SPORTING

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 157, 2 January 1912, Page 3

SPORTING

STRATFORD RACING CLUB. ANNUAL MEETING. Bright blue sky, with passing clouds, a cool northerly breeze to temper the summer's heat, a good-going course and big fields, made things decidedly pleasant for the record crowd of sporting folk which found its way from all points of the compass to the Stratford races yesterday. The new ; stewards' stand, with its up-to-date Appointments for stewards and press, enlarged grandstand and saddling paddock, and railing fronting the lawn, were much appreciated by all concerned. The Stratford Club is determined to do the thing properly, and it is to be hoped that next year's improvements will include large and more modern totalisator, houses. The present approaches to the machine and the payout appointments are very antedated, and provision must be made to _cope< with the increased volume of business. The silent system of investment is a decided improvement. Throughout the day the racing was very interesting, Jargon following up his New Plymouth successes 'by gathering in the Cup in good style. St. Bill and St. Gate, both running in the nomination of Mr. Alex. Hall, won events, and Ngatiruantii and Pikitaeapa —sons of Maniapoto—got their names enrolled amongst the winners. The public were fairly successful in picking the winners, Pikitaeapa being the only one to effect a big surprise. Mr. H. Thompson, of Chris tehurcly made his first appearance in Xar&naki %s a starter, and without exception the -send-offs were 1 splendid. Now that Mr. Budge is retiring from barrier-lifting,, the Taranaki Racing Club would do well to secure the services of such an. excellent starter as Mr. Thompson has proved himself to be. Mr. Stanford made no mistakes in the judge's box, and hoisted his numbers very promptly. "ThevStratfofd Brass Band discoursed sweet music"'between' the races, and the catering of Messrs. Elder and Rhodes was first class. There were no accidents, and the seoretary and his assistants saw that everything went off without a hitch. Messrs. Neylon and Spriggens were very busy at the totalisators, the sum of £10,114 being handled by them as against £7415 10s last year, an increase of £2898 lOs. Following arc details of the racing:—, TARIKI WELTER HACK HANDICAP, \ of 70 so vs.; second horse 5 so vs. | from the stake; Seven furlongs. I

D. Hughes' br g Ngatiruaniii, 4yrs (Maniapoto—Secrecy), 9.0 (Flynn l ) 1 J. T. Radford's 'br g Manawhaka,'

syrs, 9.9 {W. Price) i 2 W. Lovett's blk m St. Prior, syrs, 8.7, (Copestake) •...,. 3 Also started: Bonny Lass (Mcintosh) 8.11, Confection (A. Neale) 8.7 r When the field lined up, Manawhaka was on the rails, with St. Pridr next, and Ngatiruanui was .playing up' on the outside. From an even Mapawhakaha and St. Prior showed out first, but before a furlong; had J)een covered Ngatiruanui had assumed command,| and along the back was three • lengths iclear of Mangawaha and St. Ptior, and' Confection was last. Mangawaha closed up the gap at the far turn, but Ngatiruanui at once left liis.rival, and turning into the straight well in front came on strongly and: won by two. lengths j from Manawhakaha. St. "Prior was a similar distance away, third, and Bonny ;Lass aivt Confection finished still further back. Time, lmhi. 32 2-ssec. BOEOL'GH STAKES, of 55 sovs; second •horse lOsovs "from the stakes } ■weighttfor-age. Four and a quaTter furlongs. j W. A. Bradford's br m Silver Hope, -8.8, inc. lib over (Sylvia Park—Somnus mare), F. Colemian. 1 J. Jlelville's b m Rector Girl, s(rrs, .8.7 (Howden) \... 2 M. Franklyn's br g Gal tee, 4yrs, 8.7 (J. Mcintosh) .3 Also started: St. Helena, (C.'Pearce) 8.7, Ona (F. Flynn) 9st. (inc. 71b over), Maroo (Kendal) 8.8 (inc. lib over),\Lady Gordon (L. Lambess) 8.7, Tobias! (L. Xodder) 8.7, Kaffir Queen (R. Lampess) 8.7, Crawfoyd (W. Price) 8.0, Royal Dragoon (J. Eva) 8.0, Master Kilcheran \(W. Ayer) 7.7. \

