WELLINGTON NOTES.

Otago Witness, Issue 3870, 15 May 1928, Page 58

WELLINGTON NOTES.

(From Our Own Corresponpfnt May 10. The Nelson meeting held last week was a most successful gathering for the local contingent. On the opening day the Trentham trained Lady Gay upset calculations by taking the Nelson Cup. It was an overdue event, as her last win was in a hurdle race at Feilding three years ago. Mark Mint, a costly three-year-old by Catmint, also improved after some disappointing displays, but the class was very ordinary. Mardarine, Kilperon, and others gained minor placings, while the much-travelled Royal Game scored another win. Black Mint was hurriedly shipped at the last minute, but he never faced the starter.

Track work at Trentham is more interesting than usual. Several newcomers have put in an appearance, among these being the recently-purchased Royal Damon, who will be seen out next at Auckland. S. Reid has Historic and Minotus in work again, J. M’Laughlin is busy with the sprinters, and Decoy Bird and Lausanne. A yearling filly by Chief Ruler owned by Dr Gilmer is also in his stable. _ Volplane, formerly trained at Otaki, is now with W. Young. H. Lorigan, who has had a good run this season, is taking a holiday trip to Sydney shortly, and during his absence W. Marks will be in charge of his small team.

Two other local trainers, A. Goodman and D. Webster, are also journeying across the Tasman in the near future. Both intend taking a few horses if all goes well. The latter won a few races in Sydney a few months ago with Moutoa Wonder, Asleep, and that solid customer I 1 irst Acre.

R. S. Bagby has five valuable young horses in his stable at Opalii owned bv the South Australian sportsman Air E. E. Jolly, who is at present in England, i very probable that Bagby will shortly take these youngsters over the other side and train them there. Only one, Flying Binge (Chief Ruler—Cushla) has raced.

_ A gloom was cast over local sporting circles this week by the death of Air J. B. Harcourt, who has had a long and most distinguished career as president of the Wellington Racing Club. Trentham has been under his direction since 1906 growing from rough country land into one of the finest and best-equipped courses in Australasia. During this period he proved himself"- to be a most capable entertainer with untiring efforts to popularise the club.