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BELMONf PURSE VALUE IS INCREASED Substantial Additions Announced by Major Belmont in a Tall V th Horsemen XKW YORK N Y May 20 Major August Rol inont president of the Wostchester Racing Associa ¬ tion gladdened the hearts of the horsemen Wednes ¬ day by announcing an increase in the purse and overnight races at Rclmont Park This means 1000 purses and 1200 handicaps the figures which pre viled at most of the courses in the heyday of racing hereabouts hereaboutsIt It is n splendid commentary on the sport as con ¬ ducted in this state that without revenue from betting privileges such sums can be offered for racing it bears out the prophecy made some years ago by those who believed in the future of the sport that the day would come when thousanddollar purses would be in vogue once more as a result of public interest in the racing of thoroughbreds After announcing the increase in value of the purses Major Iteluiont said It has been neces ¬ sary to move slowly since the sport was revived several years ago The patient was sick and the sickest of all were the owners and trainers Fol ¬ lowers of racing could turn to other forms of amusement but those who had big investments in thoroughbreds had to fight their way out outruder ruder the circumstances we have increased the purses just as far as possible We had to be con ¬ servative and prepare for a rainy day while build ¬ ing our fences as strongly as possible Put the attendance so far this year justifies an increase and we are glad to make it without waiting until the fall meeting meetingMajor Major llelmont also told the trainers that it was planned to offer a cup next fall or in the fall of 121 which eventually would be to this coun ¬ try what the Ascot Cold Cup is to Fnglaud He spoke of this in connection with the importance of having longer races on the card and urged his hearer to do all in their power to promote contests of this character
