TURF TOPICS

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1683, 1 June 1904, Page 51

TURF TOPICS

(By “ Advance/’)

CHATTER. The dead heat in the Takapuna Steeplechase last week is the second since the race was instituted in 1883. The judge was unable to separate Bombardier and Belle in 1894. Papatu, who deadlieated with Dingo, is a Gisborne bred horse by Crackshot from Tamahine, a smart, sprinter by Javelin, who won races in Hawke’s Bay some years back. Crespin beat Papatu in the Maiden Steeplechase at Takapuna and appears to possess an outside chance at Ellerslie. The two-year-old colt Promotion, by Soult—Princess' Alice, has joined H. Telford’s stable at the Hutf. The Wanganui Jockey Club’s meeting was . capably conducted by Mr Frank Moffatt (Secretary). Despite the inclement weather Mr J. H. Nixon (honorary treasurer) found time to look after visitors W. Price recently met with an injury to his left eye and rode with a shade over it at the Wanganui meeting. His recent successes in hurdle races have encouraged him to take on the big fences. He - rode Menaderva in the Grandstand Steeplechase. The Sou’wester mare was at the stud a couple of seasons and has reared one foal. It is somewhat remarkable that Van Cleve and Fraulein were imported to this colony, sold to go to Australia, and that their progeny (consisting of Fritz, Frederick, Franz and The Heir) were afterwards brought to this colony to race. Van Cleve has taken Childe Harold’s place as the champion trotting sire of Australia. Hardly a meeting is held in this colony that one or more of his progeny are not successful. Mr J. A. Buckland, the well-known New South Wales sportsman, who owns Van Oleve, Fraulein and Fritz, and keeps a string of trotters in Canterbury. That he still takes an active interest in the spoit is evident by the following remarks in the Sydney "Mail” Nearly a year ago Mr J. A, Buckland, of Pine Ridge, sent a commission to America to purchase a high grade trotting colt to take Van Geve’s place in his stud when the days of that good horse’s usefulness are over. In return Mr Buckland received a fine-looking yearling, whom he has named California. This colt is described by trotting experts as one of the best examples of the high grade American

trotter that lias been imported to this country. He was bred by Senator Stanford at Palo Alto in California, and is by Mendcino, a son of the celebrated Electioneer, from S ; ally Benton, a topnotch performer, who held the four-year-old record of her time. With this colt came another trotting aristocrat named Etta Wood, also bred at Palo Alto. Etta Wood is a brood mare, and before leaving America was mated with Iran Alto (2min 12sec), son of the famous Palo Alto (2mm bfsec), who proved the efficacy of the Standl’otxl theory of crossing the thoroughbred on the trotter for stamina and speed. Etta Wood, who is by Boxwood, son of Nutwood, foaled a beautiful filly last week to Iran Alto, and the little stranger is much prized at Pine Ridge, where crack trotters are as common as dried peas. Mr Buckland’s celebrated trotter, Fritz, has had a good rest since be raced against Ribbon wood in New Zealand, and is m steady work again. Mr Buckland has not yet forgotten his defeat by Ribbonwood, And, if lie gets nis old favourite back to form again, we will hear a challenge there will be no misunderstanding, 'iha next trotter that tai-ies Fritz on for championship honours will uot have a sick horse to meet, for if the gallant old son, of Van Cleve is not himself on the day of running Mr Buckland will forfeit instead of taking chances as he did against iiibbonwcod. Mr W. V. Young, owner of Convoy, and George Price, the well-known light weight, leave next week on a holiday trip to Australia. Mr A. E. Whyte, Secretary of the Wellington Racing Club, was present at the Wanganui Jockey Clubs meeting. The performance of the Wanganui Garrison Band at •■the race meeting last week was greatly appreciated, especially by visitors, who always look forward to the musical treat provided by Bandmaster Chriehtoxrs team, who will take part m the. Ballarat contest. Sacramento, who was imported to this country from America with Electioneer, by Messrs Mangin and Wilson, of Canterbury, <vas recently sent to Melbourne and submitted to auction there, lie found a new purchaser in Air J. G. Ware, of Buangor. at 250 guineas. The yearling sister to Achilles has been named Dora Grey. She is trained by J. Gough at Rand wick. At the Wanganui sales Mr R.. R. Macdonald, of Levm, purchased Rapids for .52 guineas. Mr J. Prosser gave 40 guineas for a black gelding by Linstock -=-Merveilleux. The two-year-old ’halfbrother to Convoy was passed in at 35 guineas with a reserve of 50 guineas. Albert Jackson, who was some time with Mr Prosser at Porirua and has . latterly acted as head lad for F. Tilly, lias started training oil the old Sandon racecourse. He has Hardwork, a Sou'wester mare and another to start on.

