SPORTING NOTES.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1204, 29 March 1895, Page 21

SPORTING NOTES.

By "Gipsy King." Owners and trainers are reminded that nominations for the following events at the Wellington Racing Club's Autumn and Steeplechase Meeting (combined) are due on Tuesday, 2nd April :—Railway Handicap, 1 sov; Hurdle Handicaps (both days), 1 sov each ; Thompson,Handicap, 1 sov; Hunters' Steeplechase Handicap, 10s ; Trial Steeplechase Handicap, 1 sov ; Autumn Handicap, 1 sov ; Wellington Steeplechase Handicap, 1 sov ; Electric Handicap, 1 sov ; Hack Hurdle Handicaps (both days), 10s each : Hack Handicap (first day), 1 sov ; Hack Welter Handicap (second day), 10s. The full programme of events, etc., will be found in our advertising columns.

An American breeder of experience gives it as his opinion that the cause of casting or foal-slipping in nine cases out of ten is that mares are allowed to eat frosty or frozen grass, which opens the bowels and seems to affect the organs of gestation.

Thei'e was a curious circumstance at the Masterton-Opaki Races that may lead to a series of events in " another placo," with the S.M. as judge and slarter. Slaiden, ahorse formerly owned by Mr T. Walker, was the piece de resistance. It seems Mr Walker had sold this speedy son of Grand Duke to a certain horse owner, who, however, had not paid for him. After one of the races, in which Slaiden was beaten —it is said, in a manner not altogether O.K.—certain other persons asked Mr Walker what he wanted for the animal, and that gentleman named the same sum which he had named to the one who then held possession of him. The offer was closed with, and the cash handed over. Then came the question of taking possession of him. Taking the cash proved to be much the easier part of the bargain, for the man in possession maintained his right to the horse, in spite of determined efforts of the two purchasers and the late owner. The horse must have wondered what it was all about, for his bridle. was pulleu that way and this, and at one time it looked as if one of the trio was going to cart the horse away on his back. The sympathies of the crowd were with the man who held the horse, and at one time it looked as if there would be a regular scrim mage, but the defender kept his temper wonderfully. He appealed to the stewards to protect him, but they seemed nonplussed add powerless. Finally the police checked the'assailants, and a friend paid the pr'ce of the horse for the one who held him, the second payment being returned. There was considerable excitement while it lasted.— Wairarapa Standard.

If half the horses handicapped for the Woodville Autumn Meeting go to the post, the club will even then have a big muster of the equine race. The club are deserving of large entries, as they endeavour to meet horse owners in every way they can.

A correspondent to Bailey's Magazine, writing of " Cross Country Cracks," says of Roquefort, the winner of the Liverpool Grand National Steeplechase in 3885 :—" Mention of Roquefort reminds me that the last time I saw this gallant steed was just before he was shipped to New York to sustain the chief part in "The Prodigal Daughter,'' v i ce Voluptuary (the Liverpool National Winner of 1884) travelling in the British provinces with the same play. Mr Leonard Boyne rode " Roquy K ' over to my rural holding in Surrey one morning, and we had a little t( larking," apd probably the last fence jumped in England by the son of Winslow and Cream Cheese, faces me, at no great distance off, as I write. Poor old " Roquy " J He managed somehow, to get a rusty nail into the frog of one of his fore feet whilst at "business,"on the stage, and after a month or two in hospital was sold at auction in New York for 40 dollars.

The Hawera trotting horse Missing Link bears a strong resemblance to the Canterbury trotting horse Rata. Erom the trotting tracks it should be possible to pick up some well matched pairs. If it were possible to get them together the trotting horses Te Horo and Steadfast would also make a handsome pair of carriage horses.

Amongst the nominations for the Leslie Plate at the Amuri Turf Club's Annual Meeting I rotice the names " Undesirable Bill," "Social Pest,"and " Sophist." These are probably mythical gee-gees, or perhaps some of the wool kings of North Canterbury have been indulging in a little sarcasm at the expense of "a member of the Government,

The following are the winners of the Sandon Handicap during the last five years : Ros, Dromedary, Hark, IJuia and Lorelei. It will be recollected that Dromedary scored a somewhat easy win over Kangipuhi and Dingo. Last year Huia put down Narrate and the now defunct Eothen, who were much fancied.

