STRATFORD RACING CLUB.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 1, 2 January 1915, Page 8

STRATFORD RACING CLUB.

NEW YEAR’S DAY. AN ALL ROUND SUCCESS. OFFICERS. President, A. W. Budge. Vice-presi-dent, W. J. Morrison. Stewards, A. W. Budge, W. J. Morrison, % H. H. Young, S. Pitt, A. Stewart, F. J. Mackay, J. B. Richards, G. Syme, F. Webb, ‘ Hugh Good, 1). S. Glasgow, W. P. Kirkwood, 1). J. Malone, J. Lucena, E. I’. Uniacke, S. M. Porritt, E. C. Robinson ,H. E. Abraham, J. R. L. Stanford, G. S. • Hobbs, and H. Cleland. Handicapper, J. E. Henrys. Clerk of Scales, C. 1). Sole. Judge, J. R. L. Stanford; Starter, T. Cameron. Clerk, of Course, A. • David. Timekeeper, E. B. Stohr. Hon. Surgeon, Dr. T. L. Paget. Hon. Vet. Surgeon, Mr E. Mason. Auditor, T. Harry Penn, F.P.A. Hon. Treasurer, S. Pitt. Secretary, Alfred Coleman.

The opening day of the 1915 meeting was a thorough success from both the Club and the public’s points of view, the attendance being a record ; the quality of the racing excellent and entirely free from suspicion, and the whole proceedings unattended by accident or even hitch. That the public were satisfied would seem to he well gauged by the investments on the totalisntor, which this year totalled £17,030 10s, as against £15,-

92S on .the corresponding day in 1914. The presence of the “ten-shilling” tote gave joy to the punter of the more modest means, and he availed himself of it—no doubt to his heart’s content. This innovation is one only among many that the Club had in its wisdom embraced for the meeting, aiitl in doing so the management can rest assured their efforts are much appreciated by patrons, whose numbers are growing with the years. 'Visitors were present in force from 'the immediate, districts which claim New Plymouth, Inglewood, Whangamomona, Eltham, and Hawera as their centre, while the usual holiday traffic brought representatives fyora all parts jtiir the North Island. , It is interesting to hear the high expression cf satisfaction which were uttered by these visitors at the success of the •meeting and at tiie general appointments of the course.

The weather was well nigh ideal. Old Sol shone cheerily from early morn right through the piece, but a breeze, which tempered his, rays, threatened as the afternoon drew on to be ch the chilly side. However, there was no need for wraps or mackintoshes, and a continuance of such weather on the second day will leave nothing to.be desired. The Wanganui Garrison Band, under Mr A. Wade, delighted the great crowd with their well-selected programme, and' whcthel the ' piece was “Hearts of Oak” (selection), or “It’s a Long Way to Tipperary” (march by request), the applause which greeted their playing was genuine and unstinted.

The “inner man” found liquid comforts to his taste at the booths, which were run by Mr Crabtree, licensee of the Coronation Hotel, Eltham, and while the day demanded of thirsty souls they should do something—which they did, of course—there was uo signs of inebriety, due, no doubt, to the supply of good liquor by the publican and the good sense by the public.' The more material things in the refreshment line were well served by Mrs BVbokiiig’s attentive staff, which is the accomplishment of a consummation always devoutly to lie wished.

Although Mr Currie, Stipendiary Steward, was present during the day, his position was a sinecure, as the gathering was entirely free from need for his interference in the interests of the sport. The starting of Mr Cameron was excellent, as was also the- judging, and on -the occasions when Mr J. R. L. Stanford’s horses figured in the field, his- place in the judge’s hox was taken hy Mr R. ft. Piggott, whose decisions were prompt and entirely satisfactory. TARIKI WELTER, Ten saddled up for the opening event of the meeting, the following scratched: Florist, Patroness, Sylvan Dale, Rosa'lys, Pararoa. The public invested £1627 I.os on the machine. There was very little “messing” at the harrier, and the field get away to a capital start. Vladian was tost to show out, with Aveua and Capt.vn Miro handy. Stretching out along the hack of the course, the lea lers were unchanged, and'lceberg hronght np the rear. Captain .Miro moved up, and was first entering the straight, with Vladian and Avena on his girths and the public's second favorite, Armature, rapidly making good. The mare was unable to get closer than three lengths to the local horse, whose win was a popular one. Arena was a length behind Armature, and Patronata and Miralma were at the head of the hunch. The last-named was made favorite, though the rare was a good betting one.

