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NEW YORK TURF GOSSIP . Matthew Corbett Elected President Metropolitan Association. Shortage of Horses Predicted for Next Year James Fitzsim- mons Large Stable. NEW YORK. N. Y., November 4. Matthew Corbett. known practically all over the country as "Matty" Corbett, has been elected president or the Metropolitan Racing Association, which holds forth at Jamaica. The election of Mr. Corbett, to succeed former Senator W. K. Reynolds, took place at a dinner given by the directors and stockholders yesterday. In speaking of the honors conferred upon him, Mr. Corbett said it came as a surprise to him. but that he would endeavor to do tlie best lie could not only for the stockholders but for the advancement of racing and the betterment of the turf generally. Said Mr. Corbett: "I have been interested in turf affairs for upward of thirty years, therefore know a little something aliout it. Of course, it is too early to speak of improvements to the plant, as the track is much in debt, which has to be paid off. After. that we shall Improve and beautify the course." Mr. Corbett is probably one of the best known null popular sportsmen in this country. Secretary Earlocker has just returned from a trip to Saratoga to conclude some unfinished business of last season and arrange for future plans concerning improvements connected with the land recently purchased by the association. It is probable this piece of land, which runs out to Union avenue, will be used for parking automobiles, tlie space last year being entirely inadequate for the demand. Shortage of horses is predicted for next year. On the New York tracks there " were 1.441 horses started. Some of these include horses that faced tiie flag in Maryland in tlie spring and which did not run on the New York tracks proper. These figures indicate only about twice that number having started in New York, Maryland and Kentucky. Considering that registrations this year were also below the average, there is good foundation for the belief that horses will be scarce next year. Owners are evidently beginning to realize this state of affairs, judging by the high prices horses are bringing, both at private sale and through the medium of claiming and selling races. "Most every one is willing to buy a horse," said Sam Ilildreth recently, "but you have to dig mighty deep to get a good one." James Fitzsimmons will have about forty horses to look-after this winter, notwithstanding the recent sale of about a dozen youngsters out of his stable. "The Quincy Stable has sold quite a number, but still has plenty on hand," said Fitzsimmons, "and while the purchasers did the picking, it is not a sure thing they have plucked out tlie best."
