SPORTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 10014, 28 December 1895, Page 6

SPORTING.

RACING FIXTURES.

New Zealand, January I.2—Auckland Racing Club. December 28. January 4- Auckland hotting Clap. January 1, 2—lUnptitei Racine Club. January 1, 2-Wairwapa Racing Club. January 8-"'aipu Jockey Club January 22, 24—Wellington Racing aft. January 29, Kebru try 1-Takapnna Jockey Club, February 1-Canterbury Jockey Club. I'Vlnuar) 12, 13-Kpnont Racing Club. February 19, 20-laranaki Jockwy Club. February 10,20, 22-Dnncdin Jockey Club. March 5, 6-Wanganni Jockey Qui). March 17 and 18—Hawkr's Bav Jockey Club, March 21, ?.i-Napier P<rk Racing Club. .April <>, 7, 11—Auckland Racing Club. April 6 and 7- Canterbury Jockey Cluß, Way is. 14—Napier Park Ruling Club. May 24-Takanuna Jockey Club. June 7,9-Auckland Racing Club DATES t)F COMING EVENTS. New Zeai.and. January I—flreat Northern Derby. January 2—Auckland Steeplechase Anril 6-A K.C. Handicap. June 7—rand National Hurdle 11AC8 (Auckland). June 9-Gi eat Northern stuoplechise. AUSTIUI.UN timber IS--Australian Jockey Club. January 25. 27-Sydney lurf Club. dptil 4," 6, 9, 11-Auitmlian Jockey Club. answers to correspondents. TUB TITRF. JG H To Arolia.--!. Natator defeated T.lbeller In tb« Wellington Cup of ISM. 2. R. Deriett has only ridden the winner of the Auckland Cup on one occasion, viz., Foal Play, In 185''• Qi kkv — N'elion was jot by King Cole; Raglan, by Cap-a-pie; The Work-in, by Kobtnssn Ctuioi.

THE AUCKLAND RACING CLUB'S SUMMER MEETING. (BY I'HAETON.J With fine weather to assist it, tho Auckland Racing Club's Summor Meeting was most fittingly inaugurated on Boxing Day, and though some are inclined to question the Statement that the attendance broke tho record for "Cup Day," it Is on all hands considered that the number prosout was extremely largo. Prior to tho oponing of the meeting a prediction was made that tho totalisator investments would be well np to the largest lh.it has ever characterised the wagering at the Summer Meeting, and with a total on the opening day of ,1'9719, which is £.'*!o above the amount passed through at the corresponding meeting last year, a satisfactory commencement has boen made to bear out tho prophecy. Taken all through the racing on the opening day was most interesting; and though the pronounced surprise brought off in the Cup did not tend to raise tile spirits of the assemblage, there was nevertheless much enjoyment extracted from the afternoon's sport. THE KACIKO. Doris hid been doing bo really well io hor training work that she was looked upon in some quarters very much in the shapo of a moral for the Trial Stakes, and being ill receipt of Sib and a year from Musketry, it did teem good business to support her in preference to Mr. Mead colt. However, the uncertain daughter of St. Leser once more put her supporters in a hole, and, failing to show any gameness at the finish, Musketry beat her anyhow over the last half furl.his. I am afraid Doris must be written down as a perfect Jade, and she

must lave cost; her cuunectious a nice ram since they were tempted to pay something

