SPORTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13194, 4 June 1906, Page 3

SPORTING.

GREAT NORTHERN MEETING. THE FIRST DAY'S RACING. EXMOOR WINS THE LEADING EVENT. The Auckland Racing Club was favoured with beautiful weather for the inauguration of the Great Northern Meeting on Saturday, and it need hardly be said that racegoers were ones again found present in strong force to assist at the winter fixture. As usual there was a good sprinkling of visitors from the west coast of the North Island, and two Ministers of the Crown—the Hon. J. Carroll and the Hon. J. McGowan—were present. Everything throughout the afternoon worked with the greatest smoothness, and the secretary, Mr. Hariland, must once again be congratulated on the management of the meeting. Prompt time was observed in starting the various races, and those who witnessed the concluding event were on their way homeward before the clock had reached a-quarter tc five. The starter, Mr. O'Connor, was successful in every instance in despatching the fields in good order, and thai", of course, contributed in no small measure to the interest of the proceedings. Mr. R. B. Lusk officiated as judge. The band, under the leadership of Mr. J. West, rendered a choice number of musical selection-, on the lawn during the afternoon.

The tropical downpour which characterised the rain of Wednesday, pointed to the course.being in a very heavy state; but fine weather' in the interval, backed up by a good wind, had;lhc. effect of working a pleasing? 'transformation on the race track, and the' straight, returfed at the end of last season, came through the test in such a manner as to demonstrate .how well the racecourse staff, under Mr. Hill, performed their work. '

With the prediction offered in many quarters .that an all-round record might bo looked for, a good deal of curiosity was evinced as to the. tclnlisatoi- figure?. When tho receipts at tho machine' came to be totalled at tho end' of tho day, it. was found that the sum of £12,9591, had been handled in connection with the seven events, which formed tho programme. This represents an increase of £+1522, compared with the sum put through on the corresponding day of the winter meeting held last year, and may ho said to be- well up to anticipations offered by the sanguine spirits. THE RACING. The opening event of the programme was the Maiden Steeplechase, and a field of eight, going into the starter's hands an interesting problem was placed before the spectators. Baritone was made favourite, but the big son of Leolantis never succeeded in getting into tho lead. Catherine Gordon challenged Kruger for the lead, when aixmt half the journey was completed, and the brown daughter of Terkin Warbeck jumping proficiently she showed the way up the straight.

As they approached the last hurdle she seemed to be wearying of the struggle,' and Baritone looked like wearing down his rival. The brown mare, however, answered gamely when, called upon to finish off her task, and she won by a length. A field of 11 went to the post for the Maiden Welter Handicap, for which Bon was made a warm favourite. Integrity had most ,to say in., the early stages of the race, but Ben was at hand at the distance to decisively settle the pretensions of the Soult gelding, and though the rider of the favourite had to take out the-, whip when danger threatened from Pearl Necklet, in the closing stages, Ben had all the best ,of his highly-bred rival, and he won his race comfortably at the end. The succeeding event was the Great Northern Hurdle Race, and when the numbers went up it was .found that the scratching pen had .'used with such force as to reduce, tho number of contestants to 10. However, as all the fancied candidates were on hand to fulfil their engagement;, and the issua' still , invested with much uncertainty, interest was well maintained. Opinions varied as to which horse would start favourite between Exmoor, "' Romany King, and Silica, and though the former had more friends than his rivals, it was always a close thing for the leading position on the machines. As the horses tiled out of the birdcage on to the course prior to the preliminary gallops being undertaken, they wero eagerly scanned. Nothing galloped quite so resolutely as Exmoor, whose loping action pleased greatly, but though Cavalry was a. bit en the big side, he would probably have . received most support had a vote been taken on a. question of racehorselike appearance. Mr. O'Connor, who was mounted, marshalled the contestants at the distance post, and after experiencing some little difficulty in getting them to line up properly he got them away in good order. ' Once the contestants wore out of the start- i er's hands the onlookers had not long to wait for a sensational occurrence, as Hydrant fell in negotiating the first obstacle, and Defender, who was running immediately in thewake of tho Jet d'Eau gelding, tripping over his prostrate rival, was thrown down. It does not require much space to relate, the history of the raea from that out, as Exmoor, streaking away to tho front, assumed a commanding lead. Cavalry forged' his way up into second place at the end of once round; hut he lost hi; position at the six-furlong post, at which point he made a faulty jump. When the half-mile post was reached it was recognised that the only two that had a chance of cutting down the leader were Cuiragno and Romany King. Bounding over the last hurdle in proficient style, Exmoor never gave his followers any cause for anxiety in the run to the post, and he romped home in front. It was a most decisive victory that went down to the credit of Exmoor, and it can be referred to as a finished jumping display. The Great Northern Hurdle Race winner was bred in New South Wales, and he was purchased as a yearling by the Wellington sportsman, Mr. J. Monk, for 120gns. Got by the English sire Grafton from the Marvellous mare La Vivandiere, it will be readily recognised that Exmoor has a right to be accepted as one of the highest-bred horses engaged in jumping fences in New Zealand. The surprise of the race was . the position occupied by Cuiragno, who was the outsider of the field. The son of Cuirassier was held to be inferior

