RACING CHATTER

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1507, 17 January 1901, Page 44

RACING CHATTER

(BY ADVANCE.)

Advance, Tortulla and Whitney returned from Auckland on Wednesday last. The champion is in great heart, hut the other pair appear a bit light on it after the amount of racing and travelling they have done. Others in commission and likely to be .seen out at the Hutt are Ostiak, Ngatihuia, Boreas and the.. two-year-old Laureate. The latter has ; furnished a good deal the last few months and appears to be pretty fit. ~ Boreas looks bright and healthy, and can.he expected' to .show his old form. The jumpers The Guard and Black Dust, who were spelled after the Grand National meeting, are again in commission, and will probably be seen out in. March. The roan gelding Dormant (Morpheus—Creeper), a five-year-old purchased by Mr Prosser at Hawera for hack hurdle races, is one of the active list, and will be engaged at some of the autumn meetings. Mr Macdonald’s Quilt—Maude filly still occupies a box, but has yet to m ake her first appearance with the colours up, Gobo, who was blistered and turned out, and Leah are taking, matters easy at present. The colts purchased at Auckland arrived on Wednesday last, and had been ridden for the first time on the morning of my visit, Waiuku’© brother was probably the biggest of the yearlings sold at Ellerslie. He is a strong built youngster, one of the quiet sort, and soon settled down to his new quarters. Given a fair start in good hands there is no reason why he should not be as successful as his distinguished relative. The Seaton Delavel youngster is a chestnut, and is built on lighter lines. Seaton Delavel has proved himself a successful sire and Waitemata (by Eiridsford— Aor ere, by Chester) full sister to Eiridsdale, is’ one of the best bred mares in the country. C. Jenkins has arrived at Porirua to ride Mr Prosser’s horses in their work. Mr G. G. Stead’s team, consisting of Skobeleff, Formosan, Menschikoff and 1 Cruciform, are quartered at MeNab’s Gjardens, H. Jackson , has also put up there with Glazer and! Battler. These are the earliest arrivals. The highest price fetched at the sale of .-the Wellington Park yearlings was 640 guineas, which Mr Stead gave for the brown colt by St. Leger from Hilda. The Christchurch sportsman also secured the brown colt by Hotchkiss from St. Evelyn for 520 guineas, and the hay filly by Castor from Cissy for 325 guineas. Mr H. Friedlander had to pay 540 guineas for a fine chestnut colt by Hotchkiss from Lady Augusta. The Dunedin sportsman, the Hon Geo. 'McLean, was buyer at the sale, as he purchased the brown filly by Hotchkiss —Agnes for 50 guineas, a chestnut by Hotchkiss—Chrysolite 75 guineas, chestnut colt by St. Leo;er from Armilla 50 guineas; and the chestnut filly by St. Leger—Lady Emily 90 guineas. Among: other visitors who purchased at the sale were Mr Newton King, of New Plymouth, who gave 120 •guineas for the bay colt by Castor from Yattaghan, Mr T. Dwan, of Wellington, who gave 45 guineas for the Hotchkiss from Ganza filly, Mr E. H. Hankins, who secured the Castor —Lady Peer colt for 70 guineas, Mr J. M. McGinnis, of Dtinedin, who bought the chestnut colt by Hotchkiss from Valentina, Mr Dan O’Brien, whose purchase was the chestnut colt by Castor from Bangle, 260 guineas. Mr George Hunter, of Hawke’s Bay, who got the brown filly by St. Leger from Forme for 275 guineas, and the bay filly by St. Leger from Antelope . for 170 guineas, Mr Donald Fraser, of Rangitikei, gave 130 guineas for the bay filly; by St. Leger from Cuiralba, while v Mr Stewart Waddel paid 310 guineas for the Hotchkiss —Aida filly. It will thus be seen that of the 26 lots disposed only five, were secured by Auckland sportsmfeif.

The Hon. J. D. Ormond is at the top of the list of winning owners at the recent A-R.C. gathering. The Napier sportsman’s cheque amounted to £1250. Mr G. G. Stead, came next with £940; while Mr P. OhUafe was third* with £B9O.

An incident of a somewhat unpleasant nature occurred during the progress of the Wellington Park sale. A visitor, who had - several high-priced yearlings knocked down to his bid, was called upon by the auctioneer to- produce a guarantee that the payment for same would be forthcoming, but was quite un_ able to do so. The lots were subsequently put up again and resold to other buy-ers,-despite the protest of the gentleman in question. The sprinter Kettledrum by Hotchkiss —Weasel, came to an untimely end during the week. He appears to have slipped down when exercising, in the paddock and broke his leg, which necessitated his trainer, Williams, terminating the gelding’s career with a friendly bullet. What a lot of peopl.e considered that Menschikoff would be sure to beat Renown in the Royal Stakes oyer furlongs at weight for age ; yet in the race itself the two-year-old was never really able to extend; the son of Dreadnought. There can be little doubt that the latter is a very high-class racehorse, and it would have been a very exciting contest if the Napier crack had not slipped against Advance over six furlongs at weight for age.

