SPORTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18089, 13 May 1922, Page 11

SPORTING.

RACING FIXTURES. May 13-Te Aroha Trotting Club. May 18. 20—Wanganui Jockey Club. May 30. Juno 1. D Dunedin Jockey Club. Juno 3. 5. 7—Auckland Racing Club. DATES OF COMING EVENTS. May 18—Century Hurdle Race. May 18—Wnnganui Steeplechase. May HO—Otsgo Steeplechase. Juno 3—Great Northern Hurdle Race. June 5-Great Northern Steeplechase.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. " Wager." Ellcralie.—Soalneen (12.2) contested tho Great Northern Hurdle Race Of 1901. He never contested a steeplechase. J.F-W.-In the New Zealand Turf Register Maira is returned as by General Soult iron, a rinfiro marc. There in no mention in that record of the horse in Question having won a race. He ran third in tho Maiden Hunters' Steeplechase at EUcrslie in September last. " Wager."—Tho sum elated to have been paid for the stallion Tracery by a breeder in South America was £53,000. which stands as tho record. Tracery was raced in England, and was put to tho stud there. Jno horse in Question was. however, brotl in the United States of Amorica. " Kaiwakarcre."-1. The. Great Northern Steeplechase was instituted in 188 a. Iho following is a list of the horses actual first favourites that have won the event in Question :-Sihio (1387). Liberator (1896), Muscatel (1898). Dummy (1899). Moifaa (1901). Kia tere (1905). Sol (1906). Capitol (1909), Hautore (1912). El GttUo (100G). and Lochella (192G). 2. Coalition figured sixth in order of favouritism for last year's Great Northern Steeplechase. Fisher started favourite tost year. "Subscriber." Nelson. -1. David (by Baverstock—Linotype) was «old privately in December last, but the price paid for tho horso was not disclosed. It is understood that it was in tho vicinity of £4000. David has won 12 races to date, and his stake earnings amount to about £10.000. 2. The Turf Register gives the respective times of tne four placed horses in tho New Zealand Trotting Cup (1920) as follows:—Reta. Peter, 4m 30 2-ss: General Link. 4m 27 3-ss; Author Dillon. 4m 21 4-ss; Sherwood. 4m 32 2-ss.

NOTES BY PHAETON

HIGH-PRICED RACERS

Tho .refusal of an offer of £10,000 for the I New South Wales crack Beuuford is an item ' •that can bo depended upon to receive a wide | advertisement. The fact of tho owner and breeder of tho sensational gelding, Mr. W. 11. Mackay, having refused the offer, displays ! a fine sporting spirit, and serves to engender j a fervent hope that he may have cause to ! greatly rejoice over his action when next ] season's racing is underway. The big offer made for Beauford encourages one to revive some history when horses have been sold at high figures. Tho case of the sensational Titan readily comes to tho among Australian sales. In tho autumn of. 1800, when Vwo years old, tho uneexed son o£ Chester and Tempo carried all before him, and his Derby prospects at that time were held to bo of so bright an order that he realised IGOOgns when he was disposed of at auction. Titan did not win a single race for the man who invested the large mim m his purchase, and who. in addition, had his banking account very seriously depleted by the high-priced gelding running unplaced in tho A.J.C- Derby. Then there wa« the case of Tradition. Vho filled the role of runnerup in the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups respectively in tho spring of ISSS, and who was subsequently bought for 3050gns by shrewd men. The records show that Tradition never succeeded in winning back a tingle shilling of tho large sum that wm paid for him, and thus another high-priced one was numbered among tho failure.;. Aurora, who was voted high-class, was sold to an English lady for SCOOgns, but he failed to earn a single shilling of the sum expended in his purchase. The New Zealand horse Canteen performed some swallow-catching gallops in Victoria in the spring of 1904. and Sir Rupert Clarke bought him for 30()0gns. but tho grey son of Castor proved a gay deceiver, and he never won a raco after hia purchase. On tho strength ol some bniiiant form at two years old Mr. 8. F. Mackay was tempted to buy Outlook for 5000gns. but that colt was never able to reproduce his brilliancy, and he was a big disappointment. Fimnark was bought for 5000gns by Mr. A. P. Wade. and. though tho son of Finland managed to win the A.J.C. St. Lescr for his new owner, he proved a bad speculation- The case of Prince Palatine in England is ono that always rivets great interest when high-priced racers are under the searchlight. The horse in question had won tho Ascot Gold Cup in two successive years, and in tho July of 1913 Mr. J. B. Joel closed for his purchase at £50,000, witn delivery on October 1 of tho same year. There was. however, a proviso to the jalo noto that if Prince Palatine suffered a defeat in the interval the price ' was to bo reduced from £50.000 to £40.000. In the very next race—the Goodwood Cup—in which Prince Palatine started after his sale he Buffered a crushing dofeat. and his turf career abruptly ended. Prince Palatine subsequently earned a good sum as a sire. and. as ho was eventually Bold for £25,000, the transaction did not. after al\ turn out so very badly for the man who expended £10.000 in his purchase. Coming to New Zealand, tho case of Noctuiform Btands out boldly. That son of Multiform electrified tho turf world by winning the Australian Jockey Club Derby in the great time of 2m 32Js, and after a series,of brilliant triumphs in Canterbury an English sportsman bought him for SOOOgns. Noctuiform only managed to win one small race (£IOO was the value) in England, and when relegated to the hurdle class he broke a leg in his first public essay over the sticks, and thus another striking illustration was furnished of ill-luck following a h gh-priced horse- Then there is the casn of Golden Slipper- On the ntrength of a dual v : ctor.v in tho C-J.C. Champagne Stakes and Challenge Stakes at Riccarton in the autumn o r lOCS, she was estimated very highly, with tho result that the officiating auctioneer had ■ioOOgns entered on the slate when ho knocked tho bav fi'lv down to a commissioner acting on behalf of the New South Wales sportsman. Mr. W. E, White. Gold-n Slioncr proved a pronounced failure at three yearn old. a.nd the only races that fell to her after being transported from New Zealand to Australia was a brace of email handicaps which 6ho captured at four years old. tho combined value of which did not reach £200! LUCKY PURCHASES. In the preceding paragraph I have recited instancoa where several racers on whom hign hopes rested, and who cost their respectivo owners a heap of gold, proved, keen disappointments. In order to present some fncts on the other side of the picture. Mr. Donald Wallace'*! purchase of Carbine* at 3000cns in the spring of ISBB can bo brought out as a star item- In prize-money alono the bay eon of Musket captured for his Victorian owner a sum in excess of £27.000. so that, figuratively 6peaktng, the Auckland horse proved a veritable goldmine. In the autumn of 1004 Gladsome was bought for 120Ogns by Mr. Sol. Green, and when she was retired to tho etud at B.x yeara old her captures in stakes for the Victorian penciller amounted to something liko £10.000. In 1917 Mr. T. A. Stirton bought Cetigno for 1500gns. and ho won in stakes alono over £12,000 for tho New South Wales sportsman. I havo headed this paragraph ''Lucky Purchases." and therefore. 1 can mention some others that come within that category, for whom comparatively small amounts were paid. Tasman, who has tho distinction of winning the first New Zealand Cup at Riccarton for the late Mr. " Dan." O'Brien, was picked up cheaply at 130gns. and, though the necessary data is not available to enable an accurate statement to be made of his winnings in stakes, it can be said that such ran to several thousands. Then there is Liberator, who was bought for £500 and subsequently won tho Duuedin Cup. Wanganui Cup. Grand National Hurdlo Race, and the Great Northern Hurdlo Race and Great Northern Steeplechase- Mr. Leslie Macdonald's purchase of Wakeful at SlOgna is entitled to a prominent place among the bargains of the sale-ring, for the bay daughter of Trenton won him in stakes ar<»*. the largo sum of *16.G95. On the eame afternoon as ho bought Wakeful Mr. MMcdonald secured Revenue for 720gns. and tho son of Trenton subsequently made, his new owner a handsome return by winning a Melbourne Cup-

