THE RACING WORLD

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 184, 2 May 1929, Page 16

THE RACING WORLD

NOTES AND COMMENTS

(By “The Watcher.”)

Acceptances for the first day of the Egmont winter meeting will close on Friday at 8.30 p.m. J Magnum Bonum, who scored the first win of the season for H.M. the King at Newmarket, is an eight-year-old horse by Pommern from Marcareme. A striking coincidence is the fact that his only win last season was in the same race, the Thurlow Welter, which in an 8-stone minimum event, over a mile and a half. Magnum Bonum is trained at Newmarket by W. Jarvis. The following riding engagements for Marton, where Palmerston North horsemen and horses are concerned, have been announced: —R. Reed: Blimp, Disrank. X. Green: Papatu. White Ringlet, Inflame, Skyrider. A McDonald: Mountain Crag, Red Fuchsia. K, Voitre: Imperial Spark, Dobbin, Plane, Shrewd. A. G. Murray : Vlnella, Wyeford. IV. Broughton: Broad Acre, Mademoiselle. C. Broughton: Lueky Bag. R. J. Mackie: Callapat. T. Metcalf and C. France will be at the Blenheim fixture, the former having been engaged to ride Modern, Dancing Star, Reckless, Dainty Ways, and Half Acre. Up to and including Saturday’s racing In New Zealand, the position of winning sires was as follows:—Paper Money, £18,828; Day Comet, £14,309; Lucullus, £13,987; Lord Quex, £13,443; Solferino, £10,239; Chief Ruler. £0847; Acre, £9307; Kllbroney, £9136; Catmint. £8936; Romeo, £8478; Blsogne, £8322; Arrowsmith, £7638; Greyspear, £7514; Night Raid, £7118; \Warplane, £6333; Quin Abbey, £6158; Some Boy 11, £6007; Limoud, £6OOO, It is understood that the stallions Night Raid and Polazel are to be sold, and the stud owned by Mr. A. F. Ro.berts dispersed. Paganelli, who was given a spell after his racing at Trentham and Awapuni in mld-March, made a return to the tracks at Te Rapa last week. Reremoana has been a good stake earner for his breeder-owner, Mr. G. F. Moore, as up to date he has contested 67 races for 23 wins, 20 minor placlngs, and been 24 times unplaced. His winnings in stake money reach the fine total of £13,405, which has been equalled by very few horses which have been raced solely in the Dominion. Of the horses being converted into jumpers at Rlccarton, Zeuxis is reported to be shaping best. He Is jumping well. At every fresh schooling lesson he is showing more confidence. He may make good as a hurdler, but his form on the flat would not suggest that he will ever be much good in any department of the racing game. Magna Charta and Gold Mint are being schooled regularly. They appear to be growing more cautious every day, and the best that ean be said of them is that they are getting over the battens albeit if slowly. Moorgas, ridden by R. S. Bagby, unsuccessfully contested the Club Welter at City Tattersall’s (Sydney) on April 10. He started at an outside price and made a poor showing in the race. Amongst the young thoroughbreds running at Otatara Is a half-brother by Cape Horn to that high-class performer, Duo. Grattus (Lord Quex —Earthshine), Is being got ready for business by W. McKinnon, at Greenmeadows, for his breederowner, Mr. Frank Ormond. Grattus may make his debut at the winter meeting of the Wellington Racing Club, in the Trial Stakes, an event that last July was secured by one of his stable mates, Toxeuma. Jet Black, who was taken to Sydney by J. McCombe, will most likely race In South Australia, whither he la "being sent to his owner. Jet Black, a brother to Magdaff, has not raced in Sydney. Of the ’chasers at Rlccarton Radiate looks to have the best prospects of win, ning good class races during the winter. Sound, and of an age when he should prove himself If he is ever going to do so, he is more forward than any of the rest, and he has proved his ability to win races both over hurdles and country. The New Zealand owner-trainer, J. W. Cathro, who is not a stranger to Sydney, supplied the winner of the Maiden Handicap at Gosford on April 23. -This was the gelding Hiata. When betting began on the race Hiata was the first horse inquired for, and after one bet was laid he firmed, then receded as a result of Bay King being in commission. Generally a slow beginner Hiata relished the walk up start, and always among the leaders, he seemed capable, of doing better at the finish than a neck-win suggests (says the "Herald”). He had previously had three runs at Rotorua, and had finished in a minor place. The ex-Riccarton gelding Light Hearted was handicapped at 9.2 for the Ascot Handicap, one mile, In Sydney last week. He carried 8.11, won by a length and a half, and equalled the race record that has stood for three years. “It only goes to show that an Australian must go abroad to learn of his country s resources,” remarked a traveller from NewZealand by the Ulimaroa when he reached Sydney. Quite a number of passengers were extremely amused, he said, at a paragraph which appeared In a Christchurch paper in an article dealing with Commonwealth politics. The paragraph, read: .“Fortunately in Mr. Bruce and Dr. Page we 1 have two men who are optimists inside and outside the House. Dr. Page is faced with a big deficit, but he has no fears as to the future. Australia will pay her way all right, he says.-for racehorses are almost illimitable, and if we are now passing through a difficult time it does not mean that the sun is never going to shine again.” Several interesting gallops were recorded at Randwick last Thursday morning, when trainers had the use of the Inside Portion of the A. grass track for specials. The best efforts were credited the New Zealanders High Disdain and ,Crown Area. The pair were bracketed for five furlongs, and keeping together throughout covered the distance in the excellent time of lmin. 3sec. Commenting upon this pair, the “Herald” says: -Unless Crown Area and High Disdain show better form in public they will earn a bad reputation from byuney sportsmen. On track work they seem capable of winning almost any sprint, but to. date neither had indicated this ability in racing. Crown Area has a good record in the Dominion. It was of such a high order that visiting sportsmen were inclined to speak highly of him for the Doncaster Handicap. In that race, however, he failed, and he has not since been produced. Backers had to wait for Moorefield on April 20 to see High Disdain under silk. For a while it appeared that he would be well in the market, but he receded, only to firm slightly as the horses were on their way to the post. His display was indifferent.” Crown Area was an acceptor for the High-weight Handicap at- Rosehill last Saturday, but as no report of the race was cabled it can be taken for granted that he did not win if he ran.

