TALK OF THE DAY.

By MAZEPPA.

* # * This is the C. J.C.s week — other meetings throughout the colony are of secondary importance — and in order to celebrate the occasion I have prepared a series of reminders of past struggles for the Autumn and Easter Handicaps which will probably prove interesting to a large section of readei-3 who do not keep records. My starting point is 1880, by which year the Autumn Handicap had become a "settled and important event.

ISSO-March 30 and 31. Autumn Handicap, of 300sovs, Vr mile.

Camballo ... syrs 8.0 S.Harris oto I Mata ... syre 9.8 F.Matthews 4tol Betrayer ... 3yrs 7.9 Clifford* sto 2

Six others started, Foul Play 9 3, ridden by Derrett, being favourite at 2 to 1. Marie Antoinette and Titania led for half the distance, when Foul Pi ay went to the front and Mata closed up. Entering the straight Mata had the lead, but Cambailo scon went at him, and a good race ended in the latter winning by a. length. Time, 2min 41sec.

Easter Handicap, of lOOsovs, one mile. Camballo ... syrs 8.2 Nolan 4to 1 Betrayer ... Syrs 7.7 Ruding3 6to 4 Foul l'lay ... syrs 9.0 Derrett Evenß

Camballo waited on the others, who were racing neck and neck to the last bend, and then the three went on together for Eome distance, but Camballo answered the final call with moat strength and won by half a length. Time, Imin 46J.sec.

1881— April 18 and 19. Autumn Handicap, of 30030v5, li mile.

Lady Emma 3yrs 5.13 M. Allan sto 1 Sir Modred 3yrs 8.10 S.Harris 2tol The Governor 3yrs 6.8 llosewarne 10 to 1

Eight others also ran, including Natator 9.2, who was as good a favourite as Sir Modred. Prospero was left at the post. The Governor and Luna led to the back of the course. Lady

Emma in close attendance. Coming to the top turn Libeller supplanted Lady Emma, but made no impression on the leaders. At tbe home turn Sir Madred and Randwick made a forward move, and Lady Emm* then commenced htr business run, th« result of the warming-up of the pace being that Luna and Randwick were settled quickly. Lady Emma challenged The Governor and beat him as soon as heads were in a line for home, and then Sir Modred on one side of her and Natator on the other put in a claim. The mare, however, outstayed them gsniely, and won by three-quarters of a length, Natator, easing up* finishing fourth. Time, 2min 43.jsec.

I Easter Handicap, lOOsovs, one mile. Lady Emma... 3yj-s- 7 3 Piliner sto 2 Natator ■ ... syrs 9.5 Derrett sto 1 The Governor 3yrs (5.10 Rosewarne 3to 4 Three others aleo ran. The Governor and Prospero led into the straight. The latter at once dropped out, and Lady Emma took second place, Natator coming fast. The Governor took a lot of beating, as he kr-pi coming again and -vain, but at the rails Lady Emma had him settled, and tben she waa tackled by Natator, a splendid finish resulting in a win for Emma by a nose. Time, lmin 45^ec. ISB2— A-pril 10 and 11. Autumn Handicap, 300sovs, 1J miles. Salvage 3yrs 7 7 s mith 4 to 1 Luna aged 7.11 .Butler 12 to 1 Libeller syrs 7.9 Ivemy 4 to 1 The field numbered a dczen. Libeller rushed away with the lead, but was collared in the first furloaig by Luna, who up to Ford's was thr u e lengths ahead of everything. Cracking up, however, very '•uddenly. The Poet assumed the lead, .-nd be and Libeller turned together into the straight. The Poet was goon done with, and Luua collared Liballer at tht> rails, but was in turn smothered by Salvage, who romppd home two lengths to the good. Time, !4miu 414 : ec. The winner paid a dividend equal to £5 8^ per £1. • • Kasteii Handicap, lOOsovs, one mile. Emm Bey ... :(yrs 6.9 Sturges3 lOtol Betrayer ... fiyrS 0.0 Wattie 10 to 1 Jflnvy lilly ... 3yrs C.9 Butler oto 2 Six others likewise ra*>. Nautilus, making good headway in the mud, entered the straight with a lead of two lengths, and tben fell away into the company of Libeller, Lady Emma, Chancellor, and Sir Modred. These in turn wero all in trouble ere reaching the rails, leaving Betrayer in the van, with Envy lilly and Emiu Bey making desperate efforts to reach him. The filly could not quite manage it, but Emm Boy shot past in the lash two s rides and won by a neck. Time, lraiu 50 a ec. Dividend, £21 12s. ISBJ-Marcii2«anoS7. Autuiun Handicap, SOOsovs, limiles. Welcome Jack ... 3yrs 8 4 Hudings sto 2 Tasman ... 4yrs 8.5 Wattie 7to 2 Lady Emma ... Syrs 8.9 M.Allan sto 1 The starters numbered seven. Ladr Emma scurried away smartest from a disorderly start, but, being steadied, Nonpanel assumed the lead, anting as pilob to the end of a mile, when he backed up and was seen no more. Tat man tben headed Salvage, and continued to do so ; indeed the little bulldog headed everything to the finish — everything, that is, bar one, that one being Welcome Jack, who, only sighted towards the end of the race, draw on ttie leaders with deadly certainty, until at tho rails he was abr.eastot Emma and Salvage, a stride or so further on challenged Tasmau, and then, shooting out lik« a rocket when touched for the first time with the spur, he bounded in a length to the good. The time, 2min 38£»ec, constituted a record. The div. was £3 ss, and a good div. too, Easter Handicap, lOO^ovs, one mile. Gitana 4yrs 012 M'Clusky oto 2 Luna aged 8 2 Butler 3 to 1 Welcome Jack. 3yis 9.2 llucliaga 2to 3 Gitaua jumped away from flagf all two lengths ahead of Luua, the favourite, as was expected, playing a waiting game. When he wanted to come ho couldn't, or didn't, and the order was übvpi 1 ehtnged during the race, Gipsy King's mother winning by three lengths from Luna, who was a head in front ot Welcome Jack. Time, lmin 45iseo. The dividend was £4 9s 6d.

