RACING REVIEWED.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1429, 13 September 1917, Page 12

RACING REVIEWED.

MARTON JOCKEY CLUB. SUCCESSFUL SPRING MEETING. ICEBERG WINS BIG HANDICAP. (From Our Wanganui Correspondent.) The new season’s racing was opened on this coast on Wednesday, when the Marton Jockey Club’s spring meeting was held. A light shower fell just before the first race was run, but the weather then cleared. There was a very large attendance of the public, visitors from all parts of the North Island assembling to witness the sport, which was of an interesting description, big fields and good racing, with close finishes, being the order of the day. As a result of the recent ran the track was very soft, and this probably spoilt the chances of some of the horses, particularly those which failed to begin well in the shorter events, as the leading division scattered mud freely on those following and in some cases nearly blinded the riders. Still, the racing was good, and in most of the events it is probable the results would have been the same even in good going. The management of the meeting was very satisfactory, and the various officials, especially Mr. Arthur Way (secretary) are to be congratulated on the businesslike manner in which they carried out their duties. Mr. H. Coyle, the handicapper, scored a distinct success, the excellence of his work being shown by the big fields and fine racing which was witnessed. Mr. C. O’Connor, the starter, got his fields away well together, though in one or two instances there were long delays at the post, where fractious horses were shown plenty of consideration. The totalisator staff handled £22,184, as against £17,675 last year, or an increase of £4509, and a lot of money appeared to be shut out in every race. Taken on the whole, the meeting must be written down as one of the best yet held by the club, and there should be a very substantial profit, which is the more pleasing seeing that the gathering was a patriotic one.

Only two favourites got home during the day, Master Strowan and Elocution. The former won the Rangitikei Steeplechase in fine style, and, needless to say, it was a very popular win, and was the fourth consecutive victory gained by the son of Strowan. There were some big dividends during the day, Vladieau paying a thumping price in the Electric Hack, whil e Sleepy Jack also paid well over a score in the hack welter, in which he dead-heated with Golden March, which gelding also paid a fine price.

Proceedings opened with the Hack Hurdles, in which the good field of 17 lined up, Swinton being made favour, te. Gay Guard ran off at the first hurdle, where My Pal parted company with his rider. Postillion made the pace very warm for half the distance, but then compounded, and Colorado took up the running, but Mattock challenged in the straight, and won by half a length from Colorado, with Swinton a fair third. The last-named had a bad passage, being twice badly blocked otherwise he might have won. Combustion was fourth. Twenty-two lined up for the Trial Plate, Piano (the Karamu representative) being made a hot favourite, but he was never in the front division. The Fordell pair (Coolpan and Rude) between them, carried more money than anything else, and they looked to have the race to themselves halfway up the straight, when Signorella came on the scene and momentarily appeared likely to win, but Rude finished well, and got home rather easily from ' Signorella, with Coolpan next, and then came Matilda. The winner was making his first appearance in pubi c. He is a nice cut of a gelding by Cyrus —Cheeky, and is one of the four purchased as yearlings in Sydney by Mr. W. Duncan. By the way, the first three horses were all ridden by jockeys belonging to the Fordell stable.

