T.J.C. XMAS MEETING

Taranaki Daily News, 27 December 1929, Page 4

T.J.C. XMAS MEETING

SUCCESS OF OPENING DAY’S RACING

ORAZONE’S SECOND BIG HANDICAP

ATIAWA CUP, FALLS TO MARJORAM

The Taranaki Jockey Club’s Christmas meeting opened yesterday in fine weather. There was a large attendance. . The totalisator, owing to the fact that there were three one-dividend races, did not handle as much money as last year. Racing was of an interesting nature, finishes generally being close. The principal event, the Christmas Handicap, was won by Orazone from a field of nine, the Hawera owned mare repeating last -.year’s success- Mint Leaf was second and Wenday third. The Te Atiawa Hack Cup was won by the Bulls gelding Marjoram, with Monaloff second and Latakai third. The Flying Handicap attracted the small field of . four, Ridgemount winning all the way from Melissa, with Monsogne' third.

DAY OF INTERESTING SPORT SUCCESS OF TARANAKI HORSES. \ ; ONLY TWO FAVOURITES SCORE. As was only to be expected from the fact that there were three oner dividend races, the totalisator investments yesterday showed a slight decrease, the machine handling. £24,182 10s, / as compared with £25,750 for the first day of . last year, a decrease of £1567 10s. However, with the attendance showing an increase as well the re- ' ceipts in some other directions also, 'i ..the meeting must be.regarded as en- • tirely satisfactory from a financial viewpoint. .Certainly from the viewpoint of' sport the concensus of opinion of the very large crowd indicated that the day had been a most enjoyable one, even though ' with the form exposed at Hawera Mr. Coyle, the handicapper, had so adjusted the weights* that he had the public guessing. As a result only two first favourites were correctly sorted out during the day. However, .the public were not’very far astray and. as a result dividends were mostly on the small side.

Racing was of a very interesting nature. Despite the fact that he had some inexperienced horses and riders to deal with, Starter A. .Vincent effected great despatches, and though the judge, Mr. W. S. Russell, was given some close finishes ip adjudicate upon he was never epught napping.,, ... . •• ; ‘ The principal race, the Christmas Handicap, attracted a field of nine, and it provided a splendid finish, the Ha-wera-owned and trained Orazone coming fast over the last bit to repeat last year’s performance and snatch a victory from Hipo, with the northern mare Wenday. third. With the exception that Mint Leaf/ a stablemate, .was second, the placings were the same as last year. The Atiawa Cup attracted a field of eight. ..The public madb the Nolan Cup winner Ponipeius a hot' order. The favourite was in the picture till the closing stages, when- Marjofam, which was always handy, went to the front to win comfortably by two lengths, with Monaloff second and Latakia third. The Flying Handicap attracted a small field of four. The New Plymouth horse Ridgemount was made a hot order and took the lead almost from the .barrier rise to win easily by two lengths from Melissa, 'with Mbnsogne close up third. AN OUTSIDER SCORES. A feature of. the day’s racing was the success of Taranaki trained horses, three firsts and the dead-heaters going to Hawera, and three firsts to New Plymouth. The Atiawa Cup winner, Marjoram, .was- the only outsider to score. After the race the Atiawa Cup was presented to the owner of the winning horse) Mr.. P. A. Findlay, by Mrs. F. Bristol, wife of the donor of the cup. > Before calling on her to present ( the. cup, ! Mr. L,'A, Nolan, president of 'the club, expressed appreciation of the true sporting spirit shown by Mr. ■P’. Bristol, a member of a well-known Taranaki and Wanganui sporting family,' in presenting the cup: Mr. Bristol, he remarked, had annexed the cup in 1026, the year it was inaugurated, with Bent, and again last year with The Warden. At the president’s call cheers were given for the donor. Mr. Nolan said that this year’s race had been in keeping with previous contests. There had been a good field, a splendid race and a fine" finish, and lie congratulated Mr. Findlay on owning such a fine horse. He complimented the trainer, A. E. Neale, Bulls, on producing the horse in such good condition, and the jockey, C. Goldsbro, on riding such a well-judged race. Mrs. Bristol then presented the cup to Mr. Findlay, a miniature to the trainer and a whip to the jockey, all being accorded cheers. ’ The totalisator staff under the control of Mr. L. Rea was kept busy, but with the increased accommodation there was no delay. The course and its appointments were in splendid order, a tribute to the care bestowed upon them by Mr; J. Blewman. Mr. N. B. Sandilands, stipendiary steward, was present but found nothing to quibble at. Indeed, there was only one untoward incident. That was in the Stewards’ Handicap. When the horses were lined up at the barrier. R. A. Tudor, the young rider of Green Acre, was kicked on the leg by Peg Black. He was unable to ride in the race and, no other boy being, available at the time, the backers of Green Acre did not get a run for their money. The officials all did their work well and the races were run well to time. Mr. C. B. Webster, the new secretary, came through the ordeal of his first meeting with flying colours, and he, the president (Mr. L. A. Nolan), the committee, and the officials generally were deserving the praise they received from visitors. The Regimental Band under the baton of Conductor ■ Cummings added to the day’s pleasure with aii enjoyable programme of music. The catering, in the hands of the Hygienic, and the booth, nndei the control of Mr. J. Power, * were of a high standard.

