RACING.

Otago Witness, Issue 4042, 1 September 1931, Page 50

RACING.

FIXTURES. September s.—Otago Hunt. September 12.—Dunedin. September 19. —Birchwood. September 17, 19.—Wanganui. September 19.—Ashburton. September 24, 26. —Geraldine. September 26.—Hawke’s Bay. September 26, 28.—Avondale. October 3.—Napier Park. October 3.—Kurow. October 3, s.—Auckland. October 7. —Marton. October 9, 10.—Otaki. October 10.—Dunedin. October 15, 17.—South Canterbury. October 17.—Masterton. October 17, 19. —Dargavllle. October 24. 26.—Wellington. October 24, 26. —Gore. TALK OF THE DAY. By Sentinel. THE OTAGO HUNT MEETING. The declaration of acceptances may help to simplify the solution of the various events on the card for the Otago Hunt Club’s annual race meeting, which takes place on Saturday next, but they are not due at the time of writing. The fields promise to be fairly „aod, as the various horses engaged are being kept busy on the tracks, and apparently booked to fulfil engagements. Track conditions have been very unfavourable for local training operations, and for that reason horses that showed up at the Grand National meeting or are trained at Oamaru or Timaru will have a good deal in their favour. Captain's Gift and Rameses would probaby be most in favour for the Seaview Hack Hurdles, as they both shaped well at the Grand National meeting. A good field claims engagement in the President’s Handicap. Tippling, Water Power, and Pakitere will have racing conditions in their favour, and promising sorts in Bachelor’s Idol, Pink Paper, and Anne Shakespeare will help to lend interest to the race. Tippling, Water Power, and Pakitere may attract most support unless some track work reveals a line to upset their chances. Heather Lad, Caiham, and Cultivator will probabiy be the order of. favouritism in the Otago Hunt Cup Steeplechase. Snowfall would be most in demand in the Brookville Steeplechase, and next to him Tunamoe and Heather Lad. Although Felony has apparently found his mission in the high weight handicaps which he won at Oamaru and Timaru there are still some inclined to doubt him. For that reason, Captain’s Gift may be preferred in the Hunters’ Flat, although he has been asked to give weight to better formed horses on the flat. Ballance stays fairly well, and may be the popular selection in the Vauxhall Handicap, and. ra the absence of Tippling, Royal Limond may receive consideration as worthy of support.

TAKING IN A REEF. There is a widespread wave of economy abroad in connection with racing, and it has been forced into prominence by the fact that the majority of clubs have been experiencing a loss over not only the past season’s operations, but also during others which have preceded it. It is quite obvious that excessive taxation has prevented many clubs from balancing expenditure and revenue, and the only winner has been the Government Treasury coffers. The now stereotyped phrase about “ killing the goose which lays the golden eggs ” has been falling on deaf ears so far as the Government is concerned, and racing and trotting continue to be regarded as easy money in

