Sporting.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1056, 26 May 1892, Page 18

Sporting.

RACING- CALENDAR. NEW ZEALAND. June 4 and 6.—Northern Grand National Steeplechase Meeting. June 24.—Hawke’s BayJ.C. Winter Weet'ng. June £9.—Nap'er Park R.C. Winter Meeting. July 9.—Wellington R.C. Steeplechase Meeting. August 11 and 13.—Grand National nndChristchurch Hunt Club Steeplechases. TOPICS OF THE DAY. (By Vigilant.} Tho Wellington Racing Club have increased the stakes in their Steeplechase Meeting as follows : —Trial Stakes from 60 sovs to 70 sovs, Wellington Steeplechase from 200 sovs to 225 sovs. Nominalions are due on the 12til June. Very good acceptances hive been received for the Auckland Grand National Hurdle Race and Great Northern Steeplechase. My fancy for the double is Glenelg and Shillelagh, but I shall have time for a final tip next week. In our report of the Geraldine Meeting published in last week’s issue, the dividend on Sebastopol in the Welter Handicap was given as £l3 7s, which was the amount telegraphed by the agent of the Press Association. It turns out that the dividend was £137 3i, the only ticket in the machine being held by the owner aud trainer between them. The Sporting Review ha 3 the following :—ln looking over the investments on the totalisator at the Wellington Racing Club’s Autumn meeting, it will be seen that in tho Hack Race of 30 sovs., the amount put through the machine on that event amounted to the handsome sum of £I,OOB. Thus computing the commission at 10 per cent., the amount received by the Club over and above the Government Tax of per cent, it produced a revenue of some £IOO to pay the amount of stakes to the owner of the winner. In addition to this, the nomination and acceptance money had to be added ; then again take the five per cent, off the stake. The Club must have made a very nice little profit. Funny man ‘ Black and Blus ’ of the Napier Evening News. Last Friday he gave his readers a sermon on ‘ gambling,’ which should make the Rev. J. Berry quite jealous, and then he expresses surprise that some of the betting-h jus j keepers in Wellington should have been fined, whereas others got off because they had ‘better cases.’ Isn’t the question which has the ‘ better case ’ the main question to be decided in any court case 1 Why should a wriler.be surprised that a man who has a bad case should be fined and that one who has a better case should be lot off 1 Most people .in Wellington who take an interest in sporting matters were of opinion that Yuille and Nathan would get clear, because the police had no proof of their receiving money for betting totalisator odds after (he telegraph office had closed on Easter Monday. Their contention that they had sent away the money they had received previously therefore stood good, and Judge D-ennislon’a decision in tho Referee ciso was plainly applicab'p. The other cases were Vr ry different. An extraordinary fact of interest to .Ml sportsmen hm come to light in connection with the Napier Parle Club’s Autumn Meeting. The dividend on Bay Bell in the City Stakes was paid out as £l6 2i, and the fortunate backers were so elated at their windfall that they did not think about questioning or testing the correctness of the amount. Two months after the meeting it transpires that the totalisator clerk made a mistake of 183 againßt the public in calculating tho dividend on Bay Bell. The mistake was discovered through there being a surplus of £7l 2a (over and above the commission) left after all the winning tickets had been paid. It appears that the Stewards have had a big fight over the question a 3 to what should be done with the money. It was obviously impossible to pay it to the rightful owners, for no record of .their identity had been kept, and there is no doubt that had they invited all who had been short paid to apply for the remainder, the applicants would have been legion. The committee of the club.af ter several very lengthy and heated discussions, have decided to hand the money over to the Charitable Aid Board, and as the Government will add 243 to each £1 the Board will receive a very handsome addition to its funds. No fault can be found with the Club for its decision as to the disposal of the money—some clubs would have appropriated it themselves and said nothing about it —but the incident is suggestive of the question, how many times has a similar blunder in the calculation of totalisator dividends besn made 1 I have heard many rumours of such mistakes, but have always maintained that there could be no . ground for them, It if} bqst that

they are quite possible where clubs do not supply the press with the individual investments on each competitor in a race. At the Wellington races no such mistake could occur without it being at once detected. The investments are posted up in the reporters’ room, and the New Zealand Times and Mail —if tho other local papers do not—invariably publish them. People who do not understand racing are apt to think that they aro superfluous, but the foregoing incident shows what an important feature of a report they constitute. The Napier papers, I notice, do not publish the individual investments.

Commenting on tho weights of the Auckland Winter Meeting, ‘Black and Blue,’ of the Napier Evening News, says: ‘ There are several horses that appear to have a show in the Grand National Hurdle Race at Auckland, but it is rather difficult at this juncture to say which has the best of it. Personally [ like Somnambulist, Glenelg and Lonely. The latter is said to be ‘chucked in,’ but this is open to question. There are a great many animals in with a light weight, but the majority of them have not a gho3t of a show. As for the Steeplechase, s\e have to wait for the result of ihe Wanganui cross country race before we c m form any kind of opinion. However, I think this year Hawke’s Bay horses will show up all over the Colony over cross-country.’ A mild sensation has been caused in sporting circles in Australia by the following letter appearing in the Australasian :

‘Sir, —“Ribbleden,” in tho “Turf Gossip ” of your issv.e of the 30ih, says that he hears on undoubted authority that many of the yearlings knocked down at high prices at Randwick did not change hands at all. There ia, I regret to say, too much reason to believe that “ Ribbleden ” is right; and, a 3 a breeder in a small way, I desire to enter my emphatic protest against these bogus sales. It may not bo a matter of much public concern who gels the highest price for a yearling, but, affecting the reputation of particular slues, it does concern the breeders themselves who can produce, a yearling which honestly obtains that distinction. At the last yearling sales two colts were sold at llOOgs each. One was bred by Mr George Lee, of Bathurst, the other by myself, and I think I may safely say there wa3 not one bogus bid for either of them. Another very beautiful filly was, after apparently keen competition, knocked down to a gent’eman whom we would, all gladly welcome back to the turf at a much higher price than the colt brought. That gentleman, I am told, entirely disclaims the purchase, and it would bo interesting to know who was, if he was not, the actual buyer, not only of this filly, but of several others, and what money actually changed hands in regard to them. For my own part I regard with contempt any dodge to obtain a position in any rank or circumstance of life which is not honourably gained.—l am, &c., Henry G. Dangar, Neotsfield, April 29.’ To this Mr T. S.Clibborn, the auctioneer, replies stating that all the yearlings stated as sold by him at the last autumn sales were paid for by the various purchasers, transferred to their names, and their engagements accepted in due course. If the sales were bogus it wa3 unknown to him. The following editorial note is appended to Mr Clibborn’s letter : —‘ We have no doubt about the accuracy of Mr Clibborn’s statement, and we do not believe that he would lend himself to bogus selling. At the same time the facts set- out in his letter are inconsistent with the information which reached the ears of our contributor, and which was conveyed to him on undoubted authority.— Ed. A.’ SOUTHERN NOTES. (By Bannerdale ) Christchurch, May 17. The trotter Parnell, which has performed in ttiis district with some success, was shipped North by the Manapouri on Thursday. Mr Westmacott, who has been associated with Canterbury sport 1 r many years and was the owner of The Dauphin, when that horse won the C.J.O. Darby, returned last week from a visit to India. He brought with him an Arab pony stallion for the Hon. E. W. Parker, which will be used for breeding polo and racing ponies. The new rules adopted by the Trotting Association (which were telegraphed to the Mail last week) have been very well received by the owners and the public; but the proprietary clubs are, of course, displeased with the attempt to put an end to their existence. The Association has not got the sport out of the wood yet, but if the Executive Committee is firm we shall soon see the end of the money making meetings which have been responsible for most of the reoent troubles. The Ashburton Club made, I understand, rather more than £IOO out of its reoent meeting, and will undertake noxt spring further improvements to its really excellent course. After the ordinary meeting of the New Zealand Trotting Association held last week the delegates and their friends reeolved themselves into a social gathering, and pleasant things were said all round. Mr Sydney James contributed very much to the harmony of the proceedings, and deserves very much credit for the admirable taot with which he Becured the adoption of several rules which were obviously distasteful. Mr Sydney James is probably well known to many of my readers, but tha veteran secretary of the Dunedin Jockey Club is a character of the Colonial turf who should have a wider acquaintance. His health appears better just now than it has been for

many years, and he told me in the course of a pleasant chat that he felt good for another deoade of hard work. Let us hope that his most sanguine expectations may be exceeded.

