TURF GOSSIP.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1200, 1 March 1895, Page 23

TURF GOSSIP.

Bt Gipsy Kino. v . « aeter;thb races." the egmont meeting. If the executive of the Egmont Eaeing Club had not been • largely composed of commercial Hien, who, in their spare moments, extended a helping hand towards the encouragement of the " Sport of Kings/' the Egmont C!ub A ,wpjuld probably not occupy thehigh position it does in racing circles. Almost since the inception of the club, its progress has been steadily marked, each meeting introducing -something new, some permanent and useful improvement, an'increase in sfcSKis'li-^nd^UQMilce;;^:''^---THE IMPROVEMENTS. It may be said' to the credit of the : officers of the club that, with one or two exceptions, they are not owners of race-horses, so that the interest they have manifested in the affairs of the club is decidedly unselfish. During the last few months the club have purchased the property which they have been leasing for so many years, and as the purchase price was .£4O per acre for 80 odd acres, the club can quickly dispose' of any surplus that may accrue during the next few years. However, this large outlay has not discouraged the club from making many improvements of a substantial character to their property. Sinc9 the last meeting, the offices used by the secretary and stewards &c. have been increased in size, while a luncheon and press room has been added, which was much appreciated. The weighing room, with open front, is quite the latest thing along the coastf'and a barrier being erected across the room, only one jockey at a time is allowed near the scales. I noticed also that the jockeys were invited to check their own weight}, and if there were any "overweight," they had to initial the clerk of the scales' book fdr the number of pounds that was over, so as to avoid any dispute, such as occurred at the last meeting, and may occur at any race meeting, if similar, precautions are not taken". The lawn j|s now quite a spacious promenade, at tll&baWpt which

a large space, neatly fenced in, has been allotted for a members' carriage paddock, the main entrance being from the road. The only buildings now on the lawn enclosure are the grand stand and combined totalisator and telegraph offices. The latter office, I understand, is to be removed to a more central position adjoining the secretary's office. When this building is being removed, I would suggest that the totalisator office should be removed to the northern end of the lawn fence, so that those, outside the lawn may have an apportunity to invest their, money on the totalisator, if they wish to, without having to pay the lawn charges. I also think if the club were to erect a- small "people's" grand stand, ora" shilling " stand,.as they are generally termed, it would be a remunerative speculation. It is hard lines for a man who is a sportsman at heart, but unfortunately occupies a humble position in life, that he is forced to be content with intermittent glimpses of the various races.

So as to have the refreshment bars as secluded as possible, the club have erected a high fence at the back of the booths, so that anyone can enjoy a " toothful" without inviting comment from those who are promenading round the back of the grand stand. 'The saddling paddock has been considerably enlarged and is now complete with everything required by trainers, etc. There are 10 boxes and 12 stalls, besides which the willow trees in warm weather afford a cool shelter for horses. The jockeys' room is also well fitted up with wash-basin, etc., 18 lockers and a weighing machine, so that they may ascertain their weight without causing delay at. the official scales. The ventilation and the light for this room is barely sufficient. To touch on the many minor improvements that have also been effected would outrun my space, but sufficient has been mentioned to show that the club have been studying the public in every direction. The caretaker (Mr Harrison) must have had a very busy time of it lately, supervising the various alterations, and, judging by results, he is just the man for the position. The condition of the training tracks and course proper are also a credit to him. Now that- the principal alterations have been made to the racecourse grounds, and things have assumed a settled sort of air, I expect to see a few flowering plants dotted here and, there next year. Judging by the ornamentation in front of the totalisator offices, the caretaker displays considerable artistic ability in this direction, and as the popular and businesslike secretary to the club—Mr Brett—is recognised as an authority on horticultural matters, we may look - for something tasteful.

