WELLINGTON.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume V, Issue 229, 13 December 1894, Page 6

WELLINGTON.

November 30th. Local backers have had a rather good time during the last few days, especially those who invested their money on the Feilding meeting. They started well, King Harry having many admirers for the opening event (the Flying Handicap) , and local pencillers had their books full of the King Cole horse. Then Revolt’s victory in the Hurdles was generally expected, and Golden Plover was well supported in the St. Andrew’s Handicap, although Musket and Senator were ruling favourites. Princess Cole’s defeat in the Hack Race was a throw-in for the books, but Gunboat was not neglected. The latter, however, was a decided favourite in the Hack Flying, for which a commission was put in the market for Voltaire. Backers got a good ; price about the Torpedo horse, the books getting a severe gruelling over his victory. On the second day, however,. Gunboat and Princess Cole’s downfall in the mile Hack Race was a let off for layers, the winner’s name not being written on a single occasion, so far as I can learn. Senator and Revolt had a strong following for the Manchester and Hurdle Handicaps respectively, and, taken altogether, backers had a good innings. St. Clements and Prime Warden are two great favourites with Wellingtonians, who have stuck to them loyally for the last couple of seasons, \ and their victories at Dunedin were well received ,—not by the layers, however. The recent meeting of the Wellington Trotting’ Club resulted in a profit of between £SO and £6O. It is rather a coincidence that the first time Mr “ Joe ” Saunders’ colours were carried to victory (by the aid of Auroa at Feilding in the Second Hack Hurdles) since The Shah went the way of all flesh, that his old trainer, Harry Horner, should also meet with success with his recent purchase, Bloomsbury. I was glad to hear of Horner’s succ j ss, as Dame Fortune has treated him very roughly since his old favourite, . The Shah, died. With reference to Auroa, the writer of these notes was within an ace of purchasing him as a three-year-old. At that time I had occasion to frequently pass through the paddock in which the colt was running, and as he was a very quiet youngster I often patted him kindly, with the result that he became much attached to me, and would follow me as far as the fence would allow. I naturally became fond of the colt, and his owner (“ Dick ” Humphries) only asking £l2 for him, intended making a deal, but was persuaded not to do so by a connection of mine. I am satisfied that that was one of the mistakes of my life, as he has proved himself a good hurdler. L. Holmes has patched up King Harry sufficiently to win a race with the son of King Cole. When he left the Hutt one of his legs was looking very groggy, but Holmes is a painstaking trainer, and his efforts have been rewarded with success. I understand Mr Banks, of Ngahauranga, still holds an interest in the horse. It is stated that the owner of the hack Gunboat is Mr R. C. Bruce, M.H.R. The stubborn Revolt won both the Hurdle Handicaps at Feilding handsomely, and took his fences right gallantly. This came as a surprise to those who witnessed him schooling at the Hutt. On those occasions he jumped slovenly. Cameron and Holmes’ Bull stable was very prominent at Feilding, winning five of the events by the aid of King Harry, Kalmea, and Gunboat. Charlie Jenkins rode the horses in their victories. The Feilding Club adopted a novel style of dealing with the tote bettor, offering a reward of £5 to any person who would give information which would lead to the conviction of anyone laying tote prices at the meeting. Result, an increase of £9lB in the totalieator receipts as compared with the corresponding meeting last year. December Bth. Mr. “ Dick ” McFarlane, after two unsuccessful attempts to obtain the right to work the totalisators at the Wairarapa Racing Club’s meetings, has again consented to act as handicapper to the club at a remuneration of 10 guineas per day. Pihanga has been relegated to hack company after several unsuccessful efforts in “ handicap ” company. She is once more in her place. The Wellington Racing Club has made arrangements with Mr. Geo. Ellis for the use of Gray’s starting machine for the Cup meeting next month. The Australian-bred horse Haere is being ■ given a first-class chance of making a name for himself in the Manawatu. Among others the following mares are on a visit to him : —Verbose, Slave Girl, Puriri-Camelia mare, Jenny Lind, half-sister to Waituna, Propeller, Pearl, Revoke, Eve, Fortune, Silver, full-sister to Osman, Maori Girl, Milksop, Barmaid, and Hippodamia. [by wire.] December 11. Freeth’s team has been doing good work at Tauherenikau, and the veteran will probably have a good time at Xmas. Revolt and Revolution are engaged at Manawatu, while Violence, on track form, should be very dangerous at Master-ton-Opaki. A two-year-old by Louis D’Or —Her Ladyship was brought over from Blenheim last week, and has been taken in hand by R. Ross at the Hutt. The Hutt horses have not been doing much lately. Princess Cole has been eased in her work owing to a slight lameness, and King’s Own has the appearance of not being able to stand a sound preparation. Caloola 11. has been sent to Wairarapa. His enlarged knee still gives trouble to his trainer. Lord John is in work again, and enquiries have been made with a view to his purchase, but the owner has decided not topart with him till after the Christmas meeting. Review is

•enming on and should pick up a stake ere long ; and Poinsettia and Kent are very backward, but ••Swordfish and’Bouquet are doing-"good work. Kent and Senator will probably be present at Palmerston races on Boxing Day. J. Taggart is with Mouatt and Ryan training trotters at the Hutt. About fifteen trotters are in their"charge,-including Nea and Vancliffe. At a meeting of the Taratahi-Carterton R.C., held on Saturday last, it was decided, subject to the approval of the Metropolitan Club, to hold a second meeting about the 31st of January. A. programme of events was drawn up with prize money amounting to £4OO. Au Revoir will, I hear, fulfil his engagements at Palmerston and Bulls.