Track in poor condition

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32567, 29 March 1971, Page 8

Track in poor condition

Although only 10 points of rain fell before the first race at the Canterbury Park Trotting Club’s meeting on Saturday at Addington Raceway, the condition of the track gave the impression that there had been many times that amount.

The track was very slushy, with several very heavy patches, suggesting that the present surface has come to the end of its usefulness. The track provides perfect footing in fine weather, but the lightest of showers makes conditions almost impossible for drivers and horses. The possibility of developing an all-weather surface has been under considera-

tion for some time, but no decision about implementing improvements has been made. The committee went close to postponing Saturday’s meeting when a southerly storm swept the course shortly before 4 p.m. However, many horses were on the course and spectators were starting to arrive when it was decided at about 4.30 p.m. to hold the races. In spite of the unpleasant conditions there was a crowd of 6500, which bet $172,303, compared with $181,622 last year. The drop in on-course turnover was more than compensated for with off-course investments of $244,508.50, against $230,633.50.