SPORTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 14223, 20 November 1909, Page 9

SPORTING.

- RACING FIXTURES. v. ..miier 20-Otahnbu Trotting Club " • November 20-VVaihi Hack Racing Club. Member Canterbury Jockey - Sovenioer •-^v I°% Dec 1-Takapuna Jockey Club. Member 30. December 1-Feilding Jockey „ Cl "Sw 2-Waitara Racing Club. December 8, 9 _woodville District Jockey Deccffoer o, „ ClU «Kpr 11, 16-Cbristchurch Racing Club, -tDecember n._ o Raclng cln^ MR Janf 8-Tuckland Trotting Club ' Dec a fc „«S 28-Manawatu Racing Club. gffiS». 30: January 1. 2-Auckland Rac ing OT-i>orangahau Racing Club 27, 28~Dunedin Jockey Club ■December 27, 28-Taranaki Jockey Club December 27. 28-Thames Jock club . Member "39-Ashhurst-Pohangina Racing , ®*s» 1-Palmcrston Racing Club i 222& 1 3-Stratford Racing Club January J. V^c- l airarapa Racing Club - i l : 3-Rangitifcei Racing Club 1. 3-Hawke-s Bay Jockey Club '- Sarv 7 B_whangarei Racing Club, i tSSarr 14-Otamatea Racing Club. Srv 22. 24. 25-Wellingtpn Racing Club •i 22 24—Fox ton Racing Club « Sary 3 1. 4-Gisbornc Racing Club -' Racing Club. fc f» p sb 2 5-Takapuna Jockey Club. i Pohrnarv 3. 5-Canterbury Jockey Club [ February 9 10-Egraont Racing Club Tphruary 10-Waioeka Racing Club. i FeXry 10-Mataroata Racing Club. -Ifbroary 10 11-Poverty Bay Turf Club j .BKr 12-Mauku Racing Club . •KSarv 12 16. 19-Otahuhu Trotting Club. •£hK5 16. 17-Rotorua Jockey Club IS 16 17-Taranaki Jockey Club ; February 25. 24-Woodville District Jockey v&av 23. 24. 26-Dunedin Jockey Club Auckland Racing Club. rSi?^ ar^inui Jockey Club ; March t-Waihi Jockey Club 1 March 7. 8-Te Aroha Jockey Club 'March 12-Thames Jockey Club , March' 17-Whakatane Racing Club. March 26 28. 29-Auckland R»nm<r Club. ; J May 21. 24-Takanuna Jockey Cluh. '.''-JSb 3, 4,'8-Anckland Racing Club.

DATES OF COMING EVENTS. .... NEW ZEALAND. December 4-Waipa Racing Club. November 30— Feilding Stakes. December 23—Palmerston North Stakes. December 27-Manawatu (>•>. V; December 27-Great Northern Foal Stakes. December 27-Auckland Cnp. December 27—Alexandra Racing Club. December 28-Manawatu Sires' Produce v January 1-Great Northern Derby

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

- WAGES, —Dreamland, the dam of Elysian, | ran third to Anita and St. Hippo for the j .Auckland Cup of 1895. ■ W.T.B,,>Opunake.— time (3m. 75.) published in connection with the Great Northern Oaks (one mile and a-half). won by Gold Lace a*. Ellerslie last- April, is correct. SUBSCRIBER, Waikino.—Lady Avon (7st 51b) was ridden by Abbott when she won the Anniversary Handicap at Takapuna in 1902. It is an offence against the law to publish the amount of dividends. MANA.— never carried lOst in either the New Zealand Cup or Auckland Cap. He was weighted at 9st 10lb in the first-named race when he finished second to Spade Guinea. Nelson and Hilda each contested the Auckland- Cup on four occasions. • OLD " SFOBT, Te Kauwhatu.—ln Australia and New Zealand nominations for Derbies are made when the animals reach the yearling stage. We have not the conditions bear"me on nominations for the English Derby; Jut this much can be said that they are not suae before birth. * | : .VAGE2, Thames.—L Eton defeated Becord Ueign on two occasions at the A.B.C. Summer Meeting in 1898, in the Railway Handicap (six furlongs) and the Ascot Handicap 'one mile). At the - same meeting Record Eeign won the County Handicap under ost

(21b, Eton (Bst 71b) running unplaced in thai

event. 2. Antares carried 7st 111b. St. Paul • 9sti when they finished in first and second % places respectively: for the Auckland Cup. ■

"NOTES BY PHAETON.

