SPORTING NOTES.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXIV, Issue 9286, 15 December 1890, Page 3

SPORTING NOTES.

We have received the programmes of the Tuapeka and Wanaka annual race meetings. Vanity, the dam of Tassy, the winner of the Selling Two-year-old Race at the Dunedin Meeting, was bred by Mr Thompson, of Ashburton, and is said to be by Totsra, from a mare by -Traducer. El Dorado, who was purchased for 3300 gs by Baron Luczenbacher on behalf of the Hungarian Government, and left Newmarket about two months ago, died at Dresden on his way to Hungary, where he was to have been put to the stud. J, Huxtable, the well-known jockey, who met with such serious injury while riding Raven at the Napier Park meeting, is now convalescent, and will probably put in an appearance st the Auckland fixture. We have received the programme of the “Autumn” Meeting—a somewhat inappropriate title—of the Datievirke Jockey Club, to be held at Tahoraite on Jan. 28. The added money amounts to .£l5O, and is distributed over seven events. Robinson, the well known English jockey, has been compelled by increasing weight to retire from the saddle, and is now engaged as private trainer to Lord Gerard. Mr Joseph Thompson, the Australian bookmaker now in England, laid 5000 to 35 about the winning double for the Cesarewitch and Cambridgeshire. Blue Green, the unlucky son of Cceruleus and Angelica, who ran second to Memoir in the St Leger, broke down in the race for the Champion Stakes at Newmarket. “ Phaeton ” says there is reason to believe that a cunningly-altered picture of Progress, the runner up for the Melbourne Cup of 1880, is being sold in Auckland as a “ true and faithful likeness of Carbine.” Reports speak very highly of the Duke of Westminster's Orion, by Band Or from Shotover, who promises to develop into a second Ormonde. It is stated that some of the country Clubs are not supporting the Stipendiary Steward recently appointed by the- Victoria Racing Club, and that Mr Harry Smith's report to his Committee will probably- lead to a reduction in the number of small meetings next season. The Americana expect to reduce Salvator’s mile record to Imin 33aec before the son of Prince Charlie is from the turf. The track was heavy whenthe horse'galloped the distance in Imin ,35a-sec. j _ .. i ‘' A bookmaker at one time well known in New Zealand is said to have been the most enquired for. absentee at the settling over the V.R.C. Meeting. The New Zealand steeplechaser Guy Fawkes has joined Carmody’s team at Caulfield. Zillah, the dam of Tasman, has this season visited Trenton. The French colt Gouverneur is the English tip for the next Two Thousand; while the beautifully-bred Orion is the favourite selection for the Derby. A correspondent writing from Riverton (Tas.) wants the pedigree and performances of a galloway now running in Tasmania as Pauline. Wo shall be obliged if any of our readers send the information to this office. Mr M. Sherwin, tho well-known South Canterbury sportsman, has assumed possession of the Star Hotel at Addington. A proposal is on foot in Paris to utilise the immense building erected for the display of machinery during the Exhibition by converting it into a covered racecourse. Mr T. W. Hungerford reports that Exchange is perfectly sound and well, and will probably come across for the Canterbury and Dunedin Autumn Meetings. Sheen occupied only 3min 54fsec in winning the Cesarewitch, and as the distance is two miles and a quarter and thirty-five yards, the performance, if correctly reported, will take a lot of beating. The American record for two miles and a quarter is 3min 561-sec, and the Australian 3min 59§sec. We notice that the Now Zealand horseman Shearsby has received a rider’s license from the Australian Jockey Club. The following handicaps have been declared for the Eakaia Saddle Trot:— Tommy Dodd, scratch; Mouse, 25 yards behind scratch; York, On Strike, Marigold, So yards behind scratch; Aspasia, 90 yards behind scratch ; Polly, 110 yards behind scratch; lolanthe, 540 yards behind scratch. At the settling over the Dunedin Jockey Club’s Spring. Meeting, the following were the amounts paid ,to the • principal winning ownersMr D. O’Brien .£llll 10s, Mr J. D. Ormond £483 11s, Messrs M. and C. Hobbs .£232 15s, Mr T. Hungerford .£238, Mr G. G. Stead £219, Mr D. .Eutheiford £l6l 10s, Mr . Dooley .£152. Mr W. O. Rutherford £ll4. Mr W. Hamilton £B9, Mr J. Brett £BS 10s, Mr J. Stephenson £BO 15s, Mr J. Poole £BO 15s, Mr Mercer £76, Mr Stewart £66 10s, Mr G. Smith £52 ss, Twenty-one others received various sums under £SO, bringing the total up to £3734 ss. All previous Cesarewitch performances were put into the shade by Sheen’s victory with 9st 2lb in the saddle. Previously the four-year-old French mare, Tenebrouse, held the record with Bst 121 b, but St Gatien’s win with Bst 101 b compares best with that of Prince Soltykoff’s horse, for that animal was only a three-year-old when be won.

