RACING REVIEWED

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1521, 19 June 1919, Page 13

RACING REVIEWED

GISBORNE RACING CLUB. STEEPLECHASE MEETING. DIAVOLO WINS CHIEF EVENT. GAZIQUE THE WINTER OATS, The weather conditions could not have been better on Thursday for the opening day of the Gisborne Racing Club’s steeplechase meeting, and in the circumstances it was not surprising that a very large attendance assembled at the Park course at Te Hapara in anticipation of an excellent afternoon’s sport. Expectations in this direction were fulfilled in a marked form, for though the fields in several instances were on the small side, quality was strongly in evidence, and that Mr. H. Coyle had sized up the capabilities of the various performers with keen judgment was fittingly demonstrated by the close and exciting finishes which resulted in the majority of the events. Visitors from all parts were to be seen at the meeting, and the courtesy and consideration extended them by the secretary, Mr. H. E. Dodd, who had all arrangements in admirable working order, added materially to the enjoyment of their outing. Speculation on the totalisator was extremely brisk, the sum of £16,987 being handled, as compared with £13,306 for the opening day last year, an increase of £3681. Of the quintette carded for the Park Hurdles, Aurore and Jiu-Jitsu declined their engagements, and a big rush set in on the Great Northern Hurdles victor, Cynic, who looked a good thing if able to give a glimpse of his Ellerslie form. The favourite, contrary to his usual custom, got away well, and showed the way over the first hurdle from Multive and Bjorneborg, but 'the latter then took the lead and acted as pilot along the back stretch. In the run to the straight entrance Cynic and Multive moved up to the leader, who dropped back beaten, leaving the former pair to indulge in a spirited contest to the post, a fine set-to resulting in favour of Multive by a head, Bjorneborg being ten lengths away, third. After the race the stewards held an inquiry into the bumping of Bjorneborg, who received a slight cut as the result of striking the fence near the half-mile post, where it was alleged the interference took place. The evidence, of the three riders was taken, and after consideration of the matter it was decided that the bumping was accidental.

Eight of the 23 acceptors for the Maiden Hack Race were scratched, and Demonstrate, a three-year-old gelding by Demosthenes — Awahou, was made a pronounced favourite, Anata, Boggitts and Glengyle being most in demand of the other starters. The field got away well with the exception of Rotator, who was left at the post, and R. Reed quickly took Demonstrate to the lead, and piloted the way into the straight from Anata and Glengyle. In negotiating the bend Anata ran wide, Glengyle moving up second, but she had no chance with the favourite, who romped home a comfortable winner by a couple of lengths. Anata, who was unlucky not to have returned his supporters a dividend, was a length away, third. Multilia was fourth, followed by Boggits and Nick’s Head. Eight started in the Flying Handicap, the topweight, Gazique, with H. Goldfinch up, being made favourite, with Black Lace and Actified both solidly backed. B. Deeley got Actifid away smartest when the tapes lifted, and with Happy Valley, Gazique and Black Lace as her nearest attendants she carried on the running to the straight. A good finish saw Gazique make a game effort to over? haul the leader, but Actifid just lasted long enough to secure the judge’s verdict by a head. Black Lace was half a length away, third. Orawia and Yankeeland came down soon after the start, the latter breaking a leg and having to be destroyed, while his rider, R. Olive, sustained a fractured collarbone. McCarten, rider of Orawia, escaped without injury. A quartette were saddled up for the big event of the afternoon, the Gisborne Steeplechase, Diavolo, who bore evidence of a careful preparation, being installed in pride of position on the totalisator, with the Auckland representative Peneton most in

request of the other trio. Diavolo set out in his customary role of pacemaker, with Merry Jack at the head of the others. The stone wall, however, brought Merry Jack down heavily, his pilot, R. McSeveney, being badly shaken, while the horse suffered an injury to his fetlock. Diavolo maintained the lead from Aurore and Peneton over the second circuit, but going along the back the last time Peneton displaced Aurore in second position, but had no chance with the favourite, who, jumping proficiently, displayed improved stamina and ran in a comfortable winner by four lengths. Aurore tired perceptibly over the final portion of the journey, and was 100 yards away, third. The victory of Diavolo, who races in Mr. F. J. Lysnar’s colours, was popularly received, and marked the most important success yet achieved by the ex-Hawke’s Bay-owned Wehikore — Heavenly Twin gelding. The good field of thirteen took their places at the barrier in the Hack Flat Handicap, Tieki receiving most support, while Ohoreka, Grand Idea, Patetonga and Sabine were all well backed. The race resulted in the rout of the favourite division, not one of which secured a place. Ohoreka and Tieki were first to single themselves out from an average despatch, with Pavilion and Sabine most handy of the others. Entering the straight Pavilion was on terms with Ohoreka, but Fiddlestring and Orateur then joined issue and in a sterling race, E. Mason squeezed Fiddlestring home a head in front of Orateur, with Pavilion a similar distance away third, the finish being the best of the afternoon. Orateur was certainly unlucky to have suffered defeat, and he lost some ground at the turn.

