Sporting.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1010, 10 July 1891, Page 15

Sporting.

RACING CALENDAR. SE¥ ZEALAND. J uly 11— Wellington Steeplechase Meeting. July IS.—United Hunt Steep'ecliase Meeting. Aueust 13—N.Z. Grand National Meeting. August 15.—Christchurch Hunt Club Steeplechase. September 3.—Rang'.tikei Hunt Club Steeplechase. September 12, 15. 17, and 19.—A.J.C. Sung Meeting. September 17 and IS.-South Canterbury J.C. Spring Meeting. „ , _ „ . ~ .. October 5 and 6.—Hawke* Ray J C. Spr tig Meeting. November 9, 11, and 14.—Canterbury Metropolitan Meeting. „ . ~ ~ November 19 and 20.—Ashburton Spring Meeting. AUSTRALIAN. July 11 and IS.- V.R.C. Grand National Meeting. September 24 and 29. Hawke.bury R.C. Spring Meeting. October 17.—Caulfield Cup. Oct. 31 —Victoria Derby. Nov. 3—Melbourne Cup TOPICS OF THE DAY. ' (By “Vigilant.”) Ib only requires fiae weather on Saturday to make Saturday’s Steeplechase Meeting the most successful ever held at the Hutt. I drew attention in my last week’s nates to the great increase in the nominations as compared with last year’s, and now I have to congratulate the Club on the splendid acceptances thev have received. The comparison with last year stands as follows : Trial Steeplechase, 11 this year, against 7 last year ; Hurdles, 14 aoainst 9 ; Hack Hurdles, 13 against 9, Ladies’ Trophy 11 against 3, Wellington Steeplechase IS against 8, Selling Hurdle Race 6 against 9, and High Weight Handicap 11 against 1G j total, /I agamst 61. A large number of the candidates have already put in an appearance, and the remainder are all spoken of as sure to be here to-day or to-morrow, so that we shall gee some capital fields contesting the various events. I mav as well mention here that theafternoon train on Saturday from Wellington to the Wairarapa will be delayed so that country visitors to the meeting will be able to leturn home the same night. In like manner on the Manawatu line the 5.30 p.m. train from Wellington to Paikakariki will not leave till 6.30 p.m. on Saturday, and will run through to Otaki. VP itbout further preface, let me proceed at once to try and solve the seven problems which present themselves cn the programme. In the Trial Steeplechase, the first event of the day, old Dangerous and Christmas head the list, but their weight, lOst 41b, each is only 111 b higher than the lowest, and ’therefore they cannot be regarded as overburdened. Of the two I prefer Christmas, who appears to be as good a lumper as the other, and is a bit faster. Chester, lOst 2lb, is by the Painter, and I hear good accounts of him. Roger, lOst 21b, if himself, i 3 well in it in this company, and good reports reach me of The Monk, lOst. General Gordon, 93t 91b, and Dan, 9at Sib, are both possibles, but Lucy Glitters, 9st 71b, haß done nothing to recommend her. Canute is by Larly Bird, and is a capital jumper, and of the light weights I take him to be the best. A good many fancy Johnny, lib, but lie will not be my representative. My choice in this race is : Christmas 1 Roger “ Canute . •• ••• 3 The Hurdles should be a highly interesting raeo. 1 should doubt Sentinel (12st 91b) starting, with his steeplechase engagement bo close, but there will be a good field, and it will take a lot of picking. On the Hawkes Bay form Pyrarnus must have a show, even with 23ib more on him, and whatever beats him will go near winning. Master Agnes, lOst 101 b, is said to have greatly improved lately, but he needed a lot of improvement on his last public form to stand a show. Cju ran to has pei formed well on the flat, and repor. says he is dangerous over sticks. Angler is well, but still dwells a hit at his jumps. Whalebone, if he is in his Egmnnt form, should be very hard to heat with lOst 51b \ but he has had bad luck lately. Christmas 10. will probably have a race in him. Oaklands, 9st 111 b, on the Napier running, ought to beat Theorem, 9st 101 b, but 1 cannot fancy Mr Maitland’s horse was at his best in his last essay. If X can he assured o, his being quite well on the day I would take him against anything. The rest Ido not see sny danger io unless Tval should come out of his shell, ’faking all things into consideration I shall place the first three thus—

Oaklands or Theorem ... 1 Whalebone ••• 2 Pekamus ... ... ••• ••• 3 The Hack Hurdles should be won by Acolyte, lOst 71b, or Donovan, 9st 91b. In the Steeplechase we shall see a large field face the starter, probably over a dozen. When I selected six against the field last week I left out Ahua because I scarcely thought he would accept. He will be here, I cm told, by Friday’s boat, and -with all his weight he must be terribly hard to heat over an easy course like Wellington. Yardman, one of those I selected, has broken down, so that Ahua must take his place. In other respects I see no reason to alter my opinion, and, Ahua being substituted for Yardman, I shall stand by iTiy first choice and take Ahua, 12st 121 b ; Sentinel, 12st 21b ; Tauraekaitai, list’ 111 b; Whalebone, lOst ; Oeo, 2Oat; nnd Otaieri, 9st 101 b, against the field. Yardman’s breakdown leaves the powerful J. B. Williamson stable without a representative. This is in great contrast to Auckland, where he had five starters out of ten under his charge. I shall

expect to see Sentinel beat ffauraekaitai, and Otaieri beat Oeo this time, thus reversing their Napier positions, and if all my six go down it will be to Mr P. Hunter s Rough, 9st 81b. The result should be something like this : Ahua or Otaieri ... ... 1 Sentinel ... ... ... ... 2 Tauraekaitai ... ... ... 3 The Ladles’ Trophy, twomile3 on the flat, will test the stamina of those engaged. Mr Gollan will ride Jet d’Eau ; Mr O’Rorke, Kimberley ; and Mr T. Bristol, Norton. I do not know who will have the mount on Lenore, list 71b, but if MrG. Hunter’s mare is well she is to my mind the best handicapped thing in it. Waihi bolted at Napier overpowering Mr Chavannes. Here be has the best of the weights with Norton and Kimberley, and if the Musket mare docs not win 1 think he will. My choice Is Lenoke ... ... 1 Waihi ... ... ... ... 2 Norton ... ... ... ... 3 The Selling Hurdle Race has only secured six entries, and I think the issue lies between Begorkaii and Clyde, the former for choice. The High Weight Handicap has several also engaged in the Ladies’ Trophy, but Angler, 12st ; Rosa Bonheur, lOst 121 b ; Hiamoe, lOst 71b , The Laird, lOst vlb ; Rufus, lOst 71b ; Hakatere, lOst 41b ; and Blenheim, lOst 41b, will be fresh horses, and Pyramus, list 71b, even if he goes for the Hurdles will have had a long rest. The old Laird, if as well as when he was here last, should have a good show, and making a shot, which, under the circumstances, is like aiming in the dark, I shall expect to see Hiamoe or Angler win, with The Laird as next best. The Stewards of the Wellington Racing Club have decided to send tickets for the Steeplechase Meeting, to be held on Saturday, the 11th inst., to the members of the General Assembly. His Excellency the Governor has promised to attend the meeticg. Mr Maitland’s steeplechaser Yardman pulled up lame after a gallop at the Hutt on Wednesday morning, and was scratched for the Wellington Steeplechase at 4.45 p.m. on Wednesday. The United Hunt Club held their first meeting this season at the Hutt on Saturday last. Thero were some thirty horsemen present, and the houuds threw off at 3.30 p.m. at the back of the Traveller’s Rest, Taita. The hounds soon got to work, and following the scent up tho valley, led the field over some thirteen fences —a nice stiff double among them —and then a check occurred at Mr Death’s property, where the whole of the field arrived without accident. The hounds took up the scent again at Mr Reuben King’s property, and a splendid run ensued over beautiful country, with some thirty or more jumps, which were all safely negotiated. Another check ocourred at Mr Mabey’s, but it was not long before the hounds again gave tongue, and led the field over some nice flat country alongside the river bed, the run finishing up at Mr Mellow’s paddocks. Mr Wilfc.rd on Tangiroa, Mr Woods on Ginger, and Mr Roake, the huntsman, on Wi Parata, composed the first flight at the kill, all the others being pretty close up. Mi c s McKelvie, of Rangitikei, who rode Ngatitoa, followed the hounds all the way, and was well up at the finish. Shortly after the second check Mr Roake came to grief, owing to his horse slipping at one of the jumps and throwing him so heavily to the ground that he was stunnod for some minutes. Mr Wilford, who was close by, went to his assistance, and by the aid of some restoratives soon brought him round,and pluokily mounting again Mr Roako resumed the hunt. In the opinion of those present the run was by far the best of the season.

Mr S. H. Gollan’s Caulfield Cup candidate Renata has been weighted at 7st 51b. By a mistake in transmission the horse’s name appeared as Senator in the cabled list which we published last week. W. Clifford, the well known jockey, returned from Australia by the ss Hauroto on Monday. The mare Emerald, which he took over, has been sold in Melbourne. We are glad to hear that he has considerrbly benefited in health by the trip, and is now fairly strong again. Mr Tatham, the owner of the steeplechaser Uranus, was also a passenger by the Hauroto, and our readers will regret to learn that the rumoured break down of his li irse which reached us more than a week ago, is confirmed. The horse is seriously lame and is not likely to start in the V.R.C. Grand National Steeplechase. We hear, from a passenger, that the hurdle racer Satyr, which was supposed to have a great say in the V.R.C. Grand National Hurdle Raco on Saturday next, is also amiss and not likely to come to the po-t. It was rumoured in town on Monday that Mr Martin’s steeplechaser Kangaroo had broken down, but Mr T. H. Hill, who was in t an, informed me that the only truth _in it was that the horse showed heat in his 1 dicky ’’ leg after a gallop on Saturday, but has not been.lame in any way.

