WANGANUI JOCKEY CLUB.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1536, 2 October 1919, Page 14

WANGANUI JOCKEY CLUB.

SPRING MEETING. THE FIRST DAY’S RACING. AFFECTATION WINS GUINEAS. CLIENT TAKES THE SPRING HANDICAP. (From Our Wanganui Correspondent.) The Wanganui Jockey Club’s spring meeting opened on Thursday in fine weather. There was some rain in the early morning, but the sky cleared later on, and the conditions were favourable. The attendance was not so large as at the winter meeting, but still there was a good crowd in attendance, and that they were well prepared with the sinews of war was shown by the brisk speculation, the sum of £35,416 being put through the machine, as compared with £24,319 for the first day of the last spring meeting, held in 1916. The fields were of good average size, and the racing was of a most interesting and enjoyable description. It goes without saying that the conduct of the sport was of a high standard, as the management of the Wanganui Jockey Club’s meetings is invariably excellent, and this goes a long way to making the gatherings here

so popular with racegoers. The secretary (Mr. W. Hall) and his assistants are to be complimented on the smoothness with which the programme was got through, while the other officials are also deserving of praise for the way in which they carried out their duties, particularly the starter (Mr. R. H. Skipwith), the judge (Mr. J. H. Cameron) and handicapper Bert Coyle, and them good work contributed largely to the success achieved. Mr. W. Duncan, the birdcage steward, is another who filled an important position with credit to himself and the club. The Garrison Band rendered a very fine programme of music, which was much enjoyed, hearty applause greeting the bandsmen for their artistic renditions. The going was in good order, and some of the times recorded were very smart for this time of the year, notably that put up by Client in the Spring Handicap, in which the son of Elevation cut out the mile and 110 yards in Imin. 47 3-ssec. and romped home, carrying 8.10. Inah slipped over six furlongs in the Flying in Imin 13 l-ssec., being in front all the way—another good performance. Racing opened with the Flying Handicap, from which Maioha and All Over were withdrawn, leaving ten to go to the post. Ermine was sent out a slightly better favourite than Kipling, but neither got a place, though Kipling- might have had he not had a bad passage. The winner turned up in Inah, the Coronet mare, which had only been up five weeks, hopping out in front and staying there, paying a big price. Strange to say, Oratress, which ran second, carried exactly the same amount as the winner of the totalisator, the pair being the least fancied. Volo was not very heavily backed. He was slow to begin, and was last all the way. The stewards subsequently inquired into his running, but adjourned the inquiry until Saturday. Solfanello ran a good race, and should win soon. The Solferino colt did not have a good run. Tame Fox and Nursing Sister were the only two seriously backed in the Maiden, for which 12 started. Nursing Sister scored a decisive win, as she was in front early, and never gave

anything' else a chance. Tame Fox got a bump, in the early stages, but he managed to get second. Self Alliance just beat Mannish out of a place. There were six starters in the Guineas, including four ot five of the best performed two-year-olds of last season. They looked a good lot as they paraded in the birdcage, and all hit out nicely in their preliminaries, except Warplane, which colt moved rather gingerly. Affectation was quickest into his stride, and led all the way, winning like a really good colt from Crenides and Warplane. The latter was lame after the race, and it looks as if G. Price will have hard work to keep him going. Crenides and Hetaua are both likely to do better later on, but it is doubtful whether they will prove equal to defeating Affectation