The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-06-02
RACING IN "A POOL OF SLUSH.
The Coaching Club Represented BY MsSN Douglas
Bronson, &hsrms1h0n and RiVs.
FOUR WELL CONTESTED RACES
Warminster- Regardless Colt. King Ernest
jersey Belle Filly, Bayard and
Garrick the Winners.

Tho second days sport Of the American Jockey
CLUB spring meeting opened with miserable weather.
TO the ssonishment OF the general pubic the flags
The Jockey Club Aston House were hosted shortly
before noon plainly ssnifying tho intention OF the
management to have the run, rain shine. Up
70 hali-past eleven the morning fair with strong
norhcastcriy breeze, but tho flags had hardly been
boosted before the rain commenced and kept on
steadily throughout the day in iact II looked bad
about hafpast twelve that numbers OF downtown
people gave up the OF going the track feeling
convinced that there would be racing after all
They were evidently not familiar with tho manner IN
which the American Jockey Club manage their bus
ness, as IL has always been their rule 10 have tho
races run, however bad tho weather might be. This
plan, after all. is the bost, then everybody that
starts certain not to be disappointed
NUMBER OF people came up to the Grand Central
Depot about one r. NJ, not feeling at all certain
as to whether there to be any sport; but
they were soon satisfied on that point, us
y notice had been posted up the
depot to the effect that there would be
racing. matter what kindof weather preva icd. Tho
excursion train to Jerome Park that advertised
10 leave AS p n. KEEP. back until near two
H.. and even then started of with good many empty
seats. Everybody board the cars appeared aston
ished that the TO take place in such a
storm and sympah zcd with the Jockey Club in their
bad luck There not quito sufficient hacks In
attendance at Jerome Park Station, and rather than
walt Until they got back from their rst trip many Of
tho passengers walked up tho fields, padding
through the siush the best way they could.
THE OUT
There would have been quite handsome display OF
private carriages tho II the rain had held Off
another hour but the appearance OF the weather at
about li-past twelve was too discouraging There
several, however, who cid not mind the rain
and started, well wrapped up in waterproois, deter
mined witness the racing at all hazards Mr. Au-
gustus Schermerhorn drove out party OF gentlemen
on his four hand coach, ana his team OF chestnuts
did quito well considering the heavy condition OF the
roaos. Mr.. W. +. Douglas wus out with his coach.
carrying largo party that at the distance
looked Ike white and black figures, but
on closer inspection proved TO be ladies in dark
gray waterproofs and gentlemen In long
white rubber driving coats Mr.. Rves and Mr.. Fred
Bronson also with their coaches, each of
which carried several ladies. II was certainly not
pleasant day Tor drive, but thcro rs delightful inde
pendent kind OF feeling ABOUT going out in rain
storm almost mskes imagine that he 10
roughing H. Tho Park looked beautiful, with its rich
lawns covered with iuxurient grass aud the drops
OF rain water hansing like diamonds, bright aud
clear, from the foliage Of the trees. II was rather
deserted appearance. and going hardly met
heading the one way. Alter leaving the Park
the driving proved very heavy Central avenue,
tho light wagons dashed by they scattered the
mud IN showers all ovor tho road. II was amusing TO
watch people dismount at the stand who went
In light wagons and carriages, the majority being
spattcred with mud from head TO foot. The guests
the coaches luckily too high up TO be reached by
the dirt, and when they alighted at the club hoase
and took Off their wraps they were mona the worse
for their drive.
SCENES
1t certainly was not a very cheering prospect
that greeted tho eyes OF the spectator when he
arrived In tho grand stand about haipast
two. There about couple OF hun
dr.d people seeking shelter under the stand,
and the park looked almost deserted rhcre was
close drifting rain blowing up from the NORTH and tho
track looked ike immense pool OF dirty yoilowish
coored water with innumcrabe little islands OF mud
scattered around in countless profusion. few ais
maooking figures were perched up on the vcrandas
OF house. and round 10 the lett forty
6fty people were clustered together Doadhoad Hill,
patiently awaiting the commencement OF the sport.
Presently ofthe thar to
mako their deput before tho racing public splash
iny along over their fetiocks In mud. The jockeys
had their on, covering up the dainty silks aud
satns OF their racing jackets and tho youngsters that
they riding were also wrapped In blankets and
had their tails tied up TO keep them out OF tho dirt
Captain Connor, tho starter, did not have very
envisble task, no had to walk through the mud
10 tho starting point, which was hall mile distant
He had only just started when one OF tho gentlemen
belonging to the Polo Cub asked where bo was,
wanted 10 lend MN ride oyer. but the ofrer
unfortunately, c.no 100 late, as tho captain was
niready nearly halt way his journey.
There was such dense mist this ume
That the horses were barely visible 10 tho
of ANXIOUS xpectaton t1ey starred on and before
minute had elapsed swept past the judges stand.
Horses and Jockeys we're one mass o. mud Their
colors ali oil tho hue consequently, and tor
lew moments tnere Was great uncertainty as 10
what had won. some saying Belmont and others Nor
ris. In a lev minutes NO 70 went up, ana then
tho xers began TO pay tho fortunate hackers
OF Mr.. Norris bay colt Tue quartcr.s,rcich was
almost deserted sill day, as the ram never stopped Tor
more than i've minutes during the races. There was
no necessity Tor having a man on duty AZ Tho gate
tho usual curiosity to take look nj the horses as
they pulled ~ before the judges stand.
DEApHEsD HILL.
The patience OF the people on Deadhead
Hill was something remarkaDie, as they sat
quietly throughout tho ram, watching the racing
Enjoying themselves hugely. They had
little quiet speculation also To give them nm interest
tleinan was making small book ior Their especial
benefit. Ho took everything that was offered, from
lively business IS ne vas careful no, 10 lay moro
than to agalnst anything he had a small boy
that acsed as an axssiab VINO Drought UP tue names
Of the winners alter each race. and, 10 Tact, made
himself generally useful After the race was
over the bookmaker his way home
whom be was stopped by colorei. gentleman WITH a
rather Iorciblc demand Tor t.enty-nyc cents. tho
latter was very indignant and produced dirty piece
OF paper, which called Tor nifty cents provided sus
quchanua came In 1rsi, and Us that animal did not
starr the hacker demanded the return OF his money
II in vain book maxer TO state That all bets
play pay. aud that wnen no rtskcd his thirty
nvo cents against the twenty nyo cent? that was put
up by the representative OF Africa he knew nothing
would take no excuse and, as no began 10 prepare
Tor action, tho knight OF the pencil weakened, and
produced the disputed quarter.
THE BETTING
re BOOB makers HAD very bad day, ms, notwith-
Standing the fact that outsiders won the hrst I'VE
races, they were both backed Tor large amount oil
money and some instances the layers were quito
hard hit. Almost everybody had anticipated that the
betting on the Juvenile Stakes would be very good,