TALK OF THE DAY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3828, 26 July 1927, Page 55

TALK OF THE DAY.

By

Sentinel.

A DERBY COLT. A doubt appears to be held in some quarters as to whether Agrion would stay a Dcrbv course, because ho is out of an 1 Absurd ‘'mare. Absurd has been a particu- I larlv good sire of brilliancy, and the speed inheritance from the dam is sometimes considered a very desirable feature to have in a pedigree. Absurd was got by Sundrid«n? who left some fairly good stayers, including the Derby winner Sunstar. Agrion himself gave evidence of stamina bv the manner in which he ran out- seven furlongs in the Challenge Stakes, lhe race could only be regarded as a gallop in vhicn A°rion finished on well under /.ll and lan out the distance in 1.27. This compares favourably with any other accomplished by a, two-year-old in the same race. Once balanced in his stride, Agrion came through his task in good style, and was striding out freely right to the finish. Agrion was got by Jjimond, who has got stayers and is bred to sire them in being got by Desmond from a Sunshine taproot which has proved itself a great source of stamina. On tho dam s side 'Agrion inherits plenty of stamina, and if pedigree counts he stays on well, and as he is a compact and strongly-knit colt the classic burden should not anchor him. Waterwings, the dam of Agrion, was got bv Absurd from Sea Elf, a Great Northern Oaks winner, by Seaton Delaval (son of Melton, a Derby winner), from St. Evelyn, by St. Leger from Lady Evelyn, by Perkin Warbeck from Pulehra. Seton Delaval got really good horses in Nonette, Miss Delaval Gladsome, Gladstone, Master Delaval, Porirua, Beddington, and other good winners. St. Leger also got some very good winners in St. Hippo (one of the best staying three-year-olds ever seen in .Ne.v Zealand). Cruciform, Nestor, St. Crispin, Blue Jacket (winner of two Auckland Cups), St. Paul, Ropa, Impulse. Hippomenes, St. Andrew, and others who were good winners.

Agrion’s taproot is Pulehra, to whom we owe Multiform, one of the best ever trained by R. J. Mason. Multiform was probably proved a much better horse in private than it was ever necessary to show himself in public. He won the Derby, the Canterbury Cup twice, the Challenge Stakes three times, and also sired Noetuiform, Multifid, Isolr, Sungod, Boniforni, Vice-Admiral, Nightfall, and several other high-class horses. Uniform, a brother to Multiform, was also a good stayer. Boniforni was a good stayer and a sire of stayers, and altogether there is plenty of staying blood coursing in Agrion’s veins. The son of Limond and Waterwings is trained by a past master in the art of training, so that Agrion has quite a lot in his favour to help him over a Derby distance when saddled up at Randwick.

ROULETTE AND RACING. Further protests against the proposed amendments to the Gaming Act are being reported, and on all sides the objections are based on what seems to be considered the increased facilities for gambling. It would be impossible, perhaps, to provide greater facilities for gambling, so called, than what exists and has been existing for years in this country. The proposed amendments would not increase

present iacuities but only make them a little more obvious, and if tha,t is so those who arc protesting against the legislation, take a very shallow view of the situation. The proposed legislation would tend to bring betting under more control and incidentally help to supply the everneedy coffers of the Treasury Department. The publication of dividends would nave no more ,or no less effect on the increase of gambling than the reported fluctuations on the stocks and shares market. There has been no protest recorded against the daily Quotations on the share market, because dealing in. stocks and shares is regarded as a legitimate business, but the principle behind the operations o n the Stock Exchange is exactly the same as on a racecourse. Both are based on the idea of grasping a- chance io make profit, to make a lot out of a little. Gambling on the Stock Exchange is, if anything, more sordid than operations on a racecourse. On the Stock Exchange a client instructs his broker to buy or sell something he has never seen or is likely to see. On' the racecourse all the operations take place in the broad light of day amongst vast crowds of some of the very best people in the social and commercial world. The present day race meeting is in part a garden party, with racing as the principal item on the programme, consisting of a pleasurable day’s social intercourse amongst people whom one is pleased to meet or see abroad enjoying themselves. To the anti-gambler there is absolutely no distinction between racing and roulette. Both are simply mediums of gambling. To them the placing of a pound on a number decided bv the spin, of a wheel and the anchorage of a ball in a small cavity is just the same as making a bet on a horse. Only those who have missed an inheritance of the spirit of sport could adopt such views, but such is nevertheless the case. i'hev

cannot sec .any difference between lhe little tin horses running on a wire and the perfection of the English thoroughbred which ranks as the noblest animal gracing tho face of the earth. The perfect specimen of the thoroughbred horse is at once the mod symmetrical and courageous animal that can bo found, and from its loins spring others that will unflinchingly face and carry their master amidst the shot and shell of battle, and in many other ways rank as man's greatest animal friend. It is a. natural trait in human nature to match their equine friends in a sort of mimic warfare for a test of .genuine superiority and prowess?. Hunting and racing grew out of man’s love of horse and hound, and developed into a. national sport and pastime, but tho anti-gamblers do not seem able to see below tho, surface and Poe the spirit of sport in racing, but only the sordid side of things, and heneft dub everything as gambling irrespective of the fact' whether it is a question of tin horse, real horse, or roulette. Apparently the anti-gamblers have never hoard the story of the parti-coloured shield which teaches one to recognise the possibility of there being two sides to a question. TN THE SWEET BY-AND-BY.

It is quite apparent that the suggestion that both galloping and trotting should be conducted on the Ricearton course will

not materialise for many a day. Though the matter was discussed at the annual meeting of the Metropolitan Trotting Club, no decision was reached, it being left to the committee to collect facts and figures bearing on the position. The. lease at Addington has about 16 years to run, and this fact, coupled with the further one that the trainers are not enamoured of the idea, points to the improbability of any of those opposed to the proposal changing their views. The statement of one member that “ never the twain shall meet,” will, however, not find general accceptance, for the two sports have much in common, and any step that is going to result in benefit to both should be taken unhesitatingly. The barriers of prejudice should not exist. THREATENED DISCLOSURES. For some time past there have been rumours to the effect that startling disclosures, which would incriminate a leading light-harness trainer, were likely to be made at any time, but lovers of the sensational are to be disappointed. When approached on the subject recently the president of the Trotting Association said that there was nothing to report, adding: " This sort of thing does the sport no good, and the association cannot help rumours being circulated. Everyone knows that a rumour, once started, improves as it is told from time to time. The origin of the rumour is a statement from a disqualified person, purporting to implicate a trainer in connection with the disappearance of the mare Hetty King, A

statement has been obtained from the trainer, who absolutely denies any knowledge of the happening. The disqualified person has been invited to bring forward corroborative evidence, but has always failed to keep his appointments.”

