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TRAINER BENSON IN CALIFORNIA. Returning to the scene of his former triumphs for the first time in over fifteen years. Dick Benson, cue of the most famous trainers of thoroughbreds and trotting horses in the country, was a visitor in San Francisco yesterday. He made but a short stay, leaving on an evening train for Spokane to visit a brother. Benson was here long enough, however, to impart some information that will be welcome news to California horsemen. He says that there is no place like California to raise and train race horses and he intends to return in the fall and purchase a farm up in the country and engage iu the breeding of thoroughbreds. Just at present Benson is without a string of horses. Ho had a split-up with James Butler, thi* New Y"rk millionaire grocer-horsemen, a month or so ago and determined to pay a visit out this way. Last season he trained such leading horses as Pebbles. Last Coin. High Noon. Comely. Capra. Spur, Gnat and the like. The veteran has several offers from prominent eastern owners and will go to Kentucky t make a choice of the positions. Racing was never in a more prosperous condition than at present, rejiorts Benson. He declares that the "sport of kings" has been revived in wonderful style in Kentucky. Maryland and around New York. With all the big turf doings across the roekies. Benson says there is no place like California. He was out to the beach with his friend Al Coney yesterday and marveled at the dolphins taking their dip in the ocean at this season of the year. "I believe California will fall in line and restore racing again." says Benson. "I base this prediction on how the sport has returned in other sections of the country. This state needs racing to build up its breeding industry, that once ranked alongside of Kentuckys. "Ihe salvation of the sport is the pari-mutuel system of wagering- The machines have eliminate. I all of the objectionable features that brought the sport Into disrepute. The race followers have taken to the pari-mutuels iu the east aud you need only to point to Kentucky and Maryland to cite their success. "There is a field now for high-class horses that will help the breeding industry. There is a crying demand for thoroughbreds. Big things are expected for racing in MM and it will only be a question of time when California "will come into her own again." The last time Benson was here was in 1900. when he purchased the good trotter The Roman for 000 The venture was quite a success, as The Roman went out that season and annexed nine big stakes and was sold at auction for 0,500. The veteran has been just as prominently identified with light harness horses as he is with the thoroughbreds. For years he trained at the Pieasanton track and is well known to old-time California horsemen. — San Francisco Chronicle. December 20.
