SPORTING.

Taranaki Daily News, 1 September 1921, Page 3

SPORTING.

EGMONT-WANGANUI HUNT. STEEPLECHASE MEETING. ONIPOTO WENS THE CUb I The Egmont-Wanganui Hunt Club was favored with fine but cold weather for its steeplechase meeting at the Egmont Racetourse, Hawera, yesterday, and this, following the rough weather of the early morning, considerably interfered with the attendance, which was not up to the usual. In consequence the totalisator investments showed a considerable decrease. Racing throughout the day was of a very interesting character, the fields, with one exception, being good, whilst the finishes were very close. Mr. Coyle, as handicapper, had concealed the winners very well, only three actual favorites passing the post first during the day. Mr. A. Morse, at the barrier, despatched his fields well, and Mr. J. Cameron, in the judge’s box, hoisted his decisions promptly. The totalisator, which was in the charge of Mr. F. Moore, had no difficulty in coping with the investments, the machine only handling £14,223, as against £22,990 for the last meeting, which was held in May. Mr. Ryan was the Government official in the totalisator.

The principal event, the Hunt Club Cup, was won by Mr. Brice’s Onipoto after a good race, beating the locally-owned Argo. In this race three of the contestants fell, but none of the rjders were injured. In the Maiden Steeples'two of the contestants met with mishaps, and W. J. Bowden, the rider of Gravitate, sustained a broken collar-bone. The Ladies’ Bracelet was won by Mrs. A. E. Adams’ Sunray. Mr. McMahon

(stipendiary steward) was present during | the day, but found nothing to require I his attention. The course was in splendid order, considering the rain of the past few’ days, though it was naturally on the slow side.

After the third race six two-year-olds that are engaged in future classic races were paraded, and, sporting silk in public for the first time, they sprinted down the straight in two divisions. Reason, Uncle Alex, Valerie and Fleeting ran, Mr. Gibson’s bf Reason (Absurd—Lady Etta) leading at the finish from Mr. B. L. Joll’s Uncle Alex (Bezonian—Bonny Helen). Jmmeditaely afterwards Mr. B. L. Joll’s brg The Dunce (Absurd—Graduate) and the same owner’s b f Bonnie Sox (Boniform—Puttee) sprinted, the former showing the most pace. Mr. W. McFarlane, as secretary, had complete arrangements made, Mr. V. B. Stratton (the Egmont R.C. secretary) lending valuable assistance. All the officials carried out their duties capably, and the races were got off well to time. The catering was in the hands of Dustin’s, whilst Mr. E. Whittle controlled the booth. The musical programme was entrusted to the Hawera Citizens' Band, which rendered a ‘fine programme. Detailed results:

MAIDEN STEEPLECHASE HANDICAP, of 140 sors; second 25 sovs and third 15 sovs; about two miles.

2 D. Lupton’s bg DELAGE, aged, by Field Battery—Minola, 9.7 (A. Macdonald) . 1 5 A. E. Barnett's bg TODDY, aged, 9.13, carried 10.0% (P. Webby) 2 1 H. Monteith's ch g TORNEA, aged, 10.13 (H. Burt) 3

Also started: 4 Fair Paul, 10.5 (N. K. McDonell), 10 Prairie Maid, 9.9 (G. Feilding), 6 Trucker, 9.9 (P. Mcßrearty), 8 Gravitate, 9.7, carried 9.9% (W. J. Bowden), 6 Kaikaiea, 9.7, carried 10.1 (S. Walls), 9 Rosemount, 9.7, carried 9.8% (L. Lower), Edenholm, 9.7 (H. Brown). Winner trained by owner.

Hying Camp was the only defection, leaving ten to face the barrier. In a poor betting race Tornea was made a hot order. Delage was the first to show out from Fair Paul and Tornea. The last-named was first to pass the stand, just in front of Delage, with Fair Paul third and Toddy fourth. Tornea and Delage were together round the back, but at the jump three furlongs from home Tornea lost a lot of ground. Delage and Tornea led into the streight together, but Toddy put in a strong ciaim, and a great run home ensued, Delage gaining the verdict by a neck from Toddy, who beat Tornea by a similar distance. Rosemount was fourth. Edenholm fell at the first jump, and Gravitate came down entering the straight the first time, W. Bowden (the rider) sustaining a broken collar-bone. Time, 4min 28sec.

