AUCKLAND TOPICS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3566, 18 July 1922, Page 44

AUCKLAND TOPICS.

[By

Digger.]

The local horses engaged at the Wellington .meeting picked up a fair share of stake money. Arch Sal tie showed good form by winning the Charity Oup and just failing to register a second E/in in the Parliamentary Handicap. The Marble Arch gelding appears to run better on left-handed tracks. Gold Kip showed a return to form in the Charity Cup. _ The little fellow may not he long in picking up a stake. Oakleigh stayed on better than was generally expected in the Wellington Steeplechase. ’Hie St. Amain gelding has been a consistent performer over the big fences, though races not extending over three miles suit him best. Waikaretu ran fairly well in the Steeplechase, but evidently found the company a

little too select. The son of Spalpeen is only a five-year-old, and will probably do better later on. A good many who saw L’Armour race at Ellerslie were prepared to see him do better next time out. Though Lady Ridicule did not beat a very strong field on the second day, the Absurd—Lady Gwen mare will be improved with racing and may develop into a useful performer Dempsey is shaping exceptionally well in his schooling tasks over hurdles at Ellerslie, and will probably race at the Gisborne meeting. Mr J. Buchanan is keeping Mumble and Bonny Doreen going. The pair are engaged at Gisborne. Mr' R. E. Brown is handling a rising two-year-old brother to Boomerday. The youngster i 3 a likely-looking sort. The three imported colts in Mr N. Cunningham’s stable are coming on nicely. The trio have been given a few short sprints, and shape very well. Right and Left is in steady work at Ellerslie, and has been nominated for trie Gisbc-rne meeting. The. promising-looking youngster by Killjoy—Salute has had the name of Kilute claimed for him, Waimai continues to shape satisfactorily in his work, and is likely to fulfil his engagement in the Grand National Steeplechase. His stable mate, Golden Bubble, will probably go south for the Winter Cup,

RACING IN NEW ZEALAND. WELLINGTON RACES. Second Day.—Wednesday, July 12. The second day of the Wellington Racing Club meeting was held in fine but cloudy weather. There was a fair attendance and splendid racing. The totalisator handled £63,868 10s, as compared with £85,416 on the second day of the meeting last year, but on that occasion the second day was held on a Saturday. The final day will be held next Saturday. The total investments to date are £102,451 10s. Results: — CORUNNA HURDLES, Of 350sovs. One mile and a-half. Nautical (W. Scobie), 9.4 1 Royal Exchange, 10.12 2 Sir Wai, 9.3 3 Also ran: Spook, Kareao, Mangamahoe, Redstone, Husbman, Passenger, Rowan, Walton, Totara Jack, Noble, Blue Hall, Goc-d Start, Palladium, Bill Gluten. Won by half a length; two lengths between second and third. Time, 2mm 57sec. MAIDEN HANDICAP, Of 350 s avs. Six furlongs. Lady Ridicule (A. J. M‘Flynn), 10.5 1 Blush, 9.2 2 Orellana, 9.11 3 Also ran: Conical, Balefire, Lady Ben, Potoa Queen, Punishment, Complimentary, Misrule, Sponte, Elvaette. Won by eight lengths; a head between second and third. Time, Imin 18 l-ssec. JUTLAND HANDICAP, Of 400sovs. Six furlongs. Miss Gold (A. Wormald) 10.0 ... 