SPORTING

Southland Times, Issue 21001, 6 February 1930, Page 10

SPORTING

NOTES BY SIR MODRED. The Taranaki Jockey Club’s Autumn meeting will open at noon to-day and conclude on Saturday. Owners and trainers are reminded that acceptances and entries for the Trial Stakes in Connection with the opening day of the Dunedin J.C. Autumn meeting are due tomorrow. The sum of £2,260 will be distributed in stakes at the Oamaru Jockey Club s Autumn meeting on March 22 and 24 (Anniversary Day). On the second day the Oamaru Cup Handicap (Um.) will be worth £225 and a cup to the value of £25. The Gisborne Racing Club’s Summer meeting will open at fioon to-day and extend over Saturday. The Gisborne Gold Cup Handicap, of £250, and a gold cup valued at £5O (one mile and a-quartcr) will be decided on Saturday. The Tapanui Racing Club’s totalisator investments in 1928 amounted to £5,800 10/-, last season £5067 10/- was recorded, and yesterday the volume of speculation worked out at £7,475 10/-. With increased gate receipts available this season, the fixture of the current week should return a substantial profit.

The two-year-old filly Dressy, by Last Dart (imp.)—All Style, who ran into third place in the Trial Stakes at Tapanui yesterday, is a smart galloper and should in due course credit her Spearmint sire with a winning turn.

It was interesting to note at Tapanui yesterday that the winner of the Trial Stakes, Remindful, by Balboa —Reminder, ran in the name of Mr J. G. White, him Self at one time a successful horseman and a member of one of the oldest racing families in New Zealand. It may also be mentioned that Dressy, who filled third place in the race, is owned by a relative of the Invercargill owner for whom veteran G. Hope prepared Remindful.

Palermo, who acted as runner-up in the Trial Stakes at Tapanui yesterday, and subsequently won the N. C. Dwyer Memorial Hack Handicap, is a promising three-year-old by Solferino—Lady Pal, by Pallas. He was bred by his owner, Mr W. L. Milne, and prepared by the Gore mentor T. G. Pollock, -who has not always had the best of fortune with useful horses he has developed owing to loeing them out of his stable after accomplishing the spade work. His success with Palermo yesterday was very popular with Eastern District sportsmeq and his brother trainers from afar.

Quito a number of gallopers and trotters were conveyed to the Tapanui Racing Club’s annual fixture yesterday by means of motor vehicles and it was noticeable that a special bank was provided by the club to enable the equine travellers to be unloaded and loaded on the racecourse. At least five motor vans for horse carriage were in evidence and the horses in every case appeared to be accustomed to this means of conveyance.

The race-books provided for patrons of the Tapanui Racing Club’s Annual fixture yesterday were an improvement on those .offered to visitors to fixtures in many more important centres. The information within a pink cover was clearly-set out and margin with and clear space was available for the recording of notes or the marking off of prospective winners. Some of the crowded race-books provided by clubs throughout the home province during the current season have been a disgrace to those responsible and an imposition on the general public.

The Invercargill-trained Vinegrove appears to have a liking for the Tapanui R.C.’s track, as he won across the flat; there last season, and repeated his success on its surface yesterday. The descendant of Tractor was decidedly unfortunate to run up against Mount Boa in the President’s Hack Handicap at the T.R.C. fixture as otherwise he might have accounted for a double; also Mount Boa ran home over six furlongs in advance of Vinegrove in the race referred to in 1.14:}, very smart time for an inlaud track in the south.

When riding Night Maid in the Tapanui Handicap yesterday lightweight horseman L. J.' Ellis had one of his feet injured. When his mount was twisting at the starting post a horse turning in the opposite direction caught the jockey’s foot and wrenched it severely. As a result Ellis was called upon to take his place in the saddle in subsequent engagements under marked disadvantage and pain, but he pluckily carried on. Another horseman from the same stable as Ellis was injured later in the day when Night Maid came to grief in the run home for the Farewell Handicap. Her rider, J. L. Cotton, was thrown heavily, and, as far as could be ascertained by the writer prior to leaving the course for home, the horseman from F. W. Ellis’s stable had sustained a severe bruising that will trouble him for some time to come.

The well-known light-harness horseman J. Walsh was an interested spectator at the Tapanui Racing Club’s Annual gathering yesterday afternoon. His arm, injured when Nelson McElwyn fell with him recently at Gore during a work out, has now been taken out of a sling and he hopes to be fit for action again in the course of a few days.

The Australian-bred gelding, Court Jester, by Comedy King—Kuningada, who was brought to this country by the late J. McCombe, was produced in the Stewards’ Hack Handicap at Tapanui yesterday to finish on into third berth behind Vinegrove and Stringbow. The Wingatui-trained five-year-old appeared to pull up all right on concluding his first run in public for some considerable time. Several operations from time to time for head trouble caused him to be sent into retirement, but it now looks as if there is a reasonable prospect of the black fellow fulfilling his early promise. He is now owned and trained by J. A. White at Wingatui. The Wingatui horseman W. Cooper was the leading jockey at the Tapanui Racing Club’s Annual fixture yesterday, as he won on Mount Boa and Royal Flower, while the other successful riders, J. L. Cotton, L. J. Ellis, J. Dooley and W. McEwan, only secured one win apiece. CLIFDEN RACING CLUB. (From Our Correspondent.) Excellent nominations have been received for the annual race meeting of the above club, which takes place on the Clifden racecourse on Wednesday, February 19. T*he grounds committee has the preparation of the grounds and track well jn hand, and given a fine day, a good day’s sport is assured. x The nominations total 94, against 65 last year, an increase of 29, made up as follows: Lilburn Handicap 15, Tuatapere Trot 17, Belmont Hack Handicap 9, Clifden Cup 5, Orawia Steeplechase Handicap 7, Waiau Hack Handicap 18, Alton Handicap Trot 15, and Farewell Handicap 8. In addition to the stakes trophies are being awarded to the winners of the cup and the steeplechase.

