SPORTING.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3769, 30 July 1907, Page 3

SPORTING.

By Probable,

Racing at Trentham on Wednesday last witnessed big surprises and dividends, notably in the cases of Regulation and Nukitihi. I understand the former’s party did anticipate in the proceeds of the dividend, though Nukitihi’s connections went for a fair win off the Daystar representative. That particular race was a close finish between the winner, Tawhera, Warlock and Oblivion, and opinion differs as to whether the second and third horses were placed correctly by Judge Hartgill. Many aver that Tawhera was second, and Warlock no nearer than fourth. However, it was only a matter of inches, and sports generally should agree with the placing, as in such close finishes the man in the box alone is the only person who is in a position to judge correctly, and especially when the person in the box is Judge Hartgill, the most able adjudicator in the colony. Old 13-year Haydn showed that with age he has lost none of his dash as a Steepler, for he fairly relished the task of clearing the scrub, and won both events in good style. On the second occasion he fairly ran away from Khama when the straight was reached. It is doubtful whether any pair ever received such an ovation on returning to scale, as when Haydn and Julian (jock) did on Wednesday and Saturday last, and they deserve all the kudos. If he undertakes the journey, Haydn must be given a chance in the big National this month, as it’s doubtful whether he was ever better than at present. Seaman’s gallop in the Parliamentary first day improved him out of all knowl.dge, for in the Waterloo both he and Medallist fought out a sterling finish lengths ahead of the rest of the field, while Seaman, with 10.2, won the Oats on Saturday in a common fashion by half a dozen lengths. St. Albert won the Hack Hurdles on Saturday last like a racehorse, and must be reckoned with in the Canterbury hurdle events as he will win first time the boodle is in. Billy Young, recently returned from Melbourne, had the mount. What with Merriwai, Waipu, and St. Albert, Jack Cameron has a nice trio of fencers in training for Fred Douglas. Whakawehi ran a good race in the Oats last Saturday, and it is said his connections would have reaped a good harvest had he survived, but the Daunt rep. was not quite ready, and after leading for most ot the journey, finished just behind the placed horses. The going was not to his liking, and he will be seen to mere advantage when he strikes the hard going. Gawaiu was the unlucky horse at the gathering, for although he was placed in each ot his three starts he failed to annex a first. He is just getting well, and may do better if placed in the hands of a more experienced trainer. Young Cairns, Frank Higgott’s boy. was put out during the pleasure of the stewards for allegedly interfering with St. Clairaer in the Onslow. Cairns was on Kaiuku. A bit of dough went on St. Claimer in that event, by the way, but the “chat ” was out, as Jollj 7 Friar fairly revelled in the heavy going, and flew in. There was over 3000 on the final hack race at Trentham, 1020 being on Aotea. but Prosser’s charge could get no nearer than third to Clem, who was ably handled by Sid Reid.

Paritutu is the “good-goods” for the National Hurdles, and the books are almost full of him. Methinks, some of the light weights are sure to beat him.

In a chat with W. Young, I learned that he was not partial to the steeple-fences on the other side which are all full-sized. Billy saw a field of twelve go out in one Steeple event over there, but only two finished the course. He himself was on Swimmer when that nag tell in the big Victorian steeple. There was said to be a lot of money on Ben Jonson in different parts of the colony on Saturday, and the good thing duly came off, going off the mark first and giving nothing else a chance. He should win any hurdle event he wishes to over a mile and a-half course.

The accident in the jumpers’ flat was of a disastrous nature. A field of seventeen went to the post, and started about 100 yards from the- bend out of the straight. It was in the race to get round the turn that the mishap occurred, and it was a smash, and perhaps it was fortunate that more serious results did not follow. The unlucky Prospector (with Henry Fairbrother aboard) was the first to fall, and he brought four others down. Then there was a tangle, horses kicking in their endeavours to rise themselves, and horsemen trying to make an exit to safe quarters. Jack Hercock (Rosegrove) and Futcber (Bonheur) managed to escape unhurt, but Jack McGregor (Fe Beau) received a dislocated shoulder and, broken arm in the struggle, and J. O’Connell (Waipu) received severe bruises, which will necessitate his laying up for a week or more. Henry Fairbrother was more unfortunate, for his mount Proprietor rolled on him, while some of the other horses must have interfered with him, for on examination it was found his thigh was broken besides several ribs injured. Nevertheless, he remained conscious and is doing as well as can be expected, in the Wellington Hospital. All will wish the popular “Fairy” ultimate recovery, as he is undoubtedly one of the best of out horsemen and without an enemy in his profession. It is said the Wellington Racing Club’s casualty room

could he better provided for than at present, and it is to be hoped the dull will see to the requirements.

Secretary Whyte worked energetically an I courteously throughout the meeting to club’s advantage.

The race ball this season was a distinct success.