SPEED ON CINDERS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22351, 24 February 1936, Page 13

SPEED ON CINDERS

WESTERN SPRINGS RACES OVERSEAS RIDERS' SUCCESS ATTEMPT ON WORLD'S RECORD An attempt on his own world's record time of 72s for a mile by L. Van Praag, of Australia, was the main event on the cinder track racing programme presented at the Western Springs Stadium on Saturday night. The track was in excellent order, but an unfortunate skid on one of the turns robbed Van Fraag of what might well have been record figures Van Praag's time was 74 3-ss. A series of three match races between Van Praag and D. Case, of Australia, was won by Van Praag with two races to Case's one. These two riders also carried off the principal open races, the February Handicap going to Van Praag, in spite of his heavy handicap, and the February Stakes to Case. B. Bray triumphed over the local riders in the B grade handicap event. Following are the results of the various contests: — MATCH "RACES Four Laps, Clutch Start First Event. —L. Van Prang, 1; D. Case. 2. Var Praag was content to hold the inner position while Case showed great Bkill on the comers, fie (ell when endeavouring to pass his opponent and finished well behind. Time, lm 18 4-ss. Second Event. —Case, 1: Van Praag, 2. Case leaped into the lead at terrific soeed but left the inner position for Van Praag to capture. Case, cornering brilliantly at high speed, kept his advantage to win by just over a length. Time, lm 19 8-ss. Third Event.—Van Praag, 1; Case. 2. A remarkably even race marked by welljudged riding. It was not until the last lap that Van Praag took command, and the race was in doubt right to the post. Time, lm 21 l-ss. FEBRUARY HANDICAP. Four Laps, Standing Start First Heat.—B. McKinney. 90yds bhd, 1; B. Smith, limit, -2. McKinney made ut> his handicap in the second lap to win easily. Time, lm 21 l-ss. Second Heat.—L. Van Praag, 100 yds bhd, 1; C. Goldberg, 90yds bhd. 2. Van Praag overtook his three opponents in the first lap and won comfortably. Time, lm 19 4-ss. Third Heat.—F. Day. 10yds bhd. 1: A Mattson, 100 yds bhd. 2. Mattson, by daring riding, gathered in the field in Quick time and then fell. He remounted to secure second place. Time, lm 33 l-5s Fourth Heat.—D. Case. 100 yds bhd." 1Lr, / bbe u!' 90 , yd8 , bh , d - - 2 - T he two placed men fought out the decision in a thrilling manner Case won by a length and a-half In J he . fi " al . B P r mt. Time, lm 18 3-ss. befr 9 ? raa S. 1: Goldhiffh' r i°n r nc * er ® kept together at t, fll BD j ed ' Goldberg and Van Praag evenwon» fi' aWlns e ut ' n front - Van Praag by lo yards. Time, lm 20s. second Semi-final.—Day, 1: Mattion 9 Case was left at the sta/t and feFl" in making up the leeway. Mattson also fell and remounted to finish second to Day Time, lm 32 l-ss. Final Van Praag . . , Mattson .. ." '' *' • Time n i°m * nd W ° n c °^tably. FEBRUARY STAKES. Four -Laps. Rolling Start First Heat.—D. Case 1; A. Mattson. 2. Case and Mattson fought out the race between them, victory going to Case by a fair margin. Tune, lm 18 2-Ss. R n« eC o n v, He o' — 'B-, 1; D. Mattson. 2. Van Praag had again shown his un""Priority in taking the lead from the field when he fell. Clibbett. who was r„hng close behind Van Praag. immediately dropped his machine, thus averting a crash. Time, lm 22 2-ss, Final Case , Mattson . . \' " "a Case showed amazing control when cornermg and his daring riding was too good for Mattson. Time, lm 18 4-ss. B GRADE HANDICAP. Four Laps, Standing Start First. Heat,—D. Mattson. 40yds bhd. 1. ■Uie decision rested from the start on Morgan and Mattson. On the last turn Morgans front wheel struck Mattson'a rear ?" e \ r n " c Morgan took a nasty spill, leaving Mattson the race. Time, lm 275. Second Heat.—B. Bray. 40yds bhd. JL. Gore, limit. 2. Bray came through fast on the inside to leave the field well behind lime, lm 28 3-ss, Final Bray . Gore :: 2 Bray established a lead of 50 yards in Time. rS lm 2°7 ML liUle ° DDoßltion -