SPORTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15664, 18 July 1914, Page 6

SPORTING.

r ' RACING FIXTURES. ' iTttly 18~Wellington Racim? Club. August 11, 13, 15—Canterbury Jockey Club. August Waipa Racing Club. August 29—Pakuranga Hunt Club. September 5-Waikato Hunt Club. DATES OF COMING EVENTS. New Zealand. August 11— N.Z. Grand National Steeplechase. August 13— N.Z. Grand National Hurdle Race. * AUSTRALIA. August I—Australian Hurdle Race. August Australian Stooplochaso. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. Cocbtpijl, Ponsonby.—So are we. Ton should submit the query to an expert in mathematics. T.G., Waaganni.— was taken to Australia in 1905 by W. H. Keith. Ho finished third to Marmont and Lowland Chief in tho V.R.C. Grand National Hurdle Raco that year. RoTonuA.—The stallions named died in tho following order:—St. Leger, Castor, Phoebus Apollo, Hotchkiss, Soult, Seaton DelavaL Musket died in 1885, the year in which Nordonfcldt won the A.J.C. and iV.R.C. Derbies. Whakgabbi.— Bruce Ismay's colt Craganour carao in first for the English Derby of 1913. Ho was subsequently disqualified by the stewards on the grounds of interference with Aboyour. Craganour, who never raced again, was afterwards sold to a South 'American breeder for £50,000. Sarawak, Remuera.—Multiform was got by Hotchkiss from Formo, and was purcfascd as a yearling by Mr. G. G. Stead for 215gns. He started in 19 races during his career, and won 16 of his engagements. His winnings in stakes were as follows:— At 2jrs, £2761; at ojrs. £3114; at 4yrs. '£1475; total, £6580. Multiform raced unsuccessfully in England. Admxbrb, Thames.—(l) Bluejacket and Eiplcnton raced as three-year-olds in tho (same season. (2) Explosion was four years old wien ha contested the Auckland Plate )of 1500 with Seahorse, who was a year younger. (3) Seahorse was bought in England by as American sportsman, but wo cannot say whother he was ever raced in tho United States.

Merest, Otahuhu.— by Nordenfoldt, was a three-parts brother to Carbine. Ho was sold as a foal alone with his dam, Mersey, for 2300gns, at the dispersal of the Sylvia Park stud in 1891. He won the .V.R.C. Derby of 1893, for which The Sailor Prince was favourite. In tho Melbourno Cup of the same year Carnage carried 7st Tib, and was beaten half a length for first honours by Tarcoola, Bst 41b. Carnage was bought in England on behalf of the German Government, for IO.COOgns. NOTES BY PHAETON. RULING OUT THE "BOOKS." (Wees the New Zealand Parliament Eome few years back took the step of legalising the bookmakers there was to fee heard .in the ranks of the pencillera many evidences of extreme satisfaction. But. there were those to be found in fcucb. circles who liked not i»-e course jerents were taking even at that stage; and latei happenings showed that their fears cf subsequent reaction taking 'tea extreme form have been more than justified. Parliament eventually declared bcokmaking to be illegal; and a. scale 'cl heavy . peralties for an infraction of tie law was the accompaniment. The Racing h Conference which this week met for its annual session at Wellington once again bookmaker question placed the president, Sir George (Clifford, in * strong speech, in proposing a new rule which roads :— By the entering of ft horse', every person having, op subsequently acquiring, an interest > in. Buch horse shall be deemed thereby to undoriakej neither directly nor indirectly, to make any wager with a bookmaker in (connection with such horse or any other "horse in the race in which such horse is so entered." The majority in favour of the new* rule being embodied', was 29 to 4, bo that it will be readily recognised that there was a solid opinion in ■favour of tho views as expounded by the , president. Well, now we have this new j rule, people will be mightily curious to ' see what effect it is to have. It ,will j fee observed that there is no mention of tiny penalty for an infringement of the new role; but I suppose we can read into it that an owner, having made his entry on the. conditions framed in the rale, he would be in danger of disqualification should he wager with a bookmaker. In further support of the new rule tho conference decided that it be an instruction to licensing bodies to require from all licensed trainers and jockeys an undertaking, neither directly nor indirectly, to make any -wager with a bookmaker while so licensed. In betting operations, where so much can be done by the aid of commissioners, possibly a good few people who race will be found taking a chance, as they do under other rules; but however much may be said with regard to the danger of such drastic amies encouraging the deceptive spirit, the moral obligation will certainly bo found playing a part; and this latter may be expected to be a strong factor in detiding matters.

