SPORTING.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 September 1916, Page 7

SPORTING.

MONTANA SCRATCHED), By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wanganui. Lust Xiglit. Montana was scratched for all engagements at 7.30 ;;.m. TARANAKI DISTRICT COMMITTEE. A mooting of the Taranaki District Committee was hold on Tuesday night, there being present: Messrs. L. A. Nolan (ehairman). W. T. Hookliam, 0. W. Role, L. B. Webster, B. H. Chancy. Newton King, C. M. Lcppor, F. Orb'ell, W. C. Phillips, W. C. Weston, J. Gray, and A. flood. Leave of absence was granted to Messrs. .Blundell and Alexander. Programmes of the Kgmont Racing C'lnb for January 31 and February 1 and Stratford Racing Club for January 1 and 2 were approved. The following licenses were granted: Trainer, G. B. Murfitt; jockeys, R. Trigge:, K. McDonald. Licenses' to A. Lloyd and D. E. Anderson were granted subject to the approval of the Canterbury Jockey Club. Gentleman rider's license, B. M. Roberts. .T. Phillips wrote thanking the district trustees for relief accorded him in connection with his recent accident. A list of names from the Egmont Racing Club were approved and forwarded to the Racing Conference for insertion on the forfeit list in the official calendar. :•' TARANAKI JOCKEY CLUB. W The Taranaki Jockey Club Committee met subsesucntly, the same members, with the exception of Messrs. Gray and Good, being present. The following officials were appointed: Judge for February meeting, Mr. ..W. 11. Hartgill; starter for Christmas meeting, Mr. T. Cameron; starter for February meeting, Mr. C. O'Connor (at an increased fee); handicapper, Mr. George Morse (at an increased fee). The New Plymouth Boys' High School was granted the use of the grandstand and buildings as classrooms in consequence of the destruction by fire at the school buildings. 'Mie New Plymouth Citizens' Band was engaged for the Christmas 'and autumn meetings at a fee of twenty guineas per day. Enlargement and alterations to band-stand to be carried out as requested by the bandmaster The North Taranaki Hunt forwarded a cheque for £lO 10s to be handed to Mr. and Mrs. Blewman (caretakers), as ai donation for valuable assistance rendered at the late steeplechase meeting. It was resolved to forward a cheque for '£loo to the Taranaki Agricultural Society to defray the cost of removal of yards, etc., to Waiwakaiho in terms of the resolution of July 20, 1010. Messrs. E. A. Allen and 0. H. Saunders were elected members of the club. Accounts were passed for payment r mounting to £1!) 3s 7d. The following notice of motion was given: "That the preparation of new club rules be considered at the next committee meeting."

" WANGANUI NOTES , '(By "Moturoa.")' Perfect weather has prevailed in Wanganui this week, and at time of writing (noon on Wednesday).the pros- ' ?ts of the same conditions holding over the meeting appear to be most favorable. Practically all the horses engaged are now here, and with visiting s]iorts, trainers, jockstors, journalists, and the ever-present horde of commercial travellers (who always seem to "hit town" on the eve of a race meeting), the little river city bears a busy appearonce. '''Masculines" of both sexes—you card hardly tell the difference now, both wearing the same felt hats and zambrenes—are engaged in discussing the final gallops. The guesser element seems to be wholly absent, which is one thing to be thankful for, but the number of "bushics" who have "blown in" for the meeting is as big as ever. It is remarkable these big fellows fail to pass the doctor. Perhaps when conscription rolls along the "tests" will not be so severe! To-day's racing will commence with the Plying Handicap, six furlongs, fot which only a moderate field of nine is carded. Panmure holds the post of honor with 0.5, a steadier certainly, but nothing very formidable for a horse that has won his last five races on end. He was under a cloud in the autumn, but appears to be all right now, the spell having done him good. Astor is not as bright looking as usual, and Chakwana, may strip better on the second day. Interlude has been doing all her trainerowner could wish, but she does net run six furlongs out too solidly to have more than a rough chance in the best of company. Of the lightweights, Greenstreet has been galloping best, and together with Panmure may divide favoritism to-day. Sera tellings may account for several of the seventeen remaining in the Maiden Race, six furlongs. Carmel Arch, who carries the same colors as Tysmii and Lady Middleton, has been galloping splendilly on the tracks, and up to five furlongs appears to be a tough proposition. Whether (lie extra, furlong will make any difference remains to be seen. Hinctoa, a marc trained here by Dick Johnson, is a useful sort, and the full-sister to Ton Tero will not want for backers. Haupai is going well, and the same applies to Greenwood's Splendant and Clifford's Wrestler. The latter pair are also engaged in the Guineas, but Wrestler is likely to start in the minor event. Wrestler and Splendant, if reserved, will carry most of the money, but track watchers are likely to put a saver on a "rough one"—Haupai. At least, half-a-dozen should sport silk in the Wanganui Guineas, and cif the likely starters, Good Hope, Bjorneborg, and Hyttus appear to be the popular picks. Good Hope has been galloping in line style and his party will not hear of defeat. In his last victory he defeated Kilboy at even weights over six furlongs in l.!4;l, and behind the pair were Egypt, The Toff, Nystad, Cease Eire and other good ones. Sir C!co. Clifford has not scored in this race since Counterfeit led the field home in 1911, but he holds a strong hand to-day. A moderate number will line, up for the Okehu Hurdles, lj miles, but they are a good lot. Pursoliller arrived on Tuesday, and this morning (Wednesday) appeared to be in groat heart. Sho and Styrax are most mentioned, Leonta having gone out of favor. Combustion is the hot order for the flonville Hack Hurdles, one mile and five furlongs, and he and Austin should liave a good set to over this favorable distance. Austin looks a greatly improved horse, and has been getting through good work. His fencing was only fair on Wednesday morning, but he always jumps better in company. However, it is generally acknowledged that

lie is up against a tough opponent in Combustion. A dozen milium in the Putiki Hack Handicap, six furlongs, including good ones like Gang 'Awa, Devotion, and Starongo. \Ylth better luck than at Jlaitoii, Ktarengo might keep the other pair very busy, though they arc likely to he more favored on the machine. A high class held will he saddled up fir thfi Spring Handicap (K.V furlongs), and opinions are very much divided as to what will finish up actual favorite. Square Deal has shown most attractive form on the local tracks, and is very well. Ho will he ridden by Len Nodder, wlm has a fine record with the. horse. In three rides he lias won twice, and the Connolly Handicap was only lost through a stirrup leather breaking in the last fifty yards. Nones appears to ho in nice trim, and Kewi l'oto and Sodd-ol Bahr arc bearing a well-trained appearance. Square Deal is the local favorite. To-day's racing will conclude with the Durie Hack Handicap, 8& furlongs, for •vhich seventeen have been paid up. Moulu, Zola, Revalenta, and Hylatus are in good nick, and Moulu and Revalenta may be most in demand.