SPORTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18016, 15 February 1922, Page 9

SPORTING.

RACING FIXTURES.

February 15. 16—Hamilton Racine Club. February 15. 16—Woodville Jockey Club. February 18. 20-Otahuhu Trotting Club. February 22. 24-Wanganui Trotting Club. February 23, 25-Wanganui Jockey Club. February 2&-Opotiki Racine Club. February 25. 26-Thames Jockey Club. March <. 6-Te Aroba Jockey Club. March 17, 18-Ohincmuri Jockey Club. March 25—Nearuawahia Racine Club. April 1, s—Auckland Trotting Club. April 15. 17—Auckland Racing Club. April 22, 24—Avondals Jockey Club. DATES OF COMING EVENTS. February 15—Hamilton Cup. February 18-Otahuhu Trotting Cup. February 25—Wanganui Cup. April 15—Great Northern Oaks. April 15—Great Northern Champagne Stakes. April 15—A.R.C. Easter Handicap. April 17—A.R.C. Autumn Handicap. April 17—Great Northern St. Leger Stakes. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

" Piikemako."—Wo cannot find any record such as mentioned in your letter.

W.W.W.—The placed horees in the Hamilton Cup last year were:—Royal Abbey (7.9), Canowindra (6.10). and Forest Gold (6-7).

"Musketeer," Remuera.—Clonmel (8.8) won the Nelson Handicap (one mile) at Ellerslie on March 26 last. The time recorded for the race was lm 11 3-Ss.

" Kauri"—At the C.J.C. Grand National Meeting in August last Pins Arch (9.0) won the Islington Handicap (one mile and aquarter). beating Royal Star (10.10) by four lengths in 2m 12s.

" Doubtful." Takapuna.—According to Ruff's Guide of 1920, H. Jones was retained by R. Marsh's stable for 1921. Marsh trains for His Majesty. The same authority gives Mr. J. White as the employer of S. Donoghue (or the period named. It was stated some little time back that S. Donoghue would ride for the King this year, but there is no official statement to hand yet bearing on the matter.

NOTES BY PHAETON.

AUSTRALIAN-BRED HORSES IN NEW ZEALAND.

Australian-bred horees are settinr their full share of races in New Zealand this season. Gloaming (by The Welkin) has accounted for the opposition in six of the seven weight-for-ase races he has contested, Vespucci (by Varco) has placed the A.R.C. Summer Cuo and Taranaki Cup to his credit, Rude (by Cyrus) won the Manawatu Cup, Landslide (by Kenilworth) scored a victory in the Takanuna Cup, and Trespass (by Tressady) Li included among winners of the Dunedin Cup. A further sextette of Australian-bred flat-racers that have claimed the attention of the judge in Maoriland during the present season are Dovelet (by Maltster), Pavo (by The Welkin), Illumination (by Limelight), Refinement (by Shepherd King), Namutere (by Beragoon), and Royal Present (by Beragoon). In addition there is Explorer (by Kenilworth), who placed himself in the first flight as a hurdler when he won the Auckland Hurdle Race (two miles) under 12.2 in the record time of 3m 40 3-5s at Ellerslie on January 8- Thrace (by Poseidon) is another noteworthy hurdler bred in Australia that is in the limelight a.3 a recent winner over the battens.

AMYT3AS AT WINGATBI. In * reference to the Dunedw Cup contest in my notes on Saturday the opinion wag ventured that the true honours of the race were on the side of the top weight, I Amythas. who carried his great burden of 10.5 into third place b mnd Trespaea (8.3) and Vagabond (8.9 J. Full details of the race, now to hand, show that the honours of the race were very clearly on the side of the Demosthenes cnldxns; in fact, it is itoutly contended in many well-versed circles that Amythaa had bad luck to lose. The final dash for victory made by Amythas in the iace of difficulties that Dresented themselves, i it i 6 stated, was invested with brilliancy of | a high order, and proved beyond a ooubt that he is as good as ever. In the event of Amythas remaining eound—and everyone will wish that such will result—the bay geldinj; can be depended upon to play a. very imi portent part in the settlement of events ahead.

THE WANGANUI CUP.

