THE SPORT OF RACING

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 12151, 30 May 1925, Page 7

THE SPORT OF RACING

HECTOR GRAY’S REMARKABLE CARER NEW ZEALAND HORSES FOR AUSTRALIA GENERAL NOTES AND COMMENTS

RACING FIXTURES June 3 Bud 4—Otoki Maori E.C. Winter June 3. t and 6—Dunedin J.O. Winter. June 3. 6. and B—Auckland E.C. Winter Juno 6—-Levin K.C. Winter. June 8 and 13—Australian J.C. Winter. June 13—Waverley E.C. Winter. June 13—Franklin E.C. Annual (at Avondale). June 19 and 20—Napier Park E.C. Winter June 24. 25—Hawke’s Bay J.C. Winter. June 26. 27—Ashburton County R.C. Winter. June 27—Hawke’s Bay Hunt Winter. NOMINATIONS. June s—Napier Park E.C. Winter. June 12 —Hawke’s Boy J.C. Winter. Juno 12 —Hawke’s Bay Hunt Winter. June 12—Hawke’s Bay J.C. Stakes and Guineas (1926). June 12—CanteVbury J.C. classic events. June 12— Manawatu E.C. classic events. June 12—Dunedin J.C. classic events. June 15 —Ashburton County E.C. Winter. HANDICAPS'. June s—Waverley E.C. Winter, i June 9—Franklin E.C. Winter. June 12—Napier Park E.C. Winter. June 19 —Ashburton County R.C. Winter. June 22—Hawke’s Bay J.C. AVinter. j June 25—Hawke’s Say Hunt Winter. ACCEPTANCES. ■Tune B—Waverley E.C. Winter. June 10 —Franklin E.C. Annual. June 16 —Napier Park E.C. Winter. June 22—Hawke’s Bay J.C. Winter. June 22—Ashburton County E.C. Winter. . Juno 26—Hawke’s Bay Hunt Winter, i FINAL PAYMENTS. iJune 3—Auckland E.C. Great Northern j Hurdles and Cornwall Handicap (at | post). June 6—Auckland E.C. Great Northern Steeplechase (at post). NOTES AND COMMENTS (By “Carbine.”) The Hawke’s Bay steeplechaser Black Art was shipped to Sidney by the Ulimaroa yesterday. The ex-New Zealand horseman, W. O’HaUoran, cabled lor the riding cf Black Art, but it is improbable that a rider will be engaged, till the horse has reached Sydney. Black Art is engaged in the Australian Steeplechase, and the Australian Hurdle Race. The hurdles are run on June Bth, and the steeples five days later. The weight allotted the New Zealander in the steeples is 10 stone, and in the hurdles 9.7. Haze, Lucinda and Wintertime were shipped to Sydney yesterday. Lucinda is by from Lady Lucy, and Wintertime is by Joculator from Ermine. The last-named is a pony. Applications for trainers’ and jockeys’ licenses for next season must be lodged with district committees by May 31st, or they are liable to miss the July meeting of the licensing committee of the Racing Conference. Gloaming has been on the easy list since he returned from Hastings, but he was out again on Thursday, when he was exercised on the lead. Whipcord (W. Scobie) gave Lord Ashlea (A. G-. Campbell) a lead over three fences at Riccarton. Whipcord jumped well throughout, but Lord Ashlea did not shape so satisfactorily. After clearing the sod wall in good style, he tried to run off at the second fence," jumping the wing. He ran off at the third fence, hut jumped the hurdle a little further on. He bled slightly afterwards. “Mr E. L. Riddiford paid a short visit to Christchurch this week (says the 'Star’), and during a conversation he discussed recent racing results in the north. It is interesting to learn, by the way, that the shift of his horses to Wanganui is only a temporary arrangement for the winter, and after the Wanganui ■ Jockey Club’s spring meeting in September they will all return to Trentham. Mr Riddiford was, of course, delighted with the consistent running of his three horses at Wanganui, their record for five starts being two wins, two seconds and one third. Master Peter, who was second in the steeplechase each day, is expected to do much better when he tackles stiffer country, as he is a fine fencer, apart from which his condition can he improved, so that his prospects are regarded as very bright. His owner is confident that he will run well in the Great Northern Steeplechase,, while he should be at the top of his farm for the Wellington Steeplechase in - July, with the Grand National a month further on to give him another chance. He has already been round the Riccarton course a, few times, and has shown his ability to jump the country. Dubious, the hurdler of the team, pleased his conneptions with his winning performance in the Century Hurdle Handicap. He is Only a four-year-old, with his jumping career in front of him, and, as he is bred to stay in the best of company, he looks a National horse in the making. As for Fool’s Paradise, he was considered a trifle unlucky to be beaten into third place in the Connolly Handicap, but he made amends by winning the -Empire Handicap on the second day. The recent form of Fool’s Paradise .has afforded Mr Riddiford a good deal of satisfaction. He has much more stamina than most of Absurd’s progeny, doubtless derived from his dam Mascot, who was a great staying daughter of Martian, and It seems probable that lie will earn further honours over a distance next season.”

Nominations for the Melbourne Oup and Cantata Stakes, the latter a mile handicap to be decided at the Cup meeting in November, will close on Tuesday, when yearling nominations will be taken for the Victoria Pacing Club’s future events. New Zealand' owners can make their nominations with the Canterbury Jockey’s dub, Dunedin Jockey dlib, Wellington Racing dub, or Auckland Racing Club.

