Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-12
WHITNEY RESIGNS
HIS TURF OFFICE
Springs Surprise by Retiring
From Vice Presidency OF
Saratoga Association.

NEW YORK, February t. - Harry
Payne Whitney, the millionaire turfman,
will take no active part in the racing
meeting at the Saratoga track this sum-
mer He severed his official connection
with the Saratoga Racing Association
yesterday. when he resigned the vice
presidency, and j. Harry Alexandra was
elected in his place.
Mr. Whitney's retirement from active
participation with the Saratoga course
caused some surprise in turf circles. 1t
was known that he had shipped most Of
his race horses to England, but the fact
that he has seventeen thoroughbreds in
training at his winter quarters in Aiken,
S. c., that will be sent here to race this
spring and receive their track tuition
from William karrick. gave foundation
to the belief that he would remain in this
country and by his presence prop up the
shaking edifice of the turf.
But it seems that the blow which Gov
Hughes gave racing last year and the
prospect of high-class sport in England
have lured Mr.. Whitney from the track
which was made famous by his father,
the late W. c. Whitney. The latter
formed syndicate of wealthy men who
liked racing and bought the property
from G.. Walbaum.
Planned Racing Center.
In the ex-Secretary of the Nays hands
the course was transformed into an ideal
racing plant. Mr.. Whitney viewed the
place as his recreation ground-a sur
cease from the cares of an active business
life-and planned to make it the racing
center Of America. He gave lavishly to
horse owners with this end in view and
N - The Great Ranlhlic stakes
the first big event in the east. worth $50
UOO for horses three years old and up
ward.
When the legislation OF last winter was
enacted it was the signal for Mr.. Whit
ney to make plans for what our British
cousins Like to call an INVASION of the
English turf With training quarters OBJ
tanned he was not content until he had
perfected arrangements to take part In the
polo contests abroad. Besides being an
ardent sportsman, he is one OF the best
and most reckless of our polo players. He
added to his string of ponies-slx of which
will be shipped abroad tomorrow-and
then sent in his resignation as the vice
president of the Saratoga track.
Wants Relief From Cares.
In his letter of resignation Mr.. Whit
ney said that as he would spend the
greater part of next racing season in
England he would like TO be relieved
of the cares and responsibilities of his
official position. The members of the
Saratoga Racing Association met yester
day at the Windsor Arcade and accepted
the resignation. At the same time they
elected the following list of officers: r.
7. Wilson, jr.. president; J. II. Alexandra,
vice president; Andrew Miller, secretary
and treasurer.
Mr. Wilson replaces Francis Hitchcock.
who recently resigned to accept the po-
sition of treasurer of the Coney Island
jockey Club, which was left vacant by
the death of ]. II. Bradford. The ex-
ecutive committee elected were r. T.
Wilson. jr.; ]. III. Alexandra. T. Hitch
cock jr.; Andrew Miller, P. J. Dwyer
and C. H. Warning. Messrs. Dwyer and
Alexandra are recruits to the executive
committee list.
No plans for race meeting at the Spa
was decided upon. but each member said
chat he was hopeful of a successful sea-
son. with the prospects bright for August
dates.
While the Saratoga members were in
session several stewards of the Jockey
Club-H. X. Knapp. +. X. Hitchcock
Schuyler l.. Parsons and Andrew Miller
We're holding u meeting. August Bel
mont and James r. keene, the chairman
and vice chairman OF the board of stew
ards. were absent, though 1t was under
stood Mr.. Knapp represented Mr.. Bel
mont, who still is in the Memorial Hos
pital.
The question of racing dates and plans
for next season was not discussed, the
stewards declared. and only business OF
d routine nature was handled.
The application of Willie Martin for
a Jockeys license-a formula lie goes
through religiously every year-was de-
MED.