TURF TOPICS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1315, 13 May 1897, Page 24

TURF TOPICS.

[By Sieverspur.] Although the New Zealand Cup is nearly six months off, and the winter meetings have yet to be determined, followers of the sport are already discussing the chances of animals likely to be engaged in the two- , mile "race in November. After his second to Waiuku in the Thompson Handicap and I his ridiculous win in the Autumn Handi- 1 cap on the second day at the Hutt, a great many made a mental note of St. Paul for j the spring, and without doubt they noted a 5 good one. He should be able to get the ; two miles all right, and the same applies to Daystar, whose Hawke’s Bay performances are still fresh in memory. Auckland ought to be well represented this year. Goldspur’s name has frequently ci’opped up in - local sporting circles since his W.R.C. achievements ; some doubt his ability to compass the Cup distance, but the majority are of a most pronounced opinion to the contrary, and I am with them. Anyone who saw him galloping the other day would believe him capable of doing anything. Weight will, of course, enter largely into the matter, and the curiously minded are setting his impost down at all sorts of figures. Three-year-olds will likely have a big say in this year’s Cup, but the starting of either of the two cracks, Gold Medallist and Multiform, is problematical. How the first named, or both, would be handicapped can only be guessed, but the guess would likely be pretty nearly accurate. But leaving the Yaldhurst cracks out of the calculation, there are a number of good youngsters in both islands likely to blossom into good tliree-year-olds, and there may be something of which we have not yet heard that will rise to the occasion when the time comes. That time will soon slip round, and then the question will be an all-absorbing one.

The Dunedin Jockey Club has decided to run the trots at their forthcoming meeting under the rules of the South Island Trotting Association. Which is as it ought to be. But why a metropolitan racing club should have trots on its programmes I have never been able to understand. They are, of course, right enough for trotting owners, and may be the means of encouraging the sport in the district, but I, in common with many others, believe that trotting should be relegated to its proper sphere.

The Fiiar, winner of the Egmont Steeplechase, is a little horse whose hair stands on end. He takes after his sire, Hiko (by Musket). Mr Douglas bred him, and Religion se’s son fetched a small price when sold at Te Mahanga as a youngster. The Auckland horses, Mozel and Kingswood, were in great request, but had to be content with places in the order named. Claymore and Tokanui didn’t start. Dick went over at the first jump, where Bradshaw went to the front and lod for a considerable distance. MozeFs jockey thought it was time to make a move when the back of the course was reached the last time round, and he assumed the lead. The Friar had been plodding along handily all the time, and got even with Mozel at the last jump, beating him home on the flat by about half a length. The Traveller and Dromedary turned sevens during the progress of the >race. The Friar was little fancied, even locally, and paid £,& 13s and <£B 2s.

Little horses like The Friar appear to be endowed with staying propensities. If they possess the necessary courage they are good enough for anying. The Friar carried 9st 91b. The two highest weights carried in the Egmont Steeplechase so far have been Roscius, 12st 81b in 1896, and Orient, list 61b in 1887. Mr W. H. Keith's Allegro won the year after Orient with 10st up, and was followed by Rossiter (9st 91b), Auckland (9st 71b), Takapau (9st 101 b), Shillelagh (lOst 61b). Then came Bootle's year. This battler, who has just.returned from Sydney, got home in 1893 with lOst 71b, and won it last year with lOst 101 b. Union Jack (lOst 71b), and Roscius filled up the intervening blanks.

Mr T. S. Bristol’s Swift had a very easy

win In the first hurdles on the first day. She and Storm King led alternately for a mile and a half, when the black dropped back, and Natation made his effort, but ineffectually, Swift walking in. In the second huidles Napoleon, last 3ear’s winner, got home from Storm King and Natation, the only starters. King of the Downs, winner of the handicap hack hurdles, is a fine-looking horse by Gipsy King —Maid of the Downs, and belongs to Mr W. R. Gibson. He is said to be the cut of an ideal steeplechaser, and this is the game he will eventually be put to. Adam, who was favourite, could only get third, the pair being split by Starlight. Nugget and Moata were the other starters. King of the Downs and Starlight raced together after passing Adam, but after the last hurdle had been negotiated the big gelding came away and won easily. Starlight, who was second, won this event last year.

