RACING REVIEWED

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1418, 28 June 1917, Page 18

RACING REVIEWED

NAPIER PARK RACING CLUB.

WINTER MEETING.

BRAEBURN WINS NAPIER STEEPLECHASE.

(From Our Napier Correspondent.)

The opening day of the fixture was one of the ideal sort from a climatic point of observation, for it was more like spring than mid-winter weather. Naturally, the going was of the dead heavy description, a fact that was quite expected, for the heavy rains of late had been severely felt at the Park, and about 10 days prior to the meeting the course and grounds had been completely under water. Under the circumstances the ground had made a good recovery from the inundation. The attendance was of the large order, but evidently patrons were not so well provided with the necessary bullion for speculative purposes, as a falling off of £1350, when compared to the sum handled at the winter meeting, was apparent when the totals for the day had been made up, the sum of £12,124 being handled during the afternoon. Winners were hard to locate, and those who were able to select the victors received good returns for their investments. The first favourites went down with a regularity that must have been disheartening to their supporters, for in only one case did one of the prime lots get into the money; this occurred when Dingle ran second to Flash Lady in

the Ladies’ Necklace Handicap. A ticket taken out on each first favourite would have shown a loss of six guineas, so it can be observed that Mr. Coyle’s weight adjustments puzzled backers sorely. In the majority of instances the starting of Mr. Woods left nothing to cavil at, for they were even and prompt. Colorado had the greatest following in the Moteo Hack Hurdles, for which a field of 14 went to the post, Yarilla and Iceberg being the next in request. The favourite was given every opportunity to make good, but failed badly, for he was not in the first four. Want, who moved in an attractive manner in his preliminary, was always in a good position, and at the right end held his own, winning by a couple of lengths from Iceberg, St. Bees defeating Jem for third place on the post. The latter put in a great run in the last half mile, for he shot to the front and looked as if he would stay there, but he failed to respond to the challenges put to him over the last bit. Yarilla made the pace solid while he lasted, but he surrendered after going about ten furlongs. The last fence proved disastrous to Atuatoro, who punched it hard and solid, with the result that he toppled over, his pilot (Jerry O’Connell) escaping injury. Czaronus, Grey Guard and Sabrenui were backed in that order for the Petane Steeplechase, but' the trio left their supporters in the lurch, for they failed to get into a place. Win ning honours went to the outsider of the bunch in Bodenham, who was

always in a first-class position. The favourite when appearing to have excellent chances of winning toppled over at the sod wall in the last circuit. Ranza fell early in the trip, and Collector, when going well, pass ed out at the brush fence at the seven furlong mark. At the home bend Kew and Papatere were close up to Bodenham, but he had the advantage of them over the last furlong and won comfortably from Merry Jack, who came from a long way back in the last couple of furlongs. R’dden with more judgment he would have tested Bodenham. Surtax was ridden a peculiar race, for he was tailing up the field for quite a mile and a-half, never seeming to improve his position until the last half mile was entered upon, when he commenced to put in good work, but the leaders had too much advantage for him to take a hand in the finish. Papatere was a bad fourth, and then came Sabrenui, Silver Monarch and Dood. The winner paid the price of the meeting, returning his 30 supporters a nice double-figure dividend.

There were 16 starters in the Stewards’ Stakes,’ Ohiwai being the selected one, with Sir Ralph and Lady Middleton second and third choice respectively. The favourite was never prominent and finished a long way back. Raumanuwhiri and Sea Lord were the first out, and the pair were well out in front to the half mile post, where Sea Lord commenced to go back, and Hythread, Sir Ralph and King Chiara were in attendance on the leader. Raumanuwhiri had enough left in her to stall off a vigorous challenge from Sir Ralph, the honours going to the daughter of King’s Guest by a bare length. Undecided, who was running

