OUR AUCKLAND SPORTING LETTER.

Otago Witness, Issue 1950, 4 April 1889, Page 25

OUR AUCKLAND SPORTING LETTER.

(Feom Oue Own Cobrespondbnt.) Auckland, April 2. It is a long way to November, bat already Aucklanders are discussing the prospects of Loehiel's half-brother Corunna being taken over to falfil his engagement in the V.R.0." Derby. The parties behind the colt state that if he keeps all right his going to Australia is almost a certainty. What seemed to be a flagrant piece of crooked waning took place at the Qnehiroga Pony

meeting on Saturday last. Secret,' who had shown good form at Dargaville, was a contestant in the Maiden Plate, and finished nearly last, but in the Cup she simply walked in. The stewards held a meeting to inquire' into the matter, and as the jockey (Cook) stated that he did not ride the horse to orders in the first race, he was put on the black list for six months. Secret has since been sold to Mr R. Blaikie for £70, and is to be sent to Sydney. Cuirassier and Oorunna were brought up to Ellerslie one day last week for a gallop on the tan. Both looked a trifle on the big side, but now that James Eean has returned we may expect soon to see an alteration in their looks. Old Nelson is still galloping in capital style, while Artillery's sister Hilda continues to improve. It is quite evident that the metropolitan cluba will at no distant date have to lay down a rule of action With regard to country clubs promoting pony meetings. Last week the Onehunga Racing Club brought off one of these gatherings, and no doubt emboldened by the fact that the Auckland Racing Club did not interfere, the Takapuna Jockey Club are now in the field with a programme for a meeting to be held on the 13th inst. These clubs are clearly riding through the metropolitan rules, and it is surprising that they have not been notified of the fact by the metropolitan club. Mr W. Percival, secretary to the Auckland Racing Club, who had been attending the meeting of delegates at Napier, returned yesterday. Nothing has been allowed to transpire as to the deliberations of the delegates, but from what I glean very little was done, and another meeting, to be held in June, is spoken of. George Hope returned from Napier this week with Lady Norah. He tells me that the backward running of the little daughter of Cadogan in the Hawke's Bay Cup was due to the shoes on both her fore feet getting loose and twisting. It was a miracle that she was not permanently ruined. After' the running of the Hurdle Race at Henderson's Mill on the 16th inst., in which event the two stable companions Guy Fawkes and Orangeman finished first and second respectively, there was a good deal of comment on the result, many being of opinion that Rae could , have won on Orangeman had he so desired. The I stewards had a meeting on Friday last for the purpose of inquiring into the matter, and after hearing Rae's explanation it was decided to censure him. The annual meeting of the New Zealand Stud Company was to hare been held on Friday last, but lapsed for want of a quorum. The report presented stated that the shipment of horses to India had resulted in a loss, while from a revaluation of stock and deaths the profit and loss shows a loss. The working accounts 3how a slight profit. Judging from the small attendance and lack of speculation, I don't think that the Onehunga racing club cleared much out of their pony and trotting meeting. on Saturday.