SPORTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16850, 15 May 1918, Page 9

SPORTING.

RACING FIXTURES. May 16—Marlborough Racing Club.. May 22—North Otago Jockey Club. May 23. 25—Wanganui Jockey Club. June 1, 3—Auckland Racing Club. June 1. 3—Dunedin Jockey Club. June 8. Otaki Maori Racing Club. June 13, Gisborne Racing Club. June 21, Napier Park Racing Club.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Wager, Matamata.—ln addition to J. E. Thorpe and C. Coleman, R. Hannon trained Apologue.

Mobea. Otahuhu.— placed horses in the Great Northern Steeplechase of 1907 were Kiatere (12st 131b). Waitarere (lOst 41b), and Khama (9st 9lb). Waitarere was the favourite.

Wagee, New Plymouth—ln the weights declared for the Great Northern Hurdle Race of 1916, Black Northern was awarded the leading impost with list 4lb, or Bib in advance of the weight allotted to El Gallo.

Wager. Waimangaroa.—l. Golden Slirroer (by Hotchkiss— won the two engagements—C.J.C. Champagne Stakes and C.J.C. Challenge Stakes— fulfilled in New Zealand prior to being sold by auction to a Sydney sportsman for 4500 ens. 2. According to the records published. Machine Gun ran six furlongs in lm 14s when he won the Tramway Handicap, under lOst 61b. at Randwick in the spring of 1905. NOTES BY PHAETON. Matters in connection with the Great Northerns continue pretty much in the same state as at the date of the first acceptance; and no marked alterations are anticipated until tlhe "Wanganui meeting is through. Thrace and Fisher may be said to rule the firmest candidates for the Great Northern Hurdle Race, while for the Great Northern Steeplechase Gluepot and Collector may be cited as the most fancied pair. What must be regarded as a highlypleasing feature of» the nominations received in connection with the Auckland Racing Club's approaching winter meeting is the large number figuring in the hunters' events. The Hunt Club Hurdle Race has attracted an entry of 2p, while no less than 28 are engaged in the Hunt Club Cup Steeplechase. A lot of interest will be manifested in the result of this particular double.

The ex-New Zealand rider J. N. McGregor, who enlisted with the Australian forces some time back, has received his discharge from active service, and was recently granted a license to ride by the Victoria Racing Club. McGregor has suffered many severe falls during his career as a jockey, and one particularly serious one was at Moonee Valley some four years back, when he had one of his legs so badly fractured as the result of a fall in a hurdle race that it was feared amputation of the limb would be necessary. McGregor's courage and patience once again stood him in good stead, and by a successful surgical operation, in which wiring played the principal part, McGregor still has two legs. When in Sydney recently (remarks the Referee) McGregor mentioned that between schooling horses over the jumps and riding them in races he had experienced over 120 falls. McGregor, it may be mentioned, steered Confide to victory in the VEO Grand National Steeplechase, and Wingarra' winner of the V.R.C. Grand National Hurdle iiace, also scored in his hands.

According to a Sidney paper, the bookmakers .* not likely *° be disturbed even m the efforts that are likely to bo made by the New South Wales Government in the direction of popularising the totalisator. There is not a suggestion of the abolition of the bookmakers as a means to that end. The sole concern of Ministers for the time being 13 to increase the efficiency of the totalisator and to make it more attractive to the public. One proposal under consideration, is to introduce a " straight-out" totalisator as well as a " place" machine. It is estimated that the revenue from the machine for the current financial year will amount to about £100,000.

A quartette of Australian-bred yearlings, sent over to Auckland by Mr. George Edwards, of Melbourne, ore to be submitted to auction at the Haymarket Yards on Friday next by Messrs. Alfred Buckland and Sons. The youngsters are bred as follows: —Bay gelding by Pendil, dam by Amherst; chestnut colt,-by Trafalgar—Lady Pilgrim: brown filly, by Bobadil—Sessa; brown filly, by BerriedaleGeorgia.

Though Parisian Diamond would appear to have the worst of the weights in the Cornwall Handicap in being called upon to concede 61b to Bisogne. the owner of the Charlemagne gelding has evidently some hopes of capturing the mile and a-quarter race at Ellersli© on .Tune 1, for he paid up for the horse last Friday.

