SPORTING.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 18671, 21 April 1926, Page 12

SPORTING.

RACING FIXTURES. A;nil it, 22—Manawatu K.C# Autumn. April 25—'Waipapakauii R.C. Annual. April 21 Whangarei R.C. Autumn. April 28 and 29—South Canterbury J.C. Autumn. Apjil .TO, May I—Hawke's Bay J.C. Autumn. Jl«y I—Nelson J.C. Autumn. .May 1, 3—W.iikato R.C. Autumn. May s—Wavrrley R.C. Winter, May 7, B—Marlborough II.C. Autumn. May ft~Ambcrley R.C. Annual. (At Riccirton.) May 13, 15—TCgmonl R.C. Wintfr. May 16—North Canterbury R.C. Autumn. May 20, 22—WanRanui J.C. Winter. June I, 3, s—Dunedin J.C. Winter. June 3, s—Otaki-Mnori R.C. June 3, .■), 7—Auckland R.C. Winter. TROTTING FIXTURES. April 31—Ashbnrton T.C. Autumn. April 30, May I—Forbury Park T.C. Winter. May 'J2—Oaniaru T.C. Winter. June 3, s—Canterbury Park T.C. Winter. June 12—Anhburton T.C. June 19, 23—Auckland T.C. TURF GOSSIP. Acecptauces for the South Canteiburyjockey Club's Autumn Meeting close on Friday, April !23rd. Nominations for tho Amberley I!.icing Club's Annual Meeting, for the Egmont Itacing Club's Winter Meeting, and for the Auckland Racing Club's Winter Meeting (principal events) close otv Friday, April 23rd. Blue Hall (E. Shaw) gave a good display over two rounds of tho steeplechase fences ah Iticcarton yesterday morning.

The track work at Riccarton yesterday morning was restricted to half and three-quarter pace work. In view of the South Canterbury fixture on Wednesday and Thursday of next week, the Riccarton horses engaged will bo indulged in more solid work during the next few days.

This week's issue of the "Weekly Press and Referee" which will be on sale to-day, contains much of interest to all sportsmen. In the racing section Wayfarer covers the racing at Trentham last week, and Spectator, Antisthenes, and The Rook comment on current topics. Correspondents in all tho provincial districts supply notes of happenings therein, and there are also a number of articles of value on breeding subjects. In the trotting pages Miles relates a visit to Mr E. X. Lelievre's stud farm at Akaroa, and Searchlight tells of things seen at Ellesmere, and reviews the prospects or the runners engaged' at Ashburton. In tha general section there is much that will be found of interest by all participants in outdoor games. Two of the best contested races at the Wellington Racing Club's Autumn Meeting were the High-Woight Handicaps each day. There were eight starters on Thursday, and nine on Saturday; and thera was large speculation on the totalisator; for both events. It njust now be apparent to any racing club that the inclusion-of'such handicaps at tho Autumn Meetings, in preference to hurdle races, is quite justifiable. There seems to. be a hoodoo on the favourite for the A.J.O. Sires' Produce Stakes, as Heroio was favourite in ■1924, and was,loft at the post (says ''Cardigan"). Manfred was first choice last year, and was also left, and on Saturday Ratnpion, the elect of backers, was left, losing 9 'furlong. Next year backers will be wondering whether the first favourite will be left again. li> is a remarkable coincidence, and it is unfortunate that such a trio of good colts should lose the chance of competing for such a great prise. Mention s wa>' recently made of the hard racing exacted from Pilliewinkie during tho present autumn in being called upon to contest, eight racesfour at Fleinington hnd four at Randwick—the combined distances attached ' to which amounted to fourteen njiles and a-quarter. Carbine's record in the autumn of 1889- —at which period he ranked as a three-year-old—can be very justifiably cited when hard-worked racers are under discission. At the period named 10 races .were exacted from Carbine—five at plemington and a similar number at. Randwick—the combined distances 'of which reaohed to, eighteen miles and a-half. Carbine won seven of the ten races comprising the bunch indicated above. A brace of seconds and a third position comprised the remaining three events. By his exploits »t {he Australian Jockey Club's Autumn Meeting, Heroic's winnings are raised fo £32,474, and he now ranks as third on the list of 'winners, in Australia., He is within £4417 of Eurythmic's total, and if he trains on properly, should win that amount. It-is doubtful, however, if h<j will beat Gloaming's record of £48,100, but a* the weight-for-age races in Australia carry Buoh valuable stakes, he still has the opportunity of adding, severs! thousands to his record. Up-to-date Heroic has contested 38 races and has won 28.'

TKe fourth place in the list of Australian winners has been taken by Windbag, whose record was raised to £31,576 by, his efforts at the recent A.J.C. Meeting. A feature of Windbag's position is that in the 30 races he has contested to date, ho has captured prise-money on no less than 22 occasions.

