SPOTTING NOTES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13647, 15 January 1908, Page 4

SPOTTING NOTES.

[BY phaeton.] The Pukekohe sportsman, Mr. ' James, Roulston, is considerably perturbed ancnt the contents of an anonymous letter sent to him with regard to the 'running of his horses at the recent A.R.C. Summer Meeting. The writer, who, to further disguise his identity, took the trouble to print in capitals the whole of his letter, makes wholesale assertions. No doubt a good few people racing horses receive such missives at times; and with some would be thrown aside, and speedily consigned to the flames. A man of Mr. Roulston "a standing, and one who has always raced his horses on a high standard, is, however, naturally much concerned at the letter sent to him. In a letter appearing in another column the veteran owner throws down ft challenge to his anonymous correspondent to come out, and endeavour to prove his statements, with the further inducement that there will be coin of the realm for him to handle should he do so. It is quite possible that Mr. Roulston may approach the stewards of the A.R.C. with'a view to holding an inquiry.

An acceptance of 14 for the Wellington Cup must be considered very satisfactory, and the fact of the two hordes (Zimmerman and. Maniapoto), placed at the head of the list being still engaged, will bo especially pleasing to the hand'eapper (Mr. J. H. Pollock). With 9»t 31b in the Trentham race, it may be remarked, Zimmerman has the same task set him as that to which he returned a successful answer at* Ellerslie on New Year's Day, when he led his field home in the A.R.C. "Handicap.

The Wellington Stakes, which is set down for decision at Trentham on the 22nd inst., has eight horses engaged, the two-year-olds being in the ascendant by 6 to 2. Sir George Clifford has left in no less than three, amongst which is Fleetfoot. who has the distinction of winning four of the five races she has contested.' Mr. Stead will have to rely on Armlet, and with the daughter of Metischikoff penalised to the maximum, it cannot be said that her prospects bear an Over-bright aspect.

Boniform walked away apparently quite sound after registering his brilliant feat in the Great Northern Derby at. Ellerslie on New Year's Day; but apparently hi? trainer, R. Mason,, deems it inadvisable to exact further racing from the Multiform colt this* month, as Mr. Stead allowed him to drop out of the Wellington Cup (in which race he was nicely treated), while forfeit was paid for him in connection with the Wellington Stakes. It will be a matter for keen regret should Boniform not train on, for that he i* a colt of high calibre is a point upon which there is a pretty general agreement.

Racing in the North Island ha* of late formed the subject for oaustio reference at the hands of Canterbury writers. From " The Possible's" notes in the Canterbury Times I extract the following:—"For some time past the North Island'has had a somewhat unsavoury reputation with regard to the manner in which many of its race meetings are carried on, the allegations made being far from creditable to the parties concerned —owners, trainers, jockeys, and stewards. I mention stewards last, but really they should be given a separate reference, as at their door must be laid the blame for most of the abuses which are allowed to exist in connection with race meetings in the other island. During the last few days I have conversed with several Canterbury sports.men who were present at different holiday fixtures in the North Island, and the conclusion I have come to is that reform is urgently called for. On© would have thought that the punishment meted out to more than one jockey recently would have acted as a warning to other riders, but such does not appear to be the case, and they are apparently still prepared to take 'war risks, ' quite heedless of the fate of their brethren of tie pigskin. Some desperate things were done by one or two jockeys during recent North Island meetings, accoroi"<»- to mv informants, find tho fact that no official cognisance was taken of the inciuems, instki-j 0110 wonuor what, msumor of stewards are in charge of affairs. If my information is to be credited at all, and I am disposed to think it is, it looks as if a few of the Northern horsemen, who are not unknown to fame in this island, reserve their Sunday manners for their visits. to Riccarton. It, is pretty certain, at any rate, that the occurrences which are reported to go unchallenged in the North Island, would never be tolerated by the stewards of the Canterbury Jockey Club. There is no need to go into details, but I have heard sufficient lately to convince me that racing in some portions of the North Island is carried on very much under ' catch-as-catch-can ' rides, and the only conclusion I can come to is that the manipulators of the various schemes, crooked running and foul riding among others, must feel pretty secure regarding the officials in charge, either as to their friendship or their incompetence to deteot the swindles, or they would never dare take the risks they, do." It will be observed that "The Possible" does not state the district in which the proceedings and shortcomings complained of, occurred, and if for no other reason than to know what meetings are ; included in the places where it is alleged go-as-you-please tactics are tolerated, it is a "pity that the Canterbury writer did not give us the interesting bit of information. The North Island is a big place. Sydney papers now to hand furnish particulars as to the engagements of New Zea-land-bred horses at the approaching autumn meetings. The following is a list of the engagements made:— Newmarket Handicap (six furlongs): Elevation, Dusky Morn, Pink-'un, Munjeet, auiform, Seddon, Grenadier, Maranui, Captain Shannon. Australian Cup (21 miles): Apologue, Master Delaval, Seddon, Putty. Champion Stakes: Apologne, Master Delaval. '. Doncaster Handicap (one mile): Elevation, Cross Battery, Maranui, Seddon, Rquiform. Sydney Cup (two miles): Apologue, Putty, Cross Battery, Maranui, Seddon. ~.„, Mr. J. F. Hartland, secretary of the A.R.C., proceeds to Wellington" this week in order to attend the forthcoming conference to be held there. Port. Light, the three-year-old daughter of Bluejacket and Radiant, managed to lose her maiden certificate at the Whaugarei meeting, the Publicans' Purse and the Park Handicap going-down to her account. The programme in connection with the Takapuna Jockey Club's Summer Meeting wiir require further attention at the hands of horseowners on or before Fridqry next, on which day, at nine p.m., acceptances for all first day's events, and for Rangitoto Steeplechase (second day) close. Poseidon and Mountain King's names do not figure amongst the list of entrants for the Austraian Cup, but they are both engaged in the Sydney Cup. . The hurdler Catch-'em is stated to have twice changed hands at Whangarei. He was first sold for £25, and then for £50. A CHALLENGE. TO THE SPO&TrNG EDITOfi. Sir,As there have been some very unfavourable comments on the running- of my horses at the recent summer meeting I think it is only fair 'to myself and the public that the matter should be inquired into. I have received an anonymous letter written in most scurrilous terms, to the effeot that both my horses were deliberately pulled in some of their races at Ellerslie and stating that if I waa a party, to it I should be disqualified for life. In the latter case I am with him, but as we live in a British colony, I suppose I am at least entitled to a hearing, And now, as to the alleged unfair practices, I court the fullest inquirv, and further, I am prepared to pay £100 to' any charitable institution in Auckland if any jockey riding for me can prove that his instructions were any other than " win, if you can."