]884-Aprill4andls. Autumn Handicap, 300sovs, ljmiles.

Vanguard ... 4yrs 8.3 Purdham 7tol Hippodamia ... syrs 6.7 Smith 10 to 1 Lady i'jiuma ... b'yrs 0.1 J. Cotton (i to 1

Ther« were 14 starters. In the betting ring Vanguard and Salvage were equal favourites at 4 to 1 each, but VaDguard paid £7 6s 6d and £11 7s co the price above stated is well within liia real odds. The starter sent the crowd off on even terms. Vanguard was the first to move, but he did'nfc want to act as;)ilot, and T.tsman took the job, until his stable mate Rubin* managed to get through and set about her mission of pacemaker. By that time half a mile had bsen covered. She led to the home turn, and on surrendering Captain Webster and Sou-wester took up the parable, only, however, to be headed almost at once by Ike and Hippodamia, who showed the way to the distance Here Vanguard and Lady Emma became troublesome, and the first-named of the pair hung it out as one who had come to stay, winning easily by a length and a half, Hippodamia a length in front of the Dunedin mare. Time, 2min W^see.

Easter Handicap, ISOsovb, one mile. Tasman ... Syrs 9.5 Derrett 13 to 2 Nonsense ... 4yrs B.G Purdham 3to 1 Hippodamia ... syrs 6.9 Wood sto 1

Eight others also ran. Tasman and Vanguard secured the best of a poor start, and at the opening of the straight this pair, with Siesta and HippodAmia, were all of a cluster. At this point Nonsense made a fine rush. Vanguard soon began to lose his place, and Nonsense shot to the front at the rails, but Tasman came at her with one of his never-die efforts, and licked the mare by half a length. Time, lmin 43isec. Dividends, £7 4s and £7 19s 6d.

18S5— April C and 7.

Autumn Handicap, 300sovs, 1} miles. Rubina . ... 4yrs 8.0 Derrett 3to 2 Captain Webster 4yrs (5 9 Loughlin 6to 1 Sou-wester ... syrs 8.3 Rudings 4to 1

Seven ran. When Trenton dropped out Rubina was made a hot favourite. The bookies quoted her at 3 to 1, but by that year the Ring was falliDg out of the business, and I take the machine dividend ac the best indication of the market. Administrator made the pace merry for a mile, but was then headed by Captain Webster, on whom the then light weight, Jack Loughlin, was riding a nice race. Webbter led into the straight, with Neison half a length away. Rubina and Sou-wester then came throngb, and intimated that they would take a hand. The latter, lifted nothing but rags, evidently, as he shut up almost at once ; but Rubina held on, and. a desperate trial between her and Webster found the latter defeated by a head, in time that chipped a quarter of a second off of Welcome Jack's record. Dividends, £5 93 per £2 and £2 10s for the £1.

Easter Handicap, 250sovr, one mile. Wapiti ... 4yrs 7.5 "White 7to 1 Rubina ... 4yrs 9.0 Derrott Evens Nelson ... 4yr3 8.8 Thompson sto 1

Lady Emma 8.5 and Captain Webster 7.7 were the other starters. Nelson was mainly responsible for the making of the pace, and he turned for home a length and a-hal£ before Webster. Rubinn and Wapiti then came together, -the one watching the other, and, di3poßiug of Captain Webster, they made a dash at Nel6on. . The big horse responded gallantly, and the spect-ators saw a fine set-to as between three, resulting in the half-brother to Maxim winning by half a length ; Nelson close up. Time, lmiu 44sec. The £2 dividend was £21 103 6d. and for the £1 ticket £7 123 was returned.

1656 -April 28 and 27. Autumn Handicap, 300sovs, li milos,

Capt. Webster syrs 7.10 Sharp sto 2 Maligner ... syrs 8.0 White 2to 1 Spade Guinea 3yr3 6 5 Huxtable 28 to 1

Five others ran, including Hermitage, Titbit, Madonna, and Patrician, all fairly well backed, but only the placed horsfs had any cay in the race. As a matter of fact, one or ether of the trio led all tha way, and nothing ever got among the combination. Maliguer, alwsys hurrjing them on, w&s first to round the home turn, bub when fairly in the straight Captain Webs ter, being given hia head, ran up to Spade Guinea, who had being lying second, and then fried his pace against the leader. This pair drew away from the field and had a great set-lo for a few Btrides, after which Maligner's bellows gave out, leaving Captain Webster to run home an easy winner byaleugth; SpadeGuiuealOlengths away. Time, 2min 38^sec, equalling Rubina's record. Dividends, £7 Is for £2 shares and £3 lOti 6d per £1.

Easter Handicap, 250*ovs, one mile. Maligner syrs 8.12 White Bto 3 Titbit ... 3yrs 7J2 Stratford Sto 1 Rocket ... 6yrs 8 0 Dorrett 13 to 1

Sir others started, including Marion 7.9, who wbb actually first favourite. White did not make quite so much use of Maligner this time ; fifcilJ, however, keeping him pretty handy, nothing actually heading him bar Tidbit. After getting into the straight, Maliguer and Rocket went up to the leader, and the three ran together to the di Jtauce, whereupon Maligner bad them goodbye, having matters all his own way for the remainder of the journey. Captain Webster 8.4 could get no nearer than fourth. Time, Imin 43^seo. Dividends, £3 17s and £3 19s 6d.

Autumn Handicap, 300f0v3, li miles. 18Sr— April 11 and 12.

Quibble ... 6yrs 7.3 Price ... 26 to 1 Hermitage 4yra 7.12 Derrett ... 6to 5 Fair Ne11... 3yrs 6.9 F. Coohrane 4tol

Of the eight others thab ran the only ones fancied to any estent were Rubina 8.7 and Marion 6.9. Fog, bhe Hou. W. Robinson's outsider, made a splash in tb.B early stages of the race, and later on Titbit and Patrician were prominent ; bub when it came to business Fair Nell and Quibble were in tho lead, aud they came on side by side into the straight. At the diabance Quibble had the filly in trouble, and thereafter nothing challenged, the gelding winning easily by three lengths from Hermitage, who had made a greab rush towards the Snub., thus making up ground lost at the sbarb. Time, 2inin 38£ sec. Tho inside machine (£2 tickets) paid £60 16a, and outside the £1 dividend was £25 17s 6d. Harry Goodman, who trained Quibble for thab race, never dreamed that the horse was such an outsider on the tutftliaatora, or he would have had a bit morn of it. His money was on with the books, and it was only at the last moment, when, aftar leading Quibble out, he saw him looking so well, that he pulled a trifle out of hia pooket (£2, I tbink it was) and sent a lad to the machine with it.

