TROTTING.

Otago Witness, Issue 3881, 31 July 1928, Page 57

TROTTING.

■ FIXTURES. i -•August 11, 15/17.—N.Z- Mgfropo.Mtftn -T.C. September B.—-New.BtTghto.h*T.C. " J October 15,. 17.'-— T.C. October 20. —Timaru T.C. ’- -7. G 7 October 22.—Oamaru T.C ’ “- - ' ’ 'October 20, 22. —Greymouth T.C.,. < November 6,8, 9. —Metropolitan'T.C. j - November 17, 21.—Otahuhu T.C. November 24 (or December 1) —Wellington T.C. November 29, December I.—Forbury Park T.C. " December I.—Waikato T.C. December 1 (or December 8). —New Brighton T.C. December B.—Cheviot T.C. December 26.—Gore T.C. December 26. —Ashburton T.C. December 26, 27. —South Wairarapa T.C. December 26, 27. —Westport T.C. December 27,-29, 31.—Auckland T.C. December 29.—Winton T.C. December 31.—Inangahua T.C. January 1, 2.—Canterbury T.C. January 3. —Westland T.C. January 4, s.—Greymouth T.C. January 19.—Wellington T.C. January 24, 26.—Forbury. Park T.C. February 1, 2.—Nelson T’.C. February 9.—N.Z. Metropolitan T.C. February 16.—Wellington T.C. February 23.—Kaikoura T.C. February 23, 27.—Otahuhu T.C. February 27, 28.—Invercargill T.C. March I.—Marlborough T.C. March .2. -t— Waikato T.C. March 6.— Manawatu T.C. March 9.—Timaru T.C. March 13.—Wyndham T.C. March 16.—New Brighton T.C. March 21, 23.—Northland T.C. March 23.—Thames T.C. March 21, 23.—Wanganui T.C. March 30.—Takaka T.C. March 30, April I.—Hawera T.C. March 30, April 3? —N.Z. Metropolitan T.C. April 6.=—Taranaki T.C. April 20.—Ashburton T.C. April 20. —Te Aroha T.C. April 27.—New Brighton T.C. • May 4.—Cambridge T.C. May 9, 11.—Forbury Park T.C. May 18. —Oamaru T.C. June 1, 3.—Hawke’s Bay T.C. June 1, 3. —Canterbury Bark T.C. June B.—Ashburton T.C. June 22, 26.—Auckland T.C. TRACK TALK. By Adonis. THE AUCUST HANDICAP.

The publication of the handicaps for the first day’s events at the Metropolitan Club’s meeting next month has quickened interest in the fixture, and much discussion is being centred around the running of the August Handicap. Eight 1 horses are on the limit, and of these nothing looks better than Daphne de Oro, the season’s champion three-year-old. The • last little bit might find her unable to stall off some of the more seasoned runners behind her, but she certainly seems to hold the -front lot safe. Logan Chief, who is on 4.28, is probably better now than he has ever previously been, and his present position in favouritism is not without justification. He gives every indication of winning over two miles very soon. Conc’.iff would be fancied more if he was not showing signs of soreness, and the brilliant Australian may be seen, at his best over less ground. If he gets a track to his liking Tom Thumb will run a big race, but everything will need to be in his favour, A more opportune time for analysing the field will be after the acceptances have been declared, but in the meantime horses that-appear to stand out are Logan Chief, Daphne de Oro, Tom Thumb.

PROGRESS IN AUCKLAND. Although each .of the three meetings of the Auckland Club was held under the handicap of bad weather the club showed a profit for the season, and there is little doubt that the season would have been a record one had the elements been more kindly disposed. Trotting has now a tremendous hold .on the Auckland , public, and this largely the result of the club’s policy of catering for the best in the way of" classes and prize money. In furtherance of this policy it is understood that the c 1 asses of the Auckland Trotting Club and the Rowe .Handicap will be tightened. The limit of the Cup will probably be 4.27, with the stipulation that only horses that have gone or have been handicapped on that mark will be eligible. It will be remembered that last December the Cup limit was’4.2B. Hut this was only a handicap limit, and anv horse who had gone 4.31 or better was 'eligible. At the present time there are 19 horses in commission .in the • Dominion with records better than 4.27, and with several meetings to go before the Auckland Cup comes along that number is likely to be increased. So far as the Rowe Handicap for straight-out trotters is concerned it is probable that the limit will be chipped by Isec to 4.35, and with such . a limit the best trotters in,the Dominion should be brought together. The note of progress struck by the Auckland Club is certainly a sustained one. •

HANDICAPPING AT RICHMOND. There is still a lot- of misunderstanding regarding the principle of handicapping, -and in order to clear up matters we have approached Mr.-Gray for a -defii nite ruling (says the Australian Trotting I Record). The, official- adjuster of the ' V.T. and R.A,, has kindly" qomplied with ' our request, and we herewith publish,his interpretation in his own words. — “ Dear Sir, —In reply to your query < regarding the methods I employ in the framing of handicaps under what is, generally known as the records and allowances system at present carried out in .all the trotting events run at- Richmond (with the exception of- the Novice .and Trades and Progressive Handicaps) "T. submit the following, which I have tried to make easily , understood by your numerous readers:G-7 ..- ..-7. “ (1) All horses are handicapped, on ■ 7 their best win or place record. »ut up'by

tli era up the time the handicaps are being fraised. - (2) If a horse’s best record is only a placed cue he is allowed Isec concession—that is to say, if the horse puts up a 2.19 place record it is counted as 2.20 against him in framing the handicaps, but he is allowed 2sec if this place record is put up in nn Association Handicap, Novice, and Trades or Progressive—that is to say, he would be a 2.21 horse. “ (3) An allowance of Isec on his best record is allowed a horse for every six months ho races after putting up the record without he put up the same record or beats it, and providing the said horse starts at least three times during that period. “(4) If a horse wins several races after he is handicapped under this system he is not penalised at all unless he beats the record he has been handicapped on. “ (5) No horse can ever claim a greater allowance than 6sec on his best record—that is to say, if a horse puts up a winning record of 2.18 in the year 1920 he can only claim Gaec on this, even if he has never been placed since, and would always be handicapped as a 2.24 horse. “ (6) Three seconds are allowed on records put up at Elmore, Terang, and Woodend —that is to say, if a horse put up a winning record of 2.24 at either of those places he would be classed at 2.27, and if a place record of 2.24 there would be Isec extra allowed, which would make him 2.28.

“ (7) New Zealand horses are allowed 3sec concession on their records —that is, a 2.24 winning record in New Zealand Svould be classed as 2.27 under this method.

“ (8) But records put up by borses in Tasmania and South Australia have 3sec deducted from them; therefore a record of 2.24 put up in these States would be counted against them as 2.21. “ (9) Horses entered in races at Richmond from one mile up to one mile and five furlongs are only handicapped on their records as if at] these events were only run over a mile. For instance, a horse with a record of 2.20 entered in a mile race and a 13 furlongs’ race on the same day (both races with a limit of 2.24 from scratch' would be on 48yds in both events. Tn a two-mile race he would be handicapped as though the race were only run over one mile and a-half, and, therefore, in such race, on a 2.24 basis, a 2.20 horse would be 72yds behind.—Yours, etc., "A. J. Grsy, IN SADDLE AND SULKY. Nominations for the New Zealand Cup are due on August 23. Acceptances for the Metropolitan meeting are due on August 7. Logan Chief is one of the early? favourites for the August Handicap. Dillon Huon will be one of the shortpriced favourites at the Metropolitan meeting. Nominations for the trotting event on the Otago Hunt Club’s card are due on Monday of next week. The aged gelding Pitaroa recentlychanged hands. He has all" the best of his racing days behind him. Nelson M'Elwyn is now doing good ■work for J. J. Kenner ley, who should not experience much difficulty in placing the Gore-owned pacer for a win. Sunstorm is a speedy sort who will be more solid with another year on to his age He should develop into a good winner in mile saddle races. R. Townley looks like having a good season with Warepa. The King Daphne gelding has improved a lot lately, and goes well in both saddle and harness. Vestas is pn?ing for W. J. Tomkinson as though he'will be an early winner. The big Matchlight three-year-old should be a payable proposition next season. Cardinal Logan will be raced on the second and third days .of the Metropolitan meeting next month. The racing he had at Auckland brought him on a lot. Real the Great is settling down into a solid trotter, and the American-bred mare has only to keep Tight to win a good twomile race. William the Great is pleasing H. Frost, who has the Great Audubon five-year-old looking really well. He is more than useful over two miles.

