"HIPPONA'S" NOTE-BOOK.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXII, Issue 16, 19 January 1901, Page 3

"HIPPONA'S" NOTE-BOOK.

Since Christmas things have been very dull in the racing world, but matters will liven up now, for next week there is a fixture down at Foxton, while the Wellington Racing Club hold their Summer Meeting; jtud then follows Takapuua and quite a pumber of other meetings.

In a chat with Mr Thos. Morrin, the popular studmaster tells me that the foals at Wellington Park number '&Ji, and that they one and all are looking in splendid teaith. It is intended to wean the youuggters in about six weeks' time. This is one of the most numerous batches that Wellington Park has yet turned out, so that if ail KO es well another big sale should eventuate next year. Of those yearlings recently disposed of, all have left for their new homes with the exception of the Armiila colt, who will remain lor some little time 8t the Park.

\ cricket match which is causing much Interest iv sporting circles will take place on the Domain on Wednesday next. It will he contended for by the local bookmakers and their clerks, who will have as opponents the trainers and jockeys. It is said that both sides are practising diligently, and that at least one or more have vowed to rival the deeds of Clem Hill. At present the knights of the pencil are favourites at 2 io 1 on, as in their ranks there are one or two very fair men.

The champion, Advance, is down to compete at the Wellington meeting, where it would seem to be almost a certaintj that he will Pick up another race as » * 11." Tdwraph Handicap, in which E' M X «£n" pis ,f^ a ;».»%t: If the popular blue and white colours Ire seen out at Randwlck or Fl«mngtan New Zealanders will watch the resun o7 the encounter with the- keenest days of Carbine.

The stock of the St. Simon sire Haut Br'on seem to be full, of promise th a season A well known writer on trie otlfr slae states that In his opinion one of the very best of the two year olds Is Hautvillers, who Is by Mr Hordern s stallion 4s far as can be seen at present, his most powerful rival promises to be The Victory, who is by that good horse The Admiral.

It is a pity that trouble should have arisen between the Avondale Jockey Club and Mr Moss Davis. Situated as the Club were, they had practically no option but to remove their stand and other buildings to the opposite side of the course this being the only possible means by which the enclosure could be enlarged. Mr Moss Davis, however, objects to any such removal, stating that the Club has leased the buildings for a period of five years. It seems that a court case will be the upshot of the dispute, but it is Sincerely to be hoped that this extreme step will not be taken, but that amicable arrangements may be arrived at. In any case, the Club, feeling that they are fully justified in their action, intend proceeaine: with" 1 their new scheme, co as, if possible, to be in readiness for the next meeting.

It will be interesting to see what weight Mr Dakin will apportion- Advance in the Newmarket Handicap and Australian Cup The handicaps are due to make their appearance on Monday next, and as the ■very cream of Australian horses are entered, is will give a good idea in what estimation the speedy black is held on the other side.

■ I hear that there was a good commission in the market to tiack Boreas for the Wellington Cup at the beginning of the week. A well known metallician forestalled the market by accepting all the E's to 1 that were obtainable about the son of Sou'wester, and as the stable would not accept a lesser price, nothing was done in the matter.

Xlie good deeds of Formula at Ellerslle apparently no flnsh in thfi pan,, for tup (laughter of HotehklßS continues to get through her morning, tasks in the most brilliant fashion. Formula is now a warm favourite for the Takapuna Cup, for which event she looks like seeing a very short price indeed,

. Renown is down to compete in the Wellington Cup, which race he has a great chance of placing to his credit. The son of Dreadnought is also in the Zealandia Plate, in which event he will throw down the gauntlet to Advance. Although I scarcely think him equal to lowering the colours of the champion, yet If he runs as he did up here, he will fully extend the son of Vanguard, in 'a manner in which Hohoro was quite unable to do.

The only business in doubles reported flurinj; the week in connection with the coming Takapuiia meeting are Bluejacket 6ml Nor'-west and Formula and Nor'-west, about which combinations a,fair sum has been written.

The weights for the Newmarket Handicap and Australian Cup. to be run at the Autuinu Meeting of the V.R.C., are due to make their appearance on Monday next.

