NOTES AND COMMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 118, 22 May 1925, Page 10

NOTES AND COMMENTS

(BY "VEDETTE")

AT WANGANUI YESTER-

DAY

LANDBIRD WINS STEEPLECHASE

CENTURY HURDLES TO DUBIOUS.

(By Telegraph from " Vedette.") Fine rain and a heavy atmosphere made matters unpleasant for the Opening of the Wanganui Club's Steeplechase Meeting, and in the early part of the day the visibility was poor. Heavy rain-overnight had already, softened the tracks, and it was a good day for the mudlarks.^ For. the concluding section of the programme the weather cleared. ■The racing throughout the- day, despite these . adversities, was. first .class, and the jumping events in particular provided great contests, the: jumping being extra ;good. „ The Trent-ham trainer," J. T. Quinlivan, took Dubious, Master Peter, and Fool's Paradise to the meeting, and between them they.scored first,, second, and third respectively. . H.-M'-Sweeney, the stable jockey, fell foul of the stewards for .alleged .careless riding on Dubious in the Century Hurdles, for which he was fined £20, and severely cautioned. T. A...Lee, who rode Master Sarto for a round in the' Kaitoke ;Hiirdles after the unfortunate": animal had overreached and cut through a; tendon, Was severely cautioned^- and suspended for the remainder, of the meeting. Lahdbird proved himself at his first ■ attempt amongst the 'chasers,-but. any decent hurdle horse could jump the Wanganui fences. --,•-.-' ■ ■■■ ■ . ■ ■ . -. .'. PURUA: HACK—FIRST DIVISION. ' Ring Potoa 'wound up a slightly better favourite than Attractive, with plenty of money for Shut Eye and Curraghmore, then: after a .big drop in the betting coming Alabama. Shut. Eye and King Potoa both missed the jump out; and King Pot shot put from. No. 1 berth well clear of Curraghmore, Alabama, and Bon March. King Pot was still well clear, racing for- the turn, of Alabama, Curraghmore, Rangi, Sarto, Shut Eye, Ring Potoa,,and. Kilmere. King Pot was stopping.at the half-distance, . and Alabama went past, him.to beat Rangi Sarto by a-length. Curraghmore \vas°a •length away third, with King Pot and Ring Potoa close up, and Kilmere at the head of the remainder. The winner was a quiet and steady paddock tip, and; despite being drawn on the extreme outside was never far.from the front,.and in the end won very decisively. Rangi Sarto, a big raking gelding, finished very well in second place. Curraghmore and King Pot had every chance, but were not good enough, .but the latter made a good showing, under his 9.10, and possibly he was not knocked about to any great extent. Ring Potoa might have won had he jumped -out smartly, for he was slow to find hislegs,and then put in a great run on the outside .of his field, but was left without a finishing effort. Shut Eye was well beaten at the end of five furlongs. Kilia bolted before the race, but, was soon caught. '■ -' : • v . PURUA HACK-SECOND DIVISION. Willow' Wai' was a little more than an even-money favourite, with Rcnvley, Rehutai, Beaumont, and Euphonium abput equally backed. From a good start Willow Wai was the first to become prominent from Beaumont, ' Rehutai, Euphonium, and Kiltmrn, with - Rowley