Mr. Thompson again offered a splendid start, Tobias and Rector Girl being the first to find their feet. Tobias well clear of a straggling field as th'ey ran along the bottom, but at the honie turn Royal Dragoon and Rector Girl pt.it in their claims, and Silver Hope couM be seen coming fast from the rear. Bold w the distance Rector Girl was iJj front, and fiaHee on the rails improved his position. Rector Girl looked to have the race in fairly safe keep when Silverj Hope came with a great rush on the\ outside, and collaring the leader fiftyyards from home won handsomely by three-quarters of a length. Galtee was a close third, and Marco was almostfi level, just heading a bunched lot. Lady Gordon whipped in the field. Time, 5p l-ssec. [ [ STRATFORD CUP HANDICAP, of 12$ sovs, second horse -20 sovs, third 10 from tl:c stakes. One mile and ai quarter. ' M. J. Goodfon'a br h Jargon, 4yiß 1 (Oonlon Rouge—Lady Hypatia), 8.9 I -(inc. 141b pennlty), R. Lambless... 1 C. Mumby's ch g Sandy Paul, oyrs, I 7.13 (L. Xoddor) ! 2 R. Campbell';, eh g To Roti, 6yrs, B.l' (Graham) ". ,3 1 Also started: Kpsom Lass (W. Price) 8.8. First Mate (Pearce) 8.4. Te Roti was lirst away, .and setting a fast pace led past the stand by three [ lengths fropi Epsom Lasji "and .Targojn, I who were together, and "First Mate wm I last. Te Rotji held his advantage" f. but; was slowing down-as th'r 7 across \tlie and Jargon afi 1

Epsom Lass got almost on terms at the bend. Jargon, on the rails, was on terms below the distance, and Epsom Lass gave place to Sandy Paul, who came on the outside. Jargon was going comfortably to the end, and finished a clear length in front of Sandy Paul. Te Roti was a couple of lengths away, third, amd then followed Epsom Lass and First Mate, the last-named pulling up very lame. Time, 2min. ICsec. MIDHIRST HACK HANDICAP, of 80 sovs, second horse 10 sovs, third 5 sovs from the stakes. One mile. T. Hopeful's b g Muleteer, 6yrs (Malatua—Molar), 8.4 (inc. 71b pen.), Alf. Olliver 1 H. W. Johnson's br m Merrie Emerald, aged, 7.4 (51b allowed), 0. McCarter 2 J. J. Fitzgerald's ch g Cornelian, 4yrs, 7.12 (inc. 71b pen.) ,W. Ayre. 3 Also started: Monsieur Soult (Goldfinch 7.8 (51b. all), Minora (Kemp) 7.7. The quintette dashed off on level ■ terms, Merrie Emerald momentarily showing out. from Muleteer, but as they swung out of the straight Muleteer ran into the lead. Merrie Emerald was on Muleteer's quarter along the back of the course, but the latter was well clear again before turning for home, Cornelian coming up into third place. Merrie Emerald challenged Muleteer strongly at the distance, but the top-weight was equal to the .occasion, and w6n fairly comfortably by a length. Cornelian was a poor third, and Monsieur Soult a bad last. Time, Imin. 40 2-ssec. OHURA HACK HURDLES, of 100 sovs, second horse 15 sovs, third 5 sovs. from the stakes. One mile and a half. < W. Mcßeth's bg Allure, syrs (Handsome Jfick—Remuera), 9.0 (Cole-

man) l Burrell and Taylor's b g Jackman," 6yrs, 9.3 (Copestake) 2 P. Johhson ; s b g Pleiades, aged, 10.13 (inc. 101b pert.), A.. Mitche11........ 3

