TURF GOSSIP

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 4301, 9 March 1901, Page 6 (Supplement)

TURF GOSSIP

(BY ADVANCE.) FIXTURES. MARCH. 13—Akaroa County Annual l,j r _ r lii Aroha Annual J.-l and 15. —Mastertoa Racing Club. 10, 18—Hawke's Bay Autumn 1(5. 18—Crnynioutii Autumn 17 — Horov/ln.-nua, Annual 1 8.—Ho in w lumua Hack Rating Club. 13—Tologu Bay Annual 18 — Waimate Annual 18 —Stratford Annual 18, 19—Oliinemuri Annual 32,’ 23—Rpet'tou Autumn 2(1, 27—. Marlborough Autumn 2G, 27 —Mnpier Park Autumn WOODVILLE DISTRICT JOCKEY CLUB. The Woodville District Jockey Cluo had a capital meeting on Wednesday and Thursday of last week. The weather was favourable each day, the attendance was quite as largo as any previous occasion, and the racing was interesting throughout. In fact, besides one dead heat on the first day, thore were several close finishes on the second day, in which the judge (Mr H. D. Buchanan) found the position he occupied anything but an easy one. In the big event he declared a dead heat between Battleaxe and Will-o’-thc-Wisp, but the general opinion was that tho first-named had won by a ncad. The official verdict was followed by a ‘ good deal of hooting. Tho judge is certainly in-the best position to see, and ho stated that Battleaxe dropped his head as ho crossed the lino, which position was borne out by Air Bolton (president of the club), who was also in tha box. It was the only unpleasantness that occurred at the meeting. Air J. B. Henrys had' reason to be pleased with himself for the manner in Which he had Brought tho fields together. With the exception of Watorfly, the nine Maiden candidates were all backed. Musketoon (Alousquetaire Alias Dargon), one of Mr Gollan’s breeding, received most support, and ran well considering he was sore. Moreen (by Recluse), a five-year-old half-sister to Dante, was also well backed. The Wanganuiowned filly, Blackwing (Wcstmero Echo) held a good position tnroughqut, and won comfortably in fair time. Sho pdid the good price of 6 to 1. Air Paul was not present to see the filly race, but supported her to win half a century. Art Jewel was the only withdrawal from the ten acceptors for the Hack Hurdles. Dubious, a good cut of a gelding, by Wanderer—Somnus mare, made, the running for the best part of the journey'. Sudor (Somnus Nil Desperandum), half-sister to Spreydon, came away in the straight and won comfortably. Hutana was a big favourite, and finished behind Arabi Pasha-

Tortulla’s sister, Ngaio, made her onlv appearance a t the meeting in the Grandstand Hack Handicap, and won all the way. Dartmoor carrijed. the Welter weight of lOst 21b (including a 171 b penalty for winning at Egmont), and ran into third place. Bona Fide, who was loft at home on account of showing signs of soreness, was the only withdrawal from the Cup. Will-o’-the-Wisp went out a strong public fancy. The light weights, Waingawa and Dewdrop made the pace sound for about six furlongs, when they retired. Queen’s Guard showed out two furlongs from home, and, getting well into the straight before the others, had a decided advantage. Battleaxe answered in the gamest manner when Gallagher called con him, but he had! two lengths to make np when the line was crossed. The favourite finished close! up third. Queen s Guard was well ridden by T. Wilson, and paid the good dividend of £ll ss. Air ‘‘F. Walcot’’ is reported to have had a fair win. Blackwing hadi to put up a 101 b penalty in the Flying Hack Handicap", and she was made favourite. Gipsy oack was first into the straight, and looked all ever a winner, but half way down the

straight Pried sat down on Blackwing, y and made a dead 1 heat of it. Wilson appeared to bo taking matters easy on Gipsy Jack. Gipsy Jack paid the good price of £9 4s for a dead heat. Now that the brother to Waiwera has broken the ice, he should soon put several stakes to »J. Armstrong’s credit. St. Mark shaped disappointingly in the Borough Handicap, and was not seen out again at the meeting. The totalisat t pointed to the race being won by either The Hempie or Laurestxna, and they were separated by half a length. Jadco has not been up long, but was in front for a bit. Bnlliantme got left at the start, but ran into fourth place. The Welter Hack Handicap saw Rags effect a surprise, and showed improved form on his running earlier in the day. Grey Ribbon was backed as if she could not lose, but suffered defeat by half a length. Osborne, who was badly injured at Taranaki last season, made his re-appear-ance in the Electric Handicap, running in Harry Peter’s name. He ran in winkers, and was in front for a bit, but was one of the last'to finish. Laurestiaa won comfortably from Hiamoe. Whan they met at a difference of 101 b the following day Hiamoe easily turned the tables cm Mr Campion’s mare. King's Bowman appears to have lost his pace. Dartmoor was supported down to less than level money in the Stewards Hack Handicap on the second day—he would have paid £1 16s*—but, failed to concede Gipsy Jack two stone. The latter , paid the good dividend of £4 in a field of four.

