SPORTING.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 19888, 27 March 1930, Page 14

SPORTING.

' RACING FIXTURES. March 27 —Manawatu B.C. (second day). April 3, s—Whangarei R.C April 3, s—Soutb Canterbury J.C. April 4, s—Masterton R.C. " April 11, 12—Hawko's Bay J.C. April 12—Otautau R.C. Apr » 1-2—Hororata R.C April 12, 14—Weatport J.C. April 12, 14—Waikato R.C. April 19—'Tuapeka Coantr J.C. April 19, 21—Wairarapa E.C. April 19, 21—Foilding J.C. April 19, 21—Auckland H.C. April 19, 21, 2-2—Riverton R.O. April 21—Beaumont H.C. April 21—Waipukurau J.C. April 21—Kumara R.C. April 21, 22—Canterbury J.C'. April 23, 24 "Weetland R.O. April 26, 23 Greymouth J.C. April 26, 30—Avondale J.C. April 30~-Reefton J C. TROTTING FIXTURES. March 29—Thames T.C. Annual. March 29 —Cheviot T.C. Annual. April 10, 12—Wanganui T.C. Annual. TURF GOSSIP. Nominations for the Otautau Meeting elose to-day. Nominations for the Beaumont, Avondale, Tuapeka, and Anckland Meetings will be due tomorrow. Acceptances for the South Canterbury Meeting, to be held on April 3rd : nod sth, will close on Monday next. Nominations for the Hororata Eacing Club's annual race Meeting, to be held on April 12th, will be due at 8 ■ p.m. to-morrow. Eiccarton stables are represented by the following horses in the nominations for the Westport Jockey Club's Easter Meeting:—Kentish. Lady, Waihemo, .Gold Mint, Haze, Arrowmir, and Mime. Aberfeldy, with I. Tilson in the saddle, negotiated two hurdles at Eiccarton yesterday in good style. He is to race at the South Canterbury Meeting. His stable-mate, Gala Day, was also ,engaged, but the accident he" suffered at Waimate will prevent him from lacing again for a few weeks. . Eed Heckle and Flair have been in steady worfc since the ; Wellington Meeting, and F. Christmas hopes to take the pair to the Auckland Easter Meeting. A Sydney paper says: "New Zealand trainer J. Fryer, who was Here with a team in the spring, contemplates making another trip to Sydney for the autumn' Meetings, Nothing definite has been decided yet, but if hei comes lie 'will probably bring with him Bright Glow, Airtight, Just So, Green Linnet, and another." far there has been nothing locally of the Hawera ! mentor making a move. Probably Bright Glow's, being off colour has decided against it. - Keith . Voitre, the young horseman who suffered fractures of both arms at New; Plymouth, is on the high road to now • having both arms out <>f splints. ' There is a good prospect ;that he will be back in the saddle at 'Easter time. " "f " The ex-Trenthain-trpined Prince Pala.din (Paladin—Lovelorn) won the CanjiingPlate, six furlongs, at the Canning ".Turf Club's Meeting (Perth) on March 15ih, starting second favourite and winning by four lengths in 1.12. The five-year-old Absurd- I —Cherry Mart gelding Southern Cross, formerly Covent Garden, continues to hold his place in the front rank of the Sydney ponies. At Victoria Park on March 19th he won the first division of the Victoria Park Handicap, carrying 9-3, by two lengths in 1.30}. He started fourth favourite at a good price. , The withdrawal of Commendation from all engagements at the forthcoming Eahdwick Meeting would not be well'received by early speculators, as when the last mail left Sydney he was the lone favourite for the Doncaster and had been coupled with most: of-the fancied candidates, including Chide and Crucis, for the Sydney Cup foz large amounts. Commendation was -followed in the quotations by First Arrow, Greenline, and Nightmareh. For the Sydney Cup, Chide was the iraling favourite, ahead of Crucis, Nightmarch, Second Wind, Commendation, Caramelo, and Loquacious.