THE WAIMATE HUNT MEETING. The Waimate Hunt Club presented the patrons of their annual race meeting with a card which produced some interesting sport. The club was fortunate in the fact that the weather was beautifully fine for the time of the year. A bright, sunny day, with a crisp atmosphere, was on hand and no doubt helped to draw a number of people who do not care about facing the worst side of winter. The attendance at the outset was on the small side, > but during the afternoon quite a good muster filled the enclosures, and it is understood the “ gates ” showed a substantial increase on last year’s returns. The track provided very sound going for the time of the year. In fact, it was rather too firm for ’chasing and hurdling. A walk along part of the course proper and steeple-

chase course found the ground to be covered with a good sole of grass, providing excellent turf, on which the horses made very little impression dining the day’s racing. In fact, when casting a glance along the back stretch on the

following day. it was noticed that the various fields had not left an easily discernible footmark on the track. This is the sort of turf required at Trenthani and on other tracks where a horse goes fetlock deep in bad weather. The card provided some interesting racing, which would have been made more so if wider wings had been placed at the stand double. In the Bluecliffs Hunters’ Steeples four horses ran off, and so robbed the race of half its interest. The jumps were fairly solid brush and one hurdle, which brought down two or three horses. It is questionable if an ordinary hurdle is in its right place on a steeplechase course.

Goldtown had too much pace for the opposition in the Studholme Hurdles, in which the top-weights had no chance at the weights with the Absurd —Ballarat gelding. Coastguard, after giving an excellent exhibition at the Dunedin Winter meeting, bumped his rider off at the first hurdle. A promising sort in Hyperion won the Bluecliffs Hunters’ Steeples in Hr W. G. Gerard's colours. Hyperion is a five-year-old gelding by Boniforni from Peircne. an Achilles marc, who was very speedy in her day and won the Wellesley

Stakes. Hyperion has a fair amount of pace —far more than the average hunter—and may develop into a useful timbertopper. Vice-Grand was too good for the opposition in the Waimate Steeplechase, in which Maungamoe settled his chance by striking the hurdle mentioned above. Vice-Grand injured his off foreleg on returning to the bird cage, and apparently the hard going found the weak spot in the doubtful-looking joint. Cassolette won the Waihao Handicap with a good deal in hand. Monko had a change of pilots in the Hunt Cup, and he carted Greenstone along so well that the latter was a beaten horse over half a mile from home, and Red Wink proved the strongest opposition to the winner. The rest, of the starters did not complete the course. Solferite won the Morven Handicap in good style, but might have been troubled by Carnot if the latter had escaped the interference lie suffered when rounding the first turn. The card was concluded by Miss Garance running home an easy winner in the Hunter’s Plate, in which she stayed on much better than the rest of the field.

THE SOUTH CANTERBURY HUNT MEETING. The South Canterbury Hunt Club was very unfortunate in striking bad weather for their annual race meeting. The preceding day was beautifully fine, but rain set in overnight and a steady downpour was still in evidence during the early morning. The uninviting weather no doubt was responsible for keeping many people away from the meeting. The special train from Christchurch was poorly patronised, but despite the antagonistic weather a fairly large attendance viewed the sport provided by the card. The track was on the soft side, but as the rain cleared off before noon the going remained

fairly firm throughout the afternoon The card- "was* the most attractive ever offered by the South Canterbury Hunt Club, and only bad weather prevented it from proving a record meeting. Proceedings commenced by Aberfeldy being established an odds-on chance for the Hadlow Hack Hurdles, and he outclassed the opposition. Goldtown would have been more dangerous, but lie struck into the first two flights of hurdles and then went to the other extreme by jumping too big. Goldtown faded out in the run home, and Aberfeldy nearly lost a certain win through his rider taking the result for granted, and in consequence nearly getting pipped on the post by Gunease, who put in a good run at the finish. The Babe and Royal Fashion had a good battle in the run home from the last fence in the Pareora Hunters’ Steeples, and the former, who was very rigorously handled, wore the other down. Royal Fashion made all the running, and looked all over a sure winner until challenged by The Babe. Charlatan made a onehorse race of the South Canterbury Steeplechase when it came to business over the final four or live furlongs. He stripped a bit on the big side in condition, and the race should help to tune him up for engagements at the Grand National meeting. Frenchman will probably show more improvement than any of the others. Cassolette was generally regarded as a fairly good thing for the Levels Hack Handicap, but she had to be ridden right out at the finish to stall off Sliandre and Dubious. Logan Princess gave D. Withers a fairly comfortable win in the Washdyke Trot, and Osterman had matters all his own way at the finish of the Teschemaker Memorial Steeplechase. Royal Wink showed improved form, and went well until he banged the third last fence. Peter Marion also went a fair race until he blundered through the last fence and came down. Greenstone soon put himself I out of court by coming down at the first fence. Galway blundered at the board fence and fell at the next after covering the first circuit of the journey. Nightraid went a moderate race, and never looked dangerous, although lie finally managed to gain a place. Arcos scored a comfortable win in the Hunters’ Plate, in which Miss Garance was ridden into the ground and stopped at the finish affer taking charge about five furlongs from home. The card was concluded by Fairy Herald winning the Claremont Handicap, for which he started favourite. Fairy Herald had to be ridden out to keep clear of Fairy Tidings and Carnot in the run home. Carnot was unlucky, as he was slow on his legs at the start, and in consequence had to make up a lot of ground to get near the leaders. Arrowmir made the early running, but failed to stay out the distance. Mr P. D. M’Nab acted as starter, and got his fields away from a good line, and the officials of the club had the machinery of management in smooth working order throughout the day.

PLUNGERS OF THE PAST. Though it is probable that more money changes hands over a modern Derby than ever was won or lost in the pre-war days, few racing men will dispute the fact that the giant plungers have disappeared from the turf.

