SPORTING.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 235, 9 February 1911, Page 3

SPORTING.

I EGMOXT RACING club. SUMMER MEETING. FIRST DAY. The Egmont Racing Club had splendid weather yesterday for the opening day of their summer meeting. The course was in capital order, albeit a trille hard in the going as the result of the spell of dry weather recently experienced. A peculiar interest was attached to the meeting, inasmuch as it was the iirst held in Taranaki since (he bookies "died." Exactly how the position will affect the club financially, it is impossible just now to determine, but. liie absence of the raucous-voiced gentiuuen of the turf was responsible for two notable features of the gathering, viz., the quiet solemnity of the proceedings (which lends color to the oft-told tale that an Englishman takes his pleasures sadly) and the large increase in the totalisator receipts. Several records were beaten in the matter of specula tion. Whereas £6SOG represented the investments of the first day of last summer meeting, yesterday the figures were £IO,SBI. Over £IOOO was invested on every event, and in the hist race of the I day, the Waipapa Hack Flat, the amount ( £1707) easily constitutes a record fob a single race under the auspices of the Club.

The day passed off without accident, and the racing on the whole produced interesting finishes. The fair sex was present in large numbers, and the scene on the lawn was a bright and happy one.- The officials were light-heartea and in merry mood, with the result that courtesy and attention danced attendance on their duties. A special word of praise must be given to the genial secretary, Mr. J. Turton, for the assistance rendered, and the obliging manner displayed to the press representatives during the day. To Mr. Turton's management, it was agreed upon by those who get behind the scenes, the general excellence of the meeting was undoubtedly due. The Manaia Brass Band filled in pleasant moments with their music, the items on the programme being well selected and capitally played.

The first race of the day, the Hawera Stakes, was the best as far as the busi-ness-end of the journeys was concerned, as the placed horses finished within inches of each other. Rill snatched the Stakes from Lethean and Te Puia. The Whareroa Hurdles was an easy win for Maggie Paul, who beat Plavmate and Paul by lengths. The third'of the favorites to win was Winchester in the Ohawe Hitck Hurdles, which he accounted for quite comfortably. TinMere Mere Hack Flat saw a splendid field face the starter, only six out of thirtyone acceptors being scratched. Here again the public judgment was upheld, as the favorite )(the top-weight, St. Toney) won by a head from Red Lupin and Jack Pin. But Deeley, the rider of Jack Pin, failed to weigh-in, and at a meeting of the stewards he was fined £2, and the third money awarded to Contralto. Con the Shaughraun won the Ladies' Purse after a good finish with The Mystery and Rouge Dragoon. 'The" event of the day, the Egmont Cup, was sorted out by the public for Mendip, and he justified the confidence placed in him, but he only beat Lady Medallist by a neck after the daughter of St. Alwyne had come right through from the rear. Shining Star looked all over a winner for a time, hut could only get third. The Flying was a gift to Gladiole, who had True Shot and Golden Loop beaten from the rising of the tapes. Smilax finished in front in the Waipapa Hack Flat, beating Leolanter by a length, Attention close up third. Following are the details of the racing:—

HAWERA STAKES, of 120 sovs. second horse 20 - sovs, and third horse o sovs out of the stakes; one mile. Mr. 11. McManaway's ch m Rill (San Fran—Spring), 3yrs, 9.2 (A. 01-

liver) 1 Mr. C. Maybin's br g Lethean (Lethe —Eulalie), aged, 8.12 (W. Price) 2 Mr. R. Brough's b m Te Puia (San Fran—Quilt mare), 4vrs, 8.11 (H. Gray) '. 3

Also started: Lady Menschikoff 9.3 (J. Clareburt), Silver Spur 8.5 (J. Conquest), Marsuma 7.12 (A. Whittaker). From a good start, of which Marsuma got rather the worst, Lethean wem, quickly to the front, and as the field settled down along the back the brown gelding still led, with Silver Spur and Rill next. Te Puia moved up as the straight was entered, and a splendid race ensued. Gray just failed to get up in time to win, and the placed horses flashed past the post within a iiead of each other, the verdict for Rill being a nose. Two lengths separated the field. Time, lmin. 44see. WHAREROA HURDLES, of 140 sovs, second horse 20 sovs, and third horse 5 sovs. out of the stakes; \y., miles. Mr. A. Langford's b m Maggie Paul, Oyrs., (Daystar—Mysterv Maid), 10.0 (Cochrane) .'.....'. 1 Mr. ,1. 11. Prosser's br g Playmate (Stepniak Eketarini Passeropoulo), aged, 11.5 (Pritchard)... 2 Mr, S. Pitt's b g Paul (St. Paul Motto), aged, 9.10 (T. Pine)... 3 Also, started: Ileunw, 12.0 (E. Murtagh), Maidi 10.10 (E. Abbott), Rosegrove 9.11 (F. Cress), Ladv Patricia 9.10 (F. Howard), Showman 9.0 (11, Brercton). Reumac was first to show out, ana led past the staud for the first time with Playmate as his nearest attendant, and Paul, Lady Patricia and Showman lying hand)-. Maggie Paul then moved up to the lead. At the fence along the back Showman lost his rider, who escaped with a shaking. Maggie Paul had a long lead when entering the straight, and maintained her advantage, winning by half a dozen lengths from Playmate, who was four lengths in front of Paul, the rest tailing off, witli Reumac last. Time, 2min 48sec. OHAWE HACK HURDLES, of 80 sovs, second horse 10 sovs, and third horse 5 suvs out of the slakes; iy 3 miles. Mr. A. Atwood's b g Winchester (St. Crespin—Lady Bell), 4yrs, 9.12 (E. Murtagh) '...'. 1 Mr. W. E. Tucker's ch m Chase Mab (Chasseur—Mali), aged, 9.4 (X. Williams) 0 Mr. J. Sicilian's b g Starlike (Daystar—ll uiakamaf. aged, 9.11 (11. Pine) 3

