SPORTING.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXVI, Issue 18438, 23 March 1922, Page 6

SPORTING.

FIXTURES. March 22, 23 —Rangitikei R.C. March 30, April 1. —Wellington R.C. April 6, B.— Manawatu R.C. April 7, B.—Southland R.C. April 15 17.—Auckland R.C. April 15, 17.—Feiring J.C April 15, 1 R.C. April 15, 17.—Wairarapa R.C. A.pril 17, 18.—Canterbury J.C. April 17. —Waipukurau J.C. April 19.—Westland R.C. April 22.—Greymouth J.C. April 22, 24. —Avondale J.C. April 26.—Reefton J.C. April 26, 27.—Hawke’s Bay J.C. April 28, 29.—South Canterbury J.C FAVOURITE SCRATCHED. ENGLISH RACING SENSATION. Received March 22, 8.30 p.m. LONDON, 2l. The scratching of Soranus created a sensation, as he was one of the best backed horses in the Lincolnshire. The scratching recalls his withdrawal on the eve of the Cambridgeshire, when he was favourite. RANGITIKEI RACING CLUB’S ANNUAL MEETING. VOLUBLE WINS SCOTT MEMORIAL EGMONT PARK SCORES IN THE CUP. (Special to “Chronicle.”) Although the weather was unfavourable for two days previous to the opening of the above meeting, and continuous showers fell, Wednesday morning broke with a blue sky, and by the time the first race started the weather was warm, with a slight wind blowing. The attendance was up to the average, and the betting was on a par with that of other race meetings, showing a decrease in investments during the day. The track was in good order, considering tlie recent rain, the winner of the Scott Memorial running the six furlongs in 1.17. Mr C. O’Connor made his first appearance as starter on the Rangitikei racecourse, and dispatched the neids in his usual excellent style. Mr J. Cameron was in the judge’s box and his decisions were promptly and correctly hoisted. Mr J. E. Henrys’ adjustments provided excellent finishes.

The meeting was capably controlled by Mr H. A. Goodall as secretary, and his assistants. Mr George Spriggens had cliarge of the totalisator. This made the fortieth year in which he has been connected with the totalisator for the Rangitikei Racing Club, and the years have dealt very kindly with him, as he was full of energy, and, with his staff, handled expeditiously all the money that was offering for investment by the public. Mr A. Grant’s Voluble won the Scott Memorial after an exciting finish, and Mr D. J. Goodwin’s Egmont Park fully justified the confidence in installing it favourite by winning the Rangitikei Cup. The totalisator investments amounted to £14,468, against £21,951 for the corresponding day of last year. Follow'ing are the results : SCOTT MEMORIAL HANDICAP, of 160 sovs; 6 furlongs. A. Grant’s VOLUBLE, 7.7 (H. (Wiggins) 1 BESTIR, 6.7 (S. Anderson) 2 KAREAO, 7.11 (C. Pine) 3 Also started: Passionless, 8.2 (C. Emerson); Cold Steel, 7.6 (A. Reed); Armorel, 7.4 (D. Gunn); Automoana, 6.7 (L.’A. Pine); Lady Kotiropi, 7.4 (M. Conway) ; Flying Master, 6.7 (D. Gunn.i. Won by a head, half a length separating second and third. Time, 1.17.

TRIAL PLATE, of 110 sovs.; 6 furlongs. M. Heheir’s ATAPO, 9.0 (W. Bell) 1 RELEASED, 9.2 (S. Walls) 2 MISS BEAUFORT, 9.0 (A. McCormack) 3 Also started: Whizz Bang, 9.0 (W. Young); Complimentary, 9.0 (R. Penman); Golden Foam, 9.0 (A. Reed); Orelanna (H. McSweeney), Red Stag (B. H. Morris), Yankee Jack (L. G. Morris), Eonniark (A. Oliver'), Adrina (R. Mackie), Hallowell (H. Young), Haerenioana (R. Hatch), Treadwell (H. Ryder), Tussore (J. Kelly), Esalt (L. Butler), Commandress (C. Reed). OHAKEA HACK HURDLES, of 120 sovs.; 1| miles. H. Hiroti’s WAR LOAN, 115 (E. Copestake) ... 1 NAUGHTY, 9.0 (S. Walls) 2 TORNEA, 9.3 (H. Burt) 3 Also started: Tarquin, 9.0 (J. Kaan). * RANGITIKEI CUP, of 325 sovs.; 1J miles.

