Some Racing On Coast Certain In Spite Of Strike

Greymouth Evening Star, 29 December 1950, Page 4

Some Racing On Coast Certain In Spite Of Strike

Though the rail strike has pre- , sented some serious obstacles to West Coast racing clubs, it appeared today as if the holiday racing circuit will continue next week, except for the Omoto gallops, the prospects for which are not bright. Confident reports have been received with regard to the trotting meetings at Greymouth and Reef ton. The strike will have to end early tomorrow to enable the Greymouth Jockey Club to go ahead with its plans to open its race meeting—due to begin tomorrow- —on Monday, with a second day on Wednesday.

No Transport The meeting has been postponed from tomorrow until Monday because the strike has prevented the transport of horses to Greymouth, but a similar situation will apply next week unless there is an early settlement. The club will have the option of racing on Wednesday and Friday if there is a settlement. It will take alrpost a day after the settlement of the strike to resume the running of trains, for the whole of the West - Coast rail system first will, have to be inspected for faults or blockages that may have developed during the six days (to today) of idleness.

A have to run tomorrow night at the latest to allow the races to be held on Monday. . . In the meantime, the club is postponing the completion of catering arrangements, and the printing of its race-books, pending definite hews of the strike position. Trotting Prospects The secretary of the Greymoutn Trotting Club, Mr W. E. Pring, said this morning that the club would hold its meeting on January 4 and 6 (Thursday and Saturday), even if the strike was still on, depending, however, on:whether transport could be arranged from Christchurch. It was intended, he said, to arrange for horse floats, and the prospects appeared to be bright. The president of the Reef ton Trotting Club, Mr F. W. Archer, said today that the club had decided definitely to hold its meeting on Tuesday (January 2), whether the strike continued or not. Only bad weather would force, a postponement. Some horses engaged at the meeting have already arrived in Reefton.