TROTTING.

Otago Witness, Issue 4041, 25 August 1931, Page 52

TROTTING.

FIXTURES. August 29.—Auckland T.C. Scptemlier 5. —Jsew Brighton T.C. September 12.—'Wellington T.C. October 3.—Metbven T.C. October 10.—Waikato T.C. October 10—New Brighton T.C. October 24, 26.—Greymtrath T.C. , October 24, '26.—Auckland T.C. October 26.—Oantaru T.C. October .31. —Wellington T.C. November 10. 12, 13.—N.Z. Metropolitan. November 26, 28.—Forbury Park T.C. TRACK TALK. By Aponis THE AUCKLAND MEETING. The first North Island meeting in the neiv season will be held on Saturday, when the flags will be flying ou the Auckland Club's course. Except in two eases, the fields have filled well, and it ■will not be surprising if backers shoot wide-of the mark in endeavouring to select winners.

Form points very strongly to Bessie Parrish in the Introductory Handicap, and there is very little doubt about he'" being favourite. Zanzibar and "Win Huon are two otliers who will be supported. Gnat Fame lias been rev-efi-ine in his work, and should go well from itlie front of the Mount Eden Handicap, in which Cleao or Whakahiki may upset -calculations.

The field of nine in the August Handicap includes two horses from the South Island in Ayrmont Chimes and Meteor, and as both of them were winners at the Metropolitan Club’s meeting and have stepped well inside the marks they are on they will he very solidly supported. It should he a good finish between these two. and tliey may find Auto Machine a hard horse to beat.

If K-ewpie-B Guy is started in the Onehunga Handicap heavy fi4fl.lr.es will be rung ain under her name, and Bonnieand Dan Direct may be next in the order of favouritism.

If the track happens to l*e anything Iffie firm the Australi«n-bjed gelding I .alloden should appreciate being on the front -of the Royal Oak Handicap, and Jock Bingen may find it a bit beyond him to give away 72yds.

Several m those engaged in the Massey Memorial -have been paid up for in other events, but three .probable stairtei's are Camui, Hohoro, and Benefice, and they may be backed in that order.

Jackie Thorpe looks nicely placed in the Grey Lynn Handicap, and Prince Etawah will appeal to those who are looking for something that is likely to beat .the favourite.

They are a poor lot in the Orak< 1 Handicap, and one of the back markers in Hohoro looks the best of the lot. Derby Vale and Satin Bird may, however, carry greater support.

PENALTIES ON “FOREIGNERS.” Exactly twelve months ago Australian trotting circles were -considerably heartened by the news that the New Zealand Trotting Conference had decided to lift the handicap penalties which, for .some years prior to August, 1930, had been p'aced upon imported horses in New Zealand (•says the Melbourne writer “Direct”). Since the removal of the penalties several of our horses, including the square-gaiters Surprise Journey, Paddy M'Kimiey,. Sir Voyage, VaHoden. and the New South Wales -performer Roi Grande, have registered wins in the Dominion., a fact which evidently, has led New Zealanders to believe that -our horses were being too leni•enily treated. When -the penalties were last in force it was left to the discretion of handicappers as to whether they were , to be applied to Australian horses. The Trotting Conference has now not only decided .to reimpose them, but has drawn up a set of rules to which handicappers must strictly adhere. Under the new handicapping system New Zealand has paid us ,a compliment which is not likely to be appreciated. Our square-gaiters have proved more than equal to the Dominion’s best, but this is probably due to the fact that Australian horses of this gait represent better class. With pacers, however (the writer continues). the question is entirely different. When G. Gath visited New Zealand early tins year his team included two very smart hoppled performers in The Admiral .and Gunbounne. Both ran some very good races, but Gunbourne was the . only one to win a race, and lie had to record a mile rate of 2.12 1-5. The Admiral registered a mile rate of under 2.14, yet had to be content with second Rlaee. Rehnposition of penalties makes the task of the Australian pacer in New Zealand difficult, and may be the means of preventing several of our leading owners and trainers from making the trip. New Zealand horses visiting Australia are handicapped according to their best times, and in Sydney a few years ago they were granted concessions. In -some cases these conces-

sione amounted to three seconds to the mile. Owing to the latest decision of tho New Zealand Trotting Conference, however, it can be taken for granted that horses from the Dominion will not in future be so lightly treated by Australian handicappers. Another writer says: Tn the interests of Australian breeders our authorities should place the same penalties on Dominion horses as the New Zealanders place on Australian.

THE WINGATUI HANDICAP. The first race of the new season so far as Otago is concerned will be run at Wingatui on Saturday of next week at the Hunt Club’s meeting, and taking a line through the nominations that have been received, a good field seems to be assured. As is usually the case, Southland stables are well represented, but the nominations tiave come from a very wide area, including Central Otago and Oaniaru. Tho race will be one of the features of the card, and it is safe to predict that the speculation on it will be greater than that on any of the other events. VERSATILE PERFORMERS. In Melbourne racing circles, states the Australian Trotting Record, quite a ]ot of discussion ensued when the pacingbred Reminder -unsuecessfully competed in a galloping event on the Ascot programme. Reminder, by Fairfield (late Rothschild Junior), was an unsuccessful competitor in unhoppled events at Richmond. but .evidently showed trainer Paddy Gooding a turn of speed as a galloper. Frequently in the slower trotlang events many of the candidates seem to prefer the galloping gait, but seldom is a Melbourne Cup winner discovered among the starters. Air T. Hastie, in commenting on the Reminder case, recollected the case of a horse called Ptnelva. got by a thoroughbred called Ave of Hearts from a roadster mare. Dan Kearney was the owner, and on one occasion rode the horse to victory in a trotting event and a hurdle race at a registered race meeting. On the same day W. Beaton, now a registered trainer at Caulfield, rode him to victory in a handicap for gallopers. On different occasions, said Mr Hastie, the horse competed in trotting events, Mr Alf Kent, well known in Victorian trotting circles, at one time bred from a mare called Vera Harold. She had three foals—two by registered light harness sires and one by Anldria, a thoroughbred. The former two were successful on the trotting course, whilst the latter won a galloping race. At present be is being used as a liack. and follows the hounds with the best of jumpers. A few years Perth there was a speedy pacing gelding named Abbey King, who could not be kept on his feet. He would break badly, run up to the front, and break again two or three times in a race. He was eventually tried as a galloper, and over ’hurdles, but just faded out of the picture.

