SPORTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 8258, 17 May 1890, Page 6

SPORTING.

TO RACING CLUBS. Thk Auchiand Weekly News has been appointihe Official Calendar for the publication of all programmes in the Provincial District of Auckland, in terms of the new rules of racing. In order to secure advertisements being inserted in the page allotted to " The Sportsman " it is necessary that they be Bent in by Wednesday afternoon. EXTRACT.] Rule J".— programme of earn meeting in svhich the added money is £100 or upwards, must be advertised in full once at least in the Official Calendar. The advertisement shall show that the programme has been approved by the Jockey Club, shall state the daw on which the meeting is to begin and end, and the names of the stewards, judge, starter, clerk of the scales, and handicapper. RACING FIXTURES. NEW /.K.U.AND. Wav 14-Kgmout Racing Club. Wav lake .Annual Races. Way Takapuna Jockey ( luo. Jane "—Auckland Racing Club. .Tune 19—Uawke's Bay Jockey Club. June 25Napier Park. .July 12— Wellington Raciag Uul>. July 24— Canterbury Jockey i i"fAustralia. May 24, 31—Sydney Turf Club. May 21—Victoria Racing Club. PATHS OF COMING EVENTS. June 4—Knslish Derby June 6—The Oaks. June 7—Great .Northern Steeplechase. June 13— Hawke's Bay Steeplechase. July 24—New Zealand Grand National >teeplecnase. September 10— Doncaster St. Leger. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. Dispute Dareaville— Lady Norah was got by CmUhpmi \ntelope bv Apremont. The latter was purchased" at Christchurch as a yearling by Major ' w —Woolbroker was bred by Mr. F. Reynolds in IST?'- got by Cioldsbrotigh out of Oorisande, by KewWarrior, her dam 10. by Sir Hercules out of Flora Mclvor bv Rons' Emigrant out of Cornelia (imp.}, by Grasshopper. Goldsborough, by Fireworks out of Sylvia, by Fisherman out of Juliet, by Touchstone Waihoi'.—l. J. Rae has ridden the following winners of the Auckland Summer Steeplechase:— The Agent 11S>1), Chandler (ISS4), Alaric (ISS6), Falcon (ISS7), Orangeman (1590). In the Autumn Steeplechase he has ridden the following winners. :— Kcfcnn (lx*3). Chandler lSi4), Orangeman (ISS9). 2 Hercules was killed at Christ-church. Wiukr.-When Trenton won the A.lt C. Welcome Stakes his time was lui. s}s. Pearl Shell's time was lm. 4;s. It should be stated, however, that the going was very heavy when Trenton won. NOTES BY PHAETON. THE SOUTH AUCKLAND CCP. Tax protest lodged against St. Michael in the South Auckland Cup by Mr. W. Walters on the ground that he did not carry a 51b penalty to which he had become entitled, prill continues to form a topic of much argument in turf circles. As 1 pointed out in my notes last week, the fact of the protest not Laving been lodged on the day of the race has had the effect of making the matter considerably involved., and with nothing in the rules directly bearing on the case various are the interpretations placed on certain clauses. While some hold that Mr. Walters" neglect in not lodging his protest on the day of the race puts him out of court, many, on the other hand, contend that it was never the intention of the trainers of the rules that in a case such as the one under review, a protest should be thrown cut on such grounds; ami though the force of rule 130 requiring objections to be made before the close of the meeting is admitted, rule 28 is also held to apply. , The reading of this rule is:—"lf any case occur, which is not, or which in their opinion is not provided by these rules, it shall be determined by the stewards in such manner as they think just." Another knotty problem is presented in ■connection with the Claudelanrts Handicap run at the same meeting, and which was won by Pinlire, who had previously run second to -St. Michael tor the Autumn Handicap. Now the conditions attached to this race state that the winner of the Autumn; Handicap was to carry a 71b penalty. If Pinfire is declared to be the winner of the Autumn Handicap his claim to the stakes in the Claudelands Handicap will sure to be challenged by the owner of Hailstone, who ran second, as I'intire did not carry the 71b penalty. The protest lodged by Mr. Walters against Ist. Michael has now been hanging quite long enough, and if the stewards of the South Auckland Club are unable to come to a decision on the interpretation to be placed on the rules the proper course for them to pursue is to at once send the case up to the Metropolitan Club, who will no doubt furnish them with a ruling on the point. It is most unfair to both parties to keep the matter longer in suspense, but especially so to Mr. Walters, for, in the event of the matter being undecided by the Takapuna Meeting on Saturday next, his horse Pinfire will be ineligible to run in the Maiden Plate, for so long as the matter of a race is held in •dispute the rules hold that the horse claiming such race is liable to all penalties attaching to the winner. A correspondent, " Weka," writes as follows on the subject :— Slß,—Might I, by way of having the protest put In a nutshell, surest the following