SPORTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9244, 22 December 1888, Page 6

SPORTING.

RACING FIXTURES.

New Zealand. December South Franklin Racing Club. December 26, January 1, Auckland Racing Club December 26— Hakaru Races. December 26 and Thames Jockey Club. December 26—Hawko's Bay Jockey Club. Docember 27—Drury Racing Club. December 20— South Auckland Racing Club. December 31—Canterbury Jockoy Club. January I.—Napier Park Racing Club. January 1, 2—Rangitikei Jockoy Club, January 9— Waipu Jockey Club. January 10,17—Taranaki Jockey Club. January 29— Waipa Racing Club. February 7, S— Wellington Racing Club. ' February 13, 14—Egmont Raring Club. February 20. 21, 23—Dunedin Jockoy Club. March IS, ID— Hawko's Bay Jockoy Club. April 22, 23—Canterbury Jockey Club. April 20, 22—Auckland Racing Club. June B—Auckland Racing Club. Juno 20— Hawke's Bav Jockev Club. DATES OF COMING EVENTS. December 20—Auckland Cup. January I—A.R.C. Derby. January 2.—Auckland Steoplechasa. February 7—Wellington Cup. February 20—Dunedin Cup. March 29—Liverpool Grand National Steeplechase. May I—Two Thousand Uuinoas. June 6—English Derby. Juno Oaks. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. T.R.—Bangle and Necklace were full sisters. Si'oiiT.—Clogs carried (Ist 121b when sho won tho A.R.C. Easter Handicap in ISSO. Si'oiiT.— tables would take up too much space. They wore published in tho Herald of October and November last. Waoer.— Tho Agent only won the Auckland Steeplechase on two occasions—in 1379, and in ISSI. W. Hawkins rode him on tho first occasion, and J. Rao on tho second. BiTTCHEK.— dividends paid on Nelson in the last Auckland Cup wore £1 12s insido, aud £110s outside. _______________

