SPORTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 11056, 6 May 1899, Page 6

SPORTING.

FACING FIXTURES NEW ZEALAND. May 5-Opitonui Racing Club. . llay 20, 24—Takapuna jockey Club. July 4, '6-Gishorno Park Racing Club. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. umcpr-iou are beaten on both points. J i two-vear-old Donovan won in stakes, latter s spa ; on longer than Donor^n^he'won M which brought his winning total up to £54 935. Donovan's winning total was Scefis old he ran second in the Dunedm CjP. won the C.J.C. Challenge Stakes. At lour years, won Melbourne Stakes, third in * » Cup, won Royal Park Stakes, won Canterburv Plate At five years. second in Melbourne Cup won Royal Park Stakes, second in Canterbury Plate. 2. Grand Flaneur won nine races, and was never beaten. NOTES BY PHAETON. One of tlio most interesting cases that lias ever cropped up in our racing affairs was that arising out of tl.o disputed start for (lie, Hobson Handicap at the Takapuna Summer Meeting, in connection with which the stewards took the course of deciding no race in the face of the starter's declaration that it was a start. The rerunning of the race, and the appeal by Mr. J. 0. Booth (the owner, of til© horse which came in first in the first race) to the A.R.C., which ho gained, are points well known to most of my readers, from the very outset tho T..T.0. stewards contended that they were within their powers in acting as they did, and directly tho A.R.C.'s finding was announced they were quickly in the field with a counter appeal to the chairman of the Racing Conference against the decision of tho metropolitan body. A court was set up to jbear tho case, with Sir George Clifford, the Hon. J. D. Ormond, and Mr. H. D. Bell as judges, and these gentlemen, after considering the matter, brought in the following finding:-" In Hie absence of any definite rule, to make the statement of the starter as to what took placo final, tho stewards of the Takapuna club were within their powers in determining tho question. They therefore have reversed tho decision of the metropolitan club, and restore that of the Takapuna Club." It will lie agreed that the judges have made their finding in tho fewest possible number of words, but this much is made quite cleat, that the decision is based on the fact that there is nothing in the rulej which makes the decision of the starter final, and that therefore the Stewards have the right to step in and act. That such a right does exist, I have myself never had any doubt, but while saying this, I also contend that it is a right that should only lie availed of in extraordinary circumstances, and tho point we have to solve for ourselves in connection with this Hobson Handicap is: Does it come within that category? Ido not myself think it does. We have heard a good deal about, the starter, Mr. Halstead, having been flurried at the post, and that he was responsible for the bungle by, it is alleged, calling the riders back. Mr. Halstead, however, declared a start in unequivocal terms, and states that his last word was " Go." The fact of Bluecap having been weighed in, and his number posted (which, to all intents and purposes, practically declared him tho winner) are points that could be strongly urged against the 1.J.0.'s action in ordering a second rare, and it would be very interesting to know if that aspect of tho mpttcr was considered by the judges. It may lie wise not to make the decision of tho 6tarter declaring a etart final, but while a strong case can lie mailo out for that contention it would never do for stewards to be allowed to make anything like a free use of the power resting in their hands, and I cannot help thinking that, the decision of tho judges in tho Hobson Handicap raso is fraught with some danger.

In my notes last week I mentioned that Mr. Leonard Marshall had purchased 111 England for exportation to Auckland the thoroughbred sire Cyrenian. I find that lie is, comparatively speaking, a young horse, as lie was foaled in 1894, and is thus only five years old. Though Cyrenian can boast possession of the bluest of blue blood in his veins, it cannot be Said for him that lie was a great racehorse. That, however, is not perliap? of much moment. Many Instances can Ix. cited where inferior performers have proved pronounced successes at the stud, and the deeds on the racecourse are not really of much value in the matter of summing up a horse's stud career. Whom could a more pronounced Case be found than that- recorded in Auckland under our-.own eyes by St. Leger ? The son of Doneaslnr was a perfect failure as a racehorse; in fact, so bad was he that it told very seriously against him in his first season at the stud, for lie was drafted to the backblocks. Yet a-- a sire lie has proved a marked success, and has got more than one champion. However, it will do 110 harm to look up Oyrenian's doings on the turf. As a two-year-old he ran five times, and his record was two wins, while he was three limes unplaced. As a three-year-old C'yrenian started ten times. In five races ho finished unplaced; twice lie was third, once second, and in his two remaining engagements, a Plate and a Welter Handicap, ho was successful. Last season, which marked his four-year-old career, Cyrenian started six times, but the only event lie managed to win was the Johnstone Plate at Stockbridge. It has been pretty clearly demonstrated that the St. Simon and Musket combination is a successful nick, and therefore the introduction of Cyrenian to Auckland where there are so many of Musket's daughters, is an event that may have a very far-reaching influence in enabling us to keep our famous province in the forefront as the breecling-placo of high-class stock.

