MY NOTE BOOK.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 29, 4 February 1899, Page 3

MY NOTE BOOK.

The question of the disputed start for the Hobsou Handicap at the Takapuna J.C. meeting on" Monday last has of course been freely discussed this week in racing circles. Did the starter say 'no' or 'go?' and whether the action of the stewards in ordering g second race to be run was justifiable, are two points which have been well thrashed out. In the first place Mr Halstead declared, officially the race was a start. I was present at the inquiry into the matter and heard the evidence given before the stewards, and it was certainly of such a very contradictory character that I think the stewards had no other alternative than to take the matter out of the starter's hands and order the race to be run over again. The rules bearing on the question were very carefully looked at before a decision was arrived at, and it was based on the rule giving stewards power to deal with any case which in their opinion is not provided for in the rules. Now, under the rules guiding starting, such a contingency as that which occurred on Monday is not provided for. It appears to me that it would never do to put supreme control in the hands of,a starter. His actions ought to be liable to revision when anything of an extraordinery character crops up, and the start of Monday certainly comes under., that category. There are many phases of the whole question, and it would be satisfactory to racing men if the finding of the T. J. C. stewards was put before the highest tribunal in the land for review. In overruling their starter I may say the T.J.C. stewards have not acted contrary to their usage and custom, for some years ago when Mr 0. C. McGee started for the T.J.C. a mare named Jessie (since dam of Rex and Chasseur) ran the course from an alleged false start, and the race was ordered by the stewards to be run over again. The next- case on the North Shore course ■was that of Admiral Hawke, who was also ridden a race right through from a start which was disputed. Mr Halstead at that time declared it was a start, but the stewards resolved there must be another race. It will thus be seen they are consistent, and act according to thei* convictions and interpretation of the rules bearing on this particular matter of disputed starts.

-■ Nominations closed , last night for the Easter Handicap, one mile, and > Autumn Handicap, one mile and a half,.to be run at the A.X.C. Autumn ■^JVleetliig. A most satisfactory re*spbnse was made. For the Easter 'Handicap there are 41 nominations ' against 34 last year, and 35 appear in the Autumn Handicap against 34. Mr Evitt declares the weights for the 'Easter Handicap and Hurdles on S March 20.

The Ellerslie trainer, George Wright, is a great believer in handling his juveniles early. He tells me that he has already pat four of his young charges through their facings, viz., chestmit filyy by St. Leger—Hazel brown filly by' St. Leger—Brown Alice, brown filly by St. Hippo—Stepfeldt, and brown colt by St. Hippo— «Jadestone.

Mr D. McNicol, who passed away yesterday morning-, had always taken > a good interest in racing and breeding matters. In the Waikato where he . was best known he had many friends who will be extremely sorry to hear \■■ of his death. The poor fellow had Vbeen in bad health ever since he met : r. with a buggy accident near his home -.; at Waiorongbmai some twelve months

back. He was quiet and unassuming in his manner, and his racing colours were last borne to victory on Waiorongomai at the recent A.E.C. Summer Meeting at Ellerslie.

Mr H. Oxenhanrs mare Alemene once more came, out of her shell in the Anniversary Handicap, 1\ mile, run at Eandwick on Saturday last, when she beat a field of thirty four, and covered the journey in 2.36 : | : . On the day previous she started favourite for the Challenge Stakes, but she failed to get in the first flight. Alemene is engaged in both the Newmarket Handicap and Australian Cup, and she now incurs a Tib penalty for both races. She is a four-year-old siter to Gaulns, the Melbourne Cup winner, The Grafter and Gauleon, by the successful Gozo from Industry, by Musket from Pearl Ash (imp.), by Lord Clifden. and was bred in New South Wales by Mr J. E. Smith.

It was stated some months ago that the Musket stallion Artillery was to be brought back from America to New Zealand. Such now proves not to be the case. Advices recently came to hand stating the Wellington Park bred one had been sold to Mr J. B. Haggin, the famous stud master of Kauehe del Paso, California.

I understand that a serious insinuation was lately made against a local racing- official. Some spicy details are wrapped up in the allegation, and it is said the whole matter will be duly gone into by the powers that be of the Takapuna Jockey Club.

As Mr E. D. Halstead sent in his resignation as starter to the Takapuna Jockey Club on Monday last, Mr Geo. Cutts was appointed to act. I hear the respected veteran will be appointed to the vacancy: if so a happy choice will be inadp.