CANTERBURY JOCKEY CLUB’S SPRING MEETING.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XII, Issue 714, 12 November 1903, Page 8

CANTERBURY JOCKEY CLUB’S SPRING MEETING.

FIRST DAY. CANTEEN WINS THE CUP. New Zealand Cup day was remarkable in many respects. In' the fir’fct place it attracted the largest attendance seen at a race meeting in Canterbury ; the amount handled through the tote, £23, 969, put all previous records in the shade ; whilst the investment of £2158 on Achilles in the Cup establishes a new record. A fresh Australian record for two miles was put up by Canteen, the time, 3min 27 i-ssec, beating Wakeful’s record of 3min 28sec in the Sydney Cup of 1902, by 3-ssec.

Apart from the Cup, racing was much below the standard usually seen at the big meeting, at Riccarton, most of the events being won very easily. Since last Cup Meeting the Canterbury Jockey Club has made several improvements x the new stands being greatly appreciated. There is, however, still room for improvement in the telegraph building, which is far too small for the requirements of the pressmen and the public. Racing commenced with the Spring Hurdles, for which Huku was sent out a strong favourite. There were half-a-dozen starters. Zealous at once showed in front, but before going half a mile Scottish Minstrel and Catherine Gordon passed her. This pair ran along the back stretch well clear of Victor 11., Zealous being next well clear of Hurricane and Huku. Catherine Gordon was in front at the six furlong post, but going round the turn she was barely clear of Scottish Mirtstrel, Victor 11., and Huku. Just before reaching the straight Zealous drew up to the leaders and jumped the last fence in company with Scottish Minstrel an>d Catherine Gordon. The Nelson mare had all the best of the run home, and beat Scattish Minstrel by a length and a half, Catherine Gordon being four lengths further away third, with Huku fourth. Victor 11. pulled up lame, as also did Huku. The Maiden Plate attracted a field of seven, the Gipsy Grand gelding, Grand Rapids, bein«- served up a hot favourite. When it came to racing in the last furlong there were only two in it, Grand Rapids and Juniper. Earlier in the race Royal Crown and Firebrand were pro-

minent, but when tackled bv Grand Rapids and Juniper at the distance -they fell right back. Grand Rapids passed the post a neck in front of Juniper, but he had something to spare and could have won by a larger margin. This was Grand Rapids' second race, his first appearance in public having been in the 'Winter Cun when he finished well up.

The Riccarton Welter was a good betting race. In a field of ten, Lolah was made favourite, but Gold Seal and Windwhistle came in for heavy support. After some delay at the post, the barrier ’ rose with Lee Enfield and Crown Imperial well on their legs. Lolah and Bandmaster collided and lost several lengths. After goirtg a furlong, Crown Imperial dropped back. and Black Tracker and Gold Seal took second and third positions behind Lee Enfield. Before reaching the straight Black Tracker retired, leaving Lee Enfield running along easily a couple of lengths in front of Gold Seal. At this stage Crown Imperial, Livonia, and Windwhistle closed up on Lee Enfield, who appeared to have the race well in hand, but at the distance he failed to respond to a strong challenge by Crown Imperial, who won by a long neck, Windwhistle was half a length behind Lee Enfield, with Livonia fourth, Gold Seal fifth.

Next came - the race of the day, the New Zealand Cup. Melwood’s withdrawal left a field of thirteen to face the starter. Achilles was an early favourite, and maintained his position right up to the start, going out the hottest favourite on record. Canteen was second in demand, Roseal third, with Shrapnel and Wairiki next in order. Mr Piper took some time to get his field in line, Canteen being disinclined to face the barrier. “They’re off,’’ shouted a thousand and more voices, and from a very •excellent position in the new press-stand, I could see that Mr Piper had effected one of his best starts. The field had not gone many yards before General Symonds singled himself out and came on wlith a slight advantage of Achilles and Wairiki. The pace was a cracker, and as Roseal :rushed passed the leaders, as the field :swept past the stand the colt’s backers became jubilant. Strathavon took up second place behind the colt, but at the mile and a quarter pole Achilles rushed ■passed everything amid a scene of wild excitement. The handsome son of Medallion had not gone far before he had given way to Roseal, and once again the public were worked up to a pitch of great excitement. The pace was still a cracker, and at one stage few yards before the mile post was Leached, E< seal and Achilles were well clear cf the feld, General Symonds, Strathavon, and Wairiki leading the next division. At ■the six furlong post General Symons, and Wairiki closed on Roseal and AchiL les. No alteration took place in tie leadind division until the straight v,js reached, when Roseal just healed \cHilles, Wairiki, Canteen, and Strathavon being close handy. When heads -were turned for the final stretch Roseal commenced to tire, and at the distance lie lost his place to Achilles, who was jast clear of Wairiki, while Canteen was •coming fast on the outside. In the last hurtdred yards Wairiki and Canteen both passed Achilles l , and after a great tussle Canteen beat Wairiki by half a length, wish Achilles a length further away, ■half a length in fron»t of Strathavon, who was just clear of General Symons -and Roseal. Then came Hinetaura, Ringman, and Shrapnel. The two last -to finish were Bombardo and Mars. An encfuiry was held by the stewards into the riding of MeCombe on Canteen near the finish of the race, it being alleged that he deliberately crossed Achilles. The stewards disqualified McCombe for two years, but did not disturb the judge’s placing. Christchurch, November 10. . By winning the Welcome Stakes, Mr G. G. Stead has scored on eight occasions in that classic fixture, while in 1896 Multiform ran a dead-heat with Sir Launcelot. This year the Yaldhurst stable was represented by Golden Lily, the first of Multiform’s progeny to sport silk, and Silkworm, winner of the Hastings Stakes. There were several other highly-bred youngster g in the race, notably King’s Guest, by Bill of Portland —Madowla, full brother to Quarryman and Ailsa,,by Wallace—Far Away. The race requires very little description. Golden Lily popped off the mark smartly and soon spreadeagled the field. At the half-distance she was half-a-dozen lengths in front of her stable companion, and finally won without an effort by three lengths. Silkworm was second, a length and a half in front of Master Alex. The time, 47 2-ssec, was the second best put up in the race, Conqueror’s time of 46 l-ssec in 1897 being the record for the race.

