TURF TOPICS

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXVII, Issue 5372, 3 September 1904, Page 14

TURF TOPICS

(By "A dvanoe.") A SHIIU RST-rOHANGINA R ACT G CLUB. Tiie annual general meeting of the above club was held at the Masonic Hotel on Saturday, August 27. There were thirty-six members present and the president (Mr P. Hanlon) occupied the chair. The balance showed the actual profit on the year's work to have been £415, after expending £16(1 on improvements. The election of officers and stewards for the ensuing year resulted as follows President, Air P. Hanlon; vicepresidents, Messrs T. Gardiner and TGrammcr; hon. treasurer, Air J. H. Patou; stewards, Messrs P. Hanlon, F. Roberts, T. Gardiner. W. Bellow, T. Grammer, PI. Cornlorcl, Br Graham. 10. Sanders, J. H. Patou, P. Kerrigan, T. Nicoll. and H. Fraser. It was resolved: —“That in the event 6f stewards being called upon to act as guarantors in connection with tiie proposed overdraft for present improvements to the club's property they shall remain in office until such overdraft is extinct; and that the same be paid off as early as possible. It was moved in accordance with notice given: “That all members hereafter elected shall pay an entrance fee of five guineas-” As an amendment," it was proposed that the entrance fee bo one'guinea.

On being pur to the vote botn were negatived. The secretary was voted a bonus of £lO ’and Air PI. Hart was voted three guineas in recognition of his past setvices as clerk of the course. WAIRARAPA RACING CLUB. A meeting of the stewards of the Wairarapa Racing Club was held at Tauhercnikau on Monday afternoon. Present—Messrs W. E. Bidwill, T. Benton, J. AV. Card, J. S. Cuncly, S. Cnndy, A. Donald, Q. Donald, AV. J. Nix, F. Pearce, AA r . Dalrymple, G. Tully, and A. J. Toogood (treasurer). Mr AV. E. Bidwill was elected chairman of stewards for the coming year. The credit balance at the hank was reported to be £243 2s. Accounts amounting to £llß 16s 5d were presented for payment. The resignation of Air A. G*. Stewart was received and accepted. An offer was received for the privileges of the two publican booths at the two race mootings. It was resolved To call for tenders for the undermentioned privileges for both meetings:—Grandstand bar, outside publican's 'booth, horse yards, fruit and fancy stall. The secretary was instructed to make arrangements with' Air A. Jones, with regard to the management of the luncheon booths. It was decided that the books of the races bo retained by the club. Air G. H. , Say well was appointed starter, Mr H. O. Steffert clerk of the course, and it was resolved to ask Air Ames to work the totalisator on the same terms as previously. The following were appointed a course committee; —AXessrs T. Benton, F. Pearce, Q. Donald, A. Donald) and AV. J. Nix. Air Q. Donald was elected chairman of the committee.

Messrs J. W. Card, S. Gundy, J. S. Candy and the -secretary, (Mr A. E. Laery) wore appointed a programme committee and wore instructed to prepare Hie programme for the summer 'meeting and submit same to the next meeting of stewards. Tire committee was requested to go fully into the question of re-handicapping or penalties being adopted. It was decided that a charge bo made for the accommodation of jockeys and trainers, of 20s for five days and 5s per day thereafter, with 20s for use of each loose box per week. 1 The chairman undertook to write to the late treasurer (Mr G. Reynolds) conveying to him the appreciation by the stewards of the conscientious manner in which Mr Reynolds had performed his duties and asking for a photograph of the late treasurer, to place in, the stewards 1 room. Tbs following new members were elected:—Messrs Ah Tong and T. H. Newberry. The applications of Messrs T Ross and D. Wilkinson, for trainers’ licenses and gentlemen riders’ licenses by Messrs Wm. Whale, H. Willis and T. E. Benton were endorsed. As the result of a ballot the following six stewards retire at the end of July next. Messrs J. W. Card, S. Gundy, T. Benton, O. Elgar, W. J. Nix arid Q. Donald.

