SPORTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 15110, 28 September 1912, Page 10

SPORTING.

' RACING fixtures.' • * - .'I.. . * NEW ZEALAND. . . ,\ 4 " ; i : • September 28—Avondale Jockey Club. , ! / September 28—"Wanganui Jockey Club. ;• ") , October 2—Hawke's Bay Jockey Club.; . '■T ;October?Kurotr.; Jockey • Club. 1 ; . *3 October Napier Park Racing Club. '' ; October 9, 12—Dunedin Jockey Club. .. v * October 16, , Auckland Trotting Club, i ■ ".vv October 17—Maatorton Racing Club.- \ October 24, 25. Poverty Bay Turf Club. . '- October 26, 28—'Wellington' Racing Club--VH October 23—'Waverley-Waitotara Racing Ciu October 23, 29—Gore Racing Club.-- _ October 29, 30—Greymouth Jockey Club. November 2. 4, 6. 9— Canterbury Jockey C.no, . November 8. 9,—Auckland Racing Club. • November 20, 21— Marlborough. Racing CluD. November 27, 30—Takapuna Jockey Utlb- ■- December 26. 30. and January 1. Auckland ; Racing Club. ' . . December 26, 30. and January 1, .Z—AUCKland Racing Club. . . ' December 26, 27—Thames Jockey > Club. December 27, 28. Auckland Trotting Clup. j April 9, IX—Auckland Trotting Club. ; j dates of Coming events.-.; • • ' NEW'- ZEALAND. " • ■' • - September 28—Avondalo Guineas. .. .. September 26—Wanganui Guineas. , October 2—Hawko's Bay Guineas.' * ' October-28— Champion "Plate. ;. ..' ./ J: ' .. AUSTRALIA. '*• ' : V . October A.J.C. Derby. • m-: October 7— Metropolitan Stakes. t ... .: .''October 12—Caulficld Guineas- . ' \ ; '0. .. October 19., —Caulfleld Cup. .. .. J( ,-. November 2—V.R.O. Derby. \ , V November —Melbourne Cup. r" " .1 ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. Ti ' ~ ' EA3IBLEE, Tahunga.— Nolan ' <3yrs) won the Melbourne Cup of 1908 under 6st ioib. • . , . Nap.—Up to the present-' Uranium- has .. 'V contested 82 races,, and she has won 18 of I. her engagements. W- .'? WAGER, Ellerslie.— following mares ?'■ have won the Avondalo Cup: Annabelle, twice, at "four and five years old respeccj tively; Toroa, 6yrs; The Shannon,. syrs; - r Idas, "4yrs; Uranium, 6yrs. Bleriot is the -■ '* 'only three-year-old filly that '-has-won the Zif- race in question. -, . • ; . ... I' - .*'' R.J., Waiharara.—l. Santa Rosa andWaimangu both raced at two years i old. The 5-? - first-named started on six occasions, and if'-:' : won two of his engagements, : while.: Wai- '" - jnangu ran 10 times unsuccessfully. 2. ? Nominations* for the Auckland Cup • close on Friday next. J. A ' " -NOTES BY PHAETON. INAUGURATING THE SEASON. . Though' th© inauguration of the facing v f season in Auckland on Wednesday , last had to be faced in .weather, the reverse of., rfe' pleasant, racogoers one© ' again turned up in '"""strong forces -at -Avondale, - and,- with the. 'totalizator receipts • showing ■an increase of y,"... ' over £2000 on the sum handled -on the corresponding day last year, evidence is forthcoming, to, support;, th© theory that the ' ' ".i. attendance was well Up to. the best previous record. Strong fields. were; the. order of the day; and, though tho pleasure of the after- •'/ noon was to some extent marred by rain, •A : the .racing throughout'. was ; invested 0 with a . ' ■firm ring of'interest ; .and,■ with' • notes conspicuous by their absence, "it may fee; said that the inauguration -of - the. racing . - soaeon at Avondale was attended with much ; - ' that constitutes th© charm, of racing. ' '■ - -* - j TWO-TEAR-OLDS UNDER - SILK. s'i«; ' With a record field of youngsters saddledup to contest tho Avondale Stakes, a very ' keen interest. manifested .in the result of y.:th© first, two-yoar-old '.contest of-ft he season. - Tli© Hague, a smart-looking daughter of fj2!.-;-'Stcpniak and Peace, who was sent up from Napier J; by Mr. T. .H. Low'ry, . counted sufficient admirers to send her out favourite; .hut she.was. not p. great, way in. front : of •• ~-. Merry Roc, a shapely little. daughter, of, Soult and Erry Roe, owned by Mr. F. '{<• Hall,' of Gis'borne. " r .; Backers, focussod cho

