SPORTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16202, 12 April 1916, Page 4

SPORTING.

RACING FIXTURES.

April 12,. 18—Manawatu Racing Club. April 12,' 13—Southland Racing Club. April Tuapeka County Jockey Club. April 22, 24—Wairarapa Racing Club. April 22, 24—Auckland Racing Club. April Beaumont Jockey" ClubApril 24—Waipukurau Jockey Club. April 21—Kumara Racing Club. April 24. Riverton Racing Club. April 24. —Feililing Jockey Club. April 24, 25—Canterbury Jockey Club. April 26, ,si9—Avondala Jockey Club. April 26—Westland Racing Club. May G, 6—Hawke's Bay Jockey Club. June 1, Dunedin Jockey Club. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. Wagbr, Thames.— dead heat has resulted for tho Now Zealand Cup on two occasionsIn tho mc« of 1900 tho judge was unable to separate Fulmen (7st 131b) and Ideal (7st 71b), and in tho contest of 1914 Warstep (7Bt lllb) Sind Indigo (Sat 12lb) were the pair adjudged to liavo finished level.

NOTES BY PHAETON.

THE MANAWATU MEETING-

The Manawatu Racing Club will open their ' autumn meeting to-day. With 23 horses engaged in tho Autumn Handicap there is , every prospect of a strong field lining up at • the post, to contest that race, the distance of which is nine furlongs. The three-year-old Adjutant, who was originally handicapped at Cst 121b, has incurred. a 101b penalty by reason of his victory in the Autumn Handicap (it Tfontliam on Saturday last, but even 1 with that addition the Martian colt has still tho handy impost of 7st 81b, and ho should bo equal to taking a hand in the settlement of the question. If Marco Bello could bo depended upon to run a raco equal to that j for which ho was responsible in tho Summer Cup run nt Ellerslie last December the black colt would prove a severo thorn in the sido of anything engaged, for with 7st 4lb ho has an impost 161b under weight-for-age. Auckland claiming a representative in tho Karero Hurdlo Raco with Tararu Jack, such will serve to rivet a good dash of "-local interest in tho jumping event- Tho son of Spalpeen was in capital condition when ho left for the scene, and, as tho distance only extends to a milo and three-quarters, that should bo to tho advantage of the brown gelding. ELIGIBLE V. DESERT GOLD. Advices from Wellington seemed to point to tho probability of Mr. W. G. Stead giving Eligible an opportunity to interrupt the unbroken series of victories that have so far attended tlio brilliant Desert Gold in hor essays under silk this season by starting tho Bonifomi gelding for the Awapuni Gold Cup. Tho expectod meeting between tho bay filly and brown gelding in tho wcight-for-ago race at Palmerston North is not, however, to eventuate, Mr. Stead having struck his horse out. In tho running of >tho Great Northern Derby, Desert Gold settled tho question decisively with Eligible, but though thoro was no great reason to believe that tho gelding could reverso positions with Mr. T. H. Lowry's filly at Awapuni, it would have been interesting to noto if tho former was capablo of making a stronger fight for supremacy with his speedy rival than when they last met. Regrets, however, t.ro vain. Mr. Wilfred Stead has used tho scratching pen, and we may now have to await next season's racing for a. meeting between Eligible and Desert Gold. A.R.C. EASTER HANDICAP. Matters in connection with tho A.R-C. Easter Handicap aro placcd in a rather unsatisfactory position by reason of uncertainty existing as to tho strength of tho visiting division. This uncertainty will, however, probably bo removed during tho present week, at, a final payment falls duo on Friday. Eligible having incurred the maximum 10lb penalty for tho Ellerslio race, such addition raises his impost to 9st Bib, and, a3 that represents 141b over wcight-for-ago, Mr. W. G. Stead may not regard the situation in a sufficiently encouraging light to send tho Boniform gelding to Ellerslio. The intentions of tho owner of Chortle aro also shrouded in doubt- As, however, tlio big son of Multifld has been allowed to drop out of the C.J.C. Groat Easter Handicap, that would seem to point to the probability of ! Chortle being sont tip to Ellerslio. Opinion is much divided as to the best of the local division, Tholigh Colonel Soult has yet to win over a milo, he has a. strong following, : and the others most in tho limelight are ; King Lupin, Tact and Housewife,

REPUTATION AT RANDWICK.

