OUR RACE MEETINGS.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 16 January 1901, Page 4

OUR RACE MEETINGS.

(To the Editor.) Sir,— Allow mo as a patron and constant racegoer to express a few remarks concerning the above. It has been evident at the last several meetings that the principal races of the day attract the smallest fields. This may be put down to two causes, indifferent handicapping or cutting up. There are none or at any rate very few locally owned horses capable of competing with the crack racers from Canterbury, and although it is advisable to see outside horses competing yet the race should be so arranged thaour local horses would have a show, and also that those who come to see a race should have something for their money. I would , suggest that the stake be considerably reduced if only three or four horses start, and bcj raised proportionately if five or more go to the post. At present the hack races arc the best contested, and should if the entries are large be increased in value. It would also be worthy of consideration to give a bonus if the race was run under a standard time. This would induce good horses to compete and raise the class of hack races more to the classic. The starter should he a well paid employee engaged for the Surpose not a member of the Club. The ■rcymouth Jockey Club have done a great deal in beautifying the course, improving the surroundings, erecting grand stands, etc., and yet the races the last two meetings have not been from a spectators point of view the success they should have been. It behoves the Club to consider well what improvements can be effected in the racing itself and should the remedy be found there is no question whatever but that the public would by increased speculation on the totalisator soon recoup any temporary loss caused by larger prize money or other necessary expenditure.—l am, etc., Centaur,