SPORTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIII, Issue 7656, 5 June 1886, Page 6

SPORTING.

RACING FIXTURES. NEW ZEALAND. June 6—Otabuhu Ricing Club. .June 14—Auckland Racing Oiub's Steeplechase!. June 24—Hawkes Hay J.O. Steeplechases. July 22—New Zealand Grand National Steeplechase,

DATES OF PRINCIPAL EVENTS. June 14-Great Northern (Auckland) Steeplechase. July 23—Eclipse Stakes (Sundown). ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. P.T.—The Prince of Wales' colours are purplo body with gold braid, scarlet sleeves, and black velvet cap with gold fringe. Victorian.—Himalaya was 2 inches taller than Meander, their respective measurements being 17 hands 8 inches and 17 hanas 1 inch. kriedkb,.— Ai the late sale of the Cobham stud, Blair Athol was sold for 1050 ..uineas. He was Urat sold •to Mr. Ulenklron for 5000 guineas, then to the Now Stud Company for 12,500 xutnoas. At the break-up of the first Cobham atud Company, two years ago, he was retained at 4600 guineas. He is twenty-ono years old, and has earned »t the stud over 60,o0o«ovs and the winnings of his stock to the end of last year exceeded £169.000NOTES BY PHAETON. -The C.J.U. Committee were prompt to time with the weights Cor the New Zealand Cup, and on the day on which they were due turfites had the work before them. To say that it is anything like a faultless production would certainly require a very wide stretch of imagination, for throughout it bears traces of much haphazard work. The first one that meets the eyo as being moat unjustly treated, is unquestionably Winchester (Bst 111b), and on what grounds he should be called on to give weight to performers like Tigredia, Turquoise, Waitiri, and others is probably only known to the handicappers themselves. Then again, what has Forerunner dono to merit being called on to give weight (to say nothing of being put on an equality with) Administrator, while it reads like a huge joke to find little Cannon callod on to give weight to such performers as First Lord and Brigadier. However, it will no doubt be more interesting to my readers to deal with those who stand out most dangerous to pointing out the faults of the committee, and this I will now proceed to do. Trenton (93b Xllb) and Nelson (9st 101b) have each proved themselves such giants that even, heavily weighted as they are, they must be kept on the right Bide. Tigredia (B:it 91b) is decidedly well in, and the same remark will apply in even a greater decree to the consistent Waitiri. Whether the first-named will ever stand a severe preparation again is open to doubt, but no such anxiety hangs over the daughter of Musket, who is as sound as the day she was foaled, and should by the time November comes round have famished into a great mare. At one time I had*a great fancy for Derringer, but he must retrieve his character before I can again stand him, even with Sst 4lb opposite his name. Locbiel (Sat 2lb) is very fairly treated, and with Bst opposite his name Administrator should certainly be able to make a bold bid should his trainer have him as well as when he acted as runner-up to Fusillade in the same race last year. July (7st 111b), if he is not a [ perfect fraud, should have a great say with I so lenient an impost, and though Hermitage ! has never yet shown his ability to stay home a long journey, 7st 101b should give him a show. ; Sou'-we»ter reads very well at 7st 01b, but the son of Goldsborough has proved such a gay deceiver of late years that I hesitate to say much in his favour. Neither of the champion two-year-olds, First Lord and Brigadier, have much cause to complain of their treatment with 7at Sib and 7st 61b respectively, but with the exception of Artillery (7st lib), I fail to see anything at this early period below them likely to turn up trumps. To pick six out from the long list of those engaged my choice falls on the following:—Trenton, Nelson, Tigredia, Waitiri, Lochiel, July. The following are the weights :— st lb st lb Trenton - — & 11 Master Agnes „ 7 0 Nelson ... .. 910 Speculation .. 6 12 Necklace.. ..9 1 Howitzer.. .. 6 12 Tamilian .. _ 9 0 Silver Princa .. 6 11 Stonovhurat .. 9 0 Argonaut.. .. 611 Foul Shot —90 Chantilly ... .. 6 11 Winchester -. 811 St. ''lair .. .. 611 Mali;ner .. — 8 10 Torrent .. .. 6 11 Tigredia ... ..8 9 Spade Guinea ... 610 Liverpool — 8 9 Apropos .. _ 6 10 Turquoise _ 8 7 Trickster.. .. C 10 Fusillade— -.8 7 Cremomn .. 6 10 P-aha „ ~8 6 Disowned .. 810 Waitiri .. ..8 6 Quibble .. .. 6 10 Derringer ... 8 4 Uiflaman.. .. 6 10 Lochiel .. —82 Merlin-Repo geld.... 6 8 Forerunner .. 8 1 Take Mis* ..6 7 UauUn .. .. 8 0 British Lion «. 6 7 Administrator «. 8 0 Husk Uoie ..6 7 Moana .. ... 8 0 Patrician.. _ 6 7 Alpine Rose .. 712 Tamora .. ..6 6 Titbit .. .. 712 Torori .. _ 6 6 Kussley ... ... 7 12 Wairuna.. ...6 6 July .. ... 7 11 Fair Ne11... ..6 6 Gordon .. .. 711 Reproach.. ... 6 8 Salisbury .. 7 11 La Rose .. _ 6 3 Hermitage .. 7 10 Vanity Fair ..6 0 Strenuous .. 7 10 Maionna., ..6 0 Loon .. .. 710 Huata .. ..6 0 Sou'-westsr .. 7 9 Fardingdaie ' ... 6 0 Cannon .. ... 7 9 Rose and Gold M 6 0 Wave Ally .. 7 9 St. Ives .. ..SO Everton Lid ..7 8 Kubfzihl ..6 0 First Lord ..7 8 F*r,ta*y .. ..6 0 Archduke ..7 6 Nourmahal .. SO Brigadier.. ..7 6 Tsra&talus ..6 0 Kuiiy .. ..7 1 Theory .. — 60 Artillery.. ..7 1 Beresford ..6 0 Talebearer ..7 0 The Otahuhu Racing Club hold a meeting to-day, and as the entries and acceptances are of a very fair character, some good sport is ensured. The programme is a varied one of six events, viz., three flat and three jumping races. As the Railway Department have laid on a special train to leave the Auckland station at a quarter to one, there is sure to be a large attendance. The following are the acceptances for the principal events : —