Crusado is reported to be looking very well again. In a trial spin over the Randwick course recently he was the one of six jumpers to successfully get over the country. The progeny of Le Sauncy won during last season £242,000, which places him at the top of the list of winning sires in France this season. Mahaki, who competed in the Maiden Hack Race at Tauherenikau, will have to be rechristened. A. McPherson was riding; at the Lower Valley and Wairarpa. meetings. His name does not appear among the list of licensed jockeys. The well-known hurdle and steeplechase gelding The Plug (July—Spreydon Lass) who is rising twelve years of age, had a day out at the Te Whiti (Hawke’s Bay) meeting on New Year’s Day. He won the Handicap Hurdles, one mile and a half, ran second in the Te Whiti Handicap, one mile three quarters; the Members’ Race, one mile ; and the Forced Handicap, seven furlongs. The Plug is now owned by Mr P. Arrow. The Opunake Racing Club’s meeting was held on New Year’s Day. £3885 was passed through the totalisators. Following are the winners : —Handicap Hrwdles —Master Malioe (Master Agnes— Folly), dividend £2 3s; Flying Handicap —Mamaku (Vanguard—Dancing Lass) dividend £2 Is : Farmers’ Plate—Patrocluts (Forerunner —Kingfisher mare), dividend. £3 10s ; Opunake Racing Club Handicap—Gipsy Queen (Gipsy Queen— Voltarina), dividend, £7 _7s; Electric Stakes—Reikura (Vanguard—Aka), dividend, £8 11s; New Year Stakes —Heartwhist (Australian —Maid of Athens), dividend, £2 5s ; Welter Handicap—Omprah (Sou’wester —Lady Orwell), dividend, £2 19s; Final Stakes —Kohina (Vanguard—Mann), dividend", £6 17s. Mr Walter Armstrong writes that he was present at the Lower Valley meeting -when his presence was required to adjust the weights for the second day. Three aged, daughters of Vanguard scored at the Opunake meeting, viz., Mamaku, Reikura, and Kohina. A committee, meeting of the Manawatu Racing Club was held on Friday last, Mr S. Greer (President) in the chair. A letter was received from the Racing Conference, confirming the Club’s dates (Ist and 2nd of May), for the Autumn meeting. Mr R. Connop, the owner of Amoureux, interviewed the committee in regard to the accident to his mare at the start for the Summer Handicap. The consideration of the matter was adjourned. Mr R. H. McMillan resigned as a member of the Club. A number of accounts were passed for payment and the meeting adjourned. Mr Douglas Goro.on purchased the yearling full-brother to Waiuku, named Gibraltar, at Auckland last week for 300 guineas. The Qnkaparinga Racing Club, propose in the near future to make the Great Eastern Steeplechase a stake of 2000 sovs. The race has been recently subsidised by 100 sovs, but this amount is set apart for the breeder of the winner. The following pars are taken from “Hippona’s” budget: Frank Macmanemin heads the list of successful winning trainers at the recent A.R.C. meeting. The Ellerslie trainer had the distinction of leading in four winners, viz., Formula (twice), Scotty and Crecy one each. The descendants of the imported horse Seaton Delavel scored five wins at the A.R.C. meeting. St. Leger claimed four ' winning representatives. The Auckland-bred Circe, by Castor — Cissy, who annexed the December Handicap at the Queensland Summer meeting, started at a very long price. The mate was suffering from boils very badly. and despite her ailment she won the mile race in good style, defeating the favourite. Golden Ring. If only the Auckland Pla.te had been a sprint race instead of a mile and a half, there would have been far more people ready to support the chances of Hohoro but over the longer journey the prospects of the sun of Tasman were very poor. I am of opinion that Advance would have won in any case, but there can be no doubt that the champion black would not have had matters so completely his own way. All going well with Formula, she should play a very important part in the settlement of the Takapuna Cup. The totalisator record for the A.R.C. meeting showed that the large sum of. £67,516 was handled during the four days, which exceeds last year’s figures by' £3861. Messrs Hayr and Company were warmly congratulated by some of the Southern visitors on their excellent arrangements in working the machine, and it is certainly a most meritorious performance to find them dealing with such big figures, yet not a single complaint occurring during the meeting. The ex-Aucklander Levanter, with lOst 101'D on his back, finished out of a place in a three-mile steeplechase at Leopards-t-own (Ireland) on November 2nd. The race was won by a mare called Elfrida, who carried 12st- 121 b and started favourite.. Cannongate is evidently a bit above the ordinary jumpers performing here at present. He is a fine natural fencer and seems to be developing greater staying power than was formerly the case. The win scored by the son of Cannon in the Steeplechase was full of merit, for when

