WANGANUI.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume V, Issue 212, 16 August 1894, Page 4

WANGANUI.

August 11. Mr Herbert Jackson, son of Mr Freeman R. Jackson, the popular secretary of the Wanganui Jockey Club, has been appointed starter to the Wanganui Jockey Club. Mr Jackson’s success as a wielder of the flag met with general approval at the Hawke’s Bay Steeplechase Meeting, and he received great kudos for the manner in which he dispatched his fields. Mr B. McCaul has taken a trip to Sydney with a view of purchasing a thoroughbred stallion in place of Izaak Walton, whom he lately sold. The Rangitikei Racing Club have drawn out a programme for a Spring Meeting to be held on September 26, the principal event of which is the Spring Handicap of 110 sovs. 11 miles. Nominations close on the sth September. I am informed that Monte Carlo is doing well in his preparation for the New Zealand Cup. Fit and well at the post the black son of Ascot—Speculation should have more than an outside chance in the big Southern prize. Norton’s victory in the Grand National Steeplechase proves what a sterling, good horse the son of Ascot—Romp is, and Mr Gollan can be .congratulated on having purchased such a useful chaser, as a jumper like Norton, should Mr Gollan decide on taking him home to England, will be seen to great advantage in. the hunting field, and it is quite likely that he would be in the van in some of the steeplechases should his new owner start him. Norton was bred on Mr Cameron’s farm about five miles from Wanganui, and was purchased from his breeder by Mr T. Bristol in whose colours he won several races, and who sold him to Mr Rutherford for, I believe, the sum of £3OO, which amount he won for his late owner two or three times over. After selling Norton, Mr Bristol purchased his half-brother Pill, who raced so successfully in hack events on this coast, and who met his death at the late Egmont Steeplechase Meeting through breaking his leg while running in the hurdle race. This was hard luck for his owner as I am convinced he would have shown to advantage over the small sticks, although I do not think he would have been anything extra over big country. Our local horse Amalgam, who finished third in the National Steeplechase, carried a good few pounds of local punters money, as they considered should anything happen to Norton and Bombardier that he would about win, and therefore he was backed on the grounds that a substantial dividend would have been returned. Amalgam is better now than he has ever been before, and was prepared for his National engagement by W. Butler. Musket, who was greatly fancied here for the Winter Handicap Flat, succeeded in placing that event to his credit. Since Kingan purchased the son of Armament —Leita, he has placed a number of wins to his name, and has repaid his purchase money, which I believe was £ 120, a few times over. Musket should be seen to good advantage on this coast during the coming season.