SPORTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9065, 28 May 1888, Page 6

SPORTING.

THE TAKAPUNA JOCKEY CLUB'S WINTER MEETING. The Winter meeting of the Takapuna Jockey Club was held on Saturday afternoon under particularly uefavourable cirstances, both as regards the attendance of visitors and their comfort. The morning set in with a monotonous drizzle which gave little promise of clearing up, and in the afternoon, more especially after the fourth race, a heavy downpour of rain set in which was so depressing that the stewards decided to postpone the remaining events- This decision, however, gave rise to a howl of disappointment from some of the Ihorse-owners, and Mr. Joseph Chadwick, the clerk of the course, harangued the crowd in the paddock to such effect that they insisted on the races going on, and the stewards gave way to what appeared to be the popular wish by carrying out the programme. It seemed a singular proceeding for an officer of the club to take such a step to upset the decision of tho stewards, but there is no doubt it was best, as tho races had been commenced, that they should be concluded, more especially as the weather subsequently took up sufficiently to enablo them to be carried through with some degree of comfort. The course was very heavy and sloppy, and the paddock, as well as tho grounds about tho totalisator, were wet and uncomfortable. There was an attendance of about 600 people on the ground, and the grandstand was only moderately patronised. The totalisator, as a matter of course, suffered from the paucity of attendance, but the racing throughout was good, and the finishes in several instances remarkably close, although, owing to the heaviness of the ground, the going was slow. Perhaps the greatest surprise of the day was tho fact of old Fairplay taking the double—the Selling Steeples and tho Handicap Steeplechase. Artist's victory in the Hurdle Race was also something of a surprise, and so also was The Cat's" success in tho Birthday Handicap, in which tho little grey won a hard-fought race from Formo by less than a head. Another unexpected success was that of Yuba Bill in the Novel Race, which was only secured by a head. The Steeplechase was a really fine contest, and the Victoria Handicap, which fell to the lot of Friendship, was a good race, although the finish was not so close as in some of the other races. The course was altogether in favour of light-weights and unsound horses. Mr. W. H. Fen ton officiated as judge, Mr. Thos. Stevens starter, Mr. F. W. Marks clerk of the scales, and Mr. J. Chad wick clerk of the course, and the duties were satisfactorily carried out in each instance. The police force, under Sergeant Pratt, lent every assistance to tho stewards and officers of the club, and the Devonport Band, under Bandmaster Morris, played a number of musical selections on the lawn during the afternoon. We may add that the ferry service was most satisfactorily carried out, and not a hitch occurred in the transport of passengers to and from Devonjwt. The following are the results of the races :— Selling Steeplechase of 40sovs; second horse to receive ssovs out of stakes. Twice round Steeplechase course. Mr. W. Robertson's blk g Fairplay, lOst 41b (Fergus) 1 Mr. D. Harford's b g Ngata, 9st (rearson) 2 Matau (10st4lb) and Monitor (lOst 41b) also ran. Wat Tyler (lOst 4lb) was scratched. Ngata and Fairplay led over the double jump in the straight, and Monitor and Matau baulked, but were put at ib again, and cleared the obstruction. Fairplay took the lead round the flat and up the hill, followed by Ngata and Matau, Monitor being last. The two leaders were in close company round the back of the steeplechase course, and cleared the water jump almost together, Matau being some lengths behind. The remaining round was a race between Ngata and Fairplay, and the latter gaining ground on the flat won by four lengths. Matau pulled up on the flat course but Weal brought Monitor round and finished t about the time the others were weighed in. ■ There was £-14 on the totalisator, 20 on the winner, and the dividend was £1 17s. Mr. D. Tonks offered the winner for sale and he was purchased on behalf of the owner for £"29. Selling Race of 30sovg. One mile. Mr. H. Harrison's b h Catesby, Sst lib (Morrigan) 1 Mr. J. Chaafe's b g On Guard, Sst 31b (Brimmer) 2 Mr. T. B. Bell's bm Reproach, 7st 131b (Durston)... 3 Squire (9?t 31b) also ran. Sirloin, Capella, and Venetia were scratched, leaving a field of four; but although the number was small the starter had some difficulty owing to the anxiety of the jockeys to get away, and On Guard especially was troublesome ab the post. Catesby was the favourite on the machine. At length they were let away on very even terms, and On Guard and The Squire raced together round the course, but in the straight On Guard fell back, and Catesby came almost on terms with The Squire, the latter leading by a neck past tho stand, the others two lengths behind. Soon after Catesby took command, and coming away in the home turn won by three lengths from On Guard, Reproach a moderate third, and Squire (on whom the weight and the heavy course told) finished last. There was £77 on the totalisator, 25 on the winner, and the dividend was £2 2s. The winner was put up for sale, and bought by the owner for £32.

