IN A NUTSHELL

Otago Witness, Issue 3443, 9 March 1920, Page 46

IN A NUTSHELL

Bombproof is being schooled over hurdles. Tremena smashed a fetlock whilst racing at Akaroa last week. Adonis is now at the Delavan Stock Farm, New South Wales. • - "Weighty for the Great Easter and Great Autumn are due on March 15. chase is to be tuh . on March 26. Kilhope is again in work - at Randwick after being treated to a lengthy spell. An Australian owner is reported to have recently sold a trotting pony at 250sovs. There will ,be a mixed sale of bloodstock and trotting stock held at Gore this week. The Gore Racing Club's meeting takes place on "Wednesday and Thursday of thia week. The Forbury Park Trotting Club will nn™ Hold their autumn meeting on May 8 and 10. Trie horses on the limit mark in the Final Handicap at Timaru had to be started in three rows. About 700 yearlings will go under the hammer at the Sydney bloodstock sales to be held at Easter. Partner xtiade a poor show in the Timaru Handicap, but was moving towards the end, and. finished fifth. The Timaru Handicap field went away well at the start, except Huon Patch, who failed to move off with the others. Handicaps for the first day of the Invercargill meeting are due on March 13,. and acceptances on March 19 at 5 p.m. Bundura ran a fair race in the Timaru Handicap, in which she finished fourth after being with the leading division throughout. Kilflinn was giaJloped on in the Australian Cup. Gambler's Gold, Ardnaree, and Chrysolaus will return to Sydney on Thursday. Ohapi trotted clean away from the opposition in the Waimate Handicap, and gavo nothing, a chance at the business end of the race. Humbug carried the. good load of 10.2 into third place in the Sapling Stakes won by his stablemate Chrysostum at Napier Park. The Timaru Trotting Club's annual meeting attracted what appeared to be a record attendance for the Washdyke Racecourse. Sir Samuel Hordern, who is part owner of the crack colt Artilleryman, lias rjurchased Gambler's Gold and Gossine Haton for GOOOaovs. Partner was elected favourite for the Timaru Handicap, but the nearest he got to the money was fifth place as they crossed the line. Punters were rather wide of the mark in the selections for the Timaru Handicap, as the placed lot were third, twelfth, and tenth favourites. Esperance, the winner of the Nelson Cup, is a sister to the New Zeaand Cup winner and Mascot, the winner of the Auckland Cup. A likely sort in Lady Elwood, a four-year-old mare by El Carbine from Clarewood, was amongst the runners in the Final Handicap at Timaru. Chaos was unlucky to miss the Fairlie Handicap run at Timaru, as two breaks appeared to make the difference between winning and losing. Some good dividends were paid out in connection with the Timaru Trotting Club's meeting, where two winners during the day each paid well over dE3O. "W.' Moreland was fined for beating his bell at the start of the Trial Handicap at

Timaru, but afterwards obtained a remission of the punishment. Cetigne, who has won £26,338 in stakes, cost 200 gs as a yearling. After winning over 15,00asov«s in, prize money he was sold to nis present owner for 1500 gs. A likely sort of a pacer in Belle Logan, a three-yeai-old by Logan Pointer from Curfew Bell," was amongst the runners an tiae Trial Handicap at Timaru. The Driftwood—Esma mare Lady Esma shaped well in patches in her race at Timaru, and should pick up a stake or two wnen she settles down to her work. ; Amythas has been engaged in the Great Easter, but does not figure in the Great Autumn. Hie mission on the second day will no doubt be the Challenge Stakes. "Watchman hopped away in the lead to the Seadown Handicap, and apparently held a good winning chance, but over the last three furlongs he stopped to nothing. The star attraction of the Wellington Gold Cup meeting will be the Gold Cap, of lOOOsovs, w.f.a., over two miles; and the Thompson Handicap, of lOOOsovs, one mile. Demagogue, the winner of the Napier Cup, was got -by Demosthenes from Gold Bound, by Gold Reef from Edith Cureton, by Castor from Frailty, the dam of Trenton. Dusky Dillon was elected favourite for the Seadown Handicap, but after being with the leading division for over a mile he petered out and finished well outside* the monev. ' , Onslaught, Royal Stag, Macduff, and Miss Mimic represent Sir George Clifford in the Great Easter, and Boyal Stag and Nightraidier represent the stable in the Great Autumn. .„ . Annie's Dream, the winner of the Vvaihoro, Trot at Akaroa, ran fourth in her event at the Timaru Trotting Club's meeting. Apparently her race earlier in the week woke Annie up a bit. Sir Pulham appeal's to temporarily have lost his punch and made no show in hia race at Timaru. The performance was not unexpected, as he started one of the rank outsiders of the-field. Rorke's Drift stayed on at the end of two miles much better than usual when running in the Timaru Handicap, but, of course, the field was not quite the class he has tackled on some occasions. -