The next big event set down for decision j on the Now Zealand turf is the Wanganui i Cup. which is set down to be run on the 23rd iiißt. In casting tho handicap for the nice in Question Mr. H. Coyle very appropriately tiave Amythas the post of honour with 10,2 as hie impost. Tho son of Deniooihiiiics has a stiff load, but he is a proved stayer and weight-carrier, and. with the gome to his liking, he can be depended upon to take a hand in the settlement of the question. Vespucci 19!) follows Aniythaa in the handicap, but the little point to 6e argued against him is that he has tailed ouch time when called upon to travel 12 furlongs, and how he will get on with the journey extending to 14 furlongs is a moot Question. Vagabond (8.8) can stay, and he can be ticitcd off as a likely candidate, as also can his stable-mats. Trespass (8.6). Affectation 18.2) has nothing of a winning character to his credit over a long distance, but it must rjrfbe forgotten that he displayed 6taying ability at three years old, and possibly this Wanganui Cup may not provo beyond his reach. Lovematch (7.12) led tho field home last year under 7.8 in thn good timo of 8m 2s, and she shoulu have something to say in the settlement of the question in the event of being able to rcproduoe her best form.

LEAVES FROM MY NOTEBOOK. The committee of the Auckland Racing Club, like a lot of other people, have found it necessary to keep a sharp eye on the financial barometer, and, in tha face of the situation ruling, it has been decided to hold several projected works in abeyance for the present, among which are included the additional buildings to act as sub-stations in the new totalisator scheme. The main totalisator building ia, however, to be completed, and also other works entered upon, including the winter garden. The latter building will probably be completed by the time tho autumn meetina comes round. It ia a very artistic work, and will add greatly to the attractions o»! the main enclosure.

According to advices to hand from Napier, tho negotiations that were in progress by an Australian sportsman for the purchase of The Hawk have been terminated. In referring to the matter " Sir Lancelot," of the Evening Post, writes:—"lt might be explained that prior to the Wellington meeting The Hawk was offered at 3000gns to the purchaser of Tho Cypher, dso to a Melbourne firm who were acting on behalf of an Indian client, and to Mt- H. Chiaholm. The terms were net accepted, and after the double win at Trentham tho price was raised to BOOOgns The Hawk waa placed under offer to a Victorian buyer at the figure named. The agent for the Indian buyer offered 4000gns, but that was refused by Mr. T. 8. P.oulston, acting on behalf of the Douglas trustees." t° hand bearine on the race for the Duuedin Cup show that the dual Derby winner. Winning Hit, waa well up at the home turn, but he faded away ra.iidly and finished up in ninth position. It was a bl fi T* #»' . was Bct &<> Autumnus colt, for the impost (9.5) opposite his name represented 181b over weight-for-age. . Having won two solidly-run Derbies. Winning Hit showed himself up attractively in journeys extending to a mile and a-half. put there is a growing impression that he is more likely to win important races over a less, distance than that named, which ia to be interpreted in the eense that doubte are entertained as to the chestnut colt being a true stayer. In the decision of the Hazlett Memorial Plate, run on Saturday, Winning Hit to reaDonmble for running a brilliant eight furlongs, for he completed the distance in lm 39 l-5a under a 141b penalty. The English-bred horse Callaghan has two engagements, at Claudelands to-day but as the events m which ho figures follow each other it may be doubted if ho will be called upon for the double effort. Callaghan figures in the Karamu Welter Handicap (1 mile) with 10.0 and in the Cambridge Handicap (8, furlongs) with 7.6. Callaghan has three wins to nis credit this season. At Carterton fn November last he won the Maungaraki Welter Handicap (7 furlongs) under 9.0 in lm 295, in the following month at Awapuni he scored a victory in tho Clareboyne Handicap (1 mile) under 8.6 in lm 44«. and at Marten last month he carried 9.9 to viotory in the Turakina Welter Handicap (7 furlongs) in lm 295. The Otago sportsman. Mr. R. Acton Adams, secured a very valuable racer in General Advance when, he bought the brown geldinu in Auokknd in the winter of 1920. At Wingatui on Saturday laet General Advance won tie Dunedin Jockey Club Handicap, and, as he compassed the mile and a-quarter in that race in tho fast time of 2m 6 4-5s under 8.0, the performance entitles him to a decent place with noteworthy gallopers of the season.

