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Offer Awards of ,650 in War Bonds To Top Riders at Sportsmans Meeting Point System Devised to i Determine Four Leading Jockeys at Half-Miler Jockeys riding at the Sportsmans Park spring meeting of 14 days, which ushers in the Illinois season on April 29, will compete for special awards of ,650, John L. Keeshin, president of the National Jockey Club, operators of the popular half-mile Cicero course, announced here yesterday. A point system has been devised whereby the winners of the awards — there will be four in number — are to be determined. Four points will be given for a winning mount, three for a second, two for a third and one for fourth. At the end of the 14-day season, the boy having the most points will receive 50 in War Bonds, the one with the second highest number 00 in bonds, the third 00 and the one in fourth place 00. "It is our aim to have the best riders in the Middle West perform at our meeting," Keeshin stated, "and we believe fhis added incentive will serve to attain our goal. The point system was set up so that every rider in a race will be riding his mount out to the fullest, for a single point for fourth place could easily be the deciding factor in determining the final disposition of these awards," Keeshin added. Over Half Million for War Relief "The offering of War Bonds, too, is in line with the policy of the National Jockey Club to aid the war effort in every possible way." Keeshin concluded. In two seasons of activity Sportsmans ► — Park has raised 80,138.28 for War Relief and charity, its contribution of 81,295.31 in 1943 being one of the highest in the nation. Latest riders to check in at the track are T. Haley, L. Wegrzyn, M. J. Haycock and W. Warren. Others are expected in daily from now until the meeting gets under way. Meanwhile, the horse colony at Sportsmans Park and neighboring Hawthorne now numbers approximately 300 head, with the horses conditioned by Al Gaal, James L. Chesney, Frank Nugent and J. L. Oglesby arriving Tuesday night from Hot Springs. Among other stables on the grounds are those trained by W. E. Harned, Sam Gorbet, C. J. Martin, J. D. Mikel, E. E. Major. Clyde Troutt, Bennett Creech and Bob McGarvey. Sales Talk and Bright Willie head the 15-horse string in Creechs care, while McGar-veys unit of 13 is topped by the consistent mare, Night Shadow. A large shipment, consisting of the horses of Happy Hour Farm, E. B. Carpenter and Monte Weil, is due from Florida tomorrow. Weil, who trains the stable of John M. Hutchins, has 20 stalls reserved, while listed among the nine that Ralph Salvino is bringing in for Happy Hour are Happy Pilot, Rosy Brand and Martian.
