SPORTING AND SPORTS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15824, 24 July 1913, Page 10

SPORTING AND SPORTS.

i Qx Sbntikxl*

THE TURF.

THE "CUBSE" OF EACING. Judging by'tho tone of hia remarks in conncction with tho motion proposing to make it a breach of racing law to bet with a bookmaker, Sir George Clifford was evidently greatly disappointed because his suggestion to that effect did not find general favour. Sir George evidently holds the opinion that all the'_ ills to whioh tho turf is heir finds origin with the bookmaker. He claimed that double-betting with bookmakers is the curse of the New Zealand turf. This is a rather sweeping assertion to make, and whilst it cannot Do claimed that bookmakers in general aro tie guardian angels of tho turf, it must be 6aid that the devi! is not so black as he is sometimes painted. No doubt Sir Goorge had in his mind whilst speaking on the motion the unfortunate affair in connection with the late scratching of a well-bacfced horse in tho last National Hurdles, and he inay also possess knowledge' of other cases of a similar nature. Still, on the other hand, it might be claimed that some of the greatest ramps and robberies ever perpetrated on the New Zealand turf bad the exploiting of the bookmakers' coffers as their object. New Zealand bookmakers must be a particularly bad lot if they aro the curse of racing in this country, and, if that is 60, one must extend sympathy to Australia and England, where racing also flourishes and the bookmaker stands as a very big factor in the game. In New Zealand the bookmaker now stands as a mere side issue, and if in his diminished power lie is still strong enough to be a curse to racing, 6Uch a fact must furnish a monument of evidence of the incompetency or supincness, or even connivancy, of those who have control of the sport in this country. Possibly the bookmakers are occasionally the cause of a good deal of trouble. Let it be granted that such is the case, but at the same time let it be remembered that the shots fired by the bookmakers must invariably find their on a racecourse, and that target is right under tho nose of the 10 or 12 or more stewards generally in evidence at the various race meetings. Surely that target cannot be so frequently shattered as Sir George believes, and the evil missiles fail to attract the notice ot racing officials, who aro supposed to be on the alert for such things. There is no denying the fact that tho bookmaker is not the only opponent of racing. The incompetent steward is the greatest of all dangers. Such people allow the guilty to escape, and sometimes punish the comparatively innocent; in fact, the writer could quote a ease or two where the absolutely innocent have been carpeted and punished. Then, again, the biassed steward is not an unknown personage, whilst others are not above giving their horse a gallop or two in public without having the excusp of racing them into form. If the bookmaker is such a menace to the turf as Sir George Clifford evidently beiicvcs, out with them by all means; but there arc such things as straining at a gnat and swallowing a camel. How many of the people on the disqualified list found their way there per medium of the bookmakers? Quit'; a large percentage of owners are evidently more prepared to owe than pay, and tliis is not meant to include those whom the misfortune of war has sent to the wall, The lengthy list seems to suggest that some started into tho game with a small sonso of honour, and did not require the bookmaker to point tho way to trouble of a more or less serious nature. The principal thing, however, to remember in connection with any effort to purify and elevate tho tone of the turf is that whilst the cause may not be known the effect is seen on the race track. The stewards arc there to specially noto effects of the wrong hue and shade, and if the colour scheme offends it is their duty to make a correction. If racing is not so pure as some would like to sec it. then on "the heads of tho stewards be the blame. The stewards have unlimited power at their disposal to'purify tho turf, and if it continue; to produce rotten fruit the blame is on those who do not or cannot distinguish tie good from the bad. THE GOOD OLD BLOOD. The Renown mare Ncdra, who won the big steeples at Trentham, started threo times at the last Grand National meeting without gaining a place. She finished fifth in the Trial Hurdles won hv Beacon, and was separated 'from tho winner by St. Kevin, Nescot, and Coronetted. In the Spreydon Hack Hurdles, won by Beacon, she did not get amongst the first five: and in the Styx Hurdles, won by St. Kevin, she finished fifth. did not start, but on that occasion was handicapped to give her 331b. Her dam is probably identical ■with (he Wonderland mare of that name, and, if so, is a daughter of Mystery, who was got by Javelin from Bay Duchess, by Totara from Marchioness, by Herald from Blink Bonny, by Porus from Dudu, a mare of unknown pedigree. Dudu raced in Auckland. and is supposed to be a daughter of the marc of the game name that was imported to New South Wales It will be Been that Nedra owes nothing of her merit that might come in ta.il female to any "fashionable" blood that figures amongst recent importations. Her sire, Renown, was a good hone in his day, and won the Great Northern Foal Stakes, Great Northern Derby, Royal Stakes, C.J.C. Derby. Wanganui Guineas, Hawke's Bay Guineas, and Wellington—a series of wins that stamped him as one of the best three-year-olds ever seen in New Zealand. He was pot by Dreadnought from Lyrebird, hr St. Lwrer from Lyre, bv Patriarch (son of Yatter.donj from "Lyra, by Thormanby. Lyra was fcaicd in 1858, and produced,Gorton m 1873. Gorton sired Euroclydon and other good horses. Dreadnought was one of the best of his time when on the turf. He won tho Victoria Derby, V.R.C. St. Leger, A.J.C. St. Iveger, and Australian Cup.. He was got by Chester (son of Yattendon) from Trafalgar, by Bkir Athol from Mosquito (a sister to Musket). On both sides of the house Ncdra descends from good, stout blood of the old-fashioned brand, and her pedigree suggests that she could" stay a National journey.