THE MANAGEMENT. f; For the first day's racing the weather was agreeably fine (although a - strong breeze was blowing), which tempted a large number of people to the course, fully 2000 people being present, and such a large number require considerable attention from the officers, but everything is worked so systematically that no.hitch of any kind occurred.,: A list of the duties that the stewards have to perform, and the names of the gentlemen who are on duty each day, are posted up, so that everything jogs along without friction or fuss. The list of officers is much the same as it has been for some years, with the exception of two gentlemen who have recently joined the club. Mr R. Hirschbe, jwbo is now one of the stewards, has been identified with the progress of the Stratford Racing Club since its inaugural race meeting, and has further identified himself with sport by having purchased the Cuirrassier—Aida

yearling colt (now named " Uhlan ") at: the last Wellington Park stud sales. Dr Reed, formerly owner of Dreamland, who is much missed in sporting circles.in the Hawke's Bay district, but is now a resident of Hawera, is now the official timekeeper to the club. Both gentlemen are an acquisition to the executive of the club. All the old officers of the club were at their posts, with the exception of Mr J. T. Stone, the clerk of the course, whom I was sorry to see had injured his hand. Mr T. Sutherland kindly undertook the duties for the meetmg. The secretaryship of the EgmOnt Club is fast becoming an important position, and though Mr A. G. Brett must have been at high pressure lately, attending to the improvements on the course, and the clerical work in the office, he carried out his duties in the same urbane manner as is noticeable with the many secretarial duties he performs throughout the year.

THE STARTING MACHINE. Considerable interest was manifested in the starting machine, Mr Crawford's patent being on trial for three races the first day and two the second day. On the first day the machine was placed at the mile post in front of the stewards' stand. One end of the tapes were protected by this stand from the strong wind that was blowing down the straight, but the opposite end, from where the lever was wgrked, had the whole force of the wind to contend against, in fact so strong was the wind that it took three men to hold the tapes across the course and keep them in position while they were affixed. Notwithstanding this severe test, and although the strong force of the wind would not allow the tapes to ascend as rapidly as on a calm day, the starting by " machinery " as some term it, was excellent, in the Hack Race especially, thirteen horses (nine of whom had never seen a starting machine before) going off

in an unbroken line. On the second day the tapes were used at the six-furlong post, and I have never seen a better start than that effected in the Flying Handicap, and as I was at the post and standing in • line with the tapes, I have no hesitation in giving this opinion. The tapes were again used for the Produce Hack Eace of six furlongs. In this race Secrecy was j left at the post, through no fault of the machine or starter. A space sufficient for two horses was made in the centre of the course for this filly, but owing to the apparent timidity of her rider it was not accepted, and he preferred to remain on the outside of the field right up against th 6 posts of the starting machine. When the tapes were released to an otherwise splendid start, the filly refused to move and appeared to be glued to the ground, with her attention rivetted on the other horses who were galloping away, from her. Although her rider pressed his heels against her sides she refused to move an inch, and she was eventually turned round and taken back to the paddock. Once only before have I noticad a similar occurrence, and that was on the same course. The late Mr S. Powell was the starter, and he had Prioress right alongside of him, and when they were in line he shouted out " go," but although her rider urged her with his heels she obstinately refused to move from the spot. Considering that only eight or nine horses out of the large number started by the machine had only one trial with Mr Crawford's patent, and the gale he had to contend with the first day, he may claim to have given a most successful exhibition of the advantages of his starting machine. Mr Martin Baird released the lever in each race the machine was used, and in the other events was equally successful with the flag. FIRST DAY'S RACING. Proceedings started with the Waimate Handicap, seven furlongs, for which The Dancer was installed favourite, Porepo being next on the strength of his Wellington form with Saracen, and the race looked a real good thing for him, but he either would not, or could not, gallop, and finished out of a place. The only excuse that can be offered for him is the state of the course, which has such a wonderful growth of grass, that it is like galloping on a cocoanut-fibre mat, and probably, being trained for the cup race of two miles, he, may have lost some of his brilliancy. The winner turned up in the Dauphin— Witiora three-year-old bay colt Donovan, trained by McCracken at New Plymouth. He is one of Mr Standish's own breeding, and is typical of the Dauphin stock, fleshy and compactly built. He was voted " too big, too much beef," by the knowing ones, but there was no denying the fact that the colt showed evidence of having done a lot of work, and it was only "his conformation that suggested that he was above himself.

