TROTTING NOTES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23687, 20 December 1938, Page 19

TROTTING NOTES

By Sentinel FIXTURES becember 26.—Ashburtui. T.C. December 26. Wairarapa T.C December 26 Gore TC December 26 27 -Westoon T.C. December 2? 29. 31.—Auckland T.C December 29. Reef ton T.C Opcember 11 Winton T.C 1939 January <. A. -CanterDuo Park T.C. January 5, 6.- Greymouth T.C January 14. -Cambridge T.C January 14. Timaru T.C. January 26 28.—Forbury Park T.C. January 28 February I.—Nelson T.C. At Gore Gold Bank is the' ruling favourite for the Gore Trotting Cup. Bonny Azure Bonny Azure is travelling well in her work for engagements at the Ashburton Trotting Club's meeting. An Early Start The first race at the Ashburton Trotting Club's meeting will start at 11.45 a.m. Abandoned The matinee arranged by the Timaru Trotting Club was abandoned owing to heavy rain making the course very soft. Special Trains Three special trains will run from Christchurch to the Ashburton Trotting Club's meeting on Boxing Day Betting Systems The win and place system of betting will be in operation at the Auckland, Ashburton, Gore and Canterbury Park meetings during the Christmas and New Year holidays.

Indianapolis Mr G. J. Barton informed the writer that Indianapolis has been shaping well in his work, and recently displayed all his best speed in a dash over half a mile. The stride of Indianapolis to annihilate ground has in all probability never been equalled in New Zealand, and, if the conditions are favourable, he will create a new record. Horsepower is also doing well, and if he could shed a tendency to dwell at the start of a race would be dangerous at Auckland. Plenty of Sport Followers ol light-harness racing will have plenty to occupy their attention during the holiday meetings. They will start off by having interest aroused by the good fields engaged at the Ashburton and Gore meetings, to be followed by two days at Canterbury Park. Further afield the Auckland Trotting Club will as usual arouse widespread interest. A Progressive Club A pleasing feature of the holiday meetings is the interesting field remaining in the Champion Stakes, of £750, to be decided at Ashburton. One or two figure in the field by oversight, but if quality rather than quantity is the essence of sport the Champion Stakes field should supply a great race. The Ashburton Trotting Club has deservedly won success because it has forced its way to the front by moving along progressive lines The field . for this year's Champion Stakes is comprised of such as Aldershot, Shadowson, Nelson Eddy, Bedrock and others that may have trained on sufficiently to throw out a challenge to those with good form displayed during the earlier part of the season. The rich stake attached to the race, together with the Sapling Stakes and richly endowed handicap events, should command all the best patronage if owners and breeders are not blind to their own interests. Tender Accepted The committee of the Ashburton Trotting Club has accepted the tender of Mr J. B. McCormick, of Christchurch, for the erection of a new main grand stand and other improvements at the Ashburton racecourse. The scheme provides for the demolition of the old stand on the outside enclosure, the removal of the present main stand to a new position east of the stewards' stand, the erection of a new main grand stand, and additions to the stewards' stand and tea house. It is hoped that the work will be completed in time for the club's winter meeting on the King's Birthday.