AUCKLAND RACING CLUB’S AUTUMN MEETING.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume IX, Issue 684, 16 April 1903, Page 14

AUCKLAND RACING CLUB’S AUTUMN MEETING.

/ ‘ , FIRST .DAY. Artvthing more absolutely flawless in the matter of weather for the opening day’s racing, would have been very hard to imagine, and the course looked at its very best. The attendance was a large one, and the outing an exceedingly enjoyable one. Everything passed off very smoothly, there being not a single protest or untoward incident of any sort. The curtain was rung up with the Tradesmen’s Plate, for which a field of eight went to the post. When betting started, Paul Seaton was installed favourite, but there were plenty of backers lor Putty, and he went out the best backed candidate. O’Connor got them away to a really beautiful start, but after running fifty yards, Bacchus commenced ’to show out from Putty and upara, who headed a close bunched field. Running down the back stretch the grey son of Castor was still making play, while a forward move was made on Paul Seaton and Tupara, with Matamataharakeikei last. As they turned into the straight, Bacchus was still showing in font, but Tupara was soon alongside him. At the distance, Putty came through, and going stronger than anything, apparently had the race won easily. Idas, however, dropped from the clouds ,and coming with a late run got to, within three parts of a length of Putty, who finished gamely under the whip. Bacchus was two lengths away third, Tupara fourth, and Miss Lottie last. Ten youngsters went to the pott for the Northern Champagne Stakes, pretty well a record for the classic race. As was generally expected, Kamo found most admirers, although Melodeon and Ropa carried heaps of money. The youngsters were eagerly critised as they filed out. Kamo looked very well, as did Melodeon, these executing the most taking preliminary gallops. It was surprising how quietly the two-year-old’s stood at the post, aad another good start was effected. Kamo soon showed out in front, and led along the back stretch from Vivendel, Agrapus, and The Middy. As they turned into the straight Kamo was still holding her lead, and she came bowling up the straight an easy winner. Melodeon looked like challenging her, but swerved away from the whip right across the course, and was beaten by Ropu for second honours, the rest of the field being straggled out.

Thirteen horses carried silk in the Easter Handicap, and up to the very end Wairiki held his position as first favourite, Vai Rosa being next in demand. There was a long delay at the start and one breakaway, Wairiki having a small spin on h s own account. When, eventually, the barrier rose, it was seen that O’Connor had effected one of his capital dispatches. Scotty appeared to have the best of matters, and Vai Rosa the worst. Landlock was soon out in front, carving out the pace at a “ rare bat.” His nearest attendants were St. Olga, Golden Rose, and Oingo, with the favourite about seventh. As they swept into the straight, Golden Rose displaced the leader, and it was evident that, bar accidents, Mr Lynch’s mare would win. Gainsford was at work on Wairiki a quarter of a mile from home, but Jewellery shot out in chase of the leader, and succeeded in getting to within two lengths of the daughter of St. Leger, who however won without pressure. Landlock was five lengths off, third, Scotty fourth, and St. Ofga fifth. Royal Conqueror and Battleaxe were

absentees from the Hurdle Race, which left only five runners. Lingard found most supporters, Bellman and Inchcape being also in demand. From the very start, Bellman commenced to make the running, and he was soon! out five lengths ahead of Inchcape and Lingard. Passing the stand the first time, the aged son of Tetford was still in command, being four lengths ahead of Lingard, with Cavaliero a similar distance further away, Inchcape who had struck heavily, was tailed off and soon pulled up. Down the back stretch Lingard went up to the leader, and it looked as though they were going to have the race to thepiselyes. At this point, however, Lingard' came to grief, and Awahuri came with a wet sail, and outpacing Bellman up the straight, ran home a very easy winner by three lengths from Bellman. Cavaliero, dead lame, walked in third.

When the numbers went up for the Eden Handicap, the names of Miss Lottie and Dolores were found missing, which left nine to fight out the battle. Green and Gold and Marshall Sou It were both strongly supported, the former being . a slightly better favourite. Once again the field went away on even terms, the black body and amber sash of Green and Gold being distinguishable in the van, with Marshall Soult and Formula next, and Battleaxe bringing up the rear. Green and Gold turned into the straight a length ahead of Marshall Soult who, however, had the mare’s measure at the distance. The daughter of -Rose and White chased him right home, but suffered defeat by nearly two lengths, with; Grey Seaton about five lengths further off, third. Battleaxe and Seatonia bringing up the rear.

The Onslow Stakes proved a capital race. Alba Rose was sent out a hot favourite, all the ten youngsters on the programme going to the post, The start was hardly so good as usual, The Squincher being left badly, while Alba Rose was first away. She carried along the running into the straight, and it looked as if all was over, but Ryan sat down on Delania, and riding a splendid finish got past twenty yards from the post, and won all out by half a length, with Lady Bobs and Te Aroha running a dead heat for second place.

