SPORTING.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VIII, Issue 640, 4 February 1914, Page 5

SPORTING.

, The acceptances received for the Te Kuiti races are on the whole very satisfactory, although the more important events have hardly fulfilled expectetions. However, there are excellent acceptances for the minor events, and everything points to the fact that very fine fields will face the barrier on Thursday. The course is in capital order, and the rain has taken nil the sting out of the ground, while the condition of the running track is all that could be desired.

The Te Kuiti Cup, which has been won twice in succession by the consistent Jolie Fille has an acceptance of seven. Holdfast, by reason of his two meritorious seconds at Takapuna is much in the public eye and should run well in his engagements. However, there is ample material for a good contest, and it will cause no surprise to see a stirring finish up the straight for the chief event on the programme.

The Hurdle race is always a popu lar event, and with'an acceptance of eight, there appears to be reason to anticipate a really good race. Dogger Bank is credited with running a good second to North Eaßt at Takapuna, while Santiago earned a winning bracket at the same meeting. The jemainder of the contestants are a good even lot of proved jumping ability. The maiden and the tws hack races should provide first rate fields, and considerable amount of local interest will centre round these events in consequence of the presence of a number of locally trained equine^. Mokauiti, the solid looking son of Advance and Lyonese who raced at Te Kuiti two years ago, has accepted for the maiden and the Taumarunui hack races. He ia now running '"n the nomination of Mr J. T. Hetet, and widespread satisfaction would be felt should Mr Hetet's colours be carried successfully at the meeting. Fishmaid, a nice looking Swordfish mare, has been in work on the local track for some time, ani has improved greatly. Judging by appearances this mare should be speedy, and it would cause no surprise to see her perform with credit in her engagements. Royal Patron, the Patronus horse who has been working locally for the past couple of weeks, is a soila looking customer, who should make a good candidate for the jumping game. He is engaged in the five furlong hack race and Welter, and is carrying a healthy appearance.

Salvia, who is engaged in the sprint events, failed in her efforts at the Takupuna meeting, and is evidently out of form, while her stable mate, Maid of Orleans, is still an unknown quantity as far as galloping ability is concerned.