TURF GOSSIP

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 4259, 19 January 1901, Page 6 (Supplement)

TURF GOSSIP

(BY ADVANCE.)

FIXTURES. JANUARY. 21, 22—Foxton Annual ‘JR. 24. ami 20—Wellington Racing Cluo g:i, 21—(lore Summer 22—-Waino Annual 29, JO—Takapuna Summer ,10, 111—Rahiatna Annual Jl—Amuri Annual FEBRUARY. 2—Takapuna Summer 5. (;—VVairoa County Annual G, 7—Tapanui Annual 7, B—Maniotolo Annual 6, 7—Waipawa County Summer ]j, 11—Taranaki Autumn U!—Rotorua Annual i;j—Uannevirko Annual 10, 18—Canterbury J.O. Summer •JO, 21—Egmont Annual 21, 22—Poverty Bay Annual . Wooilvilla Autumn 27—Dunedin Autumn ——- Manawatu Autumn CHATTER. At tho meeting ot the committee of tlie Taranaki Jockey Club at which the accounts for tho recent meeting were submitted am’ passed, the large cost or advertising programme, etc., in the “Christchurch Press” and “Referee’ was commented on as quite cut of proportion with the benefit derived. A suggestion was made and favourably received that an effort should be made at the next meeting of the Conference to take away the monopoly now enjoyed by the “Referee,” or, 'at any rate, to permit Northern clubs to advertise in the North Island papers, instead of in Southern Papers having a circulation in tho North Island. (The monopoly enjoyed by the “Press’ ami “Referee” in the matter of advertising race programmes is a, frequent source of discussion, but no definite stepd have been taken to terminate it. Now that one metropolitan club has referred to this matter so pointedly, it is to ho hoped that tho subject will now receive tho consideration it deserves. Why Northern clubs should be compelled to publish their programmes in a paper published in Christchurch passes comprehension. No other paper published in Australasia enjoys such a unique and rich monopoly as does the “Press and Referee.”)—Taranaki Herald.

The privileges in connection with the Fox ton Racing Club’s Summer Meeting were sold by auction last Saturday by Messrs Barham and Gray. The following prices were realised: Gates, J. Hillary, £100; lawn and saddling paddock, J. E. Wyeth, £76; No. 1 publican’s booth, W. Darvillc, £29: N.o. 2 publican’s booth, A. C. Stansell, £3O; refreshment booth, Langley Bros., £l3 10s; cards, J. E. Wyeth, £43; horse enclosure, E. Coley, £3; total, £294 10s.

At a meeting of the Taranaki Jockey Club committee on Thursday last, it was decided to continue the totalisator on the .outsiclo at 10s tickets for the Autumn Meeting. The secretary submitted accounts, which showed that the Summer Meeting had resulted in a profit of over £9OO. The committee decided to add an extra race to the Autumn programme. The race will be the Final Flutter Hack Handicap, of 30 .sovs, second to receive 5 sovs, 6 furlongs. Nomination, 1 sov; acceptance, nil. Nominations to be made after Autumn Handicap; weights after Second Hack Race.

The Auckland Racing Club's cards for the Summer Meeting contained the tra lues’s name underneath the information given in connection with each runner.

Punawai has been put into work again, and is being trained by J. Hughes at Porirua.

The Earl, who won the Hurdle Race at the Otautau (Otago) meeting is a Manawatu-bred horse, by The Marquis (by Remington—Tangles, by Knottingly—Tantrums), from Elaine (Natator — Fides), who appears in the Stud Book in the name of Quibble, but who raced in the names of Quibble, Ely and Elaine. The Marquis’ fee was 50s.

Advance has been entered for the Doncaster Handicap, the Sydney Cup, Newmarket Handicap, Australian Cup and Champion Stakes. Seahorse has also been engaged in the Victorian events.

Mr C. J. Blake, Lord Enniskillen and Captain Greer, three of the leading lights of the Irish turf, have come to the conclusion that Captain Scott is not a fit and proper person to share in the delights of the "sport of kings.” In vulgar parlance, Captain Scott has been "warned off,” in consequence of an investigation held last month in Dublin by the trio afore-mentioned into the running of the captain’s horse Ravensplume. His trainer, T. Macquire, shares Scott’s fate. The captain, it will bo remembered, was in New South Wales for some years, and took to wife the widow of Mr James White, the well-known sportsman. He went to England in Diamond Jubilee year as doctor to the equine part of the. New South Wales Mounted Rifles Contingent.' Later ho transferred himself to Ireland, and had several horses in training there, including Levanter, Ca Ira, Achray, Kiora, and others. Ca Ira won the Grand Prize at Leopardstown, and that seems to have been the biggest plum Captain Scott picked up during his brief career on the Irish turf.

Bookmakers are being allowed to bet at the W.A.T.C. meetings in Perth. The license fee is very stiff, viz., 60 guineas for the enclosure and 30 guineas, outside. Betting must oe good! to justify a layer in putting down 60 guineas for four days’ practice, but from all accounts the bookmakers who go from hero find it pays them very well. It is a great pity bookmakers are not allowed to compete against the totalisator in other places, but the law is against such an arrangement. The Liuwood-grango-bredi Warrior 11., by Enfilade from Melodise, a sister to Melodious, seems to have made a great example of the lot opposed to him in the Derby, and he was a bargain at 50 guineas, which was all he cost as a yearling. Some little time back Warrior IT. was supposed to bo doing badly, but ho was hard at work for some days before the race, and started at odds on. The time, 2min -llsec, is a record for the race. Towton’s Starlight, by PiL grim’s Progress from Bright Star, won the two-year-oid race, and she is proving very cheap at the 73 guineas Mr W. McCulloch had to sell her for. It was lucky for R. Phillips that the W.A.T.C. upset the local decision in the Australian and Aqua case, as Australian is evidently a smart horse. He upset a very hot favourite in Reliance on Saturday, and came into strong demand for the Perth Cup. Australian was bred at Duckenfield, and is by The Australian Peer from Ophelia, a daughter of imported Typhoon, whose son Euroclydon was a faster two-year-old than Guesswork, when Mr W. E. Dakin had the pair of them in work.ab Morphottvillc.