on at the finish, was third, with King Chiara next. The winner carried a 101 b penalty for her win at Gisborne the previous week. Her connections helped themselves to the good price she returned, and the mare has proved a good investment for Mr. A. White, who at one time owned another good one in Loch Mabin. Merrie Lad was the only withdrawal from the Napier Steeplechase, 11 being left to do battle for the event. St. Elmn had a big pull in the betting, and went out a warm first favourite, the next to be backed being Record, with Nita third choice. Diavolo took command at the outset, and led Jackman, Sandy Paul and the favourite, with Nita last. Passing the stand the first time Soporific had got up to Diavolo, and this pair piloted the field for the second circuit, St. Elmn, who was not fencing any too good, going back. With a mile to go Diavolo and Soporific were still the advance guard, with Record in third place and Marton and Braeburn next. Before coming to the second to last fence (a brush), about three furlongs from the post, Diavolo had given way to Record, who was just on Soporific’s quarters as the latter took off at the obstacle. This proved Soporific’s undoing, for down he came, and Record was left with a commanding lead, it being only a question of him surviving the last fence to win, for he was quite a hundred yards ahead of Marton, who was closely attended by Braeburn. Record never seemed to rise to the fence and he tossed out. The

mishap left the way apparently clear for Marton, but the top weight, stick ing to his task well, managed to head off Marton a few strides from the post, and crossed the mark a bare neck to the good. Diavolo was the next to finish, followed by Fagot and Nita. .H. Pickett, the rider of Soporific, sustained a badly fractured collarbone as a result of the accident. Braeburn’s score in the Napier Steeplechase makes his second conquest in the event, for last season he captured the stake when he had 11.3 in the saddle.

D.ngle was made a good favourite for the Ladies’ Necklace, in which he was opposed by half a dozen others. Flash Lady was second in demand and Mahzoltov third choice. The Summit, who was paying a good price, should have won, and nothing else, but he was handled so badly that his chances were quite obliterated. The favourite was also ridden a shocking race, for after going six furlongs he was giving the leader, Flash Lady, quite a hundred yards start. He managed to get up to her. but she was going so well that he was held in check, and the verdict went up for Flash Lady, who got there with someth : ng in hand by a bare length. The winner was nicely ridden by Mr. L. A. Mclntosh, who never pulled his mount about, but rode a nice waiting race in front. The Ahuriri Hurdles only attracted five runners, Montana being installed a warm first choice, with Leonta and Black Heart next best backed. The favourite soon put his backers out of suspense, for the second hurdle brought about his downfall and end. He apparently did not see the obstacle, but went crash into it, landing heavily. It could be seen that he

was badly injured, and he ultimately had to be destroyed. At the five furlong post Leonta took charge from Master Timi and Black Heart, but he was soon afterwards challenged by Master Timi, who easily had his measure, and the Gisborne-owned horse registered a very comfortable win, Black Heart being a moderate third. Stan. Reid, who was up on Montana, escaped without injury. Woodlark reigned as favourite in the Settlers’ Hack, in which there were 18 starters, the South Island owned Linden being second choice and Glucian third selection. The surprise came about from Kiltess, who was not prominent until the home stretch was reached when she came with a great burst of speed, and. catching Linden and Glucian, piloted the way home by a long neck from Linden, who was just clear of Glue ian. The winner rewarded her supporters with a double-figure dividend in the vicinity of a score. The fav ourite was badly placed throughout the journey, and at no time appeared to have favourable prospects of scoring. The results were: — MOTEO HACK HURDLES of 125sovs One mile and three-quarters. 4 —G. Penfold’s b g Want, syrs, by Penury—Lady Flora, 10.2 (S. Henderson) 1 3-—lceberg, 10.1 2 12—St. Bees, 9.0 3 Also started: Mummer 10.10, Deeside 10.7, Golden Glade 10.3, Atuatoro 9.13, Jem 9.12, Colorado 9.10, Maryland 9.5. Turehau 9.0, Sano 9.0, Yarilla 9.0, Mt. Victoria 9.0. Won by four lengths. Time, 3min 30 4-ssec.

PETANE STEEPLECHASE of 120sovs.

About two miles

15 —J- H. Colburn’s br g Bodenham, by San Fran — The Brook. 10.2 (R. Thompson) 1 7—Merry Jack, 10.6 2 9—Kew, 10.0 3 Also started: Collector 10.12 Grey Guard 10.9, Surtax 10.0, Sabrenui 9.13 Papatere 9.8, Silver Monarch 9.7, Ranza 9.7, Dood 9.7, Torchy 9.7.