Front Rank, who has changed her trainers regularly during the season without any advantage to her owner, has now joined J. W. Jennings’ string at Rlccarton, having been purchased by oue of his patrons. Jennings was anxious to get this xuare early in the spring, but just missed her, having begun his negotiations for her purchase too late. He contends that she will pay her way handsomely on the West Coast.

It was recently reported that when Mr. Gaine Carrington shifted his stud from Gisborne he was contemplating locating at Awapuni. A Napier writer now says: “Mrs. M. A. Perry has joined up with the Gisborne stud master, Mr. Gaine Carrington, to run Otatara as a partnership affair for the breeding of thoroughbreds. It is anticipated that in a short time Mr. Carrington will arrive at Taradale with his two stallions. Hunting Soug and Colossus, the latter being, like Hunting Song, English bred, he being by Polymelus— Nation, by Sunder—Nathalie, and about 40 brood mares and youngsters. As Mrs. Perry has Cockpit (China Cock—Sanford) and a large number of well-bred mares, it can bg Inferred that there will be no lack as regards quantity and quality at Otatara in the very near future.”

Particulars of the Southern Cross disqualification by the Ascot stewards last week are contained in the mail. It will be remembered that the horse, who raced here as Covent Garden, was disqualified for six months together with his owner, while the jockey was suspended for' a similar period and the trainer exonerated. Southern Cross was one of the early favourites for the first division of the Flying Handicap, but the support accorded Lady Wedge and Dabble caused the quotation to ease. He occupied fourth position rounding the turn, and finished sixth. Southern Cross soon made a reputation as a sprinter on A.R.C. courses, and prior to his disqualification he had won at bls last five starts. Four successes were in cup events. He won the first division of the J.D. Gold Cup at Victoria Park, and had little difficulty in winning the r,unolT; then he won a Flying Handicap at