THE BOROUGH STAKES. It is hardly to bo wondered at that some difficulty was experienced at the start in tin’s event, as eighteen “nnxod ’iins” fared the barrier, the seratchings being: Tezrau, Mary Ivileheran. Oblikoff, Formulate, Joey, Fed Hot and Deeside. When the tapes flew up, a rather . straggling run eventuated, in which TiOra and Wioletta led. Wioletta still lad on entering: tbs straight, but Veto, com-

ing right from the back and rurm ug wide, made a great effort. Half a length still separated the cliesiavic from Wioletta on the judge’s’ i ox baling reached. Two lengths further back was Joy Bells, who was a head in front of Wild Daisy, with the field well spread out and tailed off by the solitary two-year-old among 'em, Trombone (Zimmerman—Orchestra). The sum of £1599 was invested on the machine, the order of favoritism being Wild Daisy, Tiora, Wioletta, Vestalis and Veto, with Joy Beils in ninth place. Lupinatrix carried a solitary ticket. THE CUP. “A great race!” Patrons must hate been hard to please if the .brush of “the” event of the day was not close enough. The public started i.ff Weil in backing their fancies, and the machine eventually carried £2758. The .fancy ran as follows: —Chaminade, Invader, Patronymic, Draft, Cordon, Sweet Van and Bercola. The scratching pen went through Toatere, Quo Vadis, Fore, Minora and Harbor Ligtyt. Without wasting much Vine it the barrier, Mr Cameron sort the horses away on their errand in a fine bne. Draft led out of the tapes, with Sweet Van and Invader. Doing Town the straight, Invader led >th Draft, Sweet Van, Chaminade, Cordon being last. At the six . Hong post the order was unchanged, v. bile at a furlong further daylight showed between the two leaders and Sweet Van. At the gate Patronymic closed up, but Invader was in front turning for home. Then Sweet Van moved up into the lead and Chaaninacle and Patronymic made their ‘(forts, but the verdict was a hare half length for Sweet Van. with Patronymic about a neck iu front of Chaminade, Invader (who led practically all the way) fourth, and then Draft, Bercola and Cordon. The dividend was the best returned ;o far in the meeting, approachh’g two figures. ,

RAILWAY hack handicap. Probably owing to the presence of The Dodger—Mr J. Fitzgerald’s fine brown gelding by Cordon Rouge— Patera, who had been brought to the post in rare-looking trim—the scratch mgs amounted to seven, viz., Calais, Bay Paul, Formulate, Lady D;nle.s.ford, Tiora, Vestaiis, Pararoa, leaving the same number in the field. Prom a straggling start, N odder, who was up on 'J'he Dodger, got well iway and the issue was never in doubt. Flying Queen accompanied The Dodger in the early stages, and 'shen Patroon took her place, being eventually displaced by Ladv Amai c or second place. Flyirf Camp was fourth. Miss Fisher fifth, and h lying Queen and Magenta in the rear. ! be-re-appearance of The Dodger after an ibsence of twelve - months spent re fruiting was heralded by the public proclaiming him a warm favorite, and he carried a Leap -of money or. the machine. The public roared their aporoval of the win. ' The order of favoritism was The Dodger, Lacy Amai, Patroon, Flying Camp, Miss Fisher, Magenta, Flying Queen.

OHURA HURDLES. Something frightened the majority jf the acceptances, as Matmvakaha, florist, Mill banks, Advancer, NgapMC, Jhahau, and Tarero fell out j leaving Styrax (11.5), Katua (10.■>), Captain Macky (10.0), and lirohanga (late lerohonga, 9.8) to cover the mde and three-quarters. Iho quaitetts ipread out from the jump, Katua, Tiroiianga, Captain Mac-iv, Styrax running in that order i/d tlveequa rcers of the distance had 1 ecu covered. At the six furlong post Katua dropped back, and the race resolved itself into a duel between Captain Macky (ivho was a hot favorite) and Tirohorgn. The latter made groml over the last hurdle and going on von cum Id i rainy by three lengths, Styrax being a dozen lengths behind, and Katua the iames distance further Lack. The winner was cheered or return,ng to scale. The public sorted them out in the following order on the machine. Captain Macky, Styrax, Tirobahga and Katua. Considering it was a four-horse race, the winner leturued a “comfy” feeling with tl.it* dividend. The sum of £lßsl was the total investments. MIDHIRST HACK HANDICAP. Again the scra'tchings were numerous, Patronymic, Invader, Patroness, Bercola, Sweet Van, Cordon, uicl Harbor Light falling out. John Willie (8.4); Quo Yadis (7.11), Fore (7.8), and Mahlstick (7.3 J-) got off whll together. Mahlstick and Quo Yadis leading as they settled down. The quartette raced well together, along the hack, Mahlstick in the roar. Halfway down tlie straight. Fore (the favorite) got in front and stalled off Mahlstiek’s challenge winning hy a length. John Willie was third two lengths away, and Quo Yadis last. According to the machine, the public fancied them in the following order: Fore, Quo Yadis, Mahlstick, and John Willie and the quartette carried £2094 10s. FARMERS’ PLATE. Eleven starters were left in after the pen went through the names of Silver Tim, Patronata. First Chance, Henekaha and Durane. From a good start Tlosalys showed up in front, and going along the hack the field was well I strung out. Here there was a hit of a mix-up. it appeared. Armature got on To the heels of a competitor in front, being checked considerably, which meant slight interference with Rpsalys. Settling down again,Armature .went to the front at thh gates-and led jround the turn. Silver Flood, then showed up, and going on, won com-

