TROTTING

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19919, 15 August 1927, Page 8

TROTTING

WELLINGTON CLUB MEETING IN SEPTEMBER NEW ZEALAND CUP TRIAL (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Aug. 14. The committee of the Wellington Trotting dub met on Saturday evening to consider the expressed wish of the Owners and Breeders’ Association for a trotting meeting in the month of September. The club originally intended racing on October 1 but to meet the wishes and also to avoid clashing with the North v. South Island, football match on that date it was decided to alter the trotting races to Saturday, September 17. While in Christchurch last week the president interviewed most of the owners and trainers of Cup •horses regarding the provision of a fast a mile and a quarter race with the result that he felt encouraged to recommend the inclusion of this event in the programme. He was also informed by the handicapper that no penalty would be incurred for the New Zealand Cup by the successful competitor in this event. The club decided to include a 2.46 mile and a-quarter named the New Zealand Cup Trial Handicap with a stake of £325. As trainers and owners have for years expressed a wish that they had a race for their Cup candidates as part of their middle period preparation the success and future consideration for this provision will rest entirely with the resopnse shown by them. Of course other horses are eligible outside Cup candidates but the Club has taken this progressive step to meet what is claimed to be a longfelt want.

Straight-out trotters are catered for by the inclusion of a 3.46 mile and ahalf and a 4.48 two miles. The question of making a mile and a half event for a slower class was fully discussed, but it was considered that the slower class trotter would not bo ready so early in the season. The Club, however, will not overlook the claims of the slower class at the December meeting. The Hon. R. F. Bollard 's friendly interest in and great service to the sport was recognised by naming the principal two-mile handicap after the Minister. This event is for horses that can do 4.38 or better. A mile saddle event for the 2.18 class is included and as saddle races are gradually disappearing from trotting programmes no doubt owners will avail themselves of this opportunity. There is the usual novice event with a 3.45 limit while improving pacers will have two events in the 3.36 mile and a half and the 4.50 two miles. Nominations will close on Friday, August 26, It is announced that the Railway Department intends running special trains right to the course on the new Hutt line which would eliminate the greatest drawback the club has had to contend with in the past.