TAPANUI RACING CLUB. A RECORD SUCCESSFUL MEETING. ROYAL FLOWER LEADING WINNER. LARGELY INCREASED INVESTMENTS.’ ' That portion of the Eastern District located under the shadow of the Blue Mountains and known to have kept a racecourse in order for over sixty years was looking at its best yesterday when the Tapanui Racing Club held high carnival in the shape of its annual fixture. Some rain fell overnight, but not enough to do any harm, in fact it helped to improve the track and keep the atmosphere at a more even temperature when the sun shone down brightly throughout the afternoon. A slight cold breeze stirred the trees and grasses late in the day but it did not interfere with the enjoyment of the public up to the hour when the fixture concluded only a few minutes after advertised time—the meeting can claim to have been carried out more successfully and promptly than many of its contemporaries in the larger centres this season. Encouraged by the beautiful weather in distant localities and a whole day holiday in Gore the attendance was larger than usual and the gate receipts of £204 exceeded those of last season by a satisfactory amount. One of the features of the occasion was the large number of motor cars parked in a special area and it is safe to say that the display in this direction was a surprise to local residents and the majority of those who put in an appearance from Dunedin, Invercargill and other populous places. The fixture was very capably managed and in this respect Mr G. E. Curry, the South Island stipendiary steward, has to be specially commended as he saw that the ball was kept rolling merrily to attain punctuality. The honorary officials worked steadily and efficiently throughout and their reward came shortly after 5.30 p.m. when operations ceased with the fixture probably ranking as a record success from a racing and financial point of view. The track was in very fair order and decidedly fast, despite at least one awkward bend and the times accomplished in several galloping and trotting events undoubtedly surprised the people most concerned, the owners and trainers. The starter, Mr W. R. Quinn, got his fields away well in nearly every instance and if he failed to some extent to effect an even despatch in the Farewell Handicap, the fault probably lay with a small number of persons who congregated at the post and interfered by calling out and confusing the jockeys. The Tapanui Brass Band, under the conductorship of Mr W. B. Simmonds, was present and assisted in providing interest and entertainment during the intervals. Speculations displayed an upward tendency from the opening event, and when the programme was brought to a conclusion the record totalisator investment figures of £7475 10/- were announces, ”s compared with £5067 10/- last season, an increase of £2408. The following are the results:— TRIAL STAKES, £65, second £7, third £3. Weight-for-age. Six furlongs. 3 J. Y. White’s ch m Remindful, by Balboa—Reminder, 4yre, 8.11 (J. L. Cotton) 1 8 W. L. Milne’s b g Palermo, by Solferino —Lady Pal, 3yrs, 8.7 (J. Dooley) 2 10 J. A. White’s b f Dressy, by Last Dart —All Style, 2yrs, 6.11 (C. W. Brodie) 3 (Winner trained by G. Hope, Invercargill). Also started: 5 Strongbird 9.0 ’ (W. McEwan), 2 Birdwood 9.0 (L. J. Ellis), 6 Sonance 8.11 (T. Smith), 7 Commentor 8.11 (J. Andrews), 4 Skysign 8.7 (D. Kerr), 9 Rombeau 8.7 (W. Cooper), 1 Sentinel Lad 8.7 (B. Brodie). Won by half a length, third three lengths away, Birdwood fourth. Time, Imin 15 1PRESIDENTS HACK HANDICAP. £BO, second £7, third £3. Six furlongs. 1 A. Aubrey’s ch g Mount Moa, by Balboa —Ella Serella, 6yrs, 9.4 (W. Cooper) 1 5 P. R. Campbell’s ch g Vinegrove, by Tractor—Watercourse, syrs, 7.10 (L. J. Ellis) 2 7 A. McCloy’s b g Stringbow, by Archery—Killala, syrs, car. 7.7 (C. W. Brodie) 3 (Winner trained by S. G. Ware, Wingatui). Also started: 4 Flying Binge, 8.11 (J. Andrews), 3 Insolence, car. 8.7} (R. McLellan), 2 Wig Wag, 8.5 (J. Dooley), 6 On Watch, 7.10 (J. L. Cotton). 0 : Won by two lengths, third one length away. Wig Wag fourth. Time, Imin 14 l-ssecs. DOMINION HANDICAP TROT (saddle), £7B, second £7, third £3. Class 3.42. One mile and a-half. 1 Miss E. Norman’s b g Nelson’s Victory, by Nelson Bingen—Misfortune, 3yrs, limit (E. Mitchell) t 3 J. McKenzie’s ch g Erin’s Boy, by Erin’s King—Russell Maid, syrs, limit (A. McLellan) $ 5 J. A. Macaskill’s b g Fescue Bill, by Waverly—Nabocklish mare, 6yrs, 24yds bhd , (T. Pollock) .. 3 (Nelson’s Victory trained by J. Dynes, Wyndham, and Erin’s Boy by owner, Invercargill.) Also started: 11 Heritage, limit (E. Mitchell), 2 Wavesoon, limit (W. Jones), 6 La Rona, limit (I. Grant), 8 Keen Derby, limit (H. Eady), 4 Chancery, limit (0. Reed), 10 Fairy Gold, limit (T. Wilkins), 7 Orphan Annie, limit (P. Gallagher), 9 Free Pointer, 48yds bhd (A. Smith). A dead heat, third eight lengths away, Orphan Annie fourth. Tinies, 3mins 32 2- 3mins 33 l-ssecs.

