SPORTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 10771, 4 June 1898, Page 6

SPORTING.

THE TAKAPUNA MEETING.

RACING FIXTURES.: r June 4,0-Auckland Racing Club. June 21, 24-Hawke's Bay Jockey Club June 29, 30-NapierPark Racing Club July 11, 16—Wellington Racing Club DATES OF COMING EVENTS. . , NEW ZEALAND June 4-Grand National Hurdles (Auckland), June Great Northern Steeplechase June 23—Ua*vke'a Bay Steeplechase AUSTRALIA. Julys'—V.H.C. Grand National Hurdle Race. July 16-V.R.C. Grand National Steeplechase. July 23.-V.A.T.C. Grand National llurdle Race, England, July Ascot Gold Cup. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. TARAWF.RA.-Carnaie was defeated half a length In the Melbourne Cup of 1894 by Tarcnola. W.G., Thames.—l. King Quail died several years aco. Annabelle was got by Lionel; Anita by King Quail, 2. Carbine got Wallace in his first season at the stud; NOTES BY PHAETON. The committee of the Auckland Racing Club have had undor consideration tho big weight-for-age raco which it is proposed to place upon the autumn programme of 1900. As at present cast, the distance is fixed at a mile and a-quarter, and there is a scale of penaltics for winners, and allowances for maidens, ranging under the first heading from 101b to 511), and under the latter from 141b down to 51b, Irom what I can gather, the feeling amongst the committee is that a mile and a-quarter is too short a distance, and with that view I am myself quite in accord. If we arc going to have this race at all, the distance should not, I think, be less than a mile and a-half. No doubt a slightly stronger field might be obtained were the shorter distance decided upon, but there is another way to look at it, and that is that the stayers should be considered. By fixing the distance of the race at a mile and a-half, the committee will strike the happy medium, and leave little cause for grumbling on that head, While on the subject of weiglit-for-ago racing, I may give vent tc an opinion that the A.R.C. should reinstate the Auckland Plato on the summer programme. It is undoubtedly a weak spot in that bill of fare that the good horses are not hotter catered for in the shape of a decent weight-for-age race over a distance of ground. Take, for instance, the ttate of matters that ruled at Ellerslie on the concluding day of the last summer meeting, when Waiuku and St. Paul were both off the scene owing. tc their being weighted out of the handicap Now, if a weight-forage race (say, of a mile and a-half) had graced the programme on that occasion, what a burst of excitement tiie measuring of strides between that doughty pair would have given rise to? Why, away back in tho seventies, when we had no totalisalor, we could get a decent field for a weight-for-age race, and many will no doubt remember that beautiful January afternoon when Libeller, Templeton, and Ariel tried conclusions ove. two miles in the Auckland Plate, and the exciting race it was. Our racing authorities appear to proceed as if in very dread of their lives, lest the totalisator bell should not ring freely; and, as a result, wo find the handicap squib catered for, while the good horses are left to, in many cases (as was the case last summer at Ellerslie) eat tho oat of idleness, victims to an inconsiderate committee, who bend unduly to the fostering of mere sprinting handicap events. It is well that a keen eye should be kept on tho treasury, but I would say, with all tenderness to tho A.R.C. committee, "Give us back that Auckland Plate."

Everyone will, I am sure, cordially agree that tho Takapuna Jockey Club has during the past few years worked wonders in improving their racecourse, and that a very large outlay was required to be made to bring about such a transformation as that which now reigns at North Shore cannot lie questioned. In the face of this large expenditure, I am loth to stir them up on the matter of prize money, but there is no getting away from tho fact, considering the large amount of patronage which the club obtains, that tho stakes offered by the Takapuna Jockey Club are a good deal below what they should be. At tho last summer meeting tho Takapuna Jockey Club handled in totalisalor money the large sum of £23,287, while at the recent wintor meeting the investments in the same quarter totted up to £12,118. Now, this must be taken to place tho Takapuna Jockey Club's gatherings in front of even some promoted by metropolitan authorities, whore more liberal stakes prevail, and it is not surprising to hear a grumble from horse-owners. Tho chairman of the Takapuna Jockey Club (Mr. E. W. Alison) has invariably shown himself to be a man of progress, and it will bo passing strange should he allow a good record in that respect to bo marred by giving a passive acquiescence to matters as now ruling, and allowpeople to continually talk about " niggardly stakes at Takapuna."

