Sporting.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1032, 11 December 1891, Page 17

Sporting.

RACING CALENDAR. NEW ZEAXAND, December 17. —Wainaea Plains J.C. Races. . December IS and 19.—South Auckland R.C. Spring Meetii g. December 26.—Taranaki J.C. Summer Meeting. December 2G —Hawkes Bay J.C. Summer Meeting. Decemb r 2G, January 1 and 2.—Auckland It.C. Summer Meeting. . , r , December 23and28.—Reefton J.C. Midsummer MeetDec;mber2G and 2S-—Manawatu R.C. Summer Meeting. December 26. Loiver Valley J.C. Meeting. December 28. Feilding J.C Summer MeetingDecember 28. —Mastertou Opaki J.C. Summer Meeting. December 80.—Marten J.C. Hack Meeting. January l.—Otaki Maori R.C. Races. . January 1, 1892.—Napier Park Summer Meeting. January 1, IS92.— Woodville J C. Summer Meeting. January 1, IS92.—AVairarapa K.C. Summer Meeting. TOPICS OF THE DAY. (By Vigilant.) It is satisfactory to learn that the race meeting held on Saturday by the Herataunga Mounted Rifles Racing Club was a financial success. It i 3 estimated that after paying all expenses there will bo close upon £2lO profit.

Late Australian files state that Mr S. H. Gollan’s team in Australia is likely to be largely augmented by other horses from New Zealand, and that Hickey, the cross-country rider attached to P. Martin’s stable, is coming across in order to take them over.

The acceptances for the Auckland Cup and Steeplechase, the forfeits for the Great Northern Derby and Foal Stakes, and the general entries for the Auckland Summer Meeting, are due this evening (Friday.) At Mentone races on Wednesday the lSih ulto. several New Zealand horses were in evidence, and one New Zealand jockey got into trouble. Lardy Dardy won the Flying Handicap after a rattling set-to with Swivel. Mr Gollan’s Renata started first favourite for this race, but finished a bad last, and Billy. White, who rode, was called up before the stewards and disqualified fora month forfoul riding. Mr Gollan’s Medjidie, by St. Leger—■ Rosette, was not at all fancied for the Mentone Handicap, but, to the surprise of everyone, including, it is said, Mr Gollan himself, he won easily. The following story is related by the Sydney Referee, and I Lave my readers to believe it or not, as they please : —A Melbourne man had a setting of eggs which he was about to hand over to the charge of a brooding hen. He branded all the eggs (13) with the names of what he thought the most likely horses in the Melbourne Cup. He named the eggs Correza, Pigeontoe, Strathmore, &c., and left the hen in possession. Iu due time most of the eggs were hatched, but only 12 live chickens came out. The thirteenth was evidently no good, and the owner exclaimed, ‘Hallo ! here’s a dead bird.’ Turning over the egg he found it branded ‘Malvolio.’ This occurred on the Saturday before the Cup. Mr T. H. Hill, by the addition to his team of Mr G. W. Smart’s Eros and Paramu, ha 3 six horses under his charge, wbish is a stronger team than any one Wellington trainer has bad in hand at one time for many years. He is now settled down in hi 3 new stables close to the course and will no dou'ot have his hands full during the season. I am glad to see Hill so well patronised, a 3 his veterinary skill is as well recognised as hi 3 training capabilities, and those who entrust their horses to lit 3 care may depend upon any merits they have being brought out. Now that stables are going up round the course it. is to be hoped the Club will lose no time iu getting tha grass gallop made, for uutil they do trainers w ill fight very shy of coming to the Hutt. With proper accommodation in this respect, owners and trainers w.ould bring up their teams a week before a meeting, and Wellington would reap the benefit of their expenditure. Until the grass gallop is made our Wellington trainers will all labour under a disadvantage as compared with those from other parts, and it will not encourage either them or owners of horses to see prizes, which they ought to have secured with ordinary advantages, taken away by strangers who have better ground on which to get their horses fit. This subject is one which should be attended to without delay, as it vitally affects the progress of racing in Wellington. The meeting of the Heretaunga Mounted Rifles Racing Club on Saturday last was a very enjoyable little gathering, and for a first attempt was carried out in a manner that reflects credit on all concerned in the management. I am glad to hear that the club will have a substantial balance after paying all expenses. The sport was fairly interesting, as the fields were generally large and Mr Henry’s handicapping made the results very open, speculation consequently taking a wide range instead of being confined to one or two candidates. The Maiden turned out as I expected, the two three year olds, Swordbelt and Eros proving too good for

the older division, although Dne of the latter, Mr Catt’a ch m Kiramu started favourite. Swordbelt moved more freely than in the Maiden on the previous Saturday, and u«.i very easily from Eros, who is evidently a long way from being the good horse some of his friends have always declared him to be. In the Flying Handicap Sweet Dream, who looked very well, was made favourite, but others well backed were the topweight Maharo, the constant little Deception, and the Blenheim gelding Rocket. Little Ray rode the last named, and although the son of Leos is said to be a hard puller, he rode him with great judgment, keeping him well in hand until the straight was reached, when he shot out and won easily bya couple of lengths from Deception, who had Mahara close on to her. Sweet Dream got well away and led for some distance, but appeared quite outpaced when it came to racing. Cyrus tried hard to throw his rider during his preliminary, and ran badly in the race, while Ben Bolt who, on his best form, was thrown in with 7at 91bs, was out of it very early, although he got all the best of the start. The well bred Waihora and old Rahui again disappointed their backers. The Hurdle Handicap fairly puzzled investors. With Aeolyto and Rocket out of it, Depression, with only only 51b more than she won with on the second day at the Spring Meeting, looked a good thiug, but it was soon apparent that there was a screw loose, as many knowing ones, who were very sweet on her on both occasions when she won, now let her severely alone. Her running was in strict accordance with the tone of the batting, for she lay right out of it until the straight was reached, when she was set going and made a mag nificent run, the only drawback to which was that it was all too late. The only performance I recollect anything like it on the Wellington course was that of Piako in a Hack Hurdle Race three or four years ago. On that occasion the stewards took action, which, some people were unkind enough to say, should have been taken on. Saturday last. Roger, Marksman, and Flywheel were all genuinely backed, and Roger, who has run like a rogue since he won the double at the last Wellington Autumn Meeting, took it iuto his head to go straight, and having the pace of all his opponents, won easily by two lengths from the Blenheim candidate, Flywheel, who might have done better had his jumping been cleaner. Marksman seemed dead out of form, and beach training apparently does not suit him. The Hutt Handicap was another good betting race, there being little to choose between Osman, Deception, and Puni for favouritism, while Dromedary, Ranee Nuna. and Swordbelt each had a select circle of admirers. The result showed that Osman, as I thought when I saw him at Porirua, is more of a racehorse than a hack. With Puni as his companion he led from the jump, but before a mile had been covered, the Blenheim candidate cried a go, and Ranee Nuna tackled the son of Crawford Priory. The excitement of the Apremont filly’s partisans showed that they expected a coup, but although she materially improved on her running of the previous week, she failed to quite catch Osman, who held his own comfortably in the straight, and won by nearly a length in the good time of 2min 14sec, only a quarter of a second slower than Krina’a time in the Spring Handicap. No wonder that Mahara, good honest hack that he is, was not in it with his 9st BLb. The game little Deception, with Bst 9.b, struggled in third, but she was a long way off the second. The Heretaunga Handicap brought out all the eight nominated, but the betting was paralysed owing to the general impression that La Norde and Pride of the Hills were running in the same interest. As Mr Wilford strenuously denied that he had any tiling to do with Li Norde his assurance must be accepted, and the only conclusion we can coine to with regard to Mr Buck’s very tame finish on Li Norde is that he did his best. Nothing else had any show with the first and second. The good form shown by R >cket iu the Flying made him a hot favourite in tha Welter, though Sweet Dream was also well backed, and Deception, Bismarck, and Dromedary were not neglected. Tiie result proved that the public judgment was right, for Rocket won easily from the despised St. Helier, who, had anything happened to the favourite, would have psid a £3O dividend. In the Novel Race the fir-->t entries were Neta, Matchless, Leopardess, Nina, and La Norde, but the narnts had not been long on the board when Leopardess was scratched, and Pride of the Hills was substituted for La Norde. This substitution could not fail to be commented on after the uncertainty in the Heretaunga Handicap. Nina, who was the stranger in the field, was made favourite, possibly on the principle ‘omne ignofcum pro magnifico,’ but she failed to fool it with Pride of the Hills, who led all the way and won easily. The winner, when offered at auction, was knocked down to Mr J. Belcher for £l6, but Mr Wilford disputed the sale, and eventually, I understand, gave the purchaser - a small advance to let him have the mare back. Eight competitors came out for the Scurry, for which the handicap was made on the ground. Paramu, 7st 111 b, looked well in on her running with Viola 11. the previous Monday, but a 3 Mr K. McKenzie made no sicret of his confidence that Hibernian, Bst 71b, could beat him, Mr Smart’s new purchase was very little backed in the machine. Osman, with 9st 21bs, looked a good thing on his previous running, but his party did not