Five contenders for cross country honours came out for the Tramway Hack Steeplechase, for which Multum was elected a very warm favourite, with Brunswick most in demand of the others. After High Step had delayed the start by fractiousness, Mr. R. E. Harley got the quintette away to a good despatch. Brunswick was at once taken to the front and led from Multum and High Step, this order being maintained past the stand the first time. Going along the back, Brunswick, who was fencing faultlessly, increased his lead, while racing across the top Juan came down at the second fence from home. Brunswick negotiated the final with a substantial advantage, with High Step, Rerekohu and Multum racing next in that order, the last named pair coming down at the last obstacle. Brunswick went on to win easily by 50 yards from High Step, with Rerekohu, who was remounted, was third. Seven of the 14 acceptors for the Winter Oats Handicap came out to contest that event, Gazique and Sir Ralph monopolising the bulk of the betting. Chillies was the first to show out when the barrier lifted, with Crosswords, Sir Ralph, Gazique and Blackall as his nearest attendants. Entering the straight, Sir Ralph had a slight advantage, with Gazique, Chillies and Hythread handy. Chillies commenced to fall back when the serious business began, while the Auckland candidate, Sir Ralph, made a desperate effort to shake off Gazique’s determined challenge, but the latter hung on tenaciously, and in a stirring finish gained the verdict by a head. Hythread was two lengths away third. The results were: —

PARK HURDLES HANDICAP Of 250 sovs. Two miles. 2 — W. Arnott’s b g Multive, aged, by Multifid—Minerva, 10.10 (H. Lorrigan) 1 I—H. D. de Lautour’s b h Cynic, 11.9 (McFlinn) - 3— W. Howard’s b g Bjorneborg, 9.4%, inc. 4%1b over (B. Olive) 3 Won by a head, 12 lengths between second and third. Time, 3min 57sec. MAIDEN HACK RACE of 125sovs. Weight 9.0. Four furlongs. 1— F. J. Lysnar’s hr g Demonstrate, 3yrs, by Demosthenes —Te Awahou (R. Reed) 1 4— M. G. Nasmith’s hr m Glengyle (Goldfinch) 2 2 — E. Malone’s br g Anata (Dwyer) 3 Also started: 10 Multilia (C. Brown), 9 Pavilion (Sinclair), 13 Rotata (McKinnon), 6 Mountain Eagle (Stowe), 11 Flywheel (Jennings), S Nick’s Head (H. Robinson), 3 Boggits (Deeley), 7 Persian King (McFlinn), 14 Stoker (Tuatua), 5 Prince Jewel (McCarten), 15 Prince Randall (Olive). Won by two lengths, a length between second and third. Time, 49sec. FLYING HANDICAP of 200sovs. Six furlongs. 3 — E. Pardoe’s br m Actifid, by Multifid —Pyridine, 9.8 (Deeley) ... 1 1 — C. J. Bennett’s b g Gazique, 11,13 (Goldfinch) 2 2 — W. S. Davidson’s br m Black Lace, 10.4 (Robinson) 3 Also started.: 5 Happy Valley 9.2 (McFlinn), 8 Toki 9.5 (Dwyer), 4 Orawia 9.4 (McCarten), 6 Aire 9.3 (Buchanan), 7 Yankeeland 9.0 (R. Olive). Won by a head, half a length between second and third. Orawia and Yankeeland fell after going a furlong. Toki was last. Time, Imin 15sec. GISBORNE STEEPLECHASE HANDICAP of 400sovs. About three miles. 1 — F. J. Lysnar’s b g Diavolo, by Wehikore—Heavenly Twin, 9.11 (R. Thompson) 1 2 — W. J. Williams’ Peneton, 9.9 (J. Roach) 1 2 3— W. Arnott's Aurore, 10.9 (H. Lorrigan) 3 Also started: 4 Merry Jack 9.13 (McSeveney). Won by four lengths, 100 yards between second and third. Merry Jack fell. Time, 6min 17sec.