Cocur do Lion did stud duty at one of Captain Russell’s stations last season, Katinka and Krina have produced colts and Katie Fcrgusson and St. Katherine fillies to the son of Dreadnought. All •take after their parent in colour except the Katie Fergussou filly, which is a hay.

“Petronel” recently visited the Avon, dale Racecourse to have a look at the outlines of the many improvements. With the newly-acquired acres the Club property now covers 52 acres. The new grandstand will be placed on the opposite side of the course to where the old stand was situated. The old structure will be jremoved and will afford shelter to tho outside public. The course will be almost a mile round when completed, and the straight will bo one of the best in the North Island. Ihore will be a large saddling paddock with plenty of boxes, a beautiful lawn planted with shelter trees, and everything else that will load to the comfort and enjoyment of the visitors to Avondale. The total cost of the improvements will be £3OOO, and everything.is to be completed by the time the Autumn Meeting is hold, next April. Caretaker Griffiths is hard at work on the new course now, and by the time he and the contractors have finished tho Avondale Jockey Club will have one of the prettiest and most up-to-date racecourses in New Zealand. After the race for the Bagot Handicap there was a good deal of talk about Fleet Admiral ran fifth in the Hopetoun Cup where ho had no price, and was ridden by a stable hoy. Anyone looking into the two performances will find that there was not any startling discrepancy. Fleet Admiral ran fifth in the Hapetoun Cup and in the Bagot Handicap he met Marie Corelli on 18lb hotter terms, while with Sport Royal, Sardine, and Gosport he had an advantage of 101 b, 61b. and 161 b respectively. Fleet Admiral has run a number of very had races at various times,, but it hardly seems that ho can be charged with any great inconsistency in this case. And tho difference between the riding of a stable boy and W. Burn mu? count for something. Mr Rowen was at Flemington on Tuesday, and he backed both Fides and Fleet. Evidently WalterTlickenbotham expected to begin the now century in triumphant style, and his judgment was not far astray. Santoi was served up hot and strong in the Criterion Handicap, hot ho was easily beaten, and after the handsome Hautvillers had looked all over a winner he was caught and beaten in tho last few strides by Tho Victory. I need hardly say that every one was pleased to see Air Sam Cook win a decent stake, but, of course, no one backed it. The Victory is a nice colt, quite in Tho Ad. miral’s own style, and Hantvillers should be heard of again. I have too much respect for the law of libel to indulge in any comments on the Welter Handi. cap. Everyone likes to see a man like Mr McArthur (whose horses always go out to do their best) win a race, but Alva had very little to beat in this race, and it is only fair that handicappers who were not present should know this. “Terlinga” asks when will the V.R.C. stewards recognise that they should retire and give the system of paid stewards a trial?

At the Albion Parle (Brisbane) meeting on Dec. 31st Mr W. Booth Timon (Nelson —Fiesole) won the Trial Handicap. Timon is a four-year-old chestnut gelding, half-sister to The Slave, and was bred by Major George. I fancy he was taken to Queensland by tho Hon. H. Mossman. Later in the clay W. Booth rode Musket (Musketoon—Liara) the Queensland Derby winner, to victop’' in tho Welter Handicap. Daystar’s sister, Ciroe, started first favourite in the Goodwood Handicap, but failed to get a place. The ex-Australian sportsman Captain Scott, who married tho late Mrs James White, of Kirkham, has got himself into serious trouble with the Irish racing authorities. The stewards of the Turf Club, having investigated the case of the running of the Australian-bred Raven’s Plume, and other horses, the property of Captain Scott and his trainer, T. McGuire, considered they had no alternative but to warn off Captain Scott and McGuire. The stewards of the English Jockey Club have extended the sentence passed by the stewards of the Turf Club, Ireland, upon Captain W. Scott and Timothy McGuire to all meetings under tho rules of racing. Captain Scott was for some time in Australia, whence be brought several horses to Ireland. Amongst them were Levanter, a useful chaser; Ca Ira 11., -"-inner of the Grand Prize at Leopardstown; Achray, Kiora and others.

With the weights for the Villiers Stakes and Carrington Stakes made by i the same handicapper, and* declared about the game time, it is not to bo . wondered at that one horse has won the ; two races. After her run-awa.v win on i Boxing Day a 101 b penalty hardly looked - like stopping Fulminate on Saturday, and Mr W. H. Mate’s mare started a strong : favourite. And she led nearly all the . way, and won easily by several lengths. • When horses are in form a few pounds of extra weight does not affect them. Fulminate is one of the Galopin on Musket tribe, as she was got by Gossoon from Percussion by Musket- Percussion was the dam of Projectile, the Metropolitan winner. Fulminate had only won two races prior to this season. Bill of Portland was despatched to England on December 31st by the Aberdeen liner Sophocles, in charge of Mr Ernest Day. Early in the morning he i left the Newmarket yards in charge of George Dell, of Messrs Wm. C. Yuillo and Co., and was conveyed by train alongside the boat. The son of St. Simon left in splendid health. Ho was com. fortably berthed in a commodious box in the fore part of the ship, and quietly submitted to tho slinging process. Del spite the extreme heat, he settled' down quietly to his new survounumgs. What- 1 ever may chance to happen on the voyage, “Bill”' is not likely to go short of “tucker.” inasmuch a» a whole truck load of fodder was placed on board for him. The Prince of Wales has two or three times been near the top of the tree among successful owners, and it is indeed gratifying to find so good and popular a sportsman at last heading the list in England, with £29,585 10s. Needless to say the proud distinction is gained almost entirely by Diamond Jubilee’s victories in the three classic races and other valuable stakes. Lord W. Berosford is in the same position as ‘he held last year, but with some £IB,OOO less to the credit of his big stable. Lord Durham occupies an unusually high place, thanks, in the main, to the £9OOO Century Stakes win of Osbech and tho other victories gained by that son of Common. Melton's two-year-olds are responsible ; for most of Mr Musker’s winnings, and that gentleman expects to have' as good [ a time next year with his rising two- ! year-olds. Mr Drake is the American i who carried off some good stakes with I Royal Plush anti other horses, and then I sold off and returned to America. The ! Duke of Portland has made a gratifying I move' upwards after a series of very bad ■ • seasons, and much the same may-be said of Mr Bra’ssey. Sir R. W. Griffith has dropped down by a few thousands, but he has some extraordinarily good young horses, and may do much better next year, Sir J. B. Maple continues to get a very poor return for the enormous outlay ho goes to year after year, j and the money opposite his name repre-

seats the success cf several horses, while Mr M. H. Walker (who comes next _ to him) had hut one winner. Merry Gal, for his £8,795.

