TALK OF THE DAY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3889, 25 September 1928, Page 55

TALK OF THE DAY.

By

Sentinel.

A PLEASANT TRIP. On Friday last the writer could not resist the temptation of joining a small ■ party bent on participation in the Ashburton spring meeting and, incidentally, providing a run under an expert official whose firm recently supplied Mr J. M. Samson with a luxuriously-appointed Cadillac of the latest model. Mr W. Quirk was the other member of the party. A short space of time found us at the Oamaru Trotting Club’s old course, where J. Henderson was waiting with a two-year-old by Matchlight from Alpha Bingen. The youngster was allowed to pace a couple of circuits, and showed a nice easy action, also a promise of speed With more time for development. The youngster was bred by his owner, Mr J. M. Samson. Henderson next “hitched up ” a four-year-old mare by Nelson Bingen from Snowdrift, the dam of Clonmel, and let it be whispered in a stage aside —Avalanche. She is owned by Mr Quirk, -who, in reply to a question, invited the writer to “ put 40 watches on her.” She went a half in 1.12, a mile in 2.25. and, incidentally, displayed promise of better things. Perhaps Snowflake might be a suitable name for a daughter of Snowdrift. Whilst the two owners were in consultation with their trainer, the writer paid a brief visit to the new course across the road. Excellent progress has been made towards the completion of the course and its appointments. A terrace has been built in front of the stand, and it would be a good idea to strip part of the old course in order to obtain material to turf the ground which has been built up. Perhaps this may be already a matter arranged. The track has settled down well, and a few showers within the next few days would greatly assist a further growth of grass. It is quite safe to predict that the Oamaru race meetings and trotting meetings will obtain a much

g, eater popularity than would have been possible under previous conditions. This particularly applies to the trotting game. After a brief halt to say “ Good day ” to Timaru, the party sped straight on to the Washdyke, and went through F. and A. Trilford’s stable, where Mr Samson has several horses in training. Here we found Jock o’ Hazeldean, a two-year-old gelding by Gay Lad from Arch Lassie, and hence a brother to Young Lochinvar; a well-turned three-year-old in Pound Note, by Paper Money—La Paix (this fellow has been “ added to the list,” and on looks should make a racehorse); a filly by Kilbroney—Tango (the dam of Red Jazz), and also the last named; Money Peer (just taken up after his accident at Vyingat-ui); the Leighton gelding Wreath of Myrtle, and Town Bank. A good old standard-bearer was noticed in a paddock enjoying a w'ell-earned leisure. All the horses in training bear a wcll-cared-for appearance, and two of them, in Town Bank and Pound Note, look the most forward in condition. Town Bank looks particularly well, and is a fine type, but unfortunately sports a most unsightly joint in the shape of a big enlargement on the outside of his off fore fetlock. He has also been heavily fired on both front legs. Still, he won at the Grand National meeting, and if stood up to his knees in straw looks in splendid shape to repeat success.

The next call was at E. J. Ellis’s stable. Here it was discovered that Vaward had made a complete recovery from the John Gilpin bolt 'he made from vX ingatui along several miles of macadam road, with the result that he burst all four feet and could not stand for weeks. The chestnut colt by Hunting Song from Edna May must be one of the biggest two-year-olds in training. He was lean and lathy and growing solely towards the sky. but is now commencing to thicken and furnish. It is likely, however, to be some time before he is produced in public. When he comes to maturity Red Coat will look like a real racehorse, and it is to be hoped that he will gallop in keeping with appearances. Miss Thespian, Money Mine, a Chief Ruler—Marcelaine filly, and the gelding Songster were also placed under inspection. They all look healthy and well, and Money Mine ran a good race the following day. Tintoretto is still running in the paddock, and has not yet recovered from the effects of being galloped on when racing at Wingatui. The stable also shelters Royal Tractor, who bolted home next day at the Ashburton meeting. Ellis has worked wonders in bringing his new stables into shape in a short space of time, and when fully completed, will have a well-equipped training establishment. A spin out to Orari found us at R. C. Keeper’s stables. Here Mr Samson has a shapely two-year-old colt in Solmuri, by Solferino —Murihiku, the Tea Tray filly Tea Girl, and the Lord Quex two-year-old Colonel Quex, and Carinthia in training, whilst Wayward (in the paddock with an enlarged leg) will require a long spell. Mr Quirk has the Solferino gelding Filosol in the stable. As a result of being eased, he has improved in appearance since he ran at the Grand National meeting. The same owner has also a shapew whole chestnut two-year-old in Captivate, by Grand Court—Peg o’ My Heart. Solmuri and Captivate both started at Ashburton, and each of them suffered such serious interference shortly after the start that no idea could be gained as to their racing merit. Two more shapely-looking youngsters would be difficult to find, but with Mr Quirk’s usual luck in ownership; Captivate broke the strap of his rug a few days ago while in a yard, and in getting a fright, jumped two fences and cut both his front legs, fortunately with-, out any serious results. The same own-' er’s Kilbroney gelding Sachet has again struck trouble, and Mr Quirk has presented him to P. T. Hogan, who it is to be hoped will find the gift horse worthy of acceptance. On the road to Ashburton a call was made a few miles out, where Mr Quirk has Ivy Audubon and a young mare by Logan Pointer from a Rothschild mare. Ivy Audubon appears to be in foal to Author-Dillon, and goes to Wrack, whilst the other mares might be in foal to Real Guy. There was still ample time for a flying visit to Mr H. F. Nicoll’s stud, where Mr Samson has two mares in foal to Wrack and booked to return to the same sire. Wrack is a very fine horse of the Hambletonian type. We saw Trix Pointer with a newly-arrived filly foal at foot to Wrack, and a very racy-looking two-year-old colt by him from Nell Pointer. Shortly afterwards we parked on the rails of the Ashburton racecourse. It was intended to pay a visit to Elderslie stud, where Mr Samson has some mares and foals, but a change of plans deferred the visit until some future occasion. THE ASHBURTON MEETING. One is required to be a little bit brave to face the prospects supplied by most uninviting weather which accompanied the opening event on the Ashburton spring programme. A piercingly cold wind blew during the morning, and 'carried rain to the course just as the field saddled for the first race. The hostile weather continued for the first three races, and then changed to comparatively summerlike conditions. Under the circumstances it would not have been at all surprising