Arquebus did not start in the Hawera Stakes, the southerners standing by Marino. They went down. Australina, favoured by a light weight, shot to the front at the outset, Angler, who was badly in want of half-a-dozen good gallops, being

immediately behind. Man-o’-war and Marino closed irp at the half-mile post, but in the straight, Light, who had been in a good position, came along, and a good race home between her and Marino resulted in Light materialising.

Marino, who had the services of Clarke, was giving the winner a stone. This was Mr Bristol’s second win during the day. Man-o’-war, who was unable to get a place, caused a mild surprise in this event last year, when he beat Crimson Streak, St. Laui’a, Waiuku and others.

The connections of Guardfish made no mistake about winning the hack event. Fifteen started, and it was an absolute “ moral,” if ever there was one. The trainer of the winner started three to keep each other company like. Guardfish, who is by Vanguard out of that good brood mare Flying Fish, jumped off at the start, and, letting nothing get near, won all the way, paying <£3 13s and .£2 4s. The connections of Mr Finnerty’s animal, I hear, had a good win. Telephone and Bona Fide, who were conceding the winner a great deal of weight, were in the places. Realistic and Sundial didn’t start. This was the race that Kanaka appropriated last year, paying <£l9 odd. The Friar, this year’s steeple winner, was then second, and he only had 13 investors on him and lost by a head.

The running of Marino in the Stewards’ Stakes at Hawera was the subject of enquiry after the race. In the race Angler led at the start, but his condition failed him later and he fell back. In the straight Marino assumed the lead and appeared to have the race in hand, but Arquebus (Flintlock —Tapanui), who raced at the Wellington meeting, was brought up by Lindsay, and, passing Marino, won by half a length, pay .£3 3s and <£l 17 s. The stewards were apparently of opinion that Marino should have won, and I hear that they severely censured Clark. Beyond that they did nothing. Next day when Marino won the Manaia Handicap, the owner of -Man-o’-War, second, entered a protest for inconsistency, or something of that sort, but what could the stewards do but dismiss it ? They had already reviewed the running in the Stewards’ Stakes and had no option. Arquebus was a starter in the Manaia Handicap, but did not get a place, Angler being behind Marino and Man-o’-War. Marino is said to have looked better and raced better than he did at the Hutt.

The Hawera Handicap Steeplechase on the second day fell to old Dromedary (Voltigeur—Lady Ellen), who had J. Laing in the saddle, and paid J2B 10s and .£6 10s. The Auckland representatives, of course, monopolised the betting, and it looked, on paper, a certainty that one of them would win, but the Northerners were doomed to disappointment. Pour of the starters fell during the contest —Kingswood, Mozel, Kaitoa and Tokanui. Kaitoa was the first to knock out. Dromedary jumped well throughout. She seemed in great nick, took the fences cleverly, and at the finish Levanter, who was conceding the Hawke’s Bay representative 231 b, could not get near her. She won by three lengths, Dick, the only other to stand up, being seven or eight lengths away. Mr W. H. Keith won this race with Nat last year, that animal walking in alone and paying .£9 7s.

It was quite within the order of things that' Australina (The Australian —Ina), after her previous displays, should win the High Weight Handicap, in which she had only Bst 71b,- Angler (Bst 1011?) ae-i A-=c..t Yale (Bst lllb) being her only opp a . ias. Angler led all the way until Australian passed him with a rush at the finish. The dividend of the meeting was paid on Starlight (Endymion —Nancy), who only had 7st 51b in the Second Handicap Plat Race. He had his field beaten halfway up the straight, and beat Emerald, lolanthe and a good field rather comfortably. Dividends, .£23 10s and .£ls 4s. Starlight has now won this race three times. Mr Mitchell, his owner, had a good win on this occasion. Claymore, winner of the Pinal Steeple, is by Volunteer, out of Alert. Rae, the Auckland rider, has a pretty habit of lying a long way back on his mounts, with the result that the animals are unequal to the task set them. Had he not kept back on this occasion Kingswood would likely have won for Mr Hayr. Tokanui fell. Claymore paid <£6 10s and £2 6s.

