SPORTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 8402, 1 November 1890, Page 6

SPORTING.

TO RACING CLUBS. TltE Auckland Wksklt News has been appointed the Official Calendar for the publication of all programmes in the Provincial District of Auckland, In tonus of the new rules of racing. In order to ensure advertisements being inserted in the page allotted to " The Sportsman " it is necessary that they be sent in by Wednesday afternoon. [EXTBACT.] Hi'LK 17.—The programme of each meeting In which the added money is £100 or upwards, must bo adrortised in full once at leant in the Official Calendar. The adrertiuuueut skill show that the programme has beon Approved by the Jockey Club, shall state the days ou which, the meeting is to begin and end, and the names of the .stewards, nulge, starter, clerk of the scales, aud handieapper. RACING FIXTURES. New Zkalank. November 4, 6, S—Canterbury Jockey Club. Novembers, —Auckland Eaciiig Club. December —Aroiulxl* Jockey Club. November -2 — Pakuranga. Jtaciuj; Club. December 20—Smith Auckland liacing Club. December 28, January 1, S— Auckland Racing Club. December 'Hi —Hawko's Buy Jockey Club. December M, 27—Northern Wairoa Racing Club. December 27— Drury Racing Club. December 27, January B—Auckland Trotting Club. .ltuiu.iry —Napier Park Uiciu; Club. January —Waieu Jockey Club January 13, Poverty Kay Turf Club. March 17—Cambridge Jockey Club. March 17, IS— Hawks' Hay Jockey Club. March 'U, 25.— Napier Park llacing Club. March 80, Auckland Racing Club. March 30, 31—Canterbury Jockey Club. June '2b— Uawke'a Bay Jockey Club. Australia. November 1, 4, C, S— Victoria Racing Club. DATES OF COMING EVENTS. November I—V.It.C. Derby. November 4—New Zealand Cup. November 4— Melbourne Cup. December '20— Auckland Cup. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. WaGKR.— carried 7st 131b when he ran third to Sheet Anchor (~»t lllb) for the Melbourne Cup of 1885. T.J. P., Mount Eden.—Waturvriteh (dam of Jet d'Eau) was got by Ciiuuieu from Mermaid, by Kiug Tom from Waterwiteh, by Hying Dutchman.' HOTEO.—Pearl Shell ran fourth in the V.R.C. Derby of ISSS, in which raco Ensign beat Carbine a head. T.U., Wanginui.— and The Painter both died in I^-s*l. Sportsman, Thames.Carbine started on five occasions as a two-year-old, wiuning all of his engagements. THE V.R.C. MEETING. [bv PHAETOST.] Once again we are on the eve of the great spring racing carnival that is annually brought off at Plemingten; aud the hopes and fears of mouths past will be speedily settled. On the present occasion the New Zealand-owned division will not be very numerous, and will be confined to Messrs. O'Brien and Duder'a representatives, Whii»berel and Cuirassier, but the fact of Carbine, Gatling, and several of Nordenfeldt'B youngsters being engaged in the principal events, will surround the gathering with almost as much interest, and I anticipate that there will be as large a crowd round the Hkrald office to hear the result of the Derby and Maribyrnong Plate and Cup as in any provious year. And" now for a few words with my readers on the principal events. THE DERBY. The big event of to-day's programme will of course, be the Derby, for which the Held on this occasion promises to be unusually strong. 1 have selected the following six as the most likely starters : — stlh The Admiral, by Richmond—Footstep .. * 10 Aniiesley, by Necfcersg.it— Ada 8 10 G:Ulin;;, by Norde»feldt—Pctrolouse .. .. S 10 Whiuibere'l. by St. Alluu's-Curlew .. .. 810 Correze, by Newuiinater—Ouida .. .. 810 Thi) Spot, by St. AlbaTV-i—lady Disdain .. SlO

The Admiral's defeat of Megaphone ami Co. in the Caultield Stakes, under a penalty of Tibs, would appear to fairly entitle him to the position of favourite, which he has occupied since he recorded that noteworthy victory. That he is endowed with a great dash of pace he gave abundant proof last season when he won the Mariibyrnong Plate and the Koyal Handicap, and so far as I have been able to gather, there does not appear to be any doubts as to his staying abilities. Therefore it would appear to be only a question of health for him to play a prominent part in to-day's contest. On all hands it seems to be conceded that Gatling is i* much - improved colt to what he was at Banwick, and that the son of Nordenfeldt and Petroleuse has • satisfied his trainer may be gathered from the fact that he has been supported to win £5000. There seem* to be a doubt .about Catling's gameness, mainly on account of Ids shirking the run off in the Foal .Stakes, after his dead heat with Gibraltar. There may, however, be excuses for that; and I shall elect to predict that he will run a great race, and finish amongst the first flight in to-day's race. Aunesley, by all accounts, won his honours in the Caultield Guineas like a thorough racehorse ; and as his party subsequently backed him for the blue riband he must nave demonstrated to his party his ability to yet a mile and a-hulf in Derby time. Titan I cannot stand after his wretched performances, and Whiinberel is evidently not the genuine customer that his neck defeat in the A.J.