The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-11-16
THE ANNUAL RACE MEET
40 RE GTrES CNDER the AUS
PrCEs or DEER run HUNT CLUE.
The Event TO Take Place Saturday ON the
Grounds Of tLe club--1he Only Ope-
Mile Track south Of Washington.

House on aext Saturday afternoon. be-
ginning at O'Clock As it IS weh-known
10 those who take interest I'm cross cOvn-
try riding. the Deep Run Club starred
this new feature here In Richmond a MT
Tie over two years ago. Beginning WITH
a very small number Of members me
Club was organized for the purpose OF
fostering the sport Of cros'-country ria-
ing in connection with fox chascs ana
meets were arranged for twice a week
beginning with the middle Of November
and ending with the middle OF April,
each year. when the fields Of the farm
crs over whose grounds the club rode,
would be the least damaged
In order to create a general interest
in such sports race meetings were ar
ranged both for the fan and the spring
and tho farmers over whose grounds
the club rides. were always given an
opportunity to participate in at least one
event at these race meetings. This
privilege has been made use OF to a very
liberal extent and a very friendly feel
ing has been established between these
farmers and the members Of the club.
THE RACE COURSE
Heretofore, these race meetings were
held az Chantlly the beautiful country
seat on the Eroad-strcet road. occupied
by Mr.. NJ r. Handbook. the fret master
Of fox hounds Of the club. The steeplc-
chase course laid out at Chantilly was
one Of the best that could be found any
where in this country and the several
race meetings were greatly enjoyed by
their participants and attracted a large
crowd Of spectators. representing al
ways the very best classes OF the oiti-
zens Of Richmond.
When the club accepted the proposition
made last year by the late Major Lewis
Ginter 20 move into more commodious
quarters on the lattor's property just
west Of the Hil Monument on the Her
mitage Road. a change Of the stccpic-
chase course was at once taken into
consideration but no definite action was
taken.
After Nr. Handbook had announced his
intention Of returning 90 England his
native country. at least. temporarily
the changing of the steeplochasc course
was more seriously thought Of and only
comparatively a few weeks ago this
change of the course was definitely de-
Cided upon by the Club. a stretch Of
land just west of the Clubhouse and
reaching 10 the tracks Of the Richmond.
Fredericksburg and Potomac railroad
wac decided on for that purpose and
Major Z. a. S Brine. the efficient sec
rotary Of the Club. who was given direct
supervision Of the proposed work. has
rendered very valuable services in carry
ing out the details of the proposed i'm
pTovement.
HAS NO EQUAL.
Mr.. Brine. though young i'm years is
an old horseman as far as experience is
concerned, and ne was just the right man
IN the right place. The result has been
that under his direction and with the sug,
gestiOns OF the Track Committee, course
has been established that cannot find its
equal. certainly south of the Potomac.
A few weeks ago the work commenced
and q large force OF men has been CON
stanty employed in Transforming the
existing wilderness into race and steeple
chase course of the very first quality.
portion OF the grounds selected for that
purpose consisted Of lOwands and it be-
came necessary 10 introduce a drainage
system that would answer the purpose.
Then the space set aside for the race
track proper had TO be plowed. ievelled,
stamped and rolled In order to secure
smooth and at the same time sufficiently
hard track TO bring out The speed of the
racers 20 their very best advantage
BEST TRACK IN THE SOUTH.
The lovers Of steeple chases had also
70 be taken care of, hurdles and bitches
had to be established and the rOughness
of the land had 10 be preserved suihclent-
ly for that class of sport. A few more
DAYS and the entire work VIII be COM
pletci 10 the fullest satisfaction even OF
the most fasudious member OF the CLUB.
A mile track for running and trotting
races has been constructed in the best
possible manner Just on the outside OF me
land selected for racing purposes This
will be the only one mile track in exist
ence south Of Washingt on. Inside OF TINS
mile track ana jest husginE 1t an around
the stccpie chase course had been lald out
il is slXty-fvc feet wide all tnrough ana
embraces seven jumps ana three bitches.
Tho Liverpool Jump. which consists Of
tw, brush hurdles. six feet apart has
heen constructed I'm close proximity %
TIE Judges stand, where the finish is 60
inr 10 take place. The hurdles are con-
stcccted In the most substantial way ana
INC sub has done everything 10 assure
f.e success OF the meeting. Whlle the ciup
house would give good position TO spec
tat,rs to follow the races, yet It has Deen
deemed best 70 construct a grand stand
COR which a site has been selected just
south OF the Liverpool jump and the
Judges stand. From there II will be pos
site not only 10 ylew the entire races
hut also TO closely watch nc finish
ACCOMMODATING SPECTATORS
Just cast of ne grand-stand large
,.lace has been Sc. aside for vehicles OF
ali DESCRIPTION g. large enough TO accom-
lnlUHf0
space Is separated from the Track ny
substantial fence. thereby preventing any
accident or interference with the races
In front of the grand-stand a large ditch
nae been constructed. which will have
go be taken by the riders In fun view
OF the spectators
The ladies interested in the welfare of
the club have donated TO the organization
a handsome flag. which will be hoisted
during the latter part o. the week on a
ninety-foot flag pole. 20 be erected at the
southeast corner OF the clubhouse.
While the entries for the races on next
Saturday will not close until Friday at
L NJ. at the Office Of Major T. 4. s.
Brine. the secretary No. ol4 cast Main
street IN this city. yet II is known that
horses will be entered for some OF the
events by Mr. Hurkamp. Of Fredericks-
burg. and a gentleman from Washington.
The clubhouse. which has been de-
serlbed In detail IN the columns Of The
Times IA a model In everv respect. Il IS
the daily meeting place for quite a niim-
Der OF members who greatly enjoy there
q hrief rest from their outdoor exercises
The building was a few days ago
provided with full supply Of electric
lights. and handsome fixtures have been
purchased for that purpose. Within the
next few days. and before the race meet
ing begins. a well-exocutod photograph
Of Mr.. NJ. s. Handbook. the first master OF
fox-hounds OF the club. viii be placed
on one o. tho walls Of the ladies' parlor
THE RACE MEETING.
The following s. the programme for next