598 New Vokk Statk Fair 



which depend for success — some for their very life — on the market for 

 the light harness horse. The fair, in aiding in the promotion of all that 

 makes the Empire State great, enconrages an interest in the race horse ami 

 the roadster and helps the breeder. Incidentally, it strengthens a market 

 fi>r the farmer who raises hay, straw or grain. 



In keeping with the perfect mile track is the remainder of the state fair 

 racing plant. Fireproof, sanitary stalls, built under the " permanent 

 grounds " plan, form an important part. An abundant supply of pure water 

 and other facilities make the course ideal for trainers and campaigners of 

 racing stables. 



The present high standard of perfection in the racing department of the 

 fair was only reached after a struggle extending over a long period, and 

 through a study of racing and breeding interests, and a knowledge of its 

 needs gained by those who have been in charge of the department for the 

 past six years. 



Twelve years ago the racing course at the fair grounds consisted of a 

 half-mile track and the races were regarded for a time as inferior to those 

 provided at some country agricultural fairs. So little interest did the meet- 

 ings attract that it was questioned by the management whether they were 

 necessary to the success of the institution. One year — 1895 — racing was 

 suspended and tlie management was brouglit to a realization that, while no 

 great crowds had up to tliat time been attracted to the fair, the races fin- 

 nished one of tlie most popular features. When the state t(X)k over the 

 ])lant from the New York State Agricultural Society in 1900 there developed 

 a determination to improve the racing, the belief being that it would add 

 to the popularity of the exposition and work an increase in receipts. 



The year the state secured control of tlie fair plant the half-mile track 

 was abandoned, and the first step toward making the state fair grounds an 

 im]:ortant racing center Avas taken in the laying out of a mile track. In 

 1905 there had been some improvement in the racing and increased interest 

 on tlie part of the public, but the meeting was not regarded as important 

 wlien compared with other mile-track meetings of the country. It was 

 realized that membership in the Grand Circuit was necessary and a campaign 

 for recognition was started. The stewards of the Grand Circuit were not 

 iiielin<'d to look with favor upon our track but, by persistent effort and an 

 awakening upon the part of the racing authorities of the influence of the 

 state of New York, circuit dates were secured. With this advantage and by 

 winning and holding the support of campaigners of race horses, the racing 

 department of the fair developed until the meeting of 1010 was pronounced 

 one of the most successful in manj' respects, if not the banner meeting of 

 the year. 



The program included many unusual features. Among the early closing 

 events were. the " Empire State," with a purse of $10,000, and the fair's first 

 futurity, the Horse World Representative Stallion Purse, an event of great 

 interest to the breeders and of a guaranteed value of $10,000. The meet- 

 ing also added to turf history. A new Avorld's record for trotting stallions 

 was established by the Harvester, which, driven by Edward F. G^ers, trotted 

 in 2:01^/4, and new world's records for the fastest fifth heat, the fastest 

 sixth heat and tlie fastest seventh heat in a trotting race were made 

 by the gelding, Demarest, the time of the heats being 2:06V4, 2:07%, 



