SPORTING.

Waikato Argus, Volume V, Issue 372, 17 December 1898, Page 2

SPORTING.

TE AWAMUTU RACES. President: Win. Tavlor, Est*. Vice-Presi-dent: F. W. Lang, Esq., M.11.R. Stewards: Messrs G. M. Aider, F. Gibson, M. S. Laurie, A. Wallaoo. J. B. Teusdulo, 11. Weal, S. Lewis, H. Brett, Wm. Seaninoko, 11. Burton, W. Bond, J. Corboy. Judge : Mr F. O'Connor. Starter; Mr A. 11. Storey. Haudicappors: The Committee (exclusive of horse-owners). Clerk of scales : Mr G. M. Aliier. Hon. See.: Mr J. 11. Lyons. Clerk of Course; Mr T. W. Wcathcrill. The annual race meeting of the "VVaipa Racing Club was held at Tc Awamutu, on Thursday, on the course kindly lent by Mr Wm. Taylor, of Greenhill, President of the Club. Delightful wcatlur was experienced, and there was an average attendance. About 500 people were on the ground, a fair percentage nf the number being ladies ; but theie is little doubt that* had the day been a public holiday, the attendance would have been considerably iucreased. Notwithstanding the disadvantage that no totalieator is authorised, the Te Awnniutu meeting has always been a popular one. Good honest racing can generally be relied on, and Thursday's gathering was no exception to the rule. The contests in each instance were highly interesting and exciting, and the capital view of the races obtained from the hill at the background lent an additional charm to the sport. About a tcore of Auckland bookmarkers were on the ground, but they plied their calling under the strict surveillance of the police, and it is understood that several of them arc likely to be called upon to answer the chargo of betting with "infants." The publicans booth was in charge of Mr J. Bathurst, of the Commercial Hotel, and, judging by appearances, his business transactions will leave a fair margin for profit. The wants of visitors were also supplied by a first-class temperance booth. The Te Awamutu Band, under Bandmaster Bain, played a number of lively airs during the day's afternoon, which enliveued the proceedings considerably. The programme opeued with the Hurdles. This was a very pretty race, there was a capital field, and all the hordes fenced splendidly. The Monk appeared to be the popular fancy ; but he ran most disappointingly, never having a ghost of a chance throughout the race. This event proved a safe thing for Mr Rae's pony Recruit. The Maiden Plate also attracted a large field. It was simply a gift to Mr L. Harris' Cavalier, a raking big five-year-old son of Cuirassier and Clio, who also won the Kihikihi Plate without being extended to the utmost. Mr Harris was also fortunate enough to win the cup with the pony Rangiuru, who romped home in the easiest style possible. The Trot, which was ako an interesting event, was won by Mr W. J. Hunter's Laddie. Maungakawa won the Flying Stakes, so it will be seen that the ponies had a day out. No official time was taken, and we are therefore unable to furnish this information, but appended is a detailed accouut of the racing : Handicap Hurdles, of £ls. About 2 miles. Mr W. Kae's b g Recruit.by Tetford— Virginia, lOst 121 b (Teddy) ... 1 Mr T. Kenvpthorne's b g Itch, by The Mute—Scratch, 12st (Moore) ... 2 Mr Epiha's b m Orena, by Captivator—Haurah, lOst 91b 3 The other starters were The Monk, 12st 71b ; Cumberland, 10st51b ; Knapsack, lOst ; and Phccbe, lOst. A beautiful start was effected, Itch leading over the first hurdle. At the back stretch Orena was leading, followed by Itch, Recruit, Phoebe, Knapsack, with the top weight, The Monk, in last place, some chains from the leader. Entering the back stretch for the second time, the field closed up a bit, and Recruit making a forward move, took command half-a mile from home, where Orena gave place to Itch. The pair raced along in company until the straight was reached. Here Recruit shook off his opponent, and coming away in great style, won easily by a couple of lengths. Maiden Plate, of lOsovs. Distauce, 1 mile. Mr L. Harris' br g Cavalier, Cuirassier— Clio, 9st (Gillespie) 1 Mr A. Watson's br m Honesty, Cap-a-pie— Signora, 9st (Berry) ... 2 Mr J. Calder's b m Dorothy, by Ingomar, Bst 101 b (Edwards) 3 The other starters were Gold Medal, 9st ; Hauhau, Bst 101 b ; Knapsack, Bst 71b ; Fashoda and Donuybrook, Bst, Hauhau was first to leave the mark, but when a furlong had been completed, Cavalier shot to the front, and making lacks of his opponents, won as he liked. Te Awamutu Cup, of 20sovs. Distance, 1-J- mile. Mr L, Harris' b m Rangiuru, ty Cap-a-pie—Duchess, Bst 71b (Gillespie) 1 Mr R. Teddy's br m Maungakawa, by Muskapeer—Maungatautari, 9at (Teddy) 2 Mr R. Hannon's ch m Winnie, by Tetford—Nellie, Bst 31b (Berry) ... 3 Try Fluke, Bst 121 b, also started. At the fall of the flag, Rangiuru rushed to the front, and cutting out the running the whole of the journey, won hard held by five or six lengths. Handicap Trot, of £5 ; twice round the course. Mr W. J. Hunter's b b Laddie, 203ecs (G. McCann) 1 Mr J. Teddy's Otara, 20secs (M. S. Laurie) 2 Mr W. McMillan's Native Cat, Issecs (owner) ... 3 About twenty others started. Laddie soon cut down his field, and won easily. Kiniicini Plate, of lOsovs ; weights to be declared immediately after the Cup race One mile and a distance. Mr L. Harris' br g Cavalier, 9st 51b (Gillespie) ... 1 Mr A. Watson's b m Honesty, 7st 121 b (Berry) 2 Mr W. Rae's b g Recruit, Sat 101 b (Teddy) 3 Gold Medal 7st 71b, and Cumberland 7st 71b, also ran. At the fall of the flag Honesty jumped to the front, and ob tained a long lead from Recruit, Gold Medal and Cavalier, who traversed the back stretch in that order. Once the home turn was reached the Cuirassier gelding rapidly overhauled the leader, aud bounding along like a gentleman won by a couple of lengths. Maoki Race, of £5. Mr W. Searancke'a ch g Hauhau, 9st 1 Mr W. Epiha's b m Orena, lOst 121 b 2 Mr W. Searancke's b m Captain, Bst 71b 3 Hauhau, who was never headed, won as he liked. Handicap Fltinci Stakes, of £7. Six furlongs. Mr R. Teddy's Maungakawa, 9st 51b (Teddy) 1 Mr L. Harris' Rangiuru, 9st 91b, including 71b penalty, (Gillespie) ... 2 Mr R. Hannon's ch in Winnie, Bst 121 b (Berry) 3 Nitlimonut, Bst 51b ; Lynette and Donnybrook, Bst ; were the only othern starters. Maungakawa led all the way, and won by a couple of lengths. Rhino, Pistol Grip and Moonrakerliave been struck out of all engagements at the Auckland Racing Club's Summer Meeting, Horseowners and others interested are reminded that nominations for the Alexandra races, to be held on Boxingday, close with the Secretary (Mr E. H. Aubin), Pirongia, to-day, acceptances being due on Thursday next.