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BETWEEN RACES * osteons BELMONT PARK, Elmont, L. I., N. Y., May 13. — En route here from Pimlico, we stopped off for a day at Delaware Park, the swank, non-profit track on the outskirts of Wilmington, and discovered one of the most amazing set-ups on the American turf. Ranging from the improved and sumptuous quarters for the jockeys to the six tracks on the 500-acre property, it would appear that "Little Delaware" may set an example that will be followed, at least in part, by every other major race course in the country. The jockeys room, for example, was used as a test for what could be done in the way of human relations and general advancement for the sport. The quarters are the equal of, and in some cases superior to, the finest of turf club accommodations anywhere in America. The quarters, overlooking the green grass and majestic trees of the paddock, rre something out of this world. It is equipped as follows: Complete air conditioning, a new post-war type individual "hot dox," where the rider can steam off weight in a reclining chair, a sleeping room, a veranda on the upper "deck," where the riders can watch the running of the races under a bright canvas canopy, and in chairs and divans t*iat are of the costliest, a recreation room with a oilliard table, ping pong, snack bar, etc., a brand new ultra violet therapy machine. There is a special room where a new and large laundry unit has been established, and silks can be pressed after each race, and the expensive laundry items done at the track, and by the track. AAA If one might think the case is overstated, the little Item of ash trays have the "tiffany" look, and that, for an ash tray, is a lot. Delaware, of course, will improve from year to year to the point where its general manager and vice-president," Bryan Field, and the board of directors, believe it will be a model track. This year, the Delaware Jockey Quarters the Finest Six Tracks Available to Horsemen Roby Chase Draws a Record Field Ex-Turf Writer Progressive Manager jockey quarters were chosen for what might be termed a projection into the future. The results have been such as to give cause for awe. The six strips, too, are designed to make it a plant ideal for a trainer of both flat racers and steeplechasers. Four of the strips are to be raced over and will be used during the forthcoming 30-day meeting which opens on May 29. They are the regular dirt mile track with chutes, inside of which is the championship steeplechase course, used only for stakes; next, a new hurdle course, and inside that, the steeplechase course for the overnight events. The other two tracks, and which brings the +otal to six, are new five-furlong training ovals, one for the flat, the other for jumpers. AAA The Tom Roby Steeplechase, a 0,000 stakes, will open the lush stakes program on the 29th. The Roby may be the finest stake of its kind in America for this year. Even though it is not the richest, it closed with 56 nominations, a large list, and is bound to have a huge starting field for the reason that every owner and trainer to whom I talked wants to run one or more horses in the race as a tribute to the brave heart that was injured, but not stilled, in a fall some years ago. Later on in the season, the 0,000 Indian River Steeplechase Handicap, the Georgetown Steeplechase Handicap, also 0,000 added, and the Delaware Spring Maiden Steeplechase, ,000 added, will keep the jump interest at a high pitch. A A A - In many years in press boxes of various tracks throughout America, the writer has often lieard the remark from turf writers and, at times, has often said it himself: "If I ever manage a race track Id do things differently." The Delaware track gave an opportunity for at least one turf writer to make good on his thoughts, Field being lifted from a turf reporting post on a New York daily to first the public relations and la*er the managership, of a track committed to no profits The articles of ir corporation specify the revenues first pay off the bonded indebtedness of the track, then, but not necessarily in order, use all profits to pay stakes and purses, improve the racing plant, and offer breeders awards. Field once said, "If I had a track, Id make the jockey quarters so attractive every rider of merit in America would want to ride here, regardless of other considerations." This year he has done just that. AAA In brief, here are some other Delaware items: A new, modernistic, curved "tote" board has been installed, Delaware has been forced to turn down some 600 horses already for lack of stable accommodations. The grooms live in clean modern "bunkhouses" and not in tack rooms. An ambitious recreational program is in the making for their pleasure, including boxing programs, baseball, badminton, croquet and other sports. The press box has been glass-enclosed and also air conditioned for the comfort of the turf writers. Delaware has the largest parking lot east of the Rockies, some 70 acres, and has ample room to expand. No horse can race at Delaware from "off the grounds," excepting in stakes, and one barn is reserved for those shipping in for stakes only. Applications for stable space have to pass a stall committee, whose members are known only to the management, and then pass the scrutiny of the board of directors. In the nine years of racing to date, there has never been a case of stimulation, and they dont put uniformed guards around a horse, either. Delaware Is reputed to be the fastest-drying track in America. Many think the Delaware racing law is the ideal one of the nation, j