course as one likely to suit all parties, and have the matter settled as soon as possible, viz., Let the Smith Auckland Club forward all evidence which may have been taken to the Auckland Hacing Club, and if the latter body cannot settle the matter, let them ask the Hon. (_;. .McLean and Mi. George Stead to decide it, and in forwarding their decision, let them also suggest to the various Metropolitan clubs the advisability of adding their decision in the shape of a bye-law to the present existing rules. A SUCCESSFUL CAMPAICN. J. Rae"s visit to Australia with the steeplechasers Titokowaru and Guy Fawkes has certainly turned out a most profitable piece of business, as the horses have secured three victories out of rive starts. The latest performance of the Auckland-owned pair was in the Steeplechase of InOsovs (two miles) run at the Melbourne Hunt Club's Meeting oik Saturday last, when Guy Fawkes (lOst 41b) finished in front of his stable mate Titokowaru {list 101b). Rao was to leave Sydney for Auckland by the s.s Waihora yesterday, but the horses are to remain in Victoria, from which we may conclude that the popular he rseman intends returning to Australia at an early date. With the victories of Titokowaru and Guy Fawkes to encourage him, I shall be quite prepared to hear of Rae strengthening his; team in Australia with Orangeman and Donald (half-brother to Titokowaru). SYDNEY TURF CLUBS MEETING. The full list of weights for the two principal events of the above meeting, which takes place on the 24th ami .31st instant, are now to hand, and we are now better able to judge as to the chances of the Auckland representatives. Hilda, Antelope, and Teksmn. In the Royal Stakes Sedition stands out very dangerous with 9st 31b, for the fact should not be lost sight of that she won this race last year under exactly the .same impost as she is now asked to carry. The Gift (9st) must also have a great say, while further down the list AiitiL-us(Bst 101b) is another that leads decidedly well in. Landed at the post in her best form, Antelope should have a show with only Sst to carry ; but with every , prospect of a held of thirty going to the post, . the task of unearthing the winner presents ' a picture very much like looking for a needle \ in a haystack. When the mail left Sydney ' on the Bth, Paddy (Sst 4lb), Marvel (Sst 121b), • Highborn (7st 4lb), and Gresford (7st 41b) \ -were the most inquired for. In the Queen's , Birthday Cup there can be no question that Hilda has been fairly treated with Bst 1 lib ; ] but, good performer though the daughter of . Musket has proved herself, I certainly do i not think that she ought to have been asked to concede an ounce of weight to The Queen ! [Sst !)lb), for the daughter of The. Drummer '' has on several occasions proved herself a , very doughty performer. Sedition is again , well in in this race with Sst 51b, at which weight Antaeus also has an attractive ap- , pearance. Chintz (Sst) should have a show, , and Golden Crown (7st 51b) should also have '. something to say in the finish, for last month, > it will be remembered, he won the Hawkes- ' bury Handicap like a tradesman. Amongst \ the light-weights nothing reads better than r Mantilla (6st 51b), and if the sister to Cardi- j gan can be landed at the post in the same . nick as when she acted as runner-up to Carbine in the Sydney Cup she will, I fancy, play a very prominent part in the struggle. I? If I had to pick the winner of the Cup : in thrice, my choice would be with The • Queen, Hilda, and Mantilla. A Sydney ! cablegram received on Thursday last states „ that Hilda has been installed favourite ( for the Cup atß to 1, from which it n would seem that the daughter of -Musket has been made the medium of some staunch t support, but this, I am led to understand, is , not at the hands of the stable. The second j forfeits in connection with both races are t due on Thursday next. j Till; NEW ZEALAND STUD BOOK. 1; Thanks to the energy and industry of Mr. v George Elliott, the ninth volume of the New J Zealand Stud Book has now made its appear- *] ance. In every respect it is a great advance on p previous volumes, and a glance through its ' pages will show that the work has been most ' J completely compiled. In addition to the J list of mares and their produce, the present 1 volume gives a list of Australian-bred horses * introduced into New Zealand, pedigrees of a colts and fillies purchased in Australia for ° New Zealand, Australian-bred sires, stallions n imported to New Zealand and Australia, '■' Arabs, and mares imported to Australia. a "Mr. Elliott is to be warmly complimented on c