seem to fancy him, and when he was left at the post nobody seemed greatly astonished. The result was a great surprise, for Paramuj getting well away, never gave his opponents a chance, and got home a length from Mr Catt’s Karamu, the similarity of the names causing a little confusion as to what had won. The nice dividend of £8 183 rewarded those who stuck to the winner, despite the expressed opinion of his late owner, The usual multitude of race meetings are announced for Boxing Day and Now Year’s Day, and during the past week the weights for several of them have been published, and now command a few words of comment. The most important gathering at Christmas time is tlie Auckland Summer Meeting, which, as heretofore, starts on Boxing Day and is continued oti New Year’s day and the 2nd January. The handicaps for the two principal events—the Auckland Cup and the Steeplechase—were declared on Thursday, the 3rd inst., and are at present the leading subjects of racing speculation. It is generally agreed that Mr Evett has produced a fairly adjusted set of weights for the Cup, and I fully expect it will furnish an excellent acceptance and turn out a good betting race. The twentynine entrants have already been reduced to twenty-six by the scratching of Crackshot, Cruchfield, and Morion, for what reason lam unable to say. The acceptances are due on Friday night, and therefore I shall now confine my present remarks to a few first impressions that strike me on running down the weights. Freedom, with 9st 71b, I do not consider well in even after his Canterbury Cup win. It. is evident Dan O Brian did not think him a good thing in the New Zealand Cup with Bst 12lbs, and with 91 b 3 more I shall let him pass. Merrie England, Strephon, and The Workman, though good performers, are all under suspicion, and it will be time to estimate their chances after the acceptances. Hilda, Bst lllbs, looks very inviting, and if she had not always failed over a two miles course I should select her as the best treated animal in the race. At her present price she should be severely left alone, for she will pay quite as much as 4tol on the day. Mr Stead is given a good show with Pallissr, Sst slbs, and Label, 7st 71ba, and the selected one should be handy. I like Paliissr best. Biiiish Lion, with Bst 51b, is well treated after his numerous victories, and he is one of those that will have to be reckoned with. Fiaternitd has received his quantum, but he is a good colt, and as it is probable that he will be fitter than when he ran at Wanganui, he is one of the most dangerous of the three-year-olds. The mp3t dangerous I come to next. This is Brigand, 7st 91b. This horse has won nearly every race he has started for lately, and his double of Auckland Guineas and Prince of Wale 3 Handicap at the Auckland Spring Mooting puts him in it up to his eyes. A rumour is current in Auckland that he is none 100 well at present. But assuming that he can be brought fit to the post I shall expect him to beat all the younger division. Why Captain Webb, who has done nothing, should bo s;t to give weight to good performers like Label and Rosefeldt, is ona of the in-evit-able anomalies we coine across occasionally in Mr Evett’s handicaps. Of course it is possible he is the best 3-year.old in the Colony, but on paper he look.s very badly treated. Flinders might have had a few pounds less witliout his being rushed. Freelance, 7st sb, is smart, but might have received 4 or 5 lb 3 from a tried stayer like Thame, who, to my mind, with the nine weight, is one of the possibles. Lady’s Maid Ido not think class enough for such a race, and although Loorina looks thrown in with 7st it is strange that this grand old maro always goes down in anything like Gistclass company. The uncertain Queen of Trumps has the full benefit ol the doubt with 7st, and should she be rendered at the post fit and in a good humour she might smother the field. l'arehu is a stranger about whom at present I shall reserve my opinion, but The Dreamer has nothing to complain of, and with 7st might be the selected of Major George’s stable. Siuca he won at the First Spring Meeting he has shaped badly, but what he has done once he may do again. Patchwork is well handicapped with 6st 101 b, but she did not show to advantage on the 9th and 10th November, and will have to improve greatly to have a chance. Pearl Powder, even with Gst 101 b, is not attractive after her Wellington display, but if she accepts and goes to the po3t it is a sure sign her party know more than we do. My impression at the present moment is that if Mr Gollan wins it will be with Namoa, who has been thoroughly insuited for a Canterbury Welcome Stakes winner in being pitchforked in with Gst7lb. This filly has never yet demonstrated her inability to stay, and why a classic winner should receive lumps of weight from such cattle as Flinders, Freelance, and Captain Webb, passes my apprehension. Pinfire, like Tarehu, can be left alone for the present. Coalscuttle is another that might have a bit more than 6st 91b, but I do not particularly affect her chance, althongh her defeat of Dudu last year must not be forgotten. Hakimana ran in Wellington like a stayer, but on her form with Krina is hardly class enough. It will be seen from what I have said that those I like best in the handicap are Hilda, Palliser, British Lion, Fraternite, Brigand, Label, Thame, Queen .of Trumps, and The Dreamer, and my first love i^ BRIGAJTPj,

The Steeplechase is framed on such a low scale that the top weights appear to me to have all the best of it. If Sentinel, list 81b, comes out fit and well he will be my selection, and nothing else, but Hopeful Kate, 10st 101 b, is an improving mare, and should run him close. The others I like are Ival, lOst 81b ; Bit-o’-Blue, 10 it ; Akrdarm, 9st 121 b ; Nap,.9st 111 b ; and Neck or Nothing, 9st 71b. [Since the foregoing has have bec-n in typo, news has come to hand that Mr Gollan’s Namoa, Pearl Powder and Captain Webb, and Mr Lunn’s Cajolery, and Merrie England have been scratched for the Aucklaud Cup. j The meeting next in importance on Boxing Day is the Hawkes Bay Summer. The weights for this appeared on Tuesday night. In the Welter, Couranto has a rare lot of moderates to meet, and it is quite right that there should be a atone and a half between him and the next. With all his weight he has a show, and if h 3 is beaten I think it will be by Free Lance, 9st ; or the ex-hack Eclipse, Bst lOib. The Hurdles to my mind begin badly, for surely Courauto should give Somnambulist a few pounds, yet I see Mr Evott gives both list 12ib. Waterb iry, with lOst 111 b, looks dangerous, and of the light weights commend me to Rough, 9-. t 81b. Tho race looks to me likely to prove a match between Couranto and Waterbary. The Summer Handicap has Cynisca top weight with 9st 51b, and with that she has more than enough, and the same may be said of Rosefeldt with Bst 41b. The next two, Queen of Trumps, Sst 31b, and Krina, 7st 131 b, are more attractive. Krina seems to me the pick of the handicap, and next to her-I shall take Thame, 7st 101 b ; Kapua, 7st 71b ; Namoa, 7st and Hakimana, Cat 81b. In the Trial Handicap Bay Bell, 7st 91b ; Como, 7&t 41b ; and Patience, 7st, look as well as anything. Th 9 Two-year-old Handicap should lie between Tireur, Bsfc 81b ; St. Katherine, 83t 21b ; and .King John, 7st 101 b ; and tho Christmas Handicap between Krina, Bat 41b, and Namoa, 7st 12 lb.

The Manawatu Racing Club have tlii 8 year for the first time issued a two days programme for their Summer Meeting, and greatly to the disgust of the Fsilding Jockey Club have selected Boxing Day and the following Monday, the day after Boxing Day having been hitherto looked upon as the Failding day. Efforts to get the collision of the two meetings avoided have been made without success, and the two meetings will be in progress on the Monday, to the detriment of them both. Mr J. E. Henry has adjusted the weights of both meetings, and has exercised his usual care. In the Trial the difference between his estimate of Weka and Torpedo and Mr Evett’s estimate strikes one at once. In the Petone Stakes Mr Evett handicapped Torpedo to give Weka Gibs ; Mr Henry makes the difference just the other way. On Mr Henry's estimate Torpedo has a show, and presuming that Prestige, Bst 41b, may not be quite right, there are only two others 1 prefer to the son of -Australian. These are the ex hack Kathleen, 6st 101 b, and Ranee Nuna, Gst 9.b. Th 6 last-named should about win if she is well on the day. The Boxing Day Handicap is run over a mile and a half course, and Boulanger, even with 9st 61b, will be handy at the finish if started. Looking down the list, the others which strike me as favourably treated are Retina, Bit 9b, Pyramus, 7st 13!b, Prestige, 7st 121 b, Kapua, 7at 51b, and Cordelia, 63t 111 b. la the Hurdles Pyramus and Waterbury at lint s'b are hard to separate, and if we add to these Doncaster, lOst 21b, we ought to have the winner, although Empire, 9it 13ib, is dangerous. In the T-adosuj.au’s Handicap, one mile and a quarter, Prestige, Sit 5 b, Ris, 7-*t 12lb, She, 7st 81b3, and Ranee Nuna, Git 9;b3, commend themselves bo my liking. The Park Stakes, one mile, should be a good thing for Ranae Nuna, Git 7ib, with Torpedo, Bst‘ 41b, and She, 7st Sib, as about the next best.

Tho Feilding Meeting fixed for tho 23 h December has some good hacks engaged. In the Manchester Handicap, 1£ miles, Mr Henry has placed Stranger and Swindler on tho same mark at Bst 101 b, but I think they will both have to give way to Kathleen, 7at 13ib, who is my present fancy on her Taradale form. The Local Handicap should be a good thing for Propeller, Bst 71b, or Kouini, 7st 2b« In the Flying Handicap, Stranger, Bstl2lb, should about get home, with Kathleen, Sst 51b, next to him. In tho Hurdles, Ridge, lOst, (should have moat to fear from Manganoho. The acceptances and general entries are due on Saturday, 15th iost., at 8.30 p.m, Tha Lower Talley Jockey Club will hold its annual meeting on the Martinborough course on Boxing Day, and, judging from the entries it tliould be one of the best of the Wairarapa meetings. The Hurdle Race has been neglected by owners, and only throe candidates are weighted. Of these General Gordon, 9st 41b, is a long way the most attractive. In the Hack Hurdles, Depression, list 10!b, should beat Timothy at the same weight, though I remember Mr Bidwill's horse beating the mare at Tauherinikau last season, but she was nothing near as fit as she is now. Depression should have most to fear from Black Regent, who is well in with lOst. The Flying has Ranee Runa and Swordbelt in with 7at 21b each, and whichever is wanted should win. In the L.T.J.C. handicap, of 2 miles, Retina, 9st 71b, should have most to fear

from Comet, Bst 4!bs, and Tuhitarata, 7st. Tha Hack Handicap should fall to Paramu, Bst, with Ida, 7st 10!b, and Karnmu, 7st 7ib, as next best. Tha acceptances and the entries for the Maiden Hack Race close on Saturday next, at 9 p.m. The Rangitikei Racing Club’s Annual Meeting will be held on Friday and Saturday, January Ist and 2ud, and as yet only the weights for the Rangitikei Handicap, If miles, and Flying Handicap, 6 furlongs, have made their appearance. In the long race I see nothing better than the top weight, Boulanger, 9st 31b, and Retina, Bst sb. Foxton is very badly treated with Bst 31b, and St.

Malo, 7st 121 b, Prestige, 7st 101 b, and Torpedo, 7st 91b, all look to hold Mr Paul’s second string safe. Among the Among the light weights, Cordelia, 6st 101 b, and Ranee Nuna, 6st 71b, both look well. In the Flying Stakes, Weka, Bst 9ib, and Recluse, Sst 131 b, should beat Boulanger, 9st 8:b, and among the youngsters, Cretonne, 7st 111 b, and Ranee Nuna, Gst 71b, are equally attractive.

