SPORTING TOPICS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 932, 10 January 1890, Page 10

SPORTING TOPICS.

(BY MARTINI.)

On Monday last I heard.that Mr Gollan had an idea of sending his string, or the best of them, to Australia, and on Tuesday the names of Tirailleur, Renata, and Jet d’Eau appeared among the published list of nominations for the Newmarket Handicap and Australian Cup, Evidently Mr Gollan meditates a descent on Australia if the handicappers treat him at all liberally. Tirailleur, however, as the crack three-year-old of this season in New Zealand, as a son of Musket, and in view of his many victories, will certainly be looked upon with. a cautious eye on the other side. It is certain that he may rank wi ll the best of the Muskets, for he has very easily put down nearly everything we have in this colony, and it is to be hoped he won’t turn out another Manton. Renata is a strange customer who has done nothing notable up to the present, but of whom we still have hopes, As to Jet d’Eau, lam told that the simple explanation is that he is—figuratively, of course —‘a regular cow.' However, we shall see whether big stakes in Australia will tempt him to run honestly.. In issuing the handicaps for the Dunedin meeting, Mr Dowse seems to have, had it in his mind to dissipate as much as possible the idea that there is an objectionable sympathy between himself and Mr Stephenson. Occident as top weight in the Cup with 9st 51b is about as' far as he could have gone, especially when it is considered that the next in order, Wolverine, Bst 71b, is practically dead to the racing world. With 7st 121 bup St. James ought to be very dangerous if he were not so unreliable ; and Lorraine, if he were well and fit, would simplv walk home with 7st 71b on his back. Merrie England ha 3 been running so queerly of late that one hardly likes to trust him; and British Lion, who is being worked to death on the West Coast without winning much, has apparently gone off, though he may be hard to beat if he gets a good preparation. Tamora is nicely weighted at 7st. On the whole I think Occident is worth watching if his owner accepts, and Merrie England, St. James, and British Lion, must also be thought of. In the Publicans’ Handicap Erancotte will have to pay the penalty for his running at the Exhibition meeting and carry 9st 3lb. Even with that weight I don’t think there is anything in it to beat him, though on paper Apre, Moi, Repose, and Fusele have all got a good show.

Chicago, the well-known Australian racehorse, winner of the Caulfield Cup of 1888, has been sold to go to England, and is to leave by the Orient on the 19th inst.

It anpears that Slavin refused the offer of £SOO made him by ‘ Mr Abingdon.’ doing so on the ac vice of the Marquis of Queensberry. Slavin had all the best of the fight with Smith from the beginning, and in. the 13th round had him quite beaten. The fight was stopped by the roughs, and resumed again for one round, Smith being utterly beaten. In the cricket match "Victoria v. New South Wales, the former went in to bat first, and put up 251 (Bruce 61, J. G. Barrett 69. Blackham 63). New South Wales responded with 109 (Moses 20, A. Bannermah 12, Bonnor 36, Garrett 10), and had to follow on, when they made 261 (A. Bannerman 117 run out, Moses 27, Turner 26, Garrett 24, Donnan not out 34). Wanting 120 to win, Victoria got them for the loss of two wickets, Nott scoring 71 not out, and Barrett 29 not out. Victoria’s best bowler was H. Trumble, brother to the member of the last Australian eleven, who took 6 for 40, and 4 for 67. For New South Wales Garrett got 4 for 44, and Charlton 3 for 37. lurner ‘didn’t come off.’ Nothing fresh has transpired with reference to the Dunedin Jockey Club’s handicapper, and the protests of certain horse-owners against him. Evidently the D.J.C. are of opinion that they can breathe and more without the countenance of a few owners.

