SPORTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8610, 4 July 1891, Page 6

SPORTING.

DATES OF COMING EVENTS. July 11—V.B.C. Grand Natsonal Hurdle Race. '■■: July 18—V.B.C. Grand National Steeplechase. ' August 13—New Zealand Grand National Steeple- . ■ chase. : - ■. • : ■■"'■■ ■'■' ■ : ■ September 9—-Doncaster St. Leger. 1 ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. THE TURF. J.P., Hlkurangi.—Wβ cannot say for certain, as pony races are not included in Turf Record. :■>■'■ ; Wager.—Martini-Henry was Sylvia's eleventh foal; Zalinski was Frailty's seventh. ■■■ : Canzonj.—The total amount realised at the sale of the Sylvia Park Stud in January last was 24,475 guineas. : : , . T. J. 0., Thames.—Clarence fell at the stone wall (opposite the mile post), while contesting' in the A. R.C. Summer Steeplechase in 183-1. . ... . H.C., Waihi.—The dividends paid on Coalscuttle when she won the Grandstand Handicap at Kllerslio in January last were £40 18s inside, and £48 19s outside. ' ■'.'■■■" ■■ Dos Caesar, Hamilton.—The greatest outsiders that have proved successful in the Melbourne Cup are : The Pearl (1871) and Zulu (1881), who each started at 60 to 1 in their respective years. KiJBSCIUBKK, Waihi:—The following are the times in which the various stapes of the Great Northern Di*rby, won by Cuirassier, were run;— Half-mile, s<Jis.; one mile, lm. 49J5.; mile and ahalf, 2a:. 40£s. G.W., Waiwera.—The English rule on the subject is as follows : —" When the last day for doing any thing under these rules falls on Sunday, it may be done on the following Monday, unless a race to which such act relates is appointed for that day, in which case it must be done on the previous Saturday." , THE NEW ZEALAND CUP. [by phaeton.] stlb st,lb Tirailleur .. ~9 7 Huguenot '_ „ 610 Murrie Kngland .. 9 3 Union Flag .-•':'••«, 0 9 Crackshot.. ... 9 2 Tassy .. „ 8 0 Medallion .. „ 812 British Lion ..6 8 Freedom «.' «- 812 Burd Helen _. 6 8 Hilda „ _ S 9 Coalscuttle >. 6 8 Dudu . .M. .. 8 9 Brigand .. _ 6 8 Occident ... ..8 5 Cretonne „ «. «J 8 Cissy .. .. 8 6 Dishonor .* ..6 8 Cynisci ■",. • „ B'3 Orestes .. ... C 7 St. drew ..8 0 Pique ... - 0 7 Wolverine ~ -. ,7 13 Fiesole — » 6 7 Recluse .. _ 710 Burlesque _ 6i 7 Strephon », .. 7 10 Thackeray.. «. 0 7 lili»szard .. -.7 9 Confused .. — (I 7 Palliser _ -.7 7 Captain Webb ..0 7 Leolantis „ _ 7 7 Klaxbonrne .. 6 7 Oruchfleld.. _ 7 C Ariel—Pearl colt.. 0 7 Leonards .. ..7 6 Ranitliosebudcolt (5 7 Whisper .. ..7 5 Adventurer .. C 7 Queen of Trumps 7 5 Dornieur .. _ C 6 Sincerity .. ..7 6 Habirnana.. _ (i 5 Label .. ..7 5 Aronoel ... _ C 3 Marino .. „ 7 2 Thauo _ ..6 2 Stenichaser „ 7 2 Role .. m 6 2 The Workman — 7 1 Tirralock _ „ 6 2 TiralUerie .. ..7 0 Dilemma .„ „ 6 2 Cajolery .. .. (J 13 Free Lanco „ ,6 ■ 2 Morpheus .. .. 013 Klekie .. ; _ 6 0 St. Lever Knight.. 613 Goodwood.. „ 6 0 Diadem .. " .. (5 12 The Triton.. _ C 0 Jetd'l'bu .. .. 61' Keepua '..■•' „ C 0 Clitnranald .. Cl2 Satlra «■■"•. 6 0 Flinders .. «. 011 Seraph ~ _ 6 0 Fraternitt) .. _ 6 11 Kipperxnena _ 0 0 Itosefeidt .. _ 610 Fafrchild .. «. \6 0 Melinite .. .. 010 Fortune .. .. 6 0 Prompt to time, Mr. Henry was on hand with the weights for the New Zealand Cup, and after a careful consideration of the same, it appears to me that that gentleman is entitled to much praise for the manner in which he has compiled his work. In commencing the handicap at 9st 71b, which weight he has allotted to Tirailleur, Mr. Henry has not crushed Mr. Gollan's crack, and the son of Musket must be regarded as having a very fair chance of success. Merrie England, if he could be brought to the post in the same form as when ho won the Great Autum Handicap last year, would have nothing to be afraid of in 9st 31b; but there is much reason fear that the son of St. George has seen his best day, and for the present I shall leave him out of my calculations. Crackshot won the last Auckland