WELLINGTON NOTES.

Otago Witness, Issue 3399, 7 May 1919, Page 42

WELLINGTON NOTES.

(Feoii Oue Own Correspondent.)

May 2. The weather at Trentham yesterday turned out nice and sunny, although it was dull in the forenoon. The totalisator turnover was less than £40,000, less than £SOOO per race. Less than £2OOO was invested on the Challenge Stakes. An unknown quantity in Yankee Jack caused a surprise in the Hurdles. He was in with the lightest weight, and the racing he did at Rangitikei and Feilding had sharpened him up. He was bred by his owner, Mr Jas. Bull, by tho New Zealand Cup winner, Frisco, from Willow Bank, who goes back to Cornelia, dam of Ahua, a Grand National winner. Backers went for Multicipal and Papaunui, both recent winners, but neither of them ever got in front of Yankee Jack, who will win again before long. His owner was not present, being engaged at the opening of the shooting season. < •». • Because Star Lady finished in front of Afterglow m the Great Northern Oaks backers made her a great favourite for the New Zealand St. Leger. She tried to win from end to end, _ but Afterglow had her measure half a mile from home, and won with something in hand in record time for the race. Although R. J. Mason was confidant, the public let Afterglow pay 5T great price. Almoner ran in the rear throughout, and got the third money. H. Gray rode Almoner, and appears to be doing the Stead Bros.' riding. Mnxihiku, favourite for the Plunkot Nursery, began well with Some Kid, but shut up quickly, and at tho finishing post was nearly last. Some- Kid ran the distance,

and after stalling off Ermine looked L i getting tfao verdict until lied Pepper (full urothex to Star Lady) got his head in front in tho last few strides. He won on the first day at Auckland. Hlvidentlj Muri- - hiku's form was not correct. Amythas did well to get fourth. Another of the Demosthenes tribe in Swaneo iiiver was in attendance when they crossed the line. The only horse backed to beat Spanner, who looks a racehorse, and gallops like one, was Sasanof Spanner went very fast, and had the hold strung out at ■ the end of two furlongs. His success was proclaimed a long way from home. Sasanof (well handled by H. .-Gray) got up in time to secure the verdict by a neck (in lmin 38sec —record time for the race). The publio were not slow to recognise tho merit of tho performance, although it is not often the yellow jacket is applauded. Of thoso that chased Spanner Rude did the best. Three iwo-year-olds took on Gloaming in the Challenge Stakes. The three-year-old . carried about three-fourths of the money invested on the race. An unfortunate accident robbed the race of all interest. When Starter O'Connor pulled the lever Gloaming d.oshed into the webbing ot the barrier, and was turned right over. Deeley was also dashed to the ground and winded. He soon recovered, and took part in later races. Gloaming was lame in front and behind when he came in. It was -his last engagement as a three-year-old. An exhaustive inquiry was held, and it was decided that no blame was attachable to anyone. Probably a lighter cord will be used in future to prevent a repetition of the unfortunate affair. Risingham's successful run was broken ji the Silverstream Handicap, in which he met better company. At different stages - of the race Imaribbon, Bondage, and Pretty assisted in the pace-making, which was on all the wa.y.. The last one was The Speaker (Demosthenes — Chatterer), who has improved a lot lately. : He jnade the third of the progeny of Demosthenes to score during _ the day. Pretty Bobby is a regular Maniopotp, who gallops with his head in the air; Acre and Waimatao (winners at Feilding) were the "popular picks for the Rail- . way Handicap. The Linacre horse failed, but Waimatao won in good style from. s 80-Peep, who was unlucky at the barrier. Demos, making his first appearance in Mr J. Hurley's colours, was next. AVaimatao has been a good winner since his owner picked him urj cheap at auction at Otaki. The only Trentham-trained horse to score was Astinome (Maniopoto—Hellenois), who carried a penalty for the Wairarapa Maiden win. He failed on the second day at Tauherenikau, and' half a dozen horses were • better backed yesterday. Active (Gray) wasfavourite, but ■uias beaten by Black Mark (winner of the Maiden at Feilding) for second place.