TURF TOPICS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1316, 20 May 1897, Page 24

TURF TOPICS.

[By SiiiVEBSPUK..] Lorelei was favourite for the Foilding Handicap got off last week, carrying 282 as against Light's 129, Lotion's 105 and The Artist's 86 on the machine. The last named animal, who is not yet in racing condition fell away soon after the start, leaving tho remaining trio to fight it out under the whip. McTaggart on Lotion came up at the right time and scored by about a length. Seeing that there were only four horses in the race Lotion's return of <£s 3s was a very good one. Connop's luck has been very much in lately. In the Oroua Handicap on the second day Lotion carried 9st, which effectually anchored him. Light, who had 7st 12lb, had a very easy victory, winning by about three lengths from Undine. Lotion was favourite, and the winner paid .£3 16s.

Three horses won doubles at Feilding— Kalmea, Troubadour and Fireworks. Kalmea, who was very fit, had no difficulty in beating her field in the Flying, for which she and Titoki were equal favourites. Sylvia Park gave a lot of trouble at the post, and got left there, which cast a gloom over his backers. There was .£ll9 on him on the machine. Kalmea paid .£2 17s. Zuma, one of the starters, was out of condition, and ran a hopeless last. In the Shorts Handicap on the day following Kalmea had only Bavaria and Allington to beat, and did so without an effort. A goodly number appeared to think Bavaria would down Murtagh's mare, there being 122 on Chatham's animal and 136 on the winner, who paid .£1 19s.

Troubadour, winner of two hurdle races, belongs to Mr J. T. Moore. On the first day he was installed favourite, and appears to have be6n ridden a very good race by G. Laing. • At the bend into the straight Better shot Eanaipai to the front, Troubadour lying in a handy position. A great go resulted near the post, Troubadour securing the verdict by a neck. Dromedary was only a fair third. Grlenelg started second favourite, but was not in it at the finish, and Mangatangaroa, who was prominent at the outset, faded away when Rangipai assumed* commend. The winner paid £2 7s. After the way Rangipai galloped when unfancied in the race just described, the public made her favourite next day, but she could only get third to Troubadour and Glenelg, the last named shaping much better than previously. Thore was only .£23 on Glenelg, a number of his first day admirers deserting him. Britannia and Mangatangaroa were almost as equally unfancied. The winner won rather comfortably, and paid £2 13. He appears to be a useful horse, and should win his owner some good stakes if he keeps Avell this winter.

Fireworks, who appopriated both hack hurdle events, is raced by Mr W. Sutton, and only started once last season. Or. Laing got him home on both occasions at Feilding, making four hurdle wins for the meeting a fine record. Fireworks beat Spermaceti comfortably on the first day, the winner being in receipt of a stone. Redberry started favourite and finished third, but there were only three pounds difference between he and Tokanui on the machine. Fireworks was allotted lOst lllb on the second day, being asked to give Spermaceti a pound. He was in fine fix, and won aiiyhow f rom Redberry, En Evant being third. Dividend, £2 Is.

Pom Pom, the other double eventer, had an easy task set him in both the "Winter Oats Handicap and the Denbigh Stakes. He was a hot favourite for both, and paid £1 lis in each event. There were only three horses engaged in both races. Sylvia Park laid a long way back in the Winter Oats, Pom Pom and Titoki leaving him a good distance behind at the outset. Mr Paul's horse got away from Jenkins* mount in the straight, and Sylvia Park came with a rush, bht could not get near tho leader. In tho Denbigh Stakes Pom Pom had another easy win, this time from Otiti.

The Artist, the other starter, was quite outpaced.

■ Tamarere, an inmate of Holmes' stable, ! was a hot order for the First Handicap Hack Flying. The Major was second j favourite, presumably after the form he j had displayed at the Wellington meeting. i Stella, one of the starters, carried seven I pounds over, and Puriri six pounds over. , The race was practically a match between j Marina and Tamarere, the first-named | managing to just squeeze home by a head, 1 paying a div. of .£5. The Major, who was slow at starting, was only a medium third. He shaped much better on the second day, however, when he carried Bst slb home from Emerald, Bst, and The Archer, Bst lllb, and half a dozen others. In this race Stella carried 91b over, Puriri 51b over, and Totia 131 b over, which indicates a scarcity of light * weight riders. The stewards dismissed a protest for alleged crossing, but reviewed the performances of The Major, and seemed to think that there had been inconsistency for they cautioned his owner, Mr Goodwin. The Major was favourite, and paid .£2 18s. , Notwithstanding Emerald's running in the race just discussed, the public kept off in the Final Hack Handicap, and Mr Morrow's animal got home by a couple of lengths from Wharangi, lolanthe arid others, paying <£6 lis. His Lordship, wlio had appropriated the Mile-and-a-Half Hack Handicap on the first day, paying £3 . 16s, - was favourite for Emerald's race, but was unable to get a place.

A Melbourne punter, whoso operations are usually conducted on a large scale, and who has been very much talked abou!; in sporting circles during his connection with the turf, is reported to have been a big winner aver Tayforth's victory in a steeplechase the other day, according to the Sportsman, while Pickles' win in the Brighton Handicap is said to have enriched him to the tune of " a cool two thousand." This punter's operations at the pony meetings alone is said to have cost him nearly a thousand pounds in one week. He evidently manages things better on "registered" courses. Most of these heavy bettors come to grief sooner or later, but the punter in question evidently possesses the " key of tho game," and a Victorian Club man competent to judge asserts that he has taken something like £IO,OOO out of the ring during the past twelve months.

I am informed that the Nelson Jockey Club intend holding a race meeting affcer all in commemoration of the Queen's Record Reign. A programme has been drawn up and the meeting fixed for Wednesday, June 23. A totalisator permit has been granted by the Colonial Secretary, the proceeds of the meeting going to the Hawke's Bay Flood Relief Fund.

