AFTER THE RACES.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XV, Issue 865, 4 October 1906, Page 8

AFTER THE RACES.

AVONDALE JOCKEY CLUB’S SPRING MEETING. THIRD DAY. Splendid weather favoured the Avondale Jockey Club for the concluding day of the meeting, the result being an attendance which must have been almost a record for the course. The racing, which was of an interesting character, passed off without any mishap, while all the arrangements were efficiently attended to by Mr. H. H. Hayr, the secty., and his staff. Mr M. Foley acted as judge, and had ope or two. . close

things;to,.settle, while Mr Hankenwas in" charge of the starting gate. Speculation proved brisk, the sum of £9285 going through the totalisator jriakihjg an advance of £10,170 on the Gjorresponding. .meeting last year when, however, the weather was bad and the bookmakers -were operating.. ‘■Racing, was resumed with the Maiden ’ Hurdles . (1 % • miles); £oT which half a dozen carried. silk; and of -these the popular- choice were-Sir Regal ’ ahd r Yolette; ■ Sir Regal was tlie first -to show, and he led from Calle Iris, while Kino got a bad start and whipped in the field throughout. Zara followed her usual custom of ■ coming down at the second fence. •’ At the stand the order was Sir Regel, Calle Iris, Kruger and Yolette, but at the top bend the latter went up to the leaders, and the field ran . together down the back. At the bend for home Yolette and Kruger drew away, and a fine race ensued. Kruger was smartest over the last hurdle, but Yolette showed the most foot, in the last little bit, and won by : two lengths, with Calle Iris two lengths off third. Sir Regel was fourth, and Kino fifth. - * c For the New Lynn Handicap (five furlongs), no less than seventeen carried silk. With such an array it was a stiff nut which punters were set to crack. Cachuca, Lady Clements and Intombi were - entrusted with the most investments. The start was a wretched one, Cachuca and Chief Steward being left at the post, while several of the others were strung out anyhow. Soultstone piloted the rest into the straight, when a good finish was seen. La Cigaie coming fast in the last hundred yards won handily by over a length from Lucio, with Lady Clements close up third, and Soultstone fourth. Of the seven runners in the Welter Handicap, Claremont was made a good favourite with Tui Cakobau next in demand. The start was a good one, Merry Soult being the first to show out with Pearl Necklet and Claremont next. Nearing the bend Claremont went to the front and attended by Miss Lancelot, he led into the straight. A long way from home the race was all over, for although Miss Lancelot chased him right home she could not bring the son of St. Cyr to the whip, and he won easily by a length. Merry Soult was three lengths off third, Geologist fourth, and Tui Cakobau fifth. A poor field of four was all that could be found to tackle the three miles’ steeplechase. Despite his big rise in weight, Hakaria was made a very hot favourite. Kino took up the running for a bit, but after going half a mile Hakaria took the lead with Cannongate within striking distance, and Loch Fyne some distance off, last. They ran in this order for two rounds, when Loch Fyne commenced to make a forward move. Cannongate did not appear to be going so well as on Saturday, and it was early evident that Hakaria would take a lot of beating. As they ran down the back, Loch Fyne drew up to Cannongate, who failed to respond. The son of Loch Ness then went in chase of Hakaria, but could not bring him to the whilp, Mr Foss’ gelding winning by three lengths from Loch Fyne, with Cannongate five lengths off third, while Kino was pulled up. Seven were left in to fight out the Grandstand Handicap (One mile), Paritutu being made a better favourite than Millie. The latter, who got a flying start, led out of the straight from Paritutu and Waikato, with Delania last. They ran in that order down the back, where Delania improved, her position, Millie kept sailing along three lengths ahead of the field, and she turned into the straight well in advance. Whips were put on all, but the leader at the distance, the daughter of Tasman running in an easy winner by two lengths from Paritutu, who was a length and a-half ahead of Delania, and then followed Waikato, Franklin, Lady Gladys, with Soultfish last. A nice field of twelve carried silk in the Electric Handicap (four furlongs), and for this short dash Miss Winnie was a strong public fancy. From a fair start Sweet Alice and Klondyke were first away, the Dunce being left at the post. At the home turn Klondyke went to the front, and at the distance appeared to have the race won. Buchanan brought Omati with a great rush and the Leolantis gelding finishing up the task in the most business-like fashion, just got up in time to make a dead-heat of it with Sweet Alice close up third, and the favourite fourth. Norma was the only one withdrawn from the Third Pony Handicap (five furlongs), this leaving a field of 11, of which punters most fancied Ruatamata. Ruatamata hopped off very smartly, and led by a length from Elu and Rapid. So they ran to the distance, when the race looked °a moral” for Ruatamata, Cress took

