THE TURF

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, 27 September 1927, Page 2

THE TURF

RACING FIXTURES Sept. 29. 30- -Geraldine R.O. Oct. 1-Hawke’s Bay J.C. Oct. s—Manawatu Hunt Club Oct. 6 —Kurow J.C. Oct. 7, B—Otaki-Alaon R.O. Oct, 8 10 —Auckland R.C. NAPIER PARK RACES SPRING MEETING CONCLUDES KEEN FINISHES. The Napier Park Racing Club’s Spring Meeting at Greenmeadows was concluded yesterday under ideal weather conditions. Many of the finishes were exceptionally close, especially that between Vertigcrn and Rouex in the Racing Club Handicap and between Mountain Heath and Chips -in the Telephone Hack. Investments shower a considerable decrease un those for the same meeting last year. For the day £B,lBB was handled. a s against £12,772 for the second day of fas* year, making a total of £17,063 for the meeting, as against £23,312 for the spring meeting of 1926, a decrease of £6249. Concluding results:— TELEPHONE HACK HANDICAP, (Of 100 sovs. Six furlongs.) 2 Mr. J. Landels’ b g Mountain Henth, by Heather MixtureMountain Shrine (C. France;, * 8.3 1 1 Mr. J. A. Taylor’s Chips (E- A. Keesing). 8.8 .... -2 3 Mr. H. F. Smythe’s Toka (J~. S. Potter), 7.7 3 Also started: 4 Bongo 7.10, 5 Polonaise. From the barrier rise the field set awav together, Mountain Heath gome to the front. At the end of the second furlong he was replaced by Polonaise, Chips and Toka. Coming on to the bend Polonaise had a lead of a good two lengths of Chips. Toka and Kongo, Mountain Heath tailing the field. Entering the straight Polonaise and Chips were disputing the lead, and up the straight Mountain Heath began to move and got up in time to rob the favourite (Chips) of victory bv a nose. Toka was barely a length away, Polonaise being next to finish, (in returning to the paddock France was accorded an ovation. KOROKIPO HIGH WEIGHT (Of 140 sovs. One mile.) 1 Mrs M. A. Perry’s b g Teri, by Romeo—Piraeus (E. A. Keesing), 9.6 1 4 Mr. L. E. Goodwin’s hr g Watchman (A. Lord), 9,0 ... 2 2 Mr. C. Haldane’s ch g Queen’s Choice (R. J, Mackie), 10.12 3 Also started: 3 Road Hog 9.12, 5 Passionate 9.7. Road Hog. on the inside, was first away from Teri, Watchman, Passionate, and Queen’s Choice. Passing the six.furlong post Passionate jolneu leri in the lead. Road Hog having dropped in behind Watchman. with Queen’s Choice still lying at the rear. Going across the bend Teri and Passionate had a good lead but rounding the home bend the remainder closed up, the field entering the straight well bunched. Queen’s Choice made a great effort in the run home as also did Watchman, but leri was able to last long enough to win by a neck, Queen’s Choice being half a length away. Road Hog and Passionate were the next to finish Time, 1.44 1-5. GRANDSTAND HANDICAP (of 150 sovs; 6 furlongs). 3 Hunter’s b Lipsol. bv Kilbroney—Rouge (J S. Potter). 8.0 I 2 MrP. F. Wall’s blk g Kaiti' (E. Keesing), ?„9 2 4 Mr F. Ormond’s b g Inner Har hour (D. Ropiha) 7.0 3 Also started: 7 Tiega 8.7. 1 Cos--7.7, 5 Starboard Light 7 1 and 6 Riverna 7.12. Cosmetic and Riverna failed to ret away with the rest of the field, from which Kaiti assumed an early lead from Inner Harbour and 1 Lipsol Two filrlongs saw Lipsol going to the front from Kaiti, Inner Harbour and Starboard Light. Cosmetic, who was taling the field, began to i«ove tin. On the home bend Inner Harbour made a forward move. Neither Kaiti nor Inner Harbour could make any impression on Lipsol. who won bv two lengths. Inner Harbour being rhe same distance further awav. with Starboard Light and Cosmetic following. Time, 1.15 2-5. PUKETAPU HACK HANDICAP (of 115 sovs; 7 furlongs). • 4 Mr D ,T. Barry’s b h Singleton. by Autumn—Babella (E. Keesing), 7.10) 1 2 Mr W. H. Gaisford’s br g Excess (F. Waddell). 8.3 2 5 Mr E. M. Langley’s ch g Abi sogne (C. Stratton). 8.3 .. . 3 Also started: 3 Essential 9 2 1 Ganymede 8.2. 7 Moepai 7.7. 6 Toka 7.7, 8 Rakaroa 7.5. 10 Dapper Bov 7.2 9 Knight Witch 7.7. Excess immediately jumped out ironi the tapes, leading Ganymede. Singleton. Ahisogne, and Essential. Round the home bend Ganymede dropped back, while Singleton. Toka. Abisogne, and Essential went after Excess. A furlong from home Singleton caught Excess, and in a o-reat spurt succeeded in winning hy nearly a length Abisogne heino a similir distance back. Then followed Essential. Ganymede, and Toka. Time 1.28 2-5.

