WANGANUI.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1453, 28 February 1918, Page 13

WANGANUI.

Notes on the Wanganui J.C.’s Autumn Meeting—Auckland Representatives Disappoint Backers -— Collector’s Promising Form —Leonta Shaping Well in Schooling Tasks —Nobleman a Probable Starter at C.J.C. Autumn Meeting. WANGANUI, Monday.

The Auckland mare Fionnuala was started three times at the Wanganui meeting, but the best she could do was to run second on the first day in the Stewards’ Handicap, when Zola just beat her. The daughter of Spalpeen was favourite for that event, and also for the Autumn Handicap the second day, when she was only fifth, but less than half a length away from the winner. She was produced again in the Farewell, but they were too fast for her in that event. Mr. A. L. Raven had bad luck at the meeting with Glendalough, as the daughter of Spalpeen did not seem to be handled too well, as she was running about a lot. She was made a good favourite both the first and second day, and her connections must have lost a good deal, as they appeared very confident.

J. Fryer, the Hawera trainer, turned Collector out in capital fettle for the hurdles on the first day, and the Conqueror gelding won in a style which points to him as likely to be heard of in some of the big jumping events later on.

So far as hurdling is concerned, old Marton appears to have lost his punch. He was in splendid condition, but seemed unable to carry on at the pace set,’though prominent each day for the greater part of the journey. He may do better over the big fences, though, as he is such a great jumper, and this will stand to him. Leonta appears to be making good progress towards regaining his best form, judging by the way he shaped in a spin over the schooling hurdles with Marton last week. By the time the Century Hurdles comes up for decision the Conqueror gelding should be in good fettle. It is understood that Nobleman, which gelding is now enjoying a spell, is to be taken up again shortly and got ready for the Great Autumn and Easter Handicaps.

Many visiting sportsmen were heavy losers as a result of the fire at Foster’s Hotel on Thursday night. Amongst those who lost valuable belongings were quite a number of Aucklanders, including Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Raven, Messrs. F. McManemin, Alf. Jones, C. O’Connor, Haddon, and Mr. and Mrs. Hector Gray. Mr. Tom Quinlivan, the well-known trainer of Hastings, lost about £4OO worth of effects, while Mr. Ulic Shannon, handicapper, of Wellington, was another heavy loser, as were also Mr. and Mrs. C. Beasley “(N.Z. Truth”). Gang Awa’ was started twice at the Wanganui meeting, but the handsomelooking son of Provocation evidently wants a race or two, as he appeared to be a trifle on the big side. He shaped much better on Saturday than on the first day, the race having improved him.

C. Price, the rider of Client in the Wanganui Stakes, had his leg badly cut and bruised, through his mount being bumped. The gentleman who races as Mr. “Lance Wood” on Friday disposed of a yearling colt by Autumnus —Ukraine to Mr. W. R. Kemball. The price paid for the half-brother to Sasanof was, it is understood, very substantial.