WEST COAST RACING CARNIVAL.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1447, 17 January 1918, Page 19

WEST COAST RACING CARNIVAL.

midsummer fixtures, reefton jockey clubs meeting. RED BOOK WINS THE CUP. (Our West Coast Correspondent.) Despite the stringent measures adopted by- the Government with regard to the restriction of racing in the Dominion, the West Coast clubs arranged their fixtures so as to retain the midsummer dates, and on Boxing Day the carnival was opened with the decision of the Reefton Jockey Club’s programme. Racing under war conditions has made the lot of the majority of country clubs an unhappy one, but though the Coast is so isolated the prospects for the meetings this year are very bright when viewed from the quantity and quality of horseflesh engaged. Entered at the meeting were some good performers from Riccarton and South, as well as from the North Island, and they participated freely in the stakes offered. Under pre-war conditions it was possible for owners and trainers to get their charges over to Greymouth from Christchurch without much bother m the way of accommodation on the railway, but this year, owing to the existing regulations some of the trainers had to put up with a deal of inconvenience in this respect, and instead of the usual one-day trip, the journey was prolonged another day. As no meeting can be a success without the co-operation of the public, the elimination of the special race trains and the enforcement of ordinary fares were a serious drawback to the clubs, and at the Reefton meeting this was amply exemplified by the poor attendance of country people, but probably this may in some measure be put down to thq fact of so many men from these parts being away at the front. When the racing commenced on Wednesday, in glorious weather, there was a fairly good crowd present. lhe track being in perfect order it was no surprise to find some fast times being put up, and during the afternoon two records for the Coast were recorded Red Book, who won the Cup, . galloped the mile and a-quarter in 2min lOsec, while Merton, in the Electric Handicap, cut out the five furlongs in lmin 2sec. As stated above, the ordinary railway time-table was observed, and of necessity the racing commenced at 11 a.m. The officials deserve credit for the manner in which the meeting was conducted, and the last race was over in ample time for the people to catch the home train. Speculation was only fair, the totalisator turnover being £5062, as against the previous year s £5531. Proceedings commenced with the lr ia J Handicap, for which seven of the eight acceptors went to the post. Favouritism rested with Rosevear, while of the others Skedaddle carried most money on the machine. At the start Miraculous was hopelessly left, and Lady Phyllis lost considerable ground. Skedaddle and the favourite were always in front, but once the straight was reached Rosevear wore down Skedaddle, while Epworth came from the back with a late run. However, Rosevear had the race well in hand and won by a length from Epworth; Skedaddle was third, and Lady Phvllis fourth. Good use of the scratching pen was made in the Point Handicap (seven furlongs), and only four were saddled up for the event. The very consistent Kiltess (Finland —Miss Lochiel) was made the medium of heavy speculation, and on the machine closing she was found to be entrusted with nearly half the total investments. Backers of the favourite were not occasioned any concern, as the mare was always in a handy position and when the business end was reached she was there, winning comfortably by a length. Kilrush, who led for the greater part of the journey and finished second, ran a good race. Sisyphus being withdrawn from the Inangahua Cup- left only five to line up at the barrier. Red Book (second favourite) got out quickly, and soon had his position on the rails. The order passing the stand the first time was Red Book, Jeannot, Xanthos, Rose Pink, with the favourite (Bradamante) last. Round the back Xanthos was done with, while Rose Pink and Bradamante were improving their positions. In the straight Red Book was still in command. and passed the post with a deal to spare from Jeannot. Bradamante was third and Rose Pink next, but when the numbers went up it was seen that Rose Pink was placed second and Bradamante th Seven was the main for the Electric Handicap, a five furlong flutter. Trentham Rose was made a few pounds better favourite than the aged Birkenhead gelding Samisen, while Tyson _ carried £2 more than Merton. Considerable delay was caused at the start, but once the tapes were released Tyson shot to the front, with Trentham Rose and Samisen next. This was the order till the field was well down the straight, when Merton came from the back, and by a brilliant effort Hegarty steered the Merriwee geldine- into first place, with Tyson next. The time recorded was Imin 2sec—a West Coast record. The favourite (Trentham Rose) after being in a handy position all the way failed at the critical time. Onlv four were brought out to contest the Boatman’s Handicap, and once more the public were on the right track in entrusting Gallupin with their money. From barrier rise the issue was never in doubt, Gallupin clearing out from the field and winning in the hollowest tasnion from Winning Number. Chudic, after giving a great deal or trouble in the Progress Handicap, got the best of the start and led the field, with Tyne at his quarters. A good race ensued between the pair. Olsen s horsemanship being ultimately responsible for the erratic Finland gelding having his number hoisted. The favourite. Kiltess was bumped at the start and afterwards did not get a very good passage otherwise she would have been nearer at O t ver fl h l a 1 I S f I 'the total investments in thWelter Handicap were on the Henriette and it was only in the last few strides that the favourite hetnose in front. The Strowan gelding War Tax left the barrier quickly and led till with’n a furlong from the post,

when, tiring badly, he was passed by Henriette and Royal Jack, the favourite eventually getting there by the narrowest of margins. The results were: —

TRIAL HANDICAP. Six furlongs. 1— E. H. Davis’s Rosevear, 8.11 (Hegarty) 1 6- —Mr. Ashmead’s Epworth, 9.0 (Ludlow) 2 2 — F. Higgott’s Skedaddle, 8.5 (Brady) 3 Also started. 5 Pall Mall 8.10, 4 Sisyphus 8.7, 7 Miraculous 8.0, 3 Lady Phyllis 8.0. Time, lmin 17sec. POINT HANDICAP. Seven furlongs. 1 — j Jackson’s Kiltess, 813 (Brady) 1 4—A. W. Rutherford’s Kilrush, 8.8 (Donovan) 2 2 — Walsh and Quartermain’s Lady Middleton. 9.8 (Olsen) 3 Also started: 3 Arihia 7.0. Time, lmin 30sec. INANGAHUA CUP. One mile and aquarter. 2—E. L. Barnes’ Red Book, 7.13 (F. Gray) I 4— h. Whitney’s Rose Pink, 9.0 (J. Olsen) 2 I—A1 —A D. Webster’s Bradamante, 8.0 (Brady) , 2 Also started: 3 Jeannot 8.0, 5 Xanthos l ' jeannot passed the post second to Red Book, but the judge’s placing was as above. Time, 2min lOsec —West Coast record.

