AFTER THE RACES.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XIII, Issue 752, 4 August 1904, Page 8

AFTER THE RACES.

HAWKE’S BAY HUNT CLUB MEETING-

(By Our Napier Correspondent.)

The votaries of Diana held their usual annual re-union on the Hawke’s Bay J ockey Club’s grounds. Though the climate was sharp and keen it was fine overhead, and might, justly be described as an ideal winter day. The attendance was far more numerous than has been the case for years past, and notwithstanding that no totalisator was in evidence those of a speculative nature had ample opportunities to gratify their inclinations, as sixteen bookmakers had each paid the required license fee (£5). Judging from the tone of the ringmen backers must have had a good day, for each and every one of the pencillers averred that they had lost money. Owing to the fact that the application for a conditional license was not made in time no publicans’ booth was open, and thirsty souls (somehow or other they are always more so when the requisite alcoholic liquors are not to be obtained) had therefore no means of assuaging their appetites. Mephisto, an aged half-brother by Lochnagar to the defunct Scallywag, landed the Hunters’ Bracelet for the nominator, Miss Petitt, by a head from Taipairu ; Ogle a fair third. The winner was the outsider of the pack, his starting price being 10 to 1. Cavil! was the favourite, but was not prominent at the business end of the argument. Mr Harold Russell in an apropos speech presented the bangle to Miss Petitt. Talune was made a solid favourite for the First Open Flat Handicap and thoroughly justified the confidence reposed in him, for he was always adjacent to the van, and coming on from the half-mile post captured it comfortably from Sleepwell, who experienced no serious difficulty in disposing of Ballyneety. the other starters, Taniwha, Quilted, Baldie, and Tane, had no say whatever in the disposal of the prize. Only a couple in Dubious and Secrecy lined up for the Hunt Club Steeplechase, and Mr Jack Groome had an easy task set him to land the former the conqueror. Dubious, who is by Straybird’s sire Wanderer, carried Miss Sunderland’s colours and the win was a most popular one, for the lady is a well-known follower of the Hawke’s Bay pack. Mr 31. E. Groome in presenting Miss Sunderland with the trophy took advantage of the occasion to refer to the increased interest that was being taken in hunting :n the district, and the hearty cheering that greeted his remarks proved conclusively that the spectators voiced his opinion. The rising three-year-old son of The Officer and Martyrdom, The Stake, was selected as the right article for the Trial Plate, and the good style in which he pulled his supporters through showed that they had not been chancing anything to luck. Whakawehi, a rising three-year-old gelding by Daunt —Queensborough, one of Monro’s stable mates, claimed second choice from backers, and the public showed that they were on the spot with easily settled the others as The Stake had their selection, for Whakawehi just as accounted for him. Ogle, who claims full brotherhood to Little Billee, upset a hot favourite in Anadeja in the Hunters’ Flat Handicap, in fact the first choice had also to strike her colours to Bill Bailey, who kept Ogle busy in his efforts to overthrow him. Talune’s connections were of' the opinion that nothing had a chance with him in the Second Open Handicap, and the public taking the lead from the stable put their coin in on Virginia’s son. He did not bear out the good ideas formed of him, for he did not get in the first three, the victor turning up in Admiral Cerveras, Te Hawke second and Golden Comb third.

Business was brought to a finale with the Hunters’ Final Steeplechase, Sassimir, an aged son of Prince Cole,, gaining the honours for that enthusiastic sport, Mr H. F. G. Carlyon, from Hikairoa, owned bv Mr T. te Ua, who in times gone by had a real g’ood one in Philanthropist carrying his racing livery. Black Boy, who had the services of Mr P. Neagle, was third.