Applications for the positions of stipendiary steward and handicapper to the V.R.C. were advertised to close on the 30fch ult. Nothing as to the number of the applicants has yet come to hand. ‘Asmodeus,’ in Tho Leader, says :—‘ln connection with the stipendiary stewardship some of the applicants have adopted the electioneering practice of starting early with a personal and particularly active canvass.’ ‘ Asmodeus’ thinks Mr Frances F. Dakin, the present V.R.C. judge, out and out the best of tho candidates.

Very contradictory reports reach me as to the condition of Cuirassier. One gentleman who recently came oyer tells me that he saw the horse a few weeks ago and that he was as fat as a pig, and could not possibly be got ready in time. The Otago Witness correspondent says he is doing splendidly at Caulfield, and adds : ‘ From a chat or two I have bad with Ted Kelly of late I fancy his trainer thinks he will render an excellent account of himself, but whether it is to be at Caulfield

or Flemingtondeponentsayeili not, though I should imagine the ten thousand pounder would be his dart.

The Conference of Metropolitan Racing Ciubs, which is to commence its sittings to-day (Friday), has very important business before it, as may be seen by the programme which appears elsewhere. If it simply succeeds in settling the New Zealend Jockey Club question it will have done good work. The persistent refusal of the Dunedin Jockey Club to be represented at the discussion on the subject introduces an unfortunate difficulty, which will have to be faced at the outset. I regard the attitude of the D. J .C. as singularly ill-advised and impolitic. If they aro so convinced that no good purpose can be served by the institution of a national club they would stand a better chance of upsetting tho project by having a good delegate, prepared with arguments against it, than by churlishly standing aloof like the sulky boy who ‘ won’t play.’ When the question of added money was raised nearly two years ago the Dunedin Club took up an isolated position and stonewalled the resolution for two days or more. But their delegate was told very plainly that if Dunedin continued to stand in the way of progress the resolution would be carried against them, and if they disregarded if, every horse that ran at their meetings would bo disqualified from competing at any meetings where the rule was in force. They gave way at last, and with a badgiaco accepted the inevitable. From what I hear there is pretty certain to bo a decisive majority in favour of a New Zealand Jockey Club, and if it is carried, as in all probability it will be, what will Dunedin do then, poor thing ? It will not be able, like the robin, * to hide its head under its wing,’ for no club in the Colony, giving such valuable stakes as Dunedin does, can afford to depend on its own resources. Unless it can attract horses from other parts of tho Colony its meetings will sink into the second class rank at once. The suggestions in refes ence to alterations to the Rules of Racing which are to be brought forivarJ by the Auckland, Canterbury, Hawkes Bay and Wellington clubs, are some of them of a very radical character and may be expected to give rise to a lot of discussion. It is to be hoped that a give and take disposition will be evinced on all sides. The principal subjects for discussion have now been before the various clubs for a long while and every delega'e should be prepared to back his opinion by weighty reasons and argument, and bo ready to give way if he is shown that the basis of his persuasion is unsound.

The V.R.C. Grand National Meeting opens on Saturday next. The only race on that day in which New Zealanders take any interest, is the Grand National Hurdle Race. The latest Australian papers to hand tell ns very little about the betting or tho likely starters, but we know that Audacity, Little Arthur, and Donald, have been scratched, and we hear that Satyr has gone wrong. There are [still lxion, Chemist, Montrose 11. Jupiter, and Ivapo, to do battle for New Zealand and the best of these, probably, lxion, will be hard to beat. At the same time my opinion is that a place is the utmost our best can expect to obtain. The actual winner I look for from Diilldool list 121bs, Tradition list 9!bs, Simpleton list 2lbs, and Sfcewpan lOst 7ibs, and to choose one I shall declare for Stewpan, who has recently proved that he can go fast and jump well. The V.R.C. Grand National Steeplechase will be run on Saturday the 18 r h, and at present my fancy is, Fearless 11. list 91b3, and Coral lOst 121b3.

THE SALE OF TOURNAMENT. The sale of the late Senator G. Ilearst’s racing stock took place at Sheepheads Bay, New York, U.S.A., on May 14, and the proceedings aro of considerable interest t > New Zealanders, inasmuch as several horses sired by Sir Modred and Cheviot respec ively were am mg the lots sold, and Tournament, a four-year old son of the first-named, and Pi ay thing, by Alai in, brought a sensationa 1 price. The bidding for Tournament is graphically reported in the New York Sportsmen as follows ;— ‘ There was a ripple of applause as Tournament, tho winner of 89,000d01s last year, was led into the arena. As fit as a fiddle, as hard as nails, as handsome as a picture, and as sound as a bell. That’s what Tournament was as he stood there under the apple tree, his satin jacket shining os though he had been oiled. 1 Here we have a horse, one that you all know,’ was Tournament’s introduction, and Fred Gebhard, who had sat listlessly looking at the catalogue he held in his gloved hand, took in the big colt at a glance. He whispered to his friend, Howland Robbins, who sat by him, and Mr Robbins nodded assent. When Mr Easton called for a bid, a pale-faced young man with a dark moustache took a position behind the auctioneer, and almost beneath a well-executed portrait of Tournament that hung suspended from the limb of tho tree. It was Foxhall Keene, one of our crack gentlemen riders, and son of James R. Keene, whose colours Foxhall wore when that great son of King Alphonso surprised our French cousins by winning the Grand Prix. The echo of Mr Easton’s voice had scarcely died away when D. J. M’Carthy, who was the buffoon of the occasion, and A. F. Walcott bid simultaneously. One said 10,000dols and the other 15,000d015. Mr Walcott had the honour of starting the best three*

year-old of his year. Billy Barrick said j lG.OOOdols instantly, and Mr Robbins, who represented Gebhard, raised that bid SOOdols. Four or five voices said ‘ 17,000 dols ’ and Barrick went 500dol more before the auctioneer called the bid. Dan Honig, the St. Louis mule dealer, bid 18,000dol, and somebody remarked that the game at Gloucester must have been unusually good last winter. Mr Robbins nodded, and Mr Easton called 19,000d01. Honig made a mental calculation and raised the ante to 20.000d015. Mr Robbins glanced at Mr Gebhard, and his nod meant another thousand, ‘ 21,000d015, going,’ said the auctioneer, and there was a hush. ‘22,500,’ came from Foxhall Keene, who was invisible to all but a dozen or so, who stood by, ‘ 25,000J015,’ said Mr Robbins, and Mr Gebhard looked his approval. ‘ 27,500,’ said young Mr Keene. The paco was killing, and Mr Robbins dropped tho raise, bidding 28,000d015. Mr Keene was content, and said 28,500d01. These gentlemen seesawed, 500dol at a bid, until 32,0000J.01s was bid. ‘Whose bidding against me?’ queried Keene, his face as white as chalk. ‘ I mustn’t tell that, was tho auctioneer’s reply, but an obliging young man who heard the query gave Mr Keane the name of his competitor, and at it they went once more. Mr Keene bid 32,500d015, and Mr Robbins, after finding Mr Gebhard’s face as immovable as stone, shook his head, and, remarking ‘ I’m done, really,’ turned away. ‘Do you want me to knock him down V ‘ I don’t care what you do with him.’ Mr Easton called ‘ going, going,' but before ho reached * gone ’ Mr Gebhard gave bis friend the cue, and Mr Robbins said, curtly, ‘ 33,000d015,’ Keene did not hesitate an instant, but bid 33,500d015, and Frank M’Cabe, who will train Mr Gebhard’s horses, whispered to that gentleman. It was evident then that the competition was at an end. There was considerable applause when the colt was knocked down and the name of the purchaser announced. Tho young man purchased Tournament for himself, and it is understood that Albert Cooper will train for him, while William Hayward will be the jockey.” Ballarat, by Sir Modred from La Favorita, brought 41001 013 ; Osric, a two-year-old colt by Cheviot, GGOOdols; and Gonzalez and Vernon, two-year-old colts by the same sire, realised GlOOdols and 7500c101s respectively.

