TURF TOPICS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 5683, 2 September 1905, Page 14

TURF TOPICS

By "Advance." RACING IN AUSTRALIA. TIME RECORD BY MARVEL LOCH. At Randwick, on August 19th, Marvel Loch put up a new record, for nine furlongs, beating in the race the holder, Fitz-Grafton, who put up 1 min 54Jsec at Brisbane in Juno last. From the appended particulars of the race it will he seen that the New Zealand jockey (Hewitt) was associated with the win:— Rawson Stakes, one mil© and a furlong, weight-for-age, with penalties and; allowances. Mr J. McMasteFs ch m Marvel Loch, by Lochiel—Marvelette, 6yrs, 7.13 (claims 141 b) (L. H. Hewitt) 1 Hr J. J. Macken’s b or br h Tartan, syrs, 8.4 (claims 141 b) (J. Rogers) 3 Mr Jas. McGill’s b h Fitz-Grafton, syrs, 9.4 (S. G. Thomas) * Mr A. Foley’s b g Berthier, syrs, 8.1 (claims 141 h) (A. 0. Thoms# ... * I (Winner trained by T. F. Scully.) Other starters: P.K. (claims 141 b) 8.4 (D. Lee), Panama (claims 141 b) 8.4 (W. Janies), Tatterdemalion (claims 141 b 8.1 (W. H. Smith), Hollette (claims 141 b) 7.9 (T. Clayton), North Head (claims 71b) 7.1 (R. W. Brennan), Grama (claims 71b) 7.1 (T. Lamond), Grafton Lad (claims 71b 7.1 CK. Doyle).

Betting: Even money v. Marvel Loch, 6 to 1 Tartan, 8 to 1 Fitz-Grafton, 12 to 1 P.K. and Tatterdemalion, 14 to 1 Berthier and Grafton Lad, 20 to 1 others. North Head and Marvel Loch were smartest away, and the latter, immediately going to the front, passed the seven furlong post a length and a half ahead of Fitz-Grafton, who was a similar distance in front of North Head, with Tatterdemalion and Grafton Lad next. At the six furlongs Marvel Loch was still leading, while the rear was brought up by P.K. .and Tartan. In the next furlong Marvel Looh increased her advantage to three lengths from FitzGrafton, with North Bead a similar distance off, and then, two lengths further off, North Head, Tatterdemalion, and Berthier. Going further away, Manvel Loch was five lengths dear of Fitz-Grafton at the three-furlong post, a length further off coming Tatterdemalion and Berthier, followed by Panama and P.K. Entering the straight Marvel Loch was only about three lengths ahead of Fitz-Grafton and Berthier, with Tartan fast improving his position. Inside the half distance Tartan, Fitz-Grafton. and Berthier all closed on Marvel Loch, but the latter responded gamely when called on, and won by a length from Tartan, with the dead-heaters, Fitz-Grafton and Berthier, a simimlar distance off. Five lengths further away came P.K. and Grama, with Tatterdemalion, Grafton Lad and Panama next, and Hollette last. Time, 1 min 52iseo. Marvel Loch is engaged in the Epsom and Metropolitan Handicap at Rand-

wick next week, also the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups. MACHINE GEN’S GREAT PERFORMANCE. ' By cable wo were informed that Machine Gun scored at Randwick on August 19. Tramway Handicap, a handicap sweep stakes of 2 sovs each for starters, with 100 sovs added. Second horse 30 sots, and third horse 20 sovs from the prize. 6 furlongs. Mr D. J. Price’s hr h Machine Gun, by Hotchkiss—Rubina, syrs, 10.6 (L. 11. Hewitt) 1 Mr S. Fielder’s br h Isos, 4yrs, 7.12 (A. O. Thomas) ... ... .1. 2 Mr J. Barnes’ ch c Picturesque, 3yrs, 7.2 (T. Clayton) ... 3 (Winner trained hy D. J. Price.) Other starters: Sir Leonard 9.4 (J. Barden), Airloch 8.13 (F. Hickey), Warrno 8.10 (J. Rogers), Binnia 7.13 (R. IV. Brennan). Scot Free 7.9 (K. Doyle), Dantzio 7.8 (F. Connelly), Whiting 7.4 (S. Gardiner), Duke of Melton 7.0 and lib over (W. H. Smith), Drapeau 6.12 (C. Baiden). Betting: 5 to 2 v Machine Gun, 9 to 2 Warroo, 5 to 1 Binnia, 8 to 1 Picturesque and Sir Leonard, 9 to 1 Dantzic, 13 to 1 Shot Free, 14 to 1 Isos, 20 to 1 others.

