IN A NUTSHELL. CANTERBURY DOINGS. WELLINGTON NOTES. AUCKLAND TOPICS. RACING IN ENGLAND. WEIGHTS, ACCEPTANCES, &c. DEATH OF MR ROBERT PECK. MRS DOBLEY'S SYSTEM. FAST TIMES ON THE ENGLISH TURF.

Otago Witness, Issue 2379, 5 October 1899, Page 37

IN A NUTSHELL.

CANTERBURY DOINGS.

WELLINGTON NOTES.

AUCKLAND TOPICS.

RACING IN ENGLAND.

WEIGHTS, ACCEPTANCES, &c.

DEATH OF MR ROBERT PECK.

MRS DOBLEY'S SYSTEM.

FAST TIMES ON THE ENGLISH TURF.

•—Cranberry is an August foal." — Richmond Gem dropped dead at TVUs reently. ' — -

— Goldspur and Quickshot II had a gallou on the Forbury last wetk.

— Melbourne Cup scratchings: Spencer, Cravat, "Woodlark.

— A London cable advises the scratching of The Grafter for the Cesarewitch.

— At Albany show, Tasmania, the pony Desmond cleared 6ft 9in in the jumping contest.

— Pitch and Toss, Motto, and Fulmen are the Otago nominations for the Auckland Cup.

— Arline did her first good gallop of the season on Saturday. At six furlongs she fairly beat Stimulant and Gitanella.

— Much dissatisfaction has been caused by Le Var's withdrawal from the Caulfieid Cup, as he had been heavily backed.

— " The Oaks," a property which has given the name to one of England's great races, was in the market when the last mail left.

— Caulfieid Cup scratchings: Le Var, Spencer, Maecenas, Aquila, Woodlark, Trochon, Cicero, Superb, Contrast, Cranbeiry, Hiki. — It was cabled from Melbourne on Monday that Contrast and Cranberry were equal favourites foi the Melbourne Cup at 100 to 7.

— Astronomer, by Castor— Frailty, has been bought by the N.Z. and Australian Land Company, for use on a Queensland station, at 200gs. ' — Now that it has been decided that Cranberry shall not be shipped to England, he is established a firm, favourite for the 'V.R.C. Derby.

' — There were only eight acceptances for the Hawke's Bay Spring Handicap. Horses are not so plentiful, even up north, as some would make out. ' — -A London cable states that at the Newmarket First October meeting the Jockey Club Stakes resulted thus: — Flying Fox 1, Scintillant 2, Choseon 3.

— I am. told for a certainty, but by persons who may not know themselves, that Douglas will not start in the New Zealand Cup. I pass on the yarn as it comes to me.

— Cremona, winner of the A.J.C. Metropolitan, is very much inbred on the dam's side, lor Hilda, her dam, is by First Lord (son of Yattendon) out of Hilda, daughter of Yattendon. —Mr M'Laughlin, owner of Frolicsome, has had the old mare's yearling colt by General Tracy-castrated. I snould like to see some of Frolicsome's stock trained. They ought to be fast. — Berlin Doll, sire of Kozie, was sold last week for £60 to Mr T. Mortimer, of Gore. — Black and Red, by Maxim — Aqualate (by July), was sold last week to Mr Marshall, of Gore, for MO. - — Mrs Langtry was married in Jersey on July 27, the day Merman won the Goodwood Cup, to Mr Hugo Gerald de Bathe, son and heir of General Sir Henry de Bathe. The bridegroom is 28 years old and the bride is 48. — The Grey Trotting Club refused to remove Bird's and Humphries' s disqualifications, and passed a resolution congratulating Mr P. Selig on his appointment as head of trotting, and thanked him for good services rendered to the sport. ' — Paris is so sound after his racing that lie will probably be seen on the turf again before he is finally pensioned off. He belongs to Mrs H. C. "White, and it is quite likely he will be handed over to J. Allsop again to be trained.

— The Grafter, winner of the Melbourne Cup, started friendless in the August Handicap at Kempton Park (England) on the Bth August, and being in no condition, kept in the rear throughout. Wait a bit, till His Ugliness gets into form.

— " Pakeha," in "The Yooman," says that J. Belcher's New Zealand Cup candidate, Rose Plot, is one of the handsomest horses on tho track. "With a bit of strong work he should annex one or two races before he leaves for Christchurch.

— Alix, who holds the trotting record, 2min SJsec, presented her owner, Mr F. C. Sayles, at Mariposa Stock Farm.Rhode Island, on the 2nd August, with a bay filly by Sable "Wilkes. The future of this piece of lioiso flesh will be ■watched with the greatest interest. — Bangle, a five-year-old son of Iroquois out of Bracelet, by Mr Pickwick, won the Brighton (U.S.) Cup, two miles and a-quarter, from two other runners in the record time for this track of 3min 56 2-ssec, carrying 8.12. The American record for the distance is Siniu 51sec. • • — Toznnij' Hudson was celebrating his fortyFeveivth birthday on September 16 (says the Review). " Seven's the main," waa his war cry. Ho was forty-seven years old, he rode Forty- ■ Feven to victory in the Hack Handicap, weighing 7.7, and his mount paid a dividend of £17 ■is! -

— From Auckland we hear that at a meeting of the stewards of the Otahuhu Tiotting Club John Heisenbuttei, alias J. H. Smith, and the black mare Jewess, alias Jess, were disqualified for life on {he ground that the mare had been xung in as Lass at the club's meeting in February la?t.

— At the Galway meeting on August 9. Levanter, 10.7, ran nowhere in the Galway Plate, > two-mile (steeplechase. There were 19 starters, and the- winner, Tipperary Boy, carried 11.9. At the same meeting Captain Scott ran Achray and Princessa- in welter flat races, both finishing out of a place. „ — Dry weather and hard tracks in England when the last mail left were contributing causes to some fast records. One is a record for England. Carbiston won the Buke of York Stakes, al York, in 2min 37 2-ssec, thus beating Nunsuch's mile and a-half record at Gatwick by the fifth of a, second.

-■-B- Bradley' s eh g Boney Boney, 3yrs, by Blitzen, dam Sue 8., broke down recently at Chicago. Be had been raced unmercifully, hcving started in 32 races this season up to July 8. He has shown the iron quality of his sire, Blitzen, and is a good class horse. Last season as a two-year-old he ran 56 races.

—Mr James Joicey, the owner of Alvescot, •nho was responsible for the overthrow of Vain Duchess in the Hardwicke Stakes at Stockton (England), considers that the winner is the best he has ever bred. Alvescot is by Raebum (the only horse that ever beat Isinglass) out of Alberla, a daughter of Albert Victor, her dam Devonia.

— By the death of M. Albert Menier France loses one of her most distinguished sportsmen. Together with his brothers, Henri and Gaston, hi was at the head of the famous chocolate bouse, of his name, and devoted large sums of hia enormous wealth to improving the strain of French horses. His green jacket with yellow hoops was first seen in England in 1888 on Ajax. — Chesney and the jumper Kiora shipped to •England in. the ill-fated Thermopylae had a miraculous escape from being lost. A cable message says they have been injured, but not seriously. Chesney was purchased by Mrs Langtry for 2000gs from Mr "Hawkins," who says there is also £900 in contingencies, which •he loses should the horse not win a race in England. — Landrail's hollow win in the Great Northern Leger at Stockton (England) pointed to lier chance for the Yorkshire Oaks, and Victoria May was regarded as her most dangerous opponent. The pair practically monopolised the betting, but the favouritism accorded Landzail was not warranted by the result, as after a good race she succumbed by a. neck to Victoria May. *-Mt Frank p. Biewer^ whQ gi§d recently.

at Condoboiir, N.S.W., v;<\s like his brothers, J. E. and G. P. Brev.-er, an horserr.a.l, and was well known oi_ metropolitan course? p ffw years back. He will perhaps, be \,e s t remcfibi red as having put up a notable X^-formance ."hen he rode Cornet to victory in the Hunter' S^eßpJpckasc at Epsom in August, 1803, after the old b'atk had given him a fall. — The .Ausn-alion Jockey C'lb committee has notifie?i ;oekevb that their costume must influde a clea': collar an.^ a v.lnto tie. deputation of riderb Mr CLbborn^ on the maiter, asking tor the n^ht to choose taeir own colours, so long as tfcsy oithci contrast or harmonise with the hues of t'u v.- bilk oi satin they have to wear ->vhen iidmg. In white chokers they are "afraid of be-i^ '. A:k\l ''": curates or choristers."

— A New York message states tha 4 on fjic arrival of the Campania in August, Ted S!o,ui said to an interviewer: "I prefer English lacing methods to American. I expect to reside m England permanently. I have only come over ta the States to complete arrangements to ride Mr W. C. Whitney's horses in England. Lord William Beresford, of course, has the first claim on my services. I return shortly in order to ride in the St. Leger." — The Great Ebor, the favourite Yorkshire Handicap, this year resulted in somewhat of a surprise by the victory of Cassock's Pride, whose chief experience has been in steeplechases and hurdle races. Greenan, the top weight, ran very well in finishing second, and the struggle between him, Cassock's Pride, and Sinopi was one to arouse plenty of excitement; but the Irish-bred gelding, well handled by Fagan, pulled through by a neck. — From Melbourne we hear that on Saturday last Mr J. B. Pearson's five-year-old mare Contrast, by Commotion — Contessina, beat Le Var in a weight-for-age race over a mile and a-quarter at the Hunt Club meeting. Contrast is in the Caulfieid Cup at G. 2 and the Melbourne Cup at 8.0. Probably it will prove that Le Var was not beaten on his merits. Two days before this race he was scratched for the Caulfieid Cup, thus indicating a screw loose somewhere.

