WELLINGTON

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume IX, Issue 693, 18 June 1903, Page 14

WELLINGTON

June 15. Satisfactory nominations have been received for the W.R.C. Winter Steeplechase Meeting, the chasers include Gobo, Hadyn, Nor’.West, Social Pest, Scallywag, Frost, and Straybird, whilst Battleaxe, Waiwera, Haydn, Meteor, Merryboy, Social Pest, ' and lesser lights should provide good contests at Hutt Park on the 16th and 17th of July 7 next. Weights are due on July 6th. The nominations for Wellington are a marked contrast to those received by' the Hawke’s Bay and Wanganui JockeyClubs, at one time considered the greatest steeplechasing centres in the Colony ; the figures being—Wellington, for thir-

teen handicap events, 332 nominations ; Wanganui ■. ,for thirteen handicaps, 206 nominations ; Hawke’s Bay, for thirte?n handicaps, 205 nominations. Mr D. Thomson has placed his steeplechaser Scallywag in the hands of H. Fletcher to train for his engagements. The horse will uhdergo his preparation on the Porirua beach, where Black Dusr, The Guard, Gobo, and other good ones have been trained. Ballarat, the Otaki double winner, has been taken home by her owner from W. Davis, ;.l1 will be wintered at Mauakau ' .~watu 7 . Ko. . air has been in easy work since Wanganui, and has freshened up considerably. A. McConnon will, during the absence of Thomas in South Africa, ride for Davis’ rtable. Telford Bros, have removed' from the Hutt to Hawera. Stepson, the Stepniak —Britomarte colt remains in their charge. As they are careful men, they will no doubt increase their string eie long. The prospects of the Hawke’s Bay Meeting do not look over bright. From one cause and another the field for the principal events will be small. Pipi will be a certain starter, and with an attenuated field will be hard to beat. Battleaxe and Tauhai are fancied here for'/ the hurdle event.

Mr A. Rore, the owner of the MerryEngland mare Hinekoa, intends' giving her a trial over hurdles. This mare has size, and her victory at Nelson and Marlborough are evidence that she can both gallop fast and carry weight. She should hold her own in any company over the sticks. The descendants of that genuine mare Dudu were in evidence of late. Shrapnel Shell secured a double win at Otaki, whilst his half-brother (by Lakeshill) Kharki, after running prominently for the greater part of the Hurdle race on the first day, had an easy win on the second day. A visitor, to the meeting informs me that Kharki will be heard of in better company 7 later on. The owner of Hydrant accompanied by his solicitor, attended the Monthly Committee Meeting of the C.J.C., and asked that the disqualification of the horse be re-considered. The application was however refused, and an appeal to the Conference is contemplated.