RACING.

Otago Witness, Issue 3853, 17 January 1928, Page 54

RACING.

FIXTURES. January 21, 23.—Foxton R.C. Annual. January 17, 19.—Wairoa J.C. January 21, 23, * 25.—Wellington Cup

Meeting. January 28, 30.—Takapuna Meeting. February 1. —Tapanui Meeting. February 1, 2.—Pahiatua Meeting. ‘February 2, 4. —Egmont Meeting. February 2. 4.—Gisborne Meeting. February 4. —Matamata R.C. Meeting. February 9, 11.—Dunedin Cup Meeting. February 9, 11.—Taranaki Meeting. February 9, 11.—Poverty Bay Meeting. February 11. 13.—Rotorua Meeting. February 15.—Clifden Meeting. February 16. —Tologa Bay Meeting. February 16, 18.—Wanganui Cup Meeting. February 18. —C.J.C. Meeting. February 22, 23.—Gore R.C. Meeting. February 23, 25.—Nelson J.C. Meeting. February '2l-March I.—Dannevirke Meeting. March 1, 3.—Marlborough Meeting. TALK OF THE DAY. By Sentinel. A SOURCE OF SUCCESS. Bruce Lowe based his very interesting and instructive theory on the producing merit of certain mares. Those who produced the greatest number of classic winners were numbered according to their success, and although, this system has been attacked front, flank, and rear, its value has undoubtedly proved greater and far more durable than the opinions of opposing critics. It should not, how? ever, be overlooked that every branch of a family does not produce with uniform success. ’ There may be good and bad limbs on a family tree in much the same manner as on a fruit tree, and care should always be taken to select only tlie very best branch of the family tree. For instance, everyone knows how very successful No. 14 family has been through the Mermaid taproot, but there are also other members of the No. 14 famiy in the N.Z, Stud Book whose success falls farshort of that tracing to the daughter of King Tom and Waterwitch. The merit of the Mermaid taproot may, perhaps, be explained by the fact that her sire. King Tom, also got St. Simon’s dam, and Waterwitch, the dam of Mermaid, was got by The Flying Dutchman. who also sired the dam of Galopin, the sire of St. Simon. It will be seen that the feature lines of St. Simon are repeated in the case of Mermaid. One does not require to delve deeply into the Stud Book to know what are the best producing lines in tail female. Those who take a keen interest in racing from a financial point of view generally take at least a little more than a superficial interest in breeding. When Gold Light and Razzle Dazzle were, winning good races the fact that they were members of the Illuminata family at once became more prominent. The Illuminata—Parafin family made Lord Derby's famous stud in England, and it may do the same for Mr W. T. Hazlett, who made a wise purchase when he bought Simper. Illuminata. Sunshine, and Pilgrimage are about the best known taproots in England, and they each belong to the No. 1 family. Absurd is a No. 1 horse, but he only sired speed, and although his daughters may prove valuable at the stud, it will be seen that members of the same family may vary in merit. Eager was a great sire of brood mares, and he also is a No. 1 horse, and that may prove Absurd’s real mission on earth. Eager got Paper Money’s dam and. also that of Gloaming. Tea Tray. Martian, and Limond belong to the No. 1 family, and so does Positano, who sired four Melbourne Cup winners and the dams of two more. Phalaris, one of the leading sires in England, is a No. 1 horse. Pulchra, Mermaid. Steppe, Nightmare, Otterden, Eulogy, Hammock, Madder, Frailty, and Idalia are a few of the best taproots in the N.Z. Stud Book, and their names in a nedigree attract and, in fact, command more than passing attention. Sufficient has, however, been said to show that Bruce Lowe was on the right track when he demonstrated by facts and figures that some families are better than others. Amongst the yearlings that will go under the hammer at Trentham next week is a particularly fine contribution to the catalogue by the Elderslie Stud, and whilst its limestone paddocks have obviously produced great bone and substance, it may not be so easily discovered what their relations are according to the Bruce Lowe theory. The Elderslie Stud is sending up 16 yearlings, and a glance at their family number may prove interesting. Three of the yearlings belong to the No. 1 family. They are the Tea Tray— Taiamai ■ colt, the Paper Money—Afterglow filly, and the Kilbroney—Favourita colt. According to the Bruce Lowe theory this trio should top the market, and it will very probably require good money to buy either of them, as they are well bred and very shapely. The Afterglow filly may prove a veritable gold mine for the paddock at the conclusion of her racing career. The best known members of the No. 1 family are Aboyeur, Bend Or. Canterbury Pilgrim, Chelandry, Cicero, Ladas, Lord Lyon, Pilgrimage. Prince Palatine, Spearmint, Swynford, Robert the Devil, Paradox. Silvio. .Test. Glencoe. Craig MiliaryFlair, Wheel of Fortune, and many other classic winners whose nam"- as ♦'•.•y are too numerous to mention. Four of the yearlings belong to the No. 2 family, and they are the Tea Tray—Linnet filly, the sister to Countersign, the Paper Money —Glen Helen colt, and the Tea Tray— Refinement filly. Among the most famous members of the tribe are Carbine, Angler, Crucifix, Fishhook, Lord Clifden, Voltigeur, Surplice, Sainfoin, Rosedrop, Keystone 11, Gang Forward, Dutch Oven, Cremorne, Petronel, Sir Hercules, Blackmck, and St. Albans. The sister to Money Peer is the only member of the No. 3 iainily in the list, and a few of its most distinguished representatives are Aber- 1

corn, Dreadnought, Flying Dutchman,, Galopin, Isinglass, La Fleche, Memoir, Atlantic (great grandsire of Roi Herode), Stockwell, Buzzard, Musket, King Tom, Wellingtonia, Master Kildare, and Sir Peter Teazle. The Tea Tray—Graceful filly represents the No. 7 family, to which we owe Diamond Jubilee, Donovan, Flying Fox, Persimmon, West Australian, Wild Dayreel, Wildfowler, and Semolina. The Paper Money—Bopeep colt represents the No. 10 tribe, which also includes Blair Athol, Bayardo, Blink. Bonny Lemberg, Petrarch, La Roche, Caller-on, Hampton, and Pretender. The Kilbroney—Martifors colt belongs to the No. 14 family, though its most successful source from Mermaid and its continued vitality is marked by the prowess of Ballymena and Limerick, whilst Pretty Polly, St. Amant, Touchstone. Volodyooiski, Macaroni, Gelieimniss, The Libel (sire of Traducer), Buccaneer, Leamington, Panic, and Grand Master have 'also forced the family into prominence. The Kilbroney—Desrina colt claims relationship to the No. 12 family, the taproot of Sterling, Scottish Chief, Prince Charlie (sire of Lochiel), Adventurer, Sheet Anchor, Oxford, Salvator. Weatherbit, and Amphion, the sire of Sundridge. When looking at the Tea Tray—Santaline colt it may be worth remembering that he represents a No. 1 sire on the No. 16 taproot, to which the world-famous Ormonde and Sceptre belong. Frontbeck, St. Gatieu, L’Abbesse de Jonarre, Vedas, Handicapper, Desmond, Collar, and Martagon are also members of the tribe, which is best known to students of breeding as the famous Agnes family. There is one member of the No. 17 family in the Paper Money—Fair Fight colt, and this line we know best through Idalia, to whom we owe Sir Modred, Cheviot, Idalium, Fair Nell, Betrayer, Pantaloon, Yattendon, and last and latest, Good As Gold, who has just won four races on end. The list of the Elderslie yearlings concludes with two members of the No. 27 family in the Lady Violet colt and the Vicereine colt. We know this family best through Roseday, St. Hippo, Rosella, Solfanello, Columbus, Bunting, and Ark Royal, whilst the best-known members in English pedigrees are Pero Gomez, Saunterer, Enthusiast, and Energy. The Peronilla colt does not claim a number, but nevertheless belongs to a great tribe of winners, tracing to Rosebud, who was got by 11 Barbiere from a mare imported without her pedigree. The Rosebud family includes Black Rose, Roseal, Chancellor, Royal Rose, Red Lancer, Blazer, The Shah, Red Banner, Boadicea, and the N.Z. Cup winner Sinapis. It will be seen from the above brief giance at the taproots of the various yearlings that they all carry plenty of good winning blood in their veins, and if they follow in the footsteps of their tribe, look sure to make their names notable in turf history.

