RACING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18662, 19 March 1924, Page 6

RACING.

SEASONS FIXTURES. New Zealand. March -1. 22—Rangitikei Racing Club. Marili ?2— Npsruawahia Racing Club. March 27. 2S—Wellington Racing Club. March r'ranklin Racing Club. .April 2. 3 —Mamv.vatu Racing Club. April ID. 21—Auckland i'acing Club. April ]!>. 21—Feilding Jockey Club. April 21, 22— Canterbury Jockey Club. Ami 26. 2R--Avondalo Jockey Club. _\ 3— llV,vice's Bay Jockey Club. Australia. April 10, 21. 23. 26—Australian Jockey Club. .WSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. " Martin "At three years old Ncnetle von the A.11.C. Easter Handicap under 9.11. " Digger," Waitoa.— The placed horses in 1m- Great Northern St. Leger of 1910 were: — Afterglow iR. Mackie). Lovematch (A. Reed), fnd Hinemaru (H. Goldfinch), who finished in the order named. " Query."--Alfort. was purchased by Mr. J. Fraser Smith in New South Wales in the spring of 1923. The concluding race vhirh he contested there was the Flying Handicap 'six furlongs) at Sydney Tatter?all's meeting, in which he carried 9.6 and ran second, beaten a neck by Gambler s Gold (7.7). Wager," Lllerslio. — Advance contested four races at the Victoria, Racing Club's Autumn Meeting in ISOl.' Jn the Newmarket Handicap {six Advance (9.11/ finished • hird to Wakeful (7.6) and Fulminate (9.10). He ran unplaced in the Australian Cup, (two miles and' a-quarter) under 9.7. finished second to La Carabine in the Champion Stakes (threa miles), and he occupied a, like position to Maltster in the All-aged Stakes. Advance ranked as a four-year-old when he ran m Australia. .VOTES BY PHAETON. A HARDY VETERAN. That Pavo continues to carry his age remarkably well he once again furnished striking evidence when he carried Mr. Hugo Friedlander's colours to victory on Saturday last in the Waihi Handicap at Paeroa. In a search for some particulars bearing ou Pavo's career prior to his selection and purchase in New South Wales some three years back by John Williamson for Mr. Hugo Friedlander 1 found that The Welkin gelding formed one of a modest collection of yearlings sent up to auction in Melbourne by Mr. E. E D. Clarke in the autumn of 1918, whan he fell to the bid of a Sydney sportsman, at '-70gns. Pavo had only captured one small race (£SS was the value) when his four-year-old career had advanced some way so that thn Auckland trainer in' buying the gelding did not have much of a lead to go upon. Well, the interesting little document that attaches to Pavo's exploits in■ Auckland since he carried Mr. Friedlander colours shows that he has won stakes to the value of £5245. That the good-tempered black gelding win last for an extended period seems to be well assured, and that he may bring much further joy to Mr. Friedlander in carrying the red. white and blue jacket is a wish that I am sure will find a wide acceptance. AUSTRALIAN-BRED ALFORT. Though Alfort had accomplished more over sprint courscs than at a mile and a-quarter, the Australian-bred , gelding's chance of capturing the Ohinemuri Cup was warbled so tunefully that he won sufficient admirers* to send him out favourite for that race, and he justified the confidence reposed in him by winning his race at the business end. That Alfort deserved his victory he clearly demonstrated on the second day. when he carried 8.11 to victory in the Paeroa Handicap and ran the mile in lm 41 3-5s on a course that was not conducive to fast reoords. -Abort was purchased in Sydney by the Hamilton sportsman, Mr. J. Fraser- Smith, in the spring of 1922. . The bay gelding was beaten in each of the 14 races ho contested .under Mr. Smith's colours last season, but, all the same, he managed to capture in place moneys the handy little sum of £520. lhe first race won by Alfort for Mr. Smith was at Takaouiia in December last, when he led the field home in the Caut-Jey Handicap. Though only three wins are down to the credit of Abort this season his earnings in place money bulk well, and.• his > captures in stakes from September to Monday last run out to £1270. I '" v v LEAVES FROM MY NOTEBOOK. The New Zealand-bred colt The . Monk is to be regarded as one of the big disappointments of the present season in Australia. There were, of course, always to be found those who would not stand the son of Absurd as a colt likely to stay, for, asi everybody knows, the family from which he springs is more noted for speed than endurance. The Monk has, however, failed even over sprint courses, and seven, furlongs, it is said, puzzles him. Possibly the effort C. T. God by made to win the A.J.C. Derby with The Monk left its mark on the son of Absurd. Now and again a Derby can be fluked vitn a non-stayer, but it it undertaking a big risk to exact a mile and ■a-half task from a colt that comes from a non-staying family, especially in the spring of the year. If The Monk is to accomplish anything this season he will have to hurry up.

