SPORTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16327, 6 September 1916, Page 4

SPORTING.

RACING FIXTURES. September G—Marten Jockey Club. September 13-Pahiatua, Racing Club. September 13 and 16—Avondale Jockey Club. September I!— Woodlands Hunt Club. September It and Ashbtirton Racing Club. September 21 and 23—Wanganui Jockey Club. September 25— Birchwood Hunt Club. September Amberley Racing Club. September 25 and 26-Otaki Maori Racing Club. September 28 and 29—Geraldine Racing Club. September 30-Napicr Park Racing Club. October Kurow Jockey Club October Hnwkc'e Bay Jockey Club. October 13—Dnnedin Jockey Club. October 14,, 18-Auckland Trotting Club. October 26 and 27-Povorty Bay Turf Club. November 4, B—Auckland Racing Club. November 4, 6, 8, 11— Canterbury Jockey Club. Novomber 18, 22-ot»huhu Trotting Club. November 25, Takapuna Jockey Club. December Bay of Plenty Jockey Club. December 10— Waipa Racing Club. Decembor 26, 30, January 1, 3—Auckland Racing Club. December 26, 27—Thames Jockey Club. December 27. 28, 30-Auckland Trotting Club. January Waikato Trotting Club. February 24. 28-Otahuhu Trotting Club. April 21. 25-Auckland Trotting Club. i AcstnA-ttA. September 30. October 2, 4, Australian Jockey Club. November 4, 7. 9, 11—Victoria Racing Club. DATES OF COMING EVENTS New Ze\unp. September 13—Avondalo Stakes. September 13—Avondale Cup. Soptember 16—Avondalo Guineas. September 21-WanganUi Guineas. October 13—Duuedin Guineas November 4— Great Northern Guineas. November 4—New Zealand Cup. November 4—A.R.C. Welcome Stakes. November B—King Edward Memorial Handicap. December 26-Great Northern Foal Stakes. December Auckland Cup. December 29-A.R.C. Summer Cup. January I— Great Northern Derby. Australia. September 30—A.J.C. Derby. October Metropolitan Stakes. November 4-V.R.C. Dorby. Novcmbsr 7-Molbtarno Cup. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. C.D.H., Auckland.—Armourer was got by Tubal Cain from Seashell, by Nautilus. Tho 'records bliow that Tubal Cain was bred in South Australia, and ho is returned as by imported Tregeaglo. W.W., Wanganui.-l, Rau Rati, dam of Welcome Nugget, was got by Gipsy King (son of Lo Loup) from Torori, by Musket. 2. ,Signor (9st) ran Pcndil (7st 121b) to a head for the V.R.C. Champion Stakes of 1909. Kokomiko, To Kuili.—ln tho year (1897) that SI. Simon won the event in question such boro the title of Grand National Hurdle Race, which was retained up to 1903, when it was altered to tho Great Northern Hurdlo Raco. Aka Aka was the first horse to win tho race under the latter title 2. A descendant of St. Leger captured the Auckland Cup on six occasions, St. Hippo, Nestor, Bluejacket (twice), St. Michael, and Putty boing the winners returned. Bluejacket won the Cup at four and five years old respectively.

NOTES BY PHAETON.

THE MARTON MEETING.

The Marlon Jockey Club hold their spring meeting to-day, and tho fact of several New Zealand Cup candidates being likely to be seen under silk will invest the racing with keen interest. The leading event is the Marten Handicap (one mile and a-quarter), in which the following horees are engaged; —Square Deal 9.0, Tangihou 8.9, Multiplication 8.8. Montana 8.6, Crawford 8.1, Orleans 7.13, ManiftToa 7.13, Harbour Light 7.11, Bon Reve 7.10, Hyllus 7.9, Moulu 7.7, Whakahoki 7.3, Master Moutea 7.2, Lady Amai 6.12, Bronk Delaval 6.9.

