SPORTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11538, 24 November 1900, Page 6

SPORTING.

RACING FIXTURES. I NEW ZEALAND. . ; November 28, December I—Takapuna Jockey November 29, December Dunedin Jockey December 8, Otahuhu Trotting Club. December 26—Bay of Plenty Jockey Club. December 26, 27—Northern Wairoa Racing Club. _ . m , December 26, Gisborne Racing Club. December 26, Taranaki Jockey Club. December 26. 27—Thames Jockey Club. December 26. Northern Wairoa Racing Club. „ _ ■»«-., December 26. 28, January 1,- 2—Auckland Racing Club. ■",'■_ _ , m ' • January 1. Hawke Bay Jockey Club. January 29, 30, February I—Takapuna Jockey Club. February 13, Taranaki Jockey Club. February Botorua Jockey Club. February 16, 18—Canterbury Jockey Club. February 20, 21—Egmont Racing Club. February 21. 22—Poverty Bay Turf Club. February 27, March 1, Dunedin Jockey Club. _ ■■■'•■'. • ,_'. - March Thames Jockey Club. March 7, Wanganui Jockey Club. DATES OF COMING EVENTS. December 29-Otago Cup. _,:.«.-. December Great Northern Foal Stakes. December 26—Auokland Cup. December 28—A.8.C. Summer Cup. , January I—Great Northern Derby. January Auckland Steeplechase. DATES OF COMING EVENTS. SUBSCBEBBE.—NeIson won his last Auckland Cup on January 1. 1888. In December of the same year Lochiel won the race in question. QUEEY.—The deceased gentleman referred to held an Imperial commission as captain; the rank of major was held under the Colonial Forces. J.H.. Otahuhu.—ln the Great Northern Steeplechase won by Despised he fell at the first post-and-rail fence at the top of the hill the last time round. D.S., Waharoa.—All jockies must be licensed by the Metropolitan authorities, and therefore a protest lodged against a horse on the grounds you state, would be upheld. F. 8., Hohoura.— According to the Official Calendar the dividends paid on Bar-the-Door when he won the Trial Handicap at Takapuna. on December 2, 1895), were: Inside, £50 15s; outside, £15 9s. MANXMAN, Feilding.— Both Cap-a-pie and Ingomar died in the Wsdkato several years back. We should say that the best horse sired by the former was Raglan. Ingomar's best representative was undoubtedly Hova. 2. Trenton was not raced in Auckland after he was two years old. Cuirassier was raced at that age, as was also Niagara. NOTES BY PHAETON. Now that the A.R.C. Spring Meeting has gone into the records, and the weights to be apportioned in the Auckland Cup loom up,local turf students are now heard discussing the big two-mile handicap, and the imposts which Mr. Evett is likely to allot the leading entrants in that race. It would be a broach of racing etiquette to endeavour to influence the handicapper in his'conclusions at this stage, but it will be quite allowable to have a look through the entries, and endeavour to ascertain on what standard Mr. Evett is likely to cast the handicap. It may, of course, be accepted as quite certain that Advance will head the list, and the interesting point that presents itself in his case is the opinion which Mr. Evett holds as between the son of Vanguard and Seahorse, for, as a matter of fact, the Auckland handicapper has not up to the present had the opportunity of placing on record his estimate of the two cracks, as In no race that has come before him for adjustment have they been both engaged. In the New Zealand Cup handicap, framed by Mr. Henrys, the C.J.C. handicapper, assessed Advance to be 41b superior to Seahorse, the respective imposts of the pair being 9st 91b and 9st 51b; but, as they did not meet, wo are still left in doubt as to their respective merits when pitted against each other. On Advance's side, it can be argued that he has won each time he has been required to carry silk as a four-year-old, while Seahorse has two defeats registered against his name. Seahorse was, however, meeting different material to what Advance did, so that it might really bo said that no assistance is forthcoming to settle the point as between. the black and the chestnut on a satisfactory basis. I am not prepared at this stage to pursue; the matter further, for fear of laying myself open to a charge of trenching on tabooed ground, and will wind up by simply placing the Cup entries once more on record. They are as follows:—Advance, Seahorse, Coronet, La Gloria, Bluejacket, Malatua, Uhlan, Miss Delaval, Boreas, Fulmcn, Tortulla, Renown, Ideal, Sa«t Ilario, Battloaxe, Hohoro, Jabber, Materoa, Skobeleff, Cavalry, Military, Hengist, Formula, Honesty, Paphos, Motor, Rosiphele, Tamaki, Toroa, The Needle, Paul Seaton, Laborer, Zealous, Knight of Athol, Palaver, Nobility, Robert McCarthy, Deddington, Dayntree, Autaia, Kahuhia, Matamataharakiki, and Fabricator.

