MECHANICAL HARE RACING

Taranaki Daily News, 2 April 1934, Page 10

MECHANICAL HARE RACING

EXCITING SPORT WITNESSED First meeting atfukekurapark ELTHAM OWNER WINS CUP EVENT. Mechanical hare greyhound racing was introduced to New Plymouth at Pukekura Park on Saturday night, when a programme of eight races was decided. Some close finishes were seen, and, although the cro'.td attracted; was very meagre. Mechanical bar® coursing has enjoyed a phenomenal iun "of popularity in England and Australia and has been attended by large crowds at centres in New Zealand to which it, has already been introduced.

The organisers of Saturday night’s meeting were unfortunate in not’being able to complete satisfactory mechanical arrangements owing to the shortness of time in which the ground was available for preparations. Breakdowns of the hare resulted in no fewer than five false starts, which would have seriously marred any other than a novelty meeting. However, the crowd rather enjoyed the spectacle of the dogs overtaking a rathOr jerky “tin hare,” and the dogs themselves certainly appreciated the fun. The hare was so much the worse for wear after several maulings that he ran without ears in his later. races, much to the amusement of spectators. Whereas coursing proper is a sport fully appreciated Only by keen greyhound fanciers, mechanical hare racing, particularly at night, provides a thrill even for the uninitiated. The dogs frequently travel at an incredible speed and their graceful running action is plainly visible under the glare of floods lights. Scarcely any other form of raeing provides so picturesque and exciting a spectacle as that of brightly jacketed dogs, running at speeds as high as 40 miles an hour after a small hare which manages always to keep a few yards in front of the leader. Knowledge of dogs and owners, of course, increases interest tremendously, but even the casual spectator cannot fail to experience a thrill.

novelty appeals. The course on Saturday night was approximately 350 yards oq the Outside of the oval. The fastest course was 16 seconds. Had delays been shorter and the programme extended the meeting would have been an excellent one in any company; but the complete novelty of the meeting compensated for any deficiency which might have annoyed the habitual “tin hare” follower. Owners from Patea, Eltham, Waitara, Altyj, Stratford and New Plymouth were represented. Results were as follow:— Qualifying hedts;—first heat: L. Hunt’s (Alton) Silver Wings y, q. Fowler'*

(Waitara) Te Monanui 2, P. Pepperell's (Eltham) Little Doubt 3, E. Hurley’s (Patea) Bold Baron 4. No time taken. The dogs finished strongly, Silver Wings finishing fully three yards in front of Te Monanui. Bold Baron made his run too late, but nearly caught Little Doubt in the last 50 yards. Second heat: L* R. Davies (Alton) Artful Dodger 1, L Stanners’ (Eltham) Bay Sand 2, R. Stockbridge’s (Waitara) Lady Andy 3; tim* 17 l-ss. G. Fowler’s (Waitara) Oineo was withdrawn after a false start which injured the dog’s feet. Bay Sand led over the first , half of the course but took the home turn too wide. Artful Dodger cam* up strongly and won by four yards. Lady Andy was well behind. Third heat: B. Pepperell’s (Eltham) Passing Through L I. Stauners (Eltham) Rational 2, T. G. Fowler’s (Waitara) Lady Quex 3, Mrs. E. C. Butler’s (Eltham) Merry Way 4; time 16s, A very fast rack won by a bare three yards. The winner all the way. Fourth heat: M. Walker’s (Eltham) Orapai 1, P. Levandowski’s (Stratford) Seatown 2, T. G. Fowler’s (Waitara) Arvada 3, J. Archer’s (New Plymouth) Hipo 4. The heat was dose and exciting and Orapai won by less than two yards with the other dogs close up. Time 17 l-ss. ’

Consolation race, for dogs that ran last in the qualifying heats: Bold Baron 1, Merry Way 2, Hipo 3; time 16 l-ss. Bold Baron had a runaway win by 12 yards, three yards between second and third. Bold Baron’s perforffiance left the impression that he was unfortunate not to be placed in the first heat. Fitzrpy Purse, for dogs that ran third in their heats: Little Doubt 1, Lady Q iex 2, Arvada 3; time 16 2-ss. A fast race won by four yards, with three yards between second and third. Moturoa Plate, for dogs that ran second in their heats: Seatown I, Bay Sand 2. Rational 3; time 17s. A closely contested race. Seatown came up to Bay Sand and Rational at half way, where the dogs were bunched, and came away fast to win by three yards, with two yards between second and third and Te Monanui whll back. New Plymouth Cup, for dogs that ria first in their heats: Passing Through L Silver Wings 2, Orapai 3; time 16s. Silver Wings and Passing. Through get away fast The last two dogs challenged ■ the leaders over the last half of the distance but could nOt make up the distance. The finish was exceptionally close, there being some little doubt for a time as to which dog won.

The trophies were presented to the winning owners by Mr. L. R. Davies. Alton. Officials were: Starter, Mr. B. Pepperell, Eltham; judge, Mr. J- Power, New Plymouth; hare steward, Mr. E. C. Butler, Eltham; timekeeper, Mr. L Stanners, Eltham.