jiiux,/ ui \jnsuorue. f .„ civcrs . iocussoa one situation -with'• fair accuracy, as the two >■ fillies 'in Question' fought out the issue for the leading position. Matters looked favoured-, able for The Hague at the distance;, but Merry Roe finished with a true Soult run St' when "the final stage 'came;to bo tackled; > «• J and -it was always a sure victory for her in i -the : last '100 yards. - Merry Roe is a shapely filly, . with very; faction; : and, though / sho" will probably never. be much abovo the -V"' pony standard, sbo should extend her re- --- cord beyond-Avondale. .--.There were: several behind Merry Roe and The Hague, that it . may,.;l think, 'confidently, be anticipated )g ~ will see a very much better day as • age IfSV;comes to them.> Soldier (By Soult from Lady Musket), a full-brother to King Soult, ! Soultikoff (by Soult '.'.from' .' Hocher a . full-brother to Marshal Soult, Marconi (by' ' Soidtform from Caller Ou), and Marshal McDonald .[by Soult . from Hesper) are ; a quartette that may ;bo cited as especially" pro- ; /' mising. Possibly .it;, would have been as V. well, -with an. eye to the future, had the : ; quartette of• youngsters not been ■'bustled" '". '""along in the endeavour to' win distinction in ' tho first two-year-old race of the season; It "is," no doubt, highly pleasing to 'get an early return;/ but the records _ show, that'' such ,is often . obtained at ; the cost of knocking out a good „ colt ,or . filly, as the case 'might be. ' ' " 1 " V ./'A GOOD FILEY. ' ; .By winning the Avondalo Cup, Bleriot . created a fresh . rccord in connection with C- - - that race, tho victory registered by the ';'v daughter of Soult marking the first occasion ; on which a three-year-old filly has triumphed' in the event in question. Tho character of .' the training work, .for which ' Bleriot • had • been responsible for several weeks past at v Ellerslio caused not a' few/ keen minds to ' proclaim her prowess with enthusiasm; and " ' in tho 'decision' of the Avondale Cup it can - -bo. said sho amply, endorsed the eulogiums . passed on her galloping abilities. Before the . third furlong was entered upon Bleriot went up to win her race,.-and from that on she was always filling the ovo attractively. That ■ ■ Bleriot won her race easily is a. point on • • which , tliero is a' general agreement; and ■tho straight manner in which she finished up the concluding stago topped off nicely a highly pleasing performance- That Bleriot is in for a good innings at throe years old •' 'L* a prediction that can, I think,- bo ad- ' ..u vanced with a tolerable degree of safety.. COUNTERFEIT. . The brilliant little Counterfeit is not to bo further persevered with. When the state- . merit came through from Christchureh lns< • month that the Treadmill mare had been • eased in her work owino? to a leg trouble, j ':/ fears were entertained that ho would not •f" again : race. However, when Sir : George . ./" /Clifford paid :up for tho bay mare in tho • New Zealand Cup it seemed as though the / cloud-which hung round Ohokeboro Lodge in- connection with its most brilliant inmate ; " was likely to bo dispersed. These hopes have been doomed to disappointment.* •i* Counterfeit's case is such tliat Edward '/ ' Cutts'has deemed it prudent not to further .. persevere with her, and the bay mare will now" have to win any further honours; at ,tho stud- That Counterfeit is entitled to .. r *' rank highly with tho most noteworthy fillies , J, that have graced tho New Zealand turf is a Vr* point •on which there is a pretty ■ solid agreement. Small in stature, .'. and light ~ ■' framed," there was nothing about Counterfeit -s. to grt«itly' rivet attention; indeed, it might || be - said that in physique she cut a most moderate appearance. That sho could gallop, -'V-'however, the records.: attest, for ■at two 'xyears old she."proved herself the crack of ' her-class;! at a year older she was tho | * bright' particular star. . It would be interestJ r ing -to know exactly how Edward Cutts rates Counterfeit; , and where .he would " place her amongst tho ..noteworthy ones of - tho weaker sex that, have figured ,on the New", Zealand . turf.' " The fact that, the 1 ■'■ veteran -of - Chokebore -Lodge, has. been : in j- J touch'-with the'.turf .of: New Zealand: for a period extending to nearly half a century, r'v'. 7 » and.that;;aU; haverpoed 'j 'in "these ' climes have came under his *'ndtice is, of .course, tho main point in investing his -OSnunftfu-faifc.. w'±.h„inthreat*_

NEW ZEALAND CUP CANDIDATES. Tho -spring, meetings held respectively at, Avondale, Wanganui, and Geraldino found a. number of candidates for New Zealand Cup honours under silk- The Auckland pair, Prince Soult,. and Domino, each ran unplaced in their engagements at Avondale, and though perhaps not a great deal of importance need attach to Domino's failure iriUhb Islington Handicap, Princo Soult's display in the Avondale Cup caused him to lose caste. At Wanganui the three-year-old : Obiigant captured -tho Spring Handicap, and in this event, Lady Lucy figured amongst tho also ran division. The three-year-olds Haskayno, Our King, and Multiply figured ,amongst the. contestants in the "Wariganui Guineas. The firstnamed managed to get up into third place, while Multiply and Our King missed a, situation. At Geraldino the four-year-old Bellah won theCup under Bst, and ho appears to have registered a decent mile and a-quarter. For the Spring Handicap, to bo decided at tho Hawke's Bay Jockcy ' Club's 'meeting nextWednesday, Goldfinder, Mangaoroa, Our King, and Multiform figure in the acceptance list. Of this quartette most interest .will probably attach to—the reappearance of Goldfinder; and tho character of tho form registered by the son of San Fran may bo expected to furnish a lint as to whether ho is in a position to interrupt th© long spell of ill-luck that has attended, him for such a lengthened period. ; .

. ENGLISH JOCKEYSHIP. Judging from the: references in tho English press, tho indictment of th© horsemanshin of English jockeys mad© by Tod Sloan in his description of tho Derby excited considerable interest in racing circles in tho Old Country. . In. referring to tho question tho -Express says:—"Every admits that Sloan's . criticisms of jockcvship are entitled to be. listened to with respect; Ho is undoubtedly one of tho greatest geniuses who ever sat on a horse. He revolutionised jockeyship in this country. It was ho who introduced ' the American seat'tho stylo of crouching over tho horse's withers instead of sitting almost bolt upright as. Fordham, Archer, and tho Cannons used to rid©. .'The, American seat' has 'been riddled with criticism, but Whether it is good, or whether it is bad, it > has been adopted by every jockey who is riding with any success today.". .

