THE TAKAPUNA JOCKEY CLUB’S SUMMER MEETING.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVI, Issue 935, 6 February 1908, Page 5

THE TAKAPUNA JOCKEY CLUB’S SUMMER MEETING.

CONCLUDING DAY. On Saturday the Summer Meeting of the T.j.C. was brought to a concluson. Once again the weather was fine and hot, while the attendance was excellent. Mr. Wynyard and his staff of officials carried matters through in good style, everything “going on wheels.” Mr. O’Connor did well at the barrier, and Mr. Ralph gave satisfaction at the barrier, having one close thing to decide upon. On the whole the fields were small, the hardness of the ground and some rather faulty handicapping being mainly responsible for this. As was to be exected the totalisator figures showed a decrease. For the whole meeting the sum put through was £26,021, as against £32,8.25 last year. The club, however, can view this complacently, as £720 was received from bookmakers fees. Racing started with the Waiwera Hurdles, 1% miles, in which four ran. Following his usual tactics, Hautapu immediately ran to the front, and making the pace solid never gave anything else a chance, although Lady Hune finished well under the whip, getting to within a length. Eight went out for the Borough Handicap, four furlongs, of which the public fancied Mighty Atom and Black and Gold the most. Always a quick beginner, Mighty Atom was first out and he led down the back and round the bend, with Lucio in close attendance. Once headed for home, Lucio came right away and won in a canter from Celerity, who finished fast. Duart was third, and Mighty Atom fourth. Although the Summer Handicap, one mile, only drew five runners, it was a fine betting race, and gave rise to a rare finish. Uranium was favourite, with Veronica next in demand. From a good start Certainty was first away, but before reaching the stand she was pulled back, the order being Uranium, Pohutu, Certainty, Veronica, and Lord Seaton. At the back Pohutu and Uranium drew out three lengths, but two furlongs from home Gray shook up Certainty. She led, into the straight, but Gray taking matters too easily, Veronica drew up. A great finish saw the pair ran home locked together, Mr. Ralph being unable to separate them, Lord Seaton being three lengths off third. Of the nine ponies in the Third Pony Handicap, furlongs, Glenora and Necktie were the most fancied. The start was a good one, Imprimus being first to show, with Necktie last. When they had settled down to it Glenora went to the front, and she led round the top from a bunch, while Necktie improved her position. Glenora came round the home bend, and at the distance looked a winner. Here, however, Imprimus came with a rush, and finishing very fast, won by half-a-length from Glenora, with Necktie a length and a-half further away. Hughie was fourth, Waihou fifth, and Cyroiia last.

The Ponui Handicap, sp£ furlongs, was a very hollow affair. There were eleven runners, Mynetta being whispered round as a very hot pot, and she started a warm favourite. When it came to the actual racing there was only one in it, for Lady Frances jumped off smartly, and getting further away from the others all the time fairly romped home six lengths ahead of Escamillo, with Rosavere third, Mynotta fourth, and Lira fifth.

The handicapper virtually made the Marine Handicap, four furlongs, a present to Master Soult. Against the very weak opposition it was simply an easy exercise for the son of Soult to canter home as he liked. Rimlock was second two lengths away, with John and Vorrei at good intervals. Miss Winnie and Black and Gold were warmly .fancied for the Devonport Handicap, 5.y 2 furlongs. Black and Gold was soon at the head of af-

fairs, and attended by Lochbuhie, he led down the back. The North Shore horse was still in the lead as they turned for home, but at the distance Lochbuhie caught him, and coming away won easily by two lengths, Lucrese finishing fast, just beat Black and Gold for second money, while Miss Winnie was fourth, and Cadence fifth. The curtain was rung down with the Welter Handicap, one mile, nine turning out for it. As usual Sweet Alice misbehaved at the post. Once away Dogger Bank and Tui Cakobau were soon in the lead, followed by Dardanus, Sweet Alice, Henry Havelock and Le Beau. Tui Cakobau went up first at the bend, but was immediately supplanted by Sweet Alice, who, finishing in her only best style, ran home a three lengths winner from Tui Cakobau, with Le Beau, who had come from the rear, in third place, Dogger Bank and Henry Havelock being fourth and fifth. This concluded a very successful and enjoyable meeting.