SPORTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVIII, Issue 17964, 14 December 1921, Page 7

SPORTING.

RACING FIXTURES. December H—Taumarunui Racing Club. December U-Dannevirke Racing Club. December 17-W»ipa Racing Club. December 26_Alexanara Raoing Club. Dewmbor 28. 37-Tafanaki Jockey Club. December 26. 27, 29-Manawatu Racing Club. December 27, 29.81-Auckland Trotting Club. January 3-Tirau Raciit2 Club. January 2-Houhoura Racing Club. January 7-Waikato Trotting Club. January 10—Northern Waitoa Racing Club. January 11-Rotorua Rijcing Club. January 21-Kawakawa Racine Club. January 28, 80-T»kaptiDß Jockey Club. February 6. 11-Taranaki Jockey Club. February U-Te Kjuiti Racine Club. February 15, 16-Bamilton Jttf pc Club. February 23—Opotiki Racing Club. ' ■', February 25. 26-Tbaroes Jockey Club. March i. ft-Te Aroha Jockey Glubvv'.•'. March 17. 18-Ohinamurl Jockey, CliiK - ' ANSWERS TO CORpSPONi)isN^. "M.M.," Thames—War'step (8,9) defeated Reputation (8.1) by * head in the Auckland Cup of 1914, Warstep carried en impost in accord wjth weight-for-age, while Reputation carried lib oyer. , : - f " Australian."—Aurarius was foaled in 1906, so that ebej-was seven years old when she produced Desert Gold. Mersey, who was foaled in im, was rising 12 years old when she foaled Carbine. " Query."—The'finish of the New Zealand Cup was described as follows:—Royal Star defeated Vagabond by two lengths, and then at an interval of a length and a-half came Almoner. Esperanoe was fourth, followed by Rouen and Egotism. Royal Star carried 7.101,, Vagabond 8.5. " Doubtful."—(l) The race in which Kalo brpsht off a surprise at Ellerelie was the Shorts Handicap run at the A.R-C. Autumn Meeting. It is illegal to publish the amount of totalisator dividends in New Zealand. (3) Libeller was got by Traducer from the Tattendon mare Tatterina.

NOTES BY PHAETON. THE AUCKLAND CUP. Matters in connection with the Auckland Cup remain very quiet, and no marked alteration in that respect need be looked for until the visiting division reach Ellerslie. The abseace of Amythaa from the Cup field is regarded aa certain, sad that saps the race of a good deal of {ho interest that would otherwise attach to it, for the DenioetheTies gelding has shown himself, to be a first-rater. It was stated some little time back that Sasanof might be retired early, but the Martian gelding is reported to be training on satisfactorily, ami he may be expected to naure among the acceptors. It would seem pretty safe to conclude that Royal Star (8.12) | wiil.be on hand to fulfil his engagement on awing Day. and though the eon of Martian is called upon to carry an impost 14ilb in excess of that under which he won the New Zealand Cup at Biocinon lost month, his prcgpeote in the Ellerslie race are estimated highly by those who are in a favourable Won to gauge matters properly. Uncle Ned (8.6) is in good favour, and should the Veteran be produced. in his best form he will probably count sufficient admirers to send h»m out favourite, for of his popularity there la no Question. Vagabond (8.5) ran a good race fn . the New Zealand GiroW month, and it is tfrettar safe .to .conclude that Mr. W. R. Kemball will give.' the Martian seeing <rr opportunity to distinguish himself at Ellerslie on Boxing Day. Molyneaux (8.41 ran a good raw at Woodville last Thursday, and as he stays well he is sure of a good following should John Cameron sendFhim to the post. Molyneaux ie also engasqfl in the Manawatu Cup, and until it is known which race his ownor intends starting bis horse in on Boxine Day, there will be some uncertainty attaching to Molyneaux's engagements, Ejotiam. a five-year-old mare by Demoßth»ne3 from Conceit, hailing from Mr. G- D. Greenwood's stable, is claiming a lot of attention in the South, and she rules favourite. In the decision of the New Zealand Cup Egotism came home in sixth position, but she was given credit for runninn a decent two miles in the Riccarton race. A first acceptance for the Auckland Cup falls due on Friday next, and. with thai completed, the liet should be pretty well relieved of unprobable satrters. NEW ZEALAND RIDER DEFENDED, When Plymstock defeated Orpheus in the Select Stakes at Newmarket recently the New Zealand iockoy, Hector Gray, who was on the loser, was almost universally condemned by English sporting writers, but "The Special Commissioner" in the London Sportsman did not blame bim.Vnd he also had a few words to say regarding the nasty 'prejudice against-Gray. He said:—"The defeat is in no way to, the discredit- nor yet to Gray, who, doubtless, v_§ tied down by instructions aa to forcing- a pace. That Plymstock upon occasion-is not to be despisod ehe amply demonstrated ai Ascot, when she beat „Leighton. 'Gray soon made the best amends he could for the defeat of Ornheus by winning Nursery on Cortona, and his average of winning' mounts has been really quite extraordinary Bince he commenced riding this year at Ascot. I know very-well that there is no jockey on whom I would more tonfidently depend were I fortunate enough to own tho potential winner of any big. race, but since the day when Leslie Hewitt was ruined By the'jadmess of Tagalie there seems to have been an idea in this country that New Zealand jockeys are no good. It is staring them in the face that Gray wins with almost monotonous regularity when his mount is good enough, and yet if he makes the least semblance of a mistake it is noted in some ouartara almost with pleasure, It does not seem to have been realised', as yet that New Zealand methods of riding.differ in certain essentials from ours, but are not necessarily bad for that reason any more th«m were the American methodi which ware ridiculed here in the early <Jass of Tod Sloan. As to ridicule, however, it may well be said, Jet them laugh who win, and, as Gray keeps on winning, I do not suppose he troubles much about hie critics. ' -

