RACING REVIEWED.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1566, 29 April 1920, Page 15

RACING REVIEWED.

AUCKLAND RACING CLUB. SPECIAL MEETING TO' H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES. A RECORD AUTUMNAL CROWD. ARROWSMITH WINS THE PRINCE OF WALES CUP. That horse racing would be included in the programme for entertaining His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales during his visit to the colonies was regarded as a foregone conclusion from the time it was known that he was really coming, but it was not officially given out that Auckland would be the first, port of call and that Ellerslie would be the scene of the first of the Royal meetings. The Prime Minister, Mr: Massey, when present at the summer meeting of the Auckland Racing Club, at a pleasing little function in the “Press” room, after Sir George ' Clifford had won the Great Northern Derby with Royal Stag, suggested that there was no such fitting place in the North Island as beautiful Ellerslie for a race meeting, if it should be one of the special features of the Royal visit. The time has gone past, rapidly, and during the interregnum the nice little programme of events put on by the Auckland Racing Club to do honour to the young man who is destined to be our future "king, received the liberal attention of owners, and that of the sport-loving public, and of many others who had never lent their presence and countenance to this branch of sport before. Hundreds were there, not to see the thoroughbreds in action, but to get a glimpse of the young Prince. It has become a tradition that the national sport has received Royal patronage from time immemorial. Kings and Queens and Princes have been amongst its devotees. It is no wonder with such a star attraction as a real live and popular Prince the people turned out in strong force and outnumbered the crowds that have assembled there in the autumn, at least, if it was not really a record crowd for Ellerslie, to which all roads led on Monday. The people kept on flocking to the scene by rail and road, by motor and vehicles of all descriptions, and afoot, up till about 2.30 p.m., by which time the first two races were over. Many had been at the Domain to witness the display of thousands of school children, where there was a great assemblage, and .from there made the best of their way to Ellerslie, the tramcars being - taxed to their utmost. It has been estimated that there must have been over thirty thousand people present. There Avere great demonstrations an route. We have had special meetings in honour of some of our Governors, after whom races have been named in the programmes decided during each year at the same try sting place. Most of them have been patrons of racing and other branches of sport, as were our monarchs of old, as recorded in histories on the subject. The late King Edward was, and our present King George is a sportsman in every sense of the word, and we all know from experience that King Edward pursued the sport with the same extraordinary zest as some of his predecessors. Successes of his horses were many and important, in- . eluding the winning of the muchcoveted Derby. He had some great horses indeed, and some of their descendants are much in evidence in the Australasian colonies and in the Dominion, assisting to carry on what has been' so long known as “the Sport of Kings.” Racing takes first place in the affections of so many people who in so many ways have given their liberal support as to make Ellerslie one of the most beautiful and up-to-date racing resorts in the world, while there are many more racing properties throughout the Dominion which in proportion to population and the wealth of the districts in which they are established are a credit to their up-builders—-sportsmen every one of them. The natural advantages of Ellerslie make it more Charming than most racing localities. With many thousands of Well-dressed patrons in all parts of the grounds it was a splendid assemblage, representative of all classes of the community, and the grounds were never seen to better advantage. It was in keeping with the assemblages that had greeted the Prince and our distinguished visitors on Saturday and Sunday, and , nowhere could a welcome be any more enthusiastic

