EGMONT RACING CLUB.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1569, 20 May 1920, Page 12

EGMONT RACING CLUB.

WINTER MEETING. WIROKINO WINS STEEPLECHASE. MARQUETEUR THE McRAE MEMORIAL. The Egmont Racing Club commenced their winter meeting on Wednesday in very favourable circumstances. The weather, though naturally cold at this period of the year, was fine, the sun to a large extent counteracting the chilliness of the strong wind in evidence. A very large and representative crowd was present, and speculation on the totalisator was heavy, the sum of £35,919 being handled for the eight races, as against £28,623 last year, when, however, there were only seven events. The racing proved of a highly interesting character, the favourites faring well, winning five of the eight events. Mr. C. O’Connor had some big fields to despatch, and though in several instances delays occurred in getting them away, the send-offs were very even. The hurdle race and steeplechases were productive of an excellent display of jumping, there being few falls and no serious accidents. Mr. V. B. Stratton discharged his secretarial duties in his usual capable style, and though it was found necessar.v to put forward the time of starting in the case of the last few races the afternoon’s sport proved none the less enjoyable. Mr. J. Cameron acted as judge, while Mr. J. McMahon, chief stipendiary steward, was present. The large field carded for the First Division of the Telegraph Hack Handicap was reduced to 18 runners by the withdrawals of Income. Hankino, Yeoman and Sociable. When betting ceased the three-year-old Marble Arch —Project filly, Marble Bar, was in pride of position on the machine, though American Beauty (who had the services of H. Gray) and Oak Abbey were both solidly backed. A. McCormack got the favourite away smartly, and with Quiniro as her nearest attendant carried on the running to the straight entrance. Once

in line for home Marble Bar caused her supporters no anxiety, for she finished up her task in attractive style, stalling off a late challenge from Lady Paula, who she defeated by a length and a-lialf. Quiniro was three-parts of a length away, third, and Big Push fourth. Marconi and Harbour Light were withdrawn from the Tongahoe Hurdles, and of the 14 which faced the starter the Waikato-owned Luperino came in for very heavy support, being little better than an evenmoney favourite when the machine closed. All Over, Lochella and Te Toa were all well fancied. ’Cello set out as pacemaker, but was joined by Te Toa when the last round was entered upon, the pair showing the way into the straight, where Luperino and Lochella put in their claims. The latter pair quickly forged ahead, and it was plain the finish rested with them, a thrilling race ending in Luperino defeating the Dunedin representative by half a length, Applaud being three lengths away, third, and Te Toa fourth.

Ngalanto. Harbour Light, ’Cello. Negambo, Saida and Otter declined their engagements in the Hack and Hunters’ Steeplechase, in which the good field of 14 started. Luke was the popular selection, Ngakanui being next in the estimation of backers, who had summed up the situation accurately. Simple Sam was temporarily in the lead, Luke beingtaken to the front, and, with Ngakanui'as his nearest attendant, he made the running over the last round, and jumping well had no difficulty in running home a comfortable winner by two lengths from Ngakanui, with Silent Dick six lengths away, third. Master Webster was fourth. Slumix fell, while Nefische lost his rider. Cordon and Toddy took the wrong course.

The topweight, Old Mungindi, was not saddled up for the Egmont Steeplechase, from which First lane, Battletide, Master Webster and Pawerewere were also withdrawn. The Auckland representative First Cail was made favourite, being nearly twice as well backed as Sail Home, with Marconi third choice. Peneton (who was going well at the time he fell), Wirokino and Tirau were the leaders for close on half the journey, when Foeman was taken to the front and later gave way to Wirokino. who in turn was headed by Polthogue, the latter being in command when the final round was commenced, Wirokino and G'ladful being his nearest attendants. Half a mile from home Gladful had charge, but the Birkenhead gelding tired in the run to the judge’s box, Wirokino easily catching him and winning by half a dozen lengths. Polthogue was eight lengths away, third, and Foeman fourth. Esthonia and Inah were the only withdrawals from the Tawhiti Handicap, and of the eleven contestants the prospects of Ruddy were in most favour, Mr. J. Bull’s representative winding up a good favourite, Birkenvale and Missgold being most fancied of the others. Jutland shot out smartly when the tapes lifted, and carried the 'field along to the straight, where they closed on him. A splendid finish ensued. Rude, with a welltimed run, just getting up in time to defeat Ruddy by half a length, with Missgold a similar distance away, third. Perfect Day was fourth. Penona, who was reserved for a later event, Bang and Kafeur were the only defections from the Second Division of the Telegraph Handicap, leaving 19 starters. Generalissimo, with the Auckland horseman H. Goldfinch in the saddle, was backed down to a short price, -while Empyrean, Kilbeggan and Infante all received substantial support in an excellent betting race. Samarang was first to break the line, and led into the straight, where Royal Mark displaced him, but Generalissimo then ranged alongside the latter, and, (finishing resolutely, won by a length, with Mida four lengths away, third, and Samarang fourth.

