SPORTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9082, 16 June 1888, Page 6

SPORTING.

RACING FIXTURES. June 21—Hawke's Bay Jockey Club. June 26—Onehunga Racing Club. Jnly 7_Wellington Racing Club. DATES OF COMING EVENTS. July 26— N.Z. Grand National Steeplechase. Septomber 12.—Doncaster St. Le«er. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. Waikato.—l. Gipsy Kind's time (3tnin 61sec) for the Dunedin Cup is the fastest on record for that race. 2. Lady Emma was got by Yattendon. J.B.—Malua carried Bst 71b when he won the Newmarket Handicap, and Ost 91b when he won the Melbourne and Australian Cups in 1885 and 1886 respectively. Sport.—Allegro was not in front until after taking the first fence. M.—According to the statistics published by the Australasian, the winning totals last soason were : Robinson Crusoe, £8387; Musket, £7623. Mata.—Guy Fawkes was got by Bedouin, Silvio and Omata by Isaak Walton. The three are all out of the same riiare, Mokamoka.

THE A.R.C. WINTER MEETING. [BY PHAETON]. Looked at from a sporb point of view the A.R.C. winter meeting on Saturday last may be numbered amongsb the best gatherings that have been brought off ab Ellerslie ; bub the attendance of the public was much below the average, and as a natural consequenco the recoipts from the tobalisator showed a great falling off compared with chose at the corresponding meeting last year. That bhe incessant country racing we have been treated to had a good deal to do with lowering the attondanco is what everyone recognises; but I fancy that the exorbitant charge of 3s (kl kept more people away than is generally anticipated. The club, it is quite true, endeavoured to got the Railway Department to lower the train faro to Is; but even though that body, with their usual " cusaedness," declined to entertain the matter, it seemed bo mo bhab the club wero equally stubborn in not wishing to run the risk of a loss of revenue by lowering the charge of admission to tho course to one shilling. If Ellerslie is to be popularised, both the Railway Department and the A.R.C. will have to combine to "draw" the people ; and should the former still continue to exact the uttermost penny from the public, then the club will have to undertake the matter single-handed.

The racing during the afternoon was of a first-class order, and out of the seven events decided, the favourite was beaten in no less than six. The Maiden Steeplechase showed us Artist the samo weedy-looking customer that he has always been, but onco the flag went down lie sailed away to the front, and was never caught. So fur as looks are concerned the son of The Painter is certainly a groat "take down," and the manner in which he crosses his forelegs when walking gives him a very odd gait. He is, however, a capital jumper, and the manner in which he disused of Huntsman (who was, comparatively speaking, a fresh horse) later on in the day in the Selling Steeplechase, proves him to be a much better horse than his inferior looks would lead one to give him credit for. The Hurdle Race had a really good-look-ing field of eight, of whom Armourer was selected as favourite ; but when jumping the hurdle by the half-mile post he swerved and landed inside the rails, and took no further part in the contest. From this point, Shillelagh occupied a prominent place, and though Peter Osbeck nearly caught him at the last hurdle, the light weight drow away in the run homo, and won by two lengths. A feature of the race was the prominent part played by the little up - country mare Highland Mary. Half-a-mile from homo s'ae looked as likely a winner as Shillelagh, but the last quarter of a mile settled her, though she nevertheless finished an excellent third. When the starting board notified that the twelve coloured on the card for the Winter Handicap were going to the post, it was generally voted a bib open, and though this view was also accepted by those who follow racing year in and year out, few considered it so open as to give the hitherto disappointing Catesby a snow; but the old aphorism, "You never can tell till the numbers go up," was again brought forcibly home, for the son of Musket, handling himself 08 I have never seen him do before, and taking his punishment very gamely, got home in front of Friendship by a neck, while Tamora was close up, third. Some idea of how unexpected Catesby's victory was may be gathered from the fact that in a gallop a few mornings previously Pretender conceded him nearly a stone and beat him easily, while, I may remark, that no less than live jockies refused the mount. In the face of this it was no surprise to hear that his owner and trainer did not have a shilling on him, which he told me was the first time that he allowed the son of Musket to go out unbacked since ho became his property. The big event of the afternoon —the Great Northern Steeplechase — drew out a good-looking field of ten, of whom Kean's pair, Magnesia and Huntsman, appeared to divide the favouritism. When the flag went down, Whalebone was the first on his legs, but they had not covered fifty yards before Allegro dashed to the front, and taking her jumps in excellent style she was never afterwards caught. Coming down the hill the last time, it looked for an instant as if Magnesia would catch her, but once over the stone wall the daughter of Opawa placed the matter beyond doubt, and eventually ran homo an easy winner by six lengths. Of course after the race we were treated to the usual opinions as to what the result might have been had the race been run differently, but the winner achieved her victory so easily that run any way, I don't think the result would have been altered. Magnesia's performance was undoubtedly the beat Khe has yet recorded, for she was conceding no less than a stone and 101b to the winner. Different tactics than usual were pursued with the daughter of Anteros, and instead of bustling her to the front she was ridden a nico race behind, with the result that when Nolan asked her to come, .she made up her ground in excellent style. The general opinion appeared to be that Allegro would not stay the journey out, and this added to the fact that she was very impetuous at her fences, created a prejudice against her ; but the select little Wanganui band were on the "good thing" to a man; and they secured the great bulk of the totalizator money between them. In the Novel Race old Wideawake was in one of his bad humours, and refusing to try, Revenge beat him easily. The afternoon was well advanced before the horses went to the post for the Ladies' Bracelet, for which race Tamora was made a red-hot favourite. A hundred yards from home it looked as if the season was to close with a win for the favourite ; but at that point the outsider St. Michael came on the scene, and eventually beat the daughter of Musket by half a length. St. Michael had never previously accomplished anything of note, and had anyone ventured the opinion that he could beat Tamora at even weights he would certainly have been considered a lit .subject for Dr. Cremonini to operate upon at the Whau Asylum. The son of Ariel, however, won his race in real good style, and he is apparently a much better horse than given credit for. The amount of money put through the machines during the afternoon was only £2400, which is a falling off of £1738 on the amount put through at the corresponding meeting last year.

