ASHBURTON T.C.

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21976, 28 December 1936, Page 9

ASHBURTON T.C.

A RECORD MEETING EVICUS WINS CUP TOOKAK SUCCESSFUL IN STAKES Anticipations by the Ashburton Trotting Club for a record meeting were realised on Saturday, when the summer fixture was held in ideal weather. Not only did the totalisator investments show an increase from £21,751 to £31,739, a difference of £9988, but the attendance was the best that has ever attended a Boxing Day meeting and the gate receipts showed a big advance. With the exception of the first race, which presented a very poor spectacle, the racing was full of interest and was marked by several outstanding performances by pacers and trotters. The track, which would have been in ideal condition for gallopers, did not offer the perfect going for pacers and trotters, for it really carried too good a sward of grass to allow of the limit of speed being reached. Yet fast times were registered and these go more to show the excellence of the performers rather than the fast nature of the With such a huge crowd present and so much totalisator business being done it was not surprising to find the programme well behind the schedule time and backers of placed horses in the last race did not leave the course till late in the afternoon. The new totalisator was being put through its first real test, and with a staff that could not be other than inexperienced, excellent work was accomplished. The manual indicator worked satisfactorily and gave speculators a very good idea of the prices their fancies were paying on the machine. As the staff becomes acquainted with the machinery of such an installation the Ashburton Club’s totalisator will rival any in the Dominion. To the secretary. Mr J. B. Nicoll, too much credit cannot be given for the excellent arrangements made to cater for the record crowd and the details were carried out in a manner that has become characteristic of Ashburton race meetings. The first event, the Mitcham Handicap. did not provide a very auspicious opening, for while 26 horses started, very few of them appeared at all suitable for racing. Gay Crusader won because the remainder were very poor class. Firgt d ass contests The Wakanui Handicap at one stage looked like being a repetition of the opening event, for Boreas established such a long lead that he appeared to be making a one-horse race of it. However, a number of horses swooped down on him in the last furlong. Evicus, the Tasmanian pacer, won the Ashburton Cup in a m £nner that left many wondering why she had not been previously successful m New Zealand. The applause that greeted her victory was in appreciation oi tne owners in sending her such a long journey in search of good races Parisienne, the hot favourite for the C ampion Stakes, was beaten by a good colt in Toorak, but the honours of the race rested with the filly who, after losing ground at the start, essayed the task of pace-making for the last mi’e It was not surprising that she faded in the face of a resolute chalBessie Parrish, Wrackler, Sea Gift, and Trampfast delighted horse-lovers with their brilliant exhibitions ot trotting in the Winslow Handicap, and Luckv Jack. Play On, and Kibo in a stirring finish had patrons worked up to a high pitch of excitement in the Midsummer Handicap. , Gaillard redeemed his two-year-pld promise when he scored a decisive victory in the McLean Handicap, and Mr J R. McKenzie, whose other horses had been out of luck during the day scored a popular victory with ms American stallion, Gallant Knight, m the concluding event of the day. Results of the racing are as follows. MITCHAM HANDICAP, Of 140 sovs: second horse 20 sovs. and third horse 10 sovs from stake. 3mm 49sec class. Unhoppled trotters. One mile and a half. 2 wSS'. syrs r m winnow aged 3. 4-J.raKuiis R Townlcy. jun- 3 * C L Saeamore scr; 4. 7 Swift Guy scr: 7 6 lustrl scr 5 3 Lord Ernleigh scr; I’ 7 Gerfalcon scr; Sir Kit scr; 3, 4 Gracie Fields’* s’trn’’bracketed -Jim™Harvest Note scr, * ■Fluke scr*. a 'won"b’“ttrco lengths; two Winner trained by r. JWAKANUI HANDICAP, “ “take”’ 3mlo !SiS5S£ One mile and a 3 s—j. C. Nordquist’s b g R 3 ‘ MAN by Man o’ War-St. Bridget i a. b » Credit M-nca # 8 . gS,: Tlborn’s'blk g 3 9 scr and Reymere scr bracketed; 4, 8 Chaise _scu, • scr; 13 13 Kinney scr; 15. ”7|£ a e ” scr; 15. 