■ Notwithstanding the unfavourable weather the totaiisator turnover at the Wanganui meeting showed an increase of £2215 compared with the previous winter fixture.

O. Jenkins rode four winners at tho Wanganui meeting. Tho successful Chilae Harold sires Rothschild and Viking are to be offered at auction at Christchurch in August. Ormonde, whose death in New York was announced by cable last week, was by Bend Or from Lily Agnes, and carried the Duke of Westminster’s colours all through his racing career without once meeting defeat. Amongst the most important races won by him were the Dewhurst Plate, Two Thousand Guineas, Derby, St. Leger, St. James’s Palace Stakes, Hardwicke Stakes, Great Foal Stakes, Newmarket St. Leger, Champion Stakes, Rous Memorial Stakes and Imperial Gold Cup. After standing in England for some time, Ormonde, was purchased by an American breeder for £12,000, and subsequently became the property of an Argentine studmaster at £31,000. His want of success as a sire led to his being returned to England, and subsequently he found his way to California. The best of his progeny was Orme, who in turn left the unbeaten Flying ioa, k.. M. E. Blanc gave the record price of 37,500g5. Orme also has a representative in New Zealand in the Hon. J. D. Ormond’s Birkenhead.

A large number of sportsmen and others assembled at Tattersall’s Yards on May 25, where nine thoroughbred brood mares and one two-year-okl were to be sold on account of Mr J. F. Reid, of Elderslie. The majority at the ringside was, however, evidently-mere spectators, as there were very few bidders, and the lots did not realise attractive figures. The following are the particulars of the sales: —B m Aspenleaf, 21gs ; blk m Lady’s Maid, 20gs, Mr R. McDonald. Dunedin; b m Huguenot, 25gs, Mr J. H 5. Buchanan; b m Merisette, 21gs, Mr W. Gardiner, junr., Oamaru; b m, syrs, by Gipsy Grand. Merisette, 21gs, Mr J. Munroe; ch m Cobweb, 34gs, Mr W. Gardiner, senr., Oamaru; b m Illusion, 23gs, Mr G. E. Sise, Dunedin; oh m Rainbow, 24gs, Mr J. Brown; br m Rosespur, 74gs, Mr G. Leslie, Oamaru; b f, 2yrs, by Gipsy Grand—Belle Clair, 24gs. Final payments for the Great Northern Hurdles (two sovs), and Great Northen Steeplechase (four sovs) are due at the post. Spalpeen and Tahae are considered unlikely starters. The top weight (Waiwera) may safely be written out on bis Wanganui running. On the second day at Wanganui he was asked to meet Roseshoot and Aka Aka on 20lb and

101 b better terms respfeetiVely ‘ than at Ellerslie, but did not take it on, probably on account of the state of the going. The distance is beyond Killarney, and Tupara may be passed after his rufining - at Wanganui. Vai Rosa could easily manage to get third in a Maiden Hurdle race at Takapuna, which form is not good enough for a Grand National candidate. Hippowai (Hippocampus—The Orphan) showed up well at Takapuna,where he won a double. The official time for the two-mile event vas doubted, but with a stone more on his back lie scored again. He holds Princess of Thule and T rances movejoy- safe. Oreusot looks like beating the moderate lot opposed to him in the Ladies' Bracelet amt may therefore not be started in the Hurdles. Great tilings are expected of Up-to-Rate, who will neeu to be as good as his half-brother (Record. Reign) to concede horses like Rosesiioot and Aka Aka two stone. Of the. twenty-one horses that accepted for the race half of them appear to nave little or no chance of winning. Dapatu (Bracksiiot —Tam a lime) made the best shuw of the steepleciiasers seen out at Takapuna. In the Maiden, two miles and a half, he was beaten three lengths ny Crespin, who was in receipt of iolb. In the big event on the sec on i day Dingo and Papatu dead-healed at the end of three and a half miles. They hnisiieu in front of last year's winner (Princess of Thule) in record time ioithe race. The dead-heaters escaped a penalty at Ellerslie, where ail three meet on similar terms, ivoirunui (wiio nas been. _wen _ backed in doiioies witn Jttoseshoot), E'ciair and Hutana will make me trip. Tiie hrst-nameu two are out-class-eu. Hutana possesses a jumper's chance and meets Mayan on muen oetter terms mail at Wanganui, - Comfort will pro bably be given a run m me Maiden isceeplecnase on me lust uay. mmarney may him the fences too fcrmiuaoie. Moccasin, juacly Lett aim several oi tne below -Use division may not inane tlie final payment. Dannongate may be nduen by J. Cameron, wiio is nicely to prove naycin s strongest opponent. At the present juncture it appears difficult to select anyuuiig witn a cnauce oi ueieatmg me Wanganui dceepiecnase winner. WANGANUI JO GREY CLUB.