Collector and Ranza fell. Won by two lengths. Time, 4min 27 3-ssec.

STEWARDS’ HANDICAP of 250sovs. One mile. 5— T. White’s blk m Raumanuwhiri, syrs, by King’s Guest—Ramoana, 9.0 (O’Shea) i 2—Sir Ralph, 9.0 2 14—Undecided, 9.7 3 Also started: Marsa 10.7, Lady Middleton 9.12, Sea Lord 9.9, Ohiwia 9 8 Ardent 9.8, Hyllus 9.5, Settler 9.5. King Chiara 9.5, Mysteriarch 9.2, Black Ada 9.2, Whakahoki 9.2, Roumania 9.0, Hythread 9.0. Won by half a length. Time, lmin 52 l-ssec. NAPIER STEEPLECHASE of 500sovs. Three miles. ” —W H. Colello’s br g Braeburn, aged, by Sir Laddo —Tuharangi, 12.0 (Deerey) 1 7—Marton, 10.9 2 6 — Diavolo, 9.9 3 Also started: Soporific 11.1, St. Elmn 10.10, Fagot 10.1, Merry Lad 10.0, Record 10.0, Sandy Paul 9.12, Jackman 9.10, Nita 9.7, Dood 9.7. Soporific and Record fell. Won by half a length, with two lengths between second and third horses Time, 6min 53 4-ssec. LADIES’ NECKLACE of lOOsovs. One mile and a-quarter. 2— Mrs T. Fraser’s b m Flash Lady, 10.10 (Mr. Mclntosh) 1 I—Dingle, 11.11 2 3 — The Summit, 12.3 3 Also started: Hygia 11.10, Mahzoltov 10.13, Manaia Park 10.7, Loch Maree 10.7. Won by a length. Time, 2min 29 3-ssec. AHURIRI HURDLES of 225sovs. One mile and three-quarters.

4—W. Alien’s ch g Master Timi, byrs, 9.9 (R. McSeveney) 1 2 — Leonta, 10.11 2 3— Black Heart, 9.3 ......’ ’ ’ ’ " ” ’ ’ 3 9sstartecl: s 5 tartecl: Montana io.b', ’ Golden Montana fell and was destroyed. ™ia ere i ere three lengths between the placed horses. Time, 3min 32 4-ssec.

SETTLERS’ HACK HANDICAP of 120 sovs. Six furlongs.

13 —F. Higgott’s br m Kiltess, syrs, by Finland—Miss Lochiel, 9.13 (P. Brady) 1 2 — Linden, 10.0 2 3— Glucian, 9.0 3 Also started: Tuticorn .10.5, Lady Paula 10.4, Lord Laddo 10.2, Maraetotara 9.13, Tinkler 9.10, Hastie 9.6, Woodlark 93, Whitiaphiti 9.2, Cross Words 9.0, Manhattan 9.0, Sylvan Maid 9.0, Belgian Maid 9.0, Pall Mall 9.0 Sunshade 9.0, Bloomine 9.0. A couple of lengths separated the placed horses. Time, lmin 22 2-ssec. CONCLUDING DAY. COLLECTOR WINS STEEPLES. OTARA THE WINTER OATS. The weather was gloomy and inclined to be foggy on Saturday, when the gathering was brought to a close. The attendance was again above the average. The totalisator investments amounted to £14,200, a decrease of £1390 compared to the concluding day of the 1916 gathering, making a total for the two days of £26,324, as against £30,064 last year. The course had not improved, and was a trifle heavier and more holding than was the case on the preceding afternoon. A start was made with the Meanee Hack Handicap, the field consisting

of seven runners, favouritism resting with Lady Paula, with Hastie and Tuticorn second and third favourites respectively. Hastie and Lady Paula were in front to just before reaching the home bend, with Sunshade going well on the outside. The turn for home saw Lady Paula fade out, and Hastie was left in charge. Sunshade, however, had h s measure, and, continuing her run vigorously, landed the stake from Hastie by a bare length, w th Bloomine in third place. The winner, who was bred by the Hon. J. D. Ormond, is a full sister to Daytime, and is raced by Mr. G. C. Ormond, the eldest son of the Hon. J. D. Ormond. She is trained at Hastings by J. Maher, who has Swinton also in the same interests as Sunshade under his care.

