TALK OF THE DAY.

Otago Witness, Issue 2913, 12 January 1910, Page 58

TALK OF THE DAY.

By Sentinel.

THE DUNEDIN CUP MEETING.

The attention of horse-ownera is directed to the programme for the Dunedin Cup meeting, for which entries are due on Friday, January 28. The Dunedin Cup has been restored to its old'-time financial prestige by having the stakes increased! to 50Usovs, and it is tacked up by the Anniversary Handicap, of 250sovs, and the D.J.C Handicap, of 350sovs, as the chief items for each of the following days of the meeting. The chief sprint events are the Publicans' Handicap, C'f 250sovs, the Domain Handicap, cif 150sovs, and the Flying Handicap, of 150so'VS; whilst other events calculated to meet with toe patronage of owners arc the Stewards' Welter, of 150sovs, the Wingatui Handicap, of 150sovs, and the Abbotsford Welter, of loOsovs. Two-year-old® are catered fcir by the Champagne Stakes, City Handicaps, and Hopeful Handicap, and they can also be engaged in the Railway Plate at w.f.a.., with penalties for winners. Three hurdle events are endowed with 115sovs each, and each of the minor events are worth ICOsovs. The programme is the richest that has over been issued foa* a Wingatui meeting, and is one that merits the patronage of owners. Nominations, as previously mentioned, are due on the 28th ins't. Handicaps for the first day are due on Monday, February 7 3 and acceptances on February 11. AN AFTER-THOUGHT. An after-thought in connection with the Auckland Cup is that the success of All Red rather disccunts the idea that horses trained for the N.Z. Cup are generally useless afterwards. All Red was subjected to- a fairly good test, as he raced a few times before being stripped at Riccan-ton, where, if the writer's memory is not at fault, for about a week he was galloped very solidly morning after morning prior to going out for the Cup. At the meethe was raced in the Cup (two miles), Metropolitan Handicap (one mile and a-half), Canterbury Cup (two miles and a-quarter), and Stead Memorial (one mile and a-quartev) in the space of a week, and practically had a solid fortnight's galloping on end. All Red is a heavy topped horse, and if he was not a bit leg towards the end of his Riecarton campaign then horses are machinery, and not horses. As a matter of fact the writer endeavoured to get a good look at the son of Madder prior to going out for his last engagement at Riecarton, but that was impossible, as the pressmen are excluded from the birdcage, and only fleeting glances can be obtained in a> crowded paddock. Still, the idea formed was not in accordance with many others, who held that the horse looked stale. The writer imagined All Red looked well enough to the eye, and has since thought his non-success at Riecarton was probably due to the fact that too much galloping in a short period' left the horse, although apparently fit and well, without the buoyancy which gives an animal a chance to run a generous race. Despite the work done by All Red, however, it is subsequently found he can go north, and a little over a month later can win his second Auckland Cup in good time, under a fairly big weight, and then go on to show other good form at the meeting. There is no doubt that some horses that have been trained for long-distance races have proved comparatively valueless afterwards, but if their treatment could be found out it would probably be learnt that they were trained in the do-or-die style, and perhaps doped to within an inch of their lives —sometimes with the wrong dope,—as the writer has met or heard of very few trainers who know what is really the best dope—or, rather, how the best dopes are composed. In fact, some trainers give horses what they deem a dope, but what is really considered' in veterinary circles as rnerelv a condition improver. The American done recipes which the writer has analysed do not contain a. particle of what is frequently believed to be a great speed producer in horses. That, however, by the wav. Another thought in oonnection with All Red is that it is more than possible he favours the dam's side of his pedigree, because she has been a good producer, and he displa.vs far more stamina than what is usually disnlayed by his sire's stock. Stepniak's stock aie more noted for brilliancy than staying powers, and although All Red did not meet a particularly strong field in the Auckland Cup, still he> apparently won in a manner which stamps him as a far better stayer than the writer held him to be. All Red. then, furnishes an experience (and other races could be quoted) where horses have been severely campaigned at Riecarton and' were still gxxid enough to win an Auckland Cuo a few weeks later; so that owners with a Cup horse need not take fright and fear to nominate and race in tb°. premier event of the Dominion because there is an impression held in some quarters that a New Zea>land Cup preparation writes finis to a horse's raoirig career. That is not, so, but. a great deal depends on the trainer who directs a horse's preparation, and who is intelligent, enough to know that a racer is merely flesh and blood, and not a mere matter of horse-nowcr, to be screwed up to breaking point.