IN SADDLE AND Final M ; Kinney appears fc Re past her best as a racing proposition. Carnui is an improved horse who should step elose to a place in the Massey Memor. ial Handicap on. Saturday. Handicaps for the trotting event at the Otago Hunt Club’s meeting will be declared to-morrow. The paoer Lord Nepean was .shipped to Sydney last week. His value as a racing proposition is not very high now. Mountain Mist is a very much improved trertter. and before the present season ends he will be well back in the handicaps. Pronto Bingen • will not lack support in his earlier engagements. He has a very fine finishing run. Colonial-br-ed stallions will be included in Volume X of the New Zealand Trotting Stud Book. Bessie Parrish is a very solid trotter for one of her years, and the Guy Parrish filly will have a big following at Auckland on Saturday. The Don Pronto horse Metal has failed to stand a preparation, and in all probability will be definitely retired to the stud.

Roi Grande has been showing signs of lameness, and the son of Childewood may not be at his best for the Auckland meeting on .Saturday.

Benefice has been working particularly well, and she is expected to race prominently at Auckland on Saturday, -especially if the going is not deep. Meteor has a two-mile record of 4.24 3-5. and from a 4.33 mark in the August Handicap he should be in the picture all the way.

Schoolmate as not improving, and he is not likely to be in favour for the race at the Otago Hunt Club’s meeting next .week.

-Some Guy is reported io be doing good work in his preparation for the New Brighton meeting. He showed great improvement at the back end of last season. Among D. Warren’s regular workers is Betty Wrack, a three-year-old pacer by Wrack from Nonnie, the dam of Dilnon.

Sunny Bob should be close to his best form the next time he is asked to race, and if that is the case he will go close to winning. The Gold Bell mare Godetia showed ■useful form down south at the back end of last season, and if J. Walsh brings her up to Wingatui for the Hunt Club meeting she will not lack support. “ Explosion does not do anything like his best when racing on a grass track, and that is the only reason why he may not be favourite in the Royal Oak Handicap at Auckland.

The Blue Mountain King mare Kewpie’s Guy was very consistent last season, gathering five wins and a third in her six starts. She will be in favour for her races at Auckland.

As a pacer Black Ballin was a disappointment, and it will be interesting to see ■ how he shapes as a straight-out trotter at Asckiand mcetiEtf. Jlis track work has promising, .

Dolly Chimes does not stay well and ie a better horse under saddle than in harness; consequently, she would pay a big dividend if she happened to win at the Otago Hunt Club’s meeting. Brentlight is a very honest little pacer, He was finishing on well in his races at Addington, and as the racing has improved him, a win for him should not be far away. Stockade Junior looks as though he requires some fast work to bring him into racing condition. He has been nominated for the Wingatui Handicap, but his chance of being a place-getter is not bright. Page Girl, an imported maiden trotter in J. Young's stable, was got by the English stallion Jay Mack from Malinda, an American mare by Baron Review, by Baron Wilkes. She has no record. Deste, who has been nominated for the trotting event at the Otago Hunt Club’s meeting, is a useful six-year-old mare by Four Chimes. She is trained in Central Otago by P. Gallagher, and last season she won two of her five races.

Auto Machine has been doing good work in preparation for the Auckland meeting on Saturday, and he is likely to. be one of the favourites for the big race. According to reports he has never looked better than he does at present. From a time point of view, Ayrmont Chimes is one of the picks of the August Handicap at Auckland. At the Metropolitan meeting .he won two races very easily in 4.28 3-5 and 4.29, and now he is on 4.34.

Radio looks as though she has done a fair amount of work recently, and she may show up at some of the earlier meetings on the country circuit. On a firm track she is very speedy over the shorter distances.

Speckled Gold is a long-striding gelding who goes well on big tracks, and so he will have something in his favour if he is started at the Otago Hunt Club’s meeting at Wingatui. A. M’Lellan started him six times last season and got a win and a third with the son of Gold Bell. The Man o’ War pacer War Paint showed great promise in some of her efforts last season, and she should develop into a very fine four-year-old. She has been nominated at the Otago Hunt Club’s meeting next month, and if she goes to the post there will be.- solid backing for her. If Carl Mack carries his speed on an even gait in the Introductory Handicap at Auckland on Saturday he will be one of the first to catch the judge’s eye. He is, however, a very bad breaker, and takes a leng time to settle down after he leaves his feet.

Erin’s Advance has not been in the limelight for some time, but she is a useful mare, and the fact that she has been fairly well backed in some of her recent races would seem to indicate that she has shown good work on the track. She will probably be raced at the Otago Hunt Club's meeting next week. The Dunedin owner, Mr G. J. Barton, has bought the Wrack—Nell Pointer colt Tempest from Mr A. J. Nicoll, and he will be trained by W. J. Tomkinson. Tempest finished second in the last Sapling Stakes, and. according to reports, he has furnished into a fine three-year-old.

The useful Victorian performer Lady Wonga has been sent to G. Gath to train, and it is expected that she will be included in the team to be brought to New Zealand by Gath early in the spring. Lady Wonga is a trotter, and a half-sister to the brilliant performer Sir Voyage. On the concluding day of the recent Addington meeting Great Ballin showed rare bursts of speed in each of his two races, and. was unlucky to miss a win. In the saddle event he was badly interfered with just after the start, but was finishing twice as fast as anything else in the race. His trainer intends to give him an opportunity of winning two-mi le races.

If there is one “sure winner” that followers of trotting have an opportunity of availing themselves each season it is the Trotting Register, and this year’s publication is right up to the high standard set by previous issues. Everything that is worth knowing about trotting is found in its pages, and it is little wonder that it is found on practically every sportsman’s bookshelf.

Close on 4000 people attended the meeting held at Brennan Park, Western Australia, on Monday, August 3, which marked the opening of the 1931-32 season. The August Cup was won by Red Derby, who paid over a quarter of a century. Red Derby is 15 years of age. He finished second to the ex-New Zealander. Bell Harold, in the Baden Powell Cup on May 23.