AUCKLAND RACING CLUB'S SUMMER MEETING. [by phaeton.] Boxing-day has always been a red-letter day with turfites in tho Auckland district, as being the opening of the summer racing carnival at Ellerslie. Though tho A.R.C. havo on this occasion had to cut down their stakes very considerably, tho entries and acceptances received have turned out most satisfactorily, and in every respect the gathering promises to bo well up with those of preceding years. During tho three days, no less than twenty-ono events will come up for decision, and the most enthusiastic turfite should therefore have his appetite well satisfied when the curtain falls on the concluding event on tho 2nd of January. His Excellency tho Governor will not bo with us on " Cup day," but ho has accepted the Club's invitation to be present on tho second and third days, and as there seems every prospect of Admiral Fairfax and the Australian squadron being also with us at the same time, additional oclat will be lent to the gathering. The principal event of the first day will, of course, bo the Cup, and not for many years has our big handicap borne such an open aspect as on tho present occasion, while the field also promises to bo larger than in any previous years. Eighteen horses still remain in the race, and I suppose I must now endeavour to assist my readers to unearth the probable winner. The following are the names of the eighteen left in, with their probable riders :— Horse. AVeight. Rider, st lb Nelson _ ... 9 12 _ - Lochiel ... ... S 10 ... W. Clifford. Manton S 7 ... F. Holmes. British Lion 7 7 ._ McGrath. Cuirassier* ... 7 6 ... — Lady Norah* _. 7 (5 ... — Escutcheon* ... 7 5 ... — Clogs ... ... 7 4 _. J. Farrell. Hilda ... ... 7 3 ... W.Katterns. Leopold 7 0 ... Lindsay. Antelope —. ... 6 13 ... Priest. Enid ... ... 6 8 ... — Tartar .., ... 0 7 ... Smith. Raglan 6 7— — Leorina 6 7 ... Cooke. Lioness* ... 6 7 ... — Puschka* ... ... 6 0 ... — Sir Walter* ... (1 0 ... — *Doubtful starter. That Nelson is fully master of fist 121b he has on many occasions given us abundant proof, while we know equally well that a two-mile journey is well within his tether. He has got, through a very sound preparation, and that ho still retains somo of his great brilliancy he gave ample proof yesterday morning when ho had Manton and British Lion at him. With the going hard on Wednesday next the old horse will, I feel sure, run a great race, and I shall be surprised if he does not gain a place. Lochiel, with Sst l()lb, I have always regarded as one of the best handicapped horses in the race. His indifferent running in the New Zealand Cup last month, I do not believe was his true form, and I certainly think that we shall find him playing a much more important part in the race under review. The son of Prince Charlie will have the services of W. Clifford, and that circumstance will also be a deal in his favour, for they have on many occasions been associated together in previous battles. Manton (Bst 71b) has a big impost for a three-year-old, but on the other hand there can be no doubt that he is one of the best colts that New Zealand has ever produced. We have many times been furnished with instances of what a brilliant three-year-old can accomplish, and as the son of Musket is cast on the lines of a weight-carrier, I shall be much mistaken if he docs not run a great race for first honours. An impression has gained ground that on account of Mr. Butler being likely to take the colt over to Anstralia early in the year, that he would not " speel" him under such a heavy impost as Sst 71b, but if I am correctly informed he has accepted 400 to 100 about his chance, so that I am not inclined to doubt his being amongst tho starters on Wednesday. British Lion is a very different animal to that which we knew him as last year, and with only 7so Tib to carry, he is regarded by some shrewd judges as having a very respectable show. Still I fancy that a mile and a-half is more to his liking than two miles. Lady Norah is nicely treated with 7st 61b, but I fancy the journey is a little too far for her, and as for Cuirassier (7st (lib) and Escutcheon (7st 51b), I don't think either can win. Clogs should run a good race under so favourable an impost as 7st 41b, but though her party consider her chance highly, 1 cannot bring myself to the same view. Hilda has so far this season done everything asked of her in a most satisfactory manner, and with only 7st .'lib opposite her name in this race, she reads to mo one of tho most dangerous candidates engaged. The soreness which she usually displays after her gallops, I am assured, is nothing to cause alarm, and if she is thoroughly herself on the day I am quite satisfied that she will stand in need of a lot of beating; but I shall be a deal more sanguine of the daughter of Musket being able to accomplish the trick if tho going should be soft. Leopold (7st) is said to have got through a satisfactory gallop on Saturday last, but trained as he is in private, I am compelled to leave it to tho course to reveal what chance he possesses. Antelope is a good little mare, bub she has yet bo show her ability to get a two-mile journey. Enid (6st 81b) is well enough bred for anything, bub though claiming half-sistership to Betrayer and Sir Modred, I don't fancy her chance. Tartar (fist 71b), Raglan (fist 71b), Leorina (6st 71b), Lioness (fist 71b), Puschka (Get), and Sir Walter (fist) find no favour in my eyes. Summing up tho matter carefully. I am fully persuaded that there is very little between Nelson, Lochiel, Manton, find Hilda, who can I think all break 3.35 ; but I must reduce the number to two, and my impression at present is that Hilda and Manton will fight out the finish. In tho Herald of Tuesday I shall have a further opportunity of discussing the matter with my readers, when I hope to be able to declare straight out for ono. TUB STEEPLECHASE. The Wellington-owned Kangaroo is tho only one that has dropped out of this race since the last acceptance, and at the time of writing, there seems every prospect of nine horses going to the post. The following aro the eleven horses left in, with tho probable riders : — Horse. Weight. Rider. St. lb. Mangaohane ... 12 0 ... J. Hickey. Magnesia ... 11 0 ... P. Nolan. Peter Osbeck ... 10 7 ... S. Fergus. Falcon 10 6 ... T. Lennard. Orangeman ... 10 4 ... J. Rao. Shillelagh ... 10 0 ... — Artist 9 10 ... W.Edgecumbe. Kangaroo ... 9 7 ... R. Frewin. Landseer ... 9 5 ... — Bushman ... 9 0 ... — Recruit 9 0 ... W. Hadfield. The top weight, Mangaohane, is in such rattling condition, and is such a gentleman at the cross-country game that I am fully I persuaded that I made, no mistake when I

