RACING IN NEW ZEALAND.

Otago Witness, Issue 2664, 5 April 1905, Page 52

RACING IN NEW ZEALAND.

CENTRAL OTAGO TROTTING CLUB. President, Mr T. P. Beck; vice-presidents, Messrs E. Jolly and E. F. Gerkins ; judge, Mr E. Jolly , clerk of scales, Mr T. Holden ; clerk of course, Mr J. M'Arthur: starter, Mr W. S. Laidlaw; timekeeper, Mr D. Moran; hfandicapper, Mr J. Paget; treasurer, Mr^W. S. Laidlaw ; secretary, Mr L. Ryan. Beautifully fine weather prevailed for the second snnual meeting of the Central Otago Trotting Club, which was held on the Alexandra racecourse on Wednesday. The clvib, which came into existence only last year, is to be complimented on tho success which attended its second effort to provide an. interesting day's sport, and, for such a young institution, thp members must feel highly gratified to note that owners and the public alike have recognised in a practical manner that the club is worthy of support. The nominations (which came from all parts of Central Otago) far exceeded the expectations of the promoters, and the very small percentage of seratchings may in a. great measure be ascribed to the high degree of accuracy displayed by the club's handicapper (Mr J. Paget) concerning the capabilities of tho various candidates. There was a large attendance of the public, the whole of Central Otago being well represented, and the sum of £16 6s 6d was taken at the gates, as compared with £12 odd last year. As the club has not yet been able to obtain a totalisator permit, the investing public had to be content with dealing with one or other of the several " cash fielders " from the city.

Considering the long spell of dry weather lately experienced, the course was in fairly good order, and no complaints on this score were heard. The air being perfectly calm during the day the dust nuisance was not in evidence at all, and the spectators were thus enabled to thoroughly enjoy the day's outing. The corumittee made very complete arrangements for carrying out the meeting, and the several events were got off promptly. The programme* was carried out without a hitch from start to finish, and not a single protest was lodged during the day. Among the members of an energetic committee, the names of Messrs T. P. Beck (president), E. Jolly (vice-president and judge), W. S. Laidlaw (starter), S. Cameron, D. Bringans, J. M'Arthur, and T. Hold'en may be mentioned as being worthy of a special -word of praise for the satisfactory results attending the meeting, whilst Mr L. Ryan carried out his duties as secretary in his usual faultless manner. The Alexandra Brass Band was present, and the enlivening music supplied added much to the enjoyment of those present. Following aje detailed results of the racing: MAIDEN HANDICAP TROT, Of 15sovs. One mile and a-half.

Mr J. Meper's The Callant, ssec

(Richardson) 1 Mr W. Theyer's Theora, ssec (Simons) .. 2 Miss Paul's Lauder Bell, ssec (Norton) .. 3 Also started : Harvest Lass ss*o, Tommy Oarts osec, Velvet Rose ssec, Lady Pet ssec. Betting : Evens The Callant, 6to 4 Theora 6 to 10 to 1 the others.

The CaPant, who was splendidly ridden by Richardson, immediately went to the front, and maintained premier position throughout, eventually winning easily. Theora challenged tho leader, but a couple of breaks spoiled what looked like a good chance of winning. Lauder Bell was a bad third. Time, 4roin 24sec.

GOLDFIELD'S CUP. Of 40sc\s; second horse ssovs. Two miles. Mt A. Matheson's Puzzle, 32sec (Owner) . l Mr R. S. Cotter's Erratic, 19sec (Cotter) .." 2 Mr J. Perriam's Lieutenant J., scr

„ (Mountney) 3 «Also started: General Pet 7sec, Good Hope 26sec, Sandy 30sec, Tiie Callant 35sec. Betting: 2 to 1 Lieutenant J. and Puzzle, 4 to 1 Erratic and Good Hope, 6 to 1 The Callant, 8 to 10 to 1 the others. The Callant kept in front for about threequarters of a mile, when he was passed by Puzzle, who was breaking repeatedly. After passing the stand the first time the latter at last settled down to business, and the result was thereafter never in doubt, Puzzle winning easily by about 100 yards. Erratic, comingvery fast, passed The Callant at the turn for home; and Lieutenant J., who trotted in great style, snatched third place on the post. Time smin 37sec. '