Maxim is reported as ‘ doing uncommonly well ’ at Christchurch, and it is again hinted that he is meant for Australia. Sultan is also going well, in spite of a split hoof, but Chudleigh has a very bad lsg. The Sylvia Park sale last week seems to have been a big success, and it is satisfactory to note that Australian owners were well represented and did not mind paying well for a good thing. A good deal of newspaper talk has been indulged in at Sydney and Melbourne over the neglect of the New South Wales Selection Committee to pick Murdoch to play against Victoria. It appears that the selectors would not take Murdoch's word for it that he was fit, but wanted to see him practice. The most generally-accepted idea seems to be. that the committee ought to have been satisfied with Murdoch’s assurance.

The greatest all-round cricketer Australia ever had, George Giffen, has been getting himself into hot water. During the match between New South Wales and Victoria (played at Adelaide the other day) an appeal against Giffen for ‘ leg before’ was given in.the batsman's favour, but another, for hit wicket, was made to the Victorian umpire. Flynn, who gave it out. Giffen refused to take this verdict, and as the spectators were a little excited, Blackham, the Victorian skipper, allowed the South Australian to go on hatting. The question is, however, to be submitted to the Marylebone Club, and Blackham says ‘he never saw such an occurrence or such behaviour in the field in all his experience.’ filynn also makes grave charges of using abusive and profane language against Giffen. George Palmer, the once famous Australian bowler, is now said to be in as good form as ever.

Paddy Slavin, the champion slugger of Engglish and Australia, wrote to a Ballaratt friend on the 7th November, s ating that he had increased his banking account by £1,500 during the two or three months he has been in London. He was then getting £4OO per week at the Aquarium. English writers on pugilism say that Peter Jackson is to be classed with Pat Langham and Jem Mace, This is about as high praise as they could give. A Dunedin unknown recently challenged t.lie world at weight-lifting—s 6, 22, and 161bs weights. Ross informs the Sportsman that he will accept the challenge and take expenses to come to New Zealand. Mr Stead’s times for the different stages of the Great Northern Derby were, according to the Star ; half a mile, 59secs; three-quarters

of a mile, Imin 20secs ; a mile, limn 53jsecs ; one mile and a quarter, 2min 20secs ; one mile and a half, 2min 45fsecs. A feature of the Auckland meeting was the success of stock bred in other parts of the colony. The Canterbury - bred Pygmalion annexed the Foal Stakes, and Quadrant, by Robinson Crusoe —Radiance, appropriated the Newmarket Handicap, Railway Handicap, and Musket Stakes. Antelope, Sultan’s sister, was also successful in more than one event, so that Apremont was very well represented. The Sydney nominations for the Newmarket Handicap and Australian Cup represent a good many New Zealanders, and if a few of them go over they will be hard to beat. It is very probable, however, that there will be a good many ‘passengers’ in the Australian Cup, waiting for the big Melbourne Cup Stakes. Mr Evett’s handicap for the Wellington Cup came to hand on Tuesday night. In putting Tirailleur at the head of the list ha has. of course, done the right thing, though it may be questionable whether Recluse ought to have to give even a pound to Dudu. Whisper and Scots Grey are fairly treated at Sst 51b each, but the positions of Lady Norah, Wolverine, and Leopold seems to me to be a little bit queer. In the first place Whisper has never been Lady Norah’s equal over long distances, and ought rather to get than give weight. Wolverine is a horse who has been a complete failure ; but he has to give weight to the winner of the Auckland Cup and Grand Stand Handicap, and several other good races! Then it is questionable whether Leopold ought to get weight from Lady Norah. On their Auckland running there is very little between them. However, Mr Evettsaw the Auckland meeting and formed his own opinion, but it doe 3 seem queer that Leopold should get weight from Wolverine and Whisper. Lady Florin is very nicely weighted, but she is such a peculiartempered one that I shall not stand her. Quadrant is a colt I have a great fancy for. His form at Auckland showed him to be a real clinker, and the only fear is that his people will elect to try him in the Newmarket Handicap or some other of the big Australian handicaps. It is probable, too, that a mile and a half will be a Dit too far for him. British Lion is under a cloud just now, but if the numbers thin down a bit L&nore, who is on the some mark (7st 81b), will he worth looking after, Corunna has gone down a great many times lately, and must be improved a lot before he can have a show. Foxton is hardly class enough, I think, though he is likely to be pretty well by the time the race is run ; and Jet d’Eau is such a dicky customer that you never know when you’va got him. Of the others, Kotuku, 7st 21b, and Cynisca, 7st lib. strike me as being rather nice goM*, and Renata and St James must also have a show at 7st. Rose Argent’s journeys seem to be short ones, though 6st 101 b will give her a chance. Fabulous I can’t stand on his recent running, but Repose, 6st 51b, and Sincerity, 6st 31b, may be good outsiders. To sum up I think Leopold and Lady Norah, are the best in it, the next best being Dudu, Lenore, Kotuku, Cynisca, St James, Whisper, Scots Grey and Quadrant. Tirailleur is left out of question as an unlikely acceptor. Kariri, by Musket—Atalanta, won the Galloway Handicap at qlie Oakleigh Park races the other day. Jim Fogarty, a third-class Sydney middleweight, has electrified Australia by a challenge to Slavin for the championship.

(PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.) Sydney, January 6. The following nominations have been reoeived for the V.R.C. Autumn Meeting : Newmarket Handicap ; six furlongs.— Messenger, Bonnie Spec, Aristocrat, Consequence, Godolphin, Cinderella, Souvenir, Daniel, Zephyr, The Gift, Insignia, Fairfieid, Sir William, Fernando, Little Dick, Bendigo, Dreadnought, Yellow Jacket, Rudolph, Highborn, Sinecure, Jet d’Eau, Antaeus, Tirailleur, Muriel, and Renata. Australian Cup ; two miles and a quarter. —Bonnie Spec, Jet d’Eau, Insignia, Tirailleur, Sir William, Renata, Dreadnought, Rudolph, Sinecure, Singapore, Antseus, Muriel, Handover, Fernando and Melos. The Melbourne entries are not yet to hand. Melbourne, January 7. The following are the remainder of the nominations for the r> ewmarket Handicap : —Pbyrne, Prior, Cuirassier, Chaldean, Montrose, Lizzie, Jerusalem, Kotuku, Bothwell, Panic, Scottish Chief, Grand Duke, Richelieu, Briton, Quadrant, Lonsdale, Martha, Olive, Serf, Churchill, Tougariro, Russley, Merriment, Tarcoola, Diver, Dunkeld, Carrington, Manton, Maxim, Scots Grey, Gladstone, Paikakariki, My Lord, Fishwife, Tantallon, Carbine, Pomegranate, Pateena, Dividend, Copenhagen, Vera, Dangler, Braemar, Erneßt, Wycombe, Toastmaster, DonGiovan, Lord Allen, Whitefoot. Seine, Anarchy, Re. bellion, Corunna, Wildoat, The Charmer, Portland, Ebony, Stewpan, Boolka, Ginger, Motu, Propounder, AlphiDgton, Casuist, Prattler, Tourbillon, CJmbra, Apropos, Sedition, Swing—Skiff filly, St Allx ns, Little Sister, Wadda, Audacity, Coogal, Ben Bolt, Newmaster, John S., Boz, Bravo, Deception, Mißtleto, Purple. The following are the remainder of the nominations for the Australian Cup: Cuirassier, Harbinger, Kotuku, Maggie, Richelieu, Firelock, Enfilade, Lonsdale, Chintz, Tarcoola, Dunkeld, Benjamin, Manton, Maxim, Scots Grey, Tantallon, Oakleigh, Carbine, Wycombe, Leroy, Pioneer, Jebusite, Ilex—Slave filly, St Albans, Little Sister, Fabulous, Leopold, Boz, Bravo.