(J. Derby would have led one to give him credit lor ; but there is one further down the list that I shall require to know a little more about before I write him out, and that is Correze. In glancing through thy V.lv.C. entries I notice that the son of Goldsbrough is engaged in all the principal weight-for-age races, which wouid seem to point to his Being a good colt. He has evidently been supported from the right quarter, and if a surprise id in store he may bo the one to bring it off. In placing them thus— the Admiral, Gatling, Annesley, I think 1 shall be pretty close to the judge's verdict. THE MKLBOURXK CUT. On the Tuesday following the Cup will be brc"ight up for decision, aud with an acceptance of 42, there seems every prospect of the field being amongst the most numerous and brilliant that has ever gone to the post for the great Flemiiigton race. The following is the list of acceptors : — Carbine .. ..10 5 Jebusite .. ..7 8 Meloa .. .97 Little Boruie , ..78 •Cuirassier .. ..'.) 0 Muriel .. ..70 Sir William .. 8 11 Wlumbrel .. ..7 5 Kicbelieu .. .. 8 11 Krnani .. ... 7 5 Singapore .. ..SO (Jatluig .. .. 7 f> Chintz. .. .. 8 -1 Correze .. .. 7 3 The Lawyer .. 8 4 Aiincsltsy .. ..7 3 IJunzon .. .. 8 3 The Spot .. .. 0 12 Prince Consort ..SI LoyaUtoue,, .. 0 12 The Queen.. .. 8 0 Lapstonet.. .. 6 12 Tantalkm .. .. 7 13 The Harbour Light Oil Newtmuter .. 7 13 Copenhagen .. 0 10 Taicolla .. ..7 12 Rich Ruby (dead) (i 10 (;hal(Uan .. ..7 1:! Highborn .. .. « 8 Whakawai.. .. 7 12 Mantilla „ ..0 8 Titan .. .. 7 11 Plenty .. ..0 8 (jarn'netont .. 7 11 Emancipation .. OS Vengeance* . . 7 10 Ksmeralda .. c 7 The Admiral ..7 9 Enuo .. .. (J 7 Tourbillon .. ..78 Firelock .. ..07 t Including 31b penalty. * Including 141b penalty. When the weigh the or this race made their appearance in June last, and Carbine was found with the steadier of 10nt 51b opposite his name, many were inclined to write the son of Musket out with very little ceremony; but I am bound to say that I was never one of that number, for since he recorded that memorable victory in the Loch Plate, in which race ho carried 14lb over weight-for-age, and defeated the Australian Gup winner, Lochiel. over two miles, I, along with many others, have regarded him as a phenomenon. In the Sydney Cup of 1889, Carbine carried Ost (14lb over weight-for-age), and after meeting with a mishap during the race, which threw him back last at the entrance to the straight, he got through and won ; and when we come to consider that Melos (Bst 21b) and Aboreorn (!)st 41b) were behind him, the brilliancy of the performance cannot be gainsaid. In the Melbourne Cup last year he carried lOst and got past everything but Bravo, to whom he was conceding two years in age and 211b in actual weight, and he was then beaten less than a length. On all hands it is admitted ' that the great son of Musket was never so muscular as he is at the present day, and though he has a herculean task set him, I think, should the going be good, and Rain age be able to steer clear of the bumping and interference that almost invariably attends favourites in this race that Aucklanders will find, when the result is posted on Tuesday, that Carbine is amongst the first flight. Melos (9-3t 71b) is unquestionably a good horse, and the great nick he is in at present points to his playing a prominent part in the contest. That the son of Goldsbrough and Melody is equal to something very brilliant he lias many times <.;ivun abundant proof, and his head defeat in the last Australian Cup under the steadier of !).st 21b (on which occasion the winner, Dreadnought, cut down the record for two miles and a quarter) points to Mr. Gannon's horse being one of the most dangerous engaged in the race, for of his ability to get over two miles in brilliant time there is not a doubt. Cuirassier (9st) might have had a show if he had been sent across earlier, but, much as I should desire to chronicle a victory for his plucky owners, I must write him out of this race; and I shall place Sir William (Bst 111b), Richelieu (Bst 111b), Singapore (Bst 91b), and Chintz (Bst 41b) in the same category. The Lawyer (Bst 4lb) won the Adelaide Cup last season with 7st 10lb in the saddle, but I can find no mention of his having done anything further of note to warrant me in placing him amongst the probable winners, lienzon (Bet Sib) is thought by many shrewd Caullield judges to have a I big show, but so far as his public peri formances are concerned, he hag not yet

