view raw text
Capable Official Family at Detroit : - i i i a v "i : ; i i a v Charles A. Bray Is State Steward Inaugural of Seventy-Three-Day Meeting Will Get Under Way Saturday Afternoon DETROIT, Mich., May 19. Edward P. Strong, general manager of the Detroit Racing Association, which organization will operate a 73-day meeting beginning Saturday, May 23, and concluding on August 15, announced the official roster for the impending session today. That the sport in the Motor City will be in the hands of men, well qualified to conduct the racing, bodes well for the success of the long session at hand. Charles A. Bray, who served as steward representing the Michigan State Racing Commission during the 1941 Detroit meeting, will again be back in the pagoda. Judge Brajr is a thorough horseman, and he has an excellent knowledge of the rules which govern the thoroughbred game. Jack S. Young is slated to handle the duties of presiding steward, and the South Bend official needs no introduction to local turf followers. Young has been with the present organization since it came into existence and his decisions have always been just and fair to all concerned. One of the most popular racing secretaries in the nation, Charles F. Henry, is already on the grounds busily engaged alloting stall space and assigning weights for the earlier handicap features scheduled for decision. Henry, like Young, is no newcomer here and his work in past seasons has been outstanding. The starters task falls on the capable shoulders of Bryan Steele, who has handled that assignment in creditable fashion here for the past five years. Steele, who was once one of the better riders in the United States and abroad as well, enjoys a thorough working knowledge of the details necessary to properly fill his position and his return to the local track met with accord. Kelly, Murphy in Dual Roles Placing judges for the summer meeting will be William G. Kelly, W. J. Murphy and Allan Lee. Kelly will double as paddock judge, while Murphy will also look after the duties of clerk of scales. Allan Lee, who served with the Motor City association last year, will be the third man in the stand. Eddie A. Miller, a veteran with the Detroit track, is back to resume his place as public address announcer and assistant in the office of racing secretary Henry. Miller, who is one of the top men in the profession of describing the running of races, made a distinct hit here last year and his return to the local course met with public approval. J. Oliver Brown is the track superintendent, Dr. L. H. LaFond is track veterinarian, and the veteran clocker, George Peterson, will be on hand Ho act as official timer. Carter C. Curtiss, construction chief, and Jack Stone, technician, are also present and putting the final touches on the Detroit plant. L. Henderson Van Zandt and Frank Otis, who served on the Detroit staff during the past decade, will not report to the local oval until the close of the Thistle Down meeting in Cleveland on July 4. Both Van Zaridt and Otis had made commitments to the Forest City Jockey Club and they were excused at Detroit until they complete their duties in Cleveland. They-will come to the local course immediately following the Ohio sessions conclusion. In the meantime everything is in readiness for the inaugural day sport next Saturday .at the Fair Grounds. Reed Hess, front office chief, stated that box and clubhouse reservations at present far exceed those of 1941 and he predicts a record turnout for the 1942 Detroit opening. . : ; , j
