WANGANUI.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVI, Issue 941, 19 March 1908, Page 8

WANGANUI.

WANGANUI, March 18. One of the most enjoyable outings provided in this district is the Warrengate Racing Club’s meeting, which

annually attracts a goodly number of sports to the club’s nicely-situated course at Fordell. It is just a nice drive (some 8% miles) from town, and it is quite like old times to see the number of vehicles of all kinds which gather together there, with the numerous picnic parties. The meeting this year is to take place on the 19th inst., and indications point to it being one of the best gatherings the club has yet held. Though the appointments are primitive, the sport is none the les.s enjoyable, and the members of the blub all work hard to make the outing as pleasurable for their patrons as possible. In addition to the filly by Pistol — Alveary, for which Mr. G. F. Moore paid 250 guineas at Melbourne the other day, the Wanganui sportsman bought a filly by Sir Tristram —Zaroba for 105 guineas. The stallion Bombardo (by Hotchkiss —Valentine) is going to be taken to Australia very shortly by his owner, Mr. W. Miles, of Makirikiri. Bombardo is only seven years old, and it is quite on the cards that his services will be in request on the ‘ other side,” where they have —and with good reason —a high regard for the famous Musket blood. General Kuroki has been taken up again by Frank Lind, and will be got ready for the winter season. The spell appears to have benefited the son of Fiske, and it may be that the gelding will show his very best form again when Lind has got him into shape. Frank Lind is keeping Xavier up to the collar, and this gelding will be given a chance to place another race to his credit at the Taranaki meeting. It is explained that Bunyan went sore after winning the Juvenile Handicap on the first day of the W.J.C. meeting, and his disappointing display in the Jackson Stakes is attributed to this fact. Another inmate of Fred. Tilley’s stable (Martello) has been put into work again, and should be heard of during some of the Easter meetings. Such a brilliant customer as the son of Hotchkiss —Rose of Wellington ought to have a chance in the Thompson Handicap. Kremlin is being got ready with a. view to winter hurdle racing. The son of Stepniak should be all the better for the spell he has had. The bookmakers who were licensed at the Wanganui meeting were very well pleased with the way they were treated by the local club, which they said showed them more consideration than they have received at any other gathering since the new Gaming Act came into operation. I hold no brief for the bookmakers, but I do think they are entitled to better treatment than many of the clubs have given them, in view of the heavy fees they are charged. They conducted their business here in a very satisfactory manner, and it certainly cannot be said that the club suffered in any way by their presence. On the other hand the coffers of the club benefited very considerably, and no less than £940 was gathered in in fees from the metallicians, who appeared to do good business, while at the same time the tote returns showed an increase on last year’s total. They laid fair odds throughout, and it is pleasing to know that they operated on legitimate lines throughout, those who did business with them having no cause for complaint. One or two unlicensed men who were laying the odds let some of their clients in badly, as they cleared out without meeting their obligations. Mr. Mcßeth’s mare Crucinella has arrived in town in charge of Mert. Gardiner, to be trained here in future. Jimmy Peachey has received an addition to his team in the shape of a half-sister to Beau Ideal by Sou’-wes-ter. She is a five-year-old, and ought to make a name for herself over sticks later on. Peachey now has Mahoe, Belario, Taramea (half brother to Mahoe), and the mare above referred to under his charge,

and it is stated that Daisy Paul will also shortly join his team. Peachey has taken the stables in Wilson-street lately occupied by Mr. H. Keith’s string, and such a careful trainer may be depended upon to give every satisfaction to those who place horses in his charge. Nominations for the Feilding Easter meeting close on March 30. Owners are also reminded that nominations for the Patea Racing Club’s Easter Monday meeting close on March 30.