matters too easily, however, and Buchanan, bringing Storyteller with a great rush, got up in time to win by a neck with Hopscotch nearly two lengths off third, and Merrimann fourth. The meeting was brought to a close wth the Publicans Handicap (six furlongs), and after her previous great deed punters fairly rushed Soultmaid in the betting, while Ben Johnson and Hautapu were also fancied. These three got off the mark very smartly, Ben Johnson piloting the way. He was still in front when heads were turned for home, when Soultmaid set out in chase. She could not reach the Ben Godfrey gelding, who won by a length and a-half, with Lochbine four lengths off, third. The details were as follows: — MAIDEN HURDLE RACE. Over seven flights of hurdles. One mile and three-quarters. Mn S. G. Lindsay’s b m Yolette, aged, by Fabulous —Marjorie, 10.2 (Gray) 1 Kruger, 6yrs, 9.8 (H. Phillips) 2 Sir Regel, 6yrs, 9.3 (Cress) ... 3 Other starters: Kino 9.5, Zara (late Jess) 9.0, Calle Iris 9.0. Time, 3min 22 2-ssec. Dividends, £2 2s and £1 3s. NEW LYNN HANDICAP. Five furlongs. Mr. D. McLeod’s br m La Cigale, syrs, by Seaton Delaval—Jesmond, 7.9 (Cotton) < 1 Lucio, 4yrs, 7.7 (Griffin) 2 Lady Clements, syrs, 7.12 (Conquest) 3 Other starters: Cachuca 8.9, Waipa 7.9, Bump 7.9, Fortification 7.7, The Dunce 7.4, Chief Steward 7.3, Colleen Dhas 7.3, Intombi 7.0, Soultstone 7.0, War Cloud 7.0, Lady Grattan 7.0, Uhlander 7.0, Trepoff 7.0, Kaitangata 7.0. Time, Imin 4 3-ssec. Dividends, £lO and £4 3s. WELTER HANDICAP. Six furlongs. Mr. P. Woods’ br g Claremont, syrs, by St. Cyr—Spray, 8.7 (Julian) . . 1 Miss Lancelot, syrs, 8.0 (Conquest) 2 Merry Soult, 6yrs, 8.5 (Buchanan) . . 3 Other starters: Tui Cakobau 8.8, Pearl Necklet 8.7, Tambourina 8.4, Geologist 8.0. Time, Imin 17 2-ssec. Dividends, £1 17s and £7 4s. SECOND HANDICAP STEEPLECHASE About three miles. Mr. W. Foss’ br g Hakaria, aged, by Reynard — Vienne, 10.10 (Nearey) . , 1 Loch Fyne, aged, 9.10 (Burns) .... 2 Cannongate, aged, 11.4 (Phillips) . . 3 Other starter: Kino 9.10. Time, 6min 20sec. Dividend, £5 6s. GRANDSTAND HANDICAP of HOsovs. One mile. Mr. J. Hannon’s ch m Millie, aged, by Tasman—Duchess, 7.2 (Brown) 1 Paritutu, aged, 9.6 (George) ...... 2 Delania, aged, 7.8 (Butler) 3 Other starters: Waikato 7.8, Franklin 6.8, Lady Gladys 6.7, Soultfish 6.7. Time, Imin 43% sec. Dividends, £3 9s and Ils. ELECTRIC HANDICAP. Four furlongs. Mr. C. W. Coleman’s b g Omati, 6yrs, by Leolantis, 7.9 (Buchanan) ... * Mrs. Kilgour’s br g Klondyke, aged, by Fraternite, 6.12 (Ross) * Sweet Alice, 3yrs, 7.12 (Cress) 3 Other starters: Miss Winnie 9.5, Discoverer 8.8, Black and Gold 8.7, Ben Blair 8.0, Duart 7.5, Merry Soult 7.3, Celerity 7.2, The Dunce 6.10, Cornwall Park 6.10. Time, 50 l-ssec. Dividends: Omati, £l2; Klondyke, £8 13 s. THIRD PONY HANDICAP. Five furlongs. Mr. P. James’ b m Storyteller, 6yrs, by Leolantis —Fairy Tale, 9.5 (Buchanan) ‘ 1 Ruatamata, 3yrs, 8.6 (Cress) 2 Hopscotch, 6yrs, 7.7 (Holmes) .... 3 Other starters: Etu 8.6, Norana 7.0, Rapid 7.0, Kaipaki 6.12, Merriman 6.10, La Annie 6.10. Time, Imin ssec. Dividends, £7 5s and 15 s. PUBLICANS’ HANDICAP. Six furlongs. Mr. C. Dawson’s br g Ben Jonson late Ben), aged, by Ben Godfrey— Houri, 7.7 (Conquest) 1 Soultmaid, syrs, 8.13 (Buchanan) . . 2 Lochbuie, 3yrs, 6.8 (McMillan) .... 3 Other starters: Waikato 9.5, Hautapu 8.3, Inglis 6.12, Geologist 6.8. Time, Imin 16%sec. Dividends, £2 19s and 12s.

