THE TAKAPUNA J.C. SUMMER MEETING.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume VII, Issue 342, 11 February 1897, Page 6

THE TAKAPUNA J.C. SUMMER MEETING.

[By

Atlas.]

First Day—Wednesday, February 3, 1897. After the bad luck which the Takapuna Jockey Club experienced on being compelled to postpone their summer meeting from Anniversary Day and the following Saturday in consequence of bad weather, it must have been a slight solace to the club to find that when tbe meeting was eventually opened on Wednesday, February 3, that it was a gloriously fine day. Indeed, the clerk of the weather appeared to have quite relented, and better weather for the sport could not have been desired. The attendance, too, was a splendid one, seeing that it was only the usual weekly half-holiday, and the fact that there must have been between three and four thousand people on the course a flattering evidence of the popularity of the North Shore sporting rendezvous. And there is no reason why that should not be, for I know of no other course in the colonies that can be more pleasantly reached from the centre of population than Takapuna. The short trip across the water prepares one for enjoyment, and then when all is over how much more preferable is the refreshing breeze on the briny to the crush and dust experienced when homeward bound from other courses. Very great improvements have been effected at Takapuna since the gates were last thrown open to the public. These improvements were not seen at their best on Wednesday, as they have not quite been completed, while what will be the lawn and saddling paddock were in rather a topsy-turvy condition. However, in a short time the club have done wonders, and by the time the next meeting comes round Takapuna in every respect will be a well apnointed course. The grandstand is a very hnndsome edifice capable of accommodating 1200 people, and it was filled on Wednesday. It is difficult at all times to satisfy everyone, and there were grumblers on Wednesday who complained that the view from the grandstand was not all that could be desired. Some aver that it is too close to the straight, and that the seats not being properly elevated those in front completely obscure the vision of those behind when the horses are passing the stand. The bars and dining room below are all that can be desired, and the spacious verandah around the stand will be appreciated in all kinds of weather. The terrace on the hill is an excellent idea, and when quite completed it is sure to find favour with the people. A telegraph office in the saddling paddock is a public convenience, and the jockeys’, secretary’s, and press rooms are all suitable. The representatives of the press, however, are sadly hampered by the want of a coign of vantage from which to watch and correctly report the races. After transcribing their notes on Wednesday they were required to elbow their way among the people in quest of a position of vantage, and in this they just as often failed as they succeeded. A small raised platform in the corner of the official paddock is all that would be necessary. The meeting was managed in a very satisfactory manner, and Mr Wynyard, as usual, had everything in apple-pie order. The decisions of Mr Frank Lawry, M.H.R., as judge, in every instance were unquestionably correct, and the excellent racing and good fields was a commendation to Mr Knight’s handicapping. There was room for improvement in the starling, some of the starts being of an uneven nature that in the Calliope Handicap, in which there was but a field of four, being the worst. However, with a more even start, the result would probably have been the same. Speculation was fairly brisk, the sum of £6,366 passing through the two machines during the afternoon. The bookmakers also report business as fairly good, but they complain that the position allotted to them makes it difficult for their clients to reach them and also to keep an eye on the course. As I did not visit the Tommies in their cages, I do not know whether their complaint is well founded, but I give it for what it is worth. Certainly when they pay £5 5s per day for the privilege of betting they are entitled to proper consideration. The racing, as I previously stated, was good, and opened with the Handicap Maiden Plate, for which eleven faced the starter. The North Shore representative, Lady Agnes, was a good favorite, but she ran disappointingly and was never dangerous. The Sharper, with Admiral Hawke clear of the others, made matters merry and looked like a winner round the home bend, where Peerless had run into third place. A ding-dong finish in the straight resulted in favour of Admiral Hawke, on whom Perry put in a good finish, but he was lucky in getting a clear run between Peerless and The Sharper. The winner, who was second favourite, paid the fair dividend of £5 inside and £4 15s ontside.