The annual meeting of the Canterbury Jockey Club will be held on Thursday, but the proceedings promise to be as dull as ever. Officers for the ensuing year have been nominated, and as only in one case that of the stewards —the nominations exceed the requirements of the rules, 1 may as well give you the list at once. Here it is : —Judge, Mr F. C. Tarbart ; Clerk of Scales, Mr L. Garforth ; Treasurer, Mr G. G. Stead ; Committee. Messrs W. P. Cowliebaw, G. H. Clifford, S. R. M. Morten, H. H. Pitman, A. E. G. Rhodes, J. Studholme, R. D. Thomas, C. F. Todhunter, C. H. Williams, 0. B. Winter, Hon. E. W. Parker, and Dr Prins ; stewards, Messrs G. H. Clifford, P. Cunningham, J. D. Lance, G. F. Martin, R. M. Morten, A. E. G. Rhodes, J. Studholme, R. JD. Thomas, T. Tesehemaker, H. Wyna-Wil-liams, Hone. E. W. Parker and L Walker, and Dr Prins. There i 3 one more oandidate for stewardship than is required, and an election will take place, but the candidates for the other offices will have a walk over.

A flat race meeting will be held at Amberle'y ou Thursday, and a trotting meeting at Little River on Friday. These are the beginnings of the very end of the season, and are not, as you will have gathered from their programmes, of mors than purely local interest. At the last meeting of the Committee of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association one of the members protested against so much time and space being devoted at the annual show to trotting and jumping. He was promptly sat upon, os well he might be, considering that the great bulk of the prizes for the jumping, which is undoubtedly the most attractive feature of the show, is provided by special subscriptions. Thß handsome dividend paid on Sebastopol in the Welter Handicap, £137 10s, was divided by the owner and trainer of Sebastopol, who held the only ticket that was issued on the winner. The horse is by Digby Grand, a son of Traducer and Aglaia, and belongs to a quiet goiDg farmer in the Ashburtcn distriot. The weather was very unfavourable for the coursing at Dunedin on Friday and Saturday, but the sport was very good. The St. Leger, which was worth £55 to the winner and £25 to the runner up, fell to Mr J. Dunn’s b w d Warntah by Kinsky— Tnrawera, who beat Mr H. J. Pick’s bl w b Mizpata by Obstaole—Forget-me-not in the final. The May Cup, which was worth £SO to the winner and £25 to the runner up, was secured by Mr Martin Taylor’s bd b Beßs Morley by Brewer—Deception, who beat Mr R. Alexander’s b d Heart of Grace by Horse Marine—Zoe —in the final. There has teen no football now for two Saturdays, wet weather putting a stop to the game and disappointing thousands of would-be spectators. The Dunedin Amateur Trotting Club has received notice to quit its present ground at Caiisbrook. The property belongs to the Church Board of the Presbyterian Syuod, and the members of this reverend body naturally object to being associated even remotely with the vanities of hor e racing. The local trainers with whom I have had an opportunity to discuss the subject generally, endorse the remarks which appealed in the Canterbury Times some time ago concerning the absence of training facilities at the Hatt. Mr H. Wynn-Williams has withdrawn his candidature for a stewardship on the Canterbury Jockey Club, and the remaining candidates, whose names I sent yesterday, will be declared elected. The proposal to make a presentation to Mr S. Powell is warmly received here ; no doubt a handsome sum will be subscribed. HEATHCOTE MEETING. (By Telegraph.) (prom our own correspondent.) Christchurch, May 25. There was a fairly good attendance at the opening of the Heathcote Meeting yesterday, and the sum of £1516 was passed through the totalisator. The follow’ng are the results of the principal events : Hurdle Race, of 40 so vs, one mile and a half, Magpie, list 51b, 1 ; Tornado, 9st 31b, 2 ; Kilmarnock, 9st 71b, 3. Won easily. Time, 3min Vgsec; dividend, £2 3s 6d. Birthday Handicap, of 50 sovs, one mile, Crackshob, 9st, 1 ; Drift, 2 ; Yon Tempsky, 7st 31b, 3. Won easily. Time, lmin 529ec; dividend, £2 8s 6d. Sumner Handicap, of 25 sovs, five furlongs, Carronade, Bst 121 b, 1 ; Euphrosyne, 7st 21b, 2 ; Visitor, 7st, 3. Won by two lengths. Time, lmin lOsec ; dividend, £2 Is. Heathcote Jockey Club Handicap, of 40 sovs, six furlongs, Crackshot, Bst 101 b 1 ; Inez, 7st 101 b, 2 ; Tho Idler, 7st 51b 3. Won by a head. Time, lmin 23sec ; dividend, £2 0s 6d. There is very little doing in sporting circles, and no alteration in the betting on the New Zealand Cup. A REMINISCENCE OF EGMONT. Hawera Rages in 1873 and 3874. ‘Antiquary’ in the Hawera and Normanby Star has the following pleasantly written chat about old times at Hawera Races : —We have before us the advertised programme of the first Waihi-Hawera races held on the 4th and sth December. 1873, now nearly 19 years age. 'The first thing whiah strikes us is that, although the meeting covers two days, there are only nine events, four on the first and five on the second day. Ou the first day the first event was a Produce Stake, of £ —, added to a sweep flakes cf £1 ; l|r miles, weight for agq open to all horsea ihat have never run for public money. The conditions < f No. 3, the Selling Race, were as follows :—Selling Race, of £—, added to a sweepstake of £l, mile heats, weight for age, winner to be sold for £3O.

If entered not to be sold to carry 141 b extra ;if entered to be sold for £2O allowed 141 b ; if for £ls allowed 211bs ; if for £lO allowed 281 b. Winner to be sold immediately after th 6 race with all engagements. Any surplus to go to the race fund. Oa tho second day tho chief events appears to have been the Waihitlawera Plate, of £—, added to a sweep of £3, miles, weight for age. Among the names still familiar to most of our readers are those of Major Turner (president), Messrs W. Treweek and Adamson (clerks of the course), the secretary being the ever active and energetic sportsman, Mr J. Davidson.

