Beauty's in the Eye of the Beholder

           Here’s another gem from the Keystone Racetrack archives, this time courtesy of the Philadelphia Tribune from September 29, 1978, a little less than four years after the Bensalem course opened. It’s interesting to read about the way things were 35 seasons ago – there was a distinct beginning and ending to the season, and there was little overlap in race dates in the mid-Atlantic region, leading to an abundance of horses and jockeys.

           The article is entitled: “Keystone Preview: Cosmetic Improvements Heighten Racing Fun,” and there is no byline. Methinks the author, whomever he/she was, may have been embellishing things a bit. After all, the track was built hastily upon land that was once a pig farm (this is no joke!).

            In the past, every time Keystone Race Track opens a new thoroughbred season, the track in Cornwells Heights presents a new and pretty appearance.

           The Keystone autumn/winter meeting will open Sunday, October, 1, and when it does the setting will be newer and more beautiful than ever.
           To illustrate, there will be twin lakes in the infield. There will be a 10-foot wide canal connecting the two bodies of water and bridging the canal in the emerald infield will be an attractive gazebo.

           There are other cosmetic improvements. Floral beds with emphasis on red parenthesize the tote board. Two canopies offer cover and color to patrons arriving by public transportation and for those with a preference for valet parking.
           MOREOVER, ASIDE from adding a second lake and other eye pleasers since the previous season closed in May, Keystone has constructed a large outdoor walking ring, enlarged the paddock and increased the depth of the area between the paddock and the entrance to the stands.

 

 

           Nice. Very nice. But what about the horses?

           As the only major track in operation (Atlantic City will close before Keystone opens) south of East Rutherford, N. J. and north of Maryland, Keystone has the pick of runners that have campaigned at Atlantic City, Delaware Park, Monmouth Park, and other points.
           Racing secretary Larry Craft received applications for stalls for more than 3,000 horses. The best were accepted. Many others have subsequently been situated within easy vanning distance of Keystone.
           THE PREFERENCE trainers show for Keystone is a tribute to this track which offers a marvelous racing surface and a rich purse structure.
           Four outstanding trainers – Danny Lopez, Marty Fallon, Jay Walton and Bobby Camac – were accepted at Meadowlands but chose to come here. Lopez was co-champion at Meadowlands last season, too. Fallon, incidentally, had an outstanding meet at Meadowlands.
           The stables of these trainers were among the first to bed down at Keystone. Other early arrivals include the runners of Dan Hasbany, Dave Vance, Dennis Heimer, C. W. (Charles) Baddeley and Dr. John R. S. Fisher.
           Hasbany recently captured the New England championship. Vance, of course, leads all trainers in career triumphs at Keystone with 342.
           Virtually all of the successful jockeys in past meets at Keystone will be back. In addition, Larry Snyder, the Midwestern standout, will be here to ride the stars of Del Carroll’s stables.
           POST TIME will be 1:30 p.m. through October 28. Racing will be held every Sunday during the meeting which will run until the end of May, 1979.
           Each day’s program will be made up of nine races. Wagering will include the daily double, six exactas and two trifectas as well as win, place and show betting.