SPORTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16561, 9 June 1917, Page 9

SPORTING.

RACING FIXTURES. June 14, 16.—Qisborne Racing Club. Juno 22, "23.— Napier Park Pacing Club

' ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. Bi.ugoum, Remuera.— to tho Turf ! Register, Bluestono made his debut on the turf in tho Chevalier Handicap, run at Avomtiile m the autumn of 101-2, al wh\rh time lie lured as a three-year-old. Takanini started in the same event. Stockwkll.—At the sale of the Duke of Westminster's yearlings in July. lilOO, I'2 lots were sold (or 'llUOllgns, which is a record. The Persimmon Ornament filly (Sceptre) was sold lor IO.OOOgns. Her winnings in stakes were as follows: At two years, f'2lsS; at three years. f'Js.l!)s; at four veins, 112.133. According to a table published in Huff's Guide, the sum paid by Captain Bass for Sceptre, at four years old was £25.000, NOTES BY PHAETON. KI.LERSIJE IN WINTER. With the Government cutting out all special railway facilities in connection with race, meetings muter* did not assume a favourable aspect for fresh records being entered up at the Great Northern Meeting this season. That pleasing task, liowover, unexpectedly came to the A.B.C. managerial stall despite the discouraging circumstances ruling in connection with transport. In owning * racecourse within such iv short distance ot tho city tho ARC. must bo deemed especially fortunate, and this (act was certainly pointedly demonstrated this winter, when -Ho trains flashed past the raceconrso platform without tho customary stop signal. Jno beautiful weather experienced all through too recent meeting no doubt played a strong part in drawing such a large concourse or lacegoers each day to the racc-sido; and though many had to take long walks, • to highly pleasant conditions under which the racing was witnessed went a long way to smoothing away ruffled feelings. r '"« the three days many incidents of »!»»»'* pleasing character were associated with the gathering; and altogether it ran lie said that the curtain was lowered on another season's racing nt hllerslie leaving much to Btcro up in memory. THE WINTER STEEPLECHASE. The field saddled up to contest the Winter Steeplechase at Ellerslio last Wednesday was. I think, the most numerous that has ever contested that race. With El I, alio said led ' up to fulfil his engagement tinder 12st .win, such furnished a higuly-plcasing incident. Quite the gentleman of the party, tho Spalpeen gelding always stood out favourite: and when the plantation was enterod the third time his large circle of admirers seemed to have good reason to view the situation optimistically, for Mr. W. J, Ralphs green jacket to come homo in front. There was never a shirk on the part of hi Gallo in his endeavour to cut down ht. Elmn who had .Ist the best of it in .tho matter of weight; albeit the top-weishl knocked the top off the last stone wall, tho task was, however, too great, and St. bimn had matters all his own way in the run home. The top-weight was undoubtedly well beaten two fences from home, but all tho same it can be argued that he made a heroic effort under ft heavy burden. PROMISING ST. ELMN. Of the recent recruits to the ranks of the steeplechasers it can bo said without any hesitation that St. Elmn stands out as tho one most promising. Without any schooling over tho course, tho son of St. Arabros" managed to got up into third place in „ the Croat Northern Steeplechase, and his effort in that race was so satisfactory that he was well befriended for the Winter Steeplechase.. There was auito a flue display of dash in St. Elnin's second essay over country, and his effort at the post-and-rail fences on the top of the hill was such as to call up the enthusiastic note. St. Elmn carries ft decidedly honest appearance, and being a horse of commanding physique, it would be no surprise should he take Grand National honours this year. GLUEPOT THE SURPRISE. Though Gluepot was counted ont of ft place in the Winter Steeplechase, the Great Northern victor was not by any means, disgraced. lie jumped all his fences in ft most proficient manner, and though clearly feeling tho severity of the pace when iho final stage of tho Winter Steeplechase was entered upon, ho did not shift the least bit when tho concluding hurdle loomed up. Though there is nothing in the conformation and build of Gluopot calculated to call up the enthusiastic note, and in some respects .i ,tronst shaft might be cast, he IS ft Morse that can be accepted as a. pretty safe conveyance in a contest over big fences. S. Henderson, who steered Gluepot in his races this winter has evidently great confidence in the chestnut's ability to negotiate fences properly, for he was content to ride very short. Henderson is entitled to a good word for the manner in which ho handled Gluepot.

