SPORTING.

Manawatu Standard, Issue XLI, 17 December 1908, Page 5

SPORTING.

The prdgrammo issued by the Wellington Racing Club forits'summer meeting, commencing ort January 20, 1909, and continuing on' January 22 -and 23, forms most interesting reading to owners and -trainers. A noticeable -increase has been made in stakes, and the programme is now'one of the most generally attractive in the Dominion. The Wellington. Cup has been increased to 1000 eovs, 700 eovs to the-winner. Tho Cup is run on the first day. On the second day the Wellington Stakes, 500 sov9, and the Wellington Racing Club Handicap, are the principal events; whilst on the third day; the big open events are the Summer, Handicap, 500 sovs; City Handicap, 300 sova; and the Hopeful Stakes, for two- - year-olds, 250 sovs. A special attraction for the smart hack's" of the Coast has been provided* in the Maiden and Douro Cup races. The first is of 200 sovs, and the latter 250 sovs, each run under the ordinary hack conditions. Each race has deductions of 50 sovs. divided between the second and third horses. The Consolation Race, of.2sff sovs, is. novel, in that only beaten horses- at the meeting will be eligible, fees being, returned if horses become ineligible. The Fitzherbcrt Handicap, of 20ft sovs, on the second day, is open only to horses that have not won a race exceeding;,the value •of 200 sovs, and will give a chance to those wh9 have not, so far, reached the top of their form. Nominations for all events, except the Maiden Plate, Disposal Stakes and Selling Plate, close with tho secretary (Mr A -E. Whyte) at 9 o'clock to-morrow, Friday, 18th.

DANNEVIRKE RACES; (Peh Press Association.) DANNEVIRKE,. December 17. The weather is fine with a strong cold wind for the second day. The course is drv and the going good. Results: — Hurdles. —Master Douglas 1, Hipporofla 2, Scenery 3. Time, 2.50. Scratched—Strathmere. - December Handicap.—Stylish 1, Wharekura 2, Sunbonnet 3. Time, 1.154.