WELLINGTON.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1244, 19 February 1914, Page 15

WELLINGTON.

Peronilla’s Victory at Taranaki— Stewards in Keen Demand at Taranaki Meeting—Sinapis in Great Heart—Arrival of Brood Mares From Australia—Otaki Maori R.C. Pushing on With Steeplechase Course. (From Our Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, February 16. The news sent through from Wanganui on Friday last that the Metropolitan Committee of the Wanganui Jockey Club had removed the three months’ suspension passed on T. Pritchard recently in connection with some interference that took place- in connection with the Manawatu Racing Club’s meeting caused very general satisfaction in sporting circles. Pritchard had only recently resumed riding after being laid up for considerably over a year, as a result of an accident whereby he suffered ft broken, leg when Leolante'r fell

with him at the Feilding Easter meeting in 1912. “Tom” has always been looked upon as one of our straightest riders, and the fact of him again being allowed to follow his profession is a source of pleasure to his many admirers throughout the country. Los Angelos appears to have run a decent race in the Paul Memorial Handicap on the second day at New Plymouth. The son of San Francisco should be greatly benefited as a result of his recent exertions, and provided nothing untowards occurs in 'the interim this chestnut galloper, belonging to Mr. lan Duncan, of this city, should be seen in a favourable light when next he faces the starter. Peronilla’s win at the Taranaki meeting did not come out of its turn, and the success of the Achilles — Prelude mare will help somewhat to recompense Mr. W. Nidd for some of his sprinter’s recent failures. F. Higgott took Huia to the Egmont and Taranaki meetings, where the son of Kilcheran picked up a hurdle race at each place. When more accustomed to the obstacles Huia should make a capital jumper, as his pace on the flat will always be useful to him. Visitors from the Taranaki meeting speak of the gathering as one of prolonged enquiries, there being a continual stream of owners, trainers and riders into the stewards’ room on each day of the gathering. It is on record that some horses were kept late in the birdcage while the stewards were taking evidence in regard to some race that had been run previously. One wag was heard to remark that the club would find it necessary to replace some of the stairs leading to the stewards’ sanctum as a result of the heavy wear they sustained through the tramping on them of the heavy boots of owners, trainers and jockeys. Kilrain has been allowed to drop out of his Wanganui Cup engagement. The horse, however, is in capital trim, and can be depended upon to do his owners some more useful service before the present season draws to a close.

Stepney's trip to the Taranaki meeting proved fruitless, the son of Achilles not being seen at his best. The horse has developed unruliness at the barrier, and this may be the cause of some of his poor showings of iate. Sinapis continues to get through some long, steady work under H. Fletcher’s guidance at Tauherenikau. The daughter of St. Ambrose is looking in great heart, and provided she makes the Wanganui trip she should keep her opponents busy during the running of the Cup. So far Mr. A. R. Durrant’s intentions have not become known. W. Garrett makes no secret of the fact that he expects Sir Solo to put up the race of his life in the Wanganui Cup. In looking the gelding over recently the writer was much struck with his muscular appearance, and ell going well Sir Solo should prove cne of the hardest horses to dispose of in the event named. Nine brood mares were on board the s.s. Maunganui, which reached

Wellington from Sydney on Wednesday last. Seven were consigned to Mr. J. B. Reid, of Elderslie (Oamaru), while the other two belong to Mr. G. M. Currie, the Wanganui studmaster. Three of the mares had foals at foot. Mr. Sweeney, of Pahiatua, who is

entering the ranks of owners, has purchased Bonnie Girl (Sir Laddo — Roney) from R. Knox, of Opaki. Previous to going into vigorous training the mare will probably be treated to a spell. The executive of the Otaki Maori Racing Club are pushing on with all haste with the completicn of their steeplechase track, which will be in readiness for the June meeting. The club are to be congratulated on their progressiveness, and the new race is sure to be keenly appreciated by owners of ’chasers, who will have an opportunity of giving their horses some schooling before the arduous winter season's steeplechasing sets in in earnest. Coming just after the Wanganui meeting the steeplechase events should fill well. H). Telford, who has secured W. Davies’ late place at Trentham, will enter into possession as soon as some law phases have been settled. The buildings are admirably adapted for the purpose for which they will be used. The disqualification imposed by the Taranaki Jockey Club on H. B. Curtis, R. Johnson, and C. Price was a regular bombshell to sporting enthusiasts in Wellington. The persons named are all well known, and naturally the suspensions caused considerable excitement. C. Price gave promise of occupying a prominent position amongst winning horsemen during the present season, and his riding up to last week had been highly meritorious.

In all probability R. Berry will ride Sir Knox in the Wanganui Cup. The chestnut is doing nicely at Opaki. F. D. Jones, with Reputation and Vocation in his care, passed through Wellington last week on their way home to Rototawai, after their trip to the C.J.C. midsummer meeting. Reputation was burdened with too much weight, but nevertheless put up a good fight by running fourth in the Middle Park Plate. Vocation, cm the other hand, put up an excellent performance by winning the Trial Stakes and running second in the Craven Plate. “Freddy” has his charges well forward, and they should be heard of again in the near future. 11. Kingan is taking Silver Monarch to the. Dunedin meeting. The son of Sylvia Park has furnished into an ideal jumper, and should give a good account of himself at Wingatui. N. Campbell will pilot the chestnut In his Southern engagements. The six-year-old gelding Con the Shaughraun (Corcnet —Clemain) was sold privately in Hawera on Friday last by the trustees of the late J. Ryan’s estate for £3OO. The gelding was purchased by a South Island sportsman and has been shipped to his new home from Wellington. Con is a useful sort, and when his flat-racing days are ended he should make a capital hurdler, as he is possessed of stamina and race —two important acquisitions for a clearer of the obstacles.