TURF GOSSIP.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1188, 7 December 1894, Page 23

TURF GOSSIP.

WELLINGTON SPRING MEETING.

By “Gipsy King.” The Metropolitan Spring Meeting of the Wellington Racing Club is now an interesting sporting item of the past. I know very few of the sporting public ever read the review of a race meeting, as life is too short for “ retrospective glances," and like statistics it is very dry reading, but it cannot be said that I too, frequently, inflict a review of a race meeting on my readers, so that, I may be pardoned for writing a few lines about the success of the above meeting. THE WEATHER. Seeing that the Empire City had been favoured with such a lengthy spell of fine weather previous to the'meeting, itappearod any, odds that it would rain during the progress of the meeting, but barring a heavy shower before the last race on the first day, the weather was fine, although the gentle zephyrs, which are always with ns, nearly approached an old-fashioned gale each day, but visitors to the Hutt Park don't mind trifles like this, they quietly jam their hats tight down on their heads, and prepare themselves for the fun. GOOD MANAGEMENT. The management of tlie ineeiing was excellent and I only heard one complaint, and that was because the overweights and time for each race were not exhibited on the window where the jockeys' names appear. This, when every other little detail is supplied, is a small matter, and the offiesrs of the club, one and all, have the satisfaction of knowing that the general public were thoroughly satisfied with,the conveniences provided for their comfort. A CAREFUL MAN. The caretaker, Mr YV. White, must also be congratulated upon having everything looking so orderly and tidy, and the grounds in splendid trim. It must indeed be a difficult matter to have everything looking so well, especially the flowering plants, that are exposed to sea air, but .the club’ have evidently an attentive and trustworthy custodian. :f. THE VISITOHS. The attendance—about 800 —each day is not as many as I expected, but probably the majority of' the folk turn out for the Cup Meeting, and are content to wait for the decision of'th'at important race. The Government House party was present on the second day, and I am informed His Excellency was well pleased with the racing. A large number ol ladies were present each day, and I noticed what I considered some pretty dresses, not too fashionable, but very becoming, that is from “poor man’s” point of view. • 1 THE TOTALISATOR. However, those that were present had evidently provided themselves with the “sinews of war," and Mr Ames and his capable assistants handled, accurately and smartly,” the large sum of £9212 for the two days* this being an increase of £474 as com-