With regard to the disqualification of the Auckland horse Sabretache in the Rous Handicap at Sydney, “ Martindale ” says the general verdict was that the committee’s decision in giving the race to Fucile was not a good one, and, what is more, the calling in of witnesses outside

the two .jockeys was condemned, many leading-turf men holding the opinion that no one is in such a good position as the stewards themselves to see what occurred, and the evidence of their own eyesight, together with that given by the jockeys interested, should be sufficient to settle such cases. Messrs Cleland and McLeod certainly had bad luck. Sabretache will go into training immediately on arrival in Auckland, and may be seen under colours before being given a rest during the winter.

Racing men of means in India are always on the look-out for something in Australia deemed capable of winning the Viceroy’s Cup or other important races to which a considerable number of rupees hang. The Cup is run next December, and it is stated that Sirdar Jewan Singh has commissioned the ex-Victorian jockey, M. Trahan, who has just returned from India, to buy either Hopscotch (Grand Flaneur—Terrara) or the Auckland-bred True Blue, if the owner of either will part with his animal.

I learn that T. Stephens, who was for some time associated with the Auckland Stud Company, and who was afterwards manager for Mr Andrew Chirnside, will take Newhaven to England this week.

The Waipawa County Racing Club hold their next meeting on May 24, and have received fine nominations for all the events. There are 19 in the Stewards’ Handicap, 11 in the Handicap Hack Race, 14 in the W.C.R.C. Handicap, 17 in the Handicap Hack Hurdles, 23 in the Hack Flying, 14 in the Open Flying, and 19 in the Welter Hack.

A Forced Handicap graced the programme of the Kaponga (Taranaki) Club at their last meeting, but it appears to have been a very unsatisfactory affair, as the stewards have disqualified all horses that competed in it. Release, who won, was passed out for inconsistency, and the second and third for neglecting to weigh in.

By this week’s mail comes the announcement of the death of the well-known Irish owner and trainer, Mr H. E. Linde, at - Curragh. Deceased for many years had been regarded as the leading trainer of thoroughbreds in Ireland, and many notable successes were gained, more especially in cross-country events, by inmates of the Eyrefield Lodge stable. For the Grand National he sent many dangerous competitors across the Channel, and in ISBO he carried off the race by. the aid of Empress, this five-year-old daughter of Blood Royal beating Mr G. Moore’s The Liberator, the winner in the previous year, in easy fashion by a couple of lengths. Next year he sent over two more horses, Fairwind and Woodbrook, the latter, starting favourite, winning easily.

Details are now to hand concerning the race for the Lincolnshire Handicap won by Winkfield’s Pride, whose victory was cabled. The competitors, as last year, numbered eighteen. C. Wood had to declare a | pound overweight to ride Bollevin, whilst for the services of Madden on Bridegroom 31b extra had to be put up. Taken generally the competitors were a good-looking lot, but Winkfield’s Pride and Clorane were generally voted the gentlemen v of the party, though Bridegroom, Funny Boat, Yorker, and Teufel,, looked well. The confidence in the ability of Winkfield’s Pride to repeat the victory gained in the race last year by his stable companion, Clorane, was most pronounced, and the outlay on his behalf caused him to advance to 7 to 2 at the fall of the flag, while at 11 to 2 Bridegroom was next , in demand, and of the others Diakka, Bellevin, Yorker, Teufel and Sardis met with most favour. Bucephalus was the first to dissolve partnership from the others, and led for half the journey, when Funny Boat drew to the front, but at the distance was joined by Bridegroom, with the favourite making his way into third place. For a time backers of Winkfield’s Pride were in doubt whether the horse could get on terms with the leader, but putting in some strong work, and beautifully handled, he snatched the verdict out of the fire in almost the last stride and won by a head from Funny Boat, who defeated Bridegroom a similar distance for second place. The result appeared to be exceedingly popular, for the cheering was loud and hearty when the winning number three was hoisted in the frame. Victor Wild made but a poor show in the race, as did La Sagesse and Diakka, but Clorane ran a grand horse under his big impost and finished fourth.

