SPORTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 8812, 27 February 1892, Page 6

SPORTING.

' TRACING FIXTURES. New Zealand February 27—Dunedin Jockey Club. February 27Lake Racing Club. February 29— Bay of Plenty Jo. key Club March 2—Whitford Park Racing Club. « March 3, 4—Wanganui Jockey Club. March B—Matakohe Racing Club. March 10— Waiapn Racing Club March 14—Te Arolia Jockey Club. March 14—To Kuit.l Racing Club. March 17-Tolago Bay Racing Club. March Ngaruawahia Races. March 17— Papakura Racing Club. March 17—Ohinemuri Racine Club March 17, 18—Hawke's Bay Jockey Club. March 23, 24—Napier Park. April 2—Helensville Jockey Club. April 9—Arondale Jockey Club. April If!—Tunnganui Races. April IS - Easter Handicap (Auckland), April IS, 19— Auckland Racing Club. April 18, 19—Canterbury Jockey Club April South Auckland Racing Club. May 24—Takapuna Jockey Club. May 24 —Wanganui Jockey Club. June 4, ft—Auckland Racine Club June 24—Hawke's Bay Jockey Club. June 29Napier Park ICacing Club. June 24—Hawke's Bay Steeplechase. July 9—Wellington Racing Club. J ul)'9— Wellington Steeplechase. DATES OF COMING EVENTS. February 27—Newmarket Handicap. March Australian Cup. March 3—Champion Stakes. March 3—Wanganui Cup. March 17—Hawke Bay Cup. April 15—Great Easter Handicap (Canterbury). April 13—Kaster Handicap (Auckland). July 9—V.R.C. Grand .National Hurdle Race. July 10—V R.C. Grand National Steeplechase. June 4—Grand National Hurdle Race (Auckland). June Great Northern Steeplechase (Auckland) ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. TUB TURF. Wager, Ilivwora.—The Melbourne Cup has been won on six occasions by three year olds, viz.. Banker 11863), The Barb (IS 1 * 1 ). Briseis (lS7i>), Chester (1877), Grand Flaneur (1880), Martini Henry (188:5). Mentor was four years old when he won in 1888. QrEKIST. —It was an error. Corsican was got by Marvellous from Catherine Wheel. Town Talk is a full brother to My Lord, being got by Epigram from Olive. THE VICTORIA RACING CLUB'S AUTUMN MEETING. [BY I'A ETON*.] To-DAY, the Victoria Racing Club will once again hold hold high carnival at Flemington ; and the fact that Maoriland is this year well represented by Major George's Reprisal and The Workman, and by Mr. D. O'Brien s Freedom, Florrie, and Freeman, will tend to keep up a good deal of New Zealand interest in the gathering. The principal events of to-day's programme are the V.R.C. St. Leger Stakes and the Newmarket Handicap ; but the field for the first-named race promises to be of rather email dimensions; and Mr. Wilson's representative, Strathmore, will probably only have to do battle with Oxide and Swordbearer. With 44 horses still engaged in the Newmarket Handicap, that event gives promise of drawing one of the largest fields that has ever assembled at the post in the autumn, and after glancing down the list, I incline to the opinion that in point of quality, it is far stronger than iu either of the two previous years. The field is composed of the followiD * : - -st lb Mr. J. Northern's ch g Bungebah, Gyrs - 10 4 Mr. P. S. Wallace's eh g Titan, 4yrs .. „ 9 7 Mr. W. R. Wilson's b c Strathmore, 3yrs — 9 4 Mr. D. O'Brien's he Freedom, 4yrs ... _ 9 3 Mr. J. Monaghan's lis b g Paris, 4yrs .. ... 9 3 Mr. J. O'Hegan's be WhimDrel, 4yrs .. _ 9 1 Mr. W. It. Wilson's b c Pygmalion, 4yrs _ 9 0 Mr. J. B. Clark's brc Stromboli, 3yrs „ „ 9 0 Mr. W. It. Wilson's b c Zalin-ki, 3yrs .. _ 812 Sir. I. T. Carslake in ch li Gladstone, 6yrs .. Sin Mr. D. O'Brien's b f florrie, 3yrs .. _ 8 10 Mr. 11. Oxenbaiu's b g Hero, aged _ — 39 Miss H. A. Lang's b h figeontoe, syrs _ S 9 Mr. I. Karnshaw ns b c Si. Maize, 4yrs _ S 8 Mr. F. Bahr's b h Redfern, tiyrs .. —87 Mr. W. T. Jones' be Penance. 3yrs .. „ S •' Mr. J. Whittingham's b h •spokesman, tiyis ..8 4 Mr. J. Wilson, juo.'s, b f Magic Circle, 4yrs ..8 3 Mr. W. Kelso lis b m Marvellette, syrs .. 8 3 Mr. W. Saver's br f Wild Rose, 4yrs — _ SI Mr. W. A. Long's br c Patrol, 4yrs .. ..SI Mr. T. Sampson's b c Theodore, 3yrs .. „ S 0 Mr. S G. Cook's tire The Rebel, 3yrs .. ..SO Mr. J. Brown ns br h Fernando, syrs .. 7 13 Mr. W. A. Long's ch c Town Talk, 4yrs _ 7 12 Mr. J. Paterson's br in Kpi, syrs .. — 7 11 Major F. N. George's ch c Reprisal, 4yrs ..7 9 Mr. J. 11. Davis ns b c Kortunatus, 3yrs ..7 7 Mr. H. Oxenliam's b f Utter, 4yrs „ ..7 7 Mr. R. Benco's ch g Barefoot, aged .. ..7 7 Mr. W. 11. Keith us br in Omaha, syrs ..7 5 Mr. It. Chirnside's b m Svvertha, aged „ 7 5 Mr. J. Mitchell's b g Cremorno, 3yrs .. .. 7 3 Mr. J. Peterson's borbr g The Seine, syrs .. 7 3 Mr. O. Baniett ns br c Proh Pudor, 4>ts ..7 3 Mr. G. Hill's ch e Shamrock, (ivrs .. ..7 3 Mr. S. G. Cook's t> g The hour Light. 4yrs 7 2 .Mr. T. Sampson's br or bl f Winifred, 4yrs -.7 1 Mr. W. R. Wilson's b f Thought, 4yrs .. _ 7 1 Mr. N. Wilson's be Burlesque, 4vrs .. ..7 1 Mr. I. T. Carslake's br o Cooramin, 4yrs „ 7 0 Mr. K. E. A. Oatley's ch g Paymaster, tlyrs.. 7 0 Mr. C. Elliot's br c Mortlake, 3yrs .. ..6 13 Mr. W. A. Filgate ns b h Avondale, aged .. 613 j

