RACING.

Otago Witness, Issue 3832, 23 August 1927, Page 56

RACING.

FIXTURES. August 27—Taranaki Hunt Meeting. August 31—Marton Meeting. September I—Marton Meeting. September S, 10—Wanganui Meeting. September 9 —Egmont-Wanganui Hunt Meeting. September 10—Otago Hunt Meeting. September 14 —Dannevirke Meeting. September 15 —Dannevirke 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 ANTIQUATED RULE. During- the Grand National meeting it struck the writer that there is something radically wrong with the 9.0 minimum when it is instrumental in making a young three-year-old carry burdens in the neighbourhood of 10.0 or more in heavy going. Some of these three-year-olds may not ue actually that age, and, of course, the younger they are the more objectionable is a rule which compels them to carry unreasonably heavy burdens. In fact, any rule which brings about such a "very undesirable state of affairs should be wiped out or at least have the weight altered to a more common-sense figure. The object of the 9.0 minimum is to enable jockeys to go to scale during the winter months without the necessity of wasting, but this could be achieved without a rule which compels handicappers to convert a young thoroughbred into a packhorse. The same remark applies with equal force to older horses. Nukumai had to carry 12.12 in one race at Riccarton, and in another was handicapped at 10.13. and give 151 b to Assurance, who was capable of carrving 9.9 into a place in the Winter Cup. ‘ It was also noticeable that one race under the 9.0 minimum was quite enough for some of the horses at the meeting. _ There is not any objection to a 9.0 minimum in a hurdle race or steeplechase, because it provides every chance of a horse having a good, strong rider in the most trying tasks that ran be tackled on a racecourse. In the Longbcaoh Handicap Royal Lineage 9.13 Satrap 9.12. and Prince Paladin 9.8 were included in the field, and it may be quite safe to say that not one of them was actually three years old on the dav of the race. Several other “three-year-olds” were also engaged m the same race. Racine under such conditions at the outset of their career is by no means calculated to improve the courage of a young horse which common sense s ays should be treated as lightly as possible, instead of being treated as a

mere beast of burden. To lend emphasis to ttiat opinion it may be stated that under the weight-for-age scale the highest weight carried by a three-year-old in August is 7.13, and less than that in races over a greater distance than six furlongs. This alone is sufficient ground for suggesting that we should abandon the 9.0 minimum, and if it is not to be wiped out altogether it should be altered to 8.0. The 9.0 minimum threatened to cripple the Dunedin winter meeting at one time, and the rules were stretched so that the horses could run under the ordinary scale of weights. It would not be surprising to find it stretched still further when it is noticed that at the Auckland winter meeting held last season the first two days were inn under an 8.0 minimum, and the third under a 9.0 minimum. This is surely a case of a cast-iron adherence to a most unsatisfactory rule. There are very few meetings effected by the increased minimum, but even so it is time that an alteration was made. It was remarked in a previous note on the matter that the rules increased a horse's burden when the general conditions of the tracks made them .least able to carry it. It can be claimed that the 9.0 minimum does far more harm than good, and that, in fact, it is an antiquated idea t-hnt should have been abandoned long ago. When it is dropped we shall see a better class of horse figuring in such races as the Winter Cup) and owners will have less objection to racing young three-year-olds in the first couple of weeks in August or horses practically that age at.Trentham in July. Anyone who devotes any thought to the matter would soon be convinced that there is much to gain and nothing to lose by abandoning the 9.0 minimum.

THE PRIVILEGE QUESTION. The sins of the fathers are often visited on the sons. There is no doubt that at one time the Canterbury Jockey Club was not by any means the most popular sporting body- in the Dominion. In fact, it was often damned as the most unpopularclub in the country. The reason was not difficult to find. People who, on some flimsy pretext or other, could obtain complimentary tickets from some clubs, found that it was a case of pay or stay away when they came to Riccarton. Ladies’ tickets, which can be obtained by the handful from some clubs, are not distributed so freely for the Riccarton meetings, and consequently the popularity of the Canterbury Jockey Club’s Committee suffers by comparison. In much the same way the “deadhead” in the theatrical world is converted into a particularly harsh critic when it becomes compulsory to pay for admittance. It is generally those with the least right to consideration in the way of free tickets who make the most noise. It has got so bad, in fact, that free tickets are claimed and granted because the applicant is what is termed a good punter. In that case the free ticket is merely regarded as throwing a mackerel to catch a whale. A good punter may be said to pay many times over for his free ticket, and the clubs who scatter th f , ~p aper” fi . nd i<: a P a T in g Policy to establish what is really a false reputation for generosity. Still, there it is, and others who endeavour to conduct their meetings on legitimate business lines are described as “ poor sports.” The writer's experience of the Canterbury Jockey Club is that owners and others receive all the privileges they can reasonably expect. The liberality may suffer bj- comparison with that of other clubs which practically buy their popularity. It would be far‘more satisfactory if clubs adopted a uniform policy in regard to tickets of admittance, and had to adhere to it under a penalty. This would protect those who had ‘a legitimate claim, and bring others to realise that if they are fond of racin'* they should help to support it and not cheat it out of a legitimate source of revenue Some people will by hook or by crook endeavour to gain free admittance to a racecourse. For instance, the individual who declared to the gate-keeper that he was the “judge.” The gatekeeper retaliated by saying that he had already admitted six judges. “Well,” said the would be dead-head, “I'm the judge ot the seventh race.” Another of the same kidney endeavoured to convince a gatekeeper, by walking in backwards, tliat he was coming out. There is also the storv of the man who would not be allowed on a racecourse under any circumstances He arrived long before the first race, and when blocked at the gate and told that there was no room for him. said, “What full up all ready?” ’

