RACING.

Otago Witness, Issue 3830, 9 August 1927, Page 54

RACING.

FIXTURES. August 9, 11, 13—Grand National Meeting. August 20—Pukurangi Hunt Meeting. August 27—Taranaki Hunt Meeting. August 31—Marton Meeting. September I—Marton Meeting. September 8, 10—Wanganui Meeting. September 9—Egmont-Wanganui Hunt Meeting. September 10—Otago Hunt Meeting. September 14—Daunevirke Meeting. September 15—Daunevirke Hunt Meeting. September 24—Ashburton Meeting. September 24, 26—Napier Park Meeting. September 24. 26—Avondale Meeting. September 29, 30 —Geraldine Meeting. TALK OF THE DAY. By Sentinel. AN UNFAIR RULE. Ju A before the last mail to hand left England a prominent owner was fined £5O and severely reprimanded for failure to withdraw his horse from a race when it had not reached the course. It appears that the owner wired instructions to his trainer to send the horse to the meeting, but a reply stating that the horse could not be sent miscarried. It appears that a telegram containing the reply from the trainer was removed by some unauthorised person, and returned after being kept for some time. Meanwhile the owner weighed out a rider for his horse, who was posted as a starter. The owner pleaded ignorance when brought before the stewards, and said that he was under the impression that his horse was on the course and ready to run. The stewards took a serious view of the case, and. as mentioned above, severely reprimanded the owner in addition to inflicting a fine. The bookmakers had a real grievance over the matter, as the horse was well backed when listed as a starter, and in consequence laid longer odds against other horses. The bets made on the non-starter had to be cancelled, but all other bets were allowed to stand. A similar case ha» just occurred in Sydney, where a horse which was posted as a starter did not reach the course in time to run. Here again the bets were cancelled, whilst all the business on the rest of the field was allowed to stand. Such a ruling is distinctly unfair. A bookmaker will lay 2 to 1 against A, and, because he has done so, will then lay 3 to 1 against B, and 4 to 1 against- C, and so on. It is the presence of A in the field which creates the longer odds wagered against the other runners, as the money taken over the favourite reduces the risk incurred about any other horse. If for some reason or other the favourite does not take part in a race after being posted as a starter, then all bets should stand ; failing that every bet should be

cancelled. It is most unfair to compel the fielders to return the money an the favourite and then pay out at the false odds laid against the -rest of the field. Say, for instance, a fielder laid the odds to £IOO about the favourite. He would have to refund the money received and in addition pay out the false odds laid against the winner, because of the field money hold against the favourite. By no stretch of imagination could such treatment ,L>e termed fairplay, and yet it is the ride existing in both England and Australia. Anything m the way of rules which creates what might be termed false odds opens the door to fraud, and the only way to prevent it is to cancel all betting made under the above circumstances and allow the fielders to make a fresh book on the actual starters.

DICTATOR OF RACING. 'The Hon. R. F. Bollard has assumed the role of dictator of the New Zealand turf, and threatens to hold up all the permits in the Auckland district unless his commands are obeyed. Such a dictatorial attitude and interference with the control of racing is intolerable, and it is doubtful, if it came to a real test of strength, whether the Government would or could in fact afford to support a Minister of the Cabinet who goes beyond the bounds of his province in order to display misapplied authority. It is generally understood that the Minister of Internal Affairs controls the issue of racing and trotting permits, but there his duty and power ends. The control and management of both branches of sport has always rested, as it always should rest, with the Racing and Trotting Conference. The Government control of permits was established in order to place a desirable restriction on their use, and limit the number of racing and trotting meetings held in the country. Beyond that point the Government has no right to travel except by right of might. One could, of course, object to the Government showing an acceptable authority- in the case of some national trouble when it might be deemed necessary to stop or temporarily restrict the amount of racing. The domestic affairs of racing have always been entirely and satisfactorily under the control of the ruling authority appointed by members of the various clubs throughout the Dominion. It is true that a section of the members of Parliament did interfere on one occasion with the rules of racing when the seven stone minimum came into vogue, but there is little doubt that this was done more with the object of annoying a section of owners represented by the Racing Conference than with the idea of conferring any benefit on those whom the change might effect. Now Mr Bollard has donned the mantle of dictatorship, and, of course, found some followers who would enjoy a tilt at the Racing Conference, the rich owners, and rich racing clubs. Mr Bollard has climbed to the box seat, and it remains to be seen if he can steer the troublesome team over which he thinks he can crack a whip. The Government received £666.232 6s 3d in taxation on racing and trotting during the season of 1925-26, and during the same period railway revenue solely derived from the existence of racing would amount to many thousands of pounds. This revenue is derived from the pleasure of the people whilst indulging in a national pastime under excellent control. Mr Bollard is a servant of the people, and not likely to be tolerated as a self-appointed dictator, and he would be wise to ponder deeply the matter before seriously interfering with the pleasure of his masters. The world has travelled beyond the age of despots, and Air Bollard’s action is tantamount to the dismissal of the Racing Conference, and an entire assumption of Governmental control of racing. How would the Government like to be presented with the entire cost and control of racing and the many ramifications which it represents? Instead of working in that direction it shoul' be content with the very easy and -ery substantial amount of revenue which it annually receives, and. if possible, diplomatically leave the control of sport to those who have made it what it is and who hold its real interests at heart.

