The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-12-22
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES
FAIR GROUNDS TRACK WILL BE
USED BY FAST CAMPAIGNERs.
John Hussey and Ed Kenyon Write to
Secure Training Qunrters-Wm
Build HaIf-Mile Track.

Secretary Downing. Of the State Board OF
Agriculture, last week received a letter
from Ed BenyOn, owner Of the Walnut Hin
stock farm. at Donerail. Ky. near Lex
ington. asking the secretary 10 reserve
stables at the Indiana fair grounds for
several horses that Mr.. BenyOn will train
here next spring. Mr.. Benyon says he is
very DESTROYS of bringing his best trotters
and PAGERS to indianapolis 10 train, as he
believes the track at the fair grounds is
one of the best in the country for training
purposes. Two years ago Mr.. Benyon had a
string of horses at the fair grounds and
when he took them on the circuit cleaned
up many first and second purses. He Won
the Futurity at Lexington the same year.
John Hussey, the well-known trainer and
driver, Of Terre Haute, who has a large
string Of fast ones under his care, has also
written to Mr.. Downing that he is anxious
TO secure training quarters at the Indian
apolis track next spring TO work out his
best ones. Mr.. Downing wrote TO Mr.. Ben
yon and Mr.. Hussey, and also other horse
men who have asked for quarters. that the
fair grounds will be placed in shape early
next spring 10 be used as training quar-
tiers for good horses.
Under substantial encouragement a de-
termined and well-directed effort Will be
made TO MAKE indianapolis OlCt AGAIN a
tourishing harness horse center. Al >.
Claypool. the well-known breeder and race
secretary, of Muncie, will have charge OF
the track. Mr.. Claypool's long experience
with harness racing affairs and his great
executive ability are valuable factors In
this revival. The track is one OF the very
best IN the country, when taken care OF.
To put IL in hrst-class working order Tor
next season il will be resoiled and re-
graded in worn-down places, when the
frost is well out next spring and the
ground is settled.
Mr.. Claypool will put the track in condi-
ton for training purposes and keep II TO
the liking of horsemen throughout the sea-
son. In order to suit those whose cam
paign will be over half-mile tracks, the In
dianapolis management will have a half
mile track constructed inside the mile ring.
This track will be built with the view OF
making the footing and undersoil impervi-
Gus To the heavy spring rains. thus afford
ing trainers a place TO work out when the
ordinary track would be too heavy 10 speed
over. The half mile, with the sandy roads
on the big grounds, will permit jogging in
any and all weathers, SO that a horse need
not be taken OF the place at all.
Trainers so disposed can make their
quarters at the Indianapolis track and fare
as well as anywhere. Secretary Downing
says the stables will be placed in condition
so as TO keep the horses comfortable all
the year. The piece OF woods at the west
end and north OF the Enclosure is a natural
wind-break. and in the hot months afford
cool shade.
Indianapolis is i'm the center of an ex-
tenSlNe Df6eOlnS country. mere Is always
a large contingent OF young stock, which
has been sent each year TO various locali-
ties for schooling. With the knowledge that
the means of educating green prospects is
much nearer home, owners Will naturally
consign them 10 skilled hands, where they
can watch their progress without journey
ing far from home. Competent trainers and
colt handlers can, under the bettered IA
. c~ilities at the state fair grounds. nil their
strings without much exertion. Let It once
be known that there are men OF ability at
the track and business will come here. The
state fair grounds, next year, will be one
of the important training places of the
middle West.