RACING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18457, 21 July 1923, Page 13

RACING.

SEASON'S FIXTURES.

New Zealand.

July Franklin and Matamata. Racing

BATES OP COMING .EVENTS. Nrw Zealand. August N.Z. Grand National Steeplechase. August 16— N.Z. Grand National Huddle Race.

England. September 12—The St. Laser.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

T.R.J.— Gloaming was foaled in 1915, so that he is rising eight years old at the present time. Gloaming is the only horse that has won the A.J.C. Derby, New Zealand Derby, and Great Northern Derby. It was in. 1917 that Biplane won the A.J.C, and V.R.O. Derbies.

" Akaranai"— dead heat between Kingswood (J. Rae) and Mifes Nelson (W. Kattems) In the A.R.C. Autumn Steeplechase was recorded in connection with that race, run on April 20, 1837. The dead heat was run off tne same day, when Kingswood won by three '.engtho.

" Wanderer,"—Spalpeen was got by Gaseoon from the Goldsbrough mare 'Windmill. He never contested a steeplechase event.

" Inquirer."— the opening day of the Auckland Racing Clab'B Winter Meeting in 1901 Cavaliero won the Remuera Hurdle Race under 13.13. In the Grand National Hurdle Race, run on the second day of tho same meeting, Cavaliero (18.8) ran third to Cceur do Lion 111.8) and Haiitrigger (9.9).

NOTES BY PHAETON.

THE AVONDALE COURSE

With an eye to the future and with * strong desire to further improve Its racecourse, the Avondale Jockey Club has taken the laudable step of adding to the spacious area which ft already possesses, and In the course of a conversation with the president, Mr. Donald McLeod. it was vers pointedly demonstrated to me that the whole matter baa been approached with ft tots bold outlook. The land recently acquired, and that for which the A.J.G ts' in treaty, is isituato on the southern boundary and embraces some 20 acres. Some little time must, howovcT, elapse before the plana are decided upon, and the policy to be pursued will, I learn from Mr. McLeod to a Great extent depend upon the opinion of the consulting engineer. When it is stated that one of tfc© suggestions is to transfer the stands and other buildings from the northern to tbo southern side of the property, it will be recognised that the A.J.G Committee is moulding its thoughts en big lines. Many strong reasons can certainly be advanced for a change such as that narrated, for it would mean morel sunlight, end, in addition, several starling points would be improved, while it would also enable an attractive steeplechase. course to be laid down. Then, again, if a transfer from north to south is decided upon, it will enable the club to proceed with the erection of the new stand without disturbing the present accommodation Which eveu* course is decided upon, is is Quite clear that an expenditure of something like £"40,000 will b<> involved, NEW ZEALAND-BRED PLUTO. The Sutala gelding Pluto, which was bred at Teviotdale by Mr. G. D. Greenwood, and who has carried the Canterbury sportsman's colours with a fair, amount of success at three years eld, but who failed to earn a single winning bracket this season, formed one of the team taken across to Austrni'is a short time back by R. J. Mason. for purposes of sale rather than for racing Pluto no doubt owed his trip across the water, and advices to hand state that the chestnut gelding has been purchased by a Victorian sportsman, and that he is now included in L. Robertson's team. What has a right to be regarded as Pluto's most noteworthy performance to dat fl waa recorded in the Fendalton Handicap (one mile and a-auarterl, run in the spring of 1921, when he carried 6.3 and defeated a field of 10 in 2m 5 4-6». Pluto is engage? in the Metropolitan Stakes (8.5), Epsom Hani dicap (8.12), and Caulfield Cup (5.13). so that he will apparently have to work hard for a win at least in the early stages of his Australian careen THE MONK'S DERBY PROSPECTS. In reviewing the coming three-year-old candidates ■ for Derby and Cud honours, the Australian critics are one and all chary of extolling the New Zealand-bred colt . The Monk. That the son of Absurd displayed marked brilliancy at two years old and that in the matter of physique he stands out well is quite admitted. But! the fact that he is a descendant of Absurd, whose progeny are more noted for speed than staying, is . the point that is clearly the stumbling-block to many in ■ surveying The Monk'a prospects nest season. All that is said with regard to the progeny of Absurd being more noted as sprinters than as stayers is no doubt quite correct, but the records at times reveal that even derbies have ben won by descendants of horses that were mere sprinters .themselves and whose progeny had very little else to their, credit. Thespian, who was got by Absurd, might have ranked as both a Derby and St Leger winner, and, bearing in mind that The Monk fills the eye in the matter of physique, he may confound the critics when the Derby contests arts underway during the coming spring. Advices to hand credit The Monk with training on splendidly.

