SPORTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10420, 19 April 1897, Page 5

SPORTING.

THE AUCKLAND RACING CLUB'S AUTUMN MEETING. NOTES AND ANTICIPATIONS. [by phaeton]. The A.B.C. inaugurate their Autumn Meeting to-day at Ellerslio, cud' the prospers of sport are bo good that it only requires fine weather to ensure the thorough success of the gathering. The light rains that have fallen nave had the effect of improving the ground; and dressed in its beat autumn garb, the racecourse and its surroundings bear a moat picturesque aspect. One could wish that the visiting division were more strongly represented in the various races; and with such a liberal amount oi prize-money as the A.R.C, have placed on the programme, it might have been excepted that moro than seven horses would be drawn from the other provinces. However, the Napier colts St. Gonon and Defiant being contestants in the Great Northern Champagne Stakes is something to rejoice over, for their presence will have the effect of investing the two-year-old race with a deal of interest, The first event of to-day's programme is timed to be started at noon, and a series of special trains will be dispatohed from the Auckland station at short intervals between 10.45 a.m. to 2 p.m. And now for a word or two on the various events of to-day's programme,

Markinch, Flying Fish, and Lufra read to me the most dangerous for this event, and they may finish somewhat in that order. The Great Northern Champagne Stakes of 30050v3. Six furlongs. si lb Mr. K. J. Evans' b c Coronet, by CastorNecklace 8 10 Mr. T. 1. lowry's br c St. Conon, by St, Leger -Sapphire 810 Hon. J. I). Ormond's ch c Defiant, by Dread-nought-Legacy 8 10 Mr. G. S. Budge's ch o Canopns, by CistorAnlelopo 8 10 Mr. J. G. llalplfs b c Doneraile, by St. Leger -Balista 8 10 Mr. K. J. Evans' b c Eton, by Castor Lady Walmsley 8 10 Messrs. filalkle and Pldlpott's be The Owl, by Hotchklss- Weasel 8 10 Mr. J. Livingstone's b c Royal Conqueror, by Flintlock-Ladybird 8 10 Mr. K. P. iioehe's ch c Blaircarrig, by Blairgowrie— Cobweb 8 10 Mr. L. I). Nathan's br f Miss Emmy, by (Julr issier—llnle 8 8 Mr. K. Burke's b f Miss Anna, by St. HippoAnna 8 8 Mrs. J. Leonard's ch g Brilliant, by Hegel— Mystery 8 6 Defiant has most form to recommend him, and summed up on the running at Wanganui he would, on paper, appear to hold St. Conon safe. I think, however, that the latter has in the interval made the necessary amount of improvement to enable him to turn the tables on his opponent, and he will strip a very much better colt. Coronet and Miss Emmy have each performed satisfactory gallops, aud if the latter runs up to the trial she recorded a week ago she is bound to get near the winner. However, all things considered, I think I shall not be far out by declaring in favour of St. Conon. Easier Handicap of 300sovs. One mile and a half, st lb stlb Fabulist .. .. 811 Folly .. ..7 7 Daystar .. ..8 7 Hark .. ..7 8 Nestor .. ~8 6 Forangl Potae .. 613 St. Paul .. .. 8 II I have on several previous occasions gone fully into the qualifications of the various contestants in this race, and my readers will have gathered that I regard it us a very equal thing between the three-year-olds. Daystar, Nestor, aud St. Paul. Good and valid reasons could be adduced to warrant either of the trio being selected for the race under review. Daystar's second in the Napier Park Cup under Bst 131b was undoubtedly a hrst-olass performance, for the mile and a-half was cut out in a tick over 2m. 365., and the son of Castor was only a length awav from the winner. Nestor's dual win in tho A tick land Cup and Great Northern Derby is a good credential for him to hold, for it proved him to be a good stayer. Ten days back I did not think Nestor would be quite ready for the fray, but the work be has since put in has had the effect of putting him in capital trim; and what he has been asked to do on the track he has done well. As tor St. Paul, he is a game little fellow, and with 71b the best of the weights with Daystar, and 51b compared with Nestor, there is a strong inducement to favour his chance, Tho separating this trio is a task which I undertake with some diffidence. However, after a patient consideration of the question, I think I cannot do better than cast my vote in favour of Nestor.

