SPORTING.

King Country Chronicle, Volume I, Issue 4, 16 November 1906, Page 3

SPORTING.

0Taumarunui Races. The Taumarunui race meeting which was held on November gth, \yas not .favoured with an ideal day, in the. matter of weather. After a night's heavy rain the clouds broke somewhat, and with occasional peeps of blue sky, it seemed as though the rain had cleared, and people prepared to enjoy themselves. Quite a number of visiting sports airived from Auckland and Waikato on the Thursday evening, and these were reinforced on Friday morning by a strong contingent from Raurimu, and the front of the Main Trunk Line, the latter arriving by special train. For a couple of hours before mid-day the township presented, a busy scene. Brakes and busses carried the crowd to the racecourse, but just before the first race the sky became overcast, and the rain commenced. From that out, a steady downpour continued until the last race. Throughout the day the crowd took matters philosophically, and despite the depressing circumstances, it was a very good-humoured public which wended its way home over the muddy roads, at the conclusion of the meeting. The club officials are to be complimented upon the manner in which the meeting was conducted. The Secretary, Mr C. Dallas, worked hard |and was well. assisted by the Stewards. Mr C. Dunster was starter, and Mr C. Ryan occupied the judge's box. Coming to the racing, the local mare Matahura, owned by Mr Hunt, showed the best form. She stripped in excellent condition, and won both Maiden Plate and Cup, and had the bad luck to get left at the post for the Matapuna Handicap. Of the others, Stepney performed best, winning the Matapuna and Forced Handicaps. The following are the results of the various events: — Manunui Hurdle Race. —Hokio I, Dhudeen 2. . Stepney also started. From an even start Hokio led over the first obstacle, but at the hurdles in the straight Stepney made ground, arid was first around the bend. At the back of the-course Stepney ran off, leaving Hokio in the lead, which he maintained to the finish. Maiden Race. —Matahura I, Pukanui 2, Leonette 3. These were the only starters. From the start Matahura and Pukanui raced together for half-a-mile, when Pukanui assumed the lead. On entering the home stretch, Matahura went to the front and won comfortably. Taumarunui Cup. Matahura I, Hokio 2, Agrapus 3. Also started: Lunetta and Stepney. After considerable delay at the post, the flag fell to an uneven start, Lunetta and Stepney being left, and taking no part in the race. Matahura led nearly all the way and won with something in hand. Rangaroa Welter Handicap.—Dhudeen I. Also started: Fortification. At the back of the course Fortification's rider fell off, leaving the winner to«come in alone. Matapuna Handicap. —Stepney I, Lunetta 2, Agrapus 3. Also started : Bellbird, Pukanui and Matahura. Lunetta and Stepney were first away, while Matahura got badly left. Lunetta was in front till entering the straight, when Stepney got his head in front, and won by a neck. Forced Handicap.—Stepney I, Piriaka 2. These were the only starters, .and Stepney won by half-a-length. After the races a ball was held in the hall, and notwithstanding the previous wetting, experienced by most of those present, the function was most successful. The hall was crowded, and dancing was indulged in till a late hour.