TURF TOPICS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1309, 1 April 1897, Page 25

TURF TOPICS.

' [By Silveesptjr.] The City Stakes Handicap at the Napier Park meeting provided one of those little surprises for which that course is famous. Lotion, who is a speedy five-year-old by Sou’ Wester —Linniment, had certainly a big pall in the weights. His 7st 51b was a very handy impost, more especially when one comes to consider that his performances last year gained him 7st 91b in the two mile New Zealand Cup. He did nob start* in the Napier, Cup, but later on made a great race of it in the Welter, for which he was favourite. In that event he was giving Drury Lane (King Cole —Peg Woffington) 171 b and was only beaten by a head. It was then only Derrs it’s great rush on Drury Lane that heat him. The distance was a mile and a quart..-r, which was the extent of the course in the Coy Stakes Handicap next day. ,As Lotion has raced in a good many heavy weight events his 7st 51b in the event under notice proved congenial to his taste. And O’Neill did not fail to make the best of it either, taking his mount up at the hack and making the pace. The Miser was brought up to him, but Puriri’s son was unable to keep going and fell back. Then Huua, the freshest of the field, came right through and beat all bub Lotion, who was ridden right out. Huna got away last at fi:g fall, and ran a good race. She has had a rather unlucky time of it one way and another, but Mr Ilamon, it is to be hoped, will soon be repaid with a satisfactory win or two. Duyslav, the Hawke’s Bay Cup winner, was a ! few lengths off third. The Auckland colt was giving 251 b, besides age, to the winner, and shaped well under the circurnstancos. Last year Lotion started in hi races, securing nine. He wen a high-weight event at Manawatu after running second toAconein the Autumn Handicap; woii the Welter at Napier Park at this very meeting at the Park last year, under list, and the high weight at the Hawke’s Bay Jockey Club’s Meeting, held previously, beating, amongst ot hm-.s. Blarney, to whom he "was giving weight. The Corinthian Stakes at the same club’s meeting in the Spring also fell to him, carrying list 81b, and with 7st 101 b up he won the big money at Waipawa where he defeated Orion’s Belt. A few cute Wellingtonians backed him at Napier Park, and some of them rightly gauged what dividend he would likely pay. His .£lolßs ranks with a few other surprise divs paid out on the same race m the past—Salisbury (.£35 ss), Bay Bell (<£l6 2s), Cynical (.£l3 10s), Purepo (<£ll 8s), Rivulet. (£9 6s), and Krina (£7 2s). The winning form displayed by Connop’s stable at the Hawke’s Bay Jockey Club* and Napier Park Club’s gatherings was a a noticeable feature of those functions. At Hastings New Forest won the. Autumn Handicap (£4 Is div.), Tally-ho ran third in the Hurdles, New Forest dead-heated Leontini in the High-weight (£3), and won the Burke Memorial (£l7 13s). 14 At Napier Park New Forest and Lotion ran second in the High-weight and Welter respectively, Lotion won the City Stakes (£lO 18s), and * Tally-Ho won both hurdle races, paying £lO 18s on the. first and £7 14s on the second occasion. A good week’s work. Forerunner, the sire of the hurdler Tally-ho, used to raco at Hastings where he was trained by Mr Percy Martin. He hasn’t sired many but animals like Golden Plover and Tally-do are very useful to have about a stable.. There is nothing like backing a stable right through when it is in form—no matter how unpretentious the establishment may he. In Connop’s case, however, the generality of backers seemed to leave his animals alone, and Tally-ho, Lotion, and New Forest (in ] the Burke Memorial), yielded handsome returns. I-leadford (by Foulshot) was deemed too much of a good thing to let pass in the hurdles at lOst at the, Park, but the gelding unfortunately fell with Secrecy, George Hope, the rider of the latter, getting injured. Tally-ho and Prince Charlie were equally weighted, and it was only the mare’s gameness and the desperate riding of Mitchell that gave the stake to Forerunner's daughter. How the result would have gone but for the tumble it is hard to j say. The accident occurred at the hurdle j at the hill, bend, where the pair were | leading. Secrecy ,was giving Headford a stone, and there was a good distance to go. The verdict afforded lucky backers a monetary return of £lO 18s. Tangaroa did not shape up to expectations, and Tiritea was a frost on a hard ground. Those who disappeared from the scene on the second day were Secrecy, Tenby and Prairie Grass, but there was new blood in the Maori-owned Rhino, a trial hurdler, who shaped much better than expected. Headford was regarded as a bigger moral than / ever. There were §23 9ft hiw first -»*£<» p-taj *3 ipjTsr *

day, and 400 on the second.' But the coastal animal was not able to get placed in a field of six. Rhino struck the last hurdle, which gave Tally-ho an advantage, and after passing him she had the race won. Dividend, £7 14s. ~

Seeing that Rhino made such a good showing in the i-ace just touched upon it is a wonder he didn’t win the Trial Hurdles the day previous when he was favourite. Rainbow (Somnus-Maori Girl) won very easily, and in the light of Rhino’s subsequent performance must be a good horse, and should be heard from in the future. Had Rb in of been ridden differently in the Trial Hurdles he might have won. He and Gorse were fighting for supremacy when he stumbled at the hill bend. Even -then he passed Gorse afterwards, but having tired himself out Rainbow was enabled to rush past at the right time, paying £lO 9s. Flirt (who caused a surprise at the last Woodville Meeting) St. Anthony (who doesn’t appear to be worth training) and Toreki (who would have been a beautiful representative to send home for the big ’99 Steeple and Hurdles) were among the field. Rainbow was not allowed to pay such a good dividend on the second day, when he won very easily from Flirt and Gorse. He is a proficient jumper and has plenty of pace. Last season Rainbow was started in 28 races, winning tea. He dead heated Moonraker at Napier Park in the Caledonian Handicap, beat his solitax-y opponent at Waipawa in the Welter, won the High Weight at Pahiatua, the High Weight at Danevirke, the Farewell Hack afWoodville by a head from Flaneur, the Ladies’ Purse and Welter Handicap at the Town and Suburban, the Hack Flat and Final Hack Flat at Waipukurau. Th-n by the time the Wellington Ka -ing Club’s winter meeting came on he was in-tip-top fettle, and was started for the Parliamentary Handicap, of 150 so vs, one mile and a quarter. It was a fine day and the gaing good. He had to meet a tip-top field—St. Hilda, The Miser, Solitaire, Lotion, Flying Shot, Bona Fide, Westmore, Silvamxs, Crimson Streak, Dummy, Strowan, Porepo, Swordfish and Slaiden. There were only 21 on the Rainbow on the machine, and he won by threequarters of a length from Bona Fide, Lotion third. Dividend, £4B Bs.