MANAWATU RACING CLUB. At the annual meeting of members of the -Manawatu Racing Club the President (Mr R.. S. Abraham) congratulated members upon a very successful year. It was the more satisfactory when the very heavy expenditure that had taken place in improvements and’Other directions was considered. He migM say that the progressive policy adopted by the committee had proved itself to be the right one and there were indications that the same policy would continue. (Hear! hear!) It would-be found to bo beneficial to the wellbeing of tho club and the committee had outlined the same policy. During tho year the club had increased the stakes by about £1270, which they would admit, was a fairly large .amount. Included in that amount was £SOO allocated to tho new race, the Manawatu Stakes. That tho action of tho club had been a right one, in this direction, was proved by the fact that for the first race in 1905, 103 nominations had been received and for the 1906 race 193 nominations. Tho horses entered were drawn from the best bred ones in the colony and there would have been fully 40 more but for unfortunate mistakes, the Canterbury Park Company alone missing 18 nominations. He thought the race had been inaugurated

unde:- tho best auspices and there was no reason why it should not continue under equally favourable circumstances. Arrangements had h-eu made with the Trust and Agency Company to cover all the club's liabilities for seven years at. six per cent. They amounted to £12,000 and that sum was secured by a hist mortgage over the club s freehold property, supported by guarantees of members of tho club. It had been very gratifying to the committee to find so many incmlicrs of the club anxious to offer their names as guarantors in this respect. It showed to the committee that they had the confidence of tho members and while they remained that there was no doubt as to ultimate success. Since the negotiations were commenced it had been arranged with Mr Fulton, engineer of tho Wellington and Mauawatu Railway Company, to survey the lino and draw up plans and specifications lor the lino. Acting upon his suggestion and that of members of tho committee the question now was whether the line should not he carried over the lagoon and patrons thus dropped almost 'at the saddling paddock. The proposal had many advantages and, in his opinion one solitary disadvantage, that of the expense. Although this meeting was not legally authorised to deal with a resolution on the subject still there was no reason why it should not express an opinion on tho matter. (Recourse before the matter was thoroughly gone into a special general meeting would have to bo called to obtain a regular resolution. Tho engineer’s estimate of the cost was X‘l2oo, which would take the line over and provide tho necessary siding, etc. In addition to the amount .stated there would ha necessary alterations to tho loose boxes and other details which the President outlined. These could be carried out without interfering with the comfort of patrons. Though greatly a question of expense a majority of the committee had already vetoed a proposal in favour of the present scheme, and were desirous of ascertaining the feelings of members on tho present proposal. Ho did not think any trouble need be anticipated in connection with obtaining the necessary money from the Agency Company. It was, however, a question for the guarantors to express an opinion on. The same end might ho ultimately obtained by making the bridge, to be carried over tho lagoon, strong enough for the lino at a later date, which would make a difference of £4OO in tho cost at present. There was one other point and that was if tho larger scheme was adopted it might not fie possible to got the work clone by the Christmas meeting. Referring to tho financial state of tho club the president said the profits last