MAORI RACING CLUB

Chronicle (Levin), 7 October 1946, Page 2

MAORI RACING CLUB

♦ ANOTHER FINE MEETING A large crowd was present at the spring meeting of the Otaki Mqori Racing Club, held on Saturday in fine weather, and amidst surroundings that did the club credit. The lawn had received special attention, the course, despite frequent rains, did the caretaker, Mr. Albert Mita, every credit, while the arrangements, were ably carried oiit by the secretary, Mr. Nepia Winiata, backed up by an efficient staff and stewards who proved their worth. There was a large number of people from Wellington, and also ffom Manawatu and districts further north, and they were rewarded by having a thoroughly enjoyable outing, and witnessing racing that did the handicapper, Mr. O'Brien, and the starter, Mr. Price, every credit. Racing throughout was interesting and good finishes were witnessed. The hurdle race was a good one, but the favourites, fencing well, proved the winners. The Maiden Plate, No. 1, attracted a large field and the finish was exciting, sev-. eral of the horses finishing well together. The Pahiko Hack also saw a large number of acceptors, but this race was won comfortably by the favourite, Sea Fury. The dividend was not large for a race of this description. The Ling Memorial drew nineteen acceptors, but the race was won comfortably by an outsider, Hulabaloo, 14/14 in the betting. The dividend was a substantial one. The second maiden race attracted seventeen entrants and the race was well won by one of the favourites, Mr. Pym. The Katihiku Hack saw fifteen horses face the starter, when the locallytrained horse, Supreme, nicely ridden by the local jockey, W. Connor, ' romped home. The Hema te Ao Handicap drew seventeen starters, and again Mr. W. McEwan, of Otaki, led in a winner. W. Connor was the rider, and a comfortable win was recorded. The final race of the day saw eleven horses line up to the barrier, and here Grand Central, owned by Mr. C. Hook and trained by Mr. J. Houlihan, both of Otaki, registered a win. It was a close finish and a substantial dividend was returned. The successful jockeys were: Chote three wins, .Connor two, Tattersall a first and two seconds, Carroll and Bowry a win each, Rouse, Garth, Ford, Burgess, Clutterbuck and A. Johnson a second each, Williamson two thirds, Shaw, Aitken, Sellars, Farland and Jerikins a third each. Successful trainers were McEwan, two wins, Benge two wins, and Knapp, Nicholson, Lorrigan and Houlihan one each. Honeyfield two winners, McEwan two, Hammond, Nicholson, Preston and Hook one each. Acceptances on Tuesday Acceptances for the second day close tomorrow night, and judging by the interest displayed should be almost a record. Among the officials at the Otaki races on Saturday were two new ones, Mr. A. V. O'Brien taking the place of Mr. Bert Coyle as handicapper, and Mr. J. M. Pine officiating as judge. Both gave every satisfaction.