VICTORIA AND THE TOTALISATOR. ARiUtion continuee Btroncly in Melbourne for tho legalisation of the totalieator in Victoria., and. though the Sute Ministry is not prepared to introduce a BUI dealing with tho matter, it will not odor any opposition to a private Bill early next scwaton. In tho courue of a rocent interview tho State Treasurer (Mr- McPherson), however, made it clear that if tho proposed Bill sought, to leßaliue the totalizator side by side Witt bookmakers he would vote against it. He considered that there should bo cither tho totalizator by itself or retention of the present system of betting with bookmakers. It wua not, he said, intended by thus that bookmaker* should be prohibited from conducting business imme<liatoly the Bui became law Tho Bill, he thought, should make it impossible for a bookmaker to carry on Icallv after, say, five years. Under this arrangement 20 P«r cent, of tho present number of registered bookmakers would retiro during the first year, and a similar number in each of tho succeeding five yearn. Those who wero to retire could be decided by tho bookmakers themselves, possibly by the drawing of lots. Such a procedure would appeal to tie iportinc instinct* of >]»*« rnca.

A.K.C. WINTER MEETING. Tho Auckland Racing Club's Winter Mooting has tor many years formed one of tho great race gatherings m the world of .sport in the Dominion, and tho acceptances for loading events and the general entries which the secretary, .Mr. W. S. Spcn.ce, had tho pleasing ta«k of compiling yesterday in connection with the forthcoming meeting at Ellcrfllio are all round of such a highly satisfactory character as to invest tho outlook with a very bright tint. Tho acceptance list for the Great Northerns was, of course, the centre of moat attraction in connection with yesterday's proceedings, and with a field of 25 engaged m each of the leading jumping events, the handicappor, Mr. F. J. McManamin, has excellent reason to bo pleased with tho manner in which hio important work has been received by owners. Of the six horses which tho A.R-C. handicappcr ranted up at tho head of tho list for the Hurdle Race five have been, paid up for, while in the Steeplechase the nine horses singled out for top places in tho croflfl-country ovent have had their engagement continued. A noteworthy feature of the acceptances for tha Great Northerns i« tho largo number of horfleo that figurci in both races, no le«e than 12 claiming tho double engagement, viz., Ngata, Explorer, Fisher. Lochella, Ornahu, Spake, Sea De'il. Old Gold, Coroglen, Khartoum. Kohu and Totara Ja'k. Altogether it can bo Mid that the situation in connection with the Great Northern double is such a« to invest tho probable outcome with interest of a very keen order.

| TTIE DERRY. A recent London cablegram states that ' D.rd Queensborough's colt St. Louis (winner lof tho Two Thousand Guineas) rules favourite for the Derby. P. Gilpin, who trains St. Ixniic;, has a eecond Derby canal I date in the Neil Gow colt Reecho, and, according to a cablegram, a remarkable story is in circulation regarding tho selection of |ft jockey for St. Louis in the Derby. The I respective owners of the pair tossed ft coin. ': with the result that G. Archibald, who rode j St. Louis in the Two Thousand Guineas, j will now ride. Reecho in the D.'rby. aim S. I Donoghue will have charge of St. Louis. I Tho newspapers adversely criticise thia | method of deciding mounts for such an important race.

A PROMISING STEEPLECHASER. Kato. who won distinction in two crosscountry events at tbt> Egmont meeting this week. i.s a five-year-old gelding by Foremost. Kato figures among the entrants for croes : country events to be decided at Wanganui on Thursday and Saturday next, and ho can apparently be kicked oil to render a good account of himself. Foremost, siro of Kato, it may be remarked, traces to great families on both .odes, for ho was got by the St. Simon horso Phoebus Apollo from the Nordenfoldt mare Forme, who gave the turf the bril'ianl Cruciform, and who ranks a« a three-parts sister to Multiform. On the dam's sido Kato can lay claim to another dash of Musket blood, for his dam is bv Coronet, who is out of good old Weckiace. On breeding lines there i.s a right to expect something good from Kato.