"When Income contested the Trentham (Jold Cup on Saturday last, it marked his 108 th race. The veteran Guianforto gelding has 26 victories to his credit, and stake-money to tho amount of £13,130. ,

The Manawatu Racing Club's Autumn Mooting will open at Awapuni to-day, and bo coneludod tomorrow. ,Tho principal events on to-day's programme aro the Princo of Wales Handicap, Awapuni Gold Cnp, and Sires' Produce Stakes. In tho first-named Tace, the largo number of 26 havo accepted, including a doien winnors of recent races. Hipo showed by his Wellington runniug that ho is getting to tho top of his form, and his chanco over nino furlongs will bo favourably considered. Tho Thorn, Piuthnir, Phoenix Park, and Zaragoza havo all got form to recommend them, while the two top-weights —Ngata and Glenrosa—will all carry public support. The Awapuni Gold Cup will bo the means of Eeremoana aud Grand Knight again measuring strides, but they will both have to bo at thoir beat to withstand the opposition of Rapine, wljo is, at the present time, in as good racing trim as atany part of his career. Gold Light did not niovo too soundly on returning to the birdcage after nor hard effort in'tho Trentham Gold Cup, but'if that race has not affected her, she must bo a serious proposition. Count Cavour has not made the trip, and tho only other starter will be Mask, who finished in front of Count Cavour and Income at Trentham. The routest will be. tho star attraction of the Mooting, and it is difficult to conjecthro which candidate will bo the favourite selection. Rapine's good performance at tho Wellington Meeting will not, howover, bo forgotten by .those-who witnessed it, and Mr Williams's gelding will,-most likely finish ttp: m the actual favourite, with Grand and "Eeremoana next in demand.

The spriut ovent, the Telegraph Handicap, will see most of those engaged at Wellington again produced, including Inferno, Civility, Merry Jest, Los Ambus, Father O'Flynn, Arclicen, Kaiti, Santonio, and Misgovern. Civility appears to 1)0 a first day performer, ami site should again be supported, as thero is no doubt sho is very fast over pi x furlongs. Merry Jest ran two creditable races at Wellington, aiul was very close to the winner in the Suburban Handicap on Saturday. It would not be surprising to sec Mr Glceson's mare go out favourite today, while there will be money for Oration, Father O'Flynn, and Killocra.

Commendation will invest the Sires' Produce Stakes with interest, and will have tlio opportunity of avenging his defeat by Limerick at Riccartou. Much has been said in regard to that race, ami many critics aver that had Commendation not run wile in tlie straight lie would have won easily. Other opinions state that 1 lio big gelding was stopping a little when the seventh furlong was entered upon, and resented Goldfinch's reminder by swerving away from the rails. He certainly appeared to be catching Limerick as the post was reached, but the hitter's pilot stopped riding a few yards from tlio lino. Limerick de>ervcd every credit for his great finish, and when ono learns from a horseman of Emerson's calibre that Limerick would have vanquished Commendation in tlio Champagne Stakes on the first, day if he had got away on even terms with Mr Gaisford's gelding, there is reason to believe that even had Commendation kept his course, Limerick would still have proved the victor in the seven-furlong classic. The battle to-day will decide which is the better of the two Limoud geldings over the distance. Lysandcr must of course be troublesome to both, and the three mentioned will probably absorb the public, money on the totalisator. Due to penalties, Commendation and Lysandcr will cacli carry and Limerick 8 10.

The yearling colt by Limoiid from Ilose Queen, therefore lialf-brotlier to The Thorn, has been nnmed lianui. He was purchased by Mr W. Duncan at Mr G. M. Ctirrie's sale in February last. It is understood that the South Island-owned Enaro, who competed unsuccessfully at the Canterbury Easter Mooting, will in futuro bo traiuod by Q. Cox at Hawcra, whoso stablo also shelters Keremoana and Lady Cavendish.

