THE TURF

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2448, 29 April 1915, Page 9

THE TURF

NOTES AND COMMENTS TBt Glencoe.l The Hawke's Bay Jockey Club's Autumn Meeting will be held to-morrow and Saturday. Word from Hastings states that Kimbombi is very sore, and may not start in the Hawke's Bay Cup. A final reminder is given those concerned that aooeptanees for the Marlborough Meeting close to-night. Sir Alba has been scratched for the Hawke's Bay Cup, to be run to-morrow. The Otago-owned True Blue has been sent to Riccarton to be prepared for the Wanganui Steeplechase, 'the old grey gelding- is reported to be looking woll. Pavlova has run her last race this season, and is now in winter quarters. Two other members of the Stepka family in Tango and an unnamed Rokcby filly are in the I'orirua Stables, and will be racing next season. Despite the fact that he has failed to win a race since Boxing Day, Downham is still a favourite with baokers, and ho is likely to carry most money on tho machine in tho Porangahuu Handicap «t Hastings.

Though her weight is anything but prohibitive and apparently her owner was well satisfied with it, Desert Gold may bo allowed to drop out of the Nursery Handicap at Hastings in view of lier mora valuable engagement on the second day. Sam Pan is another horse that is seen at his best in sol't going. At Awapuni he appeared to be very cramped in his ao tibn, but he stripped well, and the first time he gets a track to suit him Mr. H., Hassall's gelding will give a good account of himself. ti ingot was very 6ore after racing at Feildiiig, and if the tracks at Hastings are not softened by rain the old Musketry gelding may be a non-starter. There are a lot of half-ready horses engaged in both Hurdle Races at Hastings to-morrow. Birkl'ul, who showed winning form at Awapuni, will be favourite in the Hack Hurdles, and Vi may occupy a like position in the Earamu Hurdles. There is a big field engaged in tho Maiden Kace at Hastings to-morrow, hut tliey contain a lot of unknowns, and thia being the case the locally-owned Maltegarde, who has several placed performances to her credit, will no doubt be favourite. The three-year-old will be greatly advantaged on the score of condition compared with most of the other runner™. The Gisborne trainer, P. Malone, nas arrived at Hastings with Fagot and Master Timi, who are to contest the jumping events at the Hawke's Bay Meeting. Both horses are in at the minimum. •In the Hawke's Bay Cup Leonta will be ridden by C. Price, Chortle by W. Ryan, Sauci (B. Deeley), Balboa (J. O'Shea), Bon Keve (L. Wilson), and Indigo (C. Stowe).

Mummer was well in the market yesterday for the Hawke's Bay Cup, in which he is placed within 41b. of Balboa. The latter is certain to start a good favourite. The case of the well-known jockey, E. Moon, who was fined in the Police Court at Sydney for unduly punishing his mount in a race at Enndwick, makes interesting reading. According to files to hand the horse was a hot favourite, but early in the race he cracked up, and then Moon got to work on him./ Beading between the lines it seems that the animal had more food than was good for a horse trying to win a race, but apparently the rider was not in the know, hence his severity on the animal. Moon also got a month's spell from the stipendiaries. Owners are reminded that acceptances for the Marlborough Racing Club's Autumn Meeting to bo held on Wednesday and Thursday next close with Mr. L. Griffiths, the secretary, to-day. Satisfactory arrangements have been made bv the Union Company for a service between Wellington ana Picton in connection with the Marlborough races to be held on Wednesday and Thursday next. Steamers will leave Wellington for Picton at 12.45 p.m. on Saturday next and Monday next. These will be eminently suitable for horseowners. For passengers a special steamer will leave Wellington for Picton on Tuesday. A boat will leave Picton for Wellington on Wednesday and Thursday evening after the races, and a special will be put on on Friday, May 7, for horses. These arrangements should ensure a large attend, ance of North Island sports for this popular meeting. A fine rain, fell in Marlborough on Tuesday evening, and it is expected this will make the Riverlands Racecourse in splendid order for the Taces on Wednesday and Thursday next. It was reported that Pink Heather had been scratched for all engagements at the Marlborough Bacing Club's meeting to be held on Wednesday and Thursday next, May 5 and 6. This is incorrect, and the mare is an almost certain starter in the Maiden. on the first day.