RACING.

Otago Witness, Issue 3882, 7 August 1928, Page 56

RACING.

FIXTURES. August 14, 16, 18.—Grand National Meeting. August 25.—Hawke's Bay Hunt Meeting. September 1. —Otago Hunt Meeting. September s.—Marton Meeting. September 13, 15.—Wanganui Meeting. September 19.—Manakwatu Hunt Meeting. September 22.—Ashburton Meeting. September 22.—Napier Park Meeting. September 22, 24. —Avondale Meeting. September 27, 28.—Geraldine Meeting. September 29.—Pakarangi Hunt Meeting. September 29. —Hawke's Bay Meeting. October 6.—Kurow Meeting. October 6, B.—Auckland Meeting. October 11, 13.—Dunedin Spring Meeting.

TALK OF THE DAY. i'y Sentinel. “THE NATIONALS.” It is rather interesting at this stage to glance back at the handicaps issued in connection with Great Northern meeting, and compare them with the figures for the Grand National gathering which takes place next week. Beau Cavalier is well under the spotlight since-he won the three big steeplechases last season. He won this year’s Great Northern Hurdles when leniently treated with 9.2, but failed in the Great Northern Steeples with 12.2. He failed to complete the course in the Wellington Steeplechase with 11.13, when he fell a little over a mile from home when measuring strides with Pouri, who won with 9.9. Pouri has received the substantial increase of 141 b on what he carried at Trentham, where the result was practically a foregone conclusion when Beau Cavalier became deleted from the field. Beau Cavalier meets Pouri on 81b better terms, and has received a fair chance, but if the latter is capable of •bringing him down at Trentham he should do so over the stiffer country at Riccarton. Beau Cavalier jumps very big, and with 12.5 up would tire quicker at Riccarton than on any other course. Tuki meets Pouri on 141 b better terms at Riccarton than at Trentham, and although he is a more formidable opponent over the former course than elsewhere the poundage may not be sufficient to bring them together. Wiltshire is fancied by those who know him best. Pamplona would be dangerous if he reaches the post, but the big jumping may settle his dicky legs, and Dubious will probably do the best work for the stable. Dubious jumped well until he fell at Ricarton, and may have saved trouble with a more experienced horseman on his back. The experience may benefit both horse and rider, and 'Dubious should not be discarded for one mistake. It is only possible to give the remainder of the field a rough chance. Beau Cavalier won the Winter Hurdles with a good deal in hand,' and he seems to have a better chance in the Grand

National Hurdles than over the big country. He won the Winter Hurdles with 10.2, and has received the substantial increase of 181 b. Red Fuchsia for a six lengths’ beating comes in on 171 b better terms, and the change in the figures should find him keeping Beau Cavalier busy. Beau Cavalier is a free goer that possibly wants tackling at a reasonable distance from home instead of allowing him to run his own race in front of a field. If a horse like Peneus kept at Beau Cavalier he might settle him, but in doing so would probably stop himself. Nukumai made a moderate show over hurdles at Trentham. He is expected to do better at Riccarton. Gaze ran well, and may be one of the hardest to beat at Riccarton, as he stays well. Neither Brigadier Bill nor Peneus stay too well, and Scion and Heather Lad may be the best of those who are at the tail of the handicaps. Scion was running on at the end of his race on Saturday, and although a long way back that might have been materially reduced with an extra mile and a-half in front. Heather Lad stays well, but is not too sound, and Craigmore cannot be fancied after his indifferent display last week. The final payment may reduce the present strength of the field. The Winter Cup presents its usual problem, which is rendered all the more difficult of solution by a threatened unwieldiness made by the large number likely to comprise the field. One may mentally strike out a few, but the owners sometimes hold a different opinion, and wait until the race proves them right or tvrong. Of the horses seen out last week First Sight looked rather big in condition, and susceptible to more improvement than any other horse. In fact, a good “scrape” would be a big assistance to his chance. He had a hard race on Saturday, and covered a lot of ground on the outside of the field when racing round the top of the course. Still he.looked a winner 50 yards from home, but Royal Saxon worried him down in the last few strides. Taboo ran such a good race that it brings Panther into the picture on Trentham form, as the latter looked a shade unlucky in not beating the Solferino gelding. At present First Sight, Panther, and Royal Saxon may be a trio likely to supply the favourite for the race.

