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Register Over 700 Head For Ak-Sar-Ben Meeting Total Expected to Top Last Years Record of 864 Horses OMAHA, Neb., May 21. A record colony of thoroughbreds is on the grounds at Ak-Sar-Ben track in preparation for the opening next Tuesday of the Midwests greatest sports event of 1947. Ak-Sar-Bens traditional 30-day race meeting will extend through July 5, with no racing on Sundays and Mondays. Post time will be 2 p. m. each day, except twilight races each Thursday starting at 3:30 p. m. No children will be admitted. More than 700 horses are already registered and racing secretary R. A. Leigh, Sr., expects the opening-day population to top last years high mark of 864. While the numbers might be approximately the same as last year, Leigh believes that the class of runners will be considerably ahead of previous years. "Ak-Sar-Ben race patrons this year will see the finest horseflesh in history at a midwestern meet," the secretary said. In addition to the finest imports, Ak-Sar-Bens broad program to improve the breed of Nebraska runners will, pay off with a standout crop of native thoroughbreds. Ak-Sar-Ben encourages Nebraska-bred owners to seek purses by offering 3 per cent of the first money of every purse won by a Nebraska-bred horse to the breeder. Additional awards are made in open races. N Ak-Sar-Ben, a non-profit organization, will devote proceeds from the racing -meet to public service projects of benefit to the entire Midwest.