LEAVES FROM MY NOTEBOOK. The Hon. E. W. Alison is so widely popular that it is quite unnecessary to say that the welcome home tendered to him on "Monday afternoon was of a particularly hearty character, and the various speeches bearing tribute to the guest carried a ring that was every way moßt fitting. Sitting round the festive board were men who had known Mr. Alison from boyhood, others who had met him In business and politics, and those who have met, him in racing affairs, and they all bore testimony to hie strength of character and the broad vision, he can at all times brinu to bear on questions thai come up for consideration. Mr. Alison, it was extremely • pleasing to note, comes back from his trip tp the Old Land in the best of health, and that he may long be with us to play the i eame strong part as in the past as a oiligen ] and sportsman is, I era sure, a wish that will be endorsed wjth a spirit of no ordinary character. I In referring to the departure of Mr. Archie i Wilson from Sydney to take up the position ao stipendary steward to the New Zealand Eaoing Conference the Sydney Referee paid the new official a tribute in the following warm terms:—" Mr. Wilson, in addition to being a most capable and experienced official, has a oharm of manner that will make New Zealandcrs like him. and he is sure to be very popular with all classes of racing map. Mr. Wilson-knows the racing game from A to Z, and has held various positions, such as Keeper of the Australian Stud Book, naudicapper to the Sydooy suburban clubs, and has also been stipendiary steward and handicapper to the Royal Cslcutta Turf Club." According to advices to hand from Sydney, there is some, hope of Biplane once again figurine ae a winner. The son of Comedy Kins is oroditeA'with training on well and he has four valuable engagements near at hand. At the A.J.C. meeting on tho 24th and 26th instBiplane figures respectively in tho Villiers Stakes (one mile) with 8.7 and in the Summer Cup (one mile and five furlones) with 8.4: and at Tattersall's meeting, fixed for December 81 and January 2. he is in the Carrington Stakes (six furlongs) with 8.9 and in Tattersall/a Cup (one. mile and a-half) with 8.5. «Biplane has not yet succeeded in earning a shilling of the 3000gns which tho New South Wales 'sportsman, Mr. A. F. Stirlon, expended in his purchase in the summer of 1918, so that a win for him can be termed a long way overdue. „ \ Sin view v of the bethrothal of the Princess »ry to Lord Lascelles, tho following from fl pen of "Field Steward" in London Sporting Life of September 24 will be read with interest:—"lt was a happy moment in several households, when the newly-named Monserrat scored for Lord Laecelles in ..a Windsor Nursery, for.it inaugurated a new lease of activity in B. Marsh's stable. The King's trainer must be heartily glad again that he has not only the disappointing Royal horses—and one or two of Lord Marcus Beresford ! s platers—to try to wir> races with. The King readily gave his consent when Lord Lascelles expressed an inclination also to be one of Marsh's patrons, and the wealthy young Yorkshireman—as muoh as His Majesty —can do with a substantial change in his racing luck, for he has not got a sou back of the five figures he paid for the bogey Galroy. He has sent Marsh all his yearlings as wh" In England recently Paragon, a four-year-old sou of Radium, in winning the Duke of York Handicap;.covered the 10 furlongs in' 2ro Bs. , He led throughout, and won oy a head, no the credit of makmc such phenomenal time was all his own- The Horse and Hound tells an interesting story concerning Paragon. It appears.that his dam, the unbeaten Quintessence, died 10 days, after foaling Paragon, and Lord Falmouth, who bred him. secured a cart mare as a fostermother. The youngster did all right until frightened one day by amassing raolor-loqy. and'in trying to get through, a. hedge injured the outside of his off-hock-.'and permanently disfigured himself. However! the mishap die] not affect the colt's action, and as a yearling he was cold to Sir Ernest /Paget for 72ftros. , . •, The smi6unt received in taxation from the , totalis*lor by the New Zealand Government i during last season, amounted to 1481,640.