One of them (says Sporting Life) ami by no means the least daring of the band of historic speculators, is still a well-known figure in the sporting world, He is Mr Bob ” Sievier, famous alike as owner, trainer, breeder, and backer. “It was always my practice.'’ Mr Sievier once wrote, “to play up my winnings. What has broken more men on the turf than anything else is chasing their losings and buttoning up when winning.” Perhaps no more extraordinary ease of playing up winnings can be quoted than one in which '■ Bob ” was himself the principal actor. In 1888, when Fortune had withheld her j favour from him for a spell, “ Bob ” ran into a friend who owed him £2, and paid up forthwith. A few snowball bets turned those 40s into £llO during the afternoon, and Mr Sievier's first bet on the next day of the meeting was one of £lOO on a horse which duly obliged at five to one. He followed this up by taking £OOO to 200, and again he backed a winner. Every bet was in ready money, and. going from strength to strength, “ Bob ” began to bet in real earnest on the next race, which was the City and Suburban. In three or four bets he laid out rather more than £lOOO on Fullerton to win him £BOOO. and at the end of the day his original two sovereigns bad been transformed into more than £9OOO. In a sense those wagers were mere “ chicken food ” to a plunger of his undaunted courage. In a selling race at Epsom Mr Sievier backed a horse named Crarae for £7OOO, and secured odds of seven to four. On another occasion Mr Sievier won £35.000 because he happened to get up early one morning. That vvTfs in 1900, and “ Bob ” went for a canter on Epsom Downs before breakfast. In doing so he had the luck to see The Grafter, a

horse that had previously won the Melbourne Cup, run a trial in such convincing fashion that he made up his mind there and then to back him for the City and Suburban. Air Sievier took three bets of £5OOO to £750, and made several other wagers of smaller amounts, and when Morny Cannon romped home on The Grafter "Bob' 5 became the richer by £35,000. In 1900, “ Bob ” again landed about £30,000, having back'ed Diamond Jubilee for the Derby to the extent of £lB,OOO. During that week he cleared up a total of £53,000, Charlie Hibbert, the famous bookmaker and owner, was equally reckless in laying and backing. At the Victoria Club in 1911 he laid against his own horse Mercutio to lose something like £20,000. The next morning he felt he had been rash, ami started backing the horse all over the country until, instead of standing to lose over him, stood to win something like £40,000. 'the race was the Victoria Cup, and at one moment it looked a certainty for Spanish Prince. Charlie fell off his seat in the stand in the excitement, but by the time he had picked himself up Mercutio had duly landed him colossal winnings. In the middle ’nineties Humphrey Oxenham, an Australian sportsman, went back to his own country rather broke.” Things prospered, and he bought a mare called

Cerise and Blue, and saved her for the Melbourne Cup. Steadily and systematically he backed her for all he was worth, and when she won the big race his winnings were not far short of a quarter of a million pounds. These and many other famous plungers were men who represented a formidable danger to the ling, but there were others equally reckless and far less skilful. “Abington'’ Baird, who gambled away the better part of two million pounds in a few years, was one of these. He thought nothing of having £5OOO on a horse in a tin-pot selling plate, but the ring hailed his coming with delight. Ernest Benzon, “the Jubilee Juggins,” was another of Baird's type, and it he only lost £250,000 it was merely because he had no more to lose. He, too. made wagers of five or six thousand pounds at a time, and, in order to make sure of losing fast enough, he also played cards with disastrous results. At one sitting of ehemin de fer he lost £lO.OOO. Charlie Hanuam, another great plunger", but very tar from being a "mug,” would make terrific bets as simply and as calmly as an ordinary man might toss for a round of drinks. He would wager £l9OO on making a losing hazard at billiards as readily 'as he would put five times that amount on some fancied horse. And yet. in strong contrast to these great gamblers of the turf, there have been many famous sportsmen to whom this side of racing made no appeal. It is related of Lord ralmouth, one of the most famous breeders and owners of his day. that the onlv bet he ever made in his life was one of sixpence with the wife of his trainer. He lost his bet. and in due course he sent tue lady the sixpenny-bit mounted in diamonds.

SCXDAY SPORT. Hie racing authorities in Ireland are \cry concerned about the state ot the

turf there (writes a special representative of Sporting Life), and they are fast coming to the conclusion that private breeders of the thoroughbred in that country are not supporting racing as they should, preferring to sell their yearlings to English owners. This is rankling in the minds of the "powers that be,”'and there is no disguising the fact that, in well-informed quarters, there is a feeling amongst owners and the public that no n' Re „ s Le elected a member of the I. iirt Chib unless he be an owner of horses running in Ireland. It is generally agreed that, owing to taxation and other causes, chief of which is the one mentioned above, racing in Ireland at the moment is in a parlous state, and something will have to be done to restore its prestige. In order to bring this about a .special appeal is to be made to the manv breeders asking them to race, and not «-’i. t leir yearlings. The latest suggestion made in Ireland to help racing is that it should take place on .Sundays, It Is thought that people would Hock to the racecourses on these days, and it is pointed out that the revenue accruin'’ irom large attendances would help to trengthen the finances of those meetings Th l, J ina, ? ces ,r«iuirc strengthening. Sumi ,v lCle?lS " l!t l Scck t 0 introduce >unda.\ racing are proceeding warily and .are sounding public opinion in a veiv < ' sel 'cet way. So tar these interests have imtieceived encouragement to think that their suggestion would find favour. On the contrary, there is no doubt that if W ° IC ° J ’. Cnl - v ’-t would woi d Im "7 °’P loslt '0n : The churches n, 1 outspoken against it. ..nd the best elements in the sport would discountenance racing on Sundays. The plea made by the innovators is that if there tvere jmcmg on those days in the Dublin conm f° mC I t . ,lo ’' san , fls of sportsmen would 1 each week-end to the meltings. It has been said bv them that Lnglishmen would prefer to com? to IreHum Ot SO - Ulg to Frnnee or Bel- ?■>< b, J , ’l* ‘r r i rac,n »- , lh e only Sunday 7 ‘ xc,n ° has ever been held in I rc . Land was lapping.” and people who have the welfare of the turf at heart would be sorry to see it following the lead of illegal racing. Moreover, illegal lacing tailed permanently to establish itselr as a Sunday pastime in Dublin or i^T rC ’ n IreJan,L i>ud a certain lim.ted success in two or three localities tor a few years, then it disappeared. It is contended that as football and hurlin'* luatehes under the rules of the Gaelic Athletic Association are promoted on Bundays a precedent has been estab-