Baldowa is shaping well in his work at Wingatui, and although showing a suspicion of soreness keeps sound enough and goes freely now that the sting is out of the going. Kiloff is shaping well in his schooling over hurdles at Winjjatui, hut he has extravagant action in front, and it is doubtful- if he will stay any better over hurdles than he did when racing on tile flat. A recent addition to Giesler’s stable at Wingatui is a rising three-year-old uy Paper Money from Mezzo. He is a sturdy and compactly-built sort, and -haped well in his first sprint last week. He is named Corn Money, and is owned by his breeder, Mr W. Gardiner, of Oamaru.

It is quite pTobablo that, next season will see New Zealand-bred and owfied

horses battling for henonrs in the A.J.C. Derby at Randwick (N.S.W.), and it will not bo the first time that this part of toe globe has been represented in the o’assio, with favourable results, aa Bonnie Scotland (S. 11. Gol(an), Noctuiform (G. G. Stead), Kilfcoy (Stead and Luttrell), Biplane, Gloaming, Cupidon (G D Greenwood), and Ballymena (H. A. Knight) have been recorded as winners of the event. Cyllene, whose death at Buenos Aires has been reported, vas unquestionably one of the best horses of toe inter years of the ninsteento century. By Bona Vista out' of Arcadia, Cyliena waa foaled in 1893, and was therefore in hiti thirtieth year. He had a distinguished career on the turf, though unfortunately for his reputation be was ineligible to compete for the Derby vvon by Jeddah, which he would probably have won, as he was by common consent easily the best toree-year-old of to" particular year, in which he easily won the Newmarket Stakes, among tin beaten horses being the said Jeddah. As a four-year-old he won the Atcob Gold Cup. As a stallion he was remarkably successful, fopr of his progeny being Minoru, Cicero, Lemberg, and Taga-lie, all of whom won the Derby, while he also sired numerous other winners of important events. Mr H. Hassall, of Hawke’s Bay, appears to have been delivering, himself in Sydney on the drawbacks of the “tote,” “Musket,” of the Sydney “Mail,” reporting him thus: —“Mr Hns«ul was here for the A.J.O. Easter meeting, and was much impressed- with the management of affairs at Randwick. In his opinion racing is much better conducted here than in New Zealand, where aro delayed so that too ‘tote’ can absorb as much of the racegoers’ money 3b possible before toe barrier is released. The punctuality of starting races at Randwick was favourably commented upon by Mr Hassall, who, apparently, is not a warm advocate of machine betting. ‘ln New. Zealand,’ he said, ‘toe tote makes liars of owners, unless they want their dividends considerably lessened. , But here, when an owner has helped himself to the bookmaker’s odds, he oan put all his friends on to the “good thing” without robbing Rmself of a penny.’ ”

Mrs J Griffin ha* purchased The Cheat from J. McCorebe. He will remain in McCombe’s charge, to be prepared far future racing. Merry Lad, who woe a useful performer, in cross country events a few seasons ago, broke a leg while running

in toe jaddock one day last week, and was destroyed. The rule under which H. Gray was disqualified is as follows: —“If, in this or any other country, any person corruptly give or offer, directly or indirectly, any money, present, share in a bet, or other benefit, to any person having official duties in relation to a are, or to any trainer, jockey, or other person having charge of or access to any horse, he shall be deemed guilty of a corrupt practice; and ho, and any horse in connection with the entering, training l or running of which the corrupt practice shall have occurred, may bo disqualified by the stewards or committee of any club, or by any District Committee, or by toe judges of toe conference, for any specified period, or for life. Mr A. W. Gordon and Mr G. E. Curry will officiate as stipendiary stewards at the Dunedin winter meeting. Listening Post, with a light-weight in toe saddle, ran a mile on the Southland Racing Club’s Inside grass track on Tuesday morning in lmin 47 2-5 see, a useful performance (says “Sir Mqdred”). He was picked up by Warhaven (J. A. Rowland) at the sevenfurlong post, and the- pair ran to tho straight together, Listening Post naturally having the advantage at the end of the journey on a holding track. Says too “Otago Daily Times” , When conning over an Australian paper whilst travelling up to Oamaru last week, an interesting item of news was read, where the Queensland stipendiary steward had applied for an increase of salary from 500 6ove to 600 sows per annum. It was stated that during the season of 1923 he had travelled 9024 miles and attended 59 meetings. Last season he travelled 14,942 miles, and attended 69 meetings. The Queensland stipendiary undoubtedly plays a moving part in racing, and evidently dbes not let toe grass grow under his feet-. In add : - tiqn to his salary he is allowed a free railway p-asS and 15s per day expenses. The Increase was granted. In New Zealand there ia also considerable movement on the part of some of those whose duties carry them round the meetings. Mr W. F. James, of totalizator fame, states the oars which carry his staff around register about 8000 miles per year, in addition to railway travelling. This season toe writer will have covered over 10,000 miles travelling to send from various racing, trotting, and burr* club meetings, and attended about 90 days of mixed sport. Incidentally, a few columns of comment, news r otes, and reports of the various meetings has to be gathered each .week, which sometimee contain a few idle moments, partieluarly during the New Zealand Cup meeting, when seven days’ racing on erjd takes place. Inis was toe time when toe writer was asked: “How are you enjoying your holiday?” “Fine,” whs the reply. “I have just dumped two columns of it on the wire for Dunedin!” TROTTING It is reported that toe New Zealand Trotting Association has appointed members of oertain clubs to investigate toe doings ,of members of another club. This is a new departure in toe administration of the sport, and