•.nil'E 1 A d } h ? speakers at the welcome feSS ~? d fi red *? V lB HoD ' E ' W Alison JJiJf* of the part that gentleman SuLj ■ tw A 80 • na • 3 wen " d have played in the importation of bloodstock to ™5S? a . d> v. M s' if c - 9 leMon oSSSrto matter a bit,further and struck the strong note.m pointing out,the far-reaching effects the importation of the atalliona Romeo and Tea Tray might bring about. The high position that Auckland once held as a breedUW centre wag touched unon by Mr. Gleeson j }l S pn<ic - and tll6 e tro ng hope expressed thit wo may be on the eve of seeing tne oid prestige revived. The Bay of Pelnty Jockey Club has good reason to remembor the miserable weather experienced this month. The postponement of the meeting fixed for Saturday last, which it was deemed necessary to order, affected the financial outlook, and, vith rain still in evidence on Monday, when the gathering was held, that was further bad luok. However, all things considered, the Tauranga Club came off slightly better than might have Deen expected.. It would have been hiehly pleasing to chronicle a marked success for the Bay of Plenty Jockey Club, for. in the face of many disappointments, those identified with that body have alwaya displayed a fine sporting spirit in fosterins racing on the but Coast. When next year rolls round •t is to be hoped that a record meeting will be the accompaniment of the annual gathermz at Tauranga. Fingoland (by Finland—Auiarius). who claims half-brothership to the brilliant Desert Gold, made his debut under silk at the Woodville meoting on the 7th met., and he won his initial engagement in good "Hi rin soland » oredited with being a colt of commanding physique, and he will probably be amongst, the contestants for honours at the Auckland Racing Club's Summer Meeting. Fingoland tores in the Great Northern Foal Stakes and Royal Stakes.