The winner of the Brocklasby Stakes at the same meeting was Gay Lothair, who ii ui iji'tui tried well. He was backed down fc > ( J to 4, and bar one 10 ? s were offered. Tiio favourite got nicely away when the flag fell, and experienced most danger frum Fire Arm, but, making nearly all the running, won by a length and a half. Gay Lothair, a handsome son of Lactantius and Gay Lass, was bred by his owner, Mr Leopold de Rothschild, and is heavily engaged. He repeated the success the same colours gained last year in the race by the aid of Jest.

Irish sportsmen must be highly pleased at the success that has attended their invasion of the English turf lately. Last year they made a few memorable scoops, and they have started well this season, Winkfield’s Pride having won the Lincolnshire Handicap and Galtee More the Two Thousand Guineas, beating the Derby favourite. As a two-year-old Galtee More beat Velasquez in a race in which 5 to 4 was laid on the latter, and it is quite on the cards that the Irish horse will be on top in the Derby next month.

At Greymouth the other day Magistrate Stratford gave it as-his opinion that 30s a week was a fair charge for training horses.

3. Scott tad sued P. O'Neill for <£64 for training expenses, or <£2 a week fbr each animal. Defendant only admitted <£32, or £1 a. week for each animal trained, less certain moneys advanced. The sum of <£ll Is 2d was paid into Court. Judgment went for plaintiff, after a lot of contradictory evidence, for <£4l and costs, less amount paid in.

People are already backing horses for the next New Zealand Cup. The early bird catches the worm. The early bird is the bookmaker.

The South Canterbury Jockey Club’s Autumn Meeting netted a profit of £l3l. At the last committee meeting the conduct of a rider in the Electric Trot (Skerington) was mentioned. It appears that he had persisted in singing out loudly during the whole of the finish of the race. He was severely reprimanded and cautioned as to his future conduct.

That Newhaven is a sterling good colt there is no shadow of doubt, yet one is puzzled by the inconsistency that has marked his career so far. On his best running he ought to be equal to meeting the best in England, and the probability is that if he trains on well on arrival in the Old Country he will show firstclass form. It may take some time for him to get acclimatised, but when he getg into racing “twig” he should show what a first-class colonial animal is really capable of. Newhaven’s racing career will be watched with a considerable amount of interest : but one will not be able to go by his performances at the outset, because the English handicapper 3, when dealing with colonial animals with good records, invariably place them at top or near there, first time of entry. Daimio got a tidy lump in the Liverpool Grand National, and now I notice that the Sydney mare Acamena, recently taken to the Old Country was given \loat 121 b (top weight), in the Plate run a£ the Lincoln -meeting." Acme’s daughter started and.ran seventh. So that Newhaven cannot expect much leniency when he carries silk. He leaves Sydney this week by the Oroya.

The following little item relative to starting machines is chronicled by “ Javelin ” :

The secretary of the club on whose course the-meeting was held never omits to give prominence in his advertisements and on his programmes to the fact that the starting machine will be used. He is a wise man, and knows that the people recognise what a great improvement on the old “man with the flag” the machine is when properly manipulated. At the last meeting a time handicap trot was an item in the programme, and as one horse went away by himself, another ssec afterwards, two more lOsec later and so on, until there was an Indian file of about eight ornine A spectator in faultless .Chesterfield and turned-up trousers (it was 85 in the shade) and a generally lime juicy air, said, “ Well! bai Jove, that is a specimen of starting bai machinery, is it ? Wai, dash it all, Arthur Coventry, don’t cher know, would never make such a w’etched blundah in a whole yeah! I always opposed the confounded thing before I saw it. Bai Jove, you people in Australiah have a doosid lot to learn, don’t cher know !” And as Johnnie lit another pigarette you could see by his self-satisfied look that so far from realising what a fool he had made of himself, he was quite convinced that he had said something rather smart.