The ’Wanganui Jockey Club has been somewhat umortunate tins season in tiie weather experienced for its meetings. The Cup meeting suffered from tms cause, and the weather fast week for tne steeplecnase meeting was bad. it rained steadily througneut both days, and affected tne attendance and minimised the pleasure of what would have otherwise been an enjoyable outing. Under the circumstances tiie officials of tiie club are to be commended for deciding against a postponement and keeping faith with visitors. The foreign horses brought • mere sports from outside districts than usual, and to this may be attributed the increase in the totaiisator turnover, widen was remarkably good. The only withdrawal from the Flying Handicap, with which proceedings opened, was Noneen, who was a little sore after racing at Napier, and did not journey over, although her Carterton owner (Mr Harry Franks) made the. trip. Ballarat. wdio is a particularly good beginner, shot out, and at the turn for home it looked as if she would make a runaway victory of it. Reclaimer came at her in the straight, both horses being under punishment from the distance. Reclaimer had just a neck to spare when the post was reached. The Recluse gelding looks very well on it, and was well supported oil his Egniont form. Black Reynard was not much fancied, and finished in fourth place behind Paritutu.

Pharos, who. has been blistered and turned out, was the only scratching for the Grandstand Steeplechase. The field ran together for the first round, the jumping being good. Eclair tailed off and jumped awkwardly at the first few obstacles, but warmed up to liis work, and joined the field, only to turn over half a mile from home. The only other to make a mistake was Rapanui, who jumped very big. He got rid of Lind after negotiating the worst of the. obstacle's. Hutana had the measure of his opponents going into the recreation ground the second time rouiid, and at the finish won by lialf-a-dozen lengths from Victory. Opaku was a fair third. Kohunui being close up. The Sedgebrook-Waitotara gelding Federation was the best of a poor lot of maidens. He got a good position, and, Jenkins keeping him together, won without an effort from Makikihi, a two. year-old filly by St. Cyr—Prioress. The other starters included a big bay gelding by Waterfall —Primrose, named Guelder Rose. He is a half-brother to Roseshoot, a two-year-older. Spalpeen, Beau Ideal and Rags appeared on the scratching board for the Century 'Hurdle Handicap. Evening and Lissa made the pace, the latter being the first to cry enough. After Even, ing was done with Ake Ake took up the running. Haydn, who was being driven along, was holding a good position half a mile from home, where Ranana joined Ake Ake. Here Roseshoot, who was lying about sixth, was let out, and, passing the leaders as if they were standing still, showed the way to Ake Ake over the last fence. He was eased up in the run home, and won by a couple of lengths from Otairi, who ran the race of his life. Ake Ake and Ranana were next. Then came Haydn, Killarney and Lissa. Rosfeshoot’s performance was a good one. He was in a big field, making his third appearance in a jumping race, and put up the good time of 2 l-ssec —a record for the rao&B

.•i ’The only- reniancamotithnag about the Hack Hurdles .was - the puce Ruenful paid; . The Strenuous geminig had che race won at any part., .-on me second day he was awarded 12sr. bio, a big burden in mud, and declined the contest. After- Roscsiioot’s victory his stable mate (Float) was made favourite, for the Connolly Handicap. - After piaying up at the post she got chopped out at the start and was never prominent. Inglewood, who ~uit up (jib overweight, won from end to end, .'but-had only half a length to spare at the finish from three others, who almost dead heated for second place. Shrapnel Shell came fast at the finish, but failed to reach Black Reynard. The Kutt trained nurse was kept too far away at the half-distance. In keeping him together Lindsay was carrying out the trainer’s instructions. Excepting Opaene, who was out-classed, Inglewood was tiie least fancied and paid £32 17s.

