Wichita eagle., 1888-06-05
GALA WEEK.
SPRING RACES AT THE NEW FAIR
GROUNDS.
Fireman's Tournament and Work
of the Week.
Trades Display on Wichita's Eighteenth
Anniversary-Everything in Readi-
ness for Grand Time.
GALA WEEK.

ness for Grand Time.
The fair grounds yesterday presented a
lively appearance and everything was re-
ceiving its finishing touches. While many
| hands were engaged getting things in
readiness all was completed last night for
the weeks program. Many had predicted
/ that today's crowd would find a state of
affairs at the grounds little more than in a
chaotic condition. The work..to be done,
beginning only ninety days ago, seemed 50
| great that even the most hopeful of those
having the matter in charge We're at times
afraid of being unprepared for the spring
races. With courage, energy and push
rarely found in Wichita, let alone
! in any other city, the work
! has been rushed along until today
/ Wichita boasting of the finest grounds and
F.; facilities for trotting association that is
to be found in the state. This limitation
is said by many of the horsemen to be too
much of limitation. The track many
pronounce to be the very finest they have
seen, and one gentleman who says he has
been on every track of note in Kansas.
Missouri and Iowa has no hesitation in
saying that it is the best track in the three
states. One gentleman who heard him
make the remark inquired about the St.
Louis race courses and he said not one Of
them possessed all the merits to as great a
degree as the Wichita track. This, of
course, is one of the most important
features in giving good satisfaction
both to spectators and horsemen and the
association has made it point to spare
no money or attention i'll making it the
very best ID the country. 1t is exactly one
mile and is constructed in strict con-
formiJy with all the rules as laid down by
the American Trotting association. The
curves are slight and raised enough that
the speed of any horse will not carry the
inside wheel of sulky off the ground
The trees and other Instructions have been
removed, giving full view of every foot of
the track from the grand stand, the entire
work given to the course costing over
$4,000.
A tank has been placed on frame
standing forty feet high in which water is
pumped from drive well by steam power
from the tank water is conveyed to street
sprinklers and taken to the track. Two
Of Daisy's sprinklers run ali night last
night over the track and at other places
necessary to lay the dust. This will put
thet rack in excellent condition and no mat
ter how hard the wind may blow no dust
will reach the grand stand or any other
place on the grounds. This sprinkling
work will be kept up every night, insuring
good track and relief from dust every
day. The grand stand looks
to the south over the race course 1t is
two hundred and fifty feet long and CON
structed in the most substantial manner,
accommodating four thousand people. in
the center is d department for the band,
and during this week the music will be
furnished by St. Joseph's bahd. The
timers stand is also located in the amphi-
theater. Entrances at each end and IN the
middle. 1t is well covered. protecting
from rain or snow, and gives an excellent
view of the race course.
The judges stand is well equipped anda
small section adjoining set aside for re-
porters, from which every movement can
be observed. The stands for pool and
"mutuals" are near by and the boards can
be seen from the grand stand
The grounds occupied by the association
call for over ninety acres and 1t would
seem that none better could have been Sc
cured anywhere On the northeast side
are the stables, which give seventy-six
stalls. They are supplied with all the nee
esSaTy appurteDances. 1t was necessary 10
work on the stables all day Sunday, and a
good sized force yesterday succeeded in
completing them. Other room is engaged
in the city and all visitors are cared for
The association gives the horsemen their
room free and are doing everything in
their powsr to give general satisfaction.
Col j. w. Hartzell secretary and
manager, and Mr. L. c. Desby, general
superintendent have been most closely
engaged in the work, giving their personal
attention for weeks.
Harry Lopez, of Wellington, and Geo.
Wolf, of Topeka, two well known horse
men, have beeu engaged as starters. Wal
ter Treadwell of Anthony, and T. Nc
Millen and VIM. Mathewson, timers. DR..
W. 4. Hamilton, of Kansas City, has
charge of the pools, with Harry Rice
cashier OF the stand. During the evening
pools will be sold at the billiard hall in
the Sekgwick block. DR.. Hamilton is one
of the old timers and has a faculty Of
lending considerable interest to his work
Detective McMahan will supply the
grounds with a police force of twelve men
and give his personal attention to the
work. He seems to think that there are
quite number OF toughs in the city for
week 5 visit, but is not at all alarmed about
tackling them.
There were last evening ninety-seven
horses on hand and more expected to ar
rive this morning. There are more horses
now on hand, including the best in the
state. than ever took part in any fair in
Kansas. This is quite encouraging, and
with over one hundred and fifty entries
in trotting and pacing to which must be
added the running races it would seem
that the outlook is most encouraging.
The running entries are handed in for each
day the night before. There are thirty
runners on hand and this exciting feature
of the program VIII be well filed The
is today's program:
No. 1-Trotting; colts and fillies. . years
old and under, owned in Kansas previous
to January l, 1855; purse 500.
No 2-Running-2yea oldS-SI mile
Lady The Lee, J, Grail, Scott City.
Lady T., 4. J. Crittenden, Peabody.
Hail Storm, B. Levi Wichita.
No. 81 mile dash.
Forest King. J. C. Grail, Atchison.
Gray D., j. c. Gray, Lyons
Annie H., O. B. Hildreth, Newton.
Mike Whiteing, II. +. Kerr, junction
City.
Red Bird, Gray Bros, Cottonwood Falls.
Waterleap, Ed. Ward, Coffeyvilie.