Eastbr Handicap, 250sovs, 1 mile. Fair Ne11 ... %rs 7.1 F. Cochrane 4-1 to 1 Laßos,e ... 3yrs 7.11 Sharp ... 10 to 1 Hernntage 4yrs '8.0 Chapman... 13 to 2

Sbvpu others also ran, and among this unplaced «'ontiingenb were the two who were roost f&vouieri by the public— Quibble 713 aud Marion 6.11. The two fillies ran a great race to the rails, where Fair Nell, afterwards to become famous as dam of Saracen, Loyalty, and Bonnie Scotl&nd, drew'oub snd won cleverly by & length. Time, Imin 463ec. Dividends, £36 and £5S 12-

iSSS— April 2 and 3. Autumn Handicap, :500.-,ovs, ljmilos.

Springßton ... 3yis 7.5 Williams sto 2 Silvermark ... 3jra 7.12 Piica sto 4 Torrent 4jrs G.lO Cusdin 6 to 1

The other starters weio Ruby 7.10 and Sr. Clair 6.10. Silrermark and Torrent made the running to Ford's, where Springaton went up to them, and ho got his head iv fronb ab bhe kennels, baking a bwo lengths lead round the top turn. When in tho straight Dtiva Price made his effort on Silvermark. bub Springstoa responded and kept his place. The whip was then tried on the favourite, but he was clout*, and Springston ran homo an easy winner by a length and a-half, Torrenb half a di zen lengths away. Time, 2min 42^3ec. Divideuds, £3 7b and £3 12s.

Easter Handicap, 25030v5, one mile.

Apropos ... 4yrs 8.13 Sharp 11 to 2 Silvermark ... 3yrs 8.4 Piice 7to 1 Marlboroufih ... 4yrs 7.9 llolniea 4to 1

Five others ran, including Sprinuston, who, handicapped at the same weight as Silvennark, had no look in ab all, wherefore ib must be considered a bit of luok for him to have disposed of the Dunedin flyer so easily on the first d*y. Sultan and Torrent led for half a mile ; then Apropos cams through, followed by Silvermark and Marlborongh, and they finished in thab order, Apropos running home an easy winner by a length from her stable "comoinion. Time, Imin 44isec. Divideuds, £511»and £7 10s.

1889— April 22, and 23. Autumn Handicap, 30uk>vs, IV mile 3.

Ravenswing 3yrs 7.2 M'Morran 9to 2 St. Clair ... syrs 6.12 W. Buddicomb 6bo 1 Vandal ... 3yrs 7.2 O'Keefe 3to 1

Four others started. St. Clair led Mon Loup for a mile, and the latter then cioaed up, the pair showing ths way into the straight, Vandal and Ravenswiug rapidly gaining on them. Below the distance Mon Loup cried a go, and Vandal joined St. Ciair for a few strides, bub Ravenfiwing shot past them on the inside without any serious brouble, and won comfortably by a lengbh and a-halt. Time, 2min 40£ sec. Dividends, £6 and £5 6s 6d.

Easter Handicap, SOOsovs, one mile.

Vandal ... 3yrs 7 2 O'Keefe sto 1 Wakatipu ... 4yr3 li 0 Kay 25 to ) Mon Loup ... syrs 6.10 TB'dicomb 17 to 1

Nine started, and again the Great Autumn winner sustained a thorough licking, Ravenswing, raised to 8.0, dying away in the last SOyds, after looking very dangerous, and finishing only fourth. She was not, however, favourite. Thab honour was conferred on Leejon's mount, Escapade 7.5, who was supposed to be able to make a runaway race of it from the start. As a matter of fact, he lasted barely six furlongs, and Adulation and Ruby also surrendering, Vandal was left in the lead from Mon Loup and Wakatipu, with Raven^wing close up. Whips were drawn to these four, and a splendid race found Vandal a winner by a neck from the outsider of the party. Time, Imin 45sec. Dividends, £6 7s 6d and £5 17?.

IS9o— April 7 and 8. Autumn Handicap, 3G0.-*ovs-, 1% miles.

Mervie England 3yrs 9.1 White 3to 1 Dudu oyrs 9.S Cr. Matthews Hvens Helmsman ... 3yrs 6.0 Holmes 22 to 1

Seven ran. Dudu'a exact price on tho machine was £2 Is. The running was made by Alaace and Helmsman until tho mouth of the straight wat reached, Alsace then having enough of it. Dudu then got up alongside Helmsman, Merrie England following. Dudu was a trifle in front at the distance, but here Merrie England commenced a run which the mare cculd not cope with, and, caving in very suddenly, Merrie England ran in a rather easy winner by a length and a-half, Helmsman clofo up. Time, 2nriu 39|sec. Dividends, £3 18s 6d and £4 143.

Easier Handicap, 150*ovs, one mile,

Helmsman... 3yrs (3.0 W. Holmes Sto 1 Alcinous ... 4yrs 8 6 F. Holmes sto 1 Alsace ... 3yrs 6.9 \Vh»by 1G to 1

I Public calculations were far astray over this i race. Rose Argfnt 7 9 and Dudu 9.7, chosen as favourites, had buth to put up with the loss of even placs honours. Alsace again forcad the pace, and was not caught until the rails were reached. Here Alcineus, Helmsman, and Dudu gob alongside of her. Dudu once more failed to hang it out, but the other three stuck to it, and Helmsman suffered defeat by only a iieck, the same distance dividiug second and 'third. 'C''me, Imin 4-2j3ec. Dividends, £9 4d 6a and £9 0s 6d.