one that suggests weakness on the part of the Trotting Association, for it is obviously the governing body’s duty to inquire into club affairs, and not to pass on the responsibility to members of clubs. Is it likely that the officials of one club will give satisfaction when inquiring into the affairs of a sister organisation? Partner is in splendid nick. He is muscular, and is pacing strong and true in his work. In fact he just revels in his work. Mv Sonny will not give so much cheek at the post the next time he goes to the races. He is being kept right up to the collar. Onyx is getting bigger and stronger with age. While jogging on the lead yesterday she bounced along like a two-year-old. Gleaming is particularly bright and well. He looks to be right back to his best form. G. F. Robinson is keeping St Anthony busy with a view to earning his winter oats at the Canterbury Park meeting next week. ' Prince Pointer looks like a king after his race at Oamaru. It did him a lot of good. J. N. Clarke is improving the brilliant trotter Herbilwyn. He is becoming nice and quiet, and it is only a question of him remaining sound to win good races. The Palmerston North enthusiast, Mr Geo. Craw, has arrived at New Brighton with Nelson Derby and Nelson Fame. Both horses are in good buckle. The Ashburton Trotting Club’s free-for-all. to be run over 11 furlongs, has attracted seven candidates. When the race was incorporated in the programme, Mr H. F. Nicoll said that he would be pleased if the club received four entries. So it is obvious that the Ashburton officials will feel that their enterprise has been rewarded. The surprise entry is the brilliant Ahuriri, who, for the first tune, will rub -wheels with the elite of the champions. So far the crackajacks have not met over the distance, but it is certain to suit all of them. What with the great deeds of Onyx, Sheik and Logan Chief at. Easter still fresh in tho minds of racegoers a meeting of the big three and Realm, Man c’ War.- Acron and Ahuriri will stir the trotting populace of the country. Fiee-for-alls have caught on. with the public, who, for some time, has demonstrated its appreciation of contests in which the best horses are seen in action. w,-, The yearling brother to Don Wild recently brought to Auckland from Sydney by Mr H. Timms, is the last of the family of Wild' Duck. There are four in the family, Don Wild, the champion money-earner last season in New, Zealand, Stroller, a four-year-old filly still possessed hy the breeder, Mr W. Bryan, Sydney, and the colt brought to Auckland by Mr Timms. All four are hy Don Pronto, and tiuee are now in the Dominion. . The American stallion Guy Parrish is reported to bo going well in his [ work at New Brighton. He is moving with much freedom, and appears to have thrown off the unsoundness which has troubled him hitherto. Dp to the first of this month the West Australian Trotting Association had distributed £28,855,in stakes. _ The principal winner was Mr, G. Hiscox with £i726, while fourth on the list was the New Zealand owner, Mir J. Trengrov© (owner of Great Hope), with £IOSO. , . . R,. Hall scored another win for Mr Whitten when he won the Northland Cup at Whangarei on Saturday with the Gold Bell gelding Reliance. Not only is Reliance better now. than ever

he was, but he seems to improve with every race. On Saturday he was set to concede starts ranging up to 120 yards, but this presented no great difficulty to him, and, pacing in rare style, he hit the front a long way from home. The rest was then easy, and he won comfortably by a couple of lengths. In his present form he would oe hard: to beat in much better company than he has been meeting. Although the Epsom trainer, J. Shaw, has not nad the best of luck with his team in good races this season, he had an innings at the Northland meeting, where he won a double with the trotter Peter McDonald and also a race with the paoer Tannhauser. 'He drove Peter McDonald himself, but Tannhauser was ridden hy Fairfield. Early this season Tannhauser, which claims relationship to the one-time champion Author Dillon, was, with Will Child, brought up from Christchurch by tlieir owner (Mr G. McMillan) and given to Shaw to prepare. Bpth. are young horses, and though they faced prominently, it was not till Saturday last that Tannhauser got a win. He is a fine-actioned pacer, and should dp well later on. If ther<» was a horse regarded as a non-stayer in Auckland it was Bpn Wallace, and it came as a surprise to find him beating all but Reliance.in the Northland Cup, which race was run over two miles. His one asset is that he never does anything wrong, and no matter how hard he may be ridden he battles on without making a mistake. To get him to do his best a good whip is necessary. When he ran second on Saturday he was responsible for a complete surprise, and a handy dividend was received by his few suppprters. RICCARTON NOTES (From the “Times” Correspondent.) CHRISTCHURCH, slay 29. Kipling was only half ready when he raced at the South Canterbury Jockey Club’s meeting. Since then he has got his Sunday waistcoat on, so look out at Dunedin. Nothing is working better at Riccarton than Gay Juliet. Another that has been ticked off is Ayrburn, but he must have the ground firm. The North Islander, Bonomel, has done well since he arrived at Riccarton, in fact he is regarded as one cf the tit-bits for backers at the Wingatui fixture. ' \

Jubilant, who was unlucky to miss at Rangiora, is, in _great heart. She will have a big following in the big race at Dunedin. „ Grim Joke stirred the hearts of the punters at Riccarton by the way he dies his obstacles. Immediately he finished yesterday morning they dipped into their pockets to ascertain where he is racing next. A bonny novice at the hurdling game is North Inch. He is worth a place in any punter’s notebook. J. McCombe has sold The Cheat to one of his patrons, Mr Griffen, who j about nine months ago came over from I Australia to reside at Riccarton. The I Cheat is pitchforked in at Dunedin. ! ■ ■’ ■“ “ j LATEST FROM ADDINGTON I (From the “Times” Correspondent.) | CHRISTCHURCH, May 29. | -The heads and tails in Canterbury are waiting for Syd. August to. bring Sparkling Pronto down from Wellington. They all want to be on him. I Acron and Away are the. favourites far the Kink George Handicap at Canterbury Park. Both-horses are in grand buckle. Half the heads at Addington took a deep breath when they saw Ahuriri nominated for the free for all at Ashburton. .If he can beat Dogan Chief and Co. on' level terms what chance has the roughies of beating him in tho handicap race on the first day? Trouble is brewing in the trotting world. It is dollars to doughnuts on the Trotting Association being .scrapped. Quite recently it is alleged to have side-stepped a big responsibility, that < f investigating the affairs of certain members of a certain club. They have appointed three committeemen of other clubs to do their work. One of the three gentlemen appointed has declined to act. Never in the histdry of trotting has such a transfer of responsibility been attempted. This is adding more fuel to the flames. Those in a position to, know state emphatically that the present method- of control is inadequate al *ii Perhaps next season the sport will be controlled by district committees on the same lines as those in vogue in the administration of racing. The North Island trotter Herbilwyn is doing well for J. N. Clark. Provided his trainer can keep him sound ne will win half a dozen races. He can fly.

