Canterbury Park Changes Date

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30630, 22 December 1964, Page 6

Canterbury Park Changes Date

The Canterbury Park Trotting Club has decided to change the date of its new permit from Wednesday. February 10, to Wednesday, January 27, as it is felt that it is doubtful that the public would give its support to four days of racing and trotting in Christchurch over a period of one week early in February. This was announced yesterday by the secretary of the club (Mr D. C. Parker). “As soon as it was found that the Canterbury Jockey Club proposed to race in the

same week as our established date, a letter of protest was sent to them.” said Mr Parker.

The club had pointed out that it had applied for February 10 on ttie understanding that that there would be no racing in the area during ■ the week before the club’s ; established date of February 13. In a letter to the Canterbury Jockey Club the secretary of the club said: “I Would point out that in 1963 we gave up our established date so as not to jeopardise the Wellington Trotting i Club’s Royal meeting. Con- ; sideration was given to our [ holding a twilight meeting I during the week ending Feb|ruary 16. “This was the date of the (Canterbury Jockey Club's * Royal meeting and they objected to my club racing prior to their meeting on the grounds that it would seriously affect them. After your case was put forward by Mr |G. H. Grigg at a meeting of 'representatives of your exlecutive and my club, it was agreed to race the following week.

“My club is of the opinion that the Canterbury Jockey Club should not be permitted to race four days prior to our established date, but could use the extra permit during the week prior to their own established date,” said the letter.

The Canterbury Park club had considered itself justified in protesting as it had given way to the Canterbury Jockey Club when a similar position had arisen regarding the Royal meeting two years ago, said Mr Parker. As the club’s protest had not been upheld, it had been decided to seek a change of date, he added.