RUSHINC RACES. In his comments on the American Derby run at Arlington Park (Chicago), on June 9, “ Salvator,” one of America’s most experienced turf writers, in the Lexington “ Thoroughbred Record ” he recalled his statement of two years ago that America had reached the zero hour of horsemanship. He said this was verified in the American Derby. “ The delay at the barrier was brief, only five minutes elapsing between the line-up and the fall of the flag. But the moment the flag fell, what happened? Why, with a journey of a mile and a-quarter before them, almost every rider astride the contenders sat down and began to ride like a demon, as if the money was all to be paid out to the horse first past the post, not the second, but the first time down the stretch! It seemed almost incredible, except to one who has been attentively watching affairs with an eye to realities rather than hurrah, but it is an -actual fact. Within 30yds from the barrier I counted no fewer than six different jockeys —let us call them that for form’s belabouring their colts with their whips as if they were in the midst of a furious finish, instead of in the first strides of a 10-furlong journey. A Derby, a historic stake event, with a prize worth over 30,000 dollars- (£6000) at stake, to say nothing of the staggering amount of money that was depending on the outcome in the way of wagers. “ One of these ‘ busy boys ’ was Garner, the rider of the favourite, Misstep. This colt had been backed as if it was ‘-all over but the shouting,’ to use a hackneyed phrase. The gigantic bulletin-board informed the world, as the field was parading to the post, that nearly 26,000 ‘ straight ’ tickets alone had been sold on the son of Upset, while only about a-third as many had been sold on any other colt. When the barrier went up it found his jockey napping. He did not have the hold of his mount that he should have, and, as a consequence, Misstep stumbled, and, for an instant, I thought he was going to his knees. As a consequence, when he gathered him up. Garner lost his head, and went at him like a wild man, apparently deeming it to be the proper thing to use the favourite to kill off the pace-makers and never abandoning the idea. Of the entire lot of jockeys, Ambrose only seemed to use his head. He took Toro, away as if he. had all the leisure in the world to do his work with, seeming in no hurry whatever, stayed far back for practically a mile, and then, when he made his move, made a show of the others so speedily that it was also like a transformation scene in an extravaganza.”

AN EYE OPENER. A very interesting feature of the Christchurch Hunt meeting is the two-year-old parade which -takes place during the running of the card. The parade is made with colours up. and number clothg, so

that the youngsters are easily identified. It would, by the way, be greatly appreciated if the same easy means of identification took place at the Wellington winter meeting. Thirteen youngsters figured on the card, and after a few moments in the birdcage were sprinted in three groups down the straight with a minimum loss of time. At other meetings it may be mentioned that delay in such matters has been expensive to the club. Four youngsters belonging to Sir George Clifford formed he first sent away, and of the quartet a chestnut gelding named Upheaval seemed to put the most vim into his work, and appeared to be anxious to increase the pace. He had F. E. Jones in the saddle, and further interest will be aroused in the youngster when it is pointed out that he is a half-brother by Winning Hit to Childsplay. Hclter Skelter, dam of the youngster, has also produced Sudden Storm and Wild Work. She was got by Antagonist from Fleetfoot, by Clanranald. Fleetfoot was a very speedy two-year-old, and not at her best when Golden Slipper beat her in the Champagne Stakes and Challenge Stakes. As. Winning Hit is a son of the sire of Childsplay, the gelding under notice is almost an own brother to the speedy filly who did good work last season. The second batch went down nicely enough, and strode along freely in their brief sprint. Much interest was taken in Honour, the 2300gns yearling who carried Mr G. D. Greenwood’s colours in third division. Since sold as a yearling, Honour seems to have acquired a good deal of bulk, and threatens to become thick and top-heavy. He "strides down well with plenty of leverage in his action, and it is said he can spin along fast if allowed to gallop. Another in the same batch which attracted attention is the brown filly Comique, by Limond from Farce. As the youngsters sent to the parade are fairly forward in condition the list may be instructive in connection with the two-year-old events decided early in the season —The youngsters paraded included: Straight Course, b c by The Ace — Winning Way. Upheaval, ch g by Winning Hit—Helter Skelter. Quick Plunge, b f by The Ace—Brave Deed. Moorbird, br f by The Ace—Moorfowl. Sir Ronald, b g by Paladin—Bonaria. Dutch Money, br f by Paper Money— Dutch Clock. Juniper, b g by Kilbroney—Judith. Belcaire, b f by Treclare —Bahnevar. Honour, b e by Limond—Homage. Jaleux. br g by Sutala—Egotism. Sunny Pal. br g by Paladin—Sunnv Brook. Comique. br f by Limond—Farce. Pixie Gold, br g by Paper Money—Gazeworthy,