NO HALF-MILE RACES.

The telegraphed account of the deliberations at the session of the Racing Conference held last week ait Wellington mad<s it appear that the notice of motion exempting rear-olds from the operation of the rule bearing on the five-furlong distance question up to October .1 was carried Full accounts now to hand show that the motion was not only defeated, but tho vote against the same was such as to reaffirm in a pronounced manner the previous vote on the question. Four-furlong flutters would appear to have received their auietua so far aa this Dominion is i concerned. GLOAMING AT RANDWICK. Sydney papers to hand iitate that Gloaming is beginning 1 , to increase his pace on the trocks at Randwicb, and] thd critics seem to agree that he looks better and shows more promising form than he did at this time last year. One morning recently Gloaming was credited with: running a mile in •lm 555. the , last I hftlf-inila in 535. It is pointed out that he ran inside the trestles for the last, two ' furlongs and finished on the rails, and under the circumstances it is contended there'was nothing remarkable in the time recorded. It is considered probable thaft Gloaming find Beautord may have their first meeting next season in the second week in September.

LEAVES FROM MY NOTEBOOK, | The contest that eventuated for the Franklin Handicap tot Ellerslia wais in Itself worth the visit to the raceside on Wednesday, Illumination, who counted sufficient! admirers Co"' Bend him out favourite, acted i the role of pacemaker, and flattered the I hopes of his admirers right up to the ! straight, whoro challenges came to him from i many Quarters, but the Austrilian-bred horse was expended before they reached the distance- A little further on Royal Box and Arch Laddie were found fighting a stiff battle for supremacy, and then Glen Canny, who cot through on the rails, came along with a challenge, and the leading tno dashed past the post in ouch a line that had the judge declared, a triple dead heat it would not have occasioned surprise. Royal Bos. and Glen Canny level, with , Arch Laddie a head away, was the declaration of the judge The honours of the nice were clearly on the side of Royal Box. for he was conceding Glen Canny • 191 a and two years in age. For a horse to complete ft long course on the flit without a rider is not uncommon, but it is somewhat rare to and a; horse compassing a steeplechase course, leaping a!! the fences, after falling and unseating his rider at the first fence. At Ellerahe on Wednesday Gay Bobbie fell at the .initial obstacle, but he quickly regained has feet and jumped all the other fences riderless, and actually put in an effort to reach the leader in the straight. Gay Bobbie Uirncu his head with the horses when they came back to pass the judge, and. as he stood sedately at the gate, one could not help admiring the intelligence of the chestnut sou of G&seloy- * . i