Some prominent owners, trainers, and ' jockeys were, of course, waited on by .pressmen, for . opinions on Sloan's criticism. Lord Lonsdale, who is referred to as one of the greatest English authorities on every branch of sport connected with horses, does not altogether agree with Sloan, but, all the same, sees much ko find fault with in English riding, and traces back the origin of this to the introduction of the " American ■.seat."; "It is not want of pluck or nerve." 110 said, "that prevents our English boys riding as well as their predecessors. The; ' fault lies in the adoption of the -unnatural: ' American ' seat' with tho .absurdly; short leathers. It is this practico which is playing havoc with riding in this country. The position of the jockey is so unnatural thai lie has to bo of abnormal physique if lie is; to be in a position to ride the race properly.: It is impossible for a jockey nowadays,, sitting crouched up in this abominable way.. to display the horsemanship with which it' man like Moruingtori Cannon used to win races. I watched the ■ introduction of this method of riding > with great distrust, and am convinced that it is responsible for many of our'present ■ shortcomings, although, as far as tho introduction of tho new method of carrying the weight well forward is concerned, lam fully alive to its benefits. I do . not think there is anything in . Tod Sloan's .accusations against English methods ofr training, for conditions are so entirely different, in France that a comparison of thesystems is hardly' applicable-." .. An English jockey, who (says tho Express)! is at the top of his profession, and can hold his own with the best riders in any country, declared Sloan's . suggestion that English iockeys lack nerve is absurd. '.'Conditions have changed," ho said, "since Sloan was riding here. '' I believe if ho were to ride 111 a big race now ho would be surprised to find how wo jockeys are hemmed in. by restrictions "which are.so severe that there is practicaHy no clianco of showing individuality or adroit horsemanship. Tho stewards have increased their regulations- to such an exfent within the last few" years that we have to ride like ladies in tho Row instead of jockeys on a racecourse. _ . It is the effect of; all these restrictions which deceived Tod Sloan into thinking we lack initiative. Tho jockey is even expected to keep the place ho drew at the start now. so that the outside •man- on a circular course has to gallop placidly through tho race on the outside from start to finish, or run the risk of getting into trouble on a ohargo ofV boring.' Although it is perfectly right to bo extremely strict, yet the regulations and rules have become altogether too much of a good thing, and are absolutely spoiling English riding.' *;* Tho French jockey can still ride a 1 fighting race and show his skill as a horseman, which we aro now almost barred from doing.'' It will be interesting to point out that this'view of the . blighting effect of tho restrictions made by the stewards is shared by all the leading jockeys.

LEAVES ; FROM MY NOTEBOOK. Prince Soult is not, I fear, going to turn out the colt fondly ' hoped for. The brown colt was probably above himself when saddled-up at Avondale on . Wednesday; but there was r that about his finish which was- displeasing.. When v Claude Brown made his final domand on the brother to Master Soult in the Avondale Cup there was evidence of a shirk on his part; and those who have been doubting his courage were not slow to make capital thereanont. It will be interesting to note the record put up to-day by Prince Soult when he is called upon to : fight out the .finish for the Avondale Guineas. ,

. Those - who. have a recollection of Apellon when he won the Northern Champagne Stakes at Ellerslio in tho autumn of 1910 could never have ranged his identity with the weedy gelding saddled-up at Avondale on Wednesday last by Frame McMaremin to contest the Henderson Handicap. It was well known that the son of Monoform had .been responsible for some smart half-mils work in .his training; but his paddocktrained appearance caused many to shrug their shoulders as he filed through the birdcage; and the figures on the totalisator subsequently denoted that ho was quite out of favour. / Apellon came along with a' run at tho right end, and a half-head victory went down to his credit. Apellon won his race at Avondalo in the hands of Mark Ryan, which was highly appropriate, as that . rider steered the son of Monoform when he landed the Champagne Stakes at Ellerslio.- Apellon may not fill the eve attractively, but lie can still command a. dash of pace. '

Tho unfortunate contretemps which took place at the second fence of the doublo in front of tho stand in tho concluding stage of the Avondale Steeplechase, completely settled in instantaneous form what lookod like eventuating in a highly interesting contest. Tui Cakobuu, who was run off at tho near wing when Hunakaha swerved, was jumping and going well, and it was real hard luck for Mr. R. 11. Duder to find his horse put out of tho contest when he had reason for entertaining some hopes of enjoying a win. Tho favourite, Hautere,. might possibly have won under any circumstances; but all the same the race would certainly not have been the easy thing for tho Euroolydon gelding which it proved by Tui Cakobau being removed from the list of contestants. Hautero jumped most of his fences in a manner remindful of his Great Northern victory; but each time at Avondalo -the chestnut made a very faulty jump in negotiating tho brush fence at, tho back; and in less capable hands than those of McFlynn he might have gono down.

Semolina, the little daughter of Gluten and Mignon, is pretty much the same filly in appearance as whon sho was on the scone in the autumn of last season. That sho has gone on the right way in, tho interval Semolina gave a pointed illustration in tho settlement of the Islington Handicap at*Avondalo on Wednesday last. She was always galloping well in tho lead; and the way sho breasted-the situation when it came to dealing with challenges in tho ran up the straight was highly pleasing. Possibly Semolina was fortunately placed in finding several opponents above themselves. However, what wo now have in tho records is her ability to traverse seven furlongs nicely in the early spring of her three-year-old career. Gluten's little daughter claims an engagement to-day in tho Avondalo Guineas, the distanco of which extends to a mile-

When Uranium took part in hurdle raco contests at Riccarton in August, i' scorned as though the chestnut jnare would hence- | forth bo limited to events allotted to the jumping brigade. That Uranium is still equal to recording .an attractive feat on the i flat she gave proof at Avondalo on Wednesday last, when she made a bold bid for a second victory in the Avondale Cup. In the run up the straight Uranium suffered a disappointment, or "she would have been, closer to the winner. • Uranium, who can bo referred to as a hard-worked mare, ran her 82nd race when she contested the Avondalo Cup.; : and it is apparently quit® safe to. tick /»flf.+/> .cnrr>>i4-vi wcf. .