Also started: Clemency (Cochrane) 10.2, Brilliancy (Howden) 10.1, Bismarck (Flynn) "9.13, Chase Mab (L. Lambless) 9.7, Sir Tyllocjc (Grerar) 9,0. • The colors of Jackman were .first out, followed by Brilliancy, , with Pleiades leading the ruck. Jackman and Brilliancy went right away from the field, and positions were practically unchanged until Allure' commenced to run through half a mile from home. Allure had Brilliancy settled before turning for home, and joined Jackman at the last | jump. The-pair raced together for a short distance, and then Allure's superior pace told, and he drew out, winning by a good length. Pleiades was three lengths away, third, Clemency fourth I ,' Brilliancy '"fifthj. aiid Sir, Tullock (who 1 had run in the reaip -all. the' Way) was last. Time, 2min. 58 l-ssec.

FARMERS' .PLATE, of 5Q 'sovisj second horse 10 sovs. from the stake; • weigh-for-age. One mile. G. ® Gibson's b g Pikitacapa, 4yrs (Miniapoto J?ikimai), 11.0 (Mr. Brough)-" l D. J. Goodwin's rn h Rouge Dragoon, ' 4yrs, 1-1.0 (Mr. A. Mitchell).. 2 G. Smith's br g Draft, 4yra, 11.0 (Mr. ffiggjnsqii) (f ... v ..,!... ... u ........ 3 Also started: 'Paramount (Mr. Audry) l'l.O, Brown Star (Mr. Clout) 11.0, The Child (Mr. Taylor) 10.7, Deemster (Mr. Tattersall) 10.7.

Deemster's rider was slow in, getting his, mount (moving when the tapes went, up, but the others hopped out in line, Rouge i Dragoon showing 'the way to Brown Star and Pikitaea,pa. Brown Star ran up to Rouge Dragoon at the six-furlong post, and led along the back. : The pair Were together again before rounding the top turn, where Brown: Star ; fell away beaten. Rouge Dragoon was still in froijtt at the distance, Ibut Pikitaeapa canje' again, and in a slasiiing finish won by a neck. Draft, wh'tf came with a rattle in. the straight was half a length • eway; third, and then followe'd Paramount and Brown. Star, with Deemster last. Time, Imin.'Sl 1-5 sec. •

FLYING 'HANDICAP, of 100 sovs; sec* ond horse 10 sOvs ; third 5 sovs from the stake; • >■ : A. Hull's b g St. Bill, aged (St. .Paul —Billingsgate mare) 1 , 9.6 (inc. 71b , pen.); W e Price ... .. . .........,.. 1 R. Hick's b g 'Smilax, syrs, 8.10 (Cole- .

man) ............................ J. Ryan's br g Con the Shaughraun,

4yrs, 7.10 (Monk) ,3 Also started:; Red Lupin (Fowler) 7.12 (51b. allowed)', Kareroa (Nodd-er) 7.11% (inc. l%lb over), Starboard (Howden) ,7.6, Overtime (Neale) 7.8 (inc. 61b over).

Another good start. St. Bill began I with hiis'usual brilliancy, Kareroa dwelling slightly. St. Bill was joined by Kareroa at the post, arid Cnn t.lip Shauglirauri was leading the ruck. Overtime (being 'last: , St.' Bill drew clear at the half-mile _pjg, and <3on the Shiugk raun and Smilax closed on Kareroa before h«adin£ f(}r home. St. Bill was firijt into the straight, and easily stalling oif a challenge by Smilax, who passed Con* the Slirfugliraun below the distance, wo it., handily by a length. Con the Shaughraun was a length and a half away,' hext, and; -then ■ came Starboard, Overtime, Kareroa! and Red Lupin. Time, imin. 16

