The Washington times., 1905-08-06

r. q
which opened in Saratoga gives every
promise of being the most notable one
in the history OF that famous race
course in the matter OF sport, in the
attendance. and in the betting
Weather conditions were bad on the
opening day, but this did not prevent
at least 10000 people from gathering at
the track, and they included the very
cream of the racing world. AS usual,
the Sanfords showed up with a string
of race horses in prime condition and
started in their winning gait by sending
old Ceughnawaga first across the wire
for the rich Saratoga Handicap. The
fact that this fine thoroughbred, al
though six years old, beat some of the
best youngsters now in training. offers
an object lesson to those who believe in
sending their horses to the races carly
and often.
The sanfords make their appearance
always at Saratoga, passing up the
prizes offered at the Metropolitan tracks
at the spring and summer meets. AS a
result their good horses last. Caughna-
waga is not the first winner of big stakes
they have had at ages when most horses
have been sent to the stud. One feature
Of this race, which fairly represents the
element OF uncertainty in racing, is the
fact that neither the Sanfords nod Train
CT Hyner had any idea Caughnawaga
could win. The hope OF the stable was
pinned TO Molly Brant, who finished
outside the money.
The usual stories Of big betting a The
track and wide open gambling after the
races are spread throughout the coun-
try. While there is a basis Of truth in
ha
betting at the track is not any heavier
II as heavy as il has been on more than
one occasion at Shecpshead Bay or
others OF the Metropolitan tracks. As
for the stories of fortunes won and lost
al the gambling games which are open
at the Springs, most Of them may be
clagsed with the bets in the stories told
of two touts who. after the races, went
one night to an opium joint. After they
had hit the pipe two or three times
one of them shouted: I'm bet hun
drcd thousand on Beldame, straight
Then. IN bet half million on Bel
dame III bet a million on Beldane.
His pal turned sIeepily in his bunk and
nuttered: why don't somebody put
that piker out?'
Jrp TO this time there has been no race
between Sysonby and Artful, held TO be
the best colt and flly of the season.
That they will meet before the meeting
is over is practically certain. Both are
in prime condition, and Messrs. keene
and Whitney are rather anxious Tor q
test of the merits of the pride of their
respective stables. Diamond jim Brady
by the way. IS certain that III OiSeau he
has the equal il not the superior OF
/ either one Of them and perhaps in
/ Waterlight He expects the latter TO de-
veIop into another Waterboy,
! regret to see that the Saratoga Off
! Gals have decided 10 renew relations
with the bookmakers. Under rule
adopted for the opening day the layers
J Of odds are 10 be taxed 512 a day each,
! nominally for racing information, bat as
a matter of fact for the privilege Of
/ ma king book This is a tacit admission
that racing cannot he made TO pay with
out the bookmakeEs money, and as d
| FIRST result Of thE admission some Of
the Nets made Il scene at Saratoga and
unfortunately compelled the club on
| Gals 10 recede from the perfectly proper
stand shken by John Cavanaugh.
| While track betting may be- probably
! Is. necessary 10 make racing possible
/ ANYTHING which leads to the belief that
| the gambling element is practically run
| ming the tracks IS bad for racing. and is
! bound TO add strength To the movement
F.! 10 follow in New York the example sci
by some OF the Western States and pro
hibtt betting altogether.
J II would be better. 10 raise the price o.
admission 10 s. or more. and cut loose
not merely in name bat In fact from the
gamblers While the track owners might
lose FOR he time, they would gain n
! the long run. | notice Tim Sullivan
! writes from England that Il takes 81 Il
EeJ 10 the betting ring az the EBglst
/ tracks. and the English race crowds ar,
much larger than ours.
The growth Of the sentiment agains
racetrack gambling has had two striking
illustrations this week in the trottinl