SPORTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11430, 21 July 1900, Page 6

SPORTING.

RACING FIXTURES. July 21-Wellington Racing Club.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. G.H.P.—The 0.J.0. Grand National Meeting of 1899 extended over three days.

INQUIRER.— We understand that the Avondale Jockey Club have ruled the individual in question off their' course.

MONGREL—I. Carbine ran his last race in public in the autumn of 1891. 2. Liberator ran at three winter meetings at Ellerslie. He is still alive. WAGER.— Eeche was twice brought tinder the hammer. When sold as a yearling in 1889 sho was purchased for 5500 guineas by the late Baron Hirsch. In 1896 (covered by Morion) she was purchased by Sir Talton Sykes for 12,600 guineas. T.G., Opunake.-l. Tho rulo reads:—"Any person entering a horse for any race may bo called upon by the committee or stewards to declare tho name of the bona-fido owner or if more than one. of all the bona-fide owners of tho said horse, and all persons interested directly or indirectly therein. And if such person shall fail to prove to the satisfaction of tho committee or stewards that the declaration when made is true, then the entry or entries of such horso may be declared invalid tho money paid for such entry or entries forfeited to the funds of the club and the sweepstake, to the race or races in which the horse is entered." 2. Allegro led throughout in tho Great Northern Steeplechase, which she won. . NOTES BY PHAETON.

THE New Zealand Racing Conference has year by year grown in importance, and its annual sessions, at which, Sir George Clifford presides with such conspicuous ability, havo brought turf government in the colony up to a standard which it cannot bo denied has tended to elevate tho sport. The report presented this year by Sir Gcorgo Clifford did not perhaps contain so much material for thought as was the case in the preceding year, but what tho chairman had to deal with was done in succinct language and in such form as to demonstrate beyond a doubt that bo has a full grasp of his position. In deciding the right of appeals, Sir George has a most important and at times difficult task to fulfil. In one appeal which came before him, and which, ho states, showed no prima facie caso to bo placed before judges, it was contended that tho chairman should have left that fact to bo decided by an appointed tribunal. Sir George urged in his report that for tho avoidance of frivolous appeals and useless expense tho chairman should have power to refuse appeals technically illegal, subject to tho right of aggrieved persons to appeal to the Conference. The ability which Sir George has displayed ill the conduct of appeals and tho sound rulings he has given thereon, taken with his thorough impartiality, make it pretty certain that the necessary power asked for will be given. Tho everincreasing jockey trouble drew from Sir George a pungent notice. In urging for reform in this direction the Chairman said: "The spurious jockey-maybe tout, spieler, or general rogue— still discredits tho honourable profession to which ho is an unwelcome hanger-on. Taking the Official Calendar as my authority, I find that 447 jockeys hold licenses. In the past season 90 of these never rode in a race, 23 rode only once, and 50 others twice or thrice. Of the jockeys who never sported silk Hawke's Bay supplied 25, Dunedin 19, Wellington 15, Taranaki nine, Canterbury and Wanganui six each, Auckland and Greymouth five each." Tho members were evidently fully alive to tho importance of laying down a drastic rule to cope with the evil, and as a result rule 142 was amended. The rulo in question now provides that on and after August 1, 1903. no now jockeys' licenses will bo issued unless the applicant has served an apprenticeship of at least throe years in a recognised training establishment, save that, under exceptional circumstances, jockeys' licenses may he issued to duly-quali-fied jockeys arriving from other countries, or to persons who, without having served apprenticeship, have proved their ability to ride in races,

The Now Zealand Trotting Conference was also held at Wellington during the week, and in connection therewith it can bo said that the members conducted the business in such a manner and displayed snob a keen concern for tho welfare of their sport as to merit a word of warm commendation. The proficient (Mr. I'. Selig), in bis report, stated that trotting on the whole had been raised to a higher standard during tho last season, but he dwelt upon tho necessity of clubs acting promptly and fearlessly in rases of fraudulent practice, and also strongly deprecated stewards adjudicating on cases of protests in races in which they aro monetarily interested. When the Conference proceeded to business, the following resolutions were passed:--"That any rider or driver speaking to any person or persons, with the exception of the starter or the clerk of tho course, on the courso after leaving the saddling paddock may be disqualified for the raco in which ho is engaged to drive or ride, or fined, as the stewards may direct." " That all trotting clubs shall have patrols round the trotting track to watch the running of horses during a race." " That the Conforenco expresses gratification at the action of the Trotting Association in regard to interested stewards adjudicating in cases of protests." In Mr. Selig the Conforenco is fortunato in possessing a strong man, unci it is but fair to assume that if ho is properly backed up the atmosphere around trotting will bo much improved,