AN “AMICABLE” SETTLEMENT. It is reported that there is a possibility of an amicable settlement being arrived at in connection with the trouble over the allotment of dates to the Waikato Racing Club and the Waikato Hunt Club. From all accounts the Vaikato Hunt Club will be allowed to race on Labour Dav. The settlement may be termed amicable, but the cold fact remains, however, that the Waikato Hunt Chib has practically and actually m effect, flouted the Racing Conference by pulling parliamentary strings. This a state of affairs painful °to tolerate, and must be extremely distasteful to all sportmen who, in duty bound, must support the Racing Conference in its efforts to control racing and maintain it at a? high a standard as possible To say the least, the Waikato Hunt Club comnutted a most unsportsmanlike action in obtaining by political influence what the Dates Committee, appointed by Racin'* Conference, deemed it its duty to re°fusc after a lengthy deliberation over the matter. The Dates Committee was acting in the general interests of racing, and the Waikato Hunt Club in a spirit of selfishness. The Minister of Internal Affairs made an obvious misuse of power when h c interfered in .any shape or form with the allotment of dates which have

always been unde;- the sole control of the Racing Conference. The Minister found support amongst politicians, but some of these gentlemen were, no doubt, more anxious to have a “ slap ” at the Racing Conference than to do justice in the right.-, or wrongs of the case. They undoubtedly supported the Minister in a most unwarrantable action. With the assistance totally derived from racing, the Waikato Hunt Club has sprung from nothing into a power than can sway Parliament and defy the Racing Conference. If it had to depend on subscriptions and “ the cap ” the Waikato Hunt Club would have a very hard struggle for existence, the same as others, except those who were fortunate in receiving handsome donations from racing clubs and the use of their racecourses. Now the tail can wag the dog. It is to be hoped that the unsportsmanlike lead given by the Waikato Hunt will not be adopted by any racing club, but on the contrary that they will loyally obey the governing body appointed by themselves.

THE TOTE IN VICTORIA. In referring to the possible legalisation of the totalizator in Victoria the Australasian said, in the latest issue to hand, that some people seem to be of the opinion that the introduction of .the totalizator in Victoria can be accomplished b.v simply waving a wand. They do not seem to realise that a large sum of money is necessary to install the machine, and that the money for the installation must come from the coffers of ,the racing clubs. If, for instance, the totalisator bill is passed by Parliament, the Victoria Racing Club' will face an expense of sometliing like £100,009 in installing the machine in the paddock, hill, and flat. Clubs like Caulfield, Moonee Valley, and Williamstown, which desire at all time to cater efficiently for their patrons, will each have to spend at least half that amount, and with such an expense before them stakes may have to be curtailed. This, in any circumstances, is not desirable. At Randwick when the totalisator was first introduced it was thought that the machine would assist in building up stakes, but as no less than 13 per cent, of the money Subscribed by backers on each race is deducted the totalisator, which cost the A.J.C. something like £125,000 to install, is rather “ a white elephant,” and it is likelv to be manv years before the A.J.C. is clear of the initial expense, io say nothing of the cost of maintenance. In New feouth tv ales the totalisator, in conjunction with he bookmakers, was appreciated by small betters, but the Government, not content to leave well alone, recently tinkered with the regulations that govern machine betting, In the hope, no doubt, that it would obain more revenue. The result is that investments have decreased. This is the trouble that may have to be met if the totalizator is introduced in Victoria Promises would possibly bo made to the racing clubs that the percentage deducted for nAr?°r eVn n eDt would a]lo ' v a margin of Profit for the race clubs, but once the machme was installed, and in working the -’n t’ 0 pOrc r entagc ma -V be increased al t e instance of any needv treasurer, and Uns. would be to the detriment of racin'* Bacmg and breeding are important industncs, employing many thousands of people and should not be overtaxed. There are aso some people who say that if the introduction of th e totalisator will prevent extra taxation on the whole of the tor mn but f -fb a™ \ et V S h T° the tA f l Ut Jbat is hardly the correct view to take, for if money is needed for tlm general benefit, then the general com rae?n' V °” lv Secti ™ '’ho go lacing should bear lh e burden.

THE LATE A. H. WILSON. Everyone who knew Arthur H. Wilson closer than ordinary acquaintanceship will greatly regret to hear of his death, which took place on Saturday last. The end was not unexpected, as he has been in a very poor state of health for some months Past. Arthur Wilson was a well-known nder. who did most of his riding in the bouth Island, although he won the Auckland Easter on Roseday. He also won '■v Dunedin Cup on the same horse, but the Solfcrino gelding let him down’very badly in the New Zealand Cup. The stable had Roseday backed to win a big parcel, and the Solferino gelding was well •placed and going well in behind two leaders about three furlongs from home when two more of the field drew up

on the outside. Roseday did not make an immediate response when hit on the shoulder to wake him up and keep out of a threatened pocket. The result was that he got jammed on the rails, and by the time the home turn was reached, nearly everything in the race had passed him before an opening occurred. Roseday then put in a great run that again suffered interference, and finally had t o be content with third place instead of bringing off what should have been one of the greatest certainties ever saddled for the race. Roseday subsequently x )rove d himself one of the best. Arthur Wilson was never a robust-look-ing man, but he really belied his looks in "regard to strength. A couple of falls in the early part of his riding career did him a considerable amount of damage, and it is due io one he received some years ago that his enfeebled health originated. ami terminated with a fatal illness.

5 A STEVE STORY. Stephen Donoghue has many records to his credit, but there is one incident in his career which is unique. Steve is the only man in the world who ever went out big game shooting and brought down —a patent ointment ’ Seeing that I have already told how this great little jockey shot a wild goose in Ireland, and then lost it again because he couldn’t give it the coup de grace with the butt-end of his gun, I hope (says T. Reece, in the Sporting Life) he will forgive me for adding an account of this further hunting achievement. A few years ago Stephen decided to go out to India during the winter. I fancy that, although he had some engagements offered to him, he was really looking more for a rest and change than anything else. I was free of engagements myself, and so I accompanied "him, more or less as secretary, manager, and general aide-de-camp. It was a cheery voyage out, with plenty of deck games and a jolly crowd of fellow-passengers, with all of whom Donoghue was instantly popular. Several of the men going back to India wore widely travelled, and there were among them some notable big game shots. In the smoking room one evening the conversation turned upon “ shikar.” and the hunting of tigers, lions, elephants, and other great beasts in al] sort of dangerous regions up and down the world. A s one man finished the account of some thrilling adventure, another took up the tale, and Stephen was enthralled by their adventures. But a s the evening wore on I could see that he was almost bursting to chip in with some reminiscences of his own. I knew- that if it came to racing adventures Stephen had them all cold, but in big game hunting it seemed to me that discretion would be the better part of valour. And so I tried to signal to Stephen to curb his enthusiasm. But he was not to be denied. I here came a sudden lull in the conversation a sort of gap on the rails of reminiscence—and Stephen dashed in to win the race. hen I was in Africa,” he be°-an eagerly, “riding for Solly Joel. I went out shooting on the veldt mvself. And do you know, my very first ‘time out I shot a lovely Zambuk I” We laughed until we nearly cried. It was minutes before Donoghue couid make himself hoard a-min lie had turned a gorgeous pink, hut he was otherwise unperturbed, and as cheerful as ever.

