ON TARANAKI TRACKS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 76, Issue 302, 22 December 1933, Page 4

ON TARANAKI TRACKS

HOLIDAY PREPARATIONS. ' INTERESTING GALLOPS. I | Witch the Taranaki Jockey Club’s I summer meeting duo to bo held next j Tuesday and Wednesday, and the i Stratford Racing Club’s New Year *meeting scheduled for Monday and Tuesday of the following week, considerable interest attaches to the track work of horses engaged. At New Plymouth and Hawera there are contingents of candidates for these meetings, as well as a few for other holiday gatherings at Ellerslie, Awapuni and Marton. The following account of Tuesday’s training operations is from the Taranaki Daily News. At New Plymouth. Though still rather inclined to be hard the course at New Plymouth showed signs of improvement on Tuesday morning as a result of the recent rains. Though there was again not a great deal of galloping there were several interesting trials. Before breakfast Headmistress and Silk Sox were associated over six furlongs in Im. 18 4-ss. Both went weil and had something in reserve at the finish. Refresher and Amyril pleased over half a mile in 52}s. Neither of this pair has done any real galloping for some time and this effort was very satisfactory. These gallops took place on the trial grass but after breakfast all the work was confined to the plough. Lalla Quex was pulling hard over two circuits at half pace. She is putting plenty of dash into her work. Courtega did a similar task. She is developing into a shapely filly and should turn out above the average. Easter Time and General Quex went seven furlongs, the last five at a good threequarter pace. Both moved freely, Easter Time especially hitting out well. Merry Way and Bold Bid jumped off at the six furlong peg. They took 13 3-5 s for the initial furlong but ran the next two down the back in 25s and then finished on to register Im 18 3-5 s for the full distance. Merry Way went very evenly throughout and her performance was impressive. Bold Bid also shaped well, putting plenty of dash into his display. Superior worked on the plough. She moved in good style and seems to be throwing off her lameness. Arvada did strong work over a couple of circuits. She is in good condition for racing and may prove capable of going very well in the Flying. Lady Kyra, Tahurangi and the Arausio mare in R. Barlow’s stable did useful tasks. At Hawera. After the rain the tracks at Hawera were in excellent order for work on Tuesday morning. Both the plough and the outside of the course proper were used for galloping. On the latter track the rain had merely taken the sting out of the ground and it was practically as fast as it was the previous week. The plough, however, was very holding, all times recorded being very slow. A slight drizzling rain fell during the first half of the morning’s work. Among those to please most were Carfex and Golden Hair. Aga Khan (Vaughan) and Carfex (Cole) were the first to use the plough, being sent slightly under a mile and aquartcr. Although .they were together at the finish Carfex seemed to have the best of matters. They went at a solid pace throughout, running the last mile in Imin. 495. The state of the going made their task an arduous one, consequently it was a surprise to see Carfex going so well over the final stages. The manner in which he hung on indicated that the two miles in the Auckland Cup will not trouble him. Aga Khan was stopping badly over the final furlong, having had enough. He has won races on soft going, but usually prefers the track to be hard. Gibraltar (Sheild) was two lengths ahead of Chief Line (Duncan) after a mile had been covered in lm. 50 2-ss. Gibraltar relished the going, hitting out in great style. Should he encounter soft tracks during the holiday racing he will make his presence felt. Chief Line evidently prefers the ground to be firmer and was very tired at the close. A similar task was apportioned Calamine (Feasey) and Don Erma (Basset). They registered lm. 51s. Calamine was always going the better, having a length and a-half to spare from her companion when the post was reached. Don Erma is again suffering from a slight cold. Diagano (Vaughan), showing signs of soreness, ran home the last half-mile of two rounds of steady pace work in 55 4-ss. without being