At Taranaki on Saturday last Vespucci placed himself further in the limelight by capturing the Paul Memorial Stakes, and, as ie carried an impost (9.7) 13lb in advance of that under which he won the Taranaki Cup. that may be taken to very conclusively prove that the big chestnut had a real " good thing" on hand in the big event on the opening day. It will be interesting to note how Vespucci will shape in longerdistance races as the season advances.

The three-year-old filly Radiant Light showed herself up attractively at Te Kuiti on Saturday, when she carried 8.12 to victory in the Cup, conceding 101b and a year to the Great Northern Oaks winner, Pente. Radiant Light is not engaged on the first day of the Hamilton meeting-but she figures among the entrants for the Waikato Handicap (one mile and a-quarter). which event figures on the seoond day's sxogrußina

The Woodville Cup, which comes up for decision to-day, has a field of 10 engaged, among which is Aureate, tho three-year-old inll-oister to Desert Gold. In December last Aureate won the Dannevirke Handicap [one mile and a-quarter) under 7.5, beating Jno Speaker (7.7). Sycorax (7.4), and eight others easily in 2m Bb. . Bonnie Maid (by Boniforni—Happy Maid) I s reported to have been so seriously injured while on shipboard recently that grave doubts are expressed as to her ever racini! again. Bonnie Maid will be best remembered in Auckland by reason of the surprise victory she registered in the Great Northern St. Leeer of 1918, when she defeated a supposed certainty in Estland.

The Hautapu Hack Cut), which figures on the programme for decision it Claudelanda to-day, has the strong field of 21 engaged, and a very interesting contest can apparently bo safely anticipated. Marble Slab (8.6) can run out a good mile when caught at his best, and the Australian-bred Royal Present '8.1) is another that may be eipected to take a hand in the settlement of the Question.

It is announced from Sydney that Mr. F. Merton intends to resume racing and to have his horses trained in Melbourne. In 1911 tho late W. E- Smith met with a fatal accident when riding Mr. Merton's horse, Aurofodina. in a race at Rosehill. and Mr. Merton shortly after the sad occurrence announced his retirement as an owner, and his colours have remained folded up during the whole of the intervening yearß.

, On the second day of tho Auckland Racing Club's Summer Meeting hold on December 28 last Crosswords won the Ponsonby Hurdle Race in tho nomination of Mr. W. D. Turabull. Mr. H. G. Jones, tho owner of Multiv© (who ran second), lodged an injunction against the stakos being paid over, tho question hinging on the matter of ownorrsliip. The A.B.C. Committoe meet to-day to consider the ca«).

Gloamin.:'s victory in the Taranaki Stakes marked thu ;i7th race in which he has led tho field home, and his earnings in stakes now amount to i' 25.583. The next race in which Gloaming is engaged is the Jackson Stakes (six furlongs), and, as no penalties attach to that race, n further addition to The Welkin gelding's winning record seems to be something in the shano of a certainty.

At the Newmarket sales in England in December one of the hinhest-oriced lots disposed of. was the beautifully-bred :Reme des Pechcs, b groy mare by Rio Herode out of Perfect Peach, by Persimmon, served by Gay Crusader. This mare, the prooerty of Mr. Lionel Robinson, was knocked down at 6000KD3 to tho British Bloodstock Agency.

Totahsator investments continue to show a marked decrease at various points ol the Dominion. At the Duncdin meeting, held last wpek. the decrease compared with last year amounted to £22,993: at T.uanaki £21,520 less went through the machine than at this, period last year: and £11,972! was the shrinkage at the Te Kuili meeting, Australian sportsmen continue to invest largely in English bloodstock. At the Newmarket (England) December eale3 Frank Bullock, tcting for an Australian 6portsman, secured Our Prince, a four-year-old horse by Bachelor's Double—Painted Lady, for 2100ehs. and a three-year-old bay colt by Corcyra—Dough for 1150 ens. The lisrl of Derby, vice-president of the British Lerion, recently donated £1000, representing 5 per cent, of his racing winnings (or 1921, to be administered by the benevolent department of the legion. It will be allocated for the benefit of ex-officers and other ranks in Liverpool At Te Kuiti on Saturday last descendants of Quin Abbey were once again well in the limelight, five out of the eisht events falling to them, Sir Burnett, Tinokaha, Queen Abbey, Loch Abbey, and Golden Abbey being the ones to earn distinction at Te Kumi for their imported parent.