THE TURF REGISTER. The New Zealand Turf Register for the season of 1926-27 has made a verv welcome appearance, and will, as usual) furnish an easy method of refreshing the memory of sportsmen with the form which helps to guide them along the richt path during the coming racing vear The book contains full reports of all the racenieetings "which took place during the past season; it also furnishes a list of entries tor coming events, bloodstock sales, racing statistics, racing fixtures, Australasian and New Zealand race records, and the Rules of Racing. There is also a list ot all the past winners of important races, a list of registered colours, a jockeys directory, and other information ot a useful and instructive nature. The book is, as usual, got up in attractive style, and published by the Christchurch 1 ress Company. A THANKLESS POSITION. So long as human nature remains what it is, so long as there is money to be won on the turf, and so long as there are sportsmen willing to back their opinion, stewards or their equivalent will be necessary to act in a judicial capacity to see tairplay. Instead of girding at them charging them with incapacity, or worse and generally making their task more uitncult than it must of necessity be. it seems to me that all who profess a love ot sport should support those who put theniselves at the services of the public Mistakes are made, but I venture to sav (sa.vs an English writer) that they are genuine mistakes for the most part, and not inspired by bad motives, vet we continually hear stewards attacked for supineness by the very same people who take them to task when they disqualify a horse or suspend a jockey or deprive a trainer of his license. It seems, in fact, that stewards are in some people’s eves very like a government—they cannot‘do light. The very fact that an appeal is possible proves conclusively the existence i l \°L n ® sst endeavour to do justice. It should be part of a sportsman’s creed to lose gracefully as well as to win without undue exultation, but it is to be feared that most ot the attacks on authority aie inspired by financial consideration on the one hand or an unreasoning prejudice against. those in office by persons whose dutj’ it is. or should be. to hold the scales fairly between the opposing interests. It is agreed that any man who acts in a judicial capacity when he has a personal interest in the case places himself in an invidious position, but that is not to say that he will necessarily give a decision in support of his own pocket. Rather it is likely that to avoid all possibility of such a charge being levelled against him he will take the other view. His obvious course is to decline to act in such circumstances; but no doubt <i m<in of strong character is inclined to regard himself as able to judge impartially, despite all such influences. hence the frequent innuendoes directed against stewards of meetings of people whose own principles are probably not all that they should be. Truly the

late AV. S. Gilbert, if he had been a racing man, would have added the steward to the policeman when he described those whose lot was not a happy one.

SIRES OF THE SEASON. When we reach August, the first month of the racing season, there is also .stud matters to attract attention. Breeders are making their final selections in the way of stallions for their mares, whom they hope are now on the eve of presenting them with a potential champion. The Elderslie Stud is particularly rich in stallions, with Paper Money, Tea Tray, and Weathervane. They represent three different lines in tail male, and each was bred with infusions of the best strains that can be found in the Stud Book. Paper Money was really a highclass performer in England, and since taking up stud life proved hi s ability to get good winners. He is still only a young horse, whose stock did remarkably well in gathering over 28,000sovs during the past three seasons. Last season Paper Money had 33 winners of place money totalling £14,561, and it seems safe to predict that with Pink Note, Paperchase, Money Order, Overdrawn, John Bradbury, Circulation. Countersign, Receipt, and other likely sorts coming on the son of Greenback will jtgain do very well during the coming season. It should not be overlooked that he is a grandson of St. Frusquin, which has established itself as the dominant line of St. Simon on Eager, the sire of Gloaming’s dam. Tea Tray had a somewhat lean year last season, but he had very few representatives racing. With 13 winners cf place money his total came to £3726 10s. His first crop of two-year-olds created a record in capturing £6039 15s, and there is no reason for believing that such a remarkable source of speed is going to dry « P ’ a 1 1 ;lv ’ s a Balf-brother to Saucy Sue, who was the principal winner’in England in 1925, and claimed to be the best three-year-old of her year. He was got by that phenomenal horse The Tctrareh'. who has proved himself a great sire of speed as well as stamina in the shape of three winners of the St. Leger. Tea Tray is a particularly fine individual, and if he does not achieve great success at the stud then there is nothing in perfect conformation and pediirrce brimful of winning strains. The Elderslie Stud also shelters Weathervane, who won good races under King George's racing banner. He was got by the Derby winner T.eniberg, who cantured 44.69450 vs in stakes, and sired such as Lemenora (Grand Prix de Paris). Ellangowan. Progrom. and Soubriquet. Weathervane’s grand-dam is an own sister to Flying Fox, and on both sides of his pedigree he claims close relationship to many of the best performers seen out in England during recent years. If The Hawk had not been deprived of a chance to make goofl at the stud he would certainly command a great deal of patronage from owners of brood marcs. This fact calls fo mind that Anomaly was almost on a nar wit'h The Hawk when they met and ran a dead heat in the Jockey dub Handican of 1922. They cut out the mile in 1.38 4-5. Anomaly gave other proof of brilliance by winning twice as a two-year-old, and seven times as a three-vcar-old. Anomaly is a compactly-turned horse, and represents the Barcaldinc Marco hne which is doing so remarkably well in England with Hurry m, who got three Derby winners Tn Captain puttie, Coronach, and Call Bov. Anomalv s dam was got by Birkenhead, a son of Orme (sire of Flying Fox) from Links r (brother to Clanranald) from Sabre, by St. Gcorgn. a brother to Chester, •do won the Melbourne Cup and Nictoria Dcrl.v.

