The Washington times., 1903-08-17
Tockey Club Officials "Sug-
sest" That Drake, Yeaser,
and SeberaL Others Reduce
the Size of TIER Wagers.
"cFRHiftsbuy Phil'' Once Felt
the Strong Hand of the
SteDards When He Refused
to Heed Their Warning.

SARATOGA, N. Y, Aug 17.-There is
disposition on the part OF the officials
OF the race track here TO stop heavy
speculation Several members believe
that the noteriety caused by big bets is
injurious TO the sport. Piungers or the
John A Drake and Joe Yeager variety.
men who bet from $40. 900 to $50, 900 on
the result OF a race, are Objectionable
to the managers OF the association.
1t has been suggested that both men
curtail their operations, but this they
refuse to do They say that the money
belongs to them and that they viii bet
small or large amount, as IL may suit
them
"Pittsburg Phil" once retorted in kind
to a similar suggestion. Yet hs no
longer operates in a sensational man
ner. 1t is said that he was punished by
the Jockey Club for his willfulness in
this respect Much of his power was
taken from him when the turf authcrf-
ties ordered the various racing associa-
lions to refuse the entries OF the young
plunger. II Is limited IN official circles
that the same fate may overtaEe Drake
and Yeager II they do not accept the
suggestions" of those in control OF
turf affairs IN the East.
Cowan's Big Book.
Another source of anxiety to the on
Gals of the track is the book operated
by Billy Cowan- This young man
thinks nothing of handling from 500. 900
to 1925. 900 on six races. He will accept
wagers from IS 600 10 s25 900 on a horse.
Frequently he stands to win from &c.
600 to $50. 600 on the result OF single
race He has secured the patronage OF
most OF the pIungers. Heretofore It was
customary for the big operators to send
their betting agents into the ring 10
circulate among the bookmakers. piac-
| ing the commissions with various mem
bers In amounts ranging from 800 to
$500.
/ This order of affairs no longer exists.
The betting agent now walks up 10
/ Cowan. remarks that he has commits
sion of 5000 TO place. and asks IL he
viii take it, The reply is usually Yes
/ The bet is recorded the agent returns
to his employer. states the price. and
, everything is settled until accession Is
rendered by the judges
With the bulk of the money retained
n
money for the other layers of odds.
Business falls on and the booknaker
drops out The racing association loses
/ by his absence. The revenue from half
the number Of layers is received instead
OF the usual quota The only one TO
/ benefit Is the man who secures the
major portion of the ring patronage
There is still nc Their objection raised
~ the authorities TO this propensity 10
capture all the wagers. The opinion
is entertained by few Of the stewards
| that the acceptance of So, 900 wagers
opens the door to fraud. Where a book
/ maker stands to lose $50, coo on race
many things might occur which are
not in strict accord with the racing
rules
Plunging Must Cease.
| It has been known that many sup
| posed accidents" in the past were
brought about through design. and that
the source OF the trouble was a book
maker who stood TO lose or win a large
amt unit on the success or failure of \
| certain horse. II is through a desire to
avoid a repetition OF such accidents
/ that the managers believe that smaller
amounts should be bet and accepted by
bookmakers- There IS not the slightest
desire on the part of the officials TO
hamper any particular mans business.
but it is considered advisable for the
good OF the sport that a check should
! be placed on the heavy plungers and
| layers o. odds
Never IN the history OF racing here
has speculation been so heavy. All the
turf spectators OF the country are cen
I tered here Where two or three men
formerly made things lively in the ring.
there are now fifteen men who think
little OF placing s. 900 and 900 bets
on 4 race. Naturally this deluge OF
money, re-enforced by the small wagers
OF the crowd, attracts attention, and too
much publicity is given 20 the fact that
the ring handles 500. 900 On 4 contest
II is the time OF abundance. and the
bookmakers are rearing a golden har-
! vest