BETTING IN THE OLD DAYS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13235, 21 July 1906, Page 7

BETTING IN THE OLD DAYS.

In referring to the marked falling off in heavy betting that has taken place in the Old Country of late years, an English writer says:—l can call to mind eight or ten men who annually made books of from £10,OOC to £50,000 each on the Derby—indeed, in the year 1856', the late Mr. Davis laid an owner £100,000 to £1000 against each of the three horses he had In the race. It was stated in the Times the morning .after the Derby of 1860 that the winnings of the late Mr. Merry on Thormandy amounted to £100.000. On Macaroni, in 1865, the winnings were equally large, and fabulous sums changed hands over Hermit in 1867. The. combined books of all the members, of Tattcrsall's over this year's Derby .■■■ probably did "not, amount to what was ..laid •by one, man in 1356.

LEAVES FROM MY NOTEBOOK. A two-year-old is rarely found racing in New Zealand after April,; but "Wirrall, one of the youthful brigade, and who carried the colours of his'breeder, the Hon. J.; D. Ormond, was given a chance to win honours at the Wellington Racing Club's meeting on Saturday last. The race selected for. Wirrall to make bis debut on the turf was the Trial Plate, tun over six'f urlongs. He was made a warm favourite,' and in a punishing finish with the three-year-old Lahdwern he emerged, triumphant by half a length. Wirrall was got by the imported sire; Birkenhead from the Daniel Q'Rourke mare Nixie.

The -question of adopting a uniform height for hurdles came up for consideration at the conference last week on a motion proposed by Mr. It. E. Mcßac at the instance of the Egmonfc Racing Club. The motion met with considerable opposition; and even when amended in the shape that a hurdle should not'bo more than 3ft Bin in height or less than- 3ft 6in it was negatived. It is. a little difficult to understand the hostility that is shown to the passing of such a rule, unless it be that fears are entertained that by laying down a strict rule- on the subject the conference would pave the way for complications.

Those who witnessed Cuiragno's winning feat in the Final Hurdle Race, run at Trentham on Saturday last, when he accounted for Pushful, Magnificent, Exmoor, Monarque, Sardonyx, Waiwera, and Bounce, are found contending that there was a dash of brilliancy about the. feat.. Dennis Morraghan must be given credit for making a decent horse of Cuiragno, and if a victory in the New Zealand Grand National Hurdle Race Awaits the son of Cuirassier it will be no more than his owner r deserves, for he took Cuiragno at a time when matters looked the reverse ■of promising for the bay gelding.

It transpires that the resolution, as passed by tho Racing Conference, bearing on tho question of programmes''submitted by clubs using the totalisator, reads differently to that telegraphed. Tho exact''.reading of the amended motion as passed was as follows: — '• The Metropolitan Committee .may, with the express approval of the president of the Racing Conference in each case, refuse to pass the programme of any meeting of a. totalisator club unless such club expressly undertake not to permit any person to carry on the business of boolkmalung at such meeting." ; . v- \ :\,'._ '■■.

The affairs of the Thames Jockey Club, it is pleasing to find, continue to be of a buoyant character, and with reasonable luck a strong hope is entertained that the club will shortly be quite free of debt. Before the next summer meeting is held atParawai several improvements are to .be made to the ground, and when these are completed the T.J.C. will be in a position to say that their appointments are in every way. top to date. Pursuing a careful policy, the stake money is to be cast on tire same basis as last year, but as the sum placed on the programmes amounted to over £1000, it may bo said that the goldfields club has displayed a liberal spirit. When the small liability is wiped out the T.J.C. can bo depended upon to hit out still further.

Up-to-Date, continues to be heavily weighted for Victorian events. The St. Hippo gelding has been awarded . 12sfc 21b in the Caulfield Grand Nationel Steeplechase; which is only 51b less than the impost under which he was decisively beaten in the V.R.C. Grand National Steeplechase on Saturday last, and it''has to be remembered that the distance of. the Caulfield race is nearly a mile longer than that at Flemiiigton. If Up-to-Date is to win high honours in Victoria it is mado quite clear that he will have to achieve fame under a stiff impost.

In answering a correspondent to a question as to the fastest ; Australasian record for a mile and a-half, the Melbourne Leader cites the respective feats'registered by Noctuiform,and Mauiapoto (2m. 52i5.) at Randwick in' September last, when the New Zealand pair respectively won the A.J.C. Derby and Metropolitan Stakes; and in explanation- thereof he says it was not exactly a flying start, but the time is taken from the dropping of a flag, which is lowered as the horses reach a post just in ; front of the barrier. , .