The top weight, Bungebah, has earned such a great record for himself that even though he has the steadier of lOst 4lb opposite his name, he (ills the eye as one of the moat probable winners.. It is true, the son of Grandmaster had 15103 less than he is now asked to carry when he accomplished his runaway victory last year in this race; but then again he treated his opponents to such a sound dressing down, and even then finished up his task in the easiest possible style in lm l&Js, that it is contended by some of the most experienced critics in the land that another stone would not have prevented hiin from achieving his victory. Cablegrams to hand show that Raynor has his horse in great buckle, and with the going firm it will, I think, take something very brilliant to clip his wings. St. Blaize (Bst 8lb) is a horse that caught my eye directly the weights appeared as one most favourably treated, and from the staunch support accorded to him during the present week, it would seem that he has shown his party something of a high order in his training. "On the second day of the V.R.C. Spring Meeting, held in November last, this brilliant son of St. Albans led oil by carrying 7st 01b to victory in the Railway Handicap (six longs), beating a field of twenty in the easiest manner, in the good time of lrn. 15s. ; while in the Yan Yean Stakes (one mile), run on the same day. with 7bt 111b, he ran a dead heat with Quality ("st 101b); and in the run off he beat his opponent very easily. To run three such clinking races as these iu one day is unquestionably a high credential for the son of St. Albans to hold, and if he be thoroughly himself to-day he will be able to gallop those nix furlongs up the Flemington straight in a style that will, I fancy, puzzle the great majority of his opponents. During the week Pygmalion (9st) has been made the medium of some staunch support, and when it is considered that the St. Albans stable is equipped with such powerful trying tackle as Strathmore and Zalinski, it is no surprise to find the brother to Cynisca at the top of the quotations. As a three-year-old Pygmalion proved himself a great disappointment; but on Boxing Day last he came out of his shell, by carrying 7st 81b to victory in the Hopetoun Cup (one mile and a-quarter and a distance), while on the same day he won the Malvern Handicap (six furlongs) with Bst 71b in the saddle, and that the pace was strong in the last named race, ample proof is furnished by the fact of the journey having been thrown behind in lm l.js. At Flemington on New Year's Day, Pygmalion was made a great favourite for the Standish Handicap (six furlongs) in which race he had Bat 71b to carry ; but he could only get second to Barefoot (6st 121b), though it is only fair to state that the Apremont horse had the worst of the start. On the same day with 7st 131b Pygmalion figured amongst the field for the Bagot Handicap (one mile and five furlongs), but he ran very disappointingly and finished unplaced. With 9st to carry, it seems to me that Pygmalion has been awarded fully up to his deserts, and were it not for the fact that the son of Apremont has two such dounhty stable mates as Strathmore and Zalinski,with whom it would seem safe to infer he has been tried, I should be inclined to estimate his chance lightly, but we may be quite sure that he has not been supported without having shown Mr. Leslie McDonald a great gallop at St. Albans, and on that ground his claims to respect cannot safely be ignored. Gladstone (Bst 101b) is unquestionably a speedy customer, and as he distinguished himself at this particular meeting last year by carrying Bst 81b to victory in the Bourke Handicap (seven furlongs), which journey he cut out in the clipping time of lm. "27A5., he must be accounted well in. The Auckland " rep Reprisal has, with 7st 91b, been handled with a _ great degree of kindness by Mr. Dakin; and, judging from the work which the little son of First King has been putting in on the track during the past week, Harrison has him in great buckle. There is a tendency in Auckland to decry the prosrcts of the little chestnut; but. for myself, shall be quite prepared to hear of his having furnished one of the placed division. The Harbour Light (7st 21b) has, so far, been a great disappointment; but the fact should not be overlooked that last season he carried 7st 81b, and ran Gladstone (Bst Sib) to a head for the Bourke Handicap, and that it was a great " go," ample proof is furnished by the seven furlongs being cut out in lm. 27£s. Summing the matter ii|>, it appears to me that the winner will be found amongst Bunzebah, St. Blaize. Gladstone, Pygmalion, Reprisal, and Tne Harbour Light, and if 1 had to reduce this number to two, my choice would rest on BuDgebab and fat.- iJlaize.