The two top weights were picked ou’i as the best of the jumpers, and although Hutana turned tho tables on Sudor, he was in tqrh defeated by Kobunui, on whom Mr Usher was seen to advantage in a finish with F. Cochrane. Kohunui, who was prominent at a mile and a half the previous day, was deserted for some reason or other and paid his twenty-nine supporters £l6 8s each.

Rags carried top weight'in the Ruahine Hack Welter, and was made first favourite. He tailed off before half the distance had been covered and could not raise a gallop. Komutu was also well supported, ’and ran well, but was no match for General Wolfe, on whom Mcr Morran was seen to better advantage than on the previous day. Mr Pilcher was not present the first day. He informed me after the horse had won that AlcMorran had _ complained of interference by L. Robinson (rider of Rags) the first day, and he had brought the matter under the notice of the stewards.

Murmur shaped no better in the Autumn Handicap than he had done in tho Cup, finishing last on both occasions. Sinus lost several lengths at the start, and when they entered the straight Will-o’-the-Wisp was the only horse in front of him. It looked like as if these two would fight out the finish, but Battleaxe appeared on the scene, and the judge declared a dead heat. Yollay, who hal only ten supporters out of 548, finished fourth.

Punters would hare nothing but Blackwing in Telegraph Hack Handicap, but Bst 101 b stopped her, although she made a good race of it with Sylvie, who was in receipt of 221 b. Both are not much over galloway height, but Sylvie may prove the best wmight earner of the two. She is trained at Tauhereniban, and is by Petroleum—Barbary 11. St. Lyra failed to run prominently under a

light weight. Aasayer would appear to he a greatly overrated animal.

Of tho sixteen entries for the Scurry, only half that number went to the post Valkryo (Forester to Whario and Voltare, who has been going to do something for a long time, was made a level money favourite. He got a flvino- start, and was never troubled. N abochlish (by Haere), half-brother to Sudor, ran into second place. The half-dozen starters in tho iiign Weight Handicap were all backed, The Heinpie coming in for most suppprt. Hie Hompio and Brilliantine were in iron., for a bit, and the latter was first into tho straight. The Hempie appeared right oufe of it. She came with, a great rattle in tho straight, Gallagher fairly lifting her off the ground, and in another stride would have got up in time to make a dead heat of it.

MARLBOROUGH; RACING CLUB

The following horses remain m the Fourth Challenge Stakes to be run cm 26th March next;— A. Rpro’s b g Plamstono; A. Rore’s oh f -4yrs, Hillstone—Wairarapa; A. Roro sb g jjvrs Sou’-Westcr —TanhimajA. Here s ]-, rr 3yrs, Sou’-Wester —Wairarapa ; J. Cooper’s b f Rosewater; J. Cooper’s bf To Pake; J. Cooper’s b g Wauoa ; D. Burn’s br g Solar; J. Reed s ch g Forest Oak; S. Tapps ch c Westerlej (since scratched); E. Bartons b g Skylark ■ W. C. Harley’s ch c Pare Pare; S. Harableton’s br c Waterford; G. Chcesman’s b g Kaloo; E. Cheesman s ch f .Breezy 5 iteclwcocVs 1> f OitUogne , H. Redwood’s b c Waitutu. CHATTER. At the monthly meeting of stewards of the Wellington Racing Club last Monday Air G. H. Harbroe’s resignation as Treasurer was accepted. Paul Pry carried 9st 131bs and won the Bond Cup, of 500 sovs, one mile and a half, in 2min 38J-sec. at Caulfield on February 23rd. Ho incurred a lOlbs penalty in the Australian Cup which increased bis weight to lOst 41bs._ Boreas received top weight, 9st bibs, in the Brunswick Stakes at Flemington. Air Prosser is quartered at E. Powers, Ascot Vale. , , United States is a two-year-old owned by Sir Rupert Clarke, and, on breeding, one of the Dost. The youngster is a half-brother to Hova, being by Lill of Portland from Happy Land. Sir Rupert paid 700 guineas for tho colt in November last, when four two-year-olds were sold by Alessrs W. C. ■ Yuille and Co., on behalf of tho executors of the late Air W. R. Wilson. The name of Commonwealth was first bestowed on the youngster, but as that appellation had already been used by another owner, the colt’s name was changed to United States.

