SPORTING

Southland Times, Issue 18969, 16 June 1923, Page 3

SPORTING

NOTES BY SIR MODRED. Napier Park Racing Club’s Winter meeting. concludes to-day. Hawke’s Bay J.C. Winter meeting handicaps are due on Monday. Wellington Racing Club’s Winter fixture entries close on Monday next. Hawkes Bay J.C. Winter meeting takes place on Wednesday and Thursday of next week. The well-known hunter and steeplechaser, Pawerewere, is on the private sale list. Canterbury J.C. Grand National leading •vent nominations due on Friday. June 29. Both weights and acceptances for the Hawke’s Bay J.C. Winter meeting are due on Monday next. Handicaps for the Dannevirke R.C. Winter meeting appear on Tuesday, acceptances closing on Friday. Mr G. D. Greenwood will only have four rising two-year-olds in work tt Riccarton for the coming season. There is just a suggestion that an attempt is being made in the north to boom Pamplona and decry General Petain. Christchurch light harness trainer B. Jarden has a two-year-old Southland-bred brother to Dalnahine in work at Yaidhurst. J. Bryce heads the winning riders’ and drivers’ list with 21 successes, D. Bennett and J. McLennan have each won 20 races. On its recent Winter fixture the Auckland R.C. paid out to the Government £18,282 8s 6d in taxation, or over £3OOO more than stakes. Expert judges report that Voung Thurnham, by Thurnham—Analogy, five-years-old, was the most promising jumper at the Auckland fixture. That good pacer Loganwood has left G. S. Smith’s stable and will in future be trained by the Scottish mentor D. Kerr, who will also drive the Logan Pointer gelding. It is reported that Kohu, who was lame after winning the Great Northern Hurdle Race, is not so seriously amiss as a number of writers have led the public to believe. It is claimed that Mr F. A. Price has a very nice rising two-year-old gelding at his stud sired by Fleetham (imp.) from Miss Signal, by Signalman—Miss Stent (Australia).

It is announced that Thespian is to be kept moving throughout the winter months with the object of keeping him down in condition in readiness for early spring fixtures.

The brother to Mermin, by Absurd —Sea Elf, (writes “Carbine” in N.Z. Times), has not done so well as was expected, and from present appearances it will be late in the season before he will be seen to advantage. Prior to the Dunedin J.C. Winter meeting northern people were saying that thirdrate ’chasers and second-rate hurdlers could sweep the programme of jumping races at Wingatui, now they are proceeding to overrate two or three southern winners. It is possible that the weight-barracking persons referred to have missed die needles in the haystack after all. Of this, more anon!

In the opening event at Wollongong (N.S.W.) trotting meeting there was only one tote ticket sold on the five horses. It was taken out on the third horse, and under the rules the machine pays on winners for five starters, but as the first and second were unbacked, the purchaser (a lady) lost money on the transaction. Writing in the New Zealand Trotting Journal “Mascot” contends that the first time Taraire (Four Chimes —Muricata) strikes a hard track he will qualify for the New Zealand Trotting Cup. At a meeting of the Board of the N.Z. Trotting Association last week the N.Z. Racing Conference forwarded copies of letters from the Otautau R.C. and Clifden R.C. calling attention to the unsatisfactory position at present existing in regard to the proportion of stakes for trotting events at racing clubs’ meetings.—The letter was received.

