WANGANUI RACES

Taranaki Daily News, 16 May 1930, Page 5

WANGANUI RACES

PONJOLA’S STEEPLECHASE VICTORY AURORA BOREALIS WINS HURDLES BRILLIANT WIN EOR BRIGHT GLOW

“Moturoa.”)

(By

The Wanganui Jockey Club’s winter fixture opened yesterday in perfect weather and on a fast track. There was a very large attendance and patrons were treated to a day of excellent racing. The favourites enjoyed a fairly good run and a pleasing inciease of nearly £2OOO was recorded in the totalisator receipts. Following his fine form at Hawera, Tonjola was installed a warm favourite for the historic Wanganui Steeplechase.. After being ridden patiently for nearly two miles the greatly improved Hawke’s Bay jumper assumed the lead and won easing up from Matu and the Hawera gelding, Airtight. The Century Hurdles was productive of another fine lepping spectacle, in which the versatile Aurora Borealis overhauled the leaders in the last half-mile and won impressively from Perle de Leon and Elicit. ■ Taranakians shared in the winning honours when Vivo paid a large dividend in the Kaitoke Hurdles, and. Bright Glow justified the confidence placed in her by scoring a brilliant win in the Connolly Handicap. The Hawera mare was . always in the leading bunch and assumed command in the straight to stall off several spirited challenges- This event has in the past proved a good one for Taranaki horses, Mr. J. F. Stohr’s Inglewood winning the first race s of that name in 1904. Since then Mr. Sid Bitt supplied the winner with Rmstique in 1906, Clemora won for Mr. G. Castles in 1910 and Mr. F. Seiwood took the chief honours with Volo in 1918. In the next two years successive wins were scored by Marqueteur for Mr. Ewart. Mr. S. Price won with Alaric in 1925, Mr. R- Johnson with Horomea in 1928 and Mr. K. Tito with Paitonu last year.