NOTES BY PHAETON. Once again the Frenchmen have had the best of the Britishers in the contest for the Grand Prix de Paris. The great French race was run at Longc'namps during the present week, and the cable tells us that M. Pierre Donan supplied the winner in Stuart, being followed home by Mr. R. C. Vyner's Crovrberry, who, it will be remembered occupied a liko position to Ayrshire, in the English Derby. Since the race was established in 1863, the French horses have proved successful on twelve occasions, while the Britisheie have nine victories to their credit, and Austria and America respectively have furnished the winner once. The Hawke'a Bav uockey Club have not received very satisfactory acceptances tor their big Steeplechase, to be run at Hastings on the 21st instant, as only six out of bhe sixteen originally entered have paid up. viz : — Chemist, 12st 61b ; Mangaohane, list 51b; Kangaroo, list 21b; Magnesia, lOst 71b ; Denbigh, lOst ; Shillelagh, 9st, When they met in the Napier Steeplechase last in. i Chemist conccucil 121b to Mat)-

gaohane and beat him easily, bub there are some doubts about the form being correct. So far as weight is concerned, Magnesia is well enough in ; but the flat course will not, I think, be in her favour, and the big fences will probably prove a stumbling block to Shillelagh. From what I can see, therefore, the two top weighte appear to hold a big mortgage on the race. • <

Little did turfites dream when they witnessed Allegro achieve her runaway victory in the Great Northern Steeplechase on Saturday last at Ellerslie that on ■ the following Tuesday they Would be (Jailed upon to read her obituary. Being anxious to get to the Napier Meeting early, the mare was shipped on Monday to New Plymouth, and the accident to the s.s. Hawea, which brought about the drowning of the daughter of Opawa is already known to my readers. The loss of Allegro at the present time is a serious blow to the Wanganui turfite, Mr. W. H. Keith, and in view of her being engaged in the Hawke's Bay Steeplechase with only 9sb 131b, it would have taken something like £500 to have gob her owner to parb with her. After threeyears' hard graft Catesby got off a good performance in the Winter Handicap at Ellerslie on Saturday last, flooring a field of eleven in capital style. During his turf career Catesby must have cost those connected with him a nice little penny. Messrs. Lyons and Blaikie purchased him as a yearling from Mr. W. Porcival for £500, but during the time he was in their hands he only won two paltry races and they wero glad to get rid of him last year for £100, H. Harrison, the well-known trainer, taking him at that figure. The change of ownership, however, did not bring about a change of luck, as out of the fifteen occasions in which he has been started during the season he had only won one race, a Selling Race at Takapuna. Though the son of Musket had proved himself such a failure, his old owner, Mr. Blackie, invariably put half-a-sovereign on him, which as usual ho had on on Saturday last, when he paid £103 10s on £1 tickets. The popular metallician is not as a rule given to painting the thoroughbred in glowing terms, but a "<liv."of £51 15s brought him out of his shell, and while many were hurling sulphurous anathemas at the son of Muekot for flopping up, his old owner might have been hoard singing his praises with the greatest enthusiasm.

