POVERTY BAY TROTTING CLUB.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1516, 15 May 1919, Page 9

POVERTY BAY TROTTING CLUB.

ANNUAL MEETING. The undoubted growth of trotting in the Dominion has made it plainly apparent that a vital need exists for additional permits, and until an increase is sanctioned by the Government the progress of the light harness industry must suffer considerable handicap. Extension is a sure sign of a country’s prosperity and development, and applies in a similar manner to racing as is the case with any business or trade. With the growth of the Dominion a corresponding extension must be expected in racing and trotting, and it is inconceivable that the sport can for long remain harassed by an insufficiency of permits. The postiion should be governed according to the number of owners and horses registered throughout the Dominion, so that as the ranks are steadily augmented extra provision may be made for the increase in the number of horses in training. This is necessary in fairness to sportsmen who go to considerable expense in purchasing thoroughbreds,

as unless more races are provided and the ranks of racehorses and tior.ters keep on increasing a most unsatisfactory position must ulUmately arise. Particularly in regard to trotting is there abundant evidence that an increase in permits is essential, for the light harness industry has made such wonderful strides during 'the past few years, and at present there is a consensus of opinion among followers of the sport that now the war is over the time has arrived when the subject must receive earnest attention? The position no doubt will be fully dealt with at the approaching Trotting Conference, and in the meantime the clubs affected should not neglect to prepare their views of the situation with the object of presenting them before the trotting authorities. A step in the right direction, and one which is meeting with the universal appreciation of trotting owners and trainers, is the welcome revival of the Poverty Bay Trotting Club’s annual meeting after several years lapse caused through war conditions. This club will hold their meeting on the Gisborne R.C.’s course at Te Hapara on Saturday, June 28, when the principal event to claim attention will be the Poverty Bay

Trotting Cup Handicap (harness,), of 160sovs., two miles, for horses that can do 5.5 or better. Other harness events are the President’s Handicap, of 60sovs, 1% miles, 3.20 or better; S r Douglas Haig Handicap, of 70sovs., two miles, 5.20 or better, for unhoppled horses only; and the Electric Handicap, of 75sovs„ one mile, 2.30 or better. Saddle horses have the opportunity of contesting the Park Handicap, of 60sovs., miles, 4.9 or better; the County Handicap, of 60sovs., IVs miles, 4.20 or better; and the Maiden Handicap (optional), of 50sovs., iy 2 miles, for horses that have never won’ an advertised trot at lhe time of starting, and can do 4.G or better. The programme should meet with the general approval of trottng enthusiasts, who can be relied upon to give deserving suppprt to the club, which, now-it has resumed operations, is certain to make material progress from year to year. Nominations for all events are due with the secretary, Mr. H. E. Dodd, Gisborne, on Friday, June 6, at 8 p m.

Revenue, by Hymettus —Simois, died last week from an internal trouble. He was held on lease by Mr. W. H. Taylor from Mr. Ernest Alison, and had won a few races and been placed in others. He was somewhat amiss before the Auckland R.C. meeting and again afterwards, and finally succumbed. Scottish Knight won two races at Whangarei on Saturday at the Kawakawa meeting, after missing the first one he started in by a head. Mountain Gold secured two events also. Both are trained by C. Coleman. The Newcastle (N.S.W.) meeting was amongst the postponed racing fixtures in Australia owing to restrict:ons imposed by the health authorities. The imported horse Lanius, though beaten on occasions in Australia when more was expected of him, was sold at auction at the recent sales of bloodstock at Randwick for 2500 guineas to Mr. S. A. Rawdon, for whom Adam Skirving, one time of Auckland, trains in Victoria. It is thought that Lanius may win a race at Randwick this month. This makes the second time that Lanius has realised the same price since he was sent to Australia by Messrs. Clarke and Robinson from England.