The South Wairarapa Charitable Trotting Club last Alonday submitted a programme for a mixed meeting of trotting and galloping events for a meeting to bo held at Greytown North on the Queen’s Birthday. The amount given in stakes was £2Bo—£l3o for trotting and £l5O for galloping. The Aletropolitan Club decided to reply asking the S.W.C.T.C. if it were registered under tho Rules of Racing. At tho meeting of the Wellington Racing Club last Alonday the following transfers of yearlings was agreed to: From Messrs 3j. D. to EL Friedlander, filly by Seaton Delavel—Mias Gladys, and filly by St, Hippo—Jadestone ; to Air Douglas Gordon, chestnut colt by Seaton Delavel—Waitemata; to Mr W. Bray, chestnut filly by Seaton Delavel —Leodant; to Mr J. F. Reid, ohestnut filly by St. Leger—Stepieldt. P. Jones, who sustained some injuries while riding Alagnificent at the last meeting at the Hutt, has been voted £7 5s by the Wellington Racing Club from the Distressed! Jockey Fund.

United States, winner of the Oakleigh Purse and Sires Produce Stakes, is in the V.R.C. Derby, Spring Stakes, St. Leger, V.A.T.C. Caulfield Guineas, Fourth and Fifth Futurity Stakes, and A.J.C. Champagne Stakes, Derby, and St. Leger. The Wellington Racing Club has shifted its office to the ’New Zealand Times” old building, at the corner of Lambton quay and Waring Taylor street. Air Victor Braund is acting as temporary secretary. They have a half-crown place totalisator in Perth, which is thus referred to by a local scribe:—Tho long suffering great investing public stood the halfcrown place “tote” on the flat at tho W est Australian Turf Club races for three races. When the club had done deducting commissions and fractions, there was little left, in the way of dividends, for lucky (?) backers, as the figures quoted elsewhere will show. In regard to the grandstand ladies’ 2s 6d place “tote” on the Summer Cup, those controlling the machine, decided to pay first, second and third, though there~were only four runners, which was a ridiculous action. The patrons of this weird) and wonderful machine received a return of 2s each for first, second, and third respectively, and even those experience-hardened persons among the collectors of dividends had fain to open out and! express themselves plainly on the subject of place “totes.”

The Oakleigh Puree and Newmarket Handicap winner, Wakeful, is a rare bred ’un. By Trenton, she claims as dam Insomnia (sister to La Tosca), by Robinson Crusoe from Nightmare (dam of Dreamland and Mentor), by Panic from Evening Star (imp.), by Lord Clifden from Maid of Derwent, by Flatcatcher from Miss Lydia. Wakeful, at the' time of the sale of the late Mr W. R. Wilson’s horses in training last August, was Insomnia’s only produce. Insomnia won the V.R.O Winter Two-year-old Handicap, of 300 sovs. Her full sister, La Tessa, won the Adelaide Birthday Cup, the A.J.C. St. Leger. The favourite, Fulminate, won the Sydney T.O. Challenge Stakes. Loch Olieveden, La Mote, and Little Joe have been put into work again in Sydney. One of the horses owned by Captain Scott, who was the other day "warned off” the English turf, has been disposed of, Levanter having been purchased by Mr S. B. Joel. The New Zealand bred son. of Oaptivator and Steel All ran fifth in the last Liverpool Grand National Steeplechase. There was a full meeting of the Committee of the Foxton Racing Club, held on Monday last, which met to consider a protest laid by Mr S. Messina against Grey Ribbon receiving the stakes in the hurdle races at the last meeting, owing to her having won an open hurdle race, over the amount fixed by the Foxton Club, at the Greymouth Jockey Chib 1 meeting on the Ist January, 1901. Mr Messina was heard in support of his contention, and the action of the owner of Grey Ribbon appears to have arisen from the very peculiar wording of the Greymouth programme. Grey Ribbon was not represented, though the trainer, Mr Cross, was notified of the meeting, but he was unable to leave, and the owner was absent from the district. The decision, which was almost unanimous, was that Grey Ribbon was ineligible to run at the Summer Meeting, arid that the stakes should be awarded to Mr Messina. This decision is open to appeal to the Racing Conference, and will probably be carried there. The club is safeguarded by the Rules of Racing, and Mr Messina will have to wait for the stakes, if unappealed against, or if the appeal is not upheld, until the

