CANTERBURY DOINGS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2232, 10 December 1896, Page 33

CANTERBURY DOINGS.

By M. Quad.

Hearing that Mr A. Boyle had returned from a somewhat lengthy visit to the old country, and feeling sure that that gentleman would be able to tell me many items of interest to New Zealand sportsmen, I made it my business to wait upon him. My object in paying Mr JBoyle a visit being explained, he expreseed himself as only too glad to iufoim me of anything that had etruck him as worth recording ; "but," said Mr Boyle, "do not forget that I have no desire to pose/as an authority. I will give you my ideas if you fancy them useful, but don't say Mr Boyle said this that, or the other." Whilst thoroughly appreciating Mr 1 Boyle's modest" declination, I think I may safely say 'that lris opinions are invariably .accepted by fho3e "w"ho 'know' him as thoso of a fairly good iurfge of horseflesh, and to those who do not know Mr Boyle I can fill in the necessary certificate. "Well, now," said' Mr Boyle, " what shall I tell you ?" " Anything you like of interest to sporting men ; anything and everything which struck you at Home as worth noting." "It would take me a long time to tell you all that," said Mr Boylo. "Well, then," said I, " what did the English people think of Chainshot and hi« son Bombshell?" "I cannot say much I about Bom\iahe_ll," said Mr Boyle, '-' as the colt ] had only been in England a very shoit time be- ! fore my departure, and was immediately taken to LQrd William B resford's, whn, you will remember, purchased the colt from Mr Stead." Mr Boyle saw the son of Nautilus on his arrival, and was naturally pleased that the colt had had such a good pasw-Ke. As to Chainshot, he was slightly low in condition when he reached London, and had also been unfortunate enough to get one of his legs slightly hurt in his box door, but when Mr Boyle took the expatriated Musket horse to Doncaster he looked remarkably well Mr Boyle is of opinion that whilst Ohainshot is scarcely the equal of England's champion thoroughbred sires, hebelievt-s that Locket's representative will be found able to hold his own with many of them. So far Chainshot has not been sold, although there is every probability that a Bale will shortly be effecled. Referring to the English three-year-olds, Mr Boyle seems to think that whilst there may be but little difference between St. Frusquin and Persimmon up to a mile, over that distance the Prince of Wales's colt would be beaten by St. Frusquin. Besides these two there are others of the sumo age particularly good, and taken as a whole the three-year-olds are a good lot. Velasquez, Ghelandry, Galtce More, Eager, He lebore, and Goletta are, Mr Boyle thinks, a really splendid lot of youngsters ; but while mentioning these as being above the average, he thought there were' many 'others that will uudoubtedly demonstrate great ability. Asked his opinion of the American horses, Mr Boyle informed it»e that he thought they were as nice a lot bl Animals as one could desire to see. As a rule they app*ared to be bigger in condition than eiths-r English or New Zealand horses, and of their speed there could be no doubt, seeing that they captured no less thanseven or eight evefct* at the Newmarket meeting. Probably Berzac was one of the best of- the Yankee visitors, although Bouquet II was much above the average. • Mr Boyle doea not think there is much difference between the best English ridera and those jat the antipodes ; indeed, he expressed himself [ as confident that the beat of r-ur riders would do | fairly well in England. Whilst saying so much, I. Mr Boyle questioned whether it would be possible i for colonial ridera ever to bew>me quite so pro- ! ficient in the art as their. English brethren, | simply because the latter weie constantly in the saddle ; and this fact, coupleJ with the great caro I bestowed on the education of the English jockey, I gave the latter advantages not obtainable in the colonies. Nothing, said Mr Boyle, was more pleasing to lovers of racing than to see jockeys nicely dressed, and in this respect m»ny New Zsaland riders might well take a Icbsou from their English prototype. At the same time, remarked Mr Boyle, I have no wish to condemn our riders in this reßpect, as some of them come out to ride looking all that could be desired. The idea which obtains in many quarters that English races are not run at a strong pace from end to end is, Mr Boyle assured me, somewhat mythical. He had seen a two-mile race run at a particularly strong pace all through, and although ms-ny of the races appeared to be laft to the result of a sprint home, he thought it much more correct to say that the main consideration was the state of the course over wMch the race was run ; and, said Mr Boyle^Eoglish tracks are sometimes not by any means good going. English horses usually seemed to have more care bestowed upon their toilets than colonial ones, said Mr Boyle ; and they usually present a stable polish seldom Been in New Zealand animala. Mr Boyle considers that seeing how English horsei are sent away the starting waa particularly good, but did not think the method of despatching large fields from a flying start a good one, mainly because there were usually so many false starts, au.l this fact he thought did not benefit two-year-oldo, many excitable, youngsters often being.beaten before flag fall owing to the breaking away. The starting barrier, thoueh often discussed in the old country, is not likely to be soon established there, principally, Mr Boyle thinks, because so few know or care to trouble themselves about it. - Mr Boyla visited many of the leading stud farms and racing establishments in England, amongst them Langton Hall, the property of Captain Fife, Mr Boyle's brother-in-law, where, by the way, Chainshot, was located; Exning, owned by Captain E. W. Baird ; and at Newmarket thoroughly eujoyed looking over such well-known stables as those presided over by Marsh, Sherwood, Webb, and Jennings, all of whom had plenty of fine material to work upon : and the great yearling Bales at Newmarket and Doncaster also came in for a fair share of Mr Boyle's attention. Ho has a good word to say for the New Zealand horseman Hickey, and believes him capable of fairly holding his own with English rider 3. Mr Boyle did not see Mr Gollan's team, although he had .an opportunity of seeing Paris at Epsom. Mr Boyle speaks highly of Laodaroia, one of the finest mares, he believes, in England. Mr Campbell's Musket mare Engagement was interviewed by Mr Boyle, as also was Sandhurst, by Bendigo, now on his way out by the 'steamer Waimate to New Zealand. Sandhurst is a dark ; brown, and a nice colt, and Mr Boyle fancies that his owner will not be disappointed with the result of the union of Bendigo and Engagement. It would be impossible for me to repeat all of interest that transpired during my short and interesting chat with Mr Boyle, and I will conclude by expressing the hope that all my interviews may be as pleasant. Double-event betting over the Auckland meeting shows St. Paul as favourite for the Gup, coupled with Levanter in the Steeplechase. Mahaki has been well supported since he won at Feilding, and Fabulist and Epaulet have also been nibbled at. From a private source I learn that the owners of Fabulist were so disappointed with that horse's performances at Riccarton that a prominent local j trainer has been asked if he could suggest how it j was the horse ran go badly at the New Zealand Cup meeting, especially after the way he had shaped when training. What reply has been made I cannot diyulge. but the general opinion seems to be that the big Auckland horse left Beveral good races on the tracks. There are few animals j that can stand being sent along morning after | morning. : I hear that Starshot waa none too sound after ! racing at Dunedin. Mr Mace has baa the misfortune to lose a valuable trotting brood mare. She was on 6 latoit to

Albert Victor, but when attempting to jump out of » paddock broke one of her legs, necessitating her destruction. Heather Bell seems to be improving. For the hundredth time we jtre toldthat Waka« watea will shortly arrive at Riccarton. Sheenan has sold Master George to a southern sportsman. P. Butler was not long without a prad or two to work on. The three-year-old by The DauphinCaller Herrin recently brought from the north is in his charge. Lady Zetland is still left in the Wellingbon Cup. The Cup winner has not done much siuco her dual victory. She has not yet been put to the horse, so it is more than probable the little mare may yet again be seen with the colour* up. Although only sufficient exercise to keep her in health has been allotted, Lady Zetland will not be allowed to get gross until a final decision has been ruadb regarding her future. Bloomer, in the same stable, is doing mediumpace work again. Hobbs was unfortunate in being unable to start this sister of Prime Warden at the C.J.C. Metropolitan meeting. Saiacen is going on nicely, and if he keep 3 srmnd may pick up a few stakes before the season closes. Chaos is looking better than he did a few weeks ago, and although troubled with a faulty peg, is improving. It is somewhat peculiar that several wagers were made on the evening previous to the publication of the Wellipgton Cup weights that liuroclydon would be asked to concede Lady Z-tland at least 51b. When the weights appeared on the following morning the peculiarity was very marked— merely a coincidence, perhaps. Barmby is doing iiseful exercise, but is pretty big, and it will be Home time befora he is the Birmby of old. Sans Soucie was submitted to auction at Tattersail's on Saturday, but was passed in at 32gs. Blsley is travelling along nicely. 