-^For the Wynyard Plate at Stockton (England) Nushka was made a pronounced favourite, Mr L. de Rothschild's filly being backed down to 6 to 4. She ran in very disappointing fashion, however, and, after a desperate finish with Marconi and Our Grace, Bettyfield, despite the weight she was called upon to give away all round, pulled, through by a head from the first-named. Bettyfield ia by Arnphion (son of Speculum or Rosebery) out of Thistlefteld, by Springfield— Thistle, by Scottish Chief. — The Adelaide trainer-jockey C. Quinn had quite a field day at Morphettville, his stable supplying three winners in Ebb, Goodwill, and Nita. Carlyon. Nita Carlyon accomplished her task in the Richmond Stakes quite easily, but she was in receipt of 211b from Kingston, who ran second. The victory was appropriate enough, Nita Carlyon haviug been bred at Richmond Park by Mr J. H. Aldridge, who got 97gs for her at his sale. 'She is by Carlyon from Thora, by Somnus from, Astarte, by Manbyrnong. — Cranberry's price, 3000gs, is a long one in Australia, says Sydney Referee, but it does not seem out of the way for the best colt of the aeasou at a time when -there are several good ones about. Mr Brodribb gave 4600gs for Titan, and the chances are Cranberry wili turn out a better bargain. Other high-priced horses were Fishhook, 3600g5; Tradition, 3050g5; Carbine, 3000gs. Mr Hordem gavo 5600gs for Nordenfeldfc as a stud borse, Maxim brought 4000gs when he was sold for California, but the record is Carbine's sale at 13,000g5. — " Vigilant " writes in the London Sportsman: When the late Robert Peck , gave up training any but his own horses he proved quite as successful ' as an owner as he had been as a trainer. It is not given, to many men to possess, within k short space of time, two such horses as the unbeaten Barealdine, who seemed absolutelj indifferent to weight, and The Bard, one of the very best " little 'uns " that ever looked through a bridle, and who once fairly stretched tho mighty Ormonde as they were finishing for the Derby.

— London Sportsman of Augiisb 10 says : "We have good authority for stating that Flying Fox, after fulfilling his engagement in the St. Leger, will miss the Jockey Club Stakes in order to have a cut at- Cyllene in the Champion Stakes, which is run on Tuesday, October 10, on the first day of the Newmarket Second October meeting. Should all go well up to the day with the two best horses of their respective years, the race between the Duke of Westminster's and Mr C. D. Rose's champion will undoubtedly arouse widespread interest." It turns out that Flying Fox did run in the Jockey Club Stakes

—Of the late Robert Peck, the Sportsman's special writes: "No quicker or keener judge of a horse ever lived, nor did any man ever make more of the horses he had in his charge. Indeed, it was a triumph to win the Derby with Doncaster, " the fattest yearling ever sold/ and keep him on his legs so as to score the glorious double of Ascot Cup and Alexandra Plate when he was a five-year-old. I have often thought Mr Peck would have done well to still keep on training, which after all is very pleasant work, but he relegated that to his sons, who have already proved themselves to the manner born, and he took great delight in his stud at Howbury."

— Voyou, a horse much talked of in connection with the Melbourne Cup, is, says the Sportsman, one of the handsomest horses in Australia,- and ran more than respectably in the Craven Plate, but, though looking very big, he pulled up much better, and was far less distressed, than Cocos. Still, there is room for much improvement in Voyou, who may be every bit as good as reported. Ho was got by Bendigo, one of the stputest horses that ever raced in the old country, from Barley Water, by Barealdine from Lady of the Sea, by Lecturer fiom Queen of the Vale, by King Tom from Agnes — a particularly stout pedigree. Voyou was imported by his present owner, Mr Foy, and came out in the same ship as Positano.

— Such good form has Harrow shown on some occasions that it seemed inevitable backers would be asked to lay odds on Mr Wallace Johnstone's colt for the City of London Breeders' Foal Plate at Kempton Park (England), and at the finish they ro9e to 2 to 1. His supporters were on good terms when he seemed to be pulling his jockey out of the saddle, says the Sportsman, but at the distance, upon being asked to tackle Santa Casa, who had led from the start, he declined to respond to S. Loates' s call, and showed that good grounds existed for the use of the blinkers with which he was adorned. In the result he finished third, behind Crowborough, who ran resolutely enough, but succumbed to Santa Casa by three-parts of a length.

The Cantsibury Trotting Club arid the New Zealand Metropolitan Tiotting Club evidently iijtend to each go on its own way, and arrangements are being made by both to hold their meetings on separate grounds. The admonition of the Colonial-Secretary that it would be advisable to amalgamate has so far had no effect, but at the end of this racing year it seems inevitable that one club will have to go. It is intended to considerably improve the Show ground track by enlarging it, and it seems ft

pity that public money should be spent when in less than 12 months, if the present party remain in power, one of the grounds must go. Anything more suicidal can scarcely be imagined.

Djin Djin has wonderfully improved during the past few weeks, and he looks as though he might stand. Cutts has had extremely hard luck with old Dudu's foals, and it is" hoped that Djin Djiu will pull through his Cup preparation.

Only three thoroughbreds attended the CantoLuiy A. and P. Association's show on SaturC iy. Xliese were Musketry, Lakeshell, and A.i'ia. ila^.i-'irse was entered, but was not shown. MvFketrx lias filled out into a handsome ho—br, ii.v judging by his first ere-> <v K'ii t' on of Maxim orrLl to sn v swii_ .'U't-i. ..- t-Vi Tliougk J. il-.^-lieil it. not rjmte ■-o dhowj '? Ar Übketry, he 1^ a br iil'ful'v bred hfr'-u, bring by .Loci'iel fioui X.uu' 1 !:- 1 <l t is '■oinewha* '.uprising that lie shou''i h.>ve been -o pooily patronised. -He w - n ■ icehoi^e himself, hi? clam never threw w. b.-.u o^s r even misshapen Melusina could g.illoj-.. . ~ ,m is by Lochiel. I fancy Th^n^, I?v \. le :<, mistake in keeping him Eeie, <, :''Uiei.;jii in Australia there are plenty o. L,j<jhiel horsesf there are few containing the Traducer cross. Aliuit is beginning to look old. This horse has had but few opportunities, but in Social Pest he sired a real good one, and Female Franchise i 3 possessed of speed. Neither Lakeshell nor Alma showed well on x 3ara de, whilst Mjsketry was full of life. The carriage horse and roadster class was made up of all sorts. Trotting sires were well represented in this class, though why ir these days they should not be shown separately it is hard to say. Of course there is no competition except, for the patronage of breeders, and I cannot help feeling that some of the horses shown have no right to be allowed to spoil the horseflesh of the colony. Electioneer looked remarkably -.veil, and has grown into a fine horse, and he is one of the few dark chestnut horses we have. Rothschild has never locked better, and there are few better shaped horses of any breed in the colony. Specification has not filled out much since he left the track, but he is a handsome animal, and one of the best track horses we have ever had. Blue Gown carries his years very well, and Anniversary, a big powerful grey, by Texas, looked very well. Prince Victor was big in condition, and looked well, as also did Hazeldean and Ha-ha. Old Lincoln Yet is the sire of some of the best track and road horses about here. He is of an entirely different type to most of the horses shown. Huon is a quality-looking hcrse, who has already sired some good animals. It would be much better, I should say, if the parade were held fully a month earlier, as owners of brood mares do not get an opportunity to select sires, many mares having foaled early in August. ■ The New Brighton Trotting Club did not receive such a good nomination as might have been expected for its Spring meeting, the big race on the first day only attracting seven entries. However, if the handicapper can induce owners to liberally accept the gathering should b3 successful. The track is in capital order. Albert Chevalier has been leased for the season by B. Edwards lo a Wellington resident. Albaugh is now able to get about on crutches. Fanny Bell has foaled a filly to Rothschild and visits him again.

Imperious has been taken to South Canterbury. I notice that a Nelson paper stated _ Torpedo woiild this season be at the service of breeders in that district. He has been nominated for the New Brighton Trotting Club's meeting. Wild Poole, nominated for the New Brighton meeting, is by Wildwood from Miss Poole.

Mr V. Harris, owner of Strathnairn, informs me that his horse Strathnairn is not affected with laminitis, though veterinary opinion suggested that something was wrong with his feet, i'he horse is now quietly pottering about, but there is no chance of his starting at the Cup meeting. The C.J.C. Derby colt, Glenogle, is movingalong in great style. He should bo heard of at tlip Srrinar meeting. There appears to be a probability that Mr Stoaa'^ two-year-olds this st'nson will not be quite 30 formidable -ts heretofore. St. Lucia is not, I understand, showing murh improvement. The unfortunate filly la still in slings.

Pitch and Toss end Cherrystone are putting in some capital work, though the former apppared to have none the best of a mile spin with Malatua and Peerage one day last week. Benzoin is travelling well, and -his stable companion Dundus cou'd scarcely appear in better health.

Of the two-year-olds Warback, Cannie Chiel, the Saracen — Chiara filly. Cavalry and Military, Testudo and Mackintosh are all going well. Cannie Chiel is probably the pick of the basket.

