WANGANUI.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVI, Issue 949, 14 May 1908, Page 8

WANGANUI.

WANGANUI, May 13.

I understand that Mr. W. Homes, the well-known Bulls owner, intends selling the whole of his horses shortly, and will go out of the game as an owner. A couple of clubs have approached him with a view to getting him to do the starting for them, and it is probable that he will accept their offers. With the 30 years’ experience Mr. Homes has had as a jockey, trainer and owner, there is little doubt he is thoroughly competent to act as a starter, at which game he ought to prove a great success. I believe he is willing to deposit £5O with any club that appoints him, and if his work at the barrier does not give satisfaction he will forfeit same.

There is no disguising the fact that the starting at some of the meetings on this coast of late has been, to put it mildly, very unsatisfactory, and it is time the clubs interested took action in the matter. That there are men on this coast capable of doing as good work at the barrier as is done anywhere else admits of no doubt. If the clubs combined and agreed to give a decent salary to one man to do the several meetings, there would be some inducement for really good men to apply, and the result would be beneficial not only to the clubs, but to owners and others interested in good and clean sport. If something is not done to improve matters shortly in the direction indicated other owners will sicken of racing, as it is very disheartening to see so many races absolutely spoilt owing to a horse being “ fired out of the barrier.”

The Rangitikei Racing Club hope to have their new course and appointments in readiness for their next meeting. Tenders for the grandstand and the work of the grounds were to have closed last week.

Auratus has been turned out, but Romany King, Gleam and Astraea are

training on all right at Waverley in view of the forthcoming Wanganui meeting. General Kuroki is looking particularly well just now, and the Fiske gelding ought to pick up a race during the jumping season. Maharanui, the big son of Sylvia Park, is said to have benefited wonderfully by the long spell he has had, and it is expected that if he does not win at Hawera this week he will probably pick up a race at the forthcoming Wanganui meeting. He Has undergone a severe preparation at Hawera, and so far has acquitted himself in a most satisfactory manner, galloping in fine style. Waiari, a bay two-year-old son of St. Paul and Thirlmere, trained at Hawera, gives promise of developing into a good ’un. He has grown a lot recently, and now stands 15.2, and is powerfully built. His work on the track suggests that he will both both sprint and stay well. Lingerer is jumping well over the schooling hurdles. It will be interesting to see how the Apremont gelding shapes at Hawera. Campfire, the English-bred son of Carbine, is said to have thrown off the soreness which recently troubled him.

It is stated that Peter Keith, who contemplated starting a training establishment in Wanganui, will most likely settle in Hawera instead. Mr. J. Belcher intends taking Research to Hawera, where the son of Renown is engaged in the Tawhiti Scurry on the first day and the Ma naia Handicap on the second day.