A? the newly-formed Northern Trotting Club were quick to inform tho New Zealand Trotting Association that they had acquired the right to raco at Potter's Paddock—and, of course, as a natural result, expected the totalisator permits would fall over their side of tho fence--a deal of interest was centred in tho view which tho New Zealand Trotting Conference would take in dealing with the Northern Trotting Club's application. We are told it was refused, but a recommendation was made that the club bo placed on " probation" (whatever that may mean) for 12 months. It will be interesting to note what effect Ibis will havo upon tho life of tho newly-formed club. My own opinion is that it will alter tho whole position so far as Potter's Paddock is concerned, and though wo havo heard a lot of talk as to the Tramway Company declining to relet to their old tenants, it will causo no great amount of surprise should the A.T.C. bo found onco again in possession of tho fiold before long. Should the Auckland Trotting Club lx) shut out of Potter's Paddock, matters may not, however, go so hard with them in regard to finding a suitable ground as was thought. I am given to understand that a proposal has been made to lay out a course on tho lower portion of the Sylvia Park Estate, fronting tho Croat South Road. Some 18 months back a proposal was mado to form a club to race there, but though the affair wont far enough to secure a promise from tho Railway Department to put in a siding the project was abandoned. I am told that tho land is suitable and can bo put in order at a comparatively small cost. Of courso there is tho question of a grandstand and buildings to bo considered, but it is not improbable that the owner of tho land may be prepared to meet the club liberally on that matter.

When (lie Auckland Racing Club's programmes for last season were under consideration, tho committeo wore strongly urged to extend the Grand National Mooting, held annually in June, to tlireo days. After a full survey of the matter, however, tho committeo camo to the conclusion that tho time was hardly ripe for the change to bo undertaken, and matters were allowed to stand unaltered in that respect. The dates submitted by the club to the Racing Conference for meetings to be hold during the approaching season show that (he Auckland Racing Club have claimed Juno 8, 10, and 12, from which wo may, 1 suppose, infer that it has been definitely decided to make the extension. To bring off three days' racing successfully in the winter season (tho programme in connection with which must consist largely of jumping races), there is no gainsaying the fact, constitutes a task of no mean proportions. If thero is a club in the colony, however, that can steer such a fixture successfully, that one is tho Auckland Racing Club, for we arc protly strong locally in the ownership d horses, and tho communication with the Taranaki and Wanganui districts is now so good, and tho rato of travelling so reasonable, that a good numbci of horses from thoso sport-loving districts can always bo relied upon. The extension of the winter gathering has many things to recommend it, but its strongest claim is that tho jumpers will bo more largely catered for, and their owners given a chance at the back-ontl to securo the winter oats.

The vast majority of packers who set themselves the task of endeavouring to find the respective Grand National winners at the Victoria Racing Club's recent meeting were badly worsted in their efforts. On the openinn day, Aquarius, a 33 to 1 chance, to the dismay of almost everybody, romped home in front for the Grand National Hurdle Rico, and on Saturday last we learn that another outsider triumphed in the Grand National Steeplechase, which event fell to a mare named Rosebud, who, singular to relate, was, liko Aquarius, thrown in at the minimum, and who figured at tho same rate of odds as the Niagara gelding. I can find no montion of Rosebud figuring at recent meetings in Victoria, and though it might not be quito safe to write of her as a maiden at the crosscountry business, I think we can conclude she made her debut over country at Remington on Saturday last. Rosebud broko the time record connected with the raco by getting round in 6m. 3915., which is 2£s. faster than Hayseed's performance of 1897, which up to last Saturday stood as tho record.

