WANGANUI.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVI, Issue 939, 5 March 1908, Page 8

WANGANUI.

WANGANUI, March 5

Irish Rifle has been doing such good work on the local tracks that many are looking forward to his meeting with the cracks in the Jackson Stakes with great interest. Walter Raynor has the Musketry gelding in capital fettle, and it seems a pity that he was not engaged in some of the handicap events at the Wanganui Meeting. I hear that the owners of Irish Rifle were approached the other day by someone anxious to purchase, but the price asked for the gelding I believe) was considered too much. However, such a brilliant customer only requires to keep sound to win a few good races yet. It is stated that £6OO was offered for Maniapoto, but the owner of the son of Soult would not part with the horse for that.

The Warrengate Jockey Club have received excellent nominations, I hear, for the various events at their annual meeting, to be held on the 22nd March. Jimmy Peachey has three horses under his care in Wanganui now, viz., Mahoe, Belario, and Taramea, the latter a two-year-old by Mahaki out of Karaka (Mahoe’s dam).

Dusky Morn failed to run into a place in the Newmarket Handicap, though many down this way liked his chante very much. In fact so much was he fancied that it can safely be said that an amount well over five figures would have come to Wanganui had Mr F. G. Moore’s horse got home.

Though there was not the same amount of betting indulged in over the big boat race here last week, that has been recorded in many such races over in Australia, still there were several good winners here, and a deal of money has been left in Wanganui by Australian and other visitors over Webb’s victory. What with the money spent in the town over the boat race and the amount which will be left behind by visitors to the races this week, it is doubtful if ever before so much has been circulated in a fortnight in Wanganui. Given fine weather the Wanganui Jockey Club ought to score a big success with their Autumn Meeting, starting on (Thursday) and to be concluded on Saturday. The acceptances received are eminently satisfactory, and it is particularly pleasing to note that no fewer than 13 have been paid up for in the Wanganui Cup, whilst the Flying should be a slashing race, as there are 15 left therein. In both these events the class is really good, and some splendid racing is assured.

Since last meeting the Club have had a new members’ and press stand erected, and a very fine structure it is. On the ground floor is situated the secretary’s office, together with the weighing room, the handicapper’s and the jockeys’ room. On the first floor is the stewards’ meeting room, leading out on to a balcony, the press room (also leading out on to the balcony from where a fine view of the races can be obtained. Then behind is another room for the stewards for luncheon, etc., with all conveniences. On the top floor is the members’ room, also leading out on to a balcony, whilst on top is a turret or look-out station, from where the handicapper or stipendiary stewards (when such are appointed) can get an unobstructed view of the whole of the course. A number of new looseboxes have been built, and other improvements effected including the erection of birdcages for the horses. Altogether the club can now fairly claim that its appointments are equal to the best in New Zealand.

King’s Birthday has had to be turned out for a lengthy spell. He struck himself some time ago, and though every care has been taken with the son of Sou-’wester, the injury has led to his enforced retirement for the present. Mr E. G. Roddy, who has had the horse under lease, has just had a colt by Phaeton out of Splinter’s dam taken up. The colt, which is only two years old, was bred by Mr Roddy himself, and should be able to gallop. The same owner has another likely looking colt by Nestor, which has not yet been handled. Walter Raynor has a team of seven in his charge now. He had taken in hand recently a fine looking two-year-old full brother to Seaman.