THE TAKAPUNA JOCKEY CLUB’S SPRING MEETING.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVII, Issue 978, 3 December 1908, Page 5

THE TAKAPUNA JOCKEY CLUB’S SPRING MEETING.

FIRST DAY. ESCAMILLO AND LUSCOMBE WIN DOUBLES. Favoured by beautiful weather, the Spring Meeting of the Takapuna Jockey Club attracted a very large number of people to the seaside course, the ferry boats being crowded. The course was in capital order, and the enclosure refreshed by the recent rain, looked at its very best. The arrangements by Mr. R. Wynyard, the secretary, worked very smoothly, the only drawback being that several events were delayed considerably after time, the last event being started 25 minutes late, which unduly delayed the return to town. Mr. O’Connor acted as starter and Mr. Raiph as judge. Betting was fairly brisk, for not only were there twenty four bookmakers licensed at £l2 10s. each, but £7727 10s. was handled at the totalisator, a slight advance on last year’s figures. The chief points of interest were the double victories

of Escamillo and Luscombe. The bookmakers must have done badly, as many hot favourites won during the day. The Trial Handicap, one mile, was the opening event, for which some seven horses went to the post, and of a very poor lot Escamillo was made favourite. The start was not a good one, the favourite getting nearly two lengths the best of it, while Pukenui was left several lengths. Passing the stand Master Crispin was a length in front of the others, who were all in a line. Down the back the order was Master Crispin, Escamillo, Silent, and Okaihau, but nearing the bottom bend Silent went up to the leader. With heads turned for home Escamillo came fast, and in a good race beat Master Crispin by a neck. Silent was three lengths off third, Explosive fourth, and Okaihau fifth.

Next came the Cambria Handicap, a four furlong flutter for two year-olds, in which Sea Elf was a pronounced favourite. There was some delay at the post, owing to the misbehaviour of Effulgence, who unseated Whittaker. Eventually, when the barrier went up, Effulgence got a flying start, and sheeted from La Reine and Sea Elf down the back. As the field came round the bend, Deeley on Snowfoot cut inside, and getting a break on the field, came on and won by two lengths from Sea Elf. Etna was two lengths off third, and La Reine fourth. The heavy weights having dropped out of the big event, the St. Andrew’s Handicap, one and a-quarter miles, there was the curious sight of a horse with but 7st. 41b. on his back occupying pride of place. Eight went to the post, Advocate, Tui Cakobau, and Pohutu being best supported. From a capital start Rimlock was first away, but the field had not gone far before Millie took on the role of pacemaker. Passing the stand the order was Millie, Landlock, First Gun, with Advocate well back. Once round the tor bend, Deeley sent Advocate along, while Tui closed on Millie, but, getting a bump, fell back again. Advocate was first into the straight, and looked to be winning easily, but E. Brown, riding a vigorous finish on Pohutu, caught the leader before the stand was reached, and after a desperate battle the judge was unable to separate the pair. First Gun was two lengths off third, Tui Cakobau fourth, and Millie fifth. Nine contested the Maiden Hurdles, miles, and the public instantly dropped on Luscombe as a really good thing. After two or three false starts Mark Time dashed away in front, and he led past the stand from Luscombe, Kotiti, and San Paulo. Down the back Luscombe drew out to a four lengths’ lead, and at the stand the second time the order was Luscombe, Mark Time, San Paulo, Mozart, and Waihekau, with Darkness whipping in the field. Down the back Mark Time went up to the leader, but Luscombe, outjumping him, went away again, and ran home an easy winner two lengths ahead of the outsider Carlyle, who, coming with a late run, beat Mark Time thirty yards from the post. Waihekau was fourth, and Mozart fifth.

Devonport and Tarina were the elect of the public in the Cheltenham Handicap, 5% furlongs, for which eight carried silk. The race is easily described,, for Waihuku, hopping off in front, got further and further away, running home an easy winner three lengths ahead of Lady Frances, wno was half a length ahead of Wauchope. Devonport and Tarina were close up fourth and fifth.

The Melrose Handicap, 5y 2 furlongs, proved a repetition of the opening event. Escamillo and Master Crispin were as well fancied as anything. Biddy Curran jumped away smartly, and down the back she was two lengths in front of Escamillo and Master Crispin. At the home bend the leader was done with, and a good race up the straight resulted in a win for Escamillo by three-quarters of a length. Biddy Curran was two lengths off third, with Mentira and Crown Rose next.