ELECTRIC HANDICAP. Five furlongs. 4 —H. Scalmer’s Merton, 8.5 (Hegarty) 1 3 —Walsh and Quartermain’s Tyson, B.S (Brady) 2 2— A. W. Rutherford's Samisen, 9.4 (Donovan) 3 Also started: 1 Trentham Rose 8.6, 5 Hymettius 7.8, 6 Te Anau 7.0, 7 Kickapoo 7.0. ’ Time, 1 min 2sec. BOATMAN’S HANDICAP. Six furlongs and a-half. 1 — J. Ryall’s Gallupin, 8.5 (Olsen) . . 1 3 — F. C. Barber’s Winning Number, 7.7 (Wasley) 2 4 — R. Whitney’s Pall Mall, 7.10 (Manson) 3 Also started: 2 Amity 9.12. Time, lmin 24sec. PROGRESS HANDICAP. Six furlongs. 3 —E. Griffin’s Chudic, 8 5 (Olsen) .. 1 2— Mr. Ashmead’s Tyne, 7.9 (Ludlow) 2 5 — J. Barr’s Tokorahi, 7.5 (Holmes) 3 Also started: 1 Kiltess 9.0, 4 Botanist 8.5. Time, lmin 16sec. MIDLAND WELTER HANDICAP. Seven furlongs. 1- —A. W. Rutherford’s Henriette, 8.2 (Eonovan) 1

5—A. H. Clark’s Royal Jack, 8.0 (Wasley) 2 4—Mrs J. D. Wingham’s War Tax, 8.10 (Crearer) 3 Also started: 3 Achilledes 9.12, 2 Amity 8.12. Time, lmin 31sec. SECOND DAT. KILTESS WINS A DOUBLE. The same glorious weather continued for the concluding day’s meeting, when again there was a fairly good attendance. Fields were again small, which fact was responsible for a falling off in the betting; the turnover for the day was £5236, as against last year’s £5531, while for the meeting £10,298 was handled, as compared with £11,013 for the corresponding meeting last year. Punctually on time, the six carded for the opening event, the County Handicap, were at the post. Bradamante was an odds-on favourite, and although she was racing with Kickapoo all the way, Brady had to ride the mare right out to stave off defeat by the outsider. Benope, who got caught in the tapes at the start and lost considerably thereby finished in third place. The second horse returned his seven supporters a good price. The Flying Handicap was responsible for the eight acceptors going out. On the strength of their previous day’s running Merton and Tyson were the best supported, the former being a £2 better favourite than the latter. An indiffer-

ent start saw Samisen out in front before the field had gone very far, with Merton and Tyson next and the others bunched. This order was maintained till the straight was reached, where Chudic and Claverhouse put in their runs. Samisen had the race in keeping and won easily from the fast-finishing Chudic. Claverhouse was third, and Tyson fourth. The winner’s time (lmin lsec) beat Merton’s record on the previous day. Three being withdrawn from the Reefton Handicap left half a dozen to be saddled. Accoiding to the totalisator, Lady Middleton had only to go out to win. but in the race she ran very disappointingly and finished last. Botanist got out in front from barrier rise, while Bradamante got the worst of the start. Racing past the stand. Botanist was leading from Red Book, Rose Pink. Jeannot, Lady Middleton and Bradamante, in that order. In the next half mile Bradamante improved her position, but she could not overtake either Botanist or Red Book, who finished first and second respectively. Gallupin was backed down to a very small price in the Junction Handicap, in which there were five starters. The second choice, Lady Phyllis, was quickest out of the tapes, but the favourite worked his way to the front before they

had gone a quarter of a mile. Striding along in good style, Gallupin maintained the lead until the winning post was reached, but, nevertheless. Olsen had to stir him up over the last hundred yards to keep off Lady Phyllis, who ran a good race and finished close up. Pall Mall ran in the rear all the way. Xanthos was unlucky to lose the Cronadun Handicap. The five starters were racing together turning out of the straight when Winning Number (Thorner) bumped Xanthos, who lost several lengths, and the former lost his rider. The odds-on favourite Achilledes was in front till the distance, where Kiltess, who was lying third throughout, came away and took up the running. Here Xanthos put in his claim, but he failed to pass Kiltess, who was a length and a-half ahead of him when the post was passed. Tyne ran into third place. Jeannot and Benope being scratched for the High Weight Handicap left five to go out. Mr. Rutherford’s Henriette was backed very solidly, but she failed to do any better than to run into second berth. Amity was the quickest to find his feet when the tapes lifted, and he led Arihia passing the stand. Going round the bend he increased his advantage, and was well in front when heads were turned for home. Here Donovan brought the favourite along, but she did not have pace enough to pass Amity, -who won with a bit to spare. Arihia was third, and War Tax next. Six were scratched for the final event, the Farewell Handicap, leaving only four to contest the event. Chudic was better backed than either Kiltess or Rosevear, but though the favourite and Rosevear got out from barrier rise Kiltess had them beaten at the business end. In a good finish Kiltess scored her third win at the meeting by half a length, while Rosevear was just beaten out of a place by Te Anau. The results were: — COUNTY HANDICAP. Six furlongs. 1 — A. D. Webster’s Bradamante, 9.0 (Brady) 1 6 — C. Ruscoe’s Kickapoo, 7.7 (Mayer) 2 3 —p. Mitchell’s Benope, 7.10 (Olsen) 3 Also started: 2 Epworth 8.10, 4 Winning Number 8.5, 5 Miraculous 7.7. Time, lmin 16sec. FLYING HANDICAP. Five furlongs. 3 —A. W. Rutherford’s Samisen, 9.5 (Donovan) 1 7 — E. Griffen’s Chudic, 9.0 (Lee) .... 2 5 —T. Donnellan’s Claverhouse, 7.3 (Ludlow) 3 Also started: 1 Merton 9.0, 2 Tyson 8.12, 4 Trentham Rose 8.6, 6 Tokorahi 7.8, 8 Hymettius 7.6. Time, lmin lsec. REEFTON HANDICAP. One mile. 5— J. McDougall’s Botanist, 7.10 (Anderson) . . 1 2 — E. L. Barnes’ Red Book, 8.12 (F. Gray) 2 6 — A. D. Webster’s Bradamante, 8.0 (Thorner) 3 Also started: 4 Rose Pink 9.0, 1 Lady Middleton 8.12,. 3 Jeannot 7.13. Time, lmin 43sec. JUNCTION HANDICAP. Six furlongs and a-half. 1 — J. Ryall’s Gallupin, 9.9 (Olsen) 1 2— J Roger’s Lady Phyllis, 7.7 (Anderson) 2 3 — J. Barr’s Sisyphus, 7.10 (F. Gray) 3 Also started: 5 Pall Mall 8.1, 3 Benope 7.10. Time, lmin 23 3-ssec. CRONADUN HANDICAP. Seven furlongs. 3 — J. Jackson’s Kiltess, 9.3 (Brady) 7 4— W. McNarn’s Xanthos (Holmes) 2 2 — W. Ashmead’s Tyne, 7.8 (Ludlow) 3 Also started: 1 Achilledes 8.7, 5 Winning Number 7.4. Time, lmin 29sec. HIGH WEIGHT HANDICAP. One mile. 3 — F. Higgott’s Amity, 8.7 (Brady) 1 1 — A. W. Rutherford’s Henriette, 8.12 (Donovan) 2 2 — H. Whitney’s Arihia, 8.0 (Olsen) 3 Also started: 4 War Tax 8.8, 5 Royal Jack 8.5. Time, lmin 45sec. FAREWELL HANDICAP. Six furlongs. 2 —J. Jackson’s Kiltess, 9.12 (Brady) 1 I—E.1 —E. Griffen’s Chudic, 9.1 (Olsen) .. 2 4 — J. Barr’s Te Anau, 7.0 (Manger) 3 Also started: 3 Rosevear 8.11.