; ■■•■' : THE SUMMER HANDICAPS. Promptly to time Mr. Morse issued the 'first batch ■of weights in connection with

the Auckland Racing. Club's Summer Meeting, and students of racing have now some : interesting material on which to engage their- thoughts. .With iA.ll Red and Bobrikoff engaged ' : it did not,, of course, admit of any doubt as to which horses would head the handicap for tho Auckland dip; but much curiosity was evinced a* to the standard weight to be selected, and how the . A.R.C. handicapper. would gauge the bay horse and the black gelding this summer. In placing Bobrikoff. on the same level with All Red (9st lib being the impost involved), Mr, Mbrse has made it quite clear that he does not ' deem it safe to take sides with those who doubt the ability of the Finland gliding, to •- stay - out 16 furlongs properly, * dad remembering ' that "he ran :, a decent nee last year in the Auckland Cup it is just as well to await another test ere con-

' derailing Bobrikoff. £ It : is, of ' course, quite

;possible that ' Bobrikoff's collapse 1 in the New Zealand : Cup may have convinced his awnef 'that it will be more conducive to

.'9.* r the black gelding's record to keep him out of two-mile racing; but that is a. point on which we have no information at present. ' As was only to be expected Elysian's winning performances at Riccarton last week have caused tho Soult colt to be estimated highly, and in awarding him Bst" 21b Mr. Motte has assessed him 71b above weightforrage. In having won the Canterbury : Cup in r 4m., Elysian's impost can be defend-

ed ;'but? still some keen judges are found questioning tho .value of his victory in the long distance race at ; Riccarton, and the opinion -,ia}; given that had All Red been differently ridden he would have been closer

to his-three-year-old rival. In - the Canterbury ' Cup i All Red was conceding Elysian 271b;; in tho Auckland Cup there .is only Islb' between them. So that allowing for the ?31b:; improvement, which, . according to the scale,' Elysian is expected to make.between "November and December, the balance' is' still well in favour of All Red. In • the v .Railway Handicap, Mr. Morse has > placed Bobrikoff at the head of the list with

>10st. : A horse of acknowledged phenomenal . pace, it; would only -require, a declaration from Mr. Lowry, that ho has serious designs on. the six furlongs race to cause Bobrikoff's :: name.;to .; be extensively warbled, despite his .heavy impost. • Penates (9st 71b), Armlet ,"(9st '21b),'. and Elysian (Bst 111b), who follow Bobrikoff in the six furlongs race, have' all received their full deserts. The first acceptances fall due on the first Friday <« December, and when they arc posted tho situation will be rendered more satisfactory to deal with. " . :■■''*■':)■ ':''.■;'■■■;:; .';.

& HIGH-CLASS CONTEST AT WEIGHT- . ,";;r.' FORAGE. . . .. The contest between" Alawa and Trafalgar in'the C. B. Fisher Plate at Flemington on •the inst., was not, perhaps, quite up to the great finish fought out by Seahorse and plosion at Ellerslie over a similar distance an the summer of 1900; but, judging from the accounts of the Victorian race, it will w> long remembered as one of the most j noteworthy battles between two high-class "owes that is bound up in the history of the coloniaj. turf. In describing the Alawafrafalßar duel, " Martindale," of , the Sydney! Town' and Country Journal, penned the following:— When the C. B. Fisher Plato Wffle on there was a big rush to get on to **Jawa,.,wh6 was speedily a strong odds-on favourite. With nothing to set the pace, a We *t responsibility devolved upon Trafal£&rs rider, James Barden, and right well he <*fce out of the ordeal. In that race Barden « v ». an exhibition of judgment and horseansiup that not only did him the greatest, to tkl but must have been an object lesson Kb ? h^ l, ?H«y; riders - He knew that Balloting ??i? °PP°ed to one of superior 'KT* ab,l - lty ' and to beat him ho must *«uihttth«t m l ont ' making the pace so " £lM? j might V<*&ib\y break the other oat " l ßwi "?? y ? fc not run his own horso 1 * tide* „. £ hat ,s tho most severe test that r W^:£j x, . Tmt to - Barden did all that »««'«RW :but Alawa proved that he is*ad'a Ih fast one '* but game as a pebble, felQ.r^!2 ugh m Sta y er - Commencing the So^Sfc'^ ra .« ar was fading Alawa