At Moorefield on March 15th, the principal handicap (on a soft track) was won by the Quin Abbey gelding Stormy, who started favourite and beat Macduff by a neck. As a result of his Melbourne victories, Phar Lap's earnings are getting close to the £20,000 mark. He should materially increase that in Sydney, as last year the St. Leger alone carried £2572 in prize money to the winner. More than likely Phar Lap's first meeting with the other champions at present in Sydney will be in the Chipping Norton Stakes (one milo and a quarter), at Warwick Farm. Strephon easily won that race twelve months ago, beating Limerick, Winalot, and others. Amounis is bound to be a runner this time, and if there is a firm track the meeting of Phar Lap ana Mr W. Pearson's gelding will be a drawcard by itself. But, in addition to Amounis, Nightmarch will join in to try conclusions with the pair, who have been doing so well in Melbourne. Chide ia another possible runner, and Loquacious, Paddi Eve, and High Syce are good class horses who may make, up the field. After that, Phar Lap's programme will probably take in the A.J.C. St. Leger, Cumberland Stakes (one mile and three-quar-ters), and A.J.C. Plate (two miles and a quarter). The Victoria Eacing Club has decided that the stake of 5000 sovs provided for the Grand National Steeplechase last year would be given again this year. At that, it will still be one of the richest steeplechases in the world. This is a very commendable move by the Victoria Eacing Club, which, in view of the general depression, might have been excused had it decided to reduce stakes, in common with many other cluba in Australia.

When Figure ran third in the Quality Handicap at Williamstown on Monday, the race marked her final appearance in public, before her retirement to Mr Hunter White's Havelock Stud.

Eamulus is to be treated to a long spell before racing again, and when he returns to training it will be as a gelding. His owner, Mr J. E. Brien, didn't consider he would have a Doncaster chance with 9-2, and, consequently he has been withdrawn. Nominations have been received by the Hawke's Bay Jockey Club for the following events: Hawke's Bay Stakes, of 400 sovs; 6if.—Hunting Song—Sunny Eqe br f, Chrysology, Hunting Song—Matalote br g, Jenny Diver, Te Awha, Toxeuma, Cylinder. Hawke's Bay Cup Handicap, of 450 sovs; one mile and a half.—Balloon, Don Quixote, The''Hawk, High Court, Duellona, Tall Timber, Mothplane, Mountain Heath, Spea'rmiss. J. D. Ormond Memorial Gold Cup, of 355 sovs; one mile. —Star Stranger, Admiral Drake, The Hawk, Te Awha, My Own, Keen, Toxeuma, Great Charter, Duellona, Eoyal Parade. Mr W. G. Stead, of the Flaxmere Stud, has disposed, of four of his yearlings, which this season are spoken of as being an unusually fine lot. A gelding by Leighton—Catalini, a fullbrother to Paleta and a remarkably fine looking youngster, as previously reported, was purchased by Mr E. Fisken, of Gisborne. The remaining three, a brown gelding by Leighton—Comedienne (by Joculator —Lady D.), chestnut gelding by Leighton—Valuate, and a brown gelding by Leighton—Oddity (a daughter of Conceit, whose progeny have all run well), have been disposed of to a Waikato sportsman. Tea. Time, who was recently taken to Sydney, and won a race at Gosford, shortly after his arrival in Australia, was in good form at the Bichmond Meeting on March 7th, where he won two events, the Flying and March Handicaps. At the Eosebery Park Meeting the following week Tea Time was seen to further advantage, 7 winning the first division of the Flying Handicap, six furlongs, by a length from Lorient 11., who started favourite.

At Bandwiek on Thursday of last week, Nightmarch registered the best gallop of the morning over seven furlongs , taking 1.32. Amor joined him for the last six furlongs, but was beaten by six lengths. On the same mdrning, Chide was not fully extended to record 1.34}. One of the favourites for the Liverpool Grand National Steeplechase, to be decided to-morrow, is the seven-year-old gelding Gib whb, up to February 10th, had won eight steeplechases off the reel. When he completed his eighth success he defeated Greglach, who so unexpectedly captured the famous Aintree Steeplechase last year. Gib is another of those-turf bargains which are so frequent in jumping races, and when he was purchased with the idea of turning Imp into a jumper he cost only 15 guineas.

New Zealand horses more than held their own in Australia in the Bpring, says the Sydney "Sun," and while some critics believe that the Dominion iB a better country than our own for breeding purposes, it is generally recognised that the oats grown in New Zealand have much to do with the development of so many good horses there. Several Australian trainers hold this opinion, and among them are E. A. Connolly and G. Price. When A. McAulay landed in Sydney recently with Nightmarch, he brought. with him sufficient oats to last E. A. Connolly's team until the conclusion of the A.J.C. Autumn Meeting, the Victorian owner-trainer having cabled him to-bring across a good supply. Connolly is at present in Sydney with Dark Man and Broken Doll, and we may watch with interest how the magic diet works on them.

