SPORTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16500, 28 March 1917, Page 9

SPORTING.

RACING FIXTURES. New Zealand. April 7, 9—Auckland Racing Club. A.pril 9, Feilding Jockey Club. April 9, Canterbury Jockey Club. April 9—Waimate Plains Trotting Club. April 11, 14—Avondale Jockey Club. April 19, Wellington Racing Club. April 21, 25—Auckland Trottins Club. DATES OF COMING EVENTS. April Easter Handicap. April 7—Great 'Northern Oaks. April 7—Great Northern Champagne Stakes, April 9—Great Northern St. Leger Stakes. April Feilding Cup. April Great Easter Handicap. April 11-Great Autumn Handicap. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. 1.J., Whangarei.—Musket was imported from England in 1878. The horse in question died in 1885. Martini-Henry wor, the V.R.C. Derby in 1883, and Nordenfelt captured the same event in 1885. Wageb.—Explosion defeated Bluejacket by a length in the Auckland Guineas of 1898. Bluejacket won the Great Northern Derby by three-quarters of a length. Explosion being second and Altair third. t NOTES BY PHAETON.

It can be said with' perfect security that the question claiming most attention at the present time connected with racing in the Dominion is the suggested curtailment of race meetings during the period of the war. Recent Ministerial utteiances indicate very clearly that the Government consider that something should be done in that direction. How matters will shape themselves is at present a little difficult to define, but one thing seems very clear—that an early meotinz of the Racing Conference should be convened so that the question may be thrashed out in proper order, and the Government placed in possession of the necessary facts guiding to a neht decision.

At a meeting of the Hawke'a Bay Jockey Club Committee last week, the following resolution was carried "unanimously:—" That while recognising that there is considerable difference of opinion as to whether there should be some limitation of racing under present conditions, we are of opinion that careful consideration of existing interests is required, especially to see that the breeding of the thoroughbred horse is not discouraged, and that the livelihood of that largo class of men, trainee and otherß, who aro dependent for their living upon such employment, and who are not suitable for other occupations, is not prejudiced, and that to obtain a fair consideration of the questions it is desirable that the New Zealand Racing Conference should call a meeting at an early date to appoint a committee to conaider the whole question fully and make recommendations to the Government bearing on the whole matter."

Shortly after Mr. Lysnar purchased Blackall from Mr. E. J. Watt it was stated that the half-brother to Noctuiform would probably make his debut as a jumper this season. The All Black gelding is not apparently going to bo easily perfected as a jumper. I clip the following from a Napier paper of a recent date;— There was a deal of diversion caused on the training tracks at Hastings when Blackall was, sent out to school ovor hurdles. He was not in the humour for receiving tuition over obstacles, and absolutely refused, to look at them, though all sorts of persuasive powers were brought into requisition. Ultimately ho, consented to try one, but he was led over it, and his morning's work as a fencer ended at that. He is apparently going to prove more than a handful for Hickey. The fact of there being no outstanding star amongst the fillies this year will be to the advantage of the Great Northern Oaks, so far as securing a good field to contest tfa<» classic race. The fillies engaged this year arpear to be of such equal merit that it is most difficult to focus the ono that will start favourite. Desert Gold is expected to make a reappearance on the scene in the Twenty-fifth Challenge Stakes, which is set down for decision on April 10 at Riccarton. The bay mare has incurred the maximum penalty of 101b for the seven-furl on k race, and she wilt, therefore, have to carry fist 81b. The Melbourne Cup winner Sasanof, who is also east in the maximum penalty, has had his engagement continued, nnd Biplane, Gamecock, and Estland stands out amongst the prominent two-year-olds left in the race. In point of numbers the Hawke's Bay sportsman. Mr, T. H. Lowry, holds tho strongest hand hr the Great Easter Handicap, Tete-a-tete. Egypt, and Beitano, members of his team, having been paid up for in connection with the seven-furlong race. Estland having been loft in the C.J.C, Champagne Stakes and Challenge Slakes, such points to the probability of the brother to Biorneborg racing at Riccarton next month, instead of as was-thought; at. Ellerulie .- , . '■.•'■ -~,.";,. --'. t'- • - ~--,. patrobas is reported ;to'.-lie amiss, ant! that being so the : way l will be icleared for Carlita 1 I to- prove'the w«ght-for-»B« »tw »t.,-%«'. Autumn. :, Meeting, "* '«• ■ ■-■■' ; ■'■■ - .- - .^ife^ :