The betting controversy at Home haa induced everybody of any importance to express his feelings on the subject. " Old Blue "in Sporting Life, says : " Odds on that the war-whoop of the faddists will be short lived. Let the sporting fraternity possess their souls in patience, and count a,s trash the Quixotic remarks and expectations of these people. It is refreshing to find persons of every sphere of life speaking out frankly and fearlessly on the folly of trying to stop betting at all. By common consent this is only a second edition of Canute's idiotic little game on the seashore. Above all, I am glad to see prominent men, who care not twopence for the turf, arguing strongly that gambling does not belong to horse-racing as a sport. They must be unco poor students of human nature who talk contrariwise, and designate betting as a vice. As one gentleman puts it, ' betting is not a passion, but pastime with us, and if it be carried on in the light of day can harm no one but those criminally inclined.' The mainspring of betting is not avarice, but the energy of speculation and adventure, the very energy to that twin-born brother which makes us strive to rise in life. Personally, I am glad this crisis has arisen, as the sooner matters are put upon a proper footing the better for all concerned. Bide a wee and watch events."

The sporting writer of the Observer says that Tattersall's committee had a curious case to decide last week. Some time ago, before the two-year-olds Weary and Blazer were much known to Northerners, the names of these two appeared in a race as one horse, thus, Weary Blazer. This combination was backed by a certain punter, and afterwards he refused to pay. That punter may have intended to back either of the two horses, but that was not the point. He actually backed a name which was not represented in the race, though both Weary and Blazer were in it. Therefore he either had two chances, or none. Tattersall's decided the latter, and rightly, ordering the money to be returned. Publicity of this case should prove a guide to backers in case of a similar complication arising in tho future.

There is always an eleventh-hour sensation in connection with the Lincolnshire Handicap, audit \ras provided this year with the scratching of Tho Tup, by which tho number of runners was reduced to 18. It was generally known that The Tup had given a satisfactory trial at home, and that he possessed the confidence of his stable connections. He was very much fancied by the public, and was supported steadily for good, money'on every side. When the news came that he had been scratched no one could credit it, but it proved that he had hit himself very severely when at exercise in the morning, and had pulled up quite lame. Veterinary assistance was secured, but nothing could be dono for him, and he was scratched. Very much regret was everywhere expressed at this unfortunate disaster, which deprived The Tup of the great chance he undoubtedly had of winning. His elimination was

naturally not only a loss, but a very keen disappointment to his many supporters.

The recenfc decision of Mr Justice Hawkins in the Dunn case has moved certain bookmakers to put in claims against the Town Council of Musselburgh. They have threatened, if their demands are not met, to take the matter into the Court of Session. It seems that the council have for years been collecting tolls from bookmakers for stands on the course at the race meetings, and this may txirn out to have been all along illegal. The members of the council are at present in a state of excessive perturbation, for, should the decision of the Court of Session go against them, they will have to return some thousands of pounds.

A committee of the Levin Domain Board has been appointed to visit the Levin racecourse in order to see if everything agreed upon between the Board and the Levin Club is being carried out.

It appears that when Maxiser (Maxim — Autay) won the Netherby High-weight event at Ashburton Racing,Club's meeting, the Australian-bred Double Event was favourite, but could only get third, Alcestis splitting the pair. The stewards viewed Mauser's performance with suspicion when compared with his running at Rangiora. After full enquiry they decided that there was not sufficient evidence to justify disqualification but cautioned Mr MurrayAynsley for the inconsistent running of the aaimal. Mauser paid £4 16s. The Autumn Handicap winner, Belligerent, by Artillery —Luna, had a very easy win. Salvo Shot was the public choice, but could not get up to the leader after catching Manawanui. Annoyance, by Boz, was the only other starter, but was beaten off. Mania, who got home in the Melrose Pony Handicap, paying .£lO odd, is by Puck. Alcesti3 (Master George Psyche) was closely pushed in the Novel Race. Dumlop came very fast at the finish, and almost got in front, but the official verdict was a neck win for Sheenan's animal. There were only three starters in the Grove Farm Handicap, which looked a good thing for Salvo Shot (Chainshot —Rosebud), and so it proved, Bimetallist being unable to make him goat the finish. There was a protest in the Hurry Scurry, Tofa, the winner, being objected to on the ground that she was on the Unpaid Forfeit list. The stewards upheld, and the race was given to Tale of the War. The owner of Tofa was fined .£5 for entering and running the mare when she was not qualified to race.

Double Event scored in the Wakanui Handicap on the second day at Ashburton, Mr Donald Stewart's Padlock being half a length off. The time for the six furlongs is given as lmin 16sec. Toby paid the nice dividend of .£27 in the Kolmar trot, a protest being disallowed. There were only three on the winner in the machine. Telemeter, Mr C. Wyn-Williams' threeyear old, was the public fancy in the Ashburton Eacing Club Handicap, but was beaten a short length by Belligerent, who paid £5 2s, a good div. in a field of four. Manawanui and Salvo Shot were the other starters. Another good div. in .£lO 5s was paid on Bot Fly in the Pony Race, for which Minister was favourite. Nigger, who was was well backed, ran off the course. Dumlop, ridden by Donovan, and Rangefinder dead heated after a fine race in the Disposal Stakes. Divs. .£1 Is on Dumlop and £ll2s on Rangefinder. In the run off there was only £l9 on the machine, and Dumlop, who won easily, - paid £1 18s. Bimetallist and Salvo Shot were fancied before Padlock in the Winchmore Welter, but Chainshot's son won anyhow, paying £3 16s, and Saladin wound up the meeting by paying £5 3s in the AQenton Handicap, for which Double Event was favourite.

