AFTER THE RACES.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XII, Issue 712, 29 October 1903, Page 7

AFTER THE RACES.

WELLINGTON E.C. »PB IN G MEETING.

The Wellington R.C. Spring Meeting w as a great improvement on last vear’s fixture, the experiment of racing prior to, instead of-after the New Zealand Cup Meeting being quite justified, and the results should insure a continuance of the custom. The Wellington Spring Meeting in time to come 'Will be looked upon in the same light as ,what Caulfield racing is to the V.R.C.'lfMelbourne Cup) Meeting, and it is on the cards that we may have a “Poneki” Cup run for on the Wellington course every October, for such a race would be a fitting prelude to the New Zealand Cup. Pallas, who was probably the fittest horse that ran at the meeting, ran the two best races of his life. His work on the Riccarton and Hutt tracks caused backers to anticipate his victory in the Wellington Handicap, and he never caused them any . anxiety during the race Shrapnel looked much improved since Wanganui, but although some were found complaining of the manner in which he was handled, I am satisfied he could not have won on either day under any circumstances ; he was certainly in a good position at the turn on both days, but the winners, Pallas and Melwood,, at that stage had their races won. Melwood was only seen out once. 'After meeting with some interference at the first turn (seven furlongs from home), he came right round his field, and at the distance had his opponent settled, winning just as easily as Pallas did on the first day. It was a sterling performance, and from a sporting point of view it is to be regretted that Pallas and Melwood, did not meet in the Wellington Handicap. Should Melwood train on, and there is no reason why he should not, he will run well in the New Zealand Cup even with his 51b penalty. Ringman and Heroism will have to show’ great improvement to warrant their being given a chance. General Symons raced well on both days, and will probably improve, but to beat Melwood and Kelburn he will require to show more improvement, than can reasonably be expected. Sea Lion’s form caused his owner to discontinue his Cup engagement. The meeting opened each day with a Hurdle Handicap. Evening was a pronounced favourite, but good judges selected Killarney, who had, .with nearly two stone more on his back, ran prominently at the Otaki Meeting. He romped home each day paying good dividends. The Shorts’ Handicap saw the Hotchkiss horse, Field Battery, on his best behaviour, for he gave nothing a chance, and won comfortably from Plalypus. Gold Seal was made favourite by the public and after the race their remarks as to the manner in which the favourite was ridden were not complimentary to his rider T. Wilson. The horses running in the Lack Class were much above the average, Contingent, Stepson, Australasia, Hydrant, Lass o’ Lowrie, Trent, and Chant, will not run long in hack company. Contingent was ridden out in each of his races, but was asked to give away just a few pounds more than he was capable of doing. His owner, Mr J. Paul, of Wanganui, evidently prefers to race his horses out, in preference to attempting to hoodwink the handicapper, a system much in evidence in hack racing.

The two-year-olds were a nice even lot, Forest Ranger by The Officer—Dryad being a nice colt, while Purdey, by Musketry—Fatigue, who was runner up each day, will prove more than useful before the season ends. Sir Percivale, by that good horse Sir Launcelot—Trentalto, pleased me as much as any. Valois by Stepniak—Hugonot, is a nice filly, as also is Possibility, by The Possible out of Hine-nui-te-po (the latter a daughter of Carly on and Namoa). On the second day Gold Seal gace the public a taste of his true form by easily annexing the Hutt Park Handicap, which he practically won from the start. Rawire could only pace it with Mr Richardson’s colt for four furlongs when he turned it up. Field Battery, who was slow to move, came through his field in capital style, but had no chance with the winner. The Porirua stable had their first winning turn in the Spring Trial Stakes, Sea Lion ridden right out just winning from the moderate Rose Madder. Mr Prosser scored again in the Juvenile Handicap with his thiee-vear-old Gold Crown, by Gold Reef—Nymph. Purdy and Sir Percivale ran very wide at the turn, allowing Hewitt on Gold Crown to step up inside and thus gain a couple of lengths,, an advantage he managed to hold till the judge's box was reached. Considerable disappointment was felt at the absence, owing to an accident, of Okoari from the ; Nainai Handicap. Starshoot, with Hewitt up, Madrigal, Full Cry, Platypus, Te Taiahi and Matuku were all well sunported, and a great race ensued, fcr right up to the judge’s box the issue was in doubt. Wilson, on Madrigal, rode one of his most determined finishes, ar'l beat Hewitt on Roseshoot by a head, Full Cry a reck away, third.