AUCKLAND CLUB’S ACTIVITIES

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 133, 26 August 1927, Page 7

AUCKLAND CLUB’S ACTIVITIES

(By

“ABAYDOS

,927-28 SCHCEDULES PROVIDE TIGHTER LIMITS ALL ROUND THE Auckland Trotting Club’s schedule for the three fixtures—soring, summer and winter, has been compiled by the committee and, as previously mentioned in THE SUN, the stakes are the same as those allotted last year. The limits, however, have been tightened up all round. The Auckland Cup, the second prini„al event in New Zealand, is reduced to a 4.28 limit, and the cut is eeneral throughout the programme. S There is no doubt that the executive in charge of this important dertment, spent some considerable Jtnie in drafting the various proCTdmmes for the ensuing year, and while admitting there was room for curtailment in the limits of the principal events, it is doubtful if even the most strenuous advocates of the pruning knife were prepared to see such a sweeping of the boards as shown in the 1927-28 season’s card. A GENERAL CUT The committee evidently tackled the proposition with determination, and having decided that the time was opportune for putting the screw on with regard to the limits, was not prepared for any half-measures. The ultimate result is that in every department the cut has been administered, ranging from one to three seconds in various distances, with a notable improvement of two seconds in all two-mile journeys. THE BATTLER BAFFLED While the tightening of the class in the events for the more aristocratic performers will be welcomed generally, the conditions applied to some heats in the lesser degree, must be considered prohibitive, as far as the ordinary run of provincial horses is

concerned. Novices and maidens are plainly labelled “not wanted,” and the “battler” who, by his enthusiasm and keenness for the sport, helps to keep the game going, is practically relegated to the realms of oblivion. He must look in future to the country programmes for a chance to place his pacer or trotter. SPRING FIXTURE The first of the cards to claim attention is that for the meeting which comes up for decision in October, when £B,OOO is to be distributed in prizemoney for 16 events. This year additional attraction is lent to the spring meeting by the inclusion of the Great Northern Derby, which was formerly contested at the midsummer meeting. The chief handicap heat each day is worth £I,OOO, and the limit has been reduced from 4.34 to 4.32. On the second day the Manukau Handicap, of 500 sovs., 1J miles, 2.48 limit, has been replaced by the Campbell Handicap, with a tighter limit of 2.461. The programme is as follows: FIRST DAY, OCTOBER 15 Waitemata Trot, of 300 sovs. For horses that have never won at better than 2.26 to the mile. Limit 3.45. One mile and a-half. Improvers’ Handicap, of 300 sovs. For horses that have gone 2.20 to the mile or better. Limit 3.281. One mile and a-half. Spring Handicap, of 1.000 sovs. For horses that have done 4.34 or better. Limit 4.32. Two miles. Great Northern Trotting Derby, of 1,000 sovs. One mile and a-half. Stewards’ Handicap, of 400 sovs. Limit 4.39. Two miles. October Handicap, of 450 sovs. Limit -•14. One mile. Mountain Trot, of 500 sovs. Limit 4.42. Two miles. Electric Handicap, of 400 sovs. Limit -•511 (2.17 class). One mile and aquarter. SECOND DAY, OCTOBER 19 Green Lane Trot, of 300 sovs. For horses that have never won at better than 2.26 to the mile. Limit 3.45. One mile and a-half. Newmarket Handicap, of 300 sovs. For horses that have done 2.20 or better to the mile. Limit 3.28 i (2.19 class). One mile and a-half. Alexandra Handicap, of 1.000 sovs. For horses that have gone 4.34 or better- Limit 4.32. Remuera Handicap, of 350 sovs. For unhoppled horses. Limit 4.50. Two miles Junction Handicap, of 400 sovs. Limit 4.39. Two miles. Campbell Handicap, of 500 sovs. Limit 2.461 (2.13 class). One mile and a-quarter. Hillsboro’ Trot, of 500 sovs. Limit 4.42. Two miles. Insulation Handicap, of 300 sovs. Limit 2.511 (2.17 class). One mile and a-quarter. SUMMER CARNIVAL 'Flic summer carnival extends over three days, December 27, 29 and 31, and the 24 events account for £15,000 ln prizes. The big attraction on this occasion is the richly-endowed Auckland Cup, which ranks as second in importance in the Dominion's lightharness world. Another important and interesting event on the summer card is the Rowe Handicap for squareKalters. while the crack-a-jacks are ijhven a special fly in the Champion Handicap a 10-furlong flutter, with a -•43} limit, equal to a 2.11 mile gait. AUCKLAND CUP 0 The Cup, which is again valued at -.-00 sovs., and lOOgns. gold cup, has been reduced to a 4.28 limit; but horses that have done 4.31 are eligible. This hieans that owners in some cases are *hven. an opportunity of entering for the rich prize if they are willing to eive away time to get in the handicap.

