Sporting.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 996, 3 April 1891, Page 11

Sporting.

RACING CALENDAR. April 3 and 4—Kumara Racing Club’s Autumn Meeting. April 9 and 10—North Otago Jockey Club’s Meeting. April 14 and 15-Nelson Jockey Club’s Autumn Meeting. April 16 and 17—South Canterbury Jockey Club’s Autumn Meeting April 16 and IS—Wellington Racing Club’s Autumn Meeting. April 22 and 23—Ashburton Racing Club’s Autumn Meeting. May 23 and25 —Dunedin Jockey Club’s May Meeting. June 3—Auckland Racing Club’s Winter Meeting. June 25—Hawkes- Bay Jockey Club’s Winter Meet ing. TOPICS OP THE DAY. The complimentary race meeting held for the benefit of Mr Chapman (‘Augur’), was a success, and notwithstanding that £7OO was given in slakes, there was a profit of over £2OO. The subscriptions raised amounted to £I,BOO, so that Mr Chapman had to receive about £2,000. The meeting was held on Thursday, March 12, at Caulfield, and went off splendidly, the weather being perfect, the fields large, and the attendance good. The first race was a Hurdle Handicap of lOOsovs. Por this 10 competitors appeared, and the winner turned up in Mr Miller’s Sam (12st 31b), with Mr R. Mclvor’e b g Ruapehu (aged, 9st 111 b, including ?lb penalty), second, and Eyry (aged, lOst lllb), third. In describing the race 4 Asmodeus’ says :— 4 The Hew Zealand horse, Ruapehu, seemed disposed to keep the field going from the jump, and making the pace a cracker, he soon caused a tail to present itself, the rearmost position being taken up by Ormonde. The favourite was done with long before reaching the home turn, where Sam drew up to Ruapehu, and, beating the Maorilander for pace, Mr Miller’s gelding won by three lengths.’ The nest race, the Bookmakers’ Purse of lOOsovs, was won by the exNew Zealander, Investigator, by Cadogan — Deceit 4yrs, Bst 81b), Radoo (4vrs, Bst 61b), being second, Epi (4-yrs, Bst lib), third, and ten very speedy customers unplaced. Investigator was never headed, and won all the way. The Exchange Stakes, of 150sovs, won by Mr S. Miller’s The Sinker (4yrs, 6st 91b), and the Yorick Steeplechase, of 150 sovs, won by Mr McGregory’s Kniglit (syrs, 12at), presented no special feature, and then came the Augur Stakes, of 200 sovs, 1 mile and 3 furlongs. This brought out 13 runners, including Mr D. O’Brien’s Whimbrel (3yrs, Bst 41b), and the Hew Zealand bred King William (3yrs, 7st lllb). The favourite was Mr J. A. Dang’s b f Opera, by St Albans—Korina (3yrs, 7st), and the public confidence in her was rewarded, for she won by three quarters of a length from Whimbrel, who came with a great rush in the straight and passed everything tut the favourite. The over-rated Benzon, who, although a 5-year-old, carried only 41b more than Whimbrel, was a good third.

If we go by English precedent, Sentinel’s nomination for the Auckland Steeplechase should not have been accepted. Tho Field, in referring to the entries for the Livei-pool Grand Hational, says:— 4 It seems that, through some error on the part of the postal authorities, M.P., who ran third to Ilex last year, is now conspicuous by his absence, indeed, the letter which contained the Grand Hational entry of this ex-hunter, together with that of Weather Witch, Ringlet, Promoter, and Grigou, has not even yet reached Mr Gladstone at Liverpool, to whom it was addressed by Mr Mulcaster, and sent from Burgh-by-the-Sands some few days before the date of closing. An endeavour has since been made to pursuade Messrs Weatherby to accept the entries; and although on the surface it appears a case of “ hard lines,” the officials would have been acting contrary to the law if the concession had been made.’ The cases are very similiar, and I think the Auckland stewards have opened a loop-bole for fraud by accepting the entry. [As we go to press I hear that the Auckland stewards at the last moment decided not to let Sentinel start.] The system of betting recommended by Sir George Chetwynd to pointers is to back the favourite in the first race of a meeting to win, say, £5 ; if he loses, to back the favourite in the next race to win £5 plus the sum lost on the first race, and so on, never laying odds, or, at any rate, never more than 5 to 4. The Napier Park Autumn Meeting had all the essentials of success—fine weather (though it was rather windy on the first day), good attendance, large fields, and capital sport — and it fully confirmed its reputation for surprises, as scarcely any of tho favourites won, while in some instances the Hastings form was reversed. The Trial Hurdles resulted in the victory of a complete outsider, an Opawa gelding named Prospect, belonging to Mr Stock, who easily beat the muchfancied Aorere and Somnambulist. The Selling Race proved what it looked, a moral for the useful Fleta, and then nine competitors came out to contest the Hapier Park Cup. The Hastings form pointed to Lochness, 6st 81b and Queen of Thumps, 6st 91b, haying all the best of the handicap, and although Queen of Trumps heat Lochness when giving him 71b in the Grand Stand Handicap on the first day at Hastings the horse was preferred to the filly, because he seemed to he improving with each gallop. Boulanger had been beaten so thoroughly at Hastings in the Railway Stakes, the March Handicap, and Place Handicap that his chance here was not highly estimated by the public until Clifford was seei) in the saddle, when the knowing ones at once smelt a rat, and the horse soon became almost as good a. favourite as Lochness and Queen of Trumps. Clifford waited patiently in the rear until the straight waß reached. Here the Queen had Lochness beaten and looked like

winning, but now Boulanger put in his claim, Clifford bringing him in iu rare stylo. Fifty lengths from home it was all over, and Mr Paul’s horse sailed home by a length. Putting aside his defeats at Hastings, Boulanger, with only 41bs'more than bo carried into second place over the same distance in the Wellington Cup was wonderfully well handicapped. He is a good useful stamp of horse, and evidently stays fairly well in addition to being a good sprinter. This is the kind of horse that pays an owner. In the Sapling Stakes the same mistake was made as was made at Wellington at the Spring Meeting, the race having to be run twice, owing to the starter despatching the horses from the wrong post. Tho mistake, as at Wellington, was only discovered by the extraordinary time made. Again I ask, how is it that first-class clubs will not take the simple precaution of having the distances marked plainly at each furlong on their courses ? Rosefaldt won both goes, as Boulanger did at the Hutt, but I notice that at Hapier tho totalisator paid out on the false race, and started again on the right one, the dividend in the first case being £3 6s, and in tho other £1 12s. The Hurdle Race looked a very open affair. Otaieri and Caitiff had both won at Hastings, Chemist and Tauraekaitai had both run good seconds, and The Peer two good thirds. The weights were now so well arranged that it was difficult to say which had the best of it, while there were Darnley and Ival both nicely in. After Darnley had led for a shoi’t distance Caitiff took up "'the running, and held command until a quarter of a mile from home when Tauraekaitai, patiently ridden by Rollo, went to the front, and won a very fast race by three lengths, Chemist coming well under the whip being second. The Redcliffe Stakes, 1 mile, fell to Mr Ormond’s filly, Legacy, by St. Leger— Yattacy, who beat a field of eight, of which Mr Collins’ filly, Link, was second best at the weights. The Flying Handicap brought out a field of nine, and on pi*evious running Queen of Trumps, 7st, appeared to have the best of it on papei’, as she was in receipt of 51b from Lochness, but the latter was made favourite, and won cleverly by half a length from Mr Martin’s mare, Retina, Bst 61b, who had none the best of the weights, as she was conceding Mr McKinnon’s horse exactly a stone for the beating she gave him at Wanganui. On the second day tho meeting was continued under tho same favourable conditions, and Mr Danvers had done his work as handicapper so well that those who did find the pea iu any of tho events were well rewai-ded for their cleverness. For the second Trial Hurdles Somnambulist was again well backed, but he had to put up with second place, the envied first being occupied by Mr A. Mitcheft’s ch g Hikau, an aged son of The Mute, who was in receipt of a stone from the sleep-walker. Prospect, the winner of tho first day, on this occasion finished fourth. The exception to the good handicapping of Mr Danvers was in the Hovel Race, which looked a real good thing for Swivel, 7st lllb, on his Hawkes Bay running, where ho was third to Lenore and Lullaby in the March Handicap, and second to Lochness in the Place Handicap. The 4 moral ’ came off, Misfortune running second with 21b less weight than the winner, and old Salisbury, 7st 21b, third. The City Stakes curiously onough reproduced the result of the Flying Handicap the day before, Lochness, Retina, and Queen of Trumps again finishing in that order. Lochness was meeting Retina on lllb worse terms, and Queen of Trumps on 81b better terms than in the short race, from which it may be inferred that Mr Danvers estimates Queen of Trumps as the best stayer of the three, and Retina as the worst. Besides these three, Boulanger, Bst 121 b, and Lenore, 7st 4lbs, were well backed, so that the race was a good betting one. It provided a most exciting finish, for fifty yards from home the three placed horses and Lenore were all in it, and when the post was passed only the judge could tell which had won. The verdict was Lochness by a neck, and about the same between Retina and Queen of Trumps. The Two-year-old Handicap proved another tough puzzle to backers, who were divided as to ■whether they should adhere to the constant Rosefeldt, Bst 101 b, or go for the improving Hakimana, who looked well suited with 7st 101 b, which gave him a 61b allowance for his defeat by Mr Douglas’ filly in the Sapling Stakes. But there were several who did not lose sight of the fact that there was another relative of Carbine than Rosefeldt included in the field. This was the Hon. J. D. Ormond’s hr filly, Thame, by Swoi’d Dance from the champion’s half-sister, Lady Mersey. Mr Danvers had been lenient to her in giving her only 7st, and she showed herself grateful for hi 3 kindness by winning easily by two leDgths from Hakimana, with Krina, 7at 2lb, third, and Roseffldt last. The Second Hurdles gave U 3 another axample of Caitiff’s cleverness as a timber-topper. With lOst 51b he was meeting Tauraekaitai, list 31b, on lllb better terms, and as his party did not fear anything else he was made a hot favourite, and he won so easily that I should recommend backers to keep their eye on him when he is backed for any big race.- He is evidently one of the Sentinel stamp. The Hurry Sourry was chiefly noticeable for the downfall of a groat 4 pot,’ as Reveuge was thought to have a lieu over the stake until Mr Proffitt’s chestnut gelding Lopez, one of Vasco di Gama’s sons out of that good little mare Louie, oame with a well timed rush and snatched the victory on the post. There is little doubt Lawton was either caught napping or lost his head at the finish. The winner paid the nice dividend of £25 Bs. The winding up race as usual was the Waverley Stakes Handicap, and it provided a sensational finish. Lochness, with 7st 81b, had certainly all the beat of the weights, for Retina, Bst 61b, who was the most attractive of the others was receiving only 31b for her half length beating in the Flying. But both had to knock under to Swivel, who had been bought after his victory in the Novel Race by Mr L. Binnie for £42, but who ran in the name of Mr A. Elliugham. The owner, whoever he is, made a nice afternoon’s work, for it is not often that a man can buy a horse for £42 and an hour afterwards win a £IOO stake with him. Swivel’s victory was quite as unexpected as that of Jet d’Eau in this same race two years ago. It is noticeable that be carried 5J!b over-weight, thereby bringing hie import up to fist 12£lb, so that

be was only in reoeipt of 9Jlb from Loohness to whom he administered quite that amount of dressing, for he led all the way and won easily by two lengths, paying a dividend of £l7 to the select 45 who fancied his chance. Tho amount put through the totalisator on the two days was £10,927, which is the largest amount yet put through in Hawkes Bay at a two days’ meeting. The amount is only £ls more than the club put through at its la t Autumn Meeting, and it is £587 more than the Hawkes B*y J.C. put through at their meeting. Tho club, I am glad to hear, make a profit of about £7OO over the meeting, which they deserve thoroughly, for there ore few better managed gatherings in the Colony than those at Hapier Park, During the two days no fewer than lOi horses started for the different events. At the settling Mr J. Paul oame first with £313 10s, won by Boulanger and Fleta ; Mr McKinnon second with £266, all won by Loohness; Hon J. D. Ormond and Mr Douglas a dead heat for third with £137 15s. representing in the one case the wins of Legacy and Thame and the place money of Queen of Trumps and Otaieri, and in the other case Rosefeidt’s win in the Sapling Stakes and Swivel’s iu the Novel Race ; Mr Rollo, Messrs Currie and Hogan, and Mr A. Ellingham took £BS 10i each, and there were sundry winners under £SO. The moßt successful jockey was Lawton, who scored three wins; Connor came next with two. and Peterson, Collelo, Clifford, Moriigan, Rollo. Harris, Cook, Maher, and Donovan scored one each. Of the wincing sires The Mute had three victories jut to his credit by the aid of Swivel and Nikau ; Ingcmar secured two wins by means of Loohness, while Opawa, Armament, Grand Prix, Nordenfeldt, Terenga, St Leger. Sword Dance, Bothwel), Vasco di Gama were eaoh credited with one victory. The Canterbury Autumn Meeting has come and gone, and when that is over we know that the season is drawing to a close. It seems to have been principally noticeable for the extraordinary success of Mr D. O’Brien’s stable, which seems fairly in luck this season. All his team seem to be in winning vein. On the first day he landed the Great Autumn, the Champagne, and the Russley Stakes—not a bad haul for one ownor, and on the second day lie took the Challenge Stakes. I certainly was not surprised to bear that Hazel had won the Great Autumn, but I was surprised to hear that she had paid such a dividend as £25. The starting price dodge cannot well be worked in New Zealand, or I should think it' was an arranged thing for the public to have Freedom, the favourite and loser, and for the stable to have the outsider and winner. Under the circumstances I cannot avoid having an idea that the wrong horse won for the stable as well as the public. Hazel ought to be good enough to win anything, for she is the best bred filly iu New Zealand, being by Nordenfeldt out of Ouida, dam of Artillery and Strathmore. She has hitherto performed very moderately, her only win having been in the Consolation at the Christchurch Summer Meeting. Tho autumn appears to have brought out her good qualities, and when a filly of this class does race at all she is generally a clinker. Palliser’s form in running Hazel to a length in such splendid time shows that his latest form in Dunedin was all wrong, and it was vexing that when the stable went eyes out for the Publicans’ Handicap in Dunedin, and for this race they just got done each time. My selection—Blizzard —was only able to got third, and it would appear now that there was some reason for tho statements made that he was not by any means fit, although from the great time recorded and his closeness to the winner he could not have been very much off. Cruchiield was a strong tip at the last moment, but he could not get into the first three. However, Cutts had lis revenge the next day, when he scored a very meritorious win in the Faster Handicap, beating Blizzard, who l'an second, at an advantage of 121 b. Florrie has evidently quite recovered her early form, and as she won both the Champagne and the Challenge easily she cannot he far removed from the best of the year. Tassy, like Palliser, exhibited form in great contrast with his Dunedin exhibition in the Hopeful Stakes, and the way he downed Conjuror, Union Flag, May, and others in the Russley Stakes shows that he is not a bad one.

