Sporting.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1013, 31 July 1891, Page 14

Sporting.

RACING calendar. NEW ZEALAND. August 13—N.Z. Grand National Meeting. August 15.—Christchurch Hunt Club Steeplechase. August 21.—Ashburton Hunt Club Steeplechases. August 27. —North Canterbury Steeplechases. September 3.—Rangltikei Hunt Club Steeplechase. September 11 and 12.—Otago Hunt Club Races. September 17 and IS.—South Canterbury J.C. Spring Meeting. October 5 and G —Hawket Bay J.C. Spr ng Mieting. November 9, 11, and 11.—Canterbury Metropolitan Meeting. . November 19 and 20.—Ashburton Spring Meeting. AUSTRALIAN. September 12, 15, 17, and 19.—A. J.C. Spring Meeting September 21 and 23. Hawke.bury R.C. Spring Meeting. October 17.—Caulfield Cup. Oct. 31—Victoria Derby. Nov. 3—Melbourne Cup TOPICS OF THE DAY.

(By ‘ ‘ V igilant. ”)

Mr J. E. Henry, liandicapper to the Canterbury Jockey Club, was a passenger by the Rotorua to Lyttelton on Thursday, in order to be present at the Grand National Meeting and the Christchurch Hunt Club Meeting. The acceptances for the New Zealand Cup are due on the 7th August. I gave my opinion about the handicap when it first appeared, and selected Blizzard, 7st 91b, as my representative. I had intended to have given a further review before the acceptances were declared, but one thing and another has delayed it, and now it had better be left over until the discontented have eliminated themselves. There is this to be said for Mr Henry’s work, that on all the races he has handicapped yet, good betting has been done. ■ A report that the yearling colt Ballance by Administrator —Ruby, had died at Mr N. Grace’s station in the Wairarapa, has been running all over the Colony. I see it mentioned as a fact in the Otago Witness of last week. It is, however, quite untrue, for Ballance is still alive, and hearty. The animal that was killed was a foal by Administrator belonging to Mr Morris of Carterton.

Owing to the wet weather lately the completion of the tan gallop at the Hutfc course has been considerably delayed. An unexpected difficulty also cropped up in the fact that the supply ct taa ran short. Arrangements have now been made for a further supply, and tho work should go rapidly ahead. The acceptances for the Grand National Steeplechase and Hurdle R ice aro very satisfactory, and there should be a g••o.l contest for each. There aro 14 left in the Steeplechase, and 19 m tho Hurdles. The final payments for both races are not due until Saturday, Bth August. A mild sensation, as the saying 13, was caused on Monday last by the news that Dudu had been scratched for tho New Zealand Cup. Our correspondent, ‘ Muskot,’ in his letter says that no reason was assigned for the scratching, but I am told that she has broken down. Mr E. Cutts, tho owner of the mare, has done the public a good turn by scratching her so promptly, as she is a favourite with backers, and had she been left in many a pound might have been made oat of her by tho bookmakers who were in the ‘ know.’

All New Zialand sportsmen will bo glad to hear that. Mr W. Douglas, who so pluckily took a large team of horses over to Australia, principally for the V.R.O. Grand National Meeting, has at auv rate paid his expenses by Jupiter’s win in the Cpen Fiemington Steeplechase. The conditions of this race are as follows :—A handicap sweepstake, of 5 sov3 each, with 300 sovs added; second horse to receive GO and the third 30 sovs out of the stake. About two miles. Jupiter’s weight was lOst 71b. It appears that no New Zealander was placed either in the Grand National Hurdles or Steeplechase. TheV.R.C. Grand National Meeting, after repeated postponements, necessitated by the Fiemington course being flooded, came off on Friday and Monday last. The course on both days was terribly muddy and sloppy, and it is not surprising under such circumstances to hear that the f ivourites were out of it in the two principal races, the results of which have been cabled. The Grand National Hurdle Race, which was run on the first day, produced a field of 23 starters—an enormous field for a jumping race and six more than started last year when Ellerslie beat the New Zealander, Donald. The winner turned up in Mr G. Glasscock’s bay gelding Crusoe, a 7-year-old son of Robinson Crusoe and Walrulc. He started at 15 to J, and, although not a popular fancy, he was selected by the initiated in such matters as one of those whose chances were favoured by the condition of the course. Crusoe’s last performance in public before last Friday was on the 27th ulfco. at Caulfield, when he ran third, with lOst 31b up, to Mr S. G. Cook’s br m Leona, by Swiveller, syrs, HM 91b, and Duval, Gyrs, lOst 41b, Last year he ran eighteen

times and won on five occasions, viz , on January 28th, 1890, with 9s!-, tho Hurdle Race at Mentone ; on February 11, with 9st lllb, tne Hurdle race at Epsom; on March 31, with lOst 101 b, tho Parade Hurdle Race at the Licensed Victualler’s Meeting ; on April 5, with Hat (including 71b penalty) tho Hurdle Race at the V.A.T.C. Easter Meeting ; and on April 7, with list 91b (including 71b penalty) the Hurdle Race at the Williamstown Easter Meeting. These and other respectable performances show that Crusoe is a good second-class hurdler, and very hardy, aud although in good going, his lack of brilliancy would have told against him in such company, his undeniably good breeding was not unlikely to bring him home under adverse circumstances. ‘Freelance,’ in the Melbourne Sportsman, aimed a straight shaft when he expressed himself as follows on the llili inst :—Judged by tho present appearance of the Fiemington course, there are only two horses engaged in the Hurdle Race whom a hacker would be justified in backing. Cuttlefish is one, and Crusoe might, perhaps, with Ixion to assist him at the wheel, be the other. The 'Australasian of the 11th, in its Fiemington training notes, gave its readers a very valuable hint when it said, ‘Mr Glasscock’s brigade still continues among the earliest of the early, and although the vast majority of the touts do not appear to pay much attention to the doings of Knight, Duramboi, Bean Brandon, Pendant, Cygnet, Crusoe and Co., it is quite on the cards for a big surprise to be sprung with this atablo during the Grand National week, perchance with the aptly named son of Robinson Crusoe and Walruk.’ The clever B dlarat stable were to the fore iu the Grand National Steeplechase, in which Mr ‘ Bravo ' Jones landed a coup with his G-year-old grey gelding May Be, by Cervus, who got home with the respectable weight of lOst 61b. He started at 12 to 1 and waa, I doubt not, well backed by the stable, though the public wore more impressed with the chances of Bus ico and Sir Wilfred. May Be was owned last year in Tasmania by Mr J. Powell and scored a victory in his name on April 16 in the Autumn Steeplechase of 80sovs at the Tasmanian T.C. Autumn Meeting. Ho also walked over for the Steeplechase cf 40sovs,at the Longford (Tasmania) R. C. Meeting on April 10th, and with Hat (in. 10!b penalty) ran second to Tho Clown, 9st9lb in the Fingal Steeplechase of4ssovs at the Fingsl (Tasmania) T.C. Meeting on April 23. These were not very brilliant antecedents for a Grand National winner, and at present I am not aware how he camo into Mr Jones’ possession, nor have 1 had time to see what have been his performances this season.