the way of taxation. A fair taxation would be willingly accepted, but when the Government takes all it can get and gives nothing in return, then protest cannot be overdone. Not only does the Government take all it can get from both branches of sport, but it actually exploits the sporting public by excessive fares in travelling, while at the same time making very liberal reductions in other directions. Under ordinary circumstances racing would be in a very prosperous condition at the present time. There are more horses in training than ever, and hence the clubs would be receiving more i everiue in the way of nominations and acceptances. This state of affairs is, however, completely overbalanced by the fact that taxation is taking out far more than the sporting purse can stand, and gives nothing in return. The result is that clubs have been forced to make substantial cuts in stakes, and some have travelled so far in that way that owners are now saying it costs more to win a race than what it is worth. Just how long such a state of affairs can continue remains to be seen, but it cannot last. The increased taxation imposed by the Government has actually resulted in a considerably diminished revenue, and it will continue to shrink. In England owners race almost entirely for their own money, and only very wealthy people can stand the strain. In New Zealand and Australia the sporting public ’supply the bulk of the revenue received by the various clubs, but the existing state of affairs in the commercial world has created empty pockets that were formerly full or loose cash. Racing in New Zealand has developed into a gigantic business, and if it is not afforded reasonable amount ol protection, there will be onlv one end in sight. Some clubs will be forced out of existence, and others compelled to amalgamate and curtail dates and the number of races on a programme. This will mean a further shrinkage in revenue to the Government, but before extremes are reached it is to be hoped that a commonsense recognition of facts will save the situation. A DAY’S SPORT. It is frequently stated that the interest in racing would perish if the zest of betting did not accompany it. That may be quite true with some, but the pleasure of participating in sport without a wager was shown by the large attendance which turned out at the annual point-to-point meeting got up by the Otago Hunt Club. The racing rendezvous was by no means easy of access, as it meant motoring or making a considerable walk from the Mosgiel railway station. Nevertheless, quite a good crowd was on the scene, apart from those who had travelled by car. The paddocks on which the course was laid out made a splendid line of country, with good firm going despite all the bad ■weather experienced during the past few weeks. In fact, it must be said that the Otago Hunt Club is very fortunate in having such a good friend of eport a« Mr J. Gow, who places his property at its disposal. A card of four events formed the attraction, and the only gamble noticed by the writer was in the form of a modest sweep with the risk of one shilling. The interest in the racing was as keen ae if the totalisator had been operating, and the winners were cheered on to victory as if classic honours were at stake. The greatest interest of the day was centred in the Ladies’ Point-to-point Steeplechase, which attracted four starters. The ladies charged at the first hurdle as if the race was over .a sprint distance, and three flew' the obstacle in great style, but one ran off. A fall took place at the next jump, and then Miss E. Greenslade, on Mount Mavora, drew away, and jumping in excellent style, came home an easy winner. Another fall took place at the second last jump, and this left Miss Ihorp on Apollo to pick up second place. Miss J. Reid on Dandy was in hot pursuit of Mount Mavora until a fall took place, but the only damage to the unshipped riders was an injured thumb by Alists Z. Rutherford when Hil man crashed through the second pimp. Despite a decidedly wintry wind, the spectators remained to the end, and followed the sport with enthusiastic appreciation from start to finish.

THE TALLY HO HANDICAP. Royal Saxon did not show up at the finish of his final efforts last season, but on his best form cannot, by any means, be considered harshly handicapped in the lally-Ho Handicap. He won at Timaru from First Raid and Inevitable, beating both of them well at the finish. In the Tally-Ho Handicap Royal Saxon meets first Raid and Inevitable at 31b worse terms with 201 b off his back, and should beat them again. Royal Saxon was giving Rascal 221 b in the Tradesmen’s Handicap, and now meets the latter at a difference of 41b. Master Anomaly won the Empire Handicap with 7.10 from Royal Saxon m third place, giving 161 b to the winner. This has been reduced to 71b over an extra furlong. Taboo does better than his handicap when the weather is in his favour. Admiral Drake went through last season without a win in 17 starts, but managed to gain a place four times. The Chief Ruler gelding was third to Black Duke and First Sight over a mile and a-quarter at Wellington. He was second to Havering in the Members’

Handicap when carrying 7.15, and these were his best performances. Admiral Drake may win, but he looks too close to Royal Saxon, and Francolin has quite enough for a seven furlong race. Rascal was giving her 9'b at the Ashburton winter meeting, and despite the latter’s winning form at the Grand National meeting meets Francolin at 81b. Dulenjs a promising sort, who scored two wins m his first season. He won the Nursery Handicap at Wellington with 8.4 in 1.14, and by way of comparison it may be pointed out that Compensation won on the same day with 7.8 in 1.135. and True Shaft with 8.12 in 1.135. It will be teen that Dulen put up a good gallop when he won at Trenthani. Lord Argosy won the Middle Park Plate with 7.11 in 1.12. and later in the day Hot Tea won with 7.1 in 1.10 4-5. _ Lord Argosy is developing, and should improve on past form, but at present appears to have received more than warranted on form. Some Toff, who is receiving weight and a counle of years from Lord Argosy, won six times last season. His last win was in the Southland Handicap with 7.8 from Mount Boa 7.10, Town Major 9.1, and several others. First Raid was one of the unluckiest horses seen out last season, during which he had a rather busy time. He started in 34 races and scored two wins, and in addition gained a place in 19 other starts First Raid may race with more succes.this season, but on form Royal Saxon should beat him again. Still First Raid is a good beginner, and may be more forward than others in the field. High Court was a disappointment last season, but has been dropped in the weights, and 1 of the others Wingatui would be dangerous if she ran to her best form. Last season she ran a good second in the Riverton Cup, won the D.J.C. Stewards’ Handicap, and was third to Mount Boa and Charmaine in the Provincial Handicap. Royal Saxon may start favourite, and Rascal's recent winning form should be a good pull in his favour. Master Anomaly and Admiral Drake may rank next in demand,