Dantzio and Isos were smartest on their legs, and at the end of a furlong Isos was leading Picturesque, Airloch, and Warroo. At the half-mile Isos was showing the way to Picturesque, with Dantzic, Warroo, and Airloch next in order. Coming round the bond Isos and Picturesque were still at the head of affairs, and they turned for home with Airloch and Warroo as their immediate followers. At the half-distance Isos, Picturesque, and Dantzic were in close company in front, but then Machine Gun shot through on the rails and won by a neck from Isos, who beat Picturesque a head, Dantzic and Airloch closely" followed the placed horses, and then,: three lengths off, came Warroo and Binnia, with Scot Free and Whiting next, and Duke of Melton last. Time, Train 14scc. Machine Gun (9.12) has top weight m the Epsom Handicap, one mile, run on Saturday next. GRAND RAPIDS SHOWS FAIR FORM. The two gallops Grand Rapids had at Caulfield last month, in the Balaclava Stakes, one mile, carrying 9.0, and the Malakoff Stakes, nine furlongs, carrying 9.5. evidently impioved the Gipsy Grand gelding. Also Dividend, who was unplaced in the last-named race, carrying 9.7 They nest appeared at Flemington on the 19th August, Mr Maitland dropping both 51b. From the appended report it will he seen that they" ran first and second:—

August Handicap—li mile. Mr P. B. Whitehead's Dividend, by Simmer —Lady Trenton, 9.2 (N. D. Godby) ... ... ••• 1 Mr J. Wren’s Grand Rapids, 9.0 (S. D. Fisher) ... ... ••• ••• 2 Mr W. H. Janes’s Procoedor, 8.4 (W. Min tor) ....... ... ... 3 Other starters: Harvest Home 3.4, Dandalla 8.1, Sweep Cleon. 8.1, Position 7.4, Aggressor 7-fJ, Mollusc 6.13, Moani 6:13. Betting: 3 to 1 v Harvest Home, 7 to 2 Sweep Clean, 4 to 1 Dividend, 6 to 1 Proceedor. 12 to 1 Moani. Grand Rapids led to the distance, whore Dividend took charge, and won by two lengths and a half, with Prooeedor three lengths and a. half off third. Aggressor was fourth, Moani and Harvest Home next, and Position last. Time, 2min 39)sec. It will bo noticed that Grand Rapids was not mentioned in the betting. He meets Dividend on 61b bettor terms in the Melbourne Cup and looks well in the Metropolitan with 8.7.

Truce (fnll-brother to Fitz-Grafton) was fancied for the Welter Handicap, one mile, at Randwick on August 19th, carrying 9.11 ho was third; to Fashoda (Niagara—Repentance) 9.5, and Metaphor 7.8 in Imin 41-iseo. Lucknow, who is engaged in the Epsom and Metropolitan Handicap, won the Spring Handicap, one mile and a quarter, at Randwick on August 19th. He carried 9.1 and ran ten furlongs in 3min 7-lsec. TARATAH3-CARTEBTON RACING, ■ CLUB. Tho stewards of the Taratahi-Caxter-ton Racing Club met on Saturday last, wben there v-'ere present—Messrs G. W. Dollor (chairman),, J. M. Lightfoot, A. B..ysh, R. Kemble, T. Shaw, T. Ray, H. Judd, S. Dtransfield, W. Franks and J. Bairstow (secretary). The Metropolitan Club was recommended, to grant the following licenses:—Jockeys’, Dixon and Barry; trainers’, W. Tatham; gentleman rider’s, R. Wadham. The advisableress of erecting a crow’s nest at the top of the course, wherein two stewards may watch tho racing and report upon “cronk” running, was discussed and approved. The matter of arranging for the ploughing and rolling of the track was left to tho Course Committee. ASHHURST-POHANGINA RACING CLUB. The annual general meeting of the above was held on tho 19th inst. There was an attendance of 29 members, and tho President (Mr P. Hanlon) occupied the chair, ' The following report was presented to members: —Your Stewards have the, pleasure of submitting to you the annual report and statement of accounts. The annual race meeting, hold on December 28th, adds another to the already long list of successes, and despite the inclement weather experienced returned an approximate profit of £4OO. The sum of £11,927 passed through the totalisator, against £11,863 the previous year. Actual receipts, compared with last year’s figures, show an increase of £ll. Privileges increased by £l4; but in entries there was a shrinkage' of £lB. Stakes, £IOOO, formed the principal item in revenue expenditure, exceeding the amount given last year by £155. During the last year your Stewards’ energies have been specially directed towards giving the public greater facilities and comfort.. The erection of buildings and carrying out of minor improvements involved an expenditure of £1333. Your Stewards have pleasure in stating that fifty nominations were received for the Ashhurst Guineas, 1906. This response from owners is most gratifying and constitutes a record. Twenty-four second payments were made for the 1905 Guineas, to be run on December 28th. Membership shows a further increase this year, there being 127 financial members out of a total of 144. It has been decided to write off, as irrecoverable, outstanding entries and members’ subscriptions amounting to £3l 10s. On reference to the balance-sheet it will be noticed that the excess of assets over liabilities is estimated at £2185 15s 3d. In accordance with a resolution passed, six of your Stewards, acting as guarantors, remain in office. You will therefore be asked, at the annual meeting, to elect only six Stewards for the en-

