SPORTING

Taranaki Daily News, 2 January 1919, Page 3

SPORTING

STRATFORD RACES. « SUCCESSFUL GATHESING henry clay, wins the cum Weather conditions yesterday were by no means ideal for outdoor spurts, nevertheless there was a very large gathering at the annual race meeting oi me Stratford Club, Rain, which Jell during the morning, cleared just before the start of the first race, but a cold wiud prevailed most of the day making matters very unpleasant, especially for the ladies. However, later in the afternoon the sun aliono out-

There was again considerable delay in starting the races, the last race being timed to start at 4.35, whereas it was 6.15 p.m. before the horses left the barrier. Most of the delay was due to the Government supervision of the totalisator, this causing an average of 10 minutes before each race. Apparently, under the svatetk, this delay is unavoidable, but it is doubtful how long the public who have .trains to catch will gracefully submit to it. But for this, everything passed off well, fields were good, the despatching by Mr. Morse was of his usual high order, finishes were close —a tribute to the work of the handicapper, Mr. J. E. Henrys—whilst no matter how close the finish, the judge (Mr. J. R. L. Stanford) hoisted his decisions promptly and correctly. The totalisator was under the control of Mr. O'Callaghan, and his staff had & busy time, the sum of £28,953 being passed through the machine. This shows a decrease of £553 as compared with last year, which, considering the day, and the fact that the club had considerably curtailed its issue of complimentary ■ tickets, must, be regarded as satisfactory. The gate receipts showed an increase of £230, probably due to the latter reason.

The big event of the day—the Stratford Cup—was wop. by Henry Clay, who repeated his New Plymouth performance. The other open event was secured by Croesus, who carried his heavy impost of 10.6 like a champion and was given an ovation on returning to the paddock. The course and its appointments were in good order, a tribute to the caretaker (Mr Lloyd). The rain of the morning had had the effect of taking the sting out of the ground. The times recorded throughout the day were not fast. Mr. T. H. G. Lloyd, of Dannevirke, was the stipendiary steward, but found no cause for inquiry. The secretary (Mr- A. Coleman) had taken gTeat pains over all the details of his department, and kot'n he and his staff were capable and courteous, adding no little to the success of the gathering. The president (Mr. W 3. Monson) and vice-president (Mr. A. Stewart) were assiduous in looking after their visitors.' The Stratford Band, under Conductor Spurdle, rendered a pleasing programme during the afternoon. Mr. F. Whittle had charge of the publican's booth, whilst the catering was in the hands of MrWoollcr Each maintained a high standard that would be hard to improve oh. The club has recently secured land at the baek of the present grandstand, on which it is proposed to build a new kiosk. Various other necessary improvements are also on the tapis. The results of the racing were as follow:

•BOROUGH STAKES, of 125 sovs; second horse 20 sovs, third 10 sovs; five i'ur-. longs.

3 Mr, J. Frederic's bf Sea Sprite, 3 yrs., by Hallowmas —Sea Spray, Johnston, 8.2 (inc. 21b over) . . 1 8 Mr. W. Harper's b c Romance, 4 ' years, St. Paul—Solemn, Nodder, 8.7 2 1 Mr. J. S. Parson's ch m Vance, 4 years, Advance—Daisy Clipper, W. Price, 8.7 . 3

Winner trained by R. Brdttgfc. Also started: 9 Chijer Up, 9.1 (inc. 81b over), Ward; 8 Master Curran, 8.8! (i ne ' Hlb over), Lambess); Key, 8.7, R. E. Brown; 2 Jane Douglas, 8.7, McDonald; 5 Otonga, *S.7, Hawker; 14 Sally Rufus, 8.12 (Lie. 51b over), Scott;. 12 Alice Montrose, 80,. Lee; 15 Spread Eagle; 8.0, Johns; 11 Huipoto, 8.4| (inc. 4Jlb over). Henderson; 13 Kareao, 8.0, Holland; (i Arch Salute, 8.1 (inc. 81b over), Brady; 4 Empyrean, 7.7, MeCormaek; 7 Marble Bar, 7.11J (inc. 411b over), Ayres,

The scraehing pen reduced the field of 35 to 13 Vauce was .made favorite, and after a little trouble at the start, in which Alice Montrose was left, the favorite went to the front, followed by Arch Salute and Otonga. This was the order to the bend, Vance being well clear. Here the field closed dp, and entered the straight bunched. Romance passed the stand just clear of Sea Sprite, who go up in time to win by a bare head, with the favorite, who nearly came down entering the straight, half a length further back. Huipoto was fourth. Time, Imin 4 4-ssec.

TABIKI WELTER HACK HANDICAP, of 150 sov3; second horse 30 sovs, and third 15 sovs; seven furlongs.

