SPORTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13767, 4 June 1908, Page 7

SPORTING.

IJfl^^"- ; i :^ -——; '■*»— — ' AUCKLAND RACING CLUB. GREAT NORTHERN MEETING. STEEPLECHASE DAY, LOCH FYNIS WINS THE BIG CROSSCOUNTRY RACE. Racegoers assembled at Ellerslie. in strong forco .yesterday, when the second day's racing of the Great Northern meeting was brought off. Steeplechase Day can always be depended upon to draw a very large attendance to the metropolitan course, and it is estimated yesterday's attendance was one of the largest that has ever assembled to assist it the Auckland Racing Club's winter gathering. ' His Excellency the Governor, Lord Plunket, Lady Plunket, and the Hon. .Kathleen Plunket arrived just before the second race was run, and were received by the president (the Hon. E. Milchclson) and the stewards on-their arrival. Tito vice-regal party left after the sixth race. . -The weather, though fine throughout the whole duty, was a little searching towards tho conclusion of the afternoon, and overcoats were largely in evidence. The going was much better Iliad on the first day. The racing was marred by an unfortunate accident in the running of the Great Northern Steeplechase, by which the well-known performer Inniskillen was so seriously injured as to necessitate his being destroyed. W. Young, the rider, escaped with a severe shaking. Mahoo fell in the same- race, but in his case neither horse nor rider were injured. In the Tally-Ho Steeplechase Matakokiri stumbled into the water at the double, but without serious mishap.

The totalisator investments amounted to £11,001, a decrease of £5937 10s as compared with tho second day last year. The decrease for tho two days is £11,868. Twentyeight bookmakers were licensed to bet yesterday. '• •

The City Band, under Bandmaster West, played enjoyable selections at intervals during tho afternoon. ', As usual, the starter, Mr. C. O'Connor, despatched his fields in capital utylc. Mr. R. B. Lusk officiated as judge. Mr. J. F.. Hartland's organisation was again all that could be desired, and everything went with tho utmost smoothness during the afternoon.