GISBORNE RACING CLUB.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1504, 20 February 1919, Page 9

GISBORNE RACING CLUB.

SUMMER MEETING

The officials of the Gisborne Racing Club have good reason to feel gratified at the success which attended the summer meeting at the Park racecourse. Favoured with ideal weather a very large gathering assembled to witness the enjoyable sport promised, and the club’s patrons were rewarded with some high-class racing. Speculation on the totalisator was brisk, the sum of £19,370 being handled, as compared with £16,629 for the last summer meeting. The secretary, Mr. H. E. Dodd, had charge of the arrangements, and under his capable supervision everything passed off with that characteristic smoothness which has invariably constituted a commendable feature of the meetings held by the Gisborne Racing Club. The track was in splendid racing order, and though the 'fields in some instances were on the small side, this did not detract from

the interesting nature of the various contests, several close and keenfought finishes being provided. A hot favourite in Want suffered defeat in the opening event, the First Handicap Hurdles, the winner turning up in Con, who took charge from the start and was never headed, though Aurore drew on terms at the last obstacle, but once over Con outpaced his opponent and scored a length victory amid considerable excitement. The favourite was three lengths away, third, followed by Lord Ainslie. the only other starter, who was a dozen lengths away when the post was reached. Eight contested the Te Hapara Hack Handicap, in which Sabine was elected favourite, with Puna Rakau and Rylestone next in request. The last-named pair were the early leaders, but at the end of the first halfmile Rylestone took charge, Puna Rakau wearying of the fray. Rylestone entered the straight with several lengths’ advantage, and had no difficulty in running home an easy winner by half a dozen lengths. An exciting tussle for second honours was witnessed between Ohoreka and

Grand Idea, the former prevailing by a head. Another firm favourite in Sheila went under in the Wi Pere Memorial Handicap, in which there were half a dozen starters, Sweet Corn, Black Lace and Orawia all coming in for considerable support. Orawai was quickest away when the tapes lifted, but Sweet Corn soon headed the Gazeley gelding, and the field being bunched as the home straight was entered. A splendid finish ensued, in which Black Lace gained the judge’s verdict by half a length from Downham, who in turn was a similar distance in front of Sheila as the line was crossed. Sweet Corn was fourth. The Maiden Scurry attracted a field of nineteen, Starglow, a. three-year-old filly by Martian —Fire Queen, owned by Mr. A. B. Williams, for whom the successful horseman C. Emerson was doing the riding, being entrusted with most support. Wonder. War Guard, Heather Moon and Lord Muskerry were all well supported in a good betting race. The

favourite was soon in the lead, but before the straight was entered Wonder displaced her while Lord Muskerry also had her measure. An interesting race saw Wondon gain a half-length victory from Lord Muskerry, a similar distance after whom came Starglow.

Seven candidates were saddled up to contest the Gisborne Cup, the field including the bracketed pair Slipstitch and Cynic, who were running in the interest of the popular Gisborne sportsman, Mr. H. D. de Latour. Multifual, who had the services of H. Howard, son of the owner of the Multifid gelding, was sent out a good favourite, with Multive, Master Moutoa and Cleft next fancied in that order. Cleft was the early leader, and he showed the way past the stand and had charge as the field raced along the back, Multifual and Master Moutoa both being handy at this stage. Racing to the straight entrance Multifual went to the front, and was first to turn for home, with Master Moutoa as his nearest attendant. The latter threw out a determined challenge, the pair settling down to a highly exciting 'finish, in

■•••Trcw 4 "? ■ or-«,v***y.* * r ■» « • * • which Multifual defeated his rival by half a length. Slipstitch was two lengths away, third, and Cynic fourth. A quintette lined up at the barrier for the First Welter Handicap, Eheipa being installed a warm favourite, with Hylami and Hythread next in demand. Hythread led over the first couple of furlongs, at which stage Bjorneborg took up the role of pacemaker, but passing the half-mile Hylami had run to the front. The latter was first into the straight, but when the real struggle commenced Eheipa was responsible for a resolute finish which landed him at the post a halflength winner from Hylami, with Blackall a couple of lengths away, third. Beloved was most in request of the ten starters for the Railway Hack Handicap, with Marenga, Happy Valley and Lady Gazeley all well supported. Marenga set a hot pace from the barrier rise, with Happy Valley heading the others. The latter negotiated the bend with a slight advantage of Beloved, Marenga dropping

to the rear of the field. The leaders then fought out , a spirited finish, Beloved scoring a victory by a head from Happy Valley amid intense excitement. Lady Gazeley was a length away, third. Tigritiya was a very warm order for the Park Handicap, in which there were half a dozen runners. Black Lace,, who was making her second appearance, was a good second choice, with Tieki and Sea Lord most in demand of the others. Sea Lord and Tigritiya carried on the running until the straight was reached. when the latter headed his opponent. and in an interesting finish gained the judge’s verdict by a length. Principal Lady was half a length away, third.