RACING.

Otago Witness, Issue 3862, 20 March 1928, Page 56

RACING.

FIXTURES. March 21.—Otautau R.C. Meeting. March 21, 22.—Rangitikei R.C. Meeting. Search 23, 24.—Oamaru J.C. at Wingatui. March 24.—Bay of Plenty J.C. Meeting. March 24, 26.—Westport J.C. Meeting. March 28, 29.—Southland R.C. Meeting. March 30, 31.—Masterton R.C. Meeting. March 31.—Whangarei R.C. Meeting. March 31.—Hororata R.C. Meeting. TALK OF THE DAY. By Sentinel. NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENT. * Anxious to Know.’' —See “Notes and Queries ” in this issue.

OXENHAM AND THE PUMPKIN.

Humphrey Oxenham rose from small beginnings, but managed to live and win more than his share of the good things of the turf. A Melbourne Cup, Legers, a Sydney Cup, a Caulfield Cup, and other important races were won by his horses. But bis start to prosperity came about in a curious way. In the good old days (says “ Touchstone ”) after the A.J.C. autumn meeting most of the MelBourne bookmakers found their way home through Mudgee and Bathurst, where there were important race meetings. At a Bathurst meeting Oxenham, who was hardly known at the time, was present. A very large pumpkin—and they grow immense ones there —was on exhibition .in the hotel where the bookmakers were located. A discussion arose as to the possibility of a man carrying it from the neighbouring town (Kelso), four and a-half miles away, to Bathurst. Nothing was arranged then, but Oxenham produced » much larger one, out of which he cut file stalk, and offered to back himself to carry it from Kelso to the Royal Hotel, Bathurst. Large wagers were made, and the . double, Oxenham and that James White’s Goulburn would win the Bathurst Steeplechase, was laid to large amounts. The pumpkin was locked up overnight, so. that there would be no tampering with it. Next morning Oxenham, who was used to carrying heavy weights, appeared with a pad on his head, and the seooped-out portion of the pumpkin fitted into it. Joe Thompson and “ The Count” (E. N. Abrahams), who backed Oxenham, walked in front to keep the crowd clear. Oxenham lauded the pumpkin on the bar of the hotel without turning a hair. When he put it down he offered to carry it back for a fiver. Goulburn won the steeplechase, and some of the bookmakers who laid the double had to ask “ for time.”

THE SCIENCE OF BREEDING. Major James Edward Platt, the breeder of that high-class imported horse Gothic, who has just won the V.A.T.C. Futurity Stakes and the V.R.C. Newmarket Handicap, . is a man with many years’ experience as a studmaster, and consequently writes with a full knowledge of his subject. Naturally, his book applies more to English than to Australian conditions ; but there is a deal in its pages which has a general application. The chapter on inbreeding is of especial interest to breeders who are not too well versed in the rearing of bloodstock—that is, men who have not been very long in the industry. In his preface the major writes; “ One of the several causes of failure lies in insufficient studv or understanding of the lessons of the' Stud Book and the careers of great horses, both past and present, whether on the turf or at the stud; or. again, of the truly vast influence of the great female families, and the way in which these, blended with certain lines of blood, have made themselves famous and successful.” .On the subject of inbreeding, the major does not believe in mating brother and sister, or half-brother r®d half-sister, or even cousins; but says •tbat much good can be accomplished by mating father and daughter, or mother and son. when the line is a stout one which has been famous on the turf. “ In recommending this type of inbreeding I srn only following out the lessons and examples of the founders of the thoroughbred in England, who by these means exactly produced the greatest sire of all times— Bartlett’s Childers. He stands out by himself as the progenitor of 90 per cent, of the thoroughbreds of the present dav as represented by the Stud Book, for his'son Squirt was the sire of Marske, the sire of the famous Eclipse, the most potent of the founders of the three great families into which our thoroughbreds are divided. Bartlett’s Childers was by the Darley Arabian out of Betty Leeds, a mare cot by Old Careless, a son of Spanker. She •was out of a mare called Sister to Leeds, by the Leeds Arabian, and she herself was out of a daughter o f Snanker’s dam, by Spanker himself. So here we havo, through the female side, a son put to his mother, and the produce, being a filly, put to an absolute outcross in the Leeds Arabian ; the produce, again being a filly, was crossed-in again to Spanker through his

son Old Cureless.” This chapter should be read carefully by breeders endeavouring to perpetuate a strain of blood which they have found to give excellent results. BIG WINNERS. Gothic has proved one of Mr. Green’s most profitable horses. In prize money, he has won £10,112 from five wins, two seconds, and seven thirds. Following is his record:— AT FOUR YEARS. £ Won, V.A.T.C. Doona Trial 175 Second, V.A.T.C. Toorak Handicap .. 350 Third, V.R.C. Cantala Stakes 200 Third, V.A.T.C. Hawksburn Handicap 50 Won, V.R.C. Newmarket Handicap .. 2658 Third, V.R.C. Farewell (Handicap .. .. 50 AT FIVE YEARS. Won. W. Farm Campbelltown Handicap 584 Second, Rosehill Hill Stakes 150 Third, A.J.C. Epsom Handicap .. 300 Third, M. Valley W. S. Cox Plate .. 100 Third, V.R.C. Melbourne Stakes .. .. 150 Third, V.R.C. Linlithgow Stakes .. .. 150 Won, Caulfield Futurity Stakes .. .. 2600 Won,' V.R.C. Newmarket Handicap .. 2595 Total, 5 wins, 2 seconds, 7 thirds .. £10,112 Trivalve has won £25,836, and before the end of the season he should be the second record winner at two and three years. Following is his record: — AT TWO YEARS. £ Third, Byron Moore Stakes 75 First, Flemington Stakes 473 Second, Sires’ E'rcduce Stakes .. .. 400 Third, Ascetvale Stakes .'. 150 First, Gibson Carmichael Stakes .. 657 Third, A.J.C. Champagne Stakes .. .. 300 AT THREE YEARS. First, A.J.C. Derby 7301 Second, V.A.T.C. Caulfield Guineas .. 525 First, Victoria Derby 4136 First, Melbourne Cup 10,198 First, V.R.C. St. Legcr 1721 Total, 6 firsts, 2 seconds, 3 thirds £25,836 THE WAIMATE MEETING.