year had been well up to £2OOO. The totalisator had yielded a gross return of £1855 in excess of the previous year. The expenditure had boon £770 additional and the various items were detailed. They have boon already referred to in the published report. Eo had omitted to mention previously that in making financial arrangements with tho agency company* tho committee had promised to pay oft tho account £SOO annually out of profits and also from the same .source', as much as possible, even up to £2OOO. That position was due to the guarantors and also to the company. It meant that for the nest few years there must not be any great expense in improvements, and 'ho did not think they would be necessary. In conclusion tho President referred to the very great assistance lie had received from the executive ot tho Club, mentioning particularly the acting secretary, Mr Grant Sim, who had taken up the work most ably and satisfactorily. STRATFORD RACING CLUB. Tho annual meeting of the Stratford Racing Club was held on August 25th and was fairly well attended. Tho annual report read as follows: In submitting tho annual report for the year 1903-04, your committee can again congratulate tho club upon a very successful season, both from a sporting and profit-making point of view, the profit on tho year, after writing-off £B7 Is lid depreciation amounting to £449 14s‘ lOd. After careful consideration the committee decided to adopt the suggestion of last year’s general meeting to hold two days’ racing, and tho club must feel more than satisfied with the result. Tho stakes given amounted to £BOO, an increase of £3OO on the nrevions year, and the profit on the race meeting amounted to £823 15s 4d, as against £sll 15s (id in 1903. Tho amount invested on tho totalisator was £11,092 as against- £7332, an increase of £4360. Tour committee adopted the following innovations —The weighing enclosure was enlarged and a parade of horses held therein before each race, proving of interest to visitors and ot use to tho stewards. As an inducement to owners at a distance, half the railway fare of all homos south of VVanganui was paid by the club, a proceeding which apparently found favour with owners, as horses from as far as Wellington coranetcd at the meeting. Tho cost to tho club was comparatively trifling. Mr C. Chavannes again kindly acted as stipendiary steward, and Mr Hart gill (judge), and Mr Cameron (starter) all gave satisfaction in their respective offices. The course has been thoroughly attended to, now trustees provided in tile totalisator races, the fencing round tho course and the property made sheep proof, the training tracks thoroughly drained, and the whole property is now in good order under tho charge of J. McKenzie, who is appointed caretaker. You will be asked to consider some amendments to the present rules of the club. In conclusion, your committee wish to heartily thank all officials, honorary and paid, for the satisfactory manner in which the race meeting was carried through. Tho report was adopted. The election of office-bearers for the ensuing year was then proceeded with, and resulted as follows: —President, DiPaget; vice-president, Mr A. W. Rudge; committee, Messrs W. Morrison, W. H. Young, C. H. Arndt, W. Pollock, A. Stewart, and S. Pitt. Messrs F. Kimbell and L. Riora were reappointed auditors. A recommendation was made to the incoming committee to raise the salary of the secretary, Mr J. R. Mackay. The committee revised and amended the by-laws of the club. Votes ot thanks were passed to Mr R. E. Mcßae for representing tho country clubs at the Racing Conference, and to Mr R. Spence and Messrs Malone, McVeagh and Anderson, for donations to the club’s funds, Mr R. J. Henrys as handicappor, and the Taranaki Jockey Club for a donation of £6 for the first and second homes in tho Fanners' Plato. The meeting then terminated.