Southland racing clubs have on several .occasions been in conflict with the ridiculous conditions insisted upon by the rulers of the light harness sport as to the amount of money to be devoted to trotters’ races on their programmes. Several clubs have been compelled to furnish stakes beyond their means, while others again have practically been forced to give less than they would have done under other circumstances. It is a very silly position, and the sooner the trotting and galloping rulers come to an equitable agreement in this connection the better it will be for both branches of the equine pastime. The Brackenfield Hunt Club (Canterbury) has reluctantly decided to abandon its meeting, which was set down for June 23. Owing to the excessive taxation, previous fixtures have resulted in a financial loss, and the club does not feel disposed (says Christchurch Press) to incur further liabilities, which are practically certain under present conditions. The North Island steeplechaser Silent Dick, who was taken to Wingatui after the Wanganui meeting, was not started at the D.J.C. Winter fixture. It is suggested that he went wrong on the trip. At the monthly meeting of the Canterbury Jockey Club on Wednesday last a large number of applications for trainers’, jockeys’, and apprentices’ licenses for the season 1923-1924 were recommended. Geo. Reed’s application was not recommended, as he has no horses to train. The decision. in the ex-Dunedin mentor’s case appears to be a pec uh ar one, as he can hardly expect to get horses to prepare unless he has a license. Reed, who is a well-behaved man, has been training gallopers for many years past, but of late has devoted a great deal of attention to the preparation of light harness horses and made quite a success of the departure at the same time. It would be interesting to know if his brief would be forthcoming if he severed his connection with the light harness sport. It is reported from Auckland .that the Waikato ownfer-trainer, R. Hannon, will campaign a small string at the C.J.C. Giand National fixture. In the event of the northern owner producing Royal Abbey at Riccarton for the hurdle-racing events of the first class a great deal of interest will attach to his invasion of the South Island. It is some years since the Waikato breeder was represented afc the big C.J.C. Winter gathering. Silver Lining and Beau have been having an easy time of it in the paddock since the Dunedin J.C. Winter meeting. The owner of the former could have disposed of him to a Canterbury sportsman during the progress of the recent fixture at Wingatui, but Mr Spain was not to be tempted in parting with the son of Solferino in the meantime. Trainer R. J. Horn is going to Central Otago this week to bring back with him an addition to his team in the shape of a promising filly by Kilbroney—Patrovna. With this novice, Silver Lining and Beau at command Horn has the neucleus of a nice team for next season.

The much-discussed Australian-bred pacing gelding, Escort, is to be offered for sale at auction in Christchurch to-day on behalf of Mr F. Johnston, of Sydney. The purchaser will acquire a clear title, and the horse has been registered with a best performance over two miles of 4.34. The Prix du Jockey Club—better known as the French Derby—is set down for decision to-morrow (Sunday). The leading event of the French turf, the Grand Prix de Paris, is decided during the last week of the current month.

A serious accident, occurred to three wellcnown trotting sportsmen at Geelong (Vic.) recently through a motor-car accident. It appears that the party, consisting of Messrs Joe Hinchcliffe, Roy Hodges, John Farlane, John Barrett and “Dick” Henry, were returning from the Ballarat races, when the car collided with a horse approaching in the opposite direction. The horse was being led behind a vehicle, and the animal ■wung out and caught the motor. Barrett was thrown out on to the roadway, but the other occupants remained in the car. Mr Roy Hodges sustained a fractured arm, “Dick” Henry’s throat was badly gashed, and Mr Joe Hinchcliffe received a gash in his forehead. They were injured through coming in contact with the wind-screen. Mr Hinchcliffe’s injuries proved to he of a y«y serious nature, and he succumbed on

the way to the hospital. “Dick” Henry’s neck was caught by a bracket on the wind-screen, and when he was extricated it was found that his front and back collar studs were both bent. Latest reports state that “Dick” Henry is making an excellent recovery. The news has just reached Wellington (writes “Glencoe” in the Dominion) of the death in Melbourne of the well-known trainer Tom Dempsey, father of the jockey of that name. Deceased was well known in the Dunedin district, where he used to train trotters, and he also had the reputation of being a good rough rider. He went to Melbourne some years ago and settled there as a pubbe trainer. The New Zealand sportsmen who visited Melbourne always put up at his stables, and he was a great favourite with all who came in contact with him. For several years past he had managed the career of his son Frank, who is known as one of the leading horsemen of Australia. The education of En Route as a hurdler is being continued at Trentham. On Tuesday morning last he was jumped over six hurdles by H. McSweeney and cleared the obstacles safely. He does not appear to have suffered any -serious damage as the result of falls in races. Mr J. M. Cameron, owner of The Hawk and Molyneux, is at present in Hawke’s Bay on business, but will return to Sydney at the end of the month. He left his horses at Randwick under the care of C. H. Bryans. A considerable amount of curiosity will be aroused by the racing of Killard in Hawke’s Bay during the current Winter meetings. Two years ago the Kilbroney— Siberia was looked upon as a horse likely to take high honours at the jumping game, but he failed several times when expected to run well. His best races have been run hitherto when the going has been on the holding side. The Southland R.C.’s tracks are practically closed down at present and local trainers are using the roads for light exercise purposes. In the meantime, the trainers located in the vicinity of the home tracks may be said to be wearing out their Sunday clothes on week days. BIRCHWOOD HUNT. A MEET AT PLAINS STATION. A most enjoyable and successful meet of the Birchwood Hounds was held at the Plains Station (the residence of Mr Angus Macdonald), on the 13th, under ideal weather conditions and over excellent country consisting of gorse, water and substantial post and rail. Both from a sportsman’s and a spectator’s point of view the meeting was a huge success, being held in exceptionally picturesque surroundings with the snow-clad Takitimos in the background. Although this was the initial meeting held so far from headquarters, there were followers from all round up to a radius of 50 miles. The hunters were an exceptionally promising lot, considering they were mostly station hacks, and all starters completed the difficult course. After “the kill” a most delightful afternoon tea was provided by Mr and Mrs Macdonald, and during the afternoon tea, Mr Speight, on behalf of followers and spectators, thanked the host and hostess; first Mr Macdonald for having given his property to be hunted over, and then to Mrs Macdonald for the afternoon tea. Mr Macdonald, in his reply, said he hoped this would become a recognised fixture in the annual round. Amongst the followers were:—Mr A. Macdonald (Master) on Silent Pat; Huntsman (M. O’Brien) on Lady Betty; Whip (I. Langford) on Dorian; Thomas Macdonald on Fairy; Miss Keach on Manapouri; W. Hotop on Church Money; G. Keach on Myra; A. ■ Speight on Ironsands; B. Boadley on Mangapiri; M. Mac Lean on Dick Travis; G. Bain on Snowline; T. Macpherson on Buff; O. Williams on Fur Trader; W. Ashton on Prince Hector; W. MacLaren on Lancashire Lass; W. McCaulay on Trap Peg and W. Peters on Kiwire. The jumping competitions resulted:— Maiden—Mrs Macdonald’s Fairy, 1; G. Reach’s Migra, 2; Miss Keach’s Manapouri, 3. Open.—M. O’Brien’s Lady Betty and A. Speight’s Ironsands, equal. At the conclusion of the meeting the Huntsman, in a few well chosen words, returned thanks to Mr and Mrs Macdonald for the unbounded hospitality during their stay at the Plains.

