THE. D.J.C. SUMMER MEETING.

Otago Witness, Issue 2649, 21 December 1904, Page 54

THE. D.J.C. SUMMER MEETING.

The acceptances and nominations received in connection with the- Dunedin Jockey Club's summer meeting cannot be. otherwise than gratifying to those who are anxioiis to witness the prosperity of the local metropolitan club, as since the club has been holding its meetings at Wiugatui tho principal events at the summer gathering have generally been contested by small fields, although,* it must be said, the sport has been none the less highly interesting on that account, as, for instance, when Canteen and Pampero fought out their memorable duel. This year, however, there is every prospect of the strength, of the fields being considerably above the average both from a numerical and qualitative point of view, and that fact should tend to considerably swell the club's list of patrons at the fixture. It is true that the Great Autumn Handicap winner Bulawayo has dropped out of the principal race, but as he was favourably handicapped his defection was probably owing to the fact that the Crest gelding was not in condition to carry his owner's colours over ten furlongs. Well-known performers such as Red Gauntlet, Petrovna, Pallas, and St. Denis havo continued their engagements, and as each of these horses has a large army ol adherents their form at the meeting will be fraught with considerable interest, whilst amongst tibe nominations and acceptances received for the minor events is tho name of the Grand National Steeplechase winner, Slow Tom, with whom many of our local sports are anxious to become acquainted. Tho two-year-old events have been patronised by owners with unusual liberality, and the same remark applies to the minor events on the programme. The dates on which the meeting falls are highly favourable for a large attendance of the public, provided the weather, which has proved the club's strongest antagonist in the past, is caught in a kindly mood, and it only requires a little assistance 'from the clerk of the weather to make the gathering the most popular one in the club's list of fixtures.