RACING.

Otago Witness, Issue 3934, 6 August 1929, Page 55

RACING.

FIXTURES. August 13, 15, 17. —Canterbury J.C. August 24.—Pakuranga 11. C. August 24. —Hawke’s Bay H.C. August 28.—Dannevirke R.C. August 29. —Dannevirke H.C. August 31. —Taranaki H.C. September 4, s.—Marton J.C. September 7. —Otago H.C. September 12, 14. —Wanganui J.C. September 21.—Ashburton County R.C. September 21.—Napier Park R.C. September 21, 23.—Avondale J.C. September 26, 27. —Geraldine R.C. September 28. —Hawke’s Bay J.C. October 2. —Manawatu H.C. October 2.—Birchwood H.C. October s.—Kurow J.C. October 5, 7. —Auckland R.C. October 10 12. —Dunedin J.C. October 17, 19.—South Canterbury J.C. October 19.—Masterton R.C. October 24, 26.—Poverty Bay Turf Club. October 26, 28.—Wellington R.C. October 26, 30.—Waikato R.C. October 28.—Waverley R.C. October 28.—Waikato H.C. October 28.—Waipawa County R.C. October 28.—North Canterbury R.C. October 28, 30. —Gore R.C. November 2.—Carterton R.C. November 2. —Banks Peninsula R.C. November 7, 9.—Whangarei R.C. November 11, 13, 16. —Canterbury J.C. TALK OF THE DAY. By Sentinel. THE GRAND NATIONAL MEETING. Talk on the principal events to be run at the Grand National meeting is growing in interest, and Lord Ranald wi strengthen in favour as a result of his impressive display over - the Riecarton fences when he seemed to be merely waiting on the rest of the field. Kawini gave a very creditable display .in his race over hurdles, but he hag to give 271 b to Lord Ranald. Glendowie is a bit of a mystery. Some seem quite content to support him even though his work has only been jogging on the trotting track and exercise over the hills. Ihis ls * n ® t the sort of preparation calculated to cause one to enthuse about a horse who is to be confronted with a hard race over t hree and a-half miles of stiff country. Wiltshire has arrived at Riecarton. and his trainer claims that the Day Comet gelding is in better condition than when he won twelve months ago. If that is so Wiltshire will take a power of beating. Last year he won in fine style, and followed on by running a good third in the Beaufort Steeples with 11.5. Kings Guard will have to improve to hold a show with Lord Ranald if Saturdays form i.i correct. It would not be surprising to find him making improvement, as he ran a better horse at Trentham over both fences and hurdles. Uralla has a Great Northern Steeples to her credit, and must be worthy of respect, and so must Maunga if sound and well, as he is a great stayer. Matu and the light weight division appear to be overshadowed by Lord Ranold, and it appears at the present time as if the Masterpiece gelding will dispute favouritism with Wiltshire. The field does not promise to be a very strong one from a numerical point of view as one or two of the round dozen now engaged may drop out.

Two or three of those engaged in the Grand National Hurdles are booked to run in the Steeples on the first day. and it is very rarely, indeed, that a horse can be found elever and brilliant enough to shine at both branches of sport when it takes place at Riccarton. For that reason one is not inclined to fancy Kawini. King's Guard, or Uralla in the Grand National Hurdles. Their trainers may also have cause to form an opinion that the prospects of success over fences are better than over hurdles. Nukumai will have to improve a good deal on his form at Trentham to have a chance with Mister Gamp, particularly if the race .s run on fairly firm going. Mister Gamp was one of the best conditioned horses seen out at Trentham, and from all accounts has trained on satisfactorily since he ran second to Overhaul. Red Fuchsia does not seem to stay too well, and Overhaul is regarded as a better horse than him at even weights. Overhaul has done well since he won at Trentham, and holds a remarkable record for a comparative novice at the game. He obviouslj' impressed the handicapper by his wins at Trentham, as he has to meet Mister Gamp on 141 b worse terms. This is a very substantial increase, particularly as Overhaul goes up 201 b. Still he is an improving sort with a fair amount of pace on the flat. Locarno holds a rough chance, but Novar has good form on the flat, and also ranks as a winner over hurdles. He has a better record on the flat than Overhaul, who has to give away 101 b. Novar is in some quarters preferred to Mister Gamp, and if good grounds exist for forming that opinion Novar must rank as one of the most dangerous horses in the field. Kawini and King’s Guard are passed over for the reason that their mission at the meeting may be over fences. Aberfeldy is an unlucky horse, and the falls and trouble he has experienced will not tend to strengthen his courage. The host of the light weights mar be Mangani, Craigmore, and Lancer, and at the present time a

trio likely to supply the favourite are Novar, Mister Gamp, and Overhaul. It has long been recognised that the Winter Cup is a difficult race to win. The weights are up, and it is generally run from post to post, so that a horse has to be able to go fast and stay out a very solid mile. Topweights under such conditions are not allowed much time to loiter at any stage of the journey, and as that is so the winner generally conies from the light weight division. Still when going through the handicaps it was thought that Historic read the best on paper amongst those handicapped above 9.10. He is a big horse up to weight, and suited by the Riecarton course, where the long straight gives a big strider every opportunity to assert himself. King Balboa will be running with 131 b less than he carried in the Brabazon Handicap, and this must make him dangerous. He should beat all those, he met at Riecarton last week. Otairi, who is giving King Balboa 11b, won well at Trentham. and Kaiti, who follows the Balboa gelding, ran second last year with 9.10, when Bisox beat him a neck in 1.42 4-5. King Balboa will probably put up a better performance than Kaiti did last year. Gold Cure will find friends, but both Black Mint and Taboo may be a bit too slow on their legs in the early part of the race to subsequently work their way through the field to success. Black Mint had 10.11 in last year’s race and a drop of 221 b makes one inclined to pause at his name. Circulation would be considered the best of the light weights if she ran to her best form. She can begin well and goes nicely in soft going. Her third in the King George Handicap suggests that she holds just as good a chance as Royal Saxon, except that the latter may be more at home under the scale of weights. Amongst those “i i ' ve ß, backed are Historic, Black Duke, and King Balboa, unless the final payments and track work cause a fieid° US altcrat,on in the strength of the

