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FORT ERIES FINE INAUGURAL r : Boniface First in Dominion Handicap by a Narrow Margin. . . Ross Star Hard Pressed by My Dear Thrilling Finishes Feature the Racing1. 4 FORT ERIE. Out.. August S. The Dominion Handicap, which was offered as the feature attraction for the opening days racing at Fort Erie this afternoon, was won by J. K. L. Ross iron horse Boniface after a hard and grueling stretch drive with My Dear. Brilliant Jester being third. The race was a dash of a mile and a juarter, to which ,300 had been added, and called for horses three-year-olds and over. A. field of five faced the starter, there- being three withdrawals. The start was a good one and Brilliant Jester, from the Seagram Stable, was the one to cut out the pace, while Boniface and My Dear were each lying within close striking distance. That alignment was maintained until well toward the turnout of the stretch, when Claver sent Boniface after the leaders, McTaggart also calling on My Dear. AVhen well straightened out in the stretch run Boniface stood a hard drive and just managed to hold a smaH advantage over the courageous little daughter of King James and win by a head. Brilliant Jester was a good third, while Sir Grafton brought up the rear, never having been a contending factor. Threatening weather prevailed for the opening dny"and the severe storms of Saturday and Sunday left telling marks on the going, which was slow and holding and deep down on the inner rail. The card which was offered served to bring together will balanced fields, and the majority of the winners scored only after hard drives and close finishes. Secondary to the feature event was the Buffalo Express Handicap, a dash of five and a half furlongs. This race brought together a small but well matched band of sprinters. The winner turned up in A. L. Kirbys Talisman, which managed to outstay the fast closing Eulah F. to win by a short margin. The-latter had a shorter margin over Last One, while the favorite. Hildur, was fourth. WINNER FOR TRAINER SCHELKE. Fred Schelke, former trainer of Commander Ross Canadian stable, had the distinction of sending the first winner of the meeting to the post in the Thorncliffe Stables Push Pin. which beat the favorite. Lady Heart, in the opening dash. The race was for Canadian-bred two-year-olds at five-eighths of a mile. After a brief display of early speed Humorist gave way to Push Pin. and the daughter of First Sight Sky Rocket showed the way thereafter. However, it was no cinch for the Thorncliffe standard bearer, as Lady Heart was right at her heels all the way. J. McTaggarts vigorous finish on the winner really decided the race. It was a close thing at the end, the first three horses being less than a half length apart. Again in the second race the spectators were thrilled by a nose and head finish between the first three horses, the result of which was in doubt until the officials announced the placing. Seven platers, of more or less fondness for bc-ivy going. faced the starter in this contest, with prefci -enco shown for J-ady Luxury. The pace was fa -1 for Hie track. Polar Cub setting a merry p-vc willi L:tiy Luxury closest in attendance. When the stretch was reached the pacemaker retired and Lady Luxury appeared all over the winner. Her backers were already hailing her as the victress, when they were given the shock of their lives. Flibbertygibbet coining on the outside in the last eighth and earning the decision in the last stride. The early pace told on the favorite at the end and she tired when the winner made his belated but successful challenge. Marie Maxim .was third, right at the leaders flanks, after a good race. Still another battle royal was provided in the closing dash of the afternoon. Encrinite, Daruay and Woodthrush crossing the winning line in the order named with only the judges able to separate them. It was a fine finish and Claver showed to advantage. LARGE CROWD IN ATTENDANCE. The crowd, which was of large proportions despite the weather, was well rewarded for their journey across the river, betting was fairly brisk, although many of the winners paid larg; dividends for the usual investment. General James "W. AVadsworth. Sr., of the New-York State Racing Commission, was a visitor this afternoon and viewed the races from the stewards stand. Jockey A. Claver arrived from Saratoga this morning to ride Boniface in the stake event. H returns to Saratoga tonight, while the horses will remain here until the conclusion of the meeting. R. A. Eddy, general manager of the Business Mens Racing Association at New Orleans, was an arrival this morning. Mr. Eddy has glowing prospects for the forthcoming winter season at New Orleans. At private sale L. A. Seregni sold to L. A. Mc-Dermid the plater Citizen, which will be shipped to Vancouver for racing at that point. Word was received from Windsor that the condition of jockey E. Taylor is improving rapidly and that ho would be discharged sooner thau was expected. After a complete examination it was found that no bones had been broken. R. A. Smith and L. Morris were exonerated iu the federal court this morning. A stable boy named Norris was held by the authorities for having .two half pints of liquor in his possession. The moving pictures that were found in the car were views of the Frontier Handicap of a year ago that was won by Slippery Elm. The horses at present at Saratoga were ordered released. One of the outstanding improvements at the plant is a new paddock that at present removes all danger to thu patrons from an excitable horse. A high wire fence separates the stalls from tin-ring and a large runway proceeds to tjie walking ring,