THE ROTHSCHILD JUNIOR CASE. An esteemed corresnondent, writing from Auckl&nd, sends particulars of what appears to be one of the most contemptible affairs that has ever occurred in tbo history of the New Zealand turf. It appears that after Rothschild Junior, Harold R.. St. S within, and Muvad arrived on the Tuesday at Auckland they were safely boxed for the night, and on being taken out for exercise on the follow-

ing Saturday morning Pringle noticed thati, Rothschild Junior was lame, and that his hock was a little swollen. Thinking the horse had got cast in his box and bruised! himself, he was not worked, and hot fomentations subsequently applied brough: out a tremendous swelling f rom thigh toi fetlock. Pringle at once reported ihe matter to Mr H. F. Nicoll, who sent out; a veterinary surgeon, and the latter's opinion was that a very severe liquid blister had been applied to the horse's, leg. This was so severe that an attendant after touching the horse's hock thoughtlessly, rubbed his own neck, and promptly, brought out a blister. Mr Nicoll and Mr Marks, secretary of the Trotijng Club, called on the inspector of police, who at onco detailed one of his detective staff to look into the affair. In order to stimulate every effort to bring the author of the trouble to light the Trotting Club offered a reward of lOOsovs, and Mr Nicoll added another 50sovs, for any .information leading to the detection of the offenders. Since then the New Zealand Trotting Club have offered another 50sovs to the reward for information. The three colts were in loose-boxes, but Murad's door was not locked, and the perpetrators of the deed must have entered the pony's box and climbed over the partition into the box occupied by Rothschild Junior. The matter must have been well thougnt out, and done with plenty of deliberation. Two persons were heard in the vicinity of the stables about midnight, and it is hoped that the police, who are working ap what clues they have in order to bring the offenders to justice, will successfully terminate the case. Rothschild Junior was i«n a bad way, and on the day following the discovery suffered great pain, and could not rest. From further information on the matter it has been learnt that some double betting took place in connection with the races in which Rothschild Junior was engaged, and in order to prevent any fruits of the betting going into the pockets of those responsible for the trouble the Trotting Club declared ail • bets off which were made prior to 1 p.m. on the day of the race. The irony of the betting part of the business "s that \i the malefactors had allowed things to ru.i their course Rothschild Junior would in all probability have been beaten on his merits, as the colt is not too sound, and it is understood that neither the owner ioltrainer greatly fancied the horse for his Auckland engagements because he was unable to show the necessary work for the stable to fancy his chance of winning. THE S.R.C. MEETING. The Southland Racing Club's summer meeting of 1910 will rake rank as the most successful ever held in Invercargill during recent years. The attendances on both days were easily records, and in point of fact must have doubled some of those which the writer noted at the same course, a few years back. On the first day it was a matter of difficulty to travel from one end of the lawn enclosure to the other. The stand and stairways were congested frith people, either attempting to get up or come down., and an absolute block took place immediately before and during the progress of . each race. The outside enclosure was - also patronised with unprecedented attendances, and' it was amply demonstrated that it is an immediate necessity for the club to provide increased accommodation for their patrons. It is understood the club is contemplating a new stand, iand mapping out the general arrangements so as to provide a birdcage situated between the paddock and outside enclosures, similar to the method adopted at Ricoartoni. The extension of the lawn appears to be imperative,, and pending the building of the new stand! the present stairways should be removed and replaced with a tier of steps, built along the entire front of the building. This would tend to improve matters a good deal, and at a smaill cost, as the timber used would not end its usefulness if the present stand were subsequently demolished. During the recent meeting one was continually hearing complaints about the difficulty of obtaining a good view of the racing, and the writer generally found it necessary to seek a coign of vantage a few minutes before the horses were booked to start. This, of course, all goes to show that the Invercargill meetings have greatly increased in popularity since the existing accommodation was provided and deemed sufficient for all requirements. With the increased prizemoney which may be expected to follow recent success the meetings are sure to become more attractive to the racing public, and unless an improvement, even if of a temporary nature, is made the existing accommodation is likely to be strained to breaking point. -One pleasing improvement that ' has beer* effected is the railing of what *as previously a somewhat dangerous track, when its circumference was punctuated b" - several posts too solid to be cannoned into without disastrous results. Another improvement is the widening of the track by sowing down the old plough gallop in grass. A new plough gallop has been put down inside the course proper, and the change is one to be commended. So far the improvements effected on the course have wisely been principally made to the tracks and saddling paddock, but now the time is quite ripe for the club to do something for the people who provide the ways and means. Coming to the racing on the second day, *t was at the outset somewhat disappointing to find nine of the 17 colouring on, the card" struck out of the first race. Busyland was made a favourite, but after running_ a good trace and being more judiciously handled than on the previous day she failed to last out her task. The winner turned up in Embrasure, to whom, the Finland mare was conceding 301 b. Old Petard, who was amongst the winners on the first clay, ran well for about six furlongs and then faded out. Alfreda, a good sort of a mare, by Captain Webb, who appears to be a bad beginner, finished third, but close on a dozen lengths away from the vvinner. And this fact does not weigh in Olsen's favour cj hen thinking iovldv (gubsefci'uent. proceedings during the day. Vera. Daplin practically won the Rosiyn Trot from end- to end, although she was apparently all out to keep clear of the opposition. John Temple was trotting on well towards the finish, and Belle. Childa also shaped well, but could never get up to the leader, to whom she was' .conceding" Bsec Walnut was fancied* and gave ra-g-cod display, but he could not concede the handicap to the winner, whilst another fancied candidate in Knapdale went to pieces after going well for the first half of the journey. Jack Ashore was the only

