SPORTING AND SPORTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13940, 27 June 1907, Page 5

SPORTING AND SPORTS

THE TURF. By Sentinel

THE NATIONAL NOMINATIONS. Although the nominations received for the principal events to bo decided at the C.J.O. Grind National meeting constitute a record from a numerical point of view, still they are somewhat disappointing in the fact that tho National Steeplechase field is 6omewha,t weak, even though iho list includes such names as Kiaere, Inniskillen, Haydn, Nadador, Slow Tom, Waitorerc, Belair, and last year's winner, Pliaetouitß. There is no doubt sufficient quality engaged to furnish a battle royal, but it is regrettable that tho value ot the prizes attachod to the race should have attracted so small a field. The most notable absentee is the gallant old Natator gelding Pipi, who has made so many bold bids for victory in past years, and in a field not likely to provide a high percentage of capablo fenecra it seems that a mistake was made in not claiming an engagement for one of the cleverest fencers that ever raced over tlio Kiccarton country. Another notablo absentee is Irish, who finished second in last year's race. There is, however, a regrettable dearth of 'chasers about, and a field which includes a trio of past winners, such as Inniskillen, Phaetontis, and Slow Tom, together with a few other good horses, cannot fail to arouse interest in our crosscountry blue ribbon. Tho National Hurdles has attracted a record field and, although the lengthy list includes tho usual percentage o( rough stuff, still tho names which have been handed in clearly cvidencc that there is not much possibility of the race being won without a moritorious battlo on tho part, of tho winner, whoever it may be. J-iast year's victor (Cuiragno) figures in tho list, and also another winner in tho shape of Creusot, whilst, such horses as Exmoor, Shrapnel, lil.uk Reynard, Prospector, Aqua Rogia, Irish, Nc6tator, Evcnlodc, Mcrriwni. The Mohican, Kremlin, Cavalry, and Mahoe, with a few others, may prove capable of furnishing eucli another battle as in that never-to-be-forgotten year when Mcdallius gained the verdict, after what was probably tho finest finish that the racing world has ever known. The writer has on more than ono occasion civeij a passing thought as to what would havo likely happened if some of the judges who have been officiating at a few of our South I=land meetings had been in tho box on that memorable occasion. Mothinks moro than one would have fallen in a swoon at tho bottom of the box in preference to recording a verdict —right or wrong. The Winter Cup has attracted a fine entry of 5?. This number includes several well-per-formed horses; and the other events have filled in a manner which suggests that the next gathering of sportsmen at Riccarton is likely to witness somo excellent sport. DANGEROUS COUBSES. At the usual monthly meeting of tho D.J.C. Committee, which was held last week, the dates submitted by country clubs were approved, but it was recommended that before a permit be granted to tho Palmerston Racing Club the latter must provide a safe course and necessary convonioiices to the satisfaction of the metropolitan body, failing which tho Waikouaiti Chib will be recommended for the permit. It was olearly tho duty of the metropolitan club to take somo action in this matter, and they'might have gone a step further, and requested the "Waikouaiti Club to improve their track, as it is by no means too safe. Tho Palmerston track has very abrupt turns, and unless considerable improvements aro effected the metropolitan body should stand firm in the position they have taken, as the eourso is unqwtionably far too dangerous for flat racing. There is sufficient danger attached to horse-raoing on good tracks, and no permit should be granted to a club which holds its meetings on a course upon which an owner courts disaster by galloping a horse. A track which is a milo in circumference is smalt enough for flat racing, but where it is unavoidably less than that' distance the turns should be banked, and everything dbnc to reduco tho risk of accident to a minimum. Our racing authorities have bocn somewhat supine in this matter during iho past, and whilst on tho subject it may bo suggested that it should ako bo made an essential duty on tho part of a club that tracks should bo kept in good order, ns rough ground is almost as dangerous as a. badly-shaped course laid out on tho elbow instead of the. curvo principal. A CONSPICUOUS ABSENTEE. ' A conspicuous absentee from tile list of those engaged in tho forthcoming Grand National Steeplechase is tho Natator gelding Pipi, who has played a leading rolo at the Riccarton cross-country carnival for many years past, and tho absence of such a well-known and popular 'chaser will bo much regretted by a host of admirers. Pipi has been nominated for some of the