NOTES AND COMMENTS BY "HOTSPUR."

Press, Volume II, Issue 8704, 29 January 1894, Page 2

NOTES AND COMMENTS BY "HOTSPUR."

The acceptances lor the Danedln Cup are eminently sxli factory, for, with a reduced entry, payment has been made tot two iii excess of the number that; remained in last season. The defection, too, of all but two of the eight that have dropped out was looked for. The Workman has gone into retirement for a while ; Rangipuhi. did not receive an encouraging impost ; Response is fully expected to lie called over <to tha Continent Magazine and Beadonwell could not ha got ready, and Add ing ton has finished his racing days. This leaves but VojJtengan? , and St. Anthony to account for. The former has never operated well on the Porbuty ground, and that may have been the reason for his withdrawal; while Sk Anthony has not run for some time, and is under suspicion of unsoundness. It will be seen by the table here given that,, by the scale, the handicap takes a pretty wide range, 401b3 being placed between Stepniak and Tempest, who, although, the, winner, of last season's race; is the moat leniently treated of those now engaged. The difference between the actual Imposts, to Dβ carried and the weight according to scale read :— Btlb Weight for age. Sfcepniak .. «. 9 i .. illjovgr Prime Warden ..9 1 ..31b under Olanranald ..8 5 .. 131b „ liiheratot ... 8 3 .. 181b „ Hippomenes ..8 2 .. 131b ~ Pegaaua .. 713 .. lib over Skirmisher .. 711 .. lib under Dilpmtn* .. ... 7 .6 .. 28!b ~ IchUlen .. -. ,7 5 .. 4lb „ Johnny Faa .-. 1 4. .. 31U» „ Thiinw .. -.7 0.. Sold „ Tempaafc .. 6 13-...■ 33i(> „ Remembrance .. 611 .. 3olb „

• Though on-every showing the Yaldlmrsc four-year-old i 3 asked to concede weight to all others, he has credentials of a Cup character that none of his opponents eaa boast of, and deserves the pride of place. Ssepniak's long absence from a racecourse and consequent presumed inactivity is. against him; 'while, moreover, should he give evidence of being as good as he used to be, I rather incline to the idea he will be taken for another trip across the Tasraau Saai In, the meantime, therefore, I look farther down the list for the winner! Haviner failed last year, when accorded more favourable I hardly think Prime Warden will now succeed in capturing the prize he has so persistently striven for. Clatiranald, if he is a stayer, has nob demonstrated the fact; he, to be sure, is master of the weight that has been dealt >ut to Mm, and a fast and noneat performer like the son of St. Leger has always to be held in reepecc. A rare battler is Liberator, and the cry that has so often been heard raised against him a? being outclassed will not hold good, for his performances, deny the itnpeachmeht. Yet, somehow or other I am inclined to disconnt Rosefeldt's New Zealand Cup Victory from the fact of the brown geldiug being so close to her, the same race making mc altogether lose the shred o£ faith I held in the time test. Liberator has, it must be allowed, earned his Impost, but. still I have no fancy for him for this journey. More to my. liking is the brilliant. Hipporaehes, who has, without any apparent reason so far as I can see, been voted a nan-stayer. I am advised it is hardly probable he will start, aa the stable will rely on last year's Thi3 is as it may be, and I can only say that at the weights I would prefer Hippcmenes to those placed over him in the handicap. But to some that follow him in tha list I have a stronger partiality, for three-year-olds, like the Auckland Cud and C.J.C. Derby winners, must be accounted to have been most leniently dealt with. Like his sire, . Pegasus stays well, and on his Auckland running should be very handy at the right end. As for Skirmisher. I pay no attention to his. performances in the North, for he must manifestly have been dead off. No classic winner of late yeara has been accorded such a light impost as that allotted Mr Reid's colt, who has only to return to form to at all events go very near winning. Dilemma is, I should should say, held safe by Skirmisher, and also by Ich Dien, who as a classic heroine is not by any means overburdened with 7st slb. She, however, may not see the post, and I should hardly think Johnny Faa will be saddled up for the fray, shorter courses being mare to his liking. Thame, if stripped as fit as she was for last season's race, could hardly fail to run forward, but. the chances are against her doing so. The most recent displays of Tempest have been of a reassuring kind, and it must be said that the bandicapper was altogether too kind to last year s winner, in only raising her impost from the 6*t lllb she then carried to 6st 131b, which, in a manner speaking, 13 no rise at all. Still, Ido not look to her as" the winner, nor can the lightweight; Remembrance, be considered as likely to score. _' ... • Skirmisher and Pegasus are the pair I like. More than half of those that were engaged in the Publicans' Handicap have dropped out, the most noticeable defection being Vogengang, who was really well in. Hippomenes, with all hk< weight, I would kooner stand than anything, and those I like after him are L vdy Zatlano, Forbury. and Beadonwell. The last named, while training for the New Zealand Cup, showed himself endowed with great pace. The nominations taken for the hurdle races and the Welter Handicap compare favourably in point of number with those taken in previous years. The entries, it mieht be observed, are entirely confined to South Island owned horses.

