SPORTING

Southland Times, Issue 17470, 26 March 1915, Page 3

SPORTING

MtTliS P.V “SI 11 MODUK IV It will hardly ho necessary to remind readers that Iho Southland were fortunate in experiencing lovely weather lor Ihelr Autumn fixture, a fact which wool a lung way towards making tho gathering a success, hut there were oilier influences at work which tended In the same direction. The racing was both interesting and exciting at times, and there were no uotdeasant happenings to detract from tlie pleasure of Lite outing, while the programme was varied to a degree whieh must have satisfied the most exacting of tastes. The S.R.O. are taking a very prominent place in the turf history of Maoriiand in one Sense, in that they can claim to be the leading cltih of tho dominion as fsir as catering for galloping, jumping, and trotting Interests at tho one time aro concerned. No other club in New Zealand gives away the same amount of stakes for the three divisions named, and this fact being widely recognised will always help to make Invercargill a tavourite rendezvous on racing dates for visitors from far and near. Kacli division of racing enumerated lias its distinct and partial followers, and when a racing body can attract all at the same time t lie result must prove beneficial to the turf and pleasing to all concerned, while it encourages a sportsmanlike spirit which is at once desirable and essential to the welfare of the controlling institution. The meeting just concluded does not call for any serious adverse criticism but while most people enjoyed it to the full there were u good many present who did nut hesitate to express the opinion that the proceedings would have given greater satisfaction bail an up-to-date number and jockey s board been in evidence and a single machine with ten shilling wagering facilities provided. The elteap toialisalor has got to come and its installation at the Invercargill race track will go far to yield increased popularity and credit to the home club. The saddling signal in connection with till- Mvruss Welter Hack Handicap brought out the best fiat race field of llic meeting, and it was an encouraging sight when no fewer than seventeen competitors paraded in the birdcage, of whom teiwwere bred in our own racing coinniiinit* AS one well-known owner remarked to tho writer, tills lino Held should go far U> demonstrate to clubs that in the meantime juvenile events should not be thrown open to the wide world, hut every inducement should ho held out to the breeders of the province to imprnv e their stock.. AS hen it came lo tile wagering part of Hie business them Was marked support forthcoming lor ilrooksdale and KloraUne, while Ronnally and Parkvvater were the most in demand <«f tho other starters. Kloraline was shut in and bumped shortly alter the barrier rose, and thus her chance was effectually settled, but Ilrooksdale ran a good race and just finished outside a place. The winner turned up in Hopper Hoy, by General Average Silver .Maid, by Silvermark, wr.o had finished second on the previous dav to Spanisli Princess in the County Handicap, and his success caused serious consternation in the minds of the inanv who had failed to remember this tact as the Arrow town horse paid a large dividend in which his connections paidicipated. It was rather remarkable tiiat Mr Kami's horse should have been ovei looked in this manner in the face of bis previous displays, as prior to the H. it.C. meeting lie bad won a Maiden Plate at (uieeiistown and the Otautau Cup on Moxing Hay. The winner was ridden by K. Kilis. who has been iinforluiuite for a very long time,, while traimr Tliistlelon had every reason to be pleased willi the victory of one of liis charges. Despite ids somewhat rough apocarauec. Hirulda came from a long way back and battled into second place, while Cortes had some trouble lo cel out in time to secure third money, lionnallv and. Heatberblooni also ran well, ami the latter had a bad passage over the last furlong, as lie got pocketed at tho home turn. The small field id' nine went out to do battle for the .New ttiver (.'lass Trot, but Hie race did not fail to create a great deal of interest in regard to the meeting of 11 if local colts i Toinslall, Cathedral chimes, to say nothing o( (lie latter’s sister Louvain Chimes, with Clielston and Stanley's Child of the visiting brigade. With the reputation of an unbeaten certificate to back him up punters went lad and strong lor Cromstail ami the Prince finpeiial colt put up a good ligiil. but after a severe druggie willi Louvain Chimes lie was liable to withstand a vigorous chal..mgi- from Chelsl.m. whoso driver bad paMently wailed flu- supreme moment le make iiis onsiaiigbt. 'i be winner, a well-bred lit I If pacer from Canterbury, was nicely bandied by ids trainer and driver A. Hendrickson, who lias shown local followers of the game during the past two days that In- is'thoroughly i ntitled to tin* high reputation which lie has won in Christchurch as a mentor of the li gh I -harness performer. Hendrickson is only a young fellow. Iml Im is gifted beyond li is years in regard to the game of 'the trotter and pacer. When Cromstail was beiileii more than one critic hastem-d in decry the eoit, hut time will prove that they perhaps spoke out of their turn. People who educate young strap horses in liiis part of the world have a great deal lo contend against ami some day when belter tracks are available in Hie smith they will come into their own with a rush. Tim duel with iTuiuslall siU(ed Louvain Chimes, and Unis it was no surprise pi find that Imr brother Cathedral Chimes headed her at the (inish. Last (■veiling, by I he wav. .Mr .1. R. Thomson disposed of 1 11 • 11 1 Cathedral Chimes and l.oiivaiu chimes to a Inim'din sportsman. Stanley's child travelled well from the scratch mark and looked like gaining a better position than third when film turned into Hie home stndeli. Magdala was wllhdrawn from Iho A ivn rna Handicap, leaving a field of Sevan to contest the principal flat event ~f (fie afteriiocni. I.adrone. who wasi mailing Ids first appearance at the fixture, bad a call in Hie belling over Holden King, blit Mo re was always money for Kender and Hesione, The lastnamed. after a struggle, disposed of Keodor. and looked to hold a winning band nt the bottom of the straight, but Hidden King came along with a resolute rattle ami secured the verdict. On returning U> the weighing-enclosure the viiiiier nnd his connections were treated to u spontaneous outburst of applause—iminer Hogan and his first horseman merited the recognition referred to in pie face of many disappointments since -xe big November fixture at Rieearton.