1 Baoksheesih, 9.4 8 Astinome, 9.1 3 Also started: Listening Post, Radial, Civilform, Tari, Verbosity, Haurangi, Jolly Princess, Passionless, Weldone (coupled with the winner), Hipo, Counterstroke, Some Fashion Maehree, Counter Attack, Cold Steel, Capping Day, Mookery, Trentham Rose, Hepta, Mantua. Won by two lengths; half a length between second and third. Time, Imin 16 4-ssec. SECOND HACK AND HUNTERS’ STEEPLES, Of 500sovs. Two miles and five furlongs. Romance (T. L. Reid), 9.11 1 Seadown, 11.12 2 Old Gold, 11.2 3 Also ran: Hylans, Red Cent, General Raven, Ngakanui, Dick, John Bunny, Oak Rose, Ethiopian, Brown Linnet, Tatton Park. Won by three lengths; five between second and third. Time. smiin 52seo. PARLIAMENTARY HANDICAP, Of 650sovs. One mile and a-quarter. Tame Fox (M. M'Carten), 10.10 1 Arch Salute, 10.10 2 Omahu, 9.7 3 Also started: Dainty Step, Gold Kip, Royal Box, Demos, Forest Gold, Tenterfield, Kilrush, Strategy, Stork, Bagdad, Mbit Avis, Beloved, Dutch Courage, Mis land, Kilkee. Won by a head; with a head between second and third. Time, 2min 20scc. FLEET HANDICAP, Of 350sovs; seven furlongs. Battle Knight (B. Morris) 1 Larnour, 10.6 2 Wrangle. 11.7 t Yankee Dan, 9.11 t t Dead heat. Also ran; Halifax, Lord Desmond, Economist Pafuki, Admiration, Manchester, Bonibrook, Zero Hour, Pink Rose. Won by a length; with a length between second and third Time, Imin 38sec. HIGH-WEIGHT HANDICAP, Of 350sovs. One mile and a-quarter. Urgency (A. E. Ellis), 9.0 1 Penary Rose, 9.11 .. 2 Coalition, 9.3 3 Also ran: Rorke's Drift, General Petam, Ruatara, Bit.holia, Gladful, Likelihood, Birkenella, Moonstruck, Kyoto, Lawsuit, Amendment, Time, 2rfiin 23sec. PKTONE HANDICAP, Of 350sovs. Five furlongs. Big Push (W. E. Pine), 9.10 ... 1 Loyal Maid, 9.T 2 Cochineal, 9.2 ••• 3 Also started: Sir Burnett. The Reaver, Regard, Moutoa’s Gift, Kildorg, Liqueur, Rippling, Hori. In the Pink. Loved One. Gold Pan. Won by four lengths; with two lengths between second and third. Time, Imin 6sec. A big field contested the Parliamentary Handicap, and a great race ensued. Omahu and Stork got. away badly. Missland was the first to show, and at seven furlongs Dutch Courage went to tile front. Arch Salute. Strategy, and Royal Box were well up, with half a mile to go. Demos became prominent, a little later, and Dainty Step and Mort Avis were handy. In a great race up the straight Demos faded, and Arch Salute and Tame Fox, finishing well, crossed the line together-. Tame Fox won by a head, with Omahu third, Mort. Avis fourth, and Forest Gold fifth. In the Jutland Handicap, Astinome was early in the lead, with Backsheesh well up. Several horses had a chance when the field raced on to the course proper, but inside the distance Miss Gold snot out and settled the issue, winning by three lengths. Backsheesh, who just beat Astinome, was second, and Civil form fourth.

Third Day.—Saturday, July 15. Tlie weather was dull and ehowerv for the final day of the Wellington race 3. The course wa3 very heavy. There was a good attendance. The totalisator figures came to £59.-110. as compared with £85.116 for the second day of last year’s two-day meeting. The total for the three days this year was £160,811 10a, as compared with £149,392 for the two days last year. Results : TALAVERA HURDLE HANDICAP, of 350sovs. One mile and a-half.—Good Start (J. M'Cheeney), 1; Passenger, 9.5, 2; Hushman, 9.3, 3. Also started: Mangamahoe 10.9, Ruatara. 10 6, Sir Agnes 10.4, Redstone 10.2, Sir Wai 9.12, Banogue 9.10, Roman 9.6, AValton 9.4, Totara Jack 9.0. Noble 9.0, Circulate 9.0, Baims-dale 9.0. Won by two lengths; four lengths between second and third. Time, 2m in 68sec. NOVICE HANDICAP, of 35ttsovs B'-X furlongs.—Lady Ben, 9.3 (F. Corlett), 1, Comical, 10.3, 2; Good Mark, 9.6, 3. Also started- Orellana 10.0, Cochineal 9.11, Blush 9.8, Potoa Queen 9.3, Punishment 9.2, Rimutaka 9.0, Sponte 9 0, Elevate 9.0. Won by half a length; half a length between second and third. Time. Imin 2‘2sec. CROFION HANDICAP, of 350sovs. Seven furlonge.