According to Sydney advices, the V.R.C. Derby winner, Furious, i has fallen away greatiy in condition since she raced at Flemington las month. Furious was started for the Oaks Binkes on the third day of tho V.R.C meeting, shortly after an attack of colic, and her falling away it is thought may be attributed thereto. It will be a matter for much regret ehould Furioua not be able to take her place in the St. Leger contests at Flemington and Randwick respectively when the Autumn rolls round. The victory registered by Plymstock, ridden by F. Bullock, in the Select Stakes at Newmarket when she bowled over a red-hot favourits in Orpheui), ridden by the New Zealand jockey, H. Gray, is referred to as one of the greatest flukes of tho Beason in England. F. Bullock's display on Plymstock is rated very highly, while Gray's effort was estimated lightly, Sir H. Cunhffe-Owen, the owner of Orpheus, expressed a desire to make a match with Plymstock on the same conditions, but the Plymstock party were quite content to rest on the surprise victory registered by the filly. A comparison of English and French winnings looks bad for the former. To win ±'29.101 Mr. S. Joel had 21 winners of 33 races, while Mine. E. Blanc received ±"20,400 for Ksar's three wins. The five big races in England—the One Thousand Guineas, Two Thousand Guineas, Derby. Oaks, and St. Leger—returned the winners £34,856- Not one penny of this amount was \dded money; in fact, all races showed a surplus of subscriptions. Next season those races will be more valuable, as there will be added money amounting to £12,150 and with tho subscrip tions eaoh race should be worth well over £10.000 to the winner, as the entries showed an increase from 1244 to 1407.

The Melbourne Leader has for years been a strong advocate for the legalisation of the totalisator. and it ia once Main leading an anjitation on that question- In the couree of a recent article n Beacon" wrote as) follows:—"If a poll had been taken of the 110,000 people who visited Flemington last Gup day it is certain that at least 100,000 would have voted for the totalisator, and a large number of non-racing people also favour its introduction. Victoria is the only Stale in the Commonwealth that has not legalised the totalisator." " The' Rook" (New Zealand Referee) writes: —"Egotism is doing (rood work at Riocarton, but not such warm work as should make her the warm favourite sho is for the Auckland Cup- It is R. J. Mason that the public, are supporting, not the mare, and their idea is not bad, for when the veteran does tackle a big handicap with one of his team he Generally gets a bis slice of the money." The Dannevirke meeting takes place to-day. The leading event of the programme is the Dannevirke, Handicap (ono mile and a-quarter), in which the following horses are engaged:—Molyneaux 9.1, Punka 8.9, Bonpetter 8.6, Printemps 8.6, Admiral Codrineton 8.3, Rose Wreath 8.0. Penitent 7.8. Aureate 7.5, Railand 7.5, Sycorax 7.4, The Speaker 7.0. Martini 6.12, Morzonia 6.7The Taumarunuj Racing, Club's meeting takes place to-day. The leading event or the programme is the Tauma-runui Cup di miles), in which the following horses are engaged :—Forest Gold, 8.13 j Penona, 8.5; Rockfleld. 7.111 Sunf&y, 7.7; LonpAi 7.2-. Boomerday, Lord Bruce, .7-1 s Nighttime, 7.0s Goldplaue. Mimiwhangata, Glencaim, Salvaless. Glerileokie, Moss Rangi, Approach. 6.7. J, H. Jeffard has reached To Awainutu with Mr. A. B- Williams' team, and it is understood the horses will not be brought to Ellewlie until next week- Epitaph, the leading two-year-old of the season, iB-stated to have trained on ; well, and her prospects of adding to her winning record at tho A.R.C. Summer Meeting, *re viewed as particularly bright. , ..-. The Danube gelding, Molyneaux, was seen out under eilk at woodvilla on Thursday last, when he carried 9.3 into third place is the Gothard Memorial Handicap*,^Though separated by two and a half lengths from the winner, Molyneaux is given credit for a good performance, and hia; prospects in the Auckland Cup, under 8.4, . are viewed in a bright light. •:.; ' Anomaly the three-year-old .eon of King Mark and Hoy was given credit for a good performance when ho. won the Woodvillo Handicap under 7.13, in the good time of 2m 7 4-ss. He beat » good field, and the character of his performance was euch as to further brighten his prospects at the A.R.O. Summer Meeting. Highlander (by Finland—War Scare), who won the Juvenile Handicap at the Woodville meeting on Thursday last-is a full brother to Estland (by Finland—War Scare.) He is rated highly, and may be expected to try conclusion with Epitaph in the Great Northern Foal Stakes. It is stated that an Auckland sportsman made an offer? of .£IOOO for the tour-year-old gelding Corn Rigs (by Markhope). but the owner, Mr. W, Gardiner,' refused the same. Last season Corn Rigs won three races out of, sis'starts", and this season he has won three of, ; the eight races exacted from him. The.French colt Soar (by Bruleur-~Kkil Kourgan), on whom the Australian jockey, Frank Bullock, won the French Derby and Prix Royal Oak, is reckoned by good judges to bo the best horse bre'd in Franoe for many years. In fact, he is compared with Sa.rdona.pale, whose brilliant eJI-oon* quering career was cut short by the war. English-bred horses continue to be freely imported to Australia. The latest arrivals in Victoria are Shillinglee (by JJangibby— William's Pride) and Aughton (by Charles O'Malley—Wattle Bough). Shillinglee is a four-year-old horse and Aughton ranks as a •two-year-old.

