EGMONT RACING CLUB.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1504, 20 February 1919, Page 12

EGMONT RACING CLUB.

AUTUMN MEETING.

DESERT GOLD’S BAD LUCK.

ACCIDENT IN EGMONT STAKES.

GLOAMING SCORES EASY WIN.

(From Our Wanganui Correspondent.)

The Egmont Racing Club’s autumn meeting opened in perfect weather on Thursday, when there was a record attendance, the gate takings being much in excess of last year. The course was looking in splendid order, the racing track especially, and Mr. Alt Morse, the custodian, was freely complimented on the care and attention he had bestowed on the grounds and appointments. Mr. H. Coyle, the handicapper, had the satisfaction of seeing some good fields contest the various events and the fine finishes witnessed bore testimony to his skilful work. Mr. J. R. L. Stanford, the judge, was in good form, his decisions being given with accuracy and a promptness that was appreciated. The arrangements for the conduct of the meeting were good, Mr. V. B. Stratton (the secretary) having attended to every detail that helps to ensure smooth running, and he was ably backed by his staff, which included Mr. Fred. Spriggins, of Wanganui. The totalisator did capital business, the sum of £33,018 10s. being put through, as compared with £29,033 for the corresponding day of last year, an increase of £3985 10s. The racing was of a most interesting description, and was much enjoyed by the great crowd present, though the unfortunate accident in the Egmont Stakes robbed that event of interest, spoiling, as it did, the chance of Mr. T. H. Lowry’s famous mare, Desert Gold, just as she was putting in a run worthy of her great reputation, and supporters of Gloam ing were waiting with baited breath to see how he would respond to the challenge. Full details of the incident will be found below.

Mr. C. O’Connor did good work at the barrier, the fields being in most instances despatched on even terms. There were six starters in the opening event, the Ohawe Hurdles, Paraoa coming in for most support, Lord Nelson being next in demand. Simple Sam and Sweet Tipperary made the early running, the lastnamed showing considerable improvement in her jumping, and she will probably win a hurdle race shortly. The field closed up at the bend, and Paraoa just led over the last obstacle from Sweet Tipperary and Lord Nelson. Golden Grafton ran into second place in the straight, but was a length behind Paraoa at the post. Sweet Tipperary was fourth. Rawakore was withdrawn from the Flying Handicap, leaving seven to face the starter. It was a good betting race, all being well supported, most money going. on to Inah and 80-Peep, while Birkenvale was the outsider of the party. Simonides was the first to show out, but Birkenvale soon took command, and R. Reed, keeping the Birkenhead gelding going, landed him home a winner from BoPeep and Tirana, Simonides being fourth.

Birkenvale was purchased on Tuesday from Mr. J. Goring-Johnston by a Palmerston sportsman who races as Mr. Percy, the price being stated as 300 guineas. As the race was worth 245sovs. and the dividend was nearly a double-figure one, his new owner has started well.

Fulica, Cotillion and Queen Victoria were withdrawn from the Mere Mere Hack Flat, for which 14 started, Hallow (with H. Gray in the saddle) carrying nearly twice as much coin as Metallum, the second in demand. Of the others, Some Boy, Halcyon and Reopai found most support. Metallum' gave some trouble at the barrier, and when the tape went up was on the move which enabled him to obtain the lead early, and she was never headed. Hallow ran a good race and finished second. Ben Bolt was fourth. At the turn into the straight Athlone fell and King’s Court also came down, their riders fortunately escaping injury. The ten acceptors started in the Cup, and there was some heavy betting, Afterglow finishing up a slightly better favourite than Dusky Eve, while there was solid support for Alteration, Rewi Poto and Killard. The early running was made- by Form Up and Ladogeur, and then Alteration went to the front, Afterglow being last. Six furlongs- from home Alteration and Ladogeur were in the

