New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1906-01-29
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT RACING.

Now that the weights for the Brighton Handi-
cap have been announced, which practically
presage those for the Brooklyn and Suburban,
racing folk are looking forward TO the allot-
ment Of dates for the various meetings, which
the stewards Of the Jockey Club can be expected
to announce at almost any time now. The chief
interest lies IN what stand the Empire City Club,
near Yonkers, may take in an effort to secure
recognition. Otherwise no changes from last
year are likely. and the meetings are almost sure
TO follow along in the same order as last sea-
son, which met with general approval. The
Empire City Club applied for dates a year ago,
but was refused for reasons that seemed good
to the stewards Of the Jockey Club and to the
State Racing Commission. 1t is not likely that
anything has developed to change the position
which was taken at that time and a meeting at
Yonkers is not at all probable. The club may
demand dates. and, failing to get them may
even take the matter TO the courts as was
threatened year ago; but the Jockey Club is
now in a better position to fight the case and
little trouble is anticipated. 1t would be far
better If the matter We're definitely settled once
for all. There would be no uncertainty then
from year to year as to dates
It is cause for favorable comment that the
other racing associations will follow the lead of
the Westchester Racing Association in keeping
the jockeys to themselves during the hours Of
racing The isolation of the boys is a move In
the right direction, likely to discourage the
Incorporate talk Of those who see nothing good
and only bad in a conversation which may oC-
cur between rider and some big bettor. This
leads TO petty scandals which reflect in no small
measure on the management of the turf IN
der the new plan the boys not allowed to
leave the jockey enclosure until the saddlng
bell rings, and once in the paddock they are
not supposed to hold conversation with any,
body except the owner trainer Of the horses
they carded to ride
The action OF Governor Utter of Rhode Island
IN declaring against pool selling the Provi-
denCe track made Il possible for the Nara gan
Sett Breeders Association to bring out clearly
it's position in the matter. As IN this State its
purpose is to foster and encourage the breeding
OF thoroughbred horses. and there is absolutely
no connection with the ring where the betting
is done. That the betting pool selling plays
an important part in the success of the meeting
there is doubt, and it is improbable that a
meeting could be made TO pay If pool selling were
prohibited still, the association can show clear
" that ii is not violating the law. Following this
stand on the part of the Governor II is now
likely that a bill will be presented to the legis-
lature to legaliZe running and trOtting meet
ings under some such law adopted in this
State. It is pointed out that the Governors po-
sition is not necessarily antagOnistic TO racing.
and that If a proper bill should be presented to
the legislature there is every prospect OF favor
able action. The association has prepared an
ambitious programme for the coming season, and
there Is every reason TO believe that the sport
will prosper in Rhode Island II has here