On tbe da}’ after Mr C. N. Kidman bought Flintlock for 90 guineas he told “Terlinga.” he thought the little grey would be found quite good enough t° hold his own at handicap weights in West Australia. Tin’s prophecy has been amply fulfilled under two months, as Flintlock won the Perth Cup on Tuesday, and Air Kidman is said to have won a fair sum outside the stake. Flintlock won the Hobart and Launceston Cups in February, 1809. and although lie has been running constantly over since, he never won again until last Tuesday. No wonder Air P. T. Heywood tired of the handsome little grey, and let him go. His victory docs not say much for the West Australian form, as he could not win. at tho minimum, at Flemington or Caulfield, and it is not at all likely that he is any bettor now than he was in Victoria. Air Donald Wallace bred Flintlock, and Air George Woodfordo bought him as a yearling for 200 guineas. Air Woodforde raced him for some time, and after winning a race at Caulfield, sold him to Phil Heywood. Australian ran second, and Eoch Leigh third, while Warrior 11.. Umber, ana the ancient Lo Var were out of a place. The Derby winner, from all accounts, is not too •sound, and it is hard to got this sort of horse fit to run out a strong two miles. Reliance atoned for his defeat on tlio first day by winning the weight for age, and this big fellow should be hard to beat in the Railway Handicap.

The Villiors and Carrington Stakes winner. Fulminate, is a well-proportion-ed hay filly, by Gossoon (imp.) out of Percussion, by Alusket from Sister Agnes (imp.), by Rosicrucinn. She is train, od at Randwick by young Gough, who has Air Alate’s horses under his care, the stables being those built by Dan O’Brien at Alount A’ernon, in Botany street, Randwick. In a recent issue of the “Sydney Alail” appeared photographs of Alarihyrnong and Tho Fawn, a. successful stud combination. They were owned by Air Andrew Town. Ten of their progeny realised 12,710 guineas.; Richmond Bello, mond, 210 guineas; Richmond Belle, 800 guineas; Palmyra, 1500 guineas; Bnsworth. 600 guineas: Sogenhoo, 2000 guineas; Warwick, 2000 guineas; Superba, 1900 guineas: Genosta, 1300 guineas; AlontCm, 1550 guineas; Aliranda, 1200 guineas. At tho Sylvia Park sale of yearlings last week the filly by St. Hippo from Jadestone was passed in. The Messrs Nathan subsequently disposed of the filly privately to Air Hugo Fricdlander, and sho was shipped South last week. The filly in question is a half-sister to Explosion, and carries the cut of one that will most likely be heard 1 of one of those days.

The. Duke of Portland, who is the lucky possessor of six high-class sires,- is of opinion that stallion fees iii England are too high, and ho has reduced his own as follows:—St. Serf, lOOgs; Ayrshire, 75gs; Donovan, 75gs; Carbine, COgs; Raeburn, 30gs. St, Simon is not advertised, and presumably his fee is still GOO guineas. At a recent sale of thoroughbreds held in Sydney several lots on behalf of the Tncka Tucka stud were disposed of. The prices obtained throughout were low, tho highest only realising 160g.5, this being a three-year-old filly by Metal from: Rebna. who was knocked down to Mr W. P. Crick. A th'ree-year-old brown filly by Metal from Housemaid was secured by Mr B. M. Osborne for 115 gs. Autonomoa, 3yrs. by Grand Flaneur — Solitude, went to R. Wootton for HOgs. There were several of Gozo'.s stock disposed of, tho highest realising lOogs.

Numidia, who silenced tho lot she was opposou by in the Two-ycar-old Handicap at Warwick Farm on December 22, is engaged in the A.J.C. December Stakes. She is full sister to Barbarossa, and more reliable, and half-sister to Massinissa and Morocco, so that the family is a galloping one. Numidia has more than returned the 135 gs she cost at yearling sale time. N i Fata Morgana fell near the three furlongs post in the Warwick Farm Pace Welter on December 22, and ns she never moved again, it is supposed that she broke her neck. Her rider, J. Gor. man, got off with a shaking. Though the mare ran in Mr J. Mayo’s name, she was really the property of Mr H. C. White, who had leased her. Fata Mor. gana Was by Cranbrook from Sierra (by Apremont—Hammock), dam of Moonlyong and Carberra. Fata Morgana was bred to English time and was foaled in January. Tho two-year-old Omadhaun, who was by Goaoon from Wheel of Fortune, and cost 210 gs. when ho was sold at tho Rand wick yearling sales, died recently in Melbourne. He had been added to the list some weeks previously, and-never quite recovered. A Melbourne paper states that a “cable message has been received to the effect that the Viceroy’s Cup, run at Calcutta on Wednesday, was won by Up Guards, with Tubal Cain H. in second place, and Cherry, last year’s winner, third. Up Guards is an English-bred horse, owned by the Maharajah of Jodhporo, and filled second place in the race last year. Both Tubal Cain 11. and Cherry hail from Australia. Up Guards was a good performer in England, where he won the Chester Cup and some hurdle races, and is a full brother to two good performers in Count Schomberg and Lady Schomberg, being by Aughrhn from Clonavarn.” The Australian-bred Syerla, who is now owned by Sir Edgar Vincent, started second' favourite in a field of 21 for the Derby Cup of It miles, and although he ran well and was in front at the commencement of the last furlong, he was comfortably beaten at the finish by Innocence, who cost his owner. Mr Morbey, 3100 gs, and had not won a race for near, ly eighteen months. Sir Edgar Vincent has had very bad luck with his colonial purchases—Multiform, one of the number, turned roarer, and Stoccado (late Cranberry) went mysteriously lame and had to be thrown out of training. Another Australian horse is destined to be tried on tho English turf, a cable having been received from the owner. Sir Wyudham Ansthruther, to ship Caledonia "by the White Star line of steamers. so that ho may rcacli England in March next. Caledonia was purchased by Sir W. Anstruthor for oOOgs, when that gentleman was on a visit to the colonics last year, and it was for him that he won tho V.R.C. Brunswick Stakes in March. The horse is at present spelling at Tucka. Tucka, and word has been sent to forward him to Sydney to be prepared for the voyage. Caledonia is a five-year-old gelding by Gozo—Florrie. and last season won tho Brunswick Stakes at tho V.R.C. Autumn Meeting. It is more than likely that the English horse Skopos, who has been winning races in the old country for Mr H. C. White will shortly reach Sydney. Writing early last month the Special Commissioner said, “Both Skopos and 013 Clo’ are certain starters in the Manchester November Handicap, and this will he the last race either will run in England, as Skopos leaves the following week for Australia, and Old Clo’, who siifferd so much on the voyage to this country that Mr White dare not risk another voyage with her, will, if not sold by the end of the month, bo retained by him as a brood mare and mated with Aurum next season.” Old Clo’ behaved badly in the Derby Cup with