"BUILD UP THE DISTANCES." •The heading which surmount* this paragraph may be said ,to have been a strong cry throughout the Dominion for jquite a. number of years; but the motions "which have annually' been submitted to

the New Zealand. Racing Conference for ■" an improvement, in matters in respect to the question, are, surprising to relate., regularly turned down. For several years the Hawke's Jockey Club endeavoured to pectus the passing of a new rule that there , should be no handicap race of less than *rix furlongs for three-year-olds and up[wards on any programme; but the devotees of the- totalisator, rather than have improvement of racing, were always much the stronger in the trials of strength; and the Hawke's Bay J.C. did not this year (go on with the agitation. Tho Canterbury Jockey Club, however, filled the gap by tabling a motion for the embodying cf a new rule to read as follows:—" The programme of every meeting from September 1 to Juno 6 inclusive shall include two flab races per diem of not loss than one mile. The programme of even' meeting from June 7 to August 31 inclusive shall include at least one maiden or hack steeplechase, and if such programme includes one or more flat races there shall bo ono flat race of not less than one mile and a-quartev." This rule, which there M some reason to believe would have .worked much good had i*. been accepted, met the fate of similar motions; and, so, once again, it is a case of " as you were." With juch a strong body of men which yearly assembles at Wellington to decide racing questions, one would be regarded as highly pessimistic to expound the view that the position is hopeless for a reform on this distance question. Though it is no doubt very disheartening to find year by year the totaiisator bell carrying the question —for that is really at the bottom of the cultivation of sprint racing—the agitation.for an alteration must not bo allowed . to slacken; and maybe as timo goes on the ay of "build up the distances" will not all on deaf ears, even in a New Zealand

JBacmg Conference.

GREAT WINNERS. '■"■■ A■; Fronch-bred colt in Rio shape of Sardanaple having to be accepted as the most noteworthy three-year-old of tho present year, ho is bound to be kept well in the limelight, even though he claims no engagements on the English side of tho Channel. If the cablegram bearing on Sardanaple's winnings is to bo accepted as correct, then he has already broken the three-year-old record. The sum credited to Sardanaple in connection with the ten races he has won amounts to £40,000, which is over £1000 ahead of tho sum won by the Duke of Portland's colt Donovan at a like age. The following table will show tho respective positions occupied by tho great winners on the English and French, turf:— £ Isinglass, by Isfcnomy—At 2yr«, £5477; at 3yrs, £18,860; at 4yrs £31,488; at 6yrs, £2520 ... 67,455 Donovan, by Galopin—At 'iyrsi, ±'16,467; at 3yrs, £38.666 ... 55.153 Flying For. by Oraio—At 2yrs. £2681; at 3yrs, £37,115 ... 40,096 Sardanaple. by Prestige— 3yrs... 10,000 Sceptre, by Persimmon—At 2yrs, £2455; at 3yrs. £23,195; at 4yrs, £12,633 38,283 Ayrshire, by Hampton— 2yrs. £6565; at 3.vrs, £8685; at 4yrs, £20,665 35,915 Persimmon, by St. Simon— 2yrs, £2551; at 3yrs, £19,109; at 4yrs, £12.665 34,706 La Flechc. by St. Simon— 2yrs, £3415; at 3yrs. £"25.653; at 4yrs, £2085; at syrs, £3550 34,703 Orme, by Ormonde— 2yrs, £10,274; St 3yrs, £18,023; at 4>rß. £11,329 34,626 A WIN FOR THE KING'S COLOURS. There was almost as much enthusiasm over the victory of the King's colt, Friar Marcus, in the Great Surrey Foal Stakes, at Epsom on May 28, as there would have been had Brakespear carried the Royal colours first home in tho Derby, remarks an English writer. Tho paddock was crowded before the start to see His Majesty's youngster, who lad defeated a largo field at Newmarket, but of the actual race little need be said, for Friar Marcus got first away and scored in i brilliant fashion without being approached. The cheering began nearly a-quarter of a mile from home, when it was seen that the Friar had the race in hand; it was continued long after ho had passed the judge and renewed again and again when he returned to weigh in. His Majesty appeared to thoroughly appreciate his victory, and, though he did not comply with the constant request from the cheap ring that he would !, lead him in," it is to be hoped that tin's pleasure is only deferred i for twelve months. Friar Marcus is a really nice colt, showing much of the Aral) character of his sire, Cicero, but with a far more masculine head. Ho is not too big, but has plenty of substance without any lumber, and is full of quality. He is in the Coventry Stakes and Bossborough and Waterford Biennial at Ascot, and has plenty of other nice engagements, including the Two Thousand Derby, and St. Lcger. Friar Marcus beat some exceptionally good two-year-olds. THE WHD? AT THE SCALES. Weight in tho whip was in the old days a means of accomplishing all sorts of things. The English Jockey Club had no rule about weighing with whins until 1865. With regard to Catch 'Em Alive's Cambridgeshire, the Calendar officially states that he was first weighed without a whip, and a whip was afterwards given to him, which was stated to be tho one he rode with. This barely made Him weight, and tho owner of the second horse objected to the jockey being weighed with anything given to him. after he got into the scales. The clerk of the scales requested the stewards to come ' into the weighingroom, and they decided that a" jockey, not having brought his whip with him into the scale, could not afterwards weigh with it. Sammy Mordan, who is' still alive, thus describes the incident, as told by Sir John Asley:—" They gels? a great big whip— lor you never seed such a whip As soon as Adams gets hold of.it down flops the scale and hup goes the beam; then when the whip was took away from him hup goes the scale again. Then Mr, Day goes and stands close to the scale and leans his umbrella on it, and as he was a-pnshing he says: "There, Mr. Manning, he's all right; look at the beam now, Mr. Manning.' and, lor! he was a-puahing. surely, and when he was told to stand away hup goes Sammy again and down comes the . beam. There, I never see such a job in my life, and they turned me out of the weighing-room coz I was alaughing so and couldn't stop." ' LEAVES FROM MY NOTEBOOK. From the time that Antarctic developed leg troubles of a more or less serious nature, it has been quite accepted that the big son of Salvadan could never again be made the horse he revealed himself to bo three years back. , The honest old 'chaser figured;amongst the starters that went out at Trentham on Wednesday last to contest the Wellington Steeplechase, but he did not survive the journey. When about two miles and a-half of the journey had been completed, he toppled over, and a broken neck resulting, he had an instantaneous death. That Antarctic was a really good horse across country he gave plenty of evidence, and his second to • Corazon in the Great Northern Steeplechase of 1911, when conceding 131b to the son of Coeur de Lion, was a sterling performance. In-the same year Antarctic ran third to Paritutu and Corazon for the New Zealand Grand. National Steeplechase.

