SPORTING.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9433, 1 May 1909, Page 5

SPORTING.

RACING FIXTURES-.

April 29th, May 2nd.—Avondale J.O. Autumn. May sth and 6th.—Hawke’s Bay J.O. Autumn. May 22nd and 24th. —Takapnna J.O. Winter. May 22nd and 24th.—Wanganui Winter.

RANGITIKEI RACECOURSE.

EXTENSIVE ALTERATIONS

The purchase of the racecourse property at Bulls, in addition to the price paid, meant further considerable outlay, for members at once decided to go in for extensive alterations, necessitating the removal of .the grandstand and other buildings to a better position, besides making practically e new course. With such a progressive body as the Raugitikei Racing Club, no time was lost in putting into operation these works and soon after the last summer meeting a start was made, and the Club can now claim to have an excellently laid-ont course with most convenient and up-to-date appointments. The advantages of this new departure are at ouce seen. Not only has a better course been secured but the buildings now stand on a natural.terrace which extends from the entrance to the straight and to some distance past the winning post. Neither time nor expense has bean spared in making everything most complete, and great care has been taken to have a proper system of drainage. In addition to such natural advantages for witnessing the races, it has enabled the Olub to give increased accommodation for all purposes, and this will, no donfat, be appreciated by racing patrons. The course itself should give complete satisfaction to horseowners. It J has . been thoroughly drained and is now 60ft. in width. From the entrance to the straight a thick covering of sawdust has bean spread over the track, and this has given such satisfactory resnits that it is now proposed to complete the whole coarse. The new training track is 16 feet wide and owners,will be allowed to'use the outride of the coarse proper for galloping their horses. In addition to a large number’of stalls, six loose boxes have been erected and a sand roll, under cover, has also been built. Four entrances, instead of two as formerly, have been made to the grandstand. This building gives increased accommodation and is built on a site which commands a perfect view of the course and surroundings. Underneath the stand are three compartments—a public luncheon room 40ft. x 38, a stewards’ luncheon room 38 x 33—a decided improvement on the old place—and a publican’s bar 18 x 38. A large kitchen is to be attached to work both luncheon rooms. Among the new buildings will be the totalisator house, judge’s box, press room and stewards* stand, all of which will be built on up-to-date lines. These works will bo finished in ample time for the next Spring Meeting. The contract is being earned out satisafetorily by Mr James A. Smyth, and the work is being supervised by Mr .T. Ball. TheOlub is to be congratulated on its progressive policy. MARLBOROUGH MEETING. * Blenheim, April 30. The following acceptances have been received for the Marlborough Meeting _ Hack Hurdles, 1% miles.—Playmate 11.5, Lefida 10.6, Scenery 9.13, Diplomatic, Rendrock 9.9, Kaharoa 9.7 ; Barton 9.6, Rosegrove 9.0. Marlborough Onp, 134 miles,— Merry Rose 8.8, Maiora, Silken Rein 8.4, Lawn Rose 8.1, Mataari, Osiris 7.13. Gaelic 7.11, Daisy Paul 7.9, Belario7.B. Opawa Welter Hack, 7 furlongs.— King Post 10.5, Astraea 9.11, Sealer 9.10, Quarry Girl 8.11, Yinoo, Gold Bird 8.5, Oblivion 8.1, Flintgun 8.0. Flying Handicap, 6 furlongs.— Tumut 9.10, Irish Rifle 8,10, Tea Tohi 7.13, Rock Ferry 7.5, Burton 7.0, Autumn '‘Hack Handicap, 6 furlongs,—Sealer 9.0, Lucretius 8 18. Glen 8.4, Onratar 8.0, Oblivion 7.4, Recollection 7.0, Ugbrooke “Welter, 7 furlongs.— Mohican !10.0, San Fernando 9.13, Maiora, Silken Rein 9.10, Mataari, Gaelic 9.4, Sandix, Aberration, Daisy Paul 9,1, Belario 9.0, Rendrock 8.3, White Ribbon, 8.0, Rosegrove 7.13, Gold Bird 7.12. Electric Hack Handicap, 5 furlongs.—Te Ru 8.11, Axite, Glen 8.5, Twinkle 7.13, Leahora 7.13, Merry Xmas. Glentui 7.9, Prevail 7.4, Iphatus, Waiafca, Matira, Overrate* and Emma 7.0. ENGLISH RACING. United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. Received May 1, 10.0 a.m. ■ London, April 30, At the Newmarket first spring meeting the Thousand Guineas Stake resulted ns follows; Eleotra 1, Princess Degalles 3,, Preola 3.