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Papa Redbird Victor in Curtain Up Detroit Inaugural Attracts 20,000 Goodwin Homebred Runs Six Furlongs in 1:11 to Whip Porters Broom by Head FAIR GROUNDS, Detroit, Mich., May 13. — Papa Redbird flashed the form which enabled him to win the Arlington Classic when he ranged alongside Ray Anken-bauers pace-setting Porters Broom and wore him down to win the 0,000 Curtain Up Handicap by a head. A length and three-quarters back of Joe Goodwins successful four-year-old, Dixiana Farms Star Reward was a steady third three-quarters of a length in front of Piet in a field of nine sprint specialists assembled for this six furlongs. Papa Redbird was one of the topweights under 120 pounds and went over the distance in a flat 1:11, returning his backers .20. Papa Redbird was making his first appearance of the year and was well ridden by jockey W. Cook, who had only to smack him once with the whip about a furlong out, then wore down Porters Broom with a hand ride. The victory was worth ,460 to the son of Balladier and Taj Bibi. He was well played as a result of his brisk works here, though Piet was installed the public choice. It was a sharp contest from the outset, and Papa Redbird never was far away as Porter s Broom cut out the pace down the backstretch and around the turn. Master Bid and Almenow tired chasing him early, and, as they came off the turn, Papa Red-bird began his drive, with Star Reward following. Porters Broom only yielded in the final few strides. Star Reward was well placed, but could not reach the first two. Ideal Weather Prevails With ideal weather and track conditions prevailing for the inaugural program of the Michigan Racing Associations 80-day meeting, a crowd of some 20,000 turf enthusiasts turned out for the sport. President E. E. Dale Shaffer and general manager M. Joseph Lynch, of the newly formed racing organization, expressed complete satisfaction with the attendance, and wagering on the initial day of the Motor City season. Unfortunately, programs for the racing were delayed and only a small percentage of the large crowd were able to secure them before the first race was called to the post. Shaffer stepped to the public address microphone and apologized to the crowd for the program delay, which was caused by failure of printers to fill the track order on time. There was no raucaus blast of recorded music at the Fair Grounds today, a change which met with the approval of local racing patrons. The crack Wayne University band was on hand to furnish music between the races, and that organization received much applause from the big opening-day assemblage. Eternal Bomb, from the stable of John A. Kinard, was a handy and game victor in the six-furlong Lake Erie, best supporting offering. Smartly handled by Jimmy Combest, Eternal Bomb came from well back after overcoming interference and beat J. D. Weils Susan W. B. by two and one -quarter lengths. A length and one-half back, L. W. Stellings Byja Copo earned the short end of the purse from the three other members of the Lake Erie field. Black Disc, racing for Mrs. Moody Jolley, graduated from the maiden ranks when she turned back seven other juveniles in the five -furlong opener. Alertly handled by Robert L. Baird, Black Disc assumed command soon after the start, and was ridden out through the stretch for a two-length decision. W. T. Markeys Minnesota overcame interference at the final turn and finished stoutly enough to take the place award by a length and one-half over E. P. Taylors Romantic Dream. Running time over the firm footing was 1:01 and Black Disc was the choice at 2V2 to 1. Mrs. R. E. Wingfields homebred Dear Boots took major honors in the six furlongs second when Norman Cartwright guided her to a length and one-half verdict. B. H, Wises Jessica B„ the early pacemaker, lasted to take the place award over Dickey Stables Big Gravel, third in the field of nine three -lear-old starters. Dear Boots completed her task in 1:13%, paid 4.80 straight and completed the successful Daily Double combination with Black Disc, worth 8.80.