Otahuhd Kacivo Club Handicap,—Clof» Bit Bl'\ Victory 7»t 111b, Wapiti 7st Blb, Alpha 7st 71b, Row! 7«t Gil), Torpado 7st 4 b. Dress, nakor 7a: 41b, .Millie 7«t ■lib, Orphan 6at 3lb, CaaUshore 5.t 101b.

Handicap Hurdles—Guy Fawlt« list 21b, Guzelle lost 31b. Quilp 10at 31b, Kow<ly, 9st 101b, Alpha 9jt 'Jib Minuet 9»t 81b, Tinman Ost, 81b, Miss Agnes 9«t 71b, Larrikin Ost, Evening Star (Ist.

Otahuhu Handicap Stkkplbcea'SE. — Guy Fawltes list 71b, WhaUbnne, lOst Slbs, Gazelle lOst 7ib, Kowdy 9st, 111b, Julia Ana Oat 101b, Evening Star Oat Sib, Laddio Ost 71b.

If Guy Fawkes starts for the Hurdle Race I shall expect him to win, and in his absence Miss Agues may prove the safest to trust. On her lata form there can be no doubt that Clogs reads the most dangerous of those engaged in the Otahuhu Handicap, and if she is beaten it will probably bo by Viotory or Torpedo. The decision of the Steeplechase should lie between Guy Fawkes and Whalebone, and I will look for them to finish in that order.