The rider of Manifesto, this years National winner, T. Kavanagh, was 30 years old last March. In 1877 he commenced his apprenticeship with the late Mr Linde. There are few important races in Ireland of "which he has not steered the winner, whilst in England the great Lancashire Steeplechase has fallen to his lot three times. Alluding to an incident in the National a contemporary says that many people thought when Cathal fell whilst taking part in the race the horse had broken his neck, but as luck would have it, there was a veterinary surgeon close by, who put his hand into the horse's mouth, and found he had swallowed his tongue; that is to say, the tongue was turned backwards down the poor animal's throat. He was able to pull it back again, not, however, without having his hand bitten, and the horse is now all right

It is believed that the Auckland Racing Club is to be officially asked why they sanctioned the recently got off alleged race meeting at Otahuhu.

The sum of .£IBO was sent to Wellington for investment on a horse at Feilding at the late meeting there —a very large order. It now appears that commissions were sent to various parts of the colony, but whether for the same race, or for a number of races I know not. At anyrate "Admiral," in the Dunedin Star, writes thusly: —One of the heaviest orders in connection with any meeting held since the legislation of the totalisator was partially executed in this city in connection with an event at Feilding. After the stable commission had been satisfied everybody seemed to get tidings of the presumed good thing, and the tote-bettors—-large and small—were fairly besieged by punters anxious to get their "bit on." Some hundreds of pounds were - invested in this way, and finally the metallicians were compelled, in self-defence, to refuse further offers. It only needs to be added that the horse won, and that the dividend paid

would have been a great deal larger had not one of the layers reinvested .£4O on the machine on the course just before the race was run. There is a good reason for supposing that more than one of the starters wa3 labelled " Not wanted on the voyage."

It is a pity that racing club's don't protect their numerous patrons to a greater extent than they do at present. People who attend races and back horses do so on the supposition that animals allowed to start are qualified to do so. The latest instance in which public money was swallowed up by the machine, occurred at Ashburton the other day, when Tofa was disqualified after winning a race because the" animal figured in the unpaid forfeit list. The backers of Tofa, it is fair to assume, were unaware of this fact, and they lost their money. In turf matters one has to take the bad with the good, and the general experience appears to be that there is a precious lot of bad. People who invest on horses in cases of the kind above mentioned should have their deposits returned.

The result of the test case as between bookmakers and Racing Clubs was what was pretty generally anticipated. The Court of Appeal did not mince matters when delivering judgment, answering the query as to whether plaintiff had a right on the Feilding course as a bettor on the legalised totalisator when he was allegedly one of the excluded class in the negative. The other questions placed before the court for consideration were not answered beca.use they did not need answering. The effect of the judgment is this : That metallicians have no right on courses in the colony, the owners of which decline to allow them permission. Were the clubs to them to bet on their courses, that would be another matter. The judgment may not make any difference to the fraternity. The court was asked to define their rights, and did so. Followers of the turf are well aware that bookmakers do a large business on commission, and that under present conditions they will continue to do so. Racing clubs are powerless to stop this, and, that being so, it matters not to the majority whether they ever see a racecourse or a horse gallop. They might of course make a great deal more were they not excluded from courses; in fact there is no doubt they would, but as it is they appear to do very well no matter what the law is.

Costs were allowed on the lowest scale in the recent test appeal case, but the expenditure incurred by the Feilding Club will amount to a much greater sum than that allowed, law being a costly process. As the whole of the racing clubs in the colony are affected by the decision, they are to be asked to contribute their quota towards the costs as soon as the exact amount is determined.

The scratching of Mr Douglas' trio, Mutiny, Donald McKinnon and Tiritea for the Auckland Racing (Slub's Steeplechase will detract considerably from the interest taken in the two principal events. They certainly had plenty of weight, but there are such a lot of duffers in both races that proficient animals should have a chance, if fit, even though asked to carry fair imposts. Toreki is still left in the hurdles, but whether he will go up or not I don't know. On recent form he is certainly not the sort of animal I would pick to win. St. Simon has rather much in 12st 121 b for my fancy, and I don't know that I would stand the Australian bred disappointment, Cola, at list lllb. Ilex is a southerner who may possibly make the trip. Tally-ho is. I consider, well suited with lOsfc 121 b, and the other Hawke's Bay horse, Prince Charlie, can't well grumble at 10st 61b. The Friar and Troubadour on the lOst mark will probably accept. Both are improved horses, but the Egmont Steeple winner will likely go for the big cross country race. He is a little fellow, but, judging by all accounts, ought to get the course. There are a lot of unknown quantities on the low marks in the hurdles, of which the best may possibly be Hairy Legs and Rex. In the Steeplechase I have a leaning for Levanter, Miss Nelson, The Friar, Mozel, and possibly Violence, if the latter starts.

The New Zealander Norton ran well in the Liverpool Grand National until he blundered and unshipped Jimmy Hickey, the Hastings jockey, at the fence preceding Valentine's Brook the seond time round. Mr Gollan's representative, however, quickly recovered himself and went on, riderless, to make the pace for the field that was thundering behind. Norton covered the entire course as cleverly as if he had a strong rider on his back, and the manner in which he cleared the obstacles made people wonder ■nhat his chances would have been had Hickey managed to keep his seat. On the score of looks alone, writes a correspondent, Norton was the pick of the field.

It is quite on the cards that the Racing Conference, which holds its next meeting in Wellington, will discuss the question of admitting bookmakers to metropolitan courses on license. That some general understanding will have to be arrived at ere long is very apparent, because matters are at present in a most unsatisfactory state. Although bookmakers are barred from courses, they have offices in the various centres and the commissions put on by owners at " tote odds " are very extensive. Clubs have certainly had a great deal more through the machine since the" exclusion of metallicians, but a large sum is still directed from its legitimate source owing to the existence of " shops," which the authorities cannot expect to efface under existing circumstances. One little incident will serve to show how largely the bookmakers are patronised by men of money and position. At the Feilding races this week a certain animal

was deemed to be a " moral," and its connections decided to make a plunge and reap monetary benefit while the sun shone. They sent £IBO to Wellington for investment; it went on, and the animal won. The commission was rather injudiciously worked, and as a result a small dividend was paid, some of the money having been sent back on to the machine. Commissions of this sort are as common as cherries in a good fruit season, the clubs suffer, and it would appear that the sooner they license bookmakers to lay specified odds and abolish " shops," the better it will be for themselvos.

