THE TURF.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 7057, 19 February 1910, Page 13

THE TURF.

RACING FIXTURES Woodvillo J.C.—Feb. 23. 24. Uunodin J.C.— Feb. 23, 2-1 and 2G. Tolago Bay J.C.—Fob. 25 and 26. Syutn Auckland K.U.—Feb. 25 and 20. Akaroa County B.C.—March 3 Uanganui J.C—March 3, 5. Danmevirke—March 9, 10. Napier Park—March IG, 17. Opunako E.G.—March 17. Mastei-fcon R.C.—March 17 and 18. Ohinomuri J.C—March 17 and 18. Westport J.C.—March 17, 19. Ureymouth J.C.—Maroh 23, 21 H'airarapa E.G.—March 26 and 28. Feilding J.C.—March 2S. 29. Te Aroha J.C.—March 7 and 8. Thames J.C.—'March 12. Waimato R.C.—March 17. • Oxford J.C.—March 19. Auckland B.C.—March 2G, 28 and 29. A.J.C. (Sydney)—March 26, 28, SO, April 2 Beaumont J.C—March 28. Kumara R.C.—March 28 and 29. Taieri Amateur T.C.—March 28. C.J.C.—Maroh. 28 and 29. Eiverton B.C.—March 28 and 29. Wostland B.C.— March 31 and Anril 1. Manawatu B.C.—April 13 and 14. . Nelson J.C.—April 20' and 21. Hawke's Bay J.C.—April 27 and 28. NOTES AND COMMENTS (By "The Judge.") Mr James McGill, who is perhaps tho most, prominent racing man in Queensland, has decided to sell his stud and retire from the turf.. During his.racing career in tho northern State, Mr McGill won the Queensland Derby, St. Lcger, and Brisbane Cup (twice) with Fitz Grafton. Ho also won the Q.T.C. St. Leger in 18S7. with La Grange, and tho Brisbane Cup the same year with Sunrise; and in 1882, IBS3, 1885, and IS9O with Protector, Mozart, Lancer, and Lyndhurst. Bardolph, a five-year-old stallion, bv Bay Eonald (sire of Bayardo), from Farandale, by St. Frusquin, has arrived in Melbourne. Bardolph has been purchased by the Hobartville studmaster, Mr Percy Reynolds, to fill the vacancy brought about by the death of Simmer. The English racing crack Bayardo has evidently a will of his own. When going out to contest the Champion Stakes at Newmarket he absolutely refused to go to the post the usual way—past tho front of the stands. He had to bo taken out at tho back of the stands, and had to be taken round the course the reverse way to the other competitors. The same tactics had to be adopted when he went out, to contest in the Limekiln. Stakes. Referring to the improvement at the Addington trotting ground, a "Canterbury Times" writer says that "the new track promises to revolutionise times for trotting races in New Zealand, as in addition to its fine surface, it is of a shape which enables the best performers to get up exceptional speed. Taking a line from last week's performances, I fully anticipate seeing a mile done in 2min lOseo and two miles in 4min SOsec at an early date—possibly at the Easter meeting." The feature at the Baldoyle meeting, in Ireland, last month, was the reappearance, after a lapse of two years, of his Majesty's 'chaser Flaxman. He was pulled out for the Sutton Plate, and, if decidedly on tho big side and heavily bandaged in front, he was looking right well in , himself. As might only bo expected, want of condition told its tale ■ when two miles had been got over, and he finished last; but Mr Lushington is not without hope of the gelding standing another preparation for the National. It will be remembered he occupied a fourth place in that race in. 1908. J. O'Brien, one of the hardest and best steeplechase riders of modern, days in Great Britain, has retired from race riding, and has bought a haberdasher's shop in Ireland, and beoome a dealer in ribbons and frills. This seems decidedly amusing. Irishmen are always doing the most amazingly incongruous things, and O'Brien is Irish to the backbone. Mr N. P. Frith, the distinguished Academician, who painted the well-known picture, "Derby Day," engravings of which are to be found in many leading Sydney hotels, died recently at the age of ninety-one. The Nelson sportsman, Mr F. N. Jones, has donated a handsome silver cup to the Westport Jockey Club, which will be attaohed to the Westport Cnp.

