Sporting.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1037, 15 January 1892, Page 17

Sporting.

KACING CAXEMDAI4. NEW ZEALAND. January 12 and 13.—Poverty BaytT.C. Baces. January 34. —Warrengate Hack Meet Dg. January 16.—Onehunga 14. C. Summer Meeting. January 19 and 20.—Gisborne R.C. Summer Meet'ng. Janunry 22 and 23.—Wtllingtcm R.C. Summer Meeting. January 22.—Foxton 34. Summer Meeting. TOPICS OF THE DAY. (By V IGIIiANT. ) Mr Hungerford’s British Lion and Heather Bell were scratched at 11 a.m. on Monday for all engagements at the Wellington meeting. Dudu was scratched for all engagements at the Wellington Summer Meeting at 4.30 p.m. on Tuesday. Mr P. Butler, when passing through Wellington from Auckland the other day, informed me that, if on reaching Christchurch he found Crown Jewel as well as he expected he should bring her up for the Wellington meeting. At Pungarehu races on the 4th inst., the Farmer’s Plg.le was won by Mr Julian’s Tepoka, but this horse was disqualified and the race awarded to Mr Well’s The Masher, which came in second. There was not a single investment on this horse, and the totalisator money had to be returned less commis-

sion. Although the acceptances for the Wellington Cup and other events (except hack races) on the first day of the Wellington Summer Meeting, which takes place on Friday and Saturday next week, do not close until to-night (Friday), ' I shall be expected to say something as to the probabilities of the meeting. For the Cup it i 3 reported in town that Prime Warden, Boulanger, Cynisca, Krina, and Thame are all likely to come, and if they do I shall look to one of these to win. With a start I want nothing better than Pjkime Warden - , and, should he not put in an appearance, Boulanger or Cynisca should do the trick. For the minor events of the first day my selections —under the same drawback as regards acceptances —are as follow : Anniversary Handicap. Whisper, 1 ; Weka, 2 ; Kotuku, 3. Hurdle Handicap. —Beggarmun, I ; Rough, 2 ; Timothy, 3. Nursery Handicap. —Mr Hungerford’s selected, with St. Katherine next best.

Welter Handicap.— Captain Webb or La Rose ; St. Malo, third. Telegraph Handicap.—St. Malo or Rebellion. The final payments for the Wellington Cup and the acceptances for the Hack Handicaps on the first day of the Meeting, must be declared on Wednesday next, the 20th inst. The results of the Poverty Bay Turf Club Meeting are to hand as 1 write, and the first thing that strikes one is that Mr McKinnon scooped the pool, taking the Turanga Stakes and Flying Handicap on the first day and the Stewards’ Plate and Tradesmen’s Handicap on the second day. Scot Free, who won the two big races, is a son of the defunct Sterlingworth, and when a two-year-old recorded some good performances in Auckland. Loch Ness, who won the other two, is well known, and seems just now as well , as lie has ever been. Mr F. Martin’s Raneo Nona did not go to Gisborne for the poverty Bay Turf Club Meeting after all. The b* at which n was expected to go on Friday did 'not leave until Monday, and this made it impossible to get the mare on the spot in time to have even a few hours rest after * her journey. Mr Maitiu, I understand, has made an application to the stewards to return his acceptance fees, and under the circumstances, they would be exercising a wise discretion in acceding to his request. The Auckland Racing C ub have issued a most attractive programme for the meeting tendered as a farewell to Lord and Lady Onslow on their departure fromNew Zealand. The meeting is to beheld at Ellerslie on Thursday, February 18, and the added monoy amounts to £920, distributed as follows :—Victoria Handicap of 70sovs, one mile ; Handicap Hurdle Race of lOOsovs, two miles ; Huia’s Handicap of 150sovs, six furlongs ; the Onslow Cup of 300sovs,- one mile and a quarter ; Handicap Steeplechase of 150sovs, about three miles and a-half; Selling Handicap of 50sovs, seven furlongs ; Farewell Handicap of 1003ovs, five furlongs. Nominations close on Friday, January 22. * Mazeppa ’ informs us in the last issue of the Witness that he has reason to believe that Mr Driver will shortly resign the position of starter to the D.J.C., and that it is quite possible an announcement to that effect will be made at or before the general meeting of members to be held this month. It is to be hoped that my confrere’s information is correct. No man with a skin thinner than that of a rhinoceros would have held it so long in the

face of the terrible handling he has received from tiainers, owners, and turf writers. I can assure the Dunedin Club that whenever there is tak of a horse being sent from Wellington to Dunedin, the risk of being left at the post by the starter is always taken into account, and I believe that in many cases horses have not been sent that would have gone had there been a decent probability of their getting a fair start. I quite agree with ‘ Mazeppa ’ in the hope that when the question of Mr Driver’s successor comes up for discussion the verdict will be in ! favour of an experienced man. It was expected that at the meeting of Wairarapa Racing Club stewards, which ! was held in Featherston on Saturday last, 1 there would have been a hot argument ! over the Comet-Tuhitarata affair, and an investigation into the allegations of in-and-out running at Tauherenikau, which had been the common talk of tho town and district ever since the club’s New Year races. I suppose pacificators had been at work successfully, for it was simply announced at the meeting that Wi Hutana, owner of Tnhitarata, had withdrawn his protest. Although this matter had been amicably settled between the principals, cognisance had to be taken of the resignations of members which had been received. Notices of withdrawal from the club were read from Messrs V. E. and C. R. Bidwill, Wi Hutana, P. F. Taucred, Fenwick, and G. F. Hirsohberg—all prominent owners of horses—but on the motion of Mr A. Matthews, seconded by Mr G. Reynolds, it was resoived to instruct the secretary to write to the gentlemen referred to asking them to reconsider their decision. The matter then dropped. A singular coincidence happened at the Otaki Maori Meeting on New Year’s Day, which escaped my notice up to yesterday. The system adopted by the Natives who managed the meeting, of naming their races after the Governor and his family—to wit the Onslow Cup, Cranley Stakes, &c.—has often beeu commented on as a very gratifying sign of the loyalty of the Otaki Maoris. In view of this peculiarity of the meeting it was exceedingly curious, but at the same time very appropriate, that on New Year’s Day the Cranley Stakes and the Fiying St dees should have been won by an animal named Huia, which was the name selected for the Governor’s child shortly before his celebrated visit to the Otaki Natives. The baby, though neglected in the naming of the races, was well represented after all. The in and out running of Mr Gollan’s horses i 3 exciting considerable comment in Australia. It will be remembered that when Tiraillerie won the Oaks there were numerous enquiries as to what the mare wasdoingintheCoburgHandicap. Now we find thefollowingparagraph in theSpordng Standard : After the V. A.T. C. meeting the stewards held an inquiry into the running of Kimberley in the Hurdle Race. For the greater part of the journey the New Zealander was in the rear, but at the last fence he came with a splendid run and finished fourth. Moore, who rode Kimberley, was called before the stewards and aßked to explain the gelding’s running. His account of the performance w r as accepted, but the stewards deemed it advisable to administer a mild caution. — Our friends on the other side have a wholesome respect for New Zealand horses, and watch their performances very carefully. Some of them would be only too glad to catch Mr Gollan tripping. New Zealand owners have some good representatives in the Newmarket Handicap aud Australian Cap. In the great sprint race Mr Gollan has Tiraillerie, Medjidie, and Renata engaged, and in the Oup we find the name of Tirailleur Mr D.' O’Brien figures in both races with Freedom and Florrie, and Major George has Reprisal and The Workman m the Newmarket. Among ,the New Zealand bred horses which are entered for one or both are, Pygmalion, Strathmore, Z ilinsks, Steadfast, Impulse, Teksuin. OmaJii, and Whakawai. There is a good deal of dis cushion as to what Tiiailleur will get in the Australian Oup. Some say not more than Bsc 91b, but my opinion ia that if he is assigned anything under S3t 12Lb, he will be well treated. The weights for both races are due on Monday next.

It looks very much as if racing in Australia had been reduced to the certainty of a mathematical deduction when such a short price as 2 to 1 ~is accepted in a field of 30 runners, and the ravourite romps home by four lengths. This was the case with Trieste in the Carrington Stakes of 750sovs at the Sydney Tattersail’s Club Meeting. Trieste is the_ 2-year-old fiily by Cheater —Taupe, which put down Marvel and Bungabah—so unexpectedly at the V.R.C. Spring Meeting. ‘ Johnny’ Osborne, the famous veteran English jockey, for whom a splendid testimonial has been got up by some of the leading supporters of the English turf in recognition of hi 3 undeviating and incorruptable honesty during a riding career of nearly 50 years, was born at Bretby, near Burton on Trent, on January 7, 1833, so that he is 59 years of age. Hia first mount was on Miss Castlewing in the Wilton Cup, at Radcliffe, in 1843, and he has been riding ever since. The father of Osborne was lord of the manor of Ashgiall, Middleham, and the family are highly respected in Yorkshire. The writer of these notes was at school with Johnny’s younger brothers George and Richard. George was a hardworking plodding fellow, rather slow at hia books, but one of the most good natured and conscientious fellows