Current form indicates that next season there should not be much to choose between Daunt and St Conon, who in their turn ought to be superior to Picklock and Wakolyn. Mr Lowry’s Sapphire colt may prove the best of the bunch, but anything said on that head at the present juncture is mere assumption. At Hastings on the first day Daunt gave Picklock 191bs, and St. Conon lOlbs, and almost successfully But seeing that St. Conon only beat Picklock by a nose, and Daunt was a head off third there was nothing much in the beating. Mr Ormond’s youngster had again bad luck at Napier Park where Daunt wae once more third, but he met St. Conon at a considerable ad vantage. He was only giving him 4<lb3, and Picklock 151 b. Picklock won on the post, Daunt a length away. The latter may not have been altogether himself, but . when he and Sc. Conon meet next season it will be interesting to note how they will shape. Sir Lancelot is perhaps better than any of them. Wakelyn is capable of considerable improvement. St. Conon- beat him point-less-on the second day at the Park, giving him 161 b. Neither Picklock or Daunt started, the stable of the latter being represented by Valiant, a very green youngster by Dreadnought—Waterbaby.

Thanks to Primula and Torpina sire Torpedo was credited with three races at Napier Pafk. Jack Maher had the firstnamed in slashing fettle, and judging by the dividends she paid, the public were aware of it. Primula easily won the Redclyffe Stakes from Forest Rose, Te Ngaehel from whom most danger was expected, being last. Dividend, £2 Is. Last year Paddy O’Rourke won this race for Captain Russell and paid £36 odd. Primula had something more “class” to meet on the second day in thq, High-weight Handicap, which she won gamely from New Forest, the latter conceding 221bs to the winner, Drury Lane being among the beaten division. In the Hurry Scurry, a seven furlong flutter, Maher’s mare found the weight (9st 41b) a trifle too much. She was giving away a couple of stone to Suaybii'd, who sneaked an advantage in the straight and kept it. Straybird, who is by Wanderer —Fleetwing, belongs to Mi- Quinlivan, junr., and ran a second and a third at Hastings.

During his visit to Hawke’s Bay Mr J. Prosser’s The Miser started in six races, and the many Wellington friends of the owner were glad to hear of a crumb of consolation falling to him‘in trio Waverley Stakes which he had just managed to win from Earshot. It was precious near a dead heat, but Puriri’s son got it by a noso. The chestnut paid £6 15s, and a number of Wellingtonians had the luck to be on him. They don’t say, however, how much they lost on him in his other races. The Miser wax down on the Bst mark, Barshot giving him 2lb. At Hastings The Miser carried Bst 111 b in the Autumn mile, Bst 91b iu the March mile, and Bst 81b in the Memorial mile and a half. At the Park he had Bst 61b iu the mile and a half Cup, 7st 131 b in the mile and a quarter City Stakes, and only Bst in the six fui*leng event, which he won. So that, looking at the weight and distance reductions, he had an undeniable chance.

This is the sort of rubbish New Zealand newspapers have to pay for: Cablegram from Sydney, March 26—“ The Sydney Morning Herald says that Nestor has not been himself since he went to Melbourne to take part m the Autumn Meeting. Something is apparently wrong, but no one seems to be able to explain how.” And New Zealanders don’t know how such a

cable came to be sent. Iff must have referred to some other horse. Nestor was at the Wanganui meeting when the V.R.C. was being held, and has never been across the Tasman Sea in his life.

At a special meeting of the Wairarapa Racing Club the subject of the appointment of country delegates to the i-acing conference was discussed. Mr Evans, s-acretary of the Lower Valley Club wrote stating that his club was quite satisfied with their present representative, but would abide by the decision of the meeting in regard to the matter. Mr J. Macara attended and stated that the Masterton Club had resolved to support him as their delegate. After consideration the meeting resolved to support Mr W. G. Williams as delegate for the W.R C. and Mr Macara as delegate for the Masterton Club.

In reference to the „ request of the Feilding Jockey Club for assistance in regard to law costs if an appeal case is stated to define the rights of clubs and bookmakers, the Woodville Club has acquiesced, but thinks the Racing Conference should take the matter up, a levy to be made by Metropolitan Clubs subsequently. The Ground Committee of the W.J.C. are to inspect the course and tracks and have any work done which is considered necessary. Mr Gothard has given notice to move at the next annual general meeting of the club a resolution to the effect that the rule govex-ning the election of committee be altered in such a manner that the committee will retix-e by rotation instead of an entire new committee being- elected every year.

German sporting circles were greatly interested in the second trial of the American farmer, Thomas Kneebs, which commenced in IBexiin last month. The prisoner was last September convicted of running in German racos his famous mare Bethel under a false name, and was sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment, but he secured a second trial on the ground that his American evidence was not heard. Meanwhile, Professor Eggeling, of the Berlin veterinary school, was sent to Nebraska to enquire into the identity of the real Bethel. He gave his evidence, and it proved the sole new feature of the trial. He said he inspected in Sioux city an animal now alleged to be the real “ Bethel.” It was at the most eight years old, and certainly had a wound on its left front leg, though this had been differently caused from the wound on the real “Bethel” as evidenced in the admittedly genuine photograph of the animal. It was a halfbred American horse, which showed clumsy irregular movements when racing. On the whole, the Professor’s evidence was unfavourable to Kneebs. Mr Uhl, the American Ambassador, was present at the proceedings when they opened.

I have to acknowledge receipt of a copy of the Queensland Sportsman, an eight page journal devoted to all manner of sport, theatrical news, &c., published at 26, Queen street, Brisbane. It is a well compiled paper, contains much interesting matter, and I hope it will have a prosperous career. A notable fact about the Adelaide Cup Handicap is that the top three, Bloodshot, Hova and Aurarxa, have been placed in Melbourne Cups. The two first named have 9st 101 b each and Auraria 71b less. Carlton, the Newmarket winner, is on the same mark as the mare and Response is up as high as 9st 21b. Loyalty has 61b concession from his erst stable mate and lib ahead of Merganser’s full brother, Elswick, who won this event once before Thunder Queen, who gave promise at the beginning of her two-year-old. career of being a good stake winner-, has got in with 7st 41b. The Cup, a thousand pounder, is run on May sth. The Goodwood Handicap, run four days previously, contains a goodly number of' sprinters, Hova being top weight with lOst 21b, Bloodshot getting 9st 131 b, Lieutenant, who certainly is not as good as he is alleged to be, has fist 101 b, and Carlton 9st 81b. The erst Christchurch mare Golden Fleece has been well enough looked after with Bst 21b, This event is worth 500 so vs, less second money.

