The Washington herald., 1916-10-03
Large Throng on Hand at
Opening of Laurel Track
CONTINUED FROM PAGE oNE.J

sented a gathering fully representative of
the most exclusive social register of the
more Southern cities, where the racing
Il the thoroughbred, with its accompany
ng thrills, far surpasses other claims to
their indulgence. Many came on from
Philadelphia, where the intercircuit polo
matches were held last Saturday.
Judging from the liberal entries yester-
day and for today, there will be splendid
racing. The stakes have all been filled
nicely and there are at present more than
500 thorOughbreds stabbed at the course,
and many more are en- route from Can
ada. Among the stables represented are
those Of august Belmont r. T. Wilson,
James Butler, Shuyler Parsons, Oneck
Stable, Emil Herr, william and Lewis
Garth, Glen Riddle Farm. Raj Parr, Sam
Louis, ]. T. Ireland, ]. W. May, Max
Hirsch, H. G. BedweII, Clifford A. Coch-
ran and the Kentucky Stable.
General Manager Matt ]. Wynn has sur
rounded himself with a capable staff of
assistants. w. S. Vosburgh, Raj Parr
and Henry ]. Morris as stewards; Edward
Cole and E. c. Smith as finish judges, and
Mars Cassidy officiating at the barrier,
with Joe McLennan serving as racing sec
retary.
Together with the railroad facilities,
which have been greatly improved. the
mana cement have wisely instituted the
starting of the first race at 1:45, and the
last race at AS, which will enable those
who journey to the track to reach their
homes for the evening meal. as well as
to avoid the COolness of these October
evenings.
Hundreds Of motors were parked about
the clubhouse many taking advantage Of
the delightful roads for which Maryland
is famous.
II one is to judge from the attendance
and enthusiasm displayed on the open
ing day, it is safe to predict that racing
at Laurel will far exceed that of former
years at any track. Then, too, the dura-
tiOn Of the present meeting of twenty-six
days will allow true test of form of the
horses stabbed for this meet.
With the completion of the steepleChase
course an added attraction has been af-
fOrded over last year, and it has served
to attract the best jumpers in the coun-
try, which will give added zest to the
sport that has always ruled so popular
with sportsmen Of Virginia and Mary
land. The Garth and Parr strings rep
resent a formidable hand. while Matt
Smart and T. II. McCreary will send their
charges over the brush.
The principal feature Of today's card
was the Laurel handicap at six fur
longs for all ages, which attracted a list
OF fifteen starters, including the speed
marvels, high Noon, Leochares, Top O.
the Morning, Jacoba, UItimatum, Crank,
-ir Edgar. and Startling.
There were four scratches and an
added starter. Ormesdale, from the
HilsOn string. Leochares. as predict
ed. was established the favorite, and
Justly so, for he ran in a commanding
manner within One-ffth Of a second
# the track record, held by Pebbles,
With a field of a uozen starters it
vas a difficult task to get them in
perfect alignment. but at last they
were OF. and Prince of Como, as
usual took the lead. closely attended
by Sir Edgar and JaCoba, but at the
head of the stretch Haynes, on the
winner, CirCled his field and won easi-
ly. Robinson, on Sir Edgar, made a
determined bid. but could never get
Ip, while Top O. the Morning beat out
'rince of Como for show. The race
was true run, although High Noon
an disappOintingIy and did not seem
% possess his usual speed, finishing
n the van.
In the opening event the full field
IF eight paraded to the post. A
slight delay. occasiOned by Fencer.
who tried to back away from the
barrier, and who afterward redeemed
himself by a brilliant dash after the
winner and by finishing second. When
the first cry of the meeting arose in
They're Off" Counsel took the track
and held it throughout. Mae Murray
running second, with Fencer in the
third place. Lynette was close by and
ran a nice race, but could not catch
her leaders. The time OF 1903 was
slow for the FIVE and a half
y surprise turned up for the talent in
the second event, when the Maryland
owned horse. Soldier. running for F. c.
Frisbie. Of Annapolis, was returned the
winner paying S12 20 for a g investment,
while Benjamin was second, and Queen of
Paradise third.
Another long shot turned up in the
third, when H. G.. BedwelTs Estimable,
quoted at Il TO l, defeated James Buffers