There are now racing in California seven horses that (says the Spirit of the Times) hold world records, namely, Tim Murphy, furlongs,-linin'"6 1-5 sec Wernberg, 6* furlongs, lmin 19‘2-sseo; Mamie Scott, 7K furlongs, lmin 33^-sec; Libertine, 1 'mile, circular course, linin 38f *ec ; Cash Dny, 1 mile aiid’7o yards, lmin 44sec ; Redskin, 1 1 16 mile,- lmin 454-sec; and Hotspur, 1$ mile, 3min OJsec.

The handicapping trouble appears to be causing much discussion in Queensland. 'The Central Queensland Association the other day considered the advisableness of the appointment, of a paid - hahdicapper for alhthe clubs under’its jurisdiction. ‘ The proposer alleges that this would be a better system 1 than each club" having a handicapper of its own. A paid man could travel to all the meetings and n-vtice/tlie form and reversals of form, which would bring about better results inasmuch as there would be less swindling. The principal clubs aie to be asked their opinion on the matter.

Bellman was passed in at lOOgs at Nolan and Ton ks’sale at Haw era the other day, and two similar offers made subsequently, were also refused. Lots sold were—Blk f.DarkneßS, 4yrs, by Redwood, Mr Jakes, 22gs; blk f. Coral, 3yrs, by Eros —Midnight, Mr Nix, 13sfs ; ch h Adam. 4yrs, by Castor— Jilt, Mr Greenwood, 32gs; ch g Courier, 3yrs, by Forerunner—Barbara, Mr Besley, 9gs ; ch f Siva, by Forerunner—Sula, Mr Russell, 16gs; blk k Monte Carlo, by Ascot —Speculation, 21gs.

In connection with the remarkable in and out running of Newhaven, it is suggested that, as his connections are above suspicion, tho chestnut is a horse of “humours.” The press throughout Australia contain pointed references to liis contradictory form. A writer in the Melbourne Sportsman very truly says that had Newhaven been the property of a • “ little man,” had he been trained in an unfashionable’ stable, and ridden by an unfashionable jockey, the chances are that ere now he would probably have with all his connections —disqualified for life for inconsistent running; but fortunately for themselves, the owner, manager, trainer, and jockey of Newhaven are above suspicion, and nobody imagines for a moment that the colt has not always been sent out to do his best. Yet,, after Newhaven’s incomprehensible form, racing

stewards will be chary of putting the rule which empowers them to review inconsistent running into operation. Newhaven has shown that it is possible for a horse to run two totally dissimilar races in the one week, without any blame attaching to owner trainer or jockey.

As is customary at this time of the year, quite a number of novices at the jumping business are.reported to be “ taking to the game kindly,” to use a hackneyed term in sporting journalese. A National has a peculiar fascination for most owners, and a number of auimals at present in obscurity may be expected to make a public appearance over sticks before the winter is far advanced.

C. Wood had a great reception at Lincoln on resuming riding after standing down for nine years. He re-commenced by riding El Diablo in the Trial Stakes, and, entrusted with the handling of ' such a presumed “good thing,”, it seemed in every way likely that he would ride the first winner of the season. Mr R. Peck’s horse, who was battling with Barabbas at the distance, seemed to have the verdict tolerably safe, but S. Loates brought up Overdue, and the filly at once obtaining second place, ran home an exciting finish with F<l Diable, the result of a capital display of horsemanship on the part of both Wood and Loates being a dead heat. Beth jockeys, who were loudly cheered, did not have to fight their battle over again, as a division of the stakes was promptly arranged.

Chelandry, cabled as the winner of the One Thousand Guineas, is by Goldfinch—• Illuminata, and raced six times last season. In her first attempt she was beaten by Eager at Kempton Park, but on her second slie won the Woodcote Stakes at Epsom, beating ten others. At the same meeting Chelandry appropriated the Great Surrey Breeders’ Foal Plato, of £IOB2. At Ascot she didn’t get a place, Gol9tta, Eager and Minstrel finishing in front of her. Chelandry’s last two attempts were successful, winning the National Breeders’ Produce Stakes (£4357), beatiug eleven others, at Sandown Park, and the Imperial Produce Stakes (£2569) at Kempton Park.

