The Washington times., 1902-04-12

A better days racing than that OF yes
terday afternoon has rarely, if ever. been
seen at Benning Every one of the six
races down on the program furnished
stirring contest, and in three of the events
the finishes were so close that the win
ners were in doubt until the numbers
were run up on the jockey board.
The finish of the maiden race, which
was fifth on the card. was especially cx-
citing, Merry Hours and Odds and Ends
passing the wire so close together that
there would have been no complaint from
the partisans of either horse had the re-
suit been declared otherwise than it was.
Contest of Speed.
1t was a splendid contest of speed, en-
durance, and jockeyship, and when Merry
Hours number was finally hung up the
crowd broke forth in a prolonged cheer.
Indeed, the result OF the race looked more
like a dead heat than any race that has
been run at the meeting. The fact that
Merry Hours was the favorite in the bet
ting doubtless made the decision popular.
The finishes of the first and third races
were also of the strenuous order, being
calculated to make the spectators forget
their preiudices for the moment in the
contemplation of the thorough gameness
Of the gallant runners.
The fine spring day brought out large
crowd, in which the feminine contingent
was largely represented. The clubhouse
lawn was thick with richly -gowned
society folk. Everybody seemed TO be in
sympathy with the day, and the afternoon
was probably the most enjoyable OF any
SO far during the meeting.
Talent Hard Hit.
The talents remarkable run of luck
was broken for the time, as only two first
choices were good enough to reach the
winning post in front of their fields. Still
there were no real surprises, the winners
OF every race being played heavily. How
ever, the books no doubt registered a
winning day, and tucked away a portion
at least Of the wealth they have loaned
to the public at the meeting.
Track conditions were much better than
they have been for the past several days,
and although the going was not fast
enough to cause any records to be broken.
the time made was good. The only com
plant that could be found with the sport
was in the starting, which was, as usual
ragged. and emphasized the absuraty of
the no-recall system. which has been
adopted by the jockey club.
What has proven one of the most sue
c"ssful meetings in the history OF the club
closes this afternoon. when owners, train
ers. horses. and stable boys clear out
In betting ring parlance it's "gct-a-
way-day" and good time for the talent
to fight shy Of the many good things. The
bookies who have received many hard
knocks during their stay at Benning next
move on st. Asaph's, where the sport is
to continue, preparatory TO the real open
ing at the larger Eastern tracks.
The first event was one of the most
lively betting races of the meeting. All Of
the nine starters received more or less
backing. and 1t was not until the horses
were called to the post that any one CT
the starters could be regarded as the
actual fayorite.
Pigeon Post in Favor.
when the bugle sounded Pigeon Post
occupied the position OF honor, but great
wads of money had been bet on the
chances OF the other starters, Eloim. AL
paca. Merriment, Meistersinger, Dolce Far
Niente and Apple Jack, all carrying the
hopes and dollars OF many in the crowd.
The start was a fair one for all but
Nerriment. who was away last and not in
motion. Alpaca was the leader, but she
WAS quickly passed by Eloim, who led ty
a length or more 20 the turn, with Alpaca
and Dolce Far Niente running Tapped be-
hind, and Meistersinger in fourth place.
Rounding the turn Alpaca began to tire
and Dolce and Meistersinger closed while
Merriment had run into fifth place.
Strengthened out for the run home the
race brought out fine finish. Eloim
lasted long enough 10 get the verdict by
o short head, although Meistersinger was
catching him at every jump. The latter
Was only neck in front of Pigeon Post.
with Dolce Far Niente neck behind. and
herriment close up. With an equal break
Merriment would probably have won. as
she made up a lot Of ground and was COM
ing fast at the finish.
Small Field for Second.
Only four two-year-olds went to the
post in the juvenile race, and Blue Peter
seemed to SO far outclass his competitors
that he was made a prohibitivo favorite
at TO S. optima was almost as strongly
fsncied for the place. while Benduro and
Scuid were AZ long odds.
Che fsvorite was the first to break, with
cptima getting the worst Of the start.
B1de Peter went out at once and made o
rfssway race 81 n, comfnG home an easy
winner. When optima got into her