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: _ . Lincoln Fields Mutuel Play Up But Crowds Are Off Slightly 80,607 Daily Average at 30-Day Session; Net Purse Distribution of 51,500 Lincoln Fields, which again conducted its 30-day meeting at Hawthorne in suburban Chicago, didnt draw quite as well this season as last year, but the pari-mutuel handle" showed a slight increase over the corresponding session of 1952. Patronage totaled 403,312 for the 30 days of May 18 — June 20, inclusive, compared with an overall turnout of 423,053 last season. These figures represent a daily average attendance of 13,444 for 1953 and 14,102 in 1952. However, the 403,312 Lincoln Fields patrons this year wagered a sum of 9,418,-216 for a daily average of 80,607, while the slightly larger crowds of last year bet 8,461,689 during the 30 days for a daily mean of 48,723. Seven stakes and handicaps were decided, the Peabody Memorial on Memorial Day topping the list. Royal Bay Gem, the stretch-running three-year-old, accounted for the Peabody and the 9,800 he earned for his owner, Eugene Constantin, Jr., in that event enabled him to head the money-winning horse list. Baybrooks victory in the Edward J, Fleming Memorial Handicap June 6, plus another triumph and a second gave runner-up honors to Royal Bay Gem. Although William Hal Bishop, the perennial leading trainer at Lincoln Fields, as well as at most other Chicago courses, didnt relinquish his hold on that crown, Hasty House Farm gleaned more money than any other establishment or individual owner with 5,625. Hasty House Farm thoroughbreds accounted for five victories, nine seconds and a pair of show spots, their top total being aided considerably by Ruhes pickup of 5,950 in the Lincoln Handicap, second richest race of the meeting, on closing day. Eighteen Winners for Bishop Bishops winning margin in the conditioning department was a big spread of seven successes, "Mr. B." throwing the girth around 18 victors while runner-up Elmer Kalensky saddled 11 winners. Bishop tacked on 10 seconds and 11 thirds to amass a bankroll of 3,782 and finsh next best to Hasty House Farm in money won among the owners. Veteran Johnny Adams spread-eagled the jockey field with 47 winners in 177 mounts for a very creditable percentage of .27. Adams nearest pursuer in the matter of victories was young John Heckmann with 25. Doug Dodson, another vet, was closest to Adams percentage-wise with a .17 mark although Dodson rode in only 60 races, winning 10 of them. Heckmanns percentage was .16. Horsemen received a net distribution of 51,500 from a gross of 74,075, the daily average outlay being 1,716.67. There were 84 winning favorites in the 251 races for a percentage of .33, below normal. Second choices came through 55 times while outsiders won on 113 occasions. There was one dead-heat for first money. Winners at odds-on totaled 13 against 10 held at less than even money that failed to reach the charmed circle. Complete Lincoln Fields statistics: May 18 to June 20—30 Days Gross distribution 74,075 Net distribution 51,500 Daily average net distribution. .1,716.67 Attendance 403,312 Daily average attendance. 13,444 Mutuel handle 9,418,216 Daily average" mutuel handle. . . .80,607 Leading Money-Winning Owners Owner. 1st. 2nd. 3rd. Won. * Hasty House Farm 5 9 2 5,625 Bishop, W.H. 18 10 11 43,782 . Constantin, E. Jr._ 1 0 0 39,800 Cresson Farm 5 1 3 22,650 Buddah Stable 5 1 3 22,500 Knight, Mrs. J. L. and L. J. 2 1 0 21,575 Lowrance, E. 2 10 18,685 Wilson, S. E., Jr. 3 4 4 17,925 Woodview Stable 3 0 1 17,505 Fairway Farm 4 2 3 15,755 Leading Money-Winning Horses Horse. 1st 2nd. 3rd. Won. Royal Bay Gem 10 0 9,800 Baybrook 2 1 0 21,575 Ruhe 1 2 0 18,450 Everett Jr. 2 0 0 17,045 Jay Jay Gee 3 0 0 17,045 Company B. 2 0 2 15,150 Platan 0 2 0 12,000 Sir Mango 1 0 1 11,500 Sunny Dale 110 10,500 Dry Run 10 1 9;625 * r ,„. .lEL Farm stable was the leading owner at the recent Lincoln Fields meeting with earnings of 5,625.
