The San Francisco call., 1907-01-20
FAMOUS COURSING
PARK TO CLOSE
IT'S GATES

feel the coming of the rush across the
line into San Mateo County and so it
happens that the greatest field for
greyhounds irR all the world will soon
be but a memory and bare-footed chill
dren at play will take the place of the
fleet-footed greyhound which have met
in competition on its grassy acres,
Sporting authorities who have seen
the Einest fields in England, Ireland and
Australia are a unit in pronouncing the
Union Park field the best ever devised
for the sport of the leash. Although
1t was laid out some nine years ago,
not a single detail could be improved
upon. The methods of handling the
coursing were found perfect from the
start, the only change being TO move
the southerly fence forward short
distance to cut off a corner OF the Held
in which the spectators did not have a
thorough view of the running
The success of the park was founded
upon the field. This was composed OF a
mixture OF sand and loan which made
a perfect footing for the hounds in all
kinds of weather. Rain had no effect
on the field, it being possible to con-
duct the sport in q downpour. In mid
summer the surface of the field re-
tanned its firmness without being
baked as would clay or adobe field.
The dogs ran over it with confidence,
as there was no danger of injured feet.
When they wanted to stop they put
out their feet and slid in the sand.
where on another field they would
make a wide detour TO prevent injury
to their pads.
FOR FREEDOM THE GREAT STAR
The most famous greyhounds of their
time performed on this field for the
largest purses ever offered for this
kind of competition. There were a
number of $4,000 stakes decided and
many of nearly that value. In cours-
ing the purse does not go TO the first
three to finish as in horse racing, but
1t is spread out so that the majority of
the dogs win something. This is
worked down so that the last dogs TO
share in the distribution receive their
entrance fees back.
For Freedom was one of the first
of the sensational performers TO be
seen on this field. He reached here on
a Thursday in an express crate from
England and was started on the fol-
lowing Sunday merely with the idea
Of seeing his style of going. He fairly
romped through the stake. although
he was quoted at 75 to ] in the betting.
In one of his trials he led the other
dog so far that they were sent back
to the slips again, the judge thinking
the opponent of For Freedom was un-
sighted. The English dog again
showed wonderful foot" and then his
great flight of speed was appreciated.
Up to the time of his first retirement
the great dog was unbeaten. In franz
ing the conditions of stakes allow
ance was made for the dog beaten by
the ultimate winner as to be drawn
against For Freedom was to at once
lose all chance of getting farther into
the stake.
MANY SENSATIONAL PERFORMERS
After For Freedom came a host of
greyhounds which could win N any
country. They included Emin Pasha,
the most remarkable sire ever owned
in this country and whose progeny won
the major number of stakes offered.
His greatest sons were Palo Alto and
Pocatelli. The owner of the former
favored him somewhat and did not run
him as often as he could have done, but
he was always a consistent performer,
winning at different times all the
classic stakes. PocatellI was also a
brilliant performer, but he was injured
when in his prime, and the total of his
winnings will not reach that of other
dogs.
Rubber Ankles, pronounced the most
beautiful greyhound in the world, and
one of the gamest, was a great favorite
here. While she was nodded upon the
most graceful and dainty of lines, she
had muscles of steel and a stout heart,
which would carry her through the
keenest competition. Old Royal Flush
was another popular idol with the fol-
lowers of coursing. He holds the rec
ord of having won four stakes in as
many starts. Beacon, the great blue
dog with a wonderful flight of speed
was a popular favorite in his day.
Then there was Luxor, dog with
beautiful style of going; Young Amer
lea, False Flatterer, Barge, Gladiator,
Sisquoc Skyball. Thornhill, Rosette
and Cavalier.
CONNEMARA A POPULAR IDOL
Connemara was another great public
| favorite, sharing the honor for a time
with Sacramento Boy. Then there was
Firm Friend. which came from the
kennels of the Messrs. Fawcett, the
home of For Freedom; Moondyne
Rocker, Lucky Dog, Royal Buck, Fly
| ing Buck and others. That the breed
/ of greyhounds has deteriorated on this
! coast is easy of proof when one com
pares this list with that of the dogs OF
/ the present day There have been nc
! importations from the great English
kennels for years, although at one time
ii was of frequent occurrence for the
gentlemen interested in the sport tC
draw on the best available blood fol
the upbuilding of their kennels
The park was well served By its field
officials. Charles Griswold was its frs
superintendent and he planned all thu
details of the park which were fount
afterward to work out so well. Th'
park was opened by Judge John Bull
who came from England to officiate il
the saddle He wore the conventions
hunting cap and scarlet coat OF thu
hunting field and was always a pictu
rescue figure.
He was succeeded by John Grace, wht
Judged with marked success for years
Day after day he would sit In judg
ment on trials in which thousands were
wagered, and there was seldom a muir
muir at his decisions. He was sue
ceeded by P. ]. Reilly, who has always
been a prime favorite with the follow
ers of the old game.
James Grace did the bulk OF the slip
ping at the park, succeeding James
Wren. Grace seemed to cast spell
over the dogs, which were quiet in hi'
hands when they would struggle ii an
I eli