The Waimate Racing Club’s annual fixture. as • usually the case, proved an enjoyable outing, and the card provided some very interesting racing. There was a fairly large attendance, but speculation was not at all brisk, and the returns showed a serious shrinkage on last year’s figures. The meeting was faced with a good" deal of opposition in the shape of the New Brighton Trotting Club’s fixture, the Wellington Racing Club’s autumn meeting, and also from the Wj’ndham Trotting Club’s meeting. The Canterbury sports supplied an unusually small contingent, and no doubt many were satisfied with the sporting attraction nearer home, and there would as usual be a big crowd from the city of the plains in attendance at Trentham. So much strong opposition was anything but favourable to the success of the Waimate meeting. In fact, the club should seriously consider the advisability of making a change of dates in order to at least keep clear of the Wellington meeting. It seems safe to say that there would be much stronger support from Riccarton with both men and horses if the two meetings did not take place in the same week. A good deal of sentiment is associated with the' date of the Waimate Racing Club’s meeting because the district is full "of sports attached to the seventeenth of Old Ireland. but the fact remains that the card is very seldom decided on St. Patricks Day, so that it would not prove a severe wrench to make a change. The suggested change seems the only way to restore the club’s fortunes, and if a financial as well as a sporting success has to be achieved, then an alteration is an imperative necessity. Apart from the two trotting events only 7 two races provided the dual dividend which tempts punters to be busy. The scutching pen went through Carnot’s name for the Waimate Cup, and Wayward was started, although both -trainer and owner were fully aware of the fact that the Sutala gelding was far from himself, owing to suffering from muscle soreness. Battle Colours was made favourite, but his supporters got a very poor run for their money, . as the Solferino gelding was kept poking about at the tail of the small field in a slow-run race, and ridden in anything but a satisfactory manner. He made a belated effort,, but even then ditl not gain a place. Heather Lad- was also handled in an unsatisfactory manner. He got well away, but instead of being ridden up to a position he was allowed to drop back fully half a dozen lengths from the leaders at the end of the first two furlongs. Heather Lad was sent up as they approached the far turn, but did not get through, and he and Battle Colours were still at the tail of the field as they made the home turn. Heather Lad then came with a strong run, but although he finished stronger than anything m the race his effort was far too late. It almost passes one’s comprehension why two of the best stayers in a small field should be kept dawdling in the rear in a slow-run race. Nincompoop was allowed to hold up the pace, and- looked a winner at the distance, but he gave an opening, and Lucy Locket got through to beat him by a neck. Money Peer was always- going well, but he pulled up lame. It is surmised that he put his foot in a hole made by a hurdle stake, as he scarred, one of his coronets and cut the same foot by over-reaching. If more use had been made of Heather Lad he must have won. The minor events supplied some interesting racing, and Black Duke showed improved form by landing, a double. The starting was open to criticism, but the management under Mr A. J. Hoskins left nothing to be desired. THE OAMARU J.C. MEETING. The Oamaru Jockey Club will, by the courtesy of the Dunedin Jockey Club, .be temporarily in charge at Wingatui on Friday and Saturday next as a result of receiving permission to hold its autumn meeting at our racing headquarters. Thera will be a fairly attrae-

tive card on hand, and if the weather is at all favourable a good attendance will no doubt turn out to assist in the success of the meeting. It is doubtful if Pink Note will be sent to the post for the Oamaru .Cup, as he has done very little work since the Dunedin Cup meeting. The Paper Money gelding seems to have made a good recovery from the effects of being galloped on, and if he is forward enough to be sent to the post should run a good race. Pink Note had no difficulty in giving Overhaul 71b in the Dunedin Cup, and now meets him on 91b worse terms. Overhaul in the meantime has apparently trained on, and is well treated on his Wyndham Cup form, as he meets Wingatui on the same terms as when they met on that occasion without the mare having much chance of winning. Heather Lad looks a more formidable opponent than Pink Note owing to the latter’s possible lack of racing condition. Heather Lad should have beaten Lucy Locket in the Waimate Cup, and in the Oamaru Cup will be able to meet her on 71b better terms. This seems to extinguish the chance of the Boniform mare. Wayward is an unlikely starter, but King Balboa is regarded in some quarters as sure to run a good race. Heather Lad and Overhaul may be the order of favouritism on the totalisator. Booster and Apple Dighton are most likely to be supported for the Flying Handicap, as the former should be able to account for those near him and the other for the light-weight division. Taboo is well treated in the Anniversary Handicap, as he meets John Bradbury and Wingatui on better terms than when he finished in front of them in the St. Andrew’s Handicap. Black Duke is now top weight with 9.6, and as he won in fine style at Waimate he must be hard to beat, and will very probably start favourite if sent to the post. He meets Gay Sonnet at 61b worse terms than when he beat her

last week, and the extra furlong will be J ll ,, 18 . favour. Lucy Locket will probably be allowed to take her chance in tlie Oamaru Cup, and Money Peer is not likely to start. Rotor shaped disappointingly at Waimate, but he has 221 b less to carry. Quickform and Antrim Boy may be selected as the best in the Grange Handicap, and" Dumblane and Radiant Knight for the Novice Stakes. Hard Prince will be supported for tbe Autumn Hurdles, which should furnish a good race.

