The Waterbury Democrat., 1935-05-01
44 HARRY 
KENTUCKIANS PLAN OWN MODEL TRACK TO SAVE
 RAGING IN ITS CENTER

Lexington, ky, May 1.-Blue- grass horsemen plan model track at Keeneland, the famous farm of Jim Keene near here, where rac- ing will be conducted for sport and not for profit.
 Although Lexington is situated in the heart of the Bluegrass, center of the thoroughbred industry, what with all of it's world renowned breeding establishments, there has been. no meeting at the Lexington track, the oldest in the United States, for more than two years. Kentuckians, generally, blame this condition to the American Turf association, which owns the largest part of the local plant.
 These Kentuckians say that rac- ing in the Bluegrass state was sac rificed for Chicago's season and its greater profits.
 Chicago tracks, owned by the A. T. A., received the best dates. Ken lucky tracks had to take what was left. Their dates were advanced so far that Lexington meetings were held under poor weather con- ditions.
 Louisville's meetings also suf- fered, and Derby day practically is the only paying one at Churchill Downs. It pays the way for the entire spring meeting there. Fall meetings at Churchill Downs be- came. so poor that they were dis continued two years ago.
 Keeneland for Kentuclxians
 Preferred stockholders are in the process of gaining control of the old Lexington track, which they plan to dispose of.
 A committee of 10 appointed to raise $305,000, which is necessary to build the new track at Keene- land, on the Versailles road, is composed of such widely-known turf men as Hal Price Headley, Silas Mason, l.. B. Shouse, Victor K. Dodge, J. s. Young, Brownell Combs, A. B. Gay, A. B. Hancock, Jr, Thomas Piatt and Frazer Le- Bus.
 More than 200 central Kentucki- ans are interested in the project.
 tlO pldnI dL ACCACldhu was started some years back by Keene. who intended to keep it as his own. Financial reverses prevented him from completing it.
 A mile and one-sixteenth track is ready now. Keene built a large stone clubhouse in his 200 acres, and started work on an enclosed quarter-mile exercise track.
 Those behind the venture declare that the Keeneland course will be unrivaled in this country, in many respects unrivaled by any other track in the world.
 Articles of incorporation will provide that only native Kentucki- ans can serve as officers and di- rectors of the organization and only those who own property in the Bluegrass region and are in- terested in horses can hlod stock. Non-Profit Organization
 Profits are to be divided three ways. One-third will go to retire preferred stock and meet interest obligations. one-third for improv- ing the course, and one-third to stakes funds. The only salaried persons connected with thetrack will bethe racing secretary and track foreman, and. of course, the labor necessary to keep the lay out in condition.
 Two meetings, one during the latter part of April, and the other in the late autumn, are suggested. The spring meeting would be planned so that the majority of Kentucky Derby candidates could be given trials at Keeneland. The fall meeting would be held at a time to synchronize with the an- nual yearling and broodmare sales here.
 It is to be written into the by- laws, if legally possible, that com mon stock cannot be transferred without consent of the board of di- rectors. This step would safeguard against outsiders gaining control That is how sure Kentuckians want to be hat Keeneland will continue to be operated by Ken | tuclxlars-and for the good of the sport they grew up in and love. Their taking commerciallsm out, of racing Is long step In the right | direction.
 | Scotland has a strong movement |