DETAILS OF THE RACING. HUATOKI PLATE, of 135 sovs; second 25 sovs, third 10 sovs from the * stakes. Seven furlongs. 3—TENTCALL, W. Pine’s ch m, 4yrs, by Callaghan —Atone, 8.9 (L. A. Pine) t 2—BANBRIDGE, S. Campbell’s br g 3yrs, by Tonbridge—Cushla, 8.2 (W. Taylor) I S—JOYSPEAR, R. J. Morris’ b g, 3yrs, by Greyspear—Clever Mary, 8.2 (C. Goldsbro) 3 $ Dead heat. Also started—l Fortalice, 9.2 (K. Grylls); 6 Coalbag, 9.2 (H. Dulieu); 8 Elysian Lady, 8.11 (H. Mills); 7 Miss Pakake, 8.11 (H. K. Alexander); 9 Rotokare, 8.9 (Leo George); 10 Grand Marnia, 8.2 (R. J. Flower), and Rossferry, 7.11, carried 7.13 J (L. Dulieu). Winners trained by owner (Hawera), and J. Fryer (Hawera). The third horse was a length away. Fortalice "was fourth. Time, Imin 30scc.

BOROUGH JUVENILE HACK HANDI- ' CAP, of 140 sos; second 25 sos, third 10 sovs from the stakes. Five furlongs. 3 — BELLE STAR, R. Johnson’s br f, 3yrs, by . Lucullus—Starella, 7.0 (R. Drinkwater) 1 4— GREEN LINNET, J. Fryer’s br f, 2yrs, by Tonbridge—Lady Egletine, 7.0 (G. Sandilands) 2 I—ORAPAI, Mrs. W. D. Graham’s eh g, by Thespian —Winkie’s Wheel, 7.10, car. 7.13 (H. K. Alexander) 3

Also started —2 Tareka, 7.8 (C. Goldsbro) and '5 Panatrope,' 7.8 (G. Warren).

Winner trained by owner (New Plymouth), <■. Won by a length and a-half, with three-parts of a length between second and .third. Tareka was fourth. Time, Imin 3sec.

RAHOTU HACK HURDLES HANDICAP, of 160 sovs; second 30 sovs, third 15 sovs from the stakes. One mile and a-half and 100 yards. 1 — OMEO, A. Lile’s br g, aged, by Quarantine —Munitioness, 9.5 (L. Dulieu) 1 4—WHENUANUI, A. M. GordonGlassford’s br g, aged, by Acre —Bell Boyne, 9.0, car. 9.1 f -(R. Eager) 2 2— VIVO, J. F. Kiley’s ch m, aged, by Polydamon—Melodise; 11.2 (H. Mills) 3 Also started —5 Panorama, 9.7 (A. Jenkins), and 3 Joke Form, 9.0 (A. Linton). Winner trained by W. F. Mantle (New Plymouth). Won by a length and a-half, with .two and a-half lengths between second and third. Panorama was fourth. Time, 2rnin 54 3-ssec.

STEWARDS’ HACK HANDICAP, of 160 sovs; second 30 sovs, third 15 sovs from the stakes. Six furlongs. 2—JUST SO, I. Lupton’s ch m, 4yrs by Chief Ruler —Rosie Desmond, 8.7 (W. Taylor) 1 4 —PEG BLACK, A. Langford’s br m,

4yrs, by Potoa—Maggie Paul, 7.8 (C. Goldsbro) • 2 6 —MARICA, F. Ehrhorn’s b m, syrs, ■ by Arrowsmith —Gladioli, 7.7, car. 7.2 (R. Drinkwater) 3 Also started—l Clever, 9.0, car. 8.9 (K. Grylls); 3 Abbess, 7.12 (H. K. Alexander); 5 Green Acre, 7.7, carried 7.2 (R. A. Tudor); 7 Potency, 7.5, carried 7.0 (L. McMahon); 8 Varsity, 7.0, carried 7.1 (P. Adlam); and 9 Lady Lucerne, 7.0 (G. Sandilands). Winner trained by J. Fryer (Hawera ). ■ Won by two lengths, with two lengths between second and third. Clever was fourth. Time, Imin 15 l-ssec.