than was given from the moment ;.'f the arrival of the Prince and suite within the racecourse gates. It was a reception such as a sporting community can give, loyalty pulsating in every heart, pent up feelings being given expression to in the most convincing manner as . the Prince was motored down the course to the grandstand gates, where he was received by the president (the Hon. E. Mitchelson) and committee, stewards and members of the Auckland Racing Club and escorted to the Royal enclosure ’ specially reserved in the ' stand and decorated with flags. The band of His Majesty’s Third Auckland Mounted Rifles played “God Save the King” as the Prince and Sir Lionel Halsey alighted from the car bearing the Royal Arms. Then there was great cheering, again as the. Prince joined the Vice-Regal party, the Governor-General and Lady Liverpool - having preceded him, as did' the Ministerial and other visitors. The Prime Minister, Sir William Fraser, the Hons. J. G. Coates and C. J. Parr, the Mayor (Mr. J. H Gunson) and other guests were also on the stand. During the afternoon H.R.H, had a look round the-paddock and paid a visit to the totalisator, entering the building and inspecting the median ism, and then plaiiked at : least a couple of. fivers on dividend payers. Arrowsmith, whose brilliant finishing effort ifi the chief - race of the-day (the Prince of Wales Handicap) proclaimed him a first-class handicap horse, was one of them. - After the race, the Prince congratulated Gray, the rider of Arrowsmith, who might easliy have been defeated in the hands of a less accomplished horseman. The Englishman certainly looked the gentleman of the field in the matter of class despite the way he carries his ears, which he lops, while Taiamai, the only lady in the race, showed a deal of quality. Arrowsmith was so heavily supported that he went out carrying over £l6OO more money in the totalisators than Mangamahoe, whose dull black coat and general appearance would not indicate to the average racegoer that he would be likely to succeed, besides which we had another black one in the race. He and Royal Irish were the ancients of the field, and the lastnamed and Woody Glen were the outsiders. There are very few more consistently well supported horses than Uncle Ned, who looked well strung up and enjoyed the confidence of his lady owner and his trainer, and was backed almost to the same extent as Mangamahoe, only a few pounds being between them. Then came Maioha and Taiamai. General Advance and the other five, lightweights were each at liberal prices, and five of the number were carrying overweight. Of the eleven starters seven had apprentice jockeys. General Advance set out to make the pace and did it effectively. No barrier was used at the start of this race, which was got off seven minutes after the advertised time. General Advance continued to force the pace and along the back was still leading Ruatara, Blue Cross, Maioha and Uncle Ned. but the field had been reduced by one through Taiamai breaking down after passing the seven-furlong post and stopping short, interfering with Mangamahoe. There was no great distance between the leader. General Advance —who was still racing true to his name as they, went past the five-furlong post—and the last horse, Arrowsmith, at that stage, and a little further on only having one behind him, but he was next the rails and saving ground. The first to catch and challenge General Advance when well into the straight were Maioha and Uncle Ned, where Arrowsmith ran out a bit. Starting' and maintaining a brilliant run from the head of the straight he cut down the leaders, some of which had run themselves out, and he won by a short length from Mangamahoe; who lasted long enough to beat Uncle Ned, who was next the rails, by a head, Maioha

being a close fourth. Then followed Ruatara, General Advance and Blue Cross. Taiamai, who has probably said good-bye to the turf, was led in very lame. ' The Prince of Wales Handicap was run in the good time of 2min. 7 3-ssec. for .the time of the year and the course, and considering the weights carried by the winner and Uncle Ned the performances of each of the horses named were full of merit, and it Was probably the best achievement of; Chaucer’s imported son to date, the racing he has had from meeting to meeting having fitted him for the ordeal. Apart from Uncle Ned, however, the opposition was not formidable, and it was condition and superiority of class that told, and Mangamahoe was unlucky. It was the first appearance in a race at Ellerslie of the imported horse, and owner, rider and horse met with such a good reception that one can only imagine what a win for Uncle Ned would have resulted in, he being a locallyowned horse. He and Mangamahoe probably each carried more local money than the winner, behind whom there is heavy metal as a regular thing. It was pleasing to see the best horse win.

A feature .of the day’s doings was the introduction in the birdcage of Mr. Tom Brown, one of the clerks of the course for the day, to the Prince, who had been asked and had 'graciously condescended to present a purse of £220, subscribed by personal friends of the veteran huntsman, who is now in his 80th year, and who was clerk of the course 51 years ago on the occasion of the meeting tendered to the Duke of Edinburgh by the Auckland people when he visited New Zealand in April, 1869 — an occasion only recalled by a few who were in attendance. Hale and hearty, Mr. Brown performed the duties of assistant clerk of the course to Mr. A. Selby race after race until the programme was concluded. Mr. Selby was also introduced and shook hands with the Prince.