Secret Link, who raced well on southern tracks during the season and recently went into M. B. Edwards’s stable, is to be mated with Author Dillon.

The brilliant trotter Escapade has gone into J. Bryce's stable. She will need to step inside her. best gait to win at the Metropolitan Club’s meeting next month. Jean M’Elwyn looks Jlke being one of _R. B. Berry’s. best stake-earners next season. According to reports from the north she was never better than she is at present.

; \ r ,i. who ...J Daphne de Oro and Monopole home - in the Great Northern Derby, will win good races later on. The Logan Pointer three-year-old' will not be troubled by distance.

Direct Morning has been doing good work for D. Bennett, but those who saw him racing at Forbury Park will probably let the pacer run at Addington without their support. With no immediate engagements ahead the Forbury Park-trained John Appear is hot being asked to do much. The Disappear gelding has the pace to win at one of the minor meetings. Peter Bingen has seldom looked better than he does at nreesnt, and if he >s beaten in his races next month it will not be for want of condition. He 'will find most favour in the sprint events. Arikitoa looks like developing into a winner, and his recant track work gives tjie impression that he will be ready to race at spring metings. Hb is by Taraire, and so has staying blood on his side. Louisana, who is on the front of the Introductory Handicap at Addington next month, is a stable mate of Imprint and Marshall Neil. She is speedy, but flightiness keeps her from winning big money. R. B. Berry will have the ex-SoutJj-land pacer Sunfish in capital condition to race, at the. spring meetings. Sunfish, whs was previously in A. M’Lellan’s

stable, promises to win good races, especially over two miles.

Matlock Bank, who was accepted for at the South Canterbury Hunt meeting but did not"start, is a six-year-old gelding by Petereta from Albertoria. He is one of A. Smith’s team at Waimate, and may win a stake at one of the minor meetings.

On looks Matagouri would not be picked as having race-winning speed, but thiWildwod Jun. gelding’s looks are deceptive. J. Davidson has him very well just now, but in the Trial Handicap at Addington next month he is close to some good ones.

Great Change looks fairly well placed, on 3.31 in the Introductory Handicap at the Metropolitan meeting, and the Great Audubon gelding will make the others step’ inside their handicaps. He is reported to be very well at present. Talent raced well at the Auckland meeting, and it was only in the last stride of the last race on the concluding day that Cardinal Logan beat him. Talent is a smart sprinter, and H. Frost should get some money with him at Addington next month.

If Trimmer reproduces his track work when he is harnessed up for the Addington meeting next month he should at least get a share of the stake money. He is on 4.32 in the Queen Mary Handicap, in which he may find King Pointer and Native Prince hard horses to beat. Kingcraft, the winner of the Juvenile Handicap at the Metropolitan Club’s summer meeting, is expected to develop into a high-class performer. If he is started in the Trial Handicap at Addington next month there will be plenty of support for him. Ohena, a five-year-old mare by Our Thorpe from Hena, was recently shipped to Sydney from Auckland, having been sold to an Australian sportsman. Ohena was raced at a couple of country meetings in the North Island during the season, but did not shape like a winner. Native Prince did not show up at the Auckland winter meetin" but the going was all against him. He is a brilliant pacer -when racing on top of the ground, and his recent work suggests that he will be at the top of his form for the meeting at Addington next month. Loch Moigh raced well in the earlier part of the season, but in his more recent efforts the son of Nelson Derby and Flying, Bells did not produce his true form. He is freely engaged at the Metropolitan meeting next month, and will carry plenty of support in any race he is saddled up for. Both Dalnahine and Terence Dillon, who will probably be J. Henderson’s representatives in the New Zealand Cup, are looking well, and these two with Brentloc and Great Hope should gather some money for the North Otago mentor at Addington next week.

In the Prince of Wales Handicap at the Auckland Club’s winter meeting Logan Chief paced a fine race, and looked like a dividend-payer until he broke at the bend for home. The Logan Pointer gelding was on 4.28 then, and from the same mark in the August Handicap he certainly seems to hold a chance.

Pageant raced like a good horse at the Auckland winter meeting, gathering two wins, a second, and a third. When it is remembered that he finished third at his fourth outing at the meeting off a 2.49| mark in the Liverpool Handicap he reads nicely placed on 2.49 in the Selwyn Handicap at Addington. C. 8. Donald may not -win • a two-mile race with Harry Audubon, but he should be able to place for him a win in a sprint. The Great Audubon gelding is on 2.14 in the Electric Handicap at the big meeting at Addington, and from that mark he could, not safely be written out. He won well at the Oamaru winter meeting. It is hard to say just how good Swiftbine is, but he will give some idea the first time he keeps to a level gait in one of the big trotters’ races. At the Forbury Park winter meeting he went with Elzear for over a circuit, and then trotted away from her, and any horse that can do that is a good one.

, Western King has apparently improved since racing at the Auckland winter meeting, and he is expected to race well at Addington next month. Since being imported to New Zealand Western King has had very few opportunities, as an unfortunate mishap kept him out of action for many months. Sarsaparilla is a fine trotter when in full stride, but he is a bad breaker. At the Forbury Park summer meeting he won the Gore Handicap with a nice burst of speed after he looked to be hopelessly out of it as the result of a break. If he is in the right humour at the Metropolitan meeting next month he will get some of the money attached to the Introductory Handicap. •

On the opening day of the Metropolitan Club s meeting one of the best races should be the Stewards’ Handicap, the big event for straight-out trotters. A glance over the handicaps leaves the impression that the winner will come from those near the front, and of these Swiftbine, Kempton, and Real the Great, who are on the 4.39 mark, should set a gait beyond the back-markers.

Although the last race of the season was run only 10 days ago, the New Zealand Trotting Record is already to hand, and the production reflects credit on the compiler, Mr G. S. Simpson. Not only are _ the particulars of every, race run during the season compiled in a handy form, but there are . several other sections which will be of value to followers of trotting throughout the. Dominion.

A further advance in the sport of trotting in Wellington is marked by -the decision of the stewards of the Wellington Trotting Club to make a substantialincrease in the stakes for its spring meeting, to be held on September 15 as compared with the similar fixture of’last season. The most interesting event on the new spring programme is the New Zealand Cup Trial Handicap, which proved such a great attraction last year that its re-inclusion appeared inevitable. The stake for this year’s event has . been increased from £325 to £4OO, and the cliss has been tightened up one second, being now for, horses that can do 2.45 or