shown his ability to stay. Prince Consort (Sst lib) may have a show, for as a thrce-year-okl in the same race he finished close up in fourth place last year. The Queen (Bst) ran a good mare ia the Metropolitan Stakes, finishing third to Little Beruie and Papua. I don't care about mares in the epring of the year; but the fact of the daughter of The Drummer being in such great fettle, and that ehe has been heavily backed, it would bo very dangerous to leave her out of calculation. Tantallon (7st 131b) was a very early " tip" for this race, and from tho support that nas been accorded him, he has evidently satisfied his party, albeit a cablegram received this week states he was badly beaten in a two-mile gallop by his stable niato, Prince Consort Newmastor (7st 131b) ia said to have received staunch support during the present week ; but considering that he is an aged horse he should ere thin have given a proof of his ability to get a long journey. Chaldean (7st 121b) was a very smart two and three-year-old, but as a four he ran very badly. He is now located in one of the Ballarat stables, aud is said to show a deal of improvement. Whakawai (7st 121b), Tarcoola \7st 121b), Carrington (/at 111b;, and Titan (7st Mb) cau, I fancy, be placed in the invprooable division ; but the Cauliield Cup winner, Vengeance (7et 101b) miwt ba treated with respect. That his owner considers tho extra stone will not seriously affect the son of Newmiuster he has given ample proof by supporting him for this race to wiu £20,000. The Admiral (7st 01b) has a big tusk set him to carry 31b over weight-for-ago, and whon we come to connider that three such doughty performers as Nordenfeldt, Trident, and the Australian Peer each failed under 4lb less, there is a chilling doubt as to The Admiral's ability to i;et home. However, should the son of Richmond achieve an easy victory in the Derby he may run well up in the Cup, though at present 1 shall not recommend him to my re;.dei\s. Tourbillon (7st 81b) aud Tho Jebusit 3 i7st Sib) I have no fancy for; but Little Btrnie (7st 61b) on his running in the Metropolitan ought to have a great show, for he got to the end of that journey in 3m. 31s. M uriel l7st 61b) is thought to have a say, and she ia credited with beiug in the most superb condition ; but I myself cannot fancy hor chance. Wliimberel (7st 61b) I don't care about; but Ernani (7st 51b) is whispered about us one of the outside division likely to turn up trumps ; but there is nothing in his performances to warrant such a belief. Gatting (7st slb), Correze (7st 31b), and Annesley (Tat '21b) will probably take part in the Derby to-day, and their performance in that race should furnish a line as to their Cup prospects. Loyalstone ifist l'2lb), ©a his running in the Cauliield Cup, must take a. lot of beating, should he l)e able to stay out the two miles, for it should be borne in mind that Vengeance only beat him a short head. Of the remainder engaged, Highborn (6»t 81b), aud Enuc (Gst 71b), appear to me to be trhe only two worthy of consideration. Tlie first-named is credited with having rattled off a very smart two miles, on the strength of which lie has been well backed. iSe far as his public performances are concerned, however, they would lead one to give him credit for speed rather than endurance. Highborn is a five-year-old son of Grandmaster, and with such a lenient impost lie should have a deal to say in the settlement of the question. Enuc (list 71b) finished third, with 6st Sib to Vengeance's 6et 131b, and Loyalstone (7st lib), in the Caultield Cup, and considering that he meets the latter oh worse terms, I cannot see on paper how he is goiug to reverse the running with Mr. <3ardiner's tior.se. His party, however, evidently think highly of his chance, and after £'20,000 had been secured about him on Tuesday last he wound up a firm favourite. Having now exhausted the list, the task devolves upon me of making a selection, and after carefully considering the question, I think I cannot do butter than predict that the winner will come from either Carbine, Melos, The Queen, Prince Consort,Loyalstone, Vengeance, Highborn, or Chaldean, and to reduce this Dumber to three, my choice rests with Carbine, Melos, and Loyalstone.