TAKATAHI-OARTERTCX RACTATU * CLUB. A meeting of Stewards of the above Club was held at Carterton on the 2oth ult. Mr Cr. W. Dellcr presided. The programme, as drawn up by the Programme Committee was passed—a Farewell Scurry was substituted for the Hunters’ Hurdles, and it was decided to ward £3 for third place'in each race whore no third money was given last year. The total amount to be given in stakes is to be £1175.

It was decided that a reward of £5 bo given to anyone procuring a conviction of anyone laying or taking tote odds on the dub’s property. Air J. Henry* was appointed handicapper, and Mr Herbert AAclch c.erk of course. It was decided to erect a new judge s box', and to utilise the present one as a •■crow's nest.” The sale of privileges in connection with this year’s meeting were entrusted to Air F. H. AVood. Messrs Dransfield and Ray were appointed to sign totalisator bonds on behalf of the club. Tho arrangements with reference to tho plough, keeping course in order, etc... acre left to Air Ray and the secretary, with power to act. F. AVood and T. Ray were recommended for a jockey and apprentice license respectively. The meeting then dispersed. EGA 10NT-AVANGANUI HUNT CLUB. The annual meeting of the EgmontAAhinganui Hunt Club was brought off on tiie AVanganui racecourse on Thursday last. There was no totalisator on tho ground, but a large number-of licensed bookmakers assisted. Air George Morse acted as handicapper, Air O. 11. Chevimnes as starter, while Air A. Higgle was judge. Tho Garrison Band enlivened the proceedings with selections during tho afternoon. The Licensed AUcfuallers Steeplechase, about two miles and a distance, brought out only three runners. The favourite, Claymore, came to grief and Tam, a 5 to 1 chance, scored from Jonquil (Sou’-westor —AATiito Ro.se), a hull-brother to Handsome Rose. Tara is a grey gelding by Tam-o'-S!umter and ran in Alis-s Cameron’s nomination. Tho Open Hack Handicap, four furlongs, saw eight go to the post. The ton weight, Firelight (by The AVorkmmt —Hyacinth), put down a better favourite in Federation. Firelight started at 3 to 1. Tito grey gelding Afakuri (who' raced at the Woodlands Hunt Club meeting ns The Clown), was favourite for the Hunter's Hurdle Race, one mile and a half. Ho met more than his match in Springbok (Flintlock —Aloimt Ida), a half-brother to Ideal and Idea. Springbok had not raced previously since ho was a two-year-old, when he carried the colours of his breeder, the Hon. J. D. Ormond, The Hunt Club Steeplechase, about two and a half miles, attracted five runners, including a gelding named Lovehaml, who was returned as breeding unknown. The Gipsy King gelding Opakn, won front La Belle, Alartinique filling tho other place. Tito six furlongs hack race introduced Bentnoro to the AVanganui public. He carried top weight and scored comfortably from The Romney and Domestic. The field included Federation, Ahtlkyrie, Stcpmar, Last Spec and Bonfield, who used to bo trained in this district. Miss Cameron’s The Turk (by Sou’wester —Fevo mare), was the best of tljo five contestants for tho Ladies’ Bracelet (steeplechase). Afakuri was brought out again in the Hunter’s Flat Race, one mile and a distance, and acted as runner-up" to First Lesson (by Hacre—Docility).

THE LATE AIR JOSEPH PAUL. By the demise of Air Joseph Paul at AVanganui last week the colony loses a straight-going owner, whoso “black jacket, rose cap” was well known on most courses in this island, and was occasionally seen out in the South. To the writer’s knowledge Mr Paul had been racing about: fifteen years. One of the first and the best known to .carry bis colours was tho speedy Boulanger, who, up to a mile, was one of the speediest horses of his time. Local racegoers will remember an incident in the career of the son of Grand Prix. It was at the Hutt in tho spring. Tho last race on the card was a five furlongs race. Air Piper started them from the half-mile post. The race was run again, Boulanger getting homo first on both occasions. Those who waited for tho second race found the train gone and had to tramp across the sand hills to Petone. As a four-year-old he won tho Napier Park Cup, one mile and a half. Other horses wiio carried tho deceased sportsman's colours about this time were Cretonne. Fleta and Foxton, who won the Rangitikei Cup three years in succession. Air Paul bred most cf the horses he raced. Among the number were Pompom, Caribou, AVaipawa, Seal Brown, AAariety, Wcstmere, Artisan, Contingent, Blackwing, Perfection. Although Air Paul’s homes were trained in AVanganui, he had not raced there for a number of years on account of a dispute with Hie Jockey Club. J. P. Botcher was associated with Air Paul for a number of years as trainer, but latterly that posi-, t ion had been held by W. Chapman. The deceased gentleman, who was 64 years of age, died suddenly.