The Sydney case Regina v. Westbrook has been further adjourned pending receipt of authoritative information by the Full Court relative to the English precedent re cash betting. The decision of the Appeal Court in the case of bookmaker Dunn has been commented upon by every paper of standing in England. The case ■was referred by the Court to the magistrates for re-consideration, and they fined defendant £l, but refused to certify to costs. This was in consideration of the fact that it was the first interpretation of the Act, which had been 44 years in force, declaring Tattersall's ring a "place" within the meaning of the Act. The English Sporting League are now hard at work with a view to getting the Betting Houses Act so amended as to enable racecourse betting to go on unhindered. Members of Parliament are to be approached on the subject, and so are county councillors, and it is believed that anyone answering adversely the test question to be submitted will have a poor chance of re-election, because by that time the sporting vote will have become considerably strengthened. The questions to be answered are : —" Will you protect and maintain the rights of the people to the free enjoyment of all sports, pastimes and recreations, such as may at present be legitimately enjoyed ? Will you, in pursuance of the above undertaking, oppose absolutely and do your utmost by all lawful means to thwart all persons, other than legally constituted authorities, who may endeavour to interfere directly or indirectly with the people's sports, pastimes and recreations, or. with any one of them, or with any incident thereto ? Do you agree that the people should have liberty in their sports, pastimes and recreations (under such rules as are from time to time laid down by those who practically understand the same), and that such liberty, while regulated by the law of the land, should be exempt from all other interference whatsoever ? . Do you further agree that all persons or bodies of persons seeking in any way to obstruct, interfere with, or suppress any sport, pastime, or recreation, or any incident thereto (the same being decorously conducted and not contrary to law), should be discouraged and discountenanced by magistrates, county councils, ©r other authorities before whom they may prefer complaints.

The race-meeting held at Otahuhu on Saturday last was a most disgraceful exhibition. The course did not possess any ordinary racecourse conveniences, and the arrangements were as primitive as those of an old time back-blocks meetings. The betting dispute between the licensed and the unlicensed metallicians, or whatever the latter were, furnishes an object lesson in the art of good racing management, and shows what is likely to happen if these gambling, shandy-gaff fixtures are allowed to spring up all over New Zealand. Respectable people will not attend them, and they will bring discredit on the sport. The Auckland Metropolitan Racing Club should never have- granted a permit for the Otahuhu gathering, which was one of the greatest sporting fiascos we have had in New Zealand for a long time. It is to be hoped that a repetition will not be allowed next year.

Considerable interest is being .manifested in the Otaki Maori Meeting, which commences on the 24th inst. Horses from all parts of the coast will compete, and the racing promises to be first-class. Acceptances and entries aie due to-night with the secretary, Mr Eagar.

Oay Lothair, the two-year-old who won a race at Lincoln, is described as being a neat and racing-like colt, who had only to beat a lot of moderates in the race he appropriated. Champ de Mars is a colt who is capable of great improvement. The Prince of Wales' Ormathwaite, by Orme out of Marguerite, is said to be a promising youngster, and is in good trim, but Lord Rosebery's two-year-olds are all backward.

Cherry Duchess, by the Duke of Mirellor, one of the most prolific and successful brood mares of the last half century, has just died at sthe Yardley stud, near Birmingham, where she was bred by the Messrs Graham in 1871. Cherry Duchess did not distinguish herself much on the turf. On being relegated to the stud she was sent to Sterling, and the alliance resrilfced in a succession of winners, including Energy (who was sold to go to France after a brilliant career on the turf, and who was sire of that smart horse Gouverneur, who won the Middle Park Plate in IS9O, and afterwards ran second to Common for the Derby), Enthusiast (winner of the Tw» Thousand Guineas in 1889, when he defeated Donovan, who afterwards carried off the Derby and St. Leger), Cherry, Cherry Ripo (sire of Red Heart), Wealth (the dam of The Lombard), and Encounter. The produce of Sterling and Cherry Duchess always realised very high prices after Energy had shown such excellent form on the turf, and between 1884 and 1800 seven yearlings thus bred were sold for 13,700g5, being an average of 2283 gs for each animal. During this period Cherry Duchess was only once barren, which was in 1888. The mare dis-

appointed her owners on the turf, but she proved a veritable goldmine to* them at the stud.

A remarkable result of the Hawke v. Dtinn case was seen at a trotting meeting at Hey wood (Bug.). There,'was, as usual, a large attendance of bookmakers, but the police, in plain clothes and in uniform, were present in force/and it was announced that in consequence of the decision of the High Court betting would not be allowed. The meeting was gob off without it.

Sir James Miller, of Manderston, has accepted the mastership of the Berwickshire foxhounds, in'the place of Mr Hun tor, of Anton's Hill, who retires, after having hunted the country for 10 years. Sir James, who is well known on the turf, won the Derby of 1890 with Sainfoin and the Oaks of i 895 with La Sagesse, Lotion, winner of the Feilding Handicap, was not generally fancied in Wellington. A rumour had been current that he was not himself, and would not be seen at his best. However, he shaped well enough to secure the stake. COnnop is having good luck with his horses lately, his select string proving useful cheque-earners.

Alluding to Neckersgat, who died the other day, a contemporary writer says that he was savage as a youngster, and on one occasion made a desperate attempt to injure the veteran jockey S. Cracknell, who was miraculously rescued. A stranger entering his quarters at Morphetville, even after the horse had become sobered down by age, "would have done so at the peril of his life, as few beyond Mr Aldridge, studmaster there, were recognised in a friendly way by the hot-blooded stallion.

