SPORTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8670, 12 September 1891, Page 6

SPORTING.

TO RACING CLUBS. The Auckland Weekly News has boon appointed the 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 ensure advertisements being inserted in tho page allotted to "Tho Sportsman" it is necossary that' they bo sent in by Wednesday afternoon. [EXTRACT.] Rule 17.Th0 programme of each mooting in which tho added money is £11)0 or upwards, must bo advertised in full once at least in the Ollieial Calendar. The advertisement shall show that tho programme has boen approved by the Jockey Club, shall state tho days on which the mooting is to begin smd end, and the names of tho stewards, udge, starter, clerk of the scales, and handicappor. RACING FIXTURES. New Zealand ' September Auckland Racing Club. September 20 -Auckland Trotting Club. October 3—Waikato Hunt Club. October f>, 6—llawke's Hay Jockey Club. October 13, 14—Napior Park Racing Club. October 17—Rakuranga Hunt Club. October 21—Poverty Bay Turf Club. November 9, 10—Auckland Racing Club. November I), 11, 14—Canterbury Jockey Club. November 9—Gisborne Racine Club December IS, I!)— South Auckland Racing Club. December 'JO, January 1, Auckland Racing Club. J miliary I—Napier Park. January 8. 9—YVhaugarei County Racing Club. •January 12, Poverty Turf Club. January 19, 20—Gisborne Racing Club. January Canterbury Jockey Club. Febmary 27—Lake Racing Club. March 28, 24—Napier Park'. April IS, 10—Auckland Racing Club. April 13, 19—Canterbury Jockey Club June 4, o—Auckland Racing Club.

Australian. September 12,15, 17.19—Australian Jockey Club. September 24, 20— Hawkosbury Racing Club. October 10,17—Victoria Amateur Turf Club. October 81, November 2, 5, 7—Victoria Racing Club,

DATES OF COMING EVENTS. September 12—A.J.C. Derby. September 15—Great Metropolitan Stalsos. October 10—Caultlelil Guineas. Octobor 17—Caul Cup. December 18, 19 -South Auckland Racing Club.v October '81—V.11.C. Derby. November 2—Melbourne Cup November 9—New Zealand Cup. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. Wager.—l. Melon lias started in throe Melbourne Cups. In tho race of ISSS, when a three-year-old, he carried "st 51b ; in ISB9, Sst 121b; in 1890, 9sfc 71b. 2. lie finished third to liusign ami Carbiuo in tho V.R.C. Derby. U.K.—Wo.have no record of French races. It is understood that the International Steeplechase run this year at Auteuil, was tho richest steeplechase st ike evor run for.

NOTES BY PHAETON. ..THIS A.J.O. MEETING. . . -. The Australian . Jockey Club's Spring Meeting opens to-day at Rand wick. There are three important events set down for decision on the programme, viz., the Epsom Handicap, the Derby, and the Spring Stakes. In the first-named race there seemed a prospect of the great milers, Marvel and Bungebah, who are each on the same mark with lOst 2lb each, being slipped together, and as both are reported to be in great nick, the question of which is entitled to supremacy over that particular journey seemed likely to be settled, but ■Bnngebah is not to be allowed to fulfil his engagement. Basing the contention on the great bill Marvel made for .victory in the Doncaster Handicap last autuniu, which event is run over a journey similar to the race undoi review,and in which race, with 9st 121b, ho was only beaten a little over a neck byParis (7st 101b) and Helene (fist 8lb), the mile being thrown behind in the great time of 1 in. 405., the sensational son of Marvellous must take a very great amount of beating, notwithstanding the crushing impost meted out to' him by Mr. Scarr. The Derby looks like resolving itself into a match between Stromboli and Oxide, and of the pair I have the most fancy for the hitter's chance. As Marvel will most likely be withdrawn from the Spring Stakes, that event will bo robbed of a good deal of interest, but still with Melos and Megaphone engaged there is material for a great battle, and should Melos succeed in defeating Carbine's stable companion, his .Melbourne Cup prospects will be considerably enhanced.