the high character of his work, and ifcis to be hoped that the success attaching to its publication will be in a corresponding degree satisfactory. AUSTRALIANS OX THE ENGLISH TURF. The Australian sportsmen, Messrs. W. C. and D. Cooper, spent thousands of pounds last year in England in the purchase of yearlings, some of which will, no doubt, be heard of during the present season. Mr. D. Cooper's lot includes : Merganser, by Muncaster Jenny Diver ; Happy Moment, by Sterling— Too Late (300 guineas); Marcellus, by Marden—Mirgellina; Dorcas, by Bend Or— Little Sister (1000 guineas); Melody, by Tynedale— (1000 guineas): Lucy Light, by Xenophon—Darnaway (720 guineas); Grandee, by Galopin—Dee (920 guineas); and colt by Sword Dance—Simplex (200 guineas); and Mr. W. C. Cooper will be represented with Sunny Day, by Harden—King Tom mare; Stephanoti's, by SpringfieldEglantyne (410 guineas); Woollahra, by Albert Victor— Lady Lumley (700 guineas) and Steventon, by Dutch Skater—Camelot (105 guineas). The trainer for the Messrs. Cooper is Mr. J. Ryan, of Green Lodge, Newmarket. THE MELBOURNE CV}'. The ten thousand sovereigns which the Victoria Racing Club has added to the Melbourne Cup this year may be said to be jingling in the uttermost parts of the earth, Mr. Byron Moore, with his usual sagacity, having advertised the conditions in the principal newspapers of the world. "It is humiliating to think," says the editor of the_ London Sporting Times, "that horse-loving and wealthy England is not only being distanced, but hopelessly distanced, by one of Iter colonies in the sport of which it was supposed she wasat the head, and without* rival. Sometime ago we suggested that at Ascot, where there ' is plenty of money, instead of £1000 being wasted on the Alexandra Plate, and similar I sums on other failures, the whole should be given to a handicap of two miles, or two miles and a-half, which should be made the richest race of its class in this country. Even in our own imagination we never soared so high as to contemplate a race such as that which is advertised in the current number of the Racing Calendar. Unfortunately this advertisement relates to a race in Australia. It is the Melbourne Cup, with £10,000 clear money added, and a trophy value £150. In addition there is a sweepstakes of 50sovs each. 10 ft., and 5 only if declared, all of which is to go with the stakes. What a contract this presents to our £10,000 races, to which, in some cases, not one farthing comes from the fund. Great as are the resources of Ascot, the meeting, with its Royal patronage, must hide its diminished head before that held under the auspices of the Victorian Pacing Club at Flemington." CARBINE AND ABERCORN. A good deal of discussion has (says the Melbourne correspondent of the Canterbury Times) taken place lately regarding the respective heights of Abercorn and Carbine on the betting bourses here. An application made to Messrs. T. Payten and \\. Hiekenbotham, the respective trainers, has revealed the fact that the son of Chester and Cinnamon stands I6h Hin, whilst Che descendant of Musket and Mersey stands 16h O.jin. It may be interesting to know that the two horses named met on seven occasions, with the result that Carbine defeated his taller opponent four times. During Ids turf career Abercorn started thirty-five times and won twenty-one races. He was second eight times, was a third four times, and was twice unplaced. Carbine has run thirty-two times and won twenty-three events, including two Sydney Cups, was second five times, third three times, and was but once unplaced. Marvellous records, and well worth giving publicity to. THE LAKE RACKS. To-day the Lake races, postponed from last Saturday in consequence of the inclement weather, are to be held at the course at Lake Takapuna. Should the weather prove favourable, there will no doubt be a large attendance, as some good racing is promised. The steamers Victoria and Eagle will leave the Devonport Ferry Company's Wharf for the Lake Wharf, the former at half-past twelve and the Eagle at a quarterpast one p.m., and 'buses will also convey passengers from the North Shore to the Lake on the arrival of the ferry steamers leaving town at twelve noon and half-past twelve p.m. The following are the acceptances for the principal events : — Maiden Plate. One mile. — Octopus, Sst 1211); Pir.tire, >.-t 411); Torment, Sst -Jib : Parnell, 7st 101b; F.ruption, 7st 101b ; Ingorina, 7st Tib : Premier, 7st ; Iron Bark, 7st : Phantom, 7st ; Hilly, 7st : Grace Darling, tet 101b; Pica, est; Ruby, Ost; Myra, 6st 101b. PI'PL'KE C'l'P, one mile ami a-quarter.— I.eoriua, 9st Mb; Tamora, Sst -Jib; Pinfire, "st 121b ; Fusee, 7st Tib; Torment, 7>t Tib; Eruption, ~*t ■411); | Nigger, Tst -Jib. P.irnell, 7st 21b; Dollar, Tst ; I Ingorina, 6st luJb ; Prurience, 6st 101b; Phantom, I 6-t Tib. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS. The racehorse Eruption died suddenly on Monday last .\t Papakura. He had iust completed a strong mile and a-quarter gallop on Mr. Walters' private course, when lie staggered and fell, expiring in a few minutes. In a conversation I had with Mr. Walters, he told me that the day after the horse's death he made an examination of the remains, and found that the whole of the intestines were heavily charged with worms. His opinion is that the horse died from an internal rupture. It has been stated that Eruption collided with a cow, and broke his back; but this story proves to be incorrect.