well back. Willow. Wai was just ahead of Euphonium at the turn, with Rehutai and Tempean handy, and Rowley moving up. Euphonium wore down V\ lllow Wm in the run to the post, and won by a length from him. with Tempean a length away third. Rowley, finishing fast, ivas fourth, with Rehutai and Beaumont next. Euphonium won very decisively, but matters seemed to be easy for him Gray did not ride a very determined finish on Willow Wai when Euphonium ranged up with him, but quite possibly he realised that his mount was beaten. Tempean was decidedly unlucky, as he was interfered with three furlongs from home, and again was hampered at the turn. Rowley was handled in <inythincr out 1 an artistic manner, and it was no° ticeable that his rider was without spurs Rehutai was well beaten after having every chance. ' ",° ■ HACK STEEPLECHASE. Sansalino.was a £24 bettor -favourite ' than Hautawa. with Mahia. Blue Hall and Akbar weli supported in' a.good betting race, Bonibrook returning a dividend approaching double figures Hautawa led when the field had crossed the first fence, which brought White Ranger to grief. Then followed Bonibrook. Akbar, Birkenella, Roaming, and Sansalino. Down the straight Bonibrook. Roaming, and Sansalino were together in the lead from Hautawa, Akbar.°and Mahia. Bonibrook led down the . back straight from Roaming, Sansalino, Lady Comet. Hautawa, and Uncle Dave. Sansalino went up to Bonibrook three furlongs from home, where Roaming was feeling the strain, and Hautawa came to grief at the second last fence.. Bonibrook and Sansalino rose at the last fence on terms, and in a great finish Bonibrook beat Sansalino by half a head. Lady Comet was six lengths away-third with Blue Hall, Roaming^ 1 Objector, Uncle Dave,. and Mahia following at intervals. ° With the horsemen reversed Sansalino would have been an easy winner, for A. M Donald on Bonibrook outrode Gordon at every stage of the race. Bouibrook improved wonderfully on his Hawera form, for he showed a great deal of dash and was always in or' near the front! Lady Comet came from a long way back into third place, and she should scon do better. Blue Hall stood off and jumped his fences, and was galloping over everything at the finish. He will be seen to advantage when some real fences" have to be jumped. Roaming just weakened over the last half-mile* Kaforte broke a hind leg at the stand double the first lime, and was destroyed. Hautawa was going well when lie fell at tin! second last fence. Akbur jumped badly. WANGANUI STEEPLES^ Master Peter was almost a two-to-one favourite, with Dick, Black Art, Carawock, an'd.Tuki fairly well backed in that order. Landbird was caught in the tapes, and with difficulty cleared his head, - Cara.wock leading "over the first !; fence from Tuki, Black Art. Master : Peter, Dick, and Landbird. ?.y the lime rthe straight entrance was reached the ■ first time Black Art was ten lengths clear of Master Peter, Landbird, Cnrawock, Tuki. and I'assin' Through. BlackArt ran off nt the second of the stand double, and Master Peter led down ilie = back, from Landbird. Carawock, Tuki. I Passin' Through. Dick, and San Forte! Landbird^ and Master i'clcr \vcut away