On the Tuesday following the Australian Cop will be brought up for decision; and, as in the case of the Newmarket Handicap, the field promises to bo characterised by both strength and quality. The following are engaged st lb Mr. I). S. Wallace's b c Megaphone, 4yra _ 9 5 Mr.' W. Forrester's hi g Hghborn, Cyrs —94 Mr! P. O'Brien's b c Freedom, 4yrs ~ _ 9 2 Mr. S. H. Gi>llau's b h 'ttrailleur, fiyrs.. _ 9 1 .Mr. W. R. Wilson be Strathmore, 3yra _ 8 10 Mr. J. Hersey'schh G'naroo, syrs .. _ 8 10 .Mr. W. R. Hall's br c Oxide, 3yrs _ _ S 4 I Mr. K. W. Purches's b c fortsea, 3yrs .. — 8 3 Mr. W. R. Wilson's b c Zalinski, 3>rs .. — 8 2 Mr. D. S. Wallace's ch g Titan, 4yrs „ .. 8 0 Mr. P. O'Brien's b f Klorrie, 3yrs .. .. 7 13 Mr. 11. A. Bellamy ns bo Norbert, 4yrs (including 101b penalty) _ 7 12 Mr. W. R. Wilson's b c Pygmalion, 4yrs —■ 7 12 Mr. I. Eirnshaw ns b c St. Blaize, 4yrs -. 7 12 Mr. W. T. Jones's b f Litigant, 4yrs .. -. 7 11 Mr. H. Oxeuham's ch g Forty Winks, 4yrs _ 7 9 Mr. W. T. Jones's b c Pen tnce, Syrs .. —78 Mr. M. O'Shanassy's b h Singapore, fiyrs —77 Mr. M. O'Shanassy's bl c Swordbearer, 3yrs .« 7 f> Mr. J. Harper, jun., ns b c Sadini, 3yrs .. 7 3 Mr. F. Bahr's b h Ronald, syrs .. " _ —70 Mr. G. Davis's b h Dramatist, syrs .. _ 6 13 Mr. J. F. O'Brien's b h Wandsworth, Gyrs — 0 12 Mr. E. Jellett's b f Little Maid, 3yrs .. ..0 7 Of the top weights I am inclined to think that Highborn (9st 41b) will prove the most dangerous. With only 31b less than ho is now asked to carry, the son of Grandmaster ran a really good horse in the last Melbourne Cup, finishing close up fourth to Malvolio (Sst 4lb), Sir William (Sst 7lb), and Strathmore (7st 61b), and he is in such great heart at present tlnit he should run extremely prominent in the race under review. Freedom has proved himself a most consistent horse, but, notwithstanding that I hear the son of Captivator is in splendid nick, I am inclined to doubt his ability to win under 9st 21b; and Tirailleur at 9st lib does not till the eye at all pleasingly, albeit the New Zealand crack is credited with having put in some rattling gallops during the present week. Strathmore (Sst lOlbs) is set a severe task, and, judging from cablegrams to hand, it is improbable the will be amongst the starters. Mr. Wilson has, however, another string to his bow with Zalinski (Sst -lb), and should the St. Alban's sportsman rely on the threeparts brother to Trenton, he will have a splendid representative to do battle on Ilia behalf, for the manner in which Zalinski won the Toorak Handicap in the Spring stamped him as a colt of great merit. Portsea (Sst 31b) was responsible for a capital performance in the V.R.C. Handicap, run last November, which race he won with 7st lib in the saddle, anil cutting out the mile aud three-quarters in 3in 4|s; and with Slbs additional he allowed the way home to his opponents in the Bagot Handicap (one mile and five furlongs), run at Flemington on New Year's Day, so that it will be seen that the son of Neckers gat has proved himself a very capable stayer. Flovrie (7st 131b) is unquestionably a good filly, but whether she is equal to the task of winning this race is a very moot point. Of course, if Strathmore is amongst the field, and in the same nick at, when he ran such a great race with Malvolio and Sir William for the Melbourne Cup, he would require no end of beating; but the uncertainty as to his starting seems to be well grounded, and therefore it appears to me that the finish will must likely be fought out between Highborn, Za'inski, and Portsea ; aud of the trio I prefer the chances of Zalinski most. On Thursday the time-honoured Champion Stakes, which event is run over three miles, is the principal item on the programme, and though Carbine, Marvel, Melos, Dreadnought, and Malvolio will all be absentees, there is a prospect of a fair field. The probable starters are: — st lb st lb Tirailleur _ _ 9 5 Strathmore _ 7 12 Freedom .. « 9 0 Zalinski _ m- 7 12 Megaphone .. 9 0 Oxide .. - 7 12 Highborn .. —90 Stromboli .. - 7 12 Whimberel .. 9 1) Swordbearer „ 7 12 The result of the Australian Cup may be expected to throw some light on the threemile race : but, on paper, Mr. Wilson's pair, Strathmore and Zalinski, stand out as the two that will require the greatest amount of beating. NOTES BY PHAETON. THE ONSLOW MEETING. The unpropitious weather experienced on Saturday last on the occasion of the complimentary meeting tendered by the A.R.C. to Lord Onslow detracted very seriously from the success of the gathering, for had the day been fine the attendance would. I think, have been fully four times larger than it was. However, considering the weather and the moderate attendance, the club will not sustain so serious a loss financially as might have been expected, and probably the liabilities will not exceed the receipts by more than £100. When the opening eventthe Victoria Handicap — came to be discussed it came upon me somewhat in the light of a surprise to f'nd the public making The Dancer favourite in preference to Morion ; and that, too, in the face of the