AVONDALE RACES. Auckland, September 26. The Avondale Jockey Club’s Spring Meeting was concluded at Ellerslie to-day in fine weather. Steady rain on Sunday had made the course even heavier than it was on the opening day. The totalisator handled £50.668. compared with £63,453 for the corresponding day last year. The total for the meeting was £105,428. com pared with £136,388. Late results: Mount Albert Handicap, 6 furlongs.—l Waltzer 1. 9 Whaka King 2, 5 Bahama 3. Also ran: 8 Broght Dawn, 3 Takarunga. 1 Royal Dqulton, 7 Fiery Lad, 18 Titree. 17 Luxurious, 2 Judge’s Box, 12 Rarakau. 10 Abbey Day. 19 Master Clements. 14 Storm Fiend, 11 Vaqui. 13 La Roma. 17 Glenetta, 20 Ahi Ngaro. 15 Dia rnond Queen, 16 Wee Marble. 21 Amos, 6 Creation. 22 Marble Bov. Won by a neck. Time. 1 27.

Plumpton Handicap, 11 mile.—3 Royal Mint 1. 14 Golden Krist 2 10 Lord Star 3. Also ran: 1 Star Stranger. 4 Mask. 2 Eden Hall. 5 Master Doon. 13 Desert Glow. 1 Cohesion. 6 Alloway. 9 Llandudno. 15 Pelham. 7 Queen Arch. 12 Mint Leaf. 11 Barometer. Won by two lengths. Time. 2.26.