A specialist in the stealing of brood mares is evidently operating in Victoria, says the Trotting Record. Recently Princess Style, in foal to Don Pronto, was taken from a paddock in Ballarat, and now Ladj’ Bronte is missing. Those concerned in the business were tidily disposed, as the wires of the fence were repaired after being cut. Lady Bronte is the dam of Myrtle Bronte and Myrtle Pronto, and evidently the foal she is carrying to Globe Derby is the prize sought. New Zealand-bred horses have done well in Perth (W.A.) this season. Up to June 20, 27 Dominion horses sported silk and 16 of them shared 31 races. The New Zealand performers who scored were Antique (1 win), Adelaide Thorpe (2), Bonnie Locanda (1), Bell Harold (1), Dillon Huon (2), Great Storm (4). John Pointer (1), Locanda Prince (1), La Sonnette (3), Nelson M'Cormack (2), Nazimova (£), Spotlight (2), Sea Foam (2), Tommy Dillon (4), Trenand (1), and Whakuku (2).

“ The conference executive hoped to have the proposed alterations to the handicapping system finalised for the opening of the season,” said Mr J. Rowe, at the annual meeting of members of the Auckland Trotting Club, “but I have now received word that the executive will not have finished its work till September 1. The difficulty has arisen through the new rule, which does not penalise a maiden performer for a second or third performance when racing in different classes.”

Mr G. Hill, a. member of the Auckland Trotting Club, remarked at the annual meeting last week tlyrt while stakes had been reduced there had. up to the present, been no reduction in the salaries paid to officials. He contended that the sum paid to the handicapper was excessive, and quite unwarranted. 'Mr Rowe said that one of the first matters the new committee would deal with would be the salaries. “ In fact,” said the president, “ I want to say that whether we like it or not it has to be done. Your committee comprises business men who are not likely to run any risk which would be likely to mean having an overdraft.” Since he went to the stud at Wyndham, Sungod has proved a prolific sire, and a number of his progeny have graced metropolitan courses with remarkable success. Perhaps the best of his progeny is Meteor, and Sunshower comes very little behind him. Morning Sun, Sunchild, Sunny Morn, and Sunny Bob are all good class, and others of his progeny who have won races include Sunbell, Sunbloom, Suncross, Sunfish, Sunny Dillon, Sunny Gold, Sunranes, Sunshade, Sunspeek, Sunstorm, Winnie Chrysler, Sunfire, and Sunspot. Sungod is by Harold Dillon out of My Mistake, and in his day he was a great mud horse. Many of his progeny take after him in this respect.

In his address to members at the annual meeting of the Auckland Trotting Club last week, the president, Mr J. Rowe, said he had been asked by some of the members if there was a possibility of a new stand for members being erected in the near future. He knew it had been a standing promise for some time that the new stand would be proceeded with. No one felt the disappointment more than he, and the committee was also fully alive to its necessity. As the membership was now in the vicinity of 450, the committee realised that it was absurd to suppose they could go on for ever- with the present accommodation, but he (Mr Rowe) was going to appeal to members’ good sense of reasoning and sportsmanship, and ask them to carry on for a little while longer so that the club might keep its head above water. When the financial strain was lighter the committee would consider the erection of the new stand required.

CANTERBURY DOINGS.

By Observer.

The Riccarton tracks are very quiet at present. Most of the local horses who raced at the Grand National meeting are on the easy list, many of them having had a dose of physic, and those who are being worked are not doing much of a serious description. The horses will come in again gradually, but there will not be much fast galloping for a week or two.

Arikiwai developed lameness on the eve of the Grand National meeting, and he is out of commission at present. He has been more or less unsound throughout the greater part of his career, and it is unlikely that he will be trained again, though there ie a possibility that he will be hunted next season.

The Riccarton jockey, A. E. Ellis, made arrangements a few weeks ago to leave for Sydney at the end of this month. He has had no previous riding experience in the Commonwealth, but he has been engaged to handle Autopay in his spring engagement in Sydney. In the meantime, however, Ellis is laid up with injuries to his jaw, which he received in his fall with Make Up in the Grand National Hurdles. He is on the mend, but his Australian trip may have to be delayed unless he makes a quick recovery. S. Barr has had an addition to his team, a two-year-old colt by Robespierre from Bonne Bouche having been placed under his care. The colt, who is a wellgrown half-brother to Courageous and Palmary, is owned by Mr Porter, ot Oamaru, a newcomer in the racing game. It is probable that Sir Charles Clifford will be represented next month at the Wanganui meeting by the three-year-olds Cricket Bat and Zeebrugge, both by Winning Hit. They are training on nicely, Cricket Bat having shown lately that he has lost none of his speed. The two chestnuts are engaged in tbe Wanganui Guineas. F. Christmas has three of Mr D. H. Roberts’s horses in work at present, these being Red Heckle, Convoy, and Jolly Beggar. They are all training on well, in view of spring engagements, and they may be seen at some of the early meetings.' Convoy, who is a three-year-old brother to Red Heckle, showed good form when he won at Riccarton in the autumn, and he is being got ready for a trip to Wingatui in October to contest the Dunedin Guineas. F. D. Jones has had the three-year-old filly, Solvent, by Diacquenod from Currency, doing exercise on the lead for a few weeks. She is in healthy condition, but she will not be hurried, as she does not require a great deal of galloping to prepare her for racing. Her best form last season was good, and she may make a successful sprinter this season. Nightguard has had a dose of physic, and after a short space he .will be sent along again, with a view to spring engagements. The brother to Phar Lap has shown speed in his recent track efforts, and he may develop useful form this season. It is probable he will make his next appearance at Ashburton, while later on he may be seen to advantage over a distance.

Troilus, who showed signs of lameness after hie fall in the Sydenham Hurdles, has been thrown out of work, and he will be spelled for a few months. C. Emerson is devoting his attention just now to a trio of two-year-olds, Lady Zephyr (Robespierre—Lady Minerva), Skysong (Weathervane —Grey Linnet), and Oratorius (Diacquenod—Oratress). They are all doing well in their preparation for the M'Lean Stakes at the Dunedin meeting in October. Martian Chief, Sleipner, and Rose of Orange are having a short rest after their racing at the Grand National meeting, but they will be in commission again soon, as they may be required for 'the Ashburton and Geraldine meetings next month. The other member of Emerson’s team, the three-year-old filly Lochlaggan, will not be raced till later on,-but she is in good health.