to find a small attendance, particularly as it was raining heavily in Christchurch during the early morning, and so very apt to keep the usually strong arm of Canterbury sports somewhat thinned in their usually supporting numbers. Such did not prove the case, and a big contingent from the north put in an appearance. The going was improved rather than damaged by the rain. A cold wind accompanied by rain did not seem to favour the chance of the broken-winded Jloyal Praetor in the Longbeach Hack Handicap, but he made the opposition look small . after Fair Exchange got hopelessly left, and Zeuxis received a passage which settled him. Zeuxis made up a tremendous lot of ground, and his run is one worthy of remembrance. _ Fair Exchange was not '..nocked about in a hopeless effort to chase the field, but in any case Royal Tractor has such a good ‘■urn of speed that he will win again ' under favourable conditions. The scratching pen was freely used in the Trial Plat 4, and seven of the 16 on the card were withdrawn. The bracket supplied by the Paladin-Dis-dainful filly Quacee and the Paladin-Re-proachful gelding Chide was backed dowm to an odds-on chance. Chide suffered interference early in the race, and so did the two-year-olds Captivate and Solmuri. The Night Raid colt, First Raid, and the Paladin-Holyrood colt, Proud Knight, cleared out from the field, and the former finally -won easily. There seemed to be a good deal of interference during the race, which, in consequence, did not supply a correct line to the form. First Raid, however, is training to fulfil early promise. Footfall, who has developed soreness or worse, was struck out of the Ashburton Handicap, and Carinthia also had the nen put through his name. When the rest of those in the card came into the birdcage, it was at once seen that Count Cavour was not nearly ready to race, as he sported quite an aldermanac middlepiece. Thorndale also proved a bit too beefy, and so did Sir Roy, but in a minor degree. This left the faint-hearted Chickwheat and his stable mate, Gold Mint, whose form is a bit doubtful over the distance. Malmsey is a bit ponified, and all the honours of looking really ready to race went to Hoylake, who has muscled up in pleasing style. Gold Mint set out to make a solid pace, but by doing so did not keep the chance of a horse like Chickwheat. When it came to business Hoylake made it a one-horse race. He was travelling on at the finish, and in a manner suggesting that he will not be troubled by extra distance. Night March did not look quite ready to run a mile when going out for the Fairfield Handicap, and although Emerson nursed him as long as possible- whilst Carinthia made the running, he could not resist Beau Geste’s final challenge, and he only managed to get second place by a very narrow margin. Carinthia ran a good race, and Night March should sharpen up a good deal as a result of his outing. First Sight was a strong order for the Farewell Handicap., and he was lucky in catching Silver Coot short of work. First Sight again backed out as the barrier rose, and appeared to be hopelessly left. He, however, got to the leaders at the home turn, and waited with them. At the finish Silver Coot proved capable of putting in another challenge, and the favourite had to be' ridden out to beat him. Money Mine ran past the others, who were fading at the finish. A SPARK OF SYMPATHY. /Australian papers to hand show that some of the leading sporting writers who were present at Randwick when M'Carten was disqualified on the ground of interference stated that the punishment went far beyond the merits of the case. Some, in fact, went on to say that the punishment was unwarranted, because other horses contributed to the offence of crowding, 'which may be totally unpreventable in a hard-fought finish. To acctise a rider of M'Carten-’s ability of careless riding is ridiculous. We shall next hear of a jockey being disqualified for careless riding whose mount tips out in a race over hurdles or fences, or a batsman who is bowled, a fielder who drops a ball, or a footballer who fails where he should score all liable t, punishment. It appears as if some people who occupy the very responsible position of stipendiary steward hold peculiar ideas of what constitues a punishable offence in racing. The records show that in 1893 Tim Swiveller won the Caulfield Cup, but lost the stakes through interfering with Sainfoin, who, in consequence, became the official winner. Tim Swiveller’s rider did not receive any punishment beyond being deprived of the fruits of a_ winning mount in a rich race. Nor does any rider deserve punishment who fails in the impossible task of keeping a tiring horse straight .at the end of a hard race. When Craganour lost the English Derby through interfering with Aboyeur L rider was not punished, and this precedent from the highest racing authority in the world should be accepted. Some allowance should perhaps be made for the fact that in Australia they have both right and left-handed courses, and a horse raced both ways may not steer a straight course when shifted from one to the other. It is, of course, the duty of racing officials to administer the rules to the best of their ability with impartial jusi tice. It is feared, however, that a set

