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i Here and There ! on the Turf I j New York Racing Prosperity j J Outlay Nearly Double Since j 1933 j j Larger Distribution Probable I j Ziegler Leads for First Time j For the first time since the halcyon days, the New York tracks distributed more than ,000,000 to horsemen during the season just past, showing the further prosperity of the sport on the metropolitan circuit, even though the increase over the previous year was less than 5,000. But just five years ago, the distribution of the same five major tracks and the United Hunts was little more than half as much as the total award during 1938. New York racing, therefore, has made a steady climb back to the exalted position it has claimed for so long. Final statistics for the year, however, may show New York being deposed from its leadership by California, as the western state was 00,000 behind in 1937 and this season had Hollywood Park in its circuit for the first time, while the stakes and purses at the other tracks generally were larger. The New York statistics tell several interesting stories, one of the most noticeable being the great strides made by Aqueduct, Em-7 pire City and Jamaica during the past half dozen seasons. During that period, the distribution by the Queens County Jockey Club increased nearly 300 per cent, while that of the Empire City Racing Association and Metropolitan Jockey Club rose approximately 250 per cent. Belmont Park, the outstanding member of the circuit, more nearly maintained its position during the depression so that its subsequent increase wasnt so large, advancing from 55,850 in 1933, to 89,770 this year. Saratogas figures suffer by com- j parison with the other tracks except Belmont Park, but the bulk of its increase in distribution was in purses and added money because for several years the values of many of its events accrued from nominating and Starting fees only. A further increase in distribution may be expected in New York next season, although it may not be very much. With the Worlds Fair being held in New York City, all the tracks with the exception of Saratoga probably are looking forward to a noticeable increase in patronage, but they may not raise the purse values until being definitely assured that larger attendances will be forthcoming. Under the current method of wagering, the metropolitan circuit may have just about reached its peak in the matter of stakes and purses unless general conditions improve sufficiently to place the sport within reach of a larger portion of the public. All of the New York tracks stand ready and willing to increase their distribution in keeping with a growth in business as they have demonstrated so clearly since 1933. Earning the largest share of the New York awards for the first time is William Ziegler, Jr., and he can thank the outstanding members of his stable, El Chico and Esposa, for this distinction. His silks were borne to thirteen victories, of which El Chico contributed six and Esposa two, all stakes. The mare likewise was in the money in seven other events. El Chico and War Admiral were the individual stars, each with six stakes triumphs in as many starts, but the Ziegler juvenile topped the gleaners with his successes in such valuable events as the Hopeful, Junior Champion and Saratoga Special. None, of War Admirals triumphs was ex- Continued on nineteenth page. HERE AND THERE ON THE TURF ! Continued, from second page. ceptionally valuable, yet they were attained in events of long tradition with several of them, including the Saratoga and Jockey Club Gold Cups, providing much coveted trophies. Hirsch Jacobs and Johnny Longden, the respective leaders among the trainers and jockeys in the national races, gained the greatest number of their victories in New "York. The former, who is certain to lead t the conditioners for the sixth consecutive time, thus equalling the record set by H. G. Bedwell, put the saddle on seventy-four winners, flat runners and steeplechasers alike, to easily lead the field. As usual, most of the Jacobs winners were of selling plater class. Longden likewise ran off with riding honors, his total of one hundred and twenty-eight victories topping the total of his leading opponent, Eddie Arcaro, by fifty-six. The lat-I ter didnt work as strenuously as the Wheat-ley Stable pilot, however, both veterans en-I joying the same average of 19 per cent. Longdens work was so meritorious in stakes 1 as well as in overnight events that he was 1 lured away from the successful Wheatley I Stable by the several owners for whom Don Cameron trains.