The Castor—Nymph colt Orion made the running at a great pace, but tiring in the last furlong, Donovan, who came strongly at the finish, beat him by three parts of a length and paying the Taranaki sports a dividend of Ll2 Is. The Dancer was in trouble after going six furlongs. The First Hurdle 3 was voted a good thing for Eangipai, lOst 31b, but she had to strike her colours to Tiritea, list 41b, who battled out the finish in quite his old

~ style, again demonstrating the value of the Painter blood, which he receives through his dam Wairuareka. now at Messrs Baker and Co's stud at Kereru. McTaggart, who is probably one of the best all round' horsemen in the colony, was blamed for keeping Eangipai too far out of the race and then making up his ground too quick. I do not agree with that opinion, as those who know much about the mare, know that she is not a firstclass stayer and it was to McTaggart's interest to make the race as slow as possible. Bonovoree, on the strength of a good gallop with Monte Carlo, was whispered about as likely to upset calculations, and a real good race he ran, just failing in the last few strides. He is wonderfully well just now. Sunbeam never rose at the first hurdle, and toppled over, but Paddy McGrath was not hurt. Marechal Neil, who showed the effects of the scorching he got in the fire at J. B. Williamson's stables, caved in after going about one and a-half miles. He has evidently lost the pace he once possessed. Egmont was favourite for the Hack Hurdles, of One mile and a-quarter, but to those who had not seen some of his performances he appeared to be more i

suited to a long journey. He is a big strapping gelding by Armourer, and the last horse one would select as being speedy, but like many others bred in the Taranaki district, he is a " take-down." He has a lot of pace, and one could not wish for a better jumper, but I think he would show to more advantage over big country. On this occasion he met something above the average, a horse showing a lot of quality, endowed, with a lot of pace and a proficient jumper. I refer to W. H. Keith's Dart, a four-year-old gelding by Gipsy King out of Docility's dam, who won comfortably. In his style he reminded me much of the Bemington gelding Waituna, who is now on the retired list. He has a nice sweeping stride, that will land him first past the post in many a race yet. A likely-looking sort that competed in this race was the four-year-old chestnut gelding, Leander, by Natator —Margaret, therefore half brother to the Marquis of Tewkesbury. He is something after the build of Waterbury, but does not show the same substance and size as Tewkesbury. Leander not being well, he did not run

prominently. In this race we were introduced to the ex-Canterbury hunter, Waverley (by Tekoa), but I fancy his place is the hunting field, and although he had the services of Eedmond, he ran last. I should not think he was a particularly nice mount either, as he has a nasty screwing style of jumping, and gives his quarters such a peculiar twist when jumping as to suggest that he has been injured in the back sometime or other. When the Egmont Cup race of two miles came on for decision, the seven starters were keenly inspected. Eosefeldt looked well, but that fore-leg looked none too sound. Ben Godfrey, who is not handsome, did not look like a cup horse, neither did Von Tempsky, and perhaps the best place for the latter would be over hurdles.

Monte Carlo looked well, but not so well as when he foaght out his memorable battle with Au Eevoir at Palmerston. North. Eeynard's black silken coat attracted the attention of many, but they were dubious about him getting the distance. Waiuku, the ex-Taranaki hack, had quite a levee, and he was voted the gentleman of the party, but he had such a fleshy appearance that under other circumstances it would have sent him out neglected, but his reputation in the hack class had too strong a hold of punters, and putting aside his rotund appearance, for they argued that Donavon, the winner of the first race, looked bigger in condition, and the doubt about his getting the distance, he was installed first favourite. Ida had a polished look about her, and the Auckland contingent said she couldn't lose if she galloped at her which she failed to do.

