STEEPLECHASE MAY GO

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31772, 31 August 1968, Page 7

STEEPLECHASE MAY GO

“The Press” Special Service INVERCARGILL.

One of the ojien steeplechase races may have to be deleted on the second or third day of the Riverton Racing Club's annua! Raster carnival, the club’s president (Mr W. D. Hopcroft) said at the annual meeting. "The fields for the 1968 Easter meeting, apart from the steeplechases. were well supported, and the fact that only two horses accepted for the open steeplechases for the second and third days was probably unique in racing history, especially as these horses, in each case, were owned by the same owner,” said Mr Hopcroft. "This poor response for. the steeplechases was perhaps the most disquieting feature of the meeting. "Our meeting has become known far and wide for the spectacular jumping races, and many of us feel that these races have been the mainstay of our carnival. However, In the light of this year's experience we may have to temporarily delete one of the open steeplechases on the second or third day.” Mr Hopcroft said that this

year the elub was showing the largest loss on a year's operation in its history—a loss of $12,753. The disastrous weather before Easter and on Easter Saturday was responsible for the very heavy loss on the race meeting, but the club did manage to complete the fixture with the weather improving for the last two days. Officers elected:-—President, Mr W. D. Hopcroft; vice-presi-dents, Messrs C. E. Beer and A. J. Haslemore: committee, Messrs L. W. de Clifford, G. W. Hanlin, and R. J. Hopgood.

New Secretary “The Press" Special Service DUNEDIN. Mr R. O. Talbot has been appointed secretary of the Waikouaiti Racing Club. He replaces Mr H. H. Parata, who held the position for five years and resigned because of business commitments.