THE CHRISTCHURCH HUNT • MEETING. Christchurch Hunt Club's meet in** which was held on Saturdav last, marks the last step of form before the New Zealand Grand National meeting. The Hunt meeting forms an excellent opportunity to allow a horse to participate in a fulldress rehearsal on the Riecarton stage. It is an acknowledged fact that the Riccarton country takes more doing than that of any other course in the Dominion. Riecarton generally has, however, the advantage of better going than can be found on most other tracks. Its steeplechase course is laid out on natural turf, wh'eli supplies good sound going when other tracks under similar weather conditions would be fetlock-deep. A good deal of rain has fallen in Canterbury during the past few weeks, but two or three fine days prior to the Christchurch Hunt meeting found the going in excellefit order for hurdling and cross-country sport. Unfortunately some of the fields were much smaller than what might have been expected, but the racing was none the less interesting on that account. The Hoinesby Steeplechase supplied an opportunity to introduce the Masterpiece gelding Lord Ranald to Riecarton country, and he acquitted himself in a highly satisfactory manner. Lord Ranald has started in four steeplechases and won each time. Prior to his race at Riecarton there was not much of a line to his merit except that he won on each occasion without being extended. At Timaru Fabriano was brought down when meeting Lord Ranald, but the former stood up at Riecarton, and although under hard pressure to get on terms over the last circuit with the Masterpiece gelding, he had no chance of doing so. Possibly when Lord Ranald is “off the bit” he may be done going, but on Saturday he out-paced and out-jumped anything that attempted to go v>ith him. As a matter of fact, Lord Ranald was steadied in the early part of the race, but pulled himself to the front, and had he not been judiciously steadied under a nice hold it appeared as if he could have strode away from the others. King's Guard and Fabriano represent recent winning ipnn, and hence supplied a fairly reliable I ne to Lord Ranald’s merit. King's Guard may do better in the big race at Riecarton, but he meets Lord Ranald on 51b worse terms than in the Homcby Steeples, so that the latter has not less than 141 b the best of the weights. Lord Ranald is a bold, clean fencer, with a tendency to jump a bit big. and this would naturally tend to tire him towards the end of a three and a-half mile journey over big

fences. It is. however, doubtful if a better display was ever given over the Riecarton fences at the first time of asking, and Lord Ranald deservedly will find strong support for the Grand National Steeplechase. The form displayed in the Brabazon Handicap suggests that King Balboa holds a better chance in the Winter Cup than generally supposed. He won easily at Timaru, and started a strong fancy for the Brabazon Handicap. The Balboa gelding was fairly well placed at the end of three furlongs, and after drifting a bit near the home turn, got blocked when attempting to come through on the false rail. He had to be pulled out, and although finishing fast over the final half furlong, he could not reduce the break Prickles obtained when making her final effort. Royal Game did remarkably well in getting second after losing a lot of ground, but he got a clear run in the straight, whilst King Balboa was blocked at a critical stage of the race, when there is not time to retrieve lost ground or a check in a final run.

SIRES OF THE SEASON. Hie most remarkable success achieved by Paper Money’s stock has made his name one of the best known in the southern hemisphere. During the five years his stock have been racing they gathered close on 80,000sovs in stakes, and this does not include the amount won in Australia prior to the season just closed. Paper Money is one of the best performers on the English turf that has ever been imported to Australia or New Zealand. His. merit was thus created and established by his own deeds. Other importations merely shine in the reflected glory of some of their more or less distinguished relatives. Paper Money was a particularly smart two-year-old, and ranked as a frequent winner in England ’ amongst the best of company. So much so was that the case that he was rated very close to The Panther, Grand Parade, and Galloper Light. Paper Money ran third in the Derby, and according to the Bloodstock Review would have just about won if his rider had been able to steady his mount. He represents the best line of St. Simon through St. Frusquin, and his dam was got by Eager, the sire of Gloaming’s dam. He also has a strain of the famous Sunshine taproot, which is one of the very best sources of stamina that can be found in the Stud Book. I’aper Money has sired some phenomenally speedy horses, and Pink Note ranks as a Dunedin Cup winner. The great vitality inherited by Paper Money’s stock has been responsible for some trainers spoiling a few of his get, otherwise there is not the shadow of a doubt that the list of remarkable success would have been much greater than what has been achieved. Some of them are rather keen to gallop, and if not checked and trained with discretion and patience rather than by the watch, trouble follows. The great natural speed that Paper Money bestows make his stock very desirable when it is remembered that the large majority of races are decided over middle distances. Great displays of speed means that the frame of the horse is just about perfect, and in time to come his daughters seem sure to take high rank at the stud. Tea Tray came to the front in his. first season at the stud, when bis representatives put up the record performance of winning over 6000sovs in stakes. He was, however, badly placed when first sent to the stud, and did not receive opportunity to continue his initial success. His transference to the Elderslie Stud promises to bear good fruit on a par with his first season’s crop. This idea is strengthened by the fact that his present crop of yearlings and two-year-olds now in commission bear every indication of making good. Tea Tray is a particularly fine individual, and it would be a strange thing, indeed, if such a beautiful type of a well-bred thoroughbred did not get good stock. His owner has every confidence in the horse, and proved it during the past couple of seasons by mating him with quite a large number of the best mares in the Elderslie paddocks. Tea Tray was got by the wonderful flying machine The Tetrarch, who won fame as one of the most brilliant gallopers ever seen in England. He is not only bred on most attractive lines in tail male, but in tail female he ranks as a half-sister to Saucy Sue, and traces to the Paraffin taproot, which has enriched the Stud Book with some of the best winners identified with racing history based on the principal races decided on the turf. Tea Tray is still a young horse brimful of vitality, and one takes very little risk in asserting that he will eclipse his present good work at the stud. Associated with Paper Money and Tea Tray at the Elderslie Stud is the very racy looking Weathervane, _ who was a really good performer in England. Weathervane is a particularly fine type of thoroughbred apart from being a trifle on the leg and a bit dainty about the head. He looks speed all over and, as a winner of the Royal Hunt Cup, a very hard race to win, he has proved himself in that direction. Weathervane was got by Lemberg, a Derby -winner and of 44,69450 vs in stakes. Lemberg has sired winners of over 150,000sovs in stakes, so that he is passing on the merits of his line. Weathervane is from Vain Air by Ayrshire (Two Thousand Guineas and Derby), from Vane, a sister to Flying Fox, "the sire of Gloaming, and who also

got some of the best horses bred in France. Some of Weathervane’s stock are shaping very promisingly, and one of the speediest youngsters seen out in the parade at Riecarton on Saturday last was a smart-looking son of his from Linnet, a sister to Songbird. The youngsters which have come before the public caused the critics to speak in highly favourable terms of Weathervane’s promise as a sire, and now that they are demonstrating ability to gallop he will not lack opportunity in the future.

