EGMONT-WANGANUI HUNT CLUB.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVII, Issue 965, 3 September 1908, Page 5

EGMONT-WANGANUI HUNT CLUB.

There was some good racing at the annual race meeting of the EgmontWanganui Hunt Club, held on Thursday, 27th August, and the gathering was in every way one of the most enjoyable yet held by the club. The weather was beautifully fine, and the attendance fair, while the fie 1 ds were good. Some excellent jumping was witnessed, and several of the competitors should be heard of later on in other than hunting events. The gathering was well managed, and the officials are to be heartily congratulated on the success achieved, which should tend to popularise hunting on this coast. The proceedings opened with the Hack Hurdles, which fell to Mr. J. Wilkie’s Cloudy Morn, a six-year-old gelding by Sou’-wester — Vigorous. There were four starters, Xavier being made favourite, with Cavil next in demand. The latter made a big effort, but Cloudy Morn beat the Natator gelding at the finish after a good race by two lengths. The Licensed Victuallers’ Handicap Steeplechase followed, six facing the starter. King John was looked upon as the most likely winner, but though the Bay King gelding took his obstacles in fine style and was in the van a quarter of a mile from home, Gone Away (by Handsome Jack) tackled him in the straight and got home after a most interesting race by some four lengths. The jumping was good throughout. Then came the Open Hack Handicap of four furlongs, for which ten started, the winner turning up in Overtime, a five-year-old gelding owned by Mr. Fred. Faber and trained by Frank Lind. The son of Musketry—Leonessa jumped off the mark well, and galloping strongly never gave anything else a chance, winning with the greatest ease by three lengths in 51%. Judging by the manner in which he handled himself, this gelding should win more important races before long. He is a very quick beginner for such a big fellow, and gallops in nice even style. Old Sedgemoor was made favourite, but he had to be content with third place. Saltpetre (who put in a very fast run at the finish) being second. The Hunters’ Hurdles, one mile and a-half, brought out a field of five. This was an excellent race. Taupo (the favourite) led until the straight was reached, where Kauroa got on terms, and the pair raced neck and neck to the last hurdle. Here Valima came on the scene, and the three took the obstacle together, but Valima crashed into the hurdle and came a terrible cropper, turning a somersault apparently right on top of her rider (Mr. D.

Buick). Fortunately the latter escaped without injury. The other pair fought out a desperate finish, victory resting with Kauroa by a quarter of a length. The winner is a five-year-old black gelding, owned by Mr. H. J. Cameron, who had the mount himself. By Captain Webb out of Sassapas, a mare Mr. Donald Fraser used to race, and which was a good performei, Kauroa is bred to jump. He is at present in very poor condition, but should be capable of winning something better if properly trained. The Second Open Hack of five furlongs fell to Research, the four-year-old Renown gelding, trained by Frank Lind and owned by Mr. G. Fiimley. He got off the mark smartly, and never left the issue in doubt. Tonderghie (by Daunt) was second all the way. There were five other starters. Time, Im. 10 l-ss. The big event—the Hunt Club Steeplechase—came next. Six went to the post, and a splendid race was witnessed. Rapanui and King John led the way for about two miles, the jumping being first-class so far, but here Gone Away came to grief through clearing a fence into the training track, Mr. Carter (his rider) getting a nasty spill. The leading pair were well out in front now, but Awatere put in a big run, and was rapidly reducing the gap, when he came a cropper, and immediately afterwards King John came down. This left Rapanui with such a big lead that his victory was being loudly proclaimed, when Cavil began to move up, and, being driven along, could be seen to be rapidly overhauling the fast-tiring Rapanui. The latter made a big effort when Cavil drew alongside, and the pair were driven at the last fence together. Both got over safely, and a great race up the straight ended in a win for Cavil by less than a length. Had Rapanui got home the victory would have been immensely popular, as he is such a game old battler, and, moreover, is owned by such a genuine sport as Mr. J. Blair. Cavil is owned by Mr. Chas. Gordon, and is by Natator. The owner is also a real good sport, and was heartily congratulated on his win. The concluding event —the Ladies’ Bracelet, one mile and a distance, was won by Mrs. D. Buick’s gelding Netherby (by Son of a Gun) from old Starfish. Sedgemoor and six others also ran.