By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wanganui, Last Night. Perfect weather prevailed to-day for the opening of. the Wanganui Jockey/ Club’s winter meeting, conditions being more like spring. The track. was in splendid order. The attendance was excellent and the totalisator showed anincrease of £1789 when compared with the first day of the 1929 meeting. £22,566 being handled as against £20,778. Results are:— PURUA HACK HANDICAP. Of 135 so vs. Six furlongs. , (First Division.) G—BLUE PAPER, C. F, Vallanee, 8.5 (C. Broughton) . I 2— LATAKIA, G. C. Tonks. B.G (H. Gray) 2 3— WERATA, B. Burgess, 9.9 (G. Ridgway) . • 3 Also started—9 Coon Song, 7.7; 1 Portray, 7.19; 4 Brilliant Light, 8.10; 7 Paiko, 7.11; 8 Grand Jury, 7.5; 12 General Gas, 7-7; 5 Tahoma, 8.8; 10 Manguharei, 8.0; 11 Gueress, 7.9; 13 Rioghail, 7.9. Won by hajf a length, with a neck between second and third. Coon Song was fourth. Time, Imin 4 l-ssec. PURUA HACK HANDICAP. Of 135 sovs. Six furlongs. .-(Second Division.) 3—VALSTREET, G. A. Reid, B.IJ (IL . Gray) ..’ • I 6— BEN HUR, B. Burgess, 7.9 (E. Burgess)’.. 2 7— AUCTIONEER, B. T. Bennett, 7.13 (W. Horne) 3 Also started —4 Statuary, 8.1; 3 Treasury, 8.4; 11 Some Acre, 7.1; 1 Hunting Boy, 8.13; 5 Tentcall, 7.5; 8 Crown Link* 7.2; 11 KiUigrew, 7X); 10 Poppy Day, 7.0; 9 Miss Chatter, 7.0. Won by a length, half a length between second and third. Statuary was fourth. Time, Imin 14 l-seec. HACK STEEPLECHASE. Of 175 sovs. About two miles. 2—RED BANK, G. R. Brown, 9.11 ' (A. McDonald) .... • • I S—HYMESTRASON, R. E. Hatch, ' ’ 9.2 (L. Dulieu)- 2 I—WAITAUNAHA, B. C. Lapouple, ’ 19.5 (L, Dulieu) 3 Also started—6 Flying Swift, 9.1; 4 Bendower, 9.5; 3 Maidos, 19.9 (pulled up). Won by five lengths, three lengths between second and third. Flying Swift was fourth. Time, 3niin 55 3-ssec. •WANGANUI STEEPLECHASE. Of 599 sovs. About three miles. 1— PONJOLA, O. Nelson, 9.9 (A. Tricklebank) 1 2— MATU, F. F. Newman, 9.19 (M. H. Nicol) 2 3— AIRTIGHT, J. Fryer, 9.7 (H. Dulieu) 3 Also started —4 Brigadier Bili, 10.11; 6 Kowhatu, 9.0; 5 Maunga, 10.0. Won by three lengths, seven lengths between second and third. Brigadier Bill was fourth. Time, Gmin 3 3-ssec. Kowhatu led after going a furlong, followed at the end of a mile by Ponjola, Airtight, Matu, and Brigadier Bill, with Maunga dropping back. With a mile to go Ponjola ran up to Kowhatu and headed him as they raced for the back stretch. Ponjola led into the straight from Brigadier Bill, Matu, Airtight, and in the run home held his own to win well by three lengths from Matu, which was seven lengths ahead of Airtight. Seven lengths back was Brigadier Bill. Maunga was last, a furlong away. KAITOKE HACK HURDLES. Of 175 sovs. About one mile and a-half. 11—VIVO, J. F. Kiley, 11.0 (J. Tucker) 1 2—AIRFORCE, F. Armstrong, 9.3 (A. McDonald) •••• 2 10—'WYEFORD, T. Boddy and S. R. Hammond, 9.1 i (A. Skipper) .. 3 Also started—l 4 Limosa. 9.2; 12 Lin Arlington, 9.3; 13 First Ruler, 9.0; 5 Town Bird, 9.12; 8 \Vhenuanui, 11.7; 1 Royal Acre, 11.4 (fell); 9 Second Thought, 9.9; 4 Sky rider, 9.8; 15 Valma, 9.0; 7 Marica, 9.0; 6 Four Aces, 9.0; 13 Calithe, 9.1|. Won by a head, two lengths between second-, and third. Time, 2min 48 2-a

