New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-09-17
THE RACES AT GRAVESEND.
MODERATE CONTESTS WITNESSED BY
REGULARS"
s,ANwrrI;s REMARKABLE CHANGE OF FORM

NOTES AND COMMENTS.
An attendance composed almost wholly OF regu-
lars or professional racegoers witnessed six ex-
tremely moderate races at the Gravesend course
yesterday. Many persons who were formerly
among the stanchest supporters OF racing have
ceased 10 visit the tracks Nearly every intelligent
racegoer has lost confidence In the management OF
the turf, and accepts the results OF the contests
phlosophically, matter what suspicious incl
dents occur while the performances are IN progress
The quality Of the horses that race has de'eriora'ed
almost as much as the quality OF the present pa
irons Of racing 1t is barely possible that August
Belmont may improve the sport when he returns
and hears from unprejudiced persons the true sory
of the manner in which racing has been conducted
since his departure for Europe. Mr. Belmont
proved conclusively that he was capable OF roouns
out combinations that threatened racing from inc
outside and consequently II is safe 10 say that 10
him will be entrusted the task Of Graduating the
evil element that is prominent on the inside OF
the fence and It is likewise safe TO say that II ne
receives the support of his associates he Will sue
coed In purifying the turf. Men who accept posi-
tions on the turf that they incapable OF ming
with honor to themselves and justice TO the race
going public should hasten TO resign at the earnest
nossible moment. Incompetent persons usually
select an innocent victim on whom to vent their
anger caused by the criticisms OF their helpiess-
ness and incapacty as racing officials.
Many rumors were prevalent at the track yes'er-
day that several horseowners, trainers ana jockeys
had asked for an investigation of certain races tnat
have been talked about in no mild terms by racing
men who have had years Of experience on the turl
In regard TO the sab-sded angular crooks that
have been racing day in and day out since the
season began, much blame attaches 10 prceders'
who accept without question the statements maze
about English cast-ons shipped to this country by
speculators In the entire list Of horses in training
in this neighborhood the animals that possess ster-
ling breeding ana excellent conformation may
almost be counted ones fingers without giving
the thumbs the slightest trouble.
half dozen OF the trainers arc capable men,
who have the ability to send their horses TO the
post in condition to race OF the others 1t may be
said safely that they do just they please and
race the horses in their charge to suit themselves
AS for the Jockeys. very few OF the prominent
riders have succeeded in retaining the confidence
Of the public throughout the season up to date
Now in regard TO the bettors Nearly every heavy
bettor in the country of any consequence Is In this
neighborhood hence a vast preponderance OF the
betting is being done by professionals while trick
ling stream of public money that finds its way 10 the
racetracks sufces pay expenses of the layers
of-odds. who are now forced to do their best to
scalp small percentage of the money bet by the
professionals An occasional double zero which per-
mis the layers 10 sweep the board comes at times.
when even the professionals are dazed by the cir
cumstances that attend its coming. considerable
number OF persons whose pockets were drained
early in the season manage by some hook or crook
TO raise the fee of g for the privilege of
witnessing the battle between the so-called wolves
Under the foregoing circumstances II is only
matter OF time before the layers percentages Will
bankrupt the professionals and the sport will be
conducted until the layers are ruined by paying
their admission AT the gate. and the track-oWners
lease their grounds to bicycle clubs.
The racing at Gravesend yesterday afternoon
was conducted as If disaster threatened the entire
structure OF racing. The startling feature of the
afternoons sport was the amazing change or trans
furlongs last Saturday, but stayed the nine-fur-
long course yesterday and was only beaten a
head by BelmaT the post. Powers, who rode
Connoisseur said that Griffin who rode Keenan,
hit him with the butt end Of his whip in the home
stretch. and hurt his shoulder. No complaint was
more confidence in the officials than the average
George E. Smith intended TO bet heavily on Bel
mar. but was forestaled by several plungers
headed by Riley Grannan. who secured the cream
burg. When the latter attempted to bet he was
told by leading ayersof odds that their books
any horse in the race except Bemar" Mr. Smith
was dumfounded at the situation and forced
TO witness Bemar win without having wagered a
single dollar on his chances. After the race Mr.
Smith declared some friends that he intended TO
stop betting and 70 retire from the turf forever.
Ross o. the first race easily by three. lengths
Damien had no trouble in winning the second
Set Fast scored double zero for the layers-of-odds
from swamp Angel. George Rose ran an extremely
poor race. He was heavily backed at 10 8.
scant head from Woodvine. Doando was third
Mckee was the chosen one for the hurdle race.
which he won by eight lengths from Zaldvar. who
three lengths in front of Marble, who finished
third. ,-.a-.-,
OF races extends from Tuesday. June q, 10 Satur-
day, September 12. inclusive No other turf pub
oficiai Turf Guide Therefore il is Indispensable
20 turfmen The publication office is at No LAO
Broadway in this city, corner of Forteth-st.. and
the price is 30 cents
CONTESTS