WANGANUI.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume IV, Issue 202, 7 June 1894, Page 5

WANGANUI.

June Ist. A general meeting of the Wanganui Trotting Club was held at Chavanries’ Hotel on Wednesday evening, when after the formal business had been transacted, the financial position of the club was considered, when it was brought under notice that some of those who had placed their names down as intending members had not paid their subscriptions. Two members were therefore appointed to see those who had not paid up. The secretary stated that he had communicated with various clubs in the direction of forming a Wanganui Trotting Association, and had met with satisfactory replies A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Harry Pell for his services as starter, and a letter was written to him to that effect. The jumper Elk, who has placed two or three wins to his credit this season, has been sold to Mr Shipton, who, I believe, is a resident of Wellington. Elk is a most proficient jumper, and is also possessed of a fair turn of pace. He is engaged in the Hawke's Bay Steeplechase, in which race if nicely treated I expect to see him run well forward. Puella, winner of the Hack Race at our late meeting, was bred by Mr C. Lomax, of Kaikopu. She is by Natator out of a May King mare. Mr Lomax informs me that he has running on his place at the present time a three-year-old by Sou’wester, a two-year-old filly by Wapiti, and a yearling colt by Wapiti, all of them being out of Puella’s dam, who is now stinted to Strenuous. The Papapa gelding Strephon would would most undoubtedly have placed the Wanganui Steeplechase to his credit had he not have run off at the turn into the centre of the course. He was jumping splendidly and galloping faster than anything in the race. He was ridden by that well-known cross-country rider W. Higgins, who was successful in this race the year before, when he piloted Empire to victory. With ordinary luck Higgins should have won this race three times, as in 1871 he was on the back of Jupiter, who also went the wrong course when the race was just as good as won. Raven, who ran such a good horse in our Steeplechase, is still located at the Newmarket stables, and will not leave for Hawke’s Bay until about a week before the meeting. I should like to see his owner get a win with him at the gathering. Goodwood, by Ascot—Maid of Eccleston, is being schooled oyer the small sticks, and as he is a fine big upstanding horse he should show to advantage at the illegitimate game. He is now owned by J. Belcher, who, I hear, would part with him for the sum of £lOO. Variety, by Natator —Last Chance, is also in the sale list. £l5O would, I believe, buy this daughter of Natator, who has already placed a large number of wins to her credit. Monte Carlo is talked about as likely to win the next New Zealand Cup. . This handsome son of Ascot —Speculation, if thoroughly fit and well at the post, would have more than an outside chance.

Strayshot, by Foulshot—Kaikatea, who has performed well in hack events during the past season, is now being schooled over the small sticks with a view to the Grand National Hurdle Race at Christchurch.