AUCKLAND R.C. GREAT NORTHERN MEETING.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XIX, Issue 1103, 1 June 1911, Page 4

AUCKLAND R.C. GREAT NORTHERN MEETING.

On Saturday the attention of sportsmen throughout the Dominion and in Auckland in particular, will be centred on Ellerslie, as on that day the Auckland Racing Club will inaugurate their Great Northern meeting. Next to the Cup meeting, the winter meeting i's held in highest esteem by sportsmen and rightly so, as the sport provided is high-class and varied and taken right through is, to the general public, perhaps more interesting. The approaching gathering promises to be a record success in every way—the acceptances are good, the class of horses of the best while animals from all parts of the North Island will be found competing in the various events. The caretaker, Mr. C. Hill, and his assistants have the course in capital order, while the gardens and lawn are looking their best. With the secretary, Mr. J. F. Hartland, in charge, it goes w.thout saying, that everything possible will be done to ensure an enjoyable outing and it would appear as though all that is necessary to report a memorable gathering is fine weather and good racing.

THE PROGRAMME.

The opening event is the maiden Steeplechase in which just a baker’s dozen are engaged. Reservoir and Whatashot head the list with list, each. Reservoir’s schooling has been disappointing while may not 'be forward enough to give of bis best. Okaihau has been jumping in great style and with such a poor lot engaged he should run well, However, the favourite may be Castout with’ Okihau second choice. The horses engaged in the race are: MAIDEN STEEPLECHASE- of 125sovs. Two miles and a-thaif—Reseiwoi rl. ’ Whatashot 11.0, Connecticut 10.10, Bachelor 10.9, Riro Atu 10.1, Pleiades 9.13, Okihau 9.13 Bonnie Jean 9.11 Commander 9.11, Romp 9.10, Hunakaha 9.10, Castout 9.9. Dinkum 9.7. Backers are set a task in the Jervois Handicap a five furlongs event, in which no less than 30 horses are engaged. In a race of this description the most important item is to select a good beginner and a couple of speedy ones out of the tapes are Lady Betty and Hard Rock. The field is as under: — JIERVO'IS HANDICAP of 125SOVS. Five furlongs —Kanewarra 9-11, Gloy J-9. rol( ; tiers 9-6, Lady Betty 9.5, Wee Olga 9.4 Ward Rock 8.13, Urukehu 8.11, Paiawai 8.10, Master Stead 8.7. Gold Circle 8. , Harenoa 8.6, Mary Ann 0 6, Bogey 8.6. Sphinx 8.5, St. Amans 8-3, La Re na 3.3, Tua Kitua 8.3, Luperm 8.3, Tipua Presently 8.1, Sir Walter 8.1, Tnesome 8 1 Goodwin (Sands 8.1, Hesperian . . Rutter 8.1, Bell Ctrispin 8.0, Alma Rose 8?0 Mangu 8.0, Maykoff 8.0, Countree 8.0. The Ma den Hurdles follows, and the dual winning feat of Patrobus at Wanganui makes him out to be a fair sort and he should be a strong favourite. Of the others, Master William and Kremlin-promise to be in demand. The. following are the horses engaged: — MAIDEN HURDLE RACE of 125sovs One mile and three-quarters.—Patrobus find 71b pen.) 10.11, Kremlin 10.0, Master William 10.0, Denbies 9.8, Mozart 9,5, Captain Paul 9-3, Arty 9.0 Castle Blaney 9 0. Penfold 9-0. Blue Mountain 9.0, Rambling Rose 9.0, Napenape 9.0, Pat 9.0. The chief ’item on the bill of fare, the Great Northern Hurdle Race of lOOOsovs., two m les and a half, wifi next receive attention and though past Great Northerns have, perhaps, been contested by a better class of horses, it is the general opinion that no more open one has been placed before backers to solve. Paisano heads the list and though burdened with the steadier cf 12.4- the son of Sitrowan will probably count enough, ad 1 "' 1 rers to send him out favourite. There is no doubt about his calibre as a hurdler—-his victory in the C.J.C. Grand National with 12.1, proved him to be a horse a long way above the ordinary. Reumac had not arrived at the time of writing but there :s every reason to expect him to be among the runners. He has won a number of good races and should run well on Saturday. The Native is the most talked of horse in the race and it is said, his connections, provided the race is run on dry going, will

