NOTES AND COMMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 7079, 17 March 1910, Page 9

NOTES AND COMMENTS

(By “ Tub Judge.'’) Downfall, who has been accepted for in the Sydney Cup, is said to be gallopill? ill a von' resolute fashion, the change of climate having evidently agreed with tile sou of San ITancisoo. At the Woodlands stud sale in Melbourne the 22 lots realised 35721 guineas. The Araerioan-bretl Caiman, who once heat Flying Fox as a two-year-old in the Mkldlo ‘ Turk Plate, was sold for 00« guineas. Ton price was. however, given for Our Queen (Wallace-—third ley), with iilly by Bobadil 700 guineas being bid. The Grafton horse Booran brought 500 guineas, and he goes to Tasmania t-o tho stud. The well-known Melbourne trainer, 1. Karnshaw, gave 110 guineas for a filly by Bobadil from Caroline, a near relative to tho New Zealand crack Jiobvikoif. A oolt by the New Zealand Cup winner Canteen from Pleasant Dream only realised 21 guineas Mr W. G. Biddell, S.M., is to give his decision to-morrow as to whether pony club officials are "-undesirables.” This is in connection with the case of tho olleged trespass at the Trentham racecourse..

No less than fifty-five horses have been accepted far in the Doncaster Handicap, anions the list being the New Zealanders Bobrikoff. Motoa. Seaton Dale, and Snowfoot. Tho final forfeit has to be paid by 4 p.m. on the L'Cth inst. The Auckland Cup winner. Master Delaval, was sent out a warm favourite for tho Epsom Plato at Bombay on January 29th, which event he duly won. The Auckland-bred Soultline won the Malabar Hill Plate, of SOOOrs at Borabay on February 12th. He carried 9.7, 'and cut out the six furlongs in lmin 11 drOSCC.

' Taimainupo, A. Robertson's A.R.C. Easter Handicap candidato, is hitting out in great stylo at present. Last year tho fine son of Soult—AVineome—ran third when the proverbial sheet would have covered the placet! horses.

A writer in. "Sporting Judge" is not greatly impressed with tho way the pow-ers-thaW>e manage things on the track in Victoria. He writes :—"We Ret things very " much' mixed up - her at times. Our judges in their decisions are often not in unison with public opinion. Our starters do not seem to care a jot how they let their fields go. Our stewards are oblivious as to the ramping'that is done on them. Apparently thev are not only .indifferent at! to the public being robbed, but themselves. They -would sooner be robbed than say anything or do anything that might prevent it. And now we have the telegraph office up against us. Two out of every five posted results are incorrectly posted. The horso that won .-is not the horse posted.".- - . . - A London writer remarks that D. Matter's position is unique, for though Trigg is bound to the Bedford Lodge Bt&bfe, and Keeblo will ride for Sir Ernest Cassel, H. Watts for Mr Leopold de Rothschild, -Howard for Mr Buchanan, and so on. it is always with the proviso that they will give way to the American when his services are availably. This practically gives Maher the pick of the heavy-weight riding in England this year, so it will bo surprising if his winning average is' not exceptionally good.

' One of the most' fortunate trainers of modern times in connection' with the '•Etttflish Derby was John Porter, who in the course of 'thirty-two years turned out seven winners,., commencing with the late Sir Joseph Hawley's Blue Gown in 1868, and following with the late Duke of Westminster's Shoto-ver in 1832; and Sir Frederic Johnstone's St. Blaise in 1883, the Duke' of Westminster's Ormonde in 1886 the late Sir James Milker's Sainfoin in. 1800, Sir Frederick John- . Btone's Common, in 1891, and. finally, the 'Duke of Westminster's Flying Fox in 1599. Bichaird Marsh's Derby record is also an excellent one, as since ho took possession of Egerton House fourteen years ago he has turned out four winners of that'race. ' It has sometimes been remarked by ; visitors what a very large number of ' women, who apparently can hardly afford the fee for admission, are to be found in the enclosure at any racing club meeting. Is this a solution of the mystery ? A Melbourne paper states that owinft to the manner in which some members of the V.A.T.C. part with their ladies' tickets, the club has of late found it necessary to employ several plainclothes police to watch the entrancegates at race meetings, and as a result they found certain women securing access to the course without paying. The method was for one of them to come inside and collect three or four members' ladies' tickets, and then co outside, when others were passed in on the same tickets. Some members were before the committee for allowing their tickets to be so used, and severe measures will be taken if any further cases arise. The splendid prices realised at the eale of the Allendale Stock Farm's trotting stock, at Mentone, is likely (says 'the "Argus") to materially assist the " efforte which are bains: made by the Melbourne Trottinsr Club to make the sport of trotting and the breeding of trotters and pacers in this State as popular and profitable as it now is in New Zealand. Some breeders who have hitherto confined their efforts to breeding gallopers ara so impressed with the demand for trotting stock in thiß State that they intend, it is said, procuring trotting stallions from America. The forthcoming Sires' Produce Stakes, of 1000 soys, and the ,£SOO trotting handicap, which will be decided on the Bichmond racecourse next November, under the auspices of the Melbourne Trotting Club, ore now likely to attract, considerable attention from those who are giving the trotting horse serious consideration. The stallion Flotsam (St. Frusquin—- , Float) was recently taken back to England from Uruguay. He was very successful at the stud of Senor Carlos Reyles. and some of his yearlings brought up to iOOOgs. Flotsam has been secured for the Cobham Stud. Kin# Edward's horse Minora has wintered well, and his trainer is not without hope of seeing him down Bayardo in the Ascot Gold Cup. Marsh has confidence in the Derby winner as a stayer, ' notwithstanding that most (racing men have a different idea. With the exception of Minora all the colts leased by his Majesty from Mr W. Hall Walker have- been returned, to the latter.

