SPORTING. RACING.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9172, 21 August 1908, Page 6

SPORTING.

RACING.

TURF NOTES. (tiy "Zetland"). Mr Ulic Shannon appears to have framed an equitable set of handicaps for the Wairarapa Hunt Club meet- I ing, to be held atClareville on Thursday next, and a satisfactory number of starters should result therefrom. In the Hunters' Hurdles Mr C. F. Vallance's Dreamy Daniel, who performed creditably recently at the Grand National meeting, heads the list with J2st 51b. Otus, who scored in a flat race at the last Eketahuna meeting, is assessed at 71b less. Of the list division Firestick has been given a chance of distinguishing himself. Some smart hacks will be seen out in the five furlong 3 Hack Flat, Conquer heading the list with lOst 71b. Hutiwai, a winner at the Woodlands fixture is down at lOst 41b, and of the others Hinerangi 9st 51b, San Lass 9st 21b and Tainui 9st, should show fair form. Over Rate, a full-brother to Full Rate, and Golden Rein, a half-brother by Merrie England, to Silken Rein, will probably make their first appearance under racing colours. For the Hunt Club Steeplechase, Kuranui rightly tops the handicap, with Tatoo, last year's winner, at 191b less, next on the list. Several of those lower in the handicap have at least good jumpers' chances, and the event should be well worth witnessing. In the seven furlongs Hack Race a nice even lot will be seen out, and as the contestants include eight that will be raced at more pretentious fixtures during the season it will be granted that at least a fair class will be saddled up. Considerable interest is sure to be ' manifested in the Ladies' Bracelet, and f'lis also should provide a spirited contest. The programme will conclude with the Final Steeplechase for which a strong field should face the starter. With satisfactory weather conditions there will be a large attendance of the public, who can rely on a really good afternoon's sport inasmuch as straight-going contests throughout will be the order of the day.

The Manawatu Racing Club's balance-sheet shows a profit for the year of £l5B, after providing for depreciation (£1,275). The gate money shows a decrease of £176, and totalisator commission fell off to the extent of £537. A reduction of £1,064 was effected in the expenditure over last year.