Mount Victoria, the five-year-old son of Signalman and Primula, stands out as the hardest-worked horse at present competing on the New Zealand turf. At Trentliam on Wednesday Mount Victoria figured amongst the starters for the Stewards' Handicap, which made the forty-first occasion on which lie lias been called upon to carry silk during tho present season. Mount Victoria's record for the season named is six wins, four seconds, six thirds, and 25 unplaced performances. The son of Signalman and Primula has probably worked harder for his oats than any other horse racing during the past three seasons, i remark "Uhlan," for during 1912-13 he started 23 times, winning once, third four times, and unplaced 18 times. In 391112 Mount Victoria also ran in 23 races, with a record of six wins, six seconds, two thirds, and nine unplaced performances. As a two-year-old Mount Victoria raced four times, finishing second on one occasion, so that during hit four seasons on the turf he lias run in 91 races.

The Canterbury Jockey Club occupies first place among the racing clubs of tho Dominion in the assistance given for the promotion of the sport of hunting. During tho present season it devoted £620 to hunters' races, besides giving £375 in grants to hunt clubs and £103 5s in special prizes at agricultural shows. The Auckland Racing Club gave £390 in stakes, £200 to hunt clubs and £100 to agricultural shows. The Wellington Racing Club's contribution of £860 in stakes was devoted to events open to hacks and hunters, the club also giving £21 as a hunt club grant and £50 to agricultural shows. In all, 31 clubs rendered assistance to hunting in some form. They provided a total of £2918 10a in stakes (hacks included), besides giving £1129 to hunt clubs and £335 10s to agricultural shows.

A mild sensation was caused recently i at Ascot, Victoria, through a remarkable occurrence ;'nst prior to tho Btnrt for the Third Division Handicap. Tho heavilybacked favourite, Grape Fine, was being ridden up to the barrier by F. Williams, when the gelding suddenly sprang through the assembled 15 horses, demolished the strands of the barrier, and, staggering for a short distance, fell on tho course. Williams barely escaped being crushed beneath tho horse, who shortly afterwards momentarily regained his feet, and then collapsed again, When examined by a veterinary surgeon the horso was found to bo lifeless. The remainder of the field then returned to the weighing enclosure, and the start was delayed for a-quarter of an hour. During that interval the bookmakers were requested to return all wagers made on the event and start afresh. This was accordingly dona. '

A Victorian writer suggests that the committee of the Victoria Racing Club might considor ' the ' question of _ naming one, of its big- races after Carbine. In England the Eclipse Stakes and Gimcrack Plate commemorate the names of celebrated thoroughbreds, and in New Zealand Musket »uj other great horses are honoured by races being named after them. .Victoria can, of course, have its Carbine Stakes j. but what is in the way of the Auckland Racing Club commemorating the name of the great racehorse who first saw the light in our beloved Maoriland? Last year Mr. Harvey Patterson bought a lino property in Canterbury and transferred the whole of his fine .... 1 from Victoria to New Zealand. The announcement is now made that Mr. Patterson is likely to retire from the ranks of breeders, which, of course, is to bo interpreted in tho sense that another New Zealand stud is likely to bo dispersed. The winner of tho July .Steeples at Wellington to-day will bo asked to carry 141b penalty in tho Grand National Steeples, unless weighted at list or over, when half that penalty will bo inflicted; the winner of the Winter Oats will be asked to carry a penalty of 121b in the Winter Cup unless weighted at lOst 71b, or over, when half that penalty will bo inflicted; and the winner of tho Final Hurdles a penalty of 121b unless weighted at lOst 71b or over, when half that penalty will bo inflicted; even with the above penalties no horse in the Grand Nationals competing at Trentham would be asked to' carry tho maximum of 12st 71bl This means that should Peary win the July Steeplechase he would be saddled with 12st 61b in the Grand National Steeples; if Bluestone won tho Winter Oats he woidd bo asked to carry list lib in tho Winter Cup; and if Admiral Sonlt won the Final Hurdles he would bo saddled with list 31b in tho Grand National Hurdles.

