AUCKLAND ITEMS. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Auckland, July 1.

Otago Witness, Issue 1900, 3 July 1890, Page 26

AUCKLAND ITEMS. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Auckland, July 1.

George Wright returned from Sydney laßt week with Hilda and Antelope. He tells me that prior to the Birthday- Cup Hilda showed him a gallop of great excellence, but that she and her companion seemed to lose all form. Do what he would he could not keep them dry, and as a last resource he had them clipped. Wright is of opinion that the mare especially requires several months to become acclimatised in Australia. Wright has now a very numerous string under bis charge at J. Kean's late establishment at Kohimarama, consisting of Hilda, Antelope, Cynical Cissy, Leolantus, Brigand, Tulloch, and Orlando. Private advices state that James Kean has been none too well since he took up his residence in Sydney, and that he may have to return to New Zealand. Mr Walters is having very bad luck with hia raareß this season. Only a few weeks baok I hid to record the death of Yatfcerina, and now information reaches me that old Slander has passed out. As the dam of Billingsgate, Speculation (lato Hlppodnmift), and Foul Shot, Slander furnished three very fair performers. H. Harrison tells me that Raglan is as much a cripple as ever, and the ailment from which he is suffering remains quite 'as muoh a mystery to the various " vets " who have been consulted about the case. It will be a great pity if Major George should lose the services of the son ot Uap-a-ple, but at present the balance of opinion appears to be that the horse has run his last raoe. From » reliable source I learn that the price Mr Lake paid for Natator was ISOfjs. Mr Lake was very anxlou* to secure Sou-wester, and offered 350gs for^the son of Goldebrounh, but Mr Walker would not take a penny less than 500gs for him. Private advices received from J. Rae state that Titokowaru is going most satisfactorily in his training, and Hae anticipates that he will run a great race for first honours in the Grand National steeplechase to be decided at Flemlngfon on the 19th inst.