THE STARTER. From the very outset of Mr. C. O'Connor'.! assuming the post of starter under the Auckland Racine Club he proved a con spicuous success in the exacting duties appertaining to that responsible, position, and at the end of another season it is most pleasing to again offer him congratulations cm the high standard maintained. he mtrked success that has attended Mr O'Connor as a starter, it in worthy of remark, has been attained without a resort to draconian measures, and thoucri firmness personified in dealing with jockeys is a strong characteristic with him the stewards have never had much to deal with either in the matter of inflicting fines for unruly conduct or disobedience at the post. for a man to he a complete success as a starter the great qualification is of course abili'y. but confidence on the part of the jockeys s also required, and with such a combination it is no wonder that Charles 0 Connor should be tho success he has proved in the important office.

LEAVES FROM MY NOTEBOOK. During the present week another of tho old identities of the Auckland turf passed away in the person of Donald Taylor, who had reached the advanced ago of 85. years. In the old days the deceased was one of the best-known horsemen over abstacloa in Auckland, lie was one of the courageous order, and, as the saying goes, would ndo anything In following the profession in which he found himself east at that stage. Dona d suffered many falls, and, at a meeting held ai Howick in the '60's, he was soriously hurt. Alter giving up riding, he acted as trainer to several local sportsmen, and his chief patron was Mr. J, Lonnard, for whom he trained many winners. Mr. W. H. Windsor, who gave racegoers a Burprioo at Ellerslie by furnishing the winner of tho Great Northern Steeplechase witn Gluepot, speaks quite enthusiastically in .e----gard to a four-year-old gelding that he IS engaged in putting through his facings .s a jumper. The equine in question rejoices m the name of John Bunny, and was got by the Pilgrim's Progress horse Bunyan fro-n the Soult mare Lottie. All going well with John Bunny he may be expected to carry Bilk next season Outcast, tho grand-dam of the Great Northern Steeplechase winner Gluopot, was an actor in the hunting fluid for quite- a number ot years, and she had the distinction of carrying a lady rider when following tho hounds. How time fles! It seems but a hiiort span since I found Mr. George Ellis at the old Ellerslie Hotel building hopes ot Outcast turning out well; but 35 years have almost sped their flight since that period. Outcast j; roved to be valueless for racing, and she was eventually bought by Mr. .1 Lcunarcl. Tho last-named veteran wis amongst tho visitors to the recent Great Northern meeting- and it was pleasing to find him in the same buoyant spirits as of yore. Takanini. who brought off a sensational surprise in the Orakoi Hurdle Race, run at , Ellerslie last Wednesday, it may bo remarked, | claims descent from noteworthy families on both sides of his pedigree. His sire, Pukaki. was got by that stud success Soult, while his dam, Paulina, was go! by Cuirassier. _ The ftiong point in Takanini'a pedigree is the strength of the Musket strain, three of which comes to him in close order. On the aire a Bide he gets ono (Hotchkissl through his grand-dam, while on his dam's side his grand-dam is a daughter of Cuirassier, while at one remove Woodnyinph (by Musket) comes into the picture Bluestonc bids fair to hold a good plape amongst geldings who have retained their pace in a remarkable manner. At the recent Ellerslio meeting the veteran grey son of Bluelight and Flirt demonstrated beyond a doubt that though noaring his ninth year ho can still muster up that fipe dash of pace that characterised many of his performances in vears gone by. To win under list 81b against a good field of horses on a course decidedly holding Bluestono .registered a performance that was decidedly meritorious. With a record rainfall last month the racecourse staff at Ellerslie experienced what may be termed an exacting time. The officer in charge, Mr. Albert Hill, and his staff emerged from the difficulties created in a highly successful manner; and the trim and orderly state of everything on the courso proved the subject of much favourable comment. It is interesting to note that Cloud, dam of the Groat Northern Steeplechase winner Gluepot, threw a. winner to every sire she was mated with, even trotting blood mating well with her, and ono of her descendants won distinction in the latter department. Mr Ben. Myers, the hunting enthusiast, owned Cloud at one portion of her career Mr. Myers bought her for the purpose of trying to breed another Bowler, hut ill-luck attended his efforts, and ho sold Cloud to Mr. Tim O'Connor, whose property she was at the time she died foaling to Sfllvadan. The Paltura-nga. Hunt Club meet to-day at Kelly's corner, instead of Imiruatao.