LADIES' BRACELET, Of 15sovs. One mile and a-half. Mrs M'Cutcheon's Ravensdale, 12sec

„ _ „ (Mr M'Cutcheon) 1 Mrs Beck's Dagmar, 12sec (Mr T. P. Beck) 2 Miss Paul's Lauder Bell, 21sec (Mr Norton) 3 Also started: Benedict scratch, Monarch 19sec, Velvet Rose 19sec, Harvest Lass 21sec, and Tommy Oats 21sec.

Betting: Even money Ravensdale, 2 to 1 Dagnjai, 3 to 1 Benedict, 6 to 8 to 1 the others.

Shortly after the start Ravensdale (in harness) went to the front, but, breaking in the straight in the first round, she allowed Dagmar to assume control. The advantage gained wap, however, only of momentary duration, and Ravensdale, settling aown again, passed Dagmar like a flash. Nearing home, Dagmar challenged the leader, and was on her wheels when, the winning post was reached. Lauder Bell was an indifferent third. Time, 4min 29Ssec.

CENTRAL HANDICAP, Of 20sovs. One mile.

Mr "W. Theyers's Theora, 20sec '(J.

Perriam) 1 Mr Matheson's Puzzle, lOsec (Owner) .. 2 Mr Perriam's General Pet, scr. (Mountney) 3 Also started; J.C. ssec and Sandy 13sec. Betting: 6 to 4 Puzzle, 2 to 1 Theora and J.C, 10 to 1 the others.

Theora maintained the lead throughout and won comfortably by half a length. Time, 2min 55 3-ssec.

MIDDLE CLASS HANDICAP, Of 3050v3. One mile and a-half.

Mrs Beck's Vincent, 20sec (Perriam) .. 1 Mr Brophy's Good Hope, 18sec (Owner) .. 2 Mr. Bringans's Whisper^ scr. (Rich?,r_dson) 3

Also started. Maniac 2sec, Lieutenant J. Ssec, and Erratic 13sec.

Betting : Even money Vincent, 2 to 1 "Whisper, 7 and 8 to 1 the others.

Vincent, who trotted in harness, made the pace merry from the start, and, although Good Hope trotted more kindly than in his previous attempt, he could not get on even terms with the sulky, Vincent winning by a length. Whisper, ridden out, was about 100 yards avray third. Time, 4min 17 l-ssec.

FAREWELL HANDICAP, Of V 2& boys. One mile.

Mr J. M'Arthur' s Patience, ISsec (Simons) 1 Mr R» Cotter's Erratic, 9sec (J. Cotter) .. 2 Mr^ Beck's Dagmar, ISsec (H. Syinons) 3 Betting: 6 to 4 Ravensdale, 3 to 1 Patienca and Erratic, 4 to 1 Dagmar, 8 to 1 the others. Ravensdale lost some time at the start, and Patience drew away from Dagmar. Coming romid the turn for home Erratic made a. desperate attempt to overtake Patience, but the latter caught the judge's eye first by about three lengths, Dagmar being several lengths away third. Time, 2min 57sec.

WELLINGTON AUTUMN MEETING.

First Day— Thursday, March 30.