THE COLONIAL HORSE. In tho volume of the 1 Badminton Library of Sports and Pastimes,’ containing 1 Riding ’ and ‘ Polo,’ appears, in the former section, an article by the Earl of Onslow, entitled ‘ The Colonial Horse.’ In it the noble author gives a highly interesting sketch of tho history and characteristics of the various kinds of horses in Australasia. In his introductory remarks he notices tho improved estimation in which the colonies are now held in England. «Indifference, neglect, and the suspicion of looking on our colonies as encumbrauces,’ he says, ‘ have disappeared. It has become the faehiop to evince the liveliest interest in them and their institutions, to be almost fulsome in their praise; and lest any of us should be set down as an ignoramus in the small talk of society, we have pulled out our atlases to see where on earth they are.’ The first running horses impoi’ted into Australia were brought out by Captain Phillip, with the fleet that conveyed the first instalment of convicts and colonists in 1783 a stallion, three mares, and three colts being shipped at the Cape. The earliest races were held by tho officers of the 73rd regiment, in 1810, at Sydney. The horses first imported were not thoroughbreds. The first record of the importation of these is in the opening year 3 of tho present century, when a horse called Rockingham or Young Rockingham was brought from the Cape. Old Hector, by Trsntham out of Gohannas, dam, bred by Lord Egremont, was brought from India in 1806, and was shortly followed by Bay Camerton, by Camerton out of Valtonia, and The Baron, by Milo out of a dam by Waxy ; while the earliest record of a thoroughbred mare in Australia is in 1525, when Mr Icolcy imported a mare called Manto, by Soothsayer out of one of the sisters to Lynceus. The first regular stud book was published in New South Wales in 1859, and in New Zealand in 1862. At the date of the first Zealand stud book there were only 25 mares in the colony whoso descent was unimpeachable, and only 100 in the parent colony and Victoria. Disclaiming any intention of following in detail the development of tho thoroughbred in Australia, Lord Onslow goes on to Bay that, inasmuch as New Zealand bred horses have of recent years carried off most of the principal races in Australia, he is entitled to consider the horses of tho southern colony fairly typical of tho group. Tho next few pages are accordingly devoted to Now Zealand horses. Of the 46 stallions imported from England into the Colony the writer considers only eleven can be called a decided success. Ihese aie Musket, Riddlesworth, Ravensworth, The Peer, Tradueer, Albany, Anteros, Apremont, Cadogan, Leolinus, and Pacific. Of the rest, sixteen may be said to have done fairly well, and tho remaining nineteen to have been failures. A well summarised history of the New Zealand (Sylvia Park) Stud Company follows, and its success for. many years is ascribed to the lucky possession of Musket, and the re-purcliase of his son Nordenfeldt. When the article was written Colonel Carre, R.A., was in the Colony, trying to float a company to take over tho 1 Bt-ud, and the writer was evidently under tho impression that thero would bo no difficulty iu raising the necessary money to carry on the establishment under fresh auspices. My readers are aware how subsequent events proved the opinion, not only of Lord Onslow but a great number of others, on this point to be wrong. From New Zealand we are then taken across

the Tasman Sea to the continent of Australia, and treated to some pithy remarks on the Kirkham stud and racing successes of the late Hon. J. White. The reference in this part of the essay to the importation of Musket 1 into Australia ’ is slightly misleading, for Musket nerer was in Australia, and it is somewhat startling to see the sire of the great stallion given as Touchstone (!) it.stead of Toxophilite. The statement that in the season 1889-90 Musket headed the list of winning sires in New Zealand, his stock having won £9522, is also misleading, for it conveys the impression that this was the only year in which Musket was the most successful stallion in New Zealand, whereas he headed the list in 1886-7 with £6806, in 18S7-8 with £7349, and in ISSB-9 with £9720. Of course his crowning success has been his son Carbine’s achievements in tho present season of IS9O-1, but that has been attained too recently to be referred to in tho book. The description of. Flemington racecourse and the Victoria Racing Club is very interesting, and that tho writer is devoid of ‘insular prejudice’ is shown by the unstinted admiration he expresses for the completeness of the arrangements, which ho commends * to the stewards of Ascot, Sandown, Kempton, Leicester, and all meetings where the increasing revenue from gate money enables increased provision to be annually made for the public comfort.’ The totalisator next receives attention. The verdiet is favourable. ‘ Those who are best qualified to speak,’ liis lordship says, ‘ declare that the totalisator has been a valuable institution in the promotion of New Zealand sport. It has been the means of adding something like £50,000 a year to the amount given in stakes. Before it was legalised and brought into operation a race for £IOO of added money was considered a good stake ; now £SOO is not uncommon; the smaller races were often for wins not exceeding £25 ; now they run about £7O or £Bo.’ The method of working is fully described, and the fact that it has driven away from our courses the ‘ howling bookmakers ’ is mentioned with approbation. The book form of colonial race cards is highly commended. The remainder of the paper is devoted to general horse-breeding in the various colonies, and there is some capital word-painting in the descriptions given of stock-riding, roundingup, mustering, &c. It is stated that horsebreeders in New South Wales have chiefly devoted their attention with great success to two classes of horses only—racehorses anc heavy draught horses; but the roadster*, tho carriage horse, the cavalry horse, and the weight-carrying hunter have met with little care. It is in Victoria that breeders seem to have thought it worth while to devote themselves solely to the production of such animals. Those who have done so appear to find the best cross to be a thoroughbred horse of sufficient height and quality put either to a Cleveland mare or a good upstanding threefourths bred mare, the former producing greater bulk and strength, and the latter more quality and activity. The increasing value of the export trade to India from all the colonies including New Zealand is alluded to as of great importance, and some valuable hints are given as to the necessity of keeping up the standard and suggestions that the Indian Government should do something to render the market less uncertain. Hunting in Austx*alia and New Zealand is treated of in a masterly manner, and it is easy to see that the writer is dealing with a congenial topic. The wire fence hunting country of Canterbury is dwelt upon as a subject of special interest to English readers. He says— ‘ It is a pleasure to see with what excellent judgment and nerve many of the young men ride to hounds. You see no crowding and close following one on another, as experienc® teaches that the worst falls are caused by wire that has been pulled out a little way by a horse ahead of one, and leaving a loop for one to jump into.’ ‘ Our Horses,’ a book by Mr Saunders, M.H.R., is largely quoted from to illustrate horse culture and treatment among tho Maories, and this is by no means tbe least interesting portion of the article. In conclusion, the vexed question of the comparative excellence of English and Australian racehorses is dealt with, and tbe verdict is arrived at that it is impossible to express any decided opinion as to their relative speed. It is pointed out that the racecourses in Australia are mostly fiat, and that there is no Tottenham Corner, no hill in the raco for the Victorian Derby, and that whereas in England races are frequently run through dirt,often in heavy ground, at Flemington the going is always ‘ on the top of tho ground,’ and an opinion is expressed that this difference in the conditions fully accounts for tho average time in the Victorian Derby being a few seconds faster than the Epsom Derby. It appears to the writer that, considering the far greater number of horses in training, the wide range of blood from which every owner of a brood rnaro in Euglnnd has to select from, and the large suras of money there lavished on all the accessories of a training establishment, it is reasonable to suppose that the Australian animal has not yet acquired superiority in speed over his English compeers. He is inclined, however, to give the colonial horse the palm for staying power, which he regards as its forte. The article, I should mention, is illustrated by our Wellington artist, Mr J. Stuart Allan, and as the other articles in the volume are illustrated by such well-known artists as G. D. Giles and E. Dadd, our talented young townsman finds himself in excellent company. His sketches aro vigorous, well drawn, and boldly free from conventionalities, and it is not exaggerating to say that they do not suffer from their proximity to the work of more celebrated knights of the pencil. I am compelled to notice a great defect in the interesting paper I have been briefly criticising, which greatly detracts from its value as a reference work. The number of misprints, especially in the pedigrees of horses, is simply astounding in a book produced under such aristocratic surroundings, and by such publishers as Longmans and Co. Were a leading article in a colonial uesvspaper allowed to appear with such blunders in it the 1 reader,’ I am sure, would be dismissed tbe next day. It is sufficient to mention a few. Captain * Philip,’ instead of Captain Phillip; Winter Handicap at ‘ Hennington ' for Flemington ;

Havens worth, by Touchstone out of ‘ Fairfane,’ instead of Fair Jean ; The Peer, by Melbourne out of ‘ Cinni Felli,’ for Cinnizelli; Albany, by Thormanby out of ‘ G-risella, for Qriseldii ; Anteros, by Loiterer out of « Adresta,’ for Adrasta ; 4 Vasco de Gama ’ for Vasco di Gama ; ‘ Nordenfelt forNordcnfeldt; ‘ The largest dividend over paid was on “ Crunning ” at Hawkes Bay ’ for Crummy ; ‘ Sir Gracroft Wilson for Sir Cracroft Wilson, He., &c. I will also charitably suppose that the singular mistake in Musket’s pedigree, already alluded to, is a printer’s error. These blemishes, as I have said, detract very considerably from what otherwise, from a colonial point of view, is a highly valuable literary effort., giving the folks at Home an admirable insight into a highly interesting phase of colonial life. If a second edition is issued it. is to bo hoped these errors will bo rectified.

THE METROPOLITAN CONFERENCE.

