RACING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19061, 4 July 1925, Page 15

RACING.

SEASON'S FIXTURES.

July 7. 9, IJU-Wellington Racing Club. July 23, 25—Gisborne Racing Club. August I—Christohuroh Hunt Club. August 11, 10. 15—Canterbury Jockey Club. August 15—Pakuranga Hunt. 1 ,> . , . ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. J.S., Mount Eden.—-To Kara was foaled in 1918, and ho will thus rank as a seven-year-old horse on August 1 next. " Wager," Remuera.-—The Auckland Racing Club's meeting on the occasion of the visit of the American Fleet in 1908 wae held at Ellerslio on Wednesday, August 12. ( " Kia Ora," EUerslie..—l. Razzle Dazzle was credited with running the seven furlongs attached to the Great Easter Handicap in lrn 24 4-ss. 2. At Trentham on April 7, 1921. Silver Link (9.13) defeated Rational (8.1) by a head fcr the North Island Challenge Stakes (seven furlongs) in lm 255. " Petite."—Only four horses have won the double, English Derby and Grand Prix do Paris, viz., Gladiatour (by Monarquo), Cremorne (by Parmesan), Kisber (by Buccaneer). and Spearmint (by. Carbine). .Gladiateur was bred in Franco. Cremorne and Spearmint in England, and Kisber in Austria. " Wa^er."—S. Robinson (not F. Arher) has a record equal in the number of wins to that of S. Donochue in conneotion with the English Derby. Robinson steered the respective winners in 1817, 1824, 1825, 1827, 1828, and 1836. Donoghue's record in the race in question was obtained in the following years:—l9ls, 1917, 1921. 1922. 1923, and 1925. E, Archer steered the winner of the Derby on fivo occasions, viz., in 1877, 1880, 1881, 1885, and 1880, " Record."—At tho end of last year the world's records for the distances named were given as follow:—Four furlongs. 44 3-ss, Iron Mask (Mexico): fivo furlongs. 55 3-ss. Coroni {England), Pen Rose (America): six furlongs, lm 7 l-ss. Master Willie (England): seven furlongs, lm 20 2-5s Var, Sunspot, Royal River and Poleaster; one mile, lm 33 l-ss, Cainan (England); ono inile and aquarter, 2m, Whisk Broom (America); two miles. 3m 19 2-ss, Pradella (England).

NOTES EY PHAETON.

OUT-OF-DATE REGULATION. A rule embraced in the New Zealand code in totalisator regulations that it is (surprising has n.it ero this been altered is that in which it is laid down that " no refund shall bo made when the horßo in which the ticket waß purchased has weighed out." Cases arise at times where an accident puts at once out of aption a horse; or, as wan rocently seen a horeo pulled up lame after performing tho preliminary gallop and had to be withdrawn. Seasons could no doubt be urged when prices are fixed by bookmakers that once a horse is weighed out backers must take the risk of a start. With tho totalisator the sole medium of betting operations the question is entitled to be viewed quite differently. The committee of tho Auckland Racing Club has a motion on the order paper to bo submitted to the Racing Conierence next week having for ita object tho refunding of all money invested upon horses which may ba withdrawn from a race for any reason whatever prior to the closing of tho totalisator. So much can be advanced in favour of the proposed now rulo submitted by tho A.R.C. and so very littlo against it that it will constituto a surprise should it not bo adopted without further action being necessary.

THE WELLINGTON MEETING. The Wellington Racing Club's Winter Meeting opens on Tuesday next, and the acceptances are such as to ensure marked attention. The leading event of tho first day is the Wellington Steeplechase, in which the following horses are ongaged:— „ , st. lb. at. lb. Omahu . < .. 15. 9 Tuki . . ..9 11 Eerie . . .. 11 ' 7 Fireblight ..95 Peter Amans. .10 4 Sir Wni ..90 Black Art ~ 10 1 First Line ..90 J? ic k • .. 10 1 Luke ~ ~90 San Forte .. 911 Omahu, who has the honour of carrying top weight 011 this occasion, scored last year under 41b leas. The Maniapoto gelding is popularly sorted out as the ono likely to start favourite, and, :is he is unlikely to meet quito so strong a field this year, and is credited with findinz tho Trentham course to his liking I suppose there are grounds for tho favouritism displayed for his chance. Stil), it has to bo recognised that Omahu has oply Bcored ono victory—and that in a minor hurdlo race—since he scored liia head victory over Pamplona in the cross-country event decided at Trentham 12 months back. A braco of light-weights that may bo expected to keep Omahu busy are Dick (10.1) and Tuki (9.11). On Dick's running at Ellorslio Jaat month, tho Gluten gelding should certainly havo something to say in the settlement of tho question. OBITUARY: MR. A. E. WHYTE.