Captain Jack silenced all doubts as to [ his real worth by outpacing the Welling- ! ton Steeplechase 'field in great style when Rao asked him a question, and registering time which has never been equalled for the raco over tho Trentham course Those who argued that he should have defeated Peary at EUerslio now havo the best end of the argument, but the real test as to their respective merits will come at Riccarton when they aro pitted against each other at level weights. .

Ellerslieites are anticipating a visit to Sydney for Captain Jack, while others aver that the rugged son of Captain Webb should be sent off to contest tho Liverpool Grand National, where the stiff country and the lengthy course would bo to his liking. None of these prophecies has emanated from the right peoplo, so it is oidy reasonable to suppose that the Ellerslie cross-country performer will complete Riecarton engagements and return north to enjoy a well-earned rest for the present.

Aucklanders supported Try Fluke solidly for the hack race won,-by the Motiti gelding at Trentham on Wednesday. Considering the good track work executed by Irwin's cliarge prior to the meeting, the figure returned on the machine must be considered fair. For his victory, Try Fluko has been elevated a matter of 101b over the same distance this afternoon, but he won so convincingly at the right end that in the same class he is sure to come in for support from the right ?arty. George, who finished Second to ry Fluke, meets the northerner on 51b better terms this afternoon, and Ruspara, who filled third berth, has 121b the best of the poundage. George is said to be a good second day performer.

Trainer C. Coleman is expected back at EUerslio after the Trentham meeting, though Admiral Soult will probably go on to Riecarton in charge of an attendant. The Admiral's showing in tho Wellington Winter Hurdles on Wednesday was not up to general expectations, though ho did not exactly disgrace himself. Perhaps the race will sharpen the son of Soult .tip somejfhat. He has been dropped a pound id weight over a distance of a-quarter of a "milo less for this afternoon".- and! will not be entirely without Auckland ■ support.

I It is worth noting that Immensity does not figure in tho Grand National Hurdle Race, and on that account Hickey's charge is' mire to come in for a lot of support in the Final Hurdles at Trentham this afternoon, if .started. It will have to bo remembered Hickey has another candidate engaged, Player, who is owned by a dif : fercnt sportsman. Thus those away from the course are in a quandary, though there is no doubt that Immensity won the Winter Hurdles in gallant fashion. The daughter of Multifid has certainly been elevated a matter of 19lb for the win, but if she goes to the post that would not stop her from carrying an army of supporters.

: In command of great wealth and racing on an extensive scale, Mr. J. B. Joel is always on the lookout for any promising equine. While on a visit to Ireland recently Mr. Joel purchased at a long figure from Mr. R. Hamilton Slubber, the three-year-old colt Irish Chief, by Earla Mor. Unfortunately Irish Chief is not engaged in the Doncaster St. Leger, but at the time of his sale the colt figured in the Irish Derby, which is this vear worth £2000.

Horse-racing is a far more arduous •pastime in Moneolia than in England. When Mr. C. W. Campbell travelled through that country in 1902 ho had tho opportunity of inspecting "the racing stud of Tsetßen Khan, the most renowned in Mongolia. Racing is the national pastime, and a racing stud of dimensions commensurate with rank and wealth is the proper appanage of a prince. The races are never under 10 miles long, and the 'Derby' of Mongolia is a contest over 30 miles."

It transpires that tho steeplechaser. Exotic changed hands since competing at Napier Park, and he is now trained by 0. Pritchard at Trentliam. The son of Explosion carried his new owner's colours for the first time on Wednesday last, when he contested tho Wellington Steeplechase, in which event ho figured amongst the "also ran" division.

I An interesting incident in connection | with the Oaks Stakes, run at Epsom last month, was, that the first and second, horses were respectively steered bv two Australian brothers. Princess Dome was ridden by W. Huxley, and Wassilisßa by E. Huxley.

J. X. McGregor, who had one of his legs badly fractured by a fall which ho suffered recently while riding at Mooncc Valley, lias returned to his home at Caulfield. Tho injured leg is now in plaster of Paris. During his riding career McGregor has been an inmate of 20 different hospitals.

M. McGrath, the erstwhile; Masterton trainer, now stationed in Victoria, who trained Wallalo when that horso won the Essendon Stakes and Australian Cup, is expected to arrive in Auckland by tho Sydney boat to-morrow on a holiday trip to the Dominion. ,

It is quite probable that Di Gama, tho cx-7'aranaki hack, will, sport silk at Caulfield, Victoria, this afternoon, in a sevenfurlong welter, in whicl| case he may bo ridden by cither Foulsham or If. Cairns. Although not recognised asafirst-flighter, young Fonlsham is regarded by Di Gama's party as ono of the best horsemen at his poundage in the Victorian State.

The brown Leolantis gelding in Preston'? charge at Ellerslie shaped well in a schooling effort on Thursday morning at headquarters, with Preston, jun., in tho saddle

The Wangamii Jockey Club has decided to raise tho prize-money attaching to the Wanganui Guineas from 400sovs to 500sovs.

From England comes news that Major F. N. George, who, with Mrß. George, lias been living for some time at Bournemouth, has not been.enjoying the best of health lately.

Murray Hobhs, the well-known Riccarton trainer, has decided to give up racing on his own account, and.the whole of. his horses have- been placed ia the sale Est.