in the school. B ith he and Dick were square-shouldered Yorkshiremon—not at all like their diminutive brother—and were promenent in athletic sports, George with all his quietness, being a demon at throwing the hammer and cricket ball, putting the stone, and running. When last I heard of him, he had taken holy orders and was doing missionary work in the East End of London. On the Oaks Day in 1865, (Gladiateur’a year) I visited Epsom Downs, bearing with me a short note of introduction to ‘Johnny’ who was to ride Wild Agnes, one of the favourites in the great race of the day. I recollect well on entering the saddling paddock meeting a jockey, and asking him if he knew where I could find John Osborne. He looked at me quietly and said ‘ No, unless its myself.’ I presented my note and we had a-few minutes chat in the paddock. He told me he hardly thought he could win, and named something (I forget what ; it wii3 not the winner, Regalia, who wasa great outsider) as having a better show than his mount. Regalia won in a canter, and Wild Agnes was a good third, The next time I mat Johnny was on Derby Day in 1869, srhen he won—or rather the judge gave the race to him—on Pretender. I backed Pretender, bub in my opinion Pero Goraez—and so said the Sportsman next morning—won by a neck. It. is said that when they had pulled up Wells who was on Pero Gem z, said to Osborne ‘I have just done you Johnny,’ Osborne replied. ‘ I’m nob so sure, I think it was a dead heat.’ No 4 was Pretender’s number, and great was my surprise and gratification to see it go up, for I thought 1 had lo3t my money. The Auckland Summer Meeting was a huge success, and tho club has profited largely. The amount put through tho totalisator on the three days was £30,107 as against £26,396 last year, and the attendance was larger than it has ever been. The weather was fine and the racing full of interest, some of the results being totally unexpected, notably in the two great events of the meeting—tho Oup and Derby. A blemish was tho starting of Mr J. S. Buckland, who was very unhappy in his efforts with the flag. Aud now a few words about the sport. Clanranald opened the ball by easily winning the Trial Stakes from Flinders and The Workman, and there is not a doubt that he is fully as fast as his brother, St. Andrew, over a mile. That he ha 3 the same brothar’s defect of being unable to stay out a fast run mile and a half was evidenced by his failure in the . Derby. When he had no Morion to take him off his legs he stayed well enough to beat Fraternitd and Flinders over that distance in the Auckland Plato. The first surprise cropped up in the Great Northern Foal Stakes,, in which Wakawatea easily beat his Canterbury conqueror, Stepnitk. Excuses lnv 3 been made that Mr Stead’s colt was sure, but the betting betokened implicit confidence, as he was a hot favourite. Brown Alice, after making the running to the turn was easily beaten by half a length for second place, and North Atlantic was fourth. Wakawatea on the second day carried 9sb 10 bs to victory in the Midsummer Handicap, 5 furlongs, presenting 18lbs to North Atlantic, who was second, and Blbs to Scepuiak, who was third. This aDpeared to demonstrate conclusively that Mr Hungerford’s Apremont gelding was the best two-year-old of the season, and although on the third day North Atlantic won the Sylvia Handicap against Lottie, Tam ir, His Worship, and Glenora, Mr Ormond’s Nordeufeldt colt was not thought to have a show with Wakawatea, when later on in the afternoon the two met in the Musket Stakes at a difference of only 41bs, the weights being, North Atlantic 7st 51bs and Wakawatea 7at 91bs. The two-year-olds, which included Puwerewere in addition to the two mentioned, were opposed by The Workman and Flinders, hut their chances w. re not held ’n high reapret. Tho history of this raerf, owing to subv qoeu • develop ne its, is well known. Wakawatea led into the straight tuul everybody thou Jit it was all over, bar-shouting, when N-o-th Atlantic dashed up to the favourite and settling him a hundred yards from home, won by a length. Whether the light scale of weights suited North Atlantic or whether Wakawatea was off colour does not seem to be known, but the result was a marvellous reversion of form. Mr Hungerford, in his usual impulsive way, at once blamed hia jockey, Gallagher, and asked foe an enquiry into his riding. Gallagher joined in the request, and the re suit has already been made public. Mr Hungerford is still unsatisfied, aud claims that the censure passed upon the jockey was not sufficient. The issue of the race leaves the two-year-old supremacy still in an unsatisfactory condition. The Auckland Oup has been fully discussed. The result appears to have been well received, and I must say I should like to have been present to give my old friend French, the trainer of Pinfire, a shake of the hand. I knew him wellin the old days when he landed the Oup with Kingfisher, and a more straightforward, obliging, and unassuming man in his line 1 never met. Hilda’s performance has convinced Mr Morrin that it is no use keeping her in training, and she will go at once to the stud. In the Hurdle Race on the first day the astute Jack Rae supplied the winner in the bay gelding Lonely, by Oap-a-Pie, but it is not unlikely that the outsider Capelin would have got home had ahe not jumped inside the rails when leading by fully two lengths at the home turn. When Capella went out Lonely came on by himself and

won by seven lengths from Fishmonger and Orakei, all three carrying within 21b of one another. The Railway Handicap struck me an a good thing for Reprisal, Bst 71b, when the weights came out, and in a field of eleven, inducing such speedy ones as Quadrant, The Baron, and Lady Belle, he started at level money, and leading all the way, won by a length. I notice that Reprisal has been put in the Public in’s Handicap at Dunedin with Bst 21b. Last year, it will he remembered, he was beaten a head by Pique in the same race. If he goe3 down this year he will need watching. The Nursery Handicap gave Mr Hungerford another winning turn with his newly purchased Wyvern, 7st 41b, but the colt had good luck in getting well away. Glenora, 6ifc9.b, was a hot favourite, but she lost the start, aud in a five furlong flutter that is half the battle. If Wyvern comes to Wellington he will have a big say in our Nursery Handicap with his 7st 91b. The Maiden Steeplechase proved an easy win for Jack Rae on The Colonel, though Orakei, list 3lb, might have troubled him had he not fallen when loading at the top of the hill in the lust round. For the Christmas Handicap Loch Ness, 7st 121 b, was a great favourite, but he was unplaced, and Major George’s mare Fiesole, Bst (the mare described by the Dunedinitea as looking as if she fed on flies and was trained to catch ’em) got home bv a neck only fiom Morion, 7st 51b, The Dreamer, 7*t 6lb, being close up, third. On the second day Fishmonger, lOst 91b, scored a meritorious win in tho Hurdles, for which Sentinel, 12st, was made favourite. In the next race, the Newmarket Handicap, Loch Ness, Bst, upon whom this time Clifford had the mount instead of Gallagher, was again well backed, and got home by a length from The Baron, 9st 2lb, Fiesole, Bst 61b, being third, and five others unplmed. The improved form shown by Loch Ness in the hands of the Napier artiste was the subject of general comment. Then came the Derby, which has been fully commented on. Morion’s form in running Fiesole to a neck the day before greatly shortened his price. But for that ho would have paid the biggest dividend of the meeting. Mr Bobbett’s win was very popular, and both the owner and Jack Rae, who trained the horse, received an ovation. Mr Bobbett purchased Morion at the Sylvia Park sale in 1889 for 30gs. Pie i 3 the only good one thrown by his dam, Madcap. The Selling Stakes having been won by the evergreen Octopus, niuo came out for the R.C. Handicap. Reprisal, 83t; The Dreamer, 7fit4lb ; Pinfire, Sst 61b ; Queen of Trumps, 7st 61b ; and Coalscuttle, 7st 41b, were all well backed, and Reprisal, who was slightly the favourite, would have paid over L 5 dividend. But the clever ones nearly all overlooked tho actual winner, Dolosa, whose form at

Wanganui iu the spring ought to have better taken note of. With only 7st and in the humour the uncertain daughter of Leolinus and Lure smothered everything in the rim home, and won easily from another outsider, Loch Ness. Jack Kean has been many times disappointed with Dolosa when he thought he had a good thing, and, although she paid £ll and £2O dividends, I am afraid he did not have much on. This mare put up a 3tone more in the Grand Stand Handicap next day - , and, although she was again neglecfcad, she scored another victory, this time by a length and a half from Coalscuttle, who, it will be remembered, recorded a sensational win in this race last year, beating Dudu, Strephon, and other good ones. There is no doubt Dolosa, when well and in the humour, is a wonderfully fast mare, but these uncertain fliers are not profitable cattle, as they get their owners into great trouble at times, and often win when they are least ‘expected to, and, consequently, are unbacked. The Maiden, Handicap was only remarkable for being won by Van Dieman (by Vasco di Gama— Nellie) who, it will be remembered, was the hack wh *se victory at Napier, threw yens ago, was tie cause of the long-standing uiiv suit between the T<-wti and Sub <rhan Club and Captain Russell. The horse now belongs to Mr G. Wright, the trainer of Hilda, aud has evidently a good turn of foot, as he cleverly upset a hot. favourite in Mr D. O’Brien’s Yattaghan. The Welter Handicap saw the old Anteros gelding, Te Kooti, once more to the fore, and then the second day’s racing ended. Most of the events on the third Uay have already been referred to. What would have won the Steeplechase had all stood up will never be known, but 1 hardly think it would have been Sentinel. Curiously enough, Mr Hewitt’s gelding, who has hitherto invariably blundered in her steeplechases, fenced splendidly on this 'occasion, and was the only one in the field who did not make a mistake. Bit-o’-Blue did not start, and Hopeful Kate, who went up favourite, had the bad luck to bungle at the' water jump, or she must have gone very near to winning. The Selling Stakeson this day fell to Mr C. Cameron’s Vasator by Captivator—Vacillation, but there was a lot of comment about the running of Octopus, who finished third, though he again started favourite. For the Victoria Handicap, Quadrant, Bst 31b, had all the best; of the weights, and had it been known that he was well he would have been a great favourite, bun this fact the stable kept to themselveß, and his bad running in tho Racing Club Handicap, which was out of his distance, put the public astray. He won by three lengths from the consistent Loch Ness, to whom he was only conceding 21b, but it was generally thought the result would