7ft. finishing a long way out of it, while Sverla. T.st. ran second to Innocence, 7st 121 b, in a.field of 21. Sverla started at 6 to 1. Innocence at 10 to 1, awl Old' do’ at 50 to 1. Tile jockey S. Callinan has been placed on tbe retired list for a period of 12 months. Ho rode Numidia in the Two-year-old Handicap at Warwick Farm on December 22nd. and won easily by a length, after practically making sll the running in the last half-mile. But scon after leaving the false rail in the straight, EqXiator, who had been running iannedi. ately behind the leaders, made her effort on the inside, and in a twinkling went t’.p to Numidia’s girth. Then, however, Numidia blocked her, and Kubr.. being compelled to steady Equator to avoid going over the rails, that filly quickly retired. Tho stewards had a splendid view of what occurred, and Equator s trainer coming in with a complaint for foul riding. S. Callinan was promptly disqualified for 12 months, his explanation being deemed unsatisfactory, ihe occurrence not only robbed Equator of a good chance of winning, but might have been the cause of a terrible stccident. It wu,s*extmnoly unfortunate for the owner and backers of Equator that she did not run second, for if she had the stewards could not have done other than award her the race.—iLtjuator is one of Air S. Hordern’s she being by Giguo (imp.) from Meridian (imp.), and therefore half-sister to Hautboy. When sold as a. yearling, she realised 200 gs. and is evidently going to prove that sho is worth it. The total receipts for the recent meeting of the Greyniouith Jockey Club were C 1942 17s 3d, and the expenditure £1421 0s 7d, leaving a. profit of £521 16s Bd. Tho amount of .stakes to bo given at the Club’s St. Patrick’s meeting will bo £650. The Westport Jockey Club will race on Bth and 9th Alarch, when they will give £425 in stakes. Grcymouth will hold the St. Patrick's meeting on the 17th and 18th of Alarch and Roefton will racoon the 22nd and, 23rd Alarch. Hokitika and Knmara will race in Easter week. The Hotchkiss Gauza idly, purchased bv Air T. B. Dwau, at Auckland, was on ’behalf of a client in Sydney. Afr Dwau, who sent Korowai across to Sydney last season, has open orders to purchase jumpers for the other side. By the, Westralia on Saturday lie ships the six-vcar-old mare Venice, by Flintlock Revoke. Venice started on four occasions last season. At Patca sho twice ran inlo third place, and at Egmiont finished out of a place on two occasions. She has been ridden to hounds by the huntsmen of the Egmont Hunt Club, ami should bo useful at Sydney jumping meetings next winter.