Judging by the betting in the Tiri Hurdles, one and three-quarter miles, it was considered a duel between Hautapu and Luscombe, the former being favourite, while Okaihau and Creusot

peculiar race —one of the worst he has were friendless. Hautapu ran a very ever done —and Luscomb e had matters much his own way. Okaihau chased him all the way, making a good fight of it, but he could not seriously threaten the son of Linstock. The latter, who hit several hurdles very hard, had a good deal in hand, winning by two lengths, while Hautapu, who never once looked dangerous, was ten lengths off third, and Creusot last, a position bfid Gccn.niprJ *h rough out. The day’s proceedings terminated with the First Pony Handicap, furlongs, for which Carmania was served up a warm favourite. She, however, got anything but a good run, and never once flattered her backers. Mahinga hopped out very smartly, and led by a length from Glenora down the back. The two Soult mares were still in the van when heads were turned for home, and a good race to the judges’ box resulted in a three-quarter length win for Glenora. Carmania, who finished well, was two lengths off third, with Elenore fourth. The details were as follows: — TkiAL jtxANDILAJ? Ox SOsovs; second horse to receive 15sovs out of stakes. For all horses that have not won a race exceeding the value of 50sovs at time of starting. One mile. Mr W. Howard’s b h Escamillo, 4yrs, by Explosion—Cabmen, 9.0 (Buchanan) 1 Mr. R. Hannon’s ch g Master Crispin, syrs, 8.0 (Brady) • 2 Mr. J. Nelson’s br m Silent, aged, 8.4 (McMillan) 3 Also started: Pukenui 8.10, Explosive 8.5, St. Cyren 8.4, Okaihau 8.0. Time, Im. 475. CAMBRIA’ HANDICAP of lOOsovs; second horse to receive 15sovs out of stakes. For two-year-olds. Four furlongs. Mr. P. Smith’s b c Snowfoot, by Soult —Helen McGregor, 7.5 (Deeley) ... 1 Mr. J. J. Craig’s b f Sea Elf, 8.6 (Buchanan) 2 Mr. F. W. Arnold’s br f Etna, 7.10 (Ryan) 3 Also started: Excalibur 7.13, Effulgence 7.5, Elegance 7.5, La Reine 7.5. Time, 51 4-ss. ST. ANDREW’S HANDICAP of 200sovs; second horse to receive 25sovs, and third horse ssovs out of stakes. One mile and a-quarter. Mr. J. C. Colbeck’s b h Advocate, 4yrs, by Hotchkiss —Nellie, 7.3 (Deeley * Mr. D McLeod’s blk m Pohutu, 4yrs, by Explosion—Miss Rose, 7.3, including 21b overweight (R. E. Brown) * Trustees Mrs. A. M. C'oombes’ b g First Gun, 4yrs, by Hotchkiss — First Love, 7.0, inclubing 41b overweight (C. Brown) 3 Also started: Tui Cakobau 7.4, Millie 7.2, Star Rose 7.2, Landlock 6.11 (including lib overweight), Rimlock 6.10. Time, 2m. 12 l-ss. HANDICAP MAIDEN HURDLES of 80 sovs; second horse to receive lOsovs out of stakes. For all horses that have not won a hurdle race exceeding the value of 25sovs at time of entry. Over six flights of hurdles. One mile and a-half and 100 yards. Mr. J. G. Sutherland’s br g Luscombe, 6yrs, by Linstock —Little Nell, 10.1 (Cowan) 1 Mr. J. B. Williamson’s b g Carlyle, syrs, 9.0 (McKinnon) 2 Mr. J. McNicol’s ch g Mark Time, 6yrs, 9.6 (Julian) .. . . 3 Also started: Waihekau 9.10, Post Haste 9.10, San Paulo 9.8, Mozart 9.7 (including 41b overweight), Darkness 9.0, Kotiti 9.0. Time, 3m. 1 l-ss. CHELTENHAM HANDICAP of lOOsovs; second horse to receive 15sovs out of stakes. Five furlongs and a-half. Mr. J. George’s b g Waihuka, syrs, by San Fran—Ua, 7.0, including lib overweight (McMillan) 1 Mr. K. Heaton’s b m Lady Frances, syrs, 6.12, including 21b overweiht (Greenwood) 2 Mr. W. C. Ring’s b h Wauchope, 4yrs, 7.12 (Feeney) 3 Also started: Miss Winnie 8.11, Devonport 8.2, Tarina 7.2, Rarata 7.1, Lady Dot 7.4 (including 81b overweight). Time, Im. 9 3-ss. MELROSE HANDICAP of 75sovs; second horse to receive 15sovs out of stakes. For all horses that have not won a race exceeding the value of 25sovs at time of entry. Five furlongs and a-half. Mrs. W. Howard’s b h Escamillo,4yrs, by Explosion Carmen, 9.0 (Buchanan) 1 Mr. R. Hannon’s ch g Master Crispin. syrs, 8.4 (P. Brady) 2 Mr. J. Calloway’s b m Biddy Curran, syrs. .‘.4 (J. Brady) 3 Also started: Lord Crispin 8.10, Mentira 8.4, Watershed 8.6, Fideles 8.4, Ngataringa 8.4, Analogy 8.4, Crown Rose 8.4. Time, lm. Ils.