The following horses appear to have been given a chance at the annual meeting of the Ohokn. and Eyreton Jockey Club: — Hunters' Flat Race, Jib and Huntingdon; District Welter, Gold and Jib; Ohoka and Eyreton Handicap, Pitch and Toss and Huku ; Flying Handicap, Bristol aud Hypnotist ; Mandevell Welter, Sequin, Vulcan, and Phyrne; Two-mile Trot, Awahuri ; Mile Trot, Director and Imogene.

The Lakeshell — Lavender filly is being broken in by Rod 011. Ben Farley is going better with every gallon. Sheenan has peculinr methods of training, but ha occasionally gets there.

There is little of interest to report ponecrnmg the local Cup betting. Explosion is still the nominal favourite. A fair amount of speculation has been noted in connection with the double of New Zealand Cup and Stewards' Handi-

The well-known Hutt trainer, W. Davies, has been in town during the last few clays. His father died five weeks ago, and his mother only lived a few weeks after her husband's death. The old people lived in St. Albans for many years.

September 28. T. G. Macarthy (president), in his address to members of the Wellington Racing Club, said: The past year commenced with a cash credit balance of £1673 and closed with a balance of £1150, a difference of £523. The principal items of expenditure in the balance sheet before jou, as compared with the previous year, are: Stakes £8760, an increase of almost £2300; handicapping fees, an increase of £23 10s; racecourse improvements, maintenance, repairs and plant £1119, an increase of £380; new buildings (ladies' room and kitchen), £355; furniture, £82; legal expenses, £78. The year's transactions have therefore resulted as follows: —Increased expenditure £3208, less difference in cash balance £523; profit, £2085. This amount is mainly derived from increased receipts from entries £700, and totalisator £1260, thus more clearly proving that it was a wise step in so largely increasing the stakes. This club now occupies the third position in the colony, and if the same progressive policy is pursued in the future as has been inaugurated lately, there is no reason why we should not, in a very few years, be able to hold our own with Auckland and Canterbury. The chairman of the New Zealand Racing Conference, in Ins last report, was pleased to refer in eulogistic terms to the progress of the W.R.C., and no doubt what actuated him in his remarks was liie fact

that classic races now form conspicuous items in our summer and autumn programmes.

In this class of race the club gave in 1896-97 JEI42, 1897-98 £427, and 1898-99 J61252, and probably the incoming committee will see its way to further increase the added money. The works now in hand at the course are a 40ft extension of the grand stand and public luncheon room, and an addition at the back, providing for a large bar, kitchen,' pantry, and stewaids' luncheon room, all of which will be completed and ready for occupation at the Spring meeting in November (including additional length of sloping lawn fully turfed). Other immedint" requirements comprise a new and e - il .151' d totalizator house on the lawn, prob.il.Jy in hi>" \utii the present back fence, and sitir-'i.'! nn ;\ a.- between the lawn and saddling p-ficY *■ . To obtain a suitable aud convenient, <uu it ins; be found necessary to inwove, 'he new laciits' 100 m and kitchen to Kit; *.v extern on<i of th» l.iwn, where the present totrfli^uior house sij-ncls, removing the latter ( utsicle tho lav. ii, xX new stewards' stand, conl ,\r.;>>_- vei<,iu._g room, secretary's room, and j(. keys' room on the ground floor, a stewards' room, pressroom, etc., on the first floor, opening on to a wide balcony, and -a stand for the public on the roof. A large tea pavilion will also form one of the additions to be erected during the ensuing year if funds will permit. With 'a view to putting the catering for the public on a better footing, the stewards are of opinion that it is advisable the . club shoiild purchase a complete equipment of croclcery, 'cutlery, electropla'fe, and glassware for use in the luncheon and tea rooms, and an order has been sent through a local firm for a full supply of articles required, ajid they wH-1 be delivered in plenty of time for the Cup- . meetkig in January next. ..In "further-ance-of this matter, in the kitchea now being erecied there will be a Oft cooking range with two ovens and high-pressure, hot water supply, so that any caterer will be able to do all his cooking on the spot, thus saving the hitherto heavy expense of cartage and packing. These arrangements the outgoing stewards feel will be highly'appreciated by the patrons of the club on racedays. The country racing clubs in the Wellington district will be represented on the committee of the metropolitan club by Messrs W. E. Bidwell and N. Grace. The ballot which was recently taken resulted in their iavour by a large majority. The other candidates were Messrs J R. Macdonald, R. Smith, J. W. Swainson, C F. Vallonce, and W. O. Williams. Mr H. M. Lyon has compared a statement of receipts and Expenditure incurred by the Wellington Racing Club for the past 10 years. It shows that the stakes increased flora JE237S to £8759, the total of stakes from 1889 to 1899, both inclusive, being £49,203. -Tlie totalisator receipts increased from £1825 fco £5861, entries from £772 to £2534, privileges from £86 to £816, lawn and gates from £378 to £1271, railway from £130 to £527.

Before the annual meeting of members of the Wellington Eacing Chib broke up Mr T. G. Macarthy reminded 10 years' members who were elected during the season 1339-90 that they Y/ould ha\je to start again paying subscriptions. The 10 years' members are tne late Mr James Cattell, Messrs S. J. Gibbons, Ct," H. Sca-les, W. A. Grace, H. D. Crawford, George Hunter, and James Ames. The two last-named gentlemen were present at the meeting. The club is indebted to the above-named gentlemen, who paid ten years' subscription in advance when, tha" 'institution was not so " nourishing as it is at' present. The life members nt the same time paid' 2o years' sub. Stfme of the. present members who were in the chib at the time are now" sorry 'they did not avail themselves of the opportunity offered.

October 2.

John Chaafe, junr., recently took the Catesby horses, Conspirer and Cabalter, to Auckland, and they will in future be trained at Ellerslie. Jim Wright, well-known in Canterbury trotting circles, is in charge of the horses.

Albert Chevalier, a local sport, has purchased the two-year-old filly by Souwester — Rosalind, and she will probably go into Davis's stable at the Hutt.

Mr H. M. Lyon, secretary of the Wellington R.icinq Club, is suffering from inflammation of the eye 1 ?.

Alf. Sheai-sby came down from Palrnerston North on Saturday, and purchased Moreze, who has been for some time in work at the Hutt.

Since the Marton meeting A. Peters has lost Evermore, and he is now trained by Fred Secombe, at the Hutt. General Wolfe is entered for the Otaki meeting. A person whom the Greymoutb Trotting Club recently refused to remove from the disqualified list is said to have had a Blenheimowned galloper at the Marton meeting. The owner must have a poor idea of the rules of racing. The monthly meeting of stewards of the Wellington Racing Club was held to-day, Mr T. G. M'Carlhy (president) in the chair. The programme of the Mastonton Racing Club for December 7 and S, and Lower Valley Jockey Club, December 26 and 27, wore pas.sod, the latter with a request that some rane bp substituted for the Saddle Race. The club decided to contribute £10 towards the purchase of a horse ambulance waggon being imported by the St. John Ambulance Association. The Wairaropa Rari"g Club protested against the Korowhenua Racing Club holding a meeting on January 1, but it was decided that the meetings did not interfere with each other. The usual annual committees were appointed for the season, the Programme Committee to report in a week. The disqualification of the jockey H. M'Phee was removed, but the committee refused to remove the disqualification of the mars Lucetoie, who competed at the same unregistered meeting.

A fair amount of business continues to be transacted on the New Zealand Cup locally. Explosion, who now stands firniiy at the head of the list at 8 to 1, has been well supported at 10 to 1; 300 to 35 and 300 to 18 have been accepted about Uhlan and Bush Rose respectively; while inquiries have been made for Tire, but the quotation oi 100 to 5 about the son of Medallion did not prove sufficiently inviting" for the parties concerned. This morning 500 to 35 was laid about Battleaxe, and the markpl was sounded lo the extent of a thousand about Double Erent, the money being still under offer at a price. Mr Dan M'Leod received a wire this afternoon from Napier to the effect that his f!ly Miss DelavaJ has greatly improved since going down. At a meeting of the committee of the A.R.C. to-day it was decided to improve the accommodation for ladies at Ellerslie at the cost of several hundreds of pounds. At the same Tifi.-f.irjg Mr G. G. Stead was elected a life member of the club. The annual meeting of the Auckland Trotting Club was hell this afternoon. The report showed the outgoing season to have been a fairly prosperous one, and the balance sheet showed a credit of £805. The incoming committee was strongly urged to institute sires' produce races to encourage breeders, beginning in a small way and working up, the suggestion being that the first race should be placed on the forthcoming Summer programme, value £50, for two and three-year-olds* and that

sires' produce races be- at once arranged fo* two-year-olds, to take place in 1900, 1901, and 1902, for stakes of £75, £100, and £150 respectively. It was thought that the time had arrived when breeders required greater encouragement to produce a- better class of trotting horses. The retiriug officers were re-elected.

L r p to the present only six of the Wellington. Park mares have foaled this season, the fillies numbering four; while at Sylvia Park five of the seven foals prodxiced to date are fillies.

The foalings during the week are: — Mr T. Morrin's Rubina (by Kings! orough — Etiquette), colt to Castor ; Messrs Nathan's Waitemata (by Eiridsford — Aorere), colt to Seaton Delaval; Messrs Nathan's Leocant (by Leolinus — Cantiniere), filly to Seaton Delaval; Mr W. Percival's Lady Blair (by Blairgowrie — Satanella), colt to Ben Godfrey.