Star ilia and Vigoro (who was bracketed with Seagul) were the fancies for the Purua Hack Flat Handicap. Southern Cross (Daystar—Tonga) showed out for about hair-way, wuere Rapids took charge and came in by himseif. Rapids could have been purchased before the race for £6O, at which price he would have proved a bargain. In order to keep faith with, visitors, the Jockey Club decided to race on Wednes day, though there was a steady downpoiu of rain throughout the afternoon. The riders had a bad time of it. Probably oii.no other course in the colony could a meeting have been held under similar weather conditions. The totaiisator receipts for the day were only £638 he-, hind tiie second day last year.

The field for the big steeplechase was reduced to live. The second fence —a post and rail—accounted for Killarney. Eclair fell on landing at the waterjump. Hutana showed the way to Haydn for over two miles. Tfie latter was then called on, and settling, the Voltigeur gelding for pace, won easily by six lengths. Opaku finished about a hundred yards away. Hutana gave the best jumping exhibition. The time, considering the going, was good. The. Aucklander got a well-deserved reception on returning to scale. He competed in the race a year ago, and was then sent out favourite, but -came to grief at the hurdle double in the straight. The Sou’-wester gelding has now to his credit the Wanganui Century Hurdles and Steeplechase, the Great Northern Steeplechase and the Grand National Hurdles and Steeplechase. He is the best all-round performer at present racing. He has incurred 51b penalty in the Great Northern Steeplechase, this increasing his weight in that event to 12.7. He may repeat the performances of The Guard, Moifaa and Muscatel and win the double—Wanganui and Great Northern Steeplechases. The Wanganui jumping double was won by the best horses, and they will be hard to beat at Ellerslie. Kohunui and Hutana have not incurred a penalty in the Steeplechase at Auckland. The latter has a jumper’s chance, and he will meet Haydn on 151 b better terms. Eclair and Kohunui are hardly class enough. Killarney can safely be written out after his showing to-day. Pharos is turned out, and the hollowbacked Ranana is not built for such a journey. On the day, Haydn and Cannongate will probably be found fighting last year’s battle over again. Cannongate will meet Haydn on 171 b better terms than a j T ear ago, when the latter won by eight lengths. Roseshoot is the liandicapper's tip for the Hurdles. Mr Evett handicapped the Torpedo gelding to-day at 10.10, a> stone more than lie will have to carry at Ellerslie. Aka Aka, who is a real good soft, scored in the Hurdles in great style to-day, and won pulling up. At Auckland he will have to meet Roseshoot on level terms. The gallop on the previous day appeared to do Aka Aka good, as he to-day fenced boldly throughout. He comes from a jumping family, being a grandson of Mystery (by The Painter —Fortuna), who won races in Wanganui and Auckland in the eighties. He is owned by Mr Alfred Kidd, a son of the member for Auckland city. Aka Aka is perhaps a better fencer than Roseshoot, but the latter’s superior pace will more than make up what his opponent gains at tho jumps. The Final Steeplechase caused some amusement. Of the three runners, Victory and Rapanui turned over at the first fence. The riderless horses followed Kohunui, and were close up at the double in front of the stand. _ In the straight O’Leary eased Kohunui, so that the horses could be cauglit. At the first stone wall Koliunui was at halfpace, and scrambled over it. He climbed over tho next fence, and landed in the water. At the succeeding obstacle lio baulked, but was got over at the second - attempt, and came in by himself. Seeing the exhibition Kohunui was making, a bystander caught Rapanui and rode him round, but he nnssed a couple of fences and was not placed. Cochrane remounted Victory, who completed the course, jumping in great style, and claimed second money. In the Flying, Sharpuel Shell (on the inside) got a break, and led aU the way, winning by a couple of lengths from Delama, who came fast in the straight. Ballarat was prominent for six furlongs. Wainioe lost about a “dozen lengths at the start, and finished fourth. Shrapnel’s running proved that had he been