Nelson Fame and Nelson Derby have arrived in Christchurch from ton North. Both horses are in tip top buckle, but Nelson Derby ha& become “iffy” at the peg. Bessie Logan is one of the finds of the season. She won’t stop winning till she qualifies for the New Zealand Trotting Cup. Mr H. F. Nicoll is said to have a mortgage on the New Zealand Sapling Stakes, but Jimmy Bryce avers that he will beat him. j | NEWS FROM WANGANUI • j (By Telegraph.— Special to “Times.”) I WANGANUI, May 29. ( Consequent on Alaric having contracted a cold, the booking arrangements for Auckland were cancelled. The gelding is improving,. and worked well yesterday, but so far no move has been taken in the way of rebooking for the'north. Comical left here this afternoon for Auckland, and is to be joined at Marton by Omahu. The former looked in j splendid fettle when leaving here, his "acing here having apparently improved him’ W. Hawthorn took Blue Hall north; in company with Trespass and Vagabond, being hopeful that the gelding will be able to race at the meeting, as he appeared to be throwing off the lameness which troubled him after racing at Wanganui. Lady Comet, winner of the Hack Steeplechase at .Waipa, did not leave here until Tuesday evening, and arrived at Te Awamutu in the morning, to score a win in' the afternoon. Had it not been for the Railway De-

partment's new policy of catering for owners more than formerly, Lady Comet would not hare got away until Wednesday, as, owing to previous bookings, the boxes were full, but the authorities made special arrangements,

which resulted happily for the owner. At a special meeting of the nui Trotting Club last evening, it was resolved to change its constitution, from “Trotting Club” to “Racing Club” by virtue of the powers conferred by the Gaming Amendment Act, 1924. Another resolution was adopted that the committee be authorised to dispose of any property of the club to the Wanganui Jockev Club on such terms as they mav think fit. This chnnge has I been adopted with a view to retaining I the two totalisator permits held by the |

Trotting Club for Wanganui, as it has been found impossible to keep the Trotting Club going. Owing to various circumstances, the light harness sport has not made the progress anticipated in this district, and the acquisition of Liverpool Park, Wanganui East, and its transformation into a trotting course was attended with heavy financial outlay. Then came the slump and the falling off in public support, the combination dissipating any hope of the club clearing its liabilities and carrying on successfully. BEFORE THE NORTHERNS The Great Northerns will be run next week. Sir Rosebery is in the boom here. He has been schooling well, and wiil have a following. Gala Day has a lot of friends for the Cornwall. Master Peter comes with a reputation. There will be many disappointed if he does not live up to it. His stable-mate, Dubious, looks a likely sort. He has only 9.4 to carry in the hurdles, and, as he won the Century Hurdles, can you tell me why he is not in greater favour for the Great Northern Hurdles? Broadwood goes on winning. He just got there at Waipa, after being saved for a final effort. The handicapper has hie measure now, and it will not be so easy for him to win. Passionate was started in the hurdles at Waipa, but those who backed him were in rather a hurry. He needs more schooling, and a win might come his way in some of the company that is not too stiff. Mangapiko still has all of us thinking. Pew horses up this way have puzzled backers more. ' Aucklanders were in too much of a hurry to he on the side of Glen Canny. Someone sent the word round that he was sure to win a hurdle race at Hawera or Wanganui. Dp this way they believed the story. Now they don’t. A useful sort in the big jumping events here is Mary Bruce. She has not much weight, and she is just the sort that might take advantage of the leniency of the handicapper, and, as they say on the track, “smoke for the doctor.” Karamu has been doing well at Avondale, and is a hetler sort than most people think. He is a fine jumper. That good horseman,. J. O’Shea, might not return to New Zealand for some little time. If he returns this season, there is no end of the best riding awaiting him. Wouldn’t.. it be good to see Jack and the Lowry, colours associated agaTnl Peter Amans, one of those wHo have eyes on the Great Northern Hurdles, has been doing all that his trainer has asked, and doing IF well. Freely thrown out as likely to go well in the Cornwall—Doleful Ditty. Good-bye to Oakleigb, a National Steeplechase winner and a victor in the Wellington Steeplechase. Bright Son soon. AUCKLAND RACES THE SCRATOHINGS. Per Tress Association AUCKLAND, May 29. Redhead was scratched at 9 o’clock this morning, and Black Art at 10.45 for all engagements at the Auckland Racing Club’s meeting.' For all engagements: • Alaric and West Abbey (2.10 p.m.) for the Hunters’ Hurdles, Kauri Park. OTAKI MAORI MEETING THE ACCEPTANCES. Per l’ress Association. OTAKI, May 28. The acceptances for the Otaki Maori meeting are:— ' '

