SPORTING.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 December 1918, Page 6

SPORTING.

T.J.C. CHRISTMAS MEETING. A RECORD GATHERING. That the progressive policy adopted by the Taranaki Jockey Club's committee a few years ago is appreciated by owners and sporting enthusiasts has been evidenced by tli fact that each year sees increased interest taken in the club's fixtures and fresh records established in the way of attendance, totalisator returns, etc. Yesterday's races proved no exception to the rule, for, despite the fact that the influenza epidemic has during the past few weeks disorganised matters, the attendance was easily a record, and the meeting proved successful from every point of view.

The weather was perfect, and from early morning cars from all parts, of Taranaki, and as far south as Wanganui, brought their quota to New Plymouth, whilst the trains from the south were also crowded, the early train from Hawera being a particularly lengthy one. The town also provided its numbers of racegoers. The new entrance provided by tho club served its purpose admirably, the huge traffic being handled by the inspector (Mr. Day) and his assistants most expeditiously, and in a manner that entirely eliminated any possibility of congestion or danger of accident. This entrance was favorably commented on by visitors. So many cars were present that it would have been impossible for the club to have accommodated them without the additional parking room provided by the removal of the custodian's house, and indications were not wanting that further accommodation will have to be found soon.

The course and its appoiftments were all looking well, being kept quite up to the usual standard of excellence set by the custodian, Mr. Blueman, who undoubtedly takes a pride in his work and fully merits the encomiums passed on the state of the club's property, which, in its ideal situation, and set off with the green sward of the lawns, relieved by the vari-colored flower beds and the beautiful dresses worn by the ladies, makes a charming sight. The totalisator was controlled by Mr. O'Ca'.laghan, and the staff again had a very 'busy day, the amount passed through being a record for any one day, namely, £25,097, as against £24,113 for the same day last year, an increase of £984. The sum of £3924 10s was rung on the Christmas Handicap, establishing a record for the amount put through on any one race. The two 10s windows provided for lawn patrons proved very popular. A good deal of money was shut out of the machine, but this was mainly due to the habit of many investors of waiting until the last moment to make their investments. Mr. Bennett, of Wellington, was the Government official in the totalisator, and the checking of the figures, etc., necessary before the signal can be given to start a race caused a few minutes' delay of each race,, the result being that the starting of the last race was more than three-quarters of an hour late, and patrons, in order to catch the bui o'clock train, could not wait for this race.

The racing was very good, a splendid day's sport resulting. Fields were gooa and were all despatched in good style by Mr. A. Morse, of Hawera. Mr. J. R. L. Stanford occupied the judge's box, and, though the majority of the finishes were close, he hoisted his decisions promptly and correctly. The close finishes were also a tribute to the handicapper (Mr. Coyle), as was the fact that favorites only passed the post first on three occasions during the day. The big event, the Christmas Handicap, proved a great race, the winner being the local horse Henry Clay. Here was only one incident to ma! the day's enjoyment, and that was at the starting harrier in the Tikorangi TTftfk Stakes, when Passing Through, who was fractious, kickltl out and struck O'Hare, rider of Occasion, on the thigh, necessitating his removal to the hospital in the ambulance. The horse was unable to start in. the event. Mr. Lloyd, of Marton, acted as stipendiary steward, but his position was practically a sinecure, there being only one enquiry, when McDonell was cautioned for flogging his mount after doing the preliminary in the Borough Hack Handicap.' The arrangements for the conduct of the meeting were, as usual, well carried out, the secretary (Mr. E. P. Webster) having attended to eveiy detail, which makes for the smooth conduct of the gathering and has done so much to ensure its success. He was assisted by a capable and courteous staff of officials Hon. O. Samuel (president), Mr. Newton King (vice-president), Messrs L. A. Nolan (chairman), B. H. Chaney and other members of the committee were all assiduous in looking after the visitors.

A feature of the gathering was the excellent programme submitted by the Citizens' Band, under the baton of Mr. F W G. McLeod. Throughout the afternoon an appreciative audience gathered round the rotunda listening to the selections. In addition to the published programme a number of items were rendered by special request. The catering was in the hands of Mr. A. Wooller, and was of the usual high standard, as was also the refreshment ibootli, which was conducted by Mr. E. Whittle. The tea kiosk was also ably conducted by Mrs. E. May.