From the manner in which the various critics handle the running in the Melbourne Cup, it is quite evident that that event is regarded as a stiff conundrum. "Terlinga," of the Australasian, sums it up as "a peculiarly run race," and then proceeds:—"All the time was made in the last mile and aquarter. Lancaster and La Carabine led to the stand because they got off well and none of the others wanted to go on. It was not expected that either would be in front at this stage, but what was the use of pulling them about while there was no pace? Excepting 1 Newhaven and Zulu, I cannot call to mind any Melbourne Cup winners in my* time that have led from end to end, but Lancaster, like Carnage in 1893, was practically waiting in» front, and I suppose his failure was due to lack of stamina. That he would fail in this respect there was no reason to suppose, because he had shown no signs of tiring at the end of a mile and threequarters in his work, and men who would not hear of him for a good race a year ago, thought he was sure to win on Tuesday. The time notwithstanding, J do not regard the Melbourne Cud of 1900 as having been a trueruu race It was slow at first, and the last mile must have been a cracker. That Clean %weep would have won, no matter how the race wa~ run, I do not dispute., He was too good for the opposition at the weights, bui tlx> stayers trained for two miles would nave done better if tho pace had been on all th« to>. ' "Asmodeus," of the Leader, "sums up the matter in the following terse mannw:—"The primary feature of the Cup. race W3<; the defective jockeyship on the p4i* ••' the riders of La Carabine and Lancaster, 'K'ancy any horse attempting to make ever; ,jost a winning one in the Melbourne Cup with 9st 71b. This is what La Carabine tried to do. ft was simply suicidal. If Powell rod© to orders, he is not to be bluffrjd; but if he was left to ride his own racs lie rode a terribly bad one. Lancaster w.*s ridden an squall/ indifferent race, and erne can scarcely conceive an experienced tactician likb Isaac Foulsh.im giving such orders. Lancaster was simply run to a standstill in one of the fastest Melbourne ,Cups on record. In all the raoori he has won" this season, ho has been ridden differently, waiting patiently on his field, then smothering them with a well-timed run. He was given no chance of bringing his well-recognised run into play on Tuesday; all the steam was fairly pumped out of him on entering the straight. Both Burn and Powell displayed crude horsemanship. They attempted what has nevei yet been accomplished in ». Melbourne excepting by that racing machine, Newhaven win from start to finish." " Martindale," of the Sydney Town and Country Journal, says:—"That we saw Lancaster exhibit his true form in the Mel; bourne Cup I shall never believe. He and La Carabine were simply; raced off their legs. It was not even a waiting race, in front, with them, as the riders appeared to be under the impression that every poss they came to was that opposite the judge. Consequently, the horses cracked up— would a steam engine if the driver acted i" a similar manner." _ " Reginald," of the Sportsman, has something interesting to say on the Cup problem, and he sums up the matter thus:—"lt might be as well, in attempting to judge La Carabine and Lancaster, to forget their Cup running altogether. No descendant of Musket was ever yet any good if set to make play in a long race, and both La Carabine and Lancaster were too far forward in the early part of the great twoniiler. As said, the Musket tribe do not relish having to make their own running. It is most remarkable that there are plenty of good horses of all breeds who are helpless if not assisted by a pacemaker. They cannot do all the work themselves. They will come " from behind" if tin rate of going be ever so hot, but place them in the lead to begin with, and ask them to carry on there, and they will fail miserably. Nowhavens aro only found now and again. It takes a dasher like the chestnut, who was always "on tho bit," to make running and hold out. He gloried in showing the way, and always did his best out in front. But it is hard to get his sort. The most certain way to beat true

stayers is to ask them to lead all the way, I and any trainer who has had some experience of Muskets or Yattendons—the great staying blood— bear me out in this. Thus you saw undoubted "stayers like Lancaster and La Carabine beaten a long way from home in the Cup. They just failed where they should have been most troublesome, and it was all because none of the others were obliging enough to relieve them of the responsibilities of making running in the early part. Under the circumstances, Lancaster and La Carabine were not seen at their best in the Cup. La Carabine, ridden more quietly, upset her Cup form on the last day of the meeting; and, no doubt, when Lancaster gets a race to suit him, he, too, will prove that his Cup running was all wrong."

Though Lancaster's burst up in the Melbourne Cup contest is held by some to afford conclusive proof of his lack of the necessary stamina to enable him to see out a fast-run two miles, there is one man outside the stable who can apparently bear testimony to having witnessed the brown son of Hotchkiss rattle off two miles in satisfactory style. That man is the "Special Commissioner" of the Melbourne Sportsman, who must be accounted one of the keenest and most capable judges of a gallop in the colonies. "The Special Commissioner" boldly put it into print prior to the Cup coming up for decision: "Absolutely the most remarkable Cup gallop I have ever witnessed was the one registered by Lancaster on October 27, when he ran two miles in 3m. 41£s., and came home the last three furlongs in the phenomenal time of 405." Walter Hickenbotham asked me (says the Melbourne writer), at Flemington, before the Melbourne Stakes was run, if I thought Lancaster would stay, and I replied by asking him what was the best Carbine ever ran the last three furlongs of an extended gallop in. "About 425.," .said Walter, and when I told him what Lancaster had done, his doubts regarding the brown horse's stamina were at once dispelled. It will be interesting to note in what light the V.R.C. handicapper, Mr. F. F. Dakin, regards Lancaster when he comes to handicap him for the Australian Cup. If those who are found contending that Lancaster cannot stay properly, and that the defeat which he met with in the Melbourne Cup was due to a lack of stamina, are correct in their assumption, Mr. Dakin, according to their reasoning, will bo justified in awarding Lanoaster something below 7st 101b, considering that an extra quarter of a mile will be demanded of him in the big event of the autumn. I do not think, however, wo need look for any such treatment for Lancaster. Even though he finished eleventh in the Melbourne Cup field under 7st 101b, we shall, I think, find the son of Hotchkiss with at least 141b additional opposite his name in the autumn.