if the latter goes on the right way. He cut the mile out comfortably in lmin. 42 2-ssec., as against lmin. 43 3-ssec. registered by Gloaming when he won in' February last. The Kilbroney colt looks like holding his own with the best of his age this season, and should win some good races for Mr. A. McDonald. Rose Queen was doing so well a week or two ago that there were hopes that she would make a big bid in the classic event, but she was last all the way. Only five started in the Okehu Hurdles, and Yankee Jack was the popular pick. It was a good race to watch, as Movement kept up with the favourite for three-quarters of a mile, and then Combustion tackled him, but the Frisco gelding was much too good a jumper for ..both, and won easily at the finish from Combustion. There was some good betting in the Hack and Hunters’ Steeplechase, Khartoum finishing up a slightly better favourite than Onipoto and Kurapai. Mode went well in the lead for over a mile, but then fell, Nefische and Onipoto carrying on the running, but when Khartoum was called upon he went to the front and won comfortably after giving a fine display of fencing. He promises to win some of the big cross-country events next season for Mr. B. T. Bennett. Mattock fell, and Bollin was pulled up. Tigerland shaped well, and will be heard of later on. Rose Pink and Carmel Arch declined their engagements in the Spring Handicap, for which All Over was entrusted with most money, Nobleman being next in request, Zola and Client being the best supported of the others. Hushman made the early running, and then Bingham joined issue, with All Over and Nobleman in close attendance. They raced in that order until the bend, where Client went after the leaders, and, galloping with most of his old-time brilliancy, he was in front turning for home. All Over and Hurry Up both made big efforts in the straight, but Mi-. W. Duncan’s gelding drew away comfortably and won by a good margin. It was a fine performance on the part of the son of Elevation, who showed that he is just about as good as ever. Bast season the tracks were tod hard for Client to do himself justice, and he did not score a win until he won the Winter Oats at Trentham, though in his training work he had proved as fast as ever. There were four New Zealand Cup horses engaged, including Nobleman, Maioha, Hurry Up and Bingham. Nobleman was strongly supported, but Maioha’s chances were not greatly fancied, as the son of Hallowmas is hardly ready yet. Nobleman looked to have a good chance until Client put in his run, which soon put the issue beyond doubt. Nobleman wants a race or two to harden him up. It is understood he will be a starter in the Cup if he goes on all right. Zola was going along nicely at the half distance, but suddenly fell right back, due to bleeding trouble, and he tailed right off. There were ten starters in the Putiki Hack, for which Seasprite was made - a hot favourite, Probity and Bayberry being the most fancied of the others. Bayberry tried to win all the way, but was beaten in the straight by Seasprite and Simon, the favourite winning handily. After going a couple of furlongs, Cheer Up fell, and Probity toppled over him. Probity broke her neck, and her rider (C. Emerson) got a nasty cut just above the left eye. He must have had a narrow escape, evidently haviiig been struck by one of the horses’ hoofs. It was hard luck for Mr. J. Walsingham to lose the services of a well-bred mare as Probity. The Bezonian —Tortulla filly was engaged in the New Zealand Cup and was in good fettle. Simon ran sufficiently well to point to him as a likely winner soon, and Warstar should also be heard of before long. There were 10 starters in the Durie Hack, for which Rose Wreath was made a good favourite, though there was solid backing for Farce, Sir Fanciful and Ruddy, in that order. Rose Wreath won after a good race with Ruddy. The winner is a splendid looking three-year-old filly by Kilbroney— Christmas Rose, and is owned by Mr. A. McDonald, who also owns Affectation. Rose Wreath is in the New Zealand Cup, and she might be good enough to win that race. The results were:— FLYING HANDICAP of 250sovs. Six furlongs. 