A BAD RULE. According to reports from the North Island a case has occurred where very questionable tactics have been used, and yet those concerned kept “ within the law.” On different occasions the writer has made reference to the fact that the rule in reference to running a horse in ordinary shoes lends itself to fraudulent tactics. Under the existing rule a horse can be raced in shoes providing that permission is obtained. There is, however, nothing to prevent an unscrupulous owner racing his horse on the first and second day of a meeting, and iu plates or barefoot on the third, without it being necessary to inform the stewards of the change. A rule which permits such a state of affairs is really absurd, and yet has stood for some j’ears, despite the fact that the stipendiary stewards must or should be aware of the very unsatisfactory manner in which it was framed. The rule was passed in its present form because a member of the Racing Conference stated that in some cases a well-worn shoe might be as light as a plate, and in the case of bad-footed horses with brittle hoofs, likely to suffer by frequent changes, it became advisable to race a horse in slices. It seemed to be completely overlooked that the conference made a rule favouring an exceptional case, and not on general principles, which should provide for a horse racing under circumstances calculated to assist success and not to anchor it. If a horse is raced at a meeting in shoes the owner should not oe allowed to make a change, and if Ire does it should certainly be notified to the public The rule as it is lends itself to absolute fraud. It has been calculated that a horse wearing ordinary shoes would gallop 4sec slower over a mile than what would be the case if wearing light plates. It has to be remembered that weight on a horse’s feet shortens the stride more effectively than a substantial increase carried on the back, and hence it is easily recognised what a chance is granted to those of the clever division who may elect to race a horse in shoes in one day and plates on the next without it being necessary to notify the change. The rule on the point reads as follows:—“If it be intended to run a horse in shoes heavier than racing plates, the owner or trainer of such horse must obtain permission from the stewards prior to weighing out.” An owner can maintain a judicious silence when he changes from shoes to plates during the course of a meeting. It is an old joke. The writer has seen a horse kept out of the birdcage until the last possible moment and then sent as quickly as possible on to the track. After the race the horse was kept as far back as possible to be unsaddled, and then taken away on the blind side of another horse or two. This was in the old days, before any rule came into existence in connection with racing a horse in ordinary shoes. There is another case where a trainer ran a horse in shoes without informing the owner, who became so incensed at the fraud that he sold off all his horses and never raced again. The statement made above about the effect of weight on horses should be more than sufficient reason to alter a rule which should never have been framed in its present form.

INBREEDING. In a recent article, in reference to the mating of Sans Tache, the opinion of a leading breeder was given upon the advisability or otherwise of inbreeding to the “hot” Galopin blood. His views were: “ So long as breeders will keep on inbreeding to Galopin. just so long will there be a dearth of stayers. Put Hampton blood up on the top of Galopin, and things will soon be changed round.” The publication of this statement (says the “ Special Commissioner ” of Sporting Life) was expected to lead to controversy. Visions of the worshippers at the throne of the son of Vedette lighting bonfires for the burning of the breeder and the writer became almost realistic. Hence it was a palliative to receive a most courteous letter from Lieutenant-colonel Ricketts —a valued correspondent—dealing with the subject. He writes: “ It would be interesting if either of the gentlemen would be good enough to give us some explanation why inbreeding to Galopin should be the cause f the dearth of stayers. For many years Galopin blood was successful and popular, and the chief characteristics that he appeared to pass on to his ’ sons and daughters was his stamina.” Colonel Ricketts then instances many examples of staying sons and daughters of Galopin, and goes on: “ In several other lines also those horses which transmit staying powers will in many cases be found to have Galopin blood in them, to which it is fair to assume some, if not a considerable portion, of their stamina is due.” Let us get the position clear. With the results of the Gold Cup at Ascot, the classics, and, if you wish, the Melbourne Cup in front of one, it would be an absurditj' either to write or say that Galopin or his best son, St. Simon, did not sire stayers. Such an idea was never mooted. What was said and written was that it was not advisable to inbreed to the Galopin blood. There is a marked difference between the two things. For instance, if the question was asked, at the moment, “ What is the surest way to breed a stayer?” the answer would inevitably be “ Use Hurry On,” but if an inbreed to this horse was suggested the result would at least be problematical, and one that could be calculated to fill most breeders and trainers with misgivings. Colonel Ricketts continues: “The usual result of inbreeding is to stamp a characteristic more surely, but there is always risk, and if the evils of inbreeding appear nn immediate outcross is essential. The evils generally attributed to inbreeding are excitability, nervousness, lack of courage, deterioration in constitution and fertility* and it it could be