Tlio ranks of those old-lime sportsmen, with whose names are wrapt lip in the history oi the English turf many nil interesting story, are fast being thinned. The cable this week brought us the sad intelligence that anothei of their number has been ushered to the Great Beyond in the person of the Duke of Beaufort, K.G. Few of the noble families of England have beep as much associated with sport as the Somersets. As the patrimonial possessions and titles descend from one generation to another, so does all that fondness for sporting recreations which lias been thoroughly identified with the different Dukes of Beaufort. Charles Henry Fitoay Somerset, the eighth Duke of 'Beaufort, whose death occurred last week, succeeded to the title and estates ou the death of his father in 1853, and from that time he entered enthusiastically into such sports as racing, hunting, shooting, coaching, and the other patrician sports of the day. If early apprenticeship to a profession, occupation, or amusement be, as is generally supposed, an advantage, few men enjoyed that privilege more completely than did the late Duke ot Beaufort, as regards his career on the turf. At the tender age of six he was wont to say that he witnessed the success of his father's colt, Haymaker, at Egham. When eight years old the little Lord Glamorgan was almost an [habitue of Newmarket, where jno of his earliest experiences was being run away with on a pony from the starting-post of A.F. Ho had started with some Worses in a gallop, which, as fa: as he was concerned, was somewhat unduly protracted, as ho wa», carried right through the town, and never got a pull till the resolute little steed tired against the Warren Hill. While Marquess of Worcester the subject of the present memoh was too much engrossed with his duties as an officer in the First Life Guards, and subsequently in the Soventh Hussars, to care about owning '. racehorses, and it was only after his retireilnent from the service, and after the death o( tie fatliOi, that the Duke made hi? first

venture on the turf. The fat important classic event wliich foil to the ducal hoops was the One Thousand Guineas in IBK> by the aid of Siberia, who he bred privately nt Badminton. With Ceylon he won the Grand Prix de Paris, and with Vanban the Two Thousand Guineas m 1867. It was thought that- the Duke bad a great chance of annexing the Derby that year with Vanbail, but in a sensational race lie could only get third to Hermit. Early in 1863 the Duke of Beaufort sold all lira horses. He did not quite forsake the sport, however, for 111 the following season lie carried off the One Thousand Guineas with Scottish Queen. Although (he Duke had only a few horses in Ins hands of late years, he owned several important winners, amongst which was Petrouel (a son of Musket), who "credited him with the Two Thousand Guineas in 1880, while in looi Reve d'Oi carried the Badminton hoops to victory in the One Thousand Guinea* and Oaks. Though lie won his share of handicaps, the Duke did not lay himself out for that class of race. Eastern Emperors Shrewsbury, Chester, and Hunt Cups, with Petronel's Great Yorkshire, and The Cob Metropolitan, were his chief triumphs in tins line. His great disappointment was undoubtedly when Wall, far more tired than The Lob (who was not tired at all), mistook the position of the winning-post, or in some way failed to land the Cesarewitch of 1886, just when it looked 100 to 1 on his getting home in front, of Stone Clink. Both by precept and practice he ever discouraged tile reckless plunging which led to such disastrou results amongst his confederate* and then followers in the fast life period of 1860, though himself by uc means a lmid or taUer ine speculator within reasonable limits, who the propitious moment seemed to liave arnved, but for that moment he knew how to *»>*• He could put up with a loss, and " aimlessly in that most hopeless and ruinous of all endeavours, termed "struggling to get home." The Duke of Beaufort was one of tho oldest members ot the Jockey CI • .mISO lone ago as 1858 he was elected steward; but ill-health compelled bun to retire in the autumn of 1860, when to d Coventry short appointed of the Duke p ot j tem. A short summary of the c Beaufort's character could hardly bo pve (sw an English writer) ... more appropriate words than those of the legend, Mutare id timero sperno," embiazoued on the Somerset timero speruo, h aboye all ; t°h t°s!Tso endeared himself by these qualities as well by his innate courtesy and hindI ness to all with whom lie came in contact, n,iit had lays been well served, and lie shifted his training quarters but twice in the long period during which he kept racehorses In the councils of the turf lepslaluro the Duke of Beaufort always took ail active interest and a prominent part. Though a mau of decided views, he was ever pleasant and conciliatory in debate, and Ins opinion never failed to carry due weight. Simple and straightforward in all his dealings, Ins influence was widely felt, and always for good throughout turf circles, where as a man of unblemished honour, against whom e\en in these days of distrustful criticism no breath or suspicion had been whispered, he was universally looked up to, admired, and respected.