MAKE AND SHAPE. Excessive length or excessive height is not necessarily an essential characteristic in a racehorse. Obviously excessive length would be a disability from a weight-carry-ing point of view. Of course, horses gallop in all shapes, but a well-balanced individual will, it is strongly argued usually have a great advantage over the more irregular type. Writing on this subject, Lieutenantcolonel P. E. Rickets, D. 5.0., M.V.0., in “ The Modern Racehorse,” says that “at four years Ormonde and St. Simon were higher than they were long. Persimmon and Spearfelt were about square, Cyllene and Bayardo were longer than they were high, and many another almost equal celebrity could be added to each category. For this reason it is foolish to dogmatise or to lay down any exact proportion as being the absolute test, but I venture to say any wide divergence from these proportions would be most unlikely to benefit a horse—rather the reverse;" he would far more probably suffer unless compensated in some other way. If, for example, a horse is unusually long, his length must bring extra work on the loin muscles in holding up the force-end at the gallop, and these muscles will have to be more than averagely strong, and probably wider. Bayardo and Cyllene were, I believe, broader for their length than Ormonde or St. Simon, who were both rather on the narrow side, especially the latter. Pretty Polly, who was longer than she was high, was wider than Sceptre, who was higher than she was long at the same age. There is a belief that as the thoroughbred increased in size his height off the ground, i.e., his length of leg. has increased in greater ratio than his length of body, and he is, therefore proportionately taller than he was formerly. Certain, the long, low horse, which presumably did exist in the old days, to some extent is hardly ever seen now. On the other hand, the very tall, leggy horse* which was not uncommon -5 or 30 years ago, lias become scarcer, and the balance between the two may fairly be said to have been reached. There is a more general levelness than there used to be—the natural result of care taken by breeders.”

THE BLUE RIBBON. How the world-famous equine classic obtained its title is related by a writer in the London Field. The scribe most interestingly relates the story as follows: Lord George Bentinck. still young man—he was only 44—suddenly abandoned Ins racing career and sold the whole of his valuable racing stud for £lO.OOO. A good deal of idle and absurd speculation" has been indulged in as to his motives in thus suddenly severing h's connection with the turf. Many writers seem to have thought it was due to a mere whim or done in a fit of petulance. But the reason is clear enough. And Disraeli, who was his most familiar friend, has set it down in black arftl white for anyone to read. He was entering on what he honed would prove a brilliant and successful political career, and he did not consider it compatible with his duty to the country to let his interests be too divided. The world (wrote Disraeli) has hardly done justice to the great sacrifice which he made on this occasion to a high sense of duty. He had not only parted with the finest racing stud in England, but he parted with it at a moment when its prospects were never so brilliant, and he knew it well. He could scarcely have quitted the turf that day without a pang. He had become the lord paramount of that strange world so difficult to sway which requires for its government both a stern resolve and a courtly breeding. He had them both, and although a black-leg might quail before the scrutiny of his piercing eye. there never was a man so scrupulously polite to his inferiors as Lord George Bentinck. The turf, too, was not merely the scene of the triumphs of his stud and his betting book. He had purified its practice and had elevated its character, and he was prouder of his achievement than of any other connected with his sporting life. Notwithstanding his mighty stakes and the keenness with which he backed his opinion, no one perhaps ever cared less for money. His habits were severely simple, and he was the most generous of men. He valued the acquisition of money on the turf because there it was a test of success. He counted his, thousands after a great race as a victorious general counts his cannon and his prisoners. Mention has already been made of SurInlice, the Derby winner of 1848. who was included in the sale of the racing stud. What Surplice’s win meant to Lord

George can be best told in Disraeli’s words. The passage has been often quoted, but it will bear repetition both for its owp sake and as illustrating how Surplice’s victory brought home to the colt’s former owner what he had lost in selling it. . _ Disraeli came upon him, the day after the Derby, in the library of the House of Commons. He was standing before the book-shelves, with a volume in his hand, looking greatly disturbed. He had met with a rebuff in a resolution moved in committee. His horse Surplice, whom he had parted with among the rest of his stud, solely that he might pursue, without distraction, his labours on behalf of the great interests of bis country, had won that paramount and Olympic stake to gain which had been the object of hia life. He had nothing to console him, and nothing to sustain him, except his pride. Even that deserted him before a heart which he knew at least could yield him sympathy. He gave a sort of superb groan. “All my life I have been trying for this, and for what have I sacrificed it? ” he murmured. It was in vain to offer solace. “ You do not know what the Derby is,” he moaned out. “ Yes I do. It is the Blue Riband of the turf.” “ It is the Blue Riband of the turf.” he slowly repeated to himself, and. sitting down at a table, buried himself in a folio of statistics. The following September, a week after Surplice’s victory in the St. Leger, Lord George Bentinck died suddenly of heart failure. It is difficult to believe that, had he lived, he would not have risen to great heights in the political world. Ruling the turf with autocratic vigour, he had shown all those qualities equally essential for government. Experience would probably have taught him the necessity of curbing his imperious temper when dealing with political foes or friends. His sense of duty, as has been shown, was of the highest, he had audacity, and. above all. an unwavering resolution which made light of obstacles.

