WESTLAND RACING CLUB.

Hokitika Guardian, 11 March 1921, Page 4

WESTLAND RACING CLUB.

CO.MMRNT ON LOCAL ARRANOKMlO NTS. Tlit* Westland Racing Club (Hoki- ’ tikn) is constructing a training track cm 1 tin' Hokitika racecourse. In addition to tlio galloping or racing track, there 1 is already a good dav-surfaco trotting track, and the training track now ttn- ’ der construction is inside the trotting 1 track. The new work involves another 1 cutting of the hill, through which the racing and trotting tracks pass. The ‘‘ work is therefore of some magnitude, ' |,,,t it is being put through expeditious- ' lv. ain I the formation should he eom- ' pleted praetical.v 'oy Raster. After the ', Ivisler meeting which falls on the dOtli inst., the training track will ho topdressed with sand, and the whole will he in readiness for training purposes well ahead of next, racing season. Rntries for all events at the Hoki- > tika race* meeting are due on the IStli inst, and as C70(l is being offered m stakes for the day’s meeting there ’ should he a good string of entries. Th c programme includes two trotting events. ' The Westland Racing C’uh makes it a regular practice of admitting ladies and returned soldiers free to all race meetings. This practice was introduced during the period of the war, and is being maintained still. Tlio C’luh at it? , lust meeting also Ted the way in making one charge only for admission, and dos ing away with inside and outside divis I ions. A modest charge of five shilling' i will now admit to nil parts of the course I on race days, and other Coast duhs v have decided to follow the lend giver by the Hokitika club in this respect. Another innovation noticeable on tlu Hokitika race-curse is the setting had l_ of the judge’s box from the racing „ track so as to give a more command- " ing view of a close finish. The arrange- £ ment is said to work extremely well. v and apparently gives every satisfaction. n Visitors to Hokitika race-course. ~ speak very highly of the appointment? e and conveniences about the grounds v and the excellent condition in which I the property is maintained. The rane ing and trotting trades are kept ir e first-class order, and the going is in- ,- variably good. There is ample cover ae. •- commodation for a, largo concourse ol e spectators, there heiirg three stands, i_ two public, and one for officials, momo hers, owners and trainers. Mr 0. Fowd ler is the caretaker for tlio Club, having y been so employed for a number of II years. The general condition in which everything pertaining to the racecourse is to be found speaks well fov the attention the caretaker pays to his duties.—F/xclianges.