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Work on Atlantic City Track Reported Progressing Favorably All Indications Point to * ► Huge Plant Being Ready For Opening on July 22 ATLANTIC CITY, N. J., June 4.— Despite frequent construction delays occasioned by adverse weather, work is progressing favorably on the new and modern racing plant which the Atlantic City Racing Association is erecting near this world famous resort city. With ample time remaining before the scheduled opening of the first meeting on July 22, there is every indication that the huge plant, the states third major race course, will be completed in its blueprinted entirety. Practically completed at this time is the racing strip proper, which will be a one mile oval. The base of the track has been in for several weeks, but persistent rains in this area throughout the month of May prevented track superintendent Harold Johnson from putting on the final layer of top soil. Johnson, however, plans to have this work done in time to permit horsemen to use the track for training purposes by June 15, originally announced as the date the strip would be opened. Except for the minor task of installing roofs, all of the barns at Atlantic City have been erected. Constructed of fire-proof material, these well-appointed barns will be able to house approximately 960 horses. The entire stabling area is located in an area flanking the far turn. Fortunately, the Atlantic City plant is situated on a plot of ground that boasts extremely good draining and although the rain has hampered workmen to a certain degree, it has not prevented them from moving right ahead with landscaping. All of the various parking areas have been graded and shaped and all that remains to be done is to lay on the hard surface. When completed, the Atlantic City track parking areas will be able to accommodate a total of 10,000 cars. Much work remains to be done on the huge grandstand which, when completed, will accomodate some 13,000 fans. This i building and clubhouse will be particularly attractive with its red brick facings. According to plans, Atlantic City probably * ► i will boast one of the largest standee terraces of any track in the East. Like Garden State Park, near Camden, Atlantic City will be a compact plant with all administrative offices located right in the main stand. Certain to be completed in time for the opening is the railroad spur which will run into the track from the nearby right of way. Workmen are installing this spur now and adequate landing platforms for patrons are being erected. Situated about 12 miles west of Atlantic City, the track is just off the Black Horse Pike and is within easy motoring distance of the famous resort city and other large communities in that section of New Jersey. With good railroad facilities available, Philadelphia and Camden are expected to provide a large segment of the tracks daily patronage. The Atlantic City Racing Association has divided its dates and will conduct two meetings, from July 22 through August 17 and September 16 through October 5. Stake blanks for the first meeting already have been distributed among horsemen. Charles J. McLennan, popular young official who will serve as Atlantic Citys racing secretary, has carded a total of 13 rich specials for the season, six of which will be run during the 24-day inaugural meeting. They are the 0,000 Atlantic City Inaugural Handicap at Six furlongs for three-year-olds and upward on July 22 ; 0,000 Boardwalk Handicap at one mile and a furlong for three-year-olds and upward on July 27; 0,000 Worlds Playground Stakes at six furlongs for two-year-olds on August 3; 5,000 Absecon Handicap at one mile and a furlong for three-year-olds on August 10; 5,000 Mermaid Handicap at six furlongs for three-year-olds and upward, fillies and mares, on August 14, and 5,000 All American Handicap at one mile and three-sixteenths for thre-year-olds and upward on August 17. Stakes scheduled for the second meeting consisting of 18 days, will be announced in the near future. According to racing secretary McLennan, features for the second meeting will be even more attractive than those carded during the initial session.
