SPORTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 9919, 7 September 1895, Page 6

SPORTING.

RACING FIXTURES. New Zealand. September 12, South Canterbury Jockey Club. September H. 21—Auckland Racing Club. September 26, 27—Geraldine Racing Club. October 7. 3— Hawke's Bay Jockey Club. October Id, Napier Park Racine Club. October 17, 18—Wanganui Jockey Club. Norember 5, 7, 9—Canterbury Jockey Club. November 9, 13—Auckland Racing Club. December 26, January 1, 2— Auckland Racing Clnb. April 6, 7, 11— Auckland Racing Club. June 7, 9— Auckland Racing Club. AUSTRALIAN. September 14,17, 19, 21—Australian Jockey Club. October 12, 19—Victoria Amateur Turf Club. November 5, 7, 9 -Victoria Racing Club. December 26, 28—Australian Jockey Club. January 25. 27—Sydney Turf Club. April i, 6, 9, ll— Australian Jockey Club. DATES OF COMING EVENTS. New Zealand. October 7— Hawke's Bay Guineas, Norember s—New Zealand (.'up. November 7—Canterbury Derby. November 9—Canterbury Cup. November 9—Auckland Guineas. December 26—Auckland Cup. December 26—Great Northern Foal Stakes. Januiry Great Northern Derby. January 2— Auckland Steeplechase. April 6-A.R.C. Easter Handicap. June 7—Grand National Hurdle Race (Auckland). June 9— Great Northern Steeplechase. Australia. September 14—Australian Jockey Club's Derby. September 17—Metropolitan Stakes. . October 12—Caulfield Guineas. October 19-CaulUe!d Cup. November 2- V.R.C. Derby. November —Melbourne Cup. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. THE TURK. T.A., Mangonui.—£l. A letter addressed to Mr. G. Adams, Bdsoane Chambers, Brisbane, will pro vide you with the necessary information. Subscriber. — T.Y.C, signifies two -year-old course ; p.p., play or pay. W.M.H., Opunake.—l. Aida, darn of Impulse, was bred by Mr. G. G. Stead. She was got by Leolinus from L'Orient. the latter being by Knight of the Crescent. 2. Descendants of St. Albins won the Melbourne Cup two years in succession, viz., Malua (1891) and Sheet Anchor (1895). NOTES BY PHAETON. THE A.R C. FIRST SPRING MEETING. If the satisfactory acceptances that have been received in connection with the first day's racing of the A.R.C. First Spring Meeting are to be taken as a criterion, then the handicapper, Mr. Evett, must be accounted to have succeeded in pleasing the great majority of horse-owners. But nevertheless, the fact cannot be disguised that there has been a fair amount of grumbling at the handicapper's conclusions. And summing the matter up on paper, it must be admitted that in several instances Mr. Evett has given cause for this. However, there never yet was a handicap made that someone did not grumble over, £.nd in defending himself the A.R.C. Handicapper will be able to take cover uuder the powerful fact that his adjustments have brought forth a first-class acceptance. The racing may be expected to furnish evidence as to whether or not the handicapper's conclusions are founded upon a proper foundation. From the acceptances which appear in another column it will be seen that the five New Zealand Cup candidates, Impulse, Pegasus, Waiuku, Dead Shot, and St. Repel all still remain in the Spring Handicap, and the fact will serve to invest the contest in the mile and a-quarter race with a deal of interest. Waiuku not having yet put in an appearance at Ellerslie, we are entirely in the dart as to the state of his condition ; but with regard to the quartette of locally trained Cup candidates, they may all be said to be in capital nick. THE DON-CASTER ST. LEGER. The 120 th St. Leger is set down for decision on Wednesday next at Doncaster, and as on this occasion there is no phenomenon to frighten the average lot out of the contest, it is expected that a strong field in number will contest the "red riband." Lord Rosebery's representative Sir Visto won his Derby all right, but the subsequent striking defeat which he met with in the Princess of Wales Stakes, when he failed to gain even a place, shows him to be a good remove from a first class one, and it is the general opinion that if he is to win the St, Leger it will be by reason of the weakness of the opposition rather than to excellence on his part. When the last mail left, Whittier held the position of favourite, and if all be true that is written ahout him, it was a fortunate thing for Sir Visto that the latter did not take part in the Derby. Whittier placed a good race to his credit when he won the