The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1904-02-21

WRITTEN FOR THE SUNDAY REPUBLIC.
Rumors that the Western Jockey Clul
might possibly reconsider its attitude to.
ward the Union Jockey Club OF this city
on the date question were in circulation
among local racing men last week. and
The matter was made 4 general topic of
discussion at the headquarters OF the
horsemen.
While nothing definite has emenated
from the Chicago end of the club. 1t Is
said that there may be some grounds for
the report. particularly il the Wagners
carry out their intention of closing down
the Worth track this season. That they
have some such idea in mind is evidenced
by their refusal to accept the dates
allotted to them.
Ed Wagner announced that he did not
propose to accept the flag end of the sea-
son for the period wherein his course
should operate He wants some of the
good racing days OF the year and has
not hesitated to say so. When il was
announced that he could hope for no
change. he stated that his plant would
Close down.
His release of officials. engaged for the
GUNNER. indicated hat lie was in earnest.
Then came more rumors. II was consid-
cred hardly possible that a big plant like
Worth would be- deliberately closed down
without an attempt being made to make
II earn money this season. 1t is also
known that Wagner is a fighter.
Under these circumstances, prospects OF
some more active step being taken than
the mere closing down OF the track were
discussed. The Chicago racing situati ton
is in no shape TO stand any hosti,ities.
Just at present. and the Wagner attitude
caused considerable ~uneasiness. it IL said.
erring body.
Immediately it became current gossip
that the date question would be reconsid-
caused this. it is said. The remark in
question was to the effect that Worth
would ask for no special dates if the out
that is. IL the track was allowed to pro-
coed with its meeting regardless Of the
date question.
This was interpreted as a threat to the
effect that the track had mapped out
some such plan of campaign. With the
tnion Jockey Club appearing on the field
Tor this course was also in evidence. They
have furnished topics of conversation for
tbs last week.
Whether the track will get dates or not,
Is now the question. Such an action. aft
er all racing periods have been assigned
Tor the year. would be unprecedented. as
81 the racing time OF the other tracks.
OF course. the question OF whether this
would not be better for both courses than
to have competition then arises.
he will not ask for dates at the hands of
allotment of racing periods. Even should
the club give to his course an uninter-
rupted period early in the season, he will
not accept 1t, he says. He has always
expressed a willingness to take thirty
days moderately early in the year and
then to take a few days later in the SUM
mer. As the matter now stands. the ac-
ton of the Western Jockey Club at its |
March meeting will be watched with in |
Last week witnessed the departure Of
many local horsemen and racing followers
Tor Hot Springs. where the race meeting
Will with many %well-known
performers OF the local tracks. 1t seems
like reading a Delmar or Fair Grounds
card to notice the list OF names among
the horses already stabbed at the course.