ENGLISH NOTE 3. [By Ormonde j London, January 23. In this dull season, more especially in this weather, the lot of a sporting correspondent is an unenviable one. There is so littlo news. Racing has beon dea I for the past seven weeks, with one unimpxrtant exception. Nor is there muah signs of the loDg wished for change. All our steeplechase and hurdle race owners, all our oross-oountry jockeys, all our greyhound trainers, and all men at Newmarket are uttering curses low and deep. Still sadder is tho despair of the hunting men. Tlxey are all unemployed. But is one set off. The skating world is pleased, even jubilant. We are now iu cur sixth week of skating and there is more to oome, but, at any rate, I must fall to and tell you what news there is to tell. To commence with THE SPRING ENTRIES AND ACCEPTANCES. Foremost in interest among those raoea for which the acceptances wero notified last week are the Derby and Oiks. Neither calls for very much oomment. The aecessions have been unimportant. Not one of the horses I mentioned with approval last letter has so far dropped out, and even the names of those that have declined, or the groat majority of them would not even be known to your readers, so I won’t trouble you with them. Eaoh of the Messrs Cooper has one in the list of acceptors. Mr W. Cooper is the owner of Hiidebert, a son of Friar Rush and Hilda, that ran unsuccessfully three times last season. He was placed each time, but his form was distinctly moderate. His best performance was when he ran Fuse to a nook for second plaoe in the British Dominion Two-year-old Stakes at Sandown, giving her a pound. However, this Is stones off Derby form, and he will have to improve “some” If he is going to win the blue riband. Mr D. Cooper’s entry, Dorcas, is a filly by Bend Or out of Little Sister, She

was fairly smart, and won two out of the six races she started for last year, both successes being gained at Newmarket. Still she has, if possible, less pretence than her stable companion to be Derby class. Of the owners, Colonel North with six entries, certainly stands out head and shoulders. But that is only in regard to numbers. Of bis five public performers not one, on last s-jasoa’s running, has a doc’s show. The sixth, Pecznnoe, is a maiden. Thera are only two unbeaten performers engaged. Cuttle3tone, with two victories, is one, and Bin Hur, a colt by Bend Or out of the Oaka winner Bonny Jean, the other. Of course there ore lots of maidens entered. Many are likely always to remain so. The two worst performers accepting are Enniskillen and Avignon, both of whom ran eight times without gaining a winning bracket. About the Oaks there is sti’l less to tell. Dorcas is an acceptor for this also ; but she would seem to have as hard a task as iu the Derby. Judging from last year’s running, the fillies were quite equal to the colts.. Many might Bay they were superior ; ana, if wo except Siphonia, all the best performers are entered, and none bavo so far declined. The first big handicap of the year is always the Lincolnshire, which is generally run about the middle of March. It is a race in which a lot of interest is taken here, but the heavy betting, whioh used to be indulged in all through the winter a few years back, is now no more. Last year’s winner, The Rejected, is again entered, and among other prominent candidates are Lady Rosebery, Pioneer and Snaplook, all three the property of Mr 1 Abicgton ’ Baird. However, taken all round, the horses entered are by no means a gaudy lot. The two famous handicaps of the Epsom Spring Meeting, viz : the Great Metropolitan and the City and Suburban serve well to pcint a moral and adorn a tale. The former, which is run over two miles and a quarter is decaying; the latter over a mile and a quarter, is waxing strong. Each year the entries for the long distance race grow smaller by degrees, and beautifully less ; the direct converso marks the shorter one. Our only stayers—Sheen and Tyrant—have quitted the scene. Glancing down the lot of entries for the Metropolitan, one eees what a ragged crew they are. One certainly marks last year’s winners, Parlington, Circassian, Gonaalvo/ Silver Spar, and Houndsditch, but these, with perhaps High Havens, St. Kilda, and one or two other two-year-olds, are the only pretence to stayers here. All the rest, as my Latin master used to say, are ragtag and bobtail. Not that it wants a wonderful stayer to go the course. The race is really over the last mile—up to that point they canter. But then so few here after cantering a mile and a quarter, or even less, oan really race for a mile. The City and Sub., as it is familiarly called, grows in popularity every year. We have good horses, a good markket, and as often as not good races. Both Hiidebert and Dorcas are entered and another of Mr D. Coopei’s Melody, a sister of Border MinstrelMelody, was a real speedy young lady last j’ear, and won two races, one being tho Woodcote Stakes at Epsom, in whioh she beat some slippery customers, among them Simonian, the Brockleaby Stakes winner. Sainfoin, last year’s Derby winner, at once strikes the eye, while three of Mr “ Abington” Baird’s six—viz., Father Confessor, Lady Rosebery, and SDaplock are anything but dunces. Va9istas, the unfortunate, whose last year record included a second in the City and Suburban, second in the Chester Cup, third in the Kempton Great Jubilee Handicap, thiid in the Manchester Cup, third in the Asoot Gold Cup, and third in the Liverpool Autumn Cup is another aspirant to fame. Old Reve d’Or, who won the Oaks some four years back, and won this race last year, L’Abbesse de Jouarre, another Oaks heroine, the smart Iddesleigh, the deoelver Lo Nord, Shall we Remember, and Gavotte ore other high-class performers entered. These, with Fuse and the best of the other three-year-olds should furnish the material for a very interesting race. Tho Chester Cup is a relic of old times, but a pretty hearty relic. Of all the long distance races here it seems to hold its own the best. Of course most of the same horses as are entered for the Epsom Great Metropolitan are candidates for the Chester Cup. But there are one or two fresh Richmonds in the field, notably L’Ahbesse de Jouarre, Father Confessor, and Vasistis. That unhappy old slave Tommy Tittlemouse is evidently not done with yet. At any rate his not very euphonious name appears in the list. The last, and in many ways the chief, of the big spring handicaps, the Kempton Park Great Jubilee Stakes, has secured a large entry. This race, whioh has only been instituted for four yoars, seems to enjoy ever increasing success. The class of horses generally engaged is of the highest, as may be gauged from the fact that Bendigo with 9st 71b up, Miutiog with lOst up, and Amphion, with 7st lib up, a 3 a three-year old, were the three first winners. Nor is this year an exot ption, tho class is again of the best—in fact, quite the cream of our horses is entered. Last year’s prominent three-year olds, with few exceptions, are entered. The brilliant but erratio Surefoot should account for a merry mile, and Queen’s Birthday, Sainfoin, Allawoy, Belmont, and Blue Green all showed their ability to gallop. On the easy Kempton mile there is no need to stay. Of the three year-olds, Corstophine (the winner of tho Devvhurst Plate) is a host in herself ; while Simonian, Fuse, Hiidebert, Gone Coon, aiid Ruaseau are no disgrace to their year. Of the older horses, L’Abbesse de Jouarre, Iddesleigh, Lady Rosebery, and last, but not least, Shillelagh, are worthy of mention. THE PRIMROSE DAY CASE. No doubt you have heard that some excitement was caused after Primrose Day won the Ceasarewitch the year before last by Mr A. Taylor lodging a protest against her, Mr Taylor was the owner of the second horse. The ground upon which he protested was that Primrose Day was not the property of Goater, her trainer and nominator, The objection was duly heard by the Jookey Club Stewards, and they dismissed it. But there was evidently some fire as well as smoke, for, several times since, the mare haß been entered by Goater and also by the other claimant, yolept Godfrey. Godfrey, it

seems, claimed to be the real owner of the mare. Well, things were generally unsettled, and, in the natural course of events, tho law was appealed to. Goater, who had trained for Godfrey previously, sued for money lent, training expmses. &o. Godfrey counterclaimed against Goater and another person, named Craven, for damages, alleged to have been suffered by him, owin« to their unfair management of the mire.° He further claimed to recover the mare. The case was duly set down for trial and came on last Monday. Eminent counsel were engaged for all parties ; and a start was made. Godfrey’s counsel opened the ball. We were told a very pretty tale of the way Primrose Day was “readied.” Farther revelations seemed to await us. But we were doomed to disappointment:. Acting on a hint from the judge, a compromise was agreed to in respect to tha real matters in dispute. Godfrey was acknowledged to be the owner of Primrose Day. He, for his part, withdrew all insinuations, and swore that .Goater and Craven were fiee fellows. The only other point at issue, that of cash, has been referred to arbitration. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS. Betting over the t-pring races has not yet begun. It probably won’t for some time to come. The Derby has been the medium of some slight speculation. Orion, The Deemster, Gouverneur, and Peter Flower mixed were baoked to win £SOO at level money some little tima back. Since than the odds have shortened, and £SOO to £4OO was laid on the same quartette yesterday. Even at this price tho backer would seem to have somewhat the best of the wager. Another good horse has been sold to go abroad. I refer to Prince Soltykoff’a Mephisto. This son of Robert the Devil and Meg Merrilie3 was quite equal to the best last year as a he won, over from five to six furlongs, be beat at weight for age the pick of onr sprinters —Juggler, Dog Ross, and St Symphorien, as well as that exceptionally smart two-year-old BumpSious. I see that it is stated that Lord Sheffiield means to take a representative team of cricketers round the world next season. The team would visit and play in India, all the Australian Colonies, New Zealand, ana probably the Cape on their way home. ' I give the statement for what it’s "worth. The Sportsman has been publishing, as usual, the list of the horses in training nnder the care of eaoh trainer. The lists are more or less interesting reading, according to the interest one takes in the various owners or horses. One ’ thing, however, cannot but strike every colonial reader. I r*fer to the number of horses under the care of many of the best men. For instance, J. Cannon has over 60 in his stables ; Marsh close on 60 ; Morton, who trains, as far as I know, for Mr 44 Abington ” Baird only, has 50, while many others have from 40 to 50 in their hands. Of course nineteen times out of twenty each trainer has several masters ; bat at any rate the numbers I have quoted will give you some idea of the palatial size of many leading establishments here. Several of next year’s races will have more than passing interest for onr colonists, owing to the fact that one or other of the horses sent over by the late Hon. Jas. : White is among the entries. Of course all his string, especially the now three year olds, had valuable engagements; but in consequence of the rule here that the death of the nominator voids the nomination, they have had to make, as to speak, a fresh start since they were sold. In the March Stakes, to be run at the Newmarket First Spring Meeting, Mr D. Cooper has entered Mona Meg, and the daughter of Martini. Henry and Malacca also appears in the Ascot Gold Cup, the All-aged Stakes at Asoot, and the Bunbury Plate at the Newmarket First July meeting. Other races in which she is engaged are the rich twentyninth New Biennial at Ascot, the Select Stakes at the Newmarket Second Ootober, and the Challenge Stakes at the same meeting. If half as good as Mat Dawson said she was last year, Mons Meg Bhould have no difficulty in accounting for some at last of these Btakes. Wentworth, by Chester ont of Trafalgar, is another of Mr D. Cooper’s that has heen given every chance. He has engagements in the 29-h New Biennial at Ascot and the Select Stakes at Newmarket. Besides this, his name appears in the Ascot Gold Cup and Banbury Plate at Newmarket. Nepean is the third of Mr White’s two-year, olds th-.t was sold. This now throe-year-old 80q of Chester aud lo'.anthe was also bought by Mr D. Cooper. His solitary engagement so far is the 2Qth New Biennial at Ascot. Mr D Baird, ons of onr straightest sportsmen, bought Mariindale, by Martini Henry from Cranbrook’s dam, the only twoyear old sold at the dispersal of theKirkhambred ones here. So far the youngster has only been entered by his new owner for two rac«s, but they are both good ones. One is the Windsor Castle Slakes at in which tha flower of our two-year old 3 figure. The other is the Wiggtoh Plate, ran at the Leicester Spring Meeting early in April. SKATING. We are having quite a plethora of skating races. The American amateur ohampion, Mr O'Donoghue, has left us; but as no amateur here could extend him, that is not to be regretted from one point of view. The Fenmen are still hard at work ; and almost every day lately thero has been some race worth winning. The details of the racing would hardly interest you. Suffice it to say that James “Eagle” Smart, the ohampion, continues his successful career. George See, who comes of another great skating family, has almost invariably finished second. In fact, in the majority of races, Smarts and Sees have the finishes to themselves. On Tneaday, for instance, at Wisbeck, four out of the first five in the big races ware of one or the other name. This being so, great interest was shown in a match between 44 Old Turkey ’’ Smart and “Gntta Percha ” See, the respective fathers of nearly all the first-rate men. 44 Turkey ” was 61 years old, his rival being two years janior. The veterans ran a gams race; bat old Smart, nerved doubtless by his son’s achievements, won in the end with a little to spare, BILLIARDS. Apparently we are to have two billiard associations. Roberts and his party, includ-