AN ANNOYING INCIDENT. To furnish the horse equal to lea-mng first past the post in a steeplechase contest only to see tho eciuine subsequently disqualified : ou the grounds of the jockey missing a fence — and that the concluding ope—is certainly entitled to be viewed as a most irritating experience. This is the little history attached to Oak Leigh and the Egmont Steeplechase, run at Hawera on Wednesday last. [ As Oakleigb stood out as a well-backed canj didato for the race in which he was ruled ' out. that, of course, served to intensify the | situation. Papers to hand show that the incident formed the subject of an inquiry at tho hands of the stewards with the result that E. Warner, rider of. Oakleigh. was disqualified for a period of three months on tho grounds of careless riding and for continuing in the raco after his horse had missed a fence RACING- AND CHASING. In a recent note I made mention of a rt-I.'iitly<Jublished book entitled " Racing and Chasing," by Major Harding Cox. ITie book is throughout written in a very racy stylo. and tne personal incidents ana anecdotes aro related, in a most interesting manner. Major Cbx was a riding contemporarv of Captain " Roddy" Owen, one of the best amateur jockeys ever Been in England, and of whom he tells the. following skry:—"Although Roddy was continuously in tho saddle, he did not neglect his soldiering. I He had tho reputation of being a very smart officer. But on one occasion there was in orders a very important inspection, when our hero's application for leave (usually granted freely, because the mess, to a man. I including the CO., usually had its bit on ' Roddy's mount), was peremptorily refused. What was to be done? He had been I promised a ride on something ' extra good' • for a big hurdlo raco at Kempton. 'This j was a chance that could not possibly be | missed -. but he sat tight. When on the I morning of the race tho regiment was drawn i up. Master Roddy came on parade riding a J new charger, which seemed. strnn?el.v j enough, to be quite unmanageable v even in I the expert hand* of its rider. l»<o sooner 1 did the band strike up tho regimental marcn j than Roddy's mount took charge—bolted, and suddenly recededed from view in the direction of the railway station. Roddy rodo at i Kempton that day and won his race all right, to the general reioicing of all ranks :of his regiment. The C-0.. however, thought |it incumbent on him to ' tell off' the back--1 olider. " ' Captain Owen,' he said. ' you may bo j a very capable amateur jockey, but I should j adviso you to take some lessons in military i riding from your sergeant-major.' " Roddy smiled. ' Hope you had a good ] race, sir.' "'Oh. pretty well, thank you, Roddy: I pretty well.' Then, in an altered tone: I ' Here, v?hat tho devil do you mean, sir? ; I don't know what you're talking about.' " | Captain Roddy Owen won the Liverpool | Grand National Steeplechase on Father O'Flynn. At a comparatively early ago he died from cholera while on military service ;in E'.rypt. Among other parts played by Major Cox in the sporting world was that of M.F.H., and ho tells some good stories about hunting, and about dogs of various kinds. " Racing and Chasing" id ■ certainly an entertaining took. LEAVES FROM MY NOTEBOOK. ' The opening of another hunting, season can always be depended uroc to stir up enthusiasm, both with thoso who follow the hounds and those who aro content to be spectators. The Pakuranga Hunt Club's, inauguration this year will be especially marked in that the Governor-General, Lord Jellicoe, and Lady Jollicoe will be present at the opening fixed for to-day ai tho Pakuranga Hall. A large number of invitations havo been issued, and the function promises to bo one of the most noteworthy in tho history of tho P.H.C. | That racing over fences, even when tuieh 1 extends to cross-country events, does not affect the pace of some horses several illustrations can be tiied, and the Wanganui trainer, J. T. Morris, has a brace of equines in the shape of Naata and Omahu who have ; demonstrated such. Ngata won the Century ' Hurdlo Raco last winer. and in February of this year he led the field home in the Wanganui Cup. and, what is more, ran the mile and three-quarters attached to the last-named event in the splendid time of 2m 59s Omahu. who was raced both over hurdles 'and across country last season, and who I opened the present season by winning the Rnngitikei Steeplechase, came out on Wednesday at Hawera and won the Mcßae Memorial j Stakes (one mile and a-ouarter) at the Esrmont i Racing Club's meeting. Omahu and Ngata are both engaged in the Great Northern i Hurdlo Race and Great Northern Steeplej chase, to be run at Ellerslie next month. That Rational is seeing out the season in I a manner showing him to be a hardy cusi tomer ho furnished proof at Hawera on ■ Wednesday and Thursday last. On the open- ' ing day of the Egmont meetim; he mado a j game effort to win the Tonks Memorial HanI dicap. but tho 9-9 which be was called xipon ; to carry proved just a little too much, and I tho five-year-old Irapuka. to whom tho i Absurd gelding was called upon to concede ! 131b. beat him bv two lengths. In the decision of tho Mokoia Handicap on the second day Rational carried tho steadier of 9.12 to I victory and accomplished his feat in attrac five style. Rationale winning display, at Hawera evidently mado a marked impression. for in casting tho weights for the Borough Handicap, set down to be run at Wanganui ; on Thursday next, Mr. H. Coylo placed 10.1 I opposite his name for that race. Rational has started in 16 races this season and has j won in stakes £2890. I Details of tho death of Lord Manton while ho was out with the Warwickshire Hounds on March 13 aro now to hand 'rom London. It appears that his horst stumbled, with the result that his rider suffered a fatal fall. ' and ho died in a few minutes from failure ' of the heart, attributable, it is believed, to the shock of the fall. Lord Manton, whj 1 was better known as Mr. Joseph Watson, not long since spent a largo sum in the purchase of the Manton stables and estate, where his horses were trained by Alec. Taylor. ' It is announced that three yearlings purchased at tho Randwick Bales were secured on behalf of. Victoria's State Governor, the Earl of Strndbroke. Tho announcement, it j need scarcely bo said, was received with much enthusiasm. The ex-New Zealander, S. Reid, continues to rido with distinction in Victoria. At the V.A.T.C- meeting held at Caulfield on April 29 he steered Oopina to victory in the Khartoum Hurdlo Raco, and later on in the day ho got home first on Fastolf in the Nerim Steeplechase. Omahu and Ngata. who are both the property of Mr. J. Bull, aro a pair that can bo depended upon to claim a lot of attention far the Groat Northerns. The fact of the pair claiming engagements in both tho ; Great Northerns is decidedly perplexing to those who aro endeavouring to solve the stable secret. From what I can gather there is some reason to embrace the view that Omahu may prove to be the stable selection for the Hurdle Race and Ngata for tho Steeplechase. Tho Whangarei Racing Club has furnished striking evidence of vitality of late, and the spirit being displayed by the committee guiding the destinies of that body augurs well for the sport in tho progressive northern township being further popularised. *Tho club now boasts of a membership of over 300. and altogether it can be said that matters carry the bright tint for the Whartgarei Racing Club securing a prominent place with tho country bodies engaged in fostering sport in the Auckland district. Snub is credited with displaying promis- ! ing aptitude in his schooling lessons over -l jo oy »v".<„H t-, n, n Ve hi« debut rrndef eiTk m * lumper act tie Waniranui mooting &«* weak,

The hick of yearling buying ia exemplified in three of Lord Glanely's purchases. He bought Kntcrfelto for HOOgns, Westward Mo for ll.oOtfgus, and Blue Ensign foi 14.500gn5. They have won three races between them of the total value of £117, and. with £1)0.880 entered as the sum expended in their purchase, the English, sportsman has no reason to rejoice, over his speculations.