If Hautapu be. thoroughly sound R. Hannon has,.! take it, good reason to bo highly pleased that the man who was after the Mitiora gelding- did not. take him at the £500 asked. With only lOst 71b opposite his name, in the New Zealand Grand National Steeplechase, and the value •of that stake lOOOsovs, tho Waikato horse must be accounted to be nicely positioned to provoke some smiling faces in the Waikato. s

The exact date for the publication of the New Zealand Cup weights has not yet been decided upon; but it is stated that they are to be held up for some time in order that the handieapper may have the benefit of the running at the early spring meetings. The C.J.C. committee have, no doubt, well thought out the matter; but I do not see that the course adopted,'is going to assist tho handicapper in any marked degree.

Writing of Noctuiform's efforts in the Epsom Plate, the " Special Commissioner" of the London Sportsman has the following: — " The New Zealand horse Noctuiform ran in this race, and looked better than he did at Kemp ton. Moreover, he made a bolder show than he did there, but was, of course, eased as soon as he was beaten. lie is nothing like acclimatised yet, but already the sun has in a great measure rid him of his winter coat, and that alone is a great matter." ■■ ' •. ■'

Slow Tom did not, it transpires, escape without scars at Trentham. As a result of his efforts in the Wellington Steeplechase he cut both his stifles. The veteran is doing Well, however, and will, it is hoped, be quite ready for the fray when the Grand National Steeplechase comes up for decision on the 14th prox.' '. ■

Haydn continues a regular attendant at. EHerslie. '. The veteran son of Sou-wester looks hearty and well; but he has, it is thought, seen his best days. The question of sending Haydn South to contest the Grand National Steeplechase still hangs in the balance, and after a full survey of the situation, Frank Macmanemiri may not consider it good policy to again attack the Southern race with his old horse.

It was rumoured some little time back that a New South Wales breeder had been making inquiries regarding the price required for the Wellington Park estate. I learn from Mr. E. M. Coleman that tho overtures made for the purchase of the property aro now declared off.

Sydney advices to hand state that soon after the declaration of weights for the Epsom Handicap Solution was backed to win that event for a considerable stake. It is understood that the Soult mare will be ridden by L. H. Hewitt in the Randwick race. . • '

Messrs. Morse and Henrys apparently hold divergent views with regard to Hautapu, across country. When framing the weights for the Great Northern Steeplechase Mr. Morse awarded the son of Mitiora list 31b;,.while Mr. Henrys put him in the New Zealand Grand National Steeplechase at lOst 71b. ' "

While galloping at Ellerslie yesterday morning the SoultHotcherina colt twisted a shoe, and.' he was limping as he waltketi away. It is pleasing to learn, however, that the. fine-looking brother.' to Marshal Soult was not badly hurt.

The annual meeting of the r le Aroha Jockey Club was held on Tuesday evening, when the officers for the ensuing year were elected. A committee was appointed todraw up a programme for the next, race meeting, to be held in November. "* ..' .■■.-..

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS ' Cuiragno has won three-hurdle races in succession. .it Scotty is coming on ; nicely, and he look.!* like standing. ' .. 'A day's coursing takes place at Middlemore, Obshuhu, to-day. ■: >'■-.'■-'.■" Sol's winnings'in stakes during the- season just ended amount to £1077. • . : Acceptances for the New, Zealand Grand Nationals fall clue on Friday next. •

! Gladsome is reported to be in blooming health to undertake her cup preparation. The three-year-old Boomerang wtn £1890 in stakes for his breeder and owner, Mr. E. J. Watt. last season. . Marshal Soult, who is to take up stud duties at Gisborne this season, .was shipped to the East Coast or. Tuesday last. ; _

: Banana is on his ! way to Riccarton in order to have his Grand National preparation finished off :on the C.J.C. convincing ground.;. ! .-'■''"'. "■'.'■• ■:'■' W. Wilson extended his winning record still further by steering Cuiragno to victory in the; Hurdle Race decided at Wellington on Saturday last. • .'■.-■■;■•.■-.■•.;'■. In his address to the members at the an- ; nual meeting of the Thames jockey Club the, chairman paid a warm compliment to the handicapper, Mr. U. Wynyard. , . r ,

As might .be imagined the recent wet weather-: has considerably interfered with training operations at; Ellerslie; but the sand track has relieved the situation considerably-

Sol got cast iu his box during the present week, but fortunately got oft' without serious injury, and though it was deemed wise to go ca*y with" him lor a few days , he iiquite sound. ' ' v "

A trio of three-year-olds head the list of' winning horses in New Zealand during the • past seasons Noctuiform, Isolt, and Boomerang being the ones to obtain a place at the head of the list. •• .; ' -f^4

The descendants of the Bill of Portland,' sire Merriwe-e captured sufficient pnz£' money to place ''their Australian-bred, parent in sixth position amongst sires .stationed in New Zealand.

