SPORTING.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 16, 2 January 1912, Page 5

SPORTING.

THE STRATFORD CLUB’S ANNUAL MEETING.

PRESIDENT, A. W. Budge; VicePresident, \V. H. Young; Stewards, A. \V. iiudge, \V. J-. Aronson, W. ii. Young, s. Pitt, A. Stewart, J. Frodric, E. B. Stohr, J. B. Richards, G. Symc, F. \Yebb, E. Jackson, Hugh Good, E. Glasgow, W. P. Kirkwood, D. J. Malone, J. F. Watson, J. Stanford; Handicapper J. E. Jienrys; Ulcrk ol Scales, c,. D. Sole; Clerk ol Course, A. J. Davey; Timekeeper, J. F. Watson; Judge, J. R. L. Sandford; Starter, Ti. j Jiompsou; Hon. Treasurer, S. Pitt; Secretary, J. R. Aiackay; Acting-Secretary, G. D. Hunter.

FIRST DAY. Hearty congratulations to the Stratford Racing Club were yesterday expressed on every hand at tiie great .mprovoment made to tjie course, and to tiie appointments, and it is hot surprising to find tnat tm* gathering was easily a record one 'n tnc Club s History. To me strenuous work put m by the President, Mr. A. \V. Pudge, and those closely associated with him in the care and control oi tiie Club’s affairs tnis is largely due, and though something yet remains to oj done as, for instance, the turrlier

miproving of the totalisator house and appointments, yet it is safe to say i.iore are few racing clubs outside tue metropolitan centres so well conducted or so successful.

Tiie racing yesterday was on the whole interesting, close finishes and well-coucealsd winners being tiie order of me day. Two Stratford Cup was won by o argon, Mr. Good.son s handsome brown norse maintaining the good form recently shown, ana winning fairly comfortably. Tiie Farmers' iTate, always a popular event on the card, was annexed by .Vlf. G. 11. Gibson’s Pikitaeapa, who defeated Mr. D. d. Goodwill’s Rouge Dragoon.

;ur. iiruugfl, who rode cue winner, was presented witn the dub’s trophy by toe President’s wife, Mrs. A. W. budge, amid cheers. Tue Stratford Brass Baud played an excellent programme under Mr. Marshall’s direction, Messrs Elder and F. Rhodes attending to tip; catering in good style. Messrs. Neylon and Spriggins were conducting the totalisator, and put through too largest sum ever handled at a Stratford meeting on 011 a aay. Mr. T. Buchanan (Waitara) lent Mr. Hunter valuable assistance in the secretary’s office, and Mr J. Chadwick framed the handicaps for to-day’s racing, a good acceptance resulting. •nidging from the dust raised by the motors and drags yesterday, on their way to the course, it looked as if Stratford had been suffering from .1 drought and not a deluge. The track itself was in good order, except that the two places filled in were a trifle springy. Taken as a whole, it was a perfect day, and left little to be desired. General admiration was expressed at the' improvements made by the Club. They- have a naturally beautiful ground, and only a little time is wanted to bring it into the front among the finest courses in the Dominion. A little over ten thousand, to be exact, 810,114, was piit through'the totalisator, as against £7415 10s last'year. 1 The odd ten shillings calls to mind; the fact that this year there wbre no! ten shilling' tickets. No doubt this kept many timid punters from plunging and it is in some ways to be regretted that the Club were unable to provide for the lower tickets. In comparing the totalisator figures it must be remembered that in 1911 the “books” were on the grounds. A meeting without the genial presence of Mr. J. B. Mackay would have indeed been a calamity. As it was, Mr. Mackay watched the proceedings from an easy chair on the balcony of the new stewards’ stand.' Mr. J. 11. L. Stanford made a very j I creditable debut as judge. He made no mistakes, and his decisions were promptitude itself. Many at first regretted the transfer of Mr. A. W. Budge from the important position as starter, hut after watching Mr. Harry Thompson getting the field away, the general verdict was that in the Christchurch man the president has a worthy successor. Mr. Thompson came out of the day’s work with flying colours, and there was not a poor start in the day’s programme. Mr. G. D. Hunter, acting-secre-tary, fulfilled that important office w : th much credit to himself and the Club, while the other officials wero also noticeable for good work.

