WATAROA-WAITANGI RACES.

Hokitika Guardian, 30 March 1921, Page 3

WATAROA-WA ITANGI RACES.

(From a Correspondent). The Wataroa-Waitangi Racing Club held their first meeting on Wednesday, March 23rd. The races had been fixed tor Ihe 22nd, hut owing to inclement weather they were put off. The postponement brought no better weather and the rates were run in pouring rain. Large crowds attended from all parts of Westland, several motor ears driving on to the course. All the Club’s officials were courteous and attentive. , The programme was run off punctually, and nofliing happened to mar a good day’s racing. The starter (Mr A. f .Mcßride) is to lie complimented for | getting the horses all well away and . much credit is due to Mr T. Nolan, the t energetic Secretary. The course (6 furlongs) is a fine circle with no had corners. The Club intend to put some t more improvements in hand right away, and this course will he an extra good one and very fast. .

After the .Maiden Race, Mr J. Thomson, 4.P. of Okarito, presented the "inner, Mr Merle Fane, with a very handsome riding whip. .Mr Thomson, complimented the Club on their line course, and programme, and said lie was surprised to see the amount of work that had been done voluntarily. He said lie was with the Club in their desire to run good, clean sport, and to encourage the breeding of good horses in the district. In a happy speech lie went on to trace the early history of Wataron.

Mr Kane briefly responded and thanked Mr Thomson verv much for his

nice present. Much interest was centred in the Cup race, six horses staring. Separator being favourite. Tlie lot got 'roll away. Royal Dragoon took the lead with Grand Duchy close behind, the rest of the field about a chain behind raced closed together. This order was maintained for (i furlongs, when Kolyma put in her run and passed the two leaders on the inside. Grand Duchy under tlie whip, made a .big hid to overtake the mare, hut was beaten by half a length, with Royal Dragoon only a head away. Separator was never dangerous, hut opinions are freely expressed that he | was oil color that day. Recorder and 1 Rondor finished close up. It was a great race. Tin* cup, a very handsome one, which was donated to the Club by I Mr Tennant, jeweller of Grevmouth. [ was presented to Mr J.’Butler during

the afternoon. The Chairman, Mr T, Mcßride, made the presentation. He congratulated Mi Butler on his win and also complimented all owners and riders on the clean and sportsmanlike way the race was run. Mr Mcßride then thanked all visitors for tlieir patronage and set out the aims of the Club generally. Many cheers were then given for the owner, trainer, rider and the mare. The riders in tlit' Cup were Bert Gray (Kolyma), M. Patrick (Grand Duchy), \Y. Ruskn (Royal Dragoon), M. Fane (Separator), A. Dowell (Recorder); R. Williams (Bondor). All the other races were well contested, and in spite ol the rain the day was unanimously pronounced a decided success. The good fare provided by Mesdames Xissoii and .Mcßride was much appreciated, and they deserve much credit for keeping hot tea going all the a Itermum under such trying circumstances.

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