ELIGIBLE'S MISHAP AT HANDWICK. Sydney papers to hand bear out the statement as to Eligible being seriously amiss from the effects of straining ono of his shoulders, and at last advices the prospects of the Boniform gelding carrying Mr. W. G. Stead's colours at tho forthcoming spring meeting at Randwick were the reverse of promising. The mishap to Eligible iB to be viewed as ft most unwelcome item. The Boniform gelding was looked upon to play his part at the approaching meeting at Randwick with distinction, and his appearance under silk in Australia was awaited with considerable interest by reason of the fact that a strong line would havo been forthcoming as to tho standard of form in this Dominion against that of tho Commonwealth. It is to be hoped that Eligible will come round all right, for he is one of tho tested stayers, TROUBLESOME'S ADELAIDE VICTORY. Tho following are the doteils of the race won by the Auckland gelding Troublesome on tho 26th ult.: — THE GRAND NATIONAL STEEPLECHASE of 450sovs. Thtec miles. Mr. T. Clcgg's TrouV'esomo. by Spalpeen -Loadice, list 121b (McCabe) .. .. 1 Mr. A. C. Burshell's Weeroomi. Dflt 31b (Powell) 2 Mr. A E. Bowman's Foreßt Prince, 12st 4lb (McGowan) 8 1 Also started: Wyandarra, Mit 131b: Southland, lOst 101b; Coolong, 10st 21b: Union Wire, 9st 101b (including 10lb penalty); Island, 9st 6lb; Voutha. 9st 31b; Prior Lass, flat 21b; Press Through. 9st: S.J.K.. Oat. Southland and Weerooma were responsible for a solid pace, but the former fell at the second of the South Terrace double. Tho other falls prior to this were Wyandarra, Coolong, Union Wire, Island, Youtha, Prior Lass, and Press Through, and S.J.K. was pulled up. At the last fonoe Weerooma hold a useful load from Troublesome and Forest Prince. Weerooma stopped badly, and Troublesome oasily ran her down and won, pulling up, by 10 lengths 14 lengths between Becond and third. No others finished. Time, 6m 171s.

LEAVES FROM MY NOTEBOOK. Some li'itlo timo back it was stated that tho owner of Kooya. was wishful to give the Signalman mare an opportunity to distinguish herself beyond tho Dominion, and such was carried ft stop further last week, when tho brown maro was shipped to Sydney. It is understood that Kooya's special mission will bo hurdlo races sot down for decision nt the Australian Jockey Club's Spring Meeting. There is probably nothing to rave about in Kooya, but, white mat may be so, quite a number of keen judges aro found declaring that tho daughter of Signalman and Koiano has yet to play her best card in races over tho battens.

Bedford (by Bunyan— Dix), who proved himself a very rospectable oolt at threo years old, but who was off the scene for the wholo of last season, is once again in commission and occupies his old box at P. Jones' establishment. In tho autumn of his thrce-yoar-old career Bedford lost his form, and it was deomed advisable to add him to tho list of geldings. The chesthut has furnished a good deal during his extended rest, and everything may bo said to bo favourable for his owner, Mr. Frank Marshall, again seeing his colours * carried prominently.

While rambling over Ascot estate at Mongere one day last week I noticed a very solid-looking two-year-old chestnut filly by Monoform from Tunowha. The filly in question, who was passed in at 10gnB when offered at Alexandra Park in January last, has furnished splendidly, and the fact that sho has not been bustled along in an endeavour to win an early two-year-old race may be expected to stand to her later on. Tunewha, the dam of the filly, it may be remarked, iB a half-Bistor (by Cyronian) to Elyeian.

The New South Wales Government now receives ''.'. pi v int. of the fees paid by •,• ,i I,' i, ■, i in .•( nig clubs. For the current

, ',',)' Aiict.aimn Jockey Club's contributi.m :,, i 'ie State from the source mentioned is £3817. and that has been paid in to the Treasury. At the end of the year the publio will have tho pleasure of knowing the revenuo derived by clubs from the sale of betting privileges, and it will bo something of an eye-opener.

