SOUTHLAND.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1402, 8 March 1917, Page 14

SOUTHLAND.

Racing Men’s Ready Response to Empire’s Call —Addition to G. McLean’s Team —Rongahere Probably Race at Gore —Two Well-known Invercargill Owners Go Into Camp. INVERCARGILL, March 2. It is now reported that the recent Tapanui R.C. meeting at Gore resulted in a loss of £l5O. Opponents of racing are frantically claiming that followers of the turf are evading military duty, but this is not correct, as far as the southern part of the Dominion is concerned, and this is proved by the knowledge that many clubs hereabouts have of late lost money owing to a falling off in public support. Owners, trainers, horsemen, and thousands of racecourse patrons have voluntarily taken up arms, and this fact is causing concern with those who guide the destinies of our turf institutions, not because they desire to hinder recruiL ing, but simply on account of financial responsibilities which have been entered into. It is all very well for the hard and fast enemy of the great game to advocate its abolition at one fell swoop, but there are many obligations, financial and otherwise, to be considered before ratfing clubs can adopt a “go slow” policy, which includes the curtailment of employment and a serious drop in the value of horseflesh.

Next week entries for the Gore R.C. and Southland R.C. autumn meetings are due, and it is estimated that a liberal response will be made by owners, a powerful factor in this connection being the absence of opposition in Canterbury and Otago during March. This enables northern people to annually assist at the Gore and Invercargill fixtures.

Owing to rain at regular intervals, southern tracks are now in excellent order for training purposes, and the weak-limbed brigade are being speeded up for the fall campaign. Of the local cracks, Rorke’s Drift has not been heavily tasked since his return from the Dunedin Cup fixture, while Golden King is still under treatment for injuries received by being galloped upon in the Publicans’ Handicap. Hogan is also nursing Balboa, in the hope that the chestnut will stand further preparation. It is expected that the Rivertontrained Buller and Gunrest will be found in racing condition for forthcoming local meetings, as both are training on.

It is understood that The Spike, by Charlemagne II. —Marlin, has joined G. McLean’s team.

The president of the Southland R.C., Mr. W. T. Hazlett, who has retired from an active commercial life, has purchased a property of about 350 acres of rich grazing river flat in the vicinity of Invercargill, and it may be found that he is going to breed thoroughbreds on a small scale. In the meantime, one of his racing propositions of recent years, viz., Directoire, is rearing a particularly sturdy colt foal by the deported Danube. It is reported that Rongahere injured one of his feet recently during

the course of a cross-country schooling task in company with that experienced steeplechaser, The Brewer, but the accident is not likely to prevent him making his debut between the flags at Gore during the current month. Reports from the capital city of Otago are to the effect that the Dunedin Jockey Club did not reap more than a modest profit as the result of the Cup meeting. However, the metropolitan body will benefit in another direction, as the success of the gathering from a sporting point of view will serve as an invaluable advertisement in the days to come. Two well-known Invercargill owners and breeders, viz., Mr. E. Russell, a lover of thoroughbreds, and Mr. J. B. Thomson, a leading supporter of the light harness sport, go into camp at Trentham next week. In the meantime, Mohawk is to continue in work, but Mr. Thomson’s trotting stock are to be submitted at auction in Christchurch on Easter Monday morning. Mr. Russell has had several tempting offers for his American horse, but has no intention of parting with his favourite. It is understood that several southern horses are .to be nominated for leading and other events at the Canterbury J.C. Easter fixture, but this does not necessarily mean that they will be found at Riccarton next month. The Southland R.C. and Riverton R.C. meetings provide attractive features at home during this period. The Downshire mare Camaieu is being kept in light work. She may race once or twice at autumn meetings, but her owner’s main idea is to keep her in condition with a view to early spring engagements.

Trainer L. Smith has Hardshot working along satisfactorily at pre-

sent, and, at the same time, is building up a Sarto —Dinna Forget gelding, which is destined to carry the colours of Mr. Jas. Ritchie, one of the vice-presidents ot the Southland R.C., next season.