SPORING

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 11950, 26 April 1902, Page 6

SPORING

' RACING FIXTURES. April 30, May 1-Manawatu Racing Club. May 3, 7-A<ickland Trotting Club. May 7 a-Egmont B.C. Winter .■_ Mar 15. li-Xflhbnrton County Racing Club. May 21-I M-Bnnedln Jockey Club May May 33, J.O. Winter. May 24, 23-Takapuna Jockey Club. June 3. 4, 7-Ancklaad Bacing Clnb. DATES OF COMING EVENTS. NEW ZEALAND. Anril 25—New Zealand St. Leger Stakes. Jane 3-Great Northern steeplechase juno 4—A.B.C. Grand National Hurdle Race. ENGLAND. May I—Two Thousand Guineas. May 3—One Thousand Guineas. June s—The Derby. June 7—The Oaks. _____ ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. A.. Newton Road.—Carbine won five races to New Zealand as a two-year-old. -He rap at Riocarton (Canterbury), and Forbury (Dun"tfT>BAuNS. Mount Eden. Letters addressed to George Adams will not be delivered by the Federal Postal Department, Sweeps are still being promoted in Tasmania, but at present the procedure to be adopted by those outside that State to invest money has not been made SANDSTONE.— Ingomar. imported to New Zealand by Mr. P. Campbell, of Canterbury. who leased, and subsequently sold, him to the New Zealand Stud Company. There can be no question as to the best horse sired by 'Ingomar, viz., Hova. ?"■■■■.- . ' - . ! M.'L. Hamilton.— Nelson was taken to New South Wales in the same season as he won the Auckland. Wellington, and Duneclin Cups. 2. It was in the following season that Trident defeated him in the Australian Cup.

NOTES BY PHAETON. Favoured with beautiful weather tho Avondale Jockey Club were enabled to reinaugurate racing at the western suburb under the most pleasurable conditions, and it must be said that tho race-loving public extended their patronage to the mooting in a manner befitting the occasion. The attendance was a record one, and, confronted .with quito new surroundings, to that which formerly ruled it was not hard to disoern that those present were taken aback at the pronounced hit out made by tho A.J.C. in the direction of bringing their course and appointments up to date. If the recent improvements do not tend to further increase the popularity of the A.J.C.'s meetings I shidl have to acknowledge myself greatly mistaken, for no charge can bo made that it is A special class that have been unduly catered for. The additional land purchased by the club gives tho "outside public." a wide expanse of ground to roam over; and there is an absence cf a congested area at any point.

The committee of ■ the Avondale Jockey Club have displayed such spirit in framing their race programmes during the past couple of seasons, that it seems quite unnecessary to plead the cause of horseownors with them. Now that matters appear to be so well in train for the A.J.C. to enjoy a wide popularity, 1 I hope a long time will not elapse ere it is found that every race on the programme (with, of course, the exception of those set apart for tho ponies) is of the value of lOOsovs. The Avondalo Jockey Club can boast the possession of one of the safest and beat racecourses in the colony; and it the committoe fail to make it popular with horseowners, they will* not be tho men I take them for.

Had Porirua achieved his victory over Cruciform on Thursday last in the North Island Challenge Stakes without a suspicion that there was an clement of luck in the same he would unquestionably have been awarded without demur the leading position amongst the juveniles that have carried silk in New Zealand during the present season. Tho legrettable interference that Cruciform met with, however, deprives the winning feat of the son of Scaton Delaval of some of the glamour that would otherwise attach to it, and we may apparently expect to find the contention made that it was a lucky win. However, conceding the point that Cruciform was so badly interfered with as to bring about a different result than would have been the case had Mr. Stead's filly got a clear run, a really good word can even then be sounded for Porirua. He was out all the time in front, and that he can command a brilliant dash of pace the time dm. 30 l-55.) in which he traversed the seven furlongs amply testifies, for the course was apparently, in anything but a /favourable state to bring about a *ast record. When Porirua was with us l:«at month at Ellerslie I formed the conclusion that Mr. Douglas Gordon possessed a colt that would continue to go on the right way, and I think I am pretty safe in expounding the view that the son of Seaton Delaval has not played his best card at two years old. Porirua" has some rare blood in his veins, his dam Waitemata being got by Kiridspord {son of Isonomy) from Aorere, who in turn is a daughter of Gold.ibronjrh and Montana, the latter being by New Warrior from Mermaid, by Fisherman. Porirua is in every way entitled to have his name enrolled amonfjK likely ones to score well at throe ' years old.

From tho very outset of his career at Sylvia Park it might bo said that Beaton Delaval proved his ability to sire high-class stock. Every succeeding season has seen the descendants of the Melton horse win fur-

ther fame, until now the number of successes which have fallen to them are of such a character as to promise well for his being this season the champion sire of New Zealand. Seaton Delaval's youngsters have in-

variably accomplished something of a noteworthy character, but they have acquitted themselves especially well this season, s«-ven of his youngsters having captured 21 "aces, and &a these victories include the A.R.C. : "Welcome Stakes, Great Northern Foal Stakes. Northern Champagne Stakes, Hastings Stakes, and North Island Challenge Stakes it will be recognised that they have ■won the great bulk of the prize money allotted to the youthful division. The purchase of Seaton Delaval by the Messrs. Nathan was, indeed, a lucky (leal fcr the owners .of Sylvia Park, for they secured him for less than 600 guineas.

Nominations tell duo last night tho three principal jumping races of the North New Zealand Grand National Meeting, and from the lis* appearing in another column it will bo seen that the respective lists are quite satisfactory. The Great Northern Steeplechase has drawn an entry of 28, while 44 are engaged in the Grand National Hurdle Race and 30 in the Winter Steeplechase. Included in the Grand National Hurdle Race entry is a large number of new aspirants for jumping honours, chief of which may bo mentioned Highlander, Reclaimer, Taplow, Strathnairn, and Sundial. The weights for the Great Northern Steeplechase and Grand National Hurdle Race are due to appear on the (Hh prox.

