SPORTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 15834, 3 February 1915, Page 9

SPORTING.

RACING FIXTURES. February 4, 6Gisborne Racing Club. February 4.—Poroti Hack Sports Club. February s.—Otarnatea Racine Club. February 6—Ngsruawahia Racine Club. February 10 —Rotorua Jockey ClubFebruary 10. 11.—Taranaki Jockey ClubFebruary 11, 13—Poverty Bay Turf Club. February 13—To Kuiti Racing Club. February 17. 19, 20— Dunedin Jockey Club. February 19, South Auckland Racing Ciub February 24. —Otahuhu Trott : ns Club. February 25. 27.Wanganui Jockey ClubMarch 6, B—To Aroha Jockey Club. March 12. 13—Napier Park Racing Club. March 17. 18—Ohinemuri Jockey Club. March 18, —Masterton Racine Club. March 21, —Rangitikei Racing Club. April 5. 6—Canterbury Jockey Club. NOTES BV PHAETON. '1 HE sun was shining brightly when racegoers assembled at the. North Shore on Saturday to assist in the bringing off of the programme interrupted on the preceding day by wet weather. So far as the leading position is concerned, it does not- require much spare to relate the history attaching to the contest for the Takapuna Cup, for after Soldier and Self had each taken a turn in forcing the pace in the first half-mile, Bedford went to the front, and the chestnut colt remained in command from the point named. A fear seemed to be entertained in some quarters that Bedford would not stay out the iourney ; but the procedure adopted would lead to th© impression that P. Jones had little misgivings on the point. Bedford came home in good style three lengths in 2m 39 4-ss, which can bo termed a meritorious record, considering the state of the track.

Bedford's capture of the Takapuna Cup at the North Shore on Saturday last, it is hardly necessary to say, brought a host of congratulations to his breeder and owner, Mr. F. Marshall, who came down from Morrinsville to see his colt run. The fact of Bedford earning the green jacket, and white sleeves* of Mr. L. Harris led to an impession gaining ground that Mr. Marshall had sold his colt. The* explanation of the change of colours resorted to was that Mr. Marshall's colours (black and white stripes) were rendered so unpresentable owing to the mud bath they received on the opening day that it was deemed necessary to approach the stewards to allow a change, which was granted.

Quite a lot of discussion has been heard regarding the handling of Soultane by Deeley in the Stewards' Handicap at Takapuna on Saturday last, and it may be that he lost the race by electing to ease his mount when a furlong and a-half had been covered, for he had no sooner pulled Soultane in behind Toreador and King Lupin than he became " pocketed," and from there until the straight entrance he met with many disappointments in his attempts to gain a winning position. As it was, Toreador and King Lupin had too big a lead from the turn home, though Deeley brought all his human perseverance and energy into the contest, and when he suffered defeat by less than a length the disconsolate expression which the lightweight horseman wore plainly told that Deeley was disagreeably surprised at the result. Another "20yds and Soultane would have been returned victorious, which fact the public are not likely to lose sight of. Claude Browne has been engaged to ride the son of Soult in his sprint engagement this afternoon.

After a somewhat- protracted spell of ill-luck Toreador once again claimed th* attention of the iudge on Saturday last, when he accounted for the opposition in the settlement of the Stewards' Handicap at Takapuna. The big son of Spalpeen was always taking a hand in forcing the pace with King Lupin, and he lasted long enough to win by half a length from the top-weicht, who was conceding his big rival 151b. *

There ate not many of Carbine's descendants now racing, but Defence, one of the English-bred descendants of the phenomenal bay. succeeded in winning the Hcbart Cup at the Tasmanian Turf Club's meeting on Friday last.