Prince Charleroi managed to win the Tanransa Cup at Te Aroha on Wednesday last, I and the win for the Genoral Latour gelding was well overdue. The (act of the race being run in soft going played a part in the victory of Prince Charleroi. Soot (by All Black—Salute), the three-year-old half-sister to First Salute, changed hands recently, and ehe'f will on her next appearance carry the colours of Mr. C. Harnane. Soot, who is cast on big lines, requires plenty of time to mature. The Great Northern Oaks winner Pente, who has been on the invalid list for some time, is reported to be again in work at Hastings,' and strong %ope's are entertained that the Demosthenes mare will 8£&i& stand . a preparation. k . Coalition, who has-been resting since his victory in the New Zealfcfld Grand National Steeplechase,, has rejoined T- Quinlivjn's team, but it is understood that nothing will be required from him in a racing way until the winter meetings roll round. It is stated that one of Amythas' shoulders has been causing eome trouble, and to that I cause is stated to be 'due the abandonment of the trip to Ellerslie with the big son of Demosthenes. The three-Jear-old Radiant Light 7 is said to have recovered her form, and she will, ■it ia stated, form one of Mr. W. G. Stead's team for the A.R.C. 'Summer Meeting. Reports from Hastings credit Admiral Codrington with training on very satisfactorily, and the son of Gazeley is ticked off to earn parly distinction. It is understood that Solfanello wrll, be brought to Auckland in order to fulfil his engagements at the A.K-C. Summer Meeting. It is pretty generally concluded that Affectation will not fulfil his engagements at the Auckland Racing Club's Summer Meeting. It is considered likely that H. Gray will steer Sasanof in the Auckland Cup.

WAIPA RACING CLUB. MEETING AT TE AWAMUTU. The Waipa Racing Club's annual race meeting, to be held at Te Awamutu on Saturday next, promises to be the most noteworthy gathering promoted by that body up to the present time. All round the acceptances received are very satisfactory, and, in the event of the weather proving in keeping with the season, racegoers may be expected to journey in particularly etrgng force to'the Waikato township, for there is every promise of a capital day s sport. Tne first race .is timed to.be started at 11.15 a.m. A special train will leave Auckland for Te Awamutu nt 6.30 a.m. on Saturday, calling at intermediate stations and returning immediately after the races.

FORTHCOMING MEETINGS. AUCKLAND RACING CLUB. The Auckland Racinp Club's summer programme will require further attention from boraeownera on or before Friday next, on which day, at 6 p.m.,. acceptances (all due (or the Auckland Cup. Railway Handicap, Robinson Handicap, Grafton Hurdle Race, Nursery Handicap, and Christmas Handicap. Final payments., suso., requireo to. be made by the eamo hour for the Shgrtl&nd Plate, Great Northern Foal Stakes, Great Northern Derby, and Royal BtaVes. The Hawk was ..withdrawn from th*> Auckland Cup and Tinihanja, from all events at the A.R.C. Surnmor Meeting at O.flO a.m. yesterday; Crowhurst was withdrawn from the Grafton Hurdles Race,at the same time'. AUCKLAND TROTTING CLUB. Acceptances for all events to be decided on ,the opening day of the Auckland Trotting Club's Summer Meetine olot» on Friday nut, at 5 p.ia,

