New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-05-31
Monster Crowd Turns Out to
Welcome Return of Sport
Even with Little Chance
to Wager.
BIG RACE TO WHISK BROOM
Son of Broomstick Gallops to
Impressive Victory After
Being Almost Left at
the Post in Metro
politan Handicap.

politan Handicap.
All the glories Of the turf returned az
if by magic with the revival Of racing
in this state. after lapse Of almost
three years at Belmont Park yester-
day.
Fully $4,000 lovers of the horse, hun
cry for a taste of the red blooded sport
so long denied. approved in most con-
vincing way the efforts being made by
those who are trying to build afresh
and to protect or at least to stimulate,
the great breeding industry Of this
country.
Ht ry Payne Whitney's Whisk Broom
II, the good son of Broomstick raced
to impressive victory in the twenty
first running of the Metropolitan Han
dicap after being practically left at
the post. But for once the winning of
this historic fixture was largely Incl
dental to the size and quality of the
crowd. which roarCd its delight as the
horses struggled through the stretch.
II mattered not. apparently, which
won; OF betting there was little-the
race was the thing.
Bigger crowds have visited Belmont
Park in days when racing played Sec
ond to no sport. but few that were
more enthusiastic or more easily
moved. The thousands who took ad-
vantage OF the holiday and sunny skies
sat or stood through the six races and
enjoyed TO the full the invigorating
strife without in most cases the spice
which lends an added thrill in the way
OF a wager II was an amazing exposi-
tion Of what racing means. ample proof
that racing is wanted.
Tickets Run Out at Gate.
Those in control of the meeting made
preparations for a big crowd. but in
point. OF fact they were literally
swamped. Tickets ran out. and when
close 10 two thousand persons were
TANNED UP at booths waiting to get in.
with the horses at the post for the first
race, orders were given 10 throw open
the gates. so that many rushed in
without even paying admission.
The huge grandstand was crowded;
the lawn was a sea Of hats; the club
house inclosuTe was as comfortably
full as in the old days. The field stand
was closed, but a portion OF the main
stand and lawn had been fenced off to
provide for those who wanted TO enjoy
their sport for the payment Of 81, and
this section. too was packed, which
more than justified the judgment Of
those who do not believe that racing
should be an exotic for the favored
few.
The law against public bookmaking
was rigidly enforced. There was no
exposing of prices. no soliciting Of bets,
no paraphernalia which is considered
a part Of bookmaking; nothing, in fact.
TO offend the sensibilities of the most
rsbid "reformer."
This does not mean that no wagers
were made. but so far as could be seen
they were few and far between and
confined absolutely 10 acquaintances.
In truth. full advantage, even, was not
taken Of that Interpretation OF the law
by Justice Scudder which was approved
by the Appellate Division Of the Su-
preme Court. a number Of men who
in the old days made books" were
seen sitting in the stand without the
disposition even 10 quote price TO
their nearest friend. Quotations were
made. however, but in some cases they
were as wide apart az the poles and
there was no such thing as real
market"
Ono Arrest at Track.
One arrest was made just before the
fifth race Simon Prendergast, a de-
tective, Of Nassau County, took into
custody Herman r. Sinkerstein. OF
Brooklyn, and Samuel Kornblum.
tailor. of No. II Walton street, Brook
lyn, for making bet.
Prendergast said he had been watch
Ing the men for some minutes, as they
were discussing the Steeplechase in
front of the main stand. and that
Kornblum wanted TO wager $40 on
Nosegay to win. and handed the money
to Sinkerstein.
The men were arraigned some min
utes later before Justice Louis M.
pnisio uhn held court In one OF tho