The flood waters which invaded Hawke 3 Bay last week brought exciting experiences to the well-known , trainer, Stewart Waddell, whose training establishment is at Greenmeadows, which place suffered a good deal by the inrush. ""Writing in the Hawko's Bay Herald, "Hermit" says:— "The flood rose so rapidlv that a team ,ot nine horses had to be swum out of the yard, and removed to Taradale. Mrs. "Waddell and her two children were removed in a gig. Each of the loose boxes is covered with a considerable deposit of silt, which will have to be cleared away and the stable thoroughly dried before ■the team returns to their home quarters. Fortunately none of the animals appear to have .suffered (from their swimming exercise, and as they were most of them in good nick it may not affect them when they are called upon to race next."

So far as flat racing is concerned, the fact was long since recognised that Starland was quite a back number, and the "early exploits of the Nassau gelding since he wag relegated to jumping events were not very reassuring for him in that department. However, it is pleasing to record that the highly-bred son of Nassau and Stardancer won a . double across country at- the recent meeting held at Paeioa. There may not have been a great amount of merit in Starland's dual steeplechase win at Paeroa: but ail the same, it is satisfactory to find''him jumping the big fences satisfactorily. Considering that Starland bad not won a race since he led the field home in the Takapuna Cup on January 21, 1921, it will be recognised that his success at Paeroa was long overdue. According to a Wellington paper, it is held to be quite likely that Rapine may be a contestant, in the weight-for-age races at the Australian Jockey Club's Autumn Meet\r k ? e 5 t ™ onlh - 11 is understood that J. H. Jefferd intends proceeding to Sydney shortly with a view to attending the year ling saiej, and Mr. A. B. Williams may be orrcouraged to give Rapine an opportunity of earning further distinction in Australia. Tinokaha, who. has . had more to do with Sat-racms than jumping of late, was again found amsntt the jumping division on Monday last at 1 aeroa. and that he still relishes a. task over the battens he gave some proof, find in a good finish with Explorer (whom he 311 i at a difference of lllbj he won in fine strip. ■ Th «, son , of ,9 ui n Abbey has won £031,-. in staked, lor Mr. L. Bater since he purchased him in the season of 1921-22 and he. seems good to raise the total ! still higher. Landslide has trained on satisfactorily; and I learn from hi 3 owner, Mr. Ernest Alison, that the Kenilworth gelding will probably be entrained to Trentham by tonight's train with a view to fulfilling engagements at the Wellington Racing Club's Autumn Meeting. The opinion is ventured in Melbourne that the recent autumn meeting he-id at Flemington was one of the most disastrous that backers nrwe experienced in connection with that particular fixture. . One i an who beta on a largo scale is credited with the admis ?ion that his lessees r.t the meeting ran to ,£ 10.000. Far North, the highly-bred son. of Bridgenorth and Blacksand. who had not) won a race since he led the field home in the Maiden Stakes run at. Avondale on September •">. 1900, succeeded in breaking the spell of il'-lv.ck that has followed him for such a i'<ng nericd when he led the. field home in the IVaipanakiiuri Cup at Kaitaia on Saturtay last. Hi" fa-t of Black . Ronald's name being niirrinr- from the list of entrants at the Mrn.-rratu meeting must. I fear, be interr vtrd us further evidence that the black i.Vit is n"t. ti be heavily taxed for events i:?:t r.i hand. Wi vices from Wanganui credit Inferno nth trail:; on veil. The Absurd gelding not en. -aged at the Wellington autumn rr3»etin». hut he is -expected to make a rernpptirar.ee 011 the sceno at the Manawatu meet in?. • The • wn.-r "f King Merv evidently holds the o'-iui„n that the. son of Quin Abbey is s.-mu'thiri!.' move than a sprinter, for he has i> scorned him :in entry for the Awapuni Gold the distance of which extends to a mile »nd a-cuarter. J 'l ho Enclish-bred horse ; Muskeioon. who hi-, rot r;*.crd since record his victory m • i hf> T«ka n nna Cup on January 26. is training on all ri'-'ht at Ellersic. He figures simn" the en'rants for the Prince of Wales Hrndicao. to be run at the Manawatu meeting, on April 2. ■ The Awapivni . Gold Cup, which is set down for decision nt the Manawatu Racing Clubs Autumn- Meeting on April 2.. has attracted fin entrv of 11, as follows:Tarl.eton, Sunart. * Muny Kittle. Pilliewinkie, Rapine. Winning Hit. Trespass. Ballymena, ,-Kina Mery, Suggestion. Muraaki. : .... ' '

