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ON THE WIRE By HUGH J. McGUIREl RIVER DOWNS, California, Ohio, June 29. A visitor to this course who had not seen the plant on the very banks of the Ohio River in a few seasons, would be amazed at the spic and span propriety of the entire course. Improvements have followed one another in quick succession and these extend from the elaborate quarters for officials and press on the roof of the grandstand to a new drainage system in the stable area- The complete picture will bear comparison to any track. Latest installations include a new cafeteria in the grandstand area and improved quarters for the jockeys, topped by a sun porch. River Downs is situated on a low plateau on the rivers edge and all the latest improvements .have been made in concrete blocks and tile to counteract any inroads from the river at flood stage. A A These water-resistant additions extend through the mutuel plant and in the event of high water the debris need only be washed away with a hose. The tile facing makes for a beauty and neatness seldom encountered in a betting ring. The enlarged jockey quarters make room for a new automatic washing machine and the riders are able to enjoy television while waiting for their engagements. The new drainage system in the stable area was installed under the direction of track superintendent Thur-man Pangborn and this spring handled with ease the heaviest precipitation of rainfall that the track has seen in several years. Many of the barns have also been reroofed. The use of cement blocks and tile on the base floor everywhere extends to the office of racing secretary Eugene Bury which is situated near the head of the stretch. The danger of rotting wood has now been eliminated and publicity director Tony Webner tells us that flood waters would have to reach up into the grandstand boxes to cause serious damage. A A A Following the example set by Keeneland and utilized by Pimlico, River Downs is to have a Dinner Stakes. Plans follow closely those set by Keeneland whereby invitations are issued to various prominent persons associated with racing to subscribe to the purse, the funds from the subscription to go toward securing a trophy for the winning owner and to defray the cost Many Changes Made at River Downs Bears Comparison to Any Course Flood Waters Do Little Damage Now of a dinner to be held in the clubhouse on the evening of the race. Subscribers may lease a two-year-old to compete in the race which is set for Wednesday, July 21. It will be a five-furlong dash for a purse of ,500 and director of racing Henry Green has said that if the response merits such action the purse may be run in two divisions. There is a race in the condition book for Wednesday, June 30, which, if it fills, may see some of the two-year-olds in action who will eventually race in the Dinner Stakes. The plan is, of course, to foster more free comeraderie among Ohio sportsmen and those who have already signified that they will participate include Sidney I. Crew, Joseph W. Homan, Marvin Gaines, Jake Litwin, Charles Heekin, .P." V. Con-nell, Mrs. Mary C. Stephenson, Mrs. D. Draut, Don Hall, Froome Barbour, Dir. Quill, Mrs. Schneider, Jack Fuller, John Clippencer, Dave Schor and Edward Seibert. AAA Of particular interest to Kentuckianss is the plan in operation here to bring patrons from Kentucky towns to the track by means of a ferry across the river. Racegoers from as far away as Lexington are now finding it convenient to drive to Brent, Ky., where they park their cars and are ferried to adjacent Coney Island Amusement Park. Here a bus sponsored by the River Downs management meets them and transports them the short distance to the track. They can return by the same route at leisure and residents of such places as Newport, Covington, Cyn-thiana. and all other Kentucky towns find that they save valuable time by avoiding traffic through Cincinnati. Route 8 leads to the ferry dock at Brent. Also of interest to Kentuckians is that twice weekly air-conditioned buses are operated from Louisville to River Downs. This project is sponsored by a charitable organization. AAA In Brief: That there is no shortage of horses here is evident from the overnight entry sheets which, show as many as 68 horses excluded from some contests. Henry Green and his associates are trying to recall when a card similar to one offered here recently was presented. Twelve horses faced the starter in each of eight races during the afternoon . . . George Bulcrofti, in charge of the jockey quarters here and a veteran in that work, claims that the enlarged riders room here is the most modern that he has ever controlled. Incidently, Bul-croft has some 45 riders on hand, including the newcomers Albert Garry, Albert Wolfe and John-Shoyat. George Rever-man, mutuels manager here, departed for Billings, Montana, where he will supervise the opening of a dog track. Menus in the clubhouse unfold to display descriptive photos of several aspects of local racing . . . Henry Green is beginning to feel that the position of clubhouse hostess is an invitation to matrimony. Four of the last five ladies who have held the post resigned to be married and the present encumbent, Miss Naney Champion, will do likewise in September . . . Jockey W. D. Lucas, leading rider at this meeting, failed to pass army requirements due to his weight of 95 pounds.