KAWAKAWA BACINO" CLUB. COURSE IMPROVEMENTS. The Kawakawo Basing. Club will'l»ld its annual race meeting on January 2! on the Ji&wakawa pourn, and matters shape extreme y well for a record gathoring. The o&ciaJs of the club are working most assiduously, and no expense has been sp&rnd in putting the course and equipment in order, ine course is a now seven-furloug track and nas been ploughed and levelled. A new eward p! grass gives a good course, and, as it has ion cu l several tlm€ »' the going will be firstclass. The track has also been completely mam l F° Profit? well drained. Over ±dOOO has be; j spent in improvements to the grounds and in new buildings. Tho totalisatjr-house has now been competed, and work on the other building additions is well under way. These additions include a secretary s office, weighins room, jockeys' ■room, and a casualty ward. The lawn, or enclosure, is a particularly fine piece of ground, and ib also carrying a nice bead of grass. The membershit) of the club is large and much support bus been forthcoming. i hei undertaking of pettim: the club en a good footinc has been a successful one, and there w every reason to anticipate that the club will enter on a period of marked prosperity. The programme to be brought off in connection with the approaching meeting consists of eight events, carryinc prize-money to tho extent of £550. the Kawakawa Cup of £150, with a cup value 40gns (the gift of Mr. J- P. English', standing out as the leadJn,' evont- Nominations for all events close with the secretary, Mr. C. H. Puttick. Kawakawa. or with Mr- C. F. Mark, Auckland, on Tuesday, December 20, at l> p.m.

MANAWATTJ ACCEPTANCES. [BY TELEORAPH — PRESS ASSOCIATION.] PALMERSTON NORTH, Tuesday. Following are tho acceptances for the firat day of the Manawatu meeting;— TOKOMARU HURDLES HANDICAP. U miles.—Multive, 11.9; Manahora, Kyoto, 11.3, Zola, 10.13; Ore Ore. 10.12: Ngakanui. lo.'J; Cick, 10.1; Khartoum, Opiate. Island. 90. GILLIES HANDICAP (flack conditions!, 6 fur.—Kikini, 3.8; Jackaroo, Capping Day, Crerae de MentKe, Rose of Athena, 7.13; Lord Dek, 7.9; Lady Kotiripo, 7.8; Passionless, Doucemcnt, Blissfuluess, 7-7; In the Pink, Santiago, 7.4; Anift, Triboulet. Chapl n. 7.3; Dissertation, 7.2; Correspondent, KiJreid, 7.1: Lady Thumham, Matareka, 6-13; Good Mark, Password, Cochineal, 6.12. MANAWATTJ CUP, U miles-Moly-neaux. 8.12; Marqueteur v 8.11; Dainty Step, Rude, 8.9; Imaribbon, Kilruen, 8.4; Punka, 8.3: Paonui, 8.2; Bonnetter, 8.1, Admiral Codrington, Printempe, Snub, 7.1!.; Battlegone, 7.7; Cleasanta, 7.3; Esperanee, 6.13; Sycorax, 6.12; Moutoa Ivanova, Kailand, Martial Dawn, 6.10; The Speaker, Martini, 6.7. NURSERY HANDICAP, 5 .hu—April Folly, 8.9; The Emperor, 7.10; Wairarapa, 7.9; Alabama, Panmure—Cormorant c, Bravato, Jolly Bruce. 7.4; Slayer, Peneu3, Bonrina, 7,0; Mentho, Enthusiasm, Valerie, 6-13; Wake Up. 6.12; Pillage 6.9; Native Queen, 6.7. TARDA WELTER HANDICAP, i mile and 55yds.—Earthshine, 9.7; Spook, 9.5. Royal Gift, 9.1; Admiration, 8.12; Sv;eet Song, 8.10; Kuia, Rugby, 8.9; All Cerise, Lord Desmond, 87: Seafoam, Rebuff, 8.5; Sir Roseberry, March On, 7.12; Sling Camp. FITZBERBERT HANDICAP. 6 fur.Chimera, To-matete, 8.13: Gazique, 8.12; Strategy, 8,4; Backsheesh, 8.0; Asterina. 7.12; ,Tigrinia, 7.10; Astinome. Birkie, 7.7; Nursing Sister, Canyon, 7.3; Mireusonta, 6.10; Barleycorn, 6-9; Capping Day, Bonny Briar, 6.7. GRANDSTAND HANDICAP. I:mils' and 55yds.—Admiral Codrington,' SMft? . Roso Wreath, 8.8; Little River, 8.2; DatroteiV!; Askan, Martial Dawn, 7.6; Nursing-Sister, 7.3; Hyttus, 7.0; Tairawhiti. Martini. >qV?->-TRIAL PLATE, 7 fur—Birkeneita,' '.Black Sea, Kumenga, Lady Nassau. Mark -Time, Martulla, Mataroka, Panache, P&m, Pleasure, Pantler, Rowan, Rodlogue, Rimutaia, Released, Radu, Solstice, Sleeping Beauty, Satin, Tußsoro, Whiritas.