The following exquisite paragraph from the Man of the World must not be missed : " Mr John Hawke's assertion in the Times that the late Sir Joseph Hawley was opposed to betting is as ridiculous a statement as ever was made by a man over-anxious to bolster up his own case, and reminds us of almost the first step taken by Mr Hawke in his crusade—to send a detective to watch the Subscription Room at Tattersall's. After a week's watch the ferret announced that he had seen nobody enter the room but a charwoman with a bad cold."

The Wairarapa Racing Club have received excellent nominations for their Easter Meeting, especially when it, is noted that there are so many other meetings being held at Easter time. It has not transpired yet whether the starting machine is to be used at the Meeting. Handicaps are due on Saturday.

I have to acknowledge with thanks receipt of a complimentary ticket for the Woodville Jockey Club's race meeting on April 3rd.

That chatty writer «• Milo," in the London Evening News, says :—" One feels sorry for the Duke of Portland sometimes. He has lately taken to cycling, and the four-in-hand and magnificent stable of horses must look on with mingled feelings. One does not wish His Grace to have an accident personally, but if the machine broke down and he had to carry it home, heaven would be avenged. What do St. Simon and Donovan think of these little goings on, and is there not an aristocratic curl on the lip of the flying Memoir as she adjusts the bottle of the new equine baby ? Upon a day I met that fine horseman His Grace of Westminster in the park bestriding Whipper In. It was ducal and proper for him to ride three thousand pounds worth of horseflesh, and ride it well, so I * doffed the cady.'—Hence the quotation ' Me and Westminster/ "

In Capetown, South Africa, the maximum handicap weight for ponies and galloways is 13st, and the minimum handicap 6st.

If the American horses remain any length of time in England, it i 3 just possible that the dual Caulfield Cup winner Paris may measure strides with them. By all accounts the Yankees are not partial to a distance.

Mr Donald McKinnon'a win in the Hawke's Bay Cup has been well received throughout the Colony. The cheery little Scot is one of the most popular owners in New Zealand.

Bonovoree has joined McMinaman's team at Ellerslie,

Mr J. R. McDonald of Horowhenna, Levin, gave 100 guineas for Wheriko, and 23 guineas for a bay filly by Torpedo— Kopeki at Mr Douglas sale. Wheriko was nominated the same day as purchased, for the Foxton Meeting.

It is whispered that Norton and Ebor will be competitors at the C. J.C. Grand National Meeting.

A. Hall, the English steeplechase rider, many years ago rode Mcßeth in the Cambridgeshire Handicap at about 6st, and the same e season rode Sweep in the Sefton Steeplechase at about list. A remarkable fact about Hall is that he rides several holes longer on one side than on the other.

The pony Storyteller (Puriri —Falsehood) well known on the Wanganui Coast won the Pony Race 25 sovs, 6 furlongs, at the Papakura Races on 18th inst.

Home Rule, the winner of the St. Patrick's Handicap of 50 sovs, one mile, at the Greymouth Meeting, is by Exchange—Maid of the Valley. Epilogue was second and Banner third. Exchange, who is a son of St. George and Rupee, is now owned bv Mr Dalrymple of Parawanui, Rangitikei.

Mr Donald McKinnon, the owner of Dreamland, contemplates a winter campaign in Australia. Lochness, Scot Free, and a pony will comprise the team. The two former will make treir debut in hurdle races. The arrangements are so far complete that an up-coast jockey has been approached, with a view to accompanying the team.

It is generally admitted that the Hon. J. D. Ormond was very unlucky in not winning the Hawke's Bay Cup by the aid of .North Atlantic. Judged by the meritorious performances of the son of Nordenfeldt tis in the Burke Memorial Stakes and Napier Cup, it will always remain a puzzle how he missed the Hawke's Bay Cup of 1895. It is very evident young Delaney understands better how to ride the horse than those who have bestridden him recently.

