BOXING DAY AT ELLERSLIE.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XX, Issue 1133, 28 December 1911, Page 6

BOXING DAY AT ELLERSLIE.

SANTA ROSA WINS THE CUP.

The Auckland Racing Carnival was opened under the most favourable conditions at Ellerslie on Boxing Day. The day was ushered in with a few light showers and an overcast sky, but by ten o’clock all signs of rain passed away and the sun shone out brightly. As a result a record crowd gathered at the beautiful course, conveyed thither . by trains, trams, and all manner of vehicles. It . was estimated that between 30,000 and 35,000 people attended, and consequently it is little wonder that there was a great deal of congestion in the traffic. However, the crowd was a good-natured and wonderfully orderly one; consequently there was little grumbling,

and the people put up with the discomforts of travelling with a light: heart and in the best spirit. Ellerslie was looking exceptionally attractive and the course itself! was in splendid order. With such a' concourse of people the grounds presented quite a remarkable appearance. During the racing all the stands were packed with brightly-arrayed crowds, while every vantage point was thronged with people eager to watch the racing. It was an inspiring spectacle and worthy of the excellent sport provided- The Auckland Racing Club are entitled in full measure to the unique and record success of the most ’rilliant Cup Day yet held in the Dominion. Without seeming fulsome it would be impossible to sufficiently praise the excellent wofk of the club’s painstaking officials, who, as far as lay in their power, did all that was possible to overcome the practically insurmountable difficulties of so enormous a crowd. No doubt the club will profit by the experience of so remarkable a gathering, and on future occasions provide more adequate accommodation for the caterers, enlarge the totalisator house, increase the refreshment booths and ensure better arrangements for the ladies in the cloak rooms. PRAISE FOR THE OFFICALS. Large fields faced the starter in every event, and although in several instances some contestants did not get away on even terms, that can hardly reflect against the ability of Mr. C. O’Connor. Considering the large fields and the presence of a number of fractious horses the starting on the whole was highly satisfactory. Mr. R. B. Lusk, who presided in the judge’s box, had a number of close finishes to decide, but in every case his decisions gave entire satisfaction. The official records were taken byMr. J. K. Douglas, who was most painstaking with his duties and gave every satisfaction. Mr. F. W. Marks and Mr. A. Selby also filled their responsible positions of Clerk of Scales and Clerk of the Course satisfactorily. To Mr- George Morse, handicapper, special praise isdue. The success with which he disguised the winners and provided close and exciting finishes certainly is due the most hearty commendation. ToMr. J. F. Hartland nothing but the most generous congratulations can be extended, for it is primarily on his shoulders that all the multifarious * cares of organisation must fall, and the tremendous success of the triumphant day is therefore very largely due to his energy and ability. SOME SPLENDID RACING.

The racing throughout the day was of an especially interesting character. The fields were big and the finishes in every case were keenly fought out, while the close finishes added very considerably to the exhilarating pleasure of the excellent day’s sport. Only two first favourites managed to gain winning brackets, and they were Delegate in the Grafton Hurdles and General Latour in the Christmas Han- - dicap. The biggest dividend of the day was provided by Gipsy Belle in the Railway Handicap. The totalisators were kept very busy and for the eight races no less a sum than £48,002 10s was handled by the large staff, who worked satisfactorily under * Mr. H. H. Hayr. This sum consti- - tutes a record for one day’s racing* in New Zealand, being an increase of £18,460 on the corresponding day last year, and eclipses the existing* Dominion reco’’-* 1 - a £ the

C.J.C. Metropolitan Carnival last November by £BlO5 10s. On the Auckland Cup alone the figures reached nearly £lO,OOO. The details of the results were as follows: —

TRIAL HANDICAP of 200sovs. Seven furlongs. 2 —J. H. Walter’s Goldsize, by Glu-ten-Gold Web, 3yrs, 7.6 (Bu-

chanan) 1 B—Crown8 —Crown Pearl, 6.7 (Emmerson) 2 10 —Captain Soult, 7.6 (O’Shea) . . 3

Also started: 3 Master Wairiki 8.4 (Conquest), 1 Miss Winsome 8.0 (Deeley), 4 Faunus 7.11 (L. Wilson), 7 St. Petersburg 7.10 (Whittaker), 5 Dawn 7.5 (C. Brown), 9 Maheno 7.5 (Morris), 6 Admiral Soult 6-12 (Stratford), and 11 Moreykoff 6.12 (Mcßanville).

