THE TAHUNA PARK MEETING.

Otago Witness, Issue 2690, 4 October 1905, Page 55

THE TAHUNA PARK MEETING.

The Tahuna. Park Trotting Club is out with a programme for its spring meeting, which is to take place on November 25 and 29. The prize-money to be distributed at the gathering shows an increase of £120 •over the amount which was hung up at last year's spring meeting, whilst the chief class races have been reduced in a manner calculated to bring some good horses to fchei post, and iirovide sport well worth witnessing. The two principal races in the programme are the Domain Handicap (harness), of 90sovs, second ISsova, and third 4isovs from the stake, two miles, for horses that can do 5.10 or better, and the James Memorial (harness), SOsovs, second 18sovs, and third 4£sovs from the stake, two miles ; for horses that can do 5.5 or better. Last year the Domain Handicap was For horses that cotild do 5.12 or under, and tihe James Memorial was for horses that oould do 5.12 or under. These races should attract some of t-he Ohristchurch horses, particularly as they are backed up wi*fch suoh stakes as the Stewards' Handicap (saddle), of 60sovs, two miles 5.20 or better) ; Musselburgh Handicap (harness), of 50sovs, two miles ; Publicans' Handicap, of 50 soys (5.20 or under), and other events calculated to meet with the requirements of owners. The objections to the list is its usual length of eight races each day, and the fact that in the Dash Handicap and Electric Handicap horses are asked to class as 2.35 for small stakes : and it appears to the writer that if the club spread its prizemoney over seven races each day it could obtain improved nominations and better

fields. The club, however, gives away a special pWze of 20sovs to the owner of the horse doing the 'latest time under 2.23 for a mila, and the rider or driver will receive a £5 gold medal. This is likely to be accomplished in such .a race as the Dash or Electric Handicaps, and consequently may make either event into a goc£ stake ; but the purse which is being put up to advertise the track can be competed for either in a race or a trial at the meeting. The club, by tho way, should have stipulated that the purse could only be competed for by horses nominated at the meeting. Nominations close on October 28, and in older to make the gathering as attractive as possiblei the Citizens' Band will be in attendance each day.