Great Northern Derby winner looking even better than when he successfully disposed of Clanranald and Co. on New Year's Day in the contest for the blue riband. The explanation not a few gave for discarding the son cf Captivator was that the heavy going would not suit so longstrided a gentleman; but in the race he showed the very opposite to be the case, for he appeared to revel in the mud, and fairly romped home in front of the favourite. With a 71b penalty hangiug over Morion's head for the Hawke's Bay Cup, in the event of his winning the Onslow Cup, it was thought that Mr. Bobbett would depend on Quadrant in that race ; but Kae was evidently afraid to trust the little chestnut over a mile and a quarter, and following out the old adage, "a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush," the stable elected to run the risk of a penalty for the big event at Hastings, and Morion was therefore again saddled up. The history of the race is soon told, for after the Papakura pair— Pintire and Leorina—had carried on the running to the home turn. Morion put in his claim, aud, though Pin fire stuck very gamely to his task, the big son of Captivator settled him easily, and won by half a length. Of course, it may be said with a good deal of truth, when considering the value attaching to Morion's dual victories, that he really beat nothing of much account in either race on Saturday last; but it was the manner in which he did it that proves to my mind that there was far less fluke about his triumph over Clanranald in the Derby than most people were at the time inclined to give him credit for. To secure such a genuine colt as Morion for the sum of 30 guineas, ranks as one of the best bargains that ever came oIF at Sylvia Park, and it is extremely pleasing to find so game a customer carrying the colours of so plucky a sportsman as Mr. Bobbett, and under trie charge of so painstaking a trainer as John Rae. Quadrant worthily did his part in keeping up the record "of the " White House" establishment in the Farewell Handicap, aud the manner in which he carried his heavy burden of 9st lbs to victory is proof positive that his trainer has solved the secret of keeping the delicate son of Robinson Crusoe strung up. When the youngsters filed out of the paddock, prior to the start for " Huia's" Handicap, I was very sanguine of having un* earthed for my readers the winner in St. Hippo, who pleased me very muoh when he galloped his preliminary. He was first away when .Mr. Cutts lowered the Hair, aud the son of St. Leger, entering the straight with a length's advantage, and Gallagher sitting still, it certainly looked as if the Kohimarama "good thing" was going to come off; but, when Lottie challenged him opposite the Derby stand, he shut up in the most barefaced manner, and, evidently, refusing to try a yard, Lottie and Tit finished in front of him. "That St. Hippo had shown his trainer something of a high order there cannot be a doubt, for he was made the medium of some very staunch support at their bauds; but, whatever he may reveal to his party in future, they will not, I fancy, again back him i with so much confidence as they did on Saturday last, for there can be no question that he displayed a great lack of courage when his rider asked him to respond to Lottie's challenge. Brown Alice was, I may remark, going as well as anything when she slipped, and from the bold front the sister to Strathmore was showing at the time it is not at all improbable that she would have supplied the winner instead of Lottie had no mishap befallen her. Fishmonger was found equal to winning both the Hurdle Race and Steeplechase for Mr. Hayr, and that, too, in the face of some miscreant having broken open his box the night previous and turned the gelding out into the drenching rain, which fell incessantly the night previous. fishmonger's dual victory was a pleasant incident in the afternoon's sport, and iu these days of in-and-out running it is refreshing to find so consistent a performer getting home successfully. The meeting throughout was admirably managed by Mr. Percival. Mr. Cutts (if I except the two-year-old race, the start for which was a little unfortunate) acquitted himself well; and though there were no very exciting finishes during the afternoon, I see no reason to withhold a meed of praise to Mr. Evett, for the character of his handicaps. THE DtJNEDIN MEETING. After fulfilling the part of runner-up to St. James and Freedom respectively in the two previous Dunedin Cups, Occident rewarded Mr. Stephenson with a victory in that race on Wednesday last; and the genuine manner in which the son of Lapidist downed his opponents leaves no doubt as to the meritorious character of his win. The time (3m. 00s.) in which Occident traversed the two miles and a distance is the fastest on record, 1 and lowers the record Gipsy King put up in 1 11KS8 by a second. On the day of the race, 1 Merrie England was made a strong favourite, I but the sound pace with which Occident car*