not have been altered had it been a stone Mr Bobbett, who received the nice dividends of £ll and £l3, must be congratulated upon having such a useful horse as Quadrant again fit and well. In spring races he has not many superiors. There was another surprise to come in the last race. Master Pat, .7st 91b, and Resentment, 7st, were most generally backed in the Recovery Stakes (why not stick to the good old name, the Consolation Stakes ?) but Mr Ward's three-year-old colt Tulloch, by Sword Dance —Welcome Katie, just got home by a nose from Resentment. The winner is trained by J. B. Williamson. Before the A.R.C. Handicap was run Mr Hungerford bought The Dreamer for 300 guineas, and tho horse ran in his colours iu that race. Of the many sires at the meeting Cap-a-pie, as the parent of Lonely, The Colonel, and -Sentinel, had the most winners. St. Leger was credited with two wins by Clanranald ; Nordenfeldt with two by North Atlantic ; Leolinus two by Dolosa ; and Apremont two by Wakawatea ; C iptivator had two winning representatives in Morion and Vasa'.or ; Ingomar two in Fiesole and Loch Nes3 ; and Isaac Walton two iu Fishmonger and Octopus. The singles were Robinson Crusoe (Quadrant), Torpedo (Pinfire), First King (Reprisal), Anteros (Te Kooti), King Cole (Wyvern), Vasco di Gama (Van Dieman), and Sword Dance (Tulloch). The list of winning owners has already been published. Among the winning jockeys J. Gallagher and R. Ray were a tie with three wins each ; W. Clifford, W. Clark, W. Smith, aud J. Raa each scored twice, and those who scored the single were W. Brown. J. Smith, J. Lindsay, T. Taylor, C. Weal, S. Fergus, D. Wright, and W. Davis. • The Napier Park Summer Meeting was fortunate as regards weather, and, notwithstanding the poor acceptances for the New Year Handicap, a very enjoyable afternoon’s sport was afforded, and the sum that went through the totalisators, £6250 was quite as much as expected, and will give the club a decent balance on the right side. The Trial Hurdles saw the favourite Worth, never once prominent, and Mr Bourdon's b gelding Disturbance, by Opawa—Love Knot, who was the light weight of the party, won by a length from Mr Hunter’s Rough, whose performance with list 71b was not a bad one. Kotuku, who last year beat Cynisca at 41b only, won both the Midsummer Handicap, 1 mile, and tho Flying Handicap. In the former she carried Bst 61b, and won pretty easily from Mr Maher’s Seraph, who carried, the same weight, and Captain Russell’s Katinka, 6yrs, Bst. The time, lmin 49 3-sthsec, was not fast. In the Flying Kotuku only carried Bst, and the' runner up was tlia Hon. J. D. Ormond’s Triton, 3yrs, 7st 4!b, while the favourite, Dreamland, 8 it, was third, and the ex hack Link, 6it unplaced, Kotuku whs well ridden by F. Donovan, who waited patiently until they were fairly in the straight, when he came with a good run and won cleverly by half a length. The Two Year Old Handicap fell to Captain Russell’s St Katherine, by Stonyhur3t—Kate Fergusson by Musket. She gave 61bs to Mr Hunter’s M3 7 stic. and she in turn gave lllbs to Mr Ormond’s Lustre who was third. The disaappointisg Ua and Starlight were unplaced. Then came the New Year Handicap for which only Free Lines 3yrs 7st Blb, Hakimana 3yrs 7st 6ib3, atid Maid of Lome syrs 7st Gibs, had accepted. It is seldom three horses in a race are so equally backed as these were. FreeLance the winner had 317 investments, Hakimana 381, and Maid of Lome 385. The last named maue tha running for a mile. Then Free Lance took command, and stalling off a determined challenge on the. part of Hakimana, won all but by a length, in the good time of 2min 42st-c. If Thame is much the better cof the two at the weights in the Wellington Cup. must have a big mortgage on that, prize. Tho hurdles i■> my surprise proved a good thing for Somnambulist llit 91bs. I did not think that he could give lllbs to Water-

fall or 141 bs to Watorbury, bat he won easily from Waterfall, and Waterbury ran unkindly and was never prominent. Otaieri 9st also ran, but although he led for a mile and a half, could not finish and came in last. He must have gone off badly this season, while S imnambulisl who is a fine cut of a hurdleracer, is coming on. The biggest dividend of the day was paid in the Settlers’ Handicap. Eight started and a splendid start it was, all going off together. Turehu was favourite but ran badly, and was unplaced, and after Chatelaine and Silvermine had made the greater part of the runing Mr Jnll’s Zaccho went to the front, and won easily by a length, the ; dividend being £6 os. The concluding race, the Greenmeadews Handicap euabled. Link 6st 7lbs, to score a two lengths win from Kabinka 7st 81b, Mr Tipene’s exhack Kathleen 6st 71b being third. The amounts won by the various owners were as follow :—Mr G. P. Donnelly—Midsummer(Kotuku) L 42 15s, 2nd New Y"ear (Hakimana) Ll 9, Flying (Kotuku) Ls7—Lllß 15s ; Hon. J. D. Ormond— New Year (Free Lance) L 99 153, 2nd Flying (Triton) L 9 10 —L109 5s ; Mrß. Dennehey—Handicap Hurdles (Somnambulist), L6l 15s ; Captain Russell—Two-year-old (.St Katherine, L 57 : J. Lourdon —Trial Hurdles (Disturbance), L3S ; H. L. Jull —Settlers’ Handicap (Zaccho), L3B ; F. Collins —Greenmeadows (Link) L3B ; W. Douglas—2nd Hurdles (Water, fall), L 9 10s ; G. Hunter, 2nd, Two-year- !

old (Mystic), L 9 10s ; J. Maher—2nd Midsummer (Seraph), L 4 15 s. Total, 1(484 10s. Cf the jockeys none had more than one win. The brothers J. Donovan, F. Donovan and D.. Donovan, each had a ' turn, and the others were Hickey, Hedmond, Connop, Moran, and Banks. 3?ree Lance andHakimana, the first and second in the New Year Handicap Hough the second in the Hurdles, Katin the Midsummer Handicap) and the two year olds, St Katherine (winner of the Two Year Old Handicap), Mystic, and Lustre are all engaged in the Wellington Summer Meeting. SOUTHERN NOTES. (By Bannerdale.) Christchurch, January 12. Delightful weather prevailed for the Hororata Meeting on Friday, and the usual crowd of Bportsinen and holiday-makers journeyed from town to assist at the pleasant gathering. The following are details of the racing I—Bougar Plato Handicap of 3d sovs ; one mile. Ilium, by Albany Helena, Bst 61b, 1 ; Frin-go-bragh, 7sfc 111 b, 2; Silver Pine, 7st 91b, 3. Young Cheviot, 7st 91b, and Corn Rose, 6st 71b, also started. Won cleverlv by a neck. Time, lmin Dividend, £2 15s. Farmers’ Plate Handicap of 35 sovs ; six furlongs. Cocksfoot, by Fleur-de-Lys, 7st 81b, 1 ; Maria Martin 6s!; 121 b, 2 ; Chester Lad, Bst 101 b, 3. Beau Nash, Bst 71b ; Diver, 7st 101 b ; Trojan, 7st 81b ; Lady May, 7st 101 b ; and Bess, 6sfc 101 b, ahe started. Won by half a length. Time, lmin 20sec. Dividend, £1 17s. Hororata Cup Handicap of 55 sovs ; one mile and n half. Coinage, by St. George—Artemis, 7et 71b, 1 ; Quibble, Sst 2lb, 2 ; Bay King, Bst 131 b, 3. Regina, Bst 61b ; Crown Jewel, Bst 11b; Ilium, Bst; and May, 6st 71b, also started. Won by a length. Time, 2mm 43 fsec. Dividend, £ll 4s. Handicap Trot of 25 sovs; two miles. Medjidie, 125 yards behind, 1; Rocket, 175 yards behind, 2; Blackwood-, 150 yards behind, 3. Thirteen started. Won by 30 yards. Time, firnin 6sec. Dividend, £l2 6s. Welter Handicap of 30 sovs; one mile and a quarter. Bay King, by Cadogan Covcyra, 12st 101 b, 1; Beau Nash, lOst 91b; 2; Chester Lad. list, 3. Aquarius, list 21b; Gillie, lOsfc 71b ; and Lady May, 10ab, also started. Won easily. Time, 2min 2.jsec. Dividend, £3. Novel Race of 20 sovs; six furlongs. Glenlora, by Bundoora, 9st, 1 ; Calliope, 9at 21b, 2 ; Jack, 9st, 3. Eight started. Won easily. Time, lmin 23sec. Dividend, £1 16s. New Year’s Gift of 40 sovs; six furlongs. Young Cheviot, by Cheviot, 7st 1210, 1; Lady Zotland, Bst 131 b, 2; Regina, 9st 31b. 3. Inez, Bst Gib ; Missile, 7st 111 b ; and Cocksfoot, 6st 101 b, also started. Won by a length. Time, lmin 20580 c. Dividend, £l2 14s Consolation Handicap of 20 sovs; one mile. Silver Pine, by Hornby Kaituna, Bst 41b, 1; May, by July—Wave, Bst, 1 ; Corn Rose, 6st 12ib, 3. Inez, Bst 51b ; Gillie, 7st 4lb; and Diver, Gst 71b, also started. A capital finish resulted in a dead heat, and the owners agreed to divide. Time, lmin 48|sec. Dividends, Silver Pine, £5 8s; May, £1 2s. The sum of £1331 was passed through the totalisator. Mr Joseph Chadwick, who is well-known in the Wanganui district, wielded the flag at the Hororata Meeting, and despatched the various fields in capital style. Mr John Creawell, another North Islander, and at one time owner of that good little mare, The Gem, is secretary and handicapper for the Hororata Club, and is one of the most popular and capable officials in the country. Mr Creswell was Mr Henry’s strongest opponent for the post of handicapper to the Canterbury Jockey Club. The club was extrentely fortunate in having such an excellent pair to choose from, and it could not have gone wrong in making a selection. I have more than once called attention to the recent successes of St. George as a sire. Let me point out that tho winner of the principal event at the Horcrata Meeting is a son of Chester’s brother. St. George and Apremont are still at Middle Park, but they are, I understand, both for sale, and there is money in the horses. Apremont would, I think, be more valuable than Maxim in America. The latter horse was probably one of the most brilliant performers we have ever seen in this Colony, and on book lines was well enough bred for anything; but the other members of the family have been singularly unsuccessful.! ; v Wapiti was only a third rater, and none of 1 the others could have won a decent hack race. Apremont on the other hand belongs to a great running family, one of the most consistent in the world; he has already got scores of raeehorses, and his blood is popular in America. There is a good deal of talk just now concerning the management of the New Zealand Trotting Association. Everyone is satisfied as to the good intentions of the delegates, but the Association is scarcely strong enough for tho business it has in hand. The trotting clubs seem to rule the Association instead of the Association ruling the trotting clubs, and uuless the delegates assert their position with more determination, they ■will lose the confidence which the sporting public have always been ready to give them. I am glad to learn that, at a meeting of the Association held last evening, a committee was appointed to revise the rules. With better rules we may look for stricter supervision and more satisfactory results. Mr Wanklyn, the secretary of the Canterbury Jockey Club, has returned from Australia looking much improved in health for his holiday. There is no need for me to touch upon th 9 minor handicaps for the Wellington Meeting, but I may say that there is a general impresiion hero that Mr Hunter’s mares, Whisper and Cynisca, are well treated, and that Little Arthur is much over burdened in the Hurdle ftace. | The Press Association has supplied an account of thq raping at the Westland Club’s

' Midsummer Meeting, and it only remains to say that the sport is looking up on the West Coast of this island. All the gold field clubs have shown very tolerable sport, and the majority came out of their summer meetings with substantial balances on tho right side of the ledger. The weights for the Dunedin Cup appeared in the evening papers yesterday, and tnere was at once a lmwi of dissatisfaction from owners and early backers. Occident with only 7st 10lb ’ is pointed to as the blot of the handicap, and Mr Dowse has certainly taken a great liberty with Mr Stephenson s horses. My readers will be able to turn to the records of past form for themselves, but I may say that Occident is not half so infirm as many people suppose, and there is no reason why ue should not stand a thorough preparation foi the Dunedin Cup of 1892. If Merrie England and Morpheus were as sound aB Occident, I should say they wore the pair most likely to beat the Dunedin horse.

