Trotting Affairs At Whangarei

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 450, 4 September 1928, Page 10

Trotting Affairs At Whangarei

NORTHLAND CLUB FIXTURE SET FOR LABOUR DAY Having been practically pushed from post to pillar during the f years it has been racing under totalisator conditions, the progressive Northland Club struck on the happy idea of racing this year on Labour Day, October 22, and the decision has met with the approval and approbation of owners and trainers throughout the Auckland province. Having definitely decided on a date for its 192 S fixture, the promoters and caterers of the light-harness pasting at Whangarei lost no time in setting out a programme that would appeal t 0 owners wishing to qualify for the bir meeting which follows at Alexandra Park, but, unfortunately, the authori. ties have up to the present treated the question in a lackadasical manner and the schedule approvement qualification has not yet been received. Mr. L. Brake, the popular and ento'prising president of the Northland Club, who is visiting Auckland as manager of the North Auckland representative Rugby team, in an interview with “Abaydos” on Saturday, said his club was in a difficult position regarding the date of its next meeting. it ß application for a day in March being turned down by the authorities. While wondering where they could come into the picture, he read with interest an article in The Sun pointing out the disabilities of owners and trainers in being able to race at Alex-

andra Park owing to the tighter classes, and the suggestion that some country club should race early in order to give horses a chance for qualification status, immediately appealed to the Northland Club, and they decided on the Labour Day date. “At a later stage,” said Mr. Brake, “your paper took us to task for not producing our schedule, but this was not our fault, as the programme has not been approved by the ruling body." Mr. Brake then gave an outline of the proposed card, and it is one that should suit the requirements of owners who wish to qualify for higher honours. Recognising that there are not sufficient enthusiasts in the Whangarei County taking an interest in the game, the local race has been deleted, being replaced by a 10-furlong heat with a 3.4 limit. Another event over a similar distance has been set at 2.54, while a mile race (2.21 limit) will be staged for the convenience of those with candidates engaged in the Whangarei Cun, 4.42 class. A 12-furlong heat for novice pacers has a 3.43 limit, and the saddle event is for horses capable of going 2.24 or better. As usual with the popular club, the square-gaited fraternity is well catered for, two items being set aside for its special benefit. A mile and a-half (3.52 class) and two mile (4.5 S class) are included in the suggested list, and these will meet with a ready response. Taken all through, the schedule is one that cannot fail to appeal to owners and trainers, and the Northland Club should have the most successful fixture of its career when the flags are flying on Labour Day.