Mr Death is again in the field with tlie weights for tho Otaki-Maori Meeting on New Year’s Day. As Acolyte, list, was very leg weary after his gruelling at the Hutt, I should not bo surprised at his absence, and the Hurdles should in that case fall either to his stable companion, Mataivrhetu, 9st 7lbs, or St. Helier, 9st. The Steward’s Sfakes should go either to Slave Girl, 83t 71b, Rahui, 7st 101 b, or Sc. Helier. 7st 41b. The last-named, on his running in the Welter at the Heretaunga Meeting, is very dangerous. The Onslow Cup looks to me nearly a ‘ moral ’ for the topweight Osman, 9st. Next to Mr Best’s horse I like Slave Girl, Bst 21bs, and Acolyte, 6st 101 b. _ The Flying Stakes should be won by Rihni, Bst 41b, The Lawyer, 7st, or Fantastic, Gsc 7lb, the last named for choice. Tbo acceptances are due on Monday, 11th Dec., at 8.30 p.m. Referring to the fact that ‘Asmodeus’ has selected The Captain as one of the most promising of next year’s T.R.C. Derby candidates, ‘ Phaeton’ says : —The Captain is a son of Robinson and Marie Louise, and is owned by Mr S. G. Cook. Mr Gcllan’s pair, Mousquetaire (by Nordenfeldt —Frailty) and Calloden (by Nordenfeldt—Nelly Moore), who are both engaged in tho Ascot Tale Stakes, may be on the scene in the autumn, and it will be interesting to note what kind of figures they out when pitted against Tho Captain in that race. If the Frailty colt does not develop into a Derby colt of the highest class, and add further lustre to the name of the great family from which he springs, New Zealanders will be woefully mistaken; and when this Derby question is under consideration let the important fact never be forgotten that Mr D. O’Brien, who selected that 1 peer of the Australian realm,’ Carbine, bid up to 2000 guineas in endeavouring to secure his possession The mistake which led to the disqualification of Mr D. S. Wallace’s filly Urith at the T.R.C. Spring Meeting is thus explained by Ribbleden in tha Australasian :—On the first Monday in June, which is always a busy day with owners, Mr Wallace entered Urith—then unnamed—for several important races to be run under the auspices of the Tictoria Racing Club as a chestnut filly by Newminster from a mare by Maribyrnong from the Marchioness filly ; or exactly as she was described in the catalogue of the Rand wick yearling sales, at which Mr Wallace became possessed of her ; but it appears that one of the, clerks, in compiling the list of entries for the printer, made a mistake in copying the entry form, and described the filly as by Newminster from a Marchioness mare, and so she appears in the official programme for the current season as published by the T.R.C. In making the entry fur the Fiemington Stakes Hickenbotham, instead of trusting to positive knowledge as to the pedigree, consulted the T.R.C. list, and unwittingly', of c mtse, repeated the official .... blundei ; hence the dispute, which conveys a useful lesson both to the vendors of yearlings and the secretaries of racing clubs. It shows that secretaries and their assistants cannot be too caretful in copying —and checking—entry forms ; and it is certain that if Urith had been described iu the seller’s catalogue as by Newminster from Anonyma—who, there caii hardly be a doubt, is identical with Urith’s dam—iustead of as by Newminster, her dam by Maribyrnong, &a., all unpleasantness would have been avoided. Taking a glance at horses that were seen out at the big Melbourne meeting this spring, ‘ The Old ’Un ’ in Sydney Referee indulges in a forecast of what may happen 12 months hence. In Strathmore, he says, Mr Wilson has one of the best horses in the land, and also one of the best bred. But then ha has also in tha same stable Steadfast and Zalinski, both Nordenfeldts. With such a trio Mr Wilson must play a very bold hand in the Cup next year, and also before that event is reached. If Zalinski be better than Strathmore, and Mr Wilson keeps him on hand, then next year’s Cup is almost • foregone conclusion. I doubt, however, if Mr Wilson has a better than Strathmore, who I believe caa smother Steadfast. Smothering Steadfast means a lot, and Strathmore is capable of the doughtiest deeds. He is my ‘ Malvolio ’ for the

next Cup, and may I be transported to Fiji if I forget him or go back on him when the tim9 comes. When the vast

crowd again assembles at Fiemington Cup Day, I fancy some eager eyes will be watching StrftthiUQrej Steadfast, Thq

Captain, Bel Giorno, G’Naroo, Oxide, Aster, St. Blaise, Z>linski, Albemarle, Stromboli, Penance, Forty Winks, The Rebel and Megaphone with a considerable amount of interest, and the horse they will shout for at the finish is Zalinski. The foregoing remarks deserve some attention, as it will be remembered that last year the writer referred to picked out Malvolio after he beat Highborn at Oakleigh Park as the Cup winner of 1891.

WELLINGTON - RACING CLUB. The following stakes have been paid over in connection with the Wellington Racing Club a Spring Meeting, 1891 :-Hon Captain Russell, L 242 53 ; .T. Maher, L7l 03 : K. McKenzie, ( L 66 IDs ; G. P. Donnelly, L 61153 ;;D. : Knight, L6115s ; H. H. Dodson, L 52 osi; B. Dennehj , L 52 ss; T. S. Bristol, L 47 10s; E. Barnes L 47 10s; T. B. Bax, L3S ; Wi Hutana, Loo ss* G. A. Birschberg, L2S 10s ; W. E. Bidwiil, L 23 15s ; F. Hill, L 9 10 s ; T. Qumhven, jun., L 9 10s ; F. Fisk, L 4 los. Total, LJoO 53. SOUTHERN NOTES. (By Bannerdale.) Christchurch, December 8. Things have been very dull in the local sporting world since I wrote from Dunedm last week, and I shall have some difficulty in providing my usual budget for the readers ot the Mail. There is a general feeling, among Canterbury sportsmen at least, that the Dunedin Meeting is too long drawn out, and would be far more successful and popular it confined to two days. However this may be, it is certain that we are now experiencing a season of deadly dullness after our week s dissipation in the southern city. The fourth day’s racing at Forbury, which most of us left to the local people, was very uninteresting. The results were telegraphed last week, and it only remains to say that the sport was very moderate, while some of the contests were open to grave suspicions. In the principal trot, the three mile event, Mr Dowse must have made a grave error with the handicap, as, notwithstanding the fact that there were 21 starters, the winner, a gelding named Rata, taken down from Timaru under the auspices of tlia well-known gentleman rider, Mr A. G. Cox, paid a dividend of only £1 19s in the outside machine. While referring to trotting, I may mention that Mr F. Lawry, M.H.R., whose visit to Canterbury I mentioned in a previous letter, has succeeded in settling the differences between the New Zealand Trotting Association and the Auckland Pony and Trotting Club. The club recognises the supreme authority of the Association, and in return is appointed the metropolitan institution in the Auckland district for this particular branch of sport. This arrangement should be satisfactory to the friends of trotting, und will certainly strengthen the hands of the Association in any steps it may take to obtain recognition from the racing authorities. I understand that tlie Ashburton Meeting was, despite the threatening weather and the sparse attendance, a financial success, and that the club will put up a new stand before the Autumn Meeting, to be held on May 4 and 5. This club has, by the way, removed the disqualification from Mr ‘ Dove ’ Smith, a cash bookmaker, who got himself into trouble by abusing tlie late secretary at the last Autumn Meeting. Smith seems to have received a good deal of provocation, and no one is displeased by his restoration to the ranks. One of the local papers offers a guinea prize for a 4 horse-naming competition, and selects the Wellington Park yearlings as the youngsters to be operated upon.. The sporting sufferers from influenza are now all convalescent. Mr Wanklvn, the secretary of the Canterbury Jockey Club, made bis i-eappearance last week, looking very little the worse for his unpleasant experience. Mr D. O’Brien had a rather sharp attack, which commenced during the Dunedin Meeting, but is now almost himself again. The Hororata Meeting, the most popular country gathering in this part of the colony, is fixed for January 8. Only £250 is to be given in stakes, but 2000 people will congregate on the pretty little course, and this is a big turn out for Canterbury. Mr John Cresswell, who is well known in your district, is secretary and handicapper, and always manages to make a signal success of his annual fixture. _ , Clutha races are set down for December 30, and the Lumsden meeting for February 11 Our southern friends, who are not all Scotchmen, certainly get through a large amount of racing during the year. A correspondent writing to me from Melbourne expresses the opinion that White was very harshly treated by the Mentone stewards in being disqualified for boring Buzz on to the rails. The New Zealand horseman, who is always ready to take more risks than moat of his opponents, undoubtedly got into a tight place, and made desperate efforts to clear himself, but he took no unfair advantage of the other riders and seemed to adopt every precaution to avoid an accident. _ It is a»ain reported that Mr H. Driver is going to° give up the starting at Dunedin. The wish has so often been the father to the thought in this matter that I shall not believe the good news until I actually see the flan in more competent hands. If the Dunedin Club should make a change I hope it will try no more experiments with amateurs, but secure the services of Mr S. Powell or Mr A. Boyle. These two gentlemen are certainly the best starters now practising in New Zealand, and I think I should be inclined to give the palm to the Northern official. It -was very noticable last month that Mr Henrv, whose non-residence was at first regarded as a grave objection to his appoint, ment as handicapper to the Canterbury Jockey Club, was much more successful than Mr Dowse in dealing with the Southern horses. The latter gentleman’s handicapping at Dunedin was very erratic, and far below bis average performance, but Mr Henry got through his arduous duties at the Metropolis $ an Meeting with a conspicuous measure ©f

success. It is impossible to get one handicapper for the whole of New Zealand, bat Mr Evett and Mr Henry might divide the work with most satisfactory results. Heather Bell has been sent to the stud, and will be mated with Maxim before the great horse is shipped to Amerioa.

[By Telegraph.] Christchurch, December 9

The Westland mootings promise to be unusually successful this season. They havo seoured good nominations, and the handicaps already published appear to be satisfactory. Crackshot has been scratched for the Auckland Cup, and is unlikely to race again for some time. Boulanger was taken north by tlia larawera on Friday. . _, , , . , The Canterbury Trotting Club has raised Mr Wanklyn’s salary to £3OO a year, and granted the successful secretary a month a leave of absence to recruit Ins health in Australia. The Metropolitan Meeting resulted in a profit of about £I2OO to the Canterbury Club. At the meeting of the committee on Monday groat dissatisfaction was expressed afc the manner in which the new totalisator arrangements worked, and Messrs Hobbe and Goodwin are to be interviewed on the matter. The Duuedin papers are agreed that it would be belter to reduce the Dunedin Spring Meeting to two days. _ Hilda and Lebel are the local fancies for the Auckland Cup, but there is practically no betting. _ . , The horses belonging to Messrs O Brien and Stead engaged at the Auckland Meeting will leave for the north next week. The tracks at Riccarton are not in good order, and the training operations at head quarters have been restricted in consequence. Dr Prins, who has been seriously unwell with influenza, is now belter and out of Jockey Club voted £25 to pay the nursing and funeral expenses of the unfortunate jockey, Press, and ordered that any balance remaining unexpended from the amount should be handed over to the lad s mother. Mrs Press, I believe, died m your city last week. THE WELLINGTON PARK SALE. (By Vigilant.) The progress made by the Wellington Park Stud, under Mr T. Morrin’s proprietorship, during the last few years has been most remarkable, and the wonderful success this season, both in Australia and New Zealand, of horses bred in its paddocks, has so greatly enhanced its reputation that the approaching annual sale of yearlings, fixed for the 4tli of January next, will no doubt be the most important yet held. When Mr W. R. Wilson, the Broken Hill silver king, purchased Strathmore and Zalinski, at the Wellington Park sale of 1890, and Steadfast at the Sylvia Park sale, the most sanguine admirers of the young Nordenfoldts could not have anticipated that the trio would all turn out so brilliantly. Yet at three 'years old Strathmore has proved himself the colt of the season in Australia, bywinning the V.R.C. Derby, and Great Foal Stakes, and running third in the Melbourne Cup ; Steadfast has lowered the colours of the mighty Marvel, and Zalinski by his victory in the Toorak Handicap at Caulfield has given a foreshadowing of the great deeds which may be expected of him when his magnificent frame has had time to develop its full strength.’ The stud farm whore such equine wonders are produced must attract the attention of racing men throughout the whole world, and I shall expect, when the circle is formed at the Park on the eventful 4th, to see intending purchasers present from America, Australia, India, and possibly the. Cape and Europe. Among the mares at Wellington Park ■ several have made their names famous as , dams of winners of nearly all the classical events in Australia and New Zealand. First in rank is Sylvia, dam of Robin Hood, Goldsbrough, and Martini-Henry, the last winner of the great ‘double,’ Victoria Derby and Cup. Frailty has produced Trenton, Niagara, Cuirassier, Cissy, Mary, Zalinski, and Mousquetaire; Ouida can lay claim to Artillery, Balista, Hilda, Hazel,. Strathmore and Brown Alice i Realisation will go down to posterity, famous as the dam of Maxim, one of Musket’s mightiest sons, and she also had a moie than useful son in Wapiti. If Onyx had borne no other foal than Nordenfeldt her fame would have been established, but both Sardonyx and Enfilade were lions in their day. Maid of Athol has a goodly array of winners in Snider, Krupp (Trenton s worthy rival as a two-year-old) Soudan, Cannon, Kotuku, Scots Grey, and Queen of Trumps. Steppe, the half sister to the mighty Hermit, shows a worthy list in Leeds, Russley, Lady Norah, Too Soon, Tartar, She and Stepniak. Renga has the clippers Cinderella and Tit Bit to her credit; Lovebird has Leopold, Albatross has. Teksum, Lochness and Elswick ; Victoria has Adelaide, Yivandiere has Son-of-a-Gun, and Cantiniere has Brown Bess. Few dames of the stud have such credentials as these, and when it is added that nine of the twenty youngsters to be offered are by the reigning prince of Australasian stallions, Nordenfeldt, five by St Leger, a son of the great Doncaster, three by Ingomar, half-brother on the sire’s side to the invincible Barcaldine, and two by Brigadier, the best son of Musket now left in New Zealand, I need say no more to recommend them. Of the Nordenfeldt yearlings there will probably be the keenest competition for the brown colt from : Frailty (and consequently full brother to

