SPORTING NEWS.

Otago Witness, Issue 1805, 25 June 1886, Page 20

SPORTING NEWS.

IiAOtNG FIXTURES. June 21— Hawke's Bay Steeplechases. July 10— Wellington R.C. steeplechases. July 2J—N.S. Grand 3S.ition.il Steeplechases. August s— Wai mute Steeplechases.

-' ANSWKKS TO COHKKSPONBBNTS. C. S. A., Opotoki.— By referring to the New Zealand Stud Book (vol. 7), you will find that, Faust is by Totar.i, not by Daniel O'ltourkc. Constant Keadek, Invercargill.— (l) It is of American origin. (2) Books of the rules wore published many years ago, and we have a copy of them, but they seem to bo out of print now, as we have often tried to get further copies without avail. NOTES BY BEACON. The programme for the midwinter meeting projected by the Dunedin Jockey Club for July 31 shows that £135 will be given in stakes, the priucipal events being a flat handicap of 35 soys, two hurdle races of 25 soys each, and a trotting race of 25 soys. Nominations close on July 17. For the Otago Hunt Club's meeting— carried out by the Duuediu Jockey Club, of course— a capital programme has been prepared. The gathering will this year extend over two days, and the good round sum of £700 will be given in stakes. On the first day the priucipal event will be the Tally-Ho Steeplechase, of 130 soys, supplemented by a Maiden Hunters' Steeplechase, of 40 sovs; Kensington Flat Handicap, of 75 hoys ; Shorts Handicap, of 50 soys ; and Selling Race, of 35 soys. On the second day will be provided— the Hunt Club Cup, a handicap of 100 soys ; Hurdle Handicap, or 50 soys; Telegraph Flat Handicap, ot 70 soys; Novel Race, of 50 soys; Welter Handicap, of 40 soys; and Consolation Handicap (steeplechase), of 40 soys. The meeting will be held on September 10 and 11, and nominations close on August 14. The Duuedhi Jockey Club's committee have been busy during the week in seeing after the condition of the training track at the Forbury, and getting it put in good order for the approaching meetings. Another step in the right direction that has been taken by our club is a reduction in the charge for admission to the grand stand and saddling paddock at the minor meetings held under its auspices. At the July meeting the charge will be the nominal one of half-a-crown, while at the Hunt Club meeting five shillings will be charged iustead of the usual halfsovereign. In its choice of a paper to serve as an " official calendar" the Canterbury Jockey Club appears to have been particularly unhappy, and I should imagine it will not belong before the Dunediu JocWey Club protests against being dragged by the former body into a false position. Last week the " calendar" (the unassuming Keferee) had the execrably bad taste to publish the names of four Dunedin owners of horses who race under assumed names. When an assumed name is registered, all that a racing calendar should do is to note the fact, and not publish the individual's name as well. What on earth is the use of a geutleman assuming a racing name if his identity with the same is to be publicly notified ? Every one of the four gentlemen in question feels excessively annoyed at this breach of good manners and common sense, and no wonder ! The unusually large sum of £150 will be given at the Kurow meeting in September next, and the principal stake will be the J. C. Handicap of 40 soys.

At a meeting of the newly-elected committee of the Ashburton Racing Club, held on Saturday, Mr C. W. Purnell was unanimously reelected chairman. Mr S. Sauuders tendered his resignation of the secretaryship of the club, and submittted increased business engagements as his reason for taking this step. Mr Sauuders uudertook to discharge the duties of the office until the appoin' mont of his successor, and was directed to advertise for applications for the position. A committee was appointed to draft a programme for the annual spring race meeting of the club, which will probably take place early in December. A general meeting of members of the Ashburton County Hunt Club was held on Saturday, at which it was resolved to hold the annual steeplechases on August 18. The stakes amount to £100.