In discussing the Melbourne Cup with his readers, in the .Melbourne Sandard of last week, that good judge, " Nunquam Dormio," says : —" My previous arguments have tended to show that 1 do not think Carbine is overburdened with weight, even at lOst 51b. The doughty son of Musket and Mersey carried hie lUst right gallantly into second place last year, aud ius he was then a four-year-old—an age when the ills all equine flesh [3 heir to come thick and fast upon them— it was a marvellously great performance. On the Australian scale of weight-for-age, ii horse is credited with improving <3lb at two miles between four and five years of age; so that, on that plea alone. Carbine has been exceedingly well treated. But between the Carbine of last spring and the Carbine as Walter liickenboth.ini has «ot him to-day, there is 110 decree of comparison. I am a very bad judge indeed if Carbine io uot a 141b"better animal now than he wan then ; and provided lie gets a clear run, and has the good luck not to have any bail luck, whatever beats him will win, and I dont think anything on four lc'gs in Australia, with a rider on his back is within a stone of him. Melos had Bst 121b last year, and finished behind Carbine—but ouly half a neck behind. Mr. Gannon's colt had an extremely rough voyage of it, however, some heavy weather experienced on aeveral occasions. He now meets Carbine on 41b worse terms than lie did then ; and, although, as I t'azed on him on the training track at Flemington recently, his muscular appearance was confirmation strong that ho is in the very piuk of condition, 1 will not .stand him to reverse the positions this year. After Melos, goinj? down the list, I will not give anything the ghost of a show until I come down to the Bst division, where I will mike a pause, and salute The Queen. The Flcminsfton division who were present at Randwick, when they returned to Victoria, were of one opinion, which was that The Queen was a bit " off " before the race for the Metropolitan .Stakes ; and that, desaite all this, had the race been a furlong further there would have been nothing else in it, so fast was she coming at the finish. The daughter of The Drummer and Black Swan has ere this given us a taste of her quality at fr'lciniugton, besides winning a Hawkeebury Grand Handicap, with Bst l'Jlb in the saddle, in the clinking time of 2m. 36§s. ; and so, if Mr. John Mayo brings her fit and well to the post, she will be the only one I will give an outside show of "downing" Carbine. It is with extreme reluctance that 1 pass by an old and particular weakness of mine — Whakawai, at 7st 121b. MeKenna has got him well — extremely well; as well, indeed, as lie was when he showed Mr. W. E. Dakiu how a phenomenal two miles could be put in on the sand track at/ Flemington without an animal beins; punched out to the bitter end. The gathering years should not have impaired those undoubted powers he then displayed; nay, were one to judge from the style and time in which he swung over a mile and six furlongs on Saturday morning he once more possesses the very highest claims to be reckoned on as one of the dangerous division. Hero will I hold. I shall altogether discard the three-year-olds (of whom I take Anuesley to be far aud away the best of the top weights) from consideration ; nor must I allow either Loyal Stone, Highborn, or Enuc aught else than an outside show. I think the winner is certain to come from Carbine, Melos, The Queen, and Whakawai ; and if I must place them, then, if you please, Mr. Compositor, set them down tlius: — Carbine, 1 ; Melos,'2; The Queen or Whakawai, 3. THE FATE OF THE KAVOUKITE. In order that my readers may be in possession of information us to the fate of favourites in the Cup, 1 have compiled the following little table, which shows the position occupied by the favourite in each year since 1876 :— Year. Favourite. Odds. Position at Onish. 1876—Feud'Artifice ..100t<i30 .. Nowhere IB77—Havanaku .. 4 to 1 .. Second 1878— Mellta . .. 4to 1 .. Not iu first dozen IH7o—suwarrnw ..100 to 30 .. Third 18S0—Progress.. .. -J to 1 .. Sucond 1881—Oarebin .. .. 3 to 1 .. About tenth h?H2— Sweet Willinm.. 4 to 1 .. Fourth 1388—Martini-Henry.. Oto l .. Pirnt 1884—Hastings .. 5 to 1 .. Fourth 18S5—Nordenf sldt S to l .. Fourth 1880—Trident .. .. r> tu 1 .. Fourth ISS7—The Ausl'hiPeor f> to 1 .. Third IS3B—Chicago.. .. 4 to 1 .. Nowhere ISSo—Mulos .. .. 7 to 2 .. Third THE NEW ZEALAND CUP. On the same day as the Melbourne Cup is to be decided, New Zealand turfites will bo engaged at the Canterbury Jockey Club's meeting at Riccarton with the New Zealaud Cup. Since the payment on the 17th inst., only two have dropped out, and there seeins a good prospect of tucten left in going to the poat. St. lb. St. lb. Occident .. .. 8 13 Wolverine .. .. (1 11 Dudii .. ..8 9 Orackaliot , .. ..7 1 Whisper .. .. 7 12 Freedom .. .. v 9 St. Andrew ..7 0 Strephon .. ..6 0 Jetd'Eau .* ..7 7 Kotukut .. ..0 0 * Including Clb penalty, t Including lilbpenalty. Occident (Bstl3lb) has been a consistent performer, but I am not at all partial to his chance. Dudu (Bst 91b) is said to be bettor than ever she was, and may therefore be depended on to run a good race, though the majority of Canterburyites seem to doubt her ability to get to the end of a solidly-run two miles. Oynisca (7st 121b) I do not care about; but her stable mate, Whisper (7st 121b), may have a show. St. Andrew (7st 91b) is undoubtedly a good colt, and he will need to be, to successfully carry 31b over weight-for-age to victory. Since the withdrawal of Ins stable mate Tirailleur, those who were inclined to despise Jet d'Eau's chance (and I myself was amongst the number) have been compelled to alter their tune. Summed up ou his performance iu the hut Auckland

