RACING

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20276, 19 August 1937, Page 2

RACING

A UNIQUE FUNCTION

CARETAKER HONOURED TRIBUTE TO POPULARITY. A function, perhaps unique in racing circles, took plaoe at Te Rapa yesterday afternoon, when local trainers and several owners gathered to place on record their appreciation of the services rendered over a number of years by the course caretaker, Mr T. Wiloock. Eulogistio reference was made by several speakers to the unfailing courtesy and consideration shown by Mr Wilcook during his term of office, Mr M. J. Carroll, on behalf of the gathering presenting him with a handsome chiming clock, suitably engraved, and a case of pipes. Mr W. R. Shattock presided. Mr Carroll, in making the presentation, referred to the early days of the course and the limited training facilities at their disposal then. They used to tie their horses to a post at a point when the foot of the straight was now. When they visualised the conditions of twenty years ago they could appreciate the difficulties that Mr Wilcook encountered in creating the splendid training facilities they now enjoyed. The speaker considered that Te Rapa was one of the finest tracks in the Dominion and nowhere could trainers obtain similar training facilities as here. He referred to the courtesy and consideration shown by Mr Wilcook during his years at Te Rapa and expressed the wish that he would continue his association yvith them for many years. Messrs A. J. Julian, J. F- Tutchen, A. P. Brady, J. Smith, N. Vernall and W. E. Cockbill endorsed the remarks of Mr Carroll.