Prior to the race Feodor, who gained third birth, was disposed of by Mr llyniers to Mr W. Baird, jnn., at a price slightly In advance of what he gave for the old fellow some time ago, and a sum out of his first win. Ladrone. who raced like a champion at the Dunedin Cup meeting, ran like a commoner, and United Service again brought trouble to his consistent followers. Fender ran fairly well, but cannot be said to carry weight to the best advantage. True Blue was not produced for the Invercargill Steeplechase, his stable deciding to depend upon the winner of the previous day, The Gunner, and as the Battlefield gelding appeared to be sound and well, ho was sent out favourite, with tho light-framed .Master Stead next in demand. All went well with the first choice until the logs were reached In the final round, when the ancient battler turned turtle and his pilot Mclntosh, was lucky to escape with a shaki. as the horse appeared to fall upon him tills is one of the few falls sustained by The Gunner during his eight years of serious competition between the flags. Meanwhile, other falls and mishaps had to be chronicled, and eventually Stone Ginger, who had come in contact with the ground on the opening day and broken H. Coker's collarbone, stalled off the erratic challenges of Master Stead and won nicely. It was hard luck for Coker to miss the winning ride on the Lord Roslyn gelding, but the accident to the Riecarton jockey gave \V. H. Jarvis a chance and lie may he said to have given a good display on the visitor. A feature of tlie race was the line exhibition of horsemanship given by R. Gray whose mount. Master Stead, ran all over the place and jumped in and out in a most disconcerting fashion. Gray did very well, indeed, to got the Gisbornehreil horse into the firing-lino at tlie finish. Tommy was racing along nicely when he topped off at the logs, a little characteristic which is not a stranger in his jumping career. Stroller failed for condition, and Denial finished safely, but very tired. Tolstoi ran a fair race in gaining third money. The uncertain Vocation was heavily supported for the President's Welter Handicap, but the friends of the three-year-old filly Redowti rallied to her support at tlie machine and stie went out a warm second favourite, while Peter claimed a fairly strong following. Peter hurried away from tho barrier, but F. 16. Jones let Redowa get fairly on her legs before he applied pressure, and she was running well in the rear during the early stages of the race. Peter turned for the final stage of the contest in a determined manner, hut he could not sustain his effort, and, when he hung oat signals of distress one hundred yards from home. Redowa put in a finishing run which left the speedy St. Clements gelding half a length to the bad. Lady Trent secured third money ami ran passably well. Vocation was within striking distance of the leaders when heads were turned for the judge, but lie stuck his toes into the turf and resolutely refused to stretch out as lie should have done. In a field of eight for the Disposal Stakes, five of tho candidates were well hacked, and it was interesting to hear experienced investors recalling from the past sonic of the deeds credited to several of the ancients engaged in an endeavour to hearten themselves up to an attempt to find tlie winner. Eventually Cannonade was entrusted with tlie greater amount of money, hut his connections were doomed to disappointment as the (upweight failed to finish in tlie first three, and tlie honours went to lillle Golden Wobh. who was the biggest outsider of tlie bunch with'the exception of one oilier starter. The daughter of Captain Webb gave 16. McColl his first winning ride for some time, and on being submitted at auction was passed to Mr Baird at £l2, Brooksdale, the second horse, was also placed under the hammer, anil went to .Mr J. McDonald at £lOl. The victory of Golden Webb must have proved a very welcome one