Alicante, the winner of the Cambridgeshire, is described as a bright chestnut, of commanding height, and well-made all over. She has great length and' liberty, wide hips, beautiful sloping quarters, and well-placed shoulders, bub like 'many of Hermit’s stock she is not a genuine stayer.

On polling day wa noticed one of the candidates for Christchurch city mounted on Yaldhurst, the half-brother to Welcome Jack, by Blue Boy from Miss Flat, and wo are glad to say tho discarded racer, who is now doing duty in a livery stable, carried his rider to victory a thing ho very seldom did when aspiring to distinction in another path of life.

Mr John Field, the Calstock studmaster, must (says “ Asmodeus ”) feel highly gratified with the successful start made by the first of Musk Rose’s get, Papapa, who won the Prince of Wales’ Stake in a cantor at the recent Longford Meeting. Being by Musket from Rosette, a daughter of the famous Lord Lyon, it is not at all surprising that Papapa is endowed with tho family pench&nt for galloping.

A Buenos Ayres correspondent, writing to one of the English papers, says—“ Tho statements in the English papers anent the return of Ormonde have caused considerable comment here, as they are entirely without foundation. Senor Boucau has refused one land, fide offer of £30,000, and within the last week another £20,000, in addition to tho right of tho horse’s services for ten mares next season. These facts I have direct from Boucau himself. He is a man of the highest rectitude, and his word can be implicitly relied upon. Aa to the horse himself, he is very well and quite acclimatised.” At Manchester, on Oct. 13, a pony named Jessie, fourteen hands and a half inch high, trotted eighteen miles in 59min S4sec. The Sportsman, in noticing the performance, says that such a feat has never before been accomplished on a trotting track, bub this is scarcely correct. In America twenty miles have been trotted in 58min 25sec, perhaps better, and quite a score of horses are credited with covering the distance under tho hour. From a cursory glance of the handicaps for the Hawke’s Bay Summer Meeting we like Blue Mountain best in the Welter, Darnley in the Hurdles, and Whisper in the Summer Handicap, Lullaby, if well, should win the Trial Stakes, and, unless her early spring form has much altered, Sahra must have a show in the Two-year-old Handicap. Cynisca seems nicely weighted in the Christmas Handicap. The publication of tho weights for tho Auckland Cup has not excited much speculation in Christchurch, hub a leading bookmaker reports having laid tho following prices about the northern handicap: 1 Cissy, 6 to 1 Strephon, 6 to 1 St Andrew, 7 to 1 Dudu, S to 1 Medallion, 10 to 1 Patchwork. Wo learn by cable that Karelian, one of the colts sene -Home by the late Mr James White, of Sydney, to win tho Epsom Derby, ran third ia the Hunters’