Epsom Grand Prize, and he will, it is thought, require an immensity of beating in the St. Leger. The Two Thousand Guineas winner, Kirkconnell, is amongst those engaged, but the wretched manner in which he cut up in the Grand Prix de Paris stamped him as a bad stayer, and his prospects are by no means bright. A dangerous candidate has been removed from the list in Le Var, whose nomination became void owing to the death of his nominator the Duchess of Montrose. Last year a filly (Throstle) bowled over tho supposed certainty (Ladas), but as neither the winner of the One Thousand Guineas (Galeottia) or the Oaks victress (La Sagesse) are engaged, it is doubtful if history will this year repeat itself in that direction, for weak though the colts are this season the fillies are voted even worse. The following are the leading candidates engaged in the St. Leger :— st lb Lord Rosebery's br c Sir Visto, by Barcaldine —Vista 9 0 Mr. Russet's br c Whittier, by LaureateVirginia Shore 9 0 Mr. T. Cannon's br c Curzon, by Ocean Wave 'lib 9 0 Sir 3. Maple's br c Kirkconnell, by Royal Hampton— Sweet Sauce 9 0 Mr. H. McCalmont'-s br c Raconteur, by St. Simon— Plaisanterie 9 0 Mr. A. W. Cox's br c Solaro, by Galopin— Capri.. ..• 9 0 Duke of Portland's ch c The Owl, by Wisdom — Rattlewing ..9 0 Mr. A. W. Cox's b f Choice, by Galopin— Selection 8 11 Lord Kosebery's br f Gas, by Ayrshire— llluminata 8 11 Mr. D. Cooper's b f Saintly, by St. SimonLonely 8 11 SOOTH CANTERBURY MEETING. The South Canterbury Jockey Club hold their Spring Meeting on Thursday and Friday next, and the fact of the New Zealand Cup candidates, Prime Warden, Outpost, Marino, Gipsy Grand, Magazine, and Loveshot being engaged, will serve to create a lot of interest in the fixture. The following are the acceptances tor the two principal events, to be run on the first day of the meeting : — TIMARU Cup of lOteors. One mile and a-qnarter. — Prime Warden 9.4. Vogengang 8. 11, Barmby 8.7, Outpost 8.0, Beadonwell 8.0, Magazine 7.11, Marino 7.10, Gipsy Grand 7.9, Silver Spec 7.7, l.oveshot 7 4, Maremma 7.0. Flying Handicap of 50sors. Six furlongs.— Barmby 9.0, Lord Zetland 8.12, Marino 8.4, Magazine 8.3, Britoinarte 8.2, Georgia Sharp 7.7, Mereinma7.s, Kothamstead 7.2, Molly Darling 6.13, Lady Spencer 0.13, Lady Sonuius 6.10, Lady Origleu 6.7. . A VETERAN HANDICPPER. It is announced that the veteran handicapper, Mr. E. D. Barnard, has found it necessary, owing to failing health, to resign his position as handicapper of the Victoria Amateur Turf Club. The Melbourne Sportsman of last week passes a high eulogium on the great ability which the veteran handicapper has displayed in the discharge ot his duties, and the high character he bears in the estimation of the public. What kind of a man Mr. Barnard is, says the Sportsman, may be gathered from the following incident in his career as handicapper : — Some few years ago a member of the V.R.C. Committee, whose horses certainly had enjoyed a fair share of success under his allotments, took exception to the weights issued by Mr. Barnard for a certain race. The result was the instant resignation by that gentleman of his office—a resignation he could not be induced to retract. That the j full sympathy of the members of the club was with Mr. Barnard is shown by the fact of their at once voting him a pension equal to the salary he had drawn for his services. STEEFLECHASING IN AUSTRALIA. In referring to the lecent sad fatal accident in the Victorian Club Steeplechase, at Caul - field, by which the promising young jockey, C. Lewis, lost his life, the Australasian makes the following pointed remarks :— lt has become our habit to praise our racing methods as superior to all the world; but the extraordinary number of fatal accidents in our midst is a big blot upon our boast. I don't think it is an exaggeration to say that there are more men killed on the turf in Australia in twelve months than are killed in the old country in ten years, notwithstanding our small population. What is the cause of these lamentable accidents "between the flags?" Is it the carelessness of the jockeys, is it the inexperience ot the horses, are our courses at fault, or is it the pace that kills Whatever the cause, it behoves the racing authorities to inquire into the matter, with the object of ascertaining how far they arte preveutible. The jockey's death-roll in * Australia, is not to our credit.