Also started: W'iiitapn 11.1 (Hon O'Driscoll), Uchguard 0.0 (C. Cochrane), Torbelle il.O (T. Pritchard), Maori Kitle !).0 (J. Trig S ). Maori Rifle delayed the start, which was eventually got off evenly, and Winchester showed out first, leading over the flrat fence. Torbelle lost his rideiat the first jump in the straight. Winchester led the way past the stand from Loehguard and Chase Mab, and going along the back Maori Rifle momentarily showed prominently. Along the back the order was unchanged until Lochguard fell, but Cochrane escaped injury. Winchester, Chase Mab and Starlike were in the lead, separated by lengths, and the issua was never in doubt, the winner passing the judge's box half-a-dozen lengths to the good, and a similar distance separating tflie second ana

third horses. Waitapu whipped-in the field. Time, 2min 49sec. MERE MERE HACK FLAT, of 80 so vs.. second horse 10 sovs, and third horse 5 sovs out of the stakes; ftvel

furlongs. Mr. W. I'alliser's br g St. Toncy (St. Clements—Lady of the Lake),

syrs, 9.5 (S. Reed) 1 Mr. S. Pitt's b g Red Lupin (Lupin— Porangi), 4yrs, 0.4 (A. Olliver).. 2 Mr. G. Dunlop's br g .lack- Pin (Lu- • pin—Jet), oyrs, 7.13 (15. Deeley). 3

Also started: Contralto 9.4 (L. Kemp), Bowbells 8.13 (L. Coleman), Billington 8.1 (C. Jenkins), Sandy Paul 7.10 (W. Avers), Lady Loo .7.0* (F. Holmes), Bonny Lass 7.0 (A. Whittaker), Montiform 7.4 (C. Brown), Makura 7.3 (W. Price), Lady Van 7,2 (J. Conquest), Rraefectus 7.2 (A. Ward), Blend 7.1 (E. McMillan), Gaby 7.1 (R. Young), Loopguard 7.0 (W.D. Young), Katua 7.0 (C. Monk), Lady Fran 7.0 (R. Brown), Royal Arms 7.0 (H.Gray), Pavo 7.0 (H. Goldfinch), Rector Girl 7.0 (A, Ericksen), Dover Straits 7.0 (J. McLean), Minora 7.0 (Emmerson), Galty 7.0 (E. Richards), Kiwitaha 7.0 (J. Ross).

Despite the large iield, a good start was effected after very little delay. Red Lupin got away first, hut was at once displaced from the lead by St. Toney, and these two fought out a great finish, the top weight winning by a head. Jack Pin was four lengths away third, and Contralto fourth. Minora was lutely." Time, lmin 3sec.

LADIES' PURSE, of 00 sovs, ' second horse 10 sovs out of the stakes; one mile. Weight, lOst. 71b. Mr. J. Ryan's br g Con the Shaughraun (Coronet—Clemain), Clout. 1 Mr. J. Koloski's b g The Mystery (Cordon Rouge—Diomedes mare), T. Higginson 2 Mr. D. J. Goodwin's ni c Rouge Dragoon (Cordon Rouge—St. Cyr mare), A Mitchell 3 Also started: Cloudy Morn (F. Wilkie), Silver Cluse (P. Shields), Sunrose! (T. Bright), Waterworks (J. Cameron), Master Lethe (A. Gordon), Sam Pan (S. Meßae), Makaliu (C. Goodson). The start was mixed, Master Lethe being turned about when the tapes went up. Makaliu and Rouge Dragoon led the field to the back. Then The Mystery made the running, and Con the Shaughraun raced with them. Entering the straight the race resolved itself into a tussle between these two, Con the Shaughraun winning by a neck, Rouge Dragoon three lengths behind The Mystery, and the field close up. Time, lmin 47 l-ssec. EGMOXT CUP, of 300 sovs, second horse 30 sovs, and third horse 10 sovs out of the stake; one mile. Mr. 11. Spratt's b g Mendip (St. Paul —Sou'-wester mare), oyrs, 7.5 ("• Gray) ' i Mr. J. H. Prosser's br m Lady Medallist (St. Alwyne Diploma), 4yrs, 9.10 (C. Jenkins) 2 Mr. W. Lovett's br h Shining Star (Daystar—Prioress), oyrs, 0 7 (A. Ward) 3 Also started: John 7.9 (Monk), Highden 0.9 (C. Emmerson), Goodwin Park (i.7 (W. D. Young), The Reiver 0.7 (J. McLean). From a good start John was first out, and as the field settled down Highden was seen.in tne rear. As they raced past the stand the first time "Shining Star was side by side with The Reiver, Mendip being handy, and Lady Medallist last. Mendip was third and Lady Medallist filth at the five furlongs post, the latter making up a lot of ground at the turn into the straight. For" a moment Shining Star Haltered his supporters, but after a close finish Mendip was returned the winner by a neck from Lady Medallist, who beat' Shining Star by three-quarters of a length. Goodwin Park was fourth; then came John am: The Reiver, with Highden last. Time, 2min 37 4-ssec.