Sir George Clifford has sofct Frill Sail to an Australian buyer, and the gelding will be shipped by an early steamer. Taskmaster -was scratched d£ Chrisfcehurch for tho 'Great Autumn Handicap at 1.40 p.m. yesterday. Tho irastertoii autumn meeting, which opens to-day, promises to be a one. Tho train arrangements are not

, • "r ■ hut notwiiiistandi \ > - _ liw,< itundanti. i= i i i n - > urlle nil j tit ,11 I i, i ',l .ill iiake hiri i , , I . <i ip UIII.III-. a,d if , ~ 1 a t 1 1 1 u th.ni til -. tt'd--1 _. „.. 1 id -H,' di pUj 11 I 1 1 1 I) ii I i <.mdl- <) in hi 1 ■ ' Hi „ in nts , 1 ' 11 in a tr.iii'i .1 I'us rIJ 1 11 1 , c 1., ti 11 aid tins 11 <i r t 1 i 1 / In n ' inn <i <,ood race at Mi ir' ;n t'd i iimni an<i To JUu are in tho March J 1 1. 1 .1,1 i f j terton to-day, ;Uid tho I 1 1 lie ild .keep their opponents very bury during the running of this event. ii<, vlor, who ia drained by A. Atwood at ioilding, is reported to have developed into a sprinter. This Sou'-Westor g.-Ming, who ran a Rood third in the Maiden Handicap at Woodville, may make some ;uueiuk in the Maiden Handicap at Masterton to-day. Tho Hutt trainer I<\ Higgott makes no secret of the fact that he expects Gold Top to run well to-day. This Soult filly 'finished behind Tawhaki and Kilindini at the Rungitikei spring meeting, and created a favourable impression by the way in which she finished up her task. H. Kirk will ride Succession in the Masterton Handicap to-day, and this Conqueror mare, who just missed running into first place at Wdodvilie, should be there or thereabouts when the whips are cracking.

First Consul, who is owned by tho popular Wairarapa sportsman Mr W. IX Watson, is a long timo in crediting his owner with a win, but it is anticipated that the Conqueror gelding' may be seen, in a better light at tho Masterton fixture.

Tlie Waipipi Cup, to be decided to-day, should bo productive of a stirring contest, and with Irauui, Taitoko and Swimming Belt engaged the event bears a very open appearance.

The Feildiujf owner, Mr C. Hammond, will ride Captain Bell in the Ladies' Bracelet at Masterton to-day. This rider, who suffers under a slight disability, won this event on Euemnc at the Masterton spring meeting, and history may repeat itself on the present occasion. There ig an old adage, "horses for courses," and this assumption may oome true with regard to Lady Doris, who won the Maiden Hack Race at the Masterton spring meeting. This Gold Beef mare is reported in capital form, and. she i 3 expected to play a prominent part in the decision of the Dash Handicap. Lnius, who is owned by the local sportsman Mr R. T. Turnbull, is expected to carry his owner's colours in. a prominent fashion at tho Masterton gathering. Merrivonia continues to train on satisfactorily at Trentham. This fine mare should represent her owner in a creditable manner at the Auckland Easter meeting.