suing year. In conclusion, your Stewards congratulate members on the sound financial position of tho club. The adoption of the report and bal-ance-sheet was carried on the proposition of J. Craven, seconded hy F. Roberts.

The election of officers for the ensuing year resulted as follpws:—President, Mr P. Hanlon (re-elected); Vice-Pre-sidents, Messrs T. Gardiner and F. Roberts; Hon. Treasurer, Mr J. H. Paton; Stewards, Messrs P. Hanlon, T. Gardiner, T. Grammer. P. Kerrigan. J. H. Patron, T. Nicol, F. Roberts,W. Dellow, H. Oornford, W. McKitric, H. Fraser, G. Bowater.

Pursuant to notice, Mr C. Selby moved—“ That all members hereafter elected shall pay an entrance fee of three guineas.” In speaking to the motion, Mr Selby said that, considering tho club had been worked into a good position and held largo assets, future members should pay an entrance-fee, however small it might be. On being put to the vote this was negatived.

Proposed by Mr J. H. Vincent, seconded by Mr T. Grammer, and carried unanimously, that tho stewards in future pay out sixpences of dividends to investors and donate fractional parts of sixpences of dividends to tho District Hospital and Charitable Aid Board. The Secretary was voted >a bonus of £lO, and the clerk of the coarse one guinea. A vote of thanks to tho outgoing Stewards terminated the meeting. At a subsequent meeting of the newly elected Stewards, Messrs L. Wallis and F. Selby were elected members of the club, and accounts amounting to £4 13s were passed for payment. LOWER VALLEY JOCKEY CLUB. The following notices of motion by Mr Thomas Card will he considered at tho annual meeting of tho Lower Valley Jockey Club to be hold on the 31st instant. Repeal Rule 20 and Substitute—“2o. Candidates for any office shall be nominated by two members of tho Club and tho nomination paper signed by such two members and by tho Candidate shall bo delivered to the Secretary at least 14 days before the day appointed for the annual meeting. If the number of Candidate exceeds . the number of offices to be filled, the Secretary shall cause voting papers containing the names of such Candidates to he printed and posted to each member of the Club not later than seven days before the annual meeting. Every member voting shall strike out the name of tho .Candidate or Candidates for whom he desires not to vote, enclose the voting paper in an envelope marked ‘Voting Paper,’ sign his name insi'de the envelope but not on the voting paper and then seal up and enclose the voting paper in that envelop© and return it to the Secretary not later than 12 noon of the day appointed, for the annual meeting. Should any member leave uncancelled a greater or lesser number of names than there ar© vacancies to be filled, the voting paper shall be invalid. In tho event of there being a lesser number of candidates than there are offices to be filled, the Stewards in office may fill tho vacancies.” Repeal Rule 21 and Substitute —“21. Three scrutineers shall bo appointed at tho meeting, who shall open the envelopes and first cause a list of the names of the voting members to he made out from tho envelopes; shall then cause all the 'envelopes to be destroyed in their presence, and shall then , open tho voting papers and report the result of each ©lection to . the meeting. In tho event of more than the required number of office-bearers receiving an equal number of votes, the question of which of them is to hold office shall he decided by lot, to be drawn by the Chairman of the meeting.” Rule 15—Strike out 10 and suhstite 14 in lino 2. , Rule 10—Add: Not less than 21 days public notice in a' district newspaper shall be given of such meeting. MAETERTON TROTTIING CLUB. The annual meeting of the Masterton Trotting Club was held on the 23rd inst. Mr F. Hill presiding over about twenty members. Three new members were elected. The following were nominated for seats on • tho New Zealand Trotting Association:—Messrs C. F. Mark and J. H. Pollock (North Island), B. Clarkson, W. G. Garrard, Hon. H. Gourloy, W. Hayward, O. S. Howell, A. L. Myers, P. Selig (South Island). The annual balance-sheet, which was adopted, showed that tho receipts had amounted to £267 18s 2d, and tho expenditure to £3ll 19s, lid.