The following is a copy of tho letter sent by the Sub Commitio of tho Metropolitan Conference to the Dunedin Jockey Club:—‘Wellington, 17th July, 1891; Sydney James, E?q., Sec. Dunedin Jockey Club, Dunedin—Dear Sir, —I am instructed by resolution of tho delegates of the de’ega‘e3 of the Metropolitan Jockey Clubs in Conference, to reply to yours of the 27th ultimo, by expressing their regret that the Dunedin Jockey Club should have deprive the Conference of the advice and assistance of the Dunedin Jockey Club in discussing tho formation of a New Zealand Jockey Club. I have further to announce officially the institution of the New Zealand Jockey Club, to come into existence on the Ist January, 1892, the foremost object of such Club being the establishment of a Court of Appeal in racing matters. The almost unanimous wish of the Metropolitan Clubs for its foundation, affords proof that the need of a correcting body, thorough!}’ representative, is widely felt for tho effective correction of abuses and the promo tion of a healthy spirit in the sport. Though tho delegates fully recognise that the absence of so influential and important a club as the Dunedin Jockey Club cannot fail to detract from the usefulness of the new club, they feel that the dissent of one club ought not to overrule iu this matter the deliberate judgment of all its compeers. Reiterated proof was given during tho Conference of the desire of all the delegates for the co-operation of the Dunedin Jockey Club, and I am instructed specifically to state that tho inauguration of the club was postponed until January in hope that your club may, at the November Conference, unite with all the other Metropolitan clubs of Nsw Zealand in settling its rules and constitution.— Yours truly, F. D. Luckie, Secretary Conference Metropolitan Clubs.’

The result of tho Carmo-Problem enquiry by the Hawkes Bay Jockey Club was announced at the beginning of this week. It is satisfactory that the swindle —there is no use in mincing matters now —has been sheeted home to the guilty parties, aud all true sportsmen will agree that their punishment is well deserved, and will join in commending the Hawkes Bay stewards for the dogged perseverance they have evinced in their investigations. Wellington sportsmen must at the same time feel keen regret that such a conspiracy has beon traced to residents in this city. It is a deep stain on our sporting escutcheon, and make 3 it more difficult for our local stewards to repress malpractices on the part of visiting horseowners.

I see by the Australian files that there was some talk of holding the W.R.C. Grand National Meeting on the Caulfield course; but so many prospective complications cropped up, that the idea was abandoned, and the stewards came to the

conclusion that the only thing to do was to wait. The consent of all the acceptors to a change of venue might possibly have bean obtained, but the chief obstacle was the betting difficulty. The steeplechase courses at Caulfield and Fiemington are totally dissimilar, and it was justly apprehended that backers, who had been guided in making their investments by the knowledgo that tho horses they had selected were just suited to negotiate the big jumps of the Fiemington course, would naturally object to hold to their wagers when the easy Caulfield course was substituted. ‘Plenipo,’ in the Sportsman, thus describes his thoughts on contemplating the sea of water which for some days presented itself on the site of tho famous Fiemington racecourse : ‘ And is this where I saw Anchorite run his ten furlongs inside 14 before 3 o’clock in the morning ?’ On this ground I have seen trials run at every minute in the twenty-four hours, but these trials were with horses, for I confess I am not an aquatic man, and therefore not able to describe the beauties of a boat race. And yet it is a boat race up the Newmarket straight that suggested itself to me when yesterday I had a look at the aqueous arena ? Was tho much-lauded Flemington course water and not land ? Alas, it was true ! My eyes did not deceive me, far there was no vestige of grass to be sooh, and as far as tho eye could reach ‘ water ’ was the cry. Standing on the top of the hill, close to Mitchell’s Racecourse Hotel, in company with a wellknown trainer, I surveyed the surroundings, and what did I see ? The whole of the usually verdant arena was no longer green, for it was of a dull, greyish hue ; grass wu3 absent, and water was abundant. At tho foot of tho hill on which I stood the water was still entrenching, and the sand, tan, and cinder tracks on which 1 had timed some hundreds of gallops were invisible. The scraping shed 3 alone remained to show U 3 tho locxlity, and even tho floors of these were sub-aqueous. Tho straight we could just distinguish, and that was all, for tho devouring element was within six inches of tho top rail. When I arrived on the ground (?) my attention was drawn to the stone wall opposite tho abattoirs, and then I just saw the coping thereof, but soon even this was vacant, and I g-tzod with surprise and wonderment in my conclusions as to where this fatal fence was situated. But all around it was the same, ‘ Water, water everywhere. 1

It appear now to be the general impression tliat the Government will consent to reduce the proposed tax on the to'ali3ator to 14 or 1} per cent. If they are wiliing to accept this, there is an easy way of the tax being paid without further mulcting the public, who, in my opinion, as I sjid last week, pay sufficieni tax on their investments in the ten per cent deducted by tho clubs. Let the New Zealand Government do as the South Australian Government doe3—impound the odd money for charitable aid. At a recent Adelaide Meeting, the fractional money thus realise ! amounted to £l6O Let it be understood all over the Colony, that no fraction of a shilling be paid out (the optional part of tho new rule allowing clubs to pay sixpence if they like being eliminated), and it will be found that the amount thus rendered available for charitable purposes, wiil reach nearly, if not quite, an average of 1£ per cent on tlio money invested. It would, of course, reach its maximum when a hot favourite won and the calculation of the dividend worked out so as to leave an odd lid. This does not often happen, but it does at times. Take for iustauce, a pool of £1220 in which 550 tickets are registered on the favourite which wins. The dividend will worked out £1 19s lid and a fraction. In this case we have 550 olevenpences, ihat is £25, or over 2 per cent on the pool, available for the tax. What becomes of the odd money in New Zealand at present, is something of a mystery as far as the public are concerned. In some places, I believe, it goes to the workers of tho machine as part of their remuneration, and in other places it goes into tho club’s coffers. In any case tho taking of this odd money suggests stsclf as the most convenient and least irritating way of raising tho tax, and neither the public nor the clubs can possibly object to it. Our local Grand National candidate, Mr F. Martin’s Kangaroo, will leave for Christchurch on Monday next. After the Wellington mooting he was in physic for a few days, but has since done some usoful work, which does not scorn to have effected his ‘ dicky ’ understandings. The noxt fortnight should benefit him considerably if he continues sound, and although his owner tells mo ho does not intend to back him, being quite content if he can win the stako, the old horse is sure to carry a few pounds, of Wellington money, as ha is a surer jumper than most of the others, and is almost certain to get the course.

The Gisborne hurdle racer Caitiff passed through Wellington on Sunday, en route for Christchurch, to fulfil his engagement in the Grand National Hurdle Race. Mr Roalce’s The Monk and Mr 11. D. Crawford’s M.B. left for Blenheimon Sunday to fulfil engagements at the Marlborough Hunt Club Meeting.

Mr S. H. Gollan’s horses for tho Grand National and Christchurch Hunt Club Steeplechase Meetings were shipped to Lyttelton by the s.s. Manapouri,which left on Monday afternoon. The team consisted of Darnley, Kimberley, Jet D’Eau, Leonie, and Dliudeen, and were under the care of B. Newman, their trainer. The Gisborne hurdle racer Caitiff and Mr Durie’s Christmas were also passengers by the same steamer.

Mr J. B. Williamson took Theorem and Begorrah to Canterbury by the s.a. Takapuna on Wednesday.