shown that these defects are common in proportion as Galopin has been inbred to, the case would be proved, but can it? " 118 a PPIy this to the famous ease of Flying Fox, who was, of course, by Orme (by Ormonde out of Angelica, by Galopin) out of Vampire, by Galopin’. Writing of this mating, John Porter says that Orme was used for Vampire bec-auss she was so excitable when she had a fo'al at foot that it was not thought safe to send her away. “ Otherwise the duke would certainly not have risked the apparently dangerous inbreeding to ‘hot 1 Galopin blood.”- As things turned out—there are exceptions to every rule —the result was wonderful, but Porter goes on: “ Even at that early stage of his career he was, however, inclined to be mulish, and I have always thought it was as well that he left the turf at the end of his three-year-old days, for had he remained in training a third season he would, I am convinced, have caused us a lot of trouble.” Was not Flying Fox. despite his victories, a striking example of the evils that Colonel Ricketts instances as arising from inbreeding? As regards the giving of. figures to support the theory that inbreeding to St. Simon, or Galopin, is not conducive to stamina, the problem is a difficult one, but if recourse is made ta_the booklet issued by the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association, and containing the pedigrees of the 150 leading winners from 1912 to 1925, it will be found that there are not more than a couple of dozen horses that are markedly inbred to Galopin that can be looked upon as stayers, and that they are verv greatly outnumbered by those with a single line of Galopin or, in some cases, no Galopin at all. THE GRAND NATIONAL. Th® “ *S at i° na l ” is a la"' unto itself, and luck is a far bigger factor to success than in other races. One has only to glance at the records to find any number of instances of forward running, and even, victory, of seemingly impossible horses that have had the assistance of fortune. Many far better steeplechasers than Glenside have failed in the Grand National, but, aided and abetted by the fates, he carried off the race seventeen years ago. Of course, we all know, (says a writer in “London Sporting Life”) that with ordinary luck Rathnally, who finished seco-’d after having been brought down, must have taken the prize. But the tact remains that Glenside gees down to history as the winner of that season. Really, any happening is within the range of possibility at Liverpool. To go back no further than last spring. Then seven passed the winning post, one—White Park —after coming to grief, through no fault of his own, and being remounted. Of those that got the journey Sprig, the winner, was favourite, while the third, Bright’s Boy. and White Park were strongly fancied. But the despised Bovril 111. against whom the layers were vainly shrieking 100 to 1 at the off. went neatly to giving them a “ skinner,” while Drinmond, Master of Arts, and Ballystockart. who also got the full journey, were included among the outsiders. All things considered, then, it is not surprising that the “ National,” always popular, co#> tinues to grow in favour. Nothing can be put right out of this wonderful race whatever its antecedents and book credential#, Liverpool candidates are not invariably “ born in the purple.” More than one have indeed known what it is to be in the shafts of a humble vehicle, while others havo been more used to hunting than

racing. Thus it comes about that we find all sorts and conditions of horses ate nominated, an increased fee notwithstanding, and it will not be astonishing if round about fiftv are weighed out for a couple of months bonce. One rather sympathises with the clerk of the scales and the starter. What is min** to happen, too, m the usual rush for the first fence? IN A NUTSHELL. A pool of over £7OOO was invested on the Thompson Handicap. Mask is again getting through good, useful tasks at Wanganui. General entry day for. the C.J.C, autumn meeting falls on Friday next. Hildreth and Real Glad both shaped fairly well in sorint tasks on Saturday. The Gay Lad gelding Busy Lad continues to shape satisfactorily in his work.

The aptly-named Gothic, a son of Tracery, is building up fame in Australia. Hard Prince shaped well in a school over two flights of hurdles on Saturday.

Antrim Boy strode along freely on Saturday when galloping half a mile in 53sec.

Handicaps for the Great Easter Handicap and Great Autumn Handicap are due to-day. ,

Good as Gold is bowling along nicely in her work, and has setled down considerably.

Prince Otto is credited with being one of the speediest horses in J. T. Jamieson’s stable.

The,St. Frusquin horse Rossendale has sired winners of over 60,000 since his stock began racing in 1924. Greencloth and Quickform have both been responsible for good, useful work during the past week. Frank Wooton, the one-time crack horseman, recently saddled the first winner he has trained in England. Decision, Top Gear, and a Tractor gelding were schooled over five fences on Saturday, and shaped satisfactorily. Radiant Knight has made - good progress since he came to Wingatui, and shapes well over a sprint distance. Wayward was suffering from muscle soreness when he ran in the Waimate Cup, and is to be treated to a- spell.

Silver Coot finished, fourth in the Railway Handicap, and on form Money Order should have been well in front of him. Quarterdeck developed lameness on the eve of the Wellington meeting, and in consequence did not start at Trentham. Gascony showed signs of lameness after running in the North Island Challenge Stakes, in which he finished a close third.

The race record for the Wellington St. Leger was put up by Duo when he won in 2.57 4-5, and made an Australasian record for the distance.

Silver Link and Gascony, who both won in 1.25, share the honours of establishing the record for the North Island Challenge Stakes. Court Jester, who won in J. M'Combe’s colours at Wellington, was got by Comedy King from Kuningada, by The White Knight from Sal, by Love Wisely.

Joy King, the winner of the Thompson Handicap was got by Comedy King from Joyeuse, by Bayardo from Joie de Vivre, by Gallinule. Handicaps for the first day of the Southland Racing Club’s meeting are due on Thursday, the 22nd inst., and acceptances on Monday, the 26th inst. There seems to be good prospects of Kawini standing another preparation. He ran second to Peter Maxwell in the Grand National Steeples of 1926.

At the Melbourne Bloodstock Sales held during the V.R.C. autumn meeting, 127 lots made 19,035gn5, an average of just on 149gns.

Booster appeared to be waiting with Apple Dighton when they galloped five furlongs in 1.3 2-5 on Saturday. Both horses finished well. Both the Beaumont and Tuapeka programmes met with a satisfactory response from owners, and both clubs should experience a successful meeting.

Miss Ransom, who won at Trentham last week, is a sister to Hynanna. They were got by Hymestra from Misnauna, by Land of Song from Ramson, by Radium.

Set Sail drew an outside number at the barrier in the Thompson Handicap, and ran a good race to finish fourth. She, however, failed to get amongst the money in the W.R.C. Autumn Handicap. Midnight Sun. who won the New Zealand Cup of 1912, and was also placed in 'the same race in 1913, was recently represented. by a winner over hurdles in Aus tralia.

Although Dismantle is amiss in the respiratory organs she can still go fast over a sprint distance. She shaped well in a gallop with Rob on Saturday morning.

