SPORTING NOTES.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 657, 26 September 1884, Page 22

SPORTING NOTES.

The member for Akarca, judging from appearances, is not a member of any jockey club; neither dees he profess to have the welfare of such institutions at heart. In the course of a debate on the Hokitika Racecourse Bill, Mr Montgomery suggested, that in the event of races being held on a public reserve, on a public holiday, the people should be allowed admittance free. Of course, it is evident that from a mei-e spirit of fairness, the people should have the command of their reserves on public holidays ; but the most ardent friend of the hornyhanded, would scarcely expect that any racing club would be so extremely verdant, as to hold a meeting on a day, when no charge could be made at the gate. The Bill, however, was piloted through by the member for Hokitika.

The Legislature is, evidently, waking up to a sense of the necessity for stern reformation in the law, in such case made and provided, applying to gambling. The Hon. Mr Hart, has carried in the Upper House, a motion for the production of a return showing the number of money orders issued in favor of promoters of consultations ; and in the Lower House, Mr H. S. Fitzherbert has introduced the Gaming and Lotteries Act, ISBI, Amendment. Stripped of its legal technicalities, this measure reads as follows :—“The following proviso shall be added to section nineteen of the said Act, and shall be read and construed as part of the same, that is to say,—Provided always that any sweepstakes or sweep drawn on any racecourse on the occasion of any race meeting, or within view of any race, shooting, coursing, or other match, athletic or acquatic contest or game of skill, in which sweepstakes or sweep the share or stake of each individual participating therein shall not exceed the sum of two pounds, shall be exempted fi’om the operation of the said Act.’’ It will be seen that in order to bring the harmless five shilling sweep within the pale of the law, it is imperative, even under this amendment, that it should be conducted either upon a racecourse, or within view of any race, game, &c. So that “'Shilling-in-and-the-winner-shoufc,” though a 9 popular a 3 ever, will also be as illegal as ever. I cannot say much for the wisdom of the measure ; for, independent of the propriety of engaging in sweeps, it does appear somewhat anomalous that gambling on a racecourse-, or in view of a race, should be a-lowed ; while gambling in a private room, in the street, or in a club, will render the offender or offenders liable to fine or imprisonment, of more or less magnitude. Besides, if Mr Fitzherbert’s aim was to allow small, or for the matter of that, large sweeps to be conducted freely, what need was there to amend the law at all ? Have we not our Ada-Mantua, our Robin Hoods, and others whose names are “ familiar in our mouths a 3 household words and do they not increase yearly, with a rapidity which is only accounted for, bv the circumstance that stolen fruit is sweet? Altogether, I think. Mr_ Fitzherbert should have called his Bill “an Act to legalise sweep?,” for participators would then, at least, have the satisfaction of knowing that they are favorably regarded by the all-seeing eye of the law. Dynamite and Woodstock are to leave shortly for the Wairarapa, where they will go into training. At the settling up over the A.J.C. Spring Meeting, the principal amounts were as follows :—Hon. J. White, L 1714 ; Mr Proudfoot, LBBO ; Mr J. G. Inglis, L 360; Dr. Cortis, L 359 ; Mr Cannon, L2GS ; Mr Branch, L3OO ; Mr Sboren?, L 225 ; Mr Herbert, L 224;3 4; Mr Monaghan, L 223 ; Mr Monday, L2l(>r Mr Pidcock, L 205 ; Mr T. Brown, L2OO. The total amount paid over, was L 0319. The members of the club subscribed L 250 for Harry Chiffney, the well-known steeplechase rider, whose stables were burnt at Flemington last week ; and L6O for the lad English, who was so seriously hurt when riding Palarenda in the Great Metropolitan Stakes. Tbi3 is what the Sydney Mail says about Sir Modred’s running in the Craven Plate:— On the third day Sir Modred made all his own running, and won the Craven Plate from end to end from such ducks as Malua, Off Color, and Bargo, in the wonderfully fast time of 2min 10|sec,thus bearing out his Metropolitan running, and contradicting his Spring Stakes display. When an investigation was held into his running on the first day it was accounted for by the statement that after he had been scratched for the Hawkesbury Handicap he was allowed to remain in the stable for several days, and so was too much above himself to be able to show his true form. Be that as it may, close observers noticed that in the Spring Stakes he was ridden without 3purs, while in the Metropolitan Stakes and the Craven Plate those useful persuaders were donned. The Plumpton Park Spring Meeting was held on Thursday, the lStli, the attendance being good. The Hurdle Handicap brought out a field of eight, Mr Pilbrow’s Barbary (list 51b), who started at 3 to 2, winning by a couple of lengths from Secretary. Three youngsters came out for the two-year-old Flutter, an un-named Musket colt, out of Waiiti, -winning in lmiu oa-sec. The Spring Handicap, about a mile and a half, was won by Deceiver (by Perkin Warbeck—Bribery), iti 3tnin. lOsec, Supplejack being second, and Princess Royal third, while Rubina,.who was made a favorite, ran fourth. Deceiver came up trumps in the Grand Stand Handicap (three quarters of a mile), too, winning by a length from Kubina. He started at even money in this event. A selling race was won by Marquis, who was bought in at 29 guineas. “Hippona” writes that Krupp and NeckS lace had a trial over two miles on the Ellers-

