ASHHURST-POHANGINA RACING CLUB.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1433, 11 October 1917, Page 9

ASHHURST-POHANGINA RACING CLUB.

ANNUAL MEETING.

The fine spirit of perseverance and progress displayed by the officials of the Ashhurst-Pohang na Racing Club offers a stern rebuke to those who seldom miss an opportunity to decry racing as being almost entirely devoid of that true feeling of sportsmanship and desire to encourage the breeding o: the thoroughbred w.th.n the Dominion. With this old-estab-lished club the principle has always been strictly adhered to of catering to the fullest possible extent for owners and trainers, and in proof of this commendable recognition of the welfare of its patrons it may be mentioned that previous to the club being forced into retirement a few’ seasons back it held the record for r chest stakes offered by a one-day club. It will, therefore, be readily understood that the officials of the club are justified in their pride of the fact that this record still stands. On the ciub be ng reinstated it was necessary, owing to a change of dates and other circumstances, to start from the bottom rung of the ladder, and with two meetings gone the enterprising officials have not been discouraged, but, on the other hand, are hopeful of gaining their former high position in the racing arena. In framing the programme for their annual meeting, which is to be held on Wednesday, November 21, the Ashhurst-Pohangina Club has made special provision that all classes be catered for, there being four hack flat races, a hurdle race for hacks, and three events for open company. With

the except'on. of the Maiden Stakes no race is of less value than lOOsovs., a fact upon which members may be deservedly complimented.

The principal event is the Ashhurst Cup, of 200sovs., one mile and aquarter. which should have the des red effect of attracting a generous nomination. The Pohangina Handicap (open), of 140sovs., six furlongs, should be the means of bringing together a good field of North Island sprinters, while the other open event, the Raumai Welter Handicap, of 110sovs., seven furlongs, is also certain to be liberally patronised. The inclusion of the Hack Hurdles Handicap, of 120sovs.. one mile and a-half, on the attractive one-day’s programme ?s sure to meet with the appreciation of owners and trainers, who can b? relied upon to nominate their charges freely for this event. Two of the four hack flat races are to be deeded over five furlongs, starters in the Maiden Plate, for three-year-olds and upwards, all being handicapped at 87, while the remaining two hack races are to be decided over six and seven furlongs respectively.

In view of the fact that a full month elapses between the, Welling-

ton and Waverley meetings and the Ashhurst fixture, the latter offers trainers an opportunity of try ng out their charges for more important meetings to follow, and it is unlikely that they will fail to avail themselves of this favourable circumstance. After the month’s spell, necessitated by the curtailment of spring fixtures, racing followers will relish the day’s sport provided at Ashhurst, by which time patrons will be especially keen and on the look-out for winners at this popular reunion. Nominat ons for the AshhurstPohangina meeting are due with the secretary. Mr. A. W. Trass, Ashhurst, on Saturday, October 27, at 9 p.m.