The turf career of Vanguard's three-year-old son Aldington may be said to have closed, for the colt was on Thursday last shipped at Lyttelton per the steamer i£uhu, bound for the Chatham

Islands, it being the Intention to put him to the stud nest, season. The colt had sprung a tendon, and as ib would require a lengthened .spell before ho would stand another preparation, his owners decided to part with him, and they did so at a figure much below what might be considered his true value. Atidington was purchased on behalf of Mr E. Wisbarfc, a wellknorru settler on the Islands, and a gentleman who has taken much interest in horse breeding. Showing much quality, the colt does not stand more than 15.2 at present, but he is ouo of the lengthy sort, and may be expected to grow considerably. He is by Vanguard from Miss Lucy, by S". George —Miss Flat. With such stout and cherished blood—the Traducer on tun sire's side and the Yatfceildon on the darn's— coursinß through his veins, the Islanders are to be congratulated on bavins; placed at their disposal such a likely young hocse.

Mr F. Busch of Rangiora has been singularly happy in hie selection of names for the progeny of his mare Farewell. Following Aα "Revoir came P.P.C., the colt by Iceoiau, and now he has christened her filly by Artillery Tofa (accent on the last syllable), a name that comes softly from the tongue and la the Samoan signification for " Good bye." Mr Busch, who jprides himself on baiug somewhat of a French scholar, tells mc be was somewhat astonished and annoyed at the remarks made by a facetious writer in the Press implying that he made a mistake in the spelling when cataloguing Au Revoir for sale, for it was he himself, without suggestion, who hit upon the name for the eon of St. George. Merrie England was returned to his owner, Mr H. Lunn, Middleton, last week, having completed his stud season in the Rangitikel district. "The horse, who was not overtaxed, is looking well.

The yearling brother to Pbilson, purchased by Mr D. O'Brien at the recent Welliugton Park sale, is now to be seen frisking about at his owner's pluce at Riccarton. A well grown youngster, ho is a lengthier colt than was the Welcome Stakes winner at the same ago, and is finer quality-looking than he wan. At lOOgs.the colt would appear to have been unusually cheap. Mr O'Brieu will probably name the colt Morrin.

St. George is looking very fresh and well after his big stud season. The number of mares put to htm wan 51, the greater proportion being halfbreds. It is, however, safe to say that none but thoroughbreds will be booked to him nest season, for already his services are bespoken by some of the leading etudmasters in the colony. The Greymouth Jockey Club has drawn up the programme for its Autumn Meeting, which, H3 at present Arranged, is to be held on St. Patrick's day, Saturday, March 17th, and the Monday following. Six hundred pounds will be given away in stakes. At the Reefton fixture, which, it haa just been decided will take place some few days later, an equal sum is to be distributed, so that there is a strong inducement held out for a visiting force. It, however, might be pointed out to the West Coaso executives that Canterbury horse-owners, trainers and jockeys are chained to the Plains by the big C.J.C. Autumn gathering juet at the time they should be en route across the Alps if they are to assist at the meetings uamed. I specially mention Canterbury, inasmuch as it is from this district patronage is naturally looked (or. Bsyond doubt the Easter holidays are a most favourable time for the holding of a race meeting; at the same time, I am strongly of opinion the Raeftoa Club, that is if it" desires a number of competitors from a distance, would do well to alter the date of ita Autumn meeting to some date before the Greymouth gathering, or for both Club* to postpone the meetinguntil the Siccarton gathering is over. I am assured that quite a number of Rlccartou trained horses, and a few from other parts of Canterbury, would be taken across,to the Coast were the date* suitable, besides which it would give Coast owners an opportunity of competing for the rich stakes offered by the Canterbury Jockey Club. Until such time as the line of steel runs from coast to coast, it would be well that a reasonable time be allowed between the fixtures on either side of the mountains.

