WESTLAND RACING CLUB

Hokitika Guardian, 5 December 1928, Page 3

WESTLAND RACING CLUB

IMPROVEMENTS NIKA RING COMPLETION.

The Westland Racing dull. Hokitika, which holds its annual mt-Ting in Christmas week, had the mi.‘•■•fortune during the year to lose two of itprincipal stands by fire. The loss was a serious monetary one for the Huh. hut tiie position was I'aecd plu'-kily. The Hii.lv bad a third stand, which was moved bodily to the- site of tiie principal stand destroyed, and ha been so enlarged ns to combine tiie .'•nmmodation and conveniences of the two buildings lost by tire. T lie work on the enlarged structure is now being burned to a < oticlu'-ion. and the building will he in readiness for the rare meeting which opens on Boxing Day.

Thi' enlarged stand includes two m;biica.ns’ bars, a commodious tearoom. necessary administrative quarters (including stewards’. jockeys . weighing. Press, and .secret a rv's rooms), and ample seating room, with a spe-Hal reservation for the officials. There is a Ism an ambulance room, as well as necessary cloak rooms. etc. The birdcage hits been enlarged, and altogether the general quarters bir the conduct of tin- meeting will be found to tie equal to alt requiremcn-s e.nd of a standard creditable to any e'-miti'v Hull.

Prior to the disastrous (in', the dub had carried out < H <• widening ol the straight its full distance of two furlongs. This will tic used for the first lime ;i( the 'omiug m-eliii"-. 'Hie ■straight has been well turfed and grassed, ami is in excellent onbu . The race mcM;im' is sH down ‘or December 201-1 1 (Boxing Day) and 27th. Tim H nib inis issued a program me of C I SOO. wliiHi includes a bunlle event each dav. Then' is a silver cep l"r tlm owner ol tin' winner ol the Mestland Handicap (tin l chief event), and jhe rider receives a gold-mounted whip. The rider of the winner of Dm Hokitika. Handirnn (second day) also receives a vlrn. those time trophies being the gfls of '-“trolls desirous of showing an interest, in the Hub niter its late misfortune. Nominations tor all events for Urn meeting close at Hokitika mi Friday. December 7tli.

VISIT OF INSPECTION

To-dav there was a visit c-f ins-'-ec-lion to tiie racecourse, when the new building was examined in detail. Iho lengthening of the stand has resulted considerable e'dra accommodation being provided. The stand affords a {in.-, view of tiie racecourse, and is; an excellent vantage point. It is verv commodious and supplies ample slid ter. A portion of the stand has been H'd s-p.'.-hilv for 1 the. officials and members., This part is at the western end overlooking the enlarged birdcage. which is now tt special feature. It is very rnoniv and seats are to he provided along the trout fence which will wive a commanding view ol the racing.

Downstairs the new refreshment room 30 by 40 is quite an atlraH-ive section of tiie additions'. It is beiim well furnished, and will he served from a kitchen built off as an annexe. The two nnblienns’ booths are alike in size and convenience. EaHi has a rear entrance as well as tin entrance from the lawn. At the rear Die ambulance room is placed. and this has still to he furnished with the necessary fittings.

The :>clu]iii istrjiti v«* quarters will be found very convenient. and probaiblv a.u imnrOvement on the iformcr arrangoments. r l liorr* are five rooms in Jill devoted to fclio press. stewards ••eerel ;iiv. weighing and joe keys quarters. All are well arranged and are being outfitted witli all requirements. ■-•ho” Id ensure tlie smooth running of (lie race mootings.

V-isitors to-day expressed pleasure and gratification with what they saw ji'wdmplMied "in so short a time. Patrons of the race nicotine attending in three weeks’ time and seeing the changes for the first time, ''ill •be .-iced Jit the transformation wliieh has been carried out. The Club deserves p.raise and credit lor whn.t has hoon done, and the oflort made to cater as’’ compietely as possible tor the sport and recreation of the people. The caretaker has the grounds and track in very good order. The widening of the straight is a ioatuio which owners will appreciate greatly Tin- course looks exceedingly well just now. there being a fine sward, and the galloping track is in first class order. It remains only for the forthcoming meeting to he well patronised by owners and public to give the Club something of a record meeting, a ros’d t which is not only much needed, but is certainly well deserved as a recognition of what has been done in the face of the hard luck the Club has had to 'face this year.