lead, Afterglow still being last. The last-named and Dusky Eve improved their positions at the home turn, though three furlongs away Afterglow was still so far back that his prospects looked almost hopeless. Alteration and Ladogeur were first into the straight, where Dusky Eve went to the front, but Afterglow put in a great run from the distance and won a fine race. Form Up was fourth. Killard ran well for a mile and aquarter. Afterglow’s performance was a good one, and the daughter of Demosthenes will be hard to beat in whatever events she starts at Wanganui. Te Toa, Polthogue and Applaud were the most fancied of the nine starters in the Ladies’ Purse, in which some of the riding was very amateurish. The winner turned up in Spinifex, a four-year-old gelding by Foremost. Khartoum, an aged gelding by King Rufus,, owned by Mr. B. T. Bennett, of Patea, finished second. Then came the great event —the meeting of the two cracks, Desert Gold and Gloaming, in the Egmont Stakes. There was only one other starter, Croesus, but his prospects were not highly assessed, though £260 was invested on him. Desert Gold was made a better favourite than Gloaming. She looked all the better for her race at New Plymouth and she moved well in her preliminary. She was given a great reception. Croesus was trotted down the track, whilst Deeley led Gloaming past the stand. Gloaming drew the rails, with Desert Gold on the outer. The three jumped off in line, Croesus rushing to the front, Desert Gold being steadied in behind. After goingtwo furlongs Gloaming moved up to Croesus. Desert Gold being two or three lengths away. Approaching the three-furlong post Desert Gold started to overhaul the leaders, and was rapidly cutting them down when Croesus suddenly fell right in front of her, and it was a wonder she did not topple over him. As it was she jumped over his legs and escaped injury, but as a result of the interference lost several lengths, Gloaming in the meantime having had a clear run in front. This accident took all interest out of the race, as Gray, seeing that pursuit was hopeless, did not bustle the mare, Gloaming running home an easy winner by three lengths.

An inquiry elicited the fact that the accident was due to Croesus having broken a blood-vessel in the right lung, which caused him to falter and then to fall. The stewards found accordingly, adding that no blame was attached to anyone. It was a most regrettable occurrence, as it completely spoilt what promised to be a most exciting contest. The way Desert Gold was gathering up the leaders at the time she struck trouble pointed to her as a likely winner. However, added interest will now be centred in the meeting of the pair in the Jackson Stakes, to be run at Wanganui on Thursday over six furlongs.

There were ten starters in the Waipapa Hack Flat, Philomela, ridden by H. Gray, being a better favourite than Tiranga and Perfect Day, but they finished in the reverse way, Perfect Day winning nicely. The son of Guianforte is in good form, and will probably win again soon. The day’s sport was brought to a close with the running of the Whareroa Welter, for which Active, with H. Gray in the saddle, was the popular pick. The son of Boniform ran a good race, but was cut down by Paddington Green, which came with a great run over the last bit. winning by a head. Hyginas also ran well, being only a neck away, while Loyal Arch was fourth. The winner paid a good price. The results were: —

OHAWE HURDI.ES of 185sovs. One mile and three-quarters. 1— Slattery and Lite’s b g Paraoa, . aged, by King Rufus — The Boyne, 11.13 (Deerey) 1 3—E. George’s b m Golden Grafton, aged, 11.3 (Tutchen) 2 2— H. J. Cameron’s ch g Lord Nelson, aged, 9.8 (Tilsey) 3 Also started: 5 Otter 10.11 (Lorrigan), 4 Simple Sam 10.1 (Johnson), 6 Sweet Tipperary 9.5 (McSweeney). Won by a length, four lengths between second and third. Time, 3min 18sec. FLYING HANDICAP of 300sovs. Six furlongs. 7—C. Percy’s b g Birkenvale, 4yrs, by Birkenhead —Strathspey, 7.12 (R. Reed) 1 2— W. E. Herbert’s b f 80-Peep, 3 yrs, 8.12 (Gray) 2 3— G. Mulrae’s br g Tirana, aged, 7.11 (McDonell) 3 Also started: 1 Inah 8.8 (L. Morris), 4 Royal Chef 7.11 (Nodder), 5 Simonides 7.10 (Deeley), 6 Movement 7.6 (Mackay). Won by a length. Time, Imin 14 4—

