CANTERBURY NOTES.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume VI, Issue 296, 26 March 1896, Page 9

CANTERBURY NOTES.

I FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] March 12. Fast as Rita undoubtedly is, she would have but little chance against Fritz, who put up such wonderful records at Moonee Valley (Victoria). With reference to the protest on behalf of

Electioneer, who ran second to Viking in the Sires’ Produce Stakes in May last, at the Show grounds, it is alleged that the performances of Viking were not correctly given at the time of nomination. The horse was handicapped as a 5.20 animal, while he had a record in Australia of 5.5. Honest Wilkes has been taken to Dunedin. He was one of a number brought to Dunedin for sale, but was passed in and brought on here in charge of Albaugh. A satisfactory offer having been made, the horse was taken over by J. Allan, the well-known So ithern trainer, on Wednesday. The following prog anime has been adopted by

the committee of the Canterbury Trotting Club for its meeting on the 21st and 25th of May next: -—First day : Juvenile Stakes (heats) ; Maiden Handicap (in saddle) of 30 sovs, two miles; Two-mile Handicap, 5.40 class (in saddle), of 85 sovs ; Two-mile Handicap, 5.50 class (in harness), of 85 sovs; One mile Handicaps (in harness and saddle respectivelv) of 50 sovs each; and Pony Handicap (in harness) of 40 sovs, two miles. Second day—Juvenile Stakes (final); Maiden Handicap (in saddle) of 40 sovs, two miles ; Maiden Handicap (in harness) of 40 sovs, one mile ; Two-mile Handicap (in saddle) 5.30 class, of 105 sovs ; Three-mile Handicap (in harness),

8.30 class, of 105 sovs ; Pony Handicap (in saddle) of 40 sovs, two miles; and Mile Handicaps (in saddle and harness) of 60 sovs each. It has been notified by the Plumpton Park Trotting Club that it intended to prosecute all disqualified persons found on their ground. [by wire.] March 24. Period the trotter and Err are dead. Specification is doing well in Price’s hands. There is some talk of a match between Rita and Specification. The Committee of the Canterbury Trotting Club has decided to include in their programme for the May meeting a stallion trot, in harness, of 75 sovs, two miles, handicap with limit 15 secs, to be run on the first day of the meeting taking the place in the programme of the Maiden Handicap trot, in saddle, of 30 sovs. This will be the first two days entirely devoted to trotting held in New Zealand. It is the intention of the Committee, if fair arrangements can be come to for use of ground, to make extensive improvements in accommodation for competing horses, drivers, and riders, and also for the public. The Canterbury Trotting Club has decided to hold a two-day’s meeting on May 21st and 25th, when £940 will be given in stakes. No bookmakers will be allowed on the course. Since 1845, over fifty years ago, fifteen trotters have held the American champion record, but never once has a stallion claimed that honour. Eight mares and seven geldings is the division, and since 1880 mares have monopolised the distinction, with the exception of the one short day that Jay-Eye-See was champion. To day the fastest trotting record, 2min Sjsec, is held by a mare; the next, 2min 4sec, is held by another mare ; the third, 2min 4fsec, is a gelding’s ; and the next, 2min s|sec, is held by a stallion.