rita Racing. Racing opened with the Tariki Welter, for which five acceptors put in an appearance. Ngatiruanui, who were the rogue’s badge, was as usual troublesome at the post, but when the barrier was raised he commenced smartly, and before going a hundred yards, 'had .taken command, and he remained in front all the w.ay. Manawhakaha, the favourite, * made no ineffective effort to catcli him from the turn home, Ngatiruanui winning by a good length, the others finishing in straggling order. Twelve acceptors were saddled up for the Borough Stakes, and from a splendid start Tobias and Galtee wore the first to catch the eye, and load into the straight from Rector Girl. At the half distance Rector Girl and Royal Dragoon were battling it out, when Silver Hope, coming from the back, led at a great pace and won by a length, with Rector Girl and Galtee separated by little more than a neck. Mir no was fourth, and Royal Dragoon fifth. \ Of the five starters in the Cup, To Roti went to the front, and forced the pace, followed by Jargon and Epsom Lass in company. To Roti passed tire stand leading by several lengths. Three furlongs Horn home, Jargon and Sandy Paul took closer order, and got withing a length. At the turn from home Jargon joined the leader, and started to draw away. Sandy Paul, with a late run, passed To Roti, but failed by a clear length to catch the winner. Two lengths separated the second and third horses. In the Midhirst Handicap there were but live starters. At 'he past they were a long time getting into line, but a beautiful "start v-as effected, of which Memo Emerald appeared to have a slight advantage. .Muleteer got to the front at the first turn, and led from Merrie Emerald and Minora, with Monsieur Soult badly left. At the caretaker’s cottage Merrie Emerald was racing ui Muleteer’s quarters, but at tiie gate was half a length to the bad. Tu n’r g for home Muleteer still led by half a length from Merrie Emerald, with Cornelian third, five lengths away. Of a good field in the Ohura Hurdles, Jackman went to tho front, followed by Brilliancy and Pleiades, and after running about half the distance this was still the order, with Alluar just clear of the others. Pleiades set out after Jackman, and, headed Brilliancy before the turn from home,, when A lunar came wit i a run and passed Brilliancy, and .Pleiades and Jackman decreased tne gap, Alluar in a good finish, heat him home by a

length, Pleiades was t.'Wa* lengths away, with Clemency and Brilliancy in that order.

In the Farmers’ Plate Wee Paul was the only absentee, and the held of seven got' away well together, with the exception of Deemster, who dwelt at tiie tape. At the turn Rouge Dragoon was in front, and then Brown Star got level. This order was kept to the caretaker’s cottage, and along the back stretch, where Pikitaeapa headed the pair, Rouge Dragoon running second. Approaching the turn Rouge Dragoon headed Pikitaeapa. Coming down the straight Draft drew up, and a punishing finish took place, Pikitaeapa beating Rouge Dragoon by a long neck, Draft half a length away third. Paramount was fourth, two lengths away. The winner paid a royal dividend. The Flying Handicap attracted the punters,- who were given a good run for their money. Smilax was first out, with Kareroa close "handy. At the gate St. Bill took a hand, Kareoroa lying second, with Con the Shanghran third. Coming into the straight, St. Bill was still leading, and won cleverly, Smilax taking second place from Con the Shanghran. . The last race on the card proved one of the best of the day. Glcnfern was slowest away from an even start, Sfc. Gate taking the lead, and continuing in front at tiie back with Mortite close handy. Clcmoes then went up, and, catching Alortite, run on the quarters of St. Gate. Turning into the straight St. Gate led from demon? with Dover Straits, who had beaten Mortito, lying third. Closing up in a ding-dong go at the finish, St. Gate obtained the verdict by a short Talf head, with Clcmoes a length in front cf Dover Straits. Details.