Overhaul and Wingatui drew away from Brightling towards the end of a seven furlong gallop on Saturday. Overhaul seemed to be doing better than the mare when they finished in 1.32. Mr J. H. Tompkins would have, in 'all probability, given much greater satisfaction with the starting at Waimate if the small fields had been sent away from a Walking start. The star attraction at the Otautau meeting will be the steeplechase, in which a good field of 14 acceptors figures. If Scamp is in racing shape he will probably start favourite. The Paper Money—Michaela filly which recently joined J. Fielder’s stable is a rather attractive sort. She has a compactly built top piece carried by a good set of legs. The filly looks the sort to develop early speed. It. is interesting to note that Great Star’s first winner in Australia is out of Castellane. a mare by Almissa from Cast Off, by Stepniak from Ambush. Great Star was got by Sunstar from Miss Matty, the dam of Papyrus. Nucleus continues to show winning form and .has proved a great bargain at the lOOgns paid for her at the Auckland Cup sales. She was got by Lucullus from Persis, by Marble Arch—Latona, by Phoebus —Apollo, from Antelope. Decision no\ stands 17.3. and is probably the biggest horse in training. His dam stood about 15.2. Decision is so tall that his stable attendant looks as if he would require a pair of stilts to dress his charge. J. Gage Williams is keeping Staghunter going along quietly. It is understood the two-year-old is to have only one more race this season, and this will probably be in the Champagne Stakes at Ricearton at Easter.

Mr P. Miller sent 21 mares to Windbag last season, and 20 are believed to be in foal. If that is so. it will be a great advertisement for Windbag as a foalgetter, and it is safe to say some of his progeny will be good gallopers. George Hepburn, -who formerly trained at Wingatui, saddled a winner at Mornington (Victoria) on March 1. He won with the five-year-old gelding Kiloyn, who was got by Kilbroney. from Nata, a mare sent over here on a visit to the one-time Elderslie stallion.

Dumblane appears to be learning to gallop nearer the ground than he did earlier in the season. He strode out pleasingly in a gadop over a half a mile on Saturday, as he did not appear to be fully extended when registering 53sec for the distance.

Satrap, the winner of the Wellington St. Leger, was got by Paladin from Persian Lilac, by Persimmon from White Lilac, by Springfield. Paladin was got by Polymelus from Cestus, by St. Amant (son of St. Frusquin) from Abbot’s Anne, by Rightaway. The Leighton gelding Cimabue is proving a profitable purchase to Mr H. Murphy. Cimabue was got by Leighton from Delight, by Demosthenes from Sunlight, by Birkenhead—Bonheur, by Seaton Delaval. Delight died two years after foaling Cimabue, and h e is her only contribution to the Stud Book.

■ An American exchange says 'that the trainer Durnell is building a steel and concrete stable on the site adjoining Churchill Downs. It is the most modern stable round Louisville, and, thoug'h it will accommodate only 20 horses, is costing £16,000.

Some of the best prices made by the Melbourne yearlings were realised by the stock of mares whose names have figured in the’New Zealand Stud Book. A colt by Devizes from Carlita made 900gns, a filly by Thrice from Flowery Speech made »25gns, and a filly by Cyklon from - Angelina went 300gns.

Desert Gold’s first four corj,tributions to the Stud Book were all fillies, but in *026 she had a colt by ' Psychology

credited to her. In a catalogue of the yearlings to be offered by auction at Randwick next month the colt by Psychology from Desert Gold figures in the entries.

On the declaration of first forfeit (£5) for the Liverpool Grand National, only 16 of the original 112 entrants were scratched. It now costs the respective owners of those remaining £5O each to drop out, and the value of the race will eventually be between £lO,OOO and £ll,OOO, of which £5OOO is added money. C. Emerson is generally very hard to beat on the Waimate track, but he could not land a winner last week. A. E. Didham beat him twice with Black Duke, and when the latter arrived i.n the Stewards’ Handicap and ranged alongsj.de Gay Sonnet Emerson glanced across at his opponent and said, “What, again?” Mollison, the crack two-year-old in Australia this season, claims as his third dam Microphone, a sister to the brilliant Megaphone, who was one of the best of his day. Mollit jn was got by Seremond (son of Desmond) from Molly’s Robe, bv Syce (son of Cyllene) from Microbe, by Warpaint (a son of Chester). Mollison holds an unbeaten record.

Reremoana registered a high-class performance in winning the North Island Challenge Stakes. He carried his big weight (says “ Argus ”) like a champion over the last part of the journey. Reremoana retains his form in a wonderful way, and in spite of advancing years he appears to be nearly as good as ever he was.

The brilliant form recently displayed by the imported horse Gothic has naturally won the greatest praise from the critics. Gothic was got by Tracery from Sundrella, bj’ Sundridge from Yalla, by Winkfield’s Pride from Malte, by St. Simon from Mischief, by Hampton. Tracery was got by Rock Sand, by Orme from Topiary, a sister to The Wag, the sire of Kilbroney.

Lochella dropped his rider on Saturday when being schooled over hurdles with Beauty Light, Coastguard, and Scion. Tlie mishap was apparently due to Lochella being allowed to take off about a length behind bis companions. He was remounted, and jumped two hurdles without mistake, although he showed a tendency to get up in the air as if he was attempting big country. R. Lewis won his eighth V.R.C. St. Leger wliei. he scored on Trivalve. T. Hales won 10 V .R.C. St. Legers over a period of 15 years. Five of the wins were in succession. Lewis has won his eight in 16 years. His winners have been Wolawa, Radnor, Patrobas, Eusebius, Artilleryman, Furious, Spearfelt, and Trivalve. Lewis had been riding about 16 years before he won his first V.R.C. St. Leger. In commenting on the convenience of the motor lorry for carrying horses, an Auckland writer recently said it has solved the problem of how to travel a horse without the risk of breaking it down with a 50-mile walk in one day. In the old days horses were walked from Dunedin to Christchurch and vice versa without damage, and no road journey was considered too long if the chance of a good stake loomed at the end of the distance. As with most things associated with horses, slow high jumping has made great progress in Australia of recent years. Up to last week the Australian record was Lookout’s 7ft 10-Jin, at Tenterfield Show in 1926, but it is reported that Cameo cleared Bft liu nt the Inverell. Slibw on Friday. In Sydney last Easter the R.A.S offered a prize of £5OO for anything that could beat Lookout’s record, but nothing was equal to doing so.