A grandson of Carbine was the champion sire of America for the year 1929. This was Chicle, sire of Whichone, who as a two-year-old won £26,000 in stakes. Chicle was bred in 1913, and is by Spearmint from Lady Hamburg 31., by Hamburg. The list of Chicle for the present season at 2000 dollars is full. He is one of the eight stallions located at the H. P. Whitney stud farm at Lexington, Kentucky. The next horse in the winning sires' list was Light Brigade, by Picton from Bridge of Sighs, by Isinglass, son of Isonomy. Picton was by Orvieto, a son of Bend Or and Hecuba, by Isonomy out of Helen of Troy, by Hermit.

Visitors from New Zealand who have the entry to Sydney Tattersall's Club will miss the rather exciting scenes that have hitherto accompanied the "calling of the card" on the eve of the big Bandwick meetings. The decision .to abolish it has come as a shock to racing people, says a Sydney writer. "Calling the card" on big races has been in operation in Australia for many decades, and many owners, backers, and bookmakers in Sydney will have to adopt new ideas for final adjustments on important events. The old eleventhhour discussions have witnessed innumerable plunges of great magnitude, and' the concentrated competition of the | biggest bookmakers in Melbourne and Sydney made for wonderful opportunities for owners to back their horses, and also for fielders to adjust their volumes on big doubles. The new edict mean that course betting will have a big revival, as coups which hitherto were reserved for 'final ante-post activities will be executed on the racecourse. There have been numerous instances in past years where horses have been backed at the "call" for £50,000 Up to £70,000, but now these spectacular plunges will be -things of the past. The_ reason why the old custom has been abandoned is probably due to recent adverse references to it in the State Parliament.

TROTTING NOTES. Nominations for th<3 Hawera T.C.'s Annual Meeting, and for trotting events on the programmes of the Beaumont, Hororata, and Tuapeka Eacing Clubs, close to-morrow. Acceptances for the Waikato T.C.'s Autumn Meeting close to-morrow. Lily Bingen, engaged in the Cheviot Cup on Saturday, is an ag-ad mare by Nelson Bingon from Lily F., and on her recent form she looks to have a chance in her next engagement At the Timaru Meeting held on March Bth, Lily Bingen won the Trial Handicap of a mile and a half from a 3.38 mark in 3.29 1-5, and in doing so she had none the best of the running. She lost a lot of ground early in the race, but she finished with rare dash, and won comfortably at the end. D. Withers has been a regular visitor to Addington of late, and on Tuesday he gave Kingcraft and Anon useful work on the Metropolitan track. Yesterday he was present Begal Voyage, Sodium, and Last Pointer. Eegal Voyage was given strong work over a mile and a half, and Last Pointer (in saddle) and Sodium went a useful mile. The latter was very unruly in his races at Greymouth, but, with experience, he is settling down. He is a fine stamp of gelding by Great Audubon from a Logan Pointer—Soda mare, and he looks like developing into a good stayer. Shining Light, engaged the Cheviot Meeting on Saturday, is a four-vear-old filly by Matehlight from Margo Pointer, bred at Hornby by J. Bryce. E. J. Marshall is working at Addington a very promising gelding in the four-year-old Fair Exchange, by Matchlight from a Great Audubon mare. Up till a few days ago this gelding was worked in hopples, but judging by his style of going yesterday Marshall would be well advised to develop his natural trotting ability. At present Fair Exchange is carrying a lot of superfluous condition, and it will be some time before ho is ready to raco.

Little Victor, a gelding in G. S. Smith's charge, when being worked at Addington yesterday morning, took fright, and dislodged his attendant from the sulky. After doing several rounds of the track he upset the sulky against a wire fence, but a punctured tyre and minor damage to a shaft was the only result. Little Victor was not injured. F. J. Owen has taken Aquilin dn hand again, and the Author Dillon gelding looks a much better horse than when last in work. As a two-year-old he showed the greatest promise, and was looked on as a possible winner of the New Zealand Sapling Stakes. He developed muscle soreness, however,- ana was thrown out of work. He was operated upon, and this seems to have improved him a good deal. Mr J. Highstead, caretaker of the Addington track, awaits the owner of a small canvas bag containing shin boots, rubber bell-boots, knee-boots, and other material. The bag was l<ift in one of the horse-boxes at the Hutt Park track on Saturday, and was wrongly forwarded on to an Addington trainer. Ambleside and Achray, the property of the Wellington sportsman, Mr T. Capstick, are going along satisfactorily under G. McKendry's care at Addington, and both may win races later in the season.

