MANAWATU MEETING CONCLUDES

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 82, 31 December 1928, Page 15

MANAWATU MEETING CONCLUDES

HISTORIC WINS LIVERPOOL HANDICAP SPRINT GOES TO EPISTLE (By ‘‘The Watcher.’') The summer meeting of the Manawatu Racing Club was concluded on Saturday at Awapuni, in fine, warm weather. The track, as the result of rain the previous day and during the night, was heavy, with water lying in patches in several places. Nevertheless, it did not affect the standard of the racing which was of the highest order. Finishes were invariably astonishingly close, and provided a full afternoon's excitement for the crowd, which was good for a third day. Totalisator investments, which had been down stibstantinlly on the two prebeing largely responsible for the devious days, showed a stronger tone, and tinder the conditions ruling generally as regards racecourse speculation, the day's total was satisfactory. It seems to point to the weather on the other two days being largely responsible for I lie decreases. The amount put through on Saturday was £33,1.34, compared wit it £35,147 for (lie third day last year, a decrease of £2013. The total for (lie three (lays was £110.1)10, as against £131,027 twelve months ago, a decrease for the meeting of £20,717. Historic won the Liverpool Handicap from Nightmarch and Teri, in a very close finish, and Epistle won the open sprint from The Raider and Callamnore. Apart from the financial aspect, the meeting was very successful, and as usual passed off smoothly, under (lie guidance of Mr. J. M. Johnston, who has the course and appointments in such order as to invoke unstinted admiration from all visitors. TIRITEA HURDLES.

The hurdle race showed up the track to be waterlogged, the competitors splashing through big pools in several places. Panorama was the favoourite, but lie crashed at the first fence. Bonhomme made the pace from Elysianor, Hymestrason and Diana’s Lad. Diana’s Lad went up behind Bonhomme down the back the last time and Bonhomme was beaten on the turn, where Diana's Lad and Elysianor drew away. They jumped the last feime toogether and in a very strenuous finish Diana’s Lad got up and won by the barest of heads. Ilymestrason was third four or five lengths back, followed by Bonhomme. Brneman and Othon. The first pair the imposition when it came to rach’g home. Bonhomme wont well for a’good way on a track all against him. APPRENTICES’ PLATE.

Handily placed behind the leader. Tea Tattle, to the straight. Roi de.Vai came on in the apprentices’ race and won by a long head from Cloyne. who finished well, with Henna, beating the latter home by three-quarters of a length. llolus Bolus, Tea Tattle. Disrank and Birkbeek were next. There was some bad riding in this race, and Henna should have won. Rabbi was never dangerous, but Tea Tattle ran well without much assistance from her rider. llolus Bolus well ridden bad every chance. JUVENILE HANDICAP.