ried his opponents along revealed a weak spot in the son of St. George and Rupee before the last half mile came to be undertaken, and though desperately ridden, he could get no closer than fourth. Some idea of the favouritism that was shown for Merrie England's chance in the Cup may be gathered from the fact that of the £2893 invested on the totftlisators £11*22 was on his number. In the Jockey Club Handicap (one mile and a half), run on the second day, Occident (Sst 111b) and Cruchiield (Sst) met to light their battles o'er again, when the latter turned the tables on the Cup Winner by winning easily. THE WANGANUI MEETING. The Wanganui Jockey Club's Autumn Meeting takes place on Wednesday and Thursday next, and from the acceptances and entries received a most successful gathering should result. The Cup, which comes up for decision on the opening day, has a capital acceptance of 14, and on paper Mr. Evett seems to have pretty well secured the winner. Old Dudu if she were theDudu of old would have nothing to fear with 9st 31b, but I fear that the daughter of Somnus lias seen her best (lay. Cynisea carried her Sat 121b to victory in the Wellington Cup in a very genuine fashion, and though this race is a quarter of a mile further, and she has '21b more to carry, her chance finds a good deal of favour in my eves. Fraternite (Sst 21b) on his running at Egmont should prove very hard to beat, for though* he did not win, The Dauphin's son has very clearly demonstrated his ability to get a long journey. Dolosa, if she could only be depended on to run up to the form she displayed on the second and third days of the A.R.C. Summer Meeting would be a very hard nut to crack with 7st lOlbs, but she is so unreliable that I hesitate to say a word in her favour. Krina (7st 31b) and Awarua Rose (7st) have each victories to recommend them to notice, but after fully summing up the chances of the fourteen engaged it seems to me that either Fraternity or Cynisca will supply the winner, aud they may finish in that order. THE ENGLISH TURF. With few exceptions (says an English exchange) contests for the great stakes of 1891 fail to stand out sharply in memory. Not one could be mentioned in the same breath as regards the interest it evoked with Ormonde's Two Thousand Guineas and Derbythe St. Leger was virtually a walkover for him—or his famous triumph over Minting and Bendigo at Ascot. Such fights of giants cannot, however, be expected to occur frequently. Common's victory over the Rowley Mile, when his opening essay was made in April, certainly awakened some enthusiasm, so did Morion's struggle with Queen's Birthday and Gonsalvo for the Ascot Gold Cup. Of course when Onne succumbed to Signorina for the Lancashire Plate, excitement went up to fever heat, but beyond those occasions people were not often roused to a high pitch of fervour. Everyone, probably, who is worth calling a sportsman, bears in recollection some specially stirring struggle that in his heart of hearts he prefers to all others which have come under notice. One old friend ol' ours declared in favour of that Newcastle Cup battle- in which Beeswing beat Calypso and Lanercost. Others would doubtless declare that no such moment occurred in their time as when Voltigeur defeated the Flying Dutchman fer the Doncaster Cup, and went down before him in the great match. The tussle between Galopin and Lowlander at Newmarket made people hold their breath for a few yards ; but, after all, if pressed to give an opinion, we should give our vote in favour of Ormonde's Two Thousand Guineas. The stewards of the Euglish Jockey Club recently announced that in future they will not license any racecourse official except on the distinct understanding that he shall not bet. As this rule is intended to apply to all meetings at which the ollicials in question are not engaged, as well as to those at which they are, the J.C. action has caused quite a flutter of excitement. Handicapper, judge, clerk of scales, starter, and clerk of course are the officials who are required to take out licenses. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS. The Lake Takapuna Racing Club hold a meeting today, and, should the weather keep propitious, a good number will, no doubt, make the journey. The programme to be gone through consists of seven events, the lirst of which is to be started at one p.m. The Devonport Ferry Company will run two special steamers, the lirst being timed to leave the ferry tee at 12.15 and the second at one p.m. The charge for the return ticket (including admission to the course) has been fixed at two shillings. Colonel Fraser's yearling colt by King Cole from Rosalind, who is receiving the rudiments of his education at the hands of G. Wright, was brought up to.EUerslie on Saturday last in order to allow of him having a look at the crowd. He is a chestnut in colour, and in some respects is not unlike his relative (Nelson) at the same age. Judging from the good behaviour which characterised the son of King Cole's first introduction to the racecourse, Wright should have a light task before him in imparting the education necessary to bring the colt to the post next season.