Hurdle Race at Kempton Park »ast week This was probably the Sunbury Efardle Race, of 100 sovs, which last year was won by Admiral Benbow, a smart fiat racer belonging to Captain Mosenthal. A Wanganuicorrespondent writes: —lam pleased to hear that the two recently imported coaching stallions Quicksilver( Norfolk trotter) and Dolphin - (bred in Germany) have been well patronised by breeders. The only thing against Quicksilver is his colour —roan. I know Rapid Roan, that used to travel in South Canterbury, left a big percentage of roan foals, and as this colour is not saleable, unless the horses are big, it is naturally objected to. The Spirit of the Times, referring to the kite-shaped track recently introduced by tho Americans says “In summing up the advantages of this track over any other, it is safe to say that it is by all odds the best kind to start on, as there ia no use of crowding each other after the word; if it is done and there is any fouling, the judges can see who is at fault plainly. That it ia faster than any other, this week has proven. The work done is better than the same horses have done elsewhere. The far-fetched idea that the wild theorists had iu relation to horses getting so leg weary with too much straight work, and too much turn work at one time, goes up in smoke, aa nearly all pet theories do. The fact remains that horses can and do trot faster over a kiteshaped track than over any other, and all the talk on earth will not change it. Every owner and driver liked it, and every horse went well. What more can be said in its favour ? Simply nothing.” Mr J. B. Haggin,’the owner of the great racehorse, Salvator, is a middle-aged man who seldom smiles, and whose immovable countenance gives no clue to hia feelings as he watches his horses run. His career before he came into prominence as a mining king is not well known, but gossip has it that he began to earn his living aa a cabinboy on a sailing ship out of New Orleans and brought up at Constantinople, where a wealthy old Turk adopted him and left him the riches he could not carry away with him when he died. His son and his favourite horse bear the name of Ben Ali, believed to be the name of his Mussulman benefactor.

Mr Evetfc was well up to time with the handicap for the Auckland Cup, and the work seems to have met with pretty general approval in this part of the Colony. Tirailleur could not have received less than 9st 111 b, and even with this weight, if well and certain to remain at home, *he would find plenty of friends. Dudu, Bst 131 b, on her New Zealand Cup form, is worth watching, but “the old mare,” as the public delight to call her, has plenty to carry, and we prefer Mr Somerville’s pair, Hilda, Sat 101 b, and Cissy, Bat 61b. Wolverine is not likely to go to Auckland, and if he did would have very little chance with Bst 41b in the saddle. Crackshot Bst 41b and Medallion Bst are probably held safe by Strephon 7st 101 b, but both the colts may be capable of much better things than they displayed at the Metropolitan Meeting. However that may be, we look upon Strephon as one of the picks of the handicap. Neither Whisper 7st 91b, Cynisca 7st 71b, nor St Andrew 7st 61b, are likely to be dangerous over two miles, but if Crutchfield 7st 51b could be made the Crutchfield of two or three seasons ago, his chance would be second to none. Jet d’Eau 7stslb and Leolantis 7st 51b have, we think, been badly treated, and both Antelope 7st 4lb and Patchwork 7st 31b will be found more at home over shorter courses. Thackeray 7st lib will not go up, and St Malo 7st lib is unable to gallop the distance. We have a strong fancy for Reprisal 6st 111 b, and if he should go to the post thoroughly well he will be on the premises when the real struggle begins. Neither Leorina 6st 101 b, Aronoel 6st 101 b, Queen of Trumps 6st 91b, Katinka 6st 91b or Ben Trovato 6st 81b look inviting, although in a very weak field the first named might have, a.show; but both Palliser 6st 71b and The Dreamer 6at7lb are nicely handicapped, and if Mr Stead’s colt has gone on satisfactorily since his last appearance in public he may win right out. Cynical Gat 71b, Medjidie 6st 61b and Leonie 6st 51b we do not like, but if Bay King (6st slb) would only try be might be dangerous. None of the others commend themselves to our judgment, and at present we like Tirailleur, Hilda, Strephon, Reprisal, Palliser and The Dreamer best, and perhaps when it is all over Strephon will be returned the winner.

We have received the catalogue of the Sylvia Park stud, to be offered by auction in Auckland next month. There are fortyone mares to be submitted for sale, and such animals as Florence Macarthy, Lady Mersey, Mersey, Nellie Moore, Onyx, Pearl Ash, Tres Deuce and Woodnymph are sure to be made the subjects of keen competition among the breeders of this and the adjoining Colonies; while Sylvia and Steppe,although somewhat advanced in the sear and yellow, are pretty certain to find purchasers at their full values. Nordenfeldt is, of course, the pick of the stallions, and we daresay some wealthy stud-master will be ready to pay £3OOO or £4OOO for a young horse that has given such early proof of his ability to get performers of undeniable merit. St Leger, too, should command a good price, and Fusillade and Hotchkiss are worth £3OO or £4OO apiece for their blood alone. The yearlings number twenty-five, and include halfbrothers to Lochiel, Nelson, Tirailleur, Eussley and Freedom, a half-sister to Manton and several other youngsters that will extend the pluckiest buyers in the land.

