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HAMILTONS OPENING DAY G. M. Hendries Estero Easily Captures Brantford Handicap. Lilt Scores for the J. K. L. Ross Stable Butcher Boy Takes the Steeplechase. HAMILTON, Oru., July 31. The colors of G. M. Hendrie were carried to the front in the running of the Brantford Handicap, which was provided as the inaugural days program at Hamilton, when Estero had a three-lengths advantage over James F. OHara, with Irish Dream third. Baby Grand, the only other starter, was fourth. The race was at three-quarters of a mile and of the overnight acceptances scratches reduced the field to four contestants. James F. OHara was the early pacemaker, followed by Irish Dream, while Estero was heading Baby Grand. There was no change in the positions until the turn for home was reached, where Irish Dream began to bear out, which quickly ruined his chances. Estero responded readily and easily drew clear through the final eighth. James F. OHara had a safe enough margin over Irish Dream, which finished next to the outer rail. Baby Grand showed a dislike for the going and at no time was a serious factor. Estero was accorded weak support in the mutuels and netted a return of 0.15 for the usual investment. Racing began at Hamilton this afternoon under adverse conditions, but nevertheless a crowd of midseason proportions journeyed to the track. A severe storm swept this locality this morning and turned the going to light mud. The rain, however, abated following the running of the first race, but the weather was threatening throughout the afternoon. RAIN ItEDUCES FIELDS. Scratches reduced the bulky fields to small proportions and the racing was of a spirited order, with several of the winners forced to sustain hard drives to earn brackets. The Winona Steeplechase, under claiming conditions, gave the jumpers an opportunity after an absence of several weeks and Silas Veitch sent Butcher Boy to the post for C. IC. Harrison and he had a wide advantage at the end over Flying Frog and Briganna. The winner went to the front at the start, was closely followed by St. Paul throughout and both readily drew away into a long lead over the remainder of the field. St. Paul went wide entering the gap following the final fence, while Butcher Boy saved ground. Flying Frog closed resolutely and held Briganna, but could not overtake the winner. Of those that faced the barrier two failed to finish the course Fair Mac and Gay Kap. The former lost his rider at the eighth fence, while Gay Kap unseated his rider at The ninth. The Ross-McDanicl confederacy supplied their daily winner when Lilt was returned victorious in the opening dash. Lady Boss was the one to take second place, while Bucado was third. Lilt was the more alert at the post and left in her stride, dominating the running all the way and holding Lady Boss safe at all stages. The latter dwelt slightly whenf the webbing was released, but could not overtake the leader. Lilt was ridden by Burke and was the choice in the wagering. Jockey P. Walls was forced to cancel his engagements after winning on Kings Court, due to an attack of illness. Handicapper J. B. Campbell announced that the weights for the 0,000 Dominion Handicap, to be run at Fort Erie, would be announced tomorrow. SHORTAGE OF EXPRESS CARS. Due to a shortage of cars several owners were forced to change plans and ship to Fort Erie. Steward Polk, accompanied by jockey Martin Fator, leading rider at Maple Heights, arrived today. Jockey John McTaggart was notified yesterday that he was the father of a baby boy which arrived yesterday. Botn mother and baby are reported doing well. McTaggart will leave for Baltimore tonight, returning later in the week. The Kirkfield Stable has taken over the contract on jockey L. Gregory, which was held by G. C. Milton. The terms were not made public. Jockey J. Petzgold, who rode with some success in the far West, arrived from Reno today. The Hamilton officials are as follows: StewardsJ. A. Monck, J. B. Campbell, Francis Nelson; Judges, F. W. Gerhardy, D. S. Gillies; starter, Harry Morrissey. Handicapper, A. W. Gerhardy. Timers, D. A. Boyle, P. E. Callen.- Secretary, A. R. Louden.