Sydney writers seem to think that Nestor, the Auckland horse, was welltreated with Bst 4lb* in the Sydney Cup. Australians always have had a great respect for Maotiland animals, and take care that they receive all the weight they are entitled to. According to the Cup handicapper Nestor is a four pound better hox-se than Mr W. R. Wilson’s Resolute, and is only five pounds below horses like Coil and 'J lie Officer. The Aucklander would ha ve

a very poor show in a race like the Sydney Cun with the weight alio ted him. He is not going across for the meeting, anyhow.

Mr Charles Redwood, of Blenheim, a member of the noted pioneer Redwood family, is leaving for Queensland under engagement to supervise and carry on a large malting business in that colony. Mr Redwood, who has spent 36 years in the Marlborough district, took a great interest in local matters, and was known as a genuine sport. He acted in the capacity of President of the Marlborough Racing club, and at one time owned and raced a stud of horses. He won the Marlborough Cup on four occasions, Rata winning in 1878 as a three-year-old with 7st 31b up, and also in the year following with Bst in the saddle. In 1884 Mr Redwood won again with Refrigerator, a three-year-rold, who carried 6st, and in 1885 Fay, another three-year-old, got home with 6st 101 b up. Mr Redwood has not had the best of lnck in regard to his private affairs latterly. He spent over £35,000 in reclaiming and beautifying the fine estate at Riverlahds, which he lost some few years ago owing to a concatenation of adverse circumstances. A monetary testimonial is being subscribed for jVfr- Red-

wood, to be presented prior to his departure.

An Australian sport, Mr T. S. Muir, who recently went Home on a trip, has, according to a summarised letter published by the Sydney Telegraph, met many Australians in the Old Country, including Messrs W. A. Long, M.L.C., Joe and Barney Thompson and Hamilton Osborne (owner of Acmena). Mr Long, according to Mr Muir, was then wishing that his business in England was completed,' so that he could return native country, never again to leave it, for he stated, like many other Australians have done, that he would prefer to live in a bark humpy in his own country than in a mansion in London. Mr Muir goes on to say that the Thompsons are holding their position in the English betting ring-, and are much respected. They seem to have a good connection and do a fairly large business. Barney seldom or ever goes to the course —Joe does all that business, Barney attending to his office duties, viz., betting on the tape at starting price. Throughout the various offices in London, says Mr Muir, one would have no difficulty in putting <£looo on a horse at starting price. They are all connected by telephone, so that a person can stand in one office and do all his business without shifting.

The allotment of Bst 61b to the two-year-old Aurum in the A.J.C. Doncaster Mile has caused considerable discussion in sporting circles. Two-year-olds have not been very successful in this event in the past. Bi’own and Bose had 7st 101 bin 1884, but finished out of place to the fiveyear old Rataplan (6st 21b). Ringmaster (Gst 121 b) and Evie (7st 31b) were equally unsuccessful in the following year, but in 1886 Crossfire, who is now in the Hobartville stud, carried Gst 2lb and beat 19 opponents in lmin 41seo, she being the only two-year-old in the field. Since then a two-year-old has not been represented in the winning list. When Ben Bolt won with 9st 51b in 1888, the two-year-old Lonsdale was second with 7st 91b, but Sinecure (7st 61b) and Dailey and Nefea (Gst 121 b) were unplaced in the following year to Eussley (9st). Correze (7st 131 b) and Prelude (7st 101 b) as two-year-olds shared the same fate in Sir William’s year. So did Trieste (Bst 21b), Buenalf (7st 41b) and other two-year-olds when Marvel carried lOst 41b home in front. Pharamond (7st), when a two-year-old, ran third to Cremorne (Bst 21b), but since then First Shot (Gst 91b), Wallace (7st 111 b) and Waterfall (Gst 131 b) have failed to get among the first three, so that Aurum will need to be a colt of exceptional excellence even to gain a place, if he starts.

The Woodville Jockey Club have nominated Messrs G. Hunter and W. Nicholsen as candidates for the position of representative of the countiy clubs of Hawke’s Bay at the New Zealand Eacing Conference. The Waipawa County Eacing Club have nominated Mr W. White.

At the Motueka races the other day Seabird (Sou’wester —Kara Avis) won the .Motueka Valley Handicap, one mile and a half, under 9st lib; the Hack Race, immediately afterwards, of one mile and a half, under lOst 21b; and the Forced Handicap, once round, under list—a good day’s performance. Seabird belongs to Mr Brocklebank. Mr Bromell’s Rhoderick Dhu won the mile Hack Race, the Members’ Race, and ran second to Seabird in the Forced, being in receipt of three stone from the winner in the last named. Mr Bromell also won the Two-mile Trot with Maggie. There were half-a-dozen contestants in the Members’ Race, but only two finished, although it was but once round. Rhoderick Dhu distanced his field. Some of the riders rook a sfiort cut across and gave him a race down the straight.

The added money to be given in France, at Chantilly and at Longchamps this season totals <£102,000. The added money to the French Derby (Prix du Jockey Club) has been increased from £3OOO to £4OOO. This sum is to be really given and not recovered, as it is in England by means of a dexterous arrangement of forfeits and subscriptions. There will be three day’s racing at Chantiiiy in the spring, the French Oaks (Prix de Diane) being fixed for Sunday, May 23, and the Derby for Sunday, May 30. Trier© will be four more days racing in October. \ t Longchamps twelve days have been fixed for the spring (between March S end May 20), eight days in June, and ©igb:< during the autumn, the Grand Prix de Litis being set down for Sunday, Juno 13. A now race for three-jear-old fillies, w : . £I6OO added money, is to take place one of the autumn meetings.

