SPORTING.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3748, 7 February 1907, Page 2

SPORTING.

The Pahiatua Meeting.

[By our Special.]

That there has been too much racing was again evidenced at Pahiatua, when there was, another shortage of totalisator receipts recorded. Certainly against the too much racing argument, it must be remembered that at different stages of the meeting the public seemed to lose all confidence in the starter, owing to his erratic despatches, and besides this two and three horse races had to be contended against. These facts may have had a lot to do with the small tote returns.

Speaking of the starting, I first thought it best for pressmen to make no comment. But on second thought I am pleased objection has been made by at least one writer, (“ Geraint in Manawatu Standard) to the apparent incompetence of the gentleman in charge ot the flag. The demonstration which met the return of the starter to the enclosure from the bad starts he effected the first day should have been enough to convince Mr McCardle that starting racehorses was not his game. But no, and the club decided in his favour as starter again the second day, when some good starts were made by the gentleman in question, also some bad ones. In conversation with two of the leading horsemen the second morning of the races, I learned there was a desire amongst the members o'f the pigskin profession to frame a petition asking that a change be made, as no one had any confidence in the official doing duty. In fact, I understand the President of the club was approached ou the point, when he wished to know “ what was the matter with the first day’s starting.’’ However, Mr McCardle had charge of the tapes throughout the meeting, but it is to be hoped the club will see fit to appoint a more competent person for the position when next meeting comes round. Men may be gentlemen in every other respect, but the racing public, as well as any other, have a perfect right to claim the services of competent officials. And it cannot be said that Mr McCardle proved a competent starter at the late meeting. Much, in fact the whole of the success of a race meeting, depends upon the starter, and if the Pahiatua Club only knew it, they lost several acceptances the second day owing to this fault. Owners, trainers, jockeys, and the public generally bespoke these sentiments, and it is to be hoped the Pahiatua club will wipe the haze from their eyelids and see the facts.

Sandix, after falling backwards prior to his race the first day and inflicting slight injuries to his rider, Fred Jones, proved himself a fair horse by winning under hard riding throughout. Montigo must have cost someone some money in his essays each day. He ran two fair races but was just outclassed. First day he got chopped out badly, while he is supposed to have got the bit under his tongue the second attempt. Fancy it would have been all the same, as Makikihi, after being left badly, won easily. Toney Messina’s Waicola ran a solid race first day, but after getting worst of start and running to the front fastly, was beaten badly. Ancyle won the Scurry rather easily and should go on winning, also Mauira, who is on the improve.

W. Carter’s Motoa was amongst those left in the Trial Hack, and one could not judge his capabilities.

Never at his best was Lord Sonlt allowed to get such a break on his field as Pearlie and Hillsong in their respective races the first day. These were the events that caused the demonstrations against the starter.

Full Rate must be something out of the ordinary, for he gave Pearlie twelve lengths, 2St 2lb, and a solid beating over six furlongs first day. Pearlie won easily the second day.

Millenial must be a brilliant mare, but she runs some peculiar races. She is always ,in front at some part of her races, but I notice she stays in that position occasionally, and when she does win she wins ridiculously easy. Another of Lord’s team worth watching is Moral, as he is fit enough to win anything just now.

Mr Geo. Langley had charge of the luncheon booths at the gathering and catered in his best known style.

Bavinia stumbled badly at her jumps the first day, and in fact was galloped on so badly that she was sent home and did not compete second day.

I understand Wilson Bros., purchased Waihuka during the meeting. Waihuka ran second to Ancyle in the Scurry, A Maiden that took my eye as a fair one likely to win shortly was Sii Benson, owned by Mr Mclvor ot Polyanthus fame. All sorts of rumours were afloat as to different horses engaged in the final event of the meeting, and as a result Makikihi was allowed to pay the false price of odd.