SPORTING.

Taranaki Daily News, 1 September 1916, Page 3

SPORTING.

NORTH TARANAKI HUNT. SECOND TOTALISATOR MEETING. Unfortunately for the North Taranaki Hunt, the complete success of their second annual totalisator meeting, which was held on the racecourse yesterday, was marred very considerably by the wet weather that prevailed. Heavy rain commenced before daybreak, and continued almost incessantly until just before the fifth race, when it ceased, although the rest of the afternoon was very cold. Naturally the weather affected the attendance to no small extent, and the gate receipts were, roughly, between £4O and £45 less than those of last yea.r. The condition of the course was rendered very greasy by the heavy rain, and after the first two or three gallops it was much ploughed up and was very holding. The lawns and paddocks, which were in perfect order at the beginning of the week, were soon a quagmire, and underfoot conditions were very unpleasant. Althpugh the attendance was not up to expectations, speculation was very brisk, and the sum of £4847 passed through the tote, as against £6544 last year for seven races. And if the fields were perhaps not overburdened with the hall-mark of quality, they fully made up for that in quantity, and the sport throughout was of a most interesting and pleasing character. In the jumping events spills were very numerous, as coukl only be expected in view of the state of the :ourse, but fortunately no rider was hurt. The management of the meeting was ali that could he desired; in the hands of Mr. E. L. Humphries, the hard-work-ing and obliging secretary, and his ever- | present staff of officials it could not hatfe been bettered, and the Hunt is fortunate in the possession of such officers. Mr. C. O'Connor was almost without exception very happy in his starting of the various events, and Mr. J. R. L. Stanford, who had two or three close decisions to adjudicate upon, gave every satisfaction to owners, jockeys, and public. Mr. Gordon, stipendiary steward, had a sinecure. The various luncheon booths, tea kiosk, and publican's booth were all admirably conducted and received due patronage. The pleasure of the gathering was enhanced -bj the music discoursed by the Citizens' Baud, who. although not in full force, acquired many encomiums from visitors for their playing. Proceedings commenced with the Hunters' Flat Race, in which a field of nine faced the barrier. The Boris gelding Confusion was always prominent in an interesting race, and lasted long enough to pay his supporters a handsome dividend, the 'best of the day. Fidelio and Royal Turk were the punters' choice for the Stratford sprint, with Madam Ristori abo well backed. After Seaport had made all the running, the favorite? singled themselves out, and Royal Park got home after a good finish. The Ladies' Bracelet Steeple orought out a field of ten, and Glenpar.l was installed favorite. The race, after the horses had jumped the first two or three obstacles beautifully, resolved itself into a chapter of accidents, and Warhead, fencing well, scored a most popular win. The Wailii Hack brought out the highest class field of the day, although there were' only six starters. White Blaze, Flying Camp, and Dood were almost eoualiv supported in ft good betting .rao?. The winner was always prominent and won comfortably, although the actual favorite, White Blaze, might have troubled but for running erratically at the entrance to the straight. A good field 'of eleven lined up for the Hunt Cup Steeplechase, and the favorite hunter Expedition was made favorite. He created much disappointment by running off at the_ double on the first time round.' The .race is easily described, as Kiwitca, fencing faultlessly, won from end to end. Mae also gave a good exhibition of jumping, and Argo fenced well. Most of the other staiters fell, the jockeys in one or two instances having wonderful escapes. Royal Park and Tieino were served up as tlie "correct peas" for the 'Lrenui Handicap,'but Cordon, an outsider, upset calculations by making the pace a cracker from the start, and only succumbed to another well-fancied one in Sylviaroa, after a good finish. The scratching pen was freely used in the Lepperton Hurdles, but nevertheless a field of eight went to the post. 4gain the greasy going was. against the jumpers, and the winner, Delage, who proved sure of foot, paid a good price, Cornice, the second public fancy, following him home. The favorite, Union Jack, was never prominent, and whipped in the field.