Handicap Hcrdlb Race of 45sovs, second horse to receive osovs out of the stakes. Over eix flights of hurdles. One mile and a-half and a distance.

Mr. J. B. Williamson's b g Artist, 9sfc 31b (Hadfield) 1 Mr. J. Chadwick's ch g Wideawake, Bst 71b (A. Williams) 2 Messrs. Hayr Brothers' br m Ma Petite Fille, 9st 101b (Laing) 3 Magnesia (lOst lib), Recruit (9st 71b), Holly (Sst 31b), Jim (Bst 71b), and Wat Tyler (Bst 71b) also ran. Bluebell, Fairplay, and Sirloin were scratched. Ma Petite Fille was made a favourite for this event. The start was from the end of the straight opposite the water-jump. Ma Petite Fille and Magnesia were the first to show in front, and led to the back of the course, where Wat Tyler took command, and was followed over the hurdle and past the grandstand by Magnesia, Artist, Ma Petite Fille, and Wideawake in the order named. These positions were little altered until tho back of the course waa reached, where Artist passed Magnesia, and challenged Wat Tyler, both rising simultaneously to the hurdle at tho back of the course. From this out Artist led, and Wat Tyler hoisting signals of distress he was passed in the home turn by Wideawake, but although tho old chestnut struggled bravely he was unable to come to terms with Artist, and the latter won by four lengths from Wideawake; thefavourite, some six or eight lengths behind, finishing third. There was £129 on the totalisator, 20 on the winner, and the dividend was £5 9s.

Birthday Handicap of 70sovs; second horse to receive lOsovs out of the stakes. One mile and a-quarter.

Mr. J. Thorpe's g h The Cat, 7sb (Katterns) 1 Mr. J. Kean's ch m Formo, 7st (Myers) 2 Mr. G. Wright's bm Friendship, Ssb 131b (A. Williams) 3 Wapiti (7sb 51b), Maratau (6gt 71b), and Bryan O'Lynn (Gsb) also ran. Tamora, Capella, Miss Alice, Brown Rose, and Vonebia were scratched. Although the field was thus reduced to six this proved a moso interesting race, although the rain came on heavily and made the onlookers uncomfortable, more especially those who had not the shelter of the grandstand. Formo and Friendship were both backed on the machine, the former for choice. A very good start was effected, and Formo was the first to show in front, followed by Friendship, the Cat, Bryan O'Lynn, and Maratau. In the turn to the back of the course The Cat got inside running and made the most of his advantage, for at the back he and Formo were racing together, Friendship being then about five lengths behind the leaders. Passing the stand the order was the same, except that Friendship had considerably closed the gap, bub Lα the turn from the straight the little grey horse got his head in front, and Maratau took fourth place. The Cat maintained his lead bhrough the home turn, bub in the straight Formo made a splendid struggle and got alongside the grey, and made such a close finish that the general public thought if she did nob

win she made a dead heat. The judge, however, awarded the victory to The Cat by half a head. Friendship was a moderate third, and Maratau fourth. Time, 2mm 27sec. There was £168 on the totalisator, 22 on the winner, and the dividend was £5 17s.