GREYMOUTH JOCKEY CLUB.

FIRST DAY. JEANNOT WINS' THE CUP. Glorious Weather prevailed for the opening day of the midsummer meeting of the above club, which was held on the Omoto corfrse on Thursday. Its recent flooding was responsible for the track being somewhat holding, but this did not prevent some good racing being witnessed during the afternoon. The Omoto course adjoins the Grey-Reefton railway line, the Omoto railway station being alongside the course entrance, but owing to the nonsensical attitude adopted by the authorities no trains were allowed to stop at Omoto either to or from Greymouth, so the club’s patrons had perforce to travel by trap or car, which method on this particularly dangerous road was a risky undertaking. An instance of the farcical regulations governing the railway is forthcoming in connection with this meeting. It has been stated that about a dozen officials are required to run special trains on race days, while on Thursday there were nearly that number of the Government employees preventing people from walking along the railway line to and from the course. Despite the drawbacks in the manner Of conveyance, the attendance was very large when racing commenced. In five of the seven events six or more competed, and close finishes were the order of the day. The Cup race was robbed of a good deal of interest by Partisan (the favourite) falling soon after the start, nevertheless, Jeannot’s win was a very popular one, the old Charlemagne 11. gelding having woii the Cup in 1915, while filling a place in the succeeding years. In the Petrie Handicap, won by Kiljoy, a complaint was lodged by Brady, rider of the runner-up (Kiltess) on the grounds of interference by the winner, but after consideration the Judicial Committee did not alter the judge’s placing. The totalisator staff handled £8724 10s. for seven events, as against the previous year’s £9698 (eight races). Half a dozen went out to contest the Trial Plate, and of these Tyson and Claverhouse carried most support. When the field got away Tyson was

quickest to find his feet, and he broke the line, with Trentham Rose close up. Another furlong saw Tyson disposed of and the much-raced All Red filly came on to win by a nose from Tyson, who put in a late run in the straight. Te Anau finished third and Claverhouse fourth.

Divorce was the only withdrawal from the Paroa Handicap, leaving seven to decide the issue. Achilledes, Kilrush, Xanthos, and Amity were well backed on the machine, but the favourite, though always close up, never looked a winner. At the start Amity got caught in the tapes and nearly brought Kilrush down. Royal Dragoon led the field from Achilledes and Winning Nnmber, with Xanthos handy. Just on entering the straight Achilledes passed Royal Dragoon, but his lead was only a temporary one, as Xanthos put in his claim and won by a length and a-halt, Achilledes getting second place by a neck from Royal Dragoon.

The Greymouth Cup produced a field of seven, the defections being Daytime and Botanist. When the machine closed Partisan was a hot favourite, while all the others were well supported. A good start saw Jeannot quickest to begin, while Red Book was last away. Red Book, however, soon raced to the front of the field, but nearing the five furlong post the favourite came down. Lady Middleton was next to take up the running, with Jeannot and Rose Pink handy, but a little further on the latter got in the lead. Rounding the bend Lady Middleton again improved her position and passed Rose Pink, whue Red Book dropped back. In the straight Jeannot asserted himself, and came on to win easily by two lengths from Lady Middleton. who was a length in front ot Rose Pink, with Bradamante and Red Book next.

With Samisen and Tyson out of the field, Merton was quickly installed favourite in the Electric Handicap, while Skedaddle was the next best backed. Very long delay was occasioned at the start, Hymettius being responsible for the ti'ouble, and when the field did get awav the erratic Hymettus horse turned the opposite way and bolted some distance before being pulled up. Irish Gift, Merton and Chudic was the order till the straight was reached when TrenTham Rose came fast on the outside, but had no chance of passing Merton, who won easily by three-quarters of a length. Chudic was third and Skedaddle next.

The Brunner Handicap attracted the largest field of the day, ten going out to fight out the decision. Lady Phyllis, probably on the strength of her Reef ton running, was the best backed, while Samisen and Rosevear carried more support than any of the others. Again the starter experienced a great deal ot trouble with the field, Sisyphus being the chief offender, but eventually a good start was effected. The first to become prominent were Rosevear, War Tax and Samisen and these opened up a gap on the rest of the field, Gallupin being at the head of them. Coming into the straight Samisen was beaten, while Lady Phyllis put in her run. Racing down the straight Rosevear continued in the lead and maintained it to the finish, winning from War Tax by a length. Three lengths further back came Gallupin, followed by Lady Phyllis.

