SPORTING.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 May 1920, Page 3

SPORTING.

EGMONT SC3ATCHINGS. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Hawera, Last Night. Tnah has been scratched for the Tuwhlti Handicap, and Battletlde has been scratched tor all engagements at the Egmout meeting. AUCKLAND SCRATCHINGS. Auckland, Last Night. Thrace was scratched for the Great Northera Hurdles and Steeplechase at 12.30 p.m. THE EGMONT MEETING. (By "Moiuroa.") Riven flue weather, the F.gmont Racing Club's winter meeting, which opens at Hawera to-day, should be a memorable gathering in the history of the cluh. The Bgmont Kacing Club enjoys tin privilege of holding the first steeplechase meeting of the winter season, and with the Wanganut and Great Northern meetings following closely in its wake It is not surprising that owners and trainers have availed themselves of the opportunity of trying out their likely 'chasers at Hawera. The writer advocated the Introduction of steeplechase events in the Egmont R.C. winter programme many years ago, hut Iho commltteo were chary of the Innovation, and the consequence was that the winter meeting was a very mediocre affair, and quite out of keeping with the class of sport which the season demanded. Eventually conservatism was brushed aside, and cross-country events—once initiated —came to stay. Not only were fields good from the very start, but the races were spectacular and productive of exhilarating sport, and the public voted steepleehaslng the snort par excellence—as It really is. Considering the popularity of hunting throughout the province it. is a wonder that the club hesitated so long. However, such a draw did the l)ig country events prove that the club decided to open out and cater for the best, and the good stakes offered this year have attracted some very fine 'chasers, including Old Mungindi, a noted performer in Australia, filadful, Foeman, the Auckland pair, Brfttletido and Marconi, Polthogue, and numerous lesser lights. Unfortunately the I'.oyal meeting at rticcarton has attracted a number of cracks that would have raced at Hawera, and probably these same horses will be sent on to the Dunedin winter meeting in preference to Wanganul. Still, satisfactory fields are expected at the meetings on this roast, and next season theroMvlll be no Royal meeting to contend with. Owing to the Telegraph drawing forty-four acceptors the Muh has decided to divide the race, the first division of which will start at 11.10 a.m.. ratlier early for some visitors, but nevertheless a wise provision, making two "ond races and obviating probably overcrowding and subsequent danger if the race had been run in one heat. The programme has already been fully dealt with In those columns, but a few notes on the form of tbe'varlous candidates may not lie out r,r place. ~" All Over looks llko starting favorite in 1 the Tongahce Huddles, but Marconi (If started) and Luperino should both keep him busy; H On paper Luperino appears to be the he?t handicapped horse in the race. The hack 'chasers are a fair lot., and Master Webster mr.y find Luke, Simple ( Sam and Ngakanul hard to beat at the weights Luke has done some pwrnlslnj work in private, and will probably carry the confidence of his party. Considerable interest will lie taken in the appearance n, the ox-Australian crack, Old Munglndi, in the Egmont Stceplechjise. but the old fellow may be all the better for a race or two. Gladful rerds well, and will he one of the hardest to bear while good fencers llko Foeman, Battleti'de, I'oUhoguc, and Peneton may all have tn bo reckoned with. Gladful and Polihogue are both very fit. and their prosspects appear as bright as any. The Tawhiti Handicap "will drew a nice field, and Ruddy, Miss Gold, and Kstlwnia are all in good racing trim rtnddv has raced consistently lately, and mav be sent out favorite. The Mcßae Memorial Har.dican has filled satisfactorily, a nice field ot nine being carded. Mnrnueteir lias been running with a lot of had I h'cl; this season, but Judging by his brace of close seoom'.s at Awapunl is just about due for a win. Nobleman and Omahu i.hould make an interesting race of it with the Hawc-s hr.rsm CreceJSe, Vasllkov, and Otauru Kid have shown winning form recently, and will carrv the. bulk of the money in the Railway Hack" Handicap. In the two divisions of the Telegrnoh Handicap. Flying Master. Quiniro. rarorangi, and Nemallne look as well as anything engaged. For some time past Mr I. Bull's horses, All Over. Omahu. Yankee Jack, and Ruddy, have been located at Wangnnul, where they havo been schooled regularly. Lochella, Grafton Tot. Sir Soo. Matatane. and Guanaco arc also at War.gannl.—- Chronicle.