When the field jumped off Von Tempsky acted as pacemaker for about a mile, but all this time Connop was sawing at Waiuku's mouth and had the horse in a bad position, as he was galloping on the heels of the other horses and those behind him were galloping on his mount. Notwithstanding this he came round the home turn in company with Monte Carlo on the inside and Eeynard on the outside, while Eosefeldt was coming fast in front of Ben Godfrey, who was a few lengths away. Waiuku did not retire until about I half way down the straight, practically being crushed out by the other two, and then an effort was made to bring him up on the inside, but as Jenkins on Monte Carlo was watching this manosuvre there was little chance of that coming off, but the screw was put on now arfd -Monte Carlo and Eeynard were fighting it out until opposite the totalisator, when Eeynard had had enough, and the Ascot horse won a good race by a length and a half, Eosefeldt coming with a rattle and securing third position from Waiuku. The time, 3min 47 l-sth sec, was dreadfully slow, but taking into consideration the strong wind blowing and the " dead" state of the track, it was what might be termed a fair performance. Immediately after the race Waiuku dropped about 50 per cent, in public favour, and a clattering; of tongues was soon heard, and those that think they know were quite certain that Waiuku is not an Irish Twist, in fact the latter could carry Waiuku on his back, &c, &c, and such nonsense. Considering the way he was pulled about in the race, I think his failure to win may be ascribed to this, and the fact that, although the horse looks big (he naturally being a big; topped horse), he is short of a few- fast gallops. If he gets two or three races at Taranaki and some fast work afterwards, I think he will be pretty hard to beat next month at Wanganui. ■ There wasmuch cheering when Monte Carlo (who is very popular with racegoers, owing to his gameness) weighed in right, and cheers were also given for his owner and trainer and jockey. Following are the winners of the Egmont Cup Handicap :

The next race on the card was the First Egmont Hack Sires Produce Stakes, which appeared to be engrossing more attention than any other race at the meeting. Eighteen three-year-olds paid, the final acceptance, and fourteen of this number (seven colts and seven fillies) paraded the lawn in front of the grand stand before going to the post. The field comprised the following:*— Storm King (Gipsy Kingr- Maid of the Downs), a beautiful black colt standing about 15h 3in, shapely and strongly built, and showing a lot of quality, a racehorse to look at, and certainly the gentleman of the party. Eureka (by Castoff), a chestnut, is one of the strongly built, low-set but his owner had discarded the usual sort, mode of training on the track, and what flutters the colt had were between the shafts of a milk-cart. Foreman is a strong, low built, rich bay colt by Cap-a-pie —Merman's dam. He is rather a " peacocky " young gentleman, and with ago may be useful over hurdles. Bona Fide, trained at the SJutt, is s* black colt

by Sou-wester—Fides (dam of Sincerity). A nice shapely colt with plenty of size, but with a temper of his own that may be benefited by " adding him to the list." He was a trifle above himself in condition, and further showed the effects of the " buster " he had a week or so previous, ■which he received through bolting on the Hutt road and falling, grazing the skin off in several places. Ruby Twist is a big (nearly 17 hands) ungainly looking colt by Gipsy King—lrish Twist's dam. Rather too big to be raced as a three-year-old, but one that is likely to come on with age, and although I will not predict that he is likely to be an Irish Twist, I think he will win races next year. Blue Bonnet is an angular built brown colt by Cap-a-pie-—Nativity (by Don Juan), who very much resembles the Wairarapa filly Dinah Shad. Capuchin, by Cap-a-pie—Miss Juan, is a plainish sort of brown who is better than he looks. Tell Tale is a neatly built brown colt by Tim Whiffler—Beauty, a trifle small, but a nicely turned one that can gallop. ; Fish Oh, by Foul Shot—Fish Lass, who on breeding was the aristocrat of the fourteen, is a black filly about 15h 2in, shapely and strongly put together. Evening Star, next to Storm King, was my fancy of the lot. She is a full to Torpedo (by Australian—Day Dawn mare), who is now racing in Western Australia. She is a handsome bay filly standing nearly 15h 3in, with a beautiful shoulder and quarters nicely let down, a truer shaped 'un than her brother, who was inclined to be slack across the loin. Another nice filly amongst the crowd was the chestnut ifijly Pauline, a full-sister to the steeplechase mare Jenny, not quite so big, but a lady every inch of her, and one that is likely, to be speedy. Lady Helena is a bay filly by Cap-a-pie from Barbara (a mare that won a race in Wellington many