■ --Domino is not likely to ho seen out at Riccarton. — Darby Paul is spoken of as a likely visitor to Australia. — Kilrain was sold under the hammer at 50g3 when a yearling. — The Waimate Racing Club has the excellent membership of 111 —At future race meetings it will lie compulsory for each club to elect a judicial committee — Maple Lea:', the New Zealand-bred mare, by Canfeda, is amongst the horses in training at Flcmington. — Tim Doolan has won three races out of four since 110 was purchased by Mr G. L. Stead, at 150gs. — The Multifid—lndian Queen horse, Our King ; is reported to have become a very pronounced roarer. — Buff Gauntlet leaves this week for Iticrarton to fulfil his engagements at the National meeting. —B. Deeley will oommence his retainership for the hlue-and-gold chequers with a lido 0:1 Glenfnnan in the Winter Cup. — The Hover was said to be in a bad way after his fall at Trentham, and in consequence 13 regarded as an unlikely starter at Ricearton. — Palisade is again in easy work at Tapanui. and his owner has also a couple of rising three-year-olds by Pallas in commission. — Domino's rider received a kick when at the barrier for tho Parliamentary Handicap, ond in the actual race the horse received a bad passage. — The Native scored his first win over big fences on Saturday. Ho is inclined to twist at his fenccs, and this does not tend towards success. — Darby Paul landed a long-distance double when he scored in the Final Hurdles at Trentham, as ho won the same race on last year's card. —F. Tilley had a particularly successful run at the Wellington meeting, where he won five races with three horses, and also recorded a second. — The Sylvia Park gelding ICew who wen a double at Trentham, ran second to Peary in the Trial Plate, run on the same track 12 months ago. — The Spaniard was beaten out of sight in the Inst National Steeples when carrying 8.7. Improvement in' form has resulted in 11.0 being awarded him for next month's race. — Doranclo nado a very crodilablc show in the • Wellington Steeplechase Ho was racing uiulor the disadvantage of a week's forced spell, owing lo striking one of his heels. — The ManiopoM colt, Kaniki, Ecored decisively in both his races at Trentham. In the Stewards' Handicap he carried nearly twice as much money as Mummer, who ruled as second choice. — Duke Foote was the ruling favourite for the Melbourne Cup when the last mail to hand left Australia, but there is, 60 far, no pronounced clioise for any of the big spring handicaps. — The Cornet and Kilmeny were offered for sale in Christchurch on Saturday, to close a partnership account. Both horses were bought in at lOOgs apiece by Mr H. D. Roberts, of Greymouth. —Mr D, W. Gibson has resigned his position as stipendiary steward. He : has generally been identified with South Island meetings, and commenced duties at the Tapanui annual meeting. — The Y.A.T.C. 'ommitteo aro following' the example set by tho Australian Jockey Club, and have installed brush fences on their schooling course, i.nd will consider the advisability of having similar jumps on their steeplechase course.