THE WELLINGTON CUP.

Apart from the deletion of Rapier’s mjjpie from the field, the declaration of acceptances for the Wellington Cup has not reduced its strength or attractiveness to any serious extent. Star Stranger reremains at the top of the list with 9.8, and although it is a very substantial load the Martian gelding has proved himself a particularly solid performer. Still, he has been handicapped right up to the top of his form, as he meets Papatu. who ran him to less than a length in the A.R.C. Handicap, on 41b and Bennanee, who finished a little over a length away, on 61b worse terms at Trentham. Four pounds on top of 9.4 carried in 2.32 means about half a dozen lengths, so that Papatu will have that margin in his favour over the top weight in the Wellington Cup. Footfall is another source of danger to the top weight. Footfall ran Star Stranger to a head when thev followed Rapier home in the New Zealand Cup, and in the Wellington Cup the Autumnus gelding meets the top weight on 21b better terms. Footfall was deemed a shade short of work when he ran in the New Zealand Cup. He afterwards ran third in the Metropolitan, and beat Star Stranger fair and square in the Canterbury Cup when giving him 11b. On the book Footfall should beat Star Stranger. Footfall jarred a shoulder before running in the Auckland Cup, and that may be the reason of his failure, but perhaps not sufficient to ignore his best form. Apparently the handicappers cannot make a wide split between Footfall and Piuthair. They were practically a match in the Great Autumn at a difference of 81b, a 51b margin existed between them in the Metropolitan, and now there is 61b between them in the Wellington Cup. Both fit and well, Footfall would be preferred. Mask has run some good races and some otherwise. He won at Auckland over a mile and a-quarter. but failed amongst better company when racing earlier at the same meeting. Set Sail is preferred, as she has now thoroughly seasoned condition in her favour, and although she should be held safe by Footfall, his chance on paper is considerably discounted by an interrupted preparation. Martarma came into the limelight when he won the Great Northern Derby, but he had no chance with Set Sail when she carried 9.8 and gave the colt 211 b and a good beating over a mile at Timaru early last month. It would be interesting to know where Martarma would be placed in the Wellington Cup. He beat Laughing Prince a length in the Great Northern Derby, and consequently would have to concede him weight if they were both in the Wellington Cup. Set Sail is giving Laughing

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Prince 41b, and the small margin, on collateral form, wipes the latter off the slate, as it makes Matarma improve around about 211 b in a month. Set Sail should also be able to account for the light-weights which follow, her in the list, and she looks to hold a good claim to start favourite, and if he satisfies in his final gallops Footfall may be next in demand.

SOME SUCCESSFUL PLUNGES

In the old days men like James Wilson, Ettie de Mestre, John Tait, and W. Forrester laid themselves out to win large stakes on the Melbourne Cup. That they did so is proved by the forward positions held by their horses year after year. In more recent years Charles Wheeler tried for big coups (says the Australasian), and he was remarkably successful. His first important win was with Queen o’ Scots and The Parisian, when they won the double—the Newmarket and Australian Cup. Much money was won over that double. In the spring of the same year Wheeler again went for a big win on The Parisian in the Melbourne Cup, and was again successful. One horse he had hard luck with was Tulkeroo when Lord Nolan beat him in the Melbourne Cup by half a head. Keith M’Lean, a supporter of the stable, had Tulkerocr going for an immense stake. Wheeler had not long to wait for another great win, as it came with Patrobas in the Melbourne Cup of 1915. It was foreshadowed by his winning the Guineas and Derby, but the stable had the cream of the market before those wins. Patrobas’s win was reminiscent of Trivalve’s, as Lewis had to ride him vigorously to beat Westcourt by half a neck. Another success was made with Shepherd King for the Caulfield Cup, and once more Lewis’s strength and • horsemanship got him home, but it availed him nothing in the Melbourne Cup, as Sasanof beat him easily. Wheeler made three attempts to win the Sydney Cup. The first was with Delenda. The Parisian went wrong. Greeneap, who started at 5 to 2, could not catch the runaway Prince Bardolph, a 33 to 1 chance.

THE GOLDEN ERA

When John Crozier owned St. Albans he offered it to Mr W. R. Wilson for £75,000. Mr Wilson told Moxon Cook (“Terlinga,” of the Australasian) that he thought the price was too high. Two days later Mr Cook got a telegram from Mr Wilson stating, “ Bought St. Albans.” Whether it was for less he did not state. Mr Wilson did not look far for a manager. Mr Leslie Macdonald was placed in charge, and he soon had the finest training tracks in Australia. As a show place those who had the privilege of being invited there came away with the impression that there was no other place to compare with it. Mr Wilson spared no expense in buying bloodstock for racing and stud purposes. At times he bet heavily (says a writer in the Australasian), but always insisted ou having something on any horses he started. He never won a Melbourne Cup; the closest he ever went was with Carnage, who ran second to Glenloth. The following year Nada was tried a certainty. The stable had it all to themselves, as the public preferred Carnage. She was beaten only three-quarters of a length, and a neck, respectively, by Patron and Devon, but with a more experienced rider would probably have won. Air Wilson never complained about the riding of jockeys, but he was very much annoyed at the manner H. Cusdin rode Strathmbre in Highborn s Australian Cup. Without doubt the best horse Mr Wilson ever owned was Aurum. His third to Gaulus and lhe Grafter, as a three-year-old with S-6. was a wonderful performance. Mr vt ilson s straightforwardness as an owner was never questioned. He often remarked tiat when a horse goes to the post he is as much the property of the public as ot the owner. Mr Macdonald advised him not to run Strathmore in the Sydney Cup, as he was not fit to run, but Mr , . ilson said, lhe public have backed him and he must run.” Whether he made racing pay is hard to say. but Mr Macdonald won him more than £73,000 in stakes, when they were not nearly half so rich as they are at the present time.