The weights for the picnic meeting of tho AVanrengate Jockey Club appear in another column. This fixture is always a popular one with West Coast sportsmen, and the coming meeting on Wednesday next promises to be a very enjoyable affair. Nominations for the Masterton Racing Club's autumn meeting close with the secretary. Mr J. M. Johnstone, to-morrow evening.'at 10 o'clock. ■ Acceptances for the St. Patrick's and Telegraph Handicaps, to be Tun at next Saturday's meeting of., the- Wellington Pony and Galloway Club, close with Mr J. M. Gumming at 3 p.m. to-day. According to the "Manawatu Times" a Maori, mounted and armed with a stockwhip,'caused no little consternation at the' Dannevirko races last week, and. it is understood that, through his extraordinary proceedings, the Dannevirke Racing Club is likely to be deprived of some of the profits of the recent meeting. Mr James McGregor, son of Mr Alexander McGregor, of Goodwood, Palmerston, was selected'as an offender, though he had gono through-the gate in the usual way, but had struck out across the paddock to avoid the dust of the road. The Maori, catching sight of him, galloped over, and according to Mir McGregor, struck him a savage blow across the face with his whip, causing blood to flow freely from a. wound in the cheek. Others who suffered from the enthusiasm of the native were Mr Overton, of the Terrace End Ilotol.'and Mr Lloyd, whose hats were both cut by blows from tho whip. Tho Maori then rode, away, and the matter was reported to the "club. Mr McGregor has since been in tho hands of DrO'Brien through the offects of the blow, and his face is still considerably patched. The Allanclalo Stock Farm sale was a great success. In all, 64 lots were sold, for a total of nearly ,£BOOO. Tho Y.A.T.C. committee ha,ve decided to havo the stakes of their big events next season, the same as this season. The Australian Hurdle Eace will bel?.0O sovs, Australian: Steeplechase 1500 sovs,' Caulfield Cup 3000 sovs, Debutant Stakes 1250 sov9, and Toorak Handicap 1200 sovs. The total given in stakes this season is something over'iSO.OOO. " '■

The Loolantis gelding Cachuca, owned by Messrs Ryan and De Gcoen, is doing exceptionally good work' on the tracks at Bamhvick, and there is. every hope of his running forward in. some of his engagements at the A.J.C. autumn meeting. Provided he is not sold in the meantime, Cachuca is to bo brought back to Now Zealand after tho gathering. Two New Zealand-bred stallions, Swordfish 11. and Maranui, are to be sold by autction in Sydney next month. The New, Plymouth sportsman, J. O'Driscoll, will bo a visitor to the Auckland meeting "with Waitapu and Pharos.

The ex-Aucklander, "Joe" Gallagher, has accepted a position in Melbourne as private trainer to Mr C. Liney, and has four horses owned ■ by that gentleman under his charge. . • ■ With an acceptance of 22 for the A.R.C. Easter Handicap, the prospects for a fine race are at present exceedingly bright. The top weight, All Eed, has dropped out, and Master Soult now heads the list. Diabolo, Sir Firisco, and Swimming Belt failed.to pay up, while of the others, Sedition is the only prominent defection. Lady Medallist is the sole representative of the powerful Poriraa stable, Woodhey represents the Hon. J. D. Oruiond, Mr Ring relies upon Wauchope in preference to Hohungatahi, Santa Rosa is chosen before Waimangu, while Mr Lowry has withdrawn Reformist and left in Ambala. Salute and Maori King still maintain their position as favourites, and at present nothing else is asked for to any extent. H. Gray, A. Whittaker.. A. Oliver, C. Jenkins, W. Young, W. Eyan, S. Reid, and E. Hatch, head the list of winning jockeys in that order. Salute and Waione is the favourite combination for the A.R.C. Easter Handioap and Brighton Hurdles. Russia is the only nation in the world that has more horses than the United States. Russia has 29,000,000, while America has very close on 20,000,000. The Soult gelding Grenadier, who had been resting for some time, has been taken up again by S. Hodge. All "is not well with the once speedy Cambrian, and in consequence there is a -possibility of the Cyrenian—Miss Annie horse being sent up for disposal at the Sydney autumn bloodstock sales. The New Zealand-bred The Raft, by Possible, has. so far, failed to show any form in Victoria. He was submitted at auction last month, and changed hands for 52 guineas. • ' ■• •' ■ > When Paritntn went off the scene last winter he bore all the appearance of a hopelessly broken-down animal. However, he is engaged in the A.E.C. Brighton Hurdles with 10.8. It is about time the old .fellow was pensioned off. . Owning Malsters is like holding giltedged securities, at least to some of the lucky once, witile the;ow£^;of.ih«..s»)->i

cossful sire is doing as -well as if be ran a popular brewery (says a Sydney writer). We often hear of infallible betting systems. Perhaps it has not occurred to anyone to back all tKo Malsters in a big race. There were six in the Newmarket field, and two got first and second. A pound on each would have returned £2O on the winner, and there would have been no loss whichever won. A fiver invested the same way would have meant a handsome profit. But then, of course, this is the after-game, and something else may have flopped up. All the same, the success of the Malster breed is phenomenal.