15 Ebbk,C F° r 2O 20 Nelson McFailano scr; 2. tide scr, 20. 40 w Mvste ry Girl scr; 1. 2 Ace High scr: 19 scr; li.’mTbScS Wljf. 7 ?°N,Hvo“on ra 36“n 17 Silver Gay 60 al.o stai ted. irtrtrf+iT* three lencths sec** . Boreas Times by owner. Mothven. ASHBURTON CUP HANDICAP, “SsiHiriss Way aged 12 ;; J*’ „ War 4 4 Mrs E. K. Maugcrs bi m war 4 - “i 9 M. B. Edwards 2 BUOV 6,VT.S 12 • ■ , iTm-nne-U 1 i o J. Barton’s b g Tempest 1 - „a in J. Bryce, jun. 3 3 T roIIo scr and Blue Mountain 36 Wave 12; 2.2 Graham Direct 12, 5, 5 wcw r? 94- n r Roi i’Or 72 also started. D Won bv a length half n length second -md third Rollo was fourth. Times-4mm M3.sscc.4mln 26 4-ssec. 4m in 27scc. Winner trained by H. Rudd. Tasmania. NEW ZEALAND CHAMPION STAKES. Of 650 sovs; second horse 150 sovs ' horse 80 sovs, and fourth horse 35 • from stake. For tbrce-year-olds. One mile and a half. 5 5—J. Richardson’s b c TOORAK by Wrack— Sungod mare y E. C. McDermott 1 ! j Mrs D. R. Rcvell’s ch f Parisi- ■ enne by Key dc g 8 Miss E. Hinds's b f Effle Parrish ' by Guy Parrish-Lady Elite KJng 3 7 7_m C. McTigue’s br g Dark Hazard by Great Bingen—Wild Nlta Owner 4 6, 6 Loyal Pat; 4, 4 Southern Chief; 2, 2 Frisco Boy; 3, 3 Donald Dhu; 10, 10 Royal Grattan; 9. 9 Peter Bee also started. Won by a length; two lengths second and third. Dark Hazard was fourth. Times—3min 19 2-ssec, 3min 19 4-ssec, 3mln 20sec. Winner trained by V. Leeming, Prebbleton. MIDSUMMER HANDICAP, Of 200 sovs: second horse 40 sovs, and third horse 20 sovs from stake. 4mm 44sec class. Two miles. 2 i—W. T. Lowe’s ch c LUCKY JACK by Jack Potts— I Tairane 4yrs scr R. B. Berry 1 4. 4—M. C. McTigue’s ch g Play On aged scr •• •» Owner 2

3. 3—J. Walsh's b m Kibo aged 48 G. McKondry 3 5 5 Wild Dreams scr; 6’,6 Full Hand scr; 1, 2 U. Scott scr; 7. 7 Doris Derby scr; 10, 10 Raider scr; 8, 8 Sea Trail sci, 9. J On Parade 60 also started. Won by a neck; same second and tmia. On Parade was fourth. Times—4imn 29 2-ssec, 4min 29 3-ssec, 4min 25 4-sset. Winner trained by R. Berry, Yaldhurst. WINSLOW HANDICAP, Of 300 sovs: second horse 60 sovs. and third horse 30 sovs from stake, un hoppled trotters. 3min 26sec class. One mile and a half. 17 7 j t. Paul’s br in BESSIE PARRISH by Guy Parrish—Bessie Bingen aged 12 .. R- D. . 4. 4—Durbar Lodge, Ltd. Sb g Wrackler aged 36 -■ L. A. Maide s 2. 2—Archer and McFarlanes b m Sea Gift aged 60 .. E. J. Smith 3 5 5 Airflow scr; 8. 8 Lough Guy sci; 1, 1 Discord scr: 9, 9 Writer 12; 3, 3 Norma Bingen 12; 6. 6 Trampfast 60 also started. Won by two lengths; length second ana third. Trampfast was fourth. 3min 20 l-ssec. 3min 19sec, 3mm 17 l-ssec. Winner trained by R. D. Kenncrley. Addington. McLEAN HANDICAP, Of 200 sovs; second horse 40 sovs, and third horse 20 sovs from stake. 3mm 35sec class. One mile and a half. 1. 3—F. Holmes’s b c GAILLARD by Rey de Oro— Bonny Logan 4yrs 12 F. G. Holmes 1 16. 16— W. K. Tatterson’s ch g Oversight 6yrs scr .. . • Owner 2 5. 5 — H. Hewson’s br f Fay Rey 4yrs scr .. .. R. J* Rapley 3 4, 4 Carrageen scr; 12, 15 Colonel Bogey scr; 13, 10 Vanity Fair scr and Raclaim 24 bracketed; 5, 8 Dundee scr; 20, 20 Zest scr: 7, 11 Llewellyn’s Pet scr; 10, 19 Wee Wrack scr; 16, 16 Lottie Guy scr; 17. 14 Shoelace scr; 6. 6 Sports Review 12; 8, 7 Our War 12; 18, 18 Glorielta 12; 10, 12 Rcwai 12; 11, 9 Ace Pot 12 and Trireme 12 bracketed; 3, 2 Marsceres 12; 14, 13 Sky Wink 12; 2, 1 Credit Funds 36 also started. Won by a length: head second and third. Credit Funds was fourth. Times — 3min 20 4-ssec, 3min 22sec, 3min 22 2-ssec. Winner trained by F. G. Holmes. Addington. BOXING DAY HANDICAP, Of 300 sovs; second horse 60 sovs, and third horse 30 sovs from stake. 3min 23sec class. One mile and a half. 2. I—J. R. McKenzie’s blk li GALLANT KNIGHT by Mr McElwyn —Etta Day 6yrs scr R. Townley, jun. 1 6. 6—T. H. McGirr’s b g Reporter 6yrs 36 .. .. Owner 2 9. 7—W. J. Doyle’s ch g Subsidy syrs scr .. • .. Owner 3 14, 15 Encounter scr; 10, 11 Isabel Derby scr; 4,*4 Morello scr; 11, 8 Noble Prince scr; 10, 13 Chechahco sci - ; 1, 2 Southern Smile scr; 3. 