RACING.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3743, 26 January 1907, Page 3

RACING.

Notes on the Foxton Meeting.

[By our Special.]

It is doubtful whether there was ever a more quiet race-meeting than the late Foxton gathering. The police had no trouble with sharps or drunks, and as there was not a phenomenal attendace, the 'public moved about the lawn and paddock in peace and comfort. In fact, it has been freely remarked that the annual was more like a picnic than a race-meeting. So mote it ever be.

Punters generally managed to spot the winners, and Foxton turfites generally had a good time, especially when three of Toney Messina’s charges provided dividends on the second day. By the way, Toney has his horses looking very nice just now, and Waipaku strikes me as one likely to go on winning.

What a turn of luck young Dave Kemp had at the meeting ! He seemed to be always placed ; and he deserves to be, for he has always been one of our coolest headed horseman. The way he piloted Montigo, especially when he snatched victory from Charley Jenkins on Barca the second day was a credit to him, and must have given even the great Charley a bit of a shock. Talking of Montigo, it must be admitted W. Moore has this son of Strowan very well just now, and he finished up his races like a racehorse. But lam dubious about dubbing him a champion, as I wish to know of him defeating better than he downed at Foxton. However, he is at his best just now, and with 8.0 on his back should easily account for the opposition in the Pahiatua Cup next week. It is said a well-known Foxton sport had a good win over Montigo’s dual success.

For once in a while, all the good things served up at the meeting got home. Outside books got such a bad time that they absolutely refused to do business the second day, and punters were robbed of much foreign cash. Lord Soult was seen out on the first day, but seemed to be a long way short of form. Alf. Wright had two out in the Scurry, but neither ran into a place.

Rangipapa, who is not three years old till March, is a pretty good one and should catch the judge’s eye next start. I think Sen Sim has too much racing. One hurdle and one flat race each day is rather too much ; and yet he ran prominently in all his races.

Several horses at the meeting, spoken of as possessing a lot of pace, were evidently not doing their best at different times. That is if you listen to the aggrieved bettor who has lost a half sovereign.

C. Millen has St. Claimer looking well, and this horse won the open six very easily the first day. However, I don’t think St. Claimer is a weight carrier, as he repeatedly fails miserably when asked to carry anything bordering on 9.0 or over. Milieu informs me that both St. Maria and St. Clements are paddock trained ones, also that he has several St. Clements’ and St. Paul’s under his care at Normanby.

Red Shank was purchased by Mr Hikaka, St. Claimer's owner, during the meeting, and this nag will be put over the hunter’s obstacles next jumping season. The fact that last year’s tote figures were a record, and that the English cricket match was in progress at Palmerston this year, no doubt made this week’s figures appear small. All things considered, the local club are to be congratulated on the success of the recent gathering, and much credit is due to Angus Keith (secretary) and J. Whyte (late secretary), who rendered valuable service.

Charley Jenkins journeyed frem Wellington especially to ride Mahoe iu the Welter the second day. The trip did not prove in vain, for Mahoe won easily, aud the good thing which only paid £2 odd, was as hot as it was said to be.