TALK OF THE DAY.

Otago Witness, Issue 2010, 1 September 1892, Page 27

TALK OF THE DAY.

BY MAZEPPA.

*** A lot of rain has fallen during the week, and the tracks at the Forbury have been of very little use for exercising purposes. I suppose that other courses are liable to suffer in the same way, but it is tantalising to trainers to have their horses walking about or indulging in the steadiest of canters when fast work is absolutely necessary. The candidates for the C.J.C. meeting have however another couple of months before them yet, and unless tho spring proves exceptionally wet I think that the Forbury-trained lot will be very nearly if not quite ready for the fray. In the meantime it is satisfactory to note tbat none of them have broken down. Dilemma, Conjurer, Don Pedro, Hippomenes, Mistral^ the two-year-old by St. Clair — Lady Gertrude, and others are all doing well so far as I can make out, and a host of others are going on slowly with their preparation^ for minor engagements. As yet, of course, no one can say which of the Dunedin lot has the best show in the N.Z. Cup.

*** Mr Dowses weights for the .Timaru meeting appear in another column. Erin-go-Bragh has displayed such good form, though unlucky, that he was bound to be 'top weight in the Hurdles. His second in the Grand National Hurdles justifies that. But as I have previously remarked, Erin seldom wins when in the 11.0 division. Weight affects him, I think; and at the Timaru imposts I would sooner stand Magpie, who at the National meeting carried his 10.0 into a place in the more severe steeplechase. I am aware that with the same weight as he has now Magpie was dished in the Final Hurdles at the National meeting, but his conqueror, Smuggler, is now raised 17lb, which should enable Magpie to get his revenge. Gillie, as a stayer on the flat, may have a show if he can leap, but I rather look for danger from Kilmarnock or Iroquois. This pair, with Magpie, I take to be the most likely three in this hurdle race at Timaru. Anticipating that some of the cracks will go out of the County Plate, it is on the cards that thero will not be much left to oppose Young Cheviot, though if Kauroo starts he has a look in. For the Cup, a mile and a-half, Mr Dowse has had mercy on Crackshot. He was bound to begin with this unfortunate horse, but he has done him a good turn by bringing some of the others closer to him than usual. This is made apparent by a simple set of figures. Six of the horses engaged in this Timaru Cup are acceptors for the New Zealand Cup. Of these Crackshot is raised 51b on the big November handicap, Crown Jewel 81b, Don Pedro 111b, Stepniak 81b, Saracen 81b, and C .njurer 61b. Considering that Crown Jewel v said to be not doing over well, that Stepniak, Saracen, and Conjurer are so far known only as sprinters, and therefore may be supposed to be better served by the Timaru distance than the two miles of the New Zealand Cup course, and that Don Pedro has a fairly substantial rise, it will be seen that Crackshot has really a material pull over those mentioned— indeed, he has a now-or-never chance, and* if he can't beat all these in the Timaru Cup he has no claim henceforth to be near the top of a handicap in decent company. But there are others in the race that.majr give him trouble. Bay King, for instance, and Cajolery, and I hear that Winchman may have to be reckoned with. The first named of this trio has been running very well, and at the present I would as soon select him — Bay King, I mean — as anything else for this Timaru Cup. Roseleaf seems to me to have a show in the High-weight Handicap, aud the Flying may go to Vogengang if he starts. But I defer my final selections till we see the acceptances and the Otago Hunt Club running. Winners at this Forbury meeting are penalised.

* # * A favourite and one of the most potent arguments against the totalisator from the owner's point of view, remarks •• Vigilant," is that it places him and the public on the same footing. After having gone to the expense of purchasing, or it may be breeding, keeping and training a horse, he has to back it in the macbiue on the same terms as those who have had no share in the trouble aud expense of bringing the auimal to the post iv a condition which enables it to win. A leading Australian racing man, who has seen the system worked in Paris and America and the colonies, makes the following suggestion for remedying the injustice complained of by owners. While the machine is being worked let the total number of subscribers be made public, but let the number on each horse be kept secret until the subscription closes, which he thinks should be 15 minutes prior to each race ; that then a board should fall and disclose the numbers upon each horse, thus allowing time for comparison between these and the total, whilst the remainder of the period prior to the start would leave the bookmakers a fair opportunity to do business. Thus he holds that, owners' interests 'would be protected, while the public would have fair opportunity to back the horses they fancied, uninfluenced by the monetary support given <by the various stables to their representatives,