Sydney papers to hand by this week's mail state that Reputation is in steady work at Randwick, and though tho black liorso has not regaled the course-watchers with any gallops of note, " Pilot," of tho Reforee, Btatos that ho looks well served on the scoro of condition. Reputation hag been nominated for tho leading weight-for-ago events which coi/.o up for decision at tho approaching autumn meeting to bo held at Randwick under tho auspices of the Australian Jockey Club. The New Zealand horse figures amongst tho entrants for tho Autumn Stakes, All-aged Stakes, Cumberland Stakes, ana the A-J.C. Plato. Tho whole of the ovents named aro run under weight-for-age conditions, and aro each of the value of 2000sovs. It is quite unlikely that Reputation can win the lot, for the All-aged Stakes and Cumberland Stakes aro run on the same day. However, if Reputation only captures ono event at Randwick of tho character named, such will prove a good solatium to Mr, W. E. Bidwill for Bending his gamo little horse to Australia.

LEAVES FROM MY NOTEBOOK. Sir George Clifford's colours were carried to victory in threo races at the Wellington autumn meeting. On tho opening day the two-year-old Winterboumo scored in the Plunket Nursery Handicap, and on the second day Adjutant and Battle Eve, who rank .as three-year-olds, accounted for the opposition respectively m tho Autumn Handicap and Suburban Handicap.

Blackail continues to run indifferently, and two unplaced performances went down against his name for events he contested at tho Wellington autumn meeting. Tho sor. of All Black has.been .paid up for in the Groat Autumn Handicap, in which he is called upon to carry Bst, an impost in excess of thatunder which ho failed so badly at Trentham last week.

! Tho V.R.C. Derby and Melbourne Cup winner. Patrobas has boon sent across to Randwick with a view to contesting tho St- Legcr and other important races at the Australian Jockey Club a Autumn Meeting According to Sydney papers to hand, the son of Wallace has not been galloping pleasingly in his work, and though tho way is well cleared for him in the classic event, it'is held to bo unlikely that he will bo tho weight-for-age star of tho autumn season.

The owner of Toa Tere having accorded his horso a nomination for the A.J.C. Allaged Stakes, his owner would appear to have formed a very high opinion of tho Bon of Maniapoto. The All-aged Stakos. is ono ci the hardest races of the Australian turf to win, and some very fast times aro associated with tho mile weight-for-ago event. Various Englisii jockeys were prominent in their calling until they wero over 60, but in Australia riders generally drop out long before thoy reach that ago. However, at Mudgeo recently (remarks the Sydnoy Re feree) the successful ridors included a veteran in T. Donoghue, who won tho Trial Handicap on his own maro Tehama. Donoghuo is 58 years of age.

Tlio Auckland Racing Club's autumn programme will Require further attention at the hands of horse-ownors on or before Friday next, on which day. at 9 p.m., acceptances close for the President's Handicap, Onslow Stakes, Nelson Handicap, and Eden Handicap. Final payments for tho Easter Handicap. Great Northern Champagne Stakes, Great Northern Oaks, and Great Northern St. Leger Stakes j-equiro to bo made on the same date.

Ohaiwai, who won the Belmont Handicap at tho Wellington meeting on Saturday last, is a descendant of tho .Ascot sire Elysian. He is out of the CyreniSn mare Wairakau, and was bred by his owner, Mr. T. H. Lowry.

