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* GREAT FUTURE FOR RACING IN CUBA Entry of President Menocal Into the Sport as Breeder Is Significant Development. Horsemen returning to this country from Cuba are enthusiastic over the outlook for the future of racing at Havana. All are agreed that the winter meeting of 105 days, which came to a close on March 31, was remarkably successful. The manner in which the Cubans patronised the sport was n revelation to those who were making their first visit to the island. The crowd which was in attendance on the closing day of the season was larger than on any other occasion, with the single exception of the day that was devoted to the benefit of the Bed Cross, and there is no question but that the seasons results left a sharp appetite for more s|K rt of the same sort that was provided from start to finish. One of the most significant developments of the season was the decision of President Menocal to engage in the breeding of thoroughbreds. The chief executive of Cuba has established a breeding stud at his magnificent country estate, fifteen miles from Havana, where he already has about twenty -five thoroughbred mares as a nucleus for his breeding venture. These mares were purchased by his agents from American horsemen during the closing days of the Cuban racing season. Other prominent Cubans are going in for breeding too. and it is the purpose of the Cuba-American Jockey Club to offer races for Cuban-bred and owned horses as soon as it becomes practical to do so. The Cubans have taken to the pari-inutuel system of betting with such avidity that it probably will be necessary to add to the pari-mutuel equip uicnt for next season. The mutuels at Oriental Park have to compete with the bookmakers, it being the policy of the track management to allow its patrons to choose for themselves which system of betting they desire to patronize. Frank J. Bruen, Manager John Hachmeisters right-hand man at Latouia and Douglas Park, is in charge of the pari-mutuel department at Oriental Park and his crew consists principally of -experienced and skillful pari-mutuel operatives from the Kentucky trucks. Mr. Bruen has not yet returned to Kentucky from Cuba, having remained behind t« oiierate the mutuels in connection with automobile racing at the Havana track this week. It is said oil good authority that the business of the pari-mutuel department increased about thirty 1st cent during the season just ended, as compared with the previous year.