CHRISTMAS HANDICAP (open), of 375 sovs; second 70 sovs, third 35 sovs from the stakes. "One mile and a-quarter. 2 —ORAZONE, J. Fryer’s b m, aged, by Bisogne —Ora, 8.4 (W. Taylor) 1 -1 —HIPO, E. George’s blk g, aged by Potoa—High Jinks, 8.1 (11. K. Alexander) 2 S—WENDAY, Mrs. R. I. Caro’s eh m, aged, by Day Comet—Weno- ' nah, 7.2 (R. Drinkwater) .... 3 Also started —1 Yoma, 8.7 (L. A. Pine); 3 The Swell, 8.1 (H. K. Alexander); 4 Mint Leaf, 7.11 (C. Goldsbro), coupled • with Hipo; 6 Llanore, 7.4 (M. J. Pine); 8 Flying Shot, 7.0 (L. McMahon) and 7 Opa, 7.0, carried 7.1} (P. D. Adlam). Winner trained by J. Fryer (Hawera). Won by a length and a-half, with two lengths between second and third. Yoma was fourth. Time, 2min 12sec.

ATIAWA HACK CUP, of 300 sovs (including cup valued 25 sovs); second 50 sovs, third 25 sovs from the stakes. . One mile and 110 yards. 2—MARJORAM, P. A. Findlay’s b g, syrs, by Catmint —Wahneeta, 8.4 (C. Goldsbro) 1 .4—MONALOFF, P. Tito’s ch m, 3yrs by DanilofT —Monaghan, 7.6, car. ■ ■ 7.1 (R. Drinkwater) .• 2 S—LATAKIA, S. C. Tonka’ ch g, 4yrs by Tonbridge—Marsuraa, 7.2 (P. D. Adlam) 3

Also started —1 Pompeius, 9.0 (P. Brady); 3 Calamine, 8.7, carried 8.2 (M. J. Pine); 6 Waitaunaha, 7.2 (K. Grylls); 7 Corwen, 7.0 (G. Sandilands); 8 Monoie, 7.0 (L. McMahon). Winner ' trained by A. E. Neale (Bulls). Won by three lengths, with two lengths between second and third. Calamine was fourth. ' Time, Imin 52 sec. TIKORANGI HACK STAKES, of 135 sovs; second 25 sovs, third 10 sovs from the stakes. Five furlongs. 2— VALPRE, G. F. Moore’s ch f„ 3yrs by Chief Ruler —Valeric, 9.0 (K. Grylls) 1 3— ANBRIDGE, W. O. Williams’ b m, 4yrs, by Tonbridge—Ansonia, 8.0 (W. Taylor) ' 2 I—CALLAPAT, F. S. Bluett’s ch g, 4yrs, by Callaghan—Lady Pat, 9.0 (L. A. Pine) ....' 3 Also started —9 Bon Eve, 8.0 (P. D. Adlam); 4 Animated, 8.0 (C. Goldsbro); 6 Araukuku, 8.0 (R. J. Mackie); 7 Our Nancy, 7.0 (L. McMahon), coupled with Gold Tree; 8.0, carried 8.5 (A. .Jenkinson); 5 Desbroney, 8.0. (R. Drinkwater);. 8 Espioh, 'B.O (H. K, Alexander), Winner trained by O. Cox (Hawera). Won by a head, with a head between second'and third.. Animated was fourth. Time, Imin 4sec.

FLYING HANDICAP (open), of 225 sovs; second 40 sovs, third 20 sovs from the stakes. Six furlongs.

1— RIDGEMOUNT, R. Johnson's ch ■ g, 4yrs, by Leighton—Lallali Rookh, 8.10, car. 8.5 (R. Drinkwater) } 2 — MELISSA, A. Barlow’s b m, syrs by Absurd—Amyrin, 8.0 (R. J. Mackie) 2 3— MONSOGNE, P. Tito's ch m, (iyrs by Bisogne—Monaghan, 7.0 (P. D. Adlam) 3 Also started—4 Oration, 7.7 (C. Goldsbro). Winner trained by owner (New Plymouth). Won by two lengths, with half a length between second and third. Oration was fourth. Time, Imin 14 l-ssee.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RACING. MAIDENS CROSS LINE TOGETHER. (By “Moturoa.”) Omeo, Gold Tree and Miss Cobham dropped out of the Huatoki Plate, and the public put in solidly on Fortalice, the dead-heaters, Teritcall and Banbridge, being good-priced third and second favourites respectively. From an excellent start Tentcall and Banbridge were first to show out, and when the field settled down Tentcall was showing the way to Elysian Lady, Fortalice, Banbridge and Rossferry. Tentcall still held sway across the top from Elysian Lady and Fortalice, while Joyspear had displaced Banbridge. Elysian Lady dropped back two furlongs from home ami Tentcall led Fortalice, Joyspear and Banbridge into the straight, the latter being boxed in. Tentcall was well clear at the distance', but Banbridge came fast and the judge was unable to separate them at the post. Joyspear was a length further back with Fortalice, Coalbag, Miss Pakake, Ross--ferry and Rotakane next. Under the circumstances it appeared as if Tentcall should have won, his rider easing up on him at the last, but had Banbridge received a clear run he would certainly have won. The rest were very poor class, Joyspear being the only likely improver.

