AUCKLAND TOPICS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3403, 4 June 1919, Page 48

AUCKLAND TOPICS.

By Dtrger. The final day of the Auckland Racing Club's winter meeting will be held on June 5. This concludes the 1918-19 season in the Auckland district. The Winter Steeplechase, which is decided on the last day, visually provides a contest between the horses that fill the minor places in the Great Northern Steeplechase. Parisian Diamond, who won York Welter last year, is on hand again this year. In the past he has shown a great liking for the Ellerslie mile. Sir Fisher gave a fairly "good display in his initial attempt over the Ellerslie country. If he keeps sound he should do well over the brush fences. Track watchers got a facer at Ellerslie on Thursday morning, when Pararoa, who has been in great demand for the Great Northern Hurdles during the week, fell while schooling. H. Eva is now established at Ellerslie, whex-e he will train in future. He has a hunter under his charge at present, but no doubt will soon have a team together. The popular horseman L. H. Hewitt intends taking up his residence in Auckland. There is no doubt Mr A. Hill, the caretaker at Ellerslie, usually succeeds in pleasing everybody. With a large number of jumpers and those engaged in the flat races at Ellerslie. all waiting to have the final gallop on the course proper, it seemed that one section would have to be satisfied with a training track, but he trot over the difficulty by allowing the flat racers to have the course proper until 9.50 a.m.; then the hurdles were put un for the jumpers. Lieutenant, who filled a place in the leading event each day at the Otahuhu. trots, has gone south 'under Bryce's charge. He is getting up in years, but still has a fair turn of speed. The change may benefit him. Harold Devon has been returned to his owner in Canterbury. Though he captured only one event while located in this district, he showed some brilliant efforts on the track, and if ho could be induced to- do his best, in a race he would win in any company.