The results of the various races ar« as follow: HUATOKI PLATE, of 135 sovs.; second horse,to receive 25 sovs. and third • ; sojjs., from the stakes; weight i: ifoi; *se, 10 -'Mr. Brown's blk g GUIANfORM,'",B years', by Guianforte — 'Atdunce,-'7.13 (N. K. McDonell) 1 4 Messrs XSonisa Bros.' b g APPLAUD, 5 years,"' by Foremost—Applause, 'll3 I'D. J'.' Scott) . . 2 1 Mr. X.'Ring's b g HALLOW, 3 years, by Hallowmass —White Crane, 7.13 (W. Ayres) ,-j -..... -ven-i 3 Winner trained bv J. Thacker,

Also started: 12 Takanganui 8.11 (Richmond), 5 Te Toa 8.13 (Henderson), 9 Reopai !).5l inc. ti'/Ub over. (E. Stockman), 15 Kliartoum 9.7 inc. Sib over. (Fowler)., 7 Lord Formby 8.11 (Ruscoe), 14 Spinifex 8.11 (McCormick), S Romance 8.11 (Nodder), 13 Cammy 8.11 (MeRandall), 2 Genskus 8.11 (W. Price), 3 Otonga 8.11 (Fitzwater), 0 Anserine 8.0 (L. Hale), ll Halcyon 7.13 (K. Lambess). There were five defections, fifteen facing the barrier. Hallow and Genskus caried half the total on the machine, the former being slightly the better backed. From a good start' Lord Formly was first to show out, with Romance in close attendance. At the back Romance went in front, and held commaml the straight. Here a grea* fe ensued, Guianform, who made a j? j run » S ct " ting up in time to win by'*rbare halflength from Applaud, who defeated Hallow by the same distance, genskus was jyiMi fourth. Tuna; ioufc il 2-»a*c.

STEWARDS' HACK HANDICAP, of 160 sovs.. second horse 25 sovs., and third horse 1Q sovs, from the stakes; six furlongs. 1 Mr. P. Johnson's blk m MOVE- ■ MENT, aged, by Advance —Officer mare, 9.2 (Henderson) 1 3 Mr. H. E. Card's b m MOMAC, 5 years, by Achilles—Momakai, 8.7J inc. 1 Jib over. (Hare) 2 6 Mr. B. T. Bennett's b m MUNITION, 6 years )# by Sylvia Park—Tottie, 7.11 inc. 31b over. (W. Ay res) 3Winner trained by owner. Also started: 2 Marqueteur 9.3 (W. Price), 5 Kaimanavvanui 7.12 (Nodder), 4 Self Alliance 7.2 (McDonell), 7 Sea Sprite 7.0 (McCormick). There were three defections. Movement was a good favorite and quickly justified confidence by hopping to the front from a good start, followed by Munition ajid Kaimanawanui. Movement soon established a good lead and was never headed, winning easily l>y six lengths from Momac, who, after lying handy, beat Munition in the run home by half a length. Sea Sprite was fourth. Time, lmin. losec.

RAHOTU HACK HURDLES HANDICAP, of 175 sovs., second horse 25 sovs. and third horse 15 sova.; one mile and a half and 100 yards. 4 Mr. P. Johnson's ch g SIMPLE SAM, aged, by St. Paul —Foulshot mare, 9.7 (W Ayres) 1 2 Mr. E. George's b m GOLDEN GRAFTON, 6 years, by Lord Grafton—Golden Eagle, 10.0 (A. McRandle) .... 2 1 Mr. R. Brough's cli m VETO, aged, by Coronet—St. Clements mare .. 3 Winner trained by owner.

Also started: 3 Polthogue 9.9 (A. Ward), 6 Speedwell Mac 9.7 (B. Clarke), 7 Master Grecian 9.0 (R. Turner), 5 Master Webster 9.0 (Hawken). There were four withdrawals, including Paul Moore, Starengo, and Sir William. Veto was made a better favorite tlian Golden Grafton, Polthogue and Simple Sam being well supported. From an even start Simple Sam showed the way over the first obstacle, with Master Webster in close attendance. Passing the stand Simple Sam and Master Webster were in the lead, followed by Polthogue, Veto, and Golden Grafton, with Master Grecian last. At the back Golden Grafton ran up to Simple Sam, with Veto lying third some distance back. In the run home the veteran easily held Golden Grafton and won by four lengths, Veto six lengths further back. Speedwell Mac was fourth. Time, 2min. 54 2-oseo.