[ STUD NEWS j It may not be generally known that Loch I Ness takes rank as a parent ; but such is the case, the Napier mare Kotuku (by Musket— Maid of Athol) having last week produced a colt to the son of Ingomar. Taihoa, the half-sister to the Melbourne Cap winner Darriweli, is this season to be mated with Seaton Delaval. Musket Maid (dam of Waiuku)' is this seasou to be again mated with St. Leger. Novellette. the full sister- to Strathmore, for whom Mr. S. Hordern paid 900 guineas at Wellington Park in 1892, is this season to be mated with the St. Simon horse Bill of Portland. Mr. R. Thorpe announces that the stallion Billingsgate (by Izaak Walton— will again this season be at the service of Auckland breeders. The stud fee to be charged for the services of the English champion Isinglass has been fixed at 300 guineas. Grace Darling, the heroine of the Caulfield Cup of 1885, has this season produced a filly to the defunct Nordenfeldt. The following foalings have been announced during the present week: — Mr. Broughton's Lady Leger, by St. Leger— Eileen, colt to Patriarch. Mr. T. Morriu's Hazel, by Nordenfeldt—Ouida, colt to St. Le^er. Mr. T. Morrin'a Victoria, by Feve—Memento, colt to Castor. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS. Almost from the time that Mr. Gollan's representative, Sternchaser, was introduced into the betting for the New Zealand Cup, there have been rumours afloat as to his being unsound. The following paragraph concerning the son of Nordenfeldt, which I clip from the Melbourne Leader of a recent date would appear to fully bear out what has previously been written about the condition of the horse :— " As there is no chance of Sternchaser seeing the post, those people who have trusted him for the New Zealand Cup will have cause to repent on settling day." The many friends of Mr. John Lennard will be sorry to learn that he is laid up at his residence, at Maugere, suffering from an acute attack of pneumonia. It is gratifying, however, to be able to state, on the authority of his medical attendant, Dr. Erson, that Mr. Leonard is on a fair way of recovery. While working on the tan at Randwick last week the Auckland-owned colt Osculator stumbled, and as a result one of his knees was injured. It will be a really hard piece of luck should the injury to Osculator prove to be so serious as to prevent him fulfilling his engagements at the A.J.C. Meeting, for he was mentioned amongst the best conditioned horses in training at Raudwick, and his owner, Mr. D. A. McLeod, was very sanguine of the son of Hotchkiss landing a good race. The steamship Alameda, which arrived from Sydney yesterday on route for San Francisco, has on board a shipment of thoroughbred mares and fillies, destined for the Merriwa Stock Farm, California, where they will be used for stud purposes. The shipment includes the brood mares Camilla, by Eastley from Creole, and Vindex, by Excelsior from Vixen; two fillies by First Water from Ladyship, two fillies by First Water from Camilla, a filly by First Water from Vixen, and a filly by the same sire from Secret.