minor events to be decided at tho meeting, but unfortunately has not been ca6t for a part in the principal equino drama of tho soason. Tho son of Natator and Cockles made his first appcaranco at Riccarton in 1900, when Tho Guard carried off the wipning honours in tho big 'chase. Ho did not start in the National, but v/as unplaced iri the Enfield Steeplechase, won by Silver Rav. His next appcaranco on the eourso wa6 when ho carried H. Ca,rr to victory in the Enfield of the following season, and at tho 6ame meeting he subsequently finished second to Roller in tho Lincoln Steeples. following year ho ran second to Haydn in the National, and his other performances at tho samo gathering were a second to Sultana in the Beaufort Steeples, and an unplaced position in the Lincoln, won by the same horse. Tho following year Pipi again finished second in the National, and was piloted homo bv Awahuri, although the Natator gelding had the satisfaction of turning tho tables cn Haydn, who finished in third place. Pipi was only produced onco more at that meeting, and ho was one of tho "also started" in the Lincoln, won by Haydn. The unlucky Pipi was again second in 1904. when Slow Tom won in the record time of 7min 14 3-sscc, and beat the Natator gelding by half a length. A third went down to him in tho Lincoln of that year, as both Eclair and Haydn finishel in front- at the business end of the journey. In IMS Pipi finished third to Inniskillen and Haydn in the National, but mado some amends by carrying off the Lincoln oil the last day of the "meeting, and in doing so put up ono of the finest wins over achieved on the track. Last year Slow Tom beat Pipi by three parts of a length for third honours, and a third which went down to him in the Lincoln brought- his record ovor country tq one of the most remarkable achievements ever accomplished on tho turf. In all Pipi has started H times over the Riccarton eoi'ni. . and each time safely carried his pilot io the end. He has been second on five occasions, third three times, and four times unplaced,' whilst two wins have gone down to his credit. His achievements, consisting of three scconds, a third, and a fourth, ill tho National stamp him as one of the best horses that has ever carried silk between the flags in this country, and consequently it was not astonishing to find him finishing amidst a great salvo of cheering when he registered his last win on the track.

— "Mrovn.t is doing ei*y work at tlie For* burv. ' , , , — It is said tliat the disqualified horse Bluestone is now in Australia. —The handicaps for tho Wellington Racing Club's ir.ccliuq are duo 011 July 6. — Bolmont M.. the brother to Almont, goes to the stud during tlie coming season. — Yi.-tor U the Austra-lirJi-brcd gelding, by .VTolMEfffon, has bcoa leased by Mr Jus. Jefß -Mncical, tlio brothor to Slow Tom, is looking'hi? and healthy, and is in work at tlio Forbtiry. -The handicaps (or the Grand A»t-ionM Hurdles, Steeplechase, and Winter Cup are due on July 15. . — Tlio Gracchus, which recently lert Melbourne for India, took a shipment of 300 raeehorrcs a.'id ponies. — St. Imiis, a. mare by St. Leger—lnnisiail, was recently sold under tie hammer in Melbourne nt 33 guineas. — Swordfish 11. who was neglected as a sire in this country, is deemed worthy of a 15fuinea foe in Australia. — Pink 'Un.has been sold to Mr Rankin, of Sydney. It iB understood that the price p&id ior thn horso was £000. — The Australasian reports that D. J. Prico is negotiating tor tha salo of all the horses he took ac-oss to Australia. — The name, of Jupiter is included in the list of entries for the Winter Cup. Can it bo tie winner of 1899 or llis ghost'/ — It is understood that an effort is being made to form a company with the object of purchasing the Forbury Park racecourse. — This year's entry 0! 175 liorsea for the Melbourne Cup constitutes a record for the race. 'HlO previous best was 171 in 1900. — Tho Australian rcaord for two-year-olds hm put up by Firrl Ribbon whe-n 110 t.-btted a mile at Epsom on June 5 in 2min Sejsee. — At a sale of bloodstock hold in Johannesburg on April A a yearling by Uniform made 350 guineas, sud another by the saino sire went at 100 guineas. — Owners and trainers will be pleased to noto that the Dimedin Jockey Club propose to make the substantial ijKjeayi «i J'IPW to thei* stwmm. lift „•