TAPANUI HANDICAP, £ll5, second £lO, third £5. One mile and a-quartcr. 1 G. J. Barton’s b m Royal Flower, by Kilbroney—Lady Violet, 4yrs, 8.6 (W. Cooper) 1 3 A. Messent’s b g Martis, by Martian —Eoa, aged, car. 8.9 (L. Moulin) 2 5 W. J. Cox’s ch m Insolence, by Solferino—Comment, syrs, 8.10 (R. McLellan) 3 (Winner trained by S. G. Ware, Wingatui.) Also started: 4 High Speed 8.10 (J. Dooley), 2 Night Maid 8.3 (L. J. Ellis), 6 Strongbird, car. 8.0 (J. Andrews). Won by half a length, third seven lengths away, High Speed fourth. Time, 2mins 9secs. N. C. DWYER MEMORIAL HACK HANDICAP, £BO, second £7, third £3. Five furlongs. 6 W. L. Milne’s b g Palermo, by Solferino—Lady Pal, 3yrs, car. 7.84 (J. Dooley) .. 1 5 J. Butler’s b m Cetchela, by Cetinge —Cheeky Lass, 4yrs, car. 7.12 (W. Cooper) 2 3 R. B. Stiven’s br m Attractive Lady, by Tractor—Lady Sentinel, syrs, 8.3 (J. Andrews) .. .... 3 (Winner trained by T. G. Pollock, Gore.) Also started: 4 Bachelor Boy, car. 7.6 (B. Shand), 2 Remindful, car. 8.0 (J. L. Cotton), 1 Crubenmore 7.7 (L. J. Ellis). Won by three lengths, third three lengths away, Crubenmore fourth. Time, Imin 2secs. STEWARDS’ 'HACK HANDICAP, £BO, second £7, third £3. Six and a-half furlongs. 2 P. R. Campbell’s ch g Vinegrove, by Tractor—Watercourse, syrs, 7.11 (L. J. Ellis) 1 5 A. McCloy’s b g Stringbow, by Archery—Killala, syrs, car. 8.0 (J. Andrews) 2 4 J. A. White’s blk g Court Jester, by Comedy King—Kuningada, syrs, 8.5 (T. Smith) 3 (Winner trained by J. A. Rowland/ Invercargill.) Also started: 4 High Speed 8.5 (J. Dooley), 1 Academy 8.1, (W. Cooper). Won by half a length, third four lengths away, Academy fourth. Time, Imin 20 4-ssecs.

TAPANUI HANDICAP TROT (saddle), £7B, second £7, third £3. Class 3.5. One mile and a quarter. 1 Miss E. Norman’s b g Nelson’s Victory, by Nelson. Bingen—Misfortune, 3yrs, 48yds bhd, inch pen. (E. Mitchell) 1 3 J. McKenzie’s ch g Erin’s Boy, by Erin’s King—Russell Maid, syrs, 48yds bhd, incl pen. (A. McLellan) 2 7 J. Nicol’s b m Bingesia, by Nelson Bingen—Rhodesia, 4yrs, limit (E. Todd) 3 (Winner trained by J. Dynes, Wyndham.) Also started: 12 Heritage, limit (D. M. Kerr), 2 Wavesoon, limit (W. Jones), 8 La Rona, limit (I. Grant), 10 Keen Derby, limit (H. Eady), 9 Joy Chimes, limit (T. Wilkins), 6 Orphan Annie, limit (R. Gallagher), and Gray Girl limit (L. Cruickshanks), coupled, 5 Fescue Bill, 12yds bhd (T. G. Pollock), 9 Free Pointer, 48yds (A. Smith), 11 Honest Ned, 84yds (L. Trustier), 4 Maybird, 84yds (O. Reed). Won by five lengths, third four lengths away, Joy Chimes fourth. Times, 2mins 53secs, 2mins 54 3-ssecs, 2mins 58sccs. FAREWELL HANDICAP, £B5, second £lO, third £5. Six furlongs. 2 A. Aubrey’s c.h g Mount Boa, by Balboa —Ella Sorella, 6yrs, car. 9.5 (W. McEwan) 1 3 A. Messent’s br g Martis, by Mar- * tian —Eoa, aged, car. 8.4} (L. Moulin) 2 6 G- J- Barton’s b m Royal Flower, by Kilbroney—Lady Violet, 4yrs, car. 8.9 (W. Cooper) 3 (Winner trained by S. G. Ware, Wingatui.) Also started: 1 Full Fling 9.1 (L. J. Ellis), 4 Wig Wag 8.3 (J. Dooley), 5 Attractive Lady car. 8.0 (J. Andrews), 7 Cetchela, car. 7.5.(C. W. Brodie), 8 Night Maid 7.10 (J. L. Cotton), 9 Sonance car. 8.24 (T. Smith). (Won by one length, third three lengths away, Full Fling fourth. Time, Imin 14 4-ssecs. COMMENT ON THE RACING. The Trial Stakes attracted a field of nine starters with Sentinel Lad (B. Brodie) as first fancy carrying 262 chances more than Birdwood (L. J. Ellis) while Remindful was only one supporter further off in third place. Skysign was the only other starter favourably considered. The field walked in quietly and left at once in good line with Dressy and Remindful first to show' out and lead down the back and across the top from Commentor and Birdwood. At the home turn the field closed up and Palermo got a good run on the inside to go on and challenge the leader. In a keen race home Remindful (J. L. Cotton) won by a neck from Palermo, with Dressy nearly three lengths off third, just in front of Birdwood, then came Commentor, Sentinel Lad, and Strongbird. Mount Boa was elected first in order of selection for the President's Hack Handicap to earrv 65 chances more than Wig Wag, with Insolence 47 tickets off in third place 60 supporters ahead of Flying Binge, but each of the other starters was fancied. Stringbow and Wig Wag were smartest to begin, while On Watch hesitated and lost several lengths. Nearing the far turn On Watch joined Wig Wag in front, with Vinegrove next. As On Watch and Wig Wag reached the straight Mount Boa made a forward move to run to the front ’ below the distance. Going on Mount Boa (W. Cooper) won comfortably by about two lengths from Vinegrove, with Stringbow nearly a length off third, Wig Wag half a length away fourth just in front of Flying Binge. At the start Flying Binge was slow on her legs, but made up ground across the top. The winner scored with something in hand and returned a surprisingly good price. Wig Wag weakened in the run home. Insolence could not go the fast pace set on the track. On Watch displayed brilliancy, but did not stay on. Flying- Binge finished well following on an indifferent getaway.