CAST-IRON HORSES

After winning a Carrington Stakes most owners would be strongly opposed to saddling up the winner for another race less than an hour and a-half later However (says the Sydney Referee), the Lochiel mare Loch Marie won the 1898 Carrington Stakes and Pace Welter in the same afternoon. She carried 8 11 (inclusive of 101 b penalty) in the Cari ington Stakes, and, starting favourite at 4 to I, beat 38 other runners. Then she ran in the Pace Welter, six furlongs, worth only £lOO in those days and with 11.9 (minimum 8.0), won by three lengths. W. Kelso rode her, and despite her previous run, backers sent her out 2 to 1. She ran in another welter ® ef , ol /.day of the same meeting, but 12.7 (minimum 7.7) pulled her up and she finished out of a place. A similar case in this country, but far more trying could be quoted in connection with Sir Modred’s win as a three-year-old in the Dunedin Cup when it was run over two miles and a distance. The next event on the card was a selling race in which Huntingdon, Sir William, and Little Fraud F, an a triple dead-heat. Then followed tbe Publicans Handicap, for which Sir Modred was saddled up again, and ran third to Hilarious and Natator. In those days the Publicans’ Handicap was run over a mile and a-quarter. On the following day Sir Modred came out, and won the Railway Plate, six furlongs. Racing history would have been searched ianly deeply to find a case where a horse has won over two miles and a distance and then, after an interval provided by another race, asked to come out again and win over a mile and a-quarter. Red Lancer won three times I? ? 11 t day at tlle Gore meeting of 1898. Red Lancer was beat a nose in the Uore Cup by Emmeline, and on the next day of the meeting he won the Gore Racbig Club Handicap, run over nine furlongs, on a heavy track. After an interval of one race Red Lancer was saddled up again, and won the Welter Handicap, run over seven furlongs. His day’s

work was not yet completed, as, with an interval of another event, out he came again, and won over four furlongs with 10.9 in 52sec. Some cast-iron horses were about in the old days, or at least they were treated like machinery that merely required oil and petrol to keep them going. The same season Red Lancer was taken up to the Christchurch midsummer meeting, held a month later than the Gore fixture. At Riccarton he missed in the Midsummer Handicap, run over a mile and a-half, and, strange to say, his labours for the day were over. On the following day Red Lancer ran second to Goldleaf in the St. Albans Handicap, run over a mile, and later in the day won the Final Handicap, also run over a mile, and the fact that he started favourite showed what people thought of him. Another instance of his prowess was supplied early in the following season, when he ran at the Wellington spring meeting, where he won the November Handicap, and on the second day came out and won the Petone Handicap and Hutt Park Spring Handicap. At the Auckland summer meeting, which followed, Red Lancer ran unplaced in the Railway Handicap. Next day he ran unplaced again in the Summer Cup, one mile and a-quarter. He must have been short of work (?), because on the third day he won the Glasgow Handicap and the County Handicap. After that Red Lancer must have trained off a bit, because on the fourth day of the meeting he could manage to run only fourth in the Newmarket Handicap under 9.3. St. Clements, ine of the fast horses of his day, won with 8.12. Red Lancer ran only 16 more races during the rest of the season, but, “ strange to say,” did not win again. Red Lancer ran in 30 races during the season, or about three times as many as some of the English cracks are asked to race during their whole career. When it comes to piling up success in a day one must, however, doff the helmet to Foremost, who achieved a record that will stand for all time, and it consisted in winning a hurdle race, a flat race, and a trot during the same

Wellington bloodstock SALES.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 1928

The following choice selection of YEARLINGS from the Elderslie Stud, Oamaru, will be offered on behalf of lAN G. DUNCAN, Esq.: — Bay Colt (1) (brother to Ti Tree), by Tea Tray—Taiamai. by The Nut (son of Amphion. the sire of Sundridge) from Lady Molly, by Aurum. This colt is inbred to Illuminata. Bay Filly (2), by Tea Tray from The Linnet (sister to Songbird), by Kilbroney—Grey Linnet, by Thrush. Bay Filly (2) (sister to Countersign and half-sister to Tommy Dodd). bv Paper Money from Kilberry, by Kilbroney—Success, by The Officer. Brown Colt, by Paper Money from Peronilla (dam of Boadicea). by Achilles—Prelude, by Merrie England. Brown Colt (10), by Paper Money— Bo Peep, by Bezonian—Shepherdess, by Fitz Donovan. Shepherdess is the third dam of Windbag, winner of Melbourne Cup. etc. Bay Colt (14), by Kilbroney—Marti- * fors, by Martian—Brave Water, by Stepniak—Whirlpool. Brave Water is a sister to Neva, dam of Danube, and half-sister to Grand Rapids. Whirlpool is half-sister to Neuaphar, the third dam of Ballymena and Limerick. Brown Colt (2), by Paper Money— Glen Helen, by Treadmill (son ‘of Bill o’ Portland) from Glenowlet, by Clanranald, by Madowla, by Trenton. Brown Filly (1), by Paper Money— Afterglow, bj’ Demosthenes—Sunglow, by Multiform—Otterden. Sunglow is sister to Boniform and half-sister to Martian, and is also closely related to Manfred’s dam. Afterglow won N,Z St. Leger and Great Northern St. Leger, etc., and is half-sister to Many Kittle. Bay Colt (17). by Paper Monev—Fair Fight, by Martian— Purity, by The Officer—Enid. Sir Modred, Betrayer, Cheviot. Loyalty, and Bonnie Scotland belong to the same taproot, coming from Idalia. Bay Colt (16), by Tea Tray—Santaline, by Santair (son of Santoi) from Bachelor Girl, by Bachelor’s Button —St. Katherine, a sister to St. Denis, by St. Simon from Brooch, half-sister to Sceptre, Collar, and Star Ruby. Bay Filly (2), by Tea Tray from Rennement, by Shepherd King—EleRance, by Seaton Delaval from Antelope (sister to Prime Warden and Sultan), by Apremont from Aliss Kate (granddam of Treadmill). Filly (7), by Tea Tray from Graceful, by Canzone (son of Bridge of Canny)—The Wran, by Earla Mor. Artilleryman, Comedy King. V alicare, and Persimmon are members of the Xo. 7 family. Bay Colt (12). by Kilbroitey—Desrina, by Desmond —Marina, by Amphion (sire of Sundridge) from Illumina (ancestress of Razzle Dazzle, Gold Ljffbt, Affectation, Heroic, etc.). This colt is bred on similar lines to Grand Parade, winner of Derby, and sire of Call Boy, the Derby winner sold at 60,000 guineas. Bay Colt (27), by Paper Money from Lady Violet, by Boniform —Vicereine, by Birkenhead —Roie (a sister to St. Hippo). Lady Violet is the dam of Ark Royal, winner of the Dunedin Guineas, etc.

Brawn Filly (3) (sister to Money Peer), by Paper Money—Peirene, by Achilles—Blue Water, by St. Leger— Sapphire. Blue ' Fire, Cunieform, Subterranean, Cupidon, and Mannlicher are related to Money Peer, who has won several races. Bay Colt (27), by Paper Money— V icereine, by Birkenhead — Roie (sister to St. Hippo). Roseday, Solfanello, Tione, Columbus, and Bunting are closely related to the Vicereine colt. Bay Colt (1), by Kilbroney—Favorita, by Marajax (son of Ajax) from Faverolle. by Gallinule. The successful Fowling Piece, who was a good winner and stud success, is closely related , to the Favorita colt.

afternoon. Foremost must have been a particularly versatile performer, and could play lead in all sorts of equine drama.