Tho election of officers resulted as follows:—President, Mr W. D. Watson; Vice-Presidents, Messrs E. M. D. Whatman, F. Hill, J. O’Meara; Timekeeper, Mr F. Hill; Judge, Mr O. H. Smith; Clerk of Course, Mr H. Welch; C/.erk of Scales, Mr A. Snodgrass; Auditor, Mr A. Hathaway; Stewards, Messrs D. McNair, F. Buick, F. Dorset, T. W. Miller, W. Oragg, J. O’Neill, W. loms, H. Welch, C. A. Pownall, J: Dixon, L. H. Raynor, A. Snodgrass, W. Cooper, W. Whittaker, G. ,H. Yates, R. J. Hodgins, J. Cress, W. H. Buick; Programme Committee, Messrs W. D. Watson, J. Cress, R. J. Hodgins, F. •Hill, A. Snodgrass, C. A. Pownall, W. Cooper; Ground Committee, Messrs F. Buick, T. W. Miller, J. Cress, A. Snodgrass, W. Cfagg, W. Whittaker, J. O’Neill, R. J. Hodgins, W. Cooper,, G. .IT Yates, J. Dixon, J. O’Meara, D. McNair.

Mr A. Snodgrass moved that the annual trotting meeting be held on Boxing Day.—-Mr J. O’Meara moved as an amendment that tho meeting be held on November 16.—After some discussion the amendment was carried. The Ground Committee were appointed a deputation to wait on the Ground Committee of the A. and P. Association with a view, to obtaining tho use of the showgrounds for two months. DANNEVXRKE JOCKEY CLUB. The annual meeting of the Dannevirko Jockey Club was held on August 21st, when there were present .Messrs Gordon Lloyd (vice-president) in the chair, W. H. Hartgill, R. N.'Blakistou, W. G. Hunter, C. Baddeley, J. Neagle, J. Halligan, T. McDermott, J. Devonshire, O. Cross, J. Blair, G. Janies, W. J. Ingley, R. Roake. Tho report and balance-sheet were read as follows' and adopted on the proposition of .Mr Blair, seconded by Mr G. James:—

Gentlemen —In submitting the annual reporS and balance-sheet, your, stewards have again the pleasure of congratulating you upon another year’s successful work.

Your stewards decided, owing to the cramped nature of the appointments and the increasing attendance of the public each succeeding year, to enlarge the lawn, stewards’ and saddling paddocks, also erect new totalisator shed, secretary’s, Weighing and cloak rooms, ticket office, 12 new stalls, urinal, etc., inside and out; enlarge jockeys’ room

and erect new stores along the whole front of the grand stand. These improvements were effected at a cost of about £3OO. The annual races were held on the Bth and 9th March, and again proved a great success, the amount put through the totalizator totalling £l-1,661 as against £10,951 the previous year, or an increase of £3707. which places the cluh eighth on the list of the. 80 clubs in Now Zealand holding totalizator permits. This is based on the average investments per day. The following, figures will shew the receipts of past year from the chief sources to be again largely in excess of those of the previous year, viz: — 1904. 1905. & 6. d. £ s. d. Nominations ... 100 0 0 175 10 0 Acceptances ... 122 lb 0 173 15 0 Entries ... ••• 20 0 0 34 10 0 Members’ subscriptions ... 67 4 0 78 14 0 Privileges ... 236 1 4 301 0 0 Totalisator Revenue ... ... - 1035 9 3 1381 15 0 Stakes paid ... 705 0 0 1095 0 0 Government tax of li per cent 164 6 1 219 18 0 It is a recommendation from your stewards that Mr M. Hendecfon, who has acted as a vice-president of' the club for many years, should ho elected a life member. The question of fencing the course is another important matter for your Iconsideration, and one which should receive your immediate attention, as if done at once the course would greatly benefit thereby before the annual rices aro held. In accordance with our rules Messrs Bowen, McLennan, Crosse, and Manahi Paewai retire from the stewards, the two latter gentlemen being eligible for re-election, the two former gentlemen having left tho district. You will also have to elect an auditor. Proposed by Mr Hartgill, seconded by Mr Baddeley, That Mr M. Henderson be elected a life member of the Club. Carried. Mr Hartgill proposed, and Mr Crosse seconded, That Messrs Neagle, Paul, Lloyd, Devonshire, McDermotts and thi mover be a committee to inquire into tho possibility of acquiring a freehold racecourse, and report to a meeting of stewards, to be held within one month from date. Carried unanimously. ’Hie following officers were then duly elected: President, Mr Geo. Hunter; vice-presidents, Messrs Gordon Lloyd and R. N. Blakistoh,; treasurer, Mr C. Baddeley; stewards. Messrs W. G. Hunter, J. Neagle, J. Devonshire, W. Murray, O. Cross©, W. J. Wylie, R. Roako, W. J. Ingley, Hoera, Karaitiana, and Manahi Paewaii. A vote of thanks to the chair terminated the proceedings. WAIPAWA RACING CLUB. At tho annual meeting of tho Waipawa Racing Club, Mr W. H. Rathhone presided and there was a good attendance. , Tho balance-sheet, which showed that the year's working had resulted in a considerable profit, was adopted. Tho following officers wore elected; — President, Mr T. Butler; vice-president, Mr John Harker; honorary treasurer, Mr A. E. Jull; committee, Messrs J. Pettit, W. H. Rathhone, C. Tricklebank, S. McGreovy'junr., J. Craig, C. Hi Nash, H. P. Beyers, T. W. Wills and C. M. Whittington; honorary auditor. Mr M., Murray.