—Pink Rose, y.u (F. Porter), 1; Yankee Dan, 9.11, 2; Bitliolia, 10.7, 3. Also started: Wrangle 11.8, Battle Knight 11.4, Urgency 10.7. Lord Desmond 10.2, Taipairu 10.2, Birkenalla 9.13, Liqueur 9.11, Patuki 9.8, Won by a head; a length between second and third. Time, Imin 37sec. WINTER HURDLE HANDICAP, Of ISOQsovs. Two miles. F. A. and Y. N. Price’s Rorke’s Drift (Calibre —O’Rorke’s Fancy), 9.0 (A. E. Ellis) -. 1 R. Knox's Penury Rose (Penury—Merrie Rose), 9.4 2 W. R. Kemhaxi’s Gladful (Birkenhead — Glenisla), 10.10 3 Also started: Paonui 11.8, Volo 10.13, General Petain 10.8, Omahu 10.8. No Bother 10.4, Spook 9.13, Royal Gift 9.8, Sunray 9.2, Kyoto 9.2. Falstaff 9.2. Kareao 9.0. Nautical 9.0. Won by a length; three lengths between second and third. Time, 4min 29sec. WINTER OATS, Of oOOsovs. One mile. R. J. Graham’s Some Fashion (Fashionable—Gluten mare), 9.0 (E. Keesing) 1 R Murphy’s Keathersprig, 10.4 .. .. 2 F. Ross’s Arch Salute, 11.2 3 Also started- Tame Fox 11.7. Printemps 10.8, Listening Post 10.7, Dainty Step 10.6, Radial 10.5, Gold Kip 10.3, Forest Gold 9.8, Haurangi 9.7, Tonteilielb 9.6, Whipping Boy 9.6, Jolly Princess 9.3, Mort Avis 9.0, Kilkee 9.0, Machree 9.0. Won by a head; three-quarters of a length between second and third. Time, Imin 51 sec. JULY STEEPLECHASE. Of GoOsovs. About three miles. P. A. Herman’s Romance (St. Paul — Solemn), 9.0 (T. L. Reid) 1 R. A. Brightwell’s Master Boris, 9.7 .. 2 MTvor and Staubridge’s First Line, 10.3 3 Also started: Coalition 12.9, Oakleigh 11.3, Hyginas 10.0, Old Gold 9.6, Lawsuit 9.4, Mattock 9.2, Calma 9.0, Glenisla 9.0, Oak Rose 9.0, Polthogue 9.0. Won casly lay six lengths. Time 6nun 43sec. ONSLOW HANDICAP, of 400sovs Six furlongs—Capping Day (M. M'Carten). 9.0, 1; Civilform, 10.3, 2; Counter Attack, 9.0, 3. Also started: Missgold 10.11, Backsheesh 9.9. Passionless 9.7. Blackmail 9.6, Hipo 9.4, Astinome 9.3, Counter Stroke 9.2, Prince Martian 9.0, Callaghan 9.0, Mantua 9.0, Won by a neck; two lengths between second and third. Time, Imin 22sec. KIA ORA HANDICAP, of 850sovs. Five furlongs.—Big Push. 10.8 (W. E Pine). 1; I j sixty Ridicule, 10.10, 2; Loyal Maid, 9.12, 3. Also started: Regard 10.4, Moutoa’s Gift 9.13, Te Kuri 9.9, Rippling 9.7, Orellana 9.6, In the Pink 9.4, Loved One 9.0. Gold Pan 9.0. Won by a head; three lengths between second and third. Time, Imin 6sec. A fine field lined up for the Winter Hurdles and an interesting race ensued. Yolo and Omahu made the pace at the start, but it was not long before Rorke’s Drift came on the scene, galloping- resolutely m the mud. He maintained his advantage to the end. Over the last bit Penury Rose made a game effort, but failed by ;a length. Gladful ran well into third place. Sunray was foufth, No Bother fifth, and Spook last. In tli® July Steeples Etimance and Polthogue led most of the way, but a mile from home Coalition was just in behind. Coalition hit the front six furlongs from home, and led into the straight, but Romance was first over the last fence, and won by six lengths from Master Boris. First Line was third and Coalition fourth. RACINC IN AUSTRALIA. MELBOURNE WEIGHTS. MELBOURNE, July 10. For the Australian f t unites the top weight is Fiscoin 12.7. Beltane carries 10.7. In the Steeples the top weight 13 Mountain God 13.2. There are no New Zealand horses. BEAUFORD SCRATCHED. SYDNEY, July 13. Beauford has been scratched for the Epsom Stakes and Metropolitan Handicap. This leaves him free to compete in tho weight-for-age races at the Randwick meeting. CHRYSOSTOM WINS LEAMINGTON HURDLES. MELBOURNE, July 16. At the V.A.T.C. races the Leamington HuT-dles, of 500sovs, two miles one furlong 61 yards, resulted: Chrysostom ... 