allowed to run along the previous day instead of being kept back, he must have nearly 'won the Connolly Handicap. The Wellington horse won the same race last year. This was his first win since his retirement. With the exception of the rider of the winner, it was difficult to distinguish the jockeys, who came in covered with mud. With O. Jenkins in the saddle, the aged Louis d’Or gelding Dick Turpm scored a double win for Dr T. L. Paget, of Stratford. In the Farewell Hack, Rapids ran in the interest of Mr J. R. Macdonald, of Levin, having been pur- • chased at auction this morning for .> fifty-two guineas. After a good run of seconds, the Vanguard mare Valima, trained by W. Homes, scored a win In the Second Hack Hurdles. Toledo appeared unable to act in the mud. At one part of the proceedings—after the May Hurdles—more interest appeared to be taken in the performance of the Wanganui Garrison Band than the races. The crowd was attracted round the band-stand under the shelter of umbrellas to hear “Hie Smithy m the Wood," played with anvil accompaniment. An encore was demanded, and given. It was a somewhat unusual sight at a race meeting, but a decided compliment to the band. Another noticeable feature at Wanganui meetings which might be copied by other clubs is the properly-equipped ambulance corps, vices were not required. AUCKLAND WINTER MEETING. The Auckland Grand National Steeplechase meeting will be held at Ellerslie on Friday and Saturday next. Considerable interest has been taken in the principal events, over which there has been a lot -of speculation in doubles. LAS number of the competitors engaged were seen out at Wanganui and the successful candidates there (Roseshoot and Haydn) will be hard to beat at ■Ellerslie. If Roseshoot is beaten it may be by Aka Aka, who appeal’s likely to improve. Haydn will take a lot of heating in the steeplechase. It is difficult to pick out anything with a better chance than the Sou’-wester gelding. The following may run prominently in the handicap events on the first day:— Maiden Steeplechase Handicap—Comfort and Eclair. Maiden Welter Handicap—Certainty and Stepney. Great Northern Hurdles—Roseshoot and Aka Aka. Maiden Hurdle Race—St. Rowan and Morpeth. - Oormvall Handicap—Durable and Float. Selling Steeplechase—Dingo. Ladies’ Bracelet—Oreusot and Talune. The Great Northern Steeplechase will he decided on the concluding day. In such a big field the race bears a very open appearance.. Tried horses like Haydn and Cannongate are sure to have a strong following. This pair and Princess of Thule may fill the places. OTAKI MAORI RACING CLUB. Judging by the excellence of the acceptances received it only requires fine weather to bring the Otaki Maori Racing Club’s winter meeting, to be held on Friday and Saturday next, to a successful issue. Hobday excursion fares will be issued and special trains will be run to suit visitors from Wellington. The first race each day is timed to start at 11.30 a.m. The following horses may run prominently on the opening day:— Flying Handicap—Parkshot and Tomirangi. Hack Hurdle Handicap—Te Ngaio and Pushful. Raukawa Gup—Shrapnel Shell and Waimoe. Otaki. Hack Handicap—Sardonyx and Waitarere. Maiden Hack Flat —Be Wet and Levant. Rangiuru Handicap—Reclaimer and Ballarat. Birthday Welter Handicap— : Clovelly and Vigoro. RACING AT OAMARU. The North Otago Jockey Club had a fair meeting last week., Class was represented by Lady Lillian, who got home in the Empire Handicap, six furlongs, on the first day, beating the useful Flower of Clutha, who was in receipt of a stone, by a neck. The breeder of Stockflower (dam of Flower of Clutha) lias until recently been obscure. Mr J. Cowan, owner and breeder of the mare, has supplied the ’’Otago Witness" with the mare’s tabulated pedigree She was one of a batch of ten yearlings sent across from Victoria to Dunedin by Mr S. Gardiner, of Bundora Park. Turquoise was also of the shipment. Cairn (Cas-ket-Mountain Maid) put down Te Taiaha and others in the Shorts Handicap, a half-mile flutter. Old Goldspur was favourite, but could not get nearer than fourth. Another of Casket’s progeny, Casque, was successful in the Burnside Handicap, five furlongs. Secret Society had no difficulty in beating the moderate lot that opposed him .in thb Grandstand Welter Handicap, of 4o so vs, one mile. He paid the surprisingly good dividend of £2 12s in a field of six.-Maunjess followed up hex* Ashburton success by a victory in the Winter Handicap, six ■ furlongs. The daughter of Mannlicher was favourite qnd paid £2 2s in a field of twelve. *