A FAMOUS MATCH. In the day 3 when matches were the rage in England it was not uncommon for immense sums to be lost and won over these affairs. There is something about a match that provokes betting. Hie horses are presumed to be put on equal terms by the conditions, both are nearly always on the job, and there is little risk of blocking or bad luck. One of tho heaviest betting matches ever run in the old country was that in 1816, at Newmarket, between Filho da Puta. and Sir Joshua. Tne Licensed "Victuallers’ Gazette tells us that Lord George Cavendish, the great-grandfather of the present Maiquis of Hartington, was 62 years of age when this great match was run. A man of the most aristocratic and dignified appearance, af unblemished honour and undaunted courage, he went among his contemporaries by the name of the ‘Royal George.’ He was a great patron of Boyce’s stable, iu which his horses were trained, and it was his practice to put up at liis trainer’s house when he came to Newmarket for the races. On his arrival at Boyce’s house on the eve of this great match, Lord George was informed that both horses were well ; and that the north country sportsmen, friends of Filho da Puta, had flocked in great numbers to Newmarket, to back tho favourite. ‘I am glad to hear it. I have brought my s'rong box with me,’ he quietly remarked. When dinner was over, Lord George entered the bettingroom, in company with Mr Neville, tho owner of Sir Joshua, aud was receivod by backers of Filho with loud shouts of ‘ Three times three for Royal George.’ The scene which followed was often described by tho late Lord St-radbrooke as the most exciting that he had over witnessed at Newmarket. The first bet offered was 500 to 400 on Filho, which was calmly booked by Lord George. Immediately cries of 1 a to 4 on Filho, in 50’s, in 100’s in ‘ monkeys,’ and in 1000*3 echoed round the room. ‘Softly, a gentlemen,’ observed tho unruffled nobleman. ‘I will try and accommodate you all if you will give me time.’ The b9ts were slowly entered into that seemingly inexhaustible betting book, and brief silence succeeded. ‘As there seem to be no more gentlemen willing to lay odds on Filho da Puta,’ a quiet voice was heard to say, ‘ I shall be happy to lay them as much money as they like at evens that Sir Joshua beats him to-morrow.’ Again there was a sharp rally among Filho’s backers, and again their funds were exhausted at their price. Finally Lord George carried tho war into the enemy’s country, and, at odds of 5 to 4 on Sir Joshua, tired ou. the supporters of the Northern horse. As ‘ Royal George, issued from the room ha turned round on the threshold, and shouted out in a loud voice, 1 I’ll iay 500 to 400 once more on Sir Joshua !’ to which no response was made. It was the belief of the late Lord Sidney Osborne—a great friend of Mr Neville and of ‘ Royal George’—that the latter staked L 50,000 that memorable u-ght on the horse of his choice. Theissue of the match on the next day is well known. When the flag fell Filho da Puta, with Chifney on his back, reared high in the air and lost three or four lengths. Sir Joshua, admirably ridden by Arnull, made the best of a good start, and was never caught by Filho, who was defeated by a neck.

SOME EQUINE PORTRAITS. An interesting series of articles, entitled ‘ Round the Stables,’ by 1 Sir Lauucelot ’ and other well-known writers, is being published by the Weekly Press and New Zealand Referee. In the last issue are descriptions of Yaldhurst, Mr G.G. Stead’s headquarters, and Mr P. Martin’s stables at Hastings, Hawkes Bay. From tho former I cull the following descriptions of animals iu whom very general interest is felt at the present time :—lt was a t reat to look over Silver Knight, the rising three year-old brother to Merrio England. He bears a good deal of resemblance to the Great Autumn Handicap winner of 1890, but he will have a bit more size. He is brimful of quality, from the tip of his nose to the liilt of his tail; is a capital one to follow or stand in front of, and with a sound set of legs and feet he should go through his three-year-old career with credit to himself and his illustrious relatives. Old Rupee hasn't thrown a bad ’un yet, and take my word for it this sou of liers will be one of tho best, if not the best of the bunch. Ho is engaged in the New Zealand Cup at 6st 13lb, and is also in tho Canterbury Derby, A.J.C. Derby, A.J.C. Metropolitan Stakes, and Epsom Handicap, A.J.C. Derby and Leger, aud Y.R.C. Derby, Leger, and Champion Stakes. Two promising youngsters, rising two-year-olds, are thuß referred to : —When I first saw the Le Loup—Lady Emma colt Hybrid, just after Mr Stead had purchased him from his breeder, tho Hon. G. McLean, I liked him immensely, and he has certainly not stood still since then. He takes after his sire more than after his dam in conformation, and altogether reminds one a good deal of his sire’s.half-brother, Eskatos. This latter was the last of old Mermaid’s progeny, and proved a rank disappointment to the lato Hon. W. Robinson when in training. Hybrid has plenty of size and power, and stands ou a good set of legs without thoso ey( ■lores of hocks which were always a bad point iu most of Old Mermaid’s progeny. He is engaged in tho C.J.C. Welcome Stakes, and bo is Stepniak, into whose presence I was

nest ushered. The son of Nordenfeldt and Hermit’s half-sister Steppe (dam of Russley, Lady Norah, and Too Soon), beautiful colt as ho was when Mr Stead bought him at the New Zealand Stud Company’s sale, has improved almost out of knowledge since then. A beautifully topped colt, he also shows a development of muscle that few of his age ever exhibit, and with good wearing legs—bar a slight tendency to curb in* one of his hocks, which is not troublesome —lie looks like one that will quickly recoup the 650 gs paid for him. Few, if any, finer youngsters than tliis have ever occupied the Yaldhurst boxes. The description of Percy Martin s stable —the * Dowling Foro3t' of New Zealand . is well worth reproducing in its entirety, as it contains some very graphic sketches ot the valuable animals belonging to the astute Mr S. H. G-ollan, but space prevents me giving more than the following. ;Tho first box to occupy my attention was the one which contained Sternchaser, the two-vear-old son cf Nordenfeldt and Crinoline. He is a nice-looking bay with a white streak down his face, and stands close upon 16 hands, with lots of bone and a fair amount of muscle, but I cannot say I share the opinion that he is likely to turn out a Melbourne Cup or even a New Zealand Cup winner as a three-year-old, especially at the weight Mr Henry has given him. That he trill be a useful horse there is no reason to doubt, but I shall want him to do somethin*7 more before I can be made to share the opinion held by those (most of whom have never seen him) who describe him as a wonder. Taking leave of Sternchaser, 1 dropped into the company of Namoa. She is a little picture, and looks fit to gallop for a man’s life. She has not grown up much since her appearance in the Spring ana Autumn, although she has thickened out and furnished beautifully, standing fifteen hands. ... Tirailleria was the next to come under notice, and she is growing into a big, fine-looking filly, and for good looks completely shames her illustrious half-brother Tirailleur. She is forward in condition, and should be heard of in her early spring engagements. After giving her the go-bye we come to the yearling son of Nordenfeldt and Florence Macarthy. He bears a slight resemblance to Tirailleur, but is a little on the small side for my fancy and shows too much leg. The door of the next box opening brought me face to face with the hero of the stable and the New Zealand Cup winner of 1889, Tirailleur. It was easily observable that though Tirailleur had not been seen in public this season he has not been idle, as he is in splendid health, with legs clean and wiry-looking, eyes as bright as a mirror, coat blooming and big, with muscle still clean on the rib, and can be made ready as soon as ever he is wanted. After having a peep at Renata, who is looking as well as could be desired, I was introduced to Captain Webb, the two-year-old son of Nalator and Fame and halfbrother to Dudu. He is a rich dark chestnut in colour, and stands over plenty of ground. He is rather angular, with a well and deep set chest. He has done a lot of work if appearance goes for anything, and looks something above the common, and I shall not be surprised to see him score during the season. Separated from Captain Webb by the boys’ sleeping apartments and a harness room is located the sensational-priced youngster at Mr T. Morrin’s sale last January. It is worth the visit alone to see this handsome son of Nordenfeldt and Frailty. He is not a tall horse by any means, but what power and svmmetry 1 I never remember seeing any colt of his size with such propellers. He has a fair amount of bone below the hocks and knees, good back and loins, splendid back and ribs, good depth of girth and lots of width between the legs. The saddle sets well on to his neck, his shoulders are oblique, his neck well formed, his head neatly hung on, and he has lots of room between tie eyes, which are fiery, indicating plenty of nervous energy. That he will turn out as good as he looks is my earnest wish, as Martin deserves to be well repaid for the care and attention bestowed on this aristocratic occupant of Martindale. The Nordenfeldt —Nelly Moore colt is in the next box, but he is of quite a different disposition to his neighbour. He is a brown in colour, standing much higher than the Frailty colt, with a lot of power, and legs looking as though you could not break them down Tf you tried to. He gives you the idea of being one of those quick-going horses that nothing can putout, just as well travelling as at home, and one that will never do his best unless made. Whenever he and the Frailty colt have been paraded in public they have been freely criticised, and it is an undisputed point as to which is considered the most likely horse. I must confess that at first my verdict went with the Nelly Moore colt, but I must now admit my error of judgment, and give my vote for the higher-priced animal, although I still expect the Nelly Moore colt to turn out as good as anything his dam has thrown. From appearances I don’t think that either of them will be seen out in the spring of the year.