Surely this man, who signs himself as *' A Keen Observer," will be manly enough to come forward and substantiate the vile assertions he has made against the riders and myself. To show Mr. " Keen Observer" that I am in earnest in this matter, I shall place a cheque for £20 in the hands of any respectable trainer at Ellerslie, and if, in the opinion of the A.B.C. stewards, my critic has proved a ease of corrupt practice against either the riders of my horses or myself he is welcome to the amount. If he succeeds in proving his case, I consider the £20 I shall lose will be the best investment I have made for many years, as it will be an eveopener to myself, and other horseowners throughout New Zealand may largely profit by it. In conclusion, it is now for " Keen Observer" to intimate through the press his acceptance of this challenge, otherwise no result can eventuate. I shall then ask for a meeting of the stewards of the Auckland Racing Club, when I am sure every opportunity will be given him to prove his case Anticipating an early reply from " Keen Observer" through the medium of your columns. I am. etc., JAMES KOULSTOX. Belmont, Pukekohe, January 11, 1908. P.S.—The offer I make holds good not only to " Keen Observer," but to any other person who thinks he can prove the charge. J,fi,

LS'TERPROVINCIAL OOiSIP. [DT TELEGRAPH.--OWN" COaBESWSMOTfc] WELLINGTON. Tuesday. The Royal Artillery filly Artillerie was brought back from Auckland by J. W. Lowe, and has gone into that trainers stable at Trentham. Ono of the first trainers to put in an appearance at Trentbara is C. Bitkett, who came from Wanganur with Advantage (Ad* vane*—Lady Speck), who won a race at Taranaki. Irish Rifle wan sore after racing at Bulls, and will not be brought to the meeting. F. Tilley's team for Trenthara wilt consist of Ana, Paione, Sir Frisco, and Motukana (Waiuku—Ngaio). The, last-named has not vet sported silk. Mr. Will, Hall, of Waogauui, has already received 40 replies from secretaries of clubs who intend being present at the conference to be held here on the 24th. The Whangarei and Southland clubs are both sending representatives. Mr. G. P. Donnelly will have four horses racing at Trentham", viz., Gold Thread, Ucnuku, Kautdku, and The Rand. Iho last-named will start in the Cup. CANTERBURY. Tuesday. We have had another week of very dry weather, and, despite the fact _ that the water Mipplv at Riccartoii is being freely used, the lawns and all the tracks are showing unmistakable signs of the need of a downpour. Canterbury stables should be strongly in evidence at' the Wellington Cup meeting. In addition to the horses already on the ground, a big team will be leaving this week, including Petrovna, Cross, Battery, Sea King, and Lapland. Bonny Glen arrived back from Auckland on Wednesday. Ayn&ley has had the Stepniak colt examined by a veterinary Burgeon, who is confident of having him sound, and able to stand a prepartion early next"spring. The disappointing Euclid is again in work, after a season of stud duty. Stronghold, who has just concluded a season at the stud, has rejoined Clarke's active team. All Guns got away from his trainer this morning, being frightened by two sheepdogs, but he was caught soon afterwards, little tho worse for the escapade. With .so many horses away at Wellington, matters are likely to be quiet at Rieearton for a week or two, but on their return we, will have our summer meeting to infuse alittle interest into the proceedings at the tracks.