Tne record of the next year is more complete, the card for that year having been preserved. It was a two days’ affair, there being, however, 11 events in all. The first event was a Produce Stakes of £2O, with a sweepstake of £l, over a mile and a half. Four weighed c«ut for it, Mr Palmer’s Folly won, Mr J. George’s Rob R >y running second. In the Stock Horse of 10 sovs, the second on the card, the conditions require tho horse 3 to ba owned by residents and to be regularly ridden after stock batween the Waitotara and Waingongoro rivers for 6 months previous to the race. Three entered, and Mr G. Glout’a Stockman was unplaced. Tho third event, the Hawera-Waihi Gup of 25 sovs, with a sweepstake of 2 sovs, brought out 5 runners. Mr R. E. Mcßae’s four-year-old Monarch competed without success, a like fate attended Mr J. George’s Rob Roy ; but Mr T. Quinlivan’s Fox got second to Mr T. Rowe’s True Blue. Better luck attended Me Quiulivan on the second day, when Fair Ellen won the Hawera-W iihi Handicap of £4O with a sweep of £3, Mr Mcßae’s Monarch being runner up. In the Hurdle Race of 25 sovs, two miles, Mr R. E. Mcßae’s Butcher Boy won, Mr S. Adamson’s Pointsman being second. At that meeting Mr J. Siggs was starter, while among the stewards we find the names of Messrs Chas. Tait, T. Mason, Nicholson, R. E. Mcßae, and J. Russell, the other officials being those already named. It is worthy of note that in 1873 there was only one handicap, and there was still one race run in heats. In 3874 tho day of races in heats had gons by, and tho number of handicaps increased to three. It is made a condition of the Hack Race ‘that no trained horses are allowed to run.’ At each of the meetings there were two starters and two clerks of the course. The totalisator was unheard of, and the ‘ big money ’ only amounted to £35 103. No doubt there are many who can recall those happy days when they wore young and all the world seemed young also with pleasure. They can now recount marvellous tales of the equine wonders which did battle over the pig-rooted, uneven course now part of Messrs Goodson’s property. The ancient records from which we quote were printed before the hand of Time had touched the hea is or beards of those who are named. We fear that there is now no longer any who cm deny thd telltale presence of ‘ silver threads among the gold,’ or brown. Who are there among our local sportsmen more genial than those whose names appear above, our worthy Mayor, Dick Mcßae, Charley Tait, Jervy George, Torn Mason, and Jerry Siggs? Who is there—what old Taranaki settler is there, who, having left the district, on re-visiting it, does nob ask affectionately after them all, or greet them heartily for the sake of Auld Lang Syne when he meets them ? No doubt the turf has its evils and its dangers ; but there is good fellowship among sportsmen, and a real fondness for the ‘noble animal’ deep down in the breasts of most horsemen, which somehow develops a warm spirit of sympathy among all those who love the national sport. Why it should ba so, we know not ; that it used to ba so, we have no doubt. But when racing becomes a business instead of a recreation, and when men take to it as a means of livelihood, we are old fashioned enough to believe that it is seldom that that old spirit survives. The horse too often becomes a mere racing machine, which never works satisfactorily unless the money is on. THE DUKE~OF~WELLINGTON’S CHARGER. Tho following interesting particulars of the famous old charger Copenhagen, that carried the Duke of Wellington for eighteen hours at Waterloo, are given in the April number of Bayly’a Magazine : ‘ Let us turn to the contemplation of the most celebrated charger that these islands have ever produced. “ Copenhagen ” (so we ore informed by the Sporting Magazine of April, 1852) “ derives his name fiom tho city in which he was foaled. His dam, Lady Catherine, by John Bull out of a mare by the Duke of Rutland’s Arabian, was transported to the Danish capital by the late General Grosvenor, who took part in the expedition of ISO 7, which resulted in th 9 emancipation of the little kindom of Denmark from annexa. tion by the then almost invincible Napoleon.” Says the Sporting Magazine, from which we have already quoted : “Like most of our celebrafed horses, he was not only thoroughbred, but very fashionably bred, being by Meteor (ly Eclipse), out of Lady Catherine, by John Bull dam by the Rutland Arabian. The turfites of those days will remember th« renown of the Meteor and John Bull blood, as well as the Olympic honours it brought ti tb« Grosvenor family. The General, however, did not keep Copenhagen for any length of time, but sold him to the Marquis of Londonderry, then adjutantgeneral of the Peninsular army, who sent him, with other horses, to Lisbon early in the year 1813. While here he v. as selected and bought, v. ith another hor.= e, by Colonel Charles Wood, at the price cf four hundred

guineas, for his Grace the Duke of Wellington, with whom he soon became, and con* tinned to the end, an especial favourite. In the battles of Yittoria and Waterloo the Duke used no other horse ; and in the latter, it is said, was eighteen hours on his back. Copenhagen, however, gave little signs of being tired, for on his rider patting him on the quarter ns he dismounted after the battle, the game little horse struck out as playfully as if he had only had nn hour’s canter in the park. For endnrence of fatigue, indeed, he was more than usually remarkable : and for the duty he had to fulfil was proportionately valuable. However hard the day, Copenhagen never refused his corn, though he eat it, like tho Roman of old, at full length on his couch. ‘ For many years Copenhagen was one of the most interesting of the “ sights ” at Strath field say e, on which domain he was pensioned off, and where he at length died in illustrious old age. It was not strangers alone who asked for the famous old horse ; the Duke himself rarely omitted to visit him, and the ladies of the family made him, as he deserved to be, an especiul pet. And it would have been extraordinary had they not; for, in addition to his well earned renown, Copenhagen had one of the surest and best characteristics of true courage—an extremely good and docile temper. He was, in fact, one of those noble creatures,” as the highborn dames delighted to oall him, who kissed hands and ate apples with all the grace becoming the scene and the occasion. ‘ Copenhagen was in colour a full rich chestnut, and stood scarcely more than fifteen hands high ; he possessed, however, very great muscular power, and had nearly all the good useful “points” to be looked for. His general appearance rather favoured tho Arab cross in his pedigree, which his lasting qualities tended yet more to confirm. From his size ho was not much adapted for crossing a country, though wo believe the Duke did occasionally ride him with hounds. But in any field ho must have sustained that repute for gameness with which the oldfashioned sportsman spoke of his favourite, and in a line that would not be out of place on the tomb of Copenhagen ‘ “ The one good horse who carried him throughout the longest day.” ’ ‘ I may add that Copenhagen’s pedigree was as follows: He was a chestnut colt foaled in 1808 at Copenhagen, whoso sire was Meteor (a son of Eelipsc), whom Lord Grosvenor, great-great-grandfather of the present Duke of Westminster, bred at Eaton Hall, Chester, in 1783. Copenhagen’s dam and her pedigree I have already described. Upon the turf ho ran in the name and colours of Geueral Grosvenor, and his racing record will be found below : “ COPENHAGEN’S PERFORMANCES. 181 L.

