view raw text
AQUEDUCT TRACK SALE RUMOR, DENIED No Truth in Statement from New Orleans -Planning Improvements for Nest. Year. New York, December 20. A report came from New Orleans a few days ago that a second attempt was being made to purchase the Aqueduct -track by a syndicate of wealthy men headed by Joseph Wi.de-ner and A. K.. Mneomber. There is no truth or fouudaton whatever for the rumor. Evidently it was the aftermath of the offer made last autumn for the track, for since the day the option expired, which was held by Thomas Mouahan, nothing even intimating a sale of the estate has transpired, in fact, the existing association, headed by James Shevlin, is making many desirable alterations for the comfort of patrons. In verifying the present position of the Aqueduct Association, Mr. Rehberger, the secretary, said he had not heard a word regarding a change in ownership of the property since the fall meeting. That so far as a change in the present regime is concerned, is not even in the atmosphere, judging from managerial conversation regarding the extensive improvements at the track and in the plans for next year. , , "We shall close our stakes about February 15," said Mr. Rehlierger, "and if the conditions existing warrants it, there is reason to lielicve there will be a slight raise in botlt stakes and purses, though we are up against a new proposition this year in the war tax. This may decrease the attendance, in which case the tracks will suffer considerably, having no revenue but the gate to depend upon. We cannot tell just yet how things will go or what effect the tax will have on the attendance until it is tried out. "New conditions in racing frequently make im-looked for changes and these we must guard against; But I have every belief that affairs will turn out all right and that Ave shall have as good "racing and better attendance than he have Had In recent years, owing to the good horses to be raced. When we get Hourless and Omar Khayyam together in some big stake, it will bring out the people, I am sure and then again there is much rivalry in the three-year-old division which means an extra relishing dish for lovers of good horses. All considered, things look promising for horsemen during the coming year and the race courses are going to add quite a sum to the countrys needs in tax contributions."
