THAMES CLUB’S WISE POLICY

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 499, 31 October 1928, Page 13

THAMES CLUB’S WISE POLICY

TRAINERS' OPINION ARRANGING MARCH PROGRAMME The Thames Trotting Club, which ranks among the live-wire and progressive country lightharness organisations in the Dominion, makes a strong feature of catering to the best advantage for the general run of owners and trainers. In the past this club has rendered valuable assistance to owners in the question of transport and accommodation of horses visiting Thames, and its action in this direction is appreciated by those most concerned, and as a result the club is well patronised by the light-harness fraternity. Recently the executive of the country club discussed the question of including a race for unhoppled horses on its schedule for next, but before making any definite decision the opinion of owners and trainers throughout the province is being ascertained. This is another step in the right direction, and besides giving those who are in the best position to know whether such an event will prove suitable-or otherwise, will put the club on the right side when finally drafting its 1929 programme. Discussing the proposal with several Epsom trainers, “Abaydos” finds the general opinion is that an unhoppled race would not prove beneficial to the club or suitable to many owners, owing to the dearth of unhoppled horses in the district. The contention is that such events usually resolve themselves into a contest for the square-gaiters, and that the Thames Club can cater better for this class by putting on two events —12 and 16 furlongs—with limits to correspond in reason. Corresponding Events There was a consensus of opinion among those interviewed that the success of country fixtures would be assured where a policy of having two races on the programme to suit each class of competitor is adopted. A mile and a-half for improvers is one of the main attractions at these functions, and it is felt that a mile and a-quarter under similar conditions would be advisable in the interest of both the owners and the promoters. Cup horses have their ten-furlong flutter to give them another chance, while where the limit is on an elastic basis, the saddle merchants also have an opportunity of taking part in this event. A Popular Item Just what race the Thames Club intended to delete in favour of the unhoppled race is not quite apparent, but one of the popular items at several of the country fixtures is the two-mile event, which gives stayers not quite up to the mark required in the big handicap a chance to display their prowess, and at the same time tits them for later getting into the more advanced country class. There is no doubt, however, that when the Thames Club receives the various opinions sought it will be in a position to formulate a schedule for Alareh that will find general favour and ensure it another successful fixture „ _ The only question that may affect the owners of horses engaged in the lesser events will be that of prize money, as tho club overshadows the minor items with a rich stake for the principal heat of the day. As horses that will take part in the slow twomilo event are out to qualify for the country cups which follow on, it might be worth consideration on the part of the executi\>e tp allot a little more for this popular item, even if it has to be done at the expense of the cup, which carries a handsome trophy.