view raw text
TRACK FASTER AT NEW ORLEANS Improved Condition of the Going Results in Closely Contested Races. New Orleans, La., December 24. Racing at Jefferson Park today was over a much improved track -with a resultant improvement in the sport, despite the fact that the fields were large, un- weildly and made up of the cheap grade of horses. A surprisingly large crowd was present considering it was Monday, but this was in part accounted for by the influx of holiday visitors arriving in the last few days. Twelve maiden two-year-olds faced the starter in the opening dash. Sam Louis Voter colt Farti-zaii, with Jockey Frank Robinson up, was a decided favorite and ran up to expectations, easily assuming a big lead at the half and maintaining it to the end. The finishes in the second and third races were of the spectacular and thrilling order, with the result in doubt until the official verdict was displayed. Billle B. was the winner in thp second, but only after a desperate drive through the last sixteenth. There was considerable interference during the early running, from which Billie 15. suffered as much as any other horse, but Mack Garner managed to set him clear and the gelding, re-Sxnding to punishment in grand style, overhauled Master Franklin in the final drive and passed him right at the end. Sir Oliver accounted for the third race, with Pe-trovna a close second. T. Rice rode the winner in excellent style, following the early pacemakers close up, saving ground on all turns and bringing his mount to the front when entering the stretch and keeping him there until the winning line was passed.