the river Lewis moved his mount to within a length of ; the; chestnut, but" had dropped back to two lengths at the abattoirs. Racing to the half mile, Lewis began to work up to Trafalgar, and -they dashed into the straight well together, with Alawa on the outside. From here to the nost tho battle was a desperate one. Trafalgar was responding to Bardon's . calls in a most generous manner, and when within a few strides of the distaneo Alawa was seen to falter, a great shout went up. A stroke of the whip appeared to arouse the favourite to another effort! It was a great one. Trafalgar's hard work of setting the pace all the way was telling on him. The gallant chestnut's strido was shortening over the last half furlong, and! Alawa's dogged determination under Lewis' persuading whip, was not to bo denied. Inch by inch ho crept up, 50yds from the post they were level, and"then the brown head gradually forged ahead of the chestnut, and one of the greatest equine duels ever fought out at Flemington terminated in about a three-parts of a length win for Alawa. It was really the race of tho mooting, and ono that will be remembered as long as those who witnessed it live. Perhaps next autumn these colts. may fight their battle over again in the Champion Race, but, both fit and well, I must say that Alawa is the better colt.

LEAVES FROM MY NOTEBOOK.

Ono of the most pleasing incidents in connection with the racing at Ellerslie on Saturday last was the success of Mr. George Dunnet's colours. A keen sportsman, with a strong desire to have the real thing accomplished in the proper way, the reappearance of ifc Dunnet's name on the winning owners' list is to Iks warmly welcomed, and let us just, indulge in the hope that the successes of Dunborve and Obsidian are but the forerunners of something more important to the pink jacket, black cap."

When Gold Lace defeated Chanteuse in the Great Northern Oaks, run at Ellerslie last autumn, it was held in some quarters that she was lucky. The daughter of Gold Reef has disposed of that little argument completely by the form she has displayed sinco the present reason opened. By winning the Members' Handicap (seven furlongs) under 9st 31b on Saturday last, at Riccarton, in which she beat a field of 16, which included Penates (9st 81b), in lmin. 28 l-ssee, Gold Lace won a good place with the noteworthy winners of the season.

With tho leading owner securing less than £500. and 45 . others participating in tho division of the £5025, which sum formed the prise-money at the Auckland Racing Club's Spring Meeting, it will be readily recognised that there was a wide distribution of stakes, which is always to be taken as a satisfactory state of affairs. Mr. E. J. Watt headed the list with £440, and then followed Mr. M. McLean and Mr. J. Colbeck respectively with £375.

In a review of the C.J.C. Spring Meeting. "Tho Possible" says:—"Tho three-year-olds managed to capture their fair share of races, but, at the same time, I am not convinced that they were • a good lotElysian was easily tho best of them, and he is entitled to all credit for his good race in the Riccarton Welter Handicap and his easy victory in the Derby. What I did not like so well was his performance in the Canterbury Cup. I hold strong views on the advantage which a three-year-old has in the weight-for-age scale over a long course, and I was not greatly impressed by Elvsian's display over two miles and a-auarter. He won, it is true, but there was nothing impressive about it, the fact being that he was the only horse in the race ; that was decently handled. •

Honours were well distributed amongst the trainers at the A.R.O. Spring Meeting, winners coming from 16 different establishments during the three * days. The following is a list of the winners supplied by their respective trainers:— . Macmanemin (Ashby, 2, Maheno), .R. Hannon (Salute, 2, Hina), G. : Absolunv (Santa, Rosa, Waimangu), F. Stenning (Dunborve. Obsidian), W. Mobberley (Urania), J. Quinlf.van (Maori King), T. A. Williams (Leo, Sir Artegal),, A. E. Kelly (Lady French). S. Hodge (Wild West, 2), J. B. Williamson (Carmania), R. Hall (Swagsman), P. Johnson (Dr. Shimose), ~-> A. Robertson (Advocate). R. "McMiken (Le Beau), M. Norgrove (Regain), Mr. W. C. Ring (Wauchope). • ■ '■' • . ;''■"■„. V'

Amongst >the. successful jockeys at the A.R.C. Spring Meeting, A. Julian and B. Deeley came out at the head of the list, each "steering '&" quartette of winners. The following is a list of the winners steered bv the various riders: Julian (Swagsman. Dunborve, Obsidian, Wauchope), B. Deeley (Lady French, Wild West, 2, Advocate). J. Buchanan (Ashby, 2, Maheno), J. Conauest (Urania, Santa Rosa, Regain), P. Bradv (Salute, 2, Dr. Shimose), C. Brown (Carmania. Sir Artegal), F. Cress (Maori King). T. Howard (Leo), T. Jones (Lc Beau), Porter (Waimangu), Mr. K. Dingle (Hina).

