SPORTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 14888, 13 January 1912, Page 9

SPORTING.

pt'%!.- m — ■'; ; RACING FIXTURES--12 13 _\vhangarei Racing Club. , jjnuary **. B_Gore8 _ Gore RaC i club. '■ Jaß 120 22-Foxton Racing Clut). ' «» na *s<2o'22. 2tf—Wellimrton Racing Club. jmnary ». Wairoa County Racing Club. , ', Jfttiuary »■ i25 _ Tapaim i Racing Club. ' - January-- 25 _. Takapuna jockey Club. '■ I Jan 0 * 17 ",' 2 _Qisborno Racing Club. hr "!r* 1 3-Canterbury Jockey Club. / February . B_Egmß_ Egm M Racing Club . February . { Racing Club. February J-™^", Bay Turf Club. . February . f I>leutv Jockey Club. $%££ itSorua Jockey Club ■ February u 15 _ Tar Jockey Club. February ». oo 24 _ Dunedin Jockey Club. , ppbruarj - ■ ".J Wooavi District Jockey February <". 4 ™M 24-South Auckland Racing Club. Karr 24-Tolago Bay Jockey Club February 29. March 2-Wnnganui Jockey \ February -*» *"" I-. C ih 6 7-Dannevirko Racing Club. SSh 13. 14-Napler Park Racing Club. *SlB-Opunakc Racing Club 1 SSI 6 fr-Auckland Racing Club.

DATES OF COMING EVENTS.

\i} New Zealand, ' T.„nary Su-TVelllngton Cup. I SS 22-WeUington .Stakes, r I»arv 29-Takapuna Cup. ' • Sruary 3-C.J.C. Middle Park Plate. ' Sua y 7-Egmont Cup. 14-Taranaki Cup. February 21-Duned.n Cup, • Jebruary 29-W'anganui Cup. iiVrch 15-Napier Cup. rfl 6-CR.O- Easter Handicap. ■ ■fl j M>reat Northern Champagne Stakes. ;*!;>, g-Great Northern Oaks. ;, V ■ AUSTRALIA. , March 2-Y.R.C. St. Leger. - March 5-Australian Cup. ' March Champion Stakes. April 6-A.J.C. St Leger. April 8-Sydney Cup. 5 ISril 13-A.J.C Plate.

*' ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. ViCEB-Tasmau won the first New Zea- ' land Gup; Vanguard won tho second. ' iirH Thames-Nelson was bred in Vic«nria "and when a foal was imported to Auckland' along with bis dam. My Idea ' WATOE.-YOU have evidently confounded r-' Prince Foote with his sit*. Sir Foote. The ; . utter was b%ed in England Prince *oote •pas bred in New South Wales. "•" IGNORAMUS, To Kuiti.—The largest sum B4 fd in England for a thoroughbred was £8375 at which price Plying Fox (by Ofie) was sold at four years old to the French breeder. M. Edmcaid Blanc, , TR4»lAdvance started in 15 race* <.t three -.'ears old. and won 10 of his enVeuements. He scored seven consecutive 'I victories at one stage of his career at that * as*, and his winnings in stakes at the age 'named amounted to £3251. ' * WAGBa.Botorna.-In 1889 the Duke of Portband's horses won £731.858 10s « stakes. That amount still stands as the record in Eng;wi Some three years back horses carry- " in-'the colours of the American sportsman. ]fr. J. R Keene, were credited with winning £76,000 in one season.

| NOTES BY PHAETON. Sf :1 - ■

SEW ZEALAND STUDS AND RACERS.

