AUCKLAND TOPICS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2087, 22 February 1894, Page 31

AUCKLAND TOPICS.

By Taihoa.

Auckland, February 20.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Stanmopr, a candidate for the C. J.C. Challenge Stakes this day at the smithy. Mr Wright, his owner, intends leaving next Saturday for Napier, and with ordinary luck will proceed to Christchurch. Forme and The Dancer will also go south.

Adam Byers has purchased from Mrs Robert Thorpe, proprietress of the Harp of Erin Hotel, a three-year-old gelding by Cap-a-pie from Mary, who in turn was by Musket from Lalla Rookh. A natural jumper and a good colt to follow. I rather think ''Old Bob" regrets selling this covey. Anyhow, Adam thinks very highly of him. : -Mr J.B. Williamson, of steeplechase fame, has a big order in hand for our Winter meeting. No. 1, old Shillelagh ; No. 2, old Omata ; No. 3, Saluteall old cripples ; but rest assured the doctor will save a " pill" for all visitors.

I hear that Mr Georgo Wright will more than likely, after his Napier trip, take his team on to Christchurch. Stanmoor and Forme are very ripe, but The Dancer, to my mind, is much above himself.

I regret to say that Fred Stennings, of the Kohimaramarama stables, has had bad luck with Lady Moth, a daughter of St. Leger — Titania (imp). She received a nasty kick on the knee at the North Shore meeting, and it has developed into an enormous size.

Major George left for Sydney in the Talune today. He proposes to be absent from Auckland until late in the present year. Freedom, who performed stud duty in the Waikato last season, is at present in J. Rae's hands, and an effort will be made to get a race out of the Dunedin Cup winner of IS9I. Royal Rose was taken to Hawera in charge of J. Gallagher, and not by Frank M'Minamin, as stated.

Mr Patterson recently blistered St. Hippo. This once great racehorse is located at Whitford Park.

The trotting horse Albert Victor is in the hands of Edwards Brothers, being prepared for future engagements.

By his victory in the Atkinson Memorial Stakes, Royal Rose has incurred a penalty of 51b for the Hawke's Bay Cup, but even with this addition to his weight the son of King Cole has htill the handy impost of 7.7. I have consistently pointed out ruy idea of this colt being nearly first class. My advice is to follow him right if p to the Autumn and you will see a rncehorse.

The two year-old Three Star contracted a cold recently, but though the big son of Castor still retains a slight cough, he is nearly all right again. I doubt this colt ever being anything more than a flyer up to six furlongs.

Our coursing entries for the Northern Challenge Stakes were more than satisfactory. With a few exceptions, everybody paid up for the second nomination. We shall hold our first meeting on May 16 and 19, comprising a Maiden and an Allaged Stakes, which will be duly advertised in the Witness. The balance sheet at the annual meeting showed a credit balance of over .£BO, which gave great pleasure to all. Coursing will boom up north this year if we can stop the " ringingin" business, in support of which we not only ask but rely on the National Association of Dunedin to help us.

of £1674 was passed through the totalisator. The principal events resulted as follows :—: —

Sockburn Handicap (Saddle), of 50sovs. Two miles.— Victor, 38sec, 1'; Maud V, 35aec, 2 ; Victoria IT, 453 ec, 3. Time, smin 43} sec. Dividend, jCIO 4s. Plumpton Park Handicap (Harness), of 50aovs. Two miles. — Orphan Boy, 453 ec, 1 ; Brooklyn, 293 ec, 2. Time, smin 52aec. Dividend, £3 15s.