At the Conference of Delegates of Metropolitan Clubs, held at Wellington, in August, IS9O, it was resolved to adjourn till Tuesday, 4th November, at Christchurch, and that the Metropolitan Clubs be notified that it is intended to consider the proposed constitution of the New Zealand Jockey Club at such meeting, and that the clubs be requested to appoint such delegates a 9 will insure the clubs being represented at that conference. At the conference held in Christchurch in November, IS9O, it was resolved to postpone the consideration of this question until the conference to be held in Wellington duriDg the next session of .Parliament. The conference which is alluded to in the last resolution will be opened in this city on Friday next, when the various Metropolitan Clubs in the Colony will be represented by the following delegates Auckland Racing Club, Mon E. Mitchelson and Wm. Perciva'; Canterbury Jockey Club, G. fi. Clifford ; Wellington Racing Club, H. D. Bell and J. Ruthie, M.EI.R ; Wanganui Jockey Club, Freeman R. Jackson and A. J. Parsons j Taranaki Jockey Club, Arthur Standish ; Nelson Jockey Club, H. M. Lyon ; Marlborough Racing Club, W. Pollard ; Grey mouth Jockey Club, A. R. Guinness, M.H.R., and H. M. Lyon; Hawkos Bay Jockey Club, Hon Captain Russell and Hou J. D. Ormond. The Dunedin Jockey Club have sent the following letter to the secretary of the conference, Mr F. D. Luckie : “ Dunedin, June 27th, IS9I. “Dear Sir, —At a meeting of the Committee of the Dunedin Jockey Club, held on 25th inst. your circular stating that a conference of delegates from the various Metropolitan Clubs would be held at Wellington on 10th July was read, the business being : “ (1) To consider the formation of a N.Z. Jockey Club •* (2) To receive report of sub-committee re reg : stration of colours (3) To discuss alteration to rules of racing “ After careful consideration, the Committee resolved—‘That the Dunedin Jockey Club being unanimously of opinion that there is no necessity for such an institution as a New Zealand Jockey Club, no delegate be appointed, but that ar.y suggestions for improving the rules and regulatione, which may be submitted by the other Metropolitan Clubs, will be carefully considered by the committee of the Club.’ “ The Dunedin Jockey Club has not in &ny way altered its decision as to the formation of a New Zealand Jockey Club, and have decided not to appoint a delegate to the proposed conference so as not to enter into any discussion on a matter which they bo strongly disapprove, but have authorised the Hon George McLean, on behalf of this Club, to confer with other representatives of the Metropolitan Club 3 as to the adjustment or alteration in the rules of racing that may b 8 thought necessary, “The Committee of this Club desire to work in harmony with other Club 3 in per. feetiDg uniform rules of racing, and the fact of their not appointing a delegate must not be put down to any hostile feeling, and is solely done to avoid the semblance of approval of a New Zealand Jockey Club or the passing of any resolution leading in that direction. “I am, dear Bir, yours truly, “Sydney James, “ Secretary, “Dunedin Jockey Club." The business to be transacted by the Conference is as follows:—1. Appointment of a chairman ; 2. the question of the formation of a New Zealand Jockey Club ; 3. report of the sub-committee appointed to draw up rules for the registration of colours; 4. proposed alterations and additions to the Rules of Racing. The proposed constitution of the New Zealand Jockey Club i 3 comprised in 31 regulations, which were published at the time of the last meeting of the Conference in Wellington. The following are the notices of motion given by the various clubs in reference to alterations and additions to the Rules of Racing : Canterbury Jockey Club to move : —(1) No horse in whose ownership any paid official of a race meeting or any person engaged in working the totalisator thereat haß any interest shall he qualified to start at such meeting ; any such person so entering or starting a horse shall be liable to a fine not exceeding £IOO. (2) A rule providing for the registration of partnerships. (3) That a similar rule to the English Jockey Club rule, relating to bets be inserted in place of rule 162. Wellington Racing Club to move : Rule 21, That the word “special" bestruck out of the second line and that the following words be added “ which license shall be granted only upon special grounds.” (2) Rule 38.—That this rule be amended with a view to the minimum weight to be carried by any horse in a race on the flat being raised. The Auckland Jockey Club to move ■ (1) When two or more payments for nominations, acceptances, &c., have to be made to go to the funds, the first payment shall

be the smallest, the second and. third pro rata. (2) The highest weight to be allotted in a handicap by a handienpper shall cot be less than woigbt-fin'-nge. (3) That when the totalisator is not used it shall not be necessary for programmes to ba passed, as loim as "the rules of racing are complied with. (4) A certified copy of race card of all meetings with first, second, aud third horse marked shall be forwardod after each meeting to the metropolitan club of district. (5) The added money to a race held within ten miles of the metropolitan clubs shall not be less than 40 sovs, nor shall the entry and acceptance fee exooed 3 per cent. (6) The proprietor of, or any person interested in the working of a totalisator, shall not be eligible to act as a Steward or Committeeman of a race meeting. (7) All Pony Races shall come under toe Rules of Racing. (S) The surplus in Selling Races, over selling price and stake added, shall not go. to the club fuuds, other than that accruing from the winner. (9) Jockeys shall wear a thoroughly clean aud appropriate dress, and colors of owners and nominators f hall also be in good and proper condition. (10) The minimum weight in all handicaps after Ist Juno shall be 9 stone. Hawkes Bay Jockey Club to move (1) Rule 23a—At any meet ng held on any date from the Ist September to the 30th April not more than eight races shall be included in any day’s programme, and from the Ist May to the 3lst August not more than seven races shall be included in any day’s programme. (2) Rule 46.--That the words “unless otherwise specified ” be struck out, and after the word “ winnei ” in the third line the following words ba inserted : —” Except in case of a dead heat, in which event the penalty shall be calculated on the amount payable to the winners, less any second or third money divided by such winners (also see Rule 121).” (3i Rule ISsa.— No steeplechase shall be less thm tvro miles, and there shall be at least twelve fences in the first two miles, and at least six fcnces in each succeeding mile. f 4) Rule IS5b. —No hurdle race shall be less than two miles nor over less than seven flights of hurdles, with an additional flight of hurdles for every quarter of a mile. The height of the hurdles to be not loss than 3ft 6in from the ground to the top bar. (5) That the Rules of the Totalisator be incorporated in the Rules of Racing, aud that the following be the Rules of the Totalisator:—(l) The totalisator shall be closed at the advertised time of starting the race, provided that if through accident or other unavoidable cause the advertised time cannot be adhered to the stewards may postpone the advertised time of starting, but notice of such postponement must be posted on the totalisator or other conspicuous place at least thirty minutes prior to the time &t which the race is ordered to be started. (2) Every ticket sold to the public must bear the Dame of the proprietor of the totalisator, and also specify the number of the horse and the number of the race in re spect of which the ticket is issued. (3) All dividends shall be payable to the holders of tickets on the horse placed first by the Judge, provided no objection is raised by the stewards. The proprietor of the totalisator shall pay out only on the written authority of two stewards and the secretarj . (4) Dividends will ho paid on presentation of the ticket only. (5) In the event of a horse winning being unbacked on the machine, all money shall be returned to investors leas the commission. 6. (») In the event of a dead heat the total money shall be equally divided between the horses running the dead heat, and the investors shall be paid pro rata, (b) In the evont of a dead heat being run off, it shall be treated as a now race, and the totalisator may be opened for investment on same. (7) No fraction of a shilling shall be paid out. (8) All money invested on scratched horses shall go to the winner. (9) Holders of winning tickets must claim their money within an hour after the last race, except when a protest has been lodged, in which case the stewards will appoint a place and time for payment of the money, but in such event the holders of tickets on any horse in the race who may be subsequently declared the winner shall register such tickets with the secretary within an hour after the last race, or they shall not be entitled to the ■ dividend. (10) The proprietor of the totalisator shall not be liable for the payment of a dividend iu respect: of defacsd tickets unless certified to by the stewards. (LI) Ten per centum commission may be charged on all money invested. (12) Should any dispute arise, the same shall bo referred to the stewards, whose decision shall be final.

WELLINGTON STEEPLECHASE MEETING. The following capital acceptances wore received last Friday for the Wellington Steeplechase Meeting, to come off next Saturday : Trial Steeplechase. Two miles.

The following entries were received : Selling Hurdle Race. One mile and a half.

Hack Hurdle Handicap. One mile and a half.

