WELLINGTON JOCKEY CLUB.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4135, 22 June 1874, Page 2

WELLINGTON JOCKEY CLUB.

Since the last Hutt Races the stewards of the W.J.C. have had several very desirable improvements and additions made to the Grand Stand, of a character that tends to show it is their intention to spare no expense whatever in making the building as comfortable and convenient as possible for the reception of visitors. A suite of apartments, consisting of refreshment and sitting-rooms, has been erected specially for the convenience of ladies and families. The furze bushes have been cut down and entirely cleared away, and the course so levelled as to permit of a full view of a race being obtained and enjoyed from the jump to the finish. The culverts and ground have had a thorough overhaul, and been put into such excellent condition that the most sceptical of owners need not have the slightest fear of running the most valuable of their stock on such a course. The saddling paddock has been considerably enlarged, and it is intended to have the front portion of the Stand tastefully fenced in, and a commodious lawn formed and laid down in grass for the convenience of those patronising the Grand Stand who may wish to avail themselves of a promenade during the intervals between the races. An extensive and well appointed weighing-room has also been added for the use of owners, trainers, and j ockey s, as also a dressing-X'oom for the latter, which is to be fitted up with every requisite. Other improvements are in course of execution, and no expense will be spared to make the Stand as perfect as possible prior to the next meeting. Although not so large as some of the Stands in N~ew Zealand, for convenience and architectural beauty we believe it will bear favorable comparison with any other buildiug of a similar character in the Colony, and itreflects credit on the stewards, and their architect, Mr. Toxward. A perusal of the proposed programme for the races of December next encourages the hope that there will be a very brilliant and successful meeting. TheentriesfortheDerbyclosed on Thursday last with eighteen nominations, out. of which number probably ten will come to the post, representing the best blood in the Colony. Then there is the Wellington Cup of two hundred sovs., with a sweepstakes of ten sovs. each, which also is certain to command a very large field and make the stake a valuable one. A handicap of one hundred sovs., with a sweepstakes of ten sovs. each, is likewise on the list, and certain to be well patronised ; as also the Provincial Plate of one hundred sovs., for all horses owned for six months prior to the race by bona fide settlers of the Province of Wellington. This race should, without doubt, prove a very great inducement to owners of horses residing in the Province to come out particularly strong on the occasion, and to show that the Empire City is not altogether so ajjathetic, as regards blood stock, as some of our neighbors consider us to be. Then there is a Hurdle Race of seventy-five sovs., and a Maiden Plate of one hundred sovs., besides several other events, with similar amounts attached, which cannot possibly fail to attract a meeting which should bear favorable comparison with the best meetings held in the Colony.