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MEETING STARTS OFF WELL CHARLESTON ATTENDANCE GOOD, ALTHOUGH LOCAL PATRONAGE IS LIGHT. Constant Improvement Is Looked For as Season Progresses Bedwell Stable Cutting Wide Swath in Results. Charleston, S. C. December 7. Racing at Palmetto Park got away to a good start and improvement is bound to follow as tile season progresses. The attendance has, been of fairly good proportions, but tin- extent of the local patronage has been disappointing. This is accounted for by the closeness of the holiday season, which keeps actively engaged in business pursuits most of those who are inclined towards racing. While already in a flourishing, condition, the sitort is expected to show great improvement after the ushering in of the new year. There have never been less than thirteen layers in line uiul on the opening day there were sixteen. The constant successes of favorites and best backed horses has naturally resulted in big losses for the prlcemakers. but they are optimistic of- the future. "As long as the volume of speculation continues good, we have a chance of getting it back," one of the lavers said today, and it expresses the feeling of the majority. The talent has enjoyed a profitable week, though their operations have been limited. This was in the main due to the fact of unfainiliar-ity with the ability of some of the starters. As soon as a fixed line is had oil the form of most of the horses, the volume of speculation will increase. Dining the six days of racing the II. G. Bedwell establishment has met with marked success and has figured extensively in the purse- distribution. His representatives were first in seven races; second on five occasions and twice third. The lightweight apprentice rider, Deronde, under contract to the iolorado turfman, showed marked riding skill and, in addition to having the mounts on his employer s horses, he also managed to win with several outside "mounts, which gives him a record far better than any other rider here. If the youngster main tains his present good form, he is bound to be the fitar rider of the meeting and earn for himself an enviable reputation. I nHi8icJals; Jiavc maintained.. Strict surveillance,, over the racing -Dujll its phases and the sport has1, been wbolesoniemdenjoyable. with every indication of it continuing so. The Kentucky hngadc ha.ve held their own fairly well with the easterners. They divided the stake honors of the week, as Theresa Gill won the Fort Sumter Inaugural Handicap against Uinglings Argylo Handicap victory Probably the largest winning individual up to date it J. S. Ward, part owner in the A. Weber stable. This establishment carried through successful coups with Winning Witch and Counterpart. Both winners were bid up over their entered selling price and it cost the stable 1913.sh10 to retaiu the pair. During tliceouiing week two stakes are listed for decision. The St. Johns Hotel Stakes at one mile and worth ,200 will be run on Weduesday. and the Jasper Handicap, six furlongs, with a value of SI 500 is the feature for Saturday. Both events have a number of good horses eligible and are expected to furnish splendid contests.
