SPORTING.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 December 1917, Page 6

SPORTING.

T.J.C. MEETING. • A iRKCOfiD OATfflilllKO. That the progressive policy adopted by the Taranaki Jockey Club officials during the past few years is appreciated by owners and followers of the sport alike is manifested by the increased interest'that has lbeen taken in the club's fixtures of iate years. Each meeting sees fresh records established in the matters of entries, attendance and totalizator investments, and yesterday's meeting proved no exception. The fact that war conditions were prevailing and that on that account the meeting had been reduced to a one-day fixture did not lessen the interest, in fact, judging by results, it appeared to infuse additional interest among sportsmen, who, having less meetings to attend, were out to make the most of the days that wcTe left. Yesterday's meeting was a record from every point of view. Perfect weather prevailed and, despite the decreased railway facilities provided there was> a record attendance. The trains that were run carried large crowds from South Taranaki, whilst motor cars and motor busses and motor wagons of every description were requisitioned to bring the crowds in from every part of Taranaki and as far as Wanganui. The crowd of cars was of such dimensions that the club will have to seriously consider providing additional accommodation for them. In addition there were numerous visitors from other parts. Townspeople also attended in great numbers and the scene during the afternoon was particularly animated.

Despite the sppß oi dry weather Mr. J. Blewman had the course and its appointments looking well. The hanking up of the turns was a decided improve* ment; the big fields negotiating them without any trouble. The lawn, as was only to be expected after the dry spell, was not as green as usual, but it was in good order, and with its vari-colorcd flower beas and pot plants, made a pretty setting to the bright raiment of the ladies and the more sombre apparel of the men.

The totalisator staff, under the direction of Mr. O'Callaghan, had a very bußy time, th/ sum of £24,112 10s being passed through, as against £19,747 for the first day last year. This sum is easily a record. The recent enlargements ot the totalisatr.r house enabled investors to be expeditiously dealt' with, but even so it is stated that money was cut out. This, however, is due probably to the investors' own fault in waiting to th« last second to invest

Racing was interesting throughout, fields being large and finishes close on the whole, a tribute to the work of the nandicapper, Mr. Hy. Coyte. Mr. R. K. Harley, as starter did his work well. The judging was in the capable hands of Mr J. R. L. Stanford, who gave his decisions very promptly no matter how elose the finish. There was a little delay in hoisting the result of the hurdles, but. in this ease the judge had vacated the box as he was interested in one of tJie wntrstants, and Mr. A. W. Budge, who was acting, was called on to decide such a close tiling that he can be pardoned for a slight delay. Everything passed off very well. There were no accident- to mar the day's pleasure, and the stipendiary steward, Mr. J. C. Patersoii, nad an easy day. There was only one protest, the owner of Collector alleging interference on the part of Veto in the straight. After enquiry this was dismissed. The public on .tht* whole had a good day, the dividends being very small, favorites figuring prominently throughout. The arrangements for the conduct of the meeting were as usual of a high order, the secretary, Mr. E. 'P. Webster, having attended to every small detail that makes all the difference between failure and success, and with his obliging and capable staff of assistants added no little to the pleasure of the gathering for those whose duty brings them in touch with the officials. The present, Hon. 0. Samuel, M.L.C.. vice-president, Mr. Newton King, and chairman of committee, Mr L. A Xoian, with the other officials left no stone unturned to make the meeting a pleasant memory to all. The Citizens' Band under Conductor F. .W{. G- McLeod added to the afternoon's enjoyment with a fine programme of music, the selections "A Melodious Revue" (Rimmer), and "Bright Gems of Melody" (Seddon) being perhaps the gems. In addition to the programme a large number of request items were plaved, Elgar's Salut d'Amour being perhaps the most admired. The booth was in charge of Mr. E. Whittle, the caterins, Mr. "Woollor, and the afternoon tea kiosk was under the supervision of Jtliss 0. Mackay, on behalf of the Club. This is sufficient guarantee that all were well managed and all 'did good business. Detailed results are as follow: HUATOKI PLATE, of 135 sovs., second, horse 25 sovs., third horse 10 sovs.; weight for age; seven furlongs. 3 Mr. W. Coffey's br.g. Melita, svrs., St. Paul—Foulshot mare, 8.13 (C. Brown) 1 1 McDonald Bros.' blk g Trombone, 5 yrs.. 8.13 (N T . K. McDonnell) 2 4 Mr. M, Roberts' b g Trench Wheel, syrs., 8.13 (S. Henderson) 3. Also started: 14 Whakamoa 9.3J (4Mb over, Stockman), 16 Kemra 8.13 (Myles), 10 Paul Moore (W. Ayres), 8 Poka 8.13 (Cathro), 17 Royal Divorce 8.13 (B. Clark), 9 Key 8.13 (R. Gilbert), 5 Tiranga 8.11 (Nodder), 13 Reopai 9.1 A (inc. 4Jlb over, A. Ward), IS Espionage 9.0 (inc. 31b over, K. Croot), 6 Shandon Bells 8.11 (E. Copestuke), 11 Genskus 8.9 (0. McCarten), 7 Golden Nugget ("H. Johns), 12 Perfect Day 8.1 (inc. 21b over, K. lamboss), 15 Cymro 7.13 (R. Brown), 2 Lady Mylchrest 8.0 (inc. 31b over, McMillen). Winner trained by P. Coffey. There were only two (infections, Cam■my and Beauforte. After a iittle trouble the eighteen were despatched evenly. Genskus was the first to show out, followed by Trombone, Melita, and Trench j Wheel. At the back Genskus had a lead of three lengths, but at the turn was done with. Melita and Trombone entered the straight on terms, and a ding-dong .race saw the first-named win by a head, 'with Trench Wheel three lengths away tthird, half a length in front of Paul Moore. Time, lmin. 32sec. STEWARDS' HACK HANDICAP, of 160 sovs., second 25 sovs., and third 10 sovs.; six furlongs. 2 Mr. P. Johnson's b m Movement, G vrs., Advance —Officer mare, 8.4 (N. K. McDonnell) 1 1 Mr. F. Si;lwood's b g Volo, 4 yrs., B.G (Xodder) 2 3 Mr. W. J. Lile's br m Cora Ora, 5 yrs., 8.10 (McMillan) 3 Also started: 4 White Ranger 7.12 (inc. lib over, 0. McCarten), 5 Royal Park 7.5J (inc. 341b over, C. Brown), <1 '.S»lf Alliaoce 7.S (inc. 31b ovw, JR..