The Hon. J. D. Ormond is credited withhaving a particularly nice lot of two-year-olds in work -at 3t{aramu. The youngsters' are- all clesoenclcnts of the imported ; sire Birkenhead, and the fillies are especially well spoken of. ' ■ '. "- " '*\ , ~j.V

Cambrian does not figure amongst the horses engaged in the Royal Stakes, to be run at the A.R.C. Summer Meeting next season, for the simple reason that the Cyreman colt was never nominated for the valuable race. -.■•■ '■/■■■/; : - ;

.. During the absence of his father (Mr. C, V. Hill), who is on his well-earned holiday, Mi. -Albert Hill is in charge. of affairs at the Ellerslie racecourse, and he is so abreast, of the whole position that it need hardly be said every situation is well met. ;

J. B. Williamson returned to Auckland during this week, but ho did not bring Irish with him, and from that we may apparently assume that the Ellerslie trainer intends to give the Eton gelding a chance to win Grand National honours at Riccarton next month.-

Some of the English writers still continue to give Australia credit for breeding Carbine. Since Spearmint won the Derby New Zealandcrs in London have been kept busy seeing that Maoriland gets full credit as the birthplace of the illustrious son of Musket and Mersey. ;' A. Hail's stable houses no less than four candidates for New Zealand ■ Grand National Hurdle Race honours, namely, Shrapnel (by The Workman), Kremlin (by Stepniati), Black Reynard (by Reynard), and Lull (by Sou'-wester). s ■. .' After attending at Wellington with Cuiragno Dennis Moraghan returned to Ellerslie in order to superintend the preparation of Mr. Morgan's pair, Sol and Baritone. Both horses are looking well, and should nothing unforeseen arise, they will probably make the trip South. .'

■:. STUD NOTES. :; ' ; ; BY PHAETON. Descendants of Soult again acquitted themselves well last season,. and the sum to be credited, to descendants of the St. Simon horsQ. amounts • - to' ■no less .than £65171,' which gives his winning total another good fillip. With several high-class-looking youngsters to represent him duringthe coming season, and the brilliant Maniapoto to help in Australia, it is quite. on the cards that Soult's descendants will place his record far ahead of that of any'previous year. ■■ '/ ' '-. ■■• ;.'■ '' ■ ■-:■ '■ ' / ■"•

The sum captured by descendants of Stepniak during the past season in New Zealand amounted to £9338, which takes rank as their best record to date. The first of Stcpniak's progeny raced in 1897-98, and iii the interval they have won £51,894-. Stepniak was foaled in 1889, so that he is rising 17 years. ■ '~;..-. ~

The progeny of SI. Leger continue to keep the name of their defunct parent in a good place . on the sires' list in New Zealand. Taking into account that in his last season at Wellington" Park St. Leger got few foals, matters did not look at all hopeful for the defunct Doncaster horse to figure with the first dozen in the sires', list five years after his decease. However, his descendants managed to pile up £3315, and the addition of (that sum to the amount credited to his progeny in previous seasons brings up the total earnings of his stock to date to £88,532. This is the result of 16 seasons' racing, and, considering that at. the outset of his stud career the chestnut son of Doncaster and Atlantis was not extensively used, and that he had subsequently to battle his way in the face of some opposition, the record lias a, right to bo regarded as a remarkable otic,

The English-bred sire Seaton Delaval, who is back at his old quarters at Sylvia Park under the care of H. Wilson, is looking in rare buckle. As the. sire • of Gladsome, Nonette, and a host ■'* of other winners Seaton Delaval has made a big name for himself, and as he is as full of vigour as -ever there is every reason to anticipate that he will continue to beget highclass stock. The winnings of Seaton Dclaval's stock, it "may be remarked, are now well over £50,000. // '.:'■'■:■ ■■'■' -'.

{Another English-bred stallion is destined to find a home in Australia. This is the four-year-old Prudent King, who has been purchased from Sir Edward Cassel on behalf of the New South Wales breeder, Mr. Sydney Reynolds. Prudent King is by Love Wisely from St. Reine, by St. Simon'from Ulster Queen, by Uncas from Pirate Queen, by Buccaneer. Love Wisely, who won ..an Ascot Gold Cup, is a consistent sire of winners, and by Wisdom from Lovelorn, by Phillammon.

