TRYING OUT THE NEW TACKLE

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1579, 29 July 1920, Page 9

TRYING OUT THE NEW TACKLE

INTERESTING INNOVATION AT GISBORNE. A new departure so far as Gisborne is concerned which augurs well for the coming racing season in Poverty Bay was recently carried out at the Gisborne Racing Club’s course, Te Hapara, when in the presence of several hundred enthusiasts a series of three heats, confined to youngsters and maiden performers, ■were decided. Three “scampers” two over a couple of furlongs each and one over three furlongs — were held, the riders sporting the colours of the respective owners of the contestants. The interesting try-out of these equines who are destined to grace the turf at future meetings at Gisborne was principally brought about at the instigation of Mr. C. Morse, while the generous action of the Gisborne Racing Club in placing their course at the disposal of the promoters of the innovation was keenly appreciated by owners. The first, a two-furlong sprint, was won by Mr. C. Morse’s Unahi, a Mountain Knight — Baroa colt, with Percival up. A colt belonging to Mr. K. S. Williams, by Fort William — Osterland, and Mr. Lawrie’s Merry Moment colt, with A. Nixon and H. Olive respectively in the saddle, filled second and third places. In the second eveni, a three-fur-long gallop for maiden performers, two and three years old, Mr. W. Olive’s Prowler, ridden by H. Olive, won bv a head from Ahura (R. Foote), owned by Mr. G. Murray.

Mr. W. Turnbull’s Anxious Moments filled third place, being ridden by P. Sinclair.

The third event was of two furlongs, for yearlings, and was won by Mr. D. J. Barry’s Heather Mixture — Edna May 11. colt, with Tautau in the saddle, after a splendid finish, just beating Unahi on the post. An equine which attracted considerable attention was a three-year-old chestnut gelding, Our Navy, belonging to Mr. W. Howard. The gelding stands 18 hands high, and is one of the biggest horses in New Zealand. Our Navy made a very good showing in the three-furlong event, but will probably not be heard of for another year. Stuart Howard rode the big gelding.