The Washington herald., 1909-05-13
BELMONT PARK OPEN
Metropolitan Racing Season
Gets Under Way To-day.
EXPECT ONLY SMALL CROWD
Promoters VIII Be Satisfied if There
Are 5000 Paid Admissions as
Against 10000 n Year Ago, and
10000 Decoration Day, I9O7-Bets
Not Permitted 10 Be Recorded.

New York. Nay I2LThe Metropolitan
racing season viii be opened at the beau
tiful Belmont Park tomorrow afternoon
under decidedly interesting conditions.
The Jockey Clubs determined fight to
re-establlsh the sport OF kings viii also
be inaugurated with much depending on
the patronage Of those persons who enjoy
thrilling horse races, and incidentally
chance 70 back their opinions. The whole
thing Is an experiment, and the result
viii be awaited by turfmen all over the
United States.
A year ago more than 5000 persons
went 10 this magnificent race track TO
see the Metropolitan Handicap run on
the opening day. while, according 70 Au-
gust BeImOnTs own statement. 5000
persons, Of whom $500 paid admission,
attended the races al Belmont Park on
the afternoon OF Decoration Day. 1901.
But no such attendance figures VII be
recorded again for long time, If ever
II 5000 persons pay for badges to-nor-
row afternoon. the racing association
viii probably be much encouraged while
2. turnout Of 1900 viii be regarded as
positively amazing under existing oondi-
tons d.
Free Lat Abolished.
But in view Of the fact that tie free
list has been abolished entirely the sd-
mission TO the grand stand has been
raised again 10 6 for men and Sl-5e for
women. and that Il viii be impossible 10
make a wager without having credit. II
IS believed that the season. from an at
tendance point OF view, VIII be cut loose
on a rather small scale.
No recording Of bets by regular book
makers viii be allowed
While the genera public VIII be protect
ed by the Jockey Club from annoyance.
such as prevailed last summer, when
patrons were searched. roughly handed,
and arrested at Brighton Beach, the turf
solons Will not lift q finger 70 help the
former bookmakers II they violate the
law IN any way.
For that matter. II was learned to-day
that when the gates are opened to-moT-
row some OF the biggest bookmakeTs n
this country viii ind that they cannot
buy badges. On that score, Il was said
several DAYS ago that a quiet tip has
been sent 10 these operators that II would
be lust as well for them II they did not
visit the New York tracks this season.
King James the FavOrite.
The SEQ Metropolitan Handicap. one
nile. viii be run as the feature al Bel
mont Park. ard thirteen horses have been
named 10 face the barrier. Sam Dildreth's
entry. King James. with TOP weight and
ResugOuche VII probably rule first IN
favor. King James recently came from
California. where he did soma splendid
racing and has since displayed excellent
form IN his trials. John F. Madden's
Fayette. with l0s pounds. is also highly
regarded, as ne IS rated as The best horse
Of his age IN training.
August BeImonts colors VIII be carried
By Half Sovereign. who has been espe-
ciaIIy pointed for this race and viii go 10
the post with plenty Of supporters.
CsOwan has been racing fairly well al
PiuIicO. and If she runs up 10 last years
form she may give a good account OF
herself OF the others. Arasee and Don
Creole. carrying light burdens, are con-
sidered dangerous. Figuring closely. &
looks as II King James, Fayette. and
Half Sovereign may fight It out 20 the