The meeting concluded with the Opunake Scurvy, ten horses of the twentytwo carded facing Mr. O'Connor. The biggest outsider but one, in Movement, took the lead at the start and was never headed. He rewarded his supporters with a very comfortable price. For second place, 'another little fancied one in Golden Fan upset a very "hot pot" in Coronita. At the conclusion of the big race, Mr. A. H. Haieombe, master of the Hunt, presented the handsome cup given by the president, Mr. A. A. Alexander, to the owner of the winner. In doing so he congratulated a member of an outside flub in having won the trophy, which, of course, he would have preferred to retain in the club. Members of the | North Taranakf'llunt Club as sportsmen appreciated competition from outside, and were always pleased to welcome members of other clubs. Mr. Ilaleombe also thanked the farmers of the district for their liberality in allowing the club to limit over their property, and he also thanked the Taranaki Jockey Club for allowing them the use of their course. Mr. T. R. Taylor, the recipient of the cup, suitably replied. Mr. Halcombe also presented the whip donated by, Mr. H. Broojanan to Mr. C. Hanks, rider of the winner of the. Hunters' tjjandicap flat race, who suitably responded. The winners received a salvo of applause from the large crowd assembled in front of Oe stand, where the presentation took place, and at its conclusion the band played the music of the hunting song, "John Peel." HUNTERS' HANDICAP FLAT RACE, of 40sovs. and whip presented by Mr. H. Brookman. second horse to receive Tsovs., and .bird horse 3sovs. For qualified hunters season 191 G. Gentleman riders. One mile and a quarter. 7 —Mr. C. A. Banks' b g Confusion, aged, by Boris—Waitoki, 10.0 (C. Banks) 1 I—Mr. B. Brewer's b g Regio, Gyrs., 4—Messrs. Shields and Fowler's b g Abalone, Oyrs, 10.4 (W. Fowler) 3 AVinner trained by owner.

Also started: 2 Camp Guard 10.9 |C Lupton), 8 Ridicule 10.13 (inc. !)lb over) (C. Stockman), G Wee Paul 10.0 (W. Crowe). 5 Renig 10.9 (inc. 01b over) (Atkinson), 3 Kitogue 10.0 (F. Anstis), 0 Jet Black 10.31 (inc. 311b over) (F. Aubrey). From a good start the colors of Kitogue, .Jet Black, and Abalone showe<l out. Kitogue, Renig, and Wee Paul led past the stand in that order, with Camp Guard, Confusion and Regio close haiuly. Turning into the back stretch Regio moved up to the leader and Confusion and Abalone improved their positions. Getting round to the High School bend Kitogue was done with and Confusion entered the straight with a lead of two lengths. Regio then put in his claim and the pair drew away from the rest of the field. A punishing finish ensued, Confusion just lasting long enough to snatch victory by a nose. Abalone was eight lengths away third, followed by Camp Guard, the rest of the field being strung out. Time, 2.25 2-5. STRATFORD HACK HANDICAP, of SOsovs; second horse to receive 7sovs. from the stakes, and third horse 3sovs. Five furlongs. 2—Mr. D. Paul's eh h Royal Park, 4yrs., by Sylvia Park —Rosebelle, 9.H (inc. 1 Jib over). (A. WarcJ) . 1 I—Mr. W. C. Phillip's br m Fidelio, 4yrs, 9.0 (O. McCarten) p 9—Mr. J. O'DonnelFs eh g Seaport, '4yrs., fl.O (R. Brown) 3 Winner trained by P. W. Scally. Also started: 5 Bivouac 10.0 (Flynn), 3 Madam Ristori 9.4 (J. O'Shea), 0 Pergola 9,1 (J. Cathro), 8 Starforte 9.0 (Nodder), 4 Lady Fran 9.0 (J. Cordue), 10 Mary Maid 9.0 (Goldfinch), 7 Akaba.i fl.O (B. Clark). Another good start wa 3 effected, Seaport and Madam Ristori being in the lead. At the bend Pergola and Bivouac led. with Fidelio and Seaport nc?,'t. Fidelio then came up and displaced the leaders, being followed by Seaport, Royal Park, and Bivouac. At the distance Royal Park put in his claim and wearing down the favorite won by half a length, Seaport two lengths back. Time, US. LADIES' BRACELET MAIDEN HANDICAP STEEPLECHASE, of 45»ovs. and a bracelet; second horse to receive lOsovs from the stakes, and third horse ssovs. For qualified hunters, 1910', ownerl at time of entry by members of the EgniontWanganui and North Taranaki Hunt-,. Minimum weight 10.0. About two miles. 3—Mr.;. B. 11. Chaney\s blk g Warhead, aged, by Torpedo Unknown, 10,0 (Roach) 1 3—Mr. J. McKean's eh g Master Catcsby, aged 10.0 (J. Johnson) . 2 9—Mr. P. Phelan's b in Webshell, aged, 10.0 (J. Myles) , 3 Winner trained by owner.

