Manawatu Trotting Club Progresses

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 885, 31 January 1930, Page 13

Manawatu Trotting Club Progresses

A POPULAR CARD FIXTURE FOR ASHHURST Fifteen years ago the Manawatu Trotting Club held its first totalisator meeting, when the principal item was won by Mr. J. H. Lloyd’s Ngaraima, dam of those present-day successful exponents of the light harness business, The Shrew and Raima. Since that eventful period, which marked the foundation of a progressive organisation, the sport has made excellent advancement in the Manawatu district. For many years the annual fixture was held on the Awapuni racecourse, but latterly the trysting ground has been at Ashhurst. The move has not in any way dampened the enthusiasm of Manawatu light-harness supporters and each year the enterprising club can record a successful function. Some Good Winners Many stirring contests have been witnessed for the Manawatu Cup, in which the Hastings sportsman, Mr. J. j H. Lloyd, has been particularly successful. In addition to Ngaraima, Hal Junr., Master ITal and The Shrew have won this event and “Abaydos” would not be surprised to find J.H.L. well to the fore again with the promising All Red. Sea Pearl, who proved one of the finest pacers in the Dominion, stepped forward after being successful in the Manawatu Cup, and other useful performers have their names engraved on the Palmerston North honours list. This year the progressive club has arranged its programme on sound lines and selected a date that will commence a useful circuit for owners and trainers. With the Hawke’s Bay fixture following a few days later, both organisations, which have programmes similarly arranged, should benefit con- ! siderably by this factor. The Schedule First on the list in importance is ! the Manawatu Trotting Club Plate, endowed to the extent of £235, with the useful limit of 4.46. To give horses of this calibre another chance at the fixture a 10-furlong heat, President’s Handicap, of £lls, 2.56 limit, has been included in the dx-aft. There are two events for square-gaiters, while novice and improving pacers are freely catered for various distances, as will be seen from the following list: Ladies’ Bracelet, of £BS; 15 miles; 3.45 limit. Linton Handicap, of £9O (trotters); li miles; 3.52 limit. Stewards’ Handicap, of £100; 2 miles; 4.56 limit. Manawatu Club Plate, of £235: 2 miles; 4.46 limit. Longburn Handicap, of £9O; 15 miles; 3.40 limit. Poliangina Handicap, of £100: 1 5-S ' miles; 3.57 limit. Palmerston North Handicap, of £llO j i (trotters): 2 miles; 5.0 limit. President’s Handicap, of £115; f miles; 2.56 limit.

Saturday, February 22, has been selected as general entry day, and Mr. A. H. Manson, the energetic and courteous secretary, should be kept busy when that date falls due. Mr. G. S. Simpson will declare his handicaps on March 1 and j six days later acceptances will be received.