The Mahaki—Melinite mare Armistice, who formed one of the collection of mares sent across to Australia recently by the Wanganui breeder, Mr. G. F. Moore, and who failed to find a purchaser, had the misfortune to break a shoulder while being conveyed back to the Dominion, and the friendly bullet had to be requisitioned. The loss of Armistice under such conditions as those narrated, must be deemed as very hard luck.

Writing in the Referee, " The Rook" says"General consensus of opinion is that Finmark has proved himself the best two-year-old seen out this season. Certainly, he has done well, but I cannot accept him as » really good one. Personally, I consider that Torfrida, dressed in her best thing that, owing to accident, she has never been daring the season—would trounce him handsomely over any distance that two-year-olds are allowed to race over. One- thing lam abso- I lutely certain of is that Hymestra's sister can gallop faster than anything of her age seen out this season." The record nomination in connection with the A.R.C. Winter Meeting was received for the Jervois Handicap, 63 being engaged therein. The event in question is run over seven furlongs and is for three-year-olds and upwards that have never won a flat race of the value of lßOsovs. or flat races of the collective volus of 400sovs at time of nomination. Gay Lad, who won the Fairfield Handicap at the Asbburton meeting on Thursday last, is an English-bred horse, boasting a high class pedigree. He was got by Cellini, a son of the celebrated Cyllene, from Gaysome, a daughter of Oberon (son of Galopin). When he becomes thoroughly acclimatised Gay Lad may be expected to register a performance in keeping with his high bleeding. What is possible in regard to stake money where the totalisator bell is unknown the Williamstown Cup furnishes a striking illustration. The stake for that race has been fixed at £ 2000, with a trophy valued at £50 added. The Williamstown Racing Club, it may be remarked, holds a first place amongst suburban clubs promoting racing in Australia. It is computed that the bookmakers licensed in the State of New South Wales will have paid £90,000 in Government tax this season. The sum which the knights of the book and pencil will pay during next season will, it is predicted, run to £100,000. In the face of such figures it is small wonder to find a strong word bespoken for the pencillers. The owner of Iceberg having paid up for his horse both in the Great Northern Hurdle Race and Cornwall Handicap, ths matter would appear to be in considerable doubt as to the policy to be pursued with the grey son of Coronet at Ellerslie on the opening day of the A.R.C. Winter Meeting. Figures published by the Victorian Treasury how that the betting tax yielded £60,862 for the nine months ended March 31, including £11,155 from bookmakers' licenses and £49,707 from betting tickets. The estimate for the financial year is £82,500. W. Windsor leaves for New Plymouth by steamer on Thursday for Wanganui. The Gluten gelding is in capital condition, and he can he ticked off as one of the mo3t likely ones to stand up in the \vanganui Steeplechase. Gluepot is to be nominated for important steeplechases to be run during the winter in Australia, and all continuing well with the chestnut, he may be expected to make the trip across the Tasman Sea. It seems pretty certain to concludo that H. Gray will figure at the head of the list of winning jockeys in New Zealand this year. Gray is wall in front with 56 winning nd«s, Roy Reed following with 35 and a dead heat. The V.R.C. Committee has fixed the prize for the next Melbourne Cup the same ss last year, viz., £6000 and a trophy value £150. A victory in the Century Hurdle Race entails a penalty of slb for the Great 1 Northern Hurdle Race, and a success in the Wanganui Steeplechase means 71b additional 1 for the Great Northern Steeplechase.