The Auckland Racing Club have every I reason to be satisfied both with the acceptances received for the three principal event?, and also with the entries for the other events of the winter programme. The acceptances for the Steeplechase and Hurdles Race have had tho effect of weeding out nearly the whole of the " rough" division, and each race promises to draw a good field. Up to the present there has not been very much speculation, but, what Vttle there has been, Guy Fawkes has the greatest call in the transactions. The party behind Guy Fawkes have been evincing a desire to back him, but an offer on their part to take 200 to 50 about the son ot Bedouin did not lead to business, the ring not prepared to lay better than 3's to 1. A email amount was taken at this figure yesterday, when 5 to 2 was quoted. The other prices may be said to be—7 to 2 Macaroni, 5 to ]. Belle, 7 to 1 Whalebone. In the double, Steeplechase and Hurdle, Guy Fawkes and Miss Agnes appear to be the favourite pick. The Grand Prix da Paris is to be run to-morrow. Neither the Derby winner, Ormonde, nor the runner up, The Bard, are engaged, so that "Johnny Crapeau" has on this occasion an excellent opportunity to keep the race from going to the muchdreaded Britisher. Nominations for the Melbourne Cup are due on Monday next, and the full list will, no doubt, be cabled in time for publication in Tuesday's issue of the Herald. I understand that there is every likelihood of both Trenton and Nelson being nominated. The weights, which are due on the 28th inst., will be awaited with much interest by turfites in this colony. Mr. T. Stephens left for Sydney by the Waihora on Wednesday. If Mr. Stephens finds the stallion Captivator sound, it is understood that the negotiations for the horse's purchase by the New Zealand Stud Company will be closed, and he will be brought to Auckland by the first steamer. Captivator is a very highly-bred horse, being got by the English Derby winner, Caractacus (a, son of Kingston), out of Miss Hawthorn, by King Tom—Jerry, Jenny Jumps, by Rococo. The only thing against the horse is that he is now well into the sear and yellow leaf, some 20 years having passed over his head since he first saw the lie;ht. WKn perusing the weight? for the New Zealand Cup, many wondered at the absence of Vanguard and Thunderbolt. They were, I understand, withdrawn from the race some time back, ' i

When the weights for the Otahuhu Racing Club Handicap made their appearance last week,'and a horse called Boomerang was found to head the* list with Bat 121bs, many asked themselveß, from whence cometh this Boomerang, and what qualifications doth he possess to merit top weight? An inquiry has elicited the fact that the horse is none other than the same Boomerang which started in a Maiden Plate at Onehunga some time back, when, I understand, he failed to even gain a place. When this interesting fact was revealed, turfites were not long in coming to a conclusion as to what prompted the placing of the horse •at the top of the list, and it was certainly not a conclusion of the most favourable character to the gentlemen composing the handicapping committee. It is well known that the A. K.O. rules (under, of course, which the country alub race), expressly ntipulate that the top weight in any handicap shall not be less than 8«t 12lb, and it is alleged, and not certainly without some grounds, that the horse Boome-

rang who figured at the top of tha list

in the race in question, was so placed in order to keep the top weight off the locally owned Clogs. It appears to me that there can be little doubt what the intention was, and I can only regret that the matter escaped my observation when the weights firßt appeared. Such tactics can have but one ending, and that is to make horse-owners give the Otahuhu Club a wide berth, and it is much to be regretted that the hitherto good record of this promising club has been so smudged with this questionable piece of work. I may remark that the much-weighted Boomerang did not figure amongst the list of acceptors. Many along with myself would like to know who was the nominator of the horse.

Mr. A. Drake, who is at present sojourning in Auokland, has been improving the shining hour (or, as I should in the present state of the matters say, the showery one) by laying the New Zealand Cup, &c. During the present week, Mr. Drake has laid the following .*—New Zealand Cup: 1000 to 45 Waitiri, 1000 to 20 Cremorne, 1000 to 20 Totara, 1000 to 20 Musk Rose, 1000 to 70 Liverpool. C.J.C. Derby and Cup : 1000 to 25 Brigadier and Brigadier, 500 to 10 Artillery and Winchester, 500 to 10 Artillery and Russley.

From telegrams to the American papers I glean that the field for the Two Thousand Guineas only numbered sir, viz., the Duke of Westminster's Ormonde. Mr. Vyner's Minting, Prince Soltykoff's Mephisto, Mr. Childsvick's Saraband, Mr. Mantou's St. Mirin and Duke of Westminster's Coracle. Coracle made the running for half the distance, then Ormonde took the lead, clcsely followed by Minting and Saraband. These positions were retained to the bunhes, where Saraband fell away beaten. Ormonde ascended the hill in grand style and won the race easily, two lengths ahead of Minting. Mephisto was a bad third. Time, 14 6 4-5 Ormonde was ridden by G. Barrett, Minting by' Watts, Mephisto by Cannon, and Sara band by Archer. Minting was a most pronounced favourite at 11 to 10, while 7 to 2 was the price against Ormonde. After the race 5 to 4 was freely taken about Ormonde for the Derby, which race we have since been informed by cable he won.