A GREAT TRAINER. T’he_ Manton training establishment was so:d in England a few weeks ago to tho Messi , J attcrsall, and at the end of this year Alec. Taylor drops out as a trainer. It is stated, however (says an exchange), that ho will act in an advisory capacity to *l. Lawson, who will take over the stithies. Lawson has been associated with the Taylors father and son, for 30 years. Patrons of the stable are Lord Astor. Ladv James Douglass, and Messrs W. M. Singer. A. R. Cox-, V M. Cazalet, Somerville Tattersall, and M. Callman. Lord Astor’s horses are to remain with Lawson, and it is probable the latter's patrons will include most of the ether owners mentioned Alec. Taylor has a great record, few races of importance having escaped him. From the time he dissolved partnership with his halfbrother T. Taylor, in 1902. and solely controlled Manton, his record reads; Races Won. Amt. Races Won. Amt.

It is safe to prophesy that before tho close of the current season he will increase his total to £750,000. He has only won one Derby at Epsom, that being with Lemberg, but during the war he was successful in the Substitute Derby with Gay Crusader and Gainsborough. Among his groat winners wore the half-brothers. Bayardo and Lemberg. who put together £81,852 in stakes between them. It would be almost impossible to enumerate all tho good horses prepared bv Tarlor. hut those

of 'particular note of recent years have included Gay Crusader, Lemonora, Air Raid, Gainsborough, My Dear, Saucy Sue, Bayu’da, Love in Idleness, Pogrom, bhort Story, Buchan, Craig and Eran, Saltash, Sunny Jane, Inkerman, St. Germans, and Picaroon.

IN A NUTSHELL.

The Pahadin mare Zarisee has been retired to the stud. Piuthair and Clarinda were shipped to Sydney last week. The sale of Kipling to an Australian buyer fell through. Volume X of the New Zealand Stud Book has been issued. Commendation has reached a short price for the Caulfield Cup. Reremoana is booked to race at the Wanganui spring meeting. Kilbroney has sired winners of about 180,000sovs since 1915-16. A two-year-old half-brother to Royal Lineage has been named Principal. Reports from Melbourne state that Pilliewinkie is working well on the track. The programme for the Dunedin Jockey Club’s spring meeting has been issued. Several New Zealand horses are booked to race at Warwick Farm on September 3. James Scobie. the well-known trainer, has at present 35 horses in hand at Fleming, ton. The New Zealand-bred gelding Chrysostom is amongst those in work at Caulfield. In the Victorian metropolitan area, £285,914 was distributed in stakes last season. W. Duncan has headed the list af successful riders in Victoria for the past three seasons. The death is reported of Mr R. Donovan, who won the Melbourne Cup of 1887 with Dunlop. It has been decided to persevere with the task of converting Tarleton into a hurdler. Handicaps for the Otago Hunt meeting are due on August 26, and acceptances on September 2. Paper Money has sired winners of £28,411 during the three seasons his stock has been racing. The Polymnian is in regular work, but it is doubtful if he will stand up to a searching preparation. The brush fences at Caulfield are 4ft on the landing side and tapering to 3ft 9in on the take-off side. There is a probability that Royal Lineage will be raced at some of the Sydney spring meetings. Good reports come from the north about Silver Rule, a two-year-old filly by Chief Ruler from Silver Link." The late Mr James White had eight horses in training at the time of his death, and they cost £4O per week. Mr J. S. Barrett ha s abandoned the idea of sending Count Cavour and Satrap over to Sydney for the spring meetings. When priced a few days ago. 1000 guineas was asked for Prince Paladin, the I half-brother to Nones and Menelaus.

In the race for the Australian Steeplechase this year 22 jumps have to be crossed, instead of 25, which was the case last year. At some of the meetings in England cars carrying passengers are admitted free providing they leave the -course before the first race. It is reported that A. E. Ellis has accepted a retainer to ride for a North Island owner, and will make his headquarters at Palmerston North. A very satisfactory list of nominations was received for the New Zealand Cup. The total runs to just under 60, and includes most of the best horses in training. Seafit, the winner of this year’s Australian Hurdles, was got by Sea Prince from Competence, by Mazagan—Sufficiency, by Pilgrim’s Progress. It is reported that Taboo and a lour-year-old Solferino gelding and a three-year-old sister to Taboo have beer, transferred from J. B. Pearson’s stable to J. Ross’s at Oamaru. . t°. M a y 31 the bookmakers’ licenses issued since the betting tax was imposed in England last year totalled 14,052. That number takes in shops as w-ell as course bookmakers. The well-known English trainer, the late s - G n^*nK eril lf’ , left an estate valued at over £60,000. He left legacies ranging from £4OO to £lOO to the principal men workin" in his training stable. The English Jockey Club is contemplating the adoption of a scheme of insurance which will do away with the rule making a horse's engagements void on the death of the owner. It is looking a bit far ahead to say that Wharncliffe fills the eye as a likely sort for the next Grand National Steeples, but there does not seem to be a better one in sight. The Nassau—Brayton gelding Affirm created- a race record when he won the Malakoff Stakes at Warwick Farm c n August 6. He carried Bst, and covered nine furlongs in lmin The Kilbroney gelding Sachet got away from his attendant a few days ago and fell when galloping loose on the roads. He suffered some cuts and bruises, but r the damage is not deep seated.

Courtly Rose has been schooled over hurdles, and displayed promise to make good at the game. She is, however, such a well-bred mare that it should prove more profitable to send her to a good horse. The Kilbroney gelding The Banker, who won the New Zealand Cup of 1925, made his reappearance at the Caulfield Steeplechase meeting after being absent since November last. He is said to have filled out nicely during his spell. Heavily weighted candidates have

frequently done well in the Australian Steeplechase. Redleap succeeded with 13.12, Domino with 13.5, Daimio with 13.3, Colonel Shilinski with 13.2, and Grafnax, with 12.12.

Arcadius, who went out favourite for the Australian Hurdles, was well clear of his field when he blundered at the last hurdle and nearly unshipped his rider. Arcadius went down on his knees, but even so managed to get going again, and finished second.