A COMPARISON. The list of Australian winning owners during the 1930-31 racing season shows H. R. Telford on top. Last year H. R. Telford headed the list with £26,669, all of which was credited to him by Phar Lap, whom he held on lease from Mr Davis. Telford heads the list again this year, and, as was the case a year a<jo, Phar Lap is responsible for his position. Of the £19,941 standing to his credit (says the Australasian), but £BO of it was won by Phar Lap, the remainder being earned in place money by Polyxena. In addition to that sum Telford sh»red £4BOO with Mr W. J. Davis, won in four races by Phar Lap when they raced him in partnership. It is rather interesting to turn back to the 1906-7 season, when Sir Hugh Denison was racing Poseidon as a three-year-old. That season Poseidon dominated the racing world in much the same manner Phar Lap l is doing now, and he won 11 races and £12,917 in stakes, which was sufficient to place Sir Hugh Denison at the head of the list of winning owners. The races won by Poseidon that season included both Derbies and St. Legers, and the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups. Twenty years later the total value of the races in which Poseidon was successful in 1906-7 was £36,125. The A.J.C. Derby won by Poseidon was worth only £1789, as against £7109 in 1926, and in the intervening years the Melbourne Cup had increased in value from £6326 to £10,198. Two years before Poseidon placed Sir Hugh Denison at the head of the list Lord Cardigan did a similar service for John Mayo, and although Lord Cardigan won the Melbourne and Sydney Cups that season, Mayo was able to top the list with only £8849. These figures enable one to realise the extent to which stakes have been increased in the last 20 years. A good horse in those days was not the money spinner the cracks of to-day have become. It cannot be said the clubs are getting better value for their money than they did in the earlier days, when stakes were much smaller. A FAMOUS MARE. The famous mare Pretty Polly, widely known as the “Queen of the Turf,” died in Ireland recently, at the age of 30 years. Pretty Polly was by Gallinule from Admiration, by Saraband, and in all her races she carried the colours of her breeder, Major Eustace Loder, wlfo owned another famous horse, Spearmint, about the same period. She had a remarkably successful career on the turf, as she started in 24 races and was beaten only twice, her stake earnings being £37,297. As a two-year-old she competed in nine races, and won all of them. Her first outing was in the British Dominion Two-year-old Race, in which she scored by ten lengths, John o’ Gaunt, later a successful racehorse and sire, being third. Later she took the National Breeders’ Produce Stakes, Mersey Stakes, Champagne Stakes, Breeders’ Foal .Plate, Cheveley Park Stakes, Middle Park Plate, Criterion Stakes, and Moulton Stakes. She showed exceptional speed, and won most of her races without being extended. At three years she won the One Thousand Guineas, Oaks, Coronation Stakes, Nassau Stakes, St. Leger, Park Hill Stakes and Free Handicap. This lastnamed event followed a trip to Paris, where Presto II beat her over a mile