On the Tuesday following, the Metropolitan Stakes will be brought up for decision, and, on paper, the issue seems to be very open. The top weight, Highborn, is Unquestionably entitled to great respect with list 51b, for with only .'jib less we all know how genuinely he landed the last Sydney,- Cnp from GrV-ygown and Co. Muriel (Ssfe ilbi, and Yowi (fist 4lb), are a pair that read/well in, and a cablegram to hand states that the former will require a deal of beating. The following arc the acceptances st lb st lb Ilighb-rn .. ~ 9 5 Grenadier.. .. 0 9 Sir William .. 811 Umpire ... .... (> 9 Muriel .. .. 8"2 Gipsy (iirl .. ..<<> 9 Klvmas .. .. 7 1 Silver Knight .. (i 7 Mantilla .. .. 7 2 Del Ginrno.. .., (I 7 Magnus .. .. 7 2 Wandsworth .. .'>6 7 Wurong .. ..7 0 Yowio .. ..0 4 1.-uietsr .. .. 7 0. Kilmore .. .. 0 2 Sunshine .. .. Gll Transparent .. C 0 Sydney .. Gil

On Thursday the Craven Plate, which is run over a mile and a-quarter under weight for age conditions, should give rise to a great battle, as amongst the entrants are Marvel, -Melos, Megaphone, Bungebah, Correze, Tirailleur, Medallion, Oxide, and Stromboli. When Carbine last year dressed down Megaphone in this race he galloped the journey in the lightning-like time of 2m. 75., and it will be interesting to note how close the winner will get to the champion's record.

NOTKS FROM KANI)WICK. A friend at present in Sydney sends me a very chatty letter bearing on approaching events, and as lie'is an acknowledged authority 011 racing, and his "00110111310113 are based upon what he has himself witnessed 011 the tracks at Randvvick, I pass it 011 to my readers with the remark that the contents ■ lire entitled to the greatest weight. My correspondent says " I have been a regular attendant at Randwick since my arrival, and have therefore seen all the principal horses that arc being prepared for the big events of the spring. As I "'know-that you have always been a great admirer of Alelos, I have given the Goldsbrongh horse a, good deal of attention, lie looks wonderfully well,' and has been putting in really sterling work. The ailment in Lis foreleg, which brought about his retirement in the summer, seems to have been successfully disposed of, and, so far as the eye can see, there are 110 traces of any weakness. He is, I am satisfied, a-racehorse in the truest acceptation of the term, and should he keep well, and start thoroughly fit, I predict that he will be a great favourite for the Melbourne Cup. Raynoris not sparing'his horse, but lie will not be quite ready for the A.J.C. Meeting, the hopes of his party being, I think, central in the more important gathering at Flemington in November. liungebah, who is in the same stable as Melos, is a much plainer looking horse, and does not impress you at first sight as being the speedy gentleman he , is held to be; but he is unquestionably ,a downright flyer, and over a mile I think lie could put up a great record. So far he has not shown his ability further than a inilo, but many of the best judges at Randwick pick ■him to win the Cunlfield Cup. Marvel is all that you have hoard. To look at he is a per-. feet gentleman, and I am sure is a real flyer, though I believe at times he is inclined to turn a bit cranky. The disappointing Gatling, for whom, you will remember, All'. W. Gannon last year gave 2000 guineas, but who has never won a single race, looks very well at present, and has quietened down a good deal: but still I do not like him. Stromboli, the Derby favourite, is a fine upstanding brown colt, but the son of Chester is not my sort. He is too tall and leggy, and is a good deal split up behind. He lias the appearance of having done a lot of work, and looks a little 011 the light side. The Sardonyx— Geraldinc colt, Oxide, who is receiving his preparation at the hands of T. Lamond, is a colt more to my liking than Stromboli, and I shall pick him to win the blue riband. Mr. stead's horses, Medallion, Lebel, and Palliser, are pretty regular attendants at Randwick ; but, bar tlio latter, are none too sound, and their chances of success hero bear anything but a roseate hue. Scots Grey, who was recently purchased (it is stated for £700), lias turned roarer. Corrcze is a very nice-looking horse, and I should think a good-'un when well; but lie has a rather suspicious fore leg, that will occasion some trouble. Old John Chaafe is training his horses here and is the same good hearted old chap we knew in Auckland. He lias a mare called Yowi in the Metropolitan Stakes, and with only Gst 41bs to carry she will, I fancy, run up very close, if she does not actually win that event. Little Bernie must,however,be terribly hard to beat in the same race, if lie keeps in his present form. He has been responsible for some sterling work, and is in great nick. I met Mr. G. Cutts yesterday, lie is well, and is located with Ins quadruped Impulse at Chaafe's. By the way, I had a look .it Miss Lctty, the two-year-old daughter of St. Leger and Necklace, who you will remember Mr. L. 1). Nathan purchased at Wellington Park last December for .'5lO guineas, and who was sent oyer hero some mouths ago with a view to being prepared for the approaching Muribyrnong Plate. She is a really nice cut of a (illy. -With the exception that she is a little straight in front like St. Leger, she takes [ very little after her aire, and in appearance 1 has more the cut of the Musket family from