9 —H. Spratt’s b m Inah, 6yrs, by Coronet—lnaha, 7.11 (B. Morris) 1 9 —F. Preston's b m Oratress, 6.10 (J. Barry) 2 5—V. and E. Riddiford’s b c Solfalello, 7.12 (A. Reed) 3 Also started: 6 Volo 9.9 (Johns), 8 Demos S.S (O. McCarten), 2 Kipling 7.12 (Emerson), 1 Ermine 7.11 (L. Mor-, ris), 7 Bonny Briar 7.10 (Bagby), 4 Jutland 7.6 (M. McCarten), 3 Carmel Arch 6.12 (McCormick). Won by two lengths, a similar distance between second and third. Time, lmin 13 l-ssec. MAIDEN RACE of 150sovs. Six furlongs. 2—J. Goring Johnston’s hr f Nursing Sister, 3yrs, by Solferino — Temba, 7.7 (R. Reed) 1 I—W.1 —W. Duncan’s b g Tame Fox, 8.2 (M. McCarten) 2 4—. A. J'. Davey’s b g Self Alliance, 5.2 (L. Morris) 3

Also started: 3 Tirairaka 5.2 (O. McCarten), 8 Crystal Palace 8.2 (McDonell), 5 Mannish 8.2 (Emerson), 11 Pomona 8.2 (Corlett), 10 Malingerer 8.2 (Hunt), 9 Kawhau 8.2 (Bagby), 7 Admyra 7.7 (B. Morris). Won by four lengths, three lengths betjveen second and third. Mannish was fourth. Time, lmin 15 3-ssec. WANGANUI GUINEAS of 500sovs. One mile. 1 — A. McDonald’s b c Affectation, 3 yrs, by Kilbroney—Simper, 8.10 (R. Bagby) 1 4— Mrs. M. A. Perry’s ch g Crenides, 3yrs, by Demosthenes — Gold Thread, 8.5 (R. Young) 2 2— J. Goring Johnston’s b c Warplane, 3yrs, by Martian —Adelicia, 8.10 (A. Oliver) 3 Also started: 6 Hetaua 8.5 (R. Reed), 3 Motuihi 8.5 (A. Reed), 5 Rose Queen B.5_J Rayner). Won comfortably by a length, a similar distance between second and third. Time, lmin 42 2-ssec. OKEHU HANDICAP HURDLE RACE of 200sovs. One mile and threequarters. I—J.1 —J. Bull’s b g Yankee Jack, aged, by Frisco —Willow Bank, 10.12 (A. McDonald) 1 3— G. Morris’ ch g Combustion, 9.2 (S; Henderson) 2 5 — Mr. Riland’s ch g Austin, 9.6 (Dillamore) ■ 3 Also started: 2 Movement 11.7 (R., Thompson), 4 Signorella 9.0 (Webley).' Won by eight lengths. Time. 3min 16 2-ssec. HACK AND HUNTERS’ STEEPLECHASE of 200sovs. About two miles and a-half. 1— B. T. Bennett’s hr g Khartoum, aged, by King Rufus — Lady Grattan, 10.1 (Copestake) 1 2— J. Brice’s br g Onipoto, 9.10 (A. McDonald) 2 7 —W. Ulmarra’s ch g Cornelian, 9.11 (Dillamore) 3 Also started: 3 Kurapai 10.13 (McSweeney), 4 Mattock 10.11 (Cress), 5 Bollin 10.7 (Thompson), 8 Nefische 9.7 (Hunt), 6 Tigerland 9.7 (Wairoa), 9 Mode 9.7 (Turner). Won by eight lengths, two lengths between second and third. Time, smin 7sec. SPRING HANDICAP of 300sovs. One mile and 110 yards. 4— W. Duncan’s ch g Client, aged, by Elevation —Bonheur, 8.10 (C. Price) . 1 I—J.1 —J. Bull’s b g All Over, 8.4 (B. Morris) ■_ 2 5 — J. Goring Johnston’s blk g Hurry Up, 7.5 . (L. Morris) 3 Also started: 2 Nobleman 8.10 (A. Oliver), 6 Maioha 8.1 (R. Reed), 3 Zola 7.7 (Rayner), 7 Hushman 7.7 (McDonell). 8 Bingham 6.9 (Cook). Won by three lengths. Time, lmin 47 2-ssec. PUTIKI HACK of 150sovs. One mile and 110 yards. I—J. Frederic’s br m Seasprite, 4 yrs, by Hallowmas — Seaspray, 8.12 (McDonell) 1 7—M. Bradley’s b g Simon, 7.7 (L. Morris) 2 3 — W. Duncan’s b g Bayberry, 6.11 (Barry) 3 Also started: 6 Engari 8.3 (Nodder), 2 Probity 7.12 (Emerson), 8 White Ranger 7.10 (Corlett), 5 Marshal Neil 7.10 (B. Morris), 4 Warstar 7.4 (Bagby), 10 Pomeroy 7.0 (C. Reed), 9 Cheer Up 6.10 (McCormick). Cheer Up and Probity fell, the latter breaking her neck. Won by two lengths, Bayberry being close up third. Time, lmin 50 4-ssec. DURIE HACK HANDICAP of 150sovs. Six furlongs. I—A. McDonald’s br f Rose Wreath, 3yrs, by Kilbroney — Christmas Rose, 8.2.. (Bagby) 1 4 — J. Bull’s b g Ruddy, syrs, 8.1 (L. Morris.) 