.NOTES FROM ELLERSLIE. , ( P. Loomb has arrived from the South in charge of Mr. De Latour's representatives for the Ellerslie meeting. The Celt has not been noticed indulging in his usual work lately, and rumour has it that the prospects are not bright for the chestnut going to the post in the Brighton Hurdles. Sleepy Jack now forms one of Lambess's team at Ellerslie, and is being indulged in useful work. Now that the country meetings are over, the son of Glengowrie may prove hard to place to a profit. An apprentice named Dillanioro. who has been attached to Loomb's stable, at Gisborne, for about three years, wae noticed riding work yesterday. He scored a fair percentage of wins in his trials, and gave some promise of turning ont a success. Merry Roe is coming into some favour for the A.RC. Easter Handicap of late. Those who have witnessed her moving on (he track at, Ellor-sli© appear convinced that her condition and general appearance cannot be found fault with. TRAINING NOTES. The outside of the course proper was thrown open by Caretaker Hill yesterday, all the fast work being executed on that track. Fisher, who, though an indifferent fencer, won a hurdle race at the Ellerslie Summer Meeting, was ' indulged in a circuit at the serviceable pace. The much-talked-of Hopfield was worked in company with Colonel Soult in the early morning. Hopfield had an advantage from the start, and registered good time tor the first «ix furlongs, after which the pair were eased off. They were despatched from the new mile post, and the Australian. pleased his admirers by his freedom of action and his beginning qualities. Gold Fran was timed over a circuit to make 2m lis, and relished the turfy nature of the track. Phosphorus, who was noticed wearing light bandages yesterday, was worked at a sound pace. Wiri again displayed some pace when sprinted in company with Shower Gold. The last three furlongn took about 41s. Arran was noticed moving attractively at the close of a spr-nt in company with Tabriquette. This son of Marble Arch has proved a keen disappointment of late. Taot showed up better than Loyal Arch at the close of a sprint. The former is moving freoly in her work.

Pendoon and Royal Irish were companions over a eeven-furlong course, the time registered being fair. Hiero appears to have improved with his country racing, and hit out freely yesterday in company. El Gallo and Porphyry were companions in their work at a sound pace. Rockfield shaped well over five furlongs in company. Good time was registered. No fault could be found with the display of Housewife yesterday over six furlongs. She was accompanied by Lady Penury and another, and registered under lm 20s, finishing well. Lady Glen hit out freely when she finished up a sprint in front of Marble Star and another. Bedford moved nicely when worked in company at a sound pace, and despite the defeat registered against his name at Paeroa. he claims a fair following for Ellcrslie engagements. Idra had Waihinepai as a companion over a sprint distance, and was finishing best. It took them just over lm 7s from the old five-furlong post. Cadrona was indulged in useful work, and looked well, Silver Lupin sprinted under 13s to the furlong, and appeared to put a deal of life into his effort. Torotoro relished the going, and registered about 52s for half-a-mile. Affnestes had easily the best of Lord Kemlworth over fivo furlongs run in moderate time. , Waimai, Tenacious, and Captain Loch were companions over a distance on the inside grass track, and made good time for fencers. Waimui relished the task. Toki and Lord Ainslie are quartered at Ellerslie, and are in steady work in view of Easter engagements. Toki appears to walk short, Demotic had slightly the best of Bingham, with Cambridge in the rear, at the close of five furlongs run in under lm 6s from the new post. Sanacre ran the best four furlongs of the morning, and defeated Princess Bee comfortably. Royal Rufus ran down from the new mile post, and was accompanied by St. Francis over the last sevon furlongs, which took lm 365. Though bandaged in front, the former hit out freely. Cokoly and Pearl do Mont, two of Chisholm's team, were, sprinted, making just under 54s for half-n-milc. Tararu Jack was scon out at a sprint, but looked a little above himself. THE JUMPERS. l Sylvan Knight finished up in front of Ulster and Guiding Way over hurdles. The latter 8 fencing was not faultless.Joss negotiated four fences safely. Spalspire displayed timidity when tested over the steeplechase fonces on the flat, but cleared them without mishap, He baulked at one of the small fences, but afterwards negotiated it safely. Spectators were treated to an attractive display over the hill by four steeplechase candidiitcs-Ghidpot, Troublesome, Tragedy King, and Kaiwhekaliaiire. „. Gluepot finished in front, with Troublesome and , Tragedy King almost, in line next, and Kai-whaka-haere ~ within reasonable -distance. The quartette took the; different fences i in good style at the pace- required. ;;|--„ U ' ;*. Sportful i and Paul K Moore ; were* schooled over the small hurdles.. The former man- ■ aged :■ the .■; task, safely but the latter /. gave j St andon a nasty shaking by ; falling. % ■ Stansuffered ; injuries to •: his .; shoulder, __i_ '. : ■■• '^

