MOTOR CYCLE SPORTS.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 2 January 1929, Page 6

MOTOR CYCLE SPORTS.

OTAKI CLUB’S GATHERING AT LEVIN. BLUE RIBAND EVENT WON BY RANBY. KILMINSTER SUCCESSFUL IN TWO RACES.

The Otaki Motor Cycle Club were rather unfortunate with their fourth annual gathering, which was held ou the Levin Racecourse yesterday, as, after a week of unsettled weather the much hoped for improvement did not eventuate, and at the time set down for the first race, 11.30 a.m., it was doubtful whether the meeting could be held at all. The competitors wdre prepared to take their chances on the course, which, considering the soaking it had had, was in wonderfully good condition; but rain kept coming in the form of a thick, misty drizzle and the outlook was anything but cheering. However, to postpone such a gathering when the riders have come from many parts of the Dominion is a matter of great inconvenience, and the stewards, after conferring, decided that the events should proceed. There wore not many of the public present at the beginning, but in the afternoon'the attendance was considerably augmented,, and in view of the circumstances it may be classed as very creditable. Rain was experienced intermittently during the earlier races, but as the day wore on the weather cleared and the track improved accordingly. It is a great testimony to the way in which the course had been laid down and maintained by the Levin Racing Club that it did not become seriously cut up; only at the outward turn did it deteriorate appreciably, and although a. number >f the riders skidded when negotiating that bend, it was not the scene of any real mishap. As a matter of fact, there was only one accident, during the day, and it was not duo to the track, bu r . was cau'sed by Blewctt, in the Otaki Oup, riding too close to the rails at the back of the course, resulting in a collision with a post, fracturing liis collar-bone. The wins were well distributed, so it may be taken that the handicapping ‘.was well dong. Only one rider secured "two victories, Kilminster accounting for the Tasman Handicap (10 miles) and the Levin Handicap (7 miles). The Blue Riband event, the Otaki Cup (12 miles), went to R. Ranby, who had a handicap of 10 seconds over the scratch man, .Managh, and was conceding .50 seconds to the limit competitor. The other big races, the Parker Cup and the Citizens’ Handicap, each of eight miles, were won by Patton and Ross respectively. The Mayors of Levin (Mr T. Hobson) and Otaki (Mr .1. P. Brandon) were associated in a pleasing little ceremony on the lawn, where they presented the trophies to the successful riders. These were won as follows: — Otaki Cup: Gold .Medal, Blue Riband, and Castrol Cup (to be held for 12 months), R. Ranby. Citizens’ Handicap: Replica of Otaki Citizens’ Cup, H. D. Ross. Parker Cup: silver challenge cup, Patton. Tasman Handicap: Mr T. Oates’ challenge cup and his cheque for £5 as, Kiiminster. Mr Brandon thanked the public very heartily for the manner in which they had supported the meeting, and also expressed the club’s appreciation of the fine facilities placid at their disposal by the Levin Racing Club. At his request the visitors gave three .rousing cheers for the people of Levin. The sports were well managed, thanks to an energetic committee and particularly to the secretary, Mr O. B. Nilsson, who was ably assisted by Mr E. V. Tooby. As handicappcr and starter, Mr B. Palmer was thoroughly successful, and the judging was earned out with every satisfaction. by Drs. Hunter and Mjdnc and Messrs J. McGill and Evan .rones. At intervals during the day, selections were played by the Otaki Band, and they were much enjoyed.

Following are the results:— NOVICE HANdHaP; 6 miles. A. W. Blair (2J A.J.S), 15soc. .. .. 1 J. C. Gower (5-6 Bitzof), scr. .. . . 2 R, G. Allen (2| Vclocettc) 3 Also started: G. Sutherland (25 Harlcy-Davidson), H. li. Anderson (2$ H.JD.); H. I’. Boss (2| J.A.P.), I). Bleuett (1)1 A.J.S.)

The race was ridden in a driving mist, and only the three placed competitors finished. The going at the out. ward turn soon proved risky owing the wet condition of the track, but although skids were noticeable no mishaps occurred. Time, 7mln, 35see. PARKER CUP HANDICAP (OPEN) 8 miles.