Avondale Guineas, 1 mile—l Laughing Prince 1. 3 Great Charter 2.2 Catkin 3. Also ran: 6 Carinthia, 5 Thaw. 4 In the Shade. Won by two lengths. Time. 1.45 25. The President’s Handicap. 6 furlongs.—B Sir Archie 1. 1 Delightment 2 5 Nancy Lee 3. Also ran: 11 Ben zora, 13 Kingfield 4 Town Guard. 3 Day Guard, 6 Oration. 2 Tinakoa. 9 High Pitch, 14 Berinthia. 10 Automne, 7 Finelli. 12 King Emerald. Won by three lengths. Time. 1.24. New Lynn Handicap. 1 mile. —4 Alonsoa 19 Killute 2. 7 Arch Queen 3. Also ran: 3 Branson. 1 War Ofli cer, 8 Sovena. 5 Acushla. 10 Sala mander, 8 Armagour, 6 Wyoming. Won by twfo lengths. Time. 1.56. Nihotapu Handicap.; 7 furlongs.—l Gala Day 1. 6 Nucleus 2. 7 Thursnv 3. Also ran: 2 King Smock. 9 Siaosi. 3 Phao’a. 8 Sleeps- Sol. -I Quincomn. 10 Queen Emerald. 5 Tinoiti. Won bv a head. Time. 1.41 2 5. OTAKI-MAORI WEIGHTS Mr. H. Coyle has declared the following handicaps for the two main events nt the Otasi Maori Racing Club’s meeting:— Ling Memorial, 1) mile.— Degage D. 7, Nukumai 8.10, Tresham 8.9. Rouex. Shining Armour 8-0. Novar 7.11, Imperial Spark 7.9, Tame Fox 7.6, Beaumont 7.5, Cerf 7.3. Our Jack, Santiago, Patuki 7.0, Kereihi Roera Handicap. 7 furlongs Merry Damon 94, Euphonium, Black Mint 9.3, Lausanne 9.2. Beaumont 8.12, Deluge, Royal Land 8.10, Vesperus 8.6, Joy Bird. Anolo, Horomea, Urazone 8.5, Paitonu, Buoyant 8.3, Waicullus, Kalakauii 8.2, Our Jack, Blue Peter. Passionate 8.0. A.R.C. SPRING MEETING. Auckland, Sept. 26. Following are the weights for the Auckland Racing Club’s spring meeting — Gordon Handicap. I mile— Te Koroke 9.0, Alonsoa 8.12. Manly 8.8. Catkin. Closefire 8'.7. Value, Branson 8.6, Romantic, Teri 8:5 Macroom 8.4. Wenday 8.2, Desert Knight 8.0, War Officer 7.13, Bright Dawn, Modest Boy 7.11, Killute, Antrim Boy 7.10, Bahama, Rahepoto 7.9. Anchor 7.8. Catapult, Carinthia 7.7, Golden Wedding, Koyal Doulfon 7.3, Fiery Lad 7.2, Baby Bun. Scfforr. Daddy’s Girl 7.1, Slump, Wild Pigeon, Arch Queen, Acushla. Asb Tray, Abbey Day, Bold Front. Brampton, Charitaine. Corinax. Creation, Diamond Queen. Flying Tresses, Good Boy. Hone Heke, Judge’s Box, Josie Melville Lady Robinson, Master Noel Nassock, Odin, Ototoa. Piet, Pal o' Mine. Romney, Royal March, Bospiza'tor. Restaurant, Romford, Salamander. Scaramouche, Speechless, Standfast, Star God. Star Comet, Singleton. The Lover, Te Tahi, Torquil. Valentino. Wyoming, Wee Marble 7.0. Shorts Handicap, 6 fprlongg,-. Civilpty, Grand Knight, Delightment 9.4, Joy King, King Lu 9.2. Renzora, Kiosk 8.10, Aussie 8.7, Kingfield 8.4, Town Guard 8.3. Gascony 8.2. Masiei Doon 7.13, Sir Archie 7 12, Paganelli 7.8. Oration 7.7, Covent Garqwu ~rt. Tinokou 7.4, Ballymoy 11. 7.2, Nastori, Nancy Lee 7.1, Automne, Whaka King, Finelli. Gold Acre, Sernng. High Finance, Berinthia 7.0 Mitchelson Cup. 1) mile.—l'e Kara 9.7, Star Stranger, Te Monanui 0.0. Beacon Light 8 10. Mask 8.8, Trass fonnej- 8.7. Eden Hall 8.1, Master Doon 7.13, Tresham. Royal Mint 7.12, Desert Glow 7.8, Cohesion 7.5. Delightment 7.4, Allowny 7.2, Lord Star 7.1, Llandudno. Phaola Mint Leaf, Queen Arch. Nrppy 7 0. Hunters’ Steeplechase, about 2) miles.—Hypothesis 11.7.' Stonewall 10.0. Nukutere 9.10, Memsahib 9.5. Wiltshire. Sea Comet 9.3. Mangare, Syndicate 9.1, Rafferty, Glendowie, Glenlight, Master Noel, Nabob. Town Hall, Simplicitas. Edifice 9 0 Flying Handicap, 7 furlongs.Civility, Lysander. Grand Knight 9.9. King Ln 9.7. Te Monanui 9.6. Kiosk 9.1, Hoariri 8.5, Master Doon King Smock 8.4, Papatu, Sir Archie, Day Guard 8.2. Great Charter 8.1, Le Choucas 7.13 Qaja Dav, Hipo 7.12, Pelham, Llandudno 7.11, Smosi 7.10. In the Shade 7.9. High Pitch 7.8, .Mosaic, Archeno 7.6. Golder Krist. Bnllachulish 7 4, Thursbv 7.2, Sleepy Sol. Barometer, Quinconia. Branson. Ruanui. Archibald, Pompey Macroom, Vivo, Value Tinoiti 7.0.