HACK FLAT HANDICAP of 150sovs. Seven furlongs. 9— A. I. A. Poyzer’s br g Fiddlestring, aged, by Fiddler — Miss Rexer, 9.6 (E. Manson) 1 7—Mrs. J. R. Murphy’s blk g Orateur, 3yrs, 9.7 (Robinson) -2 10 — W. Howard’s b g Pavilion, 3yrs, 9.0 (S. Howard) 3 Also started: 2 Ohoreka 10.2 (McFlinn), 5 Sabine 9.12 (C. Sinclair), 1 Tieki 9.12 (McCarten), 4 Patetonga 9.12 (Chaplin), 3 Grand Idea 9.10 (Stowe), 8 Maori Tekanga 9.7 (Goldfinch), 6 Wairiri 9.2 (Deeley), 11 Hypothesis 9.0 (Warner), 12 Toddy 9.2%, inc. 2%1b over (Farrow), 13 Slumix 9.0 (Dwyer). Won by a head, a similar distance between second and third. Time, Imin 30sec. TRAMWAY HACK STEEPLECHASE HANDICAP of 200sovs. Two miles. 2—W. MacDonald's b g Brunswick, aged, by Maniapoto — Linstock mare, 10.3 (Jennings) 1 4 — J. E. Daulton’s br g High Step, 9.10, inc. 31b over (McSeveney) 2 5 — S. Kirkpatrick’s br g Rerekohu, 10.0 (Close) 3 Also started: 3 Juan 10.1 (Lawrence), 1 Multum 9.10, inc. lib over (Thompson). Won easily by 50 yards. Multum and Rerekohu fell at the last hurdles, the latter being remounted. Time, 4min 4 sec. WINTER OATS HANDICAP of 200 sovs. One mile and a-quarter. 1— C. J. Bennett's b g Gazique, by Gazeley — Pauleen, 11.QI (Goldfinch) 1 2— R. T. Reid’s blk h Sir Ralph, 10.2 (Robinson) 2 6 — F. Hall’s ch g Hythread, 9.3 (M. McCarten) 3 Also started: 7 Cleft 9.13 (Howard). 4 Chillies 9.8 (Stowe), 3 Crosswords 9.2 (Dwyer), 4 Blackall 9.0 (Deeley). Won by a neck, three lengths between second and third. Time, 2min 10 l-ssec.

During the course of the concluding day of the Gisborne Racing Club’s steeplechase meeting on Saturday, Woodrow and Fiddlestring (winner of the Hack Flat on the opening day) were offered at auction, the former being passed in at £5O and the latter at £35.

SECOND DAY.

GAZIQUE WINS AGAIN. The weather continued fine on Saturday, when the concluding day’s racing was brought off in the presence of a record attendance. The fields in the steeplechases were again small, but the open and hack events induced a good number of starters, second dividends being available in all cases. The totalisator investments reached the sum of £19,352, as against £16,443 for the corresponding day last year, making a total for the meeting of £36,339, compared with £29,749 for the 1918 gathering, an increase of £6590. Hythread claimed most support of the trio which started in the Gisborne Hurdles, but he shaped badly at his fences and was a furlong behind at the finish. Bjorneborg took the lead from Cymer after passing the stand the first time, and, simply revelling in his task, he went on to win by four lengths. With winning form on the first day to recommend him, Demonstrate was elected a very warm favourite for the Maiden Hack Handicap, with Glengyle and Pavilion best backed of the other ten starters. Master Curran piloted the field to the bend for home, where he was displaced by Demonstrate, who won by half a length, Master Curran being a head in advance of Glengyle. Despite his stiff impost of 12.5, Gazique ruled favourite for the big mile event, the Waikanae Handicap, while the Aucklander, Sir Ralph, was next preferred, the pair carrying the bulk of the investments on the machine. Orateur set out as pacemaker from Ohoreka, the latter leading to the straight entrance, where he was joined by the favourite, while Sir Ralph was badly placed at this stage. Ohoreka and Gazique then indulged in an exciting set-to- up the straight, Goldfinch getting the topweight home by a head amid intense excitement. Crosswords was a length away third. Aurore was the only candidate who came out to oppose Diavolo in the Te Hapara Steeplechase, which was regarded as a good thing for the latter. A surprise proved in store, for Aurore took the lead, and, fencing proficiently, never allowed the favourite to get on terms, winning an uninteresting race by a couple of lengths. Diavolo displayed symptoms of lameness on returning to the enclosure. Aire let her supporters down badly in the Second Hack Flat, for which the daughter of Danube was a pronounced favourite. Both Happy Valley and Maori Tekanga were entrusted with solid support, and the former going to the front with his usual smartness ran home an easy winner by tw'o lengths from Tieki, with Pavilion four lengths away third. Peneton was most in request of the quartette that competed in the Turanganui Steeplechase, being backed down to a very short price. He was never in danger of defeat, and eventually won by half a dozen lengths from Juan, with Rerekohu an indifferent third. The other contestant, Puna Rakau, fell. Black Lace was made favourite for the concluding event, the Farewell Handicap, with Carlysian and Orawia also in strong request. The latter was the early leader, with Carlysian and Black Lace as his nearest attendants. Orawia showed the way into the straight and had to be shaken up to stall off a final challenge from Crosswords, whom he defeated by over a length, Black Lace being half a length away third. The results were: — GISBORNE HURDLES HANDICAP of 200sovs. One mile and three-quarters. 2w. Howard’s b g Bjorneborg, 5 yrs, by Finland —Warscare, 9.0 (E. Warner) • • 1 3 —w. Olive’s br g Cymer, 9.0 (MeKinnon) 7 ' k J ' I—F.1 —F. Hall’s ch g Hythread, 9.S (R. Thompson) The only starters. Won by four lengths, Hythread being a long way back. Time, 3min lOsec. MAIDEN HACK HANDICAP of 125 sovs. Fixe furlongs. 1 — F. J’. Lysnar’s hr g Demostrate, 3yrs, by Demosthenes —Te Awahou, 10 4 (R. Reed) 1 6—J. Dunlop’s ch g Master Curran, 9.0 (McCarten) • - 2 — M. G. Nasmith’s br m Glengyle, 9.10 (Goldfinch) 3 Also started: 4 Anita 9.6 (Dw’yer) 8 Mountain Eagle 9.3 (Stowe). 5 Nicks Head 9.8, inc. 51b over (E. Manson), Pavilion 9.3%, inc. %lb over (S. Howard), 10 Multilia. 9.0 (Sinclair). 7 Persian King 9.0 (McFlinn), 9 Secret Code 9.0 (Deeley), 11 Golconda 9.0 (Buchanan). Won by half a length, a head between second and third. Timo. Imi.i 2 3-ssec.

