SPORT AND PASTIME.

Evening Post, Volume LXXIX, Issue 77, 2 April 1910, Page 14

SPORT AND PASTIME.

The TurfFIXTURES. 'April 6 and 7— Eeefton J.C AprH 6 and 7— Southland K-C. April 6 and 9— Wellington. R.C. April 9 and 13 — Avondale JvC. April 13 and 14 — Maoawatu R.C April 20 and 21— MeLson J.OApril 20 and 21— South Cantei-bury J.G. April 27 and 28— Hawkes Bay J.C. May 4 and s—Marlborough5 — Marlborough R.C.» (By Sir Bedivere.) Country clubs cannot be expected to lollow the example of their more prosperous contemporaries in the way of erecting an up-to-date scratching boatfd, for the same costs quite a round sum 'jn money. That they should so far conserve the interests of those who patronise their gatherings as to promptly post, or chalk up, in a conspicuous place all scratcfaings as" they occur, anyone conversant with the practices now obtaining on our racecourses will admit. So far as ordinary straight-out betting is concerned the omission to afford early notification of a horse's withdrawal does not matter,' but with regard to double betting, noy so freely indulged in by the generality of race-goers, it matters very much indeed. The pc»nt is this. Bookmakers may now be found at. every meeting laying doubles, and it nas recently become their practice to write in bold letters at the head of their cards the two sbsrt words "all in." By this they mean that it does not signify whether ono or both the horses backed have beeD scratched before the bet waa made ; the wager, so far as they are concerned, stands good in any case. Having, in .most instances, their customers' cash safely in hand, any argument that may subsequently arise with regard to the- transat tion must naturally be in their favour, for it rests ertirely with themselves, in tho event of proof being forthcoming, that either of ths horses supported was scratched prinr to the bet being made, a^ to whether they will return the money or not. In strict accordance with all Jaws of letting a bettor cannot lose ii' he has no chance to win, and it is therefore neodless to remark that all wagers taken in. connection with any horse that, at the timethe same are made, is inoli;jible to start, are, ipso facto, null arid .void. The fact of a notification being posted to the effect that wagers on doables are "all in" does not signify in che least, Mid is merely a trap for tfiose who are ignorant of the true positiiD. Somo of the better-known peneillers will return the money wagered in the ci -cumstances I have alluded to, but others, again, ■will not, and the way in which the public are now being rubbed — for • there is no other word for it — in tho manner indicated, is positively scandalous. Of course, the bookmakers themselves, i.e. all of tbem^ do not know of overy_ instance af & horse's withdrawal until its number is seen to be missing from the official board. But it is impossible to be Wild to the fact that at many recent gatherings some at least' of them have bee&' fully a-ware that certain horses would not start, were not even within fifty miles of the course, about whose socalled chances they ware content to accept wagers. Is it not then only right that the public should be duly warned, at the earliest possible opportunity, of the scratching* of all horses.? One would have thought th«re could be no two opinions on the point, but. such I regret to say is not the case. At a meeting held not so long ago, I' mentioned this subject to two officials of the club concerned and saggested that, in lieu of a better appliance, a club board might be used for conveying the needed intelligence. To my surprise, however, the answer I received was to the effect that "we do not ask the. public to bet with the bookmakers ; the tottlisator is -there, and they ran either make- certain, by using it, of fair treatment, or they can bet wfth bookmakers and take the risk." "That is all very well," a friend of mine observed, "but the totatisator does not lay doubles." The reply was that the dub did -not recognise any wagering made otherwise than " per medium of the '.otalisator, that the bookmakers had be/in forced upon racing clubs against their wish, and that, in accordance with the law of the land as it now stood, the only protection that clubs could offer tEeir patrons was by way of seeing that no convicted thief was granted a license to bet. That the position is an invidious one I am fully prepared to admit, and if the bookmakers are to remain •with us, it is to be hoped that legislation will be enacted which will provide racing dubs with greater discretionary power as to whom they will license and whom they will not, than they apparently have at present. But in tho meantime, it is certainly to be deplored that, rightly or wrongly, an impression *"».-» got abroad that the clubs themselves, instead of accepting the situation with as good grace as is possible, and doing their utmost to safeguard the interests of thosa who attend (heir meetings, have adopted an attitude that is antagonistic to the interests of theni6eFves, good sport, and of those who pay the piper alike. The situation being such as it is the public. I take it have the right to expect all such protection as may be afforded them. It is no use for* the clubs to take up a haughty attitude, and affect to have no knowledge of the public's relation with bookmakers on their courses. The bookmaker being now with us, the thing for . •the clubs to do is to see so far as lays; in their power, that his clients get a fair deal and as a step in this direction, it lays with them to plainly notify all scratchings immediately they occur. Acceptances for the Wellington Racing Club's Autumn Meeting, which will commence on Wednesday next, are due to-night, and on Monday we shall be in a position to form a fairly accurate idea as to the strength of the fields that will be seen out in the various events. At present there is every reason to anticipate some first-class sport _ being witnessed, both in connection with the handicap and special weight events. After its strenuous exertions during the past few days, the weather must surely be glad of a quiet spell, and if only the same remains fine, the going will be in the very best of order. Final payments are due to-night for the North Island Challenge Stakes. Mr. Henrys declared his handicaps in connection with the Mana-watu Racine Club's Autumn Meeting yesterday, and j the various differences of opinion, with respect to the merits of several horses, between him and Mr. Pollock will be noted with interest. No doubt some of those engaged will earn penalties as the result of winning at Trentham, and it might perhaps have been to the dab^s interest to delay publication of the weights until a later date, say ttie interval between the first and second day's racing here. Sea Ell, who won the Great Northern Oaks this week in the colours of Mr. J. J Craig, was picked up cheaply as a yearlin" by the Auckland sportsman for the moderate outlay of 100 guineas. Gold Lace won the Oaks last y*ar. By -capturing the St. George's Handicap and Autumn Handicap, it can, be