" Rata" telegraphed to us on Wednesday evening that active inquiries have been made about Brigadier for the New Zealand Cup. The stable have backed him for a lot of money at 100 to 5. Nelson and Lochiel are also in demand at that price. " Senex" has a long article in the Press complaiuing of the tone adopted by New Zealand writers in criticising handicaps, and from it I take the following : — " In England it is accepted by writers that the weights have been carefully and honestly adjusted, and points at issue between handicappers and critics are treated as differences of opinion in regard to the merits of the horses to which they relate. But in New Zealand it is not the fashion to allow that such differences of opinion can exist, and in points where they differ with the handicappers, they trumpet forth their distura with no uncertain sound, declaring them obvious faults, ridiculous errors, insane imposts, and generally using up a dictionary of assorted abuse and charges of incompetence on those they disagree with. But when the convincing hour arrives how fares it with our immaculates ; do they come out of the ordeal as men of unerring prescience, and prove our handicappers unworthy of respect? Let the history of the last New Zealand Cup tell its tale. There were fifty-five horses handicapped for the race, and in June 1885, there were collected and published in this journal the tips of nine sporting writers from all parts of New Zealand, who selected from six to twelve horses each as likely to produce the winner, and amongst them there were no less than thirty-two horsesnamed, but the name of Fusillade, the winner of the Cup, was not mentioned by any one of them, and the other two placed horses, Administrator and Lochiel, were only tipped by three, writers out of the nine. And yet the handicap was freely condemned, and in language of which the following, by a well-known writer, is no exaggerated specimen. His opening remark is — "Handicappers arc not infallible, but this appears to me about the ' maddei.it handicap T have seen for some time." This gentleman then selects his dozen to furnish the winner, but none of the three placed horses are amongst them. And yetnotwithstanding how the CJ.C. Ilandicappiug Committee scored over the tipsters last season, we find much the same class of criticism in vogue again this year, the writers again classing as faults and follies any imposts with which they disagree, and entirely ignoring tho possibility of a handicapper honestly hokliug a different opinion of a horse's merits to their own."

As the writer of the foregoing has chosen to take my remarks as particularly worthy of selection, ho might in common fairness have stated my reasons for calling last year's handicap tho " maddest one I had seen for some time." They were the very lenient treatment

of Captain Webster after the manner iv which the Dunedin handicapping of the same horse had been growled about by many people ; the clapping of 71b over weight-for-age on Trenton", and the putting of Lady Evelyn 21b above Lady Ktmna. As it happened, Captain Webster proved conclusively in the race and in subsequent engagements that he cannot stay two miles in the best company, but for a mile and a-half he led the Cup field a merry dance. The writer says that New Zealand writers do not allow that differences, of opinion as to horses' merits can exist, but in the same breath he proves conclusively that they do exist, for he says that 'nine writers differed so much in opinion that 32 horses were among them selected to furnish the winner. Would " Senex" really like sporting writers- to accept the work of handicappers as perfect ; and does he hold that because a handicapper weights horses according to his honest opinion of their merits the handicap must be a perfect one ? I think not — in fact, I have known " Senex" cut up handicaps as heartily as anyoue. His suggestions that because no writer selected Fusillade, therefore the handicap was a good one, is all nonsense ; if writers could drop on the future winner of a race so easily as that there would soon be an end to racing. Besides, the handicappers themselves must have been in tho same boat with the sportingjwriters, or else they would either have put more weight on Fusillade or have looked on him as a remarkably good thing to back. Coming back to my own comments on the handicap, " Senex" might have admitted that seven horses out of my twelve had broken down, or were away in the North Island when the race came off. Also that respecting the three placed horses, I said Fusillade was one of a lot that were " strikingly well in ;" that Administrator '• could not grumble at his weight ;" and that Lochiel was " about where he ought to be looked for." I submit a table showing the difference between the weights allotted to the horses iv the New Zealand Cup and their weight-for-age at the time the racelwill be run :—

This year's figures, thus almost double those of last season, and with good handicapping, there should be Bufflcient starters to furnish an un-