Cup in very easy style, carrying Bsb 31b, and therefore 9st 21b should not put him out of this contest if himself; but it will, I think, bo just as well for backers to leave him alone f of'the present, as he is by no means a sound horse. Medallion (Bst 121b) has not yet shown "Ms ability to get a longjourney, and the manner in which he collapsed iii the last Canterbury Cup led not a few to the conclusion that his best races will be won over a mile and a half, but it is as yet scarcely safe to come to such a conclusion. Freedom (Sst 121b) has proved himself a very _ consistent fellow, and, summed up on his performance in the lest Dunediu Cup. in which race he carried Bst 31b home in the van, he ought to have a say in this contest with 21b under weight-forage. Hilda (Sat 91b) i 3 about fairly treated, but it is doubtful if Mr. Morrin will consider the daughter of Musket's chances so bright Ids to cause him to put her again into training. Dudu (Bsb'9lb);is;.in her proper place, bjUfc I am not at all sanguine of her prospects ; and Occident (Bst 51b) has, I fancy, seen his best day. Cissy (Bst 51b) ought to have something to say. in the finish, for under lib move than she is now asked to carry she finished a very creditable third in the last Auckland Cup behind Crackshot : (Bst :j ;3l.b) and Hilda (Bst 101b). I quite agreo with those who argue that a mile aud a-half is the journey which the sister to Trenton likes best; but, under a special preparation, I see no reason to doubt her ability to get the extra half mile which this race calls tor, and I shall venture the opinion that if Mr. Morrin sends her- to Kiccarton next November he will have 'a very respectable chance of breaking that ; spell of illluck that has followed his colours so long in the various Cups run on the' New Zealand turf. Cynisca (Bst 31b) placed the Wellinjrand Hawke's Bay Cups to her credit during the present season, but, in the opinion; of many, a severely run two iniiea, such as this race is almost sure to be, would find a weak spot in her. St. Andrew (Bst) is also likely to be affected by the length of the journey; and Wolverine (7st 131b) and Recluse (7st 101b) are, I think, lights of the past; but Strephon (7st 101b) oujrht to have a show. Blizzard (7st 91b) has evidently got a bit of pace ; but it is doubtful if he is of sufficient calibre to win a race of this character. Palliser (7st 71b) is in Australia, and may therefore, I presume; he safely, left out of calculations. Leolantis (7bt 711t) may have a show, but I don't care for him; and Cruchfield (7st Gib) has, I fanoy, seen his best day. Amongst the two - yearolds Lebel (7st 51b) is, in Mr. Henry's opinion, the best, aud so game a little fellow may require watching; albeit Pulohra's youngsters have been more noted for speed rather than endurance. Stcrnchaser (7st '21b), has not yet been raced, but advices from Napier state the son of Norclenfeldt and Crinoline has furnished into a fine colt, and Mr. Gollan may find in him a very eligible three-year-old to depend upon. The Workman (7st lib) ,is a colt for whom I "have always entertained a great liking, and, landed at the post in his true form, will requiiro bo be reckoned with. Tintillcrie (7st) was unquestionably a brilliant two-year-old, indeed some consider she was the best sseu out last season. Two-year-old performances are, however, not always a safe guide, and it is asking a young three - year - old {illy a big question to win a race like this in the spring of the year. There may, of course; be something in the Gsfc division, that will bring off a surprise; but with the exception of Cajolery (fist 131b), Rosefelelt (6st IOlb), and Tassy (6st9lb) I fail to detect anything' dangerous in that quarter: and, summing up the whole question, the five that appear to me to be the most likely to supply the winner arc—Tirailleur, Cissy, Sjtrephon, Sternclmscr, and The Workman.