HUNTERS’ HURDLE HANDICAP, of 160 sovs second horse 30 sovs and third 15 sovs. one mile and a half.

G P. E. Garvey’s ch g SILVER PAUL, aged, by St. Paul—Euroclydon mare, 9.7 (P. Webby) 1 S. R. Hammond’s bg TE MAIRE, 5 years, 10.12 (S. Wails) 3 R. Bateups bg OAK ROSE, aged, 9.9 (J. Kaan)

Also started: 2 Marshal Neil, 11.5 (G. Pending) ; 7 Tarero, 10.2 (L. Lower) ; 10 Gay Jacket, 9.9 (E. McQueen) ; 3 Neflsche, 9.7 (A. Macdonald) ; 8 Fibre, 9.7 (W. West) : 5 Naughty, 9.7 (N. K. McDonell) ; 11 Walteaka, 9.7 (R. Hunt) ; 9 Captain Black, 9.7, carried 9.7% (Copestake). Winner trained by J. Thacker.

Scratchings reduced the field by ’five, eleven facing the starter. Te Maire was made a hot order, with Marshal Neil next in demand. Silver Paul hopped out quickest, and led the way past the stand from Waiteaka, Te Maire and Oak Rose. Jumping well, the leader held command, and, stalling off a challenge by Te Maire, who came just over the concluding stages, won by a length and a half, with Oak Rose two lengths further back third and Fibre fourth. Time, 3min l%sec.

MAIDEN HANDICAP, of 100 sovs: second 15 sovs and third 5 sovs; five furlongs.

8 F. Ehrhorn’s ch m COUNTRY LIFE, 4 years, by Guianforte—Country Picnic, 9.0 (L. G. Morris) 1 5 D. J. Hughes’ b m VALDINA, 6 years, 9.2 (J. Hockley) 2 1 B. L. .Toil's ch c STILL SEA, 3 years, 9.11 (S. Reid) .•- 3

Also started: 2 Mark Time, 9.2 (M. McCarten) : 11 Erie, 9.2 (B. Dowling) : 12 Birkwlnd, 9.2 (W. West) ; 4 Generous, 9.0 (W. E. Pine) ; 3 Otapawa, 9.0, carried 9.1 (H. Copestake) ; 7 Muraahl, 9.0 (A. McCormack) ; 6 Huipoto, 9.0 (P. Webby) ; 10 Take Take, 9.0, carried 9.2% (A. Macdonald); 9 Rouken Glen, 9.0 (P. Rayner). Winner trained by owner.

Scratchings reduced the field from eighteen to eleven. Still Sea was made a hot favorite, carrying three times as much as the next in demand. Mark Time. The favorite led the way over the first two furlongs from Country Life, who then took the lead and went on to win comfortably by three lengths from Valdlna, who got up on the post in time to beatStill Sea for second money by a head. Tak6 Take was fourth. Time, Imin 8 2-ssec.

WAVERLEY HACK HANDICAP, of 200 sors; second 40 sovs and third 15 sovs; seven furlongs.

1 F. N. Dillon’s chf DITCHLEY, 3 years, by Boniform—Puttee, 9.0 (A. Reed) .. 1 6 H. Kania's ch g ACTIVE, 6 years, 10.8 (L. G. Morris) .*> o 5 R. Hicks’ ch g COMPLEX, 5 years, 9.2 (A. McCormack) 3

Also started: 4 Stork, 11.1 (A. J. McFlinn); 3 Halcyon, 9.12 (H. Copestake) ; 2 Explorer, 9.12, carried 9.5 (VV. E. Pine) ; 7 Lord Formby, 9.0 (It. Hunt).

There were four withdrawals, leaving seven to face the barrier. DltchJey was made a warm favorite In the best betting race so far, with Explorer next in demand. Dltchley was Qulekew away, followed by and Stwk,

After going a couple of furlongs Complex, who got away badly, ran into third berth. There was no alteration thereafter’, Ditchley going on to win comfortably by five lengths from Active, who finished a neck in front of Complex, with Explorer fourth. Lord Formby was left at the post. Timo, Imin 37 2-ssec,

JEGMONT-WANGANUI HUNT CUP STEEPLECHASE HANDICAP, of 250 sovs: first 150 sovs and cup valued 25 sovs, second 50 sovs, third 25 sovs; about two and a half miles.

