Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1890-10-23
KITE.SHApED TRACKS.
RACING MEN IS A RULE ARE oP-
POSED TO THEM.
SECRETARY Smith of the State Agricultural
Society Gives His Views on
the Subject.

Discussion of the merits of the kite-shaped
rase-track is warming up all over the United
States, and this same discussion is developing
the fact that horsemen and racing men as rue
are opposed to the new idea. Breeders, how
ever favor it-that is, a certain class of them.
The New York Spirit of the Times recently came
out in an article against the kite shaped track,
and subsequently invited all noted horse ana
racing experts of the country to communicate
their opinions on the matter.
Communications that come from racing men
as a lule, as before mentioned, oppose the
'new-fangied thing What has the kite-shaped
track to recommend it? Just this, answer the
opponents horse that eau go mile IN 2:So
over an ordinary track is almost sure to go
mile in 2:30 or better over kite track-a great
Recommendation to those who want TO have
larg. $50 class for some sire, or where one I'D
performer will make family standard. They
do not dispute that any horse mas an advantage
of from two 10 six seconds in trottlng over
the kite track in place OF the ordinary track.
But to take advantage OF 1t now would be Unfair
to all the old records.
Another objection set for is that the public
cannot derive the pleasure that they can in see
ing race over regular track. The time at the
quarter and three-quarter poles cannot be taken
without fiag-men al those points. The gait of
horse cannot be distinguished greater part of
the mile, and many other little faults are
pointed out.
Edwin F. smith, of this city, Secretary of the
State Agricultural Society, is very emphatic in
his disapDroval of the new track. In his letter
to the Spirit, dated october 9Th, he says;
'The adoption of this character OF race tracks
not only does away with all comparisons but
will have a tendency to lessen the interest in
trotting, an occurrence this sport cannot afford
to have It must create, not dull, interest there
in In my own case l note the lack of interest
taken in the straightway events at Monmouth
and Morris Parks. The time made Is mislead-
ing and bewiders one.
Generally, in the telegraph news, no men
ton is made of the course used, and only those
familiar understand the lime being so fast. The
newspaper headlines display "A mile in 1:35,
three quarters in 1:i0 five furlongs in SO Sec
onds,' and so on. No attempt is made to ex-
plain TO the world the circumstances that
brought it about. The casual observer meets
you and remarks about the wonderful accom-
plishment, what the science of breeding has
done, etc, not giving credit to the real cause
The credit is misplaced. Something after the
same manner the writer of a recent book on
the trotter attempts to detract from California
the advantages of climate and fed, and takes
the credit all for the handler of the animals
that accomplished so much.
Il make no attempt to keep trace of records
made on straight away tracks, While the per-
Torrance of Racine at Washington P rk shall
always be fresh in my memory. Why? Be-
cause it was made upon the same character OF
track as was the famous mark OF Ten Brock.
If, with the great assistance OF past experience,
breeders cannot improve speed on the regulG-
ton course they should not attempt TO take ad-
vantage by the invention or encouragement of
any aid in the way of shaping tracks that adj
versaries OF the past were not favored with.
Meet them on common ground, as with ether
contests. Why now attempt to wipe oct what
has been accomplished by the establishment of
the standard, aud hereby let animals in that
failed to obtain the speed requirements neces-
sary to admit them before this Innovation
Outside OF this desire on the part OF kite
shaped track advocates there Is still greater
question to consider, and that is the admission
paying sightseeing public. Are not the sup
porters of this great sport to be considered?
The nearer to the eye you bring aper-
Torrance the more interesting il bee omes.
What lover of this sport is to be contented with
the start and finish only? Who that pays to
see trotting race that does not enjoy observing
the action during the entire circuit and noting
the manner in which the mile was done? With
eagerness the crowds watC \ each hobble and
break, and note with murmurs perceptible their
disapproval of long break or any other occur
renee during the trotting of heat
mo. the public do not ask this change nor
will they support it. l say, if by the science OF
breeding l cannot so nick speed lines as to do
my mile over the same ground or character of
track (more properly speakingl, as did those at
whose mark shoot at, do not desire to claim
superiority. I want to do it as they did, then L
have no explanations to make. I say, let the
National association and Wallace Registry
Company adopt standard course, and let that
be the regulation track, with one-fourth mile
turns and one-f fourth mile stretches"