LURE OF RACES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21993, 27 December 1934, Page 10

LURE OF RACES

A DAY AT ELLERSLIE THE PRINCE'S MEETING FASHION AND FURBELOWS CROWDS ENJOY THEMSELVES Boxing Day, another chance to sec Royalty, and a steeplechase on the programme in addition to the customary attraction of'the Cup —it \va. e no wonder that Aueklanders and country folk from far and near flocked to Ellcrslio in thousands yesterday. Not since palmier days of general prosperity has the course seen larger or happier crowds of racegoers. It was a beautiful summer day, with a cool north-easterly breeze and passing clouds to temper the heat. If not quito so brilliantly green as in spring and autumn, the course and lawns were bright and fresh, and the gardens were brilliant with flowers of every kind. In such surroundings even mediocre racing could have been enjoyable, but there were good fields and hard-lought finishes in all the principal events. The Gloucester Steeplechase, run in tko Royal visitor's honour, made a spectacle to stir even the most phlegmatic. Seldom has a gayer display of fashion been seen on the lawn at ICllcrslie. Ladies of all ages appeared in light summer dresses of every hue and pattern, many of them obviously inviting sunburn. If the wearers could have been mustered away from the sober colours of the men's suits, the eifect would have been as bright as a flower garden in full bloom. Even as it was, tlic crowded main grandstand presented very nearly that appearance when tbe totalisntor was open and most of the menfolk were busy putting money on for the next race. Wide befrilled hats were the usual feminine wear, and more than a few fell victims to the fresh breeze. Concealed elastics failed to do their duty, leading to frantic pursuits across the grass.

Cheers for the Prince Seen from the "hill," the Duke of Gloucester's arrival at mid-day made a fine sight. Past the tall pines and beyond the long stretch of green track, which rail away into tlio distance, were the stands and lawns, crowded with dark masses of people. Women's white hats stood out conspicuously in the crowds, and here and there dresses made tiny spots of red and orange. The procession of cars passed below the hill, and the people cheered, not lustily, but as loudly as New Zealanders' ingrained reserve would load one to expect. The King's son, seated beside the Governor-General, Lord Bledisloe, waved his hat in acknowledgment. Mounted police at the trot led the cars on past the stands, and the sound of the distant cheering was borne on the breeze. It. grew fainter until the procession doubled back at the far end of the straight, and then the cheering swelled again. "God Save the King" showed that the Duke had alighted, and through ;i glass his grey-clad figure could be seen mounting the steps to the brightly-decorated Royal box. Everyone now felt free to settle down to the day's sport. Crowds made their way toward the totalisator and back again to the stands. People lingered under the beautiful English trees behind the members' stand to watch the horses in their fringed white covers being led about by grooms and stableboys. The usual hundred or two people crossed the course to witness each start however distant—a most interesting procedure which most racegoers neglect. Thrills in the Steeplechase Luncheon time came, with queues at every place of refreshment—dining rooms, the tea kiosk, and booths. "Outside," family parties made picnics under the plane trees near the Derby stand or on the hill, where squares of canvas stretched over hurdles were a favourite form of shelter. Teapots and thermos flasks appeared in scores, and the consumption of bottled drinks must have been enormous. Within the enclosure, some preferred a meal in the open, and a few parties returned to their cars.

The clay's two big events, the Cup and the steeplechase, called out all the enthusiasm tliaA the crowds could muster. The Cup finished to a wholebreasted roar of excitement, such as only a decisive try at Rugby could earn. When it was over, hundreds rushed to the birdcage fences to see the Duke present the trophy. All through the long three miles of the steeplechase—run as it was on hard ground—cries of "Well done!" "They're nil over!" and "Ooh!" when two riders fell at the last fence but one, showed the people's feelings. Such a race meant more to them than the mere deciding of a wager. They could admire stout-hearted horses aiul plucky riders. The finish brought an ovation. Again at the end of the race too Duke and the Governor-General rode down the course and hack and the crowds cheered them as they left. The Freedom of "OutsMe"

A walk around the "outside" showed how much the rank and file of Auckland people enjoy racing at one-and-sixpence a head The lawn and the Leger enclosure have their obvious advantages, social and otherwise, but there is a good deal to he said for having the run of nearly everything outside. Appearances matter little; flannels, a blazer and a tennis shirt are comfortable on a hot day, and one may lie on the grass if so disposed. No company could be more orderly and well-behaved, for your Now Zealander likes to take his pleasure quietly. Racing is not usually regarded as a sport for children, but under such picnic conditions the young people really enjoy it. They were to bo seen everywhere; yesterday, and the übiquitous small boy had the time of his life. Before the first race a party of little fellows put in a good half-hour's cricket practice, making a close-boarded fence near the tan-track serve as a net.

At Kllej-slie the hill, the Derby enclosure and the centre of the course nil have their devotees. It is astonishing how exciting a finish can look when the horses are galloping straight toward you. The tall rails beyond the tan track make a fine temporary grandstand if you are active enough to climb them. Walkers on the Track Yesterday hundreds made use of their ancient right to walk on the track botween races, yet, the clerk of the course and mounted police bad no difficulty in clearing it whenever necessary. To judge from the amount of walking about, some of the "outside" patrons must have covered miles in the course of the day, but evidently that was part of the fun, in their view. One curious thing about Auckland racegoers is that so few of them bother to use binoculars. Perhaps clear atmosphere and fieod eyesight make such aids less needed than in the Old World, perhaps it is a feeling that to wear a strap over one's shoulder is putting on "side," but the fact remains. Racing at Ellerslio in fine weather has a happy atmosphere, as befits the beautiful surroundings. Yesterday's meeting was a supremo proof of this. Temporarily, it was the sport of Royalty, and as always it was the sport of the people. Nothing could have shown more what a deep place the turf holds in the affections and social habits of the JNew Zealander.