Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-04-11
LATE SPORTING NEWS
Ralss Adopted BY the american Turf
Congress-
SlEM0nA DeelaRed sOutlasved - Acttu,
Taken Against Electric Light
Tr8el<s.


after . short session took recess until
evening to attend the races. In the mat
ter of the location of future meetings It
was decided that they be held at the city
in which a majority of the members are
present at the time the meetings are to
be called. That was the reason for the
selection of Memphis as the meeting place
this year instead Of Cincinnati, where
all the previous meetings of the congress
have been held.
The committee appointed to inquire into
the ownership of the horse Simmons, which
was matched for a race with Dr. Rice at
the st. Louis fair grounds race track
this spring, made its report. On it's finding
that an interest in the horse was held
by men who are not in favor with the con-
gress Simmons was outlawed.
The st. Louis Fair Ground Association
was notified that the match race between
April 20. must not be allowed. pending a
settlement of the question by the COM
mittee which has the matter in charge.
At the evening session the report Of the
temporarily last night, was taken up and
disposed of, the congress sitting until
nearly 1 o'clock. A number of minor
changes that were recommended hX the
committee were passed upon favorably by
the congress, most Of them being matters
of phraseology, the rules standing in SUBJ
stance as they were.
A committee on jockey licenses were ap-
pointed by vice President S. r. Mont
gomery, consisting Of r. c. Hopper of Gin
cir NATL ]. H. Reese. Memphis. and Joseph
A. Murphy. Chicago. The licensing for
jockeys was raised from 81 to $. and the
rules were amended so as to prohibit jock
eys owning horses from riding the horse
of any other owner.
BY close vote the congress decided
that hereafter all selling races are to be
ri, he
owner from entering more than one horse
in a selling race was amended so that any
owner may enter two horses in a selling
stake. but only one in selling purse race.
In the event of the two horses entered by
the same owner in selling stake race
finishing first and second, one-half the
excess money is to go to the associa-
ton and one-half to the third horse. The
ruling providing that unless three horses
shall start in a race, the race be declared
eff was amended, the requisite number of
starters being changed to four.
The rule disqualifying horses whose jock
eys weigh after the race with excess of
underweight of more than tive pounds
amended. removing the provision for
disqualification in the case of overweight,
leaving the provision as to underWelsht as
it now stands.
An effort was made to change the pres
ent rule providing that the express con-
ditions of any race shall supersede all
rules" but 1t failed. the rules standing as
heretofore. A new rule was adopted by
the congress providing, scale of weights
for steeplechases. This is based on the
rules governing the weights for fiat races,
the minimum weight allowed being 125
pounds and the maximum 1I5 pounds.
The rule providing that all bets are to be
paid ON a horse once in the hands or the
starter was so amended that in case
horse is injured at the post all bets may
be declared off and time allowed for new
book. III
One of the last subjects considered by the
congress, but one of the most Important
matters to come before 1t. was that of its
attitude toward the ,'iso-called electric
light" track. Enterprises of this kind, 1t is
understood, are contemplated at Kansas
City, st. Louis, Cincinnati and a number of
eastern points. L...-.
The turf congress decided by a unanimous
vote not to recognize this class of racing,
placing it in the same category with winter
racing, action upon which was taken Tues
day night in the case of the Madison track
and those who have participated in racing
there. A rule was adopted providing that
every track included in the membership of
the congress shall hold race meeting of at
least six days each year, under penalty
of forfeiture of its membership. 1t was
also decided that any association that shall
remain in arrears for purses due to owners
for period to exceed sixty days shall be
expelled.
The next annual meeting of the congress
is to be held at ST. Louis in October next,
when officers will be elected for the ensuing
year.
The Old Dominion Jockey Club applied for
the admission of Alexander Island course
to membership. AS the track is not of the
proper length the club will not be formally
admitted, but long the rules of the
turf congress are not violated the rulings
of the Old Dominion Club will be respected.
The Pacific Coast Jockey Club of San
Francisco, of which Claus Spreckels is pres
ident, was admitted.