Tho Southern writers, "The Probable" (Canterbury Times) and " Spectator" (Weekly Press), havo concluded interesting reviews on the New Zealand Cup handicap. "The Probablo" pays an indirect compliment to the handicapper by making the numerous selection of 16 from tho list, his finding being in favour of Advance, Record Reign, Mala tua, Tortulla, Jabber, Fulmen, Renown, Military, Skobeloff, Strathnairn, Nobility. Huku, Field Roso, Sant Ilario, Materoa, DjinDjin, with a preference for Advance, Record Reign, Fulmen, Skobeloff, and Malatua. "Spectator" selects the following nine to supply the winner of the Cup:—Record Reign, Miiteroa, Malatua, Sant Ilario, Dundas, Miss Delaval, Skobeloff, Military, and Tortulla. An interesting fact in connection with the selections made by tho two Canterbury writers qi'oted is that both exclude Seahorse from the dangerous division. This is the more remarkable in that it was at Riccarton that tho son of Nelson registered his trio of brilliant wins last spring, in two of which he broke a time record. "It is tho variety and widencss of our opinions in summing up the noblo thoroughbred that serves to surround racing with its greatest charm," was tho sage remark once made by a well-known writer on " the sport of kings," and thoso who follo.v the sport must, unless they suffer from that most distressing of all complaints, swelled head, respect tho opinions of his brothoi writers. My Southern confreres may, of course, be correct in their summing up of Seahorse in this New Zealand Cup, but for my part 1 would certainly not care to take the risk of leaving him out of a selection even had I to confine tho number to half-a-dozen. If Seahorse trains on all right, he will, •I opine, play his part well when he is required to face the barrier at Riccarton on November 3.

When Wait-a-Bit was withdrawn from tho V.R.C. Grand National Hurdle Race, it was thought that his party had decided not to persevere further with him in that direction, at least until after the running of the Melbourne Cup, in which ho is thought to have ii good chance with Bst 101b. The son of Malua. was, however, ptillied out for the Maiden Hurdle Race, run nt Flcmington on the 7th inst., when ho made small work of tho opposition, and fairly smothered his opponents at the finish. As a guide to his Cup prospects, the hurdle performance may not be entitled to much consideration— fact, some critics are found advancing tho theory that schooling a horse over hurdles must tend to impair his pace. However, two cases can be cited to upset such a contention, and they both refer to horses who respectively distinguished themselves in Caulfield and Melbourne Cups. In ho winter of 1885 Sheet Anchor had a try at jumping, at which, it may he remarked, he proved a conspicuous failure, but that did not prevent him from landing the Melbourne Cup in the following spring, and that, too, from one of the strongest fields that ever contested the great Flemington race, and in clipping time, ton! The other case to be noted is that of Tim Swivcllor, who distinguished himself in the winter of 1893 by landing the Caulfield Grand National Hurdle Race, and who two months later got home in front in that most difficult of races, the Caulfield Cup. Though Tim Swivcllor was deprived of the honour of having his name enrolled as the winner of the last-named race, owing to an objection lodged on the ground of boring being upheld, most people have since been convinced that the decision given by the V.R.C. was a wrong one, and that the bay son of Swivellcr should have stood out ill the year 1893 is a Grand National and Cup winner. Well, now, what is to bo Wait-a-Bit's fate in the coming spring? That the son of Mania can shy out a long journey is en opinion held all along the line, and, as he lu,s won at weight-forage, he has proved his ability under a stiff impost. For the benefit of the long-suffering band that have loyally stood by him for three successive Cups, and are found contracting liabilties for a fourth, let us hope that when the eve closes in on November 6 the long-deferred appeal to Wait-a-Bit will be in favour of tho muchbattered backer.

At a Hampton Court sale of yearlings some 60 years ago (writes " Milroy"), one of the lots foil to the nod of a bold bidder for 1000 guineas amidst the frantic applause of those assembled, and his boldness in risking so much good money in one young baby equino fairly paralysed an old tyke present, who expressed his deliberate opinion that the "world must be a turning upside down," and left tho crowd wondering " where it would all end." In those days it was the ambition of every breeder to raise a thousandguinea yearling, hut few of them succeeded. However, as timo rolled on, yearlings at this figure became common enough, and had our wondering old tyke- been present in 1890, when the many-times-over millionaire, Baron Hirseh, gave 5500 guineas* for another Hampton Court-bred ono (La Fleche), he, no doubt, would have thought it high time to depart from such a mad world, but what would he bavo said had ho stood by on Thursday last when the now famous " Bob Sutton," or, to nso his proper cognomen, Mr. Robert Sutton Sievier, stood out until his bid reached 10,000 guineas for a mere baby thoroughbred who has only been on earth about 16 months? There was nothing extraordinary in Baron Hirseh giving 5500 guineas for his fancy, as he was worth something like £32,000,000 at the time, yot his pluck and enterprise in paying such a fabulous sum for a yearling was the talk of tho hour. But now tho philanthropic millionaire's record is put well into the shado by our old friend Mr. Robert Sievier, better known to us as "Bob" Sutton, "the Englishman," ex-bookmaker, ex-Zulu fighter, etc. Mr. Sievier, it will I» remembered, first introduced cash betting into tho reserves at Morphcttville, Flcmington, and Randwick, and made more enemies for so doing than a successful politician would make in a lifetime. His system of wagering soon won many imitators, and it quickly numbered the days of the old " over round" brigade, who could not stand up against such odds as young men of tho Sievier typo could lay and live at, so they went under ono by one, and to this day they lay their misfortunes at Sicvier's door in language more forcible than olegant.

