OTAKI MAORI RACING CLUB.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1520, 12 June 1919, Page 15

OTAKI MAORI RACING CLUB.

WINTER MEETING. FIRST DAY. VOLO AVINS THE CUP.. (From Our Wellington Correspondent.) OTAKI, Tuesday. Fine weather prevailed to-day, and there was a large attendance at Otaki to witness the decision of the opening day’s events at the Otaki Maori Racing Club’s winter fixture. Visitors came from far and near, the crowd constituting a record. Tho special trains from Wellington were well patronised, sporting enthusiasts appreciating the efforts put forth on their behalf by the Railway authorities. Amongst the prominent sportsmen present were: Sir James Carroll, patron of the club; Mr. IV. H. Field, M.P., member for the district; Mr. F. S. Easton, Mr. W. A. Duncan and many others. Mr. Ben. Ling, the club’s popular president, was on hand to extend the usual courtesies to visitors, who fully appreciated the kindness and consideration with which their needs were met. The racing was brimful of interest, the close finishes arousing intense excitement among patrons. In sev eral instances the result was in doubt until Mr. Cameron had hoisted the placings from the judge’s box. With good fields engaged in the various events, speculation naturally was of a spirited order, and when the totals came to be made up after the last race it was seen that £30,044 had found its way through the totalisator, as against £26,289 on the opening day of last year’s meeting, an increase of £3755. Nine runners faced the starter for the opening event, the Maiden Flat Race, for which Festival (Hallowmas —Crucinella) was a firm favourite. Prior to the race Deacon went wrongafter doing his preliminary, which necessitated his immediate return to the birdcage. There were 215 tickets registered on Deacon’s number on the totalisator, and unfortunately for his backers did not get a run for their money. The field was close together entering the straight, when Kyoto, owned by Mr. H. Barrett, of Feilding, could he seen coming fast, and in a good finish the black gelding secured the verdict by a neck from Festival, with Achillion close up third.

Tari, fresh from his Taratahi success, was a big favourite for the Flying Hack Handicap, and once again backers of the favoirrite received a small dividend through their selection running second. The field was in close order until the distance was reached, when several horses put. in their claims, and in a slashing finish Idle Talk won by a head from Tari, with Black Mark in third place. Both Kyoto and Idle Talk are owned by Mr. H. Barrett, of the Manchester Hotel, Feilding, and to gain two consecutive successes was an achievement of which that gentleman and his trainer (H. Batten) must have felt proud, both being deservedly complimented upon their. brace of victories. The dividends in each case were of a substantial character, that of Kyoto running into double figures. Master Webster was the actual favourite for the Taihoa Steeplechase, but Kurapai followed him close, only a few pounds separating the pair. From a good start, Gang Awa’ went to the front, and, maintaining his lead all the way, eventually won by a head from Master Webster, who, however, ran round the last fence. An inquiry was instituted, with the result that Master Webster was disqualified, second place going to Gwynne, who fenced well throughout, while Kurapai wm awarded third money. Kingston Boy and Negative fell. Dillamore, rider of Master Webster, was fined £5 for continuing on in the race after missing an obstacle. Gang Awa’s performance was very creditable, and stamps him as a steeplechaser with some excellent prospects in the future. Marqueteur, Volo and Nobleman were backed in the order named for the Raukawa Cup, which was a good betting race, there being well over £5OOO invested on the totalisator. The start was of a straggling order, Nobleman and Volo getting badly away. Rose Pink and Elocution were in the van for seven furlongs, when Volo went to the front, and, galloping resolutely over the remainder of the journey, had a head’s advantage from Battle Song when the

winning post was reached, Pacific Slope being a neck away third. Quite a number of people were of the opinion that Battle Song had won, but the judge was the only person in a position to separate the pair, and there is no doubt Mr. Cameron was quite right in his ruling. Volo is owned by a popular Otakeho (Taranaki) sportsman, who races as F. Seiwood, and the success of his colours in the principal event of the afternoon was highly popular. Volo was ridden by an apprentice in H. Jehus, who displayed more than the average amount of skill. Pretty Bobby and Momac were the popu’ar fancies in the Otaki Handicap, and in a fine finish the latter won by a neck from the Aucklandowned candidate, with Transmission a head away third. Momac is owned by Mr. FI. E. Card, of Featherston, who was not present to see his horse win. being occupied with the trotting meeting held at Tauherenikau on the same day.