THE LIVERPOOL CUP. {I‘EESS association) London, July 22. The Liverpool Cup (handicap) of 1000 sovs, one mile and three furlongs, was run at the Liverpool July Meeting to-day, and resulted as follows : Mr M. J. Corbally’s br c Rathbeal, by Boulevard —Hollythorn 1 Sir R. Jardine’s ch h St Benedict, by Edward the Confessor—Currer Bell, 4yr3 ... ... ... ... 2 Mr E. Hobson’s br h Burnaby, by Hagioscope —Whirlpool, 4yrs 3 GOODWOOD RACES. London, July 28. The following race was run at Goodwood toThe" Stewards Cue (handicap), value 300 sovs, added to a sweepstakes of 10 sovs each h.ft. ; second to receive 50 sovs out of stake. T.Y.C. Mr Brodrick-Cloete’s b c Unicorn, by Paradox—Wheatsbeaf, 3yrs 1 Lord Bradford’s b c Cuttlestone, by Retreat —Posthuma, 3yn 2 Mr P. Fing’s b h Warlaby, by Syrian— Lady of Urrard, aged ... 3

V.R.C. GRAND NATIONAL MEETING, Melbourne, July 24.

The first day's racing of the V, tt.C. Winter Meeting, postponed from 11th inst., owing to the floods, took place to-day at. Flemington. The course was very wet and sloppy, and in consequence there were several falls, but none of a serious nature. Nearly all the jockeys were covered with mud before returning to the paddock. The following is the result of the principal event: Grand National Hurdle Race, a handicap sweepstakes of 20 sovs each, 5 ft, with 1500 added, second horse to receive 300 sovs, and the third 150 sovs out of the stake. About three miles. Mr G. Glasscock’s b g Crusoe, by Robinson Crusoe Walrok, aged, 9,t 121 b (M. liourke) 1 Mr E. Key’s br g Goldleaf, by Goldsborough —Nutleaf, oyrs, 9st2lb (H. Underwood) 2 Mr J. B. Gill’s b h Leroy, by Sussex— Matilda, aged, lOst 91b (A. Ferguson) 3 Twenty-three others ran. Betting—7 to 1 Frolic, 8 to 1 Ixion, 10 to 1 Leroy, Ilavilah. and Lottie, 15 to 1 Crusoe. From a good start Lottie and Africanus were first to move, bud on passing the stand Ilavilah was at the head of affairs, followed by Hamilton and Bonnie Doon, with Goldleaf and Frolic next. Passing along by the river Hamilton displaced Havilah in the lead, but at the back of the course came to grief, and gave place to Porcius, who raced on three lengths in front of Bonnie Doon, whose closest attendants were .Havilah, Tumult, Pentagon, Crusoe, Ixion and Frolic. After passing the bridge Bonnie Doon was on terms with the. leader, but only momentarily, as Porcius was soon again in front, but then Crusoe came with a rush from the ruck, and going at once to the front showed the way into the straight. Goldleaf, Ixion, and Leroy made a forward movement, but when fairly in the straight Crusoe romped away and won easily by five lengths. Pentagon was fourth and Parnell and Frolic last. Priscilla fell early in the race, when going well. Time, Grain 20sec. Melbourne, July 27. The atten lance at Flemington to witness the V.R.C. Grand National Steeplechase was fair. The course was skill heavy. The following is Grand National Steeplechase, a handicap sweepstakes of 20 sovs each, 5 ft, with 1530 added. Second horse to receive 300 sovs, and the third 150 sovs out of the stake. Winner of any handicap hurdle race or steeplechase after declaration of weights to carry 101 b extra. About three miles. , Mr W. T. Jones’ g g May Be, by Cervus, 6yrs, 10st 61b (Batty) 1 Mr G. Russell’s br g Busaco, 6yrs or aged, list 51b (Corrigan) 2 Mr C. Watson’s brm Coral, 6yrs, lOst 121 b (Bull) 3 Nineteen horses started, Jupiter being the only New Zealander. Betting—B to 1 agst Busaco and Sir Wilfred, 12 to 1 agst Maybe, Fearlesi 11., Marmion and Whisperer 11., 16 to 1 agst Coral. Schoolboy was the first to move on the fall of the flag, and led the field over the first fence, when he gave wav to Whisperer 11., who was at the head of affairs when the second obstacle was negotiated. Here Jupiter fell, and brought down S*r Wilfred. At the back of the course May Be held command, but as the Abattoirs were approached Whisperer 11. was again.in the lead, while Fearless 11. bad run into second place, followed by May. Be, Busaco, and Marmion. Entering the straight, Marmion rushed to the front and headed the field as they swept past the stand, with May Be second, after whom came Busaco, Whisperer 11, Fearless 11, and Coral. The second division was separated by a long "ap. Nearing the Abattoirs on the second round Marmion had four lengths lead, the next being Coral, Busaco, May Be, Whisperer 11., and Fearless 11. in that order. Coral ran up to Marmion at the scraping sheds, and raced on neck and neck wiCh iVJay Be, and Busaco handy. Marmion was the first over the last fence, but coming to the straight May Be and Busaco singled out from the others. The struggle, however, did not last long, as the Ballarat horse showed too much pace, and won by two lengths. Coral was six lengths away third, and the rest in straggling order. Time, 7min 15sec. . Jupiter won the Open Flemington Steeplechase.

THE CARMO-PROBLEM AFFAIR.

RESULT OF THE ENQUIRY.