GRAND NATIONAL MEETING. The weather seems to set fair for the Grand National meeting, and unless a change takes place the going at Riccarton will be quite firm and in splendid order for the rest of the coming week. At the present time Beau Cavalier, and Maunga are the ruling favourites for the Grand National Steeplechase, and Kawini, Peter Maxwell, and Tuki have also a strong following, whilst Charlatan has been growing in favour. Beau Cavalier jumps a bit big, and the fact may help to find him out at the end of three and a-half miles over Riccarton country. He looks in excellent order for the battle. Kawini has been doing satisfactory work since his arrival at Riccarton. and so has Tuki, but Charlatan seemed to beat him in a gallop on Saturday morning. Maunga is an excellent stayer, and as he has shown ability to cover the Riccarton fences, must hold a great chance. Peter Maxwell won very well last year, but on paper Charlatan holds-an excellent chance of turning the tables on him. and also Kawini, who led the Winkie gelding home in last year’s race. Charlatan meets Petcr Maxwell on 171 b and Kawini on 231 b better terms, and he should beat them at the weights. At the present time it appears as if Beau Cavalier and Maunga will dispute favouritism with Charlatan going out as the most likely horse in the field to upset things. The Winter Cup is generally regarded as a fairly open race, with Magna Charta and Whenanui most in demand. Magna Charta is a bit doubtful at the barrier. Others fancied are Assurance. Chiekwlieat. and Tresham. The betting may show Magna’Charta and Chickwheat as the popular picks, whilst two of the best lightweights may be Peho and Gold Mint. The Babe and Gay Jim will prob-

ably be the popular selections for the Hunters’ Hurdles, and Royal Fashion next. Aberfeldy may start favourite for the Trial Hurdles, and a similar honour may go to the coupled pair Money Peer and Wreath of Myrtle in the Cashmere Plate, in which Prince Paladin may also find Support. Bonena should give a good account of himself in the Jumpers’ Flat, and so should Perle de Leon. Nukumai has the steadier of 12.12, and it would be a popular win if he succeeded under such a weight. Osterman and Sir Wai will have a good following in the Enfield Steeples. Kalos and Rowley are sure to be selected for the Avonhead Handicap, and others that may give a good account of themselves are Master Clarence and Royal Head. Aberfeldy should improve his form over hurdles as a result of recent experience, which should help to give him further confidence in his jumping.

ROYAL ASCOT. Aly first appearance at Ascot will be indelibly imprinted upon my memory for all time (says Alajor Cox), inasmuch as 1 there and then suffered thrills of anticipation and apprehension such as brought me to the verge of a neurasthenic collapse. It was this way: At the time in question I was a callow youth, not long “ down ” from Trinity College, -Cambridge, where I had been more in evidence on .he river than the racecourse: though I laid indulged in a few surreptitious visits to Newmarket, where, by the way, I backed my first winner, a gallant steed belonging to the then Duke of Devonshire, Lemnos by name. Its price was 6to 1. Unfortunately the benevolent looking penciller who obliged me by accepting my sovereign seemed to have had an engagement elsewhere when I went to collect iny dues. To hark back to Ascot. The operations which I indulged in .lining the first two days’ racing had mt panned out as satisfactorily as I had anticipated. Not to put too fine a point upon my misfortunes and unprofitable investments, I had dissipated an amount the figure of which exceeded that of the annual parental allowance. I was in despair: but bethinking me of a casual introduction to a certain powerful and exceedingly astute magnate of the turf which had been vouchsafed me, I sought out His Nibs and implored him to put me on to “ the absolute goods,” so that a desperate plunge might perchance restore my financial stability. The great man demurred at first; but when my tale of woe had been fully disclosed he sari:

“ Look here, young feller, I have no right to encourage you nj gambling, but you seem to be thoroughly tangled up. If you are determined to do or dier, go and lay odds on St. Simon for the Cup.” This was on the Ihursday. ’faking my courage in my two hands, I approached a leading bookie, with whom I had been squandering my nimble sovereigns. “What can 1 lay you St. Simon?’’ I asked. “Take loii 7 to 4, sir.” “ Right. Book me £7()‘ to £40.” “Seventy to forty, Air 11. C.l” (without a change of countenance). “ Alake it £7OO to £400!” " Seven hundred to four in pounds. Air H. C.” (still plate-faced). Then came the awful waiting and anxiety, which did not relax until the gallant representative of the Duke of Portland had cantered past the winning post with any amount in hand and the " all right” hail been hoisted. That is why I am inclined to rate St. Simon as the “ best horse ever,’ though when I saw Ormonde, by that time a confirmed and blatant roarer, wear down the great Alinting in that memorable Hardwicke Stakes struggle, 1

began to wonder. 1 believe that Darling always was good to maintain that Hurry On would have had the beating of either St. Simon or Ormonde if it had been possible to resurrect the two last-named and bring the three together. Truly there is much virtue in an “if!” Another thrill, which went all wrong, and thus utterly disturbed my composure, came my way in 1886. I had come to the conclusion that the late Sir J. Blundell Maple’s Le Caissier was a “ cinch ” for the Hunt Cup, and wagered accordingly. I feared Despair, and thought of saving on that cantankerous creature; but finally decided to leave him out of my calculations, having regard to his temperamental peculiarities. Sure enough, when it looked any odds on my “ selected’s ” number going up, Despair, coming up on the outside, deliberately swerved on to his rival, forced him on to the rails, and squeezed his own ugly head first past the post. An objection to the winner seemed inevitable, and it was forthcoming all right. Long odds were laid on Le Caissier being awarded the race, but, lo and behold! for some inexplicable reason, the objection was overruled, although the side-stepping of the roguish Despair was obvious to all —even to the merest tyro in racing observation. When Despair had passed the post 1 was so scandalised that, instead of hedging as I should have done, I actually laid odds on, the objection being sustained, as a sort of interest on my original investment on Le Caissier. It has been my lot only too often to see my particular and wellsupported "fancy” monTcntarily triumphant, only to endure the chagrin of its subsequent disqualification. But occasionally the luck has been on my side, as witness that great struggle for' the Ascot Gold Cup in 1908. That wonderful weightcarrier and bulldog fighter, The White Knight, had proved victorious the previous year. I was confident that he would repeat the peri or mance on the occasion toward, so signified my belief to do so in the usual manner. 1 did not in the least underrate the chance of the Frenchman. Eider 11. I knew him to be a horse possessed of stamina and finishing speed, of a high order, so I was not surprised when he and The Knight singled themselves out and indulged in a rare set-to. They approached El Dorado locked together. As the post was reached Eider’s muzzle caught the eye of Judge Robinson before that of our British representative. Undoubtedly the two champions were running very close together in the rails and under the judge’s box, but. personally, I was surprised when the rider of The Knight lodged an objection for “ bumping and boring,” for, although watching the issue with the keenest concentration, and being particularly well placed to view the exact finish, I confess that I failed to see any reason for such an objection. Ne» ertheless, it was upheld, and The White Knight was hailed the winner for the second year in succession. Well, “it’s an ill wind which blows nobody any good ”1 C'ertaiulv the disqualification of the unfortunate Eider was a godsend to me!

