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GENIAL HOST BY NOSE ■ Gains Narrowly Achieved Triumph in Camden Handicap. ♦ Wins Lexingtons Opening Stake After Sparkling Finish — Big Crowd Despite Cold. » LEXINGTON, Ky., April 23.— The canary and blue silks of D. T. Matlacks Fair Acre Farm Stable flashed in impressive yet narrowly gained triumph in the Camden Handicap, feature of todays opening day program at the Kentucky Association track. The nimble-footed four-year-old Genial Host was the successful representative from the Kentucky sportmans establishment and his win was registered by a nose over the gallant Old Slip, George Collins consistent equine. J. W. Parrishs Percentage was third to complete the one mile and a sixteenth and Scotland, Smiling Gus and George De Mar, were the only other starters. The race carried a net winning value of ,990 and a beautiful silver trophy, the gift of Senator Johnson N. Camden, in whose honor the race is titled. Mr. Camden made the presentaticn to Mr. Matlack immediately after the race and the experience was the second for Mr. Matlack, who visited the stand for a like award following the success of his Guest of Honor in the running of 1924. King Nadi, Nine Sixty, Percussion and Thistle Gold were the overnight acceptances that failed to participate. Smiling Gus and George De Mar failed to play any important part in the running, the first seven-eighths finding Scotland giving his best speed to make for a pace of :225s ; :47*s and 1 :11%. He raced with a goodly margin to spare over Percentage to inside the final turn, where Percentage passed into the lead as Genial Host and Old Slip launched their determined bids. In the last sixteenth the latter two sped past the Parrish colt and Genial Host, well ridden by J. Dale, was up in the last few strides to overtake Old Slip. Old Slips effort brought a return of to his owner, while third money amounted to 00 and 00 went to fourth. Old Slip ruled as a generously-priced favorite, the success of Genial Host being one of a majority of outsiders to score before the large opening-day attendance. Continued on twentieth pace. GENIAL HOCT BY NOSE Continued from first pace The opening ushered in a meeting of ten days, and the spring season in this state. The coldest weather in some time prevailed and, while it no doubt kept some devotees away from the course, the effect of the adverse elements upon the attendance was unnoticeable and the historic plant received an almost capacity throng. The gathering included virtually all of the leading sportsmen of the state as well as hundreds of persons prominent in the various lines of human endeavor. Business and society furnished the largest quota as seen in several seasons, the clubhouse contingent being of sufficient number to tax the capacity of that exclusive structure. A bright sun made a valiant but vain attempt to temper the atmosphere to a more seasonable degree and while it failed in one respect its presence proved quite alluring and highly beneficial to the track, which was brought to a fast condition during the early morning. General manager Thomas Scott expressed himself as "immensely pleased with the day," adding "The exceptional patronage and unusually enthusiastic interest can only be accepted as a fine testimonial of the widespread interest the sport has enrolled throughout central Kentucky." — *
