TURF TOPICS

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1636, 8 July 1903, Page 49

TURF TOPICS

(By “Advance.’ 7 )

NAPIER PARK RACING CLUB.

The prospects for a successful winter reunion at Napier Park, taking the business done at Hastings the previous week as a guide, were not too bright. The totalisator turnover for the vivo days reached the satisfactory sum of £9132, which amount is within £45 of last year’s total. The executive of the Napier club were somewhat annoyed at the action of the licensing committee, a prohibition one, without word or warning, refusing the usual license for the publican’s booth. Early in the season the club had disposed of the right at £4O a day, and drawn up its programme for the season accordingly. The action of the committee reduced the club’s receipts by £BO, and also inconvenienced its patrons in the season w lien a booth is most needed. The club’s arrangements were brought under the notice of the committee, but that body had previously deemed wliat it intended to do and would not treat the club m a liberai-minded manner. This would be altogether too much to expect from prohibitionists. Favoured with fineweather, the gathering passed off successfully. The Torpedo—Vista gelding Comfort, who gave promise of something better at Hastings, won the Hack Hurdles, one mile and three-quarters, all the way. The distance was covered in 3min 26secs, which shows the going was solid all the way. Rags, who carried 12st, gave all the others lumps of weight and a beating. It may not be generally known tnat Quilt (Robinson Crusoe —Patch),’ sire of Comfort, came out at Napier Park as an aged horse and won a Trial Handicap Hurdle Race, one mile and a half, in 2min 58secs, from nine others. Later in the afternoon he took part in the Handicap Hurdle Race, two miles, carrying 71b penalty, and ran third to his stable mate (Couranto) and Auckland. Vista (Torpedo—Bonny Blink), dam of Comfort, never raced. Comfort, who is only four years of age, is engaged in the Grand National Hurdle Race at Christchurch. Waimoe, who now runs in Mrs Laurent’s nomination, scored his first win for his new owner in the Stewards’ Stakes, one mile and a quarter. The Somnus gelding ran consistently at Hastings and deserved a win. Kohupapa and Camelot were strong fancies, and Waimoe paid the surprisingly good dividend of £S 6s.

Meteor was made a big pot for the Hurdles, two miles. He tired in tke last two furlongs, and blundering at the last fence, allowed Mourner to have a comfortable win. Mourner, who was meeting Meteor on 31b worse terms than when the latter finished in front of him at Hastings, paid the good price of £4 3s. Kohjunui was started., but has not quite recovered from an attack of strangles, which put him back. The Ladies’ Bracelet, one mile and a quarter, brought out ten runners. Evening, who was most fancied, failed to finish in a place. Repulse also disappointed a great many back ere. Creusot, who was made a big pot at Hastings, was better suited by the short distance, and won easily from Defoe, who returned the nice price of £4 for second. Notwithstanding a burden of 13st 51b, Great Shot was selected by a majority of backers to win the Hunters’ Steeplechase. The Crack short gelding, who has hitherto fenced well, ran off shortly after the start. The winner turned up in Hokowhitu (by Voltigeur), who was the least backed of the six runners, and paid £l4 13s. Great Shot was brought out in the next race, the Park Steeplechase, but came to grief. Efucharis followed suit, which left the race to Cronje and Straybird. The latter appears to have lost his dash. Cronje won by a couple of lengths. For some reason or other, Rapids was made favourite for the Handicap, six furlongs. Before the

start he threw his rider (F. Williams) and ‘bolted for a couple of furlongs. A member of Mr G. E. G. Richardson’s team in Opal (by Pounamu —Seal Brown) held a good position throughout and won comfortably from Taniwka. On. the second day Tradewind, who was reported to be doing good schooling work, made a successful first appearance in the Hack Hurdles, one mile and a half. The Sou’-wester gelding was in receipt of 51b from Comfort, and beat him easily in the fast time of 2min 50 2-ssec. Tradewind is engaged in the Grand National Hurdle Race at Christchurch next month. The Hawke’s Bay district generally has something decent in the jumping line, and it was time to bring out an improvement on Eclair, Abergeldie and Co. The Steeplechase, of 250sovs, three miles, attracted only five runners, of whom The Gryphon and Cfonjo ran in Mr Frank Rhodes’s interest. Jack-o’-Lantern had his opponents in trouble half a mile from home, and drawing away, won comfortably by three lengths from Pipi, with Stray bird in the other place. The Gryphon fell. Winners of the race are appended :

No meetings were hold in 1891, 1893 and 1894.

