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NEW BELMONT PARR Many Changes Are Made in Beautiful Nassau County Course Administration Building Most Notable Change, Due to Efforts of Joseph E. Widener. . NEW YORK, N. Y., Dec. 22. Ever sinco the close of the racing season in New York there has been going forward work at tho big Belmont Park course that will ad-l greatly to its beauty and convenience to patrons, when it is thrown open for tho 1925 racing season. Joseph 13. Widener, who is responsible for many of the former improvements at the Nassau county course, has directed the new work and he has taken a lively personal interest in all that has been done. One of the principal changes is the erection of a commodious administration building that takes the place of the rather cramped offices that have been in use. This building, which is a model of completeness in its appointments, has rv corresponding architectural beauty. It adjoins the enclosure of the former cTfices and is oho " hundred feet long and of two stories. This permits of ample floor space for th various offices required and the second floor will be moderately equipped for the use ol the jockeys. There will be showers, an emergency hospital and a recreation room for the lads, while it is possible from tho quarters to have a good view of the races. P LANDED BY 31 It. WIDEXEU. Mr. Widener gave of his best efforts in planning this administration building and it had been decided upon early last year, but the buildng was deferred until after the season had closed. Now it is nearing completion and it will add greatly to the beauty and convenience of the big racing ground. It is constructed of brick and, like Belmont Park itself, has a sturdy construction that inspires permanency. Several other improvements are going forward in the grand stand itself and particularly in the turf and field enclosure next season will see an almost reconstructed building. Other work that is being done is an enlarging and remodeling of the parking spaces for automobiles at the club houso end of the big stand. A new roadway of generous width has been constructed for the use of members of the Turf and Field Club and the new parking space, for their accommodation, has been laid but back of the old office of the secretary. And while all of these many improvements are well on the road to completion II. I. Pels, the track superintendent, is devoting his energy to the track proper and the steeplechase field. On the main track there has been spread a liberal coating of manure that will put new life into the soil through tho winter months, and at the same time will offer a protection against any of tho ravages of frost. ItEBUILDING THE COUIiSE. In tho field the same method is being employed, while the course proper is being reconstructed. Always one of the best of the steeplechase fields in the country, it will be better still when the United Hunts will give its spring meeting, which precedes the opening of the regular season of the Westchester Racing Association. AVhile this work is under way the trainers have the use of the mile training track and every fine morning many horses are to be seen under saddle. This course is always kept in excellent condition and it is a favorite training ground for many of the trainers even, when the main track is available for their operations. The Belmont Tarlc colony never was larger than it is this winter and the yearlings that will come of racing age on New Years day appear to be a particularly promising lot. Horses .that are wintering are naturally not , asked to show any speed in their exercises. but the baby racers have lessons to learn 1 and a fairly good idea may be had of possi-j bilitles even at half speed. , The general health of the horses on Long Island is excellent and there are few cases i of sickness other than the fatal malady of Riaito that made necessary nis destruction.
