HASTINGS TRACK NOTES.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XII, Issue 707, 24 September 1903, Page 9

HASTINGS TRACK NOTES.

The Hastings racecourse presented, a busy appearance on Saturday morning, the various trainers putting their full ..strings of horses through different stages of preparation in view of the approaching Spring meetings. A large number of lookers on were present, and took a keen interest in the gallops. It was the, unanimous opinion that the grass gallop, which has been closed for some time to permit of its being top-dressed and was thrown open for the first time on Saturday, was never in better order. Showers fell through Friday night, but there was not enough rain to make the tracks sodden, and some very good times were recorded. T. Quinlivan, junr., was the only trainer who commenced before breakfast. His team, which is a large one, were responsible for good, sound work. Float by herself galloped a servicable once round. Melodeon, Starshoot, and Spoil (by Torpedo—Moira) executed a strong seven furlong gallop, all going well and finishing together. Tradewind and Roseshoot had a go once round, the chestnut having the best of it. After breakfast, the first on the scene was F. Stowe, with Taura and Horatia. Taura, who is looking well, is engaged at Rangitikei, and with his mate did a good working gallop. Benefactor and Cobra galloped two rounds at a stron’g pace both going well. Freeland, Tattle, and Evening traversed two circuits m taking style, all three appearing to relish their tasks. Shackle, by himself, strode over two rounds at a strong halfpace. Wet Reef was restricted to once

round at half-pace. Nukumaratia, who TeJffimfilTsore, was responsiole for two rounds of steady pacing. White Lquah and Paymaster had a sterling go over six furlongs, finishing together ar\er a stern fight. Ontario, -whose mission is Rangitikei, galloped a few' furlongs along the back. Oasis and Defoe jumped off from the mile post, Romanoff joining in ar the six furlorJg, distance ; the three finishing with great determination, Defoe having slightly* the worst of it. Paphos, a brown gelding by' Natator in Murfitt s hands, and a colt by' New Forest—Valetta, trained by’ A. A. Vincent, trotted and cantered twice round, sprinting up the straight each time. Aroha executed a strong gallop over two rounds, moving very resolutely. The Torpedo—Fair Nell colt in Quinlivans charge and Captain Kettle were associated in a useful working gallop. The two-year-olds Albufera, Mystification. and Electric Gun, received their share of education at their trainers’ hands. Stewart Waddell was on the scene with a large number of the Flon. J. D. Ormond's horses. He started the ball rolling with the two-year-olds Galahad (Sir Lancelot—Auray) and Sir Percivale (Sir Lancelot —Trentalto). The pair sprinted three furlongs, the former, who is a big raking colt, _ appealing to hold his companion safe. Menura, Bandmaster, and Provost Marshal galloped once round from a flying start ; the latter colt greatly pleased the watchers, holding his own with the two others. Enna, Idea, Trent, and Repulse had & go over three-quarters of a mile. Idea (Tie Officer—Mount Ida) finishing well in front, with En n a and Trent next, and Repulse some distance away. The other members of Waddell’s string were given useful work, and it was generally admitted that the Karamu stable will hold a strong hand at our Spring meeting.