Stewart asked the brown gelding to finish he left Nor’-west as though the latter was anchored and won by close on a hundred yards. The time occupied for the journey is easily the record, being 54 seconds faster than Mozel took to do the trip in 1898. .> The Auckland Racing Club got very little encouragement for placing classic events upon their programme at the Summer Meeting. The Derby was certainly a fair race, but the G.N. Foal Stakes, Royal Stakes and Auckland Plate were frosts of the most pronounced description. In the two-year-old race there were only four competitors, the opposition to Mr Stead’s pair being of the weakest, while, in the Royal Stakes there was only one found willing to try any conclusions with the Christchurch sportsman’s representatives. It was even worse in the Auckland Plate, in which race the presence of Advance had the effect of frightening all the other candidates away,, with the solitary exception of Hohoro. In this latter race it was somewhat curious to find no owner ready to ■send his horse for the third prize of 25 guineas, __ The unlucky horse at the A. R. CMeeting- was. without question, Regalia 11., who ran into second place on three occasions. The son of Regal ran very consistently throughout, and it was hard luck for Mr Litherland to get so close without .scoring a win. The gelding was purchased by his present ownei about six months ago for 40 guineas, at which price he was a great bargain, and I oppose that five times that amount v ould not- induce Mr Litherland to part with him.

While passing Mr J. Paul’s stables the other day, “Bona Fide”palled in and paid Dave Chapman a visit. The first to engage his attention amongst the youngsters was a yearling; colt by Apiemont out of Legera, and. like his dam, is a chestnut in colour; he is very levelbacked, and possesses a good set of legs, and although the Apremonts are -not noted for it. the little chap has a, beautiful temper. The youngster has been named Waipawa, after the district _ m which he first- say the light, Another box is occupied! by a yearling sister to Perfection (The Workman-Caribou), named Impale—a species of South African deer For her age, Impala is a goodsized filly and if looks g<s for anything, she should, at some future time, make a..name for herself. Perfection has already made a name for herself on the turf, so it is not necessary to pass any remarks on her —suffice it to say that she shows no effect of her racing. Artisan, who won his first race at Palmerston North recently, is also looking m good nick and in all probability will accom_ pauy Perfection and Black Wing to tne Wellington R, C : . Meeting. At Auckland on Friday last several racehorses were offered for sale by edition the prices realised being as under : —Swiftfoot, syrs old, by The Workman —Swiftsure, 32 guineas, Mr Peters; Brooklancl, 3y*s, by Brookby—Migoulette, 27 guineas. Mr J. Chaafe; bay gelding, 3yrs, by Soult—Swiftsure, guineas; brown gelding, 2yrs, by Sylvia Park —Kaimara, 194 guineas, Mr h . Marton (Gisborne); chestnut filly, 2yrs , by Brookby—Captivity, 20 guineas Mr G. Carrington (Gisborne); bay gelding Linden by Foulshot, was sold to Mr Geo. Woods for 24 guineas. Mr W. C. Phillips has decided to-put into training the two-year-old filly Silver Star (Sylvia Park—Patience), who is a half sister to Kidbrook, who ran thud in the Taranaki Hack Guineas. They are owned by Mr Phillips their breeder, and will be trained by Mr J. Gooawin. Silver Star is engaged' m the Egmont Hack Produce Stakes. Cannongate has gradually climbed up until there is only slhs between him and Norwest in the Takapuna Steeplechase. Acceptances for first day s events are due on Friday next. The meeting takes place on Tuesday (Jan. 29) Wednesday (Jan. 30th) and Saturday (February 2nd). The highest price yet given for the progeny of the St.. Simon horse Soult, was paid by Mr Newton King, of New Plymouth, at Auckland' last week. He gave 140 gs for a two-year-old colt by the sire named from Lorelie. The youngster was bred by Mr W. Sanday, of.Waiuku, owner of Musket Maid and is related to Waiuku. Lorelie; is by Leolinus Miss Ariel (grand; dam of Waiuku.) Naiad has a two-year-old by Strephon, and Mr J. G. Collins’s Lorelie (Cruiser —Laurel) a two-year-old filly by Rangipuhi. The amount, put through the totalisator at the meeting; of the Ashurst Racing Club on December 28th—-£7oßl—is a re_ cord for a hack meeting in this colony. E. Williams has a three-year-old gelding by Reynard—Vienne—full brother to Full Cry—in training a"t Oeo. The Hotchkiss —Miss Vixen filly looked like putting up a bit of a record when she bounced 1 into the ring at Wellington Park on Thursday last (says “Phaeton”). She got a bit of a break on “Jerry” Kennelly, who was leading her in, and as the filly was making matters lively at the end of the rope, there was a general stampede. Those who were- seated on tlie forms round the sale-ring suddenly vacated their places, and at- one pointthere was a regular mix-up, a couple of dozen forms struggling prostrate on the tan. The burly form of Mr Walter Paul was one of be easily picked out as down, for at least 18st was brought to earth, and Mr “Dan” McLeod and several

