Evening star., 1909-02-25
QUESTION OF RACING DATES STILL UNSETTLED
NEW YORK TRACKS WAITING ON PIMIICO MEETING

NEW YORK, February 2J.-There was
no conference OF racing men yesterday
at the Windsor Arcade, and, according
to F. r. Hitchcock and Algernon Dam
Serfield, none was expected. There Is
nothing to confer about at this time.
these racing men say. adding that the
question of dates is something that can
and will be delayed for some time to
come
AS already printed more than once, it Is
not likely that there will be any racing
in or about New York until the proposed
meeting at Pimlico. from April "a to May
IL. is concluded. 1t is very unlikely that
the stewards of the Jockey Club would
approve of any dates for New York
track which would oppose those at Pim-
lico, though at the same time the fact
that the Maryland Jockey Clubs officials
appear to be going ahead with prepara-
tions for their spring meeting on dates
already claimed by them. without SEEM
ing TO care what the New York tracks
will do. has caused some comment in
racing circles in this city.
Fear Reformers.
1t has been said in some well informed
quarters that the Maryland people do not
seem to feel that the present liberal laws
on betting in that state can endure very
long; hence the determination of the chief
owners in the Baltimore track to race on
dates already set and to earn as much as
they possibly can while the laws stand
as they do.
Algernon Daingerfield. secretary of the
National Steeplechase and Hunt Associa-
ton, said yesterday that in no instance
had the stewards of that association sent
10 an amateur meeting steward at a
stances had the stewards sent a represen-
tative at all. MIR. Daingerfield said. The
present relations between some members
of the Hunt Association and the ruling
cross-country body are not entirely har-
monious, based upon the desire of some
or the hunts to manage entirely their
meetings. This the National Steeplechase
and Hunt Association does not oppose,
but II does insist upon certain of its rules
being lived up to. such matters of Ii
censes, etc, to trainers and riders.
Must Keep Together.
If the hunts which are dissatisfied with
the National Steeplechase and Hunt AS
ISOLATION should conclude to withdraw
from that body the serious question would
come up as to what would become of
horsemen and horses which would take
part in meetings outside of the control of
the ruling association. According to
precedent they would be barred from
taking part in all recognized meetings.
Whether that complication would be a
good thing for the future of the turf or of
breeding interests Is the question which
the horsemen involved are now consider
ing.
The racing calendar contains a list of
80 qualified hunters, owned in various
parts of the country. the greater part of
whom were once well known in fiat rae
ing. Throughout the season these horses
are utilized In making good sport at hunt
meetings. With the present limitations
set upon fiat racing, there would be a
great increase in the number of hunters
If the threatened clash be obviated. Gull
tvation of amateur sport should be en-
couraged, not fought, according to the ex-
pressed views of many who are watching
the course of racing affairs.
Walton c. Percy, who has been counsel
for racing associations and who was one
OF the sponsors for the Percy-Gray law
said last night that a special committee
had been appointed to take charge of all
matters which might arise in connection
with the hunt clubs and said further that
undoubtedly there will be harmonious
settlement of the dispute between certain
of the hunt clubs and the National
Steeplechase and Hunt Association