SPORTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16761, 30 January 1918, Page 7

SPORTING.

>• " RACING FIXTURES. February Taumarunui Racine Club. February 6, 7—T&ranaki Jockev Club. February 7—Gisborne Racing "Club. ' February 9-Poverty Bay Turf Club. February 9—Te Kuiti Racing Club. February 13. Egmont Racing Club. . February 14,Duncdin Jockey Club. February Hamilton Racing Club. February 21, 23—Wangsnui Jockey Club, February Rotorua Jockey Club. March 6-Waipapakauri Racing Club. March 6—Opotiki Jockey Club. March 8, 9—N&pior Parle Racing Club, March 9— Aroha Jockey Club. March 16—Ohinemuri Jockey Club. V.arch 80, April Auckland Racing Club. April Avondale Jockey Club. 'April Auckland Trotting Club. April 20—Otahuhu Trotting Club. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. Impcmtion.—We cannot find any mention of the horse mentioned in either of the Stud Books. Potatj, Te Kuiti.—lt -was in .the Now Zealand Cup of 1838 that three-year-olds filled the whole of the places in that race. Manton (6st 10lb), Son-of-a-Gun (6st slbK and Exchange (6st) were the trio concerned, NOTES BY PHAETON. THE TAKAPUNA MEETING, With the solo proviso of fine weather eventuating, a solid prediction was offered that the Takapuna Jockey Club's Summer Meeting this 'year would eclipse all preceding gatherings held at the North Shore under all headings. Though the weather on the second day was a considerable remove from an ideal summer day as identified with " the glorious north." racegoers actually invaded the marine suburb in force sufficiently strong to establish a record, and with the tofalisator I receipts (£88,977) showing an increase of j .£13,762 10s, the financial aspect, it may be guessed, found the management of the North Shore body in a particularly buoyant state. With a heavy outlay in connection with the enlargement of the course, it is pleasing to find the North Shore body thu3 early reaping & rich reward for the progressive policy adopted. On each day the racing was well up to anticipations, and the number of surprises recorded added a zost to the proceedings and provided plenty of material to engage the thoughts of the ever-growing army of students. " . THE TAKAPUNA CUP. It can, I think, be safely said that, the recent Cup claimed a wider and more sustained attention than any event previously 'associated with the North Show giound. The completion of the new course, may possibly have had a great deal to do with, the marked interest that was manifested in. the leading race at the North Shore this year. Though it was recognised on all sides that Polydamon bad received his fullest deserts in being called upon to carry Set 15lb. the English horse counted sufficient admirers to send him out lavourito. Another imported one in the shape of Cynic was found • closest to _ Polydamon in the betting. At no period of the contest were the favourites in ■ a .position to really flatter the hopes of their admirers, and Polydamon and Cynic were well in the ruck at an early stage. It does not require much space to relate the history of the race, so far as first position is concerned, for Glenopal, .who was first under the barrier, led throughout, and won by a length and a-half from Mullingar, with Uncle Ned close up in third position. Glenopal, who is a six-year-old mare by the Soult horse Glengowrie, will be remembered as. haying brought off a surprise at EHerslie last autumn, when, under 171b'over-weight, she silenced the opposition in-the President's Handicap. Glenopal was ] bred .by her owner, Mr. R. Hannon, whose second . success it was in the North Shore race in the space of three years. THE TAUMARUNUI MEETING. The Taumarunui Racing Club hold their annual race meeting next Saturday, on their new course,, and it is pleasing to note that the response made by owners is such as to give,, every promise of . a most successful gathering eventuating. In the event of fine weather a good number of racegoers miy be expected to make the trip to Taumarunui, •HAMILTON RACING CLUB. The fact of the Hamilton. Racing Club offering £2000 in prize money, in connection with their forthcoming meeting at Claudelands;, it would have been a surprise had. the committee of the Waikato body not been in a, position to rejoice greatly over both the number and character of the entries lodged for the eight events which form the programme. To offer £2000 for. one day's racing, the Hamilton authorities- must be adjudged to have developed the courageous spirit in a. marked degree, and it will be highly pleasing to chronicle when figures come to be totalled, at the conclusion of the gathering, that-, tho progressive spirits of the Waikato have been well rewarded. Mr. F. J. McManfemin will declare tho weights on Friday. • THE KARAMU STUD. '.The prices' realised at the sale of.tho Karamu stud, held on Monday last, were for the most part, on the low scale, and as ..time goes on, it will, I fancy, be recorded that some bargains were included in the transactions at ' the' Hawke's Bay estate. . That stallions are not- at present viewed as a, channel for speculation was exemplified in the bidding that ensued for the Englishbred. sires" offered at Karamu. King Mark (by i Marco from the Ladas mare Galeta) , was knocked down for.4oogs, while Hymettus (by Cyllene from the Friar's Balsam mare - Sweet Balsam/ only realised 325gn8. King ' Mark fell to the bid of-Mr. J. Ormond. while Hymettus was secured by Mr. W. Cooper, of . Hasterton. Bought in England at-the present time for transportation to New Zealand. it may .be safely said that out of the 725uns -which King Mark and Hymettus realised there would not be much left -. for freight, insurance, and incidental expenses bearing on the .voyage to land them in this country. It was a popular • opinion . that Straga (by Birkenhead who claims distinction as the dam of the speedy Hymestrft. Would command most attention in the brood mare class. Thin was borne out, Mr. ,W. Cooper silencing the opposition with a bid of 600gs. Amongst the yearlings a full sister to Hymestra realised top price, viz.. 400g5.. LEAVES " FROM 'MY NOTEBOOK. ■ Auckland contributes a quintette of entrants to the Wanganui Cup, the lot hailing from this quarter being Mullingar, Polydamon, Cynic. Housewife, and Lord Kenflworth. The weights, for the 1 declaration of which Mr. H. Coyle is responsible, are due to make their appearance on or about February 7. Lough Ennell, whose career was terminated en Monday last as an outcome of a fractured leg which he suffered while contesting the Rangitoto Hack Handicap at the North Shore was » Promising three-year-old full brother to the Wellington Cup winner, Bunting. Umgn Ennell . was owned by Mr.. James 'lianas, and m? formed one of F. Stenning's team. Almo. a 'six-year-old gelding by Antonia, from .puritan. a well-known handicap win ner in Victoria, figures amongst the nominations for the Wanganui Cup. Almo, who was recently brought over from Sydney, was bought by Mr. W. Richmond, and it is said be was acquired chiefly with a view to use as a i jumper. -Mr. H. Coyle witnessed the racing at Takapuna on .Saturday last; - and after deft™ 1 ,!; fliC weights for the opening day of tfte-Taranaki Meeting, returned home to , Wellington. • In consequence of the Waikato Trotting Clubs meeting, fixed for February 23.next, clashing with the Wanganui Club's fixture, the former has been postponed until the following Saturday, March 2. It may bp interesting to followers of favourites to know that £21,470 was speculated on actual first favourites during the Takapuna meeting. Of this 6um £17,964 and some odd shillings were returned in the way of dividends from first favourites, five being returned winners during the meeting, while in, two. instances the ■ investments were saved by "the' popular choice filling second place "„W. .Sharp, G. Lindsay, W. Mantle, and T. 1 Morris were at the head of the trainers' list over the Takapuna meeting, nacli or those named led in two winners. Tho following scored a single:—R. Hannon. H. Barr. J. Williamson, R. J. Graham, E. J. Rae, A. W. Beveridge, S. Walker, R. Mc- . R. Reed headed the list of winning horsemen at Takapuna with three wins, J. O'Shea, .1- Roach, H. Goldfinch, H. Rennie, and C, •Brown each scoring two. H. Gray, A. J. McFlynn, and E. Rae each won a race. 