Kitty Bellairs drew a bad position at tlio barrier in the Stewards' Handicap at Takapuna on Saturday, and meeting with some interference as the barrier lifted, could not get near the front at any part of the event. She dashed over half a mile nicely at Ellerslie yesterday morning, and should he seen to better effect this afternoon across the water in the Suburban Handicap, when McFlynn will be found in the saddle. Phosphorus has performed most consistently of late without registering a victory. He. was plainly not suited by the sodden turf of last Saturday at Takapnna. and many keen judges at Ellerslie hold the oninion that he will shape even better with the going firm. In a half-mile dash in company with Rlu© Garment yesterday the Wairiki gelding showed up well enough to suggest that he has not suffered by his Takapuna Cup engagement. Royal Irish cannot be at his best just now, for in his recent races he has shown none of that dash and pace which characterised his earlier efforts. With one exception, it is noteworthy that he has a distinct advantage this afternoon in poundage over those opposed to him in mile and a-quarter events of late. He would only need to be at his V.est to keep the rest busy, but his Takapuna Cup effort does not suggest that he is. Tripoli did not show out prominentlv in the seven furlonsrs won by .Tolie Fille at Takapuna last Friday, but is improving with every gallop, and should soon be ready to pay something towards her upkeep. She should be st ited at country fixtures. NimbJefoot. who is enz.-'ged in the hack hurdle cla£s at Takapuna this afternoon, shaped particularly well over five fences at Kllerslie yesterday with Kellv in the saddle. The chestnut may want a little more time to earn distinction with the colours up. Lightning began very smartly from the rest of the two-year-olds in competition at the Shore last Saturday, and plainly evidenced that she must alwi.Ys be considered over a half-mile course when the poundage allotted her is not too heavy. She is only small in stature, hut. ran co very fast, and has improved wonderfully since Christinas. Private ad\i''e received from Wairoa is to the effect that I). Porter, who was injured owing to a fall in the Maiden Handicap last week, lias hopes of recovery. Besides suffering injuries to his leg. Porter «;is struck on the back of his head, : which left a hole big enough to place four finders m. However, his medical endant gives the flisborne rider-trainer a •■ fighting chance. Te Onca baulked badly when being : .'i-.hooled by Conway at Ellerslie on Mon- ' day morning, but acquitted himself well yesterday with Tutchen as his pilot. The latter is to ride him in his hurdle engagej ment at Takapuna this afternoon, when the Great Northern Hurdles victor is sure to claim strong support against Cloudy j Dawn and Co. J Allegation's party have nothing to complain of at the weight allotted the Gladstone gelding over 10 furlongs this afternoon, and the Summer Cup and King Edward Handicap winner will only need to have freshened up sine© his hard ChristI mas campaign to come in for some atteaI tior*. It is &aid F. Brady will be found i in the saddle.

Colonel Soult and Try Fink* wer<> associated over a sprint journey at EUerslie yesterday, and are kept up to form to fit them for racing purposes.

Acceptances for all events to be run at the To Kuiti Racing Club's meeting close on Saturday next, at 8 p.m.

