HAWKE’S BAY HUNT CLUB’S ANNUAL MEETING.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVIII, Issue 1013, 5 August 1909, Page 6

HAWKE’S BAY HUNT CLUB’S ANNUAL MEETING.

Hunting folk gathered strongly last Wednesday at Hastings, when the yearly menu of the Hunt Club was brought up for consideration, and, with the usual reinforcement of local racegoers in attendance, a more than fair crowd of spectators were on hand to assist at the afternoon’s sport. Ample means for those of a speculative nature were provided, as 18 bookmakers paid the necessary fee to follow their avocation. That one of them had not proved successful in his business may be gathered from the fact that at the conclusion of the sixth event his clients failed to get a settling from him, and had it not been for the timely interference of the gentlemen in blue it appeared as if a stormy period was in store for him. However, the guardians of peace and order took him under their wing, and a fracas was prevented. The short-weight penciller was subsequently charged at the Hastings Police Court with having no lawful means of support, but the justices decided that under the law no action could lie. Under the circumstances, to the lay mind, it looks as if our legislators might bestir themselves and pass some Act which would protect the public, or else repeal the Gaming Act of 1907, which seems to be regarded by some people as conferring a license to rob and plunder. Along with the general public, the genuine, solid penciller is also a sufferer, for while he is at all times willing and able to discharge his liabilities, his profession suffers by the admittance of welshers into the country under the guise of bookmakers. Mr. Straton, as secretary, discharged his duties in his usual courteous, energetic manner, and in a great measure the successful issue of the. venture was due to his capable administration. Messrs. A. Wood and P. Martin, as starter and judge respectively, got through their work without a hitch. Out of seven events a trio of favourites prevailed, a fact that conclusively proves that Mr. Coyle’s work in the adjustment of weights had made the

unravelling of the problems a difficult task. The Chief, a good-looking, aged son of Jet-d’Eau’s, showed out in a strong lig.it, for he secured a double, the Hunters’ Bracelet Hurdles and the Hawke’s Bay Hunt Cup Steeplechase, in very easy style. He certainly did not have a very classy lot to subdue, but he performed his task in such a decisive manner that it is only fair to assume that in the future he will score in races Where the opposition will be of stronger grade than was the case on Wednesday. The gelding is one of Altas White’s pupils at Waipawa, and raced in the nomination of Mr. G. B. Tod. In his first essay The Chief was piloted by Mr. G. Hirst, and in his second conquest Mr. K. nopkins was in the saddle, both of whom rode good races upon him. The Musketry gelding Taipara, who ran in Lady Price’s interest, got second to The Chief in the Bracelet, and Mr. A. J. Ellyham’s recent purchase, Sylvia Maid, was his only attendant at the finish of the Steeplechase, Zummerzet and Takely both failmg to complete the course. El Dorado, for some unexplained reason, was made an odds on chance in the first Open Flat Race, and why he should have been preferred before good performers like Loiret and Squatter seemed as if backers had not fairly adjusted their considering caps. In an interesting finish Loiret proved superior to The Squatter by a bare length, The Shrew, a three-year-old son of Claughton by Birkenhead being third, and the favourite fourth. Loiret, who has recently become the property of Mr. Karaitiana, is a stable companion of California, and is consequently a student of C. Lagor’s. Waimoe, who had the assistance of A. Oliver, experienced no difficulty in annexing the Trial Plate, in which he was opposed by three others, a two-year-old, Stourton, a half-brother by Birkenhead to Rosella, Golden Gate, and Co., filling the position of runnerup. Waimoe, who carried the racing uniform of Mr. H. Campbell, of Poukawa, whose colours have not been seen out for a long time. Waimoe is a half-brother by Waiuku to Lady Napier and Ontario, and was bred at Mangartarata Station. The gelding is one of R. Gooseman’s team, and one of the bulky, solid sort. The ancient Brown Belt, who was recently purchased by a Waipukurau resident for £l3, effected a surprise in the Hunters’ Flat Race, in which he downed a red-hot favourite in Gold Shower. The latter, who was steered by Mr. G. Beatson, could do no better than run second. In a measure his defeat may be attributed to the fact that Mr. Beatson was unfortunate enough to lose a stirrup leather and iron at the home bend, the loss of which must have affected his powers on the erratic son of Gold Reef, who, by the way, is now receiving his education at the hands of J. McLaughton at Green Meadows. The Second Open Flat Race saw Rock Ferry made favourite, and he was never asked to do his besf at any stage of the game, for he fairly trotted in. Resign, a Renown gelding, in Whitaker’s stable, got second honours, and Burton, a recent arrival here, was third. A brace in Snooker and Takely lined up for the Hunters’ Final Steeplechase. Mr. H. lago successfully piloted the former home a winner, all out, by a length. The victor is an aged son of Wanderer and Charity Girl, and is trained by his owner, Mr. O. Symes, who is a keen follower of the hunting pastime.

Handicaps for the New Zealand Cup are due to make their appearance on the 20th of the present month. All racehorses in New Zealand were a year older on Monday last. * * * * Among the passengers booked for London by the Turakina, which sailed on Saturday from Wellington, says the “ Dominion,” is the Auckland jockey, Harry Phillips, who, with his wife, is going to reside in England. Phillips was a successful jockey in New Zealand, and in 1905 rode Irish to victory in the Great Northern Hurdle Race at Ellerslie, but he met with a serious accident, and after his recovery was informed by his physisian that he would be unable to take part in races again. Phillips has recently been in communication with some English friends, and is now going Home to take up a position in a training stable. F. Lunn, who has acted as studgroom for at lengthy period at Sir George Clifford’s, Stonyhurst, is relinquishing that post, and will shortly take up a similar position at Mr. lan Duncan’s Waikanae breeding establishment. • * * * There is some uncertainty as to whether Pilot will be a starter for the Australian Steeplechase, which event comes up for decision at Caulfield on Sautrday week. It is believed that the distance is against him. The New Zealander-bred gelding has been entered for the Knowsley Steeplechase (two miles), run on the same day as the Australian Steeplechase. From what can be learned the Wellington Pony and Galloway Club will in all probability resume operations early in September, when it is expected a number of ponies that have never yet raced at Miramar will be amongst the contestants. Those trainers and jockeys who patronise this club should note that applications for licenses and permits must be made to the managing steward of the club, Mr. J. M. Cumming, on or before Wednesday next. Mr. Herb. Price will present a gold whip to the jockey riding the most winners during the coming season at Miramar.