RACING.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 2532, 20 January 1923, Page 2

RACING.

FOXTON DIAMOND JUBILEE MEETING. TO-DAY ANDMONDAY. A RECORD MEETING PREDICTED. The prospects of a record meeting for the Foxton Racing Club’s Diamond Jubilee meeting are, excellent and the weather for the opening day perfect. The tracks have never been in better order, the recent rain having benefit ted the sandy soil which with a splendid sole of grass, fast times should be registered. The response from owners has been liberal in every event, and with a fair amount of luck, two dividends should be declared in each race. The racecourse and environment are without a doubt the most picturesque on the coast and from a spectator’s point of view in witnessing the racing the natural grandstand is all that could be desired. Hot water can be obtained from the caterers at a nominal charge. The catering is under the able control of Mr G. Langley, which is a sufficient guarantee that patrons ,-an rely on a first-class luncheon. The Palmerston North Municipal Band (full contest strength) will l ender a first-class pogramme under the conduetorship of Mr Charles Pike on both days.

In order to celebrate the jubilee gathering the Manawntu Racecourse trustees have presented'a beautifully 'designed silver cup with a minature model of a horse on the cover suitably engraved. The trainer of the winner will receive a pair of binoculars donated by the Executive Association and the rider will receive a gold-mounted whip presented by Mrs Walter Kirkland (Whvte's Hotel, Foxton). CUP' STARTERS & RIDERS: Admiral C'odrington 9.0, C. W. France; Prill temps 8.12, B. Brodie; Dissertation 7.13, L. G. Morris; Omahu 7.13, B. 11. Morris; Kareno 7.9, H. K. Alexander; Hallowroz 7.9., L. G. Butler; Crueelle 7.6, W. Mitchell; Mark Time 7.5, L. A. Pine; Martulla 6.12, N. F. Johnson; Beloved 6.12, C'. E. Edwards; Cheer Up 6.7, S. Anderson; War Loan 6.7., F. McGovern. SCRATCHINGS. Railand has been scratched for the Cup and Kuia for all engagements. THE “CUP” OF SIXTY YEARS AGO. AN AMUSING INCIDENT. It may surprise local sports of to-day to know that a “cup” race was held in 1863. The cup was something more useful than a piece of plate in those days and consisted of five sacks of taewas (potatoes). A gallant native-owned steed by the name of “Wharemoko” annexed the “cup” that year. It was a great and exciting race. The taewas were piled up near the finishing post and as the race was in progress a palieka climbed on top of the potatoes in order to get a better view of event. An old Maori woman whose people had an interest in the favourite, spied the excited pakeha on his vantage point and in an excited and menancing mood rushed towards him, shouting “Get off! Get off! You are standing on the—Cup!”