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E. F. CARRUTHERS STATEMENT Estimates Opening Day Crowd at Exposition Park, Aurora, at Over 20,000. AURORA, 111., May 1.— The following statement was issued by general manager E. F. Carruthers: "The crowd that attended todays opening of the 1931 races is not only a tribute to horse racing, but it bears out the contention that Chicago is the best sporting town in the world. My associates and I feel deeply gratified in that we put forth our best effort to make the opening a success and the fans showed by their support that they appreciate clean racing and improved service. "We havent made a complete check on the crowd as yet, but I am told that all records for Aurora were broken. The biggest previous crowd was several years ago on Memorial Day. We topped that one by almost 3,000. I estimated that over 20,000 people were present. "I want to apologize if anyone was inconvenienced, for such things can not be helped on opening day. I promise, however, that all of the minor difficulties that arose will be ironed out as quickly as possible and that from now on everything will be working smoothly. I believe that my associates and myself can be pardoned for feeling just a little bit proud of Auroras opening. I want to take this means of thanking the public. "I can only see Chicagos biggest racing season ahead."
