SPORTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9172, 29 September 1888, Page 6

SPORTING.

RACING FIXTURES.

New Zealand. September 29—Onehunga Racing Club. October 1, Hawke's Kay Jockey Club. October Napier Park Racing Club. November 6, 7, B—Canterbury Jockey Club November 9.—Wanganui Jockey Club. November 9,lo—Auckland Racing Club. December 26, January 1, 2—Auckland Racing Cl lb. December 28 and 27—Thames Jockey Club. December 26Hawke's Bay Jockey Club. March 18, 19—Hawke's Bay Jockey Club. June 20—Hawke's Bay Jockey Club. Australian. September 29—Australian Jockey Club. October 13, 20.—Victoria Amateur Turf Club. November 3, 6, 8, 10—Victoria Racing Club. DATES OF COMING EVENTS. October 9—Cesarewitch Stakes. , October 13—Caultield Guineas. October —Caultield Cup. October 22—Cambridgeshire Stakes November 3—V.R.C. Derby. November 6—Melbourne Cup. November 6—New Zealand Cup. November 7—Canterbury Derby. December 26—Auckland Cup. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. C.T.C.— is 9 years old. C.M.The Barb (6st 91b) won the Melbourne Cup in 1566. He was three years old at the tima. Wager.—Bargo won the A. J.C. Derby, and ran third to Rufus and David for the V.R.C. Derby. T.P., South Yarra.—The horses that won both the Victoria Derby and Melbourne Cup were— Lantern 1864, Briseis 1876, Chester 1877, Grand Flaneur 1880, and Martini-Henry 1881. Auckland.—l. VV. Brown has ridden Nelson in all his engagements since his victory in the Auckland Cup in 1886. 2. T. Hodson rode Belle when she ran a dead heat with Guy Fawkesin the Takapuna St eenlocha.se, and he also had the mount when Guy Fawkes beat her in the Auckland Steeplechase, J.R.W.— Kenilworth won the Publicans' Purse at Darjtaville, Maid of Honour being second, and Vampire third. In the Stewards' Handicap, run at the same place, the order was : Maid of Honour, Ivenilworth, Redeemer. At the Thames meeting, Kenilworth won the Thames Plate, beating Rewi; and in the Stewards' Handicap they ran a dead heat. As no weights are given in the result of the races, we are unable to supply the information. 2. The Queen was got by The Drummer from Black Swan. NOTES BY PHAETON. The Hawke's Bay Jockey Club have received capital acceptances and nominations for their meeting, which takes place on Monday and Tuesday next. The principal event of the first day is the Guineas, for which the following have paid up Cuirassier, Leopold, Rangipai, Katiuka, Foxton, Jet d'Eau, Chudleigh, Manton, and Man Friday. Mr. Butler, it is said, will furnish a capital representative in Manton, but my fancy lies with Cuirassier and Leopold. The Spring Handicap bears a most open aspect, the following sixteen being still left in :— st lb st lb Escutcheon ... 8 6 The Spy ... 7 0 Dudu 8 0 Recluse ... 6 11 Lady Florin ... 8 0 Jet d'Eau ... 610 Waterfall ... 7 7 Katinka ... 6 9 Manton ... 7 6 Chudleigh ... 6 7 Balista 7 4 Partner ... 6 6 Meta 7 2 Lenore ... 0 6 Hiko ... ... 7 0 Torea ... ... 6 6 Leopold ... 7 0 When the weights made their appearance Balista, at 7st 41b, was regarded by Aucklanders as one of the best things in the race, but the gallop which she accomplished at Ellerslie just prior to her departure for the scene of the contest was not of a very high character, and unless she does much better in the race her defeat is certain. Escutcheon looked wonderfully well when he went away lust week, and 1 shall look to him or Dudu to furnish the winner.