3 Village Guy scr; 13, 14 Gay Gordon scr; 3, 12 Chancellor 12; 7, 9 Craganour 24; 12, 10 George Rey 24; 5. 5 Elvo 24 also started. Won by two lengths; neck second and third. Chancellor was fourth. Winner trained by R. Dunn, Yaldhurst. NOTES ON THE RACING A Poor Contest It would be hard to imagine anything less impressive than the displays given by the majority of the starters in the Mitcham Handicap, for the winner. Gay Crusader, was the only one to trot without a mistake, and show speed. Gay Crusader hopped out smartly, and. followed by Pilot Peter, he carried on down the back stretch with Winnow and Highrate the only others possessing a possible chance. The only excitement was provided when Pilot Peter challenged in the last furlong. but a break spoilt his chance. This gave Gay Crusader a very comfortable win. and Winnow was too good class for Lustre and Highrate. The form of the winner and runnerup was fair, but little of interest can be said of the displays of the others. They represented very poor class. The Pace that Kills An outsider, Boreas, attempted to make a one-horse race of the Wakamu Handicap, but. after establishing a lead of 20 lengths, he faded in the run home, and was just beaten out of a place. , , Ace High was actually the quickest to begin, but he was soon passed by Labourman and Thornworthy. Boreas then raced to the lead, and went right away from his field, and Thornworthy, in second place, was six lengths ahead of Mauri McKinney. True Beau was also in the picture. Half a mile from home Labourman and Mauri McKinney made an attempt to bridge the gap, and they, had partly succeeded as the distance post was reached. Labourman stuck to his work like a tradesman, and. aftera short tussle, Boreas failed. Credit Balance then came on the scene, and Labourman had to be hard driven to gain victory by half a length. Linklight. who finished well. also passed the tiring 80rei.... Then followed Player, Mauri McKinney, and Ace High. Labourman had previously shown promise of developing into a useful pacer, and in this race he showed rare grit and stamina in a hard finish. Credit Balance is improving, and while the fast pace set by the leader fully tested the majority, Linklight finished on very well. Best of the unplaced division may prove to be Ace High and Mauri McKinney. A Popular Victory A highly popular victory was scored in the Ashburton Cun by the Tasmanian mare Evicus, who although on her second trip to New Zealand had not previously won a race in the Dominion. Graham Direct, Willow Wave, War Buoy, and Roi I’Or were each responsible for short delays at the post, but when the field went away Rollo was the one to lose grqund. Very soon Tempest was showing the way with Evicus just ahead of War Buoy and Sir Guy. Cloudy Range and Evicus showed the way as the stand was reached, with Tempest, Sir Guy, War Buoy, Rollo, and New Derby following in that order, while Roi TOr had reached the tail-end of the field, and Willow Wave was tailed off. The field raced in close order until rounding the top turn, where New Derby broke, and appeared to interfere with Graham Direct, who dropped back. Cloudy Range and Sir Guy were in front at the straight entrance, followed by Evicus, War Buoy, Tempest, and Blue Mountain, with Roi I’Or showing up on the outside. At the distance, Cloudy Range was being hard driven, but 150 yards from home he stumbled and fell, which left War Buoy in command. Evicus then made her effort. and in brilliant fashion went on to win by a clear length from War Buoy, who was just ahead of Tempest. Rollo. and Blue Mountain. . Twelve months ago Evicus finished second to Roi I’Or in this race, after doing 4min ?,osec, but this time she was allowed to go out one of the outsiders of the field, and she paid a rich dividend. She was driven a splendid race by R. Young, who reserved his big effort until after the others had run themselves out. War Buoy ran a fine race, and, after being apparently well beaten, came with rare dash at the finish. Tempest had the race run to suit him, but was not good enough, and Cloudy Range was very tired