SPORT AND PASTIME.

Evening Post, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 94, 20 April 1912, Page 14

SPORT AND PASTIME.

The Turf. FIXTURES. ' April 24 and 25 — Manawatu E.G. Autumn. ■ May 1 and 2—Hawkesßav2 — HawkesBav J.C. Autumn. May 1 and 2 — Marlborough B.C. Autumn. NOTES AND~COMMENTS. (By Sir Bedivere.) The rule recently passed by the conference which allows of apprentices who have not ridden more than five winners claiming a Sib allowance in selling races and in handicaps worth, no "more Mian 150 eovs to the winner, appears, to be working out well. Quito a number of our youthful horsemen have now scored more than the limit number of points, and owners have thus already been encouraged to tiive others that. may. still claim the allowance a chance. It is doubtful, too, whether there has ever been a more promising lot of young horsemen in the Dominion than at present. Tricklebank, Bell, Weller, M'C&rten, and Btenning have been shaping most creditably this season, and there are others that have also ehpwn promise of proficiency. Winning Way has been thrown out of training, and will not race again until next season. "It is understood," "Whalebone" in the Auckland Star, that -a, circular has been issued by the country clubs, which is lo be forwarded to every member of the House, in connect tion with the 'present state of affairs in the racing world. Although nothing definite is known, it is rumoured that the clubs intend urging upon their representatives to have certain sections of the Gaming Act repealed, so as to allow 'them to carry on • their 'meetings as formerly." That some of the clubs that lost their totalisator permit have a legitimate grievance it must be admitted. It was, however, merely as a result of an unfortunate piece , of legislation passed at .'thfe instigation ' of people who know nothing^ whatever about racing, and v care less. The Bill bringing about a reduction in the Hum ber of - days in which > the totalisator might be used having become law, the Government wisely delegated to a Royal Commission comprised of racing i experts the unpleasant task of determining in what manner the necessary I reduction should ' be made. This they did to the best of their ability, and, although it is possible that, having carefully noted the results of their work, they might now conceive it advisable to make certain emendations, such changes would not be likely to be many. The Turf now calls loudly for security of tenure, and this, if political wirepulling is to have effect, it will surely be denied. Whilst the outcome of the recent legislation has been to deprive a certain number of people from enjoying a day's racing right at their own doors, it has 'certainly made for the betterment of the sport to be witnessed elsewhere. The general rutt of the people .have thus no reason, to growl whatever.' The case is the reverse, in .fact, and it is to be sincerely hoped that, rather than, the whole subjects of per mits should be reopened, and we should again suffer the vote-catching vapourings of Little Pedlington politicians, the allocation of permits wil| again be entrusted to those in the best position to know what is both desirable and required. A 6 the Referee has remarked, it is Parliament's business to stipulate the amount of racing that shall take place during each season. But there its labours should cease. The arrangements in regard to locality and dates of such racing should plainly He left with a non-political, but distinctly democratic, bodv t such as the Racing Conference. The Auckland trainer, A. ftobinson, who used to prepare the late Mr. W. Rathbone's horses in years gone .by, has not, his friends will regret to hear, been enjoying the best of health. With the object of recuperating, he intends leaving for a lengthy tour of Australia /■•• -h month. Robinson expects to be i*ysenf