THE TURF.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2549, 9 July 1909, Page 6

THE TURF.

GISBORNE RACING CLUB.

STEEPLECHASE MEETING

President: The Hon. James Carroll. Vice-President: Mr. D. Hepburn. Hon. Treasurer : Mr. C. J. Bennett. Stewards: Messrs C. J. Bennett, J. Sisterson, C. J. Parker, F. J. Lysnar, T. McConnell, J. H. Martin, and D. J. Barry. Judge : Hon. Captain Tucker. Starter: Mr C. O’Connor. Handicapper: Mr. J. Chadwick. Totalisator Steward: Mr. W. 0. Skeet. Clork of Scales: Mr. J. E. Whitby. Clerk of Course: Mr. A. Pritchard. Secretary: Mr. H. E. Dodd. -

The heavy rain that fell during the early part of the week did not promise too' well fob two fino race days, but when the morning broke yesterday the. black clouds had cleared, and there was every prospect of a fine day. Happily the rain held off until after three, o’clock. Racegoers, nothing daunted, crowed both special trains for. the course from Gisborne, and by midday there was quite a large crowd on the course. The lawn was fairly dry under foot; and ladies had no inconvenience in moving about. The trees and grandstand jmovided plenty of shelter from the two showers which fell. • Tve day was entirely free from accidents of any description, and some excellent racing was witnessed. The going was heavy, as the slow times recorded indicat#, but there, was very little mud flying during the races. The various officials of the Club .performed their duties well. . Seldom has better starting been seen, and Mr. O’Connor is to bo congratulated upon bis day’s work. The Hon. Captain Tucker acted as judge, and bis decisions were never once questioned. Mr. H. E. Dodd, as secretary, saw to the various details, and. the stewards had no reason to question any- horse or rider. Mrs. Erskine supplied luncheon and afternoon tea in her usual (irst-class style. Ten bookmakers were licensed, and all had a good day’s business. The sum of £4027 -was put through the totalisator, as against £5204" for the corresponding day in 1908. The smallest totalisator yesterday was on the Gisborne Park Steeplechase, when only £34 was invested.