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SARATOGAS BANNER SEASON Most Remarkable Meeting in History of the Spa Ends Today. t. . 1 All Attendance Records Broken Man o War and Purchase Wonderful Horses. i BY EDWARD W. COLE. SARATOGA SPRINGS, X. Y., August 20. Just one day more and the Saratoga meeting of 1919 will be history. It lias been a remarkable meeting in many respects, first and foremost of which was the extraordinary number of favorites that were beaten, and the- victory of one 100-1 shot when Rockport won yesterday. It was the first winner at such ,i price in a decade, and possibly longer, for no one could be found who could specifically state the one prior, so long ago was it since it happened. Again, the unusual happened in the way of winners from Kentucky. The Kentuckians usually won a goodly share of the purses and stakes at Saratoga. This year the easterners had things pretty much their own way. In fact, had it not been for Miss Jemima, the fast western filly, not an event of importance could have been credited to Kentucky. What probably was the dominating feature of the Saratoga meeting was the extraordinary prices obtained at the sales for some of the yearlings and brood mares.--JUecord figures were, .forthcoming in some instances, which shows conclusively the healthful condition of the American turf and the confidence the more fashionable stables have in its perpetuation. In point of attendance, never was there a meeting at this popular resort which, gave more evidence of the sports popularity. Official figures far exceed those of other years. Even when the late "William C. "Whitney spent fabulous sums to build up Saratoga the "attendance was not as great as this year, though it may have been a trifle more fashionable. All things considered, the season of 1919 has been a banner one for Saratoga. SARATOGA STAND TO BE ENLARGED. Already improvements are being contemplated for next year. It is possible the grandstand will be enlarged and it may be the new strip of land will be inclosed and graded for parking automobiles, that being the purpose for which it was bought. Guaranteed stakes may. also bo abolished and added money attached to every feature of importance. In concluding the resume it must not be overlooked that two exceedingly fine colts put the stamp or approval upon their greatness Purchase and Man o "War. Rarely have two such colts in their respective divisions chanced in the same year. Man o War should not have lost a race and Purchase-has only met deefat under the most trying conditions. Roth are what can m truthfully termed wonderful horses. When it was alleged 300,000 was offered for Purchase many thought it was a joke. It was not. The offer was legitimate, and it is said a syndicate of breeders had made the bid, but up to this time only those who know are in the secret. It is the largest offer ever made for an American thoroughbred. Man o "War also is truly American and Mont ford Jones offered 00,000 for him, but the offer was not sufficiently tempting for Mr. Riddle to accept. Spectators saw some great racing and some close and interesting finishes, all of which adds to the satisfaction of the Saratoga season. There will be quite a crowd here for the running of the Hopeful and the Saratoga Cup tomorrow, as "Wall street generally turns loose at Saratoga on the closing day, as well as the neighboring cities like Albany, Troy, Schenectady and other adjacent towns. - - Exterminator will be one of the opponents of Purchase in the Saratoga Cup, Mr. Kilmers horse having undergone a special preparation for the event. The absence of Cudgel will be disappointing to spectators and horsemen, too, as a meeting of Cudgel and Purchase was anticipated. They may not meet until some time in September or 6ctobcr, but that they will meet some time is reasonably certain.
