THE Racing World.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVI, Issue 204, 26 August 1905, Page 11

THE Racing World.

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RACING FIXTURES. Ambcrley Steeplechase Clnb —August SL. Marton Jockey Club—September 6. 7 Ashburton County Racing Clvb —Septeml jer 14, 15. Avondale Jockey Club—September 16, 2f . 23 Rangitikei Racing 2r9 . 2L Geraldine Racing Club—September 2S, 28. Wanganui Jockey Club—September J? $, 29. Hawke's Bay Jockey Club—October 4 5, Marlborough Racing Clvb —October •4, 5. Kurow Jockey Club—October 5. Ohoka and Eyreton Jockey Cluli —Ojc.tober 5. The crack American mare Be AJame was beaten by Ort Welles in a n <a c race at Brighton Beach (New York) feast month. Backers laid 5 to 4 on Belda cc , who was carrying 8.9 to Ort Welles' 9.0, but the latter, who started at 8 to 1, fairly ran over the mare at the finish. the time recorded being 1 38 1-5.

Condor's (which is now -racing in Sydney; two year olu half s fcfter, who is by St. Simon, and cost Mr Richard Croker as a yearling, har". ner first run in public at Nottingham (£r ag .) last month. She was sent out a A**.rm favourite for the Clumber Plate, 5 furlongs, but was very easily beaten by .'Parliamente, a Simontault filly, racing in the name of a lady owner—Miss Clifton.

0. Madden had a great innings at Sandown Park on July Ist. scoring five wins out of six mounts. rj ne 0 f the winners he rode started at 2C, to 1. and another at 8 to 1. This ought to have been good for the followers of Madden, but the probabilities are that 'nearly all those bacsers who started ouV 'this season with the idea of backing M.'td/Jen's mounts have dropped out, as through he has been doing a lot of riding bis winning average is very poor.

When the Trrench colt Val dOr baat Cicero in the F.clipse Stakes in England last month, thre latter sLirted favourite at 13 to S on. lie made all the running, but VaJ dOr came at him at the finish, and beat him h.ome by half a length, with Llangibby orily three quarters of a length off. The ru oners Included Polymelus, a three year old half brother, by Cyllene, to Grafton. F t e started at 25 to 1. "and did no better tlian his price suggested would be the ease.. Just before the last mail left EnglanrL backers were taking 6 to 4 about Cicero for the St. Leger, but consequent on his defeat by Val d'Or. it is probable that a more liberal price is available now.

I Lonely, the English Oaks winner, was j -.aold recently at Newmarket for 185gs. On • ths same day Clarion (14 years) and a colt I foal at foot by Gallinnle, brought 2000gs; Sea Air, with a foal by Persimmon, and covered by Flying Fes, 3SoOgs; and Merman's sister Eidothea, who was foaled at Hobartville in 1896, 700gs. Lady Disdain and her Bill of Portland colt foal realised 3800 ,es; Cup of Assay, 1200gs; Anxious Monents and her Persimmon filly, and Golde.n Hope and her St. Fmisquin colt, 1500 gi'. each. The biggest figures paid for yearlings were: Filly by Isinglass—Landrail; lTtKlgs; colt by Ayrshire—Seadown, lOOOgs; colt by St. Simon—Glare, lTOOgs; filly by BilJ of Portland—Lady Disdain, lloOgs: and filly by Persimmon —Dulcemona, 1650 gs.

A correspondent of the "Bulletin" says: The average jockey has a contempt for "Tod Sloaning," more especially when a hurdle racer tries it. Gooseman told mc a story on the point t'other week: "We was set on stopping Splasher from his Todding, so when he gets ahead of me~in the race I lets him have a cut of my whip fair on the part that's supposed to be iv the saddle -when you arn't Todding. He was perched right up on tbe withers, but he screws round iv slow time to look who had done it —and whizz! Aiick lets him have one on the other side. Round he goes again, and his neddy eases up a bit to hear what he's saying properly. We're in front by this time, and he's Todding an' Sloaning in the rear, an' when he gets going again it's a bit too late, and I gets 'oine by 'art a length. No; none of the Tod Sloaning if I'm about.",

Says the "Australasian" Some months < ago it was urged in "The Australasian" that instead of having a Derby and St, Leger for New South Wales, and a Derby' and St. Leger for Victoria, two of these races should be clone away with, in favour of an Australian Dert>y and an Australian St. Leger. It must be patent to every one that with only one Derby and St. Leger for the two states, the winner would take much higher rank in the eyes of breeders and buyers tb.au a Derby or St. Leger winner does now. Our idea was thr.t the V.R.C. should go on with the Australian Derby, while New South Wales should take the St. Leger. and run an equivalent to the English Two Thousand Guineas over a mile at Randwiek in September. In this way New South Wales would have two "classic" races, and Victoria two —the Derby and Oaks. Tbe A.J.C. authorities do not sem to care about the idea of losing their Derby altogether, but Mr Miller stated on .Monday that he hopes to see an Australian or Federal Derby, with £2000 added, established before long. The Derby, according to Mr MUler. would be run at Randwiek one year and at Flemtngton the next. This plan does not seem so good as the onu we suggested, because at the time the Sydney Derby is run now some of the competitors are not three years old, and a mile race on the Two Thousand Guineas lines is more suited to September than a Derby. However, the main thing is to get an Australian (not Federal, Mr Miller) Derby and St. Leger. November is a better month for the Derby than September, bnt if the A.J.C. will not adopt the Guineas suggestion, let us have the Derby and St. Leger on their terms.