owner of Grey Ribbon refunds the amount. Tho Dunedin Jockey Club made a profit of £6OO on its Autumn Aleeting, and the Tahuna Park Trotting Club a profit of £3OO ou its late meeting. At the Taree, N.S.W., show, Soot’s Grey was awarded first prize in tho blood stailion class, and Loyalty, renamed King’s Own, was given tho honour of champion stallion on the ground. The Foxtou Racing Club intend making a number of improvements to the up- ; poTutments on the course, including new , stewards’ stand, judge’s box, and total- 1 isator house. It is also intended to i enlarge the lawn and saddling paddock, i At a meeting of the Taranaki Jockey j Club committee on Friday last, Air J. Beckett) Auckland, wrote asking the | committee to remove the disqualification i (if any) which the Egmont Racing Club ' imposed undeservedly ou AlcAulifte and ; himself. The committee, after discussion, resolved, that as the Egmont Racing Club ; has requested that the disqualifications ; bo reduced to a period which has now ex- , pired (a request to which this committee , could not accede, as it holds that there are no valid disqualifications), this com- , mitteo resolves, in order to set at rest any possible doubts and to prevent further inconvenience to Alessrs Beckett and AlcAuliife that the disqualifications which tho Egmont Club claims exist (if any exist) bo removed. At the monthly meeting of stewards of the Wairarapa Racing Club, held on Saturday last, tho chairman referred to the question of the steeplechase meeting, and thought the Programme Committee ! could discuss the matter, with a view to putting a proposal before the stewards at tho next meeting. This would not be till after Easter. The time most suitable for tho meeting, he considered,_jwould be about a week before the Wellington meeting. As tho Conference met in July, they would have to bring the matter up thenThe head of the Thompson family, which has taken such a prominent part on the Australian turf, has joined the great majority. Air Samuel Solomon Thompson, the father of Joe, Barney, the late Jack and Phin, died on February 21 at the residence of Air Nat Phillips, Great Barconi. street, at the age of 87 years. In spite of his advanced age, the deceased gentleman was extremely active up to within a few years ago, and it was remarked that he had never been known to use a stick or wear glasses. He was very popular, and his relatives will nave the sympathy of a host of friends, particularly in sporting circles. Tho remains were interred in the family vault at Waverley. Air G. Burt, of Featherston, has suffered a severe loss by tho death of his Forester—Jeannette mare, Kukupa, which occurred at Tauherenikau on Wednesday last. The mare had been attacked with strangles, and was being looked after by K. iVXoKenzie. Early iix the morning sho .appeared to be alright, bub when feeding time arrived it was found that she was dead. The late Duko of Westminster and the Duke Portland are tho only two owners who have had three horses that have won as much as £20,000, and King Edward VH., with tho brothers Persimmon and Diamond Jubilee, can claim two, while it is very probable that by the end of next season Diamond Jubilee will have readied the total of Flying Fox (£40,000), oven if he does not approach the commanding figures of Isinglass (£54,935) and Donovan (£57,285). At the meeting of stewards of tho Alastorton Racing Club on Saturday last, a letter was read from, the Wellington AletrOpolitan Club asking the firstnamed to show reason why they should receive a permit for two days’ racing, and whether such was conducive to the interests of radng. It was unanimously resolved that the Wellington Club be informed that they should by this time be sufficiently well acquainted with tho affairs and progress of the Masterton Club without requiring their details. Aureus and Wakeful enabled Air C. L. AlcDonald to draw the biggest cheque (£1600) over the recent Caulfield meeting. Sir Rupert Clarke was credited with £735, and Air R. Orr with £350. Soobie was the most successful trainer at the meeting, his team having annexed five races, while R. Lewis headed tho list of successful jockeys with four winning mounts. The V.R.C. committee at a meeting on February 21st endorsed: tho disqualification for life of R. S. Henry. The two recent purchases made by Air John Brown, of Newcastle, in England, have reached Sydney, and were on Tuesday taken from the steamer and placed in quarantine by Air J. AlcGratth, of Fennelly’s bazaar. One of them, a five-year-old stallion, is named Trussing Cup, and is by Onne (the sire of Flying Fox) from Sterling Love, by See Saw from True Love, by Sterling. Sterling Love is the dam of Stirrup Cup, Wedding Bell, Kissing Cup, Sarohoclon, and St. lima. The other is a bay colt, by Sir Hugo from SurefooFs dam, by Galop in, from Aliss Foot. The introduction of a stud horse by Orme, a prominent representative of the Ormond— Bend Or line is certain to be of groat, service in this State, more especially as Trussing Cup, who was placed four times ,in England last season, is tho only son of Orme in Australia. At the sale of the late Duke of Westminster’s stud John Porter gave 9000 guineas for a yearling brother to Trussing Cup. The Sir Hugo colt is a brother to Sir Hercules, a good performer in England. By cable we learn that the- entire horse Bill of Portland has arrived’ in England safely. Bill of Portland (1890), by St. Simon—Electric Light, was one of the greatest prizes obtained by the Jato Air W. R. Wilson. He gave. Air R. H. Combe, of the Cobham Park Stud (England) IOOOgs for him. In his first season in Australia, he got Bobadil, and since then, among his, stock are Alerriwee, Alaltster, Wiglemar and Finland. At the sale of the St. Albans Stud, on the death of Air Wilson, tho handsome horse is said to have looked a picture, as he walked round the ring. He was at once put in at 500 gs, then came a thousand from J. Y. Smith, and the horse wont in “monkeys” to 4000 gs, when Air Smith said “Four thousand two fifty.” Air Frank Austin, who was going strong against an unknown, whoso biddings came from either the box or its vicinity, topped this. Then the offers dropped to hundreds, and at 4900 the hammer fell, and “Air W. Allison, England,” was announced as the buyer, this is the highest price ever paid for a horse at auction in Australia. It was afterwards stated that on his arrival in England, he would at once go to the stud, being limited to twenty mares (including his owner’s) at lOOgs. Air John Harris, manager of the Hon. J. D. Ormond’s. Woodville property,' kindly arranged for me to visit tho blood stock running out on the farm during the Woodville meeting. There are a great number of horses running out on the estate, but there 9s snob an abundance of feed that the retired racers and the youngsters who have yet to make their appearance in the “csriss” jacket all look particularly well on it. The best known of the retired division was North Atlantic (Nordenfeldt -Atlantis) half-brother to St. Leger. Such a highly performed and beautifully bred hfirse might have been left entire. Hussar (Cuirassier—Martyr) appears to have quite recovered from the accident he met with while competing in a hurdle race at Hastings. A small "but smart-looking bay filly rising three years from Alaluri (Alalua —Nerna) is the only progeny of Defiance. When