MANAWATU HUNT ACCEPT- ■ ANCES. Palmerston North, Sept. 26. Acceptances for the Manawatu Hunt Club’s meeting are:— Te Maiti Maiden Plate, 6 furlongs (all 9.0). —Land Rent, Aro De Vai, Corbel, Vigilance, Dainty Ways, Hodren Teremoana, Fee Simple Shining Star. Raumai Hunters' Hurdles, 1} mile. —Sir Fanciful 11.12, Pink Rose 10.13, Ballyfarnon 10,5, Ayan Kara and moor 8.12, Panchito 9.9, Atene and Doyleston 9.7. Manawatu Hunt Cup Steeplechase, 3 miles. —Maidos 10.10, Rayo 10.6, Frisco Jack 10.5, Craigowen 10.3 The Curragh 10.2, B’irkonose 9.13, 'liisk, Scornful and Lightmore 9.7.

Aokautere Hack Flying, 6 furlongs. —Abisogne 8.6 The Raider 8.2, Hen na and Lin Arlington 8.0, Fee Simple 7.9, Keddar and Archon'7.7, Plane Borseline and Shining Star 7.6.

Kairanga Handicap 8j furlongs.— Lady Desmond 8.11, Crown Area and Star Area 8.8, Novar 8.6 Imperial Spark 8.3, Tame Fox 8.1 'Rouex 7.13, Royal Land 7.12 Anolo Buoyant 7.9, Brigadier Bill 7.7.

Parorangi Hunters’ Steeplechase about 2 miles.—Waiau Lad, Ravo and Frisco Jack 10.8, Panchito 9.9 Lady Dolwill, Lightmore, Atene, teep o’ Day and Scornful Kiwitea Hack' Hurdles, 1J mile.— Peshwa 10.13, Revel 10.10, Vexatious 10.3, Bevis 9.6, Benmure ’ 9.4, Chrissarto and Joyeuse 9.0. Flaxbourne Hack Handicap, 7 furlongs.—Anolo 9.13 Pangolin 9.12 Mister Gamp 9.0, ' Wanderlust Abisogne 8.10, Henna 8.7, Lin ton 8.6, Moepai 8.4, Airtight 8.2, Calithe Archon Joyeuse and Bor'selino 8.0.' GERALDINE ACCEPTANCES. Timaru, Sept. 26. Following are the acceptances for the first day of the Geraldine Racing Club’s meeting:— ; First Hurdles, 13 furlongs.—Tarleton 10.10, Bachelor Gay 10.6, Bonatie 10.2, The Babe and Kangitahi 9.12, Goldtown 8.12, Corn Bigs 9.8, Hcisiei 9.7, Captain Sarto 9.6, Beauty Right Fabriano, Clontarf 9.5, Gay Jim 9.2. Ohapi Hack Handicap, 5 furlongs. —Credit 9.0, Glencassy, Gay Vera, Bolero, Attract, Doune, Cowpling, Dollar Princess, Exile Cynelli, Fallow, Cornhill, Miss Trillion, Martian Spear, Greyfinch, Sax Airini 8.6. Geraldine Cup, 1) mile.—Rapier 9.6, Royal Game 8.12, Set Sail 8.10, ward 8.8, Peho 7.4, Margaret Birney 7.2, Ophir 7.1, Fa'iry Tidings, Mah Jong, Flaming Ray 7.0. Squatters’ Handicap, 6 .furlongs.— Booster 9.10, Receipt 9.0, Moorland 8.4, Volant Sil, Precious B.b, Note 7.6, Erin-go-Bragh '7.0, Snatcher 7.0. Raukapuko Handicap, 6 furlongs.