Mr. Tom Merrv, who came over from America to Australia some time back for the purpose of purchasing some mares on behalf of a syndicate, is making a shipment of eight by the mail steamer Alameda, which left Sydney on Wednesday last. Amongst the mares purchased by Mr. Merry are Ricochet and Lady Alice, who are both full sisters to Mitrailleuse, being got by Musket from Ericyna. At the Egmont meeting on Wednesday last a noteworthy " boil over" took place in the Hurdle Race, the winner (Waipipi) being altogether unbacked on the to tali tors, and the £330 on the machines had, therefore to be returned to investors, less, of course the usual 10 per cent, commission. In analysing the handicap issued for the Sydney Birthday Cup, "Nemo" speaks of Hilda as only a moderate performer at best." The talented Sydney scribe has evidently not taken the trouble to look up the form displayed by the daughter of Musket during the past few months, or he would certainly not have spoken so slightingly of her chance. Mr. W. R. Wilson's two-year-old colt Pygmalion has not yet been shipped from Christchurch for Australia, but it is understood that lie will be sent to Melbourne by the Te Anau next week. The handsome son of Apremont and Nautilus is (says the Canterbury Times) the best of his year, perhaps the very best horse over six furlongs the colony has ever produced. Altogether Pygmalion has started in ten races, been first in five, second in three, and unplaced in two. His total winnings amount to £1514 9s, which is the largest sum ever earned by a two-year-old in this colony, the previous record being £1259, by his own sister, Cynisca, last year, while Carbine won £1230 during the previous season.

' A project has been mentioned in Australia I to send six steeplechasers and riders to America during the great Exposition to be held at Chicago in 1892. Sir Roderick Cameron, of New York, who has been communicated with concerning the affair, says : —"If the sporting clubs of Melbourne or Sydney should take the matter up, and look to the public for subscriptions, I would willingly give a £50 note towards the fund, as I would rejoice to sec your horses clearing five feet of still' timber, and thus showing to our American cousins ' how to do it.' Jumping here has so far been a farce. I think that I am safe in saying that four feet of stiff timber has been their maximum, and more frequently it is three feet six of brush that is attempted." Mr. Robert Chirnside, who has been a warm adherent and conspicuous ornament in the coursing world in Victoria, has decided on retiring from the sport, and the entire kennel of fashionably-bred greyhounds are to he submitted to auction at an early date. Commenting on .Mr. Chirnside's decision, the Melbourne Standard says:—"lt cannot be denied that coursing in Australia has received one more severe blow through the retirement of Mr. Chirnside, and at a time like the present it is no exaggeration to say that there is no one to take his place. Indeed, one by one the old pillars and genuine supporters of the leash are dropping off, and we fear that the sport is now steadily and irretrievably on the downward track. For instance, is there at the present time in Victoria anyone likely to step into th» gap caused by the retirement of Mr. Robert Chirnside or Mr. George Whittingham? There are no indications at all events."