Zalinski). I have not seen him but hear that he is a gem, and it is fully expected that he will top the 2025 gs given for his elder brother, Mousquetaire, by Mr Gollan last season. Others, which for breeding can hardly be surpassed, are the brown colt from Realisation, dam of Maxim, and the brown filly from Ouida, dam of Strathmore. There is a brown filly by Nordenfeldt —Maid of Athol which might turn out another Krupp, and grand strains, of running blood are to be found in the chestnut colt by Nordenfeldt from Bianca, a granddaughter of Yattendon on the sire’s side, and of Angler on the dam’s. For thoso who favour the combination of Musket and Yattendon blood, there is also a strapping chestnut colt by Nordenfeldt from Yattacy, by Yattenden out of Ecstacy by The Marquis. Of the young St Legers a bay colt from Yivandiere, a brown colt from Renga, and a chestnut colt from Lovebird, dam of Leopold, and the brown filly from Cantiniere by Musket, should all command attention, _ for _St Leger’s stock are as fast as the wind, if they are not the best of stayers, and in these_ days of short races speed is the great desideratum. A three-year-old full sister to the St Leger —Cantiniere filly, named Brown Bess, distinguished herself by winning the Tramway Handicap and the Moorefield Handicap at the Moorefield Meeting in Victoria only the other day. Ingomar claims Too Good, winner of the Liverpool Grand National Steeplechase, Strephon, Alcinous, Fiesole, Ingorina and other good ones as his offspring, and as he died the other day there should be a general desire on the part of purchasers to secure his yearlings. The brown colt from Steppe, which is in the list to be submitted, is sure to attract attention, and if his appearance pleases, the Southerners who saw Stepniak at Christchurch will make strong bidding for his possession. The bay filly by Ingomar from Sylvia is likely to be the last of the grand old mare’s offspring, and even if the youngster does not promise much for racing purposes, she should command a big price as a brood mare. The two yearlings by Brigadier will have their value increased by the recent victories, of Brigand and Brigade. One of them is a grey colt from Victress, a splendidly bred mare of Yattenden descent who never raced, and the other is a brown filly from the Traducer mare, The Jilt. The one representative of Johnny Faulkner, who has only lately joined the stud, is a bay filly from Tasmania, a daughter of old Manuka and Zillah, dam of Tasman. This is good blood, and as Johnny Faulkner is a son of the renowned St Albans, sire of Tasman, it will be seen that the youngster is really full sister in blood to Dan O’Brien’s old favourite, the sensational winner of the first New Zealand Cup. All horses submitted at the sale will be sold with their engagements, which in many cases are very rich. They will also be sold absolutely without reserve.

SENSATIONAL AMERICAN HORSE SALE. ST. BLAISE SOLD FOR 100,000 DOLS. The following interesting account of one of the most sensational horse sales that hns ever been held in America is taken from the New York paper, The World, of Sunday, October IS ;—The conclusion of the sale of the late August Belmont’s Nursery Stud oocurred last night at the Cyclorama Building, corner of Fifty-fifth street and Seventh Avenue. The enormous priceß obtained at Friday’s sale promised still more sensational results when the great stallion St. Blaise was offered, together with his yearling offspring. List night’s prices justified all expectations, and when Auctioneer Easton’s hammer knocked down the last horse, the greatest thoroughbred sale America has ever known was concluded.

The crowd was so great that hardly a third of those who came could be admitted. Scores of ladies wore present, a most unusual feature at a horse sale. An hour before the first horse was offered there waß scarcely room to stand inside the building. And a most remarkable crowd it was. Sitting around the little enclosure, where the horse 3 were offered, were a score of the most notable turfmen in America and half a dozen millionaires. There was stoical J. B. Heggin, owner of copper mines and railroads and whole counties out in California ; Pierre Lorillard, the only American who ever won the Derby, and whose obituary when he dies will fill three or four columns of the_New York papers, and every line of it will be read ; Jacob Ruppert, th.e great New York brewer, who looks like Gambrinus would loik if he lived in New York; John A. Morris, owner of Morris Park and St. Florian and a score of other great thoroughbreds ; Mr Hennen Morris, his son, who looks like a divinity student ; John Heokscher, who, after forty years of social distinctfSns, will go to posterity as the name of a racehorse ; David Gideon, solemn-faced and astute, owner of His Highness and Merry Monarch ; Stephen Sanford, who paid on Friday $20,500 for the brood mare Viola, a monstrous price for anyone but a carpet millionaire ; young Frank Ehret, owner of Yorkville Belle and Demuth ; Milton Young, of McGrathiana, Ky., the shrewdest breeder of thoroughbreds In Amerioa ; J. T. Williams, owner of Checkmate, who beat Hindoo, and trainer of Ten Broeck ; John Campbell, J, E. McDonald, James Rowe, Wyndham Walden, A. I. Walcot, John Kelly, O. A. Jones, Col. B. Ford, Eb Kennedy, William Lakeland, Philip Dwyer, John Daly, William Barnes, John Maokay, E. A. Buck, D. T. Pulsifer, owner of Tenny, and A. J. Joiner. Just In the centre of this circle sat massive Charles Reed, of Fairview, with a light overcoat buttoned up about him and his silk hat drawn over his eyes. Mr Reed kept bis

cane firmly clutched in his hand, and looked as if he came to the sale for business.

Everybody was eager to see St. Blaise. A two-year-old was first trotted out by mistake, and the ladies in the gallery promptly applauded, and a murmur of admiratiou went up from the horsey amateurs. Everybody laughed when Mr Easton ordered ' that filly ’ taken out. A moment later St. Blaise was led In. Then there was genuine applause. The auctioneer had to ohock it, for the great stallion made a rush for the millionaire corner, where Mr Lorillard, young August Belmont, and Mr J. B. Haggin sat, and it looked for a time as if there might have to be written the obituary of a notable gentleman. St. Blaise i 3 a grand-looking stallion. Although sixteen and ouo-half hands high, he appears soarcely fifteen. He has a splendid head, big quarters, fine eyes, and enormous bone. He soon became quiet, and looked about the ring of faces with hi 3 wide open intelligent eyes os if he had the most perfect conception of what it nil meant. Mr Eiston dwelt at some length on the horse and the sale, and finally asked for a bid. There was just a moment’s silenoe, and then massive Mr Reed, grasping his cane still more tightly, said quietly : ■ I’ll bid $100,000.’

Mr Lorillard lifted his head in amazement. Jaoob Ruppert s jaw fell. Even youDg Mr Belmont looked eui prised. Everybody expected the biddiug to start at SIO,OOO or $15,000, and here the first offer was SIOO,OOO. Eveu the auctioneer was demoralized by the bid. He recovered presently and asked for something higher, but everybody looked at the massive gentleman, and he had an air so determined and resolute that no one cared to wrest the prize from him. •Knock him down toTleed,’said Mr A. F. Wolcott, and at last, with general handclapping, Mr Easton dropped his hammer. 4 I take off my hat to you, Mr Reed,’ said he. Then there was more handclapping, and it kept up until Mr Reed got up and took off his silk hat in a wearied kind of way. Then St. Blaise was led out, to the relief of the millionaire corner.

A photographer in the gallery wanted a flash-light photograph of him, and Mr Eastou asked if he should be brought back. ‘No,’ said Mr Reed, ‘I am not playing for the gallery.’ Charles Reed, who bought St Blaise, is more notable than the horse. Some day someone will write the story of his life, and the book will be worth reading. Reed is a New Yorkboj, who has worked his own way up, and in the working he has seen nearly everything in the world that is to be seen.

He dug for gold in California in the days of ’49, and owned blockade runners from southern ports in ’63. He was amoDg the first to buy pearls from the pearl fisheries of the Gulf of California, and was n notable figure on the old Southern race tracks before and after the war.

He was John Morrissey’s trusted lieutenant and Reed’s brain suggested to Morrissey soma of his shrewdest coups. He planned and owned a big interest iu the Saratoga race track, and sold out at a handsome profit. Ha has been a bookmaker in England, a broker in Wall street, and is now a breeder of horses in Tennessee, with $500,000 invested in horses and one of the finest stock farms in the South. Personally, he is one of the most delightful companions imaginable.

