Our Letter Box.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume IV, Issue 199, 17 May 1894, Page 8

Our Letter Box.

Wb do not necessarily identify ourselves with toe opinions expressed by our correspondents, tnougn at toe same time, we gladly afford space to all communications on matters of public interest to the sporting community. —Ed. Sporting Review, j

THE TAKAPUNA COURSE.

(To the Editor Sporting Review.)

Sir, —In your last week’s edition under the above heading a letter appeared signed “Spectator.” It is to be regretted that statements should be made by any writer which are quite unjustifiable and £ incorrect. “ Spectator,” among other statements, writes, “those of your readers who were present at Takapuna at the last January races, may remember that in the Takapuna Cup Royal Rose and Prioress were leading in coming round the turn referred to (the home turn). On account of the inequality of the ground Royal Rose blundered, and all but fell.” Now, sir, Royal Rose did blunder rounding the turn referred to, not because of the inequality of the ground but because he crossed his legs. That is undeniable, and his jockey, J. Gallagher, will, I am sure admit this was so. Further, the ground at the turn referred to is as solid as possible, and is almost as level as a bowling green. No alteration has been made since last meeting, and I defy “ Spectator” or any other person to- point out any inequality in the ground at this turn. It is perfectly sound and level. Further, the whole of the Takapuna course is in the best of condition. The course cost the club over to make in its present complete form. It is well maintained, well drained, and I feel quite safe in stating that there is no suburban course in the* colony in the good condition the Takapuna one now is. The steeplechase course also is in good order, and the statements made by “ Spectator ” respecting this are also incorrect. No accident has occurred at Takapuna through inequality of the ground —the courses are too carefully looked to for such to occur. The reason why the Takapuna Club is so strongly supported is because everything is honestly and well managed, and because horseowners know that the course is a good one and so well cared for. “ Spectator ’ has either a personal feeling against the T.J.C., or he is one of those incompetent persons who accept thoughtless statements as correct, which if inquired into would be found to be entirely fallacious. —I am, etc., R. Wynyard, Secretary T.J.C.