I saw a good deal of Siovior in his palmy flays out hero in the eighties, continues " Milroy," and looked upon him as a plucky daredevil, but not a fool by any means, as many a snnuty found to his cost. He left hero early in the ninotics for good, after falling into disgrace with the Victorian Club. Tlio committee of that institution took it upon themselves to punish Sievier for thrashing Lord Docrhursl in a Bourke-strcot hotel. Tho rule they brought to bear in this case is not clearly known. No doubt they considered it unbecoming for a member to havo a bout of fisticuffs in the same street as tho clubhouse was in. Anyhow, they dealt with Sievier, who at once shook Australian dust from his feet and returned to England, and since then his career is thus tersely given in M.A.P.:—"Mr. Robert Sievier, who has created quite a sensation in turf circles by purchasing from Mr. Musker for no less a sum than 11,000 guineas —probably the largest sum ever given for a two-year-old so early in the season—tho Minerva colt, the winner of a small race at the First Spring Meeting at Newmarket, and who is currently roported to have won a fortune by tho success of the Australian horso The Grafter, in the City and Suburban last month, has had a somewhat adventurous career. As a young man, he went to South Africa, and served with a corps of mounted infantry throughout the Zulu war. From South Africa ho went to Australia, where ho remained for some years, and on his return to England married in 1892, under somewhat romantic circumstances, Lady Mabel Bruce, sister of the Marquis of Ailosbury. After his marriage, Mr, Sievier set up as a gentleman turf accountant in Ben-nett-street. St. James', under tho pseudonym of ' Mr. Punch,' with a branch ofiico tit Brighton. This venture, however, was not a success, so Mr. Sievier abandoned it for another form of book-making, and in 1895 published a novel called, 'A Generation, which enjoyed a considerable, if ephemeral, popularity. Soon after this, matters improved, and Mr, Sievier returned to tho turf, with such satisfactory results that he is now the owner of a colt which, if tho price paid for it is any criterion of its merits, should stand a chance second to nono for the Blue Ribbon of 1901. Mr. Sievier lives at Tol-

lington Park in Bedfordshire, and during the winter busied himself in raising a corps of mounted infantry for service in tho Transvall war. Mr. Sievier, who is, by the way, extremely good-looking, is very popular both on the turf and in. society, and is familiarly known as ' Bob.' "

" Mazeppa" concludes an ablo and interesting review of tho New Zealand Cup handicaps thus: -On consideration of the handicap as a whole, I select Seahorse, Malatua, Dundas, Record Reign, and Skobeloff as the members that I like best, and next to these I would mention Tortulla, Jabber. Fulmen, Renown, Military, and Scottish Minstrel, whilst for tlioso who would like advice as to rank outsiders of tho useful and possibly-improving order I would suggest Straithnairn, Nobility, and Bon Farley as a trie that, may be worth inquiring about. If pressed, however, to pick the Cup in two, I would name Malatua and Dundas, if assured that tho first-named would stop here for his engagement. I (jo not allego or suggest that they are unduly favoured in the matter of weight—there are several others in the list quite as well treated -but weight is not everything. I like Malatua and Dundas because they aro fast, and have stayed well up to a mile and a-half, and probably have not yet shown quite their best form, and, moreover, they aro training on the course where the raco is to be run.

The cable man in England who sends tho sporting news to the colonies, has a happy knack of going to sleep. Then, suddenly waking up (so that we shall apparently know that ho still lives), wires out the result of an unimportant event. This week he apprises us with the result of the Dullingham Plato, a small race, run at tho Newmarket Second July Meeting. The redeeming feature rf this sudden wake-up on our English friend's part is that tho winner was found to bo Strongbow, a three-year-old son of Morion and La Flcrhe, who figured as one of the high-priced yearlings of 1698, Mr. .1. W. Larnach taking him at 2700 guineas. In connection with Strongbow it may be remarked that when La Fleclie was mated with Morion many of tho experts in breeding matters predicted a failure. Her first two foals, however, have won races.

