502 TRANSACTIONS OF THE 



REPORT OF RACES. 



[From the " Breeder and Sportsman."] 



The twenty-eighth fair and racing season under the auspices of the San 

 Joaquin Valley Agricultural Society, District No. 2, began on Tuesday, and 

 will continue through the week. The fact that a large proportion of the 

 exhibits had to be brought from Sacramento, where they have been on 

 show at the State Fair, militated against such a complete and satisfactory 

 arrangement either of the industrial or live stock portions of the fair as 

 could have been desired. The pavilion on Tuesday was still in great con- 

 fusion, and the noise of carpentering, together with paucity of exhibits, 

 kept all but a few enthusiastic sightseers away. At the race track things 

 were better ordered, but even there a little more energy might have accom- 

 plished several desired ends. The fence in front of the grand stand has 

 hitherto stood too near the stand, and it was resolved, for the convenience 

 of betters and others who fancy being near the pool boxes, to move it, even 

 though the width of the track was thereby decreased ten feet. The fence 

 was in process of removal during Tuesday afternoon, much to the discom- 

 fort of spectators. The stabling and sheds were all put in fit condition in 

 ample time, and the horsemen without exception spoke favorably of Sec- 

 retary La Rue's attention to details in that line. The track was pronounced 

 first rate by Mr. Salisbury and other experts — being firm, fast, and not 

 hard. The races were announced to begin at one o'clock on Tuesday, but 

 at that hour only a sprinkling of people, principally attaches either of the 

 track or betting stand, were scattered about the grand pavilion. 



A new pavilion has been erected this season, and a more airy and com- 

 fortable structure of the kind we do not recall. It is set at such an angle 

 with the track as to enable all to see every part of a race without leaving 

 their seats, like the grand stand at Washington Park, Chicago. A new 

 judges' stand also adds to the tout ensemble. A fair criticism upon the 

 fair management is, that in making provision for the comfort and conve- 

 nience of others they have forgotten to provide adequately for newspaper 

 men, upon whom in a great measure depends the success of fairs. A roomy, 

 sheltered portion of the judges' stand should be fitted with tables and chairs 

 and reserved exclusively for the quill drivers. It would not be asking too 

 much to request, in addition, that an official statement as to all conditions 

 of each race, starters, owners, colors, breeding, etc., be sent by the Clerk of 

 the Course to the reporters before each race. 



FIRST DAY. 



The weather on Tuesday was perfect, the day being cool and a little 

 breezy. The first race was called at 1:45, by which hour the number of 

 spectators had much increased. 



The officers of the day were: Judges — Dr. Latham, Hon. Chris. Green, 

 and Senator B. F. Langford; Timers — Messrs. H. J. Agnew, F. P. Lowell, 

 and C. A. Durfee; Clerk, Fred. Arnold, all of whom stayed at their posts 

 through the long afternoon without remission. 