lished for Sunday sport. That contention is disposed of by pointing out that these football and hurling matches, under the rules of the association named, are not promoted on week days. A HARDY STOCK. In referring to the fact that Paritutu is still alive, “Phaeton” states that one would not expect Castor to get such hardy stock, lie never had the pleasure of seeing Castor but often thinks that it is a pity some of bis descendants were not preserved m order to carry on his line. Castor sired some of the toughest material that ever raced in New Zeacland. He got Canteen, who ranked as one of th e handsomest horses that ever carried a saddle and ran in three New Zealand Cups (winning the third) and two Melbourne Cups, m addition to starting in 11111115’ other races timing lus career. There are not many horses able to stand up to the preparation necessary to start so many times in such races and also have them liberally sandwiched with other strenuous battles started when only a two-year-old. Canteen and I an tutu were not the only iron-legp'ed sons of Castor. Kaitere was another of his get. He won the Great Northern Steeplechase in 1904 and 1907 (on the latter occasion with 12.13). the Wellington Steeplechase in 1904 and 1905, the Napier Steeplechase in 1906, and (writing from memory) ran a really good race in the Grand National Steeplechase with 13.3. Castor got some good winners in the shape of Altair. Armilia, Coronet, Three Star. Antares, Casket. Day Star, and several other good winners whose excellent form makes it a matter of regret that the Castor is defunct in tail male. Castor comes from Hermit. whose line through Ascetic was one of the most successful in England in getting good winners over fences, and that may lie accepted as further evidence of the the stock, as steeplechasers in Did Country are raced until what one might term a ripe old age. Altair was a good winner, and if granted a chance at the stud would in all probability have proved a success at the stud, as he was out of a sister to irenton. Canteen was another pai ticularly good type of horse, but he also failed to get a chance at the stud, and under such circumstances it is easy to see why a good line may perish from want of an appreciative patronage from studmasters. the nationals. 1 he declaration of acceptances for the principal events to be decided at the

Grand National meeting has left satisfactory fields of the best material engaged in each race. A field of thirteen remains in the Grand National Steeplechase, and as the majority engaged arc well proved performers over big country, there is every prospect of a splendid race in the historic event decided over the *' Riccarton raspers.” With the exception of Maiuiga the first half-dozen at the top of the handicap all met in the 'Wellington Steeplechase. This race, however, was decided under track conditions which probably did not convey a true line to the merits of the performers, and Crown Coin for one gave the impression that he would be more at home if racing on the top of the ground. Beau Cavalier is a free-striding horse, and he also would probably be better suited by firm going than he was at Trenthani. Beau Cavalier will have to meet Kawini on 111 b worse terms for a six-lengths' beating at Wellington. Tuki is met on 61b. Crown Coin on 131 b, Zircon on 151 b. and San Forte on 141 b. Tuki has much the worst of it on paper, and it seems clear (hat the handicapper has not accepted nis form in the Wellington Steeplechase as correct, and neither would anyone else who saw the race. Still, the fact remains that Tuki has been asked to meet Kawini on 51b and Crown Coin o n 71b worse terms although they beat him. It may have been through an error of judgment on the part of Tuki’s rider, but there is always the chance that they would have finished in front of the Dunedin gelding under any circumstances. Tuki is now a very much improved horse in condition than he was last year when he was unplaced behind Peter Maxwell, Kawini. and Charlatan. Fie now meets Peter Maxwell on 71b, Kawini on 131 b better, and Charlatan on 101 b worse terms. Charlatan reads very well in at the figures. He meets Peter Maxwell on 171 b anil Kawini on 2311> bolter terms, and should beat both of them. The substantially increased poundage that will have to be carried by Peter Maxwell and Kawini is sure to tell a tale at the end of a three and a-half mile journey over Riccarton country, and it certainly does not make the fences any easier of negotiation to carry an extra stone or more. Tfie same remark applies to Beau Cavalier, who has considerably mounted in the weights since ho commenced to win in good company over fences. Crown Coin and Charlatan hold a substantial pull in the weights, and they should prove hard to beat. Pamplona has also what would be a luxurious burden if he could lie landed fit and well at the po-t. but form may result, in backers picking Crown Coin. Charlatan, and Tuki in the order named. There is no doubt that Beau Cavalier's winning form will find him plenty of support. It should not. however, lie overlooked that the 9st 71b which Beau Cavalier carried in the Great Northern Steeplechase has been increased to list 71b. and at Riccarton lie will have to meet Maunga on 221 b, Kawini 231 b, and Peter Maxwell on 301 b worse terms. The alteration in poundage is very substantial, and if last year's winner can show a return of form he for one should be able to keep Beau Cavalier fairly busy over a evere country which the latter has not yet seen. There is still a couple of weeks to go before the race comes up for decision, and some schooling and track work may place a different complexion on the figures which at present point to Charlatan having a real good chance on paper. There has been a big shrinkage in the field for the Grand National Hurdles, in which fifteen remain out of the thirty-six handicapped. The nominations, however, contained quite a number not entitled to any consideration as possible winners and their absence was not unexpected. Kawini now ranks as top weight, and his presence at that part of the handicap at once draws attention to Crown Coin, who meets him on 61b better terms than when they met over fences at Trenthani. Crown Coin has been allotted 51b more than what he carried into second place behind Comical last year, and as this year's field does not look a particularly’ strong one, the Crown Imperial II —Rouble gelding would be very dangerous if specially set to race over hurdles instead of fences. Perle de Leon meets Wharncliffe on 71b better forms than when the latter beat him at Trenthani. and Royal Form meets Wharnclifle at 91b better than when the latter beat him easily in the Trenthani Hurdles. As a thoroughly good stayer Wharncliffe will probably beat them again. Gaze has some, good performances on the flat to his credit, and he als o won the Century Hurdles run last season, when he carried Sst 131 b He ran at the Hawke's Bay winter meeting, whore he fell on the first day and finished fourth on the second. It seems as if the fact of Gaze figuring amongst the acceptors marks him down one that diouid not be overlooked. Wharncliffe holds Coastguard safe on paper, as he meets him <->n 171 b liottcr terms than in the Otago Hurdles. Both Peter Maxwell and Beau Cavalier would be more at home over fenecs. and at, the present time it appears as if Wharncliffe ami Crown Coin may he the popular picks for the race. IN A NUTSHELL. Mr D. Jolly has Jeon appointed starter for the Otago Hunt. Club's race meeting. Mr C. E. Hassall has boon appointed handicapper for the Otago Hunt Club’s meet ing. Money Order is -coming on well in his work, and his brilliancy should soon make him an early winner. Charlatan would benefit considerably by his winning effort on Saturday and ho should str’” fit and well for the Grand National Steeplechase. Hoylake should strip a better bor<e at Riccarton than ho has in any of his previous efforts in public. Handicaps for the minor events to bo run on the first day of the Grand National meeting are due on August 1. A final payment is due on August 4 for the Grand National Steeplechase. Grand National Hurdles, and Winter Cup. The Harp will require a bit of making as a hurdler, as he was not keen on facing his jumps when racing last week. • Captain Barto does not seem to put too much heart into the business whoa travelling towards the end of a race. Fairy Herald added to his winning account at Timaru. and once again proved that he is a good actor in soft going. Dubious ran a fairly good race in th? Studholme Hurdles, but was not equal to the task of giving a speedy sort like Goldtown 301 b.