xTie comjeaittee of >■ the Avondale Jockey Club has drawn up the programmes for the •two meetings to be helfl at the western iiuburbi during; the '. coming season. The sum; allotted ■in •:■ prize-money is ±'13,800. • which, though £200 below iaat vear'u total, is. £500 above the sum which the dub was required to allot in conformity with the rules. The Avondale Cup still, stands at £2000. which gives it the leading pla,ce as the most valuable ffcake offered in the Dominion by a country club. As oeiore noted, steeplechase events are (or the present R> be abandoned at Avondale. In . 'since of ishe four cross-country events which previously figured on the Avondale programmes,, a trio of Welter Handicap* and a race with a minimum weight of 7.6 has been substituted. Altogether it can be A Paid that the programmes issued by the Avondale Club are framed on such lines that promise to (maintain the popularity of gatherings held at the western suburb. That Royal Box is possessed of the gam« Quality he stave pointed proof at three rears old, when lie fairly worried Thespian •'dorm in the ' decision of the Great- Northern fcSt. Leger. The son of Nassau was produced at EUerslio on Wednesday to contest the franklin Handicap, and it was true grit that enabled him to make a dead heat of it. Inside the half-distance he appeared to have finished his run, but when O'Shea demanded the last bit tho chestr.ut came again in attractive style. Royal Box is booked for a trip to Sydney, and it will be pleasing to chronicle that ho has uucceeded in well rewarding his breeder, Mr. Gerald Stead, for his courage in going far in search of victory. Just about one of the Quickest efforte in setting back to the saddle after being unseated that could be conceived was performed at ( EUerslie on Wednesday by A. R, Rutherford, whose mount (Day Abbey) fair at - *he> second fence of the double. Rutherford had actually regained his seat in the ssddle before Day Abbes was on his legs, It lis said that Rutherford's quick effort was due to one of his feet being in the stirrup. . But, even eo. it has a right to be viewed as a most clever recovery.

The four-year-old mare Slave Mart, who was bought recently on account of an Australian owner, was brought ■up to Auckland from Napier this week with a view to being shipped aojoes to Sydney. So far Slave Mart ban nothing of much account to her credit, a hack handicap and a " necklace" event beinc; her captures thio season. She is, however, a well-bred mare by All Black, her dam. Martina, being a daughter of Birkenhead and the Martaeon mare Marty. An interesting fact brought out in tho totalisator figures attached to the Franklin Handicap. l run at EUerslie on Wednesday last, in which Royal Box and Glen Canny ran a dead heat for first place, was that the dividend paid on the dead-heaters was the same to a fraction. As a matter ef fact. Glen Canny carried £1 more than Royal Box. In order • to be sure of the financial stability of the men holding bookmakers' licenses to bet under thoir jurisdiction at .Randwick, the committee of the Australian Jnrkey Club has issued a notice to the penciilers stating that If they desire to bet at Randwick meetings, whether on the flat, in the Lew or the paddock, they must prove to the sMiafaction of tie A.J.C that they have assets of £6000 easily realisable. The victory recorded bv Irish Jig in the Lockerbie Handicap at' EUerslie on Wednesday did not certainly come out of its turn. Mr. L. B. Harris., who, 1 fancy, bred the son of Spalpeen, has bean trying hard throughout tho season to win a race with the bay gelding, but it wan not until Wednesday last that he carried the light green jacket and purple can home in front.

The, late Mr. Michael Foley played so prominent a part in the establishment of the Avondale _ Jockey Club, and of which body as president Ire took a strong part in directing its affairs, that it was fitting bra memory should be perpetuated. A race bearing the title " The Foley Handicap" is now included in the autumn programme to be brought off at Avondale. At the sale of the Koatanui yearlings atWanganui in February last a colt by Martian from the Field Battery mare Bronze fell to the bid of SOOOena mad© by the com- i missioner acliing for Mr. Sol Green, of Mel- I bourne. The youngßter, who is eta.ted to be making steady advancement under the I care of L, Robertson, has had the name of Mars conferred upon him. The receipt of Australian papers serves to further strengthen the opinion that the victory registered by Kunjolio in the V.R.C. Grand National Steeplechase, run at Fleminrrton on Saturday, was a pronounced surprise, and that .the layers of the odds reaped a largo harvest thereby (», of course, the natural outcome. Kunjolio waa actually the last one : mentioned in the betting list. The Ne* Zealand Jockey, Hector Gray, who was riding at 13psom last month, Bteered Sir H*. GimlifJe-Owen's Eaglehawk to victory in the Epsom Handicap of £626. Gray also steered Cortopa into second place in the Chepsted Handicap, in which his mount ran. the winner to a head with 281b tho worst of the weights. There will be a fair sprinkling of Auck-land-owned horses at the CJT.C. Grand National meeting. OaVleieh. Poamn, and Peter Araans have reached Riccarton, and the trio Is credited with looking benefited by the racing they underwent at Trentham. The annual meeting, of members of the Takapunp, Jockey Club is convened to bo h*ld on Monday, August 20. Nominations for the thre« vacant seats on the committee must be lodged with the secretary, Mr. R. Wyny&rd, by noon on the 28th inst. .■■Ths date of the introduction of tile new Gawntr Bill io Parliament is apparently still veiled in uncertainty, as it is understood thrift the proieoted measure is still in the hands of the bill-drafting department. Nominations for the offices of president, vioe-pre»ic'lent, and five, committeemen, also three stewards, under the Anckland Booing Club, rawrt bo deposited with the secretary, Mr. W. S. Spence, by 12 noon to-day.