The Adelaide crack two-year-old Fleet Admiral (Richmond —Footstep), who it is said will be Aurum’s most dangerous opponent in three-year-old classic events, won the S.A. April Stakes, 7 furlongs, the other day with 9st 101 b up (including 141bs penalty), beating five others. It was a hot finish, Fleet Admiral and Security 9st lib (including lOlbs penalty) coming locked together from the distance, the first-named winning by a nose. Div. £4 7s. Thunder Queen (Thunderbolt Queen’s Consort) won the St. Leger Stakes, 1 mile and three quarters, from Elensinian by a nose, but Lewis could have got home with more in hand The filly paid £3. The Goodwood Handicap demonstrated the consistency of the Sunrise stock, Orient* under 7st 121 b, getting home from The Don by a length and a half, paying £B. This is the race in which D.O.D. once paid £BOB dividend. The Railway Handicap was responsible for a big suiprise, the highly weighted Welshman winning by a neck and paying £SO Is. Both Loyalty (9st lib) and Response (8-t 13lb), Dan O’Brien’s cast-off’s, got placed in the Elder Stakes, one mile and a furlong, won by Lieutenant (Beafichamp— Spring Blossom) from end to end. Auraria, the Melbourne Cup winner, formed one of the field.

The big handicap at Waipukurau was only contested by two horses, Golden Plover and Waterstone, the rest of the field being scratched, the ground being deemed too bad to run on. Golden Plover nearly came down at the back. In the straight Waterstone tried to eret up in the inside unsuccessful!v. but Plover beat him

by two lengths. 'There was only J-,97 on the machine. The Easter Handicap winner, Drury Lane, is by Nelson’s sire. King Cole, out of Peg Woffington. He took charge shortly after the start and was never headed, Petroline and Waterstone finishing in that order. Gorse, who unexpectedly won the hurdles, paying <£S 15s, is by Sou’ Wester —-Camelia. lie was the only horse in a field of eight who fenced well. The others had a bad time of it, knocking the hurdles down. Gorse won by about 20 lengths, having led from st v -• to finish. Flirt, who fell at Wellington the first day, was second, and Billy a \ indifferent third, Speedwell, Rhino d Toriki tailing in rearwards. Rhino was avourite.

Forecast, the winner of the Trial Handicap at Waipukurau, is a bay gelding by Forerunner out of Iphigenia. He was bred by Mr S. H. Gollan. Forecast won very easily by half a dozen lengths from Daphne, who tired herself running through the field trying to catch the leaders. Mr 11. Limmer’s Forfarshito was third. Troup de Loup, bred by Captain Russell, was fourth. Daphne was favourite on the machine. Greenstone (Turquoise May Queen) brought the public through in the handicap hack flat, for which he was favourite. This animal, vho used to be called Cashbox, had a light weight in 6st 121 b, and beat the hurdler Flirt, 7st 81b, by a couple of lengths. Te Ngaehe was a very bad third, being about 30 lengths away. After Gorse’s hurdle victory, the public selected him as being best in the Ladies’ Bracelet, but Tussock was only a pound behind him on the machine. Tho latter belongs to Mr Ormond, and did not get a place, /veil bred though he is. There were nine starters, and Gorse won rather comfortably ; Daphne, on whom there were only 18 'investors, being once again second. Mystical, who formed one of the field, had only £3 on him. Drury Lane had no difficulty in winning the Flying, for which Petroline and the disappointing Martyrdom also started. The latter was beaten at the entrance to the straight. Drury Lane beat Petroline by

fowr lengths. The final was won by Progress, a bay mare by Archer (son of Musket) out of Peplum. Progress, who was bred by Mr W. Heslop, of Omaranui, paid a div. of £2O 10s. Daphne would have paid very little less had she get home. It was her third second during the day, which must have been very tantalising to her owner, Mr T. Biake. Progress won by a couple of lengths, Greenstone third. The latter was favourite on the machine, Forecast being second in demand.

