WANGANUI.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1573, 17 June 1920, Page 12

WANGANUI.

Luke Fancied for Napier Steeplechase — Intending Runners at Napier Park Fixture —Marton J.C.’s Annual Meeting. WANGANUI. Monday.

Mr. W. Duncan, the principal patron of F. Tilley’s stable, left by the Niagara on a trip to Australia. He anticipates being away about six weeks. In the meantime Rude, Arrowfield. Tame Fox and one or two other of his horses will be kept in work and raced, probably at the Wellington winter meeting. Lochella won the Century Hurdles in such convincing style that he was a very warm favourite here for the Great Northern Hurdles and Great Northern Steeplechase. His win in both events was a very severe knock for some commission agents, though a number refused to lay against the gelding for the Steeplechase. P. Coffey is keeping Khartoum and Pretty Bobby going steadily, the latter in view of his Napier Park engagements. The Maniapoto gelding is in the Hack Hurdles at the Park and might run a good race, as he should show improvement in his jumping. Khartoum looks well, and he ought to land a cross-country event or two before the season closes.

Although Admyra is not a regular track attendant she is seen out occasionally, and the same remarks .apply to All Cerise. Both these fillies should pay their way next season. Admyra has already given a taste of her quality, and the daughter of Solferino should pick up some good races in the spring for T. Long, who will have a team in hand shortly, as he is getting in three or four youngsters.

The Wanganui Trotting Club will have to defer the erection of the proposed grandstand on its new property at Liverpool Park owing to the embargo which has been placed on the erection of places of amusement. This is unfortunate for the club, as it will mean that there will be no stand for the next race meeting. If the weather is fine this will not matter a great deal, as there is a terrace running along the straight, which will enable the club’s patrons to get a fine view of the racing.. However, should the weather be unfavourable the need of the shelter provided by a stand will be felt.

On his Wanganui form, Luke (11.4) reads very well in the Napier Park Steeplechase. This gelding is a very safe jumper, and there is no doubt as to his ability to stay. Khartoum (9.7) looks better now than at the Wanganui meeting, and if started should run a good race, as he is also a fine fencer.

Pretty Bobby is engaged in the Hack Hurdles and also the Necklace at the Park. The son of Maniapoto has been shaping in improved form recently over the obstacles, but has a dicky knee. If he is taken across he should run well in whatever event he starts.

W. Rayner does not intend going to Napier himself, but will send Zola over to compete in the Hurdles, in which he has 10.8. If the going is firm, the Sweet Simon gelding will be very hard to beat, as he is in capital form. He couid not act in the soft going at the Wanganui meeting, otherwise he must have been very handy in the May Hurdles. Listowel is a regular attendant on the track, and the Absurd colt is moving in very attractive style. If he goes on all right he is likely to do well in the spring. His early track work was very promising, but he did not shape as well as expected in his races. W. Rayner expects him to do better as a three-year-old. The filly by Absurd —Our Lady, which Rayner has in hand, gives every indication of turning out very smart. She has already shown that she can get moving very quick, and the way she hits out suggests that when ready to race she will not be long in making a name for herself. The Absurd colt is not likely to be ready so soon as the filly. He is a don’t-care sort of a customer, much bigger in build than the filly, and will take some time to get into shape. However, he is likely to prove a good one when his time comes.

At the annual meeting of the Marton Jockey Club, held last week, Mr. Arthur Way was re-elected secretary, and Messrs. H. Coyle and U. Shannon handicappers, Mr. Shannon for the second day of the summer meeting.

The report and balance-sheet, which was adopted, showed that during the past year the work of erecting 54 loose boxes, feed rooms, sand roll, etc., had been completed at a cost of £3lOB 10s. lid. A tender for the erection of an accommodation house for visiting owners, trainers, and jockeys has been let for £2560, and the work will be completed in time for the spring meeting, on September 1.

The policy of the Marton Jockey Club in thus looking after the welfare and comfort of visiting owners and trainers is a commendable one, and could be adopted with advantage by other clubs. The accommodation house now* being erected will consist of a sitting-room, diningroom, and bedrooms to accommodate 48 visitors. Fitted with bathroom and all necessary conveniences and with a first-class caterer to look after their wants, the boys should look forward with pleasure to their visit to Marton in the spring.