and a-half in the Prix du Conseil Muni- ' cipal. She ran four times at four years, winnm» the Coronation Cup, Champion Slakes, Limekiln Stakes, and Jockey Club Cup. As a five-year-old she won the March Stakes and the Coronation Cup, but Bachelor’s Button beat her in the Ascot Gold Cup, with which her racing career came to an end. During her career at the stud. Pretty Pollv produced a number of xvinners, but nothing approaching her own form, though she is the grandam of Spelthorne, a successful performer, now at the stud in New South W ales. Iler eyesight became impaired some time ago, and her teeth were useless; nevertheless, she remained in her paddock, the admiration of all. TOTE STATISTICS. An official statement of totalisator finance for the year ended December, 1930. published at the (Government) stationery office makes interesting reading. Like most departmental productions (says ‘Friar Marcus” in the Australasian) it has been long overdue, and for the mass of statistics a charge of a shilling is made. What one arrives at in the way of matters of public interest, after having waded through the figures, is that the Betting Control Board owe £2.000,000, against which is credited the value of buildings, plant, etc., and that the amount of money at immediate call is roughly £lOOO. Salaries of important officials are put down at £29,000, and working expenses, including wages of operators, clerks, etc., at £255,000. The salaries of the big-wigs are lumped together, and the curious would have liked to know how they are apportioned. The figures are only last year’s, when the board had established offices at only a comparatively few racecourses. And the volume showing for accounts for 1931 will be much bulkier, although the accounts will reveal expenditure in full accord with the much higher receipts. Apparently the board is looking for more money in the shape of loans. Its wants are many. It seeks five minutes longer interval between the races in order to facilitate the present way of paying out; the over-night declaration of runners; and the extermination of all bookmakers save the larger firms who, for the privilege, will pay substantial sums toward the objects for which the board was primarily established. The board wants race stands and enclosures remodelled in order to suit its own operations. The opinion is widely shared that the Jockey Club, certain members of which are, if indirectly, nevertheless connected with the totalisator, are remodelling the beautifully situated July course at Newmarket, pulling down stands and rebuilding them on the other side of the track. A SAFEGUARD. A new type of betting ticket, devised by Mr Edward Emanuel, a director of the English Bookmakers’ Protection Association, has been brought into use to protect backers from fraudulent practices. This ticket, which is handed to the backer after the recording of a bet, has distinctive numerals perforated in such a manner as to render it impossible for the numbers to be tampered with. As an additional precaution, the character of the numerals will be changed every month. Any attempt to alter the numerals into different numbers would result in making them indistinguishable. All members of the B.P.A. will use this type of ticket. •

“ The new device has been adopted to protect backers, especially those outside the enclosures, from being the victims of a certain type of fraudulent practice which has become prevalent,” said a member of the B.P.A. “Many a has gone to his bookmaker to draw his winnings only to find that someone hss been there before him. The fraud is worked in this way. A bet has been made with a bookmaker, who hands to his client a ticket numbered, say 252. A member of a race gang is standing near. On hearing the bet made, he at once makes a small bet with the bookmaker in order to secure ticket number 253, 254, or 255—they are issued in rotation. He removes, by means of an acid, the last of the three numerals, and stamps in a 2 with a pocket die-stamp Immediately the result of the race is known he claims the winnings, if there are any, on ticket 252, the rigntful owner being crowded away from the bookmaker by other members of the gang. When he does reach the bookmaker he is too late.” A PET THEORY. In the Thoroughbred Record of March 21 Becker has again harped on his pet subject of “ deterioration of the British thoroughbred,” to which the Californian breeder Mr Harry Sharpe replied in the issue of June 27 to the following effect: — “ I presume that the dictum that constant dripping will wear away a stone explains the fact that Fr. Becker’s reiteration that the British thoroughbred has deteriorated and is ripe for the label of ‘ Ichabod ’ was beginning to undermine my faith and my pride in my country’s bloodstock. But Twenty Grand’s convincing win in the Belmont Stakes has restored my confidence. I gather that Fr. Becker attrib utes the alleged deterioration to the St.

