HURDLE RACING.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4485, 4 August 1875, Page 2

HURDLE RACING.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE NEW ZEALAND TIMES. Sir,— lam pleased to see the remarks I sent you have called forth a little discussion on the subject of hurdle racing in Wellington. However, had only such writers as “No Humbug ” come into the field, I would have paid ho attention to their remarks ; but when I see a temperate and gentlemanly letter appear, signed by the secretary of the W.J.C. (no doubt on behalf of the stewards), it demands a reply. Well, does it follow that, because the entries in years past fop hurdle races have been few, they would not increase in meetings to come? Does it follow that a Tommy Dodd” (with a discriminating committee of handicappers) should frighten away a large field of untiled horses? I say no, but that the committee require a trial or two before they can bring the horses together on something like equal terms. Again, I say it is unfair to many who support the club, and who own horses that might stand a show' over fences, that they should bo deprived of a chance in the sport. I know’ of four horses that have never started in any race (unless racing after stock) that would certainly have been entered had a hurdle race been put on the programme. Last year the Wellington Cup, with £2OO of added money, was contested by three horses ; the hurdle race, with £75 added money, was contested by two. It would be an easy matter to cut £OO or £7O out of the other races, and include a hurdle race in the second day’s programme. I have now said all I mean to say on this matter, and strongly commend it to the consideration of the stewards.—l am, flee., August 3. , Breeder.