The owners of the two-year-old Mu.-k.rdalo still have bail luck with thu son of Musketry. The colt was Bent out to contest the Juvenile Handicap at Avondalo, but once again be displayed bad manners at the post, and when the barrier went up lie got left. Mtwkerdale was on the scene on the second # day to contest the Nursery Handicap, and though be again proved unruly at the post, bis rider succeeded in getting him off well when the barrier flow up. Ho flattered the hope.? cf his admirers for about a couple of furlongs, but he evidently did not relish the strong pace, and went out of the contest in a manner that savoured of currishncss. Muskcrdale is furnishing into a really nice colt, and, maybe, by the time '.next season rolls round he will be a different horse to what he was at two years old.

Mr. J. G. Ralph having decided on closing his affairs in Auckland preparatory to under, taking a voyage to South Africa with a view to permanent residence there, it was assumed that the sale of his horses would be an unreserved one, and when Mr. Henry Nolan ascended the rostrum on Thursday afternoon at Sylvia Park he had a good audience. Mr. Ralph gave the auctioneer instructions to sell, and every lot offered was legitimately quitted. As was quite anticipated, the greatest competition was for the filly by Soult from First Love, who claims full sistorship to Lady Avon, and she realised 225 guineas. First Love (by Nordonfoldt—Fishgirl). in foal to the St. Simon horse Phoebus Apollo, was bought cheaply at 105 guineas.

, The jumper Ruins was purchased by Mr. 3, Beckett on Monday last for £150. Though that represents more than double the sum which the son of Muskapeer realised when submitted to auction in February last, 1 think the popular penciller has every reason to be in a happy frame of mind over his outlay in the purchase of the sturdy little chestnut. Ruins is » very quick jumper, ami though now and again he is inclined to . ' chance it" in charging a fence, the fact that he has shown ability to negotiate country, ~;. and also take on hurdle-racing with success, makes him look good value at £150. when : Rufus changed hands he had an engagement . ;in the Avondalo Steeplechase with lOst 101b ■■■~. opposite his name, but Mr. Beckett did not pay tip with him. /

The losing finish ridden by McGregor on Rufus in the Hurdle Race at Avondale on Saturday last has a right to be regarded as one of the most artistic efforts of its class that has been witnessed in Auckland. McGregor evidently recognised that ho was in a difficult position, and to have succeeded so well as he did in his task shows that he can give an excellent illustration of how not to do it. I would, however, just remind the horseman in question that there is such a thing as taking the pitcher to the well once too often.

A few weeks hack an English cablegram stated that a sensation had been caused by the Jockey Club having refused licenses to F. Ricl-aby and Otto Madden, two of the foremost ridors in tho Old Country. London papers to hand make pointed reference to the matter, and from

the remarks made it can bo well believed that the Jockey Club's action created a big sensation. The Daily Mail, in' .referring, to the matter, says:—Much scandalous gossip is brought to a head by a punitive announcement contained in yesterday's edition of the Racing Calender, the official organ of the autocratic body responsible for tho turf's good government. Tho notice reads: —

The steward.* of the Jockey Club, when con. sidering applications for licenses to ride during the coming season, made inquiry into several cases in which jockeys were stated to have associated with persons of bad character on the turf and to have been guilty of offences under the Rules of Racing. At the close of the inquiry the stewards refused F. Riclcaby a license, and warned him off Newmarket Heath. O. Madden was refused a license to ride, and some others were severely cantioned for association with persons of bad character.

The two jockeys, who, on tho eve of what promises to be a more than usually eventful season, thus find themselves "rusticated," are—or rather capable and successful members of their profession. Curiously enough, in the light of those exposures, one of Rickaby's chief employers was that most zealous and energetic reformer of turf abuses 'Lord Durham. He was likewiso first jockey to Mr. George Lambton's aristocratic stable, whose patrons among other patricians include the Earl of Derby, bis son, Lord Stanley ,and Captain Hedworth Lambton. It was on the Earl's filly that ho defeated His Majesty's Thais in the Oaks two days after Persimmon's over-memorable Derby. Otto Madden has had an extraordinarily successful career. In eight years, finishing up last November, ho rode the enormous number of 750 winners, and twice—in 1898 and again last season—he secured tho distinction of heading tho list of winning jockeys. Of Hungarian extraction, and coming of a racing stock, ho served his novitiate with the King's trainer, R. Marsh, for whoso stable he achieved many notable successes, tho greatest and most ,sensational of them being when he won the Derby on Mr. Lamach's Jeddah nt tho forlorn odds of 100 to 1. Hi* handicap "scalps" include two Lincoln Handicaps for a gambling stable composed mainly of army officers, the Cesarewiteh, the Chester Cup, two Stewards' Cups, and the City and Suburban. Ho is believed to have amassed a large fortune. It is not explicitly stated for what crimes against racing laws and morals tho culprits have been punished.

Supplementing then punitive notice, the stewards issued warnings to persons against practising a growing form of corruption, in tho following terms: —

Information which has recently been laid before the stewards of the Jockey Club leads them to conclude that the warnings under P.nle 176, dealing with improper methods of obtaining intelligence, have recently been disregarded in several quarters. They wish it to be clearly nncierstood that, in the event of any offence under thin rule being; proved, the punishment therein provided will be invariably enforced.

This (says the Daily Mail) there can be little doubt is directed chiefly against the more unscrupulous among the professional backers, whoso constant endeavour it is to obtain secret information with regard to a horse's chance which can only be got by means of bribery and corruption.