INTER - PROVINCIAL GOSSIP. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN COUKESFCXDENTS-] CANTERBURY. Tuesday. Acceptances and general entries for the Canterbury Jockey Club's Autumn Meeting have made their appearance, and it is now possible to sum up the prospects. With twenty-four horses in the Croat Easter and thirteen in the Great Autumn, everything points to plenty of interest being aroused in the two big handicaps. Apart from numbers both . races promise well, as there is plenty of material of good class. So far as the Great Easter is concerned, the acceptors include the four top weights, Croesus, Tete-a-tete, Oxenhope, and Bee, with others also possessing good credentials, among them being Sasanof, Panmurc, Egypt, Shrill, Miss De Val, and Gaziquo. In the Great Autumn, Bee, Sasanof, and kilboy represent the best class, while Snub, Varnish, and fiery Cross are others being talked about. Altogether the two races are likely to occasion a lot of interest. Though there will be only three starters in the Champagne Stakes they arc of good class. Biplane stands out from Gamecock 1 and Estland on form, but he will require to be at his beat to retain his position. The same trio may meet again in the Challenge Stakes, with Desert Gold and Sasanof to provide further interest. in addition to which Good Hope and Flying Start inn be worth notice, as they have incurred no penalties. There will be a good xntingent of impor ted horses racing at R'ccarton next month, among those wiih engagements being Vanmure, Shrill, Cheloaa, Bayonne, Winter Cherry, and Love To'ten. There are some likely winners in this little lot. Sasanof is a strong favourite for the Great Easter Handicap, while Kilboy is in like position for the Great Autumn, tho combination having been supported for all the money available. Until about a week ago they were worked in company over middle distances, but Sasanof has been kept to sprinting since it was decided not to send him to Ellerslie. He is galloping well, but has done nothing exceptional. Kilboy also moves along in nice style, but I have seen no reason to regard him as a Great Autumn certainty. As a matter of fact, but for market movements, I would have picked Shrill as a, more likely Great Easter candidal!) from Kobbs'B team. She is' an attractive mover, and always seoms to do her work well. Ag for Kilboy, he is a gross colt, who may not be quite wound up, and it would be no surprise to find Sasanof & better proposition than the Kilbroney co-It over a mile and a-half. A couple of races, however, should do a lot for Kilboy, who may be bettor at Trentham than at Riccarton.

