WELLINGTON.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVII, Issue 1001, 13 May 1909, Page 7

WELLINGTON.

WELLINGTON, May 9. Local trainers are turning their eyes towards the Wanganui and Otaki Winter Meetings. Prosser has Exmoor and Pawa engaged in the jumping events at the former fixture. The latter has had a long spell, and there is a probability that his trainer will get a race or two out of him during the winter months. Gipsy Belle and Kurawaka also claim engagements at Wanganui, and may be given a run in the flat handicaps. All Red, Gold Crest, and Diabolo have been laid by until the spring meetings come round. The Gold Reef horse underwent a course of blistering since he last raced, and should stand up to his work all right when required for active service. A report that Mr. Messina, of Foxton, had purchased White Lie is incorrect, the Merriwee gelding beingstill the property of Mr. Gelhor, who also has in training a three-year-old filly by Merriwee —Valetta (dam of Wind).

The Wellington Racing Club Committee, at their last meeting, granted the disqualified jockey, Sydney Reid, permission to work about a racing

stable, but Reid is not permitted to ride work. The lesson Reid has learnt during the past few montlis may prove the turning point in his life, and his many friends will wish him well. Air. J. Bull, an owner well known throughout the North Island, has a partiality for the Marlborough racecourse, and his colours are generally unfurled there. The meeting held last week was, however, a most unprofitable one for the genial “ James,” as bis three horses, Irish Rifle, Daisy Paul, and Belario each failed to catch the judge’s eye during the two days’ racing. Daisy Paul was sent out a good favourite for the Marlborough Cup. but was one of the first horses beaten. Air. McGrath took Tumut and Osiris across to Marlborough. The former upheld his reputation as a racehorse by winning the Flying Handicap with 9.10 cn his back. His half-brother, Osiris, was lightly enough treated in the Cup, but ran like a commoner. Maiora and Silken Rein had a good set-to at the business end of the Marlborough Cup, the Soult gelding asserting his superiority by less than a neck after a good race. J. McLaugblan, it is reported, had a good win over this gelding’s victory. A three-year-old named Curator favourably impressed visitors to the Marlborough Races. He won a couple of races in good style, and should prove useful in winter welters this season.