SPORTING.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVIV, Issue 18, 24 December 1915, Page 3

SPORTING.

RACING FIXTURES. Dec. 27—Taratahi-Cartorton R.C. Annual. Dec. 27—Kaikoura R.C. Annual. Dec. 27 and 28—Thames J.C. Annual. Doc. 27, 28—-Taranaki J.C. Christmas. Dec. 27, 28, 29.—Mauawatu R.C. Summer. Dec. 27 and 28—Dunedin J.C. Summer. Dec. 27 and 28—Reofton J.C. Midsummer. Dec. 27, 30, Jan. 1, 3—Auckland R.C. ' Summer, Dec. 28, 29, 31—Auckland Trotting Club’s Summer. Dec. 31 and Jan. I—Greymouth J.C. Mid-summer, Jan. I—Wyndham R.C, Annual. Jan. I—Waikouaiti R.C. Annual. • Jan. I—Karamea R.C. Mid-summer. Jan. 1 and 3—Vincent J.C. Annual. Jan. 1, 3—Hawke’s Bay J.C. Summer. Jan. 1, 3—Stratford R.C. Annual. Jan. 1, 3—Marion J.C. Summer.

THE CHRISTMAS RACING. TARANAKI JOCKEY CHUB'S MEETING (Notes by Cicero.) On Boxing Day local sportsmen will muster in strong force on the beautiful grounds of the Taranaki Jockey Club, where some good racing will no doubt be witnessed. The fields promise to be large, and the various ! events appear to be more open than is usual at the Christmas fixture. The majority of the acceptors for the Huatoki Plate have little to recommend them, but Pateonga showed promise at Waverley, and may be troubled most by Maid o’ Gowrie and White Blaze.

Eight only accepted for the Stewards, and the field may be further reduced by the withdrawal of Lady Anai, who is a probable starter in tiro Christmas Handicap. 'There is also a doubt about King Chiara starting, and the absence of the two named, Depredation and Tirana should have the finish to themselves. White Plume prom Des to start a hot order for the and fbrm certainly points to the Wanganuiowned one. A number of smart sprinters are engaged in the Borough Handicap. Zion is not overburdened, but may have difficulty in giving a lot of weight to Veto and High Jinks. In the Christmas Handicap, if llewi Poto were out of the field the race would bear a more open appearance. There is every likelihood of the black horse starting, as McCarten his been engaged to ride him. On Feilding running Ratana must have a fair chance, and the writer will bo surprised if he does not pay a dividend. '

Of the eleven still in the Lepperton Welter, nothing 1 reads better than Glacier, who is going well on the tracks. i Should. ? Ziohn be reserved for the Tikorangi Scurry she would be hard to boat. Ind her absence Golden Fran inav qarpy some bullion. Avon Pai’k and Lady Middleton stand the Flying, and provided both start 'a very good race should eventuate. Special railway arrangements have been made for the convenience of visitors from this end, and as the proceeds are to sw’ell the Patriotic Fund there should be a very big gathering.

AUCKLAND RACING CLUB. The Summer Carnival of the Auckland Racing Club will open on Monday next. This is probably the most enjoyable meeting held in this Dominion, and attracts visitors from every part of New r Zealand. Judging by the list of acceptances, this year’s function will 1 bo no exception, j Seventeen have paid up for the opening event, the Shortland Plate. Hydrus, Wishful, and Red Ribbon represent good form. I Quite a number of smart youngsters are engaged in the Great Northern Foal Stakes. The writer bolds a 'good opinion of Egypt, who may encounter most trouble from Hyttus 'and Lady Jack. I The Robinson Handicap contains the names of twenty-two horses, the great majority of which are very moderate. Mountain Dream has a reputation in the south, and may sustain it in the race under review’. Sir Geo. Clifford’s colt, San Sebastian, is fast, and if reserved, would prove troublesome.

After the final payment, fifteen figure in the Auckland Cup, of £2650 (the largest stake offered in this Dominion). The great mare, Warstep, 9.4, heads the list, and despite the weight, has an undeniable chance. Merry ’Roe, I do not like over the distance. Colonel * Soult ran well enough at the Ellorslie meeting in November to give his supporters hope. Of late the son of Soult has not been doing the work one would expect from an Auckland Cup candidate. Balboa | was a good colt last season, and allowed fair form at Riccarton last | month. He is greatly fancied by some who profess to know. Sir Solo has yet to dome hack, whilst Kooya ran ji good race at Woodville. in company not as’select as that under criticism. Black a 11 ran second in the New Zealand Cnp, after a number of indifferent displays. He hails from a most dangerous stable, and on that score alone, must he respected. Castalia, Mullingar, and Maniaroa are nicely handicapped, but the chances, of those horses lower in the handicap does not appeal to the writer. Blackall, Warstep and Balboa should have a lot to say in the decision. If reserved for the Grafton Hurdles

St. Elmn would take a power of boatling. in bis absence Naupata may I run well forward. I The Railway Handicap held does not promise to be as large as many 'in former years, but nevertheless a number of brilliant sprinters are engaged. The Taranaki representative. Tree Lucerne, is very well, having twice galloped five furlongs at Egmont under 1.3. But possibly Bimeter, King Lupin, and Tatterley are just too good at the weights. The two-year-olds engaged in the Nursery Handicap are a pbor lot. Sasanoff and Good Hope appear the best. v j A number of fair horses claim engagement in the Christmas Handicap. Gold Soult and Wisebird must carry money.

STRATFORD RACES. Many clubs are not so favorably placed to maintain a progressive policy as is the Stratford Racing Club. Situate in the centre of a fine scope of dairy farm land, and well served by excellent railways and roads, patrons have every convenience for quick and comfortable access thereto. Ibo property comprises 100 acres within the Borough of Stratford, and is the Club’s own freehold. The Club has, during the past few years, effected great improvements to the tracks and grounds, and the buildings were recently enlarged and improved. A new Dewscn tetalisator was installed last year, and excellent accommodation at the tote house enables investors to visit the ticket windows at a minimum of inconvenience. Either £1 or 10s tickets may be obtained.