FAME AND FACTS. There is something about the Epsom course and the race for the Derby that always makes me look upon the rider of the winner as “ the man of the moment ” in that, no • matter how good his horse, he could not have won had he not got well away from the gate, taken his position, and kept his mount balanced all the wav. This takes some doing (says a writer in London Sporting Life). There are many of our leading jockeys who never will do it unless, perchance, an Ormonde or a Minting appears in the stable that retains them, but there are others like the one and only Steve, or that incomparable rider, Joe Childs, who could carry an extra 71b and still be worth putting up. But just a moment. A little over 50 years ago —in 1877 —the name of Fred Archer appeared among the list of those who had ridden the winner of the world’s greatest race. Born in Cheltenham in 1857, he was a son of William Archer, and a brother of Charlie Archer, who died some six years ago; of William Archer, who was killed ’chasing; and of Airs Pratt, the mother of the popular trainer, Fred Pratt. Fred's first ride in public was “over the ” at Bangor, his mount being Maid di Trent, a famous pony that belonged to a Mrs Willins, and on whom Archer won carrying the feather-weight of 4.11. Shortly after this Archer was apprenticed to Matthew Dawson, and made his first appearance at headquarters in 1869, when he had the mount on Honoria, who was put in to make the pace for the winner, Stromboli, and finished last. Success, however, was not long delayed under Jockey Club Rules, as in the following year —on September 28— Archer won on Athol Daisy in a Nursery at Chesterfield. Then two years later he won the Cesarewitch on Salvanos, and from that time until his death in 1886 he rode in 8084 races and won 2746 of them. Among these wins were the Derby on Silvio Bend Or, Iroquois, Melton, and Ormonde; the Two Thousand Guineas on Atlantic, Charibert, Galliard, and Paradox; the One Thousand Guineas on Spinaway and Wheel of Fortune; the Oaks on Spinaway, Jannette, Wheel of Fortune, and Lonely; and the St. Leger on Silvio, Jannette, Iroquois, Dutch Oven, Melton, and Ormond.

Possibly the finest race that Archer ever rode was when he won the Derby on Bend Or. A month or so previous to the Epsom event he was savaged by Muley Edris on Newmarket Heath, and had the muscles of his arm so severely torn that it was at one time doubtful if he would ever recover. Thanks,'however, to th< attentions of a bone-setter named Hutton —who once, by the way, took a special train from Paris to Altcar to set a greyhound’s toe —Archer got better, and rode Bend Or with a pad in the hand of his bad arm and an iron up the side. This prevented him using his whip, but he rode a miraculous race —coming round Tattonhani Corner with his near leg on his liorse’s shoulder to prevent it being crushed on the rails —and got up in the last stride to beat Rossiter on Robert the Devil by a head.

After Archer’s death his mantle fell on Jack V atts and the two brothers—Tom and Sam-—Loates, and between them they collected quite a bundle of “ classics.’’ Watts scored in the Derby on Merry Hampton. Sainfoin, Ladas, and Persimmon; in the Oaks on Bonny Jean, Miss Jammy. Memoir, and Mrs Butterwick: and in the St. Leger on Ossian, The Lambkin, Memoir, La Fleche, and Persimmon. Tom Loates won the Derby on Donovan and the Derby and St. Leger on Isinglass, and his brother Sam took the Epsom event on Harvester, when he dead-heated with St. Gatien, and on. Sir Visto: the Oaks with La Sagesse, arid the St Leger with Sir Visto. No article on Derby jockeys would bt complete without reference to Danny Maher, who died as the result of consumption brought on by over-wasting in 1916. at the early age of 35. Maher’s life in the saddle commenced when he was only 14 years old and weighing Ist 91b. at Providence, Rhode Island. His first mount, like Archer’s, was not successful, but on his second appearance, on a horse called Phoebus, he caught the judge’s eye and from that date never looked back, and three years later headed the list of winning jockeys in America with 167 wins to his credit. Maher donned silk for the first time in England at the Manchester September meeting of 1900. and opened with two wins, on Paiute and Bad News. Before the end of that season he had ridden 27 winners out of 128 mount.', and the following season happened his “classic” account by winning the One Thousand Guineas on Sir James Miller’s Aida. Other notable wins in these events were the Two Thousand Guineas on Neil Gow and Sweeper IT; the Derby on Rock Sand. Cicero, and Spearmint; the Oaks with Keystone II; and the St. Leger on Rock Sand and Bayardo. In all. Maher had 5624 mounts allotted him, 1421 being winners. lie headed the list of jockeys once—in 1908 —and was second on five occasions, and it is worthy of note that he rode and won over the “ sticks ” at Kempton Park in December, 1908, on Mr Hubert HartiganV Datil a. Of the leading lights who will be riding next Wednesday. Steve has won three Two Thousand Guineas, six Derbies—including war-time events —through the aid of Pommern. Gay Crusader, Humorist. Captain Cuttie, Papyrus, and Manna; one Oaks and two war-time St. Legers; while Joe Childs has been responsible for a winner in each of the “ Guineas,” three winners of the Derby—Fifinella, Gainsborough, and Coronach —and three of the Oaks and four winners of the Doncaster event. Besides these two, the only other likely riders that have scored at Epsom are T. Weston, Elliott, and Harry Wragg. though Jones has an Oaks to his credit through the medium of Short Story. A BIG WINNER. Limerick’s winnings in prize money (£37.971) being now within £5129 of the amount won by Gloaming, a very keen interest will be centred in the form he will display at six years old and (says “ Phaetou ”) whether he will beat Gloaming’s total (£43,100), which stands as the Australian and New Zealand record. Limerick’s stake record is made up as follows:—

At two years 1,595 At three years 11A12 At four years 18158 At five years Up to date Limerick lias contested 49 races, and the interesting feature of his performances since his two-year-old career closed is that he has only been counted out of a place on two occasions. Limericks record stands as follows:—

* Including one dead L-cat. Limerick’s first race at six years old will probably be in the Warwick Stakes of £lOOO, which event comes up for decision at the Warwick Farm meeting on August 31. The race in question is to be run over a mile at weight-for-age, with a scale of allowances.

IN A NUTSHELL.

. Hynanna is getting through useful exercise at Trentham. J. R. Cochrane has set up a 3 a public trainer at naimate. Overhaul and Black Duke are booked for Ki rear ton this week. „ IR . Goldfinch will have the mount on Ka.ti m the M inter Cup. Nominations for the Otago Hunt Club’s meeting are due on August 20. C. Christie leaves on the 14th inst. with four horses for West Australia. Lady Limond is doing well in her preparation for the Winter Cup. The Oamaru Jockey Club lest 580sovs during its operations last season. Radiac broke down on the eve of the Christchurch Hunt Club’s meeting. Historic continues to be one of the ruling fancies for the Winter Cup. Mangani is one of the Auckland favourites for the Grand National Hurdles. Uralla. the winner of the Great Northern Steeplechase, arrived at Ricearton last week. To celebrate Trigo s win in the Derby Tngos owner distributed 3000sovs in charity. Twenty-four horses started in the Ascot Rnv I A a t . wonu . le handiea P run at the Koya! Ascot meeting. Malmsey pulled up lame after doing a g’oU SPrint Riecarton on Saturday k a "* int « retl well, and so has 1 ink Coat. They are both at Riecarton to obtain the benefit of the tracks. Paper Money’s stock won 22.00050 vs in New Zealand during the past season, and about 13,000sovs in Australia. Gold Tinge and Academy have done very little fast work since joining W. J. Tomkinson’s stable. Scion could not pace it with the opposition in the Kennels Hurdles, and tailed off from the start of the race. Mister Gamp and Novar both arrived at Ricearton looking fit and well for engagements next week.