Information is to band from Dunedin that the committee of the Dmiedm Jockey Club have resolved tc withdraw the Fourth Eclipse Stakes. This event was fixed to be run m th» autumn of 1900, and nominations foi the same were already in the hands of the club. Some little doubt existed as to whether tho Dunedin .Tocke 5 Club had the right to withdraw the race, but on turning up the programme I find that they have full power to do so, the following clause being included in the conditions:-" Should the horses remaining in this race after declaration of forfeits in March, 1899, not bo sufficient in the opinion of the committee to warrant, them in continuing the race, the committee reserve the right of cancelling it, and substituting another race; in such cases, all forfeits previously paid will be refunded. It is a matter for regret to find tho Dunedin .Jockey Club compelled to withdraw the Eclipse Stakes, for it means a further loss of prestige to the old club. We may be quite sure, however, that the extreme step would not have been taken unless the number of horses engaged had dwindled down to very small dimensions.

An entry of 24 ami 25 respectively for the A.R.C. (iraud National Hurdle Raco ami Great Northern Steeplechase must, I suppose, be regarded as satisfactory from a numerical standpoint-, but the absence of t'lie names of a number of tried performers, and tile fact that both races are largely stocked with what in racing parlance would be called "roughW," the entries are a little disappointing. As the New Zealand Grand National Hurdle Race winner, Social Pest, figured amongst the entrants for the Hurdle Race to lie run at. Wanganui, he is one of the cracks that was looked upon as likely to bo nominated for the Ellerslie race; then there is anutliei brace of noteworthy absentees in Plain Hill and Sabreiu-. It would seem, however, as though unsoundness was responsible for their nonentry. The weights foi both races are due to make their appearance 011 Friday next, and when Mr. Kvett's adjustments are posted no doubt the speculation will be well up to that of previous years, as the Ellerslie jumping doublo has at all times been popular with backers.

There i. one aspect of the Hobson Handicap case that it is pleasant tc. look back upon, and that is the absence of illtemper or bad feeling. If one had, so tc speak, reason to get off the chain," that one was certainly John Booth, the owner of Bluecap, but even in the height of the excitement 011 the day, and when the race was taken away from his colt, the burly Ellerslie trainer kept a hold of himself ill a manner which one could not but admire, and all through the piece his conduct lias been the same. The chairman of the T.J.C. (Mr. E. W. Alison) is another that handled himself (and it can, I think, be safely said, also his case) well. One has tc have all the straps up, as poor old Jimmy Kean was wont to say, when yon set out to tackle the North Shoreite in the consideration of a racing point, and though in many cases we agree to disagree, a Uattle of words with him is always one of pleasure, fo. " E.W." knows all the courtesies of debate, and, best of all, he is not narrow iii nis views. But foi good temper and real good fellowship (aye, and 0110 who can put a case really well) commend me to Mr. Wyuyard, the T.J.C.'s popular secretary. All through the exciting time attendant 011 the dispute he was ever the same dear old " Bob," looking for a chance to say the nice thing in the proper way.