The two-year-old filly Good Sight and the three-year-old filly Pedestrian have

been sent home to the Stonyhurst stud to be spelled, their places in Cutts Brothers’ stable being taken by the three-year-old Morepork, by The Ace from Brown Owl, and the two-year-old Doiran, a brother to Zebrugge, by Winning Hit from Brave Deed. T. Lloyd has all the members of his team doing useful work. It is probable that he will have some horses racing at Ashburton next month, but he has not made definite arrangements for other members of his team.

Taragona has been kept going in steady work lately, and though he has had no fast gallops he looks in excellent health to start on a preparation for spring engagements. Though he lacks brilliancy, he has shown evidence of staying, and he may win good races over a distance this season.

Minerval has again joined the team of F. Christmas and he will be got ready to race in the summer, lie may be seen to advantage in distance races this season. The same trainer has taken in hand Red Arrow, a four-year-old by Arrowsmith from Red Queen, the dam of Master Clarence, also a two-year-old colt by Robespierre from Lady Swinton. R. Ellis has broken in a two-year-old colt by Arrowsmith from Finora. The youngster is well grown, and is bred on speedy lines, his dam being a very smart galloper in her day. Mr G. G. Holmes’s mare Warlove, a sister to Warstep and Stardancer, ii.-.s foaled a colt to Rapier. This is the first ioal I have heard of by this young sire, who should transmit stamina to his progeny. The youngster is a half-brother to the speedy Spoon. The local trotting tracks have been very quiet since the recent meeting at Addington, but things will liven up again soon, as the trainers will have spring events to keep them busy. As evidence of this, the New Brighton Trotting Club took nominations last week for a meeting on September 5, and received the customary big list in all but the mile saddle race. " The committee of the Metropolitan Trotting Club met last week and reviewed the prize money for the New Zealand Trotting Cup. In place of £4OOO, as -was given last year, the total stake will be £3OOO and £750 for each division and £l5OO for the final. The other conditions were left unchanged, the class being 4.26. while four horses from each division will qualify for the final. The other events on the November programme will be approved this week. From what I can learn, a cut of 25 per cent, on the total given in stakes last year may be expected. The following have been granted licenses by the Trotting Conference as trotting handicappers for the current season:— Messrs C. Gooseman, G. Paul, jun., F. C Thomas. T. Fogg. H. A. Pierce. M. Fitzgerald, H. A. Jarden, and G. S. Simpson. All of them have been regularly engaged as handicappers for some seasons past.

N. L. Price did not race anv horses at the recent meeting at Addington. He stated a few days ago that he could not remember when he failed previously te produce a horse for a meeting of' the Metropolitan Trotting Club, but those he has in work are mostly young trotters not at present class enough.. New Me<ford, who has for some time represented him in good trotters’ races, has been turned out for a spell. Pluto, who in the past has been trained by his owner, Mr W. J. Gudsell, joined C. S. Donald’s stable at the conclusion of the August meeting. He has registered some smart performances, having qualified for the New Zealand Cup, and it will be interesting to see if Donald can improve him.

Warplane, who raced well at the recent meeting, is having a short spell, after which he will be got ready for November engagements. The trotter is back at work after a long spell. She should race in improved form this season. John Jinks, who raced well, but with bad luck, at the recent meeting, lightened up with his racing, and he is being treated to a short spell.

Owing to the death of Mr R. A. Armstrong, the pacers Logan Park and Morrison, whom he raced in conjunction with Mr A. L. John: on, were sold at auction after the recent meeting. Mr Johnson retains his interest in the pair, -who will continue as inmates of W. J. Tomkinson’s stable.

The trotter Koro Peter has made a good recovery from his operation for wind troubles, and he is being jogged at present. It will take some time to get him into his best racing form. Linkman was not started at the recent meeting at Addington, but he is doing easy work in preparation for racing later on. He looks -well after his spell. Admiral Bingen was nominated for several races at Addington, but he was not raced. The brilliant trotter may be tried out against the pacers over a mile and aquarter at New Brighton. A. Butterfield is working the pacer Pronto Bingen and the trotter Rembrandt, who are engaged at the New Brighton meeting. Rembrandt is a young horse with a fair turn of speed, but in the past he has not kept to his gait in his races. Pronto Bingen is useful up io a mile and a-half.

Although the pacer Vendorne is slowly recovering from her accident, J. J. Kennedy z is very doubtful if the Australian mare will ever race again, and she may go to the stud this season. Her accident, which occurred when she was racing at Addington at Easter, did not appear to be serious at the time, but she has been very lame ever since.

The Wellington-owned pacer Zella is in steady work at Addington under the care of J. Fraser. She-is a useful mare over any distance, though not a good beginner. Great Nelson is in work again, as a member of F. G. Holmes’s team. It may take some time to get the trotter into his best racing shape. The ex-Auckland trainer S. Shaw has taken over the stabjes recently occupied by D. Bennett. Shaw has Peter Pirate and Impromptu in work, and there is a possibility of other additions to the team in the near future.

The four-year-old trotter Todd Lonzia has been. sent to Dunedin, where his owner resides, and he will be treated to a lengthy spell before he resumes training. R. Hart has made another start with his pacer, White Stranger, who has been spelling diiring the winter. The Denver Huon gelding, who is a very fine stayer,

looks in good order to commence the season.

■'The trotter Duco, who did very little racing last season, starting only four times, is in work again at Addington. He is a useful sort who should pay his way in slow class events.

The Matchlight gelding Vesta Ray, who bad two races last season without success, is again a member of A. Cox’s team. He is a smart pacer in his training, but does not reproduce it in a race.

Peter Fashion, who has been resting for some time, is back in. work, under the care of A. Cox. While the operation for wind troubles has been partially successful, he still lacks stamina over a twomile course.

The trotter Stanley T., who won a race at the recent meeting but failed to leave the mark in two other races, is being kept going in his training. He is a brilliant trotter, with plenty of stamina, but he is a very bad horse at the barrier. Occasionally he makes a smart beginning, but usually he misbehaves and refuses to settle down. It is a great pity the imported trotter cannot be cured of this bad fault, as he would accomplish very fast time over any distance with a good jump out.

