Racing Reviewed.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVIII, Issue 1047, 31 March 1910, Page 5

Racing Reviewed.

AUCKLAND RACING CLUB’S ' AUTUMN MEETING. INTERESTING RACING THROUGHOUT. On Saturday last the Auckland Racing Club inaugurated the Autumn Meeting of 1910 at Ellerslie in excellent holiday weather, and a large crowd gathered at the racecourse to assist to make the meeting a success. Ellerslie was looking at its best, with . the lawn a pleasing green, the flower beds of variegated colours in full bloom, the whole scene presenting a bright and pleasant appearance. The pretty dresses of the ladies, which always lend colour to the lawn, were not so much in evidence as on former occasions, but nevertheless there was a fairly large number of the gentle sex present. There was also a fair number of visitors present from the South, and the opinion was unanimous that the racing provided was most interesting. The track was in splendid order, and a word of praise is due to Mr. C. Hill (the club’s caretaker) and his staff, who are responsible for the fact. The racing was good, most of the events terminating in close finishes, and Mr. Morse (handicapper) must have been well satisfied with his work. As usual, Mr. R. B. Lusk filled, the position of judge, his work being done promptly and correctly, while Mr. A. Kohn had charge of the watch. Mr. C. O’Connor was hardly up. to form

with the barrier, but it must not be forgotten that some of the horses were most unruly customers, and on such occasions the starter’s position is an unenviable one. The meeting was conducted satisfactorily, and warm praise is due to the secretary (Mr. J. F. Hartland). During the day the City Band (conductor, Mr. J. West) rendered a choice programme of musical items, and the catering in the hands of Mrs. Gallagher was satisfactory. The totalisator staff, under the direction of Mr. Harry Hayr, was not kept as busy as might have been expected, and the sum invested on the eight races which formed the programme only reaching to £11,819, as against £13,965 last year, a shrinkage of £2147 had to be noted. Thirtyfive bookmakers were licensed at £2O 10s each, as against 31 last year, and returned £717 10s in fees, compared with £635 10s in 1909.