1891— March 30 and 31. Autumn Handicap, sfl!)sovs Ij, miles,

. 3yrs 6.10

W. Holmes V

Palliier... 3yrs 10 Blizzard 4yrs 7.9

ie-3 5 to 2 T. Luddicoml) 7 to 1

This was a strong field, including Freedom 9.0, Ocoidenb 8.5, Cruchfield 7.7, and Moraine ! 7 5, there being seven starfcra, Freedom a very I strong second favourits. The erratic Movaina took it into his head to leap away smartly, and he led for a mile, where Crucbfiold chipped in, shortly taking the load, which ho kept to the distance. Hia retirement at thab point l«fb Palliter in command, bub Hazel and Blizzard went at him very 'determinedly, and the filly, getting up on the inside, wou rather easily in the kit few strides by a length from the favourite, who headed Blizzard by a neck. Tim?, 2min 37sec, which beat the record. Divideuds, £25 11s 6d and £20 ss.

Easter Handicap, 200sovs, one mile.

Cruchfield aged 7.3 Ray 11 to 2 Blizzard ... 4yrs 8 0 T. Euddicom'i (5 to 5 Red Gross 4yrs 7.0 Kingun sto 1

Six ran. Dormeur, galloping a* soon an the fUg fell, al once took a tremendous lead, and j must have been nearly a dozen lengths in front j of Cruchlield a's they approached the top turn. ! But he faded away like a snowfiake in the oven, and tbe fight was entirely between Cruchiield and Blizzard, the , first-named winning by a length, all out. Hazel apparently could not ; s^aad the rise of -weight to 7 11, as she never had a say, and finished fourth. Time, lmia 42aec. Dividends, £5 4s aud £7 19=) 6d. IS92— April IS and 19. Easter. Handicap, 500sovt;, seven furlongs.

Sharp 7 to 2 T. Buddicomb 7 to 1 Price 16 to 1

; Hippoinenes 3yrs 7.11 ' Kulnine ... 4yrs 5.2 1 Heather Bell 4yrs 7.9

Twelve started, thus making a strong field to cc-l-brafce the new departure of placing the Easter Handicap first, reducing the course to seven furlongs, and raising the ttakeio 500sovs. Hippomines was first favourite, and B-julanger, who had 92, tha ssme weight as Merr.'e England, was next in demand. I have already had the task of telling tbe story of this race, for I was there and saw it. Briefly put, there • chanced to be nothing in fronb of Hippoinenes ; when tbe fl.tg fell, and he made his own track I for home, being never headed. Kuluine's i bvillianb v run from, the distance would have cub ; down mbst leaders, bub he could nob reach i Hippomeues, who won easily by a full length. Prime Warden also made a splendid effort, but too lat^, he having to come froru che extreme rear. Time, Imin 30i3ec. Dividend, £4- 14s.

Autumn Hanbicvp, 500;sovi<, l J .miles. Prime Warden 4yrs 8 2 R.Allan 7to 4 Pailiser ... 4yra - 7.10 Boyle 9to 2 Mcrrie England syrs 8.13 Uarke 15 to 1

Eight started, Boulnnger 8.10 being second ' favouri'e. Ilium, then a three-year-old, carrjing 6.9, rnacia the pace in tho interests of Crr.ckahot 8 9, and lasted a littlo over a mile and a-quarter. Whpn she had finished Prime | Warden took up tho lead, and this move meant business, for, though Pailiser struggled on, he wns be&ten ab the distance, and his subsequent efforts were only of value as demonstrating that he did not deserve the name of "cur," which used to be the fashion to bestow upon him. I never caw a long rsce easier won than this Autumn Handicap. Bob Allan could not; pull Warden up until he had galloped more than half a mile extra. The time was 2tnin 38 3-ssec, and the dividend £3 17s. 2803— Amu. 3 and 4. Easter Handic\p, 50U*ov<;, seven furlongs. Saracen ... 3yrs 7.S T. Buddicomb 15 to 1 "Kulnine ... syrs 8 5 Clarke 22 to 1 T.vugi Maid 4yrs O.S Oonnop 28 to 1

Thirteen started, making a very stor.g fipld in every sense of the term. Heather B;ll 8 3 was favourite, and Stepniak 9 3 carried a lot of money, while the penalised Merganser 9 12 was next in demand, and all three were unplaced, the nearest thab any of them got to it being Heather Bell fifth. It was a very simple race, easily described. Swordbtit rashed away with the lead and kept in front, followed by Ua, until 100 yards into th-2 utraighb. Here both collacsed quickly wben tackled by Saracen, and the latter, romping over the whole field, won easily by a length, Tangi Maid a pood third.

Autumn Handicap, KOOsovs ]£ miles,

... 4yrs 9 8 Donovan sto 1 Stepniak ... 3yr3 8.13 Ddrrett 3to 1 Prime Warden uyi-3 5.12 Cocbranc 4to 1 Nino ran. Stepniak wss a firm favourite.

, Crackehot 8.7 set the pace at the <>u f sefc, and up i to the kennels he was leading, with Tempest second and Retina close handy. Tbame then went up end superseded Crackshot, and whrn the latter retired beaten in the next 100 yards Stepniak we.s in second place. Thame led along the top of ihe course, wall clear of Stepniak and Retina, and the spidery mare wa« first into the etraight. Lady Zetland fell at the corner, and the leader wa« challenged by Retina. Tempest, &nd Stepniak, but the pace ! beat Retina and Tempest in a very short | struggle, and Thame a'so fell away,, 'leaving j Stepniak at the head of aft'oire at the distance. • Here Merganser and Pcime Warden made their j run, and, while the latter failed to ge*; up, Merganser succeeded, winning by a coup l e of lengthe, pretty well all out. Time. 2min 35|fp.% a fresh breaking of the record. Dividends, £5 19i and £5 15s

1894— March £6 and 27. Earthr Handicap, 500-ovk, seven furlong*. Lidy Zetland .. liyts 7.12 White sto 1 Forbury ... tiyis 8.4 M'llroy . sto 3 Beddoiiwdl ... 3yrs 8.4 htratford 3to 1

Thirteen ran. B2arior>woH, the favourite, made the running, all ended at times by Aldershot, Westuiere, and Foresight right up to the distance. At this point Forbury caught the colt, but he had barely drawn cub civ Lady Zetland came with a smothering lu^h that settled the issue nearly a ccuple of huudred yards from home, though, as there was no need

to ride her out, she finished only a length in front of Forbury. Some thought at the time that ForLury might have won if he had shepherded Lady Zetland instead of watching Baadonwell, but I never did subscribs to that opinion, my belief being at the time, what »übf quent events have established beyond question, thab Lady Zetland had tho result eate all the way, bar accident. Eeadonwell would have been a second Carbine il he had won under the circumstances, couceding to this mare, as he did, three years iv age, and 61b ia weight. The time was Imin 29aee, and the divideuds £6 4s 6d and £6 23 6d.