when he fell. Rollo and Blue Mountain did best of the remainder but never looked like winners, and Willow Wave. Graham Direct, and New Derby disappointed rather badly, Roi TOr tangled ui the straight when he looked like taking a hand in Ihe finish. Thrce-ycar-olcl Classic Parisienne was made a warm favourite for the Niw Zealand Champion Stakes, and, although she ran a fine race and acted as pacemaker for a mile of the mile and a half journey, she was beaten in the last 100 yards by a ideally good colt in Toorak. Effie Parrish and Loyal Pat at once set off in the lead, most forward of the others being Toorak, Frisco Boy. Donald Dhu, and Parisienne. Going into the back stretch Parisienne made a fast run and six furlongs from home she was showing the way to Effie Parrish, Loyal Pat, Frisco Boy. and Toorak with Dark Hazard tailing the field. Into the straight the field raced in close order, Parisienne being followed by Loyal Pat, Frisco Boy, and Effie Parrish. At the distance all were being hard driven, but at this stage, Toorak got clear and challenged Parisienne. In a hard finish Toorak came on the better and won by a length, and Erne Parrish, in third place, was all out to beat Dark Hazard, who was followed by Southern Chief and Frisco Boy. Toorak had a good run all the way and much of the credit of victory must

be given E. C. McDermott, who exercised excellent judgment in postponing his run to the last furlong. Toorak is a good looking colt that has not had the best of luck in his racing Parisienne lost ground at the start, but recognising the filly’s staying powers. R. B. Berry wisely sent her to the front to set a solid pace. She lost none of her friends by the display. Eftie Parrish hung on gamely and a sterling performance was put up by Dark Hazard, who was last half a mile from home. This gelding is bound to win good races. Big disappointments included Frisco Boy, Southern Chief, and Donald Dhu. The Favourite Fails The Midsummer Handicap provided a most exciting finish, but backers were disappointed in the performance of the favourite. U. Scott, who. while showing the speed of a champion racehorse, marred his display by several bad breaks. Doris Derby and Lucky Jack were actually the quickest to begin, but with half a mile covered Kibo was in front from Full Hand, Raider, Play On, and Sea Trail, who had made up a lot of ground. Going down the back Sea Trail joined Kibo in the lead and the pair led to the top, where Sea Trail faded. Into the straight the order was Kibo. Full Hand. Play On, On Parade, Lucky Jack. A furlong from homo Kibo was tackled by Lucky Jack and Play On, and in a desperate finish narrow margins separated Lucky Jack. Play On, and Kibo. Next to finish were On Parade. Doris Derby, and U. Scott. Lucky Jack showed himself a game racehorse when he tackled Kibo and Play On, and although he appeared to he beaten 50 yards from home he came again with renewed vigour and wan going away at the finish. Play On, nicely placed throughout, ran a good race, and Kibo faded only in the last bit. U. Scott showed sensational speed in patches, and On Parade was simply not good enough. Full Hand failed when the pressure was applied. High Class Trotting A high-class field of trotters paraded for the Winslow Handicap and after a splendid exhibition Bessie Parrish won after a great finish with Wrackler, while close handy were Sea Gift and Trampfast. Sea Gift was not so quick as some of the others to begin, and Lough Guy, who was the early leader, broke, and gave way to Discord and Writer. Close handy were Bessie Parrish. Wrackler and Norma Bingen. Discord was still in command as the straight was reached and near at hand were Wrackler and Bessie Parrish, with Sea Gift and Trampfast on the outside. At the distance post Wrackler looked a likely winner, but although he fought on, Bessie Parrish finished in fine style and scored a clear-cut victory. The two champions, Sea Gift and Trampfast, had a battle royal for third place, with Sea Gift a narrow victor. Bessie Parrish did not win out of turn and a repetition of this form will find her in the champion class: It was a sterling performance that delighted the big