Chickwheat keeps on adding to his reputation for failure to put much heart into his race.s i and again shaped indifferently when racing last week. Vice-Grand pulled up sore after winning at Waimate, and he walked rather tenderly when going out for his race at the South Canterbury Hunt Meeting.

Kipling did not have enough pace to go with the opposition in the South Canterbury Steeplechase, and all he could do was to plod along in the ruck. IMaungamoe has been suffering from a cold, and this, no doubt, was the reason why he stopped at the end of the races for xvhich he was saddled up last week.

Hyperion boasts a good pedigree for a hunter, as he was got by Boni form from I’eirene. by Achilles—Blue Water, by St. Leger—Sapphire, by The Drummer. It is rumoured that two of the stipendiary stewards now acting for the New Zealand Racing Conference may retire in the near future.

Mrs G. W. Greenwood has a book in the press which takes Gloaming as its “ hero,” and incidentally gives a description of R. j. Mason's very lengthy ami very successful career as a trainer.

One of the subjects of conversation in sporting circles is the. alleged undesirable attention and interference which a rider was subjected to on the last day cf the Wellington winter meeting. Clontarf shaped well for a novice when he ran in the Hadlow Hurdles, fie was up with GoWtown all the way t o the last fence after jumping out well, but he tired in the rim home. Carnot was not beaten on his merits in either of his races last week. At Waimate lie suffered interference, and ho got badly away at the South Canterbury meeting ' Thorndale was a woll-baeked chance in the Claremont Handicap, but ho was at the tail of the field in the early part of the race, and did not improve much on his position. Arrowmir failed to stay a mile at Timaru after establishing a good lead and showing the way to the straight. He might have done better if less use had been made of him in the early pari of the race.

Mr L. C. Hazlett has purchase 1 an English-bred yearling filly by Steadfast from Macores. by Mackintosh from Azores. Steadfast won 26.3(‘350vs when on the turf, and is th? sir- of Night. Patrol, who has been a good winner in Australia. Aberfeldy followed his win at Trenthani with another at Timaru. where he outclassed the opposition. He made a mistake at the stand hurdle, but afterwards showed improved hurdling, and should win in better company in the near future.

Isla Bank shaped with a good deal of uush in the South Canterbury Steeplecha.se for about two miles until Charlatan ran past Hun when rounding* the top of the course. Asia Rank beat the others just as easily as Charlatan beat him.

Greenstone lost a good deal of his reputation by his indifferent displays at the. \v annate and South Canterbury Hunt meetings held last week, and the handicappers will have to considerably reduce* his burden to give him a winning chance.

The Christchurch Hunt will hold their annual race meeting at Riccarton on Saturday next. At one time the form was legarded as likely to supply a line as lo possibilities at the Grant! National meeting, but opinions are now not so strong in that direction.

A. E. EHis has been retained to ride Peter Maxwell in the Grand National Steeplechase. It is understood that Mr H az ' ett holds an objection to Ellis ruling over fences since the latter got married, and for that reason he will not have the mount on Pamplona. It is stated that the Derbv winner Call Boy is unlikely to go to auction in October with the other horses in the estate of the lite Mr F. Curzon. An offer of 70,000 guineas has been made for Call Boy. and an American syndicate also wants' him. Old Osterman was much too good for the opposition in the Tesehemaker Memorial bteeplechase, in which Peter Marion and Loyal Wink showed promise of proving useful amongst the hunters. Royal Wink was bowling along freely and' jumping well until he made a mistake at the third last fence.

hive rising two-year-olds ami a two-vear-old by Balboa-Sweet Memory were cantered down the straight during an interval between the races at the South Canterbury Hunt Meeting. The youngsters were backward iti manners, but one by Night Raid from Weaker Mark looks a rather likclv sort.

Frenchman ran a somewhat patchy race in the South Canterbury Steeplechase. Ho was up with the leaders in the early stages, and after dropping back c.mic on again at. the finish to dispute the honours of thin! place with Vice-Grand. Frenchman will probably be a good deal improved by his race.

L'Al'bcsso de Jouarre. successful in the. Oaks in 1889. was a source of trouble to layers in tile ring because they could not. ■pronour.e her name. However, some humorist settled the dift'iculty by dubbing her “ Abscess on the Jaw." and she was known l>y that cognoim n until the day slm retire I from the tm ;.

Goldtown showed impr >ved f.mn over hurdles wlmu he won at AVaimat ■. and -.promises to develop int-> a usef - :) sort over the small sticks. He got into a .■ouple of hurdles, but the mishaps did

not seriously trouble him. and he had too much pace for the others on the Hat.

It is a 'general opinion that the members of the Dunedin Jockey Club made a wise selection when they elected Mr J. Lindsay to the vacancy on the committee. Mr Lindsay’s colours have not been any great length of time on the turf, but they soon became popular with racegoers through the medium of John Bradbury, Solrose, and one or two others. The programme adopted for ihc Otago Hunt Clubs race meeting is the same as last year's. The Otago Hunt Club Cup wiil carry a stake of 150sovs and a cup valued at 25sovs, presented by Mr B. S. Irwin, and the Brockvill© Steeplechase will carry a stake of 125sovs- and a cup valued at 25sovs, which will be presented by Mr IL Acton-Adams. Nominations are due on Monday, August 8.

Hyperion showed promise as a hunter when he won at the Waimate Hunt meeting, but the South Canterbury Hunt teeting found him lacking as a jumper. Ho got too close to the first fence, but got over safely. Afterwards he laboured at his fences and fell at the last jump. Hyperion came out again in the Hunters Plate, and finished second. Solferite showed signs of lameness in one of his hind legs, where he was cut by an accident, but when warmed up in his race galloped freely enough to win in good style. He may not have Had matters all his own way at the finish if Carnot had not been interfered with when the field was making the turn into the back stretch.