— Cornstalk 9.0, Bay Sonnet 8.10, Hoylake 8.5, Moratorium 8.4, Ark Royal and Beaming 7.13, Jarretiere 7.12, Wreath of Myrtle 7.11, Spode and Schottische 7.10, Saxette and Motor Smash 7.4. Belfield Handicap, 1 mile.—Royal Game 9.0, Fairy Herald 8.12, Goosestep 7.10,' The Harp 7.8, Gold Mint 7.6, Aberfeldy and Cornstalk 7.5, Dubious and Gold Brick 7.2, Fairy Tiding?, Lucy Locket, Shandre 7.0. Qeral'dine Trot (saddle), 1) unlc. —Du Mauricr, Donald Cuddles, Author Wood, Rambler Rose, Kaiowa, Greywood acr, Sadie Huon 24, Tennis 36 Imshi 48 Logan Princess 48, Great Form 60. , Orari Trot (harness), 1J mile.—Dan Logan, Horotans, Quality, Monopole, Firebrand, Lord Bountirul, Mystery Child, Rap, Lifebuoy, Brentfire, Warepa, IS’ella Dillon scr, Scottish Maid 11’ Imshi 36. HAWKE’S BAY JOCKEY CLUB. SATURDAY'S"WEIGHTS. Weights for the Hawke’s Bay Jockey Club’s spring meeting on Saturday next have been declared by Mr H. Cqyle as under:— Tomoana Handicap Hurdles, Ij mile —Peneus 11.11, Garnon 11.2, Red Fuchsia 10-10, Braeman 10.0, Lombardo 9.9, Ballyfarnon .9.8, Watchman, Mountain Top 9.6, Patuki 9.2, Lightmore, Araby, Timipouri, Wailong 9.0. Trial Stakes, 5 furlongs Birklad Cione, Clavers, Belgian Queen, Dreamy, Toni Byrne, Zippor, Liasaison, Keddar, Hinepoto, Toka 8.0. Spring Handicap, 1| mile.—Tresham 9.0, Bennanee 8.10, Novar 8.2, Star Area 81. Imperial Spark 8.0, Gaze 7.5, Othon 7.3, Patuki 7.0. Nursery Handicap, 5 furlongs.— Raasay, Tea Miss 8.12, Irish Court, Royal Court 8.3, Millais 7.13, Monetize, Pure Gold. Dark Girl 7.12, High Court 7.9, Arrow Shot, Sunny Autumn, Channalino 7.7. Glenaray Handicap, 1 mile.—Ben nannee 9-13, Star Area 9.9, Queen’s Choice 9.5, Lipsol 9.3, Othon 8.6, Waicullus 8.1, Road Hog 8.0, Merle, Morose, Grand National, Coot, Keen, Kongo, Abisogne 7.7. Flaxmere Handicap, 6 furlongs Essential 9.0, Mountain Henth 8.12, Silver Tray, Watchman 8.9, King Midas 8.7, Singleton 8.6, Marsurd, King Quex 8-3, Abisogne, Eloquent, Chips 8.2, Butter Scotch 7.13, Torquil 7.8, Liaiason 7.5, Jen 7.4, Rongo 7.3 Dreamy, Polonaise, Toka. Dapper Boy, Cloyne, Clavers, Keen. Rakaroa, Belgian Queen 7.0. Flying Handicap, 6 furlongs,—Decoy Bird 9.0, Kaiti 8.12, Arrow Lad, Lipsol 8.10, Kuikai 8.6, Inner Harbour, Coot, Marsurd, Riverna 70. Acceptances for all events close with the secretary, Mr H. L. Moss, on Thursday, September 29, at 8 p.m. ... WAIPAWA COUNTY RACING CLUB. ANNUAL MEETING.