A LOB-SIDED 'TRIBUNAL. The members of the Racing Conference recently declined to allow any person or club in the case of an appeal against the decision of a club or district committee to be represented by a barrister or solicitor. A motion in favour of the right to have legal representation was lost bv a vote (on a bare majority) of 17 to 23,' but the numerical opinion on the matter is completely outside the writer’s idea of the question. The point at issue consists in the fact that an owner, trainer or rider cannot, in the case of an appeal, have the personal support of any person deemed capable to hold sufficient ability and qualification to state a case on their behalf. Such a state of affairs is, in the writer’s mind, repugnant to the spirit of fairplay, and’ the last thing that should be. allowed to exist in the sporting world. There is no suggestion, not the faintest in the world, that any case presented for hearing in the way of a final appeal is not fairly and squarely heard and decided on its merits and to the best of the ability of those sitting in justice on the question. So much is readily and freely granted. Those accepting the position of judges are men who sit in justice with the whole-hearted welfare of sport as their guiding spirit. Still, the indisputable fact remains that an appeal court appointed by the committee of the Racing Conference represents a very lop-sided tribunal. In order to gather a positive opinion in that direction one has to only recall the names of gentlemen who have sat as judges in a court of appeal appointed by the Racing Conference Committee. According to official records such very high legal luminaries as Sir Charles Skerrett and Air F. Earl. K.C., have occupied the “Woolsack” in the racing world, and with all due respect to our turf authorities it seems very unfair to have men of such mental calibre sitting in justice on others who are what one might term in comparison totally untrained in presenting a case where their honour and livelihood may be at stake. Such a state of affairs is obviously the antithesis of sport and fairplay. The gentlemen may, in part, representing a judicial bench appointed under the Rules of Racing, be the brightest stars in the legal world, but yet, when it comes to the fine points of racing, be in comparison the greatest dunces that ever donned wig and gown. This by any stretch of imagination cannot he considered a satisfactory state of affairs, but one does not require to remain in the racing world to recognise such an important fact—it is made obvious on occasions when questions of common law crop up in the legally appointed halls of justice. Everyone knows that absolute innocence may look guilty in some eyes, and this has special application in the racing world, where even the legal mind may fail lo distinguish between right and wrong. If such a state of affairs is even remotely possible, surely it is against all the spirit of sportsmanship and every idea of fairplay that “ brains ” should sit in justice against “ ignorance.” There is no necessity to labour the fact that the judges are wholly and solely imbued with the idea that they are sitting in order io deal out fairplay and justice, but still the fact remains that they constitute all the weightv and dominating part of a lop-sided tribunal. Even the legal mind may at times be forced to recognise that a badly presented case does not, to say the least, receive all the justice to which it would be entitled If 1 hoard on adequately stated facts. Picture on

the one hand some of the legal leading lights in the country; on the other, nobody in comparison. Such a state of affairs obviously constitutes a lop-sided tribunal, and yet it has been going on for years, and only recently the members of the Ra’cimr Conference have decided that it is to continue.

TALES OF THE TURF. In spite of the stupid Betting Duty Act, one of the most foolish examples of hasty and ill-considered legislation that has ever been imposed on Great Britain, a lot of money changed hands over the recent Derby. Betting is in the very bones of the British people. The Chancellor of the Exchequer notwithstanding, they will continue to bet, and the majority who do so will not pay a percentage of their stakes to the Government. They regard a bet as a domestic matter into which the State has no right to pry. It is not my intention (says a writer in Sporting Life) to write on the shortcomings of the Winston Churchill Act, but rather to call attention to some of the queer wagers of our ancestors. Horace Walpole relates that on a very hot day a member of White’s Club was seized on entering the hall with sudden illness, and fell to the floor apparently dead. Several who were present at once began to wager as to whether he was dead or had only fainted. A doctor was sent for, and lie made preparations to bleed the man, whereupon those who had wagered that he was dead objected on the ground that to attempt to restore the man would be most unfair. Walpole does not record the actual result of the dispute, but we may assume that there was only a faint. Lord Brougham when a youngster was at Dumfries, and at a Caledonian Hunt dinner everybody was betting. Brougham offered to wager £5O that no member of the company would write down the kind of conveyance in which he would go to the races next day. The bet was accepted. and everybody scribbled down something, but no one was right. Brougham was carried there in a sedan chair, and collected his winnings. He then offered to bet the same amount Hint no one would write down the name of the vehicle in which he would return. Again the offer was accepted in several quarters, and the most ingenious guesses were made, but once more Brougham won, as he returned in a chaise and pair, and this simple means of travelling had been dismissed by his acceptors as being too ordinary to mention. Gambling was extensively carried on in Brooke's, and Fox. the statesman, lost and won enormous sums at faro and macao. It was at Brooke’s that Beau Brummel in one night won £20,000 from Air Drummond, the banker. At the Cocoa, another famous gambling resort, the records club show that on one occasion a single throw meant the winning or the losing of £lBO,OOO. When George IA r was Prince Regent he lent his countenance to the swell gambling houses, and he was practically the founder of Watier’s, Watier having been his servant, and he started in business under the direct patronage of his former royal employer. It was Crockford’s, however, where the heaviest gambling was to be found, and the most extraordinary wagers were made. These would fill a book. The owner made a profit of over £2,000,000 sterling in 30 years, and although he subsequently got lid of a large portion of this he died worth £500,000. General Scott, one of his patrons, made no secret of the fact that he had won £200,000, chiefly from the Duke of Portland and George Canning. When Ellington won. the Derby in 1856 Thomas Dawson, its trainee, was so confident of success that he had backed the horse to win £25,000. A few days before the great event Ellington was 'defeated, and it was then too late to hedge foi the large sum for which owner and trainer had backed it. What happened is racing history. Ellington started at 20 to 1, and won by a length from Birdcatcher. The sequel is interesting. Dawson was duly paid his winnings on the following Monday, and he packed away his £25,000 in an old leather hat case, which he had to fasten with, a piece of string, as the lock was broken. When his train' arrived at Northallerton he ha to change, and as he was asleep, and had to be wakened by the guard, he forgot about his wealth. The old-hat case went in the train to Newcastle, Edinburgh. and finally to Aberdeen, where it was discovered. In the meantime Dawson made no fuss about it, but casually inquired for it, and in due time it was returned to him.