The Dodger, Sonica, and Whawhai were sorted out as the right ones to back in the Pony Handicap, for which a field of eleven went to the post. After some delay, a very fair start was effected, of which Inspiration and Cuisine had the best, with the Dodger last to get under weigh. They ran bunched together to the bend, where Sonica was out in front, and coming up the straight full of running, won in a canter by four lengths. Miami and Annoyed ran home locked together, the latter appearing to have a neck advantage, but the judge placed the St. Jack mare second.

Numa carried most weight of money in the Railway Handicap, from which the names of Westguard, Maroon and Gold, and Vulpine were deleted. A very fair start saw St. Olga quickest on her feet, with Muskerdale and Numa the last to begin. The St. Leger mare made the running throughout, but when the race appeared over, Cygnet came with a great rush, and getting up in the last stride, managed to make a dead heat of it with Chaafe’s mare. The favourite was nearly two lengths away, third. 1 . 1,44 j J ‘, Ji

1 SECOND DAY. Racing was resumed on Easter Monday in the presence of a very large number of spectators, the day proving fine and clear, with a nice cool breeze blowing. Seven horses filed out for the Stewards Handicap, run Over a mile, and for this so much money was! forthcoming for Landlock that he touched even money, Oingo being next in request. After a very short delay at the post, O’Connor got them away to al fair start. Green and Gold having, however, a distinct advantage. This she rapidly increased, and at the cutting was five lengths clear of the field, of which Formula, Landlock, and Oingo were most prominent, with The Needle running last. As they neared the straight the leader began to tire, and below the distance the field were at evens 1 . Whips were out on them all at the Derby Stand, and a great race home saw Formula win by a length from Landlook, who was a neck 1 in front of Green and Gold, with the rest close up. There were no scratchings in the Ellerslie Handicap, six going to the post. Idasa was) most in! request, with Lady Annie and Bonheur in substantial demand. When the barrier rose Agrapus jumped away, and was leading by a length from Stibbington after going a furlong, with Merry Soult next. As the bend was neared Merry Soult drew level with the leader, while Lady Annie made a forward move from the rear. A great setto took place up the straight, the whips cracking merrily, but a hundred yards from home Stibbington and Lady Annie singled themselves out and ran home together, the filly winning by a neck, with Bonheur three lengths away third, and the rest bunched. The Century Stakes, of 500 soys, was next called on for decision, the distaxlce this year being reduced to a mile and aquarter. The presence of the redoubtable Achilles had the effect of frightening nearly everything else out, Scotty and Spalpeen alone opposing the crack tl:xee-year-old. The race itself was the merest procession, Achilles immediately going to the front, with Scotty pulling Ryan out of the saddle second, and Spalpeen last They ran the whole way in that order, Achilles' cantering home four lengths ahead of Scotty. Spalpeen gave the latter a good race home for second place, but was beaten by half-a-length. All six coloured on the card went out for the Autumn Hurdle Race, for which the most popular selection was Bellman. From a good start Inchcape led to the first hurdle, when The Rioter blundered, and lost his rider. Bellman came sailing up the straight four lengths ahead of Inchcape, who was closely attended by Lingard and Awahuri, with Kanakai tailed off. Down the back stretch the ancient son of Tetford was still out by himself, while Lingard was two lengths ahead of Awahuri. Bellman turned into the straight two lengths ahead of Awahuri, who was coming fast. Bellman was still in front at the last obstacle, but appeared to make a faulty jump, and the Southern horse, showing more pace, came away and won by three lengths from Bellman, with Lingard five lengths further away third, and Kanaka last. A field of nine sported silk in the Flying Handicap, for which punters sorted out Westguard and Marshall Soult as the likeliest to take the trick. The barrierrose to an excellent start, but when fairly racing the gold colours of Landlock could be picked out in the van, with Westguard. Marshall Soult, and Camille as his nearest attendants. Green and Gold shot past him and led into the straight, with Marshall Soult and Anchorite on her heels. At the distance it looked for a moment as though it was going to be a close finish, but Landlock had a lot of running left in him, the Flintlodk gelding coming away and winning by three lengths from Marshall Soult, who was followed home by Westguard, with Maroon and Gold last. Eleven ponies filed out for the Pony Handicap, there being no absentees. Miami. and Sonica met with by far the most support. There was a rather long delay at the post,, and eventually when the barrier rose Girton Girl got tangled up in the tape, and was left many lengths l last. Cuisine and Forth were soon making play, and the pair led into the straight from a closely bunched field. A fine race ocemred up the straight, but in the last little bit Sonica and Stepaway singled out and ran home together, the former winning by a neck, with Annoyed two lengths off third, at the head of a closely bunched field, with Girton Girl a bad last.

