RACING NOTES

Evening Star, Issue 22619, 10 April 1937, Page 10

RACING NOTES

RACING. April 15, 17.—Whangarei R.C. April 17.— Waimate R.C. April 17, 19.—Nelson J.C. April 24. —South Canterbury J.C. April 24. 26. —Marlborough R.C. April 30, May I.—Dannevirke R.C, April 29, May 3.—OSmaru J.C. May B.—Amberley R.C. May 8, 12.—Hawke’s Bay J.C. May 12, 13.—Egmonth R.C. May 12. —Ashburton R.C. May 12. —Southland R.C.

A QUESTION OF BONA FIDES Should an owner be judged on whether he backed his horse if stewards investigate the form? The point is a .ticklish one, yet at some inquiries into race form it is one of the first questions asked by the stewards (declares an Australian sports writer). Whether the lack of an investment should lead to disqualification is, of course, highly questionable. There are so many variable phases of the point that there- is no room for dogmatism. Indeed, even when stewards have the evidence of bookmakers’ volumes placed before them, they must sometimes find themselves puzzled to sift the wheat from the chaff, where evidence, not on oath, is often their sole D A curious case occurred recently in Sydney, where an owner refrained from backing his horse. The public did, though, taking as short as evens, but he was beaten, and there was some grumbling, but there was no question of anytlxing being wrong with form. The owner believed his horse couldn’t beat a certain rival, and it saved him money, for that rival won. This one ranks among many hard-headed owners wfio hold that they should not have to invest 50’s and 100's just to prove the bona tides of their horses. Mr Jack Higgins, former chairman of stewards in Sydney, was one who insisted upon its importance, though, as proof that the horse was doing its best, especially when associated with a stable which normally bet on a lavish scale. There are so many irregularities, however that it is questionable whether a steward can afford to be dogmatic on the point. Owners don’t always fancy a horse when it wins. Many successes are entirely unexpected by the stable. So why should it be insisted that he should fancy it and back it because public form points to it as a winner. We have seen public form so often upset. Some owners rarely let a horse go out without an investment “ in case. Others point out that they won’t bet if they don’t think the horse worthy of the odds. “ Why should I waste my money just to provide proof for the stewards in case of unsatisfactory form? ” they ask. Then, again, backing isn t always proof of genuine form, either. Bookmakers can, and do, jot down a bet that isn’t actually made. Friends of a stable, too, will often rally round with betting tickets on a horse where proof of investments is asked tor by the stewards The epic case of this was provided by the late Mr Ned Moss. His humane outlook on life regretted disqualification for anybody, and he often came to the rescue when he backed a horse e\ en unbeknown to the stable, to volunteer evidence which gat peopie out ot scrapes. But there was one case where a horse was deliberately pulled up, because Mr Moss had stepped in and backed it on his own initiative, without consulting the stable. It proved a glaring hot case, too, and stewards couldn t miss investigating the form. Mr Moss had put round £7OO of his own money on, and he was a little heated after the race at such a raw deal for his money, but when he heard there was an investigation he performed the miracle of kindness._ Some would have wished disqualification on the parties “ and serve them right,” but not so Mt Moss. He hurried to the inquiry, told of the £7OO lie had put on, said he thought the horse tried, but might have got into a bit of bother through interference—and got the parties off. How many backers anywhere in the world could have swallowed their own injury to do a thing like that? NEW ZEALANDERS IN AUSTRALIA The Australian Jockey Club’s Autumn Meeting, held at 11 and wick last week, marked the close of the leading flatrace meetings of the season, and the situation can now be reviewed regard-

May 12.—Bay of Islands R.C. May 12, 15. —Otaki-Maori R.C. TROTTING. April 17.—Manawatu Trotting Club, April 24.—Auckland Trotting Club. April 27. —Marlborough Trotting Club. May 1. —Kaikoura Trotting Club. May B.—Waikato Trotting Club. May 8. —Oamaru Trotting Club. May 12, 15. —Forbury Park Trotting Club, May 29.—Canterbury Park Trotting Club,

ing the exploits of New Zealand-bred horses who have figured on the Australian turf during the period from August 1 to April 3 (writes “Phseton”). Viewed all round, the result can be considered highly satisfactory. Wotan’s Melbourne Cup has to be accorded first place from a money standpoint, for the winner’s share of the stake amounted to £7,200. The New Zealand horse lost caste in the autumn, but in the spring he won at Flemington under sensational circumstances, and his victory is entitled to bo highly rated. Gold Rod’s defeat in the A.J.C. Derby was a notable reverse, but the victories he registered in the autumn, which included the Caulfield Futurity Stakes and the A.J.C. St. Leger, showed him up attractively. The unlucky one of the New Zealandbred lot in Australia this season was Mala, who filled the role of runner-up to Talking in the A.J.C. Derby and Victoria Derby, and he filled a like position in three other races. The following is a list of important races won this season in Australia by New Zealand-bred horses :