Advance is stated to have fairly "brought down the house" by the manner in which he romped over the opposition in the Canterbury and Jubilee Cups, at the recent meeting held at Riccarton. " The Probable" makes the following reference to the son of Vanguard: — " The best horse I have ever seen in my life," was the remark frequently heard as the appropriately-named Advance came back to scale, looking tho picture of health and power. Probably, most people are prone to forget the great performances of our oldtime heroes when comparing their deeds with those of the latest hero; but there is not the slightest doubt that Advance is at least the equal of the best horse ever raced in New Zealand. A greater compliment than this could not be paid to the son of Laurel, and it would be as well to pause before suggesting that he is Carbine's superior. That he is a great horse admits of no discussion, and it is to be hoped that his breeder, Mr. Donald Fraser, will adhere to his decision not to allow Advance to go out of the colony. His dam's breeding is partially shrouded in obscurity, but breeders in the future may probably place more reliance on the theory of ' breeding to winners' rather than on that of ' breeding to figures.' "

At the Wellington Racing Club's meeting on Thursday last the Musket family very nearly succeeded in once again " skinning the lamb," only one event escaping the descendants of the great Toxopholite horse. In tho Maiden Handicap, Transport (by Cuirassier) came home in tho van; while Tortulla (by Torpedo) annexed the Wellington Handicap. Hotu (by Foul Shot) and ILongfire (by Flintlock) fought out the finish in the Spring Hurdle Race. Ostiak (by Stepniak) and K">i-s----mary (by Hotchkiss) had a like record in tho Shorts Handicap, while Lady's Link (by Chainshot), Redoubt (by Derringer), . and Tukapa (by Lebel) ran first, second, and third respectively in the Hack Handicap. Whitney (by Foukhot) walked off with the Welter Handicap, and a grand finale was put to a remarkable achievement by "three of the famous family monopolising all the places in the Flying Handicap, Tho Shannon (by Torpedo) winning from Chasseur (by Cuirassier) and Kissmary (by Hotohkiss). End Aide-de-Camp, who was defeated a head by Rubin in the opening event, succeeded in his task, the whole of the programme would have gone to "tho Muskets," Aide-de-Camp being by Hiko. V

The Canterbury Referee of last week, in referring to tho totalisator investments at the recent Jubilee meeting, says:—"Nowhere is so large a sum of money handled at the totalisator, and in a more generally satisfactory manner, than at Riccarton—even shrewd Auckland observers, who are ever on tho alert to learn something for the benefit of their clubs, spoke in praise of the prompt management of this particular department." I may mention that some " shrewd Auckland observers" that I have come in contact with fail to endorse the high encomium passed by the Referee on the management of the totalisator business at Riccarton. In fact, were I to state the opposite to be the case, I should be well within the line. With all the C.J.C.'s elaborate arrangements thrown in, I have heard it contended by many who are in a position to speak on the subject, that Auckland totalisator business is conducted more satisfactorily than at Riccarton.

Cceur de Lion is evidently a long way from being done with on the flat. At Hawke's Bay last month the chestnut son of Dreadnought got first to the end of a shashing mile and a-half, and in the Wellington Handicap, run on Thursday last, at the Hutt, lie was only beaten a head for first honours by Tortulla (who he met at a difference of only 21b), the mile and aquarter being cut out in 2m. 10s. I wonder if Coeur de Lion really was himself on the day that Record Reign put him down so decisively in the New Zealand Grand National Hurdle Race. If he was, then Record Reign achieved an out-and-out champion performance, for the bay son of Castor was conceding his chestnut opponent the liberal allowance of 2st 121b in weight.

"Mr. Douglas Gordon's" pretty "blue and white squares" have been very prominent in the van in races during the past couple of years, and it has been aptly remarked that Dame Fortune has taken the Wellington sportsman under her best-feathered wing. At Wellington on Thursday last the Porirua stable pulled off the double November Handicap and Flying Handicap—with Tortulla and Ostiak, and that successful descent would, I opine, mean much to the wioldcrs of the pencil. " Mr. Douglas Gordon" has been spoken of as a lucky sportsman. As a matter of fact there are two associated in the racing of horses in the assumed name quoted, but that does not matter very much. It can be added that tho tactics pursued in tho racing of Advance and Co. evidence a good sportsmanlike spirit. Pleasing it is to find good men having a good innings, and in the possession of horses they are fitted to hold.

Though the Coromandel Racing Club were somewhat hampered by unpropitious weather in tho holding of their spring meeting on Wednesday and Thursday last, the fixturo wae got off with a fair measure of success. Some interesting contests were witnessed, and the totalisator investments are sufficiently satisfactory to spur on the # committee to renewed effort. There is no reason why the Coromandel meeting should not be as popular with horseowners as the gatherings held at the Thames, and if the authorities of the Coromandol Club shape a proper course there can be little doubt that their annual race meeting will year by year increase in favour.

One of those complete upsets of the pot, winch now and again occur and which constitute one of the charms attendant on the racing of horses, was this week recorded at tho Coromandel meeting. In the Hauraki Handicap the winner turned up in the greatest outsider of the race. Kempt, an aged gelding by Howitzer, scoring. There were only two tickets opposite the winner's name, and these, wo are told, were both held by the owner of the horse, Mr. F. Hodge, of Mercury Bay, who received the return of £80 10s for his £1 investment. It rarely falls to the lot of one owner to make such a clean sweep of the totalisator money as fell to Mr. Hodge.