For some time past the committee of tha Otahuhii Trotting Club have been engaged investigating a case of alleged ringing-in stated to have occurred at the club's meeting last February, and as a result of the evidence in their X>ossession they last week adopted a resolution, at a- committee meeting to th.p effect thai John Hoiscnbuttel, alias J. H. Smith, and the black mare Jewess, alias Lass, be disqualified for life. The statements which have ben forwarded to the . secretary of the New Zealand Trotting Association at Christchurch were shown me on. Friday. . .The most important evidence in support oi the allegation was contained in a letter,, signed by George Cox, of the Taranaki district,, in the course of which the wiiter said that ho sold a black maie to Heisenbuttei, and which, he now swears is identical with Lass. It is also shown that the mare was sold at Buckland and Sons' yards in February last for £21. A certificate is being put in showing the transfer from; John Heisenbuttei alias J. H. Smith, to W. Turner, and" stating that the mare's" name waa Lass, that she had never raced under any other name, and that she had never won a race.

The penciller, Mr Dan M'Leod, is first of" tho local metallicians to open a book on the Auckland Cup, and as usual, the volume starts with the laying of long prices about the outside division, £1000 to 10 having been booked .about Kinght of Athol and Admiral Hawke. By the way, I might add that Mr M'Leod went down for the best part of £600 over the defeat o! his filly, Miss Delaval, and St. Elyn, aS the recenj; Avondale meeting. J. B. Williamson, who has Mr Leonard Marshall's horses in hand, left for Sydney early, k*st week, and though the reason of his departure has not been given out, it is believed that his mission is the purchase of brood marea suitable to mate with the imported St. Simon stallion Cyrenian. The 100-guinea Cup presented by Mr G-. G. Stead, and which is to be added to the Auckland Cup, arrived from London by the Waiwera during the week. The trophy is of solid silver, mounted an an ebony pedestal, and may be seb down as a fine example of the silversmith's art, being profusely chased -and figured, while ore the front is a suitable inscription.

The Hon.Mr Mosman's trainer, J. Winter, act-* ing under instructions from his patron, has disposed of the two-year-old brown filly by, Soult, from Rose and White, to a Waitara sportsman.

The gelding Reporter, who broke down during the running of the Second Hurdle Race at Avondale, is now carrying a- leg that mdi* cates plainly that it will be impossible to puft him, into commission again for some time ta come.

Harry Franks went to Napier on Saturday, • and. .will take Mi3s Delaval fiom Hastings to Riccarton. . .

'I' lie committee o£ the Avondale Jockey Club held a meeting a- day or two ago, when the question of paying over the stakes won by Firefly in the Flying Handicap at the club's Spring meeting was discussed, and eventually adjourned for a fortnight in order to allow the alleged owner in Christchurch to substantial© his "claim. Mr" A. Robertson states tluvs ho paid 150gs in hard cash for tha daughter o£ Artillery. George Dawson, the former trainee 01 the mare, is supposed to have gone to Honolulu.

Mr Alex. Phillips has purchased a range of stabling at Ellerslie, and the ex-Australian trainer M'Auliffe, who has had that sportsman's team in hand at Avondale, will take- up his qiiajters there. The Avondale Jockey Club shows a profit ol about £830 on the Spring meeting. J. Chaafe, jun,, who v/ent down to Wellington a f&w days since, returned here on Wednesday last with the racehorses Conspirer and Lobelia, both the property of a Chinese .storekeeper in the Empire City, and formerly trained by A. Peters. Conspirer was Bent up hero to take part in the metropolitan club' 3 la3l Summer meeting, but went amiss.

LEWES.

Friday, August 4. ASTLEY STAKES, of 650sovs, for two-year*

Five furlongs,

Mr L. de Rothschild's b c Griffon, by Galo-

pin— St. Bride, 8.11 (T. Loates) Sir K. Waldie Griffith's eh c Rice, 9.0

. (J. H. Martin) 2 Mr j. aij.isk'er's.'ch c Chevening, 9.0 (Tilbury) S KifmaiuJiatfl. S.IK (O. Madden) i CoU by Wiseman— Mohian 11, 8.11 (M. Cannon) 0 Princess Daisy, 8.5 (W. Freemantle) .. .". 0 Betting: Evens on Griffon. As the dip was made Rice compelled T. Loatea to pick up his whip, and Griffon at once answered, and drawing away, gained the fiat by a length and a-half.

Saturday, August 5. LEWES HANDICAP, of 875sovs. One mile and a-half. Mr Jersey's b h Uniform, by Hotchkiss — Formo, by Sterlingworth, 6yrs, 7.13 (C. Wood) 1 Mr H. W. Gilboy's eh h Rampion, 6yrs, 8.7 (M. Cannon) 2 Lord W. Beresford's b f Jiffy 11, <lyrs, 8.8 (J. H. Martin) 3 Betting : 3to 1 on Jiffy 11, sto 1 agst Rampiori. Jiffy 11. made running from Rampion, Wood riding a waiting race on Uniform in a slowly mil contest. Tiie three closed in the dip, nud JifTy 11. being beaten befoie the distance wsis reached, Rampion and Uniform drew away and run a line lace home, victory resting with the Now ZcvLincJei, who won by a neck; three lengths between second and third. Time, 2min 49 3-cisec.

KEMPTOX PARK. Tuesday, August 8. INTERNATIONAL BREEDERS' TWO-YKAR-OLD STAKES, of 085sovs. Five furlongs. Mr T. it. Uewar's eh c Forfarshire, bsr Royal . Hampton— St. Elizabeth, 9.10 (S v Loates) 1 Mr Fairies b g Cutaway, 9.1 (M. Canuon) 2 Mr Edwards's eh c Salvador, 8.9 (K. Cannon) 3 SoHd Gold, 8.2 (O. Madden) 0 llavl-nswoxth, 8.5 (F. Wood) 0 Cobden, 8.5 (H. Chapman) .. £ .. •„• 0 Betting: 11 to 10 agst Forfarshire. Solid Gold headed Salvador, Cutaway going on next. In this order they came to tho distance, "where Loates pulled ForfaTshire to tho outside, and Solid Gold now dropping away, and Salvador being beaten, the favourite headed Cutaway and won, easily by two lengths. Time, lmin 2 3-ssec,