Isingarch was the only withdrawal from the Mcßae Memorial. Marqueteur, ridden by H. Gray, being sent out an odds-on favourite, the prospects of the other seven candidates not being given serious consideration. Simon led Blue Cross and Omahu past the stands the first time, the favourite, who was lying last at this stage, running up to his 'field going along the back. Simon continued to lead from Blue Cross, the former being the first to turn into the straight, Marqueteur then challenging, and in a stirring finish beating Simon by half a length, Omahu being four lengths away, third, and Blue Cross fourth.

The large field of 21 went to the post for the Railway Hack Handicap, the Auckland representative, Penona, being elected favourite, while Crucelle, Vasilkov, Miss Love and Tame Fox were all made the medium of spirited speculation. The race was run in the failing light, it being impossible to distinguish the colours until over half the distance had been covered, when Vasilkov and Tame Fox were discerned disputing supremacy, the former winning by a neck, Crucelle being a length away, third. The results were: —

TELEGRAPH HACK HANDICAP (First Division) of 150sovs. Five furlongs. I—H.1 —H. B. Gibson's b f Marble Bar, 3yrs, by Marble Arch —Project, 7.9 (McCormack) 1 7—A. Alexander's br m Lady Paula, 7.2 (Walsh) 2 6 —J. Harnett’s ch g Quiniro, 3yrs, car. 7.10 (A. Reed) 3 Also started: 8 Sir Fanciful 8.11 (A. Oliver), 4 Flying Master car. 8.10 (W. Young), 2 American Beauty 8.6 (Gray), 5 Passin’ Through 8.3 (E. Hunt), 3 Oak Abbey 7.12 (Goldfinch), 10 Hori 7.11 (E. George), 1-1 Hupana 7.2 (Barry), 12 BigPush 7.2 (Hair). 7 Some Fashion car. 7.6 (Conquest), 17 Glorday 7.0 (Rutherford), 16 Yeoman car. 7.9% (Healey), 9 Admiration 7.0 (Cochrane), 18 Valdina car. 8.7 (R. Oliver), 15 Lord Formby car. 7.4 (Griffiths), 11 Gay Patron 7.0 ( Wilken). Won by a length and a-half, threequarters of a length between second and third. Big Push was fourth. Time, lmin. 5 l-ssec. TONGA-HOE HURDLES HANDICAP of 275sovs. One mile and three-quart-ers. I—W. C. Morgan’s b g Luperino, aged, by Lupin—Matron, 10.5 (J. Roach) 1 3—R. Acton Adams’ b g Lochella, 10.10 (Fielding) ... 2 .B—M. Conza's b g Applaud, 9.6 (Webby) 3 Also started: 7 Lord Nagar 11.8 (J. Preston), 2 All Over car. 10.10 (A. McDonald), 9 Gunwale 9.0 (R. Hunt), 5 Paddington Green 9.9 (Thompson), 10 Hushabye car. 9.11% (Thorner), 4 Te Toa. 9.8 (Dillamore), 6 ’Cello 9.3 (Porter), 13 Cadet 9.2 (Warner), 13 Yucatan 9.0 (Fowler), 11 Revocation 9.0 (Rutherford), 12 Banogue car. 9.4 (West). Won by half a length, three lengths between second and third. Time, 3min. 26sec. HACK AND HUNTERS’ STEEPLECHASE HANDICAP of 200sovs. About two miles. 