Torfreda, despite her substantial weight, carried a lot of money in the Taipua Handicap, while ' Astinome and Lady General were also well supported. Several horses had a winning chance at the turn, but once in the straight Lady General asserted herself, and, going on resolutely, won by a head from Astinome, with Oratress, who came from the clouds, a similar distance away third. The last-named was paying a bumper dividend, only £l4O being invested on her prospects on the totalisator. For the concluding event, the Birthday Welter Flack Handicap, Some Girl was made favourite, while several of the others were spiritedly supported. The winner turned up in Sacramento, who prevailed by a length from Utuwai. with Glentour another length away third. The results were: — MAIDEN FLAT RACE of lOOsovs. Weight for age. Six furlongs. 7 —FT. Barrett’s blk g Kyoto, 3yrs, by Maniapoto — Brilliant Star, 8.8 (Rayner) 1 I—T. A. Duncan’s b g Festival, 3 vrs, 8.8 (C. Price) 2 •’ —L. H. Collinson’s b g Achilleon, 3yrs, S.S (W. Bell) 3 Also started: 5 Blighty <8.12 (Nodder), 4 Moutoa Boy 8.11 (Reed), 3 Hautawa <B.ll (Morris), 9 Dixie Boy 8.11 (Proclor), S Master Curran S.S (Mr C. Crowley), 6 Deacon 8.8 (McCormick). Won by a neck, half a’ length between second and third. Time, lmin 1 6 l-ssec. FLYING HACK HANDICAP of 150sovs. Six furlongs. 3—FI. Barrett's b m Idle Talk, 4yrs, by Kilbroney—Rumour, 7.10 (P. Rayner) 1 1— C. Woolston’s ch g Tari, syrs, 8.10 (Stowe) 2 2 — FI. G. Taylor’s blk g Black Mark, lyrs. 8.9 (Bagby) 3 Also started: 8 Flying Gowrle 8.6. 10 I.ady Witch (late Za.bism) 8.2 (Corlettj, 5 Vascovia 7.12 (R. Reed), 6Beloved 7.9 (A. Reed), 12 Primato 7.7 (Dillamore), 9 Restful 4.6 (McCormick)-, 4 Tame Fox 7.0 (Barry), 7 Tonukohe 6.10 (L. Morris), 13 Conziska 6.10 (W. Tricklebank), 13 Sea Foam 6.10 (M. McCarten), 11 Californian 6.10 (Arm- : trong). Won by a head, a neck between second and third. Time, lmin 14 2-ssec. TAIHOA STEEPLECHASE HANDICAP of 250sovs. About two miles and aquarter. 3 — F. S. Easton’s blk g Gang Awa’, Gyrs, by Provocation —Gold Cord, 11.2 (Lorrigan) 1 —A. D. Scott’s hr g Kurapai, aged, 10.6 (Ayre) .. . 3 5 —W. Bevan’s hr g Gwynne, aged, 9.7 (Meagher) 2 Also started: 4 Tarero 10.6 (Bowden), 1 Master Webster 10.3 (Dillamore), 7 Floatu 9.7 (Mcßrearty), 9 Kingston Boy 9.7 (Farrell), 6 Sail Home 9.7 (Caddy), 8 Negative 9.7 (A. Thorner). Sail Home fell at the first obstacle, while Negative baulked. Won by a head Master Webster two lengths in front of Gwynne, with Kurapai fourth. It was proved that Master Webster ran round one of the hurdles, ami after an inquiry the horse was distanced second place going- to Gwynne, while Kurapai was placed third. Time, lmin 20 3-ssec. RAUKAWA CUP HANDICAP of 600 sovs. One mile and a-quarter. 2—F. Selwcod’s b g Volo, syrs, by Husbandman — Beautiful Star, 8.12 (Johns) 1 10 — P. Soames’ hr g Battle Song', syrs, 7.12 (Rayner) 2 11— -W. Smart’s b g Pacific Slope, aged, 7.10 (R. Reed) 3 Also started: 9 Rewi Poto 9.2 (C. Price), 3 Nobleman 9.0 (L. Morris), 1 Marqueteur <8.5 (Bagby), 4 Kilrush 8.2 (McCarten), 12 Detroit 7.9 (Penman), 7 Master Moutoa 7.!) (A.’Reed), 8 Rose Pink 7.7 (Corlett), 6 Bagdad 7.2 (M. McCarten), 14 Elocution 6.13 (McCormick), 13 Tiranga. 6.11 (C. Carmont), 5 Arrowfield 6.7 (Barry). Won by a head, a long neck between second and third. Time, 2min <8 l-ssec. OTAKI HACK HANDICAP of 150sovs. One mile. 2—FT. E. Card’s b m Momac, syrs, by Achilles —-Mamokai, 7.12 (A. Reed) . 1 I—C.1 —C. Boyle’s br g Pretty Bobby, syrs, 9.0 (Bagby) 2 I—-J. 11. Redfern's br m Transmission, syrs, 8.0 (Nodder) 3 Also started: 3 Consultation 7.13. (R. Reed), 5. White Range)- 7.7 (L. Morris), 6 Pomeroy 7.2 (Barry), 7 Warmth 7.0 (McCormick). Won by a neck, a head between second and third. Time, lmiri 42 2-ssec.

