THE TURF

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, Issue 179, 14 July 1927, Page 2

THE TURF

RACING FIXTURES. June 12, 14, 16—Wellington R.C. July 21- Waimate District Hunt Club Julv 23—48. Canterbury Hunt Club July 28, 30 Gisborne R.C. Julv 30 Christchurch Hunt Club .August 6—Poverty Bay Hunt Club August 9, 11, 13— Canterbury J.C. August 20—Pakuranga Hunt Club HECTOR GRAYS SUSPENSION SENTENCE MODIFIED. Wellington, July 13. Hector Gray again appealed against his life sentence at the Racing Conference. After a long discussion it was resolved that the disqualification be altered to suspension, and, if he fails to observe the restrictions imposed Sy the Licensing Committee, the disqualification will immediately be re.n stated. This enables Gray to be employed n racing stables. SEVERAL NEW RULES PASSED. ALLOCATION OF PRIZE MONEY. The Racing Conference continued its deliberations yesterday when the following business was done. An amendment giving a racing club power to put of! undesiraules was carried.

The president’s proposal that *a certificate of identification stating tho age. colour, sex and any distinctive marks by which th© horse may be identified, signed bv a veterinary surgeon in New Zealand, approved for this purpose by the president, shall be lodged with the president in the case of each horse foaled out of New Zealand, was carried. It was decided also that the rule should apply to New Zealand horses returning after having been taken out of fhe country The following additions to rules were carried:—“lf a horse be Jis qualified for a race he shall be regarded as unplaced and the other horses shall he placed accordingly.’’ and “If in tho opinion of the stewards a horse has interfered through no fault of his rider with the chance of any horse placed by the judge, the stewards may. if they think fit. place such horse immediately after any horse whose chance has been interfered with.”

The following new rule regarding prize money was passed: “If the winner has walked over o r no horse has been placed second op in any lower place, the money or prize provided by the conditions for the horse placed sedond or in any lower place fdiall he dealt with as follows: (a) If part of the stakes or plate it shall go to the winner. o r (b) it a separate donation from the race fund or any flier source it shall not be given at all. or (c) if entrance moneys for the race it shall go to the race fund.” A proposed new’ rule. “On the hearing of an appeal any club oi person interested in the decision ap pealed from shall be entitled to be represented by a barrister or solicitor of the Supreme Court of New Zealand.” wag defeated by 23 votes to 17. The Trotting Conference decided that by the entering of a horse every person having or acquiring an interest in such horse shall be deemed to undertake, either directly or indirectly, not to make any wage r with a bookmaker in connection with the w ac© in which such horse is entered a breach whereof shall be deemed a corrupt practice.

The following new rule was adopted:—“No horseman shall bet on any horse in any race in which he rides or drives except, on the horse ridden or driven by himself. Any person betting with or for any horseman in contravention of this rule may be fined, suspended, Or disqualified.” . When the Racing Conference considered the report of the dates com mittee a strong protest was made against taking away Labour Dav from the Waikato Hunt Club and giving it to the Racing Club. On behalf of the latter it was urged that the Racing Chib was in difficulties, whil ethe Hunt Chib was doing well —By 30 to 8 the committee’s action was confirmed. Racing advertisements in future will have to state the starting hour of the first race. An application from H. Barr for a remission of the life disqualification of the horse Regent was retUseu The Oamaru and Ashburton Racing Clubs were granted permission to include two trotting events in each day’s programme. The Trotting Conference approved rules forbidding officials such as judges and handicappers betting on a meeting at which they are acting, and enabling the stewards to prevent a horse starting in a >-ce and return the fees. Many technical aliMsrations were made in the existing rules. DIVOTS. (Dug by “The Delver.”) Nominations for the Christchurch Hunt Club’s Meeting, the prelude to the Grand National fixture, are due to-morrow (Friday), at 8 p.m. Quantum was coupled with Merry Mint on the machine for the Trial Plate at Trentham on Tuesday. For the Te Aro Handicap. Piperenzo and Thurnus were bracketed because there were not sufficient dials on the machine to exhibit all numbers. R. MeTavish will have to hurry up if he wants to head the apprentice T. Green for this season’s jockey chaun-

pionship. Th© tally as between them now stands: Green 4G. MeTavish 445. Neither was on a winner at Trentham on .Tuesday last.

Rascal is reported to have done well since he went to Riccarton. F. P. Claridge has him moving along nicely in his work, and he should he seen to advantage in early engagements

The three-year-old Valkyrian ing Odin is getting through plenty of useful work . under B. Cowan’s charge at Ellerslie. He is sqid to be one of the most improved horses at headquarters and should be capable of paying his way during the coming season.