After St. Blaise was sold the other stallions were offered. Magnetizer went for $16,000 and was sold to Mr T. W. Shreve, of Louisville, Ky. Nonesuch only brought SSOO and Fiddlesticks only §9OO. Then the yearlings were offered. The first one was by St Biaise out of Lady Primrose. The bidding from the first was lively. Pierre Lorillard, James Rowe, Jacob Ruppert and John A. Morris were all bidders. Mr Ruppert finally got him for $30,000 a phenomeual price for a yearling. Trainer James Rowe got the next one, a bay filly by imported The 111-Used, out of Lady Rosebery, by Kingfisher, for SII,OOO. Mr Lorillard went a 3 high as $10,500, but as Rowe looked determined Mr Lorillard dropped out. The total of last night’s sale was $241,950. The yearlings brought $124,550, an average of $5,189.50. The total sale was $516,045. HERETAUNGA MOUNTED RIFLES’ RACING CLUB. HACK RACE MEETING. President —Major Stewart Newall; Judge— Dr Newman ; Starter —Mr T. H. Hill ; Handicapper—Mr J. E. Henry ; Stewards —Captain L. \V. Loveday, Lieutenants J. Pringle and J. R Purdy, Dr A. Martin. Sergeant-Major Copeland, QnartermnsterSergeant Ram-sden, Corporal Welch, and Private T. Pelham ; Clerk of the Scales — Quartermaster-Sergeant Ramsden ; Clerk of the Course —Private F. Buck. The first hack meeting held under the

The first hack meeting held under the auspices of the Heretaunga Mounted Rifles took place on the Hutt Park c urse by permission of the Wellington Racing Club onSaturday last, and was very successful. The weather was fine, and the attendance, which included a good many ladies, numbered about 800, which was quite as large as expected. The general arrangements were excellent, and strict punctuality was observed. Captain Loveday and his officers deserve great credit for their unremitting efforts to secure this result. Lieutenant Pringle was assisted in his duties as secretary by Mr D. 11. Mackinnon, and mainly owiDg to their exertions and care there waa no hitch of any kind. Dr Newman very kindly officiated as judge in the unavoidable absence of Lieutenant-Colonel Hume, and gave complete satisfaction. Mr T. H, Hill acted as starter, snd v/as scarcely as successful as usual; but it was the general remark that one or two of the jockeys were more responsible for the mistakes than the starter. Mr W. Johnston, of the Waverley Hotel, catered in the Grand Stand bar and luncheon room, which is tantamount to saying- that his patrons were well served. Two totalisators were worked by Mr Joseph Ames, and during the afternoon the substantial sum-of L2SOS was put through. While the investments on the the Welter Race ivere being rung on No. 2 machine got out of order, but it was soon temporarily repaired. The sport was fairly interesting and would have been more, so but for one or two cases of suspicious running, which Mr Henry, the handicapper, who was present,

doubtless took note of. The principal race was won, as “Vigilant” anticipated, by Mr W. Best with his game 4-year-old colt Osman, who, it will be remembered, won the Porirua Handicap on the 9th November. Private T. M. Wilford won the Heretaunga Handicap and the Novel Handicap with his recentlypurchased mare Pride of the Hills, and Lieutenant Pringle won the Hurdle Race with Roger. The following are the details of the sport:— Maiden Plate, oflO sovs ; one mile and a distance. 44 Mr E. Halward’s b g Swordbelt, by Sword Dance—Necklace, 3yrs, 7st lllbs (Ray) 1 11 Mr G. Smart’s b c Eros, 3yrs, Bst (Wilkinson) 2 45 Mr H. Catt’s ch m Karamu, syrs, Sst 121bs (Owner) 3 Also started —4 Artesian, aged, Sst 1211)8; 3 Neta, aged, Sst 121bs ; 5 Rupe, Bst 91bs. From a good start Swordbelt soon showed in front, and keeping the lead all the way won easily by a length from Eros, who was only a head in front of Karamu. Tolalisator, 112 ; dividend, £2 ss. Flying Handicap, of 20 sovs, second horse 4 sovs from the stakes ; six furlongs. 6S Mr T. B. Bax's ch g Rocket, by Leos. syrs, 7st Slbs ... ... ... (Ray) 1 49 Mr E. I’iripi’s bm Deception, aged, Sst 91bs (Macmorran) 2 75 Mr G. A. Hirsehberg’s g g Mahara, syrs, 9st 121bs (Catt) 3 Also started—2s Cyrus, syrs, Bst 4ib; 26 Czarina, 6yrs, Sst 41b ; 124 Sweet Dream, aged, 7st 111 b; 32 Ben Bolt, aged, 7st 91b; 19 Waibora, aged, 7:>t 31b ; 28 Rahui, aged, 7st 21b ; 3 Escalade, aged, 6st 7lb ; and 3 Chance, syrs, 6?t 71b. From a rather straggling start Ben Balt was the first to show in front, but before 100 yards had been covered Rocket rashed past him and took the lead. Approaching the road Rocket had half a length lead of Czarina, with Deception, Mahara, Sweet Dream, and Chance in a cluster about a length and a half away. Czarina fell back on rounding into the straight, and Rocket, easily stalling off the challenges of Deception and Mahara, won comfortably by two lengths, a neck between second and third, Totalisator, 452 ; dividend, L 5 17s. Hurdle Handicap, of 20 sov3. One mile and a half.

101 Lieutenant Pringle’s hr g Roger, by Morpheus, aged, list 3ib— (Jones) 1 79 Mr J. E. Pilbrow’s br g Flywheel, aged, 951121 b (Owner) 2 6S Mr K. McKenzie’s b m Depression, aged, list 51b 3 Also started —S 7 Marksman, aged, list; 17 Thunderbolt, aged, 9st; 16 Melos, aged, 9st. The flig fell to a capital start, of which Flywheel had slightly the best. The horses ran in a great cluster to the stand, where Flywheel had only a slight advantage of Roger, Marksman, Depression and Melos, Thunderbolt having fallen away last. Under the hill Roger went to the front, holding his own all the rest of the journey, and won easily by four lengths from Flywheel. Depression, whom Seaeombe had not hurried along the back stretch, when the race was virtually overcame with a great rattle in the straight, and finished a fair third. Her running was the subject of general remark, and surprise was manifested that no enquiry was instituted by the stewards. Totalisator, 368 J; dividend, L 3 4s. Hutt Handicap, of 40 sovs ; second_ horse, 10 sovs from the stakes. One mile and a quarter. 80 Mr W. Best’s br c Osman, by Crawford Priory Ruth, 4yrs, 7st 111 b (McTaggart) 1 41 Mr F. Martin’s br f Ranee Nuna, 3yrs, 7st 131 b (Lawton) 2 71 Mr E. Piripi’s b m Deceptior, aged, Sst 91b (Macmorran) 3 Also started—4o Mahara, syrs. 9st Sib ; 20 Hibernian, aged, Bst 91b ; 63 Puni, 4yrs, Bst alb; 35 Swordbelt, 3yrs, Sst 51b ; 10 ben Bolt, 6yrs, 7st 41b ; 14 Atkinson, aged, 7st 41b ; 21 Rahui, aged, 7st; 53 Dromedary, 6yis, 6st 101 b. The field was dismissed well together, and as the horses dashed by the stand it was seen that Puni and Osman were leading by nearly a length, with the rest all of a heap. Under the hill Ranee Nuna took third place a length behind the leaders, the main body being still well together. Along the back stretch Swordbelt and Deception showed out from the ruck, and at the gate Osmar., leaving Puni, went on witn a half-length lead of Ranee Nuna. Mr Martin’s filly looked formidable as they rounded into the straight, but McTaggart, who had evidently ridden Osman a waiting race in front, let him out when heads were turned for home, and having all the best of it in the straight, wen comfortably at the finish by a length. Deception was a good third, and the rest widely scattered. Time, 2min 14sec. Totalisator, 448 ; dividend, L 4 19s. Heretaunga Handicap, of 15 sovs; second horse 3, and third horse 2 sovs from the stakes ; for horses belonging to any mounted troop, to be ridden by members. One mile. 77 Private T. Wilford's b m Pride of the Hills, 4yrs, list 61b (Private Campbell) 1 46 Private F. Bucks tlk m La Norde, aged, 12st (Owner) 2 44 Private S. Menzies’ b m After Dark,

aged, list ... (Private Georgeson) 3 Also started—l 9 Brin win, aged, list 61b ;12 Leopardess, aged, list ; 3 George Washington, aged, list; 1 Huia, 4yrs, list; and 15 Ohinemutu, list. Leopardess led for a quarter of a mile, when Pride of the Hills went to the froat, and Private fßuelc, making a very tame finish on La Norde, Private Wilford’s mare held the lead to the end, winning easily by two lengths. Time, lmin 52sec. Totalisator, 217 ; dividend, L2 9s. Welter Handicap, of 20 sovs ; second horse to receive 4 sovs from the stakes. One mile and a distance. 114 Mr T. B. Bax’s ch g Rocket, by Leos, syrs, 9st ... ... ... (Ray) 1 11 Mr J. L. Gage's ch g St. Helier, aged, Bst .. ... (James) 2 18 Mr J, E. Pilbrow’s br g Flywheel, aged, Sst 91bs (Wilkinson) 3 Also started —51 Deception, aged, 10st 21bs : 30 Bismarck, 4yrs, 9st 41bs ; 85 Sweet Dream, aged, 9st 41bs ; 11 Marksman, aged, Bst 13lbs ; 39 Dromedary, 6yrs, 83t 71bs ; 3 Melos, 6yrs, Sst. This was the prettiest race of the day. Sweet Dream was the first to show out from a good start, and when a quarter of a mile had been traversed it was seen that Bismarck and St. Helier were a length behind Mr Best’s mare, with Rocket fourth. The leaders all bunched up as they ran along the back, and at the road turn Ray’s bright jacket on Rocket was seen in front. James, on St. Helier, made a game fight of it in the straight, but Rocket had too much foot and won comfortably by a couple of lengths, Flywheel being a length from St. Helier, third. Time, 2min. 7sec. Totalisator, 362 ; dividend, £2 163. Novel Race, of 20 sovs ; minimum weight, Bst. Six furlongs. 45 Private T. M. Wilford sbm Pride of the Hills had no difficulty in landing this from 104 Nina, 3J Neta, and 93 Matchless, The

winner got the best of the start, and led all ) the way. Totalisator, 269 ; dividend, L 5 ss. 1 The winner was submitted at auction by Mr Campbell after the race, and was knocked down for LIC to Mr J. Belcher. Scorby Handicap, of 10 sovs. Seven furlongs. 36 Mr W. G. Smart’s ch g Paramu, by Puriri, Tstlllb ... ... (Morton) 1 37 Mr Catt’s ch m Karamu, 7st 41b (Ray) 2 13 Mr K. McKenzie’s ch g Hibernian, aged, Sst 71b (Seacombe) 3 Also started —95 Osman, 4yrs, 9st 21b ; 25 Puni, 4yrs, Sst 71b ; 33 Bismarck, 4yrs, 7st 91b ; 6 Escalade, aged, 6at 71b ; 17 St Helier, aged, 6st 71b. From the stand the start appeared a very bad one, as Paramu got two or three lengths the best of it, and Osman was left at the po3t. The winner led all the way, and although Hibernian and Karamu were ridden vigorously iu the straight neither could get up, the verdict being a three-quarter length victory for Mr Smart’s new purchase. Totalisator, 362 ; dividend, L 8 18s.