Eligible lias been loft m the Twenty-fourth 'Challenge Stakes, to be run at Riccarton on the 25th inst. The son of Bonifonn has incurred th© maximum penalty for the sevenfurlong raco, end ho will therefore bo called upon to carry 9st lib.

Amongst the two-year old winners in Australia this season is Mafioso, a halfbrother (by Positano) to the Melbourne Cup winner, Comedy King. . Mafioso was bought as a yearling for 860 guineas.

The Glenora Park sire Marblo. Arch was represented a winner in Australia recently, when his three-year-old son Calton won the Third Division Handicap at Epsom, besting a largo fiold. __

Nominations for all events to bo run at the Avondalo Jockey Club's Autumn Mooting closo on Friday next, at 9 p.m.

Tararu Jack, who got on the winning list nt Takapuna, will carry a fair share of Auckland support in tho Karere Hurdle Race at Awapum this afternoon. In tho event under discussion Julian's charge is labelled with the handy impost if 9st 131b over a mile and three-quarter course. Victory will enta : l a penalty for the Brighton Hurtlio Race, but it is said the son of Spalpeen may possibly contest hurdle events at Feilding aunng Easter,'in which case ho will be missing frcm Ellerslie. Ho was working well at Ellerslie prior to going south.

Tact, who is generally admitted to bo reasonably handicapped for the A.B.C. Easter Handicap, had no difficulty in disposing of Lady Penury in a six-furlong spin on tho sand last Saturday. Yesterday morning the daughter of Obligado was sprinted six furlongs in company with Loyal Arch, tho pair taking lm 19s outside the trestles, Tact pleased the better.

Spalfish, who was schooled over a. couple of fences the other morning, shaping satisfactorily, essayed a round of the course proper outsido the trestles yosterday in 2m Bs. The son of Spalpeen defeated Brookfield comfortably, but still his most ardent admirers would prefer him to have had a raco over the hurdles to fit him fox tho task set him on Easter Saturday.

By riding three winners at Trentham to ono registered by J. O'Shea B. Deeley has placed himself within two of his rival. Tho figures now read: O'Shea, 54 wins and a dead heat; Doeley, 52 wins and a dead heat; Thus it will be seen the results at Awapuni to-day and to-morrow are eagerly awaited so far as the jockoy premiership is concerned.

From the now five-furlong post yesterday morning Loloma. and Cultriform, finishing well, registered lm ss. Later in tho morning Kitty Bellairs made similar time and defeated Caber Foagh in hollow fashion. Tho Obligado mare appeared to relish, the task set her.

No less than four Auckland-owned candidates figure in tho Woodhey Hack Race at Avrapuni this afternoon, viz.. Ring Lupin. Torotoro. Ihapuua, and Penniless. All have admirers, but it is noticeable that .several recent winners are engaged, and the issue is very open.

Sir Rosa, who disappointed a largo army of supporters in the Maiden Handicap at the Taumarunui meeting, hit out boldly when sprinted at headquarters yesterday. However, ho may want time, and will neod to bo placed carefully to pay his way.

Mullingar was sent a milo from the new post yesterday morning, and had Gold Necklet and Harlestono assisting him over the latter part of tho journey. The trio finished closo together, Mullinnar registering lm 48s for tho eight furlongs traversed.

At the closo of a seven-furlong task yesterday morning Marblo Star had the call over Lady' Glen, though over the first threo furlongs the latter kept Marble Star busy. It took lm 35 4-5s to complete the journey, the last six furlongs taking lm 22 2-ss.

Merry Roe and Self finished alongside each other yesterday morning at the closo of seven furlongs outside tho trestles, with Castalia in tho rear- The pair by Soult registered lm 21s-for tho last six furlongs- Merry Roo moved freely.

To Onga, who appears to be coming into some favour for Jthe Brighton Hurdle Race, was schooled in company with Soultikoff yesterday, the ;t»ir shaping fairly well. Tho latter showed a lot of pace between the obstacles.