RIDING OVER FENCES. I am surprised (says a correspondent in the London Field) no one has suggested that one of the chief causes of the number of spills in riding over fences nowadays is the incorrect seat of many of the riders. Take some of the photo's of the last jump in this year’s? National. The feet of Tipperary Tim’s jockey are Jn front at the horse’s shoulders. By all the rules of riding the' feet should be behind the girths in coming over a big fence. Also if feet are in front the horse is often spurred on the shoulder. The rider of Great Span, third at the water jump, according to the same authorities, has his feet in the same wrong position. Captain Horace Hayes, in his book “ Riding on the Flat and Across Country.” writes: “And above all things the feet back, for if that be not done and the speed of the horse be checked at any moment, the feet will be forced on to the stirrups. The resulting jerk will have every chance of toppling the rider over; if, on the contrary, the shock falls on the legs, with the feet drawn back, the play of the thighs, between which the saddle is forced as a wedge, will obviate the disturbing influence as much as possible.” Again, “ the rider who wears spurs and finds, especially when jumping, he touches his horse on the shoulders with them, may rest assured that he is but a very indifferent performer in the pigskin.” Again, “if the feet be inclined forward the resistance to the weight of the rider being, consequently, borne by the stirrup iron, an undue amount of strain will fall on the horse’s forelegs.” Again, riding a puller, “if the horse will not yield, sit .well down, draw the feet back; many bad riders on a puller thrust their feet forward.” Again, riding over fences, “ as long as a man keeps his feet and legs in proper position, I cannot see how lie can lean too far back on landing over a fence. Leaning back,-however, is no use unless the rider draws his feet back at the same time.” Nowadays if a horse pecks on landing the rider' contiuually takes a toss; if he had his feet well back he would quite likely remain in the saddle. A WEAK FIELD.o

A well-known and successful trainer remarked to the writer during the course of the Christchurch Hunt meeting held at Riccarton last week that the field for this year’s Grand National Steeplechase was the weakest that ever contested the race. Some colour is lent to the opinion by the poor display some of the candidates for honours in the Grand National Steeples made when seen out last-week. It is. difficult to give some

of them the jumper’s chance, which is the sole reason for starting a horse deficient in pace, and when that is so the field indeed does look weak. Some of the field have been tried and found wanting on more than one occasion, and it is impossible to enthuse about their chances whilst at the same time some little admiration has to be expressed at the sportsmanship of an owner who starts a horse when it has only a forlorn-hope chance of success. Steeplechasers, like other types of horse, have their vintage years, but this has been the case for some little time, and the principal reason for the dearth seems to be ba=ed on the fact that horses, worn out on the flat and perhaps broken, are converted into jumpers. It would be unreasonable to expect a Moifaa, Norton, The Guard, Master Strowan, Coalition, Oakleigb. Waimai, or Lochella crop tip every day, but it is reasonable to expect owners to do better than start on a weak foundation when they want to build a horse into a hurdler or ’chaser. Breeding or buying a horse and making him successful over jumps may require the element of luck, but owners are on the wrong track when they attempt. to make good with one that has been worked out and become unsound at another branch of sport. In some cases a horse tried and found wanting on the flat has been successfully converted, but the waj' to success in the most important races over hurdles or between the flags is not paved with the names of broken-down horses. Some breeds of. horses: such as the Birkenheads, Cantors, Muskets, Tradueers, Lochiels, Graftons. and such, take to jumping as naturally as a'duck takes to water, and in the search for a possible National winner pedigree should not be overlooked when conformation makes the first appeal to a sportsman in search of something to cany his colours.

STAMINA. There is generally a great deal of fuss made when a horse wins two races in a week at Ascot, but the present-day racehorses have a comfortable time indeed compared with the busy lives of some of the old flat racers of years ago. when they were seldom allowed to eat the corn of idleness, and it was nothing uncommon (says a writer in Sporting Life) for a horse to raise three winning flags on the Royal Heath. Undoubtedly the best record in that respect is held by the French horse Verneuil, who on the first day of the meeting in 1878 won the Gold v ase. Two days later he was saddled up again for the Gold Cup, which he also won, and on the Friday he went to the post for the Alexandra Plate, and, as in the previous races, he led throughout to win in a canter.

All told, Verneuil covered no less than seven and a-half miles in three races, thus proving wonderful courage, soundness, and endurance. The ex-hurdler Lowlander put up a good performance, too, in 1874, when, on the Wednesday, he won the R ,°ya! Hunt Cup in a canter from Maid of Perth, the next day he secured the Windsor Limited Handicap, a six-furlong affair, and on the Friday he carried lOst 21b to a four-lengths victory over Thorn for the Ascot Plate, run over a mile and a-quarter. Another horse to score thrice was Robin Hood, and he left it rather late in the week of 1866, too, for his first success was in the New Biennial Stakes over a mile, on the Thursday. The next day he started second favourite for the Wokingham, and duly obliged, and, later m the afternoon, he carried off the Railway Stakes. Two years later a horse called The Earl equalled that performance, for on the Wednesday he won the Ascot Derby and the 10th Biennial Stakes, and on the next day he beat his solitary opponent. Restitution, in the St. James’s Palace Stakes. In 1873 there were two instances of a horse winning three times at Ascot, for Kaiser won the Prince of Wales’s Stakes on the Tuesday, the 15th Biennial on the Wednesday, and the 10th Biennial on the Thursday, altogether covering three miles and five furlongs. The othor case was the two-year-old Sugarcane, who, coming out on the same three days, won the Maiden Plate, 21st Biennial, and the 11th New Biennial-, truly a remarkable achievement for a juvenile. Four years later a three-year-old called Placida' won the Fern Hill Stakes, the 15th Biennial, and the 24th Triennial Stakes on the last three days of the fixture.

