CANTERBURY DOINGS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2359, 11 May 1899, Page 37

CANTERBURY DOINGS.

By M. Quad.

Mr Buckland's team of trotters arrived here on Friday by the Monowai. "They include Sunshine, Val (both of whom have already raced here), St. Julian, and the two-year-old Valiant. The latter is engaged in the Juvenile Stakes at the Canterbury Trottjng Club's May meeting, and has also been entered in other races. Valiant is one of the best two-year-olds I have ever seen. -He shows wonderful quality, and it is hard to find fault with him. He is a rich bay, bordering on brown, with black points, possesses a fine, intelligent head, nice rein, a well-de-veloped shoulder, and like all the Vancleves, is very lengthy from hip to hock. He possesses a capital set of legs and feet, and I shall be surprised if he does not furnish into a splendid horse. 1 have no idea, as to his pace; but if appearances are worth anything, it will take a real good one to defeat him. Val has furnished into a nice-looking horse, and I should imagine that he is in good nick. Sunshine did not 'give me the impression of boing quite co fresh-looking as when she last paid us a visit; but her trainer tells" me she is very well. Si. Julian is a full brother to St.' Louis, who was brought here last May, but is not such a goodlooking horse ; but is evidently one of the strong, hardy sort. H. C. Piper, who is in charge of the horses, tells me that the trip across was uneventful, the horses being landed almost without a scratch. As previously notified, Air Buekland was unable to come across, and at the last moment it was determined not to bring Franz, the full brother to the champion Fritz, the youngster going a bit lame a few days before the departure of the steamer. C. Piper informs me that Fritz was never better than hs is at the present time, and -at Bathurst last month trotted an exhibition mile in 2inin 14 l-ssec, the first half being got over in Imin Ssec. Tins performance was registered on a heavy, so.dden track. The colt from Hettie S., by Electioneer, is developing- a natural pacing gait, which is not, perhaps, to be wondered at considering^. that his parents were pacers.

M. Hobbs will in all probability take Starshot to Dunedin this month ; but, with, the exception of this mare and Bristol, who is not as well as he might be, the other members of the Racecourse team will be submitted to auction. And Bizarre, .Bloomer, Diindas, Hermosa, Lady Dundas, and Benzoin, who are all looking well, may consequently shortly changed hands. The colt Warbeck, by Per-ki.-i.Warbeck II out of Take Miss, bred by Mr Todhunter, is a taking-looking youngster, and one of which should be heard of by-and-bye. He possesses plenty of power, a short, strong back and loins, a beautiful set of legs, terminating in capital flat feet, and bred as he is thers are great possibilities in store for* him. Albaugh, the well-known trotting trainer, has a select little string at work at Middle Park, and I had the pleasure of looking them over last week. Polly Huon is in capital condition, and gets through her work with a willingness and eagerness which betokens health. a handsome mare, she has now furnished into one of the best-looking in the country. The Baron is also in good heart — this son of Rothschild has undoubtedly been wonderfully improved during the past few months. He is a fast horse, too, and when well can stay with the best, and no horse could trot more gamely than he. A three-year-old filly by Rothschild from the dam of Berlin Maid is a nica stamp of animal, and her trainer is quickiy getting her into condition. One of the prettiest ponies I have ever seen is Birthday, by Cock of the North from a pony trotting mare. He is as handsome as they are made, and it is a nleasufe to see the little follow pacing round the track ; and considering that he is but a baby, being only two years old, it is simply marvellous to note the style already developed by his 1 trainer. Probably no rn^n in the colony turns his horses out better or as well aaMoes Albaugh, whose experience has been gained in many schools, 'and who is a thorough master of his calling. The coming winter meeting of the Canterbury Trotting Club is exciting a great deal of attention, and a large number of horses are being pushed along in theit work by their various traine#iß*» •*

Rothschild Boy, by Rothschild out of a Spot mare, h a strikingly handsome chestnut pacer, owned by Mr H. Aface, and engaged in the Juvenile Stakes. He is rather too well grown, perhaps, but there can be no question as to his quality or good looks. I have never seen him working, but he gives every xwomise of filling out into a beautiful hor3e, and is certainly one of the best yet sired by Rothschild, who is probably one of the best sires in the colony. Years ago I pointed out that Rothschild should be patronised by breeders, as he had everything to recommend him — breeding, good looks, and grftit strength — and I'shall be surprised if his stock do not hold their own on the tracks. Rothschild covered over 80 tnares last season, and hi-s owner will doubtless bo greatly pleased that he has%ot accepted several offers for him.

