The San Francisco call., 1896-08-25
WOODLAND RACE
MEETING OPENS,
Three Well-Fought Battles
on the Lightning
Fast Track.
LAUREL TAKES A PURSE
Mamie Griffin, the Fleet Chico
Mare, Vanquished in
the Trot.
HYMN COMES HOME IN FRONT.
The Three.Quarter Mile Dash Won
All the Way Around by
Hallelujah.
HYMN COMES HOME IN FRONT.

lands fifth annual fair and race meeting
opened auspiciously to-day. The weather
was warm, but not uncomfortably SO. The
spectators might have enjoyed the sport
more if there had been brisker breeze
from the south, but horsemen say the
weather was just right for good time. The
track was in fine condition for a first day.
1t is probable that there is no faster track
in the State, and it is not improbable that
some records will be broken before the
week closes.
There was a good attendance. The
grand stand was comfortably filed, many
ladies being present. In the infield there
was long line of carriages and buggies
and the betting ring was crowded. Hon.
]. P. McNair, T. S. Spaulding and L. B.
Adams occupied the judges stand, and
Charles Hoppin, A. s. Shields and N. s.
Hall otficiated as timers.
The first event on the card was the
three-in-tive trot for the 2:2o class, in
which there were eight entries. Presiding
Judge McNair called the drivers before the
stand, gave them their numbers and ad-
monished them that they would be
severely pushed if any of them were de-
tected in crooked work. The crowd ap-
plauded Mr.. McNair's remarks.
The betting on the books and auction
pools was quite lively. The first auction
pool sold as follows: Mamie Griffin SIS,
Laurel SIS, field $6. Before the horses
started the odds changed and Laurel sold
for $40, Mamie Griffin for $40 and the field
for 81. The horses were sent away at the
fourth attempt. with Laurel slightly in the
lead and Mamie Griffin a length in the
rear. Laurel led to the half, followed by
Clay s and Charivari a length away, the
others we'll punched. two lengths behind,
except Mamie Griffin. The feet little
Chico beauty made two bad breaks down
the backstretch, and lost all chance for
the race. The relative positions were re-
tanned to the wire, Laurel winning with
out an effort, Clay second, Chariyari
third. Time, 2:17L.
For the second heat the horses were
sent away on the third attempt, and the
start was an even one. At the quarter
Laurel was closely pressed by Mamie Grif-
stretch like a double team, the Others
closely punched two or three lengths
away. Half way round the upper turn
Laurel broke and lost four lengths, but
quickly settled down to work and inch by
inch overhauled the leader. A hundred
yards from the wire they were on even
terms. Then Laurel forged to the front
wire. 1t was a close and exciting finish.
Clay S was third. Time, 2:131z.
Mamie Griffin won the third heat by
nose from Laurel in 2:16L, Anita finish
ing third. Laurel won the fourth in 2:14,
Mamie Griffin second, Clay third
In the selling race, half-mile and repeat,
for purse OF $3.50, there were eleven
starters. Blue Belle, the favorite, was
scratched on account of lameness. Starter
]. B. Ferguson made his first appearance
on the Woodland track, and the crowd
was pleased with his work. At the post.
Maud threw her rider (Snyder) ran down
the stretch. jumped the track gate and ran
into the stable. When she was brought
back she acted so badly that she was
a strong favorite that but few pools were
sold, and they were at odds of $40 for
Hymn, $6 for the field and 81 for Stormy.
Ferguson sent the horses away at the
first attempt. Stormy took the lead and
was never headed. Hymn ran second, but
the judges made q mistake and the horse
was unplaced. George L was given second
place and Durango third. Time, :4SL.
For the second heat only FIVE horses
faced the starter. They ran we'll punched
to the stretch, where Hymn beat Stormy
a half length after hard drive. Tonino
was third Time, :4811.
Hymn was pronibitive favorite when he
and Stormy came out tOr the final heat
and he won handily. Time, 80. Tonino
got third money.
The three-quarters of mile dash for
purse of $3.50 brought out seven starters.
Hallelujah sold favorite at $40, Howard S
Sc and the field S.. The horses were
started with considerable delay. Hallelu-
iah led all the way around and won with
ease, GIadiola second and Howard s
third. Time, 1:14.