[By Telegraph.] t Christchurch, January 13. A meeting of the owners of trotting horses will be held to morrow evening to discussvarious matters connected with the new sport. It is alleged that several of the suburban clubs have been extremely illiberal in their treatment of of owners, ana there are complaints about the manner in whioh the handicaps are framed. the rules of the Trotting Association are now under revision, and it is hoped that these two movements will bear good fruit. , The Greymouth Jockey Cinb made a profit of £23S over its last meeting. Nominations for the Summer Meeting of the Canterbury Jockey Club close on Friday evening. . , , Mr E. Cutts is very dissatisfied witd tne weight attached to Dudu in the Wellington Cup, but tho mare will probably put in an appearance at some of the other Northern meetings. .... , The Amuri Turf Club wiU hold its annual race meeting on March 4. Most of the Southern competitors at tne Auckland Meeting returned here by the Manapouri yesterday. They were landed without mishap. It is now reported, apparently on good authority, that Mr Driver will not seek roelecti ,n as starter to the Dunedin Joak«y Club. I hope this is not merely some fervent wish framing a boneficial thought. The Lancaster Park Club has received capital acceptances for its meeting to be held on Saturday, showing that trotting is still well supported, even by the dissatisfied owneis. There were good attendances at the Cake County Jockey Club’s Meeting on Thursday and Friday. The Bum of £2224 was passed through the totalisator. Wild Wave won the two principal handicaps, and Huia the Queenstown Derby, but the racing was o ly of local interest. The Vincent County Jockey Club held its meeting on January 1 and 2, but tho only incident in connection with the gathering worth mentioning is tho payment of a dividend of £lOl 2s on Blaokthorne in the two and a half mile trot at the late county meeting. There was electric communication between the judge.-.’ box and the totalisator. The following is the betting on tho Dunedin Cup : —4 to 1 Occident, sto 1 Kuluine, 9 to 1 Morpheus and Morrie England, 10 to 1 Freedom aud Thame, 14 to 1 Crackshot, 20 to 1 others. At these prices Occident is the favourite pick. There is at present no enquiry for any of the Northern candidates. WELLINGTON CUP BETTING. There seems to be a general desire to wait for the acceptances, which are due to-day, before any move is made on the Cup. Prime Warden, Cynisca, Boulanger, Cruclifield, Thame and Krina are the candidates most frequently enquired for. The first named is sain to be a certain starter, and at present is as good a favourite as Boulanger, while Thame is not far behind. The following are about fair quotations : 5 to 1 agst. Prime Warden and Boulanger G 1 Thame 8 1 Cynisca and Krina 10—1 any other

WELLINGTON SUMMER MEETING. (press association.) Auckland. January 8. The following weights have been declared by Mr Evett for the Wellington Summer Meeting:— Anniversary Handicap, of 80 sov3. One

mile. -st lb lb Whisper ... 9 3 Crown Jewel ... 7 6 Cynisca ... 9 2 Regina... ... 7 5 Kotuku ... 8 7 Katinka ... 7 o La Rose ... 8 3 St Malo ... 7 4 Q’ll of Trumps 8 0 Rebellion ... 7 3 Torpedo ... 712 Cretonne ... 7 3 VVeka 7 10 Little Scrub ... 6 10 Free Lance ... 7 9 Swordbelt ... 6 9 Captain Webb 7 7 Hurdle Handicap, of 85 sovs. Iwo miles Little Arthur... 32 0 Jacob ... ... 9 10 Bfif'garman ... 12 0 General Gordon ,) 7 Magpie 10 10 Matchless ... 9 5 Rough ... ... 10 6 Timothy ... 9 3 Mayboy ... 9 11 Nursery Handicap, of 80 sovs. lhreequarters of a mile. Whalcawatea ... 9 10 Princess of St Katherine ... 7 13 Whales ... 6 10 Wyvern ... 7 9 Reflection ... 010 Montmarte ... 7 6 Variety ... 610 Mystic 7 5 Prioress ... 6 10 King John ... 7 5 Kent 610 Senator ... 7 2 Lustre 6 7 Legislator ... 7 2 Welter Handicap. One mile and a quarter. British Lion ... 10 4 St Malo ... 8 12 La Rose ... 912 Cretonne _ ... 810 Q'n of Trumps 9 7 Wanganui ... 8 0 Torpedo ... 9 5 Eros ... S- 0 Crown Jewel ... 9 5 General GorAngler ... 9 4 don ... 8 0 Free Lance ... 9 2 Cyrus ... 8 u

Captain Webb 9 2 Telegraph Handicap. Three-quarters of a

mile Whisper ... 9 7 Regina ... 7 10 Cynisca ... 9 G Huerfana ... 7 9 Recluse ... 8 10 Rebellion ... 7 6 Kotuku ... S 9 Cretonne ... 7 5 La Rose ... 8 7 St Malo ... 7 4 Retina ... 8 7 Swordbelt ... 6 12 Krina ... 8 0 Wanganui ... 0 10 Torpedo • ... 7 12 Paramu ... 6 7 Weka ... 7 11 Frolic ... 6 7 Thame ... '7 10 Jessiq 6 7

The following entries have been recaivcd : Hack Hurdle Handicap, one mile ami a quarter.-Mr P. F. Tancred’s Oddfellow, Mr J. Pringle’s Roger, Mr Mcßeath s Mae, Mr K. McKenzie's Nelson, Mr Porokoru’s St Helier, Mr Puaha’s Mataiwhetu, Mr W. Bicknell’s Union Flag, Mr Bax’s Rocket, Mr Bridson’s Excelsior, Hack (flat) Handicap, one mile and a ciuarter. —Mr W. Best’s Osman and Sweet Dream, Mr P. F. Tancred’s Oddfellow, Mr N. Grace’s Ngaro, Mr J. Pillbrow’s Puni, Mr Campbell’s Traitress, Mr Jas Reed’s Duchess, Mr J. Pringle's Ben Bolt, Mr Teed’s Sirius, Mr K. McKenzie's Hibernian, Mr Buckeridge's Blenheim, Air Puaha’s Slave Girl, Mr F Fisk’s Rabui, Mr D. Campion’s Daphne, Mr Wilford s Pride of the Hills, Mr Macara s Brookfield, Mr Hayward’s Deception, Mr Bax's Rocket, Mr Gardener’s Chance. The following weights for the hack events on the first day of the Meeting have been declared by Mr A. King, the hack handicapper to the Club: Hack lldrdle Handicap, ol 30 sovs. One

mile and a quarter. st lb st lb Roger 11 4 Mac _ 9 10 Rocket 10 9 Excelsior ... 9 7 Nelson 10 0 St Helier ... 9 0 Mataiwhetu ...10 0 Union Hag ... 9 0 Oddfellow ... 910 Hack Flat Handicap. One mile ana a quarter. Osman 9 0 Duchess ... 7 9 Btoolcfield ... 9 0 Oddtellow ... 7 9 Deception ... 8 7 Blenheim .. 7 7 Slave Girl ... 8 5 Pride of the Hibernian ... 8 5 Hills... ... 7 7 Rocket. S 5 Rahul 7 5 Sirius 1 8 2 Ngaro 7 0 Sweet Dream... S 2 Daphne ... 7 0 Ben Bolt ... 8 0 Traitress ... 6 7 p un i 8 0 Chance ... 6 7

POVERTY BAY TURF CLUB RACES. Gisborne, January 12. The weather was fine for the first day of the Poverty Hay Turf Club’s A.nnual jVTeetins*, and there was a good attendance. Following are the results — County Stakes Handicap ; one mile— Cairngorm, Gst 121 b, 1; Avis, Sst 101 b, 2; Huncamunca, Gst 71b, 3. Won after a good race by a length. Time, lmin 47sec. Dividend, L 4 4s. 1 Hurdle Handicap. One mile and a quarter. Waterfall, list Gibs - }

Bowsprit, 9st 21b ... ... ••• ••• Macaroni, 9st 41b ... ... ••• ••• 8 Seven started, and a grand race took place, the horses keeping well together all the way. Bowsprit and Waterfall sprang together at the last hurdle, and had an exciting struggle in the straight, the latter winning by a short head. Time, 3min l-sthsec. Dividend, L2.. Hack Hurdles. —Boy Jim, 1. Dividend, LI lGs. Turanga Stakes Handicap, of 200 sovs. One

mile and a half.