aw)" , "" Is a breeding sense, as in other matters, countries have their fat and lean years, and ~ ordinarily it may be expected that matters will right themselves. With the dispersal of •studs continually going on in New Zealand, fciwever, it must be said that there is rea- - >- for much concern, as to the Dominion "being able to recover any of that marked distinction she enjoyed in years past. That tub portion of New Zealand has been particularly unfortunate in having studs uprooted from the land is everywhere known. Heavily iilKl«a with debt when brought into existence,'and dogged persistently with ill-luck t : by losing valuable stock, the New Zealand B«4',Osmpany had to call a, halt, and in 1850 the great collection of thoroughbreds at Sylvia Park was ordered up to auction. ; ■ Many gems of the thoroug' family were, ' a a result, transferred from New Zealand 'to Australia, Nordenfeldt, one of the best mm of the celebrated Musket, being amongst 'toJ number to cross the Tasman Sea. Messrs. i. D. and ST. A- Nathan subsequently kept " up » large ■ establishment at Otahuhu, but just when matters were brightening the auction of that stud was announced, T;>ough Wellington Park paid handsomely, ami under ordinary circumstances might ', live been expected to withstand any ordinary reverses, the company could not go on in the face of the circumstances ruling, and .'once again Auckland was hard hit. The > Cambria Park Stud was last week dispersed, : and when the Elderslio Stud is dispersed at the end of. the present month another noteworthy place will cease to be known as a home of the thoroughbred. The Australians ' " 'may be expected to 'be once again powerfully when the Elderslie Stud goes to- th» hammer; and the Dominion, in a blood stock sense, will certainly bo left I poorer by their presence at the Canterbury estate. From Sydney of late there have ,been continual jibes that New Zealand '-■ones are rating; and though some of the reasoning advanced in recent cases might be termed a little far-fetched, there ,' til be no question that wo are not breeding up to the standard of even the last decade, to leave the days of Trenton, Carbine, Maxim, Strathmore, and Carnage entirely out of tho question. If we • have failed in that direction when ,o'% studs have been assisting, it will bo recognised that tho outlook is not bright for the future. However, tho pessimistic spirit must not be allowed to hold sway. Several of New Zealand's leading owners «ro breeding on a fairly large scale; and possibly Sir Georgo Clifford, the Hon. J. D. (Ormond, and tho Messrs. Stead will boforo long 'bo able to provo to our Australian

friends that tho mediocrity at present bo . marked a characteristic in the New Zealand thoroughbred has given place to that brilliancy which at one time was our proud boast." ,

THROUGH NEW ZEALAND SPECTACLES. Our Australian friends appear to bo so *My much in earnest in proclaiming the deterioration of New Zealand horses that "Be is tempted to turn on the searchlight *M endeavour to ascertain if the equities ."•Met raised in tho Commonwealth are up • *° the standard of the past. It has been .Msejsed that on an average during tho past fife years the number of yearlings sent up >- *° auction in Australia would run out to Something like 700 per annum, so that it *P.be readily recognised that quantity ' ' »' least is a striking feature, It might bo expected that from so vast a collection a lair number of what would bo termed good ones" equal to the weight-for-ago test • would bo forthcoming. But a consideration of the lists brings out noticea% that quantity rather than quality is :-'■; «« striking feature. Take, for instance, the three-year-olds that figured on tho scene in >© season of 1910-11. Surely they were as P?«.a Jot as ever figured on tho Austral- '•"'" ian turf; an( there is certainly no great , «asou to proclaim tho powers of the lot engaged this season from the house- **■ Why there should be so prooucced a. preponderance of mediocrity amongst equines—in many cases bred on ' w»ntißo lines—is indeed a great study. {;*'« in the history of Australia has the ■ commanded so many highlyWit 8 " 03 as <lt l )rt;sent ; « ml with such 5 »t» Ava °" e m '% ht expect to find the : . a** 9 ** raised to such a degree as to bring -'$ *<?u fa m,mber of horses equal to the , agni-for-ago class. This is not, however, • . .«* accomplished. Over three decades "■feT-M? the ' fl ' ght sinco A ™ fcralia bred I j/ nd Flaneur, and a. quarter of a century * e f r 'y. e,a Pßed since Abercom was pro'^'j;' exist* - lth SUCtI a lcn B thenecl period now < , <W g Slnco the two craclc9 named were BplSipf !> Sllk ' and With mediocrity a strik- ' ' ' •Lfcsi ! " fß .V noi| B» t the horses raised, the ..CiS? m i? ht ™» be asked, "Has lho , Twain thoroughbred deteriorated?"

