GORE RACING CLUB

Southland Times, Issue 20206, 17 June 1927, Page 4

GORE RACING CLUB

THE YEAR’S WORK. REPORT BY COMMITTEE. The following is the annual report of the Gore Racing Club to be presented at the annual meeting on Wednesday next— In presenting this year’s balance-sheet it may be mentioned in passing that for purposes of comparison with last year’s figures it must not be forgotten that the present record is for a full period of 12 months, whereas the latter was for 10 months only. Consequently a distortion of the figures may result from the inclusion of some items which in reality relate to the previous year’s working. The year has been singularly successful, and this may be looked upon with a measure of satisfaction apart from the actual returns, as many racing clubs at this time find themselves faced with serious shdhftkages. The cash assets of the club have increased from £1453 to £2535, and £356 has been spent on improvements of a permanent nature, including the completion of the course fence and painting same, new housing for totalisator dial, complete new starting barriers, extension of li mile start, and a new road into the motor paddock from the south end. The sum of £4570 has been given in stakes, an increase of £7O on the previous year; and a feature of the year’s racing was the splendid response of galloping owners, particularly at the summer meeting, when the racing was keen and the fields good. The introduction of hurdle races after a period of over 20 years without them was much appreciated by owners and the lovers of “leppers,” and it is proposed to restore the steeplechase to the spring programme, as it is considered that the number of jumping horses in commission in the province makes the change desirable. The total receipts for the year were £8502, and the payments £7419, the former showing a decrease of £758 and the latter of £507. The course, buildings and surroundings are receiving every care and attention, and a programme of improvements has been adopted and is about to be undertaken to further improve the propery, which will, it is hoped, result in the betterment of accommodation afforded to members, owners, and the general public. The present picket fence along the front of the stands will be replaced with an iron-railed fence, the motor paddock will be improved and enlarged, a set of loose-boxes will be erected in which horses may be housed over meetings, and steps are being taken to have plans prepared for an up-to-date stewards’ and members’ stand. With this programme completed, it is hoped within the next two or three years the club will be in possession of a course that must compare favourably with any in the island. The club membership now stands as follows—On roll last year 130, joined 2, resigned and left district 9, struck off 1, died 2, remaining on roll 120. It is with regret that mention has here to be made of the deaths of two gentlemen whose names will always be associated with sport in this district. The late Messrs Owen Kelly and James McCorkindale were both interested to a great extent in the welfare of racing, and to both honour is due for the good work, well done, put into their connection with it, and the sympathy of the sporting community generally is extended to those whom they have left behind. The following candidates have been nominated for the various offices for the year—President, Mr G. C. Hamilton; vicepresidents, Messrs D. L. Poppelwell and Hugh Mclntyre; committee, Messrs J. J. Green, I. T. Martin, E. A. Pigeon, A. T. Pettigrew and H. A. Price. There being only the required number of candidates, all will be declared elected.