Cup the pay son of Cadogan could not have a hundred-to-one chance in the race under review; but the fact that he has been well backed by the stable, s.nd that he is the only one of Mr. Gollan's beam left in tho race, clearly points to his form last season ueinp; all wrong; and I ma/ here remark , that a Napierite, who invariably knows what he is talking about when racing is under consideration, writes me that "whatever beats Jet d'Ea'u will win the New Zealand Cup of 1890." Crackshot (7st lib) is on all hands voted to be a much improved colt to when he ran at Hawke'a Bay in the early part of last month, and as he showed his ability to get to the end of a mile and a half in 238, his chanco iu the race under review appears to me to be a really first-class one. With such a lenient impost as 6st 111b, Wolverine should have a great show ; and. if I was sure that he could got the two miles, I should certainly feel very much inclined to plump for him ; and, even as it is, I must say that I have a great liking for his chance. Freedom (6st 91b) lias a good few admirers, but I shall require him to show his ability 30 stay a long journey before recommending him to my readers. Streuhon (6st 91b) and Kotuku (b'st 31b) complete the list of those engaged, and of tho dozen, I must say that I like nothing so much us Crackshot. NOTES BY PHAETON. It has been definitely decided to send the Sylvia Park stud up for sale by auction in January next, and the catalogue bearing thereon will be issued in the course of a few days. There was a proposal to have a two days' sale, but I understand that one day has been decided upon ; and the order of sale will be the mares first, the stallions second, and the yearlings third. The result of the V.R.C. Derby may be expected to come to hand shortly after six o'clock to-night, and immediately on receipt it will be posted at the Herald (Mice. During the progress of the Pakuranga Hunt Club's meetiug at Ellerslie on Saturday last several trainers secured the opportunity to give their two-year-olds a sight of the crowd. Major George's pair, /Egyptus and The Workman, who were accompanied by the three-year-olds Reprisal and Vendetta were treated to a spin down the straight, all moving in excellent style. Owing to becoming ehiusore, Harrison wisely eased The Workman off, and the son of Robinson Crusoe is, therefore, a little backward in his preparation. He has furnished into a fine colt, and 1 was much impressed with the manner in which he handled himself. J. B. Williamson's pair, 'Orestes and the Captivator—Maid of Honour colt, were also parading the paddock, both looking remarkably well, and there seems to be but one opinion amongst those who have watched the work at Ellerslie regarding the first-named, and that is that he is a real good one. Cissy, the full sister to Trenton, who has throughout her career proved herself a very irritable young lady, was amongst those present, aud she \Vas taken on to the lawn whilst the band was playing, in order to give her a taste of the music. At lirst she cavorted about in the most approved style, but after a. bit she quietened down ; and a few such like introductions should do a lot towards getting rid of her fretfulness. There seems every likelihood of the Auckland Racing Club having the same trouble ovor the handicaps for the second day's racing of the Spring Meeting as was the ease last year. According to the programme, the handicaps are to appear at nine o'clock on the night of the first ilay - 8 racing, but as Mr. Evitt will have to telegraph them from Christchurch, I fail to .see now he is to satisfactorily perform his task, especially as no less than six handicaps have to be compiled. This handicapping by telegraph is a great mistake, and it is a pity that some other arrangements could not be made BO as to do away with it over the spring gathering, when the success of the second (lay's racing so largely depends on good handicaps. The excellent meeting which thePakuranga Hunt Club brought off last week at Elleralie, shows that there ie still a lot of vitality in the old club, and that it may continue to nourish is, I am sure, the heartfelt wish of every Auckland sportsman. For the second year in succession, Mr. T. Craig landed the double— Hunt Cup and Members Hurdle Race—with old Hurricane, and the manner in which he handled his horse in both races won for him the highest encomiums. Hurricane's age has been variously stated, but his trainer, J. B. Williamson, says that the son of Ravensworth was in his nineteenth year. If that is correct, I think Hurricane can lay claim to being the oldest equine at present racing on the New Zealand turf. The total amount put through the machines during the afternoon was £2473, which is the largest sum ever put through at the club's annual gathering. When Titan was knocked down to Mr. K. G. Brodribb in April last at the extravagant price of 4800 guineas not a few of the shrewd turfites who stood round the sale ring on that memorable occasion shook their heads ominously as to the purchaser ever getting his money back. The defeats of the son of Chester in the A.J.C. Derby and Caulfield Guineas cost his owner fully £18,000; and a cablegram received yesterday states that the gelding nulled up so hopelessly lame that the pou had to be put through his name for all engagements. Mr. Brodribb's investments on Titan for the V.R.R. Derby alone would probably amount to considerably over £5000, so that it will be seen that his acquaintance with " the highest priced gelding in the world " has been of a most expensive character.