THE MARTON WEIGHTS, The somewhat mixed lot Mr George* Morse had to handicap'for tho Marten Jockey Club’s meeting, to be held on Wednesday and Thursday of next week, he appears to have brought fairly well to-gether. In tho Hurdles, one mile and a. half, Ootiak (11.6) on his Hawke’s Bay form must be hard to beat. Of the others I like Moeraki (10.8) best. ' The Ascot gelding shaped well in both his engagements at Riocavtou recently. Miss King (10.11) also has a winning chance. Sea Lion (S.l) is at the head of the lot in the. Flying Handicap, six furlongs, and looks better than Catspaw at 8.10 Delaraere and Mataura on 7.12 are a likely pair. Sd Lion, if lie starts, and Delamerc, are the two I like best. Hokio (10.7) is asked to give away a stone in tho Trial Hurdles, one mile and a lialf. Most of the horses engaged are on the minimum mark. Springbok scored at Wanganui, .and he may again heat the moderate lot that now oppose him. Louisa (8.11) and Bonhour (8.5) should have something to say in the settlement of the Crofton Handicap, one mile. Louisa last season proved a good stayer, but so far Bonheur has not been able to get a distance. The top weight.in the Tutaenui Welter Handicap, Defoe (10.5), if he makes tho trip, will go near winning. Merry Boy (10) and Bonmoro (0.4) appear to have the best chance of the others engaged. The Hunt Club Cup, two miles and a half, has attracted a big field. Te Kohau (11.12) on form should win. Tho Vagrant (11.4), Tam (11) and La Belle (11.2) appear the best of tho others.

CHATTER. <: Paoer” writes; —-Considering the amount of stake money brought back by our representatives at the recent trotting meeting in Christchurch, it is a pity we have not a suitable ground in closer touch with the city on which to give the lovers of trotting an exhibition of America’s leading sport- Mr D. Wilkie’s Vancleve gelding Euchre was responsible for th© nice little win of 130 sovs. • ’file King George mare Marion won 82 sovs, George L. 11. land-

ed 91 sovs, and Flora G-. '• 12 sovs fx'ora the southern : club’s meeting last week. I. hear some talk'of a triangle match for a respectable sum between Euchre, Do Wet and Flora G., and for the satisfaction, of finding the North' Island champion, I should certainly like to see this match arranged, and am sure one or more from among the following,'who,. I think, could hold their own with anything named above, would also contest the premiership of the north, viz., Marion, Mistle, George Li., I/eda, Blue Spec, King George and Sunol, any of whom could run a mile under “25” with fair conditions. Providing each owner put up 100 bovS, the above prospective match should lift trotting very high as a sport in Wellington. No doubt the Petone track could bo had on which to run it off, and perhaps, if the officials of the Hutt Trotting Club were approached, they would see their way to superintend the match, and, possibly, use the totalisator or else arrange to have the match run on their course at Trentham. The peculiarly-named Man-in-the-moon, who competed at the Wanganui hunt meeting,'is by Ruatangata—Luna. The horses in W. Davis’s stable have all wintered well, especially Ropa, who should be found useful in handicap events this season. The two-year-olds are all coming on nicely. Defoe had to be eased off a week or ten days back on account of one of bis legs swelling. A veterinary surgeon liad to be called in and he pronounced the trouble as blood poisoning. Fortunately it was nothing serious, and the horse is beginning to pick up again. If lie is alright by the Marton meeting Defoe will be taken up. Lissa has been taking matters easy since he returned from Christchurch. H, Goodman is getting Solution and Unawares ready for Wanganui. The three two-vear-olds are furnishing well. The Medallion filly may, be ready to race before the Waiiiku filly or Torpedo colt. Springbok (by Flintlock —Mount Ida), who won a hurdle race-at Wanganui last week, was purchased at one of the Karamu clearing sales for 25 guineas. A Hawke’s Bay paper states that Mr G. P. Donnelly is bringing out from England a team of racehorses for Alf Shearsby to train. They include a colt and filly by Persimmon. ' The New South Wales owner-trainer Mr R. Woofcton was the second biggest winner in stakes in South Africa last season. The list was headed by Mr H. Nourse, £9160, and the S.vdneyito won £5390, the result of 29 and 32 races respectively. No fewer than 28 owners won towards of £IOOO. As indicating the rapid progress of turf affairs in