Oingo was the only name missing fiom the St. George’s Handicap, this leaving eight to fight for the rich stake. Wairiki was made a pronounced favourite, Vai Rosa and Strathavon being also well supported, while St. Olga was the outsider of the party. The start was a fairly eten one, but St. Olga soon showed in front from Strathavon, Vai Rosa, and Paul Seaton, and running down the back stretch the St. Leger mare was carving it out in a very willing manner a length ahead of Paul Seaton and Northumberland, with Wairiki and Vai Rosa last. At the cutting Heroism went up into third place, while Wairiki made a forward move. The field were bunched as they rounded the turn for home, and a dingdojifi battle resulted in favour of Northumberland by nearly half a length from Wairiki, with Paul Seaton three lengths off third, and Vai Rosa last. It was getting towards dusk when the Shorts Handicap came up for decision, in which Scotty was made a red-hot favourite in a field of ten. It was difficult to discern the colours as they ran along- the back stretch, but Scotty, Austerlitz, Numa, Anchorite, and Camille appeared prominent. A good race took place up the straight,; but Scotty finished full of running, and won without the whip by two lengths from Numa, with Austerlitz filling third place, and Bloodstone last.

THIRD DAY

The Meeting was concludedi on Tuesday, once again the weather conditions leaving nothing to be desired, while the attendance was about up to the usual. Proceedings opened with the Maiden Hurdle Handicap, for which six carried silk. Marine and Lingard found most support, although nothing was backed to any great extent. Marine jumped off in the lead, and was in front to the straight, where Sidar displaced him, and the latter led past the stand from Marine and Lingard. At the back there was nothing to choose between these three, while Hylas was four lengths back, and Lady Dash tailed off. At the bend into the straight they were still together, but Sidar coming away won by two lengths from' Lingard who was six lengths in front of Marine. A capital field of twelve runners carried silk in the Criterion Hgndicap, there being no absentees, Muskerdale being favourite. After some delay, O’Connor effected one of his excellent starts. It was rather hard to distinguish the colors as they raced for the bend, the field being in a bunch, but Hillflower, St. Rowan, and Hinetapuariki were most prominent, with lan tailed off. A splendid race took place up. the straight, but it could be seen that Bastion was coming fast, and he ran home a length

winner from Muskerdale, who just headed Hinetapuariki, and a close bunched field. There were but two names missing from the Autumn Handicap, this leaving fifteen to try conclusions for the rich mile and a-half race. Punters found it a hard matter endeavouring to spot the winner, and nearly every horse engaged had many supporters. Most coin, however, was forthcoming for Wairiki, while Golden Rose was next in request. From a splendid start Battleaxe, Scotty, and Golden Rose were the first to show out, but at the Stand, Qingo, The Needle, and Scotty were leding the flying brigade. Ae’the top bend these three were still in command, with Strathavon and Vai Rosa last. At the cutting all were well together, but The Needle and Golden Rose led into the straight, with Wairiki closing up fast. A great race took place up the straight, the whips being out on everything. Wairiki on the rails, however, carried too many guns for the opposition, and although Golden Rose answered gamely enough to Deeley’s call, the long stride of the Soult colt told its tale,, and he caught Mr Lusk’s eye three-quarters of a length ahead of the Easter Haadicap winner, who was again seen home by Jewellery, with a bunch close up, while Battleaxe cantered in riderless.

With only three runners in the Hurdle Race, but little interest was taken in the race, while there was virtually no betting, fielders offering to take three to one about Bellman, as usual, led for a mile and a-half, when the favourite supplanted him, and coming away won in the hollowest fashion by four lengths from Bellman, who was about six lengths ahead of Lingard.

All seven coloured on the programme came out for the Welter Handicap, for which Dolores was elected fapourite, although Tupara was well supported. From an even start the crimson colours of Miss Lottie soon showed in front, and in that position she remained to the finish. Tupara set sail in pursuit at the distance, but never got nearer than three lengths, Zuleika, being about a similar distance further away, third, with the others in close order. A splendid field of fifteen liliputians faced the starter in the Pony Handicap, Vulpine and Orange and Blue having far the most backers. The start was a somewhat straggling one, Orange and Blue and Vulpine being in front, with Solitary last. At the bend for home Orange and Blue was just showing in front from Vulpine, Inspiration, Sonica, and Rapid. It was a good race to the distance, but here Sonica shot out and coming right away won in a canter by four lengths from Miami who was just in front of Rapid and Orange and Blue, First Whisper and Solitary. Speculation was brisk for the Grandstand Handicap, Westguard being served up very warm indeed, there being nine runners. O’Connor was again in good ' form at the barrier, the field going off in a line, but as is his wont, Landlock seemed to be into his stride first, and he led from Westguard, St. Olga, and Green and Gold to the cutting, where St. Olga took charge and showed the way into fhe

straight. A desperate battle then ensued, the name of Westguard being loudly called, but Julian brought Landlock with a great rush, and the FlirJtlock gelding responding most gallantly, got up in time to win by a nose from the Vanguard mare, St. Olga being a length away third. Kamo was made a screaming favourite for the Victoria Handicap, the conclud,dg item of the Meeting, for which eleven youngsters carried sifk. The start was a fair one, Alba Rose, Simple Simon, and Delania showing in front, while Kamo dwelt a bit. As they neared the bend, the field was bunched, but Kamo had closed up. A slashing run took, place right up to the finish, Ryan riding a very determined finish on Ropu, who got the verdict by a length from Alba Rose, with the favourite third.