It appears that there is a little history attaching to the comparatively large dividend paid over Orlando, the winner of the Open ! Hurdle Race, at Ellerslie, on Saturday. While the horse was being saddled there was a good crowd around him, and the opinion as to his condition was of a satisfactory character; but when his owner and trainer, George ! Wright, was seen to remove the spurs from j Dawson'e heels, and take his whip from him, significant glances passed round, and " not on the job"' seemed to be* the general verdict. However, just as the flag was about to fall (indeed, some say that it had actually fallen), the bell whs very busy with his number, and it was a significant fact that his owner and trainer was the investor. The rase (for such apparently it was), should act as a caution to turfites not to vote horses dead before they are perfectly sure of their grounds. Though the youngsters which Mr. W. R. Wilson purchased in Auckland last January are all going on well, that gentleman is not at all sanguine of his prospects in the Maribyruong Plate, to be run to-day. The "Silver King " will in all probability be represented in the great two-year-old race by Lady Carbine. The running in the Melbourne Stakes has, in many instances, furnished a line as to the probable result of the Melbourne Cup, and asi Carbine and Melos are both engaged in to-day's contest, much interest will attach to the event. The hard luck that J. Rae has encountered since taking up his permanent residence in Victoria has been of quite a heart-breaking character, and it was no surprise to me during the present week to learn that he intends returning to Auckland. Writing to an Auckland friend, Rae states that unless something unforeseen occurs, lie will probably return to Auckland about the end of November. Though Rac's many New Zealand friends regret the jll-luek that has followed him of late in Australia, they will rejoice at his return to Auckland, for he has always been a great favourite here. The erst Aucklandor Riot won the Selling Race of lOOsovs at Elsternwick Park, on the 16th ult., another New Zc.alander (Inverinay) being second. .1. Rae did not have a, shilling on his horse, which he got back at the price for which he was entered (£SO). He, however, subsequently sold the horse privately. " Sterling," who recently interviewed Carbine, writes thus of the great son of Musket and Mersey :—" This horae has a beautiful head, a little small for so big a horse, kind and quiet-looking, marked with a bifj star and a faint streak thence to nostril; a strong but not long neck, with a good crest; great shoulders running right into his back, and clothed with muscle, while his arms are very powerful, the forelegs standing back under him. He is very thick through the heart, and is very short in the back, which ia immensely powerful, and he has a great barrel, is closely coupled, and is very high between the hips, where the croup, standing up, is almost like a deformity, whilst the hips are square, ' the quarters are long and droop a little, and are wonderful in their muscular developments, his widtli outside I the stifles being hardly credible, while hq|is tilled up with muscle right down to his hocks, his thighs being perfection, and he has rare hocks, while his near hind leg is I white nearly to the hock. Such a horse to j follow I have never seen, being square from j his hips to the point of his outer thighs, and wider thau mont draught stallions," Mr. Harrie .Smith, the well-known Victorian sportsman, has been appointed to the position of stipendiary steward by the committee of the V.R.C. His duties will be to I attend all meetings save those held at Flem- ; ing ton, and act as the representative of the ! governing institution, in connection with the local stewards. Commenting on the appointment, the Sydney Herald says :— " Mr. Smith's long and honourable connection with racing fully qualifies him for the position, which requires a thorough knowledge of tho sport, as well as a firm and resolute determination to put down the malpractices which are so common on the turf, and which local authorities in many instances have not sufficient experience or enough backbone to deal with in a proper manner." " Augur" has authority to state that Bravo did not die on reaching India. The son of Grand Flaneur will probably yet figure on • English courses.