Novel Race of 25sovs. Winner to be sold immediately after the race, and the whole of the proceeds to go to the club. Lowest weight, Sat. Five furlongs.

Mr. J. Delaney's br g Yuba Bill (Murphy) * Mr. T. Heap's ch m Mayflower (Heaps) 2 Mr. J. O'Neill's b m Signa (Cundall) 3 Venetia and Sterling also ran. Sirlion was scratched. There was such a heavy downpour of rain while the jockeys wore being weighed out for this race that the stewards met and decided to postpone the remaining events ; but great opposition was shown, and they finally decided to go on with the remaining events on the programme, and when the weather cleared a little the race was started. Mayflower took the load, and maintained it to the home turn, but here she was challenged by Yuba Bill, and sifter a grand race homo he snatched a bare victory on the post by ti head, Signa two lengths behind being third. There was £46 on the totalisator, 10 on tho winner, and tho dividend was £6 9s.

Handicap Steeplechase of 75sovs ; second horse to receive lOsovs out of stakes. About threo miles.

Mr. W. Robertson's blk g Fairplay, lOsb (Fergus) 1 Mr. P. King's blk g Trovatoro, 9st (McKinnon) 2 Mr. L. Perritt's b g Don, 9st 71b (Weal) o Recruit (9st 71b), Ma Petite Fille (9sfc 71b), Wat Tylor (9st), and Wideawake (9st) also ran. Magnesia, Whalebone, Holly, and Jim were scratched. Ma Petito Fille and Wideawake wero the first to show to the front from the start, and they led over the double in tho straight, followed by Trovatorc, Wat Tyler, and Don, all jumping cleverly. There was very little change in tho order of going round tho hill to the water jump, over which Trovatore led, followed by Wat Tyler, Don, and Recruit—Fairplay, Wideawake, and Ma Petite Fille bringing up the rear. Wideawake fell into the water, and dislodged A. Williams, who, however, quickly remounted : and Ma Petite Fillo lost ground by attempting to bolt oil' the course on the flat. This order was maintained round the flat course, and over tho hill, Trovatoro improving his lead, and round the hill to the water jump, which again he cleverly negotiated, with Don second, Fairplay third, and Recruit fourth ; and so they raced round the flat and the hill again to to the water, where the order was Trovatore, Fairplay, Don, and Recruit, and these four were virtually at this stage left to finish the race. Trovatore had a good lead on entering the fiat, but at the back of tiio flat course, for the finish, Fergus called on Fairplay. and the old horse answering with great gameness under the whip, closed the gap which separated him from his stable companion, and taking the lead in the straight, won gallantly by about three lengths from Trovatorc, Don being third, Recruit fourth, and Wat Tyler fifth. Ma Petite .Fille and Wideawake did not finish. There was £128 on tho totnlisator, IS on the winner, and the dividend was £G 6s.

Victoria Handicap of 40sovs ; second horse to receive Ssovs out of stakes. Winner of Birthday Handicap to enrry a penalty of 71b extra. Seven furlongs. Mr. G. Wright's br m Friendship, Sst 71b (Kattcrns) 1 Mr. W. Robertson's b m Capalla, Sst (Morrigan) ~ Mr. R. Burke's ch g Sirloin, Gst 71b (Myers) " 3 Squire (9st 41b). Pretender (Sst 21b), Formo (Sst), and Brown Rose (6st 71b) also ran. Tamora, Miss Alice, and Venetia were scratched. This race was run in the dusk and during a heavy shower of rain, and could not be closely watched. Brown Rose, Capella, and Friendship led past the stand the first time, but at the back of the course Friendship took the lead, and won easily, Capella second, Sirloin third, and the others strung out in a scattered tail. Time, lmin 43sec. There was £124 on the totalisator, 21 on the winner, and the dividend was £4 19s.

