CONCLUDING DAY.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1563, 8 April 1920, Page 9

CONCLUDING DAY.

UNCLE NED WINS PRINCIPAL EVENT. MISSGOLD EFFECTS SURPRISE IN G.N. ST. LEGER STAKES. Beautiful weather prevailed on Monday, when the A.R.C. autumn meeting was brought to a close, the attendance at the picturesque Ellerslie course being of record dimensions. Never has a larger crowd assembled at a race meeting held in the Dominion at Easter time, the enclosures being thronged with devotees of the turf, who were able to enjoy the afternoon’s sport under highly-favour-able circumstances. The track was in first-rate order, and the racing provided was even more keen and inter esting than on the opening day. Excellent contests were witnessed in all of the events with the exception of the Autumn Steeplechase, which was robbed of considerable interest as the result of Tirau, Tenacious and Battletide, three well-fancied candidates, coming to grief at different stages of the race. This left the favourite, No Surrender, practically without opposition over the final halfmile, and making no mistakes at the remaining obstacles he ran home an easy winner. A feature of the afternoon’s proceedings was the popular victory registered by Uncle Ned in the St. George’s Handicap, this mark-

ing his second consecutive success in the big mile and a-half event at Ellerslie on Easter Monday. The Avondale-trained gelding, who was ridden a judicious race by L. H. Hewitt, was responsible for a brilliant run up the straight. Finishing with characteristic gameness he quickly disposed of Vagabond, Taiamai and Mangamahoe, the last-named making a determined though futile effort to turn the tables on Uncle Ned in the last thirty yards, but the latter defeated Mr. R. Hannon’s representative by half a length amid intense excitement. The merit of Uncle Ned’s performance received due recognition from the crowd, horse and rider being enthusiastically cheered when returning to weigh in. Uncle Ned, who had finished close to the placed horses in the Easter Handicap, was again well backed for his second engagement, and his win was an’ extremely popular one.

Missgold provided a mild surprise by leading from start to finish in the Great Northern St. Leger Stakes (1%. miles), in ’-which there were only three other starters, including Rebuff, a stablemate of the winner, the pair being owned by the Wairarapa sportsman. Mr. W. R. Kemball. Both Rose Queen and Tinohoro were preferred by backers to Missgold, who in a slow-run race in the Great Northern Oaks (iy 2 miles) on the opening day had finished a disappointing third in a field of four, those to finish in front of her being Matatane and Rose

Queen. The faster pace in the St. Leger evidently suited Missgold,' for she displayed better stamina over the longer distance, accounting for Rose Queen quite comfortably. Tinohoro quite failed to run up to expectations, and appeared a beaten horse five fur longs from home, eventually finishing last.

Stirring finishes were witnessed in the Stewards’ Handicap (one mile), Huia Handicap (six furlongs), and Auckland Welter Handicap (one mile), the handicapping of Mr. F. J. Macmanemin coming in for much favourable comment. Though the starter, Mr. C. O’Connor, had severa 1 difficult despatches to make, notably in the Mangere Handicap (in which there were 23 starters), St. George’s Handicap and Auckland Welter —a number of the horses proving fractious whilst at the barrier in the two last-named events —he got his fields away in good line. The judge, Mr. R. B. Lusk, was faced with no easy task in several instances in separating the placed horses, but his prompt decisions in no case gave rise to doubt or complaint, while his hoisting of the fourth horse’s number also was appreciated. Mr. W. S. Spence, the capable secretary, had all arrangements in admirable working order, and much of the success of the meeting was due to his keen foresight and efficient organisation. The totalisator staff proved equal to coping with the incessant demands made upon their services in consequence of the brisk speculation indulged in by the public, and when the totals were made up after the last race it was seen that the sum of £104,875 10s. had passed through the machine during the afternoon, as compared with £78,823 10s. for the concluding day of the 1919 Easter gather-

ing, making a total for the two days of £195,855 10s., as against £146.520 10s. last year, an increase of £49.335. The topweights, Vagabond and Bonnetter, both of whom were reserved for later events, were the only withdrawals from the opening event, the Stewards’ Handicap, leaving a field of ten to face the starter. The Hawke’s Bay representative Maioha was elected a good favourite, though solid support was accorded Esthonia, Tinopai and Lord Kenilworth. The Oaks winner, Matatane, was quickest to find her feet, and she led along the back from War Tank, with Esthonia, Tama-a-roa and Trespass racing next, Maioha and Lord Kenilw&ftW being at the rear of the fields Racing from the five-furlong post to the entrance to the straight War Tank lost his position, Esthonia moving up second, with Trespass .in third place. Esthonia headed Matatane entering the straight, the latter dropping back, while both Trespass and Tama-a-roa improved their positions. Esthonia looked to have matters fairly safe half-way up the straight, but Tama-a-roa and Trespass threw out determined challenges, a great race ensuing over the last 100 yards. J. O’Shea, however, kept Esthonia hard at it and by vigorous riding managed to get his mount home by half a heacl in advance of Tama-a-roa, a head after whom came Trespass. Maioha. who put in a brilliant run after entering the . straight, was close up, . fourth, followed by Tabasco and War Tank. Missgold and Glen Canny were the only defections from the 25 carded for the Mangere Handicap, in which the topweight. Tinokaha, claimed most attention from backers. Others to be well supported were Explode, North Loburn. Oak Abbey and Finkop. The favourite took up the running at the start, with Loved One, Finkop

