New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-08-04

Racing men everywhere who take broad
and liberal view of the sport deeply regret the
conflict that is coming between Jerome ParK
and the new Morris racecourse. 1t Is a mis-
fortune and a calamity that any rival should
spring up to the famous course at FOrdham'
The American Jockey Club began racing az
Jerome Park in 1866, and during the twenty
ihree wears that have elapsed the best OF Amen-
can thoroughbreds have met on that classic
ground to dispute the most renowned of turf
nrzes. Jerome Park is within the limits of the
metropolis and can be reached in compare
lively short time from any part of the city It's
surroundings are picturesque, and on bright
spring or autumn day no more beautiful anu a'-
tlactive spot for racing could be desired.
II is true that some serious mistakes have
been made in recent years in the management
of this track. The judges have not always
been vigilant enough to protect the public from
wrongdoing On the part of soma unscr'puious
owners trainers and jockeys There were some
conspicuously unfortunate instances of this sort
| at the autumn meeting of 1888. Then, 100
the arrangement of the conditions OF the over
| night purses and contests has not been recent
w Of popular character. The weight penal
ties and allowances have been complicated by
50 obscure and puzzling conditions that owners
and trainers have often preferred not 10 enter
their horses rather than to confuse their brains
by vain efforts to discover what their animals
would have to carry. Many racegOers are
preiudiced against Jerome Park because they
detest the smoky ride through the tunnel More
over, it has been grave error to pen mp people
in the Enclosures by the siding at which the
trains from the course are entered. Not much
ingenuity and no remarkable energy have been
displayed thus far in providing ample con-
yeniences and facilities for transportation. The
success of Monmouth Park is largely due to the
fact that people can enter and leave the trains
| with perfect ease. and without any restraint OF
| fences gates OF Enclosures. Not single pas
senger has been injured at Monmouth on ac-
count of this liberty Of movement. Every race
course In America ought to pattern by the eX-
ample of Monmouth Park in this matter. Moth
ing initiates and angers racegOers more than to
be jammed into miserable little Enclosure, not
half large enough for the crowd, and to be com
peled TO wait there while some surly official
DELAYS to open the gates to the trains until his
own good pleasure is served.
But in spite of these causes for fault-fndng
| jerome fdfk OtSnb W DC u! thc Dc>V
| elements of the turf on account of it's honorable
and brilliant past. and because it is still under
! the control of the Oldest and most respected Of
the racing organizations OF the North. That
is. the American Jockey Club was the first or
ganizaton of its sort in any Northern State
a combination of social and sporting character
istics, with large membership, intended to be
of character similar to that Of a great city
club, and possessing clubhouse TO which its
members can 60 at any season OF the year. and
where they can entertain their friends amid
beautiful surroundings and while enjoying the
refreshing influences of country air.
The privilege Of membership in this club has
therefore been valued somewhat more highly
than that Of membership in any other jockey
club in or near New-York. Many Of the best
known citizens Of the metropolis have been en-
rolled in its lists, and one of the most enjoyable
recieations within their easy reach has been to
drive out 10 Jerome Park on pleasant day 10
breakfast, lunch or dine at the pleasantly APP
pointed clubhouse Jerome Park has priority
Of possession Of certain racing dates. 1t has
vested interests of highly important sort.
In its membership it represents more fully than
any new organization is likely to do the
wealthy, liberal and public spirited part Of the
community that takes an interest in the breed
ing aud development of horses. IL should not
be subjected TO a menacing and injurious rivalry
ON its own Iace-days, no matter how great may
he the resources aud how substantial the back
ing Of recently formed racing organizations
II is not seemly that any newcomer should dis
pute dates with body which has every claim
to consideration.
The competition now announced against
Jerome. Parks October meeting is aDoiogized