The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-06-26
FOR A MILE TRACK.
Its Construction Be-
ing Indifferently
Agitated.
IDEA IS NOT A FEASIBLE ONE.
Experience of the Past is
Altogether Against
the Scheme.
IDEA IS NOT A FEASIBLE ONE.

There is somewhat of an agitation
among horsemen looking to the organ
ization of a company to build a mile
rack The stir is aroused by a few
iraen who for one reason or another,
look askance at the action of Worces-
Ter Agricultural Society in purchasing
i tract of land too small to accommo-
date the erection of a big ring, and its
brompt action in deciding to put up a
half-mlle ring.
IL by any one of the prominent horse
men of Wore or, and the opinion pre-
walls that advocates of the mile
mack are, under the circumstances,
displaying a refreshing ignorance of the
Situation. Worcester Agricultural So
eiety will never build mile track, The
Smaller circle is fully adequate for the
limited needs of the society, and when
the best Of opportunities was present
I'D, voted not to consider the mile cir
ele The deal is closed and even were
the Greendale tract adapted to accom-
nodate a mile track, it is the prevail
Ing opinion that the necessary money
would never be voted for its construc-
tion.
However good and commendable the
Wishes of Worcester Driving Park Com
ipany in the matter, as shown at its
'Pnnual meeting when a committee was
appointed to canvass the situation, it
S certain that the horsemen, single
handed and alone, could not raise
money to build a mile track in a cen
tury. Such is the opinion of mem
Der of the companys committee, which
has, by the way, done nothing since it
was appointed, prefering to wait until
1.-THE Agricultural Society took action.
Now that Worcester is to have a
track the committee has practically
abandoned its work in the belief that
the problem is solved. A prominent
1nember of that committee, and man
who has been identified with harness
Ire cling locally since its infancy and
Who understands the situation, told The
Spy man last night that under condi-
tions as they exist in this city, not five
men could BE- found in Worcester coun-
ty who would subscribe $1,000 each for
a mile ring, and he doubted whether the
Same number of men could be found
Who would subscribe that amount in
IA otal.
For causes with which every horse
man in Worcester county is familiar
and Of which horsemen believe the less
said the better, one of the finest half
mile tracks in New England laid idle
at the old fair ground, and the sound
Of the judges bell was silenced for two
seasons. 1t was for no lack of enthus-
aSm on the part of an efficient manage
a ment, nor because the horses could not
& be induced to come to this city, for it
is history that the local track before
the thunderpolt fell established a rec
.,=.1-r, -
when it had 204 entries for a three days
meet, and booked AZ bona fide entries
= for a single race. and that, too, with
only $500 hung up.
No mile track could ever be built in
+ Worcester for the sake of the sport
& alone, it would be built by horsemCn
i primarily as an investment, and with
the memory of the misfortune which
befell local racing a few years ago WV
idly in mind, the uncertainty of things
generally forbids any action on the
4 mile ring question The present agita-
ton is believed by horsemen generally
to be an exhibition of ignorance of the
situation or a proof that some men
Il forget to profit by experience.
And when all is said and done in ia
vor of big ring, the opinion is prev
alent that, after all a half-mile track
is better for Worcester under the cir
CumStanCeS. The AGRICULTURAL society
has specifications drawn, which will be
submitted for bids within day or
two for one of the finest rings that
can be built. Horsemen agree that a
good half mile track is infinitely bet.
ter than an Indifferent mile ring. II
the sport can be run again IN Wcr-
cester as in the good old days, the
proposed accommodations will prove
adequate.
The principal argument of the agl-
tators of the mile track is mat tIe
Grand Circuit races could be brought
to this city handily if the long roule
were offered the horses. The condlnou
of racing in Worcester Is on 100 I'M
certain a foundation to warrant any
such belief. It would take many many
years of hot horse racing in this cry
to convince owners and drivers that
the sky is again clear for the spot
here. for Worcester at present IS e.
fectively scratched from every caIe"-
Oar of days and dates.
At John w. Knibbs' stable last ilsi! !. =
where a half dozen horsemen were ~
solemn conclave the discussion OF Ihe
mile track question brought out d
unanimous opinion that the mat;er Is
closed and for good. The prediction
was made that Worcester Will never
see a mile track at least during TIE
DAYS of the present generation. IL Is
believed that the Greendale track VIII
he a GOOD one and will answer every
purpose for conducting the sport as IL
:! - N +,a large cities of tie