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WidenerSafsBMnnt Stakes Is Americas Greatest Race Noted Sportsman-Breeder Cites Facts; Reviews Many Improvements for Big Plant By BOB HORWOOD Staff Correspondent BELMONT PARK, Elmont, L. I., N. Y June 11. In the tone of one who is stating what is completely self-evident and beyond question, George D. Widener said: "Why, the Belmont" Stakes is simply Americas greatest race. It is the one race that every breeder wants to win above all others, and I think it is the race that most owners who have been in racing any length of time would rather win than any other. If there is one race that can make a stallion, it is the Belmont." The chairman of The Jockey Club, who happens also to be president of the Westchester Racing Association, which maintains Belmont Park and annually presents the Belmont Stakes, continued: "It has been said many times that the Belmont Stakes is the counterpart of the English Derby, but that isnt any less true for having been said so often. And as the English Derby is the true championship test, because of its severe distance of a mile and a half and its conditions, so is the Belmont our true championship test for three-year-olds, which I think means also that it is the truest of all championship races for thoroughbreds." Question of Popularity In view of these facts, and the writer accepts them as facts, the sportsman and breeder was asked why he thought that the Belmont Stakes had never gained the popularity that its importance deserves. "So far as the public is concerned," Widener replied," the Kentucky Derby has come to be the only race of any consequence in America. I am speaking, of course, of the vast, non-racing public and those whose interest in racing is only casual. The Kentucky Derby has been built into a tremendous thing, and I cant see that anything can be done to overcome that. "Of course," he continued, "this tremendous popularity of the Kentucky Derby affects our own race, not only by overshadowing it, but also by eliminating many of the better horses, as well as the inferior, before they come to the championship. Because of its popularity, owners send colts to the Derby even when they know that it almost certainly means that they will thus have to miss the Belmont. Also, and for the same reason, many horses are. nominated to the Derby, but not to- the Belmont. "The whole picture of racing has changed in the last 10 years or so,-" Widener said. "Stake horses are now racing all year around, and ifr is becoming increasingly difficult for even the most experienced owners to resist the temptation offered by i the rich winter races." I "Can you see any possibility of a change in this trend, perhaps by inaugurating a race, or series of races, for three-year-olds who have not started before April 1, such as the Prix Juigne in France, which annually brings out 20 or more colts considered of great class, but reserved from early competition?" Widener was asked. "Im afraid riot," Widener said, a bit ruefully. "The trend is the other way. We now have the Florida Derby added to the Flamingo, making two 00,000 races in i I Florida during the winter. In California, they have the Santa Anita Derby and several other races worth 0,000 or 5,000. I suppose were really fortunate in that, despite all this, the champion has more often than not appeared in the Belmont." It was then suggested that the appearance of a champion can often be an embarrassment to a racing association, or at least costly. Widener agreed. "We have been hurt financially some years when one colt, such as Native Dancer or Citation or Count Fleet, so dominated his generation that by the time the Belmont is run there is no competition. But the rich winter stakes and the rich spring stakes, such as the Kentucky Derby, have sometimes contributed to this situation as when Straight Face was injured at Hialeah last year and Relic went wrong in Florida in Citations year. "One fact remains, though, and that is that the Belmont Stakes is still Americas greatest race. Even though it is overshadowed in popularity by the Kentucky Derby, and even though its field is sometimes seriously reduced, it is still the race that truly tests the thoroughbred and the people most interested in racing know this and appreciate it." Widener then changed the subject to one that is evidently almost as dear to his heart as the Belmont Stakes and discussed the improvements planned for Belmont Park.. It has become evident in recent weeks that the president of the Westchester Racing Association is determined to make the spacious course as popular with the general public as it is with horsemen and is not satisfied to wait for the state to grant the associations some relief in the form of an adequate share of the pari-mutuel revenue before effecting changes that will cost a considerable amount of money. To Install 12 Escalators While the battery of 12 escalators previously announced to be installed after the fall meeting, is the only major improvement for which plans have been completed, several other changes are on the agenda, though they have not yet been discussed with the stockholders and directors. In this category is a plan to grade the grandstand lawn to give the standees a better view of the races, as well as a recognition of the need to redecorate the interior of the grandstand on both levels. "I had not realized until recently, when I spent some time over there studying the plans for the escalators, how drab and shabby the interior of the grandstand had become. There is no question but that something must be done to brighten that whole area and make it a cheerful, pleasant place to spend, an afternoon." The Philadelphian then turnedthe tables and asked the writer: "What two things would you do if you could to make Belmont Park more popular with the public?" With no hesitation, but with proper apology for any toes that we might be stepping on, the answer was: "Reduce the size of the track and either eliminate, or drastically reduce the number of races on the Widener straightaway." Widener accepted these suggestions, which merely reflect the wishes of the average racegoer, but might seem heretical to one in his position, which is, after all, that of custodian of traditions as well as active head of a rendezvous for popular entertainment, without visible trace of shock.