The dispersal sale of trotting stock owned by Messrs D. Bodgers, C. E. Lindsay, and E. Ward will take place at the Bangiora Saleyards on Monday nffct. Amongst those that will go under the hammer are such well-known performers as Harvest Child, Sonoma, Eva Beta, Dipnoi, and Warrenore, besides the stallions Sonoma -Harvester and John Dillon, and the brood mares Gwenchild (dam of Harvest Child) and Flossie Dillon (dam of Tom Thumb). Native Prince and Carael are getting through useful work at Addington, and both look well forward for their Easter engagements. Native Prince has been off the winning list for some time, his last victory being attained in the Massey Memorial Handicap at the Otahuhu Spring Meeting. He is on. a mark, 2.42 for a mile and a quarter, from which he will find it hard to win. The English trainer, P. Smith, who has done well with horses during the short while he, as been in Auckland, and who. a couple of months back accepted a position as private trainer to Mr W. Johnstone, at Te Awamutu, has decided to relinquish his position, and will return to Epsom and set up as a public trainer. Warplane is engaged in the Kopu Handicap, to be decided at the Waikato Meeting on Saturday, but it is understood that the acceptance was made only on the understanding that tho gelding's handicap of 2.49 for a mile and a quarter was amended to 2.50. Mrs L E. Sweetapple, the owner, says that Warplane, off a 2.50J mark in a 2.51$ class, finished second, and the maximum penalty allowed is 12yds, which would bring Warplane back to 2.495. It seems then that unless tho Tiandicapper elected to split; seconds, Warplane should get the benefit of the fractions, and should start off 2.50. J. Bryce was at Addington on Tuesday morning with his New Zealand Sapling Stakes candidate by Travis Axworthy from Our Aggie. This is a well-grown chestnut colt, and shows the greatest promise. Mr G. D. Greenwood has given a cup valued at ten guineas to be added to the stake for the Teviotdale Trot, at the Arriberley Racing Club's Meeting. AMBERLEY RACING CLUB. A meeting of the committee of the Ainberley Racing Club was held at Amberley on Saturday evening. Mr G. N. McLean (president) was in the chair, and others present were: Messrs F. H. Courage, W. A. Parsons, S. Frew, A. S. George, F. P. Coleman, C. L. Clifford, and A. H. Noall, secretary. A letter was received from Mr J. B. Starky offering a cup as a trophy to be added to the stake of the J. B. Starky Memorial Handicap. The secretary was instructed to tnank the donor for his generous offer. Tne following new members were . elected: Messrs J. McDonald, H. D. van Asch, C. H. Lawrence, C. R. J. »Ward, and K. G. Archer. Two resignations were received. It was decided fo increase the stakes for the coming meeting by £SO, and the following programme was approved: Novice Stakes, of 100 sovs; five furlongs. Glasnevin Hack Handicap, of 100 sovs; one mile. G. B. Starky Memorial Handicap, of 200 sovs, and cup presented by Mr B. Starky; one mile and a quarter. Kowai Trot Handicap (in harness), of 100 sovs; one mile and a half. JBrackenfield Handicap, of 100 sovs; six furlongs Amberley Handicap, of 120 sovs; seven furlongs. Seadown Hack Handicap, of 100 sovs; six fur7bngs. Teviotdale Trot Handicap (in harness), of 105 sovs and cup valued at lOgns. presented by Mr G. D. Greenwood; two miles. The following officials were appointed for the race meeting: —Honorary surgeons, Dr. T. T. Thompson, Dr. T. A. Will, and Dr. Fossey; honorary veterinary surgeons, Messrs H. E. Martin, H. S S. Kyle, M.P.. and J. S. Stafford; judge, Mr A. Dickson; starter, Mr A. J. Hastings; handicappers, Messrs J. E. Henrys (gallops'), and F. O. Thomas (trots); clerk of course, Mr E. Holmes; clerk of scales, Mr J. P. Lennon; honorary timekeepers. Messrs W. A. Kelcher and F. C. Thomas. i