The First Handicap Maiden Hurdle Race resulted in a complete boil over, the rankest outsider of the nine starters winning. On his southern reputation, Hukatere, a handsome looking son of Ingomar and Bessemer, was thought to be the best of good things, while Reflection had a good following ; but neither of these were ever positively dangerous. Forella and Awatuna cut out the work, followed by Glenlora, after which was Jeanette, the favourite being nearer last than first the whole way. At the home bend Hairylegs rapidly went up to the leaders, and wearing Glenlora down, won by a length, Reflection being two lengths away third, and the favourite a dozen lengths behind sixth. Hukatere’s position certainly caused surprise, but from circumstances which came under my observation both before and after the race, I am certain that so far as the owner was concerned Hukatere was a trier, and I think that in view of the consequences of Hukatere’s running that it is only fair to say that the owner not only borrowed money to back his horse, but advised his personal friends that he believed he could win

the double. Redmond, who rode the horse, was surprised at his form. He explained that he struck the first hurdle hard, carrying a portion of it away, and that he jumped fair on top of the second hurdle. After that the horse refused to gallop, and I think that good judges will aver that Redmond tried to make the horse move. Hukatere bears the reputation of having a wretched temper, a recent achievement of his being to run away with a portion of his attendant’s hand. The winner, who bears the unattractive name of Hairylegs, paid the fine dividend of £24 19s inside and £l7 Ils outside. However, if Hukatere had shown anything like the form he exhibited later in the day, the friends of Hairy - legs might have been lamenting instead of rejoicing. Although there was only seven in the Zealandia Handicap nearly the whole field was well supported, but Rex was fayourite, while the visitor, Nightinnale, was substantially supported. Nightingale went off with a dash, but Rex was slow to move, and for more than three parts of the journey young Walker appeared to be unable to get him into his stride. Up to this time Nightingale, followed by Lufra, looked like the winner, but when Rex fairly got going his pace smothered the field in the straight, and he won by a length. This son of St. Leger and Jessie should be heard of very soon, and on his present form he should be able to account for a smart six furlongs over such a course as Ellerslie. The event of the day, the Takapuna Cup, brought out a field of nine, and notwithstanding that he looked bigger than he was at the Cup meeting at Ellerslie, Nestor was the popular pick. Anything which belongs to Mr George Wright seems to be supported by the public, and probably for that more than anything else Panoply was second favourite. There had been good words and bad words said of Fabulist, but he looked well and hearty, and was third in demand. Antares, on the strength of good reports from the training track, was fourth in demand. Folly had lots of friends, and Mantle stripped in as good condition as anything in the race. She is no doubt a good little mare, but not class enough for such cattle as Nestor, Fabulist, and Antares. Porangi Potae and Merry Maid were the first to move, and going out of the turn and along the back stretch Porangi Potae was two lengths in front of Mantle and Merry Maid, Fabulist being next, while Antares was one of the back division. There was not much difference in the order of going until Fabulist and Mantle ran to the front at the home turn, where something happened to Folly; and stumbling, she lost her rider, and apparently slightly interfered with Nestor, behind whom Antares was coming fast from the beaten division. Fabulist was first into the straight, and Mantle was disposed of, while Nestor was close up, but Antares was now fairly extended, and when once in the straight he caught and passed the leaders, winning by four lengths in the excellent time, for the Takapuna course, of 2min 42sec. This performance discounts the opinion of some wise men of the turf, who professed to think the son of Castor and Hilda was a bit of a waster. At the weights he tv as certainly the best horse in the race. Antares was well backed in doubles with the books, being eoupled with all the prominent candidates in the Steeplechase. Indeed, one bookmaker during the week had the temerity to lay £lOOO to £2O in one hand against Antares and St. Simon, but the bookmaker evidently knew more than the innocent punter, as after Antares won the Cup St. Simon was scratched for the Steeplechase. There were only four starters in the Calliope Handicap, and Miss Anna, getting the best of the start, won from end to end. This daughter of St. Hippo and Anna is very smart. Among the half-dozen starters in the Hurdle Handicap, Gipsy Prince was elected favorite, but good support was given to Miss Nelson and Aughadowey. Hukatere, who had run so disappointingly in the first race was comparatively neglected. Miss Nelson led for half the journey, when she dropped out of the hunt in a remarkable manner, and tbe race was then between Aughadowey, Hukatere, and Gipsy Prince. It was a good battle between the trio, but Aughadowey lasted longest and beat Hukatere by a length, there being half a length between second and third. There was a demonstration against Hukatere, probably because many did not know what happened to him in the first race. The reversal of form certainly did seem strange, and the committee were justified in holding an enquiry, but whether they were justified in disqualifying horse, rider, and owner for six months is another question. [Since writing the above the stewards held another meeting and removed the disqualification imposed upon horse, owner, and jockey.] Purvoke was a strong order in the Pony Handicap, for which eight started, and. making every post a winning post, she won easily by a couple of lengths from Sweet Lavender, with the second favourite, Napoleon, third. Ten started in the final event of the day, the Stewards Handicap, and Lillie and Lady Marion raced out of the straight into the bend, followed by Lufra. When approaching the back stretch Lufra fell and her jockey (Castleton) was killed. Lillie carried on the running round the back and finally vron by a length from Porangi Potae, with Lady Marion third. Second Day—Saturday, February 6. If anything the weather on the second day of the Takapuna Jockey Club’s Summer Meeting was more favourable than the first day, and results have proved that the stewards were right in postponing on Anniversary Day. The Devonport Company’s steam ferry service was all that could be desired, the ample provision made for the patrons of Takapuna causing the trip on the water to be one of tbe pleasures of the day’s outing. The attendance was large, fully 3000 persons passing through the gates, and the fact that £7673 went through the machines was a satisfactory evidence that those present had plenty of spare cash with which to back their fancy. The dust was unpleasantly in evidence, but when the improvements have been completed