. Sir Foote. the hero of the Australian autumn campaign, is described as a robust, masculine horse, with plenty of courage and stamina, and just the kind to make a success as a site. A New South Wales writer says: —The fire" that distinguishes most of the Galopin strain is absent in Sir Foote, the stout staying blond on his dam's side having evidently counterbalanced it. Fortune often bestows his favours where they are least needed. What a " fluke" it was, for instance, that Sir Foote was bought in England, and the buyer "just happened" to be a man who is part-owner of coal mines, ships, and everything else you could mention worth having ir this world! Mr. " Baron" might have given ten thousand for a duffer and never felt the loss. Instead of this, however, ho gave something over four hundred for a Sir Foote. And the purchase was made simply because the brother to this horse, which he intended buying, was secured by somebody else. It was one of the luckiest "casts" on record, even in connection with the turf, where it is mostly chance work. Fancy giving less than five hundred for a " stud horse" who. before quitting the course, wins three races like the Futurity, the Newmarket, and the Doncastor right off the reel!

Marsh, the English trainer, has 66 horses under his care, including 16 for His Majesty the King. His Majesty's horses comprise 11 two-year-old'*, fo'ir three-year-olds, and one four-year-old. The four-year-old is 1,0 Quex, by Sir Hugo. Of the three-year-olds Pole Oarow and Ecilu. are by Persimmon, while Thonia is by Amphion, and Nadejda by St. Simon. Seven of the two-year-olds are by Persimmon, the rest being respectively by Juggler. St. Angela, Sir Hugo, and Orme. The King?clnre trainer, John Porter, has 72 horses in training. Last season Porter's horses won £26,062 and Marsh's charges £14,262.

Manifesto, who van third in the last Liverpool Grand National Steeplechase with 12st 81b, is 14 years old, and is certainly entitled to a place amongst the greatest crosscountry horses that have figured on the English turf. In 1894 Manifesto made a start by winning the Lancashire Steeplechase of £2170. His Grand National performances are: Fourth in 1895. nowhere in 1896. won in 1897, did not rim in 1893, won in 1899. ran third .in 1900, did not run in 1901, and was third in 1902.

An interesting letter from Eddie Hughes, the American trainer of the W. K. Vander hilt stable in France, to an English friend, deals with his experience on tho French turf, noting, among -other things, the fact that the French work their horses at almost any time, instead of starting their first sot out at daybreak. All horses in a French stable arc trained alike. Two-year-olds are asked to go as far us the older horses, and all ages are galloped until they are out to tho last ounce.

Owing to the unsettled state of affairs in South Africa the New , Zealand-bred horse Uniform and the eight thoroughbred mares that were forwarded from England with the son of Hotchkiss to Mr. Roman's Stud Farm in Natal have not yet gone north, and are located a few miles outside Capetown, Referring to their location the "Special Commissioner" of the London Sportsman, who was recently in South Africa, says:—"lt is really an awful place on which to keep bloodstock, hardly a blade of eatable vegetation, and anv amount of ticks of large capacity to draw blood as fast as the mares can make it. Uniform was looking very well, and is sure to make his mnr|c es a stallion."

Mr. C. L. Macdonald's management of his select stud is sufficient to prove conclusively that it is not necessary to be " born in the stable" to thoroughly understand racehorses (remarks " Javelin," of the Melbourne Leader). There used to bo an idea that stable experience from boyhood put the hall-, mark of superior knowledge over his contemporaries on a. manager of thoroughbreds, but the owner of Kinglike, Revenue, Wakeful, and Aurous has completely exploded it. What he doesn't know, if it were lost on the training ground, wouldn't be worth nicking up. Two racing men were discussing Mr. McDonald's turf successes recently when one said : " Wasn't lie in a bank once?" "Once!" exclaimed the other, "I should think there's been very few settling days the last two seasons that he hasn't been in onepaying in 1"

At the sale of the St. Albans team in the spring of 1900 Mr. Leslie MacdoKftld expended 2865 guineas in the purchase of the following five horses: Regained (280 guineas) lunglike (900 guineas). Wakeful (310 guineas). Revenue (725 guineas). Aurous (350 guineas). This select crowd have won in stakes £17,587, the respective earnings being: Wakeful £10.017. Revenue £*867, Aureus £1830. Kinglike £803. Regained £307. In the course of an article on horsebreeding the Sydney Mail says:—" At nresent the country is overrun with weedy, unsound, useless brutes, whose presence is a menace to the future of horse stock in Australia, and a stiff stallion tax would speedily got rid of them." The imposition of the'stallion tax has been strongly opposed for many years in Australia, and it will be interesting to note if the recent agitation will tend to break down the hostility displayed in times past towards the measure.

The racehorses Highlander and Vulpine were offered for sale at the Now Zealand f-oan and Mercantile Agency Company's cards yesterday, but as the bidding failed to reach the owners' reserves both "lota were passed in.

> BREVITIES. F. Stcnning keeps Hohoro in great buckle. The Pakuranga Hunt Club hold their opening meet of tho season to-day. J. Scobie is stated to bo sanguine of Maltster again being seen at his best. The Gossoon colt Spalpeen had another defeat registered against him on Saturday last. W. Dramley, of Rumai, won the third sweep prize of £225 in City Tattersall's Handicap. » Mechanic carried his Bst 121b to victory in good style in the Hack Handicap at Avondale on Wednesday. Two large backers at the Australian Jockey Club's recent autumn meeting claim to have, lost £8000 between them. Old Voltigeur 11. was* seen out under silk in the Hurdle Race at Avondale, but he did not contest the Steeplechase.