exists in Sydney against the New Zealander, and colour is lent to that idea that one prominent scribe whose sportsmanship was apparently in a temporary somnambulent mood went so far as to severely condemn M'Carten whilst his case was under appeal. Some think that the chance of hostile criticism was too eagerly grasped. Perhaps Limerick is now such an idol that he may be the only horse some people can see in a race, and hence the originating cause of trouble and interference completely overlooked. THE TURF TRIUMPHANT. It is rather interesting to read editorially in the “ official organ ” that “ it will never be possible to make the Augean stable fit to eat or sleep in.” Fancy the “ sport of kings ” being boused in an Augean stable. Lovers of racing will no doubt strongly resent such a phrase being applied to their favourite sport, which is also a great national sport, that could not attract the patronage of leaders in all branches of society if such an unsavoury appellation can be rightly linked with its existence. It is true that there are undesirable spots on the face of the king of sports, but they also exist on that of King Sol, whose smiles dominate the whole world and whose frowns are only cloud spots of transitory importance. One cannot help feeling resentment at a criticism which follows instead of leading. If there is anything wrong with our racing and trotting it is because pens that should push are useless owing to the cautiousness of dawdling in the rear when they should point the way. That, however, by the way. The writer for one will not tolerate racing being stigmatised as something so closely associated with wrong-doing generally as to have it described as carrying the odour of the Augean stable. It is quite true that it is associated with some really rotten horses. The writer knows that because he has been backing some of them for ’ of a century or more. No one can see serious faults in their own en. .

only exist in those of other people, but even so we have occasionally to administer a hearty and well-de-served spanking to our own pet, even if the castigation creates anger in those who more or less incompetently pose as the health authorities guarding the welfare of sport. Students of history know that the cleansing. of the Augean stable was a Herculean task. If such a stable exists to-day its cleansing and purification certainly cannot be achieved by some pigmy officials and some pigmy pens writing platitudes with a whitewash brush and bolstering up when they should be pulling down. That again also by the way. A few dirty people cannot pollute an ocean, and that is why the turf is triumphant all over the civilised world, and holds and is growing in its magnetism with real sportsmen as fast as they come on earth, despite the fact that some few hypocrites get through the gates in the guise of sportsmen, and others, also m the guise of sportsmen, tihnk that they are guarding the portals. That also by the way. Everyone knows that welldeserved and competent criticism is a sure way to unpopularity, but even so the fact should not prevent loyalty to a national sport. Let’s, then, have pens which push and pull instead of pandering.

THE GERALDINE MEETING.” Acceptances for the Geraldine meeting arc not due at the time of writing, and although the declarations may thin out ' some of the fields, there will be no doubt a good card for each day of the fixture. First Sight has been penalised 41b, and with 7.7 he would start a good favourite. Neither Rapier nor Set Sail niay be ready to run out a mile and a-quarter under big weights, but Taboo has received plenty of racing, and should not lack anything on the score of condition. Pink Note is fairly forward, and would make a bold bid if sent to the post. Town Bank is a recent winner, and now looks a picture. Thorndale is not yet in racing sbano. judging by his appearance and display at Ashburton. Lucy Locket is anotner that may not be ready, and Gold Mint would have to be more patiently handled than he was at Ashburton to have a chance. Malmsey ran second in the Ashburton Handicap, but may be up against stronger opposition in the Geraldine Cup. At present it looks as if First Sight, Town Bank, and Pink Note may be the order of favouritism. Good fields are likely to be seen out in the minor events on the card. It would be difficult to select anything more likely to be favourite for the Squatters’ Handicap than Silver Coot, and Money Mine may be selected as second best, although there may be reason to change opinion in that respect after viewing the acceptances. First Sight would dominate the situation if reserved for the Belfield Handicap. Malmsey meets Gold Mint on 21b better terms than when she beat him last week, but she would not have done so at a mile. Lucy Locket may be selected with Gold Mint as most likely to receive support in the absenc of First Sight. First Raid will be well backed in the Ruapuke Handicap. Zeuxis made a good run at Ashburton, and must be worthy of note. Our local horses Camisader and Phastcr should help to make it interesting. On looks Pound Note may

be a fancy for the Ohapi Hack Handi. cap, in which the field is mostly comprised of the “ unknown quantity.’* Carinthia and Diana’s Lad will dispute favouritism in the hurdle race.

SEEKING FOR STAYERS. The man who attempts to make $ stayer of a horse that has not inherited stamina from one or both parents is very seriously handicapped. In such an undertaking he has against him Nature in one of her most inexorable moods. Many people contend that the breeding of stayers is just a “ blind gamble that mere chance is the predominant element. In support of this theory they point to the almost unbelievable difference in the galloping ability of full brothers and sisters. One may be an indifferent. sprinter, and another (by the same sire and from the same dam) may be a champion stayer. We all know (says “ Warrawee,” in the Sydney Referee) that it is a -are thing for a mare to produce more than one outstanding racehorse, even when mated with different sires. There have been noted exceptions. Teppo (mated with The Welkin), for instance, produced a whole family of smart sprinters. One of them, Thrice, was something more than that. He was a very brilliant horse up to a mile at least, but the attempt to make him win over a mile and a-half probably had a bad effect on him, as he did not inherit true staying powers through his parents. The latest example of a great brood mare producing more than one high-class horse is that of Medley. She produced two champions in Ballymena (by Nassau) and Limerick (by Limond), and there is at least a possibility that her Derby candidate (by Rossendale) will turn out something better than the ordinary, even though he may never prove worthy to rank in the same class as his famous half-brothers.

