Sixty Days Of Racing Next Winter.: Probable in New Orleans If Plans Now Under Way Materialize--Eastern Capital Interested., Daily Racing Form, 1917-05-03

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SIXTY DAYS OF RACING NEXT WINTER. Probable in New Orleans if Plans Now Under Way Materialize — Eastern Capital Interested. New Orleans, La.. May 2.— G. D. "Gad" Bryant, in an interview said that he would invest iii the Jefferson Parish Fair Association racing plant, because "he figured that it was best that he do so." He said that he wanted Jefferson to have racing, wanted New Orleans to have sixty days next year instead of thirty-six, and to keep many good horses from going to Havana. Mr. Bryant still kicked on the price asked for the land on which the track is to be erected, claiming 00 an acre is too high. He will be here sKeral days conferring with Tor-torieh. Marrero, Rouprich and the others interested in the scheme of financing the new track. Lecal men feel sure that the new course will open in November after Bowies close, Caj affording sixty days of racing. ".I am down here to protect our Bowie interests." said Mr. Bryant. "It will hurt our meeting, and will not do the Jefferson Parish season anv good for it to start too long v fore our term ends. "Thats why I came here — to persuade Messrs. Marrero, Rouprich and their associates to cooperate. I have offered them the hill ill of my ex|«iience in constructing race tracks and conducting meetings, and if necessary to further protect my Bowie interests against any premature openings lure. I will buy a reasonable amount of stock in the Jefferson Fair Association. "The project looks like a good business invest ment. and I would consider it a matter of policy to own a little stink. "Horsemen who raced here the past winter complained of the brevity of the season so far as good racing days were concerned, and many of the biggest owners are undecided as ;.. whether they will come to the Pair Oroiiuds for next winters thirty six -day season. Sugeostr. Short Meeting First. "I would suggest that the Jefferson track run a short meeting just before the Business Mens Baling Association opens, which would give a season of about sixty days. "Only the wealthiest turfmen should be catered to by racing associations. The wealthy owners send their horses south to winter, whether or not they race them, and the promise of sixty days racing at New Orleans will prompt many to come who would not ship here for the thirty six days. "But. you know, its the same" way th- whale world over as far as race tracks are concerned. No racing association likes to see another come in. Probably the pioneers believe the newcomers will do something to injure the sport. Well, they should s lothing like this is done, and then co-operate "The "live and let live policy is best for racing associations. We lend each other heap up east and beast. If the Jefferson Association meets SM hair way agrees on a short season starling late in Noveml«or I will throw my shoulder to the wheel and help. I will send the best horsemen here with aiiaaiaaeea of good treatment, and will opeci New Orleans to reciprocate. "I am not a race track promoter. I never have been and never will be. My partner and 1 own Bowie and four other tracks. Not a cents worth of stock is owned outside of ours. Kvery project I ever have gone in has found me putting my own money on the line. Promoters dont do this; they use other peoples money. Wants American Horses Kept Here. "All our race meetings are conducted on the highest standard, as in every successful business of today. Everything was above-board in a?,y race track project I ever entered. We bought our land at Bowie, put up a sawmill and cut our own limber for the grandstand. "And I have never been connected in any personal sr business deal o- dealings with II. D. "Curley" Brown. Nor has my business partner, who now is in Baltimore. "We are nnious to see American horses kept in America to race. Lengthening of the racing season here will assure this. If the season here is not attractive, horsemen will ship to Havana or Tijuana early in Noreaaher before even Bowie opens, and it will hurt us all." Jefferson Fair directors say Mr. Bryants suggestions will s:,no th, in maii.v thousands af dollars in the construction af the new plant. For nothing, they vviil follow his suggestion and build the grandstand at an angle so the view in the home stretch will be easier for the spectators. Mr. Bryant liked the sile but thought the price too stiff— BBB.BM lor lllO acres. he said, was mighty tall.


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Library of Congress Record: https://lccn.loc.gov/unk82075800