IMPROVEMENTS AT ELLERSLIE.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1420, 12 July 1917, Page 2

IMPROVEMENTS AT ELLERSLIE.

Some years ago, or, to be precise, in the winter of 1906, the Auckland Racing Club’s course, from the winning post back to the hill near the five furlongs post, was graded and returfed and at the bend entering the straight, where there was a fall outwards from the rails in the formation of the ground, the depression was filled up and the turn banked and the outside of the track raised several feet. This at the time was considered likely to satisfy requirements, but as horses swing out there still when the pace is on it is recognised that they are at a disadvantage, particularly so in five furlong races, which, because of there being no straight course, cannot be avoided. To minimise the difficulty the course is to be further raised on the outside and graded to 1 in 30, and this should prove a big help. The work to be effected will extend for about a furlong. It is thought that the turn out of the straight may at no distant date be lowered. There is a lot of rock in that quarter, however, and unless the work could be commenced within the next month or two there will be little prospect of it being undertaken. The cutting out of the spring meeting has given Mr. Hill, the club’s foreman of works, an opportunity of getting some needed work done. Trees Which have obscured the view of the racegoers who view the races from the outside have been cut down lately.