WANGANUI.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1261, 18 June 1914, Page 16

WANGANUI.

Gondolier in Splendid Fettle —Fordell Stable’s Future Engagements—Marton J.C. Interested in Electric Starting Barrier —The Marton J.C’s.. Pro- , gramme—Waverley R.C. to Build New Stewards’ Stand. /"From Our Own Correspondent.) i . WANGANUI, Monday. Gondolier left here on Saturday for Hast’ngs, where he is engaged in the big steeplechase event on Wednesdav at 10.2. The gelding is in snlendid fettle, and should run a good race, judging by the way he has been acquitting himself over the fences in his schooling essays. On Thursday morning he gave a fine display of

clean jumping, and A. Hall, who is training him, is confident he will beat more than wfll beat him on Wednesday.

Aruake left here this morning in charge of W. Rayner to fulfil his engagements at the Hawke's Bay meeting. He is looking exceptionally well, and hopped over a couple of hurdles in fine stayle on Thursday. On his running in the Century Hurdles the sen or Chasseur must have a big chance in Wednesday’s event, n which there will not be a very strong field. Sam Pan (10.2) is very nicely treated, and hs party are said to be very confident, but if Mescal has male the improvement he is said to have done since the Wanganui meeting Sam Pan will need to put up a better performance than he has yet been cred ted with to finish in front of the Handsome Jack gelding, w’hile Aruake must also make a big bid for victory. Fred Tilley did not accept wit a Princess Moutoa for the Heretaunga Handicap, but the filly, will probably be seen out on the second day cf the meet ng. The Fordell trainer has Goodwin Park in steady work in view of the Wellington and Canterbury Jockey Club winter meet ngs. The Sylvia Park gelding is likely to be one of the favourites for the Grand National Hurdles, while Kaniki should run a big race in the Winter Cup. It is probable that Kew and Bonny Helen will also be racing at Treiltham and Riccarton.

Antarctic is looking a lot better new than he was when he ran secend in the Wellington Steeplechase two years ago, and Mr. W. R. Tuck appears to be hopeful of the Salvadan gelding running either at Trentham or at Riccarton. He is being given plenty of solid work on the sea beach, besides a good deal of hill work, and this has had the effect of hardening him up without jarring his “dicky” leg. It is not intended to give him much work on the track, but if he keeps on all right as he is going he may confound all the critics who recently predicted that he would never win another race. Such a fine jumper and great stayer, with the pace he has got, would ma v e most of the cross-country horses about now look like hacks if he could be got to the post anywhere near sound and well.

Mr. W. Hall's many friends will l e pleased to learn that he is progressing favourably, and hopes soon to b? about again.

At a meeting of the Marton Jockey Club’s committee, held the other day, it was decided to obtain further particulars in respect to the electr c barrier starting machine with a view to purchase. The stakes for the spring meeting to be held on Wednesday, September 2, were increased by £265 10s. The programme w'll be as under: —Hack Hurdles (1% miles) 130sovs, Maiden Hack (seven furlongs) 120sovs, Railway Hand cap (open), six furlongs, 175sovs, Hunt Cup (three miles) 75sovs and 20 guinea cup, Marton Handicap (1% miles) 250sovs, Electric Hack (six furlongs) 120sovs, Hack Steeples (2% miles) 140sovs, Tutaenui Hack Welter (one mile) 130sovs. It was decided in regard to the steeplechase jumps, that all should be built of brush.

Tenders closed on Saturday for the erection of a new stewards’ stand for the Waverley Racing Club. The new building is to be a two-storeyed one, and is to cover an area of 50ft. by 35ft. On the ground floor will be accommodation for the secretary and iockeys and the weighing room. On the first floor will be the stewards’ room, press room, stewards’ sitting room, and all conveniences. The new build’ng, which will be completed be fere the annual meeting on Labour Day. will be a credit to the Waver-ley-Waitctara club, whose meetings are very popular with racegoers on <he coast.