TURF TOPICS

New Zealand Mail, 21 February 1901, Page 43

TURF TOPICS

(BY ADVANCE.) THE' DANNEVIRKE MEETING. The hacks that took part in the Dannevirke meeting on Wednesday _ last were not first-class. Flying Colours, who won the Maiden Hurdles, is a fine hig gelding by Somnus, whom I mentioned, after seeing him run at Foxton, as a lkely sort for the jumping business. The Wairarapa mare, Lottie Collins, who is now trained by Jim Pilbrow, is a long time getting to the front. The well bred Art Jewel (Artillery—Crown Jewel), ridden by Bob Buckeridge, was first favourite, and with a little more experience should pay his way, which is more than he has done on the flat. Four of the six runners were well backed, and Flying Colours paid £4 Bs. Flying Colours was brought out again in the High Weight Handicap, was beaten by Tirea, who had 91b the worst of the weights, and who had earlier in the day acted as runner up to Horoeka in the Flying Handicap. Tirea is an aged gelding by Kaiwhaka (by Piscatorious from the Nutwith mare Black Bess, therefore half-brother to the successful jumping diorse Mangaohane), from Maramatahi%(by Anteros

—Moonlight). Kaiwhaka is also sire of Waitio (half sister to Owhaoka) and other performers in the Napier dis 7 trict. The roan gelding First J3hot had the softest of things in the Hack Hurdles, and should soon find his v 7 ay into bei> ter company. Air Sheeliy, the Feilding spoid who owns First Shot, also won a double with Horoeka, who was at Foxton last month, and is in good form at present-. In the Flying Handicap he had only a length to spare from Tirea, who was paving a big dividend. In the; Railway Handicap he put up 101 b penalty, and appears to have had no docility in beating Assayer at a difference of 41b. • Horoeka is by Aloe-moe-toaku (Somnus Foam), An unknown sireThe Hutt trainer, Albert Peters, had a win in the principal event with Dewdrop, who met a very weak field. She had the handy impost of 7st 91b, and was ridden by the Wairarapa horseman, Crawford. H. Fowler rode her on both occasions that she won at Tauherenikim, but C. Taylor, wffio is at present under suspension, would, probably have had the mount had he not left his employer without notice. Dewdrop's _ three wins amount to £165, and she wall in future have to race in open company. She is hardly class enough to expect to meet with much success among racehorses.^ The District Race was.won by Air H. D. Buchanan’s Sprite, who had the ser r vices of Air P. Neagle. Clovis, an aged gelding by Fitzhercules, was favourite, but coruld only get third place. Mr T. Cameron acted as starter m Mr H. Piper’s absence. Messrs Stock and Cohen, of Napier, had charge of the totalisator, and put through £2311, which /amount is £299 lets than was handled;' at the corresponding meeting last year.

OHINGAITI. The representative of the “Rangitikei Advocate,’’ who was present at the Ohingaiti meeting, reports that it was an ideal day, and the attendance was considered to be very satisfactory. Racing was interesting, speculation brisk, and the meeting was got through pleasantly. There were several cash fielders present, and the public had a very good day with them. The officials 1 , ably backed up by their efficient secretary, Mr G. Buckley, had all arrangements complete, and the- events were got off well to time. In the absence of Mr John McLeod, the work o f starting was entrusted to Mr E. O’Neil, and he pro red himself to be a capable man at the game. His fields were sent away cleverly, and on two occasions the public applauded him for his even despatches. Mr O'Neil, who is employed at the Hon J. D. Ormond’s stables, is on a visit to the district, and the club were fortunate in securing his services for the day. Mr C. A- Pritchard acted as judge, and was very prompt in announcing the placed horses. Mr Thomas McAlley, as clerk of the course, had plenty of work to do, and he did it well. Mr Bert Coyle’s adjustments were no doubt responsible for the good racing. A protest was, entered by the jockey riding Puss against the winner of the Flying Handicap for alleged crossing, hut after careful consideration it was dismissed. Mr J. Bull had a popular win on Breeze in the L-adieri. Bracelet, for which he received lusty cheers. Mrs A. Gower made happy speeches in presenting the bracelets to owners of both first and second horses. In the Forced Handicap, the rider of Kotuka (Mr Ibell) received injuries that necessitated his removal to the Royal Hotel for treatment., tie was unconscious for some time, ana it is believed he was hurt internally. ADVANCE. This is what “Banjo” Paterson had to say about Advance when he got back io Australia:—Many judges in New Zealand consider Advance as good a horse as Carbine ever was. He doesn’t look it. He is a black, or very dark brown horse, about 15.3 in height, a very plain wear-and-tear sort with a pony’s head, a coarse neck, splendid barrel and limbs, and common-looking hindquarters rather badly coupled on to his body. He is about the last animal a stranger would pick out as a champion by his looks. .All the same, he is undoubtedly a galloping phenomenon. I travelled with him in a small steamer from New Plymouth to Auckland, and he seemed a most oontented animal, playing about in his loose-box all the time. I did not see him race, but I saw him run a working gallop of a mile and a half with a mare called Tortulla—rather a good sort—as companion. He moves like t piece of clock-work, and gallops with his head high, which gives him the appearance of looking about him at the scenery, while the horse alongside him is straining every nerve to keep there. In all his races lately he has finished in the same way with his head up looking about him. There is nothing in, New Zealand that can make him extend himself at weight-for-age. All the same, I would be sorry to prophesy that he will be able ho do anything of the sort with the horses on this side of the water. The Auckland Derby winner, Renown, was the next best weight-for-age horse to Advance, arid, in my humble judgment, Renown ifould not be able to make Malster or even, Hautboy gallop. Bluejacket, the Auckland Cup winner, was an infirm horse; and to sum the matter up it would seem that Advance will meet very much better horses here than he met in New Zealand. Be this as it may, is certain that the Net'

South Wales and Victorian racing men will rub their eyes with astonishment when they see the plain-looking black go out for his gallop, and they will be more astonished than ever when they see him move along. Advance in his box and Advance on the track are two different animals. Of course, there is the fear that he may not stand the voyage and change of climate ; but he is a contented animal, and a great eater, so he may weather the trip satisfactorily.