An interesting incident recorded in connection with tlio two last contests for th«s Hiverpool Grand National Steeplechase us that the respective winners—Shaun Spadah and Music. Hall—were ridden by two brothers. F. B. Ilecs steered Shaun Spadah and L. B. Kees had the mount on Music Hall. Another interesting incidont in connection therewith is that neither of the brothers mentioned had previously been selected to ride in the great cross-country race.

Over There (by Gazoley—Paulpcn), who was purchased in Auckland by Mr. T. L. Bright on account of a Wostern Australian sportsman, and who was transported to that State Home months back, has already made a good return to his new owner, a victory in tho Tablelands Handicap (0 furlongs) forming his most recent feat.

At Hawera on Wednesday the Demosthenes gelding Bitholia interrupted a long series of defeats when ho won the Tawhiti Handicap. Tho chestnut had not won a race since tho spring of 1919, his previous success being gained in tho Normanby Handicap at Ellerslie.

The well-known Australian sportsman, Mr. S. P. Mackay, who had one of hie. legs amputated some, little timo ba/k, in stated to l>e making an excellent recovery It was under Mr. S. P. Mackay's colours that the Auck-land-bred gelding Snultlino registered hirf brilliant feat of winning the Newmarket Handicap under 9.11.

The, salo list issued by the local firm of Messrs. T. L. Bright and Co., a copy of which will be found published in another column, includes a number of _ high pedigree- English-bred eouincH, ranging from yearlings to three-yenr-olds. A highly-interesting entry in the list is a groy filly by the French-bred sir© Roi Horodft. who is known to fame as the parent to that wonderful horse Tho Tetrarch.

Explorer is expected to be among the contestants at the Wanganui meeting next week, and as tho son of Kcnilworth figures among the acceptances for tho Great Northerns such invests his prospective performances: at Wanganui with additional interest. It may astonish tho racing men of to-day. says an English writer, to learn that up to 1848 it was the practice for winners of great stakes to make a present to the judge, the custom wag a vicious one. and Lord BentincK wisely moved the Jockey Club to abrogate it.

Tho Victorian jockey. W. Foulsham. had definitely decided to give u!> riding in races, ami he recently relinquished his jockey a licence. Foulsham is credited with amassing a tidy fortune in the comparatively few year 3 ho has figured as a horseman.

At tho Mudsee meeting on April 29, the racehorse Exquisaryan (by Aryan—Exquisiam) won three races on the same day. The distances wore six furlongs, seven furlongs. and a mile. and. ho carried 9-12, 10.2, and 10-5 respectively.

The trio of English-bred colts purchased from Dr. Ring by a local sportsman are now under the watchful eye of N. Cunningham, and they have all settled down nicely in their new surroundings at Ellershe.

The (respective victories registered at Hawera on Wednesday by Omahu and Irapuka were both of tho surprise order, and it may therefore bo assumed that tho followers of each handled a solid dividend.

Tho Lucullus—March gelding Lucius, who made a favouraLJe impression when he won the Victoria Handicap at Ellerslie last month, is engaged in the Australian Jockey Club's "Derby.

Tho committee of the Victoria Racing Club dee'ded recently to increase the value of tho V.R.C. . Derby from £.1000 to £5000. The added monev to the next Melbourne Cup will be £10.000.

THIS SEASON'S THREE-YEAR-OLDS.

REVIEW OF THE FORM

BY PHAETON. The form displayed by the three-year-olds < that havo raced in New Zealand during the present season has formed the subject of much discussion, and opinion is somewhat divided as to tho particular animal that is entitled to tho leading position. THE DUAL DERBY WINNER. In sotting out on a review of the form displayed by the three-year-old division, Winning Hit ia entitled to first consideration, ranking, as he does, a3 a dual winner of Derby honours, and tho victory he achieved in the Stead Memorial Cup, when he defeated Amythas at weight-forego over a mile and a-quarter io the record time of 2m 3 l-se, was a performance of mariced brilliancy. There aro somo who declare that Winning HA was lucky to score a victory in the Great Northern Derby, and it cannot be disputed that Gray, who rode Thespian, took liberties that day in letting his chestnut rival put up such a commanding lead in tho early stages of the contest, in the interval Winning' Hit has only won one race—the Hazlett Plate—which event was run over a mile at Wingatui. and in which he only had a brace of opponents. Unfortunately Winning Hit was not engaged in the St. Leger Stakes, but the fact that he had to strike his colours to Kick Off (winner of the N.Z. St. Leger Stakes) in the Trentham Gold Cup did not serve to inspire a belief that the result would have been different, at least so far as the Trentham classic race was concerned- In the Manawatu Stakes, run over six furlonss. Winning Hit was defeated at even weights both by Tama-tete and Thespian, so that it may bo said that some of the gilt was removed from the Derby victories recorded by the chestnut son of Autumnus and Winning Way bv.his subsequent performances. Winning Hit was apparently quito set at three yeara old, ana, though it is quite possible he may" be seen to greater advantage when age comes to him, it may be that the victory he achieved in the Stead Memorial Cui> will stand as his most noteworthy performance.