1 Pistolier 2 King Neptune 3 Nine starters. Chrysostom led throughout, and won by two lengths. Time, 4iuin SJsec —equalling Pistolier’s previous course record. Sir Mnemon, the winner of the 1919 National Hurdles, was pulled up in the race, and afterwards dropped dead iu his stall. NOTED CUP YV INNER DESTROYED. BRISBANE, July 16. Earl Kitchener, the winner of two Brisbane Cups, was injured in running at the Ascot meeting, and was destroyed. RACINC IN ENGLAND. THE ECLIPSE STAKES. LONDON, July 14. At Sandown Park the following was the result of the ECLIPSE STAKES, Of lO.OOOsovs. Tliree-year-olds 8.2, four-year-olds 9.0, with penalties. Eclipse Stakes course, one mile and a-quarter. Sir George Bullough’s b o Golden Myth (Tredeunis —Golden Lily), 4yrs 1 Lord Aator’s b o Tamar (Tracery— Hamoaze), 3yrs 3 Sir Henry Bird's eh c Monarch (Tracery —Tesfani), 4y:s 3

July ISThere were 12 runnels in the Eclipse Slakes. Golden Myth was riden by Eliott, Tamar by Bullock, and Monarch by J. Ellis. Won by a head, with three lengths between second and third. Tamar, on his Derby showing, was regarded as a certainty tor the race, which Llu> owner, Y’iscount Astor, won in three previous years with Buchan (twice) and Oraig-an-eian. but Golden Myth completed a wonderful treble—tiic Ascot Y'ase, Gold Cup, and to-day’s Stakes. TISHY AT NEYVMARKET. LONDON. July 13. Tishy, who has been generally ridiculed since her sensational failure in the Caesare-w-itch, after which Mr Abe Bailey sold her and most of his horses, achieved a remarkable performance at leading all the way in the Summer Handicap, of two mile 3. Double Hackle was second, and Silver Crest, third. WEICHTS, ACCEPTANCES, ETC. SOUTH CANTERBURY MEETING. In the South Canterbury Steeplechase Romance has been rehandicapped at 11.13. METROPOLITAN TROTTING CLUB’S NOMINATION'S. August Handicap (in harness), of lOOOsovs. Cias3 4.34. Two miles.—Sherwood, Hal Junior, Onyx, Tatsy Dillon, Gold Boy, Realm, Dean Dillon, Rangitata Lass, Wild Briar, Paul Dufault, General Link, YVliispering YVi'de, Ret a Peter, ’Cello Sydney Wilkes, Y’ic? Admiral, Matchlight, Nita Bell, Silver Nut, Jack Arrah. Stewards’ Handicap (in harness), of 500sov». Unhoppled trotters. Class 4.48. Two miles.— First Fashion, Peter MKiuney, Maivra Junior, Peter Jackson, Marietta, Lady Patricia, YY’onderland, Delvillo Wood, Tradesman, Whisht, Theseus, Clonmel, Wicklow Boy. Gay Wilkes, Marvolo, Merry Bingen, Rostrevor, Harold Child, Native King, and Master Hal. Selwyn ITaudioap (in harness), of 50030V5. Cla3s 4.40. Two miles.—Pedro Pronto, Adair, Dufault, Dolly Dillon, Thea, Lucky Prince, Bill Brown, Leila Denver, Dillon Direct, Prince Lyons, Grand Denver, Cammie, Oaknut, Escort, Centreway, Stormy, Prinzora, YVild Thyme, Taraire, Great Hope, Thdxendale, Blue Mountain King, Bon Mac, Legacy, Peter King, Rorke’s Drift, Teneriffo, Lady Swithin, India, Colenut, Peter Mac, LadyJo an, Sympathy, Elite, Saint's Beil, and Guy Dillon. International Handicap (in harness), ol 500sovs. Class 2.14. One mile. —Emi>erOr. Trooper Dillon, Tatsy Dillon, Steel Bell, Happy Y r oyage, Realm-. Guynemev, Alto Chimes, Marie Lloyd, Paul Dufault, Star Queen, Don YVild, Moneymaker, Bellfashion, Trix Pointer, Comedy Chief, -Mulch Light, Cello Sydney \Vlikes, Albert Cling, Playboy, Agathos, All Bell, Goldstream, Glen Mavis Dillonwood, Loeanda Dillon, Pitaroa, and Jack Allah. King George Handicap (in harness), of lOOOsovs. Class 4.34. Two miles.