There were nine starters in the Hack Steeplechase, Bodenham being sent out favourite, but he had to be content with second place, being by Coalition. The latter was well handled by McSeveney, and gave a fine exhibition of jumping. Bodenham was very tired at the finish. Union Jack went well for a mile and a-half, but was then done with. Merry Jack was going well half a mile from home, where he ran off, as did also Sabrenui, which latter might win a race soon. There were 12 starters in the big flat event —the Marton Handicap— Kiltess and Chuckle being withdrawn. It was a good betting race, half a dozen being fairly evenly backed, Orleans carrying most money, with Detroit next in demand. Crawford tried to win from end to end, but found the task beyond him. The winner turned up in Iceberg, who came with a fine run on the outside in the straight and won a fine race from Lady Louisa, the latter just beating Crawford. Maniaroa was fourth. Detroit was going well at the bend, where he was chopped out, and Orleans appeared to be interfered with. The Channel was the only withdrawal from the Rangitikei Steeplechase, seven facing the starter, the top weight (Master Strowan) being sent out favourite. The Grand National winner justified the confidence reposed in him by winning comfortably at the end. For about two miles the jumping was of a high class, but then Golden Glow toppled over, and Sandy Paul (who was leading) made a very faulty jump and all but lost his rider (F. Flynn), who made a very clever recovery. Kurapai had a slight lead over the last obstacle, but Master Strowan then went to the front, and it was all over. Acre, one of F. Tilley’s charges, looked remarkably fit and was entrusted with most money in the Electric Hack. The favourite was in front early, and led at the entrance to the straight from Impediment. Vladieau joined issue in the run home, and after a good race won by a length from Impediment, Silver Tongue a fair third and Polynesian fourth. The winner, a four-year-old mare by Vladimir—Noyeau, owned and trained by Mr. J. Morris, paid a great price. He was ridden by his owner’s son. Elocution was made the medium of solid support for the Railway Handicap, and the three-year-old daughter of Demosthenes made good, winning in the last few strides from Centre, with Hushabye close up third. Avon Park was fourth. It was a fine finish. Petruchio and Bivouac led for four furlongs. The day’s sport was brought to a close with the running of the Tutaenui Hack Welter, for which there were 20 starters, Lady Beaufort being made favourite. Salutory led for three-parts of the journey, when Golden March, Sleepy Jack and Woodlark closed up, and a splendid finish was fought out, the three passing the post locked together. The judge could not separate Golden March and Sleepy Jack, while Woodlark was only a head away, and Welshman was close up fourth. Young L. Morris, who rode Vladieau also had the mount on Golden March and thus rode two big dividend payers during the day. The results were: — HACK HURDLES' of 130sovs. One mile and a-half. 6 —J. B. Gaisford’s br g Mattock, aged, by Martello—ltepo mare, 9.5 (Lawrence) 1 5 — James Bull’s b g Colorado, 9.8 (A. McDonald) 2 1 — G. C. Ormond’s b g Swinton, 9.8 (F. Flynn) 3 Also started: 3 Miss Sation 11.1 (McSeveney), 10 Austin 10.11 (McFlinn), 2 Tatimi 10.11 (H. Burt), 5 Postillion 10.9 (R. Wilson), 13 Combustion 9.12 (F. Reid), 12 Gold Fran 9.9 (Anderton), 14 Ascalon 9.7 (A. Ward), 9 Calais 9.5 (Copestake), 15 Son 9.0 (Rowlands), 17 Gay Guard 9.0 (O’Halloran), 7 My Pal 9.0 (Catbro), 16 Sportful 9.0 (Warner), 11 The Channel 9.7 (Preston), 8 Yarilla 9.0 (Henderson). Won by three-quarters of a length, a similar distance between second and third. Combustion was fourth. Time, 3min 3sec. TRIAL HACK PLATE of lOOsovs. Five furlongs. 2 — W. Duncan’s br g Rude, 3yrs, by Cyrus—Cheeky, 7.11 (McCarten) 1 6 — Cullinane and O’Reilly’s br g Signorella, 4yrs, 8.11 (C. Price) ... 2 2 —W. Duncan’s br g Coolpan, 3yrs, 7.11 (T. Young) 3 Also started: 10 Golden March 8.13 (McDonald), 15 Torchlight 8.13 (Horner). 3 Mulatto 8.13 (R. Reed), 10 General Chasseur 8.13 (L. Nodder), 7 Warmaid 8.11 (Clarke), 8 Tunukoke 8.11 (W. Davis), 17 Little Ann 8.11 (E. Copestake), IS Roihiwai 8.9 (T. George), 14 Newlant 8.9 (Robinson), 12 Royal Reign 8.9 (R. E. Brown), 19 Maniahera 7.11 (Murphy), 9 Backfire 7.11 (Sinclair), 1 Piano 7.9 (Hewitt), 13 Monatour 7 9 (J. Conquest), 16 Arihia 7.9 (H. Low), 4 Matilda 7.9 (A. Reed), 11 Eloquence 7.9

