SPORTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 11896, 22 February 1902, Page 6

SPORTING.

RACING FIXTURES. February 19 and Egmoiit [Racing Club. February 20 and 21-Poverty Bay Turf Club. February 22, 26, anil March I—Otahuhu Trotting Club.' , _ , February 22—Waihi Jockey Club. February 26, 28, and March I—Dunedni Jockey

Club. T , m V February 26Rotorua Jockey Club. March I—Waitekauri Racing Club. March Thames Jockey Club. March 6 and Wanganui Jockey Club. March South Auckland facing Club. March 12, 15—Coromandel Racing Club. March 15, 17-Hawke's Bay Jockey Club. March 17 and 18—Ohinemuri Jockey Club. _ March 29, 31, and April Auckland Racing

March' 31 and April a-Canterbury Jockey Club. , „ . . Tune 3, 4, 7—Auckland Racing Club.

DATES OF COMING EVENTS. February Dunedin Cup. March Wanganui Cup. March 15— Hawke's Bay Cup. March 29—Northern Champagne Stakes. March 29—A.R.C. Easter Handicap. March 31—A.R.C. Century Stakes. March 31—C.J.C. Great Easter Handicap. April C.J.C. Great Autumn Handicap. Ann' I—A.R.C. Autumn Handicap. AUSTRALIAN. March I—Newmarket Handicap. March 4—Australian Cup. March 6—Ciiampion Stakes. March Done-aster Handicap. March 31—Sydney Cup. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. T F Wanganui.—Chandler fell and broke one of his legs while contesting a hurdle race at Papakura. It was at Ellerslie that Matau broke his leg. QUERY.The Melbourne Cup of 1882 (The Assyrian's year) was run on October 31. Since then the race has always been run on the first Tuesday in November. WAGER.—I. The late Duke of Westminster bought Doncaster from Mr. Robert Peck for £14,000. 2. Parthian has not so far won a race in England. He was got by Grand Flaneur from Archeress, the latter being a daughter of Trenton. BREEDER.I. There are two sons of Bill, of Portland at the s/tud in New Zealand, viz., Merriwee and Finland. The first-named is stationed in Hasvke's Bay, and the latter in Canterbury. Merriwee is out of Etra weenie, the latter being by Trenton from Nellie, by Tim Whiffler. 2. Soult, Cyrenian. Phoebus Apollo, and San Francisco, are the direct, descendants of St. Simon, at the stud in Auckland. 3. Edith Cureton was got by Castor from Frailty. You have evidently confounded that mare with Lady Cureton, wlio is a daughter of Goldsbroiigh and Mingera. NOTES BY PHAETON. It is at all times pleasing to note that the old-established clubs are holding their own in tlio strong competition that now rules in the matter of patronage for race meetings. The Taranaki Jockey Club, which can be cited as one of the old-timers, brought off their summer meeting on the 12th and 13th inst. with a very fair measure of success—indeed. it has been described to me by one who sees a deal of racing in the course of a year as one of the best race gatherings that has been held on the West Coast. The T.J.C. is.one of the best-managed clubs in the colony, and it is therefore always pleasant reading to learn that the meetings brought off under their auspices have proved a success both from a racing and financial point of view. The improved communication between the Manukau end New Plymouth should be something in favour of Taranaki, and with liberal stake money they should bo able to command good patronage from this district.

Favoured with beautiful weather, the Egmont Racing Club got off their summer. meeting on "Wednesday and Thursday last with a large measure of success, the totalisator investments (£15,987) showing an increase of £24-73 on the sum handled at the corresponding meeting last year. As with several other meetings held this season, the weakest field was associated with the principal event of the meeting. The Egmont Cup only attracted a quartette of starters, viz., Tortulla (9st 131b), Battleaxe (9s 121b), Motor (Bst), and Taplow (6st 71b). Tortulla was the one held in most esteem, and the Torpedo mare was accordingly made favourite. The winner, however, turned up in Taplow, who won by half-a-length from Motor. The fact that Taplow won his race in 2m. 3945. shows that the Puriri gelding is every bit the improved horse he was voted prior to the opening of the Taranaki meeting, for few of us thought that the ex-hack could win in such company, at least at a mile and a-half. In the running of the Atkinson Memorial Stakes on the second day Battleaxe was set a sevcro task to win under 9st 131b, but the son of Hotchkiss, running as true as steel, settled the Cup winner in the last bit, and scored a meritorious victory by a nose.