from the field over the last circuit, being ten lengths clear of Tuki, with Passin' Through, Carawock, and Buckeye following at intervals; Dick falling at the hencoop at the back of the course. Master Peter went away from Landbird three furlongs from home, but Landbird was up with him again at the second last fence, and led over the last, where Tuki had run up handy. Landbird in the end won comfortably by three lengths from Master Peter, who just defeated Tuki by three-quarters of a length. Carawock was fourth, with Passin' Through, Buckeye, San • Forte, and First Line following-at intervals. Landbird gave a finished display over these small fences, and had too much pace for Master Peter at the end. -He was ridden a great race by W. H. Bowden. who gave his mount a short breather before finally tackling Master Peter. The pair both jumped well. Master Peter will be all the better for the race, and there is not much doubt that as the season goes on the better he will get. Tuki looked well seasoned, and was finishing stronger than the pair who were placed in front of him. Carawock jumped very slovenly all through, and with solid obstacles would have been counted out early in the proceedings. Passin' Through weakened a little at Ihe end. He went a great race, and he is going to be a force to be reckoned with throughout the season. Buckeye, San Forte, and First Line were outpaced, wliile Dick came a very complete cropper. He was well out of the contest at the time. Black Art was galloping and jumping perfectly when he ran off, and although it was early in the race he'had every appearance of a certain winner but for the misfortune. The fences in the straight are very narrow, and the horses could not ' be blamed. KAITOKE HACK HURDLES. Comical was at a fraction over even money, with Taitaiata and Red Head the only others backed to any extent, All Wind being at a long price. Bonecto was the first out from Eonmark, Taitaiata, Admiral Codringlon, Goldpiece, and Otauru. Bonecto was still in front at the stands from Taitaiata, Admiral Codrington, and Comical. The last-named jumped to the front six furlongs from home, where Admiral Codririgtori, Taitaiata, and Eonmark were nearest to him, and All Wind was becoming prominent. Comical was not afterwards troubled, and won under a strong pull by six lengths from' All Wind, who defeated Taitaiata by four lengths. Admiral Codrington was a close fourth, with Glen Canny, Goldpiece, and Eonmark next. ■ Comical made an exhibition of his field, jumping like-a stag all the way. It is difficult to understand why such unfavourable, reports were broadcasted about his jumping in his work. All Wind finished very strongly in second place, and easily accounted for the remainder. Taitaiata was always prominent, and gave another promising display for a young horse over hurdles. Admiral Codrington was a little' slow at some of his fences, otherwise he did ' well. Glen Canny put in a great run over the last' six furlongs, and is worth remembering: The Trentham-trained Eonmark improved a little on his Ha.wera showings: Master' Sarto cut a tendon almost through, and yet' finished the course. He had to be destroyed.' ; CENTURY HURDLES. ; Omalm was an odds-on favourite, with I Dubious, Comedy Prince, Te Kawa, and Maunga all well supported in.th.it order, j Te Kawa, rushed to the front, and at the stand hurdle, Which he hit all round, he was 50yds ahead of Dubious, who was followed by Omahu, Bonny Rill, Nukumai, and Comedy Prince, with Vagabond a long last. " Otauru Kid moved up in the back straight, otherwise there was little change. Te Kawa had come back to his field at the stands the next time, where Dubious, Otauru Kid, Bonny Rill, Omahu, and Nukumai were his nearest attendants. Vagabond put in a great run in the back straight, which landed him in fourth place at the turn, befcind Omahu, Dubious, and Te Kawa. Omahu threw out a challenge at the last fence, but Dubious always had his measure, and drew out to beat him by threa lengths. Te Kawa was six lengths away third, with Vagabond fourth, just ahead of Nukumai, Otauru Kid, and Bonny Rill. Dubious jumped, galloped, and stayed on well. With his light weight, he was never far froni the van, and when it came to racing home with Omahu he always had it on the black geldin"g. The latter had every chance, for he was ridden a well-judged race by L. G. Morris. Te Kawa gave a, good display, apart from getting into the second fence, but that was largely his rider's fault. He is-a very promising hurdler. Vagabond tailed off early, but showed astonishing speed down the back straight the last time. He is going to be a tough proposition-in long distance hurdle •races from now on. Nukumai was the outsider of the field, and ran accordingly. He will do better than this before long. Otauru Kid went a fair race, i but Bonny Rill. Maunga, and Comedy ! Prince, ran .indifferently. .CONNOLLY HANDICAP." Reremoana was an even-money favourite, with Fool's Paradise and Alaric carrying big money; and Gold Jacket and Imperial Spark but moderately supported.' Reremoaila, from the extreme outside, was ridden to the front from Megan, Alaric, Imperial Spark, Fool's Paradise, Gold Jacket, and Pronto. Reremoana and Megan were joined by Pronto in the lead at the six-furlong post, with Alaric, Imperial Spark, and Fool's Paradise, following in that order. Gold Jacket, Pronto, Imperial Spark, and Alaric were prominent racing for the turn,- and Imperial Spark was actually first into the straight, but Alaric came through, and in a good finish beat him home by a head. Fool's Paradise, finishing well, was half y. length away, .third, with Gold Jacket and Pronto close up, then Megan heading the others a long way back. Alaric revelled in the going, and fairly outstayed Imperial Spark. The latter came out a little.too soon, for his short run was dune just before reaching the winning post. Fool's Paradise was al- [ most last with three furlongs to go, so (hat his performance was very impressive. Gold Jacket was going'well to the jLurn with Pronto, but they were not quite class enough at the end. Considering his big weight, Reremoana was asked to do a great deal to win all the way on the heavy course. He was beaten at the end of six furlongs. BOROUGH HANDICAP. Rafa was a slightly better favourite than Dcguge, with Lady Bentinck, Rational. Archeen, and Pouma well supported in that order. Rafa and Rational were unruly at the post", and Renmura was in front, when they settled down, from Rafa, Lady Bentinck. Pouma, R.-itioiinl, Lipsol, Kuhio, mid Dci'jiye, with Ar'chccu and Duu CJuiu