better for a mile ami a-quart.r. Outside the Cup Trial, the principal pacers’ race is the Bollard Memorial Handicap, of two miles, for horses that can do 4.3 G or better. The stake for this event has been increased from £350 to £4OO. Following the policy of last season, the club has decided to include a one-mile saddle event in the spring programme. A substantial increase in the stake for ■ this event has been made by attaching to it £3OO as against £2OO for the similar event last year. The class is for horces that can do 2.16 or better. The unhoppled trotters have had the sum of £475 allocated to them, against £425 last spring. The Petone Trot carries £2OO with a limit of 3.34 for a mile and a-half,- and the President’s Handicap, of two miles, with a limit of 4.46, carries a stake of £275. The improving pacers will have a 3.34 mile and a-half event of £l"0 and a 4.47 two miles with a stake of £2OO. The Novice Handicap will be a mile and a-quarter event with a limit of 3.3 and a stake of £125. CANTERBURY DOINGS. By Observer. The winter racing carnival at Riccarton is due to open on Saturday, when the Christchurch Hunt Club will hold its annual race meeting, acting as curtainraiser to the Grand National meeting. In the meantime not many visitors have arrived, and interest in the track work is confined chiefly to the doings of the local horses. Half a dozen horses have put in an appearance from other parts, and there are indications that many more will be in hand during the next few days. Until Wednesday night, when acceptances are due, there will be no definite information regarding the fie’d •• ’■? • Hunt meeting, but it seems probable that a big proportion of the entrants will be racing' on Saturday, in which case there should be some interesting sport. This early .arrivals at Riccarton include Beau -Cavalier and Maunga, two interesting candidates for the Grand National Steeplechase. Beau Cavalier looks in great order, and he has. of course, been thoroughly seasoned by the winter racing campaign, having had seven races since the beginning of last month, of whicb he has won four, two over hurdles and two on the flat. It is significant Ihnt his fr'c failures have been recorded in his steeplechase engagements, which does not read well as a preliminary to carrying 12.5 in the. Grand National. Since he has been at Riccarton. Beau Cavalier has been restricted to useful tasks on the flat, and it is doubtful if there will be much variation for some time yet. He is not schooled much, and ft is unlikely he will have a jump over the country until the eve of the meeting. Maunga bears the appearance of a horse who has come through a solid preparation, and if he fails in his Riccarton engagements it will not.be through lack of condition. His trouble seems to be that he is not a reliable jumper, his record being tarnished by a number of falls, but on the occasions when he has escaped trouble in this direction he has been wellin the picture. It is in his favour that he has won over the Ridcarton country. When schooled with Hyperion on Saturday Maunga jumped well under diffi ulties. as Hyperion was running down his fences, and probably this vas responsible for the Hawke's Bay horse running off at the second of the double. Maunga is a stayer, and hir Grand National prospects cannot be dismissed lightly.

Passin’ Through is here again to renew his acquaintance with the Riccarton country, over which,, he has registered his best steeplechase form. Never a good stayer, he is on the down grade now, but the Homeby Steeplechase on Saturday should provide his best chance. Marjorhm, who arrived from the north, on Saturday, is a promising three-year-old by Catmint, and he may be seen to advantage in hack races before he returns home. He raced fairly well at Trentham Rhoboro, a big chestnut by Cannie Chiel, -has put in an appearance to contest minor steeplechases at the Grand National meeting. Five years ago he was the star performer among the hunters; He won a double at the South Canterbury meeting, and another race at Waima'i while at the Christchurch Hunt meeting he had a third and a win, winding up by carying 12.9 into third place in the Hunt Club Cup. Since then he has not done much racing, but he looks well, and he may be seen to advantage again bn this trip.

Faloose is another South Canterbury hunter who is on the scene early. He has some speed, and he only requires to jump well to keep the other hunters busy in the early stages, though his stamina is under suspicion. Solferite has gone on well in his work since his race' at the South Canterbury Hunt meeting, and it appears to have done him a lot of good. He will 'be seen on Saturday in the Winter Handicap, in which he ran third last year as a preliminary to winning the Winter Cup. He is quite sound again, and he is likely to race well during the next few weeks. It rtay be well to bear in mind, however, that J. B. Pearson has Malmsey in the same race. She has been galloping- in fine style with her mate, and it need occasion no surprise if she proves the better of the pair. She certainly gives the impression that she is going to win some good stakes next season. ' v ' ’ ' '

Nincompoop has been galloping in his usual fashion,. sometimes going well and at other times declining to take much interest in his-work. He looks all right, and with average luck he will get some money before the Grand National meeting is concluded.? ’ ;■ ; x No horse at Riccarton has attracted more attention lately than First Sight. He has been responsible for some brilliant work, and he will have a host of admirers in the Brabazon Handicap, while a satisfactory performance in that race will make him the local favourite for the Winter Cup. Provided he steers clear of trouble and remains sound in every respect, First Sight is likely to develop next season into a really, good horse. ' Gold Mint has thrown off the cold which 'troubled ‘him -at Trentham, and should .be 'ready to show his best fonfi during the next week or two. . • • -T-'i ; Rotor continues to get through useful tasks. He will win good races next

season, and he may start early. He is accompanied in most of his work by Sarnia, who is a very promising maiden. Tuahine is worth keeping in mind for early engagements. She is at her best under winter conditions, and she is in good form at presrnt. Don Jose is working well, and he beats Crossbow each morning very easily; but I have.not seen a gallop yet that makes him quite look a .winppr. Fair Exchange and Noteworthy, in the same stable, may show up very soon in minor events. Pink Rose is in good fettle, and he will take a lot of beating in hunters’ hurdle races.

Nine of Spades has been galloping well lately, and he will have to be reckoned with in minor hurdle races during the next .few weeks. _ Tarleton showed too much pace for Diana’s Lad in a school over-four hurdles last week. He jumped three hurdles well, but fell at the fourth, and his rider. L. Boyd, son of the trainer, broke a collarbone.

I. Tilson is out of luck at present. He has only recently recovered from a broken collarbone, and he had his face injured when Hyperion came to grief at the double then schooling last Saturday.

J. M’Cqmbe has sold Amorist to Mr H. Dampier-Crossley, and he has gone ln Longley’s stable. Amorist, who will be a four-year-old this week, has not been a success on the flat, but he has shown great promise in his education as a hurdler.

Mr W. J. Moir has sold his five-year-olq mare by Greyspear from Waterspray (dam of Pilliewinkie and Arikiwai), and she will be shipped to Gisborne—probably to bS retired to the stud. Three of Mr G. D. Greenwood’s mares have gone to Wanganui to be mated with Limond. They are Sungleam, by Sutalat>ol? Suriglow; Adour, by Danube from Perle dOr; and Eulalie, by Absurd from Eulogy. Sungleam is the dam of Golden Amour, while Adour has produced Soli- , form, Ophir, and Shalimar, three useful winners. Eulalie is starting stud life at four years, and she retires with the record of being an exceptionally brilliant sprinter. She is a sister to Homage, so that her progeny by Limond will be bred the same way as Episode and Mr Greenwood’s high-priced yearling Honour. F. D. Jones left last week on his way to Sydney. He took Lime’-ick,' Roscrea. Arikiwai, Gay Crest, Island Fastness, and Lighthearted, the last-named to be handed over to his Australian owner on arrival in Sydney. Limerick looked the picture of health when he left. His programme will be similar to that of last year, except that he will not run in the Metropolitan Handicap. He will start off with the Warwick Stakes on September 1, followed by the Chelmsford Stakes and Hill Stakes. Then will come the Australian Jockey Club’s meeting, at which he will be engaged jn the Spring Stakes, Craven Plate, and Randwick Plate. The last part of. the programme is subject to variation. If Roscrea comes on as is hoped he will go to Melbourne for the Caulfield Guineas, ju which case Limerick will accompany him and have two races at Caulfield, aa arrangement which will necessitate cutting out the Randwiek Plate. Arikiwai is another member of the team who has done well, and if he throws off his lameness, on which point Jones is very hopeful, he may win a big race. Gay Crest may do a little racing on the trip, but his principal job will be his usefulness to lead Limerick to the track and assist in his work. Island Fastness, the remaining member of the team, is a useful galloper who will be sold, if he is not disposed of already. The North Canterbury Racing Club made a loss of £765 on the past year, due to unfavourable weather for the 'face meeting last October. The committee is making an effort to secure a second license. The club has a membership of 256. With the August meeting of the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Cluh near at hand thfe track doings of the pacers and trotters is becoming of more interest. Indications point to the Addington fixture providing some great sport. The New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club has decided to appeal to the Supreme Court against the decision-of the magistrate in the recent case’ in which the secretary of the club was convicted of a breach of the Gaming Act, on account'of .money being accepted for investment on the totalisator at receiving boxes on the stands.

The New Brighton' Trotting Club has appealed to ‘ the Trotting Conference against the decision of the Trotting Association in reversing the club’s verdict in the Free Advice case. Mr W. H. Denton, a member of the New Zealand Trotting Association, is making slow progress toward recovery from his serious operation. It will be some time before he is back to his best health.