THE FOXTON MEETING. The Foxton Racing Club should have a successful meeting on Monday and Tuesday next. Coach arrangements have been made to convey visitors between Shannon and Foxton each day. The acceptances and entries average twelve horses per race. The first event is timed to start at noon, and the last at 4.45 p.rn. Naming the events in their order on the card, the following are suggested as probable winners: Flying Hack Handicap.—Te Take. Hack Hurdle Handicap.—Grey Ribbon. Foxton Cup.—Hotu. Maiden Hack Race. —Kuscrow. Stewards Hack Handicap.—lllumination. Summer Handicap.—The Hempic. Welter Hack Handicap.—Warwick. Weights for the second, day are due at 8 p.m. on Monday, and acceptances close the same night at 9.30 p.m. WELLINGTON TROTTING CLUB. The Summer Meeting of the Wellington Trotting Club, to be held at the Petono Recreation Ground to-day (Saturday) and Wednesday next, promises to be a great success. The shortening of the limit has had the effect of weeding out the third-raters and bringing together the ' best performers. Over twenty well-known competitors have arrived from Christchurch to compete. The first race each day starts at 1 p.m. Trains leave Te Are at 10 a.m., 11.56 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2.20 p.m., and Thorndon about seven minutes later. VICTORIA RACING CLUB. _ AUTUMN MEETING. Subjoined are the entries received for the leading handicaps of'the autumn meeting:—Newmarket Handicap, 0 furlongs. —Advance, Nikola, Ampler, Clanside, Paul Pry, Ranfurly, Maltster, Florence, Booval, Berne, Alva, Improver, Reliance, Australian, .Glen Albyn, Cameron, Fleet Admiral, Fjdes, Koomah, Contrast, Contadina, Locksmith. Dozen, Revenue, Wakeful, Aurous, Bobadil, The Mariner, • The Union Jack, First Mate, Tarquin, La France, Wideawake, Cicero, Roscommon, So Long, Patna, Carol, Debenture, Berenice, Private Willis, Jadoo, Inquisitive, Sagacity, Mascinissa, Foret, Bancaster, Town Clock, Lord Cureton, Hymcttus, Epitome', George Frederick, Kawana, Bobstay, Marie Corelli, Man of Honour, Cornquist, Gambit-, Songbird, Horonda, Grand Briar, Hearsay, Stagelight, Silvermoor, Jerry, Andora, Miss Vengeance. Fast Lady, Polyxena, Velooe, Tam O’Shanter, The Toiler, Carline, Wild Heath, Sequence,Atbara, Isa, Nitre, High Jinks, Grizzle, Warrior 11., Passover, Coralio. The Idler, Dandy, Safety, Duke of Kent, Old Salt, The Watchdog, Strathjoy. Madrid, The Chief, Hpvis, Fortune Toller, Bolauus, Captain Towse. Commander, Ironhoop, Juggler, Kcnloy, Omrab, Ferryman. Duke of Portland, Latem, Churn, Range, Thrush, Rnskin, Slatin. Peppercorn, Sapir, Fulminate. The Pirate King, Kalani, Mylae. Monitor. Australian. Cup, two miles and a quarter.—Advance, The Union Jack, Seahorse, Paul Pry, The British Admiral, La Carabine, Dreamland, First Mato, Miltiadcs, Tarquin, Maltster, Dirk Hammerhand, Clean Sweep, The Bride. Gungadin. Finland, Inquirer". Fleet Admiral. Debenture, Contrast, Private Willis, Kinglike, Lancaster, Revenue, Lord Cureton, George Frederick, Carolina. Seaport, Flintlock, Gosport, Cintra, Ingliston, Khaki, Atbara. Royal Purple, Nitre, Royalist. Grizzle, Horace, Tartus. Warrior 11., Old Salt, War God, Hurrah. Ironhoop, Hovis, San Fran. Bolanos. Barbarossn, Mcrriwce, Royal Artillery, Juggler. Champion Stakes, three miles.—. Advance. Finland, Seahorse, Kinglike, Paul • Pry, British Admiral, La Carabine, Maltster, Tarquin. Clean Swoop, Lancaster, Dirk Hammerhand. Duke of Portland, Inglistou, Khaki, Nitre, Warrior 11., Grizzle. Barbarossa, Royal Artillery.

HARRY HAINES. Mr Harry Haines, who was a wellknown bookmaker and owner of horses in Melbourne, died a few days auo in Perth, where for seme time he has had an hotel. He owned the Adelaide Cup v,'inner, Euclid, and other good horses, and was a first-class amateur rider and billiard player. The last race ha roue in was at Moonee Valley, when on the back of the New Zealander, Mikado 11., he made a dead heat for first place with Lady Superior. Harry Haines was a fine fellow in every way—a genial, good-

natured man, who had very few enemies. Haines was well known' in this colony, j Of him, “Terlinga’’ writes:—lt can safely be said that no man in the ring was more popular than Harry Haines, who had a most gentlemanly manner, and was a good all-round man. He rode a good race on the flat until he was well well over 50. and lew amateurs could beat him at billiards ar pyramids —especially pyramids. The last time 1 saw him play was in the final for the Victorian Club tournament, which Mr John Cohen w r on. He tumbled to pieces that night, but he was giving a good start, and his opponent was a much younger man. Harry Haines probably cared very little for bookmaking. He generally had a few horses in training, and was a capital judge of racing. These sort of men are always backers at heart, and, in any case, a man of his disjiosition had little chance of holding his own with the school of layers which came in with the advent of cash betting. The profits are not good enough now to enable a Harry Haines to keep in the front rank. His expenses are too heavy. To Diomed, who won the .Newmarket Handicap in 1879, Harry Haines owes his place in the list ot winners of important races in Victoria. Probably the oest horse he ever owned himself was Euclid, who won the Adelaide hup in 1882. This was a racehorse in every sense of the word, and a big stake was landed on him- . As the race was run it was a ducky win, and for this reason, .dick O’Brien, who had the mount, lay off so far that, entering the straight, it seemed well nigh - impossible for him to get up, but the luck came in when Commotion, who had 'overpowered Hales in the early part of the race, and was on the rails, hung out, and carried Pollio and Belladrum out with him. This let Euclid up on th.e rails, and he won quite easily, while Commotion, Pollio and Belladrum ran a dead heat for second place. Belladrum and Euclid had! been doing all their work together, and Euclid was, I believe, tried to be much the bettor of the two. At that same meeting poor Mick O’Brien tried to get up on the inside of Hales (on Bosult), with Baron Von Mueller, in the Goodwood Handicap, but this time ho was blocked, and the Baron lost a race lie should have won easily. Harry Haines was a severe critic where jockeys were concerned, and if Euclid hdn lest the Adelaide Cup it would have taken him some time to forgive O’Brien. A good horse that ran in Haines’s name (though I don’t think he ever owned him), when he won the Birthday Cup, in Adelaide, was Mata. At the time Mata was disqualified in Melbourne. The S.A.J.C. and A-II.C. were fighting each ether for all they were worth, and the V .x-C.C. notified tfto S.A.J.C., as the premier club, of the disqualification, but did not recognise the A.B.C. in the matter. Bluff eld Gabriel Bennett, who ran the English Jockey Club at one time, resented this, and gave the Mata people the tin that the gelding could run at their meeting. Progress came over from Sydney after winning the Gold Cup, and with H. Prince, Terence O'Brien, and, I think, E. Weeks behind Mata, the betting between the pair was heavy. One morn-, ing the course proper was open,- and each galloped the Cup distance. Progress did it in 2min 44sec, I think, and Mata in 2min 44-isec, but, anyway, X remember the partisans of the two getting together, just after the second gallop, and Phil Glenister twice laid £ouu to £450 on Progress against Mata. The race was run on a pouring wet day, and the heavy ground was considered so much against Progress that his owner (W. Branch) put about £3OO on Mata in the totalisator. Ho was right, as, although Progress and Mata left the neld, the hairy-legged New Zealander won easily. Bothwell, a good horse of the late T. Sampson’s, was trained by H. Haines, but probably the last good win he had was over Grace Darling in the Caulfield Cup of 1885. She was trained and owned' by Mr Jos. Buffet, a friend of his, and J. Williams, his own jockey, rode her. The hist horse of any note he owned was Theodore, and probably the light-weight, Gorry, who lived with him for some time after Joe Thompson discovered him at Mount Gambler, did him more good in his (Gorry’s) young days than any horse he had in his stable after Mata went back to New Zealand. Harry Haines was a good fellow, who will be much regretted by those who knew him well.