1 J. Brice’s brg ONIPOTO, aged, by Brisco —Kereru, 10.9 (A. Macdonald) 1 6 B. L. Joll’s bg ARGO, aged, 9.7 (N. K. McDonell) 2 2 P. Johnson’s ch g SIMPLE SAM, aged, 9.13 (E. Copesteke) 3

Also started: 3 Tlrau, 11.5 (H. Burt); 4 Stetson, 11.2 (S. Walls); 5 Tarero, 10.5 (L. Lewer) , 7 Rosemount, 9.7, carried 9.9 (G. Feilding). Winner trained by J. Coyle.

Rococo, Delage and Trucker were withdrawn, reducing Die field to seven. Simple Sam was the first to show out from Stetson and Onipoto. Stetson lost his rider at the first fence of the double, and the order then was Simple Sam, Argo and Tirau, with Onipoto fourth. Along the back Argo took command, and, leaping beautifully, soon established a three lengths lead from Simple Sam. Tarero came down at the back, and passing the stand the second time the order was Argo, Simple Sam and Onipoto. Along the back Onipoto ran into second place, lying handy to the leader, and taking the last jump practically on terms, ran home a winner by five lengths. Simple Sam was twenty lengths further back, with Rosemount some distance away, the only other to finish. Tirau came down the last time round. Time, smin 59sec.

HACK FLYING HANDICAP, of 150 sovs; second 25 sovs, third 15 sovs; six furlongs. 2 J. G. Collins’ b g TOP DOG, by Projectile —Green Leaf, 5 years, 9.10 (S. Walls) 1 1 P. W. Scally’s br in FIFE AND DRUM, 5 years, 9.6 (T. McFlynn) 2 3 G. Siseley’s br m CORA ORA, 9.7 (N. K. McDonell) 3 The only starters. Winner trained by J. Coyle. The scratching pen was busy, reducing the field from 7 to 8, and of these Fife and Drum was made favorite, with Top Dog also well supported. The favorite hopped out quickest and led over the first three furlongs by a couple of lengths from the other pair together. Then Top Dog moved up, and at the turn was on terms with the leader, whom he had no difficulty n defeating in the run home by four lengths, with Cora Ora a similar distance further back third. Time, Imln 22sec.

LADIES’ BRACELET HANDICAP, of 150 sovs, winner to receive 80 sovs and bracelet valued 25 sovs, second 30 sovs, third 15 sovs. Whip donated by Mr. Whitford to be presented to rider of winner.

2 Mrs. A. E. Adams’ b g SUNRAY, 6 years. Fort William—Dazzling. 12.2 (Mr. E. N. Fitzgerald) 1 4 Mrs. F. G. Wilcock’s bg ARMY SERVICE. aged, 12.2 (Mr. J. Morris) 2 3 Mrs. P. E. Garvey's ch g SILVER PAUL, aged, 10.7 (Mr. A. J. Chong) 3

Also started: 1 Kafour, 12.3 (M»'. J. Lupton) ; 10 Flying Camp, 12.2 (Mr. S. Cleaver) : 5 Erin’s Isle, 10.12 (Mr. J. Perrin) : 7 Toddy. 10.11 (Mr. Pohe Tito) ; 11 Fair Paul. 10.11 (Mr. S. Bailey) ; 9 Grey Dawn, 10.9, carried 10.11 (Mr. H. Besley) ; 12 Maniania, 10.9 (Mr. G. Lupton) ; 8 Oak Rose, iO.’J (Mr. G Smith) ; 6 Naughty, 10.7 (Mr. J. Barry); 13 Surge, 10.7 (Mr. E. McQueen). Winner trained by A. E. Adams.

