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WINTER COLONY AT BENNING. Washington. I. C. February Hi. — Proof that tiie famous old Benning course is regarded as a highly desirable training ground Is manifest by the collection of turfmen now assembled there. Several stables of big proportions are expected within the next few days. Harry Payne Whitney and Auhk Tarney are owners of Hie biggest strings quartered at the track. Collectively aud individually their Superiority is apparent. At present training is confined to shec! and road work. A month hence .superintendent W. P. Thompson will put the track proper in condition for galloping. The nature of the soil is sandy, and it stands off the rainy spell remarkably well. Heretofore the majority of trainers were of the opinion that the deep going dulled the speed of their charges. John K. Madden, however, selected the Benning track daring many spring seasons. It was here that he pointed King James and other noted rai-ers for their engagements at Belmont Park. Graveacnd and Aqueduct. Mr. Maddcns success was due to the fact that he eliminated the "honing* process, so much in VOgue with trainers who have stuck persistently lo the old school. Many an old timer thinks becanae he has quit the ancient method of preparing a horse by means of the repeating and ••fagging out" course lie has kept up with the times. That the old notion of training does not compare with the system employed by Samuel C. Hildreth. James Rowe and other notable horsemen has been proven by actual lacing in recent years. Superintendent Thompson will use heavy rollers in the track when the weather settles and prepare a bottom that will be firm aud safe. Light harrowing anil levellers will keep the cushion in a condition mi that fast trials will be recorded when the horses are tightened up. The Amos Tarney barn houses sixteen, ten of which are juvenili s. The older division Includes Theo Cook. Big. Cllftoniaa, Beau Chilton. King Commoner and My Pillow. The aggregation of two-yoar olds is a splendid one from a breeding iioint of view. Needless lo sav Hint the collection is one of particularly good individuals. Mr. Tarney has kept abreast of the times in breeding, selecting and developing colts and fillies of excellent conformation. The juveniles with which he will commence the coining season are a-- follows: Bay erit, by McGee JJerie I... by Top GaUant. Bay filly, by McGee — Interview, by lagoidsby. Bay erit, by Stalwart-Torrid, by Sir Modred. Chestnut colt, by Stalwart — Xorthuinbria, by Hen Stronie. Brown colt, by Marta Santa — Tin Cup. by Strath-more. Chestnut colt, by Russell — La Tour, by Hunting Tower. Bay colt, by Orlando- Anna Bain, by Kingston. Cheatanrt erit. by Russell. Chestnut colt, by Ornus — Balsam Fir. by Friars Balsam. Ch.stnut colt, by Russell— Cleora. by Florist. William Martin, who is in eharse of the string. baa been associated with Mr. Turney for a number of years. Albert Simons, trainer for Harry Payne Whitney. is ha lulling Moiaant, the three year-old daughter of Hamburg and Ascension: Hon Blue, a three year old Illy by Hamburg Blue Girt, and thirteen twe-year-old celts and fillies. The latter bunch is part of the produce of Brookdale and Caetleton Studs. The youngsters are of uniform size and possess the stamp iif quality. The members of the Whitney stable are fashionably bred, tracing to the best racing and producing families in the land. The two-year-olds were brought to Benning from the Brookdale Farm in New Jersey in charge of Thomas !reen. Max Hiisili passed up winter racing last fall ami wintered Taboo. War Horn. Haimain. Thirty Forty and a two year old bay filly by Lord Baterling at tiiis track. Jerri Carroll will commence the season with a stable of thre — Black Chief. Outlan and Ethel Lc Brno i . William O. Scullv. who has handled many a good winner, including Hypocrite, Dnaalngo and Leonora I.oring. will train live horatsj for the early ■Bring racing. W. M. Carter, trainer of the Oak Itidg.- Stable, owned by Thomas Fortune Ryan, and William Garth are expected to arrive at Benning within the next few day-.