First Money started a hot favourite for the Juvenile Handicap, and the issue was never in doubt. He led all the way and won by two lengths from Royal Flyer, who beat Admiral Drake by a neck. This had been the order all the way. Royal Flyer will be improved by the race. Tapestry slipped and fell on the turn. LIVERPOOL HANDICAP. A wonderful finish was produced bj’ the handicapper in the principal event. At the start Mendip was slow away, but after Benzora had led for a furlong Teri and Mendip were in front, and they led down the baek from Benzora, Keddtlr and Nightmarch, with Historic in the rear, but fairly handy.' Past the half' and on the turn the rear lot began to close up. Benzora then dropped out of the running. Teri led into the straight from Mendip, Nightmarch and Historic. Nightmarch on the rails and Historicon the outer. A great struggle was then witnessed. Under solid pressure Historic got up and beat Nightmarch by a nose, with Teri another nose away. Mendip was close up fourth, then Keddar and Singleton. Historic’s effort was first-class, for ite had to make a long sustained run on the outer. He was possibly a bit lucky to beat Nightmarch, who did not get a free passage on the rails, but against that was the fact that Nightmarch did not cover any extra ground. Nightmarch is improving. He started a hot favourite, and his backers lost money. The battle royal for supremacy between the first three was a great spectacle. B. H. Morris, on Historic, _ deserves credit for his admirable riding. He never let up on Historic for at least three furlongs, and it was an effort that could have come only from a horseman in the pink of condition. WESTBURY HANDICAP. Backers got a sound thrashing in the inic-k sprint, when the rank outsider Miss Field scored from another little-fancied runner in Second Thought. Bank Note led to the turn from Second Thought, Arrow Boy, Miss Field and Noteworthy. Bank Note retired before the straight was reached, where Second Thought and Miss Field drew away. They raced stride for stride to the judge, where Miss r ield was half a neck in front. Note-. worthy was a couple of lengths back third, tlien First Ruler, Monetize and Mangaharei. Mangaharei started a slightly better favourite than Monetize, but neither was ever going like a winner. First Ruler ran up on the turn, but laded right out again. Noteworthy ran a good race. Mon Mint got left at the post. CLAN DE BO Y E II AN DICAI >. Sir Roy started a firm favourite for the Clandeboye Handicap and in the finish scored nicely. Imperial Spark made the running and. down the back was clear of Pale Star, Turnbell. Iniarosebud and Sir Roy, Rowlev last. Rowley moved up past tlie half, but could make no real impression in the going and Thurnbell led for home from Polonett. Pale Star and Sir Roy. Sir Roy took charge about a furlong from the post and won by a short half length from Polonett. who beat Thurnbell by a head. Imarosebud was fourth and Pale Star was next. Rowley, who finished up second favourite, could not hit out in the ground. CHRISTMAS HANDICAP. Acred carried his army of supporters through in the Christmas Handicap, but only after u sensational finish. Mothplane led to the straight from the others —all bunched. Once in line a terrific struggle ensued. Acred getting Home from Balloon by head, with noses between Balloon. Mothplane and Mouton Wonder. Royal Black was next. Balloon was unlucky not to win. He did not get the best of 1 passages. KAWAU HANDICAP. _ Scratchings reduced the field in the open sprint to a weak six, and The Raider tried to win from end to end. He did not get far away from Epistle, who challenged in the straight and beat him by a neck. Calianmore was three lengths back, and came Jeanette, with Ruffles and Clielone beaten off. Chelone was favourite, and ran a shocking race. He did not seem at all at home in the going, yet lie handled it well during the winter. It was a very weak field and the form displayed extremely moderate.

DETAILS OF THE RACING TIRITEA HURDLES HANDICAP, of 200 sovs.: second horse 40 sovs. and th’rd 20 sovs. from the stake. One mile and three-quarters. 8 B. 11. Edkins’s b. g. Diana’s Lad. by Gay Lad—Atheldena, syrs., 10.5 (A. Hobson) 1 3 V. Edliouse’s br. g. Elysianor. 6yrs., 11.13 (W. J. Bowdon) 2 4 R. E. Hatch’s b. g. Ilyinestrason. (Jyrs., 9.0 (C. Robinson) 3 (Winner trained by 11. B. Lorigau, Trcnthuni.)

Also started: 6 Cohesion. 11.5 (P. McIlroy) ; 1 Panorama, 10.3 (J. Proctor); 2 Vexatious, 10.2 (A. McDonald); 5 Bonhomme, 9.13 (M. Nicol); 7 Othon, 9.0 (N. C. Trillo); 9 Braeman, 9.0 (A. Weaver); 10 Roburant, 9.0 (C. Bracken). Won by a short head; four lengths between second and third. Bonhomme was fourth. Time, 3min. 20 2-ssec.

APPRENTICES’ HACK HANDICAP, of 150 sovs.; second horse 30 sovs. and third 15 sovs. from the stake. (Apprentice riders.) Seven furlongs. 2 V. Riddlford’s br. g. Roi de Vai, by Lackham—Miss de Vai, 3yrs., 7.8 (J. Gunn) 1 5 G. Priest’s br. m. Cloyne, 4yrs., 7.6, car. 7.1 (W. H. Bell) 2 1 F. J. Carniont's br. m. Henna, syrs., / 9.1 (K. Robinson) 3 (Winner trained by S. J. Reid, Trentham.) Also started: 3 Rabbi, 8.1 (I. Tucker); 4 llolus Bolus, 7.9 (K. Voitre); 7 Tea Tattle, 7.8 (C. Davies); 9 Cold Air, 7.7, car. 7.12 (C. Broughton); 8 Volplane, 7.1, car. 7.6 (T. Webster); (J Terenioana, 7.0, car. 7.5 (W. Broughton) ; 13 Cobham, 7.0 (N. Voitre), 11 Disrank, 7.0, car. 7.21 (W. Langdon) : 10 Evensong. 7.0, car. 7.5 (N. Davis); 11 Lady Aloplien, 7.0, car. 7.1 (R. G. Stratton); 12 Blrkbeek, 7.0 (It. Park).