THE NEW ZEALAND CUP. The following is a complete list of the horses engaged in the New Zealand Cup, with the ages at the time of running, pedigrees, weights, and owners’ names : The New Zealand Cop, a handicap sweepstake of 20 sovs each, with 1000 sovs added; second horse to receive 200 sovs, and the third horse 100 sovs out of the stake. _ For three-year-olds and upwards. The winner of any handicap of the value of 100 sovs after the declaration of the weights, 31b ; 200 sovs, 51b ; 300 sovs, 71b extra. Two miles. st lb Mr S. H. Gollan’s b h Tirailleur, by Musket—Florence McCaithy syrs... 9 7 Mr H. Luna’s br h Merrie England, by St George—Rupee, syrs 9 3 Mr P. Butler’s b c Crackshot, by Nordenfeldt —Pungawerewere, 4yrs ... 9 2 Mr G. G. Stead’s ch c Medallion, by Nordenfeldt —Docket, 4yrs ... ... 8 12 Mr D. O’Brien’s b c Freedom, by Captivator —Maid of Honour, 4yrs ... S 12 Mr T. Mot rin’s blk m Hilda, by Musket Ouida, Oyrs ... ... ... ... 8 9 Mr E. Cutts’ br m Dudu, by Somuus— Fame, aged .. ... ... ••• 8 9 Mr J. Stephenson’s b it Occident, by __ •] Lapidist—The West, Gyrs 8 5 | Mr T. .Morrin’s br m Cissy, by Musket i —Frailty, oyrs S 5 Mr G. Hunter’s blk m Cynisaa, by Apre- I mont —Nautilus, Oyrs... ... ... 8 3 1 Hon J. D. Ormond’s b o Sc Andrew, by > St T,eger—Scottish Lassie, 4yrs ... 8 0 Messrs lleid Bros’ ch h Wolverine, by I,e Loup—Tangi, .Gyrs ... ... 7 13 Mr J. Kennedy’s b It Recluse, by Daniel O’Rourke—Voltarina, Gyrs 7 10 Mr W. Douglas br h Strephcn, by Ingomar—Elfin, 5y:5... _ ... ... 7 10 Mr H. Goodman’s ch g Blizzard, by Gorton —Lady Gertrude, oyrs ... 7 9 Mr G. G. Stead's br c Palliser, by Nordenfeldt —Radiance, 4yrs ... . ... 7 7 Mr L. D. Nathan’s ch c Leolantis, by Leolinus —Atlantis, 4yrs 7 7 Mr G. H. Clifford’s b g Cruchfield, by Cadogan—Puriki, aged 7 6 Mr S. H. Gollan’s b g Leonardo, by Leolinus —Erycina, syrs 7 5 Mr G. Hunter’s blk m Whisper, by Albany—Tel! Tale, aged ... ... 7 5 Hon J. D. Ormond’s ch f Queen of Trumps, by Leolinus Maid of Athol, 4vrs ... ... ... 7 o Mr R. McMasters’ b f Sincerity, by Neckeisgat—Fidelity, 4yrs 7 o Mr G. G. Stead’s b c Lebel, by Nordenfeldt —Pulchra, 3vrs ... ; 7 5 Mr J. Stephenson’s br c Mariner, by Creswick—Nancy Lee, 4yrs 7 2 Mr S. H. Gollan’s ch c Sternchaser, by Nordenfeldt —Crinoline, 3yrs ... 7 2 Major George’s be The Workman, by Robinson Crusoe—The Maid, 3yrs... 7 1 Mr S. H. Gollan’s br f Tiraillerie, by Nordenfeldt Florence McCarthy, 3yrs ... ... ... 7 1 Mr H. Lunn’s ch c Cajolery, by Apremont—Flattery, 3yrs G 13 Mr E. T.’jßhodes’ b c Morpheus, by St George—Hammock, 3yrs ... ... G 13 Mr G. G. Stead’H br c Silver Knight, by St George—Rupee, 3yrs G 13 Mr W. C. Webb’s ch f Diadem, by Bundoora —Wave, 4yrs G 12 Mr S. H. Gollan’s ch h Jet d’Eau, by Cadogan—Water witch, Gyrs ... G 12 Mr G. G. Stead’s ch c Clanranald, by St. Leger—Scottish Lassie, 3yrs ... 6 12 Mr D. O’Brien’s ch c Flinders, by Tasman—Waterwitch, 3yrs G 11 Mr W. Wilson’s b c Fraternild, by The Dauphin—Cissy, 3yrs 6 11 Mr W. Douglas’ br f Rosefeldt, by Nordenfeldt —Rose d’Amour, Syrs... G 10 Mr G. G. Stead’s ch f Melinite, by Nordenfeldt —Pearl Ash, 3yrs ... G 10 Mr J. Stephenson’s b g Huguenot, by Apremont—Martyr, 3yrs G 10 Mr J. Harris’ b c Union Flag, by St. George —Red Rose, 3yrs G 9 Mr D. O’Brien’s br c Tassy, by Tasman Vanity, 3yrs ... ... _ ... ••• ® ® Mr T. Hungerford’s blk h British Lion, by Leolinus—Spritsail, aged ... 6 8 Mr James Reed’s ch m Burd Helen, by Cadogan—Helena, Gyrs G 8 Major George’s ch f Coalscuttle, by King Cole —Florence, 4yrs 6 8 Mr T. Morrin’s br c Brigand, by Briga dier —Gannet, 3yrs G 8 Mr J. Paul’s ch g Cretonne, by Ascot— Leonessa, 3yrs ... 6 8 Mr Sutton’s b c Dishonour, by Gaptivator—Maid of Honour, 3yrs ... 6 8 Mr Maitland’s br c Orestes, by Nordenfeldt —Clytemnestra, 3yrs G 7 Hon G. McLean’s ch f Pique, by Gorton —Malice, 4yrs G 7 Major George’s ch m Fiesole by Ingomar —Florence, Syrs G 7 Mr G. G. Stead’s ch f Burlesque, by Cadogan—Nonsense, 4yrs G 7 Mr P. Butler’s blk c Thackeray, by Apremont —Becky Sharp, 4yrs ... G 7 Hon G. McLean’s b c Conjuror, by Gorton—Legerdemain, 3yr3 G 7 Mr S. H.-Gollan’s Captain Webb, by Natator —Fame, 3yrs... ... ... 6 7 Mr G. H. Clifford’s br c Flaxbourne, by Stonyhurst—Wai, 3yrs ... ... G 7 Mr G. P. Donnelly’s cli c, by Ariel— Pearl, Syrs ... ... ••• 6 7 Mr 11. Redwood’s ch c, by Eamarama— Rosalind, 3yrs G 7 MrJ.G. Smith’s br c Adventurer by Fusilier—Lass ’o the Hills, Syrs ... G 7 Hon G. McLean’s b g Dormeur, by Gorton —Indolence, 4yrs .. ... C o Mr G. P. Donnelly’s b g Hakimana, by Ariel —Waiwaihapi, 3yrs G 5 Captain Russell’s ch f Aronoel, by Apremont—Leonora, 4yrs ... G 3 Hon J. D. Ormond’s b f Thane, by f.word Dance—Lady Mersey, Syrs G 2

Mr L. D. Nathan's b f Roie, by St. Leger—Hippona, 3yrs 6 2 Mr W. Perceval’s br c Tulloch. by Sword Dance Welcome Katie, ovrs ... ... ... ... ... G 2 Hon G. McLean’s b c Dilemma, by Rubezahl—Lady Gertrude, 3yrs ... 6 2 Hon J. D. Ormond’s ch c Free Lance, by St. George - Becky Sharp, 3yrs 6 2 Mr L. Mackersey’s b m Kie Kie, by Lord of the Isles —Toi, syrs ... 6 0 Mr J. Moore’s ch c Goodwood, by Ascot —Maid of Eccleston, 3yis ... ... 6 0 Mr T. S. Bristol’s She. by Daniel O’Rourke—Equation, syrs ... ... G 0 Hon J. D. Ormond’s ch c Triton, by St. Leger—Naiad, 3yrs ... ... ... 6 0 Mr W. Douglas’ b c Kapua, by The Mute—Uira, 3yrs ... ... ... 6 0 Hon «T. D. Ormond’s br f Sabra, by St. George—Miss Flat, 3yrs ... ... 6 0 Mr J. Mailer’s b g Seraph, by Albany— Helena, 4yrs ... ... ... ... 6 0 Hon J. D. Ormond’s ch g Hippomena, by St. Leger—Atalanta, 3yrs ... 6 0 Mr G. Wratt’s b c Fairchild, by Black Rose —Hinemoa, 3yrs 6 0 Mr D. Campion’s br f Fortune, by Ascot —Speculation, oyrs ... ... ... 6 0 The ages given are at the time ef running. The following table shows the handieapper’s estimate of each horse in the New Zealand Cup, calculated on the weight-for-age scale :

Christchurch, July G. Occident was scratched for the New Zealand Cup at 2 p.m. to-day. By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.

NEWMARKET FIRST JULY MEETING.

(special). London, July 2. The following was the result of the principal race at the Newmarket First July Meeting yesterday : The Zetland Plate, of 500 sovs, together with a sweep of 10 sovs each, h. ft., for three-year-olds ; colts Bst 101 b, fillies Bst 71b ; the sweepstakes to go to the second and the forfeits to the fund ; winners extra, and maiden allowances; Rowley Mile (Gi subs). Lord Calthorpe’s b c Versifier, by Petrarch —Vertumna i Lorcl Durham’s ch c Peter Flower, by Petrarch —Florida... ... ... ••• ” Prince Soltylcoff’s b c Woolsthorpe, by Tibthorpe—Light of Other Days 3 THE ZETLAND PLATE. London, July 7. The principal two-year-old race at the Leicester Meeting resulted to-day as follows : ..... , The Zetland Plate, of 1500 sovs (1000 to the winner, 300 to the nominator of the winner, and 100 each to tho owner and nominator of the second) ; for two-year-olds, colts 9st, fillies and geldmgs Bst 111 b, winners extra, and maidea allowances. Five furlongs (110 entries). Mr H. Milner’s b f Broad Corrle, by Hampton—Corrie Ruy ... ... ... 1 Mr C. J. Blake’s b or br f Bellinxona, by Necromanoer —Hasty Girl ... ... 2 Lord Penrhyn’s b f Thistledown, by Master Kildare—Flower of Scotland ... 3 A PLUCKY PURCHASE. London, July 2. At Newmarket to-day Mr Daniel Cooper,

the Australian sportsman, purchased a yearling colt by Barcaldine—Katherina for 1400 guineas. MELBOURNE BETTING. ( press association. ) Sydney, July 2. _ The betting market on the Spring events is very dull, and prices for the Melbourne Cup remain unchanged. Offers of 1000 to 50 on the field for the Caulfield Cup failed to lead to any business. Bungebah is nominally favourite for the Caulfield Cup. Melbourne, July 6. There is no straight out wagering over the Caulfield Cup going on. Bungebah is the nominal favourite at 100 to G. Carbine holds the place of favourite for the Melbourne Cup at 10 to 1 (tk and off) ; 100 to 7 is quoted against Vengeance. Doubles on the two Cups are receiving some attention at 1000 to 2, and 1000 to 5. Strnmboli is favourite for the Derby at 4 to I (off) ; Penance, 6to 1; Swordbearer, Bto 1. Melbourne, July S. For tho V.R.C. Grand National Hurdles the erst New Zealander, Ixion, has been installed first favourite, and been backed to win £6OOO. The best price about him now is 10 to 1, and there is but little money in the market for him. The quotations are : 10 to 1 agst Ixion 100 —9 —— Frolia 100 S Busaco and Tradition IGO and Priscilla 100 100 VICTORIAN SCRATCHINGS. Melbourne, July 7. The following horses have been scratched for the Grand National Hurdle Race to be run on Saturday : —Audacity, Little Arthur, Harbinger, Dick, Lady Wilde and Nankipoo. THE FEILDING HUNT CLUB. Feilding, July 6. A meeting of members of the United Hunt Club was held on Saturday, and resolved to have the hounds up to Feilding for a season ; also to hold a Steeplechase Meeting early in September. Ample funds were subscribed. TURF GOSSIP FROM THE SOUTH. (By Mcjsket). A long unbroken spell of frosty weather came to an end a few days since, and we have had a mild change, tho rainfall, however, being light. Traiuersat head quarters have been getting some fair work over, and the various Grand National candidates have been striding along, and most of our horses are in very good form, so far as actual health and condition goes ; though the class of nine tenths of our jumpers, beyond their jumping qualifications is decidedly weak. Altogether what with hunters, chasers and hurdle candidates, there are not more than fifteen or sixteen at Riccarton yet, but between Canterbury and Otago, there are more than double this number in active work in view of the Hunt Club and other jumping events north and south.

