BIRCHWOOD HUNT

Southland Times, Issue 23826, 25 May 1939, Page 10

BIRCHWOOD HUNT

SUCCESSFUL MEET AT DRUMMOND BIG NUMBER OF HORSES QUALIFYING The Birchwood Hunt held one of its most successful meets this season at Drummond yesterday when 25 horses took part. The number of horses qualifying was much bigger than usual and a dearth of riders resulted in several horses having to be schooled on their own after the two runs had been held. The weather was fine and the going, after rain the previous night, was first class. A course, over eight gorse fences, including a road double, over Mr J. Kincaid’s property provided an excellent test. Rather,,a pleasing feature was the manner in which the hounds hunted, as they kept together throughout both runs. Several fresh horses were seen out and their presence added some interest. Turaki, who was making his first appearance, gave an excellent display when he settled down and his was an encouraging effort considering the little experience he has had across country. Another newcomer was Guste, who completed the second round quite satisfactorily. He was then sent a round with King Willow and the pair completed their task in good style. Lochcorrib, a sister to Shillelagh Wood, gave rather a promising display while Liberate also pleased by the manner in which he completed his round. Lochie River was the only one to fall during the two rounds but he was rather unfortunate as he slipped into his fence. He was none the worse for it. Another to show up was Polar Star who took his fences in seasoned style. At the conclusion of the two runs, Mr J. L. Hazlett, president of the hunt, expressed his pleasure at the big attendance of followers present and also the keen interest shown in the meet by the public. He thanked the property owners and also Mr and Mrs W. M. Rookes-for supplying afternoon tea. The followers included: Messrs W. Swale (master) on La Boca and El Caballo, J. Langford (huntsman) on Matchem, W. Sheedy (whip) on Polar Star, P. J. Boyle on Master Balboa, J. L. Strathern on Liberate and King Willow, T. J. Boyle on Guste, F. J. Boyle on Lochcorrib, Turaki and Poniard, J. McCrostie on Balzan, C. Kean on Calamure, J. L. Hazlett on Captain Reid and Captain Webster, H. Stuck on Panara, Delvane and Henry Dawson, W. Boyle on Rotowai, J. O’Meara on Panara, Whirr and Full Dress. The jumping competitions resulted: MAIDEN JUMP CAPTAIN WEBSTER (J. L. Hazlett) 1 CAPTAIN REID (W. Swale) 2 LOCHCORRIB (F. J. Boyle) 3 Also competed: Rotowai (W. Boyle), Calamure (C. Kean). OPEN JUMP BALZAN (H. Morton) 1 CAPTAIN REID (W. Swale) 2 ROTOWAI (W. Boyle) 3 Also competed: Captain Webster (J. L. Hazlett).

WHIPPET RACING

HANDICAPS FOR SATURDAY The following are the handicaps for the Southland Whippet Racing Club’s meeting to be held at the club’s new track in Turnbull-Thomson Park on Saturday:— EXTENDED NURSERY HANDICAP, 150 yards—Scottish Pet lOiyds, Laddie’s Best lOJyds, Hot Luck 11yds, Rolling Home 11yds, The Clipper 4Jyds. NOVICE STAKES, 200 yards (all off 20 yards)—Gin Sling, Osborne Lady, Bing Crosby. MIDDLEWEIGHT HANDICAP, 200 yards—Osborne Beauty 14yds, Gold Sway 14yds, Gin Sling 14yds, Hot Speed 14yds, Overcast 14yds, Phantom Gold lOJyds. COLDSTREAM CUP HANDICAP, 200 yards (second class)—Overcast 12yds, Bing Crosby 14yds, War Rose 12yds, Osborne Beauty 13Jyds, Hot Speed 14yds, Atom 12yds, Osborne Lady 14 yds.

OTAPUNI CHALLENGE CUP, 200 yards (open handicap)—First heat: Willie Wynn 13yds, War Rose 12yds, Phantom Gold 12Jyds, Buck’s Head 7yds, Blue Vision B|yds. Second heat: Atom 14yds, Tamerlane 11yds, Osborne Laddie 12yds, Hot Tip Byds, Bing Crosby 14yds. SOUTHLAND STAKES, 200 yards (free for all)—Willie Wynn, Buck’s Head, Tamerlane, Blue Vision, Osborne Laddie, Hot Tip. OPEN HURDLE HANDICAP, 200 yards—Gold Sway 17£yds, Tamerlane 16$yds, Signalman 19yds, Madam Min 20yds. _______ Erination Erination figures among the nominations for the Victoria Grand National Hurdles and Grand National Steeplechase. At the last Grand National meeting Erination fell when running in the Grand National Steeplechase. He was fourth in the Grand National Hurdles, and on the third day of the meeting finished fourth in the Sydenham Hurdles, and later in the day came out again and won the Lincoln Steeples.