SPORTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10426, 26 April 1897, Page 3

SPORTING.

THE AUCKLAND RACING CLUB'S AUTUMN MEETING. THIRD DAY. The Auckland Racing Club were again most fortunate as regards weather for the holding of their autumn meeting, which was brought to a conclusion at Ellerslie on Saturday last. The light rains that fell during the day previous had freshened up the grass on the lawn, and, bathed in the sunshine of a beautiful autumnaky.Ellerslie and its picturesque surroundings may be said to have looked at their very best. There was a capital attendance, and everything throughout going as merrily as the proverbial marriage bell, the afternoon's amusement may be said to have been one of the most enjoyable ever brought off in the autumn season by the metropolitan body. The racing right through was of a highly interesting character, aud in almost every instance the handicapper (Mr. Evett) succeeded in bringing his fields together in a most masterly manner. The various events of the programme were started with admirable punctuality, and the racing was concluded within five minutes of the time stated on the card for the starting of the last race, for which result the secretary, Mr. Percival, was, of course, mainly responsible. Major Banks officiated as judge during the afternoon, and the prompt aud accurate maimer in which he gave his decisions in the many close finishes he was called upon to deal with showed that he was quite master of the difficult duties which attach to " the man in the box." The starter, Mr. George Cutis, is also entitled to a warm word of praise for the manner in which he performed his duties, as in every instance during the afternoon he succeeded in getting the large fields that were placed iu his hands away on very even terms.

_ During the afternoon the sum of £6811 was invested on the totalisators, which amount added to that passed through on the first and second days, gave a graud total of £20,848 for the meeting, an increase of £3309 compared with last year's gathering. The totalisator arrangements were again conducted by Mr. Blomlield and his staff in a manner which left no cause for complaint. Mr. Impey's band rendered a choice programme of mtsie on the lawn during the afternoon, which contributed much to the cnjoyability of the gathering. The catering arrangements at both grand stands were in the hands of Mr. T. McEwin, of the City Buffet, and that department was conducted in ii manner in keeping with his establishment.

