SPORTING.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 August 1919, Page 8

SPORTING.

NORTH TARANAKI HUNT. STEEPLECHASE MEETING. The change of programme introduced by the North Taranakl Hunt Club yesterday, when a point-to-point steeplechase meeting was held, proved a popular move. The weather was good for the occasion, and a large number of spectators gathered to witness the events. The course was at Mr. Les. Birdling's, Waltara, which.was admirably suited to the fixture, and the members of the club worked hard to prepare a course of about two miles in length, which would thoroughly test the ability of competitors. In this they were eminently successful, and the general opinion was that the course was In excellent condition. The prizes offered were trophies, for first and second class hunters, that for the flrst-class being donated by the president of the Club, Colonel C. H. Weston. Thero were good entries for both events, the first-class attracting four, and the second-class eight competitors, and some excellent "chasing" was witnessed. In the event for flrst-class hunters, Mr. A. Wood's Whakamaroa (ridden by J. Northcott) was the winner, Mr. E. ltumball's Mangapo (ridden by D. Rumball) being second. The event for second-class hunters was won by Mr. J. Northcott's Mack (ridden by owner), Mr. C. Woods' Patronalc (ridden by A. Woods) being second. Subsequently some jumping events were got off, the first being won by Mr. Pennington's King Victor, with Mr. Rigg's Tommy second, In the second jump Mr. Mason's Billy was the winner, Mr. Hose's Rod, Hazard being second. Altogether a most enjoyable and successful afternoon was spent, and hopes were expressed that the Hunt would arrange similar meetings again The whole of the arrangements worked smoothly, and those responsible for the carrying through of the programme are to be congratulated on the success which attended their efforts. Particular thanks are due lo Mr. Birdllng for the use of his grounds for the meeting. I BICCABTON TRAINING NOTES. - (By Wire.—Special to Dally News.) Chrlstchurch, Last Night. The weather conditions were anything but I pleasant foT training work at Riccarton this : morning, there being a drizzling rain. The No. 6 track (grass) was open tor fast work, but It was very heavy, and fast times were out of the question. Sir Solo easily accounted for Coalition over a mile, both galloping well. Pretty Bobby and Jeannot finished almost on terms at the close of a mile, run in 153. Single Rose, with a very light boy up, skipped over five furlongs in 1.8 3-5, a useful gallop. Bon Reve was given a mile and a half and went well throughout. Miramar, alone, ran six furlongs in 1.26 1-5. Reformation was sent twice round, finishing well at the conclusion of each circuit. ! Rebekah, with Imaribbon as a companion, ran l five furlongs in 1.2 3-G. Art, with the ass Wince of Amaranthus, left six furlongs behind in 1 24 1-5. Cynic and Master Moutoa jumped two hurdles, but the former's showing was very poor. He will' 4iavo to improve on it a lot to win a race at the meeting. Omnhu and All Over were companions ever six futlpngs, run in 124 4-5. Lionakin left five funtmgs behind in 1.8 4-5. Miss Mimic skipped over five furlongs in 1.10. Parisian Diamond easily held Kilkee all the | , way in a bout, vver six furlongs, the last five j taking 1.12 2*5. Merry Lad was given strong. I ; useful work over about two miles and finished I J up well.

Waimai and Signature were sent twice round, but over the concluding stages Signature was galloping much stronger than his mate. Waimai is not a good horse in any sort of bad or heavy going. Glenahire beat Wild Pilgrim by half a length, with Hard Shot three lengths away, in a run over ft mile. The time registered was 158 2-5. Potentiality beat a companion by almost a length, with Rewl Poto beaten off, over six furlongs, run in 1.24 1-5. Paraoa was given a good working gallop, and finished up his task well. Pyjama sprinted up the back, mowing well Elocution was not | doing his best to run JJix furlongs in 1 30. I Moprabbe and Fatyisco were sprinted along I the back, the former showing to most advantage. Gold Kip was given a steady round and thon Sprinted down the straight. Nothing worked during the morning went through the going as well as him. Munster, alone, left six furlongs behind in 1.31.

Borodino, who has not done any fast work since arriving at Riccarton, was given a strong gallop, the last five furlongs taking 1.20. Man&wapango was not asked to do his best while compassing two rounds It is more than likely this, horse will run In the big steeplechase.

Kllboyne did not finish too well at the conclusion of six furlongs, the last five taking 11.12 Comment ran five furlongs on tho sand, 1 and Sweet Smite a furlong less. Both finished up their tasks well. Greek Son ran the last four furlongs of a strong round in 57 l-ssecs. Gang Awa' was given a round of the big fences, which he negotiated In his usual bold stylo. Charley was given four furlongs, which he ran in lmln. Lochella and Lawsuit were mates in a round of the steeplechase fences The former, with* S. Henderson up, gave a very good showing, as did Lawsuit, who finished some lengths away. Cerebus left four furlongs behind in 55secs He had a good weight lip and appeared to net well in tho going. Master Strowan, with F. Ellis, who will ride him in the big jumping race, gave a fine exhibition in negotiating a round of the big fences.' He cleared every fence in perfect style. Post nasto, alone,-'went through the going very well, leaving four furlongs behind in 56 2-ssccs. Dardanelles was only given long, steady work. Merton skipped over half ft mllo in good style. Battle Afray, Sonnino and Toltliogue, who arrived yesterday were on the track, but steady work was all that was asked of them. After being given a light task yesterday morning, Comment was found to be bleeding slightly at tho nose. Her trainer makes light of the trouble, and fully expects her to race well in next week's engagements. Loyal Arch's withdrawal from the Grand National Hurdles occasioned no surprise, as she has been off the tracks for a week as the result ; of a damaged leg. j The big track at Aldington is in a very | sloppy state, and even under the most favourable conditions is sure to be heavy for Saturday's racing. i _