The Melbourne Sportsman of last week records the death of Mr. Northland .1. Gould, who expired suddenly on the 7th inst., owing to heart affection. In referring to the deceased gentleman, the Sportsman says: — " Some "years ago Mr. Gould visited New 'Zealand to represent Hie Into Hon. Wm. Pearson at tho sale of yearlings at Sylvia Park, and he purchased Whitworth, by Musket—Leila, for 510 guineas, on the same day that Carbine was sold to Dan. O'Brien for 620 guineas. For missing Carbine, Mr, ({mild frequently declared that he could never forgive himself."

Colonel Fox, who has been very ill for some time, has written to the Canterbury Jockey Club to the effect that ho will be unable to fulfil tho duties of judge at the approaching Grand National meeting at Riccarton. Mr. Hartgill, of Dannevirke, Hawke's Bay, has been appointed to act in Colonel Fox's absence. Mr. Harlgill is stated to be a most capable man, and his qualifications for tho office of judge were recently brought '-efore the Auckland Racing Club, who havo under consideration a proposal to appoint a stipendiary officer to the post named.

Major H. S. Dalbiac, who commanded the Middlesex Yeomanry, mot his death in tho Transvaal recently. He was well-known in English sporting circles, and it was the Major who was willing to take on John Burns when that gentleman publicly announced his desire to box, run, ride, or otherwise compote with any member of the Sporting League. John Burns would not stand to it when it was token up. The deceased officer was a valued contributor to the Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News.

A Taranaki correspondent recently asked a question as to tho number of direct descendants of Galopin in the colonies, and Gossoon was mentioned as the only one. A friend of mine, however, brings another to light in the shape of Grafton, who was purchased in England as a two-year-old for 500 guineas, and shipped to New South Wales. And, by the way, it may be mentioned that this Grafton is a rare bred one. His dam, Maid Marian, is by Hampton, and his granddam. Quiver, claims a braco of celebrities as daughters in La Fleche and Memoir.

The mares and foals which were purchased for Mr. J. E. Piatt, an English breeder, at the breakup of the Chipping Norton Stud, in New South Wales, were shipped to the Old Country recently. The consignment consisted of Eidothea, chestnut, 3yrs, full sister to Merman, bv Grand Flaneur from Seaweed, served by Bill of Portland: Gloria (18901, by Trenton from Aureola (sister to Robinson Crusoe), served by Grand Flaneur; Goldlike (1889), sister to Gloria, served by Bill of Portland; and Dovecote (1889), by Trenton from Ringdove, served by ({rand Flaneur. Two colt foals, both by Grand Flaneur from Dovecote and Go'.dlike, were sent with their dams. "Martindale" says: It is probable one of the Trenton mares will be mated in duo time with Flying Fox, Mr. Piatt having made arrangements with that olfject.

In writing to the Australasian on handicapping as now performed in Australia. Mr. W. A. Long, the well-known New South Wales sportsman, remarks: It may be argued that lOst 71b if too much weight to ask a horse to carry in those races. If so, then reduce your minimum; but lQst 71b is not too much weight to give the>best handicap horse of his year, for, on reference, we find that with a sst 71b limit Archer won the Melbourne Cup with lOst 21b, and with a 6st 71b limit Carbine won the same race with lOst 51b., and pretty comfortably, too. With a sst 71b limit The Barb won the Metropolitan with 9st 101b, and the Sydney Cup with lOst 81b, proving that good horses in tho past have carried these weights successfully, and though they may havo competed in smaller fields, they met, with perhaps tho exception of Archer, horses of quality quite up to tho standard of those of the present day. I shall be glad to see a departure from the latest form of handicapping in vogue. It is slovenly in tho extreme, and, following it, the gentlemen entrusted with the duty do not give justice to their clubs, to owners, or to themselves.

If looks and high-class breeding aro any criterion, Mr. G. C. Stead will havo a great team to battle for him in the two-year-old races during the coming season. Of late years tho celebrated Frailty's namo has not boon associated with a two-year-old winner, and wo have to go back as far as her 1887 produce (Mary) to find a successful ono at that age. I am told, however, that her yearling son, Siege Gun, is shaping nicely in his studies, and matters look hopeful for his earning distinction at two years old.

As was stated would be the case some little time back, the Avondalo Jockey Club wore applicants for a totalisator permit for a third meeting, which it was proposed to bring off in tho western suburb during the approaching soason, The committee of the Racing Conference appointed to deal with such matters, however, declined to recommend tho issue of tho permit, which, so far at least as next season's racing is concerned, sottles the matter.