. The Bight Hon. Henry Chaplin, one of the best-known figures in the English racing world, and who is now at an advanced aye, was once again returned as member for the Wimbledon Division of Surrey. It was in 1867 that Hermit won his Derby in Mr Chaplin's colours, and that means that nearly fifty-three years have elapsed since that sensational event was recorded. Mr Chaplin can be termed one of the last of "the old school." Ormulu, who. proved herself a very, brilliant mare in private, but was a great disappointment with the colours up, lias been* permanently retired from the turf, and has joined the Grasslea stud:;

It is eaid that J.'03., G. P. and A. P. Brewer, three of the finest amateur riders over country that Australia has produced, lall received their early tuition in horsemanship from an aboriginal, Johnny Bombay. The Liverpool Grand National Steeplechase will this year be decided: on the 18th of next month.

The great American trotting sire, McKinney, Uvea in a palatial residence, which, it is stated, cost .£BO,OOO. The building is said to be 33Sft long, 67ft wide, and 65ft high. It is fireproof, being built of cement blocks, braced by steel, and is heated by hot water radiators.

It to an extraordinary thing .with, Newmarket stable lads (says a writer in a London paper) that their favourite form of relaxation if they get off for a day is to go to Yarmouth and ride ! donkeys on the eands, and this they will do as long as their money holds out. The contrast of a. thoroughbred on Newmarket Heath" and a donfeev on the sands at Yarmouth must be great indeed. Just before the last. Indian mail left his Excellency the Viceroy (Lord Minto) I had a horse minning in. the Military 1 '■ Steeplechase, and it finished second, I [ beaten by < a horse owned by one of his own staff. -If Indian- Viceroys : were Eastern potentates instead of English poors, what an .unpleasant tragedy (for the AJXC.) might not follow upon such an : occurrence. Naturally there was a great deal of mild chaff about it, and the A.D.C. has been asked when he expects to go back to the bosom of his regiment. It is the. first time that an Indian Viceroy has run a horse at a Calcutta meet'ing. It is Lord Minto's .last season in India. In the days when he was Lord Melgund. and used to ride under N.H. rules as "Mr Holly," no better amateur rider was seen out. and he rode in numerous Liverpool Grand Nationals. In Australia, we hear (says an English exchange) a deal about the "good old days," when everybody raced for honour; but one is afraid that is a mythical period, for in going back 'over old papers we find that many of those "good old sportsmen" thought nothing of adopting

tactics that would bring about long terms of disqualification if attempted nowadays on any metropolitan course. Something less than half a century ago racing in England was also carried out in a go-as-you-please system, and thero were eoine curious 1 owners of racehorses in those days. It did not cost (.0 much to own a racehoirse in England then as it docs nv\r. There were stakes of the value of .£2O, if you got the. money, "winner to be sold for ,£10," and iso forth. BUliardmarkers,. small publicans, and tho "boys" who hung on +.-• racing then as they do now, became full-blown owners. The jockeys we.ro sometimes paid, and sometimes not, more; frequently the latter, tho clerks of the course were not too exacting in the matter of entrance fees. Everything was done on the "nimble ninepenco' system, and the horses were run accordingly. Practically speaking, there were no laws. Waitapu, who is destined for the lepping business, should be benefited by the gallop in tho Taranaki Cup. The Gipsy King golding, who was not produced on the, second day at fJeiv Plymouth, will be a competitor at Woodvillo and T\ anganui. At the conclusion of the race for the' Wanganul Cup, and provided nothing untoward happens, J. O'Driscoll will talce over Waitapu and prepare inm for his hurdle career. '

Longer, who will be ridd-en by A. McConnou, will make his debut over obstacles at the Woodvillo gathering. Mr Pharazyn's gelding is reported in good racing trim. Good reports are heard of Howler, a six-year-old gelding by sou'-wester, worn an Ascot mare. This turf entrant is engaged in the Maiden Plate at Woodvine, where he will be ridden "by W. Young. A. Atwood, the Feilding trainer,-, has a useful team in work, comprising iady Doris, Eeumac, Kimmerfan, Captain Bell, Howler, Chase Mab, Wlietumarama fl-nd Genuine. This mentor has,, given evidence of being able to bring his charges to the post in apple-pie condition, and some wins should soon be secured by this popular trainer's candidates,

It is rumoured that Swimming Belt will journey to the West Coast (South Island) to take part in some of the coming gatherings to be held there. i The Captain Webb horse should pay his way at the coast meetings, as the opposition • will not be very strong. By his win at Taranaki on Thursday last AVaiata has incurred a 71b penalty in the Telephone Handicap, bringing his impost up to 7st 101 b for that event. The Tupuhi gelding leaves for tho scene of action on Monday morning. Acceptances for tho first day's events of th© Dannevirko Jockey Club's meeting, to be held on March 9th and 10th, close with Mr 3. Spiers Freeman, at his office, at Dannevirke, at 9 p.m. on Tuesday next.