Patton (3J A.J.S.), SOsecs 1 A. Harkcr (2J Zenith), Giisccs 2 11. C. Allen (2f Vclocettc), 55secs 3

Also started: R. Ranby (3J Indian) 29secs. (eq. scr.); C. Wilkinson (23 H.-D.), 35sces; Kilminster (23 A.J.S.), 35secs.; K. Pink (23 H.-D.), 53 secs. L. B. Southward (23 A.J.S.), 55secs; J. Hamilton (23 Ariel), 65secs; D. Biewott (31 A.J.S.), SOscc.; T. Mor. gan (23 H.-D.). SOsecs. Tlie winner let all the way. Harkor made up a lot of leeway in the last lap, and nearly overhauled Patton at the home darn, hut finished a length and a half behind him. Pink had to pull out in the first lap and Kilminster in the second. In the third Morgan came down at the' outward turn but re-mounted, to complete the race. Blewett retired in the fifth. In the same lap Patton had trouble with his engine which Cost him some time, but he nevertheless retrained the lead. At the end of the ‘ixth he was loading Barker by a furlong, and a lap later by 100 yards. At the finish Harker was about 30 yards ahead of Allen. Time, 9min. 381 secs,

TASMAN HANDICAP; 10 miles; open to British machines only. Kilminster (23 (A..T.5.) 20secs. .. 1 .1. C. Gower (5-0 Bitzof). Msecs. .. 2 A. Barker (23 Zenith). 45sccs. ... 3 Also started: D Managh (31 New Hudson), scr.; J, Arnott (23 A.J.P.), IGsoca.; Patton (31 A.J.S.). 45secs; H.-D. Ross (23 J.A.P.), Msecs.; R. 0. Allen (23 Veloeette). Msecs. - Gower led until the sixth lap. when he was overhauled by Kilminster who retained his advantage but had to run

the last few yards to the winning post, owing to the engine failing him. Gower rode in just afterwards and Harker, who had dismounted, returned to his saddle to secure third place. Mauagh retired in the sixth lap. Time not taken .

RANGIURU LIGHTWEIGHT HANDI-

CAP; 5 miles (substituted for 7 miles); for machines up to 350 cc. A. Harkcr (25 Zenith), ssccs 1 L. B. Southward (25 A.J.S.), ssecs 2 Other entries; C. Wilkinson (25 H.-D.), scr; E. Pink (25 H.-D.), ssecs. Pink did not get an actual start his machine failing to respond. The first lap went to Wilkinson, who passed the post 100 yards ahead of Harker, while Southward was half the length of the course away. Wilkinson had the same lead at the end of the second lap, but the third man had dropped back a mile. The next time round, Harkcr was in front, Southward stopped, but started again. Wilkinson had to retire and Harker was left the winner by tw r o laps from Southward, who completed the distance to qualify for second place. No time taken. OTAKI CUP BLUE RIBAND RACE (Open); 12 miles. R. Ranby (3£ Indian), lOsecs 1 T. Morgan (25 H.-D.), 20secs 'li J. C. Gower (5-6 Bitzof), 45sees .. 3 Also started: D. Managh (34 New Hudson), scr.; J. Arnott (25 A.J.S.), osecs.; L. B. Southward (2} A_J.S.), 35sccs.; J. Hamilton (31 Arie:), 30sccs; A. Harker (25 Zenith), 30secs.; Rat. cliffe (31 Norton), 35sccs; H. W. Ross (25 J.A.P.), GOsecs.; D. Blewctt (31 A.J.S.), 55sees.; R. C. Allen (23 Vclocettc), 45secs, Fletcher (25 Royal Enfield), 45sccs.