Epsom Cup: Desert Chief. Epsom Handicap: Capris. Port Adelaide Guineas; Limond Lad. ITobartville Stakes: Gold Rod. Chelmsford Stakes; Gold Rod. Hill Stakes: Silver Ring. Spring Plate : Silver Ring Melbourne Stakes: Prince Qnex. Williamstown Stakes: Prince Quex (dead-heat).

Williamstown Stakes: Golden Promise (dead-heat).

Craven Plate: Gay Blonde. Randwick Plate: Silver’ Ring. L. K. S. M'Kinnon Stakes: Gay Blonde. Melbourne Cun: Wotan. C. B. Fisher P.late: Queen of Song Caulfield Futurity Stakes: Gold Rod Bond Cup: Golden Promise. Essendon Stakes; Gold Rod. King’s Plate: Golden Promise, A.J.C. St. Leger: Gold Rod.

The prize money attached to the 20 races named above won by the New Zealand horses amounted to £20.165. The winners of minor events include the following;—Golden Promise (3L Latharna (3), Manama (3), Two No Trumps (3), Lynch Law (3). On Parade (2), Desert Chief (2), Barman (2), Sunny Morn (2), Loud Applause (2), Distinguished (2). Retrieved (2), Late Night (2), Cape York (2), Sir Regent (2), Araunah (2), Gay Blonde (2), Birthday Boy (2), Radiant Star (2), Hands Up (2), Revision (2), Bachelor’s Song (2). Palady, Jubilee Singer. Shere Khan, Stalin, Headmaster. Golden Chance, Palatinate, Gay Circle, Palustris, Beenarra, Rob Roy, Cherry King, Ebb Tide, Linklet. Calydon. Royal Guy, Riposte, Point Blank, Chief Light, First Consol, Normanby, Gay Sheik, Edible, Bengal Lancer, Bertha 8., Improvement, Valeria, Staghorn. Lady Cay, Maringa, Miramond, Lady Quex, Lion Heart, Limoux, Limond Lad, Night Tester, Proclamation, Prince Pombal, Upoko Ariki, Dream Song, Bellevue, Reremoa. JOTTINGS Forbury Nominations. Nominations for the Forbury Park Coronation Meeting close on April 26. The programme has been issued. Otautau Meeting. The next galloping meeting in Otago and Southland is at Otautau, for which nominations close on Wednesday next. Another Young Star. The two-year-olds at Awapuni were outclassed by Bluffer, one of Mr T. H. Lowry’s famous Gossip breed. Bluffer was got by Nigger Minstrel from Bravado, who was bred by Mr Lowry in 1925, by Psychology from War Scare, by Martian—Gossip, by Wallace—Caroline, by Carlyon—Tuberose, by Grand Flaneur—Rosedale.

