TALK OF THE TURF.

New Zealand Times, Volume LVX, Issue 3129, 15 May 1897, Page 2 (Supplement)

TALK OF THE TURF.

*. BY SILYEESPUE,

It is quite on the cards that the Eacing Conference, which holds its next meeting in Wellington, will discuss the question of admitting bookmakers to metropolitan courses on license. That some general understanding will have to be arrived at ere long is very apparent, because matters ; are at present in a most unsatisfactory state. Although bookmakers are barred from courses, they have offices in the various centres and the commissions put on by owners at “tote odds” are very extensive. Clubs have certainly had a great deal more through the machine since the exclusion of metallicians, but a large sum is still directed from its legitimate source owing to the existence of " shops,” which the authorities cannot expect to efface under existing circumstances. One little incident will serve to show how largely the bookmakers are patronised by men of money and position. At the Feilding races this week a certain animal was deemed to be a “ moral,” and its connections decided to make a plunge and reap monetary benefit while the sun shone. They sent .£IBO to Wellington for investment; it went on, and the animal won. The commission was rather injudiciously worked, and as a result a small dividend was paid, some of the money haying been sent back on to the machine. Commissions of this sort are as common as cherries in a good fruit season, the clubs suffer, and it would appear that the sooner they license bookmakers to lay specified odds and abolish “ shops,” the better it will be for themselves. The Sydney case Regina v. Westbrook has been further adjourned pending receipt of authoritative information by the Full Court relative to the English precedent re cash betting. The decision of the Appeal Court in the case of bookmaker Dunn has been commented upon by every paper of standing in England. The case was referred by the Court to the magistrates for re-consideration, and they fined defendant .£l, but refused to certify to costs. This was in consideration of the fact that it was the first interpretation of the Act, which had been 44 years in force, declaring Tattersall’s ring a “place” within the meaning of the Act. The English Sporting League are now hard at work with a view to getting the Betting Houses Act so amended as to enable racecourse betting to go on unhindered. Members of Parliament are to be approached on the subject, and so are county councillors, and it is believed that anyone answering adversely the test question to be submitted will have a poor chance of re-election, because by that time the sporting vote will have become considerably strengthened. The questions to be answered are; —“Will you protect and maintain the rights of the people to the free enjoyment of all sports, pastimes and recreations, such as may at present be legitimately enjoyed ? Will you, in pursuance of the above undertaking, oppose absolutely and do your utmost by all lawful means to thwart all persons, other than legally constituted authorities, who may endeavour to interfere directly or indirectly with the people’s sports, pastimes and recreations, or with any one of them, or with any incident thereto ? Do you agree that the people should have liberty in their sports, pastimes and recreations (under such rules as are from time to time laid down by those who practically understand the same), and that such liberty, while regulated by the law of the land, should be exempt from all other interference whatsoever ? Do you further , agree that all persons or bodies of persons seeking in any way to obstruct, interfere with, or suppress any sport, pastime, or recreation, or any incident thereto (the same being decorously conducted and 1 not contrary to law), should be discouraged and discountenanced by magistrates, ; county councils, or other authorities before ' whom they may prefer complaints. ' The race-meeting held at Otahuhu on Saturday last was a most; disgraceful exhi- ' bition. The course did not possess any ordinary racecourse' conveniences, and the arrangements wore as primitive as those of an old time back-blocks meetings. The i betting dispute between the licensed and the unlicensed metallicians, or whatever the latter wore, furnishes an 1 object lesson in the art of good racing 1 management, and shows what is likely to i happen if these gambling, shandy-gaff fixtures are allowed to spring up all over New Zealand. Respectable people will not attend them, and they will bring discredit on the sport. The Auckland Metropolitan Eacing Club should never have granted a permit for the Otahuhu gathering, which was one of the greatest sporting fiascos we have had in New Zealand for a long time. It is to be hoped that a repetition will not be allowed next year. Considerable interest is being manifested in the Otaki Maori Meeting, which com- , mences on the 24th inst. Horses from all parts of the coast will compete, and the racing promises to be first-class. Acoept- ’ anoes and entries are due to-night with the i secretary, Mr Eagar. i Cherry Duchess, by the Duke of Mirellor, one of the most prolific and , successful brood mares of the last half cen- ■ tury, has just died ai {the Tardley stud, 1 near Birmingham, where she was bred by 1 the Messrs Graham in 1871. Cherry Duchess did not distinguish herself much on the turf. On being relegated to the stud she was sent to Sterling, and the , alliance resulted in a succession of winners, including Energy (who was sold to go to France after a brilliant career on the turf, and who was sire of that smart horse Gouverneur, who won the Middle Park Plate in 1890, and afterwards ran second to Common for the Derby), Enthusiast (winner of the Two Thousand Guineas in 1889, when ho defeated Donovan, who afterwards carried off the Deiby and St. Roger), Cherry, Cherry Ripe (sire of Red Heart), Wealth (the dam of The Lombard), and Encounter. The produce of Sterling and Cherry Duchess always realised very high prices after Energy had shown such excellent form on the turf, and between 1884 and 1890 seven yearlings thus bred were sold for 13,700g5, being an average of 2283 gs for each animal. During this period Cherry Duchess was only once barren, which was in 1888. The mare disappointed her owners on the turf, but she proved a veritable gold mine to them at the stud.