(press association.) Napieii. July 25

The Committee of the Hawkes Bay Jockey to-day drew up the following findings on the Carmo affair :—* That the bay gelding that ran at the Town and Suburban race meeting on the 26th of May last under the name of Carmo is the same horse that ran at Flemington, Victoria, in 1886, under the name of Problem; that also ran at Forbury, Otago, in 1886, under the name of Warepa, and also ran at Westport on the 26th December last, and at Gieymouth on 31st December and Ist January last, under under the name of Redeem. The Committee find that the horse Problem was disqualified for ever in 18S6 by the Dunedin Jockey Club, and this Club then endorsed that decision. The following is a description of the horse : —Light bay gelding, aged, about 16 hands, white blaze down the face, two white hind points extending up over the fetlock joints ; white marks over the coronet on the fore-legs, both fore-hoofs have been tampered with ; brand F on off-side close up to the mane. The Committee disqualify for life Sydney G. Parkcs, of Wellington, owner, Wi'liam Parkes, of Wellington, owner, Bernard Ferrara, late of Wairarapa, nominator, and George Smith, late of the Hutt, Wellington, trainer, of the aforesaid gelding. In the course of the enquiry the Committee found that several persons had had a knowledge of the fraud, and although not directly connected with the horse are more or less placed under suspicion. These persons are cautioned that their conduct will be closely watched in the future. The Committee consider that the stewards of the Town and Suburban Racing Club showed a great lack of appreciation of their duties in allowing the horse to start, and in consequence order them to pay the costs of the enquiry. , , It was decided that a copy of the above be forwarded to all the Metropolitan Clubs in the Colony, and that they be asked, in view of the circumstances of the case, and the difficulty involved in conducting the enquiry, to take especial care that all the persons mentioned be warned off any courses under their control, and that all Australian Jockey Clubs be notified of the facts. ANOTHER TURF SCANDAL. Auckland, July 25. For some weeks past the Stewards of the Auckland and Otaliuliu Trotting Clubs have been enquiring into the case of a mare named Dolly that took part in the Maiden Trot at

the Huntly Disaster Meeting. The Clubs have gone to a deal of trouble over the matter, and two of the Stewards recently went to the Waikato to get the particulars, At an adjourned meeting the Clubs named passed the following resolution : —That after carefully considering the evidence in this case the Stewards have come to the conclusion that the mare Dolly lias competed in trotting races on previous occasions and under a oifferant name—viz., Makokomiko, and that no list of her performances having been given, and no registration of such change of name having been made, the mare Dolly or Makokomiko is hereby disqualified from receiving the stakes in the Handicap Maiden Trot, and that the mare Dolly 7 or Makokomiko and all those interested in the running of the said marc are hereby disqualified for life from taking any part whatever in any trotting or racing meeting held under the Auckland Trotting Club’s rules, and that said parties be. warned off all courses where the said rules are in force ; farther, that the first prize in the said Maiden Tret be awarded to the mare Rambuster and the second prize in the said trot to the gelding Laddie.’

NEW ZEALAND GRAND NATIONAL, ACCEPTANCES. Christchurch, j uly 26, The following are the acceptances for the Grand National Meeting Grand National Steeplechase Handicap, of 500 sovs. Three miles and a half.

The following nominations were also received : „ „ , Hunters’ Hurdles, of o 0 sovs; once round and a distance.—The Chicken, Camera, Lightning, Launcelot, Mexico, Don, Begorrah. Dan, Clieshunt, The Monk, Rout, Matariki, Cactus. „ Welter Flat, of oO sovs ; one mile ana a quarter.—Black Diamond, Regina, Beggarinan, Jet dßail, Kimberley, Leome Rangiora, Thackeray, Preston, Lightning, \Vaihi, Von Tempsky, Tamutu, Iroquoise, Bloomsbury, Lewis, Burlesque, Erin-go-Bragh, The Chief. Maiden Steeplechase, of 75 sov3 ; two miles. —The Chicken, Darnley, Christmas, Ganger, Freeman, Jenny, Mount, Lyndoora, Folly, EffigyFinal Handicap, of 100sovs; two miles.— Waitangi, Darnley, Caitiff, Mexico, Ahua, Irish King, Freeman, Couranto, Sentinel, 1 he Druid, Begorrah, Lewis, Preston, Inclikeith, Kangaroo. „ _ Ladies’Bracelet, of io sovs; 2 miles on the flat. —Statesman, Black uiamond, Leome, Ragamuffin, Rangiora, Norton, Burlesque, Justice. CHRISTCHURCH HUNT CLUB ENTRIES. Christchurch July 26. For the Hunt Club Steeplechase on Saturday, following the Grand National S 9 nominations have been received, against 53 in IS9O. Open Steepechase, of 100 sovs ; 3 miles. — Waitangi, Oeo, Darnley. Otaieri. David, Christmas, Kangaroo, Ahua, Irish King, I< reeman, Sentinel, Tauraekaitai, Jenny, Begorrah, Folly (late Deceiver), Inch Keith. Hurdles, of 75 sovs ; once round and tance. —Clyde, Beggarman, Jet d’Eau, Kimberley, Darnley, Otaieri, Preston, Caitiff, Waihi, Regina, The Idler, Tamutu, Harkaway, Norton, Irish King, Captain Abram, Sentinel, Couranto, Ganger, Jenny, Theorem, Chesliunt and Erin-go-bragh. NEW ZEALAND CUP SCRATCHING. Christchurch, July 25. Dudu was scratched for the New Zealand Cup at 3 p.m. on Saturday. MARLBOROUGH HUNT CLUB RACES. B leniieim, July 29 There was a moderate attendance at the Hunt Club races to day. The following are the results : Hack Hurdles. Bravo ... --• ••• ••• b Surprise ... ... ••• 2 r l he Monk ... ••• ••• 3 Dividend, ±l3 ss. Ladies’ Bracelet. Larrikin, lOst 121 b ... ... ••• 1 Maori King, list ... ... 2 Starlight, 12st Gib ... ... ... 3 Dividend, £6 13-. Pony Race. Connemara ... ... ... 1 Dividend, £9 17s 6tl. President’s Handicap. Marechal Neil, 125 t... ... ... 1 Christmas Rose, list 7ib ... ... 2 Beggarman, 12st 101 b ... ... 3 Dividend, £3 3n Hunt Club Steeplechase. Orina, 13it ... ... ••• ••• I Flywheel, list 71b ... ... 2 Gleuthorn, ILst ... ... .... 3 . Dividend, £2 Is. The Monk was maimed ill the fetlock through a piece of hurdle being knocked off by Starlight, who fell at the last jump. Time I rot. Flora Dividend, £5 2s. Hack Race. Bismarck ... ... ••• 1 Dividend, £22. Consolation. Christmas Rose ... ... ••• 1 Jack ... ... ••• 2 Dividend, £1 lls. THE ENGLISH DERBY. The following description of the English Derby is taken from The Sporting Life :—As the competitors filed up the hill towards the starting-post the rain, which had. partially ceased, commenced to fall in grim earnest and tlie delays occasioned by tlie various breaks away must have been even more annoying to the jockeys than they were to the thoroughly drenched spectators. At length the advance nag and the great struggle had commenced, and never was the cry ‘ They re oli . more welcome, as even the excitement and enthusiasm engendered by the magnitude of the struggle was fast oozing away before the onslaughts of hail and rain. Not for many