Autumn ITvndicap, oOO^ovs, H miles. LiulyZotlaud 6yrs 7.10 White 21 to 2 Prime Warden (iyr3 S.S G. Matthews sto 2 Stepniak ... 4jr3 9.1 Derrett sto 2

Nine ran, and backers made a hot favourite of Prime Warden, the general opinion oeing that Lady Zetland could notafcay a mile and a-half. Melinite, acted a3 pacemaker up to tho straight, where Prime Warden aud An Revoir were fighting (or the Jead. At the distance Warden headed ih<3 chestnut, aud everybody coucludod that thprace was about over, but Lady Zetland came like a flash of lightning, passed the lot, and won easily by a neck from her stable mate. Time, 3aiia 38^ee. Dividend?, £10 7s and £13 la. One does cot often see a surprise of that sort. It was not suggested seriously ab the time, noi' has ifc bsen since, so far as I know, that Mr Hobbs was "working" Warden and Zrftlaud ao as to secure a dividend. I understand that ho backed both, but pub twice as much on Warden as on the mare. What occurred to me ab the time as a possible explanation of the rare spectacle of a horse rushing through and beating a stable mate who is winning was that White, Zetland's rider, could not make sure irom where ha was as to whether Warden had or had not settled Au Revoir ; that, finding the mare full of running, he went up to inquire ; and that, when once going at top, she biirprised the jockey and everyone eke by running right on to the ocd and beating her chum. That may or m»y not have b°en what happened. Anyway, Mr Hobbs was evidently anxious to get the stake, and his riders made a certainty of it between them.

1895— April 15 and 16. Faster Handicap, 500sovs, seven furlongs.

Casket ... 3yrs 8.3 M'Comb 17 to 1 Skirmisher ... 4vra 8.7 Jackson l(j to 1 Aldcrshot ... 4yrs 7.9 Wilson 22 to 1

Sixteen started. Beadonwell 8.3 was again favourite, but Saracen 9.5 and Golden Fleece 7,10 were not very far from behind him in popularity on this occasion. Britomart 7.5 was smartest away, and led to the straight, Au Revoir and Aldershob being her nearest attendants. Below the distance Britomarb h&d had enough of it, and was headed by Aldershob. Then Sk rmisher made a rush and secured the lead, but he had scarcely gob there when Casket swooped down with an irresistible claim, aud, holding the lead when once he had got it, he won by a length and a-halF, Aldershot three lenntba away, and Britomarb fourth. Time, lmiu 34sec. D.vidends, £15 0s 6d and £21 2s.

Autumn Handicap, 500sov?, li miles. N.Atlantic ... syrs 9.1 Boyle 9to 2 Skirmisher ... 4yrs 8.3 Jackson 4to 1 Silvei .Spec ... 3yrs 7.3 G. Smith 9to 1

Eight started, aud there was no decided favourite, though by the machine figures Outpostß.Bheld that position by £3 over Skirmiaher. Aldershob, Bent along from tbe jump, led the way vroll into the straight, North Atlantic and Prime Warden at the head of the others. Warden hardly lasted as long as Aldersbot, and when he (Warden) fell away North Atlantic was the only close pursuer of the ieader. From below tbe distance it was peen that Alderehob could not hope to live to the end, as ha was bsin'g.^ pressed desperately, while North Atlantic, skimming through tha mud without auy trouble, was baking things quite comfortably. One 3iight effort: and Atlantic bad tbe lead, a.nd he ran home the easiest of winners by three lengths. Skirmisher and Silver Spec both passed Aldershot before getting to the po^fc. Time, 2miu 428ec. Dividends, £5 6j and £6 Is 63.

IS96— April 6 and 7. Easter Handicap, sCKhovs, seven furlongs.

Culver in Var.illa... Maremiua

... 4yrs 7.8 Whitaker 15tol .., syrs 7.8 Burns - 23 to 1 ... 4yrs 7.13 Leeson 13 to 2

Eighteen ran. The placed horses were handy throughout, Culverin leading right from the etarb and winning comfortably by a length and a-half. Time, Imin 30isec. Dividend, £16 2s.

Autumn Handicap, 50Usovs, 1J mile. Belliceut ... 3yra 7.1 Wilson 7to 1 Culvoriu ... 4yrs 7.13 Whitaker 7to 1 Bessie Macarthy syrs 8 3 Lindsay tj to 1

Eleven rau, Jane By ro 7.2 being by a little tho favourite in a field which by the machine, wagering seenu'd to De regarded a3 x^retty wullmatched. Strathbraan, being ab once baken to to the front, led Ballieent, Culverin, and Bessie Macarfcby to the top of the straight. Hen* Culveriu rau to the front, followed by Bellicenb, suid the result of a finish less exciting than many that bhis race has furnished was a win for Bellicenb by a length and a-half, with something to spare. Time, 2miu 40A-sec. Dividend, £8 12s.