Signo had the better of Try Fluke yesterday morning at. the close of holf-a-mile on the outside of the course proper. The esssy took 535. To Papapa defeated Dolenda over the samo'course in 52 l-ss.

Dogger Bank, Taihano, Hawea, and a chestnut y,ero schooled at headquarters yesterday in company over the brush and sod obstacles on tho flat. The two former, both looking healthy, shaped pleasingly.

Whilo schooling in company with Captain Lock and Captain Jack yesterday Ambassador fell at the first fence, but was remounted by Standen and afterwards cleared tho obstacles in a satisfactory manner.

Cadrona bit out nicely yesterday morning for three furlongs, making 41s by the watch. This relative to NicomaT has plenty of size to recommend him as a welter performer and fencer later on.

Albert Jackson, who won ft lot of races with Roosevelt a few years back, is at present on a visit to Auckland. Tho young trainer has been established at Wanganui tor socio years.

Goldsize was not out on a time-making errand yesterday morning, when he covered tho best part of a mile and a-quarter outside tho trestles, the last round in 2m 6 2-sa.

Bluestono was noticed out on the tan yesterday morning, . moving with freedom, though tho grey gelding was not asked to go against tho watch.

Fisher galloped tho best part of & milo yesterday outsido tho trestles at a sound pace, hitting out freely.

General Joffro and Ritasoa covered fivo furlongs from tho new post outside tho trestles yesterday in lm tils. Dancastor and Maisoy Pop took a eeco id longer.

Silver Morn has been transferred to W. Mobberloy's care at Ellerslie. The samo trainer has been entrusted with a two-year-old gelding by Master Soult.

Nildab and Sea De'il took lm 25s to get to the end of fix furlongs outside the trestles yesterday. There was nothing between tho pair.

Independence had a littlo tho better of Kidderminster at the close of a five-furlong sprint from the new post yesterday in lm Bs.

A. Robertson's pair, Pierrot and Angolus, dashed over half-a-mile outsido the trestles yesterday in 52 4-53. Thoy finished together.

It took Soultane lm 22 2-5s to cover six furlongs outside the trestles yesterday. The son of Soult may have dono a little better.

Blue Garment negotiated the pony hurdles yesterday safely, and afterwards indulged in strong paco work on the flat.

First Call was schooled yosterday over a few hurdles and shaped like a veteran with Chaplin in tho saddlo. 1

Tenacious, Hockey, and another were schooled yesterday in company, Hockey particularly fencing well.

Fionnuala and Glendaloaijo finished together over six furlongs outside the trestles yesterday in lm 24s-

Sir Ralph took 53s to cover half-a-milo outside the trestles yosterday. Ho should do well next season.

Lady Penury pleased bettor than Pendoon yesterday at the close of six furlongs covered in lm 20!: s.

Housewife is expected to undergo her final preparation for the A.R.C. Easter Handicap at Ellerslie.

Soldier was restricted to light work only on tho tan yesterday. Ho was bandaged, but moved soundly,

J. George is expected at Ellerslie this week-end with Royal Arms and Co.

.Both Kiriwinning and Coleraino sprinted nicely on their own yesterday morning.

King's Courier galloped seven furlongs yesterday in lm 41s outsido the trestles.

Goldfiro was at Ellerslie yesterday, but only indulged in useful work on the tan.