to her owners, as it is a very long time since they tasted the sweets of success on the turf, and it is satisfactory to know that they did not let their representative run loose. Old King Torrent who finished third, galloped like a winner at one part of tlie trip. There was a field of fifteen for tlie Pash Trot, tint tlie numbers were superior to the quality of the entrants in must instances, in fact, there were quite a few starters who wore lieardly a credit to tlie reputation of ihe trotting division of Southland's racing equines. Tho Ashburton mare Edencbild was made a pronounced favourite, but she had a difficult task to got homo in front of Strike and Vincent in a head and head finish. An unfortunate accident, when Dolly Rodgers fell shortly after tho start and caused -Miss Bobby to lose her rider, may have affected tlie result, as Miss Bobby was going well at tlie time. The ancient Vincent wont off (lie scratch mark at a, groat rate and was out in front of the field when three furlongs had been covered. Iml his early exertions told a tale, and he tired rounding into (lie straight. This gave Edenehild and Strike an opportunity of getting up, and when tlie loader tried to dodge in at the road behind the tea rooms there was trouble for his rider. A slogging finish resulted in Edenehild, cleverly handled, beating Strike in tho last stride, witii Vincent a head away. The winner, who is not yet a champion, was ridden by W. Mead, a. young Sydney horseman, who Bins secured his lirst victory in Maoriland. The Winter Oats Handicap. which brought the meeting to a conclusion, proved the best betting race of the day, aml .Magdala was Iho horse selected In carry the largest amount of coin with Marsa. next in order. There wms a very tine finish and it was only by the, narrowest of margins Upit Marsa prevailed over Soldier's Chorus, who ran his best lace since lie returned to the racecourse from the stud. Wild Pilgrim made a great effort to reach tlie leaders, hut could not contend with tlie poundage tie was called upon to carry in company removed from that in which lie has generally competed. ’ Marsa ran a good race ami got flic luck of the last stride. Soldier's Chorus, it may be remarked, is racing hack la his best form and should lie heard of to advantage about Easter time. A promptly - produced rougli balancesheet of the meeting discloses the fact Unit a profit of £18(1 will result from tho racing on Wednesday and Thursday. Owners of trotters are reminded that entries for the Southland Trotting Chib’S meeting on Easter Saturday are due this (Friday) evening with Mr W. A. Saunders.

Nominations for the South Canterbury J.C.'s Autumn fixture on April 15 and 17 close this (Friday) evening. SOUTHLAND RACING OITTB. A SUCCESSFUL AUTUMN MEETING CONCLUDES. THE FAVOURITES AGAIN GO DOWN. The Southland Racing Club’s Autumn fixture was continued yesterday in beautiful weather, in fact no better or brighter autumn afternoon lias ever been experienced in this district. There was an absence of wind and warm sunshine was experienced to an almost uncomfortable extent. The attendance was fair, there being a largo number present in the lawn enclosure, but the outside portion of the course was but sparingly patronised. The track was in good order and was drying out to its best condition ns the day waned. The racing was again Interesting and there were some close and exciting finishes, while only one actual favourite, a trotter, proved successful. and this first choice only caught the judge's eye by less than a head.. It was a. subject of remark that during the two days of the fixture only two favourites proved successful, a happening not often witnessed on Southland courses, and it is almost needless to say that the handicapper (Mr \V. A. Saunders) was on quite good terms with himself at this result, and lie undoubtedly had reason to be so. A feature of the proceedings was again the presence of the Sth Regimental Rand