—Sherwood, Hal Junior, Onyx, Tatsy Dillon, Steel Bell, Realm, Dean Dillon, Rangitata Lass, YVild Briar, Paul Default, General Link, Rota Peter, YY r hispermg Willie, Trix Pointer, Cello Sydney YY r ilkes, Vice Admiral, Matchlight, Partner, Nita. Bell, Silver Nut, end Jack Arrah. Avon Handicap (in harness), of SOOsova. Unboppled trotters. Class 4.47. Two miles. First Fashion Pieter Timmerman, Marvin Junior, Kola B n y, Marietta, Gobi Boy, Lady Patricia, Woodlander, Delvillo YVood, Tradesman, YY'hisht, Theseus, Clonmel. Gay Y\ r ilke«, Merry Bingen, Harold Child, Restrevor, Native King, and Master Hal. Canterbury Handicap (harness), of 50(430v5. Class 4.39.' Two miles.—Pedro Pronto, Trooper Dillon, Adair, Prince Lyons, Grand Denver, Cammie, Oaknut, Escort, Stormy, Wild Thyme, Prinzora, Taraire, Thixendale, Blue Mountain King, Pete* King, Rorke's Drift, Legacy, Nellie Scott, Colenut, Lady Joan, Elite, Lady Swithin, India, Landlord, Sympathy. Guy Dillon, Pitaroa. Speedway Handicap (harness), of 500sovs. Class 2.4'" One mile and a-quarter.—Em-peror, Onyx. Tatsy Dillon, Steel Bell, Happy Voyage, Realm, Guynemer, Alto Chimes, Paul Dufault, Star Queen, Don Wild, Moneymaker, Bellfashion, Trix Pointer, ’Cello Sydney Wilkes, Comedy Chief, Y'ica Admiral. Albert Cling, Goldstream, Dillonwood, Loeanda Dillon, Master Hal, Jack Arrah. National Cup (harness), of 1500sovs. Class 4.32. Two miles.—Sherwood, Onyx, Tatsy Dillon, Steel Bell, Gold Boy, Realm, Dean Dillon, Rangitata Lass, Man o’ Wai, Genera! Link, Moneymaker, Reta Peter, YVhispering \V i! lie, Trix Pointer, ’Cello Sydney YVilkcs, Y'ice Admiral, Matchlight, Albert Cling, Nita Bell, Agathos, Loeanda Diliou. Jack Arrah. Heathcote Handicap (in harness), of 600 sovs. Three and four-year-olds; lOsec limit. One mile and a-quarter.— Ellen Dillon, Evolution, Engagement, Nippu, Proud Logan. Ahuriri, Great Hope, Ratana, Mountain Chimes. Acron, Da’vative, Edith Chimes, Harold Burwood, Kanieri, Great Bingen, Event, Logan Chief, Y r era’a Doll, Princevale, Country Man, Irish Beauty, Prince Swithin, Yanco, Gwenchild, Yen. YVAIMATE DISTRICT HUNT HANDICAPS. Stud I 10! me Hunters’ Hurdles, of 75sovs. One mile and five furlongs.—Ready 11.5, Kawhero 10.12, Here YY’e Are 10.11, Agnola 10.9, Innisfallcn 10.8, Kingbolt 10.7, Y’ociferate 10.1, Thruster 10.1, Canine Boy 9.12, Master Peter 9.10. Bluecliffs Hunters' Steeplechase, of 75sov». About two miles and a-quarter.—Nicoinar 11.13, Red Fire 11.11, Malincourt 11.3, Dardanelles 11.3, Indus 11.1. Tornea 10.13, Ruddy Gold 10.13, Red Blaze Kl.ll, Six Cylinder 10.5, Golden Grape 10.4, Sherlock 10.3, Prize Rose 10.1. Noblo Chief 10.0, Prudent Boy 9.13, Persuader 9.13, Tonhole 9.13, Happy Mao 9.13. Runwell 9.13, Jorrocks 9.13. Anna Belle 9.13, Intolerance 9.13, Self Defence 9.13, Easy Too 9.13. Waimate Steeplechase, of 125sovs. About two miles and a-half. —Ore Ore 11.11, Clotilda 11.5, Pfiiverewere 11.5, San Sebastian 11.1, Strathglass 11.1, Kaupokonui 10.11, Juan 9 13, Whipcord 9.11. Red Fire 9.1. Malincourt 9.3, Indus 9.1, Tornea 9.0, Sartoline 9.0. YVaihao Hack Handicap, of Tosova Six furlongs.—Jazz 10.9, Nunerrant 10.4. Outerman 9.11, Starlike 9.10» Blazes 9.3,, Paddy's Hope 9.3. Cash in an 9.4, Sunshower 9.0, Little YVillie 9.0, Dorcas 9.0, Donation 9.0, Cacus 9.0. Hunt Club Cup, of SOsovs (cup value £2O, and £6O in specie). About two miles and half. —Nicoiuar 11.10, Malincourt 11.0, Dardanelles 11.0, Brown Liunct 10.12, Tornea 10.10, Red Blaze 10.8, Six Cylinder 10.2, Golden Grape 10.1. Innisfallcn 9.13, Prize Rose 9.12, Noble Chief 9.11, Cremona 9.10, Prudent Bov 10.9, Topliole 9.10, Runwell 9.10, Jorrocks 9.10, Anna Belle 9.10, Intolerance 9.10, Cannie Boy 9.10, Happy Mac 9.10, Self Defence 9.10, Easy Too 9.10, Fortune Hunter 9.7. Morven Welter Handicap, of 75sovs. Seven furlongs.—Radial 11.13, Fabrinade 10.6,