WAIKANAE HANDICAP of 200sovs. One mile. 1 — C. J. Bennett’s b g Gazique, Gyrs, by Gazeley — Pauleen, 12.5 (H. Goldfinch) 1 B—R. Dore’s b g Ohoreka, 9.0 (A. McFlinn) 2 7 —J. Griffith’s blk m Crosswords, 9.2 (C. Stowe) 3 Also started: 2 Sir Ralph 10.6 (Robinson), 5 Actifid 10.3 (Deeley), 3 Black Lace 10.2 (McCarten), 9 Cleft 9.11 (S. Howard), 4 Fiddlestring 9.3 (E. Manson), 6 Orateur 9.0 (R. Reed), 10 Blackall 9.0 (R. Manson). Won by half a head, a length between second and third. Time, Imin 44 3-ssec. TE HAPARA STEEPLECHASE HANDICAP of 250sovs. About two miles and a-half. 2— W. Arnott’s b g Aurore, by Birkenhead — Eos, 10.13 (Lorrigan) 1 I—F.1 —F. J. Lysnar’s b g Diavolo, aged, 11.3 (R. Thompson) - The only starters. Won by a couple of lengths. Time, smin ISsec. SECOND HACK FLAT HANDICAP of 150sovs. Six furlongs. 3— F. Loomb’s ch g Happy Valley, aged, by Bunyan —Natator mare, 10.4 (McFlinn) 1 4— F. Hall’s gr g Tieki j 5 — w. Howard’s b g Pavilion 3 Also started: 1 Aire 10.0, 7 Sabine 9.10, 2 Maori Tekanga 9.6, 9 Woodrow 9.3, 8 Gazey 9.0, 6 Toddy 9.0. Won by two lengths, four lengths between second and third. Time, Imin IGsec. TURANGANUI STEEPLECHASE HANDICAP of 200sovs. Two miles. 1 — W. J. Williams’ b g Peneton, syrs, by Penury—Eton Lass, 10.9 (J. Roach) •••• 1 2 — r. E. Galbraith’s b g Juan, 9.11 2 4 — S Kirkpatrick’s b g Rerekohu. 9.7 3 Also started: 3 Puna Rakau 10.0. Puna Rakau fell. Won by six lengths, third horse being a long way back. Time, 4min lOsec. FAREWELL HANDICAP of 150sovs. Six furlongs.. 3— C. Melton’s b g Orawia, syrs, by Gazeley—Monaco mare, 10.6 (M. McCarten) J 5 — J. Griffith’s b m Crosswords, 9.2 2 I—w.1 —w. S. Davidson’s Black Lace, 10.6 3 Also started: 2 Carlysian 10.7, 4 Chillies 9.9, 6 Toki 9.0. Won by a length and a-half, halt a length between second and third. Time, Imin 15 2-ssec.