A half-sister by Nassau to Stormy and Breezy has been broken in. and is now being hacked about in the Waikato district. This filly is well spoken of by several good judges who have seen her. and has had the name Calm bestowed on her.

Battlement has been working nicely for a long time now. and seems ;o have grown to a certain extent, says a Christchurch writer. Probably ne will next face the starter at Sydney, Battlement has run some good races in Australia, and if he is sent to Randwick with Limerick and Co. ne should again pay expenses.

Comic Song has been taken up again by G. Feildimr and is said to be in splendid condition to start a further racing preparation. The dual Stewards’ Handicap winner is rising six years old and should have another profitable season ahead of him. z

.it Ellerslie E. Pope has commenced to prepare Desert Knight for the coming racing season, and the Mountain Knight gelding's condition is spoken of as a credit to his trainer. Desert Knight, who has not raced for some time, has built up into a very solid-looking horse, and has been given the right treatment to make good in the new season.

A Press Association message from Sydney says Mr Greenwood’s pair, Agriou and Phillipic. landed there from the Marama in good condition after a favourable passage. The Wellington Steeplechase winner. Beau Cavalier, is still in the Winter Hurdles, to be run on Saturday. Possibly his starting may depend on his running in the HighWeight Handicap to-day. If ho should go to the post on Saturday jt will probably be necessATy to get a rider for him other than his usual pilot. S. Henderson, who is booked for Kamehameha. When R. Hannon, his breeder, saw Aberfeldy at Trentham for the fir*t time since the Quin Abbey gelding went awav to Australia, he is said to have remarked on the latter’s :m--proved appearance. At the same time he vouchsafed the information that the breed Aberfeldy represents has not heen of any account until they got a bit of age. Aberfeldy wa s the only one with whom he did inuch as a two-year-old. and he realised now that it was a mistake. Was this w"v “Dick” parted with him?

It is reported that Te Monanui is looking very bright and moving freely in his work. All going well in the meantime it is anticipated that J O’Neil] will have him in good shape to contest the big handicaps at th© spring meetings. The rising three-year-old filly Miss Mercia, who is in the same stable ns Te Monanui. is also reported tn be coming along nicely. Miss Mercia was unplaced in her nnlv outing this season, but she is reported to be speedy.

Town Guard, has started work again at Ellerslie, and is said to look in nice fresh condition to commence a preparation. Mr A. Kemp’s gelding contested twelve races during the season registering three wins, three seconds and was also third a similar number of times, a very creditable performance for a voung horse in his first season on the. turf. Town Guard will most likelv be given a run at the Pakuranga Meeting at Ellerslie next

Following some criticism as to th© method employed by the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club in electing its officers bv Mr W. E. Simes, who was defeated for the position of treasurer bv Mr F. E. Graham bv 162 votes to 142. and who asked if a recount could be taken, the president of the club. Mr J. H. Williams, obtained a legal from Mr M. J. Gresson. who advised that no one had the right to ask for a recount.

It looks as if the gallops at Ellerslie and the trots at Alexandra Park may have to go “dry” in future. Both courses are in the newly-defined Parnell electorate, which does not include a single licensed house. Thus there will be no licensing committee required, and the wonder is where booth permits for the races are t© come from.

Wellington Steeplechase statistics, says the Taranaki writer “Moturoa,’* would not Ih’ complete without mention of Percy Johnson, who won on Xnt (IS9G). and The Friar (1897), and rode the dead-heater Whalehone. in 1891. He holds the winning record amoin>-« the horsemen. Ilarrv McSweenev won in successive year-. 11)20 and 1921. on First Line and ('on lit ion. while L. G. Morris was responsible lor Omalm’s wins in 1924 and 192-5. “Snowy” has rolinqnish-

ridoor over obstacles, and MrSweenev is the only horseman likely to beat Johnson’s record.

Clan Robert, in carrying 12.6 into second place in the V.R.C. Grand National Steeplechase, put up a fine performance, but there have been a number of winners of the race with more weight up than he had to carry. The weight carrying record is - held by Redleap, who in 1892 carried 13.3. while as far back as 1881 Sussex carried 13.1. Other good performances are those registered b- the following winners :-—lBBB. Ruby. 12.7; 1896, Dungan. 12.9; 1909. Bribery. 12.11; 1922. Mountain God. 12.7.

A recent Maoriland winner in Australia that appears to have been overlooked is Green Streak (Boniform — Lady Wayward) who was successul in the First Division of the Juvenile Handicap at Moorefield (Sydney) towards the end of last month.

