THE TURF.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 456, 15 March 1909, Page 7

THE TURF.

LBv Gi.encoe.] RACING FIXTURES. March 17.—Shannon 11. R.C. Animal, March 17 nnd 18.—Napier Park B.C. Autumn, jlarcli 18.—\Varrengate J.C. Annual. March 20.—Wellington Pony and Galloway R.C. March 24 and 23. —South Canterbury J.C. Autumn. March 21 and 25.—Tarannki J.C. Anli'inn. March 31 and April I.—Southland L.C. Autumn. , , April 1 nnd 2,—Masterton R.C. Autumn. April 1 and 3.—Nelson J.C. Annual. April 3 and 10—Wellington Pony and Gallon ay April 10, 12, and 13.—Auckland R.C. Autumn. April 10 and 12.—Wairarapa R.C Autumn. April 12 and 13.—Feilding J.C. Master. April 12 and 13—C.J.C. Autumn. April 21 and 24-Wellinglon K.C. Autumn. April 23 and 29. —Jlanawsitu R.C. Autumn. May 5 and 6.—Hawkc's Bay J.C. Autumn.

PONY AND GALLOWAY RACING CLUB,

AURIFERA WINS-. THE MARCH. CUP. THREE LIFE DISQUALIFICATIONS. There was an appreciable improvement ill the size of the fields at the Wellington Pony and Galloway Racing Club's meeting oil Saturday, the average number of starters in each race bcin? larger than at any meeting hilhcito. Although the weather was threatening in the morning it brightened up after midday, and there was a large attendance of the public. About sixteen bookmakers were licensed, and, as only a couple of actual favourites prevailed, they must have had the best of the deal with the public. Tho rain of the previous night left the going a trifle heavy, and the were a little slower than usual, but tuat state of affairs was much to be preferred to the dust which had prevailed at previous meetings. Aurifera won her first race on the course by annexing the March Cup after a very close 5 finish. The other open event, the market Handicap, was won by Maid, oi All Work, T. Todd riding both the winners named. At the conclusion of the March Cup a large section of the crowd treated Sweet and her jockey to a hostile demonstration, iho Lethe mare was making her first appearance at Mirnniar, and she was the actual favourite for the race. There seemed to bo quite a small army of backers that had gone to the meeting specially to back .Sweet Lethe. Even the name seemed enticing, and those who had previous losses seemed anxious to support the. thin"," and recoup some of their After loading for the first portion of the journey the mare eased up, nnd then there commenced a deal of hooting from occupants of the stand, which increased as the horses returned to the birdcage. One or two individuals seemed bent ou provoking a riot, but the crowd was content with expressing its disapproval vocally. The stewards met, and, after a few minutes, it was announced that Mrs. T. Troy, owner of Sweet Lethe, T. Troy, th.» trainer, and J. Burns, the jockey, were disqualified lor lite. One bookmaker refused to pay out on iho winner, Aurifera, and was hailed before tho committee. Details of the racing aro as follow:— THORNDON HANDICAP, of 20 sovs. l'or ponies 1-1.3 nnd under. Four furlongs.—Mr. J. Fair's br. g. Franc, by Mcrrnvee-Rouble, 3yrs., Ost. 31b., carried 9st. lib. (J. Burns), 1, Mr. C. Carmont's Heatherlea Lass, Bst. 91b., 2; Mr. E. K. Meyer's Inspiration, lflst. Sib. (Stephens), 3. Also started: Lady Dauphin, Bst. lib.; Lady Athlyno, Sst.; and Winnie, est. Inspiration made play for more than halt the distance, when Franc took charge and won comfortably by a couple of lengths from Heatherlea Lass, who was over a length in front of Inspiration. Lady Dauphin was fourth. Time, 51 2-ssec. MAIDEN HANDICAP, of 20 sovs. For ponies 15 hands and under. I*our furlongs and a half.—Mr. A. Caillcr's ch. m. Miss Ivy, by Goodbve-Foresight, 6yrs., Sst. Gib. (Thompson), 1; Jlr. F. It. Day's Alter Dark, 8s t. 91b. (Oliver), 2; Jlr. J. Driscoll's Anglican,.Ost. 81b. (Woods), 3. Also started: Soprano, Sst. 121b.. carried Ost.; Trilby, Sst. Gib.; Lady M'Dona d. Sst, 41b.; Stranded, Sst. lib.; Reititi, Sst. 31b.. carried Sst. alb.; Miss Douglas, Sst. 21b.; Lady Yogel, Sst. lib.; Ocean Wave, Sst.; and Recovery, Sst., carried Ost. Gib. 'There was considerable delay at the start, and when tlio tapes were released Lady M'Dor.ald was . first away from Recovery. Soprano, and Anglican, -while Lady Vogel and Hiss Ivy wero left a couple of lengths, and Stranded was hopelessly left. Miss Ivy put iu a fast run after going a. furlong, and was one of the leaders of a bunched field as they entered tho straight. Halfway up tho running she drew away and won by a couple of lengths from After Dark, who was just clear of Anglican. Miss Douglas was. fourth and Ocean *Wavo last. Time, liniii. 2 2-ssec. MARCH CUP, of 10 sovs, For ponies 15 hands and under. Six furlongs. Mr. P. Blake's b. in. Aurifera, by Daunt— Link, (iyrs., lOst. slb (T. Todd) 1 Mr. F. Ford's Moata, list (Eagar) 2 Miss Breakell's Kauhoe, lOst. 21b. ... (Cooper) 3 Also started: Billy, list. (Pritchard); Sweet Lethe, 9st. 31b. (Burns); and Miss Dean, Sst., carried Sst. 131b. (Stephens). From a fair start, Sweet Lethe and Linkloss wero first to show out, and passing tho stand tho order was Sweet Lethe, Linkless, Kauhoe,' nnd Moata. At the four furlongs post Kauhoe had taken tho lead, and Billy and Miss Dean wero a long way in the rear. Going down the back Linkless ran into sccond place behind Kauhoe, nnd;. passing the latter shortly afler, led into the straight, and iust lasted long enough to beat Moata by a lfead. Kauhoe was. a poor third. Time, liniii. 23 2-ssee. The running of Sweet Lethe being considered unsatisfactory, the owner of. the mare, tho trainer, and the jockey wero disqualified for life. PONEKE HANDICAP, of 20 sovs. For ponies 11.2 and under. Four furlongs.—Jlr. If.Eugar's b. m. Wee Nannie, by St. PaulGladiator mare, syrs., Ost. lib. (Eagar), 1; Mr. \V. Johnston's Trixie, Sst., carried Sst. 21b. (Todd), 2; Jlr. T. Rawson's Lady Athlyne, Sst., carried Sst. Sib. (Woods), 3. Also started: Soprano, Sst. 61b., carried'... Ost. 21b.; Winnie, Sst., carried Sst. Gib.; Reititi, Bst., carried Sst. Gib.; and Ocean Wave, Bst. Wee Nannie was in front throughout, and won easily. A good third. Time, 55. 2-ssec. ROSKNKATH HANDICAP, of 20 sovs. For ponies 11.3 and under. Five furlongs and a half.—Jlrs. Wilson's b. g.'Psyche, by SaracenRose Minister, Syrs.., Sst. 91b. (J". Pritchard), 1; Mr. A. Caillcr's Miss Ivy, Sst. Sib., including Sib. penalty (Thompson), 2; Mr. A. Robinson's Snn Toy, Sst. Blb. (Farland), 3. Also started: Billy, list. Gib.; Firefly, 9st. Sib.; and Lady Jl'Donald, Bst., carried Sst. Gib. After going half tne distance, Psyche took tho lead and won easily. Time, Imin. IGsec. NEWMARKET HANDICAP, of 25 sovs. For ponies 15 hands and under. Four furlongs mid a hall'.—Jlr. F. 11. Day's b. m. Maid of All Work, by The Workman—Hiuua, lyrs., lOst. 51b. (T. Todd), 1; Mr. J. Macnieol's inkerman, Ost. (Mason), 2; Mr. .1. Driscoll's Anglican, 9st. (Wadliam), 3. Also started: Moata, lOst. 101b.; Kauhoe, ,10st. (lib.; Inspiration, lOst. 51b.; lilcrrimauu, Sst. 101b.; and Heatherlea Lass, Sst. Gib. A poor start. Jlaid of All Work was in front from the start, and won comfortably, by about three lengths. A good third. Inspiration was fourth, and Merrimanu fifth. Time, lmin. 0 2-sssp.