A sad fatality occurred at Messrs. Duder's establishment at Devonport on f hurrday last. A little 14-year-old lad named Noonan, who was attending the three-year-old Volee, was found in the mare's box in an unconscious state, with his skull shattered. It was at once recognised that the poor little fellow's life was fast ebbing away, and he died before medical assistance arrived. It is supposed that the unfortunate lad was Uioked by <ie mare while stooping down.

The convincing stylo in "which Ibex captured the Maribyrnong \ Plate haw caused pointed reference to be drawn to his prospects in the Derbies next season. Ibex is gifted to be a magnificent stamp of colt, and one who is in every way entitled- to aspire to Derby honours. It is predicted thus early that Ibex will be the " winter favourite for the Derby. "The Special Commissioner" of the Melbourne Sportsman says:—lbex is returned as a son of Gossoon, but he looks more like an Abercorn, and I believe there is an impression in some quarters that th 9 son of Chester should be credited with Ibex's paternity. If Ibex was not sired by Abarcorn, his appearance, is. strong evidence in favour of the saturation theory,, for Angora had been mated with both.Chester and Abercorn before being put to Gossoon. The mighty chestnut, who rivalled the only Carbine, got a lot of stock his own colour, and Ibex is remarkably like the family in ;euor<tl. He is Coil over again, with the same reaohy, even action and his fine gift of speed.

Major George returned from Australia on Sunday last by the s.s. Talune. Seahorse was brought over by the same steamer. Those who saw the chestnut on his way out to his old quarters at '"Wapiti" say that he looked well, from which it -would seem safe to conclude that he has made an excellent recovery from the attack of influenza which he contracted at Flemington. No doubt in the course of a few days the son of Nelson will renew hi 3 acquaintance with the Ellerslie tracks, and we will then be able to gauge his prospects of being able to show his best form at the A.R.C. Summer Meeting.

It was generally thought that the Auckland crack two-year-old Nonette was engaged in the Great Northern Foal Stakes. Unfortunately for Mr. J. T. Ryan this is not so. When a yearling the son of Seaton Delaval was a little overgrown, and to this cause is ascribed his non-entry for the valuable two-year-old stake. The non-entry of Nonette for the Foal Stakes on such grounds may at the time have savoured of good judgment, but with the colt coming to hand much earlier than expected, it only shows how chary one should be in saving an entry at two years old.

The Queensland Derby, run on the same day as the V.R.C Derby, was won bv a colt bearing the name of Musket, from which it may be inferred that he claims descent from the great Toxopholite sire. He was got by Mufketoon. The duplication of such a name as that of Musket is one of those gross breaches of form that simply puts the perpetrator outside the pale of forgiveness. The Australians are a long way behind New Zealand in keeping a curb on this duplication nuisance, and it is surprising that some steps have not ere this been taken by the leading racing authorities to keep matters in proper order. With anything like an oversight, there would be no further duplicates of Musket, Fisherman, etc., to mar our stud records.

Zalinski, at 210 guineas, is regarded as one of the greatest bargains in horseflesh ever secured in Australasia, and since the victory of his son, dean Sweep, in the Melbourne Cup, people have been wondering however such a grandly bred horse was allowed to go for such a sum as that named. In referring to Zalinski, "Asmodeus," of the Melbourne Leader, states that he is a magnificent specimen of the thoroughbred, and bids fair to become a sire of great prominence. Zalinski, it may be remarked, is at present at an up-country station in Victoria.

At the conclusion of the Seymour Selling Race, decided at the O.J.C. meeting, there was some spirited competition for the winner, Cora Linn. The daughter of Foulshot was entered to bo sold for £100, but the bidding for her possession went to £305. Her owner thus lost £105, the value of the stake, lOOsovs, or in all £205 above her selling price, while the funds of the club and the owner of Warrington, the second horse, by the conditions of the race, profited to the extent of £102 10s each. The feelings of the owner of Cora Linn, under the circumstances, can be better imagined than described.

It is mentioned as a positive fact that the owner of Clean Sweop seriously considered the question of scratching his colt on the day of the final acceptances for the Melbourne Cup. " The Special Commissioner" of ths Sportsman is responsible for the statement that the colt being left in the great race which he won practically resolved itself into a toss of a. coin, and that " Mr. Forrest" was inclined to wire the scratching of the colt to the V.R.O. office. Fortunately for himself, he refrained from doing so.

The "classic" events instituted by the Avondale Jockey Club -will require attention at the hands of horseowners on Friday next, when nominations close respectively for the Avondale Stakes and Avondale Guineas. The Avondale Stakes (1901), which is confined to the two-year-old division, has attached to it the nice stake of 150sovs. The subscription is 3sovs, but no money is required at the time of nomination, and if forfeit ie declared by the first Friday in June, 1901, one sovereign will be all that is required from the nominator or owner. Horses left in after that date are liable for the full amount of the subscription. The Avondale Guineas (1902) is of the value of 150sovs. No money is required at the date of nomination, but each nomination left in after the first Friday in June, 1902. is liable for the full amount, 3sovs, but if struck out by that date one sovereign is the only liability.

Loohiel bids fair again this season to wind up at the head of the winning stallion list. " Milroy," of'the Sydney Mail, figures it out that the descendants of Lochiel had up to last week won in stakes from the commencement of the present season £6228, which represents stakes attaching to 45 races. Thanks principally to dean Sweep, Zalinski comes second pith £4737, which is the product of 14 races; and Gozo is in third place with £3799, the product of 27 races.