and the Territorial musicians have to be congratulated on the excellence of the choice of the selections rendered. The gathering was conducted on approved lines and the secretary (Mr Saunders) and his staff performed their duties in a manner which betokened experienced official control. The starting of Mr Wood was of the first flight, with the exception of that for the opening event, but a big Held and a slow-dis-charging barrier may have accounted for a seemingly uneven dispatch. There were again several minor accidents, and of these two were apparently very severe falls in tile Invercargill Steeplechase, but one rider escaped with a severe shaking and the other, IT. Lorigan, had his collarbone broken. It was noticeable that the stipendiary steward (Mr It. O. Duncan) was busy inquiring into several matters in connection with occurrences in races and he evidently found that all was in order, as no announcement was made to the press in connection with his investigations. When the first bout engaged in by the investing section of the speculators had been decided and a dividend of over a quarter of a century declared, it was freely stateii that tiio totalisalor returns would suffer but this was not the case to any appreciable extent and a later result which brought about an even larger return failed to prevent an Autumn second day record being established. The sum of fit’.3ll was passed through the machine for the afternoon, making a total for the meeting of £26,262, or an increase of £lß2l over last year’s total. Xlie following tables of investment go to show that records for the day and the meeting were achieved, the first list being for the day;- £ _ £ I <107—2.661 1917 — 7.5-15 1 nos 2.07'.( 1913 9,601 1909 3,IST. 1911 —11.226 1 !l 1II—2,51 1 1915—12,311 1911—7,039 The totals for the Autumn gatherings of nine years road;— £ £ 1 fi 0 7 (1.197 1912 —16,536 J9OS — 5,967 1913 —20,716 F.IO9 —• 6,517 19 U—2-1,138 1910 — S.llli 1915—26,262 1911— 11,846 The returns for the last five years are very interesting and go to demonstrate tlw fact that the Southland R.C. is progressing as a sporting institution by leaps and bounds. The following are the results; — .MVROSS WELTER HACK HANDICAP of 100 sovs. Second horse 10 soys, and third 5 sovs. from stakes. Six furlongs. 10 G. D. Baird's hj g Copper Boy. by General Averngi—Silver Maid, lyrs, 5.5 ( F. Ellis) 1 5 Price and Deegan's ro g Glralda, by (Janrohert —.Minaret. Oyrs. 5.2 (.1. Wallis) 2 8 If. Friedlander's cli g Cortes, 3yrs, 5.2 (W. Easton) 3 (Winner trained by J. Thistieton). Also ran—it Spanish Princess 9.12 (.1. Pemberton), 7 Sir Brigid 9.3 (.1. Beale,), 3 Boimallv 5.13 (.1. Campbell). 1 Brooksdale S.U (A. McKay). 13 Grafton Laddie carried 5.9 (M. Pankhurst), 2 Floraline 8.1 (A. 11. Wilson), 12 Fable 7.10 (T. Flynn;. -1 Parkwatcr (allow fdbs) 7.i (A. McDonald). 1-1 Golden Webb (allow slbs) 7.3 (A. Lloyd). 9 Summertime (inelud. nibs over) 8.5 (R. Berry), 16 Aerogram (inelud 3 Vi lbs over) 7.LOVL- (E. McColl), 6 Heatlierbloom (inelud 111) over) 7.8 (J. H. Moore), 17 Ruydale 7.7 (16. Cox), 15 St. Kobera (inelud "lbs over) 7.8) (W. Robertson). The start was a ragged one and .Summertime. Reydale and Fable were badly left. Parkwatcr got nut well and was immediately joined by Heatherbloom. with St. Robert in third place, Floraline, who got away badly, a long way hack. With three furlongs to go the Held Closed up and Copper Boy, Heatherbloom ami Brooksdale were prominent. Copper Boy held his own round the turn and in a good race home heat Giralda, who came late on the scone, by threequarters of a length, with Cortes a neck away third just in front of Bonnally, Brooksdale and Heatherbloom. Time, linin. ISsces. NEW RIVER CLASS TROT, of 150 sovs. Second horse la sovs and third 10 sovs from stakes. Optional. Class 3.50. One mile and a-lialf. I Hall anil Simpson's hj g Chelston, by O.V.M.— Lady Franz, syrs, harness. Usees (A. Hendrickson) .. 