Mrs J. J. Kennerley, wife of the wellknown trainer, went through an operation recently, but she is on the way to complete recovery. Loganwood is training on satisfactorily tor early engagements. Despite the fact that he has,done a lot of racing, the brilliant pacer keeps fairly sound, and when at his best he always has a chance in sprint events. Avenger looks well, and he is pacing freely in his work. He has a fine turn of speed, but he cannot run out two miles if kept very busy from start to finish. A very interesting work?out was witnessed at Addington one morning last week. Fight Ever, Peter Bingen, Nelson M'Elwyn, and Jackie Audubon were just about to start when they were joined by Queen’s Own, without the hopples, and the five pacers went on.together.' Fight Ever led in the early stages, but at the end of a mile Peter Bingen went to the front, while Jackie Audubon, driven by his trainer, was always at the back. In the race up the straight a fair speed was turned on, and the five horses finished together. W. J. Tomkinson sent Concliff, Shadowland, and the trotters Elzear and Young Blake for a solid mile and a-half last week. The two trotters were seen to advantage. Happy Rosa, who has furnished into a good-looking mare, is trotting in great style in . her work. - . -

The trotter Escapade,, after being in J. 'McLean’s stable for a brief' period, has joined J. Bryce’s team. When last she

was worked at Addington she appeared to be unsound. lamerlane looks at the top of his form at present. He did a lot of racing this season, and he seems as well as when he started. He is not a sound horse, however, and frequently he goes sore. Talent is in great fettle, and he should rree prominently at the Addington meeting. .icron seems to remain fairly sound, and he is getting through plenty of useful’ work v lam afraid, however, he has seen his best. The two-year-old gelding by. Wrack in J. J.- Kennerley's stable lias had trouble with his teeth, necessitating a spell for a few weeks. N. Burgess is devoting a lot of attention to Hackthorne, but he has a big task in front of him to get the brother to Great Hope to his best form. J. M'Lean has just taken in hand a two-year-old by Prince Pointer from a Harold Dillon inare. The youngster, who is wel grown, resembles his sire, and he will go at the pacing gait. Kotuku Jack, who was sore some time ago, is all right again, and he is moving along in slow work. Sadie Huon i n iri regular work at New Brighton, but she gives the impression that she will not last long. A. E. Bussell is working a big pacer by Logan Pointer. He looks as though he has done a good deal of useful work. Locanda Mac is doing slow jogging work at New Brighton under G. S. Smith’s care. It will be some time before he can be ready to race, and there remains a doubt about his chance of standing a preparation. Prince Pointer has not done much work lately. He will not be at his best over two miles for some time, but he may be raced in sprint events at Addington. WELLINGTON NOTES. tFMM.OuR Own Conni July 27. The recent winter meeting of the Wel’.ington_ Racing Club was one of the most successful, from a financial point of view, yet held by the club. It is stated that she covering-in of the outside stand is to be gone on wTth. It is reported the connections of GlenJowie have in view a trip to llandwick in September That may account for his

absence at Ricearton. Although jumpers from the Dominion have not been very successful at Randwick in recent yea rs it is hardly likely the A.J.C. handicapper will take any liberties with the Great Northern winner. The favourite boat with shippers of horses, the Ulimaroa, will take a valuable lot this week. F. D. Jones will be aboari with his lot. also Boston, a New Zealand candidate for the A.J.C. Derby; C. Christie, with his team for the west; and Mr W. R. Kemball is sending Hynanna and Thurnbell in charge of T. Daly. The jockeys G. Ridgway and L. Daly accompanied them. Advice has been received from Sydney that after she ran third at Rosehill, Tea Miss was sold to Mr Otway Falkiner for 750gns. She is to be trained by Mick Polson, who has bought a property at Randwick and is to get a No. 1 license to train there. George Price was due to leave Sydney to-day by the Aorangi for Auckland. .He has quite number of New Zealand patrons in his stable. Rawhetu, who deadheated last Saturday at Canterbury Park and is a well-known performer at Randwick, is owned at Te Aroha. Royal Tea, who recently returned after a trip home, is. owned in Auckland. The Hawke’s Bayowned Clarendon a few weeks back went in'o his charge, and this week another Derby colt in the Wellington-owned Boston joined the string. With a lead of two and only the Gisborne meeting to go it looks as if T. Green will again head the list of riders for the season. He is to take up his residence at Trentham next season as first horseman for Mr E. L. Riddiford. Mr H. Stanbridge, a patron of D. Webster’s stable, left for Sydney this week. It is reported that the. racing Moutoa Wonder and Greenfield have had over there has sharpened them up, and they mav be heard of during the next few weeks.

G. New, who headed the list of trainers in the Dominion for the season just closing, will be represented at the Gisborne meeting this week. The Wellingtonowned -No Favours has also gone up to compete at the East Coast fixture. Thurnbell (Thurnham —-Belle- of New York), who was sent to the other side as company for Hynanna, is a very moderate performer, with one win 'in two seasons. That was in a high-weight handicap at Awapuni at Christmas time. Your correspondent saw. the pair at J. O’Brien’s stables the day before they were shipped. Although Hynanna has not raced since. Easter he has evidently done plenty of useful work. He is in the Caulfield Cup with 9.0, and your correspondent considers him well in. He has only started in three mile and a-half handicaps, and won the lot. He suc-eeded in the Egmont Cup with 8.13, Taranaki Cup with 9.6, and Great Autumn Handicap with 9.6. Last spring Commendation was in the Caulfield Cup with 8.13, Taranaki Cup with 9.6, and get on him, and he was backed down to a ridiculously-short price, although he never left Randwick. Hynanna made Commendation put up an Australasian record in the New Zealand St. Leger when a length. The coming season Mr Kemball’s horse will be five '.ears o i, and hnuld be seen at his best. AUCKLAND TOPICS. By- Digger. Rahepaho let Auckland backers down badly on the first day at Gisborne, and it would seem that he does not travel well. This is not the first occasion he has failed when expected to win, and any time he should win in B future his price should be a good one. Corinax is being given useful work, and the son of Magpie is looking very bright. He is a solid stayer and the hope of Ellerslie for the big spring handicaps. At his present rate of progress he-should be ready for the Avondale Cum. in September. :Dt Monaghan is still undecided. about taking Kamehameha and Master Doon

Riccartqn, but he is working them as if the trip is to be undertaken. Kaniehamehu gave an attractive showing over the big timber early in the week, and he is as fit at present as ever he was. Odin is training on very nicely, and this hitherto delicate horse is muscling up well, and altogether bears a more solid appearance than formerly. He is being prepared for spring hunting events. Mark Ryan is busy with his three-year-olds Lido and Sir Russell. Both have shown pace, and will be well forward early in the spring if reasonable weather conditions are maintained. W. Taylor intends to try Golden Wedding as a hurdler, as the Kenilworth mare’s waywardness at the barrier has previously spoilt her chances. On Saturday she gave a very encouraging display over four hurdles, and with her undoubted pace is now regarded as a good 7 prospect among the hurdlers as soon as she has had the necessary schooling. There has been a suspicion that Branson was becoming affected in the wind, and, with the idea of finding out if an operation was necessary, he was galloped during the week, and then examined by the vet.” No symptoms were noticeable, and Branson will go on in his preparation. He is looking well, and should give his owned another profitable period this season.

Mr C. M. Emanuel is working Parfait, Amour, and Pure Tea, the full sister to Royal Tea. Both have wintered well, and the former, who has plenty of speed, should win one of the early maiden races in the spring. The tracks are beginning to show improvement at Ellerslie, and more horses are coming into work. J. Buchanan has Brampton and Respirator looking very well, and the latter in particular should be equal to winning as soon as the tracks become really firm. Two good prospects at Ellerslie are the three-year-olds Monetize and Bulola. Both have worked solidly through the winter, and have thrived in their work. They are speedy enough for any maiden, in which class neither should remain long. Red Lion has done a good amount of work. He is still a rather plain-looking young horse, but is more impressive when in action. As an early two-year-old he showed speed, and being a son of Solferino it is expected that this season he will run better. _ W. Ryan is not likely to hurry him if he does not show signs of coming on himself. N. Cunningham has kept Hyde Park in easy work so that he has not gone back in condition. He will be ready to race as soon as anything else at Ellerslie, and looks like increasing his record at early spring fixtures.

RACING IN NEW ZEALAND.

GISBORNE-RACING CLUB.

First Day.—Thursday, July 26.