* Yet another case of real endurance was evidenced by Tristan in 1882. That horse appears to have had no distance, for on the Tuesday he.secured the Gold Vase, run over two miles. Two days later he proved successful in the 19th Biennial Stakes over a mile, and on the next afternoon he prevailed again in the Hardwicke Stakes, which is over a mile and a-half. The last time ’a horse registered three wins in one week on the Royal Heath was in 1911, when the smashing son of Tredennis. to wit. Hornet’s Beauty, accomplished the performance, albeit Diadem won thrice, but as she walked-over for one event she is not to be included in this category. Hornet’s Beauty’s races were all over short cuts, the first being the Trial Stakes on the Tuesday, which is run over the Hunt Cup course; the next, the Fern Hill Stakes on the second afternoon, and the King’s Stand Stakes qp the Friday; the last two races are five-furlong affairs.

A BUMPING FINISH. After running second to Clan Robert in 1926 and third last year to Nyangay and Clan Robert, Namera came into his own at Flemington this year, when he won the Grand National Steeplechase. It was really a case of “ if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” Namera thoroughly deserved his victory. There was not the slightest semblance of a fluke about his win; in fact he would have been distinctly unlucky to have lost, and he nearly did. And thereby hangs a tale. The race was almost over and the last fence had been crossed, and Nyangay, who had led most of the way, looked like winning (wrote • “ Cardigan.”) Then Namera shot up to that horse, and as they turned into the straight together Nyangay almost put Namera over the rails. It was —for a stride or two —a toss up whether Namera remained on his feet or went over. His rider eased him for a moment, and then pulling him round Nyangay set sail after that horse. Both horses and jockeys rode well, but gradually Namera wore Nyangay down, and a hundred yards from the post it was obvious that he was going to win. Nyangay did not collapse by any means, but his stride commenced to get shorter, and Namera beat him to the post by half a neck. Possibly, if Nyangay had won, he would have lost the race on a protest—at least that appeared. to be the general opinion. It 'V? s . n ? ine ’ and I heard it expressed on all sides. I do not think for a second that Nyangay’s rider deliberately went xt ’ ds way to defd with Namera, but Nyangay ran down the last jump and Namera made his run on the inside of him, with the result that Nyangay lugged over on the chestnut. It would be interesting to know what Warner (Camera’s rider) thought when he saw his mount heading straight for the point of the running rail. He made an ettort to push Nyangay over, but he had so little time, and really did well to as ?, ghtly as he did ’ 1 thought that after the terrific bump that Namera had received that he would not finish as aS A yangay > but he is made of the ri o lit stuff, and he showed rare gameness in running Nyangay down.

IN A NUTSHELL. Set Sail has rejoined C. Giescler’s • Th A-9- ore Cup wiH carr y a 50sovs cup m addition to the stakes. , * s exhibiting her two-year-old brilliancy on the track.

Cimabue will help to keep the watch busy in sprint events this season. Mr A. J. Gibbs has been reappointed handicapper to the Gore Racing Club. The Leighton gelding Wreath of Myrtle has filled out since he was last seen in public.

The Clarenceux mare Malmsey was staying on at the right end of her race last week.

Gaze has been going on the right way since he ran at the Wellington winter meeting.

Panther has been doing good work, and will be one of the fancied articles in the Winter Cup.

Ranui had the good load of 11.8 in the Lawford Steeples, and just failed to give 351 b to Message Boy. The Lord Quex gelding Vigilance was a paddock tip for his race last week, but failed to get near the money. .. Count Cavour is receiving stronger tasks in his work, and is evidently being tuned up for the spring Tuahine was always with the leaders in her race on Saturday, and finally finished close to the placed lot. Locarno is a horse well up to weight, and should run well in his engagements at the Grand National Meeting. Royal Game was always with the leaders in the Brabazon Handicap, but he dropped away in the straight.

. Overdrawn ran a good race for about six furlongs in the Brabazon Handicap, but was in trouble at the distance.

The Archery—Warlove gelding Amor showed pace in his race last week, but faded out a long way from home. The .Greyspear—Addra mare Greyfinch won her race by staying, and the fact may be a useful note for the season. The Belmont Stakes, a race for two-year-olds recently run in New York, was worth oyer 12,000sovs to the winner. Solferite failed to show up in the Brabazon Handicap, but looks as if another week’s work would improve him. Beau Cavalier was credited with a good gallop at Riccarton on Saturday morning, but it is said that he wore plates. Red Fuchsia ran a good race in the Brabazon Handicap, when he finished close up. It was a good gallop for a hurdler;,

Star Shell was always fairly handy in the Longbeach Hurdles, andTmay win a minor event decided over the small

The Gay Lad gelding Diana’s Lad beat a moderate lot in the Kennels Hurdles. Rangi Sarto and Gay Jim -were not too sound, and Goldtown ran a bad race. According to Hawke’s Bay advices. J. M. Cameron contemplates an early trip to Sydney with The Hawk. Goshawk, and Curtsey (Limond—Salute). The Babe is a doubtful starter in the Grand National Steeplechase, but if he survives his tasks this week, may be sent to the post. Mr E. C. Govan lias sold his Solferino —Te Ahau Maid gelding to J. Rutledge, who has handled him since he went into training.

