The sun., 1908-07-26
AT EPSON AND AT LONGCHAMP.

AT EPSON AND AT LONGCHAMP.
The Derby More Turbulent Scene Than
the Grant Prix.
The Grand Prix Is the eliminating point
In the Paris season. but at the same time 1t
possesses a real sporting interest 1t is
always run in the middle Of June, says the
Independent. After that the Paris season
Is supposed to be over; in reality 1t exists
for another three or four weeks, but shorn
Of its brilliance and official character.
The race has been run for nearly fifty
years. The only interval was the year
Of the Commune. is7i. when people had
other and more desperate struggles to
think about. 1t was established by the
Duo de Morny. but he never gave his name
to the race. as did Lord Derby. who founded
the celebrated event in England.
The race has often been compared with
the English Derby, but in reality there
are many points Of difference. Across
the Strait tho old contest on EPSON
Downs is the occasion for a great public
holiday by all sorts and conditions Of men.
The sight on the Epson road is one OF
the most extraordinary In the world. All
manner of vehicles are out from the tiny
donkey shay Of the humble oostermonger
to the lordly four-in-hand and motor car
Of the plutocrats.
The Derby lacks the elegance OF the
Grand Priy. The arrangements for the
race are much more rough and ready.
There Is no charge made to enter the heath.
Thousands who 60 there never watch the
race at all. 1t is a popular picnic. and the
odd little vehicles that have come from
town often convey substantial baskets OF
provisions
No road is kept open to the grand stand
and aristocra is and millionaires have to
force their way through the crowd. The
lunch in the grand stand is curious sight
Well dressed men and exquisitely gowned
women seated at long tables entirely
innocent Of linen clamor for attention
from overw orked and not overclean walters
When the food is finally served it is far from
being appetizing.
The Kings presence is a great feature.
He arrives in an open barouche drawn by
four horses and always gets roaring
welcome. II his horse chances to win
the demonstration is overwhelming. IL is
a wild moment when a tornado OF British
enthusiasm is let loose in honor Of sporting
king.
There is more likeness between the
British and the American betting tS pethods Tanoh
At the Derby there is huge Tattersalls
ring where the most reputable bookmakers
cry the Odds But it is the outside book
maker who is the most interesting to the
student OF human nature.
Here for instance is Original Old Joe,
camped under a big white umbrella and
declaring in large letters on q blackboard
that he has occupied this Identical spot
for five-and-twenty years. Then there Is
ofp paNk Uh n n
equally proud of his antecedents and tells
you that he is -the real old firm.
A hundred others, mounted on boxes
and chairs proclaim their honesty and their
sStra9rdnary aemen IN Trhef naviec
out time comes these blatant gentlemen will
be nowhere to be seen.
The Grand Prix is vastly different
proposition. Though a large section OF
the Partisan population wends its way
to the Bois, the crowd that remains outside
the gates OF the superb racetrack OF Long
champ is as great as that which enters.
And be sure that every one who pays
his franc and goes upon the 'pelouse ?as
the determination TO bet. and to have at
least five francs on the great race or one
Of the minor events. The bookmaker has
been suppressed in France-he Is no longer
the paddock-but the betting is bigger than
ever
More and more money finds its way to the
pari mutuel which is the only system
allowed in France. The pari mutuel pays
and never runs away. and furthermore
it has the advantage Of contributing large
slice OF it's takings. viz. IL per cent, to the
hospitals and poorhouses OF the city:
The balance goes to the society which Is
responsible for the racing. This is the
Jockey Club. which in France as in England
is an aristocratio and arbitrary body which
keeps a sharp eye on jockeys and presdes
generally over the arrangements OF ithe
meeting.
patient when its feelings are aroused. and
some time ago It burned down the whole Of
the pari mutuel booths on the Longchamp
course because IT was displeased by the
decision of one Of the stewards. SO violent
and menacing was the attitude. in fact,
that the police and military as well as fire.
men had to be called in TO save the grand
stands from like fate.
The abolition Of the bookmaker has not
stopped tape betting On the contrary
there is more than ever. but it is carried
on in a clandesiine manner. There are
certain so-called banking houses in Paris
which are nothing more than turf COM
mission agents, who under cover OF cashing
checks and performing other operations
Of the banking business really get money
on for clients. Betting among women
also has vastly increased during the last
few years In Paris. and there are several
SHOPS, apparently lnnOCently engaged IN Il
conf nfectioner's business. which In reality
encourage and record the bets Of women.
The homeoomins is algeys a great
ono tremendous, endless procession Of
cabs, motors and dogcarts sweeping
through the leafy avenues Of the Bois
down the majestic Champs Elysdes to the
broad and splendid Place de la ,Concorde.
which Is the spacious antechamber TO the
town Of Paris proper. At night the city is
given up to gayety, In all the chief restau-
rants tables have been engaged for weeks
rat 9ed esaeoay nzh oIss ans
has carried of the trophy. 1t seems to give
an excellent excuse FOR a thoroughgoing
celebration. England, indeed, contributes
much to racing in France and has contrib
uted much in the past.