An Australasian record of 3.22 J was put up in the Trentham Gold Cup, and the fact that Satrap ran Star Stranger to less than a length, and incidentally beat Rapier, stamps him as a fairly hmhclass three-year-old. The world’s record was established bj 7 Pradella when she won 1U 3-19 2-5 at Ascot in 1906. Kennagahair and Windbag held the previous record for Australasia at 3.22 3-5. Warstep won the Trentham Gold Cup in 3224. Mr J B. Reid has sent three of his mares this season to the French-bred horse Tonton, who is now at the stud in England. Tonton was got by Prince Palantine from Dolce Alia, a sister to Ajax, who won the French Derby and Grand E? 1 ? de Paris. Dolce Mia was got by filjing rox from Arnie, by Charmant from Alice, by Wellingtonia, the sire of Plaisanterie. Tonton was a good winner in T rance.

The nominations for the Southland Racing Clubs autumn meeting make a fairly pleasing list, although the entry for the Southland Cup is rather disappointing. The fees attached to the Southland Cup are a bar to patronage, as it costs osovs to start a horse worth 260suvs to the winner. The rider’s fee and travelling expenses have, of course, to be tacked on to the cost of starting, and that accounts for the lack of patronage bestowed on the race.

Melbourne papers to hand show that a New Zealand-bred youngster was responsible for a surprise victory at the Moonce Valley meeting on the 22nd u:t. The juvenile :o place himself unexpectedly in the limelight wss Remarmy. a gelding by Paper Money from Peronilla, who beat, a field of 17 in easy style. At the sale of yearlings held al Christchurch in the spring of 1926, Re marmy was purchased on account of Mr A. J. Levin, a Melbourne sportsman, for 500gns. Peronilla is also the dam of Boadicea.

Wakeful is claimed to be one of the most brilliant sprinters ever seen in Autralia, and, of course, she also proved herself a great stayer. The Australasian recently had an article about the greatest sprinters ever seen in Australia, and in referring to Wakeful’s win in the Newmarket Handicap of 1901, omitted to mention the fact that whilst she carried 7.6, Fulminate had 9.10 and Advance 9.11. They must have been a pair of great champions to give such a mare over two stone and get anywhere near her. Some of those who saw the race claimed that Advance should have won.

Up to the present the Eager mare Li"ht is left to depend chiefly upon her great son Gloaming for her stud fame. If Light had never produced another foal, Gloaming would have been sufficient to give her a prominent place in the records, but it really is rather surprising that none of the other

members of the family came within measurable distance of the champion (comments a Melbourne writer). Such cases are not, perhaps, altogether exceptional, but they are nevertheless interesting. Some others of the Melton mares imported as mates for The Welkin were consistent year after year, notably Teppo, though they did not produce anything quite as good as Light’s best. In England the highest stud fee this season is ‘asked for the services of an untried stallion—soogns fbr Solario. He was a great racehorse, but at his last start was beaten by Foxlaw. That was in the Jockey Club Stakes, one and three-quarter miles, at Newmarket, in September, 1926. Foxlaw, who was in receipt of 41b from Solario, is also at the stud in England this year, but at the modest fee of' £9B. Last year Foxlaw’s last run was when he beat the French horses in the Ascot Gold Cup, two and a-half miles. Horses commanding a 400gns fee are Gainsborough, Call Boy, Buchan, Gay Crusader, Grand Parade, Hurry On, Manna, Pbalaris, Pommein, and Swynford. Coronach has commenced at 300gns.

In England last year 29 handicaps cn the flat were worth £lOOO, or over, to the owner of the winner. Not a handicap in tho Old Country reached the value of £3OOO to the winner, the most valuable being: — Kempton Park Great Jubilee—Albot’s

Speed £2860 Chester Cup—Dark Japan 2700 Royal Hunt Cup—Asterus 2250 Manchester Cup—Dark Japan .. .. 2140 Liverpool Cup—Silver Lane 2095 Cesarewitch Stakes—Eagle’s Pride .. 2025 Ascot Stakes—Duke of Buckingham .. 1885 Lincolnshire Handicap—Priory Park .. 3 886 Northumberland Plate—Border Minstrel 1830 Liverpool Autumn Cup—Autocrat .. .. 1800

The really valuable races in England are the classics and other set-weight races, for which, in forfeits and. sweepstakes, owners provide most of the prize money. J. M'Combe, who intends to shift to the North Island, first started training at Wingatui, where he occupied the house and stables built by the late Sir George M’Lean. He soon decided that there was nothing in training horses for other people, and shifted to Ricearton. Since he set up at Ricearton, J. M'Combe onlytrained his own horses or those held in partnership with the late Mr Frank Griffen. They were always very great friends, and many, years ago took the Brighton Hotel, which faces the seafront at that seaside resort. Brighton was then a very lonely spot to what is now the case. The first day’s takings was counted and thrown into the sea. The money was not hard to carry or throw, as it amounted to the great sum of sixpence. As a trainer, J. M’Combe has displayed marked ability to get a horse thoroughly fit and well.

