered interference on the first turn, where they were crowded against the inner fence. Jockey J. Deavenport. who had the mount on Crania, claimed a foul against the winner, but it was not allowed. Out of respect to the memory of the late Dr. Andrew J. Smith, who died at his home in Toronto last night, lie flags on all the buildings at the course were placed at half-mast. Dr. Smith was a thorough s|M rtsman, loved tlie thoroughbred and was one of the pillars of the turf .in the Dominion. Several turfmen from the United States will attend his funeral tomorrow, among them Walter O. Parmer, who came up from Nashville. William Walker has partly closed a deal for the contract that Kay Spence holds on jockev Cole. The latter arrived here today and will ride for Mr. Walker during tlie remainder of the meeting. If his work iu the saddle is satisfactory. Mr. Walker will purchase the contract for .0»H ." In the event of his failure to sign Cole. Mr. Walker will open negotiations with F. A. Forsythe for the services of jockey Thomas for tlie winter season. Mr. Walker contemplates shipping a strong stable to Oakland for winter racing. Jockey Taplin suffered a bruised shonlder as a result of his fall from Duke of Bridgewater yesterday and was forced to cancel his engagements this afternoon. Jockeys Musgrave. Goose and Gross each rode two winners today. One of the best things of the meeting was put over when Montagnie galloped home in front in the dosing race, a maiden affair over the grass course. The attendance was again large and s| eculation exceedingly brisk.
