ORATRIX WINS

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 19459, 5 November 1928, Page 13

ORATRIX WINS

Cup Day at Riccarton

SURPRISE IN WELCOME STAKES Stewards' Handicap To Silvermine

•pHK Canterbury Jockey Club's Metropolitan Meeting was opened at Riccarton oh Saturday in doubtful weather. Early in the afternoon the prospects of the weather remaining fine did not look good, but only a few light showers fell, which did,not in any way affect the enjoyment of the day's programme. The attendance 'was exceptionally large—probably the biggest on a Cup Day-for many years past. The totalisator investments for the day* .amounted to £61,919. as compared with £G5,009 on the opening day twelve months ago, representing a decrease of £3590.

The. contest for. the New. Zealand Cup was not of an interesting nature, as Hoylake spread'eagled the: field. over the greater. part of the journey, but tho finish between the three i best supported of the field aroused much enthusiasm. The success of the favourite Oratrix was deservedly po'pular and she and her rider received a rousing reception on returning to scale. The second horse, Rapier, who narrowly missed winning the event twice in succession, and 'also establishing a weigh-carrying record, was also accorded an ovation for his noble effort. At the conclusion of the race, the gold cup attached to the stake was handed to the owner of the . winner, Mr R. J. Murphy, of Wellington, by Mrs Gould wife of the chairman of the club, Mr George Gould. TJhe Welcome Stakes was responsible for a surprise victory by Mr G< v. Greenwood's colt Honour, who was making r his first appearance , under silk. Built on solid lines, he was.not raced earlier in the season, and/ although his presence in the field created a certain amount of interest, owing to tho record price paid for him as a yearling, he was not considered to b® "far enough advanced to have much prospect against his more seasoned opponents, and, in consequence, he paid a dividend of proportions not often associated with the Mason stable. The Stewards' Handicap did not provide the close contest anticipated, as Silvermine and Childsplay sorted themselves out f roro the field in the straight and the finish was confined to them. The winner, Tho claims that consistent galloper, Silver Link, as her dam, had been executing attractive work prior to the Meeting/ and there were many North Island visitors who participated in her double figure return. The Chokebore representative, ChildsplayJ made a bold bid to record the first success", of Sir. George Clifford .in. ..the popular six furlong event, and only failed by a narrow margin. The remaining; events attracted good fields, and. on the whole/the day's racing' was well up to the standard 'of recent years. ... The management' of the programme left nothing to be desired, and all details were carried out without a hitch of any kind; ■ * . ' The following are the details of the racing:— ■

SPRING" HURDLE HANDICAP, of 400 bovs;

second 80; third 40. . 2m. 4. Mrs T. B. ; Dwan's b g BEAUMONT by' Bohiform —Northern Rose aged 10-5 .. .. A. G. Campbell 1 1. S. G. Davidson's br g 'Nukumai aged v 12-9 .. .. W. J. Bowden 2 5. J. M. Samson's br g Carinthla 4yrs 9-9 * F. Thompson 3

3: Nucleus 10-9 A. .McDonald; • 2 Lad 10-2 E.. Shaw; 1 Nine of Spades 9-9 G. Salt; 6 Troilus- 9-4 I. Tiison also started. Nino' of Spades ' and Diana's. Lad were out in (rout together unjil crossing tho top, •where-Nine of Spades dropped back, and Diana's Lad took charge from Troilus, Beaumont,, and Carinthla, with Nukumai making a forward move; 'Diaha.'s. Lad led-into the straight, but Carinthia, Beaumont, and Nukumai were'first over tlio last fence. Nukumai had .Beaumont's measure" at the distance, but Beaumont drew tfway to win by three-quar-ters of'a length) with Carinthia four lengths away, .Troilus was- fourth. ; Time, '3.41 4-5. Winner by F.' J. ;Carmont, tfoxton. SPRING PLATE; of' 800'' sovs; second 60, third 30." Special weights, lm. 1. H. Spratt's ch.g MENDIP by Bisogne. , • —loi syrs 8-2 .. T. iietcalf 1 4. .T, A. Duncan's b g Cashier 3yrs 7-7 ■J.'.S.' Potter 2 3. F. E. Shaw's ch f Sarnia 3yrs' 7-2 car. ' 7-3J..." .. H. • Wiggins 3 7 Moorgas 8-2 car.-7-8 C. Broughtoh;. 8 Philippic 8-2 R. Henshaw; 2 Teri 8-2 T, Green; 10 Poetess 7-11 car. 8-2 J D. Cotton; 5 Roscrea 7-7 L. J. Ellis; 6 Lucky. Light 7-2 A. Murray; 9 Bonrosb 7-2 R. Coveny also started. . . Teri and Cashier were first out, and at the six furlong post Bonrose and Teri led from Cashier, Lucky Light, Mendtp, and Moorgas. . Bonrose and Teri were still in command at the top of the straight,' witb Cashier, Lucky Ligtyt, Mend-ip, and Sarnia neit. Mendip drew out at tli» distance and wi'nt an to win.' comfortably by >two lengths frdra Cashier, with .Sarnia half a length further "back. Moorgas was close up fourth.. Time. 1.39 2-5. Winner trained by J. Fryer, Hawera,.