At a sale of thoroughbred stock at Nelson the other day the following prices were realised:—Brood mare Amy, Mr C. Fulton, 84gs; b gelding Minute Gun, 2yrs, H. Olilson, 20gs; b gelding Sinister, lyr, G! M. Gunn, 14£gs ; b filly Bohemian Girl, 2yrs, Matthews, 25gs ; b filly Girofla, lyr, F. Ward, llgs; ch c Bellini, foal, F. Ward, Bgs; b filly Bellona, 3yrs, a Wellington syndicate, 18gs; b gelding Attack, 2yrs, W. Green, 20gs; b filly, Giantess, 3yrs, Mrs Richardson, 26gs.

The Otaki Maori race meeting, which takes place on the 24th and 25th inst., is likely to prove one of the most successful gatherings held in the district for a long time, ’j he number of entries received was rather astounding —24 S for 10 events, which is a New Zealand record. The adjustments of Mr Henry appeared yestei day for four ot the races. Pyrites heads the list in the Hurdles, but I think the winner will be found lower down. King of the Downs, who raced at Hawera the other day, will probably be an acceptor, and at 1 Ost 51b ha should have a chance, as also should Spermaceti, who is giving him 21b. lago may be the best of the 9st division. There is a nice field of 25 in the Stewards’ Handicap, one mile, Millstone occupying post of honour with 9st 71b, giving 71b to Princess Cole, who is second on the liat. A number look very well in, including Indian Shot, Bst 51b ; The Major, Bst; lolanthe, 7st 101 b ; and Coin, 7st 31b. The Otaki Handicap, of one mile and a quarter, sees Millstone with exactly the same weight as in the Stewards’ Handicap, bub there is a drop of 131 b to the next hoive, Bona Fide. A number ot animals in this event are engaged in the Stewards’, but the Otaki Handicap. it might be mentioned, is run first. If well, Swordfish should have a show with 7at 131 b, but The Ouyx and Stockade on the B.st 31b mark look vpry dangerous. There are a great crowd m the Flying Handicap, no less than 35 names appearing in the list. To pick a race of this character at the present juncture would be essaying a rather big task. Millstone is once more the chopping block, being set on top with 9sb 111 b, and Vedette is reckoned within 71b of him From all appearances a good dividend will be paid, there being a likelihood of a large acceptance. When payments have been declared one will be better able to judge of the chances of the contestants in the various races. Acceptances for all first day’s handicaps, and entries for the Maiden Plate, Maiden Hurdle Race, Raukawa Plate and Railway Plate, close with the secretary, Mr H. F. Eagar, on Saturday, 15th May, at 9 p.m. SHOE LETS. The Dunedin Jockey Club are working a 10s outside machine at their meeting this month. Double Event, the southern horse, who paid over £l3 at Timaru is by the Newmarket Handicap winner, Bog, out of the Duchess of Kolmar. The Hotchkiss horse, True Blue must be very much out of form, judging by his A.J.C. displays. The Queensland horse, Freedom, did not shape up to expectations in Sydney, and he was sent home.

The Australian Jockey Club made a loss I over their Autumn carnival, but not so i heavy as during the past few years. I A filly sister to the Sidney Cup winner, [ Realm, went for 46gs under auction in I Sydney lately, | The owner of Cremorne was fined .£lO | for late scratching for the A.J.C. Plate, won by Newhaven. The Waipukurau course resembled a partially dried swamp more than anything else on race day, and the mud took some ploughing through in the concluding events. Mr S. G. Cook has experienced a stroke of hard luck through The Officer’s break down in Sydney. The Hypnotist is also said to be off colour. Entries for the- Taranaki J.C. Hack Derby, of 1898, close on the 28th May. Tee Otaki Maori Racing Club has seventeen honorary stewards in addition to the ordinary stewards and other officials. But tho Vincent club in the south tops all records. It has forty-seven stewards to run its meeting. A permit was not obtainable for the Nelson Jockey Club’s proposed Record Reign celebration meeting. Goldspur will likely be located at Riccarton in the near future instead of at Dunedin. After a six months absence Saracen is being cantered round Riccarton track again. A few good commissions wero worked in Wellington and elsewhere for events at the Egmont meeting. Armilla, the Wellington Exhibition Cup winner, has been turned out for a spell. The Nordenfeldt Pearl Ash horse, Warfare, was found dead recently in his owner’s paddock, Westralia. A report was current on the other side that the running of Newhaven had been enquired into by the A.J.C. stewards. Trainer Hickenbotham, however, denies it. Grand Canary, a full-sister to Superb, the Doncaster Handicap winner, won the Bookmakers’ Purse at the Albury Licensed Victuallers’ Association annual races the other day. The Lake Hack Cup, run up North the other day, was won by a horse called Donkey. A similarly named animal is said to have won the Lake Cup 35 years ago. The Canterbury J.C. has granted a transfer from the Hon G. McLean to Mr S. J. Mercer of a bay yearling filly, by St. Clair—Dione. The Auckland Cup winner, Anita, was recently savaged very badly by a draught