FLYIXG HANDICAP, of 150 sovs, second horse 20 sovs, and third horse 5 sovs out of the stake; six fur longs. Mr. T. O'Neill's ch m Gladiole (St. Clements—Daisv Clipper), 4yrs, 7.10 (E. Lowe) " ,'... i Mr. C. Maybin's b m Truesliot (Pistol Alveary), 4yrs, 5.7 (H. Gray) " o Mr. J. Smith's ch g Golden Loop (Lupin—Docility), 4yrs, 8.2 (R. Barlow) ' 3

Also started: Te Roti 7.11 (J. Conquest), Mulga Bill 7.8 (C. Monk), Tamainupo 7.5 (B. Deeley), and Winning Post 0.12 (C. Emmerson). A beautiful start was effected after a little delay, Gladiole, Trueshot and Te Roti being in front after half a furlong was left behind. Gladiole won easily, True Shot being lengths ahead of Golden Loop, Winning Post fourth. Te Roti finished lust Time, lmin 14 2-ssec. WAIPAPA HACK FLAT, of 80 sovs, second horse 10 sovs, and third horse 5 sovs out of the stake; seven furlongs. Mr. R. Hicks' b g Convolvulus), 4yrs, 8.8 (Coleman) 1 Mr. T. F. Nolan's ch g Leolanter (Leolantis Castanette), aged, 8.12 (A. Olliver) 2 Mr. Ross Allen's br 111 Attention (Advance—Good Luck), syrs, 8.0 (Batten) '. 3

Also started: Starboard 8.3 (J. Ross) Tarn Glen 8.0 (L. Kemp), Manawakaha 1.0 (B. Deeley}, Rawinia 7.5 (H. Gray), Lady Heroine 7.4 (F. Holmes), Silver Spur 7.3 (J. Conquest), Esmeh 7.3 (C. Brown), Silver Cluse 7.0 (Ericksen), Jargon 7.0 (L. Monk). The horses were sent off on a straggling start, Smilax, Starboard, and Rawinia being prominent in the first furlong. Leolanter moved up to third, and Attention made up her ground fast. Entering the straight the order was, Smilax, Leolanter, Rawinia and Attention, and a good race ensued, Smilax winning by about, a length, and Attention the same distance away, beating Rawinia for third money. Time, lmin 29 ]-ssec.

POVERTY BAY ACCEPTANCES. The following acceptances have been received for the Poverty Iky meeting, which opens to-day:— ' Handicap Hurdles, ]% miles.—Continuance 12.U, Te Arai 11.13, Eiya 10.!J, Whakaweira 111.8. Swartlinmor !).!), llaurangi 9.0. Tauranga Slakes, ly miles.—Dazzling 9.7, Rauparaha 9.2, Sublime 8.2, Iney 8.0, Fort William 7.3, Yoetgang 7.0, Ilirini 0.1. Telephone Handicap, live furlongs. Lord Possible 9.9, Scorch S.li, Miss Sylvia 8.(5, lialdos 8.0, .Manupai 7.13, Pluck 7.7, Te Itakato 7.5, Josie 7.0, Cork 7.0, Xganii 7,0. flying Handicap, six furlongs.—Lorn Possible 8.10, Sublime 8.9, Jney 8.0, Auldearn 7.0, Scorch 7.2, illustrious 7.0. TURF TOPIC'S. (By Moturoa.) The Egmont Cup dates back to 1882, and many good horses have had their names enrolled amongst its winners. Dudu and Coronet were the only ones to win it twice. In 1900 the distance! was reduced to a mile and a half, and the best time recorded since was Milan's 2min. IlO.scc. lust war. The greatest weight that has been carried to victory is 9st Sib—by that good horse, Convoy, j ill J9°iA - Splendid acceptances' "were received on I Monday night for the first da/'s events

at the Taranaki Jockey Club's autumn meeting, which takes place, next week. The Cup has drawn a record number of eighteen, and should provide an interesting race. Weights for the Wanganui Cup and Flying are due about Saturday,