STUD NOTES. GREAT STUD MATRONS. BY PHAETON. The age of brood mares when they produced their most noteworthy offspring ia a subject that always interests those who pay homage to the stud book. In the course of a ramble recently two, of lb» company .in which I was cast engaged in an argument as to the beat age at which a mare might be expected to throw noteworthy foals. The argument veered round to the dam of Carbine, and a wager made that she had not reached her 10th year when she made her most noteworthy contribution to the Stud Book in the shape of the bay coil by Musket. The challenger, however, lost the wager.' A reference to the records revealed that Mersey was m her 11th year when she produced Carbine. The following table, which I compiled'from official data, will show the year of tiach mare's foaling, and that of the year in which she produced the particular foal that won most prominence

Foaled. Produced. , Mersey .. 1874 .. Carbine. 1885. First Lady .. 1865 . . Grand Flaneur. 1877. Frailty .. 1877 ~ Trenton, 7.881. Idalia .. 1870 \. Sir Modred. 1877. - Hippona » . 1880 . . St. Hippo. 1889. Moonga . 1887 . . Seahorse. 1896. Formo .. 1884 .. Multiform. - 2.894. Sylvia .. 1864 .. Goldsbrough. 1870. Bob Cherry 1910 .. Eurythmic. 1916. . Linotype '.. 1912 . . David. 1917. Poinard .. 1906 . Poitrel, 1914. Light .••'•■'"■ ..' 1907 .. Gloaming. 1915. Gold Treaoure .. 1905 .. Amythas, 1916. Stepdancer 1899 .. Warstep. 1913. Aurariua . . 1905 . . Desert Gold, 1912. My Idea .. 1872 ~ Nelson. 1880. Nelly Moore 1872 .. LooMel, 1882. Steppe ~ 1868 , . Stepnia.k. 1889. Otterden . "896 .. Martian, 1901. Laurel .. 1879 .. Advance, iß9fl, Bcse'X and _ White ~ 1890 ..-.'Wainki, 1899. Ukraine ... 1905 .. Sasanof. 1913. y Tragedy ' "■: Queen ",. 1900 .. Comedy King. 1907. Forme .. 1891 . , Cruciform, 1898. Insomnia .. 1889 . . Wakeful, 16*96. My Idea 1. . 1872 ..- Nelson, 1880. L, Gertrude. . 1882 ~. • Euroclydon, 1892. Forget-me-not 1877 .. Lady Zetland, 1887. Pretty Nell.. 1901 .. Cetigne, 1912

The daughter of West Australian and Brown Bess, who produced Musket, was foaled in 1857, and she produced her brown colt (Muskets in 1867. The Einp! Tom mare St. Angela won such fame a-', the dam of St. Simon that a special place is accorded her in the, mares' list. A. reference to the records snow that St. Angela was foaled in 1865. and she produced St. Simcn 'in 1881, at which, date she was in her sixteenth yea*.

