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CHAIRMAN BELMONTS ENCOURAGING VIEW. Now York. April 10. — August Belmont, who by virtue of his office as chainiiau of the Jockey Club mid president of the Westchester Racing Association, is particularly qualified to speak with authority about racing, is enthusiastic over the prospects of the coming season. "We are. I believe, entering upon a new era in sport in this country," he said yesterday, "and those of us who are fond of raring look to the future with every degree of confidence. The turf has made a host of new friends who will play an important part in the development of the sport. The purchase of so many highly -bred English and French horses will insure stronger competition. Entries everywhere for stake events show a gratifying increase over last year, and we shall now have a chance of testing the merits of our horses with those of foreign countries whose opportunities to breed high-class thoroughbreds have been greater than ours. "The presence of upward of over 200 of these animals in this country is going to mean much to the future of the thoroughbred, especially in its relation to the breeding industry. The production of good horses has always been more or less of an obligation on the breeders of the United States, but in the light of what is transpiring in Mexico, where I note our cavalry is suffering because of a lack of horses that are capable of negotiating the rugged country, it becomes an imperative duty. "We are all greatly impressed," continued Mr. Belmont, "by the testimonial given racing as it is conducted in this state by Governor Whitman, who, in reply to the recent query of Mr. Stone of Baltimore said that the Hughes legislation had accomplished all that could be done to prevent race track betting, and that the people of New York state did not believe that it had been a serious blow to decent racing. The attendance at the various tracks in the vicinity of New York and at Saratoga in 1915 would indicate that there nre many thousands of our best citizens who are in accord with the sentiments expressed by the governor." Touching upon the part racing is playing as a function, Mr. Belmont said in concluding: "It was a matter of widespread comment last season that racing had assumed a much more social aspect than in the former years. The meetings at Belmont Park and Saratoga were noteworthy in this respect, and visitors from abroad said that these courses were fairly representative of the best types of English racing establishments. There is no reason why they should not grow to rank with Goodwood and Ascot. At these courses luncheon parties are always a distinguishing feature, and racing owes much of its charm to the opportunities it affords for entertainment in the open, which is so much a part of country life in England. Americans are becoming more and more devoted to outdoor sports, and of tlios" none appears to be securing a greater following than racing." When the Westchester Racing Association was looking for a home to succeed Morris Park, the natural beauty of the property at Queens appealed to the directorate and a plant in keeping witli the surroundings was built. Those who visited it when the initial meeting was held in 1905 were charmed witli the place, which made a strong appeal to the lover of nature because of the number and size of the magnificent trees which were a feature of the place. Each succeeding season has seen it grow in beauty and it promises to lie lovelier than ever when the gates are opened on May 25. The trees and shrubs are in perfect condition. The grandstand is resplendent in fresh paint, while the clubhouse has been completely renovated and newly d. enrated. In order to be ready for the increased patronage which is confidently looked for, special attention has been given to the kitchens. Additional ranges, steam tables and other accessories that go to make up an efficient catering plant has been installed, and Harry M. Stevens, who has made an enviable reputation at Saratoga, where he has had the privileges for a number of years, promises to give a service that will lie in keeping with the other features of Belmont Park. In the general improvements that have been under way for some time the comfort of the horses that furnish the sport lias not been overlooked. Superintendent Pelz has kept the stabling up to the highest standard, and there are at present several hundred head of horses in active preparation for the opening of the season now so near at hand. t
