DUKE AND RACING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21876, 11 August 1934, Page 10

DUKE AND RACING

MEETING AT EIAERSLIE SUMMER PROGRAMME GLOUCESTER STEEPLECHASE Two events on the programme for the Auckland Racing Club's Summer Meeting at KUerslie have been named in honour of the visit of the Duke of Gloucester. Both these races are steeplechases, events which have not been held in summer for many years. On the first day of the summer meeting (Boxing Day) the Gloucester Steeplechase, of £IOOO. will replace the Grafton Hurdles, of £350, and on the fourth day the Sussex Steeplechase, of £SOO, will replace the Auckland Hurdles, of £350. Hurdle races will he retained on the second and third days. The Gloucester Steeplechase has been so named as a tribute to the Duke, who will be in Auckland at the time. The name of the Sussex Steeplechase has been chosen in view of the fact that the Duke will be travelling on the. cruiser Sussex.

The programme for the spring meeting on October 13 and 15 is the same as for last year, stakes totalling £5500. There will be no trophy for the Mitchelson Cup and the winner will now receive £SOO cash instead of £450 and a gold cup valued at £SO.

Stakes for the major events at the summer meeting are the same as for last year, as follows: —Auckland Cup, £ISOO (including gold cup valued at £50); Railway Handicap, £750; Summer Cup, £650; A.R.C. Handicap, £750; Grandstand Handicap, £650; King's Plate, £350; Clifford Plate, £350. Officials, including the judge, Mr. R. B. Lusk, and the 'starter, Mr. R. H. Skipwith, have been reappointed.