An interesting sporting lawsuit was, a few days back, before the Victorian Supreme Court, in the shape of an action brought by a Mr. Joseph Lee against the well-known bookmaker Mr. Austin Saqui for slander, and for which £2000 damages were claimed. It appeared from the evidence of the plaintiff that some four months before the last Melbourne Oup waa run he took two wagers from Mr. Saqui—looo to 3 Newstead and Silver King, and 1000 to 3 Nordenfeldt and Sheet Anchor. Mr. Lee posted his money by the payment of a cheque for £6, and he asserts that Mr. Saqui both entered the wagers and signed the same in the block of the cheque book. Nordenfeldt and Sheet Anchor winning, Mr. Lee applied to Saqui to discharge his liability, when the latter disclaimed all knowledge of the wager, and stated that the writing in the block of the cheque book purporting to be his was a forgery. This was the basis of the claim. The exact words imputed to the defendant, on seeing the block of the cheque book, were, 11 That is not ray writing, it is a forgery." Subsequently the defendant said The writing is a forgery, and I shall have him arrested." In his plea the defendant denied that he spoke and published the words-that if he did so they did not bear the alleged meaning ; that if they did bear the alleged meaning, they were true in substance and fact, and spoken bona fide without malice, and under such circumstances as rendered them privileged. In the evidence adduced it was established beyond doubt that Lee had neve.- seen Saqui write. It also appeared that in defendant's betting book he frequently spelled Newstead's name "Newsted," and Nordenfeldt's "Nordenfel," and thi3 was how it appeared in the block of the plaintiff's cheque-book, and to which Saqui's signature was attached An expert witness gave it as his opinion that the writing was not Saqni's, but the plaintiff's solicitor immediately shattered that evidence by placing some of Saqui's writing in the witness's hand, when he gave it as his opinion that the writing was not his (Saqui's). Saqui was then put in the box, and swore that it was. In his evidence Saqui stated that he laid the plaintiff Newstead and Sheet Anchor, and Nordenfeldt and Silver King, but not Nordenfeldt and Sheet Anchor. Mr. Purves, who appeared for the plaintiff, made a telling addrg3s to the jury, and blackened the defendant's character considerably, showing that he had before repudiated wagers. The jury found for the plaintiff, and assessed the damages at £250. I'he case lasted two days. The point as to whether the occasion was privileged, raised by the defendant's counsel, has been reserved for the Full Court to deoide.

In the Grand National Steeplechase, to be run at Sydney to day, the erstwhile New Zealanders Clarence and St. Dunstan are respectively weighted at list 101b and 9st 101b. In the Sydney Steeplechase run on Queen's Birthday, Clarence carried the same weight, but could not gain a place, but St. Dunstan, with 10st 21b up, managed to scramble into third position. In a recent issue of the Napier paper I find " Hippo" getting foul of mo in the following strain "I am informed, on good authority that ' Phaeton' is in error in crediting Mr, llvatfc with the Onehunga handioapoinc;; that the handicap was made by Mr. W. W. Robinson." For the edification of " Hippo" and also of his "good authority," I may state that on no occasion did I credit J»lr. livett with the Onehunga handicapping, and also that the handicapping was not done by Mr. VV. W. Robinson, but by the committee of the club, of which faot I have always been aware.

When compilers of Australian turf statistics for the present season bring forth the result of their labour*, the name of the Hon. James White, who has already won upwards of £12,000 in stakes, will unquestionably head the list. To this large sum the chief contributions came from two St. Legers, two Derbies, Richmond Stakes, Maribynong Plate, Champion Race, Hummer Cap, Tattersail's Cup, and Anniversary Handicap.Just prior to the departure of the last mail, Archer was freely given out as the probable rider of Ormonde in the Two Thousand Guineas, but I gather from the telegrams to the American papers that the col*- was ridden by G. Barrett, who would, there can be little doubt, also have the mount in the Derby. There seems an excellent prospect of Barrett accomplishing Archer's great feat of last season, by winnine; the treble. Two Thousand Guineas, Derby, and St. Leger. "Augur" writes: "One of the characteristics of the Panic family is its extraordinary soundness. The veteran Lone Hand is an instance. He is still running in New Zealand, and only a week or two ago won a small handicap on the flit." Our Victorian friend is, I think, slightly in error, in the latter part of his remarks, for the veteran steeplechaser has not been seen on a racecourse for some time, and I think it may safely be said, that he has woo his last race—even on the flat; i over country, and the small sticks has for a long time been quite rocoguised. "Augur',' has |;he following concerning the colts sent to Melbourne by our local sportsman, Mr. Balmain:—" Mr. W. E. Dakin landed his three Musket colts at Fiemington during the latter portion of last week, and they will shortly be joined by a very fine yearling colt by Leolinus from Lurline's sister, Lure. On Monday I had a a capital opportunity of inspecting the new arrivals, for while strolling round Fiemington I came upon them being exercised under the supervision of Mr. Dakin himself. There could be no mistaking the son of Pungawerewere, for, from what I had read and heard of him, I was enabled to recognise him at a glance. He is undoubtedly all that he has been desoribed—one of the grandest colts ever seen in this or any other country. Already he stands nearly, if not quite, 16