D. J. Goodwin’s EGMONX PARK, 7.13 (M. Conway) 1 M. J. Hartigan’s SKYLIGHT, 6.7 (L. A. Pine) 2 S. J. Gibbons’ EQUITABLE, 7.1 (A. Dixon) 3 Also started: Prince Martian, 7.2 (D. Gunn); La paloma, 6.9 (H. Wiggins) Pantier, 6.7 (G. Butler. CARNARVON HACK MANDICAP, of 110 sovs.; 6 furlongs. J. M Durie’s HALLOWROZ. 8.2 (H. E. Ryder) 1 BONECTO, 6.7 (S. Anderson) ... 2 PAM, 7.7 (H. Wiggins) ... 3 Also started: Stutter, 7.1 (Dixon); Satin,. 6.13 (D. Gunn); Adrina, 6-7 (W. Bagby). CLIFTON HACK WELTER, of 110 sovs.; seven furlongs. S. R. Hammond’s TE MAIRE, 8.11 (L. G. Morris) 1 VELOCTFORM, 8.11 (R. S. Bagby) 2 LEFT, 8.1 (A. Reed) 1 3 Also started: Skylight, 8.4 (W. E. Pine); Mattock, 8.8 (L. Morris) ; Spare Moment. 8.6 (W. Young): March On, 7.12 (R. Mackay);' Hindi, 711 (J. Barry); Martulla, 7.7 (A. Dixon); Silver Sam, 7.7 (M. Conway). Won by a neck, a neck separating second, and third horse. Time, 1.33 4-5. PAREWANUI WELTER, of 160 sovs.; 1 mile half a furlong. Gomer and Laurent’s PASSIN’ THROUGH, 8.13 (W. E. Pine) 1 DETROIT 8.11 (R. Penman) 2 TIRANA, 7 .7 (McCormack) 3 Won by half a length, six lengths between second and third. Time, 1.541.

NGATIAPA HACK HANDICAP, of ” 110 sovs.;. 5 furlongs. G. A. Watt’s SOME RED, 7.61 (H. E. Ryder) 1 REGARD, 7.3 (M. Conway) 2 GALLIA, 7.13 (A. McCormack) ... 3 Also started: Pupliian 9.5, Believe 7.10, Lady Faa 6.13, St. Waipa 6.9, Bonny Rill 6.12, Lady Upcott 6.7, Iran 7.2, Brown 6.7. Won by three lengths, two lengths separating second and third. Time, 1.4 3-5.

NOTES ON THE RACING. Amber - Tips, Festive and Knia were taken out of the Scott Memorial Handicap, leaving in nine runners. Lady Kqtiripo, Passionless and Bestir comprised the leading division when they had gone a furlongs. At half way Bestir was well clear with Lady Kotiripo and Voluble next. Voluble led into the straight, and won with something to spare from Bestir, with Karaeo, Cold Steel and Armorel next. Passionless met with some interference just after the start and in the straight Bestir ran out to meet' Voluble. The stewards decided that Bestir was not to be ridden by a light weight rider in future. and if there was a similar happening they would recommend that the horse’s entry be refused. All started in the Trial Plate except Bonny Rill, Pam and Legato. The Palmerston North Eonniark was best backed. ’Che favourite began smartly, but had not gone far before Atapo headed him off. Coming into the straight Released joined the leader. Miss Beaufort also made an effort to get up in the straight, but failed to reach the leading pair.' Ata-po never looked like getting beaten. Haeremoana was fourth and Eonmark fifth. The winner is by Quarantine, and is trained by A. Atwood, at Feilding. Withdrawals of Eldenholm, Rangiata, and Lady Doolan from the Ohakea Hack Hurdles reduced the number of runners to four. War Loan, who was conceding his opponents a lot of weight, wound up a gotxl favourite. Naughty and Tornea got a good break at the stand, where War Loan left Taxquin and started to reduce the gap the other pair had made. Naughty was going well six furlongs from home where War Loan was being ridden.' Naughty cleared tlie final obstacle first, but in the run home War Loan headed her and won comfortably. The other pair were beaten off.