The drawing for the great Spanish Christmas Lottery has absorbed the whole interest of Madrid, which has won I seventeen of the principal prizes, their ' total vahio being .£500,000. The first prize of six million pesetas was bought the German Bank there for a Brazilian. Tho remaining prizes -were won by many of tho poor people, who now become comparatively rich, and consequently there are great rejoicings in the working-class districts of the capital. Never since the foundation of the lottery in 1860 hoe Madrid won so many af the prizes. Ribbonwood was no swallow catcher as a baby, but when matured he put up2min Usee, and retired to the stud full of the vitality necessary in a successful sire. And as a sire (says "Milroy" in the "Mail") 1 I do not think any horso, even, in America, lias ever put up: such a wonderful record in tho time he has been .at the stud. ; His stock has only been racing a few seasons, and he has sired no less'than 21 winners, who,have won !i3 ■ races, among them being the winners for two years in succession of the New South Wales Trotting Club's Sires Produce Stakes. Amorg the fastest of his stock are:—Ribbons, 3yrs old, one mile, 2min 20£seo.; one mile and a half, Smin 32 Eibbonite, 3yrs, old, one mile, 2min 21sec; Berlinwood, ono mile, 2min 23 2-sseo; and Ribbonwood Junior, 2yrs old, 2min 28Jsoc: Considering the limited opportunity there 'is for racing light harness horse's in Australia, it is a, wonderful : record.

SOME AUSTEALIAN CUP: MEMORIES "Dicky" Walker, the veteran horseman), who 6till haean occasional mount in public, can claim a rather unique record in connection with the Australian Cup (writes "Chronograph"- in the "Sporting and Dramatic"). In 1882 Walker won the two miles and a quarter race on Pallio. and in 1898, nearly twenty years after, he landed the corresponding race on Ayrshire. Walker is still a regular visitor to Flemington in the mornings, and he is as cheery as of old. Reverting to, Ayrshire, tie extraordinary thing about his Australian Cup victory was tho fact that he had been specially trained that autumn for the Newmarket Handicap, his galloping on the track be-' ing confined to six-iurlonig sprints. ■■:■■

That prince of horsemen, the late Tom Hales, had a few rare battles in the Australian Cup. It was a very near thing between his mount. Trident, and the Now Zealander. Nelson, in 1887,.audit is safe to nay that only superior riding won the dav for the three-year-old: Again in .1890. Hales had another hand to hand encounter on Dreadnought, whon the, bearer of the famous blue and white jacket only just wrested the prize fronn another clipping good horse in jUelos. (ridden by Mat., Harris. So close, indeed, was the finish that Hales readily "Baved" a fiver' with Harris after they, had passed the post. The "only Tom"! had a different experience in tho longdistance handicap in 1888, for on Carlyon he was able to win almost from end to end unchallenged. Another horse had been startod to make the pace for Carlyon, but the alleged assistant either could not or- would not exert himself, and rather ; than pull Carlyon about in attempting to keep him back to the field. Hales wisely allowed him to slip along with, as seen, tho happiest results.

Another great struggle for the Australian Cup was that in which the chief actors were. Idolater (C. Power), and Wallace (James Gough). Wallace fell a. trifle short of " victory that, afternoon, but, as one of the papers said at tho time, it was a "splendid failure." Wallace, then a three-year-old. was set a very difficult task, for he carried 8.10 to Idolator's 7.3 a tremendous pull, considering that tho latter, also had the advantage in years. Properly weighted, it will be agreed that Wallace was "doing something" that day in making such a fight of it. A couple of days later. Carbine's 1 stout-hearted son figured in an engagement even more memorable. The. chestnut colt "dead-heated" with that fmo mare. Quiver for the Champion Race, the time. smin 23isec, still standing as a three miles record. It was, indeed, a bitter battle between the pair, and no wonder that horses and- riders were thoroughly spent at the finish. C. Ettridge, who rode Quiver in this Champion, has since passed to the beyond, but Herbert Holmes, who piloted Wallace, is still "on deck," being now a successful train-; er in West Australia, one of his team being Annapolis. After Great Scot had by his Australian Gup victory, which was a decisive one, shown that he was vcod for any distance in reason, he was naturally a

