New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-05-13
Harry Bells Wonderful Ride
on Little Nearer Feature
Of Meeting
By FRANK O'NEILL

Harry l.. Bells wonderful horseman-
ship sent five thousand or more spec
tators home thrilled and delighted from
the opening day Of the United Hunts
Racing Association meeting, at Bel
mont Terminal, yesterday. His ride on
Little Nearer in the sixth race of the
card, will rank with the best of the
season, for he rode defeat into the
ground. and came off triumphant when
all seemed lost but minor honors.
Riding down the dip that marks the
approach to the stretch on the pictur-
csque course. a yawning gap separated
Mr.. Bells mount from Archdale and
Solar Star. which were racing along in
front, fighting thrilling battle be-
tween them. Where many another
rider might have accepted defeat, Mr..
Bell reused the son of Golden Maxim
with a cut OF the whip and sent him
after the leaders.
Stride for Stride
Little Nearer gained slowly. for the
riders of the leaders heard his hoof-
beats drum up the turf. In a trice
they, too, went to the bat. 1t was a
stride for stride. with noses apart, and
only the judges could decide which of
the game-hearted thoroughbreds had
poked his muzzle over the line first.
Indeed, those in positions to see best
believed that Arcndale had won, while
others favored Solar Star.
1t required only finish of that sort
TO bring to a close d perfect day of
wonderful sport. A stiff breeze whipped
out of the northwest, and although it
carried a tang that was not altogether
seasonable, it was exhilerating in the
extreme. The course was in perfect
condition, with the turf firm, but
springy, and just fitted to loan speed
to the limbs of the equine monarchs
which trod it.
Other and more important duties
prevented the members Of the French
and British commissions from being
present, but many boys who are wear
Sam were on hand. The soldiers and
paign for recruits which was not bar
rem of results. Some Of the crews Of
the British and French battleships now
in this harbor were the guests Of the
association also.
Greentree Stable Shines
The Greentree Stable had an enjoy
able afternoon. j. Owens, the trainer,
saddled 10 fewer than three winners in
the six events, and Jockey Powers had
the leg up on each of them. Cherry
Malotte took care of the Spring Event,
a steeplechase at about two miles, last
ing just long enough under stiff drive
TO beat j. +. Widener's timber topper,
Skobereen, which won the place from
Belle of Bryn Mawr. Al Reeves was
first over the line in the Hopeful
Steeplechase, winning in clever style,
while Nenuphar led the field in the
opening event.
Scratches were plentiful, but while
they reduced the size Of the fields, they
detracted not whit from the interest
in the races. The finishes were close
in the majority of cases. and there
were enough exciting incidents in the
four steeplechsse events to satisfy the
craving of the most oxacting.
Pebeto. w. II. Ssge's good steeple-
chaser, won the Preparatory Handicap
in commanding style. Scratches re-
duced the field 10 five starters, and Iell-
wood, which baked at the Liverpool in
front of the stands. lost his rider and
was out Of the running.
Pebeto WAS pounds the best of the
horses in the race, and cantered down
the stretch TO win as he pleased.
Tuckey. who rode him, finished looking
back, while Woke drove Northwood up