For the Stud. Mr G. M. Currie has decided to retire Spiral from racing, and the Limond— Drax horse will take up stud life. A First-up Horse. Ben Braggie, who won the sprint at Awapuni, has the reputation of being a first-up horse. He has now won twice in three starts, after a three-months’ spell. A Coming Sprinter. Peter Beckford, who ran second to Ben Braggie yesterday, raced at Trontham in January after a two-months’ spell, ami was just beaten by Laughing Lass. He catches the eye as an open sprinter. A Promising Start. Catalogue’s second to Wild Chase in the Awapuni Gold Cup was excellent for a horse who has raced in hack company. Catalogue promises to be a good middle distance handicapper. Form Not Watched. Big Dock paid a surprisingly good price fpr his win at Awapuni yesterday. Wairarapa form pointed to his being prominent. He was nearly down at the start on the first day and was poorly ridden on the last day. Ashburton’s Card. Two trotting events on the Ashburton Racing Club’s card on May 12 conflict with the trots at Forbury. The club is offering £285 for the Coronation Cup Handicap, and nominations for all events close on April 27. Three Apprentices. T. R. George brought still another Australian ’apprentice, W, Doyle, back with him from Sydney. This makes three now in the stable, and all are capable horsemen. Back Again. Arctic Star, ridden by F. Smith, made a reappearance at Riccarton the other day by jumping four hurdles very well. He will be seen out in the hurdle race at the Ashburton fixture next mouth. Spells Earned. Cerne Abbas and Royal Chief have gone out for a two months’ spell. The idea of making a trip to Sydney in the spring with Royal Chief has been abandoned, and he lias been withdrawn from the A.J.C. Derby and Rosehil) Guineas. Improved By Race. Grey Honour has improved a good deal as the result of his race at Riccarton at Easter, and will appear next at the South Canterbury Meeting this month. His two-year-old half-brother Baldoon, by Philamor, has been gelded. For Australia. It is the intention of H. Rama to take the Easter Handicap winner, Tooley Street, to Australia next month, and the bay gelding will not fulfil his engagements at the Whangarei Meeting. Rama will remain in Melbourne throughout the winter in order to prepare Tooley Street for the spring meetings at Flemington and Caulfield, Golden Hair’s Half-brother. O. Cox has received from Mr G. F. Moore a fine-looking yearling colt by Beau Pere from Lady Cavendish. He is a half-brother to Gojden Hair, and his appearance augurs well for the future of Beau Pere’s stock. Bonus for Hunters. The Canterbury Jockey Club has renewed the offer of a bonus of £5 for each hunter competing in a jumping event at the Grand National Meeting. The bonus is paid to the Hunt at whose meets the horse qualified, and applies to all hunt clubs in the Dominion, Two Beginners. Gresham (F. Smith) and First Spec (D. O’Connor) were sent on Thursday over the two pony hurdles twice, and then tackled one of the bigger hurdles, which First Spec hit heavily and nearly fell. Gresham shaped promisingly, and may do better at hurdle racing than on the flat. Capital Back. Two horses recently recommissioned at Riccarton are Capital and Gay Lyric. The former has been taken up again by S. Barr after a long spell. He appears to be backward in condition, and l will take some time to be ready to resume fast work. Gay Lyric, a daughter of Gay Sonnet, put in an appearance on Thursday in the charge of . her owner-trainer, Mr F. T. Buchanan, who has had her in light work at Rolleston for some weeks, and hopes to have her racing at Amberley next month.

An Unprofitable Purchase. A few months ago the Californian sportsman A. B. Spreckels, purchased King Saxon with the idea of winning the recent Santa Anita Handicap. The price reported to have been paid was £IO,OOO. About a fortnight prior to the big race Kino; Saxon was lame after finishing third in a minor handicap at Santa Anita, and was found to have broken a small bone in one of his feet. It was believed the trouble would end his racing career, and that King Saxon’s only chance of making up for that £IO,OOO expenditure was at the stud.

Two-year-old Money. Royal Chief, from the point of view of winning stakes, is now the leading two-year-old in the Dominion. With five wins and six placings in 12 starts he has secured £2,285. He is the only two-year-old yet to have won over seven furlongs, which he did in both Challenge Stakes. Francis Drake has raced 1 nine times for five wins and three minor places, winning £2,080. Next on the list is Brunhikle, winner of three races and six placings worth £1,025 in all. Next comes Smoke Screen, with four successes in six starts, yielding £9BO. Airam has earned her £3BO from seven wins out of 25 starts. Closely attending her is Haughty Winner, with £B7O from three wins and five places in eight starts.

The Koatanui Team. When W. Rayner returns to Wanganui from the Manawatu Autumn Meeting he will bring in three yearlings from Mr 6. M. Currie's Koatanui stud to commence their education for next season. Rayner will also take out to Koatanui the three-year-old filly Missal, who is being retired to the stud, and the six-year-old horse Spiral, who is to take the place of his sire, the defunct Limond, at Mr Currie’s stud. The three youngsters which are to come in are all by Limond, two fillies and one colt. The colt is a brown out of Miss Thesuian, and is thus a half-brother to Chief Ranger (by Chief Ruler). One of the fillies is a chestnut daughter of the Absurd —Cowl mare Veil, so she is a fullsister to Veilmond. The third is a brown filly from Motley ( Absurd— Pennon), and she is also well related, being a full-sister to A 1 Jolson, Midinntte, and Variant, and half-sister to Variable and Legatee.

