RACECOURSE IMPROVEMENTS

Chronicle (Levin), 10 May 1947, Page 2

RACECOURSE IMPROVEMENTS

OTAKI CLUB PREPARES FOR WINTER MEETING The Otaki Maori Racing Club has effected further improvements busily engaged on the tobacco coming meeting. The course was inspected by a representative of this paper yesterday morning and fou'nd to be in flrst class condition, thanks to the energetic work of « - the caretaker, Mr. Albert Meta, and his assistants. The sward was good, and a credit to those respo'nsible, and owners and trainers will have no cause for complaint. It is considered that the traek is equal to any in the Domi'nion. Surveyors have been at work for the purpose of extending the course to make • it a mile-and-a-quarter, instead of just under a mile. The course will be widened to such an extent that the safety limit will be increased to 24. Apart from this it is hoped at a • future date to build grandstands in keeping with the progress of ' !he club. At present improvements have been carried out in readiness for 5he 'next meeting. Several new pay-out windows have been installed, the luncheon booth improved and the lavatories made up-to-date, while the totalisatori house has undergone a decided change. Insead of having to go ; ;0 the front of the buildfng to see J he numbers on each horse these will be seen from various angles an inovation that will be appreciated by all patrons. Apart from chese improvements . • scraping sheds of big dimensions have been erect.ed, and this alcne • hpuld be appreciated by owners and trainers. * Diesel oil burners near the ( refreshment rooms will be the 1 means of supplying plenty of hot wa^er, and it is hoped that hot water will be availabie in other parcs, including the jock/eys' rooms, ' where baths will be installed. In all some 85 horses are at present being trained on the course, and if suitable accommo- ^ dation could be found in Otaki * this number would be consideriv increased. - * * ~ 1