ing most of the players audjmsrkera are ono. Jiiey b&TG SGccdod from the main body, which new consists mostly of billiard table makers. Ido not know whether new rules are going to bo drawn up by the younger association. Oae thing seems certain. All bands ar9 agreed that the champion table must go. I snpposJ it was for that reason that Roberts gave ns such an exhibition the other day. Daring the last fortnight he has been playing Cook three games of 4000_up on a championship table, each time conceding a start of 1000. He won all the matches.; Nor was this all ; for on Wednesday_he established a record, by making 1000 points iu an hour and three-quarters. To anyone who has played on a championship table this speaks for itself. FOOTBALL. In common with almost all other forms of athletics football has suffered from the severe weather. Especially is this so with Rugby no one likes to be thrown on asphalts j and the ground is as hard, or even harder than that. So there has been a judicious postponing of engagements. Ihe most important matches that have been lately played are those between the North and the South, one uuder Rugby the other nnder Association rules. In both cases the Nortbeners were easily victorions. Among the defeated Southerners at Rugby, were S. J M. Woods, the Australian, who represented the gentlemen of England at cricket last year; and Kent, whom yoa will no doubt remember, as he was one of the English team that visited yon. Stoddarb was not playing, in fact he has, I believe, retired. Br Electric Telegraph—Copyright. THE A.J.C. AUTUMN MEETING. (per press association.) Sydney, March 28. Glorious weather was enjoyed for the opening day of the A.J.C. Autumn Meeting, and there was a large attendance of the public Hurdle Race, of 200 sovs. About two miles and a half. Mr J. Kerr's b g The Mason, aged, 9st 51b 1 Maude, lOst 71b ... ... " Killarney, lOst 7ib ... ... ••• " Nine horses started. This was a. splendid race, all the horses jumping splendidly, The Mason gaining the judge’s verdict by a length. Time. smin l9jheo. Betting at the post, 4ta 1 against The Mason, 5 to 1 Killarney, 7 to 1 Maude. . ■ Autumn Stakes, of 500 sovs ; weight tor age. One mile and a half. Hon D. S. Wallace’s b h Carbine, by Mnskat —Mersey, syrs, 9st 31b ... (Ramage) 1 Mr P. Glenister’s bl g Highborn, syrs, 9st 31b ... ... ... (Gough) 2 Only two started. The pair went away at ft canter, the champion leading by a length, but at the end of a mile the pace improved, and in a good rattle home Carbine held his own all the way and won pretty easily. Time, 3min Ssec. Betting—lo to lon Carbine. Sires’ Produce Stakes, of 10 sovs, with 040 sovs added by the owners of sires and 300 sovs by the Club ; for two-year-olds ; coits, Bst 101 b ; fillies, Bst 81b. Seven furlongs. Mr J. B. Clarke’s br c Stromboli, by Chester —Etna ... ... 1 Mr W. A.' Long’s cli c Sanctuary, by Grand Elaneur —Terrara -2 Mr W. T. Jones’ b c Penance, by Grand Flaneur—Penitent <*.. 3 Five horses started. Betting—2 to 1 against Penance, 4 to 1 Stromboli and Sanctuary. Won easily by a length and a half. Time, lmin 29£sec. Mutual Seliing Plate of 400 sovs ; one mile. Mr D. Lawson’s br g Strephon, by Gemma di Vergy—JuVentas, aged, 7»t ... ... 1 Mr A. Barrington’s b h Bendigo, syrs, 7st 31b 2 Mr E. Keys ns. bh Ernest, syrs, 7st 81b ... 3 Sixteen started. Betting—2 to 1 against Ernest. 3 to 1 Bendigo, 5 to 1 on the field bar two. This was a splendid race throughout, Strephon squeezing home by a neck. Time, lmin 42see. • The A. J.C. St Legeb, a sweep of 2) sovs each with 300 sovs added, for three-yeir-olds. Colts, Bst 101 b ; filling and gel lings, Bst 51b. Second horse to receive ICO sovs, and third to save his stake. One mile and threequarters. (66 subs.) Mr J. McLaughlin’s ch e Correze, by Newminster —Oaida ... ... ... (Ellis) 1 Mr J. Maitland’s g c GreygowD. by Vespasian—Grey Esperance ... (Linnegar) 2 Mr W. Kelso’s gc Victor Hugo, by Chester —Kathleen ... ... ... (Williams) 3 Four started. Betting—2 to 1 agst Greygown, 3 to 1 against Victor Hugo, 7 to 1 Correze. A good race to the straight, where Correze, on the inside, was brought up with a great rush, and wearing down the favourite, won by a length. Time. 3min ll^sec. The Doncaster Handicap, of 1000 sovs, and sweep of 10 sovs each ; second to receive 200 sovs ; third, 100 sovs. One mile. Mr H. C. White’s b g Paris, by Grandmaster —Enone, 3yr3,7st 101 b... (Colley) 1 Mr J, P. Bums’ b m Helene, syr«, 6st 81b (Liddiard) 2 Mr J. Monaghan ns. br h Marvel, 4yrs, 9st 121 b (Harris) 3 Twenty-nine horse 3 started. Batting—-3 to 1 against Marvel, 4 to 1 Pam, 13 to 1 Helene. Marvel was first to show in front from a good start, but soon gave way to Paris, who led the field by four lengths until near the straight, when the field closed up. Pans was two lengths to the good as they turned for home, but here he was challenged both by Helene and Marvel, and a great race to the post resulted in a neck victory for Paris, a neck separating second and third. Time, lmin 40ssc Sydney, March 00. The A.J.C. were again favoured with splendid weather for the second day of their Autumn meeting. The attendance of the public wa3 very large, and His Excellency the Governor and party were present. The following are the results : _ , Flying Handicap, of 200 sovs. Six furlongs. Mr Thurlow’s b m Splendora, syrs, 7st 91b 1 Mr J. Smith’s May Queen, 7st 111 b ... 2 Mr ’s Mario, syrs, 7st 31b .... ■ J Twenty-two horses started. Betting—4 te 1 agst Cremorne and Fiancee, 10 to 1 on tho field bar two. Fiancee led to the entrance of the straight, when she was passed by the placed horse 3, between whom a great race ensued to the winning post, Splendora having half a length the best of it at the finish, lime, lmin Maiden Stakes. One mile and a quarter. Mr J. B. Clark’s ch g Syracuse, by MartiniHenry—The Solent ... - ... ••• ••• Yarmon ... „ Enoka ... ... ... ... ••• ••• Won by a length and a half. Time, 2mm 12sec. Champagne Stakes, of 1000 sovs, with sweepstakes of 20 sovs added for two-year-old 3. Colts, Sst 101 b; fillies, B<t 81b; geldings allowed 51b; winners extra. Owner of second to receive 200 bovs, and of the third 100 sovs. Six furlongs. (85 subs.)

Mr W. R. Hall’s br c Oxide, by Sardonyx— Geraldine , .... (Nemker) 1 Mr J. B. Clark’s bre Stromboli, by Chester —Etna ... .' (Huxley) 2 Mr W. T. Jones* br c Penance, by Gra* cl Flaneur —Penitent ... ... (Power) o Eight horses started. Betting 7to 4 against Birigainbili 4 to 1 against Sanctuary and Stromboli, 7 to 1 against Penance, and 10 to 1 Birigambil went to the front on the fall of the flag, followed by Piecrust and Stromboli. This order was maintained passing the sheds, but entering the straight Piecrust was at the head of affairs, with the favourite at her girths. Nearing the stand Oxide came with a wet sail, and cutting down the leaders, snatched victory by a head from Stromboli. Time, lmin lbisecs. ’* *• . ' , , The Sydney Gold Cdp, of 1000 sovs., with sweep of 20 sovs. Two mips. Mr Glennister’s blk g Highborn, by Grandmaster —Her Ladyship, syrs,9st3lb (Goush) 1 Mr Maitland’s gc Greygovvn, 3yrs, Bst 51b (Ramage) 1 Mr ’s Yowi, 4yrs, Gst ... (Chaafe). 3 Also started —Cardigan, Sst 7jb ; Muriel, Sst 51b ; Tredentine, Bst s!h ; Little Berme, 7st 91b ; Utter, 7st 51b ; E.K., 7st 31b ; Wandsworth, Gst 111 b ; Helene, Gst 51b ; Pretty Kate, Gst 51b ; Southerly Buster, Gst 31b ; and Lancer, Gst 31b. Betting—3 to 1 against Highborn and Little Bernie, 4 to 1 Greygovvn, 6 to 1 Helene, 10 to 1 Muriel, 14 to 1 Southerly Buster, 20 to 1 Laucer, 25 to IE.K. and Yowi. From a good start Cardigan, Utter, and E.K. went to the front, with Southerly Buster, Little Bernie, and Yowi two lengths away, after whom came Muriel and Iridenune, Greygown being last but one. lne pace at the start was only moderate, and as the field swept into the straight the first time round E.K. was in command and led passing the stand by half a length with Y.-wi and Pretty Kate ! second and third, followed closely by 1 tter, Little Bernie and Tridentine, a gap separating Helene from the others, while Greygown and Lancer were still in the rear. At Oxenham’s Yowi raced up to E.K., and the pair went on in front, with Pretty Kate handy, and Southerly Buster fourth, after whom came Highborn. At this time Ramage shoo* up Greygovvn, ar.d went up among the leading division. At the sheds E.K. hung out signs ot distress, and gave way to Yowi, who took the field along followed by Little Bernie, Southerly Buster, and Highborn together. Yowi entered the straight full of running a length ahead ol Little Bernie, Pretty Kate, and Highborn being close up. Greygovvn was partly blocked by the leading division, and was compelled to take the outside running. A great race took place iu the straight between Yowi, Pretty Ivate, Highborn, Muriel, Liittle Hernie, and Greygovvn ; but opposite the stand Highborn, Greygovvn, and Yowi drew out from the others, and a desperate struggle to the post resulted in a half head victory for Highborn, the same distance separating second and third, Little Bernie being fourth. Then came Southerly Buster, Wandsworth, Lancer, Pretty Kate, Muriel, Cardigan, Tridentine, E.K , Helene, and Utter, in the order named. Time, 3min Selling Plate, of 200 sovs. \ Six furlongs. Rover ... ... * Kcmisch ... ... j. Escort '... ... ••• .'••• Jr Twelve horses started. Won by a length and a quarter. Time, lmin lGsec. Fikst Nursery Handicap, of 300 sovs. I ive furlongs. Silence, 7st 111 b J Albina, Sst 91b ... ... ... ••• ••• 2 Eloquence, 7st 61b ... ... • -•- ,** Twenty horses started. Won by a length. Time, lmin 4sec. _ , Highborn, the winner of the Sydney Cup today, was backed to win about and Greygown and Little Bernie, who finished second and fourth respectively, were each supported for nearly the same amount. For the All-aged Stakes on Thursday a considerable amount has been invested on Carbine at 7 to 4 on, while Marvel and Bungebah are friendless at 3 to 1 against. Megaphone has been scratched for all engagements at the A.J.C. meeting. YEARLING SALE IN AUSTRALIA. Sydney, April 1. At the yearling sale yesterday the Welcome .Tack —Tamauresque filly was sold to Hon D. S. Wallace, Victoria, for 300 guineas ; the Ida filly, the Nelyorrie colt. and the Victorine cdt by the same sire realised 100, 115, and 125 guineas respectively. The highest price realised at the sale was for the Goldsb >rough — Melody filly, which brought 525 guineas. In all 64 youngsters were sold, realising 6595 guineas. WAIRARAPA RACING CLUB AUTUMN MEETING. (by our special reporter “vigilant.”) President—J. P Russell; Vice-President —H. S. Wardell; Judge—J. Drummond ; Stewards—J. H. Betliune, W. E. Bidwill, W. C. Buchanan, A. Donald, N. Grace, J. Macara, C. McShane, A. McKenzie, W. J. Nix, A. G. Pilmer, Geo. Reynolds, C. J. Tully ; Starter—W. Cundy ; Clerk of Scales E. W. Dorset; Clerk of Course—S. J. Cundy ; Timekeepers—W. O. Williams and W. Armstrong; Treasurer, W. Cundy; Handicapper—A. R. MacFarlane ; Secretary—W. Bock. The Autumn Meeting of the Wairarapa Racing Club was held on the Tauherenikau course, Featlierston, on Monday, under very favourable auspices as regards weather and other conditions. The attendance numbered fully 1500, and included most of the best known Wairarapa settlers, and a large sprinkling of visitors from town. Among those present were the Hon J. Martin, Messrs W. C. Buchanan, and Dr Newman, M.H.R.’s, Messrs J. and W. Bidwill, Mr J. P. Russell, President of the Club. Mr Charles Pharnzyn, Dr Cahill, Mr H. D. Crawford, &c. The grand stand proved all too small for the large numbers which crowded into it, the ladies showing up very prominently, while the raib were lined three deep for some distance, with carriages and trsps, A good day’s sport was enjoyed, the various events being_ con tested by large fields, and some of the finishes being close and exciting. The only drawback was the starting, of which it can only be said that it was very bad; but as it had to be undertaken by a substitute at the last moment, in the absence of Mr T. H, Hill, the regular starter, top much blame must not be accorded Mr Cundy. That great virtue, punctuality, was strictly observed, and consequently the programme was got through in good time. Mr Ray won the two principal events with Comet, who was turned out in splendid condition. The Featherston Town Band discoursed some goed music during the afternoon. The following are the results