Marble King has done well since he scored at the Wellington winter meeting. Overhaul continues to hold his place as one of the ruling favourites for the Grand National Hurdles. F. Shaw took up the two-year-old Banderilia (Last Dart —Suez) as a companion to Br’ghtling. Wiltshire arrived at Ri' carton looking in fatly good shape for his engagements next week. Matu is reported to have trained on satisfactorily since he ran at the Wellington winter meeting. A final payment for the Grand National Steeples, Grand National Hurdles, and Winter Cup are due on August 8. It costs one per cent, of the stakes to start a horse in the principal events on the C.J.C. Grand National programme. Radiate hooked one of the fences when running in the Homeby Steeples, and returned to the birdcage with a cut stifle. Two of Hunting Song's stock. Desert Song, and Grand Song, showed pace when running in the Maiden Stakes, and should prove useful during the season. Green and backward horses in condition, were racing under the nine stone minimum on Saturday when the softish going did not help to lessen the burden. A good deal of unexpected support came for Captivate in the Maiden Stakes, but after beginning well he could not do better than gain a place. The well-known sporting se’-rb-* “ Pilot ” has severed his connection with the Sydney Referee after being on the staff 'or 36 yea rs. Phar.ter was not sighted in the early part of his race on Saturday until well into the straight, where he figured amongst the tail of the field. The Thurnham gelding Hounslow, who paid well over half a century at Ricearton last week, is a well-grown half-brother to Royal Saxon.

Prince Humphrey appears to have made a complete recovery from the effects of his accident when running in the Victoria Derby, as he is striding along in pleasing style on the tracks. The Geraldine Cup will carry a stake of 225sovs (including a silver cup valued at 25sovs). The club w:ll pay inward railway freight on a'l horses starting at the meeting. The Danilof gelding. Sea Boy. proved far too good for Silver Light and Waitaunaha in the Lawford Steeples. Waitaunaha was a beaten horse when he t'pped out at the second last jump. Grand National took off at a great distance from the stand hurdles in his race on Saturday, and, landing on the top of the jump, crashed heavily. R. M’Sweeney, who had the mount, escaped injury. Gay Jim landed a double at Ricearton on Saturday, and if not overweighted should shape well when next seen in public. He was well handled by G. Salt in both races. Honeycomb was staying on under 10.9 at the right end of the Flying Hack Handicap, and he may be found winning over more than a middle distance during the season. Red Boa ran a good solid race in the Flying Hack Haiidicap, but failed to give 171 b to Hounslow, who draw out to beat the Southland gelding in the final half-furlong. S. G. Ware took six horses up to Riecarton on Friday last. The team includes Narrative. Filosol, Glenrowan, Capt’vate, the Chief Ruler filly, "and a colt by Limond. The Chief Ruler colt Leader is a fine, big sort, but unfortunately is a “ whistler ” and this trouble may debar him from gaining any great honours on the turf. The Limond—Eulogy filly Praise has grown up sin e sold as a yearl ng. She swerved at the start of her division in the two-year-old parade and was not hustled during her sprint. The filly has nice striding action.

W. D. Moroney has arrived at Wanganui with Vertigern and three two-year-olds. The youngsters a-e Kalmnk (byCaravel—Martuk). Appledore (by Rosscndalc —Demeter), and the Chief Ruler — Rosellate gelding. The Weathervane—Linnet colt and the Tea Tray—Victory Bond filly both showed plenty of dash in the two-year-old parade at Ricearton. The Linnet colt did not get well away at the start but soon ran up to the others in the sprint. Paris showed improvement when lie ran fourth in the Longbeach Hurdles, and may be found proving more than useful over the small sticks. The same remark applies to Apache, who also has more pace than the average hurdler. c X £'^ at , ! . on ? f ? r tl,e Xew Zealand Cup ?!. n £ “ 00 “ (including a gold cup valued at toOsovs) are due on August 23. The winner of any race of the value of 300sovs or races of the value of 500sovs are liable to be rehandicapped. Lancer staved on well when he won the Longbeach Hurdles, but may have been a bit lucky that Elysianor and Aberfeldy tipped out at the first jump. Having suffered interference from the fallen horses, and did well to finish a fairly good second. Two youngsters that went down very boldly in the two-year-old parade at Ricearton were the Tea Tray—Stardancer filly and the Tea Tray—Warlove filly. Both carried Mr C. G. Dalgety’s colours ana look rather likely sorts to produce early speed. ' The Grey gelding Barrington again displayed a lack of stamina when running in the Kennels Hurdles. Tn the early part of the race he was bowling along on the bit, conllr >enced to tire when coming to the last hurdle. He is a very big gelding and still requires time to strengthen his frame work. When going through the weights for the Grand National Hurdles, it struck the writer that the Sarto gelding Novar was nicely treated. Since then it lias been learnt that Novar is strongly fancied in seme quarters. It is said, however, that the gelding does not act well in soft going.