Hastings form through Waimoe pointed to Menrara as the best of the field for the Winter Oats Handicap, one mile. The daughter of Flintlock won by a couple of lengths from Waimoe, with Gold Bust in the other place. Menura, who was first favourite, paid £3 7s. Modesty, who was in receipt of 121 b from Hinewai for a defeat at Hastings, turned the tables on Taranaki to Ua’s representative, who was steadied with 13st 71b. Great Shot did not have as big a following as usual, and finished among the unplaced division. The distance, one mile and threequarters, should have suited Mourner in the Second Hurdles, but lie was beaten by Rags, who is a great finisher, and Smithy. The latter looked like winning at a mile and a half, but died away. The Gryphon did Mr F. Rhodes a winning turn in the Farewell Steeplechase, two miles and a quarter. Umslopcgaas, who was favourite, was in front when lie came to grief. He might have troubled the winner had he stood up. Stiaybird, of whom the best has evidently been seen, managed to secure second money. The going in thq Newstead Hack Handicap suited Optimist better than at Hastings. His followers had to be satisfied with second place and 15 s dividend. In a close finish Mr Rathbone’s horse was beaten by a short neck by Creusot. The winner was third favourite, and paid £3 3s. The following gentlemen ai'o the officials of the club :—President, Mr John Close ; vice-president, Mr John McVay ; stewards, Messrs H. Abbott, F. Bee, Stanley Bennett, Joseph Bicknell, A. Ellis, A. F. D. Fraser, M.H.R., H. J. Holder, F. Moeller, R. D. Sweetapple, F. G. Smith; judge, C. D. Kennedy; hon. treasurer, C. D. Kennedy; handicapper, Mr J. E. Henrys; clerk of the scales, Mr F. G. Smith; timekeeper, Mr S. E. Cooper; starter. Mr T. Cameron. HANDICAPPERS AND HANDICAPS. In a recent issue of the London “Sportsman-,” the “Special Commissioner” in his notes, says: Handicappers and handicaps form a study of almost continuous interest, and it would need a wise man indeed to fully grasp and elucidate the mysteries involved in that study. I hear of one handicapper, for example, who declares, in effect, that he never takes any notice of the running of unbacked homes, nor yet of those that are backed if they do not run prominently—for, he argues, there must have been reason for backing these latter and their defeats cannot represent true running. The same official is equally ruthless against horses which do not accept. The question then arises, how is it possible for an unfortunate owner to secure fair treatment under such unreasonable conditions? If your horse is given a weight with which lie he has no earthly chance, he can either run him or not; but if you run why should you throw good money after bad by backing him ? Even if you back him you do not better his position in the eyes of the handicapper whose views are given above. If you keep him in the stable you save a certain amount of expenses, but the weight-adjuster will still regard you with savage suspicion. Now, this is no imaginary case. The theories of handicapping which I have just set forth are, in faot, entertained by a responsible person, and certain stables are almost at a deadlock

because their horses are uniformly kept at high water-mark whether they run or don’t run; whether they are bacKeor unbacked in their races. Of course, there is reason in disregarding the running of a fat horse on whom the stable has no money, but there is no reason in ignoring the fact that if a horse has too much weight this can only be demonstrated by letting him run and get beaten. Again, while, as a matter of tactics, money is sometimes, no doubt, thrown away in, backing a horse before he is ready to win, a handicapper should also have a large enough mind to understand that trainers are very fallible —that, in fact, they make gross mistakes, imagining their geese to be swans, and causing their horses to be backed for a lot of money when those horses have reaily no sort of chance at tne weights. Then* too, wnide some owners have an idea that -although a horse is reasonably weighted he will be still better treated next time if he does not accept, and an ostentatious announcement as to his being immediately struck out is made, that is no reason for maltreating the far more numerous class of owners who simpiy avoiu the expense of running horses winch they tveii know are over-weighted. It may be, and doubtless is. dimcuut to discriminate in all cases, but for a handicapper to eschew ail attempt at discrimination and to treat them all with equal intolerance, is surely unjust and reprehensible. I have long thought that it would be for the good! of the Turf if it were officially recognised that an owner is perfectly entitled to run a horse for a race which he has not the slightest expectation of winning, whether it be that the horse is not yet at his best and wants a race just to sharpen him up, or from any other cause not involving fraudulent deceit. There is practically no stable whose horses are not. in fact, run in this way. Why, then, should be fabricate a fool’s paradise, and pretend that it is not so? It is just this foolish pretence which bewilders handicappers, and drives the moro obstinate of them into extremes such as I have dealt with above. Under the plan which I suggest, it would be no sort of insult to an owner for a handicapper to quite disregard the running of his horse in this or that race, the right to run without any idea of winning having once received official recognition. THE WELLINGTON WEIGHTS. The weights for the Wellington Racing, Club’s winter meeting, which were not due till the 6tli inst., were declared on the 4th. Mr Chadwick witnessed the running at Auckland, Eawkes Bay and Napier Park meetings last month. The handicaps bear the appearance of careful compilation and the official should be rewarded with a good response from owners. The Porirua pair O’stiak (lOst 131 b) and Exmoor (lOst 111 b) lead off in the Stewards Handicap, six furlongs. The former may be reserved for the Parliamentary Handicap. On recent running Exmoor appears to be the better of the pair over three-quarters of a mile. Goldspur (lOst 91b) to my mind is the pick of the handicap. Chasseur (lOst Gib) appears well up. Shrapnel Shell (10 ! st 31b) is well in. A.B.N. can have no chance on his Napier running. The Auckland pair, St. Olga (lOst 41b) and Cygnet (9st 131 b) are nicely placed. They each showed winning form at the Avondale meeting a few weeks back. Hkirawa (9st 131 b) and Kohupapa (9st 131 b) may be the best of the below lOst division. The winner may come from Ebunoor, Goldspur and Shrapnel Shell. There is a big field engaged in the Mirimar Hack Handicap, seven furlongs. The following half-dozen may be dangerous:—Recoil (lOst 91b) Hamua (lOst 91b) S’andy (lOst 71b) Position (lOst 21b), Hatley (9st 131 b) and Australasia (9st 41b). The representatives of J. Prosser’s 'and F. Higgott’s stables on the day should be hard to heat. In the Wellington Steeplechase, three miles, class is well represented by Haydn (12st 31b). Social Pest (list 81b), who is second on the list, has not been seen out for some time. The Ahua gelding is reported to be doing satisfactory work at Ricearton under W. Clarke’s care. Gobo (list 61b) with only 31b more than he carried to victory last season has been given an excellent chance of doing the “hat trick.” The Natator gelding has not been seen out since last August. Scallywag (list 41b) and Jack-o’-Lantern (list lib) are sure to make a big bid for the stake. Sultana (9st 121 b), who is reported to be going well at Ricearton, will probably account for the below lOst division. Hall’s mount and Sultana should be hard to beat. ( The field for the Parliamentary Handicap, one mile, includes several horses engaged in the Stewards Handicap earlier in the diay. Of the top weights I like Durable (list 61b) best. Of the others Shrapnel Shell (lOst 51b), Menura (lOst 31b), Waimoe (lOst lib) and Kohupapa (9st 101 b) have recent winning form to recommend them.