MERE MERE HACK FLAT of 150so V s. Five furlongs. 2 —C. Elmer’s ch m Metallum, 4yrs, by All Black — Winning Post, 7.10 (L. Morris) 1 1— N. King’s b g Hallow, 3yrs, S.l (H. Gray) ........... 2 5 — w. Raleigh’s b g Reopai, syrs, 7.0 (R. Reed) 4,’ ’ ’ ’ V/ ’ 3 Also started: 3 Some Boy 7.3 (Corlett), 4 Halcyon 7.2 (Rayner), 11 Sally Rufus 7.0 (Manson), 9 War Nurse 7.0 (McDonell), 12 Ben Bolt 7.0 (C. Reed), 8 Cheer Up 7.0 (Campbell), 6 Elevent 7.0 (Cook), 10 Athlone 7.0 (McCarten), 7 Lipton (Delamore), 13 Torokaha 7.0 (McLean), 14 King’s Court 7.0 (McCormick). ' . Won by two ler.gths, a similar distance between second and third. Time, lmin 2 l-ssec. EGMONT CUP of 600sovs. One mile and a-half. 1 G. D. Greenwood’s b f Afterglow, 3yrs, by Demosthenes —Sunglow, 7*B (Deelep) ... . ... • • J•>—H. M. Cam] bell’s b g Dusky Eve, Gyrs, 7.10 (McLean) • 2 G—R Barlow’s b h Depredation, 6 yrs, 7.10 (R. Reed) ••• 3 Also started: 4 Rewi Poto 9.4 (Johnson), 7 Ladoguei 8.1 (B. Morris), 10 Form Up 7.6 (McCarten), 3 Alteration 711 inc. 61b over (Gray), S Dingle 7.2 (Corlett), 5 Killard 7.0 (L. Morris), 9 Bingham 6.7 (McDonell). Won by a length, a length and ahalf between- second and third. Time, 2min 36sec. LADIES’ PURSE of 120sovs. Eight furlongs and a-half. 6 — R. Hicks’ b g Spinifex, 4yrs, by Foremost —Calceolaria, 10.7 (F. Walker) 1 7— B. T. Bennett’s b g Khartoum, aged, 10.7 (Fowler) 4—J. Tyldesley’s b g Master Webster, aged, 10.7 (Watson)_ 3 Also started: 3 App aud 10.7 (Clout), 2 Polthogue 10.7 (J. Root), 1 Te Toa 10.7 (Harris), 9 Simcretta. 10.7 (Marshall), 5 Monument 10.7 (Anstis), 8 Ngakanui 10.7 (J. Morris). Won by two lengths, four lengths between second and third. Time, lmin 5 4 sec. EGMONT STAKES of 500sovs. Six furlongs. 2— G. D. Greenwood’s b g Gloaming, 3yrs, by The Welkin —Light, 9.0 (B. Deeley) 1 1— T. H. Lowry’s b m Desert Goxd, 6yrs, 9.0 (Gray) • 2 3 — G. F. Hardy’s b g Croesus, aged, 9.0 (B. Morris) 3 Croesus fell, but was remounted and completed the course. Won by two lengths and a-half. Time, lmin 14sec. WAIPAPA HACK FLAT of 150sovs. Seven furlongs. 3—J. P. P. Kelly’s b g Perfect Day, 4yrs, by Guianforte — Country Picnic, S.l (L. Morris) 1 2 — F. Hoskin’s br g Tiranga, syrs, 8.9 (Nodder) 2 I—w.1 —w. E. Herbert’s ch Philomela, 3yrs, 9.6 (Gray) 3 Also started: 5 Royal Park 9.a (B. Deeley), 6 Nemaline 8.2 (R. Reed), 4 Rajput 8.0 (C. Price), 9 . Primato 7.10 (Dellamore), 8 Pomeroy 7.4 (Corlett), 7 Compel 7.0 (Rayner), 10 Colonel Paul 7.0 (McCarten). Won by half a length, two lengths between second and third. Time, lmin 2 9 sec.

WHAREROA WELTER of 200sovs. Seven furlongs.