'T ' STUD NOTES. -Descendants of the Australian-bred sire, Spalpeen, were strongly in evidence at the Takapuna Jockey Club's meeting, six successes registered by them placing the chestcut son of Gossoon at the head of the list. Achilles and Lupin were level for second place, with two winners each. Tho other «res to win a place on the winning list were Marble Arch, Gleagowrie, St. Amans, Regel, Elysian. and Gluten, who each had one successful representative. At the sale of the Yaldhurst Stud in 1908, Rattler (by Nelson—Moonga). a full sister to the New Zealand Cup winner Seahorse, was bought by Mr. S. Green for lOOOgns. When tho chestnut mare went under the hammer on January 9 at the sale of the Shipley Stud . she vt.s followed by a colt by the English sire Comedy King, and the pair were knocked . down t.t 150gns. - From Melbourne comes news of the death of ' the imported sire Land of Song. It appears that the horse, while running in a Paddock, had the misfortune to fracture one of his legs, and as the case was regarded as hopeless the friendly bullet had to be requisitioned. Land of Song, who was got by Llangibby from Ailena, by Mackintosh, won racing honours in both hemispheres, and he was • regarded as a, valuable horse. The value of Land of Song was assessed . at - £4000. Two sons of Soult, in the shape of St. . Amahs &nd Glengowrie, claimed winners at V the Takapuna meeting on Saturday last,

NOTES FROM ELLERSLIE. The ■ English importation Polydamon, who started a • firm favourite for the Takapuna Cup on , Saturday .last, loat . a host of admirers on account of' his mediocre effort. .In fact lie was only eighth in the uublio estimation for the Takapuna Jockey Club's Handicap Monday. In neither of his races did ho act kindly on the circular track which is a failing of English horses. However, when ho is stripped on a track \vhere there is plenty of room ho is not likely to bo forgotten. for ho gaYa evidence of, quality when he. raced at the Ellorelie holiday carnival. I have .heard >it said the Wanganui Cup distance would be to his liking, but it may be . well .to remember that that course is fairly circular, and I am doubtful if it would suit the son of Polymelus much better than Takapuna. Meltohikoff, who ran. unplaced in the' Jockey Club Handicap at Takapuna on Monday, had been responsible for sonic encouraginsr efforts in private, but he is evidently better suited in the wolter class, for he carries weight well, and appears to do his best with a vigorous horseman to aid him. Had Rebel not made the pace so warm put ill front of the Jockey Club Handicap last Monday during the middle stages, it is just possible Uncle Ned's supporters would have been favoured with & place dividend. As it wm, Deeley could not allow Rebel to get too far away, and as a consequence the effort of Uncle Ned to keep handy to the leader told its tale when Royal Irish challenged him for second honours in the rim home.

It looks as if Colonel Soult will have to bo regarded as bavins gono past his best, for he failed to gain placed honours in , either start at Takapuna. He 'certainly looked well, and was handily treated in the matter of poundage. W. Sharp turned- Fionnuala out in great heart at Takapuna, and it is worth remarking that the chestnut mare and Roy Heed appear to be suited to each other, for the combination have now three victories to credit at Te Awamutu and two at Takapuna. In oach event the daughter of Spalpeen has _ returned a handsome dividend, andthe sporting prossman who held her on lease at an early stase of her career must consider himself unfortunate in not retaining his interest in her. The hack hurdle class seen out at Takapuna cannot be referred tc in eulogistic terms, though it is quite possible that Ditto, who won oach day, may improve, The six-year-old daughter of Spalpeen fairly outjumped the opposition, to which fact can bo