Sydney advices to hand this week state that Mr. Nathan's crack St. Hippo is still bowling along in great style in his work at Randwick, and should he continue to do so throughout the coming week, he will apparently be pretty forward in condition when required to contest the Spring Stakes on the opening day of the A.J.C. meeting on Saturday next. Mr. Stead's team are also said to be doing well, and the Derby candidate Manulicher has especially been responsible for some sterling work. Accounts from Dunedin relative to the manner in which the New Zealand Cup candidate Gipsy Grand is training are of a very satisfactory character; and his condition is such that his party may be tempted to give him a run in the Kensington Handicap, to be run at the Otago Hunt Club's Meeting today. "Mazepra" states that he is in receipt of positive information to the effect that Mahaki is sound and well. The son of Ingomar is amongst the entrants for the Spring and Flying Handicaps, to be run at the Hawke's Meeting next month. Napier papers to hand make no mention of North Atlantic's being worked at Hastings, from which it would seem safe to conclude that all is not well with the Nordenfeldt gelding. The three-year-old, Rip Van Winkle, is, however, mentioned amongst those doing good work. ' .••,■; •;■' The stallion Orestes (by Nordenfeldt— Clytemnestra), was offered by auction at Messrs. Hunter and Nolan's yard yesterday, and at 64 guineas he was knocked down to Mr. J. Denize, of Onehunga. Intelligence received in Victoria from India announces the death of J. Williamson, who will be remembered as having steered the Auckland-bred colt Martini-Henry to victory in the V.R.C. Derby and Melbourne Cup of 1883. Poor Williamson had but a short turn at the top of the ladder, for in the following January something cropped up which ought about a severance of his connection with the late Hon. James White's stable, and from that time Williamson dropped rapidly out of note. About two years ago the young horseman left Victoria to try his fortunes in India, but he had poor success there, and this, combined with the severity of the climate, has caused the poor fellow to find an early grave. ■The crack English jockey Mornington Cannon has been offered, it is said, £10,000 for a three-years' " first-call" engagement — indeed, the " Man of the World says it has been offered him in two places, and hints at Colonel North and Sir J. B. Maple as the two. In a recent selling race won in England by the American owned colt Harry Reid, the owner had to pay no less a sum than 1160 guineas above the price put upon the horse to get him back. Harry Reid was entered to be sold for 100 guineas, and it was not until 1260 guineas wus reached that Mr. Dwyer, his owner, silenced opposition. The Americans are credited with winning a heavy stake over the victory of Harry Reid. In the Eclipse Stakes of 10,000aovs, won by the French-owned colt, Le Justicier, the favourite was the English colt, Whittier, who started at 9to 4, Le Justicier, who figured at 6 to 1, was well backed by the Frenchmen. The rider of Darnley at the Caulfield Grand National W. Prondfoot, has had to have his leg amputated as the result ot the injuries from the fall he received. According to "Spectator," the New Zealand Cup candidate Skirmisher continues to go on pleasingly at Riccarton, accomplishing all he is asked to do in handsome style. A Melbourne cablegram states that the champion greyhound Blackbird has died from inflammation. It was only a short time back that the owner refused an offer of £230 for Blackbird. This famous greyhound won 63 out of 68 courses. The Auckland-owned Royal Rose (Bst 41b) is engaged in the Hawkesbury Handicap (one mile and three furlongs), which race comes up for decision to-day. Mr. D. McKinuon's team—consisting of Loch Ness, Haria, Lufra, and Oma—were brought down from Waikato during the present week, and are now located at Ellerslie. It transpires that the New Zealand Cup candidate Magazine is not being trained at Yaldhurst. However, his being so at an early date is said to be on the cards.