f M. O'Brien, the well-known jockey, is,able to get about, but is still very ill.; and Mr. Wallace has jecured the services of R. Ramose to ride for him during the V.R.C. Spring Meeting. Carbine will therefore bo steered by that young and vigorous horseman in the Melbourne Cut. on Tuesday next. It is understood that. T. Hales will ride The Admiral in the V.R.C Derby. E. Power will have the mount on Annesley, and M. Harris on Catling. " Augur . states that Hales, though 43 years of age, rides in the same elegant style which has for so many years characterised the leading jockey. It is stated that Pygmalion's trial, on the strength of which he was so heavily supported for the Cauliield Cup, was an extraordinary one. Carrying 01b over Ins weight, he ran the first two furlong in 255, the mile and a-quarter in 2m 18s, and the last two furlongs in 275, completing the distance m 2m 455. , „ i XT A special cablegram to the Sydney News states that Lord Randolph Churchill offered Mr. Cooper 2700 guineas for the colt Wentworth, recently purchased by Mr. Cooper at the sale of the Hon. James White's horses m England for 1700 guineas, and 3000 guineas for the lilly Mons Meg, purchased for 2600 guineas. Mr. Cooper declined both offers. J Rae's representative Orangeman stuck up at tho second fence in tho Caulficld Steeplechase, and he had to bo brought back to the paddock without completing the course. ~,,«■.«• ,• i, »i j In a conversation which " Martindale had with Mr. Brodribb, owner of Titan, that gentleman declared that he lost more money over the colt in the Caul field Guineas than he ever lost over one event before, and yet lie is thoroughly satisfied with the way tho horse was trained and ridden. The explanation he says, is that Titan is "an arrant cur. Even Free Lance (Melbourne Sportsman), who was the first to unearth Vengeance as a likely winner of the Caulfiold Cup, declined to stand the son of Newminster at the finish. . , . A Victorian writer has been amusing himself in computing the amount of money thai; might have been won on the opening day of the Caulfield Meeting by commencing with a ten pound note, and " playing up " the winnings, had it been possible to do so, which would, he states, reach £634,600 or £53,400 as the result of a modest pound investment. By the way, I hear that there is some talk of giving notice to the various racing clubs throughout New Zealand who run more totalisators than prescribed by the Gaming and Lotteries Act, to discontinue their practice of so doing. I understand that the Act provides for three only. How many do the Dunedin, Canterbury, and Auckland clubs use? An American horse, named Bob Thomas, has put up a new record by racing a mile over four hurdles in 1.49. Gatling was a strong Sydney " tip" yesterday for the V.R.C. Derby. One of the wagers laid on Megaphone for the Caultield Stakes (in which race he was badly beaten) was £1400 to £500. The unfortunate Mr. Brodribb was the layer. Advices from America state that the trotting horse Roy Wilkes has covered the mile track in 2in SJs, and the performance, if correct, stands out as a world's record, beating that of the famous Maud S. by fa. Some idea of the magnitude of the telegraph business transacted on a Doncaster Leger day may be formed from the fact that from Doncaster to the chief stations in England were despatched 13,000 private messages, while the press matter amounted to 100,000 words—news sufficient to fill some 80 columns of newspaper. The working brigade numbe-ied 65 clerks. . Further details of this year's Doncaster St. Leger shows that the winner, Memoir, was steered by J. Watts. Watts therefore has achieved the distinction, not often falling to the lot of a jockey, of riding the winners of the Oaks, Derby and St. Leger in the same year, as in addition to steering Memoir to victory in the St. Leger, ho rode the Duke of Portland's filly at Epsom, and was on the back of Sainfoin in the Derby. It may be added that three St. Lepers have now fallen to Watts's share, his previous successes being on the Duke of Hamilton's Ossian in 18S3 and on Mr. 11. C. Vvner's Lambkin in 1884. It is reported that the Australian Jockey Club lost £3000 by the last meeting. In the days when Mr. Joseph Thompson was leader of the Australian ring, it was easy enough (says " Augur ") for an owner to get on £15,000 or £20,000, but now some of those who pose as leading bookmakers attempt to block the market, and an owner is very lucky indeed if he succeeds in obtaining £5000 at a decent price. Rumonr has it