Hurdle Handicap, of 35 sovs ; second horse, 5 sovs from the stakes. One and a half miles. . Mr J. Orr’s r g Loneband, by Traitor, Gyrs, 9st (G. Freeth) 1 Mr IC. McKenzie’s r g General Gordon, Gyrs, 9st 71b ... ... ( Wintenngham) 2 Mr E. Lyons’ ch g Argo, aged, list 71b (Boulsen) 3 Also started—Master Agnes, aged, list 101 b, and Halicore, 9st. A . fair start saw Lonehand show out immediately the signal was given, and as they settled into their strides General Gordon was seen in close attendance on the leader,. with Argo, Master Agnes and Halicore_f allowing in that order. Thi3 order was continued for a mile, when General Gordon went up to Lonehand’s girths, and Master Agnes, who was jumping in a very slovenly manner, feu back last. Although the favourite was ridden hard to the finish, he could never head Lonehand, who won with something iu hand by a couple of lengths. Argo was a fair third, and Master Agnes a bad last. Time, 2min 59sec. lotalisator, 388—65 ; dividend, L 5 7s. Hack Hurdle Handicap, of 21 sovs, seiond horse 3 sovs from the stakes. About one mile and a quarter. , _ , Mr C. R. Bidwill’s b g Timothy, by Ear y Bird—Tho Donkey, 4yrs, lOst 101 b (Keegan) 1 Mr W. Buckeridge’s b m Depression, Gyrs, 10s t 101 b (Wintenngham) 2 Mr J. Watkins’ b g Melos, Gyrs, 9st 6:b (Peters) 3 Wangaimona, syrs, 9-it, also started. From a good start Melos was the first to show in front, and as they passed the stand the order was Melos, Timothy, Depression, and Wangaimona. iVt the farside the field closed up, and as they ran along the back stretch Timothy and Depression began to leave the others. At the half mile Timothy had a lead of two lengths, which he maintained until after jumping the last hurdle, when Keegan, finding he had the race in hand, eased his horse, and was satisfied to win by half a length. Melo3 was half a dozen lengths away third. Time, 2min 33sec. Totalisators dividend, L2 10s. _ Flying Handicap, of 10 sovs ; second 5 sovs from the stakes. About three quarters of a mile. , ~, Mr J. Ray, jun’sb g Comet, by rattler— Ruth, 4yrs, 7at 101 b (aeacombe) 1 Mr J. Freeth’s ch h Rebellion, 4yrs, Sst (J. Reid) 2 Mr T. Ray’s b c Egalitri, 3yrs, 7st 31b (James) 3 Also started —Forester, aged, lOst 41b ; and Scraps, aged, 7st. _ . Rebellion was a hot favourite. in a straggling start Scraps was left at the post, while Comet at once shot to the front, and, making the pace very hot, led Rebellion by about a length all the way. Little Reid rode vigourously in the straight, but Comet had plenty in hand, and won easily by half a length, Egalite being a good third. Forester, who had run up to the leaders a quarter of a mile from home, dropped back in the straight, and finished fourth. Time, lmin 17 3-slh sec. Totalisator — 429—79 on the winner; dividend, L 4 17s. First Hack Handicap, of 17 sovs; second horse, 2 sovs from the stakes. Six furlongs. Mr K. McKenzie’s b m Waihora, by Lord Mandeville—Rose d'Amour, 4yrs, 7st 31b (James) 1 Mr J. Haxton’s b g Wee Jim, aged, 7wt Sib (J. Reid) 2 Mr E. Piripi’s b m Deception, syrs, Sst Sib (Montagu) 3 ' Also started—Brookfield, 9st 71b; Mahara, Sst 101 b ; Oleander, Bst 21b ; Donovan, 7st 21b ; Hamoa, 7st; Tutaki, Gst 101 b; Knramu, 6st 91b ; Jenny Lind, Gst 71b ; Seldom Fed, 6st7lb; and Ngawi, 6st Gib. The start was a terrible one, the horses being stretched out in a line about 70yds long immediately after the flag fell. Waihora got all the best of it, and little James, making good use of his advantage, kept her in front all the way, eventually landing her a winner about two lengths from Wee Jim. Deception, Who got away badly came very fast in the straight, and finished a good third. Totalisator, 510 —45 on the winner ; dividend, LlO 43. President's Handicap, of GO ,sovs ; second horse 10 sovs from the stakes. About one

mile and a half. Mr J. Ray junr’s bg Comet, by Tattler— Ruth, 4yrs, 7st 51b ... ... (James) 1 Mr A. Young’s ch h Wanderer, oyrs, 7-'t (carried 7st 91b) ... ... (Montagu) 2 Mr J. Hutana’s ch g Taramea, syrs, 6st. 41b (Harris) 3 Comet, who was a hot favourite, took the lead at starting and, although Wanderer looked dangerous at the half mile post, was never deprived of it, winning cleverly by ajength. Time, 2min 45 l-ssec. Totalisator, 451 2SO on the winner; dividend, Ll Bs. Second Hack Handicap, of 23 sovs, second horse 3 sovs from the stakes. About one mile and a quarter. __ , Mr E. Piripi’s b m Deception, by Voltigeur—Topic, syrs, Sst slb ... (J. Reid) 1 Mr J. Macara’s b g Brookfield, 4yrs. 9st 31b (Poulsen) 2 Mr W. E. Bidwill’s c g Donovan, syrs, 6st 121 b ... ... (H. Re'd) 3 Also started—Mahara, Bsfc 101 b ; Oleander, 7st 121 b ; Dromedary. 7st 81b ; Waihora, 7st; Black Eagle, 7st; Homai, 6st 91b; Parnell, 71b. . t Brookfield was favourite. The start was a fairly good one, the first to show in front being Parnell, closely attended by Waihora and Brookfield. The leaders melted away at the half-mile post, and Brookfield took command, with Deception at his quarters and the rest straggling. In the straight Deception got the best of the top weight, and beat him home by a couple of lengths. Time, 2min lGsec. Totalisator, 3G8—40 on winner; dividend, L 8 ss. , Grand Stand Handicap, of 35 sovs ; second horse 5 sovs from the stakes. About one mile. _ Mr J. Freeth’s ch h Rebellion, by Treason —Mischief, 4yrs, Bst 71b ... (J. Reid) 1 Mr J. Gravestock’s ch h Forester, aged, 9st 71b ... . (Owner) 2 Mr W. Buckeridge’s b m Blenheim. syrs, 6st7lbs (Watkin) o Also started Wanderer, Bst 31b; lorohunga, 7st; Scraps, 7st; Argo, 7st ; General Gordon, 6st 71b. Rebellion was a hot favourite, and aided by a wretched start, of which he got all the best, had no difficulty in keeping in front all the way, and finishing two lengths ahead of Forester, who showed a bold front coming round the last turn. Time, lmin 48 15th sec. Totalisator, 390 ; 163 on the winner. Dividend, L2 3s. The sum of L 2770 was passed through the machine during the day.

MANAWATU R.C. HACK MEETING. (FROIf OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) Palmerston North, March 28. The Manawatu Club’s Hack Meeting took place to-day. The attendance is much thinner than usual. The following are the results which have came off at the time of closing my letter;

Flying Handicap, of 30 sovs. Three-quarters of a mile. Mr J. Paul’s Waihi, by Cast-of, Sst 71b (Chapman) 1 Mr D. Scott’s Oimha, 9st 21b ... (Higgins) 2 Mr M. M. Lennon’s Repose, 75t81b... ... 3 Oaklaoi'ls, Sst lllb ; Ben Bolt, Bst 91b ; Ahi, 7st7lb; Strike, 7sS 21b ; Slip, Gst 71b ; and Deceiver, 6.-t 71b; also started. Omaha got away with the lead, followed by Oaklands. Waihi ran up at the back and challenged Omaha down the straight. A slashing finish ended in Waihi winning by a nose, Repose close up. Time, lmin Dividend, L2lßs. Maiden Hurdles, of 15 sovs. One mile and a distance Mr G. Morse’s Rangiora, lOst 71b ... ... 1 Mr E. Kemp’s Pat, lOst 71b ... ... ... 2 Mr J. S. Steward’s Wales.JlOst 71b 3 Rangiora went away and won easily. Time, 2min 21sec. Dividend, Li 17s. Hurdle Handicap, of 30 sovs. One mile and three-quarters. Mr E. McElwains Waterbury, lOst 9lb (Laing) 1 Mr Green’s Yardman, 9*l 2 Mr D. Champion’s Ridge, 9st 91b 3 Roger, lOst 71b; and Marksman, lOst 21b, also started. Yardman led for a mile and a half, when tho favourite went through and won rather comfortably. Dividend, Ll 19s. Easter Handicap, of 60 sovs; second horse 10 sovs from the stakes. One mile and a half. Oaklands, Sst 61b ... ... ... ... 1 Worth, Sst 101 b 2 Wavejley, Gst 101 b ... ... ... ... _3 Won easily. Time, 2min 46 4-sth sec. Dividend, LG 7«. Scurry Handicap, of 20 sovs. Half a mile. Waihi, 9st 21b (including 71b penalty) ... 1 Omaha, 9st 91b ... ... ... ... ... 2 Viola 11., Gst 121 b 3 Won easily. Time, 53sec. Dividend, L 4 17s. (per press association.) Handicap Plate, of 40 sovs. One mile. Strike, 75t... ... ... ... ... ... 1 Worth, 9st ... 2 Viola 11., Gst 91b _ 3 Time, lmin 48 2-sth sec. Dividend, L 9 4s. High Weight Handicap, of 20 sovs. One mile. Waterbury, lOst 81b ... ... ... ... 1 Waihi. IC'st 51b 2 Pat, 9sllolb 2 Time, lmin 50 4 sth sec. Dividend, L2 Bs. Cavalry Race. Lieutenant VVilford’s Lenard 1 Trooper l’ringle’s Roger ... ... ... 2 Dividend, Ll 4 17s. CHRISTCHURCH AUTUMN MEETING. (per press association.) Christchurch, March 30. The C. J.C. Autumn Meeting opened to-day, the weather being lovely and the attendance large. Hazel’s win in the Great Autumn Handicap was a great surprise to backers, and she paid a large dividend. Mr O’Brien had a great innings, winning the Great Autumn Handicap, the Champagne Stakes, and the Russley Stakes. The large sum of L 6921 passed through the totalisator, which is a great improvement on the same day last year. Following are the results : Christchurch Hurdle Race, of 100 sovs. Two miles. Mr W. Ilutherford’s g g Erin-go-bragh, by St. George—Alice, aged, 9st (carried 9st 51b) ... (Sheenan) 1 Mr R, Allen’s b g Little Arthur, aged, 12st (C. Hobbs) 2 Only these started. Little Arthur made the running live lengths in advance till the straight was reached, when Erin-go-bragh ran up to him, and getting the best of a terrific struggle 100 yards from home, won a splendid race by a long neck. Time, 3min 59sec. 1. ividends, Ll 10s and Ll 13s. Templeton Stakes, of 100 sovs. Six furlongs. Mr W. Russell’s g m Red Cross, by St George, 4yrs, 7st 41b ... (F. Kingan) 1 Mr G. G. Stead’s b f Carronade, 7st 61b (Press) 2 Lady Sockburn, Gst ... ... (W. Holmes) 3 Prime Warden, Sst 81b ; Lord Aston, Sst 81b ; Inez, 7st 131 b; Von Tempsky, 7st 61b; Dormeur, 7st; Crown Jewell, Gst ; Nellie Gray and Adieu, Gst, also started. Dormeur and Carronade were the quickest away, attended by Lord Aston and Inez, ayhile Adieu was last to move. _ Dormeur was first into the straight, but was immediately headed by Carronade, who was in front at the distance, but was immediately challenged by Red Cross and Lady Sockburn, the former winning very easily by lengths. Time, 1 min lGsec. Dividends, Lo 11s and L 6 Us 6d. Great Autumn Handicap, of 500 sovs. One mile and a half. Mr D. O Brien’s brf Hazel, by Nordenfeldt —Ouida, 3yrs. Gst 101 b (W. Holmes) 1 Air G. G. Steal’s br c Palliser, 3yrs, Gst 101 b (Press) 2 Air H. Goodman’s ch g Blizzard, 4yrs, 7st 91b (T. Buddjcombe) 3 Freedom, 3yrs, 9st (Derrett; Occident, 6y.s, Sst 51b (Leeson); Cruchfield, aged, 7st7lb (Brown); Aloraine, 3yrs, 7st 51b (Lawson) also started. Aloraine was first away attended by Cruchfield, Freedom, Blizzard, Palliser, Hazel and Occident in that order. As the field swept down the back stretch Moraine was still in command, but at Ford’s Cruchfield ran up to him, and Palliser ran into third place. At the turn Moraine fell back, and Cruchfield led into the straight, followed by Blizzard Palliser, and Hazel. At the distance Palliser had Cruchfield beaten, but was immediately challenged by Hazel and Blizzard, and after a fine struggle, Hazel won by a length from Palliser, who was only a neck in front of Blizzard, with Cruchfield fourth. Time. 2min 37Jsecs; dividends, L 25 11s 6d, and L2O 3s. Champagne Stakes, of 15 sovs each, with 300 sovs for two-year olds ; six furlongs. Mr D. O’Brien’s b f Florrie, by Tasman — Rußina, Sst 81b (Leeson) 1 Mr H. Lunn ns ch c Cajolery, Bst 101 b (Derritt) 2 Mr D. O’Brien's ch c Flinders (Clarke) 3 Union Flag, Sst 101 b (Brown), Clanranald, Bst 101 b (Boyle), Melinite, Bst 81b (Clifford), also started. A rather straggling start saw Florrie and Clanranald first away, while Cajolery was slow in getting on his legs, and was six or seven lengths behind the leaders when they settled down. Florrie was first into the straight with Clanranald. and Melinite next, followed Cajolery and Union Flag, At the distance Florrie had the pace well in hand, and despite a challenge on the part of Cajolery, who struggled gamely, won by a length and a half, with Flinders, who came with a late run, third, Melinite fourth, and Clanranald last. Time, lmin ICisec. Dividends, L 5 4s 6d and L 5 14s.