; Tho winning performance- for which ,Duke Foot© was responsible When h©-disposed -of his opponents in . the, settlement of tho Chelmsford Stakes at RSndftick on. the 14tb inst. is rated very highly by:: the various Sydney writers, and iher-eis a concensus of opinion -that the five-year-old son of Sir Foot© is destined to "play 'ah lmj)d¥tftfit""Jl&lrt in -tho .big events • of. tli©; spring. ' Duke Footo had to carry his " weiglit-for-ag© (9st 41b) in tho Chelmsford Stakes, and the run which characterised; his winning effort was, so it is stated, -quite; of tho electrical order. When Duke Foot© is called upon to meet Trafalgar, Malt King, and company in th© Spring- Stakes at Randwick, he will in all probability find himself confronted with a very much stift'er proposition. than that with which lie cOped in tho Chelmsford Stakes ; but with 7st 101b down against his name in the Metropolitan Stakes, there is some reason to anticipate that he will rule a strong favourite for* that ovent..

At the annual meeting of the Takapuna Jockey Club yesterday, the chairman (Mr. Alison) took tho opportunity of replying to and denying the statement, made' by Mr. Russell, the member for Avon, to the effect that "everyone knew that the Takapunt Club was to all intents , and purposes a proprietary club, and that the proprietors were the people who owned the Auckland, and North Shore Ferry Company."

When Bleriot went into the sale ring as a yearling at Gltfnora Park in the January of 1911, the officiating auctioneer, Sir. H. O. Nolan, had to wait some time oro ho extracted a bid for the daughter of Soult and Elf. At length '*50giis * was called; but there were only half-a-dozen advances at sgns a time ero Mr. Nolan knocked the big filly down to Mr- F. Hall. A bargain was truly conveyed to the Gisbornoito when ho secured Bleriot, at £sgns.

. Th© Wellington correspondent of the. Can--1 tor bury Times is responsible for the following:—"A. M. Wright, who was "recently, disqualified, by the Canterbury Jockey Club in connection with the lato scratching of The Rover for the- Grand National Hurdle Handicap, has entered upon farming ■ pursuits at Foxton. Report hath it that Wright is very conversant with'matters.appertaining to tho proper, working of , the , soil. Ho already has eight acres of potatoes and five acres of onions under cultivation. The Rover has been sent homo to tho farm of his owner, Mr. M. "Boyle, at TaikorCa. Tho future of tho' Advance gelding has not; yet been decided upon. There is a probability of Y. Wright, a brother of the ex-trainer, being granted - a trainer's license, in which case some of tho horses hitherto trained by A. M. Wright will bo trained by V. Wright." . . :

The victory registered by Burri in the Rosehill Guineas brings a, fresh aspirant for honours in tlio Australian Jockey Club Derby to the front. Burri is a descendant of tho ; English-bred horse Mimer (by Mimic), who was raced in New South Wales, some five years back. Ho managed to win a few high-weight handicaps, but his form was devoid of anything above the ordinary.

.. W. Young, who recently entered into an engagement to ride. for the. Messrs Stead, had . th© . unfortunate experience of being called upon to male© fin early appearance at. the stewards' room. Young was reported for alleged misbehaviour at the post prior to th© ,'start for the , Wanganui Guineas, anil lie was brdered to stand down for the remainder of tho meeting.

Tho victory registered by Bon Rev© in the Wanganui Guineas on Thursday augurs well for his three-year-old prospects. The next engagement marked for -the son of Boniform is tho Hawke's Bay Guineas, for which event ho will have to carry a 71,b penalty. Ho ..has, however, the. 51b gelding allowance, so that lie will only have to carry fist 121b in the Hastings race. \

, Tho Auckland Racing Club's spring and summer programmes will require attention from-horseowners on or before Friday next, on which day, at nine p.m., nominations close for the following events:-City Handicap, . King Edward Memorial Handicap, Auckland Cup, Railway Handicap, Summer Cup, A.R.C.. Handicap, Grandstand Handicap, Islington Plate, Auckland Plate.

Pea Rifle, tho Musketry gelding, trained by P. Jones, had been ■ sprinting smartly over , three furlongs at. Ellerslie, . and came in for some little support for tho Henderson Handicap at Avondale, but finished in the ruck. He was somewhat unruly at the post, and reared up and fell back once with his rider, Moore, who luckily escaped injury.

Merry Roe, who won the Avondalo Stakes on Wednesday, last, figures' amongst the acceptances for tho Hastings Stakes, which event, conies up for decision on Wednesday next. . ,

j Tho' New Zealand sportsman, . Mr. E. «T. Watt, will hot. have so strong a field in commission nt Randwick as at one time seemed probable. Midnight Sun and Kildonan are both reported to be amiss.

Of the placed youngsters in tho Avondalo Stakes, Jeu d'Esprit, who finished third, is the only one engaged in "the Nursery Handicap this afternoon, and ho doubt the —Mignon filly will be well supported if started for the race in question.

Lloyds had been fencing very poorly in his schooling work at Ellerslie, and was not shaping well up to the time he fell in the First Hurdles at Avondalo on Wednesday, in which race he brought down Blue Mount and interfered with Mildura.

Haku has built up considerably sinco last season, -and although not . yet thoroughly wound un, ran a good race under Bst 51b, in tho Maiden Plate at Avondale, carrying 51b over-weight, and running second a length behind Tragedy King.

Vestal, the Spalpeen— mare, trained by P. Conway, was badly placed at one stage of the Maiden Plate, at Avondale, but at tho finish came - with a .great rattle on the outside of the big field and finished close up fourth. , r

Bleriot's time for the Avondale Cup, 2m. 16 2-55., is the slowest registered for the race since Putty won in 1905. Tho record, 2m. 9, 4-55.. was put up Tattoo, when ha won in 1909. but tho track conditions wero then much better.

Tipua promises to prove as big a disappointment- this season as in the oast, for in a field of 22 for the Maiden Plate at Avondale, the daughter of Wairiki and Leo Delaval ran absolutely last.