NOTES BY WIAETON. With 151 horses engaged in the Canllield Cup, that race presents oven a greater problem than the Melbourne Cup to the turf critic to solve, for the simple reason that so many horses are equal to the task of getting a mile and a half journey, while on the other hand it is only a select few that can run the extra half mile which the great Flotnington race calls for. With Carbine missing from the list of entrants, Mr. Barnard was left no other choice than to place Dreadnought and Tirailleur at the head of the list, and both horses are on the same mark with 9st 10lb. Amongst those above !)st, Bungebah (9st 71b) and Megaphone (Oat 51b) appear to mo ti) stand out the most dangerous; and in the next division Vengeance (Bst 13lb),Cocreze 111b), Greygown (Bst 91b), and Gresfprd 6lb), have a taking appearance Wilga (7st 121b), Swing (7at, 121b), Dillon (7st 71b), Wild Rose (7st 1 71b), are, i think, a dangerous quartette ; while lower down the Hat, Yowi (Osfc 111b), who finished a capital third to Highborn and Groygown in the last Sydney Cup, meets the eye as being well in. Judging from the number of new rules and amendments given notice of, the approaching conference, which opens at Wellington on the 10th instant, will have a good deal of important work upon which to deliberate. The committee of the Auckland Racing Club have appointed the Hon. Mr. Mitchelsou and the secretary, Mr. W. Pereivul, as their delegates, and they will submit a number of resolutions, amongst which is the following:— The ;iil(i«l nionuy to it race held within ten miles of this metropolitan chilis shall not lie loss than 4030 nor shall the entry and acceptance fee uxceeil ,'i pur emit. This resolution appears to me to bo fraught with a good (leal of importance, and should the House of Representatives carry in addition the proposed '24 percent, tax on moneys passing through the machines, the country clubs, in some cases, ■ may bo ex-p-?eted to feel the pinch of this new rule rather seriously.

