SPORTING.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 7 October 1924, Page 3

SPORTING.

FORTHCOMING FIXTURES. Oct. 9 and 11 —Dunedin J.C. Spring. Oct. 10 and 11 —Masterton R.C. Spring. Oct. 16 and 18 —Wkaugaici R.C. Spring. Oct. 17 and 18 —Oamaru J.C. Spring. Oct. 18—Carterton R.C. Annual Oct. 25 rfnd 27 —Wellington R.C. Spring Oct. 27 —North Canterbury R.C. Annual. Oct. 27 —Waikato Hunt Annual Oct. 27 —Waipawa County R.C. Annual. Oct. 27 and 29 —Gore R.C. Spring. Oct. 27 —Waverley R.C. Jubilee. Oct. 30 and Nov. I—Povertyl—Poverty Bay Turf Club Spring. Nov. 1 and 3 —Auckland R.C. Spring. Nov. I—Upperl—Upper Glutha R.C. Annual. Nov. B—New8 —New Zealand Cup. Nov. 8 and 10 —Hamilton R.C. Annual. Nov. 8, TO, 12, and 15 —Canterbury J.C. Metropolitan. Nov. 21 and 22 —South Canterbury J.C, Spring. Dec. 26 and 30, Jan. 1 and 2—Auckland R.C. Summer. A.J.C. MEETING. POLYCLBTAN WINS METROPOLITAN. DAVID HALF A HEAD BEHIND. BY CABLE—PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT. SYDNEY, Oct. 6. The weather was cloudy, with slight showers, the going was fairly good and the attendance eighty thousand for. the second day of the A.J.C. meeting. The star attraction, the Metropolitan Handicap, had the spectators guessing, as several candidates were regarded as unbeatable. David, who was regarded as a back number, especially when struggling with big handicap fields, was the hero of the contest, and received a'stirring welcome when returning to scale. He practically made his own running throughout the race and fought out the finish with great determination. Poly detail’s rider (Farthing), who is leading the list of winning jockeys this season, was i-esponsible for his mount’s narrow victory. The fact that Nincompoop was sharing the stable with

Gloaming was enough for the public, who rushed him and were amply rewarded. The New Zealander left the field in convincing style, going down the straight, and at no stage was he troubled by the opposition. His per-, formance heralds big victories for him j at the next spring meeting. | Blue was the only horse to fall in the Steeples, which were otherwise devoid of incident. Results:— j The Shorts. —Woodville, 8.0, 1; j j Tressie, 6.7, 2; (Racre, 9.7, 3. Eighteen started. Dancer was first away, ■ then Encre. went to the front, but Woodville led into the straight and managed to maintain his position, winning by a length and a quarter, half a length separating the others. Time, 1.13.

Breeders’ Plate.—• Nincompoop 1, Somnolent 2, Flyaway 3. - Nineteen started. From an even start Nincompoop was lying fourth, but led into the straight and went on, never being seriously challenged. He finished strongly with a. two lengths’ advantage, Flyaway being three lengths away.; Time, 1.1). ’The Metropolitan'. —Polycletan, 7.4 (Farthing), 1; David, 9.0 (o'’Byrne), 2; Prince Wooi’alc, . 6.10 (Robinson), 3. The non-starters were Wild Goose and Prince Minimbah. The first away were David, Polycletan and Tomatin. with Prince Charles in the rear.-, Round the back El Dorado moved up towards the middle of the field. Gold Cap led at the half mile, followed by Mirthmaker, David and Feathernest. They entered the straight practically in the same order, and then David commenced his run. Feathernest and Polycletan threw out a, challenge, but the veteran, running strongly, held them off. Nearing the post David swung across the course in front of Feathernest and joined Polycletan past the post, the latter receiving the verdict by half a bead, while half a length separated the second and third horses. Time, 2.46). First Steeplechase.—Grand Urchin, 9.7, 1; Streldon, 9.0. 2; Prince Oklahoma, 9.11. 3. There were eleven starters. Tie winner led practically all the way. Pittsworth ,was jumning surelv, but was never among the first markers. Grand Urchin won by four lengths, Oklahoma being the same distance away. Time, 4.36). Grantham Stakes. —Strongbow 1,