WANGANUI J.C. SPRING MEETING

The Spring Meeting of the Wanganui Jockey Club, which took place on the 27th and 28th September, was a big success in every way. The weather was simply perfect, the attendance each day very large—a record for the spring fixtures —and the racing of the most interesting description. The fields were large, and the finishes really good; in several cases being particularly exciting. The “tote” bells rang merrily throughout, the total amount put through for the meeting being £17,264, as against £13,573 last year, an increase of £3688 on last year’s figures. The management of the meeting was firstclass, the programme being got through without the slightest hitch, and this fact, coupled with the glorious weather experienced and the good sport provided, combined to make the meeting one of the most enjoyable race-goers have ever had the pleasure of attending. Mr Frank Moffatt, who has acted as secretary of the club with such conspicuous success for seven years, deserves every credit for the excellence of the arrangements, which were as near perfection as could be desired. That this marked the last appearance of Mr Moffatt as secretary is a matter

which will cause regret amongst all sportsmen who have had the pleasure of coming in contact with that painstaking and courteous official, who has ever carried out his duties in the most efficient manner. Truly, the club will find it difficult to find anyone who will give as much satisfaction, and prove such an ideal secretary as Mr Moffatt, whose resignation has been necessitated by pressure of private business. That the last meeting at which he officiated should have been such an unqualified success must have been highly grati fying to him, and also to all of the other officials. Mr C. O’Connor, the newly-appointed starter, was fairly successful, but it must be admitted that more than one of the races were spoilt by the unevenness of the despatches. Unruly horses and impatient jockeys no doubt combined to give Mr O’Connor a lot of trouble; but it is not long since a section of the public here gave Mr. C. Chavannes a warm time of it for starts which were no wore than some of those witnessed here last week. That Mr O’Connor is one of the very best starters seen in New Zealand there is no doubt, and he will, I feel sure, do a lot better next time he visits Wanganui. The Spring Handicap (one mile), was the first event coloured on the card, Polycaste being the best backed. The Nestor mare confirmed her good showing at Rangitikei the previous week by scoring in fine style. Martello fell on his nose at the start, and Helen Portland was left several lengths. Tautoru went slightly amiss a couple of days before the meeting and in the race the Lethe gelding broke down. Martello ran fairly well, but neither he, Flamer, nor Submarine showed form which would suggest that they are likely to have any chance in the New Zealand Cup, though all three looked fit enough for anything. The winner is a stable mate of Martello’s, and paid £4 18/. Seaman beat a mixed lot in the Maiden, in which Blazing Star was made favourite. The latter got bumped against the fence shortly after the start, and this spoilt whatever chance this good looking colt had. Tarina, a nice-looking brown mare by St. Clements —Aka, owned by Mr H. Good, ran well, getting second. Chinchilla, a chestnut gelding, owned by Mr. G. M. Currie, got off the mark badly, but finished fast, and should be returned a winner before long. Seaman is a bay gelding by Sylvia Park —Pretty Polly, and was trained by Mr Belcher. The time for the five furlongs was Imin 3 2-5 sec, which stamps the winner as a slippery customer when well, as he won easily. So far as looks went, Loftus was the best of the Guineas candidates, but ’Frisco carried more money. Moscow was fit enough, as was also Volume, but the former is as viletempered as ever. Loftus was in* the lead at the three-quarter mile post, and his victory was proclaimed, but Ito put in a claim at the bend, and soon settled the Seaton —Delaval gelding. Going on the son of Birkenhead—Trentalto won handily from the fast finishing ’Frisco. The latter put in a great run up the straight, and had he not been chopped out early in the race would probably have won. Volume was a long way in the rear at one stage, but finished well, getting third. Ito will probably improve with age, but the others, except ’Frisco, appear only a moderate lot. Exmoor won the big hurdles with ridiculous ease from Weary Bill and five others. He carried 11.10, and led all the way. Levant threw out a challenge a half-mile from home, but the Grafton gelding shook the Natator mare off easily, and then stalled off a challenge by Weary Bill. Waiwera and Kopunui , two veterans