CENTURY HURDLES. Of 400 sovs. About two miles. 3—AURORA BOREALIS, F. R. Wai-' • ler, 9.5 (H. Dulieu) 1 S—PERLE...DE .LEON, W. J. Craig, ‘ 9.5 (L. Dulieu) 2 2—ELICIT, A. F. Syme, 11.0 (A. McDonald) • •• 3 Also started. —6 Mister Gamp, 11.6; 1 Prince Lu, 10.5; 4 Glenstar, 9.13; 7 Whisogne, 9.0. Won by eight lengths, half a length 'between second and third. Time, 3min 51 2-ssec. - Prince Lu was leader for a mile and a-half with Whisogne and Elicit next. Three furlongs from home. Elicit and Aurora Borealis moved up and headed Prince Lu at the straight entrance. Aurora Borealis drew out over the final stages to win by seven lengths from Perle de Leon, which finished fast and beat Elicit by, three lengths. Mister Gamp was fourth. CONNOLLY HANDICAP. Of 300 sovs. One mile and a-quarter. I—BRIGHT GLOW, H. Cleland, 9.0 (H. Gray) ■•••••• 1 9—HIGH FALUTIN’, R. Grace, 7.6 (H. Wiggins) 2 S—ADMIRAL DRAKE, F. Armstrong, B.ot (S. Anderson) 3 Also started—6 Mountain Heath, 7.8; 3 Austerity, 7.3; 4 The Swell, 8.5; 10 Kawhakina, 7.0; 12 Mendip, 7.11; 8 Flying Juliet, 7.0; 7 Llyn Du, 7.0; •2 Cashier, 8.1; 11 Monsogne, 7.0. Won by a. short head, three-quarters of a length between, second and third. Time, 2min 7 4-ssec. Bright Glow followed Llyn Du across the top with Kawhakina and High Faintin’ next. Bright Glow led into the straight ahead of Admiral Drake, Austerity and High, Falutin, and in a desperate finish Bright Glow just won by a short head from High Falutin, with Admiral Drake three-quarters of a length back and Mountain Heath fourth. . BOROUGH HANDICAP. Of 250 sovs. Six furlongs. B—EQUITANT, J. Gibbons, 7.0 (W. ’ Broughton) 1 PARADE, L. McKenzie, 8.3’ (T. Green) 2 7—MELISSA, J. Somerton, 7.0 (K. Voitre) : .iAlso started—4 Laughing Prince, 9.6; 2 Ridgemount, 8.0; 5 Palesta, 8.2; 6 Moa* bird, °7.13; 12 Kaihoro, 7.7; 10 Atholspear, 7.9; 9 Just So, 7.5; 3 Just An Idea, 7.6; 12 Berncra, 7.0; 12 Cuticle, 7.0; 14 Potoaform, 7.0; 15 Royal Tractor, 7.0. Won by a long head, a head between second and third. Laughing Prince was fourth. Time, Irain 13 4-ssec. RACING DESCRIBED. . BLUE PAPER’S IMPROVEMENT. The public sorted Portray out as a hot fancy for the first division of the Purua Handicap, the Tea Tray gelding beiim entrusted with £419, over £lOO better backed than Latakia and Werata. Gueress lost several lengths when the tapes went up and Portiay began best from Blue Paper, Latakia and Werata. When the field had settled down Portray and Blue Paper were clear of Latakia, Coon Song, Werata, Mangaharei, Grand Jury and General Gas, but turning on to the bend Blue Papei assumed command. Blue Paper uas clear of Portray, Coon Song, Latakia, Grand Jury, Paiko and Werata, the latter coniine very fast. Portray was gone below°the distance and Latakia challenged on the outside, with Werata squeezing through on the rails. In a stirring °finish Blue Paper hung on to win by a long neck from Latakia, with Werata a neck further back, and there was nothing between Coon Song and Portrav half a length away. Then came Brilliant Light, Paiko, Grand Jury, General Gas and Tahoma. At Hawera Blue Paper stopped to a walk each day, but on this occasion she fought out every inch of the finish and was going as well as anything passing the post. Latakia had every chance but Werata was again unlucky and had to come from a long way back. His winning turn cannot be far off. Portray is speedy, but the winner ran him off his feet. Brilliant Light , was not sighted until the finish and can be kept in mind for a slightly longer race.