“ At Newmarket Craven, carrying 7st 51b, ran third in a sweep of 100 gs each, h ft, won by the Duke of Rutland’s b f Sorcery, beating General Levison Gower’s br f by Dick Andrews, Bst 21b, and two others. In match for 100 gs, aged three, beat Mr Fisher’s eh c Brother to Spaniard, by Young Drone, rising four years, Bst 131 b ; 6 to 4 on Copenhagen, carrying 7st. Same meeting, 8s vlb, in match for 50 gs, was beaten by the Hon. Berkeley Craven’s ch f Tippitywichet, by Waxy, Bst 41b, both rising three years old ; even betting. At Newmarket First Spring, 7s: 131 b. (A.F., one mile two furlongs and seventy-three yards), match for 100 gs, was beaten by the Duke of Rutland’s Mourns, by Quiz, Bst 51b, both rising three years old ; 7 to 4 on Mom us. At Huntingdon (August 6), sweepstakes for all ages, 6sb 91b, won 100 gs, beating Lord Suffield’s b h Huntingdon, by Ambrosio, five years, Sat 101 b ; Sir C. Buubury’s br f Cressida (the dam of Prince Paul, \Yaltou’s best son; of Antar, of Haphazard ; and of Priam, by Emilius), by Whiskey, four years old, Bst lib, and one other. Same meeting, 7st, ran third for the Cup, won by Lord Sufiisld's b h Huntingdon, Bst 121 b, beating Lord Hinchinbrook’s ch c Juvenal, by Waxy, four years, Bst 41b, and Mr Fletcher’s ch h HSsculapius, by Stamford, five years, Bst 91b, last. At Northampton, for the County purse of 70 gs, heats two miles, was beaten by ZEsculapius. At Tarporley Hunt (Che shire), colts 83t 21b, fillies Bst, ran third and last in a sweep of 120 gs, won by Lord Grey’s b f filly Stella, by Sir Oliver (son of Sir Peter), beating Mr Brooke’s b e Oliver Cromwell, by Sir Oliver, second, all three years old. Same meeting, 7st 13lb, ran second in the Oaklands Stakes (handicap) of 200 gs, won by Mr Price’s b c Flodoardo, by Waxy, three years, 7st, beating three others. “112. “ Copenhagen ran twice this year, and was then taken out of (raining and became the property of the His Grace the Duke of Wellington. After the peace in 1815 Copenhagen was turned into the rich pastures at Strathfieldsaye, where he roamed at will till his death.” ’ WELLINGTON TROTTING CLUB. INAUGURAL MEETING. President H. _D. Crawford, E-q. VicePresidents —0. P. Skerretb, Esq,, and D. G. A. Cooper, E*q. Judge—W. Lingard, E--q, Treasurer—J. K. Hamilton, Esq. Timekeeper—Jas. King, Esq. Commi;.tee Messrs F. Rogen, D. D. llyde, G. H. Thornton, Jas. Pettie, John Mills, G. W. Smart, R. Roake, F. Martin, W. Evenso Thos. Green, A. Wylie, and J. K. Hamilton. Clerk of Scales -Mr Jas. Pettie. Clerk of Course—Mr R. Iloake. Starter—Mr T. H. Hill. Handicapper— Mr A. King. Honorary Secretary—Mr J. Pollock. The inaugural meeting of the Wellington Trotting Club was held on the I~la cl Bay course oa Tuesday, and for a beginning the Club may be said to have scored a success. The weather, which was very threatening in the early morning, cleared off about 9 o’clock, and the day was fine, although the sharp southerly wind made it rather too cold to be pleasant, and the course, owing to the recent rains, was very heavy, making the times very slow. The attendance when the first raea started numbered about 500, but this was increased to nearly a thousand by 2 o'clock. The general arrangements were fairly good, if not perfect, and although some of the officers were not quite _au fait in their duties, they made up by assiduity what they lacked in expertness.

Mr Pollock, the secretary, had an onerous task in superintending the meeting, but he got through with credit, and it is saying a good deal when we record the fact that there was no hi:ch of any importance, protest or unpleasantness during the afternoon. Mr T. 11. Hill as starter did his work with satisfaction to all concerned. The arrangements as to the totalisators did not answer at first, as the 10s ticket machine outside for the first three races monopolised the investments. The stewards then met, and decided to work both machines on the 10ssystem. After this as will be seen by the returns, the investments largely increased, and the lawn enclosure was well patronised. The total put through the two machines by Mr Joseph Ames’ assistants, Messrs Bennett and Deacon, was L 962 10s, which was not quite as much as expected. The catering by Mr Palamountain and Mr YVrigley was well up to the mark, and there were no complaints. The sport was generally interesting, and there were one or two notable surprises. Very great disappointment was felt at the scratching of Rarus for the principal race. The stable probably lost the race througlj not starting him, for their other two, Shamrock and Rover, were not equal to beating tlie local mare Nelly (owned'by Mr J, .T. Smith), who also won the Harness Trot. Two other horses owned in the city were also victorious, viz., Mr Bennett’s Billy, who won the District Handicap, and Mr J. J. Curtis’ piebald pony Silvertail, who annexed the Selling. The Edwards stable had the bad luck to run second in the Harness Handicap with Sandgate and third in the big race with Rover, but they had their revenge in the Consolation, which the last-named won easily, Silvertail, after winning the Selling, was put up to auction by Mr F. Sidey and bought in by his owner for Ll 6. The following are the details of the racing : Maiden Trot (in .saddle), of 15 sovs; second horse to receive 3 sovs from stakes. Two miles. 75 Mr P. O’Donnell’s ch g The Spider, aged, 20sec ... ... (Corrigan) 1 13 Mr G. Huff’s r g Hokimai, aged, 16sec (Owner) 2 22 Mr \V. Kebble’s b m Kaitolce, aged, 18sec ... ... ... (T. Shaw) 3 Also started—7 You Know, 18sec ; 5 The Shifter, 6yrs, 18sec ; and 9 Black Tom, aged, 20sec. Black Tom was quickest to move, and after going 50 yards] led The Spider by a couple of lengths. He then went inside a post and lost a lot of ground before he was righted, going on third a dozen lengths behind Hokimai, who was three lengths behind The Spider at the sea turn. It was soon apparent that The Spider was too good for the others, as he continued to increase his lead, was 100 yards ahead at the end of a mile, and won by more than 150 yards from Hokimai. Kaitoke was a bad third, and the others did not finish. No time was taken. Totalisator, 131 ; dividend (10s tickets), 15s. Handicap Trot (in harness), rf 20 sovs ; second horse to receive 3 sovs from the stakes. Two miles. 33 Mr J. J. Smith’s ch m Nellie, aged, 16sec (Owner) 1 105 Mr J. Lefevre’s b g Sandgate, aged, scratch... ... ... ... (Edwards) 2 35 Mr J. Johnston’s br g Director, aged, 25sec ... ... ... ... (Dixon) 3 Also started—2s Jumbo, 25sec (T. Shaw) ; 2 Whitefoot, 30see (Corlett) ; 0 Garry Eight, 35sec (Garry); 0 Sonnie, 40sec (Miller); 4 Tommy, 40sec (Johnson). As soon as all were on the move Sandgate began to lessen the distance between him and the field. Tommy led for half a mile, when Whitefoot went by, but soon surrendered to dumbo, who at the mile was a dozm lengths ahead of Sandgate, with Nellie half a dozen lengths off third At the southern bend Sandgate and Nellie both passed Jumbo, the former apparently having the race in hand ; hut along the road the heavy going seemed to suit the mare, and going very strong she caught Sandgate before the gate turn was reached, and led into the straight. Edwards tried hard to regain first place, bat Nellie was too much for him, and won comfortably by six lengths. Director was a fair third. Totalisator, 204 ; dividend, L2 14s. Time, 7min 22 3-ssec. District Handicap Trot (in saddle), of 15 sovs ; second horse to receive 5 sovs from stakes. Two miles. 8 Mr H. Bennet’s b g Billy, aged, 2o3ec (Retter) 1 53 Mr T. W. Shaw’s blk g Jumbo, aged, 12sec (owner) 2 20 Mr W. Edwards' blk m Madcap 11., 6yrs, 25sec ... ... ... (owner) 3 Also started—44 Kate Kelly, aged, scratch; 7 Poppic, aged, 25sec ; 3 You Know, 4yrs. This was an easy thing for the outsider Billy, who led from start to finish. Madcap 11. both tried hard, but could not get up, and Billy, who was well ridden by Retter, won easily by 10 lengths. Time, 7min 15sec. Totalisator, 135 ; dividend, L 7 9s. Wellington Trotting Club Handicap (in saddle), of 50 sovs ; second horse to receive 7 sovs, and third horse 5 sovs from the stakes. Three miles. 97 Mr J. J. Smith’s ch m Nellie, aged, GOsec (inc, ssec penalty) ... (Dineen) 1 106 Mr F. O’Donnell’s ch g The Spider, GOsec (inc. 15sec penalty) (Corrigan) 2 113 Mr J. Colvin’s b g Rover, aged, 53seo (M. Edwatds) 3 Also started —26 Kate Kelly, SOsec (Mabey); 75 Director, 50sec ; and 200 Shamrock, GOsec (B. Edwards). Shamrock rapidly left The Spider when told to go, and soon had a long lead, with Director third and Rover fourth. This was the order past. Holmes’. Hero [lover breke badly and lost his position,, while Kate Kelly seemed quite unable to go the pace, and fell away a bad last. At the mile Shamrock was nearly 100yds ahead of The Spider, with Nellie, who had passed Director, third, and Rover fifth. In the second round Spider gained rapidly on Shamrock, and Rover again took third place. At the end of the second mile The Spider passed Shamrock and was going so well that his friends were jubilant. Nellie, who wa3 trotting very nicely, here made a forward move into second place, and had got within twenty yards of The Spider at the sea bend, when she broke badly. The Spider then got further away, but in the back stretch Nellie, who seemed to like the dirt, came very fast, and amid great excitement j dried the leader at the gate tarn. In the straight Spider again got away, and was Lading a length 50 yards from home when he broke, and Nellie was thus enabled to win a capital race by three lengths. Rover was third 20 lengths away from the second, and Kate Kelly last. Time, 9min 47 l-sfch sec. Totalisator, 617 ; dividend L2l6s. Selling Handicap Trot (in saddle), of 20 sovs. Winner to be sold ; half 'the net proceeds to go to the Club, and half to the nominator of the winner. Two miles. 147 Mr J. J. Curtis’ pb p Silvertail, aged, 15sec (Owner) 1 63 Mr D, D. Hyde’s b m Poppit, aged, ISsec ... ... ... ... (Owner) 2 139 Mr W. Kebble’s b m Mabel, aged, 20sec (Dixon) 3 Also started—29 Davy, aged, ISsec, Poppit