crowd. Wrackler had every chance, but just failed to show the necessary brilliance at the end. Sea Gift made a skip a hundred yards from home and but for this she might have been second. Discord found the task of pace-making too much for her and broke under pressure, but Trampfast gave a splendid display. Airflow broke up early and was never dangerous. A Decisive Victory Oversight was first of the big field in the McLean Handicap to show out, but soon Colonel Bogey rushed to the front only to be displaced by Carrageen and Fay Rey as the field raced into the back stretch. Rounding the top turn Fay Rey was m command, just ahead of Carrageen, Gaillard, Ace Pot, and Colonel Bogey. At the distance post Gaillard tackled Fay Rey but the latter hung on gamely and had the Rey de Oro colt fairly extended, while Oversight, coming very fast, deprived 'Fay Rey of second money. Credit Funds, who was a long way back half a mile from home, finished at a great rate to fill fourth place, Gaillard, now four years old, is a brilliant racehorse, but unsoundness has curtailed his racing programme. He evidently found a track to suit him and finished gamely. Oversight, after being one of the early leaders, was patiently handled by W. K. Tatterson, and came fast over the last furlong. Fay Rey was made a lot of use of, but she is a class pacer and will win good races. Credit Funds put up a splendid effort to run into fourth place at the finish after having to cover some extra ground over the last half mile. Ace Pot, Vanity Fair, Carrageen, and Wee Wrack all paced solidly and appear to be in good racing form. An American Pacer Gallant Knight and Southern Smile shared favouritism in the Boxing Day Handicap, and after a fine race in which the field ran in close order throughout. Gallant Knight came through at the finish to score in very decisive fashion. Subsidy. Gallant Knight, and Chechaheo vyere quickest to strike their hopples, and closely following were Morello., Noble Prince, Chancellor, and EJvo, while Village Guy lost ground at the start, and was forced to cover extra ground going out of the straight. Subsidy. Noble Prince, and Gallant Knight were most prominent in a bunched field going down the back and rounding the top turn and entering the straight Encounter joined issue, while Chancellor and Southern Smile were also nicely placed. In the straight a great race took place and while Southern Smile dropped out, Noble Prince and Subsidy appeared to have good chances until Gallant Knight came with a fast run on the rails, and was going away as the post was reached. Reporter also came very fast over the latter stages, and defeated Subsidy for third money, while the next to finish were Chancellor. Noble Prince, and Chechahco. Gallant Knight enjoyed an excellest run all through the race, as he came with a finishing burst that had the remainder outclassed. He should win again in the near future. From the back mark Reporter did not have any the best of the running, but on the long straight he finished straight and true and was going faster than anything else in the race. Subsidy did well to finish third after making most of the running, and while Elvo showed plenty of speed in the early stages, she was not prominent at the. business end. Village Guy, after losing ground at the start, appeared to meet interference half a mile from home, and again in the straight when he could not • find an opening. His winning turn should not be far off. Southern Smile will improve on this showing.

GREAT NORTHERN FOAL STAKES, Of 750 sovs. Six furlongs. 3 ROYAL CHIEF 8-10 ~ L. J. EDiS 3 I—Francis Drake 8-0 W. J. Broughton 2 4 Brunhllde 8-5 .. P. S. Atkins 3 2 Smoke Screen 8-10: 7 Greenwich 8-5; 5 Bachelor King 8-0; 6 Highborn 8-10 also started. • Won by a neck; half a length second and third. Time, Imin 13 l-ssec. ROBINSON HANDICAP, Of 300 sovs. Seven furlongs. 