Won by a long head: three-quarters of a length between second and third. Holus Bolus was fourth. Time, Imin. 31 4-Jsec

JUVENILE HANDICAP, of 200 sovs.; second horse 40 sovs. and third 23 sovs. from tile stake. Far two and three-year-olds. Five furlongs. 1 J. McLaughlin's br. c. First Money, by Paper Money—Peronilla, 2yrs., 8.5 (A. Fratus) 1 2 W. li. Galsford'S br. g. Royal Flyer, 2yrs„ 5.5 (R. J. Mackie) 2 3 F. Armstrong's b. c. Admiral Drake, 2,vrs„ 8.5 (T. Webster) 3 (Winner trained by Owner. Trentham.) Also started: 4 Miss Gowrie, 8.8 (L. Daly): 5 Latakia. 7.7, car. 7.11 (I. Tucker:; 6 'tapestry. 7.0. ear. 7.1 (It. G. .Stratton); 7 Aer.-dily, 7.0 (K. Voitre). Won by two lengths:- a neck between second and third. Miss Gowrie was fourth. Thue, ’min. ssec.

LIVERPOOL HANDICAP, of . 500 sovs.: second horse 100 sovs. and third 50 sovs. from the stake. Nine furlongs. 4 V. Riddiford's ch. g. Historic, by Nassau—Brayton, 4yrs., 8.1 (B. 11. Morris) 1 1 A. Loulsson's tir. c. Nightmarch, 3yrs., 8.5 (It. Reed) 2 7 H. T. Hume's b. g. Teri. 4yrs., 7.6 IT. Wel)ster' 3 Also started: (i Benzora. 8.10 (L. G. Morris); 2 Singleton. 5.9 (A. E. Ellis); 3 Mendip. 8.5 (R. J. Mackie); 8 Clarinda, 7.11 (R. G. Stratton); 5 Keddar, 7.6 (11. N. Wiggins). Won by a nose, a nose betwemi second and third. Mendip was fourth. Time, Imin. 57 2-ssee.

WESTBURY HACK HANDICAP, of 200 sovs., second horse 40 sovs. and third 20 sovs. from the stake. Six furlongs. 11 J. 11. Redfern's b. f. Miss Field, by Aere—Provocation-Gauze mare, 3 yrs., 7.0 (W. Broughton) 1 10 11. Stanbridge's b. g. Second Thought, 4yrs„ 7.0 (T. Webster) 2 7 G. Gerard's br. g. Noteworthy, 3yrs., 7.13, car. 7.8 (R. G. Stratton) 3 (Winner trained by G. W. New, Awapuni.) Also started: 0 Desert Lad, 8.13 (R. Reed); 5 Miss Ransom, 8.11 (L. Daly); 1 Mangaharei. 8.4 (A. E. Ellis); 8 Arrow Boy, 7.13, ear. 7.10 (A. G. Murray); 6 Bank Note, 7.13 (J. Barry); 3 Men Mint, 7.7, car. 7.4 (N. Davis) : 2 Monetize, 7.7 (C. Broughton); 4 First Ruler, 7.2, ear. 7.0 (C. Davies). Won by half a neck, two lengths between second and third. First Ruler was fourth. Time, Imin. 18 2-ssee.

CLANDEBOYE HANDICAP, of 250 sovs.. second horse 50 sovs. and third* 25 sovs. from the stake. One mile and 110 yards. 1 A. McAulay’s b. g. Sir Roy, by C'lareneeux—Hornbeam, syrs., 8.5 (It. Reed) 1 6 F. 11. Goodman’s eh. g. Polonett, aged, 7.0, ear. 7.4 (H. N. Wiggins) 2 5 IV. It. Kemball’s eh. g. Thurnbell, '4yrs., 7.0, ear. 7.5 (L. Daly) 3 (Winner trained by owner, Ricearton.) Also started: 2 Rowley, 7.7, car. 7.10 (J. Barry); 3 Pale Star, 7.0, car. 7.2 (A. G. Murray); 4 Imperial Spark, 7.0 (T. Webster) ; 7 Imarosebud, 7.0 (K. Voitre). Won by half a length, a head between second and third. Imarosebud was fourth. Time, Imin. 53sec.

CHRISTMAS HACK HANDICAP, of 200 sovs., second horse 40 sovs. and third 20 sovs. from the stake. Seven furlongs. 1 B. T. Bennett’s b. g. Acred, by AcreIrma, 6yrs., 8.13 (,T. Barry) 1 4 11. ,T. Hardwick’s ch. g. Balloon, 3yrs„ 7.7 (,f. s. Potter)) 2 2 T. W. Wills's br. f. Mothplane. 3yrs., 7.7, ear. 7.4 (A. G. Murray) 3 (Winner trained by owner, Wanganui.) Also started: 3 Moutoa Wonder, 8.2 (T. Webster): 6 Fine Acre. 7.7. car. 7.10 (Townsend); 5 Royal Black, 7.7 (C. Broughton). V on by a head, a nose between second and third. Moutoa Wonder was a nose away fourth. Time, Imiu. 32 2-ssec.