Beloved was the only defection from tUe Rangitikei Cup field. Egmont Park, whose rider claimed 71bs allowance, wound up favourite. Prior to the start, La Paloma got away with H. Miggins'and bolted a mile and a quarter before being pulled up by the clerk of tlie course. Equitable. La Paloma and Egmont Park were prominent at the stand, with a mile to go. Racing along the back Egmont Park started to move up, and getting a clear run through on the rails, was in charge half a mile from home, where Prince Martian had drifted back last. Egmont Park led Fantlcr into the straight the latter dropping back in the straight. Skylight and Equitable tried to make a race of it. but Egmont Park won very easily. La Paloma yas fourth and Prince Martian fifth. Backerg of the winner had to accept a ridiculously short price. Lady Nassau and Matareka were taken out of the Carnarvon Hack Handicap, reducing the number of runners to six. Most support was forthcoming tor Hallowroz. Pam who drew inside postition, was first out, but did not get far before Bonecto and Satin joined herfl. At half way Satin was clear of Bonecto and Pam. They ran in this order to the home turn, where Hallowroz put m a claim. He took charge at the straight and drawing away won with something in hand from Bonecto, with lam and Satin next. The winner paid just over level money. There were ten runners for the Clifton Welter Hack, after Hallowroz, Country Life and Will Prosper had been taken out. They included Skylight, who ran second in the Cup earlier in the day. Left was heavily supported and rent out favourite. March On, Hindi, and Martulla began best, Left being last to get going. Martulla was out clear half a mile from home, where Hindi and Spare Moments were also well placed. The leaders dropped out at the home turn, where Velooiform and Skylight improved their positions. Half-way down Te Maire came with a late ran and got up in time to secure the verdict. Left and Skylight were close iip to the other pair. Kuia, La Paloma, and Beloved were taken out of the Parewanui Welter, reducing the number of runners to thffee. Ihe Opunake winner, Passin’ Through, was sent out a good favourite. Detroit was allowed a good break at the back of the course, where the other pair were together. Passin’ Through gradually overhauled the leader at the bend, was first into the straight, and won easily from Detroit, with Tirana a fair third. The winner returned the shortest price of the afternoon.

The. good field of eleven contested the Ngatapa Hack Handicap, after Matareka, Jasper Gate, lola and Golden Foam had been withdrawn. The Marton-trained Some Red finished up favourite. Regard, Relieve and Paphian began best, with Some Red at the head of the others. The latter gradually worked his way to the front, took charge in the straight, and won fairly easily from Regard, who came again and cult Gaßia out of second place. Paphian was fourth.

TO-DAY’S ACCEPTANCES. (Fsr Ftms AMoelatlon.) BULLS, March 22. Greatford Stakes, 6 furlongs.— Simonides 9.3, Voluble 8.8, Passionless 8.4, Kareao 8.0, Lady Kotiropo 7.3, Bestir 7.2, Armorel 7.1. Maiden Handicap, 7 furlongs.— Released 8.9, Miss Beaufort, Pam 8.8, Haerenioana 8.7, Martulla, Treadwell 8.3, Whizz Bang, Bonny Rill, Orellana, Tussore 7.11. Fraser Memorial, 1 mile and a distance.—Egmont Park 9.3, Simonides 8.13, Detroit 7.3, Equitable 7.0, La Paloma 6.9, Skylight, Pantier 6.7. Sandon Hurdles, 1J miles.— War Loan 12.5, Kato 10.8, Spring Tide 10.3, Naughty, Flying Master 9.13, Tornea 9.3, Stutter, Lady Doolan 9.0.