Looks the Part. T. H. Gillett has a novice jumper in his team in a half-brother by I Shambles to First Sight, owned by Mr J. H. Grigg. The gelding has plenty of size, and has the appearance of a useful performer. He had some schooling on Thursday, ridden by H. Turner, and although allowed to go only at a strong hunting pace, he gave every encouragement over four hurdles. By New Sire. The Auckland owner, Mr E. Montgomery, was a buyer at the Sydney yearling sales, the trainer J. T. Jamieson securing on his behalf a brown colt by Christopher Robin from Door Step, by Son-in-law. The colt is expected to arrive from _ Sydney nest week. Christopher Robin is a recent addition to Mr Percy Miller’s Kia Ora stud, and his stock were in the ring for the first time. He was bred in Ireland by Major Giles Loder. and he was- a good class racehorse. He is by Phalaris from Hutch Mary, by the St. Simon horse William the Third, out of Pretty Polly. Descendants of Simper. The Riccarton trainer E. Scoullar, who had charge of Cerne Abbas on her recent successful trip to Ellerslie, has returned the filly to F. D. Jones, and lie expects to receive during the next few days a couple of horses from his patron, Mr W. T. Hazlett. They are two-year-old fillies, both by the imported horse Colonel Cygnus, a young sire who is leaving some promising stock. One of the newcomers is from Lambent, by Tractor _ from Dazzling Light, and the other is from Flicker, by Paper Money from Illume. Both of them are thus descended from the famous mare Simper. They were broken in and given some work early in the season, but since then they have had a rest. Well Bred. When Highborn finished third to Nuclei and Bachelor King on the second day of the Takapuna Meeting at Ellerslie in the spring, he gave every indication of .turning out a two-year-old beyond the average. However, he wen* sore, and; it was not until last Mon day that he was really seen at his best. He was a long way back at the straight entrance, but finished on in the gamest manner, unfurling a great turn of speed, which landed him a winner by a very narrow margin. On the first day, when contesting the Oakley Handicap, he got a knock, which resulted in him losing his jockey. Highborn is; a particularly well-grown colt by Baralong from Nobility, by Cannopie from Facility, by Your Majesty from Simplify. Pie, therefore, conies from the same family as Brown Jack, who won the Queen Alexandra Stakes, two miles and six furlongs, the longest Jockey Club race in England, six times in succession. A Cheap Sire. My Prince, sire of three Grand National Steeplechase winners, Gregalach, Reynolds town, and Royal Mail, was a handsome four-year-old with a good racing record when in the autumn of 1915 Lord St. Davids decided to sell his bloodstock. Bidding for My Prince rose to 9ogs, but the reserve was lOOgs, so he was withdrawn. Before the horse left the saleyard, he was bought by the British Bloodstock Agency and sold six weeks later for £2OO to the Irish Board of Agriculture. He was placed with Mr A. H. Maxwell at Lusk, near Dublin. Another son of My Prince is Easter Hero, top weight and favourite for the National when Gregalach won in 1929. Heroic’s Record. When the first quarter of the present season closed in Australia Heroic was placed third in the winning sires’ list. In the interval the progeny of the New South Wales-bred horse have placed him in front with a substantial lead, and it is made quite clear that Heroic will hold a commanding position for the fifth successive year. At the close of last season Heroic’s progeny had won £133,777, and there seems every prospect of the total being increased to over £163,000 when the 1936-37 season closes in July.

Talking’s Owner Optimistic. Although Talking failed badly in the only race he ran after several months’ ■rest, and it was deemed advisable not to submit him to a further test at this stage, Mr A. E. Cooper, who invested £llf,ooo in his purchase last spring, continues to view the position in an optimistic spirit. In a recent interview the Sydney sportsman expressed himself as follows“ Many racing men believe that 1 made a bad bargain when I paid £19,000 for Talking. I bought him mainly as a breeding proposition, but it will greatly surprise me if Talking does not win really big races next spring after his long rest. I think he might even pass through his spring campaign unbeaten.” Talking has been transported to the Segenhoe property, situated in the Scone district, which is noted for cool temperature, and this change is confidently expected to play a strong part in fitting the Magpie colt for a strenuous round of racing at four years old.

Interdominion Championships. According to a report published in a Melbourne newspaper the Interdominion Championships will be held at Addington next year, and £6,000 in prize-money will be provided. Up to the present time the New Zealand Trotting Conference has made no mention of the holding of the championships at Addington or on. any other course in New Zealand, reports ‘ The Press.’ No idea of the stakes has yet been given for publication, but if no more than £6,000 can he ottered in stakes, then the Metropolitan Trotting Club will not be doing the things expected of it. On the second day of the Easter meeting the sum of £3,100 was offered, and surely this will be more than doubled in two days at a meeting that aims to attract the best horses in Australia and New Zealand. The Melbourne writer evidently knows little of what the Metropolitan Trotting Club will do if granted the privilege of holding the Interdominion Championships at Addington; but if a sum of less than £IO,OOO is offered for a two-day meeting, then there will be many disappointed followers of trotting in New Zealand. The Interdominion Championships will thoroughly test the accommodation of the Addington course, and the club will do the right thing even if such a meeting is not run at a profit.