Mr J. Al. Samson has been termed “ lucky ” because he purchased Tuki 12 months ago. Tuki was sent up for auction during the last Grand National meeting, but failed to find a buyer when in the ring. No on 0 seemed to want the Quin Abbey gelding, and he was subsequently purchased privately by his recent owner. There was every opportunity for others to be “ lucky,” but Mr Samson displayed the necessaryjudgment ” to secure the gelding.

Arcos is a raking big shiny mare that should develop into a useful sort amongst the hunters. She stayed well at the end of a mile and a-half in the Hunters’ Plate at Timaru, and should do better, as she looks open to improvement. Arcos was got by St. Petersburg from Margo, a grey mare that was a fair performer over hurdles in her day. The Marco Bello gelding Alanko, who won at Waimate, is on the small side, and does not altogether fill the eye as a weight-carrying hunter. Still, he is a keen goer and jumps well., Manko has a rather mixed pedigree, as it is understood that his dam was got by a pacing stallion from a C'annie Chief mare. Manko was sold with his dam when a foal at foot for Csovs. Vice-Grand sports a doubtful-looking off foreleg, which carries a good deal of “ condition ” at and above the fetlock. He came back lame after winning at Waimate, and in consequence be ran a good race under difficulties. The hard going may have troubled him. and the mishap may not be serious. It is wonderful at times how horses with unsoundlooking legs stand up to work. Cassolette won very well at Waimate, where she was kept with her field until reaching the straight, and she then strode to the front and ran home with a good deal in hand. Cassolette is a well-bred sort, as she was got by Clarenceux from Charmilia, by Charlemagne II from Armilia, by Castor —Necklace, by Musket from Locket, and so is related to a large tribe of good winners. Goldtown was generally expected to show improved hurdling at the South < ’anterbury Hunt meeting as a result of his winning experience at Waimate, but he seriously discounted his chance by getting into the first two flights of hurdles and afterwards jumping too big throughout the rest of the race. Goldtown should, however, continue to pay his way amongst the hurdlers. The South Canterbury Steeplechase could be regarded as a good schooling lesson for Charlatan and assist towards winding him up for more serious engagements at Riccarton. The Winkio gelding locked a bit on the rotund size in condition, but nevertheless ran out his race well and -ulled up better than what his appearance suggested. Charlatan measured each of his fences nicely, and gave a good display of jumping.

Inclusive of £5OO as breeder. the En;

Jish Derby stake gave the late Mr !?■ Curzon £12,615. As, in addition, £4OO wont to second horse and £2OO to third, the total value of the race was £13,215—a Derby record —and of that only £3OOO was added money. Different from the A.J.C. Derby, with £BOOO added money, £4OO breeder’s premium given by the club, and only £945 in forfeits and sweepstakes.

Both Shandrc and Dubious ran fairly good races in the Levels Hack Handicap, and they would have beaten Cassolette with a little more ground in their favour.

Cassolette does not seem so much at home in soft going as when acting on the top of the ground. She can do well on a firm track at Waimate, but was stopping at the end of her race at the South Canterbury Hunt Meeting. The licensing in Ireland of betting shops, at which cash wagers can be made, has played havoc with attendances at meetings in that country. Very few applications for licenses have been refused, and the number of shops opened in the Free State runs into hundreds. It is specially mentioned that women, now that they have free facilities, are betting more than ever in Ireland,

Alaungamoe found no difficulty in getting round and winning over the by no means easy fences at Wingatui. but he crashed into a hurdle in the Waimate Steeplechase and settled his chance in the race. The hurdle also proved disastrous to others, and it is doubtful if an ordinary hurdle should be used as a jump in a steeplechase. It reads easier to jump than a fence, but the fact remains that a hurdle in a steeplechase course may cause more trouble than the most formidable obstacle.

The Kilbroncy gelding Kiicannich was amongst the field which went out for the Hunt Cup at Waimate, but he went out at the second fence. On the score of breeding he lacks nothing, and so may

develop into a good hi.nt. r. Last season he gave Sayonara Sib in a high-weight handicap run at Hororata and ran him to a neck. This reails good enough t> win amongst hunters. Kiicannich was got by Kilbroney from Bonny Helen, a sister to Bonny Portland, the dam of Reremoana.

It is quite possible that Courtly Rose may finish her racing career this week,

ami be retired to the stud. She is very doubtful at the barrier, and no matter how well a horse gallops on the track the good work is rendered almost valueless if followed by bad behaviour at the barrier. As a brood mare Courtly Rose may do well, as she was got by tire William the Third horse Roseworthy, from a Martian mare.

In America last year, Mr 11. P. Whitney headed the winning owners’ list. It is probable he will have similar pleasure this year. Up to May 28 his horses had won 17 races, run second in 19, and third in 12 for prize money totalling about £28,700. All the Whitney horses are American bred, and scarcely any of them could be registered in the English Stud Book. That does not prevent them being high-class gallopers. Two of the Vhitney three-year-olds arc Whiskery and Bostonian, who respectively won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stake this year. To-day some trainers are using motor road vans to convey their horses to and from race meetings. There is nothing new about this except the petrol (says an English paper). In 1788 and onwards, when Eclipse was at stud, he was conveyed from Epsom to Cannons, Middlesex, in ‘‘ his carriage.” “ The machine ” (says W byte) was drawn by two horses, and the groom was an inside passenger.” Whyte adds a note: “We believe this to be the first instance in which a van drawn by a horse, now (i.e., 1840) generally in use. was employed in carrying a racehorse.” In England a move is l>eing made with a view to getting the Jockey Club to reorganise pony racing. At present horses, owners, jockeys, and trainers connected with it arc banned by the Jockey Club: but influential sportsmen, including Viscount Lascelles, are trying to put it on a footing that will permit of its recognition by the ruling racing body. It is announced that the stakes for the “pony” races—ls hands is the maximum height—will be from £lOO to £2OO, and while there is talk of a £2500 pony Derby, it is certain many new courses will come into existence. Gioconda belongs to Mr A. R. Cox, who, though he owned such great winners as the triple-crown hero, Gay Crusader, and the ill-fated Picaroon, who had to be destroyed recently, has never come quite into the racing limelight like his eccentric brother, Mr “ Fairie ” Cox. The present Mr Cox inherited the horses as well as so much of the wealth, but to meet Mr Cox with his son at a hotel or elsewhere you would never think he could refuse £100,060 for Gay Crusader and £60,000 for Picaroon (says the Sporting Times). It

is yet another proof that men, and even one or two women, must not be judged by appearances. Although aware of the fact that Mr

J. Higgins (chairman of the A.J.C. stipendiary' stewards) had received a substantial offer from the Royal Calcutta Turf Chib, and would probably accept, I refrained from mentioning it, because he told me he preferred not seeing it in print for some time (says “Pilot"). It is difficult, however, to suppress news, ami over a week ago I read in a contemporary that 2XII- Higgins would go to India. Now, of course, there is no secret about it. Mr Higgins will act in an advisory capacity to the Royal Calcutta T.C. committee, and, as that relieves him of the onus of direct action, it will make his position easier than in Sydney.