The Greyraouth Club ha« expressed itself favourable to the suggestion made by the Reef ton Club, that a conference of the various Clubs on the West Coast be held to consider the question of fixing dates and the appointment of a handicapper. This is »4 it should be, and it ia to be hoped such conference will meet; without delay, and that there will be, for the future., no yuch.clashing of interests as has occurred in the bast. Tne Marl borough Racing Club would not appear to have, as yet, any fixed headquarters. I gather thla from the fact that, at a meeting of members on the question of the passing of a programme for the Uppev Wairua Club for Easter Monday, it was proposed to withhold sanction for the gathering on the ground chat the Club's own gathering would be held about; the same date, but that, in consideration of the minor club having to forego its meeting,' the Metropolitan body's reunion be held at Benwiclc, the headquarters of the Upper Wairua Club. It was further suggested that the Upper "Wairua Club cease to race altogether, the surplus funds in hcnd to be handed to the Marlborough Racing Club, who, in turn, would issue members' tickets to be in force up to the end of next season to all paid-up members of the Upper Wairua Club. The minor Club strongly objected to be merged into the Metropolitan bsdy, who eventually passed the withheld programme for Easter, Monday. The Marlborongh Racing Club then decided to hold its Autumn meeting on April 18th and 19th, on the Riverlands. course. I would point out that these dates hardly fit in with the Nelson Club's fixture, and a* a number of the same horses would doubtless compete at both gathering!*, should circumstances permit, the Marlborough Club, I should say. woul I be studying its own and horseowners' interests in altering, the dates mentioned. ;

The North Canterbury bred Sllvertail, though ho has been gradually having the weight heaped upon him, continues to got there or thereabouts in his races. The grey gelding must indeed be a good deal better than was generally supposed at the beginning of the season. Last seen out at Gore, he carried off the hurdle race on the first day—presentins; Masterpiece, who however ran him to » head, with 2st olbs, Rebel finishing out of a place. On the second day he just failed to give 21b to Poole'e horse, KebeT, carrying 12et, and gaining " a no3e" verdict. ; There was so little in it that leyel,weights, might have made the result the other way.

. Racecourse fatalities have been very numerous of late. The last occur reel at Gore, where Whirligig, falling in the district race on the second day, had to be destroyed owing to the Injuries she received. Whirligig was by Sc. George, from Charity, dam of Baraado, and was bought by Mr H. M'Lean, of Tapariai, at the sale after the last Grand National meeting. Ib was in hie colours she ran her last race. Mr M'Lban is also the owner of May, and as the Bash lan-bred mare brake'down badly on the first day at the same meeting, he is not likely to have any pleasant recollections ot the Gore gathering. .

Newa comes from Taurangaof the death of the once well-known but now nearly forRotten. cream gelding Macaroni, who, during the eeaeon Was the most buccessfal jumping horse of the year. Macaroni was bred in the Poverty Bay'district and was by Gladiator. Nearly all his snecesseewere palued in the colours of Mr *W.Proffltfc, his first victory beinß secured in th§ district where he was bred.;, pelding, however, did nothing of note either before or after the season mentioned. In that year . he, annexed - the -Auckland Aotnmn ' the ~ Great Northern Steeplechase and the.Hawke'a Bay Steeplechase. In the two laLter events he carried top weight, 12at in the first instance and 12*t lib in the second, A^Lyford being his pilot on bofch occasions. W. Edwards, now trainer for Captain KaaseU, was associated with the geldiopr in* most of hie other wine. The old horee came by his death by fallins; and breaklnp; : hf« neck in a hurdle race at Tapu on New Year's Day.' He had rather a cariosity, of a pilot in his fateful last race, a deaf and dumb Maori" boy (who escaped with a shaking) holding the reins. Seeing that four actual first favourites got home in Wellington on Wednesday, while in two of the other events heavily backed candidates scored, followers of favourites had a good time of it, and the amount of money taken from the ring was, I understand, very considerable. Although the Riccartoo trained .hordes did. not sweep- the board they carried nearly everything, -before ;:them,-.-as *rae predicted in these columns, and layers of totalisator odds in Chrietcharch were heavily struck, for tho city punters stood by the local representatives. The only two backed to any extent in the Cap were the pair that finished flrsc and second; Johtmv Faa and Clarence were. the sole selections in their races, and Vogeogatjg was made the medium of a plunge for the last race King Wai was well supported for the two* xear-old event, but the merits of Ularuey were well heralded about, co that layers