—Sit Qtorge Oliffotd stated sA the Racing Qonf&Tcnce, "that double betting -with the bookmaker® is tho curse of racing in this countqr." Orto could eay with equal truth that single betting with tho totalisator is open to tho «*ms charge. \ — Grit Lawless paid a thumping big dividend. ■when ho won'at Trentham on Saturday. Ho vsi the rank outsider of the field, but tho Gaming Amendment Act debars mention of a dividend of which we all know tho sisK, but mustn't tell in print. — Sir Georgo Clifford attempted to make "doublo betting" a crime. It h worse than a crimo. It is extremely foolish, becaueo in chasing doubles punters endeavour to bring down two birds with ono shot. Still, somo folk have been known to do it.

— Haskayne's wina at Ellerslio and Trentham tend to confirm tho good impression ho mada when leading for a considerable part of tho journey in tho last' New Zealand Cup. H« subsequently won tho J.C. Handicap, and ran second to Bon Rove in tho Derby. — Paritutu beat Coraion by a head when carrying 10,2, to the latter's 12.3, in tho Steeples of 1911. In 1912 he ran second to Captain Jingle with 11.2. Paritu?i; jalloped 7min 12 4-5 sec when ho won, and the reoord is hold by Eclair at 7min 10 Msec. —In the Winter Hurdles at Trentham Beacon, Stambonl, Watchchain. Prince Eddie, Red Earl, mcl the Rover fell, and Nyland made his exit from tho turf through breaking a fetlock. Prior to the meeting strong exception was taken to the type of hurdles on tho course. — Tho Native and The Rover had 10.13 each in the last Grand National Hurdles. In tho coming, race the latter has a concession of lib. In the Jumpers' Flat, which The Rover won on the first first day of the meeting, lie was 'handicapped, to give The Native 9lb. — Marton's record in tho Great Northern Hurdles was "won easily by four lengths.' and in the Winter Hurdles at Trentham. he again appears to have won comfortably. Marton carried 9st Clb in the Great Northern, 10.7 in tho Winter Hurdles, and is set to carry 11.5 in the Grand National Hurdles. — More than one figuring in the principal events to bo run at tho National meeting may be regarded as unlikely starters, among them being Sunray (who is very unlikely to start, unless the report of his death is grossly exaggerated), Wirral (said to bavo broken down), Hoanga (ditto) and ono or two others. --It is claimed in some that Dorando should have won the' Wellington Steeplechase if he had not ran off at the last fcnce. He was jiving Ncdra a stone, and in the July Steeples was handicapped on lllb better terms with her, but did not go to the post. In the National Steeples Dorando is giving 3ib to Nedra. — History teems with attempts to achievo the impossible. Building a tower to reach heaven, sweeping the ocean back with a broom, catching Niagara Falls in a teacup, and attempting to dictate how people should spend their money all belong to the same family. So is Sir George Clifford's attempt to stop double betting — Tho latest mail to hand from England brings illustrated papers showing pictures of the English Derby finish. Craganour, Aboyeur, Louvois, and Great 6port are finishing almost in line, with Aboyeur on the inside. Aboyeur's rider is seen using his whip with the left hand, presumably because Craganour is crowding on the other side.

