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a a d lt! _ B. ■ . six lx i Preakness Thrills Notable Gathering Prominent Turf Personages In Throng — Washington Has Light Representation BALTIMORE, Md., May 9. — While crowded. War-busy Washington, normally i a heavy contributor to Pimlicos Preak- | ness day attendance, had its lightest rep- j resentation from among governmental, | political and diplomatic branches in many i years, there was much interest in todays 52nd running of that valued fixture. A : near-capacity crowd thrilled to the hard j fought and exciting contest produced by todays renewal over the Maryland Jockey Clubs course. Where the clubhouse and box sections were almost without Capitol notables, more prominent Marylanders and a heavily increased number of horsemen, breeders and others connected with the turf, lent their presence, thus keeping near the snapping point all barriers surrounding the several reserved areas. Maryland Jockey Club officials said that the number of Baltimoreans and visiting racing leaders having reservations for the day vastly exceeded any previous Preakness recording. That but few of the many thousands of fans arrived early was interpreted as valid evidence, that, with all work and other duties, had come first intense interest in the contest of Americas ranking three-year-olds, notwithstanding. Not until a half hour past mid-day did traffic through the entrance and turnstiles begin to boom. From that hour until well after the program had started, crowds streamed through all of the many gates. Proud Wearers of Countrys Uniforms In every section were proud wearers of their countrys uniforms, some blue, others khaki. Officers, soldiers, Mflori and others in military apparel were among the j guests of a number of boxholders. The governor of the state of Maryland I and Mrs. Herbert R. OConor arrived just before the opening race. With friends they bad lunch in the old clubhouse before going to the governors box. Alfred G. Vanderbilt, popular and progressive head of the Maryland Jockey Club was not here today, the first Preakness he has missed since he was a boy. He was in California preparing to enter the service of his country. He expects to be called by the Navy Department momentarily. William Woodward, owner of Belair Stud and chairman of The Jockey Club, came over from his Maryland place at Collington to see his Apache try for more honors As Warren Wright, owner of Sun Again, could not be here because of an important business appointment in Chicago, Mrs Wright remained at their Calumet Farm in Kentucky. Mrs. Payne Whitney, owner of I Devil Diver and Shut Out, and Louis B. Mayer, owner of Domingo, were others unable to be here to see their representatives in the Preakness battle. Mrs. George L. Harrison headed a delightful group over from Washington. She is the widow of Admiral Cary T. Grayson. The Ben F. Whitakers, popular owners of Requested and a number of other splendid thoroughbreds, arrived with their guests in time for all to enjoy luncheon before the sport got under way. Beverley Broun Has Busy Day Beverley Broun, president of the National Association of State Racing Commissioners and head of the West Virginia Turf Board, ran into so many of his friends he .was half the afternoon traveling from the clubhouse to the press box. Mr. and Mrs. R. Sterling Clark, owners of the Maryland Preakness hopeful, Colchis, had many well wishers for the success of their silks. Mrs. Peter A. B. Widener, daughter-in-law of Joseph E. Widener. master of Elm-endorf Farm and long a pillar of the turf, headed one of the larger groups to come in before the racing started. George Bull came from New York and entered the grounds close behind Samuel D. Riddle, owner and breeder, whose great Man o War took the Preakness of 1920. Brig. Gen. and Mrs. Roland W. Case and Col. and Mrs. G. H. Mulholland had reservations in the clubhouse. The ever enthusiastic Walter J. Salmons came from New York, and had a happy time. Two of the best horses they raced. Vigil and Dr. Freeland, are listed among the winners of the Preakness. G. Ray Bryson. directing head of the Bel Air track, and Mrs. Bryson had a dozen friends as their guests. John C. Clark, president of the Miami Jockey Club, and C. C. "Milo" Vega. Jr., of the Florida State Racing Commission, were together much of the afternoon. Joseph A. Farrell, manager of the Southern Maryland Agricultural Association, remarked that the big day closed Marylands finest spring period of major racing.