The Dunedin Jockey Club inaugurate their autumn meeting at Wingatui on Wednesday next, when the 29th contest for tho Dunedin Cup will take place. At one time the Dunedin Cup was a great betting race, for the weights, being declared some two months before the race, caused it to be made the medium of strong speculation. That was, however, when ante-post betting was very much more popular than is now the case. Mr. Dowses adjustment in connection with this year's race did not make its appearance until Monday of the present week, and the acceptances, which fell due last night, saw the original entry of 18 reduced by half. The defection of Tortulla leaves Pampero at tho head of tho list with 9st 51b. Tho son of St. Clair has shown his ability to compass a sound mile and p.-half, but with 51b over his- weight-for-age it- must be said that the handicapper has given him his fullest deserts. Dnndas' victory in the Midsummer Handicap at Riccarton last week shows him to be in form, and if he bo prepared to register his best at "Wingatui ho will be hard to beat. Fulmen (Bst 101b) will probably beat more than will beat him', and the fact of his running the race on his own ground should bo something in his favour. In a weak field Cannie Chicl may run forward, but, all being well with Dundas, lie should beat Sir George Clifford's horse.

Mr. Evett issued the weights for the Wanganui Cup yesterday, and from the adjustment, which will bo found in another column, it will bo seen that he has elected to adopt the flattering line which has stood so well to him on so many occasions. In commencing' his handicap with St. Michael nt 9st 41b it must be said that he has given the St. Legor gelding a good chance. Taking a line through the running at- the A.R.C. Summer Meeting, Nonetto has the best of the deal compared with the Canterbury horse. In the A.R.C. Handicap the chestnut conceded his bay rival 41b, and heat him handsomely over a mile and a-hiilf that was run in 2m. 37£5., and when the position? were reversed in the Grandstand Handicap it, has to bo borne in mind that the three-year-old had 9st 101b in the saddle, and was conceding St. Michael 51b. Tho owner of Nonetto may not deem it politic, in the face of valuable Auckland engagements, to take on the Wanganui Cup, but should lie elect to do so 1 will certainly have him on my side. Ideal should have a chance under Bst 41b, and, maybe, Beddinglon (7st 1211)) will beat more than beat him. Melwood has accomplished nothing of note since lie acted as runner-up to Tortullft in. the New Zealand Cup, but I take him to be nicely treated with 7st 81b, and the autunn may find him back to winning form.

Tho Dunedin Jockey Club liavo adrpted the unique—and, 1 make bold to say, the somewhat dangerous—course of having the weights for the principal event of their second day at the autumn meeting declared at the same time as the events set down tor decision 011 the opening day. From a Dunedin point of view, some advantage may lay in the course adopted, but I don't think any other club would find it advantageous. The scale of penalties adopted by the D.J.C. may go some way towards protecting the club, but, let the new departure result as satisfactorily as it may, I should doubt the D.J.O. continuing such a dangerous step.

Though the totalisator returns at the C.J.O. Midsummer Meeting show an increase of £"/85 compared with last year, this sum handled on the two days at the Riccarton gathering only reached to £8577, and that furnishes somewhat pointed evidence that tho success of the midsummer gathering is very far from satisfactory. The 0.J.0. have never experienced any luck with this particular gathering, though tho comniittco have tried various expedients in the matter of dates. Considering that no racing is hold at Riooarton between November and February, a meeting promoted in February should go with some sort of vim, but the means to be adopted in popularising tho gathering seems to bo a bit of a mystery even to tho i authorities of tho C.J.C.

