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CHIEF SPONSOR AGAIN Canadian-Bred Racer Breaks Mile Track Record at Havana. Red Wins at Lucrative Odds for Veteran Thomas Cheek Old Sinner Left at Post. t HAVANA. Cuba, December C. The Cuba-American Jockey and Auto Club will duly observe General Maceo Memorial Day by suspending racing Thursday. Accordingly, the gates of Oriental Park will be closed tomorrow to permit racing patrons and horsemen to pay tribute and respect to Cubas revolutionary hero. Racing will be resumed Friday afternoon with a good card of races, of which a claiming handicap at a mile and a sixteenth, with a value of ,000, will be the bright and particular feature. HAVANA, Cuba, December 6. J. A. Parson got a pretty cheap horse when he claimed the Canadian-bred racer Chief Sponsor after the latter won the 00 top and bottom claiming race last Saturday. Parson started Chief Sponsor in the Oriental Handicap this afternoon and he won in handsome fashion, heating Buddie Kean by a half length in a driving finish. Chief Sponsor made all the pace and, incidentally, hung up a new track record for the distance J when he ran the mile in 1:38. Buddie Kean might have overtaken the winner had he not been cut off when he attempted to come through on the inside at the head of the stretch. As it was, he finished with great speed and gained on Chief Sponsor with every stride. Sea Prince was third, only beaten by a nose for second place after closing with his usual rush. W. F. Knebelkamp furnished the first winner of the afternoon in Margaret Ware, the Astronomer filly outlasting Illusionist, with Gonwithim in third place. The latter was a pronounced choice in the race, but never had a chance, being repeatedly taken up in the early running. No mistake was made in backing Valentine dOr to win the second race. The daughter of Mont dOr had indicated in her previous start that she was ready and today made good to the satisfaction of a host of admirers. Brunner saved her during the early running, permitting Winds of Chance to do the pacemaking and when the latter tired she drew clear to win by a safe margin. One of the oldest turfmen on the American continent, Thomas Cheek, had the pleasure of seeing his colors carried to victory in the third race, when Red, at the enticing odds of 542.80 for , triumphed over Superior and Golden Chance in a way that left no room for doubt. . ATOTIIEH WIN FOR DAB. Much disappointment was expressed when Old Sinner, the favorite in the fourth race, was left at the post. It was no fault of the starter, as the Miodow racer propped at the start just as the barrier was released. The winner turned up in S. T. Baxters Dad, after another good performance in which he held Billy Lane safe in a spirited stretch struggle. The closing race fell to Harlock, with The Pirate in second place and Stonewall getting the short end of the purse. Jockey P. Gross was suspended for three days by the starter. Joseph Hergesheimer, author of "The Bright Shawl," from which a screen picture is now being made at Havana, was m interested spectator at the races today from the clubhouse veranda at Oriental Park. He was accompanied by Mrs. Hergesheimer and several fdm stars, among whom were Richard Barthelmess, Miss Dorothy Gish and Res Randolph and Mine. Jetta Joudal. Mr. Hergesheimer is fond of racing and pronounced Oriental Park one of the most beautiful race courses he had ever seen. Mr. and Mrs. John Ready of Chicago were luncheon guests of Mr. and Mrs. Frank J. Bruen at the clubhouse. Mr. and Mrs. Frank Case of New York were the clubhouse guests today. A, C. Niehaug is among the recent arrivals from Maryland. He brought the horses Roseate and Ruddles. Jockey E. Ambrose arrived Tuesday and had his first mount when he rode Ciceconian in the fourth race. He is under contract to Edward F. Seagram, the prominent Canadian sportsman. There are more American visitors here in Havana for this time of the year than ever before. A great increase in number is expected for the holidays.