It is expected that Percy Martin will bring Mr. Gollan's team over to New Zealand at an early date, with a view to their fulfilling engagements at the Canterbury Jockey Club's Meeting. The Australian Jockey Club's Spring Meeting opens on Saturday next at Randwick. The financial statement recently published iu connection with the Australian Jockey Club's affairs shows a surplus of £53,640 over liabilities. Happy A.J.C. I The jumper Otakeho was shipped to Sydney by the s.s. Tarawera, which left on Wednesday last. C. Boyle, who has been training for the Hon. J. D. Ormond, for the past nine months, has left that gentleman's employ. News from Napier is to the effect that the steeplechaser Roscius is not to be taken over to Australia just yet. Mr. R. Croker, of America, but now in England, has retained the services of the English rider Clayton at a salary of £400 a year. ' Glorious, the sire of Raak, was sold for £25 by the Messrs. Milier some time ago, and the old fellow is now in Gippsland. The Victorian two-year-old filly Raak was still unbeaten at last advices. She has won three races right off the reel. Havoc, Challenger, aud Wallace are each reported to be training on well at St. Albans. Bruin is commencing to move along at Flemington, and has so far proceeded satisfactorily with his spring preparation. The Victorian Amateur Turf Club made a profit of between £700 and £SOO over their recent Grand National Meeting. At the disposal of Gideon and Daly's racing team in America, Mr. August Belmont gave 37,000 dollars for Hastings, a 2-year-old colt by Spendthrift from Cinderella. Abercorn's two sons, Blue Cap and Vivian, each won a handicap at Randwick on Saturday last. Both colts are engaged in the A.J.C. Derby. The erst Auckland jumper Fright (9st 71b) failed to gain a place in the Hurdle Race run at Randwick on Saturday last. Patron and Portsea have been taken over to Sydney with a view to both fulfilling engagements at the A.J.C. Meeting. Mr. D. O'Brien's colt Ilchester has gone amiss..

OUR RACING ESTABLISHMENTS.

AN AFTERNOON AT WAPITI. [by PHAETON.] Of the racing establishments that hold sway in Auckland, that at " Wapiti," in which are bound up the interests of Major George, is undoubtedly entitled to a leading place and the fact that the popular proprietor races for sport rather than for gain.gives to the Epsom establishment a distinction from other places where the noble thoroughbred is put through his facings under different conditions. A visit to Wapiti is at all times one of pleasure to the sporting writer, and in selectin* Saturday last for an inspection of Major George's stud and team of racers, I was favoured with a most beautiful afternoon, for the picturesque estate, dressed in its best spring garb, looked delightful; and I was thus enabled to spend some very pleasant hours rambling in the paddocks, and in inspecting the racehorses in training that are this season to bear the popular " black and white hoops." On arriving at Wapiti I found that Major George had just proceeded to Ellerslie in order to witness the work of his two-year-olds, Admiral Hawke and Quickfire, who were being tried over the Welcome Stakes course, by their trainer, Mr. H. Harrison. However, I had not long to wait for his return, and then I was apprised of the interesting fact that the son of Nelson had proved himself better than his stable companion. As we directed our steps towards the stables, the conversation naturally turned to the valuable addition which the brood mare Hestia had made to the stud during the week in the shape of a colt sired by " the champion of champions," Carbine ; and the Major evidently recognising that I was desirous of having an early opportunity of paying my respects to the aristocratic " little stranger," he at once conducted me to the enclosure where the Grandmaster mare and her foal were located. Carbine's descendant, who is a lively little fellow, is a bay in colour with a blazed face, and white hind fetlock ; and is a nice healthy-looking foal. As we stood admiring the little son of Carbine, Major George informed me that the foal's life was in serious jeopardy on the second day after his birth ; and for the whole of one night his condition was a source of much anxiety. However, after several weary hours of attention and watching the ailment from which he was suffering yielded to the treatment applied, and there is every reason to hope that he will now go on all right. While the horses in training were being prepared tor inspection, a visit to the paddocks was undertaken, in order to have a look at the mares. The Maid (dam of The Workman) and Vendetta (dam of Admiral Hawke) are this season in foal to Nelson ; while Fiesole (by Ingomar—Florence) and Swiftsure (full sister to Pegasus) show unmistakable signs of being in foal to The Workman ; but Memphis (dam of Reprisal) and Sister Agnes (dam of Anniversary) have both unfortunately missed to the son of Robinson Crusoe. _ The Goldsbrough mare Moonga, who Major George secured in Victoria at the same sale as he purchased Hestia, has also, it is satisfactory to find, proved to be in foal to Carbine, and much interest will be centred in the arrival of her addition to the stud, for there are few more beautifully-bred mares than Moonga to be found in the Stud Book. Being got by Goldsbrough from Kernel, by Angler from Cocoanut, Moonga comes from a great winning family both on her sire and dam's side, and if breeding is any criterion she should present the turf with something of a very high order. Of the horses in training the first one to come under review was Anniversary, the four-year-old daughter of Nordenfeldt and Sister Agnes. When in training as a two-year-old Anniversary looked like furnishing into a really