Loss By N. Canterbury So Stake Money Lower

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30541, 9 September 1964, Page 4

Loss By N. Canterbury So Stake Money Lower

Last season’s increase in stake money by the North Canterbury Racing Club has not had the result hoped for and some reductions have been made for events this season. This is stated by the president (Mr J. A. G. Fulton) in his report to be given at the annual meeting of the club on September 17.

The club’s operations last season showed a loss of £1490. Mr Fulton says in the report that last year saw the first £lOOO race put on by the club and there was great interest in the event because of the quality of the field contesting it. Increases in stake money, however, are not felt by the club’s stewards to have the results hoped for and reductions have been made, the report states. Included in the £5825 stake money offered this season will be £275 in donations from Ballins Industries, Limited (for the £925 Beehive Brandy Handicap) and Mrs W. H. Williamson (for

the North Canterbury Gold Cup. Last year the club offered £6050 in stakes. Mr Fulton states that the present finances of the club are in a satisfactory state as the club has £11,600 in cash and liquid assets. Concern at Trend “However, the trend does give cause for concern as this year the club’s operations showed a loss of £1490,” he states. “It does not look as if the club can expect very much of an increase in its income and .careful consideration will have to be given to balancing our Account by a reduction in expenditure.” Mr Fulton says that general maintenance has been at an average level and no great saving in that direction or in race day costs can be anticipated. “When it is realised that the club has lost £1490 for this year’s operations it seems unjust that it should have to. pay out approximately £14,000 by way of taxation. “Some reduction in this direction is vital if racing is to continue on a satisfactory basis and the Government is to continue to receive the large contribution it now enjoys.” The club’s race meeting profit and loss account shows actual race expenses to have risen from £2657 to £3BOB. while taxation in all forms amounted to £14,770 16s 3d,

bf which £765.5s 4d was levied by the New Zealand Racing Conference. The balance sheet reveals the club has £1669 in current assets and £8390 in investments. Current liabilities amount to only £4 and longterm liabilities total £2750.

BRISK RIDE

Combination At Wingatui "The Press" Special Service DUNEDIN, September 8. In a light morning’s work at Wingatui Combination, a form runner in the John Grigg Stakes at Ashburton bn Saturday, showed that he was well fitted for- the task when he worked in an attractive manner. Galloping on the No. 3 grass which offered good footing, Combination was ridden by his race jockey, .R. J. Skelton, over five furlongs in imin 4sec, the last three furlongs in 39 l-ssec. He was accompanied by the last-start winner, The Toff (W. Gye) and Royal News (D. A. Canning), which appears to be well forward in a fresh preparation. Combination was a close fourth in the sprint at Ashburton last month when making his first appearance In open company. For Sure (R. A. Low), a stable-mate of Combination, continued his preparation for the Ashburton Cup with a smart six furlongs in Imin 21 2-ssec. Assisted by Woodella (D. A. Canning), he came home the last half-mile in 52 2-ssec. Royal Burgh, winner of the Hack Sprint at the Otago Hunt meeting, was let off with an easy task. He is another form runner in the John Grigg Stakes.

Kumai To Miss Australia Trip

"The Press” Special. Service DUNEDIN, September 8. Kumai is to miss his trip to Australia this year for the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups. This decision was reached by his Dunedin owner-breeder, Mr T. K. S. Sidey, and Wingatui trainer, H. A. Anderton, after an investigation Into transport. Had the trip taken nlace it is likely that the Kurdistan gelding would have been accompanied by his usual rider, B. J. Anderton. This is a combination which won the Parliamentary-Winter Oats double on two occasions. Kumai will now race at the Dunedin spring meeting before going to Trentham next month Customs Staying At Wanganui “The Press" Special Service WANGANUI, September 8. The Wanganui Guineas winner, Customs, his Rotorua trainer, J. Thompson, and his Takanini rider, R. J. Sutherland, are remaining at Wanganui to prepare for the Marton Jockey Club's meeting this week-end. Also staying are the other Thompson-trained visitors. Summit Star, Clayton King and the juvenile, Alltime High. They may extend their stay into next week also if plans to race at Otaki are fulfilled. Customs is engaged for both the Flying Handicap and the Farewell Hack Handicap at Marton this weekend, but he may be reserved for the open sprint* according to Sutherland.