Royal Divorce and Fool's Paradise have had ;i good amount of racing during tho ' Canterbury and Wellington Meetings, and their connexions decided on Monday to withdraw them from all engagements at tho Manawitu Meeting. Apropos the unpleasant experience of a racehorso, owner missing a sum of money after leaving Wellington on Saturday, an incident related by an Australian exchange is worthy of repetition. A small collection of sportsmen were talking about having tilings stolen on racecourses when Eric Connolly "butted in." "Talking about 'pinching,' " ho said, "tho sneak thieves of dear old. England are out on their own. At Epsom they cleared my car of everything, from my hamper to my rugs." "That's nothing," retorted "Dick" Wootton. "Why, going to Doncaster one day I had 53 articles stolen from the suit I was wearing." "You must have been asleep," replied Connolly, incredulously. "No chance," Dick came back. "They 'fanned' me for my pack of cards and a corkscrew." TROTTING NOTES. Acceptances for the Forbury Park .T.C.'s Winter Meeting close on Friday at 5 p.m. Satisfactory nominations have been, received by the Nelson J.C. for the two trotting events at its Autumn Meeting. The list totals 30 as against 43 for five flat events. "H. Gaskill is "keeping Little Logan, Satin Princess, and Randolph up to the collar and tho trio bear a welltrained appearance. At Addington yesterday Little Logan worked, two miles in his best style, Nourmahal assisting him over the last mile, and both norses finished on terms, the time being good. Logan Lad is > pacing in his best sty\e r and was responsible for a pleasing effort over a mile and a half at headquarters yesterday. N. Burgess had the hopples on Bessie Logan yesterday and she, showed up sufficiently well to suggest that she should not be long in returning to ' form. Don Wild is doing prior to being put into strong work. His stable mate Locanda Mac is still running in the paddock, but is expected to resume work in the near future. 1 ' Ashley Dillon is a recent addition f® N. L. Prioe's team. Rosie Nut has left R. B. Berry's stable and is now under the.care of C. Donald. The. Invercargill trainer, A. Matheson, haa a useful team in work at Rorke's Drift Locjge. and will assist at Forbury Park with Exotic, Underviewer, Lenamhor, Moor Chimes, and Macaranda. Acron will jiot fulfil his engagements at the Forljury Park T.C.'s Winter Meeting. D. Withers has received advice that •Great Bingen was expected to leave Melbourne yesterday and he should arrive home next weet. The son of Nelson Bingen and Berthn Belle is at the head of the list of winning horses for the season with • £4015, which, together with £BOO won at Perth, makes a record total of £4815. Waitaki Girl is being kept in work and will assist at Canterbury Park in June.

N.Z. TROTTING CUP.

TIGHTENED TWO SECONDS. At a meeting of tlio Committee of the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club yesterday, ifc was decided that tlio next New Zealand Trotting Cup will bo for horses that have done or been handicapped to do 4.28 or better, which is two seconds tighter than last year. Among the horses eligible are:— Acron Queen's Own Great Bingen Onyx Logan Lou Princo Pointer Don AVild ' Sheik Locanda Mac Ahuriri Nelson Derby Great Hop© Minton Derby Dolly Dillon Pedro Pronto imprint Logan Chief Black Admiral Away Alto Chimes Jack Potts First Carbine Waitaki Girl Dclavan's Quest £IOO FOR A FAST MILE. (rSESS ASSOCIATION TELIOBAM.) DUNEDIN, April 20. At a special meeting of the Forbury I'ark Trotting Club Committee to-day, it was decided to offer a purse of £IOO for the horse that can do the best time inside 5.7 2-5 in trials on the second day of the "Winter Meeting. Notification of intention to compete is to b« given before Saturday next, and each competitor is to give an undertaking that his horse will 6tart.

AT AWAPUNI. PROSPECTS FOR TO-DAY. (special to "thb mess") PALMERSTON" NORTH, April 20. The weather has been beautiful in Palmcrston North to-day, and there is every indication that it will remain tine for the opening of the Manawatu Racing Club's Autumn Meeting tomorrow. The course is in splendid order, and carries such a good sole of grass that ther.c should be no complaints regarding its quality. The Meeting is being looked forward to with an uuusunl amount of interest. With two such events as the Manawatu Sires Produce Stakes and the Awapuni Gold Cup, to-morrow's card possesses very .strong attractions. In the former event, general opinion regards the issue as lying between Lvsander and Commendation, with Limerick as their most dangerous opponent. Lysandcr has shown himself a particularly brilliant galloper, and so lias Commendation, but unless the latter runs straightcr than lie did at Eiccarton in the Challenge Stakes, Lysandcr will probably beat him. Previously the Sires I'roducc Stakes has been run over six furlongs, but tnis season the distance has been increased to seven furlongs, so that it will afford a genuine test of staying ability.

There were six acceptors for the Awapuni Gold Cup, but Count Cavour will lie an absentee, and thero is some doubt as to whether Gold Light will be a starter. If the pace is solid all the way, .Rapine should outstay the others, but if it is slow in the early stages it may resolve itself into a match between Grand Knight and Reremoana. The Prince of Wales Handicap has a big list of twenty-six acceptors, but this number will be reduced by one or two defections. Hipo and The Thorn showed attractive form at Trentham. Degagc and Tiuthair may also have to be reckoned with.

ASHBURTON T.C. ACCEPTANCES. . The following acceptances hare been received tor the Ashbu'rton Trotting Club'a Meeting:—

MANAWATU SCRATCHINGS. , (PSESS JSSOCIXTIOB tILEGBAU.) PALMEKSTON NORTH, April 30. The following scratching* aTO announced by th« Menawatu Racing Club:— All engagements—Otauru, Eclipse, Gold Light, Father O'Flynn, Count Cavour, Los Ambus. First day engagements—Good Sport, Othon. Sires' Produce Stakes—Limited. Prince of Wales Handicap—Piuthair.