Messrs A. W. Skertnan, A. Yu ill, and H Gariy on -were elected members of bho club. The tender of Messrs Cohen and Co. was accepted for working the totalisator.

The following officials wore appointed : —Hand'icapper, Mr J. E. Henrys; lion, judge, Mr S. MoGroeyy junr.; hon. starter, Mr Paul Hunter; clerk of the course, Mr It. McGreevy; hon. clerk of the scales, Mr W. H. Rathhone; hon. clerk of the totalisator, Air M. Murray; hon. timekeeper, Air EC. AI. Rathbone; programme committee, Alessrs Rathbone, . McGreevy and Whittington; ground committee, Alessrs Butler, AlcGreevy, Tricklebank, Craig and Whittington. . . I ■ ■ It was decided to effect further improvements to the course. Votes of thanks were accorded the hon. officiate for their services. TARANAKI JOCKEY CLUB. A meeting of the Taranaki Jockey Club Committee was held on the 26 th August. Present: Alessrs J. Paul (chairman), Newton King, Ellis. Fitzhcrbert, Gibbons, 6. Gray, Leppcr, Hempton, Watson, and W. O. Weston. On application of A. J. Ryan, the disqualification incurred by the horse Dick for running at unregistered meetings in the Mokau district was removed. In accordance with the request of the Egmont and Stratford Clubs a certain horse was removed from the forfeit list. '

The following additional licenses were granted:—Jockeys; Ernest Hendry, Edward Murtagh, Geo. Bead, Harry J. Stevens, John Telford. Trainers: Harry Eva, William Elliot, Ernest Hendry. Apprentices: W. L. Graham, 0. Williams. Gentlenlan rider’s certificate: Clive Matthews, Waitara. W. Bird was refused a jockey’s license, and the application of Norman Campbell. who was previously refused, for restitution to the list, was not entertained. .

Several applications for stable permits were received. The committee decided to inform the applicants that under the new rules the granting of permits is done away with. The new procedure is for a trainer desiring to employ a stable servant to write to his last employers, if any, as to character, and on receiving a satisfactory reply to submit tha name ,to the Metropolitan Committee.

It was decided to call applications for the position of one handioapper to frame the weights for the Christmas and autumn meetings. Mr Henry Linn was appointed clerk of the course and Mr Fred Stohr timekeeper. STRATFORD RACING CLUB. The annual general meeting of the Stratford Racing Club "as held on Aug. 24th. The president, Dr Faget, occupied the chair, and about twenty-five members were present. In moving their adoption, the chairman said the reduction in nrofits-from £B2B 15s 4d to £340 17s lid was a considerable decrease, but against that must be placed the facts that the stakes were increased, and that they paid full freight on visiting horses Mr S. Pitt seconded the motion. Although they would rather have had a piofit than a loss, they had the consolation of knowing that other neighbouring clubs had done worse. Mr 0. D. Solo asked if it was intended to continue the payment of £ls 15e to the stipendiary steward. The chairman said that matter would bo considered by the committee. At an isolated country meeting the presence of a stipendiary steward acted merely as a deterrent, but he would be a very useful official if forced on all clubs.

There were other officials they might dispense with, but if they did anything to lower tho prestige of the mooting they might loso more than they would gain.

Mr F. Tyrer congratulated the committee on its satisfactory report. Ho thought with tho Chairman that by cutting down small expenses they would loso in prestige. Tho chairman moved as an addition to tho report “That it bo a recommendation to the committee to have a dinner at the nest annual meeting.” They did net often meet as a club, and when they did they should have something more than a business meeting. Ho thought such a departure would he popular. Mr Pitt seconded tho addition, which was carried unanimously.

The report and balance-sheet was adopted. Tho president stated that there were only sufficient nominations to fill the vacant offices.