Arendal 2, Golden Voice 3. Nine started. Golden Voice led practically all the way_ Strongbow and Arendal came up in the straight, where Solidify also made a great run, but failed to get among the placed horses. Won by a length and a quarter, Golden Voice being a neck away. Time, 1.53). Kensington Handicap.—Loyal Merv, 8.8. 1; Earl Liddell, 9.6, 2: Polynesian. 8.11. 3. Thirteen started 1 . Won by a length and a quarter, half a length separating the second and third horses. Time, 1.27).

YOUNG’S RIDING SUCCESSES. SYDNEY, Oct. 9. Young rode a fine race on Nincompoop in the Breeders’ Plate. The New Zealand jockey is having a won-

derful run of success on bis present visit to Sydney. The starters in the Shorts Handicap included Muriliaupo, Absurdum and] Bathos. I WAIRaTO HUNT. MEETING AT TE R'APA. The following nominations have been received for the Waikato Hunt meeting, which is to be held at Te Rapa on October 27 : Maiden Hunters’Steeplechase. 'About two miles and three-quarters.—Vice Versa, Lady Hill, Shanks, Syndicate, Leo Abbey, _ Tantanoolo, Llewellyn, Ginger Carl, Ulva’s Isle, Nyassa, Pattern, Lucullent, Bourn, Capstar, Indemnity, Gambler’s Gold, Glenfoil, Submerge, Silverstream, Walton, ClieSforte, Roller, Hypothesis, Waitu, Potoa gelding. Bardowie Hack Handicap, six furlongs.—Diamond Moon, Drolatique, Finnote, Lord Thurnham, Irish Jig, Daylight, Firescreen, Topping, Fatoiitown, Fiery Lad, Farndon, Trill, Eh Timi, Transformer, Irene Bruce, Mulfini, Sea Comet, Monday, Peter Rosa, Passionate, Rippling; Maori Quin, Winsome Arch, Gay Comet, Miss June, Potoaimi, Kawa, Major Abbey, Uncle Jack, Rarangi, Gold Chips, Rahai, Poto, Musc-ari, Lady Luck, Strongholt, Sans Gene, Miss Vera., New Moon, Criss Abbey, Bright Night, Tall Tmber, Star Comet, Potash, Lord Loppy, Senetra, King Smock. . Hunters’ Hurdles, one mile and s half. —Lady Hill, Husker, Lady Kerman, Vice Versa, Syndicate, Leo Abbey, Freshman, Hokemai, Totara Jack Adrienne, Diamond Nap, Glentui, Wai karetu, King Auians, Peter Rosa Bullford, Chirrup, Hyginas, Raymond Monopole, Bitholia, Advent, Ladj Comet, Yankee Dan, Keystone, Cure a form, Walton, C-hesforte, Waitu ' Punishment, Kaika, Cherry Ripe ■ Potoa gelding. ' i Members’ Memorial Handicap, om 1 mile and a quarter.—Zircon, Dolefu ■’Ditty, Landslide, Gold Jacket, Gol< 'Rain, Boomerday. Finnote, R'oya 1 Present, Master Doon, Loyal Irish , Daylight, Arizona Maid, Landbird ’ Humiliation, Winsome Arch, Brigh ’.Light, Malatour, Empyrean, Lapidaiy 5 Royal Abbey, Alfort, King Quin ' Whetunui, Bright Day, Pine Arch 1 Glencairn, Matinee.