The opening day of the Gisborne Racing Club’s steeplechase meeting was held in fine weather. ’ Heavy rain had fallen on the previous two days, but the going was good. The totalisator investments were £11,699, compared with £9266 on the first day last year—an increase of £2433. Results: — PARK HURDLES, of 150sovs. One mile and three-quarters.—3 Mrs F. H. Goodman’s b g Cohesion, by Palydamon— Nordics, 6yrs, 9.13 (MTlroy), 1; 2 Mr E. M. Langley’s b g Ballyfarnon, 10.6 (Stratton), 2; 6 Mr P. Neagle’s blk m Merle, 9.0 (Warner), 3. Also started: 5 Comedy Prince 10.0, 1 Rahepoto 9.13, 7 Dapper Boy 9.0, 8 Chrishna 9.0, '4 Jen 9.0, 9 Middle Neu. Won by four lengths, with five lengths between second and third. Time, 3min 21 4-ssec. MAIDEN RACE, of HOsovs. Five furlongs.—l Mr A. B. Williams’s b Dishonoured, by Paper Money—lmpediment, 3yrs, 9.0 (Reed), 1; 3 Mr A. Dixon’s b g Kensel 4yrs 9.0 (Dixon)' 2; 2 Mr E. Langley’s ch g Abisogne, 4yrs, 9.0 (Green), 3. Also started: 15 Cyncona. 14 Whaakari, 4 Kimbo, 9 Ardri, 15 Norma Wilson, 6 Mangahari, 6 Rich Harvest, 10 Oddmint, 17 Master Cynic, 5 Bold Front 10 Out Sight, 18 Galan, 8 O.tene, 11 Eostra, 13 Lady Kilham, all 9.0. Won by half a length, with Ahead between second and third. t Time, Imin 6sec.

FLYING HANDICAP, of 165sovs. Six furlongs.—3 Mr F. Benson and Mr J. H. Jamieson’s gr g King Wanga, 6yre, 9.0 (Ellis), 1; 4 Mr A. Henderson’s blk g Cool Card, 4yrs, 9.10 (France), 2; 1 MrJ. D. Jones’s b g Dave, aged. 10.5 (Green), 3. Also started: 7 Huikai 10.8, 2 Fee Simple 9.9, 8 Superb King 9.0, 5 Night Song 9.0, 9 Othon 9.0, 6 Inner Harbour 9.0. Won by two lengths and a-half, with half a length between se’eond and third. Time, Imin 18sec. GISBORNE STEEPLES, Of 200sovs. About three miles.

3— Mr J. Spratt’s b g Garmion, by Heather Mixture—Gazeen, aged, 10.0 (Nixon) .. .. 1 4— Messrs Reedy Bros.’ b g Master Arch,, aged, 9.0 (Holland) .... 2 I—Mr1 —Mr H. R. Williams’s b g Highway, aged, 10.10 (H. Dods) 3 Also started: 5 Progressor, 2 Bendower 9.0.

Progressor fell, but was remounted, and finished fourth. Bendower also fell. Won by a head, with three lengths between second and third. Time; Gmin 34 2-ssec.

HACK FLAT HANDICAP, of 180sovs. Six furlongs.—First Division: 2 Mr D. J. Barry’s b h Singleton, by Autumn — Robella, 10.3 (Ellis), !; Mr J. C. Twist’s b m Drearj 6yrs, 10.0 (Reed), 2; B*Mr A. Haynes’s b m Raharoa, syrs, 9:0 (Dulieu), 3. Also started: 5 Royal Elm 9.10,' 3 Rapiata 9.8, 6 Cherry Girl 9.2, 4 Rongo 9.0, 7 Bold Front 9.0, 10 Whakaoterangi, 9 Night Witch, 11 Eastbourne 9.0. Won by two lengths, one length between second and third. Time, Imin 19sec. Second Division: 2 Mrs M. M'lntosh’s b f Tea Lady, by Tea Tray— Flash Lady, 3yrs, 9.0 (Walsh). 1; 4 Mr M. Thomas’s b g Plimmerton, 6yrs, 9.0 (Wiggins). 2; 5 Lady Carroll’s b g Natu, 3yrs, 9.0 (Green), 3. Also started: 1 Taku Tama 9.11, 9 Blue Jay 9.9, 8 First Prince 9.0, 10 Cairo 9.0. 6 Toko 9.0, 7 Fall o’ the Year 9.0, 11 King! Pita 9.0, 3 Kinsel 9.0. Won by half a length, with

a neck between second and third. Time, Imin 19 4-seec.

TRAMWAY HACK STEEPLES, of 150sovs. Two miles.—3 Mr H. Brooker’s b g Handy, by Feramorz —Duchess, aged, 10.4 (Lord), 1; 4 Mr 11. Connor’s b g Comedy Prince. 9.12 (A. Campbell), 2; Mr J. E. Clininiard’s b g Rahepoto, aged, 10.1 (R. Drive), 3. Also started: 2 Royal Heather 11.9, 5 Nowra 9.0. Won by a neck, with 10 lengths between second and third Time. 4min 4see. WINTER OATS, of 165sovs. One mile and a-quarter.—6 Mr D. Kemp’s b g Patuki, by Solferino—Mazurka, aged, 9.7 (M’Donald), 1; 1 Mrs G. E. Boyle’s b g No Favours, syrs, 9.9 (Ellis), 2; 2 Mr W. White’s b g Wanderlust, 6yrs, 9.10 (Reed). 3. Also started: 7 Princess Ronnie 10.1, 5 Polonet 10.5, 3 Addlepate 9.6, 4 Pitta 9.0, 9 Othon 9.0, 8 Pqle Star 9.0. Won by a head, with four lengths between second and third. Time, 2min 31see. Second Day—Saturday, July 28. The meeting was brought to a conclusion in fine weather, and the track was in good order. The totalisator handled £15,062, compared with £12,113 for the corresponding - day last year, showing an increase of £2949. The total for the meeting was £26,761, compared with £21,379 last year, showing an increase of £5382.

GISBORNE HURDLES, of 150sovs. One mile and a-half.—2 Mr E. M. Langley’s' b g Ballyfarnon, by Cynic—Maybloom, syrs, 10.11 (Stratton), I; 7 Mr M. Thomas’s br g Chrisna, 6yrs, 9.0 (Lord), 2; 3 Mr P. Neagle’s blk m Merle, oyrs, 9.0 (Weaver), 3. Also started: 5 Princess Nata 9.2, 1 Patuki 10.5, 4 Comedy Prince 9.12, 6 Jen, 9 Middlemass, Eastbourne 9.0. Won by a neck, with three lengths and a-half between second and third. Time, 2min 55sec. TRIAL HANDICAP, of HOsovs. Six furlongs.—2 Mr E. M. Langley’s ch g Abisogne, by Bisogne—Princess Ora, 4yrs, (Green), 1; 4 Mr J. Reedy’s br g Bold Front, 4yrs, 9.0 (Holland), 2; 1 Mr A? .Williams’s br g Dishonoured, 3yrs, 10.4 (Reed), 3. Also started: Kinsell 9.8, Gostra,_ 7 Wakoakrangi, 10 Gaimint, 6 Ardr!, 5 Mangaharei,-ll Oddmint, 8 Ladv Kelban 9.0. kVon by two lengths, with two lengths between second and third. Time, Imin 18sec.