LEVIN MEETING

ACCEPTANCES RECEIVED. Per Press Association. LEVIN, May 29. The acceptances for the Levin Racing Club’s meeting on June 6th are: OHAU HACK HURDLES, of 100 sovs: one mile and a half.—Comedy Prince 10.3, Puketoi 9.11, Glument 9.9. Eonmark 9.7, Haligan 9.6, Treadwell 9.5, Bestir 9.3, Red Head 9, Lady Dolwill 9, Doyelston 9, Maunu 9. Otauru 9, Red Imp 9. WELTER HACK HANDICAP, of 190 sovs; seven furlongs.—Alabama 8.13, Salamis 8.8, Star Shell 8.2, Rangi Sarto 8.1, Beaumont 8, Bon March 7.13, King Broney 7.11, Bright Eyes 7.9, Gardant 7.9, Sir Moment 7.9, Roys] Song 7.9, Bonny Louisa 7.7, Kilorum 7.7, Ellah 7.7, Captain Wai 7.7, Slump 7.7, Sea Kist 7.7, Miss Martial 7.7,. Kilmiss 7.7. Otauru 7.7, Penalty 7.7. , MAKO MAKO HANDICAP, of 100 sovs; six furlongs.—Anticipate 9.2, Alabama 8.9, Salamis 8.5. Gardenia 8.3, Miss Hupana 8. Lady Isinglass 7.13, Star Shell 7.12, Modern 7.9, Bezau 7.9. Town Crier 7.9. Miss OtDillo 7.3, Capitulation 7.2, De Luxe 7, Twink 7, Luarne 7, Seakjst 7, Sasham 7, Pollette 7, Thea geld 7. LEVIN HANDICAP, of 300 sovsj one mile and a quarter.—lmperial Spark D, Alaric 8.12, Tame Pox 8.7, Tanadees 8.6, Hau rangi 8.5, Arch Salute 8.5, Clandhu 8.4, Clarinda 8.3, Kalakaua 8.2, Sottano 7.1. Askari 6.12. Kuliio 6.7, Megan 6.7, -Filletto 6.7, Sanctuary 6.7, Auckland 6.7. Pronto 6.7. Haligan 6.7. McDonald memorial handicap, of .200 sovs; seven furlongs.—Alaric 9.13, Lucius 9.4, Avonlea 9, Ladyfingors 9, PriDce Hal .8.11, Missgovern 8.6, Pronto 8.3. Benmure 8.3. Tari 8.2, Puketoi 8. Mountain March 8. Bonnie Gold 8. Kuliio 8, Lipsol 8, Debate 8. Miss Hupana 8, Crisis 8. Bonecto 8. Loyal Maid 8, Maunu 8, La Reeve 8. Rose Pink 8, Beaumont 8. HEATHERLEA HACK HANDICAP, of 100 sovs; five furlongs.—Mountain Signal 9. Lady Isinglass 8.10, Tempean 8.7, Rangimoana 8.6, Modern 8.4, Bezau 8.8, Miss O’Dille 8-3. King Broney 8.1, Takaroa 7.11, Coquette 7.9. Red Imp 7.7, Yun Yean 7.7, Bonlita 7.7, Paula 7.7, Bonny Louisa 7.7, Lady Pearl 7.7, Twink 7.7, Ellah 7.7, Enaro 7.7, Waimana 7.7, Chrissarto 7.7, Seakist 7.7, Olympic 7.7, Sole Mio 7.7. Lieut. Bill 7.7. vetogue 7.7, Hot Eire 7.7. . ■ " MAIDEN RACE, of 100 bovs; six furlongs (weight for age).—Pan Ila, Coquette, Captain Wai, Waimanu, Luarne, Capitulation. Takaroa Ongaha, Revel, Olympic, Sole Mio, Miss Martial, Kilmiss, Penalty, Enthuse, Arrow River, Sasham, Mako Mako, Alabama, Salamis, Gardenia, Miss Hupana, Lady, Isinglass, Modern, fiazau, Town Crier; Miss O’Dille, Capitulation, Luarne, Seakist/ Sasham, Palette.

THE GREATEST OF HORSEMEN HECTOR CRAY, OF. NEW ZEALAND. HIS REMARKABLE RECORD.

Hector Gray will gjo down in history as the greatest horseman this country has produced, and there cannot be the slightest doubt thpt he is one of the greatest .toe world has ever seen, - ■ .

Gray was born in Taranaki, and is 39 years of age. He began bis course of study for the Saddle with Dr. Paget, then well-known in racing circles in Taranaki, ' but in a few months’ time he found himself in the employ of toe late Mr Jervis George, of New Plymouth, one of New Zealand’s best remembered trainers.

