OHURA SPRING MEETING.

King Country Chronicle, Volume III, Issue 196, 4 October 1909, Page 5

OHURA SPRING MEETING.

To the Editor. Sir,—Wilt yet* allow me, as an old "Owner" and "Trainer" space for a few remarks re the above:—"Tipster" i» evidently on* of tit* fraternity who hang round the "eacleeure" giving unsolicited advice to the innocents, such as: "Back the black 'one, sir, Vs agood'uo, V it," expecting, of course, if the black borate wins, a

"tip" for his counsel, but who, having neither bet or stake in the race, nor ownership, nor interest in the hones, stand* to lose nothing even if be can* not glean a few "bob" front the onwary. "Tipster's" remarks regarding the "condition" and performances" of the "hones" clear!? shows that be is not "inside the ring." "Stow Tom" he says, "is lacking in condition and has no chance." From a trainer's point of view "Slow Tom" la being gradually brought op to a form which should place him before the "starter" •• At a» a ttddU. If he can "stay," the only doubtful point, ho is bound to surprise the public. Having no previous "performances" it is hard to say what he may do "in company" but 1 •hall bo surprised if he does not run a "cloto-finish." Young Sir Colin, another "youngster" with no past "performances" has surprised "Tipster" by tfc* * f fine form in so short a time." Just so, "Tipster," but again you •how faulty Judgment. A "trainer" would tell you that the "fine form" baa been brought or* lc*» quickly and that Young Sir Colin is in inexperienced hands. His "trainers" are evidently now to the work, and have "worked up" an otherwise "promising young colt" to the "straining point" which experts know means a breakdown when put to the final test. It is a pity hj« is '" 9acß * "stable" because Young Brr Colin is a well built colt. eager for "work," clean of limb, and an Instinctive love for the "colours," Although never in a race, he has on several occasions had the "colours op»" and on these occasions, be has done some "fast gallops." Had he b«« s haadkd properly he would probOßij have given a good account of himself, but for the reason 1 have stated I eapeet to see him "finish up

several lengths behind." "Tipster V summing op of Plate Bill shows that be knows neither the horse or his p*rfonrmanees. Seme horses have a habit of never "extending" themselves. except when racing, and the "old veteran horse" is one of them. "Tipster" will have to learn a lot more be- ; fore be is able to judge a horse like 1 Plain Bill at exercise. "Ticster's" account of Plate Bill's performances is absolutely ridiculous, nad shows "Tipster" is not a student of the "Referee" or "Sportsman." The I "education Cop" is, as every "sport" knows, run off in beats, and though "Tipster" *ays the horse coold only reach "fourth place" the fact remains that he won his beat, and last April was the fifth time in succes«ion that i the "Veteran," after winning the beat, faced the starter for the "final." And for the fifth time in succession be "woo the cup." In the "Ohura Steeplechase" Plain Bill, according to "Tipster" was "hopelessly out of it." What ignorance. Plain Bill was a nonstarter, and was deliberately scratched by bis owner 30 minutes before the "weighing in." Mis owner wanted to win the "Otangiwai Handicap" with him and kept h»m back for that purpose. "Tipster" dees not say anything about the "Medical Stakes" which was won by Plain Bill about two years ago. or the "Great Northern Derby" in which no other competitor had a possible chance, or of the number of smaller events in which the "old veteran" simply romped home. "Tipster" also hints plainly that the veteran horse is a crook, but let me re- , mind him that "the horse is a noble animal" snd even the worst of them are infinitely superior to a common racecourse "toot" who is held in contempt by all the "racing world." Plain Bill's record on the local turf dosing the last five years *hows that he has a clean sheet. At all events he has never had to "face the stewards." "Tipster" does not tike the old veteran's gait. Simply because he does not understand his temper. The veteran has a knack of swerving and :• shying at ait unsightly objects such as touts and tipsters on the training track, but in actual racing he knows his work, and, occasionally, takes the bit in his teeth, When this happens, in spite of owner trainer, nr jockey, he makes for the judge's box. and generally succeeds in gaining ttw verdict by several lengths. All true j sports would like to see the 'Md veteran horse" annex the Handicap, and I for one. in spite of "Tipster's tip. ; quite expect to see the numbers go up as follow:—1st. Plain Bill: 2nd. Slow Tom; 3rd, Young Sir Colin.—l am. etc., "TRAINER."