TIRI HANDICAP HURDLES of 100 sovs; second horse to receive 15sovs out of stakes. Over seven flights of hurdles. One mile and three-quarters. Mr. J. G. Sutherland’s br g Luscombe, 6yrs, by Linstock —Little Nell, 10.3, including 51b penalty (Cowan) ...... 1 Mr. J. B. Williamson’s ch g Okaihau, 4yrs, 9.0 (McKinon) • 2 Mr. R. Hanon’s b g Hautapu, aged, 12.7 (Julian) 3 Also started: Creusot 9.6. Time, 3m. 22 l-ss.

FIRST PONY HANDICAP of 75sovs; second pony to receive 10 sovs, and third pony ssovs out of stakes. Five furlongs and a-half. Mr. H. Barr’s br m Glenora, 6yrs, by Soult—-Nora, 7.12 (Whittaker) ... 1 Mr. A. Webber’s br m Mahinga, syrs, 7.12 (Roach) 2 Mr. J. B. Williamson’s ch m Carmania, 4yrs, 7.13 (McMillan) 3 Also staited: Imprimus 9.8, Quadroon 7.13, Elenore 7.2, Leo Grand 7.4 (including 41b over). Time, lm. 11 l-ss.

SECOND DAY.

More beautiful weather than that experienced. on the second day of the meeting could not be imagined, a cloudless sky, with a light breeze to temper the heat, making matters very pleasant. Under the circumstances, it was not to be wondered at that despite it being an off day crowds of people crossed the Waitemata to assist at the gatehring, every boat being well filled. The racing was fairly interesting, but the fields were very small all the afternoon. The races were again late in starting, and this unduly delayed the return to town. Racing was resumed with the Kawau Hurdles, one and three-quarter miles, for which but four were found willing to oppose Luscombe, who was sent out a red hot favourite. After Hautapu had thrown his rider by way of preliminary, they were sent away on even terms, Okaihau immediately setting out to make the pace solid, with a view to breaking up the topweight. Passing the stand, the order was Okaihau, Hautapu, and Waihekau, but after going six furlongs Luscombe went into second place, and at the stand the second time these two were well out from the others. Down the back they went right away, but before the bottom bend was reached Okaihau forged ahead again, while Waihekau closed up rapidly. The winner was not troubled, however, winning by nearly three lengths from Waihekau, who beat the favourite by as much again. Hautapu and Kotiti finished in that order.

