SPORTING.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 November 1917, Page 8

SPORTING.

CARANAKI CHRISTMAS MEETING

To-night, at !) o'clock, entries close for p.ll events to lie decided at the TaniliaKi Jockey Chili's Christmas meeting. The programme, which is detailed elsewhere, comprises two open events, the Christmas handicap, of 250 sovs., 1% miles, and the Flying Handicap, of 175 EOVS., (i furlongs; the Rahotu Hack Hurdle Race, of 175 sovs., 11 miles; and the following hack flat races: Huatoki Plate, of 135 sovs., 7 furlongs; Stewards' Hack Handicap, of 100 sovs,, 0 furlongs; Borough Hack Handicap, of 150 sovs.. 5 furlongs; Lepperton Hack Welter Handicap, of 135 sovs., 7 furlongs; and Tikorangi Hack Stakes, of l'Za sovs., 5 furlongs. The meeting fits in nicely with the Stratford R.C. annual gathering at New Year, and th? fine stakes offered all round should attrnet large entries. Nomination fees for all events are 1 sov. TURF TOPICS. (By "Moturoa.") Takapuna races to-morrow WoodviJb 'handicaps are due to-day. All Red took first prize at the Wanganui Show. Once again comes the roport; that Goid-ize has been "finally retierd" from the turf. Melbourne papers report that, trainer Murray Hobbs intends settling down in i'arraville. Polynesian ran a great race under the welter weight on 'Wednesday, and was only beaten by the length of your arm. Stay-at-home punters 'had a bad spin Over Ashhurst, and some of the Inah money returned to the Bar Vons.

The field was spread right across the course as the Percy-off-the-yacht leaned over the fence and exclaimed. ''What's that on the rails?' 1 "It is supposed to be paint," said a sweetly innocent flapper at his side, "but judging hv the state of your clothes I should sav it was whitewash." Maniaroa, on the strength of the wet going, was made a slightly better favorite than Rose Pink in the Ashhurst Cup but finished well back. The track was firm in spite of the drizzle, and our old favorite prefers it knee-deep i n mud before he will hit out freely. Weight does not seem'to trouble Chortle, judging bv his recent runnincr it, Avondalo and Eller.slie, and he looks Tike starting a very hot order at Fcildin" next week. " Those who saw Calais' hold showing isainst Colorado, Mattock, and Co. at Waverlev cannot go past him for a race at Feilding. Biplane's cracked hoof is alleaed to be (ess serious than at first reported, and if he measures strides with Desert Oold at the Auckland 'summer meeting they will reomre to put on extra steamers to carry the Taranaki sports who will be rushing to see the contest.