Great Shot (list 121 b) and Hutana (list 71b) are a cut above the horses •engaged in the Hack and Hunter’s Steeplechase, two miles. The first named scored at Wanganui and Hastings, but suffered defeat at Ellerslie. He has a big reputation which was somewhat discounted by falling and ruu-

ning-off at Na*pier Park. The Voltigeur gelding has been over-the country before, having acted as runner-up to The Swimmer a year ago. Kaitere (lOst 51b) beat the top weight at a difference of two stone at Ellerslie, ten lengths separating the pair. At a difference of 2Lb tiie Auckland representative is well used. One of the three mentioned should provide the winner. In the Winter Hurdles, two miles, Battleaxe (12st) meets Haydn (list 31b) on 91b worse terms than in the Grand! National Hurdle Race at Ellerslie, in which the pair mentioned finished first and second respectively. Tradewind (10’st Bib) appears well up for one win in a mile and a half race. Rags (9sb 131 b) now meets the Sou’wester gelding on 25ib better terms. Without ancr knowledge of the intentions of the owners of the two top weights, who have more important engagements at Christchurch. I would select Mourner (lOst lib), Merry Boy (9st 13ib) andi Rags (9st 131 b) as a likely trio to supply the winner. The Te Aro Hack Handicap, a five furlongs flutter, should prove a good puzzle for punters. The distance should suit Clovelly (9st 9ib) and Silver Star (9sb 31b). The pair I like best are the top weights, Recoil (lOst 91b) and Optimist (lOst 71b). Acceptances for the above events do not close till the 13th inst. CHATTER. Of the horses handicapped for thO New Zealand Cup Haiberdier was the one that goo in lightest according to my estimate. The appended table shows how the Cup winners for the past ten seasons have been handicapped the following spring and gives the ages of each competitor in the season that they won:— Rosefeldt, 3yrs, 7st 71b, Bst 31b, 101 b up. Impulse, 6yrs, 7st 91b, Bst 51b, 101 b up. Euroclydon, 3yrs, 7st, 9st 51b. 331 b up. : Lady Zetland, aged, Bst 91b. Waiuku, 6yrs, Bst 61b, lOst-, 221 b up. Tirant d’Eau, 4yrs, 7st 7ib. Seahorse, 3yrs, 7st 81b, 9st 51b, 251 b up. Eulmen, 6yrs, 7st 131 b, Bst 51b, 61b up. Ideal, syrs, 7st 71b, Bst lib, 81b up. Tortulla, 6yrs, Bst lib, 9st 31b, 161 b up. Halberdier, 6yrs, Bst, Bst 61b. 61b up. In an endeavour to avoid a repetition of the Evening Wonder case the South Australian Jockey Club has decided that on every nomination paper the name of the trainer of horse nominated and the place where the horse has been trained shall be stated. It will not be a sufficient compliance with this rule to use the word “private” or any other equivalent, but the actual name of the trainer must be stated. According to the recommendatioii made at the last Trotting Conference the Plumptou Park Club is entitled to the permit which will be available next season. This will place the Piumbton and Metropolitan Clubs on an equal footing, each having four permits. The New Brighton Biub hold two meetings, which means that Canterbury owners could have a meeting about every five weeks if they were evenly distributed. The rising two-year-old sister to Achilles has been named Panthea. She will be raced by her breeder, Mr A. W. Nivison.

