SPORTING NOTES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVII, Issue 5722, 20 March 1880, Page 6

SPORTING NOTES.

RACING FIXTURES. .March 23—Ellangowan, Mauku March 29— Henderson'* Mill March 30. 31—Canterbury Autumn March 31. April I—T»ranaki Aprils 9—Tima'U April 22, 23—Auckland Autumn May 24—Grand National Steeplechaso, Chr'Htchurcn. Beacon, of the Olago Witness, says:—"l have been many times aßked who were the partners with the Hon. W. Robinson in the four horses running in his name. In reply to these, I may state that as far as I can gather, Mr. William Robinson owns absolutely Grip, Natator, and On Dit; while Foul Play belongs to Mr. U. P. Lance and Mr. H. P. Diver conjointly. I should like to see the latter gentlemau become tbe sole o.vner of this good horse, for

Utrigo owners are not plentiful, and our good horses are even leas scarce."

The OUkjo Daily Time 3 says it has authority for stating that Sir Hercules Rubinson ia not in anyway interested, either as owner or part owner, in any horse at present running in New Zealand. His .Excellency will" probably have a stud; indeed, he lias already bought one horse, a colt in the North Island. It i? highly unlikely, should Sir Hercules Robinson go in for racing, that be will enter into parnersbip with anyone. The Dargaville after having been postponed for a day on account of the weather, came off last Thursday and Friday. The course was very heavy, and Xantippe, who appears to have come back to her old form, being let in very light in the Cup, won easily, and the nex"; day landed the handicap, both Piscatorious and Malvern cutting up badly. I! a rry Mount, who appears to be in great form at the present time, had no difficulty in winning the Hurdle Race. The other races require no comment, as they were chietly confiued to local horses. The Wangauui Cup, of lOOOsovs., ended iu a grand race between tbe two favourites —Betrayer, running the longest, won a head from Hornby, Soukar finishing a good third. The handicap cannot be called a good one, after all, a3 the two favourites tinished lirst aud second—tbey beiDg the only real good racehorses that were not crushed out of it. Hippocampus and Libeller tinished fourth and fifth; bat, from the running of Mr. Walters's horses all through, they must be out of all form, as might be expected from the way thoy have been knocked about. I have juat received an essay entitled "The Kuin of the Turf,''by " Ko.-mos." The writer is evidently not conversant with racing, or else he is in league with a certain clique | whose object is to suppress the totalisator and encourage P.P. betting—ie., that whether the horse runs or not, the backer is

liable to lose bis money. P.P. betting has been the beta noir of the turf

for many years. The Newmarket Jockey Club have long seen the evil of it, and have done all in their power to put a stop to it, and have partially succeeded by making only certain races P.P. "Yearling books on the Derby are no longer in vogue in England ; owners cannot stand to win the enormous stakes they used to, still they can win large stakes, although the fearful plunging that formerly took place when the Romeo Lords and the Marquis of Hastings were in their zenith no longer takes place. Horses run much Etraighter now than in former days, when P. P. betting was all the rage. If " Kosmos" looked quietly at the thing he would never have rushed into print in the manner he has done, and tried to uphold P.P. betting. Instead oE ruining the turf, as he want 3 to make out, the totalisator would improve it, and do away with a great deal of tho " milking" process, al?o welshing. "Milking"— i. e., owners bringing horses into the market and laying against them, thus making sure of winning some hundreds—is 1 am sorry to say, very prevalent in the Australian colonies. How often does the best horse win ? Cau the public put their money on any horse and feel sure that they will have a

square run for the money 1 The answer is, You cannot walk the streets after a big race without meeting persons who, wheu you ask them how they got on over such a cup or handicap, but they will answer, "I backed so-and-so, but he was scratched at

the last moment," or, " did not run to win." " Kosmos's " idea, that it will do away with the bookmakers, and prevent owners from

