NOTES.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 13342, 6 February 1909, Page 10

NOTES.

To-day will be the twenty-fifth contest for the Middle Park Plate. Out of twenty-four races for the Middle Park Plate, horses owned by the late Mr Stead were first past tho post on thirteen occasions. Nominations for tho Tahtina Park Trotting Club's and Ashburton Trotting Club's Summer Meetings close this evening.

Mountain King's half-eister, France tto, will shortly figure on the pony and galloway courses. It was intended to send Francette to the stud in the spring, but she was a littlo late for the season, and will, according to present arrangements, bo raced again. Mr T. S. Clibborn, secretary of the A J.C., has greatly improved in health, and has returned home from the private hospital which he entered lor treatment.

When. Mahutonga returned to F. MoGrath's stables, Randwick, after a spell, it was considered almost certain that he would stand another preparation, but as the chestnut's lameness reappeared almost immediately on his being started upon useful work, he has again been thrown out. No further attempt will be mode to train him, and he will probably be returned to his owner in New Zealand.

At Calcutta last month Long Tom had his first race after an absence from the Turf of two and -a. half years, and pulled up so lame that it. was not considered likely any further attempt would be made to train him.

The South Canterbury Trotting Club made a, profit of £60 from their inaugural tneoting.

! A sum of close on £550, including | £100 contributed by the proprietors of j the ••Ago' , and other subscriptions, was made out of the race meeting in aid ai the widow and family of the late Air P. J. Dinley. for some years sporting editor of the "Age." The death of The Officer (Robinson Crusoe —Marie Louise) is reported from Feilding. The Officer was a useful horse lon the turf, the most important rece secured by him being the V.R.C. St. Leger of 1897. When his racing career was finished Ik? was bought by the Hon. J. T>. Ormond for the Karamu stud, but he never sired a horse of any consequence. Several of his stock, howj over, are foir performers, and among I the best of them can bo mentioned Full Rate. Lyrist. Medallist. Longner. and Mobility. After leaving "~ the Karamu stud The Officer became tho property of Mr A. Walker, of Feilding. a studnmster whn must be accounted unfortunate. oi> it was only a few months aao that he lost Explosion through :in accident.