Owing to some mistake, Mr Buekland srot somewhat mixed in nominating his horses "for tho Canterbury Trotting Club's Winter meeting, -with the result that several nominations will have to be withdrawn.

The annual meeting of the North Canterbury Jockey Club was held at Rangiora on ThmsClay last, and the beautiful day attracted a fairly good attendance both from town and country. The course was in capital order, but the racing can scarcely be described as exciting, the majority of the events being fairly easily won. Mr Clarkson, the energetic secretary, is to be congratulated on the successful outcome of the gathering, his efforts being ably seconded by the other officials. The starting was entrusted to Mr C. O'Connor, and Mr W. Thomson ably filled the judge's box. Racing commenced with the Winter Oats Handicap, Female Franchise being favourite. Alcestis cut out the running for a. couple of furlongs, but then unaccountably faded right out of the contest, leaving Lapidary in front of Female Franchise and Hickory. When well in the straight the erey

mare came away and easily disposing of Laps dary won comfortably, 'l'he District Welter: Handicap resulted in a big surprise, Banner, the anoieht resuscitated son of Escutcheon — Caller Heriin, winning fairly easily from Camel and Crusader, the later being made too much use of during the earlier stages of the contest. Like his dam — Kate Hayes— he is somewhat fractious, and takes a lot out of himself at the post. A protest, commented upon elsewhere, on the ground that the rider of Banner did not weigh in correctly was dismissed, the few supporters of the horse on the totalisator being rewarded with a substantial dividend. The North Canterbury Jockey Club Handicap was a gift to Paladin, his success being generally anticipated after his forward runnin" at she Wellington meeting. The little son ox St. George won with the greatest ease from Rangefinder, after whom came Starshot, Skirmisher a bad fourth, with Huku last. If eitljer Starshot or Skirmisher showed their best form, ifa would be worse than useless taking them tc. Dunedin. Rio Grande seciired the Two-mile Trot after a capital finish with The Ply, who was made favourite in a field of eight, paying 1 .£l(3 Bs. Strathnairn, who has filled out into a remarkably handsome horse, came right away from hi 3 antagonists in the Rangiora Welter Handicap, winnfSg by sis lengths from Jib, who was responsible for the pace set over the first half of the journey. Speculator finished in third position, whilst Bloomer only just missed the place honours, was well sold at £27 after he had disposed of Camel and four others in the Novel liace. The Loburn Handicap Trot (optional saddle or harness)' was taken by the pony Daystar (in harness), after a really good race with Radical, who was 'only just defeated, the remainder of the field being strung out. The last race of the day provided the best betting event of the meeting, both Nantes and Rochester being heavily supported on the lotalisators. Unfortunately, a lot oi time was wasted at the post, due in no small degre to the anxiety of several of the riders to brfeak away, and the starter was also slightly handicapped by the fact that he had to hold Female Franchise. Probably the two-year-old Nantes was the greatest sufferer by the delay, for after she had shown the way for a couple of furlongs she was collared by Rochester, who gave his opponents a splendid opportunity to note hig style of progression, the ex-hack finishing well in front of Bizarre, after whom came Nantes.