In making a comparison cetwuan he totalisator investments at the recsnfc C.« f .C Jubilee Meoi-'iig f*nd the last nim?cei .oating, held under the auspices of the A.il.C, the Weekly Press, in r.-.rder to endeavour to show tha: both meetings were held under somewhat similar advantage?., makes it appear incorrectly that the A.R.C's meeting was held "during the Exhibition festivities." As a matter of fact, the Auckland Exhibition closed in. the preceding autumn.

Both the Australasian ra*d the Sportsman make reference to " one man from New Zealand" who would not have Lancaster for the Melbourne Cup, the reason assigned being " because he was got by Hotchkiss." I wonder who this " one man from New Zealand" was. It was a grievous slight not to have published his name. Maybe he is one to whom the mere name of Musket's descendants is as gall and wormwood.

Clean Sweep did not, it transpires, have such an easy win in the Spring Stakes as w© were led to believe; indeed, at one time he was under severe pressure, and those who had laid long odds on his ability to win got a bit of a scare when The Idler was seen sticking to the Cup"' winner. Tho Musket gameness, however, pulled Clean Sweep through successfully by a length and a-half.

That little Queensland kinchin, Richardson, who rode the Melbourne Cup winner Clean Sweep, only weighs about 6st 71b, but he is evidently not afflicted by mental weakness '(remarks "Javelin"). "Bid you win much over the Cup?" iaid the press interviewer in a casual kird of way, bust the youngster, instead of " falling in," replied, with a disingenuous look upon his freckled countenance, " Jockeys ain't allowed to bet, yer know!"

The ways whereby one may get on to a winner are various and sometimes peculiar (writes "Javelin" in the Melbourne Leader). A well-known suburban medico, who does a bit of punting, was entering his stable on the Monday afternoon before the race, when he struck his foot against a new yard broom, which had only been purchased that morning. "By Jove, Tim," he said to his groom, "that's the straight tip for Clean Sweep The groom on the Hill next day took a fiver to a crown, and his master in the paddock had £300 to £15; and yet men spend lifetimes touting the training, when winners can be pioked like that!

Oraole, who led off the season well by capturing a double on the opening day ot the Wellington Racing Club's Spring Meeting, has cut up rather badly in the interval. On Thursday last he was voted to be a good thing for the November Handicap at Wellington, in which event he had the handy impost of 7st 71b, but he took no part in the finish.

In the pictorial supplement of the current number of the Weekly New 6 is a capital series of photographs of the recent great race meeting held at Flemington, amongst which is the finish of the Melbourne Cup. There is also a photograph of the Cup winner, Clean Sweep.

"Spectator" states that Mr. Donald Fraser, the breeder of Advance, who receives a liberal percentage of his winnings during the time be is leased, recently refused, it is reported, an offer of 2000 guineas from England: for the son of Vanguard.

BP.EWFIES. Skobeleff is still, a maiden. ; Up to the present Maltster has won in stakes £4086. ' Hohoro is npfc to be seen out at the Takapuna meeting. ■ —-- j. _■. -~ • ■_ ■ Hylas is another of Frank Ross' remarkable resurrections. > The Feilding Jockey Club hold their spring meeting on Thursday and Friday next. v i The Dunedin Jockey Club hold their summer meeting on Thursday and Saturday next. Record Reign has been struck out of all engagements at the A.R.O. Summer MeetThe Takapuna Jockey Club will inaugurate the season at the marine suburb on Wednesday next. ' ; .'' , "''' • Transport, who won the Maiden Handicap at Wellington, is out of Tasman's sister, Tasmania. Sant Ilario has left Yaldhurst, Mr. Stead having sold the son of St. Leger for 270 guineas. * A two-year-old half-brother to Hova was sold by auction last week in Melbourne for 700 guineas. It is now stated that Lancaster was not ridden according to instructions m the Melbourne Cup. . The Dunedin Jockey Club will bring off their spring meeting at Wingatux on Thursday and Saturday next. . That veteran of the race track, Bngham Young, won the Hack Handicap at Coromandel on Thursday last. With Nonette out of the way, Mr. btead appears to hold a mortgage over the Great Northern Foal Stakes. Laborer did not accompany Seahorse back to Auckland, and it is stated that he is in the sale list in Melbourne. It is stated that Paul Pry has never once had the prick of a spur on his sides since he has been in James Scobie's hands. The veteran Paul Pry added another good race to his winning repertoire last week, when he scored in the Williamstown Cup of 500sovs. * Out of the £17,067 paid away by the Victoria Racing Club over their recent spring meeting, the team trained by James Scobie won £6787. It is anticipated that the profit netted by the Victoria Racing Club over the recent spring meeting held at Flemington will be over £10,000. Knight of Athol and Minerve each gave Mr. A. Phillip- a winning turn at the Coromandel meeting, and Sly Miss won a double for Mr. R. Blaikie. As Bluejacket was withdrawn from the St. Andrew's Handicap at Takapuna, he will probably not be seen out again. until the Auckland Cup rolls round. In the weighting of Advance and Tortulla i* the Pearce Handicap (one mile and a furlong), at Wellington, Mr. Evett only placed a stone and 21b between them. Though Lancaster was not seen out again after his defeat in the Melbourne Cup, it is stated that he is all right, and has been regularly exercised at Caulfield. Old Nelson claimed a brace of winners at Coromandel on Thursday last, Admiral Hawke scored in tho Racing Club Handicap and Minerve in the Goldfields Handicap. Singular to remark (says a well-known Victorian writer), the Derby winner Maltster was the least "backed of the four horses which James Scobie started in the Melbourne Cup.

