After the Races.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XI, Issue 540, 25 April 1901, Page 12

After the Races.

AVONDALE JOCKEY CLUB’S AUTUMN MEETING.

[By

Lochiel].

First Day, April 20.

The Avondale J.C. authorities were favoured for their first day’s gathering with magnificent weather, old Sol shining forth in all his glory, The meeting was held on the Ellerslie Course, which had been placed at the disposal of the suburban club by the A.R.O authorities, the improvements on the Avondale Course not being yet completed. The attendance compared with that usually seen at Ellerslie did not appear to be large, but as a sum of £7365 was passed through the totalisator as against £4646 when the Olub raced on its own grounds this time last year, the committee must look upon the change as beneficial to them. Mr Harry Hayr and his committee are to be congratulated on the complete arrangements made for the comfort of their patrons. The races were run off well to time, and no disputes occurred to mar the harmony of the afternoon. Mr John Bollard, the Club’s president, occupied the judge’s box satisfactorily, none of his decisions being questioned. Mr Evett’s handicapping produced some good finishes, and Mr Outte was fairly successful as starter. Hunter’s' Garrison Band discoursed sweet music from a long and varied programme, and the inner man 1 was well looked after by the Strand Cafe Company. The serious business of the day opened with the Maiden Handicap, for which there were eleven starters, Bacchus being in most demand, with Belfast and Tiki next choice. Peerage was first away at the barrier rise, and at the cutting was leading Tiki by two lengths, with Ivan and

Bacchus well up. At the bend the position of the leaders was unchanged, but Balbirnie had made a forward move At the distance it looked as if Balbirne had a good thing on as Peerage and Tiki had both died away, but A SANK OUTSIDER in Goetzer suddenly shot out from the ruck, and finishing strongly, won comfortably from Belfast and Balbirnie.' The two greys, Bacchus and Aminta, whipped in the field. There was only £lB invested on the winner, out of a total of £552 on the machines and the dividend returned was £27 12s. There were only four starters in the Hurdle Race, and Forty-seven was pounced upon as the best of a moderate lot. The public were right this time, as the son of Sou’-wester, after lying in a hjndj berth all through the race, came away at the finish, and won by three lengths from Lieutenant, whose want of condition told on him in the last four furlongs. Tuirne was a bad third and Telephone.il even a worse last. Hohoro was the only one scratched for the Avondale Handicap, leaving a field of sixteen. Record Reign, on the strength of a good gallop on Thursday morning, was made favourite, but in the paddock he appeared to be a bit lame, or he would have been an even warmer favourite. Materoa was second in demand, but Formula, Laetitia, The Needle and St Peter all had a strong following. Firefly was first away from an excellent start, and led past the stand from Zealous, Lsetitia and Formula, St Ursula leading a bunched lot just behind, with Regulus toiling in the rear. As they came down the cutting to the half-mile''post, St Ursula and Firefly were on even terms, Regulus having worked his way up to third place, Record Reign being most prominent of the others. On entering the