Athens II 10.3, Miss Camouflage 10.2, Lord I/eelie 10.2, Thestius 9.12, Nunerrant 9.12, Osterman 9.5, Blazes 9.0, Sherlock 9.0. Hunters’ Hate Flat Handicap, of 65sove. One mile and a-half. Gentlemen riders. Minimum weight list.—Grim Joke 13.9, Bed Fire 12.13, Indus 12.6, Ruddy Gold 12.6, Ready 12.1, Here We Are 12.1, Agnola 12.1, Cartoon 12.1, Kingbolt 12.0, Innisfalien U.ll, Vociferate 11.7, Sherlock 11.3, Little Willie 11.0, Donation ILO, Prudent Bov 11.0, Cannie Boy 11.0, Persuader 11.0, Cremona 11.0, Master Peter 11.0.

DUNEDIN JOCKEY CLUB. ANNUAL REPORT. Ihe annual meeting of the Dunedin Jockey Club will be held on July 20. The report of the committee ctfttee : There was a txmsiderabla falling off in the rate and totalisator receipts, the result no doubt of the general depression prevailing throughout the dominion, and, in addition to this, exorbitant taxation was imposed, which caused a loss on the year’s operations. Beginning the year with a credit balance of £3283 9b 6d, the stakes were inc-rcneed by £14)00, land purchased at a cost of £1206 16s 6d, the sum of £l4O expended in the formation of a mound in front the proposed new people’s stand, and £315 in the formation of a road i-hiough the newly-acquired land, the balan>*. now stands at £1174 Bs, which, under the circumstances mentioned, must be deemed satisfactory. Your committee regrets that members and patrons have been seriously inconvenienced by the inadequacy of the stand accommodation, and it has adopted a scheme which will overcome the difficulty. An effort will at once be made to raise a loan for this purpose, and it is hoped that by next annual meeting accommodation which will give satisfaction to members and patrons alike will have been provided. Since last annual meeting 43 new members were enrolled, and the membership now stands at 351, and it is gratifying to report that there are no subscriptions outetunding. * STEEPLECHASINC. TO THE EDITOB. Sir, —Having read many remarks about the English Grand National, perhaps a word or two from an old English crosscountry jockey will interest you. -Mr Hawkins’s idea" that a fairer course he never saw needs a little qualification. I question if at any time there are 20 heyaes really fast and proficient enough junipers to run in it They go too fast over the first two miles. It is just a matter of luck how a horse comes at his fences, there is no such thing as putting in a short stride. They are driven (or ridklen as you like) into their fences and take oS anywhere. I Ilk®’ to see them all jumping clean, and if the race could be run with a reliable man well mounted! in front to lead them the first time round, whom no jockey was allowed to pass until one round was covered, a much better sjiectacular race would ensue. After all, there is only one side to the question, to- cut down the fences would be to detract the glory from it, and a race is a race, but it seems a pity the best half i 3 nearly always a parade. It is out of the question fox a jockey to save his mount as he would very probably topple over a fallen horss or have to pull up to avoid one. If the first mile and a-ha If were nearer straight it would be a great help. I have seen many Nationals run and generally in a bad light. In Giudon s year it was snowing all the time the jockeys were mounted, and the field could only be seen as tlrey passed the stand. Arthur Nightingale rode him, and was in front all the .vay, also more than the usual pc’•cert age completed the course. hen the same Arthur rode