Tho Hclensvillo Racing Club hold their meeting to-day. A special train leaves Auckland at ten minutes to ton a.m. Vampire, dam of Flying Fox, has thrown a filly to Bend Or. who takes rank as a full sister to tho triple Crown hero. Exmoor,,who won the Maiden Hack Race at the Wellington meeting of Thursday last, is a son of the highly-bred Grafton. Mr. Wills has purchased the three-year-old colt Grasspan (by Grafton— and intends to send him to South Africa. Insomnia, the dam of Wakeful, had but a brief career at the stud, as she succumbed in giving birth to her second foal. There was a big percentage of veterans amongst the crowd that contested the Avondale Steeplechase on Wednesday last. Sydney Tattersall's Club have a mortgage of £19,500 on their premises. Though that is a largo sum, it was much larger some few years back. The stallion, Lord Randolph (by Yardloy— Lady Randolph), was purchased recently in New South Wales on behalf of the Indian Government. Wargrave, a four-year-old son of Carbine, has distinguished himself as a hurdler in the Old Country, and is booked to put up a good record. Drudge, who won tho Hack Handicap at Avondale, is a three-year-old daughter of Nelson and The Maid, and thus claims halfsistership to The Workman. The new owner of Jewellery has not so far received any return for the outlay which he made in tho purchase of the little daughter of St. Leger in February last. Royal Artillery has been withdrawn from the New Zealand St. Leger Stakes, and we may now, I suppose, assume that his three-year-old career as a racer has closed. Thomondgate, a five-year-old son of Walmsgate, who won the Now Century Steeplechase of 777sovs at Hurst Park last month, is looked upon as a regular smasher. Pounamu, the sire of Geologist, was bought as a yearling by Mr. Spencer Gollan for 1000 guineas; but I don't think he ever won a race in the crstwhilo .Napier sportsman's colours.

Reclaimer ran a very different horse in tho Waitakerei Handicap at Avondalo (and that too after having a race out of him) than ho did in tho Railway Handicap at the same place. San Fran, who has not been seen in public since he ran in the Melbourne Cup last November, is in work at Randwick, but doubts are expressed to his standing another severe preparation. Mr. Leslie Macdonald, the owner of Wakeful, is credited with making the offer of 2000 guineas for the three-year-old Sir Leonard, refused some little time back for the son of Impetus.

The totali3ator investments at the four meetings promoted by the Canterbury Jockey Club during the present season amounted to £133,668, a decrease of £6577 compared with last year. After a somewhat protracted absence from the scene Bellman made a re-entry in public at Avondalo on Saturday last, when he contested tho Hurdle Race. Ho figured amongst the also ran division. H. Franks informs me that he has decided to retire from the rank of trainer. Franks has had an offer for his properly at Green Lane, and he will probably sell, with a view to taking a hotel in tho Auckland district. The yearling colt, lr- St. Legev from Cissy, who was injured in the fire at. G. Wright's place last month, is making a good recovery. The burns that he received, however, will, it is feared, leave ms coat in a badly disfigured sitate.

Stewards in Victoria stand no nonsense. At a recent meeting two jockeys loitered on the way in taking their horses to the post, and the field was dispatched without them. Tho riders were each fined tho maximum sum of £10.

Mr. .T. G. Ralph has instructed tho New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company to offer, by auction, his racing stock and brood marcs. The sale is fixed to take place to-day (Thursday), at three p.m., at Sylvia Park.

It would be interesting to know- what led to the pony Mara being; made favourite for tho .Maiden Handicap at Avondalo en Saturday last. It was a poor crowd certainly, but still on form there was nothing to warrant Mara being made favourite.

A London . writer hears that the Royal colours are not likely to figure often in handicaps. The King's' horses will go for w<*ight-for-age stakes, and any animal which is not good enough for this class of race will he got rid of. A field of .15 horses for a-maiden hurdle race at this time must be voted promising; but it must be said that outside Mars there were few of much promise, amongst the crowd that contested the Avondale Maiden Hurdle-; on Wednesday.

When the Haut Brion— colt was sent into the sale ring at the recent sales in New .South Wales a reserve of ICOO guineas was put on him. He was passed in. and subsequently an agent, acting for Mr. W. Bailey bought him privately for 650 guineas. Fokomoko does not seem to improve Ho contested the Hurdle Race at Avondale on Saturday last, but finished distressed outside of a placo. The son of Foulshot had both his forelegs encased in bandages, and there is evidently sonic trouble there. Milner, who is looked upon as a promising candidate for Derby honours, is by Grafton out of Loch Lava, the latter being got by Lochiel. By-the-way writing of Derby candidates, is it not a little remarkable that Lochie! has failed to sire a classic, winner? Takapuna's ill-luck still sticks to him. The big son of St. Hippo was seen out oh two occasions at the recent Avondale meeting, but ho was outside a place each time. He ran a fair race in tho Waitakerei Handicap, however, and was close up to tho placed division. Geordie, who acted as runner-up to Northumberland in the Nursery Handicap at Avondale on Wednesday, is clearly in a different class to the winner, Northumberland, at this stage; but when next season rolls round there may be a, different tale to unfold, f

The Auckland-bred Record Reign has made his debut on the Indian turf. At the Luoknow Spring Meeting on March 3 the son of Castor, under 9st 91b, ran second to Roscommon (6st 121b) for the Lawn Stakes, but was disqualified through his jockey not weighing in.

Papatu. a five-year-old gelding by Crackshot, hailing from (lisborne, was a contestant in the Hurdle Race at Avondale on Saturday last. Tho second hurdlo settled Papain's chance, as he fell. Papatu is a fine upstanding horse, and I have little doubt of his seeing a very much better

day. The effects of the long-continued drought were (bays the Sydney Mail) apparent at the autumn sales of bloodstock at Randwick, inasmuch as numbers of ardent sportsmen bad not the heart to invest in thoroughbred yearlings while their broad acres were yet bare of pasture and their stock suffering from want of feed and water.