THE BETTINQ. No business of note was transacted on the Easter Handicap during Saturday, Daystnr was priced, and there is reason to believe he would have been well hacked at 2 to 1: bat the price quoted (8 to 4) did not meet with acceptance. St. Paul was firm at 2 to 1, Nestor at 3 to 1, and Haria at 6to 1, For the double, Easter Handicap and Steeplechase, Daystar and Kingswood was supported to win a couple of huudred at 100 to 8, and St. Paul and Bombardier found some favour at a couple of points less. MISCELLANEOUS, The committee of the Auckland Racing Club having suspended J. Perry, a fresh rider will have to be obtained for Nestor in the Easter Handicap, Several names have been mentioned as the probable rider qf the son of St. Leger iu that race, but I am given to understand that, the matter is quite undecided, A doubt has been expressed as to the eligibility of Aughadowoy to start in the Hurdle Race, owing to his name appearing in the Forfeit List. 1 understand from Mr. Peroival thatthe amount has been paid, and that the horso is qualified to start. The lunoheon arrangements at both grand stands are in the hands of Mr. T. McEwin, of the City Buffet, and an announcement bearing thereon will be found' in another column.. /. HE LENS VILLE RACES.'. The Helens ville Racing Club hold a back raoe meeting today, for which there ire good entries, and excellent sport is anticipated' On this occasion the club have gone to considerable expense in forming » new course, one mile circuit, oiijf what it known as " Stewart's flat, '' and whioh is three minutes' walk from the Heleosville Railway Station and township. Theoheap fares should also be an inducement to those desirous of benefitting by the hot springs at Parkhurst, one mile and a-half distant from .Helensville, which are now getting into considerable favour through their healing qualities. ■