AUCKLAND DISTRICT COMMITTEE U a meeting of tho District Committoe yesterday afternoon a jockey's license was granted to W C. Standon. A si-bscquciit meeting of the Auckland Raring Club Committee was held. A donation of i'loo was grunted to the Red Cross Society. Messrs. Ciorric and Price were appointed to represent the club at the Racing Conference to bo held in July. Accounts totalling £356 were passed for payment. A statement of accounts in connection with the wintor meeting was laid on the table, and showed a, satisfactory result. The Government tax amounts to £7027 Us.

NOTES FROM ELLERSLIE. Those who contended that Bon Reve must have won the Great Northern Hurdles had his owner not missed the acceptance may not be so pronounced in their argument since the need Bonifnrm gelding has been tried and failed at Ellorsho. On his displays in tho Remuera and Campbell Hurdles events, he certainly left the impression with several keen sportsmen that he had no distinct liking for the stiff fences or heavy ! turf he was called upon to encounter, tlo hit somo of the hurdles very hard, but would evidently be a much better Bon Reve on * firm track. Sir Solo and Cast Iron, by filling the second and third places in tho Camp 1 )!',! Hurdle Race on Wednesday, gave evidence that they improved slightly with racing. However, it may prove unwise to take too much notice, of the fact in future events, for Ellerslie conditions the past week are. entirely different to what, the pair mentioned will he tailed upon to meet at South').n fixtures. Czaronus made it plain by his showing out in front in the Winter Steeplechase that ho will be troublesome the first time ho stands ] Ins ground in any cross-country event. I Up to the stage when ho fell he was going i so nicely that it seemed certain ho mist have led St. Elmn home. The latter should i furnish into a first-class 'chaser before •he. j winter season closes. ./. Roach, tho local horseman, headed the list, of winning jockeys in connection with the Ellerlio meeting. He rode four win--1 ners. Stan. Reid, J. O'Shca. and 11. Lapp each steered two winners, while the following scored a single:—R. Wood, E. R. Hold. W. Rush P. Brady. L. II Hewitt. H. Henderson. L. Coleman, V Tutchen. A. McDonald, W. Ryan, and Mr. Clout. With three wins credited to T'iniroto. the Wiukato mentor, T. Morris, came out on top of the winning trainers' list in connection with the Great Northern meeting. 1 • Jones. P. Coffey, and J. Thorpe each led in two victors, while, the following trained a. single:-Koss Heaton, S. Waddell, W. Oarrett J. J Preston, W. Kirk, J. Cameron, 11. Barr, A. Robertson. E. J. Hue, U. Moraghan, F. Loomb, and W. H. Windsor. Roy Tapp proved himself capable of retaining his ability as a flat horseman it the Great Northern meeting by saluting the judge in two of the big flat handicaps, on Bedford and Parisian Diamond. Tapp .8 a welter horseman those days, and does not have the opportunity extended under summer weight conditions to display his worth Amongst sportuien drawn in the last ballot are F Tutchen. who rode St. Elmn to victory in the Winter Steeplochaso on Wednesday, also the trainer and part owner if that "gelding, J. Cameron. ,T. Landless, Irainer of Kauri King and Co.. is also booked for tho medical test. Tiniroto was in groat form at the Great Northern mooting, but never really met anything in either of tho three races ho won to seriously extend him at tho business end of his essays. Ho Rave promise of earning further stake money in a much better class for his popular owner, V. Holbechc, who is at present on aetivo service. Dood may have been troublesome at tho close of tho Tamaki Steeplechase with his light impost on Wednesday had he Mood his ground. However, the Patronus gelding displayed no partiality for the Ellerslie hill. and came to grief. He may be capable ot winning minor steeplechases over flat country for he has the pace. Tho dividend returned by Takanini when he won the Orakei Hurdle Race on W.hl nesday was rather surprising in view of iho (act that ho was the most seasoned hurdler in the party, and figured in it the minimum. L Coleman, who piloted the Pukaki gelding, also steered Crispeen when that gelding hroueht off a hie surprie in the Brighton Hurdles at Ellerslio in the autumn of .ast year. It is said that a prominent local sportsman ww negotiating for the purchase of Flying Camp at a good figure during tho Ellerslie meeting. Just when business seemed likely to eventuate the deal fell through. On Flung Camp's effort on the final day at Ellerslio it would seem that the prospective buyer was well out of tlio deal at the figure quoted. Thraco made it clear to onlookers on Wednesday last that he will prove a stumh-ling-block to the opposition in some hack hurdle fields in the future. The raco in the Great Northern worked a wonderful improvement in him. and ho led the bin field in the Orakei Hurdles at a merry paco for ■•Host part, and defeated everything but Takanini. When entrusted with the support of his party on Wednesday Penniless failed to repeat his easy win of opening day. The lOst lllb appeared to anchor him in the thick going, but on a dry turf ho can bo depended upon to win further laurels if his runaway victory on Saturday last can bo treated seriously. A valuable cargo of horseflesh is bookod for the East Coast early next week. Most of the Hawke's Bay representatives at the recent Ellerslie meeting will lie returning home, vhilo several local candidates for tho Gisborn'j meeting will also bo aboard the steamer. There is a probability of » -. nai. Luperino and Tenacious beinir taken i jss to Victoria very shortly. E. J. Rao and his son Bert will accompany the, trio should tho trip bo undertaken. Providing the trip eventuates WaunnVs main object is to make an attempt to capture Grand National honours. The victory achieved by W. Ryan on. Pierrot at Ellerslie was popularly received, an outburst of applause greeting the horseman named on returning to scale. Ryan is one of the most consistent track workers at headquarters, and is deserving of success. Hopfield raced prominently for a time in each start at Ellerslie, but is plainly not the same horse that won at Randwiek last spring. Tho Australian was not quito at 1 home in the heavy going, and it may provo unwise to write him out yet a while. Bißogne showed symptoms of joint trouble on the eve of tho Great Northern meeting, and returned home to Taranaki without starting at tho fixture. Ellerslio still boars • busy appearance with a large proportion of the visiting candidates unable to leave for homo until flipping permits. Cardrona was finishing on gamely at tho close of tho York Welter on Wednesday, and if taken to Southern meetings may be placed to effect. Lady Penury was prominent at one stage of the York Welter on Wednesday, and if raced in the near future would not be entirely discarded. C. Scott is making rapid progress towards recovery from the fall registered by Billy \Vippa on Thursday of last week, and was a visitor to Ellerslie each day of the meeting. Flying Camp fell short of the standard required when tested amongst the open class on Wednesday. When submitted to auction yesterday, Paddington Green failed to reach tho resorve placed upon him.