The Victorian trainer James Scobie is credited with saying that Alawa is absolutely the best horse he has ever trained. Scobie at various time's had in his hands La Carabine, Paul tt?ry, Malster, Clean Sweep, Svlvanite, Emir, Hautvilliers, Sweet Nell, and F.J. A.

'. The Alexandra Racing Club will hold their annual race meeting on Boxing Day. The programme framed in connection therewith consists of ; seven events, carrying prize money to the extent of £74.. From the programme, which will be found published in full in another column, it will be seen that nominations for all. events close on December 1, at eight p.m.

There was a good deal of merit attaching to the victory of the Stepniak horse Kerlie in the Williamstown Cup. McLachlan, his rider, lost a stirrup shortly after the start, and that placed both . horse and rider at a disadvantage.

The New South Wales trainer F. McGrath put up a record at the vecent V.R.C. Spring Meeting, by furnishing the respective winners of the Maribyrnong Plate, V.R.C. Derby, and Melbourne Cup.

Nominations for the Ayondalc Stakes of 1910 and the Avondale Guineas of 1911 close on Friday next, at nine p.m. Particulars of both races will-'be found published in another column. • :-;■'*' ;.

In weighting Master Soult and Husbandman for the New Zealand Cup, Mr. J. E. Henrys awarded them each bst 81b. Mr. Morse has awarded Master Soult Bst 71b and Husbandman Bst 41b in the Auckland Cup. The two horses have not yet met this seasou. ■'~';':':''

As - stated some time back L. H. Hewitt, the erst New Zealand jockey, went to Austria, under engagement to a leading sportsman in that country. The' Hungarian correspondent of the London Sportsman, writing in September last, said: "Hewitt, is already acclimatised, and riding in splendid form. He is very popular."

Glissade, the three-year-old daughter of So"lt arid Lissadurn, who won the Waipawa Handicap last week, was acquired from Mr. T. H. Lowry only recently for 100 guineas, and the prize she won more than covered the sum expended in her purchase.

During carnival week in Canterbury, extending from the 6th to the 13th November, and which embraced the meetings handled resnectivelv by the Canterbury Jockey Club and tho New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club, the sum of £135,378 i was passed through the totalisators. .

It is announced from Brisbane that a Bill to regulate horse-racing is likely to be introduced into the Queensland Parliament. It is understood that proprietary companies will be affected by the measure,.

It is contended that Downfall will be an improved horse in the summer. The son of San Francisco figures in the Auckland Cup with Bst 41b.

credit for his dual win at Riccarton; and, by all accounts, ho is a horse of much promise. The son of Papakura figures in the Auckland Cup with Bst 81b.

The acceptances received last night ico*n. nection with the Takapuna Jockey Club's Spring Meeting augur well for a. successful inauguration of another season's racing at the North Shore on Saturday next.

The Auckland-owned Miss Winnie figures amongst the acceptances for the Flying Stakes, to be run at the tiding . Spring Meeting.

The Auckland jockey H. Gray was tho most successful horseman at the C.J.C. Spring Meeting, six horses winning in his hands.

Bobrikoff is stated to have shown symptom*- of unsoundness prior to contesting the Stead Memorial Cup, but he got through his task all right.

Tho Monschikoff— colt Tawhaki was sold by auction at Christchurch on Mon-

SPRING FORM AT ELLERSLIE. [BY THAETON.]