2 9 —J. Dwyer’s b m Nemaline, syrs, 7.6 (Corlett) 3 Also started: 8 Perfect Day 9.2 (A. McDonald), 3 Sir Fanciful 8.13 (A. Oliver), 6 Vance 8.7 (O. McCarten), 5 Egmont Park 8.2 (Johns), 2 Farce 7.7 (Rayner), 7 Zela 7.4 (Cook), 10 Kerry Knob 7.0 (Toms). Won by a length, a similar distance between second and third. Time, lmin 15sec. SECOND DAY. FINE WEATHER AND BIG ATTENDANCE. A. REED RIDES FIVE WINNERS. The weather was beautifully fine for the second day of the Wanganui spring meeting, and there was a very large attendance. The fields were not large, but the racing was very interesting and greatly enjoyed by the big crowd. A notable feature of the afternoon was the excellent form shown by Ashley Reed in riding five winners, or in each race in which he had a mount. He certainly had good mounts, but had he not shown his skill as a horseman he would have been beaten in two or three of the races. Mr. J. Goring Johnston had a good innings, as horses owned by him won three races, viz., the St. John Hack, the Debutante Stakes, and the Higgle Handicap, A. Reed riding the trio. George Price had Mr. Johnston’s horses in excellent trim, and he was heartily congratulated on his success. Speculation was exceedingly brisk, the sum of £43,600 being put through the machine, making £79,016 for the two days, or an increase of £26,723 on the figures for 1916, when the last spring meeting was held. Solfanello was sorted out as a good thing for the opening event, the Owen Handicap, for which seven saddled up. Oratress was the best supported of the others. The favourite won, but only after a great struggle with Jutland. The pair were together in front after going a couple of furlongs, and were hard at it from there to the post. Solfanello had a slight advantage till halfway down the straight, when Jutland got his head in front. The son of Advance looked to have the race won at

this stage, but Solfanello was not yet done with. The son of Solferino responded to Ashley Reed’s call gamely, and a desperate finish was fought out, victory resting with the Messrs. V. and E. Riddiford’s colt by the narrowest of margins. It was a stirring battle between the pair, and it was only Solfanello’s condition which got him home, Jutland being not yet cherry ripe. Kipling was last at the turn, but came with a great rattle and got up third. Demos was fourth. Another hot favourite scored in the next event, the St. John Hack, which went to Nursing Sister. The Solferino filly had top weight (8.2), but had no difficulty in winning from seven other competitors. She had 91b. more on her back than she carried when she won the Maiden, but cut the distance out in lmin. 15 l-ssec., or two-fifths of a second faster time. Nursing Sister is not very big, but she can gallop, and should annex some good races for whoever wins her in the forthcoming art union at Palmerston North. Another Solferino filly ran second, a three-year-old trained by T. Long and owned by Mr. L. G. Paul, whose father used to race on an extensive scale. She is named Admyra, and is a shapely filly, which will be heard, of later on, as she is not half ready yet. Another locally-trained and owned contestant in Mannish was unlucky at the start, getting away so badly as to spoil any chance he may have had, though he would not have beaten the winner. There were six starters in the Debutante Stakes, for two-year-olds, but the race was spoilt by the start, of which Saima (Finland —Overall) got all the the best, Siberian being left at the post, and Listowel being very slow to begin. Tessares. the favourite, did not begin too well, but the daughter of Demosthenes —Gold Thread showed, a lot of pace when she settled down, and was going at a great bat over the last furlong. She made a big effort to catch Saima, but was just beaten after making up a lot of ground. The winner paid a good price. Ngakanui carried most money in the Hack Hurdles, in which six • started, but Yankee Jack was also well backed, despite the fact that he had 12.2, or 181 b. more than on the first day. The winner turned up in Austin, which paid the best price of the day. The son of Advance —Good Luck looked all the better for his race on