like £4UO lor her la.*t autumu. Ever since Armilla put. down Sc. Paul Id the Musket Stakes and Nursery Handicap at the A.R.C. Second Spring Meeting, old John I'hatvfe lias persistently stated that- the filly was fortunate in catching the son of St. Leger a little below himself owing to tho colt having contracted anattackof influent: and that lie would yet revcrso places with her. The nature of Armilla's work on the training track was on all hands estimated highly, in fact, there seemed to be a perfsoi consensus of opinion thac in a true-run race, the Castor fiiiy would beat all her opponents in the Great Northern Foal Stakes. St. Paul was the first away, when Mr. Cults despatched them on their jouruny in that race, and his rider making a bee liue for homo he was never headed, eventnally winning by two lengths from the favourite. Half way up the straight it seemed as if Armilla would catch her opponent; but she was fairly in difficulties before the lawn rails were reached, albeit she finished most gamely. Some fault was found with tho manner in which Williams handled Armilla; but to the fact of the filly not jumping off as readiiv as St. Paul innv, 1 think, be ascribed her defeat. Had the favourite got off on equal terms with St. Paul, it does not, I think, admit of much doubt that she would have borne out the Spring running. Owing to Defiance and Epaulet getting left at the post, the race was robbed of much interest, for some hold that Defiance would have got very close to the winner had ho fought out the race. St. Paul was bred by Mr. W. Percival, secretary of the A.R.C. As a yearling St. Paul was offered by auction on several occasions, but strange to remark, that though the colt claims as full brother St. Clemeuts, he failed to elicit a bid, and ho eventually went into the veteran Chaafe'a bauds. Well, what shall I say of the Cup? That it wa3 a wret-hed race is a point on which there is, I thin -, a general agreement, and the untortunair accident which occurred at the home turn, by which four of the contesting horses fell, put the finishiug touch on a n.ost unsatisfactory contest. It was the general opinion that when the parties connected With St. Hippo made a move in favour of the son of St. Leger, lie would go to the post favourite; but this was not borne out, for the top weight had the appearance of carrying so much lumber as to cause many to write him out quickly. The Possible, whose condition was much more pleasing to the eve, was the strong '' tip" and he seemed to have so much the best of it in tho matter of health, that it really did seem good business to back him. Well, to get to the race and the sensational surprise enacted in connection therewith. Quiltiri held command over the first mile, which was run at a strong pace, and after Dreamland had joined him for the next three furlongs in carrying on the running, the gold sleeves of Anita's jockey could be seen bearing np on the outside of the leading pair; and when the last) three furlongs were entered upon, | tho daughter of King Quail was in front. However, a victory on tho part of Anita, even at the turn, was uot seriously entertained, but when she whipped round the home turn with a free stride, It began to dawn upon the spectators that she was to take a prominent part in the finish. Just inside the home turn Dowett made his effort on St. Hippo, and though he once looked like overhauling his lightweighted opponent, the top weight was fairly in difficulties before the Derby .Stand was reached, and Anita was enabled to run home a comfortable winner. A victory on the part of Anita wis, I must confess, about the last thing that I should have thought possible, for it was only at Takapuna last month when well backed she failed very badly in the St. Andrew's Handicap, and with the exception of the very flukey victory which she scored over St. K.ilda in the Birthday Handicap run at Takamnu last Queen's Birthday, and a win in the Welter Handicap at the -V.R.C. Winter Meeting, there was absolutely no encouragement to consider her a likely Cup winner._ However. though Anita had few public credentials to recommend her to notice, she had, I am told, satisfied her owners that she could stay; and with that knowledze they Considered there was a chance of fluking a win in the Cup, which explains in a nutshell Low Anita figured amongst the starter* for the two mile race. " Would tho result have been different had no accident occurred?" is a question that lias been freely discussed. I think so far as the second and third horses are concerned it might have affected tho placing but I very much doubt whether Anita would have been beaten as the ruce was run. Prior to his falling at trio home turn The Possible mads a bad stumble about seven furlongs from home, which caused him to j lose some ground. He was not doing very well at any ptriod of the race, and failed to gallop up to his track form. Though tho victory of Anita was a bitter pill for most backers, that did not prevent the gentlemen who race under the name of " Mr. R. Burke" being the recipients of many congratulations on the success of their mart, There are few better sportsmen than tho twin brother#, and it is extremely pleasing to have to chronicle an important win for their colours. Anita was bred by her owners, and sho was got by King Quail (a sou ofYattondon) from Anna, who was got by Musket from the Ttadncer mare Florin. Dante was regarded as a pretty "good tiling" for the Hurdle Race with list 2lb, and the son of Sou-wester was as a come- * quence made a strong favourite. Ho had a great battle with Ladybird, 10st, ovor the last three furlongs of the journey, and the mare fighting out the issue very gamely, defeated him by half-a length. A protean was lodged by tiie owner of Danie against) Ladybird, on the ground that the hitter's rider interfered with the favourite, but the stewards disallowed it. The alleged interference is said to have taken place after crossing the last hurdle. Ladybird had run down the fence a bit, and Dance's rider sneing an opportunity, took his horse up on the inside, and Fergus is alleged to have jammed him. It is popularly held that if a rider endeavours to take the inside running, h* does so at his risk, but it was clearly Is id in Australia receutJy, to if» rider lem»