Waikato Hunt Club .Steeplechase, about three miles.—Radio, Shanks, Leo Abbey, No Surrender, Rafferty, Tantaloona, Brown Heath, Llewellyn. Hokemai. Ulva’s Isle, Adrienne, Glentui, Waikaretu, Pattern, Capstar, Indemnity, First Call, War Loan, Don Rosa. Raymond, Luperino, Keystone, Ah Fu, Gaekwar, Walton, Te Toa, Cliesforte, Roller, Maud Wilson, Kaika.

Farmers’ Hack Handicap, six fur- 1 longs.—Matauranga, Diamond Moon, Drolatique. Mapin, Lord Tiurnham, 1 Praiseworthy, Kendal, Quincoma, Fire : screen, Topping, Eatontown, Trill,' i Quin Kama, Seat, Transformer, Lilac 1 Domino, Ring Potoa. Monday, Spal : Quin. Ellingar, Constellation, Gaunt- - let. Passionate, Little Nugget, West < Abbey, Jasper Gate, Fine Day, Zanna, : Parodist. Royal Bonus, Iviki, Maori < Quin, Queen Comet, Lady Petain. Kawa, Red Comet, Ngarara, 'Miri Aroha, King’s Guard, Maurea, Gold Chips, Quin Silla. Bright Comet, Mira Potoa, Pinon, Curraghmore, Hathenay, Carlien, Arch Opal, Miss Vera, Bright Night, Pink Lady. Penitentiary. Tall Timber,, Star Cornet, Simon Smock, 'Kaikaku, Cherry Ripe, Vernier, Star of the East, Potash, Multifid, Lord Loppy. Genetra, Bavu. Hunters’ Flat Handicap, one milei and a quarter. —Lady Kerman, Sun-| like, Syndicate,' Silent Knight, Ken-j dal, Freshman, Adrienne, Lucullent, Ronim. Don Rosa, Chirrup, Gambler’s Gold, Lady Comet, Cureafonn, Chesfnrte, Hvnothesis, Waitu. Punishment, 1 Kaika., Cherry Ripe, Potqa gelding. Enstow Handicap, six furlongs.— Pagoda, Gold Jacket, Gala Day, Mas- ‘ ter" Doon, Lady Ridicule, Daylight, Firescreen, Forest Gold,' Farndon, . Tama-a-roa. Heisler, Master O’Rourke, Tuahine, Ihapotoa, Finelli, Smoke, ; Bitholia, Malatour, Prince Rufus, Lapidary, Te Kara, Yankee Dan, York 1 Abbey. Quinette. R.arangi. Some Fa«h- ---' ion. Raceful, P'rince Abbey, King Quin, Abbey Bell, Loch Abbey, Ami- ’ form, Peter Maxwell. Matinee, Rafa, ; Lord Loppy. Dan Quin, Regent. ' NOTES AND COMMENTS. ! (By Maecenas.) . In New Zealand G. Young is not looked on as the equal of quite a number of our jockeys, yet at a repre- ’ sentative meeting like that of the Aus- , tralian Jockey Club Young rides the j winners of the Epsom Handicap and T Spring Stakes. j Judged on track work, Mr. G. D. j Greenwood has a particularly smart 1 filly in Chignon, and it will come as a surprise should this daughter ot ’ Absurd not capture a good prize at the present Australian Jockey Club meet- ’ i»KThe win of Kenyon at the Napier Park meeting was a good advertisei ment for the Taranaki-owned Bisogne. ' Kenyon wa s in front all the wav and won very easily. This gelding is fast, and is certain to do his owner further service. Some few years ago much interest was centred in horses nominated for l- the New Zealand Cup that happened e to hslve early spring engagements, and i-' a large amount of ante-post betting

