Alterations Made to Otahuhu Racing Card

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 882, 28 January 1930, Page 13

Alterations Made to Otahuhu Racing Card

AMENDING LIMITS EXTRA RACE FOR TROTTERS The Otahuhu Trotting Club, ever ready and willing to frame or amend its programmes to suit the general requirements, has made a few slight alterations to the first day card of thv* approaching summer carnival. With its elastic limit of 4.32 the Otahuhu Cup did not give promise of attracting any of the higher class horses, and in view of the fact that the Wellington club for similar money proved enterprising enough to draw the best pacers in the land with a 4.27 limit, it was obvious that there would be a tightening of the Otahuhu card. The limit for the Cup has been reduced to 4.30, but horses that have done, or been handicapped to do, 4.33 are within the bounds of eligibility. The principal race on the second day—Dominion Handicap—has been amended accordingly. Another move, and one that will appeal to a large number of owners of novice and improving competitors, is the extension of the limit in the Tamaki Handicap from 2.55 to 2.57 J (a 2.22 mile gait), and the deletion of the time restrictions. which were originally attached to the event. Extra Heat for Trotters Owners of medium class trotters found there was no race on the programme to suit their steeds, there being too wide a margin between the improvers’ events of 3.45 and 4.5 S and the 4.40 set for the higher grade trotters. The management of the club has, however, given the middle class section a chance by altering the Mount Albert Handicap to a race for trotting horses only, with a limit of 4.48. This will give five items for square-gaiters during the carnival, and it must be conceded that the club has been generous in its treatment of this section. . Eleven races appear on the attractive schedule for pacers, including two popular saddle heats. These carry a limit of 2.17' and 2.16 respectively and will add keen interest to the carnival. Speed merchants engaged in the two big events are also given an opportunity in mile and a-quarter items with a corresponding limit. Pacers who are heading toward the higher standard are also set suitable tests over various distances. The secretary, Mr. R. L. Absolum, will be “at home" in his O'Connell Street office, on Friday, February 7, to receive entries, when owners will be able to show appreciation of the good things offered them on February 22 and 24 by nominating freely. Mr. C. E. Goosman’s adjustments are due on February 11, and final payments are due on Friday, February 14.