RANGITIKEI HUNT.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXII, Issue 8870, 22 July 1907, Page 2

RANGITIKEI HUNT.

Poiht-to-Point Steeplechases. It was bitterly cold on Saturday for the Point-to-Poiut Steeplechases, but this did not interfere with the attendance, as there was a -largo and enthusiastic assemblage of spectators to witness the popular form of crosscountry racing. The meeting was held at “View Halloa,” over the proper ty of Air D. G. Riddiford, Master of Raugitikei Hunt, and a more inviting country spot could hardly have been chosen. A flue course was selected, and a capital view of the. racing could be obtained. The events did not fill so •well this year, but the racing was exceptionally good, the finishes .provoking great excitement. A useful lot of horses were out, and no doubt will bo seen again at the Marton meeting. A word of praise is due to the officials for the able manner in which they carried out their duties. Mr R. 1 Aldworth was judge, Air A. H. Bill starter, and Air P. Wotton clerk of course; Air J. G. Wilson (president) presented the prizes. Ho referred to the capital day’s sport and to the excellent' course which had been- kindly placed at the dispose of the Hunt by Air D. G. Mddiford. The trophies were then distributed to the successful owners, who were heartily cheered. The prizes were donated by the following :—Welter Weights, Air A. Oameron; Lightweights, Air E. J. Wilde; Alembers’ Race, Air J. G. Wilson; Farmers’ Race, Air D. G. Riddiford, Results: WELTER WEIGHTS (13st. 71b.) Air Hamish Wilson’s Pilot, by

Gunboat (Owner) . . . . t Air Jas. AlcGregor’s Korern, by Kempeufeldt (Owner).. .. t Air D. G, Riddiford’s Concord (Mr J. J. Bryce) .. .. 3 Also ran: Air J. R. Stoddart’s Dick Peel. The field ran in close company over the first two fences, and Pilot then showed the way through the UQxt paddock, but took a bad course and allowed Concord to got ahead. In the run along the back Pilot was again in command, but baulked at the spar, and Concord also refused at this obstacle. This allowed Keroru to get a strong lead, but going across the top stretch Pilot improved his position, and was on even terms in the last paddock from home. The pair took the last fence together. 'A ding-dong finish resulted in a dead heat. LIGHTWEIGHTS, (list. 7b.) Airs D. G. Riddiford’s Whipcord, Ruataugata—Southern Chief mare (Mr D. AlcLoau) .. 1 Mr G. O'. Bruere’s Hakaiau, Doncastor —Norma (Owner) .. 3 Mr G. H. Wilson’s Rodberry, by Flintlock (Owner) .. .. 3 Also ran: Mr O. Galpin’s Outcast, Air D. R. Hewitt’s The Vagrant, Miss E. F. Smith’s Griselda, Air H. F. Arkwright’s D ick Roacho. Hakarau was first away and led throught ho first two _ paddocks, whore Whipcord headed him, closel y followed by The Vagrant and Redo berry. The leader dropped back momentarily and when heads _ wore turned for home the chances of Red - berry and Hakarau were loudly proclaimed, but Whipcord, nicely handled by Mr McLean, came again, and stalling off a strong challenge by Hakarau won by three lengths, Redberry being close up third. Outcast fell at the back of the course, and Dick Roache struck the last jump and unseated his rider, Mr Arkwright, who was unhurt. AIBMBERS’ STEEPLECHASE (12st. 71b.). Air J. H. AlcLean’s Myrtle, by Argyle (Owner) .. .. 1 Mr D. McLean’s Quartermaster, by * Forager (Owner) .. ..3 Mr Lynn McKelvie’s Hailstone (Owner) 3 Also ran: Mr O. Galpin’s College Cadet, Air E. J. Wilde’s Viceroy, Mr L. T. McLean’s Rum ’Un. Hailstone was in front from the start and increased his lead to a dozen lengths going along the back stretch, but in the run home the grey horse dropped back and Quartermaster put in a strong run, but showed signs of distress over the last fence, and Myrtle held an advantage and won fairly easy. FARMERS’ STEEPLECHASE (12st.). Air A. Carter’s Waikura (Owner) 1 Mr F, AlcLean’s Doreen .. 3

Mr D. McLean’s Howitzer .. 3 Doreen led for a short distance, and then Waikura took np the running and was never headed, winning comfortably by several lengths.