straight, Mr John Chaafe’s mare had her black opponent beaten, and at the distance her victory was loudly proclaimed, but The Needle and Lsetitia coming with an irrestible rush, passed her, and Mr Rae’s gelding, FINISHING MOST RESOLUTELY. beat the Messrs Nathan’s mare by half-a-length. Half-a-length separated Lsetitia and St Ursula Eight of the field finished well together and Mr Evett was heartily congratulated on an excellent piece of handicapping. Lsetitia was forced on the rails just after coming through the cutting, and Buchanan had his foot crushed. The Needle paid a dividend of £8 19s. Despite her 9st 101 b, the public made Lady Avon a red-hot favourite for the Pony Race, and Mr Ralph’s game little mare, MAKING NO RACE OF IT, won as she liked from Orange and Blue and Trooper. The six furlongs were done in Imin 19sec. Real Blue was the only withdrawal from the the Juvenile Handicap, for which Major George’s filly, Ragabrash, was made favourite. Taheke (late Bere), Sparkling Water and Hikipene were also the medium of a little mild speculation. The start was a straggling one, Little Bess and the favourite getting the best and Taheke the 'worst of it, At the four-1 urlong post Camille was leading Ragabra»h and Little Bess by half-a-length, La Polish well up and Hesper last. Rag abrash was in command coming up the straight, and THE DAUGHTER OF STRATHMORE, finishing like a racehorse, won by a length from Hesper, several of the others.finishing in a line close up, Mr Bollard awarding third place to Hikipene. Time, Imin 4 3 ssec and the dividend £2 13s. Progee was a £3l better favourite for the Hack Handicap than Rocket (late Shaughraun), with Wellstock well up in the betting market. The start was a bad one. Wellstock, Hillflower, and Rocket getting first away singled themselves out from the field, and at the four-furlong post were leading a bunched field by fully three lengths. Treshem took command in the straight, and lasted just long enough TO WIN FROM PROGEE, who was blocked twice in trying to get through. Treshem, who is a three-year-old by Catesby — Albacula, runs in the nomination of Mr L Arthur, and is in Mr J. B. Williamson’s stable, but was allowed to go out unbacked. Tresbem’s supporters received a dividend of £lB 19s. The ancient Telephone was made an odds on favourite for the auction Stases in a field of eight. Mr A. A. Philips’ pair, Corporal and Knigbt of Athol, and Mr Rae’s Golden Crown were also nibbled at. The start was delayed for some time through the fractiousness of Golden Crown and Telephone, but when the barrier rose Mr Ross’ gelding was first away. He was never headed, and though he lost some ground BY SWERVING BADLY when just opposite the Derby Stand, helilasted long enough to beat Corporal, who finished strongly. Mr Ross got Telephone back at £6O. For the final five-furlong flutter St Olga was in great demand. Hastings was also well supported, and Moment had £l4O invested on her out of a total of £1264, The cherry jacket of the favourite was very prominent for about four furlongs,,and the followers of Mr John Chaafe’s mare were already reckoning up what the dividend would be, when Moment was seen to shoot out, .and the Freedom mare lasted just long enough to score a length victory from Hastings, who came with a great rattle in the last few strides. Picklock was third. The race was run in Imin 3 2-sth sec, and the dividend was £8 2s.