— Sir George Clifford gave a hint that lie would not be a\erse to someone else filling the presidential chair of the Racing Conference. He has occupied the position with general satisfaction for 17 years, and was unanimously elected for another year. Most people would like to sec Sir George gain hig "majority" at least, before obtaining a chance to quit office. — The Racing Conference appointed six stipendiary stewards during the past season, and tho Stipendiary Stewards' Committee believe it will be necessary to appoint more substitute stipendiary men in future, if discontent at the absence of such assistance is to be avoided. At one time only a few wanted tho stipendiary stewards, now clubs won't be happy till they get them. — The proposed amendments to Hie rules of racing, having for their effect, that all trainers' and riders' licences be granted by a committee appointed by the Racing Conference; that "no horse three years old and upwards shall run in any handicaps over a distance of less than five furlong," and the motion to increase the minimum weight ba raised to 7st, wore all lost at the conference — Harry Harrison, who had the pleasure of training Obi, the winner of this year's Victorian Grand National Hurdle Race, was not always in the racing line. Originally ho was a compositor, and later took to raceriding, and steered a few winners in the country districts of- Victoria. Harrison was long private trainer for the Messrs Manifold, and won the Grand National Steeplechase with Dungnn and Mysore. — The Trotting Conference shelved the question of appointing stipendiary stewards. Some of the members were in favour of the appointments being made, but the question of cost was ftiaently a stumbling block with them. Pure sport, apparently, costs money, but nevertheless, those antagonistic to tho appointment of experts, do not know trotting, and that is all there is to bo said about the matter. — Kilrain, tho winner of tho Parliamentary Handicap, was bred by Air Bruce Christie, at Oamaru, He was got by tho imported Kilcheran (son of Kilwarlin), from Grand Rain by Gipsy Grand, from Rainbow by ■ Cadogan, from Iris, the dam of Bloodshoi. A half-brother to Kilrain is now trained by C. Christie, at Wingatui. Kilrain's halfbrother was got by Sir Dove, a son of Sir Tristram, and the Grand Flaneur mare, Grand Love. — The Native has incurred a 7lb penalty for the Grand National Steeples and a similar increase in the Grand National Hurdles. This brings Ins weight in the former r-aco up to 11.7, and in the latter to 11.13. Haskayne incurs a 41b penalty in tho Winter Cup, Darby Paul gets an additional 121b in tlie National Steeples—making his weight 10.11. Kew goes up Gib in tho Winter Cup, and Commotion incurs a similar penalty for tho same race. — The Waimate Racing Club closed the season with a credit balance of £844 8s Id. This is £132 18s Gd in excess of the previous year, although £299 lis Id has recently been spent on permanent improvements. The Waimate meeting is one of the most popular fixtures in the South Island, and always attracts patronage from a wide-spread area. Last season the Waimate meeting clashed with the Southland Racing Club autumn meeting, but next year they keep apart on the calendar.

—T. Pritchard, who broke a leg whilst riding at Feilding last year, had his name mentioned at the Racing Conference during a discussion on (he accident fund. Pritchard lias had a particularly bad time since his accident, and there was an impression abroad that the trustees of the accident fund were not inclined to grant, assistance sufficiently adequate to meet- the c»se; but Sir George Clifford stated that tho trustees were quite willing to pay Pritchard more had he asked for it. '

— In the "Cable Derby Sweepstake," which i 9 participated in by 30.000 cable operators, all over the world, Mr Herbert W. Robinson, from Manchester, drew the 'favourite, Craganour, the first prize being £3400. Mr Robinson is now in the employ of the Commercial Cable Company in New York. He was receiving operator on the cable when the first result was received in New York, which, he thought, made him the winner of £3400. A little Inter he received another despatch, disqualifying the horse. Onlookers declare that he never turned a hair.

—At a meeting of the Manawatu Racing Club, Mr J, H. P. Strang, presiding, the programme for the summer meeting waß approved, increasing the stakes by £480, find making a total of £1585 for the meeting. Plans wero submitted for additions to the stewards' stand, increasing it to two storeys, and adding a new jockey's room, Weighing room, and giving separate rooms with separate entrances downstairs. The work is being carried out by contract. Further improvements will be made to the grounds. Altogether a considerable sum of money will bo spent before the Christmas meeting. —It is to be hoped that Sir George Clifford's remarks in reference to accidents and falls in steeplechases is the death knell of the Sloan seat as far as cross-country and hurdle racing is concerned. Sir George said:—"The faulty jumping which has conspicuously marred our recent steeplechases cannot be attributed to the difficulty of the fences. Its explanation must rather be sought in the insufficiency of tho schooling given to their charges by trainers, or to the desire '<( riders to apply the short-stirrup seat to n. task for which it is obviously uusuited. If common senso does not provide a remedy, the conference should take steps i:: that direction." — There seems to be a prospcct of the next Dunedin Cup carrying a stake of lOOOeovb, and there is 11 suggestion in tho air that a 75050 v stake will be attached to the D.J.C. Handicap, which carried oOOsov at this season's meetings. It is to be hoped that a substantial stake will also go to the Publican's Handicap, the Anniversary Handicap, and the other chief short-distance events on the programme. With at least two solidly-endowed events in each day's card, the Cup meeting should get a great boost in popularity with owners. At present, some of the chief sprints carry very little moro money than a welter or hack race, and they, consequently, lack an attractive distinction on the programme.