Scot Free, by Sterlingwortli, aged, 7st ... 1 Stockfish, Gsi; 111 b ... ... ••• 2 Bay Bell, Gst 71b ... ... 3 Zanzibar, 6?st 91b ; Wak&f.ipu, Psfc lib ; llakimani, 7st 41b ; Pani, Sst slb, also ran, and finished in that order. VV on easily by two lengths, Stockfish beating Bay B ill by a none for second place. Time, 2min 42sec. Dividend, LS Is. . Maiden Plate.—Beauty, 1; Assassin, 2 ; Pakapu, 3. Dividend, L 3 3s. ■ Hack Fl\t. —Puti and Truthful ran a dead heat, the former paying L2 19s and the latter L 3 Is. . f , Flying Handicap, of 80 sovs ; six furlongs. —Loch Ness, Sst, 121 b, 1: Bay Bell, Gst 101 b2 ; Kupenga, 7st 41b, 3. Five others ran. Won easily. Time, lmin Dividend, LI 19s. The Hurry Scorry was won by Ormonde ; dividend, L 3 16s. The total amount passed through the machine during the day was L 2364. Gisborne, January 13. The second day’s racing of the Poverty Bay Turf Club was well attended, and the weather was fine. Stewards’ Handicap, of 70 sovs. Seven furlongs. Loch Ness, 9st 31b ... ... 1 Pani, 2 Avis, 7st 81b ••• 3 Four other started. Won easily, lime, lmin 32 4-5 sec. Hurdle Handicap, of GO sovs. Two miles. Rimu, 9st 121 b ... ... ... ••• 1 Waterfall, 12st 2 Macaroni, 9stGib ... ... ••• ... o Two others started. A grand race ; won by three-quarters of a length. Time, 3min srlsec. Dividend, L 4 Gs. . . Hack Hurdles. —Horny, 1. Dividend, L 3 10s. _ Tradesmen's Handicap, .of 310 sovs. One mile and a quarter. Scot Free, Sst 21b jFani, Sst 2lb 2 Cairngorm, Gst7lb ... _ ... ••• ° Time, 3minlssec. Dividend, LI 16s. Hack Handicap.—Orwell, 1; Havelock, 2; Herbert, 3. Time, lmin 50sec. Dividend, L2 7s. Publicans’ Purse Handicap, of 70 sovs. One mile. Avis, 7st9lb ... Zaccho, 6st Gib ... ... ... ••• " Ponawa, Gst 71b ... Five others started, including Bay Bell. 7st 31b, who was a warm hut got left at the start, and only succeeded in running into fourth place. Won by a length and a half. Time, lmin 4Ssec. Dividend, L 3 6s. _ Post Stakes —Ruataurnata, 1. Dividend, L 8 11s. Forced Handicap. Kupenga, 7st 51b £ Bay Bell, 7st 51b \ Orwell, 7st lib ... ... ••• .-” ••• 8 Two others started. Time, 2min 2 4-sth sec. Dividend. L2 17s. The total nut through the machine tor the day was L 3431, making L 6795 daring the meeting WESTLAND MIDSUMMER MEETING. Hokitika, January 8. For the first day of the Westland Racing Club’s Midsummer'Meeting to-day there was glorious weather. About one thousand were present, and there was capital racing. The following are the principal results : Hokitika Handicap, one mile and a quarter —Miss Ann, 3 ; Tyrant, .2 ; Count DOrsay, 3. Time, 2min 14Jsec. Dividend, LI 10s. , Kanieet Handicap, three-quarters ot a mile—Miss Ann, 1; The See, 2 ; Miss Lacey, 3. Won with something to spare. Dividend, LI 13:i. Time, lmin 31|sec. Hurdle Handicap, one mile and a halt — Clyde, 1 ; Magpie, 2. These were the only starters. A good race. Won by a length, Time, 3min 4s'-c. Dividend, L2 Ss. Hokitika, January 9, The second day’s racing was accompanied by steady rain, six hundred being present. The racing was good. Results ;

Hurdles, one mile and three-quarters— Captain Abram, list, 1; Clyde, lOst 71b, 2 : Magpie, lOst 101 b, 3. A capital race. Time, 3min 29isec. Dividend, L 3 3s. Tradesmen’s Handicap—Miss Ann, 1; Miss Lacey, 2 ; .The Ace, 3. Won rather easily. Time, lmin 51sec. Dividend, LI 7s. Hokitika Handicap, one mile and a half— Count D’Orsay, Bst 81b, 1; Miss Ann, 7st,3lb, 2; Tvrant, 7sf4lb, 3 A good finish. Time, 2rnin 55see. Dividend, L2 lGs. District Race, one mile and a quarter— Miss Lacey, 1 ; Tyrant, 2. Dividend, L2 Is. A protest was entered against Tyrant for pulling, but has not yet been decided. Consolation Handicap, one mile—Magpie, 1 ; The Ace, 2. Mayboy fell when halfway down the straight, throwing his rider, wiio is not much injured. Dividend, LI 14s.

AUCKLAND TROTTING CLUB. Auckland, January 10. The Summer Meeting of the Auckland Trotting Club was concluded on Saturday. Mr J. L. 'Ryan's b g Ruadan, Gyrs, 40sec,. won the President’s Handicap Trot, three miles, and Mr S. McGuinness’ ch m Lady Onslow, syrs, list 71b, won the Pony Steeplechase, about two miles and a half, beating five others.

FOXTON ACCEPTANCES. FoxTON, January 11.. The following are the acceptances for the open handicaps at the Foxton Summer Meeting, to be held on the 22nd inst : Flying Handicap. Six furlongs. st lb st lb Pyramus ... 8 3 Fortune ... 6 13 Wanderer ... 7 4 Empress ... G 11 Tuhitarata ... 7 0 Paramu ... 6 9 Musket ... 6 13 Koromiko ... 6 9 Hurdle Handicap. Two miles and a . distance.

Empire ... 11 0 Gladstone ... 9 G Pyramus ... 10 12 Hiamoe ... 9 0 Rere 9 12 Stewards’ Handicap. One mile ar.d a quarter. Cordelia ... 7'2 Musket ... GlO Tuhitarata ... 6 12 Foxton Racing Club Handicap. One mile

and a half. Foxton 8 12 Cordelia ... 7 0 Lochnagar ... 7 5 Tuhitarata ... GlO The following entries were received for the Hack events : Hack Flat ; one mile—Ngatalcoura, Eve, Sunday School, Ishmael, Freewill,. Phormium Tenax, Huia, Strephon, Slave Girl, Cameo, VVaiwiri, Lillian, Dingo, Balmaceda, May Queen, Daybreak, Waikawa. Flying Hack; six furlongs—Ngatakoura, Bald head, Priscilla, Freewill, Lady Isabel, Phormium Tenax, Huia, Strephon, Slave Girl, Cameo, Waiwiri, Dingo, May Queen, May, and Daybreak. Hack Hurdles ; Once round the course — Baldhead, Ishmael, Freewill, Songster, Konini, Whitefoot, Mac Mataiwhetu, Omahu, Waibrant, Raven, Glenelg, Elaine.

DUNEDIN AUTUMN ME 8-TING. Dunedin, January 11

The fol'owing weights for events to be run on the first day of the Dunedin Jockey ( Hub’s Autumn Meeting have been declared by the handicapper, Mr Dowse : The Dunedin Cup, of 600 sovs, with a sweepstakes of 10 sovs each ; the second to receive 100 sovs. and the third 50 sovs from the stakes. The winner of any handicap race of the value of 500 sovs after declaration of weights to carry 101 b extra ; of two or more such races, 121 b extra; of any handicap race of the value of 300 sovs to carry 71b extra ; of two or more such races to carry 101 b extra; of any handicap race ot the value of 200 sovs to carry 51b extra ; of two or more such races, 7ib extra. Two miles and a distance. st lb st lb Ereedom ... 9 6 Rosefeldt ... 7 4 Merrie England 8 11 Galtee ... ... 7 4 Crackshot ... 811 Thame 7 2 Cynisca... ... 8 5 Prestige ... 7 2 Prime Warden 8 2 J'Tee. Lance ... 7 0 British Lion ... 8 0 Mariner ... 7 0 Blizzard ... 7 12 Q’n of Trumps 7 0 Occident ... 7 10 Don Pedro ... 610 Whi.-per ... 7 10 Coinage ... 610 Kulnine ... 7 8 Tassy 6 9 Morpheus ... 7 8 Dilemma ... 6 J Fraternity ... 7 8 Kapua b 9 Retina... ... 7 6 Eros 6 7 Cajolery ... 7 6 Bulrush ... b 7 The Workman... 7 G Apology 11. ... 6 7 Cruchfield ... 7 4 The Publicans’ Handicap, of 200 sovs, with a sweepstakes of 3 sovs each, payable half an hour before the advertised time of starting; the second horse to receive 20 sovs, the third 30 sovs from the stakes. The winner ot any handicap race of the advertised value of 200 sovs after declaration of the weights to carry 71b extra ; of two or more such races, or of the Dunedin Cup, to carry 10lb extra. Seven furlongs. st lb st lb St Andrew ... 9 7 Qu’en of Trumps 7 5 Whisper ... 9 5 Mariner ... 7 5 Cynisca ... 9 4 Regina 7 5 Cianranald ... 9 2 Richlake ... 7 -- Prime Warden 9 O 'Miss George ... 7 2 Morpheus ... 812 Tempest ... 7 0 Blizzard ... S 10 Conjuror ... 7 0 Retina ... *8 5 Lady Bell ... 612 La Rose ... 8 2 The Idler ... 6 12 Reprisal ... S 2 Huguenot ... 612 Ruby ... 8 0 Pique ... b 10 Breadalbane ... 8 0 Dormeur ... blO Eiesole ... 7 12 May ... blO Fraternity ... 712 Emmason ... b 8 Carronado ... 712 Sincerity ... 6 8 The Workman 7 10 Tassy ... G 8 Galtee ... 7 10 Hippomenes ... b 8 Rosefeldt ... 710 Bulrush ... 6 7 Heather 8e11... 7 7 3>ady Mab ... 6 7 Lady Zetland 7 7 Apology 11. ... b 7 Thame ... 7 7

DUNEDIN JOCKEY CLUB. Dunedin, January 13. The annual report of the Dunedin Jockey Club shows that the meetings have been satisfactory, but states that the amount passed through the totalisator at the spring meeting fell off, as compared with the same meeting last year, by the sum of L 5013, and the loss of commission on tliis amount* coupled with Government tax, left no margin. The sum of LISOO had been paid to the deposit acciunt prior to the spring meeting, but if the Government tax is continued, the Committee think there will be no prospect of increasing that fund in future.