IMPROVERS' HANDICAP (in harness , of 150 sov ljm. Zenith scr Rambler Rose scr l'ointerwood scr Electric Huon .. scr Hard Knocks scr Audubon Lad .. scr Sadie Huon scr Nagol Pointer .. 12 Wee Gus scr Audalie .. . 12 Kelburn scr Jolly Roger .. 24 Beach King ' scr Rufine 36 Locauda Child scr Coinage 36 Acre scr Jimmy Chimes 36 Daytime scr Drake 48 Riwaru ., scr Our Bird 48 Haydock scr Jingal 60 ALLENTON HANDICAP (in harness), of 150 SOVS. ljm. Lucy Patch ,. For unhoppled trotters. scr Wee Patch 60 Peter Felix .. scr Lady Alva 60 Wahinepai .. scr Little Johnnie 84 The, Thistle .. scr Diameter 84 Kempton ... scr Falrlight 84 Blazer Wilson scr Corwar : .. 120 Gold Digger .. 24 Pstard ,. 120 Zelicft 24 Some Jazx 144 Red Bell 48 Korakl 168 DURBAR HANDICAP (in harness), of 400 sovs. 4,38 class,' Two miles , Bing Boy scr Cardinal Logan 36 Sea Pearl ,. scr Audominion 48 Granite City .. scr Dalnahine •. 48 Wharepiana .. 24 Harold BurTrenand .. 24 wood •• 48 Silk Thread .. 24 Succession .»» 48 Judge Hancock 86 Event ». 60 Becky Logan .. 36 Talent .. 72 Fight Ever ... 36 Countryman • • 72 HARVEST HANDICAP (in saddle), o£ 150 SOTS. 2.57 class. Hm. Direct Tod scr Whakuku ... 12 Honour Bright Scr Winnie Dillon 12 Wastewood ., scr Vera's Doll .. 12 Kulnine scr Direct Wood .. 24 Lyonwood .. scr Morning Glow.. 24 Huon Denver .. scr King Sandy .. 24 Bon Pang ., scr Henry Logan ., 24 Wild Pigeon .. scr. Four Bells ». 36 Glenaray .. ecr Why Worry •* 36 Stan Wilkes .. scr Tarzan ». 48 Gibraltar scr Nipper ... 48 Henry Tracey ., 12 AUTUMN HANDICAP (in harness), of 175 sovs. 4.55 class. 2m. Col en e. Pointer acr Mooney «. 60 Betty's Boy .. scr Newcourt *• 60 Locanda Child scr . Logan Maid *• 60 Harry Locanda scr Kibiringi »« 60 Ivor .. 12 Tennessee's Ariki .,. 36 Child w 84 Jingal , .. 36 Huon Denver .. 96 Dillon Gold *• 36 Dusky Pointer 108 Rosethorne .. 36 Ayr .. 144 Ashley Dillon.. 60 UTILITY HANDICAP (in harness), of 150 sovs. For unhoppled trotters. 5.2 class. 2m. m Lucy Patch scr Nelson Ata **- 73 Gold Digger .. scr Wee Olga *« 84 Peter Felix .. scr Nourmahal *• 84 Lord Tracey ., scr Wire . m. 96 Cavanah .. scr Patard *« 96 Wildbine 12 Tim Wood *. 96 Sea Queen 48 Randolph *. 144 Grand Nature 48 Kelman ■*, 168 Little * Johnnie 60 Koraki •». 168' Brigand 60 RAKAIA HANDICAP (in harness), of 225 sovs. 3.52 class. Hm. Blng Boy , ,. scr Nantwich .. 24 Bingen Lad ». scr Trenand . • 24 Ramaroa ., scr Fight Ever .. 36 Billy Whizz .. scr Event ■30 Berenice- .. scr Tommy .Direct 36 Hydaspes .. scr Succession 36 Harley Dillon .. scr St. Maura 48 Daphne WildTalent 48 wood .. 12 Harold BurWharepiana 12 wood .. 48 Judge Hancock 24 Gleaming .. 60 Prin<!e Lyons .. 24 FAREWELL HANDICAP (in saddle), of 150 sovs. 2.20 class. lm.. Newcourt .. scr Four Bells .. 12 Wastewood scr Haunui „ 12 Direct Wood ., scr Why Worry .. 12 Pan Yan scr Nipper ,* 24 Winter Audubon scr Bing Boy «• 24 Jean Vue scr Shine Soon »» ■ 24 Winnie Dillon scr Lord Bingen ». 36 Vera's Doll .. scr Joyful .. 86 St. Fillan scr Rosie Nut >• 48 Stan Wilkes .. scr Latona «fc 60 Lincoln Huon .. 12 —