A Continental writer remarks that it may be quite true that the best horses in France are bred from English sires and dams, and that the best racing blood is to be found in England, but until English breeders and owners will follow the same sage policy as that pursued by the Frenchmen, who neglect no opportunity for taking part in international racing, and showing that the blood they possess is superior to that in Germany, the latter country will bo more and more prone to draw its supplies from those who have given them actual demonstration as to the value of their stock.

Noting that the English Derby winner Spearmint is the produce of a marc that never raced, the South Australian breeder, Mr. J. H. Aldridgc, has resolved not to train the filly Gun-carriage, by Carlyon — Limber, by Light Artillery, and she will he mated next season with Carbine's son. Pistol.

Mr. S. Green, the owner of Gladsome, is prepared to establish his proposed stud in Tasmania if he can find a suitable place. With regard to ?. stallion, he has expressed his willingness to go as high as £15,000 m the purchase of an English horse. ~ •

The Australian-bred horse Trephino (by Auric Ocean) went amiss ; while, contesting at tho Gisborne , meeting, and it has been decided to put him to the stud in Auckiiuid during, the present season. ''V

THE NEW ZEALAND GRAND NATIONAL MEETING. (BT rHAETOJ,".'] • _

Auckland claims such a strong hand in the New Zealand Grand Nationals this year that it goes without saying Mr. Henrys' adjustments for the two big races set dewn for decision at Riccarton next month w«re' awaited with a very; keen interest by local turves. The C.J.C. handieapper invariably constructs his handicap* in a mariner that shows he gives ali the time to his important task so necessary :to enable the finishing touch to be applied; . and once again he- ran claim to have succeeded well in concealing the- winner in each of the two big jumping races that annually mark the opening of .another racing season.

THE OP.AKD NATIONAL STKEI'LEGH-ASS.

In framing the weights for the Grand Na- | tional Steeplechase the C.J.C handicapper | .places Kiatere at the head of the list with] 12=t, which may be termed a fair and rea- I sonable estimate of the son of Castor.' At a ] -difference of lib Sol follows Kiatere, and ; striking a line from his victory in the Groat Northern Steeplechase and the bold bid he made for a second victory at Ellerslie when he was conceding Irish 531b, he cannot be ruled otherwise than in his proper place. Slow Tom has only been awarded 31b more than when ho won the Riccarton race two years back, and if he jumps safely he should be able to get up with the first flight to dispute matters in front. Haydn is nicely in with lOst 13!b, but I fancy the old fellow has seen his best day. Swimmer <lC%t Sib) should have a chance, auci maybe Eurus (10-t Bib) will have something to say in the settlement of the question. Hautapu (lOst 7ib) must be accounted r "to; be daintily handled, and if R. Hannon manages to get his clever little .-!horse to the post in. sufficiently good condition to enable him to register his best form he will, I think, prove one of the hardest of the field to beat. Phaetonitis should be fully master Of lOst 61b. The Phaethon gelding is an ' attractive-looking horse, but in his efforts over country of late several' falls are down against him.- However, in his latest, effort — the Great- Northern Steeplechase—he- managed to stand up all right during the trying 3;< miles, and as wo have a right to conclude that his condition will have been much improved by the time he will be required to run his race at Riceartou, sound reasons exist for'his' being accorded a place amongst the dangerous division. Irish (lOst 61b). is in his right, place,, and the practice he is getting, over the big fences should fit him for the! .'stiff task that, is before him next month at ' Riceartou. I am prepared to allow the remainder to go until Ranaua (9st 101b) is reached. The hollow-backed sou of Australian must be ruled decidedly well treated, and in the event of his standing his preparation satisfactorily ho should be able to play a prominent part iu the settlement of the question. If one were to select three horses hailing from Auckland to fill the whole of the places in the impending Grand National Steeplechase there might bo a tendency in certain quarters to sum up such a finding as that of one of narrow views, but with Hautapu. Trish, and Banana all fit and well on; the clay it may devolve upon the judge to award thorn the leading positions.

THE GRAND NATIONAL HURDLE RACE.

