The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-04-23
FAV0RITES FIRST.
A Brilliant Inaugural at the Park,
Fairy Queen Wins the Athletic
Club Stakes in Fast Time.
AL the Favorites Win But One, and
Had to Fall Down to Lose.
Four Horses Downed and Two
Jockeys Injured in the Fourth
The Tennessee Club Stakes To Be Run
For Today-A A Fine Field of Start
ers-The Auction Pooling
Last Night.

Never did the skies seem bluer, the
grass greener, the air purer than to the
5000 people who witnessed the five excit-
ing races at the regular opening Of the
Memphis Jockey Clubs spring meeting
yesterday. The atmosphere was full OF
the fragrance OF budding and blooming ma.
ture. The temperature was delightful,
and all the conditions for the absolute en-
joyment OF 'the sport OF Kings" were pres
ent in the highest degree. The appoint
ments for the accommodation OF the pub
lie being thoroughly good, the track being
perfect, the horses of excellent quality,
there was nothiug to be asked. Just be-
fore the bell tapped for the inaugural dash
the sound Of a tally.ho horn far down the
perspective Of the carriage approach sent
pleasurable thrill through the great assem-
blsge and served to quicken the general
enthusiasm. There was tremendous ex-
citement on the portico OF the clubhouse
when the vehicle with its lively occupants
swung round the drive and stopped at the
stairway. Already clustering to the balus-
trade in welcome were as many pretty
women us could be found within the same
space anywhere on the green earth. The
new arrivals made just that many more.
From that moment until the close Of the
day the piazza was a blaze Of beauty in
spring-tide equipment and a symphony OF
merriment. The grand stand was an i'm
pressiyespcctacie, swarmingwith humanity
asitwas. The book-makers' pavilion proved
all too small so eager and so numerous
were the betters. The week could not
have been inaugurated more happily.
The conduct Of the program was admira-
BILE. Everything was on time. There was
no tedious delay. The specially interest
ing feature OF the day was the Athletic
Club stake. with n costly silver service as
an added prize. II was taken by Fairy
Queen, TO the entire satisfaction OF all
who had put their money on her. 1t was
astrawberry service, but Mr.. Scully said
II might be filed with champagne. But
the upshot OF the whole days experience
:. was that everybody was delighted.
The best OF order obtained. Pres
ident Arnold and Vice-President
Hill aud Secretary Rees were
ubiquitous and mosiiagreeably elecliyein
doing the honos OF the track. No Mem
phian, who, contemplating the spirit Of
the multitude and the superb arrange.
ments at the course could. fail TO feel a
sense OF exhileratcd local pride. lilo saw
in II all the positive assurance that the
Memphis Jockey Club is an entire success
and that here, in the future, Is to be one
Of the most important racing points In the
country. This is guaranteed by The
three facts OF climate, geographical
advantage and local interest The
people Of Memphis are with the club. as
shown by yesterdays attendance, and so
is the weather clerk, by n large majority
Each days program for the remainder Of
the week abounds In the promise OF rare
sport. Facilities for reaching the park arc
ample. You can get there in anything
from dog cart TO steam car. and then,
II you leave your purse with the book.
makers, the stroll homeward In the gloam.
ing has a charm Of its own. To be out Of
the fashion Is TO neglect the races. There
Il moro In visit 10 the track than the
opportunity TO lay n wager. That Is
quito a minor consideration and a
very reprchensible practice indeed, on the
part Of those who cannot afford TO lose.
But there is an eosiacy In watching the
striyings Of the clcan-limbed racers, a Joy
In the wooing Of the earth and the south
wind, rapture in the cerulean sky, a
charm In the CLINT Of the waving blue.
grass, bcatitude In being one Of 5000
people as happy as yourself, tina, one may
only find at raee,course upon balmy
day in spring. Therefore let the people
rejoice that the Jockey Club exists, and
let business close when President Arnold
rings the bell.