At ono time— that not so many years ago either—the Now Zealand Cup was overshadowed by tho Melbourne Cup, oven in this colony, as a vehicle for speculation. That, however, is now quite changed, and even in Auckland, whose punters have been ever keen on Australian racing, there is evidence of a desire on tho part, both of backors and layers, to devote chief attention to tto Maoriland race.

Mr. Allison writes that at Waugh's stables he' saw Phoebus Apollo, who goes to New Zealand to take his place there at Mr. Morrin's stud. I think, says the writer, that I havo never seen a more beautifully-turned cr more blook-like horse than this, and he should provo a splendid mate for the New Zealand mares.

Social Pest having recovered sufficiently from his accident, ho was shipped back to Lyttelton by tho s.s. Flora on Saturday last. Contrary opinions are hold regarding Social Pest's case. Somo are of opinion that his racing days are over, while others are found arguing in an opposite direction. In any case, Social Pest will require an extended rest before being recommissioued.

That good hone, Plain Bill,, who has beon off the scono for a long timo past (it must, I think, extend to nearly two years), made his reappearance under silk at tho Wellington meeting on Wednesday last, when ho oontostod tho Hurdle Race. The son <f Flintlock finished sixth. Plain Bill is engaged in tho Grand Nationals to be run at Riccarton next month, and it is to bo hoped that Mr. Scott will get him to the post all right for those important e\ents.

The difference between a win and a loss was pointedly brought home to one of the Auckland poncillers during the present week. Coming to a conclusion that he was holding too much money about St, Peter in connection with the Stewards' Handicap, he exchanged £10 that way with £10 Lasting with ono of his brothor pencillors. Lasting unexpectedly turned up tho winner, and a "div." of £9 12s was returned. The face of that pcnciller was a study when the result came through.

BREVITIES. Tito veteran Crusoe;was; on tho scene at Wellington on Wednesday last. ■ _ . What weight will Record « New Zealand Grand National Hurdle Race _ Mr H. L James is likely to succeed his fathers secretary of tho Duned.n Jockey °Tho Pareora native chief, Tutangi, is «jd to hold, a very fine colt by Gold Reef from Muriwai. Tho erst-'Aucklander Crusado did not see out the finish in the V.R.O. Grand National Steeplechase. , Muscatel, who has not raced since she cut up so badly at Takapuna in May, is being treated to a rest. The St, Albans Stud will bo so d on August 10, the day before the Caulfield Grand National Steeplechase. Cadiz (by Nelson-Hcstia) is to takei up stud duties next season at Messrs. Colbeck Brothers' estate, Kaipara.

Shylock, who has done no good since bo left J. B. Williamson's establishment, figures in a Wellington salo list. Popgun, who is one of the few descendants of the defunct Maxim racing in New Zealand, is stated to show a fair amount of promise as a cross-country performer.

During tho present season tbe totalisator investments at the Dunedin Jockey Clubs meetings amounted to £37,934. The weights for tho Now Zealand Grand National Hurdle Race and Grand National Stecplechaso are dun to appear to-day. H Myers, the well-known light-weight, has entered' tho service of Mr. J. Roulston, and he proceeds to Pukekohe to take up his new employment. Wait-a-Bit, of whoso backing for tho Melbourne Cup to win £10,000 we beard last week by cable, won the Maiden Hurdle Race o.i the opening day of the V.R.C. Grand National Meeting.

The St. Simon horse Donuro, for whom the Austrian Government gavo 6000 guineas after deciding that ho was not good enough for them when offered at 3000 guineas, is said to be the champion sire in Hungary.,

James Hickey, tho erst-New Zealand jockey, who went to England two years ago to ride for Mr. Spencer Gollan, is in business for himself as a trainer at Epsom. Ho has charge of a batch of Australian horses, including Australian Star and Cranberry'.

The dates selected by tho Auckland Racing Club for meetings proposed to bo held at Ellerslio during the coming season are:—Spring, November 7, 9, and 10; summer, December 26, 28, and January 1 and 2; autumn, April 8, 9, and 13; Grand National, Juno 8, 10, and 12.

Tho Auckland-bred Lancaster, who is a prime fancy for the Melbourne Cup, has an engagement to-day at Caulfiold in the Murombenna Handicap, which event is run over a mile and a furlong. At last advices the brown son of Hotchldss and Frailty was shaping nicely in his work.

Advices to hand from England show that Mr. Scevier has had a second win with his 10,000-guineas purchase, Toddington. the son of Melton winning the Imperial Stakes of 1200sovs at Lingfield. It was a close tiling however, Toddington only getting home by a neck.