LINWOOD HANDICAP, of 250 sovs; second 50, third 25. 7f. 1. A. Lbuissbu's br c NIGHTMARCH by

Nightraid—Marsa 3yrs 8-10 , - .'' R. Reed 1 3. D. H. Robertß's b g Red Heckle 3yrs 8-3 .. .. .. C. Emerson 2 8. P, Treacy's br g Camisader-syrs 8-5 F. Voight '3

7 Panther 9-4 B. H. Morris; 5 Desert Lad 8-10 R. S. Bagby and Some Lad "7-7" A. Messervy 'bracketed; '2 Denier 8-5 L. A. Pine; 4 Silver Rule 8-4 A. McOormac; 6 Pound Noto 8-2 J. Barry and Phastar 8-1 P. Ptfwell bracketed; 9 Rigmarole 7-9 T. Green; 10 Freezeout 7-6 A. Fratus; 12 Impertinence 7-4 ,W; Brown; 11 Tembroney 7-3 L. J. Ellis; 13 Bank Draft 7-0. R. Coveny: 14 Corsetiere 7-0 C. Eastwood also started. At the far turn Silver Rule and Denier led,from Red Heckle and Nightmarch, and turning' for home Denier was in command from Red Heckle, Silver Rule, and Nightmarch. Nightmarch and Red Heckle drew away from the remainder when on the cou " e proper, Nightmarch winning by half a lenetn. with Camisader five lengths away. m . Tem ' broney was fourth. Time, 1.27.. Winner trained by A. McAulay, Riccarton..

SEW ZEALAND CUP HANDICAP, of 2000 sovs, inc. gold cup value 300 nova; second 400, third -200. 3m. • ■ , 1. R. J. Murphy's b m ORATRIX by Kilbroney—Oratress syrs 7-1 ... , L. J. Elba 1 2. G. G: Holmes's b h. Eapier by Grey- - spear—Anitea aged 9-fl J. Campbell - 3. Dr. M. G. Louissoh's gr h Hoylake (imp.) by Poltava—Loch Ahoy syra 7-0 C. Eastwood 3 12.-J. S. Barrett's ch g Count Cavour aged 9-0 ■'.. .. A. E. Ellis 0 7. W. T. Hazletfa b g Beacon Light 6yra 8:7 .... .. F. Waddell 0 8. Dr. J. E, Rogers's b m Set Sail aged 7-13. .. .. ..P. Powell 0 4. J. A. Ainge's b g Pink Note Gyrs 7-7 > car. 7-85 .. .. T. Green 0 5. W. H. Bailinger's b g Black Mint 6yrs 7-5 .... T. Metcalf 0 6.R. M. Greenslade's br g Rotor 4yra 7-0 A. Eastwood 0 10. A".. E. Patrick's b'g Shining Armour ' aged 7-0 car. 7-3 .. H. Wiggins 0 9. R. Miller's b m Lucv Locket oyns 7-0 D Kerr 0 11'. H. Gardiner's b g Beau Geste 6yrs 7-0 R. Coveny .0 Hoylake and Beau Geste were the first cut, „and passing the stands Hoylake was clear of Bean Geste, Rotor, Shining Armour, Oratrix," Lucy Locket, and Eapier., Entering tho back, Hoylake incrcised his lead to over ten lengths, with the others unchanged. .Passing the. .'sue 'furlong pbstf Hoylake still held his advantage but crossing the top the field began to close on him.: Entering the' straight Hojlake was' just clear

of Beau Geste, Shining Armour, Rotor, Oratrix. and' Eapier, but Oratrix had his measure at tho distance post, with Bapicr making a good run. Kapior could not roach Oratrix, who. beat him by a baro length, with Hoylake half a length further hack. Beau Geste wa3 fourth. Time, 3.27 1-5. Winner trained by H. B. Lorigan, Heretaunga.

WELCOME STAKES, of 700 sovs; eecond 140;- third 70;' For two-year-olds;/colts and geldings 8-5; fillies. 8-0.. 6f. 5. G. D. Greenwood's ch o HONOUR by Limond—Homage . ... A. E. Ellis 1 1.. J. Faulks' b f Aspiring by Some Boy ; ll.—Silver Peak ' '■ ;.: C, Emerson 2 3. G. J. Barton's blk'g'Gold'Tinge'>y.' Paper Money—Vicereine' • • T, Green-' 3 4.F. Armstrong's be Admiral Drake" by Chief Eulei—Tame Duck

2. W. T. Hazlett's b f Speed Light by Paper Moneys-Simper , . J. Barry 0 7. J. McLaughlin's br o. First Money by Paper Money—Peronilla .. R. Reed 0 8. H. Divers's ch' g Stealth .by Nightraid —Bendown -..'... F., 'Voight 0 6. R. M. Greenslade's b f Fraricolin by Paper Money—Philomela T. Metcalf 0 Aspiring'and. Firat Money were the' smartest to begin. Aspiring led on, to the course proper from Speed Light, Gold' Tinge, First Money, and Honour. •At the. false rail, Honour came through oh. tie fence, and went on to win comfortably ,by ,a length and a half from Aspiring, witA Gold Tinge a ..head., away. : Admiral- Brak? -was fourth., Time. 1.1 2-5. Winner trained;by It. J. and P. V.", Meson, Ric'carton. 1 '':".*

.APPRENTICES' HANDICAP, of 250 sots; second 50, thira 25. lm. 1 J J Cony's oh c RABBI by Paladin—- '•■ Rachel 3yrs 7-1 car 7-6 T. "Webster 1 10 F. Williams oo ' B btg Amor iyrs 8-3 car. 7-12 •• •• Pascoc 2 3 \Y| Parsons'a b m Waterlow 6yrs 8-2 ' " • P. Adlam 3 2 Quarterdeck 9-0 R. Chisholin; 5 Smithereens 7-13 B. Brown; 4 Zeuxis 7-12 K. Voitre; il Wreath of Myrtle 7-2 L. Woodford- 9'All Comment 7-1 car. 7-0 N Dwyer; 6 Pride 7-1 R- Henshaw; 7 Calamine 7-1 car 7-7 C. Broughton; 13 Uproar 7-0 R. McCann; lfi The Viscount 7-0 car. 7-5 A. Murrar; 3 Royal Flower 7-0 car. 7-5 D. Kerr-" 14 Star Raid 7-0 car. 7-4 M. Gilmore': 12 Thurlow. 7-0 W. Lippingwell also started. ' .