Thought, care, and intelligence may be applied to the task of giving effect to breeding systems—and then they may be knocked awry by the seeming eccentricities of Nature. Men devote a lifetime to the theoretical and practical study of these problems, and then quite commonly find themselves baffled by results. But this experience is no argument in favour of slack stud methods or haphazard breeding. How much worse would results be if breeding systems and mating principles (based on generations of study and experience) were to be disregarded? Probablj’ until the end of time there will remain a certain measure of mystery and elusiveness about breeding to obtain given results. But one thing seems certain—and that is the human impossibility of making great stayers out of horses whose ancestry does not indicate the inheritance of at least potential stamina. It is true that a sire may have inherited stamina, and may have displayed it in his career on the turf, and yet fail more or less consistently to transmit it to his progeny. In other words, he is not what is termed prepotent. According to Darwin, the great, biologist, a sire may even transmit qualities to his progeny which he does not himself possess, but which were possessed by some of his ancestors;. Darwin held that a certain trait could remain dormant for 10 or 12 generSfions, and then again manifest itself in the latest members of the same family. In the face of such a law of life as this it is not surprising that breeders are often baffled by the results they get. When everything is considered the surprising thing is not that there should often be such diversity of merit between fully related horses, but that the reproduction of inherited staying qualities should be so constant right down the years under changed and changing conditions of clime, soil, and ’• -e. Just think of the persistence of the staying powers of the great family which produced Carl. "’ie. for instance. If we keep in mind the recent deeds of such horses as Spear felt, Felstead. and others of the

tribe it will be realised that there is not much evidence of either eccentricity or decadence here, and still less to suggest that the breeding of stayers is a “ blind gamble.”

UPSETTING EXPECTATIONS. Some weird results are associated with the history of the last of the “ c!a sics,” and when Throstle won no one was so much taken aback as her trainer, the late John Porter, who also sent Matchbox to the post, That was the year when Ladas was the swell of his age, but only up to a certain distance was the autumn running proved, and Matchbox had all along been second-best to Lord Rosebery’s colt. As for Throstle (says Sporting Life) she was “ one of those worst of birds which can sing and won’t.” Up to the time of her going to Doncaster she deliberately refused to do anvthing either at home or aw-ay, and so Porter, having backed Matchbox, and saved on Ladas for the St. Leger, wrote subsequently in his book that he nearly fell* off the stand when the despised Throstle galloped the other five down. Then there was Night. Hawk, whom few outside, the stah’e would have after he had been beaten at Derby the pra»

vious week. But an 11 furlongs’ run round the course in the Midlands affords a merely apologetic test of a St. Legei- horse, at all events on the score of stamina, and Colonel Hall Walker, as Lord Wavertree then was, had implicit faith in Night Hawk’s staying abilities, and at 40 or 50 to 1 was tempted to - have one of the few bets he has ever made, just for presents in case the" horse won. Night Hawk, although he has been written off as a bad horse, won the St. Leger largely because he was a natural stayer. On the day, at anyrate. lie was very far from being a bad horse. In more recent times there is the case of Polemarch. This animal had given precious little clue as to being possessed of St. Leger qualifications. When he had just scraped home at Stockton a fortnight before the pace had been middling, but previous attempts had sugges’ed that he was no more of a stayer than his sire, 1 olymelus. had been, and the jockey most surprised by his success at Doncaster was his own rider. Throstle stood for higher class than did Polemarch and Night Hawk, and it was entirely through flighty temperament that_she did not more freqnently place the gift of “class” to the / best advantage. TURF’S C.O.M. Mr James Melrose, the G.O.M. of the turf, celebrated his hundredth birthdajat his home. Clifton Croft, York, on August 5. Among those who sent messages of congratulation were Princess Mary ' (Viscountess Lascelles) and Viscount Lascelles, the Archbishop of York, and ’ General Sir Charles Harington (G.O.C. tl> e Western Command. India, formerly G.O.C. Northern Command). In spite of his great age, Mr Melrose is a wonderfully active man. and his faculties are as alert now as they were 50 years ago. It _is ivith the York race meeting •* that he is chiefly concerned, and he first took the chair at the famous annual Gimcrack dinner in 1875. since when he has not missed a single function of this Fraternity.” He is just as assiduous iB his attendance at the racing

on Knavesmire. and he never misses a meeting. His memory is as fresh as ever, and he can readily recall, and maybe he is the only man living who can recalL the famous four-figure Voltigeur-Flyin< T Dutchman match at York. This took place at York in 1851 after The Flying Dutchman, winner of the Derby and St. Leger in 1849, had been unluckily beaten in th.e Doncaster Cup by Voltigeur. winner of the Derby and St. Leger in 1850. Odds of 6 to 1‘ had been laid on The Dutchman, and the onlookers t er j astounded when he was beaten Lord Zetland, owner of Voltigeur. and Lord Eglinton. owner of The Flying Dutchman, agreed to “fight the battle over again.” and at the York spring meeting the following year the colts were matched over two miles for lOOOgus a side. Admiral Rous was'commissioned to handicap them, and he made The Flying Dutchman give Voltigeur BJlb. It ‘was the ’ race of the century, and to cut a long story short. The Flying Dutchman won by a short length. Although Mr Melrose made his money chiefly as a wine and spirit merchant, he has many other business interests. He was elected to the York Race Committee in 1867. and in 1875 was appointed chairman of that body, a nosition which he still holds H.> is an alderman, and was Mayor of York as far back as 1876-7. ■ BROADCASTINC. . The decision of the New Zealand racing authorities to prohibit the broadcasting of races from the courses was touched upon by Mr I. G. Duncan in his report to the annual meeting of the Wellington Racing Club held last week. “As you are probably aware,” said Mr Duncan, <f the New* Zealand Racing and Trotting Conferences have resolved’ that radio broadcasting of race meeting during the progress of racing shall be pro--hibited by all clubs. I feel that it may be of interest to members to know the main reasons which weighed with the club’s delegates in supporting this resolution.

