SPORTING.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 November 1917, Page 8

SPORTING.

TAP.AXAKI DISTRICT COMMITTEE. Tlie Taran.iki District Committee met lit the sccretarys ollic-c, New "Plymouth, last night, there being present: Messrs. i:. V. lilundcil, \V. C. Weston. G. Eraser, l>. W. .Sole, B. 11. Clmney, W. T Huokliam, J. McLeod, P. Orbell, N. King, A. Good, S. Pitt, J. Gray, and W. J. Morrison. In the absence of Mr. L. A. Nolan, from whom an apology was receinved, Mr. E. V. Blmtdcll was voted to the eh a ir. Tlie Egmont Racing' Club's programme for February 13 and' 14, ID IS, and the Opunake E.G. programme for March IS, WIS, were duly approved. An application for a trainer's license was referred back to tlie Egmont Racing Cinb for further report. Jockeys' licenses were granted to .1. 0. MC'orten. 11. V. Ruscoe, and Tt. Gilbert. The request of the Stratford Racing Chili to be allowed to start the first race at 11."0 a.m. instead of noon, v, - as approved. It was resolved to circularise the North Island district committees, drawing attention to the maimer in which racing clubs were being treated by the Railway Department in regard to train arrangements at raeo meetings. The Wanganui Jockey Club advised the suspension of a jockey's license. TAP.AXAKI. JOCKEY CLUB. The committee of the Taranaki Jockey Club also met, all the above being present, with the exception of Messrs Gray, Good, Pitt and Morrison. * The Citizens' Rand was engaged for the season to play at both meetings. ' Mr. K. Whittle's tender for the publican's booth for tlie season was accepted, as was also Mr. Wooller's offer to control the catering arrangement*. The club's tea kiosk will be under the supervision of Miss 0. MaekaJ- for the Christmas meeting. Several other details in connection with the forthcoming Christmas meeting were also arranged. Accounts amounting to £73 7s Cd were passed for payment. TURF TOPICS. (By '■"Moturosv.") Satisfactory acceptances have been received for the Ashlmrst meeting, which takes place to-day, and as the course is in good order and the weather ditto a good day's sport is assured. The presence of a few erstwhile southerners adds to the interest in the gathering. Taranaki is not strongly represented, hut Wanganui has sent its quota. Palmcrston, Wellington, Masterton and Hawkc's Bay are also represented. The Ashlmrst Cup, 1} miles, hears an open appearance. Snub has his full share of weight, and may find it beyond his ability to give 131b to the next trio, Maniaroa, Lady Louisa, and Multicipal, but they in turn may find Detroit and Undecided strong opponents. The Pohangina Handicap, six furlongs, should occasion spirited wagering. Lady Cencral and Crowlmrst are such "classy" sprinters that their substantial weights may not seriously inconvenience, them. Crowlmrst may be the better backed one. A big crowd figure in the hack hurdles, including Mattock, who has raced consistently of late.

The Flying Hack Handicap, 5 fuvlongss, will see Nanna opposed to a very moderate lot. She won nicely at Riecnrton, and even with fU may have to be respected. Signorclla is again in Uie boom, and threatens to be well supported by the "heads" in the Komako Welter, 7 furlongs. On Waverley form his chance of breaking his "duck" seems fair. The Maiden, i> furlongs, is an open affair, which few stay-at-home punters will endeavor to pick. Wanganui track watchers will be interested in the running of Awarua, who, though green, made a bold showing with Turangapilo recently. Several horses with engagements earlier in the day also figure in the Ratimai Welter, 7 furlongs. Haumakaka may start well supported, particularly on the strength of Waverley running, but Probation is also reported to bo very forward at present. The Gorge Handicap, G furlongs', promises to see Turangapito sent out a very hot order. Maurice McCarten has again been engaged to do the riding, and the horse is in the pink of condition. T.J.C. CHRISTMAS MEETING. There should ho no need to remind owners and trainers that nominations for the T.J.C. Christmas meeting, whielt is to be held on Wednesday, December 2fi, close on Friday, at (1 p.m., with the secretary (Mr. E. P. Webster). As will be seen by a glance at the advertising columns, the programme is framed on very generous lines. Eight events are jarded, and include two open Hat events, a hack hurdle race, and five flat hack races. The Christmas Handicap carries with it 250 sovs., and the Flying Handi, •ap and Hack-Hurdles of 175 sovs. each. The. other events are also well provided for, no stake being less than 125 sovs. Mr. H. Coylo will attend to the handicapping, and Mr. <R. E. Harley the starting.