SPORTING.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 224, 21 March 1914, Page 7

SPORTING.

NOTES BT "MOTUIIOA."' RACI* FIXTURES. March 25, 20—Eangitikci R.C. April 2, 3—Masturtim K.C. April 11, 13—Auckland II.C. April 11, 13—Wairarapa 11.0. April 13, 14—Canterbury J.C. April 13, 14—Feilding J.C. THE OPUNAKE MEETING. The Clerk of the Weather was decidedly unkind on Tuesday last, and the threatening weather wobably deterred many timid sports from journeying to the Opunake meeting on that day. Still, a big crowd rolled up, and another successful meeting lias to be recorded. It takes a lot to keep some fellows away from a race meeting, as was evidenced by the horde of mud-splashed motor-cars from Wanganui, Wavefley, Hawera, New Plymouth, and other places seen l at Pinama on St. Patrick's Day. The rain lifted before noon, and patrons could not complain of the luck that was flowing freely that afternoon. On five occasions tlie first favorite splnshed home in front, and twice in second place, and even a blind man could "sec" winners sticking out-a mile. The course had been ploughed and re-sown with grass since the previous meeting, and was very rough. The rain may not have improved it, but it certainly required more rolling. This matter should be attended' to before next meeting. Our Opunake friends have a whole year in front of them, so there is a chance that a better racing track will be supplied next year. The club's new secretary, Mr P. ft. Riley, was assisted by Mr J. Turton, secretary to the Egmont R.C., so that "talent" in that line was "all there." Judge R. Morrissey and Starter Alf. Morse were at their be»t, and the Press appreciated the prompt manner is which all information was supplied. Stipendiary McMahon had a restful day, and neither accident nor protest disturbed the meeting's calm. The feature of the gathering was the success of the progeny of Patronus, Calais winning a double, while Styrftx. Patroon and Patronymic also won races, and Patronata and Minora paid second dividends. Getting down, to the cash side of the argument, a totalisator increase of £2604 is very satisfactory. When the railway gets through to Opunake. it will sport a big meeting. And the railway is coming—slowly!

CHAMPION MEAN MAN. New Zealand suffers a few mean men graze on its noble surface, but the prize for "thrift overdone" goes to a Manchester (England) person—l almost said "sport"—-who Tecently sued a Tacing club for 13s 4d—being four-sixths of the amount he parted with to attend a meeting, four of the six events "carded" being postponed owing to fog. That Was adding insult to in'ury, with a vengeance. Fortunately in this Dominion the only fog on racecourses is in the region of the public bar, and it hasn't threatened to stop racing vet. Needless to say, our mean man's suit was thrown out with great violence. It is a wonder it ever got into a court of law at all. Anyone who had the temerity to, "put that un" on a Webster, a Turtoii or a Riley wouldn't live to plead ' a case! CURRENT TOPICS. Rangitikei races on Wednesday and acceptances appear this morning. As anticipated, Sb-rax just .strolled home in the Onuuake R.C. Handicap. Calais, in the. Farewell Handicap, was the shortest-priced winner at the meeting, and his hackers received a bad fright. fnnoladdo was heavily supported each start, but refused to do her best for either A. Olliver or W. Price. Cornelian, Taranaki's best candidate' for firand National honors, made hacks of bis opponents in the hurdle rac>. Providing he keeps sound, he should win big money this winter. Some people appear to think that Patronymic's running on Tuesday was not all "above board." They should just consider the difference in the company met in the big handicap and in the Welter—and then use their brains! ' ' Decley and E, Copestake rode two

\ winners apiece at Opunake. Other- - score were: H. Goldfinch, A. Olliivi. . Cordue and W. Price. Old Highden is still running ,: |.hini.-." Some day he will struggle into se.-:ir;.> place—but it will only be in a mutch 1 Winning owners at Opunake were: M. Gardner £125, R. Hicks £!)5, .1. McCarty .€75, J. Fryer £OO, S. Pitt .-COO, T. Pine £OO. P. Coffey £45, i-. Clareburt £2O, C. Jackson '£ls. W. I-i!e £lO, F. Hoskin £lO, F. Selwond £lO, ,1. liritton £lO, J. F. Butler £lO. B. _Kelliher £5, E. Vine £5 and .J. Foreman £5. Mr. W. E. Bidwill's two-year-old imputation has not yet recovered from the cold he contracted at Wanganui, and tn : Wairarapa sportsman will not have a representative at either Auckland or BJirarton in the autumn. Accommodation has been ordered r.t Riccarton for three members of T. Qninlivan's team for the Canterbury Jockey Club's autumn meeting. Miscount is again in work at Karamn, and the son of Birkenhead is to be given art opportunity to earn distinction over the small sticks in the j.ear future. A dozen yearlings are being handled at the Hon. J. D. Ormond's stud farm. The majority of the youngaters are by Hymettus, but other sires represented are King Mark and Birkdale.