Thoso country clubs that are in tie happy position of holding licenses to use the lotalisator are of . course, greatly assisted 111 keeping racing going in their particular district, but thoso bodies which are denied the privilege of the " automatic dispenser of odds" are many times hard pressed to Keep the sport flag flying. The Ngaruawahia Baring Club, which is one of the oldest bodies engaged m fostering the sport , in the Waikato. has rear by year courageously faced the situation, and on Saturday next it will bring off its annual race meeting, which, it is pleasing to note, gives promise of proving a success.

According to a. Sydney writer, the offer of £5000 made for The Hawk early last month was actually accepted by Mr. J. M. Cameron, but, in doing so the Isew Zesyander tn<-kcd a- contingency advantageous to mmself. This was*not, agreed to by the •wouldbe purchaser of the Martian gelding, and negotiations were terminated. Mr. Cameron has good causo to rejoice over the fact that the contingency clause had the effect ol leaving The Hawk on his hands, for the bay gelding's captures in stakes alone during the interval amount to over £5516, and there is a pood prosnect of several thousands in addition being included ere the present seascn closes. NGARUAWAHIA CLUB. THE ANNUAL MEETING. The following are the acceptances for the Ngaruiwahia Racing Clubs annual race meeting, which takes place on Saturday next: — MAIDEN HANDICAP. B . fur.-Gallelo. Ml Disappointment 8.10. Arizona Boy 8.9, Pink Lady 8.5).. lattle .Nugget «v». Indemnity 8.8. C'oromta B.<. Sophy S.i,, Te Hoe 8.7. Winter Lass 8.7 Mangu Rose 8.7. Nama 8.7. Day Comet-Winonah filb 8.7. Free Star 8.7, "Whiti-te-Korakora 8./. OPEN TROT HANDICAP. l\ miles.— Myra limit. Hal Chimes limit. Striker limit. Felicity limit. Mountain Boy limit, War Tank 3Gyds behind. Louvima 132 yds behind. Horoto 192 yds behind. PUBLICAN'S PuRSE HANDICAP. 7 fur. —Walton 9.4- Irish Knight 8.12. Rarangi 8.7, Criss Abbey 7.12. . Arizona Boy 7.2, Abberfield 7.0. Gay Paris 7.0. Wairiri ..0, Free Star 7.0. OPEN TROT HANDICAP, two miles Myra limit. Hal Chimes limit. Striker limit. Felicity limit. Mountain Boy limit. Uold Star 12yds behind. War Tank 48yds behind. Louvima 163 yds behind. 