WHATAWHATA RACING CLUB. The Whatawhata Racing Club hold their meeting on January 2. The' following weights have been declared by Mr, J. Chadwick:— HANDICAP HACK HURDLES, 1! miles. —Keystone, 11.9; Pablo, Kuranui, 9.12; Golden Nut, 9.10; Fortlet, 9.9; Grey Star, 9.7; Te KumiaAbe,.9.o. MAIDEN PLATE HANDICAP,'' 6 lurlMemoral, 9.5: Sailor Boy. 9.0; Sir Musketry. 8.15: Speiler. 8.10": Rangipai, Te Kumi. Quin Abbey (Matangi mare), Pinto, 8.8; G'.psy Quin, 8.7: x WHATAWHATA HANDICAP. U milesKeystone, 9.15: Bilver Pino 9.8; Lady Pctain. 9.4: Sir Musketry. Kuranui. 8.12; War Ribbon. 8.9; Pinto, Gipsy Quin, 8.5. SHORTS* HANDICAP, 5 fur.-Memoral, 9.8; Sailor Boy, 9.5; Sir Musketry, 9.2; B-angipai. Desert Queen, Quin Abbey (Matangi maTe). Spalpeen (Soult male), 8.11; Gipsy Quin. 8.10: Paxie. 8.2. LAXON MEMORIAL HANDICAP, 6 fur. —Silver Pine, 9.12; Lady Petain, 9.8; Memoral 9.7: Golden Nut. 9.4: Sailor Boy. 9.3: Sir Musketry, 9.2; War Ribbon, B.LJ; Rangipai, 8.11 i Gipsy Qum, 8.10,

TIRAU BACING CLUB.' ' Tha following Wights have been declared ' by Mr. J. Chadwick for events to be run at the Tirau Meeting on January 2:— MAIDEN HACK HANDICAP, 't fur.Morrin Abbey, 9-7; Waitnmahjne, -9,4; Ornate, 9-3; QiintiUhn, 9.2: Raymond) Maria Monk, Sanhaven, Tauwharc, 9.0; Just Quietly, Irene Bruce. 8.12; Lady Jjhoo. COUNTy HANDICAP, 6 fnr>-Te .Ranga. &7; Ihapotoa, 8.11: Neuritis, 8.5: Dempsey, Carhst, 8.8; Glenfoil, Maria Monk, 8.2; Just Quietly, 8.0; Colour Sergeant, 7.12 SETTLERS' HACK~HANDICAP, 6 furyWaitamalune, Arab King, 10.10; Tauwhafe, 10.8; Sanhaven, Maria Monk, 10-7; Tiger. Waioraka, 10.4. WELTER .HANDICAP. 7 fur.-Rtietoa. 10.7; Neuritis 9.13 r Morrin Abbey, 9.9; Demnsey, Carlist, 9.6: Raymond. Mario Monk, ■Li«nore, 9.3. . TIRATJ HANDICAP. 1, miles—Nunerant. 10.7; To Rauga.- 9.8; Reretoa. 9.0; Mcrrin Abboy, 8.4;. Arab Eing s 8.3: Dempsey, Carlist, 8,1; Lismore, Maria Monk. 8.0; Colouit Rergeant, 7.12. y LADIES; BRACELET. 6 fur.-Arab King. 10.10; QumtiUian. 10.9; Tauwhare, 10.8; Maria Monk, Banhaven, 10.7; Irene Bruce. De Valeria, 10.5 j Waioraka. Tiger, Ninipo, 10.4: Lady Shoe, Wauchope filly, 10.0SHORTS. HANDICAP. 5 fur.-fe Ranga, 10.3;; Ihapotoa, • 9.7; Neuritis, 8,13: ■ WeHomanine,'- Quintfllian, 8-12; Sanhaven,''MariaMonk, 8.10; IrerXßnice, Glecfoil, Just Quietly. 8.9; 8.8; Che3sey.B-0.