For the Dominion Handicap Trot Nelson’s Victory was sent out first in order of selection to carry 143 chances more than Wave Soon, with Erin’s Boy 66 tickets off in third place 115 supporters ahead of Chancery. It was a good wagering race with a pool of £1025 10/-.

Breaking as he moved off Nelson’s Victory interfered with Fairy Gold, while La Rona left her feet shortly after leaving the mark. Orphan Annie took charge from Wavesoon and Heritage. Passing the stand’Erin’s Boy and Orphan Annie were in command from Wavesoon, Heritage, Free Pointer and Nelson’s Victory. Turning into back stretch Chancery led from Nelson’s Victory. Wavesoon, and Fescue Bill, „ while Erin’s Boy had dropped back in a scramble. At the far turn Nelson’s Victory just showed out from Fescue Bill, who then took charge to the straight. In the long run home Nelson’s Victory paced fast to the front,as Erin’s Boy came fast from a long way back. Fifty yards from home Erin’s Boy got up to Nelson’s Victory and the pair passed the judge’s box locked together and on terms, a dead heat being declared, while Fescue Bill was eight lengths away third, followed by Orphan Annie, Wavesoon and Keen Derby. Times: 3.32 2-5; 3.32 2-5; 3.33 1-5.

There was a pool of £B2O on the Tapanui Handicap, backers appearing to be unable to make their minds up as to a second favourite. Royal Flower was first fancy to carry 205 chances more than Night Maid (L. J. Ellis) with Martis 96 tickets off 56 friends in front of High Speed.

From a fair start -Martis ran to the front from Insolence, while Night Maid was slow to move. The leaders were the same through the straight, but going to the back Royal Flower made a forward move into third place, then came Strongbird and High Speed, while Night Maid was improving her position. Racing down the back to the far Turn Martis was still in charge, with Royal Flower close up, then came Insolence, High Speed and Night Maid. When the straight was reached Martis was still showing the way, but Royal Hower ranged up to him inside the distance. Royal Flower (W. Cooper) had the race won a little further on and beat Martis (L. Moulin) nicely by half a length, with Insolence seven lengths away third, then came High Speed and Night Maid. The winner, Royal Flower, was turned out in splendid fettle by S. G. Ware, of Wingatui.

There was spirited investment on the N.C. Dwyer Memorial Hack Handicap with a pool of £998 10/-. Crubenmore (L. J. Ellis) was first in demand carrying 263 chances more than Remindful, with Attractive Lady 86 tickets off in third' position, 29 supporters ahead of Bachelor Boy.

From a fair start Cetchela and then Bachelor Boy and Remindful were smartest to begin, but Crubenmore quickly joined up. Rounding the far turn and racing across the top Remidful, Crubenmore and Bachelor Boy were on terms. The leaders reached the straight together as the field closed up steadily. Below the distance Palermo shot out and challenger the leaders. Going on Palermo joined the front division. Bachelor Boy weakened as Attractive Lady and Cetchela moved up, then Remindful and finally Crubenmore were beaten. Drawing away, Palermo (J. Dooley) won by four lengths from Cetchela, with Attractive Lady a length off third, while Crubenmore was fourth. The winner was produced by the Gore mentor, T. G. Pollock, for Mr W. Milne, to return a substantial price. The hot pace set over the first four furlongs appeared to tftiuse trouble to Remindful, Ofubenmore and Bachelor Boy.

Despite the fact that it was a onedividend race, there was a pool of £741 for the Stewards’ Hack Handicap. The Wingatui-trained Academy, from S. G. Ware’s stable, was sent out a warm first fancy, carrying 333 chances more than Vinegrove, with High Speed 175 tickets off in third place. From a good start Vinegrove began best, while Academy was slow to find his legs. Stringbow joined Vinegrove and the pair led round the far turn and across the top to the straight with Academy moving up fast. Below the distance Academy threatened danger but weakened a little further on. An exciting finish resulted in Vinegrove (L. J. Elis) scoring stoutly by a

neck from Stringbow, with Court Jester four lengths off in third place, then came Academy. The winner was staying on well at the finish and his success was very materially assisted by the horsemanship of L. J. Ellis, who judged his final effort to a nicety.