VALSTREET WINS ALL THE WAY

Nothing was inquired for in the second division of the Purua Handicap out-, aide of Valstreet, Treasury and Hunting Boy. Valstreet and Some Acre delayed the start, and when the tapes . went up Poppy Day and Statuary were slow to begin, Valstreet on the rails jumping out from Hunting Boy and Treasury. Half a mile from home Treasury had gone up with Valstreet, and thia pair were three lengths ahead of Hunting Day and Ben Hur, with Some Acre, Tentcall and Auctioneer next. There was no alteration on the bend, but turning for home Treasury was being ridden and Valstreet was clear as they straightened up from Treasury, Ben Hur, Some Acre, Hunting Boy, Auctioneer and Statuary. Valstreet did not appear to be ridden out to win by a good length from Ben Hur, while Auctioneer was half a length away. Then came Statuary, Some __Acre, Treasury and Hunting Boy. Gray got the Aucklander away smartly, and from that stage the issue was never in doubt. Ben Hur finished on well and Auctioneer ran his best race for some time. Statuary was one of the last away and was finishing over everything. He will crack it for a win before long. WAITAUNAHA PERFORMS BADLY. Only six lined up for the Hack Steeplechase and the public backed Waitaunaha as if the race was all over and the final figures found the Waitara representative paying less than even money. Flying Swift was first out from Maidos, and down the back this pair were followed by Hymestrason and Red Bank. Hymestrason ran up to the leader coming into the straight, and this pair showed the Way over the double from Red Bank, Waitaunaha and Maidos, but they were all well , bunched. Flying Swift tired down the back and Hynicstrason was left clear of Red Bank, but Alan McDonald moved up on the latter and had taken charge from Hymestrason, while the favourite, who was fencing very poorly, could make no impression on the leaders. Red Bank was clear over the last fence and withstood a challenge from Hymestrason to win comfortably by five lengths. Waitaunaha was a poor third, three lengths further back, and Flying Swift and Bendowcr were a street away. Maidos pulled up.. Red Bank fenced skilfully and quite outclassed this field. He should go a long way over the big fences. Hymestrason will improve, and he stays on fairly well. Waitaunaha was all at sea over the fences and was never going kindly. He may be better for the experience. PONJOLA PROVES HIS WORTHDemocratic and Birkbeck dropped out ■of the Wanganui Steeplechase, and a bare two-dividend .field paraded. Ponjola carried £93 more than Matu, but this pair carried more than half of the machine. Maunga was; soon tailing the field ajid Kowhatu cleared out from the rest, leading down the back and on to the bend by twenty lengths from Ponjola, with Airtight, Brigadier Bill and Matu abreast, two lengths further back. The order suffered no change over the double the first time, though the leader lost several lengths through wild fencing. On the flat again the pacemaker increased his lead once more and led the quartette down the back and into the straight, where Ponjola began to move ,s Up. At the double the second time, Ponjola jumped perfectly and ran up to Kowhatu, with Matu, Brigadier Bill and Airtight in line two lengths away. The field closed up at the six furlongs, but Matu made a bad jump about five furlongs from home, leaving Brigadier Bill and Airtight to chase Ponjola across the top. Ponjola S)ed away clear at the penultimate icle, where Matu was coming again. The latter was on terms with Brigadier Bill over the last fence, which the latter hit badly, but' though Matu made a bold bid at the distance he could not catch the favourite, who won with a lot in hand by three lengths. Airtight filled third berth seven lengths away, and Brigadier Bill and Kowhatu followed at intervals, with Maunga .more than a furlong away last. Ponjola definitely established his claim to good class‘and his clean fencing and rase combination of pace and stamina must give him a fine chance in the Great Northern Steeplechase, even with