. Tamainupo, the aged Soult—Winsome gelding, was a . starter for . the Islington Handicap at Avondale, but broko down during the race,, and eventually limped in last.

. Naumni was well positioned at Otto stage of tho Henderson Handicap on Wednesday, but finished up in eighth place. On this running bo does not read a likely winner of the Mount Albert Handicap tci-dav.

Master Wairiki struggled along gamely in tho Avondalo Cup, but his running suggested that ho is not .vet at his best after his recent enforced retirement. Ho should bo at his best again when tho Ellerslie November meoting rolls round.

Mighty Atom demonstrated on Wednesday that ho ' still retains his pace, for it was only ovor tho concluding stages that ho was beaten, "and then he finished close up fourth, only a length behind the' winner. '

Sphinx ran a fairly good race for the First, Hurdles at Avondalo, but experienced the bad luck to bump against, an exceptionally promising fencer in tho Wa.ikato-trained To Whareroa, and had to put un with second place.

■ Miss Explosion, who was operated on some time back for respiratory troubles, made her reappearanco under colours in the First Hurdles at Avondale,' whon she raced well enough to suggost that sho will be seen at iier best again ore long. ,

Allworthy, the Motiti—Tauriki colt, displayed a good turn of speed in tho Henderson Handicap, and although ho failed to maintain his effort, ran sixth at ,tho finish. He should do better when thoroughly ready for the fray.

A. J. McFlynn, the successful hurdle horseman, who rode tho winners of both obstacle races at Avondalo on Wednesday, is likely to leave for Sydney on Monday in order to pilot Black Northern in bis A.'J.C. engagements.

To Whareroa gave a bold and convincing display when ho carried off the Avondalo First Hurdles, and on that form the son of St. Paul and Secrecy should win further distinction at an early date over obstacles.

Admiral Soult, who finished soventh in the -Islington - Handicap .- on Wednesday, should benefit by that gallop, and it will cause no surprise should this gelding make a good showing this, afternoon.

There will 'be racing at Avondale - and Wanganui to-day, at H.awk/j's Bay on Wednesday, and Napier Park pa Saturday

Mr. George Morse J eft after . the first! day of the Avondale meeting by the Main Triink express, and at Mar ton a taxi in order to ■witness the racing at . Wanganui on Thursday. Ho- will to -back-- at : Avondale to-day,' thus missing -. a day's racing at Wanganui— first, time he has done so for 40 years. '* ..

• (Jxenhopb,, the thrc<J-year.old by Obhgado —Cyrenieiwe, ! was seen, odt 'in the Maiden Handicap at Wanganui •on ; Thursday. He was installed a warm, favourite, but did not fat well -way, and ;• finished -up. second to atronale. .. :.-s ■

Waimangu has been striding along in attractive fashion at headquarters of late, and Trainer George Absolum should have him in rare fettle to take, on his. coming spring engagements.- 'Tis a pity he missed the Now Zealand Cup entry. v

.' A worse display .-than that given by Surplus prior to the start for the Islington Handicap at Avoiklale would be difficult to imagine, i for »in 'addition to unseating hia rider, pig-jumping, and bolting ho disturbed every horse at tho barrier.

Following on his triplo success at Avondale with Bleriot, Merry Roe, and Waiowora, Mr. F. Hall won the Spring Handicap at Wangrtnui on Thursday with the three-year-old Obligant, by Obligado-Cyronse.

. A useful-looking three-year-old in training at Ellerslie is Mr. Jas. Muir's Lubricator, by Soult—Folly. This equine is a full-brother to that good winner Waipuna, now owned by Dr. Bennett, of Adelaide.

. jOno of the winners at the North Taranaki Hunt Club fixture was Paoli, by —Nukunmratea. This gelding was raced in th© Nursery Handicap last spring at Avondalo by A. Rhodes.

Prince ■ Merriwee, the' Merriwee—Quiltina three-year-old, was sent out a warm favourite for tho Maidon Plate at Avondale, bnt was never prominent, eventually. finishing up in eighth position.

■Down South ■there is a three-year-old racing under tho nam© of Yank©© Doodle. This equine is by tho Auckland Cup winner Wairiki from that once speedy mare Golden Rose. * V '

The A-J.C. Derby of 5000sovs will be decided at Randwick next Saturday. Only one Now Zealand representative, Canute, remains in "the race..

Trainer H. French, .although stationed at Avondale nowadays, was not represented in any race 'at tho Avondalo Jockey Club's fixture on Wednesday. /■ '

Mr. J. D. Kemp, owner of Joli© Fillo and; Princo Merriwee, his a fine-looking yearling: filly by.l-licrarch from Cobweb running on! his farm at Awliitu. '

P. Jones has {ho Obligado—Miss Annie colt Anflphone registering useful work at headquarters wth a view to the A.R.C. November meeting. - Tho Freedom gelding Haku is advertised for sale. \ v i

STUD NOTES. •> fax PHAETON'.] . . • ;• There is much in th© pedigree of the Avondale Cup winner Bleriot to interest, the student of breeding. The bay. filly is strongly inbred to Musket on tho dam's side. Her dam, Elf, was got by Dreadnought from Elflock, th© latter 'being got by Nordenfeldt (son of Musket) from Elfin (a daughter of Musket). It is further interesting to note that Trafalgar, who produced Dreadnought, is out of Mousquito, a full-sister to Musket,, so that the well-known line by ToxopholitcDaughter, "of West Australian, which lias won such prominence, occurs in Bloriot's pedigree in very close order. Then, again, the stout line of Fisherman comes in two strains through great channels to Bleriot. Angler, tho sir© of Onyx (dam of Nordenfeldt) was got by tho famous son of Heron, while Sylvia, dam of Elfin, also claims him as ' sire. The following' is tho pedigree of the Avondale Stakes winner: —

BLERIOT. « Siro: Soult, by St. Simon fson of Qalppin) from Ueauharnai3, by ,See-Saw (son of Buccaneer) from Josephine, by Bird* catcher (son >of Sir Hercules). Dam: Elf, by Dreadnought (son of Chester) from ISlfloolc. by Nordenfeldt (Bon of Musket) from Elfin, by Musket, from Sylvia, by Fisherman.

