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INSTALLING DRAINAGE SYSTEM Omaha Also Providing Hot Water for Trainers Adding Additional Booths to Mutuel Plant. OMAHA, Neb., April 25 Heartened bythe success of last years running race meeting, Ak-Sar-Ben racing officials have announced an extensive renovating program in preparation for the thirty-three-day program, scheduled May 28 to July 4. Of prime interest to horsemen is the announcement that a new drainage system will be installed at the stables, and that facilities will be provided to offer hot water for trainers to aid them in rubbing down their thoroughbreds following workouts and competitive races. Looking forward to another good season at the betting wickets, pari-mutuel floor space will be doubled, with additional betting booths available. A third ramp also will be built to facilitate entrance and exit to and from the betting room. A new approximate odds board will be in operation this season, giving the opening line, first, second and final readings. The lawn directly in front of the grandstand has been cemented, while new sidewalks have been laid replacing the dusty cinders. Ak-Sar-Ben officials, headed by W. H. Schellberg, chairman of the racing committee, are to leave early this week for Churchill Downs to witness the Kentucky Derby. Eugene W. Bury, racing secretary, is on his way to the Kentucky track, recruiting stables for the Omaha meeting, armed with the convincing selling talk that has attracted more than 250 horses from Arlington Downs an increased purse fund of at least 38,000. Secretary Bury has assured Ak-Sar-Ben officials that the same high class jockey group that competed here at the 1935 meeting will be on hand ready to start the warfare for the prizes Ak-Sar-Ben is offering for the leading riders at the 1936 session.