NAPIER. Tuesday. Youngsters continue to b* broken in to add to the Hon. J. D. Ormond's team. A. Woods has now the following in hand for Hawke's Bay's leading: sportsman : — Miscast (Birkenhead—Miss Never), Pellicle (a full-sister to Kwroma), Negative (a fullbrother to Misoaet), -801 lin (Birkenhead — Govt), and a two-year-old half-brother by Renown 10 Geraint, Bellicent, Black Eagle, Monogram, Eon, and Enna. They all carry a promising appearance. Mr. J. A. White purchased Turqu*t this week. The Turquoise gelding, who, by the way, is a full-brother to Earmark, will still continue under the tuition of A. F. Noalo at Hastings. The one-time champion hack Full Cry came out on top at the Nuhaka Show, where he easily beat the opposition in the various classes he was engaged in. The Reynard gelding is now owned by Mr.- I*. F. Williams, manager of Huramua Station, a sport who onoe had the credit of having Mahutonga carrying his colours. Pretty Maid has joined A. Radnor's forces again. The mare looks on the big side, and will no doubt take some time, to knock into shape. J. Prossor, of Mohaka, has received a couple of additions to his team, in the shape of Tangoio and Lord Bobs. Variety (Natator—Last Chance) has produced a colt to Merriwec. Olympus (by Phoebus Apollo— has been put in work again. The half-brother to Impulse gives every evidence that his holiday has agreed with him. V. Coll el o has set Nadador going once more. The chestnut mare has apparently benefited by her absence from "the track. Grand Shim's half-sister by Jet d'Eau has been returned to her birthlace, Mangatarata Station. .r - -. , ■ ~ Wallassey will not again carry Mr. Ormond's colours, the Birkenhead gelding having been sold. Mr. M. Johnson has acquired a loasc of Formidable from M. Moses. J. Lawry has H.M.s. Pinafore's daughter in hand. It is understood that Percy Johnson intends to again apply for a license to ride. Monti go has been shipped to Gisbomc. WANGANUI. Tuesday. Mr. G. F. Moore, who has been having a. fairly good innings of late with hi» horses, intends sending a team to Australia. Dusky Morn claims an engagement in the Newmarket Handicap, in which, if be keeps up present form, he should run prominently. The son of Sou'-wester and Swift has already shown a taste of his quality on the flat. Probably Signor and Carissima will also be included. The locally-owned hurdler Cassiopca, having Avon the .stipulated amount of money in stakes, will in future have to race in open company. The daughter of Linstock is in very good fettle at present, and has given J. Stanley his first three winning rides over sticks. I hear it is problematical whether Irish Rifle will make the trip to Wellington. The Musketry—Element gelding has done a fair amount, of racing during the season, and may benefit by being eased, in his work. Rosegrovo seems to have gone, off colour of late, and does not seem to finish with that dash which characterised him somo short time back. The illegitimate game should suit the Rangipuhi gelding. Pearlio changed hands recently for 60 guineas, being sold to a Stratford buyer. WELLINGTON RACING CLUB * SUMMER MEETING. TRENTHAM TRAINING NOTES. [BY TELEGRAPH.— ASSOCIATION.] Wellington, Tuesday. At Trentham this morning the horses in charge of Cutis were first out. Do Witfce was coupled with Advantage, and at the conclusion of six furlongs, run in lm. 13is., De Witte was in front. Stratagem went once round on the tan. Fleetfoot sprinted over two furlongs, and Sister Anne was clocked to do twice that distance in 525. Red Rain and Olanchattan finished together at the end of seven furlongs in lm. 31a. There was little to choose between Marguerite and Gold Crest over, a mile, run in lm. 465., neither being unduly bustled. Kurawaka had the best of Playmate over six furlongs run in lm. 18s. Swimming Belt, Diabolo, William, Tupono, Petticoat, and others did useful tasks. All Red beat Ataahua over six furlongs, run in lm. 17s. Armlet, from a flying start, galloped half-a-mile in 48is.