SPORTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 12523, 16 March 1904, Page 3

SPORTING.

The Napier Park Racing Club, will inautjiir-', ate their autumn meeting to-day.. .The giseat majority of the horses engaged in the various events hail from local stables, and that via in some measure serve to restrict interest mi the results. The principal eyent of to-day 8 programme is the Napier Cup, and with the following 11 horses engaged the issue must 1 ; be accounted to be very open:—Hihetaura, Sat; 101b; Asteroid, 7st 101b; Fleka, 7st fib; Soultina, 7st 7lb; ; G-old Dust, 61b; Jeanne d'Arc, 7st 51b; Taura, 7st 41b; Freelarid, 7&t; Ballyneoty, 7st; Roseshoot, 6sfc lllb; Louisa, 6st 71b. Fleka, who last week distinguished himself by winning, the Dannevirke Cup, is looked upon as ; the one likely to start fa* vourite.

[ : If the date fixed by tho A.R.C. authorities ! for tho declaration ;of - tho Weights for the Easter Handicap are adhered ia, we shall have to wait until Monday next for the appearance of Mr. Evott's work in connection with-the Ellerslie rape. The authorities of the Canterbury Jockey Club evidently recognised that the withholding of the weights, for the Great Easter and Great Autumn Handicaps until a like date had its disadvantages, and Mr. Henrys declared the weights for those events yesterday, and it may be worth while for the A.R.C to follow suit by ordering an earlier declaration for the Easter Handicap than that fixed in the programme. Backers nowadays rarely bet while in the dark as to the weights to be carried, and both fielders and punters will probably be content to await the posting of the acceptances ere contracting much liability on the Ellorslie race, for a good number of powerful candidates hail from districts outside the , looal ,; area, and that, of course, means that there will be some difficulty in gauging the composition of the field straightaway. For the benefit of those who may wish to tempt .Fate before the declaration of the weights for the Easter Handicap, the names of the horses engaged in the mile race are republished:— ■ Achilles ', Durable Wairiki. ■ : Maio : Convoy Bagpipes lied Gauntlet .Jewellery GhoorJta Lady Annie Romeo Idassa Grand Kapids .Regulation. Te Aroha Spalpeen ! ' Delania. Madrigal Scotty Buluwayo Corporal Geordie Austerlitz Starslioot Zulivlta -Float Gold Seal Miss Lottie :: Livonia Exmoor Nooteorinl Baltimore ... . Tulfana Putty •■ .• Annoyed Nxuna. Newtown • • Marshal SouH Lady llune Solo ■ : . . Kotia Wellcast Waipuna Strathavon The Ohinemuri Jockey Club hold their annual race meeting to-morrow and the day following at Paeroa, and judging from tho character of the acceptances received for the events of the opening day's programme a very satisfactory meeting, both from a racing and financial standpoint, is assured._ The Railway Department are offering facilities both' to Waikato and Thames racegoers (to attend the gathering by laying "on special trains to Paeroa. ; ■ ~* Tho St. Leger winner Scottish King did not. survive the V.R.C. Autumn . Meeting without hurt. After contesting the Champion Stakes on the 4th inst. the son of Wallace displayed marked symptoms of unsoundness, and as the suspensory ligament in ore of his forelegs is stated to have given way, his turf career may end at three years rid. Scottish King was looked upon as the makings of a great horse, and his loss to the Victorian turf at the present time when good horses are so scarce causes his retirement to be a matter for special regref. ' : * ; ; : '■'.'" .■ > ..i ' in,- ■ : .":.:' ■ / ':\ : ---} i The Victorian turf may assuredly claim to hold its own under somewhat harassing t and embarrassing conditions (writes '.' Javelin"). Wealthy former studmasters have given up breeding, which had previously given them up; owners complain that expenses are too heavy to render -it possible to make ends meet; bookmakers declare that nowadays backers know too much to give the ringmen a chance to live, and backers are always " broke" or in trouble. . Trainers say -they can't trust jockeys, and jockeys say, "The game- might pay well enough if you could get all you earn! Everybody connected-'with', the turfbar Byron Moore and Tom Moule —seems to have a grievance; nobody makes any money, and yet they all live, and stick to it, and— is more— up smiling at every meeting. Truth is assuredly stranger than fiction, though perhaps not so plentiful. Tho Carcoar correspondent of the Sydney Daily Telegraph states that Mr. J. T. Darrington, a local storekeeper, had a remarkable dream on Friday night, February 25). Ho dreamt that a telegram was handed" him, showing the result of the Newmarket Handicap, as follows:—Mairp 1, Pendant 2, Playaway 3. On the following Saturday morning ho was so taken up with his dream that ha communicated the result to Mr. A v Dawson, in the presence of the Daily Telegraph correspondent. Mr. Dawson and Mr. ; Darrington decided to tost tho dream, and wired £1 to Sydney, and succeeded in obtaining 25 to lon Mairp. This is the second time on which Mr. Darrington has successfully dreamt the winner of big events, the last occasion being when Gaulus wort the Melbourne Cup in 1897-