ADVANCE’S RECORD. Advance’s victory in the Auckland Plate marked the 19 th race which he has contested. The son of Vanguard’s record now reads as follows: AT TWO YEARS OLD. Wellington Summer: Won Nursery Handicap, five furlongs, 7st 71b: time, Imin 2,', see. Unplaced in Wellington Stakes, five furlongs, 7st, won by Courtier, 7st lib. AT THREE YEARS OLD. Hawke’s Bay Spring; Won Flying Handicap, six furlongs, 7st 91b; time, Imin 17sec. Canterbury Spring: Won Riccartbn Welter Handicap, six furlongs, 9st 131 b ; time, Imin 18sec. Third in Juvenile Plate, five furlongs, Bst 121 b, won by Renown, 7st. Wellington Soring : Third in Wellington Handicap, 1J miles, 7st 91b, won by Explosion, 9st. Won Hutt Pa -1Spring Handicap, sewen furlongs, Bst 81b: time, Imin SO^seo. Wellington Summer: Unplaced Wellington Cup, ll s miles, 7st 91b, won by Djin-Djin, 7st 111 b. Second in Metropolitan Handicap, six furlongs, Bst 101 b, won by Glenogle, Bst. Woodville Autumn : Won Autumn Handicap, one mile and a distance, 9st 51b; time, Imin 56 2-ssec. Wanganui Autumn; Won Wanganui Cup, If miles, 7st 81b: time, 3min 4sec. Won Wanganui Stakes, 1-J miles, Bst 51b ; time, 2min 36 2-ssec. Dunedin Autumn ; Won Dunedin Cup, l£ miles, Bst 71b; time, 2min 37sec. Auckland Autumn : Won Easter Handicap, 1 mile, 9st 61b; time, Imin 42sec. Won Century Stakes. I V miles, -9st.: time, 2min 39sec. Won Autumn Handicap, I}’ miles, lOst slb; time, 2min 40 l-ssec. AT FOUR YEARS OLD. Wanganui Spring: Won Wanganui Stakes, 1 miles, 10st slb; time, 2mm 42 2-ssec. Canterbury Spring: Won Canterbury Cup, 1} miles, 9st: time, 3miu 7 2-ssec. Auckland Summer: Won Auckland Plate, 1J- miles, 9st; time, 2min 37 3-ssoc. Summarised, Advance's performances come out as follows:—At two years, 1 first, 1 unplaced: at three years, 10 firsts, 1 second, 2 thirds, 1 unplaced: at four years, 3 firsts : total, 14 firsts, 1 second, 2 thirds, 2 unplaoeds. Up to the present Advance's earnings in .stakes amount to £4335. THE IRONS AND POLICEMAN MEETS ADVANCE. Advance’s fame is evidently not worldwide. On returning from the recent Auckland meeting,he was being admired by several New Plymouth sports, preparatory to being jdaced on train homeward bound, when a Taranaki "man in blue” worked through the crowd and gruffly remarked to the stable lad in charge;— Ugly-looking brute that! Bov: D’ve think so? M. 1.8.: Yes, I do. What is he? A trotter? Boy: No; a ’orse.

M. 1.8. : Guess lie's off to Wellington for the Contingent! .Why, he ain’t class enough to catch ad- Boer. Boy: Oh. no; Vs off home to Porirua.

M. 1.8.: PorinnC Asylum place. Has the nag ever raced ?

Boy ; Just a few times. M. 1.8. : Has the moke ever won? Boy ; My oath! M. 1.8. i Surely you don’t keep him to race?

Boy: No; but- I reckon as : ow ’e keeps us! . M. 1.8. (eruffly): Keeps you! What! Has he got a name? , Boy; Strike me, ’<> ’as. (and with a drawl) we call ’im Advance. M. 1.8. (none the wiser): Advance! ; (and more emphatically and vacantly) Advance! ! ! Never heard the name. Boy (with a parting shot); You’re onlv fit for the Porirna Asylum, old copper.

AUCKLAND PACING CLUB. SUMMER MEETING. Ellerslie racecourse is without doubt one of—if not the—prettiest in New, Zealand. It is situated four and a half miles from Auckland City. The railway lino runs within 100 yards of its gates, and passengers are landed close to the grand stand. The course occupies an ideal position, being in a basin surrounded by terraces, a wealth of trees forming an effective background. The horses run from right to left (in an opposite direction to other principal courses); the course is not level, but undulates more or less throughout, excepting from the home-turn to the finishing post. The saddling paddock is large, and affords ample room for thousands to view the horses being saddled without crowding, the opening to it being wide, and without those harassing restrictions —gates. The whole ,of the grounds are covered with a. iliick carpet of velvety turf, which makes walking a pleasure. Flowers and shrubs, judiciously planted, improve the general aspect of the surroundings. A clump of pines on the loft and inside the course partly obstruct the grand stand view of the horses when racing, and, as they arc like "tho fly iu the ointment.” the Jockey Club iiiic:bt. with advantage have them removed. They are now provocative of a lot of “language.” The frame containing the names of fhe riders, and on which is also shown tho numbers of tho nhicod horses is a very largo iron structure, which can he seen from any part of the course where the public assemble. Discs are not put un at the starting points, as is - done on most other important ‘racecourses, but “starting <ral es” are erected at the principal starting prints, ami nearly all starts are effected by the ‘'■pate,” and as far as I have teen, the starting is none too good. Whenever I “little hit on” I yearned to have Harry Piper there, so as to ensure mv fancy getting an even start, and being galvanised into immediate activity by bis well known stentorian, “Look out!” Ellerslie might with advantage copy Hawke’s Bay, and erect a. semaphore in the saddling paddock, with arms bearing the words “saddle—up” and “go—to —the—post” : the method of •a, man o-oing round ordering the geos out to the cerse Is out of date. Judging by some of the results of the Christmas week running. a few horses ‘Vet into the hag” at Ellerslie. Tho attendance on Boxing Day is estimated at about 12,000. a well-dressed (■’■owd. (no, which put £20,000 thron'd] the machine, and h bit extra into the bags of the bookies.