A start was made punctually on time with the first division of the Massey Handicap, for which there were twenty runners, the best supported being Glen Canny, Penona, Explode, Mountain Gold, Demoiselle and Tinokaha. The first-named was out leading with his top weight for six furlongs, Penona and Explode runming second and third to the top turn, but in the straight Tinokaha was done with, and Penona came on and half-way down the running was clear of No Bother and a well-bunched lot. Glen Canny, coming with a solid ■finishbig effort, took charge at the half-distance and Avon handily by two clear lengths from Penona, No Bother being two and a-half lengths off, third, with Monocrat, Mountain Gold and Demoiselle next in order. The race was run in the useful time of lmin. 41 l-ssec.

There were ten starters for the Haeremai Hurdle Race Handicap, Marconi being made a £3OO better favourite than Gluetanus, with Luperino and Mill o’ Gowrie next best supported. The last-named led for a few furlongs, but Forward Lady, the extreme outsider of the field, took charge before entering the straight and remained there until the straight was reached again, after shaking off the attentions of Gluetanus at the back of the course. In the run home Penddon came and caught her, and the pair right away from the others,. Pendoon winning by three lengths, Mill o’ Gowrie being more than double that distance away, third, with Marconi, after a shorter interval - fourth. The pace was a cracker, and considering the wind that was blowing the time (3min. 45sec.) was surprising. Landslide and Illumination carried nearly as much money in the Naumai Handicap as was invested on Miss Muriel and Pure Laziness put together. Dovelet, who showed signs of shin soreness, was fourth in de-

mand. The last-named managed to lead practically all the way, but was doing her best to stall off the attentions of Pure Laziness, who finished particularly well, as did Miss Muriel, who was third," while Landslide carried his big impost into fourth place, close up, Lady Form, whose first race it was, getting fifth. Rekatoa lost his rider at the start. The Kairere Steeplechase Handicap saw the bracketed pair. No Surrender and Garryowen, from J. Williamson’s stable, go out the best supported. The last-named lost his rider at the first fence on the hill. It was a pretty race throughout, with some changes in the order. Tirau and GuanaCSp and Normanby leading, then Normanby, Guanaco and Tirau, with Tenacious and No Surrender (who was carrying the Prince’s hopes and money) next as they crossed the stand. double. Guanaco and Normanby led over the hill the last time, but No Surrender came down the hill after them and was at their heels at the stone Avail and over the last hurdle first and won by three lengths from Guanaco, who beat Tenacious a lentgh and a-half. with Normanby, Khartoum, Golden Gloav, John Bunny and Tirau in order, all inside the half-distance.

The Renown Handicap saw a favourite made of King Abbey, Rockfield and CroAvhurst being the next best supported. The first-named and CroAvhurst beat the others off the mark, and King Abbey soon established a useful lead, which he maintained under pressure,. winning by tAvo lengths from Crowhurst, Avith Gold Kip still further aAvay. third, Matatane Avas fourth, with Kilbeggan and Kerehone qext.