slow to move. Rational went up racing round the top turn, and running for the straight Benmure, Pouma, and Rational were in front, with Lady Bentinck, Rafa, Lipsol, Degage, and Archeen next. Benmure and Rational werj done at the distance, where Archeen came through on the inside, and Lady Bentinck came again. Avonlea, put in a great run on the outside, and Archeen and Avonlea went past the post locked together, the judge awarding a deadheat. Lady Bentinck was a head away, third, with Pouma a close fourth; then, almost in line, came Muscari, Degage, Rational, and Lipsol. The honours of the race were with Avonlea, who carried 121b overweight to secure the services of E. A. Keesing. In addition, she was in a hopeless position at t-hs turn. Archeen, Lady Bentinck, and Pouma, on the contrary, had each a slb apprentice allowance. The boy on Avcheen rode a masterly race after being left, saving every inch of ground, and coming through on the rails at the turn. Lady Bentinck and Pouma both galloped very well, but Rational put up a gallant effort under his .-5.13 in the heavy going. Rafa collapsed like a pricked balloon at the end. Degage was a little unlucky in the running, and it is against her that she has not- beep, doing well on the trip. Kuhio showed out for a flash, and will be all the better for the race. Lipsol was prominent all the way, and his. turn will soon came again. Muscari finished very fast • over the last two furlongs. The totalisator investments were £26,----346, as against £28,405 for the first day last year. Results :— Purua Hack Flat Handicap, of 200 soys; six furlongs.—First Division: 5 Alabama, 7.11 (J. Barry), 1; 9 Itangi Sarto, 7.0, 2; i Curraghmore, 8.1, 3. Also started: 6 King Pot 0.10, 2 Attractive U. 3, 3 Shut Eye S.I), 1 King Potoa 7.10, 8 Bon March 7.7, 9 Kilmcre 7.3, 10 De Luxe 7.0, 7 Kilia 7.0. Second Division: a Euphonium, 0.5 (J. Barry), 1; 1 Willow Wai, 8.11, 2; (i Temnean, 7.U, 3. Also started: 2 Rowley 8.0, 3 Rehutai 8.5, i Beaumont 7.0, 7. Kilburn 7.-I, 9 Kilorum 7.2, S Novar 7.0 10 La.ly Pearl 7.0, 11 .'lres Bon 7.0. Time, lrain 17 3-sscc. Hack Steeplechase Handicap, of 200 soys; two miles.— U Bonibrook 10.7 (A. M'Donald), 1; 1 Sansalino, 9.9, 2; 11 Lady Comet, 0.0, 3. Also started: 4 Blue Hall 10.5, 3 Mahia 10.5, 2 Hautawa 10.5, 8 Kaforte 10.2, 9 Uncle Dave 8.7, 10 White Ranger 9.5, 12 KoamiDg 9 0 13 Objector 9.0, 7 Birkcnella 9.0, 5 Akbar 9.0. lime, 4min 5 4-ssec. Wanganui Steeplechase, of 700 sots; three miles.—9 Landbird, 10.11 (\V. J. Bowden), 1; 1 Master Peter, 10.5, 2; 5 Tuki, 9.6, 3. Also started: 0 Passin 1 Through 11.7, 4 Carawock 10.13, 10 San Forte 10.5, 3 Black Art 10.4, 8 Buckeye 9.9. 2 Dick 9.7. Time, Ojnin 13sec. Kaitqke Hurdles Handicap, of ■ 200 soys; one mile and a half.—l Comical, 11.8 (H. Burt), 1; 8 All Wind, 9.0, 2; 2 Taitaiata, 9.7, 3. Also started: 4 Admiral: Codrington 11.4, 6 Glen Canny 10.1, 10 Complex 9.13, 7 Olument 9.12, 11 lionmark 9.7, o Goldpiece 9.7,' 3 Red Head 9.3, 9 Bonecto 9.3, 13 Master Sarto 9.2, 12 Otauru 9.0. Time, 2min 52 1-5 sec. Century Hurdles, of 500 soys; two miles and a quarter.—2 Dubious, 9.5 (H. M'Sweeney). 1; 1 Omahu, 10.10, 2; 4 Te Kawa, 10.5, ;). Also started: 9 Nukumai 11.8, C Maunga 11.0. 8 Vagabond- 10.11, 3 Comedy Prince 911 7 Bonny Rill 9.9, 5 Otauru Kid" 9.0. Time, 4rain 2Gsec. Connolly Handicap, of 400 soys; one milt and a quarter.—3 Alaric, 8.0 (D. Watts), 1--5 .Imperial Spark, 8.5, 2; 2 Fool's Paradise, 8.4, 3. Also ■ started: 1 Reremoana 9.4, 8 Trespass 7.5, 4 Gold Jacket 7.2, 9 Pronto 0.10, 6 Megan 0.7, 7 Sanctuary 6.7. Time, 2min Borough Handicap, of 500 soys; Eix fur-longs.-6 Archeen,_ 7.7 <C. Davies), and 11 Avonlea, 6.7 (Keesing), dead heat, 1; 3 Lady Bentinck, 7.8, 3. Also started: 4 Rat:onal 9.13, 7 Dan Quin 8.13, 1 Rafa 8.0, 6 Pouma 7.10, 15 Strategy 7.7. 9 Merry Jest 7.6, 2 Degage 7.G..8 Ruby King 7.1, 13 Benmure 7.0 8 Kuhio, 0.9, 12 Lipsol G. 7, 12 Ora's Delight G. 7, |10 Muscari 6.7. Time, lmin 17sec.