SPORTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14868, 20 December 1911, Page 6

SPORTING.

RACING FIXTURES. December 21-Masterton Racing Club. . December 26. 29, January 1, 2-Auokiana • Racing Club. , ' ■ . December 26. 27-Taranaki Jockey Club. December 26, 27-Thames Jockey Club. December 26, 27. 29-Manawatu Racing Club. December 26-Porangahau Racing Club. December 26~Kaikonra Racing Club. December 26-Petane Hack Racine Club December 26-Taratahi-Cartcrton Racing Club. • . '•' , _, . December 26, 27—Cromwell Jockey Uut>. December 26, 27-Dunedin Jockey Club. December 26. 27-Reefton Jockey Club. December 26-Alexandra Racing (Rub. December 27. 28. 30-Auckland Trotting Club. December 30. January 1-Walrarapa Racing December 30. January 1-Greymouth Jockey Club. „__»___.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. XIITEOn.-At two years old Bellah (by Roval Fusilier-Lis«adurn) started on nine occasions, winning three, viz., f*™***£* dieap and the Kuao Handicap (Napier Park). NEWMTNSTER.-1. Daystar was got by Castor. Re won the Hawkes Bay Cup of 189 . 2 R. Mason has trained the winner of the AK C Royal stakes on 15 occasions out Of tho 15 contests that have eventuated for that. race. 3. Lochiel figured as a parent amongst New Zealand sires prior to being St to Australia to be offered by auction. NOTES BY PHAETON. Tub problem surrounding the Auckland Cup continues to provide tho students of racing with plenty of material on which to engage their thoughts, for the open character of the issue in the big race is on all hands recognised. The three-year-old Miscount, who is a leading fancy, has reached the ec one of action in splendid' buckle; and strong hopes appear to be entertained that the son of Birkenhead will improve on his New Zealand Cup record. Sir George Clifford's pair, Masterpiece and Counterfeit, carry a well-trained appearance. In tho event of Counterfeit remaining sound, it seems to be the general opinion that Sir George Clifford may elect to start both his three-year-olds in tho Cup. That R. Mason has once again got Miss Mischief up to concert pitch requires but ono look at the Treadmill mare to testify. The fact that Miss Mischief has been accepted for -n the Christmas Handicap is not taken very serous!*. It is the popular opinion that Lie bay" mare will lino up in tho Cup field. Santa Rosa is pleasing the course-watchers more than his stable mate Vainaangu; but maybe there will be a different tale to relate when tho two-mile Cup journey comes to be tackled. Maxwell is shaping attractively in the work apportioned to him, but whether ho can compass two miles properly is a point on which opinions vary. The tact that Maxwell - won over a mile and a-h.\lf last autumn is something to his credit; and the light burden of 6st 12lb should assist hi m. Altogether the Cup situation is brimful of interest. ' ; ' - . .

" A little while back the New South "Wales j Legislative Assembly appointed a select c«m- ! mittee to inquire into the totalisator ■ ques- | tion. Now this committee has been turned into a Royal Commission, the members of : which will visit New Zealand^and some of the other States to make themselves conversant with the good or evil of machine betting. The members of the Commission are not to receive, payment beyond travelling expenses. When the matter was being discussed: recently, Mr. 1 Kelly suggested it would be better to appoint an independent party, to- deal, with tne matter, .but Mr. McGowen replied that the committee had been appointed by the House after a ballot. Mr. McGowen also expressed hi nsclf to the effect that though his opinions m to the totalisator were well known, other members held different views, and it would* be as well \to', get the question,settled once and; for all. The members of the Commission are: Messrs. Leviett (Independent), Fitzpatrick (Opposition), Hollis v, (Ministerial), Peters {Ministerial)/ McCourt ' (Opposition)* Meagher (Ministerial), Bruntnell (exposition), J terry (Opposition), and H. D. r Morton (Independent)., Mr. B. B. O'Connor and Mr. J. "Wilson, members of the Legislative Council, are to be added' to the number. The Commission have started for New Zealand, and they will attend the Auckland Racing Club's - Summer Meeting. In referring to. the new turn iof affairs, the Sydney Referee says:-* ■'The experience will be novel i for some cf : the Commission, and it is to be hoped they will a void inoculation with the betting virus as ft result of association with the seductive totalisator. It •is to bo hoped . both , sides of the Commission will tackle their task in an unbiassed spirit, and that any course sug--i gested <will >be entirely for the good of New South .Wales. Whether we eventually get the totalisator or not, it is certain that racegoers, as a whole, are in favour of its receiving a trial. On the other ; hand, it is ~-contended that too much light would .bo thrown on the amount of speculation taking place in this State, and that the outcome would bo the suppression of all forms of betting, and the consequent decline of horseracing and the thoroughbred industry."