TAIPUA HANDICAP of 330sovs. Six furlongs. 3 —T. Higgins’ b m Lady General, syrs, by General Latour — Romolo, 7.S (Corlett) 1 2 —G. A. Palmer’s br f Astinome, 3yrs, 7.5 ‘(A. Reed) 2 11 —F. Preston's b f Oratress, 3yrs, 6.9 (Barry) 3 Also started: 1 Torfreda 8.11 (R. Bagby), 9 Birkenvale 8.9 (L. Morris), 4 Potentiality 8.0 (McEwan), 7 Rawakore 7.12 (M. McCarten), 6 Matatua 7.5 (Rayner), 5 Old Gold 7.2 (Stratton), 10 Royal Chef 7.0 (Armstrong), S Plavoff 6.13 (C. Reed), 13 George 6.10 (McCormick), 1? Ahika 6.9 (G. Carmont), 11 Trentham 6.9 (Cotton), 15 Merrie Poto 6.7 (Styles). A slashing race, heads separating the pleaced horses. Time, lmin 13 2-ssec. BIRTHDAY WELTER HACK HANDICAP of 14 Oso vs. Seven furlongs. 2 — R. A. McKenzie’s br g Sacramento, -lyrs, by California-—Ar-mada, 9.9 (Hatch) 1 I—W. McKegg’s b g Utuwai, syrs, 9.2 (L. Morris) 2 3 — G. West’s b g Glentour, 4yrs, 9.5 (H. Lorrigan) 3 Also started: 7 Maraetotara 10.2 (C. Stowe), 8 Papanui 9.4 (Caddy),- 6 Esperance 8.13 (Nodder), 1 Some Girl 8.12 (R. Reed), 6 Toddy 8.7 (C. Price), 5 Justification 8.7 (A. Reed), 10 Good Defence 8.7 (Styles), 11 Master Boris 8.7 (W. Bell), 9 Amberine 8.7 (M. McCarten). Won by a length, same distance between second and third. Time, lmin 29sec. SECOND DAY. HUIA HANDICAP WON BY KILRUSH. OTAKI, Wednesday. The meeting was brought to a con elusion today in fine but dull weather. The attendance showed a big falling off compared with yesterday’s record. . The racing was again very interesting, but several races were again spoilt through -faulty starting, and in this respect many complaints were heard. The principal event, the Huia Handicap, went to Kilrush, who led throughout, the issue never being in doubt from the moment the field was sent away. Mr. J. Cameron was very successful in the judge’s box, and in several races the finishes were so close that a small portion of the crowd thought the rulings were wrong, but, on the other hand, a very large majority freely expressed the opinion that the placings were quite correct. The judge has special advantages. - over everybody in that he is in a position to obtain a view of a close finish from the only angle which permits of an accurate decision, and frequently the average racegoer errs in his judgment when attempting' to forecast the result of a keenly-fought race from a disadvantageous angle. Mr. Angus Gordon was the stipendiary steward in attendance, and with the exception of a few minor inquiries everything passed off very well. The finishes on both days were far away the best that .have been witnessed on the local racecourse for many a day, and naturally the club’s handicapper, Mr. H. Coyle, came in for some high praise for his capital adjustments. Racing was resumed with the running of the Telegraph Handicap, for which Beloved was better fancied than Kyoto and Prince Formby. Stutter occupied a prominent position to the turn, when the field closed up and in an exciting contest Prince Formby secured the verdict by a length from Tunokohe, with Beloved close up third. Stutter was a little further back, fourth. All started in the Te Roto Steeplechase, for which Gang Awa’ was the popular choice, while Master Webster was strongly supported. Gang Awa’ made play for a mile and ahalf, when the heavy weight he was carrying began to tell. The black gelding was passed first by Master Webster and then by Gwynne, the pair fighting out an interesting finish, victory going to the former by three lengths, with Gang Awa’, who put up a creditable performance, a similar distance away third. Master Webster was ridden a splendid race by the New Plymouth cross-country horseman, A. Ward, whose first-ride it was for some months. The bracketed pair, Potentiality and Elocution, were made favourites for the Huia Handicap, while there was plenty of money for Pacific Slope and Battle Song, both of whom, however, finished behind the placed division. Kilrush was the smartest to find his feet, and, passing the stand, the Kilbroney gelding was clear of his field. Going round the back Kilrush still held the leading position, which he kept to the finish, eventually winning very easily by four lengths from Bagdad, with Potentiality two lengths away third. Kilrush has done well . since comin r to the North Island, and he looks like turning out a useful investment