WELLINGTON NOTES. (From Our Own Correspondent.) August 20. Mr Vivian Riddiford returned from a trip to the Islands a few days ago, and the news of the success of Historic would be pleasing to him. Historic was greatly improved with the first race at Riccarton, for which he was only tenth favourite. In the race he won one of his opponents was better supported. Historic has been the breadwinner for the Trentham stable. Historic’s winnings to date amount to £7416, which will help to pay for Zetes (£2400), Zephyrus (£600), and a few other bad bargains in the team. The Limond—Full Swing colt, Fulmond, bred by Mr G. A. Kain, of Orari, ran second in the Guineas at Adelaide on Saturday last. He was purchased at the Wellington summer sales by Messrs Wright, Stephenson and Company, acting for the South Australian owner, Mr E. E. Jolly, for .1500 guineas. The winner Vermonious, is one of the first batch of the progeny of Verbins, a Swynford horse that carried Mr Sol. Green’s colours in Australia. Verbius was tried to be something in the nature of a moral for the Caulfield Cup, won by Whittier, but went wrong and did not start. Vermonious, who belongs to a successful South Australian family, is engaged in the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups. The announcement that the next New Zealand Cup would be worth only lOOOsovs came as a blow to some local owners, who go for the big stakes. The first Cup, run in 1883, won by Tasman, was worth lOOOsovs, with a sweepstake of 20sovs. There were 12 runners.

Martian Chief was the most successful of the Trentham contingent at Riccarton with two wins. His four successes have put him out of hack company. He will have further opportunity of distinguishing himself in open company in the South Island before he returns to his home quarters. Croupier added to his excellent reqord at Riccarton. He was one of the six double winners that scored half the programme between them. His next appearance will be in the Wanganui Guineas, in which event H. Gray has been engaged to ride him.

Although engaged at Riccarton and taken south with other members of G. Jones’s team Lady Pam, who was fourth on the list of winning horses last season, did not run at Riccarton. It is seldom horses of the class of Lady Pam and Historic, good enough to win classic events and cups, are seen out at a winter meeting. It is reported in a local paper that the reason Mr Kemball scratched Lady Pam was the way she was treated by being placed on the same mark as Historic. The last time the pair met, in the Masterton Cup, Historic was conceding Lady Pam 61b. both being unplaced. It looks as if the Riccarton handicapper would have made a better job of it if he had given Historic another 71b. At the annual meeting of members of the Wairarapa Racing Club Mr W. E. Bidwill, who was re-elected president, said he would like to sec something dene for owners by way of reducing nomination, acceptance, and travelling fees, as, after all, it was the horse owner that kept racing going. The balance sheet showed a loss of £1520, after writing'off £1384 for depreciation. Last season the club gave £4OOO in stakes at the summer meeting and £2930 in the autumn. It was decided the amount for stakes for the present season should not exceed £7OOO. Rational II did not come back from the south with his stable mates. He was sold to Mr.P. F. Thorpy, of Greymouth, and will in future be trained by WM'Donald at Riccarton.

When Hori Tupaea. owner of Kahikatoa, returned from Christchurch, a local friend asked him why he did not run on the last day at Riccarton. Hori replied: “ The weight man must think he is Carbine.” In the Selwyn Handicap Kahikatoa was asked to concede performers like Lady Pam and Historic each 121 b.

The morning H. Gray returned from Riccarton he went out to Trentham and rode Gay Court a working gallop. Gay Court is one of the first batch of the progeny of Gainseourt. by Gainsborough, from Polonaise, by Rosendale, and is a first foal. Out of 14 starts as a two-year-old he got two. seconds and a third. He is in the Derbies, and that may be his share of it. Gisborne breeder-owner Mr F. Hall has plenty of changes with his horses. In the old days J. W. Lowe at Trentham was in charge of some of them. During the past seasons W. Griffith, R. Hatch, and G.

W. Mew have added to the list. Now it is announced thta Merry Melodv has left the last-named trainer’s establishment and ''iH in future be trained by A. G. Dixon at larauaic.

T 1 , 1 le T> owner s ?f our two best stayers, Lady Pam and Historic, will no doubt appieciate the action of the C.J.C. stewards in doing away with.the 9.6 maximum in the New Zealand Cup. At the same time comes the report that Nightmarch, the only horse to win with the maximum named, is to be put into work again Strange to say, no other horse had ever qq ll Vn? Riccarton race with more than •J. 1 hat was the weight Tasman and Vanguard carried in the first two races i our correspondent doubts whether Nightmarch was an 111 b better horse than Van-Ruai-d. Xour correspondent saw him win the Great Autumn as a four-year-old with ii ’r ii • he won the New Zealand Cup the following season he went to the Forbury and won the Dunedin Cup with 9 3 Both horses did their racing in public ai Geraldine and won the big race each day. lhe cup was then run on the second dav and carried 71b penalty for a win in the big race the first day.

AUCKLAND TOPICS. By Digger Bronze Eagle has been sent along faster since the drier weather came in, and he ~s , .own unmistakably that he retains all his former speed. He outclassed High Comedy in a half-mile sprint during the week, and he looks like making a high class three-year-old. None of the Auckland juveniles have yet been tried out in earnest, but Tea Trader, Russky, the Brazen—Rosebern Closing Time at Takanini and Whirlalong at Ellerslie have worked encouragingly as far as they have been tried.

Impostor has made good progress in his recent work, and his race at Pakuranga should do him a lot of good. Impostor is a fine stayer that has onlv to train on soundly to win a steeplechase at coming meetings. H. Rama did not produce Manawhenua at Pakuranga, but the Acre gelding sprinted nicely on the eve of the meeting, and he will be a fit horse at the Avondale meeting, where Rama should have a strong hand in the cup with he and Taneriri.

Eaglet has not yet done much fast work, but she is now muscling-up well, and from now on will be sent along faster. She did not lose much condition during her spell, and should be ready for racing fairly early in the spring.

E. Pope should have the three-year-olds High Comedy and Royal Artist well forward for lhe Avondale meeting. They look like developing good form as sprinters, but both may require a firm track to show their best.

J. Williamson is now indulging Tatyoon in a little sprinting work. This is one of the promising maidens among last season’s two-year-olds, and he is expected to win races when properly conditioned. W. Ryah has Speedfast and Royal Gallant working usefully, but neither has yet been seriously galloped. They may require placing during the season, but both should be capable in hack races. Prince Vai is a horse that may go further at spring meetings than he has yet travelled successfully. He is a fine sprinter on heavy tracks, and he will commence the spring campaign well fortified by his racing at winter fixtures.