So far as is known the following horsemen have 1 been engaged to ride the respective horses in the Auckland Cup:—R. Hatch (Los Angelos), J. ; Conquest (Waimangu), Hector Gray (Miss Mischief), F. D. Jones (Sedition), C. Emmorson (Counterfeit), F. E. .'. Jones (Masterpiece), L. "Wilson (Miscount), C. Jenkins (Mendip), J. Buchanan (Goldfinder), B. Deeley (Soultoria), A. Whittaker (Domino), C. Brown (Santa Rosa), E. Morris (Maxwell), B. Oliver (Ngapuka), J. O'Shea (Duma). • •'..".' '' :

'- With • the near approach of the A.R.C. Cap gathering, much interest is being taken in the doings of the horses at headquarters. v'''; The last of the visiting contingent should put in an appearance at Ellerslie to-day, and with :' so •-' many strangers in evidence the track * work of to-morrow, and the final ' gallops -of Saturday .• will attract large attendances each morning to the racecourse.

F. Tonge received an addition to his string recently in the shape of a hurdler .by : " Joe Chamberlain v This equine, who gives, promise, was being schooled on Saturday when he cut a blood-vessel, and will in consequence have to bo riven a rest.

Poictiers, by Obligado—Crecy, had been displaying such good form on the tracks that his chance of landing a stake at I an early date appeared excellent. However, while galloping with Watch Chain yesterday ho broke a blood-vessel in his head, and bled very badly.,! , . •

Up till the present Sedition has not put in an appearance at Ellerslie, but from reports to hand tho gelding is getting through a. good Cup preparation at Avondale, under the eye of that experienced mentor, H. French. ', _._;„,........

Th* Auckland-bred mare Miss Alison (by Soult—-Miss Nelson) continues to distinguish herself in West Australia. Her latest victory was registered in the Flying Handicap, six furlongs, in which she boat a field of 17.

At present it is the intention to start both Waimangu and Santa Rosa for the Auckland Cup. Last year's winner is galloping nicely, but so far Santa Rosa has been pleasing even more so than his companion, with .whom he ■ gallops each .morning.

J. Chaafe has taken in hand a shapely two-year-old filly by Gluten from Avalanche. This youngster will probably be known on the race track as Miss Avalanche.

Maxwell, the big brother to Soultline, did not please .; his Cup supporters yesterday when he galloped with Soultoria, who is also engaged in the big event on Boxing Day. • ' '

When Blue Mountain fell so heavily while schooling at Ellerslie on Saturday lie was badly shaken and bruised, and as tho result is not likely to fulfil his immediate engagements.-

Lannacost demonstrated yesterday that he is on the up grade, and, all going well, this game son of Spalpeen should be seen to ; advantage amongst ■ the two-year-olds later on. "'.. '-''' ';! : : -'' •'■';';\' .' '"'';'. '.'„■' ~■'.■

,J. Rao has taken in hand a two-year-old by Merriwee from Maxime, on behalf of a local . sportsman. :

Whakarahia, which is being worked at Ellerslie, 'is a three-year-old by Seaton Delaval from Lady Bobs. She is being trained by J. Williamson.

Th© Scaton Delaval gelding Delavahta in 'A. Morrow's charge is now, being given a •pell, preparatory to -undertaking schooling practice over. hurdles. '■■■■■ ■'<'■-' > '.'>•■ '''■■> ''■"'■ ' .. ■■',■"' :

Solitudo has come on a great, deal during tho last week or two, and is galloping smartly at Ellcrslie. Yesterday morning Solitudo boat Blue Garment over a reso-lutcly-run five furlongs.

R. O'Ddnncll will reach Ellerslio this morning with tho Auckland Cup, horse Los Angelos, and the Railway Handicap candidate Culprit.

Auckland sportsmen will bo pleased to learn that Bobrikoff, tho champion black, is now at Ellerslio.