The St. Simon sire San Francisco, purchased in England by Messrs. L. D. and N. A. Nathan for Sylvia Park, arrived at his new home during the present week, and, judging from the blooming appearance which he bore, the absence of even a scratch on his coat, he came through the long sea voyage in the most satisfactory manner. Shortly after San Francisco set foot on Auckland soil I had an opportunity of inspecting; him at Mr. 0. D. Halstead's establishment in Albert-street, where he spent Ids first night in Auckland. As I had to take San Francisco by gaslight, the inspection was necessarily somewhat hurried and of a cursory character, but I was enabled to get a pretty fair picture in my eye of the St. Simon sire. San Francisco is in colour a rich dark bay, with three white fetlocks and a blazed face, and stands, I should say, a little over 15.2. Though one could wish that lie shewed a bit more size, it can bo said that San Francisco is a horse of very, sturdy build and of shapely conformation. All round he is well endowed with power, and his middlepieee is of that well-sprung stamp that is so necessary in the horse destined for the stud. San Francisco is adorned with a head of the true masculine type, the breadth between his eyes favouring the impression that he is not likely to beget stock of the flighty sort. In securing a home at Sylvia Park San Francisco will have an excellent opportunity of making a name for himself straight away, for the Messrs. Nathan have a large selection of highdags mares of their own from which to choose eligible mates for the son of St. Simon.

Birkenhead, who made the journey across the ocean with San Francisco, was landed at Wellington and taken on by train to Hawlce's Bay. Like his shipmate, Birkenhead came through the long sea voyage in a highlysatisfactory manner. Birkenhead is stated to be a big horse, but a lack of quality in his appearance would, it is contended, prejudice many against him. However, as the saying goes, "handsome is as handsome does." When the celebrated Musket came to New Zealand he was well slated for his draughtlike appearance. The Toxopholite horse nevertheless was destined to win the highest place amongst the greatest sires that have been known to tho Australias. And who can say that Birkenhead, though coming from an entirely different branch of the thoroughbred family, may not also win great fame as a parent in the face of prejudice? Birkenhead's pedigree is brimful of stout blood, and bred as ho is he should certainly beget a lino of stayers.

It transpires that an old light of the New Zealand turf went off the scene some months back without even obtaining a press notice of his decease. This was Billngsgate, who succumbed to ago infirmities in the Whangarei district last year. Billingsgate, who was foaled as far back as 1876, made his debut on the turf in 1878 as the Slander colt in the colours of his breeder, tho late Mr. W. Walters, and an interesting incident in connection therewith, is that ' he was called upon to measure strides with his sire (Izaak Walton) in his first race. This was the Railway Plate, run at the A.B.C. Summer Meeting in 1878. The youngster was a strong fancy, but, though lie beat his "dad," Pinfire (by (Dead Shot) got home in front of the pair. The son of Izaak Walton scored at his next attempt, but it was only a modest selling race that fell to him. When the autumn rolled round Billingsgate had again to take on his sire, and lie beat him each time. At three years old Billingsgate won a few small races, but it was at four years old that ho showed himself up in the light of a real good one, winning, as he did, half-a-dozen races right off the reel, and of 17 races which he contested at that age he won 11. Billingsgate met with more than one sensational downfall during his career, and one that was recorded at Ellerslie, and which I witnessed, comes to my mind. It was in connection with the Railway Plate, run on the opening day of tho A.R.C. Summer Meeting in 1881. The race in question., which was run at weight-for-nge over threequarters of a mile, was regarded as something approaching a moral for the son of Izaak Walton, and as a result odds of 2 to 1 were laid on bis ability to win. Singular to remark, it was the members of the Southern ring- that were the heaviest supporters of the Papakura horse that dav. On paper, the Plate certainly looked all right- for Billingsgate, but still Maid of Honour, looking well, was there to oppose the Papakura crack, and the Auckland ring on that ground considered it justifiable to field against the presumed moral. The little lawn in front of the tier of steps that did duty as a grandstand in those clays was the scene of much spirited wagering, and as I cast my mind back to the memories of that December afternoon, and compare it with tile order of tilings that now obtain at Ellerslie, one' might think that they had been transferred to another country. But lam digressing. As the race was being run, poor little "Abe" Snider might have been seen, book and pencil in hand, with his back turned to the race-track, excitedly calling out, "60 to 40 on Billingsgate, and I can't- see them!" It was really all over with Billingsgate before they got to the distance, for the old fellow could not strike out with proper freedom that- afternoon, and Maid of Honour, who led throughout, beat him somewhat easily amidst a scone of much excitement. Though of little use over a distance of ground, Billingsgate proved himself a good old slave, in sprint races under the popular rose-and-white stripes. It was never contended that Billingsgate was of much use further than a mile, and I think his best distance was six furlongs. While in training Billingsgate was one of the most beautifultomporcd horses that could he conceived, and under all conditions lie conducted himself like a gentleman, if I may so speak. He had a pair of most captivating: eyes, bold and big; and the fringe of blood-vessels that camo up undei the excitement of » race gave to his sparkling orbs a touch that caused them to assume a, very grand appearance. 1 never tired looking at Billingsgate. _ As a sire, Billingsgate did not succeed in giving tho turf one as good as himself, and the only one of his stock to earn marked distinction was Mangere, who won the Auckland Steeplechase and several other jumping- races in the colours of Mr. Walter Paul.