"Wednesday, August 9. OF LONDON BREEDERS' FOAL PLATE, of 1180sovs, for three-year-olds. One mile. Mr C. D. Rose's b f Santa Casa, by Bona Vista— Lorette, 9.0 (W. Bradford) .. .. 1 (Mr J. Porter's eh f Crowborough, 8.11 (M. Cannon) 2 'Mr Wallace Johnstone's b c Harrow, 9.3 {S. Loates) 3 Fifeshire, 8.10 (O. Madden) 0 Galliot, 9.7 (K. Cannon) 0 Betting : 2tol on Harrow, 4to 1 agst Crowborough, 8 to 1 Santa Casa. Below the distance Harrow challenged the leader, but, cutting it, dropped into third place, and left Santa Casa to win by three-parts of a length from Crowborough. Time, lmin 42 "2-ssec. Tuesday, August 15. ,"WYNYARD PLATE, of 535sovs, for two-year- j olds. Five furlongs. I • Sir R. Waiaie Griffith's eh f Bettyfield, by i Amphion— Thistlefield, 9.5 (J. H. Martin) 1 S Sir J. Miller's eh c Marconi, 8.7 (Segrott) .. 2 j •Mr J. Musker's b or br 1 Our Grace, 8.13 (Weldon) 3 Tiresome, 8.13 (O. Madden) 0 Queen of the Vale, 8.13 (Finlay) .. .„ 0 Galinipper, 8.9 (F. B. Black) 0 CMartineau, 8.7 (Rickaby) 0 QPacey Romford, 8.4. (Pagan) 0 ENushka, 8.4 (T. "Loates) 0 Betting: 6 to 4 agst Nushka, 5 to 1 Beltyifield, 8 to 1 Marconi.' A fine race home was witnessed, Bettyfield Btalling off the challenge of Marconi, and winning by a short head; the same distance be"tween second and third. /Time, lmin lsec. "Wednesday, August 16. HARDWICKE STAKES, of 460sovs, for two-year-olds. Five furlongs. Mr Jas. Joicey's eh Alvescot, by Raeburn — Alberta, 8.4 (T. Loates) 1 •Sir E. Waldie Griffith's b f Vain Duchess, 9.2 (O. Madden) 2 Mr J. Snarry's eh g Maquereau, 8.4 (Finlay) 3 Mr M. Morrison's Misty Maid, 8.1 (Lofthouse) 0 Betting : 2to 1 on Vain Duchess, 2to 1 agst 'Alvescot. ~" Alvescot the way to Vain Duchess and Maquereau, and, never being headed, won Cleverly by a length and a-half. Time, lmin 2 2-ssec. .GREAT NORTHERN LEGER, of 441sovs, for • -three-year-olds. One mile and five furlongs. Sir R. Waiaie Griffith's br f Landrail, by 1 St. Serf— Thistlefioia, 9.2 (J. H. Martin) . . 1 Mr E. J. Rose's br c Sir Reginald, 8.12 (O. Madden) 2 M* T. W. Hornby's b or br f Lively Lady, 8.5 (Weldon) 3 Betting: 6 to 5 on Landrail. Landrail won in a canter by six lengths ; 'Lively Lady walked in a bad third. Time, 2min 64 4-ssec. " YORK. Tuesday, August 22. YORKSHIRE OAKS, of 530sovs, for three-year-old fillies. One mile and a-quarter. jMr J. W. Larnach's br f Victoria May, by St. Simon — Hampton Rose, 8.10 (O. Madden) 1 Bir R. Waldie Griffith's br f Landrail, 8.10 (J. H. Martin) 2 Mr F. Alexanaer's b f Quassia, 8.10 (M. Cannon) 3 Musa, 9.8 (Rickaby) 0 'Fair Huguenot, 8.3 (S. Loates) 0 ■Royaume, 8.3 (T. Loates) 0 Betting : 11 to 10 agst Landrail, 2 to 1 Victoria May. Below the distance, Victoria May challenged •Landrail, and forging ahead, retained her advantage, and won by a neck; six lengths between seconcl ancl third. Time, 2min 10 l-ssec. PRINCE OF WALES'S PLATE, of 885sovs, for two-year-olds. Five furlongs. Mr J. W. Larnach's b c Simonswooa, by St. Simon — Daisy Chain, 8.7 (0. Madden) .. 1 Bir J. Blundell Maple's b f Royal Step, 8.4 (J. H. Martin) 2 Mr Russell Monro's b c Victor Wolf, 8.7 > (Rickaby) 3 Gay Consul, 8.12 (Fagan) 0 Queen of the Vale, 8.12 (T. Loates) .. .. 0 Serfglove, 8.7 (Finlay) 0 .Victor Hugo, 8.7 (Weldon) 0 Colt by Sir Hugo— Hemlock,*B.7 (Allsopp) 0 Springh'ghtr 8.7 (M. Cannon) 0 'Rameses 11, 8.7 (F. B. Black) 0 Bister Mary, 8.4 (S. Loates) . . . . „ . . 0 Betting: 7 to 2 agst Springlight, 5 to 1 pimonswood, 6 to 1 Victor Wolf, 10 to 1 Royal Btep. . Below the distance Royal Step was challenged by Simonswooa and Victor Wolf, and in a fine race home the first-named got the best .of it and won by a neck. Time, lmin 3 4-ssec. Wednesday, August 23. CONVIVIAL PRODUCE STAKES, of 530sovs. For two-year-olds. Five furlongs. Mr H. J. Mills's h f Satyrica, by Alloway — Satira, 8.4 (M. Cannon) 1 Captain Laing's br f Papdale, 7.13 (Finlay) 2 Mr A. Henderson's eh f Guidwife, 8.9 _ * (Chapman) 3 Bright Key, 9.1 (0. Madaen) 0 Spring Hare, 8.12 (Rickaby) „ .. o Free Companion, 8.12 (Allsopp) 0 Palatia, 8.4 (T. Loates) .. . \\ 0 Filly by Father Confessor— Lachesis, 8.5 " (Weiaon) 0 Duvernay, 7.13 (S. Loates) 0 Betting: 6 to 4 agst Styrica, 11 to 4 Papdale. Satyrica, challenging at the aistance, got the beat of it, and won by a length and a-half; the same aistance between seconcl ana third Time, lmin 2 l-ssec. GREAT EBOR HANDICAP PLATE, of 925sovs. One mile and three-quarters. • fluyor J. -D. Edwards's b g Cassock's Pride, by Cassock, dam by Brown Prince 6vrs 7.13 (Fagan) '. . ' 1 Mr J 'M: ,H, H ? ulds worth's b c Greenan'Ws, 9.0 (Rickaby) .2 Mr Arthur James's b g Sinooi, 3yrs, 7.5 ' _. _„ r . ' (O. Madden) 3 (Winsome Chartens, 4yrs, 8.5 (M. Cannon) 0 Carnatum, syrs, 8.2 (S. Chandley) .. .. o Scrivener, 6yrs, 8.0 (Finlay) 0 Bobbie Burns, 4yrs, 7.9 (Al'lsopp) .. .. \\ o 'Nil Desperandum, 4yrs, 7.8 (T. Loates) .. .. 0 •Ecu dOr, 4yrs, 7.7 (T. Smith) . . ... o •Debrett, 3yrs, 7.5 (S. Loates) ..." o ■Tyna, 4yrs, 6.11 (G Sanderson) 0 Betting: 9 to 4 agst Sinopi, 9 to 1 Greenan, JOO to 6 Cassock's Pride. At the distance Sinopi lost his place to Casteock's Pride, whilst Greenan and Winsome Charteris took close order. In the run home Sinopi came again, but failed to get on fighting terms, and by a neck Cassock" s Prifle pulled through from Greenan, with Sinopi, who was running on, third, three parts of a length away. •Time, 3min 3 4-ssec. , Thursday,- August 24. $REAT YORKSHIRE STAKES, of 885sovs. For three-year-olds. Ono mile and threequarters. Duke of Portland's b c Manners, by Sfc. Simon—Tact, 9.12 (T. Loates) 1 Mr Fairies br c" Galliot, 9.4 (Rickaby) . . . . + Mr E. J. Rose's br c Sir Reginald, 8.12 (Allsopp) + .Sinopi, 9.4 (0. Madden) 0 Scintillant, 9.1 (F. Wood) 0 Campanone, 8.7 (F. Osborne) 0 Betting: 11 to 10 as?st Manners, 6 to 1 Sir Reginald, 100 to 15 Galliot. Half way up the straight Sinopi -woa baatey,

and Manners taking up the running came away and won by a couple of lengths; a dead heat for second place. Time, 3inin 6 4-ssec. GIMCRACK STAKES, of 465sovs. For two-year-olds. Six furlongs. Mr Russel's br f Dusky Queen, by St. Simon —Virginia Shore, 8.4 (O. Madden) .. .. 1 Mr L. Alvarez's bl or br f by Rusticus — La Carolina, 9.0 (Nunez) . . 2 Mr Russell Munro's br f Goosander, 8.4 (S. Loates) 3 Jeunesse Doree, 9.2 (Dalton) .. „ .. .. 0 Satyrica, 9.2 (Rickaby) 0 Colt by Workington — Blue Bonnet, 9.1 (F. B. Black) 0 Sweet Sounds, 8.7 (T. Loates) 0 Orme Boy, 8.7 (Finlay) „. 0 Rose of Argyl, 8.4 (Fagan) 0 Betting: 13 to 8 agst Queen, 6 to 1 Goosander, 10 to 1 the La Carolina, filly. A good race home ,vas witnessed, but Dusky Queen managed to get the best of it, and gain a half length verdict. Time, lmin 14 4-ssec.

TAHUNA PARK ACCEPTANCES. The following acceptances have been received for the fir.=t day's trotting at Tahuna j Park on Friday, October 6 : — 1 MAIDEN HANDICAP (Saddle). ' Two miles. sec sec digger .. .. — Virescoe .. ..5 Whirlwind .. ..3 Camera .. ..7 Lincoln Pride .. 5 Charlotte .. 10 SPRING PONY HANDICAP (Saddle or Harness). Two miles. Doubtful .. ..3 Maybud .. „18 Aquinas .. .. 7 Fly .. .. 20 ' Come Again .. 9 Charlotte .. ..22 Queen Bee ..12 PROGRESSIVE HANDICAP (Harness). i Two miles. | Governor .. .. — Archie .. ..12 Cottage Boy .. 5 Rixollo .. .. 17 I Bendigo . . . . 7 OCTOBER HANDICAP (Saddle). Two miles. | Ruahine ... 9 Vascoe . . . . 25 Scrutineer .. 12 Jane Douglass .. 28 Harold .. ..33 Hulda .. ..28 Dellaroo .... 24 j SELLING HANDICAP (Saddle or Harness). One mile and a-half. ! Miss Kay .. .. — Nigger .. .. 9 Lallah Rookh .. 3 Pioneer .. „11 Linnette .. ..6 Yneacoe . . ..13 Ruby M 8 To Hau .. ..15 DOMAIN HANDICAP (Harness). \ Two miles. Candidate .. .. 4 Geo. M. Patchen .. 21 | Ruahine .. .. 9 St. George .. .. -Ji ' Dexterina .. ..18 Vascoe .. . . 25 I PROVINCIAL PONY HANDICAP i (Saddle or Harness). j One mile and a-half. j Hulda .. .. _ Queen Bee .. ... 19 \ Jasper .. „10 Maybud .. .. 24 ' Doubtful .. ..12 Bluenose .. .. 26 ' Aquinas .. .. 15 Ego „., .. 28 Come Again .. 17 DASH HANDICAP (Saddle). One mile. ' Harold .. .. 5 Governor .. ..18 Ophir .. ..11 Lallah Rookh .. 18 j Vascoe .. ..11 Bendigo .. .. 20 i Jane Douglass .. 13 Plan >.. ..20 Sail Home .. 15 Nigger .. ..21 Balloon .. ..16

