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BELMONT PARK BUSY PLAGE GROWS IN FAVOR WITH OWNERS AND TRAINERS AS WINTERING POINT FOR HORSES. Many Powerful Stables Now Quartered There Electric Light and Other Modern Appliancos Conduce to the Comfort of the Racers. By Ed Cole. New York, November 30. Belmont Park lias become the Newmarket of the United States for horsemen during the winter. There was a time when a winter in New York was considered prejudicial to thoroughbreds. Such is not the case now. Trainers have discovered that it is not neccessary to take their horses to warmer climates for spring preparation. Many of the owners of fashionable stables have renovated their winter quarters at Belmont, enclosing them in glass and adding improvements of the most modern character. Shining examples of the comforts trainers have devised at Belmont Park can be seen in the Karrick barns and those occupied by the horses belonging to Congressman George W. Loft, which are in care of Max Hlrsch. These stables are completely surrounded by glass, with a working path under cover. Electric devices are established for oat-crushlng, and other mechanical masticating machines have been conveniently arranged. Electric lights are in every stall, which has done away with old-fashioned lanters, In case of the sickness of any horse. Never before has there been such an extensive colony of horsemen wintering in this neighborhood. As one trainer put it, "We have stood off any climnte conditions that may arise, and if something extraordinary does not transpire, therell be a fine band of horses turned out when the spring meetings are called." Last season sickness and a very severe and long winter caused many of the horses to bo backward in their work, but now that they can be exercised under cover, the chances are much in favor of their being in racing condition in early April and May. So well does Walter Jennings think of Belmont Park that it is probable he will hereafter, winter all the Macomber horses there, in .which case he will enclose at least two barns, as he has in the neighborhood of thirty-five, horses on hand. Mr. Ma-comher is the most extensive nominator in the Westchester stakes, and it is more than probable he will head the list in all the rich events to be run over the eastern tracks. It is also likely hi; colors will bo carried in the chief races of other states, and possibly Canada. There is no question he will have the largest string in training if his nominations for fixtures are .my criterion. There will be quite an added attraction in S;ira toga the coming year if the plans of G. W. Loft carry through without interruption. Ills purchase of the Hilton estate for club purposes and cottage dwellers will be a boon to the visitors during Au gust. Work is now going on in a renovating and beautifying way. All sorts of amusements will be instituted, according to present plans, including golf, polo, tennis and other sports. Congressman Lofts entry into turf affairs reminds on", of th-days of the late William C. Whitney. lie is not .encouraging the sport for mercenary reasons, but to build it up to a standard of stability and dignity. His purchases so far have been modest, but. it i. doubtful if anyone will pay a higher price than he for a real good horse when the right sort is in the market. It is the unanimous opinion of all con cerned that he is a welcome addition to the ranks of owners. Now that Howie is on the verge of closing, folk around this city arc beginning to lay plans for the winter. Many of the regulars contemplate a trip to Havana early in December, whence .they will go ti New Orleans the first of the year, to lie on hand for the opening there on New Years day. Others will move direct to Juarez and Tijuana. According to letters from the far west, the new Mexican meeting is improving every day, and nrmager Cof-froth is more than pleased with the outhwk.