The recent spring meeting held at Ellerslio may not have been responsible for the bringing out of any equine ranking a great deal abovo the ordinary; but still, viowed collectively, the horses in competition embraced some promising material, and were on the whole well up to the spring standard' of preceding years. In setting out on a review of the form as displayed by the various divisions, I will make a commencement with THE TWO-TEAR-OLDS. Ash by, who captured the Welcome Stakes and Musket Stakes, clearly established his supremacy over the whole of the division that ho met. In each of his raws tho son of Obligado was striding out attractively in the concluding stage; and that being so a really good word can be penned for his galloping. In appearance and conformation Ashby could justifiably bo termed a pronounced type of plainness. These plain ones, however, at times are found equal to playing their part very attractively. - That age will do a lot for" Ashby I do not doubt; and in viewing his future in a hopeful vein one can find a lot of support in that he is found preserving an unbeaten certificate at the opening of his career. Obsidian, another descendant, of Obligado, who was tho other two-year-old to earn winning distinction at the Ellorslio gathering, is a medium-sized gelding that should make up into a decent sort of horse with time. Amongst the youngsters that figured, at Ellerslie this spring that can, I think, bo ticked off to seo a better day are Apollon (by Monoform—Latona), His Highness (by Soult—Lady B), and Goldfinder (by San Dazzle). The latter struck mo especially 'as a colt that would, with proper care, make up into a fine three-year-old. THE THREE-YEAR-OLDS. As the winner of the Great Northern Guineas Maori King is tho ono entitled to first consideration under this heading. The son of Merriweo was only scon out-once at the meeting, and wo have to sum up on that performance. A sober colt, and a nico finisher, Maori King made a good impression on me, and I shall bo quite prepared to find him playing his part well as time wears on. Salute could only get third in the Guineas, but she subsequently won a double in races over three-quarters of a mile. The most recent success of the daughter of Soult was gained under Bst 111b; but still there may not have been all the merit in that performance which the figures would suggest. Salute can, however, look, after herself very nicely when six furlongs have to bo travelled; and there is some reason to ombraco the view that sho has still to play her best card. Kakama is pretty much tho same as she was in the early spring; but I thought I could detect an improvement when sho came out to run in the Parnell Handicap. The brown daughter of Soult ran unplaced in that race; but it did not require tho eye of tho expert to show that there should have been a different entry in the records. Kakama will probably require time, but she can be marked "good" at six furlongs at the present stage of her career. Wild West won the Hobson Handicap (six furlongs) and Gordon Handicap (five furlongs) in game style. Each time tho son of Soult was required to take hold of his bit he did so in a manner befitting a descendant of a game family and he was galloping well each time when tho post was reached. That Wild West is a useful horse over a sprint course ho "has demonstrated; and maybe when ho is required to travel eight furlongs he will not bo found wanting. Royal Scotland, tho half-brother (by Seaton Delaval) to Master Soult, is still a disappointment; ,and on his three-year-old form no must bo declared a fair moderate. Possibly Hyperion (by Soult—Thea) will seo a better day; and maybe that remark can also bo applied to Spectre (by Soult—Apparition).