GORE NOMINATIONS. j Charlton Handicap. Seven furlongs. — Bri- ' itannia, Tommy, St. Ouida, Gitanella, Eed Ban- ' ncr, Donna Rosa, Nihilist, Picket. j District Selling Handicap. Six furlongs.— t ' Claremont, Sir Robert, Irish Girl, Sorceress, ' Wanganui. Spring Handicap. One mile and a distance. — Wolseley, Seabreeze, Edelweiss, Glenelg, Red Banner, Paladin, Proposal, Maremma. I Handicap Hurdles. One mile and a-half. — ! Schnapps, Windermere, Waikaia, Clinker, ! Rebel, Pioneer. I Handicap Time Trot. Two miles. — Vitada- ; tio, Ivy, Butcher, Nigger, Teddy, Whirlwind, } Welcome Lass, Golden Crest, Belniont, St. \ George, Fleetwood, Abdallah, Alice May, Topsy, ; Governor, Andy Grey, Harold, Phoebe. i Flying Handicap. Six furlongs. — Wolseley, ' Britannia, Quickshot 11, Tommy, St. Ouida, j Gitanella, Paladin, Witchcraft, Mayo, Nihilist. ) Handicap Time Trot. One mile. — Prairie, Vitadatio, Madeline, Lorna Doone, Mamoc, Rocket, Duchess, Haeramai, Plodder, Lady j Beatrice, Bradlaugh, Teddy, Commodore, Ma- j tai, Whirlwind, Haroldson, Fleetwood, Abdal- ! lah, Garryowen, Native, Miss Mac, Governor, j Uncle Sam, Harold, J.J., Lunacy, Cynthia, I Scrutineer, Halifax, Topsy. j Farmers' Plate Handicap. Seven furlongs, i — Letty, Fre'tta, Fairy, Vixen, Sir Eobert, Pyr- I mont, Red Banner, Epic, Picket, Tommy (Terrjr's). Novel Handicap. Five furlongs.— Claremont, Irish Girl, Rangiatea, Sorceress, Wanganui. < Waikaka Handicap. One mile. — Wolseley, I \Seabreeze, Edelweiss, Glenelg, Paladin, Red j Banner, Mayo, Proposal, Nihilist, Mareinma. I Handicap Hurdles. One mile and a-half. — i Schnapps, Windermere, Waikaia, Clinker, ' Rebel, Pioneer. j Hanaicap- Time Trot. Two miles. — Ivy, ' Butcher, Lorna Doone, Mamoc, Rocket, Plod- j der, Nigger, Teddy, Commodore, Whirlwind, : Matai, Welcome Lass, Belmont, Alice May, Native, Topsy, Governor, Andy Grey, Harold, Archie, Halifax. Shorts Hanaicap. Four furlongs.— Letty, Vixen, Quickshot 11, Tommy, St. Ouida, Edelweiss, Irish Girl, Myrtle, Gitanella, Paladin, Witchcraft, Donna Rosa, Choroid, Nihilist. Handicap Time Trot. One mile. — Prairie, Vitadatio, Madeline, Silvermine, Duchess, i Haeramai, Plodder, Bradlaugh, Teddy, Com- ! modore, Whirlwind, Haroldson, Golden Crest, i Belmont, Garryowen, Bonny Jean, Miss Mac, ' Governor, Uncle Sam, Harold, Phoebe, J.J., i Cynthia, Scrutineer, Halifax. Farewell Handicap. One mile.— Wolseley, ! Britannia, Seabreeze, Fretta, Glenelg, Red Banner, Windermere, Clinker, Proposal, Picket.

VINCENT ACCEPTANCES

All-Aged Stakes.— Bronze, Moscovite, Laay Eanfurly, Metford, Sharpshdl. Matakanui Handicap.— Beauclerc SJ.O, Saladm 8.10, Georgie Sharp 8.7, Silvercrest 8.4, Matross 7.12, Moslem Maid 7.8, Black Bess 7 8 Ruby Rays 7.5, Moscovite 7.4, Metford 74 Sharpshell 6.10. " '

New Year Trot.— The Gossoon scratch, Laracor 5 seconds, Carrick 5, Lorna Doone 7, Dick Turpin 12, The Laird 15, Ned 15, Haymaker 17, Gipsy 17, Firefly 20, Matau 22, Tangle 22, Harvester 25, Lady Criterion 25, Thorudean 25, Civis 25, Manioc 25.

(London Sportsman, August 18.) It is with much regret that we have to announce the death of Mr Robert Peck, which took place yesterday morning. Mr Peek's illness was an internal complaint, from which he had been suffering in a less acute form for a period of nearly two years. Some time ago he went for a fcea voyage to South Africa, but *a turned without having experienced any

benefit. He was a man of great power of organisation, and was the guiding spirit of various newcomers on the turf during the time that he was an owner of racehorses after his retirement from the ranks of the trainers. In his time at Russley he trained two Derby winners, Doncaster, and his son, Bend Or, both these, although the property of different owners, carrying the same colours. Mr Peck was only in his fifty-fifth year.

Robert Peck was born at Grove House, Malton, in 184-5, where his father, Charles Peck, carried on successfully his vocation of trainer of thoroughbreds. Bred as he was — his uncle, Mr Robert Heseltine, of Hambleton, being also connected with the turf as a popular owner — it was not surprising to find him early taking a lively interest in horsejs_an"cr their doings, and when one of •tb<s-^animals trained by his father named Old Dan Tucker beat Nunnykirk for the Great Yorkshire Stakes of 1849, the four- year-old " Master Robert " celebrated the occasion by tearing aJI the buttons off his boots, being evidently of opinion that a new pair would be the fittest way of marking such a glorious triumph. And a triumph it certainly was, for early in the year Nunnykirk, who hailed from the powerful neighbouring stable presided over by the " Wizard of the North," had won the Two Thousand Guineas, and he afterwards ran second to the mighty Flying Dutchman on Doncaster Town Mooi. Old Dan Tucker, who started at 10 tc 1, therefore was entitled to much credit for beating Nunnykirk by a neck at York,and both had tip-top jockeys, Frank Butler riding Nunnykirk, and. the accomplished Alfred Day the winner. It is a melancholy coincidence that it was at Scarborough, where Robert Peck died, that he first made his acquaintance with a racecourse 49 years earlier. Scarborough races (which ceased to exist in 1893) .vere in 1850 conducted in what would nowadays be considered a vi \* primitive style, a waggon forming the judge's box, but as a horse named Scarborough, trained by his father for Lord Cardross, won twice with his owner in the saddle, everything was doubtless approved of by little Robert, who, when still quite a child, was already deeply versed in >Slud Book lore. Much of his boyhood -.\i>* sppnt on Langton Wold watching the gol 1 ,ps of the many northern cracks, who at i liat period made the little town of Malton so famous as a training centre. It is related tliat in 1852, when Wes& Australian was a two-year-old, the then Lord Derby accompanied. John Scott to see the work', and cillii.- young Bob Peck, his lordship asked thf v ungster what would win the next year's "Ueiby. The answer, modestly given. w?s "Weso Australian!" whose stylo of galloping had greatly impressed the youthful critic. As everyone knows, when the Derby in due course came round West Australian was to the fore. Others of his earlier favourites were Songstress, who won the Oaks, and Blink Bonny. His first bet was one of £5 to 5s about the la^t-named for the Derby, in which she defeated 1 he rank outsider. Black Tommy. Adamas, and 27 others. He spent much of his spare time in the saddle, riding exerciso constantly during his holidays^ ancl was often out with Lord Middleton's_ hounds, from attendance at the meets of which pack he imbibed a love of hunting which remained with him in after life.

At the conclusion of his school days his love of horses caused him, to finally decide to adopL training as a vocation, and prior to making a start on his own account he was constantly with the horses at exercise, oc travelling about with them, and he had the sole charge of the celebrated Regolia on her various jouvneys, until Mr Graham removed his string to Malton. "When only just ai'rived at inaal.ooct's estate, he was offered and accepted an on^agempnt to become private trainpr to Loid Slam ford at Enville, removing to Newmarket 'n the following spring. At the Turf metropo i* in TF67 he won several races for his eniylo- si with The Peer, and a three-year-old daughter of Wild Dayrell, out of Emily, s>ecured t!.o Column Produce Stakes, that ceason reduced to a match ; the Park Hill Stakes at I)orca»ter, which the won by a head; while Vale Royal, Idalia, .i'Vcdor. and others testified by their racecour.-e performances that young Robert Peck would do well in his vocation. In 1663 lie set up for himseif for a brief period at Malton as a public trainer, but in 1870 he gave up his Yorkshire training establishment in order to become private trainer to Mi Jnmes Merry, n succession to Waugh, at llussley. From the very next year, when he sent out King of the Forest to carry the yellow jacket and black cap of the wealthy Scotcli ironmaster in the classic events, he became a training star of the first magnitude, although "the King" could only get third to Bothwell in the Guineas, and ran a dead-heat with Albert Victor for second place to Baron Rothschild's Zephyr coll — christened Favonius a day or two before the Derby — for the historic Epsom race. Amends were made for these defeats at Ascot, where the tSay son of Scottish Chief and Lioness (winner of the Cesarewitch of 1863) easily turned the Newmarket tables on Bothwell and Sterling in the valuable Prince of ~W ales'? Stakes, for which his nearest attendants past the winning po&t were Mr H. Savile's Ripponden and Baron Rothschild's Hannah. "The King" won other good races, including the Goodwood Derby. In 1872 hopes were entertained that Gladiolus would succeed in winning the Derby, but he met with a mishap a few days before the race, and had to be struck out. This was a sad blow, for Peck had tried the son of Gladiateur and Sunbeam very highly with Freeman, who, in the middle of the merry month of May, had romped home a three lengths' winner of the Qreat Northern Handicap at York, then a much more important race than it is at the present day. Gladiolus recovered sufficiently to take part in the Leger, but he started at longish odds, and played but a mild pan behind Wenlock, Prince Charlie, and "Variderdecken, who formed the leading trio. A juvenile of Mr Merry's af whom great hopes were formed in that year was Marie Stuart, and after running second in the Stanley Stakes at Epsom and third for the "Acorn," the winner on both occasions turning up in Lord Anglesey's Acropolis, the daughter of Scottish Chief did better at her next essay, winning the New Stakes in very hollow style. So easily did she score that she was pulled out again for the last race of the day, a Biennial, in which, with Newhouse as her pilot, she just managed to avert defeat from Fred Archer, who got within a head of upsetting the 3ubstantial odds laid on Mr Meiry's filly. A " Mottisfont " success was followed by a defeat in the Middle Park Plate, and in the next season she carried off the Oaks, Yorkshire Oaks, and the Leger. It was in this year (1873) that Robert Peck had the satisfaction of leading back his first Derby winner for Mr Merry, in Doncaster, whose brilliant form on the racecourse was upheld at the stud, where he sired Bend Or and many another good horse.