Mr. J. E. Henrys mado it. plain ■ that lie has doubts about who is the best cross-country performer at present operating in the Dominion, .and most keen followers of racing will agreo with' his assumption that Captain Jack, Peary, and Bercola should be placed upon tho same mark for the Grand national Steeplechase. The result next month should put at rest all disputes as to which is the beet of tho trio, for all should bo thoroughly fitted for tho fray when competition comes up for our "richest stake over •'aiintry.

Ruatangata was a very warm ordor for: tho Victoria Hack Hurdles at Trentham on the oponing day, but went under by a head. On that form, he mav be expected to make a good showing this afternoon, for he is sot to meet the winner on 101b better terms. Of course, tho disfence is a-quartcr of a milo shorter, but still we may oxpect to not© Ruatangata has again been elected to the position of lavourite. Thero is a light-weight in named Bransfield, who is said to bo a proficient fencer, and thero is no doubt as to his paco. Ho is an aged gelding, by Renown-Links,' and won the Ladies' Bracelet Handicap, of 1$ miles, from Eocene, Amato, Rcdloh, Summit, and others, last timo out at Napier. Bransfield is making his dobut as a hurdler, and is engaged in the Grand National Hurdles with 9st against his name.

Much has been heard of Kilmenv's merit, and in view of that fact, it is 'interesting to note that Handicapper J. E. Henrys sets Peary to give Kilmeny 151b over the Grand National Hurdle distance of two miles. As Mr. Henrys is recognised as a very keen judgo, and has witnessed both horses win at Riccarton with big imposts, his adjustment may go a long way to settle many disputes as to Kilmeny's real promise. It certainly would bo much more decisive to note both Peary and'Kilmony go to the post for tho event in question.

It is hard to gauge Peary's form at Trentham on Wednesday, and it may be that his trainer has been too easy on tho big fellow since Ellorslio meeting. At one stage of the race ho ran up to a handy position, but after making a faulty jump, finally finished amongst the last section. Ho figures in tho July Steeples this afternoon, and if saddled up at his best, may make a sorry exhibition of most of the candidates ovor a 2£ mile course; but the real test will como at Riccarton, which course and turf should bo to his liking.

Ngama, the half-brother to St. Toney and Makara, is noticed amongst the minimum-weighted section in tho Onslow Handicap at Trentham this afternoon. He was withdrawn from the hack event on Wednesday. When meeting with a lot of interference on the journey, the son of Coronet—Lady of tho Lake "finished a very fast third to Dayfly and Amber and White, over six furlongs, at Hastings last month, and in a few strides may have been signalled as the winner. Ho is in at 21b above the minimum this afternoon, and may have A. Oliver to steer him, Both Tatimi and Row, who filled tho places behind Kaniki on Wednesday have not suffered in the matter of poundage

R. Gray gains credit for saving every available inch of ground on Northern in tho Hunters' Steeplechaso at Trentham on Wednesday, and thereby winning the event from Bonny, who is not engaged this afternoon. Northern will have two new competitors against him to-day— Ir.genkonder, who will bo well supported by Aucklanders, and To Whetu, who finished well back in the Wellington Steeples.

The policy of taking Blueelone to th« front to win tho Parliamentary Handicap from end to end cannot bo lauded as a wisei one, and if different tactics lire adopted in the Winter Oats this afternoon, it may be that tho Aucklander will bo in a more formidable position when tho battlo enters upon the concluding stages. Tho grey eon of Bluelight is well treated to-day, if started. A win means a penalty - in, tho Winter Cnp, in which Bluestono has all he is entitled to in 10.9. , ■ • >■" -".

Royal Arms was handled in anything but a brilliant manner during the running of tho Winter Hurdles,.and that fact, together with hie forward showing in finishing second, has advanced him to tho position of favourite for tho Grand National Hurdles, in which event he ccta off with 9.13.

By making most of the early running in tho Wellington Steeples, and ultimately finishing third, Sir Letho proved that ho is right up to his best form, and for that reason he is bound.to come in for a largo measure of support in the 2i mile, July Steeples at Trentham this afternoon, dospite the fact that he is well up in tho handicaps alongside tho good ones.

There are rumours afloat that Morecombe is a fancy for tho Grand National Hurdles, but on anything he has'shown as yet, Orraond's < candidate would need to make a vast improvement to foot it with several of those engaged. Ho may be saddled up in a hack hurdle race at Trentham this afternoon, when a much bet t idea will be gleaned as to tho possibility of tho big fellow making a good showing at Riccarton. j

Tc Onga's showing in the Winter Hurdles at Wellington cannot be accepted as his best form, and if taken on to Christchurch it will not be surprising to note him putting up a more formidable battle. Perhaps his weight told against him in tho sticky going.

Devastation, who is being ridden in regular work by J. O'Shea, showed some of his best paces on the sand at Ellerslie on Thursday morning. W. Mobbcrly should have the chestnut very fit to contest early spring events, if appearances count. Ho has built up out of all recognition.

With Silk in the saddle, Lady Sabretache cleared the pony and big hurdles on Thursday morning. She is not a perfect jumper, but runs down her fences a lot. In company she shapes much better. Rao's charge is sure to be seen out at the approaching hunt meeting.

