Waipukurau Jockey Club

Waipukurau Press, Volume I, 10 April 1906, Page 2

Waipukurau Jockey Club

EASTER MEETING. Preparations for next Monday’s races are going on satisfactorily, and with fine weather present indications are for large fields, good racing, and a big attendance of the public, as the club has a reputation far and wide for doing things on a liberal scale. Considerable improvements have been and are being made on the ground, and it is expected that by the end of this week everything will be in tip-top order. During this week the secretary, Mr Nightingale, will attend to final details. The racing track has been levelled where necessary, an extensive system of drainage will tend to keep the track drier in the event of rain falling, and a three-ton roller recently purchased by the club is expected to arrive in time to be used for smoothing down the course. A large portion of the straight on the inner side of the course opposite the grandstand has been newly fenced and painted white, and new protecting lences have been erected at different parts of the course where culverts exist. At the judge’s box a new system of declaring the placed numbers of horses will be used for the first time here. This consists of a series of box-like white squares numbered on four sides, from 1 to '24; that is, No. 1 box has that number painted on its four sides; No. 2 is treated the same way, and so on to the 24th box. The boxes slide up four perpendicular supports—whatever way the horses finish the numbers are recorded to correspond with the horses’ numbers in the book. By having four sides the result can be seen simultaneously from all points. The idea seems to be an improvement on the old styte, and will no doubt give satisfaction. Last year, owing to the large attendance of visitors, it was found that’ two totalisators could hardly cope with the demands made upon .them; so this year a third'(outside) machine has been added :> on Monday there will be one outside and two inside machines For the extra machine an addition has been made to the totalisator house, also an extra pay-out place. The barricade approaches to the totalisators have been much improved. An electric wire from the judge’s box will be used to instruct the tote operators when the horses have started. Fences haVe been erected on either side of the avenue from the road gate to the grandstand, to protect the young trees recently planted. Other improvements have been effected, but those here mentioned are the most important. The carpentering improvements have been carried out by Mr J. Winlove’s staff; while the course has been supervised by Mr G. A. Fox, Mr J. J, Bailey being the steward in The catering has been let to experienced men, and the public may rely npon this part of the programme also being well conducted. As we belore remarked, only a fine day is needed to ensure a meeting even, more succesful than any formerly held. The extra booths outside thegrandstand — one for Air Houseman and Mr Poynter’s fruit stall —are being erected. It is expected that His Excel- ■ iency the Governor and suite will attend the races. Says the Hastings Bulletin : — Mr F. Christensen is making a solid name for his Troeadero in the matter of catering. On Easter Monday he is the caterer for 800 people at the Waipukurau races besides the Governor's private lunch, at which 150 are expected. The menu is really a first-class one. On the same day Mr Christensen is catering for a sports meeting at Hastings and the Protestant Alliance social at night, as well as the ordinary business of the Troeadero. Acceptances. Acceptances closed last night. With the exception of the Waipukurau Handicap and the Easter Handicap, the various events have filled well, and good fields ought to result. Following are the totals for the different events : — Maiden ... 5 Easter Handicap ... 5 Hack Handicap ... 6 Waipukurau Handicap 4 [Whakawehi, Mystification, Gold Dust, and Pantaloon] Two-year Handicap 10 Ladies’ Bracelet... 10 Flying Handicap 7 Final Handicap ... 11 TIPS BY TOIL. Maiden Hack —Brown Belt 1, Merrywing 2, Concussion 3 Easter Handicap—St Albert 1, Hipporofla 2, Te Hauke Hack Handicap-Operetta, Silver Lead, Monarque Waipukurau Handicap—Whakawehi, Mystification, Gold Dust. Two - year - old Handicap — Sir Benson, Mungista, Squatter Ladies’ Handicap —Outer, British Navy, Mataika Flying Handicap—Contender, St Albert, Gold Seal Final Handicap — Flower Girl, Moral, Concussion