BOROUGH HACK HANDICAP, of 150 sovs., second horse 25 sovs. and third horse 10 sovs. from the stakes; five furlongs. 4 Mr. E. George's MADAM RISTORI, 5 years, by Marble Arch —Ristori, 9.0 (Nodder) 1 3 Mr. C. D. Tyler's b g CARMEL ARCH, 5 vears, by Marble Arch— Legs, 8.6 (W. Price) , 2 7 Mr. Cecil Arden's b m JANE DOUGLAS, aged, by Jingle—Vienne, 7.2*4 inc. 2V4lb over (N. K. McDonell) 3 Winner trained by owner

Also started: 2 Occasion 8.2 (O'Hare 1, 1 Piano 8.4 inc. 51b over. (Henderson), o Munition 7.n (W. Ayres|, fi Metallum 7.6 (A. Rowlands), 9 Elevenl T.O (A. McCormick), 10 Havasack 7.4 inc. 41b over. (L. Jones), 13 Spread Eagle 7.6 1 4 inc. 6y 4 lb over. (A. Lee), 8 Huipoto 7.8 inc. 81b over (Richmond), 11 Royal Divorce 7.0 (W. Hamilton), 11 Solita 8.9$ inc. 231b over. (A. Mcßandle). There were five defections, Piano being made a good favorite, with Occasion and Carmel Arch next in demand. The field of thirteen was evenly despatched, and Jane Douglas was the first to show out, being followed by Piano and Carmel Arch. The last named quickly ran into second place, Piano dropping back. Carmel Arch led into the straight from Jane Douglas and a bunched field.! In the run home Madam Ristori put in a challenge and got up in time to win by a neck. Jane Douglas was half a length away, and Elevent a good fourth. Time, lmin. 2sec.

CHRISTMAS HANDICAP (open), of 259 sova., the second horse to receive 35sovs. and the third horse 15 sovs. from the stakes; 1% miles. 1 Mr. R. Johnson's cli g HENRY

CLAY, aged, by Signor—Amai, 7.9 (Henderson) 6 Mr. F. Selwood's b g DINGLE, 6 years, by Husbandman —Rangipuhi

mare, 8.2 (W. Price) B Mr. A. Alexander's b m WINNING SHOT, 5 years, by Signor—True Shot, 6.11%, inc. 2%1b over. (Hamilton) Winner trained by owner.

Also started: 2 Alteration S.O (Nodder), 5 Royal Park 7 13 inc. 31b over. (K. Lambess), 7 Paddington Green 7.'( H inc. 3Jib over. (W. Ayres), 3 Munster 7.3 (N. K. McDonell), 9 Gipsy Gem 6.5 inc. 51b allow. (Johnson), 4 Perfect Day 6.7 (Brown). Rewi Poto and Hiero were the only withdrawals, leaving nine to face the barrier. Henry Clay was made favorite in a good betting race, with Alteration next in demand. The field was despatched to an excellent start. Winning Shot and Paddington Green were the first to show out, and passing the stand the former led by a couple of lengths from Dingle and Paddington Green, together, the rest of the field being close up. Winning Shot drew away, and at the back was six lengths in the lead, Munster, Dingle, Henry Clay, and Paddington Green following in that order. At the bend they drew up to the leader and Henry Clay forged ahead, entering the straight in the lead from Winning Shot, with Dingle close handy. A fine race ensued down the straight between the trio, Henry Clay gaining the verdict by a neck from Dinjjle, who defeated Winning Shot by a similar distance. Paddington Green was close up fourth. Time, 2min. Usee.