1 I W. Grant's 1) hj (Tomslall, 3yrs, harness, 7sees (W. Grant) .... 2 3 R, G. C. Munro’s li m Stanley's Child, 6yrs. scr (I!. Logan) .. .. 3 (Winner trained by A. Hendrickson). Also started—B Diving Bell ilsecs, harness (T, Tilson), 2 Louvain Chimes, harness, lOsecs (W. Jones) and Cathedral Chimes 2secs ( F. 16. Jones) coupled. 5 Massey Tsecs (C. Hadfleld), 6 Fred ssccs (J. McMurray), 7 Vincent -isecs (G. McLean). Louvain Chimes joined Diving Bel! shortly after the start with Chelston next, followed by Cromstall. After racing through the straight Diving 801 l dropped back and fell at the seven furlong mark. Cromstall joined Louvain Chimes and the pair raced down the back stretch in company, with Chelston within striking distance, iwo tuilongs from home Chelston moved up and Louvain Chimes retired at the home

bend. Chelston drew out and won by two lengths from Cromstall, with Stanley's Child a length and a-half away third, Cathedral Chimes was fourth, and Louvain Chimes fifth. Time, 3min. 45 secs. AWARUA HANDICAP, of 210 sovs. second horse 25 sovs and third 10 sovs from stakes. One mile and a distance. 2 J. Graham’s b g Golden King, by Golden Knight-* Fairy Benzie, aged, S.S (W. Robinson) 1 1 C. J. Hevwood’s ch m Hesiono, aged, S. 11 (A. McKay) 2 1 7 W. Baird, jun's bdk g Feodor, aged, 7.8 (A. Lloyd) 3 I J. Westerman's b g Ladrone, aged, 5.5 (J. Beale) r .. 0 6 A. B. Armour's b g United Service, ■lyrs, 8.4 (A. H. Wilson) 0 3 J. W, Skinner’s b m Fender, 4yrs (Inelud 2lbs over) 8.3 (J. Campbell) 05 IV. T. Hazlett’s br m Directoirc, aged, 6.12 (A. McDonald) 11 (Winner trained by P. T. Hogan), From a good start slow to move. Passing tlie stand Llßrone was iieading Fender, with Golden King and Hesione next in order. Climbing the hill Golden King was in second place behind Ladrone, with Hesiono moving up fast, and Directoirc last. Tlie field closed up •somewhat in the hack stretch and three furlongs from home Ladrone dropped back several lengths, while Feodor look command from Hesione, with Golden King next. At the last turn Hesione ap- ' peared to have the best of Feodor when Golden King came away and won by half a length, Hesione being a length and a-half clear of Feodor; Fonder was fourth and United Service fifth, Time, 2min. Isec. INVERCARGILL STEEPLECHASE, of 175 sovs. Second horse 20 sovs and third 15 sovs fronj stakes. About two miles and a half. 3 C. R. Grant's b g Stone Ginger, by Lord Koslvn —Komiiri. aged. 10,12 (W, Jarvis) J 2 IV. Kain's b g Master Stead, aged, 9.9 (R. Gray) - 7 "V. J. Morrelle's” blk g Tolstoi, aged 9.13 (G. Fielding) 3 (Winner trained by owner). Also ran —1 The Gunner 10.12 (Stan Mclntosh), 5 Stroller 10.12 (A. Wormald). 4 Chelsea Park 10.1 (J. McChesney), 10 Fritz 10.1 (H. Lorrigan), 9 Denial 9.12 (V. Coleman). 6 Tommy 9,12 (P. Willis), 5 Te Tua 9.7 (W. Fielding). From a good start Master Stead showed tlie way to the straight but Chelsea Park was leading over the double. At the logs Chelsea Park came to grief but was remounted. Racing up tho hill Stroller was showing the way to The Gunner, Master Stead and Stone Ginger, with Tolstoi and Te Tua some distance away. Tho sod wall was safely crossed by all ami Stroller led to tlie straight, where Master Stead took command, but ran out at the double. Stone Ginger led at tlie logs where The Gunner foil and Tommy ran off. Stone Ginger and Master Stead were well clear of the field at the sod wall where Fritz cam© to grief. The leaders were a long way out in front at the gorse, where Chelsea Park again fell. Stone Ginger jumped the last fence two lengths clear of Master Stead and beat him at tlie finish by six lengths, with Tolstoi forty yards away third, thep at similar distance came To Tua, Denial, and Stroller, the only others to finish. Time, smin, 17 2-ssecs—a record for the course. H. X-origan. the rider of Fritz, had li is collarbone broken when his mount fell at the sod wall. PRESIDENT'S WELTER HANDICAP, of 125sovs. Second liorso lOsuvs, and third horse Ssovs from stakes. Six furlongs. 