Last year horses bred by J. E. Madden won 362 races in America, a greater number than credited any other breeder in that country. This is the eleventh successive year horses bred at Hamburg Place won more races than from any other stud. In stakes, however, Mr H. P. Whitney has been on top for the past two years. Questioned as to his ideas as to how to achieve best results in the breeding of bloodstock, Mr Madden replied: “Tire so called intri cate science of breeding in so blending the blood of sire and darn that winners ma? be produced in numbers is of absorbing interest to the student and theorist, but the practical man need only confine himself to the formula of breeding a good mare to. a great horse, taking in due consideration the varying qualities of each and putting his trust ir. like producing like or the likeness of some good ancestor. He will have his good years, his bad years, and his share of winners ; then the experts will, tack figures on to the .pedigree of the winners and tell how it all happened.” In England last year 64 horses ineligible for entry to the General “ Stud Book” won 98 flat races, of the total value of £18,143. The principal earners were: Phantasy, £1332; Nice Prospect, £1320; O’Curry, £1121; and Simalkameen, £lO4O. O’Curry, Phantasy, and Simalkameen were two-year-old winners, and the first named is the seventh winner thrown by La Palonia. Abbot’s Trace is the sire of O’Curry. Phantasy, who is by Destinie, was sold as a yearling for lOOgns, and resold at auction towards the end of last vear for 2000gns. The London Sporting Life says taat a curious feature in connection with the 64 winners is that 41 trace in direct female line to thoroughbred mares registered in the General Stud Book, and consequently have Bruce Lowe family numbers. The is through a male ancestor. Prospector, King Crow. Irish Elegance, Sir Martin, Apprentice, and Ashton were among the sires represented in the half-bred winning list.

“ It was a wonderful performance on the par t of Gothic,” said J. Pike, rider of the Newmarket winner. " Gothic lost some ground at the start, and he struck interference twice in the race. The most serious interference he met (says an exchange) was after passing the three furlongs post, when I thought for a moment that he would fall. When it is considered that he carried 9.10 it was a wonderful performance to win.” “When we were 100 yards from the post I was leading clearly, and I thought I was going to win,” said N. Percival, rider of Thracian Belle. “However, I took no risks, but rode the mare right out.” Percival said that no excuses could be made for the mare’s defeat, as it was just that Gothic was too good. H. Jones, rider of Chrystal, said that Euston led him by about three lengths up to the three furlongs post, when she ran past the Oakleigh Plate winner. He thought that the mare had a very good chance then, but she just failed. He eaid that although it is hard to judge the relative positions from one side of the track to the other he could see near the post that Thracian Belle was beating him, when Gothic flashed past and just snatched the lead.

Members of the Victoria Racing Club who admire the badge which entitles them to admittance to the members’ portions of the Flemington racecourse will be amused at the following story:—When the badges were first instituted the veteran secretary, Mr H. Byron Moore, had an interview with Mr Cole Bentley, the designer of badges, and admired the designs, submitted. He expressed complete admiration of the badge representing Pegasus the Flying Horse; but (says a writer in the Australasian) as he examined the other, “ a Roman horse,” he found what he considered a bad mistake.

“ Just look at that, Mr Bentley,” he said in his usual graceful and courteous manner; “ the horse has no bridle.” Cole Bentley, once described by Mr Watt, M.H.R., as “ the silvery-haired, silverytongued orator of Essendon,” is never at a loss for an answer, and he promptly replied, with the feeling born of many futile attempts to pick the winner of the Melbourne-Cup. “No, it has not, and it might be better fcr punters if some of the horses at Flemington and other courses raced without bridles, too.” Mr Byron Moore thoroughly enjoyed the sally,‘and Cole Bentley got the order to supply the badges, and has kept it ever since. Theoretically everyone realises the value of a perfect water supply, but, practicallv, it is often very hard to obtain. Not so at Danebury (says an English writer), as at this establishment the arrangements by which it is assured are as nearly ideal as possible. Let us look at the working of it. At the foot of Reservoir Hill there is a 200 ft deep well from which water is pumped up to a 10,000 gal concrete-lined reservoir on the top, whence crystal clear water is led by gravitation to Danebury House, the stabling, and the ball cock controlled earthenware troughs in tho 300 acres that are devoted to the stud. And what paddocks ! These were originally laid out by the famous Lord George Ben tinck, of whom “ The Druid ” wrote: — “ His heart was at one time not far from the Danebury paddocks, lie spent no less than £15,000 over them in three years in bonedust alone, and spread some of it himself, with his coat off.” Today, this artificial manuring has been replaced by 50 cake-fed cattle, with the result that the herbage is of the short, sweet character so beloved of horses, whilst, being on a chalk subsoil, the paddocks are always well drained ; the effects of a deluge of rain are gone in 24 hours, and there is no trouble with tho deep hoof prints common in the winter on cold, heavy clay soils with their concomitant corrugated hard-baked surface under a summer sun.

There is no doubt the system of fixed penalties is inequitable. It is not right that a horse weighted at, say, 7st, and another at 9st, should each have to put up a similar penalty. An extra 71b at 7st and the same at 9st are really different penalties, and in America that is recognised. In some important handicaps there is a sliding scale, governed by the weight at which a horse is originally handicapped. Rehandicapping is probably the best sys tern, and in Melbourne it is giving satisfac tion at Williamstown, Mentone, and Epsom. A well-known Melbourne handicapper who contributes racing notes to one of that city’s principal papers,' recently expressed himself on the subject of fixed penalties, sliding penalties, and rehandicapping. “ In preference to fixed penalties,” he wrote, “ a fairer readjustment would be 101 b on horses from 6.7 to 7.7; 91b on those between 7.8 and 8.0 • 81b between 8.1 and 8.5; 71b between 8.6 and 8.12; 51b for those with 8.13 and upwards. But I am convinced that the best method of penalising winners is rehandicapping them. The handicapper may find it is not necessary to put any extra weight on some winners; others may go up only a few pounds, while an exceptionally good winner may be raised 101 b or 121 b. Seldom has the handicapper considered it necessary to give winners more than 31b or sib extra in the Williamstown Cup; an arbitrary penalty of 71b or 101 b would have put these horses out of the race. But on one occasion a rise of 111 b did not stop a horse from winning. So a fixed penalty would also have proved insufficient in this case.”

The following interesting list shows the amount of stakes won in Australia and New Zealand by horses raced by their breeders: Stakes • Won.

