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Close to 1,000 Horses Already at Ak-Sar-Ben Runners Who Have Seen Action at Various Other Tracks on Grounds By C. LINDEMAN Staff Correspondent AK-SAR-BEN, Omaha, Neb., May 19.— With the opening of Ak-Sar-Ben only a few days away, the stable area is rapidly filling to capacity. At this time there* are close to 1,000 horses now bedded down. There is every indication that the opening-days card will bring out the best in both the handicap class and also the better grade claiming variety. The spring rains have not helped- the facing strip to any great degree as it has been constantly deep in mud, which has hindered training to some degree. For the most part the horses that will appear under silks for the first few weeks are horses who have "been racing at other tracks in the country and are in tip-top shape. Clockers report that there has been sufficient numbers working out every morning to assure full fields for. the first weeks of racing. The riding colony is being added to daily, with jockeys checking in from all racing sectors. Among those who will be seen in action daily are Johnny Brooks, who was among the leading riders here last season, Taylor Powell who rode with some success at the recent Bay Meadows meeting on the Pacific Coast; Ellis Gray, a rider of note at many of the tracks throughout the country in past seasons. Leonard Jones and Lawrence Jones will both be here to offer competition. They are not related. Other apprentices are A. Duncan and Donald Richards. Many others are expected in the near future. General manager J. J. Isaacson has had a corps of men working at top speed these past weeks getting the plant all painted up and adding many new innovations for the comfort of the patrons. A new entrance has been built which adds greatly to taking care of the vast crowds expected. Parking facilities have been expanded to offer more space closer to the grandstand area. The mutuel plant, which is under the supervision of Norvin Lutz, has been redecorated and many new windows added to take care of the last-minute rushes.