he surprised by winning the first division at a long price, and then the run-off with greater ease. It is only recently that he carried Halbert’s colours, and the owner was apparently confident of him winning another cup, for the gelding occupied a prominent position in discussions on the Kensington Cup, run last Saturday. In ordinary circumstances that would have been his last run in his owner’s presence for some time, for Halbert has arranged a trip to England. A good story is told concerning an incident prior to a steeplechase in South Australia recently. The favourite was ridden by an Inter-State jockey, who had not been over the course before. On the W!" T to the post he asked a local rider of some years standing the way from the last fence to the course proper. The answer was: "I don’t know. I never get that far I” Of the young stock to pass through the sale ring nt Easter in Sydney not the least admired was the handsome colt by Hurry On from Paraffin Light, that was exported from England by Mr. Rundle Brendon. By a successful sire whose services are difficult to secure, even at the high figure of 400 guineas, and from a mare who. like so many good performers here, is a descendant of the famous Paraffin, the eolt commanded attention from his breeding credentials alone, and added to this he was a fine Individual, looking the part. It was not surprising that Mr. John Brown had to go to 2200 guineas to secure him. Yet in England, according to the register for 1928, which arrived by the last mail, Mr. Brendon purchased the colt for 750 guineas. It must be remembered that when he was In the salering in England the colt was seven months younger, and would certainly have Improved in looks in the meantime. The colt was included in Lady Sykes' draft from the Sledmere stud. Lady Sykes had a great sale. Of the draft seventeen found buyers at prices ranging up to 7100 guineas. 11 of them bringing 1500 guineas or more, and It is a coincidence that the average price was 2220 guineas, about the same figure as that set on the’ co,t here. Another yearling purchased by Mr. Brendon at the sales was the colt by Somme Kiss from Friarlean. Mr. Brendon would not accept 425 guineas for him in the ring at Randwick, although he cost less than half that amount in England. It is au expensive, undertaking to send horses from England.

RICCARTON TRAINING NOTES HORSES FOR OAMARU Dominion Special Service. Christchurch, May. 1. The following horses will leave Rlccarton to-morrow to take part in the Oamaru meeting to be held on Saturday :-—Winsome Boy (K. W. King), Amor-(T. H. Gillett), Buoyant, Arrowmir (R. Ellis), Gay Sonnet and Poetess (F. T. Buchanan), Evening, Waterlow, and Troilus (F. P. Clarldge), Kalkahu (J. B. Pearson), Sea Raid and Mina Nightraid (Miss L. Doyle), Paper Boy and Amourette (G. J. Pine), and Karltane (N. C. Price). A. E. Ellis will be riding at the Marlborough meeting this week, one of bls mounts being Rabbi In the Waterlea Cup. Charlatan (W. J. Pascoe) and Magna Charta (Shaw) jumped four hurdles today. The former gave his customary clean display, while Magna Charta showed Improving form. Mime, who has had a lengthy spell, has rejoined F. P. Claridge’s stable at Rlcearton. Beau Geste, Countersign, Kate Kelly, Caterpillar, Valuator, and Malmsey figure in the acceptance list for the Oamaru meeting, but will not make the trip. Solgele went on to Oamaru from Riccarton' on Tuesday, and will contest the Hack Handicap on Saturday. Zeuxis (E, Shaw) and Gold Mint (A. J. Pqart) gaye a pleasing display In a schooling task over three hurdles thia morning. Radiac (A. J. Peart) was responsible for a clean exhibition over a round of the steeplechase fences this morning. Corlnthlc and Para were railed back to Greymouth yesterday. The latter was galloped on when Malmsey fell In the Amberley Handicap on Saturday last. Flare, a rising three-year-old filly by Psychology from Orofino, has entered upon serious work under the guidance of F. Christmas. She was bought as a yearling by Mr. D. H. Roberts, and was not asked to race as a two-year-old. She has furnished Into an attractive-looking filly, and more will be heard of her. Orofino is by Finland from Doro, a sister to Desert Gold, and dam of Moorland, Doree, and Marlon’s Birthday.

R. Adamson has turned Skyquest out for a few mouths’ spell, and-is confining his attention to Solfello and Solfcrlte. The latter appears to be all right at present, and an effort will be made to reproduce him in public during the winter months. Evening is to represent !'’. P. Claridge’s stable in the Winter Cup Handicap at the Oamaru meeting on Saturday. She was not herself when produced at Amberley last week, but has improved since, and will have to be seriously considered in the settlement of the southern race. R. C. Keeper has done well with Ronaki since he sent him to the West Coast Easter meeting. He won a race at Kumara and Greymouth, and two events at the Nelson meeting, and these successes, with place money in other engagements on the trip, have brought In £436 in stakes. Ronaki has always been recognised as a smart galloper, but has been hampered with leg trouble, which, however, did not seriously affect him on his coastal invasion. The only Rlccarton horses nominated for the Wanganui Jockey Club's winter meeting are Wharncliffe and Aberfeldy. The former appears in the list for. the Wanganui Steeplechase, and Aberfeldy is in the Century Hurdles. Other South Islanders nominated comprise Booster, Black Duke, Umtali, and Overhaul, who left Dunedin to-day for Wellington. The Ashburton County Racing Club's programme for their meeting this month will probably Include a hurdle race in place of the usual hlgh-weight handicap. Several of the Rlccarton trainers were approached on the subject, and with the promise of some of the older brigade of jumpers and a number of newcomers to the game being nominated, the club would be justified in making the change. Caterpillar contracted lameness behind last wed-., and has been eased up since. She will not go to Oamaru, but It is hoped to rate her again nt Ashburton and later at the Dunedin winter meeting.