The death of the stallion Hermit has had the effect of reviving many interesting precedents in connection with his victory in the Derby of 1807. Mr. Chaplin (says the Australasian) won over £140,000 by the result, besides the enormous bet of £50,000, which he had with Sir Joseph Hawley, that Hermit would beat The Palmer, and £10,000 that he would beat Marksman. The astute Captain Machell also came in for about £63,000; and Johnny Daley, the successful jockey, was presented with £5000. In the following season Hermit was beaten in a match for 2000sovs by the Duke of Newcastle's Julius, and twice paid forfeit to Sir Joseph Hawley's The Palmer in matches of 500sovs aside. At the time of Hermit's victory in the Derby, it is a well-known fact that a bitter rivalry, which originated in the elopement of a lady and her marriage with the Marquis of Hastings, existed between the Marquis and Mr. Chaplin, and it was really the deep-rooted rivalry that caused the Marquis to allow prejudice tc run

! away with his judgment, and pepper Mr. Chaplin's horse for the blue ribbon to such an extent that it broke him down both in health in pocket. In the Melbourne Sportsman of a recent date was published a challenge to match a 12.3 pony against any 13-liaud pony in the world for £500 or £1000 a-side. This challenge did not (says " Vigilant") remain long unanswered, as I have received a letter from a gentleman in Goulburn intimating that if satisfactory arrangements as regards weight, distance, etc., can be come to, he is prepared to make a match. The owner of the 12.3 pony I refer to fixes the weights to be carried at nine stone, and the distance of the course six furlongs. Raglan, who has been treated to a severe blistering, still occasions his trainer a good deal of auxietv, and the ailment from which the horse is suffering is still a conundrum to them. What little betting lias taken place in Christchurch over the New Zealand Cup of late shows a disposition on the part of the public to support Medallion for the big handicap, about whose chances 10 to 1 have been taken. Almost every writer in Australia seems to delight in having a dig at the costly Titan. The Melbourne correspondent of the Canterbury Times says : —" When the time comes for the winding-up process for the V.K.C. Derby, it is quite on the cards—according to my idea—that the son of Chester—Tcmpe will be found to be a ' waster."" The Victoria Amateur Turf Club has issued the conditions for the next Caulfield Cup, which are precisely the same as those of last year, namely : A handicap of 2000sovs; 1500 sovs of the said sum to go to the first horse, 350sovs to the second, and loOsovs to the third. Wally Clifford made his re-appearance in the saddle at the Waipawa Meeting, and steered Mr. Gol'.aji's mare Princess Helen to victory in benh her engagements. The New Zealand bred Aglaos, after a long spell of inactivity, was sent out to contest in the Glenkul.ty Handicap, run at Caulfield on the 3rd instant, and with only 7st 31b to carry he was made a warm favourite at 5 to - ; but lie did not gain a place. Tartar (7st) was also a starter in the same race, but he was never prominent when the serious business cropped up. The cross-country horses Recruit and Seaweed, recently slapped from Auckland to Sydney, were taken on to Brisbane, and after taking part in Tattersall's Meeting there will return to Sydney, where their stay will depend upon circumstances. Australian papers to hand announce the death of \V. Wilson, who steered Don Juan when the son of Lucifer achieved his sensational victory in the Melbourne Cup of 1573. Don Juan was owned by Mr. James Wilson, senior. Melanion, the half-brother to the Derby winner Ayrshire, has finished his turf career, having proved uutraiuahle. It is strange (says an English writer) that the son of Hermit and Atalanta did not do better, for there can be no harm in saying now that twice he was tried within less than a length of Donovan. Donovan wins in stakes over £55,000, Melanion wins exactly £442. Of the two, Melanion is the better looking: and as regards breed there is not, 1 think, a pin to choose. In the course of his article on Turf Re form, Lord Durham suggests a conference between the stewards of the Jockey Club and the managers of the great race meetings, in order that a general agreement might be made to reduce the value of five furlong races and increase the added money fo.i racess of a mile and upwards. The Bird of Ireedom has the following interesting paragraph about the great Fisherman :—" The celebrated Fisherman, who won so many Queen's Plates during his career, was in turn the property of Mr. Tom Parr and Mr. Frank Higgins ; the latter owner has just recently diet! in England. The horse, who was subsequently sold to go to Australia, was a most ungainly - looking move!', turning his toes out so much in galloping that to those who looked straight down the course his forelegs had the appearance of a pair of oars in motion. The last race he ever ran—in fact the best and closest race that was ever run within our timewas when, in 1859, he nut Lord Stamford's Newcastle in the Queen's Plate at Lichfield. The pair were lacing together a mile from home, and in the end George Fordham on Newcastle just did the natty Cresswell on the old horse by a short head. The excitement during the final struggle was so intense that the old stand on Whittington Heath, which was then on the opposite side of die course, was in great danger of collapsing altogether. ! Of horses in general " Australian" tells his readers that St. Simon was the greatest horse, in Matthew Dawson's opinion, " of his time," and one of the best ever seen in England. " You can tell," he says, " what we think of him over here, and what he is worth to the Duke of Portland, when you hear that lie has a subscription list of 40 mares at '200 guineas a-piece, and that he is booked full for three years ahead." Another of the veteran trainer's favourites is the mighty Ormonde, and when speaking about him he is strongly tempted to discard his " generation " standard, and plump for the great son of .Bend Or as the mightiest of them all. " I don't know what you think of Ringmaster,"' he begins. We tell him lie is considered a third-rater. "Aye,"' lie says, "we don't think much of him over here; but. what 1 was going to say was I do believe Ormonde could have given him sst and a beating over any distance."' Minting he considered was a rare good one; but barely within 101b of Ormonde.