*** I feel quite sure that this proposal would nob work here. The people would never invest blindfold. With a very large percentage of those who patronise the machine the question of price is what determines their selection to a large extent. Go about among the crowd who stand and watch the face of the totalisators, and you will hear right and left such remarks as " Well, I was going to put LI on Whitelock, but I don't fancy him at that figure, and I think I'll go for Bluebeard," or "I'm just waiting to see whether Flashlight pays level money," and so on ; and it is a common experience for men who are going to the course to take money for others with instructions to put it on this or that if it pays a certain price. All such investors would jib at the arrangement proposed, and either stand off altogether or amuse themselves with sweeps. I .must confess that I can't see any way of overcoming the difficulty referred to. That it is a drawback to the use of the machine I have all along admitted ; in fact I think I was the first to say so in public print. But it is to be feared that there is no remedy, unless indeed the clubs in time see their way to make an entirely new ..departure in the way of extending special privileges to owners in the way of abolishing fees. That, however, is impracticable at present.

* # * The old-established North Canterbury Steeplechase meeting dragged through this season in even a duller way than usual. Heavy rain had fallen prior to the day, making the ground so soft that galloping was out of the question excepting at an occasional spot where the course rises a bit, and, though the sky cleared during the day, the early morning looked so threatening that many who generally attend made up their miuds to stay at home. It was probably owing to the wet that some of the horses were also absent. Ahua was one, at anyrate, that did not start for this reason. He was taken to the course, and for exhibition purposes was given a jump over one of the fences, but he left the racing to the smaller fry. Altogether there were but 21 starters for the six events. The Great Not them Steeplechase, which it may again be pointed out is neither "great" nor "Northern," attracted a field of four, and of these Glen was made a hot favourite, it being judged, and with reason, that his condition would serve him well in such unsound going. He made his own pace, the others being unable to act in the mud, and was landed the easiest of winners, coming away at the finish from Chance and beating the latter by a couple of chains. Regalia fell, but was remounted and ridden out. Of the five comparatively unknown starters for the Brackenfield Plate threo were pretty evenly supported, and they filled the places, though the actual winner, Fleetwing, was the least fancied of the trio. It is quite like old times to read that Clarence won -the next event, but I fear that this modern bearer of the name, who by the way is a son of Secretary's sire, Tekoa, is hardly as good as the original— as yet, at anyrate, for he only just managed to defeat Isidore at level weights, and the last-mentioned joker is u no great shakes and had the worst of the luck% Still, Clarence is a young horse and may improve. The Tally-ho Handicap was left to three horses whose names are not yet very familiar, the best proving to be the ominouslytitled Poverty, while Glen was good enough to carry his penalty to victory in tho Farmers* Steeplechase (which he won last year), and in the Consolation Isidore walked away from Regalia. There being a whole tribe of cash fielders present the takings at the totalisator amounted to but L7ll, or L 564 less than last year.

*#* During the week there has been a steady inquiry for The Dreamer for the N.Z. Cup, and a fair amount has been taken about him at 100 to 5, but more could now be got at a point shorter. Boulanger has also received some attention at quotations, and Morion, Fraternite, Whispsr, and Lebel have also come in for support for various amounts. Current odds are as under :—: —

*#* A jockey sends a communication to the Melbourne Sportsman in reply to a letter from an owner, wha. had eypatiated on the iniquities of jockey rings. If the jockey's statements are supported by facts, they reveal a very rotten condition of affairs in Australian racing. He asserts that owners' rings have much more to do with the crooked running at minor meetings than jockeys' rings. If, however, he adds, an owner or any other one of your readers really is in ignorance of such an organisation of owners, I will speedily undeceive him or them, for, as is well known to the majority of raco-goers, there are certain stables which, if not actually and iuvariably banded togethtr for mutual profit and the discomfiture of backers outside their own ring, rarely have a go against cash other, and in nine minor handicaps out of ten arrive at a mutual agreement as to which horses in the different stables shall be run stiff, and which shall be the pea. When their schemes are upset, 'tis by the victory of a

horse owned by some one outside their own ranks, or else by an accident caused by a flaw in their own plans. The writer gives an illustration of one syEtem in vogue which assists these combinations to carry out their desigus. As matters stand at present, Mr Brown may have seven horses in seven different nominations, trained in seven different stables, but entered for one race. Messrs Jones, Smith, and Robinson may also have strong teams distributed amongst the same stables, and, may be, entered for the same race. The public don't know that all these horses belong to but three or four men, and are practically running in the same interest. In blissful ignorance of these facts they — the unfortunate public — step in and back the horses which form has told them are likely to win. Then, when a market has been made, in goes the confederacy's commission, and they, the owners' rings, have to encounter very bad luck indeed if their selection doesn't win.

