SPORTING.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXX, Issue 8697, 4 January 1907, Page 2

SPORTING.

Westland Meeting

Pq;r Press Association. Hokitika, January 3. For the Westland Racing Club’s midsummer meeting there was splendid weather an d a record attendance. Stafford Handicap: Red Jacket 1, First View 2, Royal Crown 3. Civs, .£4 3s and £G 'l3s. Steward; ’ Handicap : Nnma 1, Jolly Roger 2, Rimanga 3. Div, £3 14s, Dash Ea .-‘heap Trot : Whirlwind 1, Kokatahi 2, Richard E. 3. Diva, £2 5s and £4 9s. Hurdle ? i ii’i'.ieap: Meotoropuku 1, Lissa 2. On I. stutters. Westland l fni''ieap : Abaydos 1, Tikarawa 2, Tsit.sil.ar 3. Div, £3 15s. Kanieri H" ■ hap Trot: Mawhera 1, Kokatahi 2, ' : Iwind 11. 3 Divs, £2 16s and £1 jl4s

Final Han dica „ Jolly Roger 1 Numa 2, Blessbok 3> D. £2 15s.

Rangitikeii R.C, Jubilee Meeting

The Rangjitik.ei Jubilee Meeting just concluded njust be voted as one of the best heid in j the history of the Club. It was fortunate that such splendid weather prevailed and it was pleasing to note that the popular programme put on met with the hearty appreciation of oiyners and patrons of the Club. Racing Club is one of the oldest racing clubs in New Zealand. It was in 1557 that the first meeting was held and it is difficult to realise the changes .fifty years have wrought. It is hard to believe that this prosperous Club should have been in existence for so many years. The meeting this year celebrated an important anniversary and a most enjoyable outing, as well as two capital day’s sport resulted.

The numerous officials worked ner..ously in the performance of their respective duties, among those deserving of special commendation being the secretary (Mr Goodall), treasurer (Mr Mansell), timekeeper (Mr W, J. Phillips), judge (Mr J. F. McKelvie), starter (Mr T. Cameron), clerk of course (Mr J. MeDonoll), clerk of scales (Mr R. Wilson) and his assistant (Mr A. Fraser). The popularity of the Club’s summer meeting was again made manifest, and another success must be added to tbe long list previously scored. Among those present were many ladies arrayed in bright and becoming costumes appropriate to the season and to the occasion.

The Club received hearty public support not only fror. 'hose resident in the immediate locally , but also from all in the district who take an interest in sport.

A pleasing feature of this year’s meeting wr s that the two day’s racing passed off without any serious mishap, although Mr W. Higgins received a severe shaking off Weary Bill in the hurdle event, and the stewards were not called upon to consider any protests or to inquire into any suspicious running.

The fields, save in one or two instances, were small, but generally the contests were so keen and the probable results so cleverly hidden by the handieapper, that nearly every race had its exciting interest. It was the first meeting at which the adjustments had been made by Mr Ulio Shannon, and he is to be congratulated on his success. Amongst the old identities associated with the Club since its inception, and present at the meeting, may be mentioned the names of Messrs D. Fraser, D. Scott, J. G. Wilson, J. Croker, D. Coughlin, A. and W. Bailey, E. Stevens and J. Scott. Messrs D. Scott and J. Croker rode fifty years ago. Mr J. Scott also rode in the early days for Captain Daniels. It was pleasing to see these old identities, as keen iu the sport as ever, taking an active part in the management of their club, which they have so carefully piloted for all these years. -■ ■ The totalisator was successfully worked by Messrs Neylou and Spriggens, and the firm employed a capable staff. The total sum handled for the meeting was £17,271, which is a substantial increase of £1685 over last year’s total of £15,585. Takings from the gates, etc., also showed a satisfactory increase. The management throughout was excellent, and Mr Goodall (secretary), Mr Mansell (treasurer), and the rest of the executive are entitled to all credit for their methodical and capable supervision of U details.

"he presentation of the Cup was a most interesting and pleasing event. A graceful compliment was paid to Mr Charlie Jenkins when it was announced that Mr Prosser, the owner of Marguerite, had decided to present the valuable cup to him, in recognition of many years faithful service. Not, said Mr Baldwin, who received the cup, that Mr Prosser did not value the trophy—no one could value it more—but be could think of no better way of recognising tbe valued services of his light-weight rider to him in the years and seasons that have passed. A unique performance was put up by L. Miller who rode the winners of the four hurdle events. W. Price rode three winners, three seconds and one third, and G. Price was also successful in steering winners in three events. It would have paid investors to have backed the Price brothers. They had fourteen mounts and if £1 was invested on the machine each time, a credit of £ls would have been the result. Of this sum £l4 19s worked out in favour of W. Price. G. Price had seven mounts and the dividends on his three victories amounted to £7 Is.

The following are the winning owners: —J. H. Prosser £370, cup valued £SO and bracelet valued at £25 ; E. Morrison £l5O, C. Hammond £l2O, J. P, Buchanan £l2O, Ross Allen £llO, E. W. Collins £IOO, A. Peters £IOO, W. Homes £7O, W. Murray £7O, G. Penfold £7O, A. Cameron £6O, E. Moore £SO, Dr. Paget £SO, F. Tilley £25, A. Barclay £2O, F, Preston £2O, J. H. Evans £lO, T. A. Williams £lO, A. Shearsby £lO, G. M. Currie £lO, F. H. Lambert £lO, W. Davis £5.