Hardly has the ink dried upon the announcement of the sale of Galteo .More for £25,000 than we are apprised of another big deal, this time in the purchase by the German Government of the Auckland-bred stallion Carnage for 10,000 guineas. The sale of Carnage will. I doubt not, take many Auckland minds back to that January afternoon in 1691, at Sylvia Park, when, with drooping spirits, they had to stand by and witness the finest stud that had ever been planted in these climes uprooted. Carnage, then a foal, With his dam Jersey, formed a lot in the famous catalogue; and what a spirited competition took place for their possession! When the bidding reached 2200 guineas Messrs. W, K. Wilson and D. O'Brien were the two left in to try conclusions for the lot, and at 2300 guineas the celebrated mare and her foal went to Mr. Wilson. In due time Carnage came forth from St. Albans, when lie succeeded in carrying Mr. Wilson's colours to victory in the V.R.C. Derby, and he very nearly succeeded in also landing the Melbourne Cup for his popular owner. Carnage, who could not be restrained by his rider, "Toby" Moran, was in front all the way in tho Cup contest, cutting out the pace at aj great rate until just inside the distance, where ' the outsider Tareoola swooped down on him, and after a most exciting finish the son of Nordonfeldt was beaten half a length. That was the best race of Carnage's career, and the gruelling he got on that occasion seemed to have a lasting effect upon him, for when the autumn rolled round lie went down before The jailor Prince in both the V.R.C. and A.J.C. St. Legers. Carnage formed one of the prizes in the St. Albans' art union when 3lr. Wilson disposed of his stud by that means in 1895, and he was drawn by the Sydney jockey H. J. Liddiard. The son of Nordenfeldt was subsequently submitted to auction, and though 1850 guineas were bid for him, that was not considered enough by his now owner, and lie was passed in", Subsequently, however, Mr Wilson obtained possession of the horse for 2000 guineas, and he in turn Belling him to the owners of the Cobhara Stud, the horse was sent to England by the same kteamer as that which crnveyed the illustrious Trenton across the sea. I never remember seeing the price stated that the Cobham Stud proprietary paid for Carnage, but.this much •may, I think, he taken as quite certain, that in selling him to the Gormans at 10,000 guineas they. have obtained a sum three times more than they paid for the son of Nortlenieldt in Australia. With Carbine sold at 03,000 guineas, Carnage at 10.000 guineas, ,Nordenfeldt at 5600 guineas, and Trenton at 5000 guineas, Auckland does not, it will be recognised, come out badly under the heading of "Famous breeders of blood stock."

There is some reason to embrace the view that the contest for the English Oaks, like that for the Derby, resulted in a surprise. Airs and Graces, who got home in front of toe One Thousand Guineas winner Nun Nicer, appears in the list of nominations opposite the Duke of Portland's name, but it transpires that the filly was sent up to auction ,last December, when she was taken by Mr )W. F. Day at 450 guineas, the purchase of the daughter of Ayrshire, so it is rumoured, icing effected on behalf of the Victorian sportsman, Mr. W. T. Jones. It would seem that the form shown by Airs and Graces at two years old was not considered sufficiently promising by George Dawson, and it was no doubt acting on the advice of his trainer that tho Duke of Portland sent the filly into the sale ring. If Airs and Graces really won her race at Epsom in the colours of Mr. Jones, it will prove a subject for very much rejoicing in Australian turf circles, especially in Victoria, for that gentleman enjoys a wide popularity, and is recognised as a sportsman in tho fullest acceptation of the term. . \ , : . •

When Mr. J. G. Ralph's name appeared in the forfeit list for £10, alleged to be owing on Donneraile, people began to wonder how the popular mine manager had been caught napping. It turns out, however, that the fault has to De placed on other shoulders. As early as last November Mr. Ralph paid forfeit for Donnerailo in the race for which he figured in the recent list; but, in ordei to make assurance doubly sure, ho paid the amount (£10) into the A.R.C. qffice on tho day previous to the Takapuna Meeting; and, as Donneraile's name was removed from the forfeit list prior to his starting and winning the Maiden Plate at Takapuna, that disposes of the objection. " All's well that ends well," and the fact that the judge's finding in favour of Donnßraile is not to bo disturbed will, I 1 am sure, bo learned with pleasure.

