SPORTING.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18180, 17 September 1924, Page 12

SPORTING.

SPRING RACING IN AUSTRALIA,

NEW ZEALAND TO THE FORE. i i GLENTRUIX EQUALS RANDWICK'S RECORD. C»r ooa special lEPoataa.) SYDNEY, September 12. New Zealand made its presence felt at the Warwick Farm Meeting at Randwiek last Saturday. New Zealand owners, trainers, jockeys, and New Zealandbred racehorses were all in the limelight. Hitherto Tattersall's Club has had the honour of introducing the A.J.C. Spring Carnival, but for the past two years the privilege has been with the Warwick Farm Meetings, and on Saturday New Zealand had a day out. The fields wero of excellent calibre, and a strong south-easterly wind enabled fast times to be recorded. Most interest was manifested in tho six furlongs weight-for-age event, the Warwick Stakes, for which Glentruin was especially brought from New Zealand. Her mission was carried out to the letter, and not only did she win with consummate case, but she equalled the Bandwick record of lm 11 { s, established by Greenstead three years ago. On that occasion Greenstead carried the steadier of lOst 31b, but had Glentruin been all out on Saturday she would probably have clipped a second off tho time. It was one of the best performances seen here for many a day. The eleven acceptors went to the post, and Glentruin was the fancied candidate. Braehead was considered her most dangerous opponent, and of tho Victorian representatives, The Monk and Heroic, the former, notwithstanding his lOst, was thought to have tho best chance. Otacre, a galloper of no mean order, was ridden by R. S. Bagby, Ashley Reed had the mount on Glentruin, and another New Zealander in the three-year-old colt Father's Voice was ridden by Con. Reed. The honours of the event were with New Zealand from start to finish. With the exception of Heroic, who displayed fractiousness, the field got away practically on terms, but, if anything, Glentruin was tho first to break the line. Father's Voice, however, has plenty of early pace, and he was Boon Bhowing the way, Ashley Reed displaying great judgment by allowing Glentruin to settle down in fourth position just behind Braehead and Peteropod. It was a very clean run race, and there were practically no alterations in tho positions until the straight was reached, although it could be 6een that Glentruin was galloping well within, herself. Onco the home stretch was entered, Braehead made a gallant effort to catch Father's Voice, but it was beyond him, as the Absurd— Shrill colt was going very freely, and then Ashley Reed called on Glentruin, and the mare had little difficulty in responding. Galloping with machine-like action, she soon joined issue with Father's Voice., and when she got her neck in front the large crowd was thrilled with the artistic horsemanship of Ashley Reed, who simply sat on the mare as still as a mouse, and was content for her'to. win in a most brilliant and pleasing fashion by half a necß. When the winner returned to the enclosure she and her rider were cheered again and again by Sydney racing enthusiasts, who delight in seeing such perfection on the track. The win, however, was associated with a little regret, for although Glentruin appeared in the official programme as being trained by G. Price, her condition was undoubtedly due to tho skilful supervision of F. D. Jones, who unfortunately incurred the displeasure of the stipendiary stewards, and was compelled to have a birdseye view of the race. Glentruin has 9st 81b in the Epsom Handicap, and her exhibition was so convincing as to give her an .undeniable chance in the mile event. She meets moßt of those she beat on Saturday on worse terms, the most notable being The Monk, who has 131b the better of the. weights in the Epsom Handicap. In the past Glentruin has not had much experience over a mile, but her win on Saturday was very pronounced, and it did not appear that she would have had any difficulty in doing the extra two furlongs.