Simon, Bend Or, Hampton, Isinglass (Isonomy) accumulators.” Mr Sharpe then gives the pedigrees of Twenty Grand, Mate, Jamestown, and I Gallant Knight (a quartet of America’s | best performers at present), as well as j that of the crack English three-year-old ! Cameronian, and points out that all have ■ a , n abundance of this “ accumulation ” of I the four sires mentioned. He then concludes; “The above data would seem to indicate that the critic’s contentions re the deterioration of the British thoroughbred and the cause thereof hardly square with the facts.” Anyone with an elementary knowI ledge of breeding knows that studmastera i consider the imported horse makes a better sire than the native-bred sons of those wonderful mares Er. Becker is so fond of writing about. And the result ot the Kentucky Herby (America’s most coveted classic) proves conclusively that the importer of sires has'the best end of the argument of recent years—ever since Becker became a contributor to the thoroughbred Record. Now, if the British thoroughbred were on the down-grade, why do their progeny prevail over the native-bred Americans? IN A NUTSHELL. The Night Raid mare Night Attire is now in R. C. Reed’s stable. • mare All Smiles is now in G. I ending's stable. The Solferino gelding Filosol is now being trained by A. E. Didham. Bonrose has been retired to the stud, and will visit Lord Quex. D- P- Wilson has been working his horses at Mosgiel Park for the past few weeks. During the Otago Hunt Club’s Point-to-point meeting an opportunity was taken to school Guncase. Royal Saxon is the pick of the weights of those engaged in the Tally-ho Handicap. Track work at Wingatui has not so tar supplied much of a line to any horse’s chance at the Otago Hunt Club’s meeting. The nominations received for the New Zealand Cup total 49, or two more than last year. who ran second to Nightiitarch in the New Zealand Cup, is amongst the nominations for this year's race. ° Handicaps for the first spring meeting of the Dunedin Jockey Club are due on September 7, and acceptances on September 9. Red Racer has always been a lightframed gelding, but during the winter gathered a more than usually robust appearance. Tippling has recovered from the mishap that prevented him from starting on the final day of the Grand National meeting. The four-year-old gelding Bold Brigand has grown into one with plenty of size and substance. He was got by Shambles from Matata, by Sunny Lake. Salmo Salar has not filled out as well as might have been expected since he ran last, but looks in good healthy order for a campaign this season. Shipshape -was schooled over three flights of hurdles on Saturday last, and shaped well, although displaying a tendency to dwell at each jump. On his display at the Otago Hunt Club’s meeting, Koremata has not much chance of winning against the stronger opposition to be met at Wingatui. Heather Lad meets Cultivator on 201 b better terms than when he finished third to him in the Tahuna Steeplechase, run at the Dunedin winter meeting. H. Ellis, who formerly acted as private trainer to the late Sir George M'Lean, is a<rai n training at Wingatui, where he has El Boa and another in his charge. The Wellington Racing Club hold assets in the shape of buildings and property valued at £123,525, and liabilities include debentures standing at £94,000. Mr A. H. Fisher has allowed Bachelor’s Idol and Bold Brigand plenty of time to furnish and mature, and both should prove more than useful this season. J. Andrews, who has been out of the saldie for about 12 months, as a result of his accident, is again riding work at Wingatui. Local stables are represented in the Zealand Cup by the nomination of Blake Duke, Salmo Salar, Admiral Drake, Red Racer, and Glenrowan. Laughing Prince is again included in the team trained by L. Morris, who also has Cadland, Consent, Count Palatine, and some youngsters. Heather Lad had a good school and solid working gallop when he won the Point-to-Po mt Steeplechase on Saturday last. He pulled up well after going over three miles. .J I ’®. Racing Club paid 100,744 1/s Id taxation on last season’s racing, and lost £5939 8s Bd. Such figures should convince the Government that such a state of affairs cannot continue.

Bachelor’s Idol has wintered well and developed into a nice cut of a filly. She has been granted every opportunity to .furnish, and the patient treatment appears likely to produce good results. Adding Admiral Drake to the list ot geldings may make him more reliable as a racehorse. He has done well since coming to Wingatui, and may show up at the spring meetings. The Ashburton Racing Club made a profit of £lO3 8s 2d over the four days’ racing held last season. Since splitting their permits into four single days’ racing the club has been able to “ hold its own.' Ammon Ra has fully demonstrated the retention of his pace by winning in Australia, and his racing should tune him up for the more important engagements ahead.

Pink Paper, the brother to Pink Note, does not appear to have grown a great deal, since he was last seen in publie. He is built on more compact lines than Pink Note, and a different type to the latter.

Silver Peak, the dam of Silver Paper, has been booked to Nightmarch. Silver Peak was both brilliant and a sound stayer, and should produce well to the well-performed son of Night Raid and Marsa.