On the second day Flower of Clutlia

and Lady Lillian met in the Victoria Handicap, one mile. The latter was allowing her opponent lOlbs for the previous day’s beating and Flower of Clutha turned the tables, winning by a couple of lengths. The latter came out again in the Electric Handicap, five furlongs, and was allowed to pay the good dividend of £5. Cairn scored bis second win in the Hack Handicap Selling Race, and was sold to Mr R. O. Campbell for 52 guineas. Lee Enfield (Musketry— Melusina) put down Casque and four others in the Te Puke Welter Handicap. The purchaser of Cairn won the Parksicte Handicap with Guard of Honour (Mount Royal—Miss tiillary). THE RULES OF RACING. One probable result arising out of the decision of the Convoy-Gladsome ease will be that all racing clubs will consider the advisability of putting the rules of racing in order. This will no doubt bo done through their representatives at the Racing Conference. For several years past I have listened to the discussions at the conference annually held in Wellington, and had the opportunity of exchanging opinions with some of the gentlemen who have attended them. Mr 0. Samuel, president and chairman of committee of the Taranaki Jockey Club, has been looked upon as the leader of the opposition in the “Turf Parliament." The representative of the Taranaki district has done good woris, but on several occasions he has been beaten by the “three-fourths” majority, whicn lie unsuccessfully tried to alter a year ago. The strong Conservative element in the conference objected to the three-fifths majority. Mr Samuel, who desired to see the rules put in order, moved—That it he an instruction to the Executive to prepare new Rules of Racing and with that object to cause three copies of the draft rules when prepared to be forwarded to each registered club at least three months before the conference to be neld in or about the month of July, 1904, and to invite suggestions thereon from each such club (to be posted to the secretary of the conference not later than one month after the draft rules shall have been forwarded to such club), and thereafter to revise such draft rules, and forward three copies thereof as revised to each club not less than one month before such conference, in order that at such conference the existing Rules of Racing may be rescinded and new Rules of Racing made. The remarks of some of the delegates who discussed Mr Samuel’s motion prove interesting at the present time. Mr Friedlander wanted to know why the conference had met year after year P Had it not been for the purpose of improving the rules. If Mr Samuel was so keen why did he not prepare new rules and bring them forward himself. Sir George Clifford protested against Mr Samuel’s remark that the rules were a disgrace to any racing body. He thought the existing rules were a credit to the whose members had lor years been working hard to perfect them. Mr Samuel, in reply, thought he had been misunderstood. He did not object to the matter of the rules, it was the form and arrangement he did not like. He further stated that he had brought the matter up several times before, and if defeated, he would not now feel the defeat so keenly as he had formerly done. Mr Samuel was requested to act as one of the judges in the ConvoyGladsome appeal case, but was unfortunately prevented by private business from accepting. It is to be> hoped that gentleman will again bring up the question of revising the rules at the conference to be held next month. It will be safe to anticipate that the majority of the delegates will be in favour of the proposal, and the arguments of those against it less amusing than those who spoke against it a year ago. PALMERSTON NOTES. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Manawatu and Rangitikei trained hcises were successful in securing a share of the good things at the Wanc,?nui steeplechase meeting. As was aut cipated by those possessing the confidence of the stable, Hutana, trained by ftlr T. Scott, easily won the Grandstand Steeplechase. Otairi. an inmate of F. Tilley-e. stable, was second to Roseshoot. but the winner. somewhat of an unknown quantity, cosily beat the Kempenfeldt gelding, who. now that ho has struck form, should have no difficulty in winning his winter oats. J. Green, of Marton, with the aid of the Strenuous gelding, accounted for the First Hack Hurdles, Valima, trained in Palmerston, running second. Next day she easily annexed the Hack Hurdle Race. She has run most consistently during the present season with the exception of the Feeding meeting, when she was obviously unfit.

Prisoner, a gelding sold at the recent thoroughbred sales in Palmerston to a couple of Masterton sports, ran into second place in the Purua Hack race. Previous to leaving this district Prisoner was trained by W. r Homes at Bulls. One of the fittest horses at the meeting was Dick Turpin, formerly trained by F. Tilley at Fordeli. He has been a very profitable purchase to his present owners.