grand mare, but she has not come up to expectations in this respect. She is very good both in front and behind, but a light middle piece that carries with it shallow back ribs detract from her otherwise good looks. Considering that Anniversary was onlystarted on eight occasions during her|two and three-year-old career, it must be admitted that Major George has given the daughter of Nordenfeldt every chance, and this considerate treatment, it is to be hoped, will meet with its due reward later on. The occupant of the next apartment was the two-year-old gelding, Admiral Hawke, by Nelson from Vendetta. This youngster has improved out of all recognition during the past three months, and he is a fitting descendant of the grand old horse that in days gone by earned such great distinction for the Wapiti colours. Admiral Hawke stands, I should say, fully 15.2; he possesses a good honest looking head, which he carries nicely on a muscular neck of the proper length; his shoulders and arms are all right, and a nicely-turned middle piece, good back, and capital quarters, combiue to make him a most promising youngster. To sine praises in favour of Nelson would be to gild the lily; but in connection with Admiral Hawke, I must point out that he is out of a half-sister to The Workman, and as his dam (Vendetta) claims the celebrated St. Albans as her sire, it will be recognised what a great dash of blue blood the Wapiti youngster has in his veins. The next box proved to be tenanted by Pegasus ; and right well did the son of Nelson look— fact, it may safely be said that he has never previously presented such a blooming appearance as he does at the present time. Pegasus has not grown up much since he was three years old; but he has thickened out and furnished in a remarkable manner during the past six months, aud is now a very powerful fellow. He has also changed somewhat in colour, and he is now being transformed into what may be termed a liver-coloured chestnut, though his legs are still of that bronze shade of which his sire Nelson was such a beautiful specimen. Altogether, it may be said that Pegasus's condition and improved appearance is in every way most satisfactory, and he will, I should think, only require to train on all right for Major George to send him South, with a view to fulfilling his engagement iu the New Zealand Cup. My next interview was with The Workman, who I found looking big and well. The ton of Robinson Crusoe's forelegs have, however, been the subject of much anxiety, and it may be that Major George will not require much further from him in the shape of racing. The Workman, I may remark, was last season mated with several of the mares at Wapiti, and in the event of ' his not being sold, his services are again to he made use of in that direction. Heart of Oak is still a lathy mare, and it is quite evident that her trainer experiences some trouble in getting such a large-framed one to carry the necessary amount of condition. Quickfire, the two-year-old daughter of Carbine and Hestia, was the occupant of the next box. She is in colour a good looking brown, with blazed face, while her heels are tipped with white. The daughter of Carbine stands about 15"1, and is a very nicely cast youngster. She possesses a neatly shaped head and neck, her shoulders, middle piece, and quarters are all that could be desired, and altogether she bears the appearance of one that should win a good race at two years old, whatever she may do later on in her career. When I interviewed Quickfire shortly after her arrival at Wapiti from Victoria in April last, her muzzle was rather badly disfigured with a most profuse growth of warts. Major George at the time made light of this, and predicted that the unsightly excrescences woulddisappear in a short time, and sure enough they have, and that too, he tells me, without the application of any chemical. Neptune, the three - year - old brother to Pegasus, who, I may remark, was last season added to the list, has only been up a short time, and he is therefore at present very much in the rough. He has thickened out a good deal, and when he gets into racing condition will, I opine, be several removes from a bad-looking one. In another apartment I had a look at The Master, a two-year-old gelding by Nelson from The Maid, but it was quite evident that he has not been required to do much in the direction of galloping. He is a well-grown bay, showing plenty of power, and in giving him time to mature, a course is being pursued that should lead to satisfactory results. The horses in training having been disposed of, I was conducted to the boxes tenanted by the yearlings, which are only three in number this season. The b*y colt by Nelson from Vendetta has not grown into such a fine fellow as he promised when a foal ; but still he is a smartish-looking customer, and as the season progresses may fill out well. The Nelson —Fiesole colt is in colour a chestnut, and he has a racy look about him. The filly by Nelson from Sister Agnes is cast ou a larger scale than her two companions, and as she shows plenty of power she should develop into a fine youngster, albeit a plain head will always detract somewhat from her appearance. A look at old Nelson concludes my visit at "Wapiti." How time flies ! One would never think that thirteen years have almost sped their flight since that beautiful November afternoon in 1882, when the old fellow was saddled up to contest his first race; yet, so it is. The son of King Cole carries his fifteen years remarkably well, and the true solution of his blooming appearance is, 1 think, to be found in the fact that the old champion is not coddled up, for I learned that almost every day he is ridden between four and five miles exercise.