—•Mr Croker, owner of the Derby winner Orby, is credited with having expended £100, KM ill the improvement of his Irish stud farm, Glencairn, near Dublin. — Mr G. ltuthvcn has purchased the residence and stables erectcd by Mr J. K. M'Kenzio when the latter gentleman kept a team in .training at Wingatui. — J. Gainsford, who was identified with tho running of Wairiki in this country, has resumed training horses in New South Wales. He is now a hotelkeeper at Morpeth. — Amongst the winners at a meeting held at Vienna reccntly„was a son of tho Aus-tralian-bred horse Merman—Meglio—who won a handicap dccided ovor a mile and a-quar-ter. - — Starting $tt the fine price of 7's against, the New Zealand-bred pony Kilderkin won the Ascot Handicap, of COsovs, from nine others on June 5, and ran seven furlongs in l-30i- — Tho fiold of 22 which has been engaged in the C.J.C. Grand National Steeplechase is the smallest number nominated for tho race since 1301, when a, score was nominated. — Delaware is reported to havo pleased the Caulfield touts by doing a gallop over a mile in lmin 48Jscc. It is about time the disappointing son of Seaton Delaval did something under silk. — The Liverpool Grand National winner's sire, Thurles, was standing in Ireland tho year ho begat Ereuion at three guineas a mare, and the tatter's dam was sold some timo previous for £15. ; — Cuirass (Menschikofl—Cuiralbn) was recently sold in Melbourne at 110 guineas. The entry of Cuirass was recently rejected by tho V.R.C. because tho horso had raced at unregistered meetings. — Dunedin is represented in the National nominations by St. Kooringa in the Steeplechase and Stormont in the Hurdles, whilst Southland contributes Royal Shell and Magical in the latter raco. — It was suggested at tho annual meeting of Iho South Canterbury Jockey Club that in future the foes necessary to start a horse at their meetings should not bo greater than per cent, of tho stake. — According to a New York writer, it was estimated that there wero 950 horses at Bcnnings when racing commenced there a few weeks back, and that another 100 stayed away becauso of no available stabling. — The Messrs M'Kay have a rising two-year-old half-sister by Obligado to Lupulite going through the rudiments of her education at present. She is very ponified in appearance, albeit she is somewhat leggy. — Stormcoit came a cropper whilst being schooled at the Forbury on Monday morning. Tho poor display given by tho Apremont gelding was probably duo to the fact that ho was unaccompanied in his schooling lesson. — A record nomination is constituted by tho names of the 57 horse 3 engaged in the coming Grand National Hurdlos, the nearest approach to that number being tho field of 47 which was nominated in 1898 and 1906. — A Melbourne writer states that tho Sir Foote—Etra Weenie filly Lady Joan, who cost 3000 guineas as a yearling, is not likely to fulfil any of her important spring engagements. She is turned out at Bacchus Marsh. — Owing to tho frequency of fatal accidents occurring in cross-countTy events, , there is ft strong feeling ainonget owners, trainers, and jockeys in Victoria that soiuo radical change should bo made in the stoejlcchase coursea in that State. — Kanaka, who figures amongst the entries for the National Steeples, commenced his career as a racer in 1895, when he ran as a four-year-old. If he goes to tho post tho gelding will have to carry 1G years of life in addition to the burden allotted by tho handicapper. — Tho Australian-bred gelding Victor 11, who has been off the soone for close ou two years, has been recommissioned, and is in work at tho Forbury. He acted as schoolmaster for tho Apremont gelding Stormont in a go over the small slicks last week, and both horses shaped fairly well. — A Launocston writer says that if doubtful running similar to that which occurred at tho T.T.C. mooting oontinues. it will soon either mean one of two things—the appointment of stipendiary stewards or a marked falling off in tho attendanco of the general public at race meetings. — Mr T. Ket-t arrived from Invercargill last week with Somateria and You Yangs, tuid has both horses quartered at Mr J. Loughlin's stables. Owing to selling the remainder of his horses, the idea of taking tho stables formerly occupied by Messrs Stephenson and Hazlett was abandoned. —The nominations for tho National Steeples include three past winners in tho shape of Slow Tom, Inniskillen. and Phaetontis. whilst the National Hurdle field includes Creusot and Cuiragno, both of whom havo enrolled their names as winners iu bygone contests for the big Riccarton event. — The "Carbine of SoUth Africa," Charcot, a South American-bred horse, who won races in the Argentine, in South Africa, and in Great Britain worth over £10,000, is standing in Ireland at 9gs a mare; and the Melbourne Cup winner, The Victory, by Tho Admiral, is doing duty in Kildare, Ireland, at £0 9s a mare. — In referring to the world-famous English classic, ft Sydney writer said: "Tho English Derby has been won by all conditions of owners, from bookmakers up to princes of royal blood." From this it would appear that bookmakers are on tho bottom rung a» ownoTß, but this savours strongly of judging tho best by the worst. — An American exchange says that Dr Arnold Frank, a representative of the German Government, was recently at Lexington, Ky,, arranging for tho purchase of 1000 thoroughbreds to bo used by the officers of