Victory. ' Another stylish performamce was recorded in the Hying "Welter Handicap by Blackadder. There were 19 starters, and most of them are engaged in the Epsom Handicap. George Young has Been doing most of Ike Foulsham's riding since he has been here, and the , combination ha 9 fieen very successful. Young was on Blackadder, and he was a warm favourite. Certainly the field waa a weak one, especially as Villeroy, who had failed at Canterbury Park a week earlier, was backed from donblo figures to second favourite and beat all but Blackadder. It must, however, be kept in mind that not only did Blackadder' beat his field pointless, for he passed the post with four lengths to spare, but his time was only threequarters of a second outside the Bandwick record, established by Remraon with 7st 121b in 1920. Blackadder had lOst 4H> op his back, and when he returned to the enclosure it was noticed that ho was covered in what is generally known as lather, and it was obvious that ie won when half ready. Throughout the race it could be seen that he was fighting hard for his head, and his victory was proclaimed half a mile from home. He camo into the straight on the outside of four horses, and with the assistance of a good wind behind him his long strides soon had a telling effect, and although Dreblah, Cistercian, Director, and Villeroy were fighting out the issue a furlong from tbe post, Blackadder passed them as if they were stationary, and he finished full of running. The New Zealand-bred Director, by Nassau from Culross, the property of a fairly big betting owner, ran a respectable race, and he should be well np among the prize-money ere long. Killocra was given a run in this event also. He was ridden by 3t. S. Bagby, and was the subject of consistent support, but although he was prominent in the early stages, he petered out in the last two furlongs. Bathos drew the rails" position in the race, but his customary dash was absent. He was well forward for the first furlong, but he was then forced into the ruck, and he failed to show out from then on.

Epsom and Metropolitan Candidates. Trimacre, who has been heavily backed for the Epsom Handicap, and is now cue of the most fancied candidates, WW a runner also in the Warwick Stake*, sad her display was verv pleasiag to hut connexions. She finished * $064 f&ftthf Attd eomo at the right #93/ #**s ifflgkft® performed indif4m&j?, &&m&*te& ttat bo is a

hack number, •while the three-year-old The Dancer was the last to finish.

In the Liverpool Handicap the imported horse Virgin Gold was backed for a fortune, and the heavy plunge Mas successful. The commission was worked very quietly at first, but When it became general knowledge that the horse was greatly fancied, all and sun dry wanted to be on, but the bookmakers were not able to accommodate them at anything like a fair price. The Metropolitan favourite Stony was most in demand, but without disparaging; the win of Virgin Gold, it must be admitted that Stony was unlucky to be beaten. Like most middle distance horses, he is slow to find his feet, and in his last two outings over a mile he lias drawn an inside berth, and this has militated against his success. On Saturday he was but three horses out from the rails when the field lined up, but he was soon in trouble, and at the half-nfile he was in front of only three horse?. Gradually he improved his position, and with a furlong to go he was hemmed in, and his rider was anxiously awaiting an opening. It did not come. and as a last resort Stony had to manoeuvre his way through the pacemakers, but in the meantime Virgin Gold had secured a lucky run near the rails, and he had the race won when Stony got free. Valiant, from W. Booth's stable at Eosehill, had many followers for the event, but he gave a disappointing display. Fareeur was top weight, bat his chance was spoiled by his having an outside marble. He got away well, and was close up when the half-mile had been reached, but his effort to get a good position early apparently, took too much out of him.

The Cypher in Form. The ex-New Zealand trainer George Price is in an 'enviable position so far as the Metropolitan is concerned, for his stable .harbours the equal favourites for the race, Stony and Tbo Cypher. Tho latter made a • welcome ro-ontry to tho winning list on Saturday by taking the September Handicap. He was equal favourite with Mirthmaker, but .tho latter let his backers down badly, and it was generally stated that that was not Mirthmaker's correct form. J. Too hey rodo The Cypher a well-judged race, and the Martian horse emerged from the distance and cut down Irish Rhythm, who beat Polycletan for second place. Each of the. placed "horses survived the first forfeit for tho Metropolitan, and their showings were encouraging. Tho Cypher was amiss on Monday as a result of having struck himself during the race, and he has had to be put on the aasy list. H 3 was given exercise work on a beach on Wednesday, and although his prenaration has been slightly interfered" with, ho could be got ready for the Metropolitan, but it may * be that Prico will look to Stony for the Metropolitan. There has been a good deal of speculation as to whether that finished horseman P. Brown will ride Mirthmaker or Stony in the Metropolitan. The former is in F. Williams's stables, for which Brown is first rider, but Brown has ridden Stony in practically all of his engagements of late, and it is now stated that S. Cracknell will ride Mirthmaker, and. Brown will be on Stony.