Also started: fi Laddie 10.3 (E. Croot), 4 Hohepa 10.0 (Thompson), 7 King Simon 10.0 (A. Gordon), 1 Glen Paul, 10.0 (A. Ward), 10 Black .Tack 10.5 (inc.-51b over), (George), 3 Paddle Box 10.3 (inc. 31b over), (Tutchen), 2 Southern 10.0 (F. Flynn), Southern and Warhead led the way over the first jump, which the field successfully- negotiated, while the stand double war, also faultlesslj accomplished by all the starters. There was not much difference in positions as the field raced up the back stretch, where Glen Paul oi.d Webshell improved their positions. King Simon broke down at this point, and wifs pulled up. At the ft nee oppoosite the people's stand Laddie. who was running third, fell and brought down Glen Paul, both jockeys escaping injury. At the double the second time Southern had increased his lead from Warhead, but lie struck the following fence heavily and ffil, leaving Warhead with a long lead from Master Catcsby and Webshell. From this point the race was a moral for Warhead, who won easily by a dozen lengths. Master Catcsby and Webshell fought out a good finish -foi second place, the verdict ,going to the former by half a head. Black Jack and Paddle Box finished in that order a long way back. Time, 4.14.

WAIHI HACK HANDICAP, of Tosovs.; second horse to receive lpsovs. from the stakes, and third horse ssovs. Seven furlongs. 2—-Messrs. Cuff Bros eli g Flying Camp. Oyrs., by Campfire—La Milo, f1.12 (0. McCarten) 1 s—Mr. J. Britton's ch m Sylvan Dale, Ovrs, 0.(1 (R. Brown) 2 4—Mr. L'ic Childcs' b g Paraoa, syrs.. 10.0 (Tutchen) 3 Winner trained by owners. Also started: 1 White Blaze 9.12 (Goldfinch), 3 Dooil 9.3 (L. Nodiler), 0 Normanby 9.0 (21b apprentice's allowance), (L. Manson). After some delay at the post a fair start va-3 effected, Normanby being left. Flying Camp and Dood led the field for the first furlong, when White'Bhue displaced the latter, and Paraoa ran up into third place with Dood, Sylvan Dale, and Normanby in that order. Hounding the bend Sylvan Dale moved forward, and 011 entering the straight White Blaze ran wide, leaving Flying Cam])' with a substantial lead, which lie maiiita'ned, winning very comfortably by two lengths, a little more than that distance separating second and third horses. Dood wa= fourth anil \mite Blaze last. Time, 1.38 2-3. NORTH TARAN'AKI HUNT'CUP HANDICAP STEEPLECHASE, of 135 sovs., and a cup presented by Mr. A. Alexander; second hor.se to receive 23sovs. from the stakes, and third horse lllsovs. For qualified hunters, 11)10, that have never won a stake exceeding in value lOOsovs. at time of entry. Minimum weight 10.7. About three miles. •2—Mr. T. E. Taylor's b g Kiwitea, aged, by Handsome Jack, 10.7 (A. Ward) 1 3—Mr. Leo O'Neill's b g Mac, aged, 10.7 (F. Flynn) 2 7 —Mr. Ci. Lupton's b g Argo, aged, 11.8 (Lupton) 8 Winner trained by owner. Also started: 1 Expediton 12.8 (I\. Lambcss). 5 Warea 11.4 (Roach), 4 Captain Dick 11.4 (.T. Johnson), 0 llydrau-, lie 10.11 (A. .Gordon), 8 King Victoi 10.10 (E. Croot), 11 Grovboy 10.7 (Myles), 10 Glen Paul 10.7 (C. Coclif ranc), 0 Korero 10,7 (F. Tutchen). From a good start, Warca and Hydraulic were the first to show in front. ,but at the first bend Kiwitea took the lead and Warea fell back. Kiwitea led the field over the fence opposite the public stand, which Warea hit, his rider making a fine recovery. At the double the first time round Expedition ran oil and the order round the bond was Kiwitea, Hydraulic, Mac, the rest of the field stringing cut. Korero fell at the back hurdle. Coming.past the stand on the next round Kiwitea still led, but Mac displaced Hydraulic, and Captain Dick and Argo moved up. King Victor, who was lying sixth, fell ,at the next hurdle. Kiwitea. Mac, Hydraulic, Captain Dick, Argo, and Glen Paul was the order into the straight tie next

