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f A. RjJjjOUDONS RETIREMENT. The retirement of A. R. Loudon from the secretaryship of the Hamilton Jockey Club created something of a sensation and has aroused keen speculation in Canadian racing circles. "Mr. Loudons retirement came with a sensational suddenness," says a Canadian exchange, "It had not even been hinted at before it happened, but it is stated that the meeting at which the announcement was made was anything but harmonious. Of course it is a well known tact that, there has been more or less friction within the club for some time, and it was only a year ago that two or three of the present directors who have just been taken back were ousted by the Monek-Mclntyre-Loudon combination. Hamilton Jockey Club Stock is valuable these days, and there is no doubt but that Mr. Loudon received a high price from John F. Shea for his holdings. Mr. Shea has taken a place on the directorate. kludge Mbnck is authority for the statement that Mr. Loudon lias absolutely no connection with the club whatever, but other than to verify the report of the change in directors, he refused to give any further information.. "It is understood that the dfrckeyClub shareholders have abandoned any idea of a new track, and that, instead, it is their intention to improve the present plant and also build a modern hotel on the site of the present hostelry at the corner of Barton and Ottawa Streets, providing, of course, the present property is not annexed by the city, as it should and probably will be sooner or later. "Before the inception of the Hamilton Jockey Club, some ten or twelve years ago. Allie Loudon was the acknowledged best gentleman rider in Canada, both on the Mat and over the jumps. Many are the good horses his skillful and sensitive hands have steered to victory. He was also assistant sporting editor of The Empire, in Toronto, before that papers amalgamation with The Mail. From that position ho became manager of the Grand Opera House in Hamilton, with the duties of which lie combined those of secretary aud manager of the Hamilton Jockey Club. He was also at one time manager of the Alexander Stable, named after him but owned by J. C. Smith, which included some rather high-class horses, such as Baccaret, Lloyd Daly. Scalper, Charlie Weir and others, all winners of good races in Canada, at Chicago, Saratoga. Brighton Beach and other United States tracks, ihe retirement of a man so well known as Mr. Loudon is lwund to cause considerable comment in horse circles where he has had an intimate acquaintanceship for thirty or more years."
