TROTTING

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 53, 4 March 1939, Page 7

TROTTING

INTEREST PROSPECTS FOR COMING MEETING GOOD HORSES MAKE KEEN COMPETITION. (Special to “Chronicle" by “Abaydos") The manner in which the Wanganui Trotting Club has catered for its patrons over a lengthy period, reaped its just reward at lhe last few meetings, and the increased public interest and attendance gives further proof that the public of Wanganui and surrounding districts have become delinitely “trotting minded.” This augurs well for the successful launching ol the club's annual meetings on March IS and a naturally greater success for March 25, which follows after the form has been disclosed. The club, for arranging suitable classes and stakes, and owners and trainers for supplying well-ccnai-tioned horses to provide keen and interesting competition, can share in the honours of creating this public spirit of enthusiasm. Each year since the passing of the depression the meetings have advanced in popularity and proved successful. The large entrance list received on general entry night, with horses from ail parts of the Dominion, is a good omen for further success this season. Horses of the best breeding strains, and representing some of the best North and South Island stables, appear in the long list of entrants, and as at this stage of the season candidates have raced themselves into form, competition in every grade will be keen and illuminating and encourage a wide range of speculation. There will be representatives from North, South, East and West, and class is particularly good in the higher grade events. The freeing ui limits a little looser than those at the meetings following, proved a vise move, and has encouraged many trainers to try and qualify their charges for the tighter Taranaki Cup, with a view to reaching Hawera Cup class. Progress in All Quarters. As far as the season has gone in the North and South Islands, there h.us been marked progress in trotting generally, while at practically every meeting the totalisator revenue has shown very large increases. With the run of success in this direction m lhe air, the Wanganui Club should be in line for a big return. Apart from this aspect the sport of trotting is proving a line form ot relaxation from the worries and turmoil of everyday lite. it provides the excitement necessary to divert lhe mind from the more strenuous daily activities. Not only is trotting exciting, it is spectacular and inspiring. There is nothing better calculated to raise the enthusiasm of the public and create a care-free spirit than a Held of trotters or pacers stretched out in a battle for supremacy. The speed, stamina and courage at each horse—and here the creeping tells -is brought into play, backed up by lhe skill of the drivers. It becomes u case of the "survival of the littest" and the sight is one to be remembered long after the contests have taken place. Year of Records. All the great sires of the trotting turf are represented in the list 01 entries and also on the material side the very finest strains are prominent. Breeding of trotters and pacers has become a line art in the Dominion, and with improved stock, better training and racing facilities, it is no wonaer that many fresii records are being made in several parts of New Zealand. This season Lawn. Derby (1.59 2-5) made new mile figures, and at Auckland Van Derby (2.0 2-5) made a fresh mile grass record. Manuku (3.13 2-5) al Epsom, Acuity (3.13 3-5) at Hutt Park, icevus (3.12 4-5) at Addington, are new mile and a-half ligures, while Cavan Chief's 2.6 mile saddle at New Brighton is an outstanding performance. There have been records in other directions—totalisator returns, size of fields, large attendances, particularly at trotting meetings in lit? Auckland area, and this is the barometer reading that indicates similar success for the Wanganui and subsequent meetings on the popular West Coast circuit.

WELLINGTON CLUB

TO-DAY S ACCEPTORS AT HLTI PARK. I Per Prcbb Asbocialion.j WELLINGTON, March 3. 12.30: Palmer Handicap.—Worthy Need scr., Adversity 12, Aqua Bond, Laurene Wood 24, Twenty Grand 36, Jesse Owens 48. 1.10: Randwick Handicap.—Shadeland Sulvan scr., Biworthy 24, Reception Bill, Grattan 48, Mannas Son Tan John 96. 1.50: Belmont Handicap—Black Surprise, Cynic, Fragment, Grattanita, Honestus, Lady Carol, Mackscot, Popeye scr., Max Havoc 24. Queens County 72. 2.30: Armstrong Memorial.—Canton Mute, Timworthy scr., Franz Derby 12, Aristotle, Guy Hugo, Helen's Bay 36, Golden Eagle 4S, Wahnooka 72. 3.10: Farewell Handicap.—Adveisity, Rayon d'Or scr., Aqua Bond, Laurene Wood, Token 12, Jesse Owens, Mankind 24. i 3.50: Members' Handicap!—Royal Navy scr., Queen’s County, Great Don 12, Jean Grattan 24, Travelwell .36. 4.30: Stewards' Handicap.—Black Surprise, Cynic, First Shake, Top Hand, Fragment, Golden Axworthy, Grattanita, Lady Carol, Mackscot, Narbada, Popeye, Rhythm scr., Max Havoc 24. 5.10: Ferry Handicap.—Poker lace, Allworthy, Syrano, Guy Zolock, Hidden Charm, Lady Slipper scr., Kilrea, Ropata, Super Jack 12, Effie Parrish 36.