picked him out on tbo declaration of the weights as the one most likely to furnish the winner. Of course in a steeplechase there is ways a chance ot something cropping up, but from what I can at present see Recruit is the only one likely to have a show with Mangaohane, and as he is as clever as a cat at his fences, and possesses a bib of pace, the favourite will not have to loiter very much on the journey. ACCEPTANCES. The following acceptances were received last night:— Christmas Handicap, one mile and aquarter. st lb st lb Escutcheon ... 8 8 Patchwork ... 6 7 Antelope ... 8 4 Pusehka ... 6 7 Leorina ... 7 10 Tartar ... ... 6 5 Balista 7 6 Capella ... 6 3 Raglan 6 11 Eruption ... 6 0 Hurdle Race, two miles and a-quarter. stlb st lb Mangaohane 12 7 Orangeman ... 10 6 Peter Osbock 10 10 Recruit ... 9 7 Ma Petite Fillo 10 7 Catesby ... 8 10 Railway Handicap, three-quarters of a mile, st lb st lb Squire 9 4 Braomar ... 6 12 Balista 8 3 Teksum 6 12 Tupaki ... 710 Rataplan M 6 8 Patchwork ... 7 7 Muskerina 5 Capella ... 7 5 The prices were callod over at Tattersall's last night. A small amount was taken about Lochiol at 5 to 2, which price was wanted. Manton was quoted at 3to 1, and Nelson and Hilda each at 100 to 25. About British Lion, Lady Norali, and Leopold 500 to 60 could have been obtained. NOTES BY PHAETON. A pretty good instance of how cruel a section of the public are in their judgment was furnished in connection with the Hurdle Race at Otahuhu on Saturday last. Coming to the last hurdle, Peter Osboek was in front, and indeed looked all over a winner, but tho old fellow did not fonce kindly, and dwelling in his stride, Kangaroo caught him, and served by his light weight, eventually gob homo first. To anyone conversant with racing, it was very plain that there was nob an atom of suspicion as to the genuineness of Peter's running ; and yet persons wero to bo found vilifying tho owner and jockey in the most cold - blooded manner. Mr. Gallagher is not tho man to stand this kind of thing, and ho very properly interviewed one person who had spoken rather freely, and an apology was at once tendered. The fact of the matter is, Mr. Gallagher had a "tenner" on the old grey, and including Sam Fergus, who rode him, the party must have fell for £30 over his defeat. There is not a horse in this district that has been so consistently run out as old Peter, evidence of which is to be found in the fact that he always gets his portion of weight from the handicappor. I cannot compliment Mr. Evitb on the three handicaps he has issued for the Auckland Meeting during the week, for they are in each case most faulty, and it is very evident that he lias not referred to past records for a guide. In the Christmas Handicap Cuirassier is very badly treated with Bst Sib ; and it would be interesting to know why the colt has been culled upon to concede -lib to Antelope. The Railway Handicap is, however, even worse, for we find Teksum turned absolutely loose with 6st 121b; while Patchwork, who finished behind him on even terms, in the early spring, over a journey similar, is called upon to carry 7st 71b ! Mr. Williamson considered that he had no possible show of winning the Hurdle Race with Shillelagh with lOst 51b, and he struck him out directly the weights appeared. Visitors to tho racecourse yesterday morning were treated to a most interesting piece of work betwoen Nelson, Manton, and British Lion. The trio jumped oil' together on the plough, and put in two rounds at top, which was got over by Nelson in great style. British Lion appeared to have enough at a mile and a half, while Manton could not get within six lengths of the old chestnut at tho finish. It should bo stated, however, that Nelson had only about sst 121b in the taddlo, while Manton and British Lion each had over Sat. But still the old horse finished up his task with such remarkable freedom that ho seemed good enough to repeat the task. In the old country, and at many colonial meetings, the parade before the start is always looked forward to by the public with great interest; and I am pleusod to hear that the approaching Auckland Summer Meeting will see the abolition of the old order of horses scrambling to the post