1— J'. Gravestock’s b g Luke, 6yrs, by Acrostic-—Renora, 10.7 (Bowden) 1 2— J. Hook’s hr g Ngakanui, 10.7 (Ward) 2 12—E. Joyce’s Silent Dick, 9.7 (W. West) 3 Also started: 3 Master Webster 11.6 (Kaan), 5 Simple Sam 9.13 (Dillamore), 8 Stelpaul 9.7 (Copestake), 4 Cheddar 9.7 (Webby), 13 Toddy 9.7 (R. Oliver), 9 Whakamoa 9.7 (Tricklebank), 14 Cordon 9.7 (McGuire), 6 Slumix 9-7 (Bracken), 10 Sandringham car. 9.13 (McSeveney), 11 Kautahoe 9.7 (R. Hunt), 7Nefische 9.7 (Fielding). Won by a couple of lengths, six lengths between second and third. Master Webster was fourth. Time, 4 min. 25% sec. EGMONT STEEPLECHASE HANDICAP of . 500sovs. About two miles and a-half. G—J. K. Jackson’s ch g Wirokino, aged, by Conqueror — Charlatan, 9.9 (Bowden) 1 8 — W. R. Kemball’s b g Gladful, 11.10 (Preston) 2 5— D. J. Hughes’ ch g Polthogue, 10.7 (Lawson) 3 Also started: 4 Foeman 11.6 (Kaan), 1 First Call 10.5 (Rennie), 9 Peneton 10.0 (Warner), 10 Sandy Paul 9.10 (McSeveney), 7 Tirau (Roach), 2 Sail Home (McDonald). Won easily by six lengths, eight lengths separating second and third. Foeman was fourth. Time, smin. 48 sec. TAWHITI HANDICAP of 250sovs. Six furlongs. 9 — W. Duncan’s br g Rude, syrs, by Cyrus—Cheeky, 8.8 (M. McCarten) 1 I—J.1 —J. Bull’s b g Ruddy, 7.12 (L. Morris) 2 3— W. R. Kemball’s b g Missgold, 7.7 (Carmont) 3 Also started: 4 Jutland 8.12 (O. McCarten), 11 Depredation 8.3 (Goldfinch), 7 Perfect Day 7.8 (McCormack), S Egmont Park 7.6 (E. Hunt), 2 Birkenvale 7.4 (Barry), 10 Tiranga car. 7.9 (A. Reed), 5 Income 7.0 (Walsh), 6 Lady General 6.12 (Wilkin). Won by half a length, a similar distance between second and third. Perfect Day was fourth. Time, lmin. 18 l-ssec. TELEGRAPH HACK HANDICAP (Second Division) of 150sovs. Six furlongs. I—W.1 —W. Honeyfield’s ch g Generalissimo, 3yrs, by Campfire—Ristori, car. 7.13 (Goldfinch) 1 9—AV. McCraith’s b g Royal Mark, 7.2 (Walsh) . ... 2 6 — W. Duncan’s ch f Mida, car. 7.1 (Berry) 3 Also started: 5 Parorangi 8.12 (M. McCarten), 3 Kilbeggan 8.10 (Gray), 7 Samarang S.S (B. Morris), 8 Nemaline 8.0 (L. Morris). 2 Empyrean 7.12 (McCormack). 10 Timidity 7.7 (Corlett), 11 Martian Miss 7.2 (Carmont), 4 Infante car. 7.G (Conquest), 14 Crieff 7.0 (E. George), 17 Torokaha 7.0 (Rutherford i. 17 Grab 7.0 (Wilton), 13 Finland Maid ear. 7.11 (E. Hunt). 19 Lady Leo car. 7.4% (Griffith), 19 Rangntapu 7.0 (Tinker), 15 Guiration 7.0 (.Anderson), 16 Avanti car. 7.7 (R. Hunt). Won by a length, four lengths between second and third. Samarang was fourth. Time, lmin. 4 3-ssec. McRAE MEMORIAL HANDICAP of 400 sovs. One mile and a-quarter. I—Mr.1 —Mr. Ewart’s ch g Marqueteur, svrs, by King Mark - — By By, 8.7 (Gray) 1 6—F. M. Bradlev’s b g Simon, car. 7.0 (Barry) 2 5—J. Bull’s blk g Omahu, 8.2 (L. Morris) 3