IN A NUTSHELL.

Prime Paladin is a horse worthy of note. Our friend Footfall is coming back into racing trim. Grand National galloped very well on Saturday morning. Peneus looks well at present, and rs moving freely in his work. Royalform has a heap of friends for the Grand National Hurdles. Alaster Clarence is regarded as one of the most likely horses in training. Aberfeldy is regarded as one of the most promising hurdlers in commission; Solferite is being picked out by a.j northern critic, not lacking in judgment, to win soon. Pearle De Txion is fancied in some quarters to make good as a hurdler in the near future. Tuki will saddle up one of the fittest horses sent out to run in the Grand National Steeplechase. Investments on Aloney Order may l» lost in the meantime, but if all goes well they will come back with good interest.’ C. Emerson has packed up his troubles and left on a /.oliday trip to Australia where he will not be in search of mounts. It is a matter of regret that Crown Coin met with a mishap on the eve of the meeting, and was in consequence strueK out-, of all engagements. Kawini has been one of the un« luckiest horses ever raced over hurdl® and fences in New Zealand. He shake off his “hoodoo” this week. The Egypt filly Hathor went amiss after arrival at Riccarton. and her ea» gagements at the Grand National meeting had to be cancelled.

Wingatui is winning a bad reputation as a place to train horses during the winter months. The only remedy seems to be a winter track.

Gold Mint looks a much improved horse. He is a bit slow at the barrier rise, and if he has improved in .that respect should soon rejoin the ranks of winners. Wharncliffe and Perle De Leon will be strong fancies for the Grand National Hurdles, in which Bonena is also sure of support. The Derby winner Call Boy has been sold at £60.000. We are exceeding King Richard's offer of “A horse, a horse, my Kingdom for a horse.” Some good judges think that Grand National is a better horse than he appears on the surface. He will be aptly named if he scores this week.

Kipling is reported to lie a doubtful starter in the Grand National Steeplechase. When there are so many doubtful fencers about a good jumper should get a run.

Frenchman is a better horse than some suerficial observers seem to think. Horses make mistakes, and should never be judged on their worst form.

Arpent was cry lucky in the draw for position at the barrier during the Wellington winter meeting. He may do better at Riccarton. The North Island horseman J. Barry met with an accident when riding a young horse recently, and is in consequence confined to bed. Chickwheat seems to have too much accent on the first part of his name. If he does not race with more resolution some of his relatives would be well named as Canaryseed. We will soon have to concentrate our attention on the Otago Hunt Club’s meeting, which takes place on September 10. and is so very near us on the calendar.