The death of Mr. A. E. Whyte. who had been secretary of the Wellington Racing Club for a considerable period, marks the passing of a well-known personality. Mr. Whyte was numbered among tho visitors to Elloralie last, month, when the Auckland Racing Club's Winter Meeting was being held, and aa I took his hand'l remarked how well he iooked. Little did 1 think that such would prove to bo our final meeting. Though looking well, Mr. Whyto'a health had not been satisfactory for some time past, and a couple of weeks back an operation was deemed necessary. Tho operation was said to bo satisfactory, and, though it was quite recognised that a lone rest would be nocessary. strong hopon T?ero entertained that ho would be back with all his old vigour. It was not to be, however, and ho passed away on Thursday. Mr. Whyte won marked popularity with all cliissob, and the Wellington Racing Club will bo regarded as fortunate should it obtain a successor to fill tho secretarial position afi the same higti standard as that set by the liite officor.

LEAVES FROM MY NOTEBOOK. It in, of course, a littlo early yet to come to hard and fast conclusions regarding Nigger Minstrel withstanding a strong preparation, seeing that the brown colt has only just been taken up after a spell of some six months. All the same, it ia pleasing to learn that matters are considered to shape most promisingly for tho brother to Desert Gold training on properly. As Nigger Minßtrel is engaged in several important races in Australia, it goes without saying much interest is centred in his future. It was stated some little time back that Mr. J. S. McLeod was likely to givo his colt Runnymede an opportunity to jam distinction m Australia in the coming spring. Advices to hand from Hawko'a Bay, however, state that the chestnut gelding is very much more likely to race in the Dominion than in Australia at tho period named. Runnymede figures among the entrants for tho Great Northern Guineas, Great Northern Derby, and Great Northern St. Loger, so that he will have the opportunity of taking rank as a treble classic race winner. The fact that the Australian Jockey Club allotted £16.300 for. jumping races this neuaon formed tho subject of much laudatory comment in Sydney. In looking tip tho records attaching thereto the fact was established that it comprised '23 days' racing. Purusing my researches a bit further, I ticked off the respective amounts allotted by the Auckland Racing Club for jumping events this season, Mid. with £15.050' tabulated aa the sum for 11 days, it must be said that, the A.R.jp. figures come out well when ranged alongside those associated with tbe 23 days held by tho Australian Joc'uey Club.

Mr. G. D. Greenwood has no doubt effected many lucky purchases in horseflesh. It can also Be said that the Canterbury sportsman has mado some lucky aales. Tressayr is ono that comes within the latter category. This Auatralian-bred gelding was quitted in Sydney for £IOOO and so far as I can gather ho has only managed to win a £SO race »in the interval. Tressayr is now to be given an opportunity of distinguishing himself as a hurdler, but it ia generally held that the vendor had the best of the deal when the bay gelding waa quitted at £IOOO. Tressayr ia rising six years old.

Almost all of the liorßes that are carrying the colours of H.H. the Apa Khan in England coat large sums, and it is remarked that few of his purchases have proved failures. The latest one of his horses to earn distinction is the colt Vermilion Pencil (by Gainsborough from Rectify), who won the Cheater Vase (one mile and a-half) in such convincing stylo as to form the subject of eulogy. Vermilion Pencil is engagect in the St. Leger. and it is contended that if tho Indian sportsman has u better one he should be in an excellent position to see his representative play a Btrong part in the settlement of the St. Loger at Doncaster in September. Vermilion Pencil waa ranged up with the high-priced yearlings sold in 1923, 2700gn» being tho sum involved in hia purchase. I* ,

Though Killocra has not bo far shaped encotinigmKly over a longer distance tnan six furlongs, he has beon accorded a nomination for the Winter Cup, which is nm over a mile course on the opening day of the Canterbury Jockey Ciub'a Gxaad Hatianal Electing,

