CUP DAY AT ELLERSLIE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18283, 27 December 1922, Page 4

CUP DAY AT ELLERSLIE.

Whether it be the fault of the reformer who wishes to abolish the totalisator. or of the racegoer who assesses the result of a day on the course purely in terras of dividends, other features of horse-racing in New Zealand tend often to be obscured by the prominence given to stake-money and the operations of the " machine." Cup day at Ellerslie helps to show that there is another side to the sport. When there is head-shaking over the amount of money which flows into the totalisator, and, with considerable deductions, comes out the other side into the hands of the lucky or judicious investor, it is difficult to answer the moralist. To view the course on the day of the Auckland Cup, the beautiful surroundings, the thronging crowds, gay colours, and sleek-coated horses, to feel infected with the excitement as a hardfought race nears its end, is to realise that there is more in it than can be shown by the cold figures of money risked during the day. A social event, a day in the open air, pleasure in the speed, shape, and beauty of the nobly-bred animals which race, are all there, fide by side with the less desirable features of racing upon which emphasis is so often laid. Epsom on Derby day is the Mecca of sporting-loving thousands from every walk of life in England. In a smaller, humbler degree Cup day at Ellerslie reproduces the same features. Family parties gather, little sociable groups form, there is a display life, colour, and light-hearted gaiety. Brilliant sunshine is necessary to complete the picture. Even grey skies, however, do not efface all its features. Whatever the conditions, it is always a, day memorable in the lives of a horse-loving people, enjoyed year after year by thousands who do not otherwise grace a racecourse, and do not concern themselves with the dividend figures hoisted after each event.