GREAT YEARS. ™ hen a discussion crops up regarding tho deterioration or otherwise of our thoroughbreds thoso in touch with racing not infrequently turn to tho records of the past, and proclaim this or that as " the greatest year." Going back to 1877, First King, Chester, Woodlands, and Cap-a-pie wero tho bright stars of the three-year-old class; and three years later Grand Flaneur and Progress stood out in front of that particular division. In 1883 Martini Henry and L© Grand were the leading pair of that period, and in 1887 Abercorn, The Australian Peer. Niagara, Cranbrook, Canyon, and Volley wero a doughty sextette engaged in measuring strides in Australia, while in New Zealand Maxim was on tho scene. Tho following year saw Carbine, Ensign, • Melos, Manton, and Cuirassier under silk. The seasons of 1886-87, and 1887-88, each contributed a very bright page- ia Australasian turf history, and wo shall probably ycjt see a good stretch of years pass by ere tho record of the two periods named lose any of their glamour. In 1897 Amberite and Aurtim wore tho chief pair battling for supremacy, and in the succeeding year Cocos and Robadil were out. file season of 1901-02. will be long remembered in New Zealand, by reason of the number of three-year-olds that earned marked distinction, Mcnschikoff, Royal Artillery, Cruciform and Nonetto all being engaged in carrying silk at that period. The fact that, the three first-named horses all hailed from tho same stable no doubt, deprived tho situation of much interest; but not sufficiently to prevent it being termed "a great year." In 1902-05 Abundance and Great Scot, were the chief actors in the three-year-old class in Australia. The year 1905 is, however, also entitled to a high place, for Noctuiform, Sun god, and Lady Wallaco were out together; and the- fact that Noctuiform succeeded in knocking out all previous Derby records when ho galloped home in front for tho A.J.C. blue riband is an incident likely to keep tho period green. Poseidon, Antoniouu, and Collarifc were the leading three-year-olds in 1906, and the subsequent performances of the first-named gave him a good place with noteworthy equines of tho Australian turf.

RACING—A SPORT, NOT A BUSINESS.

Is horseracing a sport or a business? is a question that is severely exercising tho minds of certain writers at the present juncture in the Old Country. In England it may be in many cases a sport, and in a few a business, but in Australia (remarks "Poseidon," of the Melbourne Leader) I am fain to confess it is in many cases a business, and in a few a sport. Of course. Australia does not yet possess in great numbers that leisured moneyed class that Great Britain does, and there are but few owners in the Common-wealth that can afford to race horses for pleasure only irrespective of whether the year's transactions on the turf show a profit or loss. There are a few. however,, who race solely for the love of the game, for the healthy excitement it engenders, and from a spirit of true rivalry. Unfortunately, however, these are few in number. The truest, best type of racing owners are those who race horses 'bred by themselves. In Australia we have several rich, influential patrons of the turf, who breed and race their own horses, and there are unmistakable signs that in Victoria, at least, their number is steadily increasing. This is one of the most healthy signs of tho prosperity and progress of racing in this State. We are told that the poor we shall have with us, and I suppose that we shall, also always have the small ownertrainer, who, instead of supporting the turf, as he in some instances fondly imagines h.i is doing, looks to the turf to support him. Ido not mean to speak in derogatory terms of such persons, for the conduct of many of them is most exemplary, and a majority are- honest, straight-going men; but it is from their ranks that the .undesirables of the turf come. There are black sheep in every calling and walk of life, and it would be as ridiculous as it would be unreasonable to imagine that racing men were an exception. I subscribe unhesitatingly to the dictum that only a man who can afford to keep a racehorse should race. LEAVES PROM MY NOTEBOOK. As was quite to be expected, the prospective meeting of Prince Soult and Autumnus in the Wellington Stakes is arousing considerable interest with thoso who are engaged in focussing matters connected with the big two-year-old event set down for decision at Trentham on next Monday week. Prince Soult's easy defeat of Winning Way in the A.R.O. Royal Stakes, in the estimation of most people, placed the Auckland colt in tho leading position amongst the juveniles; but he has yet to encounter Autumnus, and the son of Treadmill and Goldleaf is voted good. In the decision of the C.J.C. "Welcome Stakes Autumnus, it may be remarked, came home third to Winning Way and Beldame; but it was a very close finish that was fought out up tho Riccarton straight, the three leaders only being separated by a head. < Autumnus subsequently won the Electric Plate, run over half a mile, in which he beat Equitas, Naumai, and several others in fast time. The fact that the Wellington Stakes only extends to five furlongs will, it is contended in some quarters, be in favour of Autumnus and against Prince Soult. With a speedy half-mile performanco down to the credit of Autumnus there may be solid grounds for the contention. Prince Soult's chance will not. however, I opine, bo greatly affected by reason of the distance of the Wellington Stakes being five furlongs;, and with a high character for genuineness, the 'brown son of Soult can be depended upon to play his part well, no matter how the race may be run. It is to be hoped that both colts will be found well off on the score of condition when they go out to measure strides at Trentham on the 22nd inst.