Two placed performances in the Grand National Hurdles, followed by winning experience over fences, marks Alaunga as a very dangerous candidate in the Grand National Steeplechase. Scoff is tapped in the wind, and his brilliant sprints on the track are apt to be misleading unless one remembers that when the gas is out of the balloon a journey comes to a quick end. Bonena was unlucky to miss winning honours in the Birthday Handicap, and such credentials on the flat should not be overlooked when summing up his chance as a hurdler.

It is rather interesting to note that an unusual incident occurred recently at Canterbury Park, where a horse figured as a starter on the number board, although not on the course. It may be worthy of note that Prince Paladin is a half-brother to Nones and Menelaus. He is the first colt produced by Lovelorn since she threw Menelaus in 1913.

France, as elsewhere, has its forgetful backers, the uncollected dividends for 1926 totalling about £BOOO. This was divided between the charities and the junior employees of the pari-mutuel staff.

Vice-Grand is - winner over country, but the fact has been misleading to some of the northern critics. Vice-Admiral has too much “ condition ” near his fetlocks to qualify as a good winner over a long course.

There is an old saying, and a very true one. “ Let the cobbler stick to his last.” Let the Minister of Internal Affairs stick to politics and not poke his finger into racing, and so win the title of the “ Minister of Interference.” As there seemed to be a very remote hope of getting horses fit for early engagements rf kept at Wingatui. S. G. Ware has shifted his team to Timaru. C. Gieceler may follow suit after the Grand National meeting. Scamp is a better ’chaser than what he appeared to be when racing at the Wellington winter meeting. A mishap has put him out of action, and a compulsory spell will take place before he again appears in public. “ The King can do wrong,” and hence

ho matter how the Minister of Internal Affairs may blunder into “ affairs ” which should be solely left to the Racing Conference, someone is sure to pat him on the back.

Magna Charta is* a doubtful proposition at tiie barrier, but when he does “ sign on ” to race is some horse. The King John gelding is aptly named, but the nomenclature causes a degree of obstinacy, which is also implied ad deserved.

’There will, in all probability, be a tug-of-war between the Minister of Internal 1 Affairs and the Racing Conference over the allotment of dates in collection with Waikato Racing Chib and the Waikato Hunt Chib's fixtures. J. T. Humphries who will have the mount on Tuki in the Grand National Steeplechase, won the Grand National Hurdles on Hylaus in 1920. Humphries has long been recognised as one of the best all-round riders in New Zealand. J. R. Kaan, who won the Grand National Hurdles on Lochson, is amongst the visitors to Riccarton. He has never made a complete recovery from the result of his fall from Charlatan when riding him two years ago at Timaru. Isla Bank is a great jumper, but a horse inclined to jump the moon, and hence finds Riccarton country difficult. Riccarton is a country where those who last longest slide oyer their fences instead of clearing them with too much daylight to spare. Sportsmen whose colours arc carried by broken-down and patehed-up horses are on the wrong track. This fact is called to mind by reading that a prominent man has purchased a horse whose chance of a win can only be regarded as a forlorn hope.

Te Kawa is being picked out as likely to reproduce form over hurdles. It will be remembered that he won the Open Hurdles run at the Christchurch Hunt two years ago, and then after winning the Trial Hurdles under the very severe penalty of 151 b. led the Grand National Hurdles field into the straight. They say that St. Paul’s Cathedral can be seen from the roof of the new grand stand at Epsom. Let us think. Are they praying or preying at Epsom

over the result of the Derby? Fancy such a news item coming all the way to New Zealand to get such a twist. No fewer than three ladies saddled up horses at the Christchurch Hunt meeting. One does not wish to be ungallant, but horse training seems to be wholely and solely a man’s job. For instance, there are certain things connected with horse training that could not be mentioned in a drawing room conversation. In France last year about 1,600,000,000 francs went through the totalisator, and that, at the present rate of exchange, -would represent about £12,800,000. Betting at meetings outside the Paris district is not heavy, as of that amount only about £1,536,000 was invested at provincial fixtures.

The Christchurch Hunt Crib's meeting, held at Riccarton, proved to be, instead of a pleasant curtain-raiser to the Grand National meeting, disastrous to both riders and horses. Some of the principal rideis were knocked out by falls which may keep them out of the saddle for most important engagements this week, and some horses also cracked up. The old racegoer died. And as soon as he got to the Other Side he found himself in a silver ring, with the horses lining un. “ Put all you’ve got on Black Kimono,” somebody, whispered to him. He did—and Black Kimono romped home easily—at 1000 to 1. Eagerly he went to collect his pile. But bookmaker, horses, and even the course had vanished. Then did he realise which place he had landed in.