The field got fairly well away with the exception of Faunus, who was left some lengths. Crown Pearl was the first to show out in front, closely followed by Master Wairiki and it was in this position that the field entered the straight, with Dawn and Goldsize next in order. About the distance Goldsize ran to the front and was soon in the lead, although Crown;

Pearl fought out a game finish, and when the post was passed was a length behind the winner. Captain ■ Soult put in a fast finish, and was ■only a neck away third, with St. Petersburg next. Time, Imin 30sec. GREAT NORTHERN FOAL STAKES of lOOOsovs. Six furlongs. .2 —Sir Geo. Clifford’s Winning Way, by Cannie Chiel —Lady Wayward, 8.5 (F. E. Jones) 1 7 —T. H. Lowry’s Beldame, by Royal Fusilier —La Cloche, 8-5 (C. Jenkins) 2 I—“ Mr.1 —“Mr. Highden’s” Ermengarde, 2 by Charlemagne II. —Watershoot, 8.5 (A. Oliver) 3 Also started: 3 Canute 8.10 (H. Gray), 4 Monorail 8.10 (Deeley), 6 Haskayne 8,.7 (F. D. Jones), 8 Bleriot 8.5 (Hatch), 5 Dido 8.5 (Whittaker), and 9 Iridescence 8.5 (Brady). Dido and Bleriot were both caught in the tapes, and were left several lengths. Monorail was the first to set the pace, with Beldame next. The latter soon took command, but going along the top stretch Winning Way moved up and when the half mile post was reached was on terms with Beldame, while Ermengarde came next. On the straight being reached Winning Way had an advantage, and racing in resolute style scored a good win by the best part of a length. Beldame finished three good lengths ahead of Ermengarde. Then followed Canute, Haskayne, Iridescence, Dido. Monorail and Bleriot in that order. Time Imin 17 3-ssec. ROBINSON HANDICAP of 125sovs. Seven furlongs. 4 —J. E. McGee’s Maui Nina, by Menschikoff —Hypatia, 6.12 (J. O’Shea) 1 I—Royall—Royal Arms, 7.11 (Emmerson) 2 3 —Watchchain, 6.12 (Morris) .... 3 Also started: 8 Jolie Fille 8.7 (Satman), 6 Poictiers 8-4 (Buchanan), 2 La Reina 8.1 (Percival), 7 Worcester 7.12 (C. Brown), 5 Condamine 7.6 '(Deeley), 10 Caedmon 6.13 (Stockley). 11 Cloudy Dawn 6.12 (B. Oliver), and 9 M'T’t’.mrr ’.

Maui Niui dashed to the front as the harrier lifted, followed by Watchchain and La Reina. On entering the straight Watchchain challenged, but Maui Nina was too speedy. Inside the distance Royal Arms,. the favourite, came forward with a dash, but the game little mare kept going and scored a sood win by a Connie of lengths. Watchchain was only a neck behind Royal Arms at the finish, while La Reina was fourth. Time, Imin 30sec.