COMEDY OF ERRORS

There are times when the stewards at race meetings have had most complex cases to settle. Such was that known as the “ Comedy of Errors,” or Yellow Chat case, which happened some years ago in Birmingham, England, in connection with a maiden hurdle race won by a Belgian fcur-year-old Fil d’Ecosse, to whom Yellow Chat was second and Mark Minor third. The trainer of Fil d’Ecosse erroneously claimed an allowance to which the gelding was not entitled, and (says an exchange) an objection promptly followed, with the result that Yellow Chat was awarded the race. This automatically promoted Mark Minor to second place, and Beacon Fire, who had been placed fourth by the judge, became third. Settlement was effected in accordance with the then position, but early in the following week, 'apparently within seven days of the day of the race, it transpired that Count Featherstonhaugh informed the Birmingham stewards that he found he had omitted to register under the N.H. rules an existing partnership in Yellow Chat, which in error had been registered only under the rules of racing. The stewards then disqualified Yellow Chat and awarded the race to Mark Minor, Beacon Light being moved up into second place. As the judge had officially placed only four horses in the race there was no third.

A PLUNGE THAT FAILED

At the Ballarat spring meeting of 1869 there was some excitement. A backer from England had won a good stake over Austin Saqui’s Warrior in the Melbourne Cup, run a few weeks earlier. Walter Craig s hotel was the betting rendezvous in those days, and everybody kept late hours. As usual (says a writer in the Australasian) there was betting on the night before the Sutton Handicap, which was run on the second day. The backer from England wanted to back Saqui’s horse Misty Morn. He offered to take £6OO to £4OO, which Joe Thompson laid him. and he finished up laying £lOOO to £5OO on. The Thompson coterie came to the conclusion that the backer knew something. Phil Glenister, one of the master minds, was called in. and it was agreed that non-starters and those doubtful were to be brought to life, and before morning broke everything was all serene. James Wilson, sen., went out to Cres-wrn-k to interview the owner of Farmer's Daughter. He found that it was not intended to run the mare. However, before he left she was to start and Wilson, jun., was to ride her. In’the meantime Glenister and Barney Thompson had gone to Dowling Forest with carte blanche to buy B.A. from Eli Jellett, and after some wrangling secured him for £6OO. n°A m, X ke sure nothing happening to 8.A., Barney was left in charge until the horse went to the course. Next dav the backer found that the bookmakers‘were too strong for him, as Farmer’s Daughter won from Bishopsbourne. The plunger tO ci + get , hl t mone y back on Babbler ? tho W. P. Bowes rode him but he baulked at the water jump, a thing which never happened before.” lhe plunger failed to settle.

IN A NUTSHELL.

The speedy sprinter Ballymov II is a<min in work. ‘ 3

The Leighton filly Tone has been sold to an Australian buyer.

!t is considered doubtful if Rampion will stand another preparation.

. Acceptances for the Dunedin Cup meeting are due on February 3.

Rapier may do most of his future i acing in weiglit-for-age events.

Handicaps for the first dav of the Dunedin Cup meeting are due on January

\ ery satisfactory nominations have been received tor the Dunedin Cup meet-

bnrv a ;" g ' a ha ’ f -brother to John Bradbuij, is amongst those in work at Riccarton.

Luke Abbey on his best form would hold a good chance at 8.4 in the Anniversary Handicap. Battlement looks very bright and well despite the strenuous time he had at the Auckland Cup meeting. A fit e-year-old gelding by Cdareiieeux from laurna, by Charlemagne 11, has joined H. Nurse's stable.

It is reported that C. Emerson will It- 51 !!? 0 be seat on Childsplav at the Wellington Cup meeting. The Martian—Bronze gelding Mars, who cost 2000 guineas as a yearling in 1923, recently won at Mentone.

lhere will be widespread disappointment that Rapier was allowed to drop out of the Wellington Cup.

• J r j? in g three-year-old gelding by Aero in * • Wilson’s stable has improved a gieat deal as a result of a few weeks’ run m a good paddock.

Eulalie 8.1 beat Crown Area 8.3 by b a length in the Stewards’ Handicap, lhey meet at even weights in the Telegraph Handicap. There seems to be good reason for the statement that every part of the Ellerslie racecourse receives the greatest attention—except the tracks.

The speedy Erin-go-bragh figures among the acceptors for tlie Ruapehu Handicap, in which the improving Camisader is also engaged. Flicker ran second to Staghunter in the Irwcll Handicap. She and Full Feather are engaged in the Fitzherbert Handicap. Childsplay, Staghunter, 'and Prince Humphrey are engaged in the Wellington Stakes, and they may be backed in the order named.

F. E. Jones will probably have the mount on Footfall in the Wellington Cup. Footfall has run his best races with Jones in the eaddle.

A gold split-second stop watch went as a trophy to the trainer of the winner

of the Avoca Handicap run at the Dargaville meeting. Otago and Southland is to be unusually well represented in the Wellington Cup with Set Sail, Celerity JI, Ark Royal, Overhaul, and Countersign. Sudden Storm, the three-year-old sister to Child.splay, is likely to run well in her engagements at the Wellington Cup meeting. .

W. Kirk has dropped his position as a private trainer to Mr W. Scholium, in order to set up as a public trainer at Avondale.

Dumblane may go a lot better on the track at Trentham than he does*at Wmgatui, where the wavy , ground seems to unbalance him.

■ Booster beat Paper Chase by half a length when carrying 7.7 each in the -telegraph Handicap run last season. This year Booster has to give Paper Chase

Money Order is said to have improved a good deal in condition as a result of hie racing at the Auckland Cup meeting. This I aper Money gelding is one of the speediest horses in the country. Ihe speedy gelding Ruffles is again in work. He has not been seen out since the early part of last season, but few Y l **. ™ le way he spread-eagled a held when he won at Trentham.

The Paper Money two-year-old, Silver 1 aper, was a bit on the wing and up in the air when racing at the spring meetings. He has done well in the meantime, and is shaping brilliantly on the track.

It was thought that the announcement of Limericks engagement in the Hazlett Memorial would scare owners, but several have nominated, and their chance of success consists solely in the Limond gelding’s absence.

Several visiting trainers passed anything but favourable comment on the state of the going during the Auckland Cup meeting. Several horses showed damaged pasterns and fetlocks as the result of their raciim on the course.

Racing appears to be in low water in some parts of Tasmania. The Stanley Turf, Clubs meeting was hampered by rain. The attendance was small, the gate receipts being only £l7. Totalisator receipts showed £439 15s.

The Wingatui-trained horses Set Sail Camisader, Good as Gold. Pink Note, Dumblane, Booster, Overhaul. Ark Royal. Green Cloth, and Battlement have been shipped north to fulfil engagements at the Wellington Cup meeting. The Racing Conference Executive recently wrote to the Ashburton Racing Club asking whether it favoured broadcasting by radio from racecourses, as, in its opinion, it tended to increase betting with bookmakers.