wanganui notes. [from our jwn correspgkdbnt.] ■ W, Rayner intends leaving Wanganui on Monday next for Auckland. Ho will tike with Jam Thespian and Listowel. Thespian .w.gOHM along in very attractive-style, and from appearances should be a better colt when 'he stripß for the Derby than ever. He-hag put up some fast gallops, including a spin over a mile, which ho covered very comfortably m lm 4-is,'pulling up well. From tho was the bay bob of Absurd finisW up mil tasks, there is avers -reason to anticipate that he will stay out a mile and a-haif all right.- Thespian ia unlikely to start in tho .Railway Handicap, in which he has been given B,9—the same weight as Listowel. The three-year-old will -scarcely be asked to take on the task set him, x Listowel will, however, bo a starter, and if in his beet form on the nay will keep,the others very busy. Listowel was moving in a scratchy nianner a couplo of weeks- aw, but ia going freely now. and should be in tip-top fettle for the Ellerslie meeting Yolande ran well enough in both her races at Foilding to suggest that she will prove equal to winning a race or two soon. The Absurd filly is getting through her tasks in a pleasing manner. It appears that Zola was unlucky to Jose on the second day at FeildinE. as just Before reaching the last obstacle the shoulder of his pilot (E. .Copestake). who was injured at Takapuna. slipped out, and Zola co'iLiequently sot no assistance from his rider- Copest&ke wae also Handicapped in his handling ot War Loan at Woodville by his injured arm, although he made a great effort at the finish. It is to be hoped this very capable horseman will 60on be all right again-. Although' Khartoum figures among those nominated for the hurdle events at the Mana-* watu meeting, he has not done any work on the track for seme months. However, he has been hacked about a lot and ridden over the hills, the result being that he is looking very well. Zola has been showing symptoms of lameness lately after working, but his trainer does not think it is serious. The Sweet Simon gelding re looking well and doing good work. He is nicely weighted in tho hurdles at Awapuni. Tips lightened up considerably after his racing at Feuding, but has ccuic on again all right, and should be fit to keep the best of them busy at the Taranaki meetings. Crnoelle and the half-brother (by San Fran) to Leonta will also bo ta' r cn to New Ply. mouth by J. Young. The San Fran gelding is coming along nicely, and promises to be a useful sort later on. It is very evident' from the way she. is shapin? that the long spell which All Ceriao .enjoyed did her a lot of good- She is looking remarkably well, Rnd from the way she is galloping will be very hard to beat in her eneagements at Awapuni. Warrawee looks all the better ior hia racing at Feilding, apd it will be surprising if J. Peachey does not oiclt up a race or two dtiTing the holiday with this gelding. ' Taraatcte. Rude, and Isabel are reported to be doing good work at Fordell, and F. Tilley ought to pick up a race or two at the M&nawstu meeting. Tho form shown by Tamatete at Riccarton was disappointing, but 'the son of Absurd is capable of doing'much better. Even if he is not a tcp-notcber over a distance, he can gallon up to a nrilo very fast, and he should have a chance in the Fitznerbert Handicap, though he-has been given his full sharo of weight (8.13).0n hs« performances. '-,V V « i'" Yolande will not be taken to Auckland, .is was originally intended, as she is not yet Quite forward enough to have much chance ot success- ■?■'?