in training Defiance jumped a fence into a paddock where Alaluvi was running ■ and this filly (named Hoity Toity) was tho result. An aged g-fining by ■ oltiguer—Kurinui (named Powhatu) who ; was swopped for a three-year-ola sister , to Jabber, bad not done the stable any !, service, and, like most of the T oltigucr tribe, 'is decidedly plain. Two three-vear-old geluimrs by Dreadnought from ‘Waterbaby (named Kelpy! and Lullaby (named Aloe) if they do not earn distinction on the race track would make j first-class hacks A tkrce-yoar-old full j sister to Defiance (Dreadnought—Legacy) named Codicil, resembles b.er iifia- j tive in a good deal. Although St. i Anthony is infirm and ’practically use- j less for ordinary utility purposes, few better looking horse;- could be found in then colony. By St. Leger—Fanny Fisher (dam of Toipctlo) it seems a pity such a well-bred horse _ was not left whole.' The geldings Nansen .'Dread- | nought—Norseman!) and bis full brother j North Star, Reliance (Dreadnought— i Dryad) Dasher (Droadnaught Miss' Evelyn), Valiant (Dreadnought—Warerliaby) and numerous others are spend--SIK' their days in frrecri pastures, burns of die hot fly wore unfortunately visible j in the coats of tlie horses, and the pests | were paying . attention to them while j they were under inspection. In an ad- • .idining paddock wire a splendid hit of fat lambs, some of which were bound for Tomoana tho day following our visit. The cabbages grown in the market garden on tho estate would hold their own in any show. A large lagoon on H.c property, in which flocks of wild ducks were disporting themselves, provided excellent shooting in the season and reiving as a recreation all the . year round. After partaking of our hr,;.t’s hospitality the party—which cons'iteil of Air A. McCormick (a steward of the Woodville and Pahiatua clubs) Mr TV. Nightingale, the well-known Napier turf scribe, Mr Ja.s. TVaiden, R. D. and Fred Davis, who carries tho “cerise' 1 jacket—wero all aboard for Wodville, after expressing a hops that our visit would not be tho last. Residing ill such pleasant surroundings it was not difficult to discover why Mr Harris--or “John,” as he is generally called—-is such a hale fellow well met, always on tho best of terms with, himself and everybody else. Eight yearlings by Trenton were sold by auction in England last year -.and they averaged 1118 guineas. Two by Carbine averaged 1125 guineas, but Ornie’s return of 3042 guineas each for 10 is tho moat extraordinary that has ever been. made. There was an extraordinary develop, ment after tho placings for the S T.C. Anniversary Handicap had been decided by the judge at Randwiok. The owner of Bombshell waa badly advised enough to demand that his protest against the placing of Dandy first instead of Bomt- ! shell should be received. The rules of I racing do not nllpw of any such protest j being received, and that such a document should pass tho club officials and roach the stewards is somewhat pu«ziing. However, some allowance may be i possible for what an owner who is .v.vay- : ed by excitement might do under the ' impression that a mistake had been made. If a judge makes up. Accidental mistake in putting numbers up, he can correct it himself, but tho stewards have no control over his verdict in any case, j Therefore, there could be no protest, I hut to mark their disapproval of such ■ an attempt tho stewards fined Bombshell’s owner £5. I Geo. Walls is a particularly unlucky : horseman. He had only recently re: covered from tho severe injuries re- , ceived when Dorry fell with him at Riccarton, and on the second day at Woodville had the ride on Wonder in tho