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OREGON OFF TO GOOD START . Gresham P.ark Plays Host to Big Crowds Daily. - . Portland Business Houses Fostering Sport Citizens Become Race-Minded in Northwest. PORTLAND, Ore., July 28. The opening of the royal and ancient sport of thoroughbred racing at Gresham by far exceeded the expectations of William P. Kyne and his official family. Upward, of 6,000 Oregonians passed through the turnstiles and applauded each winner, apparently taking great delight in the various events. And when the bugle called the horses to the post for the first race, nearly 10,000 of the newly created fans were in the stands. This was on "Governor Meier Day" at the race track, and there were many distinguished citizens of Oregon and her neighboring state to the north, Washington, present for the festivities. Oregonians are evidently horse-minded, and it will probably be easy for them to become race-minded as well.. The speculation in the pari-mutuel machines was considerably heavier than promoter Kyne had expected, and this leads him to believe that it will develop satisfactory proportions as the public becomes better educated to racing and the mutuel machines; Business houses hereabouts are solidly behind the sport. Elaborate posters advertising the Gresham meeting are displayed in many show and shop windows in the downtown district. The prices paid out at the track were liberal, and the racing formful. It appears that the sport is very likely to catch the public fancy. In order to accommodate the crowd, a truly big one for the size of the Gresham plant, the post time for the first race was set back fifteen minutes, the horses lining up shortly after 2:15 p. m.