led until passing Holmes’, when Mabel went up and passed her, Silvertail, who had begun badly, now settled down to work, went up to Mabel at the entrance to the straight, and at the end of a mile had a six lengths’ lead. Poppit, who had again passed Mabel, looked dangerous for a time in the second round, but she broke several times, and Silvertail keeping steadily t 5 h : s work, had no difficulty in winning by a dozen lengths, Mabel being third, and Davy a bad fast. Time, 7min 24sec. Totalisator, 378 ; dividend, LI 2. Consolation Handicap Trot (in saddle), of 15 sovs. Two miles. 203 Mr J. Colvin’s b g Rover, aged, 25sec (M. Edwards) 1 147 Mr J. Lefevre’s b g Sandgate, aged, scratch ... ... ... (B. Edwards) 2 11 Mr R. S. Mabey’s b m Kate Kelly, 20sec (Owner) 3 Also started —31 Jumbo, 18sec ; 27 Hokimai, 2osec ; 5 Black Tom, 35sec ; 6 Poppit, 40sec; 7 Whitefoot, 40sec ; 19 Tommy, 45sec ; 4 Garry Eight, 45sec. Rover, who was favourite, began to go up very fast as soon as he got under weigh, and took the lead at half a mile. He then went right away from his field, and trotting in much better style than anything else, went ou and won by over 100 yards. Sandgate came very fast at the finish, and beat Kate Kelly for second place by three lengths, Hokimai a good fourth, and the others widely scattered. Totalisator, 460 ; dividend, LI. Tommy only went about 100 yards, when he was pulled up, His backers complained to the Stewards, who called his rider before them, and administered a caution. HOROWHENUA HACK RACE MEETING. 'BY OUR SPECIAL REPORTER ) Patron, J. G. Wilson, Esq., M.H.R. ; president, John Kebbell, Esq.; vice-president, J, Death, Esq. ; judge, F. Bennett, Esq. ; treasurer, F. Bills, Esq. ; starter, C. Tilley, Esq. ; stewards, Messrs T. Bevan, jun., A. Drake, W. R. Franklin, J. Jones, A. Knocks, M. Lynch, F. Roe, J. Ryder, F. Stuckey, J. Smith, J. Swainson, W. Tompsitt, J. H. Wallace ; handicapper, Mr J. E. Henry ; clerk of the scales, Mr H. Freeman; clerk of the course, Mr F. J. Ryder; secretary, Mr E. W. E. Hombersley. The winter meeting of this Club was held on the Club’s course at Otakion Tuesday. Thera was a fair attendance, and despite the threatening appearance of the weather a number of local sports went up to assist at tha gathering. The recent rain had rendered the course somewhat heavy, consequently only moderate time was registered. All the officers of the Club worked to make the meeting a success, but greater attention to the time at which the races are started 13 necessary. The last rac9 was timed to start at 4.15 p.m., but it was after 5 before the horses went out. _ This was all the more annoying to the visitors from Wellington, as they thus lost the] 5 o'clock train, and had to hang about (Raid until 7.10 p.m. The hurdle races were the chief cause of the delay, as in the first there was a lot of valuable time lost ia considering the protest against St.- Helier being allowed to start, and in the second the jockey engaged to ride Minnie Clyde was reported by the starter to be drunk, and tha owner wisely ordered him to dismount and put up McTaggart. The racing itself calls for no i-pecial mention, but in the last race the winner, Bloomsbury, while carrying No. 6 saddlecloth, was placed No. 7 in the totalisator, and many who backed No. 6, thinking they were backing their fancy, were grievously disappointed after the race in finding they had got on the wrong horse. Soma demonstration was made, but as everyone was in a hurry to get away the matter soon blew over. Speculation was not so brisk as is usually the ease at these popular meetings, but the machine, which was under the management of Mr Joseph Ames, gave every satisfaction, and the sum of L 1255 was put through. The Otaki Maori Brass Band, under Bandmaster Cimino, played on the lawn during the day. Trial Handicap, of 20 sovs; second horse o sovs from stake. Open to horses that have not won a hack race of any description during the present season. Three-quar-ters of a mile. 15 Mr J. Wilson’s ch m Poinsettia, by Ascot —Mistletoe, Sst 21b ... (A. Hall) 1 57 Mr J. Quin’s br h Bloomsbury, Sst 51b (Morris) 2 1 Mr H. Henry’s b g Cameo, 7st lllb (A. Carmont) 3 6 Carver, 9st 21b ; 84 Senator, Sst 71b ; 16 Outer, Sst 61b; 3 Omahu, Sst 21b; 6 Luna, 10 Pharmacist, 6 Lady Clair, 4 Comfort, 4 Waiwiri, 0 Granny, and lLady Bell, 7st lllb, also started. Senator was installed favourite, with Bloomsbury next in demand. From an uneven start Bloomsbury cut out the running to the turn, where Poinsettia made her effort, and as they turned for home she had 'everything beaten, and won with a bit to spare, though had young Carmont brought up Cameo earlier he may have troubled the winner. Senator finished close up to the placed horses. No time was taken. The amount invested on the machine was L 213 ; dividend, Ll2 14s. Stewards’ Handiuap, of 25 sovs; second horse 5 sovs from the stake. One mile. 19 Mr R. llansfield's b h Tangikai, by Premier—Portrait 6st 13!b (J. Hall) 1 16 Mr W. Whiteman’s b m Jenny Lind, 6st 131 b ... ... ... (J. Keek) 2 22 Mr Y. Hunia’s bin Huia, Bst 61b S 50 Oddfellow, 9st 3lb ;20 Sunbeam, 8-itlllb; 42 fclomai, Sst 9lb ; 4 Shellback, Sst 51b, including 31b overweight ; The Gunner, 7st 61b; 13 Traitress, 7st 61b; 3 May Queen, 6st 91b, also ran. The race was spoilt by the miserable start, several of the horses all but being left at the post. Homui and Huia got all the advantage of the start, and made the best use of it to such an extent that nearing the home turn they were several lengths ahead of the field. At the turn, however, both appeared to have had enough of it, and Tangikai coming with a wet sail, won easily at the finish by three lengths. Homsi, ridden by young Retter, fell over a dog near the winning post, but, fortunately, beyond a severe shaking the lad was not hin t. Time, 2min 2sec. Totalisator, L 219; dividend, L'.O 7s. Firs n Hurdle Handicap, ol 30 sovs; second horse 5 sovs fro n the stakes ; over six flights of hard ol One mile and threequarters. 47 Mr W Humph ies' ch g Auroa, by Diom.-des —Peter Fiat mare, 9st lllb (A. Hall) 1 69 Mr Utiku Marumaru’s blk g Songster, list 71b (R. Jiilett) 2 12 Mr T. Bevan’s b m Waiwiri, 9st lllb (inc. lllb overweight) ... (Wright) 3 53 Marama, 9st 13lb (inc. lllb overweight) also started. St. Helier weighed out, but a protest entered against his being allowed to start, owing to his former owner having, it was alleged, defaulted with regard to certain riding fee 3, was upheld by the Stewards. St Helier therefore returned to the paddock, and L 22 invested on him was returned, Songster and Waiwiri cut out the