*#* The most important event of the week is the death of Mr W. H. Taggart's Le Loup, who pegged out unexpectedly on the night of the 24th at the owner's Musselburgh stables. Le Loup was bred in 1874 by Mr Nosworthy, and was therefore 18 years old thiS ( foaling. Being full brother to such celebrities as Malice, Lurline, and Castaway, ho was expected to prove something out of the common, and when, having grown to the estate of a yearling, and exhibited promise of developing into a handsome racer, he was sold to Messrs Stead and L. Walker for 1100 guineas, the host of backers who were to be found in those days included many who resolved to keep an eyo on this youngster for his early engagements. I know that some infatuated persons backed him, and at a short price, to win the C.J.C. Handicap as a three-year-old, though at the time he was not in training. I well remember that at the period referred to, that is early in 1877, one friend of mine asked Harry Prince what he would lay him about this youngster for the following C.J.C, and the reply was 5 to 1. My friend dramatically declined the offer and swore that that was the last time he would price anything —a resolution which he has religiously stuck to. As a matter of fact Le Loup did not run either as a two or as a three-year-old. He was partially trained, but they say that he suffered from some kind of rheumatism, and it was probably owing to this that he gained the reputation of being small-hearted. That was the character he bore when as a four-year-old he went over to Melbourne and was trained there by Mr W. B. Dakin, but he soon fho wed them that ' ho knew how to gallop. His first essay in public was at the V.R.C. Autumn meeting of 1879, when in the Grand Stand Stakes, once round, ho was last to get away and yet finished second, being beaten by only a head by Monarque, to whom he was conceding 131b. His next race was in the Newmarket Handicap, for which ho had 8.3. This time he was absolutely left at the post, and throughjgreenness he ran all over the course, yet his* great speed enabled him to finish a dead heat for second place with Tocal 8.9 and Bob Sawyer 6.6, the race being won by Diomed 7.0. Time, lmin 16|scc. Le Loup then went on to Rand wick for the big autumn meeting, and there he ran three creditable seconds. In the Maiden Stakes ho carried 8.13 and was dished by First King's two-year-old sister Petrea6.ll by half a length ; in the Cumberland Plate, two miles, ho was beaten a length by the mighty Chester after a great struggle between the pair at level weights, Wellington a bad third ; and Chester also put Le Loup down at level weights in the A.J.C. Plate, three miles, Bosworth being third. After these high-class performances Le Loup was sent into winter quarters at Flemington, and did not again face the public till the V.R.C. Spring meeting came round, being then five years of age. He gained a place in the Melbourne Stakes, weight for age, at a mile and a-quarter, First King being landed the winner with Richmond second — two pretty fair ones, it will be admitted. Then he ran second to Swiveller in the Essendon Stakes. His third attempt at the meeting was in the Melbourne Cup. For this he was weighted at 8.4, and was one of the first picks when the handicap appeared, being indeed as good a favourite as anything till Secuudu3 jumped into prominence by winning the Metropolitan. In the race, however, he was nowhere. Excuse was made for his defeat, the fact being that his saddle slipped in the race, giving Yeomans no chance of riding the horse to advantage ; but in any case he would have had to perform something very like a miracle to win, seeing that in that year Darriwell broke the record. Le Loup'B last performance on Australian soil was to wiu the V.R.C. Handicap, in which he romped home with 8.7, beating eight others.

