MID-WEEK RACING

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32252, 21 March 1970, Page 7

MID-WEEK RACING

President’s Reply

According to the president of the Ashburton club (Mr W. R. Lemon), the club’s experience of week-day racing has been most satisfactory.

Referring to an article in "The Press’’ on Thursday which questioned the wisdom of clubs racing mid-week, Mr Lemon said in a statement:

"The club's March meeting last year was the most successful the club has experienced for very many years, with a very large off-course turnover and an on-course turnover equal to that of an average Saturday.

"The financial failure of the recent meeting can be attributed to the proximity of the Oamaru club’s meeting, which this year was held a week earlier than usual, the Queen s visit to Christchurch and Timaru on our race day, and the adverse weather.

"Records show that there is very little difference in the attendances of members and the public at our Tuesday meetings as compared with our Saturday meetings.” The club had been forced into some mid-week racing because suitable Saturday dates had not been available, he said.

No Rider For Bardall “The Press” Special Service AUCKLAND. With G. L. Willetts having to stand down because of an injured hand, competition for the mount of Bardall in the Stars Travel Invitation Stakes at Tau;ranga tomorrow is keen. Both J. F. Harris, Far Time’s I regular rider, and R. C. Lang, iare among the applicants, but no engagement will bp made until tomorrow morning. Application For Dale (V.Z. Press Association) DUNEDIN. The Dunedin Jockey Club has decided to apply to the Racing Conference to race on June 3. 1970. instead of the abandoned. day on February 21. If this date is granted, the | club’s winter meeting will be 1 held on Saturday. May 30, Mon-j day, June 1, and Wednesday.' June 3.