RACING.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 448, 14 January 1909, Page 3

RACING.

Mr Angus Keith, secretary ot the local Club, states that he intends introducing an innovation at the forthcoming meeting in the direction of each horse carrying its number on the side of the bridle so that in a close finish there need not be any hesitation or confusion as to the identity of the horses engaged in the struggle. Mr Keith stated the number will also be useful in these days of similarity in racing colours and there is no doubt that on numerous occasions the number on the saddle cloths are quite invisible in a close finish. Mr Keith points out that the number caid will be of white leather, with a number painted on, and will not result in any increased weight. They will necessarily require to be limited in size and provision made for secure fastening, otherwise they will inconvenience the horses and objections from owners and trainers follow. These points will, no doubt, have occurred to Mr Keith and have been p-ovided for. The proposition has certainly many points to recommend it from the public point of view, but alter seeing the idea in practice a better opinion can be formed as to its utility and necessity.

Early Bird writes : —The Foxton Racing Club made a smart move by placing a Dash Hack of four furlongs on . their programme. Despite all that may be said against sprint racing as detrimental to the stamina of horseflesh, still there is no disputing the fact that these short distance events always bring large nominations. The record number for any race at Foxton is 20 and that is in the Dash Hack, which includes the material for an interesting scamper. Amongst the number are Whetumarama, Atom,Conquestiua, Notorious, Surmount, Cute, Genuine, Bonny Doon and Clonpett, all winners over short course. Should all these go to the post, it should prove a splendid betting race. Conquestiua can catch swallows for three furlongs, but if Clonpett is well on the day, it may be that the black mare by St. Clements will be flying mighty adjacent to the Conqueror chestnut, and perhaps go on over the last furlong, leaving McCoukey’s charge and the rest of the fleet footers in wonderment. Atom must have shown Carmont something pretty good, lor he has the Waikanae double winner in with the guns second day. With such a lot of good sprinting hacks engaged, the Dash Hack should be cut out pretty fast, and perhaps Dr O’Brien may find it necessary to hoist the number of the Mauaia nag. For the daughter of Nita can scamper taster than anything in the race for a bit.