The Tapanui Races.

Otago Witness, Issue 2240, 4 February 1897, Page 34

The Tapanui Races.

SPORTING EDITOR WITNESS. Sir, — Tapanui is one of the clubß that as a rule manages its meeting in first-class style, which, I think, is mainly due to the energetic secretary; but one 'of their officials must have given great dissatisfaction to, the majority of race-goers present — namely, the starter. In the Two-mile Trot about one-half of the horses started in fr^nb of the posfc, and the start for fehe Farmers' Plate — when hB had a lot of very quiet horses — was one of the poorest at the meeting ; but the start in the four furlongs was one of the worst I have ever seen — it looked more like the start of a time trot, one starting after the other at an interval of a few seconds. I really think it is time the club get one oE their own mnmbers to fill the office, or if they have not one who cares to take tho position get the services of one of tho starters for the country clubs. It would be impossible for them to do worse. Mr Gourley also acted as handioapper for the meeting, and, judging by the conversations of the owners on the night of the first day's races, he was anything but a success. One owuervwas heard to declare that he^had been racing for the last 15 years, but he had 'never seen euchet ratio handicapping before. There is auother incident that took place at this meeting which I think requires a little ventilation, that is tbe easy way the owner and rider of St. Patrick were let down. This hone won the Grand Stand Handicap, but was protested against for iaconsinteaf; running, the protest being sustained, which by the applause of those present seemed to be a very popular verdict. This generous club takes the race from him, but allows him to go on again. I think if tbe Metropolitan Club is going to do anything to purify the turf, here is a case that should be sifted to the bottom, and the interests of true sportsmen looked after. — I am, &c, A Visitor to the Tapanui Races. [Inquiries made from reliable sources do not bear out the remarks of our correspondent about Mr Gourley 's starting. Our information is that tho smarting was satisfactory. And as to the handicapping, the facts are eloquent that seven was the smallest acceptance for the stoond day, while 20 accepted for one trot and 17 for another. It is acknowledged, we believe, that Mr Gourley made a mistake in regard to the handicapping of Beaconsfield, but that was not his fault, as he relied on the published record of this horse (smin 15sec), whereas the correct time- wat smin 43aec. — Ed. O.W.]