THE MINERVA, 11. CASE

The Taranaki Metropolitan Jockey Club Committee met on Thursday night in consider the now celebrated Minerva. If. case. Mr Samuel preshled. The following correspondence, which fully explains the whole position, was rend; Egmont Racing Club, Hawera, December 10th, 1960. The Secretary, Taranaki Jockey Club, New Plymouth. Dear Sir, I hog to inform you that at a meeting of my committee, hold on the Bth inst., the following resolution was passed ; “That having established the principle in Qonncction with the disqualification of Minerva IT. this club recommends that the Metropolitan Club remit the disqualification of Beckett and. MeAulifi’o to one year from the 15th February, 1900.” Yours faithfully, J. W. Hirst, secretary.

Taranaki .Tor,kcv_Club, New Zealand, Hecomher 19th, 1000. The Secretary. E-rmont Racine Club. Ha "’em. Dear S ; r. I liave referred to the Chairman of inv committee your letter of tlie in Hi Inst., with a onov of reflation of vour committee of Btli inst. : “That having estahlished the u'iuciulc in eonnect'on "-•til the disqualification of Minerva TT. t-h's cluh recommends that, the Me+"ono’itan Cluh remit the disqualification of Beckett and McAnliffe to one T,<i :ir from Ifitb February. 1900.” The Chairman instructs me .to inform vou Hint he doubts whether our committee has Dover f n conmlv with the wish of vour committee. In his opinion, owinjr t" the judges appointed by the Chairman of the Conference haying neglected to opt their decision ir'-o proper 1 form and ha rip u rcjfrained from making anv order to the Metropolitan Committee to indorse the di c onaliPcation imposed hv your eluh. there is now no disqualification which, ooerates o" any course hut that " f the or- Cluh ("rule 1401. The Metropolitan Committee having been unanimous in iheir derision, after hearing persons on hnth ‘ides, and after examining witnesses, declined to indorse li,o OisomilificaHon; the indues, without hearing cither side (as far as my chairman is award and without anvthinrr hefovo them hut written matter, ooofinod themselves to 1 practically the following hare sta*oment of their r lec:B’’en : “The iudo-es therefore enufirm the Oonfhnee of the Emnnnt llac’S Club.” fhe Chairman of this Committee consider* that this was rutile insufficient. and that the neglect of the ,iud-ae« to make anv order vh.'ii r providing for the indorsing of the dis-oimHfir-tions hv the MHronalitau Committee, ha" rendered their action "i eonn ruling “Hie sentence of the E<r'"a"t P--ii,.r C’uh” - inmatorr. Tpider 11u 1 e Wi fv'lN the indges 'iiieht have affirmed or dirmhted tlie decision of the Metrmjoh'lan C ■’iniitlee ’’l declining te ip-de,-sp Hio hh-ment Club's disqualifi'-a-tinn. h’,t rnf “the re fit enpe of the KgI’l.n:it T?,aeinrr Club,” Had the question submitted *■ e the fudges been one ef eanstruetion rf the rules, or one which thev were veil able to arrive at a i"st decision en as were the members of +ho committee of the Metropolitan Cluh it mi'dit bo that the matter miuht lie allowed to nas.s over the omission made hv the farmer in neither affirming nor dismissing the decision annealed against : but the onlv difference of opinion expressed by the indees was a.s respects whether the declarations made "-ere wilfully faDe. i mere question of the intention of the declarants, and P-.e +hei-cf.-ire respecting which those who had not bad the onpnrtnnitv of hearing the witnesses and haying the matter armied nro. and : cnn. were scaree1r h'kelv to arrive at h correct decision unless guided l’v t I-ece' who '-ad these advantages. The Chainij-ih directs me to inform you that he, has no doubt