HAWKES BAY NOMINATIONS. Napier, January 12. The following nominations were received tonight for the Hawkes Bay Jockey Club s Autumn Meeting : Hawkes Bay Cup ; one mile and three quarters.—Katinka, Huerfana, Krina, Hukimana, Kotuku, Turehu, ' Rosefeldt, Kapua Crown Jewel, Pearl Powder. Captain Webb, Lochnagar, Loch 3Sress, Thame, Free Lance, Pani, Fraternite, Recluse, Whisper, Cynisca, Goalscqttle, Prime Warden, Maifl of Lome,

Whimsical, La Petite Fille, Cruchfield, Torpedo, The Dreamer, Merrie England, Kulnine, Boulanger, She, Crackshot, I>o3osa, Link, Morion, Patchwork, Retina, Ranee Nuna, Seraph and King George. Railway Stakes Handicap ; six furlonps. —Katinka, Krina, Hakimana, Kotuku, Turehu, Rosefeldt, Javeline, Ua, Pearl Powder, Merganser. Scot Free, Flaxbourne, Thame, Queen of Hearts, Montmartre, Triton, Pani, Fraternity, Recluse, Wiiisper, Cynisca, Reprisal, Fiesole, Prime Warden, Chatelaine, Whimsical, La Petite Fille, Rangiatea, Torpedo, Whakawatea, Wyvern, Heather Bell, Kulnine, Boulonge.r, Cretonne, She, Dolosa, Link, Quadrant, Retina, Ranee Ihuna, Dreamland, Seraph, King George, A PROTEST. DEATH OF ALEC SUTHERLAND. Auckland, January 13. The Committee of the Auckland Trottin g Club met to-day for the purpose of consider ing the protest lodged by Mr A. E.. Green, o Nelson, owner of Rims, who finished second to Brandy in the Auckland Trotting Cup, against the stakes being paid over to the owner of the latter, on the ground that the horse Brandy had performed under another name in Sydney. The Stewards postponed the consideration of the protest for a week in order to allow Mr Green to produce evidence in Support of his protest. News have been received from Sydney of the death of Alec Sutherland, a well known jockey, formerly living in Auckland. Auckland, January 7. The racehorses Lebel, Queen of Trumps, Stepniali and North Atlantic, and several horses bought at the recent yearling sales, were sent South to-day. Christchurch, January 8.

The Hororata Racing Club's annual meeting to-day was well attended. The Horara'.u Cup, of 55 sovs, one mile and a half, was won by Mr Friedlander’s Coinage, 7st7lb ; M. and C. Hobb’s Quibble, Sst 21b, being second ; \V. Russel’s Bay King, BsT 131 b, third. Time, 2min 43isec. Dividend, Lll 4s. Most of the winners during the day paid good dividends. Auckland, January 8 The St Leger—Lovebird colt, sold to Mr Patterson at the recent Wellington Park sale, has been repurchased by its former owner, Mr L. D. Nathan, who has sold the Ingomar Steppe colt to Mr Morrin. Auckland, January 11. The stewards of the Auckland Racing Club met to-day to consider the running of the horse Octopus in the Selling Stakes at Ellerslie on January 2nd, and after hearing the evidence of the owner,* trainer, and jockey, decided that the charge of pulling the horse had not been substantiated. By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright, PAN-BRITANNIC CONTESTS. (PRESS ASSOCIATION.) London, January 12. The Sportsman states that Africa, Canada, India, Mr Set vice, and other leading Australian statesmen, the presidents of the University Boating Clubs, Lord Carrington, Lord Harris and Messrs Spofforth, Murdoch, Greenfeld, Perkins and Alcock warmly support PanBritannic contests. Sydney, January 32. The horses purchased by Australian owners at the Wellington Park sale in Auckland on January 4 have been landed in good condition. . ENGLISH SPORTING NOTES.

(By Ormonde.)

Among sporting men the great subject of discussion recently has been the May Rose disqualification. On Thursday, the second day of the Lincoln Autumn Meeting, a field of six two-year-olds faced tho starter for tho Blankney Nursery Stakes, a handicap, value 178 sovs. Mr Crossley’s May Rose, Bs’, on whom Allsopp had the mount, was favourite at 3 to 1 ; Ejector, Bst 12lb, piloted by Watts, stood at 7 to 2 ; while Woodburn’s mount, Mock Orange, Bst 91b, was supported at 75 to 20. The favourite gob well away, but was challenged in the straight by ..Mock Orange, who had the race in hand had he not shirked the contest just at the critical moment, and allowed May Rose to win by a neck. Backers felt on good terms v>ith themselves, and smiled disdainfully at the rumour of a protest. Bub the stewards, Mr R. C. Tyner and Major Egerton, were of a different opinion. After hearing the evidence of all the jockeys who had ridden in the race, they decided to disqualify May Rose and report Allsopp to the stewards of tho Jockey Club for foul riding. I was not present at the meeting, but all who were at Lincoln consider the sentence at least a strange one. No one appears to have observed any foul riding, and some men say Allsopp was sentenced on the principle of * give a deg a bad name and hang him.’ He was once before haled before, the stewards for undoubted foul riding ; no douh£ Mr Tyner and Major Egerton remembered the occurrence. I should like to hear all the evidence, as I could then judge the case on its merits, O RMONDE, That Ormonde will return to the land of his birth is almost certain now. A syndicate nas been formed to purchase the mighty son of Bend Or and Lily Agnes. lam sure that all sportsmen will welcome the champion when he returns. Himself a marvellous horse, he has in his first season sired Orme, undeni ably the crack two-year-old of this season, and also Goldfinch, who has proved himself a rattling good colt. That Ormonde was touched in the wind cannot be denied, but, if he only sire another such colt as Orme, his return will be an incalculable benefit to the English turf. Probably he will prove himself one of the best sires in England. I wonder what his stock will fetch ; so far the 6000 guineas given for the St. Simon—Plaisaenterie colt, tops the list of high-priced yearlings ; but we live in a record-breaking age, and probably someonfe will lower Mr Maple’s when the young Ormondes are under the hammer. Ormonde has proved a source of great controversy since his return has been decided on. We know that doctors differ, but veterinary surgeons appear to differ also, and in very essential points. We read the letter of one vet, saying that roaring is not hereditary, while three or four others state positively that it is. Then Messrs Chaplin and Hume-Webster are also at daggers drawn upoq the subject, Mr Chaplin, as becoipea t\

member of tho Government, is dead against the return of a roarer to England, while Mr Huine-Webster poohs-poohs Mr Chaplin’s doubts, and throws a shadow of suspicion upon the completo disinterestedness of tho owner of Galopin, Bendigo, and Friar’s Balsam, whoso fees may suffer from the rivalry of such a horse as Ormonde. Other sportsmen hope that more good than harm may result from the return of the 'winner of the Triple Crown, for we see his stock before us and kuow what they are. WINNING JOCKEYS. Morny Cannon and George Barrett are still struggling for premier position among the jockeys. Young Cannon is tho better horseman, and has the better average, 124 wins out of 541 mounts, but George Barrett is a hard man to beat; he can ride so low as 7st 101 b, while Cannon finds Bst 51b rather a difficulty, and he is a determined finisher, though young Cannon has the better head. Watts is third on the li3t, and his average is best of all, 111 wins out of 458 mounts. Woodburn is a bad f v.’rth ; he has been lucky in obtaining two brackets, owing to the disqualification of his opponents. He is followed by Dick Clialoner, who, with his brother George and Chandley, is the best light-weight riding at present. LINCOLN AUTUMN MEETING. This meeting does not call for much comment. 1 have already mentioned the most exciting event—the May Rose disqualification—and shall only speak of two races, the Great Tom Stakes and Lincoln Autumn Handicap. The former was won by Mr Perkin’s Dare Devil, a three-year-old son of Robert the Devil and Flora Mclvor. He was last year a mere selling plater, but this year he has proved a remunerative purchase to his owner, who bought him out of a selling plate at Epsom. Before his victory in the Great Tom Stakes.he had won the Northumberland Autumn Plate. In the Lincoln Autumn Handicap a field of seven horses faced the starter. A favourite was found in Mr Vyner’s Sedge Chat, 4yrs, Sst 21b, but the well bred Shrine, 4yrs, Bst 51b, by Clairvaux or Isonomy out of Pilgrimage, won after a close contest with Sedge Chat. The winner belongs to Mr Milner, who has not proved very successful this season. The meeting at Lewes calls for little mention, as the races were small, but there was a certain amount of excitement about one event. It was the Members’ Plate, oflOOsovs; weight-for-age ; one mile. The horsemen were gentlemen jockeys. Only four horses started. Captain Morris’ Joe Miller, 3yrs, by Merrymaker, dam by Knight of Kar3, 10st 131 b, owner; Captain Howard’s b or br c Prince Oscar, 3yrs, list 31b, Mr G. Lambton ; Mr H. Cox’s br c Trelaske, 3yrs, 12at 21b, owner; Mr Popham’s Aubert, 3yrs, list 21b, owner. The betting showed what a certainty the Prince Oscar party considered it for their colt. He was favourite at 13 to 8 on, while Trelaske stood at 2 to 1 ; Aubert at 100 to 8; and Joe Miller at 100 to 1. To the consternation of backers Joe Miller upset the good thing by a length. Since then an objection has been lodged against the winner on the grounds of wrong description. The result is looked forward to with some interest by the plungers who backed Prince Oscar. A meeting worthy of chronicle is now proceeding at Liverpool. I refer to THE LIVERPOOL AUTUMN MEETING. Sportsmen who like to go tracing all day and every day regal’d this meeting with a feeling of regret, for it is the beginning of tho end of the 3at racing season. The weather was exceptionally bad, even for this year. The wind was blowing a hurricane, the rain poured down in torrents, and a bitter coldness made everybody except tho successful plunger wish himself comfortably seated before a warm fire instead of watching the horses ploughing up the course as they raced through the holding ground. The first race on the opening day was the Liverpool November Hurdle Handicap, of 192 sovs ; run over two miles. For thiß race eleven horses started, including such well known performers as Benburb, 12st 21b; Partisan, list 91b ; Henry George, list 51b ; Gonfalon, list 41b; and Fringe, JOst 121 b. Everything seemed in favour of a light weight, and, as Fringe had lately proved successful at Sandown, he started favourite at 9 to 4. But nothing had a chance with the top weight, who won easily by thirty lengths from Partisan and Acheen, syrs, 10st 61b. The Knojvsley Nursery Handicap was contested by a field of thirteen starters. Among them were Mr Maple’s Clarence, Bst 21b ; Mr Milner’s Desdemona, Bst 61b ; and Colonel North’s Bonnie Gal, 7ab 61b; all of whom had figured to advantage in previous contests, while the rest of the field was composed of lightly, weighted second raters. Clarence was served up a warm favourite at 4 to 1, and ho amply justified his backers’ confidence by an easy victory. Curiously enough the son of Saraband and Princess Arena made his first appearance at Liverpool, when he won the Sefton Park Plate. After that race he won at the Leicester and York Spring Meetings, but since then he has proved a disappointing colt to his owner, Mr Maple. On the second day also Mr Maple’s star was in the ascendant, for he won the Liverpool , Nursery Stakes with Grace Darling and the Liverpool Stewards’ Cud with Prince i Hampton. Grace Darling is by Royal j Hampton out of a sister to Hazeldean. She only carried fist 111 b, beating 1 nine others, including Euclid, Bst 12lb, < who, good colt though he is, failed to success- 5 fully carry his big burden. Prince Hampton, 1 though only a three-year-old, carried 9st to 1 victory with consummate ease. Over the distance, five furlongs, the son of Royal Hampton and Pibroch is a nailing good colt. Among those defeated were De Beers, who had a good reputation as a sprinter in the spring and Quartus, who was bought in the Bpiing for 1050 guineas, but has proved an unremunerative purchase. He won the Beaufort Handicap at Manchester; ran a second in the Chichester Stakes at Goodwood; ran third for the Flying Welter /- Handicap at the Newmarket Second October ; T and won a Plate of 200 sovs at the Newmarket Houghton. In all these races the colt carried big weights, and he is a credit to that promising sire, Royal Hampton, who is * uo unworthy companion to Common at Mv 8