Genevieve wan noticed hitting out nicely in a sprint on tho inside grass yesterday. Glissando and Homeric finished within range of each otlior at tho close of a sprint. Worcester and Lady Mabel made lm 19s for six furlongs outsido tho trestles yesterday, TROTTING NOTES. AUCKLAND CLUB'S AUTUMN MEETING. That tho Auckland Trotting Club's Autumn Meeting would give rise to some capital racing was -well anticipated, and those who journeyed to Alexandra Park last week to assist at the gathering must havo been delighted with some of tho interesting finishes decided in several of tho events, which bespoke a decided improvement in the class of competitor.', as compared with a few years ago. Unfortunately ono or two happenings during the fixture were not relished by tho main body of spectators, but the club can hardly bo blamed for the incidents referred to, though it is plain that the advent of capable stipendiaries into tho trotting world will be welcome, for at least somo questionable tactics were adopted on tlio opening day. Tho falling off in the totalisator receipts as compared with tho autumn fixture of 1915 was only to bo oxpected under tlio adverse weather and fiuanc.al conditions which prevailed, while the consistent retupi of double-figure dividends alwa;. tends to a deficiency in the ui'xlnne receipts when the totals como to be finally summed up. It was remarkable how fast the course itself dried up on Saturday as the- afternoon Wore' on. after tho day's sport had commenced on a very sloppy track This fact was specially commented upon by visiting trainers and owners. The secretary, Mr. C. F. Mark, is to bo congratulated on tho management, everything during the two days working most smoothly. Ono of tho most keen disappointments at the meeting was the display of the chestnut gelding Eruption, who practically failed to tako any serious part in two of the events

,i NOTES.. FROM ELLERSLIE. ' I for which he was harnessed up, while in tho ti,» i„w j. m .. . , ~ I other start ho never gave tho opposition any PnU»l St It ft t>" r? £ tt u v" chance .of success, winning easily. That v«Vt i i 5 4imV J- Ewter Handicap, everything was in . order was proved beyond »fJ£.sLjSSlf nß i' x oi ? \ gained doubt: nevertheless the showing of the chestim ir« SI; £ ™ ♦»? £ ? f 1 ?!^ 110118 ® in . nut was erratic sad irritated the public, who th ? M°. the morning, i know, little of the true facts. Th.- Eon of Sfio # trestles. As can be imagined, it « Ghoai, who gives great promise, ho? had very Qni,u ? m ' ? i°Vi, DS start tnat. the son of little track experience up to tho present, nf ImimI 11 'fl*'iJl - mentioned, which, , which undoubtedly accounted for hid .nconsisn„i OU i { J!L vl li^ ir . j oTcr i f 8 ??° i t€noy ', He was or offer to a Souther! sports♦fmo ,'«f ♦],« considered good for this . man for 350 g. ".«as, but- tho sale was not nnrinnrl BaJIY' i, Colonel Ear always, completed, ana his owner took the trotter JR'J" ?» »>?, ° ea * " 19 track work, back to tie Waikato with him on Monday and it may be well to remember that he has last. not been beginning well in his racos of late, which fault would be detrimental to his chances of capturing a race lika the Easter

An unfortunate incident occurrod in connection with the Liverj-00l Handicap on Saturday, when Adelaide Direct, Stool Bell, St. Ursula and Mint son all left the mark?before their time. _ An inquiry waa hold after the race, when it was established beyond doubt that the starter had declared them i>ut_ when they left the starting peg. The inquiry was adjourned till yesterday afternoon, when, after hearing much evidence, a further adjournment was made, sof the matter still remains sub-judice. ' W. Scotland W. McMaster came out on top regarding victories achieved "mongst drivers and horsemen, The pair mentioned each saluted the judge on three occasions, while J. Bryco, Julian, and R. McMillan credited themselves with two wins npicco The following scored a single:—F. Finlay, A. Williamson, J. Johnston, and A. Cameron.

W. Scott, J, Bryce, W. McMaster, A. Julian, and R. McMillan each trained two winners at the fixture, and P. Finlay, A. Williamson, J. Johnston, W. Turner. T. Roe, and A. Cameron one each.