There has been much comment on the action of the stewards of the Jockey Club in asking explanations of recent running, some men holding that the inquiry is to be applauded, others that it is to be condemned as throwing a stigma on the owner whose horse is the subject of questions. It seems to mc that absolutely everything depends upon the answers that the stewards receive to their queries. If apparently contradictory running can be satisfactorily explained, no harm has been done in asking: mnch good, on the other hand, has probably been directly or indirectly accomplished. Col. Hall Walker, who had been asked to elucidate the performances of Sandboy, was so indignant that he had at first resolved to sell his horses and give up racing: but it was suggested to him, however, tha.fc in this case there .was certainly not the least ground for wrath. He is essentially a sportsman, who races for pure love cf the game: he never bets — everybody knows that the family of which he is a member are bounteously provided with wealth. Now, when Col. Hall Walker is asked to explain the running of Sandboy, the significance of the business is that such demands on the part of tbe stewards do not carry the faintest shade of imputation. The meaning of it simply is that if "any one's" horses run in a way that appears contradictory, he shall be asked if he can account for the alteration in form. Col. Hall Walker cnnld account for Sandboy's running perfectly well. Early in the year, a horse that requires a" great deal of work is at a serious disadvantage with animals that are fit because they have been jumping hurdles. That was one thing, and another was that a remarkably competent jockey In Herbert Jones implicitly obeyed his instructions — to take full advantage of the horse's fitness and staying powers, and to make certain of a good place at the turn. It is inconceivable that the stewards had the remotest suspicion that Sandboy had ever been run improperiv.

In England, at this season. Bays "Ranger," trainers have their horses out at work as early as possible, and to leave the sta bles at 5 am. on a beautiful summer' t morning, with a good hack to ride for one «s enjoyment, with pleasant zephyrs care <ssing us on every side, .and Nature brea' filing a sort of general benediction — w all that represents a delightful cxi /erience. The usual sporting thrills are Int gasified. One begins to feel, with toes ln *ti"r,rup, and life is worth living under such Ideal conditions, that the finest hoo rs are those of the early morning, when «' Jew is

sparkling on the grass, and that the pleasure derived from watching racehorses bei fore breakfast is simply immeasurable. i They are busy enough just now. Scenes on downs and heath, when the majority of citizens are iv bed. are very exhilarating; canters and galiops may be noted with infinite zest. Trainers and jockeys complete the picture, showing a vast amount of wholesome activity in every direction. They gain a reward, if it is hygienic rather than pecuniary; they are. as a rule, perfectly fiL which is different from being fit for nothing; whilst, thanks to an abundance of fresh air and exercise, they may be regarded with favour from a sanitary point of view. "I am better," an old trainer used to say, "in health tnan in pocket, welfare in both departments being uncommon, though I am happily conscious that we shall have plenty of money — five minutes before we die." That was the essence of his cheerful open air philosophy; he admitted, when watching his horses go a nice gallop at 6 a.m., that health was a consideration more important to him than wealth; and, chuckling, he mentioned that anybody might have his share of accumulated treasure — it existed only in his imagination — so long as his balance was on "the right side of his bodily account" Well, he did not trouble about minor afflictions; ill, he realised that money could not make him well. "What I Uke," he averred, "is the 'pride of the morning,* not stuffy sheets, and a saddle under one is better than a stone on top." a. saaunder one — it is an old story — helps to defer a. final catastrophe.

He was also a worshipper of dew. His discourses on that theme, especially during the summer season, were exceedingly eloquent: and it is true that many trainers are glad to speak with appreciation on the same subject. Dew is good for horses' legs and feet. Long grass reeks with it in the morning; one might bathe in it to some extent if so disposed, and one could not do a wiser thing within decent limits, so as to improve one's health. Trainers realise the importance of utilising their opportunities in that respect They are not asleep when it is desirable for them to be up and doing in the right place. Assuredly, nothing is more beneficent, even in a sporting sense, than "the blessed dew from Heaven," yet ordinary citizens are apt to ignore it with lamentable indifference. If, as hinted, they were to bathe in it oceasionauy, say at about 5 o'clock on a glorious summer morning, visiting, for that purpose, high downsland ■where the long grass holds a sufficiency of moisture, results would be satisfactory. After walking or trotting about for an hour or so in dew laden herbage up ta their knees, horses' legs are fine, cool, braced; it is a pleasure to feel them. I have often longed to go down on my knees and revel in that sweet dispensation, tl is as good as, if not better than, sea water for the special virtues it possesses. So, when we find trainers anxious at this season to get out with their "flyers" at an exceptionally early hour, we may readily appreciate their zeal: and, for another reason, it is wise on their part to avoid the heat of the day. A little siesta, too. may be expedient in this relation. "1 do a lot of work." said an old trainer previously quoted, "before many of my estimable neighbours have fimsaed their snores, and I have often won a valuable race or two (in my mind) long before they have stretched themselves to their utmost capacity." Truly enjoyable is every sense are these early morning rides during the warm summer months. Stereotyped training reports give a bald, colourless account of what is done. They are as interesting as a catalogue with tne place of sale dexterously omitted. Oh, top an artist to see the poetry behind the scenes. >