Lady Whirlwind, by Whirlwind —Cione, the latter a sister to Prodice and halfsister to Ammon Ra, is reported to be shaping very well at Te Rapa. She was in early, and should be ready for the fray when the early spring classics are decided. RACING IN NEW ZEALAND. PAKURANGA HUNT CLUB. Saturday, August 22. Beautiful weather favoured the Pakuranga Hunt Club’s annual meeting. There was a fair attendance. The course was slightly lidding. The totalisator handled £22,420, compared with £34,871 10s last year. Results—■

GREENMOUNT STEEPLES. Of 150sovs. About two miles and a-half. 2— ST. LUCAS, 9.1 (Craddock) .. 1 3— LENAUBIN. 9.9 (Fergus) .. .. 2 S—MOUNTAIN LAVA, car. 9.1 J (R. Olive) 3

Also started: 1 Town Beauty 10.4, 4 Clontarf Bill car. 9.4, 6 Trampas car. 9.3. Won by six lengths, with two furlongs between second and third. Time sinin 29 3-ssec. HARRIS MEMORIAL HURDLES. Of 150sovs. One mile and a-half.

4—LAND MEASURE, 9.0 (Olive) .. I 1— TE HOMAI, 10.10 (J. M‘Rae) .. 2 2— PENNY PLAIN, 11.3 (Rennie) .. 3 Also started. 5 Jui Jazz 10.5, 3 Ruby Dawn car. 9.4, 9 Little Wonder 9.3, 6 General Lu car. 9.2, 7 Gay Cavalier car. 9.2, 8 Night Comet 9.0. Won by five lengths, with rive lengths between second and third. Time 2min 50sec. J

SYLVIA PARK HANDICAP. Of 150sovs. Seven furlongs. 2— VALUELESS. 8.11 (Goldfinch) .. 1 3— EMANCIPATION, car. 7.1

(Bentley) 2 4—GANPAT, 8.5 (Bagby) 3 Also started: 8 Full Measure 9.0, 7 Sub-editor 8.11, 1 Red Lion 8.9, 13 Royal Survey 8.8, 5 Karangapai 8.8, 14 Speedmint car. 7.13. 6 Catch ’Em 8.1, 15 The Jack Jumper 7.12, 11 L’Allegro 7.10, 9 Kairuru 7.4, 20 Autahi car. 7.4, 19 Illuminagh car. 7.5, 12 Kouranui car. 7.4, 17 Muskon car. 7.4, 17 Exaggeration 7.0, 21 Restaurant car. 7.9, 10 Amber Link car. 7.6, 16 Kingsway car. 7.3.

Won by two- lengths, with two and ahalf lengths between second and third. Time, Im in 29see. JELLICOE HANDICAP. Of 350sovs. One mile and a-quarter.

9—MALAHAT. car 7.5 (Wiggins) .. 1 S—CATOMA, 8.8 (Bagby) .. .. .. 2 2—GAY COCKADE, 8.10 (Parsons) 3 Also started: 8 True Blood 9.0, 4 Prince Vai 9.0. 6 Standfast 8.10. 1 Te Huia 8.8, 10 Valsier car. 7.13, 3 Flying Prince 7.11, 7 Prince of Orange 7.8. Catoma was first out. but Gay Cockade took charge round the back, and led into the straight, where Malahat came up strongly to win by three-quarters of a length from Catoma. who finished a neck in front of Gay Cockade. Prince of Orange was fourth. Time. 2min 10 4-ssec. PAKURANGA HUNT CUP, Of 450sovs. About three miles.

4— NUKUTERE, car. 9.1 (Rennie) .. 1 I—BILLY BOY, 10.9 (Foster) .... 2 3—KING’S COUNSEL, 10.0 (M'Crae) 3 Also started: 6 Importer 11.5, 9 Jiu Jazz 10.4, 7 Scaramouche 9.5, 5 Town Beauty 9.2, 2 Royal Visitor 9.0, 8 St. Lucas 9.0.

Billy Boy led from the start, accompanied by St. Lucas, Royal Visitor, and Nukutere. Royal Visitor fell at the tivefurlontr fence the second time round. Nukutere held close to the leader, and took charge at the stone wail before entering the home straight to win by a length and a-half from Billy Boy. who was 20 lengths ahead of King's Counsel. St. Lucas was fourth. Town Beauty also fell. Time, Gmin 15sec. AUCKLAND HANDICAP, Of 150sovs. One mile. 1— TAURUA. 8.10 (Grav) 1 2— WILD COUNTRY, 8.11 (Wiggins) 2 3— GRAND .SPIRIT, 8.13 (Murray) 3 Also started: 8 Protomint 7.13, 5 Grand Talk car. 7.6, 7 Union car. 7.12. 9 Exella Tea car. 7.3, 6 Lady Musk car. 7.6, 4 Sports King car. 7.4, 10 Cargen 7.0. Won by half a length, with two lengths between second and third. Time, Imin 41 3-ssec.

LADIES’ BRACELET HANDICAP, Of 150sovs. One mile and a-quarter. 1— DOMINICAN, 10.12 (Morris) .. 1 2— LITTLE WONDER. 10.9 (Fenton) 2 3— RUBY DAWN. 10.7 (Clarkin) .. 3 Also started: 4 Royal Visitor 10.7, 5 General Lu 10.7, 10 Koe-whi-whi 10.7, 7 Catimes 10.7, 8 Gay Cavalier 10.7, 6 Semicircle 10.7. 9 Night Comet 10.7. Won by three lengths, with a neck between second and third. Time 2min 14 2-ssec.

DUNEDIN HANDICAP, Of 250sovs. Six furiongs.

4—-BIDDY’S BOY. 7.12 (Keesing) .. 1 2—ROYAL ARTIST, car. 7.3 (Home) 2 I—TAANERIRI, 9.0 (Gray) .... 3 Also started: 9 Gold Money car. 8.11, 6 Valroe car. 8.12, 2 High Comedy 8.4 (bracketed with Royal Artist), 7 Tea Chat 8.2, 12 Maori Boy 7.13, 8 Rudies 7.11, 5 Baroscope car. 7.3, 3 Jaeldy Karo 7.5, 7 Hampton Park car. 7.0, 10 Bennie car. 7.7. 11 United car. 7.1. Won by three-quarters of a length, with half a length between second and third. Time, Imin 14 2-ssec.

WEIGHTS, ACCEPTANCES, ETC.