the German army. Ho was buying maies, geldings, and staJlions. It adds that Dr Frank bought a langc number of thoroughbred horses in Australia for the German army. — A petition from cross-country riders, praying that in future the conditions of tho Grand National Hurdle Race might be altered, as they wore calculated, owing to the arrangement of penalties, to lessen their chances of getting riding mounts on other courses, has been placed before the V.R.C. Committee, but the petition was merely received. — The veteran trainer H. Goodman has a quartet in the. shape of Santa. Claus, Little Medallist, Zero, and the Obligado—Miss Betty two-year-old doing useful work of a lenient nature. Little Medallist is under otfer to a. Sydney owner simply because Mr Goodman does not see his way clear to keep tho lot lie has going through the winter. — Danebury, one of the historic training establishments of England, where many notable horses havo been prepared in years gone by,, and which is associated with the doings of some of the best performers on the turf, was brought under the hammer recently. Biddings, however, failed to reach tho reserve, slid the property was bought in at £12,000. — Steeplechasing in Australia continues to bo a heavy tax an the list of cross-country horsemen, and tho latest mail to hand brings news of Uie death of T. Hogan, who was killed whilst riding in the Bolinda Steeples at the Oaklands Hunt Club racos. Hcgan was identified with the successes of Abdallah and Divham, and was regarded as a very capable horseman and trainer. — Tho following have been proposed for e.ection at the annual meeting of the Dunedin Jockey Club, to be held on Monday, July 8: President, Hon. Geo. M'Lean;' vice-president, Mr J. Hazlett; committee—Messrs \V. Charters, R. Ewing, P. Miller, S. Myers, A. S. Orbell, and James Thomson. 1 Thero not boing more than the required number, they will be declared elected in due course. — Tho agitation against tho existing severity of the steeplechase course at Fleuiinston has had some effect. as it is reported that the V.R.C. Committee have decided to alter the fencc3 before tho Grand National is run. The top rail of the first, and the Inst two fences will be removed, and brush to the same height substituted. The stone wall and log wall in front of the stand are to lie slightly lowered. — The Amerirau trainer, William J. Andrews. who will hold the ribbons behind Sweet Marie this season, says: "I will match Sweet Marie against famous Dan Patch (1.551) for 5000 dollars aside over any mile track to be mutually agreed upon, tho former to draw a biko sulky and the latter an oldfashioned high-wheel sulk) - ." This should bo a groat match, and looks like an even handicap with a slight shade in favour of the pacer; but it is not likely that the Dan Patch peopio will accept. ,. —At the invitation of his owner, Mr T. Kctt, tho writer paid a visit a couple of days ago to the New Zealand Cup candidate Somateria, and also witnessed the sou of Morgansor get through a useful task at tho Forbury. Since racing at the South Canterbury autumn meeting Somateria has been indulgently treated, and is now looking big and lusty. Ho is in splendid health, but time alone can tell as to whether ho can be accorded a chalice iu the Riccarton two-miler to be decided in November. — It is atiiiounced that the Dultcs of Portland and Westminster contemplate laying out a stud farm in Ireland, as an offshoot to their establishments at Welbcck and Eaton. Both these noblemen have a choice collection of thoroughbreds at their English studs, but in recent years the proportion of good horses bred by them has been renurkably poor. Possibly their lend has become horse-stale, and the establishment of branches in Ireland may provo a wise move. No doubt the fact of so many Irish-bred horses proving successful ou tho Euglisli turi latterly has giveu birth to the idea. — It will be of interest io New Zealand sportsmen and breeders to learn that the French colt Querido. who won the Chester Cup, of 2030iova, about two and a-quartcr miles, and easily defeated 11 others iu record time for the race, is out of Quayside, a half-sister by Galliard (son of Galopin) to St. Ambrose. Querido was got by Son o' Mine (son of Isonomy), whoso dam was by Hermit out of a Musket mare foaled in 1574. >. Musket was imported to New Zealand in 1878, and through his dam Querido ft sUjtti. of Traopbilite, cogscquejitly

