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COURTSHIP IS EASY WINNER i i Scores a Runaway Victory in the Pershing Handicap. -4 -h .i iELlim Pickwick Beats Pepper in Sensational Finish in Johnny Powers Memorial Handicap. i " NEW ORLEANS, La., January 11. Tlie Fair Grounds race meeting lias now settled into its stride, despite the handicaps caused by the destruction of tlie grandstand by fire, the adverse weather and track conditions, and every day sees an increase in the attendance over the corresponding day last year. The temporary grandstand is serving its purpose well, and while it is filled to capacity as a rule, the racegoers find plenty of space along the lawns and long walk leading to tlie paddock to view Cie races. It has been a long time since New Orleans lias had such a severe winter as the present one lias been to date, but tlie turf fans seemingly do not mind climatic conditions, and i:iey turn out in large numbers daily. The bad track does not keep the better grade of horses from starting either, and each day finds one or more races contested for- by horses that were frequently seen in action in stakes on the eastern and Kentucky tracks during the spring, summer and fall seasons. In putting on one race daily of the value of ,000. the Business Mens Racing Association struck a popular chcrd among the horsemen who have stake horses here, and this is responsible for their frequent appearance under colors. Formerly they were sccn.Jnnct;ion only in .stakes... but now. their owners have some Incentive to send "them "to the post oftener. The two-year-olds have as yet not had time to get accustomed to running around tlie turns, and most of tlie juvenile races have not been truly run. The muddy track previous to the opening of the Fair Grounds meeting prevented the trainers from giving the "babies" all of the work they needed and getting them accustomed to running straight. They scatter like a flock of ducks when shot into when turning for home, and it is just a question of how lucky a two-year-old is in order to win. Au attendance comparing favorably witli the large crowd of New Years day was present at the Fair Grounds this afternoon, attracted by the offering of the General Pershing Handicap and the Johnny Powers Memorial Cup as features of a card of exceptional promise. AVith such speedy performers as Slippery Elm, Franklin, Lucky B., Courtship, Hank ODay and others scheduled to start in the Pershing Handicap, which carried witli it an added value of ,r00, a contest above the ordinary seemed in. prospect. However, Courtship, which right now is at tlie top of his best form, changed the complcxtion of things when he made a runaway victory of it, leading by a wide margin throughout and at no time seriously menaced. Franklin was second and Wankeag got the short end of the money. Tlie real racing feature came with tlie running of tlie Johnny Powers Memorial Cup, in which Pickwick scored a sensational victory in the last stride from Pepper, after the latter had set a fast pace from the start. Tlie oiiener fell to Ophelia W. after a well contested struggle with Langden, both of which were warmly supported. Billie B. surprised the knowing ones by landing a winner in tlie second, but his was :i lucky victory, for in another stride Ainelita passed him. 0B0LUS REWARDS BACKERS. Obolus, well backed, accounted for the fifth, while King Neptune and Blue Thistle were first home in the sixth and seventh races respectively. Judge E. C. Smith was an absentee from the stewards stand yesterday. He was confined to his apartments witli a slight attack of illness. Joseph McLennan took his place in the stand. Tlie condition of Jockey Frank Robinson was reported to be much improved. 5H. Lund has signed a contract to train the stable lielonging to F. J. Kelley, tlie Chicago wall paer manufacturer, and will assume his new position February 1. The stables horses are now at Latonia, but Land will transfer them to Churchill Downs. T. L. Pierce, who has trained for Mr. Kelley for many years, will take charge of the breeding farm that his employer will establish near Lexington. W. P. Johnson, whose horses are now being trained by trainer Land, announced that he would dispose of his entire stable -at an earl .date. J. A. Hendricks has purchased from T. H. Cross the two-year-old Pueblo, a winner at the meeting, and has turned him over to Archie Zinitner to bo trained. Jack Campltell was today advised that the Bever-wyck Stable lias requested that fourteen stalls be reserved at Oakluwn Park. Hot Springs. Henry McDaniel wants twelve, while J. W. McClelland is desirous of securing twenty stalls. Dick Vestal writes from Scliulenburg. Texas, asking for twenty stalls for tlie horses lielonging to Dr. I. E. Clark. It is said all of these stables will ship to the Arkansas track in the near future. Conforming to former custom of admitting tlie fair sex to witness the racing on certain days without cost, tlie Fair Grounds management has decided on next Tuesday as tlie first ladies day.
