WELLINGTON.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1533, 11 September 1919, Page 10

WELLINGTON.

Marton J.C. and Rangitikei Hunt Spring Meeting—Notes on the Runners—Penury Rose and Sweet Corn in Winning Vein—Amythas at Present Under F. J. Garment’s Charge at Weraroa—Mr. “H. Whitney’s” Much-travelled Tearn—Arrangements Being Made ’ for Visit to South Island Meetings. WELLINGTON, Monday. Returned visitors from the combined spring meeting of the Marton Jockey Club and Rangitikei Hunt, held on Wednesday and Thursday last, speak in high terms of the sport provided. The fields competing were of capital dimensions, and the fact of several of the horses having to walk from Napier and Hastings speaks volumes for the popularity enjoyed by the clubs concerned. The finishes in several races were excellent, but some heavy rain experienced on Tuesday night made the tracks very heavy, the result being slow times were recorded in all the events. Mr. Arthur Way, with his usual up-to-date methods, had all the details in thorough working order, and everybody came away well pleased with the treatment extended to them during their visit to Marton. Several horses could not act in the heavy going at Marton, and this fact accounted for the downfall of several runners who would have more than held their own on top of the ground. Egmont Park, the full-brother to Volume, proved his usefulness by getting amongst the winners at Marton. The four-year-old is a good sort, and should do “Hoop-iron Jack” some useful service this season. Belle of the Camp (Campfire— Marionette), the half-sister to Motoa, who is owned by a popular sporting enthusiast in Mr. J. R. Byrne, of Rangataua, on the Main Trunk line, was a competitor on the 'first day at Marton last week, but could not act in the heavy going, finishing well in the rear. She was not started on the second day owing to the unfavourable conditions, but can be depended upon to do bettei’ at some of the fixtures during the next few months. Trainer T. Coleman has the six-year-old in capital order just now. A. Ward, the successful New Plymouth hurdle horseman, rode a fine race on Patariki when that gelding won the View Halloa Steeplechase on the opening day at Marton. Patariki is trained by his owner, Miss E. Shannon, of Feilding. The old jumper scored decisively, and naturally the horse’s lady owner and trainer was congratulated on her efforts in preparing a winner. When the substantial dividend returned by Patariki was announced there was much jubilation amongst Rangitikei sporting enthusiasts who had supported the son of Paddy’s Land. Penury Rose, who filled the position of runner-up to Omahu in the Marton Handicap (1%, miles) on Wednesday, succeeded in winning the Crofton Handicap (one mile and a distance) on the concluding day, defeating Omahu, who was again favourite, by a neck after a sterling race. It would occasion no surprise to find the four-year-old getting amongst the winners at Dannevirke this week. R. Knox, the veteran Wairarapa trainer, has the Penury gelding very well at the present time. The Speaker proved a disappointment at Marton last week where he contested the two leading handicaps. He was sent out a warm favourite for the Marton Handicap on the opening day, and failed to gain a place. On the concluding day, in the Crofton Handicap, the best he could do was to finish third. The Speaker was well fancied by his connections, and his defeats were attributed to the horse’s long walk from Hastings, which may have affected his prospects. On the other hand, Sweet Corn also padded the long way from Greenmeadows, the other side of Napier, and notwithstanding the fact of the mare getting a stirring up while crossing a ford between Waipawa and Norsewood, the descendant of Malster and Condiment accounted for her field in the Railway Handicap in a decisive manner. Mr. J. H. Colebourne’s sprinter returned a nice price, which was not participated in by her connections, as they did not

favour her prospects after her long enforced walk from Hawke’s Bay. Arrowfield ran very disappointingly at Marton when well supported by his connections. Fred Tilley and Wiri Tokena’s luck is right out just now, but they may make some amends at Wanganui. A very popular win at Marton last week was that of Mattock, who accounted for the Victory Steeplechase (about three miles) for his owner. Mr. J. B. Gaisford, a keen and much respected sportsman of the Rangitikei. The horse was always well placed, and nicely handled by the native rider, J. Wairoa, won easily at the finish. The horse, however, had to undergo the ordeal of a protest owing to going on the outside of a flag in the straight on the final round, but after a short inquiry the objection was dismissed. The verdict of the stewards met with every satisfaction. Oratress, owned by a popular Marton boniface who races as “F. Preston,” let her party down badly at Marton last week. The four-year-old Demosthenes — Equitas mare was thought unbeatable in the Railway Handicap, but again their judgment went astray, for she finished in the

ruck. Oratress looked very well, however, and the going may have affected her, as it did many others. In Nursing Sister (Solferino —Miss Dalrymple) and Ermine (Martian — Ermengarde), owned by Mr. J. Goring >Johnston, the popular president of the Manawatu Racing Club, Trainer G. R. Price, of “Wapping Lodge,” Awapuni, has a couple of promising performers for the present season. This pair and Hurry Up should carry the dark blue jacket and buff sleeves and cap in a creditable manner in future events. Among the visitors to the Marton J.C. and Rangitikei Hunt meeting last week was Mr. W. Hamilton, an erstwhile prominent sportsman, of Kaituna, on the Akaroa peninsula in Canterbury. Mr. Hamilton will be well known to old-time racing enthusiasts through his connection with Liberator, who 'finished his racing career under Mr. Hamilton’s supervision. Mr. Hamilton was also closely identified with trotting in the early days in Canterbury. At the present time he is enjoying a well-earned holiday, and still takes considerable interest in racing matters. Mr. F. S. Easton; the Foxton sportsman, has sent Amythas down to F. J. Carmont at Weraroa to be trained until such time as the descendant of Demosthenes can be transferred to F.

D. Jones at Riccarton, which is his ultimate destination.

Mr. Angus Keith, whose starting has invariably been of a high standard, has been appointed starter to the Manawatu Racing Club for the present season. There were several applicants for the position, and in appointing Mr. Keith to act at the barrier the club have given deserved recognition to one of our most capable starters. The curtailed railway services are seriously affecting owners, and in consequence the Wellington sportsman, Mr. “H. Whitney,” whose horses are frequently to be found competing at meetings in all parts of both Islands, is mapping out an itinerary for his team. It is rumoured that Mr. Whitney has enlisted the assistance of an officer in the Lands Department with a view to securing a comprehensive plan of the various road routes and stopping places throughout the Dominion. The plan is being secured, it is said, for the purpose of enabling a walking campaign to be undertaken by the members of Mr. Whitney’s string. Mr. Whitney will avail himself of the steamer service to Picton, from whence the roads lead in every direction. It is thought that the walking necessary to reach meetings in the South Island will go a long way in bringing the horses up to a state of perfection, while the same rule will apply to the North Island. Mr. Whitney is certainly to be congratulated upon the bold policy that he has outlined.

W. Weller, who recently returned from the front and who did yeoman service when employed by F. Tilley at Fordell, is at present residing at Wanganui, and is thinking seriously of setting up as a public trainer. W r eller went away with the 14th Reinforcements, and as he is thoroughly conversant with the racing business there may be some owners who are anxious to give a young trainer an opportunity to make a name for himself.

D. McMullan, who served his early apprenticeship with the late Mr. H. Fletcher and with Mr. J. H. Prosser, and who was a member of the 17th Reinforcements, recently returned to New Zealand. McMullan, who can go to scale at a handy weight, has joined J. Coyle’s stable at Marton, where his well-known riding qualities should gain for him a busy time in the saddle during the present season.