RACING NEWS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8482, 17 July 1913, Page 11

RACING NEWS.

NOTES AND COMMENTS (By “ Finland.”) Tho stiff fences on tlie Bandwick racecourse have already been removed, and the brush jumps will shortly take their place. When tho alteration is completed, the Bandwick Steeplechase course (says “ Tho Scout ” in the Sydney “ Keferee ”) should be one of tho easiest in Australia. Luko Wilson intends leaving Sydney on Saturday next, and will then go on to tho National meeting.

Harry Hickey’s luck is still out, for ho lost CooJbcggan yesterday in tho Parliamentary. The field had only gone a couple of hundred yards when tho gelding broke one of his legs. Tins makes the fifth horse Hickey has lost in twelve months. Pohutu was the first to go, then followed Sturton, Strathmoira, Sunray, and now CooJbeggan. Besides getting tho latter killed, two of his other representatives in the Winter Hurdles fell, and he did not get a run for his money. This, I think, constitutes a record.

North-east ran a fairly good race yesterday in the Stewards’ Handicap, and may go one better on Saturday. As I expected, Theodore ran well, and was putting two to the others’ one at the finish.

Styx was another that was running on at tho finish of the opening event. He should soon get on tho winning list.

Kaniki stripped as well as anything on the day, and was made a warm favourite.

Tuna met with trouble after going a furlong, but ne made up a good bit of ground over the concluding stage and may land a stake at ivny time. Napper Tandy was the popular fancy in the Hack and Hunters Steeplechase, but cut up badly half a mile from home, after flattering his supporters for two miles. K.ew never gave anything a chance in the Trial Plate. He was always in a good position behind Lyrique, and when called upon in the run home he responded like a racehorse. the mach-talked-of Sir Moseley was not sighted in the Trial until well into the straight, when he put in a good rim.

Glenmore ran a good race in the Steeplechase, and was out forcing the pace practically the whole way. The weight over the last half-mile, however, told. Hoanga broke down badly on Wednesday morning, and is not likely to race for some time.

The Native’s jumping yesterday was a treat to witness, and ho ran a good race.

It was unfortunate for Mr C. Gordon that Dorando ran off at the last fence, as he was going well at the time, just behind Nedra.

The Spaniard was always in the fighting line, and will get on the winning list before long. Domino and Sir ILnox put in tremendous runs over the last two furlongs in the Parliamentary, and might have reversed places with the winner had the race been , a furlong further. Loch Mabin also finished well, and may score shortly.

The race for the Winter Hurdles was marred by accidents, and several horses that possessed good chances came to grief. 1 Stevens looked like winning at the top of the straight. Ho was going well, but ho collapsed all of a sudden.

George Price experienced a slice of bad luck when Nyland broke a leg during the running of the Winter Hurdles Handicap- At the time of the mishap the gelding was going splendidly, and appeared to have an excellent chance. The turf can ill afford to lose such good horses as Nyland. which won among other races the Winter Cup with 10.1, the Heathcote Handicap with 11.5, and was second to Wauchope in the Farewell Handicap at the Auckland Grand National meeting in 1911. • Mr Andrew Robertson, of the Allendale Stock Farm, Melbourne, has gone to England, where he hopes to purchase one of the best stallions available, as well as some thoroughbred mares.

Pursefiller. by Lethe—Golden View, who got badly damaged during a trip to Christchurch for the last New Zealand Cup meeting is quite herself again. She is being fed and attended to by her owner, at Greemneadows, who anticipates setting her going again shortly. Gold Pin is giving his trainer some cause for uneasiness, one of his forelegs having shown signs of weakness. Peg has rejoined M. Hobbs’s active brigade at Biccarton, and is looking well after her spell. Her stable companion, the Martagon—Ronetta filly, is suffering from an enlarged joint, but it is hoped it will not interfere with her preparation.

Suspecting that a bookmaker’s business was being carried on at a house in the Rue St. Audre des Arts, Paris, M. Cossin. a police officer, went to tlio house and explained to the valet that his master was ill and thaTTie had come to take his place. He reassured the valet by .giving him a “tip” for a race. Then the police officer took his place behind the desk in the private office, received the clients with a welcome smile, entered up their names and bets, and pocketed their money. The real bookmaker arrived during the morning, and was indignant to find a stranger in his place. He was still more astonished when be was arrested for illegal betting.