view raw text
THEYRE OFF AT CHURCHILL DOWNS TODAY 5 ♦ Glorious Racing in Prospect at Louisvilles Notable Race Course ♦ Opening Day Fields Large Numerically and of Sparkling Quality — Nineteen Stars of the Handicap Division Named for the 0,000 Clark Handicap KOUISVIRRE, Ky., May 7. — The Kentucky Jockey Club will inaugurate tomorrow its spring meeting of 1926 over the Churchill Downs track and it will continue for twenty-one days concluding Decoration Day. Incidentally it marks the fifty-second renewal of the sport over the course. Never in its long history has there been more marked interest in the opening than that in evidence this year. Turfmen and followers of the sport from all parts of the country have concentrated here, many are newcomers to this section and indicate surprise at the vastness of the track, the large number of horses and interest in the racing. Kxtensive improvements and additions that have been made at Churchill Downs since the close last fall have altered the plants appearance. AH the improvements have been made with a view to the comfort of the racing patrons. The great number of stables concentrated in this section is reflected In the 113 entries to the racing on opening day. This is a record for this course. The old established Clark Handicap, with its 0,000 endowment in added money, has nineteen carded to start. Of course, this race is the headliner of the initial racing offering. The other six races, however, bring out a sparkling array of cracks and will afford the huge crowd enjoyable entertainment. General manager Matt J. Winn and resident manager Col. Andrew Vennie and their associates have been untiring in their efforts to have everything ready to the slightest detail for the opening. How well they have succeeded is evidenced by the many complimentary remarks from the huge army of visitors to the plant. An absence of rain has caused the track to be a trifle deep in dust. Aside from this the racing strip is in perfect condition. Some of the outstanding stars in these parts are named in the Clark Handicap at a mile and a sixteenth including several Kentucky Derby eligibles. The more mature stars, however, are expected to figure in the result. Those expected to make the contest include the popular performers. King Xadi, Marconi, Deeming, San Itar. Tangara. Puck and others. This race is at a mile and a sixteenth and at the diversified weights should serve as a splendid introductory to a repast of relishing sport. While the Clark Handicap and tomorrows opening holds vast attention, the outstanding interest is still centered in the Kentucky Derby, that has its decision a week from tomorrow. The Kentucky Jockey Club is literally flooded with requests for box reservations from persons in all parts of the country. KAILROADS IN QUANDARY. Railroad officials are beginning to worry-where they will find space for the numerous special trains that have been booked. Chicago reports that at least 100 trains will be needed to convey the visitors from the windy city. New York will have several specials. New Orleans will send two special trains. Pittsburgh has also arranged for a special train to haul its visitors. This is the first time that there has been a special train from the smoky city. Arrangements are under way for the parking of 200 privately owned railway cars that will bring their owners and guests here for the Derby. Some will arrive tomorrow for the opening but the real influx will begin Monday and continue without abatement until Saturday morning. Two steamboats from St. I,ouis will serve as a mode of conveyance for a great number of Missourians to witness the Derby. At least six trains will be also used for the accomodation of the St Bouisians that are intending to make the Derby trip. Cincinnati is also sending its most palatial river transports for the use of special parties. Pittsburgh has joined the flotilla and will send its queen of the fleet. The Mary Gardner, recently put into service by the Captain Prown interests. The Mary Gardner will have a private party aboard.
