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BAHR GATE FOR AURORA President Robert S. Eddy Continues With Standard Machine. John Morrissey to Send Fields Away at Fox Valley Jockey Clubs Popular Course. AURORA, 111., April 13. Any doubt as to the type of starting equipment at Aurora was dispelled today with announcement of president Robert S. Eddy that the Bahr stall gate would be used at the Fox Valley course during the meeting which opens the Illinois racing season May 2. Agitation in favor of the Australian barrier, which would mark a return to the old method of a walk-up start, was begun two years ago by Joseph E. Widener of Belmont and Hialeah. During the past winter it was revived again, and many horsemen were queried in a straw vote. The result was decidedly in favor of the stall gate but rumors persist, every now and then, that this or that track will go in for a change. WANT NO CHANGE. One of these reports declared that Chicago might use the barrier and president Eddy issued his statement to set it at rest so far as Aurora is concerned. This will meet with favor among owners and trainers, who have schooled their horses in the stall gate, and who do not care to make a change. The fact that it would be necessary to train horses, to two different styles of starting was Continued on eighteenth page. BAHR GATEFOR AURORA Continued from first page. the big reason for the unfavorable vote against the barrier. Another point in favor of the stall gate is that its use has reduced the insurance rate against accidents. While this question of starting has not been aired publicly, to any great extent, owners and trainers have been discussing it among themselves for some time. Starter Johnny Morrissey, who will operate the gate at Aurora, will begin schooling races next week. The son of the famous Harry Morrissey, who, until his untimely death last fall was tops among starters, already is well along the road travelled by his father. Whereas Morrissey senior was a volitile and picturesque character, Johnny is quiet and patient and has built up a reputation among trainers for the ease with which his ground crew handles bad actors. WISE FOX GETS ATTENTION. Wise Fox, winner of the Louisiana Derby, which will fly the A. G. Tarn colors in the 2,000 Illinois Derby, May 28, is the center of attraction for visitors at the track. He is expected to be seen in a couple of tuneup races during the meeting. Not only has Aurora added a 5,000 car parking space for motorists by leasing the flying field adjacent to the track, but the regular auto park on the grounds proper will be enlarged at the far end. Officials believe they will have a total capacity of 12,000 cars.