AUCKLAND TROTTING CLUB'S MEETING. The second and concluding day's racing in connection with the Auckland Trotting Club's Autumn Meeting took place at Patter's Paddock, Epsom, on Saturday afternoon. The weather, though somewhat bleak and blowy, held up, and the attendance was decidedly satisfactory, there being about two thousand persons pre ent. The seoretary, Mr, 0. P. Mark, and the managing committee conducted the meeting successfully, the events being got off close to advertised time. The judging of Mr. Harris was carried out in a manner that left no loophole to question his decisions, and the fields were despatched to good starts by Mr. Geo. Cutts, while Mr. height's handicaps produced some very close and interesting finishes, more especially in the pony events. As it has been imputed that there were other occupants in the judges box on the first day of the meeting, when Mr. Harris gave a decision that did not please a certain section, Mr. Harris was apptoached on this point, and emphatically denies that there was anyone but himself in the box. The Pony Steeplechase was a capital race, as was also the April Handicap, of six and a-half furlongs, won by Ranginru in the remarkably fast time of lm. 30s. In the Trial Trot won by Wild Rose 11, the Stewards took a description of the winner, in order that they might elicit further information and satisfy themselves that everything is correct. During the course of the afternoon the sum of £2001 was passed through the totalisators in 10; tickets, the machines being handled by a capable staff under the direction of Mr. W. Bloomfield. This, added to the first day's takings, brings the total for the meeting to £3975 10s. Luncheon was provided by Mr. Thos. MoEwen in the rooms under the grandstand. The following are the results :— Trial Trot Handicap, of 25 sots (saddle); second horse 5 sovs from the stake.-One mile and a half, 100-Mr. E. KUetfs b m Willi Rose 11., aged, 33* (Owner) 1 3-Mr. ThiMiias Brady's bra Utile Agnes, aged, (Brady) 2 16— VI, McLeod's b in Coralie, aged, 89s (Owner) 8 Also started : 29, Lusitania, scratch, Palmer; f.3, W.iihinepii, 4s, Edward*; 24, Okoroire, 18s, Henry, 106, Golden King, 21s. Newanam; 6, Miss Graham, 255, Owner; 6, Bendiso, 255, Owner; 0, Bessie Boyle, Ms, Owner; 0, Doctor, 355, Neighbour, Before half th- journey had been negotiated Wild Rose 11. moved to the from and passing the stand was a dozen lengths to the good. Trotting kindly Wild Rose retained a substantial le.id, anil though Little Agnes put in a challenge won comfortably by half a dozen lengths, Coralie third. Time, 4rain. SSsec. Tutaimtor, 302. Dividend, £112s. Maiden Pony Rack of JOsovs; .second horse to receive 3sovs. Five furlongs, 103-Mr. 11. J. Oonnop's Israelite, Bst 211) (Glass) 1 211 —air. M. Wood's b in First Whisper, aged, Bst 41b (Kelly) 2 87—Mr. M. Brag's b r Siwash, aged 7*t 71b, including Mb over (Gillespie) 3 Also started: 33, Pembroke, 8;t 101b, Dixon; IS, Little Belle, Tat Mo, Powell; 7.1, Papiuioa, 7st 41b, Brady; 17, Disgrace, Oat7lb, Noville. First Whisper was the first to show to the front, anil was a length anil a-half to the good as they raced Into the top stretch. Utinning into the cutting Israelite moved up, and nutting in a determined bill was in the van as they mitered the straight, and coming on won by a lenglh and a-half from First Whisper, Siwash being third. Time, lm. Os. Total!Siitor, 632. Dividend, £,! 10s. EisiEtt Handicap Trot of 45<ovs. (saddle). Second horse to recolvo 6sovs. from the stake. Two miles and a quarter. 41—Mr. J, llenwick'a h g Ingar, aged, 103, (Owner) 1 .10-Mrs. Carr's brm Vulture, aged. 37s fCarr) .. 2 14-Mr. Douglas Henry's br g Kapai, aged, 4s. (E. Kllett) 3 Also started: 18, Darlington, Ills, Owner; 16, Claret, 21s, Owner; 188, Uordern, 275, Owner: 0, Sandfly.Bos, Neighbour; 68, Bess, 365, G. Clarke; 0, llazslwood, 375, Owner; 4, doctor, 455, Armor. lunar was three lengths in front of Vulture when the first circuit had been left behind and increased the advantage to a dozen lengths when two-thirds of the journey had been completed, lie« then being third. From tliH point Vulture began to creep up and was seen to be gaining on Ingsr, bat breaking rather badly a couple of times between the top stretch and the cutting the former came on and won easily by a dozen lengths, ICapai some distance away third. No time taken. Totalisator, 411; dividend, £14s. The scratch horse, Duke C, went to the post, but his rider ((Shatters) objecting to the start he did not start. The 12!) tickets invested on him were paid back to speculators Handica? Steeplechasb of lOanvs. Second horse to receive ssovs from the stakes. About two miles ami a half. 226-Mr. T. Greenwood's bile g Little Raven, aged, lost (owner) .. .. " .. .. 1 71—Mr. IV. J. Bowden's eh m Helena, aged, list Sib (Mm Husky) 3 207 -Mr. IS. Williams' br g Fauntleroy, aged, list 101b (Mclennan) 3 Also started: 05, Little Tom, list, 1). White ; 65, Pembroke, lOst 81b; Quintal; 235, The Dove, lost Sib, Cook. Helena went away with a lead, followed by Fauntleroy and little Tom in the order named, the positions remaining unaltered until they raced to the double In front of the stand on the second round where Fauntleroy drew on tonus with Helena, and Little Tom closed tip. Once over the stone wall at the lower end of the paddock Little Haven, who had been lying some distance away, could be seal! closing on the leaders. When the obstacle below the cutting was reached little Riven was on terms with Helena, and going to the front ran in a winner by between four and rive lengths, Fauntleroy a couple el lengths away from Helena in third position, lime, 6m. 495, Totalisator, 018; dividend, £117s.

Skcond Harness Trot Handicap of lOson. •Second horse to receive 6.sovs from the stakes One mile mid a-hilf.