Gray began raoe riding in 1902. The wixy, competent youngster soon brought himself -under notice.. His second mount ran third. His fourth mount got second, and his eighth, tenth, and thirteenth mounts won. In his first season he had nineteen rides, 'and three were winners. Some years ago Gray’s fame spread to Australia, and he was offered engagements there. He was taken off toe steamer and put into .toe saddle to ride Wallaloo in toe Essendon Stakes at Newmarket. In a gruelling mile and a half race he got Wallaloo home by a head, and as toe horse started at a long price, toe win was a big one for the stable. That was on a Saturday, and on toe Monday he rode the winner of the Australian Cup. In 1921 Gray went to England, where he rode for Sir Hugo Ounliffe Owen and others. He won on toe first horse he rode in a race in England. Returning to New Zealand on business he landed in time to accept the ride on Thespian on the famous occasion when toe Absurd horse beat Gloaming over the Ellerslie mile and broke the Australasian record. This was one of Gray’s greatest triumphs. He was awake to toe fact that toe pace toe field was trav elling at was too torrid to bo maintained, so he pulled Theopian in behind Gloaming and The Hawk, and allowed them to run .themselves out. Then, coming with a’ beautifully judged run in the straight he dropped on the tiring pacemakers and beat them home. He returned to England, but in toe end finding the climate suited neither himself nor his son he settled again in New Zealand. His first ride on returning was in a jumpers’ flat race in Wellington, when Oarawook, toe outsider of. the field, ridden by him won and paid a greatprice. He rode with great success to toe end of the season,, and was occupying a very prominent place on the list of winning horsemen this season at tho time when action was taken against him by the Canterbury District Committee. In New Zealand, prior to leaving for England, Gray had won the following cups:—Auckland Pony, Avondale, Awapuni (twice), Egmont (twice), Glaxo (Hawera), Marlborough, Opunake, Ruakura, Hawke’s Bay, Prince of,Wales, Auckland Summer (twice), Timaru Summer, Te Arbha, Taranaki (twice), Trentham Gold, Stead (twice), Whangarei, Wairoa, Woodville, Wellington (twice), New Zealand (three times); 30 in all. . Weight-for-agea won in New Zealand:—Avondale Guineas, Avondale Stakes, Awapuni Gold (twice), Auckland Plate (twioe), Champion Plate (three times), Egmont Stakes, Islington Plate (twice), Jackson Stakes, Great Northern Foal Stakes (three times), Hastings Stakes (twice), Great Northern Derby, New Zealand Derby (twice), New Zealand St. Leg6r, Great Northern Oaks, New Zealand Oaks, Manawatu Stakes, Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stnkes (twice), Middle Park Plate, Royal Stakes (four times), Stead Cup. (twice), Trentham, Gold Cup,

Taranaki Stakes, "Waterloo Stakes (twice), Welcome Stakes (C.J.C.), Wellesley Stakes, Wanganui Guineas, Welcome Stakes (Auckland), Canterbury Cup, Hawke’s Bay Guineas, Egmont Stakes; 45 in all. Besides toe foregoing, he had won the A.R.C. Handicap, or one mile and a half, on fonr different occasions, and toe Thompson Handioap, of one mile, on three occasions. On nineteen different occasions Gray had done the “hat ' trick.’- For several seasons Gray resided in Australia. No record of his,

rides there is available, hut his most important winning ride was in" toe Australian Cup. Just before Gray left for England in 1921 a mutual friend compiled the following summary of toe Taranaki horseman’3 riding record. I have not been able to bring it up-to-date, but as it stands it shows the remarkable success that attended his riding efforts. The summary of his rides follows: — Amount

KUIOJ MAIDEN EACE. Of 100 sovs; six furlongs; weight-for-age. st. Ib. . st. lb. Captain Wai 9 0 Capitulation, 8 12 Ongaha ...... 9 0 Gold’ Dollar 8 12 Olympic 9 0 Kilmiss ...... 8 12 Panorama ... 8 12 Lieutenant Palette 8 12 Bill 9 0 Penalty 8 12 Sasham ...... "8 12' Takawa 9' 0 Padonna 8 11 Bonnie Solemio ...... 8 11 Louisa 8 12 Paula 8 9 TARABUA HUEDLE HANDICAPi Of 150 60Vfl one mile and a half. Comedy Taitaiata ... 9 7 Prince 10 S Askari 0 5 ljady Gay ... 10 1 Gold Piece ... 9 4 Puketoi 9 11 Otauru 9 0 Gluement 9 10 Doyleston ... v ,9 6