SOUTH CANTERBURY J-C. AUTUMN MEETING-

[By Oub Own Ooeeespondent.] The South Canterbury Jockey Club’s Autumn Fixture took place last week. The racing, which extended over two days, could not be termed exciting, most of the winners getting home with something to spare. A start was made on the first day with the High-weight Handicap, starters being Susannah 9st 41b, Magnificent Bst 111 b,

Long Tom Bat 51b, and '.ady of the Lake 7st 71b. Long Tom received more support than others. Lady of the Lake got away smartly, and after the first furlong never allowed the others to get within a couple of lengths of her, and finally won by that distance from Long Tom, who was fully six lengths ahead of Magnificent, Suzuannah being outpaced, i. ividend, £3 19s. The Washdyke Welter brought out five starters, Fighting Mac (Bst 81b) receiving more support than Hellene (Bst 41b) and Lady Lillian (Bst). In the early part of the race Hellene, Fighting Mac and Rent Day (Bst 61b) were prominent, but at the half-mile post the field was in close order. Once in the straight Lady Lillian forged slightly ahead of Rent Day and in a rattling finish beat him BY A BARE LENGTH,

Fighting Mac close up third. Dividend, £3 19s. The Hack Race was won easily by Bealey, an aged mare by Apremont —Queen Bee. Bristol was made strong favourite, but finisned second, being followed by Nor’-wester and Valentine. Last Shot, Miss Cuilene, Waihora, Little Tim and Lady’s Chain also started. Little Tim broke down and was pulled up. Bealey returned her supporters a nice dividend of £7 7 a and was bought in for £l2. The field for the Autumn Handicap, one mile and a-qu*rter, comprised Cameo 9st, Nihilist Bst 71b, Cora Linn Bst, Benzoin 7st 121 b, and Olytie 6st 121 b. The whole five were well-backed, Cameo going out a slightly-better favourite than Benzoin Benzoin passed the stand two lengths in advance of Olytie, after whom came Nihilist, Cora Linn bringing up the rear. Going out of the straight, Benzoin slightly increased his advantage but Clytie had drawn closer to him at the six-furlong post, Cameo and Nihilist being next, just in front of Cora Linn. Benzoin galloped round the top turn into the straight with a commanding advantage, which he increased in the run home, winning WITH RIDICULOUS EASE by ten lengths, Cameo being a similar distance behind Olytie; Cora Linn was fourth. Time, 2min 12sec. Dividend, £3 Ils. * Warrington and Grand Shot were the only starters in the Belling Race. The latter led all the way, and won by four lengths. He was bought in for £22. Dividend, £2 2s. The Flying Handicap produced the best race of the day. St Denis, 9st, who was receiving 21b from Formosan, was installed favourite, the St Leger horse being next in demand. St Denis jumped off the mark quickly, while Tsaritza, 9st 61b, lost several lengths. Formosah and Vanilla, 7st 71b, headed St Denis, after covering a furlong, but when the straight was reached they fell back, leaving St Denis in front, with Hypnotist, 7st 111 b, next. This pair FOUGHT OUT A SLASHING FINISH, St Denis getting home first by a nose. Tsaritza finished fast, but was a couple of lengths behind the leaders; Formosan fourth. Dividend, £2 Ils. Shortly after the first race on the second day a hailstorm swept over the course, and lasted about an hour. Long Tom, Bst 41b, Magnificent, Bst 31b, and Lady of the Lake, Bst 21b, fought their battles over again in the Stewards’ Welter, seven furlongs, and finished in precisely the same order as on the previous day—Lady of the Lake first, Long Tom secord, and Magnificent third. Magnificent and Lady of the Lake were together four furlongs from home, but entering the straight Long Tom commenced to go up to the leaders, and a capital race home resulted in a BARE HALF-LENGTH VICTORY for Lady of the Lake, Magnificent a length and a-half away third. Dividend, £2 Is. The County Plate was also won by a first day winner, Lady Lillian, who, after runnirg in company with Shot Gun, 7st 61b, and Fighting Mac, 7st 91b for three furlongs, went on and won by a length from Fighting Mac. Dividend, £2 6s. Five saddled up for the South Canterbury J.O. Handicap, one mile, the weights being: Benzoin, 9st; St Denis, Bst 91b; Cora Linn, 7st 10ib; Tsaritza, 7st 71b; Olytie, 7st. Benzoin and Tsaritza went out about equal favourites. Osaritza and Cora Linn began quickly, whilst Benzoin was last. At the seven furlong post St Denis, Tsaritza, and Cora Linn were together. Benzoin was pulled outside, and going through joined St Denis in the lead. This pair led Cora Linn and Tsaritza round the top turn, Olytie falling back last Benzoin entered the straight in front of Tsaritza and St Denis, Cora Linn being close up. Despite the vigorous efforts of Tsaritza, Benzoin, who rolled somewhat halfway down the running, passed the post a winner by two lengths, Cora Linn four lengths away third. St Denis was fourth. A PROTEST WAS ENTERED against Benzoin on the ground of crossing Tsaritza in the straight. After taking the evidence of two stewards and all riders engaged in the event, the objection was sustained, and Hewitt, rider of the winner, was disqualified for six months. Mr Hobbs, owner of Benzoin, gave notice of his attention to appeal to the Metropolitan body; the stakes and totalisator money were impounded. Hewit is also appealing to the higher powers. CI he dividend on Tsaritza will be £3 6s, on Benzoin £3 4s. Valentine won the Novel Race in easy fashion from Nor’-wester and Lady’s Chain, and was bought in at £l5. Dividend, 1 14s. Only three started in Short’s Handicap, and, as is very often the case in three-horse races, it ended unsatisfactorily. Vanilla and Lady Medallist led Formosan for a couple of furlongs, when Lady Medallist gave way to the St Leger horse, who was a little in front of Vanilla at the distance, but a few yards further on he swerved over to the rails in front of Vanilla, whom he defeated by three lengths. A protest was entered against the winner on the ground of crossing in the straight, but it was withdrawn. Dividend, £1 18s.