Bon Revo, winner of the Wanganui Guineas, was bred by his Owhers, tho MessrS. Stead. At tho dispersal of the 'Yaldhurst Stud in 1908, tho Mostyn maro Dreamer was purchased by the Southern sportsmen for the small outlay of 170gns; and mated with Boniform (bought on tho same afternoon for 1500gns-) in the succeeding season, Bon Revo was the result. On the dam's side, tho Wanganili Guineas traces to the great family which gavo the turf Commotion, Wakeful,' and other celebrities.! Tho leading lines in his pedigree arc as follows: —, . BON REVE. Sire: Boniform. by Multiform (son of Hotclikiss) from Otterden, by Shoen (son of Hampton) from Sprmgmorn, by Springfield (son of St. Albans) from Sunshine, by Thormanby (son of Windhound). .'s, Dam: Dreamer, by Mostyn (son of Clair- , vauic) from Moorooroo, by Trenton (son of Musket) from Nightmare, by Panio son of Alarm) from Evening Star, by Lord Clifden (son of Newminster). Details bearing on tho death of the stallion Ladurlad, reported recently from Queensland, show that a groom let tho horse go ill tho exercise paddock without noticing ,that Laverna of his own daughters, in full training, and shod— in . the* paddock, having been put there for a roll. Laverna lashed out at Ladurlad, and, catching him with a very hard kick, a fractured leg resulted, and tho case being regarded as hopeless tho friendly, bullet had to bo called into requisition. . , Tho list of brood mares at Sir. E. J. Watt's Longlands stud last week underwent a reduction by the death of St. Am};, who succumbed in foaling. St. Amy was a daughter of St. Leger.and tfie Nordcnfoldfc maro Hazel, and is best known by the excellent deeds of her son, Undecided.

' The following foalintrs are reported from Mr.' H. R. Mackenzie's Ascot Stud: Mr. J. McNicol's Seabird, colt by Elysian; 'Mr. J. McNicol's Signet, colt by Elvsian; Mr. 11. R. Mackenzie's Cyirma, colt by Penury; Mr. H. R. Mackenzie's Hamadryad, colt by Ponury; and all go to Elysian this season. '

Hi© first of th© progeny of tho standardbred trotting sir© Grattan Ab'bey mad© its appearance on th© 22ud inst." at Grattan Downs Stock Farm, Manurewa, when Beautiful Bells (New Zealand), bv Rothchild —Picnio Palm, dropped a fin© filly foal.

Err.v Roe, dam of the Avondal© Stakes winner Merry Roc, this season threw a fine filly to Ponury at the Ascot Stud, Manger©. - As th© Avondalo Stakes winner was roared at tho Mangere Estate, Mr. H. R. Mackenzie claims some of tho credit for tho bav filly's prcsenta.blo appearance.

-Tho following news comos from Glenora Park: —Mr. J. Hill's Castle Blanoy, colt by Marble Arch.,' and visits General Lntour; Mr. J. McNicol's Young Good Day, filly by Bunyan, and visits General Latour.- "

La Nofto (bv Eiridsford — Tosca), tho dam of Nightfall and Noctuiform, has this season thrown a colt to tho Gallinule horso.

Another of the old-time studs of Australia has he-en dispersed. _ The Turanville stud. which was established in 1834, recently went under the hammer in Now South Wales. AUCKLAND TROTTING CLUB. : At. the annual meeting of members of the Auckland Trotting Club, held last month, the president, Mr. John Row©, in the course of his remarks, foreshadowed an increase of prize-money in connection with the Bummor meeting; and during the present week the committee decided on'building up the stakemoney . by the addition of another '£500. The prize attaching to the Auckland Trotting Cup has been increased from £200 to £300; and the two mile saddle events to be run on tho two succeeding days respectively go up from £100 to £150, while a similar increase is to bo noted in connection with the "best class" races. An important departure decided upon- bv tho committee is that all the limits are to bo reduced. Tho' Cup and leading harness races are to be brought within the 5.54 limit, and the principal mile races within the 2.25 limit The A.T.C. is to be warmly congratulated on • keeping up the progressive policy, and that such will lead to further popularisQ trotting at Alexandra Park is a point on which there will -be a very general agreement. ~" Nominations for all events to bo run at the Auckland Trotting Club's Spring Meetclose on Friday next, at nine p.m. The Auckland Trotting Club invites tenders for the following privileges Publican's booth, for the spring meeting; . mofollt, IQlo°ol7_

AVONDALE JOCKEY CLUB'S | " ; - SPRING MEETING. ; I CONCLUDING DAY'S SPORT. . . The Avondale , Jockey Club will bring its spring meeting to a conclusion to-day; and with; 'Capital list of ' acceptances in hand for the eight events which form the programme, thero is every reason to anticipate a fnost interesting afternoon's sport. Th© first event is timed.. to bo started at noon. " •• ' '

