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SMITHVILLE PREPARATIONS Track Near Kansas City Being Made Ready for Meeting to Open May 12. SMITHVILLE. Mo., April 26.— A large str.ff of workmen are busily engaged making improvements to the half mile track here in preparation for the thirty-day race meeting which will open May 12. Many additions are being made to the snug little plant and it will no doubt present a scene of beauty on opening day. A new judges stand has been built, replacing the antiquated one that was in use at the meeting last fall, and new poles have been installed around the course. The grandstand has been remodeled to accommodate the crowds which are expected to attend and many features have been added to the mutuel plant for the convenience of the fans. Track Superintendent William Harrington and his men have the track proper in first class condition and many horses are being worked daily. Over 200 thoroughbreds are quartered at the course at the present writing and five carloads are expected from Omaha within the next few days. Enthusiasm runs high in Kansas City and the thoroughbred is the main topic of conversation among the sport lovers. President A. H. Kampmeyer and General Manager II. H. Richardson expect a record gathering on opening day and are making arrangements to provide adequate accommodation for the crowd. Buses will run from Kansas City and St. Joseph over the paved highway at regular intervals and parking space is being provided for 5,000 or more cars. A new staff of officials will preside over the racing at Smithville this year, with Judge Lee J. Rose, steward at Tijuana, heading the official family, and Arthur M. Knight, a Kansas City man, will do the starting.
