The morning times., 1896-04-22
HALDEN'S HORSE WINS
Shakespeare u Took the Poto
mac Stakes.
LARGER CROWDS PROMISED
Management of the Club Take Steps
to Increase the Attendance-Ad-
mission Price Lowered-Morris
Stable Won Two Races With Brisk
and Azure-Captain T. Surprise.

By the time the second spc cial had emptied
its passengers a I the Benning race track
yesterday 1t was apparent to every one
present that something would have to be
done, aud done quick, IL the promoters OF
the meeting hoped to break even on their
venture.
The ATTENDANCE was the slimmest OF any
one of the three days since the gates were
thrown open to the public. BY actual
count there were but thirty-fou people
in all in the grand stand few minutes be-
fore the first race was called to the post.
Or this number teu were members oil the
fair sex.
hold forth, was the only place where 1t was
lively enough for anything but Sunday
school meeting. There the fever OF specu-
lation aroused those present TO at least
a semblance of enthusiasm.
10 a degree the slim al tendance yesterday
could be accountedro for by the poorness OF the
card offered. In two OF the events there
We're but three starters, while in a third only
four horses went TO the post
NOT FIT TO RUN FAR.
The disincIlnation of the horsemen TO enter
their charges more freely was due TO rule
of the Jockey Club which prohibited the CIV
ing of more than one over night race day
for three year olds and upwards at dis
tance OF less than mile.
As the legitimate season opened almost a
month eariier tnan IL itnashereIoIore, but few
OF the owners have their charges fit to go
a distance.
AS this rule promised TO be a bar TO
the making up or good cards throughout the
entire meeting Mr.. Crlckmore telegraphed to
the Jockey Club on Monday asking that it
be waived during the Benning meeting. Yes
terday he received permission TO do SO. and
the program will be changed so as TO include
more snort races.
Another good move was made by the
management yesterday when they decided
to reduce the price OF admission. Hereafter
badges admitting holders TO all parts OF the
grounds, with the exception OF the ladies'
club house, will be sold for 81 to gentlemen
and fifty cents for ladies. The price has
been 81 to the grand stand and 81 extra
for admission TO The club house and
paddock.
FAVORABLE CONDITIONS.
The racing conditions yesterday could
not possibly have been more favorable.
A fast track, beautiful, cloudless sky and
a delightful cool breeze which waited from
the green hills across the Eastern Branch
brought q smack OF delicious freshness.
The Potomac stake was the feature OF the
day and the third stake event OF the meeting
on the flat. 1t was won by Shakespeare
III from the stable OF X. W. Walden & Sons.
I his makes clean sweep OF the stakes races
for horses either owned or trained by
Windam Walden.
The first fixed event of the meeting, the
Blue and Gray Handicap, went 10 A. II. and
ID. II. Morris Paladin, W hich Walden trains.
the Arlington was won by Walden's filly
Successful and then Shakespeare III SCOOPS
in the Potomac.
There were seven on the card to start.
but PA" Days Emotional was started in
the opening race and therefore did not go
to the post in the Potomac. This left
six starters, of which Shakespeare ii
ruled first choice from the time the odds
were posted. Intermission and Palmer
ston both received considerable support.
being backed from to down 10 8 TO 1.
Jimmy McLaughlins good colt. Premier,
which won the opening race OF the meeting.
opened up at 10 and closed at forrs.
Belle Washington and Sebastian were the
rank outsiders.