Wate-low Calamine,, Rabbi, Smithereens, Tbe Viscount, and Amor led into the «trai»ht ' At the distance, Rabbi drew out V*A ?n a (food finish,, won. by a length, from *rn«r witVW»t«rlow a length and a half ff«v' Calamine w» fourth. Time, 1.42. Winner trained by \B. Alexander, Blenheim.

STEWARDS' HANDICAP, of 1200 boys; second 240, third 120. 6f. 10. A. Alexander's br g SILVERMINE by Catmint —Silver Link 4yrs 8-4 A. JlcCormac l 6. Sir, George Clifford's b f Childsplay by Autumnus—Helter Skelter 3yrs - 7-11 .. .. .. J. Barry 3 2. H. Cleland's ch'm Bright Glow by j Day Comet—Red Dolly syrs 8-3 B. H. Morris o 3. H. Murphy's b g Cimabue 4yrs 8-13 R. Reed 0 5. W. White's b g Crown Area syrs 8-6 R. S. Bagby 0 11. E. -and M. McPadden's b g Booster . • aged 8-4 ~. .. B. Brodie O 1. J. Faulks's b g Silver Paper 3yrs 8-4 L. A. Pine 0 13. J. R. McKcnzie's b g Money Order • 6yrs 8-1 .. .. A. E. Ellis 0 12. C. G. Dalgety'B b m Paperchase oyrs 7-11 .. .. A. Eastwood O 7. E. W. Collins's br h Arrow Lad 4yrs 7-7 . . . . . . A. Fratus O 8. J. Carter's b g Royal Saxon oyrs 7-6 P. Powell O 14. G. D. Greenwood's b m Golden Armour 4yrs 7-5 .. R. Henshaw O 4. T. A. Duncan's br g Consent 3yrs 7-4 J. S. Potter 0 17. R. J. Murphy's b c Royal Duke 3yrs 7-0 .. ... .. S., Wilson 0 15. A. W. Douglass's ch ni Solrose Oyrs 7-0 .. .. T. Kerr O 9. J. Simmons's be Royal Tractor 7-0 L. J. Ellis 0 16. C. E. Elgar's br f Banket 3yrs 7-0 A. Murray O Silvermine, Consent, and Childsplay were the Smartest to begin, and when heads were turned for home Silvermine was in front from Childsplay, with Consent, Bright Glow, and Cimabue prominent. The first two had the finish to -themselves, Silvermine winning by half -a length, with Bright Glow three lengths away in third place. Crown Area was fourth. Time, 1.11 4-3. Winner trained by J. Brown, Hawera. Winners of the race 3re: —

RICCARTON HANDICAP, of SSO bovs; second 70, third 35. 9f. 2. Mrs G..H. Grigg's.b g FIRST SIGHT by Gay Lad—Snapshot 4yrs 8-9 , A. E. Ellis 1 10: Sir Geo. Clifford's b c Full Feather ■. 3yrs '7-13 car. 7-8 . . R. Chisholra 2 4. A. McAulay's b g Sir .Roy Syrs 8-3 D. Cotton 3 1 Jlandane 9-4 L. G. Morris: 7 Battle Colours 8-12 J. Campbell; 5 Royal Game 8-4 R. Reed; 3 Gay Sonnet 8-3 C. Emerson; 6 Town 'lank-8-1' T. Green and Vaward 7-7 L. 3. Ellis> bracketed: 8 Front Rank .7-8 R. Coycny;9 Vigilance 7-7 car. 7-93 B. Brown; 11 Kilperon 7-7 car. 7-4 T. Webstor; 12 Decoy Bird 7-7 A. Fratus also started. ' Gay Sonnet Vent to the front soon after the start, and passing the seven furlong post ted _ from Vaward. Kilperon, Sir Roy, and Vigilance.; Gay Sonnet was still in front when heads.were turned for home, with Jlandane, Sir Roy, First Sight, and Full Feather handy. ' At the distance First Sight was in charge, and went on to win by a length from Full Feather, with Sir Roy two lengths further back. Mandane 'was fourth.' Time/ 1.54 2-5.' "Winner trained by F. D. Jones, Riccarton. NOTES ON THE RACING. A Veteran Beaten. Nukumai was made a good favourite in the opening event, the Spring Hurdle Handicap, but after running a solid race had to submit to defeat by Beaumont. Diana's Lad, Nine of Spades, and Beaumont comprised the leading division for the first mile, Nukumai tailing the field. Nine of Spades dropped back at the far turn, and Carinthia and Nukumai made forward moves approaching the straight entrance. Carinthia had Diana's Lad beaten going to the last fence, and led from Beaumont and Nukumai. Beaumont jumped to the front oyer the obstacle, and Nukumai challenged him in the run home. It appeared .that the veteran had the measure of his rival inside the distance, but Bqaupjqnt, hard ridden, executed a strong. finishing effort, and gained victory by., three parts of a length. Carinthia was- ,f our lengths away in third place,' a ■ similar distance in front of Troilus, with' Diana's Lad, Nucleus, and Nine of-Spades finishing at intervals. The. winner was allowed to pay a good price in spite of his decisive victory on- the. second day of the Wellington Meeting. Nukumai never allowed the. leaders to get too far away, and when he moved up at the home turn, and was.'up with Beaumont at the last fence, victory for him seemed assured, but weight took its toll at ,the business end.' Carinthia ran a creditable race, but could not sustain the advantage he held turning for home. Diana's Lad also failed to see out tho distance, but Troilus, racing for the first time in the South Island, showed promise, and will be seen to advantage later. Nucleus was always in the rear position, and Nine of Spades only lasted for a mile and a half. Mendip Prevails. The public struck the right one in making Mendip favourite id a good betting pool for the Spring Plate. He was in a - rear position after three furlongs had been covered, but gradually made, up ground, and entered tbe straight in behind Bonroso, Cashier, and Lucky Light. Cashier was in charge commencing the run home, but Mendip threw out a challenge at the distance, and soon had the race in hand, beating Cashier comfortably by two lengths. Sarnia did not get away well, but finished strongly in third place, half a length away from Cashier. Moorgas was a close .fourth, followed by Teri, Lucky Light, Philippic, Boscrea, and Bonrose, with Poetess a bad last. Wellington form was again worth following in the case of Mendip, as he performed consistently at last month s meeting. Cashier ran up to recent track form, and will do better later at the Meeting. Sarnia was unlucky, as there were only two horses behind her after three furlongs had been covered, and she gave the leaders a big break entering the straight. Her finishing efi fort was encouraging in view of her [Oaks engagement. Ten and. Bonrose | showed pace by racing out in front_ _to | the straight entrance, but both dri * t " ed back when headed for home. Lucky Light was also prominent until the distance, but could .no* finish on. Eoscrea waß never within reach of the leading division, and was well back at the finish. Another Favourite. Nightmarch carried the public confidence in the Linwood Handicap and duly prevailed. Silver Rule was the first to show out from the start, Bank Draft and Corsetiere being the last away. Denier joined Silver Knle at the far turn, and this pair were clear of Bed Heckle and Nightmarch at the home bend. Silver Bule lost her position at this stage, and Denier was first to ent.BF Mia o+™«i,* h nn Vpi\ Heckle,

