IMMEDIATE IN FAVOUR

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25801, 23 March 1945, Page 7

IMMEDIATE IN FAVOUR

There has always been a good sporting atmosphere in the Waimate district, and early records show that as manv as four meetings were once held during the season. Some of the meetings extended over two days. The Turf Register for 1875-6 shows that two days’ racing took place and the second card consisted of four steeplechases. The Waimate Steeplechase Handicap carried a stake of £IOO, a Maiden Plate steeplechase one of £SO, the Waimate Steeplechase Cup one of £75, and a Consolation Handicap had a stake of £4O. In the Maiden Plate nine horses went to the post, and during the race every one came to grief. Falls were frequent during the day, and evidently the country was unusually stiff. Fakir, the winner of the Maiden Plate Steeplechase, is probably identical with the winner of the Grand National Steeplechase of 1877. This sporting spirit still survives, and the Waimate Cup meeting will be revived to-morrow. Although some of the fields look a bit on the small side, the card should provide interesting sport. Tire following may be amongst those fancied for their engagements:— 12: Studholme High-weight Handicap.— Fairy Bard, Royal Writ, Lost Art. 12.40: Trial Plate.—Lord Roland, Fluorescent, Cornucopia. 1.20: The Waimate Cup.—lmmediate, Good Cast, The Raker. 2: Morven Trot.—Dominator, Dunamis, Courtly.

2.40: Waitangi Hack Handicap.—Surara Cinderella, Pallid.

3.20: President's Handicap.—Sing Sing, Monetary, Listen In.

4: Hook Trot.—Wee Logan, Peter Dale, Sally Dale.

4.40: Farewell Hack Handicap.—Olga’s Choice. Divorced, Honest Sal.