Murpby), 7 Warmth 7.3 (inc. 31b over, E. Olive). Winner trained by owner. Fidelio, Pergola, Gipsy Gem, and Bed Hot were the withdrawals, leaving six to face the barrier. In a heavy betting race, constituting a record for the club for one race, Yolo was made a hot order, carrying over one-third the total money, Movement and Cora Ora also being strongly supported. From the barrier rise Movement was first to show out, followed by Volo, Self Alliance being last to leave. Movement and Volo maintained their position throughout, the former gaining the verdict by two lengths, with Cora Ora, who was slow to leave the barrier, five lengths away third. White Ranger was fourth. Time, Imin, 15sec. RAIIOTU HACK HURDLES HANDICAP, of 175 covs., second horse 25 sevs, third 15 sovs.; one mile and a half and 100 yarda. 1 Mr. M. Franklin's ch m Veto, 0 yr;., Coronet—St. Clements mare (H. Burt). / 3 Mr. S. Sale's brg Collector, aged, Conqueror—Grecian Maid, 10.8 (K. Lambess), dead heat 1 5 Mr. L. Peppcrill's b g Otter, ag&l, 10.1 (E. Cleaver) 3

Also started: 4 Zetes 10.10 (Henderson), 2 Simple Sam 9.13 (A. Ward), 7 Cordon 0.0 (R. Gilbert), <3 Silver Line 9.0 (J. Myles), S Polthogue 9.0 (E. Croot)..and 9 Speedwell Mae 9.0 (A. Stockman). Veto trained by R. Brough and Collector by J. Fryer. Penniless, Paparess, Ascalon, Dasher Boy, and Yarilla were scratched. Of the nine contestants Veto was made a warm favorite, with Simple Sam next in demand. Speedwell Mac early took the lead, followed by Zetes and Simple Sam. Passing the stand the first time Zetes was in front, closely followed by Simple Sain, Otter, and Veto, with Collector lying handy and Cordon last. At the back Zetes was beaten and Veto forged to the front. All were jumping splendidly. Veto entered the straight with Collector close up, and a great run home saw tha latter just get up in time to make the race a dead heat, with Otter a good two lengths away third. Time, 2min. 54 l-ssec.

BOROUGH I-lACK HANDICAP, of 160 sovs., second 25 sovs., and third 10 sovs.; five furlongß. 1 Mr. C. Elmer's b m Pergola, 0 yrs., Marble Arch—Caller-ou, 8.2 (Nodder) 1 2 Mr. E. George's b rn Madam Ristori, 5 'yrs., 9.7 (A. McMilleri) 2 3 Mr. G. Larcom's br g Royal Chef, <i yrs., 8.10 (K. Lambess) ... / 3 Also started: 6 Munition 8.0 (R. Brown), 5 Rawakore 7.U (inc. lib over, Henderson), 7 King Shimose 8.0 >/ 2 (inc. Bilb over, O. McCarten), 1 Piano 7.6 (X. K. McDonnell), 8 Awarua 7.11J (inc. 1U lb over, J. Cathro), 11 Anserine 7.3$ (inc. 3£lb over, R. Olive), 10 Huzza 6.9 (51b allowance, F. Cook), 9 Red Line 7.5y 3 (inc. 51b overweight, C. Brown). Winner trained by T. F. Goddard. There were three defections, leaving eleven to face the Carrier. In an evenly backed race Piano was 'best supported, with Madam Ristori, Royal Chef, Pergola and Rawakore in that order. Pergola was quickest away, and was never headed, ■winning comfortably from Madam Ristori, who was always prominent. Royal Chef was a length further back and Rawakore was fourth. Time, lmin. 3sec

CHRISTMAS HANDICAP (open), of 250 sovs., second horse 35 sovs., and third horse 15 sovs.; one mile and a quarter. 1 Mr. J. George's b c Alteration, 4 yrs., by Elevation—Eduam, 8.0 (S. Hen-

derson) ] 4 Mr. P, Coffey's b m Lady Beaufort, 3 yrs., 7.12 (C. Brown) l 2 Mr. H. J. Bowman's gr g White Blaze, aged, 8.12 (O. McCarten) ! Also started: 3 Crawford 8.7 (Nod der). Winger trained bv R. Johnson.