and Explode’ most prominent of the others. Tinokaha showed the way into the straight, and staying on well had no difficulty in stalling off a late challenge from No Bother, who headed Loved One and Explode inside the distance, but failed to reach the favourite by a length and a-half by the time the post was reached. Loved One was two and a-half lengths away, third, and Explode fourth, followed by Tom Moore and Sanacre. The withdrawal of Blackmail and Dovelet left eight two-year-olds to contest the Victoria Handicap, for which the bracketed pair Landslide and Illumination were in more request than the Taranaki-owned colt Pure Laziness, while Celmisia and Miss Muriel were also the medium of spirited speculation) Miss Muriel momentarily showed out in the from a good despatch, but was quickly headed by the Takapuna pair, Landslide and Illumination, who carried on the running into the straight. The bearers of the chocolate jacket and red sash appeared likely to occupy first and second positions when the real test commenced, but Miss Muriel, finishing with commendable dash, drew on terms at the distance, and revelling in her task went on to win by a length from Landslide, two lengths after whom came Illumination. Lovelight was fourth, Celmisia fifth, and Pure Laziness, who Tan disappointingly, next. Four of the five acceptors for the Great Northern St. Leger Stakes took their places at the barrier, the withdrawal being Archie. Tbfe Wanganui candidate, Rose Queen, was made a better favourite than Tinohoro. while the bracketed pair, Missgold and Rebuff, were not neglected. Missgold went to the front when the tapes were released, with Tinohoro as her nearest attendant, Rcue Quben being :’n advance of Rebuff, this being the order as they passed the stand. Going out of the straight Rebuff ran up second, while entering the back stretch Tinohoro occupied last position. Racing to the five-furlong post Rose Queen moved up into second place, but Missgold still held a commanding lead as the field swept towards the entrance to the straight, which she negotiated several lengths in advance of Rose Queen. The latter made a big effort to overhaul the leader in the run to the post, but Missgold. finishing much better than on the opening day, hung on to her task and gained the verdict by a length. Rebuff was seven lengths away, third. . Tinohoro being a bad last. The times supplied by Mr. J. K. Douglas for the various stages of the re.ee were: Two furlongs, 26 3-ssec.; four furlongs, 52 l-ssec.; six furlongs, lmin. 20sec.; seven furlongs, lmin. 45 3-ssec.; mile and a-quarter, 2min. 12sec.; mile and three-quarters, 3min. ssec. Nine horses were saddled up tor the St. George’s Handicap, Vagabond being installed a firm favourite, while Uncle Ned, Mangamahoe and Bonnetter also claimed heavy support. The start was delayed owing to the vagaries of several of the candidates, but when the barrier went up Vagabond was quickest into his stride, with Punka and Bonnetter as his nearest attendants. Entering the straight the first time Bonnetter took up the running and led past the stand from Mangamahoe, Vagabond, Uncle Ned and Punka. Bonnetter still mam tained her lead along the back, with Mangamahoe, Vagabond, Blue Cross and Uncle Ned handy, while Punka put in a good run which brought her within striking distance of the leaders. As they swept round the home bend Bonnetter was just in front of Mangamahoe, Vagabond, Punka, Uncle Ned and Taiamai. Under pressure Bonnetter faded .out of the contest and Mangamahoe momentarily flattered his supporters until Uncle Ned put in a resolute run which enabled him to overhaul the leaders, and, responding to the demands of his rider in brilliant fashion, he gained the upper hand of Mangamahoe by half a length, Taiamai being three-quarters of a length away, third. Cynic was fourth and Punka next. After the race L. Hewitt, rider of Uncle Ned. and C. Reed, who had the mount on Punka, were summoned to appear before the stewards to give evidence with regard to a slight bump which Punka received during the running of the event. Reed stated that the bump had no bearing on the result of the race while Hewitt failed to recollect the incident. It was decided that the case did not warrant ny action being taken, though a caution was extended to Hewitt. Khartoum was not asked to fulfil his engagement in the Autumn Steeplechase, while Garryowen, The Channel and Kinkora also failed to

