MAGNIFICENCE OF TRACKS

Evening Post, Volume CXIX, Issue 85, 10 April 1935, Page 8

MAGNIFICENCE OF TRACKS

: Complete ' surprise at the magnificence of the South African racecourses is pressed by Lord Glanely; one of England's leading owners, who spent a couple ot months on- holiday iv the Union recently. . , . , . , "Apart from Ascot, which is unparalleled except for some rather • antiquated stands," he said in an interview at Johannesburg, "1 think Turffonteiii as good as any course there is in England. One appreciates particularly the comfort of the accommodation provided, for members, and for the public at large. _ "There are several minor .points m which Turffontein is ahead of all the English courses, such as the amount of information, given iv the race-cards, the speed' of signalling systems, and the rule for excluding everybody except owners, trainers,' and jockeys ■ from the'weiglririgin room. ■ ; ■ "South African racehorses . look rather strange after English horses. It would be too much to expect the same quality,: though some very good . and expensive, blood has been imported. I think it may be due to the hot climate and to the fact that the turf and pasture is not the same as in England. Another reason for the high quality of English bloodstock is ilie larger number of' breeders in competition, which means that they have to turn put their yearlings; to perfection for the sales."