others took part in the unexpected melee. Later on in the afternoon, Studgroom Kennedy had another stirring experience. While the Castor —Cissy filly was being led back, a bystander put his hand on her quarter. The high-spirited animal wanted so much a. ttention just then, and backing into the ring she was quickly among the crowd, and as she started to climb it looked had for “Jerry.” as he was knocked down. Burly John Booth fortunately took in the situation and helped to' subdue the filly at th© critical moment. Though hard pressed, "Jerry” never lost his presence of mind, and by hanging on to the fillies in each case he prevented what, might have been a serious affair, not only to the fillies in question, but tc> those standing at the ringside. The Taranaki Jockey Club had a most successful hack meeting on December. 26th and 27th. The amount put through the totalisators was £11,200, which is an ihcrease of £2047 compared with last year. George Laing has Man-o’-War in hand, at Wanganui, and expects to. get a race or two out of the Nelson gelding. Laing has also under Ins tuition a promising . looking three-year-old filly bv Haere out of Countess—a mare who used to race on the Vest Coast at one time. The filly i-s engaged in the Egmont Sires’ Produce Stakes. Acceptances for the Foxton Racing Club’s meeting close on Monday next- at 9 p.m. with Mr J. R. Whyte (secretary), Foxton. The Egmont Racing Club will have the new totalisator house finished in time for the meeting next month. The Taranaki Jockey Club met oa Thursday night last, when the Minerva, 11. case was considered. The result of the meetings is not yet to -hand. An unusual incident which occurred at the Auckland sales is thus .referred to by “Phaeton”: —A spice of excitement was infused into the sale-' at Wellington Park on Thursday last by a demand" being made on one of the buyers to furnish a guarantee. The man in question had purchased -stock to the value of qve? 1000 guineas, and was getting into- his stride to bid for the Hilda, colt when the auctioneer refused the same. and. after, a consultation, it was determined, as the guarantee was not forthcoming, to resell the lots. When it is stated that the Seaton Delavel —Vivandiere colt (400 guineas) and the Musketry—Sunning, dale colt. (520 guineas) were amongst the lots that had been knocked down to the individual in question, it may be inferred that the breeder was a little anxious until the two colts had been quitted a second time. The first-named colt brought 35 guineas less and the latter 10 guineas less on being submitted the .second time, so that no serious loss followed. It might, ’however, have Been very different, and in future it may ce expected that an “unknown” will, he brought up with a round turn at the ringside long before his purchases reach, to 1000 guineas. Mr T. Messiter. owner of The Work--• man and Somnus, ha© taken up> his residence at Waipawa. The above-named .sires will do stud duty in that district next season. Judging the following expresion of opinion by “Phaeton,” the totalisator and bookmakers work together satisfactorily at Ellerslie: —If anything were wanting to show that the bookmakers; can work side by side with the totalisator in a legitimate manner the wagering! on the recent Auckland Cup proved it. From the time the weights were- declared speculation was pretty brisk,- but the “books” were found coing strong and well on the day, 5 to 1 being offered on. th© field as the horses took up their positions -in front of the barrier, which was actually a point longer than th© price at the machine. Had anyone a? few yeais back ventured the opinion jhaiwe should in the year 19IJ0' frnd/5 offered on th© field oy the _ pen oilier©• for: an Auckland! Cup, he would, have been; simply laugheci at if not summed., up m a more serious light. No club in the colony has handled the “books” better than the A.R.C., and on the other hand, I think it can be stated that the “books,” on their part, have in the main- loyally - observed' their part of the contract with the club. Th© sum of £3806 was put through the totalisator at the Opunake Racing Club’s meeting on New Years Day. This is an increase of £574 on the amount handled last year - High Guard (by Vanguard) and Yean collided in a race at- the Rangitikei meeting. Both received severe injuries which necessitated their destruction. Vo an was a four-year-old filly by Royal Buck— Variety, bred and owned by Mr‘Joseph Paul,.of Wanganui. The following, table shows the results of the sales held at Wellington Park during the past nine years:

The: English-br££l 'horse, Up Guards, won the Indian Viceroy’s Cup on Boxing Day. Merloolas did not shape any feet-'I ter than last year, and i# seems unfikelyO that, he will ever return to> his tralian form. - : ~

Bookmakers are being allowed to bet at the W.A.T.C. meetings in Perth. The license fee is very stiff, via., 60 guineas for the enclosure and 30 guineas outside. getting must oe good to justify a layer in putting down 60 guineas for four days’ practice, but from all accounts the bookmakers who go from here find it pays them very well. It is a great pitybookmakers are not allowed to compete against, the totalisator in other places, but the law is against such an arrangement. The Linwo o d-g ran g e-b re dl Warrior 11., by Enfilade from Melodise, a sister to Melodious, seems to have made a great example of the lot opposed to him in the Derby, and he was a bargain at 50 guineas, which was all he cost as a yearling. Some little time hack Warrior 11. was supposed to be doing badly, but he was hard at work for some days before the race, and started at odds on. The time, 2min '4lsee. is a record for the race. Towton’s Starlight, by Pilgrim’s Progress from Bright Star, won the two-year-old race, and she is proving very 'cheap at the 73 guineas Mr W. McCulloch had to sell her for. It was lucky for R. Phillips that the W.A.T.C. upset the local decision in the Australian and Aqua case, as Australian is evidently a, smart horse. He upset a very hot favourite in Reliance on Saturday, and came into strong demand for the Perth Cup. Australian was bred at Duckenfield, and is by The Australian Peer from Ophelia, a daughter of imported Typhoon, whose son Euroclydon was a. faster two-year-old than Guesswork, when Mr W. E. Dakin, had the pair of them in work at Morphettville. Ooeur de Lion did .stud duty at one of Captain Russell’s stations last season. Katinka and Krina have produced colts and Katie Fergusson and St. Katherine fillies to the son’ of Dreadnought. All take after their parent in colour except the Katie Fergusson filly, which is a bay.

“Petronel” recently visited the Avon, dale Racecourse to have a look at the outlines of the many ' improvements. With the newly-acquired 14 acres the Club property now covers 52 acres. The new grandstand will be placed on the opposite side of the course to where the old standi was situated. The old structure will be removed and will afford shelter to the outside public. The course will be almost a mile round when completed, and the straight will he one of the best in the North Island. There will be a large saddling paddock with plenty of boxes, .a beautiful lawn planted with shelter trees, and everything else that will lead to the. comfort and enjoyment ofi'th£ visitors to Avondale. The total cost of the improvements will be £3OOO, and everything is to be completed 1 by the time the Autumn Meeting is held next April. Caretaker Griffiths is hard at work on the new course now, and by the time he and the contractors have finished the Avondale Jockej 7 Chub will have one ■of -the. prettiest and most up-to-date racecourses in New Zealand.

After the race for the Bagot Handicap there was a goodi deal of talk about Fleet Admiral ran fifth in the Hopetoun Cup Avhere he had no price, and 1 was ridden by a stable boy. Anyone looking into the two performances will find that there was not any startling discrepancy. Fleet Admiral ran fifth in the Hapetoun Cup and in the Bagot Handicap he met Marie Corelli on 181 b better terms, while with Sport Royal, Sardine, and Gosport he had an advantage of 101 b, 61b.'-and 161 b respectively. Fleet Admiral has run a number of very bad races at various times, but it hardly seems that lie can be charged ivith any great inconsistency in this case. Audi the difference between the riding of a stable boy and W. Burn mus count Jar something. Air Rowen was at Flemington on Tuesday, and he backed both Fides and Fleet. Evidently WalterHickenbotham expected to begin the new century in triumphant style, and his judgment Avas not far astray. Santoi was served up hot and strong in the Criterion Handicap, but he was easily beaten, and after the handsome Hautvillers had looked all over a winner he was caught and beaten in the last few strides by The Victory. I need hardly say that every one Avas pleased to see Mr Sam Cook Avin a decent stake, but, of course, no one backed it. The Victory is a nice colt, quite in The Ad_ miral’s own style, and Hautvillers should be heard of again. m I have too much respect for the law of libel to indulge in any comments on the Welter Handicap. Everyone likes to see a man like Mr McArthur (whose horses always go cut to do their best) Avin a race, but Alva had very little to beat in this race, and it is only fair that handicappers who were not present .should know this. “Terlinga” asks when will the V.R.C. stewards recognise that they should retire and give the system of paid stewards a. trial ?