Mr J. R. McDonald, of Horowhenua, who purchased Rapids, by Waterfall, at the Wanganui meeting, his placed him with F Tilley to train for winter events. Loch T’ay, by Lakeshell. is still being hacked about town by his owner. He

has put on a lot of condition lately and it is more than probable will start at the Otaki meeting. Very favourable references have been made to the scale of weights for the Otaki meeting, and it is anticipated that acceptances will be more than usually good. With fine weather there will no doubt be a large attendance from Wellington and the country districts, Palmerston in particular, usually sending a big contingent to the seaside meeting. Trumpery, by Dreadnought—Queen of Trumps, has .been sent to A. Shearsb.y to prepare for spring engagements. The filly has been doing good work lately on the local tracks and as she has built up well lately she will, doubtless, race early. The weather during the past weejc has absolutely prohibited all but road exercise, rain falling almost incessantly every day. TARANAKI NOTES. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Inglewood created a bit of a surprise by winning the Couolly Handicap at Wanganui; a few punters participated in the substantial dividend the Sylvia Park gelding paid. lam pleased to hear that his owner, Mr F. Stohr, had three tickets in the machine, and that his brother had the same stake, so that Mr Stohr gave the gelding a fair chance in the event. Had Full Cry gone to the post for the same race he would have carried a fair amount of money from this end. Dick Turpin’s double win at the same meeting was no surprise, as the gelding had shaped well this season, and was seldom out of a place. At the Takapuna meeting Mr J. George’s pair, Durable and Maro, received a good deal of support from here. The latter kept up his reputation for running second. All interest is now centred in the Northern National meeting and a few good doubles are held by punters here. The successful double at Wanganui, Roseshoot and Haydn, should he hard to beat at Ellerslie.

Waiwera’s form at Wanganui on the first day was disappointing, hut those who saw his work on the training track here did not give him any chance in the Century Hurdles. The annual meeting of the Taranaki Jockey Club was held to-night. The bal-ance-sheet showed the Club was better off by some £26 than at the end of the preceding season, although there had been a decrease in totalisator receipts and in a couple of other directions. Moreover the stakes for the season just ending were larger than the preceding year. Officers for the 1904-5 season were elected. * There is some bother over the payment of the stake in the Maiden event at the Opunaki meeting. Hawera won the event, but the stewards disqualified him for inconsistent running. The Club paid over the stake to H. Eva, the owner of Van Courier, the second horse. Subsequently the Taranaki Metropolitan Committee reversed the Opunake Club’s decision on appeal. Mr Mitchell, the owner of Hawera, has demanded payment of the stake from the Club, and I understand the Club hare called on Mr Elva to repay the value of the stake that was paid out to him. Mr Eva has not done so, and the Opunake Club want to put him on the forfeit list. An amendment of the rules is required, as a stake has to be paid out in 10 days, yet a protest can be lodged within 14 days, and the periods are therefore not reasonable in any comparative case. 1 notice some people are anxious to get in and back horses for the N.Z. Cup before tlie nominations are in. Ibis is a case of “getting in early" with a vengeance. There is a good deal of the avaricious spirit about such people, as they think they must get in early and grab something, otherwise they will be blocked in getting a wager on their fancy. Southern Cross was fairly well supported here for the hack events he started in at Wanganui. I don’t think the Daystar gelding has been up long enough after his spell to do himself justice. Mr Fell Mills, his owner, started the season well, but his good luck deserted him soon after, as he lost Sally Port; and Southern Cross, Rotoiti and Cyrere had to be spelled on account of troubles from various causes. Tupara’s display in the Century Hurdles at Wanganui, does not augur well for his future winter engagements. WAIRAIRAPA notes. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Mi* John Cotter’s thoroughbred horses to be sold in Masterton early in June consist of Harimoana, a- St. Hippo— Merry Maiden gelding, a bay gelding by Flintlock—Radiant, and two geldings by Sou’-wester from Victorine and , Cora Lea respectively. Harimoana is a full brother to Mr G. P. Donnelly’s Dingo, and being a fine big horse should command the attention of buyers.

The Voltigeur gelding Hutana, a successful hurdler dnd the winner of the Grandstand Steeplechase at Wanganui, was bred in the Lower Valley and was first raced by Mr D. H. Johnston, of Martinborough. In' his initial efforts he did not show up very prominently, but after being purchased by Mr Thomas Scott,, of Rangitikei,. and put to hurdle

races, he soon showed winning form. The Voltigeurs are difficult horses to beat in heavy going, and Hutana may gain further fame during the next three months.

Considerable interest is being manifested by sportsmen of this district relative to the intention of the Wairarapa Racing Club to apply for a permit for a Steeplechase meeting, to be held in August. Such a fixture would be ens of the most popular of meetings, an i would result in some good ]iors<?<* being brought out here.