%* This brings us down to the present year and the succeßS of the Goldspur and Waiuku double. I am free to confess that I did not think Goldepur good enough to win. Last week, having become apprised of the excellent work he had done before leaving the Forbury, J somewhat reluctantly mentioned him as dangeroue, and thereby, possibly, helped some of my readers to get on to the right track bo Car as the Easter wa<? concerned. I had, howtver, no fancy for him, believing that we had seen his best form, and that it' he were collared and raced with for a furlong or so he would very likely collapse. Perbaps that is his case even now. The trouble, however, seems to be to find something to do the collaring and the racing, aud I am going to admit straight away that Uoldspur is a better horse than I took him co be. His Easter Handicap might ba explained away; but the second daj's performance with weight up and a field of flyers behind him settles the matter in lay mind, and I congratulate lucky and plucky Jack Lougblin on owning a real clinker, who is being ran as straight as a dars. The story goes that Golrispur'^ buccess on the day was rather a surprise to his paity. The telegrams from knowing ones on Tuesday morning all tipped Te'emeter, and it was understood that this was on the strength of a gallop in wh>ch Telemeter had downed Goldspur. Lou^hlin, himself, it is said, advised at the last moment that he did not fancy his horse. Thesis message caused a general desertion of Ro^espur's eon, and hence the big dividend. Had the race been mn a. week earlier he would hive started first favourite. Such is the fortune of war. I understand, however, that the al»b!e h-.vohad a fair win a3 it is. At anyrate, somebody has, for the bookmakers have been hit all round in their doubles.

*+■* Th-> Southland Trotting Club has a little trouble on hand. The Times reports that at a meebij g last week the question of pajing over the otakes won bj the horse Rasp at the

recent meeting created considerable discussion, Messrs W. Jamieson aud Thomas Wallace both claiming the stakes. It was stated that Mr Wallace was interested in tho horse to the extent of three-fourthe, and that Mr Jamieson had the other fourth, but that the former had entered the horse in the name of Mr Jamieson. Eventually the matter was referred to the South Island Trotting Association for decision. Mr Sinclair tendered his resignation as president, and aleo as a member of the club, stating in doing so that he regretted that the proceedings ab the recent meeting were of fcuch a nature as to compel him to take this action. The president's action brought up a long difcussion, and it was ultimately decided on Mr Sinclair's motion, seconded by Mr William Hawke, thab Messrs Thomas Wallace, James Aitken, R. Foley, and William M'Rw be called before the stewards to answer charges of misbehaviour and riotous conduot at tho meeting held on April 6. Those present refused meanwhile to accept Mr Sinclair's retignation.

*h* W. Sharp's corpse was brought to Dnnedin last week from Wellington aud interred in the Southern Cemetery. I understand that the Wellicgton Racing Club, with whom Sharp registered last, paid the cost of transporting the hody by the Te Anati, while Mr Peters, Sharp's late employer, stood the expenses of the funeral. The body on arrival was taken in by J. Loughlin, of the St. Kilda Hotel, aud it was from there that the procession ctarted. There were two mourning coaches, and a largo numbar of lada attached to the training stables turned out to see the last of pcor " Billy." J. Cotton, his first employer, was also present. I am told that the deceased was younger than I took him to bs, being but 28 years of age. If that is correct, he could have bseu but a mere child when ho began race riding. Mr W. T. Hazlett, who took a run down to Dunedin last week prior to sailing for England as one of the Record Keign contingent — an honour upon the gaining of which I compliment him — tells me that hg visited Sharp in ths hospital and found him quite peaceful and communicative very shortly before hia death. The clot of blood afc the heart, which eventually carried him off, must have k cared itself very suddenly. By the way, I omitted to state, last week in my notice of Sharp's career tha'j ho accompanied Mr Goodman to Australia when thab owner took Apropos and Moss Rose across.

*** Zealor, sira of the Auckland stallion Castnr, disd in England in Februaiy. Foaled in 1877, he was by Hermit out of Zelie, and was bred by Lord Bradford, whose colours he carried as a two, three, aud four year old. Though not standing iv the front rank of thoroojghbteds, says the Sportsman, he won a few good stakes while on the turf, the most important of them being the Prince of Walea's Stakes at Ascot in 1880, when he beat The Abbot. Pebronel, and other horse 3of repute at tho tin^e Later in the year he accounted for the Thirty-second Triennial Produce Stake* at Newmaikeb. Though he had many sons and daughters to represent him, Zealot did not achieve much fame as a stallion, and perhaps the best of his get was Castor, who did a lob of usef ul service for Mr W. I'Anson in 1885, '86, and '87. He was only beaten twice in eight essays as a two-year-old, and in his next saason won 10 races out of 13, though they only represented small values. At four years he was an esvoy winner of the Liverpool Summer Cup. Other winning progeny of Zealot at various timt-s may be montioued in Martinet, Zest;, Sweet Alice, Assassin, Livingstone, Sir Dominic, Psalm Singer, Lady Eveline, Gatacol. D^acoo, Ranter, Guardian, Mock Orange, Zisca, Merry Shepherd, and Arctic. The whole of them, however, were exponents of little better than plating form.

*#* Another death reported from the same pource is that of the mare that nsed to be nicknamed "Abscess on the Jaw." I refer to the Oaks winner L'Abbesse de Jouarre, foaled in 1886, soli by Trappisb from Festive. Descended from Fair Agnes, it is almost unnecessary to say, remarks the special commissioner, that; L'Abbesse de Jouarre was bred by Mr James Snarry, at the sale of who3e yearlings the black daughter of Festive was purchashed by Lord Randolph Churchill for the moderate aum of 300gs. As a two-year-old she Gist came out ab Croydon in a race won by Amphion, finishing unplaced, but she proved successful at the next time of asking, winning the May Plate at; Newmarkeb from a\x opponents. She won bwios »gtin during that season (1888), as against four more iailuree, the most important race she ran in being pcrhap3 the Fernhill Stakes at Ascot, when in a single-handed battle she was beaten by the tbree-year-old Hazlehatch. In 1889 her Brat appearance on a racecourse was in the Oak 3, which race she succeeded in wiuning by a neck from a hot favourite in Mr Vyner'« Minthe, being &o little fancied herself that she was allowed to start a*; the long odds of 20 bo 1. In addition to Minthe, 10 others, including Seclusion, Polka, and Wishing Gate figured iv the defeated lot. The mare ran in four other races during the season without again scoring. As a foar-year-old she won four times out of nine attempts, her victories including the Princess of Wales's Handicap nfc Sandown Park, for which she beat a big field of gprinteri ; the Manchester Cup, in which, carrying the steadier of 88, she defeated Father Confessor, Vasisbas, Theophilua, Reve dOr, and numerous obhera ; and bhe Portland Plate at Doncasber. In 1891 «he ran unplaced to Nunthorpts for the City and Suburban, the winner being much less fancied than the bonny black mare, who wa3 a great public tip. After this she only ran once more before retiring to the stud, winning the Hardwicke Stakes for Lord Dunraven (who was a pait owner of the mare" wibh Lord Randolph Churchill). Ab bho stud, she had prior <to this year three foals, two by St. Simon and one by Galopin.