Also started: 3 Nobleman 9.2 (A. Reed), 2 Blue Cross 7.10 (A. McCormack), 4 Arrowfield car. 7.1 (M. McCarten), 7 Tirana 6.10 (Anderson), 8 Guianform 6.7 (Hair). Won by half a length, four lengths between . second and third. Blue Cross was fourth. Time, 2min. 17 l-ssec. RAILWAY HACK HANDICAP of 185 ■ sovs. Seven furlongs. 3—W. R. Kemball’s blk g Vasilkov, 3yrs, by Autumnus — Ukraine, 8.10 (Oliver) . 1 S—AV. Duncan’s b g Tame Fox, 8.8 (M. McCarten) 2 2—D. F. Cullinane’s b m Crucelle, 8.3 (L. Morris) 3 Also started: 8 Otauru Kid 8.3 (Barry), 1 Penona 8.0 (Goldfinch), 9 Mimiri 7.10 (R. Hunt), 4 Misslove car. 7.10 (A. Reed), 11 Whizz Bang car. 7.10 (Manson), 6 Karaeo 7.6 (McCormack), 12 Bang 7.5 (Carmont), 14 Miss Norval car. 7.7 (Tucker), 13 Master Curran 7.5 (Hair), 7 Kyoto car. 7.8 (Hunt), 20 Alice Montrose) 7.fi, (Anderson), 18 Zimmer 7.0 (Rutherford), 15 Prodigal 7.0 (George), 18 Cammy 7.0 (Rowlands), 17 Riki car. 7.3 (Griffiths), 10 Marthon car. 7.4 (Edgecombe), 16 Pomona 7.0 (Wilton), 21 Haurenga car. 7.2% (Cochrane). Won by a neck, a length between second and third. Time, lmin. 32 l-ssec. CONCLUDING DAY. MARQUETEUR AGAIN SUCCESSFUL. The weather continued fine on Thursday, when the Egmont Racing Club brought their winter meeting to a conclusion on the Hawera racecourse. The track had improved since the previous day, a drying wind assisting matters in this direction. A feature of the racing was the success of Marqueteur in the Manaia Handicap, while Luke also gained his second success at the meeting in the Opeke Steeplechase. A big surprise was registered by Big Push, a four-year-old gelding by Marshal Soult — Clemshine, in the Shorts Handicap, which event he Avon very easily and returned his supporters a dividend of over a third of a century. The totalisator staff again experienced a busy time, the sum of £33,921 being invested on the seven races, as against £31,777 10s. on the corresponding day last year, making a total for the two days of £69,840, as compared with £60,460 10s. at the 1919 meeting, an increase of £9379 10s. Infante, Pomona and Hupana Avere taken out of the Ngamutu Apprentices’ Handicap, leaving a dozen to face the starter. The Fordell candidate Mida was made a warm favourite, while Empyrean, Kareao and Kilbeggan were the only others supported to any extent. Kilbeggan Avas quickest to begin, and in company with Karaeo he carried on the running until half the distance had been covered, when Guiration ran up to the leaders, but Kareao Avas ‘first to turn for home with a couple of lengths’ advantage. The Maniapoto gelding easily held his opponents safe in the run to the post, winning by half a dozen lengths from Admiration, who was four lengths in advance of Lord Formby. The favourite Avas fourth. All of the ten acceptors took their places at the barrier for the ManaAvapou Hurdles, Te Toa and All Over being almost equal favourites, with one ticket more on the former. ’Cello and G'unAvale had charge from Revocation and All Over passing the stand, while entering-the back stretch Revocation ran to the front, closely attended by All Over and Lord Nagar, the latter of whom assumed command racing to the straight entrance. Though All Over Avas almost on terms with the Australian-bred horse at the final obstacle, J. Preston kept the latter hard at it and secured the verdict by a bare length. Revocation being three lengths away, third, and ’Cello fourth. Of the dozen carded for the Opeke Steeplechase, Cheddar was the only defection. In vieAv of his success on the previous day Luke Avas installed favourite, with over £lOOO invested on, his number, the 1917 V.R.C. Grand National winner. Old Mungindi, avlio Avas making his initial appearance in the Dominion, being also supported on the totalisator to the extent of four figures. Master Webster led First Call, Peneton and Luke past the stand. Going along the back Peneton and First Call had charge from Old Mungindi and Luke. Peneton was first to negotiate the final obstacle, at which First Call dislodged his rider (Rennie). Luke Avas quick to get on terms with the leader, and going on full of running Avon easily by three lengths from Peneton, with Old Mungindi a similar distance away, third. Master Webster was fourth. Tirau came to grief at the sod wall, while Slumix fell at the second to last fence, causing First Line to lose his rider. Bang was the only withdrawal from the Mokoia Handicap, and of the eight

