The Watchman And Southron

SUMTER'S RACE TRACK

First Meet to Take Place Early in March-Grounds are Practically in Readiness.

The work on the new race track has been prosecuted with remarkable despatch.

The enterprise first assumed definite proportions about 60 days ago, when the promoters of the project, which means much to Sumter in attracting attention of the country to the Game Cock City and its unparallelled advantages, incepted the actual work of constructing a race track that would compare favorably with the best and most modern courses known to the turf, and within the next few days the undertaking will have been completed.

The organization furthering the project will be chartered under the name of the Sumter Turf Exchange, and the personnel of the exchange is composed of the following well known gentlemen:

Col. R. C. Richardson-President.

Mr. A. K. Sanders-Vice President.

Mr. Wm. Bultman-Manager.

Mr. C. F. McFaddin-Assistant Manager.

W. R. Burgess-Secretary and Treasurer.

These gentlemen are conversant in detail with the requirements of an up-to-date track, and besides making a study of the most advantageous construction of a race track and conforming their plans strictly thereto, have been indeed fortunate in securing natural advantages not easily found, and the tracks of the Sumter Turf Exchange will stand second to none in the south.

The stables connected with the race track will be under the management of Mr. W. C. Wise, lately of Columbia. Mr. Wise is one of the best known race horse trainers in the country and boasts a career and celebrity of a long and successful career in training a number of America's most famous race horses. Mr. Wise at one time had charge of the stables of the millionaire turfman, R. J. Lucas, of St. Louis. He has trained and developed many noted winners, such as "Kitty Platt," "Bull Finch," "Invasion," the sensational performer and half-sister to "Plater."

"Plater" holds the record of the world for a five and a half furlongs, and many others of equal celebrity.

At these stables a regular training business will be conducted and many "notables" are already located here, a list of which with pedigrees will be furnished later.

The climatic conditions here are especially suited for horses in training, while the soil upon which the track is located is easy on the animals undergoing preliminary work.

The first meet of the Sumter Turf Exchange will occur early in March. Already many famous racers have been booked and even in its infancy it is confidently expected by those in direct management that the first meet will compare favorably with old established race tracks.