Why Not he afterwards remarked he would have won on any of the t>];fced horses. They were abreast at the last fence, and he gained half a-length there by judicious use oi the whip, and retained his advantage to the winning post. I remembered his words in a similar position (not in a Grand National) and acted up to hie words, with disastrous results, and was just beaten after a bad sprawl. Not quite a similar position, as I was half a-length to the bad coming to the last fence and judged I had no hope of winning unless my opoonent fell or I gained at the last jump. As it happened the leading jockey sat still and yet his mount pecked on landing. It we had been doing the present monkey trick business we would both have been down for a certainty. By the way, I was looking afteT Scampanio for Lord Harewood, father of Lord Laseellee, when Seaton Delavel won Northumberland Plate; trained in the same Btable. Six shillings a week and tucker in those davs. Some day I hope to have a farm suitable to train a few jumpers on. But owners preferring the sloan scat for eteeplechasing gets my goat; although it suits your low fences better than English. Your going is generally much firmer too. Pardon for troubling you.—l am. etc., Alfhed Holland. Fruitlands, July. 9. COUNTRY RACINC CLUBS. ANNUAL CONFERENCE. WELLINGTON, July 12. The annual conference of the Country Racing Clubs’ Association was held this evening. In the absence of Mr Albert Bruce (Thames). Mr I>. J. Evans (West land) presided. The annual report was adopted. It was decided that the conference views with alarm and concern the burden of taxation now placed on sport. It recognises the serious effect it is having on the effective maintenance of stakes and appointments by country clubs, and resolves that in view of the situation now developing the Government be urged to review the incidence of racing Inxation as early as possible with the object of affording relief to many clubs which are struggling to meet their obligations, and at the same time endeavouring to maintain the standard of racing for the betterment of the turf, where the people enjov their popular pastime in a rational, well-regulated way. It was resolved that the Government be urged to take into favourable consideration that portion of the report of the Racing Commission which recommended an increase of totalizator permits to new clubs and to existing clubs. The situation justifies such an increase. It was further resolved that upon such permits being authorised the Minister of Internal Affaris he empowered to allocate the same after consultation with the racing and trotting authorities. It was decided to direct the attention of the Government to the heavy impost upon owners by the stakes tax, and urges a reduction of from 10 per cent to 2£ pei cent. The hope was expressed in the resolution that, in the interests of the future of the sport Parliament would not. entertain the petition for the licensing of bookmakers. Such a course would be detrimental to the standard of sport now- being attained in the dominion.

It was resolved that if it i 3 desired to extend privileges to the public for investing on outside meetings it be suggested to the Government to permit investments on totalisators, to be sent through the Post and Telegraph Office to the secretaries of raoing clubs. It was resolved to ask that the publication of dividends be legalised. The following officers were elected President, Mr A. Bruce (Thames); vicepresident, Mr D. J. Evans (Westland); executive —the Hon. E. W. Alison (Auckland), Messrs J. F. Finney (Nelson) J. Kennedy (Geraldine), and W. Jewell (Foxton).