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RACING FLOURISHING GREATLY IN SPAIN. Inaugural Meeting at Aranjuex Last May a Striking Successful Turf Reunion. In common witli other European nations, Spain has her troubles, but so far as these have not been allowed to interfere with the turf there, which lias boomed to a truly marvelous extent since, under the active patronage of King Alfonso, racing was so successfully revived with the institution of the San Sebasticn meetings last year. New meetings have since sprung up with surprising rapidity. Royalty taking the lead with Aranjuez. The Ascot of Spain opened its gates last month under the management of the kings "master of the horse," M. A. de Neuter, who has assuredly achieved marvels of organization. The course at Aranjuez covers about one mile and a quarter-and witli its natural surroundings, rustic wooden stands and floricultural decorations, is described as the most picturesque in the country. Within easy access of the capital, "all Madrid" turned out to assist at its inauguration on May 24 and, witli luncheons under the trees, after the picnic fashion so delightful at Goodwood. The king was accompanied by many members of the royal family, supported by an entourage of guests, who were entertained at dejuener at the neighboring Labrador palace. The weather lent brilliancy to the occasion, and a magnificent spectacle was presented, the enjoyment of which was enhanced by the fact that eacli of the three races in which the royal colors figured went to the "Due de Toledo." King of Spains Good Day. Thus the principal two-year-old event, Le Prix du Premier Pas, was won by Le Bon Beige, bred by and leased from Madame Lemaire de Villers. the Queens Gold Cup by Charing Cross III., and the Derby by Souvenir dExil, the last a success which must surely set up a "Derby" record, seeing that lie was purchased as a yearling for the paltry sum of five guineas. Souvenir dExil is not entered for the Grand Prix de San Sebasticn, but now that he has shown so much improvement from two to three years old, a p. p. fee of 80 sovereigns may be chanced by way of -supplementary entry on June 25, although the royal stable is already represented by Baccara and his prime favorite Charing Cross III., which has not been beaten since he ran under his colors. There is to be an extra meeting at Aranjuez in October, witli a "St. Leger" and thirteen days racing have been arranged at San Se-bastien in April next year. Sport, unhindered by faddists, is booming in Spain and it is .fully expected that racing will take place on most Sundays next year on the new nice course at Barcelona, the craze being so marked that new stables and new, owners are cropping up in many districts. At, the inaugural meeting the Due de Tolede brought oft. a grand "double" with Le Ritto, the mount of-Lyhe,.in tho Prix Camlllo and the Criterium; and;-: had other winners in Fripon III. and Le Sacre,-!?Vigilunt" in. London Sportsman, i