backing their horses, therefore thoroughbred stock will depreciate in value, is on the face of it absurd. In the first place, ownerj would go to large bookmakers to back their horses to win a large stake, as they could only invest a few pounds on the totalisator. As for it doing harm to the bookmakers " Kosmos's" argument is flimsy in the extreme, as, according to his own showing, it only takes away single pounds or so. These I have often heard the large bookmakers say they would sooner be without, as the trouble of collecting, and the number of bad debts they incur, does not pay ; therefore it would only injure the small bookmakers and the " welshing" fateruity. Many times, wlisn I first took horses over to France to run, I have found the "Pari mutuel" most useful to me, enabling me to back my horses at a fair price, and not run the risk of betting with unknown men. In those days English bookmakers were scarce in France, and with the exception of the Morrises, Gideon, Haughton, arnl one or two others, there were none to be met with. I quite agree that the totalisator will be a great blow to i P.P. betting; but what true sportsmen will not hail with delight the day when there i 3 no betting till the numbers go up ? Owners then can gtt on plenty of money with the legitimate bookmakers, and the small fry will have to go to the totalisator. Fancy going up to a large bookmaker in England— auch as Steel, Hulton, Smith, &c.—on the morning of the race, or after the numbers went up, and offering to take the odds to a pound or two ! They would laugh at you. The same, I feel sure, would apply to the principal Australian and New Zealand bookmakers. 'lhe time they like to get these small sums is when the public tempted by long odds, rush a horse when the weights first comc out, thereby affording a good opportunity of " milking." I remember one year a horse engaged in the Doncaster St. Leger winning three races off the reel at Brighton. The public in their excitement did not wait to analyse the running, but tempted by the long odds Steel offered —1000 to 3, and 1000 to 5 —backed him. The result was that he "milked" him to the tuue oE £0000. The owner, knowing he had no chance, gladly took the offer of £2000 not to run him, and Steel thereby got £3000 dead money in his book, and no doubt many others did the same. This is an cvery-day occurrence, and clearly proves the bad effect of P.P. betting. If Kosmos had devoted his energies to put down P.P. betting, instead of encouraging it, he might have done some good. Space will not allow mo to thoroughly analyse Kosmos's

essay this week. I shall therefore only

point out one or two absurdities that prove he does not understand the subject he

is writing about. On page Ghe says, "If "A." wishes to make a thousand pound book it is his object to lay a £1000 against every horse in the race." Sow anyone with the slightest knowledge of bookmaking must know that anyone attempting to do so would quickly come to grief. (!eal bookmakiug is a calculation of figures, and unless a man does that he cannot make a square book, and it will quickly prove a failure. He goes on further and says, "If he is unable to do this, then lie must wager as much of the £1000 (all round) as he can, but on no account nr.ust ho lay more than a £1000 against any one horse. If he docs lie violates the fundamental principle of bookmakiug, and must put up with the consequence, &c." This goes far to prove that "Kosmos" never made

a book in his life, and does not understand the principles. Pago 7. " Cannot tho turf flourish, or, at least, stand its ground, without tho joint support of owners, bookmakers and tho public ? No, empatically no," &c. In this, there is some degree of truth, as few men can a/lord to race without betting, aa tho expenses aro so heavy, but then there is no occasion to encourage betting to tho fearful extent it is now carried out, therefore) some limit ought to be put to it. He goeH on further, and says that two great supporters of tho turf have frequently made the stakes pay expenses —viz., Lord Ivalmouth and Count Lagrange. This I doubt; as in proportion to their winnings, so are the forfeits they incur. These in li'ngland sometimes are very large, amouuuting from £1,000 to .£ISOO or £2000 for one yearling. That, however, well-bred,he may be, turns out worthless for racing purposes. Then in tliocaae of LerdFalmouth, who broeda his own horses, there must bo put. down tho expense of roaring them, and thcrereforo as lie never bets it is doubtful if ho makes it pay. Tho late Lord Eglington, who owned such horses as Van Tromp, Blue Bonnet, Flying Dutchman, &c., has told mo that during tho time he was on tho turf his expenses were about

£105,000, and bis winnings £103,000, including the advertised value of the numerous cups he won. The late Lord Glasgow, who never betted, generally spent in racing £30,000 a-year more than his winnings. Therefore, in this, "Kosmos" i 3 right; but let us have betting in a mitigated form, which can be done by doing away with P.P. betting, the tctalisator, and Calcutta sweeps, will tend to do that. I hope to be able to continue thi3 argument next week. AUSTRALIAN NOTES. Victorian Racing Club Autumn - Meeting.—Fikst Day. The attendance was small, and the grand stand not half filled. His Excellency patronised the races, but left early in the afternoon. The sport commenced with the Hurdle Race, which ended in a grand finish between Zephyr, Nullah, and Rover—the former winning by half-a-length ; Newmarket, who was made a great favourite, falling at the first hurdle the second time round. Only Martindale and Wellington had the temerity to oppose First King for the Port Phillip Stakes, and the race was deemed such a "moral" for him that 5 to 1 was freely laid on him. Instead of securing an easy victory, however, he was brought to the whip, and only beat Martindale a neck, Wellington half-a-length in the rear. The race was a grand one, and they ran locked together for m.ire than two miles. Had not Martindale b?en forced to retire from the centre and come on the outside, the verdict might have been different, as the rush he made in the last few strides was a grand one, though rather late. He stripped in grand form, but First King appeared lighter than on the Champion Day. Fourteen saddled up for the Ascot Valo Stakes. Grand Prix, a particularly grand colt, looked rather backward, and had a bandage on his off fore-leg, he therefore started ac the outside price of

