SPORTING.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXVII, Issue 3440, 23 May 1898, Page 3

SPORTING.

THEJIJRF. DEATH OF MR W. DOUGLAS. To those who were intimately acquainted with Mr William Douglas, the well-known Hawke’d Bay eheepfarmer, and others to whom he was known by repute, the news ot his sudden demise conies as a great shook. It was not even generally known that Mr Douglas was seriously ill, but it now appears that ho had been ailing daring the last two months. In the racing World Mr Douglas was the best-known man in the,Colony, haying been actively identified . with the pastime, both as an owner and Breeder, for a great many years; .A mOre stannoii supporter the New Zealand titrf Bad not, possessed, and it sustains an irreparable Idas by his death. Mr Douglas was a colonist of aoffla fort? (light years’ standing, living for the greater part 01 that time in Hawke s Bay, whither be went from this oistnot in the sixties to take up the Te Mahangi estate which was then a wilderness. A thorough sportsman at heart, he subsequently went in extensively for racing, and from that time to the present his “ all black jacket and cap have been deservedly popular with the public. His racers were trained both at Hastings and at Te Mabanga, where he established a stud farm and went in for breeding on a fairly large sdtlld, Mr Douglas aimed at the production of serviceable animals, endowed with bode and substance, and that he sue* ceeded admirably is Well known to all who manifest an interest in turf matters. He had a great weakness for hurdle racing and steeplechasing, and avowedly preferred winning a Grand NationaitoaOup. His representatives, however, won more races on the flat than they did over country. Mr James Maun, trainer, was associated with Mr Douglas in his earlier successes, and in the eighties Mr A. Woods, thdn a friost successful lightweight, steered many a winner td victory for the stable. The number of hdrsee MyDoUglas bred and taoed daring the last 25 years would require too much space to enumerate, eyeu if a list of them Were available. A few remembered by the writer at the moment are : —-Baton, Dock Lomond, Waitiri, Rawenata, Kabo, HlbOj Waterfall; Kosefeldr, Oouranto, Kapua, Ha, Strephcn, P.ivUiet, Waterbary, Aio, Chemist, Lady’s Maid, Sir Tdttdrt, Montrose 11., Christina, Jupiter, Quilt, Aphony, Brooklet, Quiltiri, Torpina, Wheriko, Tiritea, Donald McKinnon, Penrose, Totiki, Mutiny, Tokatea and a largo number of others. It is 19 years ago since Baron, ridden by Miinn, wdn the Hawke’s Bay Steeplechase ; he also annexed tlltf AUcklaUd Autumn Steeplechase in 1889. Mr DoUglas had a great fondness for that sterling galloper Waitiri, by Musket Uira, who was decidedly unlucky in being successively defeated by the mighty Nelson in the Auckland Cap, a race Won by Major George’s horse three times. However, Weitiri, during Her da-eor, won the Hawke’s Bay Guineas, Hawke’s Say St. Leger, Auckland Racing Club Handicap and other events; The A.RO. Handicap just mentioned Was secured for Mr Douglas later on by Strephdn,’ who Should have undoubtedly won his New Zealand Cap Bat for indifferent riding. This coveted event was ao'o’dfed in 1893 by Rosefeldt, however, who had previously won the Napier Park Stakes and run British Lion to a head in the Hastings Spring Handicap in Clanranald’a Guineas year, when both were paying large dividends. She also dead-heated Dreamland in the Bnrko MeiUorial Stakes i« 1394. Quiltiri was another horse to Win Mr Douglas the H, B. Guineas i RivUlet, a math, aeoufed the Taranaki J.O. Handicap; Brooklet, the Atkinson Memorial Stakes and Wellington Oupyears later; and last, but not least, the black , jacket Has been victorious in three New Zealand Grand Nationals 0;i Waterbary and Mutiny, the last-named i/oitfg $ 8 9 winner of [the Napier Steeplechase and, recognised as one of the bast chasers in the colony. Mr Douglas has sent teams to Sydney and Melbourne on ‘ different occasions- to capture the big Winter events, but unsuccessfully, i His representatives. However, have secured fair stakes across the water. Donald McKinnon and Tiritea were shipped over a tew weeks ago, bat the last-named died in Sydney. The sires at deceased’s Te Mahanga stud include Torpedo, Waterfall, Hike and Quilt, while among the brood mares may be mentioned tried, Qhtiatiaa, Maori Belle, Religieuse, Kopeki, Scratch, Waitiri, Sweetbriar, Parlourmaid, Bonny Blink, Jenidil, Swivflline, Phceaix, Maid of the Mountain, Rivulet, Nymph, Spearfelt, Maid of All Wo-k and Honeysuckle—all familiar names in the pedigrees ,o£ horses now racing.