B. Morris will have the mount on Staghunter at the Wellington Cup. A Dunedinito who was present at the Auckland Cup meeting, states that the Royal Stakes was fired away by Staghunter being allowed to run wide during the race.

The committee of the Dunedin Jockey Club has decided to reduce the acceptance fees in connection with the Dunedin Cup programme. An earlier statement in that direction might have attracted more patronage from owners.

Piuthair was in receipt of 61b when «me just beat Footfall in the Great Autumn Handicap. The same margin exists between them in the Wellington Cup. Set Sail was almost on terms with them, and now comes in with 141 b the worst of the weights. When patrons of Trentham see the ponified, hog-maned, lop-eared Good as Gold the a; will not be enamoured -with her appearance. A second look will show her as a compactly-built filly, and there js no doubt about her speed when in action.

I'ootfall ran a good fourth behind Rapier, le Monanui, and Rapine in the Wellington Cup when carrying 8.6. Star Stranger 9.5 and Piuthair 7.8 beat him two lengths in the W.R.C. Handicap run ln 2 ; 17 - an , Australasian record. In’ this years Wellington Cup Star Stranger has 9.8, Piuthair 8.5, and Footfall 8.11. . Full Feather has been showing marked improvement on the track, and mav be found shaping well in his engagements at 1 rentham. He has not been hurried, but allowed time, and this should help him in his autumn engagements. Full Feather is a half-brother by Autumnus to Centrepiece Rivalry, and Green Cloth.

We have had no more popular Mayor of Randwick than Mr John Dunningham. That he performed his duties in the sporting borough most satisfactorily in 1927 is •told by the fact that he has been re-elected. He is keen on having good roads. Mr Dunningham, in the everyday world (says *' Randwick ”), is a member of the registered paddock “ ring ” at Randtfick. Damon, one of the best two-year-olds in England in 1926, died last month after an operation to his head. In the Free Handicap of the year mentioned, he was allotted 8.12, the top weight, The Satrap only having 21b, more. This year Damon won one race, but did not nearly act up to his previous season’s promise. He was by Stefan the Great from Grizzel Grim. Mr H. A. Ikin, secretary of the Tasmanian Amateur Jockey Club, who is making strong efforts to induce mainland owners to nominate for the T.A.J.C. Cup race, has received a letter from James Scobie, the well-known Victorian trainer, stating that so long as there are no legalised bookmakers in Tasmania, horses from the mainland will not be sent across to compete at race meetings.

The Markhope mare Kerb has a particularly fine filly foal at foot by Tea Tray, and this season she went to Tractor. Kerb has furnished into a good type of a brood mare, and is bred on attractive lines. Her sire, however, did not prove a stud success, but his blood may prove valuable in brood, as he was got by Marcovil, sire of Hurry On from a sister to Persimmon anrl Diamond Jubilee. Kerb is out of the Martian mare Fender. Alec laylbr concluded his association with the English turf as a trainer at the close of the recent season. A week before its conclusion a London exchange stated that his record for a little over 26 years was 929 races for £783,464 in stakes. At 10 per cent, on winnings that would mean an average of about £3OOO a year for 26 years, but it is probable presents from

owners greatly swelled that amount. As a trainer, Taylor was worth all any owner gave him. ■

J. Fielder, one of Australia’s best lightweight riders in his day, and who subsequently trained some good winners in Melbourne (says the Sydney Referee), has been training in New Zealand for a few months. He turned out his first winner over there ’last month, when the Paper Money filly, Good as Gold, ran away with the Grange Handicap, six furlongs, at the Oamaru Jockey Club meeting, held at Wingatui (Dunedin) last year.

Rossendale is achieving a maximum of distinction of late. During the first season or so he did not do as well as his owners predicted, despite the fact he got a couple of Derby winners, in Maple a “«. .Rampion. But nowadays (says vigilant ’ in the Sydney Referee) the Kossendales are cropping up with remarkable persistency. They are a good-looking lot, and, on breeding and appearance, it is not surprising that they are achieving success. Rossendale was got by St. Frusquin, the grandsire of Paper Money. The Lucullus gelding Carinthia, purchased in Auckland by Mr J. M Samson, came south with a reputation of being a bit soft-hearted. He, however, fills the eye as a really good sort. The Quin Abbey filly, which accompanied the gelding, will be handled on C. Gieseler’g return from 'Wellington. Carinthia was got by Lucullusfrom Minsk, by Martian—Stephanie, by Stepniak—Fauna, by Maxim. The Quin Abbey filly is from Tecoma, by Soult—Pretoria, by Cuirassier—Winnie. Tecoma is the dam of Royal Doulton. The three finest-looking animals in the Carrington Stakes field were Rampion, Lesboo, and Persuasion. I heard an English visitor express the opinion (says “ Pilot ”) that Rampion was the best type of horse he had seen in Australia, and there is no doubt he is bigger and stronger-looking than he promised when younger. I suppose that later the Messrs Brien will use him at the stud, and, though the services of Australian-bred stallions are rarely in strong demand, they have so many mares of their own that he should get fair opportunities. The stable had a good win over the success of Phoenix Park in the Perth Cup, of 2500 sovs, two miles, run on December 31. The owner backed the Kilbroney gelding to win £lO,OOO, and duly landed the bet. Phoenix Park also won the Belmonti Park Cup three weeks before his success in the Perth Cup. He was bred by Mr T. H. Lowry, and got by Kilbroney from En Parole, the dam of Right and Left and Great Charter. Mr W. Quirk was strongly inclined to purchase Phoenix Park during the season of 1925-26, but considered the price too high. The late Colis BoyiJ. one of the finest riders that ever handled a hurdle racerin Australia, was very fond of cricket, and spent many hours enjoying the summer game. He was rather smart at repartee, and his witty stories lost nothing in the telling. One day he was engaged to ride in a hurdle race, and a young lady rushed up to him very excitedly and asked him what would win. Boyd replied that he thought his mount would. “ Oh, if he does I’ll stand on my head,” she exclaimed. “Well, if you do, wait till I come,” remarked the imperturbable Colis.

A Wellington writer states that Cerf has developed a bad habit of running off the track when he starts work in the morning. A. Goodman is now trying him in a hood and blinkers, but recently he acted as usual. A whip started him on a round of pace work without any trouble, but on being asked to go again he ran off once more. Further persuasion saw him get rid of his rider, R. Beale, and gallop back to the Sheds without incurring any damage. Cerf was gelded some time back, in an endeavour to effect a cure, but apparently' he is too well set in his bad habit.

There was a big reduction sale of Col. Phil T. Chinn’s Mimyar Stud in America at the end of November. Altogether 127 brood mares, fillies, yearlings, and foals were sold, on behalf of the stud mentioned, the top price being £5500 for the three-year-old Port Hole, a daughter of Man o’ War and Shady, Fatima II (dam of the Hurry On yearling colt sold at Saratoga in August for £14,000) realised £l9OO, and her filly foal made £lO2O. An average of a little over £450 for such a large number was excellent, and is a fair indication of the money there is in bloodstock in America.