BELLE STAR GIVES MILD SURPRISE

With Clever and Valpre out of the Juvenile Handicap there was but a onedividend field, and the public made Orapai a warm fancy, the Thespian gelding carrying nearly three times as n uch as the winner, Belle Star. Drawing the rails Belle Star began slightly better than Orapai after a delayed start, and the pair showed the way past the halfmile from Tareku and Green Linnet, the latter pair being two lengths back. There was little change across the top, but Belle Star had a slight advantage over Orapai into the straight; with Green Linnet and Tareka close up. In the run home there was only one horse in the race, and young Drinkwater was not required to push Belle Star to win by a length and a half from Green Linnet, while Orapai just managed to keep Tareka out of third money three-quar-ters of a length further back. Hats off to Mr. Dick, Johnson. Belle Star was produced a credit to judicious training, and the New Plymouth trainer caught the public unawares. . Orapai’s performance bore out remarks made in these columns recently regarding the poor quality of the Thespian stock. The youngster cut up very badly.

OMEO OUTCLASSES FIELD. Royal Acre, Waitaunaha and Quillfire were the absentees from the hurdles, and the public took the wholehearted hint from Mr. Addie Lile. Those who saw the angular Quarantine gelding win at New Plymouth and at Waikato did not feel a moment’s anxiety from the start, in which Omeo was slowest to begin. Whenuanui and Joke Form moved away from the rest, leading over the initial obstacle and into the straight with Vivo and Panorama next. Whenuanui swerved badly at }he fence at the bottom of the straight, but was four lengths ahead of Joke Form, Vivo and Omeo passing the stands. Whenuanui clouted the fence in front of the judge, and the field closed up, Whenuanui leading into the back from yivo and On ce. The favourite jumped from third to terms with Vivo at the fence five furlongs from home, and the pair led on to the High School bend from Whenuanui. The latter made a forward move on the bend when Vivo had cried enough, and Omeo and Whenuanui had little bptween them into' the straight and over the last fence. When Dulieu hit the pony a few times at the distance he came on with a burst end passed the post pulling up by a levgth and a half from Whenuanui, with two and a half lengths to Vivo, Panorama being fourth. Omeo outclassed the field. This little chap has won at each of his three appearances on a racecourse, and as he has not yet been fully extended it is difficult to say how far he will go in the game. Whenuanui ran a, good race, but he fenced badly. Vivo was a beaten horse half a mile from home. She has all the “in and out” characteristics of the Polydamon breed; IMPROVED ON FORM—JUST SO. Just So ran two good races at Hawera, but ill-luck dogged the steps of the Chief’Ruler mare, and an improvement was expected by many who watched Hawera form. However, Just So returned a good dividend and won with

her ears pricked. Green Acre’s pilot was kicked by Peg Black, and was unable to take his ride, the public forfeiting £367 as the result of the misfortune. Abbess jumped back when the tapes went up and Clever was actually first to move from Potency and Just So. At the end of a furlong Potency began to drift, and Marica, Clever and Just .So were locked together, with Peg Black doing best of the remainder. The latter joined the leading trio as they crossed the top, but once in line for the judge Just So could be seen doing slightly better than Peg Black and Marica. Just So left the field standing at the distance and won with a lot in hand by two lengths from Peg Black, while Marica struggled in to fill .third place a similar distance back, just ahead of Clever, with a break’ of several lengths to Varsity, Potency, Lady Lucerne and Abbess. Just So was a stone better than anything else in the race,' and it should take a lot more weight to keep her back to a field of this class next "time out. She is good, and the half-sister to , Mireusonta, and should not be long racing among hacks. An improvement away from, the barrier would see the New. Plymouth mare Peg Black early among the winners. Marica should do better to-day, but Clever does not like -weight, and stopped badly yesterday. Abbess was left hopelessly, and was not pushed.