The Wellington Racing Club opened ita autumn meeting under most depressing circximstanoes to-day, and the day may confidently be said to be easily the first " worst " on recorci in the annals of the club as regards attendance, sport, and speculation. The rain, which had! fallen from Tuesday evening, fell heavily last night, and continued this morning almost on to the time trains were arranged 1 to leave town. Added to this a high northerly wind, almost amounting to half a gale, was blowing, anct the heavy clouds promised none too fine a. day for holiday-makei-s. This had a telling effect on the attendance, which may be assessed at about 2000, with only a slight sprinkling of the fair sex. It was, however, the smallness ot fields that was most noticeable, and what contributed to this is hard to define. Nevertheless thero is the bald fact that only 37 horses took part in the eight races which comprised the day's programme. It may be that the club in ita wisdom having decided to race before instead of at Easter, as heretofore, brought about this resuilt, but it is scarcely within the knowledge of local sports when there has been such » paucity of horses at the Hutt. Lookingat the sport itself, it was only mediocre, and there was not a. close finish throughout the day except in the smaller fields, when the: second or third horse waa only up c2os« on stifferance. • The Thompson Handicap produced the best field, and was the best betting race of the day. Signalman, however, had the race won a. good distance from home, and was not pressed at the finish. The Porirua stable practically scooped ««everything except the Thompson Handicap; Gold Crown easily beating his opponent in the Waiwetu Handicap; Boris ran away with the Railway Handicap ; Flamen scored in the Heretaunga. Handicap; Achilles was far too good for Machine Gun in the Challenge Stakes; while Maui wound up the day by scoring in tihe Tinakori Hack Handicap. Jenkins, on whom the stable has first call, was in great form. He had a mount in. each oi the seven flat races, and his record reads — five wins, one second, one unplaced (Ghoorka). With a" limited attendance speculation -was consequently reduced, and to-day only £6537 (including £870 on the double machine) was handled, as against £8990 on the first day last year The double machine, which, was opened on the Thompson and Railway Handicaps, won respectively by Signalman and Boris, had £870 invested, 34 being on the winning combination, which paid & dividend of i' 23. The attendance of outsiders at this meeting was very small, the most prominent being Sir George Clifford, Hon. G. M'Lean, Messrs G. G. Stead, P. Campbell, E. J. Watt, and G. P. Donnelly. The following are the results : —

HURDLE HANDICAP, Of 150sovs ; second horse 20sovs. About one mile and three-quarters. 228 — Mr A. Hutana's b g Rungarawa, by Lethe — Zig-zag, 6yra, 9.0

(A. M'Morrin) 1 36— Mr R. Hogg's Defoe, 6yrs, 9.7 [inc. 71b penalty] (T. Pritchard) .. .. 2 107— Mi- R. W. Paterson's Lissa, 6yrs, 9.7 (Telford) 3 Also started: 271 Trumpery 11.9, 106 Levant 10.7, 47 Jean D'Albrel 9.12.

Rungarawa rushed away to the front, and after gemg half a mile was six lengths ahead of Levant, who was about a similar distance in front of Defoe; Trumpery lying fifth. In this order they passed the stand, and, turning by the river, Trumpery ran into fourth place. Rungarawa continued to make the running at a- great bat, and at the turning by the road had the race won bar accident. Levant waa then his closest attendant, but in the straight both Defoe and Lissa passed her, but made no impression on the leader, who won very easily by three lengths; Lissa. four lengths away. Levant was fourth, and Jean D'Albrefc last. Time, 3min 24sec. Dividends, £2 7s an<! £4 19s.

WAIWETTJ HANDICAP, Of lOOsovs; second horse lOsovs. Seven furlongs. 89— Mr J. H. Prosser's b g Gold Crown, by Gold JReef— Nymph, 4yrs, 9.0.

(C. Jenkins) 1 40 — Messrs Baxter Bros.' Veneer, 3yrs, 6.11

(T. Pine) 2

Only the pair started. Won very eas^.y h% a length. Time, lmin 32sec. Dividend, £1 6s.

THOMPSON JiANDICAP, Of 400sovs ; second horse 40aovs, and third

horse lOsovs. One mile. 181 — Sir Geo. Clifford's eh o Signalman, by Clanranald — Weathereye, 3yrs, 7.8 (V. Cotton) I 200 — Mr J. Sinclair's b m Regulation, aged,

8.8 [inc. 51b penalty] (J. Sceates) .. 2 203— Mr D. Thomson's br c Kaharoa, syrs, 8.8 (T. Wilson) 3 Also started: 183 Ghoorka 8.6. 218 Starshoot 7.12, 162 Bsdlarat 7.10, 152 Shrapnel Shell 7.5, 246 Auratus 6.13.

After considerable delay, for which Kaharoa and Starshoot were mainly responsible, th« field was despatched on fairly even terms', except Starshoot, who waa left several lengths in the rear when the barrier rose. After going a couple of hundred yards Ballarat's colours were prominent, with Signalman at her quarters. Then came Auratus and Regulation, with the others bunched, except Starshoot. Racing along the back Ballarat gave place to Signalman, and there was little variance in the order of the others beyond that Starshoot had closed tip a little, and waa lying sixth, while iiaharoa had dropped to the rear. Neariug the bend by the road" Signalman was out by himself, some three lengths in front of the field ; after whom came Ballarat, Auratus, and Regulation, bunched, with Ghoorka- fifth; Kaharoa still some distance away. Signalman was the first to turn for home, with Ballarat and Regulation handy. A capital race ensued to the winning post. Ballarat was soon done yrixh, but Regulation put in a decided challenge, and Signalman had to be shaken up to vrirt by a length. Kaharoa, who came very fast in the last furlong, cut down a tin ig field and secured third iDl<u_e, a length behind Regulation. Then came Ghoorkd, «uid Ballaiaf, Shrtipuel Shell being \he lust to pass the oo&W

Time, lmm 43 3-ssec. Dividends, £5 15s and £1 14s.

Silverstream Hack Handicap. — Royal Blue, 7.0, 1; Pardon. 8.9, 2; Position, 6.10," 3. Aiso started: Paderewski 6.10, Westland 6.7. Royal Blue was quickest away, and, clearing away from the field, gave nothing a, chance, winning very easily by six lengths. Time, lmin 45 2-ssec. Dividend, £3 11s.

RAILWAY HANDICAP, Of 150sovs; second horse 20sovs. Six furlongs. «=—*»- 176—Mr R. T. TurnbuU's eh c Boris, by Stejjniak— Shepherdess, 3yrs, 8.4

(C. Jenkins) 1 129 — Sir George Clifford's eh f Chryseis, 3yrs, 7.9 (V. Cotton) 2

Only the pair started. Chryseis was indulged with -filer lead for a couple of furlongs, when Boris took charge, and -won hard held by a length. Time, lmin 16 3-ssec. Dividend, £1 lls.

HERETAUNGA HANDICAP,

Of lOOsovs; second horse lOsovs. Nine furlongs. 200 — Hon. W. W. Johnston's b c Flamen,

•by Sou' -wester — Balm, 3yrs, 9.0

(C. Jenkins) 1 288 — Mr H. Brown's eh g Hydrant, syrs, 8.6 (W. Price) 2 89 — Mr F. Martin's eh g Benefactor, Gyra, 8.0 (F. Davis) 3 Also started: 84 Veneer 8.2. Hydrant and Veneer carried on the running for about half the journey, when Fla*~ ?n ran through, and. galloping along in front, won without an effort by two lengths. Time, lmin 59 2-ssec. Dividend, £2 19s. NORTH ISLAND CHALLENGE STAKF-S, Of VlOOsovs;- second horse sCsovs, and third 25sovs. Weight for age, with penalties and allowances. Seven furlongs. 312 — Mr J. Monk's eh, g Achilles, by Medallion — Nereid, syrs, 9.8 (C. Jenkins) 1 134 — Mr G. G. Stead's br h Machine Gun, 4yrs, 9.5 (F. Jones) 2 41— Mr E. J. Watt's br f Dalny. 2vrs. 6.4 (T. H. Butler) 3 Only the three started. Machine gun led the other pair along the back stretch, but at the bend by the roadr Achilles was on terms. *nd before the straight was reached was ahead of Mr Stead's horse. Achilles easily assertedhimself in the straight, and won comfortably by two lengths and a-half. The filly was along way away. Time, lmin 29 2-saec. Dividend, £1 Bs. Tinakori Hack Handicap, of SOsovs. Six furlongs.— Maui, 7.13, 1; Matakokiri, 7.10, 2: Hukaaka. 7.4, 3. Also started: Galahad 7.5. Pattina 7.1, Golden Comb 7.5, Te Kainui 6.7. Won by a length and a-half. Time, linin 17 3-ssec. Dividends, £1 12s and £1 ss.

Secosd Day — Saturday, April 1.

Very heavy rain, fell last night, and at 8 o'clock this morning it looked impossible for the conditions to improve sufficiently to enable! the Bacing to race to-day. However, before 10 a-ni. the sky brightened, and the stewards decided to go on. A disagreeable day prevented anything like even a modexate attendance, and at no time could it- have exceeded 1500. Heavy rain fell almost all the afternoon, and a fierce nor' -west gale was blowing. The fields were again small, and speculation dull. The amount handled to-day ■was £4990, including the double machine, making £11,527 for the meeting, or a decrease of £5787 compared with the last autumn meeting, A double machine, opened on the Autumn Handicap and the Beimont Hack ' Handicap, had £844 invested, the winning eom-bia-.tion* paying each of "the four lucky investors £189 18s. Results: — HANDICAP HURDLES, Of 130sovs; second horse 20sovs. About one ra mile and a-half. Si — Mr R. W. Paf&rson's br g Lissa, by Lethe — Gertrude, Gyrs. 9.4 (H. Telford) 1 85— Mr J. Hogg's Levant, 10.6 (T. Pritchard) 2 76 — Mr W. Spencer's Magnificent. 9.2 (W. Biggins) 3 These were the only starters. After going a furlong Lissa had half a dozen lengths' lead from Levant, which was never reduced until nearing the winning post, when liissa, pulling up. allowed the mare to get ■within three lengths; Magnificent was under punishment most of the way. and finished badly. Time, 3min 0 2-ssec. Dividend, £2 Bs. HUTT HANDICAP, ' Of lOOsovs; second horse lOsovs. One mile. 140— Mr J. H. Prosser's b g Gold Crown, j by Gold Reef — Nymph, 4yrs, 8.11 (C Jenkins) 1 198 — Mr J. Sinclair's Regulation, 8.13 • (J. Sceats) 2 118— Mr W. Smart's Shrannel Shell, 7.2 (A. Oliver) 3 Also started: 61 Immersion 6.9. The race was run in a rain storm. Regulation got all the worst of the start. The other trio raced together until near the bend by the road, when Immersion died out of the etrusgle, and Regulation closed-on the leaders. Gold Crowji was first into the straight, with Shrapnel Shell at his quarters; but one© heads were turned for home the latter began to "falter, and Regulation got up to within two lengths of Gold Crown at the finish. Time, lnrm 47 4^ssec. Dividend. £S 6s. NEW ZEALAND ST. LEGER STAKES, Of 400sovs; second horse 30sovs and third lOeovs. For three-year-olds. One mile and three-quarters. 168— Mr G. G. Stead's eh g Nightfall, by Multiform— La- Notte. 8.7 (F. Jones) 1 42 Hon. W. W. Johnston's b h Flamen, by Sou' -wester — Balm, 8.10 (C. Jenkins) 2 43 — Sir Geo. Clifford's eh c Signalman, by Claoara-nald — Weathereye, 8.10 (V. Cotton) 3 On the word " Go" Signalman immediately flrew out, but before reaching the stand Flamen was taken to the front, and then "Nightfall ran into second place. Much the same order - prevailed on entering the second Tound, but after traversing a. mile there was little to choose between the field, and a, sheet •would have covered the trio. AfteT going another furlong the race was practically over, as Nightfall got away in front and won without being troubled by six lengths. Flamen passed the tiring Signalman in the straight, and beat him by four lengths for second honours. Time, 3min 16 4-ssec. Dividend, £1 7s. Muritai Hack Handicap, of 80sovs; second liaise lOsovs. Seven furlongs. — Pardon, 8.12 (C. Jenkins), 1; Royal Blue, 8.4, 2; Golden Comb, 6.9, 3. These were the only starters. Royal Blue led till the straight was entered, when Pardon, who ran a very different race to that on Thursday, came through and won by two lengths. Time, lmin 35 3-ssec. Dividend, £2 10s. j AUTUMN HANDICAP, Of 300sovs; second horse 30sovs and third lOsovs. One mile and a-q\iarter. j 88^ — Mr J Dayton's br g Auratus, by Gold Ree-f — Pursering, 4yrs, 6.9 Tine) .. 1 83 — Mr W. Smart's Shrapnel Shell, 6.13 I (C. Buchanan) 2 £28 — Sir Geo. Clifford's Cannie Chiel, 8.5 (V. Cotton) 3 Also started^ 273 Ghoorka 8..3 2 Exmoor 7.6