An exchange says that men who have followed the game closely for a score of years, said that never has racing in New York reached a lower plane. A great many say that what used to be a great sport in that city has degenerated into nothing more than a crooked race track. For the sad condition of affairs the crowd of regulars place all the blame upon the Jockey o, ub. Its stewards have been so derelict in thenduty that hundreds of followers of the sport have become dissatisfied with them, and are crying out and pleading for the State authorities to take control of the sport and place it in the hands of a State racing commission.

A field of over 20 in strength still stands in the Telegraph Handicap, 'and as the draw for position is a very' material factor effecting a horse's chance under such circumstances it seems guesswork to search for a Jfavourite. Aussie has proved himself a wonderfully good horse, but he would have a hard row to hoe from the outside of the field, as there are several speedy ones who could carry' on for the first four furlongs and force the outside division into a hopeless position at the home turn. With a fair margin of luck in their favour, Money Order and Paperchase are regarded as a couple that will not be overlooked, and two with a rough chance 'are Good as Gold and Sudden Storm.

The last of this season’s important two-year-old races in England was the Hurst Park Great Two-year-old Stakes, run in November. First place carried £1650, and it was won by. Sir A. Bailey’s colt, Guards’ Parade, from four others. A French colt named Mourad, who had won four races in succession in his own country, was a 6 to 5 favourite, and he missed a place, the second horse being Baytown, who is trained by N. Scobie for Sir C. Hyde. Guards’ Parade, who is by' Grand Parade from La Gorgue, cost only 650gus as a yearling, and was one of

the most consistent two-year-olds of the recent English season. He won seven races and about £4OOO in stakes. His dam, La Gorgue, is by Tredennis out of sacrifice, by Symington.

textile is an instance of how much it is possible for a horse to improve after he passes five years. In his case (says “ Pilot ”1 it is somewhat remarkable, as he is a stallion, and has raced regularly since he commenced at two years. At that age he started 19 tunes, his first run being in August, so, while early two-year-old racing is detrimental to some horses, it does others no harm. Until this season he was not a good stayer, but he followed up a Caulfield Cup win with fourth in the Melbourne Cup and at Flemington on New Year’s Day he won the Bagot Handicap with 9.3 in the fair time of 2min 33j,sec for the mile and a-half. Textile i s not big, but shapely. In Melbourne in the autumn the chances are he will be in the w.f.a. races, the fields for some of which may be scarcely as strong in quality as in some past seasons. Mr F. Smith, who recently returned from England, was not greatly impressed by the horses he saw therft this time. “ They did not look as good, nor were they up to the standard of many previous years,” was Mr Smith s summing up. “ The best sprinter was the French-bred Highborn II,” said Mr Smith. “He stood out, but wanted things much his own way in races to be seen at his best. Finglas. though not exceptional by any means, was as good as any of the older stayers I saw. As for prices—well, would-be sellers certainly knew how to ask. I had an idea of buying the three-year-old Curialis, a Spion Kop colt, and just of useful handicap class. However, as the prige asked was 5000gns, and that was quite beyond his value, no business resulted.” Sir S. Hordern endorsed Mr Smith’s ideas Anything worth buying (says the Sydney Referee) was cither not for sale, or the price was beyond his true value.

Writing in Horse and Hound recently', “ Audax ” mentioned the following: — “ Bred by Mr Donald Fraser, and foaled on February 19, 1922. Foxlow was disposed of privately as a foal to his present wealthy owner, Sir Abe Bailey. After having been very well galloped as a two-year-old by his trainer, Reggie Day, not long before the Ascot meeting of that year, he soon afterwards ran against a tree in the plantation close to Bury Hill, and in doing so fractured the outer angle of his near ilium, in consequence of which his hip has been down ever since. The colt was six weeks in slings, and after that for seven months in a box, so naturally he took a long time to get fit afterwards; but for all that, on bis fourth appearance on a racecourse he won the Prince of Wales’s Stakes (10 furlongs), worth £1392, at the Kempton Park May meeting of 1925 with plenty in hand, from eight opponents.”

There is no more enthusiastic owner than the Aga Khan, who has spent what most folk would regard as a considerable fortune in building up a racing stable. His luck, on the whole (says an exchange), has been of the streaky kind, though he has won a Two Thousand with Diophon and a St. Leger with SalmonTrout. Like Lord Astor, he races on the grand scale, and it is therefore somewhat curious that his principal money-earner last season was the “ handicapper ” Dark Japan. That this horse would be creating a bit of a stir sooner or later was the general idea from the time that he made his first appearance in this country, at Manchester as a three-year-old. Nothing more was seen of him until the Chester meeting last spring, when he cantered away with the Cup, being followed b.v two other French-bred horses in Bamboula and Dark Hillock. The judge gave the margin as a dozen lengths, but it might well have been twenty. In his recent.ly'-published book, “ The Analysis of the Turf,” Mr FairfaxBlakeborough deplores the tendency to place successful jockeys on pedestals and worship them. He says it is a little nauseating, and he will find many racing men in agreement with that opinion. The book contains an amusing incident associated with a jockey named Speedy Payne, who was often before the English Jockey Club. He got “ full up ” of trying to explain away alleged offences, and on one ►occasion, when called up, let himself go as follows: “Your Highnesses, my Lords, Dukes, Generals, Colonels, and Admirals, —I doesn’t care a damn! When I rides and loses they says I pulls; when I rides and wins they reports me and suspends me. I’ve got a wife at home and some money in the bank, and I doesn’t care a damn WHAT you does with me.” The stewards were so flabbergasted at this outburst that “ Speedy ” wasn’t even cautioned. Those who believe in short distance gallops when training horses for long journeys should read the following:— Both the late Mr Janies Wilson and the stable commissioner, Phil. Glenister, toid me (says “ Touchstone ” in the Australasian) a great deal about First King, and on his public and private form he must have been one of the greatest stayers—little, if any, inferior to Carbine, Abercorn, and The Barb—ever seen on the Australian turf. Details of the great trial on which he was so confidently backed for the Champion were given to me by Mr Wilson on the occasion of my visit to his establishment, Mr Wilson told me the great son of King of the Ring carried 9.0, settled Savanaka (5.7) on the first mile, defeated Pardon over the next mile, and then held his own with Bosworth in the concluding part of the gallop! No wonder defeat was considered impossible. Savanaka was beat a head by Chester in the Melbourne Cup, and afterwards won the Sydney Cup, so that he was a good trial horse.

During the English flat-racing season of 1927, which came to a conclusion at The end of November, French-bred horses had a remarkably good innings on the English turf, winning, no fewer than 68 races of rhe value of £33,058. The principal performer was Dark Japan, a four-year-old *■ brown horse by Dark Legend (son of Dark Ronald) from Blouzelinda, an Irish-bred mare by St. Brendan, whose three wins (Chester Cup, two miles and a-quarter; Manchester Cup, one mile and a-half; and Goodwood Cup, two miles five furlongs) netted £5980; while he was third in the Ascot Gold Cup, two miles and a-half, and in the Doncaster Cup, two miles and a-quar-ter, and was sixth in the Newbury Summer Cup, one mile and a-half, in his only other start, .He is, therefore, a stayer of some pretensions. This is rather a formidable list for the French contingent, but England

welcomes competition from all parts of the world ; whereas the French prohibit any but native-bred horses in most of their races. England, consequently, has the door closed to its horses on French soil, excepting . such contests as the Grand Prix de Paris.