B—W. G. Emeny’s ch g Paddington Green, syrs, by Flagfall—Polly Perkins, 8.0 (Johnson) 1 1 — w. E. Herbert’s ch g Active, 3yrs, 8.8 (Gray) 2 2— A. Symes’ b g Hyginas, syrs, 9.6 (Morris) 3 Also started: 6 Loyal Arch 9.8 (B. Deeley),- 5 Hushman 9.0 (Nodder), 4 Kiltess 8.10 (Brady), 3 Marqueteur 8.10 (C. Price), 7 Madam Ristori 8.8 (Goldfinch), 9 Veto 8.2 (McCarten). Won by a head, a neck between second and third. Time, lmin 27 4-ssec. SECOND DAY. GLOAMING WINS HAWERA STAKES. DESERT GOLD BEATEN AFTER FINE RACE. Heavy rain fell on Wednesday night and continued steadily. As there were no signs of a break in the weather, the committee decided at 9 a.m. on Thursday to postpone the second day’s racing. Friday broke fine, and the meeting was brought to a conclusion in delightful weather. The track rolled out well, and the going was good. The attendance was again very large, great numbers being attracted with the prospect of seeing the champions—Desert Gold and Gloaming—meet in the Hawera Stakes (one mile), and they were rewarded by having the pleasure of witnessing a splendid race, which was won by the better of the pair (Gloaming) on the day, a fact which was admitted by even the most ardent supporters of the mare. As on the first day, the arrangements for the conduct of the meeting were well-nigh perfect, and the programme was got through in a manner which reflected great credit on the club’s officials. The racing was of a most interesting description, and from every point of view the Egmont Club’s autumn meeting of 1919 can be written down as a record success. The second day’s investments on the machine totalled £32,525, making the total for the two days £65,503, an increase of £6452 over last year. There were six starters in the opening event, the Okaiawa Hurdles, Crown Pearl being very strongly sup-

ported, with Sweet Tipperary next in demand. The last-named ran a good race, and looked all over a winner at the home turn, where she made; a faulty jump, losing several lengths. Speedwell Mac getting out in front. Sweet Tipperary made a big effort to get up in the run home, but was beaten a length and a-half. Crown Pearl was never very prominent. 80-Peep was made a better favourite than Waimatao in the Waimate Handicap, Tirana, Inah and Hyginas being evenly hacked. Inah made the early running, but at the business end Waimatao, with Deeley in the saddle, ran to the front and scored comfortably. Tirana was fourth.

K. McDonnell weighed out to ride Tirana, but after he had gone to the post it was discovered that his license had expired the previous day, and the horse was brought back to the birdcage to allow R. Reed to be substituted for. McDonnell as his rider. There was a big field in the Farmers’ Plate, fourteen starting. Lord Nelson found most support, and should have won, but dropped back at the bend through some cause, and though he came again he was beaten by a narrow margin by White Ranger. The latter is owned by Mr. W. Cleaver, who started two others, . Jujitsu and Bona Idea, Ju Jitsu finishing third.

Eighteen contested the Maiden Scurry, Cotillion, on whom Gray had the mount, being sent out a better favourite than Vance. The latter hopped out from the barrier at a great bat, and soon opened up a big gap, but Jutland ran up to her at the bend, and coming away in the straight won anyhow by a couple of lengths, with the favourite third.

Jutland is a four-year-old son of Advance —Brown Spec, and is therefore a full brother to Postillion and Square Deal. Ke takes after Postillion in colour and in style of galloping, and he should win some good races, as he is undoubtedly very fast.