Aurous, tho three-parts sister to Aurum, seems likely to prove as great a bargain to Mr. Leslie Macdonald as Wakeful. When the chestnut daughter of Wallace and Aura was submitted to auction in the spring of 1900 Mr. Macdonald took bet at- 350 guineas;, and how good an investment tier purchase was she amply proved in the following autumn when slit captured the rich Futurity Stakes at Caulfiold, in which lace she lowered the colours of the dual Derby winner, Maltster. Some thing went amiss subsequently with Aurous, and she lias done little racing since. The opening of the V.A.T.C. meeting at Caulficld, on the Bth inst., found Aurous on the scene, and starting a great favourite for tin; Woodelift Handicap (a mile and thres furlongs), in which she was weighted at 7st 121b, she beat the opposition in quite hackney fashion. Aurous' victory in the event in question entailed 71b penalty for the Bond Cup. run on the second day, over a mile and a-iialf; but that did not stop her, and she again scored in easy style. Aurous figures in the Newmarket Handicap and Australian Cup. and even with a 101b penalty, which t-he lias incurred respectively for those races, she has still the nice impost of Bst 61b in the first-named event, and 7st 121b in the latter. At last advices Aurous ruled a strong favourite for the Newmarket Handicap at 6 to 1.

Word comes from Wellington that J. Prosser has experienced an anxious time with Mr. J. Monk's crack two-year-old, Achilles. While being exercised 011 the beach recently the colt suddenly lost the use of his limbs, and it was with difficulty that ho was got back to his quarters at Porirua. Veterinary assistance was quickly summoned, and the colt is now stated to be in a fair way towards recovery. However, it is stated to bo all over with the son of Medallion so far as this season's racing is concerned. It will bo a matter for regret should the recent seizure with which Achilles was overcome have a permanent effect, for the colt had demonstrated his ability to gallop, and his three-year-old prospects were viewed in a most promising aspect.

There was r. large attendance at the Durham Yards yesterday, when the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company submitted a nurnboi of racehorses for sale on account of Mr. I). A. McLeod, and fclio following prices were realised: -—Brown filly Jewellery, 3yrs, by St. Lcgor—Neouace, 370 guineas, Mr. 11. Hall; bay gelding Scotty, 3yrs, by St. Legor—Janet, 130 guineas, Mr. I*'. Macmanemin; Brown •'.•olt Sensation, 2yrs, by I-lotchkissOuida, 100 guineas, Mr. C. P. Mark; bay mare Miss Delaval, by Seatop —Campania, stinted to Cyrenian, 145 guineas, Mr. T. Morrin. On account of other owners, the jumper Gunfire (by Hotchkiss- -Pandora) was sold t< Mr. G. Darling, of Coromandel, for 32 guineas, and the hunter Kilcairn to Mr. W. Abbott for 17 guineas.

At a recent meeting of the committee of the Ohinemuri .'Jockey Club tho procedure at the_ totalisator engaged attention. It was decided to adhere to 10s tickets, and to pay one dividend oil all races. 1 learn from Mr. T. Whewell, the secretary, that a new totalisator-house has just beon completed, which, ho tells mo, is in every way up to date. Mr. Whewell states that it is also intended to finish off the railing of tho oourse to tho bad bend at the mile and a-lialf post, and that the rough places have been ploughed and th? whole ground put iu good order.

