ENGLISH PARK STADIUM.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19151, 7 November 1927, Page 6

ENGLISH PARK STADIUM.

;.. TO-MORROW WIGHT'S SPORTS. . Patrons at' English Park Stadium .to-mor-row night'will-be'provided with 'an excellent bill of fare, when a, first-class programme of sprint cycling .and running will be.conducted by the North Canterbury Centre of the New Zealand Athletic and Cycling Union. W. Mackie, thq well-known Christchurch rider, will lvako his first Cluis'tchurch appcaranco since his return' from America, where he raced with success agajnst the world's best. Prior to hie leaving Christchurch for tho States, Mackie was in championship form, arid since his sojourn in America' has shown a .wonderful ...improvement in his riding. His last performance just prior to his for the Dominion was the winning of a half-mile race in the splendid 'time of 55sec. How Mackie will shape against riders of the calibre of Jack Heuderson, Jack Bearman, Clarrie Brigh't, and.other prominent back-markers js a matter of conjecture. Jack Henderson is expected to extend Mackie, as. the experience gained by him during his, recent et'ay in" Sydney will stand him in good stead. Henderson has been training solidly, and -.lis with Mackie in tho one mile scratch race will be a featiire of the sports. The chief .cycling 'events on the programme are the .one mile scratch race, two miles cup wheel race, and a half-milo open handicap.

Sprinters 'and long-distance runners Jiave nominated in large numbers for' the 1.20 yards, and, 830 yards flat handicaps. George Getson, ■■ tho well-known -ong-disfanco per-; former, who,, a few; years ago, ;,was regarded' as; the •best'distance performer in : Australia .and New Zealand, will make his reappearance, in tho half-mye handicap. With a;farge fiold, sfvcyal.qf them being unknown quantities, a thrilling race is anticipated. ,'D. McEennan, r*ew Zealand sprint champion, M. A. Mac-' donald, Canterbury champion, and -<lt; S. Thomson,- another speedy runner, .■ will' be the backmarkers in the ■l2O yards handi-" cap, and\with a big,field to beat will be fully extended. A bumper house is. anticipated, and country patrons are advised that t.ieie is seating accommodation for several thousand. The racing will commence at 8 o clock. .Special trams will leave the Square at frequent intervals for the Stadium.