FOLDING FENCES

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 25, 29 July 1926, Page 9

FOLDING FENCES

Steeplechase fences that can be easily folded back to the running rail after .'i steeplechase has been decided, will shortly be introduced at the Caulfield racecourse. The innovation is. the result of ever-in-creasing demands for space conservation, states the Melbourne "Sun." The V.A.T.C. Committee has decided to introduce the new system, types of which work satisfactorily on the principal courses in South Australia and Tasmania. The Tasmanian style of fence is cut in two divisions, enabling attendants to fold ■it back to the running rail during training operations. It has many admirers, but its chief drawback is its inability to be packed close enough to the rail. This defect, it ia claimed, causes a slight bulge in an otherwise even, circular track. Adelaide's folding fences are constructed on a steel frame, and they swing back in one span. Although this type has its advantages, the framework of steel is not as desirable as the all-wood fence. It is anticipated that after consultation with an official of the Adelaide Racing Club, the V.A.T.C. will evolve a mooel that cau bo packed so close to the running-rail that it cannot seriously hamper training operations. The principal advantage' of the folding fence iB that a steeplechase course, which can be used for about twelve races annually, will be available as a training track. Caulfield will now have no fewer than six tracks—a course proper, steeple, grass track, two tans, a cinders, and a sand. These training tracks should accommodate the demand for a generation.