The Canterbury Times has drawn attention to the absurd manner in which penalties in the principal two-year-old races are calculated, and urges that a '2lb penalty for every £100 of the advertised value of races won would be a much fairer way of dealing with the matter. This, there can be no question, is a far more equitable way than the present, anil I hive little doubt that if the proposition was given a trial, it would bring about good results. I hope the Times will not let the matter drop.

Captain Guthrie had not long to wait to obtain a return for the £1200 which he gave for Day Dream, the two-year-old daughter of Albany and Siesta, as the lilly won the Champagne Stakes at Dunedin on Wednesday last. It may be of importance to those doing business on the Newmarket Handicap today to bear in mind that it is the third race on the programme, so that, making allowance for the difference of time due to our easterly position, the result of the race may be expected to come to hand in Auckland shortly after five p.m The Dunedin Cup winner Sultan appears to have taken very kindly to the illegitimate game, as cablegrams to hand show that the son of Apremont carried list 91b to victory in the Hurdle Race, run at Caultield on Saturday last. He has 21b less to carry in the Hurdle Race, which comes up for decision at Flemirigton on Tuesday next. Mr. Gollan's (illy Tiraillerie (7st 71bs) figured amongst the starters for the Hawksburn Handicap (one mile and three furlongs), run at Caultield on Saturday last, in which race the daughter of Nordenfehlt had the misfortune to be pitted against a speedy customer in the shape of Merriment, to whom she was called upon to concede 2lbs, arid who heat her easily. Merriment will be remembered as the winner of the Hawkesbury Guineas of 1889. There is a great falling off (says " Random") in the nominations for the C.J.C. Challenge Stakes of 1894, and there is little doubt that the Jockey Club will have to take advantage of the provision which enables it to reduce the stake. For the race of 1893 there were 218 nominations, but this year there are, if my counting is correct, only 121 nominations. Some people will tell us that this reduction is due to the dispersal of the Sylvia Park stud and the shipment of a number of young horses to Australia, but I am more inclined to put it down to the fact that the conditions of the race are thoroughly unpopular. Owners are just beginning to feel the pinch of the conditions attached to the Challenge Stakes of 1893, and they are not likely to be misled a second time by the announcement of a large stake which they are asked in ambiguous terms to provide from their own pockets. The time has not yet arrived for stakes of this description, and 1 shall not be a bit surprised to see the Jockey Club abandon the prosecution of the experiment. Camoola, the two-year-old son of Chester and Copra, who won the Oakleigh Handicap on Saturday last at Caullield, has borne out the high ojiinion formed of him as being one of the smartest two-year-olds likely to be seen out this season, and on his form last week he must be terribly hard to beat in the valuable Ascot Vale Stakes to be run to-day at Flemington. Copra, the dam of Camoola, I may remark, is a full sister to the V.R.C. Derby winner Navigator, both being got by Robinson Crusoe from Coeoanut. The Napier sportsman, Mr. Gollan, evidently contemplates an extended oampaign in Australia, as by the s.s. Te Anau, which left last week, the following horses belonging to him were shipped to Melbourne Culloden, by Nordenfeldt—Nelly Moore, Mousquetaire, by Nordenfehlt —Frailty, tilly by Leolinua—Woocinymph, and the three-year-old filly Namoa, by Nordenfeldt—Tres Deuce. An English cablegram received yesterday states that for the third successive year Colonel North's Fuller ton won the Waterloo Cup. Fullerton started favourite at 7 to 4 against him. Mr. Haywood's Fitz Fife was runner-up to Fullerton. The New Zealand bred Escapade, who, after the period of disqualification meted out to him in Australia, was sold to go to India, is still " battling along" in the land of the Rajah. At the Calcutta meeting in December last the son of Puriri was second (beaten two lengths) to Little Prince in the Trial Stakes of two thousand rupees, one mile.