The second best pool of the day was hoisted for the Tapanui Handicap Trot, in £lO9l 10/-. Nelson’s Victory was in first demand carrying 111 chances more than Wavesoon, with Erins Boy 72 tickets off in third place 82 supporters in front of Maybird, the remainder of the field being very lightly followed. At the start La Rona, Keen Derby and Wavesoon made mistakes. Joy Chimes led out from Bingesia and Heritage. The order was the same in the straight where Fescue Bill broke when pacing well. ' Joy Chimes was about eight lengths clear in the back stretch, but crossing the top Wavecorn and Bingesia were closing up, while Nelson’s Victory was coming fast. Joy Chimes led into the straight but Nelson’s Victory challenged him at the distance and then drew out as Erin’s Boy came fast from behind. In the run home Nelson’s Victory drew out to win easily by five lengths from Erin’s Boy, with Bingesia four lengths away third, then came Joy Chimes, Maybird, Orphan Annie, Fescue Bill, Grey Girl and Wavesoon. Times: 2.53; 2.54 3-5; 2.58.

With a pool of £1195 10/- recorded, the Farewell Handicap attracted the best speculation of the afternoon. Full Fling (L. J. Ellis) was sent out a very firm first fancy, carrying 200 chances more than Mount Boa, with Martis 213 tickets off in third position 132 supporters in advance of Wig Wag. The start was not a good one, Full Fling, Sonance and Night Maid getting away badly. Martis at once rushed to the front to show the way to Wig Wag and Royal Flower. After passing the five furlong mark, Full Fling joined tho leading division and Mount Boa moved up. Martis led across the top and into the straight, but Mount Boa ran past him below the distance. Going on Mount Boa scored comfortably from Martis, with Royal Flower three lengths off third, just heading Full Fling, then came Wig Wag, Cetchela and Attractive Lady. This success gave the Wingatui trainer, S. Ware, his third win of the day and sent hint to the front in the contest for the New Zealand winning trainers’ premiership with 22 successes. TARANAKI JOCKEY CLUB. ACCEPTANCES FOR TO-DAY. The following are the acceptances for the first day of the Taranaki Jockey Club’s Autumn meeting to be held on February 6 •and 8: — WAITARA HURDLES HANDICAP, £2OO. One and a-half miles and 10 yards. st lb st lb

AUCKLAND TURF NEWS. (Special to the Times.) Auckland, February 5. A strong contingent of Auckland horses will be among the contestants at the Taranaki meeting to be held at New Plymouth to-morrow and on Saturday. Fields all round arc perhaps stronger than usual, and the fixture promises to be one of the best in the history of the club. The Taranaki Cup contest should be a memorable one, for the quality of the field is high. The course is a turning one, however, and a good position over the last half-mile is more necessary here than on most courses. A start is to be made with the Waitara Hurdles. This field is up to the average on this circuit, although Royal Acre appears to dominate the situation, despite his weight. He is a splendid jumper, one that failed rather unaccountably during the holiday meetings, and he can do much better. Vivo is one that does not run two races alike, and so is Panorama. Jen has come a long way for this fixture, so apparently he is thought a good deal of. Vinella is a likely improver, an 4, so are Borsalene and Airforce. Whenuanui, Whisogne and Joke Form complete the field. Best backed may be ROYAL ACRE, JEN, VINELLA. Ngamotu Juvenile Handicap. This event is restricted to two and three-year-olds, and there are a few very speedy customers engaged. Accra is brilliant, and should be able to account for Vaipre. Blue Paper and Royal Finance are two others that have lote of pace, and Rose Lupin shows distinct promise. Hard Words won a double at Takapuna after racing consistently at Trentham, and despite his rehandicap he must be hard to beat. On the other side of the handicap are a lot of unknowns, the best of whom may be I’m Alone and Foot Rule. It should be a good race, with the barrier positions a vital factor. Favourites may be HARD WORDS, ACCRA, BLUE PAPER. Flying Handicap. It is a classy field that is paid up for in the sprint,’ headed by Paganelli, whose real mission is the classic on the second day. If produced here he will be hard to beat.

Cimabue is on the upgrade, and Silvermine is a possibility. Benzora has done nothing for some time, and Eaglet - promises to be all the better for her 'outing at Takapuna last week, when she went under to a good one in Valuation. Lady Quex has been raised for her ridiculously easy, win at Takapuna, but a repetition of that form will make her almost invincible. Leitrim and Ridgemount will go fast, and Melissa may be the pick of the trio at the bottom. Most money may be forthcoming in support of LADY QUEX, PAGANELLI, EAGLET. Moturoa Electric Hack. The unknowns in this affair are numerous. Something is known of Corwen, Rillet, Arakuku, Coalbag, Perennis, Rossferry, Cyrille, Royal Visitor, Espion and Peg Black. In demand may be RILLET, PERENNIS, PEG BLACK. Taranaki Cup. Heading this list is Pegaway, a master of weight and one likely to be very much in the picture. Bright Glow is now at her best and will be a formidable proposition for the others. Vertigern, too, showed up at Trentham, but even yet he does not appear to be up to his form of the spring, or of last year. . Corinax registered a rattling performance in the Takapuna Cup, leading all the way, only to be narrowly touched off in the straight by Prodice. With 31b less to-morrow Corinax is going to be right in the picture, for he has early speed. In the Shade may be beaten by the turning course, and Piuthair will have to do her best. Yoma is not getting any younger, but Shrewd is a possibility, for he ran a couple of good races at Trentham. Lucy Rose may be bothered by the journey, and none of the others are particularly fancied, although the best of them may be Kawhakina and Marjoram. In a big pool three that should have most friends are CORINAX, BRIGHT GLOW, PEGAWAY. Okato Hack Handicap. Quite a useful field of hacks is likely to be in evidence here. Dolomite, who heads the list, has not shown form since he won at the Cup meeting at Riccarton, but he is one liable to bob up at any time, for he is good. Grecian is an improver, and farther down we have Calamine, Democratic, Singer, Joy Spear, Green Acre and Latakia. It is an even field, and there should be money for GRECIAN, SINGER, DEMOCRATIC. Mimi High-weight Handicap. The three furlong straight run along the back is of material assistance in giving the horses time to find their feet. The Swell, Manly, Callanmore, Marjoram, Reel Fuchsia. Hopwood, Tenacre and Flying Shot all have pace, but the fancies may he HOPWOOD, CALLANMORE, THE SWELL.