- DUNEDIN J.C. MEETING. STARSHOT WINS THE BIRTHDAY HANDICAP. By Telegraph. — Press Association. Dunedin, May 21. The Dunedin Jocko,’. Club’s May Meeting commenced to-day. Rain tell ia the morning, and, though it cleared up, it set in again in the afternoon in the shape of a drizzling Uliat. Results:— . Hurßlb HandiOaß, of 89 soya. Two miles. 73j Mr H. Kerr’s b g Supplejack, aged, by Bucephalus Katey, 9st (Walls) 1 67 • Mr Qcorge’shgStanley, aged, lOstlOlb (G. Robertson) 2 91 Mr J. MoEewan’s b g Bel.r.qnt, 10st 121 b ..; (McGrath) 3 Also started—? 24 Kaili. 7at 121 b. Won by three lengths. Time, amiu 2laeoi Dividends—lnside, 48 8s; outside (lOs tickets), 43 sa.

Maiden Plate, of 50 sots. One mile. 1924 Mr J. A. MoGinuess’b o Fulmen, 3yrs, by Castor—Hilda, 7st 121 b (Brown) 1 50 Mr G. Roberta’ b g Qlenore, Bst 21b (D. Rinb) 3 91 Mr D. Napier’s oh g Wimbledon, fat 9ib (Hendrick) 3

Also ran —37 Wo’f’s Crag, 74 Linkshot, 974 Liberty, 44 Glenavy, 5 Lady George. Fulmen won from start to finish. Time, Imiu 58 l-sieo. Dividends, 41 4s and 19a. - .

Birthday Handicap, of 200 Sova ; second 15 sovs from stake. One mile and a half.2184 Mr M. Hobba’ b m Starshot, 4yra, by* Chaim-Hot —Tend, Sat 121 b (Shaw) 1 5014 Mr R. Reay’a br f Ssquin, 3yrs,, 7st 51b (J. Pine) 2 1414 Mr H. Priedlander’s blk h Double Event, syrs, 7st 131 b ... (Davy) 3 Also started—9o4-Blaok and Red, 7st Sib, and Pitch and Toss, 7st 21b (bracketed), 894 Marlin, 7st ; 8 Monte Carlo, 6st 71b. A good start, Sequin and Starshot being quickest to move, while Monte Carlo was caught in the tape. Starahot was steadied, and Seqnin went on in front until nearing the stand, where Black and Red joined her. Passing the stand Fitch and Toes was just in front of Sequin, and. Double Event took third position, Black and Red next and Starshot last. There was some change of places among the unplaced division in the next half-mile, and Sequin again took charge and commenced to draw away. Approaching the home turn Starshot commenced to move np. Seqnin still led in the straight, with Double Event second and Starshot third. With a well-timed run Starshot disposed of Double Event, and just caught and beat Seqnin on the post by a head, Double Event two lengths away. Pitch and Toss was fourth, Black and Red fifth and Monte Carlo last. Time, 2min 46 3 ssoo. Dividends, £2 11a and £1 3s. Winter Welter Handicap, of 75 sovs. Seven furlongs. 123 Mr J. Fitzgerald’s blk g Vandyke, by Vanguard—Lady’s Maid, fivrs, 9st 51b (Mollroy) X 165 Mr W, J. Marshall’s b ,h Birmby, Beb 131 b ... (Derrett) 2 XI Messrs Ellis Bros.’ b f Decoy, Bst 31b . (Free) 3

Also started —86 St. Ouida, Sat 121 b ; 19 P. P.C., Sat; 16 The Orphan, Sat. Won by over two lengths, same distance separating second and third. Time, Imiu 86seo. Dividends. .62 13s and 41 19s. Selling Race of 50 sovs. One mile.