At one time the Northamptonshire Stakes was the most important of all the Spring excepting only the Chester Cup. There was very heavy betting, and the race always brought together a large field of good horses. In those days the added money amounted to only ,£IOO, but £30,000 was often won in bets. Now, the Northamptonshire Stakes is a subscription race of =£looo, and there is no betting until the numbers are up, the event exciting very little interest, all its prestige having departed.

The prize money for the second Caulfield Futurity Stakes, run in 1599, will not be so large as that offered for the first Futurity Stakes, the entries received for the latter being rather disappointing. A thousand sovs has been knocked off the prize. The owner of the winner will receive 1500 sovs ; second, 250 sovs ; third, 100 sovs; nominator of winner, 50 sovs ,- nominator of second, 25 sovs ; breeder of winner, if such horse be a two-year-old or three-year-old, 25 sovs, otherwise the sum goes to the owner of the first horse.

Silver Fox, who was regarded at Home as the most promising outsider in the Derby, had to be stopped in hie work at Newmarket owing to a seriously-inflamed cracked heel. Silver Fox' has engagements in August at Eedcar and at York, and is also entered for the St. Leger. Ho had been doing remarkably well during the winter.

The Duke of Marlborough intends to get together a stud of racehorses, which will be trained at Egerton House, Newmarket, by Richard Marsh, who is employed by the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Devonshire, Lord Wolverton, Lord Warwick and Lord William Beresford. There are nearly 80 horses now in training in this stable, about 50 of which are two-year-olds.

At its last meeting the South Island Trotting Association resolved —"That, seeing the Dunedin Jockey Club has submitted the trotting events on the programme of its May Meeting to this Association for approval, the disqualification imposed on owners, riders, drivers and horses for taking part in events on programmes passed by the Dunedin Jockey Club and not approved bj' this Association 'in accordance with the rules be removed." It was further decided —" That the resolution with reference to the removal of the disqualification of the Otago horses, &c, be printed in circular form, a copy of such to be sent to each Otago club that includes trotting events in its programme, together with an intimation that all such events would require to be approved by the Association, and that a copy of the rules be sent to each club."

Clyd, winner oft the Kempton Park Great Jubilee Stakes on Saturday, started _ eight times last season, his only success being- in the Bristol Plate, run at Brighton, in which he carried 9st 71b, and dead-heated East Sheen. The stake, .£137, was divided. Kilcock, second in the Jubilee, is by Kilwarlin out of Bonnie Morn. Ho was most successful last season, winning four out of seven races. In this race last 3 T ear he got in with 6st 121 b, but was beaten by three parts of a length by Victor Wild, 9st 71b. This year the pair havo reversed places behind Clyd. At Doneaster later, Kilooek won the Spring Handicap with ridiculous ease, with 7st 81b, up from Gazetteer. The stake was worth ,£'DOS. With ten pounds more in the saddle Kilcock appropriated the Wokingham Stakes (£0i0) at Ascot, but wasanchored with 9st 101 b in the Summer Handicap at Hurst Park. He was again unsuccessful with 9st 121 b up in the Stewards' Cup at Goodwood, running fifth in a field of 2-J. In the Challenge Plate at Newmarket in October he had an easy win over four others, and wound up by winning the All-Aged Stakes on the same course, beating two others, starting at 7 to 4 on. Victor Wild, third in the Jubilee, only started three times last year, winning the Jubilee Stakes, as has already been mentioned, from a field of fourteen : he was unplaced in the Ascot Gold Cup (9st 41b), won by Love Wisely (7st 7ib), and unplaced in the Cambridgehsiro ■ Stakes (9st [Jib) at Newmarket, won by Winkfield's Pride. A special telegram to the New Zealand Mail quotes the .following business done by Barnett and Grant, over the New Zealand Cup :—IOOO to 30 St. Ouida, 1000 to 22 Tire,

SO9 to 20 Gold Medallist, 500 to 15 Epaulet:. 500 to 15 Nestor, 500 to- 15 Multiform. 500 to 15 St. Cyr, 300 to 15 Euroelydon, 400 to 12 Mannlicher, 200 to 8 Waiuku, 200ito 5 Chaos, tind smaller lines. A number of doubles havealso been laid on the Dunedin Birthday ana Tradesmen's Handicaps, the principal picks being Stratkbraan.. Skirmisher and Vandyke coupled with Goldspur, Vanilla and Mauser, at prices ranging from 100 to 4 to 2.

•Allusion was recently made in columns to the number -of unregistered meetings that were springing up in tha coastal districts, and to the barefaced swindling that was carried on at some of thein.Mention was also made of an effort that was? being made by the Kaponga Club to seems? the establishment of a central racing 1 management committee to control unregistered racing, and wipe out dishonest practices. The clubs interested, so I learn, have not yet-&*eTii-p„ny intimation as to theh: willingness to join with the Kaponga Club., but strong efforts are bsmg made to secures the affiliation of all these petty institution-'. The matter has been under tiro consideration of the Egmont Racing Club lately, the stewards of which, it is said, are viewing with alarm the multiplicity of these un:neeessEry fixtures which are springing up lik<? mushrooms to the detriment of the sport in that district.

The Takapuna Jockey Club's Winter Meeting commences on Saturday, and will bo continued on the Queen's Birthday. The acceptors for the Birthday Handicap, 10U> sovs, are as follows : —Sabretache. Sst 121 b .-. Lady Anna and Panoply, Sst 41b ; Doris and. Markinch, 7st I03b; Flying Fish, Porangi Potao and Bex, 7st Gib; Miss Nelson ana Pyroxylin, 7st 41b ; Retaliation, 7st ; St. Gordon, 6st 101 b ; Cleopatra, Ost 71b. The distance is a mile and a quarter.