The rapidity with which London went mad on Mafoking night was rivalled, if not eclipsed, many years ago by Falkirk, in Stirlingshire. Thormanby, the horse of Mr. James Merry, the Parliamentary representative of the town, won tho Derby, and the news was at once telegraphed by tho owner. In less than an hour Mr. Merry received tho roply, "Falkirk drunk to a man!"

THE WELLINGTON MEETING. Though the Wellington Racing Club were sadly hampered by having to conduct the opening day's racing of their winter meeting in most unpropitious weather, there was a capital attendance, and the fact of the tctalisator receipts (£8061) showing an increase of £1591 on the sum. handled at the corresponding meeting last year, points to the meeting being ono of the most successful gatherings ever brought off at the Hutt. In the Maiden Steeplechase Cairo made bis debut in a cross-country event. The son cf Gipsy King was made favourite, and ho amply justified the confidence, for, practically speaking, he camo in by himself.

In tho Stewards' Handicap, the Aucklandowned colt, St. Peter (lOst 91b) was considered to be the one most likely to supply tho winner, and out of £10M) invested on the machino £372 was on his number. The winner, however, turned up in tho Taranaki gelding Lasting (9st 101b), who, with Indian Shot (lOst 31b), led the field throughout, and won by a couple of lengths. St. Peter managed to get third. The account of the race telegraphed states that St. Peter was not prominent in the early stages of the race, and it was not until uearing the straight that tho son of St. Leger showed up towards the front. Lasting, tho winner, is a three-year-old by Sylvia Park, and ho is thus a grandson, on the sire's side, to St. Leger.

A slashing field of 14 was saddled up to contest the Winter Hurdle Race, which carried a totalisatcr investment of £1730, of which sum £482 was opposito the name of Chevalier (12st), who was made favourite The big son of Cuirassier was found flattering the hopes of his admirers when the last hurdlo came to be negotiated, but a faulty jump which he made thero put a fresh complexion on matters, as ho lost some ground, and though bo closed up the gap separating him from the light-weight Hauriri (9st), he could do no better than make a dead-heat of it with the Wangnnui horse. Judging from the tone of the telegraphic account of the race, it is evidently considered that Chevalier hod bnd luck to lose, and so evidently thought Mr. Evett, for when he came to weight him for the Hurdle Race on tbo second day, he dealt him out the severe burden of 13st 21b, an increase of 161b on the impost which he carried when be dead-heated with Hauriri For the Parliamentary Handicap, which event was run over a mile and a furlong, a favourite was made of the Hon. Mr. Ormond's Temerairo, a throe-year-old daughter of Dreadnought, who was weighted at 9st 31b. Thore was nothing in Temeraire's public form to warrant her being made favourite, and, indeed, it can bo urged that her form has been very disappointing. Temeraire is mentioned f.f having been up with tlio leaders when four furlongs were covered, but she took no hand in the finish, which was left to Will-o'-the-Wisp (lOst 51b), Derringcotte (lOst 41b), and Crusoe (list 51b), who came homo in that order. Will-o'-the-Wisp has been off colour for some time past, but the fact of the dividend in his case only reaching £5 18s is pretty strong evidence tha ho was considered by a largo body of backers to have recovered his form. Iho Auckland-owned St. Ursula was held to be nicely in with lOst 81b, and her inability to gain a situation must have been a disappointment to old John Chaafe

SECOND DAY. The big event of to-day's programme is tho Wellington Steeplechase, which promises to attract a capital field. Nor'-wcst is stated to have trained on all right since being taken to Wellington, and if that bo so ho will prove hard o beat lam inclined, however, to trust his full brother, Dingo. The following are the acceptances for the loading events of to-day's programme--WELLINGTON STEEPLECHASE. About three miles.

Xt . st - lb - st lb Nor-west ... 12 10 Dingo in 7 Pain Rill ... 12 0 Thenar Z g ? Black Dust ... 11 12 The Guard ... 10 6 Moras ... 11 10 Coin ... 10 5 Blackberry ... 11 q Silver Ray .'.'.' 9 9 Kauri Gum ... 10 12 Tui ... 99 lataramoa ... 10 8 Sylvanus '." 9 8

Winter Oats Handicap, one mile: Crusoe J; 0 ' Kuamßliunga, 11-8, Will-o'-the-Wisp 11.2, St. Ursula 10.10, Derringcotte 10 9 Sundial 10.4, Volley 10.2, Danhno 10.0. The Miner 10.0, Indian Shot 10.0, Ruby Twist 9.10. Falka 9.10, Gobo 9.0.