Mr. J. B. Williamson had quite a day out at Ellerslio on Saturday last, scoring three victories out of the four events in which his horses competed. Artist led oft" by appropriating the Maiden Steoplechase, Shillelagh followed up with a victory in the Hurdle Race, and later on in tho day Artist was again pulled out for the Selling Steeplechase, which he won ; but old Guy Fawkes failed to display tho form his owner expected in the Great Northern Steeplechase, and Frcwiu pulled him before the last round was completed. Ever since Cremorno broko down last year in his final gallop prior to tho Great Northern St. Leger (which I don't think he could have lost had he not cracked), Mr. Williamson has experienced very bad luck, and it was fitting that he should have a good turn of Fortune's wheel, which I hope will still be in his favour at Napier, whence he departed on Thursday with Shillelagh and Artist.

It is feared that the injury Tres Sec met with while contesting in the Dunedin Hurdle Race on Queen's Birthday has settled his turf career. The Canterbury Times considers that tho son of Leolinus and Tres Deuce was one of the best hurdle racers ever Keen in tho colony, and states that had he not met with a mishap he would in all probability have been taken over to contest at Flemington next season.

There seems only too good reason to believe that old Mitrailleuse has run her last race. After she contested in the Royal Stakes, at Randwick, on Queen's Birthday, it was found that she was very lame ; and since then her trainer states that she appears worse instead of bettor. The seat of injury is in the shoulder, and the chances of her racing again are very remote.

In a conversation that I had with J. Rae after the decision of the Great Northern Steeplechase on Saturday last, he expressed the opinion that the race was one of the fastest he had ever ridden over the course, considering the state of the ground. The time of the race wa« Smin 44sec, but a comparison with Silvio's time (9min SJsec) last year is to a certain extent valueless, as the horses on Saturday last were started at the six-furlong post, instead of as formerly at the two-mile post, but there can be no doubt about the clipping pace at which the race was run throughout. In discussing the position the leading clubs would bo in should the totalisator be swept away, the New Zealand Referee states that the Auckland Racing Club is like the Canterbury Jockey Club, in the enjoyment of the privilege of raciiig on a reserve given to them under the Public Reserves ,A.ct. This is quite incorrect, as the Ellerslie racecourse was purchased by the Club from the lute Mr. Robert Graham, for something like £5000, many years ago.

Rarely have two steeplechasers fought out so many bitter contests as have Orangeman and Magnesia. At Takapuna in tho spring, Orangeman beat the daughter of Anteros by a head, and in tho Autumn Steeplechase, run at the same place, the same distance separated them, while on Saturday last at Ellerslie in fighting out a big battle for second honours, the judge's verdict was in favour of tho mare by a head. Many were of opinion that tho head difference was the other way about, but the judge is the only one to gauge matters accurately in that respect. It is also worthy of note that on each occasion the jockios were tho same, J. Rao having the mount on Orangeman, while P. Nolan steered Magnesia.

After a long absence from the race track, Derringer made his re-appearance in the Ladies Bracelet, run at Ellerslie on Saturday last, when ho finished unplaced. I understand that one of his forelegs gave way during the race. St. Michael, who rather unexpectedly flopped up in tho Lcidies' Bracelot at Ellerslie on Saturday, is not by any means a bad bred un, as he was got by Ariel from Matana, a daughter of Goldsborough and Sea Breeze.

Friendship, having proved to be in foal to King Cole, she has been thrown out of training, and was taken to her owner's place, at the North Shore, during the prosent week.

