New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-11-07
A LEvIATHAN BOOKN1AKER-
ARRIVAL OF JOSEPH THOMPSON, OF AUSTRALIA
PLANNING GREAT RAcETRACK-
SOME IMMENSE WAGENbS.

SOME IMMENSE WAGf1S.
Among the Teutonic's long list Of more or less well
known and distinguished passengers who reached New
York yesterday was Joseph Thompson, whose name
for many years has been famous among racing men
all the world the leviathan bookmaker OF the
Australian turf and owner OF many famous racers.
Recently 1t has boon reported apparently good all
thorty that he at the head Of combination which
purposed building in the neighborhOod Of San Fran
cisco racetrack that should throw Morris Park-if
not the new MonmOuth-intO ignomlny. Mr. Thompson
held small sized ievec at the Hoffman House, and
his arrival scarcely two hours old before he found
himself surrounded by crowd Of friends old and new
that included Of the best known racing men in
the East
at is undoubtedly true that have project for
opening track at San Francisco" he said but
am at the head Of no company Frankly the specuar
ionf0r that Is what it amounts tois entirely my
have been requested by many Of the leading citizens
Of San Francisco to go out there look the ground,
and tell them what the prospects Of successfully
starting racing centre In that part Of the
tinent ! suppose that 1t will not be denied that
racing In the West has for many been at low
ebb 1t Is my present intention 10 nauguiate new
era OF racing to make the Western turf purcr and
cleaner. To accomplish this, shall tndeavor TO Sc
cure the help Of working committee composed Of
men Of the highest possible social standingmen whose
wealth and character shall place them beyond the
suspicion Of cpooledness, and who shall have full
control OF the racing Unless can secure the CO.
operation of such a committee shall abandon the
project. As far as possible shall run tie track
the lines most popular in this country at the same
time introducing all the best features Of the Australian
system
"would YOU introduce the standing start ~ asked
the reporter.
al cannot say" the reply. Undoubtedly the
standing start has its advantages, almost precudns
possibility OF any horse being left at the post. At
present. however. nothing is settled. Even the site
las been selected. II energy, hberality and many
years experience go for anything shall succeed in
creating new racing centre the Pacific Coast, and
| IL will be my endeavor by means OF rich prizes TO
reverse the present order Of things and induce the
leading Eastern owners TO take their best horses 10
| the West"
Some Of Mr.. Thompsons achievements in the Ans
rasn ring would forever shatter the nervous system
OF those enterprising gentlemen at BrooElyn Sleeps
I head and Monmouth Park who feel like falling dead
when q hundred dollar bill Is handed 70 them. When
Chester won the Melbourne Cup and Derby, Mr. Thomp
400 900 to 1000 In hand for the first race and
$50 900 to $500 for the double contest Against
CalaDia who In one year was deemed BY many peo
pie capable OF winning the two great races. Mr. Thomp
son bet 100000 In wager at odds OF 900 10 z
] Tho following season Calamia won the Melbourne Cup
q, the second ottcmpt and Mr. Thompson had $4,000
\ bet against him. In another year he laid $40OOOC
at odds Of 100 to against First Water. whose owne'
had pronounced him 10 be absolute certainty. Mr
| Thompson probably felt slight depression 'n the