10 to 1, but the moDQeDt he was called upon he came away and wou easily by two lengths. He is by the Marquis out of Art Union, and, like mosb of the Marquis's get, he appears rather a gross horse, requiring a strong preparation. Trevellyan, for whom Joe Mormon had wasted two atone to ride, was made a great favourite, but finished nowhere. Only five put in an appearance for the St. Leger. Of these Suwarrow attracted the most attention, but, though blooming and muscular, he appeared rather jolly. Caspian was as fit as hand 3 could make him, while Petrea looked well but rather light. Belladrum looked well, and was quietly backed by many. The moment the flag was lowered Suwarrow, adopting his usual tactics, rushed to the front, and forced the running. When coming up the straight Rivalry first brought him to the whip and then Caspian tackled him on the outside —loud shouts announced his defeat — Caspian came on with a desperate rush, and gaining every stride, won by half-a- length ; Rivalry, who died away to nothing, was third, a length off; Belladrum tired in the straight, and though Petiia looked dangerous at one time, she mado no effort at the finish ; Darriwell had no trouble in landing the Keilor Stakes, and establishing his claim as a weight-carrier ; Sweetmeat made but an indifferent show ; and Columbus too, though in good form, made no fight for it at the finish. The following are the details of the principal races : —

Port Phillip Stakes of lOsova., each with 300sovs. a'kled. For four-year-olds and upward. Weight for age. 2J miles. J. Wilson's bh First King, syrs,, 9st. 51b5.... 1 Hon. J. White's b h Martindale, oyra., 9sfc. 51bs 2 C. A. Johnson Boe's b h Wellington, 4yrs. Uat 3 Betting :sto lon First King. Wellington made the running at a merry pace until passing the abattoirs tbe second time, when Martindale went up in the middle, and First King on the outside. The three entered the straight locked together, and all the jockeys were hard on their horses. Soon after Wellington and First King closed on Martindale, who had to drop back, though he made a tremendous rush in the last few strides and healed Wellington, he was unable to reach First King, who, s'ruggliugon very gamely, won by a short neck, Wellington third, beaten half a length. Time, 4mins. 3Sjsecs. Ascot Vale Stakes, of 20sovs. each ; h. ft., with 200sovs. added. For two-year-old colts, Sst. 10lb*. ; fillies, Sst. 71bs. The winner of the Maribyrnong Plate or the Normanby Stakes, 71bs. ; of both, lOlbs. extra. Jof a mile. L. De Itfeatre'd b c Grand Prix ... ... 1

Wentworth's b f Otira ... Dr. L. Smith's b f Haidee of the Hill

Delamere, Henrietta, Standard Bearer, Nero, Free Citizen, Wentworfch, Good Morning, Trevellyan, Western Princess, Cinamon and Athlete also ran. Batting : 3 to 1 oil Trevellyan, 5 to 1 against Good Morning, 100 to 15 cach against Otira, Western Princess, and Cinnamon, 100 to 12 against Delamere, 10 to 1 each against Grand Prix aud Haidee of the Hill. The flag fell to au excellent start, Trevellyan, Haidee of the Hill, and Standard Bearer being the first to show in front. On coming out of the training ground, Wentworth, Henrietta and Otira were at the head of affairs. Approaching the distance, Grand Prix shot to tbe front, placing a gap between himself and the others. Coming on, he was never afterwards headed, winning cleverly by two lengths; a good race for second place, ended in favour of Otira, by half a length. Time, lmin. 21secs.

