HORSE RACING IN TONGA

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 6, Issue 88, 9 July 1943, Page 2

HORSE RACING IN TONGA

Horse racing,, introduced into Tonga by the, New Zealand troops on garrison duty there, has proved popular with the men. An account of this phase of the various kinds of recreation arranged lor the troops is contained, in a letter from a senior officer* "Nearly every New Zealander loves racing, and it. was not long before the newcomers had a meeting under way," he writes,. "An old race track nearly overgrown with tropical vegetation, was transformed into a miniature. Riccarton or Eller.slie in a few days of hard, work, and Tongan horses were hired from their owners to form the fields. Doubt was expressed at first as to whether sufficient entries would be received; but as. nomination day arrived interest was at fever heat, and entries poured in. Six races were put on the programme, with a safety limit, of eight starters jjer race and many horses could not be accepted, even allowing only one (Start per horse. Jockeys were numerous including some well known performers on tiie New Zealand turf. One had ridden Kindergarten, while others had piloted Avinners home at Ui-ccarton and Wingatui. Tongan riders Avere also prominent, bringing home some of the Avinners. A totalisator Ava.s in commission and did a thriving trade under the able management of one of thei chief assistants of the total isator stall at Wingatui and Forbury in pre-war days. An amusing sidelight Avas the excellent serA T ice provided by an officer broadcaster on the loudspeaker. He could, not see the start but the crowd was unaware of this fact. This in no way deterred him, and Avitli the aid of an assistant in vieAV of the barrier, signalling to him, he gaA-e a most amusing and realistic description of the troubles of the barrier, naming all thei horses in the appro\ r ed. manner and always getting them aAvay. to a good start! Fi\ r e per cent was deducted from the total isator turnover, and after expenses AA ere paid the balance was handed oA r er to a Forces Recreation Fund at tlie disposal of the Comlrunder. The meeting Avas a eomij'rl'* MK'C 'NN, and ope<> aga'n the If-.' ; r. this * 1 1 1 r ® pi. ! flair's As-Ir.na Remedy brings re- • ief. F. G. Macklow, Chemist, WhaUalanc.