Kow, who filled third place to Kauiki, a stable companion, and Tatimi, over seven furlongs at Trentham on Wednesday, should bo improved with the race. Kow is engaged in the Onslow Handicap this afternoon.

Clvnelish, the big Replote boom in the South, lias been nicely treated in the Winter Cup with- 9st 111b, or a pound more- than Ruapani, the Gisborne hack. Peter, another much talked-of candidate in tlio South, has been well cared for in receiving lOst 71b.

During tho absence of G. Morris with Ruffv in tho South, F. McGennan is in charge of Alison's string of horses at the Shore. Tho team comprises Allegation, Tiresome, Silverdalo, Troublesome, Centenary, and Golden Petal.

- Kaniki won over seven furlongs in very easv fashion on Wednesday at Trentham, and now that' he has struck form is bound to be well supported over a mile course. However he is called upon to meet a much better class in the Winter Oats than ho defeated on Wednesday.

Ruffy ran off early in tho Wellington Steeples, and will start practically a freeh horso in the crass-country event this afternoon. Glenmore is another that has not had any oilier undue exertion to' trouble him.

Haskayno showed up well at a mile in the Parliamentary Handicap on Wcdncsday last, for which reason he will come in for quite a lot of support in the Winter Oats at Trentiiam this afternoon.

Shaki, who won the Trial Plate at Trentham on Wednesday kept up the Hon. J. 1). Ormond's big run ot successes'in that particular event, Shaki was tho only favourite of tho day to win.

Besides accepting for the open six furlongs at Trentham this afternoon, Ngarua appears well placed m the Crofton Hindicap of seven furlongs, and, maybe, bJ6 party will elect to start him in tho latter even', ,

Jadcman evidenced at Trentham on Wednesday that he is quit© as good as his admirers claimed, but that he met a better horse in Captain Jack everybody is now prepared to admit. ! It is said that when Te Onga returns from tho South ho will bo given a preparation for tho next Auckland Cup. ibis is only hearsay, but maybo there is some truth in tho remark. S. Hodge has given training horses best for a term, and has entered into tho auctioneering business as a partner. His firm expect to open up in Christchurch shortly. ■ Portraiture, the winner of the Parliamentary Handicap on Wednesday, is not engaged in the Winter Cup at Riccarton next month. The benefit concert in aid of R. Percival arranged by tho League football authorities, took place at Remuera on Thursday evening, and proved to be a distinct success. Old Webfoot is now being hunted up Matamata way by W. Cleary, who says tho chestnut may be got sound enough to again adorn the racepath. The bandy impost of 9st Sib allotted to Try Fluke in the Winter Cup, may influence his party to take tho Motiti gelding to Christchurch. Gloy covered fivo furlongs at Ellersli& in the vicinity of lm Bs, not lm 2s, as it was made to appear by a typographical error.

Merrimax was weighted at list for Warwick Farm last Saturday, but did not sport silk. He appeared amongst the entrants for Eosehill this afternoon.

Ngapnka was amongst thoso schooled over the pony hurdles at Ellerslie on Thursday morning. Adolph was the pilot.

General Pool is amongst the aspiranta for racing fame showing marked improvement in point of condition at Ellerslie.

The field of 17 which contested the Wellington Steeplechase on Wednesday was tho largest in the history of the race.

To secure P. McCabo's services on lmmens''- in tho Winter Hurdles at Trentham 41b overweight had to bo declared. Grey King has got his full sharo of weight in tho Grand National Hurdles. TROTTING items. Selkirk is the only New Zealander entered for tho big £1000 Trotting Han-' dicap to be decided in Melbourne in October. Manning Edwards, who has a particularly big string of trotters under his change at Windsor, Victoria, will not leave for New Zealand until October, when, in company with Mr. Geddes, he will come across with a team to competo at the Now Zealand Trotting Cup Meeting at Addington. Statistics bearing on last season's trotting events brings out the leading winners as follows:—Ravenschild, £1130; Denver Huon, £835; Mandereno, £815; Don Caesar, £755; Adonis, £710; Frandocia, £700; Bell Metal £628 10s; Schoolgirl, £603 10s. The loading winning owners were:— J. McCutcheon, £1130; Mr. H. F. Nicoll, £998; Mr. W. Kerr, £886; Mr. R. Geddes (Sydney), £881 15s; Mr. H. W. Kitchingha'm, £880; Mr. J. Dennett, £849 10s; Mr. J. G. Leckv, £831.

STUD NOTES. Tho sen-ices of Antagonist were available for the past two seasons at a very moderate fee, but this year Sir George Clifford has raised the fee of the brown horse to 50 guineas. Antagonist, who is credited with being ono of the finest sons sired by Soult, is highly rated as a horselikely to put up a fine record as a sire. i -31. Edmohd Blanc, 1 who gave £39,375 fte.Fly*&pFox at - auction in England IfOrSo years ago, is credited with recently offering £50,000 for tho French horso nimbus. It is stated that several other would-be buyers have made offers for Nimbus, who has not yet finished his racing career. Sardanaple, the three-year-old crack of the French turf, can lay claim to a great pedigree. He was got by Prestigo (son of Le Pompon) from Gemma, by Florizel 11. (son of St. Simon) from Agnostic, by Rosicrucian (son of Beadsman) from Bonnie Agnes, by Blair Athol (son of Stockwell) from Little Agnes, by The Cure from Miss i Agnes, by Birdcatcher from Agnes, by Clarion. This is the famous Agnes family ; which produced Ormonde, Kendal, Mavta- | gon, and innumerable others of lesser not*. j Gemma, who was bred in England, was a sister to the Two Thousand Guineas win- j ner Vedas.