'; \ . THE • ACCEPTANCES. - ■- SECOND ■ HURDLES, one mite and threequarters.Whareroa 10.1, Miss Explosion 9.12, Sphinx 9.6, Ambergris 9.5, Napenape 9.0, Arawa 9.0, Stroller 9.0. . . , r; PRESIDENT'S HANDICAP, ' six furlongs.— Waiowera .. 9.1, Miss. Livonia 7.13. Lucillo 7.11» Cloudy Dawn •Tatatumu 7.3, Scorch 7.C, Elegance 6.13, Spa)fish $.10, Goodwin Sands 6.9. AVONDALE GUINEAS One mile. Tact, by Obligndo—Tito. : Lady Gladstone, by Gladstone—Lady Huno. Prince . King, ■by Hierarch—Harpist. Mojidroh,) by Monolorm— , Laverna, by Waimangu. Tho Whip;, by Field* Battery—-Moira-Ma-Chrec. ■ Lady Elfflva, by Sotilt—Corusa. Cm c, by Wain'kiv-Bad News. ' .D i,- by Hierarch—Crccy. - t :Br 'f, by : SaiyadanMinola Blanc a. WW •Eminence/ by Iliernrch—Merry Soult, Prince; Soult, by .SoultLady Hester. Gay Soult", by Soult—Merry Nif. Edit ha; by Soult— Edith. Obligmit, by OL>lig;ulo—CyreUse. Btetlot,,by Soult—Elf. Semolina, by .Gluten— Mignon. Opposition,- by Obligado—Cyirmia. Lassie Doon, liv* Monoform—Gardoon. Oil I, by Monoforn)—Atnorelle. , . .Prince Merriwec, by Morriwbe —Quiltineer. Monorail, by Monoform —Daffodil. Vexo, by Field Battery—Vexation. Tripoli, by Obli/jado—uyrenaica. . - , . Pekerangi) by Sir Laddo—Alfalfa. 8 "'Dido, by Sou!t-—Lady Hegel. B c, by Star in a—Lady Flora. Monotone, by Monoform—Latonrf. Salvannle, ,by Salvadan—La Annie. General Drouet, by Soult—Lady Musket. Br c, b>- .Princess Alice. Moiiorps®, by ?ilon6fo}'in--Brown Rose. NURSERY HANDICAP,• four furlongs— Kali a 8.0, Marshal McDonald 7.12, • Soultikofl 7.12, Soldier 7.12, Marconi 7.12, Jeu d'Esprit 7.12, Rosea 7.8, Lady Alicia 7.7.; ' .' "PLUMPTON HANDICAP, one mile and a furt long.—Uranium 8.7, Golclfclze 8.7, Royal Soult 8.3, Sea Elf , 7.11, Jolic Fill© 7.8, Admiral Soult 6.12, First Wairiki 6.12, Kaween> 6.12, Watch Chain 6.12, Ruatangnta 6.11,- Flying Soult 6.10. NEW LYNN HANDICAP, five furlongs.— 9.0, Centenary 8.6, Geneva 8.6, Vivace 8.5, Keilder 8.2, Spalflsh 8.1, I'otoa 8.0, Vestal 7.9, Tripoli" 7.6, Mtuskewai 7.6, Troublesome 7.6, Blue Rose 7.6, Pet, 7.6, Tho Glad Eye 7.6, Lord Delaval 7.4. Pen Riflo 7.4, Mtftawerewere 7.4,, Tho Celt 7.4, Delilah 7.4,, Avnlon 7.4, Opposition 7.4, Matakana 7.4, Te , Ongo. 7.4, Miss Paulino 7.4, Abncr 7.4, Almeida 7.4, Zennie 7.4, The Whip 7.4, Revelation 7.4, Karaloh 7.4. , NIHOTAPU HANDICAP, seven furlongs.— Domino 8.10, Royal Soult 8.10, .lolie Fillo 7.9, Cloudy Dawn 7.4, Sea Pink 7.1, Ruatangata 6.13, Fusa 6.12, Elegiinco 6.12, Manuwera 6.10, Master Jack 6.10, Hemisphere 6.10. v MOUNT ALBERT HANDICAP, five furlongs.— Naitnial.9.l2, Wniowera 9.2, Red Lupin 8.5, Lucillci; 7.12, : Mali in ca 7.9,' Dido 7.6, I" rule eh 7.6. Royal Irish 7.2, Scorch 7.2, Bow Bells 7.2, Tobias 6.11, Karalah 6.10. 'y j- ... •r; WANGANUI JOCKEY CLUB'S "■ spring, MEETING. [BY , TEttURAPH— ASSOCIATION.] '■'*£. WANOAxm, Friday. Tho acceptances - for ,the second day of tho IVanganni Jockey . Club'* Spring Meeting are as follow -y, . ' ■> • BRUNSWICK HURDLE RACE, one mile and a-half.—Koran. 10.9, . Coronetted 10.7, Waterworks 9.11, Hawick 10.9, v Sandy' Paul 9.4, Seaman 9.0, 9.0. ■ '-"v ARAMOHO, HURDLE RACE, one mile and ahalf.—Fashion Plato* 10.12, Sc. Felix 9.7, Seawind 9.2, Timothy 9.2,' Aviatrix 9.0. RAILWAY HACK HANDICAP, six furlongs.— Avaunco 8.10, Sanguinary 8.10, Aratiatia 8.3, Distinction 7.13, La<ly Mildred 7.8. Galtee 7.6, Semaphore 7.4, Itew 7.3," Postillion 7.2, 'l'opio 7.2, Silver Rose 7.1,- Lock>vockl 7.1, Trekker 7.0, Yankee Doodle' 7.0, AleCto'7.o, Princess Flo 7.0, Or Vieux 7.0, Resonafit 7.0. . •* < , MOUTOA HACK HANDICAP, one mile.-Tlwarl 8.2, San Pan 7.13, St. Helena 7.9, Phrosa 7.6, Alluro 7.6, Eastwind 7.0, Nebulous 7.0. OWEN HANDICAP, six furlongs.— 9.8, Piriwai 8.9, Prosper 7.13„ Merry Frank 7.12, Makara 7.11, Master Sylvia 7.7. MARANGI HANDICAP, one mile.Equitns 9.5, North-East 8.6,,'C0n the Shnughraun 7.11, Patriotic 7.11, CohJftMndel-7.8. Lady Moutoa 7.7, Vocation 7.2, Kilrain 7.2,' Ngatiruanui 7.0, Lady Kilcheran 6.8, Mallard 6.8,-Muleteer 6.8. HiQGIE HANDICAP, one mile and a-quarter.— Lady Lucy 9.0, Merrivonia 8.6, Mulga Bill 8.4, Mendip 8.2, Lady MenschilvOff 8.0, Sand-itreani 8.0, I Byron 7.13„ Otaliu 7.11, Royal Marine 7.4, The Native 7.2. ■' y.--;' . CANTERBURY : JOCKEY CLUB'S ' ' MEETING. '. , /' " NOMINATIONS FOR BIG EVENTS. [BT TELEGRAPH AS9OCIATIOS. ] •* CHRiSTCHURcn, Friday.' ; The "following ore the nominations for the leading events of the Canterbury Jockey Club's meeting:— .. .' , * • ■^ . STEWARDS'.HANDICAP.—BIue Lake, Peroneal, Glade, Altcar, . Haskavne, Bootle, Gipsy Belle, Autumnus, . Brown" Owl, Heather Brae, Winning Way, Prosper, Pierene, Vocation, t Invagination, Distinction, Theodore, Ventura, Ermengarde, Lockwood, Los Angelos, Culprit, Bon Revo, Bobrikoff, Bellane, Obligant, Sea King, Anna Carolvna, Especial Form, Hermia, . Palisade, Gapon, Mount Victoria, Crown Pearl, Obsono, Glenowl, Makara, Star Dancer, King's Favourite, Diavolo, Equitas, Lady Volga, Or ton',,, My Lawyer, • Rimgiatua, Eocene, Merton, Balaclava, Piriwal, Gleiuspring, Pilgrim's Way, Our Queen, Allurement, • Stepmaid, Sanguinary, Soldiers' Chorus, Gladlole. . CANTERBURY CUP.—Haskaynes < Autumnus, Masterpiece, Taskmaster, Vice-Admiral, Vocation, Bronze, Oakum, Bon Ton, Los Angelos, Bobrikoff, Goldflndcr, Moonbria, Carolus, Odessa, Domino, Prince Soult, Lady Lucy, Labour Day. GERALDINE RACES. O [by telegraph:— ASSOCIATION.] . • Txmaru, Friday. Tho second day of the _ Geraldine races took j)lacs in cold and miserable weather. The attendance was small, but the racing: good. Following are the results:— SECOND HURDLE R.ACE of 50sovs, one mile and a-half.—Captain Wood 1, Gold; Pin 2, Santa, Claus 3. ' STEWARDS' HANDICAP of 50sovs, seven furlongs.—Kilts l, »3usa 2, TJmeraboy 3. SPRING HANDICAP of 90aovs, one mile.— Stemneter l r Troon 2, Genius 3. SHORTS- HANDICAP of 40sot8, four furlongs.—lcilma 1, Siikweb 2, Kilts 3. WAINUI HACK HANDICAP.—Hesione 1, Qunflash 2,. Gold Ring 3. DOMAIN TROTS of 40sovb, one mile and a-half.—Proud Moon 1, Gladiator 2, Black Link 3. ' ELECTRIC TROT of. 40sovs, one mile.— Miss Becky 1, Crown Prince 2, Blaokelink 3.