EsTERPRC-VIXCIAL GC-SSir. [BX telegraph.— OWN CORRESPONDENTS.] WELLINGTON. , Tuesday. In Wellington the general opinion is that tho acceptances received for tho A.R.C. meeting are highly satisfactory, and a groat tribute to tho work of tho weight-adjuster, Mr. Geo. Morse. Lace Collar (Menschikoff— has been at the stud for a couple of seasons, but has failed to produce a foal, and in consequence her owner, Mr. J. G. Duncan, of tho Waikanao Stud, decided to quit her. J. H. Pressor has purchased hor, and in a couple of months sho should bo ready to carry tho cardinal and amber hoops of the Porirua trainer. As a hack Lace Collar showed marked sprinting ability; but after getting into the upper class she failed to win. Whether the long spell has improved her or otherwise has yet to bo determined, but the chances aro that sho will have improved. ■ Tho Stepniak horse Boris, at present doing duty at the Waikanao Stud, will at the conclusion of this season be shipped to Australia and bo sold. ' ... , The Porirua team for the Auckland Racing Club's meeting will consist of Dearest, Gipsy Belle, St. Petersburg, St. Felix, and Hawick. They are to be railed to Ellerslio on Wednesday next. , The scarcity of capable jockeys is still being keenly felt by local Owners, who nowadays find it a hard matter to at times secure the services of a horseman, so as to enablo an animal to be backed with any degree of confidence. As usual there were some indifferent exhibitions of', horsemanship at Woodville. - . Easy, who was recently sold by Mr. E. J. Watt to a patron of Atlas White's stable, was a runner on both days at Woodville, but success did not attend her efforts, though sho made a very good showing on the second day, and was in the fighting line until near the finish. Her sale prico was 100 guineas. Two likely hurdle horses seen out at Woodvillo were Hutana and Fond Memory. The former made the pace from tho barrierrise, and it was only in the last quarter that he was cut down, and that by a good one in Waiputero. Ho and Waiputere jumped excellently, and when tho former learns more about the business he should win. Fond Memory, on the other .hand, could not go the pace in the final part, but ho stayed on and finished as well as anything in the race. He, too, should quickly find his way on to the winning list.

CANTERBURY. .' ~ , Tuesday. The elections are the main topic of conversation with all classes in the community, sporting matters for the time being taking a secondary place. I have no intention of discussing the political situation, which may bo loft to others. 1 may remark, however, that a review of the position seems highly satisfactory from the sporting point of view. Several opponents of the totalisator have failed to secure re-election, and altogether the new House is likely to bo found in sympathy with the retention of the machine. I have even suggested that there may be a chance of getting back those lost permits, but I would doubi; the wisdom of such an agitation. In any case, I think we have enough racing now. . The Otago trainer J. - McComb has recently returned from a trip to the North Island, during which he purchased Parable {by Merriwee —Palaver) and Taft (by FreeKingfisher mare). " The Hororata meeting was held on Saturday, but the crowd which journeyed out from ■ Christchurch was smaller than usual, and it was not a very high-class gathering. Sant Rosaleer, who won the Hororata Cup, is an aged gelding by Sant —Bridal Rose {by Black Rose). He has "been a moderate performer, but he has frequently shown smart form on the tracks. Among the* field he beat on Saturday were Outlanckn* and Kris. The * latter shaped very." disappointingly, and so far has faded to repeat the form which won her the Ladies' Purse at the recent Cup meeting. : Twenty-seven Riccafton horses are booked to leave this week for Dunedin to race there next week. Outlander, Kilts, > and All Guns will be the horses from this quarter competing at the West Coast meetings. Arrangements are complete for Martine and Madam Madcap to leave for Palmerston North on Thursday. Unfortunately, Madam Madcap has shown signs of lameness, and there isa doubt about her going. This will be bad luck, as the daughter of Madowla is in rare fettle, and has been galloping in her best style. * .■■■•: Martin* has come through &', good preparation, and she was probably never so well, so she should be handy in the Manawatu Cup, in which she will bo ridden by A. W. King. Masterpiece has a good following here for the Auckland .Cup, though Counterfeit is, I fancy, superior to the Madowla colt. r Peirene, I hear, has developed knee lameness, which will necessitate a spell. On this season's form Mr. G. D. Greenwood's team for Auckland is not eo formidable as some he has had, but I am prepared to find move than one of his charges improve on their latest displays. The team despatched to <" carry Mr. • Greenwood's colours at Ellerslie consists of Miss Mischief, Byron, Canute, and Lady Georgia. R. O'Donnell left to-day with Los Angelos and Culprit. On New Zealand Cup form Los Angelos must have a chance in the Auckland Cup, while if Culprit has improved at all she will be dangerous in sprint events. . The unlucky Cronstadt (by Sbepniak— Madder) is now an inmate of Derrett's stable. .'..■:■ .'-.-■- This morning Milo and Gold Pin were companions in a capital schooling spin over five hurdles.