It will be interesting to note what weight Mr. Dakin allots Maltster and Clean Sweep should the two three-year-olds come before him to be handicapped in the Australian Cup. The earnings of Dreadnought's descendants at the C.J.C.'s recent meeting amounted to £2075. St. Clair's descendants were second with £1205, and Stepniak's third with £1080.

After a lengthy spell of ill-luck Admiral Hawke managed to again get his name on the winning list. The son of Nelson scored in the Coromandel Racing Club Handicap on Thursday last. During the past few years the Hon. Mr. Mosman has annually paid a visit to Auckland in thv* summer. I understand the Queensland sportsman left Sydney for Maoriland on Wednesday last.

The Victorian trainer, James Scobie, who is justifiably dubbed " the man of the hour" by the Sportsman, is stated to have no less than 30 horses under his charge at the Miners' Rest, Ballarat.

Most of the Australian writers sum up La Carabine as one of the best mares that has ever graced the Australian turf, and some even go so fair as to doubt her equal in the wide world to-day over a long journey.

The weights for the Auckland Cup, Railway Handicap, and Auckland Steeplechaso are due to make their appearance on Monday next, and acceptances become due on the Friday following.

It is not often that we hear of a horse winning a hurdle race and a cup on the same afternoon, even at a country meeting. This is a record which Hylas put up at the Coromandel meeting on Wednesday last. It was thought that Hylas' weak spot was' stamina, but two races in one afternoon points to everything being all right in that respect. Hylas has to be credited to St. Hippo, of whose success in the' show-ring at Masterton mention was recently made.

Of the £10,100 disbursed in stakes at the recent Jubilee meeting, held under the auspices of the C.J.C., the Weekly Press assesses that £6250 was won by horses owned in the South Island, and £3840 by those owned in the North.

THE WELLINGTON RACING CLUB'S MEETING. The Wellington Racing Club inaugurated their spring meeting in glorious weather on Thursday, and the totalisator investments (£9994, I think I am correct in stating) constitute a record so far as the olub in question is concerned. That vetrviti of the race track, Rubin (7st 51b), war found on the scene in the November Handiciq;,, and in a close race with Aide-de-cam '} (7*4 61b) the son of Tasman scored by a head. The "Wellington Handicap, which was the ! big event of the afternoon, and which atI tracted a field of eight, found the disappointi ing Skobeleff (7st 41b) in the position of I favourite. The brown son of Stepniak had, I however, to strike his colours to Tortulla [M 101b) and Cceur de Lion (Bat 81b). It was, however, apparently a great race between the three placed horses, they being in each instance only separated by ' the narrow margin of a head. As the mile and a-qxiarter was got over in 2m. 10s., it was an excellent " go" from a time test point of view, and shows that Tortulla is back to form. Whetu, who showed good form at the Napier meetings, was the popular fancy for the Hurdle Race, in which he was weighted at lOst 51b. He took no part in the finish, however, which was left to Hotu (9st 31b) and Hangfire (lOst 31b), the former winning by a length. Ostiak (Bst 41b) was the popular fancy for the Shorts Handicap, and the son of Stepniak endorsed the opinion right up to the hilt, for he won his race easily by three lengths from Kissmary. If the time (lm. 3 l-55.) is correct, Ostiak got off a very slippery performance. In the Welter Handicap Ruamahunga (9st 31b) was a very strong fancy, but the veteran son of Voliigeur could do no better than run a dead heat with Whitirea (lOst 31b) for second honours, the winner turning up in Whitney ''-hi 71ib), who won his race easily by r.. coupUs of lengths. Though The Shannon proved somewhat of .*» disappointment at the Hawke's Bay meet- ' ing-, th/.,:, circumstance did not stand in the war of the daughter of Torpedo being made a warm favourite for the Flying Handicap at Wellington, in which event she was weighted at 7st 121b. The Shannon was in front at the head of the straight, and apparently had her race won at any part of the journey, as she came on and won easily by a couple of lengths. When The Shannon raced at Napier it was contended that she was a bit "off, and her successful display at Wellington on Thursday points strongly to such being the case. > SECOND DAT. The meeting will be brought to a conclusion to-day. The following are the acceptances for the various events:— Petona Handicap, one mile: Aide-de-Camp 7.13, Whitirea 7.10, Ruamahunga 7.10, Oracle 7.7, Whitney 7.7, Volley 7.5,»Me1w00d 7.0, Sirius 6.10, Perfection 6.7. Hack Welter Handicap, one mile: Lady's Link 11.3, Redoubt 11.2, Waterford 9.13, Art Jewel 9.3, Gipsy Jack 9.0, Raparapa 9.0. The Pearce Handicap, one mile and a furlong: Tortulla 9.8, Cceur de Lion 9.2, Crusoe 8.3, Materoa 7.12, Oingo 7.11, The Shannon 7.11, Rubin 7.4. November Hurdle Handicap, one mile and a-half: Coin 11.0, Hotu 10.12, Hangfire 10.7, Waiwera 10.2, Frost 10.0. Welter Handicap, seven furlongs: Whitirea 11.2, Cora Linn 10.10, Ruamahunga 10.5, Autaia 10.0, Whitney 10.0. Derringcotte 9.0, Jewel Gun 8.7, /he Dude 8.7, Kent 8.7. Hutt Park Spring Handicap, seven furlongs : Oingo 8.0, Lady Lome 7.8, Kissmary 7.3, Melwood 7.0, Heiress 7.0. Hack Flying Handicap, six furlongs: Assayer 9.0, Lady's Link 9.0, Tukapa 8.9, Westguard 8.9, Waterford 7.9, Maro 7.7, Dewdrop 7.0, Tutua 6.7. Waiwetu Handicap, five furlongs: Cora Linn 9.3, St. Denis 9.2, Chasseur 8.11, Ngaparu 8.6, Autaia 8.5, Cherrystone 8.3, Sentry 7.7, Ismene 7.7, Frying Shot 7.6, Klondike 7.0, Lady Agnes 6.7. I

