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. . Sportsmans Park J. J. 1 By Murphy — — Two. Latest Innovations Very Successful Re-Surfaced Strip Withstands Downpour New Clubhouse Heaters Add-to Comfort SPORTSMANS PARK Cicero, 111., April 30.— Sportsmans Parks two latest innovations, the clubhouse heaters and the re-soiled race track, were put . . to to thp the test test earlv early this this week week and and to to thp the test test earlv early this this week week and and not found wanting. The racing strip took several heavy downspouts jof rain and shed it in a reasonably short time, while the clubhouse during the recent cold spell was just as comfortable as your own living room. So many similar innovations have been tried on various racing strips in the past and have failed that many were dubious during the forepart of this session. This writ er recalls courses, particularly in California, where, an attempt had been made to make the strips waterproof. Many years ago at Bay Meadows, an expert, known as "Chemist" Jones, spread what was thought to be a magic formula on the track. It did* not prove to be very successfufl. During the opening meeting at Golden" Gate Fields in 1941, so many varieties of soil were tried that eventually the strip was in such poor condition it brought about a cancellation of the meeting. Several seasons ago, Santa Anita went through the process, and following a heavy rain, the strip would not become fast for many days. We had this in mind when we first observed Sportsmans Park prior to the opening. Now the soundness of the move has been proved to our satisfaction. For instance, the track was muddy on Sunday, slow for the first few races Monday, and good for the later events, and was fast for the Tuesday sport. That is pretty fair drying out. As for the heaters, they project warm air all over the place. What more could one ask? Happy Go Lucky Ready to Try Again In a recent column we stated that Harold Bock-mans former stakes star, Happy Go Lucky, now nine years old and absent from competition for well over one year, would be returned to training. Well, the veteran was on the Hawthorne strip today and went five furlongs in 1:03. The dockers report on the move reads, "Happy Go Lucky was just breezing." Seems as if the old fellow has a good chance of trimming some fair runners yet. . . . Incidentally, track superintendent Chuck Miller has worked almost as diligently on the racing strip at the historic neighboring plant for the convenience of the owners stabled there as he would were a race meeting in the near offing. Hawthorne will not open until September 2. Nominations for the 00,-000 Hawthorne Gold Cup will close July 5. It is regretful that we learn of the passing of California thoroughbred breeder Steve Hammond, a personal friend. He raced some horses on Chicago tracks a few years ago in the care of trainer Albert Johnson. . . . Charity week at Sportsmans Park showed an increase of about 00,000 over that of last spring. . . . A local TV sports commentator broke it up in chunks the other evening when he announced, "A foreign jockey named Valenzuela will be imported to ride Tim Tarn." Dont tell me that Texas aint still in the U. S. A., podner! . . . Recent thoroughbred arrivals at the Mikel farm at Carlock, 111., are a colt out of Good Lake and a filly out of Biz By. They are by Cant Trust. A foal by Cant Trust — Giant Image is expected soon. . . . Wood Pigeon, a two-year-old winner here Monday, is a son of Woodchuck, who won the Equipoise Mile in 1952, The colt was purchased by his present owner for ,900 at the Keeneland sales and has already earned ,140.* Careys Join the Derby Throng Robert F. Carey, head man at Hawthorne, and Mis. Carey are in Louisville for the Derby while daughter Honey, who serves as her dads secretary during the race meetings, is touring Europe with a party of girl friends. . . . Willie. Causey, who formerly trained for some top stables, arrived from Florida and is looking around. Is "at liberty" at the moment. . . . George Stutts brought six horses in from Florida to race in the silks of the Ramar Stable. . . . Ike Mourar, for several years affiliated with the Maine Chance Stable, brought 15 head from Florida for various owners. They are stabled at Washington Park. . . . Walter Visans arrived from Florida with Slave Dancer, Glad Bulnes, and French Legion, owned by the Wend Stable. . . . Mrs. Gomer Evans, of Tulsa, is visiting. Has some runners here in the care of C. C. Morris. Card from Izzy Goodman, Louisville man-about-town who is all hepped up over the Derby. He seems to like Jewels Reward, Tim Tarn, and Silky Sullivan. . . . Silky Sullivan has a younger brother named Satin Sullivan. May not be as smooth as Silky, but they claim he is a pretty fair prospect. . . . Mrs. D. J. Kennedy, one of the few woman trainers hereabouts, transferred Lord n Master and Near Chance from Washington Park to this track. . . . Angelo Cilio has won three races here with a five-horse stable. . . . E. K. Carey, owner of Silver State and other runners, departed for his home in Denver. . . . Owner J. W. Tillman is visiting from Pawhuska* Okla John C. Daniel asks that all .horsemen turn in their Randall Park stall application blanks as soon as possible. Has had many requests for stabling space at the Ohio course. . . . Former trainer C. J. Martin visiting from Florida, states he is open for offers to condition a small string. Has halter and1,iU,trAyel4 !, , L „ , j , , iH„ , , , ,
