SPORTING ITEMS.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 9114, 27 May 1895, Page 2

SPORTING ITEMS.

"Weekly Pies- and Referee."

The report and balance-sheet of tbe Canterbury Jockey Club, whbh were given in extenso in our last issue, show that much success has attended the efforts of the executive to further popularise the olub. It must be pleasing to the officials and members of ths club to know that the financial position continues to improve, as It has done for a long time past. Indeed, to all sportsmen it will be most satisfactory to find that this old established racing institution is in so nourishing a condition, and it well des2rv2s the long bestowed title of the " Pr.>raicr Racing Club of the colony." In other parts of New Zealand there are more horses iv training than In Canterbury —of which the Canterbury Jockey Club is the Metropolitan head. There are also other districts In which the pea-pie turn out well to witness sport, but a liberal policy of giving good stakes and so encouraging the highest class of racing possible secures for the Canterbury Jockey Clnb the support of the owners of good stock and the public alike, and the club's leading fixtures possess an attraction that seems to be irresistible. Thus the success of the club is not to be wondered at. The increase of prize money which is to be distributed during the coming season will be arranged at a very small additional cost to owners, who already pay proportionately less to run for stakes offered by the Canterbury Jockey Club than for the prizes of other Metropolitan Club 3. This is one reason why the meetings are so popular with owners. Another Is that the handicapping is in capable hands, and the district is more accessible to the main body of owners than are others in which Metropolitan Clubs conduct operations. In this particular the C.J.C. are fortunate, and unless there should be a wonderful change in the whole machinery or conduct of racing or the management of the Club, much importance will continue to attach to the gatherings held at Riccarton for years to come. Such races as the New Zealand Cup, Canterbury Cup, Derby and Oaks, the Challenge Stakes, Great Autumn, Great Easter and Metropolitan Handicap*-, Welcome, Champagne and Middle Park Shakes—to say nothing of other good flat events and the Grand NUional Hurdle and Steeplechase races— cannot fail to have a strong influence upon those wno race either for money or distinction. Long may the C.J.C. continue to lead and enjoy their proud place amongst the successful clubs of the colonies.

Iw view of the fact that so many trotting horses have been imported from New South Wales and Victoria to New Zealand, that the bona fides ot some have from time to time been questioned, and that their owners have frequently been placed in tho unenviable position of being suspected of "ringing in," it would be a step In the right direction were the various tro'fi-ig associations and controlling bodies in New Zealand to enforce the rult» that the nominators of Imported stock should have to produce certificates or sufficient evidence to establish the identity of horses they enter for races. The rule has been complied with in a number of instances lately. The C .nterbury Trotting Club have been placed in possession of the breeding and performances of horses from foreign parts, which have been entered for handicap events at their coming meeting. Seeing tbat horses are continually being brought to this colony it is moat Important not only in the interests of the clubs and the owners themselves, bub for the general good of the country, that the breeding of such horses should be Known. It is only a matter of time for some of the gentry who have been bringing horses from Australia and trotting them under wrong names, or for those to whom they have been disposed and who have used them for the same purpose, to be brought to book. Rumour just now is busy with the names of several horses that have trotted in this country undernames which they wore not known by in tbe countries whence they came. The importance of calling upon owners for the fullest Information concerning their horses must be patent to all true friends of trotting. When are we to have the long-talked of "Trotting Register"? Will the clubs undertake such a work, or will it be left to private enterprise? The clubs are in the best possible position to obtain ali information, and they should use their authority; indeed, it should now become » rule of ali clubs to strictly order that every nomination should contain the names of sire and dam where known. The same plan as Is in vogue in racing, of letting the breeding appear In the correct cards, would, we feel sure, be much appreciated by the public.