LOWER. TALLEY WEIGHTS. The following weights have been declared for •he Lower Talley Jockey Club Boxing Lay Meeting:— Handicap Hubdle Race, two miles. — Jacob, list ; General Gordon, 9st 41b ; Obid, 9st. Hack Hukdi.es Handicap, one mile and a half —Timothy and Depression, list 101 b ; Black Regent, lOst ; Melos, 9st 51b : ICaika, Makomako, and Lesdemona. 9st 41b; Kismet, Debut, and Tairiri, 9st. Feting Handicap, six furlongs.—Rebellion, 9st ; Comet, Bst 101 b ; Mahara, Bst 41b ; Once Again, 7st 71b ; Tubitarata, 7st 41b ; Swordbelt, Royal Oak, and Ranee Nuna, 7st ; Torohunea, 6st 10'b ; Revolution, 6st 71b. L.T.J.C. Handicap, two miles. —Retina, 9st 71b ; Comet, Bst 41b ; Mahara, Sst ; Eros and Tuhitarata. 7st; Swordbelt, Torohanga, and Royal Oak, 6st 101 b; General Gordon, 6s t. Hack Handicap, one mile and a quarter.— Cyrus, Sst T2lb ; Depression, Sst 10!b ; Paramu, Sst; The Dromedary, Ida, and Escalade, 7st 101 b; Karamu and Kiaoratatu, 7st _7lb ; Makomako and Desdemona, 7st 51b ; Kismet and Prince Alfred, 6st 101 b ; Eulalie, 6st 71b. | AUCKLAND ’WEIGHTS. Auckland. December 3. The following weights have been issued for the two principal races at the Auckland Racing Club's Summer meeting : Auckland Cup. two miles.—Freedom, 9st 71b ; Crackshot, Sst 12lb ; Merrie England and Hilda, Sst 111 b ; Ralliser and British Lion, Sst 51b ; Strephon, Sst 31b ; Fraternity, 7st 131 b ; The Workman and Brigand, 7st 91b ; Captain Webb, 7st 81b ; Lebel and Rosefeldt, 7st 71b ; Flinders, Cruchfield and Marion, 7st6lb; Free Lance and Thame, 7st 51b; Lady’s Maid, 7st 3ib ; Leorina, Queen of Trumps, Tunchu, and The Dreamer, 7st; Patchwork, Pearl Powder, and Pinfire, 6st 101 b; Coalscuttle, 6st 91b ; Namoa and Hakimana, 6st 71b. Auckland Steeplechase, about three miles.—Sentinel, list 81b ; Hopeful Kate and Parnell, IQst 101 b; Ival, lOst 81b; Lonely, Fishmonger and The Colonel, lOst 71b ; Tiolet and Bit oVßlue, lOst; Dundee, Yardman and Mangare, 9st 12lb ; Good Day, Dan, Nap and Cloth of Gold, 9st 111 b; Karewa, 9st 101 b; Neck or Nothing, Barshot, Te Ata, Tawhana, Crazy Kate, Alma, Justice, Tommy, Gannet, Kate and Chance, 9st 71b. The thoroughbred stallion Ingomar dropped dead near Hamilton yesterday. Auckland, December 4. Crucbfield was scratched to-day for the Auckland Cup, and Lonely for the SteepleHilda and Freedom are the favourites for the Auckland Cup. The former is quoted at 4 to 1, and the latter at 6 to 1. The Auckland Racing Club have decided to give a farewell race meeting at Ellerslie in honour of His Excellency the Governor and the Countess of Onslow. TROTTING CLUB DISPUTES. Chbistchukch, December 3. Mr R. Lawry, M.H.R., held a conference with the N.Z. Trotting Association to-day respecting matters in dispute with the Auckland Trotting Club, which were satisfactorily arranged, and the Auckland Club has been appointed the metropolitan club for that provincial district, with authority to pass programmes. MANAWATU WEIGHTS. Palhebston Nobth, December 4. The following weights have been declared for the Manawatu Summer Meeting ; Tkial Handicap, of 60 sovs. Six furlongs.

NAPIER PARK NOMINATIONS. Napier, December 4. The following nominations were received tonight for the Napier Park Club’s Summer Meoting:— „ , , ~ Trial Hurdees, of 40 sovs ; one and a half miles —Pohehe, Rough, Disturbance, Detainer, Scorpion, Worth, Lochnagar, Lopez, Pirate. , Midsummer Handicap, of 50 sovs; one mile.—Man Friday, Rosefeldt, Salisbury, Burd Helen, Seraph, Kotuku, Katinka, Kathleen, Freelance, Patience, Maid of Lome, Chatelaine, Link, Como, Zaccbo. Two-yeae-QM> Handicap, of 70 eova; five

furlongs.—Ua, Starlight, Comatose, Mystic, Egotism, St Katherine, Lustre. New Year Handicap, of 125 sovs; one and a half miles.—Rosefeldt, Kapua, Salisbury, Eclipse, Maganser, Huerfana, Krina, Hakimana, Thame, Triton, Freelance, Dreamland, Jeannie Deans, Maid of Lome. Handicap Hurdles, of 75 sovs ; 2 miles. — Waterfall, Waterbury, Raven, Rough, Tauraekaitai, Somnambulist, Couranto, Otaieri, Lochnagar. Flying Handicap, of7o sovs; six furlongs. —b laxmero, Rosefeldt, Maganser, Huerfana, Krina, Seraph, Kotuku, Triton, Thame, Dieamland, Jeannie Deans, Link. Settlers’ Handicap, of 40 sovs; once round.—Silvermine, Javeline, Liquidation, Marked Card, Virginii, Tuna, Tureliu, Brown Duchess, Triton, Lorna, Como, Lochnagar, Maid of Lome, Chatelaine, Lopez, Pirate, King George, Zaccho. Greenmeadows Handicap, of 40 sovs; seven furlongs.—Flaxmere, Man Friday, Javeline, Salisbury, Kathleen, Eclipse, Brown Duchess, Freelance, Katinka, Seraph, Hakimana, Patience, Jeannie Deaus, Link, Como, King George.

MARTON NOMINATIONS. Marton, December 6.

Tlis following nominations have been received for the Marton J.O. Hack Race Meeting on the 30th inst. : Tutaenui District Handicap. Martmette, Whitethorn. Niobe, Poynsetia, Mercury, Eve, O’Rourke, Propeller, Strephon, Fib. First Hurdles. —Ridge, Nat, Mangamoho, Doctor, Rata, Otara Lass, Konini, Knight Errant, Natatorial, Commotion, Ahuroa, Memorial, Depression, chestnut geldiug. Flying. Poynsetia, Sunbeam, Strike, Downcast, Kathleen, Stranger, Hilarion, Fib, Narrator, Entry, O’Rourke, Perla, Propellor, Strephon, Swindler. Second Hurdles.—Ridge, Nat, . Mangamoho, Doctor, Rata, Otara Lass, Konini, Rangiora, Knight Errant, E:\ven, Natatorial, IVlarangi, Commotion, Gentle Annie, _ Ahuroa, Memorial, Prince Leo, chestnut gelding. York Farm Handicap.—Niobe, Sunbeam, Kathleen, Stranger, Rangipulii, Hilarion, lib. Entry, Swindler. RANGITIKEI WEIGHTS. Bulls, December 4. |The following weights have been_ declared f r the Rangitikei R.C. annual meeting— Rangitikei'Handicap, on 280 sovs. One mile and three-quarters.

AUCKLAND SCR ETCHINGS. Auckland, December 7. Crackshot and Morion were scratched today for the Auckland Cup. Auckland, December 9. The horses Ifamoa, Cajolery. Pearl Powder, Merrie England, and Captain Webb have been scratched for the Auckland Cup. HAWKES BAY WEIGHTS. Napier, December 8. The following weights have been declared for the Hawkes Bay Jockey Club’s Summer Meeting:

EEILDING WEIGHTS. Eeildino, December 8. The following weights' are tleclared for the Feilding Hack Meeting by Mr J. E. Henry, handicapper :

Hubble Handicap, of 35 sovs. Two miles 1 and a distance. Nat ... ... 10 7 The Banker ... 9 9 Manganoho ... 10 7 Commotion ... 9 7 Ridge 10 0 Ahuroa ... 9 7 THE AUCKLAND FAREWELL MEETING. Auckland, Decembers.. The farewell race meeting to be given in honour of His Excellency the Governor and the Countess of Onslow has been fixed to take place on the 18th February, that being the date they have chosen. There is very little betting of interest on the Auckland Cup, but to-day a disposition was shown to back Freedom for the race. No better offer than 4 to 1 could, however, be obtained about him. Freedom is now equal favourite with Hilda. Wanganui, November 4. At a committee meeting of the Wanganui Jockey Club last night, Mr J. O. Evett was appointed handicapper to the Club, vice Mr Hately resigned. SOUTHERN HORSES FOR AUCKLAND. Christchurch, December 9. The Canterbury horses for the Auckland Summer Meeting leave Lyttelton to-morrow. Mr Stead's Lebel and Stepniak, Mr Hungerford's British Lion,and MrLunn s Merrie England ar.d Clanranald will go, and probably Mr D. O B:ieu‘s team. OTA.ICI-MAORI WEIGHTS. The following weights have been declared for the Otalci Maori Racing Club’s Meeting on New Year’s Day TTttt»tat tp Tf apf flnp mll n nrl ftivf.V-nVQ

ASHURCiT RAGING- CLUB. ’ The following nominations have been received for the events at the inaugural meeting of the Ashurst Racing Club : 1 Flting Handicap Ajax, The Jackass, 2 Dingo, Traitress, Punga, Eve, Daybreak, Cuddle Donn, Never Mis 3, Kissing Cup, Rej pcse, Tutaki, Satanella, Huia. ! Handicap Hurdles Atheline, Raven, Glenelg, Tiritea, Echo, Baldie, Ahuroa, The Pure.

Gorge Handicap. Ajax,. Aintree, .Eve, Balance-sheet, Dingo, Traitress, Tiritea, Never Miss, Repose, Penguin, Rangihau, Clio. m . Visitors’ Handicap. Melba, Traitress, Flora, Punga, Priscilla, Bald Head, Silent Friend, Echo, Lady Isabel, Satanella, Pohangina Handicap. Ajax, Aintree, Dingo, Traitress, Priscilla, Pat, Balfour, Daybreak. Never Miss, Hackman, Clio, Penguin, Satanella, Huia. Scurry Stakes Handicap. Ajax, The Jackass, Flora, Glenelg, Punga, Baldhead, Silent Friend, Cuddle Dion, Echo, Lady Isabel, Tutaki. Stewards’ Stakes Handicap. Balancesheet, Traitress, Priscilla, Ng it.okoura, Pat, Balfour, Repose, Hackman, Clio, Penguin, Baldie, Satanella, Ahuroa, Rangihau.