come out for that event. No Surrender was elected a little better than even money favourite, Tenacious being most fancied of the others. Tirau went to the lead at the start but came to grief at the sod wall opposite the stewards’ stand, Battletide taking up the running, with Jacarander. No Surrender and Tenacious following in that order. The lastnamed commenced to make up his leeway racing up the hill .but the first fence at the top brought him down. Jacarander displaced Battletide in the lead before the final round was commenced No Surrender being in third position as they jumped the double in front of the stand. Going along the back, Battletide, again went to the front while No Surrender improved his prospects. Battletide fell at the first obstacle on the hill, but was remounted, while No Surrender easily held Jacarander safe, eventually winning by 100yds, Battletide being lengths away third. Hymestra had a slight call over Queen Abbey in the betting on the Huia Handicap , while Crowhurst, Ruatara and Rockfield carried heavy investments on their respective numbers on the totalisator. Crowhurst was first to show out from an even despatch, with Queen Abbej r at the head of the others. An exciting set-to ensued between the pair, while Hymestra came with a rattle over the final furlong but could not reach the leaders, Crowhurst accounting for Queen Abbey by three parts of a length, Hymestra being half a length away third. Rockfield was fourth and Ruatara next. Trespass and Active declined their engagements in the Auckland Welter Handicap, leaving a field of nine to dispute supremacy over the mile course. General Advance, who had been responsible for a good performance in the Easter Handicap on Saturday, was made a very warm favourite, Archie, Woody Glen, Comedy Prince and Mill o’ Gowrie all finding plenty of admirers in a splendid betting race. Archie led along the back from the favourite, and was first to turn for home, where General Advance was still in second position. In a sterling finish General Advance, who was capably handled by J. O’Shea, defeated Archie by half a neck, Bitholia being two lengths away, third. Woody Glen was fourth and Farce next. The results were: — STEWARDS’ HANDICAP of 400sovs. One mile. 2 —P. W. Scally’s b g Esthonia. 3yrs, by Elysian—Baronia, 8.9 (J. O’Shea - ) 1 B—J.8 —J. Hetet’s br g - Tama-a-roa, 6yrs, 7.3 (Glover) 2 7—W. R. Kemball’s b c Trespass, 3 yrs., 7.4% inc. l%lb over (Conquest) 3 Also started: 4 Lord Kenilworth 5.9, 1 Maioha 8.6, 3 -Tinopai 8.1, 6 Matatane 8.2% (inc. 4%1b over), 9 Te Oro 7.9, • (inc. 61b over), 10 Tabasco 6.10% (inc. 3%1b over), 5 War Tank 6.10 (inc. 31b over). Won by half a head, a head between second and third. Tama-a-roa was fourth. Time, Imin. 40sec. MANGERE HANDICAP of 27 ssovs. Six furlongs. I—R. Hannon’s br g Tinohaka, 3yrs, by Quin Abbey—Freedom mare, 9.4 (Robinson) 1 17 —R. - T. Reid’s b g No Bother, 4 yrs, 7.2 inc. 21b over (McTavish) 2 10—M. Wells’ br g Loved One, 3yrs., 7.7 (Dennison) 3 Also started: 4 Oak Abbey 8.9 (inc. 1 l.b over), 2 Explode 8.8, 5 Finkop 8.6, 6 Salvaless 8.3, 7 Winsome Arch 8.3, 3 North Loburn. 8.5 (inc. 51b over), 16 Penona 8.0, 13 Sanacre 7.10, 15 Stammer 7.8, 21 The Packman 9.3% (inc. 24%1b over). 13 Vauxhall 7.8 (inc. lib over), 11 Prince Rufus 7.3, 19 Ma Copper 7.3, 12 Brodrick 7.3, 8 Tom Moore 7.0, 22 Homeric 7.0, 9 Lord Bruce 7.10