This brought the meeting to a conclusion, and those of the crowd who had remained till the finish dispersed as speedily as possible. Two of the Ferry Company's steamers were in readiness, and the Auckland portion of the visitors came on to Auckland without delay, THE DUNEDIN JOCKEY CLUB'S MEETING. [BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.] DUNEDIN, Saturday. The second day's racing in connection with the Dunedin Jockey Club's Winter Meeting was marred by drizzling rain, which fell during the whole day. The attendance was good, and the sport on the whole excellent. The following were the results: — Selling Hurdles of 70 sovs. A mile and a-half. Mr. Poole's Trapper, 9st 31b (Poole) ... 1 Mr. Gourley's Mabel, 9st (Belcher) ... 2. Mr. Lefevre's Jackal, 9st, carried 9st 41b (J. Allen) 3 Dunluce (lOsb 71b), Ravenswood (9st), and Mokorakara (9st) also ran. Mabel led for half-a-mile, when Trapper was sent to the front. Ravenswood came to grief at the next jump, and Trapper keeping his lead, won easy. Time, 3min 14Jsec. Dividend, £2. The winner was bought in for £(35.

Provincial Handicap of 130sovs. One

mile and α-quarter. Mr. Hamond's Sultan, Bsb (White) ... 1 Mr. Stephenson's Captain Cook, Gst 121b, carried 7sfc (Williams) 2 Mr. Cotton's Le Temps, Gst 71b (Wishey) 3 Haka, Brewer, and Enid also ran. From a (rood start Haka and Captain Cook went to°the front, with Sultan whipping in, and in this order they passed the stand, Le Temps being third just clear of the ruck. As they rounded the turn Captain Cook drew away, and Le Temps and Sultan were close upon Haka. Tho field were well together in the last four furlongs, and an interesting race home resulted in a win for Sultan by three parts of a length from Captain Cook, who only headed Te Temps by half-a-length. Time, 2min 21£ sec. Dividends, £1 10s and £2 4s. Novel Race of 70.sovs. One mile. Mr. Alexander's Doubtful, 6sfc (Constens) 1 Mr. Mercer's Gold Dust, 7sb 91b (Nalder) ■ 2 Mr. Lβ Fcvro's Jackal, aged, Bsfc 31b (Sharp) 3 Nine others ran. Doubtful won easily by two lengths. Time, lmin 32fsec. Dividends, £8 8s and £11 7s. Winter Handicap Trot of GOsovs. Two miles. Mr. Hazzlett's Roso, SOsec (owner) ... 1 Mr. Welshe's Bob, aged, 50soc (Kirkwood) 2 Mr. Keets' Reefer, 20sec (McLaren) ... 3 Sixteen others started. Won in hollow fashion. Time, Gmin Msec. Dividend, £19 13s and £14 12s. St. Claiu Welter Handicap of Susovs. Seven furlongs. Mr. Stephenson's Laßose, 9st 31b (Chapman) 1 Mr. O'Brien's Haka, 9sfc 3lb (White) ... 2 Mr. Mangan's Dutchman, Set slb (Price) 3 Snapshot (9st 51b), Shifnal (Set 21b), College Boy (Bst 101b), Evening Star (Bst 3lb), For-get-me-not (Bst 21b), Doubtful (Bst), also ran. Dutchman and Laßose cut out tho running for half the distance, when the latter went to the front, and won hard held by two lengths. Time, lmin 38sec. Dividend, £216 a 6d, and £2 17s 6d. The Scurry was won by Gold Dusb, with Bernardo second and Fickle third. Thirteen horses started. Time, 55sec. Dividend, £3 Is. Consolation Handicap of SOsovs. Ono mile. Mr. Walker's Snapshot, 7sb 51b (McDonald) 1 Mr. Stephenson's Captain Cook, 7st lib (Williams) 2 Mr. Mercer's Shifnal, 7st (Walden) ... 3 Hermitage (Bst) and Victory (6sb 101b) also ran. Captain Cook led at start, with Victory next, and the race appeared to be between them, but Snapshot came with a great rush and won by two lengths. Time, linin 52£ sec. Dividend, £8 16s and £5 5s 6d.