New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-05-29
ALL READY FOR THE
REVIVAL OF RACING
Warning Issued That the Free
Field" Will Be Closed if
Law Is Violated.
QUESTIONS OF BETTING UP
Associations Ask the Co. opera
ton of Those Who Go to
the Track at Belmont
Park morrow.

Everything is ready FOR the opening Of
the thoroughbred racing season at Bel
mont Park tomorrow. The track was
heavy-in fact. sIoppy-yesterday which
interfered somewhat with the work Of the
horses for the Metropolitan Handicap
and other races. but the drainage is so
good that with clear skies to-day it will
dry out and be I'm excellent condition
when the bugle blows.
The EFFORT being made TO revive the
sport. after a lapse Of almost three
years. brought about a pooling Of inter
ests. and the meeting al Belmont Park
will be held under the direction Of the
Westminster Racing Association, the Met
ropolitan Jockey Club. the Empire city
Racing Association ana the Brooklyn
Jockey Club. In order that no misunder-
standing should arise concerning the ad-
mission fee. which will be 81 for the So
called free field" 50 for the main grand
uand and s. for the clubhouse the presi-
dents Of the various associations issued
4 formal statement yesterday, as follows
Believing that the sport Of racing
reach OF those of moderate means, as well
as those who are willing 10 pay the
higher and necessary tax for its support
The ASSOCIATE tons have set aside q portion
Of the grandstsnd and lawn at Belmont
Park. 70 which Enclosure the admission
will be s..
Ii is realized that the crowds may be
large in this so-called free field and
the difficulty OF preventing gambling Of
fences thereby greatly augmented.
The associations, therefore, appeal 70
the public. which proposes to attend the
races. TO come there in the spirit Of CO.
operation and with an equal purpose 10
observe the law.
Should it be found impossible 70 ef-
fCctivelv prevent violations, the assOcia-
lions will be obliged 10 close that portion
Of the grounds.
This amounts 70 another warning that
the associations will do everything pos
sible 10 aid the authorities in enforcing
he law against public bookmaking.
There is vast difference however, be-
a.een bookmakng and betting and un-
Ger the decision of Justice Scudder. which
vas sustained by the Appellate Division
If the Supreme Court, oral betting is not
legal so that the doors are not closed
% all forms Of making a wager.
Allan Pinkerton. who. as usual, will
aave charge Of policing the track. said
yesterday that no definite orders had
been received as yet, but that he would
follow closely such instructions as came
10 him from the attorneys of the Jockey
Club as TO preventing gambling under
he law.
II was learned, however, on good au-
thority, that these attorneys are Of the
opinion that prices can be quoted, but not
exposed TO general inspection
one man closely identified with the
sport brought out clearly yesterday that
IN der the latest Interpretation Of the law
against public bookmaking those who
went to the track and made an oral wager
with a friend or acquaintance were in alb
soiutely no danger Of arrest or prosecu-
ton. A memorandum even may be
handed 70 the one with whom the bet Is
made, and settlement can be had at the
convenience Of those concerned.
Just how II will all work out only ex-
perience can tell, but one thing is sure
no pains will be spared 10 see that the
law is observed. There is no law against
racing, that is sure. and the meeting al
Belmont Park will be conducted under a
Ianction from the State Racing Commits
ZION.
The railbirds were early on hand at
Belmont Park yesterday morning, hoping
70 see the candidates for the Metropolitan
Handicap. at one mile. get their final
work. The conditions were so unfavora-
bic. however, that most Of the horses did
little more than gallop OF breeze through
The stretch.
One OF the most talked-of horses for the
race IS Harry Payne Whitney's Whisk
Broom, a six-year-old son OF Broomstick-
Audience. which earned the reputation "
being one of the best sprinters in Eng
and. Whisk Broom did not reach Bel
mont Park until yesterday afternoon, but
he has been training at Brookdale Farm.
where he outworked Iron Mask. the Cas-
tleton-bred son of Disguise-Royal Rose,
which is named for the Toboggan Handi-
zap. II was minated yesterday that Joe
hotter would have the mount on Whisk
Broom. which will lend an additional IN
crest 10 his running.
Another OF the eligibles that attracted
attention was II. X Knapp's Sprite. a
four-year-old daughter OF Waterboy-
Fairie Queen. Mr. Knapp also has named
Yankee Notions, but he is one Of the
.hree-year-olds that will likely be re-
served for the Withers. Glass will have
The leg up on the Knapp starter.
Captain f. B. Cassatt will show his
colors on Spring Board, winner Of the
Hartford Handicap at Havre de Grace
and OF a good race later at Pimlico ST.
mon Healy has him in good condition,
and he has demonstrated that the mile
tourney is well within his capabilities. He
is I'm well for four-year-o with only
100 pounds. Davies will have the mount.
August Belmont will be represented by
Merry Task. a good winner in England.
which has been working exceedingly well
for Fuestel since being shipped from PIN
leo. He is handicapped at 100 pounds.
and on his English form must be consid
cred. IL is not known definitely what
Jockey will have the mount. but both
McTaggart and Ferguson are available.
while II is just possible that the chair
man OF the Jockey club will send 10 To-
sonto for J. Wilson.
John Mayberry has both Light O. NJ
Life and Cock o. the Walk ready. and II
is lust possible that both will start. Cock
- the Walk may be held for the Withers
In which case Light o. NJ Life will go 20
ne post, with Butwell up.
r. +. Cooney will start his good cam
paigner Guy Fisher, with Guy Burns
riding. while Richard T. Wilson is likely
to be represented by Aldebaran, which
has been working well. Wolfe may have