WELLINGTON.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVI, Issue 951, 28 May 1908, Page 8

WELLINGTON.

WELLINGTON, May 27.

The victory of the Wairarapa horse Tilson in the Wanganui Steeplechase, came as somewhat of a surprise to most sportsmen. The aged son of Lethe is owned by Mr James Orr, a racing man of the old school, whose only object in following the sport is for sport’s sake. Mr Orr is a man of independent means, well on the way to three score and ten, yet he has for some years closely supervised the training of Tilson, whom he has a great opinion of, notwithstanding that his friends, time and again, advised him to put him in his gig and procure a younger horse upon which to lavish his attentions. The old gentleman, however, turned a deaf ear to his advisers, and by perseverance has at last landed a good race.

Without detracting from the merit of the victory of Tilson, it must be said that there was an element of luck about it, inasmuch as the favourite Eurus was brought to grass through Canton falling immediately in front of him. Kaipetipeti also was ridden somewhat injudiciously, his rider sawing at his mouth and pulling him about during the whole of the first 2 miles. Had the rider allowed his mount to run along, it is improbable that Tilson would ever have got near him in the final stages of the race.

J. Prosser’s establishment Mataiwhetu, better known as the “Porirua Stable” is at present in the serene state of quietude. Swimming Belt, Taitoko, Kurawaka and Playmate are being actively exercised in view of the Otaki meeting next week. The latter pair display signs of soreness, but Prosser makes light of it, and expects them to play their part at Otaki.

All Red also claims an engagement at Otaki, but his appearance there is not seriously looked for, as the big Stepniak colt is only pottering about in company with Gold Crest. Ghoorka, after a light season at the stud was given useful exercise, and his owner, Mr Weller, intended letting the Lochiel horse have a run at Otaki. Ghoorka, however, met with a slight accident, cutting one of his stifles, and may not be ready in time to fulfil his engagements at the Maori gathering. Prosser is busy handling a number of youngsters, amongst which are the St. Alwynhe filly recently brought from Sydney by Mr J. B. Reid, and leased to Prosser by that gentleman. A colt by Meriwee—Alivette owned by a popular Wellington sport who races under the assumed names of “Mr P. Soames,’ is also undergoing his early education. This colt is on the small side, but being full of quality should soon learn to galop fast. Another youngster in Prosser’s hands is the Meriwee—lsmene colt lately purchased by Mr R. T. Turnbull, vice-president of the W.R.C., and who raced Boris and other horses. This edit is highly spoken of by several good judges,

Other occupants of the Porirua boxes are a racy-looking colt by ;the English bred horse St. Ambrose from Season (dam of Sea King), Diabolo, GipSey Belle, Hereward (sister to Vladimir), Kohotia, a bay gelding by Conqueror from Vallahce (a Quilt mare) arid Exmoor.

Kuku and Pawa were in work for the printer meetings,. but both went wrong and have been thrown out of work til next spring. The latest addition to the stable is a racy looking brown filly by Menschikoff, from Armilia’s sister (Castor —Lace). This filly was picked up dirt cheap by Mr J. D. Duncan at the recent Hastings sale, for 70 guineas. The hurdler Exmoor is still being allowed to run in a small enclosure, but is given exercise occasionally. It is doubtful if the racecourse will ever see him again with his best warpaint on, although he may be given a run during the winter.

Waitarere is still running out and there seems to be no prospects of this useful cross-country horse doing his owner much service for another season at any rate. Prosser has had more than his share of ill-luck with

his jumpers Exmoor, Waitarere, and Pawa, all going wrong when at their best. Kuku, another horse that promised to make a useful hurdler, also become unsound just when good hopes were entertained of him At Trentham the local trainers are fairly busy in view of the Otaki and other winter meetings. W. Davies, J. Low, F. Higgott, and C. Pritchard have each useful teams in work, of which the following are going really well:—Ballarat, Yosami, Llauweru, Seaman, Aeolus, Wharekura, Sir Frisco, King Post, Waelethe, Tupouo and St. Flora. The bulk of these are engaged and will probably assert at the Otaki and Wellington winter meetings.