Several of the Trentham trainers have shifted their teams to Wanganui, owing to bad weather making the first-named course unfit for use. The Wingatui trainers can take some consolation from the fact that their tracks are not alone in being out of action.

It is improbable that the tax on betting in England will return £3,500,000 for the first year, against the £6,000,000 anticipated by Mr Winston Churchill. Up to the end of May the return was £1,379,800, and only five months were needed to complete the year. The German-bred yearlings sold in America last year realised satisfactory prices, and this year Baron von Lyncker, of the Harzburg stud, has sent to the Saratoga sales 26 yearlings—ls colts and 11 fillies. Some brood mares and the stallion Axenstein were also sent over. S. G. Ware had a brain wave when he decided to shift his team from Wingatui to Timaru. We have had a week’s solid rain, and the Wingatui- track is in a very heavy state. The continued ba'd weather is a very serious matter for local trainers, who are anxious- to get horses ready for the early spring meetings. There are occasionally tremendous fields for two-year-old races in England. At Newmarket on June 29 there were 39 starters for the Plantation Stakes, of £516, five furlongs. Backers took a short price about Nonn, a colt owned by S. Wootton, but he was beaten into third place by Risen Star and Sparkles. It is reported that Beau Cavalier is to be kept in training for hurdle racing at the spring meetings. As a rule cross-country horses are put out of training after the Grand National meeting and not taken up again till about January. Some owners, however, treat horses with far too little consideration.

The Oamaru Jockey Club has issued the programme for their one-day meeting to be held on Saturday, October 8. The Oamaru Cup, of 225sovs and a cup valued at 25sovs, will form the principal item o n the card. 'I he balance of the stakes range in value from 130sovs to 145sovs. Nominations are due on September 14. The late Mr James White, whose career came to a dramatic close some few weeks ago. was a big punter in the days of his power and pride. He is credited with winning £lOO,OOO when Bracket won the Cesarewitch of 1920. He, however, frequently dropped big money over a race, and on one occasion a loser cost him £lO,OOO.

Several horses engaged at the Marton

meeting were seen out at the Grand National gathering, and after racing under big weights at Riccarto n they will be carrying comparatively luxurious burdens if saddled, up next week. Amongst those who created a good impression at Riccarton were Pencus and Royal Lineage, who should both shape well at Marton. In his spring engagements Amounis will again be ridden by J. Toohey. Although nothing has been decided on that score, present probabilities favour Amounis being started for the Metropolitan in preference to the Epsom. The way he runs in w.f.a. races before then will have some bearing on the events selected for him at the A.J.C; spring meeting. At tho racecourse in Vienna there is occasionally something more than races for women—and men, too, for that matterto look at. At a recent meeting the leading dressmakers of that capital gave an exhibition of 64 mannequins in different toilettes in front of the grand stand. In order that there should be a race in keeping with the display, the Vienna Club called one of the day’s events the Grand Prix de la Mode. Sir John Robinson, of Worksop Manor, Nottinghamshire, the breeder of racehorses who bred Papyrus, a Derby winner, recently celebrated his eighty-eighth birthday by inviting all residing in Worksop and district of the age of seventy and over to a garden fete at his home. In addition, there were present many old employees from Nottingham, Daybrook, and elsewhere. The guests numbered 300, and varied in age from 70 to 98. Reports from Australia state: “Commendation was on August 3 taken out of the Epsom Handicap, the Metropolitan, Campbelltown Handicap, Warwick Farm Spring Cup, and the Cantala Stakes. The only handicap in which he will start in Australia is the Caulfield Cup, fo r which his. prospects are highly regarded. In addition, he will contest the weight-for-age events, including the Chipping Norton /I?. •. at <■ Warwick Farm. Tattersall’s Chelmsford Stakes, at Bandwick and the Rawson Stakes, at Rosehill. Sporting Life learns on good authority that the application to hold an autumn meeting at Epsom has been refused. It was hoped, in view of the heavy expense attached to the erection of new stands and the general improvements that have been made, that the application for another meeting would have been considered favourably. It is stated, however. that unexpected difficulties arose which' prevented the autumn date from 1 being sanctioned. .The Absurd mare Parody, has been retired from the turf, and will visit Windbag. She hoids the distinction of being the only one got by Absurd to win over a mile a-half on the flat. Parody won the Great Northern Oaks of 1924. Inferno came within an acc of beating Count

Cavour in the Derby, and he is the next best stayer by Absurd that can be called to mind. Mares by Absurd may do very well at the stud, and it is greatly in their favour that the “machinery” of their construction must be very good, or they could not gather the great speed which seems a family gift. Spear felt was the most successful Victorian performer of the late season. He won £15,867 in stakes. Royal Feast appropriated £13,019. Manfred’s total was £Bl3B, Heroic £5413, Cannon £5182. and Naos £4140. Among the jumpers Nyangay did best with £2822. Coybeau won £2lOO, Roisel £875. and Ancient Mariner £1249. Mr T. M. Burke won most races among the leading Victorian owners. Thirteen of his horses accounted for 24 events, and won £8538 in stakes. Mr “S. A. Rawdon ” owned nine different winners. They accounted for 22 races, and won £3261 in prizes. Mr Sol Green won 11 races with six horses, and secured £9438 in stakes.

Australia’s best time for nine furlongs is the lmin 49isec recorded by Fujisan tn Brisbane- in June of last year, but in America that time has been beaten twice in the Brooklyn Handicap by Peanuts. The race named is run at Aqueduct (New York), and last year Peanuts won .in lmin 48 3-ssec. and on the recent occasion in lmin 484-ssec, with 8.0. Chance Play, 8.9, was a head away. The beaten lot included America’s crack handicap horse, Crusader, who found 9.6 too much, finishing sixth in a field of 10. I have often heard it said (says “Pilot”) that you never find a good racehorse badly named, but there is nothing high-sounding about Peanuts, who is by Ambassor IV (Dark Ronald—Excellenza, by Haut Brion) from Agnes Sard, by Sardanaple. There was a big attendance round the sale ring at Newmarket July sales, when the principal feature was the disposal of a batch of yearlings bred by the late Sir R. W. B. Jardine. A fine son of the Derby winner, Papyrus, and Sundart, excited keen competition, and the youngster eventually realised 14,000gns. a figure only once previously exceeded, when the Sled-mere-bred Blue Ensign was sold to Lord Glanely for 14,500gn5. The first bid was 2000gns, and he was soon at five figures. Felix Leach, jun,, whose father was als« a competitor, offered 13.000gns. which was promptly beaten by another 500gns from a lady, and then the Whatcombe trainer R. C. Dawson clinched matters at 14,000gns on behalf of H.H. the Aga Khan.