Tho following gentlemen were therefore declared duly elected:—President, Dr Paget; vice-president, Mr A. TV. Budge; committeemen, Messrs S. Pitt, A. Bayly and W. Young; auditors, Messrs F. G. Kimbeli and L. Riera. Votes of thanks were passed to Messrs Malone, McVeagh and Anderson, for donation, Taranaki Jockey Club, for donation of gentlemen riders’ fees towards trophy, and Air Mcßae, for representing country clubs at the Racing Conference.

Mr TV. J. Morrison proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the President for liis valuable services to Dio club. Air Pitt seconded the motion. Only those who worked for the club knew how much it owed to Die nresident. The motion was carried.

Dr Paget, in returning thanks, expressed appreciation of tho support accorded him by the other officials. The criticism passed upon Die committee and himself had always been kindly, and much of it had been most helpful. A t the next annual meeting he hoped to see Air A. TV. Budge, a valued member who was now in England on a holiday, present. (Applause.) On tho motion of Air Sole, seconded by Air E. B. Stohr, a hearty vote of thanks was passed to the committee. Mr Pitt proposed a special vote of thanks to Mr Alorrison, who had put in a largo amount of time and work in Dio interests of tho clubr The motion was carried by acclamation.

The meeting then terminated. The following is the full committee for the ensuing year Messrs T. L. Paget, A. AV. Budge,.W. Morrison, AV. Young, A. Bayly, A. Stewart, AA r . Pollock, S. Pitt, and C. H. Arndt. CHATTER. JMr E. It. White, of Merton, has purchased the English hors© Flams from Messrs AV. and F. Moses, who imported this handsome son of Hampton last year, and subsequently leased him for stud work to Mr White for two years. Tantrum, a good-looking English-bred filly, by Trenton from Spanish Match, imported last year by Messrs AV. and F. Moses, of Combadello, is to be tried on the turf, and with that end in view her earners have arranged to send her in a few days to E'arnshaw’s establishment at Hand-wick to bo trained. A number of Queensland-bred stallions, blood and draught, were shipped from Brisbane last week for Japan, by the steamer Bverton ' Grange. Among the thoroughbreds were Archives, King Cole, Master Darley, Milltown, Croagh Patrick, Silver King, Uralla, Congress, and Battle Dreaih, all well-known performers, of more or less merit. The shipment also included a couple of Cleveland bays and a dozen Clydesdale stallions. These stallions, nearly 100 head, were selected and purchased on behalf of eastern breeders by Mr A. J. .Morton, who during the past six months has covered some thousands of miles in search of horsestock in Queensland. ,

Pierus, who won the Trial Handicap and Kpsom Purse at the Epsom meeting recently, was bred in Australia, being by Haut Brion (imp.) from Urana, by Lochiel from Uralla, by Chester from Moonstone (imp.), by Blair Athol. Pierus, who is a four-your-old gelding, has 6.9 in the Melbourne Cup. The Hon. George Lee, of Kelso, has selected the Hohartville stallion Simmer, by St. Simon to match with his famous Trenton mare Etraweenie this season. To a St. Simon horse, Bill of Portland; Etraweenie threw. a Derby and Melbourne Cup winner, and as Simmer has sired a first-class stayer, Dividend, from a 1 Trenton mare, his choice promises to he a happy one. Hegemony, a three-year-old filly, by Sir Hugo from the Martini-Henry mare Acmona (winner of the A.J.C. Champagne Stakes), was successful in the Worcestershire Handicap, of 150 sovs., one mile and a quarter, in England, on 6th July. Hegemony, who is owned by Lord Carnarvon, won .by threequarters of a length. . The Princess of Wales Stakes, of 10,000 sovs., one mile and a half, which was run. at Newmarket last month, was won by four" lengths by Mr S. B. Joel’s St. Simon colt St. Denis, Exchequer finishing second, and Lancashire third. Henry the First, who started 1 at even money in a field of nine, Tan fifth. St. Denis was second favourite, at 11 to 4. The value of the race to the winner was £7435. , Aline, who a few days ago at V ictona Park,' Adelaide, won the Fulham Park Plate, tile first two-year-old rkce of the season, is a,smart filly by Oarlyon, who is a noted sire of precocious stock, from Alveary, by Eiridspord from Queen Bee, by Snowden from Beeswing, by Ladykirk, so that on the dam side she claims relationship with the dual Caulfield Cup winner Hymettus, the crack hurdle racer Hive, Asking, Cordite and other smart performers. The Auckland Racing Club pays its secretary £SOO a year and the accountant, the man who does the work, £l5O. Mr George Morse, of . Wanganui, has been appointed handicapper to the ETaroio, Kiwitea and Marlborough Racing clubs. Mr Morse did good work last season, especially at AVanganui which club, I am pleased to hear, has recognised his services in a suitable manner.'