KAWAU HANDICAP, of 300 sovs., second horse 60 sovs. and third 30 sovs. from the stake. Six furlongs. 6 McLeod and Slater’s b. m. Epistle, by Polydatnou—Communique, aged, 7.0, , car. 7.1 (A. G. Murray) 1 2 J. M. Durio’s b. g. The Haider, svrs., 7.4. car. 7.0 (K. Voitre) 2 '5 R. A. McKenzie’s bl.. g. Callan'moro, 4yrs.. 7.4 (11. N. Wiggins) 3 (Winner trained by J. A. Hockley, Hastings.) Also started: 1. Chelone, 7.9 (T. Webster): 3 Jeanette, 7.4. ear. 7.2 (N. Davis); 4 Ruffles, 7.0, car. 7.10 (E. A. Keesing). Won by a neck, two lengths between second and third. Jeanette was fourth. Time, Imin. 17sec. RICCARTON NOTES QUIET TRACKS Dominion Special Service. Christchurch, December 29. There has not been much track work at Ricearton to attract attention during the past week. Only a few horses remained at headquarters for the holidays, the majority of trainers having horses in action in other parts. Those who stayed at home have kept their teams going without doing anything very exciting. A grass track was open on Saturday, but only a few horses arc due to leave during the next day or two. It was very heavy, having been well soaked by a night’s rain, and Hie work was confined to useful sprints, none of the horses being tried out seriously. No Response ran half a mile and Caterpillar three furlongs. C. Preston left witli this pair for the West Coast last night, and will race them on the second and third days of the Greymouth meeting. F. P. Clarldge gave Beau Geste. Waterlow. and Evening strong work, the firstnamed showing to advantage in a sixfurlong gallop in which lie had Front Rank as a mate. Beau Geste was an easy winner, but he had a pull in the weights. Claridge will take his trio south to-day for the Walkouaiti meeting, where each of them should race well. Beau Geste looks the picture of health. It. Ellis sent

Buoyant and Arrowmlf at a sound pace over a sprint Journey. He will take them to Waikouaiti to-day. Buoyant looks a good prospect. J. Boyd worked Front Rank and Pahautanui. and both of them galloped well. He lias changed his plans for Pahautanui. who will accompany Front Rank to Waikouaiti to-day. Paperchase. Starshooter, and Chide are regular workers. G. Murray Aynslev has q trip to Trentham in view with 'these three next month, but his plans are subject to change. The holidays and wet weather have combined to restrict their galloping, and they may not be ready. Footfall, anothe pf the same team, Is going on steadily. He is quite sound, but he will not be racing until later. Rapier is in steady work, but lie has attempted nothing serious lately, so it

seems safe to predict that he will not be racing at any early' meetings. ' Sir George Clifford kept his team at home during the holidays, but it lias not been an i<ile time for some of them.

Prickles. Childsplay, Full Feather, Quarterdeck. Swoop,along, and Semper Paratus lave been galloping freely, and they will make a useful team tor Trentham, where louie. if not all. of them, will be racing

next month. During rhe absence of F. D. Jones in the North Island, Limerick lias been striding along In useful tasks. He Is in good health, and a few sprints should get him ready for his next race, the Hazlett Memorial Plate, at the Dunedin Cup meeting In February. After that Jones will think of another visit to Sydney.

The Oaks winner, Pride, has had a spell, but she is in work again in preparation for autumn racing. A two-year-old filly by Sutala—Greenstreet, and another by Sutala—Adour, are recenj additions to Mason’s team. Agrion. the Derby winner of 1927. made his reappearance on the tracks recently.

and he is getting through plenty of useful work. He has had a light stud season, and it i*t® in tended to race him In the autumn. He has settled down and he goes very quietly in his work. SUGGESTION OF DOPING By Telegraph.—Press Association Hokitika, December 29. The racehorse Pickantiiiny, owned by E. W. Spencer, died during the night. He was raced on Wednesday, and on Thursday morning was found to be amiss. It was discovered that his mouth was badly burned, and it is suggested that the animal was doped with Croton oil. Inquiries are being made.