TURF GOSSIP.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1194, 18 January 1895, Page 25

TURF GOSSIP.

By “ Gipsy King.” THE WELLINGTON CUP PACE. Fifty-six horses were nominated for the Wellington Cup arid fifteen have paid the first acceptance. This is not at all complimentary to the handicapper, some will remark, but if they take into consideration the number of “leather-flappers” that were nominated, say about twenty, and deduct that from fifty-six, leading thirtysix horses that are worthy of being nominated for an important handicap, the first acceptance is the more favourable to the handicapper. I selected seventeen horses as likely to make the first acceptance, twelve of which are still in the race. When the handicaps were published I selected thirteen horses as being well handicapped, and of that number six remain in, and reducing the selection to two horses, I picked Skirmisher and Lady Zetland as the most likely to produce the winner. the former, it is reported, has a poisoned back, and could not be brought up, which leaves me with Lady Zetland, and so far as the Ashburton mare is concerned I will still have her on my side. Her most dangerous opponents I think are Lottie and Mahaki, and without going into the merits, individually, of those that have paid the first acceptance I will name Lady Zetland and Lottie as likely to furnish the winner, but as there is a final acceptance of 5 sovs to-day (Friday) I will have a final word in Monday's New Zealand Times.

CRAWFORD'S STARTING MACHINE. A successful trial of Crawford’s starting inachirie was made on Monday at noon opposite -the Public Library in the presence of several of the stewards of the Wellington Racing Club and a number of other spectators. The machine was extended to twenty-two. yards, and, of course, can be made to spread over more ground if required. When the starting lever was released the . tapes, or webbing, instantly shot upwards, and when near the top of the posts the tapes altered their position and lay flat, so that they are practically out of sight of the horses. The noise of the tapes running up is so slight, nearly noiseless, that it is not likely to attract the attention of the most timid horse. There is no likelihood with Crawford’s machine of one end of the tapes being released without the other, as an india-rubber band regulates the tension. The machine under notice is the invention • of Mr James Crawford, of the Imperial Hotel, Cuba street. After the trial a large number adjourned to the Working Men’s Club at the invitation of Mr Crawford, where the success of the local invention . was; toasted. Mr Crawford has offered to defray all cost in connection with the erection of his starting machine if the Wellington Racing Club will give it a trial at the Cup Meeting. GRAY’S STARTING MACHINE. ' In response to the invitation of the Wellington Racing Club a number of spectators . attended at the Hutt Park Racecourse yesterday afternoon to witness the trial of “ Gray’s” starting machine, one of which had been erected at the Thompson Mile starting post. The following horses w- re lined up, in front of the “ tapes ” :—Review, Bona Fide, Pinmcney, Farmer Boy, Swordfish, Bouquet, The Kincher, Overseer and Austral. After the horses had been taken up to the tapes to get them used to it, the starting lever was released for the first time, and it worked without the slightest friction. Some of the horses did not quite understand the new appliance, but after being started again a few times _ they approached the “ tapes ” with confidence, and from a standing start they were released in very even line, considering it was the first occasion they had been tried. The starting machine gave every satisfaction, and the spectators present were well pleased with its utility. The Club have so far decided to eiect the starting machines at the three-quarter, one mile, and one mile and a half starting posts. It appeared to be the general opinion amongst the trainers present that as many horses are slow in moving off from a standing start that greater success would be ensured if , the horses were walked up to . the tapes. The starting machine will be left in gear at the “Thompson Mile” from now until the day of the races, so as uo give trainers an opportunity of trying their horses.