SPORTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9118, 28 July 1888, Page 6

SPORTING.

— RACING FIXTURES. September 8 and Hawkesbary Spring. September 22, 26, 27, and A. J.C. Spring. November 3, 6, 8, and 10—V.R.C. Spring.

DATES OF COMING EVENTS. September 12—Doncaster St. Leger.

ANSWERS: TO CORRESPONDENTS.

—They finished in the following order: M&lua, Commotion, Plausible. Hastings, who was favourite, was fourth. Mat a. — Turquoise won both the Easter and Autumn Handicaps. K. — The Auckland Stud Company purchased Sterlingworth in Australia. St. Leger was brought out from England sua a foal NOTES BY PHAETON. For some time past it has been rumoured that the Auckland Racing Club do not intend to renew the engagement with Mr. Evitt next season, bub will appoint a committee of non-horse owners to frame the handicaps in future. The change is not, I understand, sought by any fault with the manner in which Mr. Evitt has performed his work, but is approached in a spirit of retrenchment, which will result in a saving of £150 a year to the club. By reason of the heavy charges for interest which the club have to meet, and the serious falling-off that has taken place in the receipts from the totalisator, the club have very reluctantly had to initiate a cheeseparing policy all round. In connection with the handicapping question, however, they are fortunate in possessing gentlemen on the committee who are in every way qualified to fill the important office, and though there is sure to be some grumbling at the change, I consider that the committee are entitled to much praise for taking up the task, and if they only acquit themselves as well as when last they performed the duties, the fault-finding will, I opine, be pretty well limited to those who have a chronic complaint of squealing at everything and everybody.

I During a short visit to Ellerslie during the present week I noticed George Wright's numerous string doing good work on the tracks. Artillery's two sisters, Balista and Hilda, have furnished into a pair of beautiful mares, the former especially taking my fancy, and were it not for her lop ears I would scarcely have known her, so much has she improved. She has thickened out wonderfully all over, her quarters especially showing great development. Last year she did not stay very well, but with another year on her I shall be surprised if she does not show an alteration in this respect. Both mares appear to be in the most blooming health, their rich black coats shining in the sun like a piece of satin. Hilda is engaged in the valuable Hawke's Bay Guineas, to be run in October, but she was unfortunately not among the entrants for the C.J.C. Oaks, which, considering the very moderate crowd of fillies engaged, would have been a particularly good thing" for the daughter of Musket. Trenton's sister, Cissy, is coming on nicely, and will, I feel sure, turn out a real good one. She has'all the shape and make of the Musket tribe, and with a most beautiful temper thrown in, there seems to be a promising time in front for her. Bustle, the two-year-old daughter of Musket and Crinoline, is almost the dead image of her halfsister, Clogs, and, with her hollow back, one would never take her for a Musket. Hotchkiss looks extremely well, and appears to have done a great amount of work, while Teksum, who usually accompanies the son of Petroleuse in his gallops, has grown into a niee horse, and should he turn out a stayer may bo heard of next season. Crossing over to Chaafe's,l found the veteran at home, and making our way to the boxes, I interviewed his charges. Bangle I found had furnished a great deal since she was eased up in April, but still she will not, I fancy, ever be the mare her sister Necklace was, and I still fancy that she will win her best victories over six furlongs. The Musket—Steppe colt, Tartar, has furnished a good deal, but is still the same little pony. He is undoubtedly a nice-shaped colt, but cast as he is on such small lines, his ever recording a big performance over a journey appears doubtful, though of course in Templeton and Libeller we had two of the small division that were found equal to the task of carrying big imposts, and negotiating long journeys, and Tar tax may therefore show us the same feat. Nelson's half-brother, Rataplan, has filled out a bit, but he would, I think, have been all the better for an application of the knife. As a two-year-old, the son of Leolinus on one or two occasions moved a bit dotty, but at the time of my visit his legs appeared to be quite sound, and I hope they will continue so, for nothing would give me greater pleasure than to record a good victory for the "black and amber" stable. Derringer, who as usual was as lively as a cricket, was located in the next box, but I understand that he is not to be put in training this season. At H. Harrison's I had a look at the yearling colt by Ingomar from Fanny Fisher, who recently joined his string. He is in colour a black, his coat being nicely shot with a few grey hairs. He has all the appearance of being a smart customer, and as he possesses a good set of legs Harrison should have little difficulty in getting him to the post for the Welcome Stakes in November. Antelope has not yet been tnkea up, the split in her off fore foot not having yet grown itself out. She will, however, probably be taken up in about a month. Catesby is also enjoying a rest, and has undergone a mild blistering. The course, I may remark, is looking extremely well, though of course after a heavy fall of rain caretaker Ruddy is kept pretty busy in repairing damages.