to his owner-trainer, A. McAuley, who has the four-year-old in capital galloping condition just now. Old Gold was installed favourite for the Stewards’ Hack Handicap, and the issue was never in doubt. R. Hatch waited on the field until well in the straight, when he brought the gelding along with a late run and won by a length from March On, who was half a length in front of Tari, who appeared to be hampered by the heavy going. Oratress and Astinome were the public fancies in the Rahui Handicap, and they finished in the order named. Astinome was first away, and led throughout. Oratress made a big effort to overhaul her rival, but Astinome carried too many guns and won by half a length. Matatua, who finished third, ran a game race, and should soon be picking up a decent stake for his Masterton owner, Mr. F. A. Jensen. Glentour finished up a warm favourite for the Ohau Welter Handicap, and for some unaccountable reason Pretty Bobby was neglected on the machine. The latter was always in a handy position, and, nicely handled by W. Bell, who does not get many opportunities owing to his increasing weight, Pretty Bobby won nicely by a length from Justification, who was badly placed in the early stages, but came with a rare burst of speed over the last few hundred yards. White Ranger, who had been handy throughout, was close up third. The curtain was rung down on the meeting by the running of the Final Hack Scurry, for which Dainty Step carried four Figures opposite her name on the totalisator. After Moutoa Boy and Sea Foam had made play to well within the straight, M. McCarten brought Dainty Step along with a well-timed run, while Californian threw out a determined challenge. The pair flashed across the line together, the verdict going to Dainty Step by a long neck, with Moutoa Boy a similar distance away third.