THE FOCR-YEAB-OLDB. Santa Rosa was the first of the four-year-olds to score, and the winning feat for which the son of Soult was responsible in the City Handicap took shape as a pleasing performance. Tho black horso subsequently ran unplaced in a race over the same distance; but in summing him up, it will be safer to take as a guide his winning performance than the defeat. Waimangu opened with an unplaced performance in the Flying Handicap (seven furlongs); but in the decision of the Birthday Handicap (one mile and a-half) ho beat all his opponents save Advocate, and tho latter (to whom he was conceding a year and was- meeting -at a . difference >of only 71b) only beat , him two lengths in 2m. 35 4-ss. The Ascot Handicap, run over a mile and a-quarter, 'saw Waimangu emerge successful in a stirring finish and the manner in which he stood his hiding from the distance showed him up well. Santa Rosa and Waimangu are two of the best-con-ditioned horses at Ellerslie, and they stand out as a brace that will play their respective parts attractively in the summer. Regain beat a dozen opponents in the Maiden Handicap; and though probably no large amount of merit attached thereto, an opinion may -be safely offered that the Rogel gelding will see a better day. Coromandel could be termed tho unlucky horse of the meeting, tho role of runner-up being enacted >by tho son of Menschikoff in the three raCes which he contested. On the opening day Coromandel came home second in the President's Handicap; on tho second day he filled a like position in the Normanby Handicap; while on the concluding day he finished second in the Ascot Handicap. Coromar.del ran a good raco over a mile and a-quarter in the last-named event, finishing up with a late run in the Ascot Handicap, and getting within & neck of the winner. ■ THE "FIVE-TEAK-OLDS. Advocate, who was the leading performer under this heading, made his debut in the City Handicap, for which event, under Bst, ho was sent i out favourite. The son of Hotchkiss never showed up in that race, but in the decision of the Birthday Handicap, which ■ was run over a-quarter of a mile further, he played his part in a very much more attractive fashion. He came alone with a very fine run from the distance, and his finishing effort was all that could be desired. ' As the 12 furlongs were cast behind in 2min. 35 4-5 sec. there. was a good dash of merit in Advocate's performance, and I see no reason why he should not stay the two miles attaching to the Auckland Cup satisfactorily. Maheno handled herself nicely in the Spring Handicap (one mile), which event she won under est lib. but when asked to travel a-quarter of a mile further, in the Ascot Handicap, ira which event she was put in at 7st 71b, she was included with the " also ran" division. The daughter of Soult was, however, well up "at the half distance, at which point she seemed to have a winning chance, but the concluding stage found her out. Carmania fairly romped away with the Flying Handicap on the opening day, but subsequent form was such as to discount the nerformance for which she was responsible. Dr. Shimose managed to win the Normanby Handicap (seven furlongs) under Bst 31b, but he was subsequently badly worsted in the Welter Handicap, when the distance to be travelled extended to a mile, and there is. therefore, no great reason to proclaim his prowess. ■•'■■'. ' THE JUMPERS. Leo was the first of the jumping division to gain distinction, a success coming to him in connection • with tho Manukau Hurdle Race; but when required to travel a-quarter of a mile further, in the Penrose Hurdle Race, ho failed to-see it out. Leo jumps nicely, but apparently a mile and threequarters is the full length of his tether, when a strong race is on the tapis (16 furlongs). Lo Beau showed himself up attractively in the decision of the Onehunga, Steeplechase. He jumped all the big fences in his best form, and practically came in by himself. Swagsman won tho Penrose Hurdle Raco like a tradesman, and one cannot help regretting that he should labour under suspicion for unsoundness. He can gallop fast, jump well, and stay out. It was a decent field of hunters that contested the steeplechase confined to that division on the concluding day. Hina won first honours, but there was probably not a large amount of merit in the performance. In the decision of the Maiden Hurdle Raco there was some promising material, and Dunborve, who led the field home, can be fairly singled out as the most prominent in that respect. A horse of commanding physique, Dunborve fills the eye pleasingly, and that he will carry his winning record beyond the Maiden Hurdle Race at Ellerslie is an opinion that can. I think, be ventured with a tolerable amount of safety. THE WINNING SIRES. Descendants of Soult once again place their parent in the leading place on the sires' list, their winning exploits representing a capture of a third of the evonts of the. programme. The following is a list of. the winners for which each sire was responsible:— Soult, by St. Simon— French, Santa Rosa, Wild Went (2), Maheno,'Salute (2), Waimangu. Obligado, by Orville— (2), Obsidian. Ralvadan, by Salvator—Urania. Merriwce. by Bill of Portland— King. Lcftlantis, by Leolinus—Leo, Le Beau. San Francisco, by St. Simon—Carmania. Advance, by Vanguard—Dr. Shimose. .-, Hotchkiss, by Musket—Advocate. ■ Cuirassier, by Musket—Hina. . Ben Godfrey, by . St. Leger—Swagsman. . Kegel, by St. Leger— Regain. . Bluejacket, by St. Dunborve. Stepniak, by Nordenfeldtr-Sir Artegal. Freedom, by Captivator—