There was never much hope for Ballyhooley sinco lie came back here from Sydney, as he seems to have become quite incorrigible in his baulking propensities. The son of The Dauphin was sent out to contest the Takapuna Steeplechase on Saturday last, and with the rogue's badge on his head in the shape of a hood and winkers he was, it is needless to say, one readily to be picked out. The hideouslooking appendage did not, however, prevent Ballyhooley from again turning dirty; and after persistently turning his head at the water, his rider ceased his efforts in what appeared to be a hopeless task to get his hor?e over the obstacle, and he arrived back in the enclosure just as the other horses raced up to the water for the second time. Everyone likes " J. 8.," but I am afraid tho Ellerslie trainer will be in danger of losing some of his popularity if he gives us Ballyhooley in the rogue's appendage at tho A.R.C. Grand National Meeting. Another horse that was as bad a case as Ballyhooley in failing to complete the Takapuna course was Itch. This horse had been doing so well in his work at Ellerslio that his party were in high hopes of him shining at Takapuna; but lie sadly disappointed them in that respect. On the opening day in the Maiden Steeplechase Itch stopped at the water; but in the crosscountry race run on Saturday he did not even get as far as that point on the three-mile journey, for the post and rails at the top of the hill the first time round proved a stopper for him; and once more ho walked in with the crowd. Itch is by no means a bad cut of a horse, and, though it must bo admitted there is not much inducement to pen a good word for him considering the baulking proclivities which ho lias displayed, he may, as he becomes seasoned, get rid of his tricks and prove himself a worthy son of Mute. In referring to Mr. D. O'Brien's team, which may lie spoken of as an Australian-bred one, the Riccarton correspondent of the Press says:— Malatua is looking in nice winter condition. Mr. O'Brien tells mo the colt is very like his dead sire, and reproduces tho markings Malua had. As yet Malatua is a bit on the leg, bnt he is sure to let down and should make an exceedingly handsome three-year-old. Peerage, the companion colt to Malatua, has as yet failed to show any of the galloping ability that was possessed by his half-brother, Gipsy Grand. His owner is fond of Peerage, who is a nice-tempered, easy-going colt, and he does not despair of him turning out well. Mr. O'Brien has weaned his Australian-bred teals, and it is quite likely he will mate the dams next season with his colt Heritas.

When Dayntroe fell in the straight while contesting the Victoria Handicap at Takapuna on Saturday last, and his rider (young Manning) was hurled from the saddle in close proximity to a post, it seemed as if another racecourse fatality would have to be recorded However, to the relief of the onlookers, the little fellow was seen to quickly creep inside the rails, out of danger of being galloped on; but it was undoubtedly a very narrow escape that the young jockey experienced. I happened to be standing in the weighing enclosure when the little fellow came buck" with mud-bespattered face, and no doubt in a scared condition, as the result of his accident and marvellous escape; tut even as he stood shivering in the cold in his silken jacket, the little fellow might have been seen to show his sohcitudo for Dayntreo by running his hand down the colt's knees (the hair on which had teen brushed up) to make sure he had not been hurt. It was only a simple little act, but the conviction it carried to my mind was that that boy's heart is in the right place.

