AFTER THE RACES.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XIV, Issue 854, 19 July 1906, Page 7

AFTER THE RACES.

WELLINGTON R.C. WINTER MEETING. Although the weather conditions have been anything but favuorable during the past week,, the Racing Club were fortunate in having a beautiful day for the opening of their first Steeplechase Meeting at Trentham. There was a capital and fashionable attendance, including Lady Plunket and party, and visitors from all over the colony. Speculation was brisk and the club’s receipts from all sources constitute a record for winter meetings. The jumps on the steeplechase course prior to the meeting were the subject of much dicussion, some owners and riders considering them too formidable. Wild statements were wired throughout the colong, and several owners were influenced thereby, and withdrew their horses from their engagements. The examjfie set by the Wanganui Jockey Club in cutting down their jumps and making their steeplechase course more in the nature of a hurdle race has had a bad effect and if other clubs follow suitf genuine steeplechase horses will soon be as extinct as the moa. The jumps orinally erected at Trentham in no one instance exceeded 3ft. loin. in height. When they were still further reduced to satisfy certain owners, any ordinary hurdle racer could have negotiated the course. Three horses fell during the two days, Slow Tom, Irish, and Rongoa, but (he height of the fences had nothing to do with the disasters. The ground, owing to recent wet weather, did not give sound foothold, and to this is due the mistakes made by Slow Tom and Irish in the Wellington Steeplechase. The latter horse made no mistake in the July Steeplechase, whilst such fencers as Mocassin and Playfair found no difficulty in getting round. As a matter of fact, (he two last-named horses would have been better suited had the jumps been increased instead of reduced in height. The erroneous reports regarding the formidable nature of the jumps, added to the fact that several horses were bar-

bound at Gisborne and elsewhere,, reduced 'the field for the Steeplechase to five starters. Slow Tom and Irish were most fancied, Playfair and Mocassin being also well backed, whilst Rongoa was almost neglected. The five runners provided a pretty race for over two and a-half miles, first one and then another making the pace; at that stage the field was bunched, Irish and Rongoa just showing in front. Slow Tom fell at the sod wall, the next jump, a iog fence, brought Irish down, leaving Rongoa in front of Playfair. The latter soon tired and ran round the fence at the bottom of the straight. The latter soon tired lenged Rongoa, but the light-weighted outsider held his own under punishment, and won by a bare length. A field of twelve went to the post for the Winter Hurdle Handicap, Cuiragno (who had not arrived from Gisborne), Irish (who had just run inthe Steeplechase), being the only withdrawals. -Exmoor was sent out favourite, but from the sums invested on the majority of the other runners, it was obvious that their owners expected to effect the overthrow of the Great Northern Hurdle Race winner. The Porirua horse looked really well, and no excuse can be found for his defeat except that he is not the champion some folks make him out to be. Exmoor had a clear run during the race, but at the last hurdle Shrapnel caught him, and when the whip was applied to the Porirua horse he failed to respond, and Shrapnel won comfortably. Monarque was half-a-dozen lengths away third, whilst several horses were obviously not ridden out, and may display improved form later on when the going is firmer. The Parliamentary Handicap was contested by ten runners, eight of which were solidly backed. Narcotic, one of the pair neglected by the public, were strongly in the straight, and landed the stake from Waikato after a very fine race during the last two furlongs of which several horses appeared to have a winning chance. Narcotic paid a dividend of £*9 10s, whilst the double, Rongoa and Narcotic, paid each of the five supporters 16s. The Stewards’ Handicap went to Gawain, a horse best suited by heavy going. Medallist, despite his lost i2lb, made a good showing, but Stronghold and Alisa ran disappointingly. . The First Hack Hurdle Race brought out a field of fourteen runners, Hokio being favourite. Prospector (whose first essay over the hurdles it was), and Black Reynard (who was making his second attempt) jumped well, and the pair led Hall’s horse, however, failed to concede two stone to his rival, who won with round the turn into the straight. Mr. something in hand. Asteroid, another novice, was third, the favourite Hokio never being prominent. The two hack events went to representatives of the Porirua stable, Kuku, a half-brother to Boomerang, winning the Miramar Hack Race from the unluc y Togos and nine others, whilst Pawa scrambled home by a head in the five furlong hack event from the useful Merriwee colt Aboriginal. The latter met with some disappointment and came with a late run. Mataara finished third, while eight others ran. SECOND DAY. Inclement weather having prevailed on Thursday and Friday the club was fortunate in getting a fine day for the conclusion of their meeting. The attendance exceeded that of the first day, and speculation was again brisk, the sum handled during the two days being £26,876. Capital fields and interesting racing was provided, the steeplechase being again the only exception. For this the Auckland-owned Irish was sent out a good favourite, and making no mistakes Tie never left the issue in doubt. Rongoa ran well, and was within a few lengths of Irish at the last fence when he fell, and allowed Playfair to take second place. Kruger seemed outclassed, whilst Lissa will require more schooling ere he is a success across country. Mr. J. B. Williamson’s victory was popular with those of the horse’s supporters, who remained staunch to his horse on both days. The Final Hurdle Race had eight runners, Shrapnel, list 41b, being allowed to discontinue his engagement. Exmoor was made a warm favourite, Pushful and Monarque being next in demand. Exmoor and Sardonyx were responsible for a strong pace being set, but ran themselves out at the end of one and aquarter miles, when Cuiragno assumed command, with Pushful in close attendance. This pair drew away under punishment, and the Auckland horse lasting the longest won by a good length. Magnificent and Bounce were in - company at the last hurdle, where the latter fell, and Magnificent secured third place just in front of Waiwera. Exmoor was fifth, Sardonyx sixth, and Monarque last.