The Waiiarapa Racing Club have received excellent nominations for their Easter meeting, which should prove an unqualified success under ordinary favourable conditions. The hack events have, of course, filled better—far better than the open events. There are 26 in the Trial Hack Handicap, 10 in the Telegraph, 10 in the First Hack Hurdles, 18 in the Flying Hack, 7 in the Easter Handicap, 16 in the Hack Welter, and 8 in the Open Welter. For the second day 32 have entered for the Moroa Handicap, 10 for the Autumn Handicap, 14 for the Second Hurdles, 6 for the Stewards, 14 for the County Hack, 8 for the Farewell, and 18 for the Highweight. Acceptances close on Thursday, April 8, at 7 p.m.

The spirit of ill-luck seems to pervade the racing establishment of the Hon J. D. Ormond who has not been able to win any sort of a race, good or indifferent, lately. When bad fortune arrives at one’s premises it generally comes in pretty big parcels, and well the superstitious trainer knows it. Although a largo number of horsey are in work at Karamu—about the

biggest string in New Zealand—-some of them have gone wrong,, others are not themselves and the remainder seem to be suffering- from that common complaint, bad luck. The popularcerise jacket was seen out on no less than eighteen oeccasions at the Hastings and Park meetings, but not a single stake was secured during the week. Mr Ormond didn’t have a representative in the Napier Cup, which he won last year-, and in the big event on .the second day was obliged to stand by Trentalto, who is not as well as she might he. Then his Dreadnought colts had to be withdrawn fx-om the C.J.C. Great Easter and Great Autumn Handicaps, two stakes well worth winning. It is to be hoped the stable will experience a change in the near future. An owner who spends as much on turf pursuits as Mr Ormond well deserves a turn of fortune’s favours.

The present state of the turf in California lias induced a number of reformers to bring Bills dealing with the subject before the Legislature. One provides that proprietors of race tracks shall pay 5 per cent, of the gross receipts of racing days to. the Controller of State, which is to be used to improve the breed of horses, cattle and sheep and all live stock kept within, the State. A pretty rough tax this. How would New Zealand clubs like being- made to pay more than their 14 per cent, on tote receipts? The Bill in question further provides that the treasurer of every association must make a declaration, on oath, as to the correct amount of the gross receipts. If neglect is made in forwarding the statement, the defaulting- association will have to pay, in addition to the tax, a fine of not less than SOOdols, and not more than lOQOdols, and even then it may be deprived of its charter. The number of racing days on one track is limited to 30 a year, and racing and pool-selling is confined to the p#riocl between May 15 and October 15. Any person convicted of pool-selling outside those dates is to be liable to gaol for not more than five years. Another Bill introduced aims at the discontinuance of racing, and makes it a felony for any person, corporation or association to sell pools or record wager* on anything whatsoever. Californian turfites have apparently bhmped against a sharp corner. But when Eacing Associations countenance and personally take part in the most barefaced swindles and fleece the public, regulation is required and it is time for the State to step in.

There seems to have been a great blunder made in connection with the starting of St. Anthony in the hurdles at Napier Park on the second day. Mr Ormond says he accepted for the son of St. Leger in writing. The animal’s name, however, did not appear in the book, nor w-as it posted on the machine. There was half an hour’s delay, it having taken that time to fix up matters. The astonishment of the public may be imagined when St. Anthony’s cerise jacket was seen going to the post. There was not a pound on him in the machine, and one can imagine the row that would have occurred had he won. Of coufse-he didn’t win, but there was a possibility of such a contingency. It is little matters of this sort that makes a secretary wish he were never born.

Some smart horses appear among the Feilding Racing Club’s entries, and there should be good racing there at Easter. Among those in the big handicap are The Brook, Lorelei, New Forest, Primula,. Lotion, Boreas and Light. Sylvia Park cannot have broken down as badly as reported as he has been freely nominated, and The Artist, who is training on all right, also appears in various events.

COMING CANTERBURY EVENTS. As was to be expected a number of candidates f*r the C.J.C.’s two nve hundred pounders did the disappearing trick on acceptance night. Yet there is a fine field left in the Great Easter seven furlong event. A few may go out before the day, but Mr handicapper Henry may be deemed to have satisfied owners with his adjustment. Eighteen went to the post last year*, when Culverin (7st 81b) upset the pot and paic. £l6 2s, Vanilla (7st 81b) being second, and Maremma (7st 131 b) third. New Forest, who has lately shown form, was strangely enough running in Mr G. G. Stead’s name. Culverin isn’t in this year, but Vanilla and Maremma are, and the only other two who competed on that occasion, and who are again down to race are Skirmisher, and Black and Red. Vanilla, 'has gone up' 131b5,, and Gibs which ought net to '"trouble either of them. Vanilla beat Maremma on Great Autumn day over six furlongs, and won twice after-, wards that season, defeating at Dunedin Culverin at a difference of three pounds. I think, under present conditions, 1 would prefer Vanilla to Maremma. Of the other two who raced in the last Easter, Skirmisher has exactly the same weight (Sst 61b), and • Black and Red has gone up 71bs, albeit he carried 31b over last year. The son of Maxim is just one of the sort to effect a surprise if well. Looking* at the others on the list I cannot say that I like Mannlicher at 9st at present. I don’t know if he is really well. If he was so Musketry would have no chance at a difference of two pounds. Waiuku, however, is what one might call a smasher, and .1 would prefer him to St. Paul, or in fact, to the vast majority were he in his Wellington form. I don’t think St. Paul would have any difficulty in beating .Gold spur at evens. Lord Roslyn’s southern performances will commend him to notice, but I don’t think lie could beat the other Dunedinite, Bello Clair. The latter is Black and Red’s stable mate. Leda is Wellington’s hope, and if she has got over her Wanganui exertions and starts well she ought to get a place. She has a handy impost in 7st 91b, 'and won’t disgrace herself, JMU Btushot and Tiro "

# , , •' t have been raoing lately, but their per- t rormances do not savour of winning t chances, though Tire may run better m the longer The others I have no fancy for. At this stage my impression is that the best three are : Black and Red Waiuku ' . ' Beda.