pushed. Ingenuity (Basset) finished more strongly than Benedictine (Duncan) to register lm. 7As for five furlongs. Ingenuity has been making steady progress and is now staying on fairly well. The only others to gallop on the plough were No Doubt (Vaughan) and Haunui (Feasey); they worked after breakfast. By this time the sun, aided by a slight breeze, had dried the ground at a remarkably fast rate, the track being several seconds faster. Thus it occasioned no surprise to find Haunui and No Doubt finishing together in 50s. They were both doing their best, there being very little between them and each working well. No Doubt continues to please, striding along very boldly. Haunui appreciated the soft going, the unsound Weathervane gelding hitting out much more freely than usual. All fast work on the course proper was executed on the extreme out-side of the track. Weatherzane (Feasey) shaded Sandlark (IDuncan) over five furlongs in lm. 6 l-ss. Weatherzane has shown a substantial improvement in his last few work-outs and appears tn be staying on better than previously. Sandlark moved satisfactorily. Golden Hair (Grylls) and Round Table (Coyle) were associated over six furlongs. The filly was always running much more comfortably than her companion and had plenty in hand at the close in lm. 19 2-ss. Round Table, half a length behind her, worked at tractively. It would have been interesting to see how fast Golden Hair could have gone, for she seemed to have plenty in reserve. Of the pair she had the outside running and a heavier weight, recording a time that under these conditions was a really first-class effort. The Hunting Song—CarnioJa colt. (Feasey) was another who found the slightly softened track to his liking. ! He stretched out in good style to occupy 3845. for three furlongs. March Alone (Tucker) was schooled over a round of the hurdles. He

jumped better than he did on Monday but was still slightly below his usual standard. Oriel, Singer, Paparua, St. Clara, Miss Louvain, Fantastic and the Chief Ruler mare were apportioned pace work on the main plough. Richfield made use of the inside plough for similar work. Radiant Star, Whenuakura, Eara, Autumn Leaf and the Sandstar youngster were exercised on the two-year-old track. RACING IN AUSTRALIA A WIN FOR JONKER SYDNEY. Dee. 21. At the Victoria Park midweek races yesterday the Encourage Handicap, first division, resulted: Jonker, 8.2 (Bartie), 1; CciveUo, 9.9 (McCarten) 2; Frescade, 7.10 (O’Sullivan), 3. Thirteen started. Time, Imin. 39fsec. Koda Pen was unplaced in the Flying Handicap, and Ephialtes was unplaced in the Victoria Park Handicap. FOR A.R.C. MEETING SCRATCHING OF FAIRWAY [ Per Fre»s Association. ] AUCKLAND, Dec. 21. Fairway was scratched for the Auckland Cup at 4 p.ru. RACING AT RANDWICK VILLIERS STAKES DOUBLE. Received Dec. 21, 11.20 p.m. SYDNEY, Dec. 21. Acceptors for the Villiers Stakes at Randwiek on Saturday are:—Closing Timo 9.5, Bronze Hawk 8.13, Magnetic 8.10. Milantheon 8.7, Satmoth 8.6, Tingalba 7.12, Bill Wedgewood 7.11, Ranchero 7.10, Wicklow, Aussie’s Delight 7.7, Gloriole, Lionhearted 7.5, Highboy 7.1, Touchit, Clover Fox 6.12. Acceptors’ for the Summer Cup on Boxing Day are:—Topical 9.2, Regal Sor 8.6, Satmoth 8.6, Wihitsome 8.1, Miramond 7.11, Gippsland 7.6, Minee Pie, Nord 7.5, Lionhearted 7.3, Agincourt, El Maros 7.2, Cherbourf, Roxburgh 7.0. NOTES AND COMMENTS (By -Kestrel.”) There will be racing at many centres on practically every day next week, as well as on the Monday and Tuesday of the following week. Acceptances Due. Acceptances for the Marton and Stratford meetings are due to close tonight. Ammon Ra Gallops. With T. Webster in the saddle, Ammon Ra was galloped six furlongs with the colours up during an interval between races at Te Awamutu on Saturday. Ammon Ra was not fully extended and, after going slowly in the early stages, increased the pace in the last few furlongs to complete the task in 1.20. Ammon Ra looked a trifle pretty but palled up sound. Star Artist’s Cup. The three-year-old filly Star Artist scored impressively when she won the Hack Cup at Te Awamutu on Saturday and although she was nicely weighted with 8.2, the performance proved that she is definitely ou the improve. Star Artist is engaged in both the Railway Handicap and the Robinson Handicap on the first day at