to his stable mate Silica, and summed up on the running at the Taikapuna meeting- it .seemed quite safe to conclude that whatever might happen, Silica was one that could be depended upon to defeat Cuiragno. However the respective positions occupied by the brown son of Cuirassier and the chestnut son of Flintlock 'in' Saturday's race furnish a pointed illustration of how difficult it is at times to sum up matters between two horses, even by those who are most closely connected with the quadrupeds. The big raco of the afternoon having been disposed of the Maiden Hurdle Race claimed attention, and in a field of eight saddled up to contest that •event. Ability' always a strong favourite. As usual Liberator was found tearing away in front shortly after tho battle commenced, and he was eight lengths out in front at' the second hurdle. Bonomiana was in the lead when the second stage came to be undertaken, but when it came to real business in the concluding part of the journey, .Ability shook off his opponents, and the son of Conqueror had his race practically won at the head of the straight.

A fino field of 16 was saddled up to contest the.Cornwall Handicap, for which Ironinould was th" popular fancy. Le Beau had most 16 say in the- early stages of the contest. He, however, only lasted to the head of the straight, where Clar<»niont took command. Leonator made an effort to got to the leader at the distance, hut he failed, and then Geordio clashed up next the rail-.. For a few strides it looked as though a victory would go down to the credit of the-son of Seaton Dslaval, but Rcokby cam" along with a strong run in the centre of the. course, and finishing well won by a len'eth. The favourite, Ironinould. was in trouble before the distance was reached, and he came home in fifth position. The Pony Handicap was summed up in favour of Lady Nannie, and this was borne out. She was'.always on hand to dispute the leading position, and streaking away when, the home turpi was rounded she won all out by a length from the top weight, Fashionable.

The Ladies' Bracelet brought out a field of nine, Baltimore being the popular fancy. At the end of three furlongs Baltimore took command,, and though lie .made a- wide detour entering the straight, and seemed to run a bit shifty at the distance, be disposed of his opponents in convincing style. Th« bracelets, which can he described as beautiful specimens of the goldsmiths and jewellers' art, are. to be presented on the- lawn after the running of the first race to-day.

The following are the details of the racing:— THE MAIDEN STEEPLECHASE HANDICAP of lOOsovs: second horse 10 receive lOsovs out of the stake. About two miles and ,a,half. '• 190 —Mr. 0. M. Currie's Ir m Catherine Gordon, aged, by Perkiu Warbeck ll.— Sprightly. lost 41b (W. Wilson) ... 1 275;— Mr. M. Wells' ill g Baritone, aged, lOet 51b (Howie) ... ... ' : 2 40 —Mr. P. Hofen'e b g Roseplot, aged. lOst 101b (Howard) . 3 106 — Medaliius, aged, W".. 101b (Jones) ... 0 68]— Loch Fvne, bvrs, 10ot 51b (Burns) ... 0 33'— .Tames, aged, Sst 121b (McCabe) ... 0 82 —Kruger. 6vrs, 9st 71b (Phillips) 0 16 —Jess, aged, Sit Tib (Gray) .'. ... ... 0

.lew and Kruger showed the way up through the trees to the post and rails just clear of Baritone, ami they ran down the bill to toe stone wall eight or nine lengths to the good of Sir .Tame?, who was closely attended by a hunched lot. Kruger drew out a bit coining to the sod fence, which he negotiated two lengths in front of Baritone, and then came Catherine Gordon and Medaliius, and **iis was the order when the double jump in front of the stand was reached, where Jess came to grief. At the next obstacle the field was further reduced through Medaliius coming down,' and as the others made their way out through the rail* Kruger was still setting the pace, a couple of lengths in front of Catherine Gordon. In the run up the back Catherine Gordon got on terms with the Sabretache gelding. and. getting over the next two fences in good style, the daughter of Perkin Warbeek 11. was the first to ascend the hill, followed closely by Kruger, Loch Fyne. and Baritone, separated by lengths, in the order named. Catherine Gordon continued to show the way going over the post-and-rail fences, and she came down the hill to the stone wall three lengths clear of Kruger. and then, a length away, came Baritone. Kruger and Baritone reduced the gap in the run up the course proper to the final obstacle, and they were practically on terms with Catherine Gordon n.s they rose at the fence. Catherine Gordon, however, responded gamely to the call made on her- in the run to the judge's box. and won an interesting race by a. length and a-half front Baritone, with Rfiseplot seven lengths back in third place. Kruger. "sised up. was about the same distance fourth and Loch i'yne finished fifth. Dividends, £2 17s and 13s.