Ihe opening event of the programme was the Maiden Hurdle Race, for which event seven horses went to the post. Tim, a five-year-old sou of Woolbrokcr, who had changed hands a few days previously, was made lavourite, and after running at the tail end of tho field for the greater part of the journey, he shot into the lead at the last hurdle and ran home a winner by a couple of lengths. When the number board was hoisted for the principal hurdle race it was found that St. Simon was to be an absentee, the field being thus reduced tn a quartette. Directly they were sent on their journey Aughadowey sot out to make the pace a cracker, and at once establishing a commanding lead, his opponents never succeeded in getting near him, the sou of Howitzer eventually winning by nearly a dozen lengths from Levanter. Miss Nelson, who was a strong favourite, fell in negotiating the second hurdle, but fortunately both rider and horse escaped injury. Tim whole of the sixteen coloured on the card for the St. George's Handicap went to the post, and as the horses were being saddled up, it was not difficult to detect that thero was a deal of pent up excitement, for that Mr. ICvett had given backers a great puzzle to Hud the winner did not admit of question. Fabulist and Doris, who were the most strongly backed, each looked well, and the former especially had the utmost confidence of his connections. The uncertain Anniversary was the first away when the barrier lifted, and she led the way until Hearing the straight, where she collapsed, and Panoply taking command, the latter led a closely bunched field into the straight. As the sixteen horses raced up the straight the sight-was one to remember, and the finish proved to be ono of the most exciting that has ever been witnessed at Ellerslie. Fifty yards from the post at least half the field appeared to have nu equal chance, and indeed as Panoply, Castashore, Lady Marion, mid Markinoh dashed past the post, only separated by heads, it was most difficult to say how the verdict of tho judge would be. When the numbers were hoisted Panoply was found to have obtained the judge's verdict, and Major Banks'decision Was a head in his favour. The winner was one of the greatest outsiders of tho fiold and a dividend of £55 5s attached to his victory. Though Panoply's stable mate Doris was the one must fancied by the connections of Frank Macmauemin's stable, Mr. Hairy Hayr.the owner of Panoply, did not allow the son of Splendor to go to the post quite unbacked, as he had invested a couple of sovereigns on his horse. Neither tho trainer nor tho rider, however, supported him. The great finish that the race gave rise to, it is hardly necessary to say, brought many congratulations to the haudieapper, Mr, Evett, and it was unquestionably one of the best pieces of work that that gentleman has ever compiled. The Pony Hurdle Race was generally thought to be at the mercy of Pororua or Clayton, but the former foil early in the race, while the latter finished absolutely last, the winner turning up in Repeat. A fine field of fifteen went to the post for the Criterion Handicap, for which race the Champagne Stakes winner Miss Emmy was made favourite, and jumping off in front she never surrendered ahelead, winning by three lengths. Levanter was the only withdrawal from the Steeplechase, and a fine field of ten was left in to contest tho cross-country race. Mozel, who looked all the better for his race in the Autumn Steeplechase, run on the Tuesday previous, was made favourite; but the connections of Kings wood were by no means dismayed by the extra weight which their horse was called upon to carry, and the son of lugomar was nearly as good a favourite as Mozel. The race proved to be a most interesting ono throughout, and the great finish to which it gave rise will long be remembered by those who were privileged to witness it. As the horses entered on the last round, Mozel dashed to the front, and when the favourite negotiated the post and rail fences at the top of the hill, and led down to the stone wall at the head of the course with ten lengths advantage of Kings wood, the race looked the best of good things for him. As the leading pair drew up to the last hurdle, however, Kingswood could be seen catching the favourite, but as the latter had still three lengths the best of it at that point, it still seemed odds on the black horse winning. However, once over the obstacle Hae sat down on Kingswood for a final effort, and fairly lifting his horse along in the last fifty yards of the journey, he got him level with his opponent in the last two strides, and amid a scene of intense excitement sua tolled theraceoutof the fire by a nose. Asßae and Woodfiold brought their horses back to the paddock each rider received a warm round of applause, and right worthily did they deserve it, for it was a battle unmarred by either taking the slightest unfair advantage of the other. hen excitement over the cross country race had cooled down, attention was directed to the Grandstand Handicap, to find the winner of which race Mr. Evett had again given backers a difficult task. Rex, Doris, Lillie and Kanaka were all about equally backed, though the first-named had a slight call over his opponents in the backing. Porangi Potae was quickest away when Mr. Cutts sent them on their journey, and leading throughout the daughter of Castor ran home an easy winner by a couple of lengths from Lady Cuisine. Twelve youngsters were saddled up for the Victoria Handicap, for which St. Crispin was made favourite, and the little son of St, Leger proved the confidence to be well placed, for taking command in the first furlong he ran home a comfortable winner. The following are the details of the racing :- Maiden Hurdle Handicap of eusovs. Second horse to receive lOsovs. out of the stake. For all horses that have not won an advertised hurdle race exceeding 30sovs. in value at time of entry. One mile and a half.

233-Mr. G. F. Beer's bg Tim, syrs, by Wool-broker-dam unknown, 104 1 131—Mr. J. I'. Booth's ch m Reflection, fiyrs, by Flintlock—sunrise, lOst (Wwdfleld) .. 2 33—Mr. J. Martin's br g Forelk aged, by King of the toiest—Clmlerella, lust 101b, (Collins) ' •• 3 109—Mr. J, Kae's b g Natation, 6yrs, list 01b (Owner) 0 23-Mr. A. Ploughman's g g Playboy, aged, lost 31b (Huches) 0 10-Hr. W. tubbing*! gr m Avtatuna, 6ys, Oat 101b, including lillb over (Sharp) .. .. 0 22-Mr. W. Bowman's br g The Outlaw, aged Oat 81b, including 81b over (A. Williams) .. 0 661 Reflection was the quickest on his legs, ami lie led into the straight and up to the first hurdle, which be was first to negotiate, Playboy and Tim being his nearest attendant?. Reflection showed the way past the stand, at which point he was a length in front of Playboy, who in turn was hall a length in advance of Forella, while Tiro and Natation whipped in the field, As they ran round fr> the bottom stretch The Outlaw went to the front, but when they rounded the far turn llefltftion was in the ran. 'As they swept past the six furlong post Forella took command, and entering the cutting the latter was three lengths in advance of Reflection. When they came to the fourth hnrdle, however, the latter was on terms with his opponent, and, making the better jump of the two, he was a leiuth in front when they landed, and here lira could be teen rapidly improvIng his position. Refl-ction led into the straight, closely attended by Tim, and the latter heading his opponent at the last fence, he ran home a comfort; able, winner by a couple of length", Keßection being three lengths in front of Forella, Natation, The Outlaw, Playboy, and Awatuna following in thai order. Time, Bm. 2s. Dividend, £2 !i.

