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r ; i ROCKMINISTERS GRAND RACE t i Takes the Louisville Feature Gallantly in Fast Time. i Big Attendance Views Racing Replete with, Downfall of Favorites Talk of the Track. LOUISVILLE, Ky., October 21. Montfort Jones Rockminister, which has been held in high regard by bis connections but subsequently lost caste when he raced in disappointing style, camo back this afternoon with a sparkling performance; that made him victor over some good youngsters he met at. seven-eighths of a mile. Trainer Milam has all along contended that his recent poor performances were, in the main, due to faulty rides that he has been receiving and this -was, in a measure, borne out by the improvement shown in tiie change in riders from Keogh to Seoble. Tho race In which he started was the feature of todays card and it was contested by eight highly-tried juveniles. Because of bis good showing in his last start, when he triumphed over Rockminister and others, Yoshimi was given equal consideration with Rockminister, but his race this afternoon was a poorly contrasting one to that in which ho was winner, for he never figured seriously anil was far back for the entire race; Martha Fallon dashed out as if bent on a runaway of it, incidentally displaying much improvement. So did Barnes over his riding of her in her previous race. She maintained a fast pace, but Rockminister kept, well up and, in the stretch,, lie steadily wore her down to ultimately win by a neck. Thibodaux succeeded in outstaying Commander McMeckin, another that suddenly showed improved form over his last race. SURPRISES THICK AND FAST. Surprises today were frequent, some coming from unexpected Quarters. The program on the wholo was a difficult one. with the punters all astray in their betting wisdom. They began favorably when Belle of Elizabethtown came to the finish in advance of those she met, but the succeeding five choices all offended in successive order. Indian summer weather and prospects of good sport, coupled with the near close of racing here, was largely responsible for an immense attendance at the track this afternoon. The sport was en joyable. despite the big fields of poor-grade racers that met in most of the dashes. The victory or Locust Leaves in the final race was the culmination of a number of form re-veuals. Betting activities about her began early and her high speed throughout, contrasting vividly with her showing in her two previous races, caused the steAvards to have jockey 0. Miller before them after dismounting from her. It is probable that they will probe further into her acrobatic performances. The nonstaying Col. Taylor furnished an upset when he won the second nice from Port Light and Amanda. Plus Ultra was the favored one here. Willow Trees failure to get away from the post on even terms Avith the others, due to his propping, depriving hint of the purse in the second race, in wluch he met maidens- and over which he Was greatly the superior, according to the running, for he finished in third place after being hopelessly in tho rear. Twinkle Blue was the winner here, getting up iu the last few strides to win from Bermout. RELIABILITY A FAILURE. The Kccne Brothers were made some amends for Willow Trees failure by having Conicdie UAmour score in the sixth race, in which Reliability was the favorite. Comedie dAmours success was wholly unexpected and she was the longest-priced winner of the afternoon. Opulent, which landed second and just beat Reliability, was another of which little was expected. Dolman was accorded considerable support, but he never figured importantly. Belgian Queen, which lias been tiring ill most of her recent races, won the high-priced claimer, in which some fairly good ones met. She was aided by the good riding she received from Scobie. Jouett just managed to outstay Easteside, which ruled a slight favorite. He might have reversed the finish but for being in close quarters at some stages of the race. R. S. Eddy, Jr., general manager of the Fair Grounds, accompanied by A. B. Lettellier, president of the Business Mens Racing Association, was among the afternoons visitors. They imparted . first-hand information to the horsemen here with regard to racing plans for next winter. Frank J. Bruen, general manager of the Havana track, accompanied by John Hachmcister, who will serve as the presiding steward at the Havana meeting,- were visitors. Mr. Bruen has fully arranged for the shipment of horses from here to the Cuban capital. Mr. Bruen and Mr. Ilach-melster depart for New York next Sunday. Mose Goldblatt has contracted for the services of jockey Penman and the youngster will ride foe him next winter in Havana. J. J. Holtman and J. J. OMallcy have formed a partnership in five horses that they will will race at Tijuana next winter. Jockey E. Barnes will go with the stable and do its riding. Assistant secretary Edward Jasper and Julius Reeder departed tonight for Lexington, where they will look after the publication of the entries for the opeuing days racing, which begins Monday.