years age), is on the small side but can move herself freely. Secrecy is a brown •; filly by Foulshot—Treason mare, and is full sister to Docility. Secrecy is a trifle angular in build and may require time, as she is growing fast. Waylay is a brown .filly by Foul Shot —Infanta, a mare that comes from the steeplechase family that produced Cingalee and Takapau. She is 'lsh Bin and a good" shaped 'un, and is (evidently speedy judging by her second to Waiuku at Taranaki in a half-mile flutter, a good start at the bottom of the straight, Pauline, Foreman and Storm King were first to show out, but passing the stand Bona Fide joined Storm King, and these two together carried on the' running with Tell Tale about a length behind, with the rest close up, right along ; to the home turn, where Tell Tale dropped back and Fish Oh and Evening Star < Improved"their positions. At the distance the field closed up, and a shower of whips •were in the air, but want of condition finding Out a weak spot in many of them, - the finish in the last few hundred yards was left to Storm King and Bona Fide, until Evening Star put in her claim, and jamming Bona Fide close on to Storm ' King, who was next the rails, a great battle ensued, Evening Star just squeezing home by a head, with a neck separating ' Storm King and Bona Fide, the latter

finishing third, a length in front of

Pauline, who was about a neck in front of Ruby Twist. Bona Fide was practically shut out, and under the circumstances I think Evening Star had a lucky win. Had the three been spread out with sufficient room for each jockey to use the ' • whip, T think the result would have been ; Storm King 1, Bona Fide 2, and Evening Star 3. The two former practically ran the race to suit Evening Star, as they made: all the running. The time fprjfche one mile and a quarter, 2min 19 3-sths sec, was considered slow, but by comparison with the other times registered during the day it was not. \«-;After the winning jockey had weighed ' m^Gbict&Si\y, Evening Star was led to the front of the grand stand, where the filly ; was decorated by Miss Beryl Nolan (the lilitle daughter of the president of the club —rMr E. H. Nolan) with the beautifully ' worked pale blue riband, which was • presented to the club by Mrs A. Goodson. Cheers were then called for the owner, Mr W. G. Glassford, the trainer, Mr W. Elliot, and the jockey, "Dick" Johnson, and were heartily responded to, after which the band struck up " See the Conquering Hero Comes," and thus ended the enthusiasm displayed over the First Hack Produce Stakes contested on the Egmont course. Very little interest was taken in the next race, the Walter Handicap, but it resultedi'n a capital set-to between Prioress, .Variety and Porepo, the two former running the fairest dead heat I have ever witnessed, as I was standing in front of the *'i judge's box on the course proper, and in ; a, direct line with the winning post. That's one dead heat I can swear to any way. The first Hack Kace of one mile brought

out thirteen nags to faca the starting machine tapes. Bush Boy, Disraeli and 'Crimson Streak stood out prominently above tha rest in point of quality. The Biocarton-bred Bowshot (by Maxim — Eainbow) was amongst the number, but was so little thought of that there were only nine investors on him. It takes the British public to pick the good ones from the bad ones. Bush Boy was a decided favourite, but at the back of the course was so badly jammed against the rails that the horse nearly came down. This mishap caused him to drop back, but Lindsay got to work on him, and if the distance had been a trifle further I think bV would have won, The winner turned

up in the roan gelding Nugget, who was withdrawn from the Hack Hurdle Bace, and as his party supported him pretty freely, the i>l3 16s dividend was mostly enjoyed by them. Disraeli, who ran second, is a half brother to Ival ('->y Patriarch), whom Mr Gollan won a hurdle race in Wellington with. Disraeli is by Puriri, and is a useful sort for hurdle racing. SECOND DAY'S RACING.