The A.J.C. handicappcr, Mr. J. Daley, in his adjustment of 'the weights for the Sydney Cup, makes it-quit© clear that he regards Emir as well out in front amongst the three-year-olds, as he calls upon him to concede. 61b'to Scottish King (winner of tho V.R.C. St. Leger), 71b to F..T.A. (winner of the V.R.O. Derby), and 81b to Lord Cardigan (winner of tho Melbourne Cup).

Our Thames correspondent telegraphs: — The sale of the Thames Jockey Club's privileges for its autumn meeting took place on Tuesday, and realised the following prices; Publicans' booth, No. 1, £21, Mr. Montgomery ; refreshment booth, £3, Mr. Billings; cards of races, £9, Mr. Brown. The No. 2 publicans' and grandstand booths were passed in, tho prices offered not reaching the reserve.

The owner of Corporal intends to, appeal against tho disqualification of his horse by the stewards of the Waihi Jockey Club. •

INTERPROVINCIAL GOSSIP.

[BY TELEGtIAPH.—OWN COBBESPONDEKTSiJ j ' : - NAPD3R. Tuesday. j Everything augurs well for the success c£ \ the autumn meeting of the Napier Park Facing Club, which takes place on Wednesday and Thursday- The following horses should run well in their respective engagements: — Hack Hurdles: Rhyl and Defoe. Enk Hack: Provost Marshal and Merry. Kate. Napier Cup: Asteroid, Fleka, and Taura. Welter: Tyrone and Croupier. SaplingStakes: Polyanthus and Submarine. .Redclyffe Hack: Optimist and Pantaloon. Fly- , ing: Gold Seal, and Governess. Trial Hack: Forest Kate and Cestus. •■'■•■■ Quilted and Rapids were sold by auction at Hastings last week. The pair fell to the, nod of Mr. R. Gooseman, who gave 26 guineas' for the former. Rapids brought 29 guineas. To Hauke, the three-year-old daughter of Torpedo and Water Colour, was also put up for sale, or rather for Robinson's share in her, the other partner, W. Stowe, buying the interest for 40 guineas. : A distressing oase of suicide occurred here. on Tuesday, E. A. Woolley, well-known as a jockey and trainer, went to the raoecourse in the morning, and going into the trees opposite the railway line, shot himself through the head. Before committing the deed he gave a man named D. Binnie a letter to Sergeant Smart, telling him that he would find his dead body in the trees. The police on receiving this information, proceeded to the course,and found Woolley's body, still warm, with a, bullet hole through the head. Deceased' had lately purchased a fruiterer's business from Mr. F. Rohhins, and he appeared to be ; very muoh worried as to whether he couldcarry on the business satisfactorily. He had] also suffeied very much during the last few. mouths from the effects of falls received .when riding races, and had complained of pains in his head. Deceased leaves a wife, and three children : At the coroner's inquest a verdict of suicide while temporarily ir.sane, caused vy severe illness, was returned. fVoolley, for a number of years was connected with ' Sir William Rusself's racing establishment, but. of late years has been acting as a public trainer, and has also «" times bet-n seen a good deal in the saddle.

