Chariot Races Will Be Thrilling

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 132, 5 June 1937, Page 6

Chariot Races Will Be Thrilling

UNIQUE ENTERTAINMENT PLANNED FOR WINTER SHOW

The ancient adage that history repeats itself will be brought home to residents of Palmerston North and the Manawatu during the Winter Show this month, when the colourful spectacle of Roman chariot races will be presented like an animated sequence from the deathless pages of “Ben Hur.” Significent of the earnestness with which the association has sought to provide novel entertainment is that the chariot races will be unique in New Zealand. Comparable only with tho thrills of motorcycles circling the floodlit track at night will be the excitement as the chariots, each with its driver urging his willing horses to go out in front, flash round on the cindered course immediately inside the oval fence. The chariot races are to be staged on Thursday and Saturday of the Show, June 17 and 19. They will be over a mile course, and will be run in heats. Tho chariots, harness, togas, etc., are to be provided by the A. and P. Association, which aims to make the races not only one of the finest outdoor entertainments yet provided in New Zealand, but as accurate a reproduction as possible of the historic races that were one of the glories of Imperial Rome. Keen interest is being displayed by likely competitors, of whom ten have already made definite entries. They include one lady charioteer. Prizes totalling £25 are being offered.