The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-03-08
SPORT UNSURPASSED.
WHAT TIE COMING SPRING RACE
MEETING PROMISES.
Leading Ambitions of tho New Mem-
phis Jockey Clubs New Manage
notwithstanding Conversation with
Secretary Doherty.

Secretary Doherty, OF the New Memphis
Jockey club, is one Of the busiest men in
the city. Owing TO the near approach OF
the spring meeting. which begins Satur-
pay, April a. he finds mass of details to
be arranged and looked after. There are
between 100 and 1870 horses now at the
track, making the most Of every favorable
hour for "doing work." These are spread
through a number OF stables each Of
which has two or more attendants, and al
together the place resembles small but
busting village, and there arc handsome
returns financially to the grocery and feed
dealers Of the city. The amount spent In
this way will average 81 600 per week, and
will increase as the stables arrive from now
until the meeting Is closed and the turf
men and horses depart for Nashville.
Mr.. Dohcrty has recently been working
with figures, on the basis OF the stables
which wintcrcd here in 1861. There
were 200 animals, with the necessary at
tendanls and trainers. The secretary in
formefan APPEAL reporter that during the
20Odsys they were there they eouldnot have
spent less than $50, 900 with the business
men OF the city who controlled their trade
in the various lines. II can easily he seen
from this reasonable estimate, that Il pays
10 make this wintering point for stables.
And this is just what Mr. Doherty is striv-
ing TO 10, with every prospect OF success.
allow does the winter just closing, COM
pare with that upon which your estimate
was based2'
There was marked decrease, but easily
explained. Last winter and spring there
was great deal OF sickness among the
animals. Now this winter there has not
been single case Of sickness at the track.
In consequence, all those who were kept
away on account Of this dread will return.
Memphis already has the reputation OF
being the finest wintering point in the
south, and owners will bc glad TO iecl safe
10 return when the fall races are at an
end"
"But Is there no, an attraction to New
Orleans, where racing is kept up pretty
well all the winter"
'Noi 10 much NJ people would naturally
suppose New Orleans Is behind in racing
enterprise. Her stakes are about the size
of our purses, and not an inducement for
turimen Of the finer class. All their win
ningswould barely pay the expense OF
transportation and maintenance. Then,
too. there are so many points on the regu.
lar circuit that they are glad 10 be afforded
resting SPELL"
"As between Nashville and Memphis,
which has the advantage as wintering
point"
Memphis, in point OF popular favor
Nashville has one point in her favor, that
Of numbering among her citizens several
owners Of race horses. These will always
make Il convenient TO haul up there at the
end OF the season, naturally enough.
Then, too, that city Ia situated In the midst
oi a great blooded stock region. But
Memphis will, with proper attention,
always remain n fayoriie with stable own
crs generally. On this point the Memphis
correspondent OF the Spirit II he Tunes,
who is leading turfman, SAYS In the last
issue Of that standard Journal
"Ihe management here are deserving OF
the highest commentator, and should be
given more credit than the management Of
any other race-coufse in America. Many
may think this too broad an assertion, still
IL Il the simple truth sustained by facts,
which are stubborn things 10 contend with.
Now, we will review n few Of these factf
aud see how far they carry ont my state.
ment Every honeman who has eveI
been located nc the Memphis track car
bear witness Ia the fact that il excels any
public race-track IN America. The stables
are. equal 10 the best, while the cottage
provided for owners, containing kitchen
bedrooms, etc, are models OF neatneSs ant
convenience not TO DO found elsewhere
The water supply IL unlimited in qnaniit!
rs well ~ unsurpassed la quality. aud con
Eisis ol both spring and cisicrn, while thu
sanitary arrangements are perfect. Th'
track u equal Ia any ever saw Tor early
work, aud A l 90 mce on. IL has beer
widcned and graded, and comes up 10 al
the rcauirementso Of a flint clms track. Now
when ne take into consideration the fac
that the Memphis Jockey club has not hal
the likelihood Of getting its money bacl
aeain that other Jockey clubs have who III
not SPEND one-ienth Of the same amour
on their grounds, their libcralhy mus
surely become apparent TO all
and stand ont In bold relief whcl
put In comparison with the nanagin
shylocks Of other jockey clubs We coul
name: but comparisons arr odious.' Nha
grand thing II would bc for owners an
trainers Of race borscs II several OF tn
western Jockey clubs would send rcpr,
seniatives from their clubs 10 inspect Oh
sanitary condition Of kitchens, stables, on
house. etc. They can well afford 10 lear
q etNsuu Ifuut tttf aitthlhiH SWhtl 'tht
for, as matters nov stand, they will FIND
ere many years arr over. that their illibel
aiity has killed tho goose u,at laid tlI
golden cgg'
"Mr Arnold, the president, drove iroI
stable 10 stable toslay and informed III
different owners and trainers that the MAJ
arcment Of the park had decided 10 max
all ne, led improvements. In order 10 In,
everything pertaining 10 track, stable
etc, perfect, and, 10 use his own word
he said. "A majority Of our mcmbcra, III
myself, arc willing 10 use our own none
10 make II such place ss will satisfy tho'
who come here 10 train or race. And
any of YOU want your quarters rcpaire
and made more comfortable or conycnicn
lust mention u 20 the superintendent
me and the work will be done Wor'
and manner hal the ring Of the true meta
aud NC could fancy the spirit face OF u
noble colonel smiling approval ON The uii
ON whom his mantle hal descended"
81 suppose YOU nav the statement fro
Nashville, intended as n reflection ups
the Memphis association, that While u
stakes aud purses hero were raised by 81
scripiion, Nashville did the business Ia q
Jockey club?"
"Yos, but regard the reflection ~ {
the other foot. To me u appears a hoI
full sign TO SEQ the business men who rel
the reward Of these meetings willing
share tho expense. Take the lcadil
hotels. saloons and restaurants, and arp
the reasoning 10 any extra occasion III
attracts n concoursc of strangers. II the