Racing at Takapuna Again This Month

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 244, 5 January 1928, Page 6

Racing at Takapuna Again This Month

Once again the flags will be flying at Takapuna, the next occasion being the summer fixture of the popular Takapuna Jockey Club.

A very fine programme has been drawn up for the 16 events, eight each day, and entry day to-morrow should see Mr. F. D. McVay, the secretary, an exceedingly busy man. The stake money for the meeting amounts to £6,500, of which £3,500 is to be distributed the first day and £3,000 the second day. With such a liberal programme the club is assured of a successful meeting. PRINCIPAL EVENT The big attraction on the opening day, Saturday, January 28, is the Takapuna Cup, which carries added money to the extent of £I,OOO, of which the winner takes £7OO. The distance is a mile and a-half. This race was instituted in 1881, when it was known as the Devonport Cup, the winner being Nebula, who incidentally carried 6.4. the smallest weight that has ever been lifted to victory in the contest. The distance then was 2\ miles, and later it was reduced at various times to 1| miles, 12 miles, 1 mile 32 furlongs and now back to 12 miles. Many splendid horses have had their names inscribed on the roll as winners of this event, and this year another good horse will be required to win. VALUABLE SPRINTS The open sprint the first day is the Stewards’ Handicap, which carries £SOO in stakes the winner’s portion being £ 350. This should attract the best sprinters in the country. The Zealandia Handicap, of £4OO, seven furlongs, is another open event! The two-year-olds are well catered for by the Calliope Handicap, of £250 five furlongs. The Takapuna Jockey ulub always offers liberal prizes for these juvenile contests, and therefore it is not surprising that some excellent youngsters are attracted to the meeting. The Ti ial Stakes (of £250, seven furlongs), O.rewa Highweight Handi-

cap (of £3OO, 1 mile 3 furlongs 40 yards, open to hurdle and steeplechase horses and hacks). Ferry Handicap (of £275, seven furlongs), and the Hauraki Hack Handicap (of £325, nine furlongs), complete the fine first day’s card. FOR THE SECOND DAY On the second day, Monday, January 30, the Takapuna Jockey Club Handicap is the big attraction, this carrying £7OO in prize money, and the distance is 1 mile 3 furlongs and 40 yards. The sprint, the Suburban Handicap, £4OO, six furlongs, and the Anniversary Handicap, £4OO, seven furlongs, are the other open races on the concluding day. Then there are the Hobson Handicap, £4OO, for two-year-olds, six furlongs: Moana Handicap, £250, seven furlongs: Waiwera Highweight Handicap, £275, 1 mile 3 furlongs and 40 yards; Devonport Handicap, £250, seven furlongs; and Rangitoto Hack Handicap, £325, nine furlongs.

Entries close to-morrow, Friday, at p.m., with the secretary, Mr. F. D. IcVay Weights for the first day will e declared on Monday, January 16, nd acceptances are due on Friday’ anuary 20.