Cora Linn, Bst 81b, had very little difficulty in defeating Nihilist, Bst 121 b, and Bealey, 7st 41b, in the Farewell Handicap. Nihilist refused to try when pushed, while Bealey was out-paced, finishing ten lengths behind .Nihilist, who was two lengths behind the winner. Dividend, £2 14s.

THE NELSON JOCKEY CLUB’S AUTUMN MEETING-

[By Oub Own Coeeespondent.] Apeil 17 and 18. Bad weather militated against a successful gathering of the Nelson Jockey Club’s Meeting on the opening day, when the attendance and the totalisator investments were necessarily effected, but the racing, except in two instances, was good. There was only £2B on the machine in the First Hurdles, which proved a soft thir g for Mr Rayner’s Right Metal, by Louis d’Or—Mab, who carried 10st 91b, and easily defeated Rhoderick Dbu, by Young York —Unknown, 9at. Dividend, £1 7s and 12s. Mrs E. E Mathieson’s br g Girling, by Catesby —Pearl, secured the Scurry Handicap, under 7st 71b from Kaloo, (Caloola II —King Cole mare), and Miss Gordon (Awaina Rose — Syringa). Bulrush, on whom Death had the maunt, got away badly. Near the post the race appeared to be a good thing for Kaloo, who, however, got downed, and the stewards had Fowler before them for an explanation. They didn’t seem quite satisfied with it, and administered A SEVERE CAUTION. Fowler says that his mount swerved on to the rails and nearly brought him to grief. Jockey Death was also questioned about his inability to get away with the rest, but after hearing the starter the stewards took no action. The Nelson Cup provided a great finish, brother and sister, Ruamahunga|and Volley, deadheating The first-named, who won a treble at Wairarapa for F. Barry at Easter, was brought up by Fowler in the last few strides, and just caught Volley, on whom O’Leary had the mount, on the post. Mr H. Redwood’s Sanfoin (Catesby —Fay) was third, Hillstone and Dewdrop being the other starters. Ruamahunga had 10st up, and Volley 9st 21b. Dividends, £2 18s and £1 16s, and £1 10s and 13s. The trotting race fell to Honduras (49sec), Warrigal (39sec), and Blackpool (3sec), being in the places. The victory was a very hollow one. The winner is i aced by a syndicate. Dividends, £1 13s and 18s. Mr J. Wadsworth had A DOUBLE WIN with his black gelding Ixia during the day, the horse getting home in the District Hack Race,beating First Light and Dialogue, who was favourite. There were no other starters, and the winner paid £3 8s and £1 12s. Later on Ixia was neglected in the Hope Hack Handicap, but succeeded in romping home in front of Horton (King Cole—Amy), ihe Pearler, Plainstone, and Kaloo, returning £7 Is and £3 10s Mr R. Dunphy was successful in the Grandstand Handicap with his mare Reikura (Vanguard—Aka), who put down Seabreeze (Sou’wester -Barbelle), Osborne, and Loveshot, paying £3 10s and £2. On the second day Right Metal conceded Rhoderick Dhu 3st 12. b and beat him in the Hurdles, a very good indication that the loser isn’t much chop. Dividends, £1 8s and 14s. Mr A. Rore scored a win with Stage Whisper, the Hawke’s Bay bred mare, in the Welter Hack Handicap, under 10»t 81b, First Light (9st 131 b), and The Pearler (9st 91b), being her immediate attendants. Ixia (lOst 81b), Dialogue (9st 121 b), Kaloo (9st 21b), Omega (9st), Bulrush (9st), and Girling (Bst 71b), were also in the field. Dividends, £3 4s and £1 17s. The Richmond Park Handicap finish was an exciting one, Volley (9st 101 b) just scoring by a head from veteran Redwood’s Sanfoin (7st 71b), Ruamahunga vlOst 91b) being a length away. Hillstone was the only other starter. Dividends, £2 and £1 ss. The Hutt trainer, A. Peters, had a look in with Dewdrop in the Waimea Handicap. She had the light impost of 6st 91b, and won easily from old Hillstone (9st 71b), Milletream being the only other starter. Hillstone thus BAN TWO RACES right off the reel—a rather injudicious act on the part of his owners. The dividends were £1 17s and £l. The Honduras syndicate was again successful in the Second Trot, the horse scoring easily from Greyhound and Moneylender. There was a demonstration against the horse as he passed the post, for what reason I don’t know, as he won on the opening day, but this hostility was followed by a round of applause. Dividends, £3 9s and £2 17s.