MANAWATU R.C. gold cup to vertigern. STAKES WON BY GESTURE. (press association tslbgbam.) PALMERSTON N., March 26. The Autumn Meeting of the Manawatu Racing Club opened to-day in beautiful weather. There was a fair attendance. Several unusually close finishes were seen during the day. Tho course was very firm. The totalisator investments were £26,015, compared wtih .£21,752 last year, an increase of £4263. Results: — KARERK HURDLES HANDICAP, of 250 sovs. ljm. 3. OMEO 9-0 •• •• L. Jarvis 1 5. Diana's Lad 9-0 .. A. Jenkins 2 7 Vivo 9-6 • • . . M. Nicol 3 ' 1 Red Fuchsia 11-11; 4 Fine Acre 10-7; 8 Red Bank 9-3; 2 Aurora Borealis 9-0; 6 Airtight 9-0 also started. Won by two lengths; throe lengths second and third. Red Fuchsia was fourth. Time. 3.11 2-5. AUTUMN PLATE, of 150 sovs. 7f. 2. BEN HUR 7-11 •• T. Burgess 1 8. Ball Dress 6-13 .. Hughes 2 1. Pedestal 7-12 . . A. G. Murray 3 16 Adventus 7-11; 15 Ao Marama 7-11; 19 Bon Acre 7-11; 4 Gipsy Fate 7-11; 9 Jiu Jazz 7-11; 20 Killigrew 7-11; 7 Mount Shannon car. 7-13; 13 Point dOr car. 8-3; 11 Robbie s Mistake 7-11; 7 Royal Mission 7-11; 5 Rioghail 7-11; 18 Spearwood 7-11; 12 Spearform 7-11; 3 Fitzquex 6-12; 14 Joie de Val 6-12; 9 Star of Gold 6-2; 6 Zophyrus 6-12 also started. Won by one and a half lengths; head second and third. Spearform was fourth. Time, 1.29 1-5. PRINCE OF WALES HANDICAP, of 500 sovs. 9f. 10. THE SWELL 7-2 R. Drinkwater 1 7. Silvermine 8-3 ■. L. J. Ellis 2 2. Vali car. 7-10 .. T. Green 3 4 Merry Damon 8-11; 5 Paitonu 8-6; 3 Full Feather 8-4; 1 Panther 8-3; 6 Ruanui 8-2; 13 Spearmiss 7-8; 9 Dolomita car. 7-5; 8 Balloon car. 7-4; 12 Shrewd 7il; 11 Juggle 7-0 also started. Won by a nose; half a neck second and third. Paitonu was a head away fourth. Time, 1.54 1-5. WOODHEY HACK HANDICAP, of 200 sovs. 6f. 4. LORD THOMOND 7-0 W. Broughton 1 6. Golden Shadow 7-8 . . H. Wiggins 2 3. Just an Idea 7-6 .. C. Goulsbro 3 5 Hurly Burly 8-9; 1 Cadland 8-9; 10 Austerity 8-6; 7 Paiako 7-10; 12 Abbey Queen 7-5; 14 Potoaform car. 8-3; 2 Lucretia car. 7-7; 9 General Gas car. 7-0; 11 Cook 7-1; 12 Leisure 7-1; 8 Patearoa 7-1; 15 Winloch 7-0; 17 Grand Jury 7-0; 16 Guress car. 7-21 also started. Won by three-quarters of a length; ssme second and third. Potoaform was fourth. Time, 1.15. MANAWATU SIRES' PRODUCE STAKES, of 700 sovs. For two-year-olds. 7f. , 1. GESTURE 8-11 .. B. H. Morris 1 8. Hard Words 8-5 .. R. S. Bagby 2 6. Jenny Diver 7-11 .. T. Webster 3 2 Cylinder 8-5; 4 Autopay 8-0; 5 Sir Limond 8-0; 7 Lineage car. 7-12 also started. Won by two lengths; one and a half lengths second and third. Sir Limond was fourth. Cylinder lost his rider. Time, 1.27 8-5. AWAPUNI GOLD CUP, of 600 sovs. 11m. 5. 0. Elgar's VERTIGERN 9-2 A. E. Ellis 1 6. Sir George Clifford's Waterline 8-4 R. E. Coveny 2 3. V. Riddiford's Historic 9-2 B. H. Morris 8 7 Rapier 9-2; 1 Star Stranger 9-2; 2 Concentrate 9-0; 3 Eaglet 8-1; 8 My Own 8-1 also started. Won by half a neck; half a length second and third. My Own was fourth. Time, 2.8 2-5. JOHNSTON MEMORIAL HANDICAP, of 300 sovs. 6f. 8 CONSENT 8-6 .. B. H. Morris' 1 11. Dobbin car. 7-4 .. ,E. Burgesa 2 9. Royal Duke car. 7-10 .. S. Wilson 8 2 Ceremony 9-0; ft Benzora 8-9; 1 The Raider 8-9; 0 Richfield 8-3; 5 Ridgemount 8-2; 12 Keddar 7-18; 4 Llanore car. 7-7; 7 Head Serang 7-3; 13 Callanmore 7-7; 10 Malayan car. 7-7; 15 Melissa car. 7-2; 14 Broad Acre 7-0; 16 Cuticle 7-0; 17 Pass Book car. 7-2 also started. Won by a nose; half a head second and third. Ceremony was fourth. Time, 1.13. TE MATAI HACK HANDICAP, of 200 sovs. 9f. 4. ROYAL OPERA 8-9 .. A. B. Ellis 1 1. Pahu 8-8 .. B. H. Morris 2 2. Tunbridge 7-9 .. L. J. Ellis 8 7 Kiloroll 8-3; S Belle Star 8-8; 8 Airforce 7-13; 6 Latakia 7-12; 10 Limosa car. 7-2; 11 Marica car. 7-2; 8 Mothplano 7-0; 9 Myola ear. 7-8 also started. Won by half a' length; two and a half lengths second and third. Latakia was fourth. Time, 1.54 3-5.