Many jockeys and trainers when they

drop their active association with racing de not give it much attention. Touching on this, a London exchange says:—C.

Wood, who has ridden three Derby winners, lives at Eastbourne, only a few miles from Brighton, but he seldom, if

ever, attends the meeting there. Mornington Cannon lives at Brighton, as does Fred Rickaby, but this pair of ex-jockeys take more interest nowadays in golf than racing, and they are keen rivals on the local links. Kempton Cannon, who rode St. Amant in the Derby, occasionally goes to a meeting, but he, too, is another golfing enthusiast.

The flat-racing season in England has caused a marked increase in the revenue from the betting tax. and £259,800 was received in April. That, however, made fae total for the first six months only £1,091.910, so there is little likefmood of Mr Churchill’s estimate of £6,000,000 for the year being realised. The odds appear against the return being much more than half that sum. but when Mr Churchill was asked in the House of Commons whether he was still considering setting up a committee to investigate the whole question of betting taxation, he replied he had never considered it at all. This suggests that books and punters can abandon any idea of alteration of the tax. A recently published booklet gives some interesting particulars of the new and old stands at Epsom (England). The old stand cost £13,896, compared with approximately £159,000 for the new triple stand. The old stand was about 127 ft long—the new is over 700 ft. Whereas the old stand accommodated 5000 people under cover, and another 2500 on the roof—a total of 7500 only, provision is now made for a minimum of 20,000 spectators. The length and height of each respective stand is as follows: Club stand length 150 ft, height 60ft, grandstand 330 ft. 70ft; cast stand 210 ft, 40ft. There are 215 private boxes, and each stand possesses its own bar and luncheon room.

In 1816, Mr Terrel, of Worcestershire, had a road van made in which his horse Sovereign was taken to Newmarket to run in the Two Thousand. Twenty years later Lord George Bentinck sent Elis from Goodwood to Doncaster (250 miles) in a van he had specially made for the purpose. So heavy was it that, it required relays of six post horses along the road to draw it the 80 miles a dav it travelled. John Kent tells us (“Racing Life of Lord George Bentinck ”) that Lord George later used an improved van, which caused loss of a sensation in the villages through which it passed. The first cumbersome vehicle was thought by the astonished ruralist to contain cither wild animals or a cargo of criminals on their way to execution.

In discussing prices paid for foals, a. London writer says the highest price realised by one in any country at auction was when Mr Marcus' Daly’s horses were sold at Sheep-head Bay. U.S.A., on October 1. 1901. Mr August Belmont paid £SOX —at the then rate of exchange of the American dollar —for a brown fiiiy by St. Simon out of Lady' Peel, by I*cllowcraft. He purchased her on behalf of Mr J. RKecne, and she was afterwards called Swiftfoot. ’ The two highest priced foals ever sold in England were both disposed of at the Newmarket December sales, Mr 11. E. Morris* paving SlOOgs for Bayodee (Bayard o—Cheshire Cat)-in 1913, and Mr Joseph Widener giving the same sum in 1925 for a bay half-sister by Son-in-I.aw to West Countryman.

A. E- Ellis >s riding in fine form at present, and shows a great improvement in liis horsemanship when fighting out a hard finish. Formerly he displayed the too liberal leg action which docs not help a horse, but now he sits tighter and, gripping his mount, rams and squeezes him home. It is a golden rule of riding that a quiet scat in a saddle and perfect balance help a horse on a journey. When a horse is finishing at the end of a hard task, too much movement in the saddle (sometimes erroneously described as a vigorous finish) is apt to unbalance a horse, or at the least will accentuate the weight on his back. Bert Ellis now ranks as one of the most capable all-round horsemen in New Zealand, and the description is only a wellearned commendation.

In chatting about the English Derby, a London writer says its history contains manv strange and romantic incidents and episodes. There is the perfectly true story of the servant, entrusted by Lord Berners with a letter scratching Phosphorus for the great Epsom race of 1837, conveniently forgetting to deliver the missive to the proper authority because he had £3OO to £lO about the horse, and wanted at least a run for his money. Phosphorus was supposed to have gone lame and his noble owner, dismissing the matter from his mind did not take the trouble to go to Epsom to see the race. He believed that his colt had been scratched in nccoidance with his instructions, and his surprise and delight were unbounded, when, on amvhis chib that evening, he was informed that Phosphorus had won. History docs not record what he ® a,d -. to t f’ S t "the senger, but we may take it that tne latter’s lapse from strict obedience was foi-

given. , To the uninitiated it may seem absurd (says an English writer) that 100.000 people could be suddenly dumb, but this is exactly what h. when Canterbury Pilgrim beat the late King Edward's Thais in 1896 Everybody on the Downs that day was fondly hoping for a repetition of the amazing scenes which greeted the victor on Persimmon in the Derby on the previous A \ ed,le ® da >> and when the Royal double failed to materialise there w as such absolute silence that one could have heard the proverbial pin drop. For many years there has been no ante-post wagering on the Oaks but in the ’eighties and early ’nineties betting for weeks before the race was fast and furious, such heavy gamblers as bir Frederick Johnstone, Jack Hammond the Dukes of Beaufort and Hamilton, Mr Stirling Crawford. Charles Brewer, and Capt. Machell delighting to have a real ' tilt at the ring.