WAIKANAE HANDICAP, Of 165sovs. One mile. 10—Mr G. Priest’s b g Othon, by Nassau—Lallah Rook, 6yrs, 9.0 , r , tt , , (Hockley) 1 -Mr A. Henderson’s blk c Cool Card, 4yrs, 9.13 (France) . . 2 2—Mr W. White’s br g Wanderlust, 6yrs, 9.11 (Reed) 3 Als ° s V? r - ted: 6 Huikai 10.6, 8 Polonett nVo ? I nncess Ronnie, 3 No Favours 9.13, 4 Addlepate 9.2, 7 Pita, 5 Pale Star

Won by a head, with a neck between SC S?,- ( XjM!r d third. Time, Imin 47sec. SECOND HACK FLAT HANDICAP, of 130sovs. Seven furlongs.— 2 Mr D J Barry’s b h Singleton, by Autumn—Bobellu, 3yrs, 10.13 (A. E. Ellis), 1; 8 Mr J- ppratts br g First Prince, sjws, 9 0 (Nixon), 2; 5 Mrs M. MTntosb’s b f Tea Lady, 3yrs 10.2 (Dunn), 3. Also started: 4 Essential 10.0, 1 Royal Elm 9.9, 7 Merle, 10 Blue Jay 9.7, 6 Ripiata 9.5, 3 Plimmerton 9.3 if King, Pita, 11 Cairo, 9 Takaroa 9.0. Won by three-quarters of a length, with two lengths between second and third. Time, Imin 33 3-ssee i EHAPARA STEEPLES, of 150sovs. Two miles and a-half.—2 Mr H. Brooker’s r A g ., ?? dy ’ by Feramorz—Dextress, aged, 10.13 (Lord) and Reedy Bros.’s b g Masoel I \S by I F ar . ble Arch -Kaeleta, aged, 9.4 (Holland), dead heat, 1; 6 Mr H. Connor s b g Comedy Prince, aged, 10.6 (Campbell) 3. Also started: 4 Garzon Jn’o’ 7 Highway 9 Royal Heather 10.2, 7 Rahepoto 9.10, 2 Bendower 9 4 8 Progressor 9.0. A dead heat for first place, and three lengths between second Ilrae ’ smin 30 i-ssec. IURANGANUI HANDICAP, of 120 sovs. Seven furlongs.— 1 Mr D. M'Lean and V S J aters b g Pale Star, by Tribulation—Stargton, aged, 9.2 (MacMr R. Gregory’s br m Night Witch, syrs, 9.0 (E. Manson), 2; 8 Mr C. Morses ch c King Willonyx, 3yrs, 9.16 e started: 2 Dreamy 12.0, - ™ lgbt 9 -7, 3 Rakaroa, 4 Nahi 9 I q o ie w y G i U ’ ’- 0 To , ka ’ 7 Fall °’ tlle Year 9.0. Won by a neck, with three lengths between second and third. Time, Imin

FAREWELL HANDICAP, of 150sovs. Six fmlon.s—-J Mr Taranaki te Ua’s b g J rfv by Tribuhition—Carlatour, Gyrs, (D j xon) ’ Il 7 Mr G. Priest 5 s b g Othon, 6yrs 9.0 (Hockley), 2; 8 Mr S. b g Superb King, syrs, 9.8 (Batterworth) 3 Also started: 2 Dave 10.6, 4 Jeanette 10.2, 3 Cool Card 10.0, 1 is RACING IN AUSTRALIA. LIFE DISQUALIFICATIONS. q » x, MELBOURNE, July 23. b. Kelly, the owner of Halloween, the jockey (J. Hook), and R. King were disqualified for life for the alleged use of an electric battery on a horse in a race at the Richmond pony meeting. THE ROSEHILL MEETING. *. . . SYDNEY, July 29. The principal events at the Rosehill meeting resulted as follows:— AUBURN HANDICAP.—Reonui, 9 2 1: Quince, 7.6, 2; Jakz Baby, 7.11, 3” There w-ere 14 starters. Won by a length. Time, Imin 15Jsec. ° JUVENILE HANDICAP.—Mithra Longway, 8.2, 2; Mark Dennis, 8.0, 3. There were eight starters. Won by three-quarters of a length. Time Imin 30sec. ’ RACING IN ENGLAND. THE LIVERPOOL CUP. T LONDON, July 27. The Liverpool Cup resulted:—Playboy 1. Delius 2, Relago 3. Eight started. Won by a neck.

WEIGHTS, ACCEPTANCES, ETC. POVERTY BAY HUNT CLUB WEIGHTS. Hunters’ Hurdle Handicap. One mile and a-half.—Ballyfarnon 12.12, Master Arch 11.5, Inner Harbour 11.1, Cairo Denboro, Middleman, Galan, Pillar Box’ Nowra 10.7. ’ Awapuni Hurdle Handicap. One mile and three-quarters.—Cohesion 11.9, Ballyfarnon 11.7, Handy 10.5, Royal Heather 10.0, Comedy Prince, Rahepoto 9.10, Blue Jay 9.7, Inner Harbour 9.7, Crishna 9.6, Jen, Fall o’ the Year, Cherry Girl, Kingi Pita 9.0. * Hexton Handicap. One mile and aquarter.—Cohesion 10.10, Singleton 10.3, Cool Card, Polonet 10.2, Princess Ronnie 9.11, Othon 9.8, Superb King 9.5, Pita, Pale Star, Princess Nata, Blue Jay, Toka Rongo, Night Song, Takaroa 9.0. Ferguson Gold Cup Hunt Steeples. Two miles and a-half.—Highway 12.11, Master Arch 11.12, Bendower 10.11, Progressor, Rangiatahua, Pillar Box, Nowra 10.7. Rapanui Hack Handicap. Seven furlongs.—Singleton 11.9, King Wanga 11.3, Tea Lady 10.3, Abisogne 10.0, Essential 9.12, King Willonyx 9.11, Rahepoto. Taku Tama 9.8, First Prince, Night Witch, Blue Jay 9.5, Bold Front 9.4, Rapiata 9.3, Plimmerton, Rakaroa, Nahi, Fall o’ the Year, Gaiment, Toka Rongo, Cherry Girl, Kingi Pita, Kinsel, Takaroa, Jen, Crishna, Chip Chase, Eostra, Otene 9.0. Hunters’ Bracelet. ' One mile.—Pita 13.5, Highway, First Prince 12.1, Chip Chase 11.8, Cairo 11.2, Whakaotirangi, Galan, Denboro, Sporty, Middleman lI.O’.

METROPOLITAN TROTTING HANDICAPS The following are the handicaps for the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club's meeting: — Introductory Handicap, of 300sovs. Class 3.34. One mile and a-half. —Burnie, Brigand, Merry Bingen, Katute, Commander Bingen, Louisiana, Maxegin, Young Carbine scr. Nelson Boy, Sarsaparilla 12yds bhd, Wild Hebe, Lady Fan 24. Great Change, Proud Ata 36, Kerrwood Bell, Nelson M'Kinne?, Mangoutu 48, Kempton, Real the Great, Lazarus, Nourmahal 60, Tamerlane 84. Electric Handicap (saddle), of 300sovs. Class 2.15. One mile.—Direct Morning, Sahib, Laplander, Parkwood, Queen’s General, Pointalena, Kate Thorpe, Phil Smith, Kotuku Jack. Locanda’s General, Okoura, Succession, Hector’s Own, Brutus, Kulnine scr, Harry Audubon, Alto Chimes. La Sonnette, Maearanda, Tommy Direct, Loch Moigh, General Bingen, King Pointer 12yds bhd. Double Event, Darknite 24, August Dillon 36. August Handicap, of lOOOsovs. Class 4.30. Two miles. —Roicole, Harold Thorpe, Pluto, Talent, Pan Yan, Glenelg, St. Maura, Daphne de Oro scr, Zenith, Peter Swift, Gold Jacket 12yds bhd, Logan Chief, Peterwah, Tom Thumb, Bonny Logan 24, Quality, Peter Bingen, Concliff 36, Queen’s Own, Talaro 48, Dalnahine, Terence Dillon, Kohara 60, Jewel Pointer, Imprint, Waitaki Girl 72, Ahuriri 84.

Trial Handicap, of 400sovs. Class 4.35. Two miles.—Locanda Boy, Carbine Direct, Mate o’ Mine, Tennessee’s Child, Firpo, Rebel, Donard, Bay Nut, Royal Oak, Nelson M'Elwyn, Harvest Child, Some Wilkes, Sadie Huon scr, Kingcraft. High Jinks, Eugene de Oro, Yoicks, Revolt, Orphan, Neerson, Flora Golding, Vestas 12yds bhd, Dillon Huon, Matagonri 24, Huon Denver, Free Advice, Marshal Keil 36, Sarella, Shadowland, Pageant 48.

Stewards’ Handicap, of 500sovs. Class 4.39. Two miles. —Swiftbine, Kempton, Kerrwood Bell, Nighborn, Our Lady, Real the Great scr, Petroleuse, Duke Bingen, Little Logan 12yds bhd. Tamerlane 24, Audominion, Cannonball, Bonny Spec, Master Audo 36, Sister Beatrice 72, Elzear 84, Young Blake 96, Native Star, Trampfast 108, Money Spider, Escapade 120.