Withdrawal from the Southland Handicap, and the. field of nine which faced the barrier put up far and away the best race the writer has ever seen on the course. From a, good start about five of the horses ran abreast down the straight, whilst the others were right up with the front division. Passing the stand Adjudge was one tri the front line, and, in fact, was about a, neck in advance. He, however, for some j reason or ether, lost his position, and got into trouble. Sacha shot into the lead as they raced towards the seven-furlong mark, but everything appealed to have a winning chance as they raced along the back i and towards the home turn. At this stage i Linda could be seen travelling well, and | she took charge as they straightened for j homo and the race looked at her mercy. ] Adjudge, despite being badly positioned . from toe turn out of the straight, loomed up : on the outside as the leaders swung for home, \ and, setting sail after Linda, a good fight between the pair ensued. The whip was drawn on Linda, and she kept Adjudge , at bay and finally defeated him by a short half length. Astrakhan got through on | the rails, and finished close up third a position from which he just ousted Warsaw and Sacha, who finisned together. The j ruck was right up with the leaders, and • altogether it was a race well worth seeing. : Then came the Waiju race, which is re- | ferred to elsewhere, but here it may bo remarked that although the stewards found Olsen guilty of not trying to win, it was | somewhat unusual to note that, the horse maintained his position as a strong favourite throughout the piece. Generally ] it is found that alleged non-triers drift right out in the market, and although on ; form they may appear to hold an odds-on | chance, they become a drug in the betting at comparatively long-shot prices. A bad start was effected in the Shorts Handicap, and as a. result San Severo and more particularly Loftus were placed hopelessly out of it from the rise of the barrier. My Lawyer began smartly, and got away a couple of lengths from Obsono and Gapon. The two last-named closed on the leader at the turn, but the effort beat them, and once in the straight My Lawyer came away, to finally win by about five lengths from Obsono, who just beat Gapon a head. Loftus made up a lot of ground, but the disadvantage at the start set him an almost impossible task. The Electioneer gelding Voter finished up a good favourite m the Electric Trot, and with E. M'Kewen in the saddle quickly put in a gap from the others. He finally passed the pest 10 lengths in front of Evening Star, who paid a substantial dividend for gaining second place. Linda was penalised 81b in the Clifton Welter, but she got a bit the worst of the start, and Fireball and Taieri fought out a good finish, in which the latter wore down the other and won by a head. Linda finished about four lengths away third, and Sombrero, who is undoubtedly a well-bred failure, came next. The meeting was concluded with the Final Handicap, for which five went to the post. Cooeo was smartest out, and led along the ~> back from Eons, whilst Cuiroscttia was lying close up in their wake and going well. Three furlongs from home Cuiro.settia joined the leaders, and a little later Ccoee, who was on the rails, threw up her head, and, losing her position evidently through getting a bump, fell back three- or four lengths. At the home turn Curiosettia drew out to win very easily by three lengths from Allside, who beat Eons by a couple of lengths in the run home. Cooee was fourth, but Erskine