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LATEST RECRUIT TO RACING John R. Thompson, Jr., Joins Banks of Owners Through Purchase of Minotaur. Thoroughbred racing in Chicago, which is attracting quite a number of the citys prom-nent and wealthy people to the sport as owners of racing establishments, received another valuable recruit when John R. Thompson, Jr., president of the John R. Thompson Company, operators of an extensive chain of restaurants, acquired from C. Graffagnini thja three-year-old Minotaur, just prior to the running of the Preakness Friday, and won back a portion of the purchase price when the son of Sun Briar and Irish Lady II finished a good second to Dr. Freeland. Negotiations for the purchase were concluded by Val Crane, another wealthy sportsman of Chicago, and owner of the Wild Rose Farm stable, that has been racing in Maryland. Minotaur, according to advices received by Mr. Thompson, was shipped Saturday night to Churchill Downs to fill his engagement in the Kentucky Derby, for which race he will be prepared under the supervision of Mr. Crane. Mr. Thompson will be on hand May 18 to see his colt run in the race. Mr. Thompson, who is one of the group of wealthy Chicagoans who took part in the reorganization of the American National Jockey Club, and was made one of the clubs vice-presidents, has nominated Minotaur to the 0,000 American Classic, and three other stakes to be run at Arlington Park in July. These and the other severl stakes closed for entries at midnight May 11. .Dr. Freeland, the Preakness winner, is also an eligible to the Classic, his entry being the first one to be received for the stake, having been sent in by his owner, R. T. Wilson. W. J. Salmons African, which finished third in the Preakness, is also an eligible to the Arlington Park rich fixture. Mr. Thompson is quite enthusiastic over the acquisition of Minotaur, and believes he will prove to be a first rate three-year-old. He intends adding further to his turf holdings. This is Mr. Thompsons first venture as an owner in thoroughbred racing. Heretofore he has devoted much time to the breeding of saddle and show horses, and his office in Chicago contains many of the valuable trophies that have been awarded his entries at the various important horse shows throughout the country. ♦