When the Australian-bred yearlings imported to Auckland in May last by Mr. E. W. Alison, jun., were under the hammer tho Ellerslie trainer. P. Jones, purchased } a. racy-like filly by Bardolph from the Ur- | bino mare Carmine for 225 guineas. The j young lady in question has gone on nice • \ in her preparation, and she can apparently i bo booked to raco early. The name claimed ] for tho brown daughter of Bardolph and f Carmine is Carmen Sylva. Everything points to a good field being found at the post to contest the Avondale i Cup; but until the acceptances come to be l posted on Friday next there will, of course DO some little uncertainty in gauging the composition of tho field. i Portland Lady, who won a hurdle race at j Hastings in such convincing stylo As to be proclaimed a champion, figures in the HacK | Hurdles at Marten this afternoon with a handy impost. However, since Hastings meeting she made ft moderate showing at Trentlinm. but could not havo been herself on that occasion. . The Hon. J. D. Ormond has furnished the , winner of tho Trial Handicap at Morton in , the last two years. Hymenaeus will carry , the cerise jacket to-day. The- representative , of Hyinetlus failed badly at Trentham when , carrying the confidence of tho stable. , It is said Multiplication has been responsible for some smart work at Hastings and ~ the son of Multifid is expected to play a , prominent part in the Marten Handicap ts , afternoon. Should he succeed, Ins stable 1 companion, Chortle, will start a very war I proposition for tho Railway Handicap later m . the day. Trotting enthusiasts are at present interested in the demonstration of a smarting machine, to be made by the patentee at Alexandra Perk on Saturday afternoon, next, at, 2.30. The patentee, Mr. J. Higeins ar- , rived fr»m Victoria recently, where the machine :-s said to bo operating with success on both trotting and galloping courses. The second two-year-old race of the present j season was run at Adelaide on the 26th ult i and was won by a colt bearing the name Anttoil, by St. Anton (son of St. I rusquin) ■ from the Grafton mare Frcetoil. i Strategist, who is. I think, the last J descendant of Nelson engaged in racing led tho field homo in the Hunters' Hurdlo Racfl run last week at the Manawatu Hunt Club meeting. Strategist is now in his eleventh I year, Chaban. who won the Manawatu Hunt Cup Steeplechase, was got by tho Locnicl horse Strowan. Acceptances for all events to bo run on the opening day of the Avondale Jockey Club's Spring Meeting close ou Friday next at 9 p.m. STUD NOTES. nr PHAETON'. WALLACE , AND MALTSTER, With Wallace claiming tho leading three-year-old of last spring in the shape of I Patrobas, and the progeny of Maltster failing to run with the same brilliancy that characterised their offorts in previous years, j there seemed to bo a good prospect of Car- J . bine's son dethroning the Bill of Portland horse from the position as the greatest winner-producing parent in Australasia ! summed up on a question of stake money, j I As is known. Patrobas completely lost his | form in tho autumn, and when such was! established it was always clear that, while ' ' Wallace would head the sires' list this year, ' '■ tho winnings of his progeny would not be ! sufficient to give the grand total in bis i favour. It is now, however, only a question: I of some £9000 botween thorn, while 12 months ' ago Maltster led the son of Carbine by 1 ±'19,940. The figures bearing on the stud careers of those two great colonial-brou I sires are vory instructive, for it will bo seen that Maltster's record is the result of only 10 seasons' racing: — WALLACE, MALTSTEn. £ £ 1809-00 ... 1,007 - 1900-01 ... 3,201 - 1901-02 ... 5,0791 — 1902-03 ... 3,853 - 1903-04 ... 10,308 — 11)04-05 ... 12,059 - 1905-06 ... 9,616 - 1906-07 ... 6,117 1906-07 ... 3,993 1907-08 ... 19,004 1907-08 ... 8,615 1908-09 ... 11,757 1908-09 ... 13,978 1009-10 ... 10.238 1900-10 ... 36,972 1910-11 ... 17,871 191011 ... 27,629 1911-12 ... 26,743 1911-12 ... 32,957 1912-13 ... 16,785 1912-13 ... 22,361 1913-14 ... 10,500 191314 ... 27,134 1914-15 ... 14,935 1914-15 ... 25.2741 1915-16 ... 24,945 1915-16 ... 14,006 £203,918} £212,919 THE MUSKET LINE. Figures are generally voted dry reading, but where tho stake winnings of sires are involved such tako the interesting .form, to those in closo touch with tne situation. With a grandson of Musket at the head of the sires' list in Australia this year. and. the equine in question claiming descent through tho greatest scion (Carbine) of that illustrious line, I am tempted to go back to ancient history for somo figures. Musket, it may bo remarked, claimed winning representatives in England. New Zealand, and Australia, and their combined earnings amounted to £135,011. Carbine, who had like distinction to his siro, m that his progeny raced in both hemispheres, was resuonsible for horses that captured £116.813 in stakes. Wallace's total (£203,918!), it I will therefore be seen, is well ahead of that down to the credit of his grandsire and sire respectively. In considering the disparity of the figures as between Wallace and his illustrious relatives the important fact to bo noted is that stake money has mounted up | greatly in the past ten years, and further, that raco meetings are more numerous.

SOULT'S RECORD. Though Souk lit', been numbered among tho defunct since 1910, and had no representatives below the age of five years old racing last season, they managed to place their well-tested parent in fourth place on tho winning sires' list in New Zealand, for the period named, with tho good total of £8770. In Australia, Soult had also several winning descendants, whoso slake captures during last season amounted to £2422, so that his full total reaches to £11,192. There are not many of Soult's progeny now in commission; but that his total will bo further added to in a solid manner seems very probable.