At the Albion Park (Brisbane) meetmg on Dec. 31st Air W. Booth Timon (Nelson—-Fiesole) Avon the Trial Handicap. Timon is a four-year-old chestnut gelding, half-sister to The Slave and was bred by Alajor George. I fancy he was taken to Queensland by the Hon. H. Mossman. Later in the day W. Booth rode Alusket (Musketoon— Liara) the Queensland Derby Avinner, to victory in the Welter Handicap. Daystar’s sister, Circe, started first favourite in the Goodwood Handicap, but failed to get a place. The ex-Australian sportsman Captain Scott, who married late Mrs James White, of Kirkham, has got himself into

serious trouble with the Irish racing authorities. The stewards of the Turf Club, having investigated the ease of the running of the Australian-bred Raven’s Plume, and other horses, the property of Captain Scott and his trainer, T. McGuire, considered they had no alternative but to warn off Captain Scott and McGuire. The stewards of the English Jockey Club have extended the sentence passed by the stewards of the Turf Club, Ireland, upon Captain W. Scott and Timothy McGuire to all meetings under the rules of racing. Captain Scott was for some time in Australia, whence be brought several horses to Ireland. Amongst them were Levanter, a useful chaser; Ca Ira 11., winner of the Grand Prize at Leopardstown; Achray, Kiora and 1 others.

With the weights for the Villiers Stakes and Carrington Stakes made by the same handicapper, and declared about the same time, it is not to be wondered at that one horse has won the two races. After her run-awa.v win on Boxing Day a 101 b penalty hardly looked like stopping Fulminate on Saturday, and Mr W. H. Mate’s mare started a strong favourite. And 1 she led nearly i ll the way, and Avon easily by several lengths. When horses are in form a few pounds of extra weight does not. affect them. Fulminate is one of the Galopin on Musket tribe, as she Avas got by Gossoon from Percussion by Musket. Percussion was the dam of Projectile the Metropolitan winner. Fulminate had oniy won +avo races prior to this season. Bill of Portland was despatched to England on December 31st- by the Aberdeen liner Sophocles, in charge or Mr Ernest Day. Early in the morning; he left the Newmarket yards in charge of George Dell, of Messrs Wm. C. Yuiile and Co., and Avas conveyed by tram alongside the boat. The son of St. Simon left in splendid health. He was com. fortabiv berthed in a commodious box in the fore part of the ship, and quietly submitted to the slinging process. Despite the extreme heat, he settled down quietly to his new surroundings. Whatever may chance to happen on the voyage, “Bill” is not likely to go short of “tucker.” inasmuch as a whole truck load of fodder was placed on board for him. The Prince of Wales has tAvo or three times been near the top of the tree among successful OAvners, and it is indeed gratifying to find so good and popular a sportsman at last heading the list in England, with £29.550 10s. Needless to say the proud distinction is gained almost entirely by Diamond Jubilee’s victories in the three classic races and other valuable stakes. Lord W.. Beresford is in the same position as he held last year, but with .some £"18,000 less to the credit of his big stable. Lord Durham occupies an unusually high place, thanks, in the main, to the £9OOO Century Stakes win of Osbech and the other victories gained by that son of Common. Melton’s two-year-olds are responsible for most of Mr Musker’s winnings, and that gentleman expects to have as good a time next year Avith his rising two-year-olds. Mr Drake is the American who carried off some good stakes with Royal Plu.sh and other horses, and then sold off and returned to America. The Duke of .Portland has made a gratifying move upwards after a series of very bad seasons, and much the same may be -said of Mr Brassey. Sir R. W. Griffith has dropped down by a few thousands, but he has some extraordinarily good young horses, and may do much better next year, Sir J. B. 'Maple continues to get a very poor return for the enormous outlay he goes to year after year, and the money opposite bis name represents the success of several horses, while Mr M. H. Walker (who comes next to him) had but one winner. Merry Gal, for his £8,795. On the day after Mr C. N. Kidman bought Flintlock for 90 guineas he fold “Terlinga,” he thought the little grey would be found quite good enough to hold his OAvn at handicap weights in West Australia. This prophecy has been amply fulfilled) under two months, as Flintlock won the Perth -Cup on Tuesday, and Air Kidman is said to have won a fair sum outside the stake. Flintlock won the Hobart and Launceston Cups in February, 1899, and although he has been running constantly ever since, he never won again uintil last Tuesday. ’ No Avonder Mr P. T*. HeyAvood tired of the handsome little grey, and let him go. His victory does not say much for the West Australian form, as he could not win at the minimum at Flemington or Caulfield, and it is not at all likely that he is any better uoav than he was in Victoria. Mr Donald Wallace bred Flintlock, and Air George Woodforde bought him as a yearling for 200 guineas. Air Woodforde raced him for some time, and after winning a race at Caulfield, sold him to Phil Heywood. Australian ran second, and Loch Leigh third, while Warrior 11.. Limber, and the ancient Le Var were out of a place. The Derby winner, from all accounts, is not too sound, and it is hard to get this sort of horse fit to rwa out a strong two miles. Reliance atoned for his defeat on the first day by winning the weight for age, and this big fellow should be hard to beat in the Railway Handicap. The Villiers and Carrington Stakes winner, Fulminate, is a. avell-proportion-ed bay filly, by Gossoon (imp.) out of Percussion, by Musket from Sister Agnes (imp.), by Rosicrueian. She is train_ ed af Rand-wick by young Gough, who