The handicap for the Grand National Hudlo Race is surmounted by Hautapu and Exmoor, who have each been awarded list 9lb, The treble win for which Hautapu was responsible at Ellerslia in April merited a stiff impost, and on form the conclusion of' Mr. Henrys can be defended. In awarding Exmoor list 91b the C.J.C. handicapper "has evidently taken the runaway victory recorded by the Grafton gelding at Ellerslie in June last, as his guide rather than the two defeats which the Porirua candidate met with at Trent-ham last week. Possibly this is the safest, course to take, though there is something to warrant the belief that Exmoor does not-like pinching, hence his defeats at. Wellington. With list 21b Shrapnel has been jumped up exactly, a stone for his fun at Trentham, and though ho beat Exinoor and Co. in hollow style it may be that there! was not so'much in the performance as would appear on the surface. In awarding Auratus list Mr. Henrys has elected to take no chances with the son of Gold Reef, which course can be commended. If Auratus can .jump properly he-is not, viewed in the light of his performances on the flat,' placed out. of- court '• in being required to carry list in his initial effort over the sticks. Cavalry I take to be nicely placed at lOst 131b. The son 'of Light Artillery figured amongst the also ran division at Trentham last week, but I attach no importance to that. Fit and well next month Cavalry should show, up well in the settlement of the Riccarton race. A'good deal of curiosity was evinced as to the burden Mr. Henrys would allot to Kremlin, as the son of Stepni.ak.'is believed.to be a rod in pickle for the approaching Grand National. In being put in at lOst 12!b Kremlin must bo accounted to lie decidedly well treated'; and judging from what comes to me from a usually reliable source I think we may expect to find Kremlin on hand to play his part, in a highly-finished manner next month. If Welbeck is the proficient jumper that is rumoured, Mr. Henrys may have to recognise that he unduly took a chance with the sou of Perkin Warbeck 11. in letting him off with lOst lllb. At three years old Welbeck showed that he could stay well, for he took a prominent hand in the settlement of /the New Zealand Cup, C.J.C. Derby, and Canterbury Cup. Irish (lOst, 91b) 'and Cuiragno (lOst 61b)'are a brace in the'division between lOst and list that read to have good chances. Of those at the tail-end of the handicap nothing reads bettor to me than Banana (9st 7lb). The winner appears to be well concealed, but a. trio that find especial favour in my eyes are Cavalry,* Kremlin, and Welbeck.

THE WINTER CUP. [BY TJXKGRAPII. —PRESS ASSOCIATION".] Chbistchukch, Friday* Signalman was scratched this morning for the Winter Cup. .

! THE WEIGHTS. ,' GRAND NATIONAL STEEPLECHASE of lOOOsovs. i Three miles and ' a-half. ! rt . St. lb. . st. lb. Kiatere ... ... 12 0 Rongoa ... ... 9 13 Sol . 11 13 Moccasin ... 9 12 Slow Tom ... 11 3 1'Iayfair ... ... 9 11 Haydn ... ... 10 13 Ranana 9 10 Swimmer ... ...:10 9 Baritone 9 8 Comfort 10 9 Mawhiti ;.. ... 9 7 Euros ... ... 10 » l'ipi ... ... 9 ' Hautapu 10 7 Narciesua ... 9 7 I'liaetonitis ... 10 6 Victory 9 7 Irish , .10 6 Manazona ... 9 7 Kadador .,. .. 10 5 Sleepwell ... ... 9 7 Waiwera 9 13 Graduated Tax ... 9 7 Hakaria ... ... 9 13 Lissa ... ... 9 7 ullAND NATIONAL HURDLE RACE of 750sovs. i . '■•■■ ..-■•«,.■ Two miles. '■''-. . it. lb. ., v , st. lb. Hautapu 11 9 Romany King ... 10 0 Ex moor ... ... 11 9 Waiwera 9 12 The Mohican ... 11 3 Prospector ... 9 10 Shrapnel ... ... 11 2 Tirole- ... .. 9 H Auiiitus ... ... 11 0 Ranana 9 7 Cavalry ... ... 10 13 Magnificent ... 9 3 Kremlin ... ... 10 12 Sleepwell ... 9 2 Welbeck ... ... 10 11 Lull ... '... 92 Sol •• ... ...10 9' Sardonyx ... 9 0 St. Lyra ... ... 10 9 Tile Guesser ... 9 0 Irish 10 a Silica .. ... 9 0 Comfort ... ... 10 9 Catspaw ?.. ... 9 0 f'uirajfiio ... 10 6 Faro ... ... 9 0 Black '-Bernard ... 10 6 Silverlcne ... 9 0 Pushful "... ... 10 4 Bounce .... ... 9 0 Florio ... „. 10 3 Roller , 9 0 Asteroid ... . .,. 10 3 Hurimoans , ... 3 0 Hvdraut 10 2 I'layfair. ... ... 9 0 Abfjitv . . ... 10 2 Sobraon ..: ... 9 0 Convoy ... 10 2 Kaipetipeti ... 9 0 Wuikaco 10 2