good deal fancied for the Champion Race at the same meeting. A three-year. i old that could lead all the way in an j Australian Cup, with 8.0 on his back, was, his friends arguod, hound to prove 'a tough'" proposition at w.f.a. in (he Champion. But -Great Scot in tho three miles race had to mcasuro strides with that phenomenal mare, Wakeful, and the "Queen of Gallopers" made "Seotty" look very foolish when the time came. Shall wo ever look upon WakefuFs like again? She certainly set a standard i'eir her sex that will alwaj-s tako a lot of living up to. HUTT PARK EACLNG CLUB The programme for the Kutt Park Racing Club's meeting to bo held., at Hutt Park Kaectoourse on Saturday next, is advertised. Nominations for the iivo events close at 8 p.m. on Monday next, nmd weights will be published on Tuesday. Acceptances for two events close ait 8 p.m. on Thursday next. The managing steward (Mr Coneys) anticipates a first-class meeting'. MASTERTON NOMINATIONS Nominations for . all events, except the Maiden Hack Race, in connection witfih tiho forthcoming meeting of the Maistertoii Bacing Club will close/ with tho secretary Mr A. Hathaway,. Masiterton, next Thursday, at 9.30 p..ru. - DAMEVIRKE WEIGHTS Tho following handicaps have .been declared by Mr J. B. Henrys: HANDICAP HURDLES, of SO sovs; one mile and three-quarters.—Poly-anthus 11.11, AVaipunehu 11.3, Windago: 11.3, Gold Bird 10.10, Moloch 10.8, Longner 10./, Moat ' 9 t A, " Canadian 9, 'Nightmare 9, Spikey 9, Farronito 9, Golden Star 9.' MAKIRIKIRI HANDICAP,: of 100 sovs; six furlongs.—-Redwing 9, Ainbala 8.13, AVaioiru 8.10, Toanga 8.5, Strathmoira 8.5, Magneto 7.13", woll 7.12, Curator 7.11, Repeat 7.10, Golden Water 7.9, Leolan'ter. ■'.., 7.5, Merriwing 7.4, Happy New Year 7.4, Awha 7.4, Fond Memory 7.4, Moreo 7.4, Kildonan 7.3, Succession 7, : Billington 6.13, Royai Maid 6.9, Composed 6.9, Jessamine 6.9, Pumoana 6.7, .Amaru 6.7. DANNEVIRKE CUP, of 300 sovs; one mile and a'quarter.—Sir Frisco 9, Sandstream 8.10, Osiris 8.7, Iranui 8.3, Truganini 8.3, Tip-Toe 8.3 S Salute 8.3, Kopu 8, Waitapu 7.11, To Puia 7.9, IMataari 7.8,. Riflemaid 7.8; Chanteuse 7.6, Goodwin Park 7.5, Parable 7.3, Clemora 7.3, Bride 7.2, Glenullin 6.8, Lawn Rose. 6.7, Miss Advance 6.7, Berengaria 6.7, Tain Glen 6.7. NURSERY HANDICAP, of 100 sovs; four furlongs.—Koh-i-noor 8.13, King Soult 8.11, Lord Kelvin 8.10, Sea Eagle 8.9, Killaloo 8.8, Ladrone 7.10, Virtue, 7.10, • Gloss 7.9,'. Ngati;raunui.7.7, Rill 7.7, .Esmeh 7.7, Endeavour filly 7.7, Vision filly 7.7, Lady Mares 7.7, Lady Edna 7.7, Ladis 7.7, Longstep 6.11, Waikehua 6.10, Turna 6.10, Haumaria 6.10, Deploy 6.10, Waitoke 6.7. ',, , .;,'..'

TAIHORAITI WELTER, 80 sots; wen furlongs.—Captain 801 l 9.9, Separator 9.7, Marathon 9.3, Curator 9.0, Waiboto 8.13, Passive 8.12, Polyiriccs 8.11, Liquid Air 8.10, Obscurity 8.8, Wa.io.riki 8.8, Sleaoombe B.G, Waha 8.4, Harekoa 8.3, Tsushima 8.3, Rangikapua 8.3, Envoy 8.2, Pivmoaira 8.1, itinvmerian 8.1, Claranella 8.0, Cantain 8.0, Nigh.ima.re 8.0, Attio 8.0, Nolius 8.0, Amorphus 8.0, Lord Trwoll 8.0, Epsomo Dawns 8.0, Tupa-ea 8.0.