Bee appears to have got over her leg troubles, and is moving along freely in her tasks. If she continues all right she will be a competitor in the Great Easter and Great Autumn Handicaps. Her stable mate. Zuland, is working well. He is a brilliant galloper, but doubts are expressed as to his chances of seeing out seven furlongs. Derrett has Margerino looking exceptionally fit, and she can be relied on to race well next month. Good Hone has shown signs of lameness more than once lately, but his connections do not regard the trouble as serious. He is bowling along very freely. Last , autumn he was pretty good, and he looks like coming back. Snub is in great fettle just now. He has been sprinted a lot lately, and it has sharpened him up. There is nothing in the Great Autumn with better staying credentials. The two-year-old Biplane does all his work very easily, and is always galloped tho reverse way of tho track, as he goes more kindly under that treatment. Mason has him looking well, but he has not been asked any serious questions lately. Gamecock is hitting out freely in his tasks, but always has a bit in reserve. | Ho has improved sin:o he last raced at Riccarton, but I doubt if ho is 'qua! to defeating Biplane in the Champagne Stake* provided the Comedy King colt is at his best. The imported mare Winter Cherry is doing good work on the tracks. She is a rare galloper, and she will bo hard to beat on tier next appearance. Wrestler's name is missing from the nominations for the Canterbury Jockey Club's meeting, and I am afraid he can be written out. The Antagonist colt can gallop, but scons to be always more or lees unsound. Banian met with an accident yesterday morning. While going to tho course ho fell and cut his legs badly. It is feared a long spell may be necessary, which ,is bad luck for his connections, as he looked certain to pick up some good stakes in hurdle races during the autumn and winter months.

WELLINGTON. Tuesday. Miss Deval is moving nicely at Trentham, and will bo sent South for the C.J.C. meeting at Riccarton. Her Btable companionTaringamutu, is now running out at Mr. 'I, Bevnn's pluce, Manakau. ' The Gisborne horse, Gazique. in charge of his trainer, passed through hero on Saturday, on his way. to Riccarton, where ho ia to race at Eastern Another Gisborne horse in Multifual, in charge of C. Morse, is oxpocted to pass through hero to-day. The Highdcn trainer, G, Price, was.in Wei lington this week, making preparations for shipping some yearlings to the- Easter sales at Randwick. The youngsters number six, and go over on Thursday in charge of James Hai.haway .„,.-, • The well-known horseman. A. Oliver, who has,been in camp for the Inst three months, is now attached to tho artillery reinforce- . nionts at Featherston. . Oliver should bo 2ui at home riding one of the horses. * J, W. Lowe, in charge of Monelaus. Mascot. Ayah and e>*down, has made arrangements to leave for Ellerslie early,next week.' Tho first-named figures';as. an acceptor for, the Great ', Autumn . Handicap, but it v is, understood this is a mistake. : ■■■'.-■• ; >• -.. , C. Emerson's • suspension will, expire next week, and all being well he will be riding at .*t; Easter, Amongst otter -.■•.■■ '■'■.■'•■■ ■.■.■■■• -' . - ■■'- ' ■• ■ : '■-•'■■■■■ . ■•••■::;

mounts, he will be up on The Toff, Ample, Koesian, and Wishful, who will represent Mr. G. L. Stead. With the approaching Easter Carnival looming in the immediate distance, there is a fair amount of activity at Trentham. Chakwana has dropped out- of her Auckland engagements, and will probably be found contesting the Easter Handicap at Tauherenikau.