The St. Leger Stakes, of 2030v5., 5 ft, with 300sov. added. For 3-year-old colts, Sat. lOlbs. ; iillies, Sst. 71bs., lj' miles and 132 yards (100 subs.) A. K. Fitilay's b c Caspian ... ... ... 1 K. Harris's gc Suwarrow ... ... ... 2 J. Bennett's b f Rivalry ... ... ... 3 Petrea and Belladrum also ran. Betting : Even on Suwarrow, 3 to 1 against Caspian, 4 away on even terms, Suwarrow going to tho to leach against Belladrum and Petrea. All got front and makiug the running at a slow pace, Rivalry lying second. Coming round the bend Suwarrow improved the pace. At the mile and a half Caspian had drawn up second, Petrea lyiug last. In this order they went down tbe backside of tho course, but running down the side of the training ground liivalry went up to the leader, and the others closed up, Petrea at this point looking dangerous. Suwarrow entered the straight with a slight advantage of Rivalry. Here Hales began to move on Petrea, and Beliadrum had shot his bolt. A distance from home Suivarroiv appeared to win easily, but Rivalry sticking to him, presently brought him under the whip, and a splendid struggle ensued, the pair being joined by

Caspian, who came with a great rush, and shooting to the front in the last few strides, won by half-a-leDgth, a length between second and third. Time, Smius. 23jsees. ICeilor Stakes, of Ssovs. each, with 100 sovs. added. Weight for age. Penalties for winners. W. Rawlinson's br h Darriwell, oyrs., 9st. 31bs 1 J. Ivory's br h Sweetmeat, 4yrs., 9st. 71bs 2 0. A. Johnson-Boe'a ch h Columbus, aged, 9st. 31bs. 3 Bobbie Burns, Sussex, Enos, Lapidary, and Canard also ran. Bettiug : Even on Darriwell, 2 to 1 against Sweetmeat, 4 to 1 against Culumbus. Directly the tlag fell, Lapidary rushed to the front, and led by eight lengths along the river side, but at the back of the course was headed by Enos. Passing the sheds. Sweetmeat took up the running, closely pr«3sed by Columbus and Darnweil.

Directly the straight was entered, Cracknel! took Uarriwell to the front, aud, coining on. full of running, wo'i easily by two lengths. Time, 2mins. 40.'. ;ccs.

Tho death of Mr. Mntth"W Dawson, of Heath House, Newmarket, tho celebrated trainer, is announced by telegraph (says the Tadtttanimi Matt). Matthew Dawson, whose name will long be remembered in connection with tho yellow jacket of Mr. Merry, and the magpie colours of Lord Falmouth, was the son of George Dawson, who trained at Gullane, in Harriugtonshire. Whilst tho eldest of four brothers now training, Tom Dawson, of Thorngill, Middleham, was winning tho St. Leger, with Blue Bonnet Matthew was training tho homo stud at Eglington, whence ho returned to Gullane to train Ero, the winner of tho Northumberland Plate and Liverpool Cup. He next trained for Lord John Scott, winning the Oaks with Catherin'e Hayes, and tho Metropolitan with Canuobie; also, many races with the Reiver and the celebrated Hobbie Noblo, who was unaccountably beaten by the pony Daniel O'Rourke forthe Derby, llcafterwards went to Hussloy, and was privato trainer to Mr. Merry for some years. The moat memorable horses uuder liia charge during that time woro Thormanby, Sunbeam, Buckatone, Dundee, Lioness, also many other good horses. After a connection of several years, during which he won all tho best races for Mr. Merry, and caused tho yellow jacket to become most popular, lie removed to Heath House, whero ho became a publio trainer, and had many first-class horses under his charge, especially those of Lord Falmouth, for whom he has won more stakes in ono year than any other owner ever succeeded in doing. Mat, as he was familiarly called, was a most unassumin raan, ever pleased to give his friends

welcome and assist them with his advice. Few trainers ever attained his standard both for excellence in training and honesty to his employers. Matthew Dawson always eschewed fanciful theories and hard and fast rules of training. It was always said of the two famous trainers of early years — John Scott and old John Day—that the former leant towards flesh, preferring to run hi 3 hor.-es a little above themselves, while John Day would insist on galloping them till the last ounce of superfluous fat was removed. Matthew Dawson may be designated an electrie trainer, fully recognising the value of eaeh of the older trainers' system in particular cases, but viewing every horse under his care as a patient requiring special treatment according to his individual constitution -a thing trainers of the present day rarely pay enough attention to. Old Thunder, for instance, " all game and bottom" in the actual race, was one of the most nervous animals at exercise. When walking with the rest of the string of horses, he would put himself in so profuse a lather that it was found impossible to keep any flesh on him. Removed from companionship, he displayed no trace of irritation, but took to his work as freely as his corn. At the time of his death, Matthew Dawson had over Bixty horses under his charge, including Lord Falmouth's and Lord Has .ings's strings. He was about sixty years of ago. The telegram does not state the cause of his death. Old Turfite.