NOTES FROM ELLERSLIE. J With the schooling hurdles erected on the j outside of the course proper, additional in- ! tereat has centred in the training work of ' late, and with fine weather yesterday morning a good attendance was registered. ' . Gold Fran displayed marked improvement m his jumping when he finished up with reaaileaa oyer five hurdles, in all traversing about a mile and three furlongs. Wartime and Thrace finished behind the front pair in the order named. Thrace fenced safely, but i his rear position at the close of the essay did not train him any new admirers for the Great Northern Hurdles. He will be located at Ellerslie to conclude his preparation. The Channel was schooled over obstacles, giving a satisfactory display. No Surrender. Larry, and another cleared the hurdles from the seven-furlong post in good style. Swastika got over the steeplechase obstacles on the flat without mishap. Glntaneus was seen out in company with Tenacious, the pair jumping five fences and covering the best part of a mile and three furlongs. Both fenced well and finished together. Tenacious, by reason of his handy impost, is coming into* some favour for the Great Northern Hurdles, for it is admitted he stays on nicely, and everything points to his being landed' at the post in capital condition. Soultane and Kauri King started off round the back of the course for an essay over hurdles, but the former, after clearing two fences particularly well, fell at the obstacle I near the three-furlong post, while Kau-i ! Kin? refused the same fence and also the hurdle at the mile and a-quarter' post. He was afterwards taken out in the centre of the course and schooled in company with Silver Pine over the small fences. Lambess will probably leave for Wan?enui by train this morning in charge of the Soult gelding. It is thought the racing, in that centre will work some improvement in his fencing. Old Dunrobin was seen out clearing hurdles in the centre of the course. This hunter is just a little backward, but can be expected to make some improvement before the Great Northern meeting comes round. Hautere and Moddite completed a circuit of the _ steeplechase course safely, the former having a slight lead over the final obstacle. Moddite gives some promise as a maiden steeplechaser. Captain Lock and King's Park negotiated the steeplechase obstacles on the flat in attractive style. Gluepot, looking particularly bright and fencing in great style, was accompanied r-y .Tohn Bunnv over some of the steeplechase fences on the flat. GlueDoti will proo\b!y leave for Wanganui, via New Plymouth, to morrow. Liady Elysian. and. Pink Tie were companions in a half-mile sprint on the sand. y.'aim&i defeated a companion over a circuit on the same track. Seville, a hunter, completed seven furlongs alongside Hibernia, on the grass, in lair time for one of his class. Cadrona sprinted home after indulging in i useful work. _ Carmen Sylva was noticed moving freely in her work. Sylvasco and Persian Prince, from the Waikato. in charge of Owner-trainer Carmont, i were seen out. j Fa-briquette was restricted to easy work on : the tan. Pierrot worked by himself at a very useful pace, and is apparently well. He has been a keen disappointment since winning a race at the last winter meeting. Master Regal defeated Royal Ru'fus on the grass, while Don Castor's task was long work on the same track. Ulster was noticed stretching himself out on the tan. Benzine and King of the Valley were scam companions. They are in charge of R. Hall. Ring Lupin sprinted home, moving nicely. . Coleraine was blowing hard after a sprinting task. . i Demona' and Billy Wiggs were within i easy range of each other at the close of half a mite, run in about 545. H. Hickey has booked accommodation at the Harp of Erin for four horses-, and J. Griffiths for one. Accommodation has been booked at Mobberley's stable for Hushman during the Great Northern meeting. J. Hanks, with Kereone and Don't, and J. Campbell, with Little Selyukwe, have also booked up at the same place. - Word was received on Monday to cancel the accommodation booked for Mr. Kemball's team, the explanation being that one of the team, thought to be Gladful. had gone slightly amiss. Colorado and Coalition are firm favourites for the Century Hurdles and Wanganui Steeplechase. A win for either will mean a penalty for the Great Northern. Hurdles and Steeples respectively. . It is thought Collector will be a starter in the Century Hurdles at) Wanganui, and be withdrawn from the Wanganui Steeple- , chase. Fisher continues to thrive in - his work at headquarters, and some of the 'keen heads intend remaining loyal to his prospects of capturing the Great Northern Hurdles. During F. Tutohen's absence at Wanganui, Thrace will be schooled in. his work' by R. Kelly. For the races won by them at Marlborough, yesterday, Rawakore and Henry Clay came in for unlimited support- Both are trained by R. Johnston, of New Plymouth. J. Chisholm will take Glucian down to Wanganui m company with Golden Glow They are expected to leave by train to-day. J. Mullins is now associated with L. Morris, private trainer to Dr. Beveridge.