“ Eliminating altogether the question of any payment for the privilege of broadcasting, it was felt that, owing to the almost complete absence of a leisured class in New Zealand, only a small percentage of listeners-in are in a position to spend the day enjoying the broadcasting of the races from the course. Of this section the vast majority could only listen-in at the expense of their duties and avocations, thus reducing their productive capacity, causing friction with their employers and economic loss to the country. In fact. I venture to predict that if the broadcasting of races during the progress of the racing .becomes -a general practice it will not be long before Parliament, in the interests of the community will step in and put a stop to the broadcasting of all sporting events until after working hours. But, apart from these results, anj’ or all of which would be very damaging to racing, the great bulk of listeners-in would be denied the opportunity of hearing the rac.i broadcast. In the interests of the subscribers •to the Broadcasting Company themselves, therefore, it will he seen that the decision of the racing conferences is a wise one. “ The conference has put forward a counter proposition which seems eminently more beneficial to all concerned. It is suggested that a representative of the Broadcasting Association, together with -a stenographer, be invited to the racecours as guests of the chib and supplied with the best accommodation, so that they may report the race as it is in progress. This report would be broadcast after working hours a - such a time as would be convenient for everyone. “ These, then, are the reasons which actuated the club's delegates in supporting the resolution of the conference; and I feel sure that with these facts before you you will endorse their action in so doing.” BIC BETS. It would be impossible to estimate proper!j*the vast sum that changes hands yearly over the English Derby, and the same can be said regarding the Melbourne Cup. Coming down to figures (says the Melbourne Sporting Globe), it is not unreasonable to suppose that as much as a quarter of a million pounds has beer, necessary to settle after a fancied candidate has been successful. When Carbine. a great public favourite, won 36 years ago, it was claimed that the ring paid out £lOO,OOO. Even in the limited ring of half a century ago it was possible to land great sums on a Cup winner. When Don Juan won in 1873 it is said that £lOO,OOO was netted. The bulk of the money went to Joe Thompson, his principal supporter, but in that case all the money would not be extracted from his fellow-bookmakers. Thompson was the leader of the ring at the time, and in addition to fielding against all the other starters, he backed Don Juan spiritedly, so that he got the money with both hands. Before the two Cups business came into vogue the popular double was the V.R.C. Derby and Melbourne Cup. Big operators exploited this line, and sometimes it cost them dearly. It was notably the case when Chester won both races. Thompson was the chief sufferer that year, just as he was the principal trainer when Don Juan pulled through. The commissioner for the Chester stable alone collected £20.000 from Thompson, and the rider, P. Piggott, and friends were supposed to have drawn anothei £lO.OOO.

Another Derby and Cun winner to give the ring a severe knock was Grand Flaneur, and still another Mar-tini-Henri. carrying the Chester colours. A firm of bookmakers of the day once advertised that they were prepared to lay any amount up to £lOO.OOO against the Derby and Cun double, and the de Mestre combination. Navigator and Gudarz. was supposed to have been backed for near!'-’ that amount. Navigator won. but Gudarz was beaten into third place. The amount of 'money depending on the result, one way and another, is enormous. Everyone who makes any claim to be called a snortsman indulges in a bet of some kind on th? Melbourne Cup. In many cases it is merely an anSual custom, for there are people always ready to make a modest wager in November. At other times they rarely give horse-racing a thought. More than likely it is the same in England at Derby time Men not considered competent tn distinguish a hors<from a hoe are heard discussing learnedly the nos°-bilitics of the world’s classic event. The fever takes, them for the time being, but once their temperature returns to normal, turf subjects find no niece 'n tlmir thoughts. When the starter <' l, "'s l>is fi“ld in hand, and the roar of ‘ Tim Ring ” is stilled for a few minutes, the amount of monev at stake on the Cii’> must be giirnutm. Tf do“s not even then compare with th® EnMish Derbv. which, no a mrtbum of h°tting. stands alone. Wl’mi it is remembered that Australia held,-! a m«w ft handful of neople it must b=> admitted that they- find a great d«al of y-<ih which to back their fancies at Cup t’mn.

JN A NUTSHELL.

Tuki is now enjoying a spell in the paddock. Countersign was not produced at Ashburton. Mollison has won close on 19,60050 vs in stakes. Arch Lassie goes on a visit to Weathervane this season. Nominations are due on October 1 for the Gore meeting. Acceptances for the Kurow meeting are due on September 26. It is stated that Valkon is under offer to an Australian owner. _ An acceptance is due on Friday, October 5. for the New Zealand Cup. Nominations for the Wellington spring meeting are due on October 1. Mr J. M. Samson’s Songbird gelding Singer is amongst the team in E. J. Ellis’s stable. Red Jazz has not grown up a great deal since last year, but has lengthened and furnished. Gold Brick was seen in his. box last week and appears to be in excellent shape immediate engagements. VP 5,