(inc. 101 b over), 20 Walton 7.0, 15 Utu 7.0, 14 Actrice 7.0. Won by one and a half lengths, two and a half lengths between second and third. Time, Imin. 15sec. VICTORIA HANDICAP of 400sovs. Five furlongs. s—P v> Eliot’s br f Miss Muriel, by Lucullus —Lady Bobs, 7.7 (E. Manson) 1 I—E. Alison’s br g Landslide, 9.3 (Hewitt) •••• 2 I—n. Alison’s b c Illumination, 6.12, (Downing) •• • 3 Also started: 4 Celmisia 7.4 ,4 Lovelight 7.2, 6 Commission 7.5 (inc. 41b over), 2 Pure Laziness 7.5 (inc. 51b over), 7 Bright Light 7.8 (inc 91b over). Landslide and Illumination were bracketed. Won by a length two lengths between second and third. Lovelight was fourth. Time, Imm. 0 3-t> sec. GREAT NORTHERN ST. LEGER STAKES of lOOOsovs; first horse 600 sovs, second horse 200sovs, third horse lOOsovs, breeder of winner 100 sovs. One mile and three-quarters. 3 —W. R. Kemball’s b f Miss Gold, by Lucullus- —-Recoup, 8.8 (J. 1 — G. M. Currie’s b f Rose Queen, 8.8 (Rayner) 2 3 —w. R. Kemball’s b g Rebuff, 8.7, (Conquest) 3 Also started: 2 Tinohoro 8.10. Won by a length, seven lengths between second and third. Time, 3min. 5 ST. GEORGE’S HANDICAP of 1000 sovs; second horse 200sovs, and third hores lOOsovs. One mile and a halt. 2 — Mrs. E. A. Lindsay » o g Uncle Ned, 6yrs., by Marble Arch — Lady Gladys, 9.0 (Hewitt) ..... 1 3— R Hannon’s br g Mangamahoe, aged, 7.9 (McTavish) .......... 2 5 Hon E. W. Alison’s ch m Taiamai, 4yrs., 9.0 (Deeley) 3 Also started: 1 Vagabond 9.2 6 Gaziaue 9.2, 4 Bonnetter 8.0, 8 Punka 7.6, 7 Cynic 6.7, 9 Blue Cross 6.11 (me. 4 lb Won r ’by half a length, three-parts of a length separating second and third. Cynic was fourth. Time, 2min. 34 3-5 sec. A.UTUMN STEEPLECHASE of 500sovs. About three miles. I—H1 —H G. Dingle’s ch g No Surrender, 6yrs„ by Salvadan —Victorine, 10.2 (Keepa) .. . • • 1 s—c A. Green’s b g Jacaranda, aged, 9.7 (Warner) • 2 3— B . E. Hart’s blk g Battletide, aged, 10.8 (Henderson) ........ .3 Also started: 2 Tenacious 11.0, 4 Tirau 1D.2, 6 Fireaway 9.7 Tirau, Tenacious and Battletide ten, the last-named being remounted and ridden into third place. Won easily by 100 yards, two and a half lengths between second and third. Time 6min, 14 sec.

HUIA HANDICAP of 500sovs. Six furlongs. 3 —J. Crane’s ch g Crowhurst, syrs, by Rokeby—Happy Valley, 7.11, (E. Manson) 1 2—R. Hannon’s br m Queen Abbey, 4yrs, 8.2 (Glover) 2 I—W. R. Kemball’s ch h Hymestra, 9.4 (J. O’Shea) 3 Also started: 5 Rockfield 8.10, 4 Ruatara 7.11, 6 No Mistake 6.9 (inc. 21b over), 7 Clonmel 6.10% (inc. 3% lb. over), 8 Lady Glen 6.10% (inc. 3%1b. over.) Won by three parts of a length, half a length between second and third. Rockfield was fourth. Time, Imin. 14 sec. AUCKLAND WELTER HANDICAP of 400sovs. One mile. 1— R. Eliot’s bi’ g General Advance, 4yrs., by Advance —Electra, 9.7, (J. O’Shea) 1 2— -Hon. E. W. Alison’s br g Archie, 3yrs, 9.1 (Hewitt) 2 6—C. M. Emanuel’s ch g Bitholia, 3yrs., 8.0 (Rogers) 3 Also started: 5 Mill o’ Gowrie 9.13. 3 Woody Glen 8.5, 4 Comedy Prince 8.0, 6 Farce 8.0, 7 Glen Canny 8.0, 9 Hessian 8.0. Won by half a neck, two lengths between second and third. Woody Glen was fourth. Time, Imin. 40sec. THE WINNING PAYMENTS. The following is a list of the winning payments to be made over the A. R.C. Autumn Meeting:—W. R. Kemball, £1230; R. Hannon, £730; E. A. Lindsay, £700; C. J. Bennett, £700; A. B. Williams, £600; R. Eliot, £600; H. M. Campbell, £550; J. Crane, £420; J. Hetet, £370; P. W. Scally, £370; J. O. E. Jackson, £350; H. G. Dingle, £350; G. M. Currie, £400; lan Duncan, £200; K. S. Williams, £230; Ewen W. Alison, jun., £200; Ernest Alison, £200; Hon. E. W. Alison £170; C. A. Green, £100; A. Murdoch £100; R. T. Reid, £5O; B. E. Hart, £5O; D. Twohill, £5O; Fred Earl, £5O; A. Booth, £5O; C. M. Emanuel, £3O; Mervyn Wells, £25; W. G. Emeny, £25; H. D. Matthews, £25; E. A. Price (breeder of winner of G.N. St. Leger), £lOO. Total, £9025.

AN ADMIRAL AND A GENERAL ON THEIR BREEDER’S (MR. J. KEMP) PROPERTY AT AWHITU, AUCKL AND, PHOTOGRAPHED BEFORE THEY CHANGED OWNERSHIP LAST WINTER. '