jumping race. Wonder fell at the last hurdle and Walls was considerably shaken and bruised, although no bones i were brokem It was expected that one of the attractions of tho Flying Stakes at Potter’s Paddock would have been the fact that one of the riders was a lady, namely, Miss Abbott, who was to have Lad the mount on Athel. The committee, however,, refused to allow Miss Abbott a license, and therefore she was nimble to take part, as expooted. There is no more fearless horsewoman in Auckland than the daughter of the wellkuo.wn OtahuliH boniface, and she' invariably rides tho horse in his work; but although Athol might no doubt have run more kindly with the young lady in the saddle, still perhaps the stewards were well advised not to allow her to, rido in public, for, if by any mischance, an accident had occurred, there would have, been a howl of indignation from the public. The disappointing gelding Bulrush (Dreadnought—Martyr) has been disposed of by W. Holmes to Mr Harding, of Kaikoura, and lie was shipped across to Blenheim on Saturday last. A Wellington punter, who can speak with experience of Bulrush, says he is not worth “two penn’orth of.jin.” The present excellent position of the Woodville District Jockey Club is greatly duo to the capable management of Air K. J. McLennan, secretary, who is a most obliging and hardworking officer. Mr McLennan, is also secretary of the Woodville A. and P. Association, and agent for Abraham and Williams, the well-known auctioneers. When the nominator of the mare Gooramaclda (late Music, late Melody), and tho mare were disqualified for life by the Ohiltern stewards for alleged fraudulent practices in connection with a galloway handicap at the ordinary meeting, it was decided to allow Mr R. S. Henry, of Melbourne, a clrance to explain his position, the date of hearing being fixed for Friday last. Mr Henry excused himself on account of haring met with an accident, but stated he would appear for oectain on nionday night. A meeting of the local stewards was held on February 19th, but there was no appearance of or apology from Mr Henry, raid he was disqualified for life. Mr B. Smith—perhaps bettor known as “Kiltie” on account of his connection with Caledonian sports—was president at the Woodville meeting, of which club ho is a steward,and gave me some particulars of racing in tho bush districts. Xho first meeting was held at Tahoraite in 1875, the club being known as the Woodville-Tahoraite atacing Cluo. Mr Smith was secretary and treasurer. When the club increased, a move was made to Mr Gaisford’s property, known as Oringi Flat, where the Woodville District Jockey Club’s meetings were first hold. When Mr Smith left the district for Napier ho was elected a lifq member of the club. fcmortly afterwards tho Dannevirko and Woodville settlers split out and decided to race on their own. The club has since made steady progress and has purchased the - property on which the meetings are hold. Secretaries E. E. Lewis (Pahiatua) and Luckie (Hawke’s Bay) were present at the Woodville District Jockey Club’s meeting. As was only to he expooted, most of Mr C. L. Macdonald’s investments at the St. Albans sale are turning out well. Regained unluckily went wrong prior to tho Spring Meetings, and-Revenue cost the stable a bit of money in connection with tho Cup and the Final Handicap at Fleming ; but Kinglike, Wakeful, j and Aureus have each been successful, j and in good races, too. Aurous, who ( cost her present owner 350 gs, won the. Caulfield Futurity Stakes very easily on l Saturday, and now hackers are puzzled 1 to know which is going to he Mr Mac- j donald’s Newmarket representative, as,