Ironi New, Zealand, for about a year., after which he hopes to get back into harness again. It w aaid that the Ellerelie trainer, D. Bannatyne, will probably pay a visit to Australia at an early date, and that the Cuirassier gelding Bon Jour may accompany- him. If Bon Jour is taken across the water, he will contest some of the minor hurdle events. Desmond, "who won. the high jump at the recent Sydney show, is said to be twenty-four years old. He has annexed prizes to the value of over £3500 in th» various show rings. The stabling at Glenora "Park, -where Harry French 'trained for so many years, has been leased to the South Island trotting trainer, J. Whitaker. All Tieing well, Prince Soult will journey on from Awapuni to Hastings, where he claims an engagement in the Hawkes Bay Stakes. , He. has earned a full penalty both in the events to .be decided at Awapuni > and ' at" Hastings, and in. the absence of Autumnus, who was allowed to drop out" of the Hawkes Bay classic, Ermengarde, Brown Owl, and Culprit .will be his most formidable opponents. Mention of Autumnus reminds me that he is engaged in the A. J.C. Derby. Though he Las suffered defeat on more thau one occasion he is an undeniably good colt and he should furnish into a grand three-year-old. His appearance in the Derby field tit Randwick -would create a lot of interest. . It will be of 'interest to breeders of 1 blood-stock the world over to watch the result of the mating of the famous mare Rhodora, by St. Frusquin— Rhoda B, to her still more famous half-brother 1 Orby, by Orine— Rhoda B. It appears the mare missed to two well-known, sires, and it was decided to put her to Orby, and to him bhe k believed in foal (remarks the "Commissioner" in Sporting Life). "When in Ireland last spring 1 vieited Mr. Croker's etud at Glencairn. and Carriekmincs, and there learned ot the mating of the son and daughter of Rhoda B. My announcement at the time that this seemingly daring experiment had been made caused astonishment in breeding circles. It was declared to be a flaunting of nature, and bo on, and so forth. The real fact o£ the matter is that Mr. Croker, when he resolved to defy convention, was, consciously or unconsciously, taking advantage of the discoveries that havo been made since the principles ot Mendelism were brought to light twelve years ago. It is highly probable that Rhodora's coming foal will not actually be inbred to Rhoda li, although on paper it will be bo, incestuously." A notable instance of ■the mating of near relations in New Zealand was that of Multiform and Cruciform determined upon by the late G. G. Stead in' 1905, Multiform being three parts brother to Crucifqrm's dam. Unfortunately, the union did not bear result. It would seem that next season we shall have the pleasure of watching Mr. K. J. Watt's brilliant filly Ventura under Bjjk ia tbj§ cguntry. ghe, in com-

pany with a number of well-bred yearlings recently acquired by her owner at the Randwick sales, was landed here on Wednesday by the Ulimaioa. Countermine, who went lame on the eve of the C.J.C. Autumn Meeting, at which elie consequently had to forego her engagements, has been having an easy time of it. She may therefore be regarded as a doubtful competitor at Awapuni next wetk. The Chokebore Lodge team has been reinforced by four of Sir George Clifford's rising two-year-olds, and they arrived on Saturday light from Stonyhurst. A regrettable accident, says the Referee, , befell the chestnut colt Flagfal, by Bezonian — Fleetfoot, who during his antics on Moorhouse-avenue came into contact with one of the, tramway poles. , It appears that the' colt has badly ruptured the museks in his chesb and shoulder, and it is v moot point as to whether ne will ever race. This is a stroke of bad luck, as the victim of the accident is a beautifully-proportioned rustomer, and quite the pick of the