years past has the Derby been decided under such thoroughly disadvantageous conditions, I as the colours of the jackets, sodden with rain, j became quite blurred and almost indistinct as i they raced along the sky-line and commenced the descent of the hill. Dorcas, who on the | outside had been the fitst to show in front, carried her colours prominently up the hill, and always in close proximity to her was to be seen the orange jacket of Gouverneur. Simonian was beaten early in the struggle, and though his stable companions—Old Boots and Fitz-Simon —ran on longer than he did, neither of the pair had anything to do with the finish. Through the mist and the driving rain one could always see Gouverneur’s colours, and he came thundering down the hill, with Dorcas, Martenhurst, Old Boots, and Common for Ins nearest attendants. Round Tattenham Corner Gouverneur swept in advance of Dorcas, Martenhurst, and Common, and came into the straight still in command. Thus far Dorcas had done gallant battle for her owner, but she was done with almost immediately after she had turned for home, and place to Martenhurst and Common. For an instant Gouverneur, upon whom the hopes of French sjiiortsinen rested, looked like atoning for his inglorious defeat in the Two Thousand Guineas ; but the .shouts which first hailed his victory in anticipation had scarcely died away era the hopes which raised them were shatteied, as Common strode up to him without effort, and thus far from home it was evident that Lord Alington s colt was about to add to his success in the 4wo Thousand Guineas the greater triumph of a Derby victory. Taking matters in the coolest fashion, George Barrett permitted Common to keep company with Gouverneur for perhaps 100 yards, but the instant liis head was fairly loosed Common strode right away, and won with consummate ease by two lengths from Gouverneur. There was a rare exciting tussle between Martenhurst, Cuttlestone, and Ihe Deemster for third place, which resulted in Martenhurst obtaining the third notice of the judge. That the victory was eminently popular is certain, as despite the depressing weather influences the winner was. loudly cheered as he returned to the unsaddling paddock, and the cheers were renewed when the fateful words ‘ All right ’ were shouted from the weighing-room door. In proof of the heaviness of the downpour it must be stated that upon returning to scale it was found that all the jockeys were 21b overweight, whilst Webb pulled down . the beam at 31b over his prescribed weight. The reason for this was so evident that the stewards of the jockey club, who, of course were sent for by the clerk of the scales, at once gave that official power to pass the jockeys, of the three placed animals. The race occupied 2 minutes 56 -4-sth seconds. The value of the stake was L 5500.

TURF GOSSIP FROM THE SOUTH

(Be Musket.) Wo aro another week nearer tho Grand National Meeting, and I have no doubt that just now most eyes are turned this way. Horses are fast arriving and those at head quarters have been putting in useful tasks, and there can be no doubt that tho approaching Steeplechase gatherings held respectively under the auspices of the Canterbury 7 Jockey and Christchurch Hunt Clubs, will be the best ever seen at Riecarton. If they should not prove so, their outward visible signs which lead me to think so must be delusive in the extreme. Large acceptances beating all previous records, and capital entries all round have been received, and the Hunt Club have never had each an experience before. The wisdom of making the mooting later than hitherto is now apparent, and to Mr Henry’s handicapping I think much is also due. The following table showing previous total entries may prove interesting to your readers. In tho Grand National event then is a material increase on last year’s figures, there being 64, nominations for five events as compared with 41 in 1890. The respective figures for the two years are 1890—Hunters’ Hurdles 10, Maiden Steeplechase 10, Welter Flat, Race 8, Final Steeplechase G, Ladies’ Bracelet 7 ; 1891 —Hunters’ Hurdles 13, Maiden Steeplechase 9, Welter Flat R ice 19, Final Steeplechase 15, Ladies’ Bracelets. Last year there were 10 acceptors for the Grand National Steeplechase and J 1 for the Grand National Hurdles; This year the former has 14 acc pears and the latter 19. In the Huut Club events there is a big increase, there being a total of 89 entered as against 54 in 1899. The respective figures are ; —IBSO Hunters’ Hurdles li, Hunt Club Cup 7, Open Steeplechase 10, Open Hurdle Rece 11, Tally 7. Ho Plate 8, Ladies, Bracelet G. 1891—Hunters’ Hurdles 16, Hunt Club Cup 16, Open Steeplechase IG, Open Hurdle Race 23, Tally-Ho Plate G, Ladies’jßracelet 12. Tho acceptances will not be out in time for mo to know what horses are likely to start at tho Plumpton Pane Meeting on Saturday, and so I must make a shot in tho dark as to what are likely to win. I had a look over tho course the other day, and I found that a fair line of hunting country had been laid off, though some of the fences had still to be cut down to make them negotiable. It will be heavy going, as there is a good deal of ploughed ground to be got over, .1 hardly think Tauraekaitai will start m the chief event, and Tom Sheenan is evidently getting sweeter on Folly’s chance for the National, and may not wish to incur a penalty with him. Jack Poole may, on the other hand, have a go with Waitangi. At Riecarton the work is of a very interesting character, acd between fifty and sixty horses of one kind or other are out daily. The frosts have been very severe, and two mornings lately trainers have had to wait till tho ground has thawed before sending their horses out, and it was late enough before strong exercise could be given them on Monday and Tuesday mornings, Flaxbourne slipped up on Monday morning and got rid of his rider, young Ross, but he was

not hurt, fortunately. Camera, a son of Ahua, is a new arrival, but lie is very big in condition, and will not be nearly fit, and his legs don’t look well, either. He is in Luim’s stable. Norton has been doing some schooling, and shapes very well, but will not be heard of in the best company for some time, as he is very backward. Black Diamond has gone into Charlie O’Connor’s stables, and Captain Guthrie was out looking at him working tho other morning. Ganger, while schooling on Saturday, gave Lyford a fall, which will keep him out of the saddle for a while. B.egina continues to do fair work, but I have not seen her jumping yet. Ivulnino jumped in company with Couranto on Monday morning, and went better than the North Islander, who ran down each hurdle. Folly is doing long strong work and jumps well, and he did nice schooling over the big fences on Friday. Tauratkai tai and Sentinel have both been restricted to easy tasks, but both are looking very well and feeding better than they were after landing. Erin-go-Bragh is only doing pottering work. At the Mashem stable the hunters are doing well with the exception of Tres Sec, who has stopped short and is not being proceeded with. Br Telegraph. Christchurch, J uly 29. The presence of Mr Gollan’s horse Jet D’Eau, Kimberley, Leonie, Darnley, Dan, Christmas, and the Gisborne horse, Caitiff, has lent still further interest to the training operations at Riecarton. None of the first-mentioned quartette looked particularly bright after their trip, and this morning nothing out of the ordinary was done, the new arrivals being restricted to the easiest of tasks. Ahua did one round over the schooling fences, but Stewart pulled him up, telling his trainer that the going wa3 unsafe on account of the hard frost. The fencers Tauraekaitai, Sentinel, IrisliKing.Norton, Camera, Couranto, Folly, Eriu-go-Bragh, Captain Abram, and Regina all did useful tasks. The New Zealand Trotting Association s annual meeting last evening was more numerously attended than any previous meeting held by that body. The report and balance-sheet was adopted. The report disclosed a very satisfactory state of affairs, and pointed to the growth of the association from four clubs lo some fifty four, with no fewer than thirty sitting delegates. Mr J. S. Williams’ term of office as president having terminated, and that gentleman having declined to stand again, Mr Hugh Mcllraith was unanimously elected in his stead. An executive committee of five were appointed to act during the intervals between the regular meeting Dan O’Brien has sold his Tasman— Moonray filly, Reflection, to George Mathews. Batting on the New Zealand Cup has been quiet, but some little business has been recorded over the National events. Ahua continues favourite for the Grand National Steeplechase, a point ahead of Sentinel, about whom five to one is on offer. Darnley and Tauraekaitai are quoted at sixes, Rjgina, The Idler, and Kuluino are still the standing order for the Hurdle Race, and five to one on the field on that event is offt ring. Dudu was scratched for the New Zealand Cup for no stated season, but a • dicky ’ leg I fancy explains matters, and she visits Chainshot this season. By the way, that horse will have i select lot of matrons this season. ~~ The whole of the horses have accepted for the Trial Steeplechase at Plumpton Park. Tauraekaitai and Lyndora are oat of the Rockburn S'-eep’echaae, Lewis and Induvry out of the Gone-A way Stakes, and Tauraekaitai and Mexico out of the Plumpton Steeplechase. My fancy are, Lindora for the Trial, Freern m or Irish King for tho Sockbnrn Steeplechase, Gen for the Goue-Away Stakes, and Folly and Waitangi for the Plumpton Steep'ecbase.