Epsom Welter Handicap, of 100 sovs. One mile and a half. Air F. Russell’s br g Coinage, 7st 71b . (Kingan) 1 Air C. H. Webb’s br m Crown Jewel, Sst 31b (Derrett) 2 Mr 11. Vallance’s b g Harkaway, 9st 61b (Morrigan) 3 Rosebud, 9st 101 b; Rirnu, Sst 131 b; Kulnine, Sst lllb; Catamount, S.-t 81b; Burlesque, Sst ; and Rangiora, 7at 31b, also started. Kulniue led until the straight was reached, he was beaten, arid Coinage, Crown Jewel, and Harkaway coming away together, the first named won comfortably by a length. Time, 2min Dividends, L 4 Is and Lll 15s. Russley Stakes, of 2 sovs each, with 100 sovs added ; for two year olds. Five furlongs. Air D. O'Brien’s b c Tassy, by Tasman, Sst (Derrett) 1 Air F. AlcClean’s b c Conjurer, B*t 71b (McGrath) 2 Air J. Harris’Union P'lag, Sst 71b (Brown) 3 Ilum, Sst 51b ; Alay, Sst; Ranee Nuna, 7st lllb also started. From a good start Tassy and Union Flag were the first to move, while Ilium was very slow on her legs. The two leaders, attended by Conjuror, were first into the straight, but at the distance Tassy got the better of a capital struggle with Union Flag, and drawing away won all out by half a length, while Conjuror, who came very fast at the finish, beat Union Flag by a neck for second place. Time, lmin s£->ec. Dividend, L 5 2s and L 4 Is. The Post Stakes, of 50 sovs; six furlongs— Was won by Tornado, beating Chester, Lad, Whim, and Cantata. Time, lmin 19sec. Dividends, Ll 15s and L2 16s. Christchubch March 31. The weather for the second day’s racing of the C. J.C. Autumn Aleeting was most beautl. ful, but the attendance was very meagre. The racing, however, was excellent. The total put through the totalisator for the day was L 6487, and the total for the meeting L 4029 in excess for last year. The following are the results : Peerswick Hurdle Race, of 75 sovs. One mile and a half. Mr D. Rutherford’s g g Erin-go-Bragh, by St George—Alice Grey, aged, lOst 71b (Sheenan) 1 Mr R. Allen’s br g Little Arthur, aged, list (Haddie) 2 Mr W. Lake’s Isadore, 9st lib .. (Thomas) 3 Tired. 9st 71b, also started, but uan round the first hurdle ar.d into the course fence, throwing, but not hurting, her rider. Little Arthur and Isadore raced together, with Erin-go-Bragh six lengths behind, until the bottom turn, where Erin-go'Bragh came with a wet sail, and catching the leaders at the last jump won by five lengths from Little Arthur, Isadore four lengths away. Time, 3min 2sec. Dividends, L2 9s and L 4 7s. Autumn Nursery Handicap, of 100 sovs. Five furlongs. Mr G. G. Stead’s ch f Alelinite, by Nordenfeldt —Pearl Ash. Sst 71b (Clifford) 1 Air J. Harris’ b c Union Flag, Sst 41b (Brown) 2 Air D. O'Brien’s b c Tassy, Sst 81b (Derrett) 3 Conjuror, 7st 81b ; Alay, 7st 71b, also ran. Abaci start saw Union Flag, Melinite, and Conjuror away in that order, with May last. At the bend Union Flag still led, but at the home turn Melinite ran up to him, and after a capital race all the way up the straight won by half a length, Tassy a length and a half away third. Time, lmin 3£sec. Dividends, L49s 6d and L 3 16s 6d. c. The Sockburn Handicap, of ICO sovs. One mile and a quarter. Air Stewart’s b m Rosebud, by Cadogan— Wild Rose, Gyrs, Sst 121 b ... (Brown) 1 Air Harris’ br f Inez, 3yrs, Bst 61b (Buddicombe) 2 Mr Hobbs’ b c Prime Warden, 3yrs, Bst 71b (Derrett) 3 Aloraine, 7st 51b ; and Crown Jewel, 7st, also ran. Moraine was left at the post. Prime Warden, Inez, and Crown Jewel made the running together, with Rosebud several lengths away. At the home turn Rosebud joined issue, and won a good race by a length and a half from Inez, Prime Warden about the same distance away, and Crown Jewel last. Time, 2min 13Isec. Dividends, Ll 4 12s and LlO 7s 6d. Challenge Stakes, of 300 sovs. Six furlongs. Mr D. O’Brien’s b f Florrie, by Tasman Rubina, 7st 41b (Kingham) 1 Air G. G. Stead’s ch f Alelinite, 6st 21b ... 2 Mr G. G. Stead’s ch c Clanranald, 7st 21b... 3 Diadem, Bst 5.b ; Cajolery, 7st 21b; Flinders, 6st 91b also ran. Alelinite, Diadem, Clanranald, and Florrie were first to move from a straggling start, and travelled in that order to the straight, when Florrie came very fast, and going on won easily by neax-ly two lengths, Clanranald a length away third, and the rest out of it. Time, lmin 17Jsec. Dividends, L2 ISs and L 3. The Addington Plate, of 75 sovs. Six furlongs. Mr Harris’ b c Union Flag, by St George— Red Rose (L 200) (Brown) 1 Mr Sherwin’s Dragon (nil) Bst 7ib 2 Mr Prince's Rirnu (nil) Sst 71b ... (Lewin) 3 Catamount, 9st; Peerswick, Bst lllb ; Carronade, Bst lOlbalsoran. Dragon and Union Flag and Rimu were quickest on their feet. Union Flag got in front at the home turn, and won by a length, Rimu a length behind Dragon. Time, lmin Dividends, LG 5s and L 6 13s 6d. Easter Handicap, of 200 sovs. One mile. Mr G. H. Clifford’s b g Cruchfield, by Cadogan—Puriki, aged, 7st 21b ... (Ray) 1 Air H. Goodman’s ch g Blizzard, 4yrs, Bst (Buddicombe) 2 Mr P. Russell’s g f Red Cross, 4yrs, 7st 101 b (Kinghan) 3 Hazel, 7st lllb, and Dormeur, 7st, also ran. Hazel was left at the post, Dormeur cut out the running into the straight with Cruchfield and Blizzard close up. Here Dormeur compounded, and a good race up the straight was won by Cruchfield by a length, Red Cross being three lengths away third. Time, lmin 40sec. Dividends—lnside, Ls4s ; outside, L 7 19s 6d. Consolation Handicap, of 50 sovs. One mile. Mr D. Rutherford’s Kulnine, by Cadogan, 6st 121 b (Kinghan) 1 Mr J. Murphy’s b h Von Tempsky, 4yro (Ray) 2 Mr O’Connor’s br h Catamount, 4yrs, Gst ' (Holmes) 3 Inez, 7st 81b ; Morraine, 7st 71b; Harkaway, 7st 71b, also started. Aloraine was left at the post. Catamount, attended by Kulnine, made the running until the turn, where Von Tempsky joined the leaders, and Kulnine wearing down Catamount, was only beaten by Kulnine by a length, Catamount a length away third. Time, lmin 43Jsec. Dividends, L 4 12a 6d and LG 15s. DERRETT SUSPENDED. Christchurch, Alarch 31. At a meeting of the Stewards, Derrett, the jockey, was suspended for one month on account of his riding of Prime Warden In the gockburn Handicap,

Christchurch, April 1. At the settling up over the C.J.C. Autumn Meeting the following amounts were paid over :-D. O’Brien, LIIS9 ; W. G. Eutherford, L 204 5s ;G. H. Clifford, L 171; G. GStead, Ll7l ; Bussell, L 96 ; _ Steward, L9o, Bussell, LSS 10s; J. Harris, LSI 15s ;D. Rutherford. L 47 10s ; D. Lunn, L 47 10s , H. Goodman, L3S ; W. O. Webb, R. Allen, and Hon G. McLean. L 9 10s each; total, !L2254 Fifty-six nominations have been received for the Christchurch Jockey Club s Champagne Stakes, 1892, as compared with 48 tor AUCKLAND K.C. AUTUMN MEETING. Auckland, March 30. The Auckland Racing Club’s Autumn Meeting was opened to-day at Ellerslie under favourable auspices, the weather being cool anfl most pleasant. 1 here was a large attendance of the public. His Excellency the Governor and the Countess of Onslow and A • miral Lord and Lady Chas. Scott were present. The Vice-regal party drove to the course ma four-in-hand, Lord Onslow holding the ribbons. The racing was first-class, and there were several excellent finishes. Impulse, the winner of the principal race ol the afternoon, was bred bv Mr Thos. Morrin at Mount Wellington, and was purchased for about 50 S' u io ea ' s as a yearling. The following are the results of the racing : Tradesman's Plate, of SO sovs ; the owner of the second horse to receive 10 sovs out of the stakes. One mile. T Major George’s ch m Fiesole, by Ingomar Florence, 4yrs, 7st 101 b .. (A. Smith) 1 Mr T. Page’s br m Antelope, aged. Bst 51b (Taylor) 2 Mr B Thompson’s br m Tamora, aged, 7st 101 b (including lib overweight) (Hammond) 3 Hilda, 10st; Eeprisal, Sst 111 b ; Patchwork, 9st 31b : Minnie, fist 51b; Priscilla, fist 41b ; Te Kooti, fist 51b (including 51b overweight); Macaroni, 6st 121 b (including 121 b overweight); were the other starters. Antelope was favourite. All were sent away on excellent terms, except that I atchwoi k lost ground. Hilda was first to show in front, but she soon gave way to Reprisal, who continued to lead along the back of the course, and to the half mile post where Fiesole tame through quickly and led into the straight. LLeie the field closed up, and Antelope, making a great ran, came vary fast, Fiesole winning by only a bead Time, Imin 45sec. Dividends —lnside, L 3 17s 6d ; outside, L 4 19s 6d. The Northern Champagne Stakes, of 200 sovs, added to a sweepstake of 10 sovs each ; the owner of die second horse to receive 30 sovs, and the owner of tha third 10 sovs from the stakes ; for two year-olds. Six furlongs. Mr S. H. Gollan’s b i Tiraillerie, by Nor- • denfeldt —Florence Macarthy, Bst Sib (White) 1 ATajor George’s b c The Workman, 9st 31b (including 71b penalty) (Taylor) 2 •Mr J. Sutton’s br c Dishonour, Sst 101 b (Hudson) 3 Brigand, Sst 101 b, and Lady Belle, Sst 81b, also ran. . . Tiraillerie and the Workman were equal favourites. When the flig fell Brigand was first away. The Workman, Dishonour, and Tiraillerie being next in that order. At the turn for home The Workman shot to the front, and his victory was loudly proclaimed, but opposite the Derby stand White brought tip Tiraillerie, and the sister to Tirailleur moving with great freedom caught The Workman 100 yards from the post, and ran home an easy winner by a length, Dishonour two lengths away from The Workman third. Lime, limn 17sec. Dividend, L2 33 and L2 Is fid. Easter Hanbtg >p, of 300 sovs added to a sweepstake of 5 sovs each, the owner of the second horse to receive 50 sovs, and the owner of the third 15 sovs out of the stakes. One mile and a half. Mr J. Bradley’s br g Impulse, 3yrs, by St Leger—Aida, fiat 71b (including 41b overweight) ... ... ... ••• I ° 1 Mr T. Morrin’s br m Cissy, 4yrs, 9st 51b (Gallagher) 2 Mr W Bobertson’s ch m Leorina, aged, Bst (Priest) 3 Also started—Antelope, 7st 111 b ; Ingorina, 7st 31b (inc. 11b overweight) : Coalscuttle, 7st 21b; and The Dreamer, 6st 111 b (inc. 21b over weight. Cissy was favourite with Coalscuttle next in demand. A beautiful start saw The Dreamer first away, closely followed by Leorina, Ingorina and Impulse. Approaching the turn into the straight Ingorina ran up alongside of The Dreamer, but here Impulse assumed the lead, and passing the stand he was a neck in front of The Dreamer. Then at an interval of two lengths came Ingorina and after a gap of six lengths -Leorina and Coalscuttle, Antelope and Cissy, who were side by side, whipping in the field. Impulse going in beautiful style lead to the catting, where The Dreamer began to falter, and Ingorina went into second place, Coalscuttle and Cissy at the same time making up their ground rapidly. Though half-way up the straight Impulse still held the lead it looked a 3 though Cissy would win, she was running so well, but when Impulse was shaken up he responded in great Btyle, and drawing away won by two lengths from Cissy, Leorina about same distance behind in third place. Time, 2min 40sec. Dividends, L 9 2s fid and L 8 10s fid. Hurdle Bace, of 100 sovs ; the owner of the second horse to receive 10 sovs ont of the stakes. Two miles. Mr C. B Hewett’s b g Sentinel, aged, by Cap-a-pie—Duchess, list ... (Weal) 1 Mr J. C. Davis’ ch g Satyr, syis, list 71b (Williams) 2 Mr A. McMillan’s roan g Bit O’ Blue, aged, 9st Blb (Marshall) 3 The other starters were Nap, 10st; Orakei, 9st 121 b; Cloth of Gold, 9st 71b; Hopeful Kate, 9st 61b ; General, 9_-t 51b (including 51b overweight) ; and Delation, 9st. Satyr was favourite. Bit o’ Blue was first away, but Cloth of Gold took command in the straight, with Satyr as his immediate attendant, Bit o’ Blue being next. Satyr had gained second place when they headed for • the back of the course, Sentinel being now fourth. Cloth of Gold died away at the half-mile post, where Sentinel coming fast, took the lead,' and though Satyr made a bold effort in the straight, Sentinel stalled him off, and won by a neck, Bit o’ Blue a fair third. Time, 4miu. Dividends, L 4 19-s 6d, and L 5 10s. Selling Bace, of 60 sovs. Six furlongs. Mr Austin’s gr g Macaroni, 7st (Hodson) 1 Bon Voyage, fi3t 61b ... ... ... ... 2 Ironbark, 7st 61b 3 Seven others started. Won by a length and a half. Time, lmin 19sec. Dividends, L 3 9s fid and L 4 17s. The winner was bought in by the owner for 30 guineas. Eden Handicap, of 100 sovs, the owner of the second horse to receive 10 sovs out of the stakes. Seven furlongs. Mr J. McHugh’s b e Master Pat, by King Cole—Eileen Alannah, 3yr3, fist 61b (inc. filb overweight) (Moore) 1