.; ~~; WANGANUI. . .,". ■. -- , . v.': '. • ■ ' • • - Tuesday. A. Jackson disposed of the Freedom gelding Taft during the Woodville meeting for £300, the purchaser being a Dunedin sportsman. Taft is very fast up to five furlongs, and as there are many short races decided down South his new owner ought to do well with tho gelding. Jackson paid something like £120 for laft, and has won a fair amount with him, so that he must be well on the right side of the ledger over him. Coromandel is' much fancied in some quarters for the Auckland Cup, but he may find the distance too far. - He is a great puller, and it would seem that once he has done pulling he to beaten. However, it may be that if ho can be steadied in tho early stages of the race he will be close up at the finish. Since returning from Woodville Coromandel has not been asked to gallop. He looks none the worse for his recent racing, but there is a suspicion of soreness about tho legs. This is not likely to prove serious, however, and there is every reason to hope that ho will bo in . excellent form at Ellerslie. \... ■ ... Seaman continues to shape > well over tho schooling hurdles, and this morning jumped in capital stylo with Brilliancy in a mile and a-half set to. Seaman has been accepted for in the Hurdle Race at the Manawatu meeting, and if started in that event in preference to tho Grandstand Handicap (one mile) should run well. F. Tilloy taking Goodwin. Park, Miscal, and Sanguinary to Awapuni, but Equitas will go to Auckland. The daughter of Advance is in splendid fettle, and is being supported for the Railway Handicap. Goodwin Park (7st 2lb) and Miscal (6st 121b) are both in the big money at Awapuni, and I they should run well. The weights for the Marton Summer Meeting, to be held on January 1 and 2, have been framed by Mr. G. Morse, who appears to have done his work well. In tho Cup (one mile and a-quarter) Equitas (9at 91b) holds pride of place, with Merrivonia next on the list at 9st. If tho brilliant daughter of Advance fulfils her engagements at Ellerslie, as she is regarded as certain 'to do, then she may not bo brought back in time for the Marton meet--1 ing, but probably she will only start in the ; Railway Handicap at Ellei-sho, < and then 1 return to Marton. i Merrivonia (9st), Epsom Lass (7st 61b), and Marton (6st 91b) are likely to be the most fancied of the others. Equitas has a big load in the Railway Handicap at Marton, viz., • lOst . 31b, but, with the exception of Gladiole, Bst 121b, there is nothing very brilliant in the rest of the field. The Euroclydon mare Euroto promises to make a fair hurdlor, judging by the way sho has been acquitting herself in her schooling lessons recently. She has a deal of pace, and can jump remarkably well. St. Bill and St. Gate had a gallop over six furlongs to-day, running the distance in lm. 20s. Both geldings are in good form, and should win a race or two for Alex. Hall at s the Taranaki meeting.

Plantation, winner of the "Welter Hack Handicap at Woodville last Saturday, is a black gelding by Sylvia Park from Irene. Ho is- owned by Mr. J. McCarty, and trained by tho veteran T. Quinlivan. senior, at Patea. Ho paid a big dividend. ' , The Merriweo niaro Morco paid a big price in the Railway Handicap at Woodvillo, !in which she was ridden by r that very promising young rider, AV. %Veller, an apprentice in Tillers stable, who has ridden several big dividend-payers recently. Though Midian disappointed her backers in the- Woodville Handicap, she made amends by capturing the High-weight Handicap on the second day. Followers of Tifley's stable landed a fair amount over tho daughter of Nestor, as she paid a fine price. Muleteer, the son of Malatua—Molar, winner of tho Hack Scurry at Woodville, is owned and trained by a Wanganui sportsman, racing as Mr. 6. Hopeful. Ho paid a very big price, his win being unexpected, though ho had been doing fairly stood work. Brilliancy, East Wind, St. Gate, Royal Patron, \Seawiml, Euroto, Otahu, and St. Bill will represent Wanganui at the Taranaki meeting, which is generally well patronised by owners from this district, and often with success. » TARANAKI. Tuesday.