HIGHLY-BRED HURDLER. First Bern, who led the field home in the Winter Hurdle Race at Trentham on Saturday last, can boast of quite, a blueblooded psdigree, and on each side he can lay claim , to a strain of St. Simon. The leading lines in the pedigree of this promising young hurdler read as follows: — FIRST BORN Sire: Thurnhara, by John o' Gaunt (son of Isinglass) from Lady Disdain,, by Bend Or (son of Doncaster) from Maid Marian. by Hampton (son of Lord Clifden). Dam: Alicia, by Cy reman (son of St. Simon) from Lady Cecilia, by Cuirassier 'son of Mu3ket) from Ouiua, by Yatkndon (son of Sir Hercules). MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS The. Carbine family has left its mark on the Victoria Racing Club's Grand National Steeplechase m no uncertain lortn. Caroinicr has claimed the winner, of the big cross-country race at Flemington on three occasions within the last 11 years, which is a fresh record. Guncap (1912), Leah Kleshna (1913), and ' Kunjolio (1923) are the trio of winners credited to Carbinier. Then Bundook (another son of Carbine) (was represented by a winner, in Cobram in 1918, and the Carbine strain is in Mountain God, who won the race in two successive years (1921 and 1922),.'f0r he was got by Mountain King, a descendant of Wallace (son of Carbine). There- are not many sires of the Soult family. One of the number is Cordite, and the owner is prepared to entertain an offer lor the brown horse. Cordite can boast of ft »train both of St. Simon and Muaket.

THE ELLERSLIE 'MEETING. CONCLUDING DAY'S EVENTS. The combined meeting of the Franklin and Matamata Clubs will bo brought to a conclusion at Ellerslie to-day, and it should only require fine weather to ensure a large attendance, as the acceptances received for the seven eveents which comprise the programme giver every promise of- providing some highly-interesting racing. The following is a list of the acceptances:» PIAKO STEEPLECHASE of £200. 8 miles—Silverton, 11.12; W&ikawa, 10-£; Gay Bobbie. 10.2; Kopaka. 9.6: Whokamuku. «.0, Tulle 9,0. OTAUA HANDICAP of £160. 7 fur.— Prortyman.. 10.10; Kim? Pellioule, 10.5); Tintoretta, 9.12; Just Quietly. 9.8; Dancing Doll, Rarangi 9.4: Daphne Bruce, King Multifid, Rarakau, Silent Knight. Valeta 9.0. PUKEKOHE HANDICAP of £200, fi fur: —Pavo. 11.13; Golden Bubble 10.12; King Quin. 9.181 Jollie Princess, 9.12: Rafa, Sheffield. 9.11; Master O'Rorke. 9'.8; Emerald Hill. Lady Lois, 9.6: Shortland. 9.1; Ellie. Greekson. Praiseworthy. 9.0. MATAMATA HANDICAP of £400. 1 mile—-Royal Bo? t 10.10; Refinement, 9 12; Gk.n Canny, 9,9 Bute Sound, 9.8; Arch Laddie. 9.7; Bitholiat Bedford, Archi«» Penona, Poteen. Gold Plans. Gold Jacket, 9.0

MORRINSVILLE HURDLE RACE of £250, 1} miles—Monopole, 10.10; Thiganthu Glenotus, 10.71 Dempsey, 10.6; Miss Melva, 10.5; Pittsworth, 10.*,- Flowing Bowl, 9.9-, Hokemai. 9.2,' Elsiyw. Prince Rufua, Economic. 9.0.

WALTON HANDICAP of man, 10.10; King Pellicula. IO.Si Irish Jig, 10.4; Arizona Maid. 9.10: Just Quietly. 9.8. Brio-disk, John Dlx, Bright Light. 9.7; Rarangi, 9.4; Pebble 11., 9.8: Opioid. Douglas Latour. Uncle Sam, 9.0. TIRAU HANDICAP of £250. 6 fur.—Cool Stimulants. 10.10; Nocturne. 10.0; Illumination, 9.5; Joilio Princess. 9.4; Rafa, Soma Fashion, Bonny Canny, 9.3'; Viyolla, 9.2, Emerald Hill. Master O'Rorki. Salvaleaa, 9.0.