Queen Mary Handicap, of 450sovs. Class 4.35.. Two miles.—Nantwich, Bing Boy, Ariki scr, Double Event, Vesuvius, Lady Matchlight, Wharepiana, Maearanda 12yds bhd. Sister Beatrice, King Pointer, Western King, Jackie Audubon 24, Parkwood. Elzear, Jolly Pet, Billy Sea, Loch Moigh, Native Prince. Trimmer 36, Young Blake 48, Daphne de Oro 60, Dalmeny 72, Native Chief 108. Selwyn Handicap, of 300sovs. Class 2.51. One mile and a-quarter.—Direct Todd, Granite City, Bankhead, Lochree, Bold Bill,- Neers'on, High Jinks, Wenlo, Theckla Boy, Sunstorm, Billy Whizz. Harvest Child, Some Wilkes, Orphan, Vestas scr, Shadowland. Avenger. Anditress, Cannonball. Great Form, Jolly Chimes, Diamond Child. Tamerlane, Genuine, Lady Embrace. Hector’s Own, Dillon Huon 12yds bhd, Kate Thorpe, Arran Chief, Great Actress, Pageant 24, Firpo. Native Prince, Acre, Nelson Tasker 36, William the Great, Jackie Audubon 48. International Handicap, of 400sovs. Class 2.13. One mile.—Henry Logan. ■Harold Thorpe. Pluto, Talent, Western King, Peterwah, Glenelg. Marvin Maeser, Jean M'Elwyn, Fight Ever 12yds bhd, Bessie Logan, Taurekareka, St. Maura, Brentloc, Tom Thumb, Logan Holme, Machine Gunj Imprint, Epigram 24. Ahuriri, Great Hope, Peter Bingen, Loganwood, Acron 36. Bonny Logan, Prince Pointer, Logan Chief 48, Great Bingen 60.

THE FREE ADVICE CASE. CHRISTCHURCH. July 25. The Free Adviee-Baron Bingen case, which has aroused great interest in trotting 'circles •'during the last few months, has not yet reached finality. The Trotting Conference is to be asked to deal with the dispute, the New Bighton Trotting Club having lodged an appeal against the decision of the Trotting Association. The president of the conference will appoint three judges, who will hear the appeal within the next four weeks. LIMERICK FOR SYDNEY. CHRISTCHURCH, July 26. F. D. Jones left to-night for Sydney with Limerick, Roscrea, Arikiwai, Gay Crest, and Lighthearted. The last-named has been bought by an Australian owner, to whom he will be handed over on his arrival, he is expected to do his racing on the pony courses.

J- M Combe has sold Amorist to Mr H. Dampier Crossley, and he will go into i ' ,' on K‘ e J' 13 stable. He is a promising hurdler. . . AUCKLAND RACING CLUB. The Auckland Racing Club decided today to reduce the stakes for the coming season to £61,000, a reduction of £2060. A! ,e o ucklantl p u P remains at £3OOO and the Creat Northern Steeplechase at £2OOO. Jhe changes are.—Mitchelson Cup reduced from f2OOO to £l5OO, the King Edei?P.rlal Handicap, from £lOOO to £BOO, the Kings Plate from £6OO to £5OO the Summer Cup from £l4OO to £1250! Handicap from Easter Handicap from £1750 to £l5OO, Great Northern Hurdles Winter Steeples from £9oo°t tO £7^o° 0, and U ’ a antbcap from

The club decided to revert to eight races a day at the spring meeting, a hack hurdle race and a hack flat race (one mile and a-quarter), each of £4OO, being included in the programme, while for the autumn meeting the Eden Handicap (one mile) and the St. Heliers Hurdles, each of r £4OO, are the new events. The future classic races for which nominations will be taken next June are reduced altogether by £2OOO. the changes being:—Foal Stakes reduced from £l5OO to £1250; Champagne Stakes from £l5OO to £lOOO, Guineas from £l5OO to £lOOO, Derby from £3OOO to £2500, St. Leger from £lOOO to £750.

The Onehunga Steeplechase, run at the spring meeting, has been altered to carry hack conditions, and the stake has been reduced to £4OO. FORBURY PARK TROTTING CLUB. A meeting of the committee of the Forbury Park Trotting Club was held on Tuesday evening, and was attended by Messrs B. S. Irwin (president), W. Quirk, W. J. L. Coughlan, R. Telfer, R. M. Gleenslade, G. J. Barton, James Mitchell, John Mitchell, J. Black, A. G. Neill, A. Clark, T. T. Ritchie, and T. Fogg. Accounts amounting to £2ll 7s 6d were passed for payment. Mr A. D. M'Cartney wrote stating that as he would be taking up his residence in the North Island shortly he wished to resign from the club.—The resignation was accepted with regret. It was decided to vote 10 guineas towards prizes for the trotting events at the! Otago A. and P. Society’s Summer Show, and Mr Ritchie was appointed to confer with the society as to the allocation of the money. It was decided to purchase 10 copies of the New Zealand Trotting Register. It was resolved that the following applications for licenses be forwarded to the New Zealand Trotting Association with a recommendation that they be granted:—Professional: John M'Kewen (rider, driver, and trainer), Cuthbert Flockton (rider, driver, and trainer), Francis Farquharson (rider, driver, and trainer), Alexander M'Leod (rider, driver, and trainer), George S. Wallace (rider, driver, and trainer), James Hunter (trainer), Geoffrey Lee (rider and driver). Amateur: Nathaniel Carr (rider, driver, and trainer), John Barton Pryde (rider and driver). The annual meeting was fixed for August 27. The- retiring members of the conunittee are Messrs Quirk, Green.slade, Telfer, and Coughlan. In connection with the dates for' the next winter meeting the president stated that the club desired to put the dates back a week so as to give sportsmen a chance to take part in the opening of the shooting season and return in time for the races. There had apparently been some misunderstanding, as the dates proposed by the elub (May 9 and 11) seemed to clash with those applied for by the South Canterbury Jockey Club. It subsequently transpired, however, that the South Canterbury Club desired to race on Mav 3 and 4, so that it appeared that the Forbury Park Club would now get the dates it desired.

OAMARU TROTTING CLUB. The annual meeting of the Oamaru Trotting Chib was held on Wednesday evening, Mr M. J. Hannon presiding over an attendance of 70 members. The report was taken as read. It showed an excess of assets over liabilities of £13,537 0s 7d, as compared with £12,536 Ils last year. In moving the adoption of the report and balance sheet, the chairman stated that a most satisfactory state of affairs was disclosed, both financially and otherwise. The buildings had now: been transferred to the new course, and in future they might look forward to larger attendances and still greater prosperity. Referring to the item of donations and presentations (£102) appearing in the balance sheet, Mr Hannon stated that £2O of this amount had been a contribution towards the trotting events of the Jockey Clubs meeting. A sum had also J>een voted to the Public Gardens Fund. The balance of assets over liabilities was very satisfactory. The motion for the adoption of the report kas seconded by Mr T. P. Crawford and carried. , The chairman read a statement of the operations of the Building Committee of the two cluus. This showed that a sum of £7300 had been expended, so that they were getting near to their limit of £BOOO The election of eight members of the committee then took place, there being 10 nominations. The result was as follows: W. Donaldson 69, T. P. Crawford 68, T. A. Munro 68, R. A. M‘Dowelh6B, J. L. O Connor 65, G. Bruce 65, R. O’Meara 49, F. G. Plunket 44, M. Allan 39, R. Young 20. The first eight were declared elected. Mr W. M’Combie was re-elected auditor. _A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the meeting. meeting of the committee following the annual meeting the chairman Extended * welcome to the new member.