Mr. Stead's flyer Cruciform was, thought to have the C.J.C. Champion Plate at her mercy, but though the St. Lcger filly had only "to dispose of one opponent in Cannie Chiel, she failed. From the account of the raco telegraphed there would appear to be grounds for the supposition that Cannie 1 Chiel stole a victory from Cruciform by the latter's rider, the much boomed Hewett, being caught napping.

Lady Avon, who has not, I think, started in a mile race since she unsuccessfully contested the Auckland Guineas, is amongst tested the Auckland Guineas in 1900 is amongst the. entrants for the A.R.C. Easter Handicap which event is run over eight furlongs. From the manner in which the little daughter of Soult came home at the end of seven furlongs at Takapuna one might justifiably contend that a mile race would be within her roach.

The Ohinemuri Jockey Club's summer programme has made its appearance, and with prize money to tho extent of i/650 figuring thereon it will be recognised that tho goldfields club is going ahead steadily. The Ohinemuri Cup is endowed with lOOsovs, and the whole programme has been most liberally framed. From the programme, which will bo found published in full in another column, it will bo seen that nominations for all events close to-night at nine o'clock.

The Champion Plate, decided at the C.J.C. meeting on Saturday last, carried totalisator investments to the extent of £10— £7 being on Cruciform and £3 on Cannie Chiel. The dividend was £3—that is, to those who had their money on the machine. The pencillers have long since recognised how a good dividend could be engineered in a two-horse race, and there is now a very narrow limit.

The Auckland-bred horso Seringapatam (late Screw Gun) is again well engaged this season in the Old Country. Tho chestnut son of Hotohkiss figures amongst the entrants for tho Lincolnshire Handicap (one mile), City and Suburban Handicap (one mile and a-quarter), and the Jubilee Stakes (one mile and a-quarter).

The Australian-bred Stoccado, who has proved a thorough failure in England as a racer, is not to be further persevered with in that direction and goes to the stud forthwith. This horse will be best remembered by colonials under the name of Cranberry. As a three-year-old ho won tho A.J.C. Derby, and lie subsequently ran. a slashing race for the Metropolitan Stakes. Ho was then purchased by the late Mr. W. It. Wilson on behalf of an English turfite, for something like 2000 guineas. I don't think he ever succeeded in winning back a singlo penny of tho large sum expended in his purchase.

Writing of Mr. John Porter's speech, Mr. Corlett says: —"The most interesting, and indeed valuable, speech that was made was that by Mr. John Porter. He makes a pleasant, homely, good-humoured speech, altogether free from nervousness, and he neither ' hums' nor ' lix's.' The story of how he had £100 on Matchbox for the St. Leger, and then, becoming nervous about it, had a level hundred on Lad«? La save it, and when neither won ho nearly tumbled off the grandstand, fairly illustrates his manner of betting, as that was the one great plunge of his lifetime. As far as we can see, he did not mention that it was an. animal that ho himself trained that bowled over his £200. And yet there are persons who would run a mile to get a. tip from a trainer, and two miles for one from a jockey.

" It is a pity to see horses turned out of training just as they were coining to maturity because it was more profitable to put them to the stud than to keep them in training," remarked Mr. John' Porter in his speech at the Gimcrack Club's dinner. Mr. Porter said he might mention two horses that had come under his own personal observation— Common and Flying Fox., Both of these would, ho felt sure, have developed into magnificent four years old if they had been kept in training. He thought it did not tend to the improvement of the breed of horses that such young stallions should be used.

Gunfire, the five-year-old son of Hotelikiss and Pandora, seemed to have a promising future in front of him, but as he was allowed to go at auction yesterday for the moderate sum of 32 guineas I suppose it is fair to assume that lie had failed to satisfy John Thorpe on that heading. Gunfire is a fine upstanding horse that has shown an aptitude for jumping, but his failing is stid to be a lack of pace. Maybe that will come to him later. Tho man who took Gunfire at 32 guineas cannot go far wrong, for he is worth that sum if only to be used as a hack.