Guynemer went a more solid _ race than usual in the Fairlie Handicap, which he won in 4.45 3-5, or two-fifths of a second outside what Emperor stepped when winning the principal event on the card. . Counter Attack, who was made favourite for his race at Akaxoa, is an English-bred three-year-old colt got by Jaeger from Assertive, by Cocksure II from The • Tabard, by Zinfanidel —Canterbury Pilgrim. —-Bellena never put a foot wrong when she won the Temuka Handicap, and, trotting ei-t a good level gait, gave nothing a chance in the race, as ©he was well clear of the opposition from the word "Go." The Bell Boy gelding Bow Bella, who was amongst 'the winner* at Timaru, must be one of the oldest trotters in conmrssion. as, according to the records, it is over 17 years since he first saw the light of day. Warlike followed up her ,success in the Midsummer Handicap by winning the Peninsula Cup, run at Akaroa on Saturday last. "Warlike runs like a stayer, and has been nominated for the Great Autumn Handicap. -=- Claverhouse and Kilboyne have been schooled over hurdles at Wingatui. The former gave R. C. Reed a fall and. dislocated his left shoulder, and in consequence he will be out of the saddle for two or three weeks.

The Southland 'Racing Club's autumn programme won an excellent response from horse-owners, and a- successful meeting is assured. Handicaps will be declared on March 13, sind acceptances fall due on March 19.

; —The Timaru Trotting Club's fixtures have been steadily growing in popularity ever since they made their appearance on the calender, and last week's meeting was easily far more successful than any of its predecessors. .

Retreat was whispered ..round as a suTe thing for the Farewell Handicap, in which he was always travelling as a very likely "winner. He was well handled by the crosscountry rider R. M'Sweney, and won nicely at the finifih.

The Sydney rider J. Pike, who has not been very prominent of late, again came into the limelight at a RoseMll meeting, where he rode three winners, a dead heat for first place, and a second, out of six mounts during the day. Vera K. ran two good races at Timaru. She was staying on well under strong pressure when she won the Seadown Handicap, and also put up a solid performance by finishing close to the placed lot in the Fairlie Handicap. The principal events on the River ton programme are the Riverton Cup, of 500sbvs ; Great We«tern Steeples, of 4Gosovs; Plaster Handicap, of 40Qsovs; and Riverton Steeples, of SOOsovs. Nominations are due on Friday, March 12, at 6 p.m. Most of the events on the Timaru Club's card were good betting races. This remark particularly applies to the Farewell Handicap, in which Retreat, Ouimet, Miss" Havoc, Hickerywood, and Takio all received solid support. Henriette, the winner of the Kinloch Welter, run on Saturday, is an imported mare by Henry the First from Minnie Orme, by Minstead from Lady Orme, by Orme. Henriette was formerly raced by the late Mr A. W. Rutherford.

—Mr W. A. Saunders's resignation from the secretaryship of the Southland Racing Club came as a surprise, as he had become so well recognised in that re3pect that ha was regarded ao really part of the club and a fixtupo in the position. Kolyma, the winner of the Trial Stakes at Akaroa, displayed good form when she ran in the Middle Park Plate. She is a chestnut filly by Sutala from Kolestina, by Danube from Armlet, by Mensehikoff—Armilla, by Castor —Necklace, by Musket —Locket. Nominations for the Tuapeka- County Jockey Club .meeting are due on March 13. The principal events on the programme are the Lawrence Handicap of HOsovs, 6 furlongs, Tuapeka Handicap of 80sovg, one and a-quarter. miles, and the President's Trot of lOOsovs.

—As the field stood, Shanghai was handicapped to go 4.34 in the Timaru Handicap. But althoiigh .ho made a bold effort, he could not trouble the placed lot who were piloted past the post by Emperor, who won in 4.45 1-5, and was in receipt of 7sec from Shanghai. Sashwood was a. fancied chance in the principal event at Timaru. Over the first part of the journey he was speeding along in front of Shanghai, but something went wrong, as when the latter moved up over the last Lap he left Henderson's horse well behind him. . The reduction of the distance attached to the "Waimate Clip has no doubt been responsible for a rather better field than usual being engaged in the race. The meeting takes place on Thursday of next week, and will be referred to t gain after acceptance© appear.