There Avere nineteen runners for the second division of the Massey Handicap, War Tank and Tinohoro being the best supported. The lastnamed led the field for six furlongs, with Prince Rufus handy, and the last-named, who was fourth selection, staying on won by half a length from Royal Abbey, avlio closed on him as the judge’s box Avas neared, but could not get up, Avhile Marble Slab Avas onty a length aAvay, General Stephen being fourth to finish, several - lengths away from the placed ones. A slight drizzling rain follOAved. but everyone had a chance of getting to trains, cars and cohveyances for horiie before it increased and came on in a steady doAvnpour. Avhich lasted throughout the night. Once again the good luck of the Auckland Racing Club Avas with them, and from the fact that £77,476 was passed through the 'totalisators it may be concluded that never before has the club held such a highly profitable one-day meeting. The results Avere: — MASSEY HANDICAP (First Division) of 500sovs; second lOOsovs, third 50 so vs. One mile. 1 — A. E. Tattley’s br g Glen Canny, 3yrs, by. Pistol — Bridge of Roses, 8.3 (C. Reed) 1 2— Blanc and Courtney’s ch m Penona, syrs, -8.0 (Goldfinch) 2 O—R. T. Reid’s b g No Bother, lyr.s, 7.9 (Glover) 3 Also started: 6 Tinokaha 10.2 (Robinson), 7 Salvaless 9.7 (Wood), 5. Demoiselle 8.13 (Heivitt), 3 Explode 8.11 - (McFlinn), 4- Mountain Gold 8.9 (J. O'Shea), 15 Monocrat 8.5 (R. Reed),- 13 Winsome Arch 8.4 (A. Reed), 8 Brodrick 7.12 (McTavish), 14 Don’t 7.11 (Manson), 10 Hessian S.O, inc. 31b. over (Deeley), 12 Aircraft 7.5, inc. 51b. over (Tinker), 17' Merry Nell 7.0 /Scott), .11 Hypothesis 7.0 (Gussey), 20 'Eady Bedford 7.7, inc. 71b. over (Conquest), 19 Mentmore 7.0 (Nightingale), 18 Mahgoloire 7,3, inc. 31b. over (Martin), 16 Lady Bruce 7.2, inc. 21b. over (Dennison). Won by- two lengths, Avith two and a-half lengths between second and third. Monocrat was fourth and Mountain Gold fifth. Time, lmin. 41 l-osec. HAEREMAT HAEREMAI HURDLE RACE of 500sovs; -second lOOsovs, third 50s®vs. Two miles. s—Hodgson and Grant’s ch g Pendoon, aged, bv Penury—Cardoon, 9.5 (Packer) 1 10—A. Asprey’s ch m Forward Lady. syrs, 9,0 (Phillips) 2 4—R. Hannon’s br m Mill o’ GoAvrie, , aged, 10.2 (Rennie) ....:. 3 Also started: 6 Thrace 12.5 (Henderson), 9 Kauri King 11.7 (Roavc), 2 Gluetanus JO.IO (Warner), 7 Monopole 10.10 (Thompson); 1 Marconi 10.6 (Manson), 3 Luperina 10.2 (Roach), 8 Waimai 10.2 (Keepa). A A’on by three lengths. Mill o’ Gowrie five lengths away third. Marconi was fourth, and Waimai fifth. Time, 3min. 45 3-ssec. NAUMAI HANDICAP of 500sovs; second lOOsovs. third 50sovs. For two-year-olds. Five furlongs. 4—F. Earl’s b f Dovelet, by Maltster —San Dove, 7.3 (Coleman) .... 1 3 — \V. G. Emeny’s br c Pure Laziness, 7.6 (McTavish) •• • • 2 2 —R. Eliot’s br f Miss Muriel, 7.13 (J. O’Shea) 3 Also started: 1 Landslide 9.7 (A. Reed) and Illumination 7.2 (R. Reed) bracketed, 6 Dunedin 7.10 (Rogers), 5 Lovelight 6.9 (McCormack) and Herschies 6.7 (Solomon) bracketed, 9 Passionless 6.9 (Nightingle), 7 Lady Form 6.7 (Glover), 10 Tresor 6.7 (Wiggins), 8 Rekatoa 6.7 (Downing). Won by half a length. Landslide was fourth, and Lady Form fifth. Time, lmin. Isec.

