HARRIER RACING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23699, 4 July 1940, Page 5

HARRIER RACING

ANNUAL BO AD EVENT. NEXT SATURDAY'S PROSPECTS Tho Onehunga to Auckland harrier road race, ono of tho most popular distanco events held in Auckland, will be conducted next Saturday afternoon. The time taken by the leading harriers, somo 37 minutes, is just three minutes faster than that taken by tho trams. Tho record time for tho distance of I\\ miles, established by J. W. Savidan in 3035, is 30m 275. Only three other winners, J. I. B. Neil, N. F. Coopor and R. Crompton, have broken 37m since the contest was inaugurated in 1931. A record entry of 124 individuals, and nine teams each of six, has been received. Last year's winner, tho Auckland club runner, L. P. Watters, who won by a touch from J. I. B. Neil, of Presbyterians, in 37m Is, will probably start favourite. "Watters has already won an open road race this year, achieving victory over G. Kofoed, of University, and Neil. Both the latter are favourites with Watters, although Kofoed has been ill. Another runner who has gained rapid prominence is A. Mclnnes, of Ellerslie. but it remains to bo seen whether a long road race will suit him. Three Lynndalc harriers who are sure to finish well up aro A. Browne, It. Crompton and C. Littler. They secured good places last year, and have already shown themsolves fit, particularly Browne. The finest harrier in the Auckland Province, A. G. Harding, of Technical, will not start, as road racing does not suit him. The Auckland club representative, L. Clarke, who always performs well, is a doubtful entrant. Three Lynndale runners whose performances this year have been noteworthy are J. llowells. R. Cathcart- and O. Young, while A. McCutchan and C. Jones, of University, show constantly improving form. They will bo watched with interest. For the teams race Lynndale lias, in Browne, Crompton, Mclnnes, Howells, Cathcart and Young, practically an unbeatable combination. Lynndalo won all teams events last year, and appear liket.v to repeat the performance. University and Technical appear next in strength.