round, but Captain Dick turned turtle at the following obstacle. Mac drew level with Kiwitea. at the double but the latter again drew away and established a loVf lead. Greybov, Hydraulic and Glen Paul had now had enough and were not persevered with. Argo took third place and Warea acted as whipper-in to the field, now reduced to four. Kiwitca won easily by twenty lengths, and Mac lasted just long enough to beat Argo by a good half length, Warea a long way back. Time, 6.43. UIENUI HACK HANDICAP, of fiOsovs.; second horse to receive lOsovs from the stakes, and third horse osovs. Six furlongs. 3—Mr. F. M. Mills' b g Sylviaroa, 4yrs., by Sylvia Park—Pongaroa, 9.3 (J. O'Shea) 1 's—Mr. H. Weston's br g Cordon, Oyrs., 9.0 (Roach) 2 ■'!— Mr. W. Honeyfield's b g Tieino, 4yrs., 9.1 (inc. 51b appren. allowance), (Manson) 3 Winner trained by W. Vivian. Also started: 7 Lady Fran fl.O (L. 'fodder), 1 Royal Park 9.7 (inc. 71b pen.) (A. Ward), 5 Crown Head fl.O (K. Lainbess), 4 Pink Pearl fl.O (0. McOarten). Cordon and Lady Fran in, that order were first away, but the latter wa s soon supplanted by Tieino and Jioyiil Park. Cordon led round into the straight, and Crown Head and Sylviaroa moved up from the ruck. Once into the straight the race resolved it■jelf into a finish between Sylviaroa, Cordon, and Tieino, and they finished in fthat ordei a length separating thie placed horses. Crown Head was fourth and Royal Park fifth. Time. 1.21 2-5. LEPPERTON HUNTERS' HANDICAP HURDLES, of SOsovs.; second horse, to receive lOsovs from the stakes, and third horse ssovs. For qualified hunters, season 1910. One and a half miles. ".—Mr. G. Lupton'?. b g Delage, fiyrs, by Field Battery—Minoloa, 9.0 (K. Lambess) 1 s—Mr. M. C. Aagaard's b m Cornice, (lyrs,, 9.12 (A'. Ward) 2 it- Mr. S. Davidson's eh g Silver Tim, agcJ, 0.3 (inc. 31b over), (Myles) 3 Winner trained by owner. jMs.i started: 1 Union .Tack 9.12 (inc. 5.1b -over), (Thompson), S Ridicule 9.2 IC. Cochrane), 7 Formosus .9.13 (inc. 121b over) (J. Johnson). 3 Speedwell Max 10.0 (inc. 141b over), (p. Flynn), .'i Southern 9.4 (inc. 41b over), (A. Gordon). Cornice led to the first hurdle which iho field got over safely, but just after SpcedwoH Ma?, lost his rider. Formosus fell at (he second fence, and Southern followed suit at the next obstacle. Corlive.and Silver Tim led round the Iwek s.trelci;. Delage closed on the lenders loimdinc the High School bend ; and displaced Cornice for leadership at the last liuif'le. Down the straight there was no change in position and Delage scored comfortably by three lengths, a similar distance between second and third. Ridicule and Union Jack were the only others to finish. No time was taken. OPUNAKE HACK SCURRY, of SOsovs; second horse to receive 7sovs from the stakes, and third horse 3sovs. Open to horses that have never won a race on the flat at time of starting. Five furlongs, fi—Mr. P. Johnson's blk m Move-, ment. by Advance—Officer mare, 9.0 (R. Brown) 1 ■■i—Mr. H. A. Nodder's b m Golden Fan, aged, 9.0 (J. Cordue) 2 I—Mr. P. Bremer's b m Coronita. 4vrs, fl.O (J. O'Shea) 3 Winner trained by owner. Also started: 2 Silver Web 9.0 (L. Nodder), 7 Aohia 9.0 (R. Howe), 8 Merry Paul fl.O (P. Healy), 4 Huzza 9.0 (Goldfinch), 3 Festoon 9.2J (inc. 2Jlb overweight) (A. Ward). A good start was effected, and Aohia and Movement were the first to show out prominently. The former .quickly drooped back, and Movement led the hunch to the bend, where Golden Fan and Coronita became prominent, jmd Huzza's colors were also temporarily prominent, A good finish down the straight ended in Movement winning a capital race by a length, Golden Fan defeating the favorite for second place by half a length. Time, 1.9.