Major George’s b f Vendetta, Mr J. Forth’s b c The Dreamer, 6st 121 b (inc. lib overweight) ... (Manning) 3 The Baron, Sst 121 b, and Capella, <st 41b, also ran. , Capella and Vendetta cut out the running, but in the straight the five horses were racing almost in a line, and Master Pat then drawing away from the others a few strides from l>°me won by a neck. The Dreamer being about a head behind Vendetta. Time, lmin 32sec. Dividends, L 9 6s and L 6 11s. Onslow Stakes, of 80 sovs, owrer second horse to receive 10 sovs out of the stakes. lor two-year-olds. Six furlongs. MrT. Morrin’s b c Brigand, by Brigadier— Gannett, Sst 71b (Gallagher) 1 Mr J. Sutton’s br c Dishonour, 7st 101 b ■ (Hodson) 2 Mr B. Burke’s b f Brigade, 6st 101 b (Priest) 3 There were no other starters. Dishonour, who was favourite, led to the home turn, but Brigand was first into tne straight,and though Dishonour appeared to head him in the run home, he came on and won by a neck. Time, lmin 19sec. Dividends, L2 16s and L2 18s. Auckland, March 31. The Auckland Bacing Club’s Autumn Meeting was concluded to-day. Excellent weather prevailed, but the attendance was only moderate. There was some good racing. Before the racing commenced the stewards held a meeting to consider the nomination of Sentinel for the Steeplechase, and after discussion it was ruled that the nomination was informal, and Sentinel was not allowed to start. Following are the results of the racing:— Stewards’ Handicap, of 89 sovs; owner of second horse to receive 10 sovs out the stakes. One mile. Mr T. Morrin’s br m Cissy, by Musket— Frailty, 4y:rs, 9st Btb ... (Gallagher) 1 Mr J. Forth’s b c The Dreamer, 3yrs. fist 61b (Golding) 2 Major George's ch c Beprisal, 3yrs, Antelope, Sat 71b ; Ingorina, 7st ; Patchwork, fist 101 b ; and Tamorara, fist 111 b, also ran. Won full of running by half a length. Time, lmin 45sec. Dividend, L 25.». Ellerslie Handicap, of 100 sovs ; second, 10 sovs. For two-year-olds. Six furlougs. Mr S. H. GoTan’s ch f Namoa, by Nordenfeldt—Tres Deuce, Sst filb ... (White) 1 Mr T. Morrin’s b c Brigand, 7st 121 b (Gallagher) 2 Mr J. Sutton’s br c Dishonour, 7st 31b (Hodson) 3 Lady Belle, 7st, was the only other starter. Namoa, who was a warm favourite, won easily hy a neck. Time, lmin ISsec. Dividends, LI 16s and LI 15s. Autumn Handicap, of 200 sovs ; added to a sweepstake of 3 sovs each, thie owner of the second horse to receive 30 sovs; and the ' owner of the third, 10 sovs out of the stakes. One mile and a quarter. Mr Bradley’s brj m Impulse, by St Leger —Aida. 3yrs, 7st 101 b ... (Smith) 1 Major George’s ch f Coalscuttle, 3yrs, fist 121 b (Golding) 2 Mr Forth’s bre The Dreamer 3yrs, fist 81b (Moore) • 3 Hilda, 9st 91b, Leorina, 7st 131 b, The Baron, 7st 111 b. and Fiesole, 7st filb, were the other starters! Hilda was favourite, with Impulse next in demand. After several breaks away, in which Impulse figured prominently, the field were sent off on even terms. Hilda was the first to assume the lead, but they had travelled only a few yards when The Dreamer ran to the front and passed the stand first, with Impulse on his quarters, then came Leorina, and The Bar n, Coalscuttle and Fiesole together, while Hilda had fallen back last. Bounding the lower turn, Impulse, fighting for his head, wrested the lead from The Dreamer, and ha bad a length s advantage as they headed for the back of the course. This he increased to five by the time _ the straight was reached, and he finally won in a canter by eight lengths from Coalscuttle, who was two lengths in front of The Dreamer. Time, 2min 12Jsec ; dividend, L 3 16s fid. Autumn Steeplechase, of 150 _sovs; the owner of second horse to receive 25 sovs, and the owner of the third 10 sovs out of the stakes. About three miles and a half. Mr J. McCallister’s b g Ingorangi, by Bothwell, 6yrs, 9st 71b (Burn>) 1 Mr McManamin’s b m Hopeful Kate, aged, 9st 11b (Owner) 2 Mr A. Byers’ b g Orakei, 4yrs, lOst (Owner) 3 Bit O’ Blue, 9st 121 b; Fishmonger, 9st 81b, and General, 9st 81b, also started. Bit o’ Blue and Ingorangi were favourites, whilst Orakie was also well backed. Fishmonger took the lead at the start and held it until at the double hurdles in front of the stand, w here he baulked, and Bit o’ Blue taking up the running led to the stone wall, a length in front of Hopeful Kate, Ingorangi, and Orakei, these being the only horses now in the race. Bit o’ Blue when looking dangerous ran off at the back of the course, and Ingomar coming on with plenty of running, staved off the rush of the Woolbroker mare, and won by five lengths, Orakei 15 lengths away third. Time, 9min 18£sec. Dividends, L 3 16s and L 3 2s fid. Flying Stakes, of 60 sovs. Three quarters of a mile. Mr W. Turner’s br li The Baron, by Hippocampus—Grand Duchess, 4yrs, 9st (Hodson) w.o. Welter Handicap, of 50 sovs ; the owner of the second horse to received 5 sovs out of the stakes. Mr B. Thomson’s br m Tamora, by Musket —Moonlight, aged, 9st s!b ... _ (White) 1 Mr W. McMinamin’s b m Minnie, syrs, 9st 31b (Owner) 2 Mr J. McHughes’ ch g Te Kooti, syrs, 9sl 51b... (Katterns) 3 Fourteen horses started. Won by half a length. Time, lmin 46Jsec. Dividends, LlO Is and L 8 17s fid. Shorts Handicap, of 83 sovs, the owner of the second horse to receive 10 sovs out of the stakes. Six furlongs. Mr 1 . Morrin’s b m Cissy, by Musket— Frailty, 4yrs, lOst lib (inc. 51b penalty) (Gallagher) 1 Mr S. H. Gollan’s Tiraillerie, 3yrs, 7st 121 b (White) 2 Mr J. McHughes’ b c Master Pat, 3yrs, 6st 71b ... (Moore) 3 Tha Baron, Bst 121 b ; Fiesole, Sst; Ingorina, 7at ; and Capella, 7st, also started. Tiraillerie was a pronounced favourite, Capella led until entering the straight, when the field grouped closely, and when they had fairly headed for home it was seen that Tiraillerie had the lead, White sitting still. About 50 yards from the post, however, Cissy came on the inside with a desperate run, and getting In front almost in the last stride, won by a head amid great excitement. Time, lmin 17lsec. Dividends, L 3 13s and L 4 10s. The sum of L 8737 was invested on the totalisators at the Auckland Autumn Meeting.

REEFTON AUTUMN MEETING Beefton, March 30. The weather was fine for the races to-day. There was a good attendance, and the course was in splendid order. . . Handicap Hurdles.—Mayboy. 1; Captain Abram, 2 ; Leoness, 3. Di idend, LI 15s fid. West Coast Distiuct Handicap, one mile. Ahaura, 1; Heather Bell, 2 ; Honesty 3. Time, lmin 45 2-sthscc. Dividend, L 7 9s fid. Hack Race. —Cymaro, 1; 1 syche, 2. Dividend, L 4 4s fid. •ITU „„ Autumn Handicap, one mile ancl threequarters. Captain Cook, * ’ Quibble, 3. Time, 3min 15sec. Dividend, L2 14s. Reebton Plate, three-quarters of a mile.— Ahaura, 1 ; Honesty. 2 ; Count D’Orsay, 3. Time, lmin 2C|sec. Dividend L2 15s fid. Thirteen hundred and fifty - four pounds passed through the machine. 1 Beefton, M arch 31. For the second day’s races the weather was splendid, and the attendance about 2000. Mr Hungerford, being dissatisfied with the handicapping, scratched and sent away all nis h °ifußßLE Race.—Clyde, 1 ; Cymaro, 2. Captain Abram lost hi 3 rider. Three started. Time, 3min lOsec. Dividend, Ll ID. Miners’ Cup.—Quibble, 1 ; Dollar, -; Ahaura. 3. Only three started. Won easily. Time, 2min 47sec. Dividend, Ll 13s fid. Hack Kace. —Psyche, 1. r l ime. lmin o2sec. Dividend, Ll 19s fid. Midland Kailway Stakes. —Dollar, 1, Clyde, 2. Three started. Won easily, lime, lmin 17sec. Dividend, Lll6a. Consolation Handicap.—Count D Orsay, 1; Honesty, 2. Four started. An easy win. Time, lmin 53.-ec. Dividend, Ll 10<Jfid. The totalisator put through L2GS- for the two days. FKILDING J.C. AUTUMN MEETING. Feilding, March 31. The races yesterday were a great success. Fine weather prevailed, and 1600 persons were oil the ground. , , „ Hack Hurdles. —Roger. 1; Songster, 1, Doncaster. 3. Dividend. L 9 9s. Jockey Club Handicap, of 110 sovs; second horse to receive 10 sovs from the stakes. One mile and a half. Mr J. Wilson’s b g Pyramus, by Natator— Constance, syrs, 7st ... ...(Price) 1 Mr E. Yuile’sb g Sfc.tMalo, syrs Sst 91b... 2 Mr F. Martin’s bin Retina, 4yrs, Bst 9.b... 3 Won easily by six lengths. Time, 2min 43 sec. Dividend, L 6 16s. Hack Flat. —Niobe, 1; White Bose, 2; Bos, 3. Dividend, L 5 12s. Flying Stakes Handicap, of 60 sovs ; second horse 10 sovs from the stakes. One mile and a half. _ „ , _ . . Mr Seally’s ch g Rufus, by Punri, aged, 7st 61b ... ... •-• ••• J Mr E. Yuilo’sb g St. Walo,_syrs, Bst 9.b ... 2 Mr Hamilton’s b g Angler, syrs, Sst 51b ... 3 Time, lmin 19 l-sthsec. Dividend, L 8 9s. Hack Flying.—Waihi, 1; Viola, 2 ; Doncaster, 3. Dividend, Ll 16s. Winter Oats Handicap, of 40 sovs. One mile. Mr J. Wilson's b g Pyramus 1 Mr F. Hill’s b h Montrose 11. ... ••• Mr Hamilton’s b g Angler ... ... •••_ 3 Forced Handicap.—Rufus, 1; Josephine, 2 ; Fleta, 3. Dividend, L2 15s. The total sum passed through the machine was L 2682. TARANAKI J.C. JUBILEE MEETING New Plymouth, April 1. The Taranaki Jockey Club’s Jubilee Meeting commenced to-day in excellent weather. There were 5000 present, and the racing was excellent, many of the finishes being very Hack Hurdles.—Whalebone, 1; Satyr, 2; Chance, 3. Three others ran. Whalebone led from start to finish, winning easily. Dividend, L2l3s. Hack Pace—lonic, 1 ; Plukem, 2 ; Hodore, 3. Eleven others started. Won by half a length after a splendid race. Dividend, 3j27 12s Taranaki Jockey Club Handicap, of 250 sovs ; one mile and a half. —Oaptain Eussell s br m Huerfana, by Vasco de Gama Sydney, 4yrs, 6st 71b. 1 ; Captain Bussell’s br m Eileen, 4yrs, fist filb, 2; Mrs Bead’s b f La Petite Fille, 3yrst fist 41b, 3. Whisper, Sst 411); Loch Ness, 7st 71b ; Tamora, 6st 121 b ; and Welia, fist 91b, also sported silk. A capital start was effected, at once showing to the front, and Whisper lying last. At the three-quarter post the field closed Whisper running into fourth place. Entering the straight Eileen, La X’etite 1* ille, and Huerfana were on level terms, and a splendid race ensued between Huerfana and Kileen, the former securing the victory by a quarter of a length, La Petite Fille was close up, thirdTime 2min 40 1-5 sec. Dividend, L 9 L3s. -' Posy" Race. —Lady Onslow, 1 ; Daisy, 2 ; Poppy, 3, Seven others ran. Won by a neck. Time, lmin 7sec. Dividend, LlO 16s. Welter Handicap.—Weka, 9st 111 b, 1; Torpedo, 9st 41b, 2; Election, 9sfc 51b, 3. Jenny, 9st 101 b, also ran. On entering the home turn Torpedo came with a brilliant dash, but c >uld not get within a head of Weka, who cut out the running from the fall of the flag. Time, lmin Dividend, L2 14s. Handicap Hack Race.—Darns, 1; Lodore, 2; Tattler, 3. Seventeen ran. Durus led from start to finish, and won by a head after stalling off a rush by’ Lodore. Time, 2miu 15 2-sth sec. Dividend, L 5 17s. Flying Handicap, of 60 sovs; six furlongs. —La Petite Fille, 3yrs, fijt lOib, 1; Torpedo, 6st 101 b, 2; St Malo, syrs, 7st 2lb, 3. A splendid race, the bay mare winning m the time of lmin 16 2-sth sec. Dividend, L 3 fir.