A STUD SURPRISE. Had anyone ventured the opinion when Soult camo to Auckland in 1896 that the day v would eomo when a totalling of stakes would place him in front of the celebrated Musket, such a prediction would have been regarded as so extravagant that someone would have been charged with mental aberration. As is woll known, the son of St Simon was so greatly neglected in his first season at Glenora Park that tho position seemed Borious for his ever being able to lift his namo on the list. However, descendants of tho at one timo muchcriticised son of St. Simon have managed to capture Btako money to tho extent of £167,938. Undoubtedly this record of Soult's has a right to be accented as ono of the most noteworthy surprises -bound up in tho history of the Stud Book. Mr. J. O. Hayward, who imported Soult to New Zealand, certainly did much for his adopted country when he secured the brown son of St. Simon and Boauhomais for the Dominion. AUSTRALIAN-BRED CAP-A-PIE. It is a long way hack to the days of the Australian-bred Cap-a-pie as a Biro, but his name crops up now and again. , In Waimai's pedigree a daughter of Cap-a-pie is returned as the dam of this year's winner of the New Zealand Grand National (steeplechase. Can-a-pio's purclißßo, it may bo remarked, was regarded as a very important step when such was made and the fact that his sire (Maribyrnong) was a son of the celebrated Fisherman, euch, it may be guessed, was seized upon as a subject for enthusiastic reference when he came to Auckland in 1881. Located in an establishment that included Musket, Cap-a-pie was always overshadowed, and ho . was eventually drafted to the Wailcato, where ho died many years back. Cap-a-pio's most noteworthy porformer was, t think, the juniper Dcsiisod, who brought off ft sensational surprise in the Great Northern Steeplechase run at Ellerslie in 1893, and who subsequently won a treble (two hurdle races and a steeplechase) at the A R.C. Summer Meeting lu 1893-94. Several of Cap-a-pio's daughter havo thrown winners, which includes Joan, who, with Capitol and Red McGregor, had the distinction of producing winners of the Great Northern Steeplechase Su two successive years. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS. Tho following foalings aro reported from Glenora Park:— A. McNicol'« Monoquil by Cvrenion — Waiorongomai), filly to General Latour: Mr W. Dunn's Alicia (bv Cyrcnian—Lady Cecilia), colt to General Latour; Mr C. E. Major's Kirßtj (by Sylvia Park—Chrissie). colt to General Lat-our. Tho Auckland-bred Nonetto (by Seaton Charonte) was such a sterling performer that an interest will always cling round his name. The white-legged chestnut, who is now at the stud in Queensland, was represented by 18 winners during last season, the stakes captured by them amounting to £1739. Though the Birkenheads have been somewhat out of favour of late, it is computed that up to the present descendants of the Orme horse have won stakes to tho value of £90,000. Traquotte (by Traquair-Simmerettc), who is accepted as one of the spcediost mares 'that has figured on the Australian turf, is to go to the Btud this season, tho malo selected for her being Brakcspoar (by Spearmint), a grandson of Carbine.

Ungala, who won the Australian Steeplechase at Caul-eld on tho 12th inst., traces to the St. oimon family trough his sire, Bill of Portland, who was got by tho celebrated Galopin horse.

Carbine's grandson Trafalgar was recently represented by his first winner. This was Heart of Oak. a three-year-old gelding, who won ft Maiden Plate at Williamatown.