Trivalve, bred by Mr E. E. D. Clarke (Victoria) •• 21 1 680 Portlet, bred by Messrs F. and VV . ■£» Moses (New South Wales) .. .. 26,0-0 Limerick, bred by Mr H. A. Knight (New Zealand)-4,183 Desert Gold, bred by Mr T. H. Lowry (New Zealand) •• -3,133 Trafalgar, bred by Messrs P. and W. Mitchell (Victoria) .. .. .. .. —,IH Furious, bred by Mr E. E. D. Clarke (Victoria) 20,1 Wolaroi, bred by Mr D. L. Seaton (New South Wales) .. 19>avo Beaaford, bred by Mr W. H. Mackay (New South Wales) •• 17,186 Kennaquhair, bred by Mr W. Borthwick (New South Wales) .. L,l-6 Prince Foote, bred by Mr “'J. Baron (New South Wales) •• 16, Ballymena, bred by Mr H. A. Knight (New Zealand) • It Joo Duke Foote, bred by Mr “J. Baron (New South Wa1e5)14,069

With regard to Poitrel, it is interesting to relate that he was offered by auction when a yearling, but no one was prepared to bid the moderate reserve of SOOgns placed on the chestnut colt, and a horse that was destined to win the large sum of £26,920 and secure a place among tne greatest horses that have figured on the Australian turf.

At the Doncaster yearling sales in September, 1924, Mr Clarence Hailey bought two yearlings on behalf of Mr Sol. Green, and at the following Newmarket October 1 sales he bought two more, the order of purchase being: Bc, by Bachelor’s Double—Teinpleboden 2500 Br c, by Tracery —Sundrella 1500 B c, by Hurry On—SundrellaHoo B c, by Sunstar —Airashii 900

All these horses'have been raced in Victoria by Mr Green, the two bought at Newmarket being gelded after they reached Australia. It is rather curious (says an exchange) that though at both Doncaster and Newmarket a good winner was bought, in neither case was it the one that cost most money. The Bachelor’s Double —Templeboden colt was named Bachelor’s Temple, but so far he has been an indifferent performer. He effected a surprise at Geelong in July, 1926,. by scrambling home in a Novice Handicap (14 of his 15 opponents that day are still “ novices ”), and last year won divisions of trial handicaps at Werribee and Sandown Park. The Hurry On —Sundrella gelding (Hurry Back) has been a much more dismal failure, both on the flat and over jumps. The Sunstar —Airashii gelding (Star d’Or) was more profitable. His best win was the VJR.C. Carnival Handicap last season. At his next start he was beaten a short half-head in the Williamstown Cup, and was sold the following day for 3200gns to Mr L. K. S. Mackinnon, who this season won the Williamstown Cup with him.

A horse that I do believe will all ?? ing A , prove. a first-class stayer is Mr A. T. Creewick’s Stanza, who gave a rare exhibition of grit and determination in the Sires’ Produce Stakes. A mediumsized black colt, Stanza has a good deal Si a PP earanc e of his half-brother Stand By, whose long suit ■was stamina of the highest degree. That Stanza has hved to race at all is, I believe (says Snowden ” in the Australasian), due ito his bulldog determination. About the time he was broken in he met with a mishap from which he was considered unlikely to recover, but he pulled round. He is a rare handful to manage, and, for that -Allendale to be prepared by H. Tantram at Caulfield. Sta'nza is a “one--ll\an ” His first start was in the Alma Stakes, won by Star Warden. He was a bit green in getting away, but bulJocked his way through more than half 23 starters. His next start w-as in the Sires’ Produce, and h e battled on determinedly to defeat that smart colt rtalden for second money. Stanza has f ron i a line which "has made some Melbourne Cup history, and it is not beyond the bounds of possibility that he will make a nick in it himself some day. liis da.ni, Comedietta, is three-quarter sister to Comedy King, winner of the Melbourne Cup and sire of the winners Artilleryman and King Ingoda. Comediettas son Stand By failed by only a head to win the great race. Comedietta’s full sister Jubilee Queen became dam of Sister Olive, the winner in 1921. Stanza is by Devizes, the best potential sire of stayers we have at present in Australia. In the preliminai-yjist of stallions’ fees this year, says an English writer, there is only one at 500gns, and that is Solario, ysho in 1925 won his last three races as a three-year-old, the Ascot Derby, the 1 rinee of Wales’s Stakes (Newmarket), and the Doncaster St. Leger. He is the best horse sired by Gainsborough, who w’on a M ar Derby, and Gainsborough himsell is one of a number of stallions standiug_at a fee of 400gns. Whether a fee of oOOgns for Solario is justifiable remains to be seen, but he undoubtedly was a topsawyer when thoroughly wound up. In the Derby he had finished only fourth to Manna, but easily turned the tables on the Epsom winner at Doncaster, Manna finishing down the course. Other stallions advertised at 400gns for the coming season are Buchan (a great sire), Cali Boy (the winner of the 1927 Derby) Colorado (whose Derby conqueror, Coronach, whom he twice defeated as a four-year-old, stands at only 300gns). Another on the 400gns mark is Gay Crusader, who to my mind was a better war-time racehorse than Gainsborough, while Grand Parade is deservedly also on the 400gns 1S Huri T On - Manna, too, figures at LOOgns together with that wonderful site, 1 halaris, and Pommern, also Swyntord. that once great stallion, The Tetrareh, has vanished, but Abbot’s Trace, at -nOgns, is a live proposition, as also is Pharos, who was unluckily beaten in tho Derby b y Papyrus, who stands at 300gns. Although The .Tetrarch has disappeared, his old sire, Roi Herode, is still doiim o-ood service in Ireland at £lO5. Son-'in-Law, who has sired many good stayers in hia time, is another of those figuring at 300gns,