02-Mr. W. J. Greenwood's ell r Lord Harold, aged, 18s. (Owner) 1 85-aStr. B. Henry's b g Itordern, flyr.f, 30a. .. 2 133-Mr. B. 0, Sandall's 1) g Slim Jim, (iyrs. 465. (Owner) 8 Alio started: 152, Duke C, 12*., Chatteris; 20, Sandfly, 32a., Owner. Slim Jim and Lord Harold alternately led for Hie tint couple of furlongs, after which Lord Harold went to the front, ami trotting kindly, easily maintained the lead and eventually winning by several lengths, a struggle between I [order u and Slim Jim for second place resulting In favour of the former. Time, 4m 311. Totalisa'lor, Hi ; dividend, £2 13s APRIL Handicap of 36sovs. Second horse to receive ssovs from the stake. Six furlongs and a-half.

115—Mr. James Rimwell's b f Ranajuru, 3yrs, 7st 6b (Gillespie) 1 2*2—Mr. O. nation's ch m Silkworm, aged, 9st 41b (White) f M-Mr. 11. O. Greenwood's ch m Topsail, Byrs, Ost 81b (Quintan) t Also started : 212, Lena, Bit lib, Lett; IEo, Lady Howitzer, fist IMb, Kelly; 57, Onpid, Sat Bib, Dixon; «5, Kit, est, Powell 35, First Whisper, 7st 121b, McUwiin; 61, Israelite, Sit lib (Including 711) penalty), filas*; 14, Geiinini, 7st, Neville; 9, Papamoa, Ust I2lb, Brady; 0, Maria, 0»t 71b, Speikman. I'roin a capital send-off Cupid was the first to show into prominence, and when the top stretch was entered upon she was two lentils to the good of Topsail. Kntering the cutting Topsail forged to the front, and remained there until they opened into the straight, with the field, which was pretty well bunched, only a length in'tho rear. Whips came out all round, ami a desperate battle over the last 100 yard saw Ringiiiru, win came with a strong rush from the lower end of th« stand, pronounced a winner by ft neck, Topsail ami Silkworm dead-heating for second plact-. The race wa- 1 a decidedly fast one, the time being lm. 30s. Totalisator, 06(1. Dividend, £3 16s.

Cuss Trot of 10 sovs. (in saddle or harness). Second horse to receive 6 sovs. from the stake. All horses to he handicapped to trot 2.53 (or better) to the mile. One mile anil a half. 8!-Mr, P. Williams' b m Alice, aged, 16sec, (Edwards) 1 21-Mr, J. Winter's b in Lusitania, aged, lfJsec. (Armer) 2 10—Mr. J, Gago's g m Fibre, aged, 27seo. (Clarke) 3 Also started: 217, Rosebud. Usee, Owner ; 34, Old Judge, Usee,, Owner; 2.1, Waifilnepai, lOsec, Duncan, Fibre showed the way, foil dead by Waihinepal, until the top stretch was entered upon in the run home, when Alice who had been trolling freely, ami rapidly cutting down the Held, closed up and coming to the front in the cutting ran in an easy winner from lusitania, Fibie (bird, Time, £1 Hi Tutalisator, 391. Dividend, £2 2s.

Says the Asian s-A sensational event occurred at a race meeting with mustangs on the outskirts of the city of Mexico. It was a popular holiday, and a vast concourse assembled to witness the sport, After several minor events had been disposed of, (he priqoipal event of the day come off, and it was during this that the incident alluded to occurred. After an oxciting struggle the favourite was coming in a winner by several lengths amid loud cheering, when suddenly the sharp crack of a rifle was heard from an adjoining copse, and the animal fell to the ground and died almost immediately. Of course the greatest consternation at once prevailed. Excited spectators, armed with daggers and other weapons, scoured the wood in search of the miscreant, but failed to find him, What would have happened to him if they had been successful—especially in Mexico— be imagined." What a sensation there would have been. at Doncaster (remarks a London exchange) if, when Persimmon was winning the St. Leger, the crack of a rifle had been heard and the noble animal had been seen to fall 1 When Paul Jones was such a hot favourite for the Chester Cup, at the moment he took the lead, a ruffian by the Grosvenor Bridge threw a brick at him, which fortunately missed its mark. What its effect on the horse would have been it is impossible to say, but that it would have disabled the jockey had it struck him there can be no, doubt. In Turf, Field, and Farm of February 5, the owner of Maud S., the celebrated American trotter, gives some interesting particulars about his purchase of the mare. She was for sale as a two-year-old for £50, and to please his trainer, who liked her looks, although she was a very small animal, Captain Stone purchased her, and named her Maud 8., after his little daughter. For-some time the mare would not take at all to the trotting ait, but by exercising patience, Bair, her trainer, at last got her to settle down. ; She for some time held the mile record of 2m, 825., accomplished in the old-fashioned sulky.