WOODVIJjLE J.C. HACK MEETING. Woodville. April 1. The Woodville District Jockey Club hack races were held to-day. The weather was beautifully fine, and a thousand people were on the course. ■ t Maiden Hurdles.—Aorere, 10st 71b, 1; Emmett, lOst 7lb, 2 ; Spot, lOst, 3. Time, 3min llsec. Dividend, Ll 9s. Handicap Hurdles. —Nikati, lOst 31b, 1; Aorere, 9st 51b, 2. Time, 4min 12£sec. DiviMaiden Plate.—Minnie, 1; The Ark, 2 ; Osman, 3. Time, 2min 25sec. Dividend, L2 6a. Selling Race.—After Dark, 1. Dividend, L 6 6s. Club Handicap.—Eclipse, 1; Somnambulist, 7«t 101 b, 2 ; Hibernian, 7st 91b, 3. Time, 3min 20sec. Dividend, L2l3s. Members’ Race.—Fleetwing, lOst 111 b, 1; Pat, list 71b, 2 ; Moi, lOst 91b, 3. Dividend, L2. Time, 4min 16aec. Flying Handicap.—Coquette, 7st, 1; Hibernian, 9st, 2 ; Eclipse, Bst, 3. Dividend, LlO 13s. Time, lmin 25sec. High-weight Handicap. —Somnambulist, list 111 b, 1; Waverley, lOst 91b, 2 ; Cock-o’-the Walk, lOst 91b, 3. Dividend, L2 2s. Time, 2min 59Jsec,

EOXTON WEIGHTS. Foxton, March 31. The following are the weights declared for the Foxton B.C. Autumn Hack Meeting : Autumn Handicap, of 55 sovs ; one and a half mile.—Bos, Sst 91b ; Jupiter, Sst 71b; Sunbeam and Hibernian, Bst slb ; Kimberley, Sst; Omaha, 7et 131 b ; White Rose, 7»t Bib ; Waterbury, 7st 51b ; Slave Girl, 7st 41b ; Fib, fist 131 b ; Songster, fist 121 b ; Kuahine, fiat 7ib; Speculation and Kilamea, fist. Scurry Handicap, of 25 sovs ; half a mile— Hibernian, 9st 51b j.Rangiora, Bst 101 b ; Viola, 7st 9lb; O’Korke, 7st 81b ; Banker, 7st 61b ; Syren, 7st 51b; Roulette, 7st 31b; Electric, Patango, Governess, and Roger, 7st lib ; Honesty, Waipara, Eve, Sligo, and Flora, fist 101 b. . ■ , Flying Handicap, of 25 sovs ; six furlongs. —Omaha, 9st 71b ; Hibernian, Bst 131 b ; White Hose and Sunbeam, Bat 41b ; Waterbury, Sst 2lb ;.Marksman, 7st 7ib ; Syren and Viola, fist 101 b ; Never Miss, 6st 71b ; Sligo, Speculation, Eve, Kilamea, and Waipara, fist. Publicans’ Pubse Handicap, of 30 sovs; one mile and a quaiter. —Jupiter, Bst 111 b; Sunbeam and Hibernian, Bat 9ib ; Kimberley, Sst 2lb ; White Rose, 7st 121 b ; Waterbury and Repose, 7st 81b ; Slave Girl and Corsair, 7st 51b ; Doncaster, 7st ; Result, fist 121 b ; Fib, 6sllolb ; Banker, fist 71b ; Never Miss, 6st filb ; Ruahine, fist 41b ; Fibre, 6st. Hurdle Race, of 35 sovs ; one mile and a half.—Jupiter, list 81b; Songster, lOst 81b; Roger. lOst 71b ; Doncaster, Acolyte, Marksman, and Corsair, 9st lllb ; Ridge, 9st 71b ; Result, 9st 51b ; Memoria and O’Rorke, 9st.

TURF GOSSIP FROM THE SOUTH. THE C.J.C. AUTUMN MEETING. (By Musket). The Autumn Meeting of the C.J.C. commenced on Monday under favourable circumstances, the weather being excellent, the at tendance larger than usual, and speculation through the medium of the totalisator better than has been the case at this time of year at Riccarton. The management was all that the most exacting could wish for, and the whole conduct of the meeting was generally regarded as very satisfactory indeed throughous both days. The course was in splendid order, covered with a green sward, free from dust, and as the winds, usually prevalent on race days, were of the mildest description, the times put up for most of the events were fast. The number of visitors from all parts of the Colony was large, but though special fares were arranged for through the Union Company from Wellington, not many from the Empire City availed themselves of the opportunity thus afforded. On the first day the starting was really excellent, but Mr Boyle was not entirely successful on the second day, and there can be no doubt some of his efforts were spoilt by jockey who were in no way anxious to get away ; and though there were some cases of suspicious conduct, only one rider was made en example of, and that one was Derrett, whose riding of Prime Warden in the Sockburn Handicap was considered so unsatisfactory that he was suspended for one month, a sentence, light though it may appear, that should bo remembered by others who escaped being dealt with. Prime Warden ran on both days with plates or light working shoes on his front feet, and Derrett did not finish as resolutely in the Sockburn Handicap on him as he sometimes does ; indeed his riding certainly did not look up to the mark. After the race Prime Warden walked about lame, but the stewards declined to accept this as an apology for his defeat. Briefly summarising the running I may say there was very little merit in the victories of Erin-go-Bragh in both hurdle races. He only got home by a neck on the first day when receiving 2st 61b from Little Arthur, but over the shorter distance on the second day lie was able to win easily at a difference of 201bs, but then Little Arthur did not shape so well. Dan O’Brien’s luck was fair as usual. I have before.now told you what a lucky man this same D. O’B. is. After Red Cross, who was in capital form, had shown a clean pair of heels to Carronade and a number of others, including Prime Warden, who was not got away well in the Templeton Stakes by Derrett, the Great Autumn Handicap came up for decision, and Palliser was made a rather better favourite than Freedom, but when the latter failed to show his track form Dan’s other string, Hazel, came to the rescue and won in a clever manner, paying very nice dividends. Though it is said that the stable money went on Freedom, I have hoard that Hazel was not altogether neglected. Palliser ran well, but his jockey had his foot out of the stirrup nearly all the way, and Blizzard made his effort too late ; otherwise, the result might have been different. But while excuses might be made for nearly every horse in the race, I learnt from Leeson and lookers on, that Hazel’s jockey. Holmes, was all but off at the first turn, and would certainly never have won the race but for Leeson putting out his hand and pushing him into bis seat which he nearly lost through the filly stumbling, or galloping on something else at that stage. So that here is another side to Dan’s good fortune. The pace was very fast, and though Palliser and Freedom were each expected to run the distance in 2.38, Hazel was hot mentioned as likely to accomplish the feat she did. If my readers will refer to my notes in yonr -last week’s issue, they will find that I had some hope of Hazel being returned the winner, but her last few gallops did not point that way. Florrie for some reason was made a 4 and 5 to 1 chance for the Champagne, which she won. When really in public form she should have been better backed, and Tassy also paid his ■friends nice dividends in the Russley Stakes. The victory of Coinage, too. was a surprise to many, seeiug that he has suffered numerous defeats in poor company lately.

NOTES AND CLIPPINGS. New Zealand, Mr Dowse, the Dunedin handioapper, scored a record at the Anniversary Meeting by getting 48 acceptances from 52 nominations. Peters is still busy with Olive and Escalade at the Hutt. Murtagh is persevering with the steeplechaser Sir Garnet, who is slowly recovering his breakdown in Anokland. It is scarcely likely that he will be ready for any of the winter events,

“Phaeton’’of the New Zealand Herald gives us the following interesting items : St Hippo is, I understand, the appropriate name that has been 1 conferred upon the St Leger—llippona colt,'’'Who is receiving the rudiments of ’his education in George Wright’s stable. George Wright is thus early busy with his yearlings. Brown Alice (by Nordenfeldt from Ouida) has been ' broken in, and is said, to be growing into a \ very nice filly.—Mr'Morrin tells me that the filly by Ingomar from Sylvia is growing into a great beauty. Old Sylvia, Mr Morrin # ea7s, has picked np a good deal since being taken to Mount Wellington, and it is not uulikely that “ the grandotd mare ” will be mated with Castor.—When the Messrs Morrin laid the foundation of the Wellington Park Stud there were nine mares in the collection, eight of which subsequently threw winners. The only one of the collection that had not distinguished herself in this respect was Yattacy (by Yattendon from Ecstasy), bat she has now to be placed in tbe oate* gory of successful brood matrons, as ber daughter, Legacy, carried the Hon Mr Ormond’s colours to victory in the Redclyffe Stakes at Napier Park on Tuesday last. At the same gathering Loch Ness still further kept up the fame of Wel.» lington Park by— annexing the Flying Handicap, of 100 sovs, and the City Handicap, of *2OO sovs, while Maid of Athol's daughter, Queen of Trumps, did not by any means dißgrace herself by finishing a capital second to Boulanger for the Napier Cup. I may remark that the recent additions mads to tho Wellington Park Stud by Mr Morrin has raised the number o£ matrons now rambling in the paddocks there to 31, which is very few short of the number formerly owned by the defunct Sylvia Park estab* lisbment. ii - . Crackshot Is eaid to be looking well, and there does not sec-m to be any thing radically wrong with him. A good judge says he was only muscle-sore., aud a rest is likely to enable him to be as good next season aB he was in the summer of this. The Chronicle says that a Wanganui sport, whose wife does a little fortune-telling by cards, took her tip at the races and Btruck a double, landing a stake of £SOO. ‘Hippo’ of the Napier Daily Telegraph gives the following interesting statisticsA»ain tbe Club were very fortunate in their Cup, having more final payments for it than were received for any Cup this season, and beating all in the number of starters, except the New Zealand Cup, which had the same number. The following is a list of the Cups, amount given, number of nominations, final

Referring to the ill-luck that has followed many high priced horee3 in Australia, “Freelance.” in the Melbourne Sportsman, says :—“Here are a few big-priced horses whose names occur to me as I am writing ; Titan, £4830; Tradition, £3152; Warwick, £2100; Dreadnought, £2205; Singapore, £2IOO ; and Gatling, £2100; total, £16,487. Not one of these half dozen high-priced horse 3 has ever won a race since he was knocked down at the sensational figures I have quoted. Yet the six cost their owners sixteen thousand odd pounds, to say nothing of training expanses, entries, forfeits, bets, &o.” Summing up the Sydney Cup in the Sydney Mail, “ Nemo’’ prophesied thus “The moat likely half dozen to fill the places appear to be Greygowo, Highborn, Cardigan, Doncaster. Crown Jewel, and Bluenose ; and had I to select three they* would bo Greygown, Bluenose, and High. bore.” Not a bad tip. It transpires that Mr Glenister only acted as commissioner iu the purchase of Highborn recently. Mr W. T. Jones Is the gentleman for whom he was acting in the matter. The subject of the resignation of Mr E. T. Barnard from tlje position of handicapper came under the consideration of the Com. mittee of the Victorian Racing Club on the 10th. No definite decision was arrived at ; but it is probable, says the Australasian, that Mr Bsrnard wi 1 be asked for the pre. sent at any rate to retain his post. « Asmodens’ is my authority for the following items : ' Feuance is u iderstood to have changed hands through the agency of Messrs W. C. Yuille & Co. , but as yet neither the name of the purchaser nor the price has transpired. More than one offer of £2500 was made for the cult to my knowledge, but Mr James Monaghan stuck out for £3OOO for the owner. (A later paper informs us that Penance was sold to Mr W. T. Jones for £2500 guineas.)—Bel Giorno has been Bold to Mr E. E. A. Oatley, and ho took his departure for Sydney on Tuesday, together with Highboro, Conceit and Amina.—Car. bine’3 dam, Mersey, together with the remainder of Mr \V. R. Wilson’s recent New Zealand purchases, has arrived safely at St Albans. Hon. D. S. Wallace won £3824 in stakes at the late Y.R.C. Antumn Meeting, and headed the list of prize wieners. It is rumoured, says the Sydney Referee, that the Marvel people decided after the Autumn Handicap to take the horse away from Monaghan, and that Harris, who rode him, is to be supplemented by Brickey Colley. The reason of all this can only be surmised. Private opinions cannot, as I before indicated, be expressed in the present state of the libel law. There is one thing pretty certain, that the manner in whiohMarvel won the Autumn Handicap, afteropeningfavouriteand receding to 100 to 3 offered, is not likely to be forgotten in a hurry by people on this side. That Marvel is one of the beat horses that Australia has ever seen there can be no reasonable doubt, and the endorsing of the general opinion held on that point previously by the easy manner In which Marvel pulled off the only raoe for which he started at the meeting must have been somewhat annoying to those behind the horse, seeing that those