| lie course last Friday afternoon. The pair were brought home by Radames, and from what I hear the colt had decidedly the best of it. Two boys were in the saddle, but of course it is impossible to say what weight each actually carried. Perhaps the wily Chaafe is the proud possessor of one of those “ saddles ” that Fennelly deceived the Randwick and Elemington touts with when training Martini-Henry last season. At a general meeting of members of the WairarapaJockey Club, held at Cartel-ton on Saturday. the following notice of motion, given by Mr N. Grace at the previous general meeting, was passed —“ That any horse racing as a hack at any meeting of the Wairarapa Jockey Club, after ever having raced as a racehorse, shall be permanently debarred from racing for other than hack races at any meeting of the Wairarapa Jockey Club.” By consent of the meeting, Mr Grace made the following addition to the original motion :—“ And that any disqualifications under the rule now proposed to be rescinded be removed.” The disqualification of Gundagi by the Wanganui Jockey Club, which was endorsed by the Dunedin Jockey Club, and forwarded by the latter club to the Wairarapa Jockey Club was endorsed. After the general meeting, a meeting of the Stewards was held, when Mr P. OEvett was appointed to handicap for the spring meeting, and Mr Macfarlane’s offer for totalisator was accepted.

The annual horse parade, at Carterton, does not appear to have been a brilliant success. I learn from the Star that the show was confined to a few local thoroughbreds, an American trotting horse, and a pony. The thoroughbreds were—The Premier, Yoltigeur, Trickster, Admiral, Greyhound, and Treason. The American trotter, was Oakgrove, and the pony Littlejohn. Mr Tancred’s team, Administrator, Misdealand Gable, were to leave by the Tarawera t ) Napier to-day. By the acceptances which appear in another column, I see that First Winter and Gabble are scratched for the Spring Handicap. Evidently Mr Tancred dependa upon the little black, mare to win the Selling Race, seeing that that is the only event she is going for. In connection with the Napier races, it is a matter for regret, I think, that Sir William has been scratched for the hurdles, in view of the good work the gelding had been doing recently, and the “ big show,” be was generally considered to have. After all the trumpet blowing that has taken place over this animal, it seems rather unaccountable that he should have been quietly scratched. Doubtless, there will be many heartburnings in betting circles over this course, for I hear that the stable has been backing him at level money against anvthing in the race. Unwary sports too, have “ spotted ” the erstwhile hack in doubles. The late owner of King Arthur, who resides in Wellington, parted with that coming, chaser rather early ; for since that sale he has won nearly if not everything he has started for.