Timaru Hack Handicap. Havaspot is to be given a chance to account for his two failures at Takapuna, and in his case one would prefer a dry track. He looks the goods in this small and moderate field. The Warden is good when thoroughly tuned up, and, of course, Te Hoia shows a lot of promise. Anbridge and Joy Germ may be the best of the others. Favourites will probably be HAVASPOT, THE WARDEN, TE HOIA. The starting times are: —Mid-day, 12.45, 1.39, 2.15, three o’clock, 3.45, 4.30, 5.15. The course is hard and fast at present. Gisborne Fixture. The summer meeting of the Gisborne Racing Club is to open to-morrow and will be concluded on Saturday. Fields are up to the usual for this fixture, but there will be a dearth of runners in the open events. Tho following may be well supported in their engagements: Te Hapara Hack—Keen and lago. Flying Handicap.—Plimmerton, WTiite Wings and Big Bertha. Maiden Scurry.—Running Over and Golden Pennant. Carroll Memorial—White Wings and Kinsel. Hack Gold Cup—Big Bertha, Te Awha and Rich Harvest. First High-Weight.—Abisogne and Superb King. Park Hack Handicap.—lago and Otene. NOTES FROM WINGATUI. WORK ON THE TRACKS. STEADY PACING AND HALF SPEED THE ORDER. (Special to Times.) Dunedin, February 5. A large number of horses worked at Wingatui this morning, but the tasks were entirely composed of steady pacing to half speed work. The only fast work was supplied by Sudden Storm galloping over six furlongs and Tracsona travelling over half a mile on the course proper. Blue Metal has been kept fairly busy this season, but has freshened up since his return from the Wellington Cup meeting. Heather Lad continues to stand up to useful work and although a bit on the big side in condition, seems able to stand up to a gallop or two to straighten him for the Dunedin Cup meeting. Sudden Storm is suffering from a slight abscess in the jaw and is regarded in consequence as a doubtful starter at the Dunedin Cup meeting. In some quarters Silver Paper is regarded as a doubtful starter at the Dunedin Cup meeting. In others his name is mentioned as

one likely to lend interest to the James Hazlett Gold Cup. Town Major is bright and well and seema to be in good order for his engagements next w’eek. Yesterday morning he cantered a couple of circuits in a bright and buoyant style. . The Tippler two-year-old in J. Feilders stable is growing into a rather attractive sort, but he may want time to bring him into racing shape. Tcmbroney is now “adorned” with blinkers when doing track work. The rules debar a horse from racing in blinks, but the Kilbroney gelding looks in excellent shape for the Dunedin Cup meeting. RIFLE SHOOTING INVERCARGILL DEFENCE CLUB GOOD SCORING BY WILSON AND WILLS. Yesterday afternoon the Wednesday members of the club fired the final competition for the Thomson Cup. The day was fine and shooting conditions were good, and some excellent scoring resulted. C. H. Wilson with 47 topped at 300 yards, his score reading 5,5, 4,3, 5,5, 5,5, 5, 5 —47. At 500 yards Wilson again headed the list with 48 made as follows —5,4, 5,4, 5,5, 5, 5,5, 5, —48. At 600 yards A. R. Wilis was top -with 48, his shot for shot score being—5, 5,5, 5,5, 4,5, 5,5, 4—48. Wilson made 46 at this range and finished with the splendid total of 141. Wills made 138, and these totals would win prize money at any National meeting. The shooting all round was excellent, the eight marksmen averaging’ as follows —300 yards 435, 500 yards 455, and 600 yards 435. Following are the scores:—•’

The’ Saturday members will complete the competition on Saturday afternoon.

More than 30 cities and towns, including Glasgow, Hull, Chatham, Birmingham, Yarmouth, Norwich, Southend and Cheltenham, have selected provisionally sites for aerodromes, subject to the approval of the Air Ministry.