which ought to be on the retired list, finished away back, but both beat St. Lyra, who has lost all form over hurdles. Romany King was expected by his connectons to land the stake, but though voted a stone better than when he last met Exmoor, had no chance with the latter. Capulet was made a hot pot for the Hack Hurdles, but the winner turned up in Mr. F. C. Taber’s Crackshot gelding, Champion, on which W. Higgins had the mount. The favourites display was not at all in keeping with his reputation. Champion paid £8 18s. The Putiki Hack Race was won easily by The Lark (a four-year-old colt by Nestor —Nightingale, trained by Fred. Tilley). There were nine other starters, including Lady Nell, a fine-looking three-year-old filly by Birkenhead —Lady Helen, owned by Mr. T. H. Lowry. This filly was made favourite. She finished fourth, but should be worth watching later on. The Lark ran the mile in Imin 43 l-ssec, the same time as that recorded by Polycaste in the Spring Handicap. Glen Gowrie was left at the post in this event. Ten faced the starter in the Flying, which fell to another of Fred. Tilley’s charges in Delamere. The daughter of Sylvia Park —Tottie carried 8.1, and cut out the six furlongs in Imin 15sec, a very good performance. She was ridden by W. Price, who had also steered Polycaste and The Lark to victory. With 131 b extra on her back next day Delamere annexed the Owen Handicap, a five furlong flutter from eight other starters, thus further demonstrating what a grand little mare she is. Gazeley was well backed, and was travelling very fast at the finish, being only half a length away. This colt should place a win to his credit very shortly. Carrying 9.1 as against 8.6 the previous day, The Lark scored most decisively in the Moutoa Hack, cutting out the six furlongs in Imin 16 l-ssec. This colt is reputed to be as fast as anything else in Tilley’s stable, and should distinguish himself in open company. Some thought Wataari was unlucky to lose the first day, when he ran second, but the Saracen colt never had a possible chance with The Lark the second day. This gave W. Price his fifth winning mount for the meeting. The next event was the Brunswick Hurdles, in which Exmoor carried 12.9, and won with the greatest of ease in 2min 49sec, a pretty sultry performance. The Hack Hurdles provided a most exciting finish between Sammy and Capulet, victory resting with the latter by a neck, though had Sammy’s saddle not slipped at the last hurdle the result would probably have been different. The form by both these horses was a big improvement on their display of the previous day. The Wanganui Handicap, one mile and a quarter, followed, and was contested by a field of nine, the popular pick being Polycaste. Though many were afraid that the latter would not see out the journey, the luck of the Fordell stable was in, and hence it looked a good thing to back her, especially as W. Price was in such great form. Rustique looked a picture, and with Ellerson was well supported. After Lady Warwick had made the pace for over a mile, the favourite tackled her, and going on appeared to be winning easily. Half way up the straight, however, Hector Grey brought Rustique along with a tremendous rush, and the black son of Recluse, gaining on Polycaste at every stride, just got up level at the post. Rustique would have won but for getting shut in at the end, but as it was it was due only to Gray’s splendid riding that the gelding caught Polycaste. The way W. Price finished on the latter showed what an artist he is in the saddle, as the mare was really beaten 50yds from the post, but Price just managed to keep her head in front to the last stride by clever horsemanship. The time was 2min 9 l-ssec. Halberdier ran well, though he finished last, but they were all close up. Tarina won the Railway Hack of five furlongs, but only by a very narrow margin from Irish Rifle (Shrapnel’s half brother), who would have won had there been another stride to go. Tonderghie ran a good third, after getting badly away. The Marangai Handicap (one mile) concluded two days of splendid sport. Seven lined up at the barrier, including four New Zealand Cup horses, viz., Armistice 8.6, St. Joe 8.2, Martello 7.8, and Star Rose 6.12. The start was not a good one. Grand Slam getting away with a nice lead, whilst St. Joe and Martello were very slow to move, and were five or six lengths behind the leader when they got under way properly. Making every post a winning one, Deeley (on Grand Slam) got away out in front,

being several lengths clear of Ballarat and Armistice, after going a quarter of a mile. The son of The Possible maintained his lead until the bend for home, where Armistice went in pursuit and galloping in fine style the daughter of Mahaki had Grand Slam settled half-way up the straight. Going on she won comfortably in 1.44, paying the nice price of £4 6/, while Grand Slam paid £5 13/ for second place. St. Joe was third, and Martello fifth. It was a very satisfactory performance on the part of Armistice, who is capable of considerable improvement, and should be in great nick by New Zealand Cup time. At the conclusion of the second day’s racing the press room was the scene of a very pleasant little function, Mr Frank Moffatt being presented with a handsome entree dish by the members of the “ Fourth Estate” as a mark of their appreciation of his courtesy and kindness during the 14 years he had been associated with the club, and more particularly during the seven years in which he had filled the position of secretary. Later on in the stewards’ room the horseowners who were present at the gathering, assembled and presented Mr Moffatt with a purse of sovereigns.. Mr J. H. Nixon, the popular treasurer of the club, paid a very neat compliment to the recipient, who had well earned the right to be styled a model secretary.