AUCKLAND R.C. MEETING. Auckland, January 2. The Auckland Racing Club concluded their summer meeting to-day. There was again a large attendance. The racing was excellent. Kneecap was made favourite for the Steeplechase, but the country was too severe for him, whilst Chemist, who was greatly fancied, fell at the first hurdle. Grand Stand Handicap ; one mile and a half.—Leopold, Bst 31b, 1 ; Antelope, 7st lib, 2; Raglan, 7st 12lb, 3. Fabulous also started. Won easily by a length and a half. Time, 2min 39-fsec. Dividends, £2 5a and £2 11s. Nursery Handicap. —Mary, Sat 51b, 1 ; Souvenir, 7st 81b, 2 ; Cambria, 7st, 3. The Dreamer, Lullaby, Miss Cole, and Priscilla were the other starters. Mary led throughout, and won on the post by a head after a splendid race. Time, lmin 19sec. Dividends, £2 16s and £2 11s. Auckland Plate ; one mile and a half.— Tirailleur, Bst 61b, 1 ; Fabulous, Bst, 2. There were no other starters. This was practically an exercise gallop, Tirailleur l§d

thoroughout, and won easily. Time, 3min 4£sec. The totalisators were not opeD. ~ Auckland Steeplechase, about three miles and a half. - Orangeman, 12sfc, 2 ; Messenger, list, 2 ; Volcano, list 61b, 3. Chen.ist, Rossiter, Hurricane, and Kneecap also ran. - Won easily by two lengths. Kneecap was fourth. Chemist and Roesiter fell at the first hurdle, and were not afterward in the race ; whilst Hurricane also came down at the Btonewall, and was not persevered with. Time, Smin 58£sec. Dividends, £ll 17* Gdand £lO 12s Gd. Sirloin, Sst 71b, won the Selling Stakes, beating six others. Musket Stakes ; five furlongs. Quadrant, 9st, 1; Corunna, 9st, 2; Mary, 7ot 71b, 3. Souvenir aud Lullaby also started. Won by a neck. Time, lmin 63ec. Dividends, £1 12s Gd and £1 14s Gd. Victoria Handicap; one mile. —Cuirassier, 9st 41b, 1 ; Patchwork, 7st 121 b, 2 ; Leorina, Sst, 3. Antelope, Raglan, and Cartridge also ran. Won easily. Time, lmin 44Asec. Dividends, £lO Is and £lO 12s 6d. Auckland, January 4. At the settling of the Auckland Racing Club’s Summer Meeting to-day, S. H. Gollan was the largest winner with £BB2 l Is; C. Beresford took £674 ,10s ; W. Bobbett, £593 15s ; J. Harris, £378 23 ; A. Sotnmerville, £256 10s ; John Rae, £218; J. E. Nugent, £l7l ; Thomas Page. £l7l ; P. Burke, £133; J. Lowther, L 123. These, with a number of smaller amounts, made the total paid away £4033 14s. The steeplechaser Kneecap has been purchased by Mr W. K. Wilson, of Adelaide. The price paid has not transpired. GREY MOUTH RACES. Greymouth, January 2, The second day's racing was continued to-day. Brunner Stakes Handicap, of 50 sovs ; one mile and a quarter—Mr Hobbs’ Little Shamrock, Sst 121 b, 1 ; Mr Morte’s Tyrant, Sst 31b, 2 ; Mr O. Storne’s Patrician, Sst 91b, 3. Fleetwing also started. Time, 2min 37fsec. Dividend, £1 9s. Hack Race. —Sir William beat Captain Abram, Omoturangigie, Romer, FJy, and Cheat. Time, 2miu 4lseo, Dividend, £7 9s Gd.