An English paper says that “ Reg ” Day, is happiest when he has a stayer to train. When he came back from the Continent he prepared Bracket, the winner of the Cesarewitch. In the paddock at Ascot it was a near thing between Foxlaw and Dark Japan as to which carried off the palm in point of condition and well-trained appearance. Neither sweated much, despite the heat, and Foxlaw was almost as fresh when he pulled up a clever winner as when lie went out. Solario won the Gold Cup 12 months ago in 4min 46 l-ssec, whereas Foxlaw’s time was 4min 29 3-ssec for the two and a-half miles. It is a great feather in the cap of R. Day to have prepared the winner of this rich prize two years in succession.

That part of the conditions attached to certain handicaps which reads: “Lowest weight may be 6st,” seems to be generally accepted by the official compilers as meaning that such lowest weight must be 6st, and I am pleased (says the English writer “Augur”) to think that the time is not far distant when there will be a compulsory minimum of 7st in all handicaps. The trend is in that direction. We see immature two-year-olds carrying 8.10 even without penalties, and winners like the Comedienne colt and Flamingo going up to 9.6 and 9.5. Why not. then, start the good four and five-year-olds at or about 10.7. as is done in the case of the July Handicap at Newmarket? It seems to.me that the argument in favour is unanswerable.

Durban had its big race on the Ist of last month. It was the Durban Turf Club Handicap, of £5000," one mile and a-quarter. There were 26 starters, and the five-year-old horse Hussein (The Vizier —Preference), who carried 8.2 and was favourite at 4 to 1, won by a head from Hoy (6.6), who similarly beat Full Dress (7.i2), the time being 2.4. If Hoy had! won the race it would have been good for the books, his price being 20 to 1. Hussein, who is by The Vizier, failed repeatedly when backed in England in 1926. and it was said he was sold with a stipulation that his purchaser should not race him in that country. The totalisatnr turnover on the big race was xii,7o6 (£34 10s less than last year), and for the nine races during the afternoon £45,950 10s. The Cicero horse Valais, for the fourth successive season, has headed the list of

winning sires in Australia. Thirty-one of his representatives won 63 races, while the stakes won totalled £43,455. This is a remarkable performance (says “Vigilant”), more especially when we bear in mind that, although Maltster headed the list on five occasions, he did not secure a sequence of four winning seasons, as, after heading the list in 1910, 1911, and 1912, Ayr Laddie secured the honours in 1913, while Maltster took up the running again in 1914 and 19'45. Lochiel headed the list on five occasions: In 1898, 1900, 1901, 1905, and 1906. Grafton was another sire whose name was frequently at the top. The Galopin horse secured the honours in 1904, 1907, 1908, and 1909.

At the Kensington pony meeting, held on August 3, two New Zealanders got amongst the winners. One was Bosh, by Absurd from Steinheil, and_ the other Reremai, by Romeo from Taiamai. The list of mares at Elderslie includes Taiamai, who is bred on interesting lines, because she was got by The Nut from Lady Molly, an English-bred daughter of Aurum. In all probability there has never been a better three-year-old than Aurum in Australia. The son of Trenton carried 8.6 as a three-year-old into a place behind Gaulas and The Grafter, and so put up a most remarkable performance. Unfortunately Aurum proved to be a very poor foal-getter at the stud, and for that reason it is somewhat rare to see his name in a pedigree.

On many occasions, and especially in sprint races, doubt is inspired as to whether a slow beginner, which runs second, and is found travelling much faster than the winner at the finish, is really an unlucky loser. I have thought sometimes (says “Augur”), when a winner of a race run in such fashion has appeared to be lucky, that not suffi- " cient credit may have been given to him or her for being naturally smart at the barrier, and then there enters into the argument that very interesting matter of distance capacity. Such a winner as I am referring to may be at its best up to five furlongs, and it is quite likely that the animal would' beat the second one every time at the particular distance. Add _ thereto another furlong, however, and it is perhaps more likely that there would be an exchange of places. There were no English runners for the Grand Prix de Paris, of 600,000 francs, 1 mile 1 furlongs, and the Old Country’s principal interest was through S. Donoghue, the rider of Flamant, who finished third. Australia had an interest in similar fashion, the Perth jockey, Sibbritt, riding Caulet Fiori. The race was voted a certainty for Mon Talisman, but the heavy going was not to his liking. He gave his supporters a good run, but was outstayed by Fiterari, who beat him a half-length. Inis reversed 'the French Derby running, as between these two, and, as there was a field of 16 for the Grand Prix, it is certain Fiterari and Mon Talisman are the best of their age in France. Fiterari’s dividend was at the rate of 11 to 1 against. Mon Talisman’s pari-mutuel backers were laving 3 to 1 on him for second, and those of Flamant 10 to 7 on for third. Mon Talisman, winner of this year’s French Derby, is English-bred, apart from the fact that ho was foaled in France. He is by Craig- an Eran from Ruthene, by Lemberg from Karenza, by William the Third - from Cassinia, by Carbine. Mon Talisman’s dam was carrying him when she was sold at auction in England for 2500gns. As a yearling Mm Talisman was bought by Mr Martinez de TJoz for about £4960, and he has won doiffiTe that ► slim. There were 17 starters for the Derby but, despite that, Mon Talisman was reckoned such a certainty that his totalisator return was at the rate of 10 to 6 on -He won very easily from Fiterari. with Basih sque, ridden by the English jockey, m third place. Elliott, who won the English Derby on Cal] Boy, had a mount but finished nowhere. He stated that the pace was not as fast. a 5 in Call noy s race. A New Zealand paper says it is rumoured that two of the stipendiary stewards now acting for the New Zealand Facing Conference may retire before year. If that is so (says .cilot ) no doubt the conference will have plenty of applicants for the vacant positions. Many people mistakenly think there is no position easier to fill than one associated with racing. 1 often wish some of those alleged authorities who howl non-tner” every time a horse does not run as well as they anticipate could temporarily act as stipendiary stewards A very short experience might convince them that their racing knowledge was not nearly as great as they previously believed, and that when a horse ran better or worse bn one occasion than another it was not due to improper practice by jockey or trainer. In racing, as m everything else, “a little knowledge” is always dangerous. 4-60 non fact of £ all ?,? y bein ” sold for £60,000 is another illustration of the at TT i ? tte ’? <ls t!le Purchase of bloodstock. His dam, Comedienne, created such a poor impression when she went into the sa e ring as a yearling that someone jokingly made a bid of 20gns. The Mr I Curzon went to 130gns and got her. She won the first four races in which she ran, returning her owner £664 in stakes The following season she was unsuccessful, and, after winning at her last start at four years, was retired to the stud. As her unnamed two-vear-old son by Grand Parade has shown good loi m this season, Comedienne is bound to realise a big price when she goes to , auction with the other horses in the estate. She is 14 years old. Comedienne* is also a half-sister by Bachelor’s Double to Aiope, dam of that great stayer Foxlaw, who recently won the Ascot Gold Cup. Aiope was sold for 6'lOgns as a yearling. finS° F^ rf f° rd bookm ? k ?rs were recently unod £BOOO for committing 16 offences under the Betting Act of 1927. The fines were later reduced to £lOOO. No case of the kind had been heard previously in Irish hrnn mu 1,110 P ros ccutions were brought by the Free State Revenue Comniissioners, whose officers stated that, they made bets with the two bookmakers at racecourses in different parts of the South of Ireland. In each case the bets were not entered m tb o official tax sheet. At iramore race meeting recently the men

