NELSON RACES.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume IV, Issue 52, 4 March 1869, Page 2

NELSON RACES.

To the Editor of the Nelson Evening Mail; Sib— l see iri yesterday's Examiner that the Nelson Turf Club have published the programme, of the Kace Meeting to be held during the visit of Prince Alfred. I connot help thinking, and I know this opinion is shared by many others, that the meeting would prove more successful if the racing were confined to one day, by which means the prizes might be increased, and the races run in quicker succession. One day's good sport would prove far more pleasant to the Duke and the publi", than two days' wearily spent in eagerly listening for the saddling bell, and that the sport would be really improved, I think there can be no doubt. We have not sufficient horses in our own province td ettsure an interesting meeting, and depend upon it that one large prize would prove far mtire attractive to the owners of horses h other parts of New Zealand than the same amount sub-divided into a number of petty stakes. Exclusive of the Hack Race, I see that there are five events on the programme for the first day, but it seems to be pretty generally understood that no horses will come to the post either for the Trial Stakes, or for the match between Messrs Redwood's and Stafford's horses; should this prove to be the case, four weary hours will have to be spent on the course, their monotony only broken by three races. lam aware that one ol the arguments in favor of two days' racing is of a pecuniary nature,as it is stated that so much more money will be taken at the gate and stand. I am not aware what would be the amount of net receipts for a day, but supposing them to amount to £50 or £60, that objection might be met by striking out one of the races, say the Maiden PJate, and thus reducing the expenditure in proportion. Being most anxious myself to see a successful meeting,I now offer these remarks in the hope that> should the Turf Club deem them worthy of consideration, it may not yet prove too late to make the alterations that I am convinced, are necessary to ensure really good sport. I am, &c, EcLirsE.