CISBORNE RACING CLUB.

LIST OF ACCEPTANCES.

[FIT TF.I.EGRAI'n. —PRESS ASSOCIATION-.]

GISBOBNE, Friday. Tho acceptances for tlio Giaborne Raring Club's Winter Meeting are: — PARK HURDLES—Marconi 11.0, Guiding Way 10.10, Municipal 10.7. Montana 10.7. Master Timi 9.13, Spalperion 9.12, Koliinahina 9.4, Gluetanus 9.0. MAIDEN HACK, weight Impediment. Sabine, Kaipo, Tauhinu, Queen of the North, Aymer. Multive, Malaya, Juanna, Lcadlight, Bombardoss. Multiplane. Paokahu, Mysterious Prince, Red Cloud, Miss Ainslie. Milraany. Black Laco. All Stunnod. Happy Valley. FLYING HANDICAP.-Gaziquo mo, Muitifual 11.9, Bjorncborg 10.8, Downham 10.5, Carlysian 10 3, Kauri King 10.2, Zom 9.12, Rewanga 9.7, Otara 9.5, Pearl Marie 9.5, Splendidua 9.3, Lord Ainslio 9.2, Colonnado 9.0, Con 9.0, Flash Lady 9.0. GISBORNE STEEPLECHASE.-Trouble-BOuio 11.7, Ranza Mist 10.11, Fagot 10.fi, Sandy Paul 10 3, Diavolo 10.0. Sabrenni 9.7, Dam 9 7. HACK FLAT—Raumanuwhiri 10.5, Grand Idea 10.3. Lord Ainslio 10.1. Slip-ditoh 12, Hythroad 9,9, Woodrow 9.5, Kohinohinn, 93, Glucian 9.2, Sano 9.0, Eralf 90, Bloomine 9.0, All Grey 90. Whanoko 9.0, Panikau 9.0. TRAMWAY HACK STEEPLER.— perion 10.10. The Chef 10.3, Bodenharn 10.3, Babrenui 10.0, Cokcly, 9.13, Glouria 9.9, Kaiwhakahncro 99, Gluterino 9.7, Hui 9.7. WINTER OATS — Muitifual 12.3. Kooya 11.4 Bjornoborg 10.12, Lady Penury 10.7, Multicipal 9.12. Fionnuala 9.8. Toki 9.6, Tho Summit 9.4, Montana 9.4 Hexton 9.3. Do. upatrh Carrier 9.2, Sir Ralph 9.2, Cynic 9.0, Waiaka 9.0.