The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1902-08-17

Special to the Globe
SARATOGA, n. z, Aug. 16.-The
opening of the racing season here has
brought together the largest number
OF high-claSS sporting men probably
ever gathered together at any one
time in one place in America.
AT last the dreams of William G.
Whitney, August Belmont, H. Z. Knapp
t. r. Hitchcock and MessrS. Mcintyre
and Miller are realized Englands
famous Newmarket Heath is surpass-
ed.
The new race track is undoubtedly
the broadest course in America and
including all its appurtenances the
most magni1cently equipped on the
continent.
The grand stand has been heightened
and it has been made twice its original
size. The new club house is as COM
Portable and coy as the most luxurious
sport could demand, while the bet
ting sheds are not only roomy but are
convenient and comfortable in every
way.
The new Improvements have all been
carried out without the destruction of
the beautiful grove Of pines which
has long been the glory of the entrance
to the track.
Track Is Larger.
= Specifically stated the track has been
increased in size from one mile TO one
and one-eighth mile, with one mile
start from out a chute and also seven
eighths mile start out of a chute.
Within this track a second track has
been constructed, one mile in length;
the steeplechase course being within
the latter
The grand stand, always noted for
its beauty, on account Of the sweeping
character Of the structure has been
greatly enlarged without detracting
from this characteristic. simply by cut
ting it in halves and putting more
seats in the middle.
The moving Of the club house was
also necessitated, together with some
Of the stables and the paddocl1s.
The construction of the track Is
based on the general principles which
were employed at the Empire City
track in Yonkers, that is the line is
broad with generous turns, both being
equal in diameter. The cross sections
of the track are on a parabolic curve,
starting from the pole. The inclina-
ton of the track is quite abrupt for
One-third of the way across, where it
gradually works off into a Slighter rise
for the next ,one-third and the last
one-third is almost on the 1evel-the
story being that the faster the horse
runs the nearer he will be apt to ap-
proach the pole and need greater ele-
walton to maintain his footing, where
as If he is simply jogging around for
exercise, he will keep on the outside
of the track and be on a level footing.
How the Track Is Made.
The formation of the track consists
of layer of soil Gall such soil having
been carefully preserved) which acts
as cushion; upon this thin layer Of
clay is spread to give body to the
top soil which is very pliable and light,
and over this a finishing course Of top
soil is placed to give a softening ten
dency to the clay, which would other
wise be to hard. With this construc-
ton there will be firm footing for the
horses, with also a feeling of residence
which the old track lacked, 1t being
very hard and dead, and apt to give
the horses stiff legs, as it lacked suf-
dcient top soil and clay in the surface.
The entrance to the track is orna-
mented by fine new iron railing with
ornamental gates, and the arrange
mentS of the ticket choppers is much
more prominent than last year. In
fact, all the appointments and require
ments of the track were gone over and
brought up to date and made as sat
isfactory as possible.
All these things have cost money
half a million at least, it is said, and
the purses to be run for are SO en-
HANGED that there will be plenty of in
centive to owners to bring any fine
stock they may have to compete for
them. Gerald Bigsby.