There were only four starters in the Atkinson Memorial Stakes, a poor field for a £5OO race. The topweight, Form Up was made a warm favourite. with Killard next in demand. It was a fine race. Killard and Form Up made the pace for a mile, when Robur joined issue, and the mare led into the straight from Marqueteur. A splendid race to the post ended in McLean landing Marqueteur a winner by a neck from Robur, Form Up finishing third. Birkenvale was the only one to enter the list against the two cracks in the Hawera Stakes. 1 A great crowd surrounded the birdcage to watch the saddling up operations. Gloaming was the first to appear, but there was no cheering until Desert Gold came on the scene, Birkenvale receiving a similar compliment. Gloaming sweated profusely, but looked fit, while • Desert Gold moved about in her usual unconcerned way and was evidently in excellent fettle. There was a keen contest for favouritism, but eventually Desert Gold secured the honour by a few pounds. She drew inside position, with Gloaming next, and Birkenvale on the outside. The start was a good one, but Gloaming was the quickest to gather up pace, and at the first bend—lso yards from the starting line —had the rails. Desert Gold drew up on the outside to within half a length rounding the bend, and the pair raced down the back stretch without any alteration. At the three furlong post Gray called on Desert Gold and she crept up level with Gloaming, to the joy of her supporters, who cried “Desert Gold wins,” but Gloaming was going well and the mare could not head him. There was little or nothing between them as they turned for home, but then Gloaming began to forge ahead, though Gray had not yet pulled his whip. With about 100 yards to go Gray called on the mare, but she was doing her best, and recognising this fact her rider did not punish the daughter of All Black, allowing her to ease up a trifle, and Gloaming thus won a 'fine race by a length and ahalf, with Birkenvale 100 yards away. It was a true test, and the best horse won on the day. The merit of Gloaming’s performance was readily recognised, and as he returned to the enclosure he and Deeley were given an ovation, as were also Desert Gold and Gray. Though Gloaming was never headed, he was doing his best, and the time —imin. 40 2-ssec. —must be accounted very good considering that the track was not fast. There were seven starters in the Inaha Hack Flat, for which Hallow found most support, though Tiranga and Metallum were also heavily backed. Gray looked to have the race won on Hallow half-way down the

straight, when Some Boy, well ridden by F. Corlett, came with a rush on the outside, and after an exciting finish got home by the narrowest of margins.

There were ten starters in the concluding event —the Normanby Welter —Gray’s mount (Alteration) being made a better favourite than Loyal Arch, ridden by Deeley. Neither of the crack horsemen got into a place, the race going to an outsider in Trombone, which won nicely from Bingham and paid a good price. Hector Gray had no luck at the meeting, as he failed to win a race. He rode four seconds the first day and two the second day. Deeley was the most successful rider at the meeting, having four winning mounts. L. Morris scored two wins, and Deerey, R. Reed, Johnson, L. Nodder. F. Corlett, C. Price, McLean and Dellamore one each. Messrs. F. Walker and J. Clout were successful in the races for gentlemen riders. The results were’ —

OKAIAWA HURDLES of 150sovs. One mile and a-half. 4— B. H. Chaney’s b g Speedwell Mac, aged, by Lupin — Daystar mare, 9.2 (Dellamore) 1 2 — Dwan Bros.’ blk m Sweet Tipperary, syrs, 9.2 (McSweeney) 2 3— L. Wemmick’s b g Polthogue, 6 yrs, 9.13 (Tilsley) 3 Also started: 1 Crown Pearl 11.10 (Tutchen), 6 Otter 10.5 (Lorrigan), 5 Master Webster 9.0 (Kaan). Won by a length and a-half, a length and a-quarter between second and third. Time, 2min 48sec. WAIMATE HANDICAP of 250sovs. Six furlongs. 2 —M. Williams’ br g Waimatao, 6 yrs, by Bezonian —Punawai, 9.1 (B. Deeley) 1 5 — H. Spratt’s b m Inah, syrs, 5.5 (L. Morris) 2 6 — G. Larcom’s br g Royal Chef, aged, 7.7 (Corlett) 3 Also started: 1 80-Peep 8.13 (Gray), 4 Hyginas 8.0 (Dellamore), 3 Tirana 7.9 (R. Reed), 9 Hushman 7.5 (Mackay), 10 Madam Ristori 7.3 (S. Reed), 8 Movement 7.3 (Rayner), 7 Rawakore 6.11 (McLean). Won by a length, half a length between second and third. Time, Imin 15sec. FARMERS’ PLATE HANDICAP of 120 sovs. One mile and a distance. 2 —AV. Cleaver’s blk g White Ranger, syrs, bv Foremost — Brusholsis, 11.0 (Clout) 1 1— H. J. Cameron’s ch g Lord Nelson, aged, 11.8 (Cameron) 2 2— W. Cleaver’s b m Jiu-Jitsu, 6yrs, 12.2 (Walker) 3 Also started: 2 Bona Dea 10.7 (George) bracketed with White Ranger and Jiu-Jitsu, 4 Pomeroy 11.5 (Curtin), G Spinifex 11.4 (McDonald), 11 Normanby 11.1 (Watson), 7 Khartoum 10.12 (Anstis), 5 Compel 10.11 (Fowler), 10 Applaud 10.7 (Root), 9 Te Toa 10.7 (Harris), 3 Simon 10.7 (R. Vivian), 12 Monument 10.7 (Whitaker), 8 Army Service 10.7 (Desmond). Won by a neck. Time, 2min 2sec. ATKINSON MEMORIAL STAKES of 500sovs. One mile and a-quarter. 4— Mr. Ewart’s ch g Marqueteur, 4 yrs, by King Mark—By By, 6.9 (McLean) 1 3— J. Harle’s b m Robur, 6yrs, 6.9 (C. Reed) 2 I—H.1 —H. W. Brown’s b g Form Up, syrs, 7.11 (Deeley) 3 Also started: 2 Killard 6.12 (L. Morris).