A BRILLIANT MILER. Thespian is next entitled to most consideration. Absurd's bay son has been well tosted, but he goes into winter quarters with nothing beyond a mile to bis credit. It was. however, a high-class performance for which he was responsible when he "won the Islington Plate, as he reduced the mile < record on _ that occasion to lm 36 3-ss. under weight-vfor-ago conditions, and dhe doughty Gloaming followed him home. Though defeated in the Great. Northern Derby, Thetpian made a pood bid for victory, and under a different act of conditions he might have given Winning Hit a etiffer task that day. Thespian was beaten out of a place in the Awapuni Gold Cup. and in the Manawatu Stakes he had to strike his colours to Tamatete at e<jual weights. The Great Northern St. Leger seemed to, be well within Thespian's gra«p at the- distance, but he was defeated by Royal Box. Certainly there wsvs only a head between the- victor and Thespian, but it has to bo remembered that the mile and , three-quarters occupied 8m 15 1-s*. Thespian wound up with a victory in the All-ased Stakes at Avondale, but the dietanco of that race only extended to six furlongs. That Thespian is a first-rater up to a mile is a point wo have to accept by reaeon of his defeat of Gloaming, and possibly eight furlonas is his best distance. The bay son of Absurd is a horse that carries the nppearauco of one for whom ago will do something, and possibly at four years old he will bo found equal to winning good racee tip to a mile and a-half. THE HAWK OF BRILLIANCY. The Hawk was popularly picked out early in the season as the one most likely to earn rank as the best stayer, but he did not succeed in any of his races over a longer distance than a mile, and when he scored'over that distance (which was in the ITawke's Bay Guineas) the runner-up. Grotesque, was conceding him 7lb. The eon of Martian was defeated in both Derbies, and in looking for his most noteworthy winning performances we have to turn to the- Wellington summer meetina. held in January last, when he carried 8-13 to victory in the Telegrapn Hand'cap (six furlongs) in lm 11 l-ss, and in the Waterloo Stake*, run over a similar distance, and in which he carried 9.2, he cut the record down to lm 9 4-6s. The Hawk is a game little fellow, and. thongti ht> has nothing beyond a mile to his credit, so far. there may be a very different record i to his credit at four years old should ho train on properly. GOOD AT A MILE AND A-QUARTER. Grotescme made a start this season by running second in three successive races, when he registered a win in the Avondale Guineas, but he did not score again until he won the Boroush Handicap at Awapuni on the Bth ult. Going on to Auckland, he won the Easter Handicap imder 8.1, and at Hastings (Hawke'n Bav) he carried 8.9 to victory in the Burke Memorial and. as he was timed to run the mile and aquarter attached to that race in 2m 5 2-fis, that established the fact that he can compass 10 furlongn very satisfactorily. Grotesque, it may be remarked, has a strain each of Musket and St. Simon on the dam's side, and that fßct may be expected to pmy a part in enabling him to stay properly. ROYAL BOX THE SURPRISE. Eoyal Box's victory over Thespian and Kick Off in the Great Northern St. Leger demonstrated very_ clearly that had the son of Nassau not injured himself in the early spring, which sent him into retirement for several months, he would, have proved r worthy opponent for Winning Hit and Co. when the respective Derbies camo to be decided at Riccarton and Ellerslie respectively. Royal Box is a horse of good proportions, and the prediction can, I think, bo offered with perfect safety that he will see a much better day in the event of hiu training on properly. IS KICK OFF A MODERATE? When Kick Off -son the New Zealand St. Leger Stakes and subsequently ran a good second to Amythas at weight-for-age in the decision of the Trentham Gold Cup, run over two miles, there were plenty of people Raying a good word for the son of All Black, and a victory in the Great Northern St. Leger Stakes was considered to be well within his reach iu the long-distance classic race at Ellerslie. Nobody requires to bo told how disappointingly the bay gelding proved in that race, for he was always well , beaten ovex the oqaolnrtins three furlong*, it,

not. before. Possibly Kick Off was not quite himself when he went down to Royal Box' and Thespian. However, be that as it may. there is no reason, I think, to extol the Hawko's Bay gelding, but that does not say he has played his best card at three years ° ' A BRACE OF SPRINTERS.

Tamatete led off by disposing Thespian and The Hank in the Wanganui Guineas, and he accomplished his task in good style, and he was considered to have prospects of wearing !hc. Derby insignia at Riccarton. He was sent out in the position of second favourite for the New Zealand Derby, but the account of the race shows that he was in trouble, at the end of a mile, and the fact of his not being required to attack any race euhiequently over a longer distance than six furlongs, such would appear to point conclusively that his connections were quite convinced that sprinting was his chief qualification. In his concluding engagement in tilie Manawatu Stakes Tamatete defeated Thespian and Winning Hit at even weights, and that gives him a firat-clas* ccrtihcate over six furlongs. Rational led off with a trio of victories, but hero again it has to bo noted that, though brililancy was exhibited, sprinting rather than staying was the feature. Possibly the eon of Absurd experienced bad luck when ho came homo second to Grotesque in the Avondale Guineas, but the outstanding fact is that he has not been required to travel further than eight furlongs, and speed rather than staying is viewed as his stronrrect card. AUTUMN WINNERS AT RICCARTON. Bonnie Winkie wa« still in hack company up to December, but, as time advanced, he fame out of his Hhe.ll in attractive style, ana the victory he achieved in the Great Autumn Handicap under 7.10 in 2ti 31s was recorded in such stylo as to entitle him to bo regarded a/) a true p.tayer. Bonnie Winkie w-ns got bv Winkie, a son of William the Third and a grandson of St. Simon, from the Pirton mare Bmselette. and there is apparently cood reason to expect him to add to his record when ho comes to race next season. Songh'rd has won several good race.i up to a mile, and hi« Great Foster Handicap victory under 8.8, when ho ran the seven furlongs in lm 265, was on all hands rated highly, but he was well bpp.ten in the Great. Autumn Handicap vhen called noon to carry 88. The son of Kllbroney is said to carry tho looks of a gcod one. and he may stay all richt at four years old. CUPIDON UNDER TWO SKIESWith Cupidon registering a brilliant vir-tory in tho Australian Jockey Club's Derby matters looked extremely bright for the son of Martian coming out on top when contesting with those of a like age in the land of his birth. F« had. however, to strike his colorrs to both Winning Hit and The Hawk in the New Zealand Derbv, and he subsequently ran unplaced in the Canterbury Cup. Cnnidon has not carried silk in tho interval, and there would appear w bo some grounds for embracing the view that tho Cupidon that raced at Riccarton in November was a very d : ffer<mt horse to the C-an'don that disposed of Furic-U3 and Co. at Randwick in the previous month. THE FILLIES. The leading fillies that carried silk this season may be s&id to comprise Palestrina fby Clarencoux—Judith), Radiant Light (by Demosthenes— Sunlight), and Dissertation (by Demosthenes— Suratura). but there was nothing of an outstanding character in their performances. Palestrina won the New Zealand Oaks in good style, and she also won the C.J.C. Midsummer Handicap, ran over a mile and a-half, under an impost 61b in excess of weieht-for-age. in the good time of 2m 345. Radiant Light won five of her engagements, and her victory in the Waikato Handicap under 8.11 in 2m 6s. was. nicely accomplished- BfissertatWs . inclusion in the list of noteworthy fillies is chiefly due to her victory in the Hawke's Bay Cup, out, as with 6.9 she had an impost Wh under weight-for-a're when she scored in the Hastings race, there is really rio great reason to extol her performaryo.