THE AUCKLAND CUP HANDICAP of 2000sovs; second horse to receive 400sovs, and third horse 200 sovs. Two miles. 14 — G. Robinson’s blk Ji Santa Rosa, 6yrs, by Soult —Vieux . Rose, 7.3 (C. Brown) 1 5 — W. C. Ring’s b h Domino, 4yrs, by Freedom —Modesty, 7.11 (A. Whittaker) 2 7 — J. Roulston’s br m Soultoria, syrs, by Soult —Pretoria, 7.11 (B. Deeley) 3 12 — Los Angelos, by San Francisco —La Valiere, 9.3 (R. xiatch) .. 0 4 —Waimangu, by Soult —Roxana, 8.6 (J. Conquest) . 0 6 — Miss Mischief, by Treadmill — Delusive, 8.5 (H. Gray) 0 15 — Mendip, by St. Paul —Sou’wester mare, 8.3 (C. Jenkins) 0 1 — Counterfeit, by Treadmill —Delusive, 7.12 (F. E. Jones) .... 0 2 — Miscount, by Birkenhead —Miss Never, 7.12 (L. Wilson) .... 0 11 —Goldfinder, by San Fran —Dazzle, 7.12 (J. Buchanan) 0 3 — Midnight Sun, by Multiform — La Notte, 7.4 (C- Emmerson) 0 10 —Coromandel, by Menschikoff — Golden Rose, 7.0 (Stratford) . . 0 8 — Maxwell, by Soult —Castorline, 6.12 (L. Morris) 0 9 — Ngapuka, by Soult —Paulina, 7.1 (B. Oliver) 0 16 — Bellah, by Royal Fusilier — Lissadurn, 6.7 (Tricklebank) 0 13 — Duma, by Stepniak—Camille, 6.8 (J. O’Shea) 0 Waimangu was coupled on the totalisator with Santa Rosa. Midnight Sun, Goldfinder and Waimangu all gave trouble at the post. When the tapes shot up the three fractious ones were the last to move and Waimangu lost several lengths before getting under way. Bellah’s colours were the first to show out in front, with the chequers of C rnnterfeit next. When the stand was reached Goldfinder was in the lead and set a merry pace until he surrendered the leadership to Domino as thev passed through the cutting, while Santa Rosa also became prominent. Turning for home Domino was going splendidly, but Santa Rosa put in a very resolute challenge, and headed ''he Waikato representative, who was showing signs of distress and failed to respond for a final spurt. Santa Rosa went on and put up a splendid finish winning with comparative ease by two lengths. After the bend coming into the straight was negotiated So fi oria put in a brilliant run and finished faster than anything in the

race- As the judge’s box was passed Soultoria had got within a short neck of Domino, and thus scored a meritorious third. The favourite, Counterfeit,, who appeared to find the distance rather beyond her powers, finished fourth. ihe next to finish were Miss Mischief, Coromandel, Maxwell and Bellah. Time, 3min 31 3GRAFTON HURDLE RACE of 200 sovs. Two miles. 1 — J. Roulston’s Delegate, by Phoebus Apollo—Pretoria, 11.4 (A. Julian) 1 6 —Don Quex, 11.6 . iynn) .... 2 2 — iMontigo, 10.8 (Thompson) .... 3 Also started: 7 Prophet 11.10 (M. Chaafe), 3 Reumac 11.6 (Futcher), 4 Black Northern 10.4 (Cowan), 5 Master William 9.0 (Foreman), and 8 Mildura 9-0 (Speakman). Don Quex was the first to show the way, followed by Black Northern, with the rest strung out. Passing the stand Don Quex was still in the lead, followed by Delegate, Black Northern and Montigo, while Mildura was last. Shortly after Mildura pulled up. Going along the back the order remained the same, but on entering the straight Delegate had assumed command and led over the last fence. In the run for home Delegate had no trouble to retain the lead and won comfortably by nearly three lengths from Don Quex, while Montigo was some distance away !hir:l. Time, 3min 50sec. RAILWAY HANDICAP of 650 sovs, Six furlongs. 17 —J. Monk’s Gipsy Belle, by Stepniak—Belle Clair, 8.1 (F. )E. Jones) ■ .1 B—Antoinette,8 —Antoinette, 8.5 (C. Brown) .... 2 4 — Culprit, 8.1 (Conquest) 3 Also started: 2 —Equitas, 9.13 (A. Oliver); s—Royal5—Royal Soult, 8.11 (Hatch); 11 —Formby, 8.10 (F. E. Jones); 16 —Salute, 8.4 (Brady); 1 — Kakama, 8.3 (Deeley), 3—Byron, 8.0 (H. Gray); 7—lreland, 8.0 (Jenkins); 15 —Dearest 7.13 (Trail) ; 14 —Turbine 7.10 (Buchanan); 6 —Jack Delaval, 7.8 (Stenning); 9 —Hohungatahi, 7.7 Whittaker); 12 —Taketuma, 6.7 (O’Shea).; 10—Gloy, 6.13 (Stockley); 13 —LucPle, 6.11 (Emmerson); 19 —Blue Garmen!-, 6.10 (Hall); and 18 —-Elegance, 6.7 (Percival).