Tho popular cross-country horseman 0. Cochrane, whoso recovery from his lticcarton accident has not been so rapid as his well-wishers could desire, is not yet quito himself again, though on a fair way to regaining his wonted good health. Cochrane made his first appearance on the Hawcra tracks since his mishap in August on Monday last, when ho brought a colt by Coronet from a Sylvia Park mare up to tho course to introduce him to racecourse surroundings. Tho youngster referred to is owned by Mr. Fred. Dowding, in whoso colours Epsom Lass rates. Tho name Brown Star has been bestowed upon a gelding by Daystar from Nukumarataia's dam, in work at Hawera under P. Coffey's guidance. This _ gelding is very hollow-backed, but in his work is doing everything, expected of him. Another member of Coffey's team is a maro by Obligado from Red Star's dam, owned by Mr. H. Sparks, of Naere. Sho was in commission last year, but got the worst of an argument with some wire, and in consequence had to be spelled. She has plenty of size, but appears to have yet to learn how to handle herself properly. , _ * Minora, a half-sister to Lady Menschikoff, struck herself some weeks ago, and J. Clareburt had to give her an easy time in consequence. She is now nil right again, and in a three-furlong sprint this week—her first gallop since the Waverley meeting she moved very pleasingly, and put up respectable time. R. J. Milne, of Normanby, has recently received an addition to his team in the shape of a colt by St. Paul from a maro known as Dolly (one wonders how many Dollys there really are amongst New Zealand brood mares), which until recently was trained by T. Carson at Stratford, and is owned in that town. In a short sprint in' the Hawera plough during tho week this youngster showed that ho knew how to handle himself pretty well. Another of Milne's charges, a colt by Campfire, can also move fairly fast, and in a four-furlong gallop with Monsieur Soult the other morning boat him fairly comfortably. The Obligado horso Katua has reached Hawera again from Greymouth, and is to be added to the list at an early date. Galty, a gelding by Coronet, trained by 0. Jackson at Hawera, has lots of pace, and usually finishes upsides with anything that goes with him on the tracks. He is, however, a tearaway kind, and a special bit has to bo used to steady him when allotted pace work. Shining Star's half-sister, St. Prior, has not been allotted much fast work of late, but was stepped out on Tuesday morning, when she covered six: furlongs in good style. A recent addition to J. Fryer's lot In the shape of Draft exhibits plenty of pace, and in a four-furlong flutter with Avaimec tho other morning finished in front of the Advance mare, going comfortably.

MADAM MADCAP BREAKS DOWN.

RACING CAREER OVER. [Br TELEGRAPH.—-OWN" CORRESPONDENT.) CHBisTCironcn, Tuesday. Madam Madcap will , not bo taken to the Manawatu meeting. The daughter of Clanranald—Madowla has broken down, the suspensory ligament having given way, and her racing career may be regarded as over.

TRAINING NOTES FROM ELLERSLIE.