Golden 1 ■ Lily 'is indeed a beautifullyshaped filly, ! ahd the general opinion is that she is a smasher. Her victory must enhance Mfiltiform’s value as 1 a sire. Ailsa finished strongly, and will win races later on.

The experiment of including a mile and a half Flat Race on the programme instead of a Selling Race proved a success. The Otaio Plate is likely to retain its place in futuie programmes. The race attracted ten starters, a really good field for a mile and a half handicap. The Derbv colt Melodian came in for most support, the Porirua representative Ghoorka being next in demand with backers. King Stork and Roscommon were early in the lead and took the field along at a sound pace to the mile cost where Melodian ran up to the leaders. The next furlong King Stork gave way to Melodian who was running almost level with Roscommon, but as they went round the ton turn Roscommon failed to hold his position when the straight was reached, and Melodian went on with a substantial lead. Ghoorka and Menura both made their efforts at the distance, but they failed to get within striking distance of Melodian! who finished up his task in resolute style,, and beat Ghoorka by a length and a half, Menura being a bare length behind, with the Lochiel horse. Roscommon, fourth, Stepdancer fifth, Leonore sixth, Secret Society being the last to finish.

The big sprint event of the meeting, the Stewards’ Handicap, came next, and backers at once pounced upon the Hotchkiss colt, Machine Gun, as the likely winner. Their judgment was well-placed, as Machine Gun practically led all the way and. made no race of it, winning in the easiest possible manner by a couple of lengths from Gladsome, who was nearly a length in front of Red Gauntlet, with Cannie Chiel fourth, and Petrovna fifth. MKadrigal ran well for a couple of furlongs, but she then dropped, and was one of the last to finish.

The Ladies’ Purse, one mile and a half, brought out ten starters. Reliance, Muskburn,, and Creusot .seemed to have the best credentials, and the public supported them in the ;order named. The race produced the best contest of the day. Natalie took the lead at the start, closely followed by Magnificent and Muskburn. At the mile post. Wickenbourg and Playfair ran up to the leaders, and a furlong further on the field were in close order. Playfair was in the first line after passing the seven furlongs mark, Natalie taking second place. Playfair led into the straight, but at the distance Natalie caught him and soon drew clear. Reliance then put in a strong run, bu.t just failed to catch Natalie by a neck, Muskburn being two lengths away, followed by Magnificent and Playfair. SECOND DAY. Derby day broke dull and threatening, while light showers fell during the progress of the races. There was again a large attendance, and racing was more interesting than on the Cup day. Five starters in the Middleton Hurdles were well' backed, the actual favourite being Zealous, who won on t(he first day. Catherine Gordon, Reliance, and Scottish Minstrel jumped off in a line, and were together passing the stand, Hurricane and Zealous being a few lengths behind. Scottish Minstrel lost his place at the mile post, where Reliance and Catherine Gordon had charge of affairs. Going round the top turn, Scottish Minstrel and Zealous ran up to the leaders, and Reliance at once fell back. In the straight Scottish Minstrel soon settled the claims of Catherine Gordon, and won nicely by two and a half lengths from Zealous who came with a late run and beat Catherine Gordon, who tired badly in the last half-anile, 'by two lengths. Hurricane and Reliance were several lengths behind the placed horses. The Criterion Handicap generally produces a good contest, as the field usually' comprises the pick of the sprint horses. This year's contest brought out eleven starters, betting being very spirited. The Gipsy Grand—Reel filly, Bagpipes, Petrovna, and St. Denis were each heavily' supported. Gold Seal and Golden Vein got away slightly in advance of the others, and cut out the running for a couple of furlongs, when the former drew out and soon had a lengths fead. Entering the straight, Golden Vein again moved up to Gold Seal and Petrovna who was always in third position, and St. Denis made a good hard move when fairly on the line for home. Bagpipes put in a strong, run, coming fast on the outside, and a great tussle took place between Petrovna. Gofden Vein, and Bagpipes, the filly getting home a neck in front of Pttrovna, who just beat Golden Vein by a head. The next to finish was Westguard, three lengths away. The Juvenile Plate proved an exercise canter for Machine Gun, who had no difficulty in beating Brave Heart by four; and a half lengths. Idea, the only other starter, being, half that 'distance’away, third. - • Rose Shield and Gladsome were withdrawn from ; the Derby. leaving the two Bill of Portland’ colts, Treadmill and Quarryman, Roseal, and Melodeon to contest the race for the blue ribband. Sir George Clifford’s paUr were sent out