NOTES AND CLIPPINGS

New Zealand. ‘ Admiral ’ of tho Dunedin Star, before the Grand National acceptance, selected Ahua, Darnley and Regina for the Steeplechase, and Beggarman, Ivulnino and the Idler for tho hurdles. For the New Zealand Cup, the same writer has a penchant for Tirailleur, Strepnon and tho Workman. For the Melbourne Cup, he goes for Vengeance, Malvolio and Tiraillerie, with a preference for the first named. Bnndoora, who has : for some years been at the stud in Canterbury, has been shipped to Australia, wherq lie will be offered for sale. At , ‘ Pakeha ’ says Jenny has been worked in view of her Grand National engagements, but is a bit backward inconsequence of the enforced spell she has had. A match for £59 a side, between the Hawera hack, Lady Gordon, and the Manaia representative, Islimaol, came off on theEgmont racecourse a few days ago, when the former w r on. The weights were 9st up, and tho distance six furlongs. Time, lmiu 25sec. . , Norton has gone into Lann’s stable at Riecarton. ’ ", , i *’l Waterbury and Oaklands,’.returned-to Wanganui last week. The rumour that

Whalebone was going to Christchurch, turns out to be incorrect. He has returned to Hawera. ‘Mazeppa’ has the following in reference to a horse whom I consider the best outsider in the Grand National Steeplechase :—Waitangi will be Dunediu’s sole representative in the big steeplechase. I am glad to know that the old black is keeping souud and hearty, and doing hia

work in a most satisfactory manner. He is never jumped, this being considered unnecessary at all times, for Waitangi has never yet turned his face away from a fence however big it is. Poole tolls me that he will leave here about the SCkh, and will probably start Waitangi at tlie Plumpton Park meeting on the Ist of the month unless they give him too much weight to carry. He will of coursd ride the horse himself in all his engagements. Necklace is expected to produce the first foal of the season about the middle of next month to C»stor. 1 Old Turfite ’ Bays that when Dr Ross was in Auckland on behalf the American syndicate he became quite enthusiastic over this mare, and pronounced her to be the finest brood matron in the world, bar one, the famous American mare Firenzi. Commenting on the Grand National weights, ‘Castor,’ in the Canterbury Times, says :—‘Of the 11 who have been given the minimum in the Steeplechase, Freeman and Christmas are the only two at all likely to make a formidable display. To sum up, Ahua, Darnley, and Otaieri are the three that at present commend themselves to my judgment. Regina, Kulnine, and The Idler are the pick of thß handicap in the Hurdle Race, and one of these will about win.

‘ Mazeppa,’ thus discusses the accidents at our United Hunt Steeplechase meeting :—lt was an afternoon of accidents, and considering the number of falls, it may be reckoned lucky that the casualties were no worse than a shaking for one rider, a broken arm for another, and a cut on the head for a third. Men have been killed when the percentage of mishaps was much smaller. Ido not know that it necessarily follows that the course is unsafe. The causes of the accidents were probably the heavy going and the fact that some of the competing horses are hunters rather than steeplechasers, and consequently not quite accustomed to being bustled at their fences. The same experience may result at any Hunt Club meeting. It appears that Melinite was not among Mr Stead’s horse 3, which went to Australia by the Hauroto. Mazeppa says : The only betting on the New Zealand Cup that I have heard of during the week is a litfclo support accorded to Strephon, at prices vary ing according to circumstances. There is not enough business to constitute n market, and a list of prices would be three-fourths imagination. The Marlborough Daily Times informs its readers that—Mr Homes, well-known in sporting circles, has purchased the horse Phormium Tenax for LIOO. He intends taking the horse to the Wanganui district. The Manawatu Racing Club havo decided to hold two days’ racing at Christmas, in future. The thoroughbred stallion Vanguard, was shipped by the steamer Rotomahana, for the North Island on Thursday, last week.

Speaking of the Grand National Hurdle candidate Caitiff, ‘Buff and Black’ says when he left Napier he was in the pink of condition, and he will be a hard horse to beat in whatever race he starts for. The following appears in the Sunday Times:—‘Old lone Hand, the best steeplechaser for a long period Victoria possessed, is now being used as a lady’s hack near Auckland, New Zealand, and is reported to be still very sound, although now twenty-two years old. Corrigan used to handle the old grey to to perfection, and carrying Martin Loughlin’s colours and 13st 61b he once won a steeplechase with him at Flemington. He would try for no one else at last, and was a total failure in New Zealand.

‘Buff and Black’ thinks wla L ever beats Tauraekaitai will win the Grand National Steeplechaee. He says he has improved greatly since he won the Hawkes Bay Steeple chase. Hukatere has been sold by Mr J. H. Jull, of Hastings, to Mr A. H. Barron for loog3, and ha 3 been sea*-, to Gisborne.

‘Jim,’ the sporting scribe of the Hawkes Bay Herald, announced a few days ago that Gooseman intended to take Rough to Christchurch to fulfil his engagements at the Grand National Meeting. As Rough has not accepted for the Grand National Steeplechase and is not among the general entries it may he assumed that ‘Jim’s’ prediction will not be verified. The same writer lays on Wednesday morning last week the New Zealand Cup candidate, Captain Webb, in P. Martin’s team, pulled up sore after a gallop. Bundoora, who was a brilliant, but unfortunate racehorse, and a complete failure at the stud, has been sent back to Victoria, from which Colony he came to Now Zealand, and is likely to be disposed of in Melbourne. Bundoora was bred by Mr S. Gardiner, and is now 12 years old He seems never to have recovered the bad luck ho had at tho outset of his career when he met a clinker like Welcome Jack in the C.J.C. Handicap, for which Mason and Vallance deemed him a certainty.

Australian. Carbine carries 20'.b over weight-for-age iu the Melbourne Cup. Several of the candidates are handicapped at over 401 b under weight-fos-age. Bob Ramage, the jockey, was expected to be out of bed on July 6th after his accident. He was lately placed under chloroform by Drs C. Ryan, Featherstonhaugh, and Bourko, who were anxious to ascertain if the knee joint had been affected by the break in the leg. When the splints were removed, it is stated, the joint bent right enough, and the injured leg, which at one time was feared might become quite stiff, now promises to be stronger than ever.