8 THE NEW ZEALAND TIMES, he was, but be seems to improve with every race. On Saturday he was set to concede starts ranging up to 120 Trotting Club for Wanganui, as it has been found impossible to keep the Trotting Club going. Owing to various 1 GRESHAM HOTEL | yards, but this presented no great difficulty to him, end, pacing in rare style, he hit the front a long way circumstances, the light harness sport has not made the progress anticipated LAMBTON QUAY To Ensure reservations at this Hotel, intending from home. The rest was then easy, and he won comfortably by a couple of lengths. In his present form he would he hard: to beat in much better company than he has been meeting. Although the Epsom trainer, J. Shaw, has not nad the best of luck with his team in good races this seaLiverpool Park, Wanganui East, and its transformation into a trotting course was attended with heavy finanGuests are advised to write or telegraph . . P. J. Griffin Proprietor. cial outlay. Then came the slump and the falling off in public support, the combination dissipating any hope of the club clearing its liabilities and carrying on successfully. land meeting, where he won a double with the trotter Peter McDonald and also a race with the paoer TannBEFORE THE NORTHERNS ■ Presentation Goods. There is always on view in himself, but Tannhauser was ridden by Fairfield. Early this season Tannhauser, which claims relationship to the one-time champion Author Dillon, was, with Will Child, brought up from The Great Northerns will be run next week. Sir Rosebery is in the boom here. He has been schooling well, and wiil have a following. i isi|iiMiiaw» p 9 our Showrooms a splendid asGala Day has a lot of friends for the sortment of Solid Silver pare. Both are young horses, and though they faced prominently, it was not till Saturday last that TannCornwall. JmL. Fruit Stands, Bowls, Rose Master Peter comes with a reputeBowls, Sporting Trophies, tion. There will be many disappointed Trays, Tea Sets, etc., and we hauser got a win. He is a fine-actioned if he does not live up to it. THst welcome inspection. The ilpaoer, and should do well later on. His stable-mate. Dubious, looks a g Hjl lustration shows a very handIf there* was a horse regarded as a likely sort. He has only 9.4 to carry Jl'VA some new design in a non-stayer in Auckland it was Ben in the hurdles, and, as he won the It Hammered Silver Fruit Stand Wallace, and it came as a surprise Century Hurdles, can you tell me why Jr sJSjgt Many other fine pieces up to to find him beating all but Reliance , in he is not in greater favour for the the Northland Cup, which race was Great Northern Hurdles? Mail orders receive our prompt and careful attention. run over two miles. His one asset is that he never does anything wrong, and no matter how hard he may be Broadwood goes on winning. He just got there at Waipa, after being T9934—£22/10/-. ridden he battles on without making STEWART DAWSON’S a mistake. To get him to do his best a good whip is necessary. When he ran second on Saturday he was responsible for a complete surprise, and a handy dividend was received by his few suppprters. will not be so easy for him to win. Passionate was started in the hurdles at Waipa, but those who hacked him were in rather a hurry. He needs more schooling, and a win might come his way in some of the company that is not too stiff. BAD j\PlLEsl^^l RICCARTON NOTES Mangapiko still has all of us thinking. Few horses up this way have puzzled backers more. * — Aucklanders were in too much of a (From the “Times” Correspondent.) hurry to be on the aide of Glen Canny. 1 CHRISTOHUKCH, $Iay 29. Kipling was only half ready when he raced at the South Canterbury Jockey Someone sent the word round that he was sure to win a hurdle race at Hawera or 'Wanganui. Up this way .Legs / JS. 1 Club’s meeting. Since then he has got his Sunday waistcoat on, so look out at Dunedin. Nothing is working better at Biccarton than Gay Juliet. Another that has been ticked off is Ayrburn, but he must have the ground firm. The North Islander, Bonomel, has done well since he arrived at Biccarthey believed the story. Now they don’t. A useful sort in the big jumping events here is Mary Bruce. She has not much weight, and she is just the sort that might take advantage of the leniency of the handicapper, and, as they say on the track, “smoke for the doctor.” Karamu has been doing well at Avondale, and is a fcetTer sort than most ton, in fact he is regarded as one cf the tit-bits for backers at the WingaJubilant, who was unlucky to miss at Bangiora, is, in (treat heart. She will people think. He is a fine jumper. That good horseman,. J. O’Shea., Tn e ./»■- n have a big following in the big race at Dunedin. ' ■ , might not return to New Zealand for some little time. If he returns this IeczeW S Rin5W0n y Grim Joke stirred the hearts of the punters at Riccarton by the way he season, there is no end of the best riding awaiting him. Wouldn’t.. it be dies his obstacles. Immediately he finished yesterday morning they dipped into their pockets to ascertain where he is racing next. A bonny novice at the hurdling game is North Inch. He is worth a place in any punter’s notebook. J. McCombe has sold The Cheat to good to see Jack and the Lowry, colours associated agaTnl Peter Amans, one of those who have eyes on the Great Northern Hurdles, has been doing all that his trainer has asked, and doing IF well. Freely thrown out as likely to go well in the Cornwall—Doleful Ditty. Good-bye to Oakleigh, a National Tfe & \ y ■ ■niiiiiiifiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiijiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiMiiiiiiiiiimniiiiiiiin one of his patrons, Mr Griffen, who | about nine months ago came over from 1 *'A Good Investment" ! i Australia to reside at Riccarton. The j Cheat is pitchforked in at Dunedin. Steeplechase winner and a victor in the Wellington Steeplechase. Bright Son soon. Tlftere's nothing that gives so much - j LATEST FROM ADDINGTON AUCKLAND RACES a comfort for so little expense as a § J , , , — a ] (-From the “Times” Correspondent.) THE SCRATOHINGS. iRMflUX ((rnTS\ l i CHRISTCHURCH. Mav 29. Per Tress Association j -The heads and tails in Canterbury a i i ii 11 || - . || | | || | jf 1 are waiting for Syd. August to. bring AUCKLAND, May 29. 1 w (V If “ [ Sparkling Pronto down, from Welling! Redhead was scratched at 9 o’clock 1 ton. They all want to be on him. ” this morning, and Black Art at 10.45 I HOT WATER BAG 1 | Acron and. Away are the. favourites for the King George Handicap at Canterbury Park. -Bothihorses are in grand for all engagements at the Auckland Racing Club’s meeting.' For all engagements: • Alaric and / | / I Another strong, E C) point in their'. 5 buckle. *' West Abbey (2.10 p.m.) for the HunHalf the heads at Addington took a ters’ Hurdles, Kauri Park. deep breath when they saw Ahuriri nominated for the free for all at Ashburton. .If he can beat Bogan Chief OTAKI MAORI MEETING aw favor is their de-i 5 / i pendability—they 5 /> /r / IJessA f° r years s ‘ I withoiit cracking £ l or * ea^“1 8» ™ fact s' £ »vVr. there’s no bag pUk: %[$/ [ j' like them for' ~ and Co. on' level terms what chance has the roughies of beating him in tho THE ACCEPTANCES. 1 i handicap race, on the first day? Trouble is brewing in the trotting world. It is dollars to doughnuts on the Trotting Association being .scrapped. Quite recently it is alleged to have side-stepped a big responsibility, that < f investigating the affairs of certain members of a certain club. They have appointed three committeemen of other Per l’ress Association. OTAKI, May 28. The acceptances for the Otaki Maori meeting are:— ' ' KUICU MAIDEN RACE, Of 100 sovs; six furlongs; weight-for-age. st. Ib. . „ st, lb. illUIIIIII mean f / satisfaction. Look = i*—/ ill for the brand— c / 1 fj “DUNLOP"—it’s = j clubs to do their work. One of the | three gentlemen appointed has declined to act. Never in the histdry of trotting has such a transfer of responsibility been attempted. This is adding more Captain Wai 9 0 Capitulation. , 8 13 Ongaba 9 0 Gold' Dollar 813 Olympic 9 0 Kilmiss ...... 8 12 Panorama ... .9 0 Miss Martial 8 12 Lieutenant Palette 8 12 7 i «r? your guarantee of S MnSJyZ ww '/ M f long service. £ tu&l to th© flames. Those in a position to, know state emphatically that the Sasham ...... 9 0 Coquette ... '812' Takawa 9- 0 Padonna 8 11 present method- of control is inadequate Bonnie Solemio 8 11 i K?r / 'Si / ... s and that perhaps next season the sport Louisa 8 12 Paula ......... 8 9 * -1 mfu UK a m will be controlled by district commitTAEABUA HURDLE HANDICAP; M ' fy all CHEMISTS 5 M . V- f/ AND STORES § tees on the same lines as those in vogue in the administration of racing. The North Island trotter Herbilwvn Of 150 sovs; one mile and a half. Comedy Taitaiata ... 9 7 Prince 10 3 Askari 9 5 • is doing well for J. N. Clark. Provid- . tm DUNL8P R U BB ER GO. OF AUST. = Ml? Limited. £ W/M Chrlstohuroh, Wellington, > (-gif . ’ Auckland. — ffltmuniSMirviiiMifiifiHiirtitiiiuiiitimifiitiiiiiiiiiiiiinii trainer can keep him 6ound ue Puketoi 9 11 Otauru ... ...W 9 0 will wm half a dozen races. He can fly. Nelson Fame and Nelson Derby bave Gluement ... 9 10 Doyleston ...* .9 0 Bonecto ...... 9 7 Moon Moth... 9 0 Ebnmark 9 7 Maunu 9 0 arrived in Christchurch from Palmertu WAITOHU HACK HANDICAP. « ton North. Both horses are in tip top buckle, but Nelson Derby has become “iffy” at the peg. Of 150 sovs; six furlongs. Mountain Miss O’Dillo 7 10 Bessie Logan is one of the finds of the season. She won’t stop winning till she qualifies for the New Zealand Trotting Cup. Gardenia ... 8 9 Purse 7 10 Miss Hupana 8 6 Twint 7 7 Tempean ...... 8 4 Seakist 7 7 Bangimoana 8 4 Bonlita ...... 7 7 a* Modern 8 2 Vetogne 7 7 - FifN/ikmr^ mortgage on the New Zealand Bezau 8 2 Waimana ... 7 7 dfop mrmsng \ Stakes, but Jimmy Bryce avers that he will beat him. Town Crier... 8 2 Sadkawa cup. Of 400 sovs; one mile and a quarter. Imperial Clarinda ft 51 HENNESIVf I NEWS FROM WANGANUI • Spark 9 0 Kalakaua ... 8 2 Kilfaire 8 12 Para 7 a Alaric 8 12 Megan fi ft f I 1 IPAmiw if (By Telegraph.— Special to “Times.”) Tame Fox ... 8 7 Auckland ... 6 7 Tanadees ... 8 6 Bonny Gold 6 7 I * UHAWHi S WANGANUI, May 29. Arch Salute 8 5 Consequent on Alaric having conOTAKI HACK HANDICAP. tr&cted a cold, the booking arrangeOf 150 sovs; eevenl furlongs.For connoisseurs —— Henncssy^i^^^^^^^ nients for Auckland were cancelled. Tho gelding is improving,. and worked Fillette 9 0 Rangi Sarto 8 1 Alabama 8 13 Bon March... 7 13 well yesterday, but so far no move has been taken in the way of rebooking for the north. Comical left here this afternoon for Auckland, and is to be joined at MarHehutai 8 10 Bright Eyes 7 9 Sal amis 8 8 Calm Eve ... 7 7 Debate 8 4 Slnmp 7 7 Star Shell ... 8 2 Lady Pearl... 7 7 RAHUI HANDICAP. ton by Omahu. The former looked in Of isuu sovs; six furlongs. / . splendid fettle when leaving here, his "acing here having apparently improved himbadyfingers 8 9 Crisis 7 7 1 a 8 6'_ ' _ March 7 6