This popular country club will hold its meeting as usual on Labour Day (Monday, October 24), and they have allotted the same stake money as last year, so that they should be again favoured with 'record nominations. This chib was one of the few in the Dominion last year to show a profit which, it is to be hoped, will be even

larger this year. The course has never been in better order than at present and give fine weather a very successful meeting seems assured. It is hardly necessary to remind owners and trainers that nominations close with the secretary, Mr. H. C. Collett, on Monday next, October 3, at 8 p.m. AUSTRALIAN NOTES. THE HAWK NOT FOR MELBOURNE, Sydney. Sept. 26. Mr. Cameron states that he is disappointed with the running of The Hawk on Saturday ,and will not now take him to Melbourne, as proposed, for the Victoria Racing Club’s October Stakes on Saturday next. If he does go' to the southern capital it will not be until Merry Mint goes to run in the Derby. FIRST ACRE SCRATCHED. Sydney, Sept. 26. First Acre has been scratched tor the Epsom, Metropolitan, Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup. COMMENDATION’S PUZZLING FORM. Private information received in Wellington from Sydney makes it very clear that the form of Commendation at the meetings in the Sydney area has the people over the other side thoroughly tangled, writes a Wei lington correspondent of the Auckland “Sun." One letter says the mystery is that the big Limond gelding is galloping on the tracks like a champion and running in his races like a secondrater, or, if not quite like a second rater, like a second-rater as champions go. Others think that he is not ready yet, and there is also a section of public opinion which takes the view that there is something wrong and that the horse has disappointed his trainer as much as he has disappointed the public. “Commendation," says one communication, “set ns all talking when he first arrived. He looked the part of a good racehorse, and we had the word of New Zealanders who were competent to judge that he was somewhere about the class of Limerick. We had seen what Limerick could do and thought that if the new fellow was anywhere near as good we were in for a treat when he was stepped out to race. A Twinkling Star. “Then, he commenced his track work, and veiy soon every punter in Sydney was sitting up and taking notice. The newspapers here were filling us up with the wonderful track gallops of Commendation. They had discovered a new star, and were booming it for all they were worth. But they were justiued in doing so, for after all they were only telling us exactly what he was doing on the training tracks“There is no doubt whatever that his work was brilliant, for everyone who went to Ranclwick to see the gallops was keen about him. Valicare and other flying machine had nothing on him, and he did nearly all his work with a substantial weight in the saddle. Came the Reckoning. “Came the first race, and he ran nobly-—beaten a couple of heads by Limerick and Amoprns. Limerick was more forward than Commendation. It was reckoned the gallop would do Commendation the world of good, and some taking this line of reasoning backed him to beat Limerick, the next time they met. They were sorrier and wiser after the race, as Commendation ran as rotten a race as ever was run by a decent horse, and on the other hand Limerick went better than ever and made a goat of his countryman. ‘‘Excuses are being made that the going did not suit Commendation, and that it played into the hands of Limerick, but anyone who saw the race would need more than that story to satisfy them. Either Commendation is not nearly as good as we thought he was or he failed for some reason that is to us unaccountable. Speed a Missing Factor. “They say that Jones does not want to run him again till his owner comes over, as the horse has him tangled. I watched him through the race, and knew we had lost our money a long way from home. Commendation was making no impression on the field, which was not putting on the pace, and there was no sign of the speed he showed when he went out after Valicare the first time he appeared here.

“The biggest blow of all is to those who have done their money on him for the Caulfield Cup. That is as good as gone, unless he can show a striking improvement in form. 1 don’t see how he is to run out the mile and ahalf of a tough handicap race when he has failed over shorter distances in comparatively small fields. “The curious thing is that he looks so well and gallops so well after failing so badly. Really, we cannot make him out. There is nothing surer than that if he reproduces his track form in one of his races he will leave half the field standing. He might not beat Limerick, who is a ‘corker,’ but he will do nothing to the best that we have got.” As we know by cable Commendation’s showing in the Hill Stakes at Rosehill the following Saturday was no better than in the Chelmsford Stakes.

DIVOTS.

(Dug by

“The Delver.”)

On Thursday evening next acceptances are due tor the Hawke’s Bay J.C. fixture . On Friday nominations require to be in for the Waikato and Carterton meetings, also acceptances for Otaki and Auckland, with final payments for the Guineas and Welcome Stakes at the latter place

Orewa, winner of the Nursery Handicap at Ellerslie yesterday, is a bay fill by Valkyrian from Hinerewa, by Freedom from Black Watch (dam of Wauchope), by Tasman—Abydos, by Nelson—Memphis, by Gang Forward. She was bred by Mr. W. C. Ring at his Hinuera Stud and races m his colours. She was not a starter in the Avondale Stakes.

Gala Day and Alonsoa both fell in their respective races at Ellerslie on Saturday. Yesterday each of them 'proved a winner. » » •

The well-known cross-country jockey W. O'Halloran has decided to settle down in Adelaide and follow his calling. O’Halloran, who originally rode in New Zealand, was for some time associated with the stable of another Dominion racing man in Stan Reid, who is now training at Caulfield.

Early last week the tracks at Trentham were in good order, and on Tuesday morning Grand Knight showed that there was littlo amiss with himself or the going by sprinting half a mile in better than 50sec. Grand Knight. Shot Silk, and Wild Pigeon leave at the end of this week for Ellerslie. During the week-end, however, there has been an abundance of ram at Trentham, with the result that fast work for the time being is out of the question.

On Saturday Einelli turned round at the barrier and took no part in her race

While being led from Ellerslie in charge of his trainer. S. Tooman, after being exercised on Friday morning, Beau Cavalier reared, and falling on the road, cut a knee severely. This will interfere with the preparation m which the champion was shaping nicely for the Onehunga Steeples at the Auckland Spring Meeting

A Hawera note states that Mr. “Sam’’ Brewer’s hurdler San Fera seenis to be improved greatly by the operation he had for throat trouble, and it would be pleasing to see this good horse show his best form. ♦ • • .