quartette that arrived. Another batch, of youngsters is expected this week. H. Eva has decided to take up his residence at Awapuni. He has a useful team in hand, and has evidently been attracted by Awapuni's central position and the excellence of the tracks there. The meeting of Trafalgar and Malt King in the Autumn Stakes at Bandwick on the 6th inst. was a star item of the A.J.C. gathering." "Pilot," of the Sydney Referee, in referring to the meeting of the two great . chestnuts, penned the following: During the week prior to the race the probable result came in for almost as much discussion as the' Doncaster Handicap. Before Trafalgar arrived from Melbourne there were rumours as _to the possibility of his not being at v his best at x our meeting, but his first fast gallop after he put in an appearance at Randwick went towards dispelling that idea, and I doubt whether he looked better on the occasion of any 1 previous' visit to this Stat&. Therefore .it rather surprised me when early last week odds were laid on Malt King downing the Victorian crack. Outside the two nothing received . consideration. Trafalgar was always favourite on the course, a fact that must have 'unpleasantly surprised those backers wlio had" laid odds •on Malt King a few days previpue. In looking forward to a great' battle between Trafalgar and Malt King, racegoers were' not disappointed. At a very early stageit was apparent Trafalgar's rider, J. E. Pike, had received instructions to see that the pace was solid, for, after Eye Glass had figured in the lead for nearly half a mile, Prizefighter and Trafalgar took charge, and at the seven furlongs the latter was clear, and bowling along in great, style. Nearing the five-furlong post Malt King was 6econd, a couple of lengths away from Trafalgar, and a little further on ne reduced the gap.- However, Trafalgar was still in front entering the straight, but at the distance M'Lachlan called on Malt King, and as the latter wa6 seen to draw on his rival his success was loudly proclaimed. At the half-distance Malt King was only a neck, from' Trafalgar, and Pike was riding the .latter for all he was worth. For 'a few; 'strides the' result was in doubt, tut then it was apparent Malt King could not lessen ' Trafalgar's advantage, and. he was- still a neck behind the latter at the winning-post. Both horses came in for a great reception, and as usual in the case of a defeated horse in. a close finish, there were expressions of opinion concerning what might have happened if different tactics had "been i adopted with Malt King. Some of the latter's admirers wore confident he would, have, won if he had. kept nearer Trafalgar along the back, while others reckoned success would have been certain if M'Lachlan had waited longer before making his run. For my part, I fancy -the result would have been the same- no" matter what tactics might have been adopted with Malt King af>v Tra falgar got to the front along vho back From the five-furlong post the face resolved itself into a match, between Trafalgar and Malt King, and though Aurofodina was third he was never dangerous. Saxonite, who was running last all along the back, finished at a great rate in fourth place, while Eric, Eye Glass, and Cadonia shaped respectably. Danaus faded right out over the last half-mile, and that Prizefighter did not go better was due to Malt King galloping on him along the back stretch. ■ IMPORTANT SALE OF BLOOD; STOCK. Through the agency of Mr. I. Earnehaw, Mr. R. Allen, owner of Antonio, Persian Knight (three-quarter brother to Charlemagne II.), and the Merton Stud, has acquired the whole of the bloodstock formerly the property of the Manawatu Stud Company, particulars of which are as follows :— Thoroughbred stallion Sir Laddo, sire of Sir Knox, Sir Solo, Ladrone, Lady Laddo, and other winners. Mores AoJJo, Rufine, Wep*ner, Smart Set (half-sister to Polymorphous), Ladis (sister to Ladino), Visitor (Dreadnought—Newcomer, by Malwa), Windlass and Patience (half-sister to Ladino) by Pilgrim's Progress. All these mares with the exception of Visitor, Patience, and Ladis have foals to Sir Laddo. Provided space can be secured the collection, will be chipped to Sydney next Friday. That New Zealand breeders have failed to appreciate Sir Laddo at his true worth there can be bo doubt. He is a beautifully bred and good looking eire, and with the very limited opportunities he has had he has done remarkably well. He is already represented by one winner in Australia, and it will come as no surprise if he quickly builds up a good reputation in hki new home. Hib stock are exceptionally 6ound and hardy, and promise to bo able to get a journey. Mr. Lan Duncan, owner of the Waikanae Stud, left for England yesterday. He expects to return to New. Zealand in October next. Effort has, I hear, run her last race, and is to be retired to the stud. But for a weakness in the bloodvessels in her head 6ho would undoubtedly have won many more races than she did, and it was most unfortunate for her connections that ehe should have been so afflicted. AYONDALE JOCKEY CLUB. ACCEPTANCES FOR AUTUMN MEETING. [BI XEL2OBAFH — PRESS ASSOCIATION.] AUCKLAND, 19th April. The following acceptances have been received for the opening day of the Avondale Jockey Club's Autumn Meeting on Wednesday :—: — Maiden Handicap, six furlongs. — Kaween 9.0, Firelock 8.10, Haku 8.4, Ngatimuru 8.2, Glenfern 8.1, Royal Irish 7.13, Ambergris 7.13, Claro 7.13, NimTod 7.12. Spanish 7.11, Butter 7.9, Merrimac 7.9, Pyralis 7.7, Koroirangi 7.6, Lord Delaval 7.5, Holdfast 7.5, Countree 7.5, Bonny Glen 7.5; Afric 7.5, Cuckoo 7.5. Chevalier Handicap, four furlongs. — Harenoa 8.12. Haku 8.6, Heyboy 8.6, Ngatimnru 8.4, Manurere 8.1, Nimrod 8.0, Vivaoe 7.12, Musk&wai 7.12, Winhaston 7.10, Tipperary 7.10, Tua Kitua, 7.8, Lady Thorne 7.b, Tohoro 7.8, Whakarevva 7.7, The -Celt 7.7, Solitudo 7.7, Avalon 7.7, Duro 7.7, Takanini 7.7, Dulavalite 7.7, BluesUme 7.7, Jennie 7.7, Bonny 7.7. Daik Rose 7.7, Itukuhia 7.7, Flipaap 7.7. Juvenile Hjcndjcap, five furlongs..—.

Tact 0.10, Bleriot 8.3, Monorail 8.7, Monoline 8.7. Prince Merriweo 8.2, Po-to.-i 7.4, Battle Abbey 7 2, Indulgence 7.1, Kaleato 7.0, Miss Avalanche 7.0, Lavenui 7.0, Semolina 7.0. Handicap Hurdles ; two miles. — Black Northern 12.0, Presently 11.6, Don Quex 10.11, Lloyds 10.1, Sandy Paul 10.0, The Chef 9.13, Taiaha 9.7, Master Theory 9.5, Zinnia 9.1, Napper 9.0, Tandy 9.0, Napenap© 9.0. Oakley Handicap ; live furlongs.— Salute 9.0. Crown Pearl 8.10, Red Lupin 8.6, Lucille 8.0. Mighty Atom 8.0, Marangai 7.9, Lady Dot 7.8, Waiowera' 7.4, Jena 7.2, Bow Bells 7.2, Merry Christmas 7.1, Cloudy Dawn 7.0,' Goodwin Sanda 7.0, Hyperion 7.0, Lady Betty 7.0. Railway Handicap ; six fuilongs. — Salute 9.0, Goldwze 8.11, La Reina 7.9, Captain Soult 7.8, Mahinga-7.6, Peggy Pryde 7.0, Grenadier 7.0, First Watriki 7.0, Tobias 6.15. # Titirangi Handicap.; cevea furlongs.— Royal Soult 9.0, .Crown Pearl tj.3, Kohinoor 7.9,,- Maheno 7.8, Admiral Soult ■7.4,. Aahby 7.3, Mahinga 7.2, Sphinx 7.0, Impulsive 7.0, Worcester 6.11, Kopane 6.11, Parawai 6.11. Avondale Handicap j one mile and &.- quarter. — Royal Soint 8.11, Wee Olga 8.9, Monoplane 8.2, St. Amans 7.11, Sea Elf 7.10, Glov 7.8, Le Reina 7.2, Sea Pink 7.1, Flying Soult 7.0, Kaween 7.0, Alastex' Jack 6.12, Tiresome 6.12. WANGANUI STEEPLECHASE. [BX TELEaRAFH — PEESS ASSOCIATION.] . - -■ WANGANUI, t9th AprU. The following are nominationa for the Wanganui Steeplechase, about three miles : Lo veil, Hautere, . Ohaikau, First "Barrel, Beeline, ' Glenmore, Sir Lethe, Whakawai - a, Corazon,. Antarctic. Zante, ' Pleiades, .. .Winiata, Doi^ando, , The Spaniard, Taiha, Compass, Continuance, Kaipetipeti, Xavier, Captain Jingle, Tyrannic.