A yarn is told in an English sporting paper of Jubilee? Benzon, who, while in the Nice Gaol, had a visit from a friend, who deposited £l;j with the gaol-keeper towards creature comforts for the said inmate. The friend assured Benzon that lie would get off. "No," said the .Jubilee, "I'll get live years.'"' " Everybody .says you can't get more than a month, - ' chimed in the friend, who had previously told B. of the money entrusted to the gaol-keeper. "Do they?" said Benzon, "well, go and ask the officer for the oof, and take 1000 to 15 against my getting five years. There'll be a thou, to start with when I come out, and it's a good hedge."' Another story is told of a second visitor, who inquired if he could do anything for Benzon? " Yes, if I do time, smuggle me in what wins the Lincolnshire Handicap." The Associated Racing Clubs, which have undertaken to control trotting, pony, and galloway racing in the metropolitan district of Sydney, have issued regulations which provide among other things, that no race meetings shall be held on trucks of less than six furlongs in circumference, that not less than £200 in added money shall be given for each day's racing, and that no races for ponies of less than 13"2 hands shall be held. The French .jockey Club's takings in the pari-mutucls of ISSD came to £1,043,312. The levy of '2 per cent, claimed by the Minister of the Interior, plus the amount of unclaimed tickets, was £2.'',018: and the '2 per cent, levy by the .Jockey Club plus the fractional payments, yielded £20,207. Expenses of working the system came to £14,032, and there remains a balance of £0218 to the good, which, added to the amount left over at the end of 1888, leaves about £13,720 in the hands of the Jockey Club committee. The Emperor William, who, like his brothers-in-law, the Duke of Augustcnburg and Prince Frederick Leopold, takes a great interest in the German turf, has intimated his intention of giving £3000 out of his privy purse to a stake for three-year-olds, which is to be called *he Prussian Derby and is to be run at Berlin. The race will lie confined to horses bred in Germany, Austria, and Himgary. There are persons (says Land and Water) who hope and believe that a millennium will arrive when there shall be no more betting, but all practical men of the world know better ; and though wc English are extremely wise in our own eyes, the fact of every other country adopting and fostering the parimutucl system of betting on racecourses should at least cause us to consider the advisibility of following in their footsteps. The English turfite Colonel North has given Morniiigton Cannon a retainer of £500 guineas to ride for him this season. In the valuable Brocklesby Stakes, won by Col. North's Simonian last month, Mornington Cannon rode the winner, his father, Tom, being second on Mr. " Abington's" Macouncas.

The stewards of the English Jockey Club have given notice that no jockey whose license to ride has been withdrawn or refused on the ground of misconduct will be eligible to ride trials or be allowed in any weighing room, stand, or inclosure during the time of his suspension from riding. With a view of inducing English and Australian owners to compete lor the American Derby of 1892 a scheme is on foot to increase the stakes so that the winner of the race shall be insured a prize of at least 50,000 dollars.

The parties behind Ilex, this year's winner of the Liverpool Grand National Steeplechase, won a big stake over their horse's victory. In addition to other heavy wagers, Mr. Masterman, his owner, took 7000 to 1000 twice over about his chance.