Great mares on the turf do not as a rule attain equal fame at the- stud; indeed, it might bo said* that the records are brimful of disappointments in that connection. The opening years of tho 20th century was » noteworthy period so far as racing mares are concerned, La Carabine, Wakeful, Cruciform, Gladsome, and Lady Wallace figuring on the scene at intervals. Lady Wallace, who was the last of the brilliant quartette named to make her debut on the turf, threw a Derby winner straightaway in her stud career, while La Carabine's produce have all been moderates. So far Cruciform has failed to give the turf anything of note; but a solid prediction is offered that the lop-eared chestnut daughter of St. Leger will ere- long be known as a noteworthy matron. A two-year-old colt by Wallace from Cruciform has just beon taken in hand by James Scobie. and the youngster is thus described by "Terlinga" of the Australasian:—"A colt out of that great mare Cruciform is as fine a colt as one could wish to see. He is a chestnut, with a white blaze down his face, the near hindleg white almost to tho hock, a white pastern, and the off foro leg white half-way to the kneo. He has the Stockwell mark bequeathed byCruciform, and is all over a Stockwell. Wo tried to fault him, but failed. He may not bo- able to g;tllor>-rhe has not been tried yet —but he look? like making a great horse, and a colt got by Wallace from Cruciform might easily mean another Alawa, Emir, or Maltster "for the stable. Tho stable boys about Flemington call this colt the "Bonzer." Stable-boy appreciation cannot go higher than that. He has only 'been btpken in a fortnight, but when taken down to the course last week he trotted round the track as contentedly as though he had been thero j for months." <

When the present season opened (remarks "Tho Possible" in tho Canterbury Times) Messrs. W. G. and G. L. Stead had a big team of two-year-olds, among them several by Coniform, and it was confidently predicted that the stable would play a prominent part in juvenile racing. Two of the lJoniform3 wero taken to Sydney in the spring, but failed to run up to expectations, lion Ton was brought back, and has been a failuro here co far. The second, dun Chin, was sold, and according to a cable message from Brisbane she won a small race last week. Peroneal, another of the Grasslea youngsters, by Achilles—Prelude, ran without success at Riccarton in November, and was then sold, since which she has won three races. Of the horses retained, however, nothing in praise can be written, as tho Stead stable has still to produce its first two-year-old winner for the season.

The To Aroha correspondent of the Hejuld writes:—"Mrs. John Lennard, of Falcon lodge, Waihou, is naturally somewhat annoyed at the various rumours afloat concerning the ownership of the racehorses Santa Rosa and Waimangu. She desires your correspondent, to say that Santa Rosa, bred and named by her, is the joint property of Mr. G. Robinson and herself, each having exactly one-half share. Mr. Robinson never owned more than half. Waimangu is the solo property of Mrs. Lennard."

In having a tilt at the V.R.C. Summer Meeting, which " Terlinga" avers has fallen away greatly of recent years, the ictorian writer makes tho unequivocal statement:— " A worse field than that which started for the Bagot Handicap has never been seen.

The weights for the To Kuiti Racing Club's meeting will be declared on Tuesday.

A few days after the present year bad been ushered in a once well-known steeplechase rider paid tho last debt of .Nature in the person of Patrick McCoy, who.passed away at Waihi on tho 4th insfc. * Pat, as wo all loved to call him, was ruling in.New Zealand as far back as 1878. in which year ho steered the late Mr. Larry Markey Mousetrap to victory in the New /iealand Grand National Steeplechase. On several occasions lie had the mount on the celebrated Lono Hand, and it was in his liands that tho grey son of Panic won tho Auckland Steeplechase of 1880. ,> goodhearted, kindly chap was Pat McCoy* Ever loval and true to those with whom bo might be associated, ho always bore a high character. When the riding of racers got past him the deceased pluckily took off his coat for manual labour; and he stood up to a stitt ordeal in a manner remindful of his best days in another connection.

Ashhy, who changed hands cheaply at tho Cambria Park sale, is in tho Borough Handicap, four furlongs, at Takapuna, with Bst 311). Fit and well, ho would distance the others, but it has to be seen whether that leg of his will stand. Painstaking Irainer J Chaafo has tho Obligado gelding in hand.

From accounts to hand the proposed Betting Act framed to deal with wagering ,i« South Africa failed to meet with the approbation of tho clubs concerned, who were uot prepared to accept it. It was unanimously decided to oppose tho abolition of the. bookmakers, who. in the opinion of tho representatives of tho various clubs, areas essential to the success of racing in that country as was the totalisator.

After a long spell of non-success on tho Taeo tracks Mr. H. R. Mackenzie's colours were soon to the fore yesterday, when the Salvadan gelding Black Northern credited the Mangero sportsman with the Hurdle Raco at Whangarei.

Of the 20 entrants for the Takapuna Stewards' Handicap, no less than eight claim defunct Soult as sire, while nine of th a 18 horses engaged in the Takapuna Cup also claim th© same horso as parent.