not hear of his defeat. He has proved that he has heaps of pace while he has shown that he can negotiate the small fences without difficulty. Bully, who has previously won the event is galloping better than for some time past, and if he be on his best behaviour —he is an erratic horse —there is a good chance of him repeating h'S performance. Paritutu has perhaps seen his best day, "while Auratus may find the distance just a little too far although he should win before the meeting concludes. Delegate’s two defeats at Takapuna lost him many admirers but it would not be safe perhaps to condemn him on his Takapuna running as he is a horse of moods, and a small course -would be likely to ruffle his temper and once that is done, that is the end of Delegate. Sol will probably be better suited in the 'Steeplechase, Whakaweira is a horse who will be very close to starting favourite. His victory at Hawke’s Bay and Takapuna were brimful of merit, and of the horses engaged he can with certainty be relied upon to run a great race. Appin won the Century Hurdles, but the field behind him was not strong. Don Quex may find the distance too far and John will probably decline his engagement. Ribstone Pippin ran much below Great Northern form at Wanganui, and on his showing there could hardly be expected to win on Saturday. Taken all round the prospects of a fine contest are particularly good. Perhaps the favourite selections will be Whakaweira, The Native and Delegate. The following are the horses engaged: —

THE GREAT NORTHERN HURDLE RAGE of lOOOsovs.; second horse to receive 200sovs and third horse lOOsovs out of the stake. Over 10 flights of hurdles. Winner of any hurdle race or hurdle races after declaration of weights of the value of lOOsovs to carry 51bs, of 200sovs 71b, of SOOsovs 101 b penalty. Two miles and a-half. st. lb. st. lb.

The Cornwall Hand cap has 15 horses engaged, and as the general opinion is that Mr. Morse has taken a liberty with Maxwell, he may be expected to go out favourite. . Monoplane and Domino are a pair who should have friends. CORNWALL HANDICAP of _ 4-OOsovs. One mile and a-quarter.—Secbtion .10.8, Boanerges 10.0 Electrakoff 10.0, Domino 10.0. Santa Rosa 9.11, Ngapuka . 9.0 Maxwell 8.11. Monoplane 8.8, Coromandel 8.5, Sea Elf 8.1. Flying Soult 8.0. Master Theory 8.0. Regain 8.0, KilosteiTi 8.0, Duma 8.0. Very little is known of those engaged in the Hunt Club Hurdles in which the following horses are engaged. HUNT CLUB HURDLES of lOOsovs. Two miles. —'Cloudy Morn 11.6, Hinau 1013, Sabine 10.7, Rangitane 10.6, Stroller 10.'5, Rebel 10.5. Winiata 10.2, Romantic 10.1, Rosilian 10.0, Joe May 10.0, Tiri 10.0, Master Phaeton 10.0. Wirihana 10.0. Comet 10.0, Golborne (late Pat) 10.0. The curtail will fall with the Members’ Handicap, and with 16 horses engaged, there is every prospect of a good race. Wauchope may be favourite with Lucille and Parawai also well 'backed. MEMBERS’ HANDICAP of 175sovs. Five furlongs.—Nyland 10.1, Tattoo 9.13, Turbine 9.10. Wauchope 9.5, Blue Garment 8.13. Mighty Atom 8.9, Dogger Bank 8.8, Smilax 8.8, Elegance 8.6. Kanewairra 8.6, Lord Possible 8.6, Lucille 8.3, Urukehu 8.1, Frontino 8.0, Parawai 8.0, Luipenn 8.0.

SECOND DAY. Racing will be continued on Monday when the two principal events to be decided are the Great Northern Steeplechase and the Prince of Wales’ Handicap. The following is a list of the horses engaged in the Great Northern Steeplechase: — THE GREAT NORTHERN STEEPLECHASE of lOOOsovs; second horse to receive 206SOVS and third horse lOOsovs out of the stake. Winner of any steeplechase or steeplechases after de„ claration of weigthts of the value of lOOsovs to carry 51b, of 200sovs 71b, and

of 300sovs 101 b penalty. About three miles and a-half.

(Run June 5.)

