TURF NOTES.

Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 288, 5 December 1925, Page 29

TURF NOTES.

(By WHALEBONE.) C. Smirke, one of the numerous riders who have been brought to the front while serving their apprenticeship with the ex-Australian, Stanley 'Wootton, is to ride next season as first horseman to H. H. Aga Khan. His most important winner to date is Heine Lumiero, on which he unexpectedly triumphed in this year's Grand Prix do Paris, in which Donoghue was injured. Several reputations have been made and marred in the Middle Park Stakes,, whicji is generally regarded as the principal juvenile event of the season—at any rate, in its relntion to the classio events of the following year. Previous to the second October meeting at Newmarket, the unbeaten Coronach was looked upon as the best of the juveniles, and this view was justified on his past performances. However, Lord Woolav-' ington's colt felt from his pedestal, to the dismay of those backers who did not hesitate to lay the big odds demanded. The winner, Lex, is owned by Sir Abe Bailey, and trained by Reginald Day. The colt gained distinction earlier in the autumn by winning the Gimcrack Stakes, by virtue of which success his owner is, of course, privileged to make the speech of the evening at the dinner of the celebrated club, an honour which fell to him six years back through the good offices of Southern. The death occurred in Adelaide recently of Mr. J. H. Aldridge, owner of the famous Richmond Park Stud, the home of Pistol, St. Anton, and Lucknow. Mr. Aldridge was born at Kensington (South Australia) in 1849, and he. was an exceedingly popular figure in local racing circles. Carylon, which was bought by Mr. Aldridge for' 1000 guineas, figured at the stud for many years, and did excellent service for him. In 1905, when Carlyon met with an accident, Mr. Aldridge bought the Carbino horse Pistol. The stock of that horse have won many important events, including the Adelaide Grand National Hurdle Race and Steeplechase, the V.RjC. Grand National Hurdle Race and Steeplechase, and the Australian Hurdle Race. Stock by Pistol have won approximately £200,000. At one time Mr. Aldridge patronised the turf freely, and he won many races with Satinella, Sardius, Fictitious, and the steeplechaser Warrior. I learn that George Smith has accepted an engagement to ride in Germany (writes "Watchman" in the "Morning Post"), and it is understood that the Union Club, the Jockey Club of Germany, will grant him the necessary license. Thus he will be the first British jockey to ride in Germany since the end of the war. The news is of interest in view of the fact that relations between the racing authorities of England and Germany have so far remained unfriendly. Early in the present year J. Shatwell was offered an engagement in Germany, but; could not accept it owing to being refused a license. It would now seem that the German racing authorities are adopting a more tolerant attitude.