LEPPERTON WELTER HACK'HANDICAP, of 135 sovs., second horse 25sovs. and third 10 bovs. from the stakes; seven furlongs. 1 Mr. J. Dwyer's b m NEMALINE, 4 years, by Husbandman—Nora Paul, 9.0 (Henderson) ■ 1. 3 Mr. F. Hoskin's b g TIRANGA, 5 years, by Coronet—Tarina, 9.4 (Nodder) ...„ , 2 2 Messrs McDonald Bros.' blk g TROMBONE, 6 years, by Zimmerman—Orchestra, 9.12 (N. If. McDonell) r -. h Winner trained by R. Brough. Also started: 5 Clavis 9.7 inc. 51b allow. (H. Johns), 9 Normanby 9.7 (A. Ward), 4 Applaud 9.4 (D. J. Scott). 7 Compel 9.414 inc. 2>4lb over. (Fitzwater), 11 Lord Formby 9.0 (H. Ruscoe), 10 Prince Formby 9.0 (F. Anstis), 8 Marshal Neil 9.0 (W. Price), 6 Cadet 9,0 (W. Ayres). Of the eighteen carded, eleven faced the barrier. Nemaline and Trombone were strongly supported, carrying more I than all the rest, Nemaline being slighti* y>« i&vorite. Again was pub-

lie confidence justified. Nemalme, hop--, ping out in front from a good start, maintained that position to the judge's-! box. From the start Tiranga. Princ®;Formiby, and Trombone were the leader's* closest attendants, and though Trombone at the back raji momentarily into second position, he passed the :*posfc as, length behind Tiranga, who was -a- simi-' lar distance behind Nemaline. Compel was fourth. Time, limn. 302-ssee.

TIKORANGI HACK STAKES, of 12* sovs., second lionse lfi aovs. and third horse 10 sovs. from the stakes; five furlongs. 2 Mr. E. George's b m MADAM RJSTORI, 5 years, by Marble Arch—Rigtori, 9.2% inc. 2%1b over. (A. Ward) 1 5 Mr. R. E. Laurent's blk g PASSING THROUGH, 2 years, by Guianfarte~ Iseult, 8.0 (Nodder) 2 I Mr. J. S. Parson's eh .in VANCE, i years, by Advance—Daisy Clipper, 8.0 (W. Price) • 3- 1 Winner trained .by owner.

Also started: 3 Occasion 0.0 (A.. O'Hare), 4 Piano 9.0 (N. K. McDonell), 9 Cammy 8.12 1 /., inc. 12Jlb over. (A. Mcßandle), 6 Bisognio 8.0 (Henderson),". 7 Marble' Bar 8.0 (W. Ayres), 8 Some'i Boy 8.0 (A. Cormack); 10 Master Curran 8.0 (K. Lambess).

There were seven withdrawals, leaving' eleven to face the starter. Of these Vance was made a hot order, carrying twice as much support as the next, Madam Ristori. After a slight delay at the start, caused by one or two break-aways—Passing Through kicking out and injuring Occasion's jockey (O'Hare) in the thigh—a good start was effected, Bisognio being the first to show in front, with Vance and Passing Through next. Along the back the latter moved into second place. At the tend the field closed up, and from the distance a great race ensued between Madam Ristori, Passing Through, Vance and Piano, the first-named gaining the verdict by a length,, with Vance a. similar distance further away, Time, lmin. 2 3-ssec. FLYING HANDICAP .(open), of 200 sovs., second to receive 35 sovs. and third 15 sovs. from the stakes; sii furlongs. G Mr. G. Mulrae's br g TIRANA, aged, by Coronet —Tarina, 7.8 (N. K. McDonell) 1 3 Mr. W. Brown's b g STARENGO, aged, by Marengo—Star Queen, 8.7 (W. Price) 2 2 Messrs Clout Bros.' for g HUSHMAN, 6 years, by Husbandman —Generosity, 8.9 (Nodder) 3 Winner trained by A. Milne. Also started: 4 Royal Chef 8.11 (W. Ayres), 1 Movement 8.3 inc. 71b pen. (Henderson), and 5 Momac 7.0 (A. Cormack) . The scratching pen was 'busy in this erefit, the thirteen carded- being reduced to six. Movement was made favorite, carrying the.record amount for the day, Hushman also being solidly backed. There was some delay at the start, owing to Royal Chef breaking away and doing a circuit of the course, which ruined his chances. From a good start Tirana soon took the lead, with Starengo on the rails close up, Hushman lying fourth and Royal Chef last. Tirana maintained the lead to the post, winning by a length from Starengo, Hushman, who came with a fine burst, failing to get second money by a neck. Movement was. fourth and Royal Chef last. Time, lmin. 14 2-ssec.