After all the tales as to Volley's great excellence the daughter of Musket was found unequal to the task of annexing the A. J.C. Derby, and that, too, in the face of a slow-run race. She was, however, well in the contest until inside t ho distance post where the Hawkesbury Guineas winner, Melos, who had been running stride for stride with her from the entrance to the straight, began to draw away, and eventually won by two lengths in 2min 46Jsec. The downfall of Volley must have been a perfect windf all to the ring, for a cablegram states that so good a thing was the race regarded for her that £6000 was accepted about her at even money. The winner, Melos, it was generally believed, was inferior to his stable mate Wycombe, but all doubts on that point have now been set at rest, and all going well with him during the next month, Mr. Gannon may, for the second year in succession, lead home the winner of the V.R.C. blue riband. Melos is by Goldsbrough (son of the N.Z. Stud Co.'s mare Sylvia) out of Melody, by The Barb—Mermaid, bv Fisherman—Sweetheart, by Red Hart—Melesina, g d of Richmond, Bosworth, &c. Melos is. therefore, full-brother to The Broker, who won the Normanby Stakes of 1884. After Volley's defeat, she receded to 10 to 1 for the V.R.C. Derby, and her subsequent defeat in the Oaks will 110 doubt have the effect of driving her to a much longer price.

Though he is clearly no master of a heavy impost, as evidenced by his defeats in the Hawkesbury Guineas and A.J.C. Derby, Lamond is evidently a smart colt under a light burden, and his runaway victory in the Great Metropolitan Stakes, with 6«t ■libs in the saddle, on Tuesday last, shows unmistakably that a two-mile journey is not beyond his tether, as he is said to have ran home a winner by eight lengths in front of Arsenal (9st) and nine others, in 3min 37isecs. For the past fortnight Lamond has always occupied a prominent place in the quotations, and after a splendid gallop, last week, fully £6000 was accepted about his chance in the " Metrop," while he was at the same time also backed for the Caulfield Cup to win £10,000. By his victory in the Metropolitan Stakes, he incurs a 141b penalty for both the Caultield and Melbourne Cups, his imposts in these races being respectively raised to 7st 121b and 7st 91b. Lamond is by Newminster (son of The Marquis) out of Axiom, by Firestick—Theorem, by King Alfred Pro position (imp). He ran eight, times last season, winning the Park Stakes at Canterbury Park, April; the Flying Handicap at Canterbury Park, May ; the Granville Stakes at Rosehill, May ; the Royal Stakes at Sydney Turf Club's Meeting, Since his victory Lamond has apparently come into great favour for the Melbourne Cup, as a cablegram states that the short odds of 10 to 1 have been accepted about his chance in that race.

After her wretched display in the A.J.C. Derby on Saturday last, it was, I should think, about one of the last things Mr. Marshall could have thought possible that in the short space of three days Pearl Shell would have been found equal to the task of successfully opposing Volley in the Oaks. But so it has turned out, and judging from the description of the race there was no fluke about the victory of the daughter of Pearl Ash, as it is said to have a most desperate struggle all the way down the straight, and Pearl Shell just grained the judge s verdict by a neck. The news of the success of Pearl Shell was. I need scarcely say, most enthusiastically received in Auckland. Unfortunately business matters prevented Mr. Marshall from being present to see the " all black " carried home in the van, but he will probably go over next month, when I hope he will have the pleasure of finding the daughter of Musket again in the humour to annex a victory for his colours.

After the great and even battles which they fought out last season, the meeting of Australian Peer and Abercorn as four-year-olds was looked, forward to with a great amount of interest, and as both colts were reported to be very well, a great contest was anticipated. At the A.J.C. meeting, on Saturday last, they were again stripped to measure strides in the Spring Stakes, which is run over a mile and a half, at weight for age, each carrying flat, when The Peer got home first by a length, after a great race, in 2min 40secs. On the Thursday following they .were associated in the Craven Plate, one mile and a quarter, which is also run under weight-for-age conditions, when Abercorn got home first by a short neck in 2min. 19£ses. These two sterling horses first measured strides in the A.J.C. Derby last year, when Abercorn won in a canter from Niagara, with The Australian Peer third, in "2min 39isecs ; but the order of things was reversed in the Victorian Derby, wherein The Peer defeated his opponent, who ran a dead heat with Niagara for second place, by a length, in Svnin 40secs. At the same meeting The Peer, 7st 51b, ran third to Dunlop and Silvermine for the Melbourne Cup, while Abercorn, 7st 71b, finished fifth ; and on the fourth day of the meeting the son of Darebin further proved his superiority over the chestnut by ben rig him cleverly for the Canterbury Plate, two miles and a-half, in 4min 45sec. Their next contest was for the V.R.C. St. Leger, 0110 mile and threequarters and 132 yards, when Abercorn turned the tables and beat him by threequarters of a length in 3min 15Jsec.