TAKAPUNA JOCKEY CLUB'S SPRING •> MEETING. - : •. In the event of the weathei proving propitious, Wednesday next will witness the in. auguration of another . racing season at the North Shore, when that popular institution the Takapuna Jockey Club, will make a com! mencement in the bringing off of their spring meeting, and if the acceptances received foj the various events of the first day are tc form a criterion as to those to follow, the* the prediction can be offered with safety that the gathering will in every waj be up to the high standard of those brought of! the marine suburb. Since the T.J.C. held their last meeting an important alteration has been made in the grandstand. The structure has not boon moved, but the _ building has been raised. The seating, which before did not enable persons who were on the stand to have a good view of the races, has now been removed. The original platform in front lias been done away with. The entrance.? to the stand are now from each side, and the front steps run the full length of the building. X 0 obstruction to the view from the stand c.in possibly be made, as no entrances from the steps are available. The increased accommodation, it is estimated, will hold 1200 people. Underneath the steps it is intended to have a fernery, the whole length being lined with small corrugated iron, and will afford shelter from the sun's rays or rain. All round the building has been concreted, and will now always be dry and clean. The whole structure has been painted, and its ap. pearance is spick and span and up to date in every particular. During a recent visit to the ground, I found the lawn and enclosures in a very tidy state, the flower-beds presenting quite an attractive appearance, notwithstanding the searching south-west winds with which we have been visited of late. Tho course is in first-class order, and the turf, owing to the recent rains, looks beautifully green. Visitors to this pretty suburban course will see that the club lias spared no expense to bring their grounds to its present condition. THE ACCEPTANCES FOR THE FIRST DAY'S RACES. The following is a list of the acceptances received last night by Mr. Wynyard in connection with the first day's races: —

I.i Some little tthe back the committee of the T.J.C. had the question of totalisator business under consideration, and it was understood that the payment of one dividend in future Was decided upon. • The committee have, however, found it necessary to reconsider that question, owing to the lay of the laid making* it a matter of some difficulty to I adopt one dividend. The alteration will not at present be made. AUCKLAND TROTTING CLUB'S SUMMER MEETING. The Auokland_ Trotting Club have issued the programme in connection with their approaching summer meeting, which is fixed to be held at Potter's Paddock on the 22nd, 27th, and 29th December.' The following is the programme if events: First day: Maiden Trot Handicap of 30sovs, one mile; Maiden Pony Handicap of 20sovs, five furlongs ; Auckland Trotting Cup Handicap of 200sovs, two miles; I Pony Cup Handicap of 65sovs, one mile; Hectrio Trot Handicap of 50sovs, one mile; Handicap Steeplechase of 40sovs, about two miles and a-half; Telephone Handicap of 30sovs, five furlongs; Decern ocr Handicap Trot of 40sovs. one mile and a-half. Second day: Glasgow Trot -Handicap of 60sovs, one mile and a-half; Handicap Hurdles of 30sovs, one mile and aquarter; Summer Trotting Cup of 115sovs, two miles; Christnas Handicap of 40sovs, six and a-half furliigs; Second Handicap Steeplechase of 35sors, about two miles and a-half; Class Trot handicap of 50sovs, one mile; Epsom Hondiap of "30sovs, five furlongs; Dash Handifkp Trot of 40sovs, one mile. Third day: 'trial Trot Handicap of 30sov8, one mile and »-ha!f; Second Maiden Pony Handicap of 2W>vs, five furlongs; President's Handicap Trot of 115sovs. two miles; New Year Hanoicapof 35sovs. six and a-half furlongs; Secoia Handicap Hurdles of 35sovs, one mile an\ a-half; High Class Trot Handicap of 60so«g, one mile and ahalf; Grandstand Handicap of 30sovs, five furlongs; Telegraph Trot Handicap of 50sovs, one mile. Nominations for all events close on Friday, Oecemfer 7, at ten p.ro Handicaps for the first da\ are to appear o Friday, December 14. A — . 1 WELLINGTON TROTTTNG CLUB'S MEETINGS Wellington, Friday. The following are the result* of the second day's racing of the Wellington Trotting Club: — \ Local Handicap, two miles: Dolly Varden 1, The General 2, Comet 3. Time, sm. 565. Dividend, 15s. \ Borough Handicap, one mie: Monte Carlo 1, Comet 2, Montreal 3. Time, 2m. 40s. Dividend, 12s. V Pony Handicap, one mile am a-half: Comet 1. Silver Grey and Plunged finished first and second, but were di?quaMed for galloping. Time, 4m. 20s. Dividend, £1 18s. ■ _ \ Trotting Club Handicap, two miles Jessie Palm and Volta dead beat, Sailor Boyll. 3. Time 4m. 53 2-ss. Dividends, 16s an! £16 14s. A Hufct Handicap, one mile and a-Ulf: Flavia 1, The Member 2, Comet 3. Time, 4m. 21s. Dividend, £1 7s. \ Stewards' Handicap, one mile and a-haf: Murmur 1, Sailor Boy 11. 2. Time, 4in. vs. Dividend, lis. \ Telegraph Handicap, one mile: Monlp Carlo 1, Flavia 2, Montreal 3. Time, 2ni 30s. Dividend. 15s. \ Final Handicap, one mile: Hilda I*\ FriUetta 2, Stove Hart 3. Time, 2m. 58s. \ | Dividend, £1 Ms. . 1 \

