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LICENSES BEING TAKEN OUT RAPIDLY. Stake Blanks Issued to Horsemen An Innovation in Mounted Aid to the Starter. New Orleans. La., December 21. Applications for owners, trainers and jockeys licenses for the 1917 winter meeting at the Fair Grounds track fairly poured into the office of the Business Mens Racing Association today and, by night, several hundred had been issued by Julius Reeder, who is In charge of this work. Judge Murphy .had made it Imperative that the licenses be obtained as early as possible, so that the office will not be clogged with such work next week, and this was responsible for the rush of applicants today. Stake blanks for the first featnre race of the meeting, the New Years Handicap, the nominations for which close on next Monday, were sent out by racing secretary Joseph McLennan today. Another innovation that will be Introduced at the Fair Grounds is the sending of a rider clad In a fox hunting costume to the post in each race at the head of the procession of horses. Judge Murphy is of the opinion that this will result in fewer delays at the post, as the rider will be able to lead unruly horses, which try to run away and also will "come in handy" in case of an accident to any of the equipments on any horse going to the post. Following the start the extra rider will follow the field of racers to the stand. Former jockey Murray has been assigned to this position. The most up-to-date scales in use on any track in the country were installed in the scale room under the judges stand today. Muddy going again prevailed today, and- there were few horses on the track- until well along towards noon. Judge Murphy has left for his home, in Jt. Louis, to spend Christmas.