3 —RULETTE 7-10 .. C. G. Goulsbro 1 I—Jack Tar 7-7 .. H, N. Wiggins 2 6—Winlona 8-9 .. L. J. Ellis 3 10 Paso Robles 8-9; 4 Fox Moth 7-7; 9 Gay Egypt 8-3; 7 Fleetwind 8-7; 3 Impersonator 7-10; 13 Solo Song 7-7; 14 Valise 7-11; 18 Abbess of Whitby 7-7; 5 Surella 8-9; 15 Day Wind 8-3: 2 Lofty 7- 11 Singara 7-7; 13 Aces Up 7-7; 20 Bonstar 7-7: 19 Dialogue 7-7; 10 Full of Scotch 7-7; 21 Jolly Dance 7-7 bracketed with Speedfast 7-7; 32 Salva 7-7 bracketed with Waitaka 7-7 also started. Won by two lengths and a half: a length and a half second and third. Time, Imin 25 l-ssec. AUCKLAND CUP, Of 1750 sovs. Two miles. 1— CUDDLE 9-3 .. L. J. Ellis 1 15—Argentic 8-9 .. G. Humphries 2 5 Scotland 7-7 .. P. Fearn 3 6 Master Brierly 8-13; 2 Flood Tide 0-11; 13 Sporting Blood 8-10; 4 Jonathan 8- 3 Fersen 8-3; 14 King Rey 7-13; 9 Mazir 7-11; 7 Werohia 7-3: 8 Dark Shadow 7- 16 Con Fuoco 7-0; 19 King Tut 7-0: 11 Kelly 7-0; 17 Knight of Australia 7-0; 10 Mungatoon 7-0; 12 Sunee 7-0; 18 Sinking Fund 7-0 also started. Won by a length and a half; three-quar-ters of a length second and third. Time, 3min 23sec —a race and course record. GRAFTON HURDLE RACE, Of 350 sovs. Two miles. B—INDOLENT 9-1 .. T. Williams 1 3—High Quality 9-7 .. C. Walters 2 6 Val Watch 11-10 .. F. Baker 3 4 Valpai 10-9; 2 Lap Up 10-9; 1 Erination 10-12; 7 Kanapa 9-0; 9 Carlisle 9-0; 5 Modern Maid 10-3 also started. Won by four lengths; three lengths second and third. Time, 3min 39 2-ssec. RAILWAY HANDICAP, Of 750 sovs. Six furlongs. 12—ADALENE 8-0 N. R. McKenzie 1 2 Oratory 9-0 .. B. H. Morris 2 10 —Royal Dance 8-3 .. G. Cameron 3 7 Triune 9-5; 9 Impasto 9-5; 3 Galilee 8- 3 Plato 8-7; 11 Pakanui 8-7; 1 Golden Sheila 8-5; 6 Star Artist 7-12; 5 Tonnerre 7-11; 8 Round Up 7-7 also started. Won by a bead: same second and third. Time. Imin 12 l-ssec. NURSERY HANDICAP, Of 300 sovs. For two-year-olds. Five furlongs. 5 THE CROONER 7-12 W. J. Broughton 1 I—Aiwai 8-10 .. P. Atkins 2 3 Girl Pat 8-2 .. C. G. Goulsbro 3 9 Beverley 7-7; 4 Money Raid 8-0; 6 Trilliarch 7-12; 2 Privy Seal 8-2; 7 Aero King 7-12; 8 Miss Appellant 7-7 also started. Won by two lengths; three-quarters of a length second and third. Time. Imin Isec. CHRISTMAS HANDICAP, Of 350 sovs. One mile. 7 SWEET ROSE 7-7 .. J. Mclnally 1 6 Lornacre 7-7 .. H. Long 2 10—Light Comedy 7-7 C. G. Goulsbro 3 4 Kllonsa 7-7; 9 De Friend 7-7; 1 Gustos 7- 2 Royal Appellant 9-2; 5 Crooning 8- 13 Haut Monde 7-7; 3 Mandamus 7-7; 14 Big Dook 8-6; 8 Bun Fight 7-7; 11 Pladie 8-4: 12 Greek Gold 8-2; 15 Gay Broney 7-7 also started. Won by a head; same second and third. Time, Imin 37 4-ssec. NOTES ON THE RACING [THE PRESS Special Service.] AUCKLAND, December 26. A brilliant victory by Cuddle in the Auckland Cup was the outstanding feature of the opening of the Auckland Racing Club’s meeting at Ellerslie today. Cuddle took the lead half a mile from hornp, and won brilliantly in 3min 23sec, thus lowering the race and course record she established last year. The Railway Handicap was won by an outsider. Adalene, who scored narrowly from Oratory. Other surprise wins were those of Rulette, Indolent. and Sweet Rose. Improved Form Showing improvemei-. upon his previous form, Essex finished attractively to win the Queen’s Plate from an outsider, Sergia, who paid nearly as much as the winner. Rollicker reached the front early, and made most of the .running from Quadroon, Great Hope, Armacourt, Roaming. Loombination, Sergia, and Essex. Soon after entering the straight Sergia shot through on the inside, while Essex and Cerne Abbas commenced good runs on the outside. Essex finished very resolutely to win by a head from Sergia who fought on well. Cerne Abbas came from near the rear with a fine effort to be a neck away third, and Valspear was a close fourth, after dwelling at the start. Quadroon. Rollicker, Small Boy, Loombination. and Great Hope were close up. Essex made a good impression, and shaped like a stayer. Cerne Abbas impressed, and most of those close to the placed horses also did well. Francis Drake Beaten The third fancy. Royal Chief, scored a meritorious victory in the Great Northern Foal Stakes. Starting from the extreme outside of the field, he was last most of the way, and at the turn was behind Brunhilde. Greenwich, Bachelor King, Francis Drake, Smoke Screen, and Highborn. Once in line for the post, Greenwich challenged. and Francis Drake also made an effort, although he was lugging out badly. Then Royal Chief came on the outside, ’ and