Immediately connected with the animal had not a penny on him ; and, what is more, they will have to pay a large Bam to the previous owner, it being one of the conditions of sale that a certain stated sum should bo handed over oat of Marvel’s first win. * Asmodeus,’ in reference to the same horse, Bays :— 1 His remarkably easy win in the Autumn Handioip when at forlorn odds, in the bettiDg was quite in keeping with both las name and reputation, and in addition to being an undoubtedly good animal he can certainly claim to be the most mysterious and sensational horse of the day. His future career on the turf will inevitably be fraught with no small degree of curiosity to race goers generally. Mr Oatley sold Highborn to Mr P. Glenister, in Melbourne, on Monday, the 9th ult-, for IOOOgs. . Judging by the names he has given his horses, Mr Allman, of Warwick, would appear to be an ardent Home Ruler. Parnell, 4yrs. f Daniel O’Connell 3yrs , Dillon 2yrs., and Davitt, yearling; but, according to a contemporary, he has christened his nilv foal of IS9O Kitty O’Shea, which leaves it open to donbt whether he is an enthusiast or a satirist. , „„ „ The heat on the last day of the V.-R.L. Autumn Meeting, was so great that 5 tons of ice was consumed in drinks dispensed In the grand stand enclosure alone. Mr George Davis’ proposal to introduce a three mile handicap at Caulfield has not been favourably received by the executive of the V.A.T.C. . „ „ p * Asmodeus,’ in reviewing the v.K.O. Autumn Meeting, says I was very favourably impressed with Mr W. K. Wilaon’s pair of Nordenfeldt colts, Zalinski and Strathmore, who displayed form sufficiently good to warrant the anticipation that they will take their own part against the best of their year next season. if 1 mistake not there is room for immense improvement in both these promising young sters. ~ ‘Ajax,’ of the Sydney Referee, says if he were to attempt to name the winner of the next V.R.C. Derby in three he would ■elect Zalinski, Stromboli, and Penance. He is very enthusiastic about the .New Zealand-bred Zalinski, who, he says, is a magnificent colfc, and will be served v*’ith time. , Bel Giorno and Bord Hopetoun are not nominated for the V.R.C. Derby. Bel Giorno has no * classical ’ engagements, and unless he can aspire to wsight-for-age events his owner will have to be content with handicaps. _ , , Messrs W. C. Yuille and Co held a sale of racehorses, at Kirk’s Bazaar, Melbourne, on t'ne 16th ulfc., but in most oases the reserve was higher than the best bids made, the only sale effected being that of the Promised Land, which was sold to Mr J. Ferguson for 170 guineas. Greygown was started at 500 guineas, and passed in at 2900 and neither of Mr C. Elliott s pair, Investigator and True, reached the reserve. English asd Foreign - . Lord Dudley only won about £IOOO m stakes last year. However, he has 14 two-year-olds in training at Newmarket and of these eight cost upwards of £16,500. Charley Wood the ex-jockey, is leading the life of a country gentleman. Ha now resides at Little Waltham Hall, near Chelmsford. , The following English stud news, from the Snorting Life, is interesting Chitahob’s tir3t son was born at the beginning of this week, oat of the Sterling mare j ruelove, and the youngster is exactly like his sire in colcur and markings. This is a very good sign to be noticed in a young stallion, as it shows a predisposition to put his own stamp upon his prodace. The good running of Haute Saone last year, and the good accounts from Newmarket of the improvement she baa made during the winter months, have naturally turned breeders’ attention towards the value of Rosicrncian mares, and the best policy m mating them. Hante Saone is out of Hautenr by Rosicrncian, her dam, Hawthorndale by Kettledrum out of Lady Alice Hawthorn, by Newmin3ter. The alliance with Tristan proved so great a success that Mr Waring has just sent over Mitherless Bairn, nearly the finest Rosicrncian mare to be found in the Stud Book, to the stud farm at Chamaat, on a visit to Tristan. Mr Waring has a great deal of the Hauteur family in his stud, as, besides numerous daughters of Rosicrncian, Florentine is out of Hauteur’s dam. . , Ossian, the winner of the StLeger ml Sad, died on board the steamship Richmond Hill while on the voyage from England to America. Exceptionally rough weather was experienced in crossing the Atlantic, and the horse succumbed to injuries he received. The Richmond Hill arrived at New York on the sth February. Melton, who was bought last year for 10 000 guineas by the Italian Government, now stands at the principal royal stud at Pisa, and he has given great satisfaction to the managers of that establishment, -f'lie Italian Government own seven breeding studs, which contain eighty-six stallions, nearly all of which are of English, French, and pure Arab blood. The King of Italy has three separate studs of his own on his beautiful estate of San Rossore, near Pisa, which is famous throughout Tuscany for its miles of splendid primeval pine forests, and these studs contain upwards of two thousand horses, and also a large herd of pure-bred camels, which were originally imported from Africa. For downright sheer foolhardiness the following performance of a young French sport—as related by the foreign correspondent of The Field—takes the cake: — Prince Beniamin de Rohan has just won a singular bet of 25 louis at Monaco, the wager being that he would drive four horses up and down the flight of steps leading from the port of Monaco to the gardens of the palace. These steps, I inuy explain for the information of those who do not know the place, are composed of long slabs of stone measuring about five feet-, the drop at each step being four inches, while there are two bendß at right angles overhanging a high precipice, the steps being carried up the side of the rock on winch the town of Monaco stands. The stipulation was that Prince de Rohan Bhould have no assistance: He improvised a four-in-hand with two pairs of the horses used m the

hacknpy carriages of at Monte Carlo, these being harnessed to oneof these vehicle*, which w»*,"of course, provided with a brake. The wager was brought off at three o’clock in t he morning, by the uncertain light of the carriage lamps, and as atoueor two points on the road the slabs were very slippery, the Prince threw down rugs in front of the horses to give them a better foothold. * The perilous drive was completed without any mishap : but it is to he hoped that no one will be tempted to emulate to foolhardy a feat. In connection with the results oE the Lincolnshire Handicap and the Liverpool Grand Steeplechase it is curious to observe that the winner of the former, Lord George, was third last year, whereas the third in the latter, Ilex, was the winner last year. The system of starting price betting lias been lately productive of some very suspicious business in English racing. The London correspondent of the Leader tells a capital story of how the game was worked by a certain confederacy at Manchester, presided over by Mr Dias, one of the Irish team some few years ago selected to shoot at Creedmoor against the Yankees, and Mr MacAuliffe, a qualified gentleman rider: —A maro culled Glennie was well backed for a hurdle raco one day on the strength of flattering accounts furnished by this corner. She did not win or run like winning. Later, at the same meeting, Messrs D. and Mac. professed great chagrin when the more, ridden by MacAuliffe, won a hurdle race with plenty to spare. It was hard, they said, because on the one race they bad a pot of money,- while in the winning one they did not speculate a shilling, Now, as . it happened, I found out that the starting price market was glutted with orders for Glennie, some of which could be traced to Dias and Co,, who certainly must have won nearly £2OOO in this way. I am again indebted to * Anglicanus for the following interesting English statistics : Returning to statistics, racing reviewers but seldom compile a tabls of the principal winning horses under their respective years ; but for many seasons past I have been in the habit of doing so, and here are the results of 1890. The particulars are, I think of considerable interest, inasmuch, as it is always useful to see the crack performers of the different ages contrasted in point of winnings at the close of a season. In 1889 the number of two-year-olds that had won more than £2OOO exceeded the three year-olds by one, but this last season the tables have been turned, and the three-year-olds are much more numerous than the debutants. As regards this, however, it must be noted that Donovan took as much as £38,666 in 1889, whereas Memoir, occupying first place in 1890, has no more than £15,702 to her credit, so that there wa3 much more money to be distributed amongst the other three-year olds. Blavatsky, who heads the two-year-olds list, won _ her £5671 in a single race, which by some writers has been set down as a fluke. There is no necessity for any comment on the figures set against the names of the older horses, but we cannot help wishing that there were more of them in the list. . Winning Horses. IWO-XBAE-OLD3. Blavatsky, by Isonomy ... ... £5671 Bumptious, by Brag ... ... ... 4047 Cleator, by Charibert ... ... ••• 4032 Gouverneur, by Energy ... ... 3586 Rdv4rend, by Energy ... ... ••• Haute Saone, by Tristan ... ... 32 78 Lady Heron, by Chilliard ... ••• 3073 Peter Flower, by Petrarch ... ... 2969 Orion, by Bend O'’ ... Inverness, by Cymbal ... ... •*• 2171 THREE-YEAR-OLDS. Memoir, by St. Simon ... 10,702 Suvefoot, by-Wisdom ... ~ 12,722 Sainfoin, by Springfield ... ... 6890 St. Serf, by St. Simon ... ••• 5509 Morion, by Barcaldine ... ••• 5032 Semolina, by St. Simon ... ... 3400 Ponza, by Springfield ... ... 3230. Queen’s Birthday, by Hagioscope ... 29339 The Imp, by Robert the Devil ... 2700 Alloway, by Springfield ... ... 2 f50 Heresy, by Hermit ... ... 2500 Lactantius, by Petrarch ... ... 2400 Shall we Remember, by Clairvaux or Isonomy ... ... ••• 2250 Parlington, by Highborn ... ... 2180 Day Dawn, by Muncaster ... ... 2075 BOER-YEAR OLDS. Ampbion, by Speculum or Rosebery ... ... L’Abbesse de Jouarre, by Trappist 4102 Gold, by Sterling 2457 EITE-YEAR-OLDS. Tyrant, by Beauclerc ... ... ••• 3562 Sheen, by Hampton ... ... ••• 3019 Father Confessor, by the Abbot ... 2157 Lady Rosebery, by Rosebery ... 1842 SIX-YEAR-OLDS AND AGED. The Rejected, by King of Trumps ... 2842 Deuce of Clubs, by Robert the Devil 2245 The aggregate value of the stakes run for in 1890 was -£446,768, and the number of horses running in the year was 2102, which ia the largest number that haß been recorded since 1871, with the exceptions of the years ISBB (2125) and 1879 (2113). Between the years 1867 and 1871 the number was never less than 2400 ; but in these years hunters races on the flat were included in the table, which has not been the case sinoe July, 1871, so that a considerable deduction would have to be made from each of those years were any comparison desired. The period referred to was a portion of the so-called ‘‘gambling era,” with which the names of the Marquis of Hastings, the Dake of Hamilton, and Mr Chaplin are closely associated in one s memory. Fields ruled much larger than they do now, and I have no doubt that the number of horses rnnning—without counting hunters was in each year larger than now, though the value of the stakes was considerably less. Of these 2102 horses running in 1890, as many as 934 were two year olds, 608 were three year old?, 272 were four year olds, and 288 five year olds and upwards. If we turn back to old records, we find that in 1843 there were 1209 horses running, distributed as to ages as follows —213 two year olds, 384 three' year olds, 236 four year olds, and 456 five year olds and upwards. In 1829 there were 1166 runners, made up by 142 two year olds, 361 three year olds, 210 four year year olds, and 453 above the last-named

age. The inference—despite what I have said as to the inclusion of hunters running in flat races —is that the proportion of two year olds racing as compared with four year olds and older horses is far greater than it ever wa?, and 1 cannot but hold the view that this has much to do with the fact that our older horses are, as a rule, a very sorry lot. bheen is a grand horse undoubtedly, but a solitary specimen of a first class stayer and weight carrier. Were two year olds given a better chance of development before being galloped off their legs, and were racing not so terribly overdone as it is nowadays, we should have 20 Sheens instead of one. Match-making is not in these days so popular as in olden times ; but intelligence oomes from England to the effect that the Duka of Portland has matched bis two-year-olds against those of the Duke o~ Westminster. Three matches in IS9L2 3, for 500 Bovs a Bide, 100 sovs ft., over the Bretbv Stakes course. At various times, and at various places in Australasia, the totalisatar has paid sope extraordinary big dividends, but at the Nice winter steeplechase meeting one winner, Ambassadrice, who started at 40 to 1, pa.d a dividend at the rate of 2652 to 1 ! _ Salvator, the American son of Frmce Charlie that has lowered the world’s nail® record to 1.35 J has retired as a racer. It is proposed to train Racine and start him bn the straight track where Salvator made his record, to give Racine a ohanoe of eclipsing his rival. ~ , , . , , Now that the returns are all in, it is foupd that Longfellow Is third on the list of wining sires in America last year, not the New Zealand-bred Sir Modred. The latter had 20 whiners of 129,779d01. _ There is a horse in America, called %)regon Wonder, whose mane .measures 9ft 9in, and the tail 12ft 3in in length, thus making the latter nearly 7ft more than the horse s height. The wonder is half Clydesdale. [Late Sporting will be found on page 19-1

payments and starters : Added Kominamoney tions Final pts. St. N.Z. Cup 1,000 60 10 10 Auckland Cup 600 35 7 7 Dunedin Cup ... 600 23 6 6 Wanganui Cup 500 34 6 5 Wellington Cup ... 400 39 9 9 Hawkes Bay Cup... 400 29 11 4 Eamont Cup 300 30 8 7 Napier Cup ... 300 Australian. 24 14 10