* # * After this Le Loup was almost at once reshipped to Now Zealand with his stable companion Trump Card, who had gone amiss, the pair landing in Canterbury the first week in December. Le Loup was trained for the C.J.C. Autumn meeting, and raced twice at it. In the Free Handicap, a mile, he carried 9.0 and waited on Tera 6.7 and On Dit 6.4 to the distance, where he went to the front and won easily by a length. In tho I' lying Stakes, weight-for-age, six furlongs, he had 9.0 and his sole adversary, Mata, carried 8.11. Clifford rode Mata and T. Clarke had the mount on Le Loup. The betting was 3tol on Mata, who jumped off with the lead, secured inside running, and was first home by a head, after a memorable contest, the time being lmin 14 the colony's record for many a day afterwards. Next season Lo Loup achieved his famous triple win at the Cantf-rbury Spring gathering. In the C.J.C. Handicap he carried 8.9, was ridden by Wattie, and won with the greatest ease by two lengths from Piscatorius 7.0, though the latter seemed to be winning at the distance. Foul Play 9 0 was third and Betrayer 8.3 fourth. The following'day Le Loup clearly outstayed Foul Play, Sir Modred, and three others in the Canterbury Cup, and on the third day he put up a 71b penalty and did what he liked with Foul Play and Governor in the Christchurch Plate, for which he started at sto 1 on. The Canterbury Cup above referred t</ caused a little excitement in Duuedin, for in some way the result of the race became known before a private totalisator which was then openly working had been closed. There was a great rush for Le Loup till the owner smelb a rat. After tho performances referred to the horse was bought by Mr Goodman and ran for him iv the St. Andrew's Haudicap in which he had 9.12 and was beaten a nose by Atlantic G.lO, Adamant and Libeller being behind this pair. The following season Le Loup made iris final appearance on the turf, being unplaced with 9 8 in the C.J.C. Handicap won by Grip. Le Loup ran in the colours of Mr Jas. Shand on that occasion. Altogether the defunct son of Mermaid ran in 16 races, of which he won five, was eight times second, once third, and twice unplaced. As a stallion there is no need to say anything fresh about him, since his credentials in that respect were referred to but a fortnight ago. As to the manner of his. death : Le Loup was first taken ill, seemingly with something like a touch of colic, at about 3 o'clock in the afternoon, and he gradually grew

worse as the day advanced, dying at a little after 9 o'clock. An examination showed a stoppage in and rupture of one of the bowels. The horse was unfortunately not insured. Mr Taggart is haying the hide tanned and will present it to the museum.

*#* There is in the Field an article on gentlemen jockeys. Speaking of the halcyon days of Bibury the writer says that amongst the members of that old club was Colonel Hellish, who made a somewhat curious appearance in the saddle in 1806. The first heat of the Welter Stakes was won by Mr Douglas' Ducat ; but in the second heat a stirrup leather broke, and Mr Douglas fell off. Colonel Mellish, who happened to be standing near, caught the horse, mounted him and ran second. For the third heat there was an objection to Ducat starting, so Witchcraft walked over ; and Ducat's supporters, being nettled at what they regarded as Bharp practice, instituted inquiries, with the result that Witchcraft was found to be eight years old instead of six, the age at which he was entered. This led to his disqualification, and the race was awarded to Ducat, who had won the first heat, but did not Rtart for the third. George IV, when Princ* of Wales, frequently ran horses at Bibury, and amongst other races won the Welter with Rebel, who was ridden by Mr Delme. Mr Ilawkes was another of the Prince's successful jockeys, and on one occasion, when Mr Hawkes scored an unexpected victory, the Prince is said to havo been so delighted that he stooped down, took off his gold spurs, and presented them to Mr Hawkes. One of the most curious incidents, however, in connection with the Bibury meetiugs happened to the Duke of Dorset when riding a hard-pulling horse called Ploughator for the Prince of Wales. The Duke broke a bloodvessel, and was in such danger after the accident that ho was not allowed to speak for a whole year afterwards. The Duke of Dorset and his brother, the Hon. George Germaine, together, with Mr Delme aforesaid, were admittedly the best jockeys of the Bibury Club, and so far were they thought to be in front of all their compeers that they were debarred from riding in the Welter of 1799, with the result that a very large field contended. Even, however, when Bibury was at the height of its fame it was the subject of a very caustic poem, which handled the amateur jockey of the day with great severity, and a writer of half a century ago remarked: "The only difference that I can find between the common jockey and many of the 'gentlemen,' is that the latter is some stone the heavier, many pounds the worst in a race, and in many cases not nearly so respectable." Still, the critic held the bona fide gentleman jockey, the man who rode for the fun of the thing, in becoming respect ; for he admitted that at the best meetiugs he saw the gentleman jockey was almost invariably personated by those only who possessed undoubted claims to the first, however deficient they might be in the accomplishments appertaining to the second part of the compound. In our own day the gentleman rider is something of a puzzle, inasmuch as there are some who must and do live out of thtiir riding ; though, as those who put them up know it, no great harm is done. It is the fashion now, as it always was, to make fun of the amateur jockey, possibly because so many of his critics have never crossed a horse in their lives. In the abstract, it is surely good for any sport that men of ec'cnowledged position should actively participate in it.