pared with the corresponding meeting last year. POOR PUNTERS. It was certainly not a profitable meeting for backers of the favourite. On the first day the favourite won twice, was second twice, third twice, and unplaced twice. On the second day the favourite got home ouco, was second three times, once third, and unplaced three times. Many backers have a system which in the main turns out profitable, whereby they put £1 on the favourite in the first race, and if not successful thej put £2 on the favourite in the second race, and if that goes down they start again at £1 on the next favourite. Every time the favourite wins they start afresh with £ l. Anyone following this system the first day would have netted 19s, but the second day would have lost £6 16s, or £6 6s on the meeting, which is not a heavy loss on the off chance. Following the same principle and backing second favourites would have ended more disastrously : the loss on the two. days would amount to £9 17s. It is mighty hard to make any fixed system “ pan out ” successfully. THE HANDICAPS. Taking the betting and the finishes as a guide, Mr Evett, the handicapper to the club, certainly deceived the alleged knowing ones, and is entitled to the good opinion, as far as the meeting under review is concerned, of the club that employs him. Of course < I am only referring to the handicaps as affecting the horses that went to the post, but as far as the racehorses were concerned, I think that even those who did not accept cn the second day were not unfairly treated, bar Senator in the Welter Handicap. HACK HANDICAPS. Much adverse criticism was heard in connection with the handicaps for the hack although the first day’s production was bad, Mr Evett can offer no excuse for several of his erroneous allotments for the Second Hack Race, and it was. certainly an injustice to the owner of Swordfish to be raised from Bst 101 b (which should not have been more than Bst) to 9st 31b for not accepting the first day ; at the same time taking 101 b off The Miser and raising Finesse 121 b, when both animals ran about the same race the first day, Bush Boy for running second the first day was raised from 7st 71b to Bst 71b, that is 3 Lib,' while Bouquet, who got third, and being interfered with, was awarded second place on a protest, was only raised 71b. But why King’s Own was awarded 9st 71b for winning a maiden hack race on the Nelson side no one seems to have any idea. His stable companion Caloola 11., who has better credentials, was weighted at Sst. I think the owners of King’s Owd, Swordfish and- Finesse are entitled to the return of their nomination fees. HANDICAPPER FOR HACKS. It cannot be said that Mr Evett has grasped the form of our hack racers, probably for the reason that he has not to handicap this class of horse, and the opinion was freely expressed on all sides that the club should appoint a local man, or one conversant with the hack class, to adjust the weights for the hack races. If a man whom owners have confidence in is not appointed to do this work for next meeting, I am afraid hack owners will not care to risk the nomination fees on the off chance of being treated fairly. I tender this advice to the club after a careful study of the opinions expressed at the meeting. THE STARTING. Much of the success of a meeting is dependent on the starter, and when Mr A. Young senr. was appointed to that responsible post it was generally thought that as Mr Young practically retired from racing some few years ago, and had not handled the flag for many years, that he would require some practice before becoming proficient; others thought he would be out of touch with the latest methods of starting, but., all who claim the Dleasure of his acquaintance wished him success. That success , was partially attained, I allow, but any observant sportsman must admit , that Mr Young has not the correct method of starting, and I must record a word of praise in favour of the jockeys taking part at the meeting, as they materially assisted in effecting, very fair starting. OBEDIENT JOCKEYS. It is very rare that our jockeys have to be complimented upon their good conduct at the starting post, and it is seldom that any one has a good word to say for them, but had those taking part at the Hutt Park on Thursday and Saturday chosen to ■m'x things up and cause unpleasantness at the starting post, they had au excellent opportunit}', as they were in nearly every instance marshalled together within a length of the post, and the starter remained stationary. This system frequently causes jockeys to be breaking away, as it is only bub natural that they should anticipate the lowering of the flog. RULE 95. When the horses are walked some little' distance to the post they form their own line, or, to use a military term, they “ dress by the right or the left ” themselves accord ing to the side the starter is on, and this seldom fails to ensure a good start. On Thursday and Saturday it cannot be said that the horses left the post in an unbroken line in any event, as the horses were jumping about, and it appeared to me that Mr Young was lucky ; n doing so well, as the first portion of rule 95 does not appear to have been carefully observed, nearly all the starts being from a “standing start.” Certainly the horses were moving, let me say fractiously, but they were not walking, as set down in the rule referred to. START FOR PETONE HANDICAP. There was a slight attempt at an unfavourable reception as the starter returned after the start for the Petone Handicap, but it was no fault of his that Prioress remained at the post, as the mare refused to go one way or the other, and although Porepo gained some lengths advantage of the start this was simply because he was smartest an his legs. In this race King’s Bowman, Searchlight, Prioress and Porepo were very fractious, and I do not think it was through any fault of the riders that the delay at the post took place, Gollelo, Cochrane, Ayres, Connop

