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READ INCREASES STABLE 4 Owner of Steeplechase String Reports Purchases in England. English Jockeys, Espin and Escott, Will Ride for the Establishment on American Courses During Coming Season. NEW YORK, N. Y., March 2. W. A. Read, Avho last year raced a number of jumpers that Avere brought over from England and trained by Major Frank W. White with considerable success on the local tracks as well as in Maryland and Canada, has arrived in New York after a stay of several Aveeks in England, Ireland and France. His trip was for the purpose of obtaining horses that would help to strengthen his stable that has been wintering at the farm of J. K. L. Ross, near Laurel, Md. His purchases number nine, and these, Avith the five that Avere carried over from last year, Avill give his establishment a string of fourteen made jumpers Avith which to start the season. Mr. Read announced that he has taken a place in England Avhere he is building a steeplechase course on American lines ; that is Avith fences modeled upon those used at the Aarious courses in this country. This has been done Avith the idea of schooling his future purchases before they are shipped over. He thinks that this Avill make it possible to race the horses more promptly after their arrival here, as they Avill knoAV just Avhat is expected of them. TWO ENGLISH RIDERS SIGNED. A number of foreign riders of skill will also in"ade the steeplechase field here during the coming .season. Air. Read has signed a contract with two English jockeys, F. C. Espin and A. Escott, both of Avhich rate with the top-notchers of their own country. Both have mounts in the Liverpool Grand la.-tional, which will be run March 28. They will sail shortly after this running and will be here for the opening" of the jumping season. It Avill be recalled that Escott rode Duettiste for J. E. Widener while that horse was in England. His father trained the horse. Efforts are being made to obtain the serA-iccs of other riders, and it is a certainty that in the near future seAeral foreign jockeys of prominence will be applying for licenses from the National Steeplechase and Hunt Association. One of the best of the French riders is even now considering a contract with a stable that shelters some top-notch horses, and Avill be. further strengthened by some recent purchases abroad. In addition to those that will come over under contract will be several that haAe decided to make the trip to ride free lance.
