New-York tribune., 1921-09-04

YEW YORK CITY has the distinction
of excelling in so many ways that it
should surprise none of its citizens
to learn, if he has not thought of it
before, that it is the greatest center Of horse
racing in the United States. That is by virtue
of the fact that Queens Borough is part of
New York City and that Jamaica is part
of Queens Borough, for Jamaica is the focal
point of three of the most famous racetracks
in the country
On Friday last the horses ran again at
Belmont Park, which by its official name is
the track of the Westchester Racing Associ-
ation. On September II the scene shifts to
Aqueduct, the home of the Queens County
Jockey Club, and from October to Is the
horses will careen over the Jamaica Race
Track, owned by the Metropolitan Jockey
Club. For six weeks, therefore, Jamaica will
again enjoy it's distinction of being the great
est racing center in the country.
In those six weeks, were each patron to attend
on only one day, there would be $4,000 spec
tators Of the sport of kings, for the attend
ance runs as high as $4,000 a week. 1t is
impossible to determine how many individuals
see one days racing, however, because SO
many persons are present day after day. On
a rainy afternoon, when it might be thought
that everybody would rather stay indoors,
there are 10000 enthusiasts who brave the
weather 10 go to the track to pick the winners.
On the average day there are between $4,000
and 10000 on hand, and pleasant Satur-
days and holidays at least 10000 pass through
the gates. These figures were furnished by
Herman /. Pels, superintendent Of the Bel
mont Park track, who has been in his present
position for many years and knows whereof
he speaks.
Many persons have wondered how the
jockey clubs make their tracks pay FOR each
inclosure, comprising many acres, upon which
of weeks in spring and couple more in
autumn, and stand idle during eleven months
of the year. They need wonder no longer.
At the average admission of $3.50, plus war
day when there only 10000 person present
to $l05,000 when 10000 pass the >turnsties, or
an average weekly income of 1882 500 for each
track Multiplying that by four, the gross
earnings Of each of New York City's three
tracks during racing season aggregate ST.,
100000. The expenses are proportionately
heavy, including maintenance Of the grounds
policing of the course by Pinkerton men,
pairs and permanent improvements to the
grandstand stables, clubhouse and other build
ings, and the purses awarded for each race
But there are also sources of income besides
the admissions. The stables are leased to
horse owners, an entrance fee is assessed for
each horse that runs, and concessions are sold
to refreshment vendors and others.
It may surprise even blase racing patrons to
know that often $1,O00,000 worth of horse
flesh will be entered in the races on single
day. On other days the value Of the
may drop to $50,O00 It never goes far below
that, for the ordinary selling platter is worth
$4,000 or $4,000, Mr.. Pels says. From this
valuation the price jumps to the other extreme
Of $500,000, which was the value placed upon
the unbeatable Man O. War during his last
SS6cOu
q record price for horse, but not so far be-
low it is the $115,000 that the Hildreth inter
ests paid for Playfellow If racer stumbles,
goes down, breaks a leg and has to be shot,
which happens not infrequently, the owner
Of the average equine may consider himself
poorer by about $4,000, unless his nag was
insured against such tragedy.
Although Jamaica is geographically the
greatest racing center, it does not feel the di-
rect influence of the racing season as much as
does Saratoga, for instance. Saratoga is far
enough removed from larger city SO that
most OF the followers Of the horses have to
remain there while the meet is in progress.
But the population Of Jamaica is not materi-
ally increased during the racing season, for
most Of its patrons spend their nights in Man
haitian. There is some increase in the board
ing house and hotel patronage, but this does
not amount to as much as it would were
Jamaica an isolated community. The taxi
cab drivers reap harvest, the restaurants do
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