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SOME EXCITING FINISHES NEW ORLEANS TRACK STILL HEAVY, BUT BEGINNING TO IMPROVE SLOWLY. Herbert Temple Captures His Second Race of the Meeting — Horsemen May Be Granted Their Request for Seven Races Daily. New Orleans. La.. Jan. 3. — Close finishes and interesting racing was the rule at the Fair Grounds this afternoon, despite the ordinary starters in most of the dashes. The track was still in bad condition, but is beginning to respond to the constant labor of men and implements and if no more rain falls, it should lie normal by Friday. Conforming to the former custom of programing races over a considerable distance of ground on Wednesday, all the dashes during the afternoon were at a mile or over and it was responsible for bringing out an exceptionally large crowd. Palm Garden action was again extensive, minus the confusion that has been noticeable during the first two days. The small fields served as good mediums for diversified betting. Herbert Temple scored another victory, thereby acquiring the distinction of being the first double winner of the neeting. when he accounted for the mile handicap, which he won by a nose from Yeng-hee. with Jim Wakely leading the others. The winner was forced to a hard drive to overhaul Yeng-hee, which would have probably won but for being forced back soon after the start and being made much use of in the first half to recover the lost ground. Jockey F. Robinson was directly responsible for the defeat of Matin, an overwhelming choice in the third race. He gave her an ill-judged ride in waiting too long, with the result that Great Dolly, guided by the diminutive Merimee, got up to win by a nose. Handfull added to the easterners score, when he galloped home in advance of Counterpart in the second race. The opening race resulted in a victory for King Mart. Prim Hurry was the favored one in this race, but he was all over the track and caromed into the fence just before reaching the stretch, which hurt his chances. Jockeys Crump and Tudor were reprimanded sharply by Judge Murphy for their attempt at rough riding. He warned them that a repetition would mean their suspension. The horsemens request for a seventh race daily will be granted according to report. The directors will pass on the request at a meeting to be held tonight. The Thoroughbred Horse Association members here will have a special meeting tomorrow night to discuss several features pertaining to the racing. One of the matters that will probably come up for discussion, is a change in the selling rules which at present allows the surplus money bid on winners to be divided ." 0-30-20 per, cent to the second, third and fourth horses. A request will probably be made to have all the run up money distributed to selling races, the second day after the bidding. J. W. May has received a communication from Andrew Miller, steward of the Jockey Club and owner of Roamer. asking Mr. May to take charge of the colt Ticket, with a view to preparing him for the Kentucky Derby, in which he will be entered. Mr. Miller also signified his intention of miking another trial for the Kentucky Handicap with Koanier. but his preparation will again be in charge of trainer A. J. Goldsborough. Ticket will be shipped to Mays stable at Churchill Downs shortly. Todays visitors included United States Senator Bahett W. Brawmard ami Lieutenant Governor Ferdinand Mouton. Both viewed some of the racing from the judges stand. After the running of the third race J. G. Bussey claimed Billie Baker for ?900 and King Mart, the winner in the first was taken by George Phillips for ,000. J. O. Talbott sold at private terms this morning the two-year old Bayard to Mrs. T. Francis. Jockey F. Robinson was badly shaken and received several bruises about the back as a result of Moseowa stumbling and unseating him at the start ot th" last race. Moseowa circled the course four miles before, he was brought under control.