Hurdle Race (Handicap) of SOsovs; second horse to receive lOsovs out of the stake, Over seven flights of hurdles. One mile and three-quarters. 123—Mr. K. J. Elans' b g Auehadowey, aged, by HowiUer-Pastime, fist 710 (Phillips) . 1 103—Mr. C. Aichibald's l> g Levanter, aged, by Captivator-Steel All, list 8lb(l(ae) . J Mrs. Barron's br h Hukatere, aged, by Ingomar- Bessemer, Ost "lb (Wright) .. 3 210-Mr. A. K. Byers' i-h m Miss Nelson, 4jts, list 21b (Katterns) 0

Augahadowey jumped away with the lead, and the son of Howitzer at once setting a very sound pace, he was half a dozen lengths in front of Levanter as they raced to the first hurdle, and this advantage he further increased in the run across the top stretch to the next hurdle, in negotiating which, Miss Nelson, who was racing alongside Levanter, fell. Aughadowey led down the straight with a commanding advantage of Levanter, and though Rae rode the latter vigorously from the half-mile post, he was unable to get n -ar the leader, who won by over half a dozen lengths Time, 3m. 325. Dividend, £3 125. St. GEonok's Handicap of 120sovs. Second horse to receive lOsovs. out of the stake. One mile. 20-Mr. H. H. Hayr"s b g Panoply, by Splen-dour-Ksperance, aged,7st 131b, including 21b over (Davis) ■. 1 79— R. Hannon's ch gCastoshore, 4yrs, by Castor-Zip, 101b(Buchanan).. .. 2 67—Mr. J. Beckett's ch in Lilly Marion, syrs, by Malua-Wanda, 74 121b (Lindsay) .. 3 267—Mrs. J. Lennard's br h Fabulist, 4yrs, 9st slb (Gallagher) 0 214-Mr. K. K. Baker's ch m Doris, 6yrs,Bst7lb (Smith) 0 136—Mr. John Marshall's ch g Markinch, 6yrs, 7stlllb(Sceaie«) 0 40— D. McKiunon's br h Maria, 6yis, 7st 101b, including lib over (Gall) .. .. 0 122— W. Thoipe's br in Flying Fish, aged, 7st Sib (Stewart) 0 126-Mr. R. Harper's rn g Three Star. 6yrs, "st Ollb, including 21bover (Whitaker) .. 0 30-Mr. David 'feed's b h Pyroxylin, Oyrs. 7st 4lb, including 4lb over (Duff) .. .. 0 47-Mr. A. S. Caulion's br f Poiangi Potae, 3yrs, 7st (Jellings) 0 62-Mr. J. Livingstone's b in Fair Nell, 3yrs, (Ist 121b (satinan) 0 6-Mr. T. It. Bell's br i Korowai, 3jts, list (Barlow) 0 4-Mr. IV. Walters' lire Swordflsh, 3yrs, Cst, 131b, including fllb over (Wliitehouse).. '0 11—Mr. Arthur Standish's b m Wai-lti, 4yrs, Ost7lb(.-tockman) v. .. 0 13-Mr. H. Harrison's b m Anniversary, 4yrs, list 71b (Coultliard) 0 1228 Mr, Cutis slipped the big field to a capital start, the colours of llaria, Anniversary, and Fabulist being most prominent as they moved off. When they settled into their stride, Anniversary shot to the front, and Fabulist and llaria falling back their places wero taken by Flying Fish and Panoply. Anniversary 101 lup the back, but as they reached the cutting Three Star and Fljing Fish were level with her, while Panoply and Pyroxylin were the most prominent of the other's. Anniversary again forged to the front a> they ran across the tun stretch, but as they reached the home turn she fell back, and Panoply ltd into the straight. The Held here hunched up, anil as they swept past the Derby stand Panoply was running half-a-length in front of Markinch while Castashore and Fabulist were most prominent of the others. A great battle ensued to the post, between the first four, and Panoply just lasted long enough to win by a head from Castashore, who was a head in front of Lady Marion, and then a bead away came Markinch, Fabulist being closo up next. Tiuio, lm. 45}*. Dividend, £56 Is.