A writer in an American sporting paper makes an interesting comparison of the various modes of locomotion, with the following result: —A man can swim a mile in 20m. 525. ; lie can walk it in 6m. 235. ; he can cover it on snow shoes in sm. 3fttS. ; he can run the distance in 4m. 12|s. ; he can ride it on a tricycle in 2m. 49 2-ss. ; on a bicycle in 2m. 29 4-ss. ; and he can skate it in 2m. 12 3-ss. Behind a trotting horse he gains nearly 4s. by covering the distance in 2m. Stfs., while on a running horse he gallops the mile in lm. 39j's., and last and fastest he sits in a railroad train and flies over a mile of the steel rails in 50;}s. The Australian horse Ringmaster has accepted for the Manchester Cup, in which his impost is 7st 31b.

Titan is said to have been blistered on both forelegs. ' A G lsborne telegram states that the hurdleracer Darnley has been sold to Mr. Gollan, of Napier, for £170. It is stated that Titokowaru was well backed for the steeplechase which he won at Caultield a fortnight back. • George Hope has taken up the Captivator Madcap colt purchased at the Sylvia Park sale by Mr. W. Bobbett. Carbine, who has filled up a good deal since his return from Sydney, is again in slow trotting exercise at Fleimngton. The committee of the Australian Jockey Club has decided that licensed jockeys are not allowed to train ponies or galloways. The committee of Sydney Tattersall s Club have accepted tenders for the erection of their new premises. The contract price is £12,500. Henry VIII. decreed that no stallion under 15 hands should run at large, and all mares likely to breed undersized or illshaped produce be destroyed. A horse named Umslopagas, who stands over 17 hands, took part in the Light Stakes, run at the last Kapunda races. The horse is by Tregeagle from Loquacity, by Talk o' the Hills. There were 4792 races rim in America in 1889, against 4139 in 188S and 3549 in 1887. The added money of 1889 foots up 2,379,192 dollars, against 1,837,275 dollars in ISBB. The Indian horse trader, Mr. E. Weekes, has offered a good price for the racehorse Audacity, but the owners of the erst Maoriland declined to let the horse go under 500 guineas. Captain Machell, the celebrated English sportsman, was offered 35,000 dollars for his three-year-old chestnut colt Rathkal, by Boulevard, clam Hollythorn, which offer he promptly refused. News comes from America tiiat a two-y,.ar-old trotter named Voodoo, by Stamboul (2m. 14is), out of Eva (2m. 23?55.), recently changed" hands for £4820, or within £10 of what Titan realised. The most valuable two-year-old races in England this year will be the Manchester Whitsuntide Plate of £3700, on May 31, and the Portland Stakes of ±.'3500, to be decided at Leicester on July 8. A HARDSHIP. TO THE SPORTING EDITOR. Sir, —Will you kindly allow me to draw your attention to what 1 call "peculiar handicapping. " I would ask you, in the first place, to take the Maiden Plate, at the Lake, where you will observe Octopus handicapped at Sst 121b, then take the Maiden at Takapuna, and you will see the same horse let in with Tst 121b. This is only a lleabite to some of the other inconsistencies; as, for instance, what I call a downright hardship, Pinllre, in the Maiden at the Like, is handicapped at Sst 41b, and without performing, unless ho has " caught a .swallow," only known to the handicapper, is increased in weight for the Takapuna to Sst 101b. Where the lilb penalty conies in "a camel could only swallow." 'lake, again, Ingorina ill the Lake Maiden. I see lie lias Tst Tib, and again 1 find this, for what shall I call it, "the invisible swallow," he has to put up Sst at Takapuna. Then, again, conies the funny part. All horses owned on the other side of the "duck pond " are reduced as follow Torment, at the Like Sst 21b ; at Takapuna, 7.