Then came their meeting in the A. J.C. St. Leger, one mile and threequarters, in which they cantered, waiting upon each other until about five furlongs from home, when they settled down to race, and Abercorn's superior pace enabled him to get home with an advantage of a length and a-half in the wretchedly slow time of 3.51. On the third day, with Arsenal to help him, the Peer avenged his St. Leger defeat by lowering Abercorn's colours in the Cumberland Stakes, two miles, by a length and a quarter in 3min 36Jseo. Their next engagement was in the Australian Jockey Club Plate, 3 miles ; when, after a wonderfully exciting race, Abercorn won by two lengths in smin 37$3ec. The following shows the exact performances of each colt as three and four-year-olds : — First. Snd. Third. Unp'd. Abercorn ... 7 4 1 1 Australian Peer 6 4 2 1 Both horses aro engaged in the Randwick Plate, w.f.a., three miles, to be run to-day, and we may expect to hear of them fighting out another great battle. The racing season will be opened in the Auckland district to-day with the Onehtinga Racing Club's meeting, which takes place at Potter's paddock, Epsom. The bill of fare provided consists of seven events, and the acceptances and nominations received give promise of a pleasant •afternoon's sport. The Tramway Company will bring the whole strength of their establishment into requisition for the carrying of passengers, and through tickets will be issued for Is (3d. The following are the acceptances for the principal events :—

Hurdle Race, one mile and three-quarters. —Orangeman, list 101b; Shillelagh, list 4lb; Ma Petite Fille, lOst 71b; Kangaroo, 9st 101b; Don, 9st 7lb; Wideawake, 9st 71b; Alfred, 9st 71b.

Spring Handicap, one mile and a quarter —Pretender, Bst 81b ; Capella, 7st 131b ; Landseet'i 7st 121b; Leorina, 7st 101b ; Lioness, 7st 81b; Cateabv, 7st 81b; Clive, 7st 61b. Flying Stakes ; five furlongs.Squire, Oat 21b ; Capella, Bst 21b ; Catesby, Bst; Pretender, 7st 101b; Leorina, 7st 101b; Puschka, 7st 41b; Kushla, 7st 4lb; On Guard, 7st; Mayflower, 6st 101b.

Orangeman and Kangaroo read the most dangerous in the Hurdle Race, and Pretender should be about the hardest to beat in the Spring Handicap. The Flying Stakes is very open, but whatever beats Capella and the Squire should, 1 think, win.

Like Auckland turfites, tho Southerners appear to have been taken aback at Mr. O'Brien electing to throw down the gauntlet at the V.R.C. meeting with Carbine, and so throw away the chance of annexing two or three valuable stakes on the New Zealand turf which seemed to be at the mercy of the unbeaten son of Musket. Various are the conclusions come to as to what has induced Mr. O'Brien to undertake the trip ; and it will be interesting to note how far these are borne out. by facts. Writing of Carbine's V. R.C. Derby prospects, "Hermit" says:—"The son of Musket is not a taking horse to the eye, at least to my eyes, but he no doubt can gallop, even if he is a bit Blow at the beginning, and he looks as if weight would not trouble him. He is a deceptive-looking animal, and I do not fancy the touts at Flemington will fall in love with him, as in his work he does not show to advantage, being a terribly lazy horse."

Tim following foaling are announced from Sylvia Park this week :—Realisation (dam of Maxim), filly to Nordenfcldt; Tres Deuce (dam of Manton), filly to Nordenfeldt; Atlantis (dam of King Ban and St. Leger), filly to Leolinus ; Elphin (sister to Martini-Henry), colt to Sword Dance; Clytemnestra, colt to Nordenfeldt; Moonlight, filly to Captivator.

Notwithstanding that it is generally understood that Cuirassier answered a very satisfactory question before being taken to Napier, the trainers at Ellerslie still stick to their opinion that he is a "duffer." The silk will be up on Monday at Hawke's Bay, and we shall then see whether the brother of Trenton is really the great fraud Ellerslie trainers pronounce him to be.

