The Washington times., 1903-08-25
Mr.. Smatbers Offers to Bet
S250,000 on SNcChesnep
Against Hern1fs in a Special
Snatch race at Sbeepsbead
Bay.
Western Tnrfnlan Soon Hears
That Proposal Is Not a
Popular One, and That the
Jockey Club VIII Not Al
lou IT.

SARATOGA. n. Y. Aug. 25.-weather
and track being favorable. Hermis will
start in the ChampIain Handicap today,
and 1t was announced last night that the
mighty McChesney will also face the
starter, though there are many in Sara
toga who do not believe that Mr.. Smath-
ers viii permit his thoroughbred 70 go.
Mr. Smathers arrived here yesterday
morning and promptly issued a chaI-
leDge TO z. r. Thomas, owner of HermIs.
TO match his horse against McChesney
for suitable purse and side bet of not
less than $1,000 nor more than $3.50. 600.
1t was Mr.. Smathers' idea that the match
should be run at Sheepshead Bay. and
Mr.. Thomas looked with SOME favor unon
the plan until he learned that others re-
garded it as an attempt to injure racing
here
The official announcement was made
late yesterday afternoon that Mr.
Smathers' methods are not liked by
some of the Eastern racing officials. and
IL was further announced. on the au-
thority of j. II. Bradford. treasurer and
that no purse Will be offered for a match
race at sheepshead Bay in which Nc
Chesney Will have part.
Offer Unpopular.
In view of the fact that the running
Of the Champlain Handicap has long
been looked forward to as likely 10 fur
nish grand contest between Hermfs
and other good horses, the attempt of
Mr. Smathers to arrange a match be-
tween McChesney and Hermis has oc-
casioned much unpleasant comment OF
course. If such race had been arranged
neither of The horses would have been
starters in the Champlain, which would
have been shorn of all it's interest.
McChesney was recently worked full
mile. hard held up, in the good time OF
I:42. That work was telegraphed 10 Mr.
Smathers. who promptly took a train
for Saratoga As soon as he arrived
here he sent for a representative OF Mr.
Thomas. 20 whom he suggested that
Hermis and McChesney be scratched
from the Champlain and that they be
matched
81 belive we have the best two thor
oughbreds in training" Mr.. Smathers is
quoted as saying Il would like to see
which is the better of the two. Each
horse seems 10 like a mile and a quar-
ter. and I suggest that a special race Re
arranged. 10 be run at Sheepshead Bay.
We can keep out the minor class horses
by arranging with the Coney Island
Jockey Club 70 offer purse. with en-
trance fees TO be added. and then make
the entrance fee one half the amount OF
the Lurse.
s25o,ooo Side.
THAT means that we will double the
added money. If the Coney Island Jock
ey Club will add $4,000 it will amount
to a wager OF IS. 900 between US For that
matter. I am willing TO increase the size
of the wager to $3.50, 600
Mr.. Thomas was inclined TO look with
favor on the proposal. but when friend
was sent TO Mr. Bradford to learn frolh
him what might be expected from the
Coney Island Jockey Club. Mr.. Brad
ford S decision was prompt.
i am only one of the directors of the
Coney Island Jockey Club" said Mr.
Bradford land I am not empowered to
speak for the organization, but I shall
vote against all proposals for special
race at Sheepshead Bay for the benefit
of McChesney and Mr.. Smathers And l
shall urge my fellow directors TO vote
with me-"
Mr. Bradford's outspoken rebuke sur
prised Mr. Smathers. who has been a
peculiar factor on the turf this year
When he learned that he could not haVs
his way about a spectacular match with
McChesney and Hermis the factors ne
began 10 talk about Withdrawing from
the Champlain Handicap
McChesney Doubtful.
He said that McChesney would not
start unless he is in absolutely perfect
condition. He was reminded that Mr..
Taylor had said that McChesney was
returned 10 his best form. and he re-
piled that he would be guided by the
judgment of his trainer.
Friends of Mr.. Thomas and Mr.. Shields
told them that their position would be
misunderstood If Hermis is not started
in the Champlain. They promptly de-
cided that Hermis should start. and yes
terday evening they said that the son of
Hermence will certainly face the flag
today When Mr.. Smathers heard OF
the action of Mr. Thomas and Mr.
Shields, he gave notice that McChesney
viii GO Some believe that he is not
overly enthusiastic.
II may be taken for granted that the
sharp decision OF Mr. Bradford will put
a stop TO the talk of match races with
81 4, AaeC