STRATFORD A. AND P. ASSOCIATION.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LX, Issue 143770, 19 April 1912, Page 4

STRATFORD A. AND P. ASSOCIATION.

THE GYMKHANA. A SUCCESSFUL GATHERING. The weather was beautifully fin© on Thursday when the gymkhana arranged by the Stratford A. and P. Association, and which was postponed from Easter Monday, took place. The fixture had aroused considerable interest throughout the district, and there was an attendance estimated at over 2000. The programme was an attractive one, and an excellent afternoon's sport was provided. The jumping, although many of tli© horses taking part did not impress one very favourably, was excellent on the whole.« Mr. C. Enderby, of Wanganui, officiated as judge, and gave general satisfaction. The three trotting events on the programme —two for horses and one ior ponies—created a great deal of excitement, but possibly tho most enjoyable happening of the whole afternoon was a little incident which occurred after the girls’ novelty race, in which the first and second prize winners set their mounts at full gallop and had a race around the ring, amid the hearty laughter of tho crowd. A buckjumping exhibition was added to the advertised programme, and this aroused great excitement. Two young men, named Calvert and Glentvvorth respectively, succeeded in retaining their seals on two of the bucking bronchos, for which performance they were enthusiastically cheered. Except for one or two unnecessarily long delays in between some of the events, the arrangements were admirably carried out. Results:— Maiden Hunters’ Competition, carrying not less than 12st.—Miss Maggie Briggs' Grey Star 1, C. H. Pollard's Lady Shot 2, R. Taylor’s Pluggcr 3.

Pony Jumping, ponies under 1-1 hands, ridden by hoy or girl under 16—J. D. Mitchell's Princess 1, E. Wills’ Tasman 2, Miss E. Abbott’s Mickio 3. Best Lady Driver.—Miss E. Walsh (Stratford) i, Mrs. Craddock 2.

Maiden Trot, 1 mile, in saddle.—W. Clifton’s Madcap, 2osec., 1; Thompson’s Fern Root, 2osec., 2; R. Garlick’s Twinkle,* 2550 c.. 3. There were seventeen starters. Time, 3min. 9*scc.

Ladies’ Leaping Competition. Miss Briggs’ Dougal 1, Miss Abbott 2. Motor-car Driving, backwards and forwards through hurdles and flags.— l -L. Curtis (30-h.p. Cadillac) 1, Mudford (40-h.p. Overland) 2, Rook (35-h.p. Moline) 3. Trotting Race, 1} miles (open).—R.' Coates’ Rothschild Lad, ISscc., 1; J. Brake’s Singlet, SOsec., 2; J. H. Butcher’s Tho Flasher, losec., 3.

Girls 5 Novelty Race, each competitor carrying billy of ■water for half tho course and an egg on a spoon for tho remainder of the distance.—Miss D. Hammond 1, Miss E. M. Bernard 2. Race between Man and Horse.—Miss Maggie Briggs, on Mr. Mitchell’s pony, beat Anderson, on foot. Hunters’ Competition (open), each home to carry not less than 12st.—Miss Maggie Briggs’ Dougal 1, N. Paterson’s Hacr© 2, R. Taylor’s Plugger 3. Stockmen’s Event with Whip.— Brannigan I, H. Cameron 2. Pony Trotting Event, ponies to be ridden bv boys under 14. —R. Masters’ Billy 1. E. Hancock’s Kitty 2. Leaping Competition, steeplechase B tyle.—Miss Briggs’ Grey Star 1. Miss Briggs’ Dougal 2, W. E. Forbes’ Mangawbero 3.

Maiden Leaping Competition, open to horses and riders who had not competed in a leaping competition.—C. H. Pollard's Lady Shot 1. Ponv Jumping, under IS hands.—L P. Mitchell's Princess 1, IV. T. Bailey'* Gill 2.