The Handicap Steeplechase, of 125 sovs, three miles and a half, run at the same gathering, promises to be a good race. Those engaged are :—St. Simon, list Sib ; Kingswood, list 61b: Bombardier, list 41b ; Miss Nelson, list; The Friar, 10st41b ; Annabelle and Glenlora, 10st: Auerhadowey and Flukem, Ost 101 b ; Playboy, Sepoy, Ditto, Maid of Honour and Forella, Ost .71b.

It is alleged that Mr Douglas, of HawkoV, Bay, scratched his three horses for the Auckland meeting because they wore allotted too much weight. " Hippona," the Auckland writer, concludes a review of the Steepleby saying that he likes nothing hotter than* Donald MeKinnon and Mutiny in the Steeple, while Tiritea is also well handicapped, and he includes Donald MeKinnon in his Hurdles selection. " Phaeton," another Auckland writer, also favours Mr Douglas' animals.

SHOELETS. Aphony, the late Pasha's brother, is feeing* given good work at Hastings, lie is now himself again. Heavenly Twin, the Castor animal, isn't shaping too well over fences. Proceedings are to be instituted which will admit of the opinion of the Hotise of Lotds being taken ! on the subject of the illegality of betting on racecourses, which is said to be the only way in which the judgment of Mr Justice Hawkins in the Dunn case can be overruled. The English Jockey Club intend taking up the whole question and fighting it out, with a view to the amendment of the law. There was a large attendance at the first run of the Egmont Hunt Club, over 100 mounted and a great many vehicles. The | hounds, under Mr Hassell, worked well. There was not much jumping, and hares were scarce. The stock of Arsenal promise to turn ouh well in Tasmania. At Deloraino recently President, a son of the Melbourne Cop winner, secured the double —Trial Stakes and Flying Handicap. There is a rumour in India that Messrs Ezra are thinking of limiting their patronage of the turf, so that it is unlikely that Fordham, who purchased extensively in Australia last season, will visit the colonies again this year. Old Boulanger, who raced at Ashburton the other day, is a light of the past. Wheel of fortune gents, pitch and toss players, pea trick and other artists worked the crowd at Ashburton races for all they were worth. The handsome tilbury disappointment Taranaki, is again in work at Bandwick. A private latter from a Christehurch friend informs me that Mannlicher will likely race a very different horse at Cup time than he has been doing lately. Mauser, Manawanui, Belligerent and Chaos heve gone to Dunedin to fulfil their engagements at the D.J.C. Meeting this week. Rustic, by Aprernont, has been sold to go to Reefton. Golden Legend (St. Leger—Bangle), is in work at Riccarton. Now stated that Goldspur was refused as a tram horse by the Dunedin Tram Company. Mr Rose, of Caversham, has invented a, noiseless starting machine which works entirely without springs. Goldnut (by Wolverine), who shaped fairly well in the North Otago Bracelet is being qualified for hunter races. Highlander, who is nowinLunn's stable, is to be given a trial over big fences. Athlone (Anteros —Hazeline), who secured a second at Eandwick recently has been purchased by Orient's owner, and taken to Caulfield. Owing to a post oflice irregularity a telegram from Mr T. Stewart, accepting with his horses at North Canterbury, did not roach the secretary until 7.45 p.m. on the day after the acceptances closed, thereby c:;.u«ng a loss to the club and a great disto the owner. An explanation is" to be asked for. Among the horses le>:t in. the First Caulfield Futurity States are—Aurum, Majestic, Reliance, .La Carbine, Fleet Admiral, Preston, and Thunder Queen.' Of tb.soi i .:■" inai entry of 117 forty-three names have been eliminated, including Newhaven, Cyhdus, Challenger, Constant, Supurb and Eaak.