>ughtmarch, and Panther. Denier was done with at the. distance, and Eed Heckle was left in charge, but over the final stages, Nightniarch asserted himself, and in an exciting tussle gained the verdict from Red Heckle by half a length. Camisader finished on the best of the strung out remainder, and gained third money five lengths away from the second horse. The next to finish were Tembroney, Frcezeout, Impertinence, Panther, Desert Lad, Some Lad, and Phastar.

Nightmarch recorded a very impressive win, and the manner in ' which he completed his task, suggested his prospects of contesting the finish of the Derby, Bed Heckle was having his first _ race since he won at his only previous start on the same course in April last. This pair had the race to themselves, and the field behind them were well strung out at the finish. Camisader was not favourably placed early, but put in good work in the straight. Denier was very disappointing after showing every promise to the straight entrance, and Silver Rule also stopped badly, and it transpired she had broken a blood vessel during the running. The New Zealand Cup. The field for the New Zealand Cup was closely inspected during the parade, and an extensive betting pool was recorded. Tho public displayed sound judgment in making their selections as the placegetters finished in the order supported. Oratrix was always the favourite selection, carrying £2700, Rapier being next with slightly over £2OOO, only £7O ahead of Hoylake. From a good dispatch, the field were bunched until tho straight entrance was reached, where Hoylake rushed to the front, and passing the stands the first time was well clear of Beau Geste, Rotor, Shining Armour, Oratrix, Lucy Locket, Rapier, and Pink Note. Hoylake increased his lead going out of the straight, and entering the back Btretch was fully ten lengths in front of Beau Geste, and Shining Armour, together with Rotor, Oratrix, Pink Note, and Rapier next. The English horse maintained his advantage to the far turn, where the field showed signs of closing on him, but rounding the home bend, he went away again, and led into tho straight from Beau Geste, Shining Armour, Rotor, and Oratrix. Hoylake displayed distress signals when headed for the post, and Oratrix had his measure before the distance post was reached. Rapier, who was in the middle of the field at the commencement of the home run, executed a great finishing run and set off after the leader. He showed promise of overhauling her a hundred yards from the post, but Oratrix, under her light impost, was able to keep her advantage and passed, the post with a bare length's advantage. Hoylake weakened over the closing stages, and was beaten into third place by a short length. Beau Geste was fourth, another length away, and then came Rotor, Pink Note, Shining Armour, Beacon . Light, Set Sail, Lucy Locket, and Black Mint with Count Cavour the last to cross the line. As was generally anticipated, Oratrix was favoured with her light weight, and saw out the distance in a convincing manner, thus emulating the performance of her dam, Oratress, who prevailed in 1920, under the impost of 8-7. She was, however, thoroughly extended to stave off Rapier, who put up a stubborn fight, after not having the best of passages during the race. He was interfered with by Pink Note at the three furlong post,' when making a for ward' move, and was then not able tc get going again until well into the straight. His finishing run, under tht circumstances, was full of merit, anc stamped him as a solid performer ovei an extreme journey. Hoylake had th< public spell-bound when he cleared away from the field,,, and even at th< straight entrance it did not look pos sible for him to be overhauled, but th( effort told, its tale in the last furlong and he failed to see out the journeyThere was an inclination to blame his rider for the runaway tactics adopted but he was unable to steady his mount who is a 'strong puller when in a galloping mood. If he had prevailed undei the conditions, his performance would have gone down into history as a remarkable one. Beau Geste surprised by always- being in the picture and battling out 'ns task .to the end. Rotoi ran a good.race, without actually threatening danger, but Pink Note and Set Sail disappointed. The latter did not show any glimpse of her usual form. The remainder were never prominent at any part of the race,- the running of Black Mint, and Count Ca.your being very mediocre. The Two-Year-Olds. Captivate, Courtlike, and Duellona were withdrawn from the Welcome Stakes, for which Aspiring was voted the best proposition, ' being entrusted with over seventeen hundred tickets more than invested on the second choice, Speed Light. The result Was one of the biggest surprises in connexion with the classic for some years. The favour ite was the first to show in front at the false rail, her nearest attendants being Speed Light, First Money, Gold Tinge, and Honour. Aspiring had a clear advantage inside the distance, bui Honour slipped through on the rails, and soon placed the issue beyond doubt, beating the favourite by a length and a half. Gold Tinge finished on resolutely, and Aspiring had to be ridder, out to withstand his challenge for sec ond honours. Admiral Drake was nexl a length away, in front;of Stealth, Speed Light, and First Money, witl Francolin last. Honour registered a most creditable performance, especially when it is con sidered he carried more condition thai any of his opponents, and certainlj looked out of place amongst what was considered a seasoned field. As he beal them trader these "conditions, his futurf looks bright, and the big; price, 230 C guineas, paid for him now appears t( have been justified. Aspiring was smarl out of the barrier, and had every chance but was no,match for the winner. Golc Tinge gave a pleasing display, and wil soon regain his Australian form. Ad miral Drake did not run up to expecta tions, but he was slow to get goinf over the early part, and conceded toe much ground to the leaders'at the fals< rail. Stealth was never prominent, while Francolin gave a poor exhibition and evidently is feeling the effects ol earlier efforts. The Apprentices' Handicap. Starshooter and Kulrange were th< only defections from the Apprentices Handicap, and the public sorted out the Blenheim-trained Rabbi as the best pro position, with successful results. Afte) the' field settled down, Waterlow wen! to the front, and led round the far turr from . Calamine, Rabbi, Smithereens The Viscount, and Amor. Waterlow was first into the straight from Rabbi Smithereens, Quarterdeck, and Amor but Rabbi had her beaten inside th< distance, and stalling off a detcrmmec challenge by Amor, who put in good work in the run home, beat him m a hard finish by a neck. Waterlow waf a length and a half away in third place land then came Calamine, Smithereens The Viscount, Quarterdeck, Zeuxis, ane Star Raid. Rabbi ran a good race into third place at the Wellington Meeting and this, coupled with the fact that he hao the services of a more experienced ap prentice than many of those in the race served to make him a seven hundrec ticket better favourite than Quarter-J-..1. A j. ii i 3 x- V-M.J Rahhi rB