THAMES RACES.

(BV TEI.EGKArit—I'KESS ASSOCIATION.) Thames, March 13. The Thames Autumn Meeting was held today, before a fair attendance. The following are the results:— MAIDEN liACE. Six furlongs.—Waiotahi, 7st. 101b., 1; Master Paul, 7st. 21b., 2; Urania, 7st. 41b., 3. Time, Imin. 17s«c. HURDTJ3S. One mile and three-quarters.— Okaihan, 9st. 101b., 1; Kailangata, list. 101b., 2; Kapakapa, 9st. 111b., 3. Time, 3min. 33sec. AUTUAIN STAKES. Ono mile and 30yds.— Cannania, 7st. 4ib., 1; Azof:', 7st. 13ib., 2; Escamillo, 7st. 41b., 3. Also started: St. Tui, Manapouri, ami Explosive. Good race. Timej lmin. 45 -l-Ssec. SHOUTS HANDICAP. Four furlongs.— Ilikuai, 9st. Sib., 1; Marangai, 7st., and Positive, 7st., dead heat, 2: Time, SOsec. STEEPLES. Two miles and n. half.—Okaihau, Dst. 91b., 1; Capital, lOst. 121b., 2. _ IVaimalti and Red M'Uregor fell. The jockeys were only slightly injmed. Time, smin. lOsec. HAILWAY HANDICAP. Six furlongs.— Jena, 7st. 51b., 1; Rarata, 7st. 61b., 2; Keepstep, 7st. 41b., 3. Time, lmin. lfi l-ssec. HACK KACE. Five furlongs.—Freemantlc, 7st. Gib., 1; Tenby, 7st„ 2; Leo, 7st., 3. Good race. Time, lmin. 4 2-ssec. WELTER- HANDICAP. Seven furlongs.— Waiolalli, 9st., 1; Notuorini, list. 21b„ 2; Newtown, 9st., 3. Splendid race. Time, lmin. 31sec. .