The heaviest, weight ever carried to viator? in the Takapuna Cup was 9st 4lb, ui 1£96. by Fabulist, and the same poundage, in 1699, by Nestor. In all, this Cup has been won on six occasions only by horses carrying over 7st 131b.

Twenty-nine horses have been handicapped for tho Ferry Handicap at the Shore, and such an even lot do they appear to Mr. Morse that he has placed no less than 19 of them on the 7st 111b mark.

Admiral Soult has proved a disappointment so far this season, but may make amends at tho Shore. The Soult gelding has bee.i performing creditably in his training work.

Fuss, who was purchased cheaply by Mr. H. S. Wilson a month or two ago, is, like Don Quex, proving a profitable investment. On Boxing Day she landed tho Thames Goldfields Cup, and yesterday the daughter of Explosion and Bothor won the Whangarci Cup. She is trained by W. Sharp.

Mr. J. Patterson, owner of Allworthy, has tho nice-looking yearling colt by Motiti from Serita quartered at Onehunga. This youngster will eventually go into C. Cole man's hands.

So far as tho racing season has gone B. Decley and A. Oliver head the list of wining horsemen in the Dominion, each having 25 successes to his credit.

The two-year-old filly Indulgence continues to do good work under D. Moraghan's guidance at Ellerslie, and may be seen to advantage at Takapuna.

The pony Dark Rose, by Gluten— Scaton, who is in the Borough Handicap at Takapuna, with the minimum to carry, may be sent across to Sydney after the T.J.C. meeting.

Hawick, the Poirua-trained hurdler, who gave a poor display at Ellerslie, has become affected in the wind, and is to be treated to a spell at Bulls.

Old Aristocrat continues to shape well in his training efforts, and it should not be long ere the Seaton Delaval gelding follows up his recent Thames success by landing anothejrace for his owner.

Advocate, who has been an unfortunate equine for some time past, is at present plodding along under the watchful eye of Trainer A. M. Robertson, and all going well in the meantime, should be seen out in. the autumn under silk.

Owing to the dry weather experienced of late the tracks at Ellerslie have hardened up considerably, and most of the trainers are allotting their charges steady exercise.

Bon Jour is progressing favourably in his schooling efforts over fences, and the big Cuirassier gelding may yet do good service for his patient trainer, D. Bannatyne.

A. Barron, trainer of Moreykoff, Minstrel, and Pakerangi, has taken in hand a youngster by Lupin from Integrity.

Sphinx (Bluejacket Hour!) promises to turn out useful at the jumping business. This useful mare is a half-sister to that once good hurdler Ben Jousan.

The disappointing Wairikl—Leo Delaval filiy Tipua opened her winning account, yestertlav when she won the Kensington Stakes at Whangarei. beating four others, including a very warm favourite, in Mahinga.

Corazon. who carried off the last Great Northern Steeplechase in fine style, has been taken in hand again at Napier by V. Collelo. He looks well after his long spell.

At present Soultoria, last year's winner, is the popular fancy for the Takapuna Cup, though Nganuka, Sea Elf, St. Amans, and Sir Artegal have each a fair following.

The Auckland Cup victor, Santa Rosa, and his stable-mate Waimancu are still to be seen on tho tracks at EJlerslie, where they are getting through usefiul exercise.

F. McManemin's trio of Takapuna Cup candidates, Sea Elf, Maheno, and Soultoria are training on nicely at headquarters, and the elect of the stable should prove hard to dispose of on Saturday week.

Rumour hath it that Prince Soult, the local two-year-old champion, hat, been off his feed of late, and this may upset tho projected trip to Wellington next week.

Pakau, the jumping horso in E. J. Rao's stable at Ellerslie, is a useful fencer, but his connections seem bent on giving him an easy time of it.

Turbine displayed nothing like his old form at the A.R.C. Summer Meeting, and his owner, Mr. W. Davies, has decided to treat the Mcnschikoff gelding to a spell.

According to a Southern exchange, Mr. H. Thompson, clerk of the course to tho Canterbury Jockey Club, made his debut as a starter in tho North Island, at the Stratford Racing Club's Summer Meeting, and gave every satisfaction.

Curator, who won the Greymouth Cup, is a four-year-old gelding by Cure from Konini. Curator mot with an injury to one- of his legs last week, and will not race again for a while.

Mr. H. McManaway's Soult gelding Strathmoira has lOst (top-weight) to carry in the Hauraki Maiden Hurdles at Takapuna, an impost tho Feilding hurdler should be master of.