We have also received the catalogue of the Wellington Park sale which will be held on Dec. 31. This comprises ten lots, of which half brothers to Trenton, Scots Grey and Teksum, a half sister to Son-of-a-Gun, and sisters to Crackshot and Hazel are likely to command good prices. The general elections did not add much to what we may call the sporting strength of the House. The Minister for Public Works, who races under the nom de course of “ Mr Beresford,” was returned by a substantial majority for Eden; and a representative of a wellknown sporting family, a member of the Auckland Jockey Club, was the chosen of Manukau. The Colonial Secretary, whose colours are always more popular than his politics, won very easily at Hawke's Bay; and a gentleman who has lent a kindly hand towards the promotion of sport in the Empire City was successful at the Hutt. Nelson is represented by a gentleman who gave some attention to coursing a few years ago, and nearly all the West Coast members are connected with the local racing clubs. Ashburton has returned a good friend to all manly sports and Geraldine is represented by a steward of the Canterbury Jockey Club. The member for Port Chalmers ia understood to be associated with a powerful racing syndicate, and the representative of Taieri was one of the best country secretaries we ever had ia the Colony. This is, as far as wa know, the brief list of members that can be claimed as active friends of sport. When writing of the in-and-out running at the Dunedin meeting, we pointed out that the Stewards should have given several owners opportunities to explain the inconsistent* performances of their horses. Since then there has been some very plain speaking about the wonderful improvement made by Ixion between the first and second Hurdle Races, and at least one sporting writer has hinted in the plainest manner possible that Mr Rutherford’s recent purchase was not allowed to try in his first essay over the small fences at Forbury. We admit that this was one of the cases we had in mind when penning onr remarks last week, and we should have expressed ourselves in much stronger terms if the various reports in circulation had been fully confirmed by our special representative at the meeting. There is no doubt the gelding displayed an extraordinary reversal of form, and the Stewards should at once, while the facts were spread before them and the evidence available, have called upon Mr Rutherford and his trainer and jockey for an explanation. This was not done, but we have seen Mr Lunn and obtained his account of what every one has regarded as a very suspicious affair. Mr Lunn, whose statement we shall repeat as it was given to us, .gays .the

gelding wag not formally tried before going to Dunedin, but appeared remark* ably well, and was backed by bis connections—owner, 'trainer and jockey—for a small amount in bis first race. Mr Lunn did not tell Stewart to win—for that be avers there was no necessity—but be did tell him that if he found Ixion beaten be was not to make a'desperate race for place money and sacrifice the gelding’s chances in subsequent handicaps. Stewart made bis effort five or six furlongs from home and ran into second place, but Waitangi was sailing away in front and when Ixion struck the hurdle at the top turn pursuit became hopeless, and the jockey eased up his mount much more palpably than the trainer ever intended. On the second day the gelding was favoured by the weights and shorter distance and won pretty comfortably, but on the third day, although improved by his previous practice and gallops, ha was ridden severely during one part of the race to beat a field that was rapidly going off.

That is, briefly, the explanation tendered by the trainer of Ixion, and if it is not entirely satisfactory it is given with an apparent candour which invites the confidence of the hearer. Of course it was against the strict letter of the law to ease the horse up while ho had even a remote chance of winning, and if this had been admitted to the Stewards they would have been justified in imposing a small penalty to mark their disapproval of a practice which is followed, more or less, on every racecourse in the world. It is true, too, that Mr Lunn’s is an ex parte statement, which does not explain the support accorded to Ixion in the races which he won; but we should add that the gelding was backed by his connections for precisely the same amount in each of his engagements. It certainly transpired that Ixion hit the fence at the top turn, and this and Stewart’s confidence of his ability to do better in a second attempt, probably affected his position in the betting. However, we have given the case for the defendant, and must leave our readers to draw their own conclusions.

