WEST COAST.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1158, 20 June 1912, Page 12

WEST COAST.

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

WANGANUI, June 17. It is more than likely that the value of the next Wanganui Steeplechase will be increased by £lOO, making it worth £6O 0 instead of £5O 0, as at present. The stakes in some of the other events will also be increased. The opinion has been frequently expressed that the Wanganui Jockey Club ought to hold its race meetings on consecutive days, instead of having a day between, as has been the custom lately. However, experience has proved that racing on Thursday? and Saturdays has been more successful than on Thursdays and Fridays, the second day’s crowds having always been large on the Saturdayswhile the tote returns have been much better. In the circumstances, it is not to be wondered at that the club has decided to hold all its meetings next season on Thursdays and Saturdays. Though Antarctic was not paid up for in the Hawke’s Bay Steeplechase, he will probably be taken over for the Napier Park meeting. He seems to be very sore at times, but it is believed to be only rheumatism which affects him. He is being kept at useful work, and his trainer has every hope of getting him to the post at the Park gathering in good fettle. Whimper, who returned from the South at the beginning of the week, has been entered for the jumping' events at Gisborne.

On the strength of information received, Idealism is much fancied here for the Hawke’s Bay Hurdles. It is reported from Waverley that Koran is doing excellent work, and is now shaping at his best again, having got rid of the cold which b contracted just prior to the Century Hurdles. Kauroa is also said to be doing good work at Marton, having improved a lot since the Wanganui meeting. Mr C. Gordon, owner of Cavil, Sardonyx, and other good jumpers, purchased Dorando recently. Such a fine juniper ought to win a race or two for his new owner, who is a prominent member of the EgmontWanganui Hunt Club, and at one time used to do a lot of cross-country riding as an amateur. It is very gratifying to a handicapper to find his services rewarded by a bonus at the end of the season. This was the happy experience of Mr George Morse last week, when he received a cheque from the Wanganui Jockey Club in recognition of the good work he had done.