6aid that Sedition reproduced his best form at Etlerslie this week, comments "Phaeton." In each of his races tho eon of Soult was called upon for the supreme effort, and he answered the question with that unflinching gameness characteristic ot the Soult family. The story of how Sedition, wt*cn six months old, was secured with his- dam (Did) for £35 has been many times told, and now that the Soult gelding has added to his winning record by capturing a brace of JEJ7SO handicaps he will be a much-discussed ] horse. At three years old Sedition won stakes to the value of £935, while co far this season he has won £2150. From Auckland papers I learn that the unfortunate accident that occurred during the running of the Easter Handicap at Ellerslie on Saturday will cause Salute to be sent into retirement for at least the remainder of the present season. The black filly was rather Dadly knocked about as the result of her fall ; and she was cut at the back of her off knee. The New Zealand-bred Ataahua. is reported to have thoroughly recovered from the serious accident which incapacitated him from taking part in the last Oand National Hurdle Race at Fkmington, and at Caukield recently he was given a practice lesson over hunfle*, acquitting himself satisfactorily. The secretary of the Wellington Racing Club (Mr. A. E. Whyte) publishes in our advertising columns a notification, to bookmakers. AVONDALE ACCEPTANCES. . [by ra.ee*APH — press assocxjchon.] AUCKLAND, Ist April. The following are the acceptances for the opening clay's races of the Avondale J.C. autumn meeting :— Maiden Handicap, six furlongs. — Sir Rupert 8.10, Waitahi 8.0, Montpelier 8.0, Miss Gaizzle 7.13, Yackee 7.10, Powhero 7.8, Lloyds 7.8, Tui Kitua 7.8, KSsyth 7.7, Penwarden 7.7, St. Tara 7.5, Alarm 7.5, Parawai 7.5, Mar coo and Black 7.0, Okirac 6.12, Koroirangi 6.10, Siola. 6.10. Handicao Hurdles, two miles. — Paritutu 10.7, *Te ATai 10.4, Duaborve 10.3, Sol 10.3, Liriy Patricia 10.3, Castadrift 9.7, Pierre k4, Sabre 9.3, Hoanga 9.0, Celtic 9.0, Flying Cloud 9.0. Oakley Handicap, five furlongs. — Hohungatahi 8.5, Waiata 8.5, Tarina 8.0, Lady Dot 7.13, Necktie 7.8, Lady Frani*s 7.8, Blue Garment 7.5, Impulsive 7.3, All's Well 6.10. Juvenile Handicap, five furlongs. — Antoinette 8.12, Solus 7.12, Echo 7.4, Lucille 7.4, Duma 7.3, Doughboy 7.2, Hamadryad 7.0, Kapanga 6.13, Master Wairiki 6.12, Veitalia 6.11, Muskewai 6.10, Miss Ada 6.10. Avondale Handicap, one mile and *a quarter. — Santa Rosa 7.12, Wauchope 7.11, Tattoo 7.8, Sir Artegal 7.6, Maheno 7.5, Manapouri 7.3. Raoparaha 6.13, Epsom Lass 6.12, Cyrona 6.7. Titirangi Handicap, seven furlongs. — Cyrene 8.0, Jena 7.12, Admiral Soult 7.10, Miss Advance 7.9. ZinL-in 7.9, Haldane 7.6, Electrakoff 7.5, Dogger Bank 7.4, Prince Leo 7.2, Montpelkr 7.0, Fuss 7.0, Cyrona 6.7. Chevalier Handicap, four furlongs. — Sir Rupert 9.0, Frontino 8.7, Fremantle 8.6, Haku 8.1, Miss Grizzle 8.0, Goldwin 7.10, Pairawaatu 7.6, Ynnkee 7.6, Whatashot 7.5, Mary Ann 7.5, Leafire 7.4, Patricia 7.4, Flvine Soult 7.2, Maykoff 7.2, Lady Doon 7.0, Toa Tere 74), Ma«ihina. 7.0.* Lady Ferris 7.0, Favourite 7.0, Sabine 7.0, Eton Boy 7.0. Ra:jwav Handicap, »ix furlongs. — Waiari 9.3, Wauchope 8.8, Sir Artegal 8.6, Kakama. 7.12, Hohungatahi 7.10, Mahanga. 7.9, Waiata 7.8. General Soult 7.8, Manapouri 7.4, Coromandel , 7.4, Admiral Soult 6.9. WESTJ.AND RACES. HOKITIKA. Ist April. The Westtrad Racing Club's autumn meeting was concluded to-day. 1 The sum of £2595 passed through the total isator, making £5179 for the two days. Rei suits: — Miners' Purse. — Hillspring 1, Th« ! Orient $. Electric Handicap. — Supplement 1, Jennie Colleen 2, Montagu 3. Provincial Handicap Trot. — Taipo 1, j Te Aroha 2, Ethel Ball 3. Easter Handicap. — North Pole 1, The I Orient 2, First View 3. j Country Handicap Trot. — Chips 1, ! King John 2, Lady Ella 3. Welter Handicap. — Contingent 1, Miss Clift 2, Hillspring 3. Farewell Handicap. — King Try 1, Coxswain 2, Blessbok 3. SYDNEY YEARLING SALES. By Telegraph.— Press Association.— Copyright. SYDNEY', Ist April. An Ayr Laddie — Oraleno colt brought 725 guineas, a Sylvanite — Ury filly 550 guineas, a brother to Peru 1500 guineas, Sylvanite — Waihine colt 600 guineas, Graf ton — Lady Lochiel colt 700 guineas, Malster — Lovelock colt 560 guineas, Malster — Eulas colt 510 guineas.