Acoording to Bell's Weekly Messenger, an interesting case was heard in the Bow-street Police Court on the 16th January, before Sir John Bridge. James Hatchman. William Luetchford, William Cooper, Louis Sturman, and George Hollaway were charged with conspiring together to defraud bookmakers by sending telegrams to back horses which they knew had already won. Sturman and Cooper were telegraphists in the employ of the Post Office Department. The prisoners were committed for trial, Sir John Bridge remarking that, as the matter was of extreme importance, the case should be investigated by a jury, and a judge, who might think it his duty to make some observations as to the way in which the public telegraphs were used for betting purposes.

To avoid a repetition of the mishap that occurred on the Tauherenikau course at the Wairarapa Racing Club's Summer Meeting,

when a cart and horse were allowed on the track during the progress of a race, the club have sensibly decided to obtain a flag to hoist as a signal to the gatekeeper, when a race is about to start.

Mr DaD O'Brien's two-year-old colt Bob Eay (Bst 71b), by Welcome Jack—Gtage d' Amour, won the Juvenile Stakes of 100 sovs, 5 furlongs, at the Australian Eacing Club's Meeting on March 9th. Patron's two-year - old sister Patrona (Sst) was second and Loch Ena (Bst), by Lochiel—Herbena, third. Time, lmin 2|sec. Mr O'Brien's colt was favourite.

It would v surprise some people if they knew how few of the leather-lunged fraternity own the books they make on a racecourse. It is an open racecourse secret that at least one wealthy owner is " at the back " of one of the biggest of " the books."— Bulletin.

Clayton (by The Dauphin) the winner of •the Eltham Cup of 150 sovs, one mile and a half, would go under the 14-2 standard comfortably.

Gaspard, the three-year-old full brother to The Miser, who has been in training at Palmerston North since last winter, and promised to be speedy, has had to be turned out for a spell owing to trouble in the feet. The many friends of Harry Catt will regret to hear that his horse Eoyal Tar (by Grand Duke—Lady Ellen) who won the Hack Eace at the Master ton-Opaki St. Patrick's Day Meeting, broke his neck on Tuesday morning, on the Maroa track at Greytown North. The half brother to Dromedary was being schooled over hurdles, and striking one of the hurdles heavily, he fell and broke his neck. Dick Hockley, who was riding Royal Tar, was severely injured in the groin, but I hope to hear of his speedy recovery.

There are " millions in it" if you are so lucky as to have a decent connection. It is not so long since that, in a Sydney Law Court, a small " book " swore that when he retired he put his bag on another man, and that his half share of the winnings of that book had averaged LI4 weekly for the preceding j ear.— Bulletin.

Musket (by Armament—Leita) is reported to have broken down. The news comes from Greymbuth, but lacks confirmation, although the grey's withdrawal from his engagements on the second day at the Greymouth Meeting, and his non-acceptance for the Nelson Cup lend colour to the report.

The Wairarapa Standard thus describes the starring machines which were on exhibition at the Tauherenikau course on Saturday last.-—« Messrs Bright and Moirison had th«nr machine erected, and Mr J. Lewis also obtained permission to try his invention. The latter was tested first. There were ten or a dozen horses to face the elastic bands stretched across the course, and Mr Sam Cundy " pulled the trigger" with the horses noses almost on an exact lire. The elastic flew to the other side of the course and away they went. The elastic bands went quite clear, and as the whole machinery consisted of two light posts and the elastic, there were great praises for the contrivance. Messrs Bright and machine was then tested. This is a different machine altogether, and the starter pulls a lever that releases a couple of bars to which broad bands are attached. These bars fly upwards swiftly and noiselessly and away from the horses.

The nominations received for the Feilding Jockey Club's Easter Meeting are not so numerous as those received last year. However, quality is well represented.

Solataire, the •winner of the the two-year old race at the Hawke's Bay meeting, is'by Eiridspord from Solitude. Solataire is therefore half-sister to Aseol Vale (by St Albans) who is owned by the caterer to the Victorian Racing Club. Ascot Vale is a particularly brilliant horse over sprint distances, and is credited with running six furlongs in lmin 14sec. I notice at the sale of St Alban's yearlings, Mr Walter Hickeubotham gave 200 guineas (the second highest figure realised at the sale) for the yearling sister to Solataire. The Hon J. D. Ormond has been very fortunate with his Australian purchases, Spruce, Film and Maluri and now Solataire, each having won races for him in their first season.