The Onslow Handicap produced a good race between St. Claimer, Tonderghie and Ailsa. The latter had the services of Jenkins, who, refraining from bustling his mount over the first two furlongs, got up to his field in the later stages and won by less than a length. The favourite, St. Claimer, finished second. Ten horses weighed out for the Winter Oats Handicap, Maui, ridden by Jenkins, being favourite. The heavy going being all in favour of the light weights, the issue was fought out by Maui, White Star, and Rose Petal, who, after an exciting race, finished in that order. Submarine was fourth and Lyrist fifth, both close up, while Rose Madder finished last. The Trial Plate, special weights,, fell to Wirral, a two-year-old by Birkenhead —Nixie. This colt is the property of the Hon. J. D. Ormond, and although somewhat green he displayed plenty of pace and won easily. Wirral, who is engaged in the New Zealand Cup and next season’s classic events, ■ was closely scrutinised. His fine proportions and racing like appearance should insure him a successful career. Mr. W. Davies’ Stepniak —Lidia colt, Landwern (who was runner-up), although a year older, looked quite ponnified beside Wirral. The Second Hack Hurdle Handicap was nearly a repetition of th first day’s field, Black Reynard and Wiwaka being the only absentees. War Dog, a fresh competitor, made the number up to thirteen, and all figuring on the card started. Prospector, notwithstanding his increase of iBlb, was made favourite, and with Error set the pace. Tirole and Asteroid were never far away, but the Gold Reef gelding stalled off all opposition and won comfortably by a couple of lengths from Tirole, who jumped cleverly. Asteroid was eased in the last few strides and Black Squall was placed third. A dozen lined up for the last race, tne Thorndon Hack Handicap, and Mr. Davies provided the favourite in Armamento, who, getting well away lasted long enough to stall off a strong challenge by Pawa and Silvershell. Pearl Necklet was amongst the runners, but failed to show prominently; Aboriginal and Mataara finished close up.

MESSRS. BARNETT AND GRANT report the followling quotations onihe C.J.C. Great Northern Hurdle Race and Steeplechase:—

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