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KINGS PLATE FEATURE Tops Initial Program at Woodbine Park for Canadian Opening. : 1 Prospects Brighter Than Since Post-War Days for Greatest Racing in Old Dominion. TORONTO, Ont., May 22. Another important chapter will be written into turf history with the introduction of the 1936 racing season in Canada by the Ontario Jockey Club at magnificent Woodbine Park tomorrow, and from all indications, one of the best seasons since post-war days is in the offing judging by the interest that has prevailed since the arrival of warm weather. With the grounds in splendid shape and a banner program arranged by racing secretary R. W. Shelley, one of the largest opening day throngs in history is expected to turn out for the inaugural ceremonies and to witness the card of eight races, which is topped by the seventy-seventh running of the Kings Plate, oldest fixture decided annually on the North American continent. This old prize, endowed with ,000 added and fifty guineas, the gift of His Majesty the King, has attracted no less than fifteen of the outstanding home-breds, including the best two-year-olds of last season, to strive for supremacy at nine furlongs and, according to general impressions, the event is the most wide-open since the triumph of Troutlet for Ryland H. New ten years ago. For over six weeks now the resumption of thoroughbred sport in the Dominion has been the chief topic of conversation, and with a plentiful supply of horses on hand to choose from in furnishing the daily programs, the seven days spring term promises to prove the most prosperous in several years. More horses than could be accommodated are in the local vicinity, many of which were forced to obtain shelter at nearby courses, while the riding colony has been toned up with the arrival of several skillful saddle artists from across the line, which should prove a valuable addition to the riders ranks in these parts. . SEAGRAM ENTRIES. In the Kings Plate renewal four of the leading racing establishments in the Do-minidn have nominated their star performers for the premier classic of the Canadian season. E: F. Seagram, who has held the distinction of winning most of the Kings Plate renewals, has named Samoan and Judge Pool for this running. H. C. Hatch will be represented by a like number, in Mon-sweep and Sweepouch. G. M. Hendrie, vice-president of. the0. J. C, will rely on Storm-blown and Rock Sure, with R. S. McLaughlin depending on Spearman and Epicurus to land the coveted prize. Others in the field are Odd Catch, Desert Place, Sandalman, Tough, Timber, Chalgo, Ladymuch -and Hurry Fox. Few withdrawals are anticipated, officials being certain that at least a dozen will parade postward, including Epicurus, top weight under 132 pounds. Supporting features to the Kings Plate are the Trial Plate Handicap, a dash of six furlongs, which is listed sixth on the program, and the Fraser Memorial Steeplechase Handicap, a gallop of two miles that is stationed in third position. Of the pair, the Trial Plate Handicap will attract most interest as it contains the names of seven shifty sprinters which will perform in six interests and it will serve to display the silks of J. U. Gratton, Montreal sportsman, for the first time here. Grog will carry the white and blue banner of the Quebec owner and he will be pitted against such formidable opponents as Molly Greenock, Sachem, Tempestuous, Cherry Stone, Ouragan and Hay-time II. The steeplechase has attracted six timber-toppers, racing in five different interests, while the remainder of the card is made up of a dash of four furlongs, confined to two-year-olds, foaled in Canada; three sprints at six furlongs and one route event at a mile and one-sixteenth, that closes the days program. TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES. Arrangements have been completed for the transportation of patrons by the leading bus lines and street railway systems, while the pick of the traffic division from the police force will be available to handle movement of all traffic leading to the east end course. Richard W. Crashley, recently appointed as mutuel manager, has obtained a picked crew to man his department, and he announced that the "Daily Double" form of wagering will obtain on the first and second races during the meeting. Racing is scheduled to start at 2:00 p. m., daylight saving time. The field for the Kings Plate, ,000 added, for three-year-olds and upward, foaled in Canada, at a mile and an eighth, follows: PP. Horse. Wt. Jockey. 1 Odd Catch 117 P. Remillard 2 Desert Place 123 T. Aimers 3 Rock Sure 117 N. Fbden 4 tMonsweep 117 D. Brammer 5 Stormblown 112... E. Barnes 6 HEpicurus 132 R. Townrow 7 Sandalman 112 ..J. Passero 8 Tough Timber 128 H. Osborne 9 HSpearman 117 C. McDonald 10 J Judge Pool 112 ....F.Mann 11 Chalgo 112. R. Feeney 12 Ladymuch ... 112 R. Watson 13 fSweepouch 117 S. Young 14 Hurry Fox 128 G. McCann 15 JSamoan 117 J. Hunter H. C. Hatch entry; E. F. Seagram entry; G. M. Hendrie entry; tfParkwood Stable entry.