Hutt Flying Handicap, three-quarters of a ft' 1 ,, 8 : t S f- Pelor ILO - Lastin 10 - 9 > Sundial 10.9, Indian Shot 10.7, King's Bowman 10.2, Quiltina 9.0, Warnote 9.0.

Final Hurdle Handicap, one and a-half miles Coin, 10.11, Coeur de Lion 10.10. Cairo 10.9, Sundial 10.7, Hauriri 10.7, Voltairo 10.6, Taplow 9.3, Haydn 9.3, Kilkenny 9.3, Voltigeur 9.0. July Steeplechase, two miles: Dingo 11.0, Tho Friar 11.0, Talaramoa 11.0, Straybird 10.11, Tally-ho 10.5, Barbarossa 10.0, Pipi 9.10, Dr. Bill 9.10, Taragon 9.10, Silver Ray 9.10, Gorse. THE BETTING MARKET. Betting on the Now Zealand Cup keeps up well. During tho week tho market was sounded about Advance, but the price quoted (10 to 1) was apparently not considered sufficiently liberal, and no business resulted. Malatua was strongly backed in the local market yesterday, and there is evidence that a simultaneous move in favour of tho son of Malua was made in the other centres. Mr. D. McLood informs, mo that tho following arc his principal lines during tho week:-1000 to 80 Malatua, 1000 to 50 Military, 1000 to 15 Strathnaim. Since the move in Malatua's favour, the son of Malua has shortened to 10 to 1, and ho now ranks as equal favourite with. Record Reign for the Southern race. ,

NEW ZEALAND RACING CONFERENCE I ;;' [BY TELEGRAPH.— ASSOCIATION.] Wellington, Friday/. ;' The' Hon. J. Carroll and the, Hon. J.'ij Ward attended tho Racing Conference 'thlj morning. On tho motion of Sir G. Clifford, a'v o ( 0 .of thanks was passed to Mr. Carroll I for 'm& manner in which ho had advanced the interest! of racing (luring his term of office ■ajitofl lonial Secretary. . ', „/> Mi. Carroll said he thought th'e-obSSll was to be congratulated upon the good w Q I of the Conference in tho interests of ftf purity of tho turf, and the marked improve! ment of racing. ; ;-„:-.; The Hon. J. G. Ward said it would KiP his endeavour to intelligently co-operato with the, Conference in attending to tho reqiijhcfe ments of racing throughout the colony tt $m fair and impartial manner. Ho would aS* bo largely guided by tlio decisions of the Con! -Sv-' ferenco. With regard to the permit question" ho thought the present limit of allocation; law was a mistake, as it would be belter to adopt a system tinder which allowance could m be made for the growth of districts. /p*|iff: Mr. Ward was accorded a vote of thanks ''■ ' :; Sir G. Clifford referred to tho proposal for Government inspection of totalisators and lie said ho felt sure they would all be oVt" lighted if any Government official would ft«| spect tho totalizators and accounts, , SuchlS inspection would add to popular confidence in tho working of the machine. -,: • s^c' Mr. Ward remarked thai complaints had'!been made to tho Government of money hav.&! tug been "rung on" to the machine by sSm\ certain club after the start of a race. ~t*-j>* Sir 0. Clifford was reelected chairman nj'-'S the Conference. ••'-/":

A motion that the proprietors of totalis, tors shall not be deemed official, of racin»'£ clubs within tho meaning of rule 5 was lost It was decided to impose a fine of £2 for * every time a horse is started in a race und,,. "■ a name not registered by the Conference and a fine of £5 if an unregistered name »■*'' knowingly used. A uniform hurdle 3ft 6in high was adopted v for the whole colony. .-.,;*. The Conference held its final sitting tb» ■»■ afternoon. ' ./*>

It was decided, "That representations u made to the Colonial Secretary, pointing out that what is known as ' toto' betting vj, • persons illegally laying or accepting totalis tor odds, is a growing evil, with a vie\y t ft active stops being taken to suppress the prac. tice." ,w-

The levy on clubs affiliated to 10 Coii ■' fcronce was fixed on the samo basis as laifl year. ' . r, ■ Mr. W. H. Wanklyn's salary as secret of tho Conference was increased to £150 «i-; annum. " U

Authority was given to the chairman to or paid £50 towards tho expense of the public.' tion of the New Zealand Stud Book which will be issued early in September. ' .>■