Great was the fall of the onceniighty at Inglis’s sale in Sydney last week. A two-year-old that a year before had realised 1550gns. was sold ‘for 70gns. The young horse that had once been so promising was Helmsman, a gelding by Rossendale from Demeter, and the most remarkable thing about his sale was that he had not even raced. He was such a handsome youngster at the 1926 sales that Mr Percy Miller bought him for his daughter for 1550gn5., but he has been a dead loss, and evidently has a lot to learn about galloping for his owner to sell him at such a low price without giving him a race.

In the course of descanting on doings and misdoings at unregistered Sydney meetings th© self-constituted censor, “Turfite” says: “xt is a well-known fact that some jockeys on the pony tracks secure rides by obtaining a punter for the owner, and a story of a happening of this kind is told m connection with the Ascot meeting recently. A jockey who had not been doing too well in the last few months approached a trainer with the proposition that if he were allowed to ride two of his candidates he would find a man to back them. The trainer agreed, but when the first race was approaching the jockey could not piu duce his punter. A different rider was engaged, and although the horse was well backed it failed. But later in the day the jockey must have found his backer, for he had the ride on the second string, and it also lost. The boy who usually rides this horse had the laugh on the trainer, for he accepted another and won the race. ’ ’

Discoursing of luck in the rcing game, a Sydney has the following:—“A toss a few years ago decided the ownership of good old David, the racehorse who won big sums for three owneis. Norman Falkiner owned mm, and brother Otway Falkiner, who had just won many thousands over him in bets, wanted him. They couldn’t agree on prices, the one offering £5,000 and the other demanding £6,000. Finally Otway agreed to toss. If he lost he was to pay £lO,OOO, while if he won, he got the hors e for nothing. He cried ‘heads.’ Heads it came, and David was his for nothing, to win, subsequently, £12,000 in prize money in his colours. ’ ’ ’

Discussing the possibilities of the big Australian spring handicap events “Poseidon,” of the Sydney “Sun,” has these good words to say about a New Zealander of whom we have heard littl e for a long time:—“The horse among the top weights that will definitely run a good Caulfield Cup race is The'Banker, who ran a splendid second to Manfred last year, and is raised only 61b to 9.5. He is likely to improve in form. Godby found the knack of transforming Purser from a failure to a weight-for-age horse when h e had had him long enough. The Banker wasn’t quite good enough last year, but he might be a whole lot better this year, and if the Caulfield Cup is his mission he will prove very hard to beat. Last year’s second in the Caulfield Cup and failure in the Melbourne Cup suggest that a mile and a-half is nearer his distance. He is reported to be in better condition now than ever since his arrival from New Zealand.”

Some strange stories are told of thoroughbreds and their companions, says a Melbourne writer, and having regard to the delicate equine olfactory sense,, none could be more remarkable than the hurdle racer Hysteria’s fondness for a billy-goat. Hysteria roams about the place in the vicinity of his trainer’s establishment at Mentone, and, to Murrell’s surprise one day he returned to the stables with a billygoat at his heels. They turned the bewhiskered companion out, but he hung round the place, and so often defied bis owner’s efforts to keep him at home that in the end nobody bothered. Hysteria and the goat just confined being mates. Now, the goat will not leave the horse. He camps wifh Hysteria, and George and Biliy Murrell often get a laugh out of their frolics. The goat runs in and out of Hysteria’s legs, and there is ample evidence in his actions that the horse is greatly attached to his new-found friend. They have been mates -fdr about seven months. Whenever Hysteria is taken away to a race meeting the billy-goat follows him to the station, and then returns to the stable to await the gelding’s homecoming.

COLONIAL-BRED SIRES. The fact that the 11 Koatanui ’’ stud mast ('i', Mr G. M. Currie, is giving Thespian (Absurd — Leta), a sire of his own breeding, some of his best mares lends interest to the following from the pen of ‘‘ Beacon,” turf writer for the Melbourne ‘ ‘ Leader. ” All round, but especially in Australia, it is recognised that colonial-bred sires do not receive anything like proper patronage al the hands of breed-

ers, with the result that there is a danger of old-time stout lines dying out. The record of Wallace as a sire has yet to be surpassed in Australia. His success extended over a considerable period, nor was it limited to a few seasons, and he sired stayers as well as sprinters and good two-year-olds. Other great Australian stallions that come to mind are Maltster, Trenton, Nordenfeldt, Yattendon, Chester, Grand Flaneur, Richmond, Neckersgat, Robinson Crusoe, Maribyrnong, Bobadil and Multiform. Lochiel might he added to that list, as, although sired in England he was foaled in New Zealand. The horses enumerated held their own against the importations because they were given a chance. Other well-bred and well-performed Australian horses would do just as well if they were given the chance to prove their wortn. Wallace was a firstclass racehorse, but when he went up for sale as a stallion at the St. Albans dispersal sale he brought only 750gns. breeders despised him because tie happened to be bred in this country. The late Mr J. V. Smith reaped a harvest in consequence of that prejudice, as he got hold of the most successful sire of his time. Perhaps Mr Hunter will be equally fortunate with Wind.bag, as he has bought a horse that was a great performer and one of the most courageous animals that ever looked through a bridle. It was the fighting spirit in Windbag that won him his Melbourne Cup. One can hardly imagine Windbag siring a quitter.

