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MORE RAIN AT COLUMBIA RACING GOES ON UNDER CONDITIONS THAT ARE DECIDEDLY DISAGREEABLE. Gentlemen Riders Show Disinclination to Contest in the Mud and Race Is Declared Off Backer of Meeting Accused of Instigating Run-Ups. Columbia, S. C, December 20. Racing conditions could hardly have been more disagreeable than those which prevailed here this afternoon, and as a result the sport suffered materially, due to the lack or interist and the meager attendance. Speculation was light, being conliued to the regulars. The bleacher-like grandstand proved wholly inadequate as a sheltering station, while the tent doing service for a betting ring was little better, Because of the adverse weather and bad track, the gentlemens race intended as a feature, was declared off and, as no other race was substituted, only live races were decided. The only incidents out of the ordinary that attended the racing consisted of the bidding up of 1. ncle Jimmie Gray and Tom Massio, after they had been returned winners. Considerable comment followed these runups, as it was generally held that the bidding, which was done by William Shields, was at the instigation of Al Hereford, who is financially interested in the association, and who is operating one of the books. The latter is not taking his losses with good grace and some owners aver that lie is resorting to the bidding up process on winners to deprive them of purses. Uncle Jinimie Gray was raised 05 over his entered price of 00 and Tom Massio was bid to 1911.sh05, an advance of 05 over his entered price, Both horses were bid in for their respective owners. The confident support accorded Feather Duster and his improved showing in winning the closing dash in the handiest kind of fashion, aroused considerable comment. In Ids only former essay here, he was beaten off after failing to display much speed at any stage of the running. Today he was hustled into a good lead at once and held his opponents safe , throughout. I Starter James Milton found occasion to discipline y a .eoujd of. the. -riders today. Robertson and Warren Wt.fc both given a weeks suspension and several other riders were cautioned to be more alert at the barrier. The first disqualification of the meeting in flat racing came with the running of the third race, in which third money was taken from Colonel Brown. The latter swerved across from the outside to the inside on the stretch turn, interfering with those behind him. The change in the placing gave Judge Howell third money. Uncle Jimmie Gray was lame going to the post for the second race and, after his victory, ho pulled up limping. The race that called for gentlemen riders was declared off on account of the heavy going and disagreeable weather. It will be run on Saturday, provided conditions are more suitable. The inconsistent running of Fort Worth in several of his recent starts caused Steward Nathanson to ask for an explanation from his trainer this morning. Nothing of special moment developed, but Mr. Nath-nusou made it plain that the horse would have to run to ids best form if his owner expected to continue racing him here.
