Greyhound Racing Interests Otaki Gathering

Chronicle (Levin), 2 March 1949, Page 2

Greyhound Racing Interests Otaki Gathering

A very full and enjoyable- day's> entertainment was provided at the Otaki domain on Saturday last, when the Sports Queen Committee introduced greyhound racing to the district. Athletic and cycling events added to the variety of the programme, and the Otaki Brass Band rendered a pleasing pro- ■ gramme of music. Apparently all were satisfied wilh the success of the venture and a move is on footj to form a greyhound club localiy. There were many thrills for on- ' lookers and the speed at v/hich the dogs travel has to be seen to «bej believed. A highlight was provided when a lass with the august name of Soneri crashed at the last fence when in the lead in a jumping event. Her speed carried her past the finishing line "on her ear." She deserved her win as, following' a protest, the race was re-run and she had to win the event twice before receiving the verdict. An' exceptionally able announcer g'ave a running commentary on all events, and onlookers were able .to maintain the keenest interest. The married ladies' and old timers' cycle races were well within the compass of the announcer, and he covered them well with humorous comment. At the conclusion of events the many valuable trophies donated by iocal residents were presented to the winning- owners by the Sports Queen, Miss M. Thomas, and the president of the Olympic Greyhound Club, Mr. Baylis, thanked all who had helped throughout the day. He especially thanked the committee for making the day available and the owners for patronising the meeting, some of whom had travelled 100 miles and more. Concluding Mr. Baylis considered the ground equal to the best in the Dominion. The athletic and cycling 'events resulted as under:— Open cycle, one mile. — Collis 1, Hughes 2, Wa]sh 3. " Old timers' . cycle. — Stevens 1, Ludlam 2, Simcox 3._. Open cycle, two miles. — Julius 1, Walsh 2, Wilton 3. Open cycle, three miles. — Wilton 1, Julius Walsh 3. Boys under 12, roadster race.-^-Seal 1, J. Dakin 2, H. Cootes 3. Over 12.— Bills 1, Garrett 2, Blanche 3- • Running Events Junior ' 100 ;t*|^rds. — Taratoa 1, Mudge 2, Rbach 3. Open 100 yards. — Smith 1, Gray 2, McLeod 3. Junior 220 yards. — Hakaraia 1, Mudge 2, Taratoa 3. Open 220 yards. — Smith 1, Mc-, Leod 2, Gray 3. Ladies' 75 yards. — V. Larkin 1, A. Taucher 2, T. Bartosh 3. Girls' 100 yards. — R. Webster 1, B. Gordon 2, V. Larkin 3. Married ladies' race. — Mrs. J. Bishop 1, Mrs. H. McCormack 2. Married men's race. — J. McLeod 1, Gordon 2. Open 880 yards.— Mudge 1, Roach 2. The winner received a great ovation, following which the commentator, Mr. L. Kennedy, offered ■ Mudge all good wishes in his trip to the N.Z. championships at New Plymouth next weekend. Children's Events Girls. — A. Taucher 1, R. Webster 2; M. Bird 1, R. Webster 2; B. Gordon 1, R. Webster 2. Boys. — T. Martin 1, J. Dakin 2; C. Taucher 1, R. Seal 2; T. Lindsay 1, J. Dakin 2; M. Webster 1, L. Blanche 2. Relay. — R. Bills' team 1, C. Taucher's team 2. Walking race, 440 yards— Gibbard 1, A. Bills and Seal (dead heat) 2. Mixed 440 yards. — B. Cootes 1, M. Bird 2. Tricycle race. — Michael Hodges 1, Tommy Connor 2.