Interesting Track Work. The feature of the week's traxk work has been the exoellent times recorded by Ballymena and the Derby,candidate Nigger Minstrel. On Tuesday morning Ballymena easily did the best seven furlongs, which he covered in. lm 3(H S > but a surprise was caused this morning when it was learnt that he and Nigger Minstrel were to harve a match on the track, and great interest was manifested. An apprentice, C. Hasler, rode Nigger Minstrel, and Ashley Reed was on Ballymena. The horses got away together, and were Boon in their stride. They ran the fits* half mile in 49|s, they kept together for the next coujple of furlongs, hut the colt then came away and beat Ballymena by half a length in lm 28Js. It was particularly good time, and has seldom, if ever, been exceeded on the Randwick track.

An interesting incident occurred in the city subsequent to the gallop. A I big betting owner informed a prominent bookmaker that Nigger Minstrel would win the Derby, if he could stay. He was anxious to back him at the then ruling price. "1 don't want to lay Trim any more," said the bookmaker, "as he is favourite with me now, and he will touch a shorter price before the day of the race." The backer said that Nigger Minstrel had run seven furlongs in lm 30s that morning, and he (the hacker) was willing to accept a ipolint shorter odds." In tiiat .oase, added the bookmaker, "Nigger Minstrel did better than lm 305," and his reasoning was correct.

Bonaparte did not gain friends by his moderate third last Saturday. Heroic was given a barrier start gallop this morning. He caused' a little trouble at first, but left seven furlongs behind in lm 30£s. Gloaming covered the same distance in a second faster. Sir Adrian and Leslie Wallace were associated in a nine furlongs gallop, the former surprising by beating Leslie Wallace bv half a length in J2m 2£s. Royal Despatch Case. Mr H. A. Knight arrived hereon Sunday, and the Royal Despatch case was again dealt with. News of tlie disqualification of tie horse and the upholding of Mr Knight's appeal by the Committed will have reached New Zealand by cable. In (view of tips decision and the evidence given by Mr Knight, it has been suggested that the whole case should be re-opened. ELLESMERE COUNTY TROTTING CLUB. Mr R. T. McMillan (president) presided over a meeting of the oammitleo' of the Ellesmere County Trotting Club, and there were abo -present; Messrs I. McGill, D. Millar, S. Johnston, P. Delargey, "W. Lochhead, W. J. Woods, G. Mellwraith, T. G. Harper, W. J. Dcyle, R. T. Buchanan, S. M. Jackman, P. B. Clausen, and M. Brown. Mr E. W. Hampton was elected to membership. ■ The secretary said no Tepiies had been received to hiß letters and telegram to tho Sports Protection League, "Wellington. The suggestion that the League should be voted "a subscription of £i 4a waa objected to until the League replied to the club's correspondence.

The stipendiary steward, Mr T. H. Davey, reported that the club's annual sice meeting iast May had been very well, conducted, all the officers satisfactorily 'carrying out their respective duties. Tho raoing, on the whole, had been decidedly good. Tho president commented that it was very gratifying to receive euch a favourable report. The Acting District Traffic Mlnagcr of Railways wrote that hitherto tho excursion trains to the club's meetings had run at a loss. In view of the poor support, the Department couid not again run a special train without a guarantee. Tho president remarked that the Department had apparently not counted tha revenue from tho carriage of horses. It was decided to bring tho letter before the new committee.

It waa agreed to send letters of appreciation to the honorary officials who attended the race mesting.

The EeciPtary reported that the finances of the cluh were £l2 'hotter than last year, but thero was still a. debit balance. There was a large sum outstanding in subscription.?. It -was decided that-members should make an effort to collect subscriptions in their various districts.