Thursday, and won nicely from the top weight. Mr. B. T. Bennett was confident his gelding, Khartoum, would win the Marangai Steeplechase, in which lie had Gib. less to carry than he won with on Thursday, due to the weights having been declared with those for the first day and there being no penalties ’provided for. There were five other starters. Khartoum being a hot favourite, but all the others were evenly backed. It was a splendid race, the jumping being wonderfully good all round. The favourite won in fine style. He was kept in a handy position by E. Copestake until called upon about five furlongs from home, when he got to the front and went right away. Corneliaai set sail after him at a great pace at the three furlongs post, and was going so well that he looked like making a fight of it until he swerved badly at the last obstacle, and Khartoum went on to win comfortably. Kurapai hit a fence early in the race and cut himself severely, otherwise he might have troubled the winner. Client had to carry 121 b. more than he had in the Spring Handicap, but this did not prevent the public from making him a very hot favourite for the Higgie Handicap, though there was very solid backing for Hurry Up and All Over. As on the first day. Hushman and Bingham made the early running, Client being last. The son of Elevation was well back behind Hushman, Bingham and All Over a quarter of a mile from home, where he set off after the leaders, and was gathering them up at a great rate when he got a bad bump, whish settled his prospects. Hurry Up finished up well, and won handsomely from All Over, Warstar getting up third, and Hushman fourth. Hushman carried 111 b. over weight. An inquiry was held into the bumping of Client, which was found to have “been accidental. Tame Fox was made a better favourite than Seasprite for the Moutoa . Hack, Simon and Rose Queen also being’ well supported. It. was a good race, and resulted in Seasprite scoring a. meritorious win. The daughter of Hallowmas—Seaspray had 9.11 to carry, but she finished with a splendid run on the outside and cut down Tame Fox and Simon in fine style, being nicely handled by Ashley Reed, who thus scored his fifth win for the afternoon. as he had previously ridden Solfanello, Nursing Sister, Hurry Up and Saima to victory The public recognised liis fine performance by giving him hearty applause on returning to the birdcage. Simon ran a good race, and got up second. Rose Queen was prominent at the turn for home, and was putting in a fine run when she got blocked, but it is doubtful if she could have beaten the winner, which is a mare that is sure to win some good races in open company. There were six starters in the Railway Hack Welter, which brought a most enjoyable meeting to a close. It was a good better race. Ruddy carrying well over £2OOO, and four others having more than £IOOO each invested on them. It was an interesting race, but the favourite had it’in safe keeping a long way from homo, and won nicely from Sir Fanciful. Farce did not get a good run. otherwise she might have trouble the winner, but she should win before long. Nursing Sister, Khartoum and Seasprite each won a race each day. Ashley Reed was the most successful rider, with five wins, all gained on the second day. B. H. Morris, R. S. Bagby and E. Copestake won two races each, and R. Reed, A. McDonald, C. Price, and A. McDonell scored a W’in apiece. The finding of the stewards in the Volo inquiry was to the effect that while the evidence was not satisfactory, there was nothing, to justify any action being taken. M. McCarten. the rider of Tame Fox, was fined £4 for crossing in the Moutoa Hack Race.

