WINTER HURDLES TIME

Evening Post, Issue 12, 14 July 1936, Page 13

WINTER HURDLES TIME

The*going at Trentham in the winter is naturally always against fast times, so that one does not look for near records in the Winter. Hurdles, but the time registered in that race last week had only twice been bettered since the distance was increased to 2 J miles in 1920. The Smuggler was responsiblcfor the fast early pace, and when he and Clarion Call both failed to stand up to the strain Travelling Agent came on to win. in 4mih 25sec.

The best time for ■ the Winter Hurdles since 1920 is the 4miri 14Ssec registered byYPaddon'in' his first win in 1932, the going on that day being described as good. Back in 1921, also on a good track, Alteration won in 4min 24sec. In his second win Paddon took 4min 45Jsec, and the slowest time was done by Lucullent, who occupied 4min 59sec in winning the 1925 race on very holding going. Nukumai, who won the race three times, did the trip in 4min 29 2-ssec in 1924, 4min 35J sec in 1927, and 4min 41isec in 1931.

The Winter Hurdles is the only hurdling race now left in .the Dominion Calendar, run over 2$ miles. The Great Northern and Grand National are 2J miles. From 1910 till 1927 the Wanganui Century Hurdles was a 21----mile race and in that period- the fastest time was Euripos's 4min 13 2-ssec in 1919, but the going can be a lot different at Wanganui in May from what it is at Trentham in July. '