Newhaven lias shown such a brilliant return to form thai his doings on the English turf will be rendered deeply interesting to colonial turfites. Newhaven's next engagement is in the Kempt on Park Jubilee Handicap, to be run to-day. At his original impost of Bst 91b, this event, summed up in the light of his doughty deed in the City and Suburban Handicap, looked a "good thing" for the Australian horse: but a 141b penalty which he earned by his victory in the Epsom race raises his impost to the steadier of 9st 91b, _nd that, of course, puts a very different complexion on matters. Still, that the chance of the Australian horse is not considered to have been extinguished by the additional weight iu which he has been cast, we have strong evidence in that he is in a forward place in the betting, and has been backed down to 8 to 1.

It is rarely iu horseflesh a sister is found a close likeness to n brother. Mi. Percival, however, claims that St. Olga, the sister to St. Paul, fills the bill so fai as that point is concerned. In every respect, Mr. Percival tells me that St. Olga resembles St. Paul, and it is not hard to discern that t*lio popular one is very hopeful of the daughter of St. Leger's turf prospects. St. Olga is still located at Stibbington House, but no doubt she will this month be taken in hand by John Cliaafe, who has leased lie*. When St. 01g.i joins Chaafo's team, the veteran will be able tc boast of the Wrongest stabl: of "Saints" in the colony, as it will be represented by no less than four, viz., St. Paul, St. Peter, St. Ursula, and St. Olga. On the eve of the opening of the Grand National meeting at Ellerslie last June, M.. R. H. Skipwith effected what looked like a lucky deal in the purchase of The Sinner, who gave him a return straight away by winning the Maiden Steeplechase. His second in the Great Northern Steeplechase was also meritorious, and he fenced so boldly and well that a good win later on seemed to be ill store foi him. He, lioweve., cracked up badly in the same month at Hawke's Bay, and if.. Skipwith let him go for a small mm. I notice from a Gisboruo paper that The Sinner is this season being ridden to hounds by a lady (Mrs. G. L. Sutherland), and, what is more, is acquitting himself well. . P ''j? r , l ,° Bobadil's loss of form at the A..T.C. Meeting, it. seemed to be a pretty general opinion that the little fellow would be found crossing the ocean to England before long, but nothing on that point is now heard, except that it is unlikely he will leave Victoria. The ailment which affects Bobadil s « suddenly, it is thought-, proceeds from an affection of the bladder. At last advices Bobadil was hi steady work at St. Albans. Some of the wisest heads engaged in solving racing problems on the English turf figure it out that the French-bred oolt Holocausto will win the Derby. One ot the very best English jockeys, it is said, saw the colfc recently tried privately, when he smothered everything, old and young, that was opposed to him. Holocauste was recently heavily backed lot blue riband,

One of the hardest, if not actually the hardest, worked horses on the New Zealand turf during the present is Costashore, and, as the saying goes, he is still going stroi g and well. The big son of Castoi and Zip was oil the scene at Woodville on Thursday last, when he added further to his winning total by winning the Autumn and Railway Handicaps. Castashore will be well up on the winning list this season, and his earnings in stakes must, I think, be considerably o\er £1000. The Canterbury Jockey Club have decided to increase tho New Zealand Grand i a ion, Meeting from two to three days. There, a a probability of the Auckland Racing Club extending their Grand National meeting next year in a like manner, lho committee of the Auckland Racing Club had the matter under consideration when the programmes were drawn up for the present season,, but it was thought best to allow matters to stand as at present for another year. The Messrs. Duder have experienced a good deal of misfortune with Anna's daughters. Lady Anna was killed through a collision while galloping on Takapuna Reach, Miss Anna died last week from blood poisoning, and Queen Ann has been so badly kicked on one of her hocks that she is, I understand, never likely to carry silk. Of all tho youngsters that have been bred by Messrs. Duder, nono took my fancy so much as Queen Ann, and had she been destined to grace the racecourse, she would, I feel quite sure, have accomplished something first-class. The North Shore sportsmen are to be condoled with in losing the services of such a beautiful filly as Queen Ann. For the first time for two years and nine months, "Dan" O'Brien saw his colours carried home in the van. The one to perform tho winning turn for Mr. O'Brien was Peer.age, the three-year-old son of Malua, whom lie imported to Canterbury from Australia, and who won the Autumn Handicap at Ashburton. It is stated that Peerage's owner did not have a single penny oil him. At one time old Dan could not go wrong in the purchase of racehorses, but since he sold old Carbine, Dame Fortune has thrown many frowns his way. George Selby lost his honest old 'cl.asy Rainbow on Saturday last through an accident which befell him while following the Pakuranga hounds at Mnngcre. In negotiating a fenco and ditch the old son of Leolantis came to grief, and though lie was got oil his legs again, he died on his way back to Otabuliu. Rainbow was a very coarse-looking horse, which is explained by the fact of his being out of a cart inare. The old fellow, however, last spring put some more showy animals to flight when he romped home in front for the Hunt Club Steeplechase el Avoudale. Up to last Saturday Rainbow, 1 am told, had never once made a mistake or put a foot wrong.