A remarkable result of the Hawke v. Dunn case was seen at a trotting’ meeting at Heywobd (Bng.). Thererwas, as usual, a large attendance of bookmakers, but the police, in plain clothes and in uniform, were present in force, and it was announced that in consequence of the decision of the High Court betting would not be allowed. The meeting was got off without it. Sir James Miller, of Manderston, has accepted the mastership of the Berwickshire foxhounds, in the place of Mr Hunter, of Anton’s Hill, who retires, after having hunted the country for 10 years. Sir James, who is well known on the turf, won the Derby of 1890 with Sainfoin and the

Oaks of 1895 with La Sagesse. Gay Lothair, the two-year-old who won a race at Lincoln, is described as being a neat and racing-like colt, who had only to beat a lot of moderates in the race he appropriated. Champ de Mars is a colt who is capable of great improvement. The Prince of Wales’ Ormathwaite, by Orme out of Marguerite, is said to be a promising youngster, and is in good trim, but Lord Rosebery’s two-year-olds are all backward.

Lotion, winner of the Feilding Handicap,'was not generally fancied ih Wellington. A rumour had been current that be was not himself, and would not be seen at his best. However, he shaped well enough to secure the stake. Connop is having good luck with his horses lately, hia select string proving useful cheque-earners. Alluding to Neokersgat, who died the other day, a contemporary writer says that he was savage as a youngster, and on one occasion made a desperate attempt to injure the veteran jockey S. Cracknell, who was miraculously rescued. A stranger entering, his ' quarters .at Morphetville, even after the horse had become sobeyed down.by age, would have done so at . the peril, of his life, as few beyond Mr Aldridge, studmaster there, were '■ recognised in a friendly way by- the hot-blooded stallion. » ■ ■

■ At* one. time the Northamptonshire Stakes was the most important of all the Spring Handicaps, excepting only the Chester Cup. There was very heavy betting, and the race always brought together a , large field of good horses. In those days the added money amounted to only £ 100, but .£30,000 was often won in bets. Now, the Northamptonshire Stakes is a subscription race of £IOOO, and there is no botting.until the numbers' are up, the event exciting very little interest, all its prestige having departed. The prize money for the second Caulfield Futurity Stakes, run in 1599, will not be so < large is that offered for the first Futurity Stakes, the entries received for the latter being rather disappointing. A thousand sovs has been knocked off the prize. The owner of the winner will receive 1500’ sovsj second, 250 sovs; third, ,100 sovs; nominator of winner, 50 sovs; nominator of,second, 25 sovs; breeder of dinner,’ if sdoh" horte be a two-year-old or: goes to the owner of the first horse. Silver Fox; who was; regarded at Home' as the most promising outsider in the Derby, had to be stopped in , hia work at Newmarket owing to a seriously-inflamed cracked heel. Silver Fox has engagements in August at Fedcar and at York, and is also entered for the St. Leger. . He had been doing remarkably well during the winter.

The Duke of Marlborough intends to gat together a stud of racehorses, which will be trained at Egerton House, Newmarket, by Eicbard Marsh, who is employed by the Prince of Wales, the Duke

of Devonshire, Lord Wolverton, Lord Warwick and Lord William Beresford. There are nearly 80 horses now iu training in this stable, about DO of which are two-year-olds. SPOETING BEEVITIES. A Tradesman's Baoing Club has been formed at Stratford. Old Clo, winner of the Final Handicap at Sydney, is by Lochiel —Tatters. Carbine’s fee at Home will be DOOgs next season. Mr Pritchard, of Gisborne, has purchased Mr G. Siddell’a Forester—Armament filly. Champion Aurum is described as a wonderful little nugget. Cataract, the South Australian hurdler, has broken down. The once speedy Vogengang has retired for good. A well-known Wellington sport is now the owner of Lady Agnes. Lord Eosslyn, off colour just- now, has been backed for the New Zealand Cup. Entries for the next Melbourne Cup close on June 7. It is intended to hold a small steeplechase meeting at Wairoa (Hawke's Bay) on July 14. Only half-a-dozen of the Liverpool Orand National field of 28 appear to have got round the course. It is said that there is a weak joint in Newhaven’s armour somewhere, but his trainer does not know what it is. Booties is said to have been thoroughly done after winning the Second Steeplechase at Eandwick.

Eesolute has gone clean off. He was fully twenty lengths behind the leaders at the finish of the A.J.O. Ecus Handicap. Although Light won a race at Egmont, he is said to be looking the reverse of well.

Wairoa (H. 8.) County Eaoing Club has appointed Messrs 0. Hunter and J. MoVay to represent the Club at the Conference.