There are nine left in the Great Autumn, of a mile and a half, and the field does not include any of last year’s starters. They numbered eleven. Ithought there would have been a better acceptance, but some of the animals were known to be .ailing, and others weren’t good enough, or at least their owners thought so. One scarcely knows what to think of Mannlicher’s chance with 83t 91b in the absence of public form. He wasn’t himself when be ran in Sydney, and he has only started once since, when Euroclydon and Mauser finished in fr#nt of him in the Canterbury "Derby. If he is strung up he will have a much better chance of beating his field in this event than what he would have in the seven furlong event, run on the first day. One is ■also puzzled about Waiuku, who is an alleged non-stayer, but whore there are no champions, as in the present case, he surely ought to be greatly served with /st ' 121 b. He won a mile and a quarter race m Auckland once with Bst 61b, beating nine others, Pegasus being second, and St. Clements, Impulse (favourite) and Anita in the field. He ran second to The Artist in the Wanganui Stakes, one mile and a. half, with 9st, but there was not much merit in the performance as the field was weak, and The Artist-won by six lengths. If he starts I think 1 would prefer Waiuku to Bora Roslyn, anyhow. However, Beda is a known stayer, for that distance at at any rate, and if well will make a good shot for goal.

Chaos has been “ dicky,” but report credits "him with being able to get through his track work without showing it. Eorin does not point to Belligerent, Firefly, or Missfire, but Tire may make a much better showing than he did at Hawkes It must be remembered that he had /st 91b in the Hawkes Bay Cup, and 7st J2lb in the Napier Cup in 'which. lie finished, fourth, the winner’s time being hot —2min 36 4-sths sec. Tire has now a stone off his back a big lump, and must have a show. I saw the little fellow beat Delaware, Courallie .and Co. over a mile at Randwick once in Imin 40£sec as a two-year-old and have had a great respect for him ever since. My present fancy for the race is : Tire Beda Mannlicher

The Champagne Stakes looks very much like going to Mr Stead with Gold Medallist, who has been given easy work since Dunedin. Yaldhurst has had a monopoly over this race latterly, having won it durino, the last four years with Strowan (by Lochiel), Blue Eire (by Maxim), Mann--1 icher (by Maxim), and Bombshell (by Ohainshot). For the Fifth Challenge Stakes, of 1000 so vs; seven furlongs, the following have paid subscription: St. Paul, Mannlicher, Bord Roslyn, Pifeh and Toss, St,*Ouida, Yulcan, Daunt, Sir Lancelot, Defiant, Argon, Gold Medalist, Gold Deaf, Sea Shell and Multiform. It will be seen that Mr Stead once again holds a strong hand. He has won the «event twice since its inauguration in 1890, by the aid of Bluefire and Mannlicher. Boyalty (7st 41b) was the first to win in Imin 14sec, * but since then the distance has been seven furlongs. Bast year Mr Ormond secured the stake with the Dreadnought colt Dauntless, who carried 6st 101 b, the lightest weight yet borne to •victory. In 1893 16 started for the stake, 10 in the following year, 8 in 1895 and 4 last year. The Champagne Stakes will be xun on April 19, and the Challenge Stakes on the day following. NOTES ON ENGLISH RACING. Winkfield’s Pride, cabled as the winner of the two thousand pound Lincolnshire Handicap, at the Lincoln Spring Meeting on the second day, is an Irish bred animal, by Winkfield —Alimony. He raced seven times last season, winning twice. His first win, it will be remembered, caused a «reat surprise, his stable netting a big stake.- Winkfield’s Pride carried only fist 101 b, and won the Cambridgeshire easily beating twenty-three others, Canterbury Pilgrim, Thais, Chib Chat; Victor Wild, Sir* Visto, Shaddock, Gazeteer, .Quarrel, Omnium II and Dinna- Forget being among thn .11 -Id. Yorker, a lightly weighted f ipree-year*-old, was second ; B.iodamia (Bit.9.b), shaping best of the heavier weights, getting third. Winkfield’s Pride also won the Old Cambridgeshire Handicap later, when iforker was once again second. He started favourite for the Derby Cup, in which he was allotted Bst 71b, but ran unplaced. At the Manchester November Meeting Pride started second favourite for the handicap, Chit Chat being favourite, and was beaten by three lengths by the lightly-weighted Telescope (by Tyrant Astrology)- Funny Boat, who ran second to Wink field's Pride on Thursday, started half a dozen times last season resultlessly, while Bridegroom, who was third, scored once in three tries, winning the April Stakes, a seven furlong race, worth £440, beating eleven others at the Curragh Meeting. Bridegroom on that occasion carried 7sfc olb, and Winkfield’s Pride and Chit Chat were in the unplaced division. The first three in the Lincolnshire the other day were all chestnuts. . ~ _ . ~ The win of Comedy in the Cambridgeshire of ’9l is recalled by the announcement of the death of Mr Fulton at Home. The stable won a very large stake on that occasion. Mr Fulton will he remembered on the turf ,vs the owner of Laodamia, whom ho purchased in Ireland as a two-year-old for MoOOgs. An English writer says that if this mare had belonged to the Duke of Westminster or to Lord Derby sue would jja,ve won the One Thousand, the Oaks und

many other important faces; but from first to last Baodamia was most fatuously mismanaged. As a three-year-old the City and Suburban was literally at the mercy of Baodamia, who had about Gst 71b to carry, but she did not start, and later in the same season she ian pi-ominently in the Cambridgeshire with Bst 91b on her back! As a four - year -old Baodamia ran twice, but won nothing, while as a five - year - old (1895) she carried off the Derby Cup with Set 9ib on her back, beating 22 others, which included many smart horges. Last season Baodamia won the Stockbridge Cup and Doncaster Cup, and she was heavily backed for both the Cesarewiteh and the Cambridgeshire, but had 301 b the worst of the weights with St: Bris in the long race, and in the short one she was trying to give 2st to a horse like Winkfield’s Pride. Laodamia was endowed wir.h both fine speed and good stamina, and it is to be regretted that an animal of siieh superlative merit should have achieved so little through the persistent meddling of those who controlled her.

Bord Rosebery’s Quarrel did not start in the Lincolnshire Handicap last Thursday. He was much fancied when the weights appeared, bub was not regarded as .for ward enough by his trainer and tho pen went through his name. It is thought that he is being specially trained for the City and Suburban Handicap, of 2000 sovs, run on the 28tb inst, in which he has Sat 12lb. Quarrel, who is a six-year-old,- is second on the weight list, but the speedy Cloraine, on top, is conceding him 121 b. Lord Rosebery has already won the City and Suburban twice. Winkfield’s Pride (Ssfc 12ib) will have to carry a penalty if he starts. He and Cloraine are stable mates and another in the same establishment is said to be the pick of the handicap—Mr Clarke’s Prince Barcaldiue, who is a four-year-old and has got in at 6st»l2ll>. the Australian-bred Malunia at 7at 51b, would seem to have a show if well, and the New Zealander Bombshell cannot grumble at his 6st 121 b.

