WELLINGTON NOTES

Otago Witness, Issue 3314, 19 September 1917, Page 41

WELLINGTON NOTES

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

September 13. Tho boisterous weather notwithstanding, tho Dannevirko Racing Club's spring mooting passed off successfully on Wednesoay. Tho delays in adjusting the totalisator were moro noticeable than usual, and the last race was run in semi-darkness. The totansator showed a substantial increase. There were plenty of competitors. Well handled by G. Clarke, Polynesian (who just missed a place at Marton) scored in the Trial Plate, in which Signorella. who ran second at Marton. was again placed. Tho Victorian-bred filly Cynthena (Wallace—Ceria), purchased by M» W. G. Stead in Melbourne, mndo her first appearance in the race. She led most of the way. but was in tho ruck at the end. She is one of the tall, thin sort that will not require much galloping. Sleicrht of Hand was produced in the Jumpers' Flat, and carried about half the money on the machine. He was ridden in a confident manner by A. M'Donald, and was only cantering at the finish. Icebergwas not produced. Mr Armstrong informs me that Sleight of Hand will bo at Otaki, whero he will meet better company. Some of the runners in the Spring Handicap, six furlongs, were not able to act in the heavy going. Tho Martian colt Vagabond surprised his trainer by eoncedin"- weight and a beating to several older performers. Trials, Merrie Poto, Potontialitv, and Hushabve were the fancied candidates; but they all failed. Rose Pink ran well enough the first time out to give her a winning- chance at Ashburton. She may not quite sec a mile and a-quarier out at Otaki. The going did not suit Lady General. _. _ , Benhopo, half-brother to Sir Knox, who had been p-alloping well at Opaki, was favourito for tho Uniutaoroa Handicap. Bagbv. an apnrentice, got his foot out of the stirrup iron and spoilt any chance he had. King's Armour (King's Guest——Armourex), a stable mato of Polynesian, ridden by Clarke, scored from Nobleman, who will soon be out of the hack class. This pair should be heard of again at Otaki. TX ~ Out of 14 runners in tho Hack Hurdles only about six finished. Four fell at the -first fence and three at tho, second. When Austin came down in front of the stand L. Traill fractured his collarbone. Ho was making his rcappearrr > in the saddle. Rangi Thompson made his reappearance, and parted company with his mount (My Pal) half a mile from home. The consistent Colorado was favourite, and ho scored from Jem and Yarilla, a good-looking gelding by Elevation, who will win races later on. Only three of tho six "runners for the Hack Steeplechase completed the course. Merry Jack won comfortably from Kurapai, who did not seem to race as well as at Marton. where Merry Jack would have won but for running off. It is reported that Mr Scott, a brother of the owner of Ahua, Plain Bill, etc., refused 600 gs for Kurapai. Ho would have difficulty in getting that amount now. There was some bumping in the Otanga Handicap, of which Elocution got the worst. In any case, she might not be able to concede Chuckle a stone. The latter was hacked down to less than level money after her stable mate (Vagabond) won. She was badly placed, and could get only second to Detroit at the finish. Colorado and Detroit were sired by Frisco, the Now Zealand Cup winner. A. M. Wright's Foxton stable started Rio and Lady Edith in the last race, and the latter won. Ho is bv Signor, and may be on the improve. Benope was again backed and beaten in tnis event.