Four were scratched for the Welter Handicap, leaving five to saddle up. Amity was made a better favourite than Caraid Dileas, and, getting a good run all through, won by a length from Caraid Dileas. Glenowl was the first to break the line and led till well down the straight, where the favourite and Caraid Dileas passed him, the latter getting second by a neck. Divorce finished last.

Five was the main for the final event of the day, the Petrie Handicap, and Kiljoy was the public choice, Kiltess also carrying considerable support. Tyne went out from barrier rise from Kiljoy, while Kilrush was last away. Kiljoy soon assumed the lead, followed by Kiltess and Claverhouse, and this order was maintained till the finish, the favourite winning easily by a length from Kiltess, who was a similar distance in front of Claverhouse. Kilrush was last. The results were: — TRIAL PLATE. Five furlongs. 3 —H. Whitney’s Trentham Rose, 8.6 (Olsen) J I—Tyson,1—Tyson, 9.0 (Brady) * 6 — Te Anau, 7.0 (Manger) ... 3 Also started: 4 Epworth 8.6, 5 Kickapoo 7.13, 2 Claverhouse 7.10. Time, lmin ssec. PAROa HANDICAP. Six furlongs and a-half. 3 —W. R. McNarn’s Xanthos, 7.9 (Holmes) J I—Achilledes.1 —Achilledes. 8.6 (Olsen) 2 7— Royal Dragoon, 7.7 (Faulkner) ... 3 Also started: 2 Kilrush 8.9, 4 Amity 8 4, 5 Winning Number 7.7, 6 Arihia 7.7. Time, lmin 25 3-ssec. GREYMOUTH CUP. One mile and a-quarter. 3— W. Ashmead’s Jeannot, 7.9 (Ludlow) J 5 — Lady Middleton, 8.0 (Lee) £ 6 — Rose Pink, 8.10 ••■ • - 3 Also started: 2 Red Book 8.12, 4 Bradamante 7.13, 1 Partisan 7.11, 7 Henriette 7.3. Time, 2min 14 3-ssec. ELECTRIC HANDICAP. Five furlongs. I—A.1 —A. Scalmer’s Merton, 8.13 (Hegarty) 1 4 — Trentham Rose, 8.4 (Manger) ... 2 3 — Chudic, 9.4 (Olsen) 3 Also started: 6 Irish Gift 7.12, 2 Skedaddle 7.5, 5 Hymettius 7.7. Time, lmin 5 4-ssec. BRUNNER HANDICAP. Six furlongs. 3 E. H. Davis’ Rosevear, 8.11 (Hegarty) J 4— War Tax, 7.11 (Lee) 2 6—Gallupin, 10.1 (Olsen) 3 Also started: 2 Samisen 9.13, 10 Pall Mall 7.10, 5 Sisyphus 7.10, 1 Lady Phyllis 7.7, 8 Winning Number 7.7, 7 Royal Dragoon 7.7, 9 Miraculous 7.0. Time, lmin 18sec. WELTER HANDICAP. Seven furlongs. 1 — F. Higgott’s Amity, 9.1 (Brady) . . 1 2 — Caraid Dileas, 8.4 (Lee) 2 4 —Glenowl, 8.7 (Holmes) 3 Also started: 3 Divorce 8.9, t> Royal Jack 8.0.

Time, lmin 33 l-ssec.

PETRIE HANDICAP. Six furlongs and a-half. 1— D. H. Roberts’ Kiljoy, 9.7 (Gray) 1 2— Kiltess, 10.0 (Brady) 2 s—Claverhouse, 7.3 (Manger) 3 Also started: 4 Kilrush 8.2, 3 Tyne 7.0. Time, lmin 25sec. SECOND DAY. RED BOOK WINS BIG RACE. Glorious weather prevailed for the second day of the Grey Jockey Club’s midsummer meeting, which eventuated on Saturday, and again there was a very large attendance. The track was in good order and provided some good racing. During the day the favourites ran badly, only two of them- being successful —Merton in the Blackball Handicap and Samisen the County Handicap. The totalisator handled £8137 for seven events, as against £7590 for eight races on the corresponding day of last year. A warm favourite in Bradamante got caught up in the tapes at the start and fell on her knees, but her rider made a good recovery. This allowed Gallupin and Claverhouse to get out, while it prevented Royal Jack from getting through. At the entrance to the straight Gallupin was beaten, and War Tax and Lady Phyllis were coming fast on Cloverhouse, who, however, held his own and won by half a length from War Tax. Lady Phyllis were coming fast on Clavfo.urth.

Another hot order in Tyson was downed in the Flying Handicap, for which there were seven starters. Trentham Rose, who was second choice on the totalisator, flew out of the barrier and got a break on the field which she maintained to the finish, winning with ease from Hymettius. The favourite was fourth to finish. Still another of the heavily backed horses suffered defeat in the Grey Valley Handicap, the speedy Daytime being beaten by Red Book after a good race. Daytime led from barrier rise and on passing the stand the first time he was leading from Rose Pink, Red Book, Lady Middleton, Jeannot and Bradamante in that order. Red Book raced up to the leader rounding the back, and at the mile post was on terms. In a sterling finish the top weight could not foot it with Red Book, who passed the winning post with half a length’s advantage. Jeannot made his run in the straight, but could get no nearer than third. Bradamante tailed the field for the nine furlongs. The Blackball Handicap, five furlongs and a-half. was productive of half a dozen sprinters, of whom Merton was the best supported. After Hymettius had caused a good deal of trouble at

the barrier, the starter succeeded in getting five of the horses away, the Hymettus horse being left, while Jingo shot to the front, followed by Royal Dragoon and Te Anau. This was the order for half the distance, when Merton closed on the leaders, and in the run up the straight the favourite had to be ridden out to beat Jingo, which he did by a head. Seven faced the starter in the High Weight Handicap. A beautiful despatch was effected, and on racing for places Divorce got in the lead, followed by Tyne and Glenowl. Tyne had a bad run, being boxed in till half way down the straight in the run home, when she put in a late run, but could not overtake Divorce, who won somewhat easily. The favourite, Achilledes, filled third place, and Henriette was fourth. Samisen had an easy win in the County Handicap, in which he was opposed by four others. Tyson was left at the post, and though Epworth and Trentham Rose tried hard at the business end to pass Samisen, who led from barrier rise, the nearest Epworth got to the Birkenhead gelding was a length and a-half, which separated them at the finish.