Lady Childwifk, dam of Genuine, a recent winner, is a mare by imported Positano. Ihe latter is sire of the dams of Valrona, Lady Valais, Sister Olive, Pershore, Posmatus, Stand By, Portrush, and many other celebrated winners. She is out ofChildwick Belle, an imported mare by Childwick. The latter was bought as a yearling in 1891 for 6000gns, and at this time this was the highest price ever given for a yearling. Childwick won the Limekiln Stakes, in which he defeated Orme also the Casarewitch Stakes and , e Plate, etc. Plaisanterie, dam of Childwick, won the Cesarewitch and Cambridgeshire. While Childwick was a good galloper, he proved himself a sire of no mean ability. One of his get is Kenilworth, who, in Australia, has sired Wolaroi, Kennaquhair, Landslide and others. It was in France that Childwick was located as a sire, and there he achieved distinction. Among the horses he got are Nogogol (winner of the French Derby) Clyde, and La Cafiiargo (two briliant fillies in l^rance). 1 laisanterie is also the dam of Kilbronev’s sire. ’

It is somewhat unique in the history of racing and breeding to find a southern stud master contributing to the strength of the blood stock yearling sales held °in the north, but Mr G. A. Kain, of Sterling, is sending up five from his stud where Solferino and Rosenor are “ lords of the harem.” Mr Kain is sending up three colts and two fillies. There is a Solferino colt from Thursa, the dam of Full Swim' Bnghthng, and Night March, her first three contributions to the Stud Book. All three are winners, and Night March Won so well at the Dunedin summer meeting that he looks to score further success before his two-year-old career comes to a conclusion. Mr Kain is also offering a Solferino colt from Munllikti, the one-time veryspeedy daughter of Sunny Lake and Arai-te-Uru and closely related to Good as Gold, Kilboyne, Money Order, and Taringamutu. The third colt is by Night Raid from Moiselle, bv Solferino— Mademoiselle Ixe, by Stepniak. Mr Kain has also a filly by Solferino from Jada, by' Kilbroney Success, and another bv the same sire from Russian Mai’d, bv Ste'pniak —Waimate Maid, by Artillery.’' Solferino has done well with Scpniak mares, and amongst those bred on these lines are Los Ambus and Ravenna.

In the past five years the English sportsman Viscount Furness has sold eight yearlings from the brood mares Love-Oil (Amadis—Paraflinc Lass), Tete-a-Tete (The Tetrarch—Bill and Coo), and Salamandra (St. Frusquin—Electra), The highest price received for any was 12,0€0gns, and the lowest 4000gns. When Viscount Furness gave 7100gns for hte brood mare Love-Oil in 1924 he made a fortunate investment. She was in foal to Gainsborough at the time, and the produce was a colt. He went into the sale ring at Doncaster last year and realised 12,000gns. This year Love-Oil’s yearling son by Son-in-Law was sold for 85O0gns, so that Viscount Furness has already got a return of 20,500gns for two foals, against the 7000gns their dam cost. As Love-Oil is only 12 years old she should be good for several more years at the stud. Tete-a-Tete is another mare that is giving Viscount Furness a great return. In the past three seasons her yearlings sold at auction have respectively realised 4000gns, 10,500gns. and 7000gns. Salamandra has also given the viscount cause for satisfaction. Her last three yearlings found buyers at 5000gns, 6200gns, and 7200gns. In four years their owner has received 63,420gns from the three mares mentioned —a truly remarkable return from three mares.

In proportion to the population, there are probably more racecourses in New South Wales than anywhere else in the world. We Australians do love a gamble (says “ Pilot ”) and hitherto have mostly turned to horses for it. Now greyhounds are having a turn. During the past year 401 racecourses were licensed in this State under the Gaming and Betting Act, 11 being within 40 miles of the Sydney G.P.0., nine within 40 miles of the Newcastle G.P.0., and 381 beyond those areas. The law was amended last year so as to permit of the issue of an additional trotting license in the Sydney area and three trotting licenses in the Newcastle area; while another amendment permitted trotting clubs in Sydney holding meetings 20 days a year other than Wednesdays and Saturdays, this in order to avoid clashing with horse or pony meetings. Altogether 35 coursing grounds were approved, eight of these being for mechanical hare racing. It is almost unnecessary to write that on many of the 401 racecourses only one or two days’ racing a year takes place. They give a pleasant break to people far removed from the metropolitan aFea. In Sydney we may appear to have too much racing, but the obvious reply is that such an idea is incorrect, seeing the' population about equals that of the remainder of the State.

Manton, the most famous of all presentday British training stables, this season sets out upon a new era of its long history. Alec. Taylor, its former owner, and, until the end of the recently-closed season its commander-in-chief, has retired as a trainer, though he will continue to act in an advisory capacity. His mantle has fallen on Joseph Lawson, who for many years has been Taylor’s chief assistant. In a recent issue of the Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News, the English writer “ Rapier ” gave .an interesting outline of Manton’s history, as follows:—“ Alee. Taylor’s father, Alec Taylor, sen., first settled as a trainer in the Manton area and actually built the stables in which so many great horses'have lived. Teddington, who won the Derby’ in 1851, was trained on the Manton gallops. . In 1894 the very remarkable old man died, and from that year the establishment was carried on by the present Alec. Taylor and his brother. The latter died in 1902, and from that year Alec. Taylor has been in sole ownership and supreme command. It was soon after the war, when land was fetching boom prices, that Mr J. Watson, who afterwards became Lord Manton, purchased the Manton estate with its stables, stud farms, and gallops. The price was reported to be in. the uejghbourhooX £130,000-”

In Mr J M Bates's shop window in Budge street. Eltham, there-is on view a orse shoe. To the casual observer this tu ICan not ?u’ ng t ut for thc accompanying letter, as the shoe is no different in appeal ance from hundreds of others. The relic will however, appeal to those with a eamng to the sport of horse racing, it being the last shoe taken from Carbine the wonderful son of Musket. As is well known (says an exchange), after his dazzling racing career in New Zealand and Australia, Carbine was taken to England, and at the time of his death was owned by the Duke of Portland. During a period of convalescence in England, after war service, Mr Hates made the acquaintance of Mr W Glasby (stud groom to the Duke of Portland), who presented the shoe and explanatory letter to Mr Bates on the eve of his return to New Zealand. The letter reads as 11 w l S r“n ll ° lba ’ k ’ Welbeck, September 2/, 1915 Dear Corporal Bates,—This is to certify that the shoe I gave to you is the last shoe taken from Old Jack (Carbine). ’’ ishmg you the best of luck, a speedy recoveiy, and safe return to New Zealand, believe me, your s faithfully, \V Glasby, Stud Groom to Duke of Portland.” Needless to say, Mr Bates sets a high sentimental value on this reminder of the New Zealand-bred equine wonder, and so far from parting with it for the proverbial song, has already refused an offer of £25 for his treasure.