and Kingan were the jockeys in this race, and all but Kingan were fined two pound each, for disobedience I presume. REMISSION OP PINES. I must again say that the horsemen taking part at the meeting deserve every credit for their excellent conduct, and the least the club might do is to remit the fines imposed. tiie secretary. . The hardest work of a meeting necessarily devolves on the secretary, who has to see e\ erything in readiness and in working order to carry out the meeting, and when reporting on Thursday I had to write in high praise of the manner in which Mr H. M. Lyon transacts the business connected \i ith his official duties, 'and what I may term his “ administrative details ” were perfect. FIRST day’s RACING. The racing started with the Grand Stand Handicap. This race was only remarkable for the downfall of the favourite Mahaki (Reidy), whom many voted stale, but horsemanship did the trick for Allan-a-dale (Watt), who was looking well. Better things were expected from Searchlight and although she was last away, she did not gain much on her field and finished out of a place. Errington, the winner of the Maiden Plate is one of the “ stilty ” sort, and I doubt if he could score at a hack meeting, which is not saying much for Meteoro. The latter, a son of Castor and the Anteros mare Meta, is well enough bred and is strongly built, and if he were mine I should pop him over hurdles next season. Much to the surprise of everyone Mahaki was scratched for the Ilutt Park Spring Handicap, and his admirers transferred their support to Dreamland, who went out a decided favourite, a little more than an even money chance, but as the race resulted there was only one in it, and that was Mr Tancred’s Senator (7st6lb), who is by Administrator (whom most of the racing folk know), from Pair Agnes, the half sister to Master Agnes. It may be said that Senator Won all the way, not that he had an easy victory ,but from what I have seen of this horse’s running, he races better in front, and if the whip is kept off him he is always good for a final effort. Ayres rode what I may term a “ nice ” race, in fact I have seen this light-weight ride several good races lately. Many thought that White on Dreamland (Bst 31b) left his run a trifle late, but Tdo not think that any other horseman could have done better. Senator made the race a sound one from the fall of the flag, and it would have required something more brilliant than Dreamland to have “downed” Senator, who was very well and fresh. Prioress was second favourite on the strength of her last year’s running, her Takapuna victory being still fresh in the memory of punters, but I have seen her racing for several years now, and judging by her appearance at the Hutt, Jervey George had her “ too pretty,” although she bore exidence of having done plenty of work. When she looks drawn up and light niy experience of the mare is that she races better -that way. Krina, 7st 71b, is but a pony at the best, and goodness knows she looked wound up, but she has never been too remunerative to the Hon. Captain Russell. . ■■ : Musket Sst, was at 10 to 1, so was not entirely neglected, and although looking bright, he never seriously troubled the placed horses. In the fall of the year I fancy he will come back to something like his old self. Leontine 7st 61b, was seized on by knowing ones as the racehorse of the crowd, but all agreed they would prefer a heavier weight on his back so as to have a stronger horseman. He is undoubtedly a fine big horse, but the best thing that can be done with him is to put him over hurdles which will shake him up a bit. Revolution (7st 81b) was not wound up, but ran a good race for a mile, and when he is well can beat Senator at even weights pretty comfortably. He has any amount of pace, but has not sufficient bottom at present to enable to hang out a finish. Planet is not very taking to the eye, and is one of the angular wiry sort. Horsey men vote her no good, and perhaps they have seen her attempt to do more than I have and fail, but if she is near well yet I am much mistaken, and I think before the season closes she will do a good turn for Gooseman’s stable. Senator’s dividend <£2o 14s was very acceptable to his supporters, and a great many people say that had they known he .was going to pay <£2o they would have supported him, but I am surprised he did not pay more, as his performances since he started racing were not equal to the majority of the horses he was meeting, and he certainly had none the best of the weights. Sedition 9st 51b, again proved that a “ converted flat racer,” if they have any pace at all, will always defeat horses that aie purely jumping horses. Oaklands had to be content with second place, and it is surprising that he gets so close as he loses such a lot of ground at every fence. Searchlight showed to more advantage in the Plying Handicap, and once in the straight the race was all over, but it must not be forgotten that the “ straight ” on the Hutt course is very short. By her victory in this race Searchlight proved that she has not lost her two-year-old form. As" the filly is engaged in the Wellington Cup, many sought to solve the problem as to whether she will stay 11 miles. Her halfsister Retina , won a Wellington Cup, and on the sires side Searchlight has more approved strains of staying blood than Retina’s sire. The Ashburton horse Warrington, who was none to well, is too much pinched behind to make a top sawyer, but he has performed more at Riccarton than he did at the Hutt.

The first Hack Race, of a mile* was voted a good thing for Princes Cole and such it proved to be, but there were several behind her'that were blocked and bumped about that never had a chance of getting out of the ruck, to measure strides with her. Bush Boy, 7st 71b, who was second, is a handsome Gipsy King gelding out of a Barbarian mare, which makes him slightly inbred. He has a coat like Rangipuhi, and will with time ba useful in hack

company, while he is just the sort to get over timber, but I think he has been hurried in his preparation and has no foundation to work on, consequently dies away at the finish. Bouquet, 7st 41b, a Black Rose gelding, was third but got second position on a protest, for boring on the part of Bush Boy. No one appeared to notice anything wrong at the place indicated in the protest, but no doubt there were good grounds for awarding Mr. Mcßae’s horse second money. Revolution wound up the day’s proceedings by winning the Shorts Handicap, by three parts of a length, all out, from Warrington. The time is given as 49 secs, and as the race was run during a blinding shower, it seems too fast to be true. SECOND DAY’S RACING. Revolution, Bst 41b, followed up his success of the previous evening by annexing the first race—Waiwetu Handicap, seven furlongs—on the second day, the Wairarapa horse Yon Tempskjq 7st. 31b, shaping well, and only suffering defeat by a length. • Kent, Sst, was thought to have a chance over this distance, but he turned it up near the entrance gate. The Ashburton horse Speculator showed a bold front for about 6 furlongs, but when the sc sew was put oa Mr Freeth’s horse, soon had him in trouble.