*** JVlessrs Mason and Roberts, tho enterprising and trusted firm of totalisator-workers, managed to hold their own and keep pretty well up to their average last season, notwithstanding the appreciable falling away of business experienced by their chief patron, the Dunedin Jockey Club. The firm's business extends to the farthest confiues of Otago and towards the north crosses the Waitaki, taking in several of the South Canterbury meetings. Here is the tally for the 1891-92 season :—: —

The total is L 154.459. In the previous season Messrs Mason and Roberts handled a total of L 155.278, and for 1889-90 their return showed L 158.565. This is a very steady average, to put through not very far short of half a million in three years, with a variation during that time of only L3OOO. In this case a good name is the foundation of substantial prosperity, and, knowing that this good name is deserved, I hope that the prosperity will continue.

*#* It is rather surprising to learn that; arrangements are already being made for theintroduction of the " tote" at Flemington, but Sporting Standard tells us that the members of the V.R.C. Committre have pftictically arranged most of the details, though in a somewhat informal manner. The system of totalisator they will propose will not be exactly similar to any now in force. It will be a combination of the French, the New Zealand, the Indian, and every other kind of machine in exif-tunce. The benefits of each will be secured, while experience in the working of each one will give Victorians the advantage of not going over the same course where mistakes have been made. The totalisator — or, rather, the different machines, for there will probably be threo altogether at Flemiugton — will be much Hko the ticket offices of a big railway station. They will be managed directly by the club officials,, honorary and paid, and will necessarily lead to the employment of many more casual hands on the day of any big meeting. The committee will arrange for a good deal of' the detail to be purely experimental, and bo arranged tbat it may be easily changed for a better method. In most respects the Victorian totalisator will be carried on on the principals which govern the system iv South Australia. The sister colony has been taken as the model upon which thecominittee have built their plans, and I have the authority of several members for statingthat, as a matter of fact, the scheme is eofar perfect that the totalisator, if passed into law, will be in work at Flemington at the next Cup meeting. This announcement will seem a bit sudden, but the advocates of the bill themselves are very strongly in favour of a big trial being given to it on Cup Day. The question will bo asked, What i 3 the increase in the revenue the V.R.C. hope to get by using the machine at Flemington ? The idea of several of the leading mem

Dersof the committee is that the enormous sum of L 200,000 will pass through*the totalisator (very year at Flemington. This will give about LIO.OOO to the charities, and at the same time will increase? the revenue of the club by perhaps something over three-fourths of this amount. At least, it is the opinion of the "tote's "friends, and without doubt the idea they hold within their breasts is that this will give an opportunity to still further increase the big stakes, with probably a fair addition to the Cup stake, even though it is at the present time the largest cash prize given at any race meeting throughout the world. As in many other places, the intention is that the totalisator should be closed at least 10 minutes prior to each race.

*jt* As might have been expected the curtailing policy just adopted by the Wanganui Jockey Club does not meet with the approval of the clubs that are likely to be snuffed out or amalgamated with others. At the last meeting of members- of the Marton Jockey Club a letter was received from the Wanganui Jockey Club, stating that the committee of that club would nofc, in future, allow the totalisator to be used by two clubs in one town or district, nor the meetings of two clubs on one course. It was therefore urged that the Rangitikei Hunt Club and Marton Jockey Club should amalgamate. A long discussion took place and the opinion was expressed" that the metropolitan club was acting despotically towards the small clubs, and uot in the interest of the best class of racing. It was also pointed out by the chairman that, while professing to reduce the amount of racing on the Coast, they were increasing the number of their own meetings. No action was taken in the direction of amalgamating the clubs as suggested, but it was resolved to allow the matter to stand over in the hope that that club would not persist in its expressed intention ess the Hunt Club.