* # * Mosgiel Park racecourse looked very ' pretty on Easter Monday. On a glorious day such as was then enjoyed the hill scenery 13 really charming, and alone worth the suort and cheap jaunt by rail. Half the pleasure attach- | iog to a race meeting is the change of air and the trip out. The racintr was well managed by Mr C. Gore and his staff, honorary and paid, and, though there was a little loss of time in beginning, the proceedings were over soon enough to enable peopla to catch the special train at the township station about a mile from the course. For the openiDg event., the Trial Stakts, Miss Hilary had to atand aside on a ruling by the stewards, she having lost her eligibility when she won the Maiden Plate at Kurow. That race gave 17sovs to the lirsfc and 3sovs to the second, and it was now argued that as the deduction for second horse reduced the value to the winner, Miss Hilary was qualified to start at the Taieri. A moment's thought, however, settled the case, for the Taieri programme provided that the Trial Stakes was for horses that have never won a race of the I •' advertised " value of 20«ovf, and the Kurow 1 event was of that advertised value, and would have been even if the 17sovs had gone to the second and only 3?ovs to the first. I cannot see how there could have been any question on the subject. Whether «he could have won if the

starting had been allowed is very doubtful. Quickshob made- hacks of the half dozen opposed to him, and cut out the seven furlongs iv lniin 31seo, and if Miss Hilary can improva on that with a stone the worst) of the weights — well, she is good enough to have a flutter at richer stakes than Taieri c»n offer. Tha rent of the field are not, I think, up to much. Quickshob II is a four-year-old gelding got by St. Clair from the good-looking Pspapa mare Gold Dust, who in her day had the reputation of being v thoroughly good sprinter at provincial meetings. He would prob&bly have gob a place in the Flying Handicap lator in the dajr if sent out with a good rider at his handioap of 6.11 ; bub Mr Ruthveu prefers to give bis owe lnd his riding, and to do this the geldiug had to put up 171b overweight. Nothing but Senior Wrangler could have won this race — that if, with a fair get away, such an Tom Buddicomb ensured for him — for he was the only real racehorse of the party ; but, as I have said, Quickhhofc might perhaps have been second if sent out without the overweight. In other words, I take Quickshot to be ft fairish cut of a racor o£ his class. As to the Flying, of which wo have been speaking, Buddicomb tells me th.«.t Senior Wrangler was as quiet as possible at the post. The race was started without the machine. Perhaps that had something to do with the improved behaviour of this generally uncontrollable youngster.

*** The President's Handicap gave The Winchman a chance of showing his gameness. He had to make a run from last plac«, in the four furlongs, right on the outside, and few thought that he could manage the task, but he did, getting on tot mi with Missfire and Ulster afc the home bead and lasting ba the post. He is a sterling pony, and I wondec thab some ona does not; come forward and buy him for Sydney or any other place v/here ponies can make money. Here his lack of size is no advantage. Nat, who has the appearance of a much-improved horse, won tho Novel Race easily, and there would probabhr hats been some bidding for him if auctioned at once, but as Mr Grindley was absent, owing to sickness in the family, and no other auctioneer; could bo found, tho oalo had to be postponed, the stewards deciding to send the horse in to the yards on Saturday. Lady Somnua -won the Easter Handicap easily at the finish, Rancour being the only one thab gave her any trouble, and he broke down in the race, as it was feared he would. The first Trot was a very soft thing for Jim Allan's mount, Audante, who, though not a thing of beauty, being very rough in the coat and swathed all round in strangelooking protectors and bandages, managed to raise enough speed to frighten a lot of others from challenging him ; but the second Trot was exciting up to the last, Joe, Blaekie, Andante, Harry Sneaker, and Little Bob all having some sort of a show at various stages. It was a. very fins rush that settled Blaekie at tho finish. Little Bob's form in this second race was very much superior to that which he displayed earlier in the day, yet I have no reason to sunpoae that the reversal of form was premeditated — rather the reverse, and from what I have heard I fancy the stewards did right ill dismissing the protest. Messrs Mason and Roberts passed £1914- through tho totalisator*, or £67 10s less than last year. Mr H. J. Gourley acted as starter, and gave soma fine sonds-ofl' with the new starting apparatus that; Mr C Rob« is introducing — a simple contrivance, without a spring, that worked infallibly, and seems much less likely to get out of order than the machines generally in use.

*«* Only two questicus arose during the day to disturb the peaue&bletiess and good-fellowship

of the gathering.

The first was over the Miie

and a-lialf Trot. Wben LiUle Bob came sailj ing home ahead of Blaekie there were murmurs, more or less suppreosed, all round, ai to the

form displayed

by that horse, and a few

openly expressed their belief that Lifcfcle Bob should not, and would not, get either the stake