On 'Wellington form King’s Guard should have been closer to Fabriano at the end of the Homeby Steeplechase. The Qu.n Abbey gelding came wide out round the home turn when racing to the last fence, and this must have cost him more . than 1' abriano beat him by at the finish. In the course of the Ascot Gold Week prize money to the extent of 72,90050 vs was distributed amongst owners, 62.400 oovs going to the owners of winners. 7000 sovs to those whose horses had been placed second, and 350950 vs to tho-.e placed third. Of this splendid total 40,30050 vs represented money added by the Ascot executive. In England a yearling purchased for less than lOOOgns is comparatively cheap. Blandford (sire of Trigo and other good winners in England this season) realised only 1 30gns at that age. As a two-year-old he started twice, winning one race and finishing second in the other; while at three years he was successful at each of his two starts. Beau Cavalier has made a good recovery from the injury 'that befell him just prior to the Great Northern meeting, although it is not intended to put him into work for some time to come. He is still under the care of S. Tooman, who intends giving the bay gelding a few months’ spell in the paddock as soon as the weather improves Glcndowie is a bit of a “ mystery ” horse. He Las been in Christchurch since the Wellington winter meeting, but up to Saturday last had not appeared at Ricearton. He is doing jogging exercise at Addington, but this hardly reads the class of work for the big ’chase. Nevertheless, it is said that Glendowie has been freely coupled up with several Grand National Hurdle candidates. The following is the record of stake earnings of the noteworthy mares mentioned: Sceptre (by Persimmon), £3B 230; Pretty Polly (by Gallinule), £37,597; La Fleche (by St. Simon), £34.585; Seabreeze (by Isonomy), £24.268; Desert Gold (by All Black), £23.133. The firi< three can certainly be accepted as world records.

Aberfeldy was a strong fancy for the Longbeach Hurdles but was unlucky enough to get brought down at the first jump. The fact, however, th.-vt he was strongly fancied suggests that he may be worthy of note for engagements next week. At one time he promised to take high rank as a hurdler, but since his fall at Trentham over a year ago he seems to have lost dash. Mr W. G. Stead has had the misfortune to lose the brood mare Golden Shoe, by Wallace—Golden Slipper, for which he paid 530gns in Australia some time ago. Golden Shoe was a particularly fine stamp of brood mare, as well as a well-bred one. and had already thrown one really good racehorse. Golden Voice, by Demosthenes. Mr Stead had only one youngster from Golden Shoe, so the loss is a very serious one.

The stipendiary stewards at Perth, after concluding an inquiry into the cause of Sir M addy’s rider weighing in light after winning the Blackboy Handicap on Jiby 20. it was decided to fine the ownertrainer (R. H. Rhodes) £25 for gross carelessness. Sir 'Waddy was favourite and won after an interesting race from Murillo King. When L. Marrable, who rode Sir Waddy wpighed-in the clerk of the scales announced that he was 4Db light weight. Later it was found that the lead bag had been left in the horse’s stall, and Sir Waddy was disqualified. Some years ago a Western District owner-trainer specialised in winning picnic races, and had a large string in hand. When the horses were turned out for the stipulated grass-feeding period they were paddoeked in three different parts’ of the district, his team being quartered near his home. The secret of his horses’ success (says an exchange) was disclosed when a rival owner discovered that two cattle dogs had been trained to couroe the horses round the paddock, thus discounting the effects of grass-feeding, and keeping them in good galloping trim.

On the above figures King Balboa should beat all those he met in the Brabazon Handicap when saddled up for the Winter Cup. Grand

After viewing the running in the Homeby Steeplechaee one could not give anything that finished behind Lord Ranald a chance with him in the Grand National Steeplechase. There are others, but it appears as if Lord Ranald will keep the best of them busy.

In commenting on the decision of the keeper of the Australian Stud Book, Mi A. L. Yuille, in the inquiry he was instructed to make by the committee of the Australian Jockey Club in regard to the pedigree under which Prince Humphrey was raced, and which he declared the sain-* to be incorrect, the Sydney’ Morning Herald remarked:—“The position now is that the 1928 Derby was won by a horse who, despite intentions, was not entered Although the list of nominations contained that of a Duke Humphrey’ (imp.)—Shepherd Princess colt in the name of Mr C. G. Macindoe, no horse called Prince Humphrey was entered nor was a colt by Duke Humphrey (imp.) from Princess Hazel (imp.). Such a position is unique in the annals of the turf in Australia.” One of the most familiar figures at race meetings, shows, and, in fact, (says Sporting Life) all places where the horse is the centre of attraction, is Sir Walter Gilbey. Although he has been an owner of racehorses for over 30 years, his colours have never been carried by a real top-sawyer. One of the best was Paper Money, who. ridden by S. Donoghue, ran third to Grand

Parade and Buchan in the first Derby decided immediately following the conclusion of the war. As a two-year-old the colt had won four nice races, the Grand Granby 1 la*te (Division II.), the Plantation 1 late, the Thurlow Plate, and the Redmere Kursery (all run at Newmarket). He was also credited with three wins including a walk-over, in bis second season. .. At „ tl . l , e ,. annual meeting of members of VI * elld,n K Jockey Club the president, Mr A. E. Sandford, touched upon the J’ i a 3t a c ,on question in the following terms’ He had heard a great deal of the cry that racing clubs were feeling the burden of excessive taxation, but he did not agree that racing clubs were unduly taxedl Everybody' had to remember that the clubs were entirely non producers. There was not the slightest chance of anv Government relieving racing clubs from any taxation, and he was very much afraid that the groaning by racing clubs about e “ ce ssive taxing would have a boomerang effect. What had to be remembered— ; and he would say this after a very close examination of racing taxation—was that the clubs were non-producers.” Horses hailing from New Zealand have tor several years past played an important part at meetings held in New SotK’i V/ales, but (says an exchange) the present season of 1928-29 is rendered especially pleasing to owners from this Dominion by reason of the number of successes recorded. According to a recent Sydney’ cablegram, the sum won in prize money by- New Zealand horses during the present season at meetings held in Sydney is assessed at nearly £30,000. The figures quoted must be accounted to be well in advance of any previous record. It is not difficult to sort out the particular horses hailing from New Zealand that have played the leading part in the cap? ture of prize money. Prince Humphreywon £7137. Limerick £6306, and Honour £4903. Matters shape so promisingly tor Maoriland being strongly represented at the spring meetings in Australia this year that it is quite possible last season’s stake total credited to horses hailing from, this Dominion will be beaten. The Prince Humphrey—Cragsman mix? up has apparently been straightened out satisfactorily so far as the identity of the colt that won the last A.J.C. Derby is concerned. According to the catalogue (says “ Snowden ”) of the Woodlands s nd dispersal held August 31. 1926. the Princess Hazel colt (the A.J.C. Derby winner) was the only yearling which was branded with the year of foaling and his individual number, as well as the usual Woodlands stud mark V inverted over B on near shoulder. On the near thigh he was branded 5 over 136, the 5 indicating that he was foaled in 1925. It seems extraordinary’ that he should be the only Woodlands yearling that year properlybranded. Perhaps the omissions in the cases of the other yearlings were owing to the sale being he’d so early in the season. An interesting point is whether the name Prince Humphrey or Cragsman should go down in the records as that of the winner of the 1928 A.J.C. Derby. In these days of well-conducted racing an , incident which occurred at Mentone (V.) in the early ’nineties is worth recalling. The incident is beet related (says a writer in the Australasian) in the language of a sporting writer who witnessed it. He wrote: —“ A disgraceful scene occurred at the Mentone racecourse during the running of the Handicap Trot. Leithamsted was made a warm favourite the only other horse backed being Austral’ A furlong from home Leithameted was winning easily, and it was then that an organised attempt was made bv about 30 of the riff-raff of the flat to slop the favourite from winning. They’ deliberately ran on the course and waved hats and umbrellas, and would have pulled the jockey off the horse, but he eluded them and just managed to beat Austral by half a length. A protest was then entered against the winner for galloping past the post, but it was dismissed.” The writer added that the connections of several otiier competitors in the race referred to were suitably dealt with by the Mentone stewards.