Otago and Southland! are represented in the Great Easter Handicap nominations by Sembric, Sunart, Killala, Silver Peak, Eleus, Michaela, Radial, and Kilbrogan. Sunart,

Silver Peak, Eleus, Radial, and Kilbrogan are the southerners engaged in the Great Autumn Handicap.

Clean Sweep, the winner of the Terawera Hack Handicap at Akaroa, previously ran a fair second to Some Kid in the Trial Stakes run at the Midsummer meeting at Riccarton. He is a four-year-old gelding by Advance from "White Shield, by Stepniak from Corselet, a half-sister to Machine Gun. The winner of this y©ar'« Australian Cup, Macadam, is a chestnut horse got by "Wallace from Cross Roads, .an imported mare by Minting (son of Lord Lyon) from Kari Kari, by Marconi from Suicide, by Hermit from Ratcatcher's Daughter, by Rataplan from Lady Alicia, by Melbourne. Bill Brown again danced on the mark and spoilt whatever chance he held at Timaru. He appears to be getting worse in this respect, and to improve his manners it might be advisable to start him in some other races besides sprint events in which hurrying off the mark is generally essential to success. The Van Coronado—Edith A. filly, Mus Edith, was fancied in some quarters for the Washdyke. Handicap, and she ran a gccd race when finishing second to Rangitata Lass. She is e, big type of a three-year-old that is sure to see a better day when her frame is more strengthened with racing condition. Just as the placed lot in the "Washdyke Handicap were passing the post in close order, Doreen Dillon lost her pilot, B. Jarden, who was thrown from his sulky and dragged as a result of hanging on to the reins. Jarden was temporarily knocked out, but made sufficient recovery to drive Chaos in the next race.

—lt is reported that P. E. Jones may hand in his trainers' license and exchange it for a jockey's license. He will, however, continue in the dual capacity in connection with trotting rules. The writer has yet to Hear a satisfactory reason why a man should not hold both a trainer's and rider's license under the Rules of Racing. Surveyor has been engaged in the Great Easter, but does not figure in the Great Autumn. He will probably run in, the Challenge Stakes, and the method of nominating suggests that his owner is satisfied that Surveyor is better served over less ground than a mile and a half. Sasanof represents the etable in the Great Autumn.

—Mr W. Quirk, vice-president of the Timaru Trotting Club has bought a two-year-old by Marvin Wilkes from a Rothschild mare. The youngster is a straight out trotter and looks a rather likely sort. It is, by the way, pleasing to see an official of a club giving practical support io the game with which he is officially connected. Owners should note that several horses without the remotest chance of success are engaged! in the Canterbury Jockey Club's 'Challenge Stakes, and they are liable for the forfeit of lOsovs if not withdrawn by the 19th inst. Killowen, All British,' Auton, Primum, Wild Shot, and Raconteur are amongst the southerners engaged in the race.

Tenders for the construction of the new grand stand at Ellerslie ranged from 66,95950 vs to 36,08450v5. The latter tender was accepted. The new stand will be reinforced concrete, 300 ft long and 75ft in width, with accommodation for' about 8000 persons. The total of. the stand will be about 49ft over all, and there will be 21 tiers of seate.

Emperor was well handled bsr F Holmes when he won the principal event at the Timaru Trotting Club'3 meeting. Pleasant Mount, who was setting the. pace, was used as a wind shield until heads turned for home, and then Emperor was brought out and driven home a comfortable wii:ner Emperor was got by Rothschild out of a Prince Imperial mare, a cross which achieved great success in Emmeline, who holds a 2.8 3-5 mark.

—At the Newmarket yearling sales there was keen competition and good prices. A hundred and seven lots were sold for .£24,244. Mr Scully (Sydney) paid 1200 gs for a full brother to Gloaming, and Mr Chisholm (Sydney) gave a similar figure for a "Wilkin — Eelosa filly. Other Wilkin youngsters brought £9OO, £6OO, and £525 respectively. Three Woorak colts realised £BIO, £BOO, and £6OO respectively. A Tresardy—Poleska colt sold for £625, and a Staintaxon —Auraria's daughter's colt sold for £775. i