Pony Hurdle Handicap of 4i>sovs; second horse to receive faovs out of the stake. For ponies 14'2 anil under. One mile and a half.

79—Mr. W. Croll's h g Repeat, 6yr.<, by Maskapem-— Duchess, Ost (Hums) .. .. 1 67—Mr. J. Morrison's b * Libeller, aged, by Cap-i-Pie, lOst Mb (Joe Stewart) .. 2 121-Mr. C. Tito's b g Clayton, aged, by The D:iupl)in-KeUii mare, list (Umzior) .. S 149-Mr. C Clark's ch in Pororua, aged, lOst 41b (Collins) 0

Libeller loil the Bold by several lengths until the second hurdle from home, when Repeat took com* mand, an I the Ittt r coming away from his opponent lan homo a winner by three lengths. Libeller being at least a dozen li-ngllis in front of Clayton. Pororua fell, Time, 3iu. 12s. Dividend, £( 14s. Criterion Handicap of SOsovs; second horse to receive lOsovs out of tile stake. For two-year-olds and upwards. Four furlongs.

281-.Mr. 1.. D. Nathan's br f Mis< Emmy, 2yrs, by Cuirassier—Koie, BstOlb (Gallagher)' 1 04—Mr. I). MclCiiinoii's ch g Picklock, 2yrs, by l'lintluck-Pikau, Bst 31b (Gall) .. ..2 133—Mr. J. C. Booth's ch m Hex, 4yrs, by St. Leger-Jouie, &« 101b(Hall) .. ..3 100—Messrs. Alison Bros, br h Kegel, aged, Bst Slb(Biid) ° 61—Air. A. S. Caultoii's blk g The Sharper, aged, Bst 41b (I'aylor) 0 18—Mr. It. Davis' ch in Purvoke, &yrs, Safe (Sciutos) 0 85—Mr. A -.tandish's b h Donovan, Oyrs, Tat 101b (Wbltak-r) 0 46-Mr. C. McMauus' cb g Clarion, aged, 7st l'Jll), including 41b ovoi (Lindsay) .. 0 70-.Mi. A. .McMillan's br g Napoleon, 3yrs, Sill (SUtlllMl) 0 49-Mr. R Burke's b f Ilopo, 2yrs, 7st 71b (ffaldroll) 0 101 -Mr. W. Hawkins' bg The Drone, aged, 7st Olli(lSuchaiHn) 0 75-.Mr. K..F. Smith's ch f decoration, 3yis, 7st Mb (I)iilt) 0 Sir. Arthur SUndlsh's b in Wai-iti, 4yrs, Ost 91b (SMckimiii) 0 20-Jlessis. Illsikie and I'liilpott's b c The owl, -Jyis, list 7ll> (.Idlings) 0 12-Mr. .Lull. Abbott's b f Seabreozc, 3yrs, Git — 71b (Wlntehoilse) 0

.Mist Kininy and Decoration were tile first away and closely iiltemlod by Kegel and Rex ih it pair canto mi ti tin) home turn together, where Miss Kminy hail a loneth advantage of Kegel. Depuration bolus third, and tile remainder, with the exception of M'ai-iti, who was a had last, closely hunched. Miss Emmy increased her advantage in 'the run up the straight, and though Gallagher drew his whip to the daughter of Cuirassier in the last ltfty yards the result was not seriously in doubt, ami coining away the Champagne Slakes winner got home three lengths in front of Picklock, with Rex close up third. Time, 48Js. Dividend, £3 10s.