South Africa, it only needs mentioning that.while in 1899-1900 902 races were run, there were uo fewer than 2301 last season, the respective values being £29,•125 and £119,811. He A Vet lias been schooled Over hurdles recently at the Hutt and shaped well. Gladsome carried top weight, 10.5, when she scored in the Three and Four-year-old Handicap at Flemington. The daughter of Seaton Delavel is pretty for-, ward and should be hard to beat in the Caulfield Cup. ’ H. Fowler is now training Windlass, the throe-year-old half-sister : (by Euroclydon), to Ostiak, and a two-year-old filly by Tbo Officer—Enid at Palmerston North. Windlass, wlio is reported to be smart over short courses, is, engaged at Marten. It is stated that before lilibank loft for Christchurch, the Medallion gelding could have been purchased, with engagements, for £7O, which is only half the amount he brought at auction. The Fulham Park Plate, the first two-year-old race of the season in Australia, was run at the Adelaide Pacing Club’s meeting on August 13, and proved, a good thing for Torah, who beat a numerous field by four lengths, and ran the half-mile in 50 4-sth sec. Torah is a bay colt, the property of Mr 6. Anderson. and is by Koran, a horse that raced witn success in Victoria and South Australia some yoai-s ago in the colour's of the late Mr W. it. Wilson, flora Tarloch by the Australian .Cup winner Broken Hill from Virago, by Ncckcrsgat from Meg Merrilios, by Gang 'Forward. It is not surprising that a colt bred on there lines should gallop fast as an early two-year-old. Shellstonn. who was second, is a brown fiily (sister to Black Watch) by Light Artillery from Areola, bv Neckorsgat from Hortense, by Gang Forward ; while the third, Spiuaway, one of J. Hill's string, is a bay filly by Lochiel from Mantilla, by Goldsbrough. C. Pritchard has taken Fireball up again. This trainer's boxes are all full. Black Squall, Delight and Levant are i-unning out in the paddock. j The annual general meeting of the Waitara Pacing Club was held on Aug. 24th., The'statement of accounts for the past season showed the receipts were £6Bl 18s lOd. and the expenditure £584 16s 4d,' leaving a credit balance of £133 36s 4d. The estimated assets over liabilities amounted to £558 33s 4d. The retiring officers wore re-elected for the ensuing year. It was resolved tliat the sura of £IOO he transferred to the trust account, that correspondence from the Metropolitan Club bo acknowledged, and that the club be informed that the houseowners mentioned will bo notified that the amounts are due by them. Several new members n*re elected, and it was

resolved that last year’s programme be adopted for the ensuing year. The Well-known trainer F. Tilley, hac seventeen horses in his stable at r ordell Nonotto (Seaton Delavel—Cliarente), Ostiak (Stcpniak—Miss Betty), Midia (by Handsome Jack), St. Joe (Handsome Jack—Muriwai), Handsome Bose (Handsome Jack—White Pose), Dexterity (Sou* wester—Eclat), Delamero (Sylvia Park— Tottie), Asteroid (Apremont—Planet), Mci'opo (Soult—Helen -McGregor), Tou.orangi (Mahaki —Waiau), Hydrant .(• T et d’Eaii—Cartouche), Otairi (Kerafenfold t—Priscilla), Stampede (Strenuous—Anchora), 'To Namu (Peeluse —Co mus mare),' Martello (Hotchkiss—Rose, of Wellington), a full-brother to Stilts, and a horse by Linstock. Otairi’s leg, i> still in piaster of Paris, whilst Dexterity is suffering from contraction of the muscles. Merope, who had an eye gouged out during last season, docs not suffer any ill effects, and can gallop as fast as of old. Nonetto is doing welt in his work. Messrs Barnett and Grant report thr following business on the NEW ZEALAND CUP. 600 lo 18 Float. • 450 to 31 Achilles. 300 to 24 Bulawayo. 200 to 8 Boseshield. 200 to 6 General Avcragi; 200 lo 6 General Symona. 200 to 6 Heroism. N. Z. CUP AND STEWAHBa 753 to 5 Mahutonga and Machine Gun. 500 to Mahutonga and' Red Gauntlet* 300 to 2 Ghoorka and Boris. 303 to 2 Bulawayo and Achilles. 250 to 2 Achilles and Boris. 250 to 2 Achilles and Machine Gua,