A GOOD LIFT

Evening Post, Volume CXXXV, Issue 27, 2 February 1943, Page 6

A GOOD LIFT

PAHIATUA'S TURNOVERS

(By "Binocular.")

Although the compulsory transfer of the Pahiatua Meeting to Otaki necessitated district enthusiasts making the trip over-the range, the finances of the club will, benefit considerably by last Saturday's fixture. Two years ago the club was unfortunate in having indifferent weather for the opening day of its two-day meeting, and the aggregate for the two days was only £21,320. However, this total was better than many the club has experienced in recent years, although in 1939 the aggregate was £23,127, the best during the last ten years at least. Now the club enjoys a turnover of £37,531 at a oneday gathering away from home. It says something for the centralisation of racing. A Bumper.—Ngamatea, winner of the Makuri Hack Handicap at her second start at Otaki on Saturday, is' a four-year-old by Polly Douglas, the dam being a daughter of that good performer of some years ago. Pouma. Last season Ngamatea won at hei? last two starts, carrying 8:7 on the second occasion and beating some useful hacks at ;the Taranaki Meeting. She had had only one start prior to Saturday this term, and she was quite,well treated in being allowed in at the minimum in both' of her engagements. After her: failure at her first start she was almost completely neglected in the final event and her dividend was a real bumper. Incidentally, she was ridden by J. Sellars at the second appearance, this lad having completed his apprenticeship to A. E. Didham, of Mosgiel, at the weekend.

Big Fields.—A splendid response was forthcoming on acceptance night for the Wellington Trotting Meeting, to be held at Trentham on Saturday, a total of 117 acceptances being received. Although the Summer Handicap and Dominion Handicap fined down, there is sufficient material in each to ensure interesting contests. The Woburn Handicap and Wainui Handicap have attracted no less than 23 and ■24 acceptors respectively, the average for the complete card being slightly over 14 horses per race.

Stakes Increased.—The stewards of the Wellington Racing Club yesterday approved the programme for the Autumn Meeting, which will be held at Trentham on Saturday, March 13. A selection has been made of eight races from the 16 run on two days last year, and a stakes increase of £. 1750 has been spread over seven of the races, the only prize remaining at last year's level being in the North Island Challenge Stakes. The programme is as follows, increases in stakes being shown in parentheses:— Rimu High-, weight, £400 (£SO). 11 furlongs; Plunket Handicap, £500 (£150), 6 furlongs; North Island Challenge Stakes, £700, 7 furlongs; Autumn Handicap, £1500 (£ 750); Tinakori Handicap, £ 400 (£SO), 7 furlongs; Thompson Handicap. £1250 (£250), 1 mile; Railway Handicap, £1000 (£400), 6 furlongs; Champion Hack Handicap, £600 (£100), 11 furlongs. The stakes total for the day is £6350. Last year. for two days it was £7850. .

St. Leger Dropped. —Two years ago when the war situation made the future of racing uncertain the Wellington Racing Club decided not to take yearling entries for the 1943 St. Leger Stakes, but to call entries from three-year-olds in the current season. However, with the Autumn Meeting reduced to one day the classic has been dropped for this year. A break in the sequence of important classic races is regrettable, but it is certain that the race will be reinstated as soon as conditions justify it.