that the committee of tin's club will agree with him in ihe course' to lie pursued in tin's matter, and that, bo will advise tho committee to decline (o recognise the validity of tins disqualifications as would be the case were this committee to reduce them as; asked liv your committee, it, however, .your commit too requests the Metropolitan committee to remove the disqualifications altogether, the Chairman thinks it probable that this committee will consent in order to as far as possible lesson the effects of tho imposing of the dis'oe.alifications in tTie fir-r instance, ano 1 also of the result of the appeal to the judges appointed by the Chairman of the Conference. A meeting of this committee will lie called, however, if your committee still desires it.—-Yours faithfully. M. Fleetwood, secretary. Egmont Racing Club, Hawora.' December 24th, 1900.—The .Secretary, Taranaki Jockey Club, New Plymouth. Dear Sir, I am in receipt .of yours of the Ifltb inst. which was laid before nty committee on Saturday last. 22nd lust., when I was directed to acknowledge receipt- of same and request your committee to convene a meeting to consider this club’s letter of lOlli Just.— Yours faithfully, J. W. Hirst, seerotarv. Taranaki Jockey Club, Now Blvmouth. 11 tli January, 1901.—Tim Secretary. Egmont Having Club, Hawora. Dear Sir, • Your letter of the 21 Hi nit. arrived during tho Christmas holidays, but tbe chairman co’nveucd a meeting for as early a. date as possible, and tho correspondence was duly submitted to the committee yesterday. Tho following resolution was unanimously passed : “That there lie sent to the Egmont Racing Club the following renjy to its request that the disqualifications,, ef Messrs Beckett and McAnliffe in the Minerva. 11. case be. Tcdnco.d from two years to one year:—-The disqualifications of Messrs Beckett, and McvVnliffc by tho Egmont Club were subject to Rule 140. which provides that ‘no disonalificatlon or suspension by a. country club shall operate on any course except its own until indorsed by the Jockey Club.’ Tho Jockey Chib, after a- full hearing of evidence and of tho parties concerned, found that Beckett, and McAnliffe believed the contents of their declarations to be, true fait hough they were mistaken iu this.belief), and refused to indorse the disqualifications. In the opinion of this, committee the disqualifications tlicu ceased to operate at all—even on the course of tho Egmont Club —hut wore liable to lie revived should: this commit toe subsequently indorse them. The Egmont Club appealed, and the judges -appointed by the Chairman of the Conference (without hearing the parties) expressed an opinion differing from that this committee hold on the question of the intention of Beckett and McAnlifi'e. They could have either affirmed or dismissed the decision appealed against, hut they did not do so, but merely stated ‘the judges therefore, confirm the sentence of the Egmont Racing Club.’ This informality on tho, part of the judges would have been probably immaterial had they not also neglected to make anv order whatever on the appeal. Thev had now no power to indorse the disqualifications, but they could have ordered this committee to do so (under Rule 165, sub-section 101. As they have nob done this, and ns this committee is convinced that the declarations of Beckett and McAnliffe wore notj wilfully false, it certainly will not indorse the disqualification;* now. To reduce the period from two yeaivs to one rear would ho to recognise the disqualifications as now existing; besides, if those persons had been guilty of wilfully false declarations, disqualification for two years would have been a very mild punishment to impose. This committee therefore declines In comply wilh tho recommendation of the Egmont Racing Club, hub, if the latter ask that the disqualifications (if anv) be removed altogether, this committee will ho nleased to do so, as far as possible, lessen the effect s of the decision of I lie Egmont. Club in the first, instance.”— I am also; instructed to inform you that the following resolution, referring to the same subject; was unanimously passed by the.committee : • “That, Mr L. V/t Alexander bo thanked for his letter to the “Referee” of tho 2nd December (published on.tho 2nd Janua.rv, 190 H. with Hie views expressed in which this ccnimitteo entirely concurs.” Yours faithfully, M, Fleetwood, secretary. LORD WILLIAM BERESFORD. A prominent figure on the English turf has disappeared in Lord William Bcresford, who passed away at the comparatively early age of 53. For many years Lord William was one of the loading lights on tho turf in India, where ho was a. confederate of the late Maharajah of Patiala, whom lie onlv survived by a couple of months. His lordship was a. firm believer in tho potency of the “Waler,” one of which—the Victori-aii-bred Billow—carried his colours in England quite recently. Lord William was heavily engaged in. racing matters at tho time of his death, having an interest in several American horses, in addition to which he had control of the Prince of Wales’s breeding stud at Sandringham. In 1596 ho married tho Duchess of Marlborough, and leaves a son. born in 1897. Lord William was the Duchess’s third husband.

“Truth” recently made the following reference to Lord William Bcrtsford'; “An owner,‘trainer or jockey who at the present, time allows himself to ho ‘interviewed’ writes himself down ipso facto as asinine and anserons. Ho is sure to blurt out, a groat deal which is highly indiscreet, and then, of course, the interview must Ko ‘repudiated.’ although no rational being has any doubt whatever as to the correctness of the narrative. Lord William Beresford's sagacity should he widely imitated. Some enterprising reporter attempted to draw him in the paddock at- Newmarket, and commenced with the comprehensive question. ‘What is your opinion, my lord, of the present state of the English turf?’ ‘T have no-opinion.’ was the reply, and it was an admirably sensible answer in the circumstances.” D would take a very wideawake newspaper man to draw Lord “Bill,” And yet. perhaps. lie obtained a heifer opinion of the English turf than anyone else has ventured to express. For many years Lord William was a very prominent; owner in India and he rode whenever ho got the chance. Not being a. r'ch man. be could not afford *o train a largo string of horses on his own account. Mr Monty Stewart was his racing confederate until 1883. and on his death Lord William ioiued forces with the Maharajah of Durhangah, the connection lasting until TSfiO. when the Maharajah of Patiala, who died mute recently, took the other Maharajah’s place. Tlie Beresford stable won a’l v-rf s 0 f races, but, of course, with such a big string tbe expenses were heavy, and a number of high-priced purchases turned out badly. “Teddy” Weekes used to bnv Lord William’s Australian horses, and he took him up Myall King; who won the Viceroy’s Cun three times, and finally broke lu’s leg over a, hurdle, lord William’s stable won the Viceroy’s Cup with Camhallo in 1881, Metal in 1889. Mvall King in 1887, 1888 and 18°0, and Pennant in 1889. He left India earlv in the nineties, and in 189"> married the widow of the late Duke of

■'.■oi'.i'Kiii. in ' ,n;_;la ii'l Lord Wil- ( it,, in it it .iii- Lorillani »t first, i 11 1 !!l'i "■ I) I I.'NiKT }! I S ill- ■ 1 ) • 1 -,. 1i f; was Sloan’s most rcgllI ;■ i-mpb.-y) I- ill )099. bill. Just your L. ivu-. bis first jockey. Lord V. u;i iiu ' Burr lord won b\'2,7Wi in stakes it* : in in.'.; only u tlionsand bobind tit: I',i.. ~ i \V< it id in-tor !iix Flying Fox's • toil 111 - 1- your in list have boon a iiib oil'-, for tlic American stable, V:, . called. At first Lord William ft) w;;:- ;; firm beiieve;- in )t;ip; : ) -1 ! - .-v-.i--. j. ;• Indio, but after .Vyall bi.;;i:t iie (•:,;< ngo lAs mind. Li do .7 and Sony; o' Ai-.n io voni .-us- Ir-ilitu iiorses he tool-; :<■ I'inyliiii'i.