WELLINGTON.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1363, 8 June 1916, Page 12

WELLINGTON.

The Otaki R.C.’s Meeting-Death of a Well-known Sporting’ Enthusiast — W. Garrett’s Team at Opaki,. . WELLINGTON, Monday. The winter meeting of the Otaki Maori Racing Club is being brought to a conclusion to-day under perfect conditions. The fields engaged on both days were exceptionally good, and with the large attendance of racegoers Mr. O. J. D’Ath, the club’s popular and energetic secretary, should have a flattering balance-sheet to place before his stewards. Meetings of our native friends are fast developing into ideal gatherings, and the future should reveal it as a highclass racing institution. The death took place in Wellington last week of a keen sporting enthusiast in Mr. W. (“Ginger”) King, a wellknown resident of the “windy” city. The .ate Mr. King had been for many years closely identified with several picture shows, and his passing away removes a genial and popular personality. Some of Mr. King’s many friends intend erecting a headstone to his memory in the Karori cemetery. At the' time of his decease Mr. Kjng was 47 years of age and unmarried. An advertisement in another portion of the “Review” draws attention to the fact that the racehorse Chillies (Achiljes —Bellicent) is in the private sale list. As this capital type of’a galloper- can be bought at a low figure intending buyers should communicate with Mr. W. Cooper, Masterton, at the earliest possible moment. Chillies comes into the market through his owner, Mr. R. Cooper, having left for the war.

Arlington, by Signalman — Nell Gwynne, continues to show promising track work at Trentham. The chestnut gives promise of capturing some hurdle events during the winter month's.

S. Watson, at Awapuni, is busy with Beno (Strowan —Somnus mare), who gives indications of proving useful later on. The five-year-old is credited with be.ng slippery and may get amongst the winners before the present racing season draws to a close. H. Crawford, the Featherston trainer, is subjecting Consultation (Elevation —Consolation) to a thorough preparation. All going well in the interim this four-year-old mare will be a competitor at Trentham next month.

R. Knox, the veteran Wairarapa trainer of Opaki, anticipates bringing Benope, the half-brother to Sir Knox by Bezonian, to the Wellington R.C.’s winter meeting next month. This two-year-old colt is fast developing into an ideal racehorse.

Albert Goodman, at Trentham, has Merangal (Marengo—G'allily) looking very well at present. The three-year-old gives every promise of making an acquisition to the racing brigade. Miss De Vai, the All Red —Northern Rose two-year-old filly, will not be unduly extended until the spring. This juvenile is quite one of the most promising of J. Ayres’ team for next season.

Trainer J. W. Lowe, at Trentham, is persevering with several of the Messrs. V. and E. Riddiford’s rising two-year-olds. Some of the youngsters give great promise, and next season should see the majority of them playing an important part in some of the classical events.

Trainer W. Garrett, at Opaki, is keeping Red Ribbon pottering about. The three-year-old is developing into a useful sort, and it will occasion no surprise to find this filly playing an important part in some of the principal handicap events next season.

The contest for £he riding supremacy for the present season between J. O’Shea and C. Emerson is causing some interest in sporting circles. With the. opportunity the pretensions of the Aucklander are held in most esteem, although it is considered that Emerson is putting up a strenuous fight for the honour. J. Carter, at Spring Creek (Blenheim), has Casco (Vasco —Mayhap) and Imaribbon (Gay Spark—Grey Ribbon) fast getting into racing trim. The pair are thought susceptible of making decided acquisitions to the racing ranks. A. Rore, the Blenheim trainer, anticipates bringing a small team to the W.R.C. winter fixture next month.

The list will include Heeltap, Pariform, Pukemooi and Pinono, all of whom are training on satisfactorily. The two former are making an excellent recovery from some internal complaint that affected them on the occasion of the Marlborough R.C.’s meeting last month.

The full-brother to Totaranui (Bridegroom—Seabird), in G. Reed’s stable, is furnishing into an ideal galloper. The gelding, who belongs to Mr. R. Bland, of the Exchange Hotel, Nelson, is assured of a prosperous turf career.

Pinono, the three-year-old by Bezonian—Zealandia, belonging to Mr. J. J. Corry, an esteemed Blenheim sportsman, is one of the most promising of A. Rore’s team. The gelding is expected to carry his popular owner’s colours with some success in the near future.

Soporific is coming on nicely, and already the gelding is being selected to gain some distinction in ’chasing events to be decided during the next few months. The gallops at the Otaki meeting should be the means of. freshening Soporific up considerably in view of approaching cross-country racing.

Amongst the visitors to Wellington last week were Mr. E. Short, of "Parorangi,” Feildmg, and Mr. G. Hume, of the Wairarapa. Both gentlemen report a splendid season with their sheep and cattle callings owing to the high prices ruling for stock and wool.