The weather was beautifully fine for the concluding day's racing, and the absence of the strong wind that was blowing on the first day was not deplored. Proceedings started with the Flying Handicap. St. Clements, 9st 61b, who did not start the first day, was a pronounced favourite, but those who saw Orion gallop on the first day were convinced that the St. Leger horse could not give the Castor colt 251 b and beat him, and such proved to be the case, as Orion, 7st 91b, won by a length, in the good time of lmin 16 3-sth sec from a standing start. Since be was first seen out at Rangitikei in the early spring he has filled out and grown a lot. He is a slippery gentleman and no mistake, and when fresh and well I do not know that there are more than one or two horses in the Colony that could lower his number for four furlongs. He doesn't appear to stay at present; goodness knows on breeding he ought to stay for a week. By Castor from Nymph, by Ingomar from Wood Nymph, by musket from Sylvia, is surely blue enough bldod. Orion is one of the lightheaded sort that quickly lose condition by f retf ulness. When I saw him win this race, and before I had time to think of his weight and the distance for the race, I thought I had seen the winner of the third Challenge Stakes, but the extra furlong will'find him out. At present it is intended to take Orion down to Christchurch for this valuable race.

Before the Second Handicap Hurdles was decided Bonovoree was for sale at Ll2O, but no one was inclined to invest in such a good speculation (in view of his weight at Taranaki). Those, who "were halfhearted about purchasing rather bit their finger nails when they saw him fight out the finish and land the 80 sovs attached to the race. At the last hurdle Tiritea blundered and nearly unseated Redmond, who, however, quickly pulled his mount together, but the distance was too short to make up the ground lost, and "Timothy" suffered defeat by about a length. .But for the mishap I think Tiritea would just have won. Belle ran a good mare in this race, but the " distance " over the two miles seemed to trouble her. After they turned into the straight I thought she; was-going to win. Conscript fell at the third" fence in this race, and rolled on to his rider, C. Crocker, dislocating his thigh. Dart, lOst 131 b, had; another soft thing in the Hack Hurdles of one and mile a-half, and won comfortably in 2min 55sec, but he didn't appear to be travelling at that speed.

The Atkinson Memorial Stakes 'of one mile and a-half resulted in a slashing finish and a general surprise, Ben Godfrey, 7st 91b, who was nowhere in the finish for the Cup with the same ? weight on the first day, turning up trumps, paying a dividend of Lll 7s. Of course there was the usual grumbling from backers, and at one time, judging by the remarks of one of the stewards, it was thought that an explanation of the horse's running would be asked for, but-nothing'waa done. It will be recollected that Boulanger missed the Cup and came out the next day and won this race, paying a dividend of Ll 5. I would suggest that the Egmont Cup and the Atkinson Memorial Stakes should be the same distance,- each" -dayj viz, one mile and half. Waiuku (who was .raised 51b for finishing out of a place the first day) was one of the contestants for this race, but the same tactics were pursued by his rider, and the horse was pulled and messed about so much, trying to keep him back to the other horses, that it was not to be wondered at that he again failed to show up prominently at the finish. I thought the gallop of the previous day would have done him a lot of good and selected him to win this race, but before doing so was informed a different rider , would have the mount. I think if the i horse were allowed to run along for a couple of furlongs he would settle down, and it would not then be difficult to manage him, but he will never be able to win if he is ridden in the same manner as we saw him at this "meeting. The finish of the race was between Ben Godfrey, Porepo, Prioress and Monte Carlo. Within about four lengths of the post Porepo cried go; and a battle royal ensued between the others, Godfrey winning by half a length from Prioress, who was three parts of a length in front of Monte Carlo. Prioress would have paid her supporters (chiefly the syndicate who own her) a dividend of L 35 if she had won.

The unreliable Foul Shot mare Strayshot, won the Second Hack Bace without an effort, albeit George Laing kept shaking the whip at her in case she,should offer to " turn it up." Crimson Streak (Nordenfeldt Hipporina), who has a parrot-beak similar to Fiske (Nordenfeldt —My Idea), showed improved form over the one mile and a.half as compared with the first day, the gallop evidently doing her good. She is not unlike Bosefeldt in conformation. When the weights for the Normanby Stakes Handicap of one mile and a distance made their appearance, the cunning division who spotted Von

