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SPONGERS AT AGAWAM PARK Obstructions Found in the Nostrils of Three Horses. A. E. Van Ree Brings Plot to Light by Examination of Midnight Flyer Sponged Wrong Horse. AGAWAM, Mass., June 17. The presence of spongers at Agawam Park was revealed today when obstructions were discovered in the nostrils of three horses. These were Mrs. H. Youngs Maddest, C. B. Sturms Gold Spray and J. Burnsteins Midnight Flyer. The plot came to light when A. E. Van Ree became dissatisfied with the actions of Midnight Flyer, which he trains. Investigation revealed that a sponge had been implanted in the nostrils of the horse, which, however, has not started at this meeting. J. L. Garthright, who trains Gold Spray, was prompted to have the horsej examined when he was found to be running a fever and another sponge was found. Subsequent investigation focused in the sixth race Monday, June 7, and this" morning Maddest, which performed in the race, dislodged a sponge from his nose. That the vandals failed in their effort to effect a coup was the belief of the investigating stewards, who pointed out that as Midnight Flyer had not started at the meeting and was stabied adjacent to Money Muddle, which won the race in a camera finish, the perpetrators had planned to reach Money Muddle rather than Midnight Flyer. Donna Dulcin and Dutch Uncle, which finished second and third, respectively, in the race, showed no trace of tampering. Maddest was fourth and Gold Spray was beaten off to complete the field of five starters. Following the discovery the stewards ordered that William V. Dwyers Lucky Jean be given an examination after her poor showing on Wednesday for which jockey W. G. Jackson was suspended. No trace of tampering was discovered.