Mr J. Greenfield, a steward of the Marlborough Racing Club, was on a visit to Wellington last week. The Hawkes Bay Jockey Club has decided to reduce the value of the Hawkes Bay Stakes, 1905, from 500 to 400 sovs. The race was instituted in 1896, when there were ten runners, the largest field that has yet gone to the past. Mr G. G. Stead’s representative has "been successful on no less than five occasions. Bloodshot, who won the first event was favourite and held an easy victory. Multiform had six opponents, none of wnoni was able to extend him. Daunt put down a big fafourite in Gold Mediallist. The other runners were not fancied. There were four fancies and four outsiders in 1899, when Rose 11a scored from Ideal. The Yaid hurst favourite (Altair) managed to get third. Screw Gun was a great favourite and finished by himself. Of the other three runners Renown received most .support. When Cruciform won there were six runners with Nonette the favourite. Royal Artillery won anyhow from Porirua and four others. Last March Achilles practically walked over from four others. From the above it will be seen that the only occasion on which the raoe provided an interesting finish was when Daunt got his head in front of Gold Medallist. Last season Mr W. Smart sent Lady Agnes on a visit to Cianranald. Tire result of the mating, a chestnut filly, appears among the entries for the Wellesley Stakes. Other local entries for the race are Mr W. Davis’s bay colt by Stepniak—Leda and brown colt by Stepniak —Wish, Mr D. Gordon’s brown ■colt Ruimauga, by Stepniak—Moresse, and Mr Henare Rewiti’s bay filly Bonnie Doone, by Lord Rosslym—Sunta Katerina.

The best of the New Zealand bred or owned horses sent to Australia, including Kimberley, Record Reign and Battleaxe, failed to win the Victorian Grand National Hurdle Race. The nearest horses from this side have got is second, which position Donald occupied in 1890. J. Rae also acted as run-ner-up with Titckowa-ru in the Grand Nar-

tional Steeplechase. Donald, Kapo* aaid Ixion each fillod third place in the Hurdles, which position was occupied by Wes ter lay last week. Some of the first progeny of the ■Melbourne Cup wanner Merriwee, said to be promising foals, have been engaged in future classic races at the Hutt. . . Mr F. Moore, of Wanganui, has entered some of his Australian purohases for the Wellington Racing Ciubs future classic races. The Cravat-Mantel-piece filly is rather inbred to Musket. Cravat is a son of Castor -Necklace, by Musket, and Mantelpiece is a daughter of Manton (by Musket). Mr Francis Foy, wno has some horses in J. Hickey’s stable in England, presented a gold cup valued at 100 sovs to the winner of tne Hawkesbury Grand Handicap, run on Saturday last. From Mr W. Rollitt, secretary of the New Zealand Trotting Association: I ■have received a copy of the order paper to be dealt with at the Conference to ibe held in Wellington on the 14th inst. The notices of motion have been reviewed in a previous issue. The bal-ance-sheet shows a credit of £7 17s, of which amount £3 18s lid was brought forward from the previous season. Tne Only item of receipts was levies on clubs which amounted to £73 14s. The principal items of expenditure were secretary’s salary (£SO) and expenses to Conference (£7.) The Natator —Roulette mare. Levant, which is now owned in Wellington. was a competitor at the Gisborne meeting this week. The most recent addition to Sou’wester’s progeny to the jumping ranks .is Tradewind. The gelding was reported to be doing good work at Hastings, and on the second day of the N apier jPark meeting scared easily from the first day’s winner. Comfort was can ceding 51b to Tradewind, who is reported to have won the mile and a half in 2min 6Qsoos —pretty solid going. Tradewind is full brother to Lotion, a good performer on the flat, who was not tried over hurdles. The pair mentioned are related to Light, who was destroyed at Hastings. Tradewihd is from Linament, fey Daniel (TRorke —Medicine (dam of Light), by Gladiator. Westguard is now trained by J• Seily, at Roseholl. A full sister to Ghoorka, rising two years of age, is in the same •table. Alick Hall had his second win in the Napier Steeplechase on Jack-O’-Lantern. Hitt first victory was on Hauri Gtum in 1889. The three^-year-old En Grade, by St. Simon from Engagement, won a mile W.f.a. race at Newmarket, on the 12th May. Engagement, it will bo remembered, was bred by the Sylvia Park Stud Company in 1884, and is by Musket f i oin Sylvia, by Fisherman, etc. Her first son, Sandhurst, by Bendigo, was sent but to this colony and races in 'Canterbury, but has so far been a failure.

