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f DOWNS MUTUa PLANT 1 i READY FOR BIG PLAY j LOUISVILLE, Ky., May 1.— Directing the largest pari-mutuel betting department in America, if not the world, is the stupendous task resting on the shoulders of Erwin A. Weidekamp, superintendent of the Churchill Downs mutuels. Weidekamp, who is entering upon his eleventh year as superintendent of pari-mu-tuels at the American Turf Associations tracks, Hawthorns and other courses, tomorrow will have batteries of 194 ticket sellers and 265 cashiers working at the Downs. This staff also will include calculators and their assistants, approximate odds-boards operators, change makers, money room men and handle pari-mutuel tickets between the ticket room and the sellers. Weidekamp, a native of this city, had his training under Eugene Elrod, whom he served as chief assistant at the time of Mr. Elrods death. During his many years of service in his particular field, Weidekamp, now in his 26th year in the Downs employ, has devised many features, all of which have improved his department. Being an expert electrician, he designed and supervised the construction of a single unit pari-mutuel machine that records the sales from a dozen individual sellers. Not only does this machine expedite the sale of tickets and the recording of wagers, but it is very helpful to the player as it indicates the volume of play on all horses participating in a race. Weidekamp expects tomorrows mutuel turnover to run close to the American record made at Churchill Downs several years ago.