Gold Mint looked short- of a couple of sharp gallops when saddled last week. He was again slow on his legs at the rise of the barrier.

The Solferino gelding Filosei was given his first race last week. He is a nice mover, but wants time to build him into racing shape. Radiant Knight was accorded a -few modest investments at Riccarton on Saturday, but although he looked in good order, failed to show up in the race. The Panmure —Scrimmage filly Hurly Burly showed a good deal of pace in the Maiden Stakes, but did not see five furlongs right out. She should win under a lighter scale of weights. A couple of young three-year-olds in S.tar Shooter (Archery—Star dancer) and The Viscount (Solferino —Bon Bord) seen out last week will do better when served by time.

Passin’ Through gave a faultless exhibition of jumping when he won the Homeby Steeplechase run at Riccarton. He was the only one of five starters who completed the course without a mistake.

Both Nine of Spades and Erin-go-bragh seem to require a short course when racing over the hurdles. The first named ran quite a good race in the Longbeach Hurdlps.

Scion is now a better horse than when racing at the Dunedin Winter meeting, and as a stayer may be found going on when others are stopping at, the finish of the Grand National Hurdles.

It is reported that despite the re'strictions placed on broadcasting it is the intention of the Radio Company to send out the- principal events decided during the Grand National week. The Spalpeen gelding Puriri Jack was piloting the way like a possible winner when he tipped out at Cutts’s fence in the Lawford Steeples. He is a stoutly-built gelding by Spalpeen from Elsie. Peneus scored a comfortable win in the Longbeach Hurdles. He had too much pace for the others, and Scion, who was runmng on at the finish, might give a lot of trouble over an extra mile or so.

Brigadier Bill seems a bit deficient in speed to go with hurdlers over a short course. He seems to have lost some of his pace since he began to mix hurdling and fencing.

In the Grand National Steeplechase 21 jumps have to be negotiated. Cutts’ brush is 4ft lljin and 4ft thick. The brush fence at the top of the straight is 4ft 9m.

The Queen Mary Stakes of 327050 vs for two-year-old fillies was won by Arabella a bay filly by Buchan from Polly Flinders by Polymelus. She beat 26 others, easing up at the finish. One of the most difficult races to win in England is the Royal Hunt Cup, run over seven furlongs and 166yds. Priory Park, who ran second last year, won handsomely this year from a big field. Priory Park is inbred to St. Simon.

Since he pitched his tent in Sydney R. O’Donnell has not received too many smiles from Dame Fortune. Reports from Sydney state that he has now a strong team, and if knowledge can command success, then he will make good. Craigmore seemed to be a bit outclassed in the Longbeach Hurdles. He lost ground at the start,-and a couple of faulty jumps during the race sent him back. He was in trouble as coon as he reached the straight. A final payment is due on August 9 for the Grand National Steeples, Grand National Hurdles, and Winter Cup. Acceptances arc due on the same time for the minor events to be run on the first day of the meeting. At the Royal Ascot meeting held last month Maid of Perth, a four-year-old filly by Tetrameter from a Torpoint mare, won the Gold Vase of 1950sovs, including a gold cup valued at 250sovs. She beat a dozen others over two miles.

The Elysian gelding Locarno made a brave effort to give 311 b to Page Boy in the-Hunters’ Plate, the margin at the scale of weights, 12.5 and 10.2, proving too severe. Page Boy is an aged Clarenceux gelding from Tortrix by Martian. Meadow Lark just failed to resist a final challenge from Grey Finch in the Flying Hack Handicap. He was giving away both weight and age, and although defeated, put up a performance showing improved form.

Merivale was running on well at the finish of her race at Riccarton, and should prove useful during the season. got by Paladin from Bonaria, by Bqniform —Ribble, by Danube from Lady Wayward 11, the dam of Emperador. George Feilder, who rode Lochella and other good winners over the jumps, has been doing well since he set up as a trainer. He did well with Comic Song, and has now saddled up Royal Saxon as a winner with good prospects ahead. The Paladin filly Sarnia won by staying on in the Maiden Stakes run at Riccarton last -week. Her dam, Carette, was got by Clareneeux from Ventalera. by Lord Rosalyn—Komuri, by Gorton—Lady Gertrude. Komuri ranks as a sister to Euroclydon. In Sydney there is not a-great deal doing on the two Cups double. Fourth Hand, Medmenham, and Maple receive most mention for the Caulfield Cup, and there are good reports concerning the latter, whose West Australian form was excellent.

