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* Umpydan Captures Boots and Saddle Shows Way to Diamond Dick As Detroit Meeting Opens Before Turnout of 25,000 FAIR GROUNDS, Detroit, Mich., May 25 — Umpydan, a four-year-old gelded son of Head Play and Sassaby, carried W. L. Huntleys silks to a surprise victory here today in the 0,000 Boots and Saddle Handicap as the Detroit Racing Association inaugurated a 49-day spring and summer meeting. Well ridden by ex-G. I. George Wallace, Umpydan closed fast through the stretch and whipped Mrs. George C. Whites well-regarded Diamond Dick by a length margin as the latter saved the place award by three lengths over O. F. Woodwards Sir Sprite. Albert Wellman*s locally-owned Many Lands, choice for the headliner, wound up fourth in the field of eleven starters. Shouldering 108 pounds, two pounds of which was overweight, Umpydan sped the three-quarters over the very soft strip in 1:13%. Overlooked somewhat in the wagering, the Huntley gelding paid 2.50 in the tote after he scored his second major victory of the 1946 campaign. Wallace Astride Winner Starter Bryan Steele sent the Boots and Saddle field away at once and Wallace, alert at the post, had Umpydan off nicely and kept his mount within striking distance of Diamond Dick as the latter made the pace to the stretch. When settled for the drive, Diamond Dick still held a short advantage while the eventual winner raced in second position, a safe margin before Sir Sprite. After a brief duel near the sixteenth pole, Umpydan forged to the front and appeared ready to draw clear at the wire. Diamond Dick held on resolutely to easily save second honors. Despite heavy rains throughout the day, a crowd of some 25,000 witnessed the inaugural of the 1946 Fair Grounds season. The first novice jockey race of the year fell to J. G. MacKenzies Doc Yak, who had the saddle services of young Gordon Potter. Potter rode an exceptionally skillful race, getting his mount up in time to defeat Dental Chair by a neck margin in the six furlong sprint. Doc Yak, an outsider in the speculation, paid 6.30.