Handicap Stkkplkciiase of SOsovs. Second horse to receive lOsov.s out of the stake. About three miles.

227— 11. 11. Ilnyr's hg Kingswood, aged, by Ing .mar—Bessemer, list (ltiie) .. 1 243-Mr. lI.T. Horde's hlk g Mozel, aged, by by Turquoise, 9st lllb(WoodUeld) .. 2 21—Mr. J. ill utiii's br g Forella, aged, by King of the Forest—Cinderella (Collin*) .. 3 180-Mr. It 11. Sklpwith's bgSt. Simon, 4yrs, list 121b (Fergus) 0 lOC-Mr. It. Burke's b g Bombardier, aged, list (Morrigiin) 0 12— Williams' brg Sepoy, aged, 9st 71b (Williams) 0 67-Mr. A. McMillan's bg Glenlora, aged, Oat 71b (Olive) 0 28-Mrs. J. Hand's cb g Flukom, aged, 9st 71b (Hums) 0 67-Mr. D. Thomson's blk g Tho Indian, aged, !)st7lh(l,ing) 0 B—Mr. J. Williamson's b g Ditto, aged, flat 71b — (Phillips) 0 1007

Kingswood was the quickest on his legs when Mr. Cutts lowered the flag, and the sou of lngomar led over the sod fence ami up to the water, which he cleared in faultless slyle. Uaclng up to the stone way, Glonlora shut to the front, and the latter carrying the field along at a good pace he had a two-lengths' advantage of Kingswood as they went down tliroiuh the rails to the old water jump. Here Sepoy dashed to the front, and tbe latter clearing away rapidly from his opponents, he bad a lead of fully a dozen lengths as they ran up through tho plantation, which he had increased to nearly twenty lengths when they cleared the post and rails at the top of tbe hill. Forella being second, while Mozel and Kingswood were a couple of lengths away from the latter, with Bombardier most piouiineut of the others. Sepoy ran oft in the race through Crowther's paddock, which left Kingswood with the lead. Forella, howover, passed tho litter as they raced to the stone wall at the head of the course, Mosel and Kingswood running sido by side a length away, with Bombardier well up in fourth place. As they ran up to the sod fence Mosel was almost on terms with the leader, while Kingswood and Bombardier were racing together close handy. Forella was first to the double, but Mozel making the best jump over that obstacle, the latter was in front when they landed over the second fence. Taking the Held along at a slashing pace, Mozel had a two-lengths advantage when they came to the stone wall, which advantage be further increased in the run to the old water-jump, toe son of Turquoise clearing that obstacle three lengths in front of Forella, Kingswood being two lengths away from the latter, with Bombardier well up fourth. Mozel showed the way up the back at a brisk pa:e, and when they ran into the plantation the black horse was bowling along half-a-dozen lengths in front of Kingswood; Forella, Bombardier, and St. Simon being most prominent of the others. Moz 1 further increased his lead in the run up the hill. The favourite clearing the post-and-rails in safety came down the hill with a commanding lead of nearly half-a-dozen lengths in front of Kingswood, with Bombadier three lengths away from the latter. Kingswood crept up a bit in the run up to the stone wall, and when that obstacle was crossed the latter was seen to be within four lengths of the leader. Mozel came on to the last hurdle at a slashing pace, and leaping the fence three lengths in front of his opponent, he looked all over a winner; but in tbe race to the post Kae sat down on Kings wo. id in the most determined manner, and the son of lngomar, answering every call of bis rider in the gamest manner possible, he crept up inch by inch, and just getting up in the last stride, he secured the judge's verdict by a nose amidst a scene of intense excitement. Forella was a dozen rengths away third, with Bombadier fourth. Time, 6m. 41s. Dividend, I £3195.

GRANDSTAND Handicap of BO.IOVB. Second hnrae to receive lOsovs. out of the stake, five furlouts.

