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r Martin Nathanson. AURORA MEETING OPENS » Large and Imposing List of Entries for Inaugural Day. ■■ Dr. Freeland, Tannery, Uncommon Gold and Other Stars in Feature — Better Horses Available. ■ AURORA. 111., April 30. — Exposition Park, where the present era of horse racing in Illinois got its start eight years ago, throws open its gates to the 1932 turf season Monday. Despite general conditions, officials of the club take an optimistic outlook. They point to the better class of horses; the thoroughly renovated grandstand and grounds; the new cushion-like sur- face on the mile racing strip, and the introduction of the daily doubles as reasons for their view. In point of racing stock, Aurora, which has made forward strides each season, will hit a new high when the first barrier is sprung. Not only are nationally known stables quartered on the grounds, but a big majority of the leading Chicago and Illinois owners will begin their season with Aurora and follow through the season at all of the other member tracks of the Illinois Turf Association. CHICAGO OWNERS PROMINENT. By actual count, twenty-four Chicago and Illinois owners will be represented during the eighteen days meeting. The number of Chicago and Illinois racing outfits total less than forty, hence it can be seen how these men are supporting Aurora in its eadeavors to give the association season a banner start. Aurora is the only track in the local circuit to throw open its gate to the women folks. Tuesdays and Fridays are their afternoons, but since opening day last year fell an one of their free afternoons, the management will also permit them free entrance tomorrow. The opening feature is the Inaugural Handicap. This will be the eighth renewal of this event and, with such horses as Dr. Freeland, a Preakness winner; Uncommon Gold, victor last fall over Sun Beau; Tannery, one of Kentuckys best handicap performers, and others, the best field that ever appeared in any race at Exposition Park is anticipated. MANAGER E. F. CARRUTHERS. E. F. Carruthers, who took over Exposition Park last year after the death of Cliff Trimble, has plunged into this racing business with zeal and energy. Last year he built the first clubhouse at Aurora and this year he has added quite a few improvements for the patrons who so liberally patronize this eourse. II The biggest improvement this spring has been in the infield, which last year was sown in blue grass. This year Mr. Carruthers has added 400 evergreen shrubs, flower gardens and a huge sign spelling out the name of the club. Two miles of hedge fence have been added to the general scene. | A new entrance has been provided into the grandstand, eliminating exposure of patrons to rainy weather. Green and white paint has been added to the premises wherever needed, making Exposition Park a clean and thoroughly modern race couse. The biggest improvement in the eyes of the horsemen is the resurfaced racing strip. John Keegan, one of the best known track superintendents in the country, has been on the job for weeks finishing this work. In addition to resurfacing the track, Keegan installed a drainage system that will permit ■he course to dry out much faster than it ■ rmerly did. f Continued on twenty-seventh page. J t ■ J f c ■ I a a c 1 I i t i 1 I 1 1 1 AURORA MEETING OPENS Continued from first page. Introduction of the daily doubles marks the first time that innovation on mutuel wagering has been seen in Chicago. It is expected to prove extremely popular with the long shot players and the women folks, for the payoff as a rule is in box car figures. Add to all of this a corps of competent officials, made up mostly of the men who served at Arlington Park, Washington Park, Hawthorne and Lincoln Fields, and you have completed picture. Martin Nathanson, the dean of American stewards, is in charge of the racing department, assisted by Charley Henry, associate steward. Harry Mor-rissey, the most popular starter in Chicago in a number of years, will be in charge of the starting gate. Transportation facilities to Aurora have been improved this year and at a lesser cost. Both the Burlington railroad and the Aurora electric line have cut their running time for their race specials to one hour flat, and have reduced the round trip fare to .25.