A horse popularly regarded as a rod in picklo for the A.R.C. Grand National llurdlo Race was Record Reign, who has not been seen out under silk since he contested tho Railway Handicap! at Ellerslio on Boxing Day last. The little dream of a possible victory for the half-brother to St. Simon in this year's raco was somewhat rudely dispelled on Friday last, when it was found that his name was missing from the .list of entrants.

The severe race exacted from Nestor in connection with the Takapuna Cup had lie effect of placing him liors de combat so far a? racing was concerned, in tho autumn. However, the blistering administered to his forelegs in February has apparently had a most beneficial effect, as both limbs have filled down quite clean, and there seems a reasonable liopo of his standing a preparation. Nestor is now again in easy exercise.

Following on the result of the Two Thousand Guineas conies that of tlio One Thousand, and this race, we learn by cable, was won by a filly bearing the colours of the American sportsman Mr. P. Lorrilard. This was Sibola, a daughter of The Sailor Prince. Sibola ran several times last season without success, and when wo get the details of '.he race, I fancy that it will turn out that her victory was a mild surprise.

Evidently Adam Byers bras some idea of giving Hi. Kilda another trial over hurdles, as the veteran son of St. I,eger's name figures amongst the nominations for the A.U.C. (fraud National Hurdle Race, in addition to which he is being schooled. The old fellow looks well, albeit he struck himself one morning last week while schooling, and sinco then he has Keen moving a triHe sore.

While St. Clements was being led out one afternoon last week, ho bewail to play up, and before Willie (Jail could get out of his way, the old son of St. Lege r got home with his heels on the young jockey's left arm. When 1 saw Gall in town during the prevent week lie was carrying his arm in a sling. It is feared that the bone is fractured, but the doctor consulted was not able to speak with certainly on the point, as the arm affected is in a very swollen slate.

Fore.-t, who, after ••(reeling his sensational surprise in the Newmarket Handicap at Fleming!on in March last, went off (lie scene, came out again at Flcmington 011 the 22nd and won the Hill Handicap in fine style. The son of Forest King carried Bst 51b, and ran the distance (six furlongs) in the clinking lime of ]m. 13Js. This performance furnishes pretty strong evidence that, there was no fluke about Forest's victory in tho Newmarket Handicap, for lie carried a stone and 51b less than in his recent race. Til the original handicap framed for the Goodwood Handicap, to be run at the Smith Australian Jockey Club's Meeting, Forest was weighted at Bst 91b, but llio excellence of his recent performance was so marked this his impost was raised (0 9sl 31b.

Trenton's two-year-old son Long)', who distinguished himself al the Newmarket Meeting by winning the Westminster Plate, is, I find, a first foal. The Special Commissioner" of the Sportsman had the following reference to I<ongy, and his dam, in a recent issue of that paper:—"The Saintly colt is a fine mover, and it is a pity (here is not more of him, but Saintly's first foal was not likely to be a big one—and lie is a very late foal 100. 1 should not be surprised, however, to see this substantial lengthy little bay grow into a fair-sized horse some day, if lie is not done too much with at this period of his career."