in. addition to Aurous and Wakeful, Rotvenue nas to be taken into consideration. Although backed for long races by his connections, Revenue has generally shaped more like a sprinter than a stayer, and there are many who believe he will prove to be the correct pea. The Y.A.T.C. handicapper is evidently of opinion that of Wakeful and-Aurous the latter is the better of tho two at their Newmarket weights, for in the Hawksbura Handicap, to be run on Saturday, she is placed within 21b of Wakeful, while at Flemington 81b divides ! them.

J. B. Williamson, the well-known Auckland trainer, who raced Coronet and Eton at Taranaki and the hitter at Egmonv, was present at the Woodvillo meeting.

Great things were expected from Gossoon when Mr Harry •A'.ackollar brought him out to Kirkham (writes “Milrqy”), but his first batches of foals ran disap- i pointingly and weakly. This can only be attributed to the horse not having thoroughly thrown off the effects of training, because as ho grew older his . stock came better. Fulminate belongs to his thud batch, and Ibex, who is so far the best two-year-old of the season, is one of the fifth lot. On figures or , line Fulminate’s is «. very choice pedi- . gree, and the same may be said of Aur- . ous, with whom Air McDonald surprised | the bookmakers on Saturday. ... | Secretary “Tod” Lewis informed me at Woodville that the Pahiatua Racing . Club are pushing on with the work in 1 connection with the new course. All j work is being carried out by day labour' under tho supervision of the club’s en- 1 gineer, Mr R. J. Greville. The course | will be sown in- the Autumn and everything should be ready for the next meeting. Dr Reed, of Palmerston North, formerly owner of Dreamland, Derry anti other horses, was present at the Woodvillo meeting, and attended to Walls after his accident in the hurdle race. Althousai not connected with the club in any way and only present as a visitor, the Doctor refused to accept a foe for his services, for which he was thanked by tho President (Air Bolton), on behalf of the club.

Owners and trainers are getting into a very careless style with reference to the - colours. Hardly a meeting passes that there are not alterations made in several races of the colours as they appear in the official book. This gives tho secretary extra work, misleads the public and makes the description of a race more difficult than it otherwise would be. Some jockeys go nut with wrong colours and the persons responsible have not oven taken tho trouble to notify the public. Rule 152 gives stewards the power to impose a fine of £2, and until this is done no improvement can be expected in the present state of affairs.

Fred Watson did not journey to Woodville to see Dartmoor and Battleaxe race there. Percy Johnston was very annoyed at the judge’s decision in the Autumn Handicn on the second day. Joe Gallagher appeared to be a good deal cub up over it. Probably no one was more surprised when they saw the numbers go up than Sam Lindsay, who rode Will o’ the Wisp.

The victory of Aurous in tho rich Fourth Futurity Stakes further enhances the value of her clam, Aura, who was recently purchased by the Southern sportsman, Air G. G. Stead. Having already thrown two such wonderful performers as Auraria, a Alelbourno Cup winner, and Aurura, one of the best ever seen in Australia, Aura should be a great acquisition to the Yaldhurst stud.

Skoboloff was. accompanied to Wanganui by Cruciform, who claims an engagement in tiro Hawke’s Bay Stakes, and should have no difficulty in winning that event. There were a large number of ladies present at the Woodville meeting—thestand seating accommodation was at times filled to overflowing—and the absence of a band to enliven proceedings during the intervals between the races was commented ppon. Prior to the start for the St. George’s Stakes a commission was executed in favour of Lancaster for the .Australian Cup, fully £3OOO being secured on the ground about the Auckland-bred one. The “'Sportsman,” referring ,to the horse’s running in !ho Strikes, says; ‘‘Lancaster looked well—a trifle too well, perhaps—and was heavily backed b3 r his party, only to cut up badly. Cooper was riding the half-brother to Trenton three furlongs from home, and he did not appear to respond any too gamely. Very likely Lancaster was short of a fast gallop or two, and will show improved form next time lie appears in public.”

The totalisator turnover at the Woodvifle District Jockey Club meeting last week showed a decrease of £1165, compared with last year. The people were there, but they did not have the money to spend. The pockets of the public have been pretty heavily taxed, lately for demonstrations of one kind and another, and the totalisator and other luxuries must suffer.

The time taken by Aurons, Imin 29sec., when she won the Caulfield Futurity Stakes recently, was a record for the race. The daughter of 'Wallace has been withdrawn from the 'Newmarket Handicap, hut she is engaged in the Sydney Cup with ■ the light impost of 6sl l 91b opposite her name. The South Australian horse Security won the Metropolitan Stakes of 8000 rupees, three-quarters of a mile, which is the chief event of the Calcutta meeting, in January. He carried’ 9.2, and beat Strathroy Bst 21b, Vigorous Bst 71b, Forest 7st 91b, Veneda 9st 51b, Amourette Bst 31b, Malto Bst 11b, Merloolas 7st 121 b, and Luxury 7st 21b. Vigorous started a strong favourite. The weight Berloolas carried shows that that gelding must be qidte all to pieces. It was stated that Dewey, who ran third in Merriwee’s Melbourne Cup, was returning to Australia, and now there is word from India stating that he died at Singapore from an affection of the lungs. Dewey, who cost the Sultan of Johore about £2500, was attacked by some illness or other soon after reaching India, and never quite shook it off. At one of the Singapore meetings, a horse named The Crown ran in the name of the Sultan of Johore as a maiden, but upon inquiry it was proved that he was identical with Truth, who went from Australia to India with Dewey and some others of the Sultan’s horses. Subseouently the person who took Truth to India signed a confession in which he stated that ho alone knew of the identity of the horse. In mentioning the matter, an Indian paper says; “Some doubt has been raised concerning H.H. the Sultan of Johore’s connection with the unfortunate business. It is only just to his. Highness that it should , be specifically stated that his conduct was never called in question, and that not a shadow of suspicion ever rested upon him.” . : Tho following are the office-bearers of the Woodville District Jockey Club: President, Mr S. Bolton; rice-presi-dent, Mr J. H. Monteith: judge, Mr H. D. Buchanan; clerk of scales, Mr G. H. Redwood; handicapoer, Mr J. E. Henrys; starter. Mr T. Cameron; timekeeper, Mr F. M. Kenney; clerk of course, Mr G. Peebles: steward ■■■■, Mr A. iiicCormick, Mr J. Troup, Mr J. Harris, Mr R. Smith. Mr E. J. Gothard,.Mr J. Leithead, Mr A. H. Ross, Mr A. Yule, Mr H. Monteith ; treasurer, Mr G. T. Hall; secretary, Mr K. J. McLennan. I