Before dismissing the now somewhat notorious son of La Loup, we must say a word or two concerning another unpleasant rumour with which he has been associated since the Dunedin meeting. It has been stated, with all the weight afforded by quoting the “ best authority,” that Mr Kildare was induced to part with the gelding by the trainer representing that he would never prove a profitable horse. The authors of this statement would have us believe that Mr Lunn deceived one patron for the purpose of benefiting another, and generally abused the best traditions of his profession. Now, as a matter of fact—and we are writing of what we know—Mr Lunn urged Mr Kildare to keep the gelding, and it was only just before the sale he recommended Mr Rutherford to become a purchaser. It is reported that Mr Kildare feels himself aggrieved, and will bring the matter before the Dunedin Jockey Club; but wo are quite sure the closest enquiry would show that Mr Rutherford and his trainer acted with perfect propriety throughout the whole of the transaction.

The refusal of .£15,000 for the Sylvia Park stud has led to a good deal of speculation as to the value of the collection of horses to be submitted to auction next month. One of our Auckland contemporaries, in the course of a very vigorous and characteristic article, criticising the management and subsequent interference of Major George, says that .£14,200 would represent a very satisfactory sale. Our own estimate, formed some time ago, placed the value at £15,810, and a local breeder, a man of wide and practical experience, to whom we appealed, set the total down at £15,780. Our contemporary values the mares and foals at £7OOO, the stallions at £4203, and the yearlings at £3OOO. We placed £7550 on the mares and foals, £5300 on the stallions, and £2930 on the yearlings, while our friend estimated the mares and foals ,to bring £8275, the stallions £4500, and the yearlings £3005. It will be interesting to see how these figures are borne out, hut it is pretty certain, we think, that £15,000 about represents the present value of the stud. The Sporting Review, a journal 'which appears to have met with a very fair share of success since its introduction to the public three or four months ago, says there are many persons in Auckland who are convinced in their own minds that Major George is adverse to the Sylvia Park stud remaining in Auckland. “Major George,” continues our contemporary, “wrote a letter last week to the Herald, stating that he was prepared to put down £3500 if four other gentlemen would do the same, and purchase the stud. This was a pretty safe offer, as few gentlemen in Auckland with that amount of money on hand would care to join him in such an undertaking. He has already proved his want of knowledge in conducting a stud farm, as when he was Managing-director of the late Company he insisted upon putting several of the best mares to Ingomar, though many of the best judges in Australasia remonstrated with him on the folly of such a proceeding. If Major George only read the remarks made in the Australasian and other papers regarding his imbecility in doing such a thing he would blush, if such were possible. How he can put a value of £17,000 on the stud puzzles most people, as a short time ago it was only £13,000. What has caused the increase P” Of course the Review is better qualified than ourselves to speak as to the feeling in Auckland, but it is not impossible that a stud which was worth £13,000 two months ago is worth £17,000 now. Many of the mares have passed through the dangers of foaling, the yearlings should have considerably improved, and Nordenfeldt’s progeny have won fresh laurels on the turf. The Major may blush —although we doubt it—but he has not made an altogether unreasonable advance in his valuation of the Company’s property. Mr Fisher was in England many years ago (says the Sporting Standard ) on the look-out for a thoroughbred sire. He visited many stud farms on letters of introduction. Arriving at one place he was informed that the presiding genius was out riding. Mr Maher set sail after him, and presently came upon a gentleman riding a big chestnut horse, whom he asked for Mr So-and-So. This is the colloquy: —“I am Mr So-and-So, and what can I do for you. Sir?” The letter of introduction was handed over to the horseman by way of reply, and read, “ Oh, I beg pardon, Mr Hurtle Fisher, of South Australia. Glad to see you Sir. This letter tells me you want a blood stallion to take out with you to Adelaide. Let me see, there’s Saunterer on the sale list, and Fisherman, and West Australian, and (with a smile) there’s the horse I’m riding, how would he suit you ?” “ Oh, well, he’s not a bad sort of a horse,” and then, with a light laugh in response to the manager’s smile, to show how thoroughly he entered into the latter’s joke, “ But, you know, I want something with a little more character, and a little more quality, for stud purposes—more shape and more style, and all that sort of thing; in short, something just a little bit more out of the common,'do you see?” “Yes, I see; but I’m afraid you’ll find it rather hard to find—at least in England.” “Why, what horse is that you’re riding ?” “ Well, Sir, the horse I’m riding is Stockwell !” The upshot was that Fisherman was secured.