*^* At the Newmarket blood stock sales n July the chief feature on the first day was the disposal of the horses in training and brood mares and foals, the property of Mr R. Gladstone, every one of the lots being sold. The highest figure of the day (1310gs) was obtained for Mr Gardiner Muir's Formality, by Hampton out of Lady Binks, the mare being secured byM. E. Blanc. Of the horses sent up by H.R.H. the Prince of Wales, the four-year-old gelding Derelict was purchased for 400gs by Mr G. Haughton, and The Imp fell to Lord Rosslyn's bid of 390gs. No big prices were realised on the second day. Some of Lord Rosslyn's yearlings sold fairly well, and the highest figure (780gs) was paid by Baron de Hirsch for Ravenscraig, a filly by St. Simon out of Lady Teazle (who, however, was afterwards returned to his lordship), while a St. Simon colt from Profile was taken by Mr A. James for 500gs. On the third day some of the lots provoked spirited bidding. For a yearling colt by St. Simon out of Bide-a-wee Mr L. de Rothschild gave 3300 guineas, but this figure was subsequently exceeded in the case of a colt by Hampton out of Cherry, sent up by Mr Brodrick-Cloete. The youngster was much admired, and, put in by Captain E. W. Baird at 2000, offers rapidly increased until he was knocked down to Mr Marcus Daly for 4100gs. This was, singularly enough, the sum paid for Maximilian at Cobham 16 years ago, and for a long time constituted the record price for a yearling. Tho destination of the Hampton colt is Riverside Ranche, Montana.U.S.A., where Inverness (purchased by Mr Daly two years ago at Newmarket) and Child of the Mist are located. On the last day the highest price (1300gs) was paid by Captain Machell for Corea, a yearling filly by Hermit out of Mitrailleuse, bred by Mr Taylor Sharpe, while Golden Iris, by Bend Or from Gardenia, in the same team, was taken for 810gs by Captain Baird.

* # Oa Tuesday I called at the Criterion Stables to have a look at the trotting stallion Camel, just bought by Mr "Jack" Taggarfc from Mr Grigg, the Longbeach breeder. I was fairly surnrieed to see such a fine powerfulooking horse as this Camel is. He stands 17hds lin, and being proportionately built he ■woild weigh, 1 should say, about as heavy as anything of his class we have ever seen. Still he is not a cumbersome nor unwieldly animal, but on the contrary a very evenly made sort of beast, with all the quality that one looks for in a high-bred coaching stallion. Camel is exceptionally well bred, being by imported Berlin from Duchess of York, who is by Traducer from the champion mare Gentle Annie. This breeding makes Duchess of York half sister to the celebrated Spot, sire_of innumerable highclass carriage horses and trotters, and ahe is also very closely related to that fine horse Dexter, his breeding being TalismanGentle Annie. Camel therefore descends from the very best trotting blood in New Zealand, and on his merits he is a valuable acquisition to the ranks of public stallions in these parts. When it is remembered that he is almost full brother to sueh r performers as Calista, Tikaro, and Miss Hilda* his value is enhanced, and it will be strange indeed if he does not leave his mark in the colony. His owner has not yet quite made up his mind whether to locate Camel in Dunedin or to take him toAshburton, where he served 77 public mares last season.

*** It would doubtless be safe to say, remarks the Sportsman, that never has such a display of enthusiasm been witnessed on a racecourse as that called forth by the success of Orme in the Eclipse Stakes at Sandown Park, and those who witnessed ifc or took part in it must retain a vivid recollection of the scene for many a long day. The English love of the thoroughbred was never shown in more striking fashion, and the ovation accorded to the horse, the rider, the trainer, and tho owner >vas unparalleled. Round after round of cheering was indulged in, hundreds of hats were thrown in the air, and the Duke of Westminster had to bow his acknowledgements again and again. And there was quite enough in the race and its surroundings to warrant such a remarkable exhibition of satisfaction and gratification. As our readers are aware, Orme— a colt that | had as a two-year-old given abundant proof of the possession of exceptional merit— was, just; before the decision of the Two Thousand Guineas (for which race he was at the time a strong favourite), attacked with a mysterious malady which effectually prevented his going to the post, and it was found impossible for him, later on, to meet his engagement in the Epsom Derby. The withdraval of the son of Ormonde and Angelica under such circumstances caused quite a sympathetic interest to be taken in him and his prospects, and the liveliest satisfaction was evinced.when the smart manner in which he " answered a question" at Kingsclere on the previous Monday made his starting for the Eclipse Stakes a matter of certainty. Another column tells of the exciting battle between the Duke of Westminster's colt, Orvieto, and St. Damien, and in winning by a neck, after having practically been in training only six weeks, proof is given of what game staff Orme is made. All lovers of sport and a good horse will .be delighted at the result of this Iclipse Stakes, which was without doubt the most sensational of the five that have been deaided ftfc the favourite $sb,er enclosure.