A number of youngsters in the South by the dual Auckland Cup winner, All Red, have had names claimed for them of late. Amongst the names applied for are All Readv, Rod Indian, Red Shield, and Red Robe"

Coronet, Strathavon, and Scotty each won the Takapuna Cup on a couple of occasions. This year Soultoria is the only previous winner of the Cup engaged.

Elect rakofY, who won tho A.R.O. Grandstand Handicap in fast time, is striding .alone freely at Ellerslio, with a view to the Takapuna Cup, in which event he has a fairly solid weight to carry in 9st lib.

Necktie (Mcnschikoff — _ who missed last season to Birkenhead, is in full training at Ellerslie, with a viow to the Takapuna Jockey Club's Summer Meeting.

Veitalia, like her half-sister Fuss, got on tin winning list at Whangarei yesterd&y, when she secured tho Settlers' Handicap. Madam Paul was a warm favourite for the race, but finished up in third place.

St. Felix (St. —Fauna), who met with an injury on the way up to the A.R.C. Summer Meeting, is well again, and has been galloping in good style on the Porirua beach.

In 1903 that good horse Advance, by Vanguard—Laurel, won the Wellington Cup under lOst 41b, the heaviest impost yet borne to victory in that event.

STUD NOTES. [Br PHiHTOjr.j In the, case of the Great Northern Derby iwinner, Counterfeit,.' we have another pointed illustration of happy results attending- the mating of > th© j St. Simon and ! Musket families. It seemed to 'bo a popular opinion at one time that in-breeding to' | Musket should be avoided;, but, to the discomfiture of those who were prone to promulgate that view, quite a number of instances can I)© cited whoro the happiest results have followed such an alliance; and so it is with Counterfeit. Her sire, Treadmill, it may be remarked, is out of Catherine Wheel (a daughter of Maxim, by Musket), while her dam, Delusive, is by Trenton (son of Musket). Then, again, her grand-dam, j Eleusis, is by Solon, a son of West Aus- | tralian, tho latter being also the sire of I Musket's dam. Truly there is much in j Counterfeit's pedigree to arrest the attention of students of breeding.. It .was, inI deed, a fortunate day for Sir Georgo | Clifford when he secured Delusive for 260gns Tat the sale of the St. Albans Stud, and the happy result that has attended her mating with Treadmill gives the owner of Stonyhurst further cause for rejoicing.

Bleriot, the winner of the Sylvia Handi cap at Ellerslio last week, is another that stands out as very inbred to Musket. Her dam, Elf, was got by Dreadnought from Elflock, tho latter being got by Nordenfeldt (son of Musket) from Elfin (a daughter of Musket. It is further interesting to note that Mosquito (dam of Trafalgar, who produced Droadnought) is a full sister to Musket, so that the well-known line by Toxopholito, daughter of West Australian, which has won,such prominence, occurs in Bleriot's pedigree, in very close order. Standing out, as Prince Soul now does, as the best two-year-old so far produced this season, it is fitting that the brown colt sjfiould have his pedigree placed on record with prominence. The leading lines in the breeding of the Royal Stakes winner come out as follows:— . PRINCE SOULT. Wire: Soult, by St. Simon (son of Galopin) from Beauharnais,. by See-Saw (son of Buccaneer) from Josephine, by Birdcatcher (son of Sir Hercules). Dam: Lady Hester, by St. Leeer (son of Doncaster) from Musket Maid, by Musket (son of Toxopholito) from Miss Ariel, by Dainty Ariel (son of Eiddlesworth). Statistics bearing on last season's racing on the English turf show that Sundridge was the most successful stallion,'' his record being 12 winners, 31 races, £33,284. William the Third was second with 19 winners, 41£ races, £20,355. Carbine's sons Fowlingpiece and Spearmint, were credited with £6809 and £6278 respectively; but only £1426 went down to the great old eon of Musket and Mersey. Carbine only had five winners during the season, and they accounted for 8i races.

THE WHANGAREI MEETING.

FIRST DAY. [NT TBLEGIUPa— OWK COBREBPONDBNT.]

Whakgarki, Friday.

The first day of the Whangarei races was held to-day under good weather conditions. The track was in first-class order after the recent rains. The attendance was satisfactory, visitors from nil parts of the district being present. On the whole, the racing was good, but a feature was the small fields. The sum of £2897 10s ws« put through the totalisator, as compared with £1228 10a for the first day of last year. The details of the races are as follow: — ;

SETTLERS' HANDICAP, six furlongs.— 7t 7lb (O'Shea), 1; Bonny, 7st 51b (Curran), 2; Madam Paul, 7st 121b (Deeley), 3. . Also started: Nlmrod, Luros, Luperine, Hangiora, 'futanekai, Waitangi. Won by a nose.