62-Mr. A. S, Caulton's br f Poraugi Potae, 3yrs, by Castor— 7st 21b (Jcllings) .. l 92— J. Livingstone's b f Lailjr Cuisine, 3yrs, by Cuirassier-Ladybird 7st 61b (Buchanan) '.. .. 2 5-Mr. W. Walter's br c Swordflsh, 3yrs, by Hotehklss-fiahgirl, est 111b, including 21bovur(Whitehouse) 3 US-Mr. 0. K. Baker's ch m Doris, Syw, Ost 61b - (Smith) 0 143-Mr. J. K. Thotpa's bra Lillie, 6yrs, Bst 101b (Creamer) .. : 0 165-Mr. J. C. Booth's chg Bex, tyrs. Bst7lb (Hall) 0 Messrs. Alison Bros.' br h Kegel, aged, Bst Mb (Gallagher) 0 ÜB-Mr. A. Bayly:, blkg Kanaka, Syis, 7st7lb (Duff) 0 85— A. Stindish's b h Donovan, 6yrs, 7st 101b, including 41b oyer (Wliiiaker) .. 0 65-Mr. D. McKinnon's br in Lufra, 6yn, 7st Bib (SreatesJ 0 22—Mr. D. Teed's b c Pyroxylin, 6yrs, 7st 31b (Julian) 0 t-Mr. T. B. Beil'« br f Korowai, 3yrs, est 101b (Barlow).. .. 0 6-Mr. J. Abbott's b m Corvette, Syrs, est 71b — (Waldron) 0 1022 The start was delayed for some time, owing to Kegel misbehaving himself; but at length Mr. Cutis got the field away on pretty even tetms. Poraiigi Potae was the quickest on her legs, and closely attended by lAdy Cuisine, the daughter of Castor led across the top stretch and into the straight. As

they drew up to the Derby stand, Lady Cnisine and Kanaka each threw out a stiff challenge, but neither could get on terms with Porangi Potae, who, holding her bun, ran home a winner by a couple of lengths from Lady Cuisine, the latter being a length in front of Swordfish. wfth Kanaka close up fourth. Time, lm. ss. Dividend, £17135.

Victoria Handicap of susovs; second horse to receive lOsovs out of the stake. For two-year-olds. Five furlongs.

252-Mr. David Stewart's ch g St. Crispin, by St. L*ger-Tingar*. Bst 71b (W. Smith) .. 1 20-Mr. T. B. Bell's br c Reaction, by Blairgowrie — Ktproach, 7st (including lib over) (Buchanan) 2 18—Mr. F. Macmanemin's br c Volcano, by Torpeilu—Jlaid of the Mountain) list 01b (Lindsay) 3 137—Mr. K. J. Evans' b c Coronet, Sst 61b (Creamer) 0 52— I''. Macmanemin's bit f Cuiralba, Sst Sib (Duff) 0 35—Sir. It. Burke's b f Reno, Sit 41b (Waldron) 0 234-Mr. T. Morrla's br f Janet, Sat 21b (Gallagher) 0 60—Mr. Q. S. Budge's b c Canopus, Est 31b, including 61b over (Taylor) 0 32-Mr. J. G. Ralph's bo Doneraile, Tat 101b (Hall) 0 22-Mr. W. Walter's br f Blairina, 7st (Wliitehouse) .. 0 24-Mr. John Chaafe's br f Electa, "st (S. Clwafe) 0 2-Mr. 11, Harrison's b c Gowrie, est 71b — (Harrison) 0 883 Canopus was the first away, but when they had travlled a furlong, St. Crispin went to the front, and the son of St. Leger galloping in a very resolute manner, led the Held into the straight, and ran home three lengths in front of Reaction, who was half a length in front of Volcano, after whom came Blairina. Time, lm. OJs. Dividend, £3 3s.

SALE OF BLOOD STOCK. On Saturday Messrs. Buckland and Sons held a sale of bloodstock at Mr. R. lilaikie's stables, Green Lane. There was a large attendance, and bidding was fairly spirited. Haria, by Flintlock—Pikau, was knocked down to Mr. G. Wright at 170 guineas, aud he also secured the pony Arquebus at 35 guineas. Lufra, by Flintlock—Brown Rose, was purchased by Mr. C. Philpott at 60 guineas. Picklock, Lady Cuisine, Fair Nell, Royal Conqueror, and Leona were offered, but failing to reach the reserve prices placed upon them they were passed in,