ORAZONE’S GREAT FINISH. All lined up for the Christmas Handicap, and a great betting race, saw Yoma go out £lOO better fancied than Orazone, with a slight drop to The Swell. Hipo hit out freely in his preliminary, and The Swell and Orazone also appeared in great trim. From a fine start Wenday and Yoma were first to move, but into the straight Hipo had joined Wenday, with The Swell and Yoma next. Wenday led Hipo as they passed the stands, and the leaders were followed by The Swell, Flying Shot, Llanore, Yoma and Opa. When they reached the six-furlong post Hipo had charge from Wenday, with The Swell next, and Opa had moved up ahead of Flying Shot, Llanore, Yoma and Mint Leaf, with Orazone tailed off. Down the back Wenday again took charge from Hipo, with a length and a half to Yoma and Opa and The Swell and Flying Shot next. Orazone began to move through the field half a mile from home, and across the top Wenday and Hipo together were piloting Yoma, The Swell, Opa and Orazone, the latter coming fast on the outside. "Wenday was first into the straight from Hipo, but the old black gelding soon went to the front and at the distance was doing better than The Swell, Wenday and Yoma. At the half distance Orazone came up on the outside, and paralysed the field over the last bit to win by a length and a half from Hipo, who was two lengths ahead of Wenday, with Yoma, The Swell and Opa well up, and Flying Shot and Mint Leaf next and Llanore tailed off. Orazone’s win was full of merit, and many did not lose sight of the fact that she won this race last year. She will have many friends when she goes to Stratford on New Year’s Day. Old Hipo ran a great race after being out with Wenday al! the way, and a repetition of this form would find him prominent to-day. Wenday is sure to be improved by the race, and was made far too much use of. Yoma could not sum non a finishing effort, but The Swell is expected,to do better next time out. Llanore dropped away badly on the turn, and was 50 yards behind the winner at the finish

MARJORAM THE BEST HACK. Miss Pakake’s defection from the Atiawa Hack Cup left eight to contest the event. The public backed Pompeius as if the race was over. Marjoram was the second fancy. From a good dispatch Latakia moved away from Monaloff, and the pair were showing the way out of the straight from Waitaunaha, Corwen, Marjoram and Monoie. Latakia and Waitaunaha had taken up the running at the six-furlong post, and their nearest attendants were Corwen, Monaloff, Marjoram and Pompeius. The latter was rushed up on the outside of four horses, and was actually in front of Latakia down the back, with a break of two and a half lengths to "Waitaunaha, Marjoram, Calamine and Monaloft'. The favourite compounded very badly, and Latakaia was the next to go under to the strain, leaving Marjoram clear of Monaloff. Marjoram made no race of it over the last half-furlong, and won by three lengths from Monaloff, with two lengths to Latakia, who was just ahead of Calamine, Waitaunaha, Corwen and Manoie. Marjoram has come on fast, and has not- yet finished winning. Monaloff will improve but the others were , not of much account. The top-weight was very badly ridden, and more patiently handled should have been a. dividend-payer. 'His form was not right, and an improvement can be looked for.

VALPRE WINS WELL FROM BEHIND

Kentish Lad dropped out of the Hack Stakes, and the public took a fancy to Callapat, the unreliable Callaghan gelding carrying £l5O more than Valpre and Anbridge. They did not consider anything else in the race. Anbridge delayed the start, but from the barrier Valpre and Callapat were first to move, Callapat taking the lead at the half-mile from Espion, Bon Eve, Araukuku and Anbridge. Except that Animated moved up there was no change to the bend, and Callapat led Bon EvP, Espion, Animated, Anbridge and Valpre into the straight. Callapat stopped badly below the distance, and Bon Eve soon followed suit, leaving Anbridge ahead of Animated, Callapat and Valpre. Anbridge faded over the last 100 yards, and a great finish ensued, with Valpre joining the issue a few lengths off the post. Valpre finished exceptionally vzcll to win by a head from Anbridge, with Callapat and Animated similar distances away. Then came Bon Eve, Espian, Araukuku and Our Nancy. Valpre struck form again and hung on very well. Young Grylls rode a patient race on the Chief Ruler filly. This class of racg suits her. Anbridge just died out over the last bit, but no excuse can be given for him, nor Callapat, who stopped as quickly as he stopped at Hawera.

RIDGEMOUNT SHOWS WAY HOME

When Bonogne and Abbess dropped put of the Flying Handicap the public were left with another one-dividend field, but they backed Ridgemount heavily. Melissa and Oration began best, but when the field settled down Ridgemount'shot through on the rails and was leading at the half-mile by two lengths from Oration, Monsognc and Melissa' Across the top Ridgemount had added another length to his advantage from Oration, with-Melissa moving up again. Ridgemount was well clear of Oration and Melissa into the straight, and in the run home he was not extended to win by two lengths from Melissa, who was

hah a length ahe.... of Monsogne. Oration was a similer distance back. Ridgemount well, and the race should do him good. He likes the hard tracks, ; .d next month shou... see him at his best. Melissa ran ....... tly, but she did not have as much toe as the winner, and did well to run second.