A yearling filly by the Dauphin from Brassolis has joined J. Kcan's string. She has been awarded the appropriate name of La Dauphine. I understand that the owners of Silvio intend treating him to a twelve months' spell, and with that object in view the son of Izaak Walton will shortly be sent down to Taranaki. Harry Harrison, his trainer, informs me that the break-down is not a very bad one, but there is only too good reason to believe that the suspensory ligament has given way in one of his fore legs. Mr. J. Enko has,' I understand, been in treaty for the purchase of Leorina, the four-year-old daughter of Leolinus and Yattcrina, but as yet the business has not been completed. The three-year-old colt Mana, by Musket from L'Orient (imp.), who was purchased as a yearling for 290 guineas by the Hon. E. Mttchelson at Sylvia Park, but who failed to make a name for himself on the turf, ha« been sold at Melbourne to Messrs. Savage and and will be put to stud duty in the Ooulburn Valley district. The two-year-old Bellissima (by Musket from Pulchra), for whom the same gentleman gave 680 guineas as a yearling, is also in the sale list.

The Canterbury Times states that Artillery has resumed work again, and appears soundor on hie feet than he has been for some time. The brown horse is very big, and will require to be kept pretty busy during the winter. The whole of the Middle Park Stud Com-, pany's entries for the D.J.C. Champagne Stakes of 1889 were thrown out on account of their not being lodged in time. This is an error quite unpardonable on the company's part. The absence of Lochiel's name from the Melbourne Cup entries has brought the son of Prince Chai-lie into request for the New Zealand Cup, for which race he is now quoted at 100 to 7. The Leolinus—Titania colt purchased by Mr. VV. W. Robinson at the Sylvia Park sale for the Victorian turfite, Mr. 0. Barnett, has been christened Oberoh. " Mazeppa" writes :—From information that has come to my ears during the past week 1 consider it highly probable that Maxim and Gipsy King will go over to Melbourne for the November meeting, unless the handicapper gives these colts more weight than Mr. Stead thinks they deserve,"

I clip the following from a recent number of the Sydney Telegraph:—" It has but seldom happened ab this stage for the blue riband of the A. J.C. to wear such an 'open , appearance as does that which is to be run ab the next Spring meeting ; and the fact of our New Zealand friends being largely represented will surround the race with a deal, more than ordinary interest, On public form, Volley and Lady Betty would, perhaps, attract most attention if the metalficians had commenced operations, and in this pair the weaker sex will have two right worthy ohampions. After her defeat by Bonnie Spec in the Trial Stakes at Randwick, it was in some quarters allowed that Volley was not favourable to a distance, short courses being more to her liking, but it was certainly not warranted. If breeding goes for anything, she should be able to stay 'for a week, and though Bonnie Spec did lead her home ab the end of a mile, Volley was nob by any means handled judiciously, and to that cause was her downfall principally due. Lady Betty, on the other hand, has well proved that she can both gallop fast and run a distance out, and nothing showed her ability so much in these respects as her overthrow of the flying Cranbrook in the All-agod Stakes, though it is quite on the cards had Hales made more use of the Newmarket Handicap winner than he did, the result would nave been reversed. Another filly that may be expected to make a bold bid for the much-coveted blue garland is the New Zealander, Pearl Shell. Her visit to the colonies has nob been a success ; but she was certainly not herself, and showed to nothing like the advantage her previous reputation led up to; bub it is quite clear that she was affected by the climate, and this she may demonstrate when called upon for her three-year-old engagements. Consequence is, unfortu nately, missing from the ranks, but included in theotherfilliesarethewell-bredFine Lady, by Darebin, from First Lady (imp.), and The Australian Peer's full sister, Ringdove. Another nicely bred one is Bona Vista (sister to Percussion), and Mr. Mitchelson's pair, Belissima and a filly by Musket from imported Atlantis. Of the colts engaged Lonsdale may be given precedence, which his Maribyrnong Plate victory quite entitles him to, and although he didn't afterwards realise expectations it cannot be denied that he is one of the right sort. Like Lady Betty, he has shown that he can get a distance, his second in the Doncaster Handicap with 7st 91b proving all that is necessary in this direction, and he is one of the most likely ones. Aldivalloch may not be expected, but in Bernardo this colony has a colt that is more than likely to furnish the winner of great races. During his career he has run consistently, and his splendid second in the Royal Stakes a few days ago must cause him to be much feared. He is built on improving lines, has shown that he can carry weight, and being by Henchman from Ophelia, by Hamlet from imported Typhoon, by Wild Dayrell, leaves but little to be desired on the score of breeding. Then there is Lamond, by Newniinster from Axiom, by Firestick, and in the face of his recent brilliant deeds, winning a Derby must not just yet be considered beyond his ken. Add to these Wycombe (brother to Bargo), Melos (brother to Melodious), Lincoln (brother to Garfiold), Grey Wing, by Vespasian—Grey Esperance ; Royalist, by Crown Prince— Chrysolyte; Braeraar (brother to Mitrailleuse) ; Cuirassier (brother to Trenton); Rataplan (half-brother to Nelson); Knightsbridge (brother to Monte Christo); Ensign, by Grandmaster—Formosa ; Rosicrucian, by Gemma di Vergy—Maltese Cross (imp.); and a lot of other well-bred ones, and the outlook for a successful Derby of 1888 is a bright one indeed."