-.t 61b (lolb allowed for this "invisible swallow"); Phantom, Tst; reduced at Takapuna to (Ist Tib (another " invisible swallow "). Octopus in the former part of my letter 1 have alluded to; but, owing to all his claws gripping me, enforces no further comment. I would suggest the handicapper onjoying a little "ozone," and taking up his residence at the North Shore. The breeze is very invigorating; but let fair play be bonny play, which, I feel sine, you will endorse. Look again at the Pupuke Cup, where we find Leorina in at ;>st Mb, at Takapuna reduced to Sst 121b; she must, be supposed to, or shall, get an attack of "la grippe" between the two races. Next we find Tamora with the "grippe" at Sst '21b at the Lake, and at Takapuna Bst. Pinttro seems never to be ill. as I find lie remains in statu quo. Torment, 1 see, has been giving the handicapper a headache, as nib is taken oil' this "duckpond darling"— Tib at Pupuke, list IMb at lakapuna. Nigger, I find, like l'intire, has not caught " the grippe" yet. Humph ! Dollar, like our American cousins, always wants " a show," so 41b is her " grippe." Ingorina, strange to say, must be dying, as 1 find be lias to put up a penalty of 4lb for not catching it. Phantom seems to be incurable, as I find her in the Pupuke ("up at list Tib, and without performing this mare his half a stone taken off. An explanation of such inconsistent handicapping is desirable. —I am, Ac, WIDKAWAKK. Auckland, May 17, 1883. TAKAPUNA JOCKEY CLUB. The following are the acceptances and entries for the races at the Takapuua Jockey Club's Winter Meeting which takes place on the Queen's Birthday : — Birthday Handicap, one mile and a quarter.— Leorina, Sst 1211) ; Loch Ness. Sst lib ; Tamora, Sst; Pintire, Tst 1211) ; Polosa, 7st ".lib : Kiasole, 7st Sib ; Montrose, Tst 4lb : Cartridge. Tst 21b ; Riot, Tst 21b ; Nigger, Tst 21b; Torment, (Ist 10lb ; Te Kooti, fist 1011. ; Dollar, list 101b ; Phantom, list. Stkei'l.kciiase, about three miles and a quarter. —Magnesia, lOst 121b; Orlando, lOst 4lb ; Tawhiao, lost; Pitnell, Ost 101b ; Hnne, fcu 101b ; Dick Tnrpin, !>st lolb, Fishmonger, Ost 101b; Shamrock, Ost Tib ; Hilly, t'st Tib ; Irish Agitator, U»t Tib; Surprise. 9st Tib. lUnni.K Rack, one mile and three quarters.— Oilando. lOst 4lb; Parnell, Ost 101b; llune, Ost lolb ; Fishmonger, Ost Tib; Dick Turpin, 9st Tib; Hailstone, Ost; Operatic, Ost; Shamrock, Ost; Billy, 9st; Irish Agitator, ast ; Larrikin No. 2, list. Victoria Handicap, six and a half furlongs.— Leorina, *»st 121b; Loch Ness, S-.t 81b; Fiesole, Sat 211) ; TainorH, Tst 1211); Pintire. Tst 101b; Dolosa, Tst lull) ; Rataplan, Tst 01b; Dollar, Tst 61b; Fusee, Tst Mb; ingorina, T.st -ill); Fishmonger, Tst, 21b; Nigger, Tst; Operatic, Tst; Cartridge, Tst; Riot, Tst ; Prudence. Tst ; Lottery, Tst ; Octopus, Ost lUib; Torment, 6st 101b ; Premier, tint; Phantom, Ost; Te Kooti, list ; Albert, 6»t. Maiden Pi.atk, one mile.—Pinrlre_Bst 101b; Ingorina, Sst ; Fishmonger, sst ; Locket, Tst 121b ; Octopus, Tst, 12lb ; Fragrance, Tst 011); Torment, Tst Olb; Shamrock, Tst Olb; Leofric, Tst 41b; Lottery, Tst lib; Phantom, list Tib; Te Kooti, Ost Tib; Antic, list ; Myra, Ost; Albert, Ost. Pony Rack, six and a-half furlongs.—Lottery, Ost Ulb; Forget-me-Not, Ost 21b; Grace Darling, S)st ; Pica, bst slh ; Antic, Tst Tib; My Queen, Tst tilb; Gamecock, Tst 21b; Minnie Gray, Ost 101 ; Medusa, c.st inlh ; Ingersoll, Ost Tib ; Victim, Ost Tib ; Violet, 0.-t Tib Dolly, list Tib; Violey, Ost ; Too Soon, Ost; Forsaken, Ost ; Cyclops, Ost; Taniuri, Ost.

Hack Race.—Miss Liml, JOsovs; Ocean Bird, liisovs ; Forest King, fwovs ; Premier, nil: Black Joe, nil ; Native, nil ; JJilly, nil: Blarney, nil ; Iron Bark, nil; Barber, nil ; .Ma, nil; Drake], nil ; Oct<>p.is, nil; Buzzard, nil.