Kiltess was the best backed of a field of six that saddled up for the Gieseking Handicap, but she got an awfully bad passage. Rosevear was the first to show out when the barrier rose, and led from Divorce and Kilrush. This trio practically fought out the issue, and when the judge’s box was reached Rosevear was in front, winning comfortably from Divorce and Kilrush, in that order. The results were: — TELEGRAPH HANDICAP. Six furlongs. 5—T. Donnellan’s Claverhouse, 7.9 (Beard) 1 3 — War Tax, 8.2 (Reed) 2 4 — Lady Phyllis, 7.7 (Anderson) ... 3 Also started: 2 Gallupin 9.1, 1 Bradamante 9.0, 6 Royal Jack 7.7. Time, lmin 16%sec. FLYING HANDICAP. Five furlongs. 2—H. Whitney’s Trentham Rose, 8.12 (Olsen) 1 5— Hymettius, 7.0 (Reed) 2 6 — Skedaddle, 7.6 (Thorner) 3 Also started: 3 Chudic 9.1, 1 Tyson 9.0, 4 Epworth 8.1, 7 Tokarahi 7.0. Time, lmin 3%sec. GREY VALLEY HANDICAP. Nine furlongs. 6—E. L. Barnes’ Red Book, 8.8 (F. Gray) 1 I—Daytime,1—Daytime, 9.3 (Donovan) 2 4—Jeannot, 8.3 (Ludlow) 3 Also started: 3 Lady Middleton 8.10 (Brady), 2 Rose Pink 8.8 (Olsen), 5 Bradamante 7.6 (Reed). Time, lmin 57 l-ssec.

BLACKBALL HANDICAP. Five furlongs and a-half. I—A.1 —A. Scalmer’s Merton, 9.8 (Hegarty) 1 3—Jingo, 7.0 (Emerson) 2 s—Te5 —Te Anau, 7.0 (Anderson) 3 Also started. 2 Kiltess 10.7, 4 Royal Dragoon 7.10, 6 Hymettius 7.0. Time, lmin 9 2-ssec. HIGH WEIGHT HANDICAP. Seven furlongs.

s—O.5 —O. B. Cameron’s Divorce, 8.6 (F. Gray) 1 3 —Tyne, 8 0 (Ludlow) 2 I—Achilledes,1 —Achilledes, 9.2 (Olsen) 3 Also started: 7 Amity 9.10, 4 Henriette 8.9, 8 Glenowl 8.8, 2 Caraid Dileas 8.7, 6 Arihia 8.0, 9 Winning Number 8.0, 10 Royal Jack 8.0. Time, lmin 30 2-ssec. COUNTY HANDICAP. Five furlongs. 1 — A. W. Rutherford’s Samisen, 9.12 (Donovan) 1 3—Epworth, 8.1 (Emerson) 2 2 — Trentham Rose, 9.6 (Olsen) 3 Also started: 4 Tyson 9.0, 5 Skedaddle 7.6. Time, lmin 3 2-ssec. GIESEKING HANDICAP. Six furlongs and a-half. 3 — E. H. Davis’ Rosevear, 9.1 (Hegarty) 1 s—Divorce,5 —Divorce, 8.4 (F. Gray) 2 4 — Kilrush, 7.12 (Olsen) 3 Also started: 1 Kiltess 10.3, 2 Lady Middleton 9.7, 6 Pall Mall 7.0. Time, lmin 22 4-ssec. THIRD DAY. CHIEF EVENT AGAIN WON BY JEANNOT. GREYMOUTH, Monday The weather conditions were ideal for the concluding day of the Grey Jockey Club’s meeting, which was held on the Omoto course to-day in the presence of a fairly large attendance. Great credit is due to the officials for the manner in which the meeting was conducted, special attention being paid to country patrons who had to catch home' trains by seeing that the events were got off to time. Racing commenced at noon and the last event was over before 4.30 p.m. Betting was fairly brisk, the sum of £6957 being handled for the day, making a total of £23,818 10s. for the three days. Punctually on time, seven lined up at the barrier to decide the Runanga Handicap, and of these Trentham Rose was a £6 better favourite than Jingo. The favourite was quickest out of the barrier, with Jingo and Chudic next; Tyson, the third favourite, got a pretty bad passage and eventually finished last. Very little change took place till well

in the straight, where Jingo was passed by Chudic and Claverhouse, but these had no chance of passing the favourite, who won fairly easily by a couple of lengths from Chudic. Gallupin being withdrawn from the Borough Handicap left half a dozen to go out. An odds-on favourite in Rosevear duly materialised, but had Xanthos got a clearer run he might have troubled the consistent Gazeley—Yankee Mary filly. The favourite found her feet quickly, and, having drawn No. 1 position at the start, had an advantage over the others. When a quarter of a mile had been covered the order was: Rosevear, Amity, Pall Mall, Royal Jack, Xanthos and Glenowl, but by the time the straight was reached Xanthos had worked into third place. In the run home the favourite scored fairly easily from the fast-finishing Xanthos by a length and a-half. The pen went through the names of four of the acceptors for the President’s Handicap, leaving the issue resting amongst six, of whom Daytime (who was well handicapped) carried nearly half of the total investments. The barrier interfered with the favourite at the start, and when he got away four of the others were in front. Donovan, however, raced Daytime to the head of the field —this effort proving fatal when the business end was reached —and on passing the stand the Hymettus gelding was in command from Rose Pink and Kiltess. Daytime maintained the lead for about six furlongs, when Rose Pink passed him, and now the favourite was seen to be hopelessly beaten. Rose Pink turned into the straight at the head of the field, but she did not have pace enough to stave off a challenge by Jeannot, who came on to win a good race by a neck. Daytime, who tired to nothing, finished fourth, behind Kiltess.

A warm favourite in Samisen was badly beaten in the Omoto Handicap, a five furlong flutter, for which the field consisted of six sprinters. Trentham Rose and Tyson were the next best backed, and this pair led from the rise of the tapes to the straight entrance. Galloping well the latter scored his first win at the carnival in an easy manner from Tokorahi, who defeated Samisen for second place by a very small margin.