£ THE WAIKATO MEETING. a - 'The Waikato Rotting Club has drawn i d the programme in connection with the it annual race meeting which is fixed to be he e at Hamilton on May 6, and with prize mom o to tlio extent of £600 submitted for compel tion, a good response from horse owne should result. Nominations for all even o close on the 22nd inst. at 9 p.m. 0 • INTER-PROVINCIAL GOSSIP. It |)!Y TELEGRAPH,—OWN CORRESPONDENTS y d CANTERBURY. ° 4 Tuesday. Several prominent candidates have bee allowed to drop out of the chief handicai i- for the Canterbury Jockey Club's Autum t Meeting. Chortle, Panmure, Bee, None £ Eligible, Multiplication, Battle Eve, Wis! 1 ful, Sweet Corn, and Ardenvhor are amon s the withdrawals from the Great Eastf Handicap, while Bee, Eligible, Emperado: I Panmure, Tangiliou, Multiply, and Ardei g vhor aro missing from the Great Autumi l Sixteen horses still hold their ground in th • Great Easter, and 15 in the Great Autumi 0 so that thoro is material left for first-clas ' contests. v When Rorke's Drift was allowed to dro ' cut of tho Southland Clip it looked as if hi J owners had decided on a trip to Riccarton fo , the Great Autumn Handicap, in which h I appears to have a chance. Ho has since beei nominated for tho Riverton meeting, to b ; held at Easter, but tho fact that ho was 3i j acceptor last week for the Great Easter an t Great Autumn Handicaps may be taken a 1 evidence that there is still a good prospect o tho Calibre gelding boing seen out at th ( Canterbury Jockey Club's fixture this month. i Tete-a-teto is the only North Island repre l Ecntative left in the Great Easier Handicap [ while Balboa, Blackall, and Montana are th i northerners in tho Great Autumn Handicap, Tho absonco of Ardenvhor's name trom tin l.st of acceptors for the Great Easter aw ) Great Autumn Handicaps came as a surprise , Ho had shown improved form lately, am ' was looked on as a likely candidate for th , mile and a-half race. > Though Nonos claims engagement in thi St. Loger and Oaks at tho Auckland Easte meeting, it is considered more probable tha . she will remain at Riccarton. It looks as i i alio was to bo kept to race over a journey , as sho has dropped out of the Great Easte: i Handicap, while having her Great Autumi Handicap engagement continued. Sho als< figures in two other handicaps at the meet , ing. On her latest form she appears to b< i scarcely s<i good as was thought earlier ii [ the season, but I am prepared still to ax i her win a good race, Notwithstanding his penalties, there is ! feeling that Oienhopo may have to be seri , ously considered for the Great Easter ant , Great Autumn Handicaps. The Or>iigad< [ gelding is an unknown quantity over a jour , ney but 8s 3lb is not a prohibitive weight it he can stay a mil© and a-half. Bee has been allowed to dropt out of tin Great Easter and Great Autumn Handicaps She has been restricted to easy tasks lately , and it is thought probable that she will iaak( her next public appearance in Austialia.. Flying Start is in good health at present He has done • nothing exceptional on t£i< tracks, but ho is a popular selection for the | Great Easter Handicap. The three-year-old, Marc Antony, is hitting out in. good style in his work, and ho look! like playing a prominent part in tho Greal Autumn Handicap. ' In all his races Ac has shaped liko a solid stayer. Meltcliikoff was responsible for a brilliant half-mile on Thursday, and may pick up a race shortly. Snub has not pleased in all his work lately, but he has probably suffered from injudicious I handling. On Saturday ho was sent out bj ' himself and reeled oS nine furlongs in quite an attractive'manner. He looks bright, and may retrieve his reputation before the close of the season. . Harlequin, the three-year-old brother to Miss Mischief and Counterfeit, has been Bold by Sir George Clifford to Mr. H. A. Knight. He has been a failure so far, and when next he races it will bo a3 a gelding. The Riccarton owner-trainer, Mr. Murray Hobbs, contemplates a trip to Australia with his four horses, Corrie. Peg, Deltonio, and Down. All being well, ho will leave, in about two months, and intends to race his horses. Corrie is a proved performer over hurdles, while Peg and Deltonio are being schooled. They will first be taken to Melbourne, where there are plenty of jumping races in the winter. They may all be sola if the chance offers in Australia, as Hobbs has decided to relinquish training at tho end of this season.