WELLINGTON.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1520, 12 June 1919, Page 10

WELLINGTON.

Jiu Jitsu Sold to Gisborne Trainer— Idle Talk to be Given a Spell— Notes on the Otaki Meeting—Great Finish in Raukawa Cup. WELLINGTON, Monday. Mr. W. Cleaver, of Hawera, has sold Jin Jitsu to H. Hickey, of Gisborne. The horse named should prove a useful proposition in racing events in the Poverty Bay district. To take a trio of horses to a meeting and for all three to get amongst the money was the experience of P. E. Hazleman, the Featherston trainer. He took Momac, Justification and Californian to Otaki, where the first-named won, while the latter pair each ran a second. The dividends in each case were of the substantial order. Hazleman, who had considerable experience in England in the training business prior to coming to New Zealand, bids fair to become a very successful trainer in this country. He has the knack of landing his horses at the post in perfect trim, and this was reflected by the fine contests they put up in their respective engagements last week. Further successes should come Hazleman’s way in the near future. Two popular wins recorded at Otaki were those of Kyoto and Idle Talk, both the property of Mr. H. Barrett, a son of “Dave” Barrett, a genial sporting enthusiast of Feilding. Both horses won in convincing style, and trainer H. Batten, who prepares the pair, was deservedly complimented upon the fine order that he had landed his charges at the post. Idle Talk is to be treated to a spell, while Kyoto’s next appearance will be at the Wellington Racing Club’s winter meeting. Moutoa Boy (Gold Crest — Kate Sarto) gave a fine display at Otaki. The four-year-old is destined to turn out a good sort. R. Penman, an apprentice son of the well-known Otaki trainer of that name, made his initial effort with the colours up when he rode Detroit in the Raukawa Cup on Tuesday last. The lad handled his mount with considerable skill, and as he can go to scale at the handy weight of 7.0 he should soon work his way to the top rung of the ladder. Certainly, his prospects for the future are distinctly promising. Amongst the visitors to Otaki last week was Mr. A. (“Ngakonui”) McDonald, a popular Wairarapa sportsman, whose many friends were glad to see him about again after an illness that had compelled him to lay up for a few weeks. Mr. R. H. Skipwith, who, before going to the war, acted as starter to several racing clubs, was a visitor to the Otaki races. Mr. Skipwith intends following his old profession as soon as the opportunity occurs.

The racing at Otaki was distinctly good, and close finishes were the order of the day. The starting, however, was marred by several bad send-offs, and-a number of prominent owners were heard complaining at the faulty despatches. In many instances horses’ chances were spoilt at the post, much to the disappointment of their connections and supporters. Arrowfield was very unlucky at Otaki. Mr. W. Duncan’s galloper was number 13 in the race book, and after getting the worst of the start the gelding lost his rider (J. Barry). Luckily the lad escaped lightly, for with the exception of a few scratches on the face, he was none the worse for the mishap. Some critics were heard remarking that a horse bearing the unlucky number of 13 was sure to strike trouble if there was any about, and Arrowfield certainly secured his full share. A run of ill-luck appears to have struck the Porirua stable, J. H. Prosser’s horses going through the Otaki meeting without a win. The writer remembers the time when Mr. Prosser always played a strong hand at the native meetings, it being a rare occurrence for inmates of his beach establishment not to win a race. The veteran trainer has some nice horses in hand, and some successes should come his way before the present season closes. Pretty Bobby was allowed to pay a false price on the second day at Otaki. The Auckland-owned galloper

was not fancied with his 10.4 impost, despite which he beat Justification by a. head in the Ohau Welter Handicap. W. Bell, who does not get many chances, rode a fine race on Pretty Bobby at Otaki. The jockey named, who is farming at Weraroa, proved by his handling of his mount that he has not yet forgotten how to ride, and when the weights suit lie will always do a little riding. White Ranger ran a capital race at Otaki. The black gelding, who finished third in the Ohau Welter, was beaten by two good ones in Pretty Bobby and Justification. Battle Song put up a splendid race in the Raukawa Cup, in which he just missed the rich stake by a head. The horse came fast over the last few yards, and a stride past the post was in front of Volo. This gave rise to some discussion, but shrewd critics, who were in a position to see the finish, declare that Volo won without a doubt. Mr. Cameron gave his decision promptly, which met with the approval of the onlookers.