the last few strides, but he requires vigorous horsemanship and his pilot was unablo to get the best out of -him. Waterlow was made a lot of use of over the early stages and failed to see out the distance. Smithereenß ran a promising race, and with a stronger pilot will be seen to better advantage during the week. Stewards' Handicap Disappointing. All the acceptors, with the exception of Chelone, who is suffering from an injury to on of his hocks, paraded for the Stewards' Handicap, which resulted in a tussle between Silvermine and Childsplay, who with Consent and Cimabue, were the most prominent from a splendid dispatch. Silvermine led on to the course proper from Childsplay, Consent, Bright Glow, Crown Area, and Booster. The leading pair separated themselves from the field in the run home, and although Childsplay made a gallant effort to secure the honours, Silvermine always held the upper hand, and won in attractive style by half a length. Bright Glow was three lengths away, a length in front of Crown Area, and then followed Booster, Arrow Lad, Eoyal Saxon, Consent, Royal Tractor, and Cimabue.

The betting took a wide range, Silver Paper, Bright Glow, and Cimabue all topping the £IOOO mark, with not much separating them. It is not often that the finish of a race of this nature is left to two runners, but such was the case, and nothing else had a chance once the run home was commenced. Silvermine registered an attractive performance in winning practically from end to end. He raced consistently last season, and another good term seems too be in front of him. Childsplay created a pleasant surprise, as she was not sought after to a great extent, owing to her giving signs of training off in her track essays during the past week. She battled the finish out gamely, and only gave in in the last few strides. The favourite, Silver Paper, hopped out well, but was never able to get near the firing line when it came to business, and his display would be a severe blow to his large army of followers. The third favourite, Cimabue, showed his customary speed over the early part, but faded out of the contest when half the journey had been covered. Arrow Lad finished on well after being one of the last away and will do better later at the Meeting. First Sight Wins Comfortably. The day's programme concluded with the Riccarton Handicap, all the acceptors facing the starter. The public went solidly for Mandane, and she carried close on fourteen hundred tickets more than entrusted to the ultimate winner, First Sight. Gay Sonnet rushed to the front shortly after the field was dispatched and opened up a break of three lengths at the far turn from Vaward, Kilperon, Sir Roy, Royal Game, and Town Bank. The leader surrendered her position at the turn into the straight, and Full Feather on the outside entered the home run slightly in front of Sir Roy, with Mandane and First Sight in close attendance. First Sight gathered in the leaders inside the distance, and went on to win by a length from Full Feather, who was two lengths in front of Sir Roy. Man-! Dane was close up next, followed by a bunch comprising Battle Colours, Town Bank, and Front Rank, with Royal Game next. _ First Sight had the race in s hand a furlong from the post, and won in a comfortable manner. Fuli Feather surprised by his creditable race, and registered his best performance this season. Sir Roy was supported-with confidence, and had every chance to make good, but did not finish on as well as ixpected. Mandane was executing good work in the finishing stages,. and she will be seen to advantage over a longer -journey before the Meeting closes. Front Rank was well back early, and did well to: finish close to, the placed division. Gay Sonnet ran out wide iat the far turn, and was done with _ at the commencement of the home: run. Town Bank finished on well, but his stablemate Vaward faded out . m the final struggle. -' . TODAY'S PROGRAMME. "Derby Day" will provide a big attraction to racegoers to-day, a™ a " interesting contest for the blue, riband, is promised. The other- events have filled well, and there is again material to assure another enjoyable afternoons racing. The programme will be carried out as under:—

There are some smart hurfte»,.g£. caeed in the above, who will find tne toy to their liking and Beaumont may find his task much more difficult than on Saturday. Carinthia was in Se van two furlongs from home on Saturday and to point to his prospects. Bonatic N*d Wj Mime, %le Dighton and Pantler will be fresh horses, and of these Ned Kelly and Mime can be expected to set a fast pace, and the dfstance will suit them. The contest rest (between Carintnia, Ned Kelly, ana Mime.

