SPORTING NOTES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13814, 29 July 1908, Page 5

SPORTING NOTES.

[by phaeton.]

Br the death of Mr. W. Percival another link that bound the old order with the new in Auckland racing has been severed. For a period-extending to over 30 years Mr. Percival held the position of secretary to the Auckland Racing Club, and it goes without saying that he was one of the best known figures among the racing community. From a very small affair Mr. Percival lived to see the A.R.C. attain a place with the leading racing institutions of the colonies. It can be said that he always pulled strongly for his side; and that he was not dismayed by work striking evidence is to be found in that at one time he -held- in addition to his appointment under .the -A.R.C. the secretaryship of the Agricultural Society and Auckland Stud Company, besides taking an active interest in the affairs of the Pakuranga Hunt Club, of which body he was master from 1886 to 1893. He also found time to direct some attention to the breeding of bloodstock, and a good few proved performers came from his stud, amongst the number being the brilliant St. Paul. For the past two years Mr. Percival had not enjoyed good health: and though he bore up manufully under his trials his friends recognised that he was rapidly failing. Mr. Percival, who had reached his 66th year, came to New Zealand in 1863, and lor 35 years of that period he had resided in Auckland. The funeral took place yesterday at St. Andrew's Cemetery, Epsom, when a large number attended to pay their last tribute of respect to one who ever loved the joys of the chase and the sight of the silks and satins of the turf.

Mr. W. H. Hartgill approached the Racing Conference last week for a ruling on the question of placing the bridle in the scales, and a committee consisting of Messrs. G. Hunter, F. H. Pyne. and E. R. Guinness was set up to consider and report upon the same. In presenting their report, the conYmitee suggested that it should be made compulsory for the full -amount of overweight to be declared by each jockey. The existing allowance of two pounds would not, Mr. Hunter explained, have to be declared, but any fraction over that would. This would give greater satisfaction to both the handicapper and the public, than the present system. Racing men held different views at present as to the amount of overweight it was necessary to declare. In commenting upon the committee's recommendations the president said that no prudent man would declare his last ounce. It was eventually decided to refer the matter to the president, with instruction to consult with the committee, and bring up the amended recommendations} at next meeting of the conference, including one that it be made compulsory to weigh in with bridles. .

At the Wellington meeting California, the three-year-old half brother to Prospector, showed himself to be ail the promising colt he was held to be. The son of San Fran was seen out under silk on each of the three days oyer which the meeting extended, and each time he claimed the attention of the judge in the leading position. In the decision of tho Winter Oats Handicap California's display was of a particularly meritorious • character, for he was not well positioned in the early stages of the race. When the distance was reached California was found on hand with a stiff challenge, and he settled his opposition in attractive style. California's galloping ability apparently came ,to his parry in the light of a surprise, for he was left out of both the Winter Cup and New Zealand Cup. :

In the decision of the Wellington Steeplechase Loch Fyne found the task of conceding 141b to Nadador beyond , his powers; and he was easily defeated by. the chestnut mare. Though the little son of Lochness was called upon to carry list 101b in the July Steeplechase, run on the succeeding Saturday, his owner allowed him to take his chance, with the result, that he claimed the attention of the judge in first position. The win which went down to Loch Fyne's credit was 240sovs in stake money, but as the little '• horse is mulcted in a 101b penalty for the New Zealand Grand National Steeplechase, that circumstance may be.taken to seriously affect lire prospects of earning distinction in t . the Riccarton race, for his impost goes up to 125t,41b, or within 41b of the top weight, Kiatere; ;.'""''*.-'\ \ .„■' ....■..''-.■:'■.';..''-,.„.■

As might have been anticipated, the impost <9st 71b) allotted to Gold Crest in the Epsom Handicap is not considered by his owner sufficiently advantageous .to warrant 'the'son of Gold Reef being sent across to Australia, and information is to hand from Wellington to the effect that the chestnut colt is to be allowed to drop out of the Randwick race.

Acceptances for all events to be run at the Fleet Meeting close on Friday 'next, at nine p.m. Attention of those concerned is drawn to the notification that all acceptances must lie accompanied by the necessary amount in cash.,.' ■ ■ ' ■ v ,

The Auckland-owned gelding Soultline had a good voyage to Sydney, and arrived safely at Randwick. All being well, the son of Soult is to have his engagement continued in the Epsom Handicap.

INTERPROVINCIAL GOSSIP. [BY TELEGRAPH. OWN > CORRESPONDENTS.] WELLINGTON." ■ > Tuesday. On Saturday afternoon it was officially announced that Full Cry had been disqualified during the pleasure of the stewards. The persons concerned in the running of the horse have been summoned to appear on Friday next. A. Julian rode the horse when he ran unplaced on the opening day. When Compass fell while contesting the Final Hurdle Race on Saturday H. Tate suffered a fractured collarbone, and A. McConnon received a slight concussion by bis fall off Exmoor.

Pierre hurt himself when he fell while contesting the Wellington Steeplechase, and he was withdrawn from the July Steeplechase.

CANTERBURY.

" Tuesday. ' The improvement on the tracks due to the fine weather has given the trainers a chance of galloping their horses,' and 'as a consequence there has . not been much schooling during the week. On Wednesday Canton and Ben Fortune gave a good display over the big fences, and they were out again on Saturday in company with Casabianca, all three shaping well. Stravfox and Pacific, with the pace on, fenced faultlessly over two circuits of the steeplechase obi stacks. Stray fox pulled up lame, but it -ft thought to be only, the result of a strike.) Storm performed satisfactorily over the big country by himself. , Arrangements have been made for Starlight to jump with him, but Mr. Stead's horse was absent owing to an accident, having wrenched off a shoo and ran a nail into his foot. This will throw him out of work for a few days, which is unfortunate on tho eve of the Grand National Meeting. /

I learn that Mr. G. L. Stead has purchased the farm which embraces the private training track where the Yaldhurs't horses have been trained for many years. It therefore seems certain that he intends to go into racing, and if this is the case he is to be commended for making a wise move. Starling has been in great favour with backers for the Grand National Steeplechase, but ho is reported to be under a cloud now.

Private cable advices from Melbourne state that Mr. G. P. Payne has disposed of Idealist and the yearling colt by St. Ambrose—Martin, and that he is now on his way back to Christchurch.

Stronghold has recovered from his lameness, and is in regular work again.

Rose Noble is looking well and is galloping freely. As the going is to his liking it is quite on the cards that he will reward his owner with a long overdue win before the close of the Grand National Meeting. Slow Tom put in two solid rounds on Saturday, pulling up quite sound. If he gets through a few more gallops like this his Grand National chance will have to be seriously considered. I learn that D. Watt has been retained to ride him.

Seaman was scratched to-day for all engagements at the Grand National Meeting, which makes it look as if he had gone amiss during the course of the Wellington meeting.

' . WANGANUI. • Tuesday. Prior to leaving here Irish Rifle was reckoned to have a second-to-none chance in ,his .Wellington engagements; but after getting well away in the Stewards' Handicap he died away to nothing, and did not compete in* the Parliamentary Handicap or the second day's events. His ill success, however may. not interfere with the fulfilment .of his National engagements. Lull, who has been a bit sore lately, is recovering, and it is expected that the Handsome Jack gelding will be able to fulfil his forthcoming 'engagements. : \