A nomination of 49 for the Ntw Zealand Cup must be deemed Highly satisfactory, and although the list contains what appears to be somewhat ambitious entries, it is pleasing to note how well owners supported the race despite a big cut in stakes. Solmuri is big and robust in condition, and on appearance should be found making amends for past defeats. He did not gain a place in seven starts last season, and there is a doubt about his courage, but he gallops well on the track. There is a strong movement in England against the imposition of an extra land tax on racecourses. It is held that every racecourse is taxed up to the hilt at the present time. It appears that land used for a racecourse cannot be worked for agricultural or any other purpose. The Auckland Cup winner Malaga showed a strong reluctance to line up for the start of the Open Point-to-Point Steeplechase on Saturday last, but finally went away with the rest of the field. Malaga disappeared in the first round of the country. Owners made a satisfactory response with nominations for the first spring meeting to be held by the Dunedin Jockey Club. There was a particularly good response to the September Steeplechase, and the balance of the programme promises to supply good fields.

Granada (Limond —Graciosa), Peter Jackson (Nigger Minstrel—Left', Croupier (Surveyor—Pellet), King Colossus (Colossus —Queen Elizabeth) and. Dulen Valkyrian—Whitianga) make a much stronger entry than usual with three-year-olds in the New Zealand Cup. A Derby market is established (says a Sydney writer), but Ammon Ra is favourite at a very short quote; in fact, down almost to buy-money odds. If no worthyrivals develop, it will be hard to bach Ammon Ra for the classic, for any furtner success will make him an odds-on chance. The Aga Khan recently sold his St Leger winner, Salmon Trout, to a syndicate in England. That horse is now to do stud duty at Pibworth Stud Farm, near Aidworth, at a fee of £l5O, half of which will be returnable if the mare does not prove in foal.

We have learnt of Late years (says a Sydney writer) to treat anything in the shape of a horse from New Zealand with a good deal of respect, and it may be only as a precautionary measure that the ring has shortened the price of the Metropolitan candidate Vali by almost a third, and he is now within a couple of points off Waterline and The Dimmer. A writer in The Times (London) said that the Newmarket meeting, at the commencement of last month, at least five bookmakers on the rails between the private stand and the principal ring turned over individually more than the whole of the totalisator on that day. He added that under present conditions there is no hope of this turnover being transferred from the ring to the totalisator.

That it was not too optimistic to forecast a brighter future for the turf in South Australia was the statement of Mr S. J. Jacobs, acting chairman, at the annual meeting o* the S.A.J.C. There had been a great improvement in totalisator figures at recent meetings. Though the club was committed to another £lOOO Derby, the committee expected to avoid a deficit this year.

Plenty of warmth and sunshine considerably assists the preparation of a horse, but there has been a minimum of both at Wingatui during the past week. Bad weather does not, however, continue for ever, and it is to be hoped that trainers will have the benefit of a fewdays’ fine sunshine before saddling their horses for the Otago Hunt Club’s meeting.

It is seldom that a backer has the luck to pick a winning treble, but recently at Flemington a well-know-n follower of racing practically struck two trebles. He backed Pitoota, Hathalie, and Royal Barb for £4OO. and Pitoota, Patriotic, and Royal Barb for £5OO. He received only £2OO for the first wager, owing to Hathalie dead-heating-with Sally’s Robe, so that for a small outlay he received £7OO.

According to figures compiled by Mr C. E. Robertson horses bred in New Zealand w-on 250 races in Australia last season, and approximately £lOO,OOO in stakes. The principal stallions contributing to the above total includes Night Raid 27,44950v5, Limond 16,93150v5, Chief Ruler 676250v5, Tea Tray 533750v5, Romeo 5040sovs, Grand Court 476050v5, Lord Quex 426650v5, Paladin 334350v5, and Paper Money 319550v5.

It is reported that the largest amount for which a double for the Cups has been backed this year is £lOO,OOO. The horses are Sartaress and Norman Crow. And the outlay probably was the smallest laid out by a backer! This huge sum was laid a few days ago by a Melbourne bookmaker to a country client. Sartaress is a failhandicap performer, but Norman Crow has raced only once, having been unplaced in the Trial Three-year-old Handicap at Geelong.

As an outcome of the deputation of the Owners, Breeders, and Trainers’ Association to the V.A.T.C. Committee, the training charges for grass gallops will almost certainly be reduced. It is hard on a trainer with a big team to have to pay 5s for each horse that he works on the grass, in addition to £1 a quarter. One trainer of 22 horses paid £BB for ordinary track fees, besides fees for grass gallops. He .has worked as many as 10 horses a day on the grass.