NEW BRIGHTON TROTTING CLUB NOMINATIONS. Improvers’ Handicap (harness), of HOsovs; unhoppled trotters. Class 3.50. One mile and a-half.—Last Child, Harvest King. Saka Bona, Accumulator, Fairyland. Trickful, Tiny Guy, Fame Audubon, Chancit, Rembrandt, Page Girl (late Call Girl). Louis Bingen. Welcome Guy, Rail ley, Sandy N., Lucky Voyage, Our Bingen Great Dillon. Marvin Guy, Red Eagle Real Boy, Rey, Chisholm, Gay Paree Duco, Hoineleigh Girl, Precious Gift Question. Author Shaw, Peter Fashion. Scribbler. Mahinerangi, Silurian, Great Burton, Earl Bingen. Belfast Handicap (harness). of 125s<>vs. Class 3.40. One mile and a-half.—Gay Gordon. Rokena, Pretender. Wairua, Mid night Sun. His Lordship, Lloyd Chimes Goldworthy. Prince Author, Ruth Logan Licorice. Princess Then, Desert Rey . Nyallo Silk. Silver Bingen, Meditate. Bingen Spiers, Stowaway, Eureka Boy, Peter Piper. Raywood, Dollar King. Tenor. Native Cole. Worthy Star. Vican. WorthyKing, Aimworthy, Headlight. Fire Alarm Linella. Shortly, Royal Chenault . Te A ike Tempo, Betty Wrack, Guy Denver, Erin *- Star, Ron. Peter Locanda. Oxford Queen Burwood Handicap (harness). oi 230sovs. Class 4.40. Two miles. — Play wave. Jolly Pet, Warepa. Black Lion Real Girl, Brentlight. Lily Harold. Lifebuoy, Holly Bank, John Jinks. Sunfish Macarauda, William the Great, Tactless. Mister Pointer. Impromptu, Ariki, Our Bird. Netta Oro, Grand Canyon, St Georgti. Seaview Handicap (harness), of 125sovs. Class 2.55. One mile and a-quarter.— Pronto Bingen. Russell Pointer, Pageant d’Or. Mac Dillon, Sandy Pointer, Aris totle, Connaught. Some Guy, Location, Denver City. Holly Bank, Matchmaker Nona Bingen, Somerby, Rafa, Bay Ad miral, Millie de Oro, Ariki, George Rey, Admiral Bingen. Autumn Handicap (harness), ot 140sovs; unhoppled trotters. Class 4.50. Two miles. —Iwanta, Merce Bingen, St Petrox, Repute, Nelson Boy, Nelson Ata. Mountain Mist, Trampcrisp, Scuttle, White Satin. Great Burton. Great Way, Jade, Ambition, Oval. Lady Fan. Dash Handicap (harness), of 140sovs. Class 2.19. One mile. —Zella, Llewellyn, Sandy Pointer, Ratloc. Aristotle, Banffshire Lad. Merce Bingen, Some Guy, Dusolina, Denver City, Holly Bank, Pearl Logan, Lough Neagh, Nona Bingen, Somerby, Millie de Oro, Blue Glen, Riocole, Sir Guy, Baron Bingen, Baby Logan. Wainoni Handicap (harness), of 165sovs. Class 2.50. One mile and a-quar-ter.—Playwave, Rolex, Jolly Pet, Mac Dillon, Apex, Warepa, Sunchild, John Jinks, Sunfish, Vccto, Macaranda, Festival, Our Bird, Tactless, Kate Logan, Happy Land, Trimmer, Ayrmont Chimes, Red Shadow, Mister Pointer, Peter Pirate Vesuvius, Our Bird, Roicole, Acre, Cushla de Oro, Eugene de Oro, Sunny Bob, Bessie Logan, Pluto, Teremoa. Electric Handicap (saddle), of 130sovs. Class 2.19. One mile.—Zella, Llewellyn, Brentlight, Banffshire Lad, Erin’s Lynn,

Our Bird, Pearl Logan, Bay Admiral, Ariki, George Bey, St. George.

OTAGO HUNT CLUB NOMINATIONS.

Sea View Hack Hurdle Handicap of lOOsovs. One mile and a-half. —Wincette, Gallivanter, Royal Mint. Shipshape, Raineses. Traction, Air Valve, Gold Mint, Captain’s Gift.

President’s Handicap, of lOOsovs. Six furlongs.—Bachelor’s Idol, Bold Brigand, Pink Paper, Miss Tembaron, Anne Shakespeare, Palada, All Smiles, Banderilia, Night Attire, Red Roval, Filosol, Tracsono, Rose Dart. Tippling. Water Power, My Council, Pakitere, Genteel, Airplane, Tea Urn, Rosewood, Hot Tea, Royal Estate, Fair Money. Ilkley. Otago Hunt Club Cup Steeplechase, of 150sovs. Two miles and a-half.—Rose-thorne, Star Tractor. Calham, Silver Light, Heather Lad, Sir Richard. Koreinata. Ngahue, Pantier, Cultivator.

Tally Ho Handicap, of 1 lOsovs. Seven furlongs.—Red Racer. Admiral Drake, Lord Argosy, Some Toff, Royal Saxon, First Raid. Wingatui, Inevitable, Rascal, Francolin, Dulen, Topere. Taboo. High Court, Master Anomaly. Overhaul.

Brookville Steeplechase Handicap, of 115sovs. Two miles and a-half. —Tuki, Tunamoe. Guncase, Diamond Jack, French Fleet. Snowfall, Radiac. Matu. Cultivator, Rag Tag. Umtali. Pantier. Heather Lad. Hunters’ Flat Handicap, of lOOsovs. One mile and a-quarter.—Wincette, Carnot, Royal Mint, Shipshape. Royal Flower, Felony, Traction, Gold Mint, Captain’s Gift.

Vauxhall. Handicap, of lOOsovs. One mile. —Balance. Drewsy, Colonel Quex, Solmuri, Spanish Maid. All Smiles. Tippling. Water Power. Fair Money. Filosol. Wingatui Trotting Handicap (harness), of lOOsovs. One mile and a-half. — Speckled Gold, Madam Locanda, War Paint. Godetia. John Appear, Streak, Lady Voisin. Radio. Dillon Bird. Stockade Junior, Dolly Chimes. Erin’s Advance, Homelight. Roselight. Schoolmate. Deste.