'Horoto 240 yds behind. NGARUAWAHIA CUP. 1i miles.— ton 9.3. Peter Maxwell 9.0. Rarangi 8.6, Criss Abbey 7.10. Gallelo 7.3, Arizona Boy 7.0. Abberfield 6.12. Gay Paris 6.12, War Ribbon 6.12, Grace Abbey 6.10. FLYING HANDICAP. 6 Walton. 9.4; Peter Maxwell 9.1, Rarangi 8.7, . Irish Knight 8.12. Gallelo 7.4. Arizona Boy 7.2. Pink Lady 7.2. Nama 7,0. War Ribbon 7.0, Day Winonah filly 7.0, Mangu Rose 7.0. TRADESMEN'S HACK HANDICAP. . 1 m —Capstar 9.0. Arizona Boy 8.8. Disappointment 8.7, Wairiri 8.6, Indemnity 8.5, Little Nu"get 8.5. Sophv 8.4. Winter ' <«)<» 8.0. Te Hoe 8.0. Free Star 8.4. Day —Winonah fillv 8.4. Mangu Rose 6.4, Whiti-te-Korakora 8.4. parua bay meeting. [BY TKIEGRATK. —OWN- CORRESPONDENT.] WHANGAREI, Tuesday. Fine weather conditions prevailed for the Parua Bay race meeting, held on the Pataua racecourse, oil St. Patrick's Day. Following are the results: MAIDEN PLATE, 1 mile.—Puhiriki, 10.0, 1; Waikaraka, 7.7, 2; Whareora, 9.0, 3. FLYING HANDICAP. C fur.—Moerewa, 9.12, 1; Theatre, 9.0, 2; Maori Girl, 7.7, 3. PATAUA CUP, li miles.—Miss Theory, 9.9, 1; Puhiriki, 8.10, 2; Wairoa Rep., 8.9, 3. TARAUNUI HANDICAP, 7 fur.— Moerewa, 10.0. 1; Wairoa Rep., - 9.0, 2; Theotus, 8.0, 3. LADIES' BRACELET, 6 fur.—Whareora. 9.7, 1; Theatre, 10.0, 2; Brown Eagle, 9.7, 3. HACK RACE HANDICAP, 1 mile.—Waikaraka, 8.9, 1; Theotus, 8.12, 2; Eastport, 9.5, 3. FAREWELL HANDICAP, 5 fur.—Miss Theory, 10.8, 1; Moerewa, 10.5, 2; Puhiriki, 8.5,3. . THE WHAKATANE MEETING. ■ The Whakatane Racing Club's meeting was held at Taneatua on Monday, and it passed off sue Mfully. The following were the results:— MAIDEN PLATE HANDICAP.—Aviata 1, . Miss Arrow 2, Opium 3. FLYING HANDICAP.—Division 1, Grandioso 2. Fife and Drum 3. OPOURIAO HANDICAP.—Miora 1. Index 2, Avatia 3. WHAKATANE HANDICAP,—AIfa Laval 1, French Park 2. Silver Hill 3. MAIDEN SCURRY.—Bellamy 1. Louisi- ! anna 2, Thermos 3TANEATUA HANDICAP.— 1, Rawina 2., Hukuwai 3. , COUNTY HANDICAP.—AIfa Laval 1, Index 2, Return 3.