b Maple’s stud farm. Tho Great Sefton Steeple- 1 f chase is an event of no little interest. Last 3 year Como Away started in it, and came to 1 grief for the first and only time in his stecple--3 chasing career. I do not think we saw the s Grand National winner of 1892 among the 3 six startors on this occasion, but the first | r three are all good horses. The starters were ; I Roman Oak, 12st 91b; Flying Column, list f 21b ; Citadel, list 121 b ; The Sikh, list lib ; e Cruiser, 10st 101 b ; and Pan, 10st 6lb. The betting was 5 to 2 against Sikh, 3 to 1 Roman Oak, 7 to 2 Cruiser, 100 to 12 Flying j Column and Pan, 25 to 1 Citadel. Pan refused at an early stage in the proceedings ; ° at the third obstacle Flying Column came to grief; while Roman Or.k fell at the last 8 fence. After the lust mishap Cruiser was left ? at the head of affairs, and be won easily by two lengths, with the favourite a bad third, f In tho last Grand National, Cruiser was a ’ great tip among a certain knowing body of ‘ backers, and, though he failed to win on that 8 occasion, I was not surprised to see him '■ victorious in the event under discussion. I II must finish mv account cf the Liverpool 0 November Meeting next mail, merely leaving 3 this open to give you tho winnei* of trie 8 Liverpool Autumn Cup, which is tho great event in to-day’s card. COMING EVENTS. . Already belting on next year’s Derby 1 has commenced, and, as a matter of course, . e Orme has been made a hot favourite. Two I to one is with difficulty obtainable about the !| Duke of Westminister's colt. When one - n considers the opposition, it is hard to see '» whence his conqueror is to come. To be sure ! there is the unbeaten La Fleclic, but fillies : 9 often fail to pass through tho winter without 18 suffering in some way, while she is in the !e same stable as Orme. Then there are El £ Diabalo, Flyaway, St. Damion, Benvenuto, ie Priestess, Scarborough, Gantlet, and a host of others, all of whom are above the average, II but not within measurable distance of the J e Kingselerc crack. However, few of us even 8 knew of Common’s existence .last year, yet ho a came, saw, and conquered all the winter y favourites. It may be the same this year, though rather unlikely. - r ,Lb Nord is to be put to hurdle racing. His has been a remarkable career. He was a crack two-year-old, but lost his heart, and e as a three-year-old failed to retain his laurels, tfc for his heart was not in the right place. lt This year he has received many chances of e ’ scoring, but only won when victory was un--16 expected, and that was in France, where he y defeated Reverend at a small difference in >e weight. Perhaps, like many other rogues ou y the flat, notably Chandos and Charles the 11 First, he may prove a more redoutable persfc former over the hurdles. , C JOHN OSBORNE. 3 Honesty is seldom rewarded in this wicked S world, and it’s refreshing to hear that our Lr most influential sportsmen have arranged to ,3 present Johnny Osborne with a monel ary c testimonial in order to show their apprecia--9 tion of his unswerving integrity. He made ” his first appearance in the pigskin in 184 G, a and since then he has been in the saddle, witli ° only short intervals of enforced idleness after ’* the numerous accidents he has met with. In ’’ some cases nicknames are indicative of con--3 tempt, but, when applied to jockeys, they show respect. John Osborne is known by " many titles ; to some he is ‘ The P,usher,’ to others ‘ The Bank of England jockey,’ while to a third section of the sporting community 3 he is * Old Johnny.’ Among other races he g has won the Two Thousand Guineas six f timos, on Yedette in. 1857, Pretender in 1869, - Both well in 1871, Prince Charlie in 1872, 3 Camballo in J 875, and Ayrshire in 1888; the 1 One Thousand Guineas twice, on Manganese e in 1856, and Apology in 1874; the Derby i once, on Pretender in 1869 ; the Oaks once, i on Apology in 1874; the St. Leger twice, on l Lord Clifden in 1863, and Apology in 1874. a His victories have been legion, but during - the last two or three seasons he has found his 3 strength fail him,' notably in the last St. j . Leger, when Bosphorus should have at least j ; gained a place, had not bis jockey’s strength t failed him at the critical moment. Among , the committee chosen are such names as , Prince Soltykoff, Mr Houldsworth, and Lord i Durham, steward of the Jockey Club, the ’ Duke of St. Albans, Marquis of Hartington, Lord Rosebery, Lord Lascelles, Sir Henry i Hawkins, Sir Robert Jardine, Sir Charles Russell, Sir Frederick Johnstone, Captain ; Mackell, and Messrs W. J. Legh, W. M. Redfearn, Leopold de Rothschild, R. O. Vyner, and E. Wetherby. It is intended to make the testimonial worthy of the object for which it is presented, to commemorate the unswerving honesty of a man whose name has never been tainted even with a breath of suspicion, and to stir up the rising generation of jockeys to a desire of following in his footsteps. SULLIVAN V. SLAVIN. Sullivan is now back in his native land, invigorated by his trip to Australia, let us hope. For he will require all his ancient 1 vigour for the task he has set himself. He has challenged Slavin, and Slavin has started for America, hopeful of a contest. There are three men there, all of whom talk very loud, and out of one of these three, Sullivan, Jackson, and Corbett, he hopes to get a fight. I pity the chosen man, whoever he be, for I : think even the Sullivan of yore would have found Slavin too tough a nut to crack, while Sullivan, as he now is, will probably 1 be second best if he and the Austi’alian champion meet. Perhaps wisely for himself, i Sullivan has fixed the date at a year hence, ’ hopeful no doubt that the influenza may do ] his work for him. _ ..... , ,< NOTES AND CLIPPINGS. 1 J NEW ZEALAND. The following funny paragraph ( appeared in the Wairarapa Standard of the 4th inst At Auckland, on Friday, j CaptivatGr won the great Northern r Derby, St. Leger 2, Flinders 3. The resuscitated Salisbury did not last 0 long. He broke down very badly at the I s j Hawkea Bay Meeting on Boxing Day, I f, and «ov\ld scarcely walk when h 9 returned l 7"? frmqq* rm*v.*-rr -,** r

to tho paddock. It is thought he will never sport silk again. The Marlon Mercury is rather rough on the Rangitikei R. C. secretary. It say 3 :—We cannot compliment tho Rangitikei Racing Club on the get up of their ‘ Krcct ’ Cards. On the cover the word ‘ official ’ is spelt very originally and hardly correctly as ‘ offeicial ’ (sic), and in the list of pedigrees, horses are mentioned whose names are not men-

tioned in the races, and the names of others are omitted which are.

Bryan o ; Lynn, who won tho Hurdle Race at Drury the oilier day, had a five-year-old son running at the same meeting.

‘Spectator’ selects Recluse, 8.31 ; St. Andrew, 7st 124) ; Thame, 7st 4ib ; Crown Jewel, 7st 21b ; and Whisper, Bst 7ib, as the best handicapped' horses in the Wellington Cup. From the Chronicle wo learn that the committee of the Wanganui Joeki-y Club, at their last ordinary monthly meeting, disqualified all the horses, jockeys, and owners that to ik part in the races held at C istlecliff on Boxing Diy and New Year’s Day. They also removed the disqualification from all the horses racing at an unauthorised meeting at Kerioi. The Waverley-Waitotaca Club’s programme for 17vh March was submitted and approved. The following appears in the Marlborough D lily Times of Saturday last : The udj .arued meeting of the committee of the Marlborough Racing Club will be held at the Club Hotel this evening, wien the programme for tho proposed races will be finally adopted. We learn that 17 out of the 20 required guarantors at £5 each have already been obtained, and that no difficulty is expected in obtaining the consent of another three gentlemen. An Auckland resident was the fortunate holder of Trieste in Tattersall’s consultati >n on the Carrington Stakes, run at the A J.C. Meeting on Boxing Day. It is understood-' that the prize attaching to the ticket is about £SOOO, free of the necessary expenses and deductions.