NOTES FROM ELLERSLIE. A. J, McFlyim was successful in obtaining lis passport, and leaves Auckland by the nid-day train to-day for Wellington, from vhicli port he will ship by the Rivenna tonorroW for Sydney for the lurposo of ndins {ooya and Diavolo in their hurdlo engagenents Mr. P. Neagle has intentions of ,-isiting the Melbourne Cup meeting Kith lis pair of fencers, in which case McFlynn ; friil be absent from Auckland until the • niddlc of November. ( The Robert the BrUce-l'ulu t*";?*"- 0 "' i vho ttmsned up m iront ol those ot his ago I n the juvehuo pursue at * ~ers' *;,J„ »j ' jrobaoiy appear on the *vohah» racecatd is Kathiin. his stable- companion, by mw" lie uruco-Urango and mm, lias had tie lame 01 uannocKOuru claimed tor bin. a. Uce.cy Will Me too lormer and ■>• miaianan ;lio laßt-namco in the Avohaaie biases. D. Moraghan has four two-year-olds en- [ 'aged at ATonduie. 'lhe Marbie ArClll,!cu.au repre»eniatiTe will bo Known as 3hwcnt anil the Marble Arch-Merry Mi ,-oungstcr will be named BlioWe uo.u. bo ar no name lips been claimed for the: finy 3 y fc.yß.an-Oyrora. Moragnan has notions >? calming tno name ot HUg Uut lor mo , jelding By Bunyan—Jjady Minnie. Sir Ralph, who gave sonio promise of fur- , aisluns into a successful pericrmer >« * i ai.tancfl when raced as a two-year-old last , autumn, cud not impress on.ooßors when , tested m company With U"'"* »* *"* i Hoe. The trio were tried over ttto best pan , H mile and a-quarter. castalia hnl3ll ™ slightly in trout ot Merry Hoe, with Hi' Ralph doing his utmost in the rear. , B Dcoley, J. O'Shca, and J. Buchanan loft by last night's express to compete riding engagements at Marion this «i twnoon. Deeley will ride Carmei Arci in the «l Plate and Tyson in the lylhg btWtes. . O'Shea will pilot Doptcddtlott in the tWW , Stakes, and Buchanan the Hon J. U. ur- . uiond's lour representatives at the hxtUK. It Is said to be mora than likely that • Master Hegel will be taken across to N ■>• toria. The eon of Rcgcl may bo SeOh wit a ; Avondaie, and on his prominent display fti Riccorton last month would certainly be* very pronounced favourite wore it not ilia* , he is not partial to right-handed courses, tie j has mown up beßt on lett-handed tracks. I There is a distinct tondoncy to support the prospects of housewife, tor the Avonda.e Cup The daughter of Kenilworth-Busy 800 is reported to have Doen indulging in very usciul work up to seven furlongs across the harbour, and would certainly only need to lome uacft to the goua tofffl she displayed last Easter to keep tho opposition busy. Tact and Loyal Arch indulged in two sprints of three turlongs each cany yestetdav : morning, and gave , evidence wist D. Moraghan has been giving them a lull Ml n of attention. They are both bright n the coat and carry the necessary condition to raco creditably. Bowler and Cilltllform Were the first pair to indulge in usctiii wort or the track yesterday. It is doubtful whether Bowler possesses tho pace ho displayed last autumn. Cultriform certainly looks as it ehe nib been well cared for. Worcester showed great improvement in a fencing essay at Merslio yesterday, and finished up alongside Guiding Way a_it«r a circuit over hurdles. Hohungatshi ill! shed in the rear and unseated his ndcr at tho last fence. Pondoon and Royal Irish went out on the inside grass track together yesterday, but the latter galloped a circuit alono. lie is improving ot late. Pendoon indulged in strong pace work for most of the distance, and sprinted homo in good stylo. opalperion. who has boon sheltered at J. Chaafo's stables of late, was schooled over four fences at headquarters yesterday, but did not shape as wen as on previous oc casions. Ho afterwards indulged in a circuit ' of the inner ?rftss. Okaihau appears to be on tho improve, and shaped pleasingly when galloped with ttopye over a circuit yesterday. In all probability hiß owner-trainer, J. Williamson, will pay a visit to the big spring meeting a*. Randwick. Mullingar was amongst the early-morning workers yesterday, being tent a mile on the sand. Ho was not allowed to do his best, but left the impression with onlookers that he is ready to perform satisfactorily when raced. Akuhata and Kidderminster finished in front of two others when galloped over a sprint distance before tllo breakfast hour yesterday. Stroflg holies Me held out ,that the former Will prove a payable proposition. The big chestnut sister to Loloma tribted freely when Worked over a middle distance on the inside grass track yesterday. She is looking more racy, than last autumn, and may make a- fencer if tried later on. Cardrona was moving better than Tattcrlcy at tho close of a sprint on tho sand yesterday morning. The former, who finished fourth in the hack event at the Pakuranga Hunt I meeting, is on tho improve. 1 Several of the Avondaie Stakes candidates wcro sprinted on tho juvenile track yesterday. Rathiin'moved with freedom when sprinted, while Ghwont pleased 6nlookers when worked in company with Shower Gold. j Colonel Soult and Bluestono are being ' sorted as the favourite combination for* the '■ double at Avondale. It may be remembered | that so far Colonel Soult has proved a dis-' ! appointment at Avondale. i Royal Rufus and Lady Penury wore not after very serious time-making yesterday, though they finished up tho last six furlongs at a strong pace, Lady Penury appeared to . be enjoying her task. I Rock Diamond and the Demosthenes two-year-old in Chisholm's charge were sprinted in company yesterday morning, Neither of this pair aro thoroughly ready to do their I best yet.