Tempsky at 6st 91b (especially those who saw him win the Wairarapa Racing Club Handicap of one mile and a half with Bst in the saddle), voted the race a good thing. Myers was entrusted with the 'mount, but; to put it plainly any stable boy could have ridden a better race. First the horse was rushed to the front, and he was sending him along in front for nearly six furlongs, when the rest of the field put on steam, and when they got round him the horse was pulled back out of the crowd, and after they passed him Myers set him going again to catch them, but of course he had the proverbial 100 to 1 chance then. Nicely ridden I think he would have nearly won. However, the finish resolved itself into a great go between Prioress, 7st 131 b, Porepo, 6st 101 b, and Variety, 7st 71b, and the last named sticking to her work gamely—for her —she won all out by along neck, the same distance between second and third. The Px'oduce Hack Handicap, of six furlongs, for horses having paid the final acceptance for the Sires Produce Stakes, wound up the day's proceedings. Waylaj', who was whispered about as a good thing, was made favourite, but after a splendid finish Tell Tale, 7st 61b, won by a neck from Evening Star, Bst 91b, who was half a length in front of Storm King, Bst 111 b. There was some interference on the part of Tell Tale through boring half-way down the straight, Storm King on the rails getting the worst of it, and his owner was going to enter a protest, but was goodnaturedly dissuaded from doing so, owing to the iateness of the hour. Tell Tale rewarded her supporters with the acceptable dividend of L 9 14s, the bulk of the money going into the Monte Carlo stable, from which Tell Tale is trained. This exciting finish was a fitting conclusion to an enthusiastic and successful meeting.

ANOTHER RULE-BOOK PUZZLE. Mr Martin Baird, the official starter for the Egmont Racing Club, is a well-known popular sportsman and breeder in the Hawera district. He nominated his chestnut filly Pauline for the First Sires' Hack i Produce Stakes (w.f.'a.), and the filly duly took part in the race. Beforethe race started the hon. secretary of a Wanganui district racing club made the remark that he thought .that Mr Baird came within the provisions of rule 67a, which reads as follows : "No horse in whose ownership any paid official of a race meeting, or any person engaged in working the totalisator thereat,has any interest, shall be qualified to start at such meeting. Any such person so entering or starting a horse shall be liable to a fine not exceeding LIOO, prothat nothing in this rule shall prevent the breeder of a colt or filly from entering the same when a foal or yearling in weight-for-age races." There is certainly two ways of reading this rule (like most of the other rules), but as far as Mr Baird'.s case is concerned only one conclusion can be come to, and that is, if the rules permit him to nominate a yearling, it is surely intended that he would be allowed to race the same animal, whether he is a,,paid official of the club or not. However, the rule does not say that a paid , official can start a horse, although he has permission to enter a yearling, and that'sfjust where the puzzle comes in. Several prominent racing men whom I have submitted this problem to are anything but unanimous in their views on the puzzle.

THE BOUQUET PBOTEST. This vexatious subject has been settled. The owner of Boyal Tar having furnished proof that the now defunct Bouquet was nominated for other , than hack races within the six months prior to the Lower Valley Meeting on Boxing Day, and these particulars having been submitted to the Wellington Metropolitan Club, the former decision of the Lower Valley Club to pay over the stakos to Boyal Tar has been endorsed.

Yr. Owner. Winner. Wgt. Time. st. lb. m. s. 1882 Mr M. 0. Brien Larry6 13 4 2 1883 Mr A. Standish Normanby 6 7 3 54i 1884 Mr A. Standish Witiora 7 12 3 53i 1885 Mr J. George Buzzard* 7 0 4 13 1886 Mr J. George Armourer 8 2h 3 49 2-5 1887 Mr J. Kean Vietory 7 5 3 45 2-5 18S8 Mr WH Keith Dudu 6 7 3 42| 1889 Mr J. Kennedy Recluse 7 12 3 43 4-5 1890 MrW. Bobbett Patchwork 7 12 3 411-5 1891 MrE. Cutts Diidu 8 10 3 40| 1892 Mr G. Hunter Whisper 8 0 3 39 1893 Capt'n Russell St Kthrine 7 6 3 44 i 1894 MrW. DouglaslRosefeldt 1 8 9 3 413-5 1895 MrE.Calthrop|Mnt. Carlo! 7 7 3 411-5 *Two miles and a distance.