The Victoria Amateur Club's Summer Sleeting is, taking plnce at Caulfleld this afternoon, when the principal event is the 'Anniversary Handicap. ,

I am in receipt of n neat programme of the Poverty Bay Turf Club's meeting from Mr J. H. Aislable, the courteous secretary. I notice that the chief items to be decided Ore the Tnraiißn Rtnkos of lOOsovs. li mile, and the-Sunderlnnd Stakes, 1 mile. The meeting will be held on the 21st and 22nd proximo.

St. Innis, who went across to Sydney re<*Jitl.v, has again shown what she can do in the pony class over there. In the Lodge Handicap run at Forest Lodge foe other '■. "ay, tbe St. Leger mare was made a warm favourite at c to 4 on, and she fairly buried the field, romplngvhome ten lengths ahead Of her nearest opponent.

Captniu Russell undoubtedly possesses a taore than useful equine in Coeur de Lion. His running this year shows him to be pos-sessed-of a line turn of speed, and it is Quite possible that he may be found equal *> placing the Wellington Cup to his crea't Noj: only is the son of Dreadnought Sopd on'the flat, but as a hurdler probably

his or>ly superior to-day in Now Zealand is Ueeord Keign. J hear that ' Cotittr ile'Lioii has already got some most promising stock, who are well spoken of by those who have inspected them.

The reason of. the stewards of the Wellington Racing Club wishing to stop telegraphic communication with the Hutt racecourse seems rather unintelligible, as It is largely used by the public and the newspapers. Mr Ward was not impressed with the innovation, and on his .recommendation the stewards have agreed to keep the telegraph office open, as hitherto.

Mr Whitney, who recently gave 11,000 dollars for Ballyhoo with a foai by Kingston, has lost the latter, which means a serious loss to the American sportsman, as there are no other Kingstons outside of those owned by the Messrs Keeue.

The stallion Bowshot, by Maxim—Rosebud, broke one of his legs at Hawera recently. The fractured limb was set iv plaster, and it is hoped to save the horse. The injury is just above the hoof.

The ex-Australians, Parthian and The Tola, were competitors in one of the handicap events at the Manchester meeting, which was won by Spectrum. Mr Muir has declared his intention of trying Parthian In •vveifbt-for-age company next season, but it Is more than likely that he will, submit his entry for some of the big handicaps also. By that time the Grand Flaneur horse will be fairly acclimatised, and if he keeps sound should render a good account of himself.

The Tronton horse Resolute, who was taken to the Old Country some little time ago, is now doing stud at a fee of 18 guineas. Although the foe is a small one, his deeds on the English Turf have not been sufficiently good to commend him to breeders, 'and thea again his sire. Trenton, has done nothing near as well as anticipated at the stud In England.

Renown still holds the position of first favourite for the Wellington Cup. A wnger of 120 to 50 was taken about the Dreadnought colt's chance during the week.

SeaEorse is a regular attendant at Ellerslie. and is looking1 nice and fresh. Should Major George's crack be landed at the post fit and well in the Century Stakes, it would be very interesting to see how the chestnut shaped against Advance. Blaircarri.er is reported to be doing good work on the track, and should repay watching at the Takapuna meeting.

The racing pony Yarra, by Cap-a-pie— Little Nell, with engagements at the Takapuna meeting, was offered for sale at the Durham Yards yesterday, but was passed in. the best bid being 55 guineas.

Old Whakawatea is still battling away on the other side of the water. I notice the ex-New Zealander has been awarded top weight (9.8) in the Challenge Stakes, run at Randwick on the 26th.

The Paoakura Racing Club will hold their annual race meeting at "Glenora" on Saturday, February 16. The following Is the DroEp-amme of events:—Maiden Handicap, seven furlongs; Flying Stakes Handicap, five furlongs; Pony Handicap, six furlongs; Papakura Handicap, one mile: Hack Handicap, six furlongs; Railway Plate Handicap, six furlongs. Nominations for all events close on Friday next, January 25. 1901, at 9 p.m.