'Jhis horse was going well previous to the Riccarton meeting. Perhaps he was like Fabulist— left his races on the track. It was throusrb no fault of Cutts that the owner of Choroid did not have a good win when I the colt won on the third day atDunedin. Wires take a long time to reach their destination sometimes. An offer made by the Plumpton Park Racing and Trotting Club to take over the shares of the Plumpton Paik Company has been accepted by j the shareholders. The shares were bought at par, and cost the olub something like £800. The club have a splendid opportunity to roake Plumpton a really good suburban racecourse. The ground possesses many natural advantages, end a little money well spent would make it a tip-top trotting track. Epaulet has not been withdrawn from the Auckland Cup. The colt may be taken north, and if he makes a little improvement on his best form may have a chance. The fact that hii Btable mate Bellicent has been scratched may mean nothing. If I may be allowed to express an opinion, I Bhould Bay that Fabulist, if anything like well, will nrarly win the Auckland Cup. He is not one of the best of stayers, perhaps, but there are very few in the race that can stay a fabt lun two miles. Speculator has been taken to the Coast. C. Stratford is in charge. The owner of Marino told me that it all depended on the Greymouth weights as to whether the horse would mako the trip across the ranges. In all probability he will go. Double Kvenb has returned to his home at Ashburton. Sprig of Myrtle is again at work at head quarters. . - Many backers are supporting Kingswood to win the Auckland Steeplechase. Looking carefully at ' the horse's performance at Riccarton. and evea taking into consideration the fact .that he bad only arrived the previous d»y, I cannot say that ! his third in the Curragh Steeplechase was 'pari ticularly meritorious. Te Kooti finished tip lame, ! and Undesirable Bill was in' a bad way, yet both beat Kiughwood. a sound horse. Robiu refused, Clarence refused, Gillie broke down, and Vagabond rapped the post and rails so hard that ho almost stopped. So, then, Kingswood did not defeat anything but cripples and those that met with accidents or refused, and was actually beaten by two cripples. Of course he may be all that some claim, but, win or lose, it would be just as well to remember the above faptq. At the ordinary monthly meeting of the committee of the Canterbury Jockey Club Sir George Clifford announced that he and Mr Stead had attended the Racing Conference, and that body had appointed him chairman, with power to appoint his own secretary. If the committee had no objection, he proposed the appointment of Mr W. H. Wanklyn. A transfer from E. Cutts to J. Maher of the yearling colfc by Apremont — Nautilus w»s approved of. A trainer's license wa=i issued to W. O. Clark, and jockeys' licenses to J. O'Grady and J. William*. Mr C. WynnWillixms reported that an apprentice, E. Healy, had left his employ without sufficient reason. Healy's license was withdrawn. Mr H Vallance attended to offer evidence and explanation with regard to his recent disqualification. It was resolved that while adhering to the decision of the stewards, the committee was of opinion that Mr Vallance had no personal connection with the fraud. The meeting then adjourned. Montacute is to be given a spell. I wouli remind trotting owners that nominations for the Canterbury Trotting Club's Summer meeting close on the 12th inst. T. Clark, who, it will be remembered, had charge of Ohainshot on the voyage to the old country, returned to Christchurch on Thureday ! last. He tells me that although Chainshot would not eat during the first three weeks of the voyage, he did very well from that time until landed in London in June last. Chainshot was in splendid health and condition and without a scratch when put ashore, and Clark Was deservedly • complimented for the evident care he had bestowed on the son of Miwkefc. The horae was immediately taken to Captain Fife's stud farm, Langham Hall, North Allerton, Yorkshire, where' he remained la Clark's charge until August. When the annual sale' of yearlings took place at Doncaeter the'Ndw Zealand horse was on parade, and was greatly admired ; and Clark informs me that from what hecould gather the general opinion forreed of Locket's son was very favourable, many good judges considering him to be fully the equal in conformation of many of the best English stud horses. Clark tells me that he had the pleasure of meeting the ex-New Zealand jockey Hickey, who, it will be remembered, went Home with