New-York tribune., 1901-07-16
no NEW TRACK NEEDED.

1t is proposed by certain Tammany politicians
to open new racecourse on Long Island next
year. This scheme is not likely TO commend IL
self to public approval. and there is no good rea
son why IL should be acceptable TO the highest
turf authorities In fact, il Is not 10 be expected
that the most Influential members of the Jockey
Club, the most powerful owners of thorough
breds the members OF the State Commission
or the broad minded promoters of high class
sport will view this project with anything but
disfavor. There racetiacks a-plenty now in
use on both sides of the East River. From the
middle of April TO the middle Of November the
thoroughbreds are running six days out of seven
In almost every week on grounds within the
limits of this city, except for an interval in Au
gust, when the scene of the contests is changed
to Saratoga.
Aqueduct, in Queens County, near the eastern
edge of our metropolitan territory, but still in
side the New-York borders, has two meetings.
one In April and the second In November. After
the spring meeting at Aqueduct comes the May
series of races at Morris Park Then follows
the June meeting of the Brooklyn Jockey Club
at Gravesend and the Coney Island Jockey
Club at Sheepshead Bay treads close upon
its heels After the Realization has been
run the area Of sport is transferred to Brighton
Beach. Saratoga follows. In the last part of
August the runners assemble again at Sleeps
head Bay pass thence TO Gravesend, go up
10 Morris Park for the second time In the year
and end the season in this State at Aqueduct
Turfmen and their stables are busy as bees
from spring until 1t is almost time for sleigh
rides and skating. They don't require new
track. Nor does that part OF the public which
supports racing The Empire City course, which
is close to the Yonkers line, but within the
area Of New York, lies idle this year II Is an
extensive and costly property, with spacious
buildings 1t was opened by the unfortunate
William III. Clark, the former Corporation Coun-
sel and friends and associates of his several
years ago, and both running and trottlng meet
ings were held there. But they were not sue
cessful, and the future of the place looks
gloomy. In this state Of turf affairs, with the
Empire City grounds unused, what excuse could
there be for opening n new track on Long
Island?
Many admirers Of the best sport look back
with regret 10 the old era when the race days
at Jerome Park and Monmouth Park were only
three or four In each week and when no jockey
club in America held meetings OF tedious length
OF thought Of racing six days out of seven
These lovers OF the glorious days Of the turf in
the seventies hold that the sport of the thor
oughDreds has become too much Of n business
and that there is too much Of It, They declare
that 1t is not the wsest policy to push It 10 the
excess now so evident, and that racing assoca
tons are too eager TO pay big dividends. In
England and in France it is not customary TO
keep UP racing for six days in each week. nor
is II the practice TO do this high class
anywhere on the Continent Of Europe or in
Australia. Only IN the United States, Of all I'M
portant countries do the highest turf authorities
permit the sport TO be carried on with 80 few
days for rest, for leisure and for other occupa-
tons.
The racing Of running horses is overdone in
this State. So continuous performance be-
comes moEotonous and tiresome. Moderation in
sport is best in the long run for everybody -Four
days each week for the tracks would be enough