Jacko’-Lantern makes the fourth horse to win the Hawke’s Bay and Napier Steeplechase double. The previous winners of the two events were Mangaohaue, Chemist and Rhino. Madras, a six-year-old gelding by the Tasman —Rjubina horse Launceston, won a race at the Ispwick (Queensland) Jockey Club’s meeting on June 20th. Belle Cole (by Lebei—-Miss Cole) won the fourteen-two handicap at Kensington on June 17th. The Taranaki pony carried Bst 51b. started at level money in a field of ten, and won in. lmin sseo. Weights for the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups, due on June 2ihh, were not cabled to this colony. Mr Patterson has chosen appropriate names for his rising two-year-olds. The Soult —-Problem fiby has been christened “Solution,” and the Gipsy Grand—Ambush filly “Unawares.” Mead and Persistence, -who ran first and second in the Payne Stakes at the Newmarket Spring Meeting last month, both belong to the King of England, and oarried the colours of his Majesty. Record Reign won the Grand National Steeplechase of France at Paris.

Claude Piper, head manager and trainer for Mr Bucklarid, in New Zealand, is at present on a visit to Bathurst. Ho informs a Sydney scribe that Mr Buckland’s venture in invading New Zealand three years ago with his trotters has proved remarkably successful, Bind at present he has 16 horses in Christchurch stables. He heads the winning list in New Zealand, and his main successes may be traced to the Van cl eve blood. Piper declares that trotting has such a firm hold upon the sporting public of New Zealand that this class of sport draws larger attendances than flat-racing, and the prize money totals an enormous sum. while the greatest possible care is bestowed upon the troting courses throughout the colony. The sport is kept particularly pure from malpractice, and officials are appointed to Supervise meetings whose names are sufficient guarantee of bona fides. Regarding the recent defeat of Fritz, Piper says that Fritz had not done wed prior to his departure from New South Wales, and was not bv any means himself on his arrival in New Zealand; and, without detracting in any way from Ribbonwood’s performace, was of opinion that Fritz’s defeat was due to his ot he.ng in form. For the past four seasons the O'ski Maori Rani nor plnb lirm bold its spring meet’ no- on T)owo~»etra.+ion T)av and the day following. The dates sent in for

next season wore October 14 (Demonstration Day) and 15th, but were not approved by the Metropolitan Club, which body referred the dates back and asked the country club to select others. Mr Clark (Secretary of the Wellington Racing Club) informed me this week tliat the reason for the refusal was because the Wellington Riaomg Club had decided to alter the date of its Spring meeting from late in November to early in October and use Demonstration Day. One of the stewards of the Otaki Club was in town this week and he informed me that they strongly objected to giving up the holiday and would have the matter decided by the Conference. The delegates of the Country Club and the Hon. Jas. Carroll, who is a patron of the Club, are being communicated with in the matter. A ease somewhat similar to the Pallas incident at the Ashburton meeting occurred recently in Victoria.- The Galloway Handicap, decided at Ascot was a remarkable event. In a field of 10 the Escutcheon horse Picton ran home an easy winner from Theorem. Forgetmno-Not. and Prudence, who finished level for second place. Upon returning to weigh in Picton’s rider was found to be in excess of the weight he originally declared to carry. He was therefore disqualified, land the three who ran the dead-heat were ordered to run off for the stale©. W. Davis made an addition to his team at Napier where he purchased from Fred Davis a black filly by Torpedo—Lady’s Maid, rising two years of age. The youngster was purchased by her late owner at the Te Mahunga sale last March for 21 guineas. W. JtL. Keith IS Still an early bird on tho training tracks. The Caulfield correspondent of the “Australasian'’ remarks : The New Zealand horse Westerly is trained here but lie works as a rule long before daybreak. Bob Kingan experienced bad luck with Umsiopogaas at Hawkes Bay. At Hastings in the Trial Steeplechase Hurricane beat him by the narrowest of margins. At Napier he was leading when he came to grief in the Final Steeplechase. Racing continues to boom in Westralia. The report of the committee of the Kalgooriie Racing Olub for the year ended April 30 shows a profit on the year’s transactions of £4,010 7s. For three race meetings £0,085 was given m stakes, and £4,752 10s 8d was .spent in improvements. The statement of receipts and expenditure shows that £0,340 2s Gd was received under totalisator commission, and £2,025 from boonmakers’ fees; on tho other side totalisator expenses are set down at £1,200 4s. On the three race meetings a profit of £9,142 19s lOd was made. At the June meeting of the Club £I7OOO was passed through the totalisator in. two days and a profit of £3OOO resulted. Umsiopogaas and Kanaka are not ©li*giblo for the Hack and Hunters’ Steeplechase events at the Hutt, in which they were engaged. Catspow has joined F. Higgott’s stable at the Hutt.