For the first six laps Gower was in the lead, arid was followed by Ross in the first, Allen in the second, Harkcr in the third, Morgan in the fourth. Ranby was runner-up in the fifth and sixth laps, and had the lead from the seventh to the finish, when he won by half the course; Morgan was second to him in the seventh and the lasi two laps. Gower, after a well-nddcn race, came third about 200 yards behind Morgan. The latter’s porTorrnance was a very meritorious one as his machine fell with him early in the eighth lap, emitting volumes of smoke, but ho mounted again, to finish second after a game ride. Southward had to pull out in the second lap. Blewctt (Hawora) had a fall in the second lap but started again; in the fifth he had to pull up, but wans able to resume; in the sixth lap, apparently being fated to come to grief, ho rode too near the fence at the back of the course and crashed into a post, breaking his collar bone. He was given first aid by Drs, Thompson (Levin) and Milne (Otaki, and was then conveyed to the Levin private hospital. In the eight lap Morgan had a thrill at the outward turn, his machine skidded and threw him, Ratcliffe just had time to steer clear of him, and Morgan re-mountod and made up the distance he had lost. Time, 13min. 36socs. LEVIN HANDICAP; 7 miles; for machines up to GOGcc. Kiiminster (25 A.J.S.), J J. Hamilton (3J Ariel) £ C, Wilkinson (2f H.-D.) .... . • • • 3 Also started: D. Managh (3s New Hudson), scr.; J. Arnott (2f A.J.S.), sse.es.; E. Pink (25 H.-D.), 40secs.; L. B. Southward (25 A.J.S.), SOsecs; A. Harker (2J Zenith), 30acc; Patton (34 A.J S.), 40sccs; Ratcliffe (3| Norton) 4.osccs: R. Anderson (2| H.-D.), SOsecs; H. D. Ross (25 J.A.P.), At the beginning of the first lap Ratcliffe had to retire. Anderson -was first past the post, followed by Ross and Hamilton, the remainder of the field being a good distance away. Hamilton came to the front in the second lap and stayed there till the sixth, in which he was leading Kiiminster, Wilkinson and Arnott. In the next and final round there was a keen race in the straight between the first two, and Kiiminster got homo by a lengh. Wilkinson was three lengths away from Hamilton. Time, 7min. 58sccs. CITIZENS’ HANDICAP (Open); 8 miles.

H. D. Ross (2J J. A. P.), 75secs. .. 1 D Mauagh (31 Now Hudson), lOsccs - r, C. Allen (2| Yeloeette), 35sccs 3 Also started: R. Ranby (34 Indian), scr.; T. Morgan (2J HvD.), lOsecs.; J. Arnott (2| A.J.S.), 15seca.; Hemmingson (25 A.J.S.), 25secs; J. Hamilton (34 Ariel). 20sccs.; J. C. Gower (5-fi Bitzof), 40secs.; A. Harkcr (2| Zenith), 45aecs.;„Patton (34 A.J.S.», TOsccs.; Ratcliffe (34 Norton), TOaecs. Time, Smin. 25sccs. Ross got well away and had the race pVactieally to .himself until the la'st lap, hut in this he staved off a challenge by Managh and finished with plenty of space to spare. Hamilton pulled out after doing four laps; Morcan took his corners in daredevil fashion; at the outward turn in the sixth lap he skidded in several directions, and the crowd expected to him flung across the track, but he achieved the seemingly impossible and recovered his balance. Patton had to drop out in the last lap but one. Time, Smin. 25 sec. CONSOLATION HANDICAP (Open); G miles.

T. Morgan (3£ H.-D.), Ssocs .... 1 D. Managh (3* New Hudson), ser. 2 J. Hamilton (3* Ariel), 20sccs .. •• J> Also started: J. Arnot.t (-4 Zenith), 15socs; E. Pink (25 H. D.i, 20hccs. Time, fimin. ]3secs. Soon after the commencement Arnott, who was riding another man’s machine, had to give up, as it stalled. Hamilton had the lead in the first three laps; in the first and second it was a long one, then Morgan pained on him and at the end of the fouith was ahead, with Managh, Hamilton and Pink following. The same order was maintained till the finish of the sixth and last lap, Morgan winning by 20 yards, with nearly half a mile between second and third, and the last man 80 yards further away. As in the previous race, Morgan treated the cornel s with little respect, and pet formed some remarkable evolutions, first to the concern and then the amusement of the crowd. Time, 6min. 13