CANTERBURY.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVIII, Issue 1053, 12 May 1910, Page 8

CANTERBURY.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) CHRISTCHURCH, May 10. The Christchurch Racing Club’s autumn meeting was commenced at Plumpton Park on Saturday, but after three events had been decided news 'was received of the King’s death, and the stewards immediately met and decided to abandon the meeting. The action of the club was adversely criticised by some people, but a large majority of those present were thoroughly in accord with the decision arrived at by the stewards. Nominations for the New Zealand Cup close on June 7th. The stake money will be the same as last year, £l5OO to the winner, £3OO to the second horse, and £2OO to the third horse. The C.J.C. has raised the minimum amount for incurring penalty from lOOsovs to 150sovs- This should meet with the hearty approval of owners who race their horses prior to the CupThe C-J-C. has reduced the minimum weight in the hunter’s hurdle events at the Grand National meeting from list to lOst. Armamento, who has not done much since he won the Dunedin Cup, showed a glimpse of his old form in the High-weight Handicap at Plumpton on Saturday. Merry Lass led the field for a couple of furlongs, when she gave way to Armamento, who was never again headed, winning by half a length in good style. Now that the son of Lord Roslyn has again struck form, he should win more races in the near futureThe Christchurch Autumn Handicap was contested by a field of seven, Tikitere (9.3) being made a strong favourite. In the early part of the race Silkweb and Freak made the running in front of Giovanni and Paragon. Racing round the back Tikitere made a forward move, while Paragon ran up to the leaders. Coming into the straight Paragon drew out. and although hard pressed by Tikitere, he held his own and won by a length and a-half, Silkweb being third, two lengths behind Tikitere. In the Trial Handicap Aunt Sally was sent out a strong favourite, but she failed to see the journey out, Nightlight beating her by a neck after a good finish. Both Armamento and Paragon have incurred 101 b penalty for their Ashburton engagements. King Try, who has been racing successfully on the West Coast for some time, was among the starters in the High-weight Handicap, but he failed to make any showing. Horses that have won many races on the Coast have generally failed when brought to Riccarton and other courses in Canterbury. Armlet has won nearly 6000sovs in stake money, 383550 vs going to her present owner, Mr. G- D- GreenwoodNorthern Star and Ratepayer have been schooled over the steeplechase fences during the week. The former jumped badly. The funeral of W- J. Taggart on Wednesday last was largely attended, most of the trainers and jockeys in Canterbury being present. The deceased trainer was widely respected throughout his career. As trainer he had some good horses in his charge, among the best-known ones being Gladsome, Cross Battery, Slow Tom, Pallas, Sea King and Master AlexThe well-known steeplechaser Eurus is again in active work, and is getting into form. Medallist and Tremulous have both resumed work, the former having been off the tracks for ' a long time-