Canterbury training notes state that Artillery has been going much better in his work of late. Thunderbolt's brother, Chainshot, is also going on nicely, while St. Clair and Springston are both reported to be very forward with their preparation. Very little is known as to the doings of Mr. Stead's string at Yaldhurst, but though Lochiel is a better favourite than Sextant for the New Zealand Cup, it is whispered about that the latter may turn out to be the real Simon Pure on the day. The three-year-old Lamond, who won the Metropolitan Stakes at Rand wick on Tuesday last, is another instance of a good one slipping through the hands of an astute jud<re. As a yearlingT. Lamond, the wellknown Sydney trainer, purchased the son of Newminster for 60 guineas, and after keeping the colt a month or so let him go for an advance of a "tenner" 011 what he paid for him. As a, two-year-old Lamond won four successive races, one of which was the valuable Royal Stake-* six furlongs), in which event he started a warm favourite at. 7 to '2, and beat a field of twenty-six in the good time of lniin 1 fisec.

Old Nelson still keeps pegging away at Ellerslie, and yesterday put in three miles at half pace. So far he has betrayed no symptoms of lameness, though one of his legs continues to bear a very suspicious appearance. Fusillade did not remain long at George l ight's stable, as after a sojourn of about a week he was thrown out of work, and sent to the Waikato to perform stud duties. 1 am glad to be able to state that the dispute between Mr. J. Marshall and the New Zealand Stud Company with reference to the scratching of the two-year-old Necklet for certain events to be run at the A.J.C. meeting, has been satisfactorily adjusted.

The New Zealand Cup candidate Artillery was a starter in the Geraldine Cup, run on Thursday, when ho was easily beaten by the three year-old Somneil, to whom he was conceding 191b. The Sydney metallician, Mr. If. Oxenham, peppered Volley to a good tune for the V.R.C. Derby, and in getting against the daughter of Musket at three to one, which price was taken many times in hundreds, he has, according to recent events, none the worst of the deal.

At a sale of the late Mr. J. C. Vallance's stud, at Masterton, on Thursday last, Rose d' Amour (dam of Pasha) was purchased by Mr. Douglas, of Hawke's Bay, for 180 guineas.

The brood mares Renga and Aconite, purchased -recently by the New Zealand Stud Company, were brought up by the s.s. Te Anau on Monday last. The Company had an offer from Napier for the mares during the week, but refused to sell. Krupp (by Musket—Pungawerewere) has finished his turf career, and will go to the stud at Orange (N.S. W.).

Subsequent to his victory in the Hawkesbury Guineas, Melos was asked after for the V.R.C. Derby, but the figure offered was not considered tempting enough, and no business was done.

It is reported from Yaldhurst that Maxim lias bruised a heel, and is walking lame The rest of Mr. Stead's team in work are doing well.

It is understood that £500 was offered recently by a Canterbury sportsman for Wolverine, but the owner of the cob. demanded €750, and no business resulted.

Waitiri, who on two occasions acted .1= runner-up to Nelson in the Auckland Cup. is beings schooled over hurdles, and will probably make her debut in her new role thw Napier Park meeting. Hose D'Amour (dam of Pasha) who vs.. ; last season sent- on a visit to Nordenfcldt ii is produced a filly to the «on of Musky!. Mr. Stead's mare Iris (by Traducor—Wui ■ ! ', has foaled a colt to Martini-Henry, i. understand that Mr. Adams has it ceived intimation from Sydney to the efie; 1 : that Mitrailleuse lias been sold to the Viclorian turfite, Mr. D. S. Wallace, for ;>--j guineas. The case of Wood v. the Earl of Durham, was before the Queen's Bench Division early last month, when counsel for the defendant applied for permission to amend ! the statement of defence by adding a paragraph to the effect that at the i time the alleged libel was published the | plaintiff was a person of such general repu- j tation that he was not injuriously affected | by it. The application was refused. i F. Barrett was again at the head of the ' list of winning jockeys when the San • Francisco mail left London, on August 11, ! with sixty-seven successful rides. Watts ' came second with sixty-five, S. Loates | third with fifty, and Robinson fourth with | forty-seven. G. Barrett had made good j use of the restoration of his license, and j with ninety-six mounts had won twenty- | five races in a little more hau a month. i

American files report the breaking down of the Champion, The Bard, and it is not considered likely that he will race again.