" Random" writes " Since Mr. Henry's appointment as handicapper to the Canterbury Jockey Club most friendly relations have been established between that gentleman and other weight adjusters in the South Island. Messrs. Dowse, Cresswell, and Henry have formed a sort of mutual assistance association, and keep one another informed as to the doings of racehorses throughout the

colony." The result of this arrangement is said to have been extremely satisfactory, and a hope is expressed that Mr. Evett, who has so far held aloot from the association, will see his way to join in with the Southern adjusters of weights. The committee of the Victoria Racing Club had to deal with a novel application on Monday. Tne unemployed, who were mustered in front of the office, asked for a bequest from the accumulated funds of the club towards relieving iheir distress ; but as the by-laws of the club preclude the granting of money for charitable purposes, the request was not acceded to. A batch of nearly 200 applications for removal of disqualifications incurred by ponies and horses having run at unregistered meetings, were consinerd by the V.R.C. committee at its meeting on Monday, and it was decided to take off the whole of the disqualifications as requested, so that the ponies and horses in question may now compete at meetings held under V.R.C. rules. The following extraordinary story of a fight between two stallions at Manaia is related in the Hawera Star It seems that Mr. R E. Mcßae's Volunteer and the Clydesdale horse Prince Victor were both on a farm, but were kept with at least one paddock between them. On Thursday morning, however, Volunteer broke through into the paddock adjoining Prince Victor, and the two stallions commenced fighting over the gate. Prince Victor seized Volunteer by the lower jaw, and pulled the latter almost over the gate, breaking the top bar of the gate. The Clydesdale stallion having thus got the advantage, continued to pull the thoroughbred over the broken gate. Whenever Prince Victor lost his hold he sat down, owing to the force with which he was tugging. Finally, he succeeded in dragging Volunteer completely over the gate, and he then tore Volunteer's side open, exposing his entrails, besides otherwise knocking him about. Volunteer's jaw was completely smashed, the bones rattling when the head was lifted.

Is the artificial life in which the racehorse, generally speaking, finds himself placed conducive to his well being; and does the horse develop greater speed by being housed, fed, and tended in the manner at present in vogue ? Most trainers would scout the idea of a horse running out having any chance with an animal daintily nurtured ! At the same time modern practices go in the direction of allowing the racehorse to live a more natural life than heretofore. Speaking on this subject, " Vigilant," in a recent number of the London Sportsman, writes: —" Ventilation and coolness of atmosphere are sovereign remedies, or rather preventives of most ailments, ami while speaking of this I may instance the case of Robert the Devil, who was from the first brought up to be hardy. When he first went to his stud quarters at Beenham his new attendant produced hot water to wash his legs with. ' What are you about?' said the man who brought ' Robert.' 'His legs have never been touched with hot water in his life !' Talking of Beenham, I may mention that old Cymbal, who is 2-1 years old, and as fit and healthy as possible, lias the free run of a bin yard in all weathers, and I saw the old fellow last week with a good rough coat on him, as he put his head over the rails to have his nose rubbed. He cared not for the rain, and I thought there was much useful knowledge to be gathered from this example." Reports from Monte Video state that a forty-mile race took place here recently. The object was to test the relative endurance of the native horse and the thorough-bred. Eighteen horses started, but as the weights were lOst it was not surprising that only four —all thoroughbredsfinished. An Knglish exchange says : —A stallion should be so trained that he can be taken out in any company or driven on the road without squealing and prancing to show that he is a stallion. Stable manners and road manners can be taught to a horse as well as to a chilil. What he needs to be taught is that he is a horse, and should act like a sensible, tractable one. This can be done by his keeper having constantly before his mind this idea, that lie needs to use all his faculties or the horse will beat him thinking. According to the London Sporting Times, the late Lord Chief Justice Cockburn was very harum-i.earum in his youth. On one occasion, after he had become eminent, he visited Bury, and a livery stable-keeper hearing of it immediately reminded him of the " bit of the old," amounting to about £4. The chief justice took a £5 note out of his pocket, and settled on the spot. The man was delighted, and then, as a sort of afterthought, said, " I don't mind telling you, sir. that I had written tiiat debt off as bad." It is the unexpected that always happens that is, to some lucky people. A most reliable writer states that it is very certain that we shall not see much betting upon the English Derby this year. Orine is such a hot favourite for the Derby that backers display no anxiety to support any other horses in the race. Indeed, only about half a dozen promise to have any chance of winning, and even then something will have to happen to me. Prior to leaving Auckland, Lord and Lady Onslow paid a visit to Wellington Park. I understand that Mr. Bobbett intends sending Morion and Quadrant down to Napier to fulfil their engagements. Reports from New South Wales state that numerous bof»us sweeps are being promoted there, and it is considered high time that the Government dealt with the matter.