In referring to the proposal to again add a trophy valued at £100 to the Melbourne Cup, a Sydney writer says the last time the massive gold horseshoe was given was in Maivolio's year. Mr. Kedfearn keeps this in a handsome case, as a souvenir, but, like many of the whips presented to successful Cup jockeys, others have long since been converted into coin of the realm.

Fairy Prince, who accounted for the Plaeo Handicap at the recent A.J.G. meeting, was (says a Sydney miter) offered for a ridiculously low figuro for a racohorse quite recently. but few are. aware that he came near being used as a cavalry horse. He was tried for cavalry purposes, but he did not take kindly to that game, and was disposed of fir a small sum. Fairy Prince furnishes anolii jr good illustration where it pays to be patient with the noble thoroughbred,

It may not bo generally known (writes " Milroy" in the Sydney .Mail) that all the progeny of St. Switbin now raring belong to the first crop of foals that the New Zealand sire got in this colony, and they are all .-ov.m years old. Mr. McCaughey put the majority of his blood mares to the discredited .Now Zealander tlie first year ho had him, but beforo repeating the doso he waited to sen how his stock would turn out. Sixteen of Hiat first crop have been returned winners of mora or less importance. When they showed form, Mi. McCaughey began using his horse again, but as he is not the man to sell his horses until (hoy have matured fairly well it. is improbable that we will see many horses sired by St. Swithin running for a var or two.

Our latest English files to hand give an account of the Lincolnshire Handicap, for winch Newhaven's stable companion, Clipstone, started favourite at 4 to 1 in a field of 26, but failed to get closer than eighth. The winner, General Peace, was well backed at 100 to 7, and, taking charge when half the journey had been covored, cantered home four lengths in front of Knight of the Thistle, the time foi the mile being lin. 41 1.55., which is a record foi the race. Resolute was the only Australian horse that took part, and ho was never in the hunt, which was only to be expected from his starting —200 to 1. Mr. Evett returned from Wellington by Tuesday's steamev. The veteran handicappev has only to make one more visit from Auckland to complete his season's work, and that, will be in connection with the Wanganui .Jockey Club's Steeplechase Meeting, which takes place at the end of the present month. Many of the rich men racing horses in England have an intermediary who more or less manages their stable, iu addition to the trainer, and this, of courso, 'adds considerably, to the expenses attaching to owning a racing stable. The Prince of Wales leaves the management of his horses to Lord Marcus Borosford. At one time Sir George Chetwynd looked after Prince Soltvkoff's racing establishment; whilst Captain Machell may be , described as a sort of Whiteley, or goneralv provider to \ the i turf, and s advises i everybody. ... : ' .

BREVITIES. Doubts are held as to Perform standing a preparation. Tho English Derby has never onco been won by a gelding. Lufra is, I understand, under offer to all up-country racing man. Bon Godfrey was ridden to bounds last week by Mr. C. Gordon. The Queensland Government has appointed an inspector of totalisators. . The statement is revived that \\ ait-a-Bit is being schooled over hurdles. A proposal to exeludo geldings from clasnia races in England is being revived. Tangahoo was oil Tuesday struck out of tho A.R.C. Grand National Hurdlo Race. Mr. Evett will declare tho weights for the ■ffailganui Steeplechase on Tuesday next. Multiform is to bo shipped to England by the 6.6. Rnahine, leaving Wellington on May