The fact that the King's horses have been • entered this season in His Majesty's own name would appear to dispose of any lingering doubt on the subject of the reappearance of the Royal purple on the turf. Among other races to receive Royal patronage is the Coronation Cup at Epsom. It is only natural that something of His Majesty's should figure in a race of that name, but unless Pole Carew has enormously improved, the chances of a Royal victory at Epsom are remote. Ambush 11., who carried the Royal colours to victory in the Liverpool Grand National Steeplechase two years back, is again entered for the great A hit re 3 event. Nothing has been seen of Ambush 11. in public since then, but from all accounts lie lias matured into a magnificent 'chaser.

The American-bred colt Nasturtium, for whom Mr. W. C. Whitney paid £10,000, last year with a view to endeavouring to will the English Derby with him, has arrived safely at- Newmarket. Nasturtium is voted one of the finest-looking colts that has ever gone over from the United States, and should he go on all right in his training it is held that there aro more unlikely things than his starting favourite for the blue riband.

The custom of giving curious and expressive names to racehorses was as prevalent 100 years ago as at present. A book lately issued, entitled "Fashions Now and Then," contains the following notice —At Machynlleth races in 1791 the £50 prize was won by Dr. Evans' horse I'm Quick, beating Mr. Lloyd's chestnut mare Stop Till I Come and Mr. Vincent's horse I'm Done For. This queer selection of names reminds one of the late Lord George Bentinek's notion of one of his stud, I'll Stop Awhile, Says Slow."

D. Mahor, the American jockey, 'who created a most favourable impression in England last year by his able riding and his general behaviour, tolls his friends in America that he earned last season about 38,000 dollars, and that ho anticipates making next year quite 50,000 dollars. Tho King will have the first claim on Mailer's services this year.

Evening Wonder's mishap in tho First Hurdle Race at Taranaki left him a little sore and it was deemed inadvisable to start him on tho second day. Tho Wonderland gelding was brought back to Auckland on Saturday last, and he now occupies a box at J. Rao's establishment at Green Lane, a patron of that stable having bought the horse.

Tho export of colonial racehorses to England has been limited during the current season and as a number of the performers that kept the name of Australia prominently before the British public during the last five years have drifted into tho "sere and yellow," and have taken then places at the stud, the Australian racehorses now on active duty in the Old Country are comparatively few.

It is estimated (says the Australasian) that the postal revenue of the Commonwealth will lose £60,000 a. year through the abolition of tho Tattn-sall sweep letters. Tasmania, it is calculated, will lose £15,000. The losses in the other States will be three times as heavy as that of Tasmania. These will arise out. of the poundage and commissions on postal notes and money orders and the registration fees of letters.

Tho smallriess of the late Mr. Pierre Lorillard's wealth — something under 2,000,000 dollars—as revealed by his will, has greatly astonished his fellow countrymen, who had thought him enormously rich. It seems, however, that for some years past lie has not tried to accumulate money, being in the habit of saying that he had plenty to last him his time, without any fear of the poorhouse.

In " Memoirs of the late Lord Chief Justice of England, Lord Russell," there are recorded many interesting incidents of altercations he had with sundry people. Here is one: "Once in a railway carriage a bookmaker, travelling from Newmarket to London, took down his travelling-bag and produced a pair of slippers. ' What arc you going to do?' asked Russell. 'I .sin going to take off my boots, and put on my slippers,' said the bookmaker. ' It's a most offensive proceeding,' said Russell. 'If you take your, Iwots off I shall throw them out of the window.' The bookmaker did take his boots off, and Russell promptly threw them out of tho window, but there was no fight. Russell was a big, poworful man, and an expert boxer."

The Waihi Racing Club's meeting takes place to-day. Old Paria won a double on the fat atGisborne yesterday.

The Y.A.T.C. will bring their meeting to a conclusion to-day. The Rotorua Jockey Club hold their annual race meeting on Wednesday next. The Taranaki Jockey Club made a profit of £900 over their recent meeting. The Newmarket Handicap is set down for decision on Saturday next at Flemington. Lasting drooped dead while contesting the Normanby Stakes at the Egmont meeting. According to the Stud Book San Francisco ranks as the 13th foal thrown by Isobel. _ . Balbirnie went amiss while racing at To Aroha, and it will bo necessary to treat her to a rest. Nominations for all events to be run at the Coromandel Racing Club's meeting close on Friday next. Cruciform met with a surprise defeat in the Champion Plato run at Riccarton on Saturday last. The South Auckland Racing Club have received capital nominations for their annual race meeting.