THE MAIDEN WELTER HANDICAP of lOOsovs: second horse to receive lOsovs out of the stake. Seven furlongs. 325 —Mr. ('. Dawson's br g Dm, 6vrs. by Ben . Godfrev—Houri. lOst 31b (Buchanan)... 1 239]— Mr. .1. 'Marshall's br in Pearl Necklet. 4yrs. 9st 9!b.- including 51b penalty (Jenkins) 2 52 —Mr. .1. Callaghan's br in Integrity, svr*. 9st (.Tuiian) ... ■■• 3 123 —Silver Shell. 6vrs, 10«t lib (Lindsay) ... 0 139 — Pangaroa. 6yts, 9s< 131b (Barlow) ... 0 64 — Lunette-, 6vrs, 9*l. 121b (Hodge) ... 0 ■ 65]—Kainiere. Srrs, 9st. 31b (Conquest) ... 0 192 —Trephine. 4vrs. 9st Mb (('ooze) 0 SO —To Taniwha, 6m, Set 41b (Cress) ... 0 88 —Hillfiower. aged. Bst. 21b (E. Ha*) ... 0 go]— Dunce. 3yrs, 9tt. 21b, including 21b over (E. Pope) "0 166]— The Scotchman, avis. 9sf. (Ryan) ... 0 7 —Hermes, 4yis, 9st (Olsen) 0 57 Till Cakob'au, 4vrs, 9st (Ackroyd) ... 0

Uillfiower and Integrity were (he first to show out 8* the barrier shot up, and that pair showed the way up the hack to the six-furlong post, eloselr attended by The - Dunce. Ben. and The Scotchman. In the run up to the cutting Hillflower and Integrity were still closely associated, two lengths nut from Ben and The. Dunce, and then came The Scotchman, but as they dashed down past the half-mile post Integrity had a bit the best of Hillfiower,. with Ben a length away next and The Scotchman and The Dunce on his quarters. Thus they raced across the top stretch to the home turn, where Integrity was still in front, but when thev reached the head of the straight Ben challenged and Pearl Necklet closed up on the outside. A capital finish was witnessed, but, Ben bad a bit too much left in him for the opposition, and, drawing' out from the lawn rails, he won by a length and a-half from Pearl Necklet. Integrity three-parts of a. length away third. Tui Cakobau was fourth and Hillflower fifth, the last, to finish being The Dunce. Time, lm. 353. Dividends, £3 10s. and £1 lis.

THE GREAT NORTHERN HURDLE RACE HANDICAP of 4Sosovs ; second horse to receive 50sovs and third horse 20-sova out of the stake. Over nine flights of hurdles. Two miles and aquarter.

3SlJ—Mr.'' .1. Monk's br g Exmoor. 6vrs, by Grafton—La Vivandiere. lOst 31b, including 51b penalty (McConnon) ...; 1 377 —Mr. J. Dalton's bile g Romany King, . aged, bv Gipsy King—Gipsy, 3st 121b' (Miller)' .' ••• '2 83 —Mr. W. Vests' br g Cuiragno, syrs, by Cuirassier—Lady Agnes. 9st- 111b, ineluding 51b penalty (Julian) 3 133—Comfort, 6vrs. list 21b (J. O'Connell)...: 0 924—Waiwera. aged, lost 101l> (Barlow) ... • 0 154 A—lrish. 6yrs, lOst 31U (Towers) ... ... ,]> Csvolrv. aged, . lOst 61b (W. OTonnell) 0 2661—Hydrant, 6yrs, 9st 121b, including' 51b penalty (Cairns) 0 241 -Defender, aged, 9st 61b (Hill) 0 359.!,— svrs, 9st, 51b, including 51b penitltv (W. Wilson) 0