The continuous cabling of the name of Norton and his position in the betting market for the Liverpool Grand National Steeplechase caused a considerable amount of interest to be taken in that far off event in this colony. He bad proved himself a good horse here under heavy weights, having won th© New Zealand Grand National with 12st 81b up, and the Hawke’s Bay Steeplecase with a pound more, and, seeing that he was a good jumper and had only been allotted lOst 71b at Liverpool, he seemed to have a show. Ascot’s son was nowhere, however, which isn’t very surprising seeing that horses are “ kept” and specially trained for this and similar big events for years by wealthy owners, xvho can afford to wait. They don’t care what price they pay for a horse either if he gives promise of reaching tho top notch stage. It was well known that Daimio had no possible chance, as he was not fit when the last mail left, and 12st 61b mu3t have been a heavy burden over a course of nearly four miles and a half. Not that he couldn’t do it if he was well. He is a champion, but if a horse isn’t himself in a race of this character it dosen’t matter wliat weight he has to carry—three stone off mighn’t make any difference.

Last year Manifesto was unplaced in this ra©e, carrying list 41b, The Soarer, 9st 131 b, winning from Father O’Flynn (lOst 121 b). There were 28 starters. Man-of-War’s son has not raced since, but had a walk over for a race at Manchester. There were two Filbert’s racing last year, but, according to ages, the one than ran second to Manifesto is by Regent, dam by Double X. He raced eight times last season, being ridden in all his engagements by Captain Powell, who succeeded in getting him home on one occasion—the open Military Steeple at Aldershot, a race worth only £3B. He shaped badly in all his other contests (under, welter weights),, but the schooling has apparently done him good. He did not start in the Liverpool last year, nor did Ford of Fyne, who ran third the other day. His two wins out of four starts last season were in the Dublin Plate, 3]- miles, -(£132) in which he had three others to beat, and the Valentine Steeplechase at Liverpool in November, carrying list 71b, beating thvee others. That was the day Nortou, with Jimmy Hickey up, ran third to Rory O’More and Alpheus in * the Grand Seiton Steeplechase.

SYDNEY CUP AND DONCASTER. The only horses of impori.-tiv© thnf. V>v© dropped' out of Sydut-y Cop a;.- \ !.-s j . Trenchant, Valiant, and per.<»!;>.•» C-. The stable of the latter will *••'* ■! by Resolute, who should g*» -• h' winning. At Bst he is very »y • -ate:l when compared with Newhaven and Coil. The champion Newhaven and True Blue still remain in, and it will be interesting to see how they shape. Woodford, True Blue’s stable mate, has dropped out, and so has the Now Zealander Sabretache. People who havo been backing the double of Aurum and Newhaven for all they could get now realise that it wasn’t a very logical proceeding. I said when the weights appeared that Mr Wilson would never start th© youngster with Bst 61 b, and so it has proved, Auraria’s brother being with? drawn. Tho scratching of Wahine and Akarini for tho miie shows that Reka will be the elect of Mr McSweeney’s stable, and Portsea’s relative will likely run a good horse. A better idea as to what will likely be the winning double may be formed nearer the day.

ANTICIPATIONS. Strathbraan lias been allotted plenty in lOst for the Nelson Cup, rather too much for him to have a winning chance. The handicap is started high but there is a deal of trash in the race, and it takes a precious lot to bring some horses together, The

! Miser has plenty in 9st 71b. I would i sooner Boreas on tho 9st mark. The Marlborough races are not over as I write, nor have the Nelson acceptances become due; so it is difficult to say what will start. Seabreeze looks enticing at 7st 131 b, ! and Hillstone, if in'good nick, may take a i lot of beating with his Bst 81b. St. Elmo ; didn’t seem to be well at Masterton. lolanthe is said to be a non-stayer, but 6st 101 bis a very light weight. First Result may win an event at the meeting. Knocking them dotvn to three I like Seabreeze First Result Hillstone. The Turk and Be Grand may run well in the Hurdles, The Princess and Sea Bird in the Hack, and Loveshot and First Result in the Grand Stand Handicap. j SHOELETS. | The- committee of the Marlborough Racing (Jlub have taken over what is ■ known as Broughan’s training track. j A Maori won £SO at the Masterton races : through the totalisator. Then he bought * a bicycle. { Advice from Perth states that at a comI mittee meeting of the W. A. Turf Club the profit on the New Year’s race meeting was stated to have been £5649. This reads a trifle tall. The safe arrival in England is announced of the Hobartville-bred horse Merman, by ■ Grand Flaneur —Seaweed, wlio was sold j by Mr W. R. Wilson for something like £I2OO. He was landed in excellent health without a scratch, and was under the care of F. Webb at Newmarket. Courallie, who won the A.J.C Doncaster Handicap last year, at Lucknow (India) on the 9lh February, carried lOst 4lb and easily appropriated the ' Stewards’ Cup, Rs. 5000, seven furlongs, from Moth, 7st 131 b (second), Ilchester, 7st 111 b (third), j Virago, Bst lib, Jack o’ Lantern, 7st 121 b and others. The Civil Service Cup, Rs. 10,000, three-quarters of a mile, the richest event of the meeting, went to the Austral ian-bred Screen, 9st 41b. I The Motueka course is described as being a very rough one. In the big money the other day Essling, who ran second, managed, through some means or other, to run a stake into his shoulder. He was ridden out, however, and got second. „ Entries for the Second Marlborough Hack Challenge Stakes, of 100 sovs for two, thvee and four-year-olds, to be run in 1899, close on Saturday, April 3rd. At the Rotorua races tbere were only two entries for the Maori women’s race, and an exchange says it aroused as much interest as if there was a field of a dozen. The name of the dusky damsel who won the guerdon was Miri, and the horse she bestrode of the “ plug ” breed. . Trentham, by Trenton from Nelly Moore, is getting iid of the soreness which crippled him, and is being put into work again. Clinker, by Splendour from Claribel, who was a good performer in Sdyney and Queensland, died last week at Moree. In attempting to get over a.fence he fell and broke one of his ribs, a portion of. the bone piercing his lungs. After the appearance of the A.J.C. weights Yanitas and Aururn were backed for the Doncaster at 100 to 5, and similarly Precaution was befriended at 100 to 4, the latter price being obtainable about any other. For the Sydney Cup a few hundreds were booked about Newhaven at 6 to 1, after which 5 to 1 was the best to be had, but nothing else was inquired for. In doubles 1000 to 10 was accepted about the undermontioneH combinations: Aururn and Newhaven, Relca and Newhaven, Precaution and Newhaven, Aurea and Newhaven; and 1000 to. 5 about Precaution and Tom and Yanitas and Tom.