11. The Auckland Racing Club has granted a jockey's license to G. F. Bonuor, of Gisborne. Massinissa, who has been off the scene since 11,0 spring, lias again been put into work at Caulfield. At Messrs. Hunter and Nolan's yards last week Tho Needle was knocked down to J. Itae at 30 guineas. That once-successful Sydney jnclcoy, J. Fieldci, has taken up the rote of pcnciller at unregistered meetings. Old Mangoro, who is at present in Sydney, figures amongst the entrants for tlio Groat Northern Steeplechase. The profit over the Avondalo Jockey Club's recent autumn meeting will, 1 understand, amount to fully £100. After some reasons of failure, tho Newmarket Handicap winno., Fortunatua, has at last won a nice in India. The A.R.C. Grand National Hurdlo Rare list was reduced by one 011 Tuesday last, by the defection of Tangahoo. The Sydney Cup winner, Diffidence, was found to he lame in mio of her knee 3 011 being taken back to Victoria. A yearling half-brother to Resolute has been named Miltiadcs. The youngster in question was got by Kiridspord. Cavalior, another horse that was considered a likely candidate for Grand National honours, is also missing from the list. .Miss Nelson is ljeing kept in steady work, but from what I can gather the chestnut mare is still undor suspicion for unsoundness. "Terlinga" slates that Lancaster, tho two-year-old son of IloMikks and Frailty, has grown and lengthened out in every way if late. George Frederick, who was very lamo on the concluding day of the A.J.I'. Meeting, has been blistered and turned out for a long spell. The game litllo Mutiny, the hero of two New Zealand Grand National Steeplechases, is this season following the Hawko's Bay hounds. At a meeting of tile A.R.C. Committee 011 Monday, the programmes of the meetings to lie held by the Oisbonie Park Stoenlccliaso Club and Otorolianga Racing Club were passed.

Old Kapai is striding along nicely at Fllerslie, and, all going well with him in the interval, ho should he about next month at Kllerslie.

It is said that Melos, who is nt the slnd, suffers terribly from his feet, and it may he necessary to put him cut of his misery at an early date.

Gibraltar was undoubtedly ono or the gam est colts that ever carried a saddle in Australia. Strange to remark, his stock show marked unreliability under silk.