The Grand National Steeplechase, run at Christchurch on Thursday, did nob furnish such a great contest as was anticipated. Baulking commenced early in the contest, and Chemist, Faugh-a-ballagh, and Kangaroo all misbehaving themselves in this respect, the finish was left to Mangaohane, Daddy Longlegs, and Isaac, the first-named winning in a canter by fifteen lengths, while no less than thirteen lengths, we are told, separated the second and third horses. Mangaohane was a warm favourite, the investments on the totalisators being as follow : —Mangaohane, 349 ; Daddy Longlegs, 118; Isaac, 111; Chemist, 316; Faugh-o-ballagh, 193; Kangaroo, 173; Panic, 212 ; YVaitangi, 118; Haka, 67.

The Canterbury Jockey Club's programmes for the ensuing season have now made their appearance. The number of racing days is the same as last year, namely, the Metropolitan meeting three days, November 6th, 7th, and Bth ; the Midsummer meeting, one day, December 3lst; and the Autumn meeting, two days, Faster Monday and Tuesday, April 22nd and 23rd. Considerable reductions have been made in the added money, amounting in the aggregate to £850, but as the value of the Derby is this year 750sovs as against oOOsovs hist season the actual reduction in added money is only £575. In case the Legislature should either impose a tax or repeal the totalisator, the club have thought it wise to attach the following to the programmes : —" The stakes in the foregoing programme are subject to revision by the committee prior to closing, both as to the amount ef added money and conditions."

I have to acknowledge the receipt of a handy little Sporting Guide, issued by Mr. Alfred Drake, of Christchurch. In addition to the weights and entries for all the principal events of the coming spring, a full record of the performances of the various horses engaged in the New Zealand Cup is also given. Altogether, tho little volume will prove of much value to turfites, and as it is published at the small charge of sixpence no one need bo without one. Mr. Albert Glover is the Auckland agent for the sale of the Guide.

For some time past it has been known that a dispute existed between the Auckland Racing Club and the totalisator proprietor, Mr. W. Adams over a sum of £110, alleged to have been paid short over the last summer meeting. It was decided to refer the matter to arbitration, but as the gentlemen chosen to act in that capacity were unable to agree, the matter has been handed over to an umpire to decide.

There is very little doing in local circles over the New Zealand Cup. There have been some inquiries for Escutcheon, ibout whose chance 100 to 8 would have been accepted, but the ring would not lay better than 100 to 10. Tho following is tho state of the odds 100 to 12 against Lochiel, 100 to 12 Artillery, 100 to 10 Springston, 100 to 10 Carbine, 100 to 10 Escutcheon, 100 to S Leopold.

The Pakuranga hounds will return from the Waikato early in the coming week, and a drag will take place at Otaliuhu on Saturday next.

, I hear that a well-known and prominent member of the Canterbury ring was this week posted as a defaulter at Christchorch Tattersall's. The amount owing is, I understand, £200, the wager being over Spade Guinea for the Dunodin Cup last year. The creditor is also a member of the ring. James Kean is now busy with his two-year-olds, which number no less than six, viz., Corunna (by Musket Nelly Moore), Nosegay (by Leolinus—Perfume), La Dauphine (by The Dauphin— Leolinus —Lure filly, Musket—Atlantis colt, and Boulanger (by Grand Prix—Fleurette). Having so many youngsters in his hands, Kean has decided to dispose of the lastnamed, and it is probable that the colt may find a home at Wanganui before long. It is satisfactory to note that the whole of the Auckland-bred horses in Mr. F. F. Dakin's hands are doing most satisfactory work at) Flemington. From the notes of " Athos," in last week's issue of the Sportsman, I notice that Silver Prince ana Nordenfeldt's sister, Beryl, were coupled in a mile and a half extender ( on the tan, both finishing in good heart. The Victorian scribe states that Silver Prince is coming on very nicely, and may one day repay the patience and attention of his trainer.

The Anteros —Vivandiere colt, Son-of-a-Gun, who was purchased as a yearling by Mr. R. Ray, and who was considered by some to be a duffer, surprised the touts at Riccarton last week, by having the best of Vandal and Chainshot in strong gallops which they performed together. The Canterbury Times says "if there is anything in this form, Sun-of-a-Gun must have wonderfully improved, or the other colts are rank duffers."

Aristocrat, Matador, and 'Frisco, who are all in Mr. Simpson's stable, are reported to be striding along in capital form. The first-named is in great favour with Sydneyites for the Melbourne Cup, in which race he has the handy impost of Bst to carry. Writing of his prospects in the great Flemington race, "Nemo" says: " With regard to Aristocrat, a horse that has so far done all that has been required of him, and who carried 9st and won the Bookmakers' Purse, 1 mile and 3 furlongs, in 2.22J, in a walk, it is evident on the f-ice of it that Mr. Barnard has gone to sleep over the matter, and were Aristocrat to be the choice of the stable on the day, I should not look further for the winner."

According to the Canterbury Times, Maxim is at the head of the list of last season's performers in New Zealand, with £1637, and other prominent winners appear in the following order :Sextant, £1510; Gipsy King, £1387 ; Carbine, £1230; Duda, £1040 ; Lochiel, £991; Marlborough, £865; and Nelson, £786. Among the owners Mr. Stead is of course at the top of the list, his horses having annexed the nice little sum of £7668 during the season.

