SPORTING.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 September 1915, Page 7

SPORTING.

RACING FIXTURES. Sept. B.—Dannevirke R.C. Steeple. Sept 9.—Dannevirke Hunt meeting. Sept. 9, 10, —Ashbnrton B.C. Spring. Sept. 15, 18. —Avoridalo J.C. Spring. Sept. 23, 25.—Wanganui J.C. Spring. t MARTON MUDLARKS. (By "Moturoa.") The Clerk of the Weather rather unkindly lost the cork of the water-bottle on Wednesday last, and the result was that tho Marton spring meeting was splashed through in a sea of rain and slush. Fortunately the improved stands offered excellent protection from tho elements, but a trip to the totalisator, or saddling paddock, or (ahem) bar, was not the pleaeantest of outings. The gents' conveniences, an up-to-date affair by the way, is situated too far from the grandstand, and it was just a matter of wading through inch-deep slush to get there. The attendance was large, convenient trains from Wanganui and Palmcrston being well patronised. Despite the beastly weather, the public betted enthusiastically, and the day's figures jumped to £15,156—an improvement of nearly a couple, of thousand on last year's total. Favorites only scored on two occasions; when Fortify won the Marton Handicap, and when Hydros gathered in the Maiden. Well backed .ones like Toreador, Miaeara., Ranter, and Hygia also scored, but Master Strowan, Discussion, and Mystified returned their supporters fine, fat, healthy dividends. No very sensational finishes were provided, and it looked a3 if a good number uf runners were not very anxious. Fortify, Miaeara, Hygia, Toreador, Ranter, Hydros, and Master Strowan all won very easily. Ten were saddled up for the Hack Hurdles, St. Gate being a trifle better lacked than Toreador and Ruatangata. Toreador dashed off in front, and led passing the stand from Ruatangata, Gladful, and Negative. Running out of tho straight Ruatangata lost his position, and Rexer improved rapidly. St. Gati'etuck gamely to Toreador until throe furlongs from home, and then retired beaten. The big Aucklander came on full of running, and won comfortably from Ruatangata, with the outsider Rexer close up third. Then came St. Gate, Forelight, and Happy Jack. Indrabarah was "wrecked" at the hurdlo near the seven furlongs post. Calais jumped well, and Should be all the better for the schooling lesson. Toreador surprised most people by finishing strongly, but St. Gate (who was heavily backed from the right quarter) shaped like a "has been."

The Maiden drew a dozen, and of these Hydras (Hymettue-Balama), Moutoa Queen (Charlemagne ll—Stre6sa), Flying Spur (Advance —Daisy Clipper), and the English importation, Kaiserine (Deutschland —Legaxc) attracted a lot of attention in the paddock. Hydros wound up a strong order, with the Tilley-traincd Moutoa Queen and Flying Spur next in demand. Moutoa Queen and Black Ada led along the back,' but just before entering the straight Wood gave Hydrus his head, and —whoop!—lie left them standing still! Ormond's horse won hard held by half_a dozen lengths, and Moutoa Queen, who tired badly over the last furlong, just lasted long enough to .snatch second, money from Bronk Dclava.!, a promising three-year-old colt from Atwofld's stable. Hydrus is a fullbrother to Shaki.

Calais was the only withdrawal from the Railway Handicap, ten horses going to the post. Shaki carried most money, but Crovru Pearl, Mi&cara, and Peionilla were all well backed. Miaeara and Perocilla began quickest, and were followed by Shaki and Crown Pearl down the back stretch. Peronilla was beaten at the turn, and Crown Pearl appeared to get a rough passage. Miaeara revelled in the wet going, and although Grown Pearl came along in great style the mare won a good race by rather more than a length. Taugiwai, who was paying a stunner, was right up third, witlnl'eronilla, Khaki, Combustion, aiid Square Btjl The last-named lost ground, at the barrier. Miaeara does not hit out freely when the giiing ia hard, but her partv wore v,--ry sanguinis «t ivhii'tcu. HcrbrcediniC, Bsntform—Caiissjina, is tiptop, and she should carry "Wire Tokena's" colors with distinction. Her dam, Carissiina, died at Bushy Park last week after foaling. All started in the Hunt Steeplo, Rufus being very warm, with Ranter and Consul next in demand. Splendid jumping quickly put Rufus in front, but he tired at the end of two miles. Ranter, with Adams aboard, then took the load, and won comfortably from Consul.

Haskaync, Lady Louisa, and Square Deal dropped out of the Marton Handicap, and the public made an error in sorting out Fortify, Red Book, and Imarosc ns the beet of the ten starters, Glenroy led past the stand from Mummer, Patronymic, Fortify, and a bunched lot. Fortify had Glenroy in trouble three furlongs from home, and clearing right out won in hollow fashion by several lengths from Imarose, who just cut Rod Book out of second money. Wild Lupin, Master Moutoa, and Glenroy "finished next. If some of the riders in this race were "triers" they didn't look like it.

Botanist, Combustion, and Depredation were not produced for the Electric Handicap, but thirteen went to the post. Olissando, Interlude, and Hygia carried the bulk of the coin, and the last-named, after being ridden behind, came fast at the distance, and won very easily from Mystified, who was paying over half* a century to win. Sweet Coin was close up third, with Coropet and Jean Laddo next. Interlude and Coropet had every chance, Retting out in front and being favored by a smooth passage. The Hack Steeple saw Cornelian drop out, and Tarero, Captain Macky, and Agatha Crcen were the elect of backers. Tarero made most of the pace, but was joined by Master Strofan half a mile from home. Tarero came'to grief at the last fence, leaving Master St rowan to stroll home in front of Captain Macky and Merry Lad. Welcome Nugget was first choice in the Tutaonui AVeltcr, but appeared to strike trouble on the way. Lady Amai was first out, and her nearest attendant along the back was Difussion. The latter led into the straight, and just got home in time to win from Hylutus, who finished very fast. The Rangitikei Hunt meeting look I'lacc on Thursday in perfect weather. A detailed account of' the meeting, is crowded out of this issue, but the feature of the gathering was the improved form shown by Welcome. Nugget and Coropet. Ranter won again, and Lady Amai, with A. Oliver up, jjorcd an overduo win in the liangitikci Handicap. Merry Jack paid a short price in the Ladies' Bracelet, but backers of Katua, Cliahaii, and Welcome Wigget were well rewarded. The last named paid a fine pf'ce, considering thai he was a hot order on tho previous 'd*jr, .