TROTTING.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 121, 24 May 1932, Page 14

TROTTING.

THE WINTER PROGRAMME. PRIZE MONEY £1740. BIG TROTS ONE MILE AND A HALF. The programme drawn up by the Auckland Trotting Club for the winter meeting, to be held on Wednesday and Saturday, June 22 and 25, is now available, and for the two days the prize money allotted is £1740. There are seven events each day, and the only departure from the customary programme is that the chief races for trotting horses will be decided over a mile and a half, instead of two miles. The firat day's programme comprises: Winter Trot, one mile and a half, limit 3.45, £100; Mangcre Handicap, one mile and a quarter, limit 3.5, £100; Adams Memorial, two miles, limit 4.36, £225 and £50 gold cup; Stewards' Trot, one mile and a half, limit 3.38, £110; Hobson Handicap, one mile and a half, limit 3.36, £100; Cornwall Handicap, one mile and a quarter, limit 2.50, £125; Marconi Handicap, one mile and a quarter, limit 2.57. £110. The second day the programme is similar. Nominations close on June 10. TRACK ACCIDENT. An accident happened on Mr. J. R. McKcnzie's private training track at Christchurch oil Friday morning, but fortunately it did not turn out very serious. The three two-year-olds who are in the Sapling Stakes, to be run at Ashburton next month, were being worked together. R. Maui'itz was driving Prince Roydon, 11. Dunn was behind Toll Gate, while the owner was piloting Taxpayer. At the time of the mishap Prince Roydon was leading Taxpayer, who had Toll Gate alongside him. Prince Roydon was steadied somewhat, and Taxpayer put his foot through the wheel of the leader's sulky and came down. Prince Roydon stopped at once, and, although the stays of the sulky were broken and the wheel was turned at right angles, the two-year-olds were so docile that they did not kick or cause any bother. Mr. J. R. MeKcnzie held Taxpayer down until he was got clear of Prince -Roydon's sulky, and altogether what might have been a serious happening to men and horses ended up without much injury, although the owner of tlie two-vear-olds may be stiff and sore for a few days. MR. BRENNAN RETIRES. Mr. James Brennan, who has been associated with trotting in West Australia from the days of its infancy, recently announced his intention of retiring from active participation in the management of the sport. The committee of the West Australian Trotting Association thereupon decided to hold a benefit race meeting in recognition of his efforts to further the sport in that State. The meeting was duly brought off. It drew one of the largest attendances the Brennan Park course has seen, and a handsome cheque will be handed to Mr. Brennan. Mr. Brennan was president of the W.A.T A. when it was formed 22 years ago. In the early days he was an extensive importer, breeder and racer of trotting and pacing horses. BARRIER !N AMERICA. The Americans are still divided over the advantages and disadvantages of the barrier in starting harness races. The big American stud farms are owned by millionaires with big influence. The leading American trainers and drivers are against the barrier, as they are adepts at getting away from the trotting up, or scoring start, as they term it in America. Their influence is great, and it may be some time before the barrier becomes universal in the United States.