Mr O’Meara who suitably responded. Ths chairman (Mr Hannon) reported upon the business done at the annual confer- ? Ilce .' ~ ® stated that he considered it bard that a remit should be passed providing that owners on the forfeit list should not be admitted to a racecourse. . Brien endorsed the remarks or tne chairman. On the motion of Mr MDowell, seconded by Mr G. Bruce, Mr M. J. Hannon was unanimously re-elected president, while Mr G. Bruce was re-elected vice-president and Mr R. A. M‘Dowell treasurer. The following sub-committees were elected:— . Committee — Messrs M Dowell, O Brien, Hannon, and Bruce. . Orounds Committee—Messrs Crawford, bright, O’Brien, M'Dowell, Hannon’ Bruce, and Judicial Committee—Messrs -Hannon, Munro, Crawford, Wright, and M'Dowell. Applications for drivers’ licenses were received from J. F. O’Connor (Oamaru) and Gordon Barr (Pukeuri), and it was decided that these be sent forward to the Licensing Committee. A report was read from the stipendiary steward at the last meeting which referred to the excellent manner in which the last meeting was conducted. r *} lrt y new members were elected. Mr 1- A. Munro presented a whip for the rider of the winner of the first race at the October meeting, and was accorded a vote of thanks. ’ The Building Committee was authorised to deal with the buildings and material that may not be required ns it thinks fit. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded the chairman for the.vyork he had done as a member of the Building Committee. DUNEDIN JOCKEY CLUB. The annual meeting of the Dunedin Jockey Club was held dh Thursday evening. The president (Mr A. C. Hanlon) occupied the chair, and there was a good attendance of members. chairman, in moving the adoption ot the annual report and balance sheet, said he would like first to draw their attention to the fact that the revenue a £S® u ? fc „ f , or . the ,3' ea r showed a loss of lioL 39 - >„ b, A the y would also note that £1351 js 9d had been written off for depreciation, calculated on a 2J per cent, basis for the buildings and fences and 10 per cent, for' plant, totalisator, etc. With reference to the members’ stand, m view of the serious loss on the spring meeting the committee had considered that it would not be advisable to incur the expenditure required for the erection of a third storey on the stewards’ stand, which was to be allocated to the use of members. This work would be carried out, however, as soon as the finances of the elub warranted it. He thought they would agree that the appointments at AVingatui were now in keeping with the status of the club, with the exception of the third storey to which he had referred. Under the circumstances there would be no capital expenditure for some years at any rate. The committee was quite hopeful that, mven a good season or two. it would be able to e + k tS xi Wa> > P roceed with the erection ot the third storey on the stewards’ stand. The rules of the club, in consequence of the proposal to have it registered had been revised and brought up to date. The committee had, in an endeavour to further popularise. Wingatui, tried to get the train fares to the course reduced, but with no result. The fare to Wingatui on an ordinary train was Is 6d, but on race trains it was 2s 6d. and, with the admission to the course added, the charge was brought up to 4s. They would see, therefore, that the Railways Department secured an extra shilling on these trains. In his opinion, and, he thought, in the opinion of the members of the club the m Ur L Ug i t he J' ear , h ad been good. ±he fields had been good throughout the season and the racing had been singularly free of accidents of any serious character, this was some indication that vv ingatui was a safe course, and it also bore testimony to the carefulness of the officials. The handicapping, starting, and judging had been consistently "ood (Applause.)

Mr L. C. Hazlett, in seconding the motion, said he considered that at the present time the Government had got a stranglehold on racing. The elections were coming on and he hoped members of racing clubs would bear in mind the handicaps that had been placed on them by the Government. The Prime Minister before the last election had for one of his wai- cries “Take off your coat with Coates/’ and he had claimed that he was the man that got things done. So far as he (the speaker) could see, the only thing he had done was the jockey clubs throughout New Zealand—he had got them well done.— (Loud laughter). If' they went to the Government they were met dgith squirmings and evasions, and received the reply that the clubs did not provide the taxation—that it was provided by the general public. The Government was bleeding the clubs dry. A member: It has been going on for years. Mr Hazlett: It won’t go on for very many more years, because half of the clubs will be ruined. Mr C. A„Shiel: How many special taxes are there on the clubs? Mr Hazlett said he could not say, but he knew that during the past 12 months the two Dunedin chibs had paid £29,000 to the Government in taxes. The Government said that the clubs did not actually pay it, but this was only evasion. Mr Shiel said that there were seven special taxes, and the extra shilling charged on the fares for race trains raised the number to eight. He suggested that Mr Ranlon should go on a lecturing tour from Auckland to the Bluff and air their grievances. It would have a .very salutary effect on the Government with the elections coming on.— (Laughter.) Mr Garth Gallaway he was only an ordinary racegoer, but he would like to bring one or two points before the committee. He suggested that members’ privileges could be extended, and mentioned several matters in which hq thought improvements could be effected. Mr A. H. Fisher, honorary treasurer to the club, said that the committee desired to provide suitable accommodation for its members. He quite agreed that the posi- - tion was unsatisfactory. Their income last year, however, had gone. back prac« tically all the way, and, on the othef hand, the club had reduced its expend!* ture to a very considerable extent. The stake money had been reduced kur no les*

than £3175, but it was hoped that, in the interests of the club,.the committee, would not’ be forced to curtail it still further. Improvements had been made to the club’s property at a cost of over £20,000, and had it not been for the fire which had destroyed the members’ stand, all .would have been well. The top storey to’ the stewards’ stand wohld cost from £4OOO to £6OOO, and the committee was not in a position to incur this expenditure at present. So far as he knew they were the only metre pollan club in New Zealand that gave away ladies’ tickets, and from the turnstile records this meant a loss of about £BOO to the club every year. He thought it might be advisable to give each member of the club two ladies’ tickets and make a charge to others of 2s 6d. Their prospects for next year, however, looked quite hopeful.— (Applause.) Air H. Divers -raised the question of a reduction of the charge of 10s 6d to the inside enclosure. The Hunt Club charged only 7s 6d, and its meeting was particularly well attended. There was also the point whether the 6d might not be taken off, and if the smaller charge could not be agreed to the charge might be made 10s. The speaker mentioned one or two other matters in connection with the carrying out of the. meetings where he thought improvements might be brought about.

In answer to a question by Mr Divers, the chairman said that the Racing Conference had voted £7OO to the New Zealand Sports Protection Association for this season, but that it had not committed itself in any other way. Mr Divers claimed that the association was a “ one-horse show,” run by the secretary. The chairman said that that was not admitted. He also added that Otago had supported the remit to the conference under which jockeys should have the opportunity of being represented by counsel at inquiries. The remit had been lost by a small majority. In a general discussion the opinion was supported that it would be inadvisable to charge for ladies’ tickets. A charge, it was stated, had been made and taken off again. Mr Shiei said that hg thought the committee might stop the use of the tractor on the track when the young horses were being trained. Mr M. Dawson: It would be a good thing to keep it behind some of those slow horses. — (Laughter.) Mr Shiei: The trouble is you can’t get it behind them at the right time.— (Laughter.) The motion for the adoption of the report was then put and carried. OFFICE-BEARERS. Mr A. C. Hanlon was re-elected president and Mr L. C. Hazlett vice-president, both without opposition. There were four vacancies to be filled on the committee and the voting resulted: —C. H. Draper 313, J.’ A. Cook 303. W. H. L. Christie 302, E. H. Lough 263 (all re-elected), and H. Divers 149, H. W. Phillips 65. The Chairman again referred to the state of the club, and said that there was no getting away from the fact that we were not a strong racing community here. He-said that if they took the business men in George street and. Princes street they would not find one who put £lO on the machine in any one day. and said that in the north they put far more money through the machine. The committee, went on the speaker, did not monopolise the voting at the elections. There were only 14 committeemen and 400 members of the club. A voice: What about the debenture holders?

A motion by Dlr Divers recommending that the committee should consider the question of making the charge 10s to the inside enclosure instead of 10s 6d, was seconded by Mr 11. W. Phillips, and lost on the voices.

Mr A. N. Smith said he knew the great difficulties that faced the committee, and he thought members had little to complain of generally. He thought the stewards should be congratulated on their work during the past two years. Visiting trainers and others had told him that Wingatui one of the best courses in New Zealanca He had been connected with racing in the North Island, and he knew what he was talking about.— (Applause.) The chairman gave some details of the duties which he carried out i n his official capacity as president on the. occasion of race meetings, and said he endeavoured to meet visiting owners, trainers, jockeys, the general public, and so on, and that ■he was always open to receive suggestions from anyone.—Applause.)