SPORTING.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9100, 20 March 1908, Page 5

SPORTING.

THE SYDNEY CUP. Press Association—Copyright. Received Marctq2o, 10.15 a.m. Sydney, March 20. Apologue has been scratched for the Sydney Cup. Melbourne, March 20.

The Ballarat Cup resulted ; Boidol 1, Aibolith 2, Proceeder 3. Won by half a length. Time, 2min 12 2-ssec. WARRENGATE MEETING. The above meeting was held in most unfavourable weather, and what would have been a good day’s racing was turned int.o a dismal outing. Rain stopped the usual influx of Wanganui sports, and those present were almost entirely from the south. The bookmakers were in force, fourteen being licensed at £5 5s each with their clerks. The course in some' places was in fair order, but the stubble proved to be a bit heavy as the day wore on. Mr Selby Morton, the energetic secretary, did all that was possible for the visitors and owners. Mr J. Ooombe acted as starter and the manner in which ho got his fields away was highly commented upon. Racing started with the Handicap_ Hurdles, for which Speciosa (O. Whale). Cloudy Morn (J. Ainslie), Snip (W. Fahey), Waterworks (R. Arnott), and Oaloola (H. Telford) wont to the post. From a good start Speciosa went to the front, and jumping like a deer had. no trouble in settling all opposition, O. Whale handling his mount in a masterly manner aud winning by a couple of lengths from Snip. The winner is trained by T. Lloyd, at Orofton, who has been very successful in getting his charges to the front lately.

The Flying Handicap saw only Contour (W. Brice), Mereshot (J. Morris) and Sedgemoor (W. Raynor) face tlie barrier. Contour was the popular selection, but when it came to the business end ox the journey Sedgemoor camp away and won easily by a couple of lengths. Tokotaup, Lotus, Briarie, Eyes Front, Watershed, Akuronga, Nightmare, Noifa, and Lowgarth comprised the field in the Maiden Plate, but just prior to the start Noifa reared up and fell on W. H. McKay, her rider, and as he was tumble to ride her she did not start. Lightmare, a full sister to The Lark, in F. Tilley’s stable, was much fancied, and after a determined finish with Akuronga won by a neck.

Black Boy was the only withdrawal from the Fordell Handicap. Taupo, a fine looking gelding _by Chasseur, fiew out from the barrier, aud uothiug had a chance with him. Snip, who had previously finished second Spcciosa in the Hurdles, agaiu filled second place. Pearlie aud Xavier were withdrawn from the Cup, aud the public had some difficulty in sorting the winner from the top-weight division in Belario, Oryx, aud Anemone, the first-named eventually going out favourite. Oryx was out in front for a mile, but entering the straight Belario came at the leader, and won in a most decisive manner by a couple of lengths. Mrs McKay, Mayoress of Wanganui, presented the cup, aud Mr Bull suitably replied. Tins is the secoud occasion on which Mr Bull lias won the Warreugate Cup. Combine, Oalooia, Greeuhoy, Akurouga and Rawhetu, went to the front in the Ladies’ Bracelet. Rawhetu (Mr J. Signal) was sorted out as a likely winner, aud went to the post favourite. He was out in front from the fall of the flag, and soon had several lengths lead. Nearing the straight Akuronga made up a lot of ground hut the effort was too much, Rawhetu coming away in the straight and winning somewhat easily at the finish by a couple of lengths. Sedgemoor, Kai Erriu, Taupo, Firelight, Snip, Gale and Disciple started in the final race of the day, and it proved an interesting contest. Taupo, Kai Erriu, and Sedgemoor were all in it as the straight was reached, but the last-named proved too superior, winning by half a length from Kai Erriu. W. Price and W. Rayuer, with two wins each, 0. Whale, W.

Young, and Mr J. Signal a win each, were the successful horsemen.