WEIGHTS FOR SECOND DAY;

FITZROY HACK HANDICAP, Of 135 sovs. Seven furlongs.

REVIEW OF YESTERDAY’S FORM.

SOME LIGHT HAS BEEN SITOWN.

(By “Moturoa.”)

There will be divided opinion concerning the Fitzroy Handicap and most interest promises to be focussed on yesterday’s dead-heaters, Tentcall and Banbridge. It must be remembered that Tentcall made all the running, but the fact that Banbridge was doing best at the finish may influence many to prefer the Tonbridge gelding to Tentcall.

One dividend race's arc not popular with the public as a rule, but there was solid betting yesterday and the favourites saw good prices. Valpre and Belle Star were yesterday’s winners, but over five furlongs many will consider Valpre to be a stone the better galloper of the pair.

There w’as no mistake So’s win with 8.7 yesterday, and a rise to 9.4 may not deter many who follow a good horse in form. Monaloff call run a good six, and Peg Black, Abbess and Marica will all carry money, but considering the first, day’s running it looks as if Just ,So will have more friends than Peg Black and Abbess.

Omeo won with a lot in hand, a fact that many who followed him yesterday will not forget. Royal Acre is a newcomer and Whenuanui would need only to improve in fencing to take a lot of beating. However, form points to Omeo having more friends than Royal Acre and Whenuanui.

Twelve months ago Wenday had to be content with second place to Manly in the New Plymouth' Handicap, and the Day Comet mare again ran as well yesterday as she did. last year. With Orazone out of the way it. looks as if she will start a, better favourite than The Swell and Hipo. Of course, many expect The.. Swell, to show the most improvement, and he likes this distance.

Marjoram won. so easily in the Atiawa Cup that it looks as. if he will see a short price to-day. With him outof the way Calamine and Latakia would be fancied.

Anbridge was certainly unlucky to be beaten yesterday and he looks like seeing a shorter price than Pcarlie and Animated to-day.

There seems every prospect of a twodividend field lining up for the Inglewood Handicap, and the public will go in strongly. Bonogne is a newcomer from a successful stable. Melissa won

this race last year. Will Oration .take it into his head to gallop to-day? Then Abbess is in with a handy weight. It looks as if the public opinion will waver between Bonogne and Oration.

ROYAL COMRADE’S CHIEF EVEMT. AVONESS WINS PRESIDENT’S. The first day of the Westport Trotting Club’s meeting was held in beautiful weather before a large attendance. Results are:— There was keen racing. The totalisator handled £10,830, compared with £9433 on the first day last year. SEDDONVILLE HANDICAP. 100 sovs. Eight and a half furlongs. 1 KOKONA, scr. (T. Bennett) 1 7 BEATRICE LOCANDA, scr. (Jarden) * 2 9 JESSIE BELLS, 12yds. bird. (Medonald) 3 Also started. —10 Kitty Audubon, scr.; 'll Flood Drift, scr.; 13 Altair, scr. and Charlie Lincoln, 36yds., coupled; 2 Sissisox, scr.; 4 Rongonui, scr.; 2 Worthy Girl, scr.; 8 Drumley, scr.; 5 Bonny Wrack, 36yds. Won by three lengths, a length between second and third. Time, 2niin. 36 2-ssec. ? ■ ■ ■ TE KUHA HANDICAP. 100 sovs. Twelve and a half furlongs. 2 OLIVE NELSON, 60yds.' .1