Mr “ Bill ” Crossah is at one and the same time one of the best and unluckiest sportsmen in the world. There seems to be some silver forcing its way through the dark cloud, because he has now two particularly line, well-grown, and shapely yearlings. One is a chestnut colt by Chief Ruler and the other is a racy-looking bay filly by the same sire. The colt is from Finlen and the filly from Parable. It is sometimes claimed that hunt meetings are a “ feeder ” to race meetings. Sometimes things are just the opposite. Horses that arc failures at racing are converted into hunters, and may then “ come back.” Kileannich, who won a point-to-point the other day, is a well-bred hunter, as he was got by Kilbroney from a sister to the dam of Reremoana, one of the best gallopers in the country.

In the Lexington Thoroughbred Record Australian trainers are championed by “ Roamer.” Discussing the improvement of some English horses after their arrival in Australia, tl.c writer quoted says it was probably due to their being better trained. In support of this idea, he points to the success of Australian trainers in England, and then continues: “There was a British trainer over here several years ago, lie was accounted a first-class man in his profession in his own country—frankly, I did not consider him qualified to train a flea to jump. If he were a fair sample of the rest of the British trainers, all I have to say is, if Scobie, O’Neil, Mason, etc., ever landed in England with horses of the calibre of Manfred, Spearfelt, oi' Gloaming, they would sweep the racing decks in the l ight little;'tight little Isle.” The above is flattering to Australians, but there arc plenty of firsit-class English trainers, and Richard Wootton, E. de Mestre, and other Australians who are qualified to give an opinion readily concede this fact.

Prior to the Wellington Steeplechase of 1925 the writer could have sold Pamplona to a Sydney owner for anything up to £2OOO, but Mr L. C. Hazlett declined to sell. Mr Hazlett then held the opinion that Pamplona would win the Wellington Steeplechase and Grand National Steeplechase, but the Pallas gelding won neither, and, in fact, has done nothing worth while in the meantime. That is the luck of things. Pamplona was then regarded as the best ’chaser in Australasia. There was apparently the Wellington Steeplechase and the Grand National Steeplechase at his mercy, and there has been no horse seen out in the writer's opinion since Moifaa’s day more well worth taking Home for the Grand Steeplechase than' Pamplona. Th fact remains that he unluckily suffered defeat by a narrow margin in the Wellington Steeplechase, and when schooling prior to _the Grand National Steeplechase, met with a mishap which prevented him from starting in the race. Everything ended in, as they say, nothing. Some few weeks before the Wellington winter meeting a proininent and wealthy sportsman was on a visit to Dunedin, and the writer had a wide margin to buy Pamplona on his behalf, but Mr L. (j Hazlett proved to be just as anxious to own a good horse as any other man. Now Pamplona is non est.

In the statement of Martian’s stud career the winnings of his descendants up to last season were assessed by a Canterbury writer at £271,291, but that simply refers (says “ Phaeton ”) to the New Zealand- record. In a totalling of figures bearing on the winnings of progeny in Australia from the season of 1915-16 to the end of March last, I found the same ran out to £72,396, so that in adding those figures to the New Zealand record of the like period a grand total of over £350,000 is obtained, which gives Martian a long lead over every other stallion whose stud career was confined to the Couthern Hemisphere so far as prize-money ..as concerned. The following figures may be regarded approximately as the amount won in stakes- by descendants of the sires mentioned: —

Martian (dead), by Martagon— £ Otterdcn, by Sheen (son of Hampton) 350,000 Malster (dead), by Bill of Portland—Barley, by Barcaldine (son of polon) 280,424 The Welkin (dead), by Flying Fox —Woodbury, bv Crowberry . . 278,31S Comedy King, by Persimmon— Tragedy Queen, by Gallinule (son of Isonomy) 265,000 Linacre, by Wolf’s Crag—Lisinaine, by Isinglass (son of Isonomy) 264,000 Absurd, by Sundridge—Absurdity, by Melton (son of Master Kildare) 250,000 Wallace (dead), by Carbine—Melodious, by Goldsbreugh (son of Fireworks) 246,145 Pistol, by Carbine—Wenonah, by Galopin (son of Vedette) 219,500