What a really good horseman can do with a trickster " Sain" Fergus exemplified at Takapuna on Saturday last with Voltigeur 11. in the running of the Steeplechase. On the Tuesday previous the old grey cut up badly by persistently refusing to jump the water. On each occasion that he came to tho obstacle in his race on Saturday last, he showed a marked disinclination to clear it, but though on each occasion he ran down the fence, Fergus prevented him from gelting his head quite round, and got him over the left-hand wing each time. Though Fergus was on the back of a defeated candidate, he was warmly complimented on the manner in which lie had got through a very troublesome and difficult piece of horsemanship. >

In, my notes of yesterday I made pointed allusion to the omission of one little detail at the gatherings conducted by tho metropolitan body, viz., the absence of a parade of the horses prior to tho start for important events. From what I can gather it is pleasing to learn there is likely to be an alteration in this respect, and that to-day, the inauguration of the Grand National Meeting, is likely to mark the alteration. This is perhaps a small matter in itself, but it it one that is worthy of cultivation.

The unfortunate mishap which this week befell The Friar is apparently serious enough to keep the little son of Hiko off the scene at the A.R.C. Grand National Meeting. It appears that Tim Friar's ailment is the result of his having struck himself while galloping. The tendon is not sprung, as was feared, anil with a rest, there is every hope of the little horse proving again trainable.

Mr. R. H. Skipwith this week purchased The Sinner, and he will make his debut in his new owner's colours to-day in the Maiden Steeplechase. The Sinner has demonstrated in his schooling work that he is quite an adept at getting over a big fence, and he may bo depended upon to beat more than beat him in the Great Northern Steeplechase.

On the question of instructions to jockeys " Reginald," of the Melbourne Sportsman, has seme useful remarks. It-would, he says, bo easy to sympathise with the jockey who, in going to the post for a six-furlong flutter, complained that he had received orders enough to do him for a ten-mile race. The journey was not far enough to admit of him carrying out a tenth part of his carefully-imparted instructions. How he got out of the tangle is not on record. Probably he was left at llio post in deep thought as to how ho was to begin the weighty contract. Equally could we feel for the oilier saddle expert for whom an owner, in engaging him for a three-miler, drow a plan of tho course, and in an imaginary race, with matches for horses, showed him just how ho wanted the work done. Every yard of the journey was gone over, and tho position the rider was to occupy at each point clearly shown on paper. " Rut," protested the jockey, when he at last got an opportunity to have a say, " what will the others be doing all this time ? Will they fall into the arrangement, too, and allow me to go just where I like ?" Tho owner, as ho himself admitted, had " never thought of that," and thus was calculating without taking into consideration one of the most important matters of all. There is a mighty difference in a sketch of a race beforehand and a real picture of the actual thing just as it happens. When a rider tins a share of brains, and is conversant with the ittlo peculiarities of the horse under him, the less he is hampered with instructions the better. If he, in the thick of the battle, does not know how to act in an emergency, what possible idea can a man on the ground have of it ? Take those w.f.a. events, for instance. We often see them rim in direct opposition to what is expected. The rider goes to the post crammed with commands; tho pace doesn't suit these, but he must obey; and thus the whole show is " messed up." Loft alone, the jockey would quickly sea for himself the tactics that would servo him best, and act accordingly. But there is the path mapped out, and this ho must follow. An old saying round the stables is, " Do as you arc told and get beaten and they can't blame you, but go your own way and miss, and they are down on you like a thousand of bricks." That's just it. Rather than run the risk of blundering in their own way, they blunder according to instructions. All the trouble is produced by the owner, or trainer, or whoever takes upon himself the responsibility of advising the rider as to his methods, without the remotest idea of how the race is going to be run.

Spectator" writes:-" has been suggested that the qualification of Voltigeur for Auckland engagements may be defeotivo, but this point will no doubt be settled by the Auckland Racing Club, so that there may be no after claps. As regards Voltigeur, that gelding was in F. Tillers stable whon the latter was disqualified, and owned by Mr. Chapman, and satisfactory proof of this will no doubt be forthcoming. The hone was sold to Mr. Driscol, and it would appear that to keep within the four corners of the rules it is only necessary that the bona fides as to Mr. Chapman ownership of Voltigeur and interest when the horse was entered should be proved," '..' j