THE KING’S .FIRST WIN OF SEASON Australian Press Association. London, April 30. His Majesty had his first win of the season when Magnum Bonum won by a head in the Thurlow Welter at Newmarket amid scenes of the greatest enthusiasm. GLENDOWIE SCRATCHED. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, May 1. Glendowie was scratched for the Great Noftbern Hurdles at 10 o’clock. FIXTURES. Marlborough R.C. —May 3, 4. Oamaru J.C.—May 4. Marton J.C.—May 4. Egmont R.C.—May 9, 11. Franklin R.C.—May 11. Wanganui J.C. —May 16, 18. Ashburton County Racing Club—Maj- 25. Otaki-Maorl R.C.—June 1, 3. Dunedin J.C.—June 1,3, 5. Auckland R.C.—Jilne 1,3, 5. Egmont-Wanganul Hunt Club—June 8. Napier Park R.C.—June 14, 15. South Canterbury J.C.—June 20, 22. Hawke’s Bay J.C.—.Tune 21, 22. Ashburton County R.C.—June 29. Wavcrley R.C. —June 20. Wellington R.C. —July 10, 11, 13. Walinnte District Hunt Club—July 20. Gisborne R.C.—July 25, 27. South Canterbury Hunt Club—July 27.

"N.Z. REFEREE”

NOTES ON MARTON, MARLBOROUGH & OAMARU Reviews of meetings just concluded and meetings to come are a strong feature of the “New Zealand Referee” this week. Form at the Waikato, Nelson and Amberlev gatherings is discussed at length, and the possibilities for Marton, Marlborough and Oamaru are analysed. These indict; tions, reinforced by the race index, should be of asslstauce to those w-ho patronise the machine. The Topliss article, a reply to an English authority, which was crowded out at the last minute last week, appears in the current number. Budgets of track and stable tattle from the various centres add interest to a section which is not excelled in this country. On the trotting side readers are equally well catered for. One of the leading Items is a review, with illustrations, of the J. R- McKenzie stud and stable at Yaldhurst Suggestions for the annual meeting of the Cambridge Trotting Club also are included. , Another feature is a letter from Plaxico, Mr. McKenzie’s American trainer, reprinted from the American "Horseman,” In which the writer gives some interesting Impressions of the sport in New Zealand. The trotting index makes Its reappearance. . The popularity of the boxing section will be enhanced by the enlargement which has been made this week. The Referee contributor surveys the rather involved heavy-weight championship situation, and supplies an estimate of Johnny Leckie s capabilities as viewed by Australian Cr The new feature, an all sports syninosluni, has become an attraction from the outset. It runs to two full pages, and covers the widest possible field. Illustrations in this are photographs of the Oxford and Cambridge crews.

On Saturday next the Marton Jockey Club will hold its first one-day winter meeting, and there is every Indication of the club’s departure from its usual date being a wise move. Excellent acceptances have been received In all events, and as a result of the acceptors in the Dash Hack Handicap being above the number allowed to . start at the five-furlong barrier, the committee has decided to hold two divisions, the stakes for each division being £115; and the totallsator will open on both divisions as for separate races. The Marton Steeplechase lias a field of 15, whilst the fields In the other races are exceptionally, good. The Railway Department will Issue excursion tickets and special trains will run from Wanganui, Palmerston North an’. Talhape and intermediate stations. The first race is timed to start at 11.45 and the last race at 4.25 p.m. Dustin s Ltd. are in charge of the catering, and the Marton Municipal Band will render the musical programme. The recent rain has improved the tracks considerably, and is what was required to place-the tracks In the best of order for the jumpers.