Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1918-09-20
The Lure OF Lexington.

OF many men, the country over, turn toward
Lexington, Kentucky, almost like needles
to magnet. And, indeed. the comparison
is true one. For Lexington is magnet
an irresistible one. WhyH Well-it is easy
to say.
Everybody has heard of the "Blue Grass
Region of Kentucky" 1t is one of the
most favored spots in the entire U. S. A..
Situated almost in the center of the State
and comparatively small in extent, this
famous region is known all over the world
for a few choice products which surpass
everything else of their kinds. First and
foremost Of these products are the various
breeds Of live stock. And foremost among
these are the horses.
So closely connected is the thought of
Kentucky and that Of fine horses that it is
the popular idea that all thoroughbred"
come from Kentucky. Now, there is al
ways basis for popular beliefs. basis
of fact. And in case Of Kentucky and the
horse, the popular idea is but little removed
from the reality. For Kentucky does pro-
duce the finest horses in the world. They
are bred and raised in the Blue Grass Re-
gion. All the world goes there to see, to
admire and to procure them, and has been
doing so for generations.
Lexington is the metropolis Of the Blue
Grass Region. 1t Is the headquarters of
all its industries and in addition, one of
the historic towns Of the Old South. 1t
possesses distinct individuality, charm
and flavor of its own, which hosts of WISH
tors from all sections, at home and abroad.
have testified to by returning there again
and again.
October Is the chosen month for their
pilgrimage, because of two things. At no
other time Of the year is the Blue Grass"
30 beautiful a region and visit to, and
tour through 1t. 90 delightful. And at no
other time is Lexington itself so magnetic
for then Is held the annual race meeting
of the Kentucky Trotting Horse Breeders
Association. the greatest speed carnival of
the world, and the means of assembling
together there hundreds of the finest,
fastest and most valuable horses in exis-
tence.
1t is almost fifty years since the first
race meeting Of the Kentucky Breeders
was given. The beginning was very hum
BILE. The Civil War only short time be-
fore had devastated the State and 1t was
slowly struggling back to normal condi-
ions Many of the Great stock farms in
and about Lexington had suffered severely
Turing the conflict and many of the breed
srs had lost their lives or their fortunes.
But slowly the pendulum swung back and
The tide of returning prosperity set in. In
en years time the Kentucky Breeders
meetings at Lexington were beginning to
attain national fame. In ten years more
hey had risen to the dominant position
which they have ever since occupied. This
was due TO the managerial genius of Ed.
A. Tipson. who saw the possibilities that
existed and made the most of them. Today
he is president Of the Kentucky Breeders
Association and the man who controls its
policies and STAGES its annual events, which
have no equals.
The race meetings Of the Kentucky
Breeders are still held over the original
rack which was built half century ago.
Despite this fact, 1t is the fastest one in
The world. Here in 1912 Uhlan made the
worlds trotting record Of 1853. Here in
9l6 Lee Axworthy made the worlds stall
ion record of 1888 Ia. Here inl905 Dan
Patch made the worlds pacing record of
:55 IA. Here a majority Of Americas
champion trotters and PAGERS have, before
crowds which have assembled from all
parts Of the country, from Europe, and
wen from the far-off Antipodes, battled
through the greatest races of turf history.
The Kentucky Breeders meetings at Lex
ngton always last through the first two
weeks Of October, the choicest month Of
he twelve in the Blue Grass. This year
The opening day 10 to be Monday, Septem-
Der 80, and the program carries through,
with the intermisson of Sunday, until
Thursday, October 10. During this time
our races are contested daily. and their
otal value is about $4,000. The far
AIMED 'classic" event Of 1.-THE trots" Gas
.exington's races are familiarly called) is
he Kentucky Futurty. for three-year- olds.
which is worth about 10000 to the win
hing colt This race is decided on Tues
lay, October l. Then there is the historic
Pennsylvania Stake. the most famous Of
III annual races for aged trotters. II
s worth $4,000 and is decided on Thurs
lay, October 3. And so it goes every
lay is featured by some important event,
,ften, in addition, having a superb silver
" gold trophy for the winner. The most
ace. victory in which is one OF the things
most coveted by every owner Of fast
rotter. 1t is always decided on the open
Nc day.
Around this great race meeting which
lraws throngs from every State in the
Union, is the wonderful scenic environ
nent Of "the Blue Grass" in the mellow
month Of October, when the lovely land
cape, clothed in scarlet, russell and gold,
,asks under blue skies and battles in am
Der sunshine. Visitors to "the trots" al
ways spend their mornings motoring or
irving over its fioor-smooth pixies, through
Is alluring vistas and making the circuit
II the famous stock farms which surround
lexington for miles on every side. Morn
nd after nornind can he sDent in thia