From what I can see of the work that Ahua has been doing at Riccarton during the past week, I expect that he will go to Well ngton to fulfil his engagement iu the Steeplechase. He jumped very nicely the other morning over the big fences. Kulnine has not been fencing so well as he did, and Irish King has been stopped in his work for some reason, and probably one of his legs has shown signs of giving way. These patched up ones are kittle cattle at best.

It is thought out Riccarton way that the shortening of the Steeplechase course will be all in favour of Ahua. For my own part, I fancy he can stay for a week under a racing weight, and I suppose a stone or two, so far as some of the crocks hereabout are concerned, would be a small matter to the game little son of the defunct Painter.

Of course, Ahua is a North Island horse, and though owned by a good sportsman, Mr Duncan Rutherford, Canterbury can take as little credit for him as England could for an Irish horse. Ahua is as popular here, however, as though ho were a local bred one, and already the public are backing him at what appears an absurdly short price. Fancy taking 4 to 1 about a horse before the weights appear, in a field of 33. Why Ahua is as big a favourite for the Grand National as Carbine for the Melbourne Cup. Ahua may go North iu the same boat that takes this letter.

Regina is doing good work, but so far as her jumping qualities are concerned we are kept in the dark, and little has been seen of her some mornings lately, aud it is whispered that Cults lias a hunting ground away from the rude gaze of the touts. I cannot say whether this is true or not, but I know that some of his horses are doing good solid work at the track ; and Ganger, in the same stable, has been jumping lately in company with Freeman.

Folly is the best of Sheenan’s two, that is so far as soundness goes, and, as Erin-go-bragh and Tornado are both dickylegged ones, lie may be the only one to stand up to his collar on the eventful day. I do not know the origin of tlie nomenclature of the gelding Folly, but he was bred in tho Spring&ton district, and I think I told you had been through as many hands as a Wellington cab horse the worse for wear. Ho was once soM for £5, and that was when he left his breeder, but report says ten shillings was his selling price before he came into Sheenan’a hands. The only three horses enquired for hero in betting circles for the Grand National Hurdle Race are Kulnine. The Idler, and Regina, and the two former are not four-

year-olds till August Ist, and both are really green at the game, but Regina has a private reputation of having done some hunting up Blenheim way. The New Plumpton Park Company have arranged for a Steeplechase course in full view of their Grand Stand, and the owners of property in the neighbourhood offered every facility and to-day the Company submitted their programme to the C.J.C., but no definite decision has bran given by that body up to the time of the mail leaving, and I hear there is some bother about passing programmes f<>r companies. I may mention that the New Zealand Trotting Association are likely to reject llie Plumpton Company’s proposal for affiliation on the ground that their rules will not allow them to affiliate clubs other than ‘ duly organised’ Trotting or Racing Club?.

At tb.e Annual Meeting of the Canterbury Trotting Club last evening a full attendance of members was recorded and from the report of the treasurer the affairs of this club are in a healthy state. Their meeting on August 14th promises to be well patronised, and £250 is to be given in stakes thereat. Mr Henry's handicap for the New Zealand Cup i 3 well received, and 100 to v on the field is the pries obtainable from some of the pencillers hero, a sure indication that nothing is thought to be pitchforked in. I fancy that some of the best of our horses may go away soon. Some of the best performers are unsound and I should not be at all surprised to see the field dwindle down to small proportions, though many anticipate a big field. Occident is the only horse scratched so far, and he was not the soundest horse in the list by any means.

(BY TELEGRAPH. OWN CORRESPONDENT.) Christchurch, July S. Mr G. H. Clifford, delegate for the Canterbury Jockey Club, goe3 to Wellington toraotrow, and Ahua, our steeplechase representative, is to be sent up by the Takapuna. He is very well. It was reported that he was lame after schooling yesterday morning, but this is a mere canard. He should run well, notwithstanding his weight, in the big event. July 8. At the meeting of the Trotting Association last night twenty-six delegates were present, and much discussion took placo on questions bearing on the constitution of that body. It was resolved to adjourn till Tuesday in order that every delegate should hare his status defined. It is anticipated that the new delegates will materially strengthen the Association ; but as companies are now move strongly represented, and rival interests are at stake, proposals will be submitted favouring the addition of some rule causing the clubs to present a balance sheet showing that all moneys derived from meetings over and above the small percentage to pay interest on invested capital and cost of management must be viven in stakes. This is so far as the proprietary interests are involved. The revision of the rules and other matters of interest will be dealt with.

NOTES AND CLIPPING?

New Zealand. Dudu, Nautilus, Regina and Adulation, are to visit Chainsh it this season. After the Grand National Meeting, Ahua ia to go to the stud. Hi will stand at Mr D. Rutherford’s station at Leslie Hills. , „ , The Hawkes Bay correspondent of the Weekly Press thus expresses himself on the vexed question as to what horse really ought to have won the Napier Steeplechase : —What the result would have been had Sentinel stood up would be a debateable question, but certain it is he would have been over the jump first, and as they had then only about three hundred yards to go I am inclined to the opinion that the Aucklander would have won, as both horses were going wonderfully well and neither jockey had up to this point drawn his whip.’ This is at Btrong variance with ‘ Buff and Black s statement that it was a certainty for Tanraekaitai, as Sentinel was done.’ Queenslander, the winner of the Final Steeplechase at Napier, is owned in Wanganui and is by Papapa. Duadine, the winner of the Maiden Steeplechase is by Serenader’a Double. The following amounts have been paid over by the Hawke3 Bay Jockey Club in connection with their recent Steeplechase Meeting : —Mr J. Rollo, £2lB 10s ; Mr J. Wilson, £75 ; Mr D. Hepburn, £57 ; Mr C. Richards, £47 10s ; Mr H. Jackson, £47 10s ; Mr J. Maher, £3B ; Hon. J. D. Ormond, £l9 ; Mr R. Wheeler, £l9 ; Mrs Jervis George (Bracelet) £80; Mr F. Watson (Whip), £5 ss; total £617 ss. Mr B. Dennehy, owner of Somnambulist, War Cry, Penguin, &c., says the Hawkes Bay correspondent of the Weekly Press, met with a nasty accident last night, which, fortunately, did not result seriously. On entering his stables one of the animals let out his hind legs, and caught him in the pit of the stomach. The blow was so severe as to necessitate calling in a medical man, but the sufferer is recovering. [Perhaps this is the reason Somnambulist has not accepted for the Trial Steeplechase, in which he was very leniently treated by the handioappor. ] ‘ Mazeppa’ hasmadeup theamount passed through the totalisator at the Dunedin Jockey Club’s meeting during the season now closing, which shows that it is the largest amount ever handled by the club in a season, with the exception of that for 1889-90, which was swelled abnormally by the Exhibition meeting. The pa3t seven season’s totals are as follow ;

The same writer gives the following table of the amounts of added money given by the five loading clnb3 in the colony, as compared with what they gave ten years ago.

The owners of Brigadier were approached during the present week says Phaeton, as to the lowest price they were prepared to take for the son of Musket and Pungawerewere, when the answer returned was, 1 understand, 900 guineas. As nothing further has been heard of the matter, it may bo inferred that the price is considered too heavy. It is understood that the inquiry was made on behalf of the Hon. Mr Ormond, of Hawkes Bay.

It is estimated that the amount of money put through the totalisator in New Z 'aland this season will be close on £600,000. ‘ Phaeton ’ selects Tirailleur, 9st Tibs, Cissy Bst s!b.s, Sirophon 7st lOibs, Sternchaser 7st 21bs, and The Workman 7st lib, as the five best in the New Zealand Cup A Sydney paper announces the death of Musketeer, who is described as a full brother to Matchlock, (by Musket-Yat terms). ‘ Phaeton ’ refering to the statement, says it is a mistake, as the only animal of the same breeding in Australia, is the Hon. W. Pearson’s Firelock. He thinks the deceased animal alluded to is a horse got by Musket from the French bred mare, Bergero, who was one of the first batch of yearlings sent to Australia by the Auckland Stud Co. Mr S. H. Gollan’s intentions with regard to an Australian trip are still shrouded in obscurity. S -me say he intends to go, and some say he will stay at home. If Sternchaser is as good as reported the Hawkes Bay squire will probably go over. Mr Dan O’Brien ha 3 now definitely stated that he has no longer any interest in Whimbre).