The evergreen Reremoana will make his reappearance at Riccartoni isi thg event, in which he ran third to Kiosk and Paperehase twelve months agoThe aged gelding is in good iortn,a& evidenced by his determined finishing run in the Nainai Handicap six fur. longs, on the second the We ligton Meeting, when, with 9.10 on h>s back, he was only beaten a head ny Arrow Lad. Cimabue wouldhave to improve on his Saturday's form to be in favour. Celerity 11. won,at her last start and is undoubtedly a solid gal loper. Crown Area was finishing on well in the Stewards'. Handicap, and seven furlongs will suit him. Benzora ran a good third in the Pearce Handicap, one mile, at Trentham last month, and this performance is wortn noting. The field is very; evenly balanced, and the placed division are well concealed, but recent fonn points to Benzora, Celerity 11., and Reremoana.

Seventeen two-year-olds are carded for the above, including winners in Admiral Drake, Pass Book, and Stealth. Admiral Drake won the two-year-old handicap, four furlongs, on the tost day at Wellimston, with Pass Book a length and a half away third, and. on the second day Pass Book beat Admiral Drake bv a similar distance in tne Roseneath Handicap, over five furlongs, but the latter was unlucky not to have been closer. The meeting of this pair to-day will thus be t>f interest. Jaleux ran badly in his only start, m the McLean Stakes, but he showed pro-' mising signs in short sprints he bad with Honour prior to the' Meeting.. Upheaval* half-brotljear so[ Cbildsnlay,

will be making his debut, as will Dutch , Money. Stealth won over four furlongs | at Wingatui, Stately finishing in -third place behind him, and' the former should again beat the Riccarton filly. In what will be a lairly even betting pool, Admiral Drake, Pass Book, and Stealth may take part-in the final tussle.

2.16 p.m—NEW ZEALAND DEBBT STAKES, of 1500 sovs: For three-year-olds. Colts and gelding«, s 8-10; '" fillies, 8-5. ljm. ' i W. T. Hazlett's b i Lucky Light, Paper . Money—Simpor B. J. Murphy's bo Concentrate,; Kilbroney— Oratress H. A. Knight's blk g Roscrea, Bossendale — Medley W.-White's br g Moorgas, Gasbag—Moorfield T. A. Duncan's br g Cashier, Paper Money—* 3, Faulk's b g Silver Papor, Paper MoneySilver Peak ~ A. Loulsson's br c Nightraarch, Nightraid— Sir "Clifford's be Full Feather, Autumnus —Equipment

It is expected that the eight.enumerated above will parade for the sixtyeighth contest for the Derby. Silver Paper had been the pubho fancy since fae'won the Dunedin Guineas but his poor showing in the Stewards' Handicap would deprive him of a lot of support. A different tale may be> told, however, when a distance has to t>e covered, as he showed marked signs or staving on at Wingatui. Nightmarch drew attention to his prospects by winning over seven furlongs on Saturday, and this race should prepare him lor to-day's ordeal. Roscrea disappointed in the Spring Plate, and it is evident all is not right with him, but, on tne other hand, he would be in need of a race, and may be better served over twelve furlongs. Concentrate has not raced since he left Svdney, but has got through the same preparation as Oratrix, and that is a sufficient recommendation. Full Feather ran a surprisingly good race over nine furlongs on Saturday, and he will now enter into calculations. Cashier and Lucky Light and Moorgas may find the journey beyond them. A most interesting race is anticipated, and. a likely trio comprise, Concentrate, Nightmarch, and Silver Paper.

3.1 p.m.—HAGIiEY. HANDICAP, <rf a? 0 'govs.-; 9f. .•■■■''■ Mendip .. 9 6 Pride ■ ..-71 Historic ..'.9 3 Wreath of . Malmsey .. 811 Myrtle 7 0 Amor .. 8 6 All Ootmnent 7 0 Phastar .. 8 0 Thurlow .'■■-.. 7 0 Imarosebud .. 7 8-Colonel.- a Some Lad .. 7 .4 Crawford' 7 0

Mendip and Historic represent recent winning form in this event, and a good contest should be witnessed between them with the balance of power ia favour flftlM* latter* JWinsey, affl?** 8

■<■ 1 *- 1 ; •' , * B a , - t v + i ,r " T , 't. ■the likely one'of theTemaindeE ; to;cpn- ' testvtho ifinish with. thef.tito <>,Norttt .

• The field for' the 'principal' bWdu&jP of the day has been'reduced to eigntj but even with this 'field the race bears an open appearand.. Count Cavour and. Beacon Ugh* will' not attract' : patronage, "but 'it" JSwy ' b®".noted that, -the latter ran >' -second' 'in the race , last year, when t neglected on the inachine, Hoylake IB meeting -Oratrix on 81b better "terms thinrfin the New Zealand Cup, andrifhe. repeal his Saturday's performance, . fo/wiU cause trouble'to .the-fi6ldv ek>t<Sftil J* evidently.-not, 'hersfilfotherwis® t • she ....... • would-be a hard-proposition. . will have a Jarge following, as her iflro recent races will fit her ; for the ©ideal* . Pink Note and Battle Colours cannot be seriously considered on tbwr. lirst daj r 's showings. Again .th® public *!• set a hard task, but /favouritism' W be disputed between »:Mandan®j<Hioy»

