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] I ] ! i ; 1 i 1 i 1 1 i t | i I ] i ! i i : i : j , . DAVID GIDEON SEES BRIGHT OUTLOOK. Believes Present Year Will be One of the Greatest in Turf History. I.y M Cole. New York. March 25. — David Gideon, whose years of experience in the turf world, give him mm b an -thority i!i racing sabjects, beHeres that the coming yea,- will be one of the greatest in American turf history. He- takes this view from the- fait that the immense member of imported horses in this country will give the sport an international Interest and that there will be many contests between the foreign-bred horses ami the domestic article. "We certainly have- a fine band of horses over here now." said Mr. Gideon in concerning about the out look gem-rally, "of caarse, we cannot say much :.b«.ut the-m at present as the- majority are only jast -Mowing on the local tracks, but if looks go for anything, it is safe to -ay there ar - more good lookers than I have seen in years. They may turn out rotters, as they say in r.nglanel. but if all 1 have se-en live ap to the ir looks then- is going te be some rarely good snort before the seasea elo-es. The training grounds are a bit uncertain yet and trainers have not had the opportunity to do much with their charges. When the weather settles it will be a treat to watch the preparation of ran ers in the early morning hours at both Oraveseud and Belmont Park. There is not a more delightful pastime-. Of eoarae, all trainers believe they have some primes in their stalls and they will not be f. r wrong if good looks anil size go for anything. I have only two or three horses and I keep them far recreation and amusement. If they win a few races to pay expenses I am well satisfied." Not Seriously Affected by War. When aafced whether the impending war would have any effect on the sport. Mr. Gideon was optimistic-. "I dont think the war will do much damage to racing, if any. We have- to keep up the thoroughbred Head for national ami economic parpoees anil I am glad to say that both state and federal governments an beginning to recognize this fact. Canada litis been in the war for three ye-ars. yet it lias not Interfered with racing in the Dominion. It. ing is i sport from which the Canadian government gets financial returns that are not forthcoming from any other apart. Rack province benefits to a marked degree. So it should be- in this country. Of course, it will come in time, but it takes so long for the lawmakers to see the usefulness of the thoroughbred, which is tin- foundation of one of the gr. ate-sl industries on this continent. "Returning to the war question, I would not be surprised to see signs of peace be-fore the New York racing season begins. Maybe the wish is sponsor for the opinion. Why there are enough of us old folks to keep racing patronage- up even if all tin-young fellows hail to take to the army and navy. I wish we were loser to the opening of the- New York tracks. It has been a long winter and I am axioiis to see a horse race. Cuess Ill have to go to Bowie for a day or two to relieve my racing appetite." Faces Turned Toward Bowie. livery indication points to a good meeting pt Bowie-. Racing folk gi uerally are eager for the spring meetings. Those who have wintered at their homes dabbing around town are anxious for excitement and those who have spent long winters at Tijuana. Ne-w Orleans and Havana, look upon fresh fie Ids with a sort of relief, knowing that it is the I*! hilling of a new line of goods and fresh ussoe ia tions. That Bowie will hare a surplus of horses is sure, there being more applications for stalls than the- present ac.-ominodatioiis provide. This is a mighty good sign. It is doubtful, however, if many of the locally-trained horses will be ready to race the-re and the chances are those that wintered at Washington, in Virginia and at Aiken, will be c;uite up to the mark. Yet there will be enough and to spare of those that have been shipped from New Orleans, Havana and Hot Springs to provide well-balanced fields. All that Manager Ollara wishes is suitable weather, and he is not alone, that hope being shared by all concerned, including the patron. As usual the Virginia crowd will be ready. William Garth is always one of the early birds anil from all reports he will show many a winner from his stable. lluge-ne- Leigh may also spring a few surprises with the II. B. Mcljean berSCS, especially from the older divison. He is not quite-sure his two-year old will be keyed up to concert pitch for Bowie. livery one- of the New York regulars is going to Bowie for the opening day, apparently.