English advices to hand by the last mail announce the death of Rosicrucian, one of the oldest, if not tre oldest, thoroughbred at the stud, at the agt- of 26. Rosicrucian was not only very successful as a racehorse, lbut did very well at the stud, and his name trill always "be associated with one of the most sensational racee for the Derby ever run. In the season of 1867 the Marquis of Hastings had carried all before him in the two-year-old races with Lady Elizabeth, and it was anticipated that she would win the Derby very easily. Sir Joseph Hawley, who_ had already won the Epsom race three times, with Teddington in 1851, Beadsman in 1858, and Musjid in 1859, had, however, three candidates in Blue Gown, Rosicrucian, and Green Sleeve (all cf whom were the progeny of Beadsmaiij the winner ten years before), and had run tairly well at two years. Rosiorucian had been beaten a head by Green Sleeve in the Middle Park Plate, and had also succumbed in the Two Thousand Guineas, but Sir Joseph did not lose confidence in him, or in Green Sleeve, also beaten in the Two Thousand ; but for the Derby the pnblic gave the preference to Blue Gown. The public proved to be right and the owner wrong, for Blue Gown just contrived to beat Baton Rothschild's King Alfred, with the notorious Lady Elizabeth beaten off, in company with Rosicrucian and Green Sleeve. Rosicrucian was, despite this failure, a worthy bearer of Sir Joseph Hawley's famous colours, and his victories in races run for over all distances

told much iu his favour as a sire, especially as his last two races were run for at Ascot, where he won the Stakes and the three-mile Alexandra Plate in the summer of 1871. Two years after this Sir Joseph Hawley sold off his stud, and Rosicrucian was purchased for 6200 guineas by Mr. took him to join Hermit at Blankney. Rosicrucian's progeny comprised several horses of great syjeed, but none noted for the stamina possessed by their sire. With him disappears the last of the four Derby winners owned by Sir Joseph Hawley, who, like the late Mr. Merry and Mr. I'Ansou, achieved such wonderful success with a comparatively small stud. There were two daughters of Rosicrucian in the late Sylvia Park Stud. One was Pulchra (dam of Lady Evelyn, St. Clair, and Formo) and the other Sister Agnes (dam of Percussion). Pulchra died a couple of seasons back. Sister Agnes was one of the batch of mares purchased along with Car.biue's dam Mersey, in England, by Sir Hercules Robinson, and at the sale at Sylvia Park in January last, she passed into the hands of Major George, and is now located at Wapiti. By the _ omission of the words " and Correze," in my notes last week on the Melbourne Cup, it was made to appear that The Australian Peer is the only three-year-old that has gained a place in the great handicap since Martini-Henry won in 1883. This, of course, was incorrect, as Correze finished in third place in last year's contest. Advices from Australia state that wagering on the big events of the coming season is in a rather stagnant condition. For the Melbourne Cup Carbine is still quoted favourite at 100 to 9. In Auckland the run on the eon of Musket still continues, and the principal penciller quotes 7 to 1 as his price. Vengeance is the next in request at 14 to 1, while 20s to 1 can be obtained about either Zalinski, Dreadnought, Cuirassier, or Melos. So far very little business has been done on the New Zealand Cup. 100 to 12 is offered on the field. Acting on behalf of a prominent Napier breeder, Mr. T. Morriu approached the owners of Brigadier during the present week as to the price they were prepared to take for the son of Musket and Pungawerawera, when the answer returned was, I understand, 900 guineas. Nothing further has transpired on the matter.

" Mazeppa" has made up the amount passed through the totalisator at Dunedin Jockey Club's meeting during the season now closing, which shows that ic is the largest amount ever handled by the club in a season, with the exception of that for 1889-90, which was swelled abnormally by the Exhibition meeting. The past seven seasons' totals are as follow :— Season. & Season. £ 1884-85 - 65,573 1885 86 „ 66,173 - 1886-87 .. 64,294 1887-83 .*. 57,318 1888-89 ... «7,607 1889-90. «. 101,379 1890-91 •• .. 92,161 ■> „ George Wright is, I understand, expected back from Sydney on Tuesday next by the Manapouri. Satyr is to be allowed to remain m Australia; but whether the son of Leoliuus will be sent over to fulfil his engagement in the V.R.C. Grand National Hurdle Race is a point on which there is a good deal of doubt. A Sydney paper announces the death of Musketeer, who is described as a full brother to the defunct Matchlock (by Musket— Yatterina). This is, however, a mistake, as Firelock is .the only animal m Australia of that breeding. The animal that has shuffled off will, I think, be found to be the horse got by , Musket from ; .the , French bred mare Berftere, who was amongst the first batch of yearlings sent over to Australia by the Auckland Stud Company. He met with some accident, and so far as I am able to gather was never raced. Manton would appear to be a hopeless case, so far as his racing career is concerned, and he has been placed in the sale list. It is a great pity that the son of Musket and Tree Deuce turned out such a terrible cripple in Australia, for he was unquestionably, one of the best horses that ever left New Zealand's shores. Amnhion (by Speculum or Rosebery from Suicide), who is regarded as the greatest horse over a mile course in England at the present time, and who has won many valuable races, was picked up as a yearling for 330 guineas. Amphion's time in the March Stakes, one mile and llyds, was lm. 42 4-55., and as he had the steadier of li)3t lib in the saddle, the brilliancy of the performance cannot be disputed.