said the bets were entered on their certified returns, but the officers seized their field books, ami discoversd that bets totalling hundreds of pounds had been taken at other meetings for which no returns had been made. Mr Geoghegan, K.C., for the defence, said it was impossible to carry out the regulations, either in the office or on the racecourse. The men intended' to transcribe the bets from the field book afterwards.

At a race meeting at Capetown on Saturday a ■ wireless invention—the automatic timekeeper—was completely successful. It is worked by an invisible ray from a lamp in the judge’js box, focusing a point of light one-fifth of an inch in diameter on a’ selenium cell fixed in the winning post. Anything crossing the invisible ray extinguishes the point of light, and the clock ceases. The human factor was proved three-fifths of a second slow in a two miles race, and one-fifth of a second in a mile. This is an invention of the Capetown wireless expert, Mr Streeter. Naturally, there are safety devices to prevent the light being accidentally extinguished, and in cases of long races where the judge’s box is passed twice. The official clock; is a giant affair —nine feet high, but the actual timekeeper is a pocket chronometer attached to a miniature wireless transmitter. The start of the race, etc., is controlled by a two-valve amplifier. The Labour party is not the only section of the community previously opposed to the totalisator which has changed in the last few months. The leading bookmakers in Victoria are now in favour of the introduction of machine betting. In their case they are simply favouring the lesser evil, as they realise that the Government has decided that racing must provide extra taxation, and, naturally enough, they prefer the tote to the turnover tax. The totalisator will certainly have a marked effect on the money held by the smaller bookmakers, but it will not affect to any great extent the large operator (says the Australasian). We agree that it would be unfair to tax bookmakers to the extent of 14 per cent, on their turnover, as any tax on turnover is wrong in principle. Nevertheless, it is rather amusing to read of a leading bookmaker who stated that he would be willing to work for the Government for 11 per cent, of his turnover. At the annual meeting of members of the Victoria Racing Club, held recently, Sir Frank Clarke (president of the Legislative Council) took exception to the methods which had crept into V.R.C. elections. He said paid canvassers had been employed to obtain votes, and “ tickets ” had been circulated among members showing them how to vote. This was not conducive to the spirit of amateur sportsmanship—in fact, the V.R.C. was coming perilously near the stage when the methods of the political arena, would be imported. He could not believe that that would be for the good either of the club or the Turf generally. If the system of parties and platforms and promises were introduced into racing, racing would suffer. At present nobody was better or more favourably known in Australian racing circles than the V.R.C. committee. If certain candidates who were able and willing to do so spent hundreds of pounds in an election campaign for a position which was purely honorary the standard of the committee would be likely to deteriorate.

Where is the present-day Swift to write a new edition of “Gulliver’s Travels”? There is_ abundance of material for such a pen. What wealth of humour and satire would be extracted from the present laws o n betting and gambling. It is only because we have (says Sportling Life) become accustomed to their absurdities that we fail to appreciate their many anomalies, contradictions, and mirth-provoking provisions. Mr Ivan.. Snell, the Old Street magistrate, and a well-known sportsman, called attention m a case before him to one of the curiosities of the law. He pointed out that postmen could leave at a house letters containing bets, telegrams containing bets might be delivered there, and the telephone might be used to register bets at those premises, but if a person called to leave a bet that was breaking the law. Is it possible to conceive anything more ridiculous? If a person wishing to make a bet drops a letter into the letter box of the bookmaker he breaks the law, but if he puts a stamp on the envelope and places the letter into a P.O. letter box a few yards away, so that a postman shall deliver the letter, the law is complied with. And we are supposed to be a com-mon-sense nation!