2 I!. B. Stiven's ch f Redowa. by All Red—Bealey. 3yrs (inelud. Silbs over). 8.5’ (F. 16. Jones) .... 1 3 W. Swale's b g Peter, aged. 9.1 (A. McKay) 2 4 Geo. Small’s b m Lady Trent, syrs, 8.1 (A. H. Wilson) 3 (Winner trained by T. Slivcn, juu.) Also ran 5 Icilma (inelud. 21bs over) 8.3 (J. Campbell). From a good start Peter was first to move, and Vocation next, while Redowa was slow to start from the outside. At tlie five furlong post Icilma joined Peter, hut a little further on lost his place, anil Lady Trent came upon the scene. Three furlongs from borne Redowa moved up from tho rear, and was in hot pursuit of Peter lacing to tho last bend. In tho run home Peter drew out again at the distance, but Redowa ran on gamely and won by three-quarters of a length, witii Lady Trent five lengths away third, and Icilma and Vocation together next. Time, linin 16 l-3sccs. DISPOSAL STAKES (handicap), of lOOsovs. Winner to be sold for £3O. any surplus to be equally divided between the owner of the second horse and the Race Funds. Seven furlongs. 7 Fraser and Miller's eli m Golden Webb, by Captain Webb—Wild Daisy, aged, 7.9 (E. McColl) .. 1 2 W. Walker's lig Brooksdale, lyrs, ,8.12 (A. McKay) 2 5 J. Hymer's b g King Torrent, aged, 7.2 (A. Lloyd) 3 (Winner trained by owner.) Also ran 1 Cannonade 9.0 (J. Campbell), 4 Red Pennon 7.13 (A. 11. Wilson), 3 Fitzosborno, 7.11 (W. Robinson), 6 Miss Signal (Inelud. 61bs over) 7.1 (J. H. Moore). 8 Diamond Roy 6.7 (A. McDonald). Miss Signal and Diamond Rey were slow to move. At the five furlong post King Torrent was leading from Brooksdale witii Golden Webb next, but a little further on the leader dropped back. Rounding into the straight Golden Webb held an advantage and stalling off Brooksdale led him home by nearly n length, with King Torrent a neck away third. Cannonade was fourth. Tlie winner was sold to Mr W. Baird at £42. Time,''3l 3-ssecs DASH TROT, of 120sovs. Second horse JOsovs, and third ssovs from stakes. Optional. One mile. 1 H. F. Nicoll's li m Edenehild, by Rothschild— -Verity. 4yrs, msecs (\V. -Mead) 1 7 Tims. Affleck's hr g Strike, syrs, Msecs (D, Wilson) 2 It “S. Carey's" eli g Vincent, scr (G. McLean) 3 (Winner trained* by D. Warren.) Also started secs (C. Gerrard), 14 Flying Ribbons Ilsecs (J. B. Neave), 9 Lady Mac Ilsecs (R. Logan), 6 Miss Bobby Ilsecs (A. McLellan). 15 Miss Laurie harness II secs (D. Wilson). 2 Ilza lOsecs (W. Jones). 5 McConnachie lOsecs (.1. Cotter), 12 Red Robert lOsecs (W, H. Mortimer). 3 Papeete 7secs harness (G. S. Smith), 13 Eunice 6socs (R. Bromby). 4 Nore Gsecs harness (\V. GratU), 8

Miss Fortune "secs (K J. Dwyer). Dolly Rodgers went out well, but fell after going a furlong and Miss Bobby stumbled over her, losing her rider. Meanwhile Vincent, who got away cleverly and paced on tho rails, reached the front at tho five furlong post. > Vincent opened up a gap, but Strike and Edenehild wore patiently ridden, and were close to tlie leader at the'straight. Vincent stopped in the last one hundred yards, and a great finish resulted in Gamechild scoring by half a head from Strike, with Vincent half a head further back, then came Lady Mac. Time, 2raln 33secs. WINTER OATS HANDICAP, of 150 sovs. Second horse 15sovs, and third lOsova from stakes. One mile. H. G. Taylor’s br f Marsa, by Martian —Nantes, 3yrs, 7.8 (A, Lloyd) 1 R. McNay's b b Soldier’s Chorus, aged, 9.S (M. Pankhurst) .. .. 2 J. Graham’s ch g Wild Pilgrim, aged 8.12 f.W. Robinson) 3 (Winner trained by R. King.) Also started Magdala 9.2 (F. E. Jones), Peerless 7.0 (J. H. Moore), Rongabere (including lOilbs over) 7.10J (E. McColl), Cortes 6.9 (A. McDonald), Taft (inelud. 