The present requirements of the Government ot India are 3090 horses per annum inc tiding cavalry and artillery horses. In addition there is a considerable demand tor horses (says a Melbourne paper), cs? pecially those of the riding tvpe, for forces maintained by the Indian States. Beyond these requirements the demand for ’pol > ponies, hunters, and pigstickers is considerable, and at present is not adequate! v met by importations from Australia. To obtain an adequate supply of horses the co-operation of breeders is essential, and it is with this object that the Government ot India has deputed Brigadier-general Anderson to get into touch with breeders and place before them the following objects:-— (a) The horse situation so far as it affects present and future requirement* of the army- in India; (b) to state the various types of horses required; (c) to ascertain the difficulties with which breeders have to contend and their reasons for discontinuing the breeding of utility horses, which were formerly- pro* dueed in very- large numbers; (d) to obtain any- suggestions which breeders might have to offer to mitigate their difficulties and effect an improvement in the production of horses in the future.

If any student of pedigree had been asked to pick the winner of the Victorian Grand National Steeplechase on breeding alone, he must have chosen Sandhurst. That horse is a son of Baverstock, one of the few descendants of Panic, now at the stud. ’ All the Panic breed were notorious for their ability to jump and to stay any distance, declares a Sydney critic. Sandhursts’s dam is by Eaton Lad, a horse whose stock has specialised in jumping races—Palbi, Pixi Lad, Grosvenor, and others being examples. If anyone had deliberately- set out to breed a jumper he could hardly have done better than combine the blood of Panic and Eaton Lad. This jumping ability’ of certain breeds is one of the many mysteries of horse racing, but it is notorious all over the world. In England the stock of Ascetic all took naturally to jumping, and in Ireland, the home of jumpers, there are horses definitely earmarked as s’res of steeplechasers. Though our own big jumping meeting was a bit disappointing, we have the consolation of knowing that the*winner of the Grand Nat onal Steeplechase was bred in New South Wales, as was also the

winner of the Grand National Hurdle Race.

The ballot for the bookmakers’ stands in the saddling paddock at Randwick has been made bj’ the committee of the Australian Jockey Club. There was a time when a bookmaker took up a position at Randwick and expected to keep it until he felt disposed to relinquish it. Naturally there were squabbles, caused principally through someone “ jumping a claim.” and to do away with the confusion the committee of the club agreed to make an annual ballot. To some the ballot is immaterial, for they have a more or less fixed clientele, and wherever the bookmaker is .situated the business is done. Nevertheless, a front row stand is appreciated, for it facilitates matters on a day when the betting ring is very congested. To others a good position is half the battle. It means that there is a better chance of accepting a large wager and of attracting other bets sufficiently large to balance the book, and to ensure that the fielder can make even ledgers on each race. To the public the draw matters very little, although large backers prefer to have the principal operators well apart, on the assumption that there are better prospects .of obtaining longer quotations since a cue that a horse is being backed cannot so easily be taken.

C. Gieseler, who has made his home at 'Wingatui for about 20 years, headed the list of winning trainers in the Dominion last season, with 37 wins, while the Riccarton mentor, F. P. Claridge, filled second place with 28. It is a coincidence (says an exchange) that these two were associated about 35 years ago, with the Lagmhor hounds at Ashburton, Claridge being the huntsman and Gieseler the whip. It is no new experience for Gieseler to head the winning trainers’ list as Ire has been in that position three times in the last four years. He was seventh in 1924-25 with 18 winners, first in 192526 with 31. first in 1926-27 with 30, third in 1927-28 with 29, and first last season with 37, or a total of 150 winners in five seasons. He is well known on all the South Island courses from Riccarton to Southland, this being his usual touring ground, but he has made more than one visit to Trentham, with satisfactory results. Most of his successes last season were scored in minor events, as he had no horse of good class in his stable, such as bet Sail, who won him some important races during the preceding season. That Gieseler is a very capable trainer his record proves and as he commands a good circle of patrons, he should be prominent again during the next twelve months.

Although Ascot this year was robbed of one of its attributes, the royal procession, the opening day saw something in atonement in a victory for the roja! colours. Lyme Regis won the Prince of M ales Stakes, of £2150, a three-year-old event run over a mile and five furlongs He was at double-figure odds in the betting in a field of eight. The success if Lyme Regis had looked fairly ccrtai.i 100yds from the finish, particularly as Childs was riding, and had then got' that little advantage which means ever so much as a rule when that jockey is in the saddle, says Sporting Life. There ■Would be five horses almost abreast when Lyme Regis was in the midst oi what proved to he a winning effort, and Defoe, who had been making the running at a slow pace for a long way, appeared to get a bump when he lost his place a furlcng out. _ He is still an unfurnished horse that will give a better account of himself in the autumn. Lyme Regis is held under lease by his Majesty from the National Stud, and is by Swynford from Tilia. His victory was received with much enthusiasm despite the fact that he was an outsider.