The scratching pen was busy, Munster, iHushraan, Golden Grafton, and Dingle being withdrawn. Alteration was made favorite, with White Blaze also in keen demand. From a good start the favorite was first to show out, with White Blaze his closest attendant; then came Crawford and Lady Beaufort. This was the order also past the stand the first time. At the back White Blaze improved his position and drew up level with the leader, who entered the straight in command and, galloping well, won easily by 2J lengths from Lady Beaufort, who came up fast on the outside, with White Blaze a similar distance away third. Time, 2min. 13scc.

LEPPERTON WELTER HACK HANDI- , CAP, of 135 sovs., second horse 25 sovs., third horse 10 sovs.;minimum weight 9st.; seven furlongs. 1 Mr. F. Sjelwood's br g Dingle, 5 yrs., by Husbandman —Rangipuhi mare, 10.13 (O. MoCarten) 1 2 Mr. J. Kovluski's b g Clavis, 0 vrs., 0.2 (R. Brown) 2 3 Mr. E. J. Fearon's eh m Gipsy Gem, 5 vrs., 9.2 (Nodder) 3

Also started: 4 Deeside 10.2 (Coeh' rane), 5 Winning Shot 9.2 (K. Lambess) Winner trained by P. Johnson.

Of the thirteen acceptors eight were scratched, leaving five to face the starter. Dingle was made a hot favorite, with Clavis also strongly supported. Gipsy Gem was next in demand. Hie public proved to liave sorted the position out, for tjie favorite and Gipsy Gem were first away, followed by Clavis and Winning Shot. At the back Clavis temporarily held command, attended by Winning Shot, with Dingle handy. Coming into the straight Dingle again assumed command and won comfortably by a length from Clavis, with Gipsy Gem another length away third. Winning Shot was fourth and Deeside fifth. Time, lmin. 32sec. TIKORANGI HACK STAKES, of 125 sovs., second horse 15 sovs., third horse 10 sovs.; weight Sst.; winner of any race to carry 141b extra, t Mr. J. Gasserley's b g Revocation, 0 yrs., by Cheshire —Applause, 9.0 (Nodder) 1 2 Mr E. George's bin Madam Ristori,s yrs., 9.0 (A. McMillen) -2 5 Mr,. A. Alexander's br f Silver Link, 2 yAs., 8.0 (C. Brown) 3 Also started: 3 Munition 9.1 (inc. lib over, A. Ward), 11 Guianf'orm 8.0 (R. Brown), 'lO Rifle Fire 8.0 (R. Olive), 9 Kaimanawanui 8.0 (11. Johns), {i Netnaline 8.0 (O. McCarten), 8 Miss Ora 8.0 (Henderson), 4 Piano 8.0 (N. K. McDonnell), 7 Hushlad 8.0 (R. Murphy). Winner trained by G. J. Brown.

Scratchings reduced the (icld from 21 to 11. Revocation was made a warm order, Madam Ristori being also heavily backed. From an even start Madam Ristori was first out and showed the way to the straight, where the favorite moved up, aaid in a ding-dong race down the straight the latter got the verdict by a short toad. Silm Link w*» a length

away third, Piano fourth. Time, Imin. 2 2-ssee.

FLYING HANDICAP (open), of 175 soys., second horse 25 sovs., third horse 15 sovs.; six furlongs. 2 Mr. 11. iSpratt'K » in /naTi, 4 yvs., by Coronet--!nulia, S.l) (L. Nod'dor) .. 1 C Ali'. W. Jjrou'ii's !i g Starengo, (i yrs., 7.8 (inc. lib over, K. Drown) ..' 2 8 Mr. J. George's b c Alteration, 4 yrs., (1.18 (inc. Gib over, W. Ayres) .... 3

Also started: 1 Hushman S.fi (0. McCarlen), 3 King Oluara (N. K. McDonnell) 8.4, 5 Astor7.s (C.Brown),B Hushabve.7 2'/ 4 (inc. 2V,11> over, K. Olive), 7 Cora Ora 7.0 (F. Cook). Winner trained bj T. Pine.

Glenroy, Tree Lucerne, and Avon Park were the only withdrawals, there being eight starters. Speculation was particularly heavy, the amount recorded on the race creating another record. Hushman was a hot order, with Inali next, and King Chiara, Alteration, Astor and Starengo were all well backed. Tnah was first to move out, followed by Hushman, Cora Ora being slowest to move. Inali maintained the lead throughout and, stalling off challenges in the straight, won by half a length from, Starengo. Alteration, who came. with a great dash on the outside down the straight, being half a length third. Cora Ora, who had also put up a great run. was fourth. Time, Imin 14 4-ssec.