jr. Horse. Trainer. Wot. I Odds. Prime Warden... Merrie England Cynisca Orackshot Bqulanger Hippomenes British Lion Clanranald Crown Jewel ... Le?*el Morion Fratcrnite Whisper Strephon Rosefeldt Prestige Flinders Don Pedro Vogengang Merganser Stepniak Coalscuttle North Atlantic The Dreamer ... Lady Zetland ... Dilemma St. Hippo Saracen Launceston . Queen 01 Trumps "Captive Spinfeldfc Ranee Nu/ia ... Lustre Wyvern Kotuku Abbotsford Au Itevoir King Harry Chaos Awarua Rose ... Conjurer King George .. Mystic Reynard Chris Musket . Hybrid Puwerewero Ua Mistral M. & C. Hobbs H. Lunn R. Gooseman C. O'Connor J. Belcher S. Bishop H. Lunn P. Butler R. Mason J. llae W. Butlei R. Goosoman J. Mahcr J. Maher A. M'Cormick H. Piper J. Loughlin T. Sheenan A. Robertson R. Mason H. Harrison F. Carrington M. & C. Hobbs J. M'Guinness G. Wright M. & C. Hobbs 11. Piper F. Carrington H. Pipar F. Carrlngtnn Fletcher S Bishop 8 10 8 9 8 9 8 8 8 4 8 3 8 2 8 2 8 1 8 0 8 0 7 13 7 12 7 9 7 8 7 7 7 7 7 6 7. 6 7 4 7 2 7 2 7 2 7 0 7 0 7 0 7 0 7 0 7 0 (3 13 6 12 0 12 6 11 « 11 G 10 G 9 G 9 G 9 6 9 6 9 6 8 6 8 6 8 G 8 6 8 G 7 G 7 6 7 G 7 C .7 67 100 to 12 100 to 6 100 to 6 100 to 6 100 to G 100 to 7 100 to 5 100 to 10 100 to 6 100 to 6 100 to 7 100 to (i 100 to 5 100 to 5 100 to 5 100 to 4 100 to 4 100 to 6 100 to 10 100 to 7 100 to 7 100 to 4 100 to 8 100 to G 100 to 2 100 to G 100 to 5 100 to 3 100 to 4 100 to 3 100 to fi 100 to 5 100 to 5 100 to 3 100 to 3 100 to 3 100 to 4 100 to 3 100 to 3 100 to 3 100 to 6 100 to 2 100 to 2 100 to 2 100 to 3 100 to 2 100 to 3 100 to 3 100 to 4 100 to 3 100 to 3 G. P. Donnelly A. Robertson P Butler 11. Redwood K. Cutts J. M'Guinnesa A. Robertson R. Gooseman R. Mason J. Maher V. Collelo R. Mason K. Cutts J. Maher H. Goodman

Green Island ... £481 Tuapeka ,£2486 Ashburton H.C. 823 Waitahuna ... 656 S. CantbyH.C. G44 Tapanui 223(5 DunedinH.C. ... 6859 Mandeville ... 90tJ S. Canterbury ... 46(53 Lumsden 909 Ashburton T. ... 711 DunediuA.T. ... 1977 Geraldine ... 3790 Dunedin 28.450 Kurow 1170 Wairio 520 Southland A.T.O. 1191 Ashburton T. ... 797 Palmerston ... 1396 Waimate 707 Thnaru Trot ... 1174 Central Taieri ... 800 Taieri 3351 Dunedin 8254 Winton 2744 Palmerston ... 1293 Ashburton ... 3828 Southland R.C.... 605 Dunedin 23,417 Oamaru 4174 Wsrimea 1037 Albury 589 Dunedin A.T. .., 624 Iliverton 1069 Oamaru Trades. 855 Taieri 2257 "Southland R.C.... 1559 Duntroon 919 Central Taieri ... 1206 S.Canterbury ... 4970 Balclutha 867 Ashburton ... 3513 Clinton 619 Geraldine 1047 Green Island ... 329 Dunedin A.T. ... 834 Wyndham ... 1032 Winton 1168 Queenstown ... 2231 Dunedin 11,339 Gore 3539 TahunaPark ... 1942