" Martindale," who recently paid a visit to Mr. Day's Hospital, at Randwick, has the following concerning the Auckland - bred Niagara : —The son of Anteros and Frailty appears to be thoroughly cured; and his near fore leg seems to be as sound as possible, as, on passing the hand down everything appears clear and sound down the sinews and fetlock joint. Should he stand (and it is Mr. Day's opinion he will) there will be one more to add to our limited number of good ones.

At a sale of blood stock in Melbourne on June 1, a large number of horses were submitted, but except in one or two intances poor prices were obtained. Bosworth (by Maribyrnong—Fawn) was purchased by Mr. \V. Phillipps for 245 guineas. The steeplechaser Mernder (by King TomPandora) brought 325 guineas, and Irishman (by Infidel—lrish Nell) 300 guineas, both being purchased by Mr. S. Miller. The case instituted by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals at Sydney against the well - known horse owner, Mr. W. Gannon, for having run his horse Arsenal at the A.J.C. meeting when it was alleged that one of the horse's feet was badly split, recently came before the Court, when the Magistrate dismissed it.

In an obituary notice of the late Mr. John Tait, " Augur, , ' of the Australasian, says:—"Never have I witnessed a more impressive scene upon a racecourse than the occasion when his horse Melbourne won a race at Wagga. The ladies demanded the jacket and cap worn by the victorious jockey, and immediately tearing them into stripes, they pinned the trophies upon their breasts in nonour of the victory. As the old man walked across the lawn, the ladies waved their parasols and handkerchiefs, tears of joyfulness streaming down their cheeks, and he acknowledged the compliment by repeatedly bowing.'

It was rumoured when the last mail left that Lord Durham intended to withdraw from the position he had taken up in reference to the dispute between himself and Sir George Chetwynd. Some writers believe, however, that Lord Durham is prepared to go on, although he will not make any specific charge against Sir George Chetwynd, but will rely solely on his statement at the Gimcrack Club dinner.

The Sydney correspondent of the Australasian writes :—" The Hon. J. White's Tryon, who has beon nibbled at for the Victorian Derby, has not yet been put into work, and the reports of his being likely to turn out a clinker aro very much exaggerated. Indeed, it is quite on the cards that Tryon will nob see the post for that event. A word to all but the foolish may be sufficient."

At the Winter Steeplechase Meeting of the Bendigo Jockey Club, last week, an unfortunate accident happened through a horse named Pride bolting with its jockey in the saddling paddock. Several persons were badly hurt. Mr. J. C. Walker got his jaw broken, a bookmaker named Emanuol broke his leg, Mr. W. Meaher was badly bruised, and the jockey (Henry) was thrown on his back, and badly injured. Without waiting for the publication of the weights for the Melbourne Cup, Sydney backers have already commenced to make their selections for that event. The horses most fancied at present aro Silver Prince and Cardigan, about whom 100 to 4 has been accepted; 100 to 3 each has been written about Abercorn, Cranbrook, Carlyon, and The Australian Peer; and The J ewel has been backed at 100 to 2. The first step has been taken in America in the movement of betting reform, and a commencement made by the senior racing clubs of the east and west. The Louisville Club has announced its intention of abandoning bookmaking and submitting auction and Pari-Mutuel pools, and the American Jockey Club has given out a similar intention for the Jerome Park meetings. While riding in a Steeplechase at Memphis, Tenn. (America), early in April, two jockeys, named Downing and Houston, came to blows and flogged each other. Houston won the race, and on weighing in both he and Downing , were fined 50 dollars each, and suspended for thirty days. An English print is responsible for saying that the jubilee plunger, Mr. E. Benzon, who is not unknown in the colonies, has spent the greater part of the £250,000 he commenced last year with. He is remarkably fond of gambling, and has been known to lose as much as £14,000 at baccarat at a single sitting. The proposal to tax thoroughbred stallions in Adelaide came on again before the committee of the South Australian Agricultural and Pastoral Society recently, and after much discussion it was resolved to request the Government to appoint an inspector to examine and report on the stallions open for public service. The sale of the Eumemmering racecourse is another instance of the rapid rise in the value of land in Victoria. Some weeks ago the land in question (about 90 acres in extent) changed hands for £4700; it is now stated that the property has been re-sold for no less a sum than £12,000,