NOTES ON THE RACING. [THE PRESS Special Service.] PALMERSTON N., Maroh 26. Great racing featured the opening of tho Manawatu Racing Club's Autumn Meeting at Awapuni to-day, and in spite of the fail ure of the favourites, the totalisator showed a very satisfactory increase. The race fot the Sires' Produce Stakes was robbed of most of its interest when Cylinder lost hit rider' after going about two furlongs, the race resulting in a comfortable win for Ges ture, who, incidentally, was the only favour ite of the day to score. The Awapum Gold Cup was not a true-run race, but wheri Vertigern won his victory was very popular, for his owner, Mr O. Elgar, is a good jpatroi* of, the sport, particularly class racing. Fini finishes were witnessed in the ■ handicaps the Prince of Wales Handicap being won h> The-Swell, and the J. M. Johnston Memorial by Consent, both of thein being big outsid ers. The first race in commemoration ol the clnb's late secretary was a splendid contest. An equiry into the mishap to Cylinder in the Sires' Produce Stakes found thai it was accidental, and due to him getting on to the heels of . Jenny Diver. The Favourite Beaten. Red Fuchsia, a solid favourite for the hurdles, ran a good race, but in a very fastrun event he was a beaten horse a good way from home. Red Bank made the running from Omeo. Red Fuchsia, Vivo, and Eiana's Lad, with Fine Acre tailed off. Vivo joined Red Bank seven furlongs" from home, and they were not displaced in the lead till the last fence, where Omeo and Diana's Lad were up challenging, with Red Fuchsia next. Once over, Diana's Lad and Omeo fought out the finish, Omeo winning by three-quar ters of a length. Vivo was a couple of lengths away third, with Red Fuchsia handy. Then camo Red Bank, Airtight, Aurora Borealis, and Fine Acre. The winner put up a solid performance, and more will be heard of him. Diana's Lad ran one of his good racfs. Vivo jumped badly, but at the same time her form was much in advance of recent showings. Red Fuchsia waß not disgraced, and the race will no doubt improve him. Won All the Way. Ben Hur, drawing No. 1 position in the big field of twenty for the maiden race, got out well, _ and was never headed. Attending him in the . running were Zephyrus, Killigrew, Fitzquex, Star of Gold, Spearform, and Bon Acre. Ball Dress and Pedestal put in fast runs on the turn, where Fitzquex lost his place. Ben Hur led into the straight, and was' never in danger of being caught, winning by a couple of lengths. In a great battle for second, Ball Dress beat Pedestal by a head. Spearform was fourth, followed by Robbie's Mistake, "Zephyrus, Fitzquex, and Mount Shannon. It was a good thing for the winner. Pedestal, who started a good favourite, rolled about a lot in the run home, or would have been second. At the same' time. Ball Dress covered some extra ground, and her effort was an improvement. Zephyrus would have been closer with a stronger rider to punch him home. Fitzquex, had he not lost his place on the turn, would probably have been second. Outsiders Come Home. The principal handicap marked by l an excellent finish with outsiders in The Swell and Silvermine in the pl-_ces. It was a peculiarly run race. The firßt half was smartly run, then for two or three furlongs they slowed up in front, and finally put on the pace to come home. This suited Silvermine, while the slow middle stages enabled The Swell to get up into a forward position. Silvermine, Vali, Juggle, and Dolomite began well, Juggje rushing into the lead from Silvermine, Vali, Panther, Dolomite, Ruanui, and Balloon. Juggle slowed up at the six furlongs, and down the back The Swell ran up, the rear division including Paitonu and Full Feather. At the half, Silvermine and The Swell were in the lead, and were followed across the top by Dolomite, Juggle, Balloon, Ruanui, Vali, and Panther, Vali having _ twice got stopped in the running. Silvermine and The Swell ran wide into line, and the field closed up, Paitonu getting a clear run through on the rails, while Vali was coming again. The Swell and Silvermine were locked in a great finish, The Swell getting there by a nose. Vali was half a neck away third, with Paitonu right up fourth, followed by Ruanui, Merry Damon, Panther,. Shrewd, and Full Feather. There is no doubt Vali should have won. He got stopped badly between the five and the foot, and again about three furlongs from home. Paitonu got a wonderful chance on the inner, but he weakened over the last fifty yards. The Swell's fonn was his best for some considerable time. _ Silvermine ran a good, honest race in spite of the firm track. Panther started favourite, but although he held a prominent place throughout he never really flattered his supporters.