running until a quarter of a mile from home, when Auroa, who is rather a fine looking chestnut, put in his claim, and, having Songster in trouble at the distance, came on and won by a couple of lengths. Time, 4min lOsec. Totalisator, LISI ; dividend, D 3 J a. Hobowhesda Cup Handicap, of 3o sovs; second horse 5 sovs from stake. One mile and a half. _ , 41 Mr R. Bansfield’s b h Tangikai, by The Premier —Portrait, 6st 131 b (me. 2:b overweight) ... ... (Carmont) 1 37 Mr J. Green’s ch m Sunbeam, Sst 910 (Morris) 2 29 Mr J. Wilson’s ch m Poinseitia, 7st2lb 3 20 Homii, Bit 61b ; S Huia, Bst 2lb ; 5 Shellback, Bst 21b (inc. 31b overweight) ; 19 Ben Bolt, 7sfc 131 b (inc. bib overweight) ; 13 Gunner, 7st 31b; 24 Rahui, 7st 31b; 16 Priscilla, 7st ; 21 Jenny Bind, 6st 111 b also ran. After a couple of breaks away the field was despatched on even terms. Rahui was the first to move, but Tangikai soon deprived him of the lead, and sweeping past the stand the order was Tangikai, Rahui, Shellback. After another furlong had been traversed the latter fell away beaten. Along the back stretch the field closed up. Half a mile from home Rahui was done with, hut Tangikai still maintained bis advantage. At the turn for home young Crook brought up the winner of the Trial Handicap, and along with Tangikai appeared to have the race to themselves, and so they had until near the winning post, when Sunbeam came with a late run, but though she passed Poinsettia she could not get up to Mr Bansfield's horse, who secured the judge’s verdict by half a length. His victory was very popular. Time, 3miu 4sec. Totalisator, i-<233 ; dividend, L 5 12s. Second I-luddle Race, of 15 sovs ; second horse 2 sovs from the stakes. One mile and a quarter. 55 Mr J. Better’s hr g Omahu, by Fold Play. 9st 51b (A Hall) 1 78 Mr Hiilcu Marumaru’s blk g Songster, list 71b (Jillett) 2 7 Mr F. W. Bill’s g m Minnie Glide, 9sfc 51b (McTaggart) 3 24 Barlow, 9st 7lb, also ran. Those which did not accept were —Kailca, list ; Auroa, 10st 11 lb ; St Helier, 9*t 71b; and Marama, 9st. Songster led to the entrance of the straight, when he had to give place to Omaliu, who won by three-quarters of a length. Time, 2min Totalisat »r, L 164 ; dividend, B2 13s. _ 1 Selling Race, of 20 sovs. Winner to be sold for L3O, and the surplus, if any, to go to, the funds. Top weight, Bst 71b ; if entered to be sold for L 25, to carry Bst ; for L2O, 7st 71b ; for Ll 5, 7st; for 810, 6st 71b ; far nil, 6st. One mile and a distance. 17 Mr J. Pringle’s hr g Ben Bolt, by Sbmnus —Bady Napier (B 30), Sit 71b (Armstrong) 1 30 Mr J. Pringle’s ch g Rahui (B 20), 7»t 71b (Murtagh) 2 37 Mr Campbell’s g m Traitress (L3O), Sst 71b . ••• ••• ••• (James) 3 4 Lola (L2O), 7st 711 ; 12 Biker (Ll 5), 7st, also ran. After going half a mile Traitress took a commanding lead, but was tackled by Rahui and Ben Bolt when iu the straight, and the latter got home by three-quarters of a length. Traitress being a good third. Time, 2inin 17sec. Totalisator, 8100 ; dividend, L 5

SeuRRY Stakes, of 15 sovs, open to horses that have never won ai advertised hack race of any description. Minimum weight, Sit. Three quarters of a mile. 34 Mr J. Green’s bg Bloomsbury (Morris) 1 10 Mr W. Whiteman’s b m Jenny Bind 2 6 Mr H. Henry’s b g Cameo (Carmont) 3 2 May Queen, 3 Marama, 3 Alcione, 2 Guess Tt, 33 Unity, 0 Gipsy, 71 Senator, 1 Bady Clair also ran. This race was run m the dark, and it was impossible to discern the colours of the riders until the horses were near home. Bloomsbury won easily. No time was taken. Totalisator, 8145 ; dividend, L 3 15s. DUNEDIN MAY MEETING. (pilKfS ASSOC! VTION.) Dunedin, May 24. The D.J.C. were favoured with beautiful weather for their Birthday Meeting. The wind was a little cold, hut the suu shone beautifully. The attendance was good and the racing interesting. Mr S. Powell was starter, and gave universal satisfaction. The sum of L 6120 went through the machine. Results : Hurdle Handicap, of 100 sovs. Two mile?. Mr Allen’s br g Bitlle Arthur, lOst 61b (Robbs) 1 4ft Rutherford s Erin-go-Bragh, lOst 31b ... 2 r" Mr'Poole’s Waitaugi, 9st 51b 3 May boy, list, also started, but ran round. A fine race resulted in a h df-head win for Bittle Arthur. Time, 4min 16 ec. Dividend, B2 6s. Maiden Plate, of 60 sovs. One mile and a quarter. Mr Smith’s Cactus (Jackson) 1 Mr Adams’ Victim ... 2 ~Mr Alexander's Beau Hash ... ... ... 3 Adventurer and Affection also ran. \\ oil , after a fine race by a short noie. Time, 2min ' 24isec. Dividend, 810 12s. Birthday Handicap, of 350 sovs; second 40 sovs, and third 20 sovs. One mile and Mr Boughiin’s Don Pedro, 6st 91b (Marks) 1 Mr Stephenson’s Hippomenes, 3yrs, Bst 41b (Sharp) 2 Mr Bunn’s Merria England, syrs, 7st lllb (<’lark) 3 Prime Warden, Bst 121 b, and Biberator, 7st lllb also ran. Liberator and Don Pedro led ' till a quarter of a mile from home, when Hippomenes came fast, and with Merrie England joined the pair. Don Pedro won by half a length, with Merrie England a length away thir<k JDividsndSi L 7 9s and L 7 Is. 2min 47?ec, , The Three Mile Trot, of 100 sovs, was won bv Mr Eritd ander s Aiiss Hilda (21sec) by 150yds, with Bondville (lOsec) 2nd, and Stella (4sec), 3rd. Thirteen others started. Dividend, B2 Is’. Tims, Bmin 37sec.' Selling Rage, of 60 sovs. One mile and a distance. Mr Bsgg’s Leinster 1 Mr Mr Fuller’s Tassy ... ... ••• 3 Three others ran. Won-by a length, lime, 2min 7i?ec. Dividend, B 7 13s. Coinage fell just after eutering the straight, and Count D’Orsay was brought down, Allen, the rider of Count D Orsay, being severely shaken. Tradesmen's Handicap, of 150 sovs ; second 20 sovs, third 10 sovs. One mile. Messrs Hobbs’ Lady Zetland, Sst 21b ----- (Derrett) 1 Mr T. W. Hungerford’s Heather Bell, 7st 10lb ... ... (Ross) 2 Hon G. McLean’s Pique, 6st 121 b (Marks) 3 Mariner. Sst ; Galtee and Young Cheviot, 7st 12ib ; Tempest and Miss Mack, 7st 101 b ; Conjurer, 7st*7lb; Assyrian King, 7st 31b, also ran. A splendid race, Lady Zetland, with a fine run on the outside, winning by less than a length. Time, lmin 15 jsec. Of L 1193 on the m chine, L 397 was on the winner. Dividend, L2 13s and L2 15s,