Tho Wairarapa Racing Club stewards at their meeting last Saturday resolved to hold a one-day’s meeting on Easter Monday, and to give £320 in stakes, lt was announced that the gross proceeds of their recent meeting, on the Ist and 2nd January, had been £lOOl 6s 9d. Out of this amount £520 was given in stakes, and after payment of expenses a 3uni or £267 18s Gd was added to ■ the funds.

The Riccarton Raconteur' of the Referee says :—When Kulnine and Merrie England were galloping the other morning an excellent judge remarked that these will win at Dunedin, and there is no doubt about Kulnine’s quality, and Merrie England is certainly improving. The same authority tells us that Dudu is being persevered with, and he thinks that towards the back end she may win a race or two. Evidently Mr Cutt’s mare is not sufficiently forward for the Wellington Cup. Strephon, vsho has been showing great form in hack races recently, is a fine upstanding bay gelding by Papapa from Uranus’dam. He belongs to Mr E. Wood, of Rangitikei, for whom lie has won about half-a-dozen hack races within the last month.

Mr C. Hume has sold his Puriri mare j Lilian, the winner of the treble at the j Ohau races on New Year’s Day, to Mr Itofeta, of Otaki, for £3O. Tho mure is engaged at the Foxton Meeting. The amount of odd money at the recent Manawatu race meeting was £44 14s. In mentioning the fact tho Manawatu Daily Timas adds : —lf the public are to be compelled to pay th« Government tax of 1J per cent, in addition to the usual totalisator commission, they should certainly be paid fractions of a shilling in dividends. The Rev. D. McNicoll, of Dunedin, told a good story in a sermon recently on “ Gambling.” He said that not long ago at a minister’s meeting in Napier, when they were sitting round the tea table, a difference of opinion arose, and one minister said, so as to settle the point, ‘Til bat you ” He got no further, for he saw the error he had committed and stopped short. The following were the payments to winners at the Summer Meeting of the Marton Hack Racing Club ; —Mr J. Green, £SO ; Mr E. . «J. Chapman, £4O ; Mr E. Woods, £4O ; Mr E. Barns, £25 ; Dr Bennett, £2O ; H. Crabb, £10; Mr J. E. Nugent, £lO ; Mr J. Snellgrove, £5 ; Mr J. Kennedy, £5 ; Mr C. E. Woodley, £5 ; and Mr J. Goile, £5. At a meeting of the Greymouth Jockey Club Committee held on the 4th inst, the hon. Treasurer brought up a statement of the receipts and expenditure in connection with the recent meeting, showing the profits to be about £250. AUSTRALIAN. The Sporting Standard says that Sultan is almost certain to prove more profitable to Mr W. R. Wilson at the jumping game than he did on the flat. ‘ Hampton’ in the Sporting Standard says that nothing was abie to make Pygmalion gallop in the two races he won at Caulfield. Tirailleur with 9st 31bs up was unplaced in the Hopetoun Cup. He was ridden by ‘Billy* White, Trieste in the Carrington Slakes carried over her weight-for-age, and cut out the six furlongs in the fastest time on record for the race. A Britans telegMM the ter •

mination of the Steeplechase at the late Q.T.C.j meeting, a jockey named Davis, who was riding The Loafer, wa3 accused, not only of pulling hi 3 horse, but also of running Caledonian off the course. The accusation was fully sustained, and the jockey was disqualified for iife, and warned off all racecourses in the Colony registered under the Q.T. C. rules. Three days after the race the jockey made most serious charges against certain bookmakers and others interested in the race. It is rumoured that tlie boy has made an affidavit to the effect that he was promised £l5O to carry out certain tricks, that he did all lie covenanted to do, and that on making a demand for his money he received only L3O. So serious were the charges that the stewards of tho Q.T.C. immediately decided to hold an enquiry, and they summoned all who were either interested or implicated in the accusations. The enquiry was held with closed doors, but the decision will be made known in a few days. A later telegram says : In regard to the charges made by the disqualified Queensland jockey, Davis, against certain bookmakers and others, the Turf Club has been unable to come to any decision. In addition to winning the Hopetoun Cup, on B >xing Day, Pygmalion also won the Malvern Handicap, of 150 sovs. In the latter race he carried Sst Slbs and was ridden by Cusdeo, who also rode him in the Cup. Three other ex-New Zealanders took part in the Mtlvern Handicap, viz , Little Shramrock 83t 511)8. Medjidio 7st lllbs, and Red Rose 7st s:bs.

The Auckland pony, Forget-me-not, the other day won tho Mnorfield Galloway Handicap, of 50 sovs, beating a field of 14. She got home by half a head. Sultan, who has been such a frost since he has been in Australia, appears to He taking kindly to the jumping business. In the hurdle race at the last V.A.T.C. Meeting he ran third with lOst lOlbs up to Drilldool list, and Durval lOst 51bs. Among the unplaced lot were Kimberley lOst 4!bs, and Wairan 9st 12Lbs. The time for the two milo3 is given as 3;nin 49§secs, and Sultan was only three lengths from the winner.' At the same meeting Queenslander list, ran second to Schoolboy lOst 121bs, in the Steeplechase, Chemist 12st 51bs being sixth. One of the most miraculous accidents that ever took place on a racecourse was that which befel the chestnut mare Carita, by Grandmaster- -Sunbeam, in the Moorefield Handicap (Sydney), on Dec 12. After going a quarter of a mile, the field closed into a bunch, and the knocking of the horses’ legs together could be beard quite plainly. Just at this critical juncture Yespasia galloped on to Carita’s near hind leg and snapped it asunder above the fetlock joint. The mishap nearly brought the Newcastle mare down, and fears were entertained both for her and her rider. At this moment nobody thought Carita was injured, but as she fell back at every stride the fact that something serious had happened soon dawned upon the public and the boy on her back. Anticipating, however, that matters were not serious Tierney chaied his field, but lost ground all the way. Stranue as it tnny seem the mare civered the distance without anyone being tho wiser of her broken leg until passing the stand. Even then not a few believed the fractured member to be a lose bandage, as no perceptible difference in her movements was discernible. On pulling up Tierney quickly dismounted and led her into a paddock close by, and after some deliberations a gun was procured, and an end put to the mare. The accident it is safe to say was one of the most astonishing ever seen, and how she ever galioped the mile without coming down will remain a mystery for all time to come. Mr D. O’Brien has engaged four boxes at Foulsham's place at Caulfield. Having been beaten on appeal to the Supreme Court the Sydney police have withdrawn several prosecutiions against newspapers for inserting ‘ sweep ’ advertisements.

Ex-New Zealanders hive now won the Hopetown Cup twice in succession, Escutcheon won it last year and Pygmalion takes it this year. ENGLISH AND FOREIGN. Some erroneous impressions get abroad as to the earnings of stud horses. Mr Menry Chaplin had occasion to contradict the statement that Hermit and Galopin earned £BOOO or £IO,OOO each season for a number of years. Neither of these horses, he says, ever earned those sunn, or anything approaching to them. At sixteen years of age the weight of the veteran jocksy, John Osborne, was but little more than 4st. His first important success was in the Liverpool Cup of ’4B, when he had the mount on Bon Mot, sst. ‘Vigilant,’ of the Sportsman, gives it as his opinion that Band Or was a better horse than Doncaster, Ormonde than Bend Or, and it is firmly believed by those who should know that Orme is better than Ormonde.

The list of winning owners in France for the past yea,r has just been published. The list is headed by Mons E. Blanc with £22,000, Mons Michael Euphrussi is second with £17.000, Baron de Soubreyau third with £12,000 and M. Aumont next with £11,500. Li3t year Baron de Schickler, who now stands eleventh, was first with close on £20,000. Curiouslj’enough he has exactly changed places witli M. Blanc, who was eleventh in 1890.

We wonder, says the Licensed Victuallers’ Gazette, whether in the history of

the turf 2 to 1 was ever before accepted about a horse for the Derby no less than seven months before the decision of the contest. Yet such ia the case this j-ear. On November 7th, at the leading London Club, a bet of £IOOO to 500 against Orme was booked.

The great American jumping horse Filemaker is usually ridden by a lady, Madame Marantelle. It was she who was on his back on November 21st last at Chicago when the world’s high jump record of 7ft 8-J-in, held by Elmira, was equalled by the horse. Filemaker failed several times before getting over the bar, and when he did succeed he dashed at the jump at full speed. For the Great Lancashire Handicap, at Liverpool, there was another large field, and Coromandel (said to be much the same animal as Madame D’Albany) started a great favourite. The good thing would have come off but for Mr Milner’s outsider Gavotte, which, running with unexpected gameness, won by a bead. It subsequently transpired that-Mr Milner had telegraphed to liis trainer not to run the filly, but that when tho man got the message the filly was already in the starter’s hands, and the stewards declared it was too late to withdraw her. One of the stewards responsible for this decision was the owner of Coromandel. His feelings and language later can be better imagined than described. The sole winner (bar of course the ring) by Gavotte’s success was the stable boy who ‘ minds ’ the daughter of Isonomy and Polonaise. This youth accepted a wager of 100 ‘ dollars ’ (racing parlance of £25) to 4.

( On November 27, and with only one day’s racing to complete the flat racing season, Mornington Cannon was leading G. Barrett by five in the race for the jockey premiership, and the ultimate result could not be affected, so that the popular young Danebury horseman comes out in the proud position as the most successful jockey of 1891. The following are those who have ridden upwards of fifty winners :

Last season T. Loates, with 147, came out at the top. G. Barrett occupying second place with 106.

(Cannon, M. JBarrett, Gr, Mounts. ... 605 Lost. 468 Won 137 ... 669 537 132 Watts, J. ... 483 369 114 Woodburn, J. ... 505 425 90 Chaloner, i\.. ... 497 421 76 Weldon,' T. ... 304’ 243 6t Loates, C. ... 298 239 59 Chaloner, G-. ... 383 324 59 Rickaby, F. ... 37 L 312 Si] Fagan. J. ... 316 265 52 Chandley, S. ... 337 2S6 51