WELLINGTON. : tt - ''.... Tuesday. The Dannevirke Club had a most successful meeting on the 3th and i 9th inst. .: The sum of >610,934- was *p 'through the totalitotbr, , which :wjas _ £3682 more than last year.' The Blenheim-owned beaweed was somewhat lucky to win the Hurdle Race en the first day, as the. rider of Rhyl took matters leisurely after settling • Nadador. On the second day Rhyl won easily. He is a halfbrother to Moifaa, Ruby, and Defoe (by Somnus), and is big enough !for the .jumping game. ' This was his first -win in a 'jumping race, but he should score again-before long. ! The Pordell-trained Curfew (New Forest— I Niobe) boat ten others in the Maiden, and | paid the good prioa of £4, This was because ! Loch . Tay was made a better favourite. Menura, who > got into a _ wire fence, and Handsome Rose, who got kicked, were pulled out- of ; the ■ Cup. The favourite, Preeland, ran a great race to the distance, , where he hod had enough; Fleka then took charge, 'and running one of his best races won comfortably. Sultina's turn has not come yet. Tho chestnut was favourite on the second day, ; but he ran badly. Tirole, a Wangarmi winner, took charge- six furlongs from home, and paid thei good price of £5 19s. Tirole ran fifth on the first day, and on the second day carried nearly doubo invesements. Taura was kept a long way back during the first part of it, and will see a better day. Tyrone, who ran in the colours of his breeders, the Messrs. Douglas Bros., bolted, with the Flyin.? Handicap, but was not started on the second day. Governess, who acted as runnerup to Tyrone, was a: strong order for the second day, but was beaten by Replete, who is useful.' Tattle failed to repeat her Pahiafcua form either day. Patuna- (Saracen — Water Quean), who has a bad reputation at the post, won a double on the first day, and paid a good price on both occasions.. Mesmer, after running second to Patuna, put down St. Alba over a mile and a distance. The latter settled the brother to Shackle on the second day .easily over a mile. The Soult maro Merope, who, is out of the hack class when be..* present engagements are run, was unlucky in the Hack Flying on the second day. She had everything settled a furlong from home. W. Price did not notice Jenkins coming with Op'imist on the outside until it was too late. It was bad luck for one of the stable connections, who ■ had £50 on the presumed " good thing." 'Holmaid (Natator —Athlone) put down Curfew and some moderates in a mile-welter race. Lord Soult (Soult — Antrim) and Tauhau (Flinders —iLucky) got a great break on the field in the Scurry, but neither can stay." Ice (by St. AndrewNorsemaid), full-sister to. Andree, got tip in the last 50yds. The Hutt-t.rained Coxswain beat a poor field in tho Mangatera Hack Handicap (seven furlongs). At the Shannon (no totalisator) meeting yesterday, 15 bookmakers were licensed. Intrigue (Oatesbtiy—aramea) won theHrudles; Highland Nell (Handsome Jack—Ascot mare) a-double. The other winners were: Loch 'Pay (Lakeshell—Pointsettia). Paleface (by Coeur de Lion), Lotheline (Lethe — and" Wizard Oil (Wizard— of the Lake). Hi Donovan left for Sydney this afternoon to ride Gladsome in her engagements at Randwick Autumn Meeting. The Woodville District Jockey Club's meeting resulted in a profit of £311. The proposed improvements to the course will be proceeded with at once, and be finished in time for next meeting, to be held.in December. • The Otaki Maori Racing Club was unable to"-, secure Mr. C. O'Connor's services as starter, and Mr. C. Chevannes will be asked to act. Mr. Arthur Hyde will probably assist Mr. H. Piper. Mr. T. Cameron had a day off at Shannon yesterday,. where Mr. J. W. Procter officiated. Mr. Chevannes will act as stipendiary steward at the Stratford meeting next week. M. McManaway shipped Moeraki and Apprentice to the West Coast.to-day. A. McMorran accompanied the horses, and will ride them' in their engagements at Groymouth, and Reefton. ' . . After the Dannevirke meeting G. Price came down to the Hutt, and has been riding W. Davies' horses at work. A chestnut filly, by , Waiuku, joined H. Goodman's ; team last week, and is being handled. ~,...' ' ' ' The junipers Smithy and Kohunui were put into work recently. On« day last week Gipsy Jack did a couple of rounds over tho hurdles with H. Telford ■in the saddle. The brother to Waiwera shaped well, and will make his first appearance at the Napier Park meeting this week. " \'*V CANTERBURY. ' • :)'>"s, , 7 "'"'--" ''• -, V'*- ■ ' Tuesday. Tho weights for the Great Easter and Groat Autumn Handicaps have made their appearance much earlier than anticipated, but they are none the less welcome, and I may say at once that they" have been fairly well received. At the first glance Red Gauntlet appears to be particularly well treated in both races. Remembering his great i achievements' over short'courses and his performance in the last Dtmedin Cup, I am of opinion, notwithstanding tho number of his opponents in each race under discussion,'■ that -he' might probably win either, though successful penalties would possibly anchor him in the second race. In saying this I do not. ignoro the known ability of Achilles, but I question very much whethev'tho son of Medallion can give lied Gauntlet 151b over, seven furlongs and : defeat- him. ■■ < However, the Porirua horia lias already been-heavily supported (it is said by his connections) to win the 'Great Easter. Treadmill should possess a great chance. Between Petrovna and Ghoorka, I prefer the former. Bagpipes and her stall© companion, Grand Rapids, have received their full weight. Martian, one of the Yaldhurs*' representatives, is an unknown \ quantity. She was sired in England by'Martagon, but foaled in. New Zealand, her.dam being Otterden. It is said that Martian is a first-class racehorse, but rumour is sometimes at fault. ;If what I hear be correct she will take a great deal of beating. To sum up I would at piosent take the following eight horses to provide- the winner: Achilles, Red Gauntlet, Petrovna l Vladimir, Pampero, Kaiharoa, and the Yaldhurst- and Chokebore selected. Regarding the Great Autumn Handicap Convoy cannot be said to be badly treated, considering his recent performances, and though Canteen* may improve I think Convoy, on Wellington and j Wangarmi form, will defeat him. . Red Gauntlet is an improving horse over a'journey, and I believe that if he were reserved for this race he would just üboufc win it. Ghoorka, on his Wanganui Cup winning oerformanee, must be given a great chance. Grand Rapids is regarded as a rod in, pickle by many for this race. Why I ■ cannot say; but'. he has certainly received -more equitable treatment than he fi did : in the Auckland Cup. Buluwayo (especially if the' going be heavy) is sure to occupy a prominent position in the race, as also should Melodeon, in the light of his Canterbury and Auckland performances. As previously suggested Martian is an unknown quantity, and the remaining seven I have but little regard for. Probably the winnei «B come from the following eight: Convoy, Red Gauntlet, Treadmill, Ghoorka, Grand Rapids, Buluwayo, Martian, and Melodeon. The New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club's track was in good condition on Saturday, when the New Brighton Club held its meeting there, and there was a fair attendance. The racing was interesting throughmil', and the totalisator returns showed an increase over the corresponding day last year of something like £2794. Cinders easily secured the Trial Handicap from Glenroyand Tea Tree; and Dearest Anne the Pony Handicap, after a great race with General Mac, a most promising two-year-old. These events were followed with the Burwood Handicap, which was won by Electioneer Belle, the Dunedin horse, Jim Jam, being a length away second, and Piccaninny third. Kiddy Gee comfortably defeated General Mac in the Ladies' Bracelet, and Silver Mart defeated Ed v.-ird R., and the penalised Cinders in the Progressive Handicap. Then came the big race of the day,' the Autumn Handicap. The American horse, Director, being sent out favourite, could get no nearer than third, however, behind Cocoanut and Verax, the judge being unable to separate them. Sandow won, the Electric Handicap from Edward R., after whom came Tea Tree, the day's racing being concluded after a great finish had been fought out between Ruby Wilkes and' Brother, only a head dividing the pair, victory going to the former. Welbeck and Lady Lillian, after the quiet exercise given them at New Brighton, in which sea bathing formed a prominent part, are. doing well at Riccarton, medium pace work being their portion. : Brookside, who won the Maiden Plate at the Akaroa meeting on Tuesday, formed the medium.;. of some spirited backing. Bookmakers all over the colony losing some of . their' surplus oash. .'The Christohurch Polo Club has, received capital entries for its annual race and sports meeting, which will be held on the grounds of the Metropolitan Trotting Club. '; ' ■ -Achilles' and. Ghoorka appear to. be about the favourite selections for the CJ.C.' Great :Easter and , Great Autumn Handicaps. -• ■ -) The ,'Ashburfon Racing Club.; owing, it is said,, to strong opposition, has decided not to hold its autumn meeting on the course at '.Rieoarton'as suggested. '":"'-',', The Oxford Club holds its annual meeting, on Thursday next, and probably the following horses may win their respective engagements :,-—Stewards' Handicap: Lady Falconer. Cup: Natalie. • Lean Year Handicap : ; Conal or White May. Maiden Stakes: Lady Falconer. Flying Handicap: Conal. First Trot: Van Wilkes. Second Trot: Connie. '-•.■■■, \ : ) ■/

