WANGANUI.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XV, Issue 868, 25 October 1906, Page 10

WANGANUI.

WANGANUI, October 24. From all accounts Armistice has been doing satisfactory work at Hastings since the Napier Park meeting. She had a very bad passage in the R.C. Handicap there the second day, more than one of the mare’s opponents continually bumping into her in such a manner as to suggest that their riders were more intent on preventing the daughter of Mahaki from winning than anything else. However, although she was galloped on, and sustained slight injuries, no serious harm was done to the mare. Armistice will be shipped from Napier to Lyttelton, accompanied by St. Lyra, whilst her stablemates, Helen Portland and Fontenoy, are, I understand, under orders to proceed from here shortly on the way to Riccarton. Both of the latter horses have been struck out of the Stewards, but are in other events at the meeting. Chari I’e 1 ’e Brough, whose death occurred here one day last week, was well known throughout the colony, and especially in this and the Auckland district as a trainer and jockey. I am told on good authority that the Paritutu party are very confident of landing the New Zealand Cup, and have backed the Castor gelding for a large sum. The big fellow is said to be in excellent nick at present, having improved greatly since Avondale, and this being so he looks to have a second-to-none chance. Martello’s performance in winning the Wainui Handicap at Trentham has served to cause inquiries to be made anent St. Joe, the son of Hotchkiss’ stablemate, for the Cup. St. Joe is regarded as being considerably the better horse of the two, and therefore it may be wise to bear in mind. I am assured that the right party have backed him for a fairly large stake, and as he promises to strip one of the fittest horses in the big race, it is quite on the cards that he will prove

equal to accounting for what looks like being a very poor field. There can be no doubt that the Fordell stable is at present in luck, and with W. Price in such splendid form, too, St. Joe is ikely to see a short price if he keeps well. Frisco was backed for a deal of money with the local books for the big money at Wellington the first day, but the son of Earwig failed to justify the confidence reposed in him. Martello’s success in the Wainui Handicap surprised most of the local followers of the Fordell stable. They lost their money on St. Joe. W. Young has been engaged to pilot Letherin in the New Zealand Cup. Maniapoto has returned to New Zealand. He passed through Wanganui the other day on his way back to Hawera, looking well, except for a slight filling in one of his forelegs. The son of Soult will be given a lengthy spell. It is stated that Mr. H. Good, Maniapoto’s owner, offered £4500 for Solution. Hydroscope is spoken of as a likely contestant in the next Grand National Hurdles. That is rather a far cry, however. He seems to have a penchant for falling in his races. Good reports reach me of Windage, the half-brother to English Channel. The colt is trained by Mr. W. McConkey at Awapuni, who intends to give him every chance, and it will probably be the April meeting at Manawatu in 1907 before he is seen out. McConkey, who also trains Lady Beresford, Hydroscope, and Mussell, has lately received an addition to his team in the shape of a brown mare by The Officer—Temeraire. Acceptances for the Waverley and Waitotara Racing Club’s hack meeting on November 9 close on Friday, 26th inst., with Mr. J. W. Emmerson, secretary. On the same date entr’es for the Morton Memorial Stakes, Wilson Stakes, and Jackson Memorial Stakes are also due. The weights for the Waverley meeting made their appearance last Friday, and Mr. George Morse’s adjustments appear to have given general satisfaction, as they usually do. At the time of writing I rather fancy Tonderghie (9st 91b) in the Hurdles, or Sammy (lOst), Irish Rifle or Tarina (Bst 71b each) should win the Flying; Victoria Park (9st), Maharanui (Bst 101 b) and Makikihi (Sst 101 b) may have most to say in the settlement of the Momohaki Stakes, if started; the same three and Sammy look best in the Cup; whilst in the Prince of Wales’ Handicap Recreation (Sst 81b), Tonderghie (Bst 81b) and Showman (Sst 51b) are a likely-looK-ing trio to supply the winner. However, there will be ample time next

week, after the acceptances are out, to make definite selections. Irish Rifle is doing good work on the local track. The half-brother to Shrapnel is endowed with a great dash of pace, and should score a win or two shortly.