One for Riccarton. The hack sprint was won nicely by the Wellington-owned and Riccarton-trained Lord Thomond, who for once ran up to his track trials- He was not overwell placed early, but be finished solidly. Cadland was the favourite, but ho was hard at it early to hold to the pace which was being set by j us t An Idea, Patearoa, Cook, Abbey Queen, Golden Shadow, and Paiko. The order across the top was Just An Idea, Patearoa, Cook, Golden Shadow, Cadlnnd, Austerity, and Lord Thomond. Onco in line, Lord Thomond closed on the leaders, and holding to his work won by a head from Golden Shadow, who beat Just An Idea by the same margin. Potoaform was fourth, followed by Patearoa, Austerity, and Cadland. There was a lot of merit in tho winner s nerformance, and he should do well if he goes on all right. All the leaders had every chance. Austerity ran a good race. Cadland was not disgraced, but he was never able to do more than hold his position. Cylinder Loses Rider. With Chrysology out of the Sires' Produce Stakes, backers went mainly for Gesture and Cylinder. Backers of Cylinder were soon out of their anxiety, as he lost his rider just before reaching the five-furlong post through getting on to the heels of a horse in front. Hard Words showed out first, and led from Sir Limond, Gesture, and Cylinder. Autopay and Jenny Diver ran up behind Hard Words in the second furlong, and it was here that Cylinder got into trouble and lost his rider. Hard Words led past tho half from Sir Limond, Gesture, Autopay, and Jenny Diver. Gesture ran forward entering the straight, and tackling the leader about a furlong from home won by two lengths and a half. Hard Words beating Jenny Diver by two lengths. Sir Limond was fourth, followed by Lineage and Autopay. Tho mishap to Cylinder took all the interest out of tho race. Gesture put up a stylish performance, and easily beat the rest of the field. Vertlgern's Gold Cup. Tho Awapuni Gold Cup was a muddling race. Pour of tho eight runners were in front at various stages, and between fiddling about and recoiving checks in running hardly one horso got a fair go. Tho exception was Rapier, who had every chance, and tho worst sufferers were Eaglet and Star Stranger. Star Stranger mado his run all the way on the inuor and roceived check after check. My Own mado the oarly pace from Eaglet and Historic, Concentrate and Star Stranger bringing up the rear. Waterlino and Vertlgern became more prominent down the back, and at the half Rapier had run up to My Own from Historic, Eaglet, and Yertigern. My Own began to fall back here, checking Eaglet and, in turn, Star Stranger, the latter pair drifting to the rear. Rapier had charge on tho turn from Waterline and Vertigo rn, then My Own and Historic. Rapier and Waterlino, with Vertigern, led Into the straight from Historic. Rapier dropped out, but Waterlino and Vertlgern came on. Challenged by Historic, Vertigern hung on, to win by half a neck from Waterline, who beat Historic by half a length. My Own was about a length away fourth, with Star Stranger and Eaglet almost in line next. In a truly-run race, Star Stranger wd Eaglet would have paid tho dividends. A Wonderful Finish. A terrific finish was staged in the open sprint. The first three horses could just, and only just, be separated for the places, and right up with them was a bunch of half a dozen practically in line across the course. Tho Raider was favourite, with plenty of money for Ceremony, the winner (Consent) and the runner-up (Dobbin) being at good prices. The Raider, Ceremony, ana Malayan moved away first, Broad Acre and Richfield beginning slowly. They settled down in the order: Malayan and The Raider from Consent. Ceremony, Dobbin, Ridgemount, Benzora, and Melissa, with Head Serang heading the bunch. There was no change to the straight, where commenced a stirring straggle. The Raider showed out first, but Dobbin, who got through on the rails, was in front at the last half-furlong. Tho field i closed on him, Royal Duke flashing up with Consent in the middle of the track, Consent beating Dobbin by a nose, with Royal Duke half a head away. Ceremony was fourth, with Benzora, Ridgemount, The Raider, Richfield, Malayan, Melissa, Head Serang, and Llanore all bunched right up. It was a wonderful race. _ The unlucky runners were Benzora and Richfield. Ceremony ran a great race and Bhould not bo long. So Lack for Favourites. Pabu made tho seventh favourite in eight races to go under when Royal Opera beat him at tho finish of the hack distance event. Marica set a solid pace from Airforce and Latakia, then Royal Opora and Pahu. Tunbridge and Royal Opora improved their positions on tho turn, and Royal Opera was handy to Marica and Airforce entering tho straight. Pahu got through when in line, but Royal Opera held him off and won by half a length. Tunbridge was a couple of lengths away, with Latakia handy, then Mothplane, Airforce, and Bella Star. Tho result was recent form emphasised. Belle Star was unlucky in getting stopped when going for the' rails coming Into the straight.

