view raw text
. I ] • j I I I i i i t ; LAST DAY AT JEFFERSON Present Meeting of Twenty-Eight Days to End With Conclusion of Todays Program. NEW ORLEANS, La., April 1.— Another year of New Orleans thoroughbred horse racing terminates Saturday with the running of the final program of Jefferson Parks spring meeting of twenty-tight days. This concluding program is quite in keeping with the standard for quality established here this winter and measures up favorably with the finest previous closing day programs since the introduction of the sport at the Shrewsbury course. While the completion of the program of exceptional races such as the New Orleans Handicap, Louisiana Derby, Mardi Gras Handicap and the departure of hundreds of devotees for other racing sectors has resulted in a rather large, yet fully expected, reduction in interest, a generous patronage is likely for the closing day. The fine program arranged by racing secretary J. B. Campbell, should prove too much of a temptation for the great number of thoroughbred admirers among the local populace to resist another visit to Jefferson Park. The card has two features and the other races all of which promise worthwhile entertainment, point to an afternoon of good racing. The Maryland Handicap, at three-quarters, is bringing out Oil Slip. Sir Peter, General Haldeman, Silver Song, Florence Mills, Huntsman, Tempest, and five others and unless they disappoint badly, their meeting should furnish a fine contest. Seven three-year-ods pre thoroughly conditioned for the engagement over th? one mile of the Illinois Purse in which Scotland, Porridge, Best Friend and others will meet. These horses are the better ones of the usual seven. A field ofeight two-year-olds, with a majority of almost equal ability, has been named for the Kentucky Purse at a half mile, and the Ohio and Omaha Purses under claiming conditions, attracted some of the better grade platers. If fair weather and a fast track continues through Saturday, the racing should prove worthy or the patronrf.f of the most critical as few previous programs have been more indicative of closely contested races. Following the running of the final card will come an exodus of horsemen, jockeys, officials and followers. Many will depart on Saturday night tra;rs and following Sundays ieprture the local colony will be greatly depleted. Maryland. Kentucky. Ohio. Illinois and New Yor-. are the objectives of a big majority, while others will take to vacationing grounds before proceeding to Northern racing points. ♦