.usually successful gathering. The weights for the Grand National and Hunters' race will appear on Tuesday next ; those for the TallyHo ' will be framed directly after the Grand National has' been mn. The adjourned annual me ting of members of the Geraldine Racing Club.was held on the 14th instant, Mr R. H. Pearpoint in the chair. The balance-sheet showed that the expenditure for the year was £1895, and that there remained a deficit of £461 ; against which could be placed the club's permanent improvements on the course. It was also stated by the chairman that the above sum would probably be reduced by about £140 in a short time by receipts from rent and Eubscriptious. In the absence of a report, the chairman stated that the club had held two meetings during the year, which had been fairly successful. He referred to the disqualification of the owners of Borderman, the horse and his jockey, and in doing so wished to correct an error which had appeared in one of the local papers. It had been erroneously stated that the disqualification extended over two years ; but, as most present knew, the penalty was only to continue during the pleasure of the Club. The balance-sheet, as read, was adopted. A discussion then took place on the nonpayment of subscriptions by members. It was stated that members had enjoyed the- privileges of membership for years without contributing to the funds of the club. It was decided to take steps to collect all arrears. At a committee meeting held afterwards, Mr R. H Pearpoint was re-elected chairman, and Mr D. M'Kenzie re-elected secretary and treasurer. A programme for the Spring meeting was submitted to the committee, and adopted. The proposed agreement between the club and Messrs Ma*on and Roberts, re the working of the totali&ator, is to be ratified if the necessary alterations iv the agreement be made. The proposal to establish a three-mile N.Z. Champion Stakes came before the committee meeting of the Auckland Racing Club last week, says a contemporary. The matter was discussed at some length, and there was a general opinion among those present that such a race should be established. Ultimately the secretary was instructed to write to the Canterbury Jockey Club, and put the proposal before them. I can only repeat my expression of a hope that the suggestion will not be carried out. Not one of the five clubs that are to be asked to give £400 a year to the proposed race has the money to spare, even in these days of the totalisator, and the outcome would bo only an ignominious collapse of the extravagant affair immediately the " machine " becomes abolished — which may be the case at no very distant date. The Dunediu Jockey Club certainly cannot afford to give £2000 to a race which would be held here only once in five years, and the total receipts for which — including entry fees and totalisator commission — would not amount to more than £200. Sentiment is all very well in its place, but to throw away £1800 over it is rather too much of a good thing. North Canterburbury steeplechases are to be held on August 27. The followingitems are from our exchanges : — In Auckland there is a growing desire for the leading clubs to step in and apply the brake to country racing. On all hands we hear a cry of the future of racing, and many are beginning to recognise that if something is not done to curtail it the totalisator will be doomed. There seems every prospect of the stewards of the Auckland Racing Clnb turning their attention to this troublesome matter at an early date, for they are fully alive to the importance of protecting the machine from being abused. — Mr Walters was asked the other day to put a price on Matchlock's brother, when something like four figures was the price quoted. The Riccarton racecourse is made lively now (says "Senex") by the appearance of anumberof rising two-year-olds, who are just starting their education, and can been seen cantering about on the centre of the ground. The training gallops are in none too good order, the plough being unfit for work, owing to late rains, and a big hole iv the tan gallop opposite the shilling stand renders it necessary to pull the horses up before reaching the spot. For the Wellington Racing Club's steeplechases entries have been received as follows: — ■

TRIAL STEEPLECHASE HANDICAP. Of 80 soys. Romeo Old Sarah Dan O'Oonnell Denbigh Sultan Orient Spartan Kangaroo Moorna Halicore Mountaineer Secretary Taurika Freebooter Fair Play Nikau Slaughterman Okato. HURDLE HANDICAP, Ot 100 8 vs. Romeo Erebus Faugh-a-ballagh Mountaineer Druid Forest King Denbigh Taurika Sulian Freebooter Oient Victor Pafcricious J. L. Sullivan Fair Play Skylark Secretary Marara ' Spartan Conundrum Slaughterman Okato. STEEPECHASE HANDICAP, Of 150 soys. Romeo Druid Faugh-a-ballagh Mountaineer Maminga Forest King Denbigh Orient The Lad Skylark Nikau Sultan Spartan Patent Safety Victor Slaughterman Secretary Fair Play Erebus.

At the annual meeting of the Timaru Racing Club on Saturday, the balance-sheet showed that the annual races held in December resulted in no profit owing to the large programme issued — viz., £300 for one day's racing — which proved a rather severe tax, together with other expenses. The racing season 1885 was commenced with a credit balance of £53. Stakes, rent of racecourse, &c. to the amount of £604 have been paid away, and now the club have a cash balance of £75, making a profit on the year's racing of £22. A considerable amount is due for members' subscriptions, and special efforts will be made during the recess to collect the same, which will augment the funds to a very large extent. On the motion of Mr E. Rutherford, seconded by Mr J. Smith, the balance-sheet was adopted as read, the chairman paying a high compliment to the town members and the hon. secretary for the way they had worked for the club. — The new rules of racing were forwarded from headquarters and laid on the table. After being perused by members, it was resolved that the Timaru Racing Club have much pleasure in being brought under the new rules. — A letter was received from Mr F. W. Cook, secretary S.C.J.C., in answer to an application for a reduction of £25 per day charged to T.R C. for the racecourse, stating that no reduction could be made, as the charge was fixed by the trustees. Several members spoke very warmly on the subject, and after it had been well debated Mr F. Watson proposed — " That the trustees bo requested to call a meeting to take the application of the T.R.C. into consideration." Seconded by Mr MS. Gentlemun, and carried. — A meeting of the committee was afterwards held. It was resolved to hold a two days' Spring meeting during the show week, the amount of stakes to be fixed at a future; meeting.