Cuiragno, Hydrant, Romany King, and Exmoor were all closely associated in the run up to the lirst obstacle, where Hydrant struck and fame down and Defender fell over him. This left Exmoor .in charge, and the eon of Grafton showed the war out through the bottom turn three lengths in front of - Romany-King, with Irish running next, closely attended by Cuiragno, •and then- came-Cavalry. Going up to -the hurdle at the back Exmoor improved his advantage to four lengths from Romany King, with Irish and Cavalry still limning next, a, length back from Romaiiv King, and then, the same distance awav, came Cavalry, closely attended by, Silica. Bowling along freely, Exmoor wis half-a-dozen lengths to the good going through ttie cutting, and, carrying the field along at a. sound pace, the Grafton gelding held his advantage going across the top stretch, where Cavalry, who had dropped back a bit, again ran up to Irish, and the pair raced together round the turn a length hack from Romany King. Coming along with a free stride. -Exmoor bounded over the fifth hurdle well in front of his opponents, and, with Romany King, Irish, and Cavalry all of a heap, the field raced past the stand. Just as the once round was completed Cavalry went, up into second place. Irish. Romany King, and Cuiragno following closely. Exmoor showed the way out of the straight and round to the back stretch at a solid pace, and, leaping the sixth fence *" in proficient style, he ran into the cutting over three lengths clear of Romany ' King and Cuiragno, Cavalry having now dropped hack into fourth place, with Irish close handy fifth. Making no mistakes over the next fence. Exmoor galloped across the top stretch nearly tour lengths out front Cuiragno. who was now a length in front of Romany King, with Cavalrv lying fourth. The positions were maintained" through the home turn to the last fence at the head of the straight, over which Exmoor , bopped in proficient, style, and, coming along full of running, won by over four lengths from Romany King, who beat Cuiragno a neck for second' place. Cavalry was five lengths away fourth, and then came Comfort. Irish, and Silica, (ho. last to come in being Waiwera. rune, 4m. Ms. Dividends, £4 23 and £1 Vs. VIKSEBS OF G.X. HUBDLE RACE. Tiina. Two wiles. ni. s. 1802—Mr. J. Koulstou's Belmont, 9.5 ... i "J 1893— J. Keswick's Mutiny, fl.B ... 4 12J 1804—Mr. A. M. Robertson's Melinite, 10.5 ... i 10 3898—Mr. V. Butler's Liberator, 32,9 .... 4 7 18013—Mr.' J. Clarke's Hopgarden, ».ll ... 4 « 1837—Mr. B. H. Skipwith's St. Simon, 12.12 4 lit 18S8— Mr. J. A. McDonald's Opae, 10.0 ... 355 18!)!)— .'. Taylor's Shylock, 9.4 4 i\ 1000—Mr. L. Harris' Caraliero, 10.0 ... a So; 1301—Capt. Russell's Coeur tie Lion, 11.8... 4 8* 1002—Mr. T. Wvlie's Royal Conqueror, • 11.4 ■ 4 1 1003—Mr. F. Watson's Battle-axe, 10.13 ' ..I 4 JJ ■ •-.Two miles and . a-n.uarter'. I 1084—Mr.' A. .1. KirtU's Aka Aka, 0.10, including olb -.penalty ' ... ... 432 4-5 1805—Mr. J- B. Williamson's Irish, 10.1, including 51b penalty ... ; 4302-5 1906— Mr.- J, 11. Prober's Exmoor, 10.3... 4 34 THE MAIDEN HURDLE RACE HANDICAP of lOOsovs; second horse to receive 10=ovs out of the atak-?. Orer seven flight] of hurdles. One mile and three-quarters. 610 —Mr. J. Buckley's ell g; Ability, syra, by Conqueror—Queen Bee. lftst 111b, including' 51b penalty (Higgins) ... ... 1 1601—Mr. R. Hannon's b g Liberator, 6yrs, * ast 61b (J. O'Connell) ... 2 . 237',—Mi. .1. -I. X. Mackenzie's b g Corporal, * aged, 9*l 1111) (Wilson) 3 216 —Oryx, aged, lOst 911> (Walts) 0 32 —Fieramosoa, aged, lost 31b (Ross) ... 0 206]—DonomUiia, aged. lOst (W. Wilson) ... . 0 75 —Mldevr. svrs, ■ 9*t 51b (Phillips) ... 0 551—Oniati. svi : s, Sat 51b (Fergus) ... ... 0

Bonomiaua. Liberator, unci Fieramosca moved off in Hose company, ami Liberator took charge going up to the Sr<<t fence. Drawing away, Liberator was- font- lengths to the pood at the next obstacle, and, improving his lead in the run to the third jump, the son of Freedom raced past the atand hulf-a-donen lengths clear of Bonomiaua, who was three lengths out from Ability, and then came . Onfall, Corpora!, and Oryx in that order. Going out. .of the bottom 'urn Bonomiaua headed Liberator, who a few strides further on stave place to Ability, and the son of Conqueror was'with Bonomiaua as they settled clown for the run up the back. They took the next obstacle almost, on terms, followed bv Liberator. The trio were almost on terms over the, following obstacle, but going through the cutting Ability drew out from the opposition and negotiated the hurdle by the four-furlong post three lengths ahead of Liberator and Bonomiana, and then came Corporal. Holding the others at bar without dittio.ully. Ability raced up to the last fence four "lengths to the good of Liberator, and ran home a comfortable winner by over three lengths. Corporal being four lengths back from Liberator in third place. Bonomiana was fourth, and then come Oryx and Fierainosca. Time, 3m. 30a, Dividends, SI 14b and £2 «.«.