starters Esthonia and Missgold monopolised half of the investments on the machine. Missgold was soon in the lead and showed the way to the home bend, where Income and Jutland headed her, the latter pair fighting out an exciting finish. Income prevailing by a neck, Egmont Park being three lengths away, third. Missgold Avas fourth. Fifteen started in the Shorts Handicap, Crucelle being the actual favourite, Avhile American Beauty, Royal Mark, Quiniro and Marble Bar were all solidly supported. Samarang began with her customary smartness and led to the ‘straight, where Quiniro and American Beauty shot to the front and were busy disputing supremacy when the little-fancied Big Push came with a great rattle, and cutting down the leaders won by three lengths from Quiniro, avlio defeated American Beauty by a head for second honours. Passin’ Through was fourth. Tiranga Avas the only withdrawal from the Manaia Handicap, leaving just sufficient starters to ensure a second dividend. Perfect Day was made a Avarm favourite, with over £3OO more on his number than Marqueteur, while Simon and .Blue Cross Avere moderately well supported. Blue Cross Avas the early leader, but was soon displaced by Simon, who gave way to Perfect Day approaching the straight entrance. Perfect Day Avas only temporarily in the lead, Simon overhauling him in the straight, the pair engaging in a determined finish when H. Gray brought Marqueteur along Avith a judicious run and gained a meritorious win by three-parts of a length from Simon, with the favourite a neck away, third. Blue Cross Avas fourth. The Fordell candidate Tame Fox had the pull over Otauru Kid in the betting on the Borough Hack Handicap, over £3OOO being invested on the pair, Avhile Miss Love and Penona Avere both substantially backed. Otauru Kid endeavoured to win all the Avay, but Avas closely attended by Penona and Tame Fox, the latter of whom came fast in the straight, and though challenged by Rebuff managed to defeat Mr. Kemball’s representative by half a length. Otauru Kid being a neck aAvay, third. The results Avere: — NGAMUTU APPRENTICES’ HANDICAP (Hack Conditions) of Isosovs. Six furlongs. 3 —F. S. Bluett’s br g Karaeo, 4yrs, by Maniapoto — St. Clements mare, 7.9 (Anderson) 1 5—F. T. Watson’s br g Admiration, 7.5 (Cochrane) 2 8— C. Ruscoe’s b m Lord Formby. 7.5 (Griffiths) .'. 3 Also started: 4 Kilbeggan 9.0 (Colter), 2 Empyrean 8.2 (Rutherford), 1 Mida 7.7 (Hair), 7 Prodigal 7.5 (E. George), 9, Riki 7.5 (Wilton), 10 Crieff 7.5 (Edgecombe), 12 Valdina 7.5 (Rowlands), 11 Guiration 7.5 (Bound). Won by six lengths, four lengths between second and third. Mida was fourth. Time, lmin. 19sec. MANAWAPOU HURDLES HANDICAP of 225sovs. One mile and a-half. 5 — W. R. Kemball’s b g Lord Nagar, aged, by Loch Nagar—Gladys May, 11.6 (J. Preston) 1 2 —J. Bull’s b g All Over, 10.9 (A. McDonald) 2 9 — F. R. AValler’s b g Revocation, 9.0 (Langdon) 3 Also started: 6 Paddington Green car. 9.12 (Thompson), 1 Te Toa 9.5 (Dillamore), 6 Applaud 9.7 (Webby), 8 Hushabye 9.5 (Thorner), 3 ’Cello car. 9.4 (Kaan), 4 Hautawa 9.2 (Tricklebank), 10 Gunwale 9.0 (Hunt). Won by three-quarters of a length, three lengths between second and third. 'Cello was fourth. Thine, 2min. 54see. OPEKE STEEPLECHASE HA ND! CAI’ of 400sovs. About two miles. 2 — J. Gravestock’s b g Luke, 6yrs, by Acrostic —Renora, 10. S (Bowden) 1 6- —J. Molloy’s b g' Peneton, 9.12 (AVarner) 2 I—W. R. Kemball’s b g Old Mungindi, 12.8 (J. Preston) 3 Also started: 5 First Line 10.8 (J. Kaan), 4 First Call 10.3 (Rennie), 8 Master Webster 10.3 (McDonnell), 7 Tirau 9.9 (Roach), 3 Sail Home 9.7 (A. McDonald), 11 Sandy Paul car. 9.11 (McSeveney). 10 Simple Sam 9.7 (Dillamore), 9 Slumix 9.7 (West). Tirau and Slumix fell, Avhile First Call and First Line lost their respective riders. Luke won by three lengths, a similar distance between second and third. Master AA r ebster was fourth. Time, 4min. 19sec. MOKOIA HANDICAP of 200sovs. Six furlongs. 4 — F. Seiwood’s b g Income, 3yrs, by Guianfort — Pommery, 6.11 (Cochrane) 1 3— J. Campion’s b g Jutland, 8.9 (O. McCarten) 2 5— D. J. Goodwin’s br h Egmont Park, 7.2 (McCormack) 3 Also started: 1 Esthonia 8.12 (Colter), 8 Depredation 8.1 (Goldfinch), 2 Missgold 7.7 (Carmont), 7 Birkenvale 7 0 (Barry), 6 Lady General ear. 7.6 (R. Hunt). Won by a neck, three, lengths between second and third. Missgold was fourth. Time, lmin. 17sec. SHORTS HANDICAP (Ha.ck Conditions) of 150sovs. Five furlongs. 10— J. Kahili’s b g - Big' Push. 4yrs, by Master Soult — Clemsine, 7.2 (Hair) 1 I —J. H. Harnett’s ch g- Quiniro. 7.11 (A. Reed) 3 B—W. C. Larsen’s b m Samarang, 5.7 (McCarten) 3