A BUST MOBNINO: ' Splendid weather prevailed at Ellerslie yesterday morning, and there was a cowl attendance of track-watchers to witness the gallops. A large number of horses were seen out, and the work accomplished, especially before breakfast, was of the interesting order. The course proper outside the trestles was available, and most of the work was accomplished upon it. The going was somewhat dead. " Antoinette disposed of a couple of rounds at a useful gait, moving freely throughout. Wee OJga and Sea Elf covered a mile in lm. 51 4-55., with little to choose between the pair at the finish. Prince Soult was restricted to useful pacing. Goodwin Sands skipped over four furlongs in 58 2-55., going well within herself. Polctiera and Watchcbain set out for a gallop over six furlongs, which the. latter negotiated in lm. 22 3-Ss. l'oictiers was pulled up after going half-way, having broken a blood-vessel in his head. . Tact got through a service-able task well. Turbine covered five furlongs in lm. Bs., being assisted over the last four by Ashby, the halfmile taking 52 3-ss. Ashby went" nicely. Sir George Clifford's Cup candidates, Counterfeit and Masterpiece, were associated over a circuit, running the first four furlongs in 575., nix furlongs in lm. 24 2-55., one mile in lm. 525., and the full distance in 2m. 9 2-ss. There was little difference between the pair at the finish, but Counterfeit shone to most advantage. Canute and Lady Georgia, R. J. Mason's two-year-olds, were given short sprinting. Waimangu and Santa Rosa, O. Aboolum's Cup charges, were allotted a gallop over a mile and aquarter. The first half-mile x occupied 555., sis furlongs lm. 225., the mile in lm. 49 4-55., and the full'distance (one mile and a-quarter) 2m. 18s. Santa Rosa pleased better than last year's Cup winner, although both went well. Maxwell and Soultoria, F. McManemin's Cup horses, traversed a; circuit in 2m. 55., Soultoria finishing better than her companion. Maxwell appeared, to flounder about towards the finish. Miss Mischief and Byron ran five furlongs in lm. 8 3-ss. • Byron then retired, and €he Auckland Cup mare continued on for seven, furlongs, the watch registering lm. 435. Byron appeared slightly lame after his effort, but there may be nothing in it. ' Prophet disposed of a round in 2m. 205., not being over-hurried on the journey. Dawn finished up six furlongs resolutely in lm. 22 3-ss. . Solitudo showed the way to Blue' Garment over five furlongs in lm. 7 3-ss. Kiikama pleased better than her sister, Miss Winsome, over five furlongs in lm. 7 3-ss. Admiral Soult and Mauinina were on terms, two length* and a-half in front of Worcester, after disposing of six furlongs in lm. 20 4-ss. Winning Way and Scottish Star, the Chokeboro two-year-olds, sprinted along the back, skipping over three furlongs In 41s. Peggy Pryde sprinted four furlongs in 54 2-5«. Lady Gladstone and Devastation ran four furlongs in 54 4-ss. Master 'William'finished a little behind Mildura at the end of a circuit negotiated in 2m. 11 3-ss. Jaok Delaval galloped half-a-mile in 55 4-55., going well within himself. Sandstream was not out after time when he disposed of six furlongs in lm. 275. .Avarice brushed over seven furlongs at an easy gait in lm. 41s. Montigo negotiated a round in 2m. 11 3-ss. Master Wairiki finished stronger than Zinnia over six furlongs, cut out in lm. 21 l-ss. Spectre Mt seven furlongs behind in lm. 37 2-55., galloping freely. Blue Thread disposed of a similar, task in lm. 36 4-ss. Urukehu and Harenoa sprinted four furlongs smartly in 51s. - Miscount was restricted to useful exercise, but the Cup favourite is in good nick. Ooldfinder and Midnight Sun, a pair of Cup candidates, covered a mile and a-quarter ; n company, running six furlongs in lm. 23 4-55., one mile in ■ lm. 52 l-5a., once round in 2m. 6 l-55., and one mile and a-quarter in 2m. 20 l-ss. Goldfinder, who showed considerable improvement, beat Midnight Sun. leading throughout. Scotch and the Cup horse Duma'set out for a circuit, Manuwera joining in over the last seven furlongs. Duma and Manurewa came homo on terms, with Scotch, who broke his gear, somo lengths away. . . ■ .Lucille sprinted six furlongs in lm. 245., but was not at top speed. Master Jack galloped seven furlongs resolutely in lm. 38s. .... ... St. Lewis was responsible for six furlongs, left behind in lm. 23 4-ss. Ireland pleased the touts hv dashing over six furlongs smartly in lm. 20 3-ss. Lady Dot had two lengths advantage over Sphinx after Timninp six furlongs in lm. 21 2-ss. Monorail held a slight advantage over Bleriot. with Lannacost about a length away third, after running five furlongs ■in lm. 6 l-ss. Lannacost lost considerable ground at the start, but was making up his leeway in fine style at the finish. Cheddar covered" a round in 2m. 155., going nicelv. .■ ' '.--'■-:• - '~ Lady Thorn strode over five furlongs in lm. 7 l-ss. ~. . Condamine showed more paco than ; Almeida over five furlongs run in lm. 8 4-ss. Contain Soult and Glad Tidings went at halfspeed. Prince Merriwee covered half-a-mile in 53 / 2-ss. First Wairiki disposed of seven furlongs In lm. 36 l-55., ihe first, half-mile taking 50 2-ss. He was tiring badlv at the finish. Pukewera had the call over Miss Ada at the end of six furlongs in lm. 235. • Dark Rose was given useful; exercise.: ■

Maria Regina outpaced the two-year-old Pekerangi over tour furlongs in 565. lipperftry galloped mo furlongs nicely in lm. 9 2-ss. -. .': :i :- ' Constellation got best away and beat Merry Christmas over Jour furlongs in lm. 54 2-5?. JJonolinc ekipped over a like distance in :535. Mohinca and Fuss sprinted half-a-mile- In 52 3-ss. "

Miss Livonia was beaten over five furlongs by Old Maid in lm. 9s. Bonikoff beat the Powerful— Seaton gelding over five furlongs in Ira. 10 4-s*. Dido was responsible - tor sue furlongs in lm. 25 4-5«.