INTERPROVINCIAL GOSSIP. [BY TELEGRAPH.OWN CORRESPONDENTS.] WANGANUI. ! Tuesday. It was mentioned in these columns last week that all was not well with Sleight-ot-Hand. and Ms scratching for the Wanganui events came as no surprise. He is not likely ' to fulfil his Auckland engagements. • It is understood that Mr. H. "Washer has sold Nit* for £200. but the name of the new owner of the Bombardo mare has not transpired. Nita is looking particularly well just now, and with any luck she ought to pick up a cross-country event before long Marton (F. Flynn) and Nita (J. Kaanl were companions in a spin over a mile and a half of the big fences the other morning. Both jumped well, but Nita showed more pace over the obstacles than the gelding gaming at every jump. Nita ran a big race m the Steeplechase here last year, when she finished third, and with a bit of luck might have beaten both Gluepot and Braeburn. She appears to be at the top of S ,^m^, now • «**»* for a slightly-cracked hoof T*£* m , ay r i toay / , interfere with her ivJ j; Ppea 4 lodsed by W. S. Young against the disqualification imposed upon him bv anal T£! U Cub in connection with his riding of J lbex i at Awapuni recently, will bo considered at a special meeting of the Wanganui District Committee this week. JSS.a?°4SS? $? Cme Club has Punched a proposal that, the various racing clubs in of 6 a w dlstne l 6hould / aiae the »um of £1500 between them and present the 0^ ? men i wll l an aeroplane, The Foxton has offered, to donate £150. and more if necessary as its, Quota to the fund. A ■ar ealmg - Wl ) h lhe - project came before the Wanganui Committee on Wednesday, and was favourably received, though consideration was. held over until this week, ine proposal is one which is likely to be warmly supported by -the clubs in this dis♦I 1 c Vv and will probably act as an incentive fnrti»t i dl llctß i to #°. llk * wl se- , thus adding further to the splendid efforts already made by the racing clubs of the Dominion in patriotic work. Client, who has now gone into winter retirement placed £1850 to his owner's credit dm , & I- P reße »* season. As the son of Elevation appears to be as Bound as a bell, he is likely to win some good races again, next season. The various racing clubs in the Wanganui district are to be asked to donate £900 between them on a pro rata basis to assist the three hunt clubs— Manawatu, Rangitikei and Jigmont-Wanganui— this district The curtailment of the totali Bator privileges to the hunt clubs and the loss of membership due to so many having, gone to the 'ront has left the hunt clubs in a bad way financially, and their only hope of carrying on and keeping the .sport going until the war is over is the assistance given by the racing clubs, and it. is pleasing to see that the latter are taking the matter up in a generous way. Theweights for the first day of the Wanganui Winter Meeting have made their appearance, and it is generally agreed amongst racing enthusiasts here that Mr. H. CoHp has got in some of his best work. The result should be big acceptances and some splendid racing on the 23rd inst. In the two big jumping events— Wanganui Steeplechase and Century Hurdles Coyle's adjustments coincide to a remarkable degree w.th those, Mr. F. McManemin so far a3 the majority of the horses engaged at both Wanganui and Ellerslie are concerned -In the Steeplechase here Crib is, no doubt entitled to the post of honour, but with list 131b to carry he has been set a severe task, and he will need to he at his very best to succeed. Master Strowan (list lllb) s 8 , x in , t! P- to form, and Braeburn (list 81b) is also in. capital fettle. They should both rim well if they go on all rignt. Gluepot (list 61b) is not over-weighted, while Sir Fisher (lOst 13lb) is one that should make good over big country, as he is a fine jumper and great stayer, but he will probably be seen out in the Century Hurdles. Collector (lOst 91b) would look the pick of the crowd, but he will most likely take on !&?xyf, Tdle ,r < " rent -, ° £ he others. Coalition (lOst 71b). Marton (93t 13lb) and Nita (9st 7!b) are three that must be dangerous, the latter in particular looking to have a fine chance. There is sure to be a splendid field :n the Century Hurdles. Pursefiller (lOst 12lb) is nicely treated on recent form, but Sir Fisher (lOst 121b) and Colorado (lOst 91b) are being picked out as the two which will be most fancied. Both have got in light, especially Colorado, who is regarded as sure to win a Dig hurdle race during the season. Of the others. Collector (9st 10lb) reads well, and can be depended upon to run promi- : nently in whichever event he starts. Kauri King (9st 8lb) should beat all those lower down the list. , • i Lady Black, Coolpan, and Staccato are [ three likely-looking ones in the Borough