After all we read as to various Melbourne bookmakers laying substantial sums against Coybeau for the Grand National Hurdle Race, it surprised many people to learn that his owner, Mr 1. M. Burke, did not trust him with a shilling. Mr Burke, who is not a heavy bettor at .anytime, would probably have backed Bombard for a little if he had started, but evidently- did not believe Coybeau could succeed.' Mr Burke has discovered that, even with a fair share of success, stake winnings do not cover the cost of owning a number of horses, but is satisfied v» ith the pleasure he has got out of racing and the many friends it has given him. It is good to know that there are owners who are not always keeping an eye on the £ s d side of racing. As a rule, even rich men go into it -with the idea that if they do not make money they will at least cover expenses, and failure to do so after a comparatively short trial has caused some to either drop out or reduce their operations to a minimum. In Australia's largest cities racing is not a sport with many owners or the public — it's a business, and a hard one, The two Donoghues—Steve and his son Pat — ro d e in the recent English Derby. Donoghue, sen., was on Lone Knight, and, at 11 to 1. that colt was fifth in demand. However, he finished sixteenth, whereas the 100 to 1 chance, Shiramonde, ridden by Donoghue, jun.. was twelfth. Steve Donoghue tipped Lone Knight to win. and English racegoers have such great belief in that rider at Epsom that his mount touched 9 to 1 at one stage of the betting on the day of the race. Lone Knight is owned by Lady Torrington, while other ladies with Derby runners were Airs Rich (Silverstead) and the Marchioness of Queensberry (Stampede). The last-mentioned owner purchased Stampede a few days prior to the race, and her feelings can be imagined when that filly- was beaten nearly a minute. Reverting to Steve Donoghue, a prominent London shop better, when discussing business on the Derby, said: “A remarkable feature of the race was the faithfulness of the public to their favourite Derby jockey—Steve. It is no exaggeration to say’ that since it was definitely announced that Donoghue would ride Lone Knight at least one-third of our clients backed his horse, and even those who bad backed others saved on it. Yet on the book, taking a line through Chantrey, Lone Knight never had a chance with Hot Night, and I venture to say that with any other jockey but Steve riding it would have started at an outside price.”

The Paris correspondent of the Horse and Hound (London) takes Mr Edgar Wallace (the well-known writer) to task for his arguments against the introduction of the totalisator in England. With absolute correctness the Paris scribe points out that the revenue from the totalisator has given patrons of French racecourses comfort unknown in England, and that the stakes are so large that they had induced many foreigners to invest enormous sums in bloodstock and

keep up huge stables and studs in France. He then refers to the absence in Frame of those runners, welshers. thieves, and tipsters, who infest English racecourses. Increased comfort would also mean larger attendances, and he expresses surprise at the small crowd he saw at quite- an important meeting in England in April. He was appalled at the stands, which he said would disgrace a country meeting in France. The French writer is of opinion that the totalisator, in conjunction with the bookmakers, would benefit English racing, provided it was not introduced merely lor the purpose of adding revenue to the Government Exchequer. That is where the trouble comes in—the English Government, as in New Zealand and the Australian States, where the machine is used, would probably wish to take too large a percentage from investments, and return nothing to racing.

“ One may decry fashion.” writes Wallace Kelk in the Thoroughbred Record (Lexington), “but one cannot deny the success which has resulted from the fashionable Bend Or —Galopin cross. (I refer to the line, and not the individuals.) This, of course, rather upsets the theory that the mating of prepotent sires with mares from sires of a like, nature is not likely to be productive of good results. However this may be, there is no gainsaying the fact that the great sires of the Bend Or line owe not a little of their prestige to the Galopin line mares. One must not overlook either that the Bend Or line was given a most useful hoist by the advent of Orme, by Ormonde, out of Angelica (own sister to St. Simon), from the loins of whom came Flying Fox (Triple Crown winner). Orby, and Topiary, dam of Tracery. The best sons of Orby in Great Britain. Grand Parade, Orpheus, Flying Orb, and The Boss, in addition to making racing history-, also bid fair to strengthen their line. It is remarkable, too, how well this clan has done when mated with mares carrying Galopin blood, thus exemplifying to a certain extent the theory of returning the" best blood in sire and dam. A case in point is Donnetta, and those of her offspring whom I nave come to term her Three D’s—Diadem Diaduinenos. and Dioplion bred by Lord D’Abernon.”

In the ’seventies the late Air Andy Anderson, one of the biggest ready-money bookmakers of his time, went over to France and purchased a 1 ari-Alutuel machine for £5O. He brought it ovei to England, and for some time, more or less unknown to 'the authorities, worked it with great success. But one fine day’ (says an English paper) while the redoubtable Andy was making his way from the railway' station to Newmarket Heath with the machine being wheeled on a truck behind him, he had the misfortune to be passing the Jockey Club rooms when Admiral Rous was standing “ Here,” shouted the admiral. “ wnat is that you have got there? ’ “Oh, its only an old organ, admiral —you know what I mean.” “ No, sir, I do not know vvhat y’ou mean.” snorted the dictatorial old tar. “ Let’s have a look at the d —— tiling.” A'ainly did poor Andy explain to the admiral how fairly’ the machine worked; the admiral would have none of it, and eventually it was ignominously packed off to the station, and Newmarket Heath saw it no more. It may be slightlyinteresting to recall that 50 years ago the Government of the day proclaimed the Pari-Alutuel system of betting illegal, and that Andy Anderson himself went to prison for a month for trying to work the machine at the Liverpool November meeting.

When Revo d'Or won the Oaks for the Duke of Beaufort in 1887 the commission was very cleverly worked by George Reynolds and the late Teddy Simpson, who died last year. The Duke's filly’ had won the “ Ladies’ ” Guineas so easily’ that the connections realised that they’ would have some difficulty in getting much money on her for the Oaks. Some days before the race the top offer was 6 to 4, and the club layers were not at all anxious to let themselves go. Simpson was dining at the Victoria Club on the eve of the Oaks, when he received a wire from Reynolds which read, “ Put on £1000.” He had hardly started his second course when another wire came: “ Aiake that £1500.” Telling the story afterwards. Simpson remarked: “Things were indeed getting warm, when I received a further telegram, which arrived with my’ coffee, saying, “ Aiake that £2000.” But Teddy got the money’ on all right, and at odds averaging 7 to 4. This is how he did it. Aleeting R. H. Fry’ on the stairs leading to the billiard room he casually’ inquired what price they’ were offering against Revo d'Or at the “ call-over,” and was told that the Duke’s filly was at “ evens.” “That's alisurd.” said Teddy. “So I think,” Fry marked. “Why, I’ll lay’ two ‘ monkeys.’” “You will; then I’ll take you,” Teddy’ said quite casually, “ and to a bit more if you like.” 1 believe Fry’ actually laid Simpson those

odds to £lOOO, and the commissioner, being too shrewd a man to spoil the

market, took a cab to the Beaufort Club, and successfully negotiated the rest of the commission without anybody being much the wiser. The next day Reynolds and Simpson helped themselves to all that was going begging in the ring, and a pretty’ substantial coup was brought off on a mare that was literally a stone certainty.