Want. Maryland and Jem were rmss ng from the acceptors for the Waiohiki Hack Hurdles, the lastnamed’s defection being due to the fact that he was late in the birdcage, and was not allowed to start. Iceberg, who looked the better for his efforts the previous day, was installed favourite, Tornea being second choice and St. Bees third in demand. The favourite carried out the anticipations of h s supporters, for in the last bit he took charge and easily held Colorado. St. Bees was a fair third, and Manaia Park fourth. My Pal and Mummer were first out, but the former came to grief at the hurdle at the six furlong post and his chances were gone shortly afterwards. Mummer ret.red quickly, and upon coming back to the paddock the stipendiary stewards held an inquiry into the running of Mummer. After taking evidence they came to the decision that there was a deal of suspicion about the efforts of the rider, but they considered there was not sufficient evidence before them to further deal with the case.

Of the 13 starters in the Winter Oats S’T Ralph had the most support accorded to him, Sea Lord and The Summit being the next to come into consideration. The Summit, Sir Ralph and King Ch'ara were amongst those prominent in the early stages of the run, Sea Lord being ridden in behind instead of adopting the usual tactics and hitting out in front from the word go. At the home bend he came through and appeared to have a royal chance, but half-way up the running Otara came at him, and, beating him for pace, registered a comfortable win. King Chiara, who finished strongly, was third, and Undecided fourth. Backers of Otara received a two-figure dividend. Soporific was the best supported of the eight runners which lined up for the Park Steeplechase, D’’avolo, one of whose legs had filled, being the only withdrawal from the overnight acceptors. Czaronus was second favourite, and Marton third pick. Merrie Lad was making his reappearance in the event, but was never prominent, which can be accounted for owing to the fact that he has only been in work about three weeks. He looked big and bright, and a better day is sure to be in store for him. The favourite was soon done with, and the verdict was secured by the light weighted Collector, who was followed home by Sandy Paul in second place and Czaronus and Jackman in third and fourth places respectively. Something appeared to go wrong with the stirrup leathers and irons on Czaronus’ saddle, which no doubt accounted for his failure to run up to expectations. The Hunt Club Steeplechase attracted a very ordinary lot of five runners, Ranza being the chosen one. Glouria and Burgess being second and third choices respect’vely. Ranza and Burgess were the first out, but the former soon came to grief, and Burgess was left with a good lead. He fenced well, and never gave the other three runners a chance to get on terms with him, triumphing easily from The Mouse, who was a long way ahead of the third horse. Grey Lynn. The winner is one of J. S. O’Neill’s charges, and has been no time m work. He is an aged son of Captain Webb and Mercia, and, like all of his sire’s gets, can fence well.

Want was made a solid favourite for the Poraite Hurdle Race, second choice resting with Master Timi. with Black Heart third in demand. The favourite was no match for the G’s-borne-owned gelding, who won, if anyth ng. easier than he did the previous afternoon. Black Heart who carried 51b over weight, was third. Keoya. who was the outsider of the bunch, was never dangerous, and Gladful was also out of the running. The whole of the 13 listed on the card for the Newstead Hack Handi-

cap got under weigh for the contest, Glucian being the best supported. Then came Hythread and Rongora in that order. The light was getting bad when the dismissal took place, and it was difficult to pick up the horses at the back. Coming to the straight it could be seen that Rongora, the favourite and Hastie were prominent. Half-way up the straight Kiltess appeared on the scene, and. finishing with great vim. won cleverly from Hastie, with the favourite third. P. Brady and R. McSeveney. with a couple of wins each, headed the successful horsemen at the meeting, Mr. L. A. Mclntosh. S. Henderson. R. Thompson, J. O’Shea, J. Deerey, C. Emerson, R. E. Brown. A. Reed. Stan. Reid, and J. O’Connell ’each being up on a winner. The results were: —