attributed the successes recorded Poi. who won the Moana Handicap at Takapuna on Monday, is a throe-year-old half-sister to Don Hannibal, whom the late W. Lyons purchased for an Australian career, but failed to catch a race' with. Poi is by Elysi&n— and though on the small side, displays a deal of pace. Those opposed to Poi on Monday were a very mediocre lot, with, perhaps, the exception of Gold Kip, who finished fourth, but who was called upon to give the winner 16lb. Coleraine was showing sufficient pace up to the stage when he lost his rider in the Takapuna Hurdles on Monday to suggest that he will be troublesome in a mile and a-half hurdle race shortly.' Step raced consistently at Takapuna with Gray in the saddle, and after a long list of . failures it must have been gratifying to J»r. A. Couper, who owns him, to note the son of Mystification earning even second ' money in each start. ' It certainly looks as if the speedy track galloper will vet earn « winning bracket with the colours up. Revenue could not have been at his best at Takapuna, on which form he may not be taken down to N Taumarunui for competition. Ma Copper and New Zealand >.ere hacks seen out at Takapuna who held 911 let repu- ■ tations as being speedy, but their displays , amongst the maiden class were not such as • to become enthusiastic about.. Ring Lupin evidently retains his speed over a short course, for ho experienced no , difficulty in disposing of Kitty Bellairs when • the business end of the Suburban Handicap came to be decided on Monday. . No excuses can be offered for Kitty Bellairs, 'or she , was assisted by her favourite pilot, Deeley, • who hopped her out- well, ' , Malaya, who finished fifth in the Suburban Handicap on Monday, was a ouiet selection for that event, having been credited with running half a mile recently in the vicinity of • 48s. If she can reproduce anything like that gallon she should be capable of winning some minor sprint event for her trainer-lessee. Her. stable . companion. Juanna. made a really . determined bid to get into a dividend, finishing third. Had she stalled off Lord Kenilworth she would have- returned her supporters, a handsome second dividend, being the second ■ outsider of the field. , - . u Silver Link made the other two-year-olds seen out at Takapuna l«ok a very poor lot indeed, for with Bst 131b on her back the Achilles—Sweet Link representative really won the second time of asking in common fashion. Mr. M. A. Alexander should do well on the turf with this iuvnile. _ Lord Kenilworth was noticed going on nicely at the close of the Suburban, Handicap on Monday, and # Ilia Taranaki efforts will he followed with interest. In company with Rockfield, Housewife, and Co.. he will probably leave, to-morrow for New Plymouth in charge of C. Bennett. . ■ Caballero. ■ who won the Rangitoto i Hack Handicap at Takapuna on Monday, • looks like turning out very raM for Mr. K. J. Graham, who racd El Oallo before he sold him to Mr. W. J. Ralnh. Rennie proved very energetic in working his way to the lead on the four-year-old ton of Spalneen, and once in front he experienced no difficulty in winning comfortably. . Stilts looked like winning the Anniversary Welter Handicap at Takapuna on Monday last- just prior to the home turn, but what , .chance he had was spoiled by running out iliinster was one of the unlucky horse; in the Anniversary Wplt"r Handicap on Monday. He was one of the last when the neld x settled down, but managed to thread his way through the field into third. place at the close. This son of Spalpeen is very well just now. but will be .more at home, on a roomy track. . Another • defeat was .recorded against Fisher at Takapuna. where he hit a fence, so hard as to unseat E. Reid. It was noticeable that the son of Maniapoto raced in the nomination -of Mr. J. Thorpe on Monday last. He has proved such a disappointing customer- that it i« not. surprising to note that th« Messrs. Nicholson tired of racing him.. He never once went kindly up to the time of his defection on Monday last. ' E. George, ' who brought Polthogue and Madam'Ristori up for competition at Takapuna. ' returned home yesterday with the «,nair Madam Ristori was not parted at the meeting. It is po«sible George will send Speedwell Mac North to compete in hurdle events «t some of the- country meetings in this district. TE KUITI RACING CLUB. The following weights have been declared by Mr. F. J. McManemin for the Te Kuiti Racing Club's meeting, which takes place on February 9:— •' MAIDEN HANDICAP, seven furlongs.