The 10.34 a.m. train from To Aro will not stop for passengers between Te Aro and Trentham. The 11.0 a.m. train from Wellington will stop at Lower Hutt, and 11.10 a.m. and 1.5 p.m. trains will stop at Pctono and Lower Hutt to take up passengers for Trentham. Passengers from Ngabauranga will require- to travel by the pain leaving Ngahauranga at 10.7 a.m. , Those from Pctone by trains leaving Petone at 10.20, 11.26 a.m., and 1.21 p.m. ; thoso from Lower Hutt by trains leaving Lower Hutt at 10.23, 11.19, 11.30 a.m., and 1.26 p.m. With these exceptions Race trains WILL NOT STOP BETWEEN WELLINGTON AND TRENTHAM. From Racecourse — For Wellington and To Aro at 4.48 and 5.20 p.m., and for Wellington only at 5.10 and 5.30 p.m. Tho A.48 and 5.30 p.m. trains will stop at Lower Hutt and Pctone, and, in addition, the 5.30 p.m. train will stop at Ngahauranga to set down passengers. Tho 5.10 and 5.20 p.m. trains WILL NOT STOP BETWEEN TRENTHAM AND WELLINGTON. The usual 7.30 a.m. Masterton-Welling-ton train will leave Masterton 8.30 a.m., Cartcrton 8.57, Greytown 9.5, Foatherstoa 9.37, Kaitoko 11.21, Trentham arr. 11.54 a.m., Wellington arr. 12.54 p.m. Tho usual 3.36 p.m. Wellington-Master-ton train will leave Wellington at 4.5 p.m., Trentham 5.25 p.m., Greytown arr. 8.7 p.m., Masterton 8.47 p.m. The usual 9.55 a.m. To Aro-Woodrille train will leave Te Aro at 9.43 a.m., Wellington 9.55, Ngahauranfr* 10.7, Potone 10.20, Lower Hutt 10.28, Upper Hutt arr. 11.15 a.m. An Extra train will leave Wellington for Lower Hutt at 10.15 a.m. The usual 5.10 p.m. Wellington-Upper Hutt train (6th April) will run to Lower Hutt only. Tho usual 6.45 p.m. Wellington-Upper Hutt train (9th April) will run from Lower Hutt to Upper Hutt only. The usual 6.5 n m. To Aro-Low«r Hutt train (6th April) will run to Upper Hutt, Lower Hutt dep. 6.42 p.m. The 12.55 p.m. train Upper Hutt to Lower HuH will leave Upper Hutt at 12.40 p.m.. Lower Hutt arr. 1.25 p.m. The 4.43 p.m. trsin Upper Hutt to Lower Hutt (week days) will, on 6th April, leave Upper Hutt at 5.40 p.m., connecting at Lower Butt with train for Wellington; at 6.36, p.m. Tho 5.25 p.m. train Upper Hutt to Weilington (Saturdays) will, on 9th April, leave Upp*r Hutt at 5.40 p.m. (will run to Lower Hutt only), connecting at Lower Hutt with train for To Aro at 6.36 p.m. The 5.30 p.m. train from Racecourse will tton at Heretaiing* for patmcnirers. The only trains by which Race tickets will be issued will he the Rsce Trains, the 9^43 a.m. Te Aro-Woodvillo tra-n (from Xpahauranfr*. • P^tone, and Lower Hutt only), and the 1.20 p.m. Wellington-Upper Hutt train only. and the 1.20 p.m. Wel-lington-Unper Hutt train (1.0 p.m. from T«» Aro, Saturday). Sr*«on Ticket^ (Prccs reporters' ticket! exempted! . Tourist Tcketf, and Firo Passes will net bo available by tho Rtco trains. BY ORDER.