FARIKT WELTER HACK HANDICAP, 70 covs; second horse 10 sovs, third 5 sovs from stake. Minimum weight. 8.7. Seven furlongs. 2. D. Hughes’ hr g Ngatiruauui, 4yrs, Maniopoto—-Secrecy, 9.0 (F. Flynn) ... .. ... 1 1. T. Radford’s hr g ManawhaknJia, syrs, 9.9. (W. Price) _ -.2 ]. W. Lovett’s blk m St. Prior, 5 yrs, 8 .7(E. Copestakc) 3 Also started: 4 Bonny Lass 8.11 ;J. Mclntosh), 5 Confection 8.7 (A. Meal). Ngatiruanni led the field, and won \v a good length from the favourite, Mauawhakaha, with St Prior a length and a half away. Time, Imin 32 2-5 sec. BOROUGH STAKES, 55 sovs, second horse 10 sovs, third 5 sovs from stake. Open to all horses that have never won a race of 15 sovs at the time of start. Weights for 2-year olds 7.7, 3-year-olds 8.0, 4-year-olds and upwards 8.7. Four and a quarter furlongs. 3. W. A. Bradford’s hr m Silver Hope, Sylvia Park—Somnus, G yrs, 8.7 (Cole-man) ... ... 1 .). J. Melville’s b m Rector Girl, syrs, 8.7 (Howdsn) ... ... 2 L. M . Franklynls hr g Galtce, 4 yrs, 8.7 (J.: Mclntosh); I.; ;\, ... 3 Also started: 2 St. Helena 8.7 (Pearce), 5 Ona (Flynn),; <7 Maroo 8.7 (Kendall), 10 Lady Gordon 8.7 (L. Lambess), 4 Tobias 8.7 (Nodder), 8 Kaffir Queen 8.7 (Lambess), 6 Crawford 8.0 (W. Price), 11 Royal Dragoon B.o(Eva), 12 Master Kilcheran 7.7 (W; 1 Ayer)'. Tobias and Galtce led at first, but i Rector Girl soon secured first place, till Silver Hope - came with a rattle ind (von by a length, Avitli a neck aetAvoen second and third horses. Time, 5G l-sscc. STRATFORD CUP HANDICAP, of 125 sovs* second horse 20 sovs, third 10 sovs from the stake. One mile and a quarter. 1. M. J. Goodson’s hr h )argon,

, Cordon Rouge-—Lady Hypathia, 4yi - Sj 8.9 (Lambeth) ... ... 1 I. C. Mnmby’s hr g Sandv Paul, 5 yrs, 7.13 v (Nodder) ... 2 1 3. R. Campbell’s Te Roti, ch g, G yrs, 8.1 ... . ... 3 Also started: 2 Epsom Lass 8.8 (Price), 4 First Mate 8.4 (Pearce). Te Roti led till the bend on the home run, avlioji he avus joined by Jargon and Sandy Paul. Jargon just staved off Sandy Paul’s effort and Aron by a length, Avith Te Roti tAVO lengths behind Sandy Paul. Time, 2rain 16 secs.

MIUHIRST HACK HANDICAP, SO sovs, second horse 10 sovs, third 5 sovs from the stake. One mile. 2. T. Hopeful’s b g Muleteer, Malatua—Molar, 6yrs, 8.4 (Olivier) i 5. H. W. Johnson’s hr m Merrie Emerald, aged, 6.13 (MeOartcn) 2 L. J. J. Fitzgerald’s eh g Cornelian, 4yrs, 7,12 (W. Ayre) ... 3 Also started: 4 Monsieur Soult (Goldfinch) 7.3, 3 Minora (Kemp) 7.7. Merrie Emerald got the best of a good start, but Muleteer led out of the straight, Merrie Emerald being always in a good position, and under pressure reduced the distance to a long neck as they passed the post, Cornelian being five lengths away, Monsieur Soult tailed away. Time, 1 min 46 2-ssec. OHURA HURDLE HACK HANDICAP, 100 sovs., second horse 15 sovs, third 5 sovs from the stake. Winner of any hurdle race after declaration of weights to carry 10 lbs penalty, two or more races 17 lbs penalty. Over six flights of 3ft 6in batten hurdles. One mile and a half. 2. W. Mcßeth’s b g Alluar, Handsome Jack-—Remuera, syrs, 9.0 (Coleman) ... ... ... ... 1 6 Burrell and Taylor’s, b g Jackman, Oyrs, 9.3 Cope’stako) ... 2 4. P. Johnson’s 1) g Pleiades, aged 10.3 (A. Mitchell) ... ... 3 Also started: 7 Clemency 10.2 (Cochrane), 1 Brilliancy 10.1 (Howden), 8 Bismarck 9.13 (Flynn), 5 Chase Mab 9.7 (Lumbers), 3 Sir Tullock 9.0 (Crerar). Jackman led till well in the homo stretch, when the second favourite caught him, and won by a length, Brilliancy, the favourite, casing up. Time, 2min 56J-see. FARMERS’ PLATE, 50 sovs, second horse 10 sovs from the stakes. Open to all horses that have never won a race of 15 sovs at the time of start. Weight, 3-year-olds 10.7, 4-year-olds and upwards 11.0. Horses that have not previously started allowed 71h., and horses that have won a race to carry 71b penalty. Gentlemen riders. A trophy to the value of £5 will he presented to the rider of the winner. One mile. 4. G. H. Gibson’s b g Pikitaeapa, Maniopoto—Pikimai, 4-vrs, 11.0 (Brough) ... 1 3 B. J. Goodwin’s rn b Rouge Dragoon, 4yrs, 11.0 (Mitchell) ... 2 1. G. Smith’s hr g Draft, 4vrs, 11.0 ... ‘ ... 3 Also started: 6 Paramount 11.0 (Awdry), 2 Brown Star 11.0 (Clout). 5 The Child 10.7 (Taylor), 7 Deemster (Tatterr.all). A grand race, in which the three placed horses fought gamely at the finish, Pikitaeapa securing the verdict by a long reek from Rouge Dragoon and Draft. Time, Imin 51 2-5 see.

