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MORE RAIN NEW ORLEANS FORECAST. Indications Not Favorable for Fair Grounds Open ing Small Fields Probable. New Orleans, La., December 29. Several hundred horses were given stiff work-outs at the Fair Grounds today, despite the fact that the going was muddy. Tiie track was closed at ten oclock and the "floats" put on, but it h hardly possible anything can be done that will make the track even good by Monday. More rain lias fallen during December in this city than in many years and the indications today point to another downpour. Nevertheless, Racing Secretary McLennan hopes good fields will be named tomorrow in the opening days entries. The outlook, at present, is that there will not be more than seven starters in the New Years Handicap. Further consideration was given today to tho applicants for stakeholders positions and there were many disappointments among the non-residents, who have worked here the two previous .reals. This year tiie situation is dominated by local people and few outsiders were appointed. It is claimed that this condition was brought about by the rule passed, but since rescinded by the Kentucky State Racing Commission, providing for the employment of Kentuckians only in the pari-mutuel department, and by the Canadian tracks policy in hiring none but Canadians. Archie Zimmer has obtained second call on jockey W. Crump for the coming meeting. Tom Shaw, who will operate In the Palm garden, was among todays arrivals. There were large delegations from Chicago and St. Louis. Frank Elmore. Tom OConnor and James Brown were additions to the ranks of the newspaper men. Pete Blong and Sol Liehonstein came in from the north. The Thoroughbred Horse Association will hold a get-together mooting here tonight and it is probabh; a request will be made of the Business Mens lttto-ing Association to put on seven races daily.