3344 Mr J. Ross’ b g Hippomenes, aged, Bst 111 b ... (Bmmereon) 1 294 Mr G. Robertson’s b g Glenoro (J. Pine) 2 72 Mr A. Sefton’s br g Quiltiri (Fairbrother) 3

Also started—94 Aldershot, 11 Maydawn, 52 stimulant, 154 Mias Loohiel. Won by a olear length after a good finish. Time. Imiu 50 4-saeo. Dividends, 41 12s and 16s. The winner was brought in for £SO. Tradesmen’s Handicap, of 120 sovs. Six furlongs. 994 Mr R. Brown’s b m Ariine, syrs, by St. Clair—Gitana, 8-t 12lb (Rav) 1 1164 Mr J. A. MoGinness’ brg Maremma, 6yrs, Bst ... ... (T. Buddioombe) 2 130 Mr J. Uody’a oh m Belle Clair, 4yrs, 7st 12ib (Brown) 3 Also started—loß4 Cannonthot, 9st; 274 Skirmisher, Bst lib ; 524 Vanilla, 7st 111 b ; 754 Bracelet. 7at 101 b ; 19 Nihilist. 7st 61b; 54 Refugee, 7at 71b. Won by halt a length from Maremma. Time, linin 19 4-Sseo. A protest was entered on the ground that Ray, the rider of the winner, did not draw the weight. The protest, however, was disallowed. Dividends, 45 14s and £2 17s. Auction Stakes, of 20 sovs. Six furlongs.

16 Mr 11. Ellis' hr g Plotter, 4yra by Catesby —Wai, Bst (L, King) 1 204 MrH. Kerr's b g Stockfish, aged, Bst (T. Buddioombe) 2 14 Mr H. Biggins’ oh g Blizzard, aged. Bst -... (Hendrick) 3

Only the three started. Won by a good length. Time, Imin 23sso. Dividends, £2 16s and 41 Bs. The winner was bought in for 415.

At a meeting of the Dunedin Jockey Club stewards, after hearing the evidence in reference to the protest against Ariine in the Tradesmen’s Handicap on the ground that the rider did not draw his weight, it was resolved, “ That as the clerk of sea’es states that the rider of Ariine weighed in correctly, and he declared it was so, which fact is corroborated by several witnesses, the stewards must dismiss the protest. They wish, however, to express their strong disapprobation that Mr Fleming, the owner of Ariine, and a steward of long experience, should have committed the grave impropriety of touching the scales. ’’

TAKAPDNA RACES POSTPONED. Takapuna Eacecotjese, May 21. The weather ia wet and miserable for the first day of the Takapuna Winter Meeting.

Maiden Hurdle, one mile and threequarters.—Seabreeze, 9st 121 b, 1; South Pacific, 9st 101 b, 2; Reindeer, 9at, 3. Nine started. Won by four lengths. Tim®, 3min 40sec. Dividend’, J&5 4s and .£ll 2s. Maiden Plate, seven furlongs.—Donemile, 7it 41b, 1; Cuiralba, 7st 121 b, 2; Pinepineteknra, Sat 91b, 3. Sultan and Castaahora were scratched. Won by two lengths. Time, Imin 43500. Dividends, .£9 and 18s.

Owing to the incessant downpour of rain the stewards met at 2.40 o’clock, and decided to postpone the races, the dates to be decided later on.