which her dam springs. I. saw her step over a very good half mile tho other morning, and I should take her to be a filly of much promise. COUNTRY CLUBS AMD METROPOLITAN RULE. At tho annual meeting of tho Takapuna Jockey Club, held on Monday last, the chairman, Mr. E. W. Alison, referred to what lie termed " the ignominious position the subordinate clubs throughout the colony occupy in relation to the metropolitan clubs." The JDevonport sportsman cannot be accused of handling his subject with gloved hands, and, though some allowance must be made for the feeling which the chairman may naturally be supposed to possess, ho certainly succeeded in showing tip tho weak points of the present order of things, and. delivered several home thrusts that will carry a good deal of weight. That the 180 suburban and country clubs should practically have no voice in tho legislation given effect to ac conferences, is unquestionably wrong, and a remedy for the rapidly-growing discontent must bo found. It is the spirit of the age that the governed should havo a voice in the government, and I trust, for the peace and stability of the New Zealand turf, that the metropolitan clubs will not disregard the writing 011 tho wall, but, with a good grace, give the country .dubs the modest representation they ask for—" a voice, but not an overruling voice."

AUCKLAND RACING CLUB. The nominations received by the A.R.C. for the principal events of tho First Spring Meeting must be accounted very satisfactory, and as Mr. Evett has fulfilled his task so admirably in the adjustment of the weights, there is every prospect of the club having a most successful gathering at Ellerslio on the 19th instant. At first sight Mr. Morrill's pair, Hilda and Cissy, would appear to have got it hot and strong with lOst and 9st l'2lb respectively in the September Handicap, and with lOdt 31b each in the Flying Handicap, but they are a long chop above those with which they are called upon to do battle, and, if started, will render a good account of themselves, if they do not actually win. STUD NKWS. So far this season there is a great preponderance of filly foals, at least at the principal breeding establishments. At Wellington Park, Mr. Morrin has only one colt out of seven foals, while Mr. Walters tells me that the four foaliugs which have taken place at Glenlora are all fillies ; and, as if to be in the fashion, Sister Agnes has presented a filly to tho Wapiti stud. The following foalings have been announced this week :—

Mr. T. Morrin's Ouida, by Yattondon—Gulnare, brown illly to Nordenfeldt. Mr. T. Morrin's Gaimott, by Antsros—Albatross, filly to Castor. ■ Mi-. W. Walters' Cresina, by Leolinus—Kosarina, filly to Hippocampus. Major George's Sister Agnes, by Rosicrucian— l'enanco, brown filly to Nordenfeldb. Mr. S. Roulston's Winnie, by Kingfisher—Dolly Varden, brown colt io King Quail. Mr. U. Thompson's Pearl, filly to Brigadier.

A statement has got about to the effect that Antelope has proved barren to Nordenfeldt, but this, I am informed by Mr. E. D. Halstead, is incorrect. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS The 116 th contest for the St. Lcgcr took place on Wednesday last, and by cable wo learn that the Two Thousand Guineas and Derby winner, Common, succceded in landing the red riband for those two good sportsmen, Lord Aliiigton and Sir Frederick Johnston; and the son of Isonomy and Thistle therefore now takes rank with that select quartette (West Australian, Gladiateur, Lord Lyon, and Ormonde) who have their names inscribed upon the escutcheon of winners of " the triple crown." The French sportsman, Monsieur E. Blanc, furnished the runner-up to Common with R6v<srend, about whose chance of success he held the British ring liable for £30,000, so that he must be accounted unlucky in bumping up alongside a colt of such calibre as the son of lsonotny and Thistle.