' fortably by a length from Harbor Light and the fast-finishing Idol, Warea fourth, Armature fifth, Rosalys 1 sixth, the others tailing off. Harbor 1 Light was a warm favorite, followed by Armature, Rosalys, Idol, Warea and Silver Flood. The total investments amounted to £2318 10s. FLYING HANDICAP. Quo Vadis, Project, Sylvan Dale, Sliandou Bells, Vladiau and Avena were scratched. Calais (9.0), Crawford (S.H), Glenroy (8.3;, Martingale (7.13), and Bay Paul (7.7), got well away together, Glenroy showing at once in front, followed by Martingale Calais, Bay Paul, and Crawford last. Glenroy was never headed, winning by half a length, but the finish was exciting. Martingale fell back on reaching the straight, but the favorite, Calais, challenged Glenroy, and Cranford came with a brilliant run, failing to reach second place by a length from Calais. Bay Paul chased Martingale homo. In order of favoritism the horses were: Calais, Glenroy, Crawford, Martingale and Bay Paul.

TARTKI WELTER HACK HANDICAP, of lOOsovs., minimum weight Sst 71 bs; seven furlongs.

5 Mrs W. AY. Miscall’s eh g Captain Miro (Captain Webb— Miro), oyrs, 8.7 (Webb) ... 1 2 J. Fryer’s b m Armature, Gyrs, 8.7 (Fryer) ... ... 2 G T. O’Donnell’s b m Avena, oyrs., 8.8 (McCartcn) ... ... 3

Also ran: -1 Bivouac 9.7 (Fit/.water), 1 Miralma 9.3 (Ward), 3 Patronata 8.11 (Goddard), 7 A’ladian 8.9 (Rayner), 2 Red Coral 8.7 (Goldfinch), 9 Glen 'Pullock 8.7 (McSweeney), Iceberg 8.7 (Xodder). Won by three lengths. Time, Imin 31 3-osec.

BOROUGH STAKES, of lOOsovs., open to all horses that have never won a race at the time of start. AVeight for two-year-olds 7.7; three-year-olds and upward 8.7. Four and aqnarter furlongs.

3 J. AI ead’s h m AVioletta (Coronet —St. Clements mare), 4yrs., 8.7 (McCann) 5 M. Franklin’s ch m Veto (Coronet—St. Clements mare), 3yrs., 8.0 (Goldfinch) 8 O. Cox’s hr in Joy Bells (King’s Birthday—Foulshot mare), 5 vrs, 8.7 (Rayiier)

Also ran: 8 Flint 8.7 (Webb), 1 Wild Daisy 8.7 (Xodder), 12 Fortify 8.7 (Cordne). 9 Top Twig 8.7 (Cathro), f Vestaiis 8.7 (Monk), 12 Go On 8.7 ' Ward), 17 Henekaha 9.0 (Graham), 10 Miss Potae 8.7 (Brown), 6 Fidessa 8.7 (Howden), 17 Lupinatrix 8.7 (James), 2 Tiora 8.7 (Stephenson), 12 Tahora 8.7 (Copestake) carried 91hs overweight), 10 Con Guard 8.7 (Cochrane) carried Gibs overweight, 9 Tirana 8.0 (Goddard), 13 Trombone IV (Fryer). Won by half a length. Time, fihsecs.

STRATFORD CUP HAXDICAP. of 25050v5., one mile and a-quarter.

