view raw text
1 , , t STAKE VALUES TO BE INCREASED. Rumor that 15,000 Will Be Added to Both Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Handicap. "This thing of increasing stake values, especially headliners, usually spreads," says a writer in the Memphis Commercial Appeal, "and there is a rumor, though not confirmed, that there will be 5,000 added to the Kentucky Handicap, the richest of all-aged stakes run in Kentucky eacli spring. General Manager John Hachmeister has not announced what he is going to do, but he usually keeps pace with the times, and it will not be surprising if he holds the stars of the east in the Blue Gras3 State through the Douglas Park meeting by adding 5,000 to the Kentucky Handicap. It is also stated that he will add 5,000 to the Latonia Derby next spring. This race has for two decades vied with the Kentucky Derby for glorv. Harvey Meyers, president of the Latonia Jockey Club, said recently, that lie is not sure what Hachmeister will do about increasing the value of the Latonia Derby, but he declared that there will not be tiie slightest reduction in any of the stakes which will be decided at Milldale next spring. "Latonia has been the growing track of Kentucky for the past four years. Churchill Downs has been busy holding onto all the glory that famous course has earned. Lexington has been growing in a small way, and Douglas Park is busy trying to grow. However, Latonia has come to the front right along, and, backed by the enthusiasm of the sportsmen of Kentucky and Cincinnati, Hachmeister has been able to proceed on anything but a niggardly plan. He has increased stake and purse values right along, and with the coming of the pari-mutuel system eight years ago he has been building up constantly. The place for the course in the forefront has been earned, and within a few years Hachmeister believes that Latonia will take place in rank along with Saratoga and other courses which have helped to make American turf history."
