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NEW STEEPLECHASE TROPHY Mrs. Payne Whitney Adds Gold Cup to Grand National, Run at Belmont Park in Fall. NEW YORK, N. Y., April 23. During the winter of 192G-1927, with a desire to provide an impetus to steeplechasing, then attaining a standard of importance that Avas commanding attention in all parts of the country. Bayard Warren, of Boston, a steward of the National Steeplechase and Hunts Association, suggested that it was time to provide something out of the ordinary in steeplechasing. He proposed that a number of fellow sportsmen pledge themselves to guarantee ?20,000 a yjar for three years to be added to the stake of one of the established fixtures. He found no difficulty in securing co-operation and in 1927, 1928 and 1929 the 0,000 Avas added to the Grand National Steeplechase, run at the Autumn meeting at Belmont Tark, Avhich Avith the liberal donation from the Westchester Racing Association made the e-ent by far the richest award for a steeplechase in the country and, Avith one or two exceptions, the most A-aluable in the Avorld. This fruition of Mr. Warrens plans rekindled interest, and made many converts to the sport. With the termination of the pledge, a small group of sportsmen Avill for 1930, and sev-j eral years to come, personally contribute 510,000 each year to the same race, to be I added to the ?15,000 donated by the West- Chester Racing Association. And Avith these generous offerings comes a pleasing addition. Mrs. Payne Whitney Avill present as a part of the award a gold cup, Avhich Avill be competed for annually, a replica of the cup being giAen the owner of the Avinner each year. The trophy selected by Mrs. Whitney was purchased in England. It is Aery old and of a design and Avorkmanship that emphasizes the skill of the artisans of the long ago. Mrs. Whitney personally brought the cup to this country when she returned after Avitnessing the running of the Grand National at Aintree recently. This evidence of Mrs. Whitneys interest adds materially to the glamor of the event. Her loAe of a good horse is known the Avorld over. The fact that she is to present the trophy for the new Grand National adds distinction and all but assures success.