A reported Dunedin to 1, Auratn and Eurooyldoa && the next two ca_ps. Paris, the dual-'Caulfield Cup winner, is fcaid to be lookia?? excellently. His quarters j* rid thighs a,ro allegedly a great mass o£ jjsoscle. / At a ?ace meeting recently held in Ire- % and, a Farmer's Race was on the pro r s-ramme, for which only ten horses weighed «-sat; but eleven went to tho post. What is aaore the odd one came in first. The own* of the second entered a protest, a,rt& of » ourse got the stalces. This was &"£ what anight be fcormed a decent raco meeting. 'The riding of some of th*a jockeys at last Oaulfield May Meetiagis described as being ti> disgrace to even, a back-blook shearers' sheeting. The Auckland horse, The Sharper, is said to be rather averse to the jumping business. Melbourne racing experts are condemning the V.A.T.C. GKN. "Hurdle r-ac© distance (tour miles) as excessive, Bengal Tiger-, winner ■of a two year old :«-ace at Caulfied Maj meeting is described sis one of the fiuest looking youngsters of The season. The secretary of the North Otago J.C. (Mr A. S. Clarkson), has been voted a £l% I>g>fjis is. addition to his salary. It appears that the totalisator oiteials at lAshburton paid out on Mauser, being uniiware, that a protest was pending. Monte Carlo (Ascot-=-Spseulation), who jm-omised great things at one time, was sold £or 21gs the oth«r day. After winning Liverpool Grand National Mr Dyas contributed £25 to the fund organised for the defence of national sports. The Feilding Clubs machine totals are a Jong way behind last years—.£6o3l the ether day as against .£7468, "Bavaria, who is reported to be smartish «-ver a short course, couldn't make Kalmea jrallop at Feilding. The Imrdler Mangatangaroa may bo La%rd from during the winter months. The English horse Dinna Forget has i.een disposed of for 3000 gs to Mr Reid Walker, and will probably be prepared for t he Q rand Hurdle Race at Auteuil, decided in June. The horse remains in charge of 2iobinson «.t Foxhill. Handicapper Hughes is said to have com- )! rt it ted a great error of judgment in letting i lie Adelaide Goodwood winner in at 7st A well-known Sydney bookie, generally considered sound, disappeared after the late Rand wick meeting. A yearling filly at J. Munro's Flemington, is by Ascot Vale —Adelaide, the latter fooing Auckland bred, by Nbrdenfeldt — Victoria. It is stated that a month before the Liverpool Grand National Mr Dyas offered t«» dispose of Manifesto (winner) and G-antle Ida for 5000 gs. 'Winkfield's Pride, who won the Lincolnshire Handicap, was a heavily backed favourite, a bet of .£2400 to .£6OO being laid at Lincoln on the'the day before the race, and in the evening he was quoted at 3 to 1. Mutiny and Prince Charlie are said to be taking the steeplechase jumps in good style at Hastings. Mr W. Laidlaw has tendered his resignation as a member of the Cromwell Jockey Club owing to the stewards' decisions on the protests in the last Two Mile Trot. The committee have asked Mr Laidlaw to reconsider his decision. A number of Bracelet horses are now in work in Hawke's Bay in view of the H.B. J.C. Winter meeting. There is said to be a good crowd of them. Lotion and Dromedary have returned home from Feilding. Horses engaged at the Otaki meeting ave now commencing to arrive, and the Moroa course, Grey town, has been presenta very lively appearance lately. The Feilding Jockey Club are completing purchase of the racecourse property, nearly eight acres. The Egmont Steeple winner, The Friar, won .£47 last season. He cost his owner ,£9. A Tradesman's Racing Club has been formed at Stratford. Old Clo, winner of the Final Handicap ' at Sydney, is by Lochiel—Tatters. Carbine's fee at Home will be 500 gs next • season. Mr Pritcbard, of Gisborne, has purchased Mr C. Siddell's Forester—Armament filly. Champion Aurum is described as a wonderful little nuggot. Cataract, the South Australian hurdler, has broken down. The once speedy Vogengang has retired for good. Lord Rosslyn, off colour just now, has • been backed for the New Zealand Cup. Entries for the next Melbourne Cup close on June 7. It is intended to hold a small steeplechase meeting at Wairoa (Hawke's Bay) on J illy 14. Only half-a-dozen of the Liverpool Grand National field of 28 appear to have got round the course. It is said that there is a weak joint in Newhaven's armour somewhere, but his trainer does not know what it is. Booties is said to have been thoroughly done after winning the Second Steeplechase at Randwick. Resolute has gone clean off. He was fully twenty lengths behind the leaders at the finish of the A.J.C. Reus Handicap. Although Light won a raco at Egmont, he is said to bo looking the reverse of well. Wairoa (H. 8.) County Racing Club has appointed Messrs G-. Hunter and J. McVay io represent the Club at the Conference. EI Norte is said to be Mr S. Hordern's best two-year-old, but he possesses nothing hear the excellence of Aurnnj. Hova (ingomar Happy Land) broke down in the Elder Stakes at the S.A.J.C. The "Sydney horse goes to South Australia, having been sold the other day for ISOgs.

' A well-known Wellington «po*t i% no'w the owner of Lady Ag-ne&. The next meeting <ot" the facing Conference takes pla6e in Wellington, opening on July 17 th. The Knmara Club netted JS22O over fehe'ir last meeting, the most profitable 'gathering yet held there. South 'Canterbury Jockey Club intend posting defaulters if outstanding debts are no£ paid by June Ist. The Manawatu Racing Club Committer have decided to recommend C, Haw-kin's 5 application for an owner's permit. Aiders-hot (Foulshot —Aaterina), owned by Mr H. Goodman, h gel offer for sale privately, Gorse, who won a double at Waipukurau, appears to revel in a knee-deep mud course^. Cantain Capel has purchased the chestnut filly Siva (Forerunner—Sula) from Mr J. J. Russell, It is understood that Mr P. F. Taacred's protest against Nero at. Taukercnikau will be further proceeded with. Said that a coastal punter had .£3 2 on The Major when that animal paid a nice dividend at the Hutt. Dnk3 of Richmond, the South Australian horse, of whom great things were expected, is likely to retire to the stud. The 'Napier horse Moonraker, by The Assyrian, is to be given a further spell, not yet having recovered from a kick he received a while back. At a meeting of the Woodlands Hunt Club at Woodville it was decided to start and get the hounds in condition, and hold the first hunt at an early date. Mr " Ted " Gilpin, who first came out as a wielder of the flag a few years ago, is said to have made some capital starts at the late Waipukurau meeting. The French Jockey Club had under consideration whether two-year-old racing j should start in May, instead of August, , when the last mail left. An English writer considers that it is scandalous that geldings should be permitted to start for the English Derby or any other "classic" race whatever. Newhaven only got half the A.J.C. Plate Stake. Owing to rain the time limit was extended from smin 45sec to 6min. Newhaven took 6min 9-^sec. Old Couranto, the hurdler, was auctioned at Greymouth the other day, and fetched .£lO. Minerva, Jack and May Boy were passed in. Messrs W. White and W. Nicholson have been chosen by the Waipukurau Racing Club as delegates to the Racing Conference. The Sydney writer " Belalie " is bringing out a book which will contain the numbers of all, or nearly all, well-known horses in England, Australia and New Zealand. The rough going at Egmont, the Aucklanders state, accounted for the downfall of their horses in the steeplechase events '■■ at the meeting. j C. Wood, the English jockey, after a ten ; years' suspension, rides in a Derby again, j He has been engaged to ride Galtee More in this year's ribband. J. B. Scott is advertising in Melbourne to treat for the sale of the Victorian, Tasmanian and New Zealand rights of the Excelsior starting machine. At Kensington (Sydney) Idica fell at the last hurdle, pitching jockey Thomas Gardiner on to his head. Gardiner was badly injured, and died before reaching the hospital. The well-bred Water Colour, by Niagara —Cerise and Blue, Avon a double at Kensington (Sydney) Pony Meeting the other Saturday. She 'used to be owned by Mr H. Oxen ham, who bred her. Gay Lothair, winner of the Brocklesby Stakes, at Home this year, is by Lactantius out of Gay Lass. Mr L. do Rothschild, his owner, won last year with Jest. This yearit was worth about £I2OO. The peculiarly-named Iyhu caused a great surprise at Sandown Park (Vic.) when he beat an odds-on favourite in The Don lately. Iyhu was bred by Mr D. S. Wallace, and is by the Musket horse Enfilade from Marchessa. Soult, who won the hurdles at Warrnambool (Victoria), is by WellingtonLittle Louie, and belongs to the Messrs Mainfold. He has an unbeaten record, and is being talked of for the V.R.C. Grand National Hurdles. Published that the stock of the erst New Zealanders Artillery, July and Foulshot are not eligible to complete on tracks under Turf Congress rules, owing to lack of sufficient registration with respect to these stallions. Says Oliver Wendell Holmes: —"The racer is incidentally useful, but essentially something to bet upon,-" as much as the thimble-rigger's little joker. The trotter is essentially and daily useful, and only incidentally a tool for sxaorting men." The yearling filly by Grand Flaneur— Crossfire, bought by W. Kelso at the Randwick sales, has gone into the hands of T. Brown, trainer of Hopscotch. Brown had the filly's full brother, Straightfire, at Chipping Norton for years before he was sold and came to Victoria. The Tahuna Park Trotting Club have decided to hold a meeting on Saturday, 19th, and Tuesday, 22nd June, in connection with the Record Reign celebrations. Seven events will be got off each day, the total amount to be given in stakes being 450 so vs. How a Melbourne writer puts it: — Judging of the barefaced liberties taken with certain horses at Caulfield s and Williamstowii, their riders appeared thoroughly cognisant of the fact that j the stipendiary steward, as well as the i two handicappers, Messrs Dakin and I V.owJes, are enjoying a holiday at Randj wick. ) The unregistered Kaponga (Taranaki) I Club made .-£37 profit over their last meeting. A full sifter to Waiuku has been taken in hand by Mr .1?. Watson, Taranaki. Tc 3 Friar, winner oi the Egmont Steeplechase, has been taken to Auckland to fulfil hiy engagements there. The Auckland horse St, Kilda is in work • again.