Taboo ran a really good race in the Brabazon Handicap, in which he finished a length away from First Sight and Royal Saxon. He meets First Sight on 31b and Royal Saxon 41b better terms

in the Winter Cup. The gallop should, however, greatly improve First Sight, and also help to sharpen Royal Saxon. There was surprise and disappointment aroused in English sporting circles when King George’s filly Scuttle, after winning J ie nP? e Thousand Guineas, was defeated by toboggan in the Oaks. Toboggan subsequently proved that there was no fluke about the matter, as she beat the Royalist handsomely in the Coronation Stakes of GlOOsovs, run at the Ascot meeting.

-The we JTendowed Coventry Stakes of 225050y5, for two-year-olds, at the Ascot Gold Cup meeting held in June was won by a chestnut colt named Reflector, who was got by Galloper Light from Double P ac ,4,KT Bachelor’s Double—WilFßeturn, by William the Third. Galloper Light was got by Sunstar from Santa Fina, bv ♦ ’ o * ru «?! 3uin ’ 60 that Reflector is inbred to St. Simon, although not the colour of -the tribe. Reflector is a member of the No. 1 family.

A Calcutta astrologer of some note, who is stated to have given out that the big sweep on the English Derby would be won by a ticket the digits of which totalled seven is in disrepute just at present. He caused a rush for tickets t lat worked out at seven, and, according to what I read in an exchange, this caused some to change hands at nearly £loo—a useful profit on 15s. The astrooger missed by four, the number of the ticket that drew Felstead being 8K1730. When a m em ber at the annual meeting of the Southland Racing Club was paying a tribute to the work of the secretary he mentioned that one of the Canterbury farmers had said what “a fine y oun g fellow” the secretary was (reports the Southland Times). “I am not surprised at a Canterbury farmer saying that,” said the president (Mr W. T. Hazlett). “The amount of our whisky the Canterbury farmers consumed would account for that.”

It was sickle-hocked, herring-gutted, ewe-necked, flat-sided, long-legged, split up, narrow-chested, and calf-kneed.- It was excitable, star-gazing, hot-headed, clumsy, pig-headed, iron-mouthed, and utterly impossible to ride. It was as thin as rail, and had a tail like a piece of wet rope. The squadron leader loathed it, the colonel hated the sight of it, the general jeered at it, the inspector of cavalry wrote bad reports about it, but (says an English description of a horse) the inspector of remounts flatly refused to cast it.

Dubious obtained a big lead when Greenstone fell in the Homeby Steeples and brought down Maunga. His pilot however, did not make the best use of hrn advantage, and his waiting- tactics found Passin’ Through on terms a mile from home. From that on Passin’ Through cari led Dubious along, and was racing about a length or so in front at the second last jump which brought down the La Notte gelding. Dubious was making his first appearance with the Riccarton country and so was his rider, and they should both benefit by the experience. Royal Saxon, who won the Brabazon Handicap, has built up and trained on , e Past lew weeks under G. r eilding s care. He always showed promise, but jarred himself when doing a preliminary at Wingatui. Royal Saxon was got by Saxon from Heath Lass, a sister to Pitprop, who was a good horse in his day, but unsoundness stopped him from winning good races. New Market, the sire of Pitprop and Heath Lass, the dam of Royal Saxon, was imported to Austialia some two or three vears ago Pitbrow Lass was imported by the late Mr J- Grigg.

. Last season the Dunedin Cup dropped m value to 975sovs, including a gold cup valued at lOOsovs. The reduction was caused by a level percentage reduction on the season’s programme. The committee has decided to bring the value up to lOOOsovs, and the cup will still be included. The trophy attached to the principal handicap in addition to the one to be attached to the James Hazlett Memorial will mean that two gold cups will be presented during the season. This should make the Dunedin Cup meeting doubly attractive, as there is no doubt the lure of a handsome and valuable trophy supplies a strong magnet to draw patronage from sportsmen.

Mithra, winner of the Juvenile Handicap at Rosehill, was purchased in Sydney as a yearling for 275gns for his present owner, Mr Colin Anderson, of Kohimarama. Mithra comes from a good family. She is a sister to Good Light and a halfsister to Bundrowse and Bronze Lady. Good Light was placed in her first two starts, while Bundrowse won on the flat and over hurdles. Bronze Lady was a good performer as a two-year-old, but met with an accident. Eusebius, the halfsister to Bonnin, won the V.R.C. Derby and St. Leger Stakes, besides numerous other events, while she was third in the Caulfield Cup and Stakes, arid placed m other good races. It would help to make the winter meetings more successful if the minimum weight was dropped. For instance, in the Hunters’ Plate run last week at Riccarton the minimum was lOst. This sori of minimum was introduced to give gentlemen riders a chance, but as they threaten to become as defunct as the moa, there seems to be no further necessity to ask horses to race at such a high scale of weights. The racing authorities should also consider the question of reducing the 9st minimum. The Racing Conference has stretched the season in order that some clubs would not be compelled to use it, and when that is so, it should be wiped out altogether or considerably reduced.