i It is to be suppose! that breeders of thoroughbreds believe in the maxim that nothing succeeds like success, otherwise it is difficult to account for the ever growing practice of breading to fashionable sires. Fashion is follffwed in breeding pedlaroe cattle, the greylhound, and the foxhound, but it is the racehorse, though, that betakes so much of mystery in the magic word of fashion. There is only one absolute source, as all must trace through the Stud Book. The volumes of this invaluable work contain as much about tne taslgnttcant plater as they do conoemns the Derby and St. Leger winners; but the difference is immense in both tbe abstract Md the veal. The value of the one may be easily and in the other a modest ten pound note. In Baiiy's *?«"**,*• *? « s Lowe has written an interesting artlclf"on This subfect, and he gives many, instances of great success following quite anSonable 8 experiments. Once upon a Sme a Mr Moss gave three £«£»*&,» noor criDDle of a mare in lorK aiarKeu She wo" well bred enongb, but none of ac bicxZSUer* would look at her. Her name wis Rc*Ka7and she was by Corisander Wild Goose, by Highflyer, the best hc?ree of his day. At the time Rosalind „„ ..It seven Tears old. She was sold tor the proverbial old song, andb«ame tne dam Of Blacklock, the greatest horse !rf hk time His descendants tracing down to Perstamon. Ard Patrick, and Sceptre. may bTS io have wor.almost• ri Nobody would believe that Coione? ffi*£°£& breed a Derby winner Kklo^ S nrre.*Hrconlo' SttSSVZ *S nor the yearling, but just be fore the cold was two years old a brother onel Anson, more out of good nature than desire, gave laJOgns fe- him. This younger became known best two year old of w °? fide Doncaeter Champagne Stfifeei* and Clearwell Stakes, and in the next seasom secured the Derby. Attila was by tte-un-fashionable sire Colwick, whose fee was sgns Progress was used as a nacK. .Barbelle", the dam off Flying Dutchman, was nicked up for 40gs, after she had produced Van Tromp to Lanercost. and she was <.ent to Bay Middletoa because his fee, Sgs was cheap. Sir Joseph Hawley was on« of the exceptional good judges wh» would buy either dear or cheap. Money did not stop him if be wanted a horse, but he dearly liked to feel that he knew a little more about it than other people. His was a rare bargain when be bought Miss and her foal wor £2SO- with the contingency of £1000 if the latter won the Derby. The foal was and it is said that Sir Joseph won £SO.GOO over hfo Derby. Musjid was purchased at the Don caster yearling sales for £500, and won the second Derby for Sir Joseph. In. mating bis horses, this authority would send thestt to the most expensive stallions if he USed them, but let Mendicant, for whom he gnve £2500, go to the somewhat despised Wnatherbit, standing at 15gs» and thus he got Beadsman, his third Derby winner. Fashion had few associations with AUce Hawthorn. No one would give £100 for her, so h«r breeder had to train her himself. Thus, says Mr Lowe, the buying division missed the best mare of the century, ana yet she became tbe great line to breed, to. Quc>en Mary was another entirely unknown t» the fashionable world. One*of the TAnaons bought her for £30. Her sire. Gladiator, was sold for £100. The produce of Gladiator and- his daughter. Queen Mary, in England and in France, have worn more than a million of money, and there are five Derby winners in the family. Wild Dayrell dam cost £50. and his sire lon's fee was £12. This alliance prodnced a. Derby winner, and a loner line of great racehorses through Buccaneer and See Saw; another Derby winner, Kisher,. ana a St. Leger winner, Formosa, coming from tbe stock. Sir John Astley sold Laura for JJ2S to Mr" Gosden. This mare, besides giving other good winners, produced Petrac?i, winner of the Two Thousand and Drir'by, and sold for £10,000. Paradigm wi»a out of a mare that General Pearson b'jmght for ISgs as a hack for Mrs Peax-«. s *n. Paradigm' herself was no good as a i acer. and was also used as a hack. Bat 4he became the greatest stud matron of her time, and lives for ever as the dam •of Lord Lyon, winner of the "Derby and / St. Leger; of Achievement, winner of "the I Oaks and St. Leger; and granddam of ' Placida, Jeanette, Minting, and Ormonde. Paradigm was very nnfashionably bred, according to the book, as. she. was by Paragone, by Touchstone, a bunting sire standing in tNorthamptonshire at the modest fee of 30gs. Whisper, before she was purchased by the late Mr Graham for tbe ' Yardley 'Stud, and became the dam of - Sterling, took part in a celebrated moooi light steeplechase in the Midlands, carry* » ing the late Mr William Lort, a well knowa 14 minting m*» and pointer enthusiast.