Thought, Marica, Airforce and Lin Arlington, with Calithe near the tail of the field. Airforce moved up on the bend and five furlongs from home Wyeford was three lengths ahead of Airforce, with five lengths to Town Bird, Marica, First Ruler, Sky-: rider and Vivo. The lattef came up fast and was third into the straight, where Airforce ran past Wyeford. Airforce looked all over a winner at the distance, but his pilot rode a very weak finish and I. Tucker extracted the last ounce out of Vivo to win by a head. Wyeford was two lengths away third, with Limosa, First Ruler, Lin Arlington, Town Bird and Valma next. Vivo ran her best race for some time, but she was very lucky to beat Airforce, who would have been the winner had he been kept up to his task. Wyeford ran a good race, but lacked condition. Limosa finished very fast and he will soon make amends for his recent failures on the flat. AURORA BOREALIS BEST HURDLER Diana’s Lad was the only absentee from the Century Hurdles, and Prince Lu (£748) and Elicit ( £582) carried most of the money, though there was a heavy late backing for Aurora Borealis. Prince Lu began smartly from Whisogne, and this pair led out of the straight from Elicit, Glenstar, Perle de Leon and Aurora Borealis. . Down the back and on to the bend Prince Lu was out three lengths ahead of Whisogne, with breaks of five lengths to Glenstar and Elicit. Whisogne closed up coming into the straight and was just behind Prince Lu over the fence in front of the stands, and’then there was a break of fifteen lengths to Elicit, Glenstar and Aurora Borealis. Whisogne was done si— furlongs from home and Elicit went after the leader, while Aurora Borealis ran up to third place. Ab the five furlongs Prince Lu had a break of four lengths from Elicit, with five lengths to Aurora Borealis, and Mister Gamp and Perle de Leon ten lengths further back. Prince Lu compounded on the, bend, leaving Elicit to lead into the straight -by two lengths from Aurora Borealis, with Perle de Leon, Prince Lu and Mister Gamp well back. Aurora Borealis was first to straighten up and was not troubled in the run home to win by eight lengths, while old Perle de Leon made up a lot of ground to beat the quickly-tiring Elicit by half a length for second money, with Mister Gamp right up. Glenstar and Prince Lu were a long way back. Aurora Borealis is one of the most improved jumpers of the season and she simply swamped this field over the last quarter of a mile, cutting. 6 3-5 sec. off the previous record for the race. It was an impressive performance and she could have done better if extended. Once again Perle de Leon paid a dividend in the race. He made up a lot of -ground at the finish, and if he can be kept sound he should win good races this season. On this form’Elicit would stand absolutely no chance in the Great Northern Hurdles. He tired very badly at the finish and his jumping was not all that could be desired. Mister Gamp finished on well and he is sure to be a better horse next month. ■ X BONNY BRIGHT GLOW BRILLIANT. A nice field of a dozen lined up for the Connolly Handicap, and Bright Glow was sent out a firm favourite, £250 better backed than Cashier, Austerity and The Swell, but the pool was a big one and the bonny Hawera mare returned her supporters a'nice dividend. The start was a ragged one, in which Flying Juliet, Bright Glow, Austerity and Monsogne escaped the mix-up to lead into the straight. Monsogne had taken up the running past- the stands from Flying Juliet, Mendip, The Swell, Bright Glow, Austerity, Llyn Du, Cashier, High Faintin’, Admiral Drake and Mountain Heath, but Llyn Du shot round the field on the bend to lead into the back stretch clear of Bright Glow, Mendip,. The Swell, Austerity, Admiral Drake, and High Faintin’. Llyn Du was doing his best when they turned on to the home bend, and Gray moved the favourite up to the leader. When Llyn Du retired at the entrance to the straight Bright Glow wag left just in front of The Swell, Llyn Du, High Falutin’, Austerity, Kawhakina, and Admiral Drake. It was a wonderful race up the straight, first The Swell,, then Admiral Drake and Austerity, and finally High Falutin’ challenging the top-weight. Gray and Bright Glow were

his re-handicap. Matu might have given the favourite more to do had he not made a couple of faulty jumps, but he ran a good race and will lose na friends. Ajrtight and Brigadier Bill were well beaten, but one to keep in mind for a minor steeplechase ■ is Kowhatu, whose jumping will improve with experience. For once Maunga completed the course, but his pilot seemed tb be concentrating mainly on getting him safely over the obstacles. VIVO WINS AT A LONG PRICE. Royal Acre ( £680) and Airforce ( £650) were best backed in the Kaitoke Hurdles, but. Vivo was destined to create a surprise in getting up on the post to pay a double-figure dividend. The backers of the favourite had a short run for their money, when Royal Acre came to.grief at the initial obstacle, Town Bird, Wyeford and Second Thought being the, leaders, .at this ft tage. Wyeford headed Tpw;i Bird past the stands and then followed Second

seen’at their best when each rival was beaten off, and in a punishing finish the mare got home a snoi t head in front of High Falutin’, with Admiral Drake three-quarters of a length away and Mountain Heath almost in line. Close up were The Swells Kawhakina, Austerity and Mendip. Bright Glow was seen in her befit form, and her ability to begin well enabled her to obtain a good position early in the race. She is very well at present and thia turning track suits her. High Falutin’ made up a lot of ground in the middle stages of the journey so there was a great deal of merit attached to his effort. He will not he lomx in securing ’ the thick end of the Admiral Drake was another not too well served in the limning, and an improvement can be expected from him. Mountain Heath went nicely at the finish and of the others the exhack Llyn Du did best. Mendip wont well while his condition lasted, and he will 1 not be long in striking ■■his Uruo form. ■' - '■

EQUITANT COMES ON THE RAILS.