1 AVONESS, 24yds 2 3 CHILDEBOY, scr 3 Also started.—s Iwanta, scr.; 10 Petrox, scr.; 3 Osgood, scr., coupled with Childe Boy; 8 Bonny Audubon, scr.; 9 Bingen Child, scr.; 7 Chancct, sCr.; 6 Bookstall, 12yds.; 4 Rapture, scr. Won by a length, two lengths between second and third. Time, 3min. 46sec. WESTPORT TROTTING CLUB HCP. £3OO, class 2.23 J. Sixseen and a half furlongs. 1 ROYAL COMRADE, 36yds. (D. Bennett) 1 1 KREISLER, 31yds. (Pascoe) coupled with winner 2 2 DANNY BOY, scr 3 Also started. —All Peters, scr.; 3 Nelsonian, scr.; 6 Myra Locanda, 12yds.,; 7 Alpine l2yds.; 5 Bessie Dillon, ,24yds. Won by three lengths and a half, a length between second and third. Time, 4min. 49 3-ssec. PROGRESS HANDICAP. , 100 sovs. Twelve furlongs and a half; 1 LORETTA NAPOLEON, scr (R. Young . ■ 1 4- DILLON CHIMES, scr. 2 3 SEDMERE, 24yds 3 Also : started. —7 Kitty Audubon, scr.;. 6 Undertaker, scr.; 2 Major Brent, scr.; 4 Allanora, scr. Won by a length, two lengths between second and third. Time, 3min. 42 4-ssec. PRESIDENT’S HANDICAP. 120 sovs, 2.34 class. Sixteen and a half furlongs. 1 AVONNESS, 12yds. (Barron) .. 1 4 Childeboy, scr. (Pascoe) 2 3 OLIVE NELSON, 156yds 3 Also started. —7 Bookstall, 8 Chancct, 2 Addie Guy, 5 Mountain Mist, 4 Osgood coupled with Childe play, 9 Bonnie Audubon, 10 Bingen Child, 6 Iwanta, all scr. Won by six lengths, ten lengths between second and third. Time, smin. 9 l-ssec. DENNISTON HANDICAP. Saddle, 110 sovs. Eight and a half furlongs. 2 KA WAN A, scr. (James) 1 6 RED COMET, scr. (Dunn) 2 3 FLYING KATE, 24yds. (Lynch) 3 Also started. —1 Royal Iroquois, scr.; 8 Jessie Bells, scr.; 7 Bonny Wrack, scr.; 5 Lady Bee, 36yds.; 4 Denver Hinds, 48yds. ’ Won by half a length, with half a length between second and third. Time,. 2min. 29 2-ssec. ADDISON’S HANDICAP. 100 sovs. Twelve and a half furlongs. 1 Great AuthorETAOIN NUP NUPN 1 GREAT AUTHOR, 36yds. (Jarden) 1 4 GREAT ADVENTURE, 48yds., (T. Bennett) 2 2 WARRANORE, 24yds. (Barron) 3 _ Also started. —5 Hardiness, scr.; 3 Harvest Boy, scr. Won by a length, half a length between second and third. Time, 3inin. 40 4-ssec. STOCKTON HANDICAP. 110 sovs. Ten and a half furlongs. 1 LIFE BUOY, scr. (D. Bennett). .. . 1 2 GREAT ADVENTURE, scr. (T. ... Bennett) 2 3 ALL PETERS, scr. (Doyle) .... 3 Also started. —4 Leading Lady, scr.; 7 Lady Bee, 24yds.; 5 Alpine Melody, 36yds.;. 6 Myra Locanda, 36yds. Won by a length, a length between second and third. Time, 3min. ssec.

FOXTON NOMINATIONS. GOOD FIELDS IN PROSPECT. The following nominations have been received for the Foxton R.C. annual meeting, which takes place on Wednesday and Thursday, January 15 and 16:— First Day. \ Poroutawhao Hack Hurdles; one mile and five furlongs —Ahu Mai, Some Red, Joke Form, Frilford, Call Again, March On, Royal- Mission, Fine Acre, Vinella, Four Aces. Novice Stakes, 6 furlongs.—Bon Acre, Lack-a-Day, Leonard, Petrarch, Transact, Brown Tie, Handsoipe, Battle Torque, Royal Queen, Dick Whittington, Acress, Bay Acre, Joie de Vai, Gaspipe, Platina, Valrewa, Lady Gem, Easterley, Modestrian, To Whanga, Waiua, Kilbroney mare. Himatangi Hack Handicap, 6 furlongs.—Wine Tray, Abbey Queen, Marica, Statuary, Tapestry, Mandy, Green Acre, Some Acre, St. Melba, T enacre. Foxton Cup, !}■• miles.—Blimp, Limosa, Billion, Royal Game, Painting, Ramoses, Gold Cure, Briar Root, Opa, First Acre, Royal Lineage, Discourse, Joy Bird, Balloon, Cerf, Merry Mint, Imperial Spark, ..Thrift, Llanore. Awahou Hack Handicap, 7 furlongs. —Wine Tray, Portray, Grattus, Spearform, Clarendon, Gold. Like, Fallow, Warfille, Disrank, Emerald Abbey, Hortense, Grand Marnia, Monoie, Callamart, Patearoa, Balloon, Dainty Ways, Pahu, Paiko, Jui Jazz, Elysianor, The Warden, Werata. Marotiri Hack Handicap, 6 furlongs. —Painting, Abbey Queen, Statuary, Ao Marama, Jui Jazz, Balloon, Ben Hur, .Easterley, Miss Gossip, Kilorcll. Anniversary Handicap, 6 furlongs. — Juggle, Melissa, Birkie, Broad Root, Flying Shot, Beaumont, Discourse, Kawhakina, Cerf, Kilorcll, Pale Star, Maui. Herrington Handicap, 1 mile—Royal Game, Ramoses, Gold Cure, Briar Root, Flying Shot, Beaumont, Discourse, Kawhakina, Cerf, Kilorcll, Pale Star, Maui. Second Day. Paiaka Hack Hurdles, 1 mile and 5 furlongs—Some Red, Joke Form, Frilford, Call Again, March On, Birkie, Royal Mission, Fine Acre, • Vinella, Jui Jazz. Motuiti Maiden Race 6 furlongs.— Bon Acre, Leonard, Ahu Mai, Transact, Battle Torque, June Rose, Royal Queen, Acress, Ao Marama, Evening Hero, Pahu, Te Whanga, Gaspie, Platina, Lady Gem, Waiua, Kilbroney mare. President’s Handicap, B<j furlongs. — Blimp, Billion, Royal Game, Rameses, Gold Cure, Briar Root, Opa, First Acre, Royal Lineage, Flying Shot,,Beaumont, Discourse, Kawhakina, Joy Bird, Balloon, Cerf, Merry Mint, Thrift, Maui, Llanore.