Daniel Sullivan, wn« had the base' of his skull fractured and received other i injuries when the New Zealand racehorse Boreas kicked him while being dressed on February 18th, was in a serious condition at St. Vincent’s Hospital. A telephonic message from the hospital authorities on the 20th ult. stated that Sullivan was a trifle bettor than he had been, and they had hopes that he would recover.

Mr Baxter, of Greymouth, purchased "Will o’ the Wisp for £3OO at Egmout, delivery to be taken after the Woodville meeting. He was skipped to tbe West Coast on Saturday last. Mr Baxter bas not. yet decided who will train tbe gelding," but E. Moran will ride him. The strongest opposition Will o’ the Wisp will have to meet down there is IXotn, a cut and come again customer like himself. Percy Martin did not appear to got the Mystical gelding as well as when Mr Robinson had him. The luncheon given by the stewards of the Woodville District Jockey Club is laid out in a specially erected marquee on the lawn, aud is a first-olass spread. Visiting owners, racing club officials and pressmen are the guests of the club, and the general opinion of the visitors was that the Woodville luncheon compared favourably with I other North Island clubs.

The “Planters’ Gazette” states; —“If, as is stated in Bombay, the two turf clubs arc considering the question of horses which have run at unsanctioned or unrecognised meetings in Australia being allowed to run in India, we shall see all Australian and English pomes barred, for in neither country is pony racing recognised or run under the aegis of the recognised turf authorities.” Mr Joseph Chadwick arrived from the' South on Sunday last on his way to Aucldand, and will be present at the Wanganui meeting this week. The Christchurch people recognise the loss they have sustained in the departure of “Spectator,” and are endeavouring to get “Milroy” (Mr T. Willis), of the “Sydney Mail/” to fdl the vacancy. The building at present doimr service at Woodville for clerk of the scales, secretary, press and telegraph office is altogether toe small, and the officials mentioned have to work under a great disadvantage. I understand it is the intention of the club to erect an up-to-date stewards’ stand to meet present requirements. It is to be hoped the work will be started shortly, so as to bo finished in time for next season. T. Cameron started at the Woodville meeting in Harry Piper’s absence at Dunedin. With one exception the starting was satisfactory. In the Grand Stand Handicap on the first day Mr I Cameron sent them away in very strag--1 gling order. In one or two events : horses were slow to begin—which is i not always the starter’s fault—and in j the Scurry Wilson got a flying start ‘ on Valkryc. Mr Cameron’s services, ■ are coming into request with clubs. ! He acted at Dannevirke in ,Mr Piper’s , absence, and has been appointed for Stratford meeting next week. Other ! clubs Sir Cameron starts for are FoxI ton, Rangitikei, Asburst, and Feilding. Con O’Donoghuo was disappointed ' with the way Derringcotte shaped on the second day at Woodville. The Napier trainers do not appear to get the 1 Derringer gelding as well as when Jim Roed had him. In Mr John Harris the Woodville , District Jockey Club have" a hard-work-ing steward, who. acts as clerk of the I totalisator. Mr Harris assists the Pahiatua Club in a similar manner.

Representatives from all departments connected with tho “Press' 1 Office met together last Friday for the purpose of making a presentation to _a departing comrade, Mr Joseph Chadwick (“Snectator” of the “Weekly Press and Referee"). Sir G. G. Stead, tile managing director, who acted as Chairman, said that Mr Chadwick had been one of the most popular members of the staff. Mr Chadwick was leaving almost’entirely on account of his health, but he was not severing his connection with the paper, for ho would represent the Press and Referee” in Auckland.' Mr Stead tnen presented Mr Chadwick, on behalf of the subscribers, with a portmanteau, a handbag, and a Pelican fountain pen. Mr Chadwick, in returning thinks, said that while in Auckland he hoped to do better work for the “Weakly Press and Referee 1 ’ than bo had done in the past. There was a trig field there for anybody who could do the work. Cheers wore then given for Mr and Mrs Chadwick, and a vote of thanks to the Chairman closed the proceedings.