SPORTING NOTES

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 10713, 14 December 1912, Page 7

SPORTING NOTES

(BY "Also Started.") FIXTURES. December 26. —Taratahi - Carterton R.C. December 26, 27.—Reef ton J.O. December 26, 27.—Taranaki J.C. December 26, 27.—Dunedin J.C. December 26, 27, 28.—Manawntu R.C. December 26, 27.—Thames J.C. December 20, 30, and January ], 2. Auckland Racing Club. January 1, 2. —Marton J.C. DATES OF COMING EVENTS. December 26.—Great Northern Foal Stakes. December 26. —Auckland Cup. December 30. —A.R.C. Summer Cup. January 1. —Great Northern Derby.

The Rangitikei Racing Club is to be congratulated <;n the success of the meeting just held. The totalisator figures amounto.Mo £21,109, which is in kecj)iug with the big ret urn's experienced by many of the clubs this year. From present indications the big Auckland fixture should establish fresh totalisator records. As a result of the success wh'Vh lias attended race meetings throughout the Dominion for some time, it is highly probable that next season will sea a considerable increase made in stakes. Dearest, who made her re-appear-ance at Rangitikei after a good spell, was heavily backed on both days. The Sou It mare ran well on both occasions, but apparently was not tuned up sufficiently to see out a solid run six furlongs. Chief Marshall after being easily beaten in the Hack..Hurdles on the first day at Rangitikei, won the open event on the second day with apparent ease.

From all accounts there was some very inconsistent form displayed by several horses competing at the Hulls meeting. It is certainly time that stipendiary stewards took a hand in controlling racing in New Zealand. Mendip'was hea\ily backed.in the Rangitikoi/Cap, but failed to gain a place. Oil the second day he showed much improved form, and biv.t Bonnie I Hoy by a neck. M.ondip's many supporter's must have left him alone on ■ the second day a> ho was allowed to pay a very false price. Expect," though accepted for on both (lavs at Hulls. d<d not start. The party behind Expect evidentl- consider their horse badly treated, but on his running in. the Feiiding Stakes the lundieapners could not fail to give him a big impost in hack events. Rill is fast coming back to her best form. If Mr MeMauaway chose to send the San Fran mare for the Taratahi Cup she will not lack supporters. /Sir Knox is evidently a horse that the handicappers hold a varied opinion about. In the Manawatu Cup the Sir Lacido horse has been allotted Bst 101b over a mile and a half, and meeting such champions as Hon lleve and Hon Ton. Itithe Taratahi Cup, run over a mile and a quarter, Sir Knox s pet distance ho has to carry Hst olb. l ]f the big chestnut has a chance in the Manawatu event, the laratalu Cup should be a gift for him. Tt is doubtful if his owner will send him to Palmerston. . Full Rate, heads the list in the Railway Handicap at Taratahi, and the Officer gelding cannot be said to be badly treated. Operation is galloping well at Opalo, and should run well in sprint events about Christmas time. Meutoa Girl.after a bug .spell ot illluck, won a hack race at Bulls. Heather was well supported in the concluding events at Bulls, but had to strike her colours to Patronale. who was well handled by A. Olliver. Otter has got over the knocking about he received at Feiiding, andjs again in active commission. The Kileheran gelding should win a race about Christmas time. The Masterton Racing Club will irobably be increasing the stakes for its Scunner meeting.

Waimangu is at a short price for the Auckland Cup. while Bon Ton has also been heavily supported for the big northern event. ' Suratura is a notable absentee from the- Taratahi nominations. The Birkenhead mare Imagination has improved' wonderfully of late, and vhould win a e:e<>d handi-ap before, the

'•'.•?.s'::l close >. T. Pritchard, who is at present in Mastertoivris still on crutches, hut his leg is improving, and the popular horseman should soon be about again. Pritehard's many friends will he nleas?.- 1 . to see him back in the pigskin again, as good horsemen are surely scarce enough. Acceptances for the Taratn hi-Car-terton mootiim- flow on the 20th inst.. and for the Wairarapa Cluh's Summer meeting on December 23rd.