1 room for another horse to get up next the rails, and then resorts to blocking tactics, that constitutes interference, and must be .met with disqualification. In the Railway Handicap Forme showed that she was back to her best form, and after St. Kildft and Miss Nelson had carried on the running at a slashing pace, the daughter of Hotchkiss put in her claim, and settling her opponents before the Derby Stand was reached, she won comfortably in fast time. What wa» probably one of the largest fields that has ever started in a two-year-old race in the colony went to the post for the Nursery Handicap, fdr which the Duncdin filly St, Ouida was made favourite. Derretb got her quickly into her stride directly the barrier flew up, and coming along in fine style, she led throughout, though In the last 25 yards Lady Anna put in such a resolute challenge that DerreU had to extract every ounce out of his inonnt fo get her home a head In front of the North Shore filly. The Pony Cup, as usual, was Invested with a large amount of interest, by reason of the issue being shrouded with much uncertainty. The winner turned up in Talisman, who won his race in capital style from the consistent Mavourneen, who was conceding h«r opponent no less than 381b.

Thy. Christmas Handicap gate rise to one of the best racos of the afternoon. After Fabulist, Vattenfeldt, and Manser had completed the first furlong, almost In line, tho former w»nt to the front, and culling out the pace at a soand rate, he was in front when the home tarn was reached Here St. Hegel dashed up to the leader, and the three-year-olds, flehtliig out a great battle all the way home, Fabulist secured the judge's verdict by a neok. This victory on the park of Fabulist stamps him as a good colt, and he displayed gaeneneis of a high order. For an instant, iw tlioy raced past the Derby stand, St. Regel seemed to have the best of his opponent, but when Taylor hit Fabulist) with the whip he camo ajaln, and fairly worrying down his opponent secured the iudgo's verdict by a nook. Considering that Fabulist was conceding St. Hegel "lb, and that he got ovsr the mile aud a quarter in '2m. lis., there Is plenty of evidwnco of merit in the performance. So ended "Cup Day,* IR9.">, and if flr.e weather only attends the A.R.C. on the two remaining days of tho mooting, there should be a very pleasant tale to tell whoa tho car twin is rung down on Thursday next. ran DKKBV. Tho principal event on tho first named day will bo the Derby, and with eight horses engaged, we are promised a most interesting contest, Osculitor has been moving sorely in his oxerciso work, and this has caused the issue to be regarded as very much more open than it otherwise would bo. There can bo no question that tho soil of Hotchkiss' form is superior to that of any of th« others engaged, bnt if the ground continues to get hard (of which there seems every prospect) ho will, undoubtedly, have a severe task before him to win. Fabulist is credited with havlnj shown his party a very satisfactory gallop over a mile and a-half, aud the meritorious performance which the son of Fabulous registered on Boxing Day, when he won the Christinas Handicap, furnishes evidence that his party have good grounds for estimating Fabulist's chance highly in tho blue riband. St. Regel was in receipt of "lb from Fabulist, when the latter lowered the son of St. Legor's colours in the Christmas Handicap, and his chance of reversing that running; when the conditions are equal seems somewhat forlorn. Manser ran second to Euroolydon in the O.J.C. Derby, but the figure which the sor. of Maxim cut in the Christmas Handicap, when both Fabulist and St. Regel beat him badly, points to the son of Maxim being a very ordinary kind of colt, and on the latter running he would require to be highly favoured in the matter of lock rojwin the race under review. That Musketry is endowed with pace does not admit of question, but there seems to be a doubt about his beiug a good stayer. If he can get » mile and a-half he shonld bo troublesome. Quiltiri failed to got a place in the Cup under '281b less than he will have to carry in this race, and it is doubtful if his party will consider his prospects sufficiently encouraging to continue the engagement). Nothing is known concerning Armour's condition, and _ as lie is trained in private at Papakura, it is a difficult matter to estimate his chance. So far as his public displays are concerned, he has shown himself to be a very ordinary kind of colt, and summed up in that light, I scarcely think French can transform him into a Derby winner. If Oscillator is quite himself, he should be hard to beat, and I think he will find his most dangerous opponent in Fabulist. The following are the horses left in the Derby great Northers Derby of 500snvs, added fo a PweepdLii&i al 15sots each. One mile and ahill. * st lb