Turbine was the only horse at a disadvantage over the start, which, considering there were twenty starters was an excellent one. Equitas was the first to take the lead, but

soou surrendered pride of place to Gipsy Belle, who was never headed, and won by a couple of lengths .from Antoinette, while Culprit was close up third, with Royal Soult and Equitas next in order. Time, 1.15 4-5. NURSERY HANDICAP of 250 sovs. > Five furlongs. 3 — Foss and Steuart’s Prince Soult, by Soult —Lady Hester, 7.10 1 15 —Centenary, 6.8 (O’Shea) .... 2 B—Neirene, 7.5 (Stowe) 3 Also started: 4 —Tact, 8.4 (C. Brown); 6 —-Monoline, 8.4 (F. E. Jones); 2 —Lady Georgia, 8.3 (Gray); 7 — Prince Merriwee, 7.10 < (Satman) 14 —Manette (Pecival); 16 —Pekerangi, 7.5 (Mcßandall); 16 —Rangira, 7.5 (B. Oliver); 12 —Devastation, 7.5 (Conquest); I—Scottish1 —Scottish Star, 7.3 (Emmerson); 9 —Lady Gladstone, 7.1 (Moore); s—Launacost,5 —Launacost, 7.0 (Hall); 10 —Allworthy, 6.8 (Brady); 15— Kaleato, 6.8 (Stockley); 13 —Monowai, 6.7 (Tricklebank); and 12 — Erey Oge, 6.7 (Stdatford). From a good start, Allworthy and Centenary were the first to show the way. On reaching the home straight they were still racing together in front, with Lady Georgia, Tact, and Monoline next in order. Allworthy was the first to lose his position, while Prince Soult shot to the front, and finishing strongly won comfortably by three lengths. Neirene, who finished very fast, got to within a length of Centenary, while Scottish Star was fourlh. Time, 1.3 3-5. CHRISTMAS HANDICAP of 200 sovs. One mile. I—W.1 —W. Walters’ General Latour, by Soult —Merry Nif, 8.0 (Brady 1 8— Sea Elf, 7.10 (Ryan) 2 4— Wee Olga, 7.0 (Stratford) ... 3 Also started: 3 —jfilectrakoff, 8.9 (Gray) ; 2 —St. Felix, 8.3 (Telford) ; 5 — Cheddar, 8.3 (Jenkins) ; 7 —■ Sphinx, 7.0 (O’Shea); 11 —Sea Pink, 6.11 (Tricklebank) ; 9 —Master Jack, 6.9 (Morris), 6 —First Wairiki, 6.9 (C. Brown) ; and 10 —Aristocrat, 6.7 (Emmerson).

The start was unsatisfactory. Sea Pink and Master Jack were badly left. First Wairiki was the first to show out in front, and led the field along the back stretch, followed by General Latour and Wee Olga. On entering the straight, First Wairiki was still

in the lead, but soon surrendered to General Latour, and then died away. Sea Elf and Wee Olga then came With brilliant runs, but failed to reach the leader, who won comfortably by a couple of lengths. Sea Elf just managed to wrest second honours from, her stable mate, Wee Olga, by half a length. Time, 1.41 3-5.