Rangitoto Hack, 6 furlongs—Mark Timje 8.13, Velociform 8.6, Some Red

8.5, St. Waipu 7.5, Satin, Bonecto 6.12, Silver San, Adrina 6.7. Ngaio Welter, 8 J furlongs.— Te Maire 9.7, Erie 9.4, Hallowraz 9.3, Velociform 9.2, Skylight 8.10, Spare Moment, Left 8.4, March On ~..8, Hindi 7.7. Pukemarama Welter, 7 furlongs.— Simonides 10.6, Passin’ Through 10.1, Voluble 9.9, Kareao 9.8, Cold Steel 9.5, Warrawee 8.9, Hallowroz, Automoana 8.5, Tirana 7.7. Farewell Hack, 5 furlongs.—- Paphian 9.3, Some Red 8.10, Gallia 8.2, Regard 7.9, Lady Faa 7.4, Eonmark 7.2, Believe, Bonecto 6.13, Golden Foam, Fran, Bouron 6.10.

NOTES AND COMMENTS. (By “Early Bird.”) Some of the colours in use at Masterton were washed out and faded, and the owners were reminded to renew them before they appeared at another meeting. The rising two-year-old son of Absurd and Ballarat has had the name of Goldtown given to him. He is a half-brother to Ararat, First Line, Pervolo and En Route, and was purchased here by Mr. G. D. Greenwood for 459gns. Kick Off is the first of the visiting horses to arrive at Trentham, in charge of W. Donovan. Kick Off, who is to contest the New Zealand St. Leger and Trentham Gold Cup, is quartered at J. W. Lowe’s establishment.

The fact that the Lake County Jockey Club has abandoned its meeting for this season has left a totalisator permit vacant, and the Dunedin Jockey Club contemplates applying for it, fin order to hold a meeting for the benefit of a public object.

Maniahera hurt himself while contesting the hurdle race on the first day at Wanganui, but he has made a good recovery, and, all going well, he will be a runner at the Manawatu meeting next month. It is reported that Songbird, who ran well in the mile races at the Cup meeting, is coming up for the Wellington meeting to contest the Thompson Handicap; also that Roseday will be the Southland representative in the Railway. Munus (Wolawa —La Notte) was operated on last , week for throat, trouble. The the reality that the breathing department of Munus was in a very bad way. Munus, it may be noted, is a half brother to those real good performers, Nightfall, Noctuiform, Midnight Sun and Moonbria. It is stated that until Rostrum won the Newmarket Handicap, train-er-owner E. A. Connolly had not won a really important flat handicap, or one on which there was a great deal of ante-post betting. One of his unlucky ventures was when the New Zealand-bred Anna Carlovna was narrowly beaten by Aurifer in the Caulfield Cup of 1913. Anna Carlovna, who was by Soult-Czarevna, won the Midsummer Handicap at Riccarton in the same year in Mr. H, Friedlander’s colours and was subsequently sold to Mr. Connolly. Every sportsman has heard of and uses the expression “dark-horse” when some unheard-of brute, who has not been seen out for years, pops up and wins a big race. But he does not know its origin. It was founded an a Tennessee racecourse. A local sport named Sam Flynn owned a coal-black stallion called Dusky Pete, who was not handsome, but a flyer. Pete was entered for a country race, where there were several favourites. Not being impressed with his looks, Pete petered out in the betting. In fact, nobody but Flynn backed him. He walked round and took all the bets he could. Just as the horses cantered to the post Judge MoMinamee, a great turf oracle from Kentucky, appeared on the scene. When told of the way the unknown one had been backed, the judge instantly recognised the black stallion and said: “Gentlemen, there is a dark horse in this field that will make some of you feel small before supper.” Dusky Pete won the race in a trot, and ever since .dark horse” has become a popular expression on the racecourse and in politics.