NOTES ON FTBST DAT. BY ARCHER

The first day of the combined Frsnklin and Matamata meeting passed off very pleaeantly e.i Ellerslie on Wednesday, and, while the aumber and the Quality of tha contestants was not ui< to th-.s standard usually found at raettwngt'i on iio metropolitan course, the racing throughout waa good and the ejiort full of interest.

The feature t& the day's sport was the success which attended the ridin« effort?, of J. O'Shea, who '»«'! i\ve mounts on.', put up a fine perfcmance by winr '.ng i outright on Bafa, Nocturne, and Bute Sou;*'.!, scoring a. dead heat on Royal Box, and riding Opaloid into third place.

Thiganthn has hitherto displayed his best form over , big country, and he surprised many people with the pace he revealed in winnine the Bombs? Hurdle Race, in which he flew his fences in rare good stylo. Thigfmthu was turned out in splendid order by H. Barr, who has not enjoyed a turn of fortune for some time.

Glenotua was. fancied for the Bombay Hurdle Race, and 'he put in some telling work over th© last half-mile, which landed him in second place. This fellow stays and jumps well, and would be more at homo over a longer journey.

Pittsworth,' who waa making his first appearance in a hurdle race for over 12 months, his efforts during that period having been confined to steeplechiißing, wjw finishing very strongly in fourth position after harping been weD back in the early stages, and will be more at home over more ground. He looked particularly well, and should be in excellent order to go to Sydney next month.

Elstow was going nicely when he toppled over at the second last fence in the Bombay Hurdle Race, and, being in the lead, it is probable that he would have taken a hand in foe finish had ho stood upBackers accorded Rafa spirited support in ijhe Hinueia Handicap, .and tho bW.k gelding fully justified },'ac confidence placed in him. for, aitw running along in a na.iidy position in ':he early stages, he fivirl? smothered th* opposition nrhcn O'Shea atked him for an eflort in the sight, and woa easily. He it a lather! Tig hi," fellow, vho can rans\ l er np great sv *tf, i£ttl hi i -mid develop iuto a iiitiu-olabs sprinter.

Havine bfie.*i galloping we?l. Praiseworthy was made .u good second favourite fvr the Hinuera handicap, and, thuugh h* ran right up t<- his best >'orra, ws.s o:ol brilliant enough to cone with Rat*-, Praiseworthy is still a maiden, b:;i his -recent form indicates that he will shortly leave that class. Kins PelHcule confirmed his form at Ellerslie. last month by notchinir a creditable third in the Hinnera Handicap* and, a3 he is seemingly on the improve, nia turn may not be lon« in ' arriving. He has been placed in each of his last three starts. - ~ Senlao finished a long way back in the Hinuera Handicap, and was very lame on returning to the enclosure. He has previa ously been troubled with unsoundness, and his case looks hopeless, which is a pity, as he can gallop fast. Denrpsey ran a good race for » mile m the Franklin Handicap, and should be improved by this race. It is a pity thi3 fallow fa not thoroughly sound, for he has pace and is a fine fencer, and if ho would stand up to. his work would win plenty of races. ~■•'/-';', r

