RACING.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 444, 31 December 1908, Page 3

RACING.

At the Ashhurst meeting, Foxton’s popular owner and trainer, Mr S. Messena, managed to make a scoop by annexing the Ashhurst Guineas and the Cup. There were only four starters in the former, but the race was a most interesting one between the first two horses. Waitoto, the winner, is a well-grown full-brother to Waipaku, who won the Cup, and each is owned by Mr S. Messena, who also bred the pair of winners, also their half-brother, Waitapu. Waipuna, their dam, has proved herself a valuable possession of Mr Messena’s. In the Guineas, the issue was iu doubt light up to the post, the Fordell representative, Midiau, fighting out a most stubborn finish. Waitoto did not appear to race very kindly along the back stretch, and, judging by the frantic action of his tail, McKay, his rider, must have been at work pretty strongly. However, at the bottom turn the big fellow settled down, and raced much better, finishing iu a thoroughly game manner. Judged on Tuesday’s form, Waitoto will prove a meet companion for Waitapu and Waipaku and Co. After the race, the time - honoured ceremony of investing the winner with the coveted blue ribbon was carried out by Miss Patou, daughter of MrJ. H. Paton, treasurer of the club, to the accompaniment of much cheering and the strains of '' See the Conquering Hero ’ ’ played by the Ashhurst Band.

There were only four starters in the Guineas, Ouvrage being withdrawn. Waitoto was sent out favourite, Midiau, the representative of the Fordell stable, being next on order. A good start was effected. Bravery and Pikiho were the first to get going, but at the end of a furlong Midian and Waitoto were in front, Waitoto taking charge at the five-furlong post. He appeared to run unkindly along the back stretch, but settled down at the top turn, where Midian came at him again. The pair raced abreast to the post, where Waitoto had a neck the best of it, with Pikiho half a dozen lengths away third.

Seven acceptors went to the post in the Ashhurst Cup, the absentees being Ko* pu, Mussel, Tangeroa. Taugimoaua, despite her steadier of y. 4 and the ga ie blowing, was selected by the public as a winner, with Moloch' and Waipaku closely backed-Tiding second and third favourites. Probability was esteemed the best of the others. A good start was effected, Probability, followed by Moloch, being the first to get going. Passing the stand Waipaku was just in front of Probability, with Archlight third, Riflemaid and Moloch close up, and Tangimoaua last. Rounding the top turn and along the back stretch Waipaku put several lengths between herself and the field, the top weight still being last. She, however, commenced a forward move at the far turn, and at the turning for home was lying fourth or fifth, with Waipaku still in front, with a commanding lead. In the run to the post the topweight cut down all the opposition, except Waipaku, who won comfortably by a length, Moloch close up third. Riflemaid was fourth, and then Probability, Carissima and Arclight.

Trial Hurdles. —Moose i, Hip.porofla 2. Flying Hack Handicap.—Taumano i, Te Ru 2, Royal Maid 3. Time, imin 2secs. Komako Welter. —Roosevelt 1, Tangeroa 2, Milditra 3. Time, imin 3osecs.

Pohangina Handicap.—Tumut 1, Advantage 2, Ballarat 3. Time, imin iq^secs. Maiden Hack Handicap.—Conquestina x, Fond Memory 2, Toauga 3. Time 56 1-5 secs. Gorge Handicap.—Lethean 1, Miss Vera 2, Lorieti3. Time, 1 min sosecs.