anyhow and at any time. Mr. Percival has laid down rules that ten minutes before each race is timed to start the contesting horses must parade in the straight and canter in Indian file past the judge's box. With every prospect of a field of twelve going to the post for tho Cup, the parade before tho start will, I am sure, be looked forward to with a great amount of interest; and with four such beauties as Nelson, Manton, Lochiel, and Hilda in the ranks, Aucklanders will witness a sight that has rarely been seen at Ellerslie. The arrival of Mr. A. Drake, the wellknown Southern metallician, had the effect of smartening the betting on the Auckland Cup up considerably. He accommodated Major George with 1)00 to 95 about Nelson's chance, and the party behind Antelope got full value when they secured 500 to 20 about the daughter of Apremont. His offer of 500 to 2 about Sir Walter could not, however, tempt "little Mac," and his quotation of 500 to 5 Puschka had a like fate. I understand that Mr. Drake laid 400 to 100 abou Manton's chance to the owner before leaving Christchurch. There seems to bo an uncertainty [as to who will have the mount on Nelson in the Auckland Cup. His old pilot, W. Brown, it is rumoured, is on his way up from the South to steer him ; but I heard yesterday from a usually reliable quarter that "Chum" Pearson will have the mount. As is the case with nearly all his progeny, old Musket, put his brand on Manton in a remarkable manner. He stands fully 1C hands, and is brimful of quality. With his great quarters standing out with muscle, it is no wonder that he proved himself such a giant at the C.J.C. Meeting, and, as he appears to possess a capital set of legs and feet, thero seems every prospect of Mr. Butler having his services for a lengthened period. Manton is not, perhaps, one of the best of movers, but when he does get at his top, there is no doubt of his ability to get over the ground. Messrs. Hunter and Nolan have received instructions from Mr. W. Walters to sell by auction his draft of yearlings, at the paddock adjoining Sylvia Park (immediately after the Stud Company's sale), on Thursday, January 3. The lot includes brown filly by Nordonfeldb—Rosarina, bay colt by Somnus—Hipporina, bay colt by Somnus—lrishwoman, bay filly by Somnus —Yattcrina, bay filly by Somnus—Venus Transit, bay colb by Ingomar—Hinporina. The yearlings can be seen at tho show grounds, Green Lane, after Monday next. The committee of the Takapuna Jockey Club have decided to hold their Summer Meeting on Saturday and Tuesday, the 26th and '29th January, when it is proposed to give £800 in prize money during the two days. The principal events of the meeting will be tho Takapuna Cup and the Takapuna Steeplechase, the added money in each case being lOOsovs. The full programme will be found in another column. Tho various tracks at Ellerslie are now in an excellent state, and it is quite refreshing to hear trainers off the growl on this matter. Tho course proper has been top-dressed since the Spring Meeting, and altogether, caretaker Ruddy is to be complimented on the good order of everything connected with his department. Everything augurs well for the success of the South Auckland Racing Club's Meeting at Claudelanda on Saturday next. I am pleased to hear that this club has been placed on a most satisfactory basis, and possessing as they do one of tho prettiest courses to be found in the colony, accessible by train from Auckland, To Awamutu, Te Aroha, Lichfield, and Cambridge, a very prosperous future is before them. The right men are on the committee to bring tho South Auckland Club into the front rank, and it is to bo hoped that the patronage bestowed upon the Summer Meeting next week will be commensurate with the club's deserts. The Thames Jockey Club will hold high carnival on Wednesday and Thursday next, and though tho big Ellerslie gathering will attract many away, tho entries and acceptances received for the various events ensure a very successful meeting. The Pakuranga Hunt Club's meeting at Otahuhu on Saturday last was a success financially, and as £2336 passed through the machines during the afternoon, they will again be in funds in order to carry on I operutior*- "