At Trentham. C. Pritchard has two welldrown youngsters going through the initial stages of their education. One is a filly by Martian from Mary of Argyle (a sister' to Ardenvohr and Mascot), and the other is a fillv by Rokeby out of Elaine. Bairnsdale struck trouble in the paddock last week. He was running with a pony and "ot kicked on the near hind leg, and had to be eased up in consequence. Mr. George Morse, the well-known handicapper. was preient on both days of the Rangitikei meeting. His friends will be ! leased to hear that he is improving in health, and intends to spend a few days in the North Auckland dictrict before the Auckland Racing Club's meeting. The Australian importation. Blairfinde and the Auckland horses Monodon and Campaign, have been engaged at the Wairarapa meeting at Easter. WANGANUI. Tuesday. Carmol Arch won tho Trial Plate at Bull? for his new owner, Mr. H. W. Johnston, in good style. Tho son of Marble Arch also ran a good race on the second day, when he finished second to Starengo. he promises to prove a very profitable investment for Mr. Johnston, who has over a stable establishment her*», and has Austin in work again, getting him ready for some of the coming hurdle events. It is understood th 4 a local syndicate ia negotiating for the purchase of a couple of well-bred three-year-olds which have shown splendid form. If the deal comes off it will mean a welcome addition to the horses already in training here, as they are mostly of a moderate class. Mr. W. Duncan's three-year-old goldins Endure (by Endeavour) was well supported in the Trial at Bulls, but. though he looked and moved well, he had to be content with fourth place. He finished outside of a place again on the second day, but the racing should do him goodMoutoa Queen followed up her dual win at Wanganui by annexing the Scott Memorial Handicap at Bulls, and thus won in open company at the first time of asking She was turned out in capital fettle by F. Tilley and came away at the right end in fine style.

«v » t j° rdon took Grey Guard to Bulls, but the Advance gelding did not run up to oxpectations in. tho hurdles. He was going nicely on the first day, but unexpectedly faded away just when his supporters were looking to him [or a finishing effort to win. He jumped splendidly, and later on should win some good races for Mr. F. Moore. H. Rayner took Siarengo to Bulls, and the Marengo gelding won a race each day putting up two good performances- He carried Bst 111b to victory in the Carnarvon Hack Kace the first day, running the six furlongs in lm 15s, and with Ost 81b on his back won the Bangitoto Hack the second day easily. On the form shown Starengo promises to do well in open company He looked one of the fittest horses seen out at the meeting. •*

Mr W. J. Phillips, the well-known Sandon sportsman, has got hold of a good one in T„°^ ma T n, J a f °» r T ear -° ld B*Wng bl r Si" Laddo-Lady Stockton, which won the Maiden at the Rangitikei meeting with the greatest of ease, and ran th six ™"» in lm 15s with a bit in hand. Illnon s* Multicipal would . probably have won the ovor g }« K,' ( CUP n b l for Be, i in , K hiß over the bit. On the second day he scored comfortably m the Greatford Stakes He was ridden by W. Price, who has been scor ing a number of wins lately. 0r Haupai was started both days at the Rangitikei meeting, but failed L A ** good though. W.VSer B her tking m splendid trim If tried over hurdle? he ought to do well, as she is bred to „mo being by Sweet Simon out of Fai?wlncf the jumping season starts. nkfct when . Marton continues to do well cJ -n i in excellent fettle for the openinJ „", ' cross-country season, all gomg ™li of \r° Bayner also ha, VladiVin Wad"" work' This gelding has an enlarged knee k ? i does not appear to affect him in his' work. ' FORTHCOMING MEETINGS. AUCKLAND RACING CLUB. The Auckland Racing Club's antmv,, gramme will require further attenft hands of horseowners on or U»! p'j ' next, on which day at 9» m , ? nday close for the PresiLnt?Handicnp CCe, O^, CCS Stakes. Nelson Handicap, and Eden H.«S7 can. and final forfeit* for the Great Nor" them Champagne Stakes Great Northi™ Oaks, and Great, Northern St. Legor ffi require to be declared by the same date and .The receipt of Mr. Morse's official copy of us weights issued on Monday laet for events to be run at the Auckland Racing Club, Autumn Meeting, shows that some errors crept into the Nelson Handicap. Pink Tie Cynic, Blue and Black, and Lndy Mabel' which figured respectively at 7.9, should have rend 7.10 in each case, while Marble Star, Jocular, and Luperino have been re ■ apectively allotted 7.6 instead of 7.5, as appearing in yesterday's issue. AVONDALE JOCKEY CLUB. The attractive programme submitted by the Ayondale Jockey Club in connection with, their forthcoming autumn meeting will require attention at the hands of horsemen on )or before Friday next, on; which day at 9 eon, nomination* oloa?, to ail events. • ~.'■