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Widener Tells of Belmont Improvement Program Battery of Twelve Escalators To Be Installed for 55 Racing BELMONT PARK, Elmont, N. Y., May 26. —George D. Widener, president of the Westchester Racing Association, played host to the working press at a luncheon served on the terrace outside of the Presidents office at Belmont Park today. Widener, who is also chairman of The Jockey Club, discussed improvements planned at the spacious track and invited questions on matters relating to the Westchester Racing Association. A battery of 12 escalators, four on each floor of the grandstand and two on each floor of the clubhouse will be constructed at. the close of the fall meeting and be ready for use next spring. Widener said that the engineers had advised that some escalators could be installed in time for use this fall, but that the margin of time was too small to be risked. Widener also said that plans for re-grading the grandstand lawn to provide better visibility were under serious consid-. eration and would probably be put into effect, while it was also possible that the interior of the grandstand would be redecorated, though this had not yet been discussed with the directors. The Philadelphian also said that it was his opinion that the grass course racing had justified itself and would be continued in the fall, with the lower turn being banked, which he said was a comparatively simple matter. Questioned as to what steps had been taken on the part of the New York racing associations to obtain some relief from the inequitable tax situation of the running tracks in relation to the harness associations, Widener said that a report had been prepared stating the running tracks position, copies which had been sent to each state legislator, as well as to other officials. Widener was asked if any attempt had been made to -solicit the intervention of John Hay Whitney in this matter, pointing out that the master of Greentree Stable is chairman of the Republican state finance Committee. Widener agreed that Whitneys services and influence in this situation would be invaluable. Widener also announced the appointment of John W. Hanes, industrialist and breeder, as well as former undersecretary of the Treasury to the Belmont Park board of directors. j