Ruatangata left eight furlongs behind in lm. 593. ... ■Bogey and Mußkewni ran five furlongs in lin. Bs.. coming home.on terms, ■■■■■ Tanghval boat Pyralia by a slight margin over six furlongs in lm. 24b. / Haaßltoii covered half-a-mile in 53 4-55., beating Cordite. ' • : ' -■•''-■ '''''. Muster Lane galloped a similar distance in 55 2-ss. ~ Jolie Fille and Aristocrat disposed of six furlongs nicely in lm. 21 l-ss. . Miss Avalanche spurted over a couple of furlongs along the back in 25 4-ss. Laverna was given useful exercise. Tragedy King and Indulgence were- sprinted together. Manctte sprinted on the inner grass. •Antiphone shone much better than Monowal and Centenary over four furlongs in 53 3-5«. Surplus, Master Soult, Lenella, Obsidian, Riromai, Geneva, La Rcino, the Merriwee—Maximo two-year-old, and o number of others performed serviceable tasks. THE SAND.

Goldslro galloped seven furlongs freely in lm. 32 2-ss. • Caruso covered five furlongs in lm. 7s. Miss Explosion traversed a couple of rounds at a serviceable speed. .

THE JUMPERS. Roval Armour (by Cuirassier—Signet), with Julian in the saddle, "jumped a couple of hurdles well and then galloped once round on the grass. Hon Cyr disposed of a round over fences safely. Delegate (Julian) and Captain Paul (McFlynn) were associated in a spin over the hurdloß, tho former finishing 10 lengths in front of his companion, who gave a poor exhibition. Presently (Julian) beat Don Quex (McFlynn) by six lengths over a roiyid of the hurdles. Presently jumped in fine style. Master Theory (Bennett) was schooled over the small hurdles, and shaped fairly well. Matarere (lliokton) gave a good display over the Standard hurdles. Bon Jour (F. Speatanan) jumped the pony hurdles poorly, cutting ono right out. Hautere (J. Pinker) negotiated tho sod wall, stand double, and stone wall safely, although he struck the latter. Starting out ou the same mission a second time, he fell at the sod wall and lost Pinker, who escaped uninjured. Hautere was then remounted and cleared the stand double and stone wall safely. > ,

THE VISITORS. G. Trice reached Ellerslio yesterday with tho " Highden" horses Nyland, Ermciigarde, and Xeirene. F. Davis put. in an appearance yesterday with Mr. T. H. Lowry'a horses, Bellah, Sea Pink, Beldame, and the speedy Bobrikoff. C. Jackson came up from New Plymouth yesterday with tlm Auckland Cup horse Mendip. A. Jackson arrived by the Rarawa, bringing with him tho Cup horse Coromandcl. * J. George also came up by the same steamer in charge of Crown l'earl and Royal Arms. THE MANAWATU CUP. [8T TET-EGRArH.—rRKSS ASSOCIATION.] FALMKiiSTOff Xorth, Tuesday. The following are the final payments for the Manawatu Cup of 500sovs, one mile and a-half :— Merrivonia 8.10, Aberbrothock 8.9, Martina 7.13, Eepartero 7.12, To l'uia 7.11, Kauparaha 7.9, Sir Antrim 7.9, Birkline 7.3, Goodwin Tark 7.2, Iney 6.12, Misoal 6.12. Gold Circle 6.11, Walpaku 6.10, Brown Trout 6.10. 'WHATAWHATA RACING- CLUB. [BT TELEGRArn.— connssroxDisT.] % Hamilton, Tuesday. At a meeting of the committee of the Whatawhata Racing? Club it was reported that everything would be in readiness for the meeting to bo held on New Year's Day, for which the Hamilton Band wan engaged. H was decided to call tenders for tho publican'* and temperance booths and racccards, the gates being held ■by the club.