Red Book was scratched for the Ahaura Welter Handicap. This left seven starters, and of these Lady Middleton was heavily supported on the machine. Achilledes and Lady Phyllis made the early running, with the favourite always in a handy position, but once in the straight Lady Middleton came away and won very easily by two lengths from Lady Phyllis, with Achilledes third. Only four went out to contest the Claughesy Handicap, and, despite his 9.6, the Merriwee pony Merton was made the public fancy. At the start the favourite was interfered with by the tapes

and this seemed to spoil his chances, for he never afterwards looked dangerous. Divorce, who led from barrier rise, scored very decisively by a length and a-half from Tyne, who ran a fairly good race.

The curtain was brought down on the fixture when the Farewell Handicap came up for decision. Seven were carded, but two of these failed to go out, leaving Gallupin, War Tax, Kilrush, Te Anau and Tokorahi to fight out the contest. Gallupin was quickest to leave the barrier, and, though he got a break on the others, he could not maintain it to the finish, Kilrush (favourite) getting up in time to wrest the honours from the Lupin gelding. Kilrush, who ran indifferently in his previous efforts, raced well and had a fairly easy win. The results were:— RUNANGA HANDICAP. Five furlongs. I—H.1 —H. Whitney’s Trentham Rose, 9.7 (Olsen) 1 6—Chudic. 8.9 (Lee) 2 5 — Claverhouse, 8.2 (Beard) 3 Also started: 3 Tyson 8.9, 4 Epworth 8.10, 2 Jingo 7.8, 7 Kickapoo 7.2. Won by two lengths. Time, lmin 2 4-ssec. BOROUGH HANDICAP. Six furlongs. 1 — E. H. Davis’ Rosevear, 9.11 (Hegarty) 1 2 — Xanthos, 8.5 (Holmes) 2 3 — Amity, 8.7 (Brady) 3 Also started: 4 Glenowl 7.5, 5 Pall Mall 7.0. 6 Royal Jack 7.0. Won by a length and a-half. Time, lmin 16 4-ssec. PRESIDENT’S HANDICAP. One mile. 2— W. Ashmead’s Jeannot, 8.5 (Emerson) 1 4— Rose Pink, 8.5 (Olsen) 2 3 — Kiltess, 8.12 (Brady) 3 Also started: 1 Daytime 9.5, 5 Red Book 9.4, 6 Claverhouse 7.8. Won by a neck. Time, lmin 42 l-ssec. OMOTO HANDICAP. Five furlongs. 3 — Walsh and Quartermain’s Tyson, 8.9 (Reed) 1 6 — Tokorahi, 6.7 (Manger) 2 I—Samisen, 10.6 (Donovan) 3 Also started: 2 Trentham Rose 9.7, 4 Chudic 8.9, 5 Skedaddle 7.2. Won fairly easily. Time, lmin 3 1-5 sec. AHAURA WELTER HANDICAP. Seven furlongs. 1— Walsh and Quartermain’s Lady Middleton, 9.11 (Emerson) 1 4— Lady Phyllis, 7.7 (Anderson) .... 2 2— Achilledes, 8.12 (Olsen) 3 Also started: 5 Amity 8.13. 6 Glenowl 7.12, 3 C'araid Dileas 7.12, 7 Royal Jack 7.7. Won easily. Time, lmin 30 l-ssec.

CLAUGHESY HANDICAP. Six furlongs and a-half. 2 — O. B. Cameron’s Divorce, 8.0 (F. Gray) 1 3 — Tyne,' 6.10 (Manger) 2 I—Merton,1 —Merton, 9.6 (Hegarty) 3 Also started: 3 Bradamante 8.3. Won by three-quarters of a length. Time, lmin 22 3-ssec. FAREWELL HANDICAP. Five furlongs and a-half. 1 — A. W. Rutherford’s Kilrush, 7.8 (Emerson) 1 2 — Gallupin, 9.2 (Olsen) 2 3— War Tax, 7.13 (Lee) 3 Also started: 4 Te Anau 6.7 and Tokorahi 6.7 (coupled). Won comfortably. Time, lmin 9 4-5 sec.

WESTLAND RACING CLUB.

FIRST DAY.

ROSE PINK WINS BIG RACE.

Perfect weather was experienced on Wednesday, when the first day’s events on the above club’s programme were decided. The attendance was a very large one. There was only one train for Hokotika from Greymouth—the ordinary /.50 a.m. one—but it was overcrowded by the sport-loving public from the northern town, and these people helped considerably towards the success of the meeting. Catering for the public is the keynote to the popularity of the Hokitika gathering-, and as the fixture annually comes about Coast sports are never slow to acknowledge the consideration always bestowed on them by the officials of this go-ahead club and turn out in their hundreds. The success of the meeting just concluded is mainly due to the efforts of the energetic secretary, Mr. D. J. Evans, and the other live officials who control the destines of the club. During the day the fields were large and the racing interesting and in nearly every race only the narrowest of margins separated the placed horses. When the programme was framed provision was made for running off the events in time for the outward trains, and at this meeting the last race fi° wn in the cards as “to start at 4.30 p.m., and a few minutes after this hour everyone of the visitors was making for the railway station, the events being got off promptly to time. For achieving this result the officials deserve the thanks of the public. Mr. James Noble, in his usual position of handicapper, was responsible for the close finishes which were witnessed during the day, and Mr. Rutland (starter) also gave satisfaction. The stipendiary teward, Mr. C. H. Gorton, was in attendance at the meeting, and though his services were occasionally required, nothing happened that justified drastic action.

Betting was fairly brisk, the sum of £8760 being handled for the afternoon. The Kanieri Handicap, which opened the day’s sport, provided a field of seven. Speculation on this race was not very brisk, and when the machine closed Jingo and Merton together carried nearly half of the total investments. The barrier rise saw War Tax quickest away, followed by the favourite and Hymettius, and this was the order until the straight was entered. Here Merton came from the ruck and in a brilliant finish just got up in time to win by a long neck from War Tax. Lady Phyllis finished half a length further back, followed by Miraculous. Seven -went to the post to decide the Stafford Handicap, and of these the bulk of the money invested was on Kiltess, Xanthos and Kilrush, and the trio finished in that order, Kiltess got a good run from the start, while Xanthos was in the rearguard for some distance. The run home saw the latter come very fast, but he could not overtake Kiltess, who won by a long neck. Kilrush was close up, third.