AUCKLAND RACING CLUB NOMINA-

TIONS. The following nominations were received last night, by Mr. Percival, for the principal events of theA.R.C. Spring and Summer meetings : — SPRING MEETING. . Prince of Wales Handicap.—Ernest, Antelope, Catesby, Leorina, Capella, Mantilla, Lioness, Clogs, Tartar, Rataplan, Hilda, Teksum, Raglan, Clive, Balista, Puschka, Pretender, Escutcheon, Leopold, Sir Walter, Muskerina, Landseer, Patchwork. City Handicap.—Ernest, Antelope, Leorina, Catesby, Capella, Brown Rose, Lioness, Clogs, Tartar, Rataplan, Hilda, Teksum, Raglan, Clive, Balista, Puschka, Pretender, Satyr, Escutcheon, Leopold, Muskerina, Patchwork. Handicap Hurdles.—Recruit, Catesby, Don, Ma Petite Fille, Alfred, St. Clair, Sirloin, Peter Osbeck, Kangaroo, Shillelagh, Omata, Orangeman, Pretender. SUMMER MEETING. A.R.C. Handicap. — St. Clair, Ernest, Brigadier, Antelope, Catesby, Leorina, Capella, Lioness, Clogs, }■ iss Alice, Lady Alice, Cuirassier, Half Guinea,, Lady Florin, Tartar, Rataplan, Bangle, Hilda. Teksum, Hotchkiss, Silence, Meta, Wolverine, Ricochet, Nelson, Raglan, Clive, St. Malo, Parvula, Lorraine, British Lion, Somneil, Lochiel, Enid, Manton, Chainshot, Exchange, Engagement, Son of a Gun, Balista, Puschka, Pretender, Escutcheon, Leopold, Sir Walter, Muskerina, Lady Norah, Patcnwork. Auckland Cup.—Ernest, St. Clair, Brigadier, Antelope, Leorina, Mantilla, Lioness, Clogs, Cuirassier, Half - Guinea, Tartar, Rataplan, Bangle, Phormium Tenax, Redwood, Richmond, Carbinej Hilda, Hotchkiss, Silence, Meta, Wolverine, St. James, Nelson, Raglan, Clive, St. Malo, Parvula, Lorraine, British Lion, Jet d'Eau, Somniel, Lochiel, Enid, Manton, Chainshot, lixchange, Engagement, Son of a Gun, Balista, Puschka, Escutcheon, Leopold, Sir Walter, Patchwork. Steeplechase.—Recruit, Don, Falcon, St. Clair, Sirloin, Peter Osbeck, Whalebone, Kangaroo, Shillelagh, Artist, Omata, Orangeman, Mangaohane, Seaweed, Kangaroo, Bushman, Landseer, Echo, Henchman. PAKURANGA HUNT CLUB. The following nominations were received for the principal events of the above meeting, which takes place at Ellerslie on the 10th October :— Pakuranga Hunt Club Cup, three and ahalf miles. — Reform, Fisherman, Tairoa, King Don, Hawthorn, Chance, Odd Trick, Matau, Sir Isaac, Whalebone, Messenger. Members' Light Weight Steeplechase, about three miles. — Maccaroni, Reform, Hawthorne, Artist, Matau, Ma Petite Fille, Whalebone, Messenger. Members' Handicap Hurdle Race, two Fisherman, Artist, Quilp, Revenge, Ma Petite Fille, Messenger. Open Flying Stakes Handicap, six furlongs. — Cushla, Patchwork, Puschka, On Guard, Teksum, Capella, Leorina, Squire, St. Michael, Lioness, Catesby, Braemar, Pretender. Waikato and Rangitikei entries to come. Entries for Maiden Steeplechase, Ladies' Bracelet, and Farmers' Plate close on Friday, October 5, at eight p.m. GERALDINE RACES. [by telegraph.—press ASSOCIATION. J Timaru, Friday. The following are the results of the Geraldine Races :— Handicap Hurdle Race of 50sovs, over six flights of hurdles. One mile and a-half. —Premier, 9st 121b, 1 ; Mammoc, 9st 71b, 2; Normanby, Bst 21b, 3. Dividend, £2 Bs. Novel Flat Race Handicap of 40sovs. One and a-half miles.—ldalia, 7st 61b, 1; Medea, 7st 101b, 2: Playboy, Bst 101b, 3. Dividend, £2 4«. Time, 2min 22i3ec. G.R.C. Handicap of 70sovs," lOsovs to second horse. One mile and a-quarter.— Tarantalus, syrs, 7st 21b (McMorran), 1; Erin-go-bragh, syrs, Bst 21b (Brown), 2; Kiinberley, 4yrs, 7st nib (Dodd). 3. Won by half-a-hcad, the same distance between second and third horse. Time, 2min 19iaeo. Di\ idend, £3 Gs.