The sportsmanlike principles which have marked the management of the Wapiti establishment ever since its inception have very deservedly caused Major George's colours to earn a great popularity with the public in all parts of New Zealand ; and in expressing the hope that the bearers of the " black and white hoops may be found carrying the popular racing banner home in the van in many an important event during the season 1 am sure that I am bub expressing what is a very general wish.

AUCKLAND RACING CLUB'S FIRST SPRING MEETING. The following acceptances were received laat night in connection with the first day's racing of the above meeting, which takes place on Saturday next:—

The right to sell the racecards at the meeting was yesterday put up for competition by Messrs. Wilding and Co., and Mr. W. Blomfield became the purchaser at £70. Tenders for the right to dispense refreshments at the grandstand and lean-to bars were opened yesterday, that of Mr. Dunn being accepted for the former, and that of Mr. Foley for the latter.

AUSTRALIAN NOTES. The Sydney crack Delaware has been responsible for such, a large amount of sterling work at Randwick, as to cause the son of Trenton and Genesta to again top the quotations for the Melbourne Cup. At last advices Delaware was quoted at 100 to 6, The Harvester and Dreamland following, at 100 to 5. There seems to be no room t« doubt that Eiridsforde has been backed for the C»ulfield Cup to win more money than any other horse engaged in that race. The total sum understood to have been secured about the grey gelding lor the mile and a-half race is £70D0. Eiridsforde was amongst the starters for the August Handicap (one mile and a quarter), run at Flemington, on the 24th, but though heavily backed by hit connections, he failed to get closer than ninth. Though Eiridsforde was carrying 4lb more than his Caulfield Cup impost (Bst 31b), this does not relieve his performance of inferiority, and he will, it is pointed out, have to show a vast improvement, to have a chance in the V. A.T.C. event. At last advices, Eiridsforde had receded to 100 to 4. That erratic customer Newman won the Hampden Stakes (w.f.a.) at Randwick on Saturday, defeating a field of twenty in fine style. If Newman could only be depended upon he would take a terrible lot of beating in the Caulfield Cup under Bst 41b. In referring to the defeat of Mr. Murray's Bill, for the legalisation of the totalisator in Victoria, "Asmodeus," of the Melbourne Leader, says —" The victory of the opposing party was of a most one sided character, and the prospect of seeing the totalisator at work on Victorian racecourses is now more remote than ever. The unholy alliance between church and ring is alone accountable for the rejection ot Mr. Murray's measure, and no doubt the same combination will again bring its forces into play whenever another attempt is made to legalise betting by machinery in this colony. The Victorian hurdle-racer Horatio met with a violent death in a rather remarkable way recently. It appears that the horse was fnund dead one morning in his box, the front of his head smashed in, and just above where he stood several bricks in a nine-inch wall were forced outwards, so it is assumed that the horse got frightened during the night, plunged forward, and, striking the wall with great force, brought about fatal injuries. The following is the amended V.R.C. rule in connection with selling races :—ln fivetenths to the race fund of the meeting, threetenths to the owner of the second horse, and two-tenths to the third horse, but if no third horse be placed, then six-tenths of the surplus shall go to the race fund and four-tenths to second horse. In the case of a dead heat for first place, and the owners agree to divide, both horses will be submitted to auction, the surplus to be divided—five-tenths to the race fund, three-tenths between the owners of the dead-heaters, and two-tenths to the horse I placed next in the race; and if there be a dead heat for second place, fivetenths shall go to the race fund and fire tenths be divided between the dead-heaters. Cravat, the high-priced son of CastorNecklace (says the Sportsman), has rejoined Mr. S. Hotderu's team in training at Randwick, after a lengthened spell. Cravat is said to have improved very much in looks, and as he showed himself to be possessed of pace when in training as a two-year-old, he may yet win Mr. Hordern a good race. The Trier, who is engaged in the Melbourne Cup with 7st 131b, i 3 said to be training on splendidly at Randwick, and has been backed for the great Flemington race. It has been found impossible to train Jeweller, and the son of Splendor will this season take up stud duties in New South Walea.