THE MASTERTON MEETING. NOTES ON THE RACING. [BY TELEGRAPH. — COIURKSPONDENT.] WELLINGTON. Tuesday. The principal handicap at the Masterton meeting was won nicely by Merry Day. She got away badly, but H. - Gray rode her a perfect race, and she finished too well for Bumptious. The daughter of Merry Moment was very confidently supported, and it is evident she is returning to form. Quest's win in the Flying Handicap was very decisive. Lady Fingers made all the early running, and Mountain March showed up at the entrance to the straight, but just .when the two looked like fighting out the finish Quest came on the scene and beat them both very easily. Soft going does not seeip to trouble Quest, as this is the second time he has won on the same course when the track' has been very heavy. Lady Gay won two races at Masterton— first the Trial Stakes and later the Welter Handicap. She scored more easily on the second occasion than she did on the first. A very warm favourite in Peneus was defeated in the Stewards' Handicap. Refrigeration. who had a . good puli in the weights, fairly ran away with the race. There was an inquiry into some alleged interference by Lady, Ben with I'encus, and C.-McGovern, the rider of Lady Ben. was suspended for a month. There was an extraordinary incident after the Juvenile Handicap. » The race was won by a length by Tutankhamen in circumstances which could leave hardly a doubt as to the result. Yet thb favourite, Bonideer. who finished third, was awarded first place and Tutankhamen was placed second. Everyone stood ajhast when the judnre hoisted his numbers, but there was no demonstration, though adverse comment was general. Little River sot on the heels of 7"ro Hour while contesting the Autumn Handicap. Little iviver almost came down, and as it was he . threw his rider. Zero Hour was considerably cut about. WANGANUI NOTES. THE RANGITIKEI MEETING. [BY TELEGRAPH. CORHESPONT)HNT.] WANGANUI. Tuesday. The Rangitikei Racing Club's meeting opens on Friday. The leading event of the programme is the Rangitikei Cup (one mile and a-quarier), in which the following horses are engaged:—Admiral Codrington 9.6, Correspondent 8.8. Para 7.13. Snatcher 7.11, Crncello 7.7. Askari 7.7, Velociform 6.13, Hallowroz 6.13, Empyrean 6.12, Black Cruiser 6.11, Matareka 6.3, Skylight 6.7, Bonny Rill 6.7. Mr. Bert. Russell intends to take Civility to ' Bulls, where she has 8.8 in the' Scott Memorial Handicap, to be run on Friday next I he daughter of Llysian has been hitting out in pleasing style during the last few days. a t. should bo hard to beat. After racing at Bulls Civility will go on to> Trentham, where she should be seen at her best if the going is .airly firm. The work which Orchid has been doing recently suggests that the sons of Absurd— (jladiole will pick up a short sprint event v ? r ?> rf or y, n •■? w 'll Probably be a runner Bulls , ;,n Fndav where be i 3 engaged in the Ngatiaoa Hack Race of live furlongs, a distance which should suit him well War Loan has not been in work long, and is much on the big side yet. but will be a starter m the Ladies' Bracelet at Bulls on Friday. Reports from Fordell credit Para and Glen toss with being in capital fettle. The former won both her races at Wanganiu last month at the right end, and she must have a good chance of staying out the mile and a-quarter m the Rangitikei Cup. Siaosi will be taken to Trentham in com pany with Civility. _ The former ran very disappointingly at Wanganui. but is capable of doing much better if he strips really well at Trentham. ■ Motley is looking a picture and galloping in a style which suggests that she has improved since last seen in public. Civility has been given 7.11 in the Railway Handicap at Trentham. This is what ho was generally expected to get. and she is n 'siaopf'°has' 8.1 in the Plunket Nursery, which is slightly more than anticipated, but if at his best on the day the Elysian colt 'wil! run well , _ ... . ... It is understood that Orchid is not to b« taken to Opunake. but will race at Bulls and at Trentham., , , Attractive is in. work again: and may be a, runner at Feilding. , . W..Dwyer has I>angle in steady work, ana may take the son of Heather Mixture to ISUerqlia at Easier*

