, 1875-07-10
The New Race Caurse.

The large concourse Of people who were
present 10 witness the first races over the new
course at WAlla Walla, July 9th, were favor
ed with beautiful day, and interesting and
exciting races. Dame nature was attired
In her robe of richest green; there was air
enough stirring to temper the heat OF the sun,
and there was spread before the admirsr Of
nature a panorama so beautiful that it can
scarcely be surpassed. Looking from the
" grand stand" to the left and front, the eye
rests admiringly on the slope Of the Blue
mountains, clothed to their summit with the
brightest verdure, and dotted with farm
houses and cultivated fields like squares upon
checker board. Immediately to the right
distant less than a nile-is the PROSPEROUS
town Of Walla Walla, while to the front
and right the vision Is bounded by the high
lands that lie beyond the Walla Walla river
The groves that fringe the numerous streams
are prominent feature in the landscape,
which once seen must long be remembered,
and well worthy the pencil of the artist
The proprietor of the course, Mr. Bush,
and the gentlemanly and accommodating
lessees, Messrs. Lindsey s. Glove, had done
everything in their power to render the spec
tators comfortable ana afFoEd them fine
sport. The track, though new and capable
Of improvement, is pronounced by judges to
be as good as the best on this slope. II Is an
exact mile. enclosed with q tight fence, and
TO the inexperienced eye would be called a
dead level, but there is really a descent from
the head Of the "home stretch " round 10
the half mile pole thence round the upper
turn " there is a slight rise The ground Is
firm and elastic without being hard, and
under the able management of the gentle
men in charge, WAS in prime condition.
The grand stand ~ is u substantial build
ing one hundred feet by thirty, and Is capa-
bic OF seating a thousand persons. On the
present occasion it was literally filed with
the matrons, maidens, men and youths of
WaIla Walla and adjacent counties. And
though, doubtless, Long Branch and Sara
tosa would make much grander display of
valenciennes and brussels lace, of silks and
cambrics Of fine texture, yet we would lay a
wager that IN the small matters of rosy.
cheeks, bright eyes, 1.-the figures, couten ted
and Joyous countenances, our mountain
lassies would bear away the prize.
Elsewhere our local presents a full report
of the three days races, and here We nav
add that the horses that were entered were
mainly Walla Walla stock, and many of
them remarkable for their beauty as well as
speed. The two favorite trotters, AZ Mark
Twain" and q Bcllfower," were both fOaled
in this Valley, and certainly reflect credit
upon their sire, "Old Bellfounder," ," who has
given TO the turf a number of descendants
who will do honor to his name. A number
of colts, the get of - Snowstorm, " also showed
up remarkably well, and one Of them, Belle
Brandon, made the finest time ever shown
by a three-year old II has long been the
ory with the writer that The climate and soil Of
Walla Walla Valley are peculiarly adapted
to the rearing OF fine blooded horses, and
after the demonstration at the three days
races, We think that no competent Judge will
venture to contradict our proposition. With
racing rs mere gambling pursuit We have
no sympathy whatever, bat when matches
are made for the purpose Of encouraging the |
growth OF fine animals, they deserve the |
OF all those who feel an interest /.
in the lasting prosperity of the country.
Heretofore our race tracks have been man
aged with little judgement, and as a couse-
quence the better class Of people refused their
countenance. Our policy Ill this respect Is !
now changed, and with one Of the finest race
tracks on the coast, under the control of in-
telligent and responsible gentlemen, the turf
in future promises to hold a high place in |
popular regard. The States of kentucky /,
aud Vermont have gained reputation Bud /
wealth for the attention given by breeders TO !
he rearing OF fine stock, and III that way
he reputation of these States has been eN-
tended 10 the farthest confines OF civilization. |
Here in Walla Wa!la we have the finest I
climate, the most luxuriant grasses, and all |
the conditions required 10 develop animal |
life on IA broader and larger scale than obtains |
in either of the States named, and hence we !
hold that with proper care III breeding and !
selecting, our turf men may IN a few years !
,rnin fOr their stock a worldwide reputation,
and for themselves and those who come after !
them golden harvest.