THE CORNWALL HANDICAP of SOOsov* : second horse to receive 50sovs and third horse <to»Ova out of the stake. One mile. 3221—Mr. E. Morrison's br g Rookby, 6vre, by ' Brookbv. Sat 311. (Ryan) ... -■• - 1 29* _Mr G. 'Marshall's br h Oeordie, 6jw. 9sS 31b (Gray) ... - ••• •■■ - 1864—Mr. V. Woods' br g Cl.w-mont. 4yis. 9sr 61b (Jenkins) i 246 -Leonnor, 4vm, 1W 41b (Phillips). ... 0 Slwlrw Madder. Syr*. 1M 91b (Davis) ... 0 M< Nervine ? 4vw. 10*'. 61b (Mobherleyt ... 0 127'CshrIpnH Shell. 6yr». Wit 41b (Canna) .. 0 m -Ironmould. 6yi*. ICUt 31b (Lindsay) ... 0 166 —Deiania, svrs, lOst (Julian) ...* ... 0 Mi-Le Beau, aged, M IMb (Pinker) ... 0 Plli-ArJoloeue. 3rw, M 51b (Cress) 0 63'Isir & svrs, MMb (JillingsV ... 0 37?ZldM». sws, 9rt (Barlow) 0 lS no.-4yrs v 9st (Oeorst) ... ... 0 « —The Leader, syrs. Vii (Conquest) ... 0 21 —Mechanic, ?ged. 9ft (Barron) ... ... 0

2630 Lc Beau and Shrapnel Shell were quickly into their stride and they, raced in front past the en-furlong post, closely attended by Delania and Cliireinont. Le Beau was setting the puce M* tlier made their way up the back to the si.vfurlong post, with Shrapnel Shell, Apologue, and Ciare'mont handy, and this was the order through the cutting, where Delania and Rookby

were most prominent of the other*. In the run across the top stretch Claremont improved his position, and the sou of St. Cyr was quickest into the straight, followed by Leonator. Just before the distance poit was reached Oeordie. on the inside, threw out, a challenge, and Roofcby shooting out at the lawn tails an exciting battle over the, last bit wag witnessed. Filiwhing tip his task in business-like fashion. Itookhy beat Ceordie a bare length for first place, while Claremont was half a-lvii<r!li away from Geordie in third place. Delania finished fourth and Ironmould was fifth. Time, lm. a 7 2-5». Dividends. £5 10s and £2. ,

THE PONY HANDICAP of 100«ovs; second horse to receive losovs and third horse neovs out of . the stake. Seven furlongs. 7745— B. Armitage's ch f Lady Nannie, 3vrs. by CyrenianNannie, 7st. 121b (Pinker ') * 1 308— Messrs. J. and H. Ruesey'a br h Fashion- * able. 6vr.=. 10s! (.Julian) 2 169 —Mr. W. Verran's ch f Merry Delaval, oris. Est 31b (Jenkins) • ... 3 267 —Sonoma, bvrt, 9st 61b (Speakman) ... 0 2344—Kilderdin. 3yr», Sst (Davis) 0 172 —Forth, aped, 8s 121b (Ryan) 0 i 1975;. They had not gone far before Forth was making the running, and passing the six-furlong pest the sou of Lebel »a« just clear of Lady Nannie, the four other i tinners being a length away together. Forth continued to cany on the running going through the cutting, and when the half-mile post wis readied was three-parts of a length to the good of Lady Nannie, with Fashionable lying thud, a length back. In the run to the head of the straight Lady Nannie took charge, and, coming along on the inside, she «on by just on a length" from Fashionable, Merry Delaval being three lengths back third. Sonoma finished fourth. Time. lm. 34 3-*'. Dividend. £2 ss. TUB LADIES' BRACELET of lOOsovj : a bracelet of the value of 7bsovs for the first, horse and a bracelet of the value of 2osotS for the second horse. All horses to be nominated by ladies. Gentlemen riders.' A trophy of the value of lOsovs to the rider of the winner. One mile and a-half. 487 —Mis. F. E. Beaton's eh g Baltimore, 6vrs. be Leolantis— Antcros marc, list 21b (Mr. Tiagnnlll ... ... 1 ■2721—Hiss E. Ring'.' br g Hoeremai, 4rts, ' list (Mr. W. Ring, jun.) ... ... 2 206 —Mrs. D. McLeod's b c, Peregrine, 3yrs. lOst 61b (Mr. F. B. Sellvy) ... ... J 731—Kruger. 6yrs. list 2Ut -iMr. U. Gordon) 0 114 —Moccasin, aged, list 21b'(Mr. O'Driscoll) 0 6'j — Mooshen. 6vrs. list 211> (Mr. N. A. Drown) 0 307 — Itanaiia, aged, list 21b (Mr. 11. Tonka) 0 296 —Seahird. aged, list 21b (Mr. E. Alison) 0 109 Tc Taniwha, byre, list 21b (Mr. «. Paul) 0