Norton, Ebor, and Co., and had also the additional pleasure of renewing his acquaintance with Mr Gollan's team. The whole of the Napier sportsman's animals were looking remarkably well, especially Norton, who haa greatly improved in appearance since leaving this colony. Norton's full brother has alao furnished into a fine animal, and Escott (in whose charge are the whole of Mr Gollan's horses) speaks highly of his future prospeefs. Old Busaco did not strike Clark aa having altered much, but he puts in * good word for Sternchaser, who is now as quiet as could be desired. " The barb-wire brute" has taken kindly to hurdle work, and it is thought that Nordenfeldt's representative will hold his own at the game with some of the best of them. Pounamu was in nice order, and the same may be said of Ebor. Clark, in mentioning Erl King, 6eema to think that the Australian horse will make a name for himself in his new home. He is jumping splendidly, and we know that he is possessed of great pace. ( Clark had several opportunities of feeing the whole of Eicott'a horses at work, and his opinions are formed from actual observation. The Lewes trainer kindly supplied Clark with a mount, and he was thus enabled to seethe horses work, and viiit many places of interest to the sporting man. Of course the New Zealander availed himself to the full of the privilege. Clark speaks highly of the treatment he received whilst visiting Escotfs establishment, and indeed cannot say too- much of the efforts made by everybody to show him everything of interest. It seemed to be the general opinion at Homethat Norton's want of success was principally owing to his big jumpiDg, the fences as a rule being much smaller than those the Ascot home had been accustomed to here. Clark says that few of the steeplechase fences are more than 3ft oin, many being much lower. He did not sea the Liverpool National course, but Hickey in* I formed him that there was only one jump them 1 which would be considered big by New Zealanders.

Chat there is some truth in this may be gathered •from the fact that Hickey declares he would .prefer not to ride over such fence* as are to ba negotiated at liiccarton after becoming accustomed to the puny English ones. Clark has a good word to say for Persimmon, whose win in the St. Leger was an easy one, but was not particularly impressed with the Engl'uh method of racing. He visited Doncaster, Kemp- . ton Park, Ascot, and several minor race meetings, and he bears out the opinion of many others that nearly all the events are decided over the last few furlongs. Horses are allowed to cover the initial stages of a race at three-quarter pace, seldom being asked for an effort until nearing home. Clark also substantiates the ideas of many English writers that the American method of racing from flag fall was the reason why the recent visitors from the States to England were so successful. The same tactics were probably the cftusM of Victor Wild's recent defeat in Paris. Clark expresses the opinion, from what he saw and heard, that Hickey is well able to hold his own with the English cross-country riders, and is .as good a hoiv<min as any Clark saw during his stay in England. When Clark went to meet the boat with .Bombshell on board he was agreeably surprised to find that tho colt had been dto 'gut Home in ..chArge of H. Franks, sen. Tho latterinforraed Clark that the colt had had a splendid trip, and when .landed, previous to being faken to Epsom, the . young Cbainshot colt appeared to be in the best of health. Franks will probably bring out 'Mr Campbell's Bendigo— Engagement colt Sandhurst. ■■ Clark did not see Daimio or Maluma, but had a . good look at Paris 111. Of the startinK in the old , country he is pot very enthusiastic, it being much inferior, in his opinion, to that seen here, but ..iowiug to the slow way- bones begin it does not make so much difference to the animals rs it ' , .would .here. To one accustomed to N«w Zealand i meetings, Clark did not appreciate the everlasting .yelling of the bookmakers, and although he thoionghly enjoyed his trip, he is glad to be once j '^nore in How Zealaod. December 8. The Lancaster Park Trotting Club has given to the owners of .Ham half the staka of the Sydeuham Handicap, in which the horse was re-handi-capped. Quiltiri and Belligerent will not go to the • Coaar.. Multiform, Uniform, Gold Medal'ist, and Epaulet will probably be shipped to Auckland this week. The Ghristchurch Racing Club's meeting takes place on the 16 h, so I sha'l not have an oppor- I tunity of expressing an opinion after accep- ! tances are due. For the Nurcery I fancy Bold ; Christchurch Handicap, Skirmisher; Flying, Bi'ley or Retnorce; Welter, Jewel or Bieley ; .Harness Trot, Pansy B. ; Saddle Trot, Biddy Biddy or Stonewall Jackson.