M'hen Rampions brother Ramulus won the A.J.C. Breeders’ Plate at Randwick in the spring it was common talk (says “Musket”) that the Rossendale—Demeter filly Remora was quite as fast as he is, judging by their track work. In Tattersail’s Stakes Remora was one of the nine starters, and her reputation for speed, caused her to head the quotations: but she did not produce the speed which she was credited with, and could finish only a poor third to Boorcello and Clargull, after showing in front less than a furlong from home. I had an idea that when Boorcello caught Remora she cut across her to the inner rail rather sharply, and had the latter run second a protest might have been entered. However, Boorcello ran clean away from the Rossendale filly, and -.von by a length and a-half from the Claro filly Clargull (who would have been closer had she steered a straight course up the running), with Reniora a length further off. , The winner is by Sir Samuel Hordern's . imported horse Violoncello f: om Booralie, by Roseworthy (imp.) from Burletta, by Wallace, and is consequently well connected, having for relations such celebrities as Radnor. Noctuiform, Midnight Sun, La Tosca. F.J.A., Wakeful, and many other "ood performers of the No. 9 family. Boorcello was bred by Sir Samuel at his Petwyn Vale Stud. Wingen, and was sold as a yearling to Mr S. Brown for 45gns. Having won three races in six starts, she has proved herself one of the bargains of the 1927 sales.

It is very many years since any jockey had so successful a season as Richards has had in 1927. Not only has he ridden twice as many winners as any other jockey, but his average is also the best. He can, it is true, ride at a very convenient weight, and his successful riding has led owners to seek his services as rider of horses which they had great hopes would win. That in itself was a compliment to his ability and honesty. People are continually asking the secret of his success. He has succeeded because he is a "reat rider, which is such a simple explanation that it is seldom accepted. He has a good seat, which includes, I suppose (says an English writer), perfect balance. He must have “ good hands,” be a fine judge of pace, have great pluck, and be quick witted to seize an opening. It has been said that he is cruel with the whip. That is quite untrue,. as anyone can prove for himself if. he will examine a horse on whom Richards has appeared to ride a most desperate finish, apparently using the whip continually. Such horses bear scarcely a mark of the whip on their return to the paddock. Richards certainly shows his horse the whip, but that is not th, same thing as using it. When, however. Richards does use the whip, he is the most skilled exponent I have ever seen, and no doubt his art in this direction has won him many races which have at one time appeared lost. If he retains his health, there is no reason why he should not have many seasons as successful as 1927. He deserves his success, for he is not only a great artist in his own profession, but also a loyal and good servant.

Reviewing the nominations for the Oaks, to be run in 1929. an English sporting writer recalls an interesting experiment, which so far has been eminently successful. “ Looking through the nominations for the Oaks,” he says, “ I was rather interested in one of Lord Astor’s nominations. This is the filly Card Head, She is by Decision out of Third Trick. The latter was the first foal to Conjure, who was the mare to found the fortune of Lord Astor on thc turf. Third Trick was a winner, and also did well at the stud. After being barren for some years, it was thought that her sphere of usefulness at the stud was finished, but Major G. H. Deane was very anxious to get another filly out of her. mainly for breeding purposes. An experiment .somewhat similar to gland treatment was tried, and the mare was then mated with Decision, and she produced a filly, which was what was hoped for. It will be interesting to watch her career.” According to authorities (says an exchange), the experiment of gland implantation has yet to be tried at the studs in Australia, although literature on the subject has been engaging the attention of prominent veterinary surgeons. There are many mares sent to the stud each year, valued particularly for their lines of breeding. Of them some are subsequently found barren, to the keen disappointment of their owners. The success of the experiment in England makes possible the solution of .a problem which is a big one to stud-masters. It is understood that experiments have been carried out with less valuable stock, and that next season the way will be open for the treatment of stud mares. A Wellington scribe expresses the opinion that the only reliable guide to a possible winner is recent form and racing condition. It may be a good guide as far as taking a short cut in a guessing competition as to what is likely to trouble the judge, but analysing the avoirdupois gets closer to sane and safer conclusion than mere guesswork. If it were not so licapping would be valueless instead he only method of attempting ta

bal ancc form. The handicappers evidently think so. They get the big money. The topweights in the Wellington Cup supplyproof of that contention. For instance, the handicapping of Footfall.and Piuthair has only varied 21b since they fought it out in the Great Autumn Handicap. The well-known handicapper, Mr J. E. Henrys, once, at least, made the same mistake as the Wellington scribe, and worked solely on recent forin, with the result that he wrecked two or three races. In fact, when Mr Henrys dies it will be found by an inquisitive surgeon that the Word Amythas is deeply engraved on his heart. Amythas won three times as a two-year-old. His final success was in the Pacific Handicap with 9.2 in 1.12. He then ran third in the Manawatu Stakes to Warplane and Hetaua, with Affectation and several other winners behind him. As a three-year-old Amythas commenced by running unplaced in a couple of races at the N.Z. Cup meeting. Mr Henrys accepted that “ recent ” form as correct, and presented him with the Otago Handicap with 7.1. Others followed the misguiding lead, and Amythas won the St. Andrew’s Handicap with 8.0, and reduced the Invercargill Cup of lOOOsovs to two others after place-money by getting 8.5. Inexperienced riding cost Amythas the Wellington Cup with only 7.7 on his back, and he proved it by winning the W.R.C. Handicap with the same weight and the Summer Handicap with 8.7. The shortsighted adherence to recent form started Amythas off in a triumphal procession which ended in the Demosthenes gelding establishing claims to be one of the greatest ever seen.

One frequently finds an echo of the past in a present-day pedigree. For instance, when coming over the breeding of one of the youngsters to be sold at the Wellington sales it was found that the tabulation terminated with Antelope as the taproot. Antelope was foaled in 1883 and got by Apremont from Miss Kate, and so ranked as own sister to Sultan, who won the Dunedin Cup of 1889, and Prime Warden. The well-known sire Perkin Warbeck II was also a son of Miss Kate. Prime Warden won the Canterbury- Cup, Great Autumn, and other good races, but it is mostly to Apremont’s name in a pedigree that the writer wishes to draw attention. Apremont was a great sire of speed, and also bestowed great legs and constitutions on his stock. His progeny- was also inclined to be high strung and very temperamental, with the result that if their natural speed was asked for demonstration too soon and too often the youngsters went crazy, and some of the most fractious horses ever seen in New Zealand were got by the French-bred horse. The other side of the picture shows that Apremont put up the phenomenal record of siring five consecutive ■winners of the Welcome Stakes, and one of them in Cynosca afterwards trained on and won the Wellington Cup on three consecutive occasions. Another son in Mikado II developed into one of the best ’chasers of his day- in Australia. Other sons also developed into good winners when patiently' handled. Cajolery went crazy as a two-year-old, but afterwards became a good winner over hurdles. The stout constitution imparted by Apremont to his stock in addition to abundance of vitality, always makes his name appreciated in the quarterings of a pedigree. What they said about Apremont they iw say: about Paper Money. The situation may- be summed up by- saying that if youngsters are brimful of vitality and naturally- anxious to gallop, the less they are allowed to show speed on the track the. more success they- will achieve on the racecourse.