Tradesmen's Handicap of 80jo?3. One mile. st lb St lb. Panoply .. .. 710 Cattish ore.. _ 7 2 Kanaka .. ..7 9 Lady Anna.. ..7 0 Markinch .. .,7 8 Commodore ..7 0 Pyroxylin ,, ..7 8 St. Gordon.. .,7 0 Armour .. ..7 7 Warn! .. .. 8 12 Flying Fish .. 7 5 Swordfl h .. .. 6 12 l.ufra .. ..7 8 Aimlteraarr ,, 6 in Yattenfehlfc ..7 8 Tamaki .. ..6 7

Handicap Hurdle Race of lOlhiov:*. Two miles. at lh st th St. Simon .. li 4 Auchailowey ..OS Levanter .. 11 4 Ifukatere ,,9 8 Mi« Nelson .. 10 D lluxgarmin .. ft 7 Natation .. 9 11 Tim 9 1) St. Simon has a big loud, but he is quite master of it, and I think he will prove the hardest to beat. AuKiitulowey and Miss Nelson read to me as the pair most likely to be troublesome to the top weight. Eden Handicap .Seven furlongs; st lb stlb Three Star .. .. 8 11 The sharper ..7 7 Armilla „ ,. I 5 Oastasnor# .,7 4 Weliloy _ ..8 4 Tidy Anna .. if 0 Panoply „ ,, 7 11 Cnminoilore ,,7 2 Kanaka .. .. 7 11 Donovan ,.7 2 I,arty Matlo* „ .. 711 Hwonlfiah „ 7 1 Pyroxylin ., ,. 7 10 OJeppttra „ 8 10 Lady Cuisine.. ..7 9 Korowal ..0 7 lie* 7 9 Armilla should have a deal to say in the settlement of the Eden Handicap if she is quite herself, and site may find her moat dangerous opponent in Lady Cuisine. Onslow Stakks of 80sovs. Fire furlongs. st III st lb Picklock .. .. 8 7 St. AHa .. ..7 0 Miss Rose .. ..8 4 Leo 7 0 Janet .. „ 7 0 Hoy,) Conqueror.. 7 2 Miss Anna., .,7 6 Uiiwrle ,, ,, (111) (Janopus •.. ..7 3 Wairina .. .,6 7 Mralba .. ..It Reaction .. ,, 17 Poueraile ., ,.7 0 Electra ,. .. • 7 Resentment ..7 0 Miss Ross and Miss Anna read to me to have the pull of the weights in this event, and the first named may win. Railway Handicap of 80sovs. Fire furlongs. at lb at lb Mllie 8 7 PorangiPotae .. 7 12 Bex 8 6 Donovan .. ..7 5 Kanaka .. ,, 8 1 Atahnta .. ..6 7 WyCnWne ,.8 2 The Drone,, ,, 10 Pyroxylin .. ..8 0 Rex and Porangl Potae are the two I like best for this event, and to separate them I will take the former to win. Pout Handicap of 60so»s. Seven furlongs. st lb st lb Purvoke ., ,. 8 12 Jforina ., ..8 5 Archduke .. .. 8 11 Arquebus.. .. 7 11 Leona., „ ,. 810 Recruit ..TO Pororua „ 810 Napoleon., ,.7 8 Fair Nell .. ..8 7 Repeat ,. ..6 7