The hurdler Oryx has been sold to Mr. W. Homes. Oryx has made a good recovery from the injury lie sustained at Feilding, and will in all probability bo Riven a run in tho Ladies' Bracelet at Warrcugato on Thursday.

REMINDERS,

Owners are reminded (lint acceptances for tlio Uarreng.ito Jockey Club's mccliiiß closa tiiis evening with tho secretary, Jir. Selby Morton, Wonganui. Nominations for nil ovenis at the ] cilrJinp Jockey Club's Knster meeting, except ( tlio Maiden Scurry, close ill hnlf-past eight o clock to-night, with tlio secretary, Mr. L. GoodboNominations for all events at tho Wellington Racing Club's autumn meeting close at mno o'clock this evening, with the secretary, ill'. A. Nominations for tho 'Wellington Pony and Gallon-ay Racing Club's April meeting closo at 110011 to-morrow.

NOTES AND COMMENTS,

The autumn meeting of tiro Napier Park Racing Cluli commences on \\ cdnesday, wlien tlie twenty-third contest lor the Napier Cup will lie decided. No fewer than twenty horses engaged in this race have dropped out, and aa Mr. Ci.'P. Donnelly has two candidates among (he acceptors, there may not bo more than eight starters. The two last races for tlio Napier Cup were won by horses owned by Mr. U. J. Watt, but as both Muskcrry and Purablo have been withdrawn from this year's race, Mr. Watt is loft without a representative. Asi thi majority of the candidates wero racing at Daniicvirke, recent form should furnish a guide df to tho likely winner. . R. W. King, who was seriously hurl, when Bulletin fell in tho District Welter at Aknroa last Wednesday, is now reported to bo out of danger. According to the Christcliurch papers Viiieo has been scratched for tlio Canterbury Jockey Club's Great Easter Handicap. Aurifera, who won/the March Cup at Iho pony races on Saturday, was discovered to bo in a bad way after being taken homo and tlio services of a veterinary surgeon had to tie obtained for her. It is suspected that she was tampered with by some unknown individual. An appeal board, set up by .tho New Zealand Racing Conference, will sit in Wellington on Saturday, March 27, for the purpose of hearilicr the appeals regarding disqualifications imposed bv the Avondale Jockey Club in conneotion with tho Avondalo spring meeting.; Jdckev Burns, who was disqualified at Miramar on' Saturday, is one ot the best ]ocl;ejs , that has been seen at tlio pony meetings. Uo had only had sis. mounts at Miramar, and had ridden four winners ami a second. Half a dozen horses from the Porirua stnbla were nominated at the Napier meetiu K , but none of them has survived the acccpt-' , ncce. At the Thames Races on Saturday, Okaih.au i registered rather a good perlorniance by winning the hurdle nice, one mile nnd threequarters, and then coming out later m the | afternoon and annexing the steeplechase, t\\o< miles and a half. He thus covered over four mile,-: in his two races. Owners are notified by advertisement in this issue that the annilal meeting, ot the ] atesv. Racing Club will be held on the Hawera Haco-, course. This should result in the club secur-| iiiL' larger entries than usual, ftomimitioiui for all events closo on Monday, March &». j In the March Cup at Miramar on Saturday,. Mcata's rider broke fi Mirnip leather, an accident which probably cost luiu the race, as lie finished a good second. Audax has been withdrawn from the hack hurdle race on the first day of the . npier Park meeting, so that the Birkenhead gelding is probably not quite ready for racing. .Maori King, who won the Mmiawatu Sires'! Produce Stokes nt Awapum m December, will, be a starter in the Sapling Stakes at Green-n.f-adows on Wednesday. Ijoeal racegoers will have .'an opportunity of, attending the Shannon Hack Racing Club a meeting on Wednesday, ,ib the tram servico will peimit of a trip to and from tho meeting on the one day. Satisfactory acceptances have been received by the club, and good' fields should contest all tho events. I f The aged hurdle horse Gold Dust has been placed in work again at Hastings. Last season, when this horse was at his best, ho showed splendid,form, and on occasions when lie seeiued to be hopelessly out of tho hunt, lia.li a mile from home, lie would finish very gpmely under tho whip, nnd on more than one occasion lie got up in t'ime to secure tho verdict. It would be interesting to sec Gold Dust, Commander, nnd Scenery in a race together, as all three are great finishers under the whip. Commander will be racing nt Greenmeadows on Wednesday, and will be opposed to Hipporofia, who won at Dannevirke, and to Erl King, who <vill bo making his first appearance over hurdles.