The Trial Handicap was voted, the “ Prarie Grass Stakes,” but Errington landed the 35 sovs instead. The jockey who was riding Prairie Grass let go his head when it cam a to a finish, otherwise I think the Kaikora North horse would have troubled the winner.

The November Handicap, one mile and a furlong, saw Dreamland, Bst 12lb (White), Mahaki, Bst 71b (Lindsay), and Senator, Sst 31b (Ayres) saddle up for the* fray and they monopolised the attention of backers, although Leontine was again fancied, and it was thought the gallop the first day would benefit him. Lindsay rode one of his many patient races until round the home bend, when he let go the mainsail, and Dreamland’s chance was * at a discount, and although the mare raced game enough she was beaten comfortably, « but when Lindsay gave Mahaki a sharp clip with the whip (so as to prevent him from slowing down until he was past the post) he bored over towards Dreamland, who appeared to throw up her head. White told me after the races that he pulled the mare’s head up to keep her from falling, but there were others Unkind enough to think that this was done on purpose. Whether he did so or not makes no difference, and the. stewards in deciding the protest, entered by the owner of Dreamland, gave their decision more in equity than a strict reading of the rules, as the interference, only very slight, did not effect the result of the race. The V.R.C. Stewards decided in the same manner the Trieste—EtraWeenie Oaks protest, and is far the more satisfactory way of deciding similar protests. Revolution 7st 111 b, ran another good race, and Planet showed much improved form by comparison with the first day, and I am satisfied it is only a matter of time and she will do better, but her pilot is not the best in the world. Musket ran a fair race until the pace became sultry, when he retired. Leontine dropped back ‘after going about two or three furlongs, and was not afterwards prominent. Senator, Bst 31b, ran a good race, until the turn was reached, and although he finished game enough he was beaten for third place. I like Mahaki, and judging by his appearance he is one of the sort who* , if carefully nursed in say a mile and a half race, could be depended on for a brilliant run at the finish. lam satisfied it was only* a fluke Allan-a-dale beat him in the Grand Stand .Handicap the first day, or perhaps Allan-a-dale was lucky. - Osman turned the tables on Sedition and Roscius in the Hurdle Race which ; was a quarter of a mile shorter. He sprawls about while galloping, and, although jumper, he does not gain much ground. He appears to be one of the gross sort that want to be kept up to the collar. The Petone Handicap was robbed 1 of much interest by the antics cut at the post by Searchlight, Prioress and King’s Bowman, while Porepo was none too quiet. Prioress whipped round when the flag went; down, and of course was left at the post. Porepo had a great lead at one time, but; he did not race so well as on the first day, and the long-striding King’s' Bowman getting alongside of him, Mr McKenzie’s horse had to strike his colours. Bowman is a great galloper, but judging by his running at the meeting,.he is shifty, but when cherry ripe, which ho is not just now, he will keep Forester’s name green in our memory. Dreamland, lOst 31b, ran round for the 45 sovs in the Second Welter Handicap, but if Revolt had run up to his Taratahi-Carterton form he should have beaten her. He led to the turn as it was, and then started to bore and finished up third. • ~

The Second Hack Handicap jras only remarkable for the overthrow of the red hot favourite—Voltaire. The winner ing up in The Miser (Puriri—Germaine, by The Painter), (who was wedged in, the first day and did not get a fair run), but he had riot much to spare at the finish. A peculiar feature in connection with the result was that Kaahu (Gipsy King —Minnie) was second, Bush Boy (Gipsy King) third, and Vagrant (Gipsy King—Barbara) fourth. The time recorded for this race— Imin 17 2-sth sec —-I think should read lmin 19 2-sth sec. Mr Prosser, the owner of Miser, would indeed have a flyer if he could depend on that time. The Consolation Handicap, one mile, resulted; in a great finish ! bet ween Johnny Paa Bst s Sib, and Rebel 7st 41b, the latter winning and paying £23 16s dividend. It was certainly a lucky win, and if they ever meet again Johnny will upset this running, as he was jammed in on the rails and his rider had no chance to use his whip.

The liangitikei mare Cordelia (Torpedo Cornelia) is to be stinted to Haere (Malua Norn?.), and will not be raced until the autumn, if she recovers from the mQ by then,