The income derived by the Australian Jockey Club for training fees amounted last year to £I2OO, the charge being £4 for eacn horse. It is stated that next year tho fee is to be £8 for each horse. It is rumoured that Buugebah is to be sent to England before tho end of the year. Tho famous brood mare Chrysolite died at tho Duckenfield Park Stud (Australia) recently. She was rising 32 years old, and was got in England and foaled in South Australia in 1860. She was by Stockwell from Jlilies by Touchstone. The best known of her progeny are Lapidist, Onyx, and Robinson Crusoe. Onyx was the dam of Sardonyx and Nordenfeldt.

It turns out that Mr Boddington’s offer for Carbine (£3OOO a year for 5 years), which was cabled from England a fortnight ago, is as old as tho hills. It appears that it was made when Mr Beddington was in Melbourne on the 28’h February last, and The Leader of tho 18th quotes the paragraph, which it published at the time referring to it.

A prominent candidate for spring honours says ‘ Asmodius,’ has gone wring in Penance, who was attacked by strangles early iu the week, the visitation being sufficiently severe to cause the promising son of Grand Flaneur to be an unlikely starter for any of his early 3-year-old engagements at Rand wick. Mr W. T. Jones has not had the best of luck on the turf since he returned from England, and the going amiss of Penance is only a repetition of similar experiences with other high priced purchases, such as Dreadnought, Gresford, Sinecuro and Litigant. It is a long lane which has no turning, and all admirers of a good sportsman will welcome any victories which may fall to the lot of the popular black and gold diamonds during the coming season. [Mr Jones’ luck was not very had at Flemington on Monday last, when the Grand National fell to his horse May Be.] For the Epsom Handicap, of lOOOsoys., 1 mile, to be run at tho A.J.C. Spring Meeting on the 12ch September, 101 entries have been received, and for the Great Metropolitan, 2 miles, to be run on the 15th September, 57 entries. It is announced that a special race meeting, which Lord Hopetoun will be invited to attend, is to be held at Albury on the occassion of Lord Jersey’s visit to the federal town in September. The Geelong Racing Club invariably have the honour of opening the new racing season, aud in accordance with custom their programme is already announced. The meeting is fixed to take place on Saturday the Ist of August, and the entries were received on the 20th inst.

The eleven pounder Peerswick has been doing well since his arrival in Victoria. The Leader of the 18th has the following: Some people were of opinion that Mr Dakin had undnly loaded Peerswick for the Bairnsdalo Win tor Meeting, probably because elsewhere he had been much more favourably treated. The V.R.C. judge is, however, a very diligent student of country form, and a 3 Peerswick in ont day at Bairnodale, won both the Winter Handicap and Tradesmen’s Handle ip (beating a fair metropolitan performer like Dramatist in the first event at an advantage cf only Sib) Mr Dakin’s critics on this occasion must ‘ hide their diminished heads. English and Foreign. Tho thoroughbred stallion Dan Godfrey, one of the few sons of Musket in England, died recently. He was by Musket out of Orchestra, and was bred by the Queen. Even money has been taken about Common for tho St Leger, 4 to 1 is accepted about Mimi, 8 to 1 about Ermak, winner of the French Derby, and 10 to 1 about Genverneur. The race for the Grand Steeplechase de Paris was decided at Auteuil, on 30th May. Quite an international complexion was given to the contest from the fact that several English horses and one from Ireland went over to compete against their French rivals, the lot together making up a field of 13. Of the British division, Innisfail did best by running third, but the stakes went to a home stable, as Baron Finot (whose representatives have so often been successful on the same ground) supplied the winner in Saida. Starting favorite at 2to 1, the daughter of Clocher and Arsinoe scored an easy victory, covering the course, four miles and half a furlong, in 9 min. 47 l-sth sec., as against the 9 min. 57 3-sth sec of Royal Meath last year. The value of the stakes was L 4638.

The extraordinary in and out running of Mr Merry’s Surefoot, who won the rich Eclipse Stakes, at Sandown Park the other day, is thus commented on by an exchange.—-Tho winner, Surefoot, now 4 years old, was an in and out deceiver at 3 years, as his owner, Mr A. W. Merry, must have found to his cost.

After winning the Two Thousand Guineas he started for the Derby with odds of 95 to 40 laid on him and only run fourth, and to further show liis inconsistent character, after subsequently cutting up a rank fraud at Ascot in the Prirca of Wales’ stakes, for which he ran fourth, he romped home iu the Biennial Stakes on the following day. This form was sufficiently irreconcilable, but to make matters worso, after only getting third in the Hardwiclce Stakes at tho same moating, Surefoot shortly afterwards won the valnabla Prince of Wales Stakes at Leicester, followed homo by Memoir, who subsequently won the St Leger, in which Surefoot ran absolutely laut, and later on he finished fourth in a field cf five fora Free Handicap at Newmarket. Belonging as ho docs to a thorough sportsman like Mr Merry, these performances proclaim at once tho brilliuicy and the unreliability of this eccentric son of Wis dooi, who, although a doubtful one to trust implicitly, is manifestly a dangerous customer to stood badly against. Sc Simon of the Rock, winner of the Ascot Derby, cost Colonel North, ‘ The Nitrate King,’ 2500 guineas as a yearling. The race he won was worth LI2OO

John Porter, who trained Common for the Derby, prepared Sainfoin for the race last year, and has in all sent ont six winners of lho great Epsom race, those prior to IS9O being Blue Gown in IS6B, Shotover in ISB2, St Blaise in 1883 and Ormonde in 1886.

Rathbeal the winner of the Liverpool Cup, was bred by Mr Carbally hue is now the property of Captain M-icholl. The most valuable Derby Stake, was that won by Lord Lyon L 7350. Tho Imp has broken the spell of ill luck which has attended his efforts since ho became the property of tho Prince of Wales by an easy' win in tho De Trafford Handic ip at Manchester. Tho sou of IloberL the Devil was ornamented with blinkers for the sane time and running generously enough easily overcame the efforts of tho evergreen Tommy Tittlemouse to wear him do:?n.

The Dowager Duchess of Montrose still has sharp an eyo as over for a horse’s good points, or a jockey’s failings. Her Grace’s retainers, indeed, have no easy time of it ; even Liddiard, her favourite jockey, being tied down by a'l sorts of instructions bafora he is allowed to mount. Naturally, he would do much bettor if he ware left a free hand to manage hia horse as best he could.

Tho fir3fc of Ormondo’s stock to appear in public was Goldfinch, a colt out of Thistle, the dam of Common. The colt was made a 2 to 1 chance in a field of eloveu for the Ksmpton Park Biennial Stakes an I won by half a length.

st lb fit lb Aliua 12 10 Waitangi 9 12 Sentinel 11 13 Otaieri ... 9 1L Jenny ... 11 11 Freeman 9 7 Tauraekaitai ... 11 10 Black Gin 9 7 Oeo 10 G Christmas 9 7 Darnley 10 5 ftlorok ... 9 7 Kangaroo 10 4 Folly (late Deceiver ... 10 0 Grand National Hurdle Handicap, of 300 SO VS. Two miles. Jenny ... 11 9 Harkaway 9 12 Sentinel 11 9 Effigy - 9 8 Beggarman 11 7 Clyde ... 9 7 Caitiff 10 13 Otaieri ... 9 5 Captain Abram 10 7 Kimberley 9 3 Jet d’Eau 10 5 Theorem 9 2 llegina ... 10 3 Inch Keith 9 0 Couranto 10 0 Cheshunt 9 0 Kulnine ... 10 0 Waihi ... 9 0 The Idler 10 0