PRINCE OF WALES CUP of ISOOsoys; second 200sovs, third lOOsovs. One mile and a-quarter. 1 — H. W. Brown’s hr h Arrowsmith, syrs, by Chaucer —Sagitta, 9.12 (H. Gray) •••• 1 2— R. Hannon’s hr g Mangamahoe, aged by Charlemagne II. —Castellina, 7.4 (McTavish) . . ... ... - 3 Mrs. E. A. Lindsay s b g Uncle Ned, 6yrs, by Marble Arch- — Lady Gladys, 8.12 (Hewitt) 3 Also started: 5 Taiamai 5.5 (A. Reed), 4 Maioha 7.8 (R. Reed), 6 General Advance 6.11%, inc. 4% lb. over (McCormack), 8 Blue Cross 7.4 /•, jnc. 11 /jdb. over (Manson), 9 Ruatara 6.10, inc. Mb. over (Solomon), 11 Woody Glen 6.8, inc. 11b. over (Glover), 10 Royal Irish 6.< (Keesing), 7 Tabasco 6.11, inc. 41b. over (Walsh). n A Won by a length, a head between second and third. Maioha was fourth, and Ruatara fifth. Taiamai pulled up. Time, 2min. 7 3-ssec. KAIRERE STEEPLECHASE of 600 sovs; second 150sovs, third 50sovs. About three miles. 1 — H. G. Dingle’s ch gNo Surrender, 6yrs, by Salvadan —Victorine, 11.0 (Keepa) 1 5 —H. M. Campbell’s b g Guanaco, syrs, 9.7 (Thompson) . . 2 2 — E. J. Rae’s b g Tenacious, aged, li:0 (Packer) •■■ ■■■ v Also started: 1 Garryowen 9.i (Warner) bracketed with No Surrender, 3 Khartoum 10.1 (Copestake), 6 Normanby 9.7 (Rowe), 7 Golden Glow 9.7 (Rennie), 8 John Bunny 9.7 (E. Preston), 4 Tirau 9.7 (Roach). Won by three lengths, Tenacious being a length and a-half further away third. Normanby was fourth, and Khartoum fifth. Garryowen lost his rider. Time, 6min. 14sec. RENOWN HANDICAP of 600sovs; second 150sovs, third 50sovs. Six furlongs. I—R.1 —R. Hannon’s ch -h King Abbey, 4yrs, by Quin Abbey—St. Crispin mare, 7.9 (Glover) 1 3— J. Crane’s ch g Crowhurst, syrs, 8.0 (Manson) L 5 —H. S. Keesing’s ch g Gold Kip, syrs, car. 7.10 (A. Reed) 3 Also started: 2 Rockfreld 8.8 (Goldfinch), 6 Matatane 6.13 (McCormack), 4 Archie car. 7.8 (R. Reed), 10 Kereone 6.7 (Keesing), 8 Bitholia car. 6.9 (Nightingale), 7 Kilbeggan car. 7.0 (McTavish), 9 No Mistake car. 7.0 (Downing), 11 Monocrat car. 6.10 (Solomon). Won by two • lengths, two- lengths and a-half between second and third. Matatane was fourth, and Bitholia fifth. Time, Imin. 14sec. MASSEY HANDICAP (Second Division) of 500sovs; second lOOsovs, third 50sovs. One mile. 4 — H. D. Matthew’s b g Prince Rufus, 3yrs, by King Rufus — The Boyne, 7.8. (McCormack) .. 1 5 — J. McSweeney’s ch g Royal Abbey, 4yrs, 7.10 (Glover) 2 3 —F. Marshall’s b g Marble Slab, 3yrs, car. 8.0 (Deeley) 3 Also started: 1 War Tank 9.9 (McFlinn), 8 Formalin 9.5 (Gussey), 11 Oak Abbey 8.11 (R. Reed), 2 Tinohoro 8.10 (Robinson), 10 General Stephen 8.8 (Goldfinch), 13 Independence 8.5 (J. O’Shea), 7 Tuipa 8.4 (Gray)', 16 Bang 8.2 (Husband), 6 Tom Moore 7.12 (Wiggins), 9 Golden Petal 7.-11 (R.. Reed),.l2 Sanacre 7.11 (Rogers), 18 Ma Copper 7.0 (McTavish), 15 Actrice 7.0 (Walsh), 14 Octoplete car. 7.7 (Conquest), 17 Pentagram 7.0 (Downing), 19 Amans Lass car. 7.3% (Dennison). Won by half a length, a length between second and third. General Stephen was fourth. Time, Imin. 41 2-5 sec.