WELLINGTON.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume X, Issue 489, 7 December 1899, Page 14

WELLINGTON.

FEILDING—THE AUCKLAND CUP-PHILAN-THROPIST—THE MASTERTON MEEETING—THE W.R.C- MONTHLY MEETINGWellington, December 4. The Manawatu Racing Club has decided to pursue the old system, and disallow bookmakers at the forthcoming meeting. The Hutt mare, Falka, who returned the big dividend at the Wellington Meeting, showed good form at Feilding, when she again paid a good price in the Kiwitea Stakes Her backers received £6 14s. Melusina’s daughter is very well just now. A number of local punters who followed Crusoe at Feilding had a good time, as nothing had much show with the son of Cruiser in either of the big handicaps. Emboldened by their success on the first day, they followed, him on the second, and were astounded on hearing the horse had paid a few shillings under £7. So were the layers, who scarcely appreciated the situation. Crusoe, who is a very usesul horse, put up a good gallop at the Hutt prior to the Wellington Meeting. The Manawatu Club’s Committee at its last meeting recommended R. J. Seddon, W. McArthy Toxward, and W. B. Lloyd for gentlemen riders certificates. Sedgebrook seems to be one of those horses that the ordinary run of punters miss. He paid a good dividend when he scored at the Hutt, and again at Feilding. After failing in previous starts, naturally an objection was lodged, but the stewards did not think there was grounds for any astion. Explosion is greatly fancied here for the Auckland Cup, but there is little or no business being done over that event. On her running at the Hutt, Rosella should have a great chance in the Railway Handicap. In fact, Wright appears to have a good show of annexing the double. Personally, I like Coronet for the Cup if fit and well. The Hawke’s Bay horse, Philanthropist, was well supported here for Mangaone Handicap, which he annexed; but those who followed him made nothing, because he went down in his three other racess. Another horse who came in for medium support was Gowrie, who is a rather speedy customer, and he landed the odds in the Flying Stakes, but could only get third in Sedgebrook’s race.

The Masterton Racing Club’s Meeting commences this Thursday, closing on Friday. The fields are good, and close contests are promised. There are eight in the Hack Hurdles, which looks a fair thing tor Bulrush or Pipi. A field of seven comprises Masterton Cnp, and victory is likely to go to one of Cress’s pair, Rua mahunga or Volley. Of the eleven listed for the 1 adies’ Bracelet,

Waipukiand Grey Gown may prove to be bestwhile Aide-de-C»mp shouldn’t have much difficulty in annexing the December Hack. Buamahunga and First Blood will probably prove to be the best in the Publicans’ Purse ; Te Taiaha and Spider in the Flying Hack, and Inkerman in the Maiden. The usual monthly meeting of the stewards of the Wellington "Racing Club was held this afternoon, T. G. MaoCarthy occupying the chair. The statement of accounts in connection with the recent Spring Meeting was laid before the stewards, and satisfaction was expressed at the profit made, considering that the stakes had been materially increased, and that several races were poorly patronised. All accounts to date were passed for payment. The alteration by the Wairarapa Racing <?lub of date of receiving nominations for its meeting to 9th December was approved. The disqualifications imposed on J.i’Bussell and W. James for taking part in Greytown Hospital Sports, 1898, were removed. Mr H. Piper, starter, was given an increase in his salary for the Summer Meeting. The stewards resolved to purchase Saywell’s starting machine, which was used on the second day of the recent meeting. The Taratahi-Oarterton Racing Club brought the case of Irving Armstrong before the metropolitan body. Armstrong presented a totalisator ticket purporting to have been issued on Trask, winner of the Hack Bace twelve months ago, for payment after the conclusion of the meeting. It is stated that the ticket is not similar to those issued by the totalisator proprietor (R. MacFarlane), but Armstrong now alleges that the ticket held by the club is not the one given to the secretary by him. After consideration the stewards were of the opinion that the case was more for the decision of a criminal court than under raging law, which practically means that the club should take proceedings against Armstrong. The following transfers of horses engaged in the club’s classic events were registered :—Brown gelding by Stepniak—Range Nun a, J. F. Reid to E. J. Watt; brown filly by Gipsy Grand—Sortie, J. F. Reid to H. Franks (the same filly has been further transferred by H. Franks to J. B. Reid) ; brown filly by Gipsy Grand — Illusion, J. F. Reid to G. Gerard; bay colt by Stepniak —Pibroch, J. F. - Reid to G. G. Stead; bay gelding Courtier, by St George —Adulation, G. G. Stead to H. Franks.