It is reported that the Southlandbred gelding. Soldier’s Hope, recently purchased for Australia, has been passed on to a Tasmanian owner, to be raced in the island State.

The Gay Lad gelding Jolly Glad, owned and trained by Mr. J. White, died at Wingatui a few days ago from an internal complaint. Jolly Glad never achieved much success on the racing track. * * • The Dunedin owner, Mr. G. J. Barton, had an offer from Australia recently to purchase Arpent and Royal Head, but he declined to sell » » • Aberfeldy is reported a very fit horse at present, as a result of a hard campaign amonn the hurdlers during the winter. Row he is to be tried out on the flat. He may not be up to New Zealand Cup form, but more will be known on this point when he has had a few races. He is booked to make a start at Geraldine, and he may run prominently. « » •

The English-bred Hoylake will be racing among the hacks at the Geraldine meeting, where he may be seen to some advantage. He continues to show good form in lus track work. » » •

According to the Dunedin “Times” the purchaser from Mr. Hugo Friedlander of the two-year-old Leighton gelding Dumblane is Mr. Shiel. a Dunedin owner. The price paid, it is understood, ran to four figures. Prior to the sale being completed, J. Fielder went to Auckland to inspect the youngster, who will go into the stable of the ex. Australian trainer at Wingatui. It is nrobable that Thimblane will have his first race at the Dunedin Jockey Club’s meeting next month. He is not engaged in i».e M'Lean Stakes, but he has been nominated for the Dominion Handicap on the second day, ». * •

In the spring of last season, says a South Island exchange. Glad Light was showing brilliancy in her work, but went amiss, and did not start as a two-year-old. She is said to have developed into a fine big filly, but may not te quite ready yet, so that her failure to get a place in the Trial Stakes at Ashburton on Saturday may prove misleading.

Lysander has not been noticed do. ing anything approaching fast work since he arrived at Ellerslie and still looks a shade on the big side. He ws nominated for the President's Handicap, to be run on Monday, but did not accept, the going no doubt accounting for his being a nonstarter.

Levenside, winner of the first division of the Avondale Maiden Plate, is a six-year-old gelding by Thurnham—Spinster, whose- only previous start had been in the Ladies’ Bracelet at the Pakuranga Hunt Club’s meeting, when he ran thircl io Qumvardia and Pukerimu

A further attempt is to be made by the Manawatu trainer, E. Watson, to train the aged Strowan gelding Bullford, who enjoyed such an excellent run of successes under heavy weights in the 1924-5 season. During the winter period he was pottered about the tracks, but nothing serious was asked of him. He has now been shod in preparation of his filling a more prominent role.

Wiltshire is going on th© right way in his training essays at Te Rapa, says the “Waikato Times.” The Day Comet—Lady Lobelia chestnut entered on a cross-country career at the Pakuranga meeting. Although he did not complete the journey his mishap was more the result of being crowded by another competitor than any default on his own part. Wiltshire should make amends before the season is far advanced. The jumper, Prince Rufus, who is included in the useful team J. F. Tutchen is preparing on the Te Rapa tracks, may be saddled up for his opening effort of the new season at

Te Rapa next month. The King Rufus—The Boyne gelding is getting on a bit but he should still be capable of paying his way, • • • The secretary of the Racing Conference has lost no time in advertising for a stipendiary steward to fill the vacancy caused by Mr. J. McMahon’s resignation, writes “Vedette” in the Wellington “Post.” Apparently one of the present stipendiary stewards is to be promoted to the chief position, for the salary advertised is £650, or only a fraction more than half paid to Mr. McMahon. Out of this sum have to be paid out-of-pocket and hotel expenses whenever the official is away from home attending race meetings, so that the actual salary will be approximately £550 a year. These figures suggest that the conference intends to retrench at the expense of the stipendiary steward system. Whether the saving of a few hundreds a year will impair the efficiency of a now much-criticised system is a question many thoughtful people will ask. # * • A Christchurch exchange says that Beacon Light came into increased favour for the New Zealand Cup during last week, and down there he is now one of the first fancies.