THE OHINEMURI MEETING. NOTES ON THE FORM. BY ARCHER. The annual race meeting of the Ohinemuri Jockey Club, held at Poeroa on Saturday and Monday last, provefl one of the most pleasant and successful gatherings yet held by the flub, The good fields engaged provided some first-class racing and quito a few eurprises. 'l'he management of the meeting was in every way satisfactory knd the proceedJDS went smoothly throughout the two days. The .totalisator business was brisk, the sum of £6i 067 passing throneh the machine during the two days, and the increase of .£6666 in the turnover would be very gratifying to the club, which is deserving of all the success it may attain, as- it provides very liberally for horseowners. Training honours were fairly well distributed, no trainer turning out more than two wmners. M. J. Carroll (Alfort twice), it Hannon (Quinette and York Abbey), <T. Hanks iHwhflcwn and Potoanui), and G. L. Mead iStarJand twice) each scored a couple wins •- , Sharp (Explorer). P. Scally . nia) ' N. Cunningham (Chairman), J. Williamson (Pavo). W. J. McLean (Tino kaha), F. Loomb (Lady Biddy), J. Paul (John Dit>. and J. Whitten (Arizona Maid) each trained one winner.

A. Tinker (Alfort twice ana Esthonia) and S. Walls (Starland twice and Tino kaha), both of whom had three winning l mounts, headed the winning jockeys' list and were the only horsemen to ride more than one winner. The other winners were ridden by J. Preston (Explorer). R. Martin (Highffown), K. Orange iChairman), M. Young (Potoanui), A. Mo'Frs^, 111 . (Pavo), L. Duliev, (Lady Biddy). R. McTavish (Ouinette), H. Goldfinch (John Dix), E. Tuohey (York Abbey), and 11. Wiggins (Arizona Maid).

Or'" fivo favourites were successful at the meeting. Explorer, Alfort and Pavo winning on the first day and Lady Biddy and John Dix on the second day. Though he finished out of a place at Te Aroha, backers made it evident, that they expected Explorer to show improved form by sending him 0,1 a good favourite for the .Handicap Hurdle Race. The support was justified, as Explorer won with something in hand after being badly interfered with six furlongs from home. Explorer misSed a place in the Steeplechase later in the day. but finished very fast in second place in the Hurdle Race oil the second day after being anything but artistically ridden. The General Soult geld in General Hose was purchased by Mr. R. Hannon before the meeting opened and ran in the interests of his new owner. General Rose held an ad vantage at the last hurdle in the First Handicap Hurdle Race, but effectually settled his prospects of winning by running right across the fence and taking the outside panel. He was favourite for the Second Handicap Hurdle Race, but ran badly.

Mahgoloire fell in both of the hurdle events. He went out too early on the first J»y t« give "ny idea of his chance, but when he fell at the last fence on the second day he certainly looked like filling a place. Tinokaha made a successful reappearance as a hurdler in the Second Handicap Hurdle Race, and made his backers a very nice "■eturn. His recent defeats on the flat evidently influenced the public to believe that he had gone a trifle stale, and that no doubt accounted for the fact of four of the other candidates being better backed than he was.

Having been beaten twice when well fancied at Te Aroha, Esthonia was not> in keen demand for the Netlierton Welter, which he won cleverly. Esthonia is improving with his racing, but his success was in no small measure due to the vigorous riding of A. Tinker, who was hard put to it to keep his mount in the prominent position obtained at the start.