. The danger of going into a jump when giving ground to a big or better jumper was again, illustrated at the Otago Hunt Club’s Point-to-Point meeting. Heather Lad was showing the way to Rosetborne and out-jumping the latter. Rosethorne went into a post and rail fence with Heather Lad, who had less than a length advantage. They took off together, and Rose horne fell and broke his -neck. J. Walker, who had the mount on Rosethorne, escaped injury. The latest mail to hand brings full particulars of the Eclipse Stakes, of 10,09350v5, run on July 17. The race attracted a field of 11, including Singapore, the winner of last season’s St. Leger. The winner turned up in Lord Derby’s Carleon, a four-year-old colt that started one of the outsiders of the field. Carleon was got by Phalaris from Canyen, by Chancer—Glasalt, by Isinglass—Broad Corrie, by Hampton. Singapore, who started favourite, finished outside a place. Some of the most fancied horses for the big spring events are showing signs of soreness (says Banjo Patterson), and their trainers will have to resort to the water cure—in other words, they will have to swim them —if they are to get them to the post. The swimming business, as an adjunct to training, is in the nature of a last resource, and the veteran Jim Scobie is credited with saying that if you have to swim a horse you may as well drown him; but in some instances it is a case of swim or sink out of the acceptance list.

An interesting feature of the Otago Hunt Club’s meeting is the probable appearance of three imported horses in Lord Argosy, Lord Buchan, and Anne ShnkeArgosy has already the Middle Park plate to his credit, but the. others have yet to appear in public. L nfortunately Lord Buchan is inclined to make a noise, and the fact will not prolong his racing career. He is, however, a beautifully bred horse, rd*l should prove a good proposition for the stud. Anne Shakespeare is a very nice filly of good size, and shows a lot of quality She has a nice even temperament and is a sweet mover in action.

Gainsborough (by Bayardo from Rosedrop by St. Frusquin from Rosaline bv Trenton) is well at the head of the list ot winning maternal grandsires in England this season. The progeny of two mares by Gainsborough won only four races between them, but they gave him a total of nearly £30,000. His position is mainly due to the deeds of Cameronian, winner of three races, including the Derby. Hrs daughter, Una Cameron, is dam of the Derby winner. Carbine’s son Spearmint is well ahead of all the others with ten mares whose stock won 21 races. Spearmint also had a big “lift” through one winner, Brulette. who came over from France and s.-ored .n the Oaks. It is said that trainers at Moorefield have hit upon a strange device which combines swimming and galloping, and allows them to give any “sore” two-year-olds enough exercise to keep them fit without running the risk of jarring their shins or setting up muscle soreness. The scheme is to ride the horse as far as they can go into the shelving beach without getting out of their depth, and then turn their heads for the shore ami gallop them through the water till they reach terra firma. It is not exactly an ideal way to train a horse, but it may save breaking him down on the tracks that are getting harder and harder as the hot weather approaches.

The imported colt Lord Aigosy is furnishing into an attractive looking sort, and at the end of his racing career fills the eye as one that should make good e , Bt ¥ d - , He appears to be a” bit Tally-ho Handicap at 7.12. H:s Middle Park Plate win was scored witn a good deal in his favour rn the shape of both weight and age. The two-year-old Fair Weather was giving over a year in age and 12lb. and Coroner, who gave 71b and ran the colt to half a head, could not win a race in lb starts last season. Lord Argosy may.' however,' prove better than "the handicappers estimate, but, nevertheless, he has received more weight than appears justified by form.

An inside position is rarely a disadvantage on any course, but it is at Epsom (England) over the mile and a-half on which the Derby is run. The rails curve inwards for the first couple of furlongs, at least, and then come out again. In consequence the horse right on the inside actually covers a little more ground than the one drawn fairly wide out, and whose rider makes a straight line for the top of the hill. After the last Derby it was suggested the executive should straighten the rails, “ Augur’s ” comment in the London Sporting Life being as follows:— “ It seems ludicrous, that there should be any favour in the draw for places in a race -where the first turn is not met until half a mite from the start, but one has only to walk part of that half-mile to appreciate that it is so.”