was carried on for three months prior “■ to the running of our chief handicap race. But conditions have altered considerably, land to-day little betting takes place on the race, and owing to many clubs offering big prize-money for their principal race the New Zealand Cup to-day does not occupy the jiosition in the racing world that it once did. The forthcoming meeting at Masterton promises to he the best that club has billed for a considerable time. It is stated that H. Gray may ride Starmist in the Dunedin Guineas. If this proves correct Mr. Dalgety’s filly will give plenty of bother to her opponents in the southern classic. Wassail is a very free galloper, and his easy action leads one into thinking that he is only at half pace, whereas, if ridedn with the whip, Wassail may not- do much better. When giving Yoma 51b on the concluding day at the last Canterbury meeting, I formed the opinion that the Taranaki gelding had Wassail at top a couple of hundred yards from . the post, without Wassail drawing away from his opponent. Many hold the view that if ridden with the whip Wassail would have won by any distance, but after the way Wassail failed under punishment at Hastings his admirers may not have such an exalted opinion of him. According to the Sydney Referee 1 that great, sprinter Glentruin may _ never stand another preparation. The Australian paper states that the ligament of one of Glentruin’s forelegs has thickened considerably. That Glentruin was one of the fastest gallopers that has graced the Australasian turf will not be denied by those who were privileged to witness her great struggles at Trentham and Wanganui with the mighty Gloaming. All lovers of the great mare will trust that the report is exaggerated, and that the beautiful English mare may once more he seen in action on our courses. , Heroic’s performance in winning the i Australian Jockey Club’s Derby stamps him a good one, but all the same it would appear as if Nigger Minstrel had the Australian champion doing his best, and he certainly did not nun like the “horse of the century” which some ; of the Australian admirers claimed he was. By his win in the Spring Stakes Gloaming has put up an Australian record of stakes Avon. That record was formerly held by Eurythmic. What a feat for one of his age. And what of trainer Richard John Ivlason, the greatest trainer the southern hemisphere has seen, and possibly the equal of any horse-trainer in the world. What a fitting termination of visits to Australia, extending over a period of fifty years, and what a record Mason has put uq with his horses taken across the Tasman.. Possibly hig achievement

will never be equalled. ■ . , ; Tlie New Zealand-owned horses and New Zealand jockeys are putting up . a "great record in Australia this season, and on paper it certainly appears better than that of the French sportsmen, and horses in their descent on the English racecourses, which ha.s caused consternation among the heads of racing in England. It has been suggested that the visits of New Zealanders to Australia in quest of their “rich plums” is anything but popular in Australia., and certain happenings would go to strengthen this belief; but the Australian press hotly deny the charge, and possibly there is a certain amount of imagination in our thinking that we are not wanted on Australian racecourses. / Readers of this column will remember that only last week a paragraph appeared in which the right of calling Gloaming a sprinter only was ehali lenged, and we queried if there were many horses that have met the mighty son of The Welkin capable of producing better performances over a mile and a half course, and as proof of this Gloaming’s record over a twelve furlong course was published. A.s if to consolidate these arguments, Mason started his champion against the best horses of Australasia in the Spring Stakes at Randwiek on Saturday, which event is decided over a mile and a half course. Although Gloaming has reached an advanced age for a flat racing thoroughbred, and cannot be as good as he was, say, six, five, four, three, two, or even a year ago, he proved conclusively that he is still immeasurably superior to the next best, for were not that fine performer David and the much-boomed Rivoli amongst the starters, not to mention our own Ballymena, which is right up toweight-for-age form and much above the average? After the wonderful performance registered on Saturday last it must be admitted that Gloaming is the ‘‘wonder horse of the century.” He who quotes a rival must indeed be t biassed. Can any of our readers remember a racehorse that has suffered more in his racing career than has Gloaming? One does not expect such a performer !to receive special treatment in his 1 races, but Gloaming seems fated .to meet ti'ouble if there is any about--1 Although seldom beaten, his already marvellous record would have been even ■ greater if the fates had favoured him. When Warplane won the Challenge Stakes at Trentham' his task was lightened by Gloaming falling. Gloam- • ing’s defeat by Desert Gold was brought about by the gelding being “pocketed.” Rational and Glentruin ' each almost brought about the defeat 1 of Gloaming on different occasions. I Gloaming, getting “pocketed” in the : running of the Kelburn Plate, was very