BREVITIES. Nominations for the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups close on Monday next. The Messrs. Duder, whose horses are all trained at Takapuna, did not win a single race during the recent T.J.C. Meeting. Mr. Stead says that the C.J.C. Committee are against the proposal to have a 10s totalisator at Riccarton, believing it would entail a loss of revenue. Martini-Henry's sister, Wood Nymph, claimed a winner in Tasmania recently. This was Water Nymph (by Bill of Portland), who won the Trial Stakes. Waterbury, who won the late Mr. Douglas his first Grand National Steeplechase, won a hurdlo race in Victoria recently. Waterbury is now 12 years old. It is stated that the parties connected with Porangi Potae did not have so much as a j amy piece on her when she won tho Welter Handicap at Takapuna on Saturday last. Knight of Athol, who is undoubtedly one of tho coarsest and least thoroughbred-looking horses in training in this district, continues to pick up a race now and again in the country districts. At Coromandel on Monday last the son of Cuirassier won the Hauraki Cup and Publicans' Purse. Everybody may not be aware of the fact that Waiuku, champion amongst our senior racers, has got twins at tho stud. • A friend sends from Tarannki an account of a visit by the invitation of Mr. J. J. Russell to a farm at Okato, where are running a colt foal and a filly yearling got by Waiuku from Lady Onslow, by Tho Governor—Mokomoka, by Don Juan, Is the Caucasian played out, asks the Bulletin. At Cassilis races (Gippsland, Vic), on Eight Hours Day, there were eight events, and Ah Sam, a little Chow, rode three winners and twice ran his nags into second place. Tho bush boys up in that district consider themselves amongst the best on the top of a horse, too, and the racecourse at Cassilis demands horsemanship. In America the question of giving prizes for aged stallions is cropping up. A writer in the Horseman says it is obviously unfair to ask owners to exhibit old stallions at horEO shows, in classes where they must meet much younger and fresher rivals. In England, the managers of the Sliiro Horse Show, which is annually held in London in February, hit on the plan of making separate classes for older horses. When Plain Bill's name was found to be missing from tho list of acceptors for the Grand National Hurdle Race and Great Northern Steeplechase, some Aucklanders were inclined to ascribe the cause to Mr. Scott overlooking the date of acceptance. However, I learn from Mr. Evett that such opinion is wide of the mark. The reason for Plain Bill not being accepted for at Auckland was, I am told, duo to Mr. Scott not being able to come North at the timo of tho Auckland meeting.

A REVIEW OF THE RACING. The, Takapuna Jockey Club brought their wintei meeting to a conclusion on Saturday last, and, though the weather was very far from propitious, a good number put in an appearance; and with a lotalisator record of £12,118 the North Shore club has very good reason to be satisfied with the measure of success scored in the face of the disadvantageous circumstances under which tho gathering had to be brought off. Having already dealt with tho first day's racing, there is no need for mo to go over that ground, and my remarks on the present occasion will therefore bo confined to the events that formed the second day's programme. For the Hack Handicap there was very liltlo to choose, so far as favouritism was concerned, between Crusade (7st) and Blairina (Bst 21b), but the first-named, who came as a strong " tip" from J. C. Booth's stable, was the one on whom most attention wag bestowed. Blairina was in front for about four furlongs, when Crusade, who had always ken well forward, ran into the lead, and, holding his own from thence home, won by a length from Donerailo (fist 41b). Tho winner is a three-year-old unsoxed son of Cuirassier, and the resolute mannor in which ho galloped home made a favourable impression. Tho Hurdle Race gavo riso to a most exciting finish, and it was undoubtedly one of the best races of the meeting. Pursuing tho same tactics as on the previous days, Seabreeze (lOst) dashed into tho load directly tho field was sent on their journey, and carrying her opponents along at a slashing pace, she had a lead of half a dozen lengths when the last half-mile came to be entered upon, and looked like lasting it out. However, Atlantic (9st 41b) caught her just inside tho turn, mid though Seabreeze seemed to have slightly tho Lest of it. a hundred yards from home, Atlantic wore her down towards the finish, and won a really good race by a head. Atlantic is a four-year-old gelding by Lcolantis and Coryphee, and in the early spring of the present season he showed winning form by getting home in front for a hurdle race at Avondale. In tho interval ho had, however, run badly, and it was only on the Tuesday previous at Takapuna, when well hacked by his party, that lie failed to gain a placo in the Hurdle Race. That gallop ovidently did him a vast amount of good, and the manner in which he answered the question undor punishment on Saturday last showed him to bo a game customer. The Gisborno-owncd horso