ACCEPTANCES FOR TO-DAY. | KAIBANGA HURDLES HANDICAP, of 200 I sovs. ljm. Elicit ..11 7 Bed Bank .. 9 1 Whenuanul ..10 6 Aurora Vivo .. 9 0 Borealis 0 0 Diana's Lad 9 6 Airtight ..9 0 LOCKWOOD HACK HANDICAP, of 200 boys. 61. Cadland .. 8 7 Potoafona .. 7 6 Hurly Bturly 8 5 Lucretia .. 7 2 Desert Lad .. 7 18 Abbey Queen 7 3 Golden Patearoa .. 7 0 Shadow 7 12 Cook .. 7 0 Ben Hur .. 7 12 Easterly .. 7 0 Lord Thomond 712 Winlocli .. 7 0 Lackham .. 7 10 Lady .Just an Idea 7 9 Lackham 7 0 Glenrossie .. 7 7 TAMATETE HANDICAP, of 500 SOT*. l|m. Merry Damon 811 Shrewd .. 7 2 The Swell 8 1 Balloob .. 7.2 Ruanui .. 8 0 Pahu .. 7 0 Dolomite ..76 STONYHURST HANDICAP, of 260 sors. 7f. Full Feather 9 9 Llanors .. 8 9 Pnnthor .. 9 9 Juggle .. 8 6 Consent .. 9 7 Callanmor* ■.. 7 IS 1 Arikiwai .. 8 11 Miss Ransom 7 12 Fernden .. 8 9 Cuticle .. 7 11 Head Serang 8 9 Briar Root 7 11 MANAWATU STAKES, of 600 govs. Weight-for-age, wtih penalties and allowances. 6f. Oimabue .. 9 10 Green Linnet 7 2 Paganelli .. 9 7 Sir Limond 7 2 Toxeuma .. 9 5 Lineage .. 7 2 Ceremony .. 813 Tripping .. 613 Awaken .. 7 6 Chrysology .. 611 Lady Pam ..76 CLOVERLEA NURSERY HANDICAP, of 200 sovs. Sf. Green Linnet 8 2 Terra Flrma 7 0 Autopay .. 8 2 Outward* Tripping .. 8 0 Bound 7 0 Arajean .. 711 Isa .. 7 0 Sporting Tar Baby .. 7 0 Chance 7 2 Trojan Ball Dress .. 7 0 Melody 7 0 Chief Joy .. 7 0 Sunstead .. 7 0 Whelk .. 7 0 Joie de Val 7 0 Masterton i. .> 7 0 Sea Scout .. 7 0 Zophyrus .. 7 0 ADDERSTONE HACK HANDICAP, of 200 sovs. 91.' Royal Opera 9 9 Pedestal .. 7 8 Belle Star .. 8 9 Mothplane ..7 8 Kilorell • • 8 8 Gipsy Pate '.. 7 7 Sky rider •. 8 6 Myola ■. 7 7 Tunbridga .. 8 4 Mirabllary .. 7 7 Latakia . • 8 4 Spearford .. 7 7 Airforce .. 8 4 Mount Marica • • 7 9 Shannon 7 7 General Gas 7 8 Adventus .. 7 7 TELEGRAPH HANDICAP, of 800 sovs. 6f. The Raider 8 8 Royal Duke 7 12 Benzora . • 8 8 Dobbin .. 711 Richfield •• 8 2 Malayan 7 3 Ridgemount 8 1 Melissa -.. 7 0 Fernden .. 8 1 Equitant .. 7 0