the nuisance will be reduced to a minimum. The programme was discharged with remarkable smoothness, and the racing from first to last was fairly good. In the catering department Mr T. McEwin gave every satisfaction, while the selections of music played by Impey’s band added to the pleasures of the afternoon. The business of the afternoon was started with the Suburban Haadicap,and half a dozen sprinters faced the starter, but St. Leger’s speedy daughter, Doris, was a very strong fancy, and her supporters were right, as she jumped away with the lead and never left the issue in doubt. The fourteen pounds which Rex was raised for his victory on the first day seemed to completely anchor him, but I do not think that he is over fond of the Takapuna course. Porangi Potae and Nightingale filled the positions in the opening event, which was run in Imin 4jsecs. The Second Handicap Hurdle Race was not of a satisfactory nature. In the first place the field was small, only five sporting silk, and out of that number Gipsy- Prince was backed as if it were all over. The race was a peculiar one, as the favourite jumping back from the barrier was left twenty or thirty lengths behind the field, but the latter were most indulgent, and went at such a slow pace that Gipsy Prince got on terms after traversing a mile and a quarter. ' After that he had not much difficulty in scoring a win by two lengths from Aughadowey, who was two lengths in front of Jeanette. The form shown in the First Handicap Hurdles and Second Handicap Hurdles did not appear consistent, but the stewards evidently thought it was. In the First Handicap Hurdles, two miles, Gipsy Prince, carrying 9.0, ran third to Aughadowey (9.10) and Hukatere (9.0). The latter did not start in the mile and three-quarter race on Saturday, but Aughadowey did, and the winner was actually meeting the loser on four pounds better terms than on the first day. Yet, notwithstanding that and the important fact also that Gipsy Prince lost twenty or thirty lengths at the start, he won on the second occasion, while Aughadowey lost. One of two things is certain. Either Gipsy Prince did not show his true form in the first race, or else Aughadowey did not show his proper form in the second race, but then I suppose it is quite right to put it down to the glorious uncertainty of the sport of kings. In justice to the straight-going trainer of Aughadowey, I should not forget to mention that he was legitimately backed in the proper quarter. After the backers of Gipsy Prince had gratefully accepted their dividend, ten ponies went out for the Second Pony Handicap. Partan Jennie, a nice-looking three-year-old chestnut filly by St. Leger—Fishfag, was reported to be a long way above the common, and she was made a warm favourite, both on the machine and with the “ books.” The favourite, with Pororua, got well away, followed by the second favourite, Napoleon, while Fidget was left behind. Pororua had the favourite in trouble at the bend, and galloping on nicely she won by a length and a half from Repeat, who, finishing fast, beat Partan Jennie for second place. The winner paid the very nice dividend of £9 10s inside and £l2 12s outside. The eight acceptors for the T.J.C. Handicap cried content, and Folly was the elect of the majority of the punters, notwithstanding the fact that she was in rather a heated condition, and had slightly injured her shoulder when running into the saddling paddock on the previous Wednesday. Webley also received sound support, but Creamer could not get him to gallop round the bends. Retaliation and Lady Agnes were the first to make play, with Folly on their girths. Lady Agnes led into the straight, but Markinch and Merry Maid then took command, with The Sharper next. Taming out of the straight Norina joined Merry Maid in the lead, and this pair was closely attended by Markinch and The Sharker. Going along the back The Sharper moved up, and Merry Maid just led him by a neck, Norina, Markinch, and Folly being close up. In that order they raced to the straight, where a grent race ensued, Retaliation joining the leaders. The last-named, with Markinch and Merry Maid, fought it out to the finish, which was of a most exciting nature, and the judge gave it a dead-heat between Markinch and Merry Maid, with Retaliation a nose away third. The finish was so close that opinions were conflicting as to the result. Some favoured one horse, while others favoured another, but the judge was in the best position to decide, and his verdict should be accepted as correct. Miss Anna again got the best of the starter in' the Hobson and never gave anything in the race a chance, winning by a length and a half from Blaircarrig and Electra, who finished a dead heat for second place. Some of the youngsters, in this race were probably not very anxious, and one lad appeared more intent on ‘ hitting his boot than his mount. Seven was the main for the Steeplechase. After the retirement of St. Simon a few days ago, it was currently rumoured that Bombardier would be among the missing, but he was allowed to remain in, and his owners are entitled to credit for their sportsmanlike conduct, as they ran the gelding, notwithstanding the fact that very little better than even money could be got about him. After Bombardier, Mozel and Miss Nelson were most in demand, while Conscript and Glenlora were not neglected. Clarence became the first pilot, and was followed up the hill by Glenlora, Conscript, Bombardier, Mozel, Miss Nelson, and Reflection in that order. All negotiated the water jump, with the exception of Conscript, who sighting the water, jumped towards the corner of the hole, where the landing was soft. He sank past his knees in the bog, and rolled over. Williams was soon on his feet and re-j mounted, but he was so far in the rear that he soon afterwards pulled up. Meanwhile Clarence, Glenlora, and Bombardier formed tbe leading division, and after going over the water jump the second time Glenlora took command, and rounding the back the order was, Glenlora two lengths in front of Bombardier, and then followed Mozel, Miss Nelson, Clarence and Reflection. Going up the hill Miss Nelson, who had been fencing