The thousand-pound events on the second and third days have also been clipped to the extent of two seconds, the limits being 4.32 and 4.29 respectively. A 2.5 ii mile and a-quarter event takes the place of the Derby, w'hile the Champion Stakes replaces the Penrose Handicap. The programme reads: FIRST DAY, DECEMBER 27 Introductory Trot, of 400 sovs. Limit 3.42 (2.28 class). One mile and a-half. December Handicap, of 400 sovs. For horses that have done 2.20 to the mile or better. Limit 3.27 (2.18 class). One mile and a-half. Auckland Trotting Cup, of 2,200 sovs and gold cup. For horses that have gone 4.31 or better. Limit 4.28. Two miles. Parnell Handicap, of 500 sovs. For unhoppled horses. Limit 4.46. Two miles. Akarana Handicap, of 400 sovs. Limit 2.51| (2.17 class). One mile and a-quarter. Grandstand Handicap, of 500 sovs. Limit 4.38. Two miles. Rowe Trot, of 1,000 sovs. Limit 4.36. Two miles. St. Heliers Handicap, of 500 sovs. Limit 2.47 i (2.14 class). One mile and a-quarter. SECOND DAY, DECEMBER 29 Oak Trot, of 400 sovs. Limit 3.42. One mile and a-half. Tramway Handicap, of 400 sovs. For horses that have gone 2.20 to the mile or better. Limit 2.532 (2.19 class). One mile and a-quarter. Champion Handicap, of 700 sovs. Limit 2.432 (2.11 class). One mile and a-quarter. Christmas Handicap, of ' 500 sovs. For unhoppled horses. Limit 4.46. Two miles. Dominion Handicap, of 500 sovs. Limit 4.38. Two miles. Summer Cup, of 1,000 sovs. For horses that have gone 4.34 or better. Limit 4.32. Two miles. Epsom Trot, of 600 sovs. Limit 4.38. Two miles. Ranfurly Handicap, of 500 sovs. Limit 2.47 - (2.14 class). One mile and a-quarter. THIRD DAY, DECEMBER 31 Tamaki Trot, of 400 sovs. Limit 3.42. One mile and a-half. Park Handicap, of 400 sovs. For horses that have gone 2.20 or better to the mile. Limit 3.28 J (2.19 class). One mile and a-half. President’s Handicap, of 1,000 sovs. For horses that have gone 4.31 or better. Limit, 4.29. Two miles. New Year Handicap, of 500 sovs, for unlioppled horses. Limit 4.46. Two miles. Telegraph Handicap, of 500 sovs. Limit 4.38. Two miles. Onslow Handicap, of 500 sovs. Limit 2.12. One mile. Association Trot, cf 600 sovs. Limit 4.38. Two miles. . . Premier Handicap, of 500 sovs. Limit 2.47 h (2.14 class). One mile and aquarter. WINTER FIXTURE The third and final sports function 6f the year is held on June 23 and 27, when the sum of £6,700 is given for 14 events. The programme is similar to that of last winter as far as monetary value goes, but the speeding-up process has again been applied to the limits right through. It is also on this card that the name of the late secretary, Mr. C. F. Mark, will be perpetuated by a race, the Campbell Handicap being replaced by a "Mark Memorial,” which is the principal heat on the opening day. the limit being reduced from 4.33 to 4.31, a similar compliment being paid the Prince of Wales Handicap on the concluding day. In the process of time-limit reduction, the popular Adams Memorial Cup Handicap has taken a step in the right direction, being now assessed at a 4.37 class. The programme will be: FIRST DAY, JUNE 23, 1928 Mangere Handicap, of 300 sovs. For horses that have gone 2.20 or better to the m V Limit 3.28; (2.19 class). One mile 'd a-half. . Wint - Trot, of 300 sovs. Limit 4.54. Two miles. . .. . C. F. Mark Memorial Handicap, of 1,000 sovs. For horses that have gone or better. Limit 4.31. Two miles. Hobson Handicap, of 400 sovs. Limit 4.40. Two miles. Stewards’ Trot, of 500 sovs. Limit 4.40. Two miles. Marconi Handicap, of 300 soys. Limit 2.511 (class 2.17). One mile and a-quarter. Cornwall Handicap, of 500 so\s. Limit 2.13. One mile. SECOND DAY, JUNE 27 Manukau Handicap, of 300 sovs. For horses that have gone 2.20 or better to the mile. Limit 3.28£ (2.19 class). One mile and a-half. Royal Handicap Trot, of 300 sovs. Limit 4.54. Two miles. Prince of Wales Handicap, of 1,000 sovs For horses that have gone 4.33 or better. Limit 4.31. Two miles. Adams’ Cup Memorial, of 500 sovs, and 100-guinea gold cup. Limit 4.37. Two miles. Members’ Trot, of 500 sovs. Limit 4 40. Two miles. Liverpool Handicap, ot 300 sovs Limit 2.511 (class 2.17). One mile and a AL> aJt ßevoir Handicap, of 500 sovs. Limit 2.46 J (2.13 class). One mile and a-quarter.