Mr Geo. G. Stead leaves on Saturday next for Randwick to see his horses race at the A.J.C. meeting which opens on Sept. Bth. The Auckland Racing Club has voted its handicapper, Mr J. O. Evitt, a bonus of 25 guineas, making £275 for thirteen days racing. The Northern Metropolitan Club, which pays £650 for clerical assistance, gets its handicapping done cheap. ’ By the last Sydney mail I had a letter from Mr R. C. Rutherford, secretary of th© New South AVales Trotting Club. Dick is an old West Coast boy, son of the owner of British Lion, Whakatea and Co. Before leaving New Zealand he was secretary and handicapper for the Greymouth Trotting Club, which body he represented at the conferences held in Wellington.

Sir Geo. Clifford has been elected a life member of the Auckland Racing Club. In addition to Caiman and Mrs

Pogotty, tho Victorian stndmastor, Air William AlcCulloeli, has purchased in England, three brood mares which, like Caiman and Airs Pogotty, are on thoir way to Alelbournc. They consist of Queen of the Yale (1897), by Radium —Queen of Dio Isles, covered by Orvieto; Helas (1896), by Amphion—■ Blavatsky. in foal to Ugly; and Kenning (1897), by Kendal from Peace, ia foal to Alackintosh.

Avioo, a yearling filly, by Bill of Portland from Lady Disdain, was sold by auction at Newmarket, in England, on 6Di July, for 1150 guineas, tho purchaser being Air G. H. Freeman.* Aquamarian, a three-year-old colt by by tho Australian-bred Alorman, won the Grandstand Plato, a mile welter handicap, at Carlisle (England) race* last month. Ho was not quoted in tho hotting, but led throughout,' and beat five opponents. It is expected that the crack Englgfl* mare Pretty Polly will bo able to race again in England this season. Some time ago sho strained the muscles of her near quarters, and it was feared that sho had been permanently injured, but last month she was walking freely, and appeared to have thoroughly recovered. When tho last mail arrived from England Air S. Jool was next to Mr W. H. Walker in Die list of winning owners this season. He had won £14,228 10a to Air Walker’s £18.874 Word comes from Alorpeth (Now SouDi Wales) of the death of the pnoo famous Kingsborough mare Muriel. Muriel was the property of the Rand--wick trainer, Joe Burton, for whom; sho won many good stakes, including Tattersall’s Cup, but an accident ruined her career at tho stud. This was a serious loss to her owner, as Muriel: ranked as one of the finest-looking; bno ml mares in Australia. She had two foals, Saltillo, by Niagara, and tho Trenton mare Alga, who has made some amends to Burton by breeding Hautessa, and Warroo, two undoubtedly good ones. Aluricl was bred by Air John Lee, at Bathurst, and was by Kingsborough from Washed. Ashore (inip.),thoroforo was a full sister to Kathleen, the dam of those two splendid Pilot Boy and Cabin Boy. W. Thomas, who was for a long time associated with W. Davis’s stable, has gone South to a billet, St. Winifred haa recently joined Davis’s team of tnack workers.

S. Lindsay will probably journey te Auckland for the Avondale meeting thiu month.

Jeanne d’Arc did not stay long at the Hutt, having been sent back to the last week. It is stated that there are improved facilities for training at the Taratahi. track. J. W. Lowe has decided to set up as a public trainer at the Lower Hutt, having leased the stables formerly tenanted by Mr Paterson’s horses.