AUCKLAND WINTER MEETING.

ACCEPTANCES AND ENTRIES. The following is a list .of the acceptances and general entries received in connection with the' Auckland Racine Club inter Meeting, which takes place at Ellerelie on June 3, 5, and 7:— ACCEPTANCES. GREAT NORTHERN HURDLE RACE of £2500: 21 miles. st lb , ~ »* lb „ Neata .... U 9 Royal .Aobey . 9 9 Exolorer . . . 11 9 Poanui .... 9 | Fisher . ... 11 I Kyoto ;.,.-•• 5 Z Gladful .... 11 5 Sea Deal . . . 9 6 Lochella .... 11 0 Old Gold . . . V 5 Gamecock ... 11 0 Cproclcn ... 9 4 Omahu 10 9 Simomdes . . . 9 0 Thrace .... 10 5 Ladocuer . . . 9 0 Killard . ... 10 3 Khartoum . . 9 0 Alteration ... 10 8 Pa*; sl " Thro - •I 2 No Bother . . 913 Guianform . . 9 0 kohu . . - 913 Totara Jack . 9 0 Snake 9 11 GREAT NORTHERN STEEPLECHASE oi £2500; about 3i miles. st lb st lb Coalition ... 12 8 Maniahera ... 9 I Lochella ... 11 3 Stnrdee .... 9 o N"-ata . ... 10 13 Kohu ....... 3 a Explorer-.'. .10 13 Sea De'il ...99 Fisher .... 10 9 Koura . .... 9 2 Coroclen ... 10 6 General Raven 9 1 Oakleigh .... 10 4 Sir Solo . . . 9 0 Omahu 10 4 Old Gold ...90 Waimai .... 10 4 Khartoum . . . 9 0 Luperino ... 911 Thiganthu .9 0 First Line ... 9 9 Totara Jack ..90 No Surrender . 9 8 Eaatport .... 9 0 Snake 9 7 CORNWALL HANDICAP of £1000; li miles. st lb „ , . st lb Ngata 10 6 Some Fashion 8 9 Tinohoro .... 10 4 Stork . .... 8 7 Gen. Advance 10 0 Archie 8 5 PrintemDS ..99 Dovelet - • • • • 8 | Raceful .... 9 5 Marble Slab . |i 3 Boomerday ..94 Bagdad . . . . I 0 Forest Gold ..92 White Blase . f. 0 Scion ... 9 0 Gold Plane . . h 0 PhE Arch ... 8 12 Prince Carl . 8 0 Glen Cannv . . 8 10 Stammer .. . 8 0 Khuolai Khan 8 10 Marble Bell . 8 0 Tenterfield . . 810 Canowindra . 8 0 Maneamahoe . 8 9 Regent ....80

NOMINATIONS. MAIDEN STEEPLECHASE..— Mangawai, Mary Bruce. Foxglove, Rathlin Eastport, Toddy. Grand Canyon. Oak Abbey Lady Lvddite, Indemnity. Shellshock. Hyttiis, Cliquot. Eumrer. Sir Sole. Master Boris. Te Rohae, John Bunny, Strathglass, Hyeinas, Peer Rosa. General Raven, Explorer, •Maniahera. Te Ton. TAMAKI STEEPLES.— Mangawai, Mary Bruce Glenotus, Never Despair. Foxglove, Rathli'n. Eastport. Toddy, Grand Canyon, Dempsey, Myall King. Oak Abbey. Gamesome. Pittsworth. Tatton Park Lady Lyddite Indemnity. Shellshock. Hyttus, Cliquot. Dumper. Master Boris. Sister Abbey. John Bunny, Strathglass, Hyginas, Peer Rosa. General Raven, Explorer.

MAIDEN HURDLES.—VoIubIe, Glenotus. Foxglove. Entente Cordiale. Lord Kenilworth. Walton. Whakamuka. Pio Pio, Battleplane, Dempsey, Impudence, Guianform, Tom Moore. Kins Abbey. Sir Agnes. Crowhurst, Princess Charming, Blue Cross, Bezant, Oakleigh. Poanui. Vagabond, Hyttus. Cliquot, Sturdee, Waikawa. Dardanella. Mimiwhangata, Silver Stride. Hiishman, Roval Prince, Fiddlestrings, Maori Tikanga. Passin' Through, Oranga. Flowing Bowl, Silver Pine.

PANMURE HURDLES.—VoIubIe. Glenotus, Foxglove. Entente Cordiale, Walton, Whakamuka, Esplanade, Pio Pio. Battleplane, Dempsey. Impudence. Guianform, Tom Moore, Oak Abbey. Gamesome. Irish Knight, King Abbey, Sir Agnes, Crowhurst, Princess Charming, Blue Cross, Bezant, Indemnity. Poanui, Vagabond. H.ritus, Cliquot, Waikawa, Prince Charles, silver Pine. War Tank. Flowing Bowl. Passin' Through, Maori Tikanga, Fiddlestrings, Royal Prince, Hushman, Royal Abbey, Silver Stride.