Concerning the breeding of the Derby winner Durbar 11., "The Special Commissioner" writes thus in the London Sportsman of Juno 29 :—" Of course, there is no end of discussion about the Derby, one of the most unsatisfactory races ever run for that event, and wiseacres are trying to demonstrate from the fact that the winner traces to a native American source that stud book purity is unnecessary. It is truothat Tho Medley mare from whom Durbar 11. descends cannot bo connected with tho English Stud Book, but since her time a number of crosses of the best blood havo been put in, and Durbar 11, occupies a similar position to Shogun, Clorane, or any of tho other famous H. 8." horses. As a matter of fact, it is not strictly correct that Wanda, tho great grand-dam of Durbar 11., has not been recognised in tho English Stud Book, for two mares out of her are actually registered in it, Wantage Belle and another, whom for the moment I forgot. Under the new regulation, however, no further branches of this family would bo admitted, and Durbar 11. himself would be ineligible. That ho is a very useful staying colt, is undeniable, but ho is by no means a high-class Derby winner, and in anything like a decent race Kennymoro and Brakespear would assuredly havo beaten him. The American blood in Durbar 11. is somewhat remote, for not only is ho by Rabelais, but. his dam is by the beautifully-bred Meddler, his grand-dam by Hanover, and his third dam by that great French horse Mortemcr, who ran with immense credit to himself in this country."

RACING CONFERENCE. PRESIDENT RE-ELECTED. SHORTAGE OF JOCKEYS. [by. TEu;c.RAru.—press association*.] Wellington, Friday. Tho Racing Conference resumed this morning. Part '21 of Rule 8, dealing with appeals, was recast, and, as adopted by the conference, gives any aggrieved person wider scopo of appeal. On tho motion of Mr. H. Friedlander, a committee was set up to inquire into the whole Quoalion of the shortage of compotent jockeys, and to roport to the president within six months. • Sir George Clifford was re-elootcd president amid applause. In responding, the president said he would have been very glad to have ween relieved of the office, but ho felt that this year was to be a year of change, and it would be inadvisable to take aboard ft new pilot. Tho conference has concluded its sitting. TRAINING AT TRENTHAM. [Nt telegraph.— ASSOCIATION.] Wellington', Friday. At Trentham thin morning most of tho horses worked on tho outside grass gallop. Silver Shield beat Veritas over half a miio Mount Victoria covered the same journey in slightly faster time. George oeat Mowbray over a four furlongs sprint, Sara Pan proving too good for Julian in a similar gallop. Haskayno moved well over seven furlongs. Bluestone cantered to tho half-mile post, and spurted homo. Merry Gain beat Ruatangat* over four furlongs in 565. , Parilutu coveted two circuits at a. fast pace. Crown Pearl gave Eoyal Sleeves a break, and beat him over four furlongs, in 555. Kew galloped is good style over six fur longs.

A DERBY SENSATION.

THE BEND OR-TADCASTER CASE. WERE THE BABIES MIXED? Though a period extending beyond three decades has sped its flight since tho sensational objection lodged against the Duko of Westminster's colt Bend Or for the Derby of 1880 was disposed of, tho subject continues to claim much attention in English racing circles, and certain evidence published recently has furnished further light on what has been regarded as a great mystery. In order that my roaders may gather up the threads of [ the mystery, it will be as well to restate the main points. In tho year 1877 the Duke of Westminster bred two colts by Doncaster from Rouge Rose and Clemence respectively. They wero both chestnuts. The Rougo Hose colt was named Bend Or and tho Clemence colt Tadcaster. Their names and pedigrees were registered in the usual way, and in duo time tho youngsters were sent from Eaton Hall to Russlcy to be trained by Robert Peck. Several weeks after the son of Doncaster had so sensationally defeated Robert the Devil in the Derby, and won for tho Duko of Westminster his first Blue Riband, Mr. Brewer, the owner of Robert tho Devil, lodged a pro-.