10 F. Bristol’s ch m Sweet Yan (Sweet Simon—Yan), 6yrs., 7.3 (C. Monk) ... ... ... 1 3 J. McCarthy’s b g Patronymic (Patronus —Irma), aged, 8.12 (McCarten) ... ... 2 4 Goodwin and Hardley’s Chamiuade (Sylvia Park—Ora), syrs., 9.2 (Nodder) ... t ... 3

Also ran: 3 Draft 9.0 (Copestake), 2 Invader 8.4 (Brown), 5 Cordon 7.2 (Goldfinch). Won by half a length. Time,' 2miu 13 l-ssec.

KAIL WAY HACK HANDICAP, of lOOsovs., five furlongs; minimum weight 7.7.

1 J. Fitzgerald’s hr g The Dodger, (Cordon Rouge—Parera), 6yrs., 8.9 (Nodder) ... ... 1 2 A. G. Crawford’s b m Lady Amai (Lupin—Amai), 6yrs., 8.3 (Goldfinch) ... ... .2 3 S. Pitt’s h m Patroon (Patronus— Porangi), syrs., 8.3 (Brown) ... 3

Also ran: 6 Magneta 7.10 ((McCarten), 4 Flying Camp 7.7 (Monk), 7 Flung Queen 7.7 (Fryer), 5 Miss Fisher 7.7 (Cordite). Won easily by half a dozen lengths. Time, linin 2 3-ssec.

OH UR A HURDLES HACK HANDICAP, of lodsovs., over 7 flights of 3ft Gin batten hurdles. Otic mile and three-quarters.

3 F. Webb’s eh g Tiroliauga (late Teronliouga (Stepson—Handsome Jack mare), aged, 9.8 (Olds) , ... 1 1 A, Carroll’s Capt. Macky (The Officer—Yoltigenr mare), oyrs., 10.0 (Ferris) ... ’ 2 2 R. Hicks’ ..ch g Styrax (Patronus —Convolvulus), aged, 11.5 Pino 3 Also started: 4 Katua 10.5 (Graham). Won hy three lengths. Time, 3min ISsec. MIDHIRST HACK HANDICAP, of 12550v5., one mile and 110 yards. 1 IV. Carter’s eh m Fore (Advance— Alert), 4yrs., 7.8 (Monk) ... 1 3 Good and Patterson’s hr g Malilstick (Maniapoto—Crimson Lake) syrs., 7.0 (Goldfinch) carried 3) llis overweight ... ... 2 4 T. Hira’s h g John Willie (Campfire—Sporting Queen), 6yrs., 8.4 (Nodder) ... ... 3 Also ran; 2 Quo Yadis 7.11 (MeCarten). Won hy a length. Time, linin 53 3-ssee. FARMERS’ PLATE, of 75snvs.. open to all horses that have never won a race of 15sovs. at the time of start. "Weight: Three-year-olds 10.7, four-year-olds and upwards list. Horses that have not previously started allowed 71b. and horses that have won a race to carry 71b penalty. One mile and 110 yards, 6 Shield and Thompson’s ch g Silver UirAliliLC

Flood (Wainui—- Sylvia Park mare), syrs., 11.0 (I 1 owlet’) ... 1 1 X. Brown’s eh g Harbour Fight (Svlvia Park—-Rau .Ran) 11.0 (Xiitchell) ... 2 4 H. A. Nodder’sMi g Idol (Knight Errant—Varsailles mare), 6yrs., 11.0 (McDonald) ... 3

Also ran: 9 Bay Prince 11.0 (Aubrey), a Warea 11.0 (Anstis). 11 Deem, ster 11.0 (Mackay), 3 Rosalys 11.0 (Paget), 2 Armature 11.0 (Audrey), 7 Black Queen 10.7 (Taylor), 10 Webb Shell 10.7 (Collins), 8 Chief Officer 10.7 (Wade).

FLYING HANDICAP, of ISOsovs., six furlongs.

2 J. George’s hr g Gleuroy (Glenay —Vardo) syrs, 8.3 (Monk) ... 1 3 S. Bricks’s hr g Crawford (St. Paul—Lilly), syrs, 8.11 (Xodder) 2 1 M. Gardner’s h g Calais (Patronus —lseult), syrs, 9.0 (McCarten) 3

Also ran : 4 Martingale 7.13 (Brown), 5 Bay Paul 7.7 (Goldfinch). Won by half a length. Time, Imin 14 l-ssec.