FLYING- STAKES, 120 .sere; sis furlongs.—Su.nbonnet 9.0, EBermia 8.10, Clemoro. 8.10, Expansion. 8.9, Sea .Queen 8.6. Terina 8.3, Vootgang 7.13, Aiborigiiwil 7.9, Dervish 7.4, Liza 6.13, Waicola 6.10. ELECTRIC" HANDICAP, 80 sovs; five furlong.—Ambala. 9.9, Red Wing 9.9, Tonnga 9.0, Magneto 8.9, Glengpnng 8.9, Oonquestina 8.6, Lady Doris 8.6, Fond Jlemory 7.13, Billingtor* 7.10, Leolantor 7.9, HHne Koran«i 7.9, Miss Sylvia 7.7, Blond 7.5, Ascalon 7.4, Bay Paul 7.3, Maykoff 7.3, Queon of Scots 7.2, Stovaine 7.0, Amaru 7.0, Bandy Jack 7,0, Artie 7.0, Noedlegirl 7.0, Golden Belle 7.0.

TOMAKI WI3LTER., 135 sovs; seven furlongs.—Sir Frisoo 10.9. Swirnming Belt 9.13, Longer 9.12, Iranui 9.11, Lothean 9.7, Wimmaera 9.G, Te Puia 9.5, Sea Queen 9,4, Vbetgang 9.2, Jtarion 8.9, 51iss Advanca 8.6, Perolina 8.5, Splash 8.2. MHdian 8.1, Golden Water 8.1, Lothair 8.0, Harekoa. 8.0, Envoy 8.0, Ballxncety 8.0.

..''WANGANUI TnT.et ASBOPIATIOJI,.,,;..'■'"'.,. .. • WANGANTJI,: February,:lß. The following handicaps for the; Wanganui races .have been declared: —. t WIIUTOA' HACK HANDICAP, one mile—Redwing 9, Tauira 9, Research 8.10, Midian 8.6, Waitofco 8.5,: King's,,Prise 8.3. Starboard 8.1, Bismarck 8.1,, Ta.m Glen 8, JOarathon 7.12, Attention 7.12, .Apollinaris 7.9, Silva 7.8, Castiglionc 7.7, Leolanter 7.7, Waimoko 7.2,: Bangikapua 7.2, Ukraine, 7.2, John 7.1, Howler 7.1, Prancer 7, Tsushima 7, Queen's Prize 7, Beacon 7, Rangiwhetu 7. PETBE "HACK HANDICAP, six furlongs—Redwing 9.6, Strathmoira 9, Te Kahurangi 8.13, Toango 8.12, Waioru 8.12, Faunus 8.8, ■Kina 8.5, Bistort 8.5, Castle Blaney 8.2, Starboard 5.2, Brilliancy 8, Attention 7.13. Leolanter 7.8, Emblem-7.7,-Truo Shot 7.7, First Battery 7.5, Waimoko 7.3, Waiariki 7.2. John 7.2, Contralto 7.1, Idolatress 7, Stewardess 7, Takau 7.

STEWARDS' HANDICAP, one mileNorth Bast.?. Lady Medallist 8.12, Sand(ilrcam 8.6," Swimming Belt 8.6,' 1 Tiptoe 8.4, Coronetted 7.11, Mendip. 7.11, Koran 7.7, Adria 7.7, Lady Menschikoff 7.2, Porolina 6.13, To Puia 6.13, Ambrosian 6.13, Mon Ami 6.9, Golden Loop 6.8, Ukraine 6.7, Jlarton .6.7, Chauvelin 6.7. JUVENILE HANDICAP, six furlongs. —Polymorphus 9.4. Golden Loop 8.3, Ladv R-eima 7.11, Tribulation 7.10, True Shot 7.6. St. Lawrence 6.12. Ngatiraunui 6.12. Dearest 6.11, Patriotic 6.7. WESTMERE .HURDLES., about 1 J:wo miles.—Playmate 11.2. Maidi 10.13, Reumae 10.13, Pikapo 10.7, Hydrant 10.3, Mount Cook 10, Xavier 10, Armagh 10, Moose 9.12, Showman 9.6, Silken Rein 9.5, Waione 9.4, Golden Glow 9. TAYFORTH HURDLES, one mile and three-quarters.—Maggie Paul 11.8, Audax 11.8, Waione 10.13, Maku 10.11, Gold Bird 10.5, Whimper 10.2, KanToa 9.9, Chase STab 9.8. Anemone 9.5. First Barrel 9.1, Hawick 9, Life 9, Master 9, Marutoa 9, Master Lethe 9.