Marven Rose was the only withdrawal from the Borough Trot (one mile).- The presence of five Canterbury horses in the race was responsible for spirited betting, and again the public were on the right track, as the favourite had her name hoisted by the judge. Sweet Cole and Guess (favourite) were always at the head of affairs, the latter eventually winning by half a length from the former, with Signoretta third, followed by Energy and Flossie Dillon. In this event it was almost impossible to discern the competitors owing to the dense dust.

Kilrush, Xanthos and Arihia being scratched for the Hokitika Handicap, left five to be saddled up. Favouritism rested with Lady Middleton, but she ran badly and was lucky to finish in third place An even start saw Rose Pink the first to break the line, and, passing the stand, the Kilbroney filly was leading the field from Jeannot and Red Book. No change took place until a chain or so from the post, when Lady Middleton put in her run, but she got no nearer than third. Staying on well, Rose Pink won comfortably by two lengths from the consistent Jeannot. Red Book was fourth. The time recorded for the race, viz., ?min 8 4-ssec, is a West Coast record.

The Provincial Trot saw a dozen harness up, and, taking his running in the previous trotting event as a guide, the public backed Sweet Cole heavily. .Again the dust nuisance made it impossible to distinguish the horses other than the leaders at any stage of the journey. When the post was reached Rewanui, on the limit, was in first place, with the favourite second and Prince Huon third. Shortly after the start Bessie Wood fell.

Only one scratching in the High Weight Handicap left eight to line up, but the favourites were never nearer than within a couple of lengths of the ultimate winner. Achilledes, an outsider, led from the rise of the barrier and gave nothing else a chance, winning easily by two lengths from Divorce and Tyne. Bradamante was fourth. Favouritism rested with Tyne, Divorce and Bradamante, in that order.

The Flying Handicap brought out six sprinters, but Killjoy made hacks of Iter opponents at the business end of the race. Tyson flew out on the barrier lifting, and, with Chudic, was in front till half-way down the straight, where Killboy came through and won -very easily. The results were:— KANIERI HANDICAP. Five furlongs and a-half. I—A.1 —A. Scalmer’s Merton, 9.13 (Hegarty) ' 1 3 —War Tax, 8.1 (Lee) 2 s—Lady5—Lady Phyllis, 7.8 (Anderson) .... 3 Also started: 2 Jingo 7.11 (Emerson), 6 Epworth 7.8 (Donovan). 4 Hymettius 7.4 (Reed), 7 Miraculous 7.0 (Mancer). Time, Imin 9 4-ssee. STAFFORD HANDICAP. Seven furlongs. 1 — J. Jackson’s Kiltess, 9.13 (Brady) 1 2 — Xanthos,-9.0 (F. Gray)' 2 3 — Kilrush, 9.0 (Emerson) 3 Also started: 4 Achilledes 9 0 (Hegarty), 5 Claverhouse 8.5 (Beard), 6 Winning Number 7.0 (Reed), 7 Arihia 7.0 (Mancer). Time, Imin 30sec. BOROUGH HANDICAP TROT (Saddle). One mile. 1 — August and Devereaux’s Guess, 11 sec (August, junr.) 1 3— Sweet Cole, 12sec (August, senr.) 2 9—Signoretta, 9sec (Good) 3 Also started: 8 Flossie Dillon 2sec. 6 Energy 2sec, 4 Buck’s Head 7sec, 2 Belgian 9sec, 7 Wee Pat lOsec, 5 Jedran 14sec Time, 2min 29 4-ssec. HOKITIKA HANDICAP. One mile and a-quarter. 2 — H. Whitney’s Rose Pink, 8.6 (J. Olsen) 1 4 — Jeannot, 9.0 (Hegarty) I—Lady1—Lady Middleton, 8.12 (Emerson) 3 Also started: 3 Red Book 9.0 (Gray), 5 Henriette 7.2 (Reed). Time, 2min 8 4-ssec—a West Coastrecord. PROVINCIAL HANDICAP TROT (Harness). One mile and a-quarter. 4 — J. Cromie’s Rewanui, 17se? (Cromie) 1 1 — Sweet Cole, 15sec (Barry) 2 5 — Prince Huon, 1 ssec (Smith) 3 Also started: 5 Miss Marion 4sec (coupled with Prince Huon), 10 Bernie L. 6sec, 7 Buck’s Head Bsec, 9 Trojan llsec. 2 Annie Black 15sec, 3 Bessie Wood 15sec. 6 Topsy Wallace lasec, 8 Alita 17sec, 11 Jedran 17sec. Bessie Wood fell. Time, 3min 15sec. HIGH WEIGHT HANDICAP. Six furlongs and a-half. 5 —H. Schwass’ Achilledes, 8.12 (J. Olsen) 1 2 — Divorce, 9.7 (F. Gray) 2 I—Tyne,1—Tyne, 8.0 (Emerson) 3 Also started: 6 Gallupin 9 9 (Hegarty), 3 Bradamante 8.12 (Thorner) and Amity 8.10 (Brady) coupled, 4 Caraid Dileas 8.0 (Lee), 7 Miraculous 8.0 (Mancer). Time, Imin 24 4-osec. FLYING HANDICAP. Five furlongs. I—D.1 —D. H. Roberts’ Killjoy, 10.3 (Gray) 1 4 — Tyson, 9.3 (Emerson) 2 5 — Chudic, 8.9 (Lee) 3 Also started: 2 Samisen 10.6 (Donovan), 3 Trentham Rose 10.2 (Olsen), 6 Hymettus 7.4 (Reed). Time, Imin Ssec.

CONCLUDING DAY’S RACING.

WESTLAND HANDICAP WON BY XANTHOS. Very heavy rain fell during the night of Wednesday and also on Thursday morning, making it questionable whether or not racing would be possible, but as the rain stopped just about eleven o’clock, and there was no further rain during the remainder of Thursday afternoon, the meeting was brought to a successful conclusion, when again the attendance was large. In spite of the downpour, the track was not so bad as was expected, and the surprise was the fast time recorded in the mile trot. The galloping track was rendered several seconds slower than on the previous day, but this did not detract from the good racing witnessed. For the meeting the sum of £16,314 was the turnover for the totalisator, as against £22,950 for 16 races in 1917 (Jubilee meeting) and £15,640 in 1916. Divorce was made a few pounds better favourite than Merton in the opening event, for which the field numbered seven. Tyson made t-he pace from the rise of the barrier, but in the straight the favourite drew level, and in the race to the post got there half a length in front of Tyson, who beat Merton by a length for second honours. Skedaddle was next to finish.

