Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-10-13
kITE-SHAP TRACKS
Local HOrSemen Greatly Interested
in the Latest Innovation 10
Make Records.
HOMEWOOD PARK MAY HAVE ONE.
The Brooklyn and Louisville Ball Clubs
Arrange Schedule for Their
Big Series.
BRUSELES IDEA OF A COMPROMISE.
Hs Expresses Hb Opinions Regarding the Baseball
Situation.

A question that is sure to be the theme of
general discussion among horsemen between
now and next spring is the question of
''kite-shaped tracks" Recent fast records
at Independence have forced the matter be-
lore the highest authorities on trotting and
pacing. The general opinion seems to be
that the new-fashioned track is considerably
slower than the old-fashioned oval-shaped
track. Because Of this, some authorities
insist that records made recently by Nelson
and Jack be discarded. There is, however,
no sound reasoning behind this request, any
more than there would be to discard the
record OF Maud S. because she did not trot on
track as slow as those on which Dexter, Lady
Thorne or Goldsmith trotted. The objections
or opposition, TO the kite-shaped track are akin
to the objections and opposition that have
always been urged against impro". ments or
innovations.
A LOCAL OPINION.
Pittsburg horsemeu are becom ng much in
terested in the matter and it may be that if
horse racing is successful here a kite shaped
track will be built al HOmewood Park. An
official of that association, speaking on the
matter last evening, said: Il am convince
that the new-fashiuned track is much speedier
IL does not follow that we will ADOPT the
system. OF course If 1t becomes general we
viii keep pace with the times, but l don't
know whether or not it will become general I
am inclined to think it will. The present track
affords 4 better view than the kiteshaped
track and that is a matter for the public. But
records are records and think that the public
all like to see the horse that can cover full
nile faster than any other horse. Certainly
our association will consider the matter and
the public can rest assured that we will not be
behind anybody in adopting improvements that
the public want and that will make racing
better"
AN EASTERN AUTHORITY.
An authority in the Sportsman says: The
kite-shaped track is the latest fad'' in trotting
circles. and ambitious owners whose horses
have failed to break records on regulation
tracks are Fastening to take advantage of the
faster track and acquire records for display;
! use the word display because the value of the
record lies only in its being used for that pur-
pose. All intelligent men know that the kite
shaped track has been proved about three sec
onds faster than the regulation style, ana there
fore records are rated in the same proportion
MI. {. ii. Nelson journeyed from Maine with
his stable oftrotters and drove Nelson over a
klte-Shaped track to a record of 2:ilh. Nelson
Is wonderful horse, and have often had oc-
casion TO note his praiseworthy performances
In all candor. however. must count his mile at
Hartford III 2:.i4 a better performance than
his recent 2:ll1S although have long believed !
him capable o. trotting mile under favorable
circumstances in 2:l2'
The Horse and 50 lbIe is also discussing the |
question, and recently sent out inquiries regard
ing it to leading patrons of the trotting track |
The replies are to the following effect: Eph |
Simmons does not think the kite will ever he i
popular. Budd Dohle believes 1t will. Marvin |
never drove over one. but believes them faster |
than the old tracks. Bither ''does not believe |
in them but thinks he might have driven |
Jay -Eye-See in 800 over one. J. ). C0nley does
not favor the kite, nor does Colonel Strader /!
James Golden believes il unfair to class the !
records on the kite with those made over the |
regular track Orrin Hickok thinks The new
track four seconds faster than the oval but |
doubts their ever becoming popular He saws
he could have driven ST. Julien in 2:0S on one |
Of the new courses.
MR. FASIG S INVENTION
Mr.. Fasig naturally favors the kite. as in
great measure it is the creation of his clever |
brain. He says: Il claim it is the fastest form
Of track. 1t is capable of being built on |
property that may not be properly shaped for |
the regulation mile track. II built on a rect 1
angular piece of land it will give a large |
acreage that can be sold or used for other mr. !
poses, like buildings. etc, and, on that account
would make very desirable form for large |
fair associations. In addition TO the increase 1
Of speed 10 be obtained incident to making one |
turn instead of two, every horse in a race eS. |
cept the pole horse, would trot shorter mile /
than on the regulation. Assuming the second |
position on track to he six feet from the pole |
and 1t is undoubtedly more than that distance |
"A horse IN second position trOts, on a regula- /
ton track. 81 7-lU feet further than at the pole
On the Kite-shaped track, in second position he |
trots but p feet further. making a saving in /
distance OF Is 40 feet. This difference applies
in the same ratio to all outside POSITIONS it |
has but one disadvantage that occurs to me,
and that is that no heat longer than one mile |
could be trotted upon it. But for fast time at |
mile distances It would certainly eclipse any
other form. The turn on thi> track being /
longer than the other form, need be thrown up |
but foot in T."