AUCKLAND TROTTING CLUB ACCEPTANCES.

Introductory Handicap, of 150sovs. Unhoppled trotters. Class 3.45. One mile and a-half.-—Black Ballin.-Grand Triumph, Katalo, Moko Girl, Win Huon scr. Bessie Parrish 12yds bhd. Good Realm 24, Zanzibar 24, Colonel Thorpe 36. Kitty’s Patch 36, Windchat 36, Carl Mack 48, Parrish Belle 8.4.

Mount Eden Handicap, of 150sovs. Class 3.0. One mile and a-quarter.— ninth, Derby Vale, Eleawah, Great Fame,

Grey Mist, Margaret Wallace, Mazda, Modern Light, Moko Chief. Prince Etowah. Sir Moko. Student Prince scr, Cleao 12yds bhd, Oliver Thorpe 12, Jersey Thorpe 12. Kewpie’s Triumph 12, Silver Link 12, Whakahihi 12. Jackie Thorpe 24, Peter Lloyd 36, Marionette 48.

August Handicap, of 400sovs. Class 4.34. Two miles.—Ayrmont Chimes, Hal Chimes. Trustworthy scr. Auto Machine 12yds bhd. Enawah 12, Great Delight 12. Meteor 12, Gold Treasure 24, Stanmoor 24.

Onehunga Handicap, of 172sovs. Class 4.42. Two miles. —Bonniewah, Kewpie’s Guy -scr, Dan Direct 24yds bhd. Gold Sovereign 48. Brutus 60, dealer 60, Tumatakura 72. Royal Oak Handicap, of 175sovs. Unhoppled trotters. Class 4.46. Two miles. —Valloden. Winunera King scr. Explosion 12yds bhd. Etta Cole 72, Jock Bingen 72. Paradigm 72. Massey Memorial Handicap, of 200sovs. Class 2.52. One mile and a-quarter.— Bonniewah. Carnui. Dad’s Hope, Gaza. Hohoro. Kewpie’s Guy scr. Dealer 12yds bhd, Dan Direct 24, Master Huia 24. Woodvaje 24. Ayrmont Chimes 36. Benefice 36. Daytime 36, Great Parrish 36, Great Delight 48. Grey Lynn Handicap, of 150sovs. Class 3.34. One mile and a-half.—Cleao, Jackie Thorpe. Kewpie’s Triumph. Moko Chief. Oliver Thorpe, Prince Elewah, Day de Quest, Whakahihi scr, ..Polly’s Picture 12yds bhd, Prince Pedro 24, Reliance 30, Some Dillon 36, Lady Yvonne 48. Orakei Handicap (in saddle), of 15050v9. Class 2.2 f). One mile.—Derby Vale, Jersey Thorpe. Modern Light. Our Peter, Peter Lloyd. Satin Bird, Student Prince. Gold Sovereign 12yds bhd, Marionette 12, Reliance 12, Dad’s Hope 24, Hohoro 36, Brutus 36. NEW ZEALAND CUP. REVISED CONDITIONS FOR RACE. CHRISTCHURCH, August 17. The committee of the Canterbury Jockey Club has settled the conditions for the New Zealand Cup to be run in November. The stake ■will be £lOOO and cup valued at £5O, with £950 in cash, the second horse to receive £2OO and the third £lOO from the stake. The condition for a maximum weight of 9.6, which has been included for several years, has been deleted. There will be no restriction this year on the weight with which the handicapper may start the handicap. No horse’s weight

may be increased beyond weight-for-age by its rehandicap.

WELLINGTON RACING CLUB. WELLINGTON, August 21. The Wellington Racing Club’s balance sheet shows a net loss of £5939 on the year’s working. RACING IN AUSTRALIA. THE ADELAIDE MEETING. ADELAIDE, August 17. The following are the results of the principal events at the Adelaide Racing Club’s meeting:— . GRAND NATIONAL HURDLES.— Blackmoor, 9.0 (Copley), 1; Orcades, 9.0 (Wraight), 2; bv'ir Plume, 4.0.0 (Smith). 3. Twenty-three started. Won by a head, with two lengths and a-half between second and third. Time 4min 58Jsec.

GUINEAS. —-Vermonious, 8.5 (Adams), 1; Fulinond, 8.10 (Jones), 2; Lady Primrose, 8.5 (Slattery). 3. Sixteen started. Won by three-quarters of a length, with half a length between second and third. Time, Imin 421 sec.

NEW ZEALAND SUCCESSES. SYDNEY. August 23. At the Ro,.chill races yesterday a number of spring carnival candidates were engaged. Several New Zealanders also figured prominently. Mina G. was placed second in the Granville Stakes, and Love Song finished second in the first division of the Dundas Handicap, while Chide and Havaspot were placed first and teiond respectively in the second division of the same race. The first division of the Three and Four-year-old Handicap was won by Veilmond. The New Zealanders Cypress and Hunt the Slipper were unplaced in the second division of the same race.

WILLIAMSTOWN RACES POST. PONED.

MELBOURNE, August 23.

Drenching rain caused 'a postponement of the Williamstown races until Tuesday. Great disappointment was expressed among racing men in all States, as Phar Lap was to contest the Underwood Stakes, in which a couple of New Zealanders are also engaged, and everybody is anxious to learn whether Phar Lap is as mighty as ever, following his sickness earlier in the year..

ADELAIDS GRAND NATIONAL. ADELAIDE, August 23. The Grand National Steeplechase resulted as follows: — NARPLUME, 10.5 (Smith) .. 1 EMREE, 9.2 (Jesser) ..... 2 JANOMAGNE. 9.12 (Gordon) 3 Twelve started. Won by two lengths and a-half. Time, 6min 7Jsec. PHAR LAP’S REAPPEARANCE. MELBOURNE, August 20. Phar Lap is having his first outing at the Williamstown meeting next Saturday in the Underwood Stakes, of one mile, the acceptances for which are: —Wise Force 9.3, Phar Lap, Waterline, Glare 9.0, Mulera 7.11, Rondaline 7.6. DISQUALIFICATIONS IMPOSED. JOCKEY, TRAINER, AND HORSE. SYDNEY, August 20. A leading jockey, W. Cook, a trainer, G. Noonan, and the horse Royal Fort, were disqualified for 12 months as a result of the unsatisfactory running of the horse at the Gosford meeting on Tuesday.