The Washington times., 1905-03-22
ALL IN READINESS
FOR OPENING DAY
Benning Meeting Promises
to Be Highly Successful.
BELMONT STABLE STRONG
Headed by Great Mare Beldame and
Lord ofethe vale-ohcials and
Jockeys Arrive.
BELMONT STABLE STRONG

In spite of the gloomy and forebod-
ing aspect of the weather there was an
air of activity at Benning this morn
ing that betokened the opening IF the
racing season.
There were many visitors to the
course, taking their last look at the
horses in the hope of seeing or hearing
something that would give a line of
the events to come. There was little
real work, but much useful galloping.
Superintendent Strahan had his force
busy putting the finishing touches on
the equipment of the track. All that
is needed now is sunshine to make the
opening great one.
Events All Filled.
Enough horses are on hand to fill
every event programmed to the ca
pacity Of the course. The fields may,
however, be light in some races for the
first few days. because of backward
condition of some of the horses.
The handicap tomorrow should be
cork1ng good race. The best horses
that ever started in the event are card
or them have been racing during the
winter they are IN prime condition.
The officials of the meeting are here,
or will be by. night. Paddock Judge
Hall is here from New Orleans, and
Associate Judge Joseph Murphy is due
mere this evening. Clarence McDoW-
eli Is dL his nome IN baltimore, and
will, as usual, make the trip daily on
the Baltimore race special. President
Rowland. who will preside in the
stewards stand, came over yesterday
morning, and after looking the ground
over expressed his belief that the
meeting would be first-class in every
particular.
Belmont Stable.
The sight of the colors of August Bel
mont, chairman of the Jockey Club. In
vests the meeting with much interest
Mr.. Belmont's horses reached the track
yesterday from Garnet. s. c., where they
had been wintered in care of Trainer
John Whaien. All are two-year-olds. but
one, and they were all bred at Mr. Bel
mont's noted nursery stud in Kentucky.
They are closely related to famous win
ners of other days, and will no doubt
render good account of themselves.
Three years ago Mr.. Belmont sent a
considerable string to race here Some
of the developments of that lot were
Toscan and Rosetint, both of which have
won many races In their turf career
Toscan is a candidate for the handicap
and one that Is accorded a royal chance
on a muddy track
Since that year Mr.. Belmont's stabI
has been on the decline until this seasofI
He had charge Of the subway constrUo-
ton in New York, or at least his hous
was financing she scheme, and bif
duties gave him little time to devote to
racing. Last season he raced only three
of the Vale, made good in the rich
Saratoga Handicap and in a minor
stake at Brighton. Lord Of the Vale.
by the way, won the first running of
the Grand Consolation. the rich two
year-old feature of the Benning fall
meetings. This season Mr.. Belmont will
have a large stable, headed by the peer
less queen Of the turf, Beldame- Not all
Of cf In fo Mt but r.
performances OF his youngsters here
Will be noted carefully.
Crowds Arriving.
The town is rapidly filling up with
visitors. and when the trains from the
North are in today with their loads of
living freight will be filled to overflow
ing. John G. Cavanag;, will run spe-
ciai train from New York, which will
run as a section of the Congressional
Limited and which will be largely pat
ronized The New Orleans and Hot
Springs contingent of horsemen is a
large one and they make no secret Of
the fact that they expect to get a large
share of the money. 1t does not seem
unrea asonable that they may, as the
horses are in good condition.
First Class Jockeys.
There will be 10 dearth of riders at
the meeting. Already r1mber of
prominent jockeys are on hand and 9TH
ers are due to arrive, before the meet
ing begins. Burns, who did no riding
during the winter, has been here some
days, getting in condition. He will ride
Buttons in the handicap, and will also
have the mount on OaklaWn on the
opening day. and any other horses that
Will Shields may start for which he
can do the weight.
a iG heen
at work He does not fear but what
he will be in condition to give a good
account of himself. Redfern, Odom, and
other high class jockeys will be On hand.
O'Neil will come over tonight to ride
Roseben in the handicap, but may not
stay for the entire meeting.
TIIIn NCL fnnFHT