SPORTING.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 81899, 10 December 1906, Page 3

SPORTING.

. « .—- RACING FIXTURES. Dec. 15 and 17—CUristchurch R.C. Summer Meeting. Dec. 26 and 27 —Dunedin J.C. Sum mer. Dec. 26 and 29, Jan. 1 and 2 —Auck land R.C. Summer Meeting. Dec. 26, 27 and 2y —Manawatu R.C. Summer. Dec. 26 and 27 —Taranaki J.C. Christmas. Dec. 28—Ashhurst-Pohangiaa R.C. Annual. Dec. 31 and Jan. I—Grcymouthl—Grcymouth J.C. Midsummer meeting. Jan. I—Opunake R.C. Hack Meet ing. Jan. 1 and 2—Wairarapa R.C. Sum mer. Jan. 1 and 2 —Rangitikei RC. Sum mer Meeting. SALE OF A RACEHORSE. CNITED PBEBS ASSOCIATION- BY ELECTMC TELEGBAPII. —COPYBIGUT. Received 9th, 5.3 p.m. London, December 8. The racehorse Roseate Dawn was scrtd for two thousand two hundred guieas. Some Australian buyers were outbidded. NOTES OX THE WAITABA MEETING. (By "Moturoa.") Parkshot was the only withdrawal from the hurdles. Tonderghie and Sammy were the favourite selections, but the latter was never prominent, the winner leading all the way. C. Cochrane and 11. Gray each rode two winners during the meeting. Volume put up a good performance in the Cup by cutting out the mile and a-quartcr with 9st 51b in 2m lj'^s. TrevaHi, who ran second in the Cup, was rather unlucky in not securing first honours, Clarebut (the rider) apnearing not to notice Volume comiug up on the inside just a few. yards from the post. a Taupo, winner of the Clifton Stakes, is possessed of a marvellous turn of speed over a short distance, and should be heard of again shortly. Paul was made favourite in the Flying Stakes, but failed to run up to expectations. A couple of promising-looking colts seen out at the meeting were ilulga Bill, by Merriwce—Gipsy Queen, and Royal Star, by Daystai—Queen Cole. K Russell has evidently got Cyrene back- to his best form ni'nin, which one would have thought impossible a few months ago, when the jewing was being hacked about the roaus. One or two horses that competed at the meeting appeared to be only out for an airing, Few people were aware that Volume and Makikihi had to cany a 51b and lUlb penalty respectively. Certainly it was notilied on a small board, which many would probably fail tu notice. The penalty was incurred a week pre viously, which should have allowed ample time to have included it in the "correct card."

It was not until after a couple of races had been run that the dividends were posted on the board. Previously people were rushing about endeavouring to find out what the horses had paid. The Club might also provide some better accommodation for Uc Press, as the room used by them was also used by the stewards, and as they were called together after several of the races the scribes had to write : where and how they couli. They also waited in vain to receive tin particulars, such as totalisator ligurcs, etc., from an official, as is the custom ui other meetings. All the information they acquired, they had to hunt up by themselves as best they could. Another matter: the price charged for admission. For a small club such as thin, tlie prices charged, viz., 2s outside and 5s inside, seemed rather exorbitant. Half the amount for the outside enclosure would appear to be unite sufficient,

"Waitara Sport" appears to be very indignant at a statement made in the ".News'" report of the meeting, but 1 fail to see anything in that statement to call forth such a tirade. It appears to me as if W.f>. is Irving to make a lot of trouble out of untiling. To say the least, some of hi- statements are ill chosen, and 1 think lie has been a little unwise in not considering longer before putting such a letter into print. The statement made might also refer to very many clubs throughout the colony without easting the slightest slur on the stewards, for it certainly did not insinuate that liny intentionally overlooked anything that called for an enquiry; but stricter supervision is urgently needed.. W.S. goes on to say: "Jf you exposed swindles that take place on more pretentious courses than Waitara the knowledge of which is usually common property, a great deal of good would result."" This I will most *eij tainly do should they come under my notice. TURF TOPICS. .(By "Moturoa.") Armistice is reported to be progressing fairty well, and hopes are entertained that he will be got fit to be a competitor at the. Auckland Racing Club s ineeitng. Cambrian has lately been receiving considerable support for the Auckland Cup. Douche is another candidate that is much fancied in some quarters. A field of 15 has accepted for the Auckland Cup. It occasioned great surprise when it was found that Boomerang was not included in the list. Armistice is now number one, but it is not definitely decided that- she will be a starter." Paritutu's failure at Woodvile when he was a strong order will not flatter the hopes of his numerous backers. Apologue and Cambrian appear to be the most fancied candidates. Taranalci has four representatives in Paritutu, Rustique, Grenade and Volume.