OUR AUCKLAND SPORTING LETTER.

Otago Witness, Issue 1951, 11 April 1889, Page 25

OUR AUCKLAND SPORTING LETTER.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) Auckland, April 9. Matters in connection with our Autumn meeting this year do not, I regret to say, bear a very rosy aspect, and it seems quite certain that we are to have a very dull gathering. Mr Evett last week declared the weights for the two principal races — the Easter Handicap and the Steeplechase — and with the material at command he appears to have performed his task satisfactorily. In the Easter Handicap Nelson has been weighted at 9.11, and if himself he would have nothing to be afraid of ; but the old horse seems rather backward, and in addition I fancy that he is losing his pace — at least that was my opinion after seeing him work this morning. Cuirassier, on his Derby running, must have a good show with 8.8, but the fact that the St. Leger is run on the same day makes his starting doubtful ; and the same remark applies to Hilda, who is decidedly well in with 8.2. The sister to Artillery is very forward, and whatever she starts in she will take a deal of beating. Of the Steeplechase horses Man&iobane is considered by many to be the pick witffll.7, but though Mr Evett has taken a stone off his back since last he handicapped him for a cross-country race, Artist (10.9) and Recruit (10.3) /are more to my liking for this particular event. For some time past it has been rumoured that the syndicate racing under the name of " Mr C. Beresford" were contemplating a retirement from the turf, and an denouncement has been made to the effect that Escutcheon, Leopold, and 00., will be submitted to auction prior to the A.R.C. meeting. Corunna, the half-brother to Lochiel, is, however, not to be included in the list. Artillery's sister Balista seems to be badly affected in her respiratory organs, which ailment has been brought about by the appearance of several lumps in her throat. She may win a few races over sprint courses, but will, I think, never get a long journey. I understand that her case has been sent to the eminent English vet., Mr F. Day, for consideration. Hazel (by Nordenfeldt— Frailty), the yearling half-sister to Trenton, has already been taken up, and is progressing in her education satisfactorily. TheTakapuna Jockey Club's action in holding a pony meeting has not been challenged by the metropolitan club, a fact which has given rise to much comment. I understand, however, that it is quite on the board that when the club sends up the programme for their meeting to be held on the Queen's Birthday it may be returned to them without being passed. The steeplechase rider Pat Nolan, who has for some time past been head man at Kohimarama, left last week for Sydney. Bangle, Rataplan, and Cambria (yearling halfbrother to Mitrailleuse) ;have been placed in James ' Eean's hands. The committee of the Auckland Racing Club last week resolved to adopt the amendment made to the metropolitan rules by the Napier Conference. The action of the Takapuna Jockey Club in fining two bookmakers £25 for laying totalisator odds at their meeting, and which fine they refused to pay, was la3t week brought before the metropolitan club, and the committee resolved to endorse the Tapapuna Club's action. The pencillers, however, still say that they will not pay the fine.