El Norte is said to bo Mr S. Hordern’s best two-year-old, but he possesses nothing near the excellence of Aurum.

Hova (Ingomar Happy Land) broke down in the Elder Stakes at the S.A.J.C. Meeting. The Sydney horse Padladeen goes to South. Australia, having been sold the other day for 180 gs. The next meeting of the facing Conference takes place iu Wellington, opening on July 17th. The Kumara Club netted .£220 over their last meeting, the most profitable gathering yet held there. South Canterbury Jockey Club intend posting defaulters if outstanding debts are not paid by June Ist. The Manawatu Kacing Club Committee have decided to recommend C. Hawkins’ application for an owner’s permit. Aldershot (Foulshot —Auterina), owned by Mr H. Goodman, is on offer for sale privately. Oorso, who won a double at Waipukurau, appears to revel in a knee-deep mud course.

Captain Capri has purchased the chestnut filly Siva (Forerunner —Sula) from Mr J. J. Eussell,

It is understood that Mr P. F. Tancrod’s protest against Nero at Tauheromkau will be further proceeded with. Said that a coastal punter had 432 on The Major when that animal paid a nice dividend at tho Hutt. Duke of Eichmond, the South Australian horse, of whom great things were expected, is likely to retire to the stud. The Napier horse Moonraker, by The Assyrian, is to be given a further spell, not yet having recovered from a kick he received a while back.

At a meeting of the Woodlands Hunt Club at Woodville it was decided to start and get the hounds in condition, and hold the first hunt at an early date. Mr “Ted” Gilpin, who first came out as a wielder of the flag a few years ago, is said to have made some capital starts at the late Waipukurau meeting. The French Jockey Club had under consideration whether two-year-old racing should start in May, instead of August, when tho last mail left.

An English writer considers that it is scandalous that geldings should be permitted to start for the English Derby or any other “classic” race whatever. Newhaven only got half the A.J.C. Plate Stake. Owing to rain the time limit was extended from smin 45seo to fimin. Nowhaven took 6miu 9Jseo.

Old Couranto, the hurdler, was auctioned at Greymouth the other day, and fetched 410. Minerva, Jack and May Boy were passed in. Messrs W. White and W. Nicholsen have been chosen by the Waipukurau Easing Club as delegates to the Eaoing Conference.

The Sydney writer “ Belalie ” is bringing out a book which will contain the numbers of all, or nearly all, well-known horses in England, Australia and New Zealand. The rough going at Egmont, the Aucklanders state, accounted for the downfall of their horses in the steeplechase events at the meeting. C. Wood, the English jockey, after a ten years’ suspension, rides in a Derby again. He has been engaged to ride Galteo More in this year’s ribband. J. B. Scott is advertising in Melbourne to treat for the sale of the Victorian, Tasmanian and Now Zealand rights of the Excelsior starting machine. At Kensington (Sydney)' IJioa fell at the last hurdle, pitching jockey Thomas Gardiner on to his head. Gardiner was badly injured, and died before reaching the hospital. The well-bred Water Colour, by Niagara —Cerise and Blue, won a double at Kensington (Sydney) Pony Meeting the other Saturday. She used to be owned by Mr H. Oxenhara, who bred her. Gay Lothair, winner of the Brooklesby Stakes, at Home this year, is by Laotantius out of Gay Lass. Mr L. de Kothsohild, his owner, won last year with dost. This year it was worth about .£I2OO.

The peculiarly-named lyhu caused a great surprise at Sandown Park (Vie.) when he beat an odds-on favourite in The Don lately. lyhu was bred by Mr D. S. Wallace, and is by the Musket horse Enfilade from Marohessa. Soult, who won the hurdles at Warrnambool (Victoria), is by Wellington— Little Louie, and belongs to the Messrs Mainfold. He has an unbeaten record, and is being talked of for the V.R.C. Grand National Hurdles. Published that the stock of the erst Now Zealanders Aitillery, July and Foulshot are not eligible to complete on tracks under Turf Congress rules, owing to lack of sufficient registration with respect to those stallions.

Says Oliver Wendell Holmes; —"The racer is incidentally useful, but essentially something tp bet upon, as much as the thimble-rigger’s little joker. The trotter is. essentially and daily useful, and only incidentally a tool for sporting men.” The yearling filly by Grand Flaneur— Crossfire, bought by W. Kelso at the Randwiek sales, has gone into the hands of T. Brown, trainer of Hopscotch. Brown had the filly’s full brother, Straightfire, at Chipping Norton for years before he was sold and came to Victoria.

The Tahuna Park Trotting Club have decided to hold a meeting on Saturday, 19th, and Tuesday, 22nd June, in connection with the Record Reign celebrations. Seven events will be got off each day, the total amount to be*given in stakes being 450 sots. How a Melbourne writer puts it:— Judging of the barefaced liberties taken with certain horses at Caulfield and Williamstown, their riders appeared thoroughly cognisant of the fact that the stipendiary steward, as well as the two handicappers, Messrs Dakin and Yowiea, are enjoying a holiday at Randwick.