although Francis; Drake bore him out all the way up the straight, he won nicely from Francis Drake and Brunhilde, who made a fine attempt to lead all the way. Greenwich shaped surprisingly well, being right up in the lead at the distance. Smoke Screen and Bachelor King both ran fine races. From End to End Reaching the front early, Rulette led all the way in the Robinson Handicap, to score easily at a good price. Gay Egypt accompanied her to the turn, where Jack Tar, Solo Song. Winlona. Surella, and Fox Moth were handy. Jack Tar finished resolutely, but had no chance of reaching Rulette, who .won with a little in hand. Winlona battled on solidly for third, just beating Fox Moth, who also ran on solidly. Gay Egypt, Fleetwind, Impersonator. and Solo Song were closest of the others. The second fancy, Lofty, missed the jump out in the large field, and was never dangerous. Cuddle’s New Record For the second year in succession Cuddle was made favourite for the Auckland Cup, and she duly won. Dark Shadow and Kelly were responsible for a solid pace, and Cuddle lay just in behind them, with Flood Tide and Mungatoon next. With just over 12

furlongs covered, Cuddle dashed to the lead, and showed the way into the straight to Kelly, Flood Tide, Werohia, Scotland, Argentic, and Knight of Australia. Nothing had a chance with Cuddle in the run home, and although Argentic, Scotland, and Mazir challenged in the most resolute fashion, she proved too good, finally winning by a length and a half from Argentic. Scotland was three-parts of a length away third, just outstaying Mazir, who was almost in line. Then close up were Fersen. Knight of Australia, Mungatoon, and King Rey. The winner won on her merits, while Argentic, Scotland, and Mazir were all responsible for fine efforts. Flood Tide was disappointing, although he was prominent to the home turn. He failed just where he was expected to be running on. However, the fact that he pulled fairly hard early was not in his favour. Fersen was closer at the finish than at any other stage. Master Brierly was always in the ruck. Jonathan was fairly handy at the home turn, and then retired. An Outsider An outsider, Indolent, brought off a surprise in winning the Grafton Hurdles, for which Erination and Lap Up were the favourites. Indolent and High Quality made all the running from Valpai. Indolent gained an advantage when High Quality blundered at the second to last fence, and beat him by four lengths. Val Watch battled on under her big weight to get third and Valpai, who broke down, was fourth. High Quality would probably have won only for his .faulty jump. Val Watch should improve with the run. I A Close Finish The Railway Handicap provided a thrilling finish, and the first four were separated by heads only at the post. Oratory jumped out cleanly from No. 1. and at the end of two furlongs she was the leader from Golden Sheila, who had travelled very fast from No. 10, and Galilee. Rounding the home turn Oratory was in command from Golden Sheila, Galilee, Adalene, Royal Dance, and Impasto. A furlong from the post Golden Sheila had run up to Oratory, while Adalene, Royal Dance, and Impasto were challenging strongly. Adalene finished best just to outstay Oratory. Royal Dance also battled on gamely, but Golden Sheila weakened slightly near the post. Impasto and Round Up ran good races. The big effort she made to get a forward position early told against; Golden Sheila. She may be all the better for the race. A Useful Galloper The favourite, Aiwai. gave her supporters a good run in the Nursery Handicap, but she was well beaten by The Crooner, who finished attractively. Money Raid reached the front quickly and was joined after going about a turlong by Aiwai, the pair leading into the straight from Girl Pat, Aero King, Trilliarch, and The Crooner. Once they straightened up Aiwai had the measure of Money Raid, but The Crooner then came fast to win going away from Aiwai, with Girl Pat a close third. Beverley ran on very strongly to get fourth, ahead of Money Raid, Trilliarch, and Privy Seal. Sweet Rose Wins The favourites. Gustos and Royal Appellant, were unplaced in the Christmas Handicap, which Sweet Hose won on good odds. Light Comedy look the lead from Lomacre after going a furlong, and attempted to lead for the rest of the way, Bun Fight, Lornacre, Kilonsa, Mandamus, Sweet Hose, and De Friend being her closest followers at the turn. In a great race home Sweet Rose finished best to win by half a head from Lornacre, with Light Comedy another head away third. Kilonsa was a close

