PERTH NOTES.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 227, 25 September 1929, Page 15

PERTH NOTES.

DUKE DERBY A CUP FAXCY.

A Jvery encouraging position was revealed at the annual meeting of members of the W.A. Trotting Association, which, was largely attended. The president plr. James Brennan) being in the caster:! States, the chair was taken by one of the vice-presidents (Mr. J. P. IStratton), v.'ho gave a comprehensive review of tlu work that had been done by tile executive during the past season. Mr. Stratton is an effective speaker, and in his clear and concise statements gave merabsrs a good conception of the position of their affairs. It was shown that the new racecourse would be opened in about three months' time and that the Cup carnival meetings Avould be held there. Financial statements showed that economy would have to be exercised in order that the big obligations entered into to bring about a completion of the course could be met, but there was promise of a remarkable increase in stakes before many more seasons had passed. The public authorities had been negotiated with regarding tramway services and roadways to the main entrance of the new course, and it was likely that these would be carried out. Mr. Stratton claimed that the new course was one of the most up-to-date and beautiful in the world and would be acclaimed as a most fitting present to the people of the State in the Centenary year. Mr. John Tyler, an active member of the executive of the W.A. Trotting Association almost from the inception of that organisation, has at various periods occupied the position of president. He has been elected annually, and more often than not has been at the head of the poll. . A fine tribute was paid him by members at the annual elections held this month, when the result of the poll was declared at the annual meeting of members. There were I">7 effective votes, and of these Mr. Tyler was given 14". The two other retiring members of the committee — Messrs. George Foley and T. W. Simpson —were re-elected. At the first meeting of the executive following the gathering of members Mr. Brennan was re-elected president and Mr. J. P. Stratton was elected vice-president. It was recorded on the minutes that the executive greatly appreciated the services to the sport and the association given by Mr. Tyler, a retiring vice-president, for close upon 20 years. The racing at the Perth meeting on .September 7 was mainly notable for the fine form and improved speed shown by horses bred in Western Australia. Willowcliffe was the champion three-year-old of last season. He proved himself a class performer when he clowned a dozen other pacers in one of the events and stepped a little better than a 2.20 clip. Willowcliffe is a son of the Eibbonwood horse Alfred Donald, and so is Adonaldson, who put up a fine performance, though he failed to get into the money. These two, with Duke Derby, are likely to prove the best trio that Western Australia has produced so far. Duke Derby followed up his Fremantle win by taking an event at a 2.20 rate. He will do much better shortly. Pie is a fine upstanding son of Prince Derby, who is by Globe Derby. Duke Derby is only a four-year-old and is already being tipped as a pacer who will be very hard to br-t in the W.A. Trotting Cup and other big races to be contested during the next six months.