New Zealand horses figure prominently in the weight-for-age events at the Australian Jockey Club’s meeting next month. Limerick, Commendation, Piuthair, and Pilliewinkie are in the Spring Stakes, one mile and a half, while they are also in the Craven Plate, one mile and a quarter, in which the three-year-olds Royal Lineage and Merry Mint are also engaged With the exception of Commendation they are all in the Randwick Plate, two miles, on the last day, while Rawhetu. is a fresh aspirant HASTINGS TRACK NOTES. Owing to the Park having just concluded there was not a great deal of fast work on the Hastings tracks this morning. All the galloping occurred on the plough track, which was in great order-

Very few were out before breakfast, the only gallop being between the two two-year-olds Black Girl and Royal Court—three furlongs in 38j.

Epistle, with a stone and a halt the best of the weights, beat Royal Diadem over three-quarters of a mile in 1.16J —the first two in 24|, three in 38, four in 50), and five in 1-3 J. A good gallop.

King Quex has fully recovered from his ailment and will be a starter on Saturday. He worked well.

Eloquent easily defeated Sandburr over five in 64secs. The former finished well.

Charmaline, who was in a serious condition as previously reported, has recovered, but will not start at Hastings.

Nahi was too good for Birklad for five in 67secs.

Coot set out to go with the above pair, but apparently thought such company beneath her, refusing to jump off with them. Alone, she took 63sec. for five—a good gallop.

Butterscotch, with a fair advantage in weight, just beat Othon over six furlongs in 1.18. Peneus. very much on the burly side, worked on the sand. On appearance he will not race for a while yet.

The two-year-old Irish Court possessed too much pace for Hakuwai in a sprint of half-a-mile in 51secs. Irish Court’s time was the best for one of his age here this season. » * •

Timipouri failed to foot it with Hinehoro over five furlongs in 1.14 2-5.

Red Fuchsia, carrying well over 9st., beat Grand National in a once round gallop in 1.421—a real good gallop for a hurdler.

Grand National did not go at all kindly, refusing to respond at all to his jockey’s persuasions. NAPIER PARK. SECOND-DAY COMMENTS Mountain Heath was able to do the double yesterday, winning both the Tria] Hack and Telephone Hack Handicaps, thus making three wins for the meeting, a very creditable performance, on which both the lessee of the Mountain Knight gelding, Mr. J. Landels, and his trainer, V, Colello, are to be congratulated, not to forget C. France, who had the mount on each occasion. » * • The finish m the Telephone Hack Handicap isps as good anyone could wish to see. heads only separating Mountain Heath. Chips and Toka. Teri was rather lucky to win from Watchman. Both ran well on Saturday. Watchman’s dash over tne last 100 yards looked as if be would give a return to his investors. Singleton, who did not realise expecrations on Saturday, returned a nice dividend to his supporters in the last race yesterday. Excess, wliq led almost throughout the race, looked as if he was caught napping * * • Starboard Light, when taken out for a preliminary past the stand, took it into his head to gallop a round before the race, his rider having great difficulty in pulling him up. Despite this sprint he made a good showing in the Grandstand Handicap. Raasay’s win from Tea Miss came rather as a sururise after the way the latter cantered in on Saturday to win by over six lengths. * * • Cosmetic, who got badly left in the Grandstand Handicap, made up a lot of leeway, but was several lengths behind Lipsol when he passed the post. Given a good start, the Leighton filly would most likely not have disappointed the big section of the public who were on her * * • Tiega’s effort was no better yesterday than on Saturday, lie being content to tail the field » * • Vertigern thoroughly deserved his win in the Racing Club Handicap, leading from the rise of the tapes. By the bare margin of a nose he was able to beat off a determined challenge by Rouex, who had won Hie open six furlongs on Saturday.

Ganymede, who carried the biggest share of the public’s money m the last race, was crowded out, being unable to come .through the field.. On form he fooked the must likely winner of the day. • » • McGevan, who was thrown when Panchito fell at the first jump in the hurdles on Saturday, did not receive more than a shaking. At first it was thought that his injuries were serious. » » • Undoubtedly the finest horsemanship seen on the day wa s when C. France rode Mountain Heath to victory for the second time in the Telephone Hack Handicap. Until the distance was reached he ran with the field, then came through with a wonderful dash to beat the favourite, Chips, by a nose.