fourth, followed by De Friend, Gustos, Royal Appellant, and Crooning. It was a great finish between the first four, and Lornacre may have won only for being checked when attempting to get through on the rails. Royal Appellant, Greek Gold, and Gay Broney got away badly, and the first-named did" remarkably well in the circumstances. SECOND DAY’S HANDICAPS (WWSS ASSOCIATION TELEGBAM.) AUCKLAND. December 27. FERGUSSON HANDICAP, of 300 sovs. On* mile. st. lb. st. lb. Essex .. 9 0 Jack Tar .. 713 Winlona .. 811 Great Hope 7 9 Roaming .. 8 8 Impersonator 7 8 Tosh ..8 7 Fox Moth ..7 7 Rulette .. 8 7 King Neptune 7 7 Respectful .. 8 5 Gay Sister .. 7 7 Round Up .. 8 5 Gold Pocket 7 7 Gay Egypt .. 8 2 Fading Day Wind .. 8 2 Blonde 7 7 Valamito .. 8 ‘ 1 Black Musk 7 7 Rolliker .. 8 1 Penny-come-Quick 8 0 PONSONBY HURDLE RACE. Of 350 sova. Two miles. st. lb. st. lb. Val Watch .. 11 11 Merry Lap 10 O Soloist .. 11 7 Lucidus .. 10 O King’s Indolent .. 912 Archer 11 3 High Quality 91l Erination .. 10 10 Verden .. 910 Valpai ..10 8 Kanapa .. 9 0 Lap Up ..10 7 Dark I Dark Marble 10 6 Princess 9 0 . Modern Irish Comet 9 0 Maid 10 3 Mio Lumc 9 0 CRITERION HANDICAP, of 350 sovs. Six furlongs. st. lb. st. lb. Royal Chief 10 2 Son of Bachelor the Soil 8 2 King 9 5 Privy Seal .. 8 o Brunhilde .. 9 3 Trilliarch .. 7 8 Greenwich 9 0 Beverley ... 7 8 Aiwai .. 9 0 Royal Alanage .. 812 Bachelor 7 7 The Crooner 8 8 Bluffer .. 7 7 Nuclei .. 8 7 Manuatere 7 7 Girl Pat ..8 3 Disturbed ..7 7 Relative .. 8 2 Sly Fox .. 7 7 SUMMER CUP, of 650 sovs. One mile and a quarter. st. lb. st. lb. Argentic ... 95 Chief Ranger 7 7 Dungarvan 9 0 Caliente .. 7 7 Vintage .. 9 0 Con Fuoco .. 7 7 Mazir .. 812 Cerne Abbas 7 7 Royal Entheos .. 7 7 Appellant 8 12 Grateful .. 7 7 Jonathan .. 811 Gay Rose .. 7 7 Oratory .. 811 Gay Talkie 7 7 Master High Tea .. 7 7 Brierly 8 10 Inver .. 7 7 Sporting Inheritance 7 7 Blood 8 10 II Duce .. 7 7 King Rey .. 8 8 Jack Tar .. 7 7 Scotland .. 8 8 King Neptune 7 7 Dark Shadow 8 6 Korere .. 7 7 Hunting Cat 8 6 Kllonsoa .. 7 7 Ponty .. 8 0 Knight of Red Manfred 8 0 Australia 7 7 Concertpitch 8 0 Lionheart .. 7 7 Big Dook .. 7 13 Light Plato .. 713 Comedy 7 7 Pladie .. 7 12 Monanui .. 7 7 Werohia .. 711 Might .. 7 7 Sinking Fund 711 Mainland .. 7 7 Crooning .. 7 9 Mandamus 7 7 Lornacre .. 7 9 Mungatoon 7 7 Prince Ringshot ..77 Colossus 7 8 Sunee .. 7 7 Enge .. 7 8 Shy .. 7 7 Lady Kyra .. 7 8 Teddy Boy .. 7 7 Alchemic .. 7 7 Valrent .. 7 7 Armacourt 7 7 Valise .. 7 7 Black Friar 7 7 Willie Win 7 7 Corowa .. 7 7 WAITEMATA HANDICAP, of 300 sovs. One mile and a quarter. st. lb. st.lh. Huskie .. 9 0 Royal Nation 7 7 Loombination 812 High Quality 7 7 Cerne Abbas 811 Aramis .. 7 7 Quadroon .. 810 Aymon .. 7 7 Vera Acre .. 8 6 Bon Star .. 7 7 Philemup 8 6 Alyth .. 7 7 Tosh .. 8 6 Carshalton .. 7 7 Spearcou*! .. 8 3 Gay Duke ..7 7 Valise .. 711 Full o* Scotch 7 7 Small Boy 711 Maereana .. 7 7 Studley Roxy ..77 Royal 711 Salva .. 7 7 Lofty .. 7 7 Nicodemus .. 7 7 Survey .. 77 ELECTRIC HANDICAP, of 400 sovs. Six furlongs. st.lb. st.lh Impasio .. 9 5 Maiara .. 7 12 Triune .. 9 4 Sweet Rose 712 Galilee .. 8 10 Star Artist 7 tl Adalene .. 8 9 Mungacrc .. 7 in Plato .. 8 6 Mungakaha 7 7 Pakamii .. 8 6 Gloucester 7 7 Trench Fight 8 5 Solaria ..7 7 Tray Bit .. 8 5 U Ducc .. 7 7 Royal Dance 8 5 Surella .. 7 7 Greek Gold 8 3 Golden Tybalt ..8 1 Blonde 7 7 Mother Legatee .. 7 7 Superior 7 12 Gay Scton ..77 PLUNKET HANDICAP, of 350 sovs. One mile. st.lb. st lb Dark Shadow 9 S Wait and Sec 8 4 Big Dook .. 9 2 De Friend .. 8 4 Kelly ..92 High Tea ..84 Pladie .. 9 1 Haut Monde 8 2 Miss Lu .. 9 0 Gay Broney 8 O Greek Gold 812 Legatee .. 8 0 Matara .. 811 Brazen King 8 o Light Psychologist 8 0 Comedy 810 Keith Lu ..80 Gay Talkie 8 8 Shy .. so Chief Ranger 8 7 Bun Fight S 0