The stewards found that the accident which resulted in the death of Probity on the first day was caused by Cheer Up falling’, but no blame was attachable to the rider of Cheer Up. The meeting was a great success from every view, and visitors commented favourably on the good racing and the excellence with which the sport was managed by Mr. W. Hall (secretary) and the other officials. A special meed of praise is due to Mr. W. Duncan for the able way in which he filled the duties of birdcage steward, the management of that enclosure being distinctly creditable. The principal winning owners were: Messrs. J. Goring Johnston £770, A. McDonald £525, Jas. Bull £435, B. T. Bennett £370, W. Duncan £270, J. Frederic £230, V. and E. Riddiford £215, H. Spratt £2OO, Mrs. M. A. Perry £135, and Mr. Riland £l3O. Other smaller amounts bring the total stake money distributed up to £3719. The results were:— OWEN HANDICAP of 250sovs. Six furlongs. I—V. and E. Riddiford’s b c Solfanello, 3yrs, by Solferino — Rosalia, 8.0 (A. Reed) 1 5— Jas. Campion’s blk g Jutland, 7.6 (M. McCar.ten) 2 3— J. G. Collins’ ch g Kipling, 7.10 (F. Corlett) 3' Also started: 4 Demos 8.7 (O. McCarten), 6 Ermine 7.9 (Cochrane), 2 Oratress 7.1 (Barry), 7 Carmel Arch 6.’0 (McCormick). Won by a head, a. length and a-half between second and third. Demos was fourth. Time, lmin 13 2-ssec. ST. JOHN HACK HANDICAP of 150sovs. Six furlongs. I—J.1 —J. Goring ' Johnston’s br f Nursing Sister, 3yrs, by Solferino — Miss Dalrymple, 8.2 (A. Reed) 1 6— L. G. Paul’s ch f Admyra, 7.0 (M. McCarten) 2 5 —A. J. Emeny’s b m Zela, 7.2 (P. Rayner) 3' Also started: 2 Egmont Park S.l (Cook), 4 Mannish 7.2 (Cochrane), 7 Kapiti 7.0 (Barry), 8 Kerry Knob 7.0 (Toms). Won by three lengths, two lengths between second and third. Time, lmin 15 2-ssec. DEBUTANTE STAKES of 200sovs. For two-year-olds. Four furlongs. 4— J. Goring Johnston’s ch g Saima, 2yrs, by Finland — Overall, 8.0 (A. Reed) 1 1— Mrs. M. A. Perry’s ch f Tessares, 2yrs (R. Young)' 2 3 —T. Long’s b f All Cerise, 7.9 (B. H. Morris) 3 Also started: 6 Demand 8.0 (M. McCarten), 2 Listowel 8.0 (Rayner), 5 Siberian (Adams). Won by a head. Time, 49sec. GONVILLE HACK HURDLE HANDICAP of 150sovs. One mile and five furlongs. 5— Mr. Railard’s ch g Austin, aged, by Advance — Good Luck, 9.3 (Dillamore) 1 2— J. Bull’s Yankee Jack, 12.2 (A. McDonald) 2 I—J.1 —J. Hook’s br g Ngakanui, 9.5 (E. Copestake) ■ 3 Also started: 4 Play-off 10.5 (Thompson), 3 Combustion 9.12 (Kaan), 6 Signorella 9.10 (Webbey). Won by three lengths, two lengths between second and third. Time, 3min 2sec. MARANGAI STEEPLECHASE HANDICAP of SOOsovs. About three miles. 1— B. T. Bennett’s br g Khartoum, aged, by King Rufus — Lady Grattan, 9.9 (Copestake) 1 5— W. Ullmarra’s ch g Cornelian, 9.7 (Dillamore) 2 6— J. B. Gaisford’s b g Mattock, 10.7 (F. Cress) 3 Also started: 3 Kurapai 10.11 (McSweeney), 4 Tigerland 10.0 (Thompson), 2 Onipoto 9.7 (McDonald). Won by four lengths. Time, 6min 12 3-ssec. HIGGIE HANDICAP of 400sovs. One mile and a-quarter. 2— J. Goring Johnston’s blk g Hurry Up, 4yrs. by Advance —Mouette, 7.6 (A. Reed) 1 3— J. Bull’s b g All Over, 8.7 (B. Morris) 2 s—'A. J. Toxward’s br m Warstar, 6.7 (McCormick) 3 Also started: 1 Client 9.8 (C. Price), 4 Hushman 6.11 (Corlett), 6 Bingham 6.7 (Cook). Won by a length, two lengths between second and third. Time, 2min 9 2-ssec. MOUTOA HACK HANDICAP of 150’ sovs. One mile and 110 yards. -—J. Frederic’s br m Seasprite, 4 yrs, by Hallowmas — Seaspray, 9.11 (A. Reed) 1; 3— M. Bradley’s b g Simon, 7.12 (B. Morris) 2 - —W. Duncan’s b g Tame Fox, S.O (M. McCarten) 3Also started: 4 Rose Queen 8.6 (Rayner), 6 Engari 8.1 (Nodder), 8 White Ranger 7.8 (Corlett), 5 Marshal Neil 7.7 £O. McCarten), 7 Crystal Palace 7.0 1 (Barry), 9 Pomona 7.0 (Cook). Won by two lengths, a length between second and third. Time, lmin 50sec. RAILWAY HACK WELTER of 150 sovs. Six furlongs. 1 J -. 1 ® HP’ ® b S Ruddy, syrs, by 0 TS AI — Neroli - 9-7 (B. Morris) 1 2—R. McDonald’s br g Sir Fanciful, 9.11 (Oliver) 2 4 — J- Dwyer’s b m Nemaline, 8.10 (Corlett) ", 3 r o 1?? started: 3 Farce 8.5 (Rayner), 5 Self Alliance 8.2 (R. Young), 6 Malingerer 8.0 (Hunt). Won by a length and a-half, a length between second and third. Time, lmin la 4-ssec.