Won by a neck. Time, 2min 11 4-5 sec.

MAIDEN HACK SCURRY of 120sovs. Five furlongs. 7—J. Campion’s blk h Jutland, 4yrs, by Advance — Brown Spec, 8.7 (C. Price) 1 2 —J. S'. Parson’s ch m Vance, 4yrs, 8.7 (L. Morris) .••.••• 2 1 — AV. E. Herbert’s br f Cotillion, 3yrs, 8.7 (Gray) 3 Also started: 12 Bisognio 8.7 (Johnson), 11 Huia Poto 8.7 (W. Price), 3 Torokaha 8.7 (Scott), 14 Solito 8.7 (K. Lambess), 13 War Nurse 8.7 (Rayner), 4 Halcyon 8.7 (R. Reed), 5 Reopai 8.7 (Kaan), 14 Cheer Up 8.7 (Campbell), 10 Arch Salute 8.7 (McCarten), 8 Kareao 8.7 (Nodder), 6 Elevent 8.7 (B. Deeley), 9 Ben Bolt 8.7 (Dellamore), 17 Athlone 8.7 (E. Reed), 15 Cadet 8.7 (C. Reed), 16 Royal Divorce 8.7 (Manson). . Won by two lengths, a similar distance between second and third. Time, Imin 2 3-ssec. HAWERA STAKES of 500sovs. One mile. 2— G. D. Greenwood’s b g Gloaming, 3yrs, by The Welkin —Light, 8.12 (B. Deeley) 1 I—T.1 —T. H. Lowry’s b m Desert Gold, 6yrs, 9.1 (Gray) . 2 3 — C. Percy’s b g Birkenvale, 4yrs, 8.11 (Reed) 3 Won by a length and a-half, twelve lengths between second and third. Time, Imin 40 2-ssec. INAHA HACK FLAT of 150sovs. Six furlongs. s—o. Cox’s br g Some Boy, 3yrs, by Guianforte — Coronet mare, 7.0 (Corlett) 1 1— N. King’s b g Hallow, 3yrs, 8.6 (Gray) 2 2 — F. Hoskin’s br g Tiranga, syrs, 8.13 (Deeley) 3 Also started: 4 First Salute 9.3 (McCarten), 3 Metallum 8.6 (L. Morris), 6 Nemaline 7.13 (R. Reed), 7 Primato 7.8 (Dellamore). AVon by a head. Time, Imin 15 3-5 sec.

NORMANBY WELTER of 200sovs. Eight furlongs and a-half. 9—McDonald Bros.’ Trombone, by Zimmerman — Orchestra, 8.0 (L. Nodder) 1 3—l. S. Hardley’s br g Bingham, 4yrs, 8.2 (L. Morris) 2 6—AV. G. Emeny’s ch g Paddington Green, 8.11 (Johnson) 3 Also started: 1 Alteration 9.8 (Gray),

2 Loyal Arch 9.7 (Deeley), 5 Dingle 9.1 (C Price), 8 Tirana 8.12 (R. Reed), 4 Kiltess S.S (Brady), 10 Veto 8.0 (McCarten), 7 Rajput 8.0 (E. Reed). Won by half a length. Time, Imin 5 0 s e c.