or the tota'itatoi' money. The expected protest wtt? duly lodged, but after a short investigation the objection waH declared to ba overruled. The decision is one that I am nob propared to challenge. After carefully watohing both races, I came to the opinion thab R. Crossan had an awkwaid task with his mount each time, and was lucky to got home in the second event. Still, there was fair and H'asonable ground for the protest, and tho ■stewards oould hardly have entertained for * moment) the idea, of forfeiting the itafiosih money. The position, I take it, w»s that though Little Bob shaped much batter in rha second race than in the 'first, tliere wav nothing in the performances to convince ci.' guilt ; and tbus, there being room for doubt, the suspected rider got tho benefit of it. J rather fancy shut it was the bigness of tha dividend tbat matured suspicion. It Little Bob had paid, say, a fiver, no one wouLd h&vts teen any cause of offence. The second trouble was over the Selling Rice. A<3am King had weighed out for Star, when Mr H. J. Gourley, the acting starter, reporfcod that he wat not i« a lit condition to ride. Earlier m the day King had been threatened with a. fine, and this no doubt irritated him, and whe-n thn president; ordered him to dismount from Star he "let out " at the starter with his tongue, protesting tbat be was perfectly sober and appealing to ail aud sundry of the crowd to bear him out oa that poinfc. In this he was to some extent successful, several bystanders expressing the opinion that he was ill-treated. He certainly did not aeem to me to be intoxicated ; hi* manner was rather thab of a. man iv a stswe of extreme irritation ; bob fcha stewards, _of course, had no option, for, the starter hariug reported fckat King was unfit to ride, if they had treated fcbe report with indifference, and an accident had happened in the race, they would have beon hold responsible. King's proper remedy, when challenged as he was, wan to have jumped down quietly and claimed to be examiued, bo as to settle whether the accusation wa9 true or not. lustead of doing thab he " performed," as the saying i?, iv an unseemly manner, quite forgetting himself, and alienating che sympathy of some who otherwise would have been disposed to stand by him lam told that he did afterwards approach the stewards, and that they were satisfied as to his^sobriety ; but he ought to have done thab at first, and i£ the incident has given him pain, it is more oe less the consequence of his impetuosity.

*** The A.J.C. meeting at Randwick commenced last Saturday in fine weather. Though one of the principal fixtures for Australians, this meeting has only a passing interest for New Zealauders, there being very little betting on it, and it will be sufficient this week to merely summarise the leading facts of all raoe.t bub the Cup, leaving particulars to be published when the full details come to hand. On ths first day the Goldsbrough horse Jack Hanwell, an outsider, won the Hurdle Race. Thab was bhe beginning of backers' troubles, and they gob a further slap in the pocket when the muchfancied Coil went down in the' mile and a-half weight-for-age race (the Autumn Stakes), being only third to Hopscotch and Battalion. Hop* scotch won all the way, and got home in 2mi» 38£seo. Having shaped very badlt a vreelg

before at Hawkesbury he went to the post at the outside pries of 10 to 1, and his viotory caused booting, also an inquiry by the stewards, which, however, came to nothing. The Maiden Stakes went to MirelU, a daughter of Nordenfeldt and Miriam. In the Doncaster Handicap of lOOOiova, one mile, Vanitas 8.10 was favourite at 3to 1, Reka 7 9 was at 7 to 1, and Cremorne 9 9 at 10 to 1 ; and once morn the good thing went down. Not only so, bat Cremorne was the only one of the fancied party to gain a place, this old gelding finishing ■econd, a length behind Superb 7.0, who started apparently unquoted, and was certainly nn outsider. Superb, is a four-year-old gelding by Splendour out of Canary. His time was lmin 40^eo. In the St. Leger, of 30030v5, a mile and three-quarters, the betting was 3 to 1 j on Newharen, 6 to 1 agst The Officer, 10 to 1 ' the others. Resolute was first away, but the paca was very slow, and he quickly gave place to The Officer. Newhaven, however, was at the head of affairs before the stand was , reached, and from this out the race was a ' mere procession, Newhaven winning as he pleased by seven leugths from The Officer, who was four lengths ip front of Charge Time, 3min 22£ sec. On the second day Auruai won the Champagne Stakes, but by no means as he pleased, since Amberite, by Carbine — Duenna, challenged in the straight and was , beaten only a length in a good finieh. Aurum ' started at 3to 1 on. Later in the day another j Carbine youogster distinguished herself. I refer to La Carabine, who got home in the Nursery Handicap. The event of tbe day was the Sydney Cup, of 20008ove, two miles, which, as will be seen from the report appearing elsewhere, was won by Tricolor. This is a Trident gelding who came from the country with a local reputation, but, failing to do any good at Rosehill, he started at an outside price in the Cup, and won, to the delight, no doubt, of the ring, who have probably got something like a ■kinner.

*>* Being in P&lmerston the other day, I met Malcolm Allan, now mine host of thePalmerston Hotel— and an agreeable and attentive host he is, on the evidence of those who patronise the house — and he showed me old Mariner, who is being trained for hurdle-racing. The son of N*ncy Lee looks like standing a preparation, and he certainly has a fine, lusty appenrance. In the next box I saw the ex-hack Roslyn, and found him to be a very likely-looking chestnut of the powerful, short-legged type, in pretty forward condition. He was raioed at the Longbeach farm, ii by Digby Grand, and does the Traducer horae credit. So far Roslyn has only twice etsayed hurdles in public, but I think ■we shall hear of him again before long, and perhaps he may win if cot overweighted. The trotter Grainer has just been taken up. Leona and Tangi Maid are both in foil to Mariner. -

*** Mr White, of Blacks, has bought from Mr George Smith the three-year-old filly The Gleaner, by Trident from Ruth, and if he follows the recommendation of the seller, and gives the mare plenty of hacking about, so as to get her over the fastidiousness as to food which she generally shows after a gallop, he ought to win a race or two with her next reason, for she is, I believe, sound, aud possesses more racing ability than she has yet displayed. Stock of a superior class such as she is can hardly fail '. 3 give not only racing, but breeding, also a lift on the goldfields. Some great mantis reported to have said once upon a time that France's one ■erious want was mothers, and the same may be said of our hone stock in the central districts. The importation of good stallions, though a desirable thing, is not sufficient. They must: be mated suitably if the best results ate wanted. The Gleaner should be useful in that capacity ■when she has done racing.

*** There was flue weather on Mouday for (he Onkaparinga meeting in South Australia. The cablegrams inform us that ten horses ■tarted for the Great Eastern Steeplechase, which was won by Eclipse (9 7), with Doondiah (10.0) second, and Larrakin (13 6) third. A splendid race all the way. Four horses fell. The finish was close ; time, 7min B«ec. Totalisator dividend, £30 13s. The Onkapiringa Cup resulted : — Lord Grenville, 84, 1 ; Thunder Queen, 7.13, 2 ; Damper, 7.13, 3. A dozen started. Won easily in 2min E6Jsec.