Winners of th o are :- ¥ear. Horso. A. We ight. Time. 1883 TaBman .. 5 8 9 3.36J 1884 Vanguard .. 58 9 3.49 1885 Fusillade 3 6 7 3.373 18?6 Spade Guinea 4 G 10 3.32 ii 1887 Lochiel 6 7 12 3.342 1S88 Manton 3 6 10 3.31J 1889 Tirailleur ,. 3 6 5 3.34^ 1890 Wolverine 5 6 11 3.38 2-5 1891 British Lion a 6 11 3.34* 1892 St. Hippo 3 7 7 3.30J 1893 Rosefeldt ,, 5 7 7 3.29 1894 Impulse ■ .. a 7 9 3.303 1895 Euroclydon 3 . 7 0 3.S1J 1896 Lady Zetland a 8 9 3.80 1897 Waluku a 8 6 3.30 2-5 1898 Tirant d'Eau 4 7 7 3.2D 1899 Seahorse 3 7 8 3.34. 1000 Fulmen) 6 7 3 • Ideal) 5 7 5 3.29 4-5 1901 Tortulla u 8 1 3.35 1902 Halberdier 6 8 0 3.33 4-3 1903 Canteen 5 7 12 3.37 1904 Grand Rapids 5 8 5 3.31 1905 Noctuiform 3 7 7 3.29 1-5 1900 Star Rose 6 6 7 3.29 1907 Frisco ' k .'." 4 7 8 3.28 4-5 1908 Downfall 4 7 8 3.28 2-5 1909 Lady Lucy 4 7 -, 1 3.28 3-5 1910 Bridge 4 7 10 3.25 1911 Vice Admiral 4 7 8 3.28 3-5 1912 Midnight Sun 4 8 0 3.27 1-5 1913 Sinapis 5 7 5 3.26 1-5 1914 Warstep) 4 7 11 » Indigo) 3 6 12 3.30 2-5 1915 Tangihou 4 6 7 3.30 1916 Ardenvohr 4 7 3 3.25 1-5 1917 Menelaus 4 ■8 ■1 3..25 1-5 1918 Sasanof 5 8 6 3.27 4-5 1919 Vagabond 5 7 13 3.28 2-5 1920 Oratress 5 8 7 3.26 4-5 1921 Royal. Star .. 6 7 10$ 3.25 1922 47 10 3.27 4-5 1923 Rouen 6 8 5 3.27 1924 Sunart a 8 3 3.26 2-5 1925 The Banker .. 4 8 , 1 3.25 1926 Tonnt Cavour 5' fl 13 3.26 1-5 1927 Rapier 6 7 12 3.36 1928 Oratrix ■ 5 7 1 3.27 1-5 *Dead , he,at. The ' winner's pedig ree reads: — •. : . . Bend Or ■ Orm ond Lily Agnes • ti Orme n~ " £-. ■ : Angelica St. Ae gela . jf| PlaisantWellingtonia Chattanooga Araucaria fe or ' e Poetess Trocadoro La Dorette. S — Laveno Ben iOr. Doncaster . Rou'ge.Kpse Xapoli Macar oni HI^W^^^^^WlBBMB^^«MM»«lt«liMlMUWBH 'g- ' 5 Maymyo My Lud lving Lud Strategy . The Sabin 3 Xenophon X ' , : Little Hope § r_ S Desmond St. Simon Galopin' St Angela <! a L'Abbesse T~* n S- « - de Jouarre Fostlv - » Carlin Chittabob Robert the Devil w EC Lauretta Jenny Petrai Howlett ch HI. 1: Ambu scade § A ■' Vanguard Traducer En Avant PS Advance r\ _• 1 Young Gowns- " I Laurel man Bay.'Liat • ' Musket Torpedo Fanny Fisher Muriwat ,, ' ' „. .1 Peter Hat' Mystery Girl | gbu

Winners of the race are:— . ' • Year. , Owner. .■ ,■ Wihner. . Time. 1878 .H. ..Prince's. . Hilarious.. .. 531 1880 H. Hereford's La Uode .. 51J 1&81 H. Horsford's Siesta i i 51" 1882 W. Robinson's'Oudeis 46 1887 H. Goodman's Sommeil. ... . 48 1888 Outts's . Cynis'ca. .. 50 ' 1889 J. Harris's Pygmalion .. S. H. Gdllah'.s Namoa . .. . ' si' ' 1890 51* 1891 G. G. Stead's Stepniak - 1 .. 50 1893 J. B, Beid-'s-Skirmisher .. 498 1893 ■ V. ' O'Brien's Philson 48 1894 J. Paul's Caribou .. 501 1895 G. G. Stead's Bombshell ... 48J 1896 fG. G. Stead's Multiform 49 1896 tJ D. Ormond's Sir Lancelot 49 1897 G. G. Stead's Conqueror 46 1-5 1898 G. G. Stead's Tolstoi .. 50 1-5 1899 G. G. Stead's Romanoff .. 51 8-5 1900 •E. J. Watt's Indian Queen 48 3-5 1901 G. G. Stead's Orloff 51 4-5 1902 Sir G. Clifford's To-morrow 50 1-5 1903 G. G. Stead's Golden Lily 47 2-5 1904 G. G. Stead's Munjeet Allen and Hobbs's Ivanoff 49 4-5 1905 50 1906 J. D. Ormond's Eona 49 1907 G. G. Stead's Armlet ,. 49 1908 W. G. and G. L. Stead's Nautiform 49 2-5 1909' 1 . G. D. Greenwood's Danube 48 4-5 1910 W. G. and G. L. Stead's Culprit 48 .4-5 1911 Sir G. Clifford's Winning Way. 49: 1913 W. Nidd's Peronilla 48 2-5 1918 1914 E. J. Watt's Downham 49 Sir G. Clifford's Battle Evo . 49 1915 Dwa,n Bros.' Sweet: Tipperary 49 2-5 191G 1917 H. E. Troutbock's Simonides 48' W. E. Herbert's Bo Peep 48 3-5 1918 G. L. Stead's Surveyor .. 48 1919 Sir G. Clifford's Moorfowl .. 48 1-5 1920 W. G. Stead's Ifermin 48 1-5 1921 A. B.' Williams's Epitaph .. W. McA. Duncan's Tukia .. 47 1-5 1922 1923 192'4 1925. 60 1-5 W. Hume's Inferno 61 G. Gerard's Cyrene 61 3-5 W: H. Gaisford's Commendation 61 1-5 1926 10P.7 W G. Stead's Cimabne 58 2-5 Sir G. Clifford's Childsplay 59 2-5 jqna o. V. Greenwood s Honour 61 2-5 fn 1922 the distance was increased from four to five furloncs. tDead heat.