Rexana is gaining some notice at headquarters of late. It is thought the chestnut in Chisholm's care will pay his way in the hurdle class later on. He is a fine stamp of a fencer.

Colonel Soult was not asked to make timo on the inside grass yesterday morning, though he displayed a tendency to be let loose. The track was just in tho right order to suit him. Should J. O'Shea not be available to ride Bluostoue in the Flying Handicap at Avondale, it is probable J. Buchanan will be found Bteering the Bon of Bluelight. Blueform, who always makes fair liino or! the training track, finished up alongside the Marble Arch representative in Cunningham's stable yesterday over a sprint distance, Fisher worked during tho breakfast hour yesterday over a six furlong course, and displayed his usual pace. Bluestono sprinted on the tan and retains his form. Jack Delaval worked on tho sand yesterday at a useful pace. It is too early yet to say whother the soli of Scaton DoJ&val will return to his best form. White Sox, the three-year-old by All Black All Blue, in F. Stenning's chargo, is not an attractive customer, but is in rogular work and has somo pace. El Gallo appeared to have the best of To Papapa at the close of a circuit on the sand yesterday. Tho Groat Northorn hero is in great heart. Silver Lupin and Idra finished up a sprint together in fair time yesterday. The latter was wearing bandages in front, though she moved freely. Genevieve, Queen Souk, War Time, Lady Bruce. Sir Rosa, and Hemisphere were all indulged in useful work at headquarters yesterday. Kauri King and Kitty Bollairs finished almost on terms at the close of an essay over six furlongs. 'They easily- defeated a companion. Doncastor had Princo Soult for company in a sprint at headquarters yesterday. They covered tho best part of six furlongs in even time. To Onga was not asked to go against tho watch yesterday. Ho appears to have improved since returning from Riccarton, All Talk showed up nicely in company with Mossman in a half-mile sprint yesterdsr, Of course. All Talk was doing his best. Sportful appears to be on the improve and shaped well for a hack with a companion over a sprint distance yeßtcrday. Hauera was exercised on the tan track yesterday, and moved as if ho will stand tho necessary preparation to race. Chilblain and High Jinks were not after serious time yesterday. Robinson's nair still bear a healthy appearance. Ulster and Brookfield were noticed amongst the regular workers yesterday, both bearing a healthy appearance. King of the Valley is fining down a lot, and is evidently being worked into shape for early racing. Marble Star and Jocular made fair timo for six furlongs on tho inside grass track yesterday. Gold Necklet showed tip prominently in a gallop over tho best part of seven furlong 3 yesterday. Harlestone displayed his usual dash when worked in company on the inside grass track yesterday. Ring Lupin was not set a severe task yesterday, but looked well and moved with freedom. Tragedy King, who is hardened in appear ance. worked on the tan early yesterday morning,

Tho Finland colt in A. Jackson's stable* at Ellerßho is coming on nicely in his education.

Wiri, the thrco-year-old brother to Ghwcnt in Moraghan'a stable, was sprinted yesterday. Glittering Sands was noticed yesterday indulging in very useful work on tho sand.

Homeric was not asked to art agaiust time in his work on tho sand yesterday.

AUCKLAND TROTTING CLUB. A DERBY DECIDED ON. It has been decided by thc committee Of he> Auckland Trolling Club to mo tide . De by on it, summer programme the race to bo decided Over » milo and a-ha.lt = and to c«w aflttovl »ri« nioney^ th/seson by the A.T.C. wil remain SsaTne «s l«t year, the comm.tt« deemng it inadvisable to further increase the Btakes in View of the prevailing war conditions The club bus also decided on a, goner*! 'curtailment of starting limits. INTEU-IHIOVINttAL GOSSIP.