Whatever Val Rosa may bo over sprint courses, it is quito evident that ho is an overrated horse at a mile and upwards. The son of Seatou Dolaval, it is true, has invariably been well taken care of by handicappers, and in the face of that, and the fact that he does not seem partial to a moderate course, it is surprising that the offer of £600 made for him some little time back was not closed with.

What a game horse Bcddington is the Seaton Delaval gelding once again gave a pointed demonstration in his running of the Avondale Handicap. He was being bard ridden under the whip seven furlongs from the winning post, and as they turned into the straight it looked pretty well a certainty that he would figure amongst the also ran. Struggling on, however, he came again, and finished in second place. I understand that a couple of backers bad Reclaimer running for them in the Railway Handicap at Avondalo on Saturday, they having backed the Recluse gelding in conjunction with Highlander. Reclaimer was running well up threw furlongs from home, but shortly after be began to weary of the combat, arid from the head of the straight his defeat was quite certain. There would appear to bo very little hope of Hobs, the highly-bred son of HotohkißS and Ouida, over shining to advantage as a racehorse. Bobs was sent out to combat the Hack Handicap at Avoudale on * Saturday last, but though, he was with the leaders lor a furlong and a-half be soon tired of his battle, and eventually finished last in a field of four.

The amenities of the English turf have attracted to our shores many wealthy foreigners who have spent princely incomes, but we have also received our full share of undesirable aliens who ply a hundred contemptible trades under the guise of "sporting men."— and Water.

TWO GREAT MARES. [BT PHAETON.]

It is a very general opinion in Australia that La Carabine and Wakeful are two of the greatest mares that ever figured on tho colonial turf, and the fact that both the famous equines are granddaughters of Musket, and that their respective sires were bred in Auckland, invests their careers with especial interest to the student of racing in Now Zealand. Tho treatment a two-year-old should receive is viewed in different lights by those racing the thoroughbred, some holding that early racing does no great amount of harm, while others— a very large and thoughtful contingent they arestoutly contend that if two-year-old racing is allowed at all it should not bo. till tho autumn. In the case of La Carabine and Wakeful it must bo said that there is strong proof that it pays to allow a youngster to mature before exacting a question in public from the animal. LA CARABINE. Well, now to take up tho ease of La Carabine for first consideration, I find that she was raced in October of her two-year-old career. Six unplaced performances went down against her name, and it was in her seventh race that she claimed the attention of the judge in first place. Though seven races may be termed a moderate demand from a two-year-old, it would seem that the early racing told against La Carabine, for as a three-year-old she displayed no pace, and she was outside of a situation in each of the races which she contested at that age. At four years old the daughter of Carbine was still of little account, and her five performances at that period of her career were a brace of seconds and threu times unplaced. La Carabine's form was of so disappointing a character that Mr. Herbert Power, who hold her under lease from tho late Mr.' Matthew O'Shannessy, handed her back to her owner, and.the latter sent her to auction, with the result that she was secured by tho lato Mr. W. It. Wilson at 210 guineas. What a bargain the owner of St. Albans secured in La Carabine was very amply demonstrated in her five-year-old career, as she won. the first race (the Stand Handicap) in which/she carried his colours, and tho five victories which went down to her credit at the latter age included wins in the Australian Cup and Sydney Cup. . The death of Mr. Wilson found La Carabine in the sale-ring in the spring of her six-year-old career, and tho bidding for her possession was of so spirited a character that Sir Rupert Clarke had to bid 1200 guineas beforo he secured the chestnut mare. It proved a lucky deal for the Victorian baronet, for she won him no less than eight races during the season, which included the V.R.C. Champion Stakes. The severe campaign which La Carabine had gone through necessitated a rest until the autumn of tho present season, and when regarded as something like a forlorn hope for the Champion Stokes sho showed that grit which has ever been a striking factor in the Musket tribe by annexing the great three-mile race a. second year. It must be admitted that La Carabine was well tested, and tho victories that sho won at wcight-for-age would alone establish her right to a position amongst the most noteworthy mares that have carried silk on the Australasian turf. I have drawn up a table of La Carabine's performances, and the statement comes out as follows:

