HAWKES BAY.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume VI, Issue 299, 16 April 1896, Page 5

HAWKES BAY.

Congratulations to Hon. J. D- Ormond— J. Oakenfall off to Coolgardie — Safe arrival of blood stock—Napier punters in funds—-Ebor’s win welcome news— Successful Jockeys.

Several Hawkes Bay sportsmen sent the Hon. J. D. Ormond congratulatory telegrams, upon receiving the news of the victory of his colt Dauntless, in the Challenge Stakes at Riccarton. The win must have been all the more acceptable to the registered owner of the “ cerise jacket,” as the colt was home bred.

Napier backers profited considerably over the success of Acone and Donald McKinnon in Auckland, and with Hopeful and Dauntless in winning form at Christchurch, coupled with Lotion’s dual win at Fielding they have been in great glee. Stay-at-home punters, therefore, had no reason to complain, and as I have before mentioned, if local owned horses do

manage to get home when visiting foreign parts, the local backers participate in the results. Certainly Spindrift and Bessie McCarthy were well supported, but the other victories by local contestants allowed a good margin to be carried forward to their banking accounts. D. Wright (brother of G-eorge, of Ellerslie) was in great form at Waipukurau Meeting on Easter Monday. He won twice on Rainbow, and once on Moonraker, and was on the back of the Tasmanian bred one when Martyrdom just pipped him in the Easter Handicap. Waitangi (Foul Shot—Sir Watkin mare) is being hacked about Napier streets, and a certain amount of mystery seems to be shrouded up in this horse. He won the Maiden race at the late Wairoa Meeting, and was entered for several other events at that place, but he either failed to score, or was scratched, or certain reasons prevented them starting the horse. He was also entered at Napier Park, but did not put in an appearance. He must be better than he looks, for he is a plain looking customer, with a most uncommonly sour looking figure head on him. A committee meeting of the Napier Park Racing Club was held on Thursday afternoon, and it is satisfactory to know that, in spite of the terrible weather that was experienced on the second day of the Autumn Meeting, that the Club came out with a fair balance forthe two days’ racing. The date for receiving nominations for the Winter Meeting was altered from April 14th to the 21st. Several accounts were passed for payment, including large amounts for improvements to the course and buildings. The Hawkes Bay Jockey Club haveissued their programme for their Winter Meeting. McKeague, who used to don the black jacket and red cap of the Wanganui sport, Mr J. Paul, rode two winners at Waipukurau, Martyrdom and Bedford. He is now attached to the Hon. J. D. Ormond’s stable at Karamu. J. Oakenfall, who for some considerable time was engaged at Mr W. Rathbone’s racing and breeding establishment at Waipawa, and who latterly has been training Sparkle and Moira, at Hastings, left to-day (Tuesday) for Coolgardie. By the Waihora, which arrived from Lyttelton on Monday, the Hon. J. D. Ormond’s team of racers, and the brood mares purchased by that gentleman at Mr G. G. Stead’s sale, were passengers. The former, with the exception of Spindrift, who had a very heavy and woe-begone appearance, and whose dicky led looked none too promising, showed no bad effects from their Southern campaign. Almost immediately after landing they left by road for the home stables at Karamu.

The receiptof the news announcing the success of Mr S. H. Golhm’s Ebor, in the Great Stafford Steeplechase, at Home, was received by Napier and Hastings sportsmen with great satisfaction, and a large number of people at. both places who do not come, strictly speaking, witbin the sporting circle, were glad to hear that his pluck has at last been rewarded, and they all hope that it. is only the precursor of many more victories between the flags for the N.Z. sportsman.