That same little horse Sol, together with Antarctic heads the handicap with 11.12 apiece and of the pair Sol will be preferred. His past efforts over the Ellerslie country are a matter of history and he has proved himself a great stayer and weight carrier, while he is familiar with the country. Antarctic has done very little work and he may be seen to better advantage later in the season. Eldorado is a horse with a great reputation and good judges credit him with being the best ‘chaser in the Dominion—a pretty tall order. His second in the Wanganui Steeplechase was a good performance and although he had to be ridden hard at his fences, while schooling, on Tuesday, he may be much better when the colours are up. Loch Fyne ran badly at Wanganui and a’though he will be better suited on the Ellerslie country his chance of victory does not look particularly bright. Mahara has all the weight he is entitled to and on performances can be given a good jumper’s chance, Lovell will not ’be a starter and Maidi is another whose name will be missing. Corazon, by reason of his victory in the Wanganui Steeplechase will now have to carry 10.9, of 101 b. in excess of his original weight. His victory at Wanganui was a very narrow one, but still it is said he would be greatly benefitted by the race and a tick should be placed alongside his name. Le Beau is well-off on the score of condition and with a little luck may be equal to bringing off the big prize. He likes the going firm and should the conditions be favourable on Monday, then a good race can be expected from Le Beau. Reservoir and Paritutu have not been jumping well in their schooling essays and both would have to improve considerably to gain a place. The Native will probably be kept at hurdle racing and is an unlikely starter. King Hippo is a splendid fencer and with his light impost may run a good race. He should run the distance out as in all his schooling lessons he has been sent over the hill twice'. Cloudy Morn is a good jumper and must be given a jumper’s chance. Bachelor looks to be out of his place and little is known of Castout. However, he jumps the fences in great style and is perhaps, the most proficient in the art of clear : ng the obstacles" of the horses engaged. Torbelle is reported a great stayer but in a steeplechase has to be taken on trust. Hunakaha is a promising sort and a good jumper, but Commander and Pleiades will be the rbugh-’uns of the race. The race bears a very open appearance and the winner will certainly take some finding. It is difficult to say what will be the actual favourite, but perhaps Sol, Le Beau and Red McGregor will be the trio most in demand, THIRD DAY. The meeting will conclude on Wednesday, when the chief items will be the York Welter, Winter Steeplechase, Campbell Hurdle Race and Hunt Club Cup. The following horses are engaged in the last-named race: — HUNT CLUB CUP of ]oosovs. About three miles and a-half.—Connecticut 11.13, Cloudy Morn 11.13, Hina 11.6, Riro Atu 11.4 Potiki 11.0. Rangitane 10.13, Rebel 10.13, Hunakaha 10.11, Winiata 10.9, Wirihana 10.7, Comet 10.7, Joe May 10.7.

Judging by his track efforts the Torpedo gelding, Torbelle is a very slow beginner and h<S chance of winning a hurdle race at the meeting does not look good. » SjS >j! Rangi Thompson got off Bully to ride Paisano in the Northern Hurdles. C. Cress has now been given the mount on Bully.

indeed fortunate in having the services of such an able official. The other officials also deserve every credit for the manner In which they carried out their duties, particularly Mr. R. H. Skip with (starter) and Mr. George Morse (handicapper). This was Mr. Skipwith’s first appearance here in the capacity of starter, and it must be said that he was dminently successful in the position, the excellence of the starting being quite a feature of the meeting so well were the stewards pleased with his good work that at the conclusion of the second day’s racing Mr. Skipwith was invited into their room and warmly congratulated. Mr- Morse also scored a big success with his handicapping, which had much to do towards making the meeting the great success it proved. The Ids throughout were large, and the racing of a high order, some of the finishes being very close. On all sides the Wanganui Steeplechase is declared to have been the finest race ever witnessed here over country, while the Century Hurdles was another splendid contest The tracks were in capital condition, while the lawn, saddling paddock and enclosure were at their best for the season of the year. Speculation was very brisk, the sum of £32,200 being put through the machine for the two days, an increase of £10,988. Of course, a good proportion of this increase was due to the fact that bookmakers were not operating, in fact, were not even allowed on the course. Last year the club received £671 in fees from the bookmakers. After making allowance for the extra tax to be paid, however, the club should .make a handsome profit on the meeting. There were some big dividends on the first day, and, strange to say, the best price of the meeting was paid by Merrivonia, who only a few weeks previously had won the Wanganui Cup in such attractive fashion. It is ex- ’

traordinary that the public should have so soon forgotten the Merriwee mare’s fine performance on that occasion. Thirteen faced the starter in the opening event, Faunus being sent out favourite. The Officer gelding won comfortably from Mon Ami, Tumut third. Nyland, who looked better than for some time past, was expected to win by his connections, but could only get fourth. ; His turn should come soon. The eleven Candidates for the Wanganui Steeplechase all had many supporters, Lovell being the popular pick. Mahara did not look fit, but he carried a lot of money. Te Arai was not so well backed as anticipated, and his performance was certainly disappointing. : If there was one horse which looked better than any of the others it was Corazon, whose condition reflected great credit on his trainer, Verne Collelo. Winchester was also in capital nick, and the same may be said of El Dorado. It was a great race, Lovell, as usual, got out in front and, jumping beautifully, carried the field along for over two miles, when he began to tire; El Dorado, Winchester and Corazon were always handy, and they were all clearing the obstacles in fine style. Quite a feature of the race was the capital display of jumping of old Eurus, though MrRutherford’s gelding was obviously not ready. Half a mile from home Lovell was done, and then Bl Dorado and Winchester went on, with Corazon closing up. Unfortunately, Winchester fell, and this spoilt what was a big chance. As it was El Dorado and Corazon fought out a most exciting battle, the latter winning for Sir Widiam Russell, after a stirring contest.