MASTERTON - OPAKI NOMINATIONS. (PROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

The' following nominations have been received for the Masterton-Opaki Summer MeetD Hack Hurdle Handicap, one mile and a half.—P. F. Tancred’s Oddfellow, J. W. Pemberton’s Kaika, W. B. Buick’s Play Boy and The Joker, J. Lawry’s Kismet, T. Benton jun.’s Makomako, Chas. Gardner’s Larrikin. Waipipi Handicap, one mile. —J. K. Hamilton’s Angler, E. Halward’s Swordbelt, P, F. Tancred’s Royal Oak, W. B. Buick’s Revenge, Wi Hutana’s Tuhitarata, J. Ray jun.’s Comet, J. Fieeth’s Rebellion. Opaki Stakes, one mile and a half.—G. Hirschberg’s Mahara, J. K. Hamilton's Angler, E. Halward’s Swordbelt, P. F. Tancred’s Royal Oak, Wi Hutana’s Tuhitarata, J, Ray jun’s Comet. Hack Handicap,- one mile and a, half.—J. Skeet’s Dromedary, J. Strange's Kioratatare, J. Macara’s Brookfield, J. Kent’s Atkinson, P. Tancred’s Oddfellow, W. B. Buick’s The Joker, A. Buick’s Coquette, J. Ray jun’s Kismet, A. Tukokairangi’s Wainanga, N. Grace’s Ngaro, K. McKenzie’s Hibernian, A. S: Grant's Brooklyn, 11. Anaru's Rangipo, G. Benton jun’s Makomako, Puhxra Te Tau’s Buttercup, J. Thompson’s Modesty. , _ Telegraph Stakes, six furlongs.— J. lv. Hamilton’s Angler, J. Macara’s Frolic, E. Halward’s Swordbelt, P. F. Tancred’s Koyal Oak, W. B. Buiclc's Revenge, Coriett and Frank’s Once Again, Wi Hutana’s Tuliitarata, J. Ray jun’s Comet, J. Freeth’s.Rebellion. NOTES AND CLIPPINGS. NEW ZEALAND. Frailty is to be mated with the Musket horse Hotchkiss thi3 season. Florrie is engaged in the V.P.C. St. Leger, to be run in March next, and it is probablo she will be taken over to fulfil her engagement. The absence of Strephon’s name from the principal events of the Hawkes Bay Summer Meeting is taken by ‘phaeton’ to mean that he has not recovered from the ailment which affected him in Christchurch, and he counsels his readers to let him severely alone for the Auckland Cup. A meeting of the Takapau (H. 8.) Pacing Club was held on Thursday, last week, to decide what should be done with a credit balance of £63, remaining since the club’s disqualification by the Metropolitan Club. There was a feeling in favour of handing it to the Caledonian Society lately formed, but ultimately it was decided to deposit it at interest in the

bank for a year, when, if the club persists in the disqualification, the money will either be given as proposed, or run for in a district race without totalisator.

Brigadier’s services are being largely availed of this season, and the son of Musket’s list was full before the end of November.

The Nelson Jockey Club’s Jubilee Meeting has been fixed for the 3rd and 4th February. The principal event on the programme is the Nelson Cup, of 115 sovs, the distance of which is a mile and threo-quarters. Somnambulist appears on the Wellington race cards as by Somnua—Belle Brandon, whereas it turns out that his'eorrect pedigree is by Somnns—Nil Desperandum. If he was entered as from Belle Brandon he was liable to disqualificition on account of wrong nomination. ‘Buff and Black’ says :—The Wellington Spring Meeting was practically a benefit for Hawkes Bay owners who appropriated all the principal races there. Besides the slakes, a great deal of the totalisator money came to this district. The same writer mentions the fact that a Napier sport bought Krina in a £SB sweep in the Hutt Park Spring Handicap for £4.

It is said that Dir Nugent, of Wanganui, the other day refused £l5O from an Australian visitor for his hack Stranger, by St. Clair—Kaikatoa. The owner asked £2OO. After this, what price racehorses 1

‘ Buff and Black ’ selects Palliser, Bst 51b ; Lebel, 7st 71b; Fraternite, 7st 131 b ; Queen of Trumps, 7st ; British Lion, Bst 51bs ; and Patchwork, 6st 101 b, as the best half dozen at the weights in the Auckland Cup. For the Napier Park Club’s Summer Meeting, which is to be held on New Year’s Day, excellent entries have been received. Fifteen have been nominated for the Midsummer Handicap, fourteen for the New Year Handicap, eighteen for the Settlers' Handiop, twelve for the Flying, seven for the Two year-old Handicap, the same number for the Handicap Hurdles, and sixteen for the Greenmeadows Handicap.

Fraternity is said to be a certain starter in the Auckland Cup if he keeps well. At present, it is said, he is in good steady work and coining on beautifully. ‘ Dlnzeppa ’ thinks that if the Otago Cup had to be run over again at the same weights Boulanger would win. He thinks Derretl was a bit too old a general for Colello, and adds :—lt was mainly owing to Bob’s long-headedness and patience and resolute determination that Florrie was squeezed in a winner. With a less accomplished rider on her back the result would have been Boulanger first, and perhaps Occident also might then have beajen Florrie. Jack Rae, the well known cross-country rider, got a nasty fall in Auckland the other day. He was schooling Lonely over hurdles at his private course at Otahuhu when the horse jumped into a hurdle, and brought himself and his rider to grief. The popular horseman was insensible for some time, but did not sustain any more serious injury than alight facial disfigurement.

Tho most successful jockey at the Dunedin Dleeting was Derrett, who had four winning mounts. Kingan had three; King, Poole, Cochrane, and T. Buddicombe two each ; and the others, who had one each, were Bowie, Lawton, Dunn, Marks, Brown, Walters, Walter Buddicombe, McGrabh, Clifford, Sharp, Walls, Leeson, Cox, Hardy, McDowell, and Kerr.

The Maniototo Jockey Club intend to

establish an annual Derby on similar lines to the Oromwell Derby', the first to be held at the next Spring meeting of the club.

Mr Stead has named his colt by Le Loup from Dliss Kate, Reynard. ‘ Mazeppa’ exclaims :—What a time the old ’uns ate having this seasori. British Lion dates from 3883, Whisper from 3884, and Waitangi from the seventies, I think. Can any of my northern readers tell me when Waitangi was foaled ? The following horses, says ‘ Paheka ’in last Friday’s Wanganui Herald, are in work on the Wanganui course with a view to early engagements :—D. Scally, junior, has in active work Rufus, Downcast, and Lady Leger; McCormick, Narator, Cheque, an Ascot ally—out of a Traducer mare, and Prestige, all of whom are looking in magnificent condition ; J. Belcher has Foxton, Seal Brown, Oretonne, Boulanger, and a two-year-old filly by Natator—Last Chance, named Variety, all of whom are looking well ; Dir T. Rowe has Goodwood (Ascot —Diaid of Eccelston) in hand and he is rapidly improving in condition ; E. Barnes has Entry, Viola 11., Natatorial, and a colt by Fathom—Kneecap’s dam, the whole of them looking blooming ; H. Pell’s team consists of Otara Lass, Stranger, and Attachfi ; R. Wheeler, Te Ata, and La Petite Fille ; F. Potto haß Mr McElwain’s team in hand, consisting of Empire, Epsom, and a two-year-old filly by Torpedo— Opawa mare, Potto has also charge of 'Dir. Dlessiter’s pony Storyteller ; Dlr George has D3irabelle, Pill, and She ; and J. Buckley has in hand Gentle Annie, by Isaac Walton. AUSTRALIAN. The American turf has lost a staunch supporter by the death of Dlr W. L. Scott, who gave £6OOO for the English St. Leger winner Bayou d’Or, the highest price ever given by an American for an imported horse. Dlr Scott, among other important eveuts, woa the Futurity

Stakes with Chaos ; and he was the breeder of the celebrated horse Tenny. Brown Bess, who distinguished herself at the Moorefield Meeting by wincing the Tramway Handicap and the Moorefield Handicap, is a New Zealand bred filly, by St. Leger from Canliniere. A yearling, full sister to the winner, appears in the catalogue of the Wellington Park sale to be held on tho 4th January next. Considerable interest was manifested in a case taken up by the Dlelbourne Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, in which a jockey (J. Hayc-s) was charged with ill-treating a pony during a race by flogging it unnecessarily. The case was fought out to the bitter end, it being alleged that no cruelty was practised, and that had not Hayes acted in the manner he did the stewards would have been justified in disqualifying him for stiff riding. After taking a quantity of evidence, the Bench convicted, fining the jockey 40s and cosls. King Olaf is topweight in the Queensland Cup with 9st 21b.

Dlore bad luck for Dlr W T . T. Jones. His steeplechaser, Dlay Be, winner of the Y.R.C. Grand National Steeplechase, was severely injured by falling in the Steeplechase on tho last day of the V.R.C. Spring Meeting, and has since been destroyed. The principal loss will fall upon Mr J. T. Field, the Tasmanian sportsman, from whom Dlr Jones leased the grey son of Cervus. ‘ Ribbleden ’ selects Highborn, 9st 51b ; Prelude, Bst 41b ; Sfc. Blaize, 7st 111 b ; Impulse, 7st 91b ; Dlitre, 7st 61b ; Sunshine, 7st 41b ; Affiance, 7«t2lb ; Killaloe, 7st 21b ; Sir Anthony, 7st 21b ; Sternchaser, 7st, and Kilmore, 6st 21b, as the best lot in the A.J.C. Summer Cup. The same writer thinks that Too Soon, who has only 61b more than he won the Carrington Stakes with last year, may repeat his victory this year. In Tattersail’s Cup, 2 miles, he selects Highborn, 9st 51b ; Paris, 83t 71b ; Prelude, Bst ; Albemarle, 7st 21b Sunshine, 7st ; Dlagnus, 7st ; Affiance, 6st 3.3.1 b, and Emin Pasha, 6st, as having the best show. Abercorn will take Chester’s place as lord of the harem at Kirkham Park.

The Dunedin Cup winner, Sultan, who has so far disgraced the land of his birth during his career in Australia, is to be tried over hurdles.