In attempting to criticise Mr H. Brinkrnan's handicaps for the Canterbury Trotting Chib'c fixture, it must not be forgotten that 'he was somewhat cramped in his work by the conditions of several of tha races. In'tho Maiden Handicap Mr Buckland's horse St. Julian leads the way, a position assigned to him principally because he i 3 nomiuated for limit races, it id understood now by mistake. Jean Yaljeau, Harkaway and Director are a trio I have most respect for, and Efne and Princes* Victoria should also trot well forward. In the Pony Handicap I like the a-ppearancf of PUniu, Gladys 11, and Kenny. Whilst Harold B ay nears to be well treated in the Addington Handicap, there are several others whose prospects cannot be ignored, and Mr Brinkm'in would appear to have been influenced grently in making his handicaps by the old saw — " Horses for courses," rather than on their absolute -performances. Wilriwood is, say, a, tain 56sec horse, yet he ia set lo give Harold B lOsec, a horse able of covering the two miles in -considerably less than smin 6sec. Oessio 3?abii 10sec"'ia probably a srain ssec mare, and Clir-g 32sec has surely been given a chance. Then we have horses !ik« The J3nron with 13scc star., Lauderdale 13sec, Motuiti 13sec, Violetta Jim. losec, Manton lSsec, and Collector 15s«.'c, all of whom have been given some sort of show. If Harold' B keeps down he should win, but the small track i 3 not in his favour. If .Sunshine Msec trot 3 as fast aa when she last -appeared here, she should trouble the best of her antagonists in the Winter Handicap, bat Recl<»ire 12sce, Comvts 14sec, Maniac Msec, Candidate 15sec, Miss Annie lOsec, and Shylock 20.-: ec are a hot lot, and Zepha and Mas Brown wood should aUo show up prominently. Polly Huon is nfc scratch in the Lincoln Handicap, and at first sight appears to bo rusher harshly treated. However, it is difficult to discover what could give her a start in the race, though she may £nd it difficult to present starts up to 22sec. G-eorge M. Patchen appears to bo nicely treated, and the same remark may apply to Val and, Vasco. Ophir, Topsy Jrvinpton, and Fantasy, of the limit horses and Shylock, Redinire, and Scrutineer, of the back-mark division are those I prefer in the Electric Handicap and Polly Huon, Young Burlington, and Honest Wilkea may trot well m the Dash Handicap. A meetirfg of the committee of the Canterbury Jockey Club was held on Tuesday afternoon. A traiuei-'s license was granted to "P. P. Claridge, and a gentleman rider's certificate to Mr E. D. O'Rorke. Transfers were granted from Mr L. D. Nathan co Mr H. B. Massey, grey yearling filly by St. Hippo— BUcrslie; to Mr E. J. Rae, brown yearling filly by St. Hippo — Liquidation ; to Sir R. Ash, bay filly by Si. Hippo — Waitemala; to Mr D. M'Lood, chestnut (lily by St. Leger — Bellona. The disqualification of H. Donovan by the Ashburton Kacing Club was endorsed. The Prograrhme Committee recommended that the Grand National meeting should be extended to three days. The recommendation was agreed to. The main additions made to fche programme for the meeting were a hurdle race and a steeplechase oi SOOsovs each, and a flat race to bo called 'the Winter Cup, a lfendicap of 250sovs, one mile. The amount of the stakes allocated for l the meeting was ,£3310. The meeting was fixed to be held on August 10, 11, and 32. ' A somewhat peculiar case came before the stewards of the North Canterbury Jockey Club after Banner had won the District Welter Handicap. Hi* rider (Telford) failed to draw his proper weigui, and it was at first proposed to take the boots off the horse to throw into the jockey's side of the scale, bu f . this, oi course, was not allowed. The clerk o? the scales was understood to have declared short weigh!, but subsequently the lider got into the scale again and weighed in correctly. A protest was then lodged again&fc Banner on the ground that his rider failed to weigh in correctly, and that, having got oil Hie scale, lie could not again atempt to weigh in. When the stewards met lo consider the question, Sir C-eorge ClifEord wa3 requested to join them, and after the taking of evidence and the quoting of the " Rules of Racing," it was decided to request Sir George Clifford to act as sole referee in the matter, and he agreed to do so provided both sides abided by his decision, and from which there nhould be no appeal. These conditions being consented to, .Sir G. Clifford gave the following; decision: — ''The stewards having decided as a mater of fact that the scales were unreliable at the time of weighing, I am of opinion, as referee that under Rule 98 the stewards 'are justified by extraordinary circumstances' in awarding the race to Bannei." Whilst the fact of the chniTnicWi of the Racing Conference* being on the ground helped the stewards, out of a difficulty, and has probably prevented a possible appeal, it was surely scarcely fair ft> ask Sir George Clifford to accept the responsibility. I can understand the stewards requesting an acknowledged expert like Si: George Clifford to define the rules for them, but here this gentleman's lesponsibility might fairly have ceased. Stewards are supposed tn decide every question that comes before them. It would be interesting to discover what- they would have done had Sir George Clifford not been at hand to take the load, from their shoulders* I do not suppose the stewards would have sanctioned the appointment of any individual to act as referee in the matter; oh they might have been, told by the* metropolitan