there is a smack of Now Zealand about tho pedigiee of the Chester Cup winner. —At the annual meeting of the South Canterbury Jockey Club, which was held last week, a gentleman present expressed a hope that tho committee " would do their utmost to put down ' cionk' running. At tho last meeting ho saw a horso deliberately ' pulled,' and no notice was taken of it." This is probably the samo horse that tho writer referred to alter the meeting by saying: " Somo of the lynx-eyed punters who were present at the Timaru meeting fancied they sow a horso being steadied a good deal in one of the races. It may have been an optical delusion, but several of them profited by supporting the horse the next time he was out." —J. Parsons, who rode Oaractacus io victory in the English Derby of 18G2, died shortly before the last mail to band left England. The runners that year numbered 34, which is the biggest Derby field on record. In this part of the world the fact of Caractacus winning the Blue Ribbon is principally brought to mind because he sired Cassivelaunus, the sire of Billy (who carried H. Goodman's colours successfully) and one or two other useful sorts. Cassivelaunus, however, did not havo many stud chances here, and his line lias altuost petered out. Ho sired Envious, Jealousy (dam of Ivemcinbrance), La Bobemienne (dam of Johnny Faa), Tangi II (granddam of Jupiter and Winifred, the dam of Lupus and Lobo). — In a letter to the Australasian on steeplechasing accidents, Mr Soton G. 'Williams makes tho following suggestions:—"Live hedges should, where possible, take the placo of tho unyielding fences, and where that wcro not possible I would have the course ploughed say for about 50 or CO yards up to within about 30 yards oil the take-off side of each jump, t-lius making it imperative for horses to be slackened in their speed, and so prevent them lieing raced at these fences, and yet leaving them a fair space to get their lees for tho jump. . . . Another thing which might be dono to prevent tho racing over tho fonees would bo to zig-zag a course in parts. All this would, of course, prevent record.breaking, but that is surely a detail if it havo tho desiicd effect." — That astutest of English owners, Captain Macliell, onca had a horso that he knew to havo a stono in hand in a race, and backcd it accordingly, notwithstanding that a novice was in tho saddle. Ho told tho lad that ho could not help winning, but that ho was to draw it as fine as ho could, not wishing to show the horse up. To his amazement ha saw tho lad rnako the wholo of the running and como in by himself. As soon as was convenient after tho race, Captain Machell, in a passion, asked tho lad what he rnoant by so flagrantly disobeying his orders? The lad tremblingly replied: "Well, sir, I heard Mr Harcher say to another jockey at tho startingpost, IWo will havo this young over the rails,' so I thought I had better como away as fast as I could." Acquitted with honour. —At the Epsom trotting meeting, held on June 5. Mr D. J. Price, the well-known trainer and reinsraan, acted as starter. During the day the Allendale Stock Farm's two-year-old colt First Ribbon, by Uibbomvood— Hiss Beldon, by Ha Ha (imp.) from May Beldon, won the Introductory Handicap from an all-aged field, consisting of six runners, in 2.5G3, and by doing so made an Australian record 'for a two-year-old. First Ribbon was driven by L. Robertson, who also drove the Allendale Stock Fanu horse Vermont Patch to victory in tho Epsom Handicap, of 30sovs, nine furlongs. The son of Huon Jr. was opposed bv Hiss Vera Gapel, and won in 2.52. Robertson also held the reins over Blythechild, finishing second to Grey Eagle, who went a mile and a-half in 3.51. . —Tho New Zealand handicapper, Mr Henrys, recently scored heavily against the owner-trainer, Mr J. H. Prosser, who wrote to the Hawke's Bay Jockey Club Committee complaining of the weights allotted to Mar-guerite-ill the Hawke's Bay Cup by Mr Henrys. Tho committee could well havo passed a resolution that ffiey had full confidence in their official, but (says the Sydney Mail) they asked him to state his case to them. Mi Honry3 showed that bctwoen December 27 and liay 2-1 Marguerite had started in 11 races, of which Bho won five, and on another occasion was only beaten by a short head in the Great Autumn Handicap, carrying 9.0, by Seal Rack 7.3. The figures placo 'Mr Henrys in a strong position should Mr Pressor return to the charge. • —In the House of Commons recently Mr A. 0. Morton called attention to an item in tho Post Office estimates for the salaries and expenses of the telegraph superintendent at raco meetings. How came it, he asked, that wo were spending all this public money on such a vico as racing, and betting, and gambling? Was it possible that in the Post Office there was a separate department for this vile work? The only decent thing in any way oonnecfcd with a race meeting was the horne.—{Laughter.) The PostmasterGeneral, in reply, said race meetings included football and cricket matches.—(Laughter.) Tho receipts during the past year had been £230.000 less than wero counted on. Ho ascribed a large proportion of the decline in the Pest Office revenue to the popularity of picture post-cards, whilst the passing of tho Street Betting Act had diminished the number of telegrams, though that was a matter he did not regret.