New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1908-05-14
JACK ATk[N WINS
A TURF CLASSIC
ROMPS HOME IN RICH NET
ROPOLIT4N HANDICAP.
Thirtv Thousand Persons Gather at
Belmont Park TO See the
Race Decided.

t-ilJ-aph and TO lasting turf fame in winning the
seventeenth running Of the rich Metropolitan
Handicap At Belmont Park yesterday he TOOK
,,r 7oS mounds and conceding weight to all his
opponents raced TO the froSt in the first quarter
md making the mace to sui; himself won easily
by TWO lengths from James Il. keenes Resti-
gouche- Don Creole. the lightweight of the race,
with only % pounds up, came from last place
after rounding the turn and in spite Of bearing
ont al through the stretch closed with gallant
rush and finished third. scant length behind
Faestieouche Spooner headed the spent and tr-
ing field which included Supernan, the Brook
ly-n Handicap winner last year; Salvidere. the
champion two-year-old of 1906, and McCarter,
which beat Jack Atkin a head in the Excelsior
Handicap two weeks ago and was the public ia
vorire for the race yesterday
The race was lacking in sensational and spec
tzcllar features and rnarred by some unfortu-
nate crowding just after the start which put
McCarter on the fence and out Of the race. From
what could be learned from several of the
Jockeys. Schi!lins on Jack Atkin, RESPONSE
he. but there was no claim OF foul. and the
stewards did not feel called upon TO take any
action. Except for this the race was truly rum
but this in itself took much of the flavor out Of
the struggle. as the rank and file of those in at
tendance backed McCarter 10 win.
4 crowd that was conservatively estimated at
thirty thousand persons was in attendance. and
under the most favorable conditions for a day
IN the open air enjoyed itself TO the full even
though NcCarter nas~ beaten
JACK ATKIN RUNS HIS BEST RACE
Jack Atkin ran the best race OF his career He
covered the distance one mile, in the fast time
Of 1.3s 3-5. which was record for the stake
since it has been at Belmont Park, and not
far behind the track record of l 81 %. made by
Kiarnesha, with 104 pounds up. in October, 1865
lie was quoted al S ] in the betting, and did
not attract much support except from those who
consider him more or less OF equine hero. as
the form players could not figure how he could
take UP his heavy impost and beat McCar1er
with eleven pounds in the latter's favor whereas
NcCarter had beaten him in the Excelsior Han
6icap at only six pounds difference in the
weights. Schilling, who had the mount, rode a
perfect race, although he had do little
than sit still The boy was severely criticised
for what appeared like rough riding just
after the start, for which, however, he claimed
later he not 10 blame
Barney Schneider was not at the track to see |
his good horse win, he is still in California |
Jack Atkin, his agent in the East, for whom the |
horse is named, present, however, and, |
highly elated. rushed off TO the telegraph Office
even before the numbers went UP. to fash the |
lowing terse message:
Best horse in the world just won; congratu- |
lstions"
This was enough. and while racegoers will not |
egree with him Jack Atkin being the best |
horse IN the world, Herman Brandt. his trainer. |
and Barney Schreiber. his owner have some rea-
son to believe 50, as the horse keeps on winning
aid doing all that is required of him in the most
impressive and convincing fashion
BIG CROWD IN ATTENDANCE.
The size OF the crowd was a striking tribute
70 the sport II was cosmopolitan in its make
". but prosperous looking. withaI from club
house TO field. Men high in the business 1nan-
cial and professional worlds rubbed elbows with
their less fortunate brothers in the enjoyment |
Ct seeing the thoroughbreds in keen and bitter |
strife. The fashionable set was out in force
snd pre-empted the clubhouse lawn. which was
gsy with the bright gowns and striking milli-
nerE of the women The grandstand was full to
oFerfoying. while the lawn in front looked like
srorn-sWept sea Of hats. as from that place
many Rere forced to watch the races, or what
Atle of them could be seen with all other points
Of vantage taken. The field inclosure had every
appearance Of a huge ant heap or a mons ter
wheat pt ln the days OF panic. From the
sfend stand il looked if there was not the
nHiest place for the proverbial ''one more"
b'ino0t Park. the newest and greatest race
course in the country. and fttingly called the
--eN market Of America. seemed more impressive
"A4 magnificent than ever in contrast with the
s'iAf" hat marrow confines At Jamaica. 1t was
lls opening day Of the Westchester Racing As
S'elaien spring meeting, The various courses
were in perfect condition, and 50 fast that rec
o-os Vii be- IN danger throughout the meeting |
Inc horses ran The reverse way of the track as
1's- DO IN England, but racegoers have become
more or less used to it from previous seasons I
eA4 10 complaints were heard
Ici"ecn races the weather divided attention
""a lhe horses It compelled keen enjoyment.
q 'He Gay Was made 10 the exact measure Of
Ia' amounted 10 2 racing holiday Those who
-'@Fea 10 leave their coats and wraps AT homo !
1'-Alea The sun too ambitious but one had IA
NoIuo1s indeed to find anything TO grumble
''lr 20 fair WAS the day and SO warm Yet fresh
Nes the air
nee Of The trains ,,Ilich from noon until I
p,. COCK rolled Bf , the platforms and
= op ln~ thousands who sought this means I
:. ee'hl.s The track, one felt A. if TRANSPORTED
:, spolf~u-f.'s paradise. The parklike en- L
&C &c WITH lis budding trees and shrubberv o
- -; i-ie biz. roon1y, comfortable grandstand
>, e'- while the scene across the green infield 1
r, woods ana low hills beyond, bright in the q
'' '- String. vas feast % the eye.
-" AND PARADE OF AUTOMOBILES
--l-aTeds made The trip to the track in motor N
- aLc there were automobiles enough of
49, 81 make and description in the parking p
a. "o-@ - tire paddock furnish two or u
r. good sized SHOWS The roads leading to o
te -'h were cailIy aliye with machines for "