GREYMOUTH TROTS

Greymouth Evening Star, 26 October 1929, Page 2

GREYMOUTH TROTS

OPENING DAY’S SUCCESS.

Fine weather with enough clouds to counteract the glare and excessive heat prevailed, for the opening of the Greymouth Trotting Club’s Spring meeting to-day. The attendance. when the first race was decided was good, with promise of a large attendance after lunch time. The track was in first-class order, and it was well set by the use of the water-cart last evening. Credit is due to Mi’ C. Watson, the caretaker, for the success he has achieved in preparation of the track and other appointments at the Park. The special horse train from Christchurch arrived at Greymoutli at 4.30 o’clock yesterday afternoon, bringing 40 horses and 70 passengers, including prominent horseowners, trainers and drivers. The President and members of the executive of the Trotting Club extended a welcome to the visitors, who were soon busy detraining their charges, collecting gear, and taking them to their quarters. When the special excursion tram Jett Christchurch this morning there were 120 passengers aboard, and ten more Canterbury sportsmen joined it before it reached Otira. Trains from Rewanui, Blackball and Hokitika all brought big contingents of visitors, with the result that the streets presented an animated appearance before the general exodus to Victoria Park. From an early hour the President, Mr H. W. Kitchingliam, the secretary, Mr P. C. Heaphy, and other officials were busy at the Park welcoming visitors and extending the customary courtesies to visiting owners and other patrons of the meeting. The results of the racing till the time of the “Star” going to press were : —

INTRODUCTORY HANDICAP, 12J, Turlongs (harness) : —

(1) Grand Canyon (scr.) (C. S. Donald) ... ••• (4) Kate Logan (12yds) (J. N. Clarke) 2 (2) Ratloc (scr) (C. Smith) ... 3 Also started: 5 Reylet, 3 Nelson Gara, 7 Broker scr, 10 Dillon Chimes 24yds, and Denver Hinds 84yds. Won by two lengths; one length. Time 3.42 1-5. Tote £1197.

Some Guy, Shining Light, Denvei’ City and Brook Pointer were scratched, and Donald’s election to start Grand Canyon met with the support of a big section, which made him over £lOO better than Ratloc. From a failstart Ratloc went to the front, followed past the stand the first time by Kate Logan, Reylet and Grand Canyon. Along the back Nelson Gara was pacing nicely in fifth position. When they passed the post the second time there was no change but the break between Ratloc and Nelson Gara had widened. When the field turned for home, Ratloc was headed down the straight. A fast finish was put in by Donald and Grand Canyon Avon by two lengths, with Kate Logan two lengths farther back.