Jumbo returned to Wellington by the Hauroto last Wednesday. lam sorry to see that he has got a bad hock, which, although he goes very sound on it, is badly swollen. Despite this ailment, however, the ex goldpacker is looking very fit, and game as ever. _ In the course of an article on “ Goodwood “ Bras de Fer ” in the World, says :—When shall we see the neck of St. Simon stretched, and where is the animal to do it? Various suggestions have been made by several excellent sportsmen —such as a match at a mile with Geheimniss at even weights, &c. The Duke of Portland’s ho se is- talked about for the Cesarewitch, and it is possible there we may see the neck-stretching. I only hope the handicapper will not be too hard upon him. It would have been interesting, of course, to have seen him meet St. Gatien,. but T cannot imagine that the latter would have had a chance f perhaps in his secret heart, and it isgenerally considered a very secret heart, Mr Hammond thinks so too. The Duke of Hamilton deserves all praise for affording, usat least the semblance of a race for the Cup. Thursday would have been dreadful indeed if there had been a walk over for the trophy. What would our Imperial and Royal visitors have thought ? It is unfortunate that St. Simon, does not by any manner of means look the horse he is, and it would be difficult for a stranger to believe he is our champion. Among the satisfactory incidents of the week were_ the successes of the colors of the Duke of Portland and Lord Zetland- The efforts of the latter good sportsman to woo fortune have met with disappointment ; but now he may be congratulated on having areally good. horse in Prism, who, when I first saw him in the north as a two-year-old, hardly promised to develop into what he has become. Lord Zetland, too, bae a good yoang one in St. Helena, who is evidently not at her best yet; so the old glories of “ the spots may revive who knows ? The Duke of Portland’s youngstera speak for themselves. Between Rosy < Morn and Luminary lie at present the claims for the championship. Perhaps they are neither of them really first class ; but until better can be found they must be accepted. How Harvester came to be beaten by Cormeille I cannot quite make out j but I feel sure that when Louis d’Or beat Lock Ranza, to Tom Cannon belong the honors of the win. Many fine races as that accomplished horseman has ridden, I think the way in which “Tom” nursed Louis d’Or for one final effort was as grand as anything I have seen in the way of racing. It was my final to the meeting. I did not want to see anything more, after that.

THE BETTING MARKET. Wagerin'* is pretty brisk in Wellington, on the Hawkes Bay Races. Following are, latest quotations up to to-day . SPRING HVNDICAP. 3 —1 Leonata 4 1 The Administrator s—l Emir Bey s—l Armourer 6—l Laurel 6—l Bayard 6—l Pearl 7 l Forerunner 10 —1 others PLYING HANDICAP. 2—l Leonora 3 —1 Emir Bey 3—l Administrator 4—l Pearl 5 —1 Laurel

6—l Forerunner 20 —1 others HURDLES. 2—l Minuet 3 1 Pastime 4 —1 Wild Dayrell 4—l Blackbird 5 —1 Flying Scud s—l Denbigh 6—l Notice of Motion 10 —1 Sreeldust Doubles.—Books are open on the Double, Spririg Handicap and Hurdles, at 100—4 to 100—12. The only notable alteration in the betting market during the week (says Sir Dauncelot), has been the advance of Liverpool for the Derby. A good deal of money has been laid out in his favor at 5 to 1, one metallician accepting a couple of hundred at that price on behalf of tlie owner of Ike, and he is now a better favorite than Trenton. Consequent on the form he displayed at Dunedin, Captain Webster has come in for some attention for the New Zealand Cup, and 100 to 8 is now the best price obtainable about him. Quotations : HEW ZEALAND CUP. 100 to 14 agst Sou’-Wester (off) ICO 100 S Tasman, July, Tim Whiffler, Nelson, Oudeis, (tk) Captain Webster 100 100 nora, Liverpool, Trenton, Eskatos, Lady Evelyn, Necklace 100 — s— Charmer, Krupp, Sir Bedivere, Salvage, Rubin a, Wapiti DERBY. 4 1 Liverpool (off, sto 1 tk) 5 1 Trenton (off) 1 Krupp, Water King *IOO —l2 Lady Evelyn, Charmer, Carlton 100 100 8 Fusilier 100 Martini. At a general meeting of the MastertonOpaki Jockey Club on Saturday evening, an attractive programme of events for the Spring Meeting, was submitted and adopted. Mr A. Bish was elected timekeeper. It was resolved, says the Star, to make the Champagne Stakes for 1885-6 £4O and £SO respectively, and the Derby for the same years £6O and £75 ; also, that the ABC Stakes and Champagne Stakes be for Wairarapa district horses only. The Marton-Rangitikei Jockey Club held its annual meeting last week. The balancesheet showed the receipts for the year £B9l, and expenses £938. The sum of £766 had been paid away in stakes. It was resolved to hold to days’ racing on Ist and 2nd January, and the following programme was drawn out :—First day : Handicap Hurdle Race of 40 sovs ; Hack Hurdles of 10 sovs ; Flying Stakes, a handicap of 30 sovs ; MartonRangitikei Handicap of 200 sovs, second horse to receive 20 sovs out of the stakes, and third horse to save its stakes ; Sapling Stakes of 20 sovs ; and Maiden Plate of 40 sovs ; Handicap Hurdle Race of 40 sovs ; Hack Hurdle of 10 sovs ; Marton-Rangitikei Derby, sweekstake of 10 sovs, with 100 sovs added ; District Handicap of 50 sovs ; Handicap Hack Race of 10 sovs ; Railway Handicap of 100 sovs ; and Consolation Handicap of 20 sovs.

