Extra dates for Westport?

Press, Volume CXVI, Issue 34089, 28 February 1976, Page 8

Extra dates for Westport?

(N.Z Press Association)

WESTPORT.

The XVestport Trotting Club has decided to apply to the New Zealand Trotting Conference for two extra days racing starting June I, 1976. Club secretary. Mi Gordon Moyle, said that if the chib was successful it hoped to fit it in the Nelson-Rangiora-Marlborough circuit. Whether or not the club gets two extra days in June will de pend on the conference and the Minister of Internal Affairs. Mr Highet. According to Mi Moyle. Mr Highet still lias a number of unused race davs he can release.

“The New Zealand Trotting Conference has advised all clubs to apply for tile dates thei requirer,” Mr Movie said The XVestport Trotting Club has been refused previous applica tions for extra days but feels it has a better case now follow mg the growing success of its Christmas meeting but the con ference will have the final sav. and much may depend on how many extra days Mr Highet makes abailable. if anv.

"We feel we have a good case, especially in view of our record -of catering for CO class horses." [Mr Moyle said. I CO class races in Canterbury often draw over 300 nominations. The clubs policy has been to encourage owners of such horses jto race at Westport, where they are guaranteed at least one start "If we can get in the NelsonMarlborough circuit, all the betIter,” he added. Mr W A. Crad ■ dock told a recent committee meeting of the club that there I are 100 horses in the Westport j area and over 40 are in training. He said three horses had been purchased at recent sales. I There is to be a race meeting at Murchison on Sunday, April

The New Zealand Trotting Conference has approved the one dav meeting. Organised in conjunction with the Murchison centenary, the meeting is to be known as lhe Longford picnic race meeting All races will be 2400 metres long and the meeting will start at noon.

The programme is: CO unqualified trot, CO qualified trot. CO qualiefid pace. Cl and faster nace. CO trot. CO unqualified lace, free-for-all pace, consolation handicap trot, consolation handicap pace.

The programme will also Include two or three gallops iponv cluh members) and the race's need not neecssarilv be run in the order as set down and could also be run in divisions All races will carry a tro”'n for the winner and prizes of a lesser value for the minor places