ORAKEI HURDLES—Simonides. Voluble, Obaupo, Glenotus. Foxglove. Walton, Whakamuka. Esplanade, Pio Pio, Battleplane, Dempsey, Impudence, Hokemai. Salvor Guianform, < Tom Moore. Gamesome. Irish Knight. King Abbey, Royal Abbey. Sir Agnes. Crowhurst. Princess Charming. Blue Cross. Bezant, Indemnity, Vagabond. Hyttus, Cliquot, Waikawa, Dardanella, Mimiwhangata, Princo Charles, Silver Stride, Te Rohae, Hushman, General Advance, Royal Prince, Auburn, Fiddlestrings. Maori Tikansa, Pasßin' Through. Grarvra, Waikaretu, Ginger Mick, Queen Albyn, War Tank, Silver Pine. HUNT CLUB HURDLES.—Daddy's Girl. Glenotus. Never Despair. Esplanade. Lady Rosa, Salvor. Hokemai. Myall King. Gamesome, Big Ben. Pittsworth. Irish Knight. Te Kapoto. Tatton Park. Master Bruce. Te .Rohae.. Sister Abbey, Gladwin. Advise, Pipi, Waikaretu, Ginger Mick, Queen Albyn. HUNT CLUB CUP.—Daddy's Girl. Never Despair, Esplanade, Hokemai Myall King, Gamesome, Pittsworth, Lo Kapoto, Tatton Park, Master Bruce, Lo Rohae, Sister Abbey, Gladwin, Advise, Pipi, Peer Rosa, Wai"karetu. I'EMUERA HURDLES—Keystone, Mangawai, Simonides, Whanoko. No Bot'uer, Killard, Thrace. Kyoto, Alteration, King Abbey, Royal Abbey, Luperino, Blue Cross, Poanui, Ladogeur, Sho'.lshock, Gladful, Vagabond, Gamecock, Strathglass, Fiddlestrings, Passin' Through, Fisher. CAMPBELL HURDLES. .— Keystone. Simonides, Voluble, Daddy's Girl, Whanoko, No Bother, Entente Cordiale, Killard, Thrace, Kyoto. Alteration, King Abbey, Royal Abbey, Luperino, Blue Cross, Poanui, Ladogeur, Shellshock. Gladful. Gamecock, Mimiwhangata, Loeholla. Silver Stride. Fiddlestrings, Passin' Through, Fisher, Explorer. JERVOIS HANDICAP.—Master Mick, Election, Haligan, L'Amour, Gold Jacket, Economic, Sanhaven, St. Waipa, Tireless, Glcncaira, Pentagram, Miss Jack filly, Rosullus, Semper Idem. Machree, Rippling, Lady Polly. Lady Ridicule, Quintillian, Te Akitai, Ami form, Ohiti, Wish Wynne, Jolly Princess. Polini, Gold Bud. Mangawheio, Doric, Firesight, Queen Albyn, Cantoris, Pengwen, King Neva, Merry Times, Marble Crag, Warpath, Veleta, Euphoria, Blissfulncsss, Salvaless, Birkonella, Sir Burnett, Malatua, Utakura. Princess , Rell, Innoss, Valley Queen. Lady Merriwee. Cartoon, Undo Jack, Golden Glass, Emerald Hill, La-dv Varco. Reretoa, Te Kuri. Bitholia. Arizona Maid, Hypothesis, Ban Nevis, Spirit Level, Edieform, Danger Zono, Gold Star. EANFURLY WELTER.—Election, Hali, gan. L'Amour, Gold Jacket, Lady Rouge, Sanhaven,, Tirekwv Gleucuzn, Macnxee, Bjj>-

pling, Qnintillinn, Narrow Neck. Le Akitai, Wish Wynne, Jolly Princess, Gold Bud, Doric, Firesight, Pengwen, Marble Crag, Warpath, Veleta, Euphoria, Blissfulness, Salvalese, Birkenolla, Malatua, Utakura, Princess 8011, Poteen, Inness,- Valley Queen, Cartoon, Undo Jack, Lady Varco, To Kun, Ginger Mick, Bitholia, Hypothesis, Spirit Level, Edieform. Gold Star.

CARBINE PLATE.—Haligan, L'Amour, Economic, Sanhaven, St. Waipa, Gkncairn, Pentagram. Rosullus, Semper Idem, Ouintillian, Ohiti, Kinkora, Fir&sight, Big Ben. Queen Albyn, Cantoris, Princess Charming, King Neva, Merry Times, Warpath, Birkenella, DardaneHa. To Rohao, Kararnu, Golden Glass, Smoke Concert, Hereto*, Auburn, Maori Tikanga, Guerre-a-Mort. Bitholia, Ireno Bruce, Arizona Maid, Auditor. FITZROY WELTER.—Master Mick. Election, Blanche Abbey, Halig&n, L'Amour, Gold Jacket. Lady Rouge, Sanhaven, St. Waipa, Tircles3. Glencairn. PentagT&m, Machrce. Rippling. Quintillian. T» Akitai. Ohiti, Wish Wynne, Polini. Gold Bud, Mangawhcvro, Doric, firesight.. Gamboola, Cantoris; Tengwen, Shortland. King Neva, Merry Times. Warpath, Veleta. Euphoria. Blissfulnoss. Birkenolla. Malatua. Utakura., Princess Roll. Poteen. Te Rohae. Inness. Valley Queen, Lady Mcrriwee. Cartoon, Uncle Jack. Golden Gla*s, Lady Varco, Reretoa. Marble Bell. Te Kuri, Bitholia. Arizona Maid. Hypothesis. Auditor. Spirit Level, Edieform, Gold Star. MEMBERS' HANDICAP. — Strategy. Royal Present, Lor<i Kenilworth, Illumination. Irapuka Valkyrian. HiiK>. Jolly Princess, Gold Kin Lady Patience, Golden Dream, Lady Glissas. Prince Abbey. Queen Abtx>y. Bonny Dore&n. Soulterina. Golden Bubble. Miretmonta .Hyllug. Pavo. Loyal Irish. Miss Gold, Chimera. Kilreid. Orchid. Sycorax. Sir Burnett. Whitiancn, Dovelet. Roman, Penona Ohinowairaa, Cold Steel. VISITORS' HANDICAP. — Election. Strategy, Some Fashion. Lord Kenilworth, Illumination, Irapuka. Valkyrian, Hipo, Jolly Princess. Lady Patience, Golden Dream. Lady Glials, Prince Abbey. Queen Abbey, Bonny Doreen. Soulterina. Egmont Park. Marblo Crag. Golden Bubble. Mireusonta. Ohinewainia, Pavo, Loyal Irish, Miss Gold. Chimera, Kilreid, Orchid, Sycorax, Pagoda, Sir Burnett, Whitianga Dovelet, Roman, Emerald Hill, Penona. Broadwood. Arizona Maid. Cold Steel.

