SPORTING.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 184, 8 September 1909, Page 3

SPORTING.

TURF TOPICS. (By "Moturoa"). The Horowhenua R.C. meeting opens' to-day, the principal races being the Horowhenua Cup, run over a mile and a furlong, and the Park Stakes, run over six furlongs. The Porirua team generally has a good innings at the Horowhenua gathering, and this year's contingent includes All Red, Te Kahurangi, Laius, Kina, Wnimaria and Lace Collar. Winners at Marton put up penalties to-day as follows:—Cup—Sandstretim, 101b (8.8); Pohutu, 101b (8.0). Flying Handicap—Waiari, 101b (9.5); Waiata lolb (8.4); Dolce, 101b (8.2). Welter Handicap—Dolce, IMb (8.9). Hack Hurdles—Rangihaeta, 101b (11.0); Tyrannic, 101b (10.9). Electric Handicap— Waiari, 51b (9.5); Aimwell, 101b (8.9); and Waiata, 101b (8.4). The weights to be carried to-day appear in parenthesis', All Red won the Horowhenua Cup last year with 9st. in the saddle, and in to-day's race will carry the steadier of lOst. Sandstream and I'olmtu got amongst Hie winners at Marton, aiui the liilter horse ran two fine races at the meeting, l'ohutii appears to have regained his old form, and must always be dangerous up to a mile and a quarter. Gaelic and Wnihuka ran disappointingly Inst week, hut tie former was credited with good track form prior to the meeting, and may do better over a dry course, ivrig Post gave a taste of his quality at the Grand National meeting, and appears to be leniently treated for forthcoming events. ' Waihuka. Ney, Durability, Mtiika, Kareroa, Hydraulic, and Lingerer have been freely engaged at the Avo-idnlc spring meeting. Waiari showed a great turn of speed In the mud on Thursday, and escapes with half a penalty in the Electric today. Puraknu, who raced consistently at Trentliam, figures in the same event. Gold Cup (late Chamois 1 ) and Ora Pinsent (Merriwee-Variety) each won races on, Saturday 'at Mirainar. Both horses were making their first appearance in unregistered ranks, and it is quite remarkable how many horses win at the first "pop" at Mirainar. Rarigihacta was in great form at Marton, but a penalty puts him 301b above the well-performed Rendrock in the Hack Hurdles at Horowhenua. Both horses have good records, and their meeting should .provide an interesting contest. Dolce was a surprise packet for tlie handicapper at Marton, and even Nilb penalties hi each of her Horowhenua engagements do not appear to have placed her too high in the weights, she is a real good mare and fairly revels in the soft going which prevails at this time of tie year. The Wanganui racecourse is looking 'bright and green and the track is greatly improved. Weights for the spring meeting are due on Friday, and the course promises to be in a far better and safer condition than at tie last meeting. Numerous acceptances have been received for the annual meeting of the North Taranaki Hunt Club, which takes place on the local course to-morrow. Open hack events nave drawn good fields and the racing throughout promises to be of an interesting character. There should be a large attendance.