At the sale of the late Senator Hearst's liorsesat Sheepshead Bay on May 14th, the 26 head fetched an average of 4925d01. The New Zealand-bred sire, Sir Mod red, was represented at the sale, and his son Tournament bought top price of 33,500 dollars, that being the figure at which he was knocked down to Mr. Keene. ' A number of very absurd stories have (says a writer in the Sporting Life) been told of the money that the Kingsclere party won on Common in the Two Thousand Guineas and Derby, and I have even seen it stated that the Prince of Wales took for his shave £30,000. All this is very ridiculous. As a matter of fact, the stable were not over confident, and Sir Frederick Johnstone, who is one of the owners of the horse, told me personally that his winnings were very small. It was never intended that the colt should run for the Two Thousand, and it was only when it was seen how nicely he came to hand that it was determined to give him a gallop. lu this gallop, which was at even weights with Gone Coon, he won in a canter by four leugtberj and it was on the strength of this chat he was started. Lord Alington and Sir Frederick Johuatone, the joint owners of Common, had wagers to the amount of \ £20,000 about him for the Derby, £10,000 of ivhich sum, it ia understood, was secured from a ponciller who opened a yearling book on the blue riband. In connection with the splendid race Fordham rode on Nobleman in the Newmarket Stakes at the meeting of 1870, boating Gannon on the outsider, Demidoff, a shore head, Sir (Jeorge Ghetwynd writes :•—'_'How many times, and with what enthusiasm, have I watched the marvellous riding of those two famous horsemen in a close finish, both perfect exponents of the art of race riding, and yet perfectly different in style ! Fordham, with his little short legs, looking almost pinned at the knee to the saddle, on which lie appeared propped up rather than sitting down, his left arm rather high in the air, flourishing his whip, and riding more with his body and shoulders than with his legs, yet getting every ounce out of his hocsu to the very List stride on the post; Cannon, looking part and parcel of his mount, sitting perfectly straight, yet right down in the saddle, with the reins in his left hand, driving his horse as it were before him, and raising his whip in ins right hand as he goes with the animal in his stride, but rarely actually hitting him — unless as a punishment for some trick or exhibition of vice-j-nover except in the last two strides, and then never in the middle of the stride, the expression on his face meantime convincing that his whole soul was bent oir reaching the post first. I feel the inadequacy of this description of both horsemen, wliose fame will ho kept alive in the annals of the turf as that of Chifney and Robinson hag been ; but my words may recall memories to those who have seen them ride." The Hungarian Minister of the Interior has issued a decree prohibiting all betting oflices. Betting, which has hitherto been very general in the city, and lias spread even among the lowest classes of the population, will in future only be allowed at the totalisator, or through a bookmaker ou the racecourse. Lord Alinprton has to thank his perseverance for the possession of Common, the winner of the Two Thousand Guineas and Derby this year. Thistle for many years was such a deplorable failure that she never threw anything sufficiently valuable to pay the sire's fees. Most breeders would have drafted her long ago. She is. however, a well-bred mare, being by Scottish Chief—Mower Safety, who was by Wild Dayt ell—Nettle. You never know your luck. Mr. Fenwick wanted to find n customer when Mimi was offered for sule last October with a reserve of 5500 guineas, but nobody would give the price. Amongst tin: races since won by the daughter of Biiroaldino, are the One Thousand Guineas (£40.10), the Newmarket Stakes (£4500), and the Oaks (£4OOOI. j