Then came the Stanley Handicap, a half mile dash, for which Lucio was served up piping hot. Miss Winnie hopped off very smartly, with Tarina next. As they headed for home, Tarina shot to the front, and won easily by two lengths from Miss Winnie, who just beat Lucio for second place. The big event, the Spring Handicap, one mile, followed, a quintette going to the post. The champion pony, Royal Soult, was made a hot favourite. From a good start Tui Cakobau and Millie went away with the leaci, and passing the stand were three lengths ahead of Royal Soult, with Advocate last. Down the back Tui was just showing in front of Millie, while Royal Soult was steadily making up his ground, as was Advocate. At the bottom bend Tui Cakobau was a length to the good but with heads turned for home Royal Soult came by, and galloping in fine style, got home an easy winner three lengths ahead of Advocate, who beat Tui Cakobau in the last little bit by half a length. Seven went out to contest the Vauxhall Handicap, seven furlongs, Escamillo being the favourite, despite the fact that he was meeting Master Crispin on much worse terms than on Saturday. Directly the barrier rose Master Crispin went away with the lead, and he showed round the back and all the way home, winning easily by two lengths from Explosive, with Dainty as far-off third. The Rakino Handicap, a half-mile Hutter for two year olds, was generally summed up as a moral for Snowfoot, Etna alone being backed of the other three. After Effulgence had delayed the start by rearing up and falling backwards, she again got a flying start and led to the straight, when she was done with. A fine race to inside the distance took place between Snowfoot and Etna, but fifty yards from home Snowfoot drew clear and won all out by a length. Elegance was two lengths off third, and Effulgence last. Wauchope was considered to be the right pea in the Cautley Handicap, furlongs, for which seven carried silk. Devonport and the favourite set out to make the pace, and the pair were alongside each other running down the back. Devonport was first to turn for home, but at the distance Tarina came with a wet sail, and, finishing gamely, won by two lengths from Devonport, who was followed by Waihuku Rarata, and Wauchope.

A quartette contested the Second Pony Handicap, 5% furlongs, Mahinga being most fancied. Mahinga was left several lengths, and Necktie led down the back, from Glenora. A splendid race took place all the way up the straight, Necktie winning by half a head from Glenora, who was a length in front of Imprimus. The curtain was rung down with the Welter Handicap, one mile, punters

going strongly for a recovery on Manapouri and Tui Cakobau. Bully was quickest to leave the mark, and he led down the back from Tui Cakobau and Manapouri. As they headed for home Tui Cakobau made a great effort to catch the leader, but the heavy weight told its tale, Bully winning by a length, while Lord Seaton, who finished fast, was a neck away third, followed by Manapouri and Cyrona. The results' were as follows: — KAWAU HURDLES. One mile and three-quarters. Okaihau (McKinnon). 9.0 1 Waihekau (Baker), 9.6 2 Luscombe (Baker), 11.4 3 Also ran: Hautapu 12.8, Kotiti 9.0. Time, 3m. 20 2-ss. STANLEY HANDICAP. Four furlongs. Tarina (Deeley), 7.3 1 Miss Winnie (Brady), 8.9 2 Lucio (E. Brown), 8.0 3 Also ran: Lady Francis 7.4, Mentira 6.11. Time, 51 2-ss. SPRING HANDICAP. Seven furlongs. Master Crispin (P. Brady), 8.5 1 Explosive (E. Brown), 7.13 2 Dainty (Deeley), 7.9 ............... 3 Also started: Escamillo 9.12, Silent 80, Biddy Curran 8.0, Kapurangi 7.9. Time, lm. 31s. VAUXHLL HANDICAP. Seven furlongs. Master Crispin (P. Brady), 8.5 . .... 1 Explosive (E. Brown), 7.13 2 Dainty (Deeley), 7.9 . 3 Also started: Escamillo 9.12, Silent 8.0, Biddy Curran 8.0, Kapuarangi 7.9. Time, lm. 31s. RAKINO HANDICAP. Four furlongs. Snowfoot (Deeley), 8.3 1 Etna (Ryan), 7.13 2 Elegance (McMillan), 7.3 •• • • Also ran: Effulgence 7.3. Time, 52 3-ss. CAUTLEY HANDICAP. Five and ahalf furlongs. Tarina (Deeley), 7.1 1 Devonport (Ackroyd), 8.0 2 Waihuku (McMillan), 7.12 3 Also started: Wauchope 8.0, Lady Frances 7.2, Rarata 7.0, Lady Dot 6.9. Time, lm. 9 3-ss. SECOND PONY HANDICAP. Five and a-half furlongs. Necktie (P. Brady), 8.5 1 Glenora (Whittaker), 8.12 2 Imprimus (Buchanan), 9.5 3 Also started: Mahinga 7.9. Time, lm. Ils. WELTER HANDICAP. One mile. Bully (McMillan), 8.5 1 Tui Cakobau (Ackroyd), 9.5 2 Lord Seaton (Brown), 8.3 3 Also ran: Manapouri 8.10, Cyrona 8.1. Time, lm. 455.