hands, and is famished like a three-year-old —his great arms and thighs being something not often seen in a yearling. With all h?« great size there is nothing superfluous about him, and he is as active as a kitten. Hp has been named Jranter, which was, I believe the name first given to Trenton, but by iiotoe means, when he passed into Mr. Staad's hands, this was converted into the name he now bears, and he has always run undor it, [Oar Victorian friend is scarcely correct: here for Trenton ran his first and second rao&s in Auckland, prior to passing into Mr. Stead's hands under the title named, J The colt was purchased for 750 guineas at the instigation of Mr. Dakin, who was well pleased with his appearance and the performances of his brother Brigadier. Band Or's relative Escutcheon, is a colt of a different kind altogether, heing nearly a hand less, a goodlooking lengthy colt on the shortest of legs, and, though not possessing a superabundance of bone, the quality is evidently firstolass. This is a very muscular horse, something between Martini-Henry and Progress, and more likely to come early than his bigger companion. Mana, by Musket from L'Orient, is of a similar stamp, and he, too, should be ready to take his part in the spring." Chatting with Mr. Dakin over his New Zealand trip, he spoke in very eulogistic terms of the Now Zealand Stud Company, Sylvia, he says, is beginning to show her age, but Onyx is in excellent health and condition, and Musket has left behind him a verv fine lot of foals. J A committee of the Victoria Racing Club has drawn up a number of amended and new rules with regard to racing, the recommended new rules being solely for hurdle races and steeplechases, for which there have been no local rules hitherto, the grand national rules of England having been referred to in case of dispute. Among other things it is suggested that no horse in any hurdle race shall carry less than 9st, and in any steeple, chase less than 9at 71b. Also, if any horse refuse any fence in a hurdle race or steeplechase, and it can be proved to the satisfaction of the stewards that he has been led over a fence by any of the bystanders, 01 has been given a lead over one by any horseman not riding in the race, the horse shall be disqualified from winning, although he should come in first.

The death of Mr. VV. S. Cox'g venerable gelding Imperial, at the age of 16 years, revives (says the Leader) one of the most sensational pages in the history of the Australian turf. On the Ist of April, 1875, the son of Maribyrnong andl Eugenie, who was then a 5-year-old gelding, won the Sydney Cap, carrying 7st 91b, and running the two miles in 3 minutes 36 seconds. The performance was much more meritorious than is suggested by a glance at the bare f»ct. In the first place, the official time above given was almost unanimously voted ft second too slow by those who had watches on, and then again Lewis, who rode him, only once brought the whalebone to bear, and Imperial, answering in a manner that became his name, won only by a short length, it is true but with a " bit to spare." What wonder, then, that within a fortnight of the Melbourne Uup weights being declared on the following lGch June Imperial, at Ssfc 4!b, should have been backed to snch an extent as to make him a firm first favourite, when it was remembered that amongst his defeated field in the Sydney Cup were suoh celebrities as Lurline, Reprieve, The Diver, Priam, Fitz Yattendon, Melbourne,M'Callum Mohr, Haricot, and others of lesser note. Never was such a winter favourite for the big event at Flemington known before or since. Firmly established at the head of the quotations during the la«t week in June, his position never once even wavered, and after shortening in price and becoming firmer and firmer week after week, he walked ont of the paddock on November 9 backed for enough money to buy up half an-dozen German principalities, a hotter favourite than ever at 3 to 1 taken freely by those who regretted their folly in not getting on to such a moral at a decent price. Lewis, who had ridden him in the Sydney Cup, was up on Calumny, lor only a star of no less magnitude than Joe Morrison could be entrusted to pull off such a coup as Imperial, the observed of all observers, had on hand that day, The responsibility, alas? was more than the old gelding could bear, and, from the time he settled down about sixth after going half the journey, the woful-looking backers, whose names were legion, had the mortification of seeing him plod along in ? that place to the end, badly beaten in 3min 3Ssec by Wollomai, ttichmond, Goldabrough, Coquette, and Loquacity. Not even the defeats of Newminster and Archie could compare with the downfall of Mr. Oox'a gelding so far as public disappointment was concerned, and I doubt not that many a veteran backer who heard of his death fast week bitterly regretted that it had not occurred exactly 11 years before. It's an ill wind that blows no good, however, and it must not be supposed that the defeat of Imperial on that memorable occasion brought ruination to all who operated on him. One or two members of the ring who never would allow that he could carry the extra weight, never tired of peppering him all through his long winter reign, and the result proved that they knew more than supposed better judges gave them credit for.