It is rumoured in England that the “jockey- ring” has been resuscitated. Referring to the matter “ Rapier/' in the Sporting and Dramatic News, writes Mow many weeks or months have gone by since Lord Durham appeared at the function at which Mr Yyner presented him with a purse of much gold towards payment of law costs, and with an emblazoned scroll recording the gratitude of friends for successful enterprise on behalf of turf morals? Surely it was some time during the present year of grace, and yet already most of us have become aware of an undercurrent of uneasiness and distrust once more permeating racing circles, of rumours that the “jockey ring” (most familiar of bugbears) has been successfully re-established, and that our swept and garnished house has received, at the lowest computation, the full Scriptural allowance of additional unclean spirits. The truth or falsehood of these reports! have no means o£ gauging.

but I do know that they are believed by men not lightly credulous, nor likely to be ill-informed; though doctors (as usual) differ in assigning leadership, and even in specifying the actual members of the gang, We may rest assured that the Stewards of the Jockey Club have heard as much as any of us, have their eyes about them, and are ready to make an example of any malefactor as to whose crimes sufficient evidence may he obtainable.” It is reported from Philadelphia that Parole, the American horse that won the City and Suburban in 1879, has turned up in a race for " hacks and hunters.” This is the story:—Among the entries was one T?&vole,pedigree unknown, a certificate from the M.F.H. of some out-of-the-way foxhunting club accompanying the entry in due form. It did not occur to anyone .at first that this could be Mr Lorillard’s once great racehorse, nothing having been heard of him for years, the supposition being that he had died an honoured pensioner, or that he was perhaps enjoying a ripe old age, surrounded with every comfort that the heart of horse could desire. Such had not, however, been his lot. On appearing in the paddock he was recognised as indeed the winner ' of the City and Suburban of 1879. 1 An objection was lodged against bis starting on the ground of improper entry as to pedigree, and the fact was developed that his present owner had bought him at auction for 69d015, with no guarantee from the seller as to his identity. Never having seen the famous son of Leamington and Maiden, his new owner could not be sure whether this Parole was the once victorious racehorse or not. At any rate, he started in a field of eight and finished absolutely last, two prairie-bred ponies, 14& hands high, giving him 51b and 101 b respectively, finishing among others in front of him. Seventeen years old, and with a career, perhaps, equalled by no other American horse, it does seem deplorable that Parole should be dragged out to be beaten by ponies. One of the leading English turf writers thus sums up the two-year-olds of the present season:—Gouverneur is, in my opinion, the truest made of the lot, for, with size, power and good looks, he has, in addition, beautiful action and a magnificent style of going. He is no better looking than Yalauris, but the latter is still loaded with flesh, and has not the best feet in the world. Orvieto is too narrow, and turns his toes out, while The Deemster—probably nearly at the top of the tree—turns his in. Inverness is another of the handsome ones, and Peter Flower is strong and of commanding size. Cuttlestone, too, is among the best, hut, judged through. St Kilda, he can-hardly be reckoned quite in the first- flight, Gouverneur ought" to win in the Two Thousand, but we hardly know yet whether he can stay, and I would as Soon, back Orion for the Derby. The latter !& not to be compared with Gouverneur or Yalauris for good looks, but he is built like a stayer, and ran on -like one under punishment in the MiddleparltPlate. Siphonia had been beaten a couple of lengths by Orion at Goodwood, but she was by no means herself that day ; and when she came back to the paddock I thought she had over reached. She is a handsome well grown mare, and if not so good looking as Mimi or the Ghopette filly she is at all events much better than the first named, and judged through her The Deemster—who, I am told, will not carry silk until the Derby—is not far behind Gouverneur.