TRIAL HANDICAP of 60sovs. One mile. st. lb. st. lb. Swiftfoot ... 8 7 Black Roe© ... 7 7 Mata'harakiki... 8 4 Tiki 7 6 The Fr'nchm'n 8 4 Blaircarrig ... 7 4 Deadbeat ... 7 12 Voice 7 3 Regulus ... 7 10 Crescent ... 6 10 FIRST HACK HANDICAP of 50sors. Five furlongs. et. lb. st. lb. Takapuna _ ... 8 12 Golden Tress... 7 7 M'ta harakiki... 8 9 Sunset ... 7 0 Ambition ... 8 5 Nereid ... 7 0 Athol Brose ..« 8 0 Progee ... 6 12 Bacchus ... 7 10 Jack Brown ... 6 10 SouHfish ... 7 9 Zuleika ... 6 IP Trumpeter ... 7 8 HANDICAP MAIDEN HURDLES of 60sovs. One mile and a-half. at. lb. st. lb. Miss Drury ... 11 2 Kowhai ... 9 C Tip 10 12 Boxer ..i ... 9 0 The Master ... 10 10 Linden ... 9 0 Evermore ... 10 4 Rapid Bay ... 9 0 Gronje ... 10 0 Pr'nc'ssof Tie 9 0 Tahaka ... 9 8 Pungauhu ... 9 0 Perseverance... 9 8 Whangapi ... 9 0 Bedrock ... 9 7 Freewill ... 9 0 Romantio ... 9 7 SI. ANDREW'S HANDICAP of 200sovs. One mile and a-quarter. fit. lb. st. lb. Coronet ... 9 0 Doctor ... 7 2 Rosella ... 8 6 Kn'g't of Ath'l 7 0 Firefly ... 8 6 Landlock ... 6 12 St. Peter ... 8 0 Crusade ... 6 1?. St. Ursula 7 13 Motor ... 6 12 Dayntree ... 7 10 Regulus ... 6 7 Honesty ... 7 8 Paul Seaton ... 6 7 Toroa 7 4 CAMBRIA HANDICAP of lOOsovs. Five furlongs (for two-year-olds). st. lb. st. lb. Kissaline ... 8 12 Hikipene ... 7 7 Sp'rkl'ngW'ter 8 2 Little Bess ... 7 5 Scotty ... 7 12 Gatelock ... 6 7 L'nco C'rp'ral 7 7 Gladys May... 6 7 Ragabrash ... 7 7 CHELTENHAM HANDICAP of lOOsovs. Five furlongs. st. lb. st. lb. St. Peter ... 9 8 Toroa ... 7 2 Telephone ... 9 5 St. Elyn ... 7 2 Kettledrum ... 8 6 Deadboat ... 7 0 Winsome j.. 8 1 Zealous ... 7 0 Lady Dash ... 7 12 Takapuna ... 7 0 St. Elmo , ... i 10 Avon ... 6 10 Cuirasette . ... 7 7 Rosiphele ... 6 10 Landlock ... 7 5 Tiki ... ... 6 7 The Frenchman- 7 3 Brilliant ... 6 7 FIRST HANDICAP HURDLES of lOOsova Two miles. st. lb. st. lb. Tim 11 2 Hylas... ... 10 4 Drum-Major... 30 10 Rufus ... 9 0 Volcano ... 10 6 Headford ... 9 0 Voltigeur n. 10 6 Tahaka ... 9 0 FIRST PONY HANDICAP of 60sovs. Sir furlongs. st. lb. ,;,st. lb The Slave -... 9 5 Mara ... ... 7 4 Lena ... ]' .. t 8 12 First Whisper... 7 4 Pipiwharauroa 8 8 Myrene ... 7 4 Brookland \ 7 lO.Mamoa ... 7 0 Nora ... ! ... 7 10 Wee Tottie ... 7 0 Chief Miss \ ... 7 7 Rapit ... 6 7 Gaiety Girl f .» 7 7 \ SECOND DAY. HANDICAP STEEPLECHASE of lOOsovs. ■About three miles. o, ... ' st. lb. fi t. lb Straybird ,.\ 11 6 Drum-Major... 10 2 Cannongate ..: 11 4 Rufus ... 9 7 Dingo ... , 11 4- Kowhai ... 9 7 Tally-ho ... 11 0 Tommy ... 9 7 Voltigeur II. 11 0 Tarragon ... 9 7 Tim ... 10 12 Verdi ... 9 7 Volcano ... 10 5