So far there has been no speculation of any note in Auckland on the Grand National Hurdle Race and Great Northern Steeplechase. The pencillcrs quoto 100 to 4 oil tho field. It is stated that Mr. W. A. Long was so disappointed at the prices realised for the Ilohartville yearlings, that he declared he would not send any more youngsters up to auction. Tho Liverpool Spring Cup resulted in a dead heat lietween Crestfallen (S. Lollies! and Grodno (Sloan). The owners, Lord Derby and Lord W. Beresford, agreed to divide. The Auckland bred colt. Lord Curcton figured amongst the starters for the Hill Handicap, run at Flemington on the 23rd tilt., for which race he ranked as second favourite. He had bad luck at the start, and failed to gain a place. Whnngaroa, who won Iho brace of hurdle races at the Wellington meeting last week, is stated to he a really good horse, and socio estimate him to be good enough to shine in Grand National company. A Sydney writer says:--The weak local contingent of junipers is likely to be materially strengthened In-fore long, as the New Zealanders Pokomoko, .\ipa l'u, and Bradsliaw are expected to reach Sydney shortly in charge of P. Keith. At a sale of bloodstock in England last, month, Strike n Light, a three-year-old filly, by Donovan from Fuse, the dam of St. Blaise, was sold for 4200 guineas; and Galopin Lassie, three years, by Galopin from Kylesku, by Hampton, brought 3200 guineas. Splinter, who ccupies a box at F. Macmanemin'g, is going on nicely in his preparation. On Saturday afternoon he had his stable-mate Tim as a companion ill a brisk bout over the hurdles, and both acquitted themselves in the most proficient style. The owner of Mauutake countermanded Ihe order to have (he daughter of Castoi sent lack to islamic by tho s.s. Waihora, and the mare has been taken Over to the North Shore with a view lo the Takapuna meeting, at which fixture she lias several engagements. vlw l "'V, vio , lorios in the Melbourne Cup and rin nn'n 1 rlly ' V' 1 " 8 - 1 " is said to have taken £80.000 out of Iho ring. It is stated that to the day of his death his owner, Mr. ,T. White, was never paid more than threequarters of the money for which ho backed Ins noli. John Porter is reported to have tried three of Carbine's two-year-olds with a four-year-old son of St. Simon. The Carbines greatly pleased the proprietor of Kingselere, and ho advised the Duke ot Portland that tho youngster from Galatea would probably develop into a "high-class" racehorse. A paragraph in a Northern paper reports the holding of an amusing race meeting in tho locality, at which the nomination " fee" was a box of matches, (lie jockey's honorarium three boxes, and tho winner of the slake look five boxes. The blistering to which St, Paul was treated in January lias, I ain told, done its work well. The little horse's logs have fined down nicely, and matters now, it is pleasing to hear, assume a hopeful aspect for his again carrying old John Clmafo's popular colours. The Brocklesby Stakes, which is tho first two-year-old race of importance in tho English season, was decided at Lincoln and won ny Huleot, a son of Grafton and Queen of tho Riding. Hulcot is trained by J. Watson who has turned out tho winner of tho Brocklexby Stakes four years in suneossion. An American contemporary says-— Jockey Club has adopted the following resolution : Resolved, "That the stewards of the Jockey Club desire to adviso tho various associations racing under their rules, that the entries of horses by married men shall not ho received so long as their wives remain in tho forfeit list." TAKAPUNA WINTER MEETING. The handicaps for the minor events of the Takapuna Jockey Club's Winter Meeting Hirst (lay), on Saturday, May 20, were yesterday declared by Mr. W. Knight as under: Maiden Hurdles, of 60sovs. One mile and n-lialf and 100 yds: St. Kihla 11.12, Dingo 113 Gienlora 10.12, Strnybird 10.10, Nitlimount. 10.10, King of Gipsies 10.10, Lufra 10.7, Fondroyant 10.5, Boadicea 10.3. Paria 10.3, Arolicr 10.3, Nellie 10.0. Ruru 10.0, Itangitoto 10.0 Emu 10.0, Reporter 10.0, Verdi 10.0, Tiki 10 0 Dodo 10.0, Kogulus 10.0, Central 10.0, t'uriri l°-°. The Sharper 9.10, Wally 9.7, Dorothy 9.7, Try me 9.7. Maiden Plate of 50sovs. Seven furlongs: Archer 8.12, Manutake 8.10, Moment 8.8, Solo 8.2, Aulil Reekie 8.2, Shyloek 8.0, Tholnm 712 Regains 7.10, Wellington 7.7, Quilted 7 7 Favona 7.6, Waitress 7.6, Pnliia 7.5, Reconstruction 7.4, Halberdier 7.2, Leo 7.0, Snider 7.0. Tiki 7.0, Lieutenant 6.12, Joan of Arc 6.12, Brigham Voting 6.7, Corporal 6.7. Royal Handicap of lOOsovs. Five furlongs ■ Red Lancer 9.5, Firefly 9.6, St. Kilda 9.4, Sultan 9.0, Cavalier 8.12, Cuirasette 8.12, St. Elmo 8.4, Picklock 8.2. Manutalte 8.0, Dayntree 7.12, Bluecap 7.10, Miss Nelson 7.10. Moment 10 Atalanta 7.10, The Archer 7.8, l'orangi l'otac 7.5, Solo 7.5, I'artan' Jeannie 7.5, St. Jack 7.0, Oannonuate 6.10. Brilliant 6.10, Lieutenant 6.10, Tiki 6.7, Brigham young 6.7. Maiden Steeplechase of 80sovs. About two miles: Riot 11.6, Ride 10.7, Nitlimount 10 5, Nellie 10.0, Libeller 10.0, Voltigenr II 100 King of the Gipsies 9.12, Cnisado 9.12, Emii 9.7, Rangitoto 9.7, Reporter 9.7, Baccarat 9 7 Hirstland 9.7. First Pony Handicap of 50sovs. Six farlongs: Lena 9.5. Little Wonder 8.11, Leona' 819, Rangiuru 8.8, The Slave 8.7, Roy 7.10, C\lisine 7.8, Edison 7.8, Pipiwliarauroa 7 4 Tivoner 7.2, Clansman 6.10, Botfly 6.7, Lady 6.7, (Temptation 6.7, Moreen 6.7. J THE FORFEIT LIST. TBY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION, l Napier, Friday, j Tli!} Referee recently refused to publish the lipme of a Hawke's Bay horseownor in the mjpr.id lorfeit list unless the Jockey Club would indemnify' it against damages for libel,/the owner having given notice that he woulfl commenco an action if his namo appeared. The Jockey Club passed a resolution to-d/y giving the required indemnity, but informing tho Referee that its action would necessitate . tho Racing Conference .'.considering the status of tho Referee as the official orjan for advertising races. -.