It was reported in town last week that Penetration (by Musketry—Melusina) had been shat while running out in a paddock at the Hutt; hut whether the shooting was accidental or not was unknown.

11. McGregor, who won the hurdle race on the first day of the Napier Park meeting on Mourner, won the same ©vent last year on Rufus. The entries received for tbe New Zealand St. Lager Stakes, 190 G numbering over 80, tho vaiue of the stake will remain at 400 sovs. liaa it been under that number tho amount would have been reduced to 300 sovs. No entries were received last week for the Zearlandia Plate, which event has been withdrawal. The death of Maivolio recalls _*ome stirring incidents connected with his Melbourne Cup in 3.891. There was a lot cf money about in Malvoiio’s year, and there was heavy gambling on tho race. Mr Oxeniiam held something like £50,000 on that cup. and all tho leading pencil.ers had big books. This was just before tho land and silver boom burst and fairly knocked the bottom out of Melbourne. Maivolio did not run as a two-year-old. In the spring of 1890 a handicap at Oakleigh Park now called Sandown, was selected for his debut, tie looked on.y half lit. but the “happy family,” headed by the late Morris Jacobs, backed the Maiua colt heavily and fielded valiantly against the favourite. Highborn, whom Messrs E. A. Uatmy and William. Forrester had backed to win a big fortune for the Melbourne Cup, to bo run. four day's later. At a urn m onos oi only i(wo me colt w ore tho old norse down ana won by a neok. After this episode Highborn drifted bacivi to uu to j. ror tne cup, m wmea no nad a very rough passage, and ran second to Carbine. His maiden effort firmly established Maivolio's reputation, and iio was the first horse backed for the cup of 1891. A A through the winter and spring he was weii up near the top of tho Cup quotations, but as the day drovv near it was wnispored around that Reofearn's party were not on, and the cream of the market had been well skimmed. Excitement ran rail-high for days, and when Pigeontoe, (Strathmore, Correzo and Highborn were each backed to win the vaiue of a German Stab© tho Maivolio party got their money on tho night before the Derby, the next day baclced the son of Madcap to wan tho Melbourne Stakes against such smashers as Marvel. Bungebah and Megaphone, but he ran very badl” and his confident Cup backers looked vcry blue indeed. He went badlv in the Cup betting on Mouday, and oil the day of tho race there was little or no demand for him; in fact, one large cash fielder tried hard to “uinoad” £IOOO to £3O “over the rails” at the finish but aould find custom for only £IOO to 3, while 25 to 1 went abegguig all over the ring against the son of Maiua. though lie >v us returned at 10 to 1. miter a siasnmg race (“Mitroy” writes) Maivolio boat the (Sydney horse Sir William by a long lialf length, with the fast coming (Shratfimore a neck away third. After the raoo there were whispers abroad tnat Maivouo’s owner was not entitled to the stake. The smoko culminated in firo wfien the trustees of the estate of Mr E. De Mestre put in a claim for the stakes on the ground that Maivolibs dam belonged to the estate. W hen Mr Reufea.ru leased the Williamstown course and stables, Mr I>e Mestre used to stay there with his horses when on a visit to Melbourne, and in return for the bur±y Yorkvhireman’s many kindnesses, Mr De Mestre made him a present «’f a filly by Robinson Crusoe from Giovanna, by Yattendon. This filly was Madcap, who won Mr Redfearn some nioe races befoi'e she went to the stud and gave him Maivolio. The claim to the stakes was disallowed, as it was proved that the filly was a bona fide gdt. and the Maivolio party breathed again.

The stewards of the Wellington Racing Club have done some travelling this season. Mr W. Mowbray recently made the trip to England. Mr Wiiford is at present on the return journey. Mr R. T. Turnbull left for Sydney last Saturday week. Cruseot, who is in the New Zealand Oup with tho minimum weight, won <a double at the Napier Park meeting. A bungle took place in connection with the working of tho totalisator at the Charters Towers Jockey Club’s meeting last month. In the Flying Handicap the totalisator showed 110 tickets on Heretic, when there were really 173 on him. A dividend of £5 13s was posted, but :-he public demanded £8 16s. About 50 people we«re paid £5 13s ; then the totalisator paid £8 16s. After the race it was shown that £5 13s was tho correct dividend, and the sum of about £3OO was thus overpaid. Apart from this the totalisator worked well. The Hutt trainer, W. Davis, failed to make expenses at Hawkes Bay. Smithy found a mile and three-quarters beyond his tether both at Hastings and the Park. Kohunui was only started on the first day of the Park meeting. He was recently eased off on acoount of suffering from strangles and did not make a good show.