Gold Circle was made a hot favourite for the next race, the Electric Hack, but failed to get a place, the winner turning up in Lady Kilcheran, who paid a big price. Patrobus scored in the Hack Hurdles, Napper coming with a great run up the straight, but being beaten comfortably by the St. Clements gelding. A. Julian was called before the stewards and suspended for 12 months for unsatisfactory riding of Napper. Wimmera went sore after a gallop the previous morning, and was withdrawn from the Century Hurdles, for which Marton was made favourite. The pace was made by Waiputere and Auratus, both of whom jumped splendidly, Torbelle being in the rear. Auratus kept with Waiputere until half a mile from home, when he tired, and then Appin went at The Officer gelding. The pair jumped the last hurdle together and a splendid finish resulted in J. Hercock landing Appin a winner, and thus scoring in the two big jumping events, he having had the mount on Corazon. Bliss carried most money in the

Connolly Handicap, for which fourteen started, Merrivonia being only tenth in order of favouritism, but she won easily for Mr. Ames, who also owns Lady Kilcheran, and thus had the pleasant experience of gathering in the two biggest dividends of the meeting as well as .he stakes. Silver Bullet won the Purua Hack after a close finish with Melologue. There were eleven other starters. On the second day, Equitas again -demonstrated - what a sterling mare she is by winning the opening event, the Winter Oats, from a good field, carrying the steadier of 9.9 to victory in 1.15 on a track which was holding. Lovell carried most money in the Grandstand Steeplechase, and again gave a splendid exhibition of jumping and won, the distance, 2% miles, suiting him. Eurus ran second, and on his showing may be looked upon as likely to win one of the big jumping events shortly. Zante, who was expected to make a good showing, toppled over at the first fence, and walked in very lame, having apparently injured his stifle. Patrobus repeated his victory :'n the Hack Hurdles, and from the way he shaped is likely to make a very successful hurdler. Melologue, the four-year-old daughter of Advance — Epilogue, scored in most attractive style in the Balgownie Hack, for which she was made favourite. She should do well in open company. Ribstone Pippin was slightly better backed than Marton for the May Hurdles, for which Auratus was scratched, as it was thought wise to reserve him for the Great Northern. Te Whetu, a five-year-old Daystar gelding, owned by Mr. T. Cameron, was in front early and stayed there, winning comfortably. Ribstone Pippin finished very fast, and got close up. The Porirua I’epresentative would evidently be better suited by a longer journey, and may run well in the Great Northern, albeit it is doubtful whether he is a top notcher. On Te Whetu’s form it seems a pity he is not engaged at Auckland.

The Empire Handicap was a grand race. Thirteen started, Cheddar being the most fancied. The favourite ran well, but did not gain a place, the winner turning up in. Mulga Bill, who got home from Iranui after an exciting tussle. The winner had been showing fine form recently, but was neglected on the machine. The concluding event —the Farewell Hack —was won by an outsider in Aruake, a four-year-old full brother tn Chase Mab, in W. Rayner’s stable. This gelding ran well on the first day, and is evidently a good one. He is owned by a local sport named Mr. J. O’Halloran, and the victory was a very popular one. W. D. Young, with three wins, was the most successful rider at the meeting. J. Hercock, E. Lowe and C. Cress rode two winners each, the other successful riders being A. Oliver, L. Wilson, H. Telford, and A. McMullen. Sir William Russel won £450, Messrs. J. Ames £295, A. Stuart £250, Noel Wilson £230, F. Plumbtree £l6O, T. F. Goddard and T. Cameron £l5O each, Hon. J. D. Ormond £l4O, and Mr- Tiemi Burn £l2O. Other lesser amounts brought the total stake money given away up to £2600.

Paisano ... . 12 4 Whakaweira in c. Reumae (inc. 51b pen.) . . 9 ]U 51b pen.) ... 11 0 A.ppin (inc. 10 The Native . . 10 9 101b pen.) .. 9 Bully 10 2 Den Qu ex (inc. Pari tutu .... 10 1 51b pen.) ... 9 Auratus . . . Maidi Delegate . . ■■ . 10 0 9 1?, 9 10 J ohn Ribstone Pippin .. . 9 9 1 Sol . 9 10

st. lb. st. lb. .. 10 1 Sol 11 12 The Native Antarctic ... . 11 12 Laddie .. 9 12 Red McGregor 11 8 King Hippo 10 1 El Dorado .. 11 4 Lari tutu .... 10 0 Loch Fyne .. 11 2 Corazon .... . 9 13 Lovell 10 9 Cloudy Morn 9 n Corazon (inc. Torbelle .... . 9 7 101b pen.) . . 10 9 Hunakaha .. . 9 7 Mahara 11 0 Pleiades .... . 9 7 Le Beau 10 6 Commander . 9 7 Maidi 10 4 Bachelor .... .. 9 8 Reservoir .... 10 2 Castout . 9 7