KENSINGTON HANDICAP, four furlongs.—Tipua, 7st Blb (MoKinnon), 1 ; Viva, 7at 31b (O'Shea), 2; Matringn, Bst 91b (Curran), 3. Also started: Soultstone and Agram. Won by a head.

HURDLE HANDICAP, one mile and a-half.— Black Northern. lOst 131b (Julian), 1; Sabine. 9st 51b (Ross), 2; Burnbrao, 9st (Heudereon), 3. Won easily by 10 lengths.

TROT HANDICAP, two Smuggler, 335. (Julian), 1: Fiery Cross, 12s. (Camble), 2; Lady Member, 16a. (re.irscn), 3.

WHANGAREI CUP. One mile and a-quarter. Fuss,. Bst 21b (Currnn) ... ...... ... 1 Ruatangata, 6st 111b (O'Shea) ... ... ... 2 Scotch, 7rt 121b (Whittaker) ... ... ... '3 Also started: Jolie FilTo.

A splendid race. The four horses entered the straight in a bunch, ft great race taking place to the post, Fuss winning by a bare half-length. The third and fourth horses were close up. Time, 2in..:1l 1-53.' .■.•:" ~; :i

RAILWAY HANDICAP.— Bst (Poll). 1; Madam Paul, 7st 101b (Deeley), 2; Master Sly, Bst 21b (Brown), 3. Also utarted : Sapper and Veitalla. It was a runaway win. Time, Im. 19s. A meeting of the stewards was held after the race to consider Luperin's running, but no action, was taken. FLYING HANDICAP, five furlongs.—Firefly, Bst 31b (McKinnon), 1; Viva. 7st 21b (O'Shea), 2; Luperine, 7sfc 91b (Pell), 3. Won by a. couple of lengths. Tune, lm. 4is.

WELLINGTON RACING CLUB'S

SUMMER MEETING.

[BY TELE3RAPH.—PBK3S ASSOCIATION.]

Wellington, Friday.

The following are the acceptances for the first day's events at the, Wellington Racing Club's Summer Meeting:—

TREKTHAM WELTER HANDICAP, one mile.— Odessa 10.13. Turna 9.13, Ovation 910, Blakeney 8.11, Laius 8.7, Blend 8.0. '

ANNIVERSARY HANDICAP, one mile.— Queen 9.5, St. Felix 9.3, Golden Loop 9.0, Snlash 8.12, Sir Knox 8.12, Eclogue 8.7, Beacon 8.0, Negative 8.0.

ELECTRIC HANDICAP, . five , furlongs.—Gipsy Belle 9.1, Naumai 9.1, Gladlole 8.10, Lord Soult 8.3, Khamsin 7.11, Rangiatua 7.11, Altcar 7.8, Deploy 7.5, Ascalon 7.4, Emma 6.7, Purakau 6.7.

NURSERY HANDICAP, four furlongs.— 8:5, Peroneal 8.2, Canute 8.0, Stepney 7.10, Merton 7.10, Obligant 7.3, Neirene 7.3, Imagination 7.0, Scottish Star 6.7, War Sight 6.7, Styx 6.7, Daybreak 6.7.

WELLINGTON ■ CUP, one mile and a-holl.— Merrivonia 8.0. Jfendip 80, Midnight Sun '7.13, Aberbrothock 7.12, Bliss 7.9, Undecided 7.9, Ooronaandel 7.7, Birkline 7.3, Patriotic 6.10, Sea Queen 6.10, Flingot 6.7, First Battery 6.7, Kauroa 6.7, British Maid 6.7, Royal Marine 6.7, Gold Circle 6.7, Splash 6.7.

RUAPEHU HANDICAP, six furlongs.—Makara 9.0, Sinapis 8.11, Scrophio 8.7, Gay Lawless 8.5,. Rongomau 7.12, Sanguinary 7.7, Kirkby 7.7, Taonui 7.4. Indra 7.0, Dirge 6.11.

TELEGRAPH HANDICAP, six furlongs.—Equitas 9.12, Nyland 8.12, Full Bate 8 12, Gipsy Belle 8.10, Culprit 3.9, Ireland 8.4, Bibs 8.3, Hermia 8.2, Byron 7.12. Polymorphous 7.10. Faunus 7.8, Dearest 7.5, Merrie Frank 7.2, Lougatep 6.13, Deploy 6.13. ' FINAL PAYMENTS.