(E. Manson), 15 Zela 7.9 (R. Raynor), 18 Lady Fermier 7.9 (Bagby). Won by a length, three lengths between second and third. Matilda was fourth. Time, lmin 18 l-ssec. HACK STEEPLECHASE of 150sovs. Two miles. B—E. and V. Riddiford’s b g Coalition, aged, by Patronus —Pauline. 9.7 (McSeveney) 1 I—J. H. Colebourne’s br g Bodenham, 10.13 (F. Flynn) 2 3 — J. G. Collins’ br g Pawerewere, 9.7 (H. McSweeney) 3 Also started: 5 Merry Jack 11.4 (A. McDonald), 6 Fashion Plate 10.9 (S. Reid), 2 Union Jack 10.0 (E. Copestake), 4 Aratiatia 10.6 (H. Burt), 7 Sabrenui 10.2 (Lawrence), 7 Paki-iti 9.7 (Davis). Paki-iti fell, while Merry Jack and Sabrenui ran off. Won comfortably. Time, smin. MARTON HANDICAP of 230sovs. One mile and a-quarter. 4— F. Jewell’s gr g Iceberg, Gyrs, by Coronet —Snowflake, 7.2 (McDonald) 1 3 —Mrs. R. Buckman’s b m Lady Louisa, 7.13 (C. Carmont) 2 B—F. Selwood’s blk g Crawford, 7.13 (M. McCarten) 3 Also started: 1 Orleans 8.0 (C. Price), 7 Maniaroa 7.13 (R. Manson), 5 Goldstream 7.10 (Conquest), 6 Flying Camp 7.7 (A. Reed), 7 Midnight Star 7 6 (C. Sinclair), 2 Detroit 7.0 (G. Clarke), 6 Master Moutoa 7.0 (Mcßrearty), 11 Lady Amai 6.12 (Metcalf), 8 Roumania 6.10 (Bagby). Won by three-quarters of a length. Time, 2min 21 2-ssec. RANGITIKEI STEEPLECHASE of 260 sovs. About two miles. I — F. E. Easton’s b g Master Strowan, aged, by Strowan — Artist mare, 11.13 (McSeveney) 1 3 —A. Scott’s br g Kurapai, aged, 10.9 (H. McSweeney) 2 5 — s. Sale’s br g Collector, aged, 9.13 (S. Reid) 3 Also started: 2 Sandy Paul 10.12 (F. Flvnn), 6 Marton 10.7 (A. McDonald). 4 Nita 9.9 (Graham), 7 Golden Glow 9.9 (S. Henderson). Won easily by a length, three lengths between second and third. Time, smin 2 2-ssec. ELECTRIC HACK HANDICAP of 100 sovs. Six furlongs. ll— J. Morris’ br m Vladieau. 4yrs, by Vladimir — Noyeau, 7.0 (L. Morris) 1 •>—J. Walker's ch f Impediment, 3yrs, 7.8 (R. Reed) 2 3 — h. E. Troutbeck’s br c Silver Tongue, 3yrs, 8.8 (L. Wilson) ... 3 Also started: 7 Gaycium 8.8 (H. Robinson), 1 Acre 8.3 (M. McCarten), 10 Pergola 8.0 (Nodder), 5 Belair 7.12 (L. Hewitt), 8 Goldbearing 7.8 (Reed), 4 Polynesian 7.5 (G. Clarke), 9 Sunshade 7.5 ‘(Barry), 12 Pall Mall 7.0 (Bagby), 6 Robur 7.0 (C. Reed), 14 Klyshma 7.0 (Downs), 13 Royal Reign 7.0 (R. Oliver). Won by a head, a length between second and third. Time, lmin 23sec. RAILWAY HANDICAP of 130sovs. Six furlongs. 1 — H. E. Troutbeck’s blk f Elocution, 3yrs, by Demosthenes—Rangiao, 7.11 (A. Reed) 1 3—Hon. J. D. Ormond’s ch g Centre, 6yrs, 7.13 (Hewitt) 2 11 —G. Larcombe’s ch m Hushabye, 6yrs, 6.7 (G. Young) 3 Also started: 10 Glenroy 8.6 (Sinclair), 9 Avon Park 8.2 (Nodder), 4 Lady Louisa 8.2 (C. Carmont), 5 Sweet Tipperary 8.2 (Lee), 6 Starengo 7.11 (R. Manson), 7 Lady Middleton 7.11 (R. Reed), 14 Paraoa 7.7 (R. Oliver), 8 Maid o’ Cowrie 7.6 (M. McCarten), 12 Mascot 7.4 (C. Reed), 13 Botanist 7.2 (Bagby), 3 Bairnsdale 7.0 (G. Clarke), 16 Goldfire 7.0 (Conquest), 15 Petruchio 7.0 (Rayner), 11 Bivouac 6.7 (Manson). Won by a head. Time, lmin 22 1-5 sec. TUTAENUI HACK WELTER of 110 sovs. Seven furlongs. 2 — J. Bull’s blk g Golden March. aged, by Advance — Gold Cord, 8.0 (L. Morris) * 15—W. Seabright’s blk g Sleepy Jack, 6 yrs, by Glengowrie—Gipsy King mare, 8.0 (R. Reed) * 3— Hon. J. D. Ormond’s ch g Woodlark, 4yrs, 8.0 (L. Hewitt) 3 Also started: 10 The Golfer 9.6 (R. Hatch), 2 Alteration 9.4 (O’Halloran), 4 Salutary 8.10 (Watson), 6 Glucian 8.9 (Roach), 12 Fore 8.9 (C. Price), 7 Rio 8 9 (R. Manson), 16 Bezmar 8.7 (Robinson), 5 Hastie 8.4 GX. Reed), 13 Amity 8.4 (Brady), 1 Lady Beaufort 8.3 (G. Clarke), 9 All Talk 8.3 (R. E. Brown), 20 Rangiwhetu 8.2. 17 Mystic Light 8.0, 12 Squadron 8.0 (Lee), 14 Gipsy Gem 8.0 (Nodder), 19 Welshman 8.0, 18 Renounce 8.0 (Cathro), 11 War Loan 8.0 (W. Price). Won by a head. Time, lmin 38sec.

The committee had before them at a special meeting on Friday the applications of thirteen candidates for the position of handicapper to the Auckland Racing Club, received up to the day before. Several of the members of the committee did not attend, and those present reduced the number down to three —practically to two —and at that stage it was suggested that an adjournment till today (Thursday), in order to permit of the presence of the absent members, would be advisable. One of the members of committee desired to record his vote by letter, but that could not be allowed. The contest is between two local men, and both have been identified with the sport and business side of racing in Auckland tor many years past.