By reason of the Takapuna. Jockey Club fixing the second day of their summer meeting for to-day, " the Kgarnawabia: Racing Club, which had fixed their annual rxce meeting for the same date, deemed it. advisable to make an alteration. Saturday next being selected by the Waikato Club. It will be~pleasing to lean-, that the. alteration in date has not affected the old club, and that a success -will be stored. The parties connected with the Xetr Zealand horse Di Gama continue to enjoy a happy time. The son of V&eco's latest success was registered on Saturdav last in the Sandown Park Plate. The prize attaching to the rate in question is only of small monetary value, but no doubt the pencillers would once again b« called upon to contribute to the banking account of the Di Gam*, party. t Delinibre. who showed np we ll {„ a three-furlong sprint with Glncian at Ellerslie yesterday, is to be saddled un m the two-year-old event at Takamma 'this afternoon. He is a son of Seatou Delavai —Timbre, that may want a bit of time. but looks likely to turn out welL Selection shared pleasingly over a mile on the sand at kllerslie tbeTJther moraine. wh:ch evidently influenced his partv i.i accept for th=> big handicap this afternoon at Takapuna. However, the Soult gelding would be more at home if the going hap" pens to be soft, for he is not thorough! sound. He is to be piloted by T. Chaplin. A. McMillan is to ride Gcldsize in h:3 engagement at Takapuna this afternoon. I"h.> little chestnut was fairlv and sqcarelv beaten by both Bedford and Phosphorus in the Takapuna Cup last Saturday, and met with no interference or. the jouniev. K. J. Rae left for Cisbr-ne yesterday afternoon in charge of Waiorewa "and Sep". I who claim engagements at this week's I meeting. two of the yearlings purchased |by Mr Lvsrmr and a pair of Mr. F. Hall's juveniles were also taken down by the Ellerslie trainer. Merry R..e is to be ridden bv C. Browno in the First Taranaki Stakes on Wednesi day. The Soult mare leaves for New j Plymouth in company with Lady Sabre- | tache. the pair going South in charge of Bert Rae. When Persian Prince and the All Black I —Mrs. Wiggs youngster in Macroanemin's j care fa'-e racegoers with the colours up they will figure on the card as gelding. | Veterinary-Surgeon Halstead having per- , formed successfully on the pair yesterday. B. Deeley. J. Buchanan, C. Kermedv, and J. Deerey were passengers bv the East Coast boat yesterday to complete engagements to ride at the. Poverty Bay meetings. W. Ryan rode four winners at the Wairoa meeting last, week. This popular horseman may take np his residence in j Auckland permanently in the near fntare. j There should be plenty of riding for a ; horseman of Ryan's calibre in this disi trict. I Loloma and Malcnra are two hacks likely Ito compete at Takapuna this afternoon that j were not seen out last week-end. Both I ran into places at the Ellerslie holidav j meeting. It- shonld be interesting to note how Marble Star shapes at Takaoona this afternoon with Qsfc on her back. She is only a handful, though there is no doubt I that she -won handsomely last Friday. St. Lewis, who ran off in the Maiden Hurdles at Takapnna last Friday, is to do ridden by J. Hall in his engagement th. : I afternoon ; while C. Scott may probably be found steering Haku. Bedford and Toreador, the respective winners of the Takapuna Cup and • Stewards' Handicap at the Takapuna Jockey Club meeting on Saturday last I were trained by P. Jone*. H. McCabe, who was present at Taka- ' pnna on Saturday last, left for Hawera on Monday under engagement to rida Glen Nevis in the hurdle, event this after* neon. Goldsize. Bedford, Toreador, and Loval I Arch are regarded as certain to make the , tnp to the Taranaki Cup meeting next | week. Lady Elgiva and Miss Avalanche were companions over a circuit of the inner grass at Ellerslie yesterday morning, thfc former showing to most advante-"e. Goldcatcher met with some interference when Dandy Breaze fell in the Ferry Han- ! dicap at Takapuna on Saturday, but may j want a race or two yet before fie is caught • at his best. j A half-sister to Sea De'fl, by Pukaki, has been leased to a patron of R. Brough's stable, and is to be taken south to Hawera from F. Macmanemin's care tomorrow. Harlestone was *<*> good for The. Glad 1 ; Eye in a dash on the sand at Ellerslie yesterday morning. | Tinopai failed badly over the Takapuna Cap distance, but should be more at heme over a shorter course. ' TAKAPUNA JOCKEY CLUB. i THE SUMMER MEETING. i The Takapuna Jockey Club will bring I their summer meeting to a conclusion toj " day, and the acceptances being such as to give promise of an excellent afternoon's spurt, it may be looked upon in the lighfl ' of a certainty that in the event of the > weather proving fine the popular marine ' suburb will once again be strongly invaded by racegoers. The first event 13 . timed to be started at 12.50 p.m., and the programme will be run off in the* following order :— MOAXA HANDICAP, seven fnrlonss - - • Coleraine 9.3. Marble Star 9.0. Taiamni 11. i Goidmoivnt 8.11. Lady Lynette S-S. Gluetann* , 7, Glncian 8.3. Tatnahere 82. Goldcatcher 7.13, Brookfield 7 13. Hopve 7.13. Hanette * 7.13, Dandy Breeze 7 13. Luros 7.13. ' TAKAPUNA MAIDEN HURDLES, one mil© cod a-hall and lOOvds.—Barfawire 1013. Sr>alr*rron 10.10. Foicliers 9.10. Haku 6. , The Celt 9.2, Laverna 90, The Glad Ere <1.0. " Wnitopa 90. NimbWoot 9.0. St Lewis 9.0. ! SUBURBAN' HANDICAP, five fnrloass and a half —Toreador 8.11. Blnestone 87, - Tinopai 86. Kitty Bellaits 81. Soultane 7 10. i Dclenrts 71. Bine Garment 6.10, Gold Necklet 6.10. Monster 6 3. > TAKAPUNA JOCKEY CLUB UANDI- . CAP. one mile and a-QUarter.—Goldsne 8.3, Bedford 0. Royal Irish 8.0. La. Reina. 7 li. A negation 7.12, Phosphorus 7.11. Tinopai 77. Selection 9. Monorail 6.5, Ovation 67. ! HOBSON HANDICAP, lour furlong l— Loyal Arch 9.13. Housewife 6, Analogue 7.11, Lightning 7.9. Delimbre 6 13. Causeway 6 13. Hiero 6.3. Torotoro 6-8, Harlestone 67.' P.ANGTTOTO HANDICAP, five t%fr----and a-half.—Makiira 8.11. Munsler 8-107 Lo- . Icrna 8.9. Inapuna 85. Colerauio S4. Trouble- . some 75. Glncian 7.3. Znlupin 7.2. Nimrod 7 0. Macelte 7.0. Dandy Breeie 7.0.

WAIWERA HANDICAP HURDLES, one mile and Three-quarters.— Dawn 11.5. Tf Onga 110. Lady Sabretache 92, Starket 90. Si. Lewis 9.0

ANNIVERSARY WELTER HANDICAP. on» —Jo He Fille 9.8. Allegation 9 7 Prince So-lt 94. Tattoo 9 3. Yankee Doodle 8 5. Tripoli 8.0, Worcester 7 12. Monorail 7.12, Cloy 12. Kaween 7.9. Maui Nina 7£. Troublesome 7.7, Takanmi 7.7, Oration 7."1 Hadj 7.7. Lady Penury 7.7.

ROTORUA JOCKEY CLUB

IMPROVEMENTS TO COURSE.

Rotoeca, Tuesday.

The Kotorua Jockey Club has carried ont improvements to the coarse at Antra Park at a total cost of over £700. The purchase of two acres of land has allowed the. grandstand to be moved back lioft. thus doing away with the congestion that proved a. drawback to enjoyment. _ The stand has been raised and otherwise improved, a commodious luncheon room and bar being added. A new and up-to-date totalisatorLouso has been erected and a stewards' stand on convenient lines completes lie buildings. It was also intended to lay oat and beautify the grounds, but the dry season was against this. Still, a vast improvement has been effected, and the appointments will now bear comparison with those of any town of similar size.