WELLINGTON .STAKES, five furlongs.— mersion, Imagination, Neiren*, Rangiatua, übligant, bay Ally' by Hicrarch—Crecy, Autumnus, Scottish Star, Winning Way, Glad Tidings, gelding by St. —Maude, Canute, Peroneal, Sinapis, Valldo, Glade, Itongapii, Ermcngnrde, chestnut filly by Boniform—Leonore, Prince- Soult.

FOXTON RACING CLUB'S SUMMER MEETING.

[BY TELEGEArn.— ASSOCIATION.]

Wellington, Friday. The following are the weights for the Foxton Racing Club's Summer Meeting:—

HANDICAP HURDLE RACE.-Eiya 10.13, Seaman 10.2, Captain 10.1, Strathmoira 9.13, Fond Memory 9.13, Highden 9.12, .Allure 9.12, Attention 9.11, Canadian 9.10, Chase Mab 9.2, Seawind 9.0, Septimus 9.0.

ELECTRIC HANDICAP—Mimora 8.4, Avauncho 8.3, Mautoa Girl 7.13, Parawanui' 7.13, Fashion Plato 7.12, Florence Nightingale 7.9, Lord Palmer 7.7, Waitoto 7.5, Thrave 7.5, Overheard 7.2, Miss Alba 7.1, Karara 6.9, Eastwind 6.9, Lady Ruby 6.7.

FOXTON CUP.—Ooromandel 9.0, Sir Antrim 8.4, VI 7.13, Julian 7.9, Rauparaha 7.7, Kauroa, 7.6, Brown Trout 7.5, Midian 7.4, Queen of Scots 7.2, Mcrcmero 7.0, Matlow 6.12.

AWAHOU WELTER HANDICAP.—Stevens 9.11, Bay Paul 9.6, Warputere* 8.13, Miss Alba 8.5, Merrie Emerald 8.3, Levata 8.3, Retreat 8.2, Dusky Sound 8.0, Rangimaru 8.0.

FLYING HANDICAP.—Kohinoor 8.8, Blue Lake 7.13 Te Kahurangi 7.9, Lady Moutoa 7.9, Thetis 6.7, Winning Post 6.7, Overtime 6.7.

DASH HANDICAP.— 8.5, Easy 8.4, Ineuru 8.3, Aurora 7.9, Throve 7.7, Eminent 7.7, Silverhope 7.7, Elkmaid 7.0, Invicta 6.13, St. Helena 6.12, The Diver 6.12, Enterprise 6.12, Adella 6.12, Epworth 6.12, Alma Rose 6.12, Lady Ruby 6.10, Asteraown 6.10.

HERRINGTON WELTER HANDICAP—Kohinoor 9.13, Con the Shraughraun 8.9, Queen of Scots 8.7, Ambrosian 8.4, Marten 8.4, Separator 8.3, Matlow 8.3, Winning Post 8.0, Seaton Dale 8.0, Overtime 8.0.

TRIAL STAKES (entries).— Millbanke, Elkmaid, Miss Jean, Sunrose, Chelya. Clover, Bonnie Boy, Overheard, Goodlorm, Carnation, Rejoice, Miss Robert*, Nukuatu, Stockade, Master kilcheran, Lord Kenown, St. Helena, Asternown, Akahou, Trouble, Arivoire, Epworth, Government, Ohinee, Beach, Black Lupin, Sir Donald, Expect.

MAIDEN SCURRY (entries).—Katipo, Alma Rose, Milbank. Elkmaid, Jean, Chelys, Inveta, Clover, Lady Euby, Goodform, Enterprise. Carnation, Rejoice, Converted, Miss Roberts, Rahini, Adella, Master Kilcheran, Lord Renown, St. Helena, Astemown, Troath, Arivoire, Epworth, Ohinee, Beaen, Crown Land, Eminent, Expect.

TAEAPUNA JOCKEY CLUB'S SUMMER MEETING.

During transmission by telegraph several inaccuracies crept into the list of weights for the Takapuna Jockey Club's Summer Meeting. The following corrections are supplied by the secretary, Mr. R. Wynyard:—Zealandia Handicap: Maui Nina 7.13, Bogey 7.13. Calliope Handicap: Semolina 7.2. Stewards' Handicap: Admiral Soult 7.0, Lady Lot 7.0, Spectre 7.0, Elegance 7.0, Maui Nina 7.0. Goldsize was scratched yesterday. for the Stewards' Handicap,