RACING CARRIES ON

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 71, 21 September 1939, Page 15

RACING CARRIES ON

RECENT INCREASES

HAPPY OMEN FOR FUTURE

It was generally expected that the effect of the restrictions on the use of petrol for other than business purposes would be a distinct falling-off in the attendances at race meetings and a consequent drop in totalisator turnovers. However, though Wanganui and Ash burton experienced small declines in their investments, Avondale, reverting to win-and-place betting, showed an increase of over 30 per cent, on last year's 'figures, and Foxton, racing on a different course, enjoyed an increase of nearly 50 per cent.

.Though the Avondale and Foxton Meetings did not afford a true comparison, because of the differing circumstances this year, their outstanding success was at least an indication that racing clubs in the Dominion need have no immediate fear for the future. Despite the war, interest m racing has not slackened in the least, and it may even be that interest will continue to expand, as it did in 1914-18, after the first shock of the Dominion's being at war had passed. The meetings to be held during the next two or three weeks will tell more accurately what the ultimate effect of the changed conditions is likely to be. Geraldine will be a further test in the South Island this week, and it may reverse the Ashburton result, just as Wanganui possibly did not gauge the North Island reaction. Marton on Saturday will be the first North Island provincial fixture since the petrol restriction first operated, and its outcome is therefore being keenly awaited. The Wellington Trotting Club's Meeting at Hutt Park, also on Saturday, will give a line on how racing' in the Capital City will counter the war atmosphere, i

If the attendances are maintained at their last season's strength, and more especially if they should grow larger, there will arise some difficulties to be overcome at the Wellington Spring Meeting next month. By that time the Trentham Camp is likely to be very active, and already the road that leads to the public motor-car enclosure on the Trentham racecourse is closed except to permit-bearers. If this road is not specially opened on race days, then all car traffic into the course will have to be taken through one of the front gates, which would mean that the members' car park will become a sort of public thoroughfare to the main park. The club is most fortunate in having during the last two years' secured the two commodious parks alongside the railway and outside the course, and the value of these should become very evident if the war continues for any length of time. At least it is the hope of all associated with the sports of racing and trotting that the encouraging testimony of the last weekend as to the future prospects of totalisator turnovers will be borne out by the results of meetings.held during the next few months. If racing and trotting continue to thrive, as they did during the last war and have done again during the past, few seasons, then whatever problems arise as to transport or other incidentals will be faced and met by most racing executives.