Notwithstanding the heavy track and her steadier of 10.2. Kiltess was well supported by her connections in the Goldfields Handicap, run over seven furlongs. Getting a nice position early in the race the Finland mare stayed on long enough to catch the judg'e’s eye. Caraid Dileas, who ran a good race, was unlucky to lose, as he did not get the best of the passage. Only a neck separated the pair, while Arihia was very close up third, with Tyne and Kilrush (the favourite) together in fourth place. x , Jedran and Rita Rye were scratched for the County Handicap Trot (saddle), leaving the good field of 13 to contest the event. The bracketed Marven Rose, Grand Drift and Alita carried over aquarter of the total investments, but the former was the only one prominent during the race. Leaving smartly, the Harold Dillon —Rose Shield gelding Trojan gave nothing else a look in, winning easily from Marven Rose, Little Rose and Sweet Cole in that order. On a protest being lodged, the rider of the winner was fined 55., the grounds being the committing a breach of the rules in that he weighed in with his whip. The pen reduced the field for the Westland Handicap to eight, but only three of these were ever in the hunt. Achilledes led for a furlong, when Daytime took up the running. Xanthos, who was lying* in fourth place passing the stand, improved his position along the back stretch, and at the distance he had the measure of Daytime. Galloping on well, the chestnut colt won with ease by four lengths. Daytime, a very warm favourite, tired badly and only beat Achilledes by a long neck for second place. Bradamante finished next, with the others close up. Nine went out for the two-mile harness trotting race. Of these Annie Black was well supported on the machine, as was Pegasus, who carried £6 less than the Blackchild mare. Pegasus was very dirty at the mark and would not leave, taking no part whatever in the race. The usually erratic Topsy Wallace went off smartly and although Bernie L. headed her at one part of the journey it was only momentary and she stayed on to win by six lengths. Bernie L., who was driven a badly judged race, was unable to retain second place, being beaten for that position by the favourite by a length. Eight were saddled up to decide the issue in the Welter Weight Handicap, and the race was the best of the A very even start saw War Tax quickest to get out and he led the field out of the straight. The field bunched along the back, with Bradamante, Winning Number and Claverhouse close up to the leader In the run home the latter put in a 'great run, but Bradamante got there first, winning by half a length. Winning Number was a neck further back, followed by War Tax, all the others being close up. The final event of the meeting only brought out four competitors was a good betting race. When machine closed Tyson was the best supported, and he led from the barrier till within a few yards of the post, when Merton got his nose in front, and m a desperate finish the latter won by a neck. The results were: — WOODSTOCK HANDICAP. Five furlongs and a-half.

1— O. Cameron’s Divorce, 9.3 (Gray) 1 s—Tyson,5—Tyson, 9.4 (Reed) 2— Merton, 10.6’ (Hegarty) ....... . . 3 Also started. 3 Lady Phyllis 7 10 (Anderson), 4 Jingo 7.10 (Emerson) 6 Epworth 7.6 (Moran), 7 Skedaddle 7.0 (Thorner). Time, Imin 14sec. GOLDFIELDS HANDICAP. Seven furlongs.

2— J. Jackson’s Kiltess, 10.2 (Brady) 1 s_Caraid Dileas. 7.0 (Anderson) ... 2 c Arihia. 7 0 (Mancer) 3 Also started: 3 Achilledes 9.3 (Olsen). 1 Kilrush 8.7 (Emerson), 4 Tyne <.O (Reed), 7 Miraculous 7.0 (Ludlow). Time, Imin 35 l-ssec. COUNTY HANDICAP TROT (Saddle). One mile. 0 h. W. Thompson, Trojan, lOsec (Mercy) •••••••■• 1 1 Marven Rose, llsec (Edwards) .. 2 9 —Little Rose, llsec (Brady) .3 ? l=o started: 8 Energy 2sec. 7 Flossie Dillon 3sec, 4 Sweet Cole 7sec, 2 Lovebird Ssec, 3 Buck’s Head Ssec. 9 Wee pat llsec, 1 Grand Drift and Alita 16sec (both coupled with Marven Rose), 5 Pr’nce Huon 12sec, 11 Generous 16sec. Time, 2min 26sec. WESTLAND HANDICAP. One mile. 3— W. R. McNarn’s Xanthos. 7.9 (Ludlow) 1 I—Davtime,1 —Davtime, 8.11 (Emerson) 2 6 — Achilledes, 8 2 (Reed) ........... 3 Also started: 4 Jeannot 9.2 (Hegarty), 5 Rose Pink 9.1 (Olsen). 2 Lady Middleton 8.6 (Gray). 7 Bradamante 7.0 (Thorner), -8 Lady Phyllis 7.0 (Mancer). Time, Imin 47 l-ssec. CENTURY HANDICAP TROT (Harness). Two miles. 7 — T Haile’s Topsy Wallace, 23sec (Haile) 1 I—Annie1 —Annie Black, 23sec (August) .... 2 6 —Bernie L„ 13sec (Lynch) 3 Also started: 9 Flossie Dillon lOsec, 2

Pegasus 12sec, 4 Rewanui 19see, 5 Inquisitive 20sec, 3 Belgian 23sec, S Thora 25sec. Time, smin 17sec. WELTER WEIGHT HANDICAP. Six furlongs and a-half.

2 —A. D. Webster's Bradamante. 5.9 (Olsen) 1 s—Claverhouse,5 —Claverhouse, 8 5 (Beard) 2 7—Winning Number, 8.0 (Wasley) . • 3 Also started: 4 Red Book 10.7 (Gray), 1 Gallupin 9.7 (Hegarty), 3 War Tax 8.10 (Ludlow), 2 Amity 8.8 (Brady) coupled with the winner, 6 Glenowl 8.0 (Thorner). Time, Imin 28 2-ssec. FINAL HANDICAP. Five furlongs. 2 —A. Scalmer’s Merton, 10.8 (Hegarty) 1 I—Tyson,1—Tyson, 9.4 (Gray) 2 4—Hymettius, 7.1 (Reed) 3 Also started: 3 Chudic 8.9 (Olsen). Time, Imin 7 l-ssec.