When the totalisator was introduced in France it was greatly abused; In Paris thousands of shopkeepers of various Ifinda started instruments on their own account, and it became a nuisance and a curse. This was allowed to continue for a year or two, but steps have been taken to restrict the use of the totalisator to racecourses, as it should be. M. Constans, Minister of Idle Interior, intends (writes the Paris correspondent of an English paper), to propose a law dealing with the “pari-mutuel” betting system. It was made permissible by a Ministerial decree some years ago, on condition that 2 per cent on the bets should go to works of benevolence and of public utility. An immense sum was produced in this, way; but as it did not really belong to the State, and was not deposited in the Treasury of the Republic, some practicaT difficulties arose as to its distribution, and a large amount still remains awaiting disposal. At last gambling among both men and women became so widespread especially in Paris, where every wine shop was a “ pari-mutuel ”—• s,nd so many thefts and bankruptcies too place in consequence, that ■M, Constans, also by Ministerial decree, suppressed the system summarily everywhere except on courses where racing is going on, but in a recent case before the Courts it was laid down by the Judges that to make the “pari-mutnel ” legal according to the Lottery Law of 1836, to which the originating Ministerial, decree assimilated it, an annual license.was not sufficient. They stated, in fact, that a fresh permission was necessary for every day, and they doubted whether it was not necessary for every race. In order to get rid of these difficulties, M. Constans proposes to establish the “parimutuel” on racecourses only by law, the license to carry it on being revocable at pleasure. The 2 per cent, is still to be exacted, but will be paid regularly into the State Treasury. It will afterwards be allotted to the Assistance Publique, or Poor Relief Fund, and other benevolent institutions in such manner as the Minister of the Interior, aided by advisers selected specially for the work, shall decide.

Our London correspondent wrote on Oct. 17:—When Alicante; came down the hill into the Abingdon Mile Bottom last Thursday, pulling double, and with only Judith and -'bld . Sheen on the premises, most people considered the Cesarewitch over. The .French backers of the filly were already crowing jubilantly, and the silence of the ring; significantly, attested what a facer was in store for .{hem.. Alicante had started one of the hottest favourites ever known for the. long distance handicap at Newmarket, and her victory meant the “ mounseefs " taking quite j£150,000 out of British pockets. All of a sudden Luke raised his whip, and then went up from the enclosures a shout you could have heard on the Severals, “ Sheen wins." In a second the whole aspect of the race altered. The old horse, revelling in his task, collared the favourite, and striding right away, won easily by two lengths, while Alicante only just managed to defeat Judith for the second place. Great was the delight of the bookies, many of whom had not laid the winner. Prince Soltykoff pockets a fair stake, and so do the Jennings, who were, however, not sanguine of doing more than get a place. The Goater party also win a nice stake in place bets over Judith. The public, of course, lose heavily. Signorina cut up very badly in the Great Challenge Stakes on Friday, being beaten not only by the flying Mephiato, but by the two-year-old Melody, belonging to the Australian Cooper. Amphion simply smothered Memoir and Blue Green in; the Champion Stakes, and instead of this year's three-year-olds being good, they are evidently extremely moderate. Immediately after the Cesarewitch, M. Blanc, the owner of Gouverneur, accepted 6000 to 2000 Alicante for the Cambridge* 1 shire, bat this was a false priced and later fives and sixes were laid.. Alicante started the hottest favourite" known for the Cesarewitch since 1867* when Mr Chaplin's Blinkhoolie (3yrs, 7«t) was a 2 to 1 chance, and failed to finish in the-first three. One must not, however, forget Mr Merry's great coup with Lioness (4yrs, 6st 81b), when that filly, starting at 5 to 2 in a large field, won by many lengths. By a blunder the two big events of the meeting—the Dewhurst Plate and the Cambridgeshire—are both fixed for the' same afternoon at Newmarket next week. For the latter there will be a big field, and Mr Joe Thompson, whose big double event-book has not turned out very well, considering Sheen was an outsider, prays that neither Alicante, La Negligente, Signorina, Tostig nor Victorious may win. Against all of these he laid heavy doubles) coupled with Sheen. [The Cambridgeshire' was won by Alicante, and the Dewhurst Plate by Corstaphine.— Ed.]