The Washington times., 1894-12-03
CRISP SPORTING COMMENT
Prospects Bright for a Successful
Winter Meeting at the Island.
HORSES RUNNING UP TO FORM
Patronage VIII Continue Big as Long as
the Racing is Good-The Move Of the
Washington Jockey Club to Reopen Ben
ning's Traok-Football Getting Unpopular

~ Provided the racing az lne AleAHnucr ISL
and course keeps up 20 the standard set on
Saturday many Of the patrons of the late St
Asaph meeting viii remain here for the win
ter. Instead Of going 10 New Orleans, these
turf followers viii find the sport at the Island
good enough for them. with the additional
advantage Of its being nearer home. There is
no reason why the racing across the river
should not find favor with the ordinary bet
ting man. As a matter Of fact there has been
but little 10 carp at in the management of the
track. The officials have been prompt to
take decisive action whenever any case Of
suspicious riding or running has occurred.
Presiding Judge Oyster is honest in his de-
sire to keep the racing above suspicion, in
which laudable purpose he is supported by
the other officials of the Old Dominion Jockey
Club
There Is nova higher classsof horses racing
al this track and also q larger number OF fair
Jockeys. 20 that the sport furnished rs better
than earlier in the meeting. 1t IS arSnoW!-
edged bv LOrsemen that The Island track Is one
oi the best and safest six-lurlOng courses IN the
country. III the present winter IS as open rs
usual in this climate there viii be no kick
While the Island track is not recognized by
the stewards OF the Jockey Club which gives
its sanction 10 winter racing in New Orleans,
Vet there IS but little to choose. as far rs the
weather conditions are concerned, between
New Orleans and Washington at this time OF
wear Ut may a little colder here, but the
rainy spells IN the Crescent City are perhaps
more dfsarreeable 10 both people and horses
than the occasional cold waves which sweep
over tins latitude.
The outcome Of the efforts Of the Washing
ton Jockey Club to repoen the Benning' track
VIII be watched with great interest by not
only the local public out turlmen generally.
From all reports the chances for racing IL New
York State next wear are very gloomy, and
the owners Of valuable racers, thOroughbreds,
would welcome an opportunity 10 race on
either of the District Of Columbia tracks as IN
the Uast Fred Miller. whose action In max
ing book Saturday at Bennings is the Hrst
step taken by the officials Of the Washington
Jockey Club TO force a decision as TO the
legality OF bookmaBing in the District. From
conversations had with parties interested in
this matter Miiler's action was the result Of
able legal advice, and the arrested party viii
be defended by several prominent attorneys,
who are sangUine Of being able to prove be
violated no law. Ii such q result IS reached
there Will undoubtedly be a great spring
meeting atthe Benning course. which viii NOT
Ice necessarily antag0nistic TO the projected
meeting at ST. Asaph.
Judging from the many expressions Of
opinions relative TO the brutality exhibited in
the local football game on Thanksgiving Day,
il would seem as II this erstwhile great col
lege sport is becoming decidedly unpopular.
Unless the rules are materially modified the
amateur athlete may find the public Unwiil-
ling 10 parronize the game next season. Prize
fighting is tab0Oed in many quarters because
of lis alleged degrading and dangerous
character. but recent occurrences on the
gridiron prove the amateur football expert
TO be more liable 70 harmful influences. as
well as danger, than the average professional
pugilis-.
The Nonpareil Athletic Club viii give a
musical and athletic entertainment on
Wednesday evening in Forest Hall, Thirty
second street. Georgetown. The following
well-kucWn boxers viii appear: HIte Peck
ham VS.. Billy Mcmillan; Nike Eaedy rs. Jack
O-Brien: Joe Bateman vs.. Jack Antrim; Billy
Nally vs.. Frank Hogan; Nike Boucher VS..
Tommy Ellis; George White vs.. Jack Ryan,
and others. Jack Antrim. who VII meet
Bateman. whipped Dessessan, OF the Colum-