SPORTING.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 3 November 1924, Page 4

SPORTING.

AUCKLAND MEETING^ (By, Telegraph.—Special to Star). AUCKLAND; Nov. 3. ; T.he Auckland spring meeting opened on Saturday in fine' \\ arm weather, but, after six events had been *un, rain came on and ‘the two last races were decided under disagreeable conditions. Up till this climatic change the race track was in first-class order. The attendance fell short of many spring meetings, and in consequence the tote investments showed a marked decline.

Cherry liipe was made a pronounced favourite for the /Trial Hurdles, and with Rippling, Narrow Neck, Cool Stimulants and King Amans, was aLways in the first division, but a couple of faulty jumps over the -concluding stages cost Cherry Ripe a good chance, and allowed Narrow Neck to win well froni .Gureuform, with Cherry j.upe, Rippling and King Amans next. Town Bank (£1720) was" a firm favourite for the Guineas, with Taiiadees , Master Doon and Tauhina (with about £950 each) were the best supported of the other starters when the tapes lifted. Shut Eye was quickest out, but Roburite soon, took charge and led Town Bank, . Diamond Moon, and Tauhine into the straight. .In the run to the pbst Town Bank drew out to win easily from Motley, who ran her best race of the season, and just beat Tauhine for second honours. Automne carried more than a third of the tote investments on the Welcome Stakes. The southern Circulation was second choice, while The Thorn, Hyde Park find Judge’s Box were evenly supported. Automne was in front from the barrier rise from. Oration and The Thorn. The last-named put in a fast run, approaching the home turn, but met with interference that cost -The Thorn second place. The favourite drew right out over the last furlong, and is evidently a good one.. •e Park Tan out well to just- beat The Thorn.

The Hunters’ Steeples was a poor race, the Hawke’s Bay-owned Roller going to the lead a long wav from the winning post, to win easily from Lady Bruce, who just outstayed the tiring Glentui. On the strength of a great record, Royal Blood was made the medium of some big bets for the Shorts, but owing to a strong support for the bracketed horses Pavo and Charlady, and a lot of support for Lucius and Finelli, the favourite was paying a good dividend. When the tapes rose Finelli rushed out to open up a big lead on Dan Quin, Lucius and RoyaT Blood. Once in the straight Finelli compounded and Dan Quin, running on strongly, won nicely from Royal Blood, which w r as due to nice riding by R. Reed, who just saved his backers. Lucius just Dent Alfort for third place. Tekara was a big favourite for the Mitchelson Cup, the best backed of the other runners being Loughrea and Boomerday. Royal Present was the early leader from Ladslide and Bright Day; then Landslide went out as pacemaker, with Bright Day, Royal Present and Barometer. Going down the back Barometer took charge and led Bright Dav and Royal Present. Barometer was just in- front at the home turn, but collided with a man, .and Royal Present immediately assumed control, but was challenged by Illumination, and in a great finish Royal Present just beat Illumination with Ruapapa. close up. Exactly and Princess Ronnie were equal*favourites for the Gordon Handicap, while Gray’s mount, Best Boy, also had a big' following. From an outside nosition Gauntlet was first to show out, and over the early stages lie had Pentitentiary, General Pryde and Makora. as his immediate attendants. Gauntlet .ran wide at the home turn, and Gold Fern, finishing well, passed him in the last couple of chains, with General Pryde and Pentitentiary next. After his good showing at Waikato, Raceful was selected for the Flying, for which event Miss Egypt and Naumetere also had a good following. From the rise of the barrier Quinnette took charge and led Miss Egypt, Irapuka. and Raceful over the early stages. Three furlongs from hmne Lady Ridicule ran into second place, but Quinette was six lengths in front a£ the straight entrance, and eventually won very easily from Thunderclap, which came fast.'and cut Lady Ridicule out of second honours.