‘ R ita ’ seems greatly taken with the progress exhibited by Din O’Brien’s team. Ho says : ! Tassie and Fiorrie are wintering well, and they have every appearance of coining out in the spring great!} 7 improved racers. Both are gro wing and filling out, and in the future there will bo no disputing over the quality of Tasman’s first season’s got, or I am greatly mistaken. In the same team Freedom is looking and going well, and doubtless ho will bi heard of in the spring. He doa» not seem to deteriorate as he grows older, and perhaps ho will ba in his best form next season. One great thing about the Lonsdale Lodge horses is they are always trained to the minute when required to race.’ Tom Field in the same stable broke down some time ago, but is in work again. The Marten Jncksy Club intend improving their course. Amongst other improvements a now plough track is to be made on the inside of the course proper. Minnie, the well-known hack who slipped her hip at Tattersall’s Meeting at Takapuna, has had to bo destroyed. Medallion was backed for the New Zealand Cup at 10 to 1 before the weights appeared. It was rumoured some time ago that Mr Goodman was likely to take Blizzard, Galtee, and one or two others to Melbourne this spring, but it is now generally thought that the trip will not be made. The lenient treatment of Blizzard in the New Zealand Cup should operate in the direction of keeping tho owner and horse in the Colony. It is reckoned nearly a certainty that that Dan O’Brien will take Freedom and Flinders ovei to Australia. Australian.

Mr W. R. Wilson, in a conversation some days ago, informed me (says ‘ Augur’) that he was quite prepared to make one of a syndicate to send half a dozen really good horses to England, Now, if Mr William Long, M. O’Shanassy, Donald Wallace, William Cooper, and Sir William Clarke would join him in such an enterprise, we might make a very respectable show on the English Turf. Rufus, who won the V.R.C. Derby in 1884, recently ran at the Allendale Queen’s Birthday Meeting, when he won the principal event, value 5 sovs, but was disqualified for having run inside a post. ‘ Augur ’ is of opinion that a surprise is in store this year in connection with the V.R.C. Derby, and he selects Bengal and Ascot Vale as the pair most likely to bring it off. Bengal, who is in the same stable as the favourite Stromboli, i 3 a son of Chester and Gymkana, while Ascot Vale is a son of St. Albans and Solitude.

Mr James Redfearn has disposed of Benzon to an up country purchaser. The son of Argus Scandal and Lady Ellen had been a great disappointment to his late owner and breeder, who was glad to get rid of him.

* Asmodeu3 ’ says : The Admiral recently returned to Sandringham after enjoying a week’s spell at his old quarters, Pytchley Lodge, Flemington. The Derby winner is still troubled by his teeth, a complaint which has affected him since tho commencement of tho season.

Two shipments of horses to India from

Sydney were made by the steamers Buephalus and Wurora last week. Among the contingent by the Worora were the well-known racehorses Ben bolt, by Newbold from Lrdy Baldwin ; Dilislc, by Kingsborough from Washed Ashore ; and the steeplechasers Acolyte, by Land.slip from Minnie, and Native, by Castle Hill. The first-named trio have been purchased for Mess-s Apcar and G ispsr, prominent supporters of the turf in India, by Mr Southall, under whose cure they proceed to C duutta, where they will by trained in connection with Bravo, Moorhouse and Co.

Mr J. Cbaafe’s Melbourne Cup nomination, Euroka, whoso pedigree was omitted in our list published last week is a chestnut colt by Whealmoat—My Fancy. He will be a 3-year-old when tho Cup is run. A private lotter received by a gentleman in Auckland, speaks very highly of Zilinski’s prospects for the V.R.C. Derby.

‘ Hoero Poene ’ the Australian correspondent of the Witness, selects Carbine, Vengeanc", Greygown, Tantallon, G’Naroo, and Bel Giorno as the beat six in the Melbourne Cup. Moraine, who was sold by Mason in Australia a short time ago, was unplaced with 9at in the Welter Handicap at Warwick Farm on the 20oh ult.

Greygown is said to have been very sore after winning the Royal Stakes at Brisbane. His feet had to be kept in poultices for 24 hours afterwards. Under these circumstances it is not surprising that when offered for sale shortly afterwards only £6OO was offered; The reserve was £I2OO.

Says the Australasian : —* The totalisator is probably the most popular of innovation, and it has been the means of keeping racing alive where it would otherwise languish, as in South Australia. The question of its adoption in Victoria involves many considerations, and there are many prejudices to be overcome. Without express legislation it cannot be had, and the Legislature is afraid of legalising betting or giving Parliamentary sauction to practices which are supposed tc be evil, even though the effect may be to greatly lessen evil and get rid of unlimited roguery.’ Charlio Rudings, formerly of New Zealand, and lately of Victoria, is about to leave for India. An own brother to Marvel is nominated for the V.R.C. Derby of 1892. Charlio Parker, formerly well known in the South Island, was killed by being thrown from a mare named Vagary at Adelaide, on Saturday, the 20th ult. He had won one race on her, and was riding her in another the same afternoon, when she crossed her legs and stumbled, shooting Parker over her head. The unfortunate man, who was g r eatly respected both in New Zealand and Australia, received such injuries that he died three or four hours afterwards.

The following appears in the Sydney Mail of the 27th ulto. :—After a digest of tho weights for the Y.R.C. Melbourne Cup, speculation took definite shape on Tuesday, when Carbine hardened in the market, and 100 to 10 was the best price to be obtained at the finish, all the money at 100 to 8 and 9 having been exhausted. Vengeance was next in demand, and the son of Newmiti3ter was backed to win over £6OOO at 100 to 3 and 4, and 100 to 5 was the best offer at the close. Backers would operate against Melos, Malvolio, and Dreadnought at 100 to 3, but the best price available was 100 to 4, con sequemly very little business was transacted. From 100 lo 3to 100 to 1 could be got about any other ; the latter quotation being available against about fifty outsiders.

‘ Asmodeus,’ in the Leader, selects Carbine, 10 st 121 b ; Melos, 9st 51b ; Vengeance, Bst lllb ; Sir William, Bst 71b ; Greygown, Bst 71b; Malvolio, Bst 41b; Tantallon, Bst 3!b ; Muriel, Bst; Whakawai, 7st lllb ; Spokesman, 7st 101 b ; Stromboli, 7st9.b, and The Tyler, 7st 81b as the beat handicapped dozen in the Melbourne Cup. Reducing tlu-se to a trio he goes for Vengeance, Sir William, and Malvolio. Curiously enough ‘Nemo,’in the Sydney Mail, goes for exactly the same three, with Carbine added. Mr S. G. Cook, owner of The Admiral, The Spot, The Harbour Light, Yarran, &c., has relinquished rasing, and his horses are in tho sale list. English and Foreign.

The Hungarian Minister of the Interior has issued a decree prohibiting aIL betting offices. Betting, which has hitherto been very general in the city, and has spread even among the lowest classes of the population, will in future only be allowed at the totalisator, or through a bookmaker on the racecourse.

A returned Australian who, tho Melbourne Sportsman states, was some years back one of tho best colonial amateur riders, gives it as his opinion that if Carbine, Abecorn, Marvel, aud Ampliion met over a mile the English crack (Amphion) would win. At the sale of the late Senator Harst’a horses at Sheepshead Bay, on May 14ih, the 26 head fetched an average of 4925d01. The New Zealand-bred sire, Sir Modred, was represented at the sale, aud his son Tournament brought top price of 33,500 dollars, that being the figure at which he was knocked down to Mr Keene. Mr Noel Fenwick last October offered to sell Mimi for L 5500, but could not find a purchaser. Her victories in tho One Thousand Nuineas, Newmarket Stakes and Oaks, bring her winnings thus early in tho season to L 12550. The initial experiment of submitting a

number of American-bred 2 year-olds at auction in England has met with a fair measure of success, aud the sale is thus referred to by a leading contributor to the London sporting press :—‘The disposal of several Americau born throughbred 2-year old fillies, viewed as an experiment, can hardly bo regarded as otherwise than encouraging to tlss importer, and let it be hoped Mr Easton will send us more such specimens of the Transatlantic ni’xture, which, in the opinion of the writer at all events, n innot but refreshen strains from some long lost famous fountain head.’ Here ia a return of the p.incipal lots disposed of : Spanish Dancer, bl f, by Farandole—Miss Hampton, by Great Toni, Mr R Marsh, 300 guineas ; Blazeaway, bl or br f, by Blitzes—Emma H., by Watson, Mr R. Marsh, 460 guineas ; Twilight, ch f, by Rapture or Onondaga—Skylight, by Jack Malone, Mr P. Price, 125 guineas ; LtDuchesso Rouge, br h, by Strathmore or Duke of Montrose —Type of Beauty, by Typhosus, Mr T. Cannon, 140 guineas; Tuikish Delight, ch f, by Hyder Ali— Jollity, by Kyrle Daly, Mr Swan, 100 guineas ; Duenna, ch f, by Milner — Fedalma, by Wheatley, Lord F. Hope, 410 guineas ; Maid‘Marlau, ch f, by Forester—Elaine, by Highlander, Mr T. Jennings, jus., 140 guineas. The fillies are favorably spoken of as a whole, the pick of the basket being Blazeaway, she being almost black, ticked with silvery hairs, aud showing that fine quality, combined with muscular development, accustomed to be seen in Rosieruciin’s progeny, begotten by a Leamington horse, her dam by a son of Lexington. Others are said to till the eye on a larger scale, notably Duenna and Maid Marian, both slashing chestnuts, conspicuous in white markings, the former being, perhaps, the more commendable, whilst many admired Turkish Delight, also of Leamington descent, with a dash lent by imported Kyrle Daly, of Irish blood. The French Government, on May 33, carried through a bill which practically abolishes bookmaking in connection with horse racing in Franco, while the parimutuel or totalisator Bystem of speculation is thereby re-established. In future no race course can bo opened without the preliminary permission of the Minister of Agriculture. Racing will only bo tolerated when organised exclusively for the improvement of horse bleeding, and organised by societies of which the statutes have met with the approval of the Minister of Agriculture. The verdict in England i 3 that the season’s fillies are better than the colts. Chester has the bast claim to be considered the first city where horse-racing was introduced. The Tradesman’s Cup (tho old title of llie Chester cup) is traced back to 1511, so that tho Darby and Oaks are comparatively young institutions.