Opou, who was weighted at lOst, was a very strong fancy with tho Ellerslio cognoscenti, and this caused the son of Emir Roy to be made a warm favourite. He, however, only once flattered the hopes of his admirers, and, being dead in trouble when tho last three furlongs of the journey were entered upon, his defeat was assured a long way from home. Nor'-west, who had the heavy burden of 12st 61b in the saddle, finished in third place, The son of Sou'-wester did not disgrace himself, and under a different set of circumstances I don't know but that I would again be found courageous enough to select him to defeat those which opposed him on Saturday last at Takapuna. In the face of the very satisfactory winning display which Castashorc made on tho Queen's Birthday, when ho fairly romped over his opponents in the Birthday Handicap and Royal Handicap, it was no surprise to find' the big son of Castor in great favour for the Britannia Handicap, in which race he was weighted at 9st 41b. However, a surprise proved to be in store, for the winner turned up in Lufra (7st 21b), who won by a couple of lengths from Panoply (Bst). Lufra had absolutely no form of a recent date to rocommend her to notice, and Ahose who set themselves the task of endeavouring to find the winner had plenty of reason to discard her. Though Castashore failed to gain a place, he did not by any means disgrace himself. Ho was in it all the way up the straight, and was in fourth place when they galloped past the post. In the Pony Handicap Partan Jonnie (Bst 81b), who had been raised 101b for her win on the Tuesday previous, again scored, the little daughter of St. Leger winning her race in really good style. Lillie (Bst 41b) was the popular selection for the Victoria Handicap; but a whisper Retting abroad that St. Kilda's failure in the Britannia Handicap was not to be seriously considered, the old eoii of St; Leger was also brought into good request. The whisper proved to be quite reliable, for he came homo in first place in front of the favourite. 1 cannot say what amount of credence is to bo attached to the allegation, but it is staled that St. Kilda's performance in the Britannia Handicap was not all right. Reversals of form have before this been taken in hand by the stewards of tho Takapuna Jockey Club, and it is to he regretted that in the face of so much talk they should have allowed St. Hilda's case to go unchallenged. With Miss Nelson weighted with the severe impost.of 12st 51b, matters did not look at all promising for the big daughter of Nelson scoring in the Steeplechase, especially as the going was terribly heavy; and, in the face of this latter circumstance, it was no surprise to find The Saint (lOst 41b) in better favour.

Tho latter, in company with Voltigeur 11. (9st 81b), was forcing tho paco down the hill the last time; but that pair, it was not difficult to detect, were wearying of the battle, and Katterns rattling Mi6s Nelson up at the water jump she dashed into the lead at that point, and, fairly romping away from her opponents, ran home an easy winner. The company that opposed Miss Nelson was no doubt of a mediocre character but, even so, the daughter of Miss Nelson must bo given credit for registering a really good performance, and it may be taken as the best she lias recorded to date, Tho Saint is a nice-looking little horse, but, judging from the pronounced manner in which he tired towards the finish, he is ■o, poor stayer, and of little use over a course extending to three miles. . Notwithstanding Castashore's inability to gain a situation in the Britannia Handicap, he was later in tho day made favourite for .the Welter Handicap, run over a like distance, and in which he was required to carry the stiff burden of lOst 121b. He was, however, a bit unfortunate at the start, and nover got into the lead, the winner turning up in the little-thought-of Porangi Potae (Bit'6lb), who, jumping off in front when the barrier went up, led throughout, and won by a length from another outsider in Doneraile' (Bst 21b). Porangi Potae's victory was the surprise par excellence of the meeting, In the running of the Britannia Handicap earlier in tho day she faded so completely out of the finish that no danger was apprehended from her quarter; and, indeed, it may be said that no one was' more surprised over her i victory than those j most intimately connected with her. i It was i a great' reversal of form truly, hut everything in connection therewith was fair and above board. .-...*. ..* .