SPORTING

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 21, 19 July 1911, Page 8

SPORTING

TURF TOPICS. (By "Moturoa.") The Wellington Racing Club's winter meeting will be advanced another stage to-day, wttien the Wellington Steeplechase omd Waterloo Handicap will be the principal races. Te Aral and St. Amelia have dropped out of the big 'raxe; leaving a poor field of eleven moderate performers. Paritutu is likely to start a warm favorite, and at no time have the Taranaki horse's prospects appeared more bright. Three miles and a quarter is a- long- course for a veteran, but barring a faU ; he is sure to be well up at .the finish. T. Pine will ride Mr. George's horse. Another well-fancied horse, Pleiades, also hails from tihis district, and many profess a great liking for Percy Jolmson's charge, on whom Prank Lind will pilot in his usual capable style. On Saturday's form Hoanga must be accounted dangerous. The chestnut led all the way in the Hack Steeplechase, and his jumping was perfect tliiroughout. There are several fair fencers amongst the outside division, and one never knows what may happen in a long race over tricky country. The race should provide fine sport and the issue appears to be very open. Electrakoff, Winunera, and Provocation, of the bop-weights, did not pay up for the Waterloo Handicap. Full Rate, who has the place of honor, is not ready, so it is quite possible that the winner may come from amongst the light-weights. Negative, Bracken, Kilosteni and Incy showed good form on,the opening day of the meeting, and Iney might have finished closer to Electrakoff in the Parliamentary Handicap but for getting a bad passage in the early stages of the raee. The Jumpers' Flat Race, of one mile and a half, should be a good betting race. Bollin, Passive and The Native aire sure to have a good following.

Kremlin is none too sound, but the soft going should .be to 'his liking, and if stated in the Victoria Hurdles all Auckland will probably go nap on his chances. The stakes are poor and the contestants a shade worse.

Hector Gray had a strenuous day on Saiturday last. After "thumping" Wauohope along in the opening event, the heavy going stopped the Auckland horse at -Hie finish, and he had to put up with third place. Then caime the Miranmr Handicap, which very near proved Gray's undoing. His mount, Sandy Paul, led to the turn and then stopped suddenly, nearly causing a mix-up. Trainer J. McLaughlin lodged a complaint that Gray had pulled his horse out from the rails, interfering with Gold Circle and letting Undecided up on the inside. A motion to disqualify Gray for the rest of the meeting was defeated, and the Taranakd horseman took his place on Eleobrakoff in the big flat handicap. Wimmera l«d the field at a merry bat and was well in front at the distance. The race looked all oTer, when Gray brought Electrakoff up at the finish and won on the post by a head. Both Wellington papers state that only Gray's vigorous and well-timed run won the Tace for the favorite. In the Trial Plate Gray rode Kingswell, who finished fifth, and in the Te Aro Handicap, won a pretty race on Varna, thus reaching Whittakei's total of winning rides. Two days' Tacing remain in which to decide the riding premiership, and this rivalry adds further interest to the racing at Trentham,

But for interference Gold Circle would have very nearly won the Miramar Handicap on Saturday, and the chestnut will find many backers in his. remaining engagements at the meeting. It is reported that there was very little Wangaimii money for Wanganuitrained horses on Saturday. Perhaps it was mat their day out! If Dogger Bank, Bracken and Mon Ami sport solk in the Glasgow Handicap a keen race should ensue. This trio are well suited by the distance and their meeting, apart from side issues, should ensure food for speculation. ■Paritutu ran a solid race in the Winter Hurdles, eventually finishing full of running in fourth place. On the strength of this form he gained many friends for the Wellington Steeple. Charlie Jenkins has severed his connection with the Porirua stable, and will' be a freelance next season. Now that Lady Medallist is gone, there is nothing worth riding at Porirua. terring a few old hurdlers which the genial Charlie does not tackle.