Two-Day Race Meeting Was Well Conducted

Chronicle (Levin), 4 October 1949, Page 2

Two-Day Race Meeting Was Well Conducted

The two-day race pieeting conducted by the Otaki Maori Racing Club was an outstanding success from all points of view. It was exceptionally well run and, apart from a small delay brought about by unforeseen circumstances in starting the first race on the opening day, a fairly strict schedule was adhered to. The totalisator figures revealed a substantial increase over last year, when the weather was not as pleasant as for the meeting just concluded, with an increase also over the figures for 1947. The iurnover for the three years is as follows: 1947, £134,463; 1948, £113,44*; 1949, £138,531*. The eiub was unfortunate that several hundreds were unable to board the morning train from Wellington, the railway gates being closed on them, otherwise the figures for the meeting would have been greater. With commendable promptitude patrons were advised, when the result of the last race was announced, that an inquiry was to take place and that all tickets shouM be held. It was unfortunate for -the club that a protracted inquiry should have resulted, but again patrons were given every consideration, with the win payout announced early, followed by the place payout on the winner. The payout on the remaining two eventual place fillers occupied almost 40 minutes after the race was run. Most people by this time had left the course. ^ The only other untoward incident was the fall of Elite in the Otaki Hack Handicap, which resulted in the youthful Otaki rider, Leo. Blanche, receiving facial injuries. The fall was caused through Elite and another runner colliding when both horses had pulle'd out to make their runs shortly after entering the straight. During the two days pleasing selections of music were rendered by the Otald. Brass Band.