The following tarf statistics from the latest edition of "Ruff's Guide to the Turf," will give those in the colonies who do not follow reports of English race meetings an idea of the sum of money won in races and matches during the season of 1885. The amount waa £446,427 Ss. This seems a fabulous sum to be given away in one year, and it is no wonder that thoroughbreds fetch fancy prices in the old country when such an enormous sum is annually devoted to prizes. Of the £446,427 Ss, the two-year-olds won £165,424 15s; three-year-olds, £145,512 16b; and four - year • olds and upward, £135,459 17s. During the year 2031 different horses ran at 119 meetings held "under the rules of racing," and 810 of these won races. The number of starters in all the races was 10,342. The horses which won most money were : The Bard, £9188 9s ; Bendigo, £4451 15s ; Bird of Freedom. £4757 ; Gay Hermit £4939; Kendal, £4053; Melton, £11,435* .Minting, £7396 ; Modwena, £5492; Paradox,' £7352 ; Philosophy, £6514 ; Sareband, £6338,

ewstead, the meteoric colt, who, after winning the Maribyrnong Plate in fine style, put down Malua in the Flying Stakes, and ran six furlongs faster than it had even been ran previously, has been " added to the list." This course was taken with a view of improving the temper of the son of Neckersgat, which hits been very troublesome to hie trainer.

Sydney Tattersall's is becoming a wealthy institution, they having a nice little nest egg of £10,000 at interest in the bank, which I need scarcely add has been gained without the aid of that saviour of New Zealand racing clubs—the totalisator.

At a meeting of the committee of the Agricultural Society, a question interesting to breeders arose (says the Australasian). The members were asked to determine whether a horse, the produce of a mare which left England in foal, but foaled in Australia, was imported or colonial, jt was decided that it was Australian. Another moot point was also discussed. This was who should be considered the breeder of a foal whose dame had been sold previous to its birth ; and it was determined that the owner of the mare at the time the foal waa born should be regarded as the breeder. The members of the committee took the common sense view of each case, and determined accordingly.

Foul Shot has been scratched for the New Zealand Cup. W

Old Joe, the winner of the Liverpool Grand National Steeplechase this year, was once sold for £30.

Mr. H. Oxenham has had Cerise and Bin® measured and weighed. She stands 14 3? and weighs 7cwt. '

A writer in the Melbourne Sportsman states that Mr. Mitchelaon's colts are "a trio of beauties."

Sydney Tattersall's Club have instituted a race to be called "The Lady Carrincton Plate." The club add 500 a ovs to the" take!Young Woodlands, who rode Magpie in the Liverpool Grand National Steeplechase, and finished fourth, is said to be only 14 years of age.

Turfites will be glad to learn that old Commotion is undergoing a preparation again at Fiemington, and appears as sound as ever.

he Victorian brood mare The Gem, dam of Topaz, First Water, Tourmaline, and Off Colour, died a few days ago at St. AJban's, whither she wa3 sent on a visit to the horse of that name.

By the victory of Mackay in the Royal Stakes, at the recent Sydney meeting Mr. H. Oxenham, his owner, threw in for a sftake of £7000. Mackay was only recently purchased out of a selling race. Notwithstanding the 13it 121b allotted to The Agent in the Sydney Hurdle Race, hia party elected to start him, but the weight killed him, and the " little wonder" could could only get third.