‘ I was taken round a private stable the other day, and the owner showed me, with pride,, a three-year-old being ridden over a series of jumps quite 4ft 6in high. He asked what I,” says an English writer, “ though-; of it. Well, I did not tell him exactly what I thought, because we are still friends, but I will tell you. I hink it was the most ill-advised, ridiculous scheme for schooling horses I have ever seen. . . Why, the horse did not know how to walk even, and there it was being forced over obstacles an old horse would be proud to have jumped. That sort of thing is not breaking a horse in; it is breaking him down. It is not education; it is destruction.”

The ink is hardly dry yet on the report of the Licensing Committee of the Racing

Conference, which stated definitely' (says ‘Vedette”) that district committees be directed to grant permission to clubs to hold race meetings on other than their own courses only under very exceptional circumstances. Also it was directed that such clubs must race on the course nearest to its own course. Now from Auckland conies the folowing: “There is every prospect of the Dargaville Racing Club holding its next annual meeting on the Avondale racecourse, the dates suggested being November 1 and-3. A received from the Avondale Jockey "Club offering the free use of the course for the meeting.” On holiday bound to Canada and the States is Mr P. J. O’Shea, -solicitor, exlegislator, business man, and racing man, of Brisbane. He is the owner of Canning Queen, which a few weeks ago won the Brisbane Cup in 3min 22Asec, knocking a quarter of a second off the Australian record, and beating the times of Windbag and Kennaquhair. He says imported racing stock is more successful than Australian bred. He is not going to America for horses, because he thinks English blood best. Mr O’Shea says there is no doubt racing stock deteriorates in Australia. Very few Australian-bred sires are fashionable. However, there is one thing certain, concluded Mr O’Shea—the men in Australia do not deteriorate. The intention of the V.R.C. Committee to have more jumps erected on the steeplechase course at Flemington does not meet with the approval of jockeys or the owners and trainers of jumpers. A petition against the contemplated alteration has been numerously signed. It is pointed out that 23 jumps in three miles are sufficient; that more casualties would result from an increase, and that it was doubtful whether additional jumps would have the effect of slowing down a race; finally, that more jumps would mean more casualties, smaller fields, and less enjoyment for the spectators. It is not difficult to endorse the idea that steeplechasing at Flemington is sufficiently spectacular without additional jumps being necessary.

So many horses have gone or are going to the Commonwealth to race this spring that it would appear almost as if races will be easy to win at home. Certainly some of the best of New Zealand’s thorougbreds will be helping to provide entertainment for Australian racegoers. This year has provided something unusual in a very mild winter, and it is doubtful .(says “Vedette”) if the horses who have gone to Australia would have been any more forward in condition if they had wintered over there. Latest reports from Sydney have been of intense cold, and from private news received it is doubtful if the weather on the average has been as good as that of New Zealand. Accordingly this year’s team should lack nothing in the matter of condition, and it lacks less in size. Those lategoers who do not propose leaving New Zealand for a few weeks yet should not be at any disadvantage.

Since its inception in 1843 the Royal Hunt Cup has been a popular handicap, and in the last century spirited wagering usually accompanied the appearance of the weights. It was a race that the late Captain Machell was particularly partial to. He simply loved betting on it, and, en passant, brought off one or two nice coups, but several of his plans failed. The first of any consequence was in 1889, when he went all out for Lord Rodney’s Darleydale. True, there were only 15 runners, but so heavily had he been backed that it was impossible to beat 5 to 2 about Darleydale at the “ off.” So far as the favourite was concerned it was no start, for Darleydale got left at the post, and took no part in the race, which was won from pillar to post by Whitelegs. Another of his plans which went west was in 1891, when Rathbeal was backed aS though settling day were non-existent, but Laureate II came to the rescue of the layers. When adjusting the weights for the Maitland Cup, the handicapper, Mr Reay, allotted the ex-New Zealand horse Eden Hall 6st 71b. This was evidently a mistake, and Mr Reay later endeavoured to rectify it by rehandicapping Eden Hall to 9st 71b. The question which is now causing considerable argument is whether Eden Hall can be rehandicapped. I heard a well-informed official of a race club say that the Ost 71b must stand, but I doubt that it will stand. There is no rule of racing bearing directly on a handicapper’s mistakes (says “Musket”), but there is one under the heading “ Special Powers of the Committtee of a Principal Race Club ” which could be brought to bear on this question, and it reads: “If any question arise which is not or which is alleged not to be provided for by these rules, it shall be determined by the committee.” Therefore, if the committee of the Maitland Club are of the opinion that the handicapper has made an error in allotting Eden Hall 3st less than the horse is entitled to carry, the members of that committee can determine the matter for themselves.