Doncaster's victory in the Derby was not looked forward to by many save those clo&ely connected with the Russley htable, for he had failed to get a place in the Two Thousand behind Gang Forward, Kaiser (whose name was a rare stumbling block for the ring, moit

of whom pronounced it Keeser), and Sulei- ' man. He was then not nearly ready to do his best, however, and at Epsom he started" at 45 to 1 against. He had in the interim , been well tried with Freeman, at that period j an invaluable stable clock, and, well ridden by Fred Webb, he came down the hill in ; great style, and easily reversed the Newmar1 ket verdict, Kaiser and Gang Forward deadheating behind him. In subsequent years Doncaster won - the Goodwood Clip, Ascot Cup, and Alexandra Plate. As a three-year-old he was started in the Leger in addition to his stable companion, Marie Stuart, Mr ' Merry resolving to let them run on their merits. Strange to say, neither was favourite, thai position being occupied by the unlucky "Kaiser, who was beaten into third place be- ' hind Mr Merry's pair, of whom the mare de- • feated the horse by a head. Marie Stuart started in better demand than Doncaster, but the finish was much too close to be appreeii ated by her backers. As a yearling Doncaster , had cost Mi Merry £950, and after his dual ' victory in 1875 in the Gold Cup and Alex- ; andra, Plato at Ascot he sold him to his trainer for £10,000, who afterwards disposed I of him at a profit of £4000 to the Duke of ! Westminster. ' In 1875 Mr Merry retired from the turf, but ! Peck remained at Russley, and started again j as a public trainer, and the Duke of West- ; minster started his racing career by sending ! him hid newly-purchased youngsters, Morier, Pellegrino, and others. Morier turned out ) badly, but Pellegrino ran second to Chamant I for the Middle Park of 1876. A breakdown , prevented him from running in the next year's f Derby, for which he was thought to possess ' a good chance. In 1876 two of Robert Peck's ' own horses, Forerunner and Julius Caesar, ran in the Derby, but they could do no more than finish second and third to the tlungarianbred mare Kisber — who, il was rumoured al . the time, was a four-year-old, and all sorts , of tales as to a change of horses en route i from Hungary were afloat, which credulous j people apt to regard turf morals' generally as shady in -the extreme accepted in good faith, but there was really no doubt whatever as to Kisber being the Simon Pure. Julius Caesar was third again in the Leger, and earlier

Freeman was second for the Chester Uup, but these and other disappointments were partly atoned for by the Manchester Cup success 1 of Conseil. a French-bred live-year-old belonging to Mr Thorold, and the Goodwood win I of Hampton — in ihe Slakes — and Freeman's victory in the Alexandra Plain at Ascot. ! "With Hampton, Peck in the noxt season won | the Goodwood Cup for JVlr Hob-on — whose ! death we recorded not many months ago — j and Freeman tonic the Goodwood Stakes. i Maximilan's purchase by Peck in 1376 (on beI half of the Duke of "Westminster) for the ( then record price for a yearling of 4100gs created a lot of talk, but he was almost a complete failure, and he only won one race, the Liverpool Summer Cup, when four years old. Strathfleet was bought i»fc Cobham on 1 the same afternoon us Maximiian for about a quarter, of the cost of the long-priced impostor, and sh won a. number ot raced, and Midas won the" Great Metropolitan in 1878. Kaleidoscope in that year had given the stable a good Fend oIF by winning the Linj colnshiro Handicap for the Russley trainer, ; and at about this period Lord Rosebery i brought, his stud to Russley from Ilalej', and i under Peck's able management they won a j lot of races in the season of 1879, Torchct I capturing the Lincolnshire, Ridotto the Ascot | Stakes, and La Meryeille (who had run third i for tho Cambridegshire in the preceding year) won it at the second time of asking, while i tho Manchester November Handicap fell (o Rhidorroch. This year one of Doncastor'a f'rsb reason's foals oaine on the ecene — the fiaxen-maned and tailed chestnut Bend Or, who won cvei'ything he went for as a juvenile. He was a winter fa\ouiite for the Derby, and how, with Archer on his back, he caught Rossiter napping un Robert Iho Devil, is a:i oft-told story. At the "bell' Robert waj out by himself, but, thanks to a magnificent piece of horsemanship on tho one hand and too confident riding on the other, Bend Or got up in the last few strides, thus making amends for the previous year's disappointment with Victor Chief. Bend Or was afterwards thrice beaten by Robert the Devil, but when they were four year olds the Rusfcley r.rack polished off his old rival in fine itylc for the ApcoL Gold Cup, but as Robert then had a leg, and was very big in condition in consequence, this ro-.nlt wa-> only to bo expected, especially as Bend Or had won the City and Suburban at the Ep^om Spring meeting, carrying 9st. Bend Oi was a real clinker, otherwise he could never have micceedod in (jiving 341b to the American-bred Foxhall, who was second to him. "With regard to his own auimals about that timo and afterwards. Peck had Emmelinc Marcia as a two-year-old, and she won a little race for him in 1881, and was pent to France in 1882, but returned to this country two years later. Had she remained in exile there would have been no Marcion. Towards the close of 1881 Peck gave up training, and John Porter took up the reins for the Duke of "Westminster, who sent his horses to Kingsclere, while Hopper had already taken charge of Mr Peck's string at Newmarket. Under Mr Peek's watchful guidance his horses did very well, for in 1862 14 of them contributed over £7000 to the exchequer, of which amount Hackness's Cambridgeshire — memorable for | being postponed for a day on account of the storm which raged at Newmarket Heath — was the chief item ; and in 1883, thanks in great degree to the seven successes of the flying two-year-old Superba, Barcaldine's four wins (which included the Orane Cup, at Ascot, and the Northumberland Plate), and the Manchester Cup winner, Primrose 11, the winnings of Mr Peek's team'reached the cayital total of £16,505 ; while in 1885 the 37 races his animals won yielded a total of nearly £12,000. of which Ramsbury, Lady Beatrice, and, of course, Superba, who, however, only scored once (in the valuable Sandown Derby), were the principal contributors. In 1885 Mr Peck, who had many irons in the fire, including the management of Mr Child wick's horses, transferred his string to Gurry, and they scored in 54 eventSj of which that sweet little horse The Bard won 16. The total this year was £22,195, which placed Mr Peck fifirst in the list of winning owners. In the next year The Bard was unfortunate in running up against such a clinker as Ormonde in the Derby, and there was a falling off at the end of that season to a total of £5945, in the amassing of which The Bard was the chief agent ; and in the next season only a small amount was credited to the owner of the blue, orange-sleeved jacket. Bullion was the ihief winner in 1888, that uncertain son of The Miser taking the Electric Slakes at Sandown Park, starting, moreover, it the long odds of 10 to 1. For three or four years after this Mr Peck's jacket was occasionally geen flitting first past the post, but in quite recent seasons it has not been visible. Not that Mr Peck ceased tc interest himself in racing, but he confined his operations to breeding, and his stud at his country residence, Howbury Hal] — where he lived in first-rate style — was a model

one. His yearlings were usually sold publicly, and he had such sires as Janissary, Surefoot, and Perigord a,t Howbury, and also lesser lights lik« -ill Diablo and Penzance, while his maies were carefully picked, and full of the bo/t blood.