[by Trj.feGßXfH.--O*N rJOtIfttePOXBEKTS.] WELLINGTON. ' Tuesday. The racehorses Kooya. Diavolo and Limpet weri shipped to Mm b> the Mo era i which sailed for Sydney last *?«. Ihe two former Were in charge of J-*"**! and Mr. S, jver, owner of Kooya, a.flo made the trip. i«l*t wen across Ih charge of F. Coleman, who has gone back to reside lfl ThftSi handicappcr. Mr H. Cugill, b» been appointed to act lor tho Wavei.ey and Uorowhcnua Clubs. Elation and Devotion, The racehorses Elation and Devotion, owned by Mr. Bidwill, were entrained « Marlon on Saturday in charge of H. le ford 1.1. McSwCeney took Tiuura ahd Portland Lady north by the same train, and will rule I them In their engagements. „ -,„ I Mr W. James, the well-known Uunedin I totali'sator proprietor, went through to AllcKI land last week ih connection with a now • patent machine ho has built lor an Auckland i ' J l ' H. Prosser'a horse. Gold Soitlt, tore ' oft one of his shoes and ft nail entered its 'lull length into the frog of his foot. P">i cautions against blood-poisoning were im- ; mediately taken, but it will be necessary lor the eon of Gold Crest to have a spoil for : some days. , ... . , I Tho Opaki horseman, A. Watson, who is under suspension by the Wellington Bacmir I Club, is at present in camp at I' eathcrston. I As was tho case with several other disquali ! lied jockeys Who have gone to the front,, tn.it j local club trill doubtless remove Watson 8 I suspension when he sails for France. Accommodation has boon booked for thi Porirna horses, Rockbound and Kocksalt, at. Wingatui. and tho pair are to bo sent south next month for tho woiglit-fof-age event* at the Duncdin Jockey Club's Spring Meeting. Rocksall la a half-brother tby Rokoby .to Obsono. Ho is not very big, but is a I shapely colt, and looks like galloping last. 1 Their trainer will go south in charge of the team, and L. Wilson will ride the, pair. The Soult mare Consuello, 'lam of Gold Soult. has been booked to visit Mountain Knight this season. She is shortly due to foal to Gold Croat, and la) ft yearling by the same horse. CANTERBURY. Tuesday, Tho spring racing season in Una district ■ Will be opened at Ashbufton neft Week. '1 lie fields are of lair size, and there should be 1 some interesting sport, to which half-a-dozen ' New Zealand Cup candidates will comfiuii.c. < Mure Antony, Snub, Kingform, and Fiery Cross are engaged in the principal event, while Humiliation and Avclilie figure in the ! minor races. > Marc Antony, the Cup favourite, is a sure" • runner at Ashbtirtott. Ho has gone on j well in his preparation and is in nice order. 1 Snub has pleased his trainer so far Ih al his work. If he could be relied on to repent bis best form lie would take a lot of beating • in any company, but ho has run some very ■ bad races, and mauy of his former admirer! 1 have lost confidence in him. Fiery Cross is galloping well just now-, ' but ho haa nothing Special to recommend him for a rate like the New Zealand Cup. Humiliation is an even moro remote pro- ' spect. but Ay'rcliftO. who is only a three. f year-old, may develop into a useful sort. 1 Adjutant, another Cup candidato trained ; at Riccaiton, jb in fine health, and ib bowh 1 ing along attractively. He docs not strike me however, as a two-miler. and ho may b< seen at his best over a mile and a-quartci [ journey. . , _ , . 1 It J Mason has taken Empcrador in 5 hand again, while a throe-vear-old hall-sistei ' tby Danube) to tho well-performed gelding ' has also joined this trainor's team. Filing Start is at present »njoying a spell, which he haft well earned, as he ha; ' dono a lot of hard galloping since he wai J a two-year-old. ~ , Tho present batch of two-year-olds a '' Chokeboro Lodge have not done much o an impressive character yet. Sisyphus (05 , Treadmill-Delusive) shows a fair turn 0: speed, while there .are sonic others whC should do all right" 111 time, but it may b , late in the season Wore the best is seen ol 1 i them. In the meantime Blockade Iby Tread I mill-Fairhaven) and Jeopardy tby Ireadm.l, —Flitaway) aro suffering from colds, whilt '•other juvenile members of the team .art [ temporarily on the shelf through minoi ' f °V McDonald has the two-year-old Meat more (by Elyßian-Lady Owen) moving along nicclv. He is an attractive galloper anc ' shoutd win lots of races if he stands.. • Trireme, who met with slight injuries a I the Grand National meeting, is to be son' 1 home for a short spell. , F. Holmes is not persevering with Sistei Radius as a jumper in the meantime, bu • she may be tried again after racing on thi 5; flat at Ashmirton. , , , „ „ i New York, who was purchased by Mr. C '•' Studholme during tho progress of the Gram National meeting, is now being trained by R . Derrott, and he will probably be racing ovc • hurdles at the Ashburton meeting. • Love Token and Winter Cherry, two im 8 1 ported mares in R. Longley's stable, an D I gradually coming on, and they should prov useful before the close of the season. R. Dnrrelt gave tho imported mare Fothor " fngav a sprint during the' week, and blh ; acquitted herself creditably. f A. Me.Aulay has commenced to give tin r imported mare Hcnrietto some serious work So fe- however, she does not show a grea deal of pace.