mare in Ler owner’s paddock, and won’t ! race again. Diamond Jubilee is the name given by the Prince of Wales to his colt foal by St. Simon —Perdita—own brother to the Derby winner Persimmon. At the last Liverpool Grand National Meeting numbered saddle-cloths were used for the first time—a greatly appreciated innovation. Johnson, rider of The Friar in the Egmont Steeple, is very lucky on that course, and succeeds in scoring a win there. Fort (Gibraltar —Formosa), who made the pace for Coil in the Champion, goes to the stud in Queensland. Auckland sportsmen had four horses at the Egmont meeting, and though apparently good enough for their fields, never won a race during the meeting. Dairnio was pulled up at the second fence the second time round in the Liverpool Grand National. Norton ran respectably for the greater part of the journey, but retired when the pace became fast and furious. Messrs Ames aud Co., of Wellington, conducted the machines at the Egmont meeting-, giving every satisfaction. The amount put through exceeded last year’s total of nearly ,£IOOO. The Carbine youngster, Chokebore, has been added to the list. It is stated by a well-known sportsman who visited the Egmont meeting that there were a number of horses thore who could havo done better had they been allowed to do so. Angler is said to have been very much on the big side when he ra ed at Hawera. That wonderful pony Pickles put up a great performance at Caulfield the other day when he carried 9at 31b and won the Brighton Handicap. The Wellington Racing Club’s Programme Committee is engaged drawing up the list of events for fhe club's Winter Meeting. The dates of this gathering have been altered to July 7th ( Arbour Day) and 10th. The programme will likely be similar to that of last year. The sum ot .£IOOO will be offered in stakes, the added money in the Wellington Steeplechase being 200 sovs. Mr F. Martin’s hr o Choroid, by Chainshoc —Retina, carrying 7st 51b, won the Flying Handicap at the North Canterbury Meeting on Thursday, paying £l< 2s. Weary was second. Bracelet was left at the post. A protest for faulty starting was dismissed. It is stated that First Result will not be a starter at Otaki oh the first day, Mr Prosser being dissatisfied with the weight allotted his animal. The Hanroto on Sunday brought over three trotters from Sydney—Hettie S., l.ettio and Comus. They were in charge of Mr W. Beckett, and came across to compote in jtho Christchurch trots. Wong skee, a Chinese merchant doing business in Wellington, is reported to be turning his attention to the purchase of thoroughbred horses He has bought two Ca.te--.by two-year-old colts from a Spring Creek breeder. Acceptances and general entries for the Otaki Maori Racing Club’s Meeting close on Saturday. At Dunkeld (Victoria) races Clarence O’Conner was thrown, in the hurdles aud had his neck broken. Rank, who swept all before her at the commencement of her two-year-old career raced at the Ascot pony mooting the other day and ran so badLy that owner, rider and the filly were rested” for six months. Warpaint (Chester —Wheel of Fortune), who ought to make a good stud horse, will likely leave the race track shortly. Melbourne Sportsman says that the first of Portsea’s get to appear on Flemington tracks is a yearling bay filly, plentifully ticked with grey. She is from Highland Fling, a daughter of Bonnie Carlisle, and a member of one of the stout old Murray families. The youngster exhibits a lot of Neckersgat character. Three of Carbine’s progeny got home at the A.J.C. Meeting. Trenton, Gozo, Grand Flaneur and Newminster were creditod with two each.