WHANGAREI RACING CLUB.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1531, 28 August 1919, Page 13

WHANGAREI RACING CLUB.

SPRING' MEETING. As is generally known, the Whangarei Racing Club, which in past years have held their annual gathering in January, decided early in the present year to alter the dates of the fixture to much earlier in the season, it being universally contended by members that in doing so the meeting would receive far more support from trainers, many of whom after four days’ strenuous racing at Ellerslie at Christmas and New Year time were disinclined to take their charges north to Whangarei a week or so afterwards. The Whangarei Club successfully applied for an alteration of dates, and as a consequence have been granted a permit to hold their annual meeting on the Kensington racecourse, Whangarei, on Thursday and Friday, October 9 and 10, a fact that is readily appreciated by owners and trainers alike. There is every indication of the forthcoming meeting proving a record one in every respect, the club having adopted a progressive policy which is certain of reaping a deserved reward. In addition to making a substantial increase in the stakes allotted for the two days’ racing, the club are installing a new 22-horse machine in the totalisator house, a new gable being erected on the latter in order to provide the extra accommodation needed. The lawn has been extended, the saddling paddock being made smaller, so that in future the general public will be excluded from the latter. Considerable improvements have also been made to the course, which has been turfed and top-dressed, while the new grass is now showing up. Turf followers who contemplate visiting Whangarei in October next will thus renew their acquaintance with racing at Kensington Park under ideal circumstances as far as up-to-date appointments and accommodation is concerned, while the excellent race track and the convenient time at which the meeting is to be held will assuredly result in a splendid response from owners and trainers.

The leading event on the opening day is the Whangarei Cup Handicap (one mile and three furlongs), which carries with it the good stake of 300sovs., an inducement that is certain to result in a record entry for this time-honoured event. The Railway Handicap, of llOsovs., six furlongs, and the Maunu Welter Handicap, of 90sovs., one mile, should both fill exceedingly well. The Huanui Hack Hurdles Handicap, of 80sovs., iy 2 miles, may be relied upon to attract a good field. Maiden performers and hacks are provided with

plenty of opportunities on the opening day, the following events being provided on their behalf: —Maiden Plate, of 70sovs., four furlongs, for horses that have never won a flat race of 50sovs. at time of starting; Kensington Stakes Handicap, of 85sovs., five furlongs, for horses that have never won a flat race of lOOsovs. value at the time of entry; and the County Handicap, of 75sovs., seven furlongs (nominators to have resided north of the Waitemata County for three months preceding time of starting, and ’ horse to be trained and located north of that county for a similar period). On the second day the Park Handicap, of 200sovs., one mile, will engage chief attention, while the Flying Handicap, of 90sovs., six furlongs, and the Farewell Handicap of lOOsovs., seven furlongs, should also induce highly satisfactory entries. Other second day events are the Novice Handicap, of 90sovs., six furlongs, for horses that have not won a race of the value of 50sovs. at time of entry; Poroti Hack Hurdles Handicap, of 80sovs., 1% miles; Marsden Stakes Handicap, of 70sovs., five furlongs, for two-year-olds and three-year-olds that have not won a race of 60sovs. prior to time of starting; and the Kamo Handicap, of 75sovs., one mile, in which the conditions are similar to those obtaining in regard to the County Handicap on the opening day. Nominations for all events are due either with the secretary, Mr. B. Harris, Bank Street, Whangarei, or with Mr. H. H. Hayr, Victoria Street, Auckland, on Friday, September 19, at 8 p.m.