In referring to old-time riders a writer in the London Field says; A comparison between Fordham and hit great rival, Fred Archer, is inevitable. But though Fordham may have been, in the opinion of those best qualified.to judge, the greater all-round jockey. Archer was the more successful. “ The Terrible Tinman ” was, indeed, far and away the most successful jockey that ever lived. In his comparatively short career —he was under 30 when his tragic death occurred —he rode 2447 winners, a number which included five Derbys, four Oaks, and six St. Legers. Eight times he rode over 200 winners in one year, and his percentage of winners was extraordinarily hgh. his total number of mounts being just over 8000. And it must be remembered that his weight was always against him. He may'not have been the gieatest jockey of all time, but no one has ever equalled his popularity or enjoyed such fame. One of the secrets of his success was his audacity and absolute fearlessness. His judgment was quite equal to Fordham’s, but, for all that, the latter sometimes outwitted him. The difference between the two was that Fordham would never, if he could avoid it, show how much he had in hand when winning, whereas Aftrher would lead onlookers to suppose he had much more in hand than was actually the case.

Those people who have stepped in early and backed Seatown and to a lesser degree Nightmarch for the b:g spring events in Australia did not receive a great deal of encouragement from interviews given by Mr J. Fredric, owner of Seatown, and A M'Aulay, trainer of Nightmarch, on their arrival in Sydney. Mr Frederick said: “ Mj’ wife ami myself are here for a holiday, and whether Seatown runs in the Metropolitan or the Caulfield Cup depends entirely on his showing in the King’s Cup. If he docs not shape well in the latter race. I shall possibly send him home, but naturally I am hopeful that he will come through that engagement with flying colours and then prove his worth in the bigger spring handicaps.” “ Personally, I did not want to bring Nightmarch to Sydney,” said M'Aulay, “ but his owner. Mr Louisson, had arranged to come here for a holiday, and he wished to see how the colt would shape in Australia. I intend nominating him for the weight-for-age races, but whether he will be sent after any of the big handicaps is doubtful at present. It all depends on how he shapes in his early engagements.” M'Aulay also added that Nightmarch will possibly be entered for the New Zealand Cun. to be run in November. Many of the Dominion s beat horses may be in Melbourne about that time, and races at home might be easy to win.

Undoubtedly one of the finest jockeys in Australia is James Munro, of Sydney, who has ridden with remarkable success in the principal events at Randwick and Flemington. He it was who rode Windbag to victory in the Melbourne Cup of 1925. when that exceptional colt Manfred had to be content with second place; and he also steered Statesman home first in the last Melbourne Cup, when his chief opponent was the phenomenal Strephon, who, like Manfred, could do no better than run second. Munro thus has the distinction (says ‘‘Musket ”) of defeating two of the best three-year-olds ever stripped for a Melbourne Cup. and. while there may be several riders equal to him at sprint distances, he is acknowledged to be one of the greatest long-distance riders of the present day. His fame having spread to other parts of the world, he received a cable message from the exAustralian jockey Frank Bullock (now a trainer in France) making an attractive offer to Munro to ride in Germany next season for Baron Oppenheim, the wellknown breeder and horse-owne r of that country. The baron is reported to have designs on the English Derby, and he naturally requires a first-class horseman to ride his colt. .Before the war the baron raced horses in England, and intends to do so again, according to accounts; and, if he can only breed a colt of the reouirco class. Munro can be depended upon to make the Engli sh colts stretch out in order to keep ahead of his mount. However, he has not yet definitely stated that he has accepted the tempting offer.

More than 40 years have passed since Mr “ Dick ” M’Kenna sent out Chicago to win the Caulfield Cup in 1888. Chicago was by The Drummer, a son of Stockwell’s brother Rataplan, one of the most famous stayers of all time. For many years (says a writer in the Australasian) Mr M'Kenna has been intimately connected with the practical side of racing. not merely from the turf point of view, but from the national viewpoint, as he has long been one of the band of keen horse shippers employed by' the Indian Government to keep the army there adequately supplied with its horse requirements. Another popular racing man who has been engaged in the trade for many years is Mr Steve Margretts. None know better than they the true value of the turf, the tested thoroughbred being the backbone of horse breeding. Australia has always been the main supply of Indian horse requirements, vast numbers having been bred on New South Wales and Queensland stations and far inland. Station owners are, therefore, directly concerned in the visit to Australia of Briga-dier-general Anderson, who has been sent out by' the Government of India to investigate the existing conditions regard ir.g the breeding of utility horses in Australia. Military' authorities in India have become much concerned at the diminution of horse breeding in Australia, and in order to ensure an adequate supply in the near future and the years to come it is most anxious to set before horse breeders in Australia the situation regarding its horse requirements. A description of the totalisator adopted by -the Board of Control in England reveals that an instrument of very marked ingenuity has won the day. The following description of the “ machine ” —appeared in Horse and Hound: —In accordance with the decision of the Board of Control, there are to be foyr units or denominations of bets —2s, £l, £lO. and £lOO. The board also had declared in favour of a 'ticket issue which provided for tickets guillotined off a roll and entirely printed at the moment of issue. For the issue of the tickets a key bearing the particular horse number required is depressed by a ticket-

seller. This creates an electric impulse, and before the ticket is in the hands of the purchaser that impulse will be registered by the release of a steel ball. Impulses being somewhat elusive, they are instantaneously converted into something tangible, a steel ball fin in diameter. Each steel ball, or balls, as the case may be. will represent a bet. and. when released by the initial impulse issuing the ticket, can only go to the predetermined place, where they carry out their function. Every horse, from every window, for each respective denomination of bet, has its own individual, tube and mechanism, and the released balls fall by gravity through their respective tubes to the converters and adding machines. The lightning totalisator differs entirely from all other makes in that it is an electrically driven machine, but all calculations and adding up is a positive mechanical process absolutely certain and unerring in its action.

First. Second. Third. Unplaced. At 2yrs . . 3 1 0 5 At 3yrs . 6 G 1 1 At 4yrs . 14 0 0 At 5yrs . . * 3 1 1 — — 28 12 7

Brabazon Handicap Winter Cup down 3 IviBg Balboa 10.9 9.10 13ib Gay Sonnet 10.9 9.9 141b Sol rose 10.1 9.2 13lb Overdrawn 9.5 9.0 51b 1 Prickles 9.1 9.0 41b 2 Koval Game 9.0 9.0

Jlomeby Steeples National Steeples down King's Guard 11.5 10.3 161b Fabriano 10.7 9.2 191b Lord Ranald 10.7 9.0 2llb Radiate 10.5 9.0 191b Y. Thurnham 9.11 9.9 I lib