body that such a position was not contemplated by the rules of racing. Whilst no harm has probably been done in this case I certainly think it would be infinitely preferable for Btewards to carry out their duties, and not again place a complaisant gentleman in such an awkward and thankless position. Personally, as advocated by me a few weeks ago, I would prefer to see all cases arising at a race meeting decided by an expert racing man who possesses the confidence of all sections of racegoers, rather than submit an intricate question to the consideration of stewards, few of whom know anything about the rules of racing. But the rules do not at present provide for this, and until they do it strikes me as extremely inadvisable to depart from the rules. I trust that the next racing conference will consider this subject, and Sir G. Clifford's recent Rangiora experience is one of the strongest arguments that could be adduced in favour of the appointment of a stipendiary steward, who should be to racing what a stipendiary magistrate is in our law courts. The majority of country stewards seldom know any more, if as much, of law, and just as litigants in law courts prefer their cases to be adjudicated upon by an experienced magistrate, so would owners, trainers, and the general body of racecourse visitors prefer their cases to be dealt with by an experienced stipendiary steward. From the nature of things, country stewards cannot be expected to make a study of racing laws, and frequently they are at a loss to know what uould be the best course to pursue, and whilst I have no wish whatever to offend an otherwise estimable body of men, I feel the majority of them would welcome the relief to themselves and the opportunity of following the course adopted at Rangiora.