Flying Handicap, of 30 sovs ; six furlongs—Captain Cook, Tyrant and Hermitage were scratched. Little Shamrock, 9st 21b, 1 ; Maatonian, Sst 41b, 2; Miss Lacy, 7st 101 b, 3. Dividend, £1 lla Gd. Grand Stand Handicap, of 25 sovs. One mile.—Tyrant, 7st 121 b, 1 ; Quioble, Sst 101 b, 2 : Sir William, 7at 91b, 3. Time, 2min 56 l*sth sec. Dividend, £1 ISs. Consolation, of 25 sovs ; one mile four furlongs.—Mastonian, 1. Dividend, £1 14s. The sum of £4132 was put through the totalisator during the meeting. The attendance on the second day was about 600, and the weather wa? fine. There were no accidents. The alterations made the ground answer admirably. WAIKOTJAITI RACES. Dunedin, January 2. At the Waikouaiti races the Cup was won by Secrecy, beating Cinnabar and Forget-me-not. Dividend, £9 14s. Chance paid a dividend of £l2 16s in the Maiden. ra: gitikei races. / Bolls. January 2. The following are the results of the first day’s' racing of the Rangitikei Racing Club’s annual meeting : Maiden Plate. —North Island, 1; Empress, 2 ; Endymion, 3. First Handicap Hurdles. —No race, only Gladius remaining in. First Hack Hurdles. — Rere, 1 ; Titbit, 2. Dividend, £1 15s. Extra Hack Race. - Angler, 1. Rangitikei Handioap. —Foxton, 1 ; Montrose, 2; Eclat, 3. Forester broke down in this race. Montrose led from the start, but was beaten by a head on the post. Time, 3min 17sec. Dividend, £2 14s. First Handicap Hack. —Visitor, 1 ; Oaklands, 2 ; Cheque, 3. Time, lmin 55sec. Dividend, £5 4s. Flying. —Lethe, I ; Cruiser, 2; Boulanger, 3. Dividend, £2 12s. Stewards’ Plate. —Little Vix~n, 1; Empress, 2. Time, 1 min 583ec. Dividend, £3 Bs. £IBOO passed through, the totalisator during the day. Bulls, January 3. On the second day of the Rangitikei Racing Club's meeting (yesterday), the results were as follow : Clifton Handicap. —Cruiser, 1; Eolat,2; Boulanger, 3. Time, 2min 15seo. Dividend, £6 14s. Second Handicap Hurdles. —Cladius, 1; Oddfellow, 2. Time, 4min Bsec. Dividend, £1 Bs. Second Hack Hurdles. —Tit-bit, 1 ; Rere, 2. Time, 2min 28sec. Dividend, £2 6s.

Sapling Stakes. —Olive, 1 ; Heta, 2. Time, lmin llsec. -Dividend, £1 Ss. Bailway Handicap. —Montrose, 1 ; Foxton, 2 ; Eclat, 3. Time, 2min 44sec. Dividend, £2 4s. Second Hack Flat. —Cheque, 1 ; Ngatokorua, 2; Rustic, 3. Time, lmin 21sec. Dividend, £7 16s. Extra Hack Race —Himoe, 1; Ngatokotora, 2 ; Nutmeg, 3. Dividend, £3l Is. Consolation. — VV6ka, 1 ; Eclat, 2 ; Sincerity, 3. The sum of £5900 was put through the tofcalisatoi in the two days. FOXTON WEIGHTS. Foxton, January 3. The following weights have been declared for the Foxton races :—Hurdles —Oddfellow, list 121 b ; Gladius, lOst 51b ; Maribyrnong, 9Bt 121 b ; Rossiter, 9st 101 b ; Pukaka (late Swamphen) and All Day, 9at. Foxton Racing Club Handicap—Forester and Foxton, Bat 51b ; Montrose, Bst; Ratea, 7et 61b ; Sincerity, 7st 41b ; Cruiser, 7st lib ; Ec’at, 6st 91b ; Wanderer, 6sb 71b ; Oddfellow, 6st 41b ; Maribyrnong, Gladius, North Island, Weka, and Peter, 6st. Steward Stakes. —Forester and Foxton, Sst 51b ; Montrose, Sst 31b ; Akatea and Retina, 7st 91b ; Cruiser, 7st 51b ; Eclat and BoulaDger, 63t 111 b ; Weka, Wanderer, and Oddfellow, 6st Sib; North Island, 6st 51b; Eudymion apd MaribyrnoDg,'63t, FlyiDg *