Handicap, while Teka. loeberr Zola., and j Rude are nicely treated in the Connolly Handicap. Turangapito has been nominated for the fittukawa Cup at the Otaki meeting. Other Wanganui horses engaged at the meeting include Ibex, Desire, Union Jack. W*ioture, Moutoa Queen, Starengo, Rude. Arrowfield, and Form-Up. CANTERBURY. Tuesday. Kirkbt has arrived at Riccarton from the North Island, and T. H. Gillett will get him ready to ctrry Captain J* S. Barrett's colours in cross-country events at the winter meetings. T. McAulay will shortly take in hand an Australian-bred yeaning purchased lor Mr. A. W. Rutherford by M. jfclobbs at the Sydney yeaning sales. He is a chestnut colt by VUSMany Colours, by Medallion—Blue and Gold, by Grand Flaneur. The colt is a brother to Flaxen, who was the best three-year-oid of the season in Queensland, where he won classic and weight-for-age honours, while later in his career he also won races in New South Wales. 1 ?*k ou ?k Bore has not done much jumping lately, his slight lameness has not interfered with his work on the tracks, and he has been responsible for some very attractive gallops He is a bold fencer, who has taken naturally to the big obstacles, and he looks like playing a prominent part in any crosscountry events he may contest during his trip to the North Island. Charley, who will accompany Bore, is a fair sprinter, who m %V P":k up a race. The trainer of the Pair b. D. Jones, has not' definitely decided on his plans after Wanganui. as his horses have l i bee , nominated at Otaki as well as at Ellershe. «i?" i J ' B ? as , ust broken a yearling filly by Sutala—Kolentma, by Danube. She is a well-grown youngster showing considerable promise. a Adjutant • was unlucky to be beaten in the Asbburton Gup, in which he finished second, a bare head behind Maiestikoff. He covered a lot of ground round the turn. A year ago Adjutant was just finishing un a very successful season, but he has not won a race this season. Majestikoff. who won the Ashburton Cup on Thursday, is one of the most improved performers m training in these parts. In the spring she was eligible for very modest events, but during the season she has won six races and, been placed in five others, her stake earnings exceeding £800. while she has demonstrated that she can run out a m 'l« and a -<inarter in decent style Ihe most impressive performance at Ashburton this week was that of the imported colt Cray % ad i He was never far from the rront. and he beat the opposition in fine style bmce making his first appearance at Easter he has now won three races, and it will not take him lons to work his way out of the hack class. He shapes as if he would stay "iW " - no horse about whose' pros! P ec *s ok brighter for next season. the three-year-old Mortham was responUall w.*!** 1 * e ?°l t v i ? winning the Grove arm Handicap at Ashburton. and he may be seen to advantage in even better . company next season. He has won five races this season, four of them within the last two months Early in the season, when he was the only opponent Desert Gold had in the Stead Memorial Stakes, he was only a a era ,ince bn t t hen e h " ÜBpwed Ut ° f k — Gamecock was sent out favourite for the ! fa,ltd + Spnnt i event at Ashburton. but he I ;?,™ C \ m - ake ev6n a deceilt showing. Last = tSS? v he Bae P r ° m i se of developing into a good horse, but his form this season has , been very poor. That he can gallop is Quite , certain, but he seems to have little relish or racing now., in which respect he resembles some of his relatives. «?sem