well, ran up third. Behind the stand Clarence was lost sight of. Gh-nlora landed first over the waler jump lor the last time, but Bombardier was close up, and the race was evidently between the pair, as they drew away from their beaten followers. They remained pretty well together, but when negotioatingt.be two last jumps Bombardier rapped hard and fell back a beaten horse, Glenlora eventually winning by ten lengths, Miss Nelson, ten lengths further away, being third. Korowai, by Hotchkiss—Mantilla, was voted a good thing for the Hack Handicap, for which ten started, No fewer than 276 pinned their confidence in Korowai, while Hairy 1 egs, who had performed so meritoriously on the first day. beat ing the subsequent winner of the Steeplechase, was comparatively neglected. At the turn into the straight it looked as if the favourite wo dd win, but Hairy Legs went at him very gamely and beat him decisively down the straight by a length, Outlaw being third. Hairy Legs paid a dividend of £8 6s inside, and £7 13s outside, so that those who supported him on each day must have made a good thing out of the more than useful Billinsgate gelding. The second day’s racing was brought to a successful close with the Anniversary Handicap, in which Doris, notwithstanding her 9.1 impost, made hacks of her five opponents, which included Lillie, Panoply, The Sharper, Peerless, and Anniversary. She sailed away from the start, and never once being approached in the race won by four lengths in the excellent time for 1 akapuna of lmin 30|secs.