Mr C. H. Hassall, handicapper to the Dunedin Jockey Club, was amongst the spectators at the Ashburton meeting. First Sight was again “barrier shy” at Ashburton, and is not a good horse to take short odds about, as he may go to the post and remain there. The Sutala gelding Wayward is suffering from a swollen near hind leg. which will keep him in the paddock for the next few weeks. The Solferino gelding Filosei has been having an easy time since he rated at the Grand National meeting, and as a result has built up in condition. Beau Geste looked really well to the eye when saddled last week, and he won by staying on. He is a brother to Scion, and may show improved form this season. Silver Coot will probably start favourite for the Squatters’ Handicap if sent to the post. The Paper x Money gelding should be improved by his race last week. The Night Raid gelding Stealth in C. Giescler’s stable has come on well during the past few r weeks, and is now well forward in condition." The Australasian reports that Mr lan G. Duncan, owner of the Elderslie Stud, intends to send some of his yearlings to Melbourne as well as Sydney during the present season. Beau Geste was well handled by 11. Were when he won last week. Were has just emerged from a period of disqualification, but if he behaves himself should get plenty of riding. A special meeting of the conference of the New Zealand Jockey Clubs will be held at Wellington on Friday, October 19. It should prove a most interesting gathering of representative sportsmen. The Paper Money—La Paix three-year-old Pound Note has furnished into an attractive-looking three-year-old. He has been “added to the list ” since last season,and seems to have benefited considerable. Mr P. M’Gregor, M.R.C.V.S., who has been stationed in Otago for some time, had the pleasure of seeing Weathervane win the Royal Hunt Cup. and states that the son of Lemberg “ w r on like a real racehorse.” The Hunting Song colt Red Coat in E. J. Ellis’ stable is very tall and a bit overgrown. He has been thickening out and improving during the past few weeks, but will not be seriously trained until the approach of the autumn. It was intended to give Rapier a race at Ashburton, but his trainer considered him over-weighted. Hence the son of Greyspear will remain in his racing scabbard until a more favourable opportunity. Wreath of Myrtle has not been asked to do a great deal since joining F. and A. Trilford’s stable and has built up nicely during the past few weeks." He fills the eye as one that eventually would make good over the jumps. C. Eastwood will have the mount on the imported horse Hoylake in the New Zealand Cup. He is a grey, and the only previous winner of that colowr-was. Canteen, who scored in the sensational race of 1903. A' award has made a complete recovery from the effects of the bolt from Wingatui to West Taieri, during which he badly smashed his hoofs. He has now. been in work for some few weeks, and promises to be a useful member of the team in E. J. Ellis’s stable. On Friday, October 5, nominations are.' due for the C.J.C. Stewards’ Handicap. Criterion Handicap. Metropolitan Handicap, Canterbury Cup. J.C. Handicap, Members’ Handicap. .Stead Gold Cup, Stonyliurst Handicap, and Fendaltou Handicap. Money Peer is again in work after a lengthy spell necessitated by his mishap whilst running in the Waimate Cup. when he probably put his foot in a hole left by a hurdle stake. He has a slightly thickened pastern, but so far it seems to be thoroughly sound for racing purposes. The F. and A. Trilford stable now includes a raking big two-year-old in Jock o’ Hazeldean, who was got by Gay Lad from Arch Lassie, whom Mr J. M. Samson purchased when carrying the Gav Lad gelding, who is a brother to Young Lochinvar. A difference of opinion:— Geraldine Cup. Kurow Cup. Pink Note .. 8.10 9.0 Taboo .. 8.10 . 8.9 Town Bank .. 8.7 8.1 Thorndale .. 8.6 8.2 Lucy Locket .. 7.3 7.7 The Wellington Racing Club showed a surplus of £375 3s 3d over last season’s operations. The deposit account has been reduced by £5OOO, and the total indebtedness of the club now stands at a little over £103.000. as compared with £122,000 in July, 1925.

The news that Mr E. P. M‘Nab is to retire from starting will be read with great regret by owners, trainers, and riders. He was not only a really competent man _at the work, but it must also be said that he never gave the slightest ground for the smallest breath of suspicion about his absolute honesty. Mr W. Quirk has grown tired of the Kilbroney gelding Sachet, who has always been in trouble one way and another, and is back in the paddock as a result of striking himself. Mr Quirk presented him to P. T. Hogan last week, and it is to be Loped that the unlucky atmosphere surrounding the horse will be dispersed with the change of owners. Mr W. Quirk has been very unlucky as an owner, but still as thej' say, “ boxes on.” A few days ago his Grand Court two-year-old Captivate was treated to a run in a yard, and when enjoying a roll broke a strap on his rug. which got round his neck. The youngster jumped two fences before coming to a halt, and during his bolt cut and scarred both his front legs, fortunately without doing any serious damage. Town Bank looks in excellent order, and appears to have improved in his appearance since he won at the Grand National meeting. He sports a most unsightly fetlock on the off fore leg. and its appearance makes one think that he might crack up at any moment. Nevertheless, he gets through a fair amount of work. Town Bank bears signs of being

