AUCKLAND TOPICS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3442, 2 March 1920, Page 48

AUCKLAND TOPICS.

By Utggeb

The Otahuhu Trotting Club's summer meeting was a successful gathering, tho attendance each day being very large. Everything passed off satisfactory, the general arrangements leaving no cause for complaint. The only matter of importance to engage the attention of the stewards was a complaint lodged by J. T. Paul, the driver of Te Awa in the Papafcura Handicap, who alleged that A. Cameron, tho owner of Albert Patch, had told him that he had instructed his driver, W. J. Paul, to drive over him. The evidence ■ at the inquiry showed that there was ill-feeling between the pair. Tho stewards decided that the words J u«\?d by Cameron constituted a threat and fined him £2O, and also decided that in future, if any cases of similar conduct came before them they would seriously consider suspension. Speculation was brisk, the sum of £66,061 being put through the machine for the two days which, represented

an increase of £53,227 on the- last summer meeting - , held in 1917. Partner had a fairly easy van in the Cup. Going to the front over the last round he was never seriously troubled, winning by a length from Lord Rose, who very fast.

Emperor is fast, but does not stay on wcil. After running third in the Otahuhu Cup he came out later in the day in the President's Handicap, one mile and aquarter, winning very easily. On the second day he was made favourite in the leading event, two miles, but finished out of a place. The victory of Steel Bell in the leading event on the second day was very popular, the old grey mare getting a great reception on returning to the paddock. Being on the back mark she put in a good run over the final stages, getting up in time to beat Miss Rolfe, who was the outsider of the field, by a head. Miss Rolfe's showing was a decided improvement on her running on the opening day. Gold Girl was unlucky in the President's Handicap. She was last coming into the straight, and, putting in a great run on the outsids, was up with the leaders at the distance, but skipped, which spoilt a good winning chance. There is no doubt she is the best of the local horses over a short distance.

Dorothy Dimple continues to pick up a fair share of stake money. She ran two good races at Otahuhu, running second on the opending day, and Vwinning in much better company on the second day. The three-year-old gelding Pilletta, recently purchased in the south by M'Kendrick Bros., is a good sort. Though not at his best he won at Otahuhu in convincing style. In his second start his driver had the misfortune to lose his seat.

i .Good dividends were returned in the opening event each day at Otahuhu. Canberra and Novmica Heir, tbi3 respective winners, have shown plenty of pace on the track, but were unreliable in their races. Mintqnette, the runner-up on each occasion, is a likely* sort. Kempsey mad© a one horso race of the Sylvia Park Handicap at Otahuhu, returning a double figure dividend. Strategy showed a glimpse of his old form in the mile saddlo event, running second to Dorothy Dimple. The Auckland Racing Club have decided on an attractive programme iin connection with the meeting to be held during tho visit of H.R.H. th? Prince of Wales. The programme consists of six items, the leading event being the Prince of Wales Handicap of £I3OO, run over a mile and a-quarter. The other erants are the Royal Steeplechase of £6OO (three miles), Renown Handicap of £6OO (six furlongs), Kairere Handicap (for two-year-olds) of £SOO (five furlongs), and Massev Handicap of £SOO (one mile), hack conditions. ..