Horton, the King Cole horse, accounted for the Stoke o Handicap, being followed home by The Pearler and Ixia, the weights being Bst 71b, 7st 7st, and Bst 81b respectively, the machine paying £3 16s and £1 14s.

First Light, who went out unfancied for the Farewell Handicap, is by Manawanui —Lignite. He defeated Right Metal, Sanfoin, and others, paying £7 7s and £4 2s.

WELLINGTON TROTTING CLUB’S MEETING.

Fib st Day—Satubday, Apeil 20.

[By Oub Resident Coeeespondent], The Wellington Trotting Club’s postponed meeting opened at Petone on Saturday, when the weather was fine. The totalisator tickets were 10s, and the sum of £9BB went through during the day.

The big event, the Summer Handicap of two miles, fell to Mr Edwards’ Billy Wilson (12sec), who won comfortably from Sweet Marie (J7sec), Modesty (6jec), Viotta (17sec), Murmur (lOseo) and Joker (scr). Dividend, £1 13s. Edwards also annexed two other races during the day with Naughty Girl who had things all her own way in both the Stewards’ Handicap (saddle) of 30 sovs, one and a-half miles, and the Domain Handicap (saddle), one mile. In the first-named event she had 20sec, and Joker (scr) ran second. Flavia (19sec) and Dolly Varden (15sec) were the other starters. Dividend, 18b. Her handicap in the Domain Handicap was 3sec; Vim (ssec) acted as runner-up and Terewiti was third. La Mascotte (18sec), Brockleigh (12aec) and Steve Bart (llsec) also started. Dividend, £1 16s. J. Sharpe appropriated a double with Trio and Revenge. Trio (24sec) took charge in the last lap of the Trial Handicap, two miles, and won easily from Brockleigh (23sec) and Plunger (40 sec) third. The other starters were La Mascotte (35sec), Lord Cadmus (35sec), Brookfield (27sec), Milkmaid (25sec) and Belle (scr). Dividend £2 2s. The stable mate, Revenge, was successful in the Provincial Handicap (20 sovs), two miles, with a 34sec start. He led all the way ; Comet (28sec) was second, Brookfield (28sec) third. Lord Cadmus (36sec), Hilda (24sec), Steve Hart (22sec),Montreal (16sec) and Flavia (4sec behind) also started. Dividend, £1 13s. The Suburban Handicap (30 sovs), one and ahalf miles fell to J Morrison’s On ward, a two-year-old, who had 25sec and had no difficulty in beating The Member (scr) and Silver Grey. Dividend, 15s. The Harness Handicap of 30 sovs, one mile, had an unexpected termination There were four starters, and Sweet Marie (12sec) and The General (9sec) finished first and second but were disqualified for galloping, and the stake awarded to Mr V. Samuels’ gelding, The Member, who was on scratch, Modesty (6sec) being placed second. The dividend was £2 15s.