* WANGANUI. Tuesday. St. Gate was given a trial over tho big fencep, the other morning by himself. He took the brush fences ail right, jumping in fine stylo, but retusod at the spar. Ho will be giver, another trial in company, when he may do better, and, it so, may fcgtire in somo of the cross-country events in the winter. On tho other hand, unless ho gives i every promise of being a success over tenets ho will probably be found amongst the starters in the May Hurdles on the second day of the Wanganui meeting, .when the distance is a mile anil three-quarters, which ho has shown his ability to cover in very fast time. Though & fine jumper, ho appears to be rather on the small side to make a successful chaser, and, moreover, he is not a genuine stayer. Owing to an accident W- Rayner was unabie to accompany Vladian to the Wellington meeting. Tho gelding ran a good race in the Jumpers' Flat Handicap on the first day, when he finished second to Multiply. He was well backed by his connections, as ho had been galloping well on the tracks prior to leaving here. Rayner is making good progress, ana will be able to go to Awapuni with Aruako. The latter is going particularly well, and should be very hard to beat in the hurdles on Wednesday. Tho recent rains have taken the sting out of the ground, and thus Rayner is able to slip the work into the gelding without undue risk of a breakdown. F. Tilley has taken Lconta, 'Cello, and Gang Awa' to Awapuni. It is said that the three horsts named are all in capital fettle, and, if so, Tilley should gather in some of tho stake-money. Leonta should bo suited by the track at Awapuni, as thero are no bad corners for the son of Conqueror to negotiate, and therefore he is likely to run very prominently in the Autumn handicap, though probably he would be seen to more advantage over a longer course. 'Cello has so far started twice and won on each occasion, but the company he will have to meet will bo considerably better than he defeated at Masterton. However, the son of Achilles is a good one, and he. is likely to keep tho best of thoso engaged in the Linton Hack Welter very busy. Gang Atva' should run wcil m the Woodhey Hack, in which the son of Provocation has 7st 131b. When Mahzoltov beat Gang Awa' here "there- was 31b between them, and on Wednesday next the Fordeiltrained gelding will bo in'receipt of lib, so that they aro meeting practically on the same terms. Gang Awa' is said to nave improved considerably since racing here, so must be very hard to beat. Tno Wanganui-owned filly, Spain, ran third in the Silverstream Hack at Trentham, and would probably havo done considerably bettor but for the fact that sho was suffering from a poisoned hefel as tho result of picking up a nail on the track a day or two previous. Ail going well, Spain will probably bo nominated for the Connolly Handicap at tho | Wanganui winter meeting, and it would be no surpriso to sco the daughter of Signor run a good rfico in that event if she is properly well on 'tho day. Spain is engaged in the Hack Welter at Awapuni on Wednesday, and with Sst lllb on her back will only need to be well to run a peat race. It is anticipated that a number of Auckland horses will ba nominated for tho Wanganui winter meeting. The successes gained by Colonel Soult, Black Northern, El Gallo, and Penniless down this way recently should bo an encouragement .to northern owners, and trainers to visit this coast. Thero aro some good stakes to be picked up at the Wanganui winter meeting by 'chasers, hurdlers,- and flat-racers, and the nominations, which close on Friday, the 28th inst, should be largo all round. " It is understood that the profits _on the last meeting of the Wanganui Trolling Club ran into something like £1000. Tho club has not yet decided upon a property, but several sites are under offer, and no doubt one or the other will be selected shortly and a start made with the laying down of an up-to-date track and tho erection of buildings, etc. Once the club has a course of its own trotting will boom here, and the Wanganui Club's meetings will soon rank with the best held in the Dominion. AWAPUNI GOLD CUP. [BY TELEGR.VTII. —PRESS ASSOCIATION'.] Paimehstojj North, Tuesday. Eligible has been struck out of tho Awapuni Gold Cup,