Trial Handicap of 40sors. Seven furlongs. st lb st lb The Sharper .. 8 12 Clarion .. _ 7 4 Ksparto .. .. 7 11 Lufra .. ..7 3 Grenadier .. .. 7 11 Miss Nelson .. 7 0 St. Patrick ..7 7 Cleopatra .. ..6 12 Lady Marion ..7 7 Pirate .. ..6 8 Anniversary ..7 7 Noma .. ..6 7 Retaliation ..7 6 Froutignac. ..6 7 Handicap Steeplechase of SOsots. About three miles, st lb st lb Despised .. .. 11 0 Union Jack .. 10 0 Bombardier ..10 6 Kingswood .. 9 10 Kildare .. .. 10 3 Aorere .. .. 9 10 Nero.. ... .. 10 2 Scaltheen .. ..9 8 Fishmonger ..10 2 Merman .. ..9 7 Maiden Handicap of 40iovs. Six furlongs. st lb si, lb Fabulist «. ..8 8 Pirate .. ..7 6 Popgun „ .. 8" 7 LordDunluce „ 76 St. Regel .. ..8 4 Commodore ..76 Kincsman .. —83 Neptune .. ..7 0 St. Ella .. ..7 7 Noma .. .. 6 10 The Barge.. ..7 7 Frontienac. .. 6 10 Warrigal .. ..7 7 Mantle .. .. 6 10 Handicap Hurdles of kosovs. One mile and three-quarters. at lb stlb Desoised .. 10 :i Levanter.. ..10 6 BonOToree ..10 9 Union Jack ..10 3 Bombardier .. 10 6 Wareiley ..9 0 Flying Handicap of 70sovs. Six Furlong*. stlb stlb The Sharper.. -90 Lufra .. ..7 6 Waiuku .. ..8 12 Miss Nelson ..7 2 Grenadier .. .. 8 0 St. Mary.. ..70 Markinch .. ..7 9 Heart of Oak ..7 0 Lady Marion.. ..7 9 Pororua .. ..6 7 Linstock .. ..7 6 Pony Handicap of 40sots. Six furlongs. st lb st lb Hazelraere .. ..9 6 Storyteller ... 7 5 La Grippe .. ..8 3 Bob .. .. 7 0 Rodney .. ..8 0 Nelson — Sweet Nannie .. ..8 0 1-avender filly 7 0 Bitot Fashion .. 7 12 Quad .. ..7 0 Fidget 7 11 Spring Handicap of HOsoys. One mile and a-quarter. stlb stlb Impulse .. - 9 1 Forma .. ..7 2 St. Clements.. .. 8 11 Anita .. ..7 0 Pegasus .. ..8 5 Dead Shot .. 6 11 Waiuku .. ..8 5 Poptjun .. ..6 8 Loch Ness .. ..7 4 St. Regel ..6 8