2 Mr. F. Hoskin's b g Tiranga, 5 yrs, Coronet —Tarina, 5.9, Nodder 1 3 Messrs. McDonald Brothers' blkg Trombone, 6 years, Zimmerman — Orchestra, 9.2, McDonnell 2 5 Messrs. Shields and Fowler's bik m St. Conan mare, 8.11, FiUwater c _. 3

Winner trained by A. Henderson. Also started: 4 Primato, 9.9, W. Price; 1 First Salute, 9.9, Brady; 6 Cadet, 8.7, Ward; 7 Colonel Paul, 8.7, Lambess. . Scratchings were heavy, 15 being withdrawn. In a heavy betting race First Salute was. made favorite, with Tiranga and Trombone next in demand. Tiranga was quickest to move, followed by Trombone and Primato together; then came First Salute. Tiranga maintained the lead, and won easily by over two lengths, Compel being sis lengths away third. Time, Imin 31sec.

STRATHMORE HACK HANDICAP, of 125 sovs; second horse 20 sovs, and third 10 sovs; five furlongs. 1 Mr. L. T. Colcroft's br m Occasion, 6 years, Provocation —St. Alma, 8.5, Brady 1 2 Mr. O. Tvler'a b g Carmel Arch, (i years, Marble Arch—Legs, 5.13, W. Price 2 8 Mr. W. Nicholson's ch m Tarairaka, 5 years, Advance—Nightingale, 7.7, Rowland .. 3 Winner trained by P. E. Eazleman. Also started: 4 Piano, 8.10, Ayres; 6 Munition, 8.5, Johnson; 3 Metallum, 8.2, Nodder; 9 Bisognio, 7.7, Henderson; 5. Element, 7.7, MeCormaek; 10 Some Boy, 7.7,' Hanjilton; 12 Royal Divorce, 7.7, -Lee;': 7 Jane Douglas, 7.7, McDonnell; M ?.§ 4ine. 201b w w)u

There were seven defections, eleven [facing the barrier. In .another heavy betting race Occasion was made favorite, Carmel Arch and Metallum being well Supported. The confidence of the public was justified. After a little trouble at the start Mr. Morse despatched the field well, Royal Divorce and Tarairaka getting away badly. Once the,field settled down Occasion went to the front, followed by Metallum, Munition and Carmel Arch, with Piano fifth. The faTorite maintained the lead and won by about two lengths, Carmel Arch beating TaraiI raka—who had made a great run—by .a bare half length. Time, Imin 3 3-ssee.

STRATFORD CUP HANDICAP (open), of GOO sovs; second 70 sov3, and third 30 sovs; a mile and a quarter. -

3 Mr. R. Johnson's eh g Henry Clay, aged, Signor—Amai, 8.3, Henderson - 1 G Mr. R. McMicken's bg Munster, aged, Spalpeen—Success, 7.7, Ayres 2 t Mr. P. Selwood'p b g Dingle, G yrs., Husbandman—Eangipuhi mare, 8.4, W. Price 3

Winner trained by owner. A started:, 5 Hushman, 7.12 (inc. lib over), Nodder; 7 Royal Park, 8.0!, (inc. sJlb over), Brady; 4 Hyginas, 7.7, MeCormaek; 8 Gipsy Gem, 7.4 (inc. 01b over), McDonnell; 2 Winning Shot, 6.12 (inc. lib over). There were seven defections, including the three top-weiglits —Rewi Poto, Detroit and All Over. Dingle was made a hot order in a record betting race, carrying more than Winning Shot and Henry Clay combined, who were next fancied. After one false start, in which Winning Shot broke away, the field of eight got well away. Winning Shot soon ran into the lead, followed bv Hushman, Hyginas and Gipsy Gem. Winning Shot was steadied, and lay handy in the third position. Winning Shot again took the lead at the hack, where Munster ran into second place. Henry Clay, who was coming fast, had also improved his position and entered the straight on terms with Munster A fine race home ensued,'the New Plymouth Cup-winner getting the verdict by half a length, with Dingle two lengths away third. Winning Shot wa3 fourth. Time, 2min ]32-ssec.

OHURA HURDLE HACK HANDICAP, of 175 sovs; second 40 sovs, and third 20 sovs. A mile and a half, over six flights of hurdles.

4 Mr. L. Wemmick's bg * Polthogue, 5 yrs., Patromis—Sylvia Park marc, 9.2, Ward ... 1 1 Mr. P. Johnson's chg Simple Sam, aged, by St. Paul—Foulshot marc, } 0.5, Ayres . . .. 2 3 Mr. G. Larcom's chg Sir William, 6 years, Papakura—Queen Mary . 3 I Winner trained by R. Barlow Also started: 2 Veto, 10.5, Henderson; 5 Speedwell Mac, 9.10, Mcßaridall; 7 Gunwale, 9.1$ (inc. lllb over), Scott; (! Master Webster, 9.1 (inc. lib over), Hawker; 9 Renounce, 9.7J (inc. 7Jib over), Cathro; 8 Master Grecian, 9.3 (inc. iU.' over),, Turner. Paul Moore, Calais, Golden Grafton and Bona Dea were the only defections, leaving i.ine to face the barrier Simple Sam was made a slightly better favorite than Veto. Speedwell Mac was the first to lead the way, followed by Simple Sam, Veto and Sir William, with Master Grecian last. Simple S-.m soon ran into the lead, followed by Sir William. Veto and Speedwell Mac. At the back Polthogue moved up, and was close to the leader entering the straight. In a stirring struggle down the straight Polthogue wore the veteran down, and scored .a victory by a head. Sir William >vas four lengths away third, and Speedwell Mac fourth. Time, 2min 52sec.