The South Auckland Racing Club's com* mittce Lave passed a resolution objecting to the tax on the totalisators, as likely to do harm to legitimate racing, and have instructed their .secretary to forward a copy of same to the committee of the A.R.C., as ; an expression of opinion on the matter in i Waikato. It is expected that most of the j country clnbs will send similar protests to their respective metropolitans with a view to strengthen their position when opposing this tax. The Workman is a regular attendant at fillerslie, and he gives every promise of being a very substantial support for the Wapiti stable to depend upon during the approaching season. It may be taken for granted (says the Canterbury Times), that Ahua will not accept for either the Victorian Grand National Steeplechase or Hurdle Race. The Canterbury Times says :—Probably the first Wee gathering in this colony at which no intoxicating drink was obtainable was the Lancaster Park Trotting Meeting of Saturday last. Several parties are, I understand, in treaty for the purchase of the stallion Raglan, but, so far, negotiations have not been brought to a close. Amongst the entrants for the V.R.C. Derby of 1892 is a full brother to Marvel (by Marvellous—La I'elle). Merrie England is again doing strong exercise at jßiccarton. THE ZETLAND PLATE. Press Association. — Electric Telegraph. — Copyright. Londox. July 2. At the Newmarket Meeting to-day the following was the result of The Zetland Plate of ISOOsovs (lOOOsovs to the owner of the winner, 30350v3 to the nominator of the winner, and lOOsova each to the owner and nominator of the second horse.) Five furlongs. Lord Calthorpe's b c Versifier, by Petrarch —Vertumna 1 Lord Durham's b c Peter Flower, by Petrarch —Florida 2 Prince SoltykofFs b c Woolsthorpe, by Tibthorpe—Light of Other Days 3 AUSTRALIAN SPORTSMEN IN ENGLAND. London, July 2. At the Newmarket sales to-day Mr. Daniel Cooper, Australian sportsman, purchased a yearling colt by Barcaldine—Katherina for 1400 guineas. WELLINGTON STEEPLECHASE MEETING Wellington, Friday. The following are the acceptances for the W.R.C. winter meeting :— Wellington Steeplechise. Three miles. sfc lb still Ahua .. „ 12 12 Dangerous.. _ 9 10 Sentinel .. .. 12 2 Christmas „ .. 910 Tauraekaitai .. 11 11 Here _. _ 910 Oceola .. .. 10 10 Otaierl „ .. 9 10 Kangaroo .. .. 10 7 Rough „ „ 9 S Oarnley .. ... 10 5 Yardman _ „ 9 S Whalebone ..10 0 Roger .. ..9 8 Oeo 10 0 General Gordon .. 9 7 Gladstone .. .. 910 Canuto .. ..9 7 Trial Steeplechase, two miles. —Dangerous, lOst 41b; Christinas, WsUlb; Chester, lOst 21b; ItoR«-r. lflst 21b ; Tho Monk, lOsfc; General Gordon, Ost 9ib; Dan, 9st 91b; Lucy Glitters, 9sfc 71b , Canute, !)sl 71b ; Pirate, 9st 71b ; Johnnie, 9st 71!>. fluru)LE Handicap, one mile and thrse-quaiters. —Sentinel, 12st 91b; Pyraruns, list 71b ; Master Agnes, lOst 101b ; Couranto, lOsb 71b ; Angler, 10si Olb ; .Whalebone, lOst 51b; Christmas, 10.it; Oaklands, 9st 111b; Here, 9st 101b ; Theorem, 9st 101b ; Newmarket, 9st 101b; Ival, 9st 101b; Kimberloy, Bst 61b ; Blue Mountain, 9st. Ladies' Trophy, one mile on the Hat.—Jet d' Ban, 12st 121b ; Norton, 12st; Master Affnea, list 101b ; Lenore, list 71b ; Reputation, list '21b : Kiuiberley, list 21b; Waihi, list; The Laird, lO.st 131b; Blue Mountain, lOsfc 121b; Pirate, lOst 121b.