Mr. G. Adams now figures as the owner Of Niagara. The Dunedin trainer, James Cotton, has filed his schedule.

The Melbourne Cup winner Dunlop has been put into work again. It is rumoured that a well-known totalisator proprietor has called •'ago." The Pakuranga hounds meet to-day at Colonel Nixon's monument, Otahuhu, at noon.

Entries for the three events of the Auckland Coursing Club's meeting are due tonight. The New Zealand trainer C. Rudings has taken the stables vacated by R. Batty, at Caulfield.

Riccarton (a son of Hornby and Maritana) was sold recently to the Dunedin Tramway Company for £3 ! Cruchfield must be a hopeless case, as I notice that he has been struck out of the New Zealand Cup. The Dunedin turfite, Mr. H. Goodman, has abandoned the idea of taking Apropos and Silvermark over to Australia.

A Melbourne syndicate has purchased the Lockleys racecourse, in South Australia, consisting of 100 acres, as a speculation.

St. Clair (the four-year-old son of Musket and Pulchra) stands only 15 hands $-inch. He would cut a sorry figure alongside his relative, Hotchkiss.

Kalo was, I notice, a starter in two of the events at the Wairenga-a-hika Meeting, but in each case the roguish son of Barbarian was unsuccessful.

The non-entry of Trident for either the Melbourne Cup or Champion Stakes looks as if the brilliant son of Robinson Crusoe had finished his turf career.

Carbine is being consistently supported in Canterbury for the V.R.C Derby in conjunction with Maxim and Gipsy King for the Melbourne Cup at 500 to 5. Abercorn's sister, Spice, by Chester— Cinnamon, and another yearling by MartiniHenry from Mascotte, have joined the Hon. James White's team at Randwick.

The committee of the Victorian Racing Club have decided that in cases of default, unless reported to their bedy within three months of taking place, no action will be taken.

From American turf statistics it is fathered that the progeny of the thoroughred sire Virgil, by Vandal from Hymenia, won in stakes since 1876 a total of 475,619 dollars.

W. Hadfield wag the only jockey at Ellerslie on Saturday who scored a double win ; Shillelagh being his mount in the Hurdle Race, and Artist in the Selling Steeplechase. Lancer, who has proved himself a rank failure ever since he scampered home in front for the Hawkesbury Handicap in 1886, is again to be put in work after a ten months' spell. The " Now York Sportsman" speaks in high terms of the Somnus—Geraldine filly, which Mr. J. K. Newton purchased in Sydney for Senator Hurst, and concludes by saying she is a " royally-bred one." A band of Queensland bookmakers recently offered Brisbane Tattersall's Club £500 if the committee refused to allow the totalisator to be worked at their next race meeting, but the bait was declined. It was generally anticipated that the Duke of Portland would succeed Lord Hastings a? Senior Steward of the English Jockey Club, but the position has, I notice, been conferred upon the Earl of March. There seems every likelihood of the Minister of Lands granting the Victoria Amateur Turf Club sufficient control over the Caulfield course to enable the club to charge bookmakers a fee for betting. Accordingto latest date American files, Mr. J. B. Haggin was expected in New York for the June sales, with 100 Califor-nian-bred yearlings, of which a large number are by the New Zealand stallion Sir Modred.

The Brighton Beach Racing Association intends to give the leading jockey at the end of the season £200, and the second best £100. Up to the present an English jockey, named George Taylor, looks like taking the principal prize. Guildford (a full brother to Newstead) who it was expected would play a prominent parb in the next V.R.C. Derby, died recently at Caulfield. He was recently "added to the list" and never recovered from the operation. The English racehorse Galore, by Galopin from Lady Maura, has been sold by the Duke of St. Albans for £4000, and a contingency of one third of the Derby Stakes should he be returned the winner, but the colt did not even get a place in that event. Formo being left at the post last Saturday in the Winter Handicap was a bad knock for the followers of Kean's stable, as from what the daughter of Pulchra had shown her trainer in private, he considered that he had a real " moral" on hand.