Bavaria, who was picked up cheaply a little while back for £10, won her purchase money back at Te Aroha.

The game little Miss Delaval is now included amongst Mr. T. Morrill's mares at Wellington Park.

D. Morrighan, who took Seahorse to England, returned to New Zealand in charge of the stallion Sail Francisco.

Mr. Leslie Macdonald looks like furnishing the winner of the Newmarket Handicap for the second year in succession.

Tortulla started favourite for the Egmont Cup, £412 out of a total of £942 being opposite her name on the machine.

Of a sum of £1221 invested on the totalisator in connection with the Taranaki Cup £414 was opposite The Shannon's name.

Cavalry fell while contesting the Te Aroha Jockey Club Handicap, but his rider, Mark Ryan, fortunately escaped without serious injury.

After a long spell of ill-luck Materoa managed to give her owner a winning turn yesterday by landing a double at tho Poverty Bay meeting.

Tho ponies, My Lord and Talisman, have been purchased by a South Sea Island sportsman, and the pair will be shipped thence at an early date.

The Cuirassier gelding Halberdier treated his owner, Mr. B. T. Bennett, to another fair win by annexing tho Plying Handicap at the Egmont meeting.

Waiwera is apparently quite boss of the position amongst the hurdlers on tho West Coast. Under 12st 91b he won the First Hurdle Race at the Egmont meeting in a canter.

Record Reign's half-sister, Winsome, has been transferred .to J. Rae's stable? It will be interesting [:«'note if a change of quarters •brings with it" a; change of form with the brown daughter of Cuirassier and Winnie.

The name of the defunct Nordenfeldt will apparently soon have disappeared altogether from the winning sires' list. The small sum of £285 is all that, his few descendants earned in the first six months of tho present season.

The three-year-old Man-o'-War, who figures in the Newmarket Handicap, with Bst 61b, is stated to have been genuinely racked for tho Elemington race by his connections. Man-o'-War is being trained by T. Payten.

Neither San Francisco nor Birkenhead, tho two stallions recently imported to New Zealand, annexed much prize money when carrying silk on the racecourse. San Francisco's total was £234 10s, and Birkenhead's £830.

San Francisco was quickly in the vet.'s hands after landing. A few minutes after getting to Mr. C. D. Halstead's establishment on Sunday night Mr. E. I). Halstead removed a tooth that was giving trouble to the son of St. Simon.

Mr. E. J. Watt furnished the winner of the Egmont Sires' Hack Produce Stakes with Trade wind, a son of Sou'-wester and Liniment. Trade is a full brother to Lotion, who ran very consistently a few seasons back in the colours of Mr. T. Connop.

Beddington was leg weary after his exertion in the Auckland Cup on Boxing Day, and a short rest for the son of Seaton Delaval was deemed necessary. The bay gelding is now a regular attendant on the training ground, and is shaping nicely in his work. ,

The Flintlock gelding, Lieutenant, made his reappearance at the Te Aroha meeting, and though ho failed to gain a situation in the First Hurdle Race he came home in the van at the second attempt. Lieutenant figures as a candidate for cross-country honours at the South Auckland meeting.

Wakeful, who has incurred penalties to the amount of 151b in the Caulficld Futurity Stakes, which brings her weight up to 9st 151b,'is expected to contest that race today. If the Trenton mare succeeds in her task she will be in a position to demand attention for the Newmarket Handicap.

The descendants of Clanranaid had quite an afternoon's outing at Riccarton on Saturday, no less than four of his . gets scoring. Cannie Chiel won the Champion Plate, Scottish Minstrel annexed the Linwoocl Welter Handicap, Windwhistle was first home in the Flying Handicap, and Battleery scored in the Selling Race. The fact of Carbine's greatest representative, La Carabine, having been off the scene tip to the present this season, has caused the Musket horse to occupy a place low down on tho list of Australian winning sires for the first half of the present season £664- being the total amount for which his representatives are responsible for annexing.