Un- Stakes Ist. 2nd. 3rd. placed, won. At 2yra ... 10 0 6 £220 At 3jra ... 0 0 0 5 _ At 4yrs ... 0 2 0 3 30 At syra ... (ill 5 3407 At 6yrs ... 3 2 0 4 2679 At ?yra ... 1 0 1 2 749 15 5 2 25 £7035 When one glances over the strains of Wood that figure in La Carabine's pedigree, it must Ix 3 said that it would have occasioned surprise had she proved anything else but a great stayer. There are many interesting features in La Carabine's pedigree, and in the fourth remove the inbreeding to West Australian and Stoclcwell is a remarkable feature. For instance, Musket was out of a daughter of West Australian, while Solon, sire of Barcaldine, the sire of Orotava, was by the same horse. As to the Stoekwcll strain, on the sire's side La Carabine pets a dash through Knowsley, who sired Carbino's dam, Mersey; while turning to the dam's side we find that Tullia, dam of Orotava, is out of Chevisaunoe, a daughter of Stockwell; and to penctrato into the fifth remove it will lie seen that another strain of Stockwoll is obtained through Belladruin, the sire of Barcaldine's dam. Ballyroo. La Carabine's pedigree is one worthy to be pondered over, and I therefore present it to my readers: — .1 „ , Toxopliilite. by Lon7:bow - " a Musket Dan. of West Australian j5 . C I n rj ~ Knowsley. by Stockwoll •g *»' Mersey Clemen by Newminster rt — ' ~ rt 0 " ; TVirrilrline Solon, by West Austr'n g lUrcaictme . )]lyrce> hy Beadrum p ——■ —-—■ . 0 Tulliq Petrarch, by Lord Clifden iuma, Chevisaunce. by Stockwell WAKEFUL. Unlike La Carabine, Wakeful was not raced until four years old. I havo never Keen a pronounced reason advanced why Wakeful was left alone for such a lengthened period, and it may be that she was allowed to rest tinder a misapprehension. Anyway, it must be said that, whether by accident or design, a waiting policy has brought forth a very rich golden return, and the pity is that her breeder, the late Mr, W. R. Wilson, had been ushered to the Great Beyond ere tho Trenton mare burst forth in her brilliancy. Sent up to auction in the spring of 1900, by order of the executors of Mr. Wilson's estate, Wakeful (who hud not, I may remark, up to,; that time seen a, public racecourse) was secured by Mr. Leslie Macdonald at the moderate outlay of 310 guineas. Here was another bargain of the sale-ring! Wakeful filled the role of runner-up in her firat race (the Doona Trial Handicap), and ; then followed a trio of valuable victories in the Oaklcigh Plate, Newmarket Handicap, and Doncaster Handicap. That Wakeful had wonderfully improved between her four and five-year-old career she gave pointed proof when she came out in October bust and took rank as a winner at weightin the Caulfield Stakes. In tho Caulfield Cup, under 9?t, she ran a great race, Hymcttiis, to whom she was conceding ago and weight, only defeating her half a head, and what a great pace was set in that evermemorable struggle is proved by tho fact that the mile and a-half was cut out in 2m, 3545. It was considered that a mile and ahalf was Wakeful's best distance, but in the running of tho Sydney Cup the daughter of Trenton showed herself up in the light of a magnificent stayer and weight-carrier, winning, as she did, the Randwick race under the steadier of 9st 71b, and cutting down the two-mile record to 3m. 28s. The run of brilliant successes which have gone down to the credit of Wakeful, and which range from six furlongs to three miles, is a most interesting document, and tho full statement of her performances como out as follows: — At 4yr 9 3S l' *?' 3r . d - P'*"* l - w™ At 4yrs ... 3 1 1 1 exKA At syra ... 9 4 1 \ ffcgf 12 5 2 2" £KU)I7 It may not bo generally known that WakeMil takes rank as a first foal, but such is the ease. That being so, the absurd prejudice so widely held years ago that first foals were as a rule worthless receives another pronounced contradiction. As with La Carabine .Wakeful's pedigree is brimful of staying blood, but, compared with La Carabine's lines, it assumes an out-bred character It cannot, however, lie disputed that the Sydney Cup; winner comes from a wonderful racing family Wakeful's third dam. Evening Star by Lord Clifden, it may lie pointed out, was tlio (lam of that great stover and weitrhtcarrier, Commotion; and the second dam Nightmare, threw Mentor, a Melbourne Cun winner, and Dreamland, an Australian Cud winner: now her daughter Insomnia produces Wakeful. The lines of Wakeful's p e d gree are as follows:— ' ~ , . Toxophilite, by Longbow " § Musket Kan/of WestVartrß g Opldsbronjrh, by Firew'ka -•£ Frailty 1,, , a Mclvor, by New = ' rl ' lllly Warrior-Sir Hercnles rt P rt Robinson Angler, by Fisherman '5 Crusoe Chrysolite, by Stockwoll <« Panic, by Alarm = i Nightmare Evening Star, by Lord II 01 i I (1 "Milroy," of tho Sydney Mail, writes: — La Carabine's fame rests entirely on her stamina. She was deficient in speed, but she could go on for ever. Over three miles she was invincible; at six furlongs 50 horses could be found to beat her in her palmiest day, and many were 011 deck who could hold her up Jo a mile and a-quarter. Wakeful is a, different class of animal to La Carabine. 1 doubt if we have a horse on the turf able to stretch her over live furlongs, and she showed us on Saturday that she can get three miles, and got it well, for she won her race pulling up by 30 lengths in sm. 36£s. in heavy going. This performance, on top of her first season's brilliancy over five and a half furlongs in the Oakleigh Plate, six furlongs in the Newmarket Handicap, and a mile in the A.J.C. Doncaster Handicap, then her Sydney Cup win with 9st 71b in record time, show Wakeful in a brighter light than

any other mare that the Australian turf has known, and places her in the same class as Grand Flaneur, Abercorn, and Carbine for brilliancy combined with stamina, and with First King, Commotion, and The Barb as a stayer. Mr. Leslie Macdonald, as a rule, i.« as stolid and as phlegmatic as an Indian, but he meltod. when he saw his little maro gallop away with the A.J.C. Plato. Ho. told mo after the race that he regarded Auruui as-a wonder, and until ho got wakeful was firm in his,belief that Auxujm was one of the three best horses Australia produced, but now he thinks the little maro a better animal over any courso than Aurum was in his best day, and, needless to say, thousands agree with him.