It was recently reported by cable that the well-known American jockey Tod Sloan had 1 been practically “warned off” by the French Jockey Club. The reason was connected with the victory of Rose de Mai at Chantilly. The filly in question was nominally trained by a certain Jean Brethes, who appears to have covered others, and notably Tod Sloan, the ex-jockey, with his identity. Brethes omitted to ask permission to avail himself of the gallops on. the Aigles, the private training ground of

the Jockey Club at Chantilly, where Rose de Alai was exercised under the management of Sloan on the morning of the race. Consequently a special notice has been issued by the stewards fining Brethes 2000 f. (£80) the highest penalty ever imposed. Furthermore, tho stowards, acting under tho second paragraph of the 76tli rule of racing, and, taking into consideration the fact that Tod Sloan galloped the mare Rose de Mai on Sunday morniim. 17th May, on the Aigles and that, as a former jockey, ho could not be ignorant of tho necessity of asking permission before using tho ground, thus rendering himself voluntarily an associate in tho fault committed by the trainer of Roso do Mai, have excluded Tod Sloan from enclosed places, weighing rooms and all premises tho property of the Sooiete d’Encouragement. or Jockey Club. In both cases the maximum penalty has been inflicted for there is no actual warning off in France, where the raco stewards have only recently assumed power to exclude from tho paddock and enclosure people who may iiavo rendered themselves obnoxious.

Tne early announcement that Cannie On let and Qjuarryman have been withdrawn from the New Zealand Oup means either that Sir George Clifford. is dissatisfied vvitfi tho weights allotted the horses mentioned or that iio intends Gtenaladalo to bo his Cup candidate, a~d will save backers from losing their money on horses unlikely to start. Cannie Ohiel was about in bis right place. He received tho same vveignt last year, wiien. tho stable relied on Gienaladale (7st 4ib), who finished out of a piaco. in the Metropolitan Handicap, one mile and a half, Oanni© duel (7st lllb) finished out of a place behind Canteen (Bst 31b) and Halberdier (9st 21b). In the Wellington Cup, one mile and a half, Cannie Chiol (7st 81b) ran third, Hinetaura (7st 121 b) being second, and Canteen (Bst 81b), Motor Gist 13ib) and Gent oral (Symons (Gst 10ib) unplaced. In the C.J.G. Midsummer Handicap, one mile and a hail, Cannie Cmei second to Gonoial Symons (7st 3ifi), Ltady Lillian (Bst Gib) filling the other place. In the Dunedin Cup, one nuie and a half, Cannie Ohiel (Bst 15b) was second to Orioff (Bst 131 b), beating Lady Lillian (Bst 51b), General Symons (7st ulb), Lady Rcsiyn (Gst 91b) and Sirius ?Gst 101 b). In the Great Autumn Handicap, one mile and a half. Cannie Ohiel (Bst lib) ran second to Ladjy Liliiau (Bst 121 b), beating Pal las (Bsfc I21b), Motor (7st lllb), General Symons (7et 31b) and Laval otto (Gab 71b). In the Dunedin Birthday Handicap, one mile and a half, Lady Lillian had 9st 91b, Oannio Chiel Bst 121 b, Kelburno Sst, 41b, General Symons 7st 81b, Sirius Gst 91b and Lady Roslyn Gst 71b. Cannie Chiel, who was asked to meet Lady Lillian on the same terms as when she defeated him in the Great Autumn, was not accepted for. Cannie Chiel now meets Lady Lillian on lib better terms, which Sir George Clifford may not consider sufficient. Cannie Chiel was very unlucky this season in just getting beaten in three such important handicaps as the Dunedin and Wellington Cups and Great Autumn Handicap. I placed 161 b between the pair—Lady Lillian Bst 121 b. Cannie Chiel 7st 101 b. Cannie Chiel, in the writer’s opinion, is not & thorough stayer, and would not see out a race over two miles solidly run, as tho New Zealand Cup generally is. In the absence of Machine Gun, Treadmill and King Log, Quarryman was properly placed at the head of the rising three-year-olds. He received one pound above my estimate, but his breeding entitled him to that—■ by Bill of Portland —Madowla, by Trenton —Azalea (imp.), by Galliard, is good enough for anything. If anything goes wrong with Treadmill, the squire of Stony hurst will be able to fall back on Quarryman. In the Russley Plate, five furlongs, at Riccarton in the Autumn., Quarryman carried top weight, Bst 51b. and won comfortably by two lengtlia and a half, beating Sea Lion (Bst 31b), Leonoro (7st 2 , b) and four others. Glendad ale (7st 21b) has 21b less than be carried a year ago, when be finished out of a place. Ho then appeared to have a chance after winning the Great Autumn Handicap with 7st. He has been spelled since running in the last Cup. A Southern firm of pencillers is queuing Lady Roslyn at 200 to 1 for tho New Zealand Cup. The odds are very liberal considering the mare has been turned out to take up stud duties. The weights for the Epsom and Metropolitan, duo on Monday Last, were not cabled across excepting those allotted Mr Stead’s pair. In the Epsom Handicap, one mile. Cruciform has 9st 101 b and Orioff 9st 21b. In the Metropolitan Handicap, one mile and a half, Cruciform has 9st 71b and Orioff Bst 121 b. It will probably he found that Cruciform is at the head of the list. Last year Mr John Daly started with Sequence, lOst 31b, in the Epsom, and Wakeful, lOst 61b, in the Metropolitan. The weights allotted anre lighter than tney would receive in this colony, hut may not be attractive enough to take on the trip without knowledge of the opposition to be met with. The sea trip and change of climate has also to he reckoned with. The last occasion on which Mr Mason made the trip to Randwick with a team of Mr Stead’s was in the spring of 1893, just ten years ago. In the Trial Stakes, of 200 sovs., one mile and