OTAHUHU TROTTING CLUB. The annual meeting: of members of the Otahuhu Trotting Club was held on Thursday evening, Mr. H. R. Mackenzie presiding over a large attendance. , The balance-sheet showed the club to ho in a good financial state. Stakes amounting to £1670 were paid away during tho season, while , the amount paid in Government tax was £538 ss. The receipts for the year totalled £3253 17s'3d, including £687 100 reaped from nomination and. acceptance fees, £1748 8s 3d from the totalizator, £363 12s »from gates and stand, - £325 6s from privileges, and £66 la from interest. ■' In moving the adoption of the balance-sheet, [ the Chairman said: A.s will bo seen by t}io j profit and loss and receipts and expenditure ac- [ counts, the season's operations have not resulted so satisfactorily as we anticipated, owing, to the club having had the misfortune to meet with bad weather at both meetings,' that experienced at our I autumn-meeting being almost sufficient to compel a postponement. The stakes were increased at both meetings, tho club giving.in the four days during the season within £170 of the amount given away during the previous season ,in five days. The revenue shows a slight increase under each heading, while the expenditure is practically the same as last year, except in the matter of stakes and rent. It will be seen by the balancesheet that we have now paid £845 on account of the I'apakura property, - and havo spent £65 on improvements. This is a solid asset, and one that your committee congratulates you in having secured. The position, so far as this property is concerned, is that tho olub owns 56 acres of firstclass land for a course, or any other purpose, at Tapakura, right on tho railway line, which cost £60- per acre, and on which the club has paid £845, and on which they,;Jiave >to pay another £409, and which will then have a further liability of £2500, .while the,value of the property has, I am safe in saying, appreciated at least £10 an acre since our purchase. : One/ pleasing feature in tho club's, revenue account is the increase in the item, members' subscriptions, which, amounting as it did during the pa?t season 'to £63, constitutes a record,for the club, and shows the added interest which is being token in this the best direction, for, with a good list of members taking an active part in the club and its management, its welfare is-assured. As you aro no doubt awaro at the last conference an alteration was made in the rules of the sport, which makes it compulsory •to havo at least two unhoppled trotting races;-,on „ each day's programme. This has been received" some of the owners with adverse comment, but there are still plenty of races for both" classes, and there is no doubt tho " straps," while they serve their purpose in developing speed quickly, art hardly a fair institution against the animal which does not need them. The committee have drafted the. spring programme, and, I • might almost say, they have commenced a new era, so far as the club is concerned. In the past we have been rather reluctant to curtail the limits too rapidly but with tho development which has taken place in our local trotters-, and the numbers which are now being bred locally, I think the time has come for us to rapidly reduco the limits, and I trust that when- next season comes round it will bo no uncommon thing to see races with a, limit 0 9m . 9n« flnj.hft T>rnpTjimmft. ... , '