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BIGGEST YEAR OF AMERICAN TURF Caterer Hal Stevens Tells of the Prosperity of the New York and Maryland Tracks. NEW YORK, N. Y.. .December 2. "With the conclusion of racing at Bowie Saturday, the curtain was rung down on one of the greatest racing years in the history of the American turf," said Hal Stevens, member of the firm of Harry M. Stevens and Sons, caterers, upon his return from Maryland. Mr. Stevens, as caterer at the Belmont Park. Aqueduct, Jamaica, Saratoga. Laurel, Bowie and .Juarez, Mexico, race tracks lias been identified with the turf for many years. "With few exceptions." Mr. Stevens continued, "the attendance on the Metropolitan tracks during the year now drawing to a close surpassed that of bygone days, while the class of racing lias been seldom equaled. "After the signing of the armistice and the cessation of hostilities America again looked for amusement, and thousands turned to the turf for their p.istime. Horse was again crowned king. So great was the success of the past season that present indications are that next season will also be a blue ribbon year. "Man o War, star of the two-year-old division, is one of the greatest thoroughbreds that ever sported silks, and in him many veterans of the turf see a second Svsonby or a Colin. He will be a favorite in the Kentucky Derby, Preakness anil other three-vear-old events next year if lie trains sound, and there is no reason to believe otherwise. "Lovers of racing will witness .some thrilling finishes next vear when such horses as Sir Barton. Purchase, Mail Hatter, Cudgel, Exterminator and others of the older division are competing for honors. "Like the New York tracks the Maryland courses were well patronized. In fact, the season just closed wns the best in the history of the State. The mutuel machines are well favored there, and nt Laurel, Phnlico, Havre de Grace and Bowie they were well patronized by the sport loving public. There were never such large crowds at Laurel and Bowie as there were during the past season."