" Subscriber" writes : — Sir, —There is one matter regarding which I wish to utter a word of warning to those of the public who attend the forthcoming traces. A practico which has grown up is to watch a person coming from tho totalisator house with a bundle of notes (he having received a dividend), and to ask him to change one of the notes for a sovereign. Of course, he goodnaturedly complies, and only regrets his action when too late, and when he finds that tho sovereign is a " bogus" one. I had a narrow escape at Otahuhn last Saturday. I actually gave the note, bub to save a rumpus tho fellow handed it back. The committee of tho Takapuna Jockey Club have decided to at once proceed with the enlargement of their course. It is intended to reclaim a large portion of the adjacent swamp, in order to get the necessary ground, and with this addition a track of nearly a mile in circumference will be obtained. It has, I understand, been decided to make the totalisator tickets on tho Auckland Cup £2 inside the paddock and £1 outside.

John Chaafo lias a capital light-weight coming on in his son Peter. He has ridden old Nelson in all his gallops during the past fortnight, and from whab I have seen of him, he promises to develop into a true artist.

Tho South Franklin Racing Club have received very satisfactory acceptances and entries for their meeting, which take 3 place at Pukokoho on Monday next. Had it not been for the £50,000 sweep (remarks a contemporary) there would not have been moro than twenty starters for tho Mclbourno Cup. About ten ran simply for tho sake of tho £370 which holders of a starter in the swoop were entitled to. Unless this big lottery is put down it will have a very pernicious effect on future Cups. In tho ordinary course of things it will be magnified to £100,000 noxt year, and then we shall see an enormous field, as it will pay peoplo to enter a cab horse, and run him for tho sake of starting money. An item of English intelligence is that a Mr. Fawcus, a Northumbrian gentleman, is dissatisfied with tho present style of horse. It is altogether "too stilted an animal," and Mr. Fawcus has been writing to the papers to seo if he can't get the thing set right. He says :— " Tho task that I would suggest to breeders is the shortening of the metatarsal and metacarpal, the cannon bones, by about one-half their present general length, and my reason for wishing to do so is that I think it would give an increase of both speed and power ; for I have noticed that a short cannon bono in cart horses is always associated with a long step and great power, and a long stride is of equal advantage in a thoroughbred for galloping. And giving what you take off iho cannon bono to increase tho length of tho femur and tibia, the thigh and shin bones would givo ease to all the paces." Tho committee of the Victoria Racing Club havo decided that in future no person bo allowed on tho steeplechase course during tho time a race is being run. This regulation has no doubt been laid down in order to guard against unscrupulous individuals shifting flags, in order to " mess-up" a race. Nominations for the principal events of tho Egmont Racing Club's meeting aro due to-night. Bismarck, who ran third in tho Cambridgeshire, was sold to a Buenos Ayrcs sportsman on the day succeeding the decision of the big handicap, for £4000. The number of days' racing in the colony from the commencement of tho season (August 1) to date is fifty-four. Last year there wero fifty-nine days' racing during tho corresponding period. Tho new rules of racing have not brought about a very material diminution. It is rumoured that in future hurdle races at llandwick will be over obstacles 3 feet (j inches high, and " brushed" at the top. The Hon. Mr. White is .again this season having the knife applied very freely to his yearlings, no less than five having been added to the list. Tho unfortunate horse Morok, who last year carried the Hon. J. White's colours into second place in both the Hawkesbury Handicap and the Metropolitan Stakes, was sold recently in Melbourne for 40 guineas. It is understood that Tranter, who had been under offer to a Victorian sportsman for 600 guineas, failed to pass under examination, and the horse therefore still remains in Mr. Heywood'd hands. £2336 wero passed through the machines at the Pakuranga Hunt Club's Meeting at Otahuhu on Saturday last. The musical portion of the programme at the Auckland Summer Meeting will, as usual, be rendered by the fino band under tho leadership of Mr. J. Impey, who will perforin the following choice selections on the lawn during Wednesday afternoon : — March, " The Sultan of Mocha," Morelli ; overture, " Golden Heart," Herman ; valse, " Rendezvous," Waldteufel ; quadrille, " Lights of London," R. Smith ; selection, "The Bohemian Girl," Balfe ; euphonium solo, " Tho White Squall," Barker ; valse, "Skipping," Viviano ; quick march, "At Bay," R. Dyke ; andante and schottishe, " Mattie," Boyer; selection, Recollections of the Opera," Reviere ; valse, " The Clang," Godfrey; galop, "Moments of Pleasure," Bowman "God Save the Queen."

DRURY RACES. The following acceptances and entries have been received in connection with the above meeting, which takes place on Thursday next: — Dkury Pretender, Mantella, Larrikin. Premier, Belmont, Stamford, Banter. Hurdle Mack. Larrikin, Highland Mary, Shotover. Drhhy Raciko Club Handicap.—Larrikin, Premier, Belmont, Stamford. Stewards' Handicap.— Reproach, Winnie, Banter, Grasshopper. Maiden Plate.— Banter, Premier, Reproach, Cushla, Fragrance. Novel Handicap.—Comet, Ost; Ringtail, 7st 711); Mattie, list 71b ; Coquette, Ost 7 lb. Belmont's weight for the Cup is Sst; not Sst 41b as printed.