that Messrs. R. Orr, W. Bailey, and J Scobie each won about £2000 by the victory of Aunesley in the Caulfield Guineas. The programme adopted by the Australian Jockey Club for tho coming year shows a total of £24,290 added money to be distributed in stakes, of which 1:10,990 will be disbursed at tlie Autumn Meeting, £9500 at the Spring, £2-150 at the Summer, and £1350 at the Winter reunions. The total amount paid away in stakes over the Victoria Amateur Turf Club's meeting Was £(5031. The Caulfield Cup won by Mr. A. R. Blockwood's Vengeance was worth £1500. Lord Cadogan is moving to add to rule 45 "No added money shall be given to any two-year-old race run before the week which includes May 25." Commenting on the first day's racing at Caulfield, the Melbourne Leader says : —To the followers of Hickenbotham's stable, who entrusted their coin and their confidence to Megaphone and Titan (the presumed deadbirds respectively for the Caulfield Stakes and Guineas) the occasion will hereafter be referred to as Black Saturday. The following foalings have been announced during the present week : — Mr. T. Motrin's Yattucy, by Yattendcn—Ecstacy, chestnut colt to Nordenfeldt. .Mr. l>. McKinnon's Brown Rose, by Anteros, dam by Bay (,'amden, colt to Flintlock. •Mr. 1). McKirmoii's I'ikau, by Anteros—Amohia, colt to Flintlock. Mr. D. McKiunon'ti Melody, by —Jenny Linu, colt to Flintlock. AUCKLAND RACING CLUB SPRING MEETING. The following acceptances in connection with the Spring Meeting of the Auckland Racing Club, to be held on November Bth and 10th, were received last night by Mr. W. Percival, Secretary:— Prince of Walks' Handicap, ono mile and α-half. St. 11). St. H>. Hilda .. ..9 8 The Dreamer ..7 7 Cissy .. .. 811 Belmont .. .. 7 :i Patchwork:. .. S 2 Glaui-us .. ..7 0 Leoriiii .. .. 713 Cartridge .. ..OS Loolintis . . ..71) IIURDLE Race, two miles. St. lit. St. lb. Hopeful Kate .. 10 in Fragrance.. ..93 Orlando .. .. 10 7 Begorrah .. ..do Satyr .. .. 10 0 Sentinel .. ..9 0 lluiio .. ..9 12 Hailstone .. ~9 0 To Kooti .. .94 Auckland Guineas, ono mile. M.jor George's ch c Reprisal, by First King— Memphis Mr. J. C Davis' ch c Leolantis, by Leolinus— Atlantis Major Miiir's br c The Dreamer, by Somnus—Sweet Alice The following entries were also received :— President's Handicap, one mile.—St. Michael, Rataplan, liißorina, Cynical, To Kooti, The Baron, Belmont, Fiesole, Antelope, Capclla. VVki.COMk STAKES, live furlongs.— Resentment, Veiix Hone. Tulloch, Ida, Roie, Brigand, Lady ISelle, The Workman, Brown Bess, Maid. of Honor colt, Orestes. Ski.ung STKEPLECHASK, about three miles.— Huntsman, nil; Jim, nil; falcon, nil; Hurricane, 408OV8. Klyino Handicap, six furlongs.—Patchwork, Rataplan, Cambria, I'itulen e, Lady Emineline, Cynical, The Dreamer, Tβ Kooti, Locket, Cartridge, Master Pal, Cissy, Boliuont, Reprisal, Antelope, Cape II a. .Spuing Handicap, seven Patchwork, Rataplan, Cambria, Prudence, Cynical, The Baron, Tho Dreamer, Cartridge, Master Pat, Leolantis, Cissy, Belmont, l'"iesole, Antelope, Capella. Handicap Hurdle Rack, one mile and threequarters.— Fishmonger, Uewarewa, 'torment, Fragrance, Hopeful Kate, Orlando, Satyr, tlune, Sun- . tinel, Hailstone, Bogorrah, Hurricane. NurseiiY Handicap, four furlong*. — Madcap colt. Resentment, Veux Rose, Tulloch, Transit, Sweet Lavender, Ida, Rose, Sybil, Brigand, Lady Belle, The Workman, iEyyptus, Brown Bess, Maid of Honour colt, Orestes. Handicap Steeplechase, about three miles.— Fishmonger, Jim, Hopeful Kate, Falcon, Orlando, Hu'i«, Sentinel, Hurricane. SELLING Hack, six furlongs. — Landseer, nil ; Hailstone,- 2U«ovs ; Prestissimo, nil. Hu.NTKRS" SV'ELTHR Stakes, one mile.—Satyr, .St. Michael Maiden Plate Handicap, one mile and a distance. — Torment, lueorina, Winifred, Glaucus , , Priseilla, Lady KrniueTine, The Baron, Vendetta, Ma Bouf.hal. PAKURANGA RACING CLUB. . The following nominations for the Pakuranga Racing Club's meeting were received last night :- Handicap Maiden Plate.—Deception, Winifred, Nap, Priscilla, Captive, Fishmonger, Ironbark, Johnny, Ma Bou^hal. Farmers' Plate.— GilKt», Randwick, Carroiiado, Deception, Pandora, Dundee, Mangere, Billy Billy, Star, Landseer, Premier, Insorina, Mariiana, Revoke, Memorandum, Neli, Ironbavk. Tamaki Ixiurina, Lady Kmmeline, Deception, St. Michael, Winifred, llelmont, Itigorina, Te Kooti, Tainora, Glaucus, Capella. Handicap Hurdles.— Larrikin, Orlando, Nap, Carronade, Fishmonger, Begorrah. Flying Handicap.—Baron, Prudence, Belmont, Premier, Priscilla, Te Kooti, Blarney, Ma ISoughal, Capella.