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DISTRIBUTING 40,000 , Largest Total Offered in History of Aurora Course. 12,000 Added Illinois Derby Chief Feature of Coming Meeting Daily Average ,000. AURORA, 111., April 8. A total of 40,000 will be distributed among horsemen during the twenty-four day race meeting which opens the Illinois season May 2 at Aurora. This is a new high for the Fox Valley course and makes the coming meeting the richest in the more than fifteen years history of the west suburban track. .These figures are revealed in the condition book issued by racing secretary Dick Leigh for the first nine days of the meeting. The 2,000 added Illinois Derby, set for May 28, and the ,500 Inaugural Handicap on opening day, are the top features. In addition there will be a 51,000 handicap every Wednesday, with each Saturdays card featuring a ,500 purse and also one for ,000. A number of 00 purses are scattered through the week-day programs. This means a daily average purse distribution of almost ,000 and marks an increase compared to other Aurora seasons. EDDYS COMMENT. In commenting on this distribution, president Robert S. Eddy, Jr., said: "We firmly believe that Illinois racing is on the upgrade and are expressing our faith in this belief by increasing our purse money. We do not look for a record-breaking season, but we do believe that business will be better. As further evidence of our opinion we are laying out more than 5,000 in improvements, which include the "tote" board, new parking space and reconditioning of the road leading from the state highway to the track." The recent blizzard did not hamper preparations at the track, although it did interfere with training activities. Most of the outside work in connection with the "tote" board has been completed. The bulk of the work, consisting of installation of ticket machines and making the numerous connections, is inside work and the electricians were not delayed. Word reached Aurora from Bob McGarvey, celebrated, trainer of the Milky Way Farm string, that two or three of the Chicago stables three-year-olds will be ready for the sixth running of the Illinois Derby, Mrs. Ethel V. Mars famous stable having won last years fifth renewal of the classic with Case Ace. McGarvey has seven three-year-olds In training this season, including Tiger, winner of the Arkansas Derby; Mountain Ridge, Farrell, Warbridge, C-Note, High Pressure and John One.