121bs over) 7.5 (B. Cox). From a good start Taft dashed to the front and was leading Cortes, Peerless and Soldier’s Chorus going up the hill. Magdala got cut out. Two furlongs from home Taft was done with and Soldier's Chorus and Marsa took up the running, while Wild Pilgrim moved up. The leaders rounded into the straight in company and fought out an excellent finish, Marsa boating. Soldier's Chorus by a short head, witii Wild Pilgrim a length and a half away third, four lengths back came Cortes fourth, Rongahere fifth and Magdala fifth. Time. Imin 44 2-ssocs. BITEBTON B.C. HANDICAPS. The following handicaps have been declared by Mr A. J. Gibbs for tlie first day of the .Riverton R.C. meeting on April 5 and 6:— Otaitai Steeplechase (about two miles) —Golden Grape 11.0, The Jew 10.9, Zingabee 10.8. Master Stead 10.2, Casesliot 10.1, Denial 9.12. Black King 9.10, Lady Patrick 9,10, Prairie Fire 9.10, Te Tua 9.10, Lady Seaward 9.9, Miss Chatswood 9.9, Sky Rocket 9.9, Chorous 9.9, Glowworm 9.9, Bridge 9.9, Stargazer 9.9, Papakura 9.9, gelding by Coker's Emperor 9.9, Bright Ada 9.9. First County Handicap (seven furlongs)—Biillci* 9.10, Cannonade 9.9, Spanisli Princess 9.9, Neuroma 9.8, Peerless 9.5, Copper Boy 9.4, Brooksdale 9.3, Sombrero 9.0, St. Aiden 9.0, King Torrent 8.13. Bonnally 8.13, Golden Webb 8.13, Giralda 8.9. Fitzosbome 8.9, Taft 8.7, Pinul 5.5. Fable 8,2. Hornbeam 8.2, Parkwatcr 8.2, Olga Kolmar 8.1. Diamond Rey 8.0, Aerogram 8.0, Glenterie 8.0, Roydalo 8.0. Riverton Cup (one mile and a-half) — John Barleycorn 9.10, Golden King 8.12, Hesione 8.10, United Service 8.0, Wild Pilgrim 7.13, Feodor 7.7, John Bunyan 7.0, Rongaliere 7.0, Formnal 7.0, Directoirc 6.8. Peerless G.S, Punchinello 6.7. Pourakino Stakes (one mile)— Redowa 9.7, Varanian 7.10, Hornbeam 7.8. Flying Handicap (six furlongs)— Soldier's Chorus 9,10, Golden King 9,0, Peter 8.9, Vocation 8.0, Russo 7.12. Gapon 7.12, Formnal 7.10, Lady Trent 7.2. Great Western Steeplechase (about three miles) —True Blue 12. i, X6ia Ora 11.9. Stone Ginger 11.5. The Gunner 10.10. Golden Grape 10.10, Black Sea 10.8. The Brewer 10.6. Chelsea Park 10.0. Fritz 10.0, Master Stead 9.13, Tolstoi 9.12, Tommy 9.9, Denial 9.9, Wainono 9.8, gelding by Coker's Emperor 9.7. Wallace Hack Handicap (one mile) Bidler 9.9, Spanish Princess 9.5, Neuroma 9.7, Brooksdale 9.2. Giralda 8,10, Floraline 5.9, Punchinello 8.7, Miss Signal 8.5, Varan'ian 8.5, Ngapuna S.,>, Parkwatcr 8.2. Hornbeam 8.2, Master Jim 8.1, Glenthorpe 8.0, Lily Palatine 8.0, BICCAETON TUBE NOTES. (Special to tlie Times.) CHRISTCHURCH, March 25. The weather was fine and tlie tracks in use, tlie plough and Hie inside grass, were in capital order for training operations tills morning. Nones and Xantlios set the ball rolling. and the Martian filly was going slightly better than her companion at tho end of six furlongs on the plough in Imin 16 3-ssecs. Bimeter accounted for five furlongs in Imin sisecs. Battle Eve and Flying Start ran along together on tlie grass in imin 16secs, both moving freely. Merry Trick was much bettor than Somnambulist in the concluding stages of a five furlong spin, which took 1 min 4 4-ssecs. Banksia (Clarke) put a few- lengths break between herself and Emperador < |e. Gray) at the commencement of a six furlong gallop, but was a good way behind at the finish. The time was 1 min 16 l-ssecs. Snapdragon (N. Shore) finished in front of Courtmartial (K. McDonald) at the end of a mile and a-quarter run, in 2min Msecs. Cliarmilla had a slight advantage over Honesty when six furlongs had been covered in Imin 16 2-ssecs, and Camillas was similarly placed over Maltogarde at the end of a similar distance, in imin 20secs. Medley alone covered five furlongs in linin 3secs. Peg and Down finished together over five furlongs in Imin 3 4-ssecs. Niglitivuteh (C, Emerson) and Don Francisco (light-weight) ran six furlons in Imin 16secs, the former having

