AUCKLAND TOPICS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3443, 9 March 1920, Page 47

AUCKLAND TOPICS.

By Digger.

The Te Aroha Jockey Club held their annual meeting on March 1 and 2. Owing to the damage caused by the heavy gale it was necessary to postpone the opening day from Saturday to Monday, which adversely affected the gathering, the totalieator reeeipts only showing an increase of £267 10s on last year's total. Rockfield put up two good performances, winning' the .principal event each day. He has been a consistent performer this season, with four wins and three seconds in his last seven starts. The Glaxo Cup was won by the favourite Ruatara, who has been well fancied for the event for some time. Evidently his recent failures did not lose him. any friends. . Thrace ran well in the hurdle events, running second on the opening day ana winning with 12.7 in the . saddle on the second day. Garryowen, who defeated Thrace on the opening day, is a good class of jumper, and should prove useful during the jumping' season. He will probably be tried over the big fences. R. Harmon's !u°lr was in on the first day, vinning three races with Rekanui, King Abbey, and Queen Abbey, and a second with Tinopai in the Cup.- Though carrying good weights King and Queen Abbey won very easily.

With 9.12 to carry Hinemaru ran a good race in the Glaxo Cup, filling third position. She was in front most of the journey, but the weight found her out over the last bit. Some Boy II was started in the Cup. He was prominent in the early stages, but finished out of a place. After the race he appeared very sore. Te Oro was produced each day, finishing third on each occasion. He is racing mucß below the form he showed at Ellerslie. Crowhurst was given a. run on the second day, but failed to show up. The should improve him. Gold Plane and Isingarch, two members of Pope's team, hstve come on lately. On tli3 second day Isingarch won very easily, while Gold Plane was only beaten a neck by the speedy Prince Charleroi. Some nice dividends were returned in the hack events at Te Aroha. Miss Norval, Winsome Arch, and Monocrat each paid double figures. The Auckland Racing Club have accepted a tender, of £36,040 for the new outside stand at Ellerslie, which will accommodate 8000 neople. Eighteen months is allowed for the completion of the contract.