SPORTING.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 April 1916, Page 7

SPORTING.

.. TURF TOPICS, . (By "Moturoa.")' " A final reminder is given io horseowners ana trainers that entries for all events to be decided at the Waimate llains Trotting Club's annual meeting, to bo held on the Hawera racecourse on faster Monday, close to-night ut !) p.m. The good stakes offered shouM attract big entries. Those interested should note that the Hawera telegraph office closes at 8 p.m. t The Wellington Racing Club's autumn meeting takes place to-day and on Saturday.- A fair number of Taranaki sports went through by yesterday's mail train, and Astor and Harbor Light may carry some of their coin to-day. Fields promise to be large and winners hard to pick. The Thompson Handicap (one mile) will bring some fair horses together. Balboa has top-weight, 9.3, and has earned every ounce of it. Possibly Montana, Multiplication and Oxenhope may be strongly supported, but Balboa will disappoint many good judges if he does not run a great race. The Railway Handicap may see punters going strongly for Hyginas, Sweet Corn and Chortle. The latter's Wangahtii form was not brilliant, and on that showing the former pair should hold him safe. The minor events have all filled well, and track form points to Multiply, Hyllus, Hylatus and Shrill as being as fit as any of the contestants. The North Island Challenge Stakes should prove interesting. Egypt, Emperador and Hyttus are engaged, and the public may go for them in that order. Hector Gray's term of disqualification expires this week. There was no more accomplished horseman in the Dominion, and all sports will be pleased to see him back in th' 6 saddle again. "* A. Oliver is mentioned as Eligible's likely pilot in Trentham engagements. Premiership for the leading position among the trotting horsemen is now becoming interesting. At present J. Bryca heads the list with 22 wins, A. Pringle 15 wins, and M. Edwards 14 wins. Montana will probably have the services of Charlie Price in the Thompson Handicap to-day. Denver Huon will be a competitor in the Sydney Thousand, and will be driven by R. Geddes. Shaki changed hands the other day, and is now trained at Hastings by J. Maher. ' The Masterton Racing Club paid £1520 9s 6d in Government taxes as a result of the recent autumn meeting, J. O'Shea, B. Deeley, and C. Emerson are at present haying a battle royal for the riding premiership. O'Shea is riding in great form, and providing the stipes give him a chance he will just about top the poll. Master Moutoa has gone wrong, and will require a long spell. Captain .Tack is jumping the big obstacles well, and promises to be "in the money" this winter. Nones ran a great seven furlongs at Riccarton before leaving home, but Desert Gold looks like beating her every time they meet. Panmure and Kooya have both met with accidents recently, which accounts for their defection from Trentham and Awapuni engagements. Mr. H. Nee, of Masterton, has decided to retire from the game. His colors were carried with some success by Sir Knox, Over-rate, Royal Blue, Benison, and other horses. Reputation' was recently reported to have been off color, but he is again quoted at a short price for the Sydney Cup, so that the trouble could not have been serious. Sir Geo. Clifford has disposed of the two-year-old gelding, Masterstroke, by Treadmill—Madowla, the new owner being Mr. H. A. Knight. The youngster goes into F. D. Jones' care at Riccarton.