Doubt was expressed in some quarters at Home concerning the ability of T. Loates to ride again after his bad accident last autumn, but it is satisfactory to note that his license has boon applied for and received. Loates is progressing well, but slowly. Newhaven has four pounds more - in. Sydney Cup than Carbine won with in 1889.

The New Zealand-bred stallion St. Swithin is now located at Messrs McCiuiiriiluy i- T -‘vale station, near Bourke (N.S.W.) ' At <bn * .n-King-i; R -o**C ub in •.-ting an aged guiding Led Astiay, f>y Bluu-gov. n, won tfMi H co Club Handicap twice. On the fi <> oassion he was followed homo by Montana and Evadne; but on tho second occasion, the race baring to be run over again owing to the flag being lowered ivi-, I!.-•» tin- ii.'id wa3 in front of thestartingu ,-t, Ibe second position was filled by ■ >% -v th Evadne still third. Tho St. i-1 id.i Cap winner, Miss Gladstone, was.a An equine celebrity, the well-known steeplechase mar© Empress, died recently at Eyrefield Lodge, County Kildare, from internal hemorrhage after foaling. Empress won tho Grand National of 1880, when only five years old. She was put to the stud in 1383, and produced several good racehorses, though, perhaps, net one as good as herself. The best of them was, no doubt, Red Prince 11., who won, amongst other races, the Lancashire Steeplechase, in 1893. Empress was by Blood Royal, out of Jeu des Mots, by King Tom, and was foaled in 1875. It is believed by Melbourne eonnoisevirs that when Majestic (Trenton —Bonnie Rosette) fills out as a three-year-old he won’t be much inferior to Aurum. Majestic won’t be raced any more this season. Carrick (by Tim Whiffier) is now located at Caulfield.

Mr Hungerford intends racing Lady Margaret Botreaux in New Zealand, and she is to be brought over for that purpose. Strathjoy, the first of Strathmore’s stock to win, got home in the Maiden at Moonie Valley, (Victoria) the other day. He cost 300 gs as ayearliug. „ . .. Carina? may have got a good house in

Wallace, but the running: of the majority of his progeny shows that he was not the success at the stud in Australia that he was expected to be; Mr broilan’s Erl King ran fourth in the Gat wick Maiden Hurdle Race, two miles, on sth February. The gelding started .first favourite at 2 to 1, and ran prominently to the last hurdle. Preston (Robinson Crusoe—Blue Eyes) is being spelled after his autumn exertions. The sale of the celebrated Morphettville (S.A.) stud will not take place until November when the mares can be offered with foals at foot and stinted again. The Sydney small hdrse Djin Djin, winner of the four furlong race at Kyneton (Viotoria), w as backed down to 7t02 at the last moment in consequence of a telegram received on the course stating that she was supported for a lot of money in Melbourne at starting price. At Kvneton (Victoria) on March 17, Skyla (Boolka —Shelter) won the Cup for the Messrs Miller. The winner was favourite, but the owners were forestalled. Orient would have won only for stumbling. Lottie, the best performer in the Riverina (N.S.W.), carrying 9st 51b, was beaten in the Albury Cup by an outsider in Minestra, who carried 111 b overweight. The winner is by Oudeis —Roruola. At G-oproc (Vic.) a horse broke his neck in the hurdles, in which -there were two protests, and first and second were disqualified. There were two more protests in the next race, one being upheld, and the J jockey fined ; and the winner of the big j money was objected to because of his name I being incorrect. A lively meeting ! Newhaven was physicked and given a short rest after the champion meeting.

Loyalty, now in Foulsham’s stable, is still on the big side, but is being kept to work.

Lotion did not start in the Napier Cup, Connop relying on New Forest, who was done with long before tHe distance was reached.

Donald McKinnon appears to possess the makings of a good horse in Picklock. He finished very gamely when he beat St. Conon and Daunt on Park Cup Day. Hova has not been doing much work since the V.E.C. meeting. New Forest cut up so badly in the Railway Handicap at the Napier Park as to thoroughly disgust those who backed him. Machine figures show, however, that he was least fancied.

The Trenton horse Trentham has again changed hands in W.A. for .£6OO. He is said to be all right again. St. Anthony ran last in the Trial Hurdles at Napier Park ou the first day, when he was secoud favourite.

Descendants of Musket were very much in evidence at the Park meeting. Retaliation got rid of her rider in the Autumn Handicap at Avondale on the second day. Porangae Potae never gave the field a chance, leading all the way. 9st 51b in Sydney Cup recalls many other brilliant three-year-olds who could not win with less weight in past years. After Martini Henri won the V.E.C. Derby and Melbourne Cup (7st slb) he failed to secure Sydney Cup with Bst 101 b.

First Shot, by Nordenfeldt, _ now in Queensland, is said to be a cripple, and will not race again. A leading bookmaker on the other side backed Newhaven at 7 to 1 for Sydney Cup when the weights appeared for all he could get. The Bell Block Club charged bookmakers £5 for plying their vocation outside, and £7 10s inside. _ Of the 51 nominated for Adelaide 3J.C. Birthday Cup, 27 horses belong to Melbourne.

