SPORTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 11955, 2 May 1902, Page 6

SPORTING.

THE TURF IN ENGLAND. RESULT OF THE TWO THOUSAND GUINEAS. By Telegraph.—Press Association.—Copyright. London, May 1. The Newmarket First Spring Meeting opened to-day. The following was the result of the principal event: — THE TWO THOUSAND GUINEAS STAKES of lOOsors each, h. ft. For three-year-olds: Colts, 9st: fillies, Bst 91b. The owner of the second horse to receive 303sovs out of the stakes, and the owner of the third to save his stake. Rowley mile. Mi. R- S. Sievier's b f Sceptre, by Persimmon Ornament 1 Sir Edgar Vincent's bo Pistol, by Carbine —Wenonah 2, Mr. J. Gubbins' br c Aril Patrick, by St. Florian —Morganette ... 3 It is rare to find a filly taking first honours in the Two Thousand Guineas — fact, in the 93 contests that have taken place since the race was instituted in 1809 victory has fallen only on four occasions to one of the weaker sex. It is fitting that Sceptre should be equal to a sensational feat, for she takes rank as a sensational-priced filly. At the sale of the Eaton Hall yearlings in June, 1900, consequent on the death ot the late Duke of Westminster, Sceptre, then known as the Persimmon—Ornament filly, figured amongst the number sent into the ring. Directly the filly came before Mr. Weatherby the bidding for her possession became fast and furious, and it was not until 10,000 guineas had been bid that the auctioneer lowered his hammer, Mr. R. S. Sievicr, who at one time was bookmaking in Australia, being the buyer. Sceptre made her debut on the turf at the Epsom Summer Meeting l in June last, when she was sent out to contest the Woodcote Stakes. The filly's smartness had preceded her. and she accordingly ruled a strong favourite at sto 4. The confidence felt in her ability to worst the 10 opponents- with which she was confronted proved to be well placed, for she romped over them with ridiculous ease. Going on to Newmarket, she captured the July Stakes, but in her next essaythe Champagne Stakes at ■ Doncaster— was destined to have her wings clipped. Though not herself, it was still thought that Sceptre could effectually ! deal with the five that opposed her in the Donoaster event, and odds of 11 to 8 were laid on her ability to win. In a hard-run race Sceptre came home, close up, in. third place. Sceptre did not run again as a two-year-old. Early in the present season she was called upon to contest the Lincolnshire Handicap, for which she was reckoned a " good thing" with only 6st 61b to carry, and she started a red-hot favourite for that race at 11 to 4. The Fates, however, were against her, and she was beaten a short head by Colonel MeCalmont's four-year-old horse, St. Maclou, amidst a scene of intense excitement. - . Sceptre is engaged in the One Thousand Guineas, Derby, Oaks, and St. Legcr Stakes, and, as she takes rank as the highest-priced yearling ever sold, much interest will be evinced in the part she is destined to play in the classic events. MANAWATIJ RACING CLUB'S AUTUMN MEETING. [BY TELEGRAPH. riIESS ASSOCIATION.] PatjMEEston North, Thursday. Fine weather prevailed for the second day's races, and there was a good attendance. The following are the results to hand:— FITZHERBEET HANDlCAP.—Vvestguard, 1: Paugh-a-ballagli. 2; Livonia, 3. Scratched: Shrapnel Shell. Won by a neck under the whip. Time, lm. IB 1-58. Dividends, £2 15s and £2 6s. SECOND HACK Lifebelt, 1: Cave, 2; Ontario, 3. -Time. lm. 48s. Dividends, £21 15s and £3 4s. All started. Won bv a head. FAREWELL HANDICAP .-Oracle. 1- Minerve, 2; Comfort, 3. Scratched: Queen's Guard, Westguard, Bowman, Lady Bell. Time, lm. 39 l-sg. Dividends, £4 16s and £2 12s. The amount put through the totalisator was £6146. In one respect the meeting constituted what is probably a record. Out of 88 acceptances for the second day there were only five scratching. For an autumn meeting racing •. men consider this phenomenal. AUCKLAND TROTTING' CLUB'S MEETING, j The Auckland Trotting inaugurate their autumn meeting to-morrow, sit Alexandra j Park. The first race is timed to start at I one p.m. I