Amvthas figured in the final payment for the Hazlett Memorial Plate, and there appeared to be apromise of a meeting between him and Winning Hi(, in the mile weight-for-age race, but the big son of Demosthenes was withdrawn on the day of the race, which was a keen disappointment. The Waimai Hurdle Race, which comes up for decision at Claudelands to-day, has the strong field of 19 engaged. The distance only extends to a mile and a-half. and that will be to the advantage of a large percentage of the field. Bathlin is one that can be ticked off in that division.

The time telegraphed as registered by Trespass in the winning of the Dunedin Cup was given as 2m 30 2-ss. Papers now to hand show that the time recorded by the Australian-bred horse in the Winsatui race was 2m 31 2-ss.

Mr. R. Hannon has a.double string to his bow in connection with the Cambridge Handicap with Prince Abbey (8-6) and Queen Abbey (7.2). The latter won the Stewards' Handicap at Te Kuiti on Saturday last. , With 13 engaged in the Hamilton Cup, set down for decision at Claucelandß to-day and the winner well concealed, there is plenty of material to ensure speculation taking a highly-interesting form.

Martial Dawn is considered to have been somewhat unlucky in the decision of the To Kuiti Cup, Tho daughter of Martian figuree in the Hamilton Cup at. the minimum.

The three-year-old Poet seemed to be well placed to win the Farewell Handicap, in which he was wighted with 6.12. and he was sent out favourite, but he failed to gain a situation.

Zany (by Absnrd—Leta), a full-sii'ter to the brilliant Theepian. who cost Mr. C. Elgar 1300gns, has not so far returned any of the sum expended in her purchase. Vespucci's victory in the Taranaki two i was not popular, and the local papers stafs "it was received in perfect silence, with the exception o'i gome dissentient ham." The strong race Pente received in the Te Kuiti Cup should tell to her advantage, and a win for Messrs. Byrne and Gleefoji with the chestnut mare may be close at hand. Fifteen two-year-olds figure in the Tamahere Stakes at Claudelanda to-day, with the A.R.C. Welcome Stakes winner, Mountain Lion (9.10). in the post of honour. Boomerday and Mangamahoc, who ran a dead heat for the A.B.C. Handicap at Ellerslie last month, are expected to meet to-day in the Hamilton Cup. Details to hand bearing on the Taranaki Cup show that the order of favouritism was i as follows:—Landslide, Silver Link, Affectation, and Vespucci.

A etrone field of 28 is encaged in the Trial Handicap at Hamilton to-day, with the Australian-bred Fort Beet] (9.0) at the head of the listThe Ohiiiemuri Jockey Club has appointed Mr. A. Vincent starter for their annual meeting on March 17 and 18.

THE HAMILTON MEETING.

TO-DAY'S PROGRAMME.

The Hamilton Racing Club will open its i annual race meeting at Claudelands to-day. and, if the character of the acceptance received for the first day's racing is to be accented as a criterion of what is to follow on the Becond day, another highly-successtul gathering will be associated with the Waikato ground. The leading event of to-day'j programme is the Hamilton Cup of £1000, and the handic&pptr, Mr. F. J. McManemin. hiw succeeded so well in concealing the winner that a very keen intorest surrounds th» issue. The following is a list of the horses enga&pd in the eight events which fcrm today's programme:—