Whirokino Nursery Handicap, 5 fur-longs.—Lack-a-Day, Petrarch, Seneschal, Wee Acre, Dick Whittington, Sea Scout, Boy Acre, Amun Ra, Easterly, Modestrain, Quinola, Paiko, Valrewu, Acreline, Joie de Vai, Waiua, Kilbroney mare. Wharangi Handicap, 6 furlongs. — Juggle, Melliso, Birkie, Broad 1 Acre, Moorland, Callaninore, Llanore. Carnarvon Hack Cup, 1 mile.—Wine Tray, Portray, Grattus, Spearform, • Liinosa, Clarendon, Goldlike, .Fallow, Handsome, Disrank, Briar Root, Grand Marnia, Monoie, Callamart, Miss Gos-

sip Patearoa, Fiery Comet, Green Acre, Balloon, Dainty Ways, Skyrider, Fine Acre, Democrat c, Jui Jazz Kilorell, ElyJanor, The Warden. Werata, Tenacre. . Moutoa Handicap, 7 - furlongs.— Blimp, Rameses, Flying Shot, Wanderlust, Moorland, Hopwood, Cerf, Elysianor, Palo Star, Maui. Rangitotu Hack Handicap, 6 furlongs —Wine Tray, Portray, Spearform, Warfille, Painting, Abbey Queen, Emerald Abbey, Hortense, Acress, Statuary, Tapestry, Mandy, Marica, Some Acre, Dainty Ways, Evening Hero, Platina, St. Melba,' Ben Hiir, Tenacre. -

Tentcall 9 0 Corwen 7 13 Banbridge 8 7 Rotokare 7 13 Fort ad ice A 4 Monole 7 13 Varsity 8 4 Coal Bag 7 13 Joy Spear 7 13 Grand Marnia 7 7 Miss Pakake 7 13 Ross Ferry 7 7 ELECTRIC JUVENILE HACK HANDICAP Of 140 60 VS. Five furlongs. Valpre 8 11 Panatrope . 7 2 Belle Star 7 11 Double Red 7 0 Green Linnet 7 5 Lady Zulu 7 0 SUMMER HACK HANDICAP. Of 160 sovs; Six furlongs. Just So 9 4 Green Acre 7 10 Ca'liaipat 8 0 Marica 7 8 Monaloff 7 12 Potency 7 3 Peg Black 7 12 Esplon 7 0 Abbess 7 10 TARATA HACK HURDLES xlANDICAP. Of 160 sovs. li miles and 100 yards. Royal Acre 11 2 Joke Form 9 0 Omeo 10 3 Michael Whenuanui 9 7 Shimose 9 0 Panorama 9 3 Quillfire 9 0 Waitaunaha 9 2 NEW PLYMOUTH HANDICAP (OPEN). Of 300 sovs. One mile 110 yards. Yoma - 8 5 Wenday 7 3 The Swell 8 3 Opa 7 0 Hipo 8 8 Flying Shot 7 0 Valkon 8 1 Monsogne 7 0 Mint Leaf 7 7 Calamine 7 0 URUTI HACK HANDICAP. Of 175 eovs. One mile 110 yards. Marjoram 9 0 Marica 7 3 Calamine 8 6 Remora 7 0 Latakia 7 3 Waitaunaha 7 0 WAREA HACK STAKES. Of 135 SOVS. Six furlongs. Bon Eve8 0 Desbroney 8 0 Anbridge 8 0 Miss Chatter 8 0 Animated 8 0 Pearlie 8 0 Araukuku 8. 0 Rillett 8 0 INGLEWOOD HANDICAP (OPEN). Of 210 SOVS. Six furlongs. Bcnognc 8 11 Oration 7 3 Melissa 8 3 Clever 7 3 Llanore 7 5 Abbess 7 0