heavily fired on both front legs, and the lump is said to have been caused by a kick. At the annual meeting of the Wellington Racing Club Mr T. KJ. Wilford, M.P., congratulated the club on the attention being paid to the outside enclosure. In his opinion the Wellington inside enclosure, accommodation, and stands were unequalled in the world. The cost also was remarkably cheap by comparison, and he gave instances of prohibitive charges on courses he had visited during his recent tour. Wellington was in the forefront of racing clubs from all points of view. Hoylake was got by Poltava, a grey son of Polymelus and the Le Saucy mare Tagale. th- dam of Tagalie, a winner of the 1000 Guineas and Derby. Tagalie was also expected to win the Oaks, and L. H. Hewitt was blamed for riding a bad race on her. A leading authority in the late Mr W. Allison, special commisioner of the Sportsman, took up the cudgels, and in defending Hewitt claimed that the mare was not reliable and of variable moods. Hoylake no doubt inherits his colour from Tagalie. An Australian stipendiary steward. Mr T. Mitchell, recently suggested in his report that the Racing Conference, which meets 'annually, should be asked to frame a new rule whereby all racehorses must bear the brand of their breeders, and that horses brought from New Zealand or other places outside of Australia should show some brand of the breeder of its particular State before being permitted to leave the port of landing. Evidently this precaution is suggested to minimise the chance of “ ringing-in” strange horses. Much sensation was caused when, in the autumn of 1926, the Aga Khan bought two yearlings privately from the National Stud for £20,000 (remarks “Audax ” in Horse and Hound), these being Feridoon (by Hurry On —Ecurie) and Silver Hussar (by Silvern—Blanche). The former, for which £17,000 was given, was a big and wonderfully good-looking chestnut brother to Diligence, but has never run and has been sent abroad. Silver Hussar managed to win the Wiltshire Stakes at Salisbury, but there was not much of a money value in the success that came to him. Book Law (by Buchan —Popingaol), who won the St. Leger at Doncaster last year, was expected to add the Eclipse Stakes to her credit this year, but she was so decisively defeated that Lord Astor decided on retiring the mare from racing. Had Book Law won the Eclipse Stakes she would have beaten the mares’ record as a stake-winner. As it is, she retires with the good total of £31,875 to her credit. The fol’owing were the amounts won by leading mares on the English turf: —Sceptre. £38.283: Pretty Polly, £36,635; La Fleche, £34.703. Among the applicants for the position of starter to clubs in the country is James Redfearn, who has spent a lifetime among thoroughbreds. For years (says an exchange) he assisted his father in the management of an extensive racing establishment and stud, among the horses to come under his care being Malvolio (Melbourne Cup), Churchill (Newmarket Handicap), and Maluma (Newmarket Handicap). Redfearn was a capable horseman in his day. He rode Churchill to victory in the Newmarket, and was also narrowly beaten in the corresponding event on Abner, the winner being Lochiel. Nineteen of those handicapped for the forthcoming New Zealand Cup were handicapped for last year's race, the comparison reading as follows, last year’s weights being given in parentheses:— Star Stranger 9.6 (9.1). Count Cavour 9.0 (9.6), Rapier 9.0 (7.11), Beacon Light 8.7 (8.6). Footfall 8.6 (8.9). Sot Sail 7.13 (7.1), Pink Note 7.7 (7.0), Black .Mint 7.5 (7.0), Battlement 7.3 (7.6), Lady Desmond 7.2 (7.0), Nukumai 7.1 (7.6). Haze 7.1 (7.0). Bennanee 7.0 (7.0), David Garrick 7.0 (7.0). Overdrawn 7.0 (7.2). Vaward 7.0 (7.0). Desert Glow 7.0 (7.3), Front Rank 7.0 (7.0), and Beau Geste 7.0 (7.0). Mr Sol Green has owned many firstclass performers in his time (says the Sporting Globe), and the Memsie Stakes winner—Gothic—seems to rank with the best of them. One of Mr Green’s champions was Gladstone, whom he purchased cheaply, and who captured the Caulfield Futurity Stakes (twice), besides winning other good weight-for-age races. Mr Green won the Jubilee Melbourne Cup with Comedy King, whom he imported to Australia, and who was the first import’d horse to win the big two-mile race. He won the Standish Handicap with Valdes and two Newmarket Handicaps with Gothic. He has scored four successes in the Futurity Stakes, thanks to the efforts nf Gladsome (twice). Comedy King, and Gothic. ” Other good horses owned by Mt Green were Star d'Or, Gallantry, Robespierre, and Verbins. One of the first rumours that met me upon my arrival at Goodwood (writes the “ Special Commissioner ” of Sporting Life) was that the powers that be are favourable to my suggestions anent the payment of trainers by their owners through the medium of Weatherby’s in the same way as jockeys are paid. Like many rumours, this one may have little foundation, but on the other hand there is seldom smoke without fire, and I still hope to see the day arrive when the Jockey Club will take the matter up, and put the whole thir-' on a proper basis.In a previous article of this series I alluded to a dispute between a certain owner and a trainer. I now find that the dispute in question is the subject of an action pending between the parties. I regret that I should have quoted this particular case, and in the circumstances my criticisms were, of course, premature and one-sided. 1 have always thought (says the “ Special Commissioner ” of Sporting Life) that Blue Ensign would sire a big winner, and his turn came when Navigator won the Stewards’ Cup fairly easily from Endowment and Stranathro. Navigator is out of Chronometer, a Hutry On mare that was bred by the Duke of Westminster, and who is out of Comtessine, by Count Schomberg out of Cassine, by Xaintrailles. Navigator was sold at the first July sales of 1926 as a yearling for 2000gns. Priory Park was never in the race with a chance, as he was hope-less-y shut in at the start, and could not give the weight away and make the distance up. It was no disgrace to the horse, as it was not his fault. Chichester Cross,