Prices at the yearling sales, held at Newmarket (England) at the end of June and beginning of July were, on the whole, very poor. A great number of youngsters failed to reach the fees paid for siriug them. Sales at less than 50gns were numerous, and they included the progeny of stallions whose fee was 400gns. For instance (says an exchange), 24 yearlings in the estate of the late Mr S. B. Joel were sold, and of these 13 made lOgns to 45gns each. Their sires were Pommern (400gns), Polyphontes (300gns\ Sieyon (£9B), and Glommen (£4B). Of the 24 only five realised more that their sires* fee, and from other studs youngsters by Friar Marcus (£198), Son-in-Law (300 gns), Manna (400gns), Diophon (300gns), Spion Kop (400gns), Grand Parade (400gns) , and Hurry On (400gns) did not return as much as it cost to produce them.

Jockeys engaged in the August Hurdle and August Steeplechase respectively, at Flemington recently, had words of ad-

monition issued to them by the stipendiary stewards before leaving the mounting yard. Apparently the officials were of opinion that in recent jumping races, particularly the Grand National Steeplechase, Australian Hurdle and Australian Steeplechase, a lack of enterprise ad been shown by the majority of jockeys in setting up pursuit of the leading liorse. which was able to register an almost untroubled victory. The general instruction issued to jockeys was that they must not permit any runner to establish an unduly big break. This advice had a marked effect on the manner in which the August Steeplechase was .contested. Though letcott and Night Lark set a fast pace in the early stages, others kept reasonably near them, and Patriotic moved up into third place a mile and a-quarter from home. James Scobie has trained winners of nearly every important event, in Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia. His successes, many times repeated. have extended to Tasmania and even, to Wed Australia (says “Khedive ”). Before he gave up riding, Scobie was second to none as a cross-country horseman. “ What has been the most memorable experience in your life? ’’ I .asked him. Swift as a lightning flash came the answer. “ I was never so thrilled.” said Scobie. “as when, riding Ruby, I beat Tom Corrigan on Kildare at Caulfield in the autumn of 1888. We cleared feme after fence on terms. Tom had me virtually beaten all the way up the straight, but was so overjoyed at the prospect of success that he rode Kildare to a standstill. I kept still until the last stride. The nublic excitement over that race has never been equalled.”

Ten time's W. Duncan has been premier jockey of Victoria. Since he won the Melbourne Cup of 1918 on Night Watch, the little man has had tlirills without number. “ What adventure made the most lasting impression on your mind? ” I asked him (says “Khedive”). He pondered the question from many angles, and at last replied: “ My ride on Manfred in the A.J.C. Derby of 1925 was the most sensational of all experiences. When the barrier lifted he swerved from the insid of the course to the outer rails, and I feared that he was going to jump the fence. When he faced in the right direction Manfred dashed off of his own accord, but' other horses had obtained an appalling lead. To try and overhaul them rapidly would have been fatal. I simply had to ride him a working gallop for half the journev. and did not apply speed until six furlongs from home. I felt that the race was won a furlong further on. No horse ever travelled so magnificently under me as Manfred did that afternoon.”

The debarment of geldings from the 1932 A.J.C. Derby was a factor in reducing nominations for that race to 538 against the original entry of 712 for the Derby to be run this sea; on. The chances are, though, that there will be very little difference in number of starters, and F doubt (says “ Pilot ”) whether the club would lose much by adopting the American practice of closing entries for classic races about three months before they are run. The owners racing as “F, Smithden ” were the greatest contributors to the 1931 Derby, their total being 19. They did not continue their onslaught on the. yearling market, and a modest two is their total for next year. All our N.S.W. owners kept themselves well in hand in the matter of nominations, ownertrainer W. Booth being one of the principal subscribers, and his total is only six. E. J. Watt has a similar number, and they head the list. Victorian owners easily beat ours, J. Wilson having 12 in the race; W Tindall eight, and “Les. Hilton ” seven. L. K. S. Mackinnon has five representatives, and S. Green, who is again taking up racing in Air tralia, four. They are by Verbins, whom Mr Green has always claimed was one of the fastest horses imported to Australia. J. T Jamieson, with six, is New Zealand’s greatest supporter of the race. G. D. Greenwood has four entries.