A field of thirteen faced the starter. In a good betting race Kafour was made a better favorite than Sunray, while there was good support for Silver Paul. From a good start Flying Camp and Maniania were first to take the lead, and held command past the stand and along the back from Silver Paul. Here the favorite moved up, but soon dropped back. At the bend Sunray improved his position, and at the home turn was in command. Army Service put in a great challenge along the home stretch, hut after a fine race Sunray passed the post with a head advantage. Silver Paul was six lengths away third, and Fair Paul fourth. Time, 2tnin 27 4-ssec. MOUMAHAKI HACK HANDICAP, of 175 sovs; second 35 sovs and third 15 sovs; six furlongs. 1 C. 11. Washer’s br g AWAKE, 4 years, by Elysium—Lady Napper, 10.10, carried 11.3 (A. Rutherfnrd) 1 3 J. G. Collins’ b g TOP DOG, 5 years, 9.9, carried 10.0 (8. Walls) 2 6 H. Rama's ch g ACTIVE, G years, 10.10 (J. Hockley) 3 Also started: 3 Prodigal, 10.13 (H. Copestake) ; 2 Sunny Jim, 9.5 (O. MeCarten) : 5 Generous, 9.0 (L. G. Morris) ; 8 Valdina, 9.0 (W. West) : 9 Huipoto, 9.0 (R. Hunt) ; 7 Lord Formby, 9.0, carried 9.9% (P. Webby). Winner trained by C. Jackson. In the heaviest batting race of the day Awake was made a hot favorite, carrying mote than Sunny Jim, Top Dog and Prodigal combined. The field of nine were dispatched well. The favorite was first* out, but was soon steadied, and ga*e place to Huipoto, who led to the three furlong post. Here Awake again assumed command, and was never headed, winning by three lengths from Top Dog, who, with Lord Formby, challenged Huipoto in the straight, and tite trio finished necks apart. The last-named, however, was able to stave off Lord Formby for third money. Time, Imin 22 l-ssec. NORTH TARANAKI HUNT. Everything points to the North Taranaki Hurtt Steeplechase meeting at New Plymouth on Saturday being a success. Good fields arc assured, and the officials arc leaving no stone unturned to ensure the comfort of patrons.

STRATFORD RACING CLUB. THE ANNUAL MEETING. The thirtieth annual meeting of the Stratford Racing Club was held at the' Medina tea-rooms on Tuesday night, Mr. S. Pitt pre--1 siding over an attendance of about twenty [ members. 1 The annual report and balance sheet stated | that the net profit, after increasing the stakes to £4lOO and writing off £499 for depreciation, amounted to £1374. The race meetings account showed a profit of £3467 4s, in spite of tto fact that the stakes and all wages were materially increased from last year. The gate takings amounted to £2160 an increase of £571 above last year. A sum of £4043 was paid to the Government by way of taxation for the year. In addition the Club in the future will lose all totalisator fractions and unclaimed dividends, and also be liable, for income-tax on Its annual profits. Following the members’ instructions, the committee, soon after coming into office, made a commencement with the new improvement scheme, and a tender was accepted for the formation of 27 chains of new racing and training track on the eastern end cf the Club's property, and also for the construction of a tunnel. This work has just been completed at a cost of £4215 15s. Sundry minor works, such as seed-sowing, fencing, and pipe-draining, were not included m the contract, and will be undertaken in due season. The most important epoch in the career of the Club was the visit and inspection by the Racing Commission and its subsequent recommendation that the Club should bo granted a. permit, for two additional i days’ racing. This, of course, must be rati-i fied by Parliament befdre it is available, but the committee has every hope anfl confidence that the findings of such a just, logical, and fearless Commission cannot fail but find favor with a large majority of the members of Parliament.

THE NEW SCHEME. Tl?e chairman, in moving the adoption of tho report and balance-sheet, thanked the members for returning him to the position of president of the club unopposed. The club had embarked on the new scheme as laid down by Mr. Hill. They had started on the race track flr.-u. and the work being done Lvouid be practically the first permanent work I done. The new track would be a full chain wide, and two training tracks would he provlved inside. So far as the expenditure was concerned, the was trek 1 adrlwd

I in starting on the new track. The commission 1 which came to Inspect the course and appointments was greatly struck with the work done up to the present. It was certainly fortunate that the committee had lost no time in getting the track started, as it was an indication that the club was going to start on a good work, and tho inspection of the tracx by the committee bad certainly borne fruit. The variation in the totalisator figures was not a great deal different from last year’s figures, but there had been an increase in the gate takings. Regarding the gate takings, it was just a case where they had to get mors revenue for the ground improvements. Tho i committee had discussed the matter of com piimentary tickets very fully, and had appointed a. sub-committee to go into the matter, with instructions as to what were thought reasonable complimentary tickets. Whilst some members seemed to think that some of the sub-committee had not given away enough tickets, he pointed out that no member of that sub-committee had power to give tickets away. The distribution was a matter for the general committee to decide on. It was certainly hard to cut out. some who had been getting complimentary tickets, but other clubs were doing the same thing. The Stratford club had tried to get a conference with the clubs at Hawera and New Plymouth to decide how tho complimentary tickets should be given, but the other clubs would not agree to a conference of any sort. He regretted to say that the appointments to the course were not anything like the club would like to have, but (is the general sclietmc as laid down by Mr. Hill would provide for the reconstruction of practically all the buildings the committee was loath to spend money on buildings which would have to be removed. It was no easy task to make appointments which hod been built for the crowds of 7 or 8 years ago do for to-day, and additions had to be made Jiero and there to meet the demands. The totalisator had been enlarged at least five times, and was still too small. When the permanent work was done it should last for years. The Auckland club had installed an electric totalisator a few years ago.' Personally he thought that the days of the Stratford totalisator were numbered. The public saw the conveniences of the electric total, jsalor on the metropolitan courses, and expected the same at Stratford, and if they did not get them there was comment and discord and complaints. The chief complaint was in the delay between the time of the closing of the totalisator and the starting of the race. GOVERNMENT’S TAXES.