“ I have just got your second letter, in which you tell me that a little local dealer has just brought a horse round for you to see, which he tells you the finest little horse that ever looked through a bridle! Sound, seven years old, smart as paint, of great quality, and a magnificent performer, -and he is only asking £5O. You tell me that the reason he is selling him so cheap is because he has. been suddenly called away on urgent business, and that he is letting the horse go as a.sacrifice in order to pay his rent. You -ask me if there is ‘ snag ’ here, and whether it is an opportunity for a lucky pick-up. Well, without even looking at the horse, I can tell you (says an English writer) that there are several ' snags,’ and I wouldn’t touch it without a trial and a veterinary examination. First of all I am always suspicious of people who must sell in a hurry because they are. just off to some either undisclosed or very distant add-ess. Secondly, a dealer is a ■man who makes his living out of buying and selling horses, and no one knows the market better than him. If he offers you a horse cheap it is quite certain that he bought it cheaper, and is asking as much as he dares.”

Ascot itself suggests pomp and circumstance, and a visitor from abroad has a feeling something akin to awe when surveying the. scene of dazzling briliance for the first time. The Royal enclosure on, say, a Gold Cup day, when the weather

rises to the occasion, provides a living picture of magnificence not to be equalled elsewhere, though our French friends might put in a claim for Longchamp on the afternoon on which the Grand Prix is decided. It is difficult to discover precisely when racing was first associated with the Royal heath. It is recorded that Queen Anne attended races “ somewhere in the neighbourhood of Ascot ”; but, however that may have been, it is certain that racehorses measured strides at Ascot over 200 years ago. One of the features that adds to the picturesque side of Ascot is the Royal procession, for which George IV was responsible at the outset. At one period the procession was headed by the Master of the Horse and huntsmen of the Royal Staghounds, but these have now ceased to be. The Ascot programmes, in accordance with the mere fitness of things, are drawn up on the highest lines. There are, it is true, a few handicaps of superior class; but, generally speaking, only the aristocrats of the equine tribe are really catered for. The humble selling plater would be as -much out of place as, if you like, a visitor sporting plus fours in the principal enclosure—that is, assuming that he could obtain admission!

There can be no two opinions of the value of Spearmint (sire of Felstead) as a wonderful progenitor of high-class stayers (says “Musket”), and no doubt the American would-be purchaser is a sportsman with a deep purse who would derive considerable pleasure at being the owner of a prospective sire whose progeny would in the years to come be carrying his colours in the great American races. Sir H. Cunliffe-Owen, however, appears to be a sportsman who recognises the fact that, though he may be an owner for ever so many years, he is not likely to again possess such another horse as the Derby hero of 1928. Should Felstead add the St. Leger to his record he could then he retired to the stud at a fee of 500 guineas, and he would not have to hve to a very ripe age for his owner to be £lOO,OOO. in pocket in stud fees, besides being stil) in possession of the horse. Having only developed form as a three-year-old, Felstead may race on until he is a five-year-old, and the pleasure of seeing Ins colours successful in important races apparently makes more appeal to Sir Hugo than an added £lOO,OOO to his already big banking account. At * any rate, he is to be congratulated for turning down such a mammoth offer, for it goes to show that with him sentiment takes precedence of money where a good horse is concerned.

The Maitland handicapper was unaware of the identity of the New f* aT -£ del ? £ aH ’ and gave him 6.7 m tht Maitland Cup. After the weights were published he was apprised of his rni« r ’l +h d ’ '' v l t r oU > t consul ting the owner, raised the gelding’s weight to 9.7. Such procedure is decidedly irregular, and, * bo -" g M a AV na m ( S? ys an Australian writer) of Mr T. C. Trautwein’s intenentitied % 1S ’ ace ” rdl ng to all precedent, entitled to run the horse at the weight °? glnall y all °tted him. If it were otherwise, handicappers could, as a general Clai c? tb ? rigbt of revising th™ lights after they were published, and that certainly would not do. It is an unfortunate error, but I have known similar ones to be overcome by an owner consenting to a rehandicap, or by scratching his horse. Many years ago, a New Chh-Mrv 8 a d P erformer named vnixalry, raced in Sydney, and waq tlwn nominated for the Oma Plate at Caulfield, ihe handicapper confused him with tlian’Vst n Ud M .him in at less Chiv-ilrv\v A m t he weig H t “Botted him, the V 4 T o d i have spoi] * the F ace> and Mr c la * r man asked his owner, Mr 0. Payne whether he would permit n.'rZ? 1 ' b ® amended. The latter agreed, and Chivalry was raised to 8 11 dalc W «nd be r te n - alf alen gth-by Riversdale, and G. Price, who rode him, said he wou.d have won only for the saddle slipping soon after the start. Price has a MelLurn nOry Of the , fa - ct ’ because the Melbouine pressmen, being unaware of for R ; r f7’ ble Wltb , the . , saddle > slated him for sitting up and riding as if he were monarch of all he surveyed.”