It is astonishing the -varying effect a change of horsemen will hf»v« on the aimport accorded to a horse. At 'l'e Aroha Highflown, when ridden by H. Gray, was a pronounced favourite and •was only beaten a head bv Bir-el-Abd. In the* Maidan Handicap at Paeroa Highflown, r'dden by R. Martin, was not nearly in the same demand. This, however, did not prevent him from winning. for. jumping away very smartly, hf> won easily, paying a dividend that would have been of smaller dimensions had a more fashionable horseman been seen in the saddle. The class of horse that contesWd , the maiden hack events wtfus very mediocre, and Highflown appeared to' be in a class above them, as he rave them all weight and won very easily on, the first day. He should win again. Royal Bonus, a six-year-old gelding by Otiin Abbey, was well supported for the Maiden Handicap, and, though he missed a place ran a creditable race. .He drew No. 1 position at the post in the Miners Hack Handicap ci the second day, and was made favourite. Beginning: very fast, he soon put a break on his opponents, but stopped badly after goins four furlongs, and was beaten out of a place. Royal Benus. who is owneti by the well-known trainer. F. E. Loomb, has a rare turn of speed' and should do better when more seasoned. The leading performer of the meeting was Alfort. who won the two' principal events— the Oh'inemiiri Cup and the Paeroa Handicapin good style. . Alfort has been rather an unlucky horse since coming from Australia nearly 18 months ago. He is a very fit horse at present and may be seen to further advantage soon. Malatour ran sufficiently well in the Ohinemuri Cut? to suggest that he will win over a middle distance. He also made a good showing in the Paeroa Handicap, wherein he was leadtns inside the distance, but hi', diminutive pilot, who handled him well up till this sta?e, lost control, and Malatour ruined his chance by coming right from the inside nearly to the outside of the course. Fvprvhod" was delighted to find Mr. ,f> L. Stead Having a change of fortune with Star land, who carried off both of the Steeplechase events. Mr. StenA has been having an exasperating run of , hick with his horses lately, and it is tr! M hoped th.pt now it has been broken further victories will be near at hand for liis horses. The whole-hearted, round of applause thet followed Starland o success on the first day must have given added nleanure to the victory. Tom Moore- had such a commanding lead when he dislodged his 'rider at the second fence of the double entering on the last lap in the Hauraki Plains Steeplechase fh"t it. looked lucky for the others that he fell. He was remounted and obtained third. Un <ti*s account he was sent out sewnd favourite for the Autumn Steeplechase, but he was not allowed to get far away ana wns well beaten six furlongs from home. Starland jumped splendidly and v-on the two steeplechase events with ease.' His hind legs appeared to slip from under him '"'hen be landed from the fencf near the ton bend the first timo round in the Autumn Steeple chas-e, but he recovered himself cleverly. Peivo was responsible for a smooth performance in winning the Waihi Handicap with 9.6 and his form. is proof that he is in his best shape again. _ He was ridden Yery confidently by A. Met lynn. , Though very light in condition. lork Abbey showed smart form, . finishing a for second, with Fmelhin the Waihi Handicap and winmngtheSt.Patrick's Handicap. The Qum Abbey oldm fa is a very light fleshed customer and always bears a mean look. He. is speedy over short courses and should win more races. Chairman, the winner of the Karangahake Handicap, is a good colt and will score again before the season concludes. This was only his second public appearance and .he should benefit by the experience He is a commanding colt by Nassau from the Charlemagne 11. mare Culross. Town Bank finished well in second place in the Karagahake Handicap .and was nearly equal favourite with Royal diadem for the iVaitekauri Handicap, He went down very scratchily in bis preliminary prior to the latter event and was too sore to do himself justice, while lie did not experience the best Royal Diadem was favourite for th©,Waiteka.uri Handicap,, but disappointed, his backers. Ho was in the lead with Qumette Fillreaching the turn and stored badly then and was beaten out.of a place. The well-known hurdle horseman, o. ■Walls, rode in excellent form having a mount in threo of the four jumping events on tl?e Dros:ramjiie ana winnini 'he three. . It is centrally •»creed «hat Wails is .one of the most capable horsemen riding Hi .lumping events In New Zealand, at the present time and his services are always in keen demand. He rode with considerable success on the flat before increasing weight caused him to tU After "he' Waikino Welter. W Baeby. the rider of. K nidi ton. was fined £5 for interference with Zircon and Royal Abbey. ' NOTES FROM ELLEKSLIE. GOSSIP OF THE TRACK. BY ARCHER. M J. Carroll, the To Rapa trainer, will •nrnViablv take a team of four, horses-con-sisting of Alfort. King Merv, Whetunui. and The Curragh to Trentham.. Ho is expected to leave Frankton on Friday. A J. McFlinn will be riding at the Wellington Autumn Meeting, where one of his mounts will be Roue* He ™to leave for the South by the Main Trunk express last evening m order to ride Rouex in his work. It is stated that the New Zealand Derby winner Black Ronald will not race again this season.