NAPIER PARK RACING CLUB.

OPENING OF WINTER MEETING. INCREASED TOTALISATOR RETURNS. (Per United Press Association). NAPIER, June 15. The Napier Park Racing Club’s Winter meeting opened in beautiful weather. There was a large attendance. The totalisator returns amounted to £11,044, as compared with £10,795 on the corresponding day of last season. L. Berry sustained severe injury to his shoulder when Master Oriflamme fell in the Petane Hack Steeplechase. Results:— MOTEO HACK HURDLES, £l5O. Second £2O, third £lO. One mile and threequarters. Nukumai, by Manchineel—St. Clements mare, 4yrs, 9.6 (L. G. Morris) .... 1 Toa Taua 10.3 2 Mountain Peer 9.8 3 Also started—Blue Socks 10.0, Bodyguard 9.11, Palm Oil 9.8, Galicia 9.0, Kilauea 9.0, Tresor 9.0. Won by four lengths, a head between second and third. Time, 3min 23 4-ssec. PETANE HACK STEEPLECHASE, £175. Second £25, third £lO. About two miles. Goldscene, by Goldfindcr—Arosinc, aged, 10.8 (H. Burt) 1 Birwick 9.0 2 Noble 9.0 3 Also started—Multive 11.7, Mahia 9.0, Master Oriflamme 9.0. Mahia was pulled up and Master Oriflamme fell. Won easily by twenty lengths, a similar distance between second and third. Time, 4min 37 4-ssec. STEW ARDS’ STAKES HANDICAP, £2OO. Second £25, third £l5. One mile. Haurangi, by Feranorz—The Manse, syrs, 10.8 (C. France) 1 Correspondent 10.7 2 Barrier 10.4 3 Also started—Kilbird 9.10, Blissfulness 9.4, Suspicion 9.0, Mosthenes 9.0, Makepeace 9.0. Won by a long neck, a similar distance between second and third. Time, Imin 49sec. NAPIER STEEPLECHASE HANDICAP, £4OO. Second £5O, third £25. About three miles. J. E. Lyford’s ch g Ranui, by Maharanui—Rangiora, aged, 10.3 (E. Copestake) 1 H. Stanbridge’s blk g First Line, aged, 10.9 2 F. Lysnar’s General Raven, aged, 9.11 3 Ako started—Dick 10.5, Sturdee 10.3, Gang Awa’ 9.8. The winner led all the way and won easily by five lengths, twenty lengths separating second and third. Time, 6min 39 3-ssec. LADIES’ NECKLACE HANDICAP, £lOO. One mile and a-quarter. Slave Mart, by All Black -Martina, 4yrs, 10.13 (Mr S. Howard) 1 Battle Knight 12.10 2 Maunga 10.7 3 Ako started —Heather Queen 10.7, Venetian 10.7. Won by four lengths, two lengths between second and third. Time, 2min 23 l-ssec. AHURIRI HURDLE RACE, £250. Second £3O, third £2O. One mile and threequarters. R. Hicks’ ch g Complex, by Guianforte —Canary Creeper, aged, 9.4 (S. Anderson) 1 Otauru Kid 10.6 2 Whipcord 9.12 3 Ako started—Killard 10.3, Alteration 10.2, Woden 9.13, Te Maire 9.12, Kyoto 9 J, Mervotia. 9.5, Highway 9.0. Won by