An action for £5000 for an alleged libel which appeared in a Broken Hill paper, has been commenced by the Adelaide turfite Mr. S. Ferry, the words complained of being that '' the rosin must have been rubbed off Speculation's reins in the Cup." In connection with the thoroughbred yearling sales held in England during 1887, the highest price realised was 3000 guineas for a colt by Hampton out of Rosy Morn, whilst the lowest was as little as five guineas for a filly by Discord from Tern pete. A comparison of the entries made last week for the V.R.C. races with those of former years will show that in most in stances the last returns are satisfactory, and make a total of 1021 against 1119 for 1884, 1319 for 1885, 1004 for 1886, and 986 for lasb year. The New Zealand entries for the V.R.C. Champion Stakes are: Chain Shot (2yrs, by Musket—Locket), Carbine (2yrs, by Musket—Mersey), Maxim (3yrs, by Musket —Realisation), Gipsy King (3yrs, by Le Loup—Gitana), Cuirassier (zyrs, by Musket —Frailty). Any horse with a name always realises a long price in the old country. The three-year-old Noble Chieftain (by Fitz-James) was recently submitted to auction and realised 3000 guineas, Lord Penrhyn, who is about to commence his turf career, being the purchaser. The statement that John Kean had taken the residence lately occupied by Alec Sutherland, and that Braemar and Nosegay would go into his hands, is, I find, totally incorrect. Mr. Marshall informs me that he has no intention of removing his horses from Kohimarama.

During the laet week in April Lord Dudley gave Lord Rodney £7000 for the racehorse Humewood in order to win the Ascot Gold Cup with him, but he failed to " pass the vot." and was returned. Lord Dudley intends racing in the assumed name of " Mr. Wardour."

THE ASCOT MEETING. [press association.] London, June 15. The following were the principal events as the Ascot Meeting to-day :— The Ascot Derby Stakes of 50sovs each, with 500sovs added. Colts, Bst 101b ; fillies, Bat 61b. Swinley course. Prince SoltykofPs b c Sheen, by Hampton—Radiance 1 Lord Calthorpe's ch f Zama, by Hermit— Sonsie Queen 2 Sir R. Jardine's b c Stronivar, by Fitz James—Miss Pool ... ... ... 3 The Royal Hunt Cup, a piece of plate value 500sovs, added to a handicap sweepstake of 20sovs each. New mile. Mr. M. J. Corbally's b c Shillelagh, by Brown Prince—Holly thorn ... ... 1 Mr. A. Victor's ch c Attila 2 Mr. W. J. Leigh's b c Veracity 3 ONEHUNGA RACES. The following acceptances and entries were received last night for the above meeting:— Steeplechase, about three miles.—Peter Osbeck, lOsfc 101b; Huntsman, lOst 91b; Reoruit, 9st 101b; Fair Play, 9st 101b: Whalebone, 9st 101b; Revenge, 9st 71b; Don, 9st 41b; Wideawake, 9st; Trovatore, 9st. Hurdles, two miles.—Peter Osbeck, list 101b ; Highland Mary, 9st; Revenge, Bst 121b; Don, Bst 101b; Sirloin, Set 71b: Wideawake, Bst 71b. Winter Handicap, one mile and a-half.— Pretender, Bst; Catesby, 7st 81b ; Formo, 7et 71b; The Cat. 7st 71b ; Maratau, 7st 51b ; Lioness, 6st 101b; Capella, 6st 101b; Brown Rose, 6§t. Selling Hack.—Signa, Yuba Bill, Yankee, Briseis, Forsaken, Mayflower. Sklling Race.—Capella, 20sovs; Yuba Bill, nil; Brifceis, nil; Catesby, 40sovs; Pretender, 40sovs; Contractor, nil; St. Michael, 75sovs ; On Guard, 40aovs : Squire, 40sovs; The Cat, 20sovs. SxtLiNO Steeplechase.—Wideawake, nil; Matau, ssovs; P'airplay, nil; Revenge, nil; Trovatore, JQsovs ; Whalebone, nil. Further nominations may be received from Onehuiiga.