What a long life a strong impression can nave is forcibly brought out m tho case of tho New South Wales hor«6'4Kghlandcr, who for quite a period has been included among New Zealand horses, under the impression, no doubt, that he is identical wjth Highland, owned by Mi. T. H. Low*y. .The « ,f ° OTBe - it may be remarked, has been off the scene for some time a result of lee troubles, and it is for- .time to reveal whether he can again be trained. In my notes last week mention was made of the fact that the Wellington Steeplechase and the Winter Hurdle Race is a double that has yet to be won by the same horse. Omahu, Peter Amans, and Dick now comprise the division claiming the double engagement in connection with the big double sot down for decision at Trentham noxt week. A Sydney cablegram to hand slates that uloaming has arrived safely at Sydney, and no doubt ere this The Welkin's veteran aon has mado a reappearance on the track at liandwick. The month of October will probably have to arrive ere Gloaming is called upon to make a reappearance under silk. In the meantime the record of his training work will be awaited with very keen interest. Aroh Salute has displayed some partiality for tho irenthain track, and. as the winter season is to his advantage, there is some reason to anticipate his playing a part next week on the Wellington ground. Arch Salute figures among the acceptances for tho Membars' Handicap (one mile) with 10.5 (13lb below the top-weight, Income). Mr. G. D. Greenwood's racing team was reduced by one recently, when a friendly bullet closed tho career of Dormer, a rising threo-year-old by Sutala from tho Cooltrim mare Yawn. The effects of a kick received by Dormer wero of so serious a character that ho had to bo destroyed. It is reported from Dunedin that Roseday has been sold. The 12 months' disqualification meted out to Roseday expires in October next, so that tho new owner of the Solferino gelding will not have to wait a long period ero being able to lodge an entry for his horse. Tho Auckland-owned Lucullent figures among tho acceptances for the two leading hurdle races sot down for decision at the Wellington Winter Meeting. Lucius who haa shaped well since chaining hands, is down for an engagement in tho Stewards' Handicap (six furlongs), to be run at Trentham on Tuesday.

Carawock is stated to have developed soreness after performing-a gallop recently, and he is considered an unlikely starter at the Wollngton winter meeting. Mr, W. G. Stead is credited with the possession of an attractive-looking yearling descendant of Sarchedon in the shape of a bay colt. The New Zealand Racing' Conference is convened to open at Wellington on Wednesday next, at 10 a.m.

THE TURF IN AUSTRALIA.

1 V.R.C. GRAND NATIONALS. BY PHAETON. The Victoria Racing Club's Winter Meeting opens at Flemington to-day, when the Grand National Hurdle Race will be brought up for decision. A highly-bred five-year-old engaged with the handy impost of 9.2 that is considered likely to play a strong part in tho finish is Erie tho Bed. who is by Sea Prince from the True Blue mare Florenza. With tho Musket strain on tho sire's side and tho Muaket strain on tho dam's side, there is a lot of encouragement to pen a word in favour of Erie the Red as a horse likely to see out the three miles attaching to to-day's race. Rahda (11.0), who has been a much-fancied candidate since tho weights were declared, was still holding a good position among the favourite division at la3t advices, and accepted as ho is as a proved slayer, that must bo accounted greatly in his favour, for tho distance to bo travelled extends to three miles. Pildin, who won tho A.J.C. Hurdle Race at Randwiok last month, has the handy burden of 10.5 with a 101b penalty counted in, and ho is given a chance. Tho Grand National Steeplechase comes up for decision on Saturday next; and the one singled out for particular attention in connection with the cross-country race Is Haoina, who figures top weight with 12.8. This is 4lb in excess of the impost he carried into second place last year, when he ran Fleetstone (11.12) to a head. A tiio of proved performers in the shape ofPalbi 0 2 -4). Berribeo (11.3), and Dundalk, (10.6) are likely to be on hand to oppose the tcpweight. and each is considered to have a good chance of claiming the attention of the judge.