DOUGLAS HANDICAP (open), of 300 sovs;' second horse 45 sovs, and third 20 sovs; six furlongs. , ' 1 Mr. G. F. Hardy's bg Croesus, aged, Royal Fusilier—Aurarius, 10.0, Brady 1 5 Mr. G. Larcom's brg Royal Chef, aged, Coronet—Cuisine, 8.6, Nodder .. . .. . 2 6 Mr. Ewart's ch g Marqueteur, 4 years, King Mark—Bye Bye, 7.3, MeCormaek . . .... 3 Winner trained by J. T, McCracken. Also started: 3 fnah, 9.2, Lambess; 9 Hushman, 8.4, Johns; 7 Starengo, 8.0, W. Price; 8 Movement, 7 11, Ayres; 4 Tirana, 7.11, McDonnell: 2 Rawakore, 8.2J, inc. o|lb over), Henderson. There were five defections, including All Over, Madam Ristori and Staccato. Croesus was made the public fancy, Rawakore, Inah and Royal Chef being next in demand. The field of nine were got well away, Rawakore temporarily taking the lead, but quickly being displaced by the favorite, who was now well out in front of Royal Chef, Inah and Rawakore. This position was maintained to the finish, Croesus passing the post three lengths in front of Royal Chef, who beat Marquetteur by a similar distance. The winner was applauded on returning to the paddock. Time, Imin 16sec.

MIDffIP.ST HACK HANDICAP, of 175 sovs; second "40 sovs, and third 20 sovs; eight and a half furlongs

(? Messrs. McDonald Brothers' bik g Trombone, 0 years, by Zimmerman —Orchestra, 7.0, McDonnell 1 5 Mr. W. Cleaver's bm Jiu Jitsu, 5 years; Guianforte—lseuli, 8.4, Johnston ~ .. 2 1 Mr. W. G. Emeny's chg Paddington Green, ■> years, Flagfall—Polly Perkins, 9.4, Henderson . . , 3 Winner trained by J. J. Thackcr. Also started: 4 First Salute, 8.0, Brady, 3 Perfect Day, 8.5, Nodder; 10 Norman - by, 7.9, Ayres; 7 Clavis, 7.9, Johns; 8 iCompel, 7.3, Rolland; 9 Spinifix, 6.13, MeCormaek; 2 Hallow, .6.12, Hamilton. Ten' of the thirteen carded faced the barrier. Paddington ; Green was made a slightly better favorite than Hallow. Mr. Morse despatched the field in perfect line, and as they passed the stand Paddington Green was just clear of Trombone and First Salute, with Hallow fourth. At the back Paddiugton Green dropped back to third, Trombone leading from Hallow. Trombone entered the straight clear, and shaking off a strong challenge from Jiu Jitsu won by a neck, Paddington Green, who came again, being three lengths away third. Hallow was fourth. Time, Imin 53 l-ssoc.

RAILWAY HACK .HANDICAP, of 150 sov3; second horse-to receive 30 sovs, and third horse. 15 sovs. Six furlongs. >' 2 Mr. T, L. Colcroft's br m Occasion, 6 years, Provocation—St. Alma, 8.7, W, tfrice 1 3 Mr. C. Elmer's chm Metallum, 4 years, All Blaelc—WLming Post, 7.8, Rowland 2' 4 Mr. P. Johnson's blk in Movement, aged, Advance—Officer marc, 9.13, Johnson 31 Winner tiained'by-P. E. Eazleman. Also started: 1 Momac, 8.5, Brady; 5 Kaimanawanui, 8.2, McDonnell, 6 Munii tien. KaaftUaej >7*ll*.

jCormaek; 8, Otonga, 6.13, Lee; 10 Queen Victoria, C.12, Hamilton. The scratching pen was very busy, and reduced the field from 24 as carded to 9 who faced the barrier. Of these the stable-mates Momac and Occasion carried nearly half the machine, Nem;iline also being well supported. From a good start Movement was quickest to move, but when the field settled down Metallum was well clear, with Nemaline her nearest attendant. Metallum maintained her position to the straight, where Occasion came with a great burst, and, overhauling the leader, «ot up in time to snatch the victory by ' a head. Movement was a length further I -away third, and JSTemaline a good fourth. | the favorite did not get a good passage. Time, Imin 16 3-ssec.