CANTERBURY JOCKEY CLUB’S AUTUMN MEETING.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVIII, Issue 1047, 31 March 1910, Page 7

CANTERBURY JOCKEY CLUB’S AUTUMN MEETING.

PENATES WINS THE EASTER HANDICAP. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The Autumn meting of the ■ Canterbury Jockey Club was commenced on Easter Monday in weather which was far from pleasant. Heavy rain fell on Sunday night and continued at intervals until well in the afternoon on Monday. As a result the course was very soft and with such a dismal outlook in the morning the attendance suffered considerably. The tote investments showed a heavy falling off as compared with the corresponding day last year, the respective totals .being £13,379 and £17,853. Only ten bookmakers took up their stand inside, most of them, to the number of 23, preferring co do business in the outside enclosure. Despite adverse climatic conditions the racing was full of interest throughout the day. The Kildare Hurdle Handicap was reduced to three starters, Nova being scratched at the last moment on account of his rider not being provided with a skull cap. The race was a pretty one to watch, the trio, Whatakura, Southern Cross and Ratepayer, being together until well in the turn for home. Whatakura and Southern Cross jumped the last hurdle together, just in advance of Ratepayer, but in the run home Whatakura had the best of it and won by four lengths, Southern Cross beating Ratepayer by a length. The best two-year-olds of the season contested the Champagne Stakes, for which Formby went out favourite. A fine start was effected and Formless and Madam Madcap were together just in front of Countermine. Turning into the straight Madam Madcap drew level with Formless and at the distance came away, winning easily by three lengths, while Formless beat Danube by two lengths, Formby and Sunburnt being several lengths away last. In the Autumn Plate betting was confined to Guianforte, who was made a strong favourite, and Genius, the others being neglected. Genius took the head of affairs after a furlong had been covered and although challenged by Guianforte half way down the straight he held his own and won by three lengths. Ristori came with a late run and finished just behind Guinaforte. Husbandman was the only withdrawal from the Great Easter Handicap, the field numbering fifteen. A fairly good start was effected, Effort and Passion being unfortunate in Losing a few lengths. Bi?oadsword was first to break the line and he ran down the back at a clinking pace, followed by Penates, with Federal and Kilindini at the head of the others. At the entrance to the straight Broadsword fell while leading, and the mishap interfered with the chances of several of the horses. Penates was just behind Broadsword when he fell and getting clear first soon had a commanding lead and easily holding his own won by three lengths from Prim, who finished fast from the distance, and beat Federal by a length. Silkweb, Gunboat and Tumut were next. Kilindini and Gipsy Belle were running well when Broadsword fell and both would probably have been further up at the finish.

The Russley Plate Handicap was contested by fourteen two-year-olds, Selene being sent out a strong favourite. The race is easily described as Selene led all the way and won by a length from Martine, who was a similar distance in front of True Knight. A big Feld contested the Courtney Welter Handicap, Perle d’Or being favourite. A big surprise was sprung by an outsider in Fisticuff, who won somewhat easily by two lengths from Rose Noble, paying one of the biggest dividends ever returned at Riccarton. Horses trained by D. Roberts have frequently paid big dividends at Riccarton before. Fisticuff on one occasion returned her supporters a handsome dividend.

In the Gimcrack race The Seer and

Pretty Nell fought out a great' finish, the former winning by half a head. The Stockburn Handicap provided one of the best betting races of the day, and produced a fine race. From an even start Bridge was first to draw out while Flitaway lost several lengths. At the mile post Bridge was just in front of Outlander, Sir Tristram and Gwendolina. Turning into the straight Flitaway moved into second place, but at the distance she was beaten, leaving Bridge in charge. Here Iranui put in a strong claim and catching Bridge in the last few strides won by a neck. Lovelorn was two lengths away third, just in front of Gwendolina, Sir Tristram and Flitaway.