(From the !New York Sun.) Dobley took. his wife to the races. Hia main idea was that as she had never seen a> horse race the novelty would be agreeable to her. Before they started Dobley knew just which horses were going to win. He always picked them out before he started, and stuck to his selections. He said he 'had no -use for people who changed their minda every second, and besides he kept a book in which he had all the horse's records. He had their names, their pedigrees ; the distances they, liked best ; the races they had won at the different tracks, the weights they had carried, what horses had beaten them; in fact, everything there was to know about them. Dobley could tell bj a glance at this book if a horse was good for a certain distance at such a weight; what his performances had been; whether he was good in the mud, and other points that seemed to tell the story of the horse's life in a nutshell. This book was. Dobley's own idea, and he used to work nights over it. When Mrs Dobley handed her husband sdol and asked him to please put it on Althea one, two, three in the first race Dobley was paralysed. He had never fancied that Mrs Dobley possessed any bporting blood, and he handed the money back and tried to treat it as a joke. "He hasn't a chance to come in eighth, my dear," he said kindly. "Lei me put it on Kirkwood for you. He is going to win. I have twenty on Kirkwood. li's a sure thing." "It isn't any fun being at the races without betting," pouted Mrs Dobley, "and I want Althea; I knew a girl at school whose name was Althea, and it's so unusual." Dobley laughed heartily. "All right," he said; "it's your funeral, but if you Ide, you lose, remember. Little Willie- isn't going to pay for your chips in this game aw he does at poker. That goes." Dobley went off laughing, and thought it would be a good joke on his wife to play bookmaker for a day. Her horses were bound to lose, and it would be like getting money in a letter. Then, if he had any luck, he'd give it back to her when they got homo. y(ncl if he didn't it would be a good lesson for her. lie didn't half like her suddenly acquired spirit for gambling. He put 20dol on Kirkwood, and,' glancing at the board, saw that Allhea was sto 1, one, two, three. He allowed Mrs Dobley's sdol to rest peacefully in his pocket, and went back to where she sat, all excitement, on the stand. "Which is my hor&e?" she asked. "That old skate waltzing around there and spoiling the start," said Dobley, with his eye on Kirkwood. "Does he have to come in three times to win?" as'kcd Mrs Dobley \ "is that what one, two, three means V" "Oli, you're a hot sport," said Dobley.! "No, he doesn't have to conic in three times, but he has to bo first, second, or third under the wire, and I am afraid your old schoolmate will he about last." "/low much do I win if he comes in first, pecimtl, or third?" asked Mrs Dobley. Tt Efecmed impossible to quench her enthusiasm. " I&actly 25d0l and your original five — 30 in all ; hut you won't yet iL ; see?" Juii, ilieu liic hoivsGii .started, and neither of the Dobleys ppoke. Dobley kepi, the glass glued to his eye, and Mrs Dobley fancied she hoard him sv enr ; but tlio horsen came down the stretch in a cloud o! duat, and everyone hlu ieketl and pounded and yelled like mad, and Dobley cat down. '"Who won, dear?" said Mrs D. "35'avkou if i know," said Doblcy. "Kirkwood didn't! He ran like a goat !" As tiie names of the horses went up on the post, iJrs Dobley grasped her husband's arm. "Look — look !" she said in a hoarse whisper., "1.->ok there — at Althea !" Sure- enough, Althea was third. Dobley qromid lii 3 teeth. Mrs Dobley clapped her hand: 1 . ■>»

''Oh, hurr.x ," she paid hysterically, "and qpfc I lie oOdol ; they may find out it's a mistake !" "Xo (-uch luck," said Dobley under his hvo(ii]\. "What's that, denr?" "Much hick, f said." ''Yes, isn't it? I needed that money." When Dobley came back and handed her

30dol he had partially recovered his equanimity. "Got any old schoolmates in this race?" he asked with sarcasm, for he couldn't help feeling £»ore as ho saw Mrs Dobley shove the money in her pocket book with the reckless air of a gambler. Her eyes were shining with an unholy fire. She took a 2dol bill from the roll, *"I want this on Trumpet," she said. "One." "One? "What do you mean?" asked Dob-

ley. "I mean number one — first, you know; not two, three." "You mean straight?" "I mean to win." "Oh, you do," said Dobley. "Ha! ha! You are going to hedge now, are you? Gettin' careful?" He had hoped to pocket sdol of her winnings on this race, and now there were only two to hope for. "Well, remember," he whispered, "my last word. I have a tip on Premature, a stable tip. "What makes you want Trumpet? You had no old schoolmate with that name, did you?" "No, I just shut my eyes, and put a pin through the programme right at the second race. And see where it came through, right; through Trumpet ! And this woman back of me said there's 15 to 1 against him. So I can win thirty this time for 2dol. What is the use of risking more?" "Blamed if that isn't a great idea!" said Dobley. "All right, Mrs Dobley, I'll get you 2dol worth of JTrumpet." But he didn't, foolishly. He watched the race from the lawn, and saw Trumpet jusfc beat Premature, ■vyho came in second. After swearing for a while, and absorbing two cocktails, he went up and gave -Mrs Dobley 32d01. He told her he had won a lot on Premature for place, and asked her if she wouldn't like a sandwich or anything. She had become very chummy with tho" woman in the seat behind her, and they said they'd have some sherry cobblers and sandwiches. Dobley had to go down, and spend 2dol on the strength of his big win on Premature. He thought he'd, try and get Mrs Dobley to put up 10 or 20 in this race, so that he'd get back some of his money, but she said she didn't care for anything.' So Dobley went down and won 2dol for sdol on Pupil. Then he took two more cocktails, and went back to his wife. "This is the Ladies' Stakes," she said, "and I'm going to put sdol first, second, third oja

Latty Lindsay. It'& the Ladies' Stakes, and a lady ought to come near winning, don't you think so?*'

" If races were run like a recipe in a cosy comer — yes," said Dobley, "but a horse can't knit three, drop two, and purl one, you know, my dear. You can't win a horse race like you can drive out red ants. Why don't you put up someihing big, 20dol, say, and then retire on your winnings? " Dobley watched her out of the corner of his eye. But she would not fall into the trap. " I am afraid I might lose," she said sweetly. "No, I'll take Lady Lindsay — Lady Lindsay, Buck a pretty name." Dobley had another streak of luck in this race, and won 2dol on Prestidigitatrice, who •won. at two to five. He was glad his luck "was- changing,, and, as he collected his money, lie heard some one say, " Lindsay was the best thing in that race ; three to one " A cold sweat broke out over Dobley. If this kept up he would have to borrow car fare from, his wife to get home. He- went and drank two cocktails. Then he saw that Lady Lindsay had come in third. He went up and gave the money to his wife. His roll was nearly gone. " Suppose we go home? '* he suggested with a. hungry eye on Mrs Dobiey's pocket-book. "Oh, I must bet on Trillion," said Mrs Dobley, "I simply must." "Another winner, I suppose," he said. "Take my advice and stop, young woman. This is ■ the Grand National Stakes, a very uncertain race. Why — why — I wouldn't bet on it myself t "" • "But look here," said Mrs Dobley;- "a trillion is- nine naughta, 'ors,'0 r s,' isn-'t it.?" "•Anda one, usually/ said Dobley weakly. " And a- one, a won j certainly. Ha ! ha ! " ■" Ha ! ha r" said Dobley. "Well, isn't it?" "Y — y — y — yes," said Dobley. "Well, here's my name — Hono;^ Coombs Dobley," she wrote it on the edge ot the programme. "Here is your name — John Woodward Dobley. Now count the ' o'6.' " "Nine," said Dobley. "What of that?" "Nine naughts are a trillion. I want to bet sdol on Trillion Onth — I mean straight ; yes, that's it, straight ! " Dobley couldn't-answer. The. cocktails were beginning to make- his mind hazy, but he knew one thing — that Mrs Dobley couldn't poseibly win. So he clung to her sdol, and went down and had a cocktail. Then he looked at the race, and seemed to see a thousand horses, with three horses that looked alike about a mile in front of the others all the way around. A yotmg man beside Dobley was jumping around like a madman, shouting, "Come on! Come on there!" "Whash — th' madder 'th ye?" asked Dobley. " Who are thosn. three horsh? Fine* horsh — bud'd '11 be a dead heat. Who'sh horsh?" "There's only one horse, you chump," yelled the young man ; " and I've a hundred on him. Come on Trillion!" Everyone was shouting Trillion. "How much d'ye win?" asked Dobley of the young man. "Five hundred-! Five to one. I ought to have had a thousand on him. Come and have a drink-" Dohley thought he'd take a cocktail. " Did you have anything on him? " asked the young man, who tried to get Dobley to drink champagne. "Nop," said Dobley, "but Mish'. Dobley had him. Mish.' Dobley has a system. Can pick winners to beat th' ban.' Shay, old man, how much does she wint Five dollars onth; I mean, straight ! " " Why, 30dol, of course." " Yesh, thatsh the limit ; she don't want to win more ; she'sh won every race. Wonderful syshtem. Shay, y' can't lose. Won'erful." " What is it? " "Why, id's like this. She remembers an ola schoolmate, shame name, y' understand, and then she sticks a pin iv her and counts nothin'. Honora Coombs Dobley — thash five, isn't it? John Woodward Dobley — thash four — don't it? Four and five — nine! Nine naughts in- Trillion — simpleeh thing in the world, ole man. I'd like ye' to meet my wife. She win over a hundred to-day."

One mils « Harrow ... 1 35f Rowlfy Mile (1m llydj ... b G-rltee Mors 1 .'O3 Oae mile and a-q.ua.rter ... c Clarehavea 2 ik One mile and a-half ... d Persimmon. 242 „ c Memoir ... 2 40J 1 „ /Bend Or ... 2 40 „ g Cirhitzon ... 2 37« Onemileandthree-quarters It- Fl-.iizil 11... 2 5:-)fr Five furlongs „. ... i Othery ... 0 o'L Six furlongs /; Herpenticre... 1 12s One mile thrte fnTlougs ... I FitUerless... % 19& a AtLingfield, July 7, 1899. b Two Thousand. Previous fastest, lmin 42£<ee, by Marco iv Payne Stakes, Newmarktec, Ma.y 16, 1895 ; lmin 4>2§st<c by K'l'kconuell and. Isinglass, and lmin 4iJ 4- s«c by Amphion, who carried lOsfc lib in the March Stakes in 1891. cAt Brighton, Augu- 1 2. 1899. d The Derby. «At Epaom, in cite Oaks, 1690. fAt Epecm, in the Gold Cup,, 1881. cf Daka cf Yotk Sukt-s, York, August, 1899 1 ". hAt Mancheater. in the Cup, June 7. 1895. i Af; Epsom, April 19, 1898 &AtEp*ora t M».v 28, 1895. lAt Nottingham, October I, 1895.