half a length, three lengths separating second and third. Time, smin 23 l-ssec. SETTLERS’ HACK HANDICAP, £l5O. Second £2O, third £lO. Six furlongs. 11. Denton's b g Westerner, by Foremost—Lady West, 6yrs, 9.6 (J. Sinclair) 1 Pink Rose 9.6 2 Kingly 9.2 3 Ako started—Kahikatea 10.7, Fera 10.7, Sunny Vale 10.2, Heather King 9.12, Soldier's Love 9.10, All Marimba 9.9, Ma Boughal 9.8, Merry Imp 9.5, Novoko 9.0, Carnbee 9.0, Polonett 9.0, Merry Bells 9.0, Miss Gazeley 9.0. Won by two lengths, a length separating second and third. Time, Imin 20 3-ssec.

FOOTBALL

EASTERN DISTRICT SUB-UNION. < WEEKLY MEETING. The weekly meeting of the Management Committee of the Eastern District Subunion was held in the secretary’s office, Gore, on Thursday evening, there being present, Messrs Wallis (in the chair), Whittingham, Miller, Aitken, McConnell, Martin, Murray, Mac Gibbon, Fitzgerald and Green. The Mataura Club wrote, asking that the case of T. Lorenz, who has been suspended at the pleasure of the Sub-union, be reconsidered, and the penalty lightened or removed altogether. Mr Fitzgerald gave notice to move for the recission of the resolution of April 12, and the re-open-ing of the matter. The Albion Club applied for permksion to play J. Fortune in their third-grade team, in place of another player over age, who w r as unable to get off on Wednesdays. Fortune was two months over age.—Refused, as the application w r as received after May 31. W. Hutton was granted a transfer from Piqneer to Mat aura. The Mataura Club drew attention to the unsatisfactory and confusing marking of the touch-lines at Gore. It was resolved to have the lines whitewashed. Mr J. Baxter, Seaward Downs, wrote, stating that he had not collected anything at the Seaward Downs gate on the previous Wednesday. There were very few people there, and he was line-umpiring, and had been unable to make arrangements.—Received. The secretary, S.R.F.U., wrote, asking if July 5 would be suitable for the return match, Town v. Eastern, and suggesting that the match be played at Edendale or Mataura, on account of the train arrangements. As the seven-a-side tournament had been fixed for July 4, it was resolved to suggest July 11 to the S.R.F.U. The Subunion was prepared to play the match at Mataura. The Mataura, Pioneer and Albion clubs wrote, regarding the Sports’ Protection League Banner. All the clubs were in favour of the continuance of the series, but considered that amended conditions were essential. It was suggested that the expenses of any team travelling to take part in a Banner match be guaranteed, and that when the match is played in Invercargill, the Sub-union should get a proportion og the gate-takings. It was decided to ask the Southland Union for a copy of the rules governing the competition.

It was decided to ask Pioneer 111 for an explanation of their default to Pukerau on Wednesday.

The following Invercargill players will journey to the Bluff by the 1.42 p.m. train to-day:—Cheyne, Lopdell, Johnstone, McCallum Dalgleish, Davidson, Kenwood, Leckie, Todd, V. Fraser, Burt, Wilcox, Rice, Cameron, Smith, Emergs. Deakej and Stewart.

BASKET BALL

SECONDARY SCHOOLS MATCHES. Results of matches played on Wednesday, June 13:— —Senior.— High A (22) v. High B (8). Technical (23) v. High C (19). —Junior.— Technical A . (6) v. Technical B (3). High A (40) v. St. Andrew's (1). High B (44) v. St. John’s B (1). Technical (28) v. Convent B (2). FIXTURES FOR WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20. —Senior.— High A v. St. Andrew’s, St. Andrew’s. Technical v. High B, Technical. St. John’s v. High C, St. John’s. —Junior.— High A v. Convent B, Convent. Technical A v. High B, Technical School. St. John’s A v. Technical B, St. John’s. Technical C v. St. John’s B, High School. Convent A v. St. Andrew’s, St. Andrew’s.