It would seem as if the Iroubark disqualification case was to bo revived. It will be remembered that the horse took part in a selling race at Otaluiliu in March last, after which race he was claimed, and on being put up to auction Mr.' T. D. Halstead purchased him for i' 42 10s. Subsequently the stewards of the Onehtinga Racing Club held an inquiry into the horse's running, and this being regarded as unsatisfactory, it was determined to disqualify him for twelve months. • Nil-. Halstead thereupon wrote to the stewards on the matter, claiming a rebate of the amount ho paid for the horse ; but the stewards were not to be drawn out, and the answer sent back to Mr. Halstead simply stated that: his. letter had been received. Mr. Ilalstead has now addressed another letter to tho club, and lie bases his ease upon the Ist and 2nd sub-clauses of rule- 143, which read us follows : — " (1) If , th'o\" objection lias not been made until after tlie horse has been bought, the person who bought him shall, if the objection be declared valid, have the option of returning him or retaining him at the price of a beaten horse. (-) If the objection he made before tho horse has been bought, the time for delivering him is thereby postponed until such time after the determination of the objection as the stewards appoint; and if the objection be declared valid, the person who hits bought him shall have the same option as in the last mentioned case." The matter was to have come before the stewards last week, but as several of their number were absent from town, it was found impossible to get a quorum.

Major George's pair, Coalscuttle and Fiosole, aie going oil-satisfactorily in their training, but with The Workman amiss I hardly think they will be sent South to fulfil their engagements in the New Zealand Cup. The two-year-olds, Nile and Swiftsure, who will this year represent Nelson, are, I am pleased to hear, progressing well with their education, and with Major Mair's colt, First Nelson, also to do battle on his behalf, there seems every prospect of the son of King Cole having his name placed amongst the winning stallions of the season. I understand that First Nelson, along with The Dreamer, will shortly take up their quarters at Wapiti with the view to having the finishing touches put to their toilets for early spring engagements.

Fabulous, whose deeds on the turf have not by any means been in keeping with his good looks, has, I am informed, furnished into a great line horse, and lie may be given another auportunity of wiping out the many defeats that adorn his record before the present season is over. The son of Leolinus and Atlantis is at present located at' Mr. L. ]>. Nathan's estate at Turanga Creek.

Major George notifies that Nelson will again this season be at the service of breeders at Epsom. To sound the praises of the grand old chestnut would be to paint the lily and gild .refined gold, and I need onlysay that his s'tock show all that size, bone, and quality that is such a characteristic in himself, and there need 1 think be very little doubt that the illustrious son of King Cole and My Idea is destined to become one of the leading sires of the colony.

Whilst at Wellington Park, on Saturday last, .111 instance of a youngster staying out a very long journey came under my observation. Winnie (dam of Belmont), along with her foal bv King Quail, was brought down on a visit to St. Leger, and from young Roulston I learned that, setting out from Pukekohe at 0.110 a.m., lie had .walked the mare and foal all the way to ' Wellington Park, which, in plain language means that the little foal, nine days old, completed the journey of thirty miles 011 foot. If that does not stamp this little full brother to Belmont as a stayer of the first water, I should like to know what does.

Should nothing unforeseen occur, George Wright will, 1 understand, make a move Southward with Hilda, Cissy, and Brown Alice the-Thursday following the A.R.C. First Spring Meeting. The treatment the two former have received at the hands of Mr. Evitt in the Flying Handicap and Spring Handicap, to be run at the Hawke's Bay Meeting is considered satisfactory enough,, and, all going well with them, they will figure at Hastings next month.

Referring to the • departure of W. White, who has journeyed to Australia under engagement to ride Mr. S. H. Gollan's horses, " Castor " says : "It is quite possible that the crack jockey will resolve to settle 111 Australia, and that, except as a visitor, New Zealand has seen the last of 0110 of the most accomplished horsemen the colony has turned out."

There seems to be an impression that there are no penalties attaching to the New Zealand Cup. This is quite incorrect. The winner of any handicap after the declaration of the weights is to carry Sib ; of 200sovs, 51b; and of 300sovs, 71b extra.

The Pakuranga Hunt Club have issued the ■ programme. for their annual race meeting, which has been fixed to'take place at Ellersho on Saturday, 17th October. The bill of fare consists of eight events, with added money to the extent of £225. Nominations are due due on Friday, the 25th instant, at ten p.m. " This year's Melbourne Cup appears to me to furnish the speculative punter with as dainty a little problem us could be wished for; but one of their number, during the present week, had the temerity to take 400 to 2 that Sir! William wins the Cup of 1802 ! It is probably correct to say (says " Castor" in the Canterbury Times) that the first single lady who has nominated a horse for a steeplechase in this colony is Miss Button—herself a dashing rider, as followers of the Ashburton pack can testify. The win of Kaliikatea, a great chestnut of about 17 hands, ;in the Maiden Steeplechase at the Ashburton Hunt Club's meeting, was very fittingly recognised when the horse, after securing an easy victory, ctuno back to scale.