A northern correspondent sends the following to a southern contemporary : i " Rents wounds have healed up, and he is now doing serviceable work. He is being prepared specially for the Thompson Handicap at Wellington, and his party are confident that he will render a good account of himself." His owner and trainer, W. Davis, would like to know who the " party " is. He only wishes there were a " party w behind the horse, but as there is not, a much smaller stake than the Thompson Handicap would be acceptibly received by him. I wish I could say, for his owner's sake, that I think Kent has a ehance of appropriating the mile handicap. What has Lottie done that she should be overlooked. If I mistake not, I think this year's Thompson Handicap winner will be an ex-hack.

Old Liberator appears to be dodging along on the tracks at Riccarton, and if his " dicky " leg does not" give way, he may yet have another " lash for Balahoolev ?"

Flying Shot will be given a spell. This practically means that the son of Foul Shot will not be a competitor for cross conntry events for which he appeared to be eminently suited.

W. Holmes, the Eangitikei trainer, who has turned his horse out in rare buckle this seeason, has had a very fair innings, and it only appears a question of health for Lorelei to do another turn for the stable at the Woodville meeting. Handicapped at Bst 91b, the daughter of old Laurel appears to have a rare chance of landing the 100 sovs attached to the Woodville Handicap of 1| miles. I notice the mare is nominated for the " racehorse " events at the Feilding meeting.

One who should know declares that of all the ponies racing round Sydney fully 90 per cent, get their oats from the bookmakers and tote shops. Indeed, one toteman is said to have as many gees in the bag as a deceased bookmaker used to have peds. dnring the footracing boom.— Bulletin.

Yictim, the winner of the Anniversary Handicap at Dunedin, was the favourite in Wellington for that event, and the dividend of £7 which he returned was well distributed. The defeat of Stockfish in the Selling Eace was welcomed—by the bookmakers ?

Visitors from the Hawke's Bay meetino-s say that it is rumoured over that way that Mr Gollan's Australian team of racehorses is returning to New Zealand. If Mr Dan O'Brien also brings his team along, things will hum in the racing line soon.

The Sydney Bulletin very pertinently asks " Why should a hawker not be allowed to crawl his rounds with a lame moke, whilst a racehorse owner is allowed to try and cut out a Newmarket with a dead lame 'un 2"

" Joe " Ayers, the light-weight jockey, has severed his connection with Mr Peter's stables at the Hutt, and is on the look-out for another berth. Being attached to a stable is better than being dubbed" one of. the portmanteau jockeys V

North Atlantic has incurred a penalty of 101 b each for the Great Easter Handicap and the Great Autumn Handicap at tha C.J.C. Meeting. *._«"*»

There still appears to exist an uneasy feeling amongst a certain section of owners, that certain jockeys are not to be trusted. They partly admit that a "ring" does not exactly exist, but something pretty near the same thing is in vogue," and that the " certain " jockeys referred to ride according to "punter's" instructions. Two owners whom I have spoken to recently are trying to ferret out the peculiar running of their horses in certain events just for their own satisfaction. I consider it the lowest type of swindling for a jockey to take an owner down, and then call round for his losing riding fee.

When the public cherish good opinions about a racing man it seems a pity to disturbjthat opinion. But I have just been reading a long account of how Mr Wallace will feel the parting with Carbine, and this reminds me that when I visited Bacchus Marsh I was sentimental enough to remark to one of the officials at the stud farm : " I suppose Mr Wallace frequently comes out to have a look a+ Carbine, the horse that befriended him s > much." " No, he seldom comes out here, and when he does he very rarely enquires after the horse, let alone have a look at him," was the reply I received.

I have been wondering for some time where the two cream-coloured mares Beeswing (by Remington) and Laitere (by Tim Whiffler), the half-sisters to the hurdla horse Kimberley, had got to, and I notice* that they were to have been auctioned at; a horse sale at Pahiatua last Saturday. It would be hard to find a better matched pair of mares.

Only two mares, Hilda and Merganser—two beauties—have won the Napier Cum since 1887.

If Mr W. Douglas did intend giving up racing, as some of the Hawke's Bay writer-i said he did, he must now be pleased that he did not, as the recent success of Kapu.t and Ua should cheer him up a little.