Year. Winner. A. Wgt. Time. 1890 Red CroBs ,. 4 6 5 i m 1831 Clanracald ,. 3 6 5 I 17 1892 Stepniak ,. 3 7 JO 116 1893 Au Kevoir ,. 4 8 0 1 15 1894 Golden Fleecp .. 3 7 4 1 15J 1895 Vauilla ,. 5 6 9 114J 1896 Vanilla , .. 6 8 5 1 16 4-5 1897 Boreas .. 6 7 12 1 15 1-5 1893 Chasseur .. 4 7 a 1 163-5 1859 Benzoin .. 4 7 8 1 18 1-5 1900 Pampero .. 3 7 4 1 14 3-5 1901 Royal Artillery , .. 3 7 10 1 17 1902 Vladimir .. 3 *7 fi-J 1 14 3-5 1903 Machine Gun ... 3 8 9 1 15 2-5 1904 Vladimir 5 9 0 1 15 1905 Solution .'. 4 7 9 1 141-5 WUb (Japtain Shannon 5 7 7 1 14 3-5 1907 Gold Greet .. 3 8 '3 1 14 3-5 1908 Penatea .. 4 8 10 1 13 2-5 1909 Gold Lace ... 4 8 4 1 15 1-5 1910 Equitas' .. 5 8 10 1 14 2-5 1911 Nyland .. a 7 13 1 15 2-5 1912 Bon Revet .. 3 8 0 1 13 2-5 1912 Stardancert .. 3 6 7 1 13 2-5 1913 Warqlep . ,, 3 6 13 . 1 13 1914 Obsono . G 7 11 1 14 1913 Croesus .. 4 8 13 1 121-5 1916 Bimeter . .. 5 8 9 1 131-5 1917 Form Up ,. 4 tt8 10J 1 12 1919 MicLaela .. 4 •*7 8 1 11 4-5 1919 Inah . .. 6 7 0 112 2-5 1920 Arrowsmitb .. (> 9 13 1 12 1921 Solfancllo ,. 5 9 8 1 11 1922 Glentruin .. 6 7 101 1 10 2-5 1923 Glcntruin .. a 9 G 1 12 4-5 1924 .Pene'ua .. 5 7 12 1 12 4-5 .1925 Comic Song .. 4 7 0 1 122-5 1926 Comic Song .. 5 7 9 1 10 2-5 1927 Eulalie .. 3 8- 1 1 12 1928 Silvermine 4-tt8 4J 1 114-5 ' Inc. ljlb over. + Dead-heat. ** Ino. Gib over. H Ino, Jib ov 'er.

12.1 p.m.— DICAP, JIIDDLETON Ht'/RDLES HAN" of 250 govs. Once round and a distance. " Beaumont Nucleus Bonatio Carinthia Ned Kelly • ..11 8 Nine Qt • ■ . ■ io 11 Spades 9 12 10 6 Troilus 5- 5 . < 10 1 Apple Dighton 9 0 . .•10 \0 Pantler 9 0 .. 9 12 Mime

12.41 p.m.— -CRITERION ' HANDICAP, of 600 sovs. 7f._* Reremoona • Cimabue . , 9 13 Arrow Lad ... .7 10 , 8 13 Goblin. Market 7' » . 8 9 Taboo ••. 7 .7 8 8 Teri . 8 2 Kilbronsytli 7 . © Celerity II.. Grown Area Benzora Eoyal Saxon ..7 IX

1.31 p.m. —IRWELL HANDICAP, of 300 4£. Admiral Drake 8 9 Cossack Chief 7 5 S 8 3 3 3 8 8 Francolin Stealth Jaleux First Money Passbook Upheaval Sunny Pa! • • 8 8 8 5 8 5 8 5 8 3 7 8 7 8 Captivate Nedda Dnellona &Hitety Belcaire Marcel Dutch '. i . > 7 .. 7 .. 7 .. 1 .. 7 Wave 7 Money 7 Colonel Qaex 7 8

,Islanders. 1 '•' »"r- f ■ 3.46 p.m.—METROPOLITAN , of 1000 aoTfl 1 . l}mi uL «. Count Cavouv 9 ' ' l Mandane 1 Beacon Light. .8 13- Pink. Note> .<$* *.® Oratrlx .8 .9 HojWtfc,, *»< 'f< X Set Sail .. B'« Rattle, 0

lake, and Oratrix. , 4 31 p.m.—RANDOLPH HANDICAP, ot VM MVf. '7f. 1 " , . ' Camisader- •• . 9 0, Proud KnlgiiV-7 7 Noteworthy .. . 818 Solfello . • £' Z Rabbi .. 8 6 Uproar / , j. - 7 Pound Note 8 6 Stroopalrag • ,','7 7 Smithereens 8 8 The Atom .**,•* J Honeycomb- .. .7 9 Bolero W». * ' 7 Tembroney .. 7 Borirofie .*>7 7 Impertinence v:7r 7 .Star Raid %»if7 « Eol do Va! ..7 7* , Smithereens,Rabbi, may bo-in most'dBinapdifor •tb# ,i wniw> 6.16 p.m.—EPSOir HANDICAP, of 860.«i»l^ Tirst Sight .. 9 11 Solrwe j} « Lncy Locket 9 1 Spean -Btidg* IS KingMidaa.. 8 0 Pangolin ' ' 7*11 Sir Boy V. 8 13 Vswnrd • •<«. '.'7 11 Gay Sonnet .. 8 11 Vigilance 7 11 Rotor .. 8 10 Buoyant .. 7 11 Royal Game 8 10, Haical > 7 11 Prickles .. 8 9 Decoy Bird .i 7.11 . The concluding event -will see Rotor, King Miaaa, and Gay- e»®net' attracting most attention .from investors. : , , ■