TO-MORROW (TUESDAY'S) FIXTURES. "SILVBRSPUE'S” SELECTIONS. tfTAKI KtAOBI RACING CLUB Visitors to Otikl tomorrow an! Walnes* day should spend a • very pleasant holiday* The club's course has been vastly improved; patrons will find better accommodation provided for)them than heretofore: the fields for - the events programmed are first class, and from a sporting standpoint the racing is likely to bo above the average. Special train arrangements have been made for both days, I details of which will be found in our advertising columns. The following are my selections for the various events Trial Hurdles.— Marina, Laitere, Come Maiden Plate.—Gobo, Cornea, Tupuhi. Otaki Cup.—Whario, Nukurau, Bosh Rose. ' Birthday Hurdles. Nayborn, Steel King, Raupo 11. , • -o Champio n Stak es . —Pistolgnp, Kubm, Handicap.— Eussley Belle, Taplow, Pokatea. „ _ _ . , Flying Handicap.—Mayday, To Taiaha, In the Swim* . Orir Correspondent at Otaki wires ua as follows : * Heavy rain on Saturday was succeeded by a c’eir sky and bright sunshine to-day, with every. prospect of .beautiful weather for Tuesday’s ra#es. Already some 80 horses bave arrived, and about 30 more are expected on Monday. The course, being o'f a sfravelly natural underneath, received benefit from the rain, as it was rather hard previously. Useful work was done on the course this morning, most of the principal horses being present. Others did walking exercise on the beach. The starting machine was erected for the purpose of practising several hacks unneed to it. Hotel accommodation is taxed to tbe utmost, but visitors can roly upon finding beds at Rangiuru House. Three totabsators will be used at the meeting. Lady d’Or did not stand her journey well and may not start.

WANGANUI J iCKtT CLUB. The Steeplechase Meeting of the Wanganui Jockey Club is also set down for tomorrow. Tne following mvy run well in their respective contests FxxTIWO Handicap. —Aquatic, Kangipum, Steeplechase.—Toriki, Plain BUI, Troubadour. Hunters’ Steeplechase.—Coastguard, Frisco, Menadorva. FiRsT Hurdles.— Dummy, Miaafire, PokoDI fIACK Hurdles. -Alpine, Star King, PeneloiußUßßAN STeioplbohasb.—Barbaroaaa, Bradshaw, Claymore. , _ - m . Hack Flat Race.— Queen s Guard, The Hempie. '

FOOTBALL. By telegraph Association. NelsoN, May 21. The Oriental Club of Maeterton played the Prince Alberta to-day and defeated them by four tries to nil.

Owing to the continued downpour ot ram On Saturday, football was altogether out of the question, and consequently the Postponenient Committee of tbs fittgby Union adjourned all the fixtures. ... THe following team will represent the Wellington Football Clnb in its annual match with the Carterton Club at the Athletic Park to-morrow -.—McKenzie, FitZherbert, Meredith, Cuff, Bird, Duuoan, Kirkcaldy, Morton, Gallagher, Hutohinson, Fisher, Manson, Kember, MoLaohlan, ThomB °The following are the fixtures for the aefiond round of the third-class, Asaooia- ** June 4th—Red Cross v. Excelsior, No. 1 ground; Swifts v. Diamonds, No. 2; AlbioUa v Rotorio. at PetoUd. June 11th—Swifts v. Red CrOaS; No. 1 j Excelsior v. Albiona, No. 2,- Petone V. Diamonds, at Petope'. , . June 18th—Petone v. Bed Cross, at Petone; Excelsior V. Styifts, NO. 1; Albiona v.Diamonds, No. 2,. . June 25th—Swifts ,v. Petone,, PetoPa l Albion's v. Red , Cross,' No. 1; Excelsior V. Diamonds, No. 2. ; „ , July 2nd—Diamonds v. Bed Cross,.No. 1 ; Swifts v. Albiona, No, 2; Petone v. Excelsior. Petone.