Ellerslie and present intentions are that she will run in the Railway, in which she is by no means a forlorn hope with 7.0. Did Not Accept. A Press Association message from Dunedin yesterday stated that Last March was not an acceptor for the Federal Handicap at the Dunedin meeting. Answer to Inquirer. In reply to an inquiry from “J.R.8.,” Mangaweka, the amounts were £9 15s and £2 Is. 4 ‘Tote” at Tauherenikau. The stewards of the Wairarapa Racing Club are holding a special meeting this evening to decide what system of betting shall be used at the chib’s summer meeting on January 1 and 2. Licenses Cancelled. The apprentice jockey licenses held by H. F. Gray and S. H. McPherson have both been cancelled by the licensing sub-committee of the New Zealand Racing Conference Executive. Epigram Finishes Well. The three-year-old Epigram has been racing solidly and, although unplaced in the Hack Cup at Te Awamutu registered a very creditable performance in view of the fact that ho did not have the best of luck in running. A pleasing feature was that he was going on strongly a*t the finish. Bred Coalition. The late Mr. D. G. Riddiford took a keen interest in racing though his principal hobbies in that direction were in hunting and polo. Mr. Riddiford was the breeder of the great steeplechaser Coalition, who earned fame on the race tracks in the colours of his nephew, Mr. Eric L. Riddiford. Riding in the South. A. H. Eastwood will do his holiday riding at the Dunedin, Waikouaiti and Oamaru meetings. He will handle Gaysome, Vintage, and Final Shot, from Mrs. Campbell’s stable, in all their engagements on this circuit, while there will be plenty of demand for his services in other events. Eastwood could have commanded some good riding at Auckland had he been able to make the trip. Trigo Leaving Ireland Kir. W. Barnett, the well-known li*.<h breeder and owner, has purchased Aston Park Stud, Aston Rowant, Oxfordshire, from Mr. Clarence Hailey (says an English exchange). Trigo, who won the Derby and St. Lcgcr for Mr. Barnett and is now a successful sire, together with several mares, is expected to leave Ireland shortly, and will be located at the Aston Park Stud. Mr. Clarence Hailey spent a lot of money to make this establishment one of the most up-to-date in England. It is virgin land, well sheltered and watered. and is situated at the toot o! the Chiltern Hills, not far from Lord Abior’s place. To Ride Ammon Ra. T. Webster has been engaged in Sydney to ride Ammon Ra at the Auckland Summer meeting. Ammon Ra may pass by the Railway and be reserved for the w.f.a. King’s Plate and <’lift’ord Plate.

Three-year-old’s Chance Many may be inclined to pass over Nightly's chanc e in the Auckland Cup because it is nearly forty years since a threc-year-uld won the big two-miler •at Ellerslie. In connection with the attempts of the few of that age to win the Auckland Cup a notable performance was that of Reputation in 1914, when, carrying 8.1, he ran the great mare Warstep to a head for first honours at a difference of only 81b., when the two miles were run in 3.264. Warstep subsequently won the Trentham Gold Cup, two miles, in 3.24. Manawatu Meeting With an even field in the Manawatu Cup and some great sprinters in the Fitzherbert Handicap, there is a very attractive programme to b e decided at Awapuni uii Boxing Day, for the other events have all filled well. The first event is to start about 12 noon, and with the course in great order and the going certain to be excellent after the rain, everything appears to be well set for a most successful meeting. Autopay’s Pilots Autopay will be ridden in the Fitzherbert Handicap at Awapuni by A. Jenkins, but L. G. Morris, will pilot him in th G Palmerston North Stakes. Jenkins will also ride Hazoor. Stratford Attractions Taranaki racegoers generally find their way to Stratford for the annual race meeting ou New Year’s Day and the following day, and the meeting set down for next Monday week should prove no exception. Horses from over a wide area claim engagements and it would not be surprising to find patrons from much further afield attending the meeting, which is held in picturesque surroundings and in a holiday atmosphere. Fairway at Awapuni The announcement that Fairway will contest the Manawatu Cup will assist to strengthen a very even field. H. D. Robinson