The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1908-06-21
RunoredR Purchase of NeqU Track
And Building ola Club House
Brightwood Management Laying Low Until Route of
Sixteenth Street Extension Is Observation-Disclosures
while Course Is IN Poor Con don
By L. D. SALE.

There was a marked sag In the local
light harness horse interest throughout
the week
The announcement that Javins
brothers are about to retire from light
harness sport, and dispose Of their large
holdings in hOrsenesh. has also had
depressing effect, added 10 the other
fact that conditions at Brightwood are
not at all TO the liking OF men who
have their horses located at that point
Brightwood track was never an Ideal
one TO work horses over. as the soil
is such that it hardens under the slight
est provocation, and If not daily har-
rOwed is a menace to the feet and legs
Of horses that are trained over 1t.
A race horse that has not good feet
and legs 10 carry him the Tliles IS much
like a wagon without wheels-Of little
value-hence it is that trainers and care
takers spend more time on the under
pinning OF horses than or any other
part Of their anatomy.
It is quite possible that the present
manager OF Brightwood cannot afrord
to keep his track in the pink OF con-
dition, owing TO a lack Of sufficient
patronage TO warrant ii. on the other
hand. it seems If he would put a tax
on every one who drives over it that
a sufficient fund could be maintained
10 keep it in a fairly good condition.
Horsemen bear the reputation OF be-
ing the most liberal of men, and II the
proposition was put to them in the
right kind OF a way they would prob
ably cooperate in bringing about bet
ter feeling than now exists between the
M NH Q 10
track.
The future OF BrightwoOd track. at
best. hangs on a slender thread. The
proposed Sixteenth street extension has
already reached to within a short dis
lance OF the course, and the next
twelve months viii probably see the
street in close proximity TO it, If II does
not actually bisect il.
In the meantime one hears much
about the purchase Of land for a new
track and the erection OF a suitable
club house adjoining it. If the right
location can be found. the men 10 H.
nance the enterprise can be had with
out much trouble. Such a move would
do much 20 prop up the sagging light
harness industry In the District Of Co
! lumbia- That something is needed to
revive 1t Is evident To every. person who
takes an interest in the matter. Tho
adjustment Of the speedway has prov
| ed 10 be an almost mortal blow to
/ light harness sport + this city. Wash
| ingtOn was just becoming 10 be a fairly
good market for speedway horses. and
the speedway wagon industry when the
blow fell.
As matters now stand there is not a
single spot outside of Brightwood. in
the District of Columbia where an own
er can go 10 test the speed OF his horse
Many owners of speed do not care to
go to a race track for their outing
and. as a matter OF fact, race tracks are
not the proper place to speed with wap-
Ons on account Of the turns. Colonel
| Cromwell Is credited with saying that
he intends to construct a speedway in
Potomac Park. but whether It will be
this year or the next. or when the mil
lennium arrives is not so certain.
The way Henry Coperthfte IS MAILING
things hum at Burk's is good for sore
eyes. Mr.. COpperthite has a reputation
1 for doing things. He IS right on the
Job at Burk's six days in the week. and
but for the fact that he IS a strict
member Of the Baptist Church. Hard
| sheiD. he might be found infringing
on the Sabbath. In addition to build