THAMES JOCKEY CLUB. [FROM OT7B OWN COBBESfpKDBST.) 1 The committee of the Thames Jockey Club are still pursuing the progressive policy adopted some years ago. The goldfields course, which is- situated on the banks of the Kauaeranga River, is one of the prettiest racecourses in the Dominion, and one of the beauty spots of the district. For the purpose for which it is used it is an ideal spot,, the eastern end of tho course having a terrace running the whole length of the straight, from which patrons can obtain a splendid view of the racing. The commodious grandstand, which has been recently erected on the highest part of the terrace, commands ft splendid view of the wholo track, as well as tho surrounding country and Hauraki Gun. The committee have had the whole of the other buildings on the course painted, so as to make them uniform with the grandstand. The whole will bear quite a spick-and-span appearance when Boxing Day, the first day of the summer meeting, rolls round. Ihe slodos of the people's hill have been planted with shady and ornamental trees, and in the course of a few years, when these grow up. thev will not- only improve the appearance of the hill, but will prove a welcome shade to the patrons of this portion of the course. The whole of the course proper has been ploughed and sown since last meeting, and the ground never looked eo well as at the present time. The same may bo said of the various training tracks, which all reflect great credit on the caretaker, Mr. Hugh Mathison. Tho appointment of a caretaker was a stop in the right direction, and, judging froni the work he lias already done, the choice could not have fallen on a better man than Mr. Mathison. Tho club, while attending to the comfort of their patrons, have not forgotten the owners, and havo again made a substantial increase in the stakes. The Thames Cup is now worth £110. .while the steeplechase .on each day is worth £90. The Thames Stakes is also endowed with 90sovs. The whole programme for a club the size of the Thames Jockey Club is framed on most liberal terms, and should the weather conditions bo favourable when the flags are flying at Parawai on Boxing Day and the clay after there is no doubt the Thames Jockey Club will put up another record.

OTAHUHU TROTTING CLUB'S

SPRING MEETING.

SECOND DAY'S RACING.

The Otahuhu Trotting Club will bring their spring meeting to a conclusion to-day-Satisfactory acceptances have been received for the eight events which form the programme, and these should bring about some good racing. THE ACCEPTANCES. IWNMURE TROT, two miles.—Ned Corbett scr., Haldane 10s., Harold Huon 11a., Good Friday 205., Albert Edward 205., Flora Mac 26»., Harry Mace 265.. Gather No Moss 285., Lady Specialist 285., Mikado 345.

INNOVATION TROT, one mile and a quarter.— Count scr., Maggie Gar 55., Benafln Boy 55., Wild Marie 6* , Dido 75., Lady Wilhelmina 75., Diamond Bell 7»., Norrington 10s., Lady Wilmington lis., Mikado lis.

LADY'S BRACELET, one mile and a-half.—lago scr., Lady Park scr., Vibrona scr., Black Diamond Is.. Lissie Bheg la., Huanui 45., Day Dawn 9a., Pathfinder 95., Bell Briar 9a., Black Mire 95., Lady Wilhelmina 135., St. Patrick 15s.

FLYING STAKES, about four furlongs.—Mahinga 11.0, Mightv Atom 9 3, Carmaliia 8.9. Nora Soult 8.4, Frontino 8.0, Miss Stella 7.7, Maika 7.6, Orange and Blue 7.6.-

OTAHUHU SPRING TROT, two mile*.—Scotia' scr., Yankee Doodle 95., Viscount 95., All Night lis., Albert H. 135., Waitekauri 16»., Little Paul 18s.. Receiver ISs., Kirikiriroa 205., Olive . 20a., Tableau 205., Dolly Wood 225., Huon Leal 22s , Bert 30s. • CLASS TROT, one mile and a-hnlf.—Maplewood 4a., Scotia 45., Robex 10s., John Harold 13a., Conqueror 135., Cavalier 165., Pukerimu 19s.

TROTTING HANDICAP, one Florans scr., lago 45., Huanui 75., Bert 75., Day Dawn 95., Royal Albert 95., Nelson lis., Gather No Moss 125., Mikado 15s.

TELEPHONE TROT, one mile.—MisMe ecr., Waitekauri 45.. Royal Victor 55., Receiver 65., Ballot 7b., Irish Molly Bs., Mah' Honey Bs., Manxman 95., Taihoa 10s., Lady Park 10s., Madam Melba 10s, Rita W. 10s., Bell Gray 10s.. Lissie Bbeg lis.. Rosie Wilkes 125., Jungle 125., Bert 135., Colenso 135., Donizetti 13s.

TAKAPUNA JOCKEY CLUB'S SPRING

MEETING.

ACCEPTANCES FOR FIRST DAY'S

RACES.

The following acceptances have been received for the opening day's events of the Takapuna Jockey Club's Spring Meeting on Saturday next:

TRIAL HANDICAP, one mile.-Zinnia 840. Waiotahi 8.5, Castle Blaney 7.13. Dainty 7.13, (spectre 7.9, Prophet 7.7, Lloyd's 7.7, Royal Scotland 7.7, Penfold 7.7. Flying Soult 7.7, Monocle 7.7, Aristos 7.7, Prince Leo 7.7..