WANGANUI. n , Tuesday. The nominations received for tho Wanganui Jockey Club's Spring Meeting are very satisfactory, totalling, as they do, 59.over last year's aggregate, There are quite * number of good horses engaged, and some fine racing is assured at the gathering, which j will be the firßt important one of tho new It is pleasing to note that the hurdle events at the meeting have filled better than has been -tho case at tho spring mooting of Into years There are 10 engaged in the open event over the sticks on the first di»y . and 20 on the second day. Both races promise , to be very' interesting. H. Bayncr took Starengo down for tho Levin Hack Handicap at the Manawntu Hunt Club meeting, and the Marengo gelding was made favourite for that event, but ho had to bo content with third place, being beaten by Hnstie and Black and Amber after a, close finish. , , Tho new Benson will bo opened in earnest on this coast to-morrow, when the Marlon Jockey Club's meeting will be held. Judging by the excellent acceptances, tho gathering will bo a big success, given fine weather. The recent fine spell has been taken advantage of by trainers to send their charges along, and most of the horses should be fairly well forward. Eight New Zealand Cup candidates have been loft in tho big money at Marton. and it will bo interesting to see how they shape. Square Deal has been doing good work einco his arrival here, and is looking very well, though, of course, ho will probably bo all the Getter after ho has had a few races ; but tho same applies to most of the others en gaged. Tangihou is reported to be going along nicely, whilo Master Moutoa and Bronk Delaval arc doing well. A. Hall has Moulu looking really well, and the son of Boniform trill bo given a run "J the big event at Marton, in which ho has the nice weight of 7st Tib. If he is back to biß best lorm, he should run a good race. F. Tilley intends taking First Line, Terrier, and Miacara to Marton. The first-named, a three-year-old son of Advance— '.a engaged in the Trial Hack Plate. Ho is a nice-looking sort, but it remains to bo seen bow ho will shape, Terrier is in tho Electrin Hack Race- at Bst 21b, and the eon of Golden Gate is likely to be one of tho most-fancied candidates. Ifo showed good form at the end of last season, and should do Well at tho forthcoming meetings, as ho appoars to have improved considerably. Miacara is not harshly treated in the Railway Handicap, iu which she has,,Bst 21b, She is not wound up yet, but ought to run a good race. Although Marton failed to do any good at Dannevirkc, his connections aro hopoful that ho will bo seen to bettor advantage on, Wednesday, when he will be a starter in the Marton Hack Steeplechase, in which he has list lib, or a pound less than Lady Bibboro. the Dannevirko winner. Expedition (lOst Gib) is said to be very fit. and may trouble the two top weights. Murt. Gardner, the Waterlcy trainer, who has Expedition under his chargo, will also take Analogue to Marion, the latter being engaged in tho Electric Hack Race, in whictt ho has 78t 91b. He is said to be back to something liko his very best form again, and, if so, should not bo long in making good. F. Tilley has a horse engaged in every handicap event at the Wanganui spring meeting except the Hack Steeplechase. The Fordell team consists of Miacara, First Line, Lconto, Austin, Gang Awn', Ararat, and Pernor. It is said that Gang awn and Ararat have wintered well.-and arc likoly to get amongst tho winners before the season is far advanced. Ararat has been nominated for tho principal flat events, Tho mare which C.Lott has in work by Zimmerman out of Icicle has been named Zimicle. Sho has been entered for tho Maiden Plate at the Wauganui Jocke- Club's Spring Meeting. She has thrown off the bad cola which recently troubled nor, and is now moving along very nicely. Combustion is to make his debut over th» hurdles at the Marton meeting. The son of I Bombardo has been shaping well over tho t pony hurdleß, and, if he negotiates the higher jumps in anything like the same stylo, he should make a good hurdler, as he has plenty of '•ace. Another candidate for jumping honours in Record has also been clearing tho pony hurdles very smartly. The son of Renown is in Mr, C. Gordon's stable, and is being got ready for the Waneanui meeting. The fine weather now being experienced has enabled F. Tilley to give Rir.aldo some solid work. The New Zealand Cup candidate is .looking and gome very well, Ho has not been engaged at the Wauganui meeting, »nd will make ma first appearance this season at the Wellington meeting, Another of tho Fordell lot which will not 5?, BOn o«t until tho Wellington meeting is Client, The son of Elevation has only just henn taken up, He has wintered well, and if he trains on all right ho should be heard of this season.