FLYING HANDICAP, 100 sows, second horse. 10 govs, third 5 govs from the stake. Six furlongs. 3 . A. Hall’s b g St. Bill, 6 St. Paul—Billingsgate, aged, 9.6 (W. Price) 1 2. R. Hicks’s b g Smilax, syrs, 10.0 (Coleman) 2 1. J. Ryan’s hr g Con the Sliaughran, -iyrs, 7.1(5 ... ... ... 6 Also started: -I Red Lupin (Fowl“r) 7.7, 7 Kareroa (Noddor) 7.10, 5 Starboard (Howden) 7.6, 6 Overtime (A. E. Neal cl) 7.2. St. Bill had charge from the caretaker’s cottage', and won by a length, with the other placed horses separated by two lengths. Time, limn 16 3-5 sec. RAILWAY HACK HANDICAP, 70 sovs., second horse 10 sovs, third 5 sovs from the stake. Six furlongs.

1. A. Hall’s b g St. Gate, St. Clements —Billingsgate, syrs, 7.5 (Carniont) ... 1 6. I). King’s hr g Clcmoes, syrs, 7.2 (McCarten) ... "... ... 2 2. Mrs. J. Fogarty’s hr g Dover Straits, 6vrs, 7.3 (Monk) ... 3 AI so started: Avaunce (Ayrc), 5.13, 3 Mortito (W. Price) 8.3, 8 Glenfern (Fowler) 7.2, 7 Lady Van (Graham) 7.7, 9 Glen ’hillock (Howden) 6.8, 4 Kiwitihi (Goldfinch) 6.5. A great race, carrying more money than in any of the others. St. Gate led most of the way. and got home by a short half-head, Clemocs being ■i length in front of Dover Straits. Time, Imin 17 1-osec.

M A ETON MEETING

(Per Press Association.!

Marten, January 1. There was fine weather foT the opening day of the first summer meeting. The investments totalled £15,067, as compared with £7861, which was machined. on the first day of the Tlangitikei meeting with bookmakers present. Results:—

Hack Hurdles.-—Silva 1, Canadian 2, Nescot 3. Time, 2min 50 3-osec.

Railway Handicap.—Projectile 1, Mon Ami 2, Master Sylvia 3,VTime, train 16sec. ; V

Hack Plate.—Kingswoll 1, Leonta 2, Sun rose 3. Time, Imin 32 2-sseo.

Mar-ton Cup.-—Birkline 1, Goodwill Park 2, Eqnitas 3. Time, 2min 9scc.

Electric Handicap.—Monologue 1, Gay Lawless 2, Sea Queen 3. Time, Imin 2 2-oscc.