j THE AVONDALE JOCKEY CLUB'S e AUTUMN MEETING. '■. NOTES ON THE RACING. a [BY PHAETON'.] As was quite anticipated, the- Avondah Jockey Club's Autumn Meeting, hold ci l ' Saturday and Wednesday last, attracted i 1 record attendance on both days; and ii t beautiful sunshine the fixture proved one o r the most enjoyable race gatherings that ha; 1 been held in the suburbs. On each du-j j there was much life in the proceedings, whiei e may be gathered from the fact that tho sun s of £14,286 was handled in connection wJtl 1 the 16 races which formed the program • Taken right through, the racing was of i s most interesting character; and everything . passed off with that due decorum fitting the i surroundings. ; Tho principal event—the Avondale Han- » attracted a good field of 11, Va Rosa (Bst 111b) being made favourite. High " lander (Bst 31b), who was in front nearly the whole way, once again demonstrated what ' an improved horse ho is by winning his race 3 in really good stylo. Though only a length ,' and a-half separated the chestnut son ol . Blairgowrie from Beddington .it could have been made much moro had it been desired. * Beddington had to bo hard ridden for six " furlongs, and it was downright gameneßS ; that enabled him to finish so close to the '.' winner. Val Rosa put in a good run towards the close, and succeeded in getting into ' third place. The Egmont Cup winner, ' Taplow, never got up near tho leaders, and .' Matamataharakoko was another that seemed to be quite unable to pace it. The daugh- ' tcr of St. Leger looked" all right in the mat- | tor of condition, and her display was dis- ' tinctjy disappointing. The Hurdle Race, found Tim in the posi- , tion of a strong favourite. They had not , travelled far on their journey before Tim | was in the van. and his backers had the satis- [ faction of seeing him get homo a head in ] advance of his stable mate, Rufus. That ( the head (and a bit more) should have been the other way about, was an opinion loudly [ voiced, and had it not been for tho fact of McGregor having ridden an artistic losing ( finish on the chestnut there can bo little ' doubt as to what would have happened. The ( stewards evidently considered that they could ; allow tho running of Rufus to go URchal- ' lenged, as nothing was done. With anything like a decent field, a deal set apart for the two-year-old division, and with seven youngsters nt tho post for the Juvenile Handicap backers attacked the race with good spirit. Austerlitz was made favourite, and she justified the confidence reposed in her by winning her raco in good stylo. The Gossoon colt Spalpeen had anI other disappointing performance registered against him. The chestnut got away exI tremely well, and it looked as though he would make a one-horse race of it, but" he was in trouble before tho straight was reached, and Mary Seaton, finishing best, beat him in the last few strides for second honours. lam afraid that Spalpeen has a soft spot. Tho Railway Handicap was responsible for a complete upset of the pot. * Though it could be legitimately argued that Reclaimer had his full doso of weight in Bst 111b in the seven furlongs race ho was backed so strongly that he ruled a good favourite. The Recluse gelding flattered the hopes of his admirers in tho early stages of tho contest ; but he faded away when it came to real business, and it was left to the pony Goetzer to score a victory by half-a-longth. The little son of Howitzer's was a genuine triumph, and tho dash of pace which he mustered up in tho last stage was a perfect eye-opener. In the running of the Maiden Hurdle Rare, Mars showed himself up in the light of a promising jumper. Tho Ingoinar gelding was always well up towards the front, and though his task was rendered very much move easy than it should have been by the fact; that the last two hurdles were down he must bo given credit for a satisfactory performance. If Mars is to take high honours at the jumping business he is in excellent hands to achieve fame. With die steadier of list 111b down against Hohoro's name in, connection with the Flying Handicap, it was hardly expected that Mr. Lovett would put tho Tasman gelding in commission for the four-furlong race. This ho did, however, and what is more, had the satisfaction of witnessing his horse rattle home in front. Just inside the home turn matters did not look any too hopeful for Hohoro, as his rider could bo gesn hard at work : but when the last bit was required from the horse he answered like tho racehorse ho is, and won his race in game style,, It is quite evident, so far as short courses areconcerned, that Hohoro retains his brilliancy. Though Mr. Evctfc treated Highlander to a. rise of loll) in tho Autumn Handicap, compared with the impost which he dealt him out in the Avondah; Handicap, his followers were not greatly dismayed, and at tho close of operations in tho mile race the Blairgowrie gelding was found carrying most money. Unfortunately, he was in a bad position when the barrier shot up, and his chance was practically settled from the outset of the contest. When they raced into the straight, St. Olga. and Val Rosa each looked to have a good chance; but a little further on Laetitia shot up. and the daughter of Seaton Dclaval streaking away from her opponents under mild persuasion won comfortably by four lengths. A win was fully duo for Laetitia, as she had up to Wednesday run unsuccessfully throughout the season. St. Olga, who rilled tho role of runner-up, ran a better raco than on the first day; but though Taplow was again given a splendid chance under 7st, ho failed to reproduce his Egmont form. In a field of five that was saddled up to contest the Nursery Handicap, little Northumberland, who had top weight of Bst 1011>, was mado a strong favourite, and when it came to real business he settled tho matter in his favour in decisive fashion. At one time Northumberland left room for a doubt being thrown on his courage; but in his last two essays under silk it muss l;>: said that ho has shown himself to be endowed with gameness. With a field of 10 saddled up for the Steeplechase, tho outcome of the cross-coun-try contest was awaited with much interest. If tho onlookers were not regaled with a highly-finished performance, the contest proved to be so brimful of incident that it will be talked of for many a day. It ,-,.".'•. certainly one of the most remarkable crosscountry contests ever witnessed in Auckland. Mishaps commenced early. Sultana, when out in the lead, ran foul of a flag post, with the result that his rider was quickly loft surveying matters from the ./round: and at the next fence Parahaki got rid of his rider ns the result of a faulty jump ; the favourite, Evening Wonder, jumped the wing of the next fence: and two fences further on Tarragon and Kapai got off a like performance. When Dingo and Tarragon were seen out with a commanding lead two fences from homo, it seemed any odds that either the chestnut or the gray would score; but their jockeys hugged the inside too closely, with the result that they got on the wrong side of tho flag, which contretemps necessitated the r being pulled up, ami Kowhai, who was over 50yds behind, was thin enabled to conio on nul win a remarkable race. A more unsatisfactory display could not, be conceived: and tho good temper with which the crowd accepted it went to show how light-hearted racegoers can sometimes bo. The good race that Geologist ran on the opening' day in the Railway Handicap warranted his beinsr installed favourite for tho Waitakorei Handicap, which was run over three-quarters of a mile, and lie justified the confidence by winning his" race in good style from Reclaimer, who ran well under his 9st. There is nothing very attractive about Geologist; but ho. has some rate blood in his veins, 83 ho was got by Pounamu. a son of Nowminster and Beryl 'a. full sister to Nordenfeldt). , The management of the meeting on both days was such as to reflect credit on all concerned. The programme was run off on each occasion well up to time, and the train arrangements being well carried out people were landed back in town each day shortly after six p.m.. This promptness, it is hardly necessary for me to say, was much appreciated, and if they continue to strive in that direction thero need be no question of the Avondale ground always being able to command strong popularity. Honours amongst the winning sires were well distributed, as in only two instances was a brace of successes credited. Seaton Delaval was responsible for Laetitia and Northumberland, and Soult for Orange and Blue and Austerlitz. The other sire 3 represented on the winning list were Pinfire. Blairgowrie, Woolbroker, Nelson, Frntornitc, Howitzer, St. Andrew, Ingomar, Tasman, Vanguard, Hotchkiss, and Pounamu.