‘Ribbleden,’of the Australasian, thinks the Normanby Stakes, to be run at the New Year’s Day Meeting of the V.R C., looks a good thing for Mr S. G. Cook’s The Captain. At Moonee Valley Meeting the stewards had up Laing, the rider of Wairus, and Dwyer, the rider of Tapanui, in the Hurdle Race to explain their riding. Dlr B. Bailey, the vet., gave testimony that Wairua was affected in his lungs, and that accordingly the horse was unfit to run. The stewards exonerated Laing from auspicious riding, and they took the same course with Tapanui’s jockey, who called Joe Gardner to explain that the horse ran off with him at the last hurdle but one, and therefore it was useless to persevere with him so near home. At Williamstown, Victoria, Harry Underwood, an ex-Wanganui boy, rode Erebus, the winner of the Steeplechase ; and five days later h 8 won the Hurdles on Pateena, at the Victorian Betting Club races. Kimberley (30st 71b) was unplaced. Underwood has made a name for himself in Australia, and is locked upon as one of the best cross-country riders there. The recent V.R.C. Spring Meeting is said to have been a very disastrous ono for backers. The Sportsman says :— ‘ At a gathering of congenial clans at Scott’s Hotel, after the meeting, seven gentlemen, five of whom were visitors from other colonies, on reckoning up the losses of themselves and their friends, found that they had dropped £33,000 over the Cup carnival. When we tack on to this total the amount (approximate) of the public losses, the aggregate is appalling, and probably very much exceeds £150,000. Carbine is now located at Bacchus Marsh, and it is not at all likely he will again be put in training. The A.J.C. has issued a note to the

effect that at all registered race meetings within the metropolitan district (40 miles radius) the amount of added money shall not be less than £4OO per day, distributed among not more than six races ; and that at all such meetings there shall be on each day at least one race on the flat (not being a selling race) of one mile and a quarter, and not more than one selling race each day. The Melbourne Sportsman makes the extraordinary statement that the stakes won by Chester amounted to over L 60.000. We believe the correct amount was L 5894. ENGLISH AND FOREIGN. Dlodern Society remarks : * A peculiarity of the St. Leger is that it has several times been won by horses owned by cletgymen. About 100 years ago, the Rev. Henry Go >dricke, a Prebendary of York, bred, trained, and ran three, if not four winners of the St. Leger. Another reverend gentleman, in quite recentiimes, who raced under the name of Launde, was the owner of the famous Apology, which carried all before it both at Doncaster and elsewhere. It happened, however, that the Archbishop of the day, not being a Yorkshire man, was scandalised at these proceedings, and sternly bade “Mr Launue” change his ways. He also formally prohibited any clergyman in his diocese from being mixed up with hoise-breeding or horse-racing. Oddly enough, an old statute of Henry VIII. oommanda “spiritual persons, including

Bishops,’ uuder pains and penalties, to take a personal part in the promotion of horse-breeding.’ Colonel North, the well-known English sportsman, is about to try his luck on the Americttn turf, having nominated five horses for the Americ-m Derby of 1893.

On the vexed question of Mons Meg being a ‘roarer ’ or not, an authority writes :— 1 Although* she makes a curious noise, Mons Meg is nevertheless no more of a “roarer’ than Dutch Oven, Kilwarliu, or the mighty Donovan. All these three celebrities made a similar noise when galloping, and tlio peculiarity in no way militated against them in their rac s. It is said that £15,000 has been offered for the Kingsclere two-year-olds Goldfinch and Polyglot, who are by Ormonde and Bend Or respectively. Snnol, who recently startled the Sporting world by beating Maud S.’s record of 2min Sjsee for the trotted mile, is described as having tremendous driving, power, which she gets from the sharp backwardslope of her hips. She is 2in higher at the peak of the hip 3 than she i 3 at the withers, and from this greyhound formation she gets a stride the like of which, in the words of her owner, Mr Robert Bonner, who also glories in the possession of Maud S., no man has ever seen. Sunol is longer than Maud S. and lin higher behind, their respective measurements being as follows : Sunol.—Forward, 15 hands 3in ; behind, 16 hands 2in, Maud S.—Forward, 15 hands 3in ; behind, 16 hands. The English racing season of 1891 was brought to a close with the Manchester Meeting, the last day of which was Saturday, 28th November. The Liverpool Autumn Cup winner, Mr Alec Taylor’s roan filly Madam© d’Albany, is by Buchanan (son of Strathconan) from Lady Charley, by Prince Charley. Last season Madame d’Albany ran six times, but was only once successful—in the Liverpool St. Leger. Mervyn, who ran third to Madame d’Albany, is, curiously enough, also a roan horse, by Billy Piet from Mermaid, and has been a good performer, having won 13 races during the three last seasons. Lady Rosebery, who was third, seems to have a great partiality for the Liverpool course, as she won tlio same race in 1888, and again in 1890. "

st lb st lb Recluse ... 9 2 Scotsman 6 12 Weka 8 12 Wanganui 6 12 Torpedo ... 8 6 Kathleen 6 10 Prestige .... 8 4 Empress 6 9 Rufus ... ... 8 2 Ranee Nuna ... 6 9 She 7 8 Wanderer ... 7 5 Seal Brown ... 6 7 Boxing Day Handicap, of 125 sovs. One mile and a half. Boulanger ... 9 6 Ros 7 7 Retina... ... 8 9 Recluse ... 8 8 Kapua ... Bady Leger ... 7 7 5 3 Pyramus ... 7 13 She 6 10 Prestige ... 7 12 Paradox 6 13 Torpedo ... 7 12 Eclipse 6 12 Weka ... ... 7 8 Cordelia 6 11 Da Petite Pilla 7 8 Epsom 6 7 Fiitsr Handicap Hurdles, of oO sovs. Two miles. 9 Pyramus ... 11 5 Rere 9 Waterbury ... 11 5 Wardrobe 9 2 Tauraekaitai ... 10 13 Amina 9 0 Doncaster ... 10 2 Empire ... 9 13 Attache 9 0 Tradesmen’s Handicap, of 50 sovs. One mile and a ouarter. 8 Pyramus ... 8 7 She 7 Prestige ... 8 5 Paradox 7 5 Torpedo ... 8 5 Eclipse... 7 2 Weka 8 2 Ranee Nuna ... 6 9 Ros 7 12 Epsom 6 9 Park Stakes Handicap, of 50 sovs. One mile. Recluse ... 8 12 Musketeer 7 3 Weka 8 7 Eortune , 6 10 Torpedo ... 8 4 Empire 6 10 She 7 8 Ranee Nuna ... 6 7 Wanderer ... 7 3

st lb st lh Boulanger . 9 3 La Petite Fille 7 6 British Bion .. . 8 13 YVelca 7 3 Recluse . 8 5 Lady Leger ... 6 13 Retina . 8 5 She 6 10 Fox ton . 8 3 Cordelia 6 10 St Malo . 7 12 Paradox 6 9 Prestipe . 7 10 Fortune 6 7 Torpedo . 7 9. Ranee Nuna ... 6 7 Ros . 7 7 Flying Stakes, of 60sovs. Six furlongs. Boulanger . 9 8 Rufus 7 13 Recluse . 8 13 Heather Bell ... 7 12 YVeka . 8 9 Cretonne 7 11 Torpedo . 8 3 She 7 5 Prestige . 8 2 Paradox 6 12 St Malo . 8 2 Ranee Nuna ... 6 7

Welter Handicap, of st lb 50 sovs. Once rc und. st lb Couranto 11 0 Eclipse 8 10 Salisbury 9 5 Lorna 8 5 Free Lance ... 9 0 Blue Mountain 8 5 King George ... 8 11 Javeline 8 5 Turehu 8 10 Lochnagar 8 0 Handicap Hurdles, of 75 sovs. About miles. two CouraDto _ ... 11 12 Otaieri 9 9 Somnambulist 11 12 Rough 9 8 Tauraekaitai ... 10 12 Disturbance ... 9 5 Waterbury ... Haven 10 11 10 11 Baldie 9 0 Summer Handicap, of and a 155 sovs. One half. - mile Cynisca 9 5 Kapua ... 7 7 B.oHefeldt 8 4 Triton 7 6 Qu’n of Tr’mps 8 3 Merganser 7 5 Krina 7 13 Dreamland 7 3 Free Lance 7 10 Pearl Powder... 7 2 Huerfana 7 10 Namoa 7 0 Th»me ... 7 10 Hakimana 6 8 Link 7 7 Jeannie Deans 6 7 Trial Handicap, of 40 sovs. Once round. Triton 8 7 Lorna 7 0 Flaxbourne ... 8 0 Chatelaine 7 0 Brown Duchess 7 10 Patience 7 0 King George ... 7 10 Silvermine 6 11 Bay Bell 7 9 Pirate ... 6 8 Como ... 7 4 Espardo 6 7 Lopez ... 7 4 Zaccho... 6 7 Two-Year-old Handicap, of 75 sovs. furlongs. Five Tirerer 8 8 Ua 7 5 St Katherine ... 8 2 Comatose 7 3 Montmartre ... 7 10 Mystic ... 7 3 King John 7 10 Egotism 7 2 Lustre ... 7 7 Starlight 7 0 Christmas Handicap, of 75 sovs. Six longs. furCynisca 9 8 Namoa 7 12 Qu'n of Trumps 8 12 Link 7 12 Kotuku 8 11 Merganser 7 10 Rosefeldt 8 11 Pearl Powder 7 6 Krina ... 8 4 Dreamland 7 5 Thame 8 0 Seraph ... 7 4 Huerfana 8 0 Hakimana 7 3 Triton 7 13 Jeannie Deans 6 10

MAN CHESTER Handicap, of 50 so vs. mile and a half. One st lb st lb Stranger .. 8 10 Niobe ... 7 8 Swindler .. S 10 Aintree 7 0 Kathleen .. 7 13 The Banker ... 7 0 Perla ... .. 7 10 Never Miss ... 6 7 Local Handicap, of 15 so vs. One mile and a distance. Propellor ..8 7 Never Miss 7 6 Brookvale ..7 8 Konini 7 2 Aintree ..7 8 Wildboy 7 2 Keep it-Dark. ..7 8 Tim 7 0 Ahuroa... ..7 6 Plying Handicap, of 30 sovs. Six furlongs. Stranger Swindler; .. 8 12 Downcast 7 10 .. 8 12 The Banker ... 7 3 Kathleen 8 5 Perla ... 6 13 O’Rourke » ..S3 Never Miss ... 6 9 Propellor] , ., 7 12

Hurdle Ka 3E. One mile and sixty-r chains. ive st lb st lb Acolyte 11 0 Tangi 9 7 Waibrant 9 7 Marmion 9 7 Mataiwhetu .. 9 7 St Helier 9 0 Stewards’ stakes. One mile and a quarter. Slave Girl ✓ .. 8 7 Balmaceda 7 4 Ben Bolt 7 12 St Helier 7 4 Rahui ... 7 10 Waibrant 6 10 Aintree 7 8 Kotiro 6 10 Rangihau . 7 4 Koromiko 6 7 Daybreak . 7 4 Onslow Cup. One mile and three-quarters. Osman ... 9 0 Mataiwhetu ... 7 5 Slave Girl . 8 2 Waiwiri 7 0 Rahui ... . 7 6 Rangihau 7 0 Ben Bolt . 7 G Balmaceda 7 0 Aintree . 7 5 Acolyte 6 10 Flying Stakes Six furlongs. Ben Bolt . 8 7' Pihanga 7 7 Rahui ... . 8 4 Lawyer 7 0 Huia . 8 0 May Queen 7 0 Baker ... . 7 12 Fantastic 6 7 Flora ... . 7 7 Minnie Clyde.. 6 7 — —