THE LATE MR. BYRON MOORE. Thel announcement of the death of the late Mr. H. Byron Moore, who had been secretary to the Victoria Racing Club for the long period of 45 years, evoked widespread expressions of regret, for he was a, much-loved man. Only a few few days prior to his death Mr. Moore awonded the funeral of tho late Mr. Septimus Miller, with whom he had boen associated for many j;ears in the affairs of the Victoria Racing Club. Mr. Moore's illness was only of a brief character, and the end came with an attack of pneumonia. In an obituary notico of the late Mr. Moore the Australasian remarkedNo racing club over had a more loyal servant Flemington he affectionately described as ' his baby,' and no child had more care ar.d attention lavished on it. Mr. Byron Moore was the guiding hand that mado Flemington what it is to-day—the premier racecourse in the Southern Hemisphere—and it will form a lasting monument to his energy and ability." Mr. 'Moore candidly admitted that ho was not a racing man. by which, of course, he meant that he was not immersed with tho sporting aspect of the question. It is related ho was fond of a good story, and often told one against himself. One day he was going out to Flemington to inspect the course, and rang up a car. Tho driver, knowing that his fare was to be Mr. Moore, told his friends at the garage that he would ask Mr. Moore for a good tip. and they could back it the following day. When Mr. Moore had completed his business at Flemington ho was just stepping into the car when the driver said: 'Beg pardon, sir. but would you ho good enough to tell niß what is-your best tip for to-morrow?" Mr. Mooro thought for a moment, and ho then said: "Why, my boy, I don't know one end of a. horse from the other, but don't you think the lawns look lovely?"

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS. Bolet Satin, who figures at the head of the list for tho Metropolitan Stakes (9.10), Caulfiold Cup (9.7) and Melbourne Cup (3.5), is a recent importation from the Old Country. In the decision of the Ceaart*witch Stakes at. Newmarket last October bo carried 8.1 into second place behind Charley's Mount (7.11) It was only a question of a length between the two leaders, but it has to bo stated that, whereas Bolei Satin had an impost 171b under weight-for-age. Charley's Mount's 7.11 was only 2lb under tho standard, and she was conceding her rival two years in age. Belet Satin, who is a six-year-old by the French-bred horae Nimbus, watt aent up to auction shortly after his performance in the long-distance race at Newmarket, when he was bought for 2000 una by Sir Samuel Hoidern and Mr. F. J. Smith, of New South Waleß. The V.R.C. Derby winner Spearfelt, who has not raced since the Sydney Cup at Randwick in April last, during which contest ho suffered a fall, is reported to have made his reappearance at Caulfield, and ia credited with looking remarkably well. This may be taken to meau that tho sou of Spearhead is expected to play his part well at four years old. At three years old Spearfelt demonstrated that he was the possessor of tho staying quality, and, with that fact already established, bo should be able to keep up the credit of the Carbine lino when he cornea to face four-year-old engagements. Tho ex-New Zealander, Gcorgo Price, who took up his residence in -New South Wales a couplo of years ago, has already mado a namo for himself as a trainer, and statistics Sublished by tho Sydney Refereo show that orses from his stable won £13.509 m prizemoney during tho present" season, which gave him the leading position among the trainers of New South Wales. Windbag, tho mot t noteworthy performer at Randwick this season, received his preparation at the hands of George Price. Tho English horso Top Gallant (by Swvnford—Galante). who, it was understood, waa bought by the New South Wales sportsman .Mr. A. P. Wade ostensibly for use at tho stud, and who waa imported to Australia last year, will, it ia stated, probably be given an opportunity to earn further distinction aa a racer before entering on the aires' list. Top Gal ant. it ia interesting to relate, holds a place . with the time record-breakers. In the decision of tho Newmarket Three-year-o d Stakes in the summer of 1923 Top Gallant was credited with running the mile and a-quarter attached to that race in 2m.. and. aa he carried 9.0 and defeated that good filly lereeina (8.11) by two lengths, the, performance waa invested with a lot of merit. At the Victoria Amateur Turf Club's meeting. held at Caulfield on the 20th ult. the New Zealand-bred gelding Horoscope added ono more victory to the remarkable juvenile record established this season in Australia by two-vear-old descendants of Absurd, when he carried 8,12 home m front; of a .goodhe Id in tho decision o!i the Minook Iwo-year-ola Strikes. This event was run over seven furlongs, and Horoscope was credited with winning his race in the good time of lm 29*8. Anambfth, a three-year-old half-brother to the flying Beauford, is looked upon in a promising liitbt. and he is expected to keep up tbe family credit next season, Anambali is bv Magpie: and with the latter well in the limelight a« the aire of that good colt Windbag, that circumstance of course plays a part in predicting a promising future for Beauford's half-brother. Verv few descendants of Maltster have figured as cross-country performers. One of the number. Flagon, scored a victory in the Wanda Steeplechase, run at Caulfiold on the 20th ult. Gay Serenader, a six-year-old half-brother to the Great Northern Foal Stakes winner Mimetic, is a candidate for honours in. the VJ&jC. Grand National Hurdla Raoo. to bo •jam at FteaunfitSn to-da».