Mrs. lVra Duncan's br c Fabulist, by Fabulous—lni.'ttaona „ 8 10 Mr. A. F.. Bvers' b c St. Hegel, by St. LegerFricnilsliip .. .. 810 Mr. 1). A. I.cod's br c Oscillator, by Hotch-kiss-f'nngiwerewere 8 10 Mr. 0. G. Stead's b c Musketry, by MaximFlattery .. „ .810 Mr. 0. (1. Stead's b c Manser, by Max'.raAnray — 8 10 Mr. S. Bradley"! bo Armour, by Ilotchkiss— Hipporina ~ 8 10 Mr. V. Harris" br g Qiilltirl, by (^uilb— Wnltlrl .. .. ' -86 Mr. Thos. Morrill's ch t Forma, by Hotcbkias -l-'ormo 8 6 IHE STEEPLECHASE. This event is set down for decision on Thursday. The Auckland crosscountry race never fails to have ft large amouut of interest centred in it, and with twelve horses elided in this years race we are promised a capital content. The unfoituuate accident chat befel Koscius will, it is understood, prevent the top weight from fulfilling his engagement, and that is to be regretted, for the presence of the big son of Gladiator in the field would have added considerably to the interesting nature of the contest. Tiritea, (list 121b) is considered by his party to have a chance, but for my part I must say that I do not fancy him. Bombardier (list 91b) is quite master of his impost, and if the Brigadier gelding could only be depended upon to fence proficiently. 1 should be prepared to select him against allcomers. He is, however, invariably such slovenly fencer, that I must confess it is ] with some trepidation that 1 say anything in his favour. The game little Fishmonger (lOst 81b) is in great heart, and ho must run well forward. The little horse knows every yard of the journey, end is such a sure fencer, that his standing np throughout may be regarded almost in the light ol a certainty. Mom! (lOst 31b) h&s _ been going on the right way, and as ho ia, I think, a. better horse than when he contested in the spring over the samo course, I am prepared to give him .i chance. Summing up the whole matter, it seems to mo that the threo most likely to furnish the placed division are Fishmonger, Bombardier, and Mozel, and I prefer their chances in that order. The following is a list of the horses engaged in the Steeplechase r— it lb Mr. R. flennehy'sch e llosciiisr. » #.12 5 Mr. Jt(ipuk\ To Hiaug.iV li ? Tiritel.. • 11 12 Mr. R. Burke's b z Bombardier .. ... 11 9 Mr. A. Bach's b m Cinjp.lee ~ .. « 10 8 Mr. 11. Hayr's Fishmonger.,, « »10 8 Mr. A. Portland's br g M07,el _ - «. 10 .*> Mr. It Collin'. l b g Ika .. - — «. 10 0 Mr. J. ltae's bg Levanter ... •• •• 012 Mr. i. Sutton's b g Ditto.. ... M -07 Mr. 11. H. ri'iflpnithM) g Sepoy ~ . 9 7 Mr. J. Cleoi*jnU' lir k Scalfchnen « — 9 T Mr. A. Williams' b m Molly H iwfc .. «» 9 7

