WELLINGTON RACING CLUB.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1417, 21 June 1917, Page 7

WELLINGTON RACING CLUB.

WINTER STEEPLECHASE MEETING. The Wellington Racing Club have now made public the programme for their winter steeplechase meeting, and it is gratifying to note that no alteration has been made in the allocation of stake money for the 24 events to be decided at the three days’ gathering, despite the handicap of no race trains running. The fearless policy adopted by the Wellington Racing Club will meet with universal appreciation among racegoers, and should set an example to some of the club who are prone to view matters in a far too pessimistic spirit, although now that it is known definitely to what extent rac’ng is to be reduced, for the coming season there is no cause for alarm among the clubs. The chief difficulty to be overcome is the question of transit facilities owing to the withdrawal of all race trains, and the experience of the majority of the race meetings held during the past couple of months is that even the Railway Department’s drastic action has not deterred turf enthusiasts from assembling in almost as strong force as ever at the leading fixtures. Effective steps are being taken in order to ensure the best possible means of conveying racegoers to Trentham during the three days’ gathering, and, notwithstanding the absence of race trains, the meeting is certain to attract very wide patronage. A glance through the attractive three days’ programme, to be decided at Trentham' on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, July 11, 12 and 14, test ; fies to the excellent winter racing carnival promised for next month. Five steeplechases are set down for decision, also a like number of hurdle races and the Jumpers’ Flat. A big flat handicap is included on each day’s programme, in addition to sprint and hack races, so that racing enthusiasts in all parts of the Dominion have good reason to look forward with keen enthusiasm to next week’s fixture. On the opening day principal interest will be centred in the Wellington Steeplechase, of lOOOsovs, about three miles and a-quarter, in which it is anticipated the best ’chasers in the Dominion will be engaged. The lesser lights will have an opportun’ty of earning distinction in the First Hack and Hunters’ Steeplechase, of 200sovs, two miles and a-half, which event should attract a representative entry, including a number of new candidates for cross-country honours. The Parliamentary Handicap, of 400 sovs, one mile and a-quarter, is a strong inducement to owners of handicap horses to nominate freely for the leading flat event of the meeting, while the Stewards’ Handicap, of 200 sovs. six furlongs, is certain to attract a good field of sprinters. The principal hurdle event is the Winter Hurdles, of 600sovs, two miles, which should bring together a strong field of jumpers from both islands, while the Vittoria Hurdles, of 150sovs, one mile and three-quarters, offers special attractions to owners of hack hurdlers. Two hack flat events, the Trial Plate, 67 150sovs. six furlongs, and the Te Aro Handicap, of 150sovs, six furlongs, complete the attractive first day’s programme. The second day’s racing at Trentham will see the ’chasing brigade out again in the Anzac Steeplechase, of 400sovs, about two miles and a-

half, when another interesting contest can be confidently looked for. Other events to be decided are the Fleet Handicap, of 300sovs, one mile, Jumpers’ Flat Handicap, of 200sovs, one mile and a-quarter, Liverpool Handicap, of 200sovs, six furlongs, Corunna Hurdle Handicap (hack conditions), of 150sovs, one mile and ahalf, Selling Race, of 150sovs (for three-year-olds and upwards), five furlongs, Peninsula Handicap (hack conditions), of 150sovs, six furlongs, and the Petone Handicap (hack conditions), of 150sovs, five furlongs. On the concluding day the crosscountry event will again take preced ence, the July Steeplechase, of 500 sovs, about three miles, affording owners of ’chasers the last opportunity during the present racing season to capture a stake. Earlier in the afternoon the Second Hack and Hunters’ Steeplechase, of 200sovs , two miles and a-half, will see the hacks and hunters n action for the second time at the meeting. The principal flat event, the Winter Oats Handicap, of 250sovs, one mile, can be depended upon to produce a good field of milers, while the Onslow Handicap, of 200sovs, five furlongs, will receive attention from owners of sprinters. Two hurdle races w ; ll come up for decision, viz., the Final Hurdle Handicap, of ?>sosovs, one mile and threequarters, and the Talavera Hurdle Handcap (hack conditions), of 150 sovs, one mile and a-half. In addition

the Crofton Handicap, of 150sovs, seven furlongs, and the Kia Ora Handicap, of 150sovs, five furlongs, will receive the attention of owners of hacks, so that turf followers are provided with an opportunity of witnessing a varied and exceptionally enjoyable programme. Nominations for all events except the Selling Race and Trial Plate close with the secretary, Mr. A. E. Whyte, on Fr day, June 29, at nine o’clock, while handicaps for the first day’s races will appear on Monday, July 2.