MEEANEE HACK HANDICAP of 'OO sovs. Six furlongs. 6 — G. Ormond’s Sunshade, 9.0 (C. Emerson) 1 2 — Hastie, 9.0 3 7 — Bloomine. 9.0 3 Also started: 3 Tuticorn 10.4, 1 Lady Paula 10.2. 4 Woodlark 9.1, 5 Whitiapiti 9 0. There were two lengths between the placed horses. Time, lmin 23 l-ssec. WAIOHIKI HACK HCRDLES of 125 sovs. One mile and a-half. I— F. Jewell’s gr g Iceberg, 6yrs, by Coronet- —Snowflake, 10.9 (R. E. Brown) 1 s—Colorado,5 —Colorado, 9.10 2 3 — St. Bees, 9.0 3 Also started: 11 Mummer 10.10, 9 Deeside 10.5, 2 Tornea 9.12, 8 Manaia Park 9.2, 12 Sano 9.0, 7 Mt. Victoria 9.0, 6 Yarilla 9.0, 10 Kaiwhakahaere 9.0, 4 My Pal 9 0. Won easily. Time, 3min 3 4-ssec. WINTER OATS HANDICAP of Kosovs. Seven furlongs. 9 —Hon. W. D. S. McDonald’s ch g Otara, 6yrs, by Gazeley —Te Aorangi, 9.2 ((A. Reed) 1 2 —Sea Lord, 9.9 2 7 —King Chiara, 9.5 3 Also started: 12 Marsa 10.6, 8 Lady Middleton 9.10, 5 Undecided 9.9, 3 The Summit 9.7, 1 Sir Ralph 9.5, 6 Zeus 9.5, II Hyllus 9.4, 10 Mysteriarch 9.0, 4 Black Ada 9.0, 13 Whakahoki 9.0. There was a length between the placed horses. Time, lmin 38sec. PARK STEEPLECHASE of 300sovs. Two miles and a-half. 7 —S. Sale’s b g Collector, aged, by Conqueror — Grecian Maid, 9.7 (Stan. Reid) 1 s—Sandy5—Sandy Paul, 10.9 2 2 — Czaronus, 10.7 3 Also started: 1 Soporific 11.9. 3 Marton 11.0, 4 Merrie Lad 10.7, 6 Jackman 9.9, 8 Silver Monarch 9.7. Won by two lengths, a length between second and third. Time, smin 36 2-ssec. HUNT CLUB STEEPLECHASE of a 20 guinea cup, with 50sovs added. Two miles and a-half. 3 — W. Hobson’s b g Burgess, aged, by Captain Webb —Mercia, 10.11 (j. O’Connell) 1 4 — The Mouse, 11.13 • 2 5— Grey Lynn, 10.7 3 Also started: 1 Ranza 10.11, 2 Glouria. Won easily. Time, 6min 6 2-ssec. PORAITE HURDLES of 200sovs. One mile and three-quarters. 2 — W. Allen’s ch g Master Timi, 10.5 (R. McSeveney) 1 1 — Want, 9.10 2 3 — Black Heart, 9.0 3 Also started: 4 Gladful 11.4, 6 Kooya 11.4, 5 Golden March 9.0. Won by two lengths, with three lengths between second and third. Time, 3min 31 l-ssec. NEWSTEAD HACK of 120sovs. Seven furlongs. 5 —F. Higgott’s br m Kiltess, syrs, by Finland —Miss Lochiel, 10.11 (P. Brady) I B—Hastie, 9.5 2 2 — Glucian, 9.2 3 Also started: 7 Grand Idea 10.8, 4 Dingle 10.6, 6 Linden 10.5, 11 Lord Laddo 10.0, 1 Hythread 9.2, 6 Maraetotara 9.11, 10 Flash Lady 9.11, 3 Rongora 9.7, 12 Belgian Maid 9.0. 9 Pall Mall 9.0. Won by two lengths. Time, lmin 39 l-ssec.