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CLOSE FINISHES AT ORIENTAL PARK Marce John Defeats Hank ODay in Trinidad Handicap Gossip . of Track. HAVANA, Cuba," December 27. The three-year-old Marse John, sporting the silks of W. V. Thraves, defeated Hank ODay in the Trinidad Handicap at Oriental Park this afternoon in a great finish. Hank ODay was the choice, with Hamilton A. and Marse John not lacking support. Hamilton A. forced a terrific early -pace, the half being run In 45; but tired from, his efforts and the struggle narrowed down to Marse John and Hank ODay, the former getting the verdict by ,a head. Hank ODay ran a grand race with his heavy impost and finished -in game fashion. A fast track and pleasing weather contributed to make conditions ideal for outdoor .sport. The racing proved interesting, with tight finishes coming in a majority of the races. Steve, a son of .Unqle Strite, graduated from the ranks of maidens when he won the opening dash in convincing style. The race was a duel between Hot Foot and Major Fisk until the turn for home was readied, where Steve came around the leaders and quickly passing them drew away in the last few yards. The running of the third nice was marred by Avion rearing up and interfering with Little Nephew just as the barrier was sprung, causing both to be left. Nepe had little trouble winning, leading from start to finish by a safe margin, while John Jr. and Hasty Cora staged a warm fight for secpud place, the former getting it in the final strides. The Armonia Stable is gradually weeding out its least desirable members, having yesterday disposed of several horses and Poniard being presented to a city official of Havana. Apollo has been withdrawn from training and will be used as a saddle horse. Violet, a six-year-old mare by Waterboy La Fleur, belonging to the stable, threw her stifle yesterday morning and was sent to the farm. Sycamoor. the four-year-old colt by Magellan Statuette; belonging to W. Dugan, died of septic poisoning this, morning. The colt was held highly by his owner and had been entered in several stakes. r Blazeaway, belonging to the Armonia Stable, pulled up lame in the off hind leg while exercising this morning. A. Gascoigne has purchased at private sale from Martin Kohu the useful plater Unar. Charles A. Stoneham, first vice-president of the Cuba-American Jockey and Auto Club, returned this morning after several weeks visit to New York. j Jockeys Dominick and Maugan were suspended for five days by the stewards, the former for rough riding in the first race, the latter for the same offense in the second. .