has Mr Mate's horses under his care, the. stables being those built by Dan O'Brien at Mount Vernon, in Botany street, Randwick. In a recent issue of the “'Sydney Mail” appeared photographs of Maribyrnong and The Fawn, a successful stud combination. They Avere owned by Air Aircrew T'oAVii. Ten of their progeny realised 12.710 guineas; Richmond Belle, mood, 210 guineas; Richmond Belle, 800 guineas; Palmyra, 1500 guineas; Bosworth. 600 guineas; Segenhoe, 2000 guineas; V anvick, 2000 guineas; Superba, 1900 guineas; Genesta, 1300 Montem, 1550 guineas; Aliranda, 1200 guineas. At the Sylvia Park saie of .yearlings last Aveek the filly by St. Hippo from Jadestone Avas passed in. The Alessrs Nathan .subsequently disposed of the filly privately to Mr Hugo Friedlander, and she was .shipped South last week. The filly in question is a half-sister to Explosion, and carries the cut of one that will most likely be heard of one of these days. The Duke of Portland, avuo is the lucky possessor of six high-class sires, is of opinion that stallion fees in England are too higls, and he has reduced his own as follows: —St. Serf, lOOgs; Ayrshire, 75gs; Donovan, 75gs; Carbine, 50gs; Raeburn, 30gs. St. Simon is not advertised,, and presumably his fee is still 600 guineas. At a recent sale of thoroughbreds held in Sydney several lots on behalf of the Tucka Tuck a. stud were disposed of. The. prices obtained throughout were loav, the highest only realising 160g.5, this being a three-year-old filly by Aietal from; Rebna. ay ho was knocked doAvn to Mr W. P. Crick. A-three-year-old brown filly by Metal from Housemaid Avas «e_ cured by Air B. AI. Osborne for llogs. Autonomea, 3yrs. by Grand Flaneur— Solitude, went to R. Wootton for UOgs. There were several of Gozo’s stock disposed of, the highest realising 105 gs. Numidia-, avTio silenced the lot she was opposed by in the Two-year-old Handicap at Warwick Farm on December 22, is engaged in the. A.J.C. December Stakes. She is full sister to Barbarossa, and more reliable, and half-sister to Alas-siniss-a and Aloroeco, .so that the family is a. galloping one. Numidia has more than returned the 135 gs she cost at yearling sale time. Fata Alorgana fell near the three furlongs post in the Warwick Farm Pace Welter on December 22, and as she never moved again, it is supposed that she broke In'w neck. Her rider, J. Gor_ man, got off Avith a, shaking. .Though the mare ran in Air J. Mayo’s name, she was really the property of Air H. C. White, who had leased her. Fata Alor_ gana aa t rs by Cranbrook from Sierra (by Apreraont—Hammock), dam of Aloonlyong and Canberra. Fata Alorgana was bred to English time and was foaled in -January. The two-year-old Gmaclliaun, who was by Goon from Wheel of Fortune, and cost 210 gs. Avhen he was sold at the Randwick yearling .sales, died recently in Ale!bourne. He had been added to the list some weeks previously, and never quite recovered. A AXelbourne paper states that a “cable message has been received to the effect that the Viceroy’s Cup, run at Calcutta on Wednesday, Avas won by Up Guards, with Tubal Cain 11. in second,place, and' Cherry, last year’s winner, third.’ Up Guards is an English-bred horse, owned l fay the Maharajah, of Jodhpore, and filled second place in the race last year. Both Tubal Cain 11. and Cherry hail from Australia. Up Guard’s Avas a good performer in England, where he Avon the Chester Cup and some hurdle races, and is a full brother to two good performers in Count Schomberg and Lady Schomberg, being by Aughrim from Clqriavarn.” The Australian-bred Syerla, Avho is rsoAv owned by Sir Edgar Vincent, started second favourite in a field of 21 for the Derby Cup of 1 V miles, and although he ran well and was m front at the commencement of the last furlong. 1 a Avas comfortably beaten at the finish I y Innocence, who cost his owner. Mr Alerbey, SlOOgs, and had not Avon a race for near, ly eighteen months. Sir Edgar Vincent has had very bad luck with his ce onial purchases—Multiform, one of the number. turned roarer, and Stoccado (late Cranberry) went mysteriously lame and had to be thrown out of training. Another Australian horse is destined to be tried on the English turf, a cable having been received from the o ner, §ir Wyndham Ansthrutlier, t° ship Caledonia by the White Star line of steamers. so that he may reach England in March next. Caledonia was purchased by Sir AV. Anstruther for 500 gs, when that gentleman Avas on a visit to the colonies last year, and it Ava.s for him that he won the V.R.C. Brunswick Stakes in March. The horse is at present spelling •at- Tucka Tucka, and Avord has been sent to forward him to Sydney to bei prepared for the voyage. Caledonia is a five-year-old gelding by Gozo—Florrie. and last season won the Brunswick Stakes at the V.R..C. Autumn Aleeting. It is more than likely that the English horse Skopos. Avho has been Avinning races in: the old" country for Air IT. C. White will shortly reach Sydney. Writing early last month the Special Commissioner said, “Both Skopos and Olcl Olo’ are certain starters in the Alanchester November Handicap, and this will be the last race either will run in England, as Skopos leaves the following week for Australia, and Old Cl o’, who snfferd so much on the

