TURF GOSSIP.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 19545, 15 February 1929, Page 14

TURF GOSSIP.

The weather was far from being pleasant for the opening day of the Dunedin Meeting yesterday. The sky hecame ■ overcast in the* forenoon and remained threatening during most of the afternoon. but rain fortunately held off. , A heavy southerly gale sprang up, however, as the programme commenced and this accounted for the times of the various races not being so fast as anticipated. The public did not assemble in great numbers in spite of a special half-holiday being observed, and in consequence speculation was not too satisfactory, only averaging a little over £3200 per race. £t is hoped that better results will be recorded for to-morrow's programme. Count Cavour carried just over £4OO in yesterday's Dunedin Cup, but his supporters did not get much enjoyment for their money. The hard track was against him, but at the same time he has undoubtedly seen bis best day t and this trip may see the last of him on a race track.

Nightmarch met with a rousing reoeption on returning to the birdcage after his meritorious win in the Dunedin Cup yesterday, and a large amount of the applause was directed to the rider, C. EJmerson, who made one of his best efforts, and to whom much of the credit of the success was due. At the conclusion of the race the gold cup attached to the stake was handed over to Nightmarch's owner, Mr A. Louisson, who was the recipient of manv congratulations. A gold-mounted whip was also presented to the rider.

Limerick was given a useful six furlong gallop at Wingatui yesterday during the interval between the Publicans' Handicap and the Cup. Ridden by A. Eastwood with the colours up he was not asked to do his best, but bowled along in a style that impressed the interested spectators. His time for the distance was 1.17, and he completed the task in such a leisure!v manner that Saturday's contest should not cause his supporters much anxiety. Mr J. Morrison, a business man re* : siding at Timaru, unfurled his colours, Stewart tartan and white cap, for the first time at the Dunedin Meeting yesterday, and made an auspicious start inthe racing world with the aid I of the Hunting Song colt Pink Coat. [ This youngster is one of the _ most promising gallopers seen out in the southern part of the island this sesvson, and his future is filled with possibilities. He certainly made yesterday's field in the Champagne Stakes look only moderate.

Flying Mist, winner of the Stewards' Handicap at Wingatui yesterday, is one of the few of Martian's progeny racing. She is a six year old mare by that sire from the English mare Trichaa, dam of Quest and Caress, and was bred by the late Mr J. F. Buchanan at Kinloch.