CRICKET. WEDNESDAY’S GAMES. TIMES AND GROCERS DRAW. COLLEGIATE DEFEAT WAIKIWI. The Wednesday games for the Times Cup Were continued yesterday afternoon in beautiful weather conditions. At Queen’s Park Times and Grocers played a drawn game and at Waikiwi Collegiate defeated the home side by an innings. Following are the details:— TIMES v. GROCERS. Grocers. McGowan run out 19 Pollok c Mclntosh b Wish 33 Southern, retired 45 Wilson b Wish 6 Morrison c. Cunningham b Wish .... 8 Cunningham c Roberts b Wish 8 Smith b Wish 12 Bowin not out 26 Dawson, not out .. .. 1 Extras 14 Total for 7 wickets .. 172 TIMES. Mclntosh b McGowan .. .. .. ..- ..■ 7 Kerr b McGowan 10 Wish c Southern b Morrison 14 Lee run out ...... 77 McColl, not out 47 Extras .. .. .. 6 Total for four wickets .. .. 161 The game was drawn. WAIKIWI v. COLLEGIATE. Collegiate. Pay c and b Lavelle ......... 24 Thom run out .. .. 61 Ferguson c Beadle b Collins .. .. .. 12 Dunlop b Beadle ............ 17 Sparkes c Collins b Beadle ........ 0 Ingram c and b Beadle 7 Jackson, not out .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 0 Shepherd b Beadle .. .. .. .. .. .. 11 Extras .. .. .. .. ........ 14 Total for seven wickets 146 Beadle secured four wickets for 32 runs. WAIKIWI. ' First Innings. ' Lavelle c Dunlop b Thom ...... 3 Watson b Ferguson .......... 0 Collins c Thom b Ferguson ........ 2 Beadle c Dawson b Thom ........ 17 Mason not out .. .. 6 Adamas c Thom b Ferguson .. .. .. 0 Ferguson b Thom .. .. .. .. .. .. 0 Giles b Thom .............. 9 Marshall b Thom M 0 Extras .. —„ .. „_ „ 3 Total „ .. .. .. 40 Thom took five wickets for 19 runs. Second Innings. Mason b Pay ;. .. „■ .. „ _ _ 0 Giles b Ferguson .. „ ... .. _ .. 2 Watson b Ferguson ............ 3 Beadle b Ingram .. >. .. .. .. „ 24 Lavelle b Ferguson ............ 0 Collins not out ............. 9 Adams b Ferguson .>_■>. 3 Ferguson c Shepherd b Thom ...... 0 Extras ... .. .. .. .. „ 7 Total w 48 Collegiate won by an innings and 58 runs. When your muscles ache and joints pain, that’s the time for ELLIMAN’S EMBROCATION. Sprains, Strains, aches and pains disappear.—Advt. BOWLS. EASTERN v. TOWN. The representative bowling match, Eastern District v. Town, was played at Edendale last evening under excellent weather conditions. The green was in good order and play was keen, the small margin of four points separating the teams when the match concluded. The Eastern District players had the better of the scores in the rinks, however, six out of the eight played being decided in their favour. The only successful Town skips were F. G. Stevenson (Invercargill) and D. H. Thomson (Southland). At the conclusion of play Mr G. T. Stevens, president of the Southland Centre, congratulated the Eastern District players on their win, and moved a vote of thanks to the ladies, who had supplied refreshments. Mr G. Bishop, president of the Eastern District Sub-Centre, replied on behalf of the Eastern District team. The following are the detailed scores:—

TENNIS. NORTHERN DISTRICT ASSOCIATION. (From Our Correspondent.) A meeting of the Northern District Tennis Association was held on Tuesday, when the president (Mr James Clouston) presided over the following delegates: Messrs D. Sanson, F. Hurley, Freshford; J. Patterson, W. Collins, Wendonside; E. O’Brien, L. Guyton, Riversdale; F. Henderson, A. Jewiss, Balfour; W. Johnson, Lumsden. Mr Adam Hamilton, M.P., wrote in connection with the trophy he had promised to donate to the association, stating he would fall in with the idea of providing the trophy for a schools’ competition. He stated that he would be pleased to forward the trophy when required by the association.—The secretary was instructed to write a letter of thanks to Mr Hamilton. The matter of conducting a schools’ competition was discussed and it was decided to -■ write to the various schools in the district asking for entries for the competition. The date of the commencement of the second round was fixed for Saturday, February 8. The question of allowing new teams to enter in the second round'of the competition was discussed. A number of clubs wished to enter extra teams in the A grade competition. On the motion of Mr Guyton it* was decided to continue the second round of the A grade competition similar to the first round with the exclusion of the Waikaia team, which had withdrawn from the competition, any clubs wishing to enter new teams in the second round to be advised to enter them in the B grade competition. Arrangements were made for the hold- ■ ing of a doubles tournament at Freshford on Saturday, March 1. Two competitions to be held, 4 viz., ladies’ doubles and men’s

doubles. Entries to close with the secretary at Balfour on February 22, the entry fee to be 1/6 per player. Messrs R. Wilson, Balfour, E. O’Brien, Riversdale, and D. Sanson, Freshford, were appointed handicappers. The matter of procuring trophies and making local arrangements was left in the hands of the Freshford Club. The . following fixtures were ' drawn up for the A grade competition: February B—Riversdale v. Freshford, at Riversdale) Balfour v. Lumsden A, at Balfour; Lumsden B a bye. February 15—Riversdale v. Lumsden B, at Riversdale: Lumsden A v. Freshford, at Lumsden; Balfour a bye. February 22—Balfour v. Freshford, at Balfour; Lumsden B v. Lumsden A, at Lumsden; Riversdale a bye. March I—Doubles1 —Doubles Tournament at Freshford. March B—Riversdale8 —Riversdale v. Lumsden A, at Riversdale; Balfour v. Lumsden B, at Lumsden; Freshford a bye. March 15 —Riversdale v. Balfour, at Balfour; Freshford v. Lumsden B, at Freshford; Lumsden A a bye. The position of the teams at the end of the first round is as follows:

STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS. Sydney, February 5. The feature of yesterday’s play in the State tennis championships, the elimination games of which are in progress, was the defeat of the singles title-holder, J. Crawford, by A. Willard 6—4, 5 —7, 6 —3, I—6, 7—5. ATHLETICS. AUSTRALIAN PROFESSIONALS COMPETE. Christchurch, February 5. The final appearance of the Australian professional runners, Lynch, Cooper and J. D. Fitt, was made on English Park tonight. Fitt showed the best form of the evening, running round a big field in the final of the 220 yards handicap to win in 22 2-ssecs. The sprint races between McLennan and Cooper provided close finishes. McLennan won the 50 yards by a distance of 5 3-ssecs, making a better start and bolding his lead to win by 18 inches. Cooper won the 100 yards by two feet in lOsecs. The ten miles cycling championship was won by P. O'Shea, with W. T. Weir second and L. W. Hill third. The time was 23mins 32secs. SOCCER. ENGLISH TEAM NOT AVAILABLE. Wellington, February 5. The request of the New Zealand Football Association for an English soccer team to visit New Zealand this year was considered at a recent meeting of the International Selection Committee of the Football Association and the committee regretted its inability to accede to the request.