put up a poor display. A delay occurred in getting off the races owing to the inquiry into the, running of Waiju, but otherwise the meeting was well conducted, the horses being promptly sent to the post, and the general business of the racing conducted in the up-to-date manner to which the racing public have become accustomed at the important meetings on the calendar. Speaking generally of the gathering, the writer, with about 10 years' knowledge of racing on the same track, marks it off as a pleasing success far a double reason. In the first place it was easily the best meeting the writer has ever witnessed at Invercargill, and that promises weL' for future gatherings, so that there is not only a present, but prospective importance attached to the recently-concluded S.R.C. summer fixture. THE WAIJU CASE. Waiju has shown such excellent form in his recent races that the public did not hesitate to make him an odds-on chance for the Gladstone Handicap, run on the second day of the S.R.C. meeting, but, ■ contrary to general expectations, he put up a most disappointing display. At the start-Alfreda, who had started earlier inthe day, was at once dashed to the front, and going along the back towards the halfmile post she had drawn three or four lengths clear of Gold Dredge, who was about half "a dozen lengths ahead of Postcard. Waiju, and Rio Grande. Turning for home Alfreda slightly increased her lead, but Waiju's rider did not make any apparent effort to decrease the gap which the leader had established. Even when in the straight and all chance of catching Alfreda was practically hopeless, Olsen still sat quietlv on his mount, and did not even indulge in the usual dummy finish with which some riders endeavour to hoodwink the public. The stewards held an inquiry into the riding of Waiju, and after hearing evidence on the matter decided to disqualify Olsen far 12 months. The owner (Mr G Dempster) was exonerated, and as Olsen stated that the instructions lie received from MTvor were to win if possible, but not to knock the horse about the trainer also was held guiltless, but evidently there was some doubt about MTvor's share in the matter as a severe caution was administered to him, together with the intimation that his conduct would be closely watched in the future. According to the verdict Olsen was held responsible for all the trouble, and some of the stewards were in favour of inflicting a six months' disqualification on him instead o* double that period; but it was finally decided to make a. year the term of the «misliment To anvone seeing the race it Sme asno surprise to find the.club taking actionl in the matter. Surprise was exSSSd by some that the horse was not Mnchtdcd in the disquahfication, but it wTuld be a peculiar verdict. to exonerate he own7r and It the. same time disquab,fy his horse. The opinion that the horse stould have been included in th,.punishment was no doubt born of the lpea inau OlJm was not solely to blame in the matSr but from the nature of the evidence Sven by the rider it would appear that he took all the blame by exonerating the Shera immediately interested in the horse. I Oteen is suffering for others (not necessarilySie owner and trainer) as well as himself the evidence failed to reveal the

fact. The club is to be commended fo promptly taking action, but it must be said however, that one or tw< other cases of suspicious riding were not officially recognised. Still, the punishment meted out to Olsen should have a beneficial effect towards improving the tone of the Southland turf.