SPORTING.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLV, Issue 12018, 23 March 1920, Page 5

SPORTING.

R ANGITIKEI R.O. MEETING. TO-MORROW AND THURSDAY. f ..... ■ , There should really he no need to remind the sporting public that tomorrow and following day will be held the deservedly popular race meeting of the Rangitifcei Racing Club, on the beautiful and'splondidly appointed course* at Bulls. Rangifclkei Races have always attracted large gatherings, because they are managed by true sports, and always supply thorough enjoyment. This year they' will be haore pleasurable than ever, because there have been all-round improvements effected by the enterprising Club. For many weeks the buildings have been in the hands of the carpenters, and improvements have been * effected in all directions. The grandstand has been shifted oack, permitting a much better view of the course, and more lawn space, and to keep pace with the times a new tote house has been erected. Owners will appreciate the fact that a number of loose-boxes have been added to the appointments, and trainers and jockeys haye been catered for with increased accommodation, and a big tower ensures a good water supply. These have been costly but they will repay the Club because they will Jsatisfy all the requirements of the public, who will largely extend their patronage. We h&ve no doubt that the Club will have every reason to be gratified by the results of the meeting. The fields promise to be good, and otherwise everything is in perfect order for successful racing and genuine sport. The catering has been entrusted to the well-known firm of Dustin’s, and the supply of music to Marton Municipal Brass Band. Racing begins with the Scott Memorial Handicap,* in which nine horsowners have paid up. Astinome and Affectation, both winners at Masterton, have incurred five pounds penalty. Bindle has been doing groat track work, and is very well just at present. In the Trial Plate, five furlongs, twenty-seven have accepted, and a big field is sure to face the starter. Empyrean, Prodigal and Erin’s Isle have done a fair amount of racing, and as the race is practically composed of horses that have not raced before, the three above-mentioned are sure to run prominently. The only jumping event on the programme the first day is the Ohakea Hack Hardies, 1% miles. In this event nine have paid up. Sweet Tipperary heads the list with 11.-2, and is reported to be very forward. Ngakanni and War Star have been racing well at recent meetings, and the latter at Wanganui meeting showed that with a bit more school: ing he would make a useful hurdler. The Carnarvon Hack race has a field of 18 in it. Roddy and Nursing Sister are a pair of fast beginners, and both are very forward. Hepfca and Belle o’ the Camp, both recent winners, are also engaged and should show up prominently. The Rangitikei Cup, is worth 500sovs., and has a field of nine. Nobleman has pride of place with 9.0. Marquetenr, Lovematoh and Moutoa Ivanova, have all handy imposts, and a splendid race should be witnessed.

Another large field of 21 have been paid up for in the Pukenui Welter Hack, 1 seven furlongs. Risingham has incurred five pounds penalty, and Master Curran and Valencia 7lbs. Farce ran prominently at Wanganui, and Better Luck was finishing very fast in in his only start the second day. Punters in this race should have a hard task to pick the winner. Pretty Bobby, with 9.11, heads a field of eight in the Parewanui Welter, %% furlongs. Old Gold has been re handicapped Bibs. Both these horses are very well, and with Gold Problem entered a good race should eventuate. The last race of the day, the Ngatiapa Hack Handicap, has a field of twenty paid op for. This event is only five furlongs, and with such fast beginners as isamara'ng, Sweet Memory, Flying Master and Hori engaged, the rest of the field will have to be doing their best to keep with them. EVENING ATTRACTIONS In the evening in the Town Hall, Bulls, a special picture programme will be screened, particulars of which are advertised. SCRATCHING. Per Press Association. Christchurch, March 23 Amythas was scratched for the Great Easter Handicap at 0 o’clock this morning.