The Wairarapa Racing Club is pushing on with the formation of the new trainh, * track at Tauherenikau, which, when completed, will be about one mile.

The ex-New Zealand mare, Ravenswis* by Apremont—ldalia (imp.), who was chased at Mr D. S. Wallace's sale for 4.*) guineas, is to visit Abercorn next season.

The Australasian has started a weeLW horse-naming- competition,and money prizes are awarded to the one selecting the mo..tt suitable name according to the opinion ui the judges.

Rather an expensive mistake occurred to a Wellington bookmaker at the Hawko'g Bay meeting. As far as I can learn, ha wished to back Lady Somnus in the Far; - well Handicap to the extent of £7, wrote the amount down on a slip of papi? for the purpose of handing to the totalis.;tor officials, but a friend advised him ta have £2 on another animal, and mania* his pencil through the figure seven, ti/a Wellington man inserted five insterl and handed the slip to the totalizator people, but judge of his 'co isternation, when he heard the chiming merrily for some time, and enquiring the reason why the mare was beb * so heavily backed, learnt that the tota - sator clerk had mistaken the figures "7 and 5 " on the slip of paper he handed a for .£75, and that he had rung on that amount to his credit. If the mare h»».iwon it would have been a lucky misundc •- standing, but as she failed to catch t e judge's eye first, our man recognised it 3 a mistake, and paid up. Rather hard Ina 3.

The Nelson racing people complain aboiifc the want of support extended to the : r Racing Club by outsiders. This is not to be wondered at. If the executive of the Nelson Club had taken the trouble <o Wa £\ U S H e t S6n s of the Pl ' ess Associativa and had the handicaps and acceptances for the second day's racing telegraphed to Wellington,, where several owners and many of the sporting public were wait* £ for them more interest would have b,| manifested m the meeting. It is mi-i2 Hoflnw«? at ft appellation "Veepy Hollow has not been bestowed on Nels J» without some apparent reason.

Snapcap, the winner of the Trial Hurdle Race of one mile and a distance at the Sandon Meeting, is bred on "theoretical" lines, V the blood all flowing in one direction," as his breeder used to remark. Snapcap is by Foul Shot (by Musket) out of Bombshell, by Flintlock, a son of Musket. Going further back in his pedigree he touches on Isaak Walton, consequently ia inbred twice to Musket and twice to Isaak Walton (once through Flintlock). History repeating itself t At the Masterton Autumn Meeting last year Koyal Tar won the one mile and a quarter Hack Eace, dividend LI 6 4s. Last week he won the same event and paid a dividend of LI6 fls. It is reported that One Pop, who won the Post" Stakes at the Kai'ioi Races and Eaid a dividend of .£56, is identical with a orse called The Lamb (by The Painter), who was in training in Wanganui a few years ago. As there were a number of horsey people from Wanganui at the races, I think they would have spotted the horse. I am inclined to think the report is a "fairy," as The Lamb never had enough pace to keep him warm, albeit I saw him run a trial One morning, and ho was much distressed after running a mile in 2min 7sec. The parties who nominated One Pop inform me that, whatever the horse is, he is not The Lamb. The latter is well known in the Paraekaretu district, which is on the road to Karioi, and unless the horse has lost one eye lately he cannot be identical with One Pop, who has had the misfortune to lose an optic.

Glancing through the handicaps for the C.J.C. Great Easter Handicap, seven furlongs, I like Golden Fleece, 7st 101 b, the best, and Skirmisher, Bst 3lb, for the Great Autumn Handicap, one mile and a half.

Mr J. O, Hay ward, the well-known owner of the stud horses Derringer and Ascot, leaves Wellington this week on a trip to Sydney, for the purpose of attending the stud sales at Sydney next month.

The Liverpool Grand National Steeplechase will be decided on Friday, 29th inst. Through Cloister breaking down, the race has been robbed of a lot of interest.

Mr E. Gilpin was very successful as starter at the Napier Park Meeting.

Mr Williamson's pony Marqids, the winner of the polo cup at the Christchurch Polo Sports, claims Derringer as sire. Marquis carried 12st; and cut out the four furlongs in 56sec.