. WANGANUX, •■■< Old Halberdier is a regular worker on the /plough. : Though far from being sound it is just possible he may again win. when the going is a bit softer. ""'. *■. The" "speedy hack, Firelight, 'Was 'sold last week for £30, at which figure he cannot be considered «a dear purchase. ; The aristocratically-bred yearling that F. Tillcy purchased in Auckland is going on very nicely at Fordell. It is to be hoped that he will turn out as good as his famous brother, Royal Artillery, so that some of the various classical races of the future will come this way. i , •. ..'. Notwitjranding the decisive beating that Achilles meted out to Machine Gun in the Jackson Stakes there are still to be found a few people who argue the test was not a true one. Admitting the heavy going was against Mr. Stead's representative, there is little doubt the- result would be the samo under any circumstances. • ",'■"• " J New Forest claimed his first winner ,as 'a sire through the success of Curfew at Dannevirke. Tb.3 gelding in question is half-broth-er to that good little mare, Nioiti. , The Vanguard mare, Valima, made her debut at Bannevirke over hurdles, but as is generally the case with horses in their first race over obstacles, the effort was not a fruitful one. So far the class of horses Been out does not augur any . too well for many crosscountry candidates being unearthed this coming winter. Of course those good old battlers, Haydn and Waiwera, will be with U3, but wonders that they are cannot be expected to 1.-st for ever. • .. "- , Westguard has apparently lost a lot of her dash, viewed through her last few public performances. ■■ : ' I At the timo of writing everything appears favourable ior the Stratford two day's racing on March 16 and 17.