— Step 9.3. Mentinore 9.0. Pre-eminent 8.3, Miss Avalanche 8.3, Carmen Sylva 8.1, . New Zealand 8.0, Miss Leslie 7.13, Kidderminster 7.12, Glendalough 7.12, Piopio 7.7, .Lury 7.7, Gold Sign 7.7, Dhudeen 7.7,. Pickarore 7,7, Chester 7.7. Contact 7.7. Starfail 7.7, Cherry' Roe 7.5, Glen Crispin 7.5, Rock Diamond 7.5, Gladly 7.4, Monatour 7.4. Oakland 7.4,. Persian Prince 7.4, Newlant 7,4, Roaori 7,4. Major Weston 7.4, Royal Reign 7.4, Tama-a-Roa 7.4. • '• OTOROHANGA HANDICAP, five furlongs.—Mangamahoe 9.9, Lady Paula 9.3, Patetonga 9.2, Monodon 9.2, Birkenetta 9.0, Caballero 9.0, Pink Tie 8.12. Hymeona 8.9, Flying Gowrie 8.7, Independence 8.?, Malaya 8.6, Bezmar 8.3. Garryowen 8.2. Sylvasco 7.11. Dungannon 7.10. Kiriwinning 7.8, Excavator 7.8, Knockraore 7.8, Lady Lyddite 7.8, Strideaway 7.4, Orpheum 7.4, Sylviaroa 7.4, Shower Gold 7.4, Lady Wynn 7.4, Miss Laiua 7,4, Lady Olwyn 7.4. * 1 FAREWELL HANDICAP, five furlongs.Mill 0' Gowrie 10.5, Fionnuala 10,0, Ring Lupin 9.9, 'Glenspirei 9.6, Tinopai 9.6, Glad' Tidings 8.8. Corregidor 8.7. Kitty Bellairs 8.5, Lady Paula 7.11, Caballero 7.8. Birkenetta 7.8, Last Call 7.7, Pink Tie 7.6, Hymeona 7.3, Independence 7.0, Juanna 7.0, Malaya 7.0. Sylvasco 6,12, Seaweed 6.12, Pukeatua 6.12. Positive 6.12, Kiriwinning 1 6.12, Lady Lyddito 6.12. HACK HURDLES, one mile and a-half — Ditto 12.2, Scrutineer 11.0. Companion 10.12, "rold Fran 10.8. The Celt 10.8, Ulster 10.8, Darbiness 10.8, Pleninotent 10.3, Waerenga [0.0, Coleraine 12, Keystone 9.12, Positive ).9, Excavator 9.9, Froxfield 9.5, Tartan 9.5, Welshman 9.5, Larry 9.2, Prosper 9,0, Glenaow 9.0, Te Knp&ra 9.0, Surrey Park 9.0, Nip 3.0. WELTER HANDICAP, seven furlongs.— Colonel SouTt 10.12, Lady Penury 10.5, Waiuta 10.1. Wild Lupin 9.9. To Papapa 9.8, Analogue 9.6, Mangamahoe 9.5. Rathlin 8.11, Woody Glen 8.9. Loyal Arch 8.9. Pendoon 3.9, Scrutineer 8.8, Soultane 8.7. Coleraine 8,6, Miss Avalanche ■ 8.0. Blue Cross 8.0. Preeminent 80, Major Weston 8.0, Pearl d'Mont 8.0. Rock Diamond 8,0, Sea De'il 8.0, Persian Prince 8.0, Royal Reign 8.0, Seaweed 8.0. TE KUITI CUP. one mile and a-quarter.— Fionnuala 9.8, Colonel Soult 8.12, Munster 8.7, Lady Penury 8.5. Rebel 8.4. Royal Irish 8.3, Tinopai 8.2. British Arch 7.10, Wild Lupin 7.9. To Papapa 7.8, Sir Ralph 7.8, Analogue 7.6. Loyal Arch 6.10, Thrace 6.7, Sleepy Jack 6.7, Rosori 6.7. STEWARDS' HANDICAP, six furlongs.Lightning 9.5. Munster 9.3. Glenspire 9.3, Lady Penury 9.0, Rebel 8.13, Glad Tidings 8.0, Kittv Bellairs 7.11, Rathlin 7.5, Soultane 7.4, All Talk 7.3, Last Call 7.3, Juanna 8.10. TE KUMI HANDICAP, six furlongs.Woody Glen 9.5, Keystone 9.5, Sleepy Jack 9.0, Flying Gowrie 8.13, Garryowen 8.8, Blue Cross 8.3, Miss Avalanche 8.2, Carmen Sylva 8.0, Miss Leslie 7.12, Ditto 7.12. Kidderminster 7.11, Starfail 7.6, Froxfield 7.6, Strideaway 7.6, Dhudeen 7.6, Chester 7.6, Orpheum 7.4, Glen Crispin 7.4. Oakland 7.3, Tama-a-Boa 7.3, Sylviaroa 7.3, Pukeatua 7,8, Rosori 7.3, Monatour 7.3, Newlant 7.3. Acceptances close on Friday next, at 9 p.m. TAKAPUNA SUMMER MEETING. THE POI CASE. The Judicial Committee of the Takapuna Jockey Club resumed its inquiry yesterday afternoon, into the running of the filly Poi at the recent meeting. After a sitting lasting three hours and a-half the inquiry was further adjourned until Friday afternoon. DESERT GOLD IN AUSTRALIA. Australian . and N.Z. Cable Association. (Reed. 9 p.m.) SYDNEY, Jan. 29. Desert Gold's appearance on the track created many favourable comments. The New Zealand mare impressed the critics by her abnormal vitality, resembling Carlita . when at her boot.