Fifteen lined up for the Borough Handicap and in the biggest pool of the day Royal Parade was sent out nearly £l5O better backed than Ridgemount and Just an Idea., Ridgemount and Moa Bird delayed the start, and when the tapes lifted Kaihoro was hopelessly left. Royal Parade, -who drew one of the outside positions, was first to show out, and lyhen the field settled down he was piloting Equitant, Paleta, Bernera, Melissa and Cuticle. Paleta shot up at the half-mile and led on to the bend from Bernera, Melissa, Ridgemount and Equitant. Royal Parade, who had dropped back quickly, came again as they turned into the straight, where Paleta faded out of the picture. As they straightened up for the run home Royal Parade bored and carried out Melissa, Bernera, Paleta and Laughing Prince, giving Equitant a clear run on tire rails, fp a tight finish Equitant got home a neck ahead of Royal Parade, on the outside of the track, while Melissa was a short head away. Laughing Prince was almost in line and Just So, Paleta and Ridgemount were next. Equitant scored her first win in open company and she returned, her party a nice double-figure dividend. She was probably lucky to secure an opening on the rails, but she won really well and has not finished yet. , Royal Parade lost his position at the half-mile and made his run three furlongs from home. Better placed on the bend he would probably have won. But for being carried almost off the field, Melissa would have been very hard, and she was one of the unluckiest runners in the race. Laughinw Prince was also interfered with through the boring and the straight was not long enough for him to get going again. This race should work wonders with him and he will soon make amends. Paleta is coming on fast. ACCEPTORS FOR TO-MORROW.

By Telegraph.—Pi ess Association. Wanganui, Last Night. The following are the acceptances for the second day (to-morrow): — RATA HACK HURDLES. Of 175 sovs. About one mile and a-half. Royal Acre 11 10 Second Vivo 11 9 Thoughts 9 ■ 8 Whenuanui 11 7 Llmosa 9 2 Whlsogne 10 1 Lin Arlington 9 2 Town Bird 9 11 7 Valma 9 0 Airforce 9 10 First Rule* \9 0 BALGOWNIE HANDICAP. • Of 175 sovs. One mile and a distance. Werata > 9 3 General Gas 7 5 Latakia 8 6 Spearform 7 0 Brilliant Light 8 4 Banbrldgo T 0. Auctioneer 7 12 Corwen 7 0 Calamine 7 11 Rlogliail 7 0 MAY HURDLES. Of 300 sovs. One mile and three-quartera Elicit 11 2 Whenuanui 10 0 Prince Lu 10 12 Vivo 9 13 Aurora * Perle de Leon 9 11 Borealis 10 5 Beaumont 9 Royal Acre 10 3 - . 7 ■ GRANDSTAND STEEPLECHASE. Of 300 sovs. About two and a-half miles Brigadier BUI 10 12 Kowliatu 9 0 Airbight 9 11 Calithe 9 0 Red Bank 9 1'1 Flying Swift 9 0 Waitaunaha 9 8 Maldos 9 0 EMPIRE HANDICAP: Of 275 sovs. One mile and a distance Silverniline 8 8 Orazone 7 5 The Swell 8 8 Austerity. ' 7 0 Admiral Drake 8 3 >' Flying Juliet 7 0 Cashier 7 13 Llyn Du 7 0 Atholspoar . 7 12 Monsogne 7 0 High Falutin 7 10 Cuticle 7 0 Equitant 7 0 Kawbaklna 7 Mountain- Break o 0 Heath 7 7 Da F 7 0 FAREWELL HACK HANDICAP. Of 175 sovs. Six furlongs. Blue Paper 9 0 Ben Hur 8 3 Valstreet 8 13 Treasury 8 2 Hunting Boy 8 11 Portray 7 8 Latakia 8 11 Coon Song 7 5 Brilliant Some Aero -7 2 - Light 8 9 Crown* Link 7 0 Tahoma 8 5 , . '. WINTER OATS.HANDICAP. Of 250 sovs. 'Six furlongs. Laughing Kaihorp 7 10. Prince 9 5 Just. So 7 7 Havering 8 8 Just an Idea 7 8 Royal Parade 8 8 Llanore 7 5 Freehold 8 4 Bonogne 7 5 Paleta 8 0 Hopwood 7 8 Ridgemount 7 13 Melissa 7 Equltant ' 7 11 Potoaform 7 Moa Bird 7 11 2 0