! Despite his big impost, backers Trent so Solidly fort Pavo , that the bonnv black started favourite for the Waiuku Handicap. He ran a fine race, '■ but weakened over the final furlong and failed to obtain a place ; Nocturne's failure to show her usual dash in a. track gallop on Friday morning .sent her out of favour for the Waiuku Handicap, and she was the outsider but one in a field of 10. Beginning smartly, she was I ulwaya well placed, and. coming away in the straight, won in convincing fashion. Sh/j is a much-improved mare, and has probably not yet recorded her best. Bonn? Canny waa the * vmluc'iy horse in the Waiuku Handicap, for he appeared to get squeezed out at the start ana lost considerable ground. . In the circumstances his fourth was a creditable one,, and his forward position at the finish indicated that he would haTe taken a band in the finish had he be»n savoured .by the despatchBoth Jolly Princess and Viyella came from a good way back in the Waiuku Handicap, the former's backward position in $he early stages being due to her back-moving iust as the tapes were released, - King Quin. who was making his first "appearance' since' the autumn, began with his usual brilliancy, and showed fine speed for about four and a-half furlongs in the Waiuku Handicap, when he fell back beaten and eventually .finished last. .He was a trifle on the jolly side;'and should,, be improved by the 'race.'■;•'■■••.■■■. '' •' '

By dead-nesting with Glen Canny in the Franklin Handicap Royal Box to some exteal redeemed his fading reputation, and incidentally scored his first success since winning the - Macara Handicap at Masterton last October. Two cup preparations during the season seemed to get to the ; bottom of him, and his summer 'torn was much below his best. It is evident that he has come back refreshed after hit) spell, and now that he is striking form again on the-eve of his departure for, Australia It should bo possible to place him to advantage on the other side. . ./

To many the surprise of the the Franklin Handicap was the spirited support accorded iroh Laddie, who, after being in the leading division all the way, battled on in game fashion and only went under by the bare margin of a head. His rider appeared to be 'hampered over the last bit. and with a more experienced horseman in the saddle Arch Laddie may have won. His form is proof of distincll improvement. Glen Canny, who. dead-heated with Royal Boa in the Franklin Handicap, emphasised his partiality for the deep going. The son of Pistol looked very fit, and after racing in the rear for the first half-mile moved up entering the straight, and, finishing! in determined fashion, got up to divide the honours. This is the first form he has shown since wimiir.g the Takapuna Cun last January, but he invariably gives 'of his beat when the tracks are soft.

Sufficient support was 'accord*! Illumination to send him out favourite frr She Franklin Handicap, and, setting io the front early, he flattered • the hopes of his supporters until near-ins? tho distance, when he weakened -perceptibly. The good-looking eon of Limelieht looked aa i! a rousing gallop would do him good, and he should do better at, hia next cuting. : . The class of steeplechaser seen out in the Waharoa Hunters' Steeplechase was weak to say the very least of it. and Hokemai, who had finished third in tho hurdle race early in tho day, had no preat difficulty in disposing of the opposition, Hokemai s success was considerably overdue, and everybody was pleased to find P. Conway, nho turned the horse out very fit having a turn of luck.

Irish Jig. who had a quiet reputation, opened bis winning account with a decisive win in the Lockerbie, Handicap. He is a half-brother tc "defunct Cantoris, and. though the crowd ho defeated was far from good, the manner of his win indicates further success in hack company. - Bute Sound scored his second sucr®;.-- ;his season when he defeated fcren oti.u « ia the Kiwitahi Welter, but he has been p;-.-.»i on c number of ' occasions, therefor-; ;.•;;; victory was well deserved. He was. j- '*;.'■;■ favourite, and never grave his, suppcV.'.ftn: much cause for uneasiness, for i.tsv nAas. handy he joined the leaders k\\ She '.:: and- came on to win ni.cely. Bute B<is & very capable galloper up to ev/zen r££longs. v •'•■' Gold Jacket looked as if a race or two would work an improvement in his condition, but he showed up prominently for a cood cart of the journey in the Kiwitahi Welter. This fellow relishes) deep going. Archie flattered the hopes of his supporters until well into the straight in the Kiwitahi Welter, and ran a fair third. -,3 he looked a trifle big, he may do better at . his next outing. ■ The surprise of the Kiwitahi Welter, was the forward running of Greekson, who is a vastly-improved horse since going into J. Andcrton's stable. . :/. ■ Backers of the favourites .did; not exß«rience a very rich. time. .'»«« fancies were successful during the day. ,