TIRI HURDLE HANDICAP, one mile and three-quarters.—Shrapnel 11.5. Leo 9.9. Cymri 9.9, Commander 9.8, Cavaliero 9.4, Landlock 9.0, Tui Cakobau 9.0, First Barrel 9.0.

ST. ANDREW'S HANDICAP, one mile and a-qnarter.—Advocate 8.9. Te Aroha 7.13. Tattoo 7.12. Coromandel 7.8. Akarana 7.3, Aristocrat 6.13, Celtic 6.10, Rimlock 6.9. PONY HANDICAP, five furlongs and a-half. — «liehty Atom 8.10, Carmania 8.10, Octoroon 8.5. Mistime 8.0, Nora Soult 7.6, Maika 7.6, Orange and Blue 7.5, Leaflre 6.10, Peggy Pryde 6.10, Lady Weasel 6.7.

MELROSE HANDICAP, five furlongs and ahalf Zinnia 8.4, Spectre 7.3, Lady Dot 7.1. Kai Aeriki 7.0, Prophet 7.0. Scotch 7.0, Monocle 7.0. Aoroa 7.0. Rob the Ranter 7.0, Tumatahi 7.0, Pairawaatu 7.0, Coruna 7.0. Madam Soult 7.0, Toa Tere 7.0. Ben Battle 7.0, Caruso 7.0. <

MAIDEN HURDLE RACE, one mile and ahalf and 100yds.—Tui Cakobau 9.6, Dogger Bank. 9.5. First Barrel 9.4, Urania 9.3. King 9.2, St. Maria 9.1. Rua 9.1, Don Quex 9.0, Pleiades 9.0, Hoango 9.0, Explosive 9.0.

CAMBRIA HANDICAP, four furlongs.—Lady Waterford 7.5. His Highness 7.3, Lucille 7.2, Merrigee 7.0, Princess Soult, 6.12, Silver Heels 6.12.

CHELTENHAM HANDICAP, five furlongs and a-half.—DeTonport 8.8, Sir Artegal 8.0, Necktie 7.5, Jena 7.2, Tarina 7.1, Aimwell 7.0, Sea Elf 6.13, Elegance 6.12. Excalibur 6.10, Positive 6.9, Spectre 6.9, Monocle 6.7.

A.R.C. SUMMER MEETING.

Cvmbiform, Valdimar, and Kingswell have been scratched for all engagements at the A.R.C. Summer Meeting.

STUD NOTES.

The foaling season this week concluded at Glenora Park, Lady Bobs (by Soult — First Love) enriching the Papakura estate with a fine colt, sired by Gluten. I learn from Mr. Walters that the foal record at Glenora Park this season is as follows:—• Eight colts and four fillies by Soult, - and five colts and one filly by Gluten.

It is understood that Mr. S. H. Gollan, intends breaking up his stud at Mangatarat, Hawko's Bay. It is anticipated that the coming autumn will witness the dispersal.

During the Canterbury Jockey Club's spring meeting, 32 races were brought up for decision, and with no less than 23 different sires represented on the winning list it will easily bo seen that there was a wide distribution. Stepniak's descendants placed their parent at the head of the list with four wins.

The following foalings have been reported during the present week: — Mr. J. Martyn'a Cressy, by Hippocampus— Cresina, colt to Spalpeen.

ELLERSLIE RACING. TO THE SPOBTING EDITOR.

Sir.— movement of the stewards in one case of suspicious running at Ellerslio on the concluding day of the recent spring meeting, and their inaction in what is pretty extensively viewed as a more flagrant one, leaves a rather uncomfortable feeling. It can hardly bo termed courageous to challenge an owner-trainer, and to allow what certainly had all the appearances of a pronounced shunt in another quarter to go by without so much as a word. Of course, the stewards may have failed to see what was done. That is the penalty we pay for not having stipendiary stewards. Remuera, November 18, Siesta. TROTTING AT ALEXANDRA PARK. TO THE SPORTING EDITOB. Sir,—As interest in trotting has somewhat revived during the past season, I think it opportune, after ; some of last Wednesday's displays, to issue a note, of warning to those- in authority, in order that public support may not be alienated. As one of the numerous supporters of this sport in this centre, I consider that it is preposterous that through £he inertness of the stewards we should be compelled to endure such exhibitions, which would be avoidable if a firmer attitude were taken. REyoßtt,