Stewards’ Welter,—Eclogue 1, Attention 2, Sea Queen 3. Time, Intin •to 3-ssec. ! -W

Hack Welter.—Matlow 1, Leolantcr. 2, Retreat 3. Time, Imin 46sec. Hash Hack.—lneu.ru 1, Sanguinary 2, Handsome Ma : d 3. Won by four lengths. Time, -18 2-sscc.

AUCKLAND R.C. MEETING

Auckland, January 1. The Auckland R.C. summer meeting continued to-day in glorious weather. There was a large attendance, and £51,(539 10s was invented on the tote, as compared with £23,14-4 last- New Year’s Hay, making £133,2-17 : 10s for the three days. Results:—

Ferguson Handicap, six furlongs.— Crown Pearl 1, -Outward 2,’G’aedoh 3. Tiine, lihin ISs'cc. 1 * New Ye'a'r’'s mVrclle Rac'd’Wohnilcs. —Reumac 1, Sol 2, Blade Northern 3. Time, 3min 46 3-s'scc. Great Northern Derby, one Jnilc and a half.—Co'tlhterfeit 1, General La tour 2, Midnight Sun 3. Time, 2min 3Gsoc. County Handicap, six furlongs.— Culprit 1, Jack Helaval 2, Goldsize 3. Time, Imin 14 4-sscc.

Auckland Racing Club Handicap, one mile and a half.—Miss Mischief 1, and Maxwell, dead heat, 1 • Bobrikolf. 3. Time, 2min 35 4-ssec. Midsummer Handicap, five furlongs. -—Lady Bleriot 2, Ermengardo 3. Timcpimia 2sec. Maiden Handicap, one mile.—Royal Arms 1, La Reiha 2, Jollie’ J Fille' 3. Time, Imin 4sec. Glasgow Handicap, seven furlongs. —Wee .Olga I, Miss Winsome 2, First Wairiki 3. Time, Imin 28soc. MISTERTON—SECOND DAY. • Masterton, January 1. TheroMvjs beautiful Wpaiher and a large attendance for the second day if the Wairarapa. races, and the, sum of £l2,9oCLwas put:.through the totali--3a tor. Results:— Russell Handicap, six furlongs.— Long Step 1, Merry Frank 2, Negative 3. Time, dm in 15sec. Tiiwha Hack Handicap, seven furlongs.— I Turna 1, Florence Nightingale 2, Big Blast 3. Time,' Imin 30sec, Tauhereinakau Handicap, one mile md a distance.—Undecided 1, British Maid 2, Seaton Dale 3. Time, Imin 57 3-ss.ee. V/ Wharepapii Hack Hurdles, one mile. —Odessa 1, Black Roof 2, Field Fare 3. Time, Imin 45 l-sspc. Rnamahunga Hack Handicap, five furlongs.—Beacon 2, Otarn isv 3. Time, Imin 2lscc. Juvenile Handicap, five furlongs.— fraagination 1, Peroneal 2, Obligant

Pirinoa Hack Handicap, six furlongs.—Shuters Daunton 1, Rongoau 2, Kopane 3. Time Imin 16 4-ssoc. Bawira Handicap, five furlongs.— Bine Lake 1, Lady Kilcheran 2, Purakau 3. Time, Imin 1 )-ssec.

HAWKE’S HAY MEETING. Hastings, January 1. The first clay of the Hawke’® Bay Jockey Club’s summer meeting opened in fine weather. There was a large attendance. The totalisator investments to-day total £12,640. Results:— Maiden Hack .Handicap.—San Wai 1, Easy 2, Lord-'.Kileheran 3. Time, Imin Osec. Xmas Handicap.— Altcar 1, Winning Post 2, San Plnio 3. Time, Imin losec, - Welter Handicap.—Taipoti 1, Composed 2, St. Maris 3. Time Imin Presidents’ Handicap, miles.— Inoy 1, Gold Circle 2, Mereniere 3. Time, 2min 6sec. Otatara Hurdles.-—Hon/,el 1, Fond Memory 2, All Trumps 3. Time, 3min lOsec. Two-year-old Handicap.—King’s Kavonrito 1, Eocino 2, Mercon 3. Time, 49 l-d.-.cc. Flying Hack.—Seraphic 1, Pot Luck 2, San Plnie. Time, Imin 16 see. New Year Handicap.—Cork 1, Separator 2, Bootle 3. -Time, Imin 29 l-ssec.