Tho president referred to the approaching departure from the district of a valued past president, itr P. Delargoy, and it was resolved to make recognition of his services to the epoit.

LOCAL AND GENERAL

ITEMS.

Acceptances for the Manawatu Hunt Meeting are due to-day. Nominations for the Slasterton Racing Club's Spring Meeting close on Friday. A Press Association telegram from Auckland says that Bank Draft was scratched for the Avondalo Stakes at 11.30 yesterday morning. Sir George Clifford's horses, Winning Hit and Barn Owl, who competed at Wanganui last week, returned to Eiccarton yesterday. A full bill of racing will be offered from to-day till Monday. The first meeting will be that of the Danncvirko Racing Club .this afternoon, while to-morrow the Dannevirke Hunt Meeting will take place, followed on Fridav and Saturday bv the Ashburton County Racing Club's Meeting. On Saturday also the first day of the Otaki Maori Racins Club's Spring Jifeetino- and Avondale Jockey Clubs Spring' Meeting will be put through.

In (connexion with the Ashburton Countv Racing Club's Spring Meeting on Friday and Saturday next, special trains will leave Christchnrch each day at 9.20 a.m., picking up passengers _ at Sockburn. On tho return journey trains will leave Asliburton saleyards at 4.35 p.m.

The many readers of tho '-'Weekly Press and *B«feree" will welcome the appearance of this-popular paper lodav. for the latest issue is right up to the standard that sportsmen have come to expect from its publishers. The Wanganui Jockev Club's Spring Meeting, which was neld on Thursday and Saturday last, created Dominion-wide interest, and in the pages of the "Weekly Press and Referee" will be found full details of tho meeting, and interesting comments on tho form shown written by Wayfarer. Antisthenes, Spectator, and The Rook each contribute columns of reading matter of vital importance to every sportsman, while correspondents from all parts of the Dominion forward tho latest items of news from their respective districts. The trotting pages provide a wealth Of reading matter for every light-har-ness enthusiast, and especial interest will centre in Searchlight's comments on tho New Zealand Cup and several interesting articles on Sires of the Season and Trotting Stock in North Canferbnrv written by Miles. Readers will find the "Weekly Press and Referee" a veritable""encyclopaedia on everything connected with sport, and a paper that no sportsman should be without.

RACING APPEALS. Two appeals to tho Racing Conference against decisions of tho Auckland District Committee were dealt with in "Wellington on Monday. The following decisions were given:— In the matter of the appeal ty Lionel Clifford Bristly of Auckland, against tho decision of the Auckland District Committee that the said Lionel Clifford Briorly is guilty of a corrupt practice under the Bule3 of Racing within the meaning of Part XXXII., Rule 1, Clause (g) in that ho, tho said Lionel Clifford Briorly, refused to Bupply information respecting a matter connected with racing, viz.: To exhibit or cause to bo exhibited to tho said District Committee his, the ettid Lionel Clifford Brierly's, bank paes book and pay-in slips for tho pariod Decombor 15th, 1923 to January 31st, 1824, upon being requested to do so, uond for such corrupt practico the said District Committee inflicted the penalty of disqualification under tho Rules Of Racing, for tho term of throo years from the sixteenth day of May, 1024. JUDGMENT.

We are clearly of opinion that this appeal Should be dismissed. It was quite within the powers of tho Auckland District Committee to require Lionel Clifford Brierly to produco , before them evidence of tie payments made by him into his bank acoount during tho crucial period involved in tho charge brought against him. It was not only evidence relevant to the charge but might well have been conclusive as to his guilt or innocence. Moreover, it was evidence which in one form or other a Court of Law would be entitled and indeed_ bound to require to be brought before it. "Wo think it perfectly illusory for Mr Brierly to say that the production of the evidence was caloulat«l to injure his business or otherwise operate to his detriment. Our view is that if Mr Brierly wero innocent of the chargo thero was no reason why he should have declined to produce tho required evidence. We have takes into consideration tho disqualification imposed, and having regard to all the circumstances disclosed in the evidence, wo se« no roason to interfere with tho decision which . tho District Committoe have arrived at. Wo therefore affirm their decision, and order tho deposit to be forfeited. (Signed) C. P. SKERRETT,

"WM. E. BIDWILL, . 0. S. WATKINS, Judges.