Sydney papers to hand state that very little straight-out wagering is being done on any of the events. Volley is now quoted at 4 to 1 for the Victorian Racing Club Derby, while 6 to 1 is on offer about Lonsdale. 5000 to 100 has been accepted about Lonsdale in connection with The Derby and Cup, and 5000 to 25 Lonsdale and Aristocrat coupled for the same races. The following are the quotations on the Melbourne Cup :—IOO to 5 v. Cranbrook, 100 to 5 v. Aristocrat, 100 to 4 v. Carlyon, 100 to 3 v. Abercorn, 100 to 3 v. Australian Peer, 100 to 3 v. Matador.

Trident has finished his turf career, and will next season go to the stud. He has already left the Hon. Mr. White's stables for Mr. John Lee's station, at Bathurt. During his career the eon of Robinson Crusoe undoubtedly proved himself one of the best colts Australia has ever produced, and it will be interesting to note what sort of a record he makes as a winner-producing parent.

The Hon. Jas. White has (says "Augur") had a rare good innings again this season, the total sum he has won in stakes amounting to £16,778. Abercorn, with 5£ races, value £4179, is his principal winner; and next to him comes the two-year-old Volley, who won five races, value £3572. Carlyon is responsible for eight races, value £3067 ; and Cranbrook for five, value £2595. Next to this brilliant couple comes Acme, who won two races, value £1405," with a cup value £100 ; while Trident's two victories netted only £426. ; The Squire of Kirkham has a rare string for next season, when the rich stakes will be more numerous than ever, and there is every prospect of Tom Payten and his charges being as successful as he has been during the past season.

Writing on a recent date in the Sydney Town and Country Journal, on the horses in training at Randwick, " Martindale " says : —" The rivals, Abercorn and The Australian Peer, have both done well; and no two colts ever looked better than they. Strange to say, Abercorn occasionally shows signs of lameness. But it does not appear to interfere with him in any way. The Australian Peer has wintered exceptionally well. Both were' doing mediumpaced work, and Volley never looked better for the time. Plutarch has thickened out considerably, and is now the cut of an excellent hurdle horse. Aberdeen also looks well; and the same may be said of Carlyon. Arsenal is quite himself, though he still wears a boot. Arsenal's brother, Magazine, is a source of great anxiety to Raynor. He is a magnificent colt, and one which would, to appearance, play a very prominent part at forthcoming meetings, were it not for his feet. Cranbrook was missing from the track, and it is just possible that he may not be well enough to be got ready for the spring— thinking that a leg will be troublesome.

Mr. Enko has scratched Puschka for the Melbourne Cup. Lady Betty has been absent from the training track for some time. "Yummy" is the nick-name the Duke of Portland's friends have bestowed upon him.

Tranter has made his reappearance on the training tracks at Flemington, putting in slow work.

Mr. George Morris, the well - known metallician, who has been very ill for some weeks back, is about again. The Victorian Racing Club 4$ per cent, loan of £10,000, in £100 debentures, has been fully subscribed at a premium of £1 2s 6d.

The erstwhile New Zealander, Pasha, is doing good work at Randwick. He started recently in a race at Rosehill with 9st, but was never dangerous. It is said that the attendance at Epsom on Derby day this year was much below former years, and a deadly tameness pervaded the whole proceedings. " The Bookmaker As He Is " is the title of a work published in London last month. The book has attracted much criticism— both eulogistic and adverse— the old country. Referring to Lochiel's appearance in the sale list, the Canterbury Times says:— "Backers of the son of Prince Charlie for the New Zealand Cup will accept this as a good omen." Ten thousand pounds have been offered and refused for the black trotting stallion Wilton, in San Francisco. Eight, thousand pounds was also tendered for Pallas without bringing a deal. It is stated that the London Sporting and Dramatic News is sending out a special artist to Victoria, on the occasion of the &reat racing carnival to be held there in November next.

According to the latest English files, F. Barrett is the most successful jockey at home this season. He has 41 victories to his credit, his total mounts being 196. J. Watts, with 103 mounts, has 36 wins.

After The Squire was passed in at Hunter and Nolan's yards on Friday last, Mr. Simpson offered him privately for £40, at which figure Mr. H. H. Hayr took the son of Papapa, and he is now under the charge of .James Laing. Over the entrance gate, where once was located the famous Middle Park Stud, presided over by Mr. W. Blenkiron, there now appears the following notice (so says an English writer) : — " Horses and cattle taken in to graze." Artillery and Carbine continue to do good work at Riccarton, but nothing is yet known outside Yaldhurst as to whether Mason has made a move towards getting Lochiel's war paint on, with a view to the New Zealand Cup. Isonomy, who during his turf career undoubtedly proved himself a great horse, is now standing in the old country at '200 guineas. So far, the best of his gets appears to be Seabreeze, who won the Oaks this season for Lord Calthorpe. Lord Calthorpe has purchased from Mr" Henry Chaplin nine of the Blankney yearlings for £10,000, six being by Hermit and three by Galopin, inducting a bother to Shotover, and Martini, a brother to St. Mirin, uud a brother to Fulmen,