view raw text
I I j MRS. GEORGE RING— The California owner was among those from the Golden State in the Kentucky Derby crowd. ► Thousands at Downs Entrance Long Before Gates Are Opened Rush to Gain Best Vantage J Points for Derby Program; Turf Notables on Hand CHURCHILL DOWNS, Louisville, Ky., May 7. — Ideal weather, turning cooler after four unseasonably hot days, lured out a tremendous early throngh to the historic Churchill Downs here this morning, a crowd bent on seeing the Diamond Jubilee running of the Kentucky Derby. Long before the gates opened at 8:00a.m. thousands were lined up at the entrance wickets. The early arrivals were on hand at daybreak, waiting to obtain the choice of the unreserved seats. By 9:00 oclock an estimated 7,500 people dotted the center-field and another 5,000 had taken their pick of the unreserved seats. Among the most desirable vantage points were those adjacent to the inner rail from the head of the stretch to the winners circle and the rows of benches near the first turn, and which, while well removed from the track itself, afforded an excellent view. After the early rush, there was a lull in the stream of patrons but it picked up again shortly before 10:00 oclock and before the post time for the first race, 11:30 a. m., the tide of humanity was tremendous. The clubhouse dining rooms, seating some 2,000, were completely reserved. Admission was by card only. While many Derby regulars* had their traditional Derby breakfasts at their homes or in their respective hotels, the clubhouse dining rooms played host to the many who wished their Derby breakfast at the track. Despite the fact that Harry M. Stevens Catering Company expanded its facilities to the utmost, a large number of early arrivals brought boxlunches with them. At 10:00 oclock, the Fort Knox band paraded into the centerfield, followed by a battalion of soldiers and a color guard. The Army unit marched into the winners circle enclosure and made a guard of honor for that enclosure. The cool air which had been sweeping the course since mid -morning, whipped up a light overcast shortly before 2 oclock. Half an hour later the gathering clouds presented a possibility of rain. More than 800 state militiamen, in combat helmets were on the grounds at an early hour and took up strategic posts about the track. Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Seley, of Beverly Hills, owners of Duplicator, were hosts to a large group of guests at a Derby breakfast and at a cocktail party the preceding night at the Seelbach Hotel. Thomas W. Simmons and Mrs. Simmons, of Hollywood Park, were among the early arrivals in the clubhouse. Accompanying the president of Hollywood Park was J Edward "Eddie" Welch, the recently appointed assistant director of racing at the California plant, which will race its dates at Santa Anita beginning May 24, a switch in locale necessitated by the disastrous fire of yesterday. The California "Derby Special," the first special from that state in the history of the Kentucky Derby, arrived early in the morning on schedule. J. Kel Houssels of Las Vegas, Nev., an owner and the leading breeder in the Silver State, was another visitor from the far west. "I wouldnt miss this Derby for anything," said Houssels. "I came back to see Gordon Glisson ride Old Rockport." Houssels formerly held Glissons contract. The youngster developed into the nations leading apprentice while riding contract for the Nevada turfman. Houssels sold the Glisson papers to Clifford Mooers several weeks ago. Stuyvesant Peabody, the new chairman of the Illinois Racing Board, entertained with one of the larger Derby day parties. Among his guests was Adlai Stevenson, the governor of Illinois. Samuel D. Riddle, owner of Man o War, and whose War Admiral won the Kentucky Derby in 1937, drove over from Lexington for the race. He watched the running from his limousine parked near the head of the stretch. Mr. and Mrs. Walter J. Salmon of New York and Lexington, entertained a party of eight in the clubohuse. Salmon is the master of the famed Mereworth Stud in Fayette County. Spencer J. Drayton, secretary of the TRA, had a staff of 20 men at the Downs representing the TRPB. Drayton was accompanied by his top executive staff, including Ed Coffey, Joe King, Keith Carter and Bob Laughlin. James C. Stone, of Louisville and Lexington, former president of the National Association of Thoroughbred Clubs, also entertained a large party of friends. Stone has not been feeling too well lately, but the combination of a fair day and a closely contested Derby made him judge the trip to the Downs worth while. John Hay Whitney, owner of Greentree Farm, with his sister, Mrs. Charles Ship-man Payson, came over from Lexington for the race along with Maj. Louie Beard, who is in charge of Greentrees thoroughbred activities. Mr. and Mrs. George Ring, of California, flew into Lexington this morning following a check-up visit to John Hopkins in Baltimore and motored over for the race. The Rings were the box guests of Mr. and Mrs. John D. Hertz, of Stoner Creek. Tom Shehan, Rockingham Park steward, was accompanied by his father, T. J. Shehan, of Danvers, Mass., a former steeplechase rider who was witnessing his first Kentucky Derby. Governor Henry Schricker headed the delegation from Indianapolis. Secretary of State Charles Fleming, Attorney General J. Everett McManamon, Arthur Campbell, secretary to the governor, and 200 Hoosiers came by special train, arriving at ten thirty. Gov. Fuller Warren of Florida, Mr. Newman Bracken, Mr. Perry Murray, Mr. and Mrs. Norvin S. Veal, all of Tallahassee were a representative Derby party from the Sunshine State.
