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Fifty Riders Registered For Ak-Sar-Ben Meeting Thirty-Two Day Omaha Session Will Get Under Way Tuesday OMAHA, Nebr., May 19.— Everything is in complete readiness for the annual Ak-Sar-Ben meeting of 32 days, which is scheduled to get under way next Tuesday, May 24. The session, which will close on July 4, is expected to be one of the best in the history of the well-appointed track since the recent return of the thoroughbred sport to the "Cornhusker State." With the major portion of the numerous horses to be seen under colors already on the scene, training activities have reached a new peak and only the arrival of several additional units from the Kentucky, Ohio and Illinois sectors remain to put in their respective appearances. The caliber of thoroughbreds on hand was pronounced the best yet by racing secretary and handicap-per Raleigh Leigh, thus assuring the local patrons interesting and thrilling sport during each day of the season. The Ak-Sar-Ben course, as well as the less pretentious other plants throughout the Nebraska circuit, showed both an increase in mutuel handle as well as attendance during the 1948 session, and it is expected that the 1949 season will even attract more arduous supporters of the "Sport of Kings." Paul Ebener, custodian of the jockeys quarters, has already accepted the registrations of some 50 accomplished reins-men, including such well-known mid-west-ern reinsmen as Raphael Sanabria, Dale Dew, William Seger, R. L. Hightshoe, Marcus Pena, Willie and Lee Bazer, Tom Os-ment, Willie Carstens, Tiff Pool, Eddie Franklin, Lester Kush, Ted Gordon, James Cassity, Cal Santage, Buster Mills, Luther Slape, Oscar Wells, Charles Sanders, Joe Dyer, John Orosco and Wendell Leeling. Also comprising the riders colony are several as yet unknown apprentices who annually get started on the road to fame during the Ak-Sar-Ben meeting. Last year both Donald Wagner and Lester Kush, who later rode with considerable success during the late Chicago session, blossomed into talented reinsmen, whereas the West Coast sensation, Gordon Glisson, who piloted Clifford Mooers Old Rockport to victory in the 00,000 added Santa Anita Derby, also began his saddle activities at the Ak-Sar-Ben track. As during the past several years, the same roster of officials who have supervised the Omaha sport, will return to their respective positions. Richard A. "Dick" Leigh, who serves as presiding steward, has been upon the scence for several weeks and has been busy placing the innumerable stables as they have arrived. Requests for stabling space due to the added interest this year in the Omaha meeting far outnumbers the stabling capacity, and the Ak-Sar-Ben officials regretfully were forced to deny scores of formidable applicants. Horsemen are high in the praise of the racing strip proper and term it the best ever. The Ak-Sar-Ben track, always well-known for the fast condition of its strip throughout the years, is also one of the safest ovals as can be attested by the minimum of charges who either break down or pull up sore during their campaigns.
