TURF TOPICS.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LII, Issue 1701, 17 April 1926, Page 7

TURF TOPICS.

j FIXTURES—RACING. April 'ls, 17—Wellington E.C. jAffrif 21, 22—Manawatu R.C. , April 22—Waipapakauri R.C. April 24—Whangarci R.C. April 29, Mov I —South Canterbury j.c: April .10, May I—Hawke’s Bay J.C. May 1, .I—Waikato R.C. May f>.—Waverley E.C. TROTTING. April .17—Ellcsinere V.C. April 17—Cambridge T.C. April 22—Waimato T.C. April 29, May I—Fortuny Park T.C. Archeno scored her first win on Monday, in the Dominion Handicap at Ellerslie. About a dozen starts prior to Monday had. failed to earn her oven a place. t * * * * * White Fang’s recent form should make the Polydamon—Natalite gelding the object of much interest in the remaining engagements of the season. He is well booked up, and seems to thrive on racing. * * * * .1. Preston, rider of Daddy’s Girl in the Waikumete hurdle race at the Avondale meeting, had his collar-bone broken in the fall at the last jump, while W. Rowe, who rode Mangahewn, and was spilled off at the second hurdle, sustained concussion. Both were removed (o hospital. *• * • % 'The apprentice rider T. Green, who is attached to the stable of R. Hatch at Awapuni is having a successful run at the present time. He was in particularly good form at tho Avondale fixture and on Monday piloted the winners of the two principal handicaps. * * * * The Ilawera Club arc talking of spending about £.IOO on the trotting track and putting a fence around the inside grass track. This will be a boon for the local trainers, as in the past it has been troublesome with sheep straying on the track when horses have been working fast. * # * • The Wellington Racing Club members must have suffered a disappointment when the handsome stake allotted to the Bt. Leger on Thursday failed to draw more than two contestants. Similarly, the public could not be expected to take any great interest. in the straight-out match between Star Stranger and Catcall. * * * * A number of New Zealand racing men who have been attending the Randwick meeting and the Sydney yearling sales arrived back by the M’aungunui '• on Tuesday. Amongst them were Messrs. A. McDonald, E. Russell, W. J. Jorgensen, W. R. Kem•ball, and W. Hume. Nine yearlings which’wore purchased by Messrs. McDonald, Jorgensen ,and Komball were brought over on the' same steamer. * * * * The rejection of the entry of Royal Tea for the Easter Stakes because the youngster liad skin disease indicates a firm policy by the A.J.C. in regard to checking the spread of such troubles among racehorses. Further precautions are to. be..: taken, by the_ A;J.C. iff^e I 'matter. Measures arc 4,0 be taken to prevent horses so afflicted working on the tracks. This is a necessary, step, as different horses occupy the same stalls, and scrapers are used to remove sweat from horses after working. This tends to spread the disease, no matter how cautious trainers may be. »• * * . Tliere is every possibility thnt W. J. Tomkinson will make an attempt with Minton Derby io lower the existing mile record of 2min. .1 3-ssec. established by Aeron in the 1924 Free-for-All at the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club’s spring meeting. The son of Mnmbrino Derby and Mignonette was in brilliant form at the recent meeting, covering two miles in 4min. 22 2-ssec., and a mile and a quarter in 2min. 40 l-ssec. Minton Derby is held under lease by W. J. Tomkinson, who has communicated with Mr. Griffin, of Sydney, owner of the horse, and something more definite will be known during the next few days. * * * ‘ * Transformer was the public fancy for the Autumn Handicap, being entrusted with about £.IOO more than Tall Timbei, while Gala Day and Desert Glow also had friends. Tall Timber was tho pilot along the back from Gala Dtiy, Charlady, Mosaic, and Miss Vera. Tall Timber held his position across the top, being well clear of Gala Day, Mosaic, Miss Vera, Charlady and Desert Glow. After entering tiie straight Muscari, which had been well back, then came, on the scene, and, galloping over everything, beat Tall Timber by a length. Princess Ronnie was a neck away, third, with Gala Day. Transformer, Mosaic, < Charlady and Desert Glow next. * •* # » Criticism has recently been levelled at the size and shape of the trotting track at. Addington, by “Sentinel,” the Dunedin sporting writer. ,Ho declares that, at meeting after meeting, races arc decided more on the luck of the run than on the basis of tho handicap, as the size and shape of tho track can impart a very serious obstacle to a horse which an unlucky run forces,to travel on the out■sidr-.' The critic admits that small tracks have contributed to the popularity of the sport, but contends that the development of speed, and the necessity for more room now that tho sulky has almost completely ousted the saddle from trotting contests, demands tracks of seven or eight, furlongs’ circumference. * