COURSING.

Otago Witness, Issue 2719, 25 April 1906, Page 57

COURSING.

DUNEDIN PLUMPTON CLUB

The Dunedin Coursing Club commenced the first meeting of the season at Foriury Park on Wednesday, in decidedly unfavourable weather. The morning was dull and threatening, and just about midday a heavy rain ; et in, and continued unceasingly for the remainder of the day. This made the plumpton somewhat heavy and greasy, and, although the hares were going well in the early stages, kills became very frequent towards the latter part of the day, whilst several dogs were slipped up when doing their work. Two rounds of the Maiden Stake were got off', and one in the Champion Stake. The majority of the courses provided very little work, and speed seemed to be the convincing element of the day. The judge's flags were wielded by Mr .T. Mitchell, of Oamaru. and the slips were in the. hands of Mr W. Henderson. Mr Mitchell did not have very arduous duties to perform in assessing the points, most of the courses being of a quiet, rapid nature, with one dog standing out fairly prominently. A.s viewed from the stand, he appeared to make a mistake in the course between Mikado and Reel. Mikado both led and killed in a very quick course, which lasted 17 4-spec, and Reel had little or nothing to do with bringing the course to a conclusion. Mr Henderson's slipping was on the xrhole fairly good, but in one or two cases the dogs hung badly when being delivered. Most of the officials were present, and assisted towards bringing the day's sport to a successful finish. A view of more than one course was interrupted by spectators getting in front of the press table, which made following the course exceedingly difficult. Some method of isolating the press table is badly needed. The following are the lesults of the coursing so far as it went: —

DUNEDIK MAIDEN STAKE. Winner, £50, runner-up, £-20; two dogs, at £8; three, at £1 ; and sis, at £2 each. First Round.

Mr R. Greenslade's blk w b Sweet Ale, by Breelong — Biace'et. bsat Mr J. Smart's f w d Solo King, by Gamester— Kate Kearney Mr R. Greenslade's blk w d Continuance, by Majestic — Sweet Bnar. beat Mr J. Penman's jun. brd w d Royal Water, by Waterloo — Portergaff Lill. Mr A. Hastie's blk w d Victim, by Reviver— Vermillion, beat Mr Owen Kelly's blk w d Cardinal, by Kilmainham— Clarionet. Mr James Smart's brd b Flirtation, by British Lion— Dove, beat Messrs "Kilinartui and Gore's blk w U Sir Michael, by Wellington — Benetta.

Mr J. Flynn's f d Other Days, by Better Days — Princess May beat Mr John Fuller's jud. r b Better Nights, - by Better Days— Princess May. Mr K. Foubister's f b Myrtle Grove, by Ilex— Susie-O-o, beat Mr Owen Kelly's w f b Snowdrift, by Hero Again — lladge. Mr F Sibley's £ d Bug'e Call, by Major Booth— Songbird 11, beat Mr E. Foubister's r d Mark Time, by Mark— Fly Wheel. Mr K. Leekie's r w d Bobs, by Holly — Wales beat Dr William Sutherland's Laski.

Mr W. E. Goodall's brd d Ringman. by St. Clements— Parthema. beat Mr J. Hailstone's f w d Monte's Gem by Monte Carlo— Venus.

Mr Frank Mason's f b Watchful, by Blackwatch — Sly Molly beat Messr=> Carter and jack«on's' blk d Wilbei force, by Czardus — Winter Blossom. Mr G. Taylor's blk w d Lamplighter, by

Gamester— La Rose, beat Mr C. Marks's r 0. Red Lancer, by Max — Fly. Mr Robert Penman's brd w b Pendant, by Recknoi— Fly, beat Messrs Harley said Leslie's blk w d Brigadier, by Blackwatch — Bright Star. Messrs W. L. and W. J. Smith's r d Cosemate, by Kilmtunhain. — Bewitched, beat Mr C. Marks's f b Wild Fern, by Ringer— Fly. Mr Alf. Cursey's b!k b Beel, by Kory O'More— Pibroch, beat Mr F. Sibley's blk A Mikado, by Abel Carrier — Amy Castles. Mr James Flynn's r d Pleasant Days, by, Better Days —Princess May, beat Messrs Ronald and Hay's f w d Kohupapa, by Maxim — Grey Mist. Mr Alf. Cursey's f d Tom Moore, by Rory O'More— Pibroch, beat Messrs R. H. and J. W Price's b d God Band, by Gold Link — Fanny Parnell. Messrs Ronald and Hay's blk b Capilla. by Safe Cure — Lucy, beat Mr J. F. Mills's blk w b Zoe. by Spring — Don Juan. Mr Fearns's r d Shrubb, by Hatkawav — Belle Mahone. beat Mr F. Smith's f w" d Sympathy, by Megaphone — Kosemere. Mr J. "R, Sullivan's blk b May Apple, by Safe Cure — Runaway Girl, beat Messrs Con-ne-lly and Barry's r w d Green Harp, by Lord Roberts— Ro=ntte 11. Mr" J. Mitchell's blk w d KUniarnock, by. Kilmainham — Lena, beat Mr R. M'Elhenny's blk d The Mayor, by Abel Carrier — Romp. Mr J. Collins's r d Barrister, by PluggerBill — Mizpah. bpat Mr J. Penman, jun.'s.. f w d Prince Charlie, by Lancaster — Rose of Wellington. t ' Messrs Prebble and Sm'ers's bid w b-Al! Black, by Hacpy Boy — Britannia, beat Mr C. Nolan's The Whisperer, by Kilmainham — Tell : Tale. Mr J. Penman, juu.'s. b-d w b Waterwork, byWater'oo— Portergsff Lill bent Mr J. R. Sullivan's blk w d Killa'co. by Kiljtnainhaxri — Golden Queen. i Mr James> Jenkins's blk w d Awapirni, by Spawhill — Minto. beat Mr John Coilins's r T» Loch Erin, by Hex — Iri°h Girl. ; Mr James Smart's bik w b Gladsome, by Minstrel Lad — Fly, beat Messrs R. H. and J. W. Price'<= blk d Killarnev, by Ki'.main* ! ham— Fanny W ! Second Round. Sweet Ale beat Victim. j Continuance beat Flirtation. j Other Dars beat Mvr.Je Giore. Bugle Call beat Bobs. Watchful beat Ringman. LampligLter beat Pendant. Cnsemate beat Reel. _, Pleasant Days beat Tom Mcore. Shrubb beat Capilla. Kilmarnock bsat May Apple. A'A Black beat Barrisrer. Watermark beat Awapuni. Gladsome a bye. OTAGO CHAMPIOX STAKE. Winner, £16; runner-up, £3; third deg, £1, First Round. Messrs R. H. and J. W. Price's r d Faueh-a-±Jallagh. by Ile"x — Frisky Las*, beat Mr Smith's brd d Locket, by Loid Roberts — Matlock. Messrs Caster and Jackson's blk w b Erin's Pride, by Domino — Britannia, beat Mr John Fuller, jun.'s blk^ w cl Mscjregor, by Duke M'Pberson — Songbird 11. Mr Peter Aitken's r b Best B'.end, by Braddon's 810t — B'oomee, beat Messrs Prebb'e and Spiers's f b Brunette, by Spring Wftfer — Jubilee. v Mr J. Mitchell's blk w d Merry Boy, by Erebus — May Queen, beat Messrs Harley and Leslie's b k w d Postboy, by Lancaster— Kate' Kearney. Mr Peter Aitken's r v> d Prevention, by Safe Cuve— Runaway Girl, bye. The following ate some details of the vaTious courses run : — In the first round of the Maiden Stake Sweet Ale (6 to 4 on) was smartest from the slips, and was between five to six lengths from the same when she stumbled: This allowed Solo King to obtain possession, but at tho finish winning honours went to Sweet A!e. puss escaping. Time. 45 2-sscc.— Royal Water dwelt a trifle from (he slips, tfnfl though he stumb'.ed twice in t4e work that followed between himself and Contimwnee • (evens against), there did not seem to be n ipli against htm in the work that ensued prior to puss escaping. Time, 41 2-ssec — Victim (6 to 4 on) led to the hare with a final advantage of about four lengths. Cardinal owly got in subsequently by favcur. and Victim had a good score to his credit when the game escaped. Tim*, 32 2-ss?e —Sir Michael was smartest from the slips, and landed on the game with a good two lengths ndvaniagp. In the subsequent work Flirtation (4 to 3 against) was smartest on the game, arid Sir Michael fell. He obtained possession before the course concluded, but Flirtation lad the score in her favour when the game escaped. Time, SO 4-ssec— Other Days (6 to 4 on) had cioso. on two lengths the best of a short run up and did most of the work uutxl a quick kill was registered. Time— l 9 l-s=ec. Myrtle Grove (6 to 7 or.) raced clean away from Snowdrift though she subsequent y worked a bit wide. Snowdrift had little to do before the game escaped Time, 50 J-s?ec— Bugle Call (2 to 1 on) raced e'ean away fromMark Time in the run up. and although the latter had momentary possession. Bug'e Ca_.l showed to advantage until the game escaped. Time, 55sec— Bobs (2' to 1 on) led up by over four lengths, and Laski only appeared to get in on sußerance -untii the first-named terminated with a kill. Tinie, 31 2-ssec— ■Monte's Gem had slightly the best of -the !rnd, and in the exchanges Ringman (evens a"ain=t) did most of the work until he terminated with a kill. Ti.ne. 50sec — Wilberforce got the best of the urn up, when he dwe.t. and Watchful (2 to 1 on) was first on the game. The latter took a turn and then came m for a kill. Time, 45sec—Lamplighter (2 to 1 on) raced away from R«d Lancer in the run up, and allowed the latter to do nothing until just before the game escaped, when Red Lancer had possession for a short while. Time. 48 4-ssec —Brigadier to 4 on) led up Perdant by over four lengths. The latter came in afUr the first turn and killed, the judge signalling an undecided. Time, 14eec —Casemate raced away from Wild Fern (6 to 4 on) in a short lead up, and flecked on a straight drive, and was quickly on tba game to cornp'ete the kill. Time, 10 4-sse2. — Mikado (evens against) appeared to have a little the best of the lead, and terminated a short course with a kill. The judge signalled Rael's flag, but. viewed from the stand, winning honours appeared to be with Mikado. Time, 17 4-ssec. — In the undecided between Brigadier and Pendant the former led, but Pendant was much cleverer on the game, and after working, terminated with a kill, and a good score to her credit. Time, 41 l-ssec. Pleasant Days (3 to 2 on) led, and after taking a couple of turns, the course terminated with a quick kill. Time, 22 3-ssec— Tom Moore (3 to 2 against*, had slightly the better of the lead, and kept possession until he terminated with a amarfc kill. Time, 26 3-ssec— Capilla (6 to 4 on)* Ad up by about five lengths, and then Zot^ put herself out by a kill. Time, 22sec.~; Shrubb (evens against) led up, but made f^ false turn. He afterwards came in smartly and picked up the game. Time, 23 l-safic— Green Harp led up, but May Apple (\ to 1 against) took possession from, the first -iupland after working freely, completed v;:--,\i t kill. Time, 38 l-ssec— The Major led v.: Hu,

'"- -jliilniaxriock (6 to 4 on) showed to- the best r^MKrairtage unttl the game -escaped. Tvme, :<~'B3 l-ssec. — Prince Charlie got hung in the _-slips, and Barrister (6 to 4 against) got away with three or foux lengths the best of it, " »nd 'terminated with a kill ; apparently winning a lucky course, as Prince Charlie - just got in in time to drive to his opponent, " who killed. Time, 14sec. — The Whisperer was racing up from what appeared to be _» "three or- four lengths' lead when he fell. He 'subsequently got up and joined in the issue, 1 3>ut failed to wipe off All Black's (6 to 4 against) score when the game escaped. Time. •'43^8-ssec. — Watermark (evens against) had » bit the better of the.lead, and terminated s short course by picking up off a short drive. Time, 18 3-ssec. — From a bad delivery, in which both dogs got twisted in the slips, a, muddling course was- terminated by the award eoing to Awapuni, -who was an evens against cliance.- Gladsome (6 to 4 on) led up and Hkilled off a short drive, the judge signalling *n undecided, Killtrney being ''evidently unsighted. f Time, 9sec. —In the run off -IKillamey'had slightly the better of the lead, ■but Gladsome got in and allowed her opponent .-lio do none of the, work until she drove to -, ; coyer/ Time, 58 3-ssec. - ';.: , Tn iih« second round of the Maiden State .*■■ ißweefcASe" (6 to 4 on) le3-up and kept possession „%!axptil he- 'drove to Victim, who appeared to '•.-.•pickup'tijegitme by favour. Time, 33see. — ' J<76atinu*noo r (6' to 4" on) ra«ed away from *~* Kirtation, aird'led up"' by- five or six lengths. -"He flipped up twice^Tmt was easily master of ' situation at the kill.- Time, VOeec. — Other . ip*ys (6 to' 4,- on) .had the worst of the delivery "" «id'lost two.^oi three lengths in "the slip.*. She J i««ed,past^Myrtl«' -Grove,- and had the best oi •.V-t&e business until the timie'puss got away. -3?ime. 46sec.— Bugle Call (6 to 4 on) led from 4te slip 3' and outworked Bobs until he killed an- a short course. Time, 19 l-ssec— Watchful ■<6' to' 4 on) -led, and showed to the best advantage' in the work until she terminated with a kill._ Time, 27 2-ssec. — Lamplighter (2 to 1 »n) TRced'away from Pendant, and, after work- - ing, came in >for a kill.- Time, 19 2-osec. — j Both dogs appeared to be momentarily unjrighted in the run up, but Casemate had Secidedly the best of it.— Reel (2 to 1 on) did most of his work off the other dog's <JrivTiDg until Casemate terminated with a kill. Tjme, 36sec. — Pleasant Days and Tom Moore (6 to 4 on) got hung up in the slips. Pleasant B*ys got away, but Tom Moore got in and killed, the- judge signalling no course. — Shrubb led< Capilla (6 to 4 on), and did most of the work until h« killed. Time, 37 3-ssec— May £pple (6 to 4 on) appeared to have slightly the best of the lead; and Kilmarnock c*mc in for . »' kill after ft couple of wrenches hod been Uken out of the game. Time, 18 2-ssec— ln . tke undecided- between Pleasant Days and , Tom, Moore the latter had slightly the best of tKe lead, and after the initial turn Pleasant Days held possession, and, working well, ter- " miriated with * lull.— Time, 43 2-ssec.-Ba.r-rister had slightly the best of the lead, and liter the- first turn All Black (6 to 4 on) was =_ showingiio -"advantages and wound lip with alUiclc gill. - Time, ' 15 3-ssec— Water • Mark • {evens ag»mst)-led up by a good five, lengths, i'na, although" he did -most of the -work: Awa-",-»imi terminated .with -»*• kill: Time, 30'3-se«c. >ff r:lnr :In the' first 'round 'of the~ Champion Stake ' • Faugh-a-Ballagh '(2 -iofl onYq&ced clean ,»way '" Jroja 'Locket, a-ndi after * turn, came in for a, •nyifOfill.' Tinie,'. Wsec-T-Erin's Pride (a to '',<. "on) -lea Micgregor and outworked 3nin until * Ptkjj -escaped? Time; SOsec— Best Blend (2 to ' L,on>,ia«ed very- iasTf rota -the slips, and, after "'ftufriing' -away from "Brunette, picked up ana killed off a straight drive. Time, 8 2-ssec.— ' Merry -Boy (evens against) had slightly the best oi tH» run up." and came back off the first Jjirn-for a kill. Time, 7 2-ssec.

.The Dunedin Coursing Club concluded its feting on Saturday afternoon at Forbury P«k in weather that was * distinct improve- • sae'nt- on that of Friday, particularly in the earlier part of- the afternoon. The heavy lain ,*h»t fell overnight had caused the Plumpton ■Uo tcarry .a good deal of surface water, which " materially hindered the hares- from going well, and retarded the doge. The M"den Stake w carried into its fifth round, with Other {Days, ."Watermark, Pleasant Days, and Shrubb 'left in. The Qhampion Stake went into the .semi-final, with Prevention, Merry Boy, and ?3e»t Blend remaining in. The club ran snort to! -hares', -and the owners of the dogs still in K,he contests agreed to divide the stakes. There •mre several hares' still remaining in tne ' Khimpfon, but as' these had never been driven 'it was decided not to use them. It is regret- < Sable that the club was not in a position to Varry the meeting through to a successful tissue, as the shortage of game had the effect of annoying coursers, particularly when they 2iad a dog backed to win the stake. Best . B'.end, * bitch that showed great brilliancy, ■would, it is pretty safe to say, have been returned a winner had the Champion Stake Tjeen run out, and Pleasant Days andtOtner D*ys held excellent chances in the Maiden. "The rounds which were got off provided some „ fairly- good sport, but nothing of any great moment Occurred except in the course between %Faugb-a-Ballagh<and Best Blend. There was ' a good dealot doubt as to which would- gain the lead, and when the dogsr raced neck and neck the full length of the Plumpton the enthusiasm of the spectators rose to * great pitch. However, when it "was discovered that tJie' dogs had got away with the slips on tliem, ' owing to the gear breaking when on> the point of their being delivered to the j?ame, the position was explained, and some amusement caused. There was some little doubt as to which dog had gained winning honours in the course between Erin's Pride and Prevention in the Champion Stake. In the judge's opinion Erin's Pride was on terms at the first turn with Prevention by favour owing to the latter steadying himself on the game. The press • representatives have to gratefully acknowledge an improvement in the arrangements made for their accommodation. Following; are the results of the day's sport: JDTJNEDIN MAIDEN STAKE. Vinner, £50; runner-up, £-20; two dogs, at £8; three, at £1; and six, at £2 each. Third Rouad. Other Days beat Sweet Ale. Bugle Call beat Continuance. Watchful beat Lamplighter. Pleasant Days Beat O> c emate. Shrubb beat Kilmarnock. Gladsome* boat All Black. Watermark a bye. Fourth Round. Other Days bsat Butrle Call. Pleasant Days beat Watchful. "Watermark beat Gladsome. ■ - • Shrubb a bye. Fifth and Final Round. Mr J. Flynn's f d Other Days, by Better Cays— Bracelet, Mr J. Penman, jun.'s, brd w b Watermark, -.by Waterloc-xPortergaff Lill, Mt J.;Plynn's,r'd Pleasant Days, by Better Days — Princess May_*nd Mt. Fearns's r d Shrubb, bj -HaTkaway — Belle "Mahone, divided. OTAGO CHAMPION STAKE. IWinner, £16 j runner-up, £8; third dog, 3A. Second Round. Best Blend beat Faugh-a-Ballagh. Prevention bea-t Erin's Pride. Merry Boy a bye. Third and Final Round. ■Mr Peter Aitken'a r w d Prevention, by /afe Cure — Runaway Girl. Mr J. Mitchell's felk w d Merry Boy, by Erebus— May Queen,

and Mr Peter Aiiken's' r b Best Blend, by Braddon's Blot—-J3loomer, divided. _ la the •tliird tcrand of the Maiden Stake Other Days (6 to 4 on) led up to a- strong hare and had an advantage of over four lengths when the first score took place. From that out he ifreely worked his game, Sweet Ale practically only getting by favour until Other Days concluded with a kill. Time, 47 3-ssec. — Bugle Call (2 to 1 on) rpced to the lead by about three lengths before he steadied himself on the game for the turn. He practically kepi possession in the work which ensued and which terminated with a kill. Time, 24 3-ssec. — Watchful and Lamplighter (2 to 1 on) broke away from a false slip to a, bad hare, and were sent back to the slips. A good go subsequently took place between Watchful and Lamplighter to a good racing hare, there being very little to choose between them in the lead up. Lamplighter appeared to get the first score, but* after this "Watchful outworked him on the game until she wound up with a kill near the escapes. Tinie, 47sec. — Pleasant Days (6 to 4 on) led Casemate by a- couple of lengths, and allowed his opponent to do very little until he concluded with a kill. Time, 22 2-ssec. — Kilmarnock was smartest from the slip, but Shuxbb (evens against) raced past and got the turn. From that out Shrubb _outworkejl his opponent until puss escaped. Time, 4& l-ssec. — From a good slip Gladsome (6 to 4. on) gradualy drew a,way from All Black until lie h«.d a good four lengths' advantage, whan h« picked up and killed off a straight drive. Tims, 17sec. In the fourth round of the Maiden Stake Bugle Call (6 to 4 on) had slightly theJ>est'of the lead in a short ra» up, and turned to Other Days, who killed, the judge signalling an undecided. Time, 8 2-6 sec. — They were at once sent back to the slip, and Bugle Call le3 up by about three lengths. An interesting bout took place after the turn, and Other Days showed to advantage and terminated with a. kill near the escapes. Time, 58 l-ssec. — Pleasant Days (2 to 1 on) raced away from Watchful'in the run up, and practically allowed the latter to do no business until puss got away. Time, 50 2-ssec. — There wa^-nothing much to .chooae between Gladsome and Watermark (6 io 4 on) when the game waa readied. Watermark had drawn a trifle clear of Gladsome, but steadied on the game, and after the turn Gladsome killad. Undecided. Time, Msec. — In the undecided, on being driven, the v har* doubled back to the tent, and Watermark got in «nd killed. Time, 18 2-ssec. In the second round of the Champion Stake, when being delivered to a strong hare, Faugt-a-Ba.llagh and Beat Blend <5 to 2 on) get away with the slips, and r»n coupled to the h*re until it escaped. The evenness of the go between the pair in the run up caused a great "deal of laughter when, it was realised they : had got away with the gear. They were at once J sent back to the slipper's tent and sent away | again to a good racing bare, on which First Blend took the first v turn after leading up by half a dozen lengths. From that out Faugh-a-Balla«»h had little to do until the game escaped. Time 'SS 4-ssecJ— Erin's Pride (5 -to 2 on) had ft little che best of the run up, and turnea to Prevention; who .killed. ,Time. 16 l-ssec— In his -bye -Merry Boy was slipped ft a qtrong "b.«re,,aria although he flecked it. and narrowly ! missed picking the game up, 62sec elapsed I- before the game* gained cover. ! Starlight won fife Canterbury, Cup at Ohrisl©hurch, whilst Caleb Fry won the Recovery ; Stake.