Also started: 5 Marble Bar 5.9 (McCormack), 2 American Beauty 8.5 (H. Gray), 1 Crucelle 8.5 (L. Morris), 9 Passin’ Through 8.0 (R. Hunt), 3 Royal Mark 7.8 (Walsh), 6 Lady Paula 7;> (Barrv), 12 Master Curran 7.4 (Griffiths), 7 Infante car. 7.6 (Conquest), 11 Martian Miss car. 7.2 (Carmont), 12 Alice Montrose car. 7.8% (R. Hunt), 15 Watercall 7.0 (Anderson), 13 Toddy car. 7.2 (Rutherford), 14 Yeoman 7.0 (Healey). _ Won by three lengths, a head separating second and third. iPassin Through was fourth. Time, Imin. 4 3-ssec. MANAIA HANDICAP of 300-sovs. One mile and a distance. o_Mr. Ewart’s ch g Marqueteur, syrs, by King Mark —By By, 9.2 (Gray) • 1 3 p. M. Bradley’s b g Simon, /.3 (Carmont) ••••• • • • • L I—J.1 —J. Casserley’s b g Perfect Day, 7.10 (McCormack) 3 Also started: 4 Blue Cross 7.7 (Manson), 5 Arrowfield 7.4 (Barry), 6 Guianform 6.7 (Hair). Won by three-quarters of a length, a neck between second and third. Blue Cross was fourth. Time, Imin. 33% sec. BOROUGH HACK HANDICAP of 180 sovs. Seven furlongs. I—w. Duncan’s b g Tame Fox, 4yrs, by Volplane — Humdrum, 8.10 (M. McCarten) ••••••• 1 5 —W. R. Kemball’s folk g Rebuff, 7.10 (Carmont) ••••••• 2 *> —Curran and Woods’ ch g Otauru Kid, car. 8.4 (Gray) u Also started: 4 Penona car. 8.0% (Goldfinch), 9 Yankee Jack f. 9 (McCormack), 7 Mimiri car. J. 10% («• Hunt) 3 Misslove i.l (A. Reed), 6 Kyoto car. 7.8 (L. Morris), 10 Zimmer <.O (Rutherford), 8 Some 7.6 (Conquest), 11 Haurenga car. 7.6% (J. Barry). Won by half a length, a neck separating second and third. Time, Imin. 3 3 % sec.