" Banuerdale" considers Day Dream the smartest two-year-old he has ever seen, not excepting Carbine. Stanmoie, not Strathmoor, is the name selected by G. Wright for his colt by Ingomar from Onyx. The erst Aucklander Relation, with 9st 101b in the saddle, was made favourite for the steeplechase run at Rosehill (Sydney) on the Kith instant, but failed to gain a place. He fell at the last fence. Horscowners are reminded that nominations for the Easter Handicap, Autumn Handicap, and Steeplechase, to be run at the Auckland Autumn Meeting, are due on Friday next. THE DUNEDIN MEETING. Dl'skijin, Friday. The following acceptances have been received in connection with.the third day's racint' : — t'oiuiunv Handicap of 3i<osovs. One and a quarter miles. St. lb. St. 11). Merrio England .. 1) 3 Bay King „ ..7 0 ('rack-hut .. .. S 1:! (Jalteo .. ... 7 4 Cruchtield .. ..8 111 'lVmpest .. ... 7 4 Prime Warden „ 7 7 Healhur Dell „ 7 2 Kalninu ... ... 710 Ko-efclilt .. ... 7 0 Derby «. .. 7 (i Coinage .. _ 7 0 PAPAKURA RACES. The following nominations were received last night for the Papakura Racing Club's Annual Meeting, to take place on St. Patrick's Day Papakura Cup.—Tumi, Pin Hr.-, Capella, Leorina, Prisrilla, .Maid of Erin, Lady Hello, Ida, Ingorina, UehnoiU. Handicap Steeplechase. — Chance, Colonel, Kate. Cloth of (fold, Vail, Tim. Handicap Hurdle Rack.—Nap, Kate, Cloth of Gold, Stepper. Maiden Plate.—' Focus, Kauri Gum, Sig. Nora, Jessica, Mascotte, Transit, Acacia, Essie, Assassin, Taranui. Handicap Pony Hack, —Tit, Circus Girl, Romeo, La Grippe, Sepoy, Marriah, Minnie Grey, Little Nannie. Flying Stakes.— Signora, Pinfire, Leorina, Helen Macgregor, Mascotte, Lady Belle, Maid of Erin, Italian, Acacia, Ida, Ingorina, G'eniora. * Handicap Novel Rack.—Comet, Essie, Pi Raka Raka, Lilile Nannie. [Other nominations may have been receired at Papakura.] TE AROHA RACES. The following nominations have been received for To Aroha Races, to he held on Monday, March 14 : — Handicap Hurdle Race.—Pretender, Paddy, Argyll*. Sylvio, 111 no Peter, Platcli, Peter, and Tupara. Tk aiioiia Jockey Ci.uk Handicap.—Snake, Romeo, Ringtail, Lupin, Clarion, Never tyiss. Tuna, La Grippe, Uncle Bob, Bulrush, Try Fluke, Tupara, Papakuia. Handicap Pony Rack Jim, Dandy, Life Buoy, Opal, Revolver, Ned, Little .Nell, Ironmonger, Mayflower, Mail Boy, Gipsy, Platcli, Tui, Pet. Railway Plate Handicap.—Snake, Romeo, Minnie, Laird, Ringtail, Lupin, Clarion, Never Miss, Tuna, La Grippe, Circle Bob, Bulrush, Willie Platch, Lady Marion, Tupara, May, Mount, Haricot' Papakura. __ ONSLOW TROTTING RACES. Acceptances were received as follows for the Onslow Trotting Club's meeting, which is to be held on March sth, at Potter's grounds:— Handicap Trot of lOOsovs. — Ranis scratch Bess 20s, Hurricane 225, Balderdash 225, Charlie 255, Corina Has, Rover 375, Rainbuster 4Ss, Napier 50s, Martha 50s, Tyrone 525, Commodore 575, .Midnight 575, Fibre 60s, Fairy 70s, The Broker 70s. Maiden Trot.— Tyrone scrato, Sherry aer, Cadiz scr, Evergreen scr. Alma ss, Zachariah 10s! Fibre 10s, The Broker 12s, Vixen 20s, Lizzie 20.*. Pony Trot.—Ladybird scratch, Martha 15s, Captain Russell 15s, Mocking Bird 15s, ltutene 15s', Nukinuki 15s, .Midget 15s, Fibre 20s, Jock 255, Twinkle 255, Pohui 30s, Chips 30s. a eel Thot.— Sandgate scratch, Balderdash 10s, Madame 255, Jessie 30s, Commodore 30s, Zachariah :;ss, Dainty 40s, Pukeuui 455, Lizzie 60s, Prince Albert »os.

Onslow Pony Handicap.—Red Rose 10.4, Lady May B.J, Silkworm 8.12, Little Raven 8.0, Despised 7.5, Little Jane 7.0, Robin 7.0, The Lark 7.0, Gipsy 7.0, Fryingpan 7.0, Elsie 7.0, Rata 6.7. Pony Steeplechase.—Pica 12.0, Despised 0.7, Little Raven 9.0, Midas 8.7. Maiden Pony Race.—Coquette 11. 10.0, The Lark 9.7, Victoria 9.0, Trenton 9.0, Haurangi 9.0, Little Jane 9.0, Flirtation 9.0, Gladys 0.0, Eric 8.7. Selling Thot (entries).—Dick, Maud S., Sailor Boy, Rainbuster, Mystery, Rutene, chili.

The privileges in connection with the Onslow Trotting Club's meeting were sold yesterday by Messrs. Wilson and Clayton as follows: — Mr L. Adams. .£25; bars, Mr. Hawkins, £25; cards, Mr. L. Adams, £8 ; the right to sell refreshments, Mrs. Mcintosh, 10s. There was no offer for the stabling.