Many of our racing men were glad to hear of Kohunui winning the Final Steeplechase at Wanganui. When racing here the Voltigeur gelding was & great favourite, and it would appeal' that this genuine stayer is likely to become a steeplechaser of merit. The wet weather ruling throughout the whole of the week greatly interfered with training operations throughout the district, and it is probable that at least a few of our horses engaged at the Otaki meeting will be slightly short of work.

The weights for the Otaki meeting have given satisfaction to owners here, although it is admitted that some of our contestants have (been well looked after. Matakokiri has been taken care of by being called up to carry more weight in the Welter Hack than some better performers. Messrs Welch and Dixon have been congratulated on securing such a consistent performer as Prisoner, and hw second in the Purua Hack Handicap at Wanganui augurs well for the future. At the S. M. Court, Greytown, next Wednesday, a case will he heard ;u which a printing firm is suing the purchaser of race-book privilege at the Wairarapa Racing Club’s autumn meeting. Two cheques were given but payment afterwards stopped at tlie Bank by the drawer, who alleged the books were not satisfactory. Considerable in terest is being taken in the case. Several district owned horses engaged at the Otaki meeting leave for the scene of action on Tuesday next. NAPIER NOTES, (From Oiir Own Correspondent.) Roseshoot’s good performance at Wanganui on Tuesday marked him as a paitieularly clever horse at the obstacle portion of the racing business, fei it must be (borne in mind that it is o.'lv a short time hack since he was fir-t schooled over the impediments and f• r a novice at the game to start in p.ibiic, upon three occassions, win twice out t«f that and get third berth stamps Torpedo’s big son as a remove from ’.l e ordinary class. Mr Watt has been fortunate with hurdle horses, for Tradewind, at one time his property, showed possession of abilities in his efforts ever the sticks. Roseshoot was well supported here with the local starting pru* merchants and they will have ’ea-on to remember the Century Hurdles of 1904 for some time. Mr and Mrs T. H. Lowry intend to be present at the A.R.C. Steepia-’has.*-meeting next month. Creusot, one of the Squire of Okaua’s team, has be«*i nominated for the Bracelet, by Mrs Lowry. Mr Paul Hunter has been appointed Honorary Treasurer to the Waipukurau Jockey Club, Mr O. L. Mackersey having resigned the office through absence from the colony. George Colielo has received a couple of additions to his string, the newcomers are a Sleepwe!! and a two-year-old colt by Apremont, out of Maid Marion. Both are the property of Mr C. O’D'onoghue, who last had Derringcotte carrying his racing uniform.

The Napier Park Racing Club have selected tlie following dates for next season’s fixtures Spring meeting, October 11 and 12; Autumn, March 16 and 17: Winter meeting, the week fallowing that of the Hawke’s Bay Jockey Club. The qualification of horses for the Ladies’ Bracelet, has been altered and now reads: “That horses that have not won a race exceeding the value of 40 sovs can be nominated.” Treadmill was sufficiently recovered from the attack of strangles that laid him on one side at the late H.B. Jockey Club’s meeting to be able to be sent home this week.

At the sporting' game one man’s bad luck means a good turn for some one else; this was the case with the selling of Rapids and Quilted by tbeir late owner, Mr W. Robinson; Mr R. Gooseman being the buyer of the brace. Just after they had fell to his bids, he resold Quilted for a fiver advance on what he paid for him, and as a purchaser could not be found for Rapids Gooseman da* tided to run him on his own account. At the first time of starting in the new ownership he scored; this was at the Napier Park autumn meeting; he then ran second at Waipukurau on Easter Monday—missed a couple of times at Hastings this month, and then at Wanganui on Tuesday scored m the Puria Hack returning a substantial dividend. Though Rapids was travelled and raced all over the country by Mr Robinson he only won two races for the le Auto Sportsman last season, notwithstanding that' he toed the line on 19 occasions. Ormond, whose death was cabled through this week, has a grandson, Birkenhead, doing stallion duty at the Hon. j D, Ormond’s breeding quarters ft Karamu.

The hunter Gun Metal lias joined T. Cameron’s forces. This" trainer lias also received an addition to liis lot in * the shape of the two-year-old gelded son of The Possible and Miss Dargon that fell to the bid of Mr A. L. D: Fraser, M.H.R., when the Mangatarata yearlings were put up last year. Two of the Hon. J. H. Osmond’s brood mares, Ttoie and D'readnette, ~ slipped twin foals last week; the former had been mated last season with S ! an Francisco. Dreadnette had been associated with The Officer.