The grounds of the course were in quite good repair. The caretaker was an efficient man, and had kept the grounds in good order. The club was getting more ground when it got the chance, and was complimented by the Racing Commission for doing so. The Commission thought the dub was very wise in acquiring the native bush, which the Corn- ' mission thought was an asset which should be ' kept for man.* years to come. It seemed ' that the Government was up against tho Racing clubs to get every shilling It could out of them. This was the first year that the Government had levied the income . tax on racing clubs. In addition to getting also the fractions of dividends tho Government was taking unclaimed dividends. It seemed to him that the Government was making it. a bit hard, and was certainly getting the best of it. Probably things were not so good this j year as last year, but the committee had > been very cautious, and having had instruc- 1 tlons that the improvements were to be car- I tied on over a number of years had spe.it I about £4OOO in improvements in the past I

Mr. M. Macdonald, in seconding the adoption of the report and balance sheet, thanked members for electing him unopposed to tho position of vice-president. Mr. Rutherford said that tho committee was to be complimented on the improvements, but before going on witl. the work should make sure that it was getting the extra days. There was a powerful party against them in the 1 people who were losing days,' and these peopie would ally with tho “wowsers” to prevent extra days being given. The club was mure: or Jess between the devil and the deep sea this year, aud he had a strong feeling that the; Commissionreport would be' shelved. TTe club should see that strong representations were made in Parliament on their behalf. ! Mr. Pitt said he thought he was quite safe 1 in saying that it was the efforts of the, Stratford Club more than any other club in 1 New Zealand which had been responsible for l the setting up of the commission. The Stratford , Club hud sent deputations to the Ministers year after year, and he thought that these 1 continued deputations from the club were i primarily what brought about the Commission. ] When the Commission came to Stratford, they ■ had such a good case that it was not very hard to get the extra days. The club was highly indebted to the secretary (Mr. A. Coleman), for his work in compiling statements ■nd figures for evidence before the C :nmission. Stratford was the second best place visited, and the chairman of the Commission said that the case for Stratford had been put before them better than by any other racing club in New Zealand. Personally he thougl t the Commission's report had every chance cf being adopted. Mr. A. Stewart thanked members for returning him to the committee unopposed. The farm on the course had not shown a profit, but the farm had stock which was hard to handle. Last year when the stock was fat and ready, to go away the committee could not sell it. Tie farm committee last year had a lot of bad luck. They ail knew what the sheep market was like, and sheep were hard stock to handle. BATTLE FOR MORE DAYS. Mr. D. J. Malone said that ho thought that the racing year next season would bo u better one. Stakes had been improved all round, ; and a man could get a decent horse and make him pay his way for a reasonable sum. He. tl ought that though the club had been recommended for extra days, the stiffest p.rt of the tight was ahead of them, and the committee should spare no expense in mak-

ing sure of getting those days. He thought that the clubs throughout Taranaki should combine in retaining the finding of the report. If they did not get tho extra days tho club was up against it, and he hoped that nothing would be left undone to secure the extra days. After further discussion the report and balance sheet were adopted.

Tho secretary said that ■ there was no op« position in the matter of appointing president and vice-president, and Messrs, Pitt and Macdonald were re-eleeied to those positions respectively unopposed, and Mr. Stewart had been re-elected to the committee unopposed.

A motion of sympathy with tbe relatives of the late Mr. F. J. Macdonald was paaseo, members standing.

Votes of thanks were passed to the past season's committee and officers, the district committee, delegates to the Conference and the Press.