In referring to the list of successful stallions in Australia last season an exchange says: It is interesting to make comparisons with last year's figures. As was the case in 1926. Magpie is again second to Valais. This year Mr Percy Miller's horse put together £31.757. whereas last year his total was £36,003. This season Comedy King has dropped from third with £28.412 to fifth with £18,673. But any regret Mr Norman ralkiner may entertain for this state of affairs is compensated for by the advance of Spearhead from nineteenth position with £10,958 to third with £30,505, a remarkable advance. St. Anton is a consistent fellow, and is again in fourth place. In 1926 his progeny collected £23.467. and this year the figures were £23.706. Woorak has dropped somewhat. In 1926 his figures were £21.205. whereas this year they are £12.408. Rossendale’s 'advance has been of the marked variety. In 1926 he was tenth with £14.220, while in IO 0 ? he was fifth with £22.500. Royal Feast has done much for King Offa. In 1926 the Radium horse was 73rd on the list with £3091, whereas in 1927 he was eighth with £1.5.407.

Valais has been responsible for a meteoric rise. His progeny did not race until 1923, but in the following season ' ailais was put at the head of the list of winning sires, a position from which he has not yet been ousted. In the five seasons his progeny- have been racihg, Valais has been credited with stakes totalling £171.949. These figures make the Cicero horse out one of the greatest, if not the greatest, sire we have had. A feature that rather accentuates Valais’ superiority is furnished in his total for 1926. when his progeny appropriated £57,368 in stakes. This is especially creditable when we bear in mind (savs the Sydney Referee) that Stockwell. in 1866, claimed 39 winners of 132

races worth £61,391. and this latter total is the greatest associated with the English turf, St. Simon’s £59,740 being the second best, while Hurry On’s £59,109 last year comes next. Prior to Valais’ record of £57,368, the best figures standing to an Australian sire’s credit was Comedy King’s £43,114 in 1923. Apart from Valais’ £43,455 this year the only other occasion on which the £40.000 mark has been topped was when The Welkin gathered £40,374 in 1922.

It is unusual, especially at Riccarfon, for two horses to fall at the first fence in a steeplechase, and leave the race to the only two other starters, but doubtless it has happened before. As a matter of fact I remember (says the Yeoman) a much more peculiar incident. This was at the Grand National meeting of 1889. Chemist had won the Grand National Steeplechase after Ahua had fallen when looking all over a winner. Irish King, who had refused at Cutts’s the second time round, and Grangeman, who had been pulled up after jumping the wing of Cutts’s fence inside the flag, were saddled up for the Tally Ho Steeplechase, decided the same afternoon. Both again got as far as Cutts’s fence, and there they stopped. Orangeman, an Auckland horse, was ridden by his owner, E. J. Rae, and Irish King, who belonged to Mr Duncan Rutherford, by R. Kingan. Both Rae and Kingan were fine cross-country riders, but for more than half an hour they failed to persuade their mounts to jump. Then the stewards interfered. They ordered the horses back to the saddling paddock, and granted the owners £25 each out of the stake. The investments on the totalisator—£BB on Irish King and £99 on Orangeman—were returned to the investors without deductions. What generous stewards there were in those days! The idea that the horse is deficient in the sense of smell appears to be wide of the mark, apart from seeing horses nosing the ground in the bush (just like a pointer or other dog does hunting for game), and apparently satisfying themselves the track is all right. Some years ago (says “ Touchstone ”) I purchased a horse that was reared on one of the creeks up here. The creek was fairly thick with ’gators, or, properly, crocodiles. He had a scar on the quarters, probably got while a youngster; it certainly resembled a claw-mark. His breeder had no idea how or when it got there. The horse was very quiet to ride or drive. Some time afterwards I bought a crocodile skin from the same people who bred the horse; it was salted and cured in the ordinary bush way, was in good order, and had no perceptible smell to me. I placed it on the loft floor above the horse stalls; it was impossible to see the skin without ascending a ladder. Yet when this horse was put in his stall underneath he nearly went mad. and it took me a while to find out why his capers. After the skin was removed lie was put back in his stall, and apparently not finding the scent or smell (that I certainly could not detect) of the skin he was quite normal again. Two other horses in training in stalls alongside took no notice whatever before or after removal. To my thinking the scar on the quarters was made by a crocodile, and the horse had not forgotten his previous experience, evidently recalled by the smell of the skin. And, mark you, he never saw- the skin. There is one thing about Stephen Donoghue which endcars him to all his friends, and that is his genuine goodness and kindness of heart. During the war, he and I went all up and down the country plaving exhibition games for the wounded Tommies, and for war charities. In this way we raised a good deal of money, and I hope (says T. Reece, in his reminiscences) we gave some pleasure to the men. On one occasion we were asked to play at the Dome, Brighton. Probablv the exhibition was organised by Harry Preston, but at al] events we fell in with the arrangements. Our usual plan was to play 600 up and I would give Steve 400 start, and try to open up the game for him as far as possible. When this particular game started, the table was surrounded by men m hospital blue. I happened to leave Steve rather badly placed for his first shot. He attempted a really difficult screw-back cannon, and brought it off to perfection. It was a stroke that anyone might have been proud of. The poor wounded fellow-s in the front rows began to applaud. Several of them were flapping empty sleeves, and we were suddenly acutely conscious that many of these young men were so maimed that they would never be able to play billiards again themselves. It was too much for Donoghue. He looked round at those gallantly cheerful men in hospital blue with his face working. Then he burst into tears, and dashed from the room. It was several minutes before he was able to come back and finish the game. I mention this incident because it is so utterly characteristic of Stephen. The public knows him as a fearless rider and a magnificent jockey. His friends realise that, like many another good sportsman. he is also, as soft-hearted as a child, and as impulsively generous in his sympathies.

£ £ 1902 . . 12 2,305 1915 . 9 3 1 73 1903 . .» 18,7311 1916 . . J 6 8 588 1904 . *' 1 7,236 1917 , 17,930 1905 . . 38 14,216 1918 . . 32 36.674 1906 . . 39 27.355J 1919 . . 39 34.207 1907 . . 39 25,953 1920 . . 47 35.907 190S . . 29 25.2541 1921 . . 51 48,298 1909 . . 47 47,165 1922 52.084 4 1910 . . 41 4S.544 1923 . . 46 49.292 ' 1911 . . 20 15,546 1924 . . 56 4 7 473 1912 . . 20 7,794 1925 . 56,570 1913 . 2 % 14,621 1926 . . 39 49.628 1914 . . 39 51,7221 1927 . . 20 18,4 73 Totals 902 746,471 1