Sea-bird was the first to commence, but when thee turned into the straight Baltimore took charge and ran in front past the stand. A few strides further on he was joined by Peregrine, and the pair raced in company out through the bottom turn, followed by Seahird. There was little to choose between the lending pair going through the cutting, where Ilaeremai was close handv, but. when the four-furlong post, was readied Baltimore had a shade the best of it, and, drawing away, was well clear of the opposition when thev entered the straight. Running along freelv on the rails, the son of Leolautis had no difficulty in winning the race by close on four lengths from Haeremai. who was two lengths in front of Peregrine. Te Taniwha was fourth and Seabird fifth. Time, 2m. 53 2-sfi. Dividends, £2 13s and £1 lis- - THE SECOND DAY'S RACING. NOTES AND ANTICIPATIONS. [BY PHAETON. The acceptances received in connection with the second day's racing are in «very way most satisfactory, and in the event of fine weather prevailing there should bo a very largo attendance at the race side. The opening event of the programme is the Orakei Hurdle Race, in which 1 take Convoy to be most dangerous, and Liberator may be runner-up. • The Kanfurly Wett-e; Handicap has 11 'horses engaged. Baltimore will probably bo hardest to beat, and Haeromai may be runner-up. With no withdrawals posted for the Great Northern Steeplechase, it looks a certainty that the field for the. big cross-country event, will number at least a dozen. There is a consensus of opinion that the issue is decidedly open, and that, of course, has the effect of investing the contest with a deal of interest. Encouraged to continue my allegiance to Haydn my vote will be cast in favour of the top weight, and of ■ the others I prefer the chances of Comfort and Aka Aka.

In casting the weights for the Rcmuera, Hurdle Race Mr. Morse has, I take it, made a happy adjustment. If Hydrant be in a position to register his best form he will probably prove hardest to beat, and he may experience most difficulty in disposing of Cuiragno. With 26 horses engaged in the Prince of Wales' Handicap, a stiff problem surrounds the seven-furlong race. The three, top weights. Gold Crown, Exmoor. and Leona- > tor have, I think, each a good winning chance. Exmoor may bo the one to score, and Leonator be the runner-up. Of the quartette engaged in the Tally-ho Steeplechase I prefer the chance of Cannongate.

, THE ACCEPTANCES. The following is a list of the acceptances: — • ORAKEI HURDLE RACE.of lOOaovv One mile and three-quarters. St. lb Bt -„ lb^ Convoy 11 6 Integrity ... ... 9 % Corporal 913 Krugei ... ... 9 i. Bonomisna ... 9 11 Midcrv 9 1 Liberator ... 9 10 RANFURLY WELTER HANDICAP of lOOsovs. . One mile ' v ; •st. lb. "' "' St. lb. Franklin . ... 10 5 Trephine ... ... .9 2 Baltimore ... 9 13 Faderewskt ... 9 0 I'sngaroa .. ■ .... 9 8 Bump >~ ..... ». >9; 0, Maeremai ' " ... 9 8 Peregrine 9 0 Seabird 9 4 Moosben 9 0 Kaimere 9 2 THE GREAT NORTHERN STEEPLECHASE of 70Osovs. About three miles arid a-half. W. lb. . , st- lb. Haydn 11 9 Pharos 10 3 Comfort 11 4 Irish 9 12 Sol 11 3 Medallius 9 12 PhaptoniUs ... 10 11 Catherine Gordon 9 7 Cannongate ... 10 10 Mawhiti 9 7 Moccasin 10 9 South Star ... 9 7 Afca Aka, ... 10 9 Baritone 9 7 Miss King' ... 10 7 Weary Bill ... 10 2 •Swimmer ... 10 7 Hakaria 10 2 Nadador 10 4 Eclair 10 2 ■Including s)b penalty. REMUERA HURDLE RACE of 175»0v*. One mile and three-quarters.. kt. lb. si. lb. Abili'.v 16 8 Cuiragno 10 1 Hydrant 10 5 Defender 9 6 Romany King ... 10 3 Silica 9 2 Cavalrr 10 3 Oryx ... ... 9 2 Waiwe'ta ... 10 2 Wellcast ... ... 9 0 PRINCE OF WALES' HANDICAP of 300*ov«. Seven furlongs. el. lb. St. lb. Gold Crown ... 11 '<■ Le Beau ... 9 7 Exinoor 11 3 Bully 9 6 Leonator 11 2 Waikato 9 5 Nervine 10 2 Ben 9 5 Rookby 10 1 Tambourina ... 9 3 Ironinbuld ... 10 0 Kola. Nip ... 9 2 Shraxmel Shell ... 10 0 Waitati 9 2 Oeordio 10 0 Apologue 9 2 Delania. 911 Cyrano ... ... 9 0 Miss Winnie ... 9 9 Idasa 9 0 Clatemont ... 9 9 The Leader ... 9 0 Certainty ... 9 .7 Mechanic 9 0 Lucrece 9 7 Sir Hector ... 9 0 TALLY-HO STEEPLECHASE of lOOsovs, Three miles. St. lb. St. lb. Cannongate ... 10 11 Roseplot ... 9 12 Hakaria ... ... 10 ' 5 Sudden 9 8 PONY WELTER HANDICAP of lOOsovs'. Six furlong». St. It.. St. lb. Sonoma 11 1 tJtrton Girl ... 10 3 Fort.ii ... ... 10 9 Storyteller ... 913 Merry Delaval ... 10 8 Hopscotch ... 9 0 The first raoe is timed to be started punctually at noon. DUNBDIN JOCKEY CLUB'S WINTER MEETING. FIRST DAT. [BT TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.] DCSBDIN, Saturday. The weather wa* fine for the first, day of the Dunedin Jockey Club's Winter Meeting and' the attendance was fair. The course was a trifle heavy and sticky after the recent rain*. The racing » on the whole interesting, but punters found the favourites going under rather frequently. Sam Welier paid the sensational dividend of £22 ltw to five backers in the Hack Race. In the Tradesmen's Handicap the finish was very close and exciting, and there were some who we're inclined to think Apollodoris, who was placed third, had a Blight advantage. The gum of £4528 v.-a* put through the totaliaator, a* compared with £5367 10a laet year. The result* are a.« follow* :-