his half-brother, was always prominent, and Trafad a nuisance from start to finish, as he never kept a line and was all over the course, being chiefly responsible for the shutting-in of Priory Park. Like many another great sire before him Hurry On did not s.tart too well at stud, as amongst his first crop of two-year-olds Invergarry was bis only winner, and she only contributed £855 to his account. Since then he has had a wonderful career, which (says an English writer in + he Sporting Life- of August last), reads 107 winners of 184 races, valued at £214,134 10s. In cold figures this does not really do him justice, as it lias to be remembered that amongst those 107 winners there are two One Thousand Guineas winners in Plack and Cresta Run; three Derby winners in Captain Cuttie, Coronach, and Call Boy; an Oaks winner in Toboggan, and a St. Leger winner in Coronach. It is doubtful if there has even been a sire with puch a consistent and genuine record, and there is ample time for him to improve upon it, as now he looks no older or less vigorous than he did five years ago. For several years it was accepted "in Tasmania that the prosperity of the racing clubs was entirely owing to the totalisator and the exclusion of bookmakers from the courses. When bad times came, however, and the causes were searched for, it was discovered that there were a large number of bookmakers who were doing a thriving business laying totalisator odds, though not operating on the courses. The clubs came to the conclusion (says “Fernhill ”) that they were entitled to some revenue from these operators, and two or three attempts have been made to secure the legalisation of bookmaking. These failed, but another attempt is to'be made. At a meeting of the Tasmanian Amateur Jockey Club it was stated that Victorian owners had stated that they would enter horses and bookmakers had said they would come to Tasmania for the Cup meetings if bookmakers were legalised—just as they used to do before the totalisator was adopted. Local sportsmen also state that if there were bookmakers they would invest in horses.

■ Though he has not yet found a successor to Windbag in his stable, G. Price, the Randwick trainer, continues to turn out his share of winners. He is superintending a rather strong team just now, and (says a Sydney paper) his prospects for the spring look bright. Perhaps Price has hopes of The Dimmer developing into a horse of good class, even if he does not reach the Windbag standard. There is room for improvement in The Dimmer, who is bred the right way to stay. If there is real merit in the colt Price can be depended upon to discover it, for he is always thorough in his methods. From* season to season Price, since settling at Randwick, has had a good deal of success. It has been well deserved, and as he is still only a young man he may be expected to remain in the forefront of his profession for many years to come. It was a fortunate day for him when be decided to desert New Zealand for Australia, though he possesses ability which would bring him success anywhere. Two innovations marked the recent Belmont meet. One was the, “no scratch ” rule put into effect and the other was the new arrangement concerning saddle doth numbers and post positions. The former rule (says a New York scribe) is nothing more than a prohibition against scratching. That is to say, no horse entered in an overnight event may be withdrawn, unless upon a veterinary's certificate of unfitness, a change of track conditions since the time of entry, or for other reasons acceptable to the stewards. It resulted in a considerable curtailment of and races generally had ample fields going to the post. Under the new post position plan the position of the horse at the post corresponds to the number on its saddle cloth. These numbers are drawn the night before the day of the race. Henee No. 1 horse occupies the rail position, Ng. 2 next, and so on. The change did away with considerable confusion, and was accepted as a welcome one. The system has been in effect for many years on the southern tracks.

When racing in New Zealand last season Concentrate on more than one occasion gave evidence that he was likely to develop into a good three-year-o’d. This opinion was formed after seeing him finish so well in his races. While there were a number of better two-year-olds than Concentrate it would be hard to nominate any that gave indications of developing into a better stayer. As he was sired by Kilbroney from the New Zealand Cup winner Oratrix there is every reason to believe (says the Wellington Post) that Concentrate will develop into a three-year-old that may capture a Derby or St. Leger. Whilst most sportsmen in the Dominion looked on Cimabue as the sheet anchor of Trainer Lorrigan’s team for Australia those better informed were selecting Concentrate as the one most likely to make his presence felt in Australian racing. The Highweight Handicap recently won by Concentrate was overshadowed by the performances of Mollison iii the Rosehill Guineas and Limerick in the Hill Stakes, but the fact that Concentrate ran the seven furlongs of a welter race in Imin and beat such a good handicap performer as Boaster, has proved, to be, shows that he has gone on the right way since last season.

In discussing some of the two-year-olds who competed in the Debutante Stakes at Wanganui, a writer in the Evening Post says that Speed Light showed all the family speed and courage. She began well, but did not come round the home turn at all well, running wide and losing ground, but her final effort was indeed impressive. Francolin had every chance. She drew No. 1 at the barrier, a big advantage from that starting post.' She also began very smartly and had a clear lead when the field had settled down, so altogether Francolin’s effort was somewhat disappointing. Courtlike surprised all. She began quickly, and throughout the race was going practically as well as Francolin, so on this showing Courtlike looks certain to win races. Clever drew the unlucky 13 at the barrier, a big handicap on the course. She showed a lot of pace to secure a good position in the first couple of furlongs, but like some of the others she did not handle the turn yell, but was running on at the finish. Whatever chance Modestrian and Roman Lake may have had was extinguished by' their failure to begin.

Because Star Stranger won the Trentham Gold Cup with 9.4 in 3.22} manj people, including several scribes, think the Martian gelding is well entitled to favouritism for the New Zealand Cup with 9.6. It seems to be completely overlooked that Trentham is the fastest course in Australasia over both short and long distances. When track and atmospheric conditions are favourable at Trentham horses can make very fast time. Gloaming ran 45 after being blocked twice during the race, and times recorded over a mile and a-half up to two miles prove it to be an exceptionally fast track. It is then a shallow way of analysing a horse's chance to say he can win because he has from a mere time point of view recorded a good gallop on a particularly fast track The fact that he got close to Rapier last year when conceding 201 b is a much more reliable index of his chance. On paper Star Stranger lias not a hope with Footfall, who ran him to a head last year and now comes in on 51b better terms. Footfall should also beat Rapier and Count Cavour at the weights. A horse's chance on paper is one thing, and what may happen in the New Zealand Cup run in November is another question to be decided on the training track. Already Footfall is unSe’’ a cloud, but that does not nullify the fact that he was the pick of the handicap.