strong favourites. They played up a great deal at the start, Quarryman breaking through the tapes three times. Once under way' there was little to choose between the quartette, but after going half-a-mile Melodeon and Roseal singled themselves out, Quarryman then took second place behind Melodeon going down the back, and Treadmill ran up to the leaders. As the field went round the turn he was running alongside Melodeon. The latter being ridden, was first into the straight, but he soon gave way' to Treadmill who appeared to be winning comfortably at the distance. Here Roseal came with a fine run, and gradually overhauling Treadmill, beat him by a length. Melodeon was a length and a half behind the second colt, while Quarryman was four lengths behind Melodeon.

The Metropolitan Handicap produced a capital contest, and was worth going miles to see. There were a dozen starters, including seven of the Cup horses, viz. : Canteen, Hinetaura, Ringman, Lavalette, General Symons, Shrapnel and Strathavon. The race was a cracker from the start, Float and General Symons making an effort to win from end to end. When fairly under way, Float was in front, followed by General Symons, with Canteen, Strathavon, and Shrapnel at the head of the next division. With half a mile gone. Float was leading General Symons by four lengths, but going round the top turn General Symons reduced the lead to a length. Half way down the straight Float appeared capable of getting home first, but General Symons collared her in the last hundred yards and won by a length. Five lengths away came Menura who was followed by Strathavon and Hinetaura. The time, 2min 37sec, constitutes a fresh record for Australasia, the previous best time being held by Advance. The Shorts’ Handicap fell to Toney, an aged gelding by Cajolery—Pigeon Toe, who beat Aherlow by a bare length, with Merrymaker iin third place. Ordnance was favourite, but finished fourth.

The Epsom High Weight Handicap gave Windwhistle a well-deserved win, but she had only a little to spare Irom Livonia at the finish, while Roscommon finished well up in third place. Djin Djin ran well for seven furlongs, and into fourth place at the finish. Purdey, by Musketry—Fatigue, accounted for the Irewell Handicap, a make any showing. Purdey was backed strong favo'urihe in M’aflakoff failing/to for a lot of money all over the Colony, and is evidently a smart youngster.

“What won ?” asked a stay-at-home sport on encountering the first cab that came from the direction of the racecourse. “Postponed,” replied the cabman. “Just my luck,” said the other sadly ; “I didn’t have a penny on him.” * * * * The crowd flocking about the winning jockey after the Caulfield Cup made one man moralise as to the instant glory of success in racing, and the equally sudden desolation of failure (.says a , writer in the “Australasian”). “I remember,” he said, “on the morning when old Carbine —then young and unknown —was to have won the Derby, and would have won it, too, had not poor Tom Hales on the other horse been such a consummate general, I saw them taking Carbine down to- the course in the morning. There was a crowd with Derritt, and everyone was carrying something for him —two of them even carried his spurs. By chance I saw Derritt going back that night, after losing the race so badly. He was alone, and carrying everything.” * * * His hoss went dead and his mule went lame ; He lost six cows on a poker game ; A hurricane came on a summer’s day, An’ carried the house whar he lived away ; Then an earthquake come when that was gone, An’ swallowed the land that the house stood on ! An’ the tax collector, he come roun’ An' charged him up fer the hole in the groun’ 1 An’ the city marshal—he came in view, An’ said he wanted his street tax too .' Did he moan and sigh ? Did he set an’ cry An’ cuss the hurricane sweepin’ by ? Did he grieve that his ole friends failed to call When the earthquake came an’ swallowed all ? Never a word of blame he said, With all them troubles on top his head .' Not him ! . . . He climbed to the top of the hill— Whar standin’ room wuz left him still, An’, barin’ his head, here’s what he said: “ I reckon its time to git up and git ; But, Lord, I hain’t had the measles yit' ” —FRANK L. STANTON.