"Wellington, September 15th., 1924. , In the matter of the appeal by Racecourse Inspector Cullon against the decision of tho Auckland District Committee in regard to tho enquiry into charges niado against Lionel Clifford Brierly that the eaid Lionel Clifford Brierly made wagers with bookmakers in connexion with the running of his horse Vaccination, thereby committing a breach of Part XV., Rulo 13, and Part XXXII., cf the Rules of Racing-. JUDGMENT. W© are of opinion that wo have no jurisdiction to hear or determine this Appeal. In our judgment, Racecourso Inspector Cullen is' not a person aggrieved by tho decision of the Auckland District Committee. Under the Racecourse Inspectors By-laws or Regulations so far as they are relevant to this matter tho powers of a Racecourse Inspector aro expressly confined to investigating any matter which in his opinion calta tor investigation and reporting thereon to the president of the Conference and certain otiheff •Rnajing' Author.iti/3. when tbase duties have been performed his responsibilities cease, and he is not concerned in or affected, by tho decision which a District Committee" may arrive at upon any matter reported by him. (Signed) C. P. SKERRETT, WM. E. BIDWII.L, 0. S. WATIvINS, Judges.

Wellington, September loth, 1024. NORTH CANTERBURY RACING CLUB. In consequence of an alleged irregularity in tho conduct of the business at the annual general meeting of the North Canterbury Racing Club, held on July 25th, tho secretary was advised by tho Canterbury District Committee that it would be necessary to hold the annual meeting again. Th© meeting was held at Rangiora last night, Mr G. Cudby, acting-president, presiding over a. large attendance.

Tho chairman explained that the irregularity occurred through members being elected at tho annual meeting instead of by the committee. Ho then moved that the business transacted at ine annual general meeting held on July 25th bo rescinded owing to the formalities not being in accordance with tho rules of tho club as pointed out by the Canterbury District Committee. Mr A. J. Tutton seconded tho motion, which was ctrried. Tho same officers as were previously elected at tho informal meeting were again appointed in accordance with tho rules of the club. A motion pasaed at the previous meeting in regard to the holding of a race ball was affirmjed.

Lovers of cats formerly found the Forum of Trajan (in Rome), a doubly interesting spot, because of the hundreds of cats to be seen perched on, or hunting in, the ruins. During recent hot weather one cat went mad and rushed about biting other cats. By the time the authorities were induced to move it seemed as if almost all tho cats in the Forum were stricken with hydrophobia. The municipal office decided to pour heavy asphyxiating gases into the Forum to silenco the sufferers. Now there are no cats in the Forum.