TRIAL HANDICAP. 7 fur.-Fort Begal, 9.0; Wanigan, 8.9; Gold Bud. 8.7; Pengwen. 8.5; Whit'.anga, 8.0; Te Eohae, Fairmount, Ben, Nevis, Proj.yform, Waiwiri, Kilmarney, Mapiu, Mia Bella, 7.9; Moonstruck, Lord Star, Pentagram, King Neva. Quaeetor, Just Quietly, Wish Wynne, Allwin, Euphoria, Archquil, Quintilian, Opium, Strideaway, St. Waipa, Marquil, 7.7. WAIMAI HURDLE RACE, 1} miiee.Maniahera, 11,11: Rathlin, 10.6: Guerre a Mort, 10.5; Shellshock, 10.1; Active. 10.0; Snake, 9.13: Keystone, 9.4; Romance, Capsal, Tinokaba. 9.2; Wharepoa, Thiganthu, Lady Lyddite, Lady Hill, Foxglove, Glenfoil, Golden Abbey. Pepin, Signorella, 9.0. TAMAHERE STAKES. 5 fur—Mountain Lion, 9.10; The Emperor, 9.4: Ad Astra, 8.9; Sir Otway, 8.5; Lady Lois, 7.11; Shebang, Matinee, Rata, 7.1- Florent. 7.0; Tactful, 6.11: Finelli, 6.8 j Koyal Fame, Flying Planet, Miss June. Bright Day, 6.7. HAMILTON CUP of £1000; H miles.Dncle Ned, 9.0; Tinokoro, 8.5; Boomerday, 7.12; Gold Kip, 7.11; Mangamahoe. 7.7; Truthful, 7-6; Pente, 7.0; Stork, 6.11; Pine Arch, 6.10: Esthonia, 6.8; Potnui, Gold Plane, Martial Dawn, 6.7. HATJTAPD HACK CUP, 1 mil©.—Some Fashion, 9.5; Marble Slab, Brodick. 8.6; Royal Present, Sunny Jim, 8.4- Waikaretu, Glencairn, 82; Dactylis, 8.0; Bright Light, 7.11; Oak Abbey. 7.8; Lady Patience, Formalin, 7.7; Peter Maxwell, 7.6: Gold Bud, 7.5; Don't, 7.Q; Prince Charles, Great] Form, War Ribbon, Commission, Raymond, Election, 7.0.

KARAMU WELTER HANDICAP. 1 mile. —Esthonia, 10.7; Callaghan. 10.0; Forest Gold, 9.6; Bang, 9.5; Canowindra, Golden Dream, 9.3; Bedford, 8.12; But© Sound, 8.7; Sir Huon, Arrowfield. 8.0. CAMBRIDGE HANDICAP, 6 for—Absnrdiim 9.9; Golden Bubble, 9.6; Prince Abtx-.y, 8.6; Tarna-a-roa, 8.4; Blackmail, 81; Pavo. 8.0; Callaghan, 7.6; Infante, Queen Abbey, 7.2; Arran, Dovolet, 7.1; Bang, 6.11; Hipo, 6.10: Royal Blood, 6.7. CLAUDELANDS HACK HANDICAP, 6 fur.—Loch Abbey, 8.9; Princess Charming, 8.6: Fife and Drum, 8.4; Sir Bur. nett. Lady Glissaa, Oak Abbey, 8.2: Loch Abbey, 8.1; Waiatapai, Bitholia. Menance. 8.0; Wrangle, 7.13; Jolly Gay, 7.12; Salvalesf, 7.11; Elsie Aroha. Regent, Connemara, 73; Awareka, 7.7: Hypothesis, Arizona Maid, 7.6; Tuipa, Terohae, 7.3; Qu : n Abbey ge!d : ng (Waitu). Naughty Girl, Mia Dolce, Just Quietly, Moonstruck, 7.0, The first race is timed to be started at noon, and the special trains are so arranged as to enable those travelling to reach Claudelands in time to witness the running of the opening event.

A.R.C. COMMITTEE. At a meeting of the Auckland Racing Club's committee held ycßterday transfers were approved as follows:—J. G. Johnston to T. A. Duncan, Enthusiasm; J. H. Edwards to L. R. Nigro, Dorinda; J, H. Edwards to Taylor and Kearney, King Cheops; T. H. Lowry to G. L. Rutherford, Moorland; C. G. Dalgety to J. Wilson. Bluff. Accounts totalling £2080 were passed for payment. A special meeting of the committee will bo held to-day to hoar the Crosswords cm