Handicap.-—Forester, 9st 121 b ; Retina, Sst 61b ; Cruiser, 7st 91b ; Boulanger, 7st 71b ; Weka, 7st; Eclat, 6»t 121 b ; Wanderer, 6st 101 b ; Peter, 6st 71b ; Maribyrnong and Eudymion, 6st. WELLINGTON CUP WEIGHTS. Auckland, January 7. The following weights have been issued for the Wellington Cup by Mr Eveht, who is now.in Auckland :—Tirailleur, 9st ; Recluse, Bat 111 b ; Dudu, Sat 101 b ; Whisper and Scots Grey, Sst s!b ; Lady Norah, Sst 21b ; Wolverine, Sst ; Leopold, 7--t 131 b; Lady Florin, 7ft 111 b ; Quadrant, 7at 101 b ; British Lion and Lenore, 7&t Blb ; Corunna, 7&t 71b ; Foxtonland Jet d’Eau, 7st 61b ; Strephon, 7st 31b ; Kotuku, 7st 21b ; Cynisca, 7st lib ; St James, Tamora, Renata, and Captain Cook, 7st ; St Malo and Wakatipu, Get lllb; Man Friday, Alsace, and Rose Argent, 6st 101 b ; Wanganui and Fabulous, 6st 91b ; Don Pedro and Cruiser, 6st7lb ; Repose, 6st 51b; Von Tempsky, 6st 4lb ; Sincerity, 6st 31b ; Retrenchment, 69t lib. HAWKES BAY J.C. NOMINATIONS. Napier, January 7The following nominations were received to-night for the Hawkes Bay Jockey Club’s autumn meeting : Hawkkh Bay Cop, of 400 sovs.—Lancer, Lady Florin, Whisper, Lenore, Cynisca, Quilt, Strephon, Kotuku, Katinka, Fardiogale, Rebellion, Wakatipu, Dudu, Recluse, Fabulous, Leopold, Antelope, Meta, Jet d’Eau, Renat*, Tirailleur, Raglan, Scots Grey, Forester, Tctford, Cruiier, Hurd Helen, Revenge, Hilda, Tekina, Grace Darling, St James, Foxton, Lady Norah, Patchwork, Fitz lames. Railway Stakes Handicap, of 100 sovs.—Lady Florin, Whisper, Cynisca, Red Comyn, Quilt, Tennyson, Stephon, Kotuku, Katinka, Aronoel, Wakitipu, Recluse, Corunna, Fusee, Antelope, Meta, Dauphine, Jet d’Eau, Renata, Raglan, Lullaby, St. Andrew, Ormond, b f by Somnus —Venus Transit, Forester, Man Friday, Renata, Tettord, Cruiser, Dreamland, Revenge, Tekina, St. James, Boulanger, Lady Norab, Patchwork. Dunedin, January 6. The following weights have been declaied for the n Dunedin Cup. —Occident, 9st 51b ; Volveriue. Bst 71b ; St. James, 7st 12lb ; Merrie England, 7st 101 b ; Lorraine, 7st 71b ; British Lion, 7st 31b ; Tamora, 7st ; Ixion, 6st 121 b ; Stonehenge, 6st 101 b ; Don Caesar, 6st 7>b ; Phantom and Lisbon, 6st slb ; Vildrake and Don Pedro. 6sb 21b ; Gipsy Prince and Peas Blossom, 6»t. Publican’s Handicap. Fraucotte, 9st 3lb ; Wolverine, Sst 9.b ; Merrie England, 7st 121 b ; Lorraine, 7st 101 b ; Repose, 7st 71b ; Fusee, 7st 51b ; Tamora, 7st 31b ; Stonehenge, 7st ; Apres Moi, 6it 121 b ; Blizzard, Gat 91b ; Phantom, 6st 81b ; Investigator, 6st 71b ; Wildrake, Don Pedro, and Helmsman, 6st 51b ; Peas Blossom and Belv dere, 6sfc 3 b ; Red Cross and Carina, Gat. [from our own correspondent.] Westport, January ; 4. The Westport Jockey Club have decided upon holding two days’ race meetings on the 21st and 22nd of February.