SPORTING.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 50, 17 July 1912, Page 7

SPORTING.

TURF TOPICS. j (By "Moturoa.") The Wellington Racing Club's winter meeting opens at Trentham to-day and will be concluded on Saturday. In previous years the gathering extended over three days—an altogether unsatisfactory affair—and only for the fact that the curtailment was brought about through the kill-sports getting the ear of M.'sP. and subsequent legislation being brought to bear on the number of racing days, the change would be accepted without regret. The sportsman doesn't trouble his head how often his sanctimonious brother runs bazaars and such-like gambles, and he does not like to lose a point as regards his own particular sport. To hear the kill-sport section's noise one would imagine that their number predominated in this Dominion, but when their leaders rave that four-fifths of Auckland's population (and we suppose it is the same elsewhere) are going on the downward track which leads to fast women, slow racehorses, "two up," and other gambles, it is time that our worthy representatives took a tumble to the faet that they have been listening to the violent minority and neglecting the just claims of the big majority. Having got this off his chest, this' scribe feels better.

The Wellington Steeplechase was inaugurated in 1885 —of comparatively recent date as regards 'cross-country events in the Dominion—and looking through the records one cannot help noticing what, a poor crowd of horses have won the event. Light-weights have raced with most success, and only once has the race been won by a horse'carrying 12st. That was when Plain Bill scored in 1909. On only three other occasions have horses carrying over list been returned winners. Kiatere, Grtbo, and Nor'-west were double winners, the two former scoring in successive years, and Nor'-west winning in 1808 and again (when resurrected) in 10(13. In recent years Auckland-owned horses have had a great innings. Commencing with Nor'-west in 1903, we strike Kiatere (1004-1905), Haydn (1907) Te Arai (1909), Capitol (1910), and Tioanga (1911). Northern horsese again hold a strong hand, Hautere. Black Northern, and Zante being on the spot to race today. Paritutu is the -only horse in today's field which raced last year, and on that occasion the Taranaki horse carried 9st 131b and filled the role of runner-up, two lengths behind Hoanga 9st 81b; Fifteen horses have been paid up for in to-day's race, but it is likely that the field will be considerably reduced when the weighing-out bell disturbs the atmosphere. Antarctic's rheumatism has returned and the big horse is quite a cripple. Zante is another on the doubtful list, the bay Euroclvdon gelding having "a leg." From the Wellington papers one gathers that Continuance is reckoned to be a trifle on the big side, his recent accident putting back his preparation. Fit and well, the topweight would be the hardest hor.se to beat. Hautere, on Wangamii and ElleFslie form, must be accounted dangerous, and will probably start favorite. He is said to have come through a good preparation. and as the elect of the powerful Williamson stable must command respect. Fir Lethe is sure to run well, but the distance may stop him. and the same refers to Black Northern. Whakaweira, Master Paul and Olenmore. Paritutu and Captain Jingle mav be depended upto stay out the full distance, providing they stand up, and their chances are reckoned to lie of the very best. Tn connection with the Wellington Steeplechase it is worth recording that (Tie Tawnaki trainer Percy Johnson piloted three winners—Whalebone, Nat e.nd The Friar.

!Xext in importance comes the Winter Hurdle Race, run over two miles. The Rover won the. race last vcar with 9st slb, but will have lOst 81b to-day. If the monev comes for The Native that horse will simply—but there, one cannot throw out tips these days! Bollin, Darbv Paul, Master Theory, Elfish, and Goodwin Park have won races recently, and with these promising hurdlers on the card a fine race should eventuate. Mr. P. Johnson took Sandy Paul down last week, and the chestnut is reported to be in good form. In view of the Grand Nationals in three weeks' time to-day's running will be eagerly watched.

Barring accidents the Auckland horseman A. McFlynn will have a busy afternoon. lie is booked to ride Hautere in the Wellington Steeplechase, Taialia in the Hack Steeplechase, and Master Theory in the Winter Hurdle Race. Jockev S. Reid will he up on Mt. Victoria. Ceylon, and La Reina; R. Hatch on Undecided and Ladrone; P. Brady on Salute, Uranium, Zante and Patriotic; 11. Telford on Mulga Bill; and J. Stewart on Antarctic.

Compass has been jumping poorly since going to Trentham. The horse generally runs, well at Trentham and carried lOst Sib into second place behind The Rover in last year's Winter Hurdle Race. Compass won the Grand National Hurdles away back in 1000. and since then has not done much good. Paritutu and Crown Pearl have been pleasing the Trentham touts, and are expected to show up at the meeting. The following horses have been entered for the Trial Plate, run over six furlongs, to-day:—Glenowl, Peary. Kew. Courtlv, Epworth. Postillion, Neirene, Icel. Grnndee, Mediterranean. Parawanui, Simla. Fionnere and St. Serf. Armagh is looking in the pink of condition and will nrobably be the bestbacked horse at Trentham to-day . Gay Lawless is said to be better than ever, and on recent track form must be accounted a great sprinter. Mira, on the strength of a smart gallop on Saturday morning, will have plenty of backers in the Parliamentary Handicap. If Coronetted is well Ost 71b should not trouble him much in the mud. Undecided and Mnlga Bill are a pair of strong horses that may be favored bv the going. The Kara mil trainer has five horses at |Trentham— Peary. Idealism. Bollin, Sir |Tristram and Outward. The latter is I reported to be very sore.