much the better of it. Gowanbrae and San Scbastion were together throughout a five furlong task on the grass in Imin Bsecs. Ardenvohr and Blitz taking two and a-half seconds less over the same course. Scotch Melody (Tinker) set out a great pace over the first quarter of a mile and a-quarter, and when picked up at tho mile mark by Corric (Anderson) and Bandy (McGregor) her companions easily kept with her, tlie last-named finishing in front. Scotch Melody’s time for the full distance was 2min 14 secs. Corrie and Bandy took about 1 min 48secs to run tho mile. Aulumnus (Shore) finished ahead of Adjutant (McDonald) at the end of a six furlongs run In Irain lOsecs. Warstep (Cameron) with Chrysotis (Mussen) as companion, was hard held to keep with the St. Ambrose filly, but ran a mile on tlie plough in Imin 44secs. Panama joined Skirl at the four furlong mark, and the Martian filly ran five furlongs nicely in Imin 3 4-ssecs. Ladv Minera and Countless Tolstoi took imin 19 l-ssecs to encompass six furlongs on the plough. First glance on the inside grass was assisted by Melchikoff over the last half, and ran seven furlongs in Imin SOsecs. Briar Patch alone got to tlie end of half a milo on the plough in 51 4-ssecs. Tannhauser galloped seven furlongs in Imin 33isecs, and Martigues, who joined in at the five furlong mark, took Imin Bsecs to accomplish her portion. Encore was doing his best at the end of five furlongs run in Imin 3secs. King Star and Stargazer ran the last four of five furlongs In 55secs, and Petrosus on tlie plough ran five in Imin Lady Velcs and Daytime were together at the end of seven furlongs, taking Imin 33 2-ssecs. Art finished in front of Athenic when six furlongs had been covered, in Imin 17secs. Free was unassisted when running five furlongs on tho plough in Imin 3 3-ssecs. Treadflre and Fiery Cross, who took Imin 22secs to cast six furlongs behind, were together at the end of their task. Malvolia alone covered half a mile on the plough in 51 secs, and her full brother Twelfth Knight was not of much uso to Sartorze at the end of six run in Imin 16 l-ssecs. The Cornet was indulged in a lead from Daylight Bill and Andrea in a run over a mile and a-quarter on tho plough, taking 2min 20secs, and listen got to tlie end of a milo fairly well in Imin 46secs. Fabrikoff, Bon, Afton Loch, Multiply, Chortle. Croesus, Ttevioldale, Leading Lady, Holiday, and Bonny Maiden were also out and did steady work. EANGITTKEI SAGES SECOND DAY, MARTON, March 25. Tlie second day's meeting of the Rangllikei J.C. was Held in fine weather and a good attendance. Tlie going was good. Tho totalisator returns amounted to £12,100, the total for tlie meeting being £23,659, a decrease of £1199. Results: — Clifton Handicap (five furlongs)—! Tyson 5.2, 1; 2 Simple Sam 8.5, 2; 4 Sir Moutoa 6.7, 3. Also ran —3 Tehouhou. The winner led all tlie way and won by half a length. Time. 1.1 3-5. Rangitoto Hack (six furlongs) Chidra 8.12, 1; 2 Martyress 8.13, 2; 3 Bivouac 7.7, 3. Also ran —3 Vladineau. 4 Son, 5 Black Ada, 7 Kingey. 8 Namur. Won by a length. Time. 1.15 2-5. Sandon Hurdles—l Naupata 9.4, 1; 4 Tho Diver 9.5, 2; Moutoa Girl 9.10, 3. Also ran—Katua. 5 Lady Strowan, 6 Howler, 7 Chief Officer, 8 Agatha Green. Won by a nose. Time. 2.5 1-5. Maiden Hack (7 furlongs)—lo Blue Thread 8.12, 1; 2 Iceberg 9.0, 2; Waitomo 8.7, 3. Also ran —9 Glen Tulloch, 6 Vladian, 5 Duranc, 7 Joey, 8 Rewarewa, 4 Indrabarab. 6 Vladineau. Won by a length. Time, 1.31 4-5. Greatford Stakes (one mile and a distance) —5 Imarose 7.9, 1; 2 Sir Alhu 8.8, 2; 1 Ararat 6.12, 3. Also ran—3 Byron, 4 Square Deal. 6 Lady Moutoa, 7 Invader. Won by two lengths. Time, 1,66 3-5. Pukehou Welter (one milo and 100 yards)— 6 Master Moutoa 8.0, 1, 4 Sylvan Dale 8.10, 2; 7 Miralma 8.4, 3. Also ran — 2 Draft, 3 Ruapara, 1 Queen's Post, 8 Sir Fisher. Won by a head. Time, 1.52. , „ . Raumai Welter (7 furlongs)— Combus- ] tion 8.4, 1; 1 Ratana 9.10, 2; Improve 8.1, 3. Also ran—Austin, New York. Fore, Sweet Van. Won by a head. Time ; 1.29 2-5. ! Farewell Handicap (a furlongs)— Bivouac 7.8, 1; 5 Glacier 7.0. 2: 6 Vladlneau 8.4, 3. Also ran —2 Martingale. 1 ■ Flora 7 Wild Daisy, 8 General Madern, j 9 Lady Dalesford, 10 Vladimere. 4 Glor-j ify. Won by two length* Time 1.2.