Royal Acre . 11 4 Borsaline . . 9 5 Vivo . . . 11 12 Airforce ... 9 0 Panaraina . . 10 5 Whenuanui . 9 0 Jen .... . 10 0 Whisogne . . 9 0 Vinella . . . 9 9 Joke Form . . 9 0 NGAMATU JUVENILE HANDICAP, £200. For two and three-year-olds. Five furlongs. Acora . . . . 9 10 Im Alone . . 7 5 Valpre . . . 9 8 Gold Zone . . 7 2 Blue Paper . . S 12 Foot Rule . . 7 0 Belle Star . . 8 5 Kilting .... 7 0 Quinola . . . 7 10 Lady Lulu . . 7 0 Royal Finance 7 10 Bay Acre . . 7 0 Rose Lupin . 7 10 Royal Routine 7 0 Hard Words . 7 8 Right Bower . 7 0 Miss Chatter . 7 5 Sheffield filly . 7 0 FLYING HANDICAP, £350. Six furlongs. Paganelli . . 9 12 Leitrim ... 8 1 Ciniabue . . . 9 10 Ridgemount . 8 0 Silvern) ine . . 8 9 Valpre .... 7 0 Benzora . . . 8 7 Melissa .... 7 0 Eaglet . . . 8 6 Gold Dawn . . 7 0 Lady Quex . . 8 1 MOUTOROA ELECTRIC PLATE, £150. Weight 8.C Six furlongs. K Corwen Ross Ferry Akatea ■ Ngapara Rillett Cyrille Arikuku Royal Visitor Coalbag Bon Eve Homewood Espion Perennis Lady Lucerne Gold Mom Miss Cobham Golden Flower Peg Black TARANAKI :up, £750. One and a-half miles. Pegaway . . . 9 8 Lucy Rose . . 7 2 Bright Glow . 9 0 Kawhakina . . 7 2 Vertigern . . 8 6 Monsogne . . 7 0 Corinax . . . 8 4 Hipo . . . .7 0 In the Shade . 7 13 Marjoram . . 7 0 Piuthair . . . 7 12 Mister Gamp . 7 0 Yoma . . . . 7 9 The Hawk . . 7 0 Shrewd . . . 7 2 OKATO HACK HANDICAP, £175. One mile and 110 yards. Dolomite . . . 9 0 Green Acre . 7 11 Grecian . . . 8 2 Latakia ... 7 5 Calamine . . 8 2 Mt. Shannon 7 0 Democratic . 8 0 Miss Pakake . 7 0 Singer . . . . 7 12 Joke Form . . 7 0 Joy Spear . . 7 12 Remora ... 7 0 MIMI HIGHWEIGHT HANDICAP, £225. Seven furlongs. The Swell . . 9 4 Hopwood . . 8 0 Valkon . . . 8 lO Tenacre ... 8 O Manly . . 8 8 Flying Shot . 8 0 Callanmore . . 8 3 Whenuanui . 8 0 Marjoram . . 8 0 Borsaline . . 8 0 Red Fuchsia . 8 0 TIMARU HACK HANDICAP, £175. Six furlongs. Havaspot . . 8 7 Tent Call . . 7 10 The Warden . 8 3 Joy Germ . . 7 7 Te Hoia . . >8 3 Lady Lucerne 7 0 Anbridge . . . 7 11 Corwen ... 7 0

C. H. Wilson . 30C . .. 47 500 600 Hep TL 141 48 46 — A. R. Wills . .. 44 46 48 — 138 A. Francis .. .. 45 45 44 — 134 L. Marshall . .. 41 44 41 6 132 W. S. Ayson . .. 42 45 44 — 131 W. Millev .. . . .. 42 46 43 131 J. Clark .. . .. 44 43 41 2 130 W. E. Diack . . .. 44 44 40 — 128

Craig, Graeve, Preece, Graham (s) E.D. S. 15 — Torrance, Thomson, Stewart, D. H. Thomson (s) — 34 Hickey, McPherson, Papps, Irvine (s) 16 — Miller, Geddes, Hunter, Stevenson (s) — 26 Finlayson, Robertson, Rodger, Brown (s) 24 — Roscow, Forrest, Soar, Froggatt (s) — 18 Ross, Bennetto, McPherson, Murphy (s) 28 — McRobie, Stevens, Cooper, Reed (s) — 17 Griffiths, Hutton, Buchanan, Calder (s) 20 — Leek, Battersby, Service, Smith (s) — 17 Seele, Williams, Johnston, Leishman (s) 23 — Nicol, Harper, Peterson, Irwin (s) — 19 Brockett, Baldey, Bishop, Barnett (s) 20 — Hay, Holmes, Smith, Derbie (s) — 17 Chaplin, Haigh, Harvey, Stewart (s) 27 — Hunter, Gray, Speirs, Kingsland (s) •• — 21 Totals .. .. .. .. .. .. 173 169

Flyd. Won. Lost. Points Riversdale , . 4 4 —- 8 Lumsden A . . 4 3 1 6 Balfour . < . . 4 2 2 4 Freshford . . . 4 2 2 4 Lumsden B . . 4 1 3 2