view raw text
THORNCEIFFE OPENING TODAY Toronto Racing Scene Shifts From Old Woodbine Park to Track in North End District. TORONTO, Ont., June 1. The racing scene shifted from Woodbine Park, which closed its successful meeting Saturday, to Thorncliffe Park over the week-end amid preparations for a colorful inauguration of a seven-day spring meeting, and the attractive, well filled opening program promises well for the first meeting held at Thorncliffe since that association withdrew from the Independent Canadian Racing Association at the close of the 1935 campaign. The popular course directed by energetic, affable president Bill Woollatt, presented a pretty picture and vivid landscape coloring to the horsemen and fans who visited it yesterday, while racing secretary John P. Turner received entries for the inaugural program. Horses are plentiful and there will be no lack of spirited competition during the seven days of activity, reports Woollatt. "We expect to hold the biggest meeting in recent years," predicted the Thorncliffe head. Though a heavy bank of clouds threatened rain for the opening, Thorncliffe officials hoped that it would hold off and that the track would remain in the fast condition that has obtained recently. Eleven of the best older Canadian-breds in training have been entered in the British Consols Purse, the seven furlongs dash which will hold the principal position on the opening day card. Supporting the feature will be races named in honor of the Shriners, Maple Leaf Hockey Club and its members, the first of a series extending through the meeting, in which the programs will be sponsored by prominent civic units. Samoan, fleet three-year-old from the Edward F. Seagram stable, to be ridden by jockey H. Peden, looms as the early favorite in the British Consols. A winner at Woodbine and a popular juvenile in this sector in 1935, Samoan is reported in excellent condition to meet his ten rivals. Included in the field are Epicurus, Sil-viris, Donstick, Easter Hatter, Lady Mar-nock, Worthy Duke, Hittie, Spring Moon, Osirian and Trickys Son. The special features of the "Daily Double" form of wagering will be held on the first and second races, with the "Oneto" on the fourth and seventh, each being a investment.