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United Nation Wins as 18,283 Witness Detroit Opening Card Forrest Filly Streaks Home i . Length and Quarter Before Money Lender and Tacony By DON FAIR Staff Correspondent DETROIT, Mich., May 25.— Henry Forrests United Nation, a four-year-old daughter of Four Freedoms and Pompish, drove to a game victory here today in the sixth race, one of the top offerings on a well balanced program ushering in the current Michigan Racing Association season. Responding with a fine burst of speed when set down through the stretch by Pat Milligan, the Forrest filly streaked to the finish with a length and one-quarter advantage over Ivan D. Peats hard-charging and favored Money Lender. Just a head back, Saginaw Stables Tacony, the early pacemaker, lasted to take the short end of the purse, while Mrs. George C. Whites Bright Steel ran fourth in the field of 11 starters. Figures Above 1950 The Michigan Racing Associations 1951 meeting opened in auspicious .fashion, a crowd of 18,283 seeing the opening card. Ideal weather conditions prevailed for the inaugural, but the track was termed no better than good, although the footing improved, a bit as the day progressed. The attendance and wagering showed a decided increase over the 1950 figures, which was gratifying to MRA president E. E. Dale Shaffer and his associates. United Nation, always a favorite with Motor City racing followers, raced the Continued on Page Seven ! I I Crowd of 18#283 Out For Detroit Inaugural United Nation Takes Measure Of Favored Money Lender in Dash Continued from Paae One three-quarters over the good strip in 1:14% and she was second choice in the speculation at 3 to 1. Her triumph today was her first since shipment north from a strenuous winter campaign at New Orleans and Hot Springs. Tacony made the pace for the major part of the sprint distance and held a good lead when settled for the final drive, but faltered when challenged and could not withstand United Nations closing challenge. After bowing to the victress, Tacony held on quite well, but he was unable to stave off Money Lenders bid when the latter came from well back during the drive. Tacony, however, saved the show award by a good margin over Bright Steel, who tired after racing nearest the former until reaching the furlong pole. Saginaw Stables Nightlife, ridden by Chuck Burns, took a mildly surprising accounting from eight other useful sprinters in the six-furlong fourth race, and re- turned his backers slightly better than 10 to 1. Closing courageously during the stretch run, Nightlife went along to dispose of the leaders and draw out to a two-length advantage at the wire. Second honors went to H. W. Kellehers Lucky Micky, who was a neck- before William Zakoors Pip Pip at the end. G. and G. Stables Gay Liberty, the choice, flattered with early speed but failed to stay. Nightlife completed his task in 1:15%, earning his first purse of the year. Ordinary platers made up capacity fields for the initial three offerings on the opening day card, but they provided interesting sport, the first two races resulting in keenly waged contests. Marion H. VanBergs Brownanne, handled by Lois S. Cook, drove to a neck verdict in the six-furlong opener and returned 9.00 in the straight "tote" pool. Mrs. Audrey Gabels Rebate was second, a head before H. S. Reinemans Promise, who was another neck on A. L. Birchs Country Editor. Brownanne came from fourth position at the head of the stretch to earn her well deserved victory but had little left as she swept by the final marker. Big Dance, who races under the silks of I. Elizarde, scored a narrow decision in the second race at a like route under a strong ride from young Johnny Turner. Big Dance held a clear lead when settled for the drive, but had to be hard hustled during the late stages to beat out Theodore D. Buhls Bowled Over by a nose margin. Just a length arid one-half back, John Harts favored War Hal took third while Willard Proctors The Farmer salvaged fourth money in the sprint. ,