.THE WELLINGTON MEETING. [bt phaeton.] The Wellington Racing Club were to have inaugurated their meeting on Wednesday last, but a deluge of rain necessitated a. postI ponement till the following day, when beauj tiful weather assisted the dub to score a financial success. The totah'sator investj ments reached to £9503. which represents an i increase of nearly £1000 on last year's total j at the corresponding meeting. [ The principal event, the Thompson Han- : dicap, brought out a field of 15, and it was a case of about equal favouritism being shown for Halberdier (Bst 61b) and Jabber (3st lib). Neither, however, were destined to take a hand in the finish. Ostiak (7st 131b) was. wo are told, always out in front, and he mailed home a comfortable winner four lengths in £»«* of Canteen < 7st ™>) and Hinetaura (6st 111b). In the face of this performance it is evident that Ostiak was very far from himself when lie contested at the A.R.C. Autumn Meeting last month. Ostiak failed to stay wit the Easter Handicap, and in the St. George s Handicap his effort was even more unsatisfactory. No doubt the shrewd trainer of Ostiak was fully aware that his horse had failed to reveal his true form at Ellerslio, and in the interval the chestnut son of atepmak had probably given decent grounds for a hope being entertained that ho would prove his Auckland running to bo nil wrong. Ostiak is creditor! with traversing the mile attaching to the Thompson Handicap in lm. 43 4-5*., and, as the going would bo sure to be holding, the time record, 1 suppose, must be regarded as quite satisfactory. _ Though Cruciform was heavily penalised in connection with the North Island Challenge Stakes, the rae© was considered to bo' so entirely at her mercy that the investments made on her number were considerably in excess of the money put on the whole of the other contestants. Once again, however, the glorious uncertainty of horse racing was exemplified. The two-year-old . Porirua slipped his field at the start, and Cruciform getting into difficulties through an interference which she is alleged to have suffered at the hands of Goldcnmcre, she could never got up, and the two-year-old won his race in good style in the slashing time of lm. 30 l-ss.

[BY TELEGRAPH.PBESS ASSOCIATION.] Wellington', Friday. The following aro the acceptances for Saturday's races: — SECOND HU2DLK HANDICAP of 150sovs. one mile and a-lialf.—llotu 11.4. Eight Metal 10.11, Doctor Hill 10.7, Kucharis 10.4, Rimu 9.7, Stockade 9.5 ft Pukana 9.0. HACK FLYING HANDICAP of BOsovs, six furlongs.—Heritas 8.10, Sandy 8.10, Wehenga 8.0, En Garde 7.4, Atdinsa 6.10, Liquidator 6.9, French Maid 6.9. Languid 6.7, Monument 6.7. HACK WELTER HANDICAP of BOsovs. seven Rebounding Lock 10.5, Waitoa 10.0, Wehenga 9.13. North Star 9.8, Oudenarde 9.8. Raema 9.0, Frontier 8.12. Artisan 8.10, The Guesser 8.7, Monument 8.7. AUTUMN HANDICAP of SCOsovs. one mile and a-qnarter.— 9.13. Okoari 8.3, Halberdier 8.0, Ideal 7.12, Glenaladale 7.5. Rebel 7.0, Fakir 6.10, Terrapin 6.10. Plaidie 6.7.

PACIFIC HANDICAP of 200sovs. six furlongs. —Red Gauntlet 9.0, Porirua 8.12, Torowai 8.0, Ringlet 7.4, Immersion 7.3. Moat 7.0, Battlecry 7.0, Sunfish 6.10. Camelot 6.7. SUBURBAN HANDICAP of ZOOsovs. seven furlongs.—-Okoari 9.7, Cannie Chiel 9.4, Halberdier 9.0. Ostiak 9.0, Jabber 9.0, Rebel 8.3, Canteen 8.2. West Guard 8.0. Fleka 7.11, Torowai 7.6, Hlnetaura 7.5. Terrapin 7.5. Tradewind 7.5. Avrdale 7.2, Bowman 7.0. Shrapnel Shell 6.12. Pure Silver 6.10, Sentry 6.10. HUTT HANDICAP.—Crusoe 9.0. Abydos 8.10, Queen's Guard 8.0. Fleka 8.1, Rebel 7.10. Aidecamp 7.9, Cornea 7.7. Bowman 7.5, Tradewind 7.4, "Waterford 7.0, Blackwing 6.10, Valkyrie 6.7.