Post Stakes, of 20 sovs. Six furlongs. Glenlora ... ... ••• ••• ••• 1 Collingwood ... ... ••• —(■ Loiter .. 3 Won easily. Dividend, LI lls. TAKAPUNA RACES. Auckland, May 21. The Takapuna Jockey Club’s Winter Meeting took place to-day at Davonport, and w»s well attended, though the weather was cold and showery, and the ground heavy. Results were as follow : Maiden Plate Handicap. One mile. Warrior, Sst 12. b ... ... ••• ••• 1 Mascotte, 7st 41b ' ... ... ••• ••• " Fortinbraa, 7st s!b ... ... •••. 3 Eight staited. Time, lmin 57sec. Dividend, L2 19s. I Hurdle Race. One mile and three-quarters. / Belmont, 9st 91b 1 Stepper, lOst 4ib ... ... ... ••• ~ Rewarewa, lOst 91b ... ... •••. ••• .3 Fourteen started. Won easily. Time, 3mm 43sec. Dividend, Ll 7 14s. Birthday Handicap. One mile and a quarter. Mrs Leonard’s Ida, 3yrs, 7st 61b 1 Mr Bland’s Stamford, syrs, 6st 91b ... 2 Mr B. D. Nathan’s Liquidation, 4yrs, 6st 121 b , 3 Eight started. Won easily by a length. Time, 2min 26sec. Dividend, L 8 4s. Victoria Handicap. Five furlongs and a half. St. Clements. Sst Bib ... ... ... ••• 1 Tamar. 7st 81b ... ... ... 2 Bady Belle, Sst 91b ... _ ... ... .... 3 Ten started. Time, lmin 18sec. Dividend, L 5 4s. . . , • Steeplechase. About three miles and a half. Stepper, lOst ... ... ... ••• ••• 1 Hopeful Kate, list 71b 2 Hurricane, lOst 41b ... ... ••• 3 Niue started. Won by six lengths, after a goodrac?. Time, Smin 4sec. Dividend, L 3. Welter Handicap. One mile. Belmont, 9st 61b ... ... ... ••• 1 Stamford. Sst ... ... ... ... ••• 2 Snake, Sst ... ... ... ••• 3 Nine started. Time, lmin 57sec. Dividend, L 5 15s. Antic won the Pony Race. MARLBOROUGH BIRTHDAY MEETING. Blenheim, May 24. It was glorious weather for the Racing Club’s Biithday races, and a good day’s sport was experienced. Handicap Hurdles, of 20 sovs —Bismarck, 1 ; Captain Boison, 2 ; Langley the Devil, 3. Won easily. Dividend, B 1 18s. Flying Stakes, of 15 sovs; five furlongs— One Eye, 1; Echo, 2; Victress, 3. Dividend, Ll 7 16s. Steeplechase, of 30 sovs : three miles.— Jack, 1 ; Orient, 2; Captain Boison, 3. Dividend, 1.7 16s. Hack Race, of 10 sovs —Prince Cole, 1; Pearl, 2 ; Black Bess, 3. Dividend, B2 Is. Stewards’ Handicap, of 25 sovs —One Eye, 1; Echo, 2; Leo, 3. Dividend, L 4 17s. Free Handicap—Echo, 1. Dividend, B2 9s. In the Hurdles Clarice fell, and_ Alexander, the rider, sustained a fracture of his right arm and two ribs. WANGANUI STEEPLECHASE MEETING. Wanganui, May 24. The Wanganui Steeplechase Meeting took place to-day. The attendance was large, and the weather cold but dry. Results : Flying Stakes Handicap, of 50 sovs ; six furlongs—Torpedo, Bst 71b, 1 ; lulloch, 7st 5.b 2 ; Hakimana, 7st 7!b, 3. Wanganui Handicap Steeplechase Couranto, list 7ib, 1; Byndoora, 9st 101 b, 2; FJintstone, 9st 7H>, 3. Hunters’ Steeplechase Handicap—The Master, lOst 71b, 1 ; The Doctor, lOst, 2 ; Warlock, lOst, 3 Winter Oats Handicap—St Malo, 7sfc 31b. 1 ; Tulloeh, 6st lllb, 2 ; Durus, 7st, 3. Trial Steeplechase—Empire, lOst 41b, 1 ; Flintstone, lOst 710, 2 ; Corsair, lOst 41b, 3. Hack Flat Handicap—O’Rourke, Bst, and Natatorial, 7st 71b. ran a dead heat ; Daisy Clipper, 7st 81b. being third. Final Handicap Steeplechase—Whalebone, 1 ; Warlock, 2 ; The Dunce, 3. [The Wanganui correspondent of the Press Association, with his usual negligence, leaves out the dividends, which are generally regirded as one of the most important parts of a raco report.] NELSON TROTTING RACES. Nelson, May 24. The Trotting Meeting at Richmond Park was not largely attended, but there was some good sport. Clyde won the three chief trotting events. A POSTPONEMENT. Masterton, May 24. Owing to the heavy south-east rain the Akura Maori races were postponed until tomorrow (Wednesday). The weather is now tine and frosty. AUCKLAND ACCEPTANCES. Auckland, May 20. The following acceptances for the Auckland Winter Meeting were declared to-night:— ' Grand National Hurdles, of 250 sovs. Two miles.

THE VICTORIAN BIRTHDAY HANDICAP. (PRESS ASSOCIATION.) Melbourne, May 24. The following is the result of the V. R.C. Birthday Handicap, of 1000 sovs. One mile and a half : Tarcooia, Sst Sib ... (Cleal) 1 Port-sea, Sst 10lb ... (Ramage) 2 Magic Circle, 7st lllb (C. Moore) 3 Twelve others started. Betting — 3 to 1 agst ,

G’Naroo, 5 to 1 agst Portsea, 7 to 1 agst Tarcooia. A splendid race. Won by a length and a half, half a length between the second and third. Time, 2min 39sec. Sydney, May 24. Heavy rain fell to-day, which will affect the race 3 on Thursday. THE NEWMARKET STAKES. (SPECIAL.) London, May 18. The following race was run at the Newmarket Second Spring Meeting to-day : The Newmarket Stakes, of 4500 sevs, a sweepstakes of 30 sovs each, the remainder from the fund ; for 3-year-olds ; colts 9st, fillies Sst 9!b ; the second to reeeive 10 per cent, and the third 5 per cent upon the whole stalce, a.f. One mile and two furlongs straight (111 subs). Prince Soltykoff’s bl or br c Curio, by Thurio—Light of Other Days ... ... 1 Mr H. Milner’s b c St. Angelo, by Clairvaux or Galopin—Agneta ... ... 2 Mr Rose's b c St. Damien, by Sfc. Simon— Distant Shore ... ... ... ... 3 THE PAYNE STAKES. (PRESS ASSOCIATION.) London, May 20. The Payne Stakes, of 500 sovs, with sweep of 15 sovs added. For three-year-olds ; colts, Sst 12!b ; fillies, Sst 91b (winners penalised) ; was run over the Rowley Mile at the Newmarket Second Spring Meeting yesterday, and resulted thus:— Mr John Charlton’s ch c May Duke, by Muncaster—Maibaum . ... ... 1 Mr Jas. Joicey’s br f Therapia, by Thurio— Besbia ... ... ... ... ... 2 Mr T. Jenning’s ch c Acrobat, by Trapeze —Nadine ... ... ... ... ... 3 ORME SCRATCHED FOR THE DERBY. London, May 23. Orine was scratched for the Derby at nine o’clock this morning. NOTES AND CLIPPINGS. NEW ZEALAND. The subject for debate at the next meeting of the Napier Union Debating Society will be, ‘ Is the State justified in legalising the totalisator V The Marlborough Daily Times says :—• We are informed that a local horse owner has not yet received the stakes due to him from the last N.J. C Meeting. The Upper VVairau Racing Club have passed a vote of thanks to Mr Intemann for the excellent manner in which he worked the totalisator at the Club’s race 3 on Easter Monday. According to ‘Castor,’ Mr Allen will not definitely decide whether Saracen shall be taken over to Australia till after ho has seen the New Zealand Cup handicap. Cajolery is being schooled over hurdles, and is being exercised with dark in the saddle.