RAILWAY'HACK HANDICAP, of 70 sovs; second horse 1Q sovsj third, 5 sovs from the stakes. Six furlongs. A. Hall's b g St. Gate, syrs (St. Clements—Billingsgate mare), 7.10 (51b. allowed), Carmont 1 D. King's br g Clemoes, syre, 7.7 (51b. allowed), MoCarten 2 J. Pogarty's br g Dover Straits, Gyrs, 7.3 (>lonk) 3 Also started: Avaunce (Ayre) 8.8, Mortite {W. iPrice). 8.3, Glenfern (Fowler) 7-7;(51b. allowed), Lady Van (Gra--1 ham) 7.8 (inc. 41b over), Glen Tulloek (Howden) 7.5' (31b allowed), Kiwitilii (GoklfLnch) 7.0 (51b allowed). All the horses stepped out on even (forms with the exception of Glenfern, who lost a, couple" of lengths. St. Gate acted as pacemaker, and had as his nearest attendants Mortite and Lady Van as they flashed past the five-furlong, post. Clemoes had run into second place before they straightened up for the run to! the judge's toox, and once headed for home put In a most determined challenge, vvlxile Dover Straits, who had luid anything but ft good passage, also came 1 strongly. A gTeat race ensued, Glemoes drawing level with St. Gate a hundred from home,, but St. Gate came |«gai|» in the'Jast few strides and patched , victory by a neck, Dover Straits was half-a length away in third place) aird the' last to pass thjjf post ' wV.ri! .Mortite, Lady Van and Gkmfcrn. ■'Time,| lanin. 17 l-ssec. / ■ : acceptances «>e page 8.)

TURF TOPICS.

1 , (By "Moturoa ") ( Concluding day at Stratford. * Sir Tullock fenced like a duffer yesterday. \ All the Soults can gallop—except Monsieur Soult. Jackman jumped beautifully yesterday, and: his jump in front of the stand was a great leap. Pickpockets were much in evidence at Stratford, being there to pick mugs and not cups, and they caught a number of smart men, tool j-tffctf.flißffl The racing public has a real grievance against the Stratford Olub as regards train arrangements published on the "correct-card." The up-special was well on its way to New Plymouth at 5.53 the time given for its departure. "Correct card" is mostly a paradox these ■days! Dover Straits finished up full of running in the Railway Handicap, and had he been better placed in the first stages of the race might have troubled the winner. He is' worth watching. Jargon was easily the best horse on the course yesterday, and won It is race very comfortably. It goes without saying that the handicappers will take good ca/r© of Mr. Goodson's horse in future.. At present Jargon is as fit as the proverbial instrument that squeals when scratched across-its middle, and it taikes ' a heap of weight to keep a fit neddy baxjk in the r,uck with a crowd of thirdratems.

Sandy Paul was not looking as bright as usual and was somewhat interfered wjth at the home bend. Despite this be finished up in workmanlike style, and the gallop should l do him a world of good.

A heap of hard-earned capital went into other hands when Con t]je Shaugh"raun failed to nun up to his New Plymouth form. All the same he should not be written out for near engagements.

Talking of totalisator investment, a more or less' "toniced" person standing in, front of "chaff-cutter" after- the last race was heard' to mournfully remark: "It taikes.,ten per Ghent of the money, does it? I've been iii and out all day, and it has taken (hie) the whole (something) lot!" St. Gate had not much to spare at the business end—the endi that counts—of the Railway Handicap, and apprentice McCarten had his work cut 'out to keep the bay's head in front. St. Gate is a lazy customer, arid with a. strong horseman can be depended upon to do much' bigger things. The foolishness of allowing apprentices ■ Mbswas exemplified again yesterday. Ini the last race the winner as well As three other horses were called upon to carry s'libs leas than allotted by the weightadjuster, thereby upsetting the whole handicap. With, so many meetings in 'full blast at this time of the year the limited supply of good jockeys is altogether inadequate, and Stratford was only one of the places where reliable horsemen were scarcer than the dividends Much go to giadden the heart of the festive punter. If there is any difference, between a good apprentice and a third-rate jockey the balance is mostly in favor of the youngster, and under the circumstances any allowance at alll is ridiculous and unfair. ■