IV, H. Keith, who went to Australia this time last year with Union Jack, returned from Sydney last week. D. .1. Price, in whoso name Machine Gun is racing in Australia, loft for Sydney on Saturday last. The writer understands it is the intention of A. McConnon to apply to the Kelson Jockey Club for a remission of six months of the disqualification imposed in March last. The writer was not present at the Kelson mecting and therefore has no knowledge of what took place there. McC'onnon’s behaviour both on and off the course at several meetings the writer attended last year was very satisfactory. There appears to bo every probability that October 21st (Trafalgar Day) will be declared a general holiday throughout the colony. The spring meeting of '.ho Wellington Tlacing Club and the last to be hold on tho old course, has been fixed for October 18th and 21st. It has been suggested (hat tho titles of comb of the should be appropriate to tho hundredth anniversary of the Victory of Lord Kelson over French and (Spanish fleets. Acceptances.for the Kew Zealand Cup will appear on Saturday next. Mclwood showed signs of lameness ono ■day last week and was off tho track a couple of days in consequence. Victorian-bred horses have done well in Westralia this season. At the Boulder meeting tho City Handicap, of 2.10 sovs, wix furlongs, was won by War Chief (Wallace—Flash). War Chief is rather inbred, his dam being a daughter of Enfidalo.. The Coolgardio Cup, of 450 sovs, was won by C'irculus, by Malvolio —CSrole. by Carbine. Fabric and Cir■tultis were both bred by Mr J. \\ ilson, .-junior. Tho Boulder Cup, of 800 sovs, two miles and 48 yards, was won by Fabric, by Bill of Portland—Huntz, full-brother to Cretonne and half-brother to Avalon tbv Strathmore). On tho way homo from tho Kational •meeting Alick Hall purchased Shrapnel and took him to Hastings, where Numa has boon trained since tho Wellington mooting. Later on Shrapnel and Kremlin may join tho ranks of tho jumping brigade. Hugh Telford will be a spectator at the early spring meetings, haring fractured a collarbone when Tne Dauber 101 l with him in tho Enfield Steeplechase. A Wairarapa owner, who signs himself '"A Battler;” writes suggesting that the first race on tho. now course at Trentham should bo a Free Handicap, for, which no nomination and acceptance fee would K>e paid. Besides being about a record nomination and field it would probably attract to the meeting a number of horses who would not otherwise be induced to come. With reference to the ohovo suggestion tho writer is of opinion Shat the Club, in going to an outlay of £30,000 to provide up-to-date grounds, (should receive tho support of horseowners without any special inducement such as has been suggested. It would also give the secretary and handicapper unnecessary work and draw too largo a Cold. For many years in the old days tho Free Handicap was the opening event at Riccarton in the spring and autumn. Both races were run over eight furlongs. They were not “free” to owners. The race in November was worth 100 sovs and an owner had to pay 6 sovs to start. The autumn race was Worth 50, owners having to pay ■3: sovs. In 'those days the payments made by owners was considered a sweepstake and generally went 'to, tho second horse. About the same time tho Auckland Racing Club included a Free Handicap, run | OTtor a mile, in; the programme of its j summer meeting.' The conditions' were somewhat similar to the other events, j ewnere paying 3 sovs, which Went in a j sweepstake to the second horse, to win - iOO SOTS' in stake money. The Egmont—Wanganui Hunt Club meeting was held on Thursday of last week. Tho Kaiwaka gelding Eapamu won a double, tho Licensed Victuallers’ Steeplechase, two miles and a distance, in which Sonorita fell, and Jackaroo and Cairo took the wrong course. In Kho Hunt Club Steeplechase, two miles and a half, Bapanni beat Jonquil (halfbrother to Handsome Bose) a nock, Old Bus. being third. Cairo, who was the ■only other starter, fell. C. Jenkins won the half-mile hack race on Sedgemoor (Sedgebrook—Rosie) from Laud-o’-Cakos and Clairmont. The latter, by St Cyr—Spray, won the six furlongs hack raoe from the stable mates Clifton and Kuroki. Sonorita (Strenuous— Don Juan mare) won the Ladies Bracelet Steeplechase, two miles. Jonquil came to grief in this raoe and Mr B. (Jordon sustained a fractured collarbone. Showman (by Tho Workman—Victress) halfbrother to Sedgebrook, won the Hunters’ Flat Race, one mile and a distance. 0. Pritchard returned from Christchurch without Matuku, who was disposed of there for £SO. She is fast but not too sound. Defoe, Levant, Wind and The Dauber have had a spell since they returned from Christchurch. _ The latter may he sent to Rangitikei for tho Steeplechase events. Black Squall -and Te Kanui may be raced at Marten. Scotty was asked to meet Gladstone and Pari tutu on 291 h and 121 h better terms respectively than when he finished behind the horses named in the Auckland Autumn Handicap, one mile Mid a half. Mrs H. Watson recently purchased four quarter-acres sections at Trentham st £45 a-piece—£lßo for an acre. Shrapnel Shell and Hydrant came back from Christchurch in charge of H. Garment, and have been having a short spell front hard work since. Shrapnel Shell will make his next appearance at Wanganui, on which course ho has run some of his best races. Frank Higgott spent a holiday in tho South and returned home on Sunday last. Miss Peggy (tatc OvcrnetV'by Oydnus—Ifm.a won a race at Boulder last mouth. C. Pritchard had an addition to his *eam last week b a four-year-old chestnut gelding by St. Hippo—Riponpo (by Poriri) dam of Tutua. : The two-year-old colt, by Phoebus Apollo—Chrysolite, in training at Ponrua has been named Delos. ■ Scotty, whose Now Zealand Cup chance is highly assessed in some qUaraters, was not engaged in the Avondale Cup but is in the Plump ton Handicap, one mile, run on the second day of the meeting. As this race is worth 130 sows to the winner it will carry 51h penalty in the New Zealand Ou{). After competing once in Mr Hogan s name Whataroa was repurchased by Mr Mortensen for 90 guineas, and came back to Levin with Valima and Flying Cloud.