WINTER TROTTING

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 355, 16 May 1928, Page 9

WINTER TROTTING

AUCKLAND’S JUNE CARD CATERING FOR BEST CLASS CLOSING THE SEASON NOW THAT THE COUNTRY TROTTING CIRCUIT HAS BEEN COMPLETED ATTENTION WILL TURN TO THE AUCKLAND TROTTING CLUB’S MONSTER WINTER CARNIVAL, WHICH COMES UP FOR DECISION NEXT MONTH AND INCIDENTALLY PROMISES TO BE ONE OF THE GREATEST FUNCTIONS OF ITS KIND EVER HELD AT ALEXANDRA PARK.

The final trotting fixture in the Auckland district, and in fact in the Dominion, of the present season, will be held on June 23 and 27, under the auspices of the Auckland Trotting Club. The local light harness organisation, which holds three very important gatherings during the season, spring, summer and winter fixtures, caters in a splendid ma.nner for those who are closely connected with the popular pastime, and owners and trainers have nothing to cavil at when the Auckland Club’s programme for the respective meetings makes its appearance. Enticing Stake Money The Auckland Club offers very liberal stake money in connection with its three meetings. The appreciation of owners, trainers and the general public of the manner in which the big club caters for the sport and its patrl " ■—■—

rons was reflected in the success achieved over each gathering, and it is anticipated that next month’s meeting will be crowned with success. This is one of the popular fixtures with the sporting public, who bid good-bye to the trotters and pacers till the new season dawns. Good Money Attracts Good Horses Having proved the wisdom of the motto that good money will attract the good class horses, the local club attaches the amount of £6,700 to the 14

races set down for decision on its winter programme. As the fixture is held at the period of the shortest days, the club’s action in confining the racing to seven events each day is a commendable one, and meets with general approbation. The June schedule is well set out, and has a distinctly classy touch about it. It is one that appeals not only to owners and mentors in the Auckland Province, but is also very popular with light harness enthusiasts and associates in other parts of the Dominion, and particularly with Canterbury sportsmen, who usually find the northern June trotting meeting a profitable one for them. Trotter's Share Two events each day are allotted to those who prefer to trot unhampered, and in thus catering for this section the club recognises the fact that these exhibitions are much in favour with the sporting public- It is a noticeable feature of the card that each trotting event is staged over two miles, a sign that non-stayers need not apply, or waste any time over the business. An event each day is set down for those who can tramp 4.40 or better, and the placed horses in these heats will divide 500 sovs, according to their merits. Those who find this limit outside their capabilities will have a chance in the two £3OO trotting races, in which the ; limit is 4.54 Both sections have been catered for, and these events should fill remarkably well. Speed and Stamina Speed combined with stamina is the qualification required for those who intend tackling the main items of this fine schedule, which includes a thous-and-pounder each day. These are known as the C. F. Mark Memorial (so named in memeory of the late secretary) and Prince of Wales Handicap, and are run over two miles’ journeys, with the reasonably tight limit of 4.31, horses who have a 4.33 record being eligible. Second, third, and even fourth horse will get a slice out of the four-figure prize in these heats, which should draw some of the finest pacers at present in commission in New Zealand to Alexandra Park next month. The Adams Memorial Cup is also an attractive item, being endowed to the extent of 500 sovereigns, while the owner of the winner will receive, in addition, a beautiful gold cup valued at 100 guineas, the gift of Mrs. L. A. Adams. Two miles is the journey, while the limit has been tightened to 4.37, an appreciable move on the part of the club. There is also the Hobson Handicap of £4OO with a 4 40 limit. Middle Distance Heats Some horses find a two-mile journey a bit beyond their compass, while they are at the same time not partial to a mile dash. "With a view to giving this section some encouragement, the

programme committee included a mile and a-half event each day, the Manger© and the Manukau Handicaps, for which £3OO has been prescribed. As the limit is 3.28| (2.19 mile grade) gait, these heats should suit the useful class, and many contestants with an eye on the 12-furlong items should not forget there is a 10-furlong flutter each day, with a 2.514 limit, equivalent to a 2.17 clip, which may suit them also, the prize money being worth £3OO in each instance. Speedy Sprinters The sprinters are divided into two classes, those who can tramp a mile gait of 2.17 or better, and those who do not take longer than 2.13 to accomplish the journey. The former have their chance in the Marconi Handicap on the opening day, -and the Liverpool Handicap the second day, each event being run over 10 furlongs, and a stake of £3OO. The swallow-catching brigade are given a mile dash the first day, the Cornwall Handicap, in which contestants must wind the clock up at 2.13 or better, while their delight on the concluding day will be to tramp 10 furlongs better than 2.464 (2.13 mile gait). Five hundred pounds is proportioned to each of these speed teste, which are bound to meet with a ready response from owners and trainers. General Entry Day Nominations for this sumptuous bill of fare will close with secretary A. G. Mabee on Thursday, June 7, at 5 p.m-, on which date second forfeits in con-

nection with the 1928 Great Northern Derby, and entries for the 1929 Derby will also be received. Handicapper Geo. Paul will issue the adjustments on June 12 for first-day items, and the acceptances will close definitely on Friday, June 15, at 5 p.m. It is no exaggeration to say that the forthcoming winter meeting will be a huge success.