a quarter, Ich Dien, 7st 71b, started at 20 to 1, and ran second to Jeweller (Bst 81b) in a field of eleven. Melinite (7st 61b) ran unplaced in the Epsom Handicap, one mile, on by Brockloigh. In the Spring Stakes, of 400 sovs. one mile and a half, Stepniak (9st) was beaten a length by X>. O'Brien’s Loyalty (7st 7:b). E. Kingan rode Ich Dien, T. Nerriker Melinite and the late H. Ousdin Stepniak. On the second day Ich Dien, ridden by F. Kingan, won the Spring Maiden Stakes, of 200 sovs., one mile and a half, from nine others. In the Craven Plate, of 400 sovs., one mile and a quarter, Stepniak (9st) again had to play second fiddle to his countryman, Loyalty (7st 9ib). The pair were only separated . ‘by a short head. On the concluding day of the meeting Stepniak (9st) ran third to Camoola (9st) and Projectile (6st 12lh) in the Randwick Plate, of 500 sovs, three miles. Almont. who on the Ist inst. at Melbourne lowered the Victorian mile pacing record to 2min 12 1-osec, was hied in Canterbixry by the lat-o Mr Haxiy Mace. At the dispersal of that gentleman’s Brooklyn stud at New Brighton in November last, Almont (by Rothschild «—Puella). who then had a two-mile record of 4min. 46sec., was sold to Mr T. Barber, of Melbourne, for 640 guineas. Belmont M. (Almont’s full brother), who has recently lowered t*s Victorian two-year-old mile record by 13sec., went to the same buyer for 400 guineas. Almont met Lightfoot in a two miles match in Melbourne in April last and won in 4mm 36sec. Pueila (by Berlin —Woodfcnim Maid), the dam of Almont and Belmont M., was purchased by Mr Barber at Mr Mace’s sale, but died shortly after reaching Victoria. Puella was a full sister to Fraulein (the damof Fritz). The New Zealanders at present in Victoria are trained by L. Robertson, well known in this colony as a capable rider and driver. Mr T. H. Davey, M.H.R., will represent the New Brighton Trotting Club at the annual conference to be held here on Tuesday next-. Messrs Blarnett and! Grant report the following business on the New Zealand Cup:— 1300 to 40 General Symons--1100 to 28 Lavalette. 1000 to 25 Royal Fusilier. 1000 to 46 Halberdier. 1000 to 44 Pampero. 1000 to 6 Nell Gwynn. 800 to 59 Lady Lillian. 800 to 50 Orloff. 700 to 65 Waireki. 700 to 7 Creusot. 600 to 42 Shrapnell. 500 to 20 Pallas. 500 ro 24 Canteen. 500 to 15 Golden Rose. 500 to 17 Great Gun. GRAND NATIONAL STEEPLES AND HURDLES. 1000 to 2 Cron j e and Merry Boy. 600 to 20 Haydn and Battleaxe. 500 to 15 Sultana and Battleaxe. 600 to 5 Sultana and Tradewind. 400 to 8 Awahuri and Tresbam. 300 to 6 Hurricane and Tradewind. 200 to 5 Haydn and Tradewind.

Year Winner. Weight. Time. 1887 —•Mangaohain© 10 7 7 2 1-5 1888. —Chemist 11 6 6 48 2-5 1889.—Panic ... 9 0 7 18 2-5 1890. —Oeo 9 8 7 33 4-5 1892. —W1 jaleb on© ... 11 12 8 1 2-5 1895. —Tiritea 11 10 7 17 2-5 1896. —Mutiny 12 3 7 10 2-5 1897. —Fliit. ... 9 7 7 13 3-5 1898.—Rhino... 11 7 '6 5 2-5 1899. —Kauri Gum ... 9 7 6 58 1900. —Kauri Gum ... 9 13 7 9 3-5 1901. —The Guard ... 11 12 6 55 3-5 1902. —Scallywag 11 2 7 4 3-5 1903.—J a ck-o’-K an tern 11 O 6 40 4-5