This year's Canterbury Jockey Club's Challenge Stakes may provide one of the best battles ever seen in the race, as the field at present includes Amythas, Surveyor, Desert Gold, Right and Left, Swanee River, Rossini, Gloaming, Hymestra, Winter Wind, Moorfowl, Humbug, 80-Peep, Sunart, Affectation, Rose Wreath, Silver Link, and several others to make up a good field. Gay Lad and Biplane are. also engaged, but both of these horses, as well as Desert Gold, are not at all likely to see the post. . —lt is understood that the Canterbury Jockey Club offered to link up with the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club by placing two stakes worth 600sovs each on the programme to be got off in honour of the Prince of Wales. The Addington Club however, refused to row in with the Ricearton Club, and also refused to take the controlling side of affairs if a IOOOso -a stake was placed on the programme. Such a state of affairs reminds one of the childish ditty, '"I don't want to play in your yard " —ln conversation with a prominent Queenstown sport, it was gathered that the Lake County Jockey Club are not all downhearted at the result of their recent meeting, when poor fields were the order of the day. Jt is understood that an effort is to be made to establish a carnival week at Queenstown, when a regatta, Agricultural Show, and race meeting will be spread over a four days' attraction to the district. - Such a programme in addition to the natural attractiveness of Queenstown should prove a success.

A mild passage of arms took place between two of the Timaru Trotting Club officials last week, simply because one of them, in a spirit of hospitality, invited a couple of friends fo go down to the post to see the start of a race. At. Addington, the public invite themselves • in hundreds to get a close view of a start, and the fact is take* as a matter of course, and it seams strange that what is quite common at one track should ba a source of trouble at another. Perhaps there was something "behind the scenes" which made the incident merely an oppor tunity to fire a gun. Theseus started favourite, but ma cite a very poor shew indeed in the Temuka Handicap, and the judicial committee of the Timaru Trottng Club were so dissatisfied with the performance that they disqualified his driver, W. Brown, for a period of six months. It was said that some gear broke and that the accident w,as responsible for the poor performance, but if that is so, no doubt the officials were aware of the facts. Theseus is owned by. Mr H. W. Kilchingham, a member of the Timaru Association and o, gentleman who, as owner and breeder, has always been anxious to elevate the sport to the highest possible plane. Mr Kitchingharn, by the way, is a very moderate bettor, and allows his horses to run for glory rather than gold; As far as the writer is aware, there isno law in this country to prevent any one

from making or eating hot-cross buns on any day other than Good Friday. This should attract the attention of the Minister of Internal Indigestion and prevent such liberty in future. Such a law would have just as much right to exist as one which gives power to somebody to prevent a change of racing dates even when the alteration is desired solely because of a wish to entertain the Prince of "Wales. Some of out racing or trotting clubs should cut red tapes by cab-ling to the Prince an invitation to attend some meeting or oTher to be held during his visit, and! on receipt of hi® acceptance' confront and confound the" Minister of Internal Affairs with a, request for a permit in connection with a day's racing got up practically by "Royal Command." Andy Pringle was unlucky at the Timaru Club's meeting where he scored two seconds, a third, and 'a fourth. He lost second place on Lady Esma through, his mount cracking up in the straight, and was also unlucky to miss the money with Ouimet. in the "Waskdyke Handicap, as the Royal Eothschild—Sweedy gelding lost all his handicap and then ran a good race to finish close up fourth. He was also unlucky with Mother Macree, as in the draw for positions at the start he pulled a number placing him in the back row, which probably made the difference between winning and running second. Pringle was in an unlucky groove at the meeting, but only requires the right goods to ride or drive to see him first past the post. A very bad horseman oan win with a very good horse, but a very good horseman cannot win with a very bad horse. —Mr G. L. Stead's imported stallion Nassau, who is to go under the hammer during the Great Easter meeting, was got by William the Third, a fine performer, claimed by the English critics to be the best stayer left by the great St. Simon. Stolen Love, the dam of Nassau, was got by Buccaneer from True Love, by Sterling from Carmine, by Stockwell. . Nassau belongs to the No. 8 line, from wliich descends some of the finest racehorses and sires identified with the turf and stud. Notably amongst the members of the line are Abercorn, Dreadnought, Flying Dutchman, Galopin, Isinglass, La Fleche, Memoir, Stockwell, Musket, Sir Hercules, King Tom, and others of proved merit. Bruce Lowe claimed it as perhaps the most valuable family in the Stud Book, because it possesses the dual qualities of both a running and sire line. So far Nassau's stock have not had much chance to distinguish themselves," but he is responsible for "a particularly smart sort in Surveyor. At a meeting of the Forbury Park Trotting Club it was decided to alter the dates of the winter meeting to May 8 and 10, the Minister having refused to grant a permit for May 11.