voyage to this country that Mr White dare net risk another voyage with .her, will, if not soid by the end of the month, be retained by him as a brood mare and mated with Aurum next- season.” Old Olo’ behaved badly in the Derby Cup with 7st. finishing a long way out of it, while Syerla, 7.st, ran second to Innocence, 7st 121 b, in a field or 21. Syerla started at 6 to 1. Innocence at 10 to 1, and Old Cl o’ at 50 to 1. The jockey- S. Callinan has been placed on the retired list- for a period of 12 months. He rode Numidia in the Two-year-old Handicap at Warwick Farm on December 22nd, and Avon easily by a length, after practically making all the running in the last half-mile. But soon after leaving the false rail in the straight, Equator, who had been running immediately behind the leaders, made her effort on the inside, and in a< twinkling went up to Numidia’s girth. Then, however, Numidia blocked her, and Kuhn, being compelled to steady Equator to avoid going over the rails, that filly quickly retired. The stewards had a splendid view of Avhat occurred, and Equator’s trainer coming in with a complaint for foul riding, S. Callinan Avas promptly disqualified for 12 months, his explanation being deemed unsatisfactory. The occurrence not only robbed Equator of a. good chance of Avinning, but might have been the cause of a terrible accident-. It Avas extremely unfortunate for the owner and backers of Equator that she did not run second, for if she had the stewards could not -ha ve done other than award her the race.—Equator is one of Air S. Hoi ■devn’s breeding, she being by Gigue (imp.) from Meridian (imp-.), and therefore half-sister to Hautboy. When sold as a yearling, she realised 200 gs, and is evidently going to prove that she is Avorth it. The total receipts for the recent meeting of the Greymouth Jockey Club were £1942 17s 3'd, and the expenditure £1421 0s 7d, leaving a profit of £521 16s Bd. The amount of .stakes to be given at the Club’s St. Patrick’s meeting Avill be £650. The AVestport Jockey Club will race on Bth and 9th 'March. AA 7 hen they will give £425 in stakes. Greymouth -will hold the St. Patrick’s meeting on the 17th and 18th of March and Reefton Avill race on the 22nd and 23rd March. Hokitika and Kuaiara Avill race in Easter week. The Hotchkiss Gauza fillv, purchased by Air T. B. Dvvan, at Auckland, was on behalf of a client in Sydney. Mr D Avan, aaTio sent Korowai across to Sydney last season, has open orders to -purchase jumpers for the other side. By the AVestralia. on Saturday he ships the six-year-old mare Venice, by Flintlock Revoke. Venice started on four occasions last season. At Patea she twice ran into third place, and at Egimont finished out of a place on two occasions. She has been ridden to hounds by the huntsmen of the Egrnont Hunt Club, and should be useful at Sydney jumping meetings next av inter.

1893 ... 18 lots 733ogs. 1894 ... 31 lots 6201gs. 1895 ... . 30 lots 5294gs 1896 ... 27 lots ... 2752gs 1897 ... 35 lots 3940gs 1898 .... 24 lots 5072gs 1899 23 I^ts 5405gs 1900 29 lots 6652gs 1901 ... 26 lots ... 5237gs