(bracketed with Ghoorka) 12S Rapids 6.7, 79 .Hydrant 6.7. From an even start the field swept past the stand, with Auratus about half a length in front of Rapids and Hydrant, the others pretty well in a bunch. Rounding the turn t»y the trees the latter pair gave way to Ex-

moor and Sh.ra.pnel Shell

Auratus and Ex-

moor carried on the running along the back. I where Hydrant again ran into third position, and before the road was approached Cannie [ Chiel, who had been running last, began to ! move, while Exmoor had had enough. Coming j round the home turn Ghoorka momentarily flattered his backers, as he ran up to Auratus's quarters ; but the effort was not long sustained and he retired- again to the rear. When halfway down the straight Shrapnel £hell challenged the leader, and Pine had to shake up Auxatus, who responded gamely md won comfortably by about three lengths ; Cannie Chiel being a length behind Shrapnel Shell and half a. length in front of Hydrant. Time 2min 14|sec. Dividends. £6 6s and £5 12s

PACIFIC HANDICAP,

Of 150sovs ; second horse 20sovs. For two and three-year-olds. Six furlongs.

2-31 — Sir Geo. Clifford's eh f Chryseis, by I Clanranald — Golden Crest, 3yrs, 8.3 1 * (Y. Cotton) 1 229 — Mr L. Master's br f Prelude, 2yrs, 7.9 (C. Buchanan) 2 j 55 — Hon. W. W. Johnston's, b c Aorangi, 1 2yrs, 6 9 (Oliver) 3

Aiso started: 36 Grand Circle 6.7, 44 Yentalero 6.7. Prelude and Aorangi were quickest away, while Grand Circle was caught in the tapes. After a couple of furlongs Chryseis ran through, and won comfortably by four lengths. Time, lmin 20 2-ssec. Dividend, -£2 6s.

SUBURBAN HANDICAP, J Of 150 soys; second horse lOsovs. Seven I furlongs. 115— Mr R. T. Turnbnli's eh c Boris, by j Stepniak — Shepherdess, 3yrs, 8.2 (C. Jenkins) 1 i 46— Mr A. M'Farlane's Matuku, 7.2 (C. Buchanan) 2 The pair ran together until entering the straight, when Jenkins, on Boris, drew out, and won easily by three-quarters of a length. Time,

lmin 36 3-ssec

Dividend, £1 ss.

Beimont Hack Handicap, of 80sovs. Six furlongs. — Declination, 7.6 (Pine), 1 ; Maui.

2, Aotea, 6.12, 3. Also started: Coxswain 8.8, / Matakokiri 7.13, Hakaka 7.5, Pateena 6.9, Te Kaimui 6.7. Coxswain got hung up in the tapes, and took no part in the race. Won rather -easily by three lengths. Time, lmin 20sec. Dividends, £6 9s and £1.

The following are the winning owners and amounts won : Sir G-eo. Clifford, £520 ; Mr G. G. Stead, £410 ; Mr J. Monk, £325 ; Mr R. Turnbull, £270; Mr J Dalton, £260; Mr J. H. i Prosser, £190; Mr A. Hutana, £130; Hon. W. j W. Johnston, £120; Mr R. W. Paterson, £110; Mr R. Knox, £80; Mr A. Mitchell, £80; Mr

J. R. Macdonald, £70; Mr W. H. Bidwell, £70. Smaller amounts raise the total to £2850.