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SARATOGA STEEPLECHASES Pleasing Increase in Stake Entries, 257 to 194 for Same Fixture in 1923. NEW YORK, N. T., May 13.— That there will be a vast improvement in the quality of the cross-country sport at Saratoga Springs next August is indicated in the generous response that has been made by owners of jumpers all over the country to the stake offerings for the 1924 meeting. For the four fixtures 257 entries have been received in comparison with 194 a year ago. This of itself would attract attention, but tho fact that the bulk of the increase is new material, mainly inmported last fall, gives the races a novelty and interest they would not otherwise possess. From the way these invaders are making good at Iimlico it is p;ain that the native chasers will have to be or. their mettle in order to hold their own. The following comparative table shows the way the various events filled as compared with last year: Stake 1923 1924 Saratoga Steeplechase Handicap... 45 53 North American Steeplechase Handicap 50 67 Reverwyck Steeplechase 49 67 Shillelah Steeplechase 50 65 194 257 There were thirty-five individual nominators, and racing secretary Sehaumburg was well pleased with the result, the increase in the patronage being communicated to president Richard T. Wilson, who is in Maryland for a few days. A