Prince Hal... 8 2 MissRovem ... 7 13 Benmtire 7 13 7 " 2 Pronto 7 9 Star Shell ... 7.0 Ifuhiq 7 7 TE HOBO WELTEB, HANDICAP. Vi 150 sovs; seven furlongs. Sottano Sanctuary ... 9 8 9 6 Sir Moment... 8 2 8 2 Behutai 9, 3 8 2 Debate »... 8 H Beaumont ... 8 7 Eiiah Asleep 8 7 Kilia Kin it Bronev 8 2 Manchester 8 0 JUerry Queen 8 2 Pleasure Uardant ...... 8 2 Bed Imp ...... 8 0

Season. late. 2nds. ,won for TTn- owners. Srds placed £ 1902-08 ... 3 2 2 11 215 1903-04 ... 9 13 10 49 885 1904-05 ... 20 20 15 92 2,470 190S-06 ... 23. 18\ 19 65 2,895 1906-07 ... 87 28 22 107 4,010 1907-06 „.. 28 23 11 51 2,955 1909-10 ... 60 39 58 147 10,407 1910-11 ... 79 43 39 133 17,129 1911-12 ... 21 22 16 39 4.520 1913-14 ... 32 27 21 59 8,728 1917-18 ... 61 42 80 128 15,138 1918-19 ... 82 68 42 149 21,779 1919-20 ... 47 37 29 99 18,335 1920-21 ... 55 47 44 113 25,000 161 434 358 1242 .Total number of rides 2597. 135,500