may be his pilot. Divisions at Ellerslie As there are already eight races on the card for the first day of the Auckland meeting next Tuesday, the totalisator will open only once on the divided Robinson Handicap. Win dividends will be paid on the winners of the divisions as though they had deadheated, and place dividends on the first and second horscson each division. The stake for the race has been increased by £75 to £3OO, making £l5O for each division, the winner to receive £ll5, second £25 and third £lO. The following horses will be bracketed: Holly Lu and Gold Packet, Wait and Sec and Colossical, Salt Spray and Alignment, Hunting Bag and Laudatory, Lagoon and Miss. Rewa, Mondorus and Maori Jack, Peter Paul and Royal Potoa, Sandy Dix and Solomon, and Supreme Ruler and Solo Song. The bracketed horses will run in different divisions. Riding at Awapuni S. Wilson’s engagements at Awapuni include Miladi, Forestry, Revision, Synagogue and Maypay. P. Burgess will ride Lovecourt, Korero and Ma Cheri. Hawke’s Bay Meeting In the Juvenile Handicap at the Hawke’s Bay New Year meeting, Passion Fruit (10.5), was weighted, but this was in error. The horse entered for this event was Passion Flower, who has been assessed at 7.9. At New Plymouth The Auckland horseman 11. Goldfinch, L. Dulicu and A. G. Murray, will be riding at the Taranaki Jockey Club’s meeting at New Plymouth next week. Goldfinch is to ride the members of R. Barlow’s team, Dulieu will ride Desert Star and Prince Colossus, and Murray will pilot Leo Colossus and Wharuarangi. At Agua Caliente i The Agua Caliente Handicap will be run next year on March 18, but this time the advertised prize-money is only 25,000 dollars, approximately £5OOO. Entries close on January J, the fee being £5, and it will cost another £5O to start. Evidently Agua Caliente’s big race was much too costly to keep near its old value. Chance at Awapuni. Vanestep, a racy-looking daughter of Weathervane and that once great performer Warstep, won twice at the last meeting of the Poverty Bay Club. She looked very bright when sent out to contest the Trial Handicap at Napier on Saturday. Solidly supported, Vanestep got into trouble early but she finished with remarkable dash, and it will come as no surprise should this beautifully-bred mare do well at the Manawatu meeting next week. Cup and Railway. Last year 49 horses were handicapped for the Auckland Cup ami 15 started. In the Railway Handicap 46 horses were handicapped and nine started. This year there were 56 entries for the Cup and 43 for the Railway. Costly. Like stable mate King’s Knave earlier in the day, Bambury cost backers a “ton” of money when he failed to win at the Waipa meeting on Saturay. Like King’s Knave, Bambury had a substantial load (9.0), and with a stone less to carry in the coming Railway Handicap he should at last keep the best of them company for the major portion of the journey. Exit. Bright Glow. The death occurred at Stratford at the week-end of that good Taranaki perlormer Bright Glow from an unknown cause, reports the Taranaki Daily News. She had returned only on Friday from a visit to the Son-in-law horse Siegfried, and at the time of her arrival was in good health. Although she has been off the scene for a few years Bright Glow was a well-known and popular galloper when in training. She opened her winning account as a four-year-old by leading the field home in the Waihi Hack at the Taranaki Hunt Club meeting, going on to win several other hack events, including the Atiawa Hack Cup. Making her first appearance in open company she won the Stratford Cup, establishing a race record of 2m. Bs. for the mile and a-quarter, and from then onwards competed with success against the best of New Zealand’s middle-distance handicappers. Among her victories were the A.R.C. Easter Handicap, W.R.C. Autumn Handicap, Stratford Cup (for the second time with the record weight, of 9st. 11b.) and a good many other important races. She won from six furlongs to one mile and three furlongs, being best suited by a journey of a mile. Over this distance she was really high class, and was unlucky not to win the Thompson Handicap as well as the Easter, for in the big mile race at Wellington she ran second to Joy King in .1928 and tilled the, same berth behind Paganelli in the following year.