WANGANUI.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XV, Issue 859, 23 August 1906, Page 8

WANGANUI.

WANGANUI, August 22. Owners and trainers are reminded that nominations for the spring meeting of the Wanganui Jockey Club close on Monday, September 3, at 9 p.m., with Mr. F. Moffatt, the secretary. The gathering takes place on September 27 and 28. Nestor, the sire of Polycaste, Nero, The Lark, and many promising two and three-year-olds throughout this district, is to again be at the services of breeders here this season. The son of St. Leger—Tamora is likely to have a full list. Kaihu, a stable mate of Romany King’s, was much fancied for the Hunters’ Hurdles at the C.J.C. meeting by backers on this coast, as it was whispered about that he was beating Romany King on the track at Waverley. However, Kaihu jumped wildly, and came a cropper at the third hurdle. Helen Portland, a daughter of Bill of Portland, has been showing a lot of pace on the local tracks, and should pick up a race at the EgmontWanganui Hunt Club meeting on Thursday. She is only a three-year-old. Auratus was taken down to Christchurch with Romany King and Kaihu, but the Gold Reef gelding was not started at the C.J.C. meeting. He is being solidly supported for the New Zealand Cup. The weights for the Marton J.C. Hack Meeting, which are to make their appearance on Thursday, 23rd inst., are being awaited with considerable interest. The nominations received are very satisfactory, and the gathering is expected to prove the most successful yet held by the club. George Laing is now looking after Westward. The brother to Fireworks looks well, and in the hands of such an experienced trainer as Laing is likely to be given every opportunity to distinguish himself. The Sou’wester gelding will be a starter at both the Marton and Rangitikei meetings all going well. Laing is also putting the final touches on Janella for the Hunt Club meeting on Thursday.

Though the local bookies laid the National double pretty freely, they would have been hit up for a great deal more had Kremlin got home in the Hurdles. The support accorded Kremlin on Thursday was very strong—in fact, at the finish the books refused to lay, much to their sorrow afterwards. Nogi’s win in the Hunters’ Hurdles at Riccarton is another good “ ad.” for The Officer, who is owned by Messrs. Brisco and Walker, Awahuri, and will be at the services of breeders at the Hylton Park (Awahuri) stud farm this season. Talking with Mr. A. Walker the other day he informed me that he had been offered a very big sum for the son of Robinson Crusoe, but he had decided not to accept. Mr. Walker added that he had already booked a very large number of mares for The Officer, whose services were much in demand by breeders from all parts of the district. Since the above was written Lyrist has added still another win to the credit of this successful sire, whose stock are evidently going to place him higher up on the list of winning sires this season than he occupied last season, when his progeny won £3500. The Officer is only a comparatively young stallion, and it is significant that several offers have been received recently from Australia for the son of Robinson Crusoe.

Messrs. Brisco and Walker also have Explosion, the son of Cuirassier —Jadestone, at their stud farm. It is almost unnecessary to say that Cuirassier is a full brother to Trenton, being by Musket out of Frailty, while Onyx is a full sister to Robinson Crusoe. Nothing better than this in the way of breeding could be wished for. Explosion has proved himself a big success as a sire, though only a young horse, and is perfectly sound in wind and limb. Breeders in these districts intend taking advantage of the opportunity of mating their mares with the descendant of Musket, whose list is filling well. Tonderghie and Champion were given a go over the hurdles the other morning, and both acquitted themselves well, the former especially so. The many friends of W. Higgins were very pleased when the news came through that that popular rider had steered Phaetonitis to victory in the Grand National Steeplechase.

“ Billy” has still all the dash and daring which characterised his riding in years gone by, and not only is he one of the gamest of the game, but he is one of the most skilful cross-country riders ever seen in the saddle in this colony. It must be about 20 years since Higgins (who is a Wanganui boy) was first seen in the saddle, but that he is still able to hold his own with the best was proved by the splendid race he rode on Tuesday last. Nominations for the Rangitikei R.C. Meeting close on Saturday next, the 25th inst., with Mr. H. A. Goodall, secretary.

The weights for the New Zealand Cup have made their appearance well to time. The local horses appear to have been very fairly treated. Armistice (7st 51bX looks to be very well in, and providing Harry Jackson can land the daughter of Mahaki at the post in her best form, she must take a lot of beating, in view of her good showing in the Auckland Cup. Martello (7st 41b) cannot complain on the score of weight, anil as the son of Hotchkiss —Rose of Wellington is likely to prove himself a much improved horse this season, he is well worth keeping an eye on for the big race. There is certainly no betterbred horse in the race. Apa and St. Joe are in the same stable as Martello. The former is weighted at 6st 111 b, and St. Joe at 7st lib. If the Cup is to come to Wanganui it will, I fancy, be by the aid of Armistice or Martello, and I regard those two, and especially the former, as having a big chance.