Land and Water tells us that there is much to like about the Australian-bred Mons Meg, a level, lengthy bay filly, with two white heels, and a blaze face, and whose conspicuous qualities are d'qjth of girth aud wide, powerful quarters. The colonial hardly stripped for the March Stakes a 3 well as some of the others, for she lias not got her summer coat yet, and therefore was somewhat devoid of bloom. Her action is perhaps not quite so good as her looks, but, all things considered, she is a very nice mare, a fact which was proved by her position in the race. Advices from America record the result of the race for the Brooklyn Handicap of 20,000 dollars, Ijmiles, ran at the Brooklyn Spring Meeting on May 15. The priz 3 attracted 20 horses, and the top weight—Mr D. T. Pulsifer’s b h Tenny, by Rayon d’Or from Bel'e of Maywood, 9it 61b —won by two lengths in 2 minutes 10 seconds. Tenny started favourite at 2to 1. It will be rememb-red that last season, in a match with Salvator over a mile and a quarter, Tenny was only beaten by a short head in 2 minutes 5 seconds. The services of the American sire Iroquois, winner of the English Derby, 1881, appears, according to the following excerpt from the New York Spnrtsmau, to be in demand by Australian breeders : ‘Overtures have been made to General Jackson, of Belle Meade, by Australian parties, lo secure the services of Iroquois for several marts by Musket, tho famous Australian sire. Foals in Australia take their ago from August 1 ; and so the services of Iroquois are wautod about September or October.’

st lb st lb Dangerous 10 4 General Gordon 9 9 Christmas 10 4 Canute ... 9 7 Chester 10 2 Johnnie 9 7 ltoger 10 2 Lucy Glitters... 9 7 The Monk 10 0 Pirate ... 9 7 Don 9 9 Hurdle Handicap. One mile and three quarters. Sentinel 12 9 Oaldands 9 11 Pyramus 11 7 Here 9 10 Master Agnes... 10 10 Theorem 9 10 Couranto 10 7 Newmarket ... 9 10 Angler ... 10 6 Ival 9 10 Whalebone 10 5 Kimberley 9 0 Christmas 10 0 Blue Mountain 9 0 Ladies* Trophy. Two miles (on the flat). Jetd’Eau 12 12 Kimberley 11 2 Norton 12 0 Waihi 11 0 Master Agnes... 11 10 Blue Mountain 10 12 Lenore 11 7 Pirate 10 12 Reputation 11 2 The Laird 10 3 Wellington Steeplechase Handicap. Three miles. Ahua ... 12 12 Dangerous 9 10 Sentinel _ ... 12 2 Christmas 9 10 Tauraekaitai ... 11 11 Here 9 10 Oceola ... 10 10 Otaieri 9 10 Kangaroo 10 7 Rough 9 8 Darnley 10 5 Yardman 9 8 Whalebone 10 0 Roger ... 9 8 Oeo 10 0 General Gordon 9 7 Gladstone 9 10 Canute 9 7

High-weight Handicap. One mile and a quarter (on the flat.) Angler . 12 0 Waihi ... 10 7 Lsnore . 11 7 RuEus ... 10 7 I’yrainus . 11 7 Hnkatere ... 10 6 liosa Bonheu r 10 12 Blenheim ... 10 4 Hiainoe . 10 7 Blue Mountain 10 0 The Baird . 10 7

Mr C. Moore's Clyde (L30) ... .. Mr ,T. B, Williamson's Begorrah (L20).. st 11 lb 3 10 7 Mr W. 11. Buick’s Play (1/20) 10 '7 Mr D. Scally’s Corsair (B20) 10 7 JMr .T. Kollo’s Newmarket (L10) 10 0 Mr A. Wylie’s Matchless (BIO) ... 10 0

st lb st lb Roger ... 11 7 Peacock ... 9 9 Acolyte 10 7 Donovan ... 9 9 The Joker 10 5 Melos ... ... 9 0 Corsair... 10 4 Mataiwhetu ... 9 0 Depression 10 2 J ohnnie ... 9 0 Black Diamond 9 9 Alice ... 9 0 Pirate 9 9

Name. Age. W’t wfa Yrs. st lb st lb Tirailleur 5 9 7 9 5 21b over Merrie England 5 9 3 9 5 21b ,, Crackshofc 4 9 2 9 0 21b ,, Medallion 4 8 12 9 0 2lb under Freedom 4 S 12 9 0 21b >1 Hilda 0 8 9 9 1 61b J 1 Dudu a 8 9 9 1 61b Occident 0 8 5 9 G 151b Cissy 5 8 f 9 0 91b Cynisca 5 S 3 9 0 111b » 1 St Andrew ... 4 8 0 9 0 141b 1 I Wolverine ... 6 7 13 9 6 211b « f Recluse G 7 10 9 G 241b t 1 Streplion 7 10 9 5 2 >lb I 1 Blizzard 5 7 9 9 2 211b It Palliser 4 7 7 9 0 211 h It Leolantis 4 7 7 S 9 lGIb M Cruchfield ... a 7 G 9 3 251b 1! l.eonardo 5 7 5 9 2 251b Whisper a 7 5 9 1 241b Queen of Trumps 4 7 5 3 9 lSlb Sincerity 4 1 5 s 9 181b Rebel... 3 7 5 7 6 lib Mariner 4 7 2 9 0 iGlb Stsrnchaser ... 3 7 1 7 G 51b The Workman 3 7 1 7 G 5b Tiraillerie 3 7 1 7 1 w.f.a. nder Cajolery 3 G 13 7 G 71b u Morpheus 3 G 13 7 G 71b J f Silver Jvnight 3 G 13 7 G 71b 1 « Diadem 4 G 12 8 9 251b 1 I Jetd’Evu 0 G 12 9 3 331b 4 1 Olanranald ... 3 G 12 7 G 81b If Flinders 8 G 11 7 6 91b 1 1 Fraternity ... 3 3 11 7 G 91b 1 1 Rosefeldt 3 G 10 7 1 51b 1 J 3 G It: 7 1 51b 1 » Huguenot 3 G 9 7 6 111b I 1 Union Flag ... 3 6 9 7 G 111b ti Tassy 3 6 9 7 G 111b If British Dion... a 6 8 9 6 401b t 4 Burd Helen ... G G 8 9 1 351 b II Coalscuttle ... 4 6 8 8 9 291b tf Brigand 3 6 8 7 e. 121b If Cretonne 3 G S 7 3 91b Dishonour ... 3 G S 7 1 71b If Orestes 3 G 7 7 G 131b f f Pique 4 6 7 8 9 161b f > 5 6 7 9 0 351b ft Burlesque 4 G 7 9 0 351b f f Thackeray ... 4 6 7 9 0 351b f 1 Conjuror 3 6 7 7 6 131b If Captain Webb 3 G 7 7 G L31b f I Flax bourne ... 3 6 7 7 6 131b If Ariel—Pearl colt 3 G 7 7 C 13 ;b If Ramarama — Rose131b bud colt ... 3 G 7 7 6 1 t Adventurer ... 3 6 7 7 G 131b f « Dormeur 4 G 5 8 9 321b f f Hakimana ... 3 G 5 7 3 121b ft 4 G 3 S 9 341b f t 3 G 2 7 1 131b 1 t 3 G 2 7 1 131b 1 1 Tullocli 3 G 2 7 C 181b fl Dilemma 3 G 2 7 6 181b ft Free Dance ... 3 G 2 7 6 181b t I Kie Kie 5 G 0 9 0 421b fl Goodwood ... 3 G 0 7 t 201b 1 1 5 6 0 9 C 12!b It 3 6 0 7 e ■201b *» Kapua 3 3 G 6 0 0 7 7 g i 201b 151b II »l Seraph Hippomena ... 4 3 3 6 0 0 s 7 o 131b 171b 1 1 II 3 G 0 7 G 201b J » Fortune 3 6 0 7 1 151b ] I

Season £ Season £ 1SS4-S5 . .. 65,573 18S5.SG .., 00,173 1S8G S7 .. .. 54,294 18S7-8S . ... 57,318 1SS8S9 .. 1S90-91 .. .. 67,507 ; 92,161 18S9 90 . .. 104,379

1SS0-1 1890 91. £ £ Dunedin 2,805 10.5P0 Canterbury . 3,570 7,535 Auckland 2,355 7 305 Hawke’s Bay 750 3 775 Wellington 1,282 3,725 Total £10,772 £33,030