WELLINGTON. T . . . , . Tuesday. «na.vftr; strong team to Randwick for » big sprin| fixture there The. names of Hymestra, SSe? Ult^ e 5 Wishful, and Gladful are spoken of as .likely to be in the team. Coalition, in charge of H. McSweeney. has already left for Wanganui, and will do the Ellershe meeting before returning home. Seadown may accompany him to Ellerslie. but nothing definite has yet been decided as to the latter horse. His owner was present at Trentham on Thursday to see him schooled, and he went a round of the fences, without a mistake of any kind. . After his return from the Auckland meeting, J. W. Lowe will take up Mascot to. get her ready for spring racing. Her stable companion, Menelaus, is being exercised regularly on. the roads, so when his turn comes to again go into active training it will not take long to get him ready. Last week Johnny Walker was blistered, and he will probably be allowed to run out for a further term of six months. His owners are considering putting him over hurdles next winter Gladful. is not forward enough to race at wanganui, and his name will probably be missing when the acceptances are posted for the Century Hurdles. The Boniform—Dreamer filly, a full Bister to Bon Reve, has again joined the working team at Trentham. Korero, who has been jumping well at Trentham, is to fulfil his engagements in the Hack Steeplechase at Wanganui. Ho will go North m charge of J. Scott, who is also taking Sardinia to the meeting. The Porirua cast-off. Naupata, is proving a good bargain for .Captain J. S. Barrett, who purchased him , for 200gns last spring. The Mahaki gelding has already won two hurdle races, and may earn distinction over- countrylater on. MARLBOROUGH RACING CLUB. . FIRST DAY'S RESULTS. [BT TELEGRAPH.PBESS ASSOCIATION.] BLENHEIM. Tuesday. The first day of the Marlborough races was held to-day in perfect weather before a good attendance. Results:— MAIDEN HANDICAP, six furlongs.— Wawata, 7st 71b. 1; 2, Lady Phyllis, Bst 7lb, 2; 3. Frisco Rose, Bst 71b, 3. Also started: Black Sleeves, Bst 71b; Larvol. Bst 71b. Won by a neck. Time, lm 18s. FIRST TROT, one mil© and a-half.—l, Peter McMillan, scr, 1; 2, Major Election, 12yds behind, 2; 4, Imperial Dolly, 84yds behind, 8. Also started: Rapaura, scr; Reform, scr: Othello, scr: Rannerdale, 48yds; Welcome Boy, 60yds. The winner led all the way. Time, 8m ss. OPAWA WELTER, seven furlongs.—!, Blue Gown, Bst slb. 1; 2, Skedaddle. Bst slb. 2; 4, Lady. Phyllis, 7st 121b, 3. Also started: Transmission, Bst Bib; John Gilpin . 7st 71b. Won easily by two lengths. Time. lm 335. MARLBOROUGH CUP, one mile and aquarter.—l Henry Clay. 9st, 1; 6, Haumakaka, Bst 91b 2; 2; Ladify. Bst 4lb. 3. Also started: Achilledes. Bst lllb: Good Hope, Bst 51b; Xanthos, 7st 13lb; Rienzi. 7st 2lb Won by a short head. Time, 2m 12s DASH HANDICAP, five furlongs.— Wa 9 kor a- ! atlb - - l i k Gold Problem, Bst 31b. 2; 9, Arihia, 7st 71b. 8. Also started: Rosevear. 9st 21b; War Tax, Bst 131b- Eron §°&. 7st 121b; Royal Sleeves, 7st 101b; Silk Ribbon. 7st 10 b; Trickery, 7st 71b; Stutter am*2Tss easily by two lengths. Time! t SECOND TROT one mile and a^alf.8^ dB o be A, m< ?' \i *' Invictns, 60yds T I iSJ , %< 3 ' Black Arrow, scr.. 8. Also started: Durynane. scr.; Dillon. Soyds, Won by a length. Time, 3m 54s FLYING HANDICAP, five farlonas.—l Astor 9st lib, 1: 2. Starengo? Brt 61b 2~fi Blanfinde. 7st 21b, 3. Also -Merrie ? to. .Bst 131b: Chudic. 7st lab/ Mount &It m - WD by *** a b^WARD HANDICAP, six furlongs-6 f^<?v ll^-. 6< V?b I: .A Gold Pro'bienf; Bst lib, 2- 3. Anhia, 7st 51b, 3. Also started: Wartax. 88 i}* Humorist. Bst 71b; Transmission, 7st 71b. Won by a length and a-half. Time, lm 16s. JOCKEY'S APPEAL DISMISSED. fBT TELEGKAPH. —PEESS ASSOCIATION.] WANGANUI, Tuesday. The Wanganui District Committee heard an appeal, by the jockey, W. Young, tonight, against the decision of the Mauawatu Jockey Club disqualifying him for two years fo . ull I ? ng Ib 6 m % Woodhey Handicap dismissed" * meeting - The appeal was