The time for the Egmont Steeplechase the other day was 7min 9sec, which is 48.360 quicker than last year when Takapu was returned tho winner. Mr J. E. Henry has shifted his headquarters to Palmerston North, where he is now residing, as ho considers it is far more central (lian Feikling. The Auckland R. C. stewards at their last meeting decided that the Elleralie racecourse should be closed on Sundays, when no training will be ailowed in any shape whatever. At the same meeting the appeal by Messrs Adeano, Munro, and Nutting (re their purchase of the horse Bacchus, or better known and lately racing by some of the foregoing gentlemen as Bokos) from the decision given by the stewards of the Gisborne Park Racing Club was heard, and the committee endorsed the action of <he Gisborne Park stewards.

Mr J. Hill, the owner of Ingorina, returned from Sydney last week. Ha has placed the son c f lugomar and Hipporina in Jack Chaafe’s hands to be prepared for forthcoming events. Silvio is said to be doing a grand preparation for the Great Northern Steeplechase. He has quite recovered from the effects of the ‘ cropper ’ he received in the Autumn Steeplechase. Jenny, the winner of the Great Northern Steeplechase of 1890, is not in foal. Mr Standish, her owner, has therefore decided to put her into work again. . It i 3 stated that it is the intention of Mr N. Dickey to place the services of Tetford at the disposal of Auckland breeders next season. Mares (dams of winners) will, we understand, be taken free. AUSTRALIAN. lii referring to the breaking up of the racing confederacy known as c the syndicate ’ (Mr J. B. Olarke and Go., owners of Siromboli, Autonomy, etc ), a Melbourne writer says :— £ There can be little doubt that the venture has proved financially unprofitable. I don’t suppose, however, that this is the cause of disbandment so much as a disinclination to continue racing on co-operative principles on the part of certain members of the late syndicate.’ Mr W. Gannon’s unlucky, but real good, horse Melos is to go to the stud next season. It was rumoured in SyJney. that Mr Scarr intended resigning the position of handicapper to Tattersail’s Club, but this has been denied. At the recent Warwick Farm meeting a petition was numerously signed by owners and trainers requesting the committee of Tattersall’s to re-consider their proposed intention of deputing the handicapping to a committee of three. Old Rewi, at one time owned by Mr W. K. Garter, of Cambridge, still keeps placing a few more wins to his credit, having won a Selling Race lately at Warnambool (Yictoria), boating a field of nine.

Jas. Keyes heads the list of winnng I jockeys in Victoria for the season 1891-92, 1 up to the 30th April-having had 61 wins, 44 seconds, 14 thirds, and 114 times un- , placed, making a total of 269 mounts. ENGLISH AND FOREIGN. The corporation committee of the Wolverhampton Free Library mot on 29i.h March to deb ice the question of sporting news supplied by the newspapers on the public library stands. A section of the committee demanded the suppression of all such news, on the ground that it led to a great increase of betting among tho mechanic and operative classes, ancl interfered with readers of other news. After much discussion the committee resolved to imitate the recent action of Preston and Aston, and ‘ black’ all sporting information from tho newspapers in the reading room. The recent races at Lucknow, rays the India correspondent of an Australian exchange, were a big bonanza for the Rajah of Patiala, a young Sikh, who has jusc commenced to wield the sovereignty of his Scate. and in doing so makes the shekels fly. I notice that tho speed at which he is going has at tracted the arguseyed Truth, and the palace ha is building away up on the Simla 'hills has been severely animadverted on. He has not been brought up standing just yet by the ludian Government, and thus lie figures all over the country as a man of the turf who speaks English we!/, and owns a lot of * walers,’ as Australian horses are incorrectly c died in ludia. At Lucknow Patiala and his brother won all the big events, amongst which stood out prominently the Civil Service Cup, secured by

Negus. Twenty-five nominations resul’ed in nine starters Patiala winning three of these. The Civil Service Gun i 3 the ‘ Blue Ribbon ’ of the N. W., and next to the Viceroy’s Cup, which the sturdy Moorhouse appropriated this year in Cal cutta, is looked upon as the biggest thing in matters Olympic in India. A London writer siys :—By far the most successful of the winning sires last week (April 23) was Saraband With Minting Queen twice, The Faun, and Cadeby, he stands credited with four races. What a year IS'FG was for good sires ! Ormonde, Bread Knife, Saraband, Minting, The Bard, and Carlton all command high fees, and at a distance come Doubloon, Candlemas, Oberon, Harpenden, Silver, S’. Michael, Whitefriar, and Chelsea, and if they had not left this ceunlry I might have to add Sc. Mirin and Gay Hermit. All this lot were foaled in the same year. Surely such another year never was known ! It would be strange if after all the talk there has been about Common, if Saraband were to prove the crack sire of the stable. At present he looks like adding £IO,OOO per annum to the income of lucky Mr Maple ; and Royal Hampton, who also belongs to him, is not to be despised. His son, Prince Hampton, is the fastest horse in training, and is usual with sprint runners, one of the grandest. Philanamon can cla’m three winners, and Retreat can boast of siring the winner of the Grand National and a Selling Hurdle Race. Here at once wo have the sublime and the ridiculous. Sir Modred’s stock won £17,000 last season on the American turf in stakes. The horse was represented by 31 descendants, who started 468’ times, winning 75, running second 71 and third 64 times. Cheviot’s stock are highiy spoken of, and are expected to give him a great name as a sire.

st lb st lb Couranto 12 0 Belmont 9 5 Somnamb alist.. . 11 12 Fluketn 9 4 Waterbury 11 5 Warrior 9 3 Theorem 10 8 Try Fluke 9 2 Hune 10 7 Papakura 9 0 Commotion .. 10 6 Salute 9 0 Lonely 10 6 Potentate 9 0 Shillelagh 10 5 Ika Vuka 9 0 Fabulous 9 9 Assassin 9 0 Beware wa 9 8 Onslow 9 0 Tupara 9 8 Never Miss ... 9 0 Glenelg 9 5 Neli 9 0 Great Northern Steeplechase, of 400 sovs. About three miles and a half. Whalebone 11 5 Shillelagh 10 0 Ingorangi 10 9 Waterbury 9 11 Fishmonger .. 10 8 Silvio ... 9 10 Hune 10 7 Gleuelg... 9 8 Couranto 10 7 Tupara 9 8 Somnambulist 10 5 Salute 9 7 Chance 10 5 Potentate 9 7 The Colonel .. 10 4 Beware wa 9 7 Hopeful Kate.. 10 4 Sealtheen 9 7 Commotion .. 10 3 Onslow... 9 7