During the afternoon the sum of £18,919 was invested on the totalisator as against £19,920 oh the concluding day last year, making a total of £48,983 for the meeting, as compared with £46,209 for the 1918 fixture, an increase of £2774. The results were: — TELEGRAPH HACK HANDICAP of 12 Osovs. Five f urlon'gS; . 3— J. Cocks’ br g Prince- Formby, syrs, by Formby—Lady Uhlan, 7.8 (McCormick) .............. 1 4— W. Grey’s br g Tonukohe, syrs, 7.8 (L. Morris) 2 1— G. Penfold’s ch f Beloved, 3yrs, 7.8 (A. Reed) 3 Also started: 8 Lady Kilworth 8.1 (Nodder), 2 Kyoto 7.12 (Rayner), 7 Stutter 7.3 (Corkhill), 8 Restful 7.3 (Barry), 5 Achilleon 7.2 (Bagby), 11 Sea Foam 6.10 (Tricklebank), 9 Amberinc 6.10 (G. Carmont), 10 Master Curran 6.10 (Penman), 6 Kawhau 6.10 (C. Reed). Won by balf a length, the same distance between second and third. Time, lmin 3 2-ssec. TE ROTO STEEPLECHASE HANDICAP of 200sovs. About two miles. 2 — J. Tyldesley’s br g Master Webster, aged, by Captain. Webb — Lakeshell mare, 10.11 (Ward) 1 3— W. Bevan’s br g Gwynne, aged, 10.0 (Meagher) 2 1— F. S. Easton’s blk g Gang Awa’, 12.1 (Lorrigan) 3 Also started: 4 Kurapai 10.3 (Ayre), 6 Tarero 10.2 (Bowden), 8 Hoatu 9.7 (Mcßrearty), 7 Sail Home 9.7 (Caddy), 5 Negative 9.7 (Copestake). Won by four lengths. Time, 4min 53 2HUIA HANDICAP of 400sovs. One mile and 55 yards. 6 —A. McAulay’s b g Kilrush, lyrs, by Kilbroney — Prank, 8.1 (A. Reed) 1 5— Mrs. H. M. Campbell’s ch g Bagdad, 4yrs, 7.2 (M. McCarten) . . 2 I—Mrs. W. A. Couper’s b g Potentiality, aged, 8.2 (Stowe) 3 Also -started: 4 Rewi Poto 8.13 (C. Price), 7 Nobleman 8.11 (L. Morris), 3 Battle Song 8.4 (Rayner), 2 Pacific Slope 7.13 (R. Reed), 1 Elocution 6.13 (C. Reed) bracketed with Potentiality, 9 Goldstream 6.7 (McCormick), 8 Arrowfield 6.7 (Barry), 10 Tiranga 6.7 (G. Carmont). Won by four lengths. Arrowfield lost his rider. Time, lmin 44sec. STEWARDS’ HACK HANDICAP of 13Osovs. Seven furlongs. 1— R. A. McKenzie’s b g Old Gold, 3yrs, by Hymettus — Florigold, 9.3 (Hatch) 1 4 : —C. Louisson’s ch g March On, syrs, 8.6 (Corkliill) 2 6 — C. AVoolston’s eh g Tari, 3yrs, . 9.1 (Stowe) 3 Also started: 8 Momac 8.9 (A. Reed), 3 Idle Talk 8.8 (Rayner), 11 Lady Witchett (late Zabism) 8.0 (Corlett), 2 Utuwai 7.13 (L. Morris), 9 Consultation 7.9 (R. Reed), 12 Primato 7.7 (L. Nodder), 5 Some Girl 7.6 (Bagby), 10 Esperance 7.3 (Styles), 7 Festival 7.2 (M. McCarten), 13 Conziska 6.10 (W. Tricklebank). Won by half a length. Time, lmin 29 4-ssec. RAHUI HANDICAP of 200sovs. Six furlongs. 2— G. A. Palmer's br f Astinome, 3 yrs, bv Maniapoto — Hellenois, 8.1 (A.‘ Reed) 1 I—F.1 —F. Preston’s b f Oratress, 3yrs, 7.1 (Bagby) 2 4—F. A. Jensen’s b g Matatua, 3yrs, 7.7 (Rayner) 3

Also started: 11 Birkenvale 8.10 (L. Morris), 3 Ladv General 8.8 (F. Corlett), 5 Rawakore 8.2 (M. McCarten), 7 Play-off 7.7 (C. Reed), 6 Royal Chef 7.5 (Nodder), 9 George 6.12 (Barry), 8 Wonder 6.11 (McCormick), 10 Ahika 6.10 (G. Carmont). Won by a length, half a length between second and third. Time, Imin 15 l-ssec. OHAU WELTER HACK HANDICAP of 120sovs. One mile. 4 — C. Boyle’s hr g Pretty Bobby, syrs, by Maniapoto — Pretty Helen, 10.4 (W. Bell) 1 6 —Davis and Till’s b m Justification, 4yrs, 8.0 (A. Reed) 2 B—G.8 —G. H. Cleaver’s blk g White Ranger, syrs, 8.5 (L. Morris) . . 3 Also started: 2 Sacramento 10.3 (R. Hatch), 7 Maraetotara 9.9 (Stowe). 1 Glentour 9.5 (Bagby), 3 Transmission 9.2 (Nodder), 5 Vascov'a 8.12 (Corlett), 11 Toddy 8.0 (C. Price), 10 Warmth 8.0 (R. Reed), 12 Dixie Boy 8.0 (Proctor"), 9 Master Boris 8.0 (Corkh'll). Won by a head. Time, Imin 45sec. FINAL HACK SCURRY of HOsovs. Weight 8.7. Five furlongs. I—W.1 —W. M. Fenwick’s blk f Dainty Step, 3yrs, by Lucullus —Adoption, 8.7 (M. McCarten) 1 5— C. Burt's b g Californian, 4yrs, 8.7 (R. Reed) 3 3 —F. S. Easton’s b g Moutoa Boy, 4yrs, 8.7 (A. Reed) 3 Also started: 6 Sea Foam (McEwan), 2 Hautawa (L. Morris), 4 Blighty (C. Price), 7 Master Curran. Won by a head after a very keen finish. ' Time, Imin 4sec.