PACIFIC HURDLE RACE of TOsova; second horse to receive lOsovs and third horse asovs out of the stake. One mile and u-half. 1844—Mr J. R. Mackenzie"* oh % Slow Tom. aged, by St. Ives—Queen Bee, list 91b (.J. Stewart) ... 1 12 —Mr. J. Shaw'* ch g.Carlo, aged, 9st (Jarvia)2 28J—Mr. S. Brown's t g Holler, aged, lttet 51b (SilMcy) ... ... ... ..., ... 3 Also started: 291. Ronfl'O.i. list 71b; 57, Magnificent, list 71b; 214, Vl ' e - Macgregor, 9st 51b. Won with something to spare bv three lengths. Time, 3m. ft*. Dividend, £1 12*.*

BRIGHTON HACK HANDICAP of SOsom: second horse to receive oaovs and third horse 4*ova out of the stake. Six furlongs. ■-.' ' , a —Mr. S. Turner's b g Sam Weller, 4vr», bv Conqueror (C. Pine) ... ~ ... ' - ... l 1971-Mr. A. Dale> ell' K Balaam, 3rre. &t / 811: (V. Cotton) ... ... "... J;.. 3 "* - Ml^ i J -,M»»on , « br jr Flying Spark, 4vrs, ■ Set 41b (A. McKay) , l * 3