1 RICCARTON TRAINING I NOTES.

Yesterday was dull and cold and a strong breeze from the north-eaßt made it iard for horses in the ran home at tho finish of their gallops. Tho No, 6 grass track was open for fast wort; ii -ras in good order. The Polyaroian, who was the first oat, was given hall pace work on tho plough, which is etill deep ar.d heavy Luoinette was galloped seven furlongs, being brought home by Hyperion over the last half mile The first four furlongs waa run in 513, and the seven in lm £9 4.53, which waa a satisfactory performance, for the Martian filly was galloping on at the conclusion of it. Tarleton bowled along for eix furlongs with a feather-weight up, and completed his task without any difficulty in lm 17 l-sa, having pono at an even paco all the way, as the first three furlongs was covered in 38 3-ss. "Wild Hind sprinted half a mils on tha plough with a small boy up. Te Anau Lad, who was carrying nearly OBt, sprinted live furlongs from a flying start in lm 2 4-ss, and did it comfortably: this son of Gay Lad has a nice turn of speed, and would have won races before this if he could begin a little faster from a standing start. Deucalion and Kscirpment galloped six furlongs together from a racing start in lm 16 4-sb. .Both geldings were carrying little boys, and Deucalion had his opponent in trouble two furlongs from the winning post, but ho might not have done so had they gone from a stand. Palestrina and Tresham were companions in a solid work out over six furlongß. Tresham, who had about 101b the more weight up, got abont a length's advantage at the jump from a galloping start, but Palestrina was level with him- at tho end of three furlongs done in 37s r and she had his measure from there on, eventually winning by noarlv a length, the time being lm 16 l-ss. It wbs a good performance on the part of tlie Clarenceux mare, who kept on going for a good two furlongs after passing the winning post. Solfello and the Clarenceux—Hornbeam youngster sprinted half a mile and Lord Leslie had a two-year-old by Gay LadCarol Singer, called Gay Melody, as a companion over the first two furlongs of six run in fair time. Footfall was not doing Ma best while running six furlongs in lm 18 3-ss, the first threo furlongs being left behind in 39 2-Es. Kadiac and Relic finished fifty yards ahead of Carpentier in a sprint over five furlongs that took them im S 1-Ss. Limelight was not all out to run a mile in lm 455, tho last three of which took 395, and Jubilant gave Gay Queen weight and a beating over six furlongs in lm 17 l-se. ■Both were doing their beet. Pilliewinkic wae given a' working gallop once round, while Ophir, Last Dart, and Moorland with welter weights Up, galloped six furlongs together in lm 17s, and did it very nicely. Dame Straitlaoc was never off her bit while galloping seven furldnjs, the last bLx being run in lm 13 2-se, and Bonito, carrying a light weight, and brought home by Hi's Majesty, pleased by running eix furlongs in lm 15 4-ss. Starmist, carrying under 7st /lb, galloped six furlongs in lm 17 l-3s, without being kicked up to her work: tho first three furlongs took 375. Kcnmorc daehed over five furlongs, carryimr all of Bst 7lb, in lm 3 3-sa, and Giantkiller was too good for Lava, over the eame ground in lm 4s. Tiff, carrying a small boy, was given a rousing gallop over a mile, and Tetttpa sprinted five furlongs in lm 4 4-Ss. Fresco was given 6trong three-quarter paco work, and Princo Ferouz gave Count Oavour a lump of weight, took the outeide running, and beat him decisively over six furlongs, his times being three furlongs 37s 1-SS, and full journey Lm 16s. Winkie's Best and Boadioea could have done a little better than the 51s they took to sprint half a mile. Cerberus was never done pulling' whflo running seven furlongs in lm 31 4-ss, and Kukume beat Chickwbeat comfortably over eix furlongs, run from a galloping start with light weights up in lm 16 l-sa. Markie was given a working gallop, and Le Fort, who was brought homo by Votist, galloped a mile with nearly lOst up in lm 48s. _ _ . Owlscombo was too good for Deep Drive over half a mile, and Gay Lassie beat Red Kriss comfortably over five furlongs. A number of green horses were jumped out from the five furlong and a few of them galloped down to tho winning post; of them Bed Wink was too good for lulcannich, and Retrospect, who appeared to have an advantage in the weights, was better than Rich Prize. Sayonara was easily too good for Bonnywood in a gallop over six furlongp that took lm 19 2-5s and Clareina carried about Bst to tho end of seven furlongs in lm 30s. She was running on strongly at the finish and it was a useful performance. Revel beat Grim Joke comfortably in a short sprint, and En Route was given etrong pace work on tho plough. Winning Hit and Barn Owl returned from Wanganui yesterday. Cumbrae, who is now held under lease from Mr W. Deans by R. Sutherland, has resumed work, and was doing steady pace work on the plough. Sho is. growing into a nice filly. On Monday Wharfedalo and Grim Joko schooled together over four flights of hurdles. They finished together, though Wharfedale lost ground at every fence.