The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1904-08-23
OPENS UNDER
HAPPY OMENS.
FIRST DAY OF FAIR AuGuRs
WELL.
0'splAy IS A GOOD ONE
Large Exhibitor the Soils Products
Numerous Entries inRacing
Events.

While it may not be said that the
day \Was an ideal one for racing, it
was so much better than seemed prob
able last night and early this morning
that everyone was in good spirits
when the gong sounded that sent the
first of the racers to the scratch this
afternoon
Many improvements have been made
in the grounds and buildings, and
when the visitors began to arrive
much surprise of an agreeable nature
was expressed. The seating capacity
has been materially increased by the
erection of "bleachers'' to the west of
the grandstand, affording accommoda-
tions for several hundred persons in
excess of former years. Paint and
kalsomine have been spread with gen.
eroNs regard for the appearance of
sheds and buildings, and the result
sheds and buildings, and the result
is highly appreciated by the public.
Display Good One.
9 Although early in the season, yet
a goodly collection of agricultural and
horticultural products has been made
and is On exhibition in the main build
ing. As in former years, c. l. Gardner
is in charge of this department AMI
his artistic taste has never been dis
played to better advantage. A thor
ough canvass of the county has ena-
.bled him to secure many entries, and
a>visit to the building will please and
astonish.
Track Among the Best.
The track mas been improved to an
extent that makes it. now among the
best in the west, at least so say those
who are qualified to pass judgment
in such matters. For a considerable
distance from the surface the original
soil has been removed and replaced
by sandy loan taken from the adja-
cent, hills, which covers the speedway
its entire length. By this arrange
ment an ordinary rain will not rem
der the track unfit for use, as the
water is rapidly absorbed, in happy
contrast to the conditions that erst-
while existed when the gumbo would
hold the water and make the track
so heavy as to be unfit for use. TO
still better things, each layer of dirt
has been rolled and packed separately,
making the ground hard and firm, and
insuring secure footing for the horses.
Today's Events.
Following is the racing card for to-.
day:
First race-Three minute trot En-
tries: Tracy B., by Otto Phillips;
Bernice, by C. NJ. Jump; Dixie, by
c. Peterson.
Second race Special. Entries: 1
kittie Wilkes, by Bennett; Bert Hor-
ton, Harry Kenny, Orondo, by c. M.
Jump; Modicum, by Higgins & Little;
King Cole, by j. B. McMasters.
Third race-Novelty Entries: Col
lege Maid, "The Guideless Wonder"
Fourth race Mile dash. Entries.
Glasses, by Rogers & Robathan; Lit
lie Tom, by A. u. Haye, Georgia Black,
BY Ted Hanson; x Ray, R. T. Ramsey,
Bessie NJ, by Tony Minder; Silver
Tim, by Blevins and Cooney.
Fifth Quarter mile dash. En-
,ries: Pine Wood, by S. Polk; Mint
"a, by Humer & Des Jardin; Redmont,
~ Ted Hanson; Miss Dignon, by jeff
Brewer; Earl Bugg, by H. T. Fratt.
Sixth race-Relay. Entries: Mrs.
and Miss Hart.
Something like a half hundred
lorses have been entered for the diff
erent evetns. Among them are some
If the best that have ever competed in
Montana racing and predictions are
reely made that new track records
will be established.