test on the ground that Bend Or was not Bend Or, but really Tadcaster. Instantly a furore was caused in sporting circles, and all sorts of theories were advanced and various statements made. Mr. Brewer was asked why ho did not first acquaint tho Duke with tho facts of the case, but lie naively replied: "Do you think I was going to His Lordship's residence, ring the bell, ask for His Lordship, and then toll him What sort of a reception do you think ho would have greeted mo with? I know, if you don't. 1 am not mad." All sorts of rumours were rife, and tho Jockey Club consented to hear the protest, The inquiry lasted four days, and Mr. James Lowther was one of tho three stewards who conducted it, and gave out the verdict:— Bend Or is Bend Or and not Tadcaster." Mr. ! Brewer then made his case public property. He alleged that Bend Or and Tadcaster, who were both chestnuts, wero changed as yearlings, and that it was Tadcaster who ran in and won tho Derby. The case was again revived recently by " The Special Commissioner" in the London Sportsman, who wrote as follows :— "I was travelling down to Epsom with the late Mr. James Lowther one Derby Day, about twelve years ago, and tho conversation happened to'turn on this Bend Or uncertainty. He said to me thon, and it is as clear on my memory as if he were speaking now, 'As to the identity of Bend Or, -we. decided, of course, to tho best of our ability on the evidence; but from what I have come to know sinco then I 'believe wo were wrong.' What Mr. Lowther had learned which led him to change his opinion I do not know, but my readers may take it as certain that ho said what I have quoted above, and that whatever reason no had for changing his mind about Bend Or was not one which in any way depended on his own judgment of bloodstock. In tho hurry of other work I lorgot until too late to ask him why ho had concluded that the original Bend Or decision was wrong. It may interest readers of this day to know what I wrote about tho Bend Or and Tadcaster trouble years ago. Presumably they all know that both wero chestnut colts, bred at tho Eaton Stud—by Donca6tcr—one being out of Rouge Rose and the other out of Clemence. Tho stud groom of that period declared that a mistake had been mado between them when they were sent Up as yearlings into training':—

Bend Or and Tadcaster, 'tis said, The names at first were fixed: , But like tho twins of which we'vo read, v. Tho horses got quite mixed. And so by boys too nrono to err— Or els© by Arnold a whim, Bend Or was changed for Tadcaster, And Tadcaster for him. Such fruit the stranee confusion bore, When races soon were run. That though the public backed Bend Or, Twas Tadcaster that won. And most our wonderment »wakes At this part of the fable, That Bond Or won the Derby Stakes While standing in his stable! Ami though that fiction seems the worst, By this it can bo matched— .ft? T a<ca who came in first, Although he had been scratched! "Tho above was 'a poor thing, but mine own,' published eo far back as 1880, and it serves to show what a terribly long time I have been concerned in such matters. My own view has always been that Sandiway was not only sister 10 Bend Or, but looked the part exactly. On tho other hand, when the late Duke of Westminster, incensed by the dispute about Bend Or, put Clemenco to him, the result was Lenity, a mare who, though well enough looking, was simply an idiot, and would not rest quiet anywhere unless accompanied by a donkey. We had her two or throe seasons at Cobham and she was like a wild thing if the donkey was not with her, and a somewhat humorous point arose over the feeding of them—for, of course, the donkey was taken at a nominal tariff, of, I thin*, 5s a week—but ho had to bo in tho box with tho mare, and she would never eat any oate until ho had filled himself with them. Then, and then only, would she como in for what always had to ho a renewed supply. Now I havo very little doubt that this marc Lenity was by Bend Or out of his own dam, Clemonce, and her strange behaviour certainly tends to confirm this view." Tho latest contribution to the Bond Or-Tadcasber puzzle comes at this long interval from a stud groom (R. Spencer), who was resident in Franco for many years, and who recently returned to England. Spencer states that ho wont to Russley along with the first ten yearlings that were ready to go i into training, and j the trainer, Robert Sherwood, was in charge. Amon<* this ten wore Bend Or, Muncaster, Tadcaster, and Duke of Cumberland. Up to that time the Rouge Rose colt and tho Clemenco colt were not clearly identified by names, but tho Rouge Rose colt was the lop-eared one. Arrived at Russley, Sherwood, who was a great stickler for neatness and order, set to work to havo tho boxes tidied up, and at tho door of each box he had sana sprinkled and tho name of the inmate written on it Spencer had to "do" Duke of Cumberland and another yearling, and next box to Duke of Cumberland was the Clemenco colt. Spencer wrote tho names of his own charges so well that, as the boy 1 who was doing the Clomence . colt was not equally skilled, ho was directed bv Sherwood to write tho namo of that cofti too on the sand in front of the door. He accordingly wrote it-" Tadcaster"— as instructed, and continued to do so for a week or ten days, during which time' the yearlings had been "jumped off" over two furlongs, and tho supposed Clomence colt showed extraordinary promise. A day or so later, Sherwood, going round the stables, brushed out the name) " Tadcaster" with his foot, and said, with a laugh, "Wo have made a mistake; this— Clemence colt—is Bend Or. The other is Tadcaster!" and the nam's, as written in sard, wero accordingly clunked. Now, says the Sportsman, it may at once be assumed that the late Robert Sherwood acted in perfect good faith, and probably under the instructions of Robert Peck, and it is v sy to understand how, amongst 45 yearlinre, not clearly ear-marked, a mistake mk'hfc have occurred, but what was until then believed to bo the Rouge Rose colt "was the 'big, lop-eared Tadcaster, resembling the more truly moulded Clemence colt in nothing except colour. Arnull, the stud-groom who was in charge of the blood stock at the Duke of Westminster's Eaton estate at the time Bend Or and Tadcaster were foaled, but who had left before the two colts came out to race, declared to his dving day that the babies were missed, and that it was Tacaster, by Doncaster— that won the Derby, and not Bend Or, by Doncaeter— Rouge Rose.