ELLERSLIE TRAINING NOTES. With the weather favourable for training operations, schooling work at Slleralie is of the interesting order. On Thursday morning Tom Moore and Impudence jumped five big hurdles. Tom Moore fell ni tho second fence, but was remounted and jumped th« remaining hurdles safely. Gamesome and Oranga jumped a big hurdle. Maori Tikarga and Dcmpeey jumped four big hurdles. Dempsoy was afterwards tried at the stoiewall. but refused to jump. Big Ben and Irish Knight jumped two pony hurdles tnd then jumped two big hurdles. Irish Knight fell at the first, but -was remounted and. along with Big Ben, went once round over the bis hurdles. Entente Ccrdiale, Te Rahoe. and Marv Bruce went once, round over the big hurdles. Never Despair and Gladwin jumped tho stonewall, and woTe then joined by Glenotuo and went once round over tho big hurdles. ASHBURTON RACES. [BY. TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.] ASHBURTON, Friday. The weather was fine and the going hard but fast for the Ashburton races to-day. The totalisator receipts were £14.724. compared with £16,829 on the first day of last year. Results:— FIRST HURDLES.-tLikelihood, 1; Viceregal, 2; Wartax, 3. Also started: Mandrake, Island, Pomposa, Innisfailen. Won by half a length. Time. 3m 15n. FIRST HACK HANDlCAP.—Economist, 1; Wartone, 9; Winsome Lady, 3. Also started: Madam Chiron. Starlike, First Aid, Agnola. Won by a length. Time, lm 14 3-fci. AUTUMN HANDlCAP.—Castellan, 1 j Sunny Loch, 2; Silent King, 3. Also started,Mythology, Deucalion, Twinkle. Won by a length. Time, lm 35 1-Ss. LAGHMOR HANDICAP. — Martis, 1; Lovesign, 2; Ardour t 3. Also started: Balefire. Master Hand, Karaitei. Nyanza, Stream, Contempt, Maytime, Deborah. Royal Despatch. Won by half a length. Time, lm I 1-Ss. FAIRFIELD HANDICAP. — Counterstroke. 1; Kilkee, 2; Thestius. 3. Also started: Callaghan, Cattach. Rosevear, Lord Aehlea, Orange Mart. Won by a headTime, lm 25 2-ss. SELMA TROT.—Wicklow, 1; Boy Emmett. 2: Logan Chief. 3. Also started: Guy Fawkes, Bonny Logan, Swift Pointer, Vera's Pol!, Roth Locanda. Glaucus. Jimmy Chimes, Dusky Boy. Le Meriel, Eileen Dillon, Maile. Won by a head. Time. 3rn 345. LONGBEACH HACK HANDICAP.—Lord Leslie, 1; Madam Chiron, 2; Weird, 3, Also started: Bleckhead Jasz, Sungleam, Starlike, Rigel. Won by three lengths. Time, lm 14 3-ss. GROVE FARM HANDlCAP.—Limelight. 1; Bon Spec, 2; Counter Attack. 3. Also started: Roseday, Battlescene, Will Oakland, Weary Willie, Jackeroo. Won by a length. Time, lm VI 3-ss.

TROTTING.

NOTES BY PICADOR.

FOUL TACTICS. Ii has been & popular belief, so far *8 this Dominion is concerned, that there are very much leeu foul tactics pursued in trotting events than in the galloping sport, but, judging from the pointed utterance of Mr. H. F. Niccol at a meeting of the New Zealand Trotting Aesociaion held in Chrifcchurch on Wednesday last, there is room • for more active oversight in certain trotting auarters. Mr. Niccol is on all hands regarded as one of the pillars of the trotting sport, and he has won * deservedly wide respect for the manner in which he has sought to raise the eport to a high standard. That being so. his remarks are entitled to the ijreatest attention. In the course of his incisive comment Mr. Niccol made mention of stewards not at a.) I times taking up points of vantage when viewing contests, and that served to shield offenders from detection. Mr. Niccol's experiences are no doubt to be widely viewed, but possibly he meant his remarks as more applicable to Canterbury. Anyway, a strong word of commendation can be penned for the keennesa at all times observed by stewards officiating at Alexandra Fark. Auckland. There are three towers at different points on the Epsom ground, and the stipendiary stewards are to be frequently found there, while for each race a carefullyselected body of stewards take up a position at various points in order that there shall be such an oversight as will act ,as a deterrent to any drivers or riders wno may be tempted to transgress the rules of the road. It ie undoubtedly due to this keen oversight beine observed that has brought such marked popularity of late to Alexandra Park, and we may be cjnite sure that there will be no slackening by the respective executives responsible for the control .of the eport at the Epsom ground in maintaining the high standard set. Foul tactics must be met by the application of the most stringent measures, and when offences under that heading are faily sheated home disqualification should follow. Fines are all very well in their way, but to apply the sains where foul tactics is the offence is simply to trifle with a very eerious Question.

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS. The Auckland-owned mar© Nita Bell is engaged in the Burwood Handicap, the leading event at the New Brighton meeting next week. The race in question, which is to be decided over a two-mile course, is limited to the 4.36. and in casting the, handicap the Auckland mare was placed within a second of the scratch horse Vico-Admiral. The stallion Al Mack and the t-wo mares semt out from England by Mr. Elliot Davis evidently found the quarantine island at Motuihi quite to their liking, and they went into Norman Cunningham's hands in the best of health. Gineta, the chestnut daughter of Atlantic Express, . w certainly a very attractive-looking specimen of the trotting mare, and if as good as her looks sh» should certainly be heard of. The Te Aroha. Trotting Club holds lis annual meeting to-day. and the character of the acceptances is such as to ensure sortie capital snort should fine weather prevail. Mr F. W Edwards, who was responsible for' the handicaps for the meeting £nd who also consented to a-t as starter, journeyed to Te Aroha yesterday.