WELLINGTON NOTES.

Otago Witness, Issue 3804, 8 February 1927, Page 57

WELLINGTON NOTES.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) - February 3, The horses purchased by Melbourne buyers at the recent sale leave tomorrow by the Moeraki, in charge of E. O’Neill, brother to Vin. O’Neill, trainer of Spearfelfe The Wellington-owned and Trenthamtrained Kilmezzo was saddled up each day at Trentham, and hia three defeats were most disappointing to his followers. He was allowed to forfeit his Egmont engagements, and will be freshened up for meetings nearer home. Tanadice is another disappointing local horse, as her track work is always good, but her public displays .are very moderate. On the opening day at Pahiatiia she was unlucky to be beaten by Conviction, and in her second attempt

was never sighted. She also ran on the concluding day. The Paper Money—Epitaph filly, which fetched 775gns at the yearling sale, will race in the colours of Mr K. R. Duncan, a local sportsman. R. Reed was riding for A. D. Webster’s stable at Pahiatua and Egmont. At the former meeting he secured two firsts and two seconds, while at Egmont on the opening day he was successful once and secured three minor placings. After the local meeting the Trentham owner Mr H. Brown purchased the four-year-old by Quin Abbey—Gretchen, who was passed in at the sale. Messrs W. Jewel (chairman), D. J. Evans (Westland), W. Bull (Levin), and G. H. Graham (Waverley) were in town last week attending a meeting of the executive of the New Zealand Country Racing Clubs’ Association, which waited on the Minister of Internal Affairs in reference to the reduction of taxation.

The full brother to Count Cavour, who was passed in at the summer sale a fortnight ago, has been sold by Messrs Wright, Stephenson, and Co. to Mr J. S. Barnett, in whose colours the Count has been so successful.

The summer meeting of the Egmont Racing Club was opened yesterday in fine, warm weather, and in the presence of a large crowd. The programme opened with the Ohawe Hurdles, Elavette being made a solid favourite. The rank outsider Take Take surprised most people by scoring nicely from Sea View, with Pendennis and San Fera next. The favourite ran poorly, but should make amends soon. Sea View’s rider lodged a protest against Take Take’s jockey for interference, but no action was taken.

After his good form at Trentham, Benzora was thought to be the best of them in the opeh sprint, but after, receiving a good passage and having every chance he ran poorly. The consistent First Acre (ridden by R. Reed) finished best, and won nicely from the unlucky Bonogne and Tip Tree, who also received a bad run. The Lamb finished close up to the-placed divisionr as did Gaillard. In a field of 10, Whenuanui was the best backed, and from a good start he led all the way, just lasting long enough to beat the fast finishing Orazone, who was last away. Erin-go-Bragh was four lengths away fourth, followed by Lethal. Income was. .the only withdrawal from the Cup, the top weight Te Monanui being entrusted with a little more money than Euphonium and Piuthair, who were the

only ones backed. Novar and Royal Mint were the early pacemakers, the former going away from the field in the last round, leading at the turn from Royal Mint, Piuthair, Nukumai, and Te Monanui. ■ Once into the straight Piuthair moved up and won by a length from Nukumai, who put up a great performance for an old jumper, and beat Te Monanui for second money. Euphonium ran very disappointingly. In the Juvenile Handicap, Jazz Baby outclassed the rest of the field, winning from Eka and Helen. The Australianbred Skypoint, who was made favourite, was never prominent. Another New Plymouth-trained horse, Vivo, came to the fore in the Nolan Cup, running a fine race. His recent form has been good and consistent, but the Trentham form of Vesperus and Kilmiss couldi not be overlooked, Vesperus being made the favourite. Both ran excellent races, but were unlucky. The latter showed great speed over the concluding stages, just failing to reach Vivo. Asleep ran a good race into third place, closely followed by Vesperus and Mint Leaf.