Also started: 864. f'athron. 9«t 91b: 51), Pr-nee /<'■' L«ri«. 7at 131b (including 2!l> over): 63]. Astrakhan, Tat, 91b (including 21b over); 171, Oypaobel, . 7«t 31b; 48. The Brat, Tat 21b. 2ft}, Sahara, -7« •.. 211). . • • • ■■' ■ ,„ ' - "Won comfortably by seven length*. Time, Ira. 22'3-s*. Dividends. £82 16s and 12s. BIRTHDAY HANDICAP of 200*ovs ; second hone to receive 20sovs and third horse lOsovs out of the stake. One mile and a-'jUartrr. 175—Hon. O. McLean's br b Sychem. Syr*, by Lord Rosslyu— Mistal. 7st (Douglas) ... 1 86—Mr. P. liogau-'a b h Bill Terkin*. aged, 6at 71b (0. Pins) ■• ■ ••• "••• t —Mi. <;. Donnelly's blk g Stepenfeldt, aged. 6»; 31b (Oisen) . ... — 5 Also started: 295. Tirole. 7*l 131b: 60, Abusive, 6st 71b; 31. Ringman, 6st 71b (carried 6»t 111b). Won by half-a-length, with Stepenfeldt, who had finished "gamely, a length away third. Abusive and Tirol..- were not far away. Time. 2m. 21s. Dividend. £3 14s. TRIAL PLATE of oOsovs; second horse to receive osovs and third horse 4*ovs on*, of the stake. Seven furlongs. 138— Mr. 15. McEldowney's b m Rosebloom. Syr*, by Obligado—Primrose. Vsi 10!b (Beale) J 233 M- W. Drummond's ch g Grandstand. Bst 411. (J. Mc(omlie) 2 54—Mr. .1. R. McKcime's„ br m The Brat, 4yrs, S«t Mb (J. IfcGuire) 3 Won by a length. Time, lm. 37 3-s*. Dividend. £2 Ms. TRADESMEN'S HANDICAP of lOOsovs: secoo*. ..' liorae to receive lOsova and thud horse hsore out of tho stake. Six furlongs. 215 —Mr. K. Gate* - Zetland, ,4yrs. by Obligate —Ltidy Zetland, B<st, Sib (Hewitt) ... I 116 —Mr. .1. Ellis' ch h Red Gauntlet. aged. Bst 41b (RotclJSe) ... 2 259'.—Hon. U. McLean's Apollodoris, 3crs. 'let lllb (Caskell) '... ... Z Also started: 9bt. Pctrovua. &m 101b: 117J, Replete, bf.l 131b; 40, Tessera, fast 71b (carried 7*1); 43, "Cuiroseltia, 6st 71b; 24, Hypnotist, 6st 71b. A slashing race home resulted in the judge placing Zetland first by a neck, with the fame distance between the second and third horses. Hypnotist was » neck away fourth. Time, lm. 22-3 S. Dividends. £2 16s and £1 14s. SADDLE HILL WELTER HANDICAP of fiOsova; second hoiso to receive Osovs and third horns 4«,ovs out. of the stake. Five furlongs, ,74— Mewl*. A. R. and T. 11. White's b-f The Seer, , 4yrs.- bv Turquoise—Vision, .•■;. 9s< 21b (J. McCombe) 1 ■21i—Mr. D. Wilson's br g Rifle Range, 3vr*. ; Sat (A. 11. Wilson) ' ...» 57 —Mr. '('. A. Bcsle.v's ch g The Norman, aged, Sst (M. .1, Fine) ... ,3 Also started: 60A. Kl.vfntf Spark. lOst; 163, Curiosity, &,t 91b; 228J, Order, 9*l lllb; 43, Dmappointment, fist. 51b; 28, King Dick. Bst 21b; 40. Guard of Honour. Sst 21b; 27], Design, 8«t; Redinorn, list; 7, Alabam. 8»t. -fj Won comfortably bv two lengths. Time, lm. 8 1-bs. Dividends, £7 4s and £7 4s. WINTER WELTER HANDICAP of VOiovs ; second horse to receive lOsovs and third horse bsovs out of the intake. Seven furlongs. - 103 A— Mr. A. Ruthven's ch Casque. 6vrs, br. Casket—Sweet Briar, Rst lllb .'.. .',. ', 1 ITU—Mr. E. .1. Smith's b g Manless, 6vts, Ost 61b ' ... 2 . 941—Mr. M. Friedlaiidei's ch h Count Gorton, 6yrs. &t , ... 3 , Also started: 84, Beau Sealon. 9st 61b; 49J, Bombastes. 9st 31b: 384. Stepenfeldt. Sat 131b: 33}. Rattler. Sst 41b: 69, Heirloom. Bst 31b; 71i, Caplain Kettle, &<t; 16. Natalie, Birt. Won bv a short length. Time, lm. 37 l-b«. Dividends. £4 14s and 18s. ; SECOND DAY. ' The following are the acceptances for Monday'* races :— . FAIRFIELD HURDLE RACE, one mile " and three-quarters.Slow Tom 12.10. Kongo* 11.4, Magnificent 11.4, Roller 10,3, Carlo 9.4. Mco Macgregor 9.0. SILVERSTREAM HACK HANDICAP, five furlong*.—Flying Spark 9.3, The Seer 9.0, Cuirosettia 8.13, Curiosity 8.13, Balsam 8.12, Order 7.11, Prince Loris 7.8, Rifle Range 7.6, Disappointment 6.13, The Norman 6.13, Flavour 6.7, Red Morn 6.7, Alabama 6.7. INVERMAY WELTER HANDICAP, six furlongs. —Sychcm 9.7. Casque 9.7, Tirole 9.5, Grandstand 8.9, Regiment 8.7, Replete 8.4. ' Rosebloom 8.1, Count Gorton 8.1. Battler 7.10, 'ITeirloom 7.9, Moudjik 7.7, Natalie 7.7. PROVINCIAL HANDICAP, one mile.—Syehera 8.1, Red Gauntlet 7.12, Apollodoris 7.11. Manjes* 7.9, Bean Scat on 7.3, Bill Perkins 7,0, Stepenfeldt 6.8, Abusive. 6.7. Captain Kettle 6.7. RICCARTON HACK HANDICAP,- nix ■\furlot>««. ' -Bombastcs 10,3, Sam Writer 8.11, Order 8.10, Astrakhan 7.?.3, Sahara 7.13. (Jyeobcl 7.13, Capetown 7.12. Ctiard of Honour 7.7. WAIRONGOA HANDICAP, six furlongs—Zetland 9.2. Svchem 8.3. Apollodorie 8.3, Lolah 7.5, Replete 7.2, Hill Perkins 7.1, Rosebloom * 7.0, Hypnotist 6.7. ..,,■■; FAREWELL HANDICAP, six furlong*.—MuiJeM i 9.0, Grandstand 8.4, Beau Seaton 8.4, Regiment) 8.3, Bill Perkins 7.12. Count Gorton 7.9, Stepeti. feldt 7.9. Cuirosettia 7.7, Balaam 7.7, Abusive 7,4, Battler 7.2, Toney 7.2, Moudjik 6.10, The Brat 6.7, Prince Loris 6.7. ■ NAPIER PARK RACING CLUB'S ... WINTER MEETING. j J "' ; [BY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Napier. .Saturday. The following nominations have been received 1 for the chief event of the Napier Park Winter: • Meeting:— NAPIER PARK STEEPLECHASE, three mils*. —Westward, Lissa, Eclair, Comfort, Lurcher, Pinyfair, Hakaiia, Kiatere, BlaokberrV, South Star, Nadador, Phactonilis, Slecjiwell, Catherine Gordon, Swimmer.