FIRST-DAY JOTTINGS. FROM TRENTHAM. The following little extracts are made from “The Watcher’s” notes on the running on the first day of the Wellington winter meeting:— In the Vittoria Hurdle Hyama fell at the second fence and Mount Marta lost his rider through getting bumped there.—Peshwa, who had made an earlier blunder, fell at the last fence when among the first four.—Bonena, No. 13 on the card in a field of 13, gave nothing a chance in the run home.—Kaikahu ran a good race, but in another stride Vexatious would have beaten him for second place.— Perle de Leon was never within striking distance, but finished very strongly.—Aberfeldy, for a beginner, ran quite a good race.

In the Trial Plate Rouen’s halfsister, Lady Limond, put up a particularly good performance, as she finished strongly and was leaving her field.—Merry Mint was responsible for a creditable performance, and finished on under pressure after being in or near the lead all the way. — Avro was beaten a furlong from home.

In the Hack Steeplechase Maidos lost his rider on landing over the last fence. —Banjuke led throughout, jumped the last fence well ahead of Hokioi, aed won easily by ten lengths.—Comedy Prince fell at the top brush.—Hokioi jumped well, but had no chance with Ban juke, who made but one slight mistake, at the brush near the mile post. * * * In the Stewards’ Handicap Delightment was always handy, but at" the finish had nothing to spare from Solrose, who with a little luck might have won—Gaillard finished last after being one of the early leaders. —Degage drew wide and was prominent turning for home, but was out of it at the finish.

In the Wellington Steeplechase Beau Cavalier was a winner practically all the way, winning easily by about ten lengths. He was really never troubled at any stage, and by good jumping gave none ol his opponents a chance. —Comical went with him for a round and a half, but made bad jumps, and it was only his pace on the flat that kept him among the leaders. He had had enough at the stand double the second time and retired.—Kawini ran an excellent race. He was not tar away throughout and w r as interfered with by Zircon about a mile from home, but it did not look as if he could have won in any case.—Crown Coin ran a very good race, but was a tired horse over the last half-mile, as he showed by indifferent jumping.—Tuki nearly came down at the end of the first round, losing considerable ground, but finished strongly in fourth place and might have got second but for the mishap. t— Zircon was beaten a mile from home.—Scamp was responsible lor interference at one or two fences through his habit of running down his jump. He was never a possibility and finished last of those that completed the course.—There was not a single fall, and all finished but Comical and Birkenella who were piilled un.

In the Trentham Hurdles Wharnclitic lay well back in the early stages of the race, but went up five furlongs from home, and once over the last fence he just went away from the field.—Royal Form ran a good race, and looked a winner turning (or home, but, even allowing for his bad jump at the last fence, he would not have beaten the winner. Brigadier Bill was in the running throughout, but never looked likely to win.—San Pedro ran a good race, and was handy until the concluding stages.—Rahepoto and Kamehameha were early prominent, but were well back at the finish—Captain Sarto was never in the picture, and Koauau ran a bad race, finishing last.

Nukumai won the Whyte Memorial Handicap handsomely, but it really does not say a great deal for the remainder of the fireld that this old battler could beat them so easily.Indian Sage bad every chance. He was well placed throughout, and his final run was well timed, but he was dying fast at the finish.- Merry Damon ran quite a fair race.—Fairy Herald wag responsible for a particularly good performance, as be got badly 1011, and then finished on well. - Sun I p and Master Doon appeared to battle each other out of any finisb-

ing run that they might have had.— Black Mint ran very creditably. He was one of the last of the bunch in the first half, but finished on very solidly in the straight.—Tresham was never dangerous, and Alloway, after occupying a good position early, lost it, only to come again into sixth place at the finish. The backers or Piperenzo Thurnus in the Te Aro Handicap gave up hope at the start, as they were the last of the bunch to leave.— Once in line, there was a great race. Rowley was going best a furlong from the post, but Horomea’s rider got to work, and she pushed her way through and tackled him, a great struggle over the last fifty yards seeing her get her nose in front, with Te Kawana well up in third place.— Te Kawana ran a great race. He was freely used throughout the running, and was only just beaten in the last few strides.—Mister Gamp, the favourite, was struggling ,all the way in the ruck..—Thurnus finished very close up into fifth place, and : he looked the unluckiest runner of the field.