The acceptances for the Great Northern Hurdles and Steeple are due on Friday. The following 'doubles have been laid in Auckland'!— 000 to 20 Annabelle and St. Simon, 1000 to 30 Muscatel and St. Simon, 600 to 6 Natation and Levanter, 500 to 15 Annabelle and Bombardier, 100 to 4 St. Simon and St. Simon, 100 to 2 Troubadour gmd The Friar, 10l> to 2 Troubadour and St. Simon. The racehorse. Sabretache, who won the Rous Handicap ax the last Australian Jockey nveetinjr, but was disqualified, has bet'n purchased by Mr T. I>. Halstead, of Auckland, from Messrs Cleland and McLeod. A well-known Waikato horse-owner, when proceeding to Auckland by train, ■ was operated on by an "expert," who relieved him of between £8 and £0 in cash and his railway ticket A filly named Butterfly, by Leolantus or Fabulous, who is engaged in the Taranaki Hack'Derby, has been taken in hand by Mr B. K lly. Bombardier, the Great Northern Steeplephase candidate, is said to possess a suspicious foreleg. The totalisator investments of the Auckland Eacing Club for ten days this season total .£88,798, and there are two more days' racing figures to be added. Last year the total for 12 days.was .£81,297. Mr Joseph Ames announces that he will receive money for totalisator investment at the Otaki-Maori Racing Club's meeting. Bookmakers and their agents and clerks will not bo admitted to the course. I understand that the hurdlor Tally-ho struck one of the hurdles whila exercising at Hastings on Tuesday, and walked off the course lame. Mr W. Douglas contemplates sending a string of jumpers to Australia in a month's time. . , The South Island Trotting Association has decided to make a levy on all affiliated cluba towards the expenses incurred by the Greymouth Trotting Club in conducting the inquiry into the Schoolboy-Thunderbolt case, and to ask the North Island Trotting Association to contribute ita share Mr M. Sherwinis selling his racers, and retiring from the ownership ot racing stock. Both Levanter and Natation will start at, the Wanganui Meeting. Sabretache got one of his legs cut when being shipped from Sydney to Aucklard. Kingswood and Mozel have been taken back to Auckland from Hawera. Old Tauruekaitai, winner of the Hawke's Bay Steeplechase some years ago, is in trainiag aeaiu. He started in the Bracelet at the late Waipukurau meeting. The owner of Goldspur states that he has no intention of taking his champion to Australia. The programme of the Wellington Racing Club's Winter Meeting appears in another column. As has been previously stated in the Times, the dates have been altered to the 7th and 10th July. The first day's programme consists of seven events, and the same number will be got off on Saturday. The Wellington Steeple is set down for the second day, and there are likely to be a large number of entries. Nominations for all events close on Friday, June 18th. Weights for the first day's handicaps are due on Saturday, June 26th; acceptances closing on Friday, Julv 2nd. The steeplechaser Booties having won a steeplechase in Sydney after the declaration of the weights for the Wanganui Steeplechase, he will likely havo to carry a penalty of 71b in that event. Booties won this steepleMr Stead's cast-off/ Mauser, could only get a bad third to Female Franchise and Boulanger in the Welter at North Canterbury. He was unfancied. Advices from Sydney state that Astronomer, Adoration and the overdone Vivian are to be treated to a spell before they begin racing again.