SPORTING.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 July 1917, Page 7

SPORTING.

TURF TOPICS. (By "Moturoa"). Where are the wowsers now? Such was the question that must have occurred to Secretary A. E. Whyte, when the final figures came to be counted up at the conclusion of the Wellington winter meeting. A weak-kneed Railway Department, cowed by the windy wails of a noisy minority, did everything possible to detract from the success of the gathering, but all in vain. Sportsmen rallied to Trentham from all parts, and the many inconveniences put up with only served to add flavor to the sport. The sum of £111,405 rattled through the "money bOX," but the subsequent distribution was not as universal as the general public could have wished. Winners Were as elusive as politicians, and the bulk of the punters looked sadly on while the lucky few divided the bulky dividends. The meeting was a "dry" one, of course, but the collection of "dead marines" would have made a bottle-ob/s eyes bulge out like motor lamps. Considering the state of the going, the jumping was first class, but Trentham country is "easy" at the best of times, and possibly some of last week's winners will not cut such attractive figure* next month. The feature of the 'chasing events was the sudden climb to tho top rung of Crib, the five-year-old son of Sant Ilario and Cryde, who gave an almost perfect display of fencing through-' out. Always a clever leaper over the small sticks, the only obstacle that gave him any trouble at Trentham was the water jump, which he took too cheaply, though suffering nothing more serious than wet feet. Naturally argument raged as to the merits of El Gallo and Crib, but the latter has a long way to go before he reaches the Aucklander's class. Indifferent horsemanship, rather than indifferent jumping, caused the double downfall of the champion El Gallo. In the Wellington Steeples ho was giving the field an immense start when the final round came to be encompassed. And how he responded to his rider's vigorous calls! On the flat he fairly swallowed the opposition, while the fences appeared to_fly from beneath him like pony hurdles. But the reckless ride was in vain, the last obstacle stopping short his magnificent effort. In the July Steeples the tactics employed were just the opposite, and disaster overtook him at an early stage. Still, when Riccarton rolls along, with its big fences and trying course, the bold jumping Aucklander may make amends for Trentham defeats. Of the other 'chasers seen out at the meeting little need be said. Brae- ' burn has lost all form, while Merry Lad and St. Elmn, who shaped fairly well, 1 still showed themselves to be many rc--1 moves from first-class.

The prize for consistency amongst the hurdlers goes to Gladful, who, burdened with solid weights, filled the roll of run-ner-up to more favorably weighted equines In the Winter Hiwdle lace and Final Hurdles. The winners turned up in Leonta and Tararu Jack, either of which could have been, on recent performances, labelled "spent light." However, they beat big (and strong) fields, and beat them handsomely. Mr. T. Bristol was particularly sanguine of Leonta's success, and pulled a nice "parcel" off the tote. It was overdue, anyhow, and no one will begrudge "Tom" or the trainer (Walter Rayner) a good win. Kewipoto was unlucky on the first day, but he did not shape so well on Saturday (when everybody backed him). Bon Reve was heavily punted on by his party on the concluding day, and though his racing was an improvement on recent performances it was not good enough to win. The form of the flat racers was somewhat mixed. Orleans ran consistently throughout the meeting, and Kauri King and Centre shaped well on occasions. Hewitt rode a hard race when he scored on Centre, being hard at the Karamu neddy from the top of toe straight. Toki, Baumanuwhiri and Johnny Walker cost the public a heap of money, but the trio should soon pay it back. The test were an ordinary lot, though Charlie, Kilkee, Hajput, Whakatina and others go amongst the money. The running of Flying Camp at the meeting was most disappointing, but Lady Beanfort showed herself to be a rattling good After Wellington punters will have a chance to "save up" for the Nationals. The "armistice" is much needed, the damage done to the "munition reserves being pretty considerable. With a new season let's hope for better luck. Congrats to Mr. A. McGiven and his fine dog Black Pirate (Pirate KingBulwark Maid). The New Zealand Waterloo Cup is an event worth winning, ' and the New Plymouth hound won in convincing style. The finallay'between ' Seaplane (Wanganui) and Black Pirate, 1 and the latter had mueh the better of the course, though the score only read ■ 4—2% in his favor. Mr. J. Jenkinson ! gave almost universal satisfaction with ! the flags, and but for the loss of forty ' hares, which some kill-sport let out on 1 the eve of the gathering, a financial I success would have had to have been re--1 corded. The Wanganui "boys" are good sports, and don't mind paying a trifle for three days' interesting sport. There was quite a, stampede on the Plumpton on Wednesday when the police put in an appearance and demanded registration certificates. Two men, at least, ran the full course, and it was amusing to see fellows fossicking amongst race cards, betting charts, etc., for the needed certificate. Have you got yours!