During the reading of the evidence submitted lo the South Island Trotting Association by the Greymouth Chib in reference to the disqualification of Nancy Till, the club expressed its desire to draw attention to the fact that a Mr Connell, of AVellington, had wired to the secretary of the club asking the name of the horse with J.H. on the Wainui. The secretary replied " Nancy Till ; do you know anything about her?" or words to that effect.* No reply was sent to this, but subsequently a wire was received by the secretary from Mr Connell asking him to put £3 on J.H. and £2 on Nancy Till, to which the official replied : "No money received; no wager." The usual monthly meeting of the South Island Trotting Association was held on Wedtteeday evening; present — Messrs Selig (president, in the chair), Howell, Walker, Harris, Marr, Chadwick, M'Lean, Mulholland, Myers, and Carl. Apologies for absence were received from Messrs Derrett and Clarkson. The Gore .Racing Club wrote, in reply to the association, stating that from inquiries made the stewards of the club were satisfied that the mare " Pansy " was " rung-in " at Gore. They had resolved that J. B. Macdonald should be disqualified during the pleasure of the club for '" ringing-in " th 6 black mare " Pansy," late *' Edith," at the club's Spring meeting on October 27, and that the mare should be disqualified for 12 months from October 27, 1898. It was resolved to refer the matter back to the club, bn the ground that the punishment was totally 'inadequate to the alleged offence. The chairman reported that he had received a telegram from ths Marlborough Racing Club, asking for a description of the horses Opossum, Pastime, »nd Bed of Stone. The information had been Bupplied, and the subsequent correspondence from the club, dealing with the two first-named horses only, was read. JThe matter was held Dyer. The disqualification of R. S. Henry, by the Masterton Racing Club, for life, for " ringing-in " " Ethel, ' alias ' Virgil " end " Cupid," at Masteiton and Ashburton was endorsed. It was resolved to request the Canterbury Jockey Club to endeavour at the next racing conference to secure reciprocity on the part of ra_cing clubs regarding disqualifications inflicted by trotting clubs. The Tahuna Park Club wrote that the General Tracy gelding *' Teddy " had been nominated for the club's meeting in 1898 as " Sweep." Messrs Oliphant and Battley, solicitors, Auckland, wrote, covering copy of a letter to the North Island Trotting Association, asking that the name of a trainer, now residing in Christchurch, should be placed on the defaulters' list, as he had not complied with an agreement to pay over half the stake won by a horse, although judgment for the amount had been obtained in a civil action. The letter was laid on the table. Lengthy correspondence regarding the disqualification by the Greymouth Trotting Club of H. Campbell for refusing to give evidence or to allow his horse Denver to be tried in hobbles was read. The disqualification was endorsed. The disqualification for life of Samuel Haslam Corrigan for " ringing-in " Wild Rose II as Nancy Till, inflicted by the Greymouth Trotting Club, was endorsed. After the evidence taken in the case by the stewards had been read, it was resolved that the chairman should ascertain •whether legal proceedings could be taken against persons who gave false evidence before stewards. It was furthei resolved that while the association commended the Gieymouth Trotting Club for^ its efforts to suppress "ringingin," and especially in respect to the Wild Rose 11-Nancy Till case, the association was of opinion that the decision was not satisfactory aa regarded Edward Murfitt and his admissions. It was reported that the Greymouth Racing Club had notified that the horse Blackpool had ben disqualified for the race won by him at the club's Autumn meeting. Several licenses were granted, and the following programmes were passed:— Tahuna Park Tqptting Club, May 26 and 27 ; Win slow Sports and Racing Club (three events), May 24; Christchurch Racing Club (two events), May 11. Guy Irvington, Ebony, and Heather Dew have been temporarily thrown out of training. A well-known racing man had just jumped into a cab at about midnight when a man ran up and asked him if he would buy some boots. He stupidly did so, and next day had the pleasure of noting in his morning paper that a certaiu bootshop had been -broken into and a quantity of boots and shoes stolen therefrom. He immediately informed the police of the transaction of the previous night, with the result that the burglar was arrested and is now enjoying board and residence at the country's expense.

The adoption of the recommendation of the Programme Committee of the Canterbury Jockey Club to extend the Grand National meeting to three days has met with unanimous approval. This meeting is probably the most popular gathering of the year at Riccarton. The inclusion of a Winter Handicap, one mile, endowed with 250sovs, is sure to be well received, and it is bound to draw a capital entry. A hurdle race and a steeplechase, of 200sovs each, are the other principal additions, and it ia pleasing to note that the club intends to keep in the front Tank of racing clubs, as is shown by the fact that 63310 has been allocated in stakes.

Multiform was put on board the Ruahine on Saturday at Lyttelton. A special box had l>pen fitted up for him on the main deck, the floor of which was covered with thick cocoanut mats. The champion seemed to be in splendid health and condition.

The handicaps published for the Autumn meeting of the Christchurch Racing Club, •which eventuates next Thursday, are compiled from a basis no! entirely in accordance with form. For ins^nce, Starshot, carrying 8.13, finished third at Rangiora to **aladin 7.10 and Rangefinder 6.10. Skirmishe -02 fourth, Huku 7.4 last. Now the weighta are : Skirmisher 8.12, Starshot 8.9, the former having to |ive the mare 41b for being badly beaten. Mr Henry was not at Rangiora, and I cannot help thinking that ho had a "chiel a.mo,Ticr them