lud very little the best of'TTZT^I 1 that event. O%H No pno, I'm sure, will begruda* Rs. 1 his victory with Vogen K a BK I good and ill report '< he has « W .SSS 1 to his colt, maintaining he u- a<J on« s a Jk I beat animals in the Un% And h!V * i doina something to redeem the f.i 6e » I acquired as a two-ytar-old. Al w A m * I vinced he was among thu apeedle«f 2 1 in the land, I ha<l doubt* afto hu'iSS § stayer. Hivlnf*. however, now wi a *» 1 each tima of asking over a mile and! «k * f ¥/ indicates that he i* not stainiua. The colt disappointed hbSD'K all through his three-year-old care.* f l sm opine he Is rather a troublesome get ready. Be that as it may, he 25J» 1 appcur to be till nshi; at pr'o'jenr ''ffi Shceuan rau«t regret that he did »4 tinue his Dunedln engagements. SS*® "WellinKton Cup is the flrst blffhej'M cap Mr Shecuaii has annexed It' I ■will be doubly gratifying to hJm ta ? '8 secured victory with the first rcali* hoiMe he has pDn«essed on hh own acen m Icoogratulnte him on his success - ai, ffi The Middleton stable, for th' c ». B year, has "fallen" over tho Wellln t *'■■ Cup. It will be remembered thatl*at 8te * 1 Merrio Enfilaud, who was beavUV- *" m portctJ, went down before Retina now Clanranald ha 9 had to play ll}w M fiddle to Vogongang. Clauranald.lt H eeem, had bad luck all through tbe»* fi and must indeed be accounted an «»*?• m tun ate horse. ani k I That the handlcapper quite under stu » mated Kent's abilities I ventured m when the Wellington weights i and such has buen borno out by ther* 1 ning for although, through getting baSf I away, he wae nob persevered whh 7 H the Cup, he showed a clean pair of »Li m to everything in the Welter Hanaff 1 By some mischauce Kent's name did ,£ S appear among the final payments m Cup, and under the assumption that S M would start fresh for tho Welterl* m indeed I am advised ho did—a Chrtu! H church man who intended backing hi Wt for the principal event was InduooifuH shift his investment of £5 to the Vv*e!t»» H with what satisfactory result —to tvfi backer—the record will show, m

The summer reunion of the Qliborn. Racing Club last week secmn to havebJL an unqualified success. The manasi inent wae 6xcellent, and the outcomewa be a large addition to the club's funds, jf special word is merited by the hnndicapnsr Mi , C. D. Bennett, who succsedeaS bringing his horses ao well tog«tw as to make the mccs moat Interat, ing. Having etarfced his winning Jf count, Stepniak's half-brother, MuhokL has quite come out of his shell, fo ho annexed the three principal evenh and proved himself quite the hero ofttj 1 gathering. The colt started at retaunert ' tive prices on each occasion, and hit nnu» i proprietor has now got back more tftn ' the 400gs he paid to become his ow&J Lottie did not emulate the deeds she m, formed at the neighbouring meeting, to picked up a stake and ran eousletaaUj enough. A correspondent has kindly sent; >~ the following account of thu funeral d Charles Watson:—The remains ol ih late Charle'3 Watson were interred January 17th. in the Church of BagUn! Cemetery at Bulla, in the presence of alwm 150 people, comprising member* of % raciug community from all parts of ii« district. The Bangitikei Racing CIqJ very generously undertook to defray iji the expenses of the funeral, and the K6«fr tary, Mr M'Lean, spared no trouble c expense in carrying out the wiabes jjj his club. A great many very tea, fui wreaths were placed on the coia, by Mr C. H. Lance (owner of Caloola), tl» manager of the. Bank of New Soath "Wales, Mr John Coule, Dr. Bennett, atfl one by Mr M'Llean, the colour oftlu flowers being identical with the colour worn by Watson in hfa laefi race. 3si pall bearers were Messrs 11. Kingah, Ju Cameron, T. Ross, W. Holmoa, J. Hithaway, and R. Hnthaway. Of his fellow jockeys there were present, T. Cameron, L. Holmes, A. Hall, J. Hall, T. Sc6«,|, Blanche, F. Elingau, and seyeral ottten, and one had only to look at the aorrowfei Aces at the grave to realize how Wltefa, by his quiet, unassuming, and ffenfc manly conduct had endeared hlmaell to w with whom he came in contact. L -

After the funeral his fellow jocJaji started a subscription Hat with the objwt of placing a suitable headstone ovet ih grave of their deceased comrade. My correspondent further states than any subscription, that friendu about Rlccartos might like to give, no matter how email, will bs thankfully received by MrC,|, Lance, who Iβ acting its treasurer in tw movement. Needless to say, I will oalyfei too ■;■;• v •to receive same aud forward $$&