D.J.C. AUTUMN MEETING. (UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.) Dunedin, September 21. The following nominations were received for the D.J.C. Autumn Meeting last night: Dunedin Cup. —Beeswing, Taiaroa, Hazard, Captain Webster, Ike, Sir Bedivere, Carlton, Salvage, Turquoise, Nelson, Wapiti, Adamant, Lady Emma, Lady Evelyn, Makaia, Matakau, -July, Sou’-wester, Water King, Statesman, Necklace, Black Rose, Clogs, Leo, Minerva, Poet, Welcome Jack, Vanguard, Nonsense, Oudeis, Eskatcs, LiverpooJ, Take Miss, Sir Garnet, Tasman, Trenton, Johnny Faulkner, Tim Whiffler, Fusilier, Charmer. D.J.C. Handicap. Beeswing, Taiaroa, Hazard, Captain Webster, Ike, Sir Bedivere, Pack, Salvage, Turquoise, Nelson, Wapiti, Adamant, Lady Emma, Lady Evelyn, Makaia, Matakau, July, Sou’-wester, Water King, Necklace, Black Rose, Leo, Minerva, Poet, Welcome Jack, Vanguard, Nonsense, Oudeis, Eskatos, Liverpool, Take Miss, Sir Garnet, Tasman, Trenton, Johnny Faulkner, Tim Whiffler, Fusilier, Charmer. Forbury Handicap, —Beeswing, Taiaroa, Hazard, Captain Webster, Ike, Sir Puck, Carlton, Salvage, Turquoise, Nelson, Wapiti. Lady Emma, Lady Evelyn, Makaia, Matakau, July, Sou’-Wester, Water King, Necklace, Leo, Minerva, Poet, Welcome Jack, Vanguard, Nonsense, Oudeis, Eskatos, Liverpool, Take Miss, Sir Garnet, Tasman, Trenton, Johnny Faulkner, Tim Whiffler, Fusilier, Charmer. * Napier, September 23. Following are the entries and acceptances for the Hawkes Bay Jockey Club Spring Meeting : Maiden Hurdles (Entries) Hurricane, Steel Dust, Denbeigh, Blackbird, Notice-of-Motion. Hawkes Bay Guineas (sweep)—Christina, Miss Dargon, Marksman, Pearl, Missdeal. SELLING Race (Entries) —The Arrow, Christina, Breeze, The Bird, Never Miss, Amy, Yankee, New York, Gabble, Tally Ho. Flying Handicap (Acceptances)—Leonora, Emir Bey, Administrator, Laurel, Pearl, Forerunner, Yankee, Tigredia, Marksman, Mias Dargon, Abraham, Breeze. Hurdles (Acceptances)—Mignonette, Pastime, Wild Dayrell, Blackbird, Flying Scud, Denbigh, Notice-of-Motion, Steeldust. Spring Handicap (Acceptances)—Leonata, Emir Bey, Administrator, Armourer, TallyHo, Laurel, Bayard, Pearl, Forerunner, Tigredia, Marksman, Abraham, Yankee. Maiden Plate (Acceptances) —Forerunner, Ngapuki, Christina, Miss Dargon, Otupapa, New York, Marksman, Missdeal. New PLTiiouTH, September 23. . Nominations for the Taranaki races are as follow : Handicap Hurdles, 1 sov ; Flying Handicap, 1 sov ; Handicap Steeplechase, 1 3ov ; Spring Handicap, 2 sovs ; Moa Welter Handicap, 1 sov. Close to-morrow evening.

Between 6 and 7 p.m, on Friday last an accident happened at the Lower Hutt by which a man named James Whitehouse, gardener, was severely shaken, and his horse killed. It appears that wbeD driving over a culvert on the by-road, Whitehouse pulled the wrong rein, causing hfs horse to fall over the bank and break its neck, while the rider narrowly escaped a serious accident.