takin' notes," hence the apparently peculiar handicapping in this and many other cases. Paladin is sure to run well, and so should I Malatua, but if Strathnairn is started, he will j take a lot of beating. In the hurdle race I ' fancy Rhoderick Dhu. Fireside ought to defeat the poor lot of maidens, Benzoin and Crusader ! being a somewhat dangerous pair, but the for- ' mer is sore and the latter may completely spoil his chance at the post. Mauser, The ■ Spinner, Nantes, Suzannah, The Hypnotist, ! and The Orphan have all been given a chance. i The Selling Hack Race should gc to either Shekel or Camel, whilst ' Bloomer, Strathnaim, and Speculator may run well in the Welter. j Medium And, Satan, and Director have some ! prospects of winning the Brighton Handicap | Trot, while Rothschild Boy, Riniu, and Bonnie I Spec may run well in the Burwood Handicap Trot. Answer, nominated from Melbourne, was not handicapped «for events at the Christchurch Trotting Club's Winter meeting, pending further information. This having been forthcoming, Mr Brinkman gave the horse 22sec in the Winter Handicap and 17sec in the Electric Handicap. At the last minute it was decided no., to accept with Mauser, Huku, and Belligerent for the Dunedin Birthday meeting. If all goes well in the meantime, Skirmisher will be a hard one to defeat in your big race. Malatua is also going well, and Peerage gallops with great fredom.

st lb . 1853— Caurire aged 613 Clement 1854-Georgey ... 4yrs 7 0 Aldcroft 1855— Saucebox ... 3yrs 512 Fordham. 1856- Flageolet ... 4yrs 7 0. H. Bray 1857— Huntingdon ... 3yrs 513 Grimme* ISsS— Vandermulin syrs 6 5 French 1859— 8 el Esperanza syrs 612 Clement ]86i)— Vigo 4yrs 7 6 Fordham (86:— Beubow ... syrs 7 6 T. Chandler 1862- Suburban ... syrs 7 9 A. Edwarda 381)3— Maurice ... 4yrs 612 S. Adams 1864— Benjamin ... syrs 6 13 3865-Gaily syra 7 4 Carroll 1856— Treasure Trove 3yrs 5 7 Barker 1867— Vandervelde... fiyrs 613 H. Covey 1868— Indigestion ... 6yrs 7 6 Maidment 1859-Sycce syrs ti 13 Cameron 1870— Royal Hake ... 4yrs 7 8 Maidment 1671— Vulcan ... aged 6 8 G. Jarvis 1872— (iuy Dayrell ... oyrs 713 Maidment IS73— Westminster... aged 8 1 Maidment 1874 -Tomahawk ... 3yrs 6 4 F. Archer 1875 -The Gunner ... 4yrs 6 0 Rossiter, 1870 -Controversy ... syrs 7 7 Conft»bla 1877— Footstep ... 4yrs 7 2 Hopkins 1878-Kaleidoscope... syrs 712 Glover 1879-Toucb.et ... syis 8 4 Constabl« 1880 -Rosy Cross ... 6yrs 713 Mordan 1881— Buchanan ... ,4yrs 610 Galon 1882-Poulet syrs 8 7 J. Goater 1883-Kt. of Burghl'y aged 7 8 C. Wood 1884— Tonans 6yrs 8 4 C. Wood 1885 Bendigo ... syrs 8 5 J. Snowden 188fi— Fulmcn ... 6yrs 713 J.Woooburn 18S7-Oberon ... 4yrs 7 8 E. Martin 1888— Veracity ... 4yrs HlO S. Chandley 188!)— M'iseman ... 4yrs 7 8 T. Lcates 189(l-Thc Rejected 6yri 811 Rictaby 1891— Lord George ... syrs 8 0 J. Woodburtt 1892-Clarenc- ... 3yra 6 8 All-opp 18^3 Wolf's Crag ... 3yrs 6 7 Bradford 1894— Le Nicham ... 4yra 8 7 T. Lo*tes 18P5— Eucl'd 6yrs 712 G. Brown ]896-Cloraoe ... syrs 9 4 M. Cannon 1897— AVinkfleld's