Trenton Nelson... Necklace Tasmnn Stonyhurst Winchester Maligner Tigridia Liverpool Turquoise Fusillade Pasha ... Waitiri... Derringer Lochiel... Forerunner Administrator Moana ... Alpine Hose Titßit... Hussley July ... Gordon... Hermitage Strenuous Leon Sou-wester Cadogan — Wave f... Everton Lad First Lord Archduke Brigadier Ruby ... Artillery Talebearer Master Agnes Speculation Howitzer Silver Prince Argonaut Chantilly Sr. Clair Torrent Spade Guinea Apropos Trickster Crcniorne Disowned Quibble Rifleman Merlin— Repo g ... Take Miss British Lion Musk Rose Patrician ... Tanioana Terori ... VVairuna Fair Noll Reproach La Rose Vanity Fnir Madonna Huata ... Fardingale Rose and Gold St. Ives Rubezahl Fantasy Nourmahal Tarantalus The Spy Beresford Horse. ■ I y5-6y 56 5 aged 4 4 6 5 5 aged 4 5 4 4 5 5 aged 4 4 4 5 aged 4 4 5 aged 4 4 3 4 3 3 3 5 6 aged o 3 3 3 3 3 4 3 6 3 3 (i 5 3 5 3 3 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 5 3 3 5 3 5 3 3 3 3 4 ■a JL st. lb. 9 11 9 10 9 1 9 0 9 0 8 11 8 10 8 9 8 8 8 7 8 7 8 6 8 5 8 4 8 2 8 1 8 0 8 0 7 12 7 12 7 11 7 11 7 11 7 10 7 10 7 10 7 9 7 9 7 8 7 8 7 7 7 6 7 1 7 1 7 0 7 0 6 12 6 12 6 11 6 11 6 11 6 11 6 11 6 10 6 10 6 10 6 10 6 10 6 10 6 10 6 8 6 7 6 7 0 7 6 7 6 6 6 6 6 15 <5 6 6 3 6 3 6 0 6 0 (5 0 6 0 6 0 I 6 0 6 0 6 0 0 0 6 0 (5 0 6 0 St. lb. 9 5 9 6 9 0 9 6 9 0 9 0 9 6 9 0 9 5 9 6 9 0 9 5 8 9 9 0 9 2 9 5 9 6 9 0 9 0 8 11 9 2 9 6 8 11 9 0 9 0 9 5 9 6 8 9 9 0 7 6 9 0 7 6 7 6 7 6 9 5 9 6 9 1 7 6 7 6 7 6 7 (5 7 6 7 6 8 9 7 1 9 6 7 6 7 6 9 3 9 5 7 3 9 0 7 « 7 0 9 0 7 1 7 1 7 1 7 1 7 1 7 1 8 9 !) 0 7 3 7 1 9 0 7 6 9 2 7 1 I 7 1 ' 7 6 7 1 9 0 ■^6 -a m Difference. 6lb over 4 l 61b under None 31b under 10 5 11 13 -„ 7 13 4 r. 10 12 „ 14 20 M 16 „ 13 19 23 „ 14 18 18 „ 23 25 14 20 „ 211) over 211b under None 51b under 5 „ 33 „ 3t 31 8 9 „ 9 9 9 9 27 5 38 10 „ 10 35 37 9 35 13 13 35 9 .t 9 9 9 i. 12 32 37 ■12 17 15 •13 20 44 15 15 „ 20 15 „ 42 The following nominations were received on the 17th for the Grand National Steeplechase meeting : — GRAND NATIONAL HANDICAP, Of 325sovs. Daddy Longlegs Michael Scott Victor Fatigh-a-batlagh Aroha Sultan Canard Peter Osbeck Home Rule The Lad Okato MAIDEN PLATE. Of 115SOV8. Wool King The Lounger Sultan Warlock Mainboom Master Guy The Bugler Peter Osbeck Secretary Daddy Longlegß Jim Anteros Sir William Boco Bredonhill Okato Tres Sec Peter Flat Patrician HUNTERS' HURDLE HANDICAP, Of 75sovs. No Mistake Woodstock Boco Crescent Rob Roy Master Guy Daddy Longlegs Bredonhill King Arthur Temuka Aroha Home Rule Michael Scott Peter Flat Free Lance Lounger Pirate Costcllo Victor TALLY-HO HANDICAP, Of 115sovs. Wool King The Lad Sultan Daddy Longlegs Michael Scott Secretary Boco Aroha Home Rule Faugh-a-b<illagh Mainboom Ki<'g Arthur Canard Peter Flat Panic Victor YEOMANRY STEEPLECHASE, Of 25sovs. wM 1 ! i Ji ucv Colonel Woodstock Crescent Rona Medicotto These show a gratifying increase on last year's nominations, as will be seen by the following comparative table :— ml, , ISBS 188(5 Grand Notional ... 9 \\ Maiden Plate ... 8 18 Hunters' Handicap ... 9 19 Tnlly-Ho Hnndicap ... 9 11} Totals ... 35 61