SPORTING.

Otaki Mail, 4 January 1924, Page 3

SPORTING.

TAUHEBENTKATJ MEETING. BOTH CUPS COME TO THIS COAST. Well backed horses ran well in the President's Handicap, but the winner's success was a surprise. Ten went to the post and Zouave, on his Auckland running, was made a good favourite, Little Kiver and Martian Miss also being well supported. After a long delay at the post, they went away in a good line, and passing the stand Zerc Hour was showing the way to Martian Miss, Happy Days, and Zouave. Helen Rufus being tailed off. Entering the back stretch Happy Days had rushed to the van, and was in front of Zero Hour, Zouave, Martian Miss, Star Ranger and Bitters, while Merry Day and Helen Rufus were improving their positions. Happy Days led round the far turn from Merry Day, Zouave, and Bitters. At the straight entrance, Happy Days still had the lead, while Zouave had run up into second place, ahead of Bitters, Martian Miss and Merry Day. In the run home Happy Days held her own and won nicely by two lengths. Martian Miss, full of running, was second, a length in front of Zouave, and then followed Bitters, Little River, Merry Day and Zero Hour. Mr. E. Penman is to be congratulated upon his success. "The success of locally-trained horses was very pronounced at the Taukerenikau meeting, and it is a noteworthy fact that both valuable cups came to this coast. Mr. F. J. Carmont's Helen Rufus ran splendidly the first day, but was beaten by Little River, who however, was disqualified for being unable to draw weight, Mr. Vallance, owner, thinking an allowance could be made. Helen Rufus was thus awarded the stake (£500) and the cup, valued at £SO. On the second day Mr. "Ted" Penman secured the gold cup (valued at £SO) and the stake of £350, when Happy Days led from start to finish, eventually winning in a most decisive way. Both cups were presented during tho"meeting ■when complimentary references were made. On the second day Mr. Penman met the stewards of the club when he was introduced by Mr. W. E. Bidwell, president. Mr. Penman stated that he wa3 naturally pleased with his success, and that it was his desire to prresent the valuable cup to Mrs, Penman. He had been the means of winning several cups, but never before had he won one ■ for hims'elf. Mr. Penman then paid I a tribute to the stewards and the club J in general. I Mr. Bidwell thanked Mr. Penman for ] his remarks, and said he reciprocated I all the nice things said. Mr. Penman, j ho said, was known throughout New I Zealand, and added that nothing was j known against him, in fact all kne" ! that he siniply raced for sport. Mr. j Bidwell said he was pleased Mr. Per< ] man had been successful and wished \ him continued success. He then invited ! Mr. Penman and the stewards to join j him iu light refreshment, when further , nice things were said anent the win. i On the first clay Bouidecr, trainee! h~ Mr. Dug. Webster, ran a gooci second, while Counter Attack, trained by ;-•*.'. j Frank Higgott, ran into second"pi r.-v

in the Wardell Welter, being beaten by Peneus in the run home, Mr. Higgott was successful with Imperii:' Spark. who won the Telegraph start to finish. Mr. Brandon's Moonstruck, ran a good race in the Featherston Hack Welter and secured fourth position.

On the second day Moonstruck slewed improved form and -won the Tawahr. Pack comfortably, paying a good divifiend. la the President's Handicap. won by Happy Days, there was - double" figure dividend. Bitters rar into fourth place. In the Juvenile Handicap, Bouideer ran into second place being beaten by Lady Isinglass, train ed by Mr. Fred Carmont. Imperii. Spark won the Camp Hack from end to iend with ease while Counter Attael. did likewise in the Waihenga Welter %n the, final race of the meeting Thurles trained by Mr.' Higgott, ran second kxter a fine finish with Piquant (imported). On the whole it was o splendid meeting for local horses, and train.erg pliggott, Penman, Wiebator, .and Carmont are to be warmlv congratulated. There were many visitors from Otalu, and on the whole the punters had no room to complain. Several participated in tire double-figure dividend.