The Charters Towers (Q-) Club, it is said, intend, according to a contemporary, to arrange to run “ doubles ” on the principal events at their annual meeting. This is a novel departure. The Auckland racer Fiukem made his appearance after a lengthy spell at Avondale, when he crashed into a fence and got rid of his rider. P Mr August Belmont, the American sportsman, is sending seven horses to race in England. They will be trained at Newmarket. _ The Sydney horse Cremorne is said to be in great buckle just uow. nolle, St. Leonard and Fidget, the New Zetland horses, were to be sold in Sydney before the last mail left. The Sydney horse Panoply was bought in by his owner for £3l after dead heating his stable mate Napoleon in the Avondale Auction Stakes. As the pair were bracketed the dividend was only 19s. Panoply didn t turn out the little gold mine George Wright expected when he purchased him on Sydneyside. Mr Hayr owns him now. A London paper says that t he Australian horses that are over here are being so much boomed just now as to almost shut out their medium lot. It is a boom that will make great headway, or soon die out. lb will get its best lift, of course, if lift there be, from the Duke of Portland, who has sent his bast mares to Carbine, and never had a horse such a good chance given him. Should a few winners be the result, tnere will be a rare run on the lot now stationed at Cobham, especially as Carnage enjoyed such a great reputation. Marlin, the North Otago Cup wmuer. is by Artillery— Fallacy. She won the City Stakes Handicap at the Dunedin Autqmn meeting last season, when Marquis of Zetland formed one of the field. She belongs to Stephenson and Hazlett. * ■ A W.A. leviathan layer, who discarded the goldfields meetings and went to Melbourne for the autumn functions, had a j great run of luck, winning between three and four thousand pounds. He didn’t plunge, either. A whirlwind struck the Paeroa racecourse the other day, and the crowd , that were intent on picking the winner for one of the races spent the next half hour looking for their hats, whioh were blown sky high. I?be peculiar occurrence ampsed

only those who were on the outskirts of the disturbance, and who enjoyed the fun. Mr E. C. Studholme has been appointed to represent the Waimate Club at the Conference. The Club’s vote will go Mr Studholme, and Mr E. E. Guineas (Oamaru). That the calibre of the jockey now riding on the American turf must be raised, no one having, the interest of the sport at heart can deny (say The Horseman .) There is but one way to do this—by raising the weights to such an extent that men, not boys, can have a chance of obtaining daily mounts. There can be no hardship in doing this, for any horse who cannot carry a man’s weight in short cuts has no business on a race track.

At a meeting of the county racing clubs in the Wanganui Metropolitan district held at Mar ton, it was decided that the Manawatu Club should nominate Messrs E. S. Abrahams of Palmerston, and Thos. King, of Bulls, as county club representatives at the next conference. The Waimate Club have appointed a committee to supervise the protection of the creek bank to prevent the flood water breaking in on the course. There are two opinions, and only two, says a London writer, which he would ever claim to be good in blood stock or any other breeding. One is that descent in tail male, and the other that descent in tall female are —when the line is a really great one—absolutely prepotent over all other intermediate crosses of blood. People who reckon up the exact proportions of blood, and do not bear in mind this vital factor in breeding, get hopelessly wrong. Maximus, who failed to get a place in the North Otago Cup, is a son of Maxim, and last year won the Tinwald Cup and the Ashburton R C. Handicap. The stock of the Now Zealand bred Fusiler seldom fetch good prices on Sydneyside, but a Mr Riley, of that city, gave 100 guineas for Co'ralie (Fusileer — Coral) the other day after that animal had won a double at a country meeting. Queer American race reporting : —" The largest magnet of, the day at Ingleside was the running for the Slireve Cup, 700dol and a 550d0l cup going to the winner. Aquinas was a torrid favourite from soda to hoc, and backed for thousands by the owner and his legion, of friends. Old Lucky Dog, the biggest racehorse iu training in the country, imagined himself the two-year-old Lucky Dog,- and the result was that ha spreadeagled his field, and won in a eantah, by G , sah!” Goldspur made a great effort t;> win the Flying Handicap under 9st at North Otago, but Telemeter, who paid .£ll 15s, got home by half a length. The winner belongs to Mr Wyn Williams. Plotter couldn’t get a place. Strathbraan and Lorelei were equally backed for Napier Park City Stakes. Lorelei ran fourth, and Mr Jorgensen’s horse last.

Trentalto is not herself, and appears to want a good spell. Captain Russell has a well-bred youngster in Alieonora, but she appears to be stones behind even second-claS3 two-year-old form at present. Headford, by Foulskot,. was favourite both days at Napier Park, but ran wretchedly. The weight favoured, too, but the fields were a trifle too good for the Coaster. Prairie Grass (Albany—Spear Grass) appears to be a most disappointing animal over hurdles. ' The biggest div. paid by hurdler Tallyho last season was in the Ladies’ Bracelet at Waipukurau (.£l2 Billy really won the race, but was disqualified for not having carried a penalty for winning the hurdle race. Horses sired by sons of Musket won ten races at the H.B.J.C. and Park meetings, Mr Douglas’ Torpedo being ou top with five wins. Handicaps for the Wairarapa Racing Club’s "meeting are due at 7 p.m. to-night. George Hope, who got a fall at Napier Park, is progressing favourably at Napier Hospital. It is feared, however, that it will be a very long time before he is properly recovered. Five bookmakers were licensed and did business at the Nor man by Trotting Club’s meeting. • Tiritea gave Tally-ho two stone and beat her by a neck in the first hurdles at Napier Park last year, paying .£ll 7s. Old “ Lib.” third. This year Tally-ho gave Tiritea two pounds and -• beat him pointless, and paid nearly as good a* dividend as he did last year. Lady Spec, who has made t her debut amongst hacks, is full sister to Ngatuere. Councillor, by Mentor out of the Musket mare Kariri (who used to race in Hawke’s Bay), was sold in Melbourne the other day for 50gs. '■* Derrett, Banks and Watt rode two winners each at Napier Park, and P. White, Gall, C. Mitchell, A. Mitchell, Fairbrother, Whittaker and O’Neill one each. The weather was so hot at Warwick Farm (Sydney) the other day that pencilled had to leave their stands and take refuge in the sheds and at the side of tfie booths to conduct business. That good mare Secrecy was paying over £l7 dividend in the First Hurdles at Napier Park. Jockey Carmichael scored his first winning mount on Straybird at ths Park meeting. F. Potto has had his license cancelled by the Wanganui Jockey Club. Successful sires at Napier Park—Torr pedo, three ; Somnus and Forerunner, two each; and King Cole, Sou’-wester, Wanderer, Puriri, Flintlock and Ncrdenfeldt, one each. Trainer Alf Woods, the highly-success-ful lightweight of years ago, had a mount cn Leontini in two races at Napier Park. The grey gelding Flying Shot hes been turned out for a much needed spell. Guardsman (Cuirassier — Sybil) was not taken over for the Marlborough meeting, and may not compete at the Nelson Annual meeting either, , •