HANDICAPS FOR SECOND DAY. The following handicaps iu connection with the second day's racing were issued last night by Mr. Evett New Ymb UuiDt.RS of lOOoOvs. Two mile*. st lb st lh Dante .. -H 10 BlackfriarS.. .« ! Tiritea .. -11 10 Othello .. „ » 3 Bombardier .. 11 8 Raven-worth ~fl 0 I/idvliird .. .. 10 12 lliaVuka .. ..9 0 Pjpsv m .■lO 3 Knap-'ick «. ..9 0 Belmont „ .. 10 0 Economy .. ..0 0 J,och Ness.. -10 0 Waverloy „ ..9 0 Disturbance ~ #7 MiDSDMMES Handicap of 160i«rs. Fivd furlongs. at lb nil lh St Paul .. „ 9 1 , c ahrcta.clic . I f St! (Jidda .. - 9 1 Aiitares .. .. T n Defiance ~ .. 818 SvnrMi .. .. ? » Epaulet _ „ 810 Admiral Ilawke .. 7 0 Armilla .. .18 1" Uuliin .. •• J J Daring .. *« 0 ))al«ctnr .. .. 610 Nestor .. „ 712 Misshegor.. ..«» llilform .. - til Korowai .. -51 St. Elmo .. .. 710 St. Owen .. .. ; J Lady Anna.. .. 710 Poranji Potae .. 0 7 Auckland ILacino Ci.un Hanmcap of ZKion. One anil a hall miles.

it lb flfc lb St. Hippo ~ «. 9 9 .Vepleldt « .. 7 # Impulse .. ..8 4 Folly .. "15 St. Clements .. 8 4 Forma.. .. - ' ' St. Reffel .. ..8 0 First Nelson ..7 0 Dreamland.. ..7 8 Grenadier .. ..7 0 Anita .. .. 7 T Ilaria .. .. 6 10 quiltii-i .* ~7 7 Yattonfoldt ..8 9 I'djasn* .. „ 1 0 Dead shot.. .. 8 7 Aniubulle .. ~7 6 Peerless .. ..8 7 CouNTy Uaho'icap o: lOOsovs. Six furlongs. st lb sb b' St. Clements 9 8 Ere .. .70 St. Hilda .. ..9 6 Miss Nelson ..7 0 •St. I.aura .. ... 9 2 I.illle .. .. 0 10 Doris .. .. S 10 Ileal Shot.. -.0 9 Panoply .. „ 8 J Wei gramme .. 4 9 Forma .. ..8 9 Qiutorze .. . 1 ( Aconft .. ... 8 ** Pororua .. .» 6 8 Hazdmore.. _ t 8 HeartsfOak .87 First Nolion .. 7 ! Poky Handicap of 8Cso», Six furlongs, st lb st lb Hazelmere ™ _ 10 I) Kathleen ... -.7 12 Tit ~ .. - 9 12 Arqunlius ... „ 7 12 Mavotirneen . 9 ) Nannie ... _ 7 11 Ovinia .. .. 9 « Cnpiil „ 7 10 l.ai'y Thornton ..9 0 Silkworm .. ..7 6 Kemp ~ ~ 8 12 Valencia .. ~7 6 'J illsman .. « 8 11 Fidget .. ~7 0 Alii o' Fashion - 8 0 Hturyteller.. ..7 0 V-.uipjre ... ..8 0 Sweetheart ..6 7 Hit „ ~8 0 jLceya - „ « l

Gusqow Handicap of lOOaovs. Satan furlongs. fit lb St lb St. Kilda « .» 3 Sre .. ... »0 12 St. I .aura „ «9 0 Alias N«!son m. 611 Ooris „ „8 1 I.nrd DillllilCS _ I! 0

Panoply M 1." 8 7 Anniversary „0 0 Acone „ „ 8(I Fearless .» „6 8

juiltirl * „ 8 0 Plongtiboy.. *67 (ingsradß,» „ 7 1 Commodore « 0 7 r lrrt Nelson ..TO Merry Maid ... 0 1 Maidki Handicap ot lflosovs. One mile. ft lb at lit Yattenfeldb . 8 1 Antlmiloirey _ 7 fl Retaliation „ 8 C fttrwr.inrd .. . ' 0 Reenter a (1 6 Mtntle ~ -70 Mim Nelson „ Bf> Krontlgnac.. « 811 Lord Dunlucd ..8 3 Hiiro,. .« *0 11 Armour .* .8 2 Lady Agnes *0 11 Pirate .. _ 8 0 Neptuna .« .» 811 Captivity ~. ~ 710 M-rry Maid <. 1 I Anniversary j, TlO Ploujhboyt, -0 7 Sit. Simon 4, .I J Jok«r .» -.6 7 Kox ~ * i 1 T Vlcorny «, ..0 7 Dorothy ~ *70 Cuiloi a —07