— Setting up a body containing a lawbreaking element in its composition to make laws, savours of absurdity. Malefactors making laws as it were; but it is to be hoped that it i 3 not so bad as all that, Still, Mt E. W. Allison, one of the representatives of the 'Auckland Country Clubs, stated during the discussion in the motion to debar owners from belting with bookmakers, that even members of Ihe conference wi.gered with bookmakers. This was doubted by Mr G. Huntor, but Mr Allison, in reply, ropeated his statement and reiterated it during subsequent discussion on the matter.

In fact, Mr Allison was so positive that it is evident that racing virtues are not absolutely centred in the gentlemen composing the conference. —In reply to a deputation appointed by the Trotting Conference, to wait upon the Minister of Railways, with a view to obtaining improved hone boxc3 and means of transit, tho Minister said:—"l have the interest cf racing at heart, and anything I can do to further the interests of racing or trotting will be done." He explained that new and up-to-date boxes had been provided in parts, and they were gradually increasing them. As far as possible, (he department would try to meet horsesowners. Ho pointed out, however, that nursing grievances for an annual deputation was not tho proper course. Complaints 111 particular cases were easier to deal with. Instructions had already been issued regarding tho shunting of live stock trains, and in cases where enginc-drivcra wore proved to bo responsible for excessive shunting, they would be warned that a repetition of the offence might lead to disrating, and even -dismissal.

— The pedigree of Brulour, this year's winner of the Grand Prix do Paris, is of interest to New Zealanders, as tho colt is a dircct descendant and in-bred to Dollar, a horso of The Herod, that was a great stud success in France. Dollar bad only one representative in Now Zealand, and that was Rupee, who produced Louis d'Or, Florin, Spado Guinea, Apropos, Silver Mark, Exchange, Alerrie England, and others of lesser note. Spade Guinea won tho Duncdin Cup, Sew Zealand Cup, etc. Metric England won tlie Groat Autumn as a three-year-old, with 9.1, whilst somo-of tho others were good performers. Chain Armour, the sire of Pallas, was a son of Apropos, and Rupeo was no doubt a valuable importation in this country. Bluette, who tlirew Omnium II (sire of Brulcur's dam), was got by Wcllingtonia, a half-brother to Apremont. Dollar was a son of the famous I 1 lying Dutchman, who sired the dain of one of the most succosful tap roots to bs found m the Australasian stud books. — Some comment has lately appeared a3 to who were amongst the first to adopt toe crouch Eeat in this country. There is a difference between' the crouch and the extreme perch, which allows the knees of a man to almost meet in front of a horse 5 withers. The latter is the crouch carried to absurdity, and never identified with fully successful horsemanship, although not without a certain amount of success. The first rider the writer remembers riding with a fairly short leather, jnd laying over in front of the saddle, and with reins gripped near the ring of the bit, was one named K. Dunn, who won a steeplechase on Ben If. at a hunt club meeting held at Forbury Park in 188 G. Before that timo, the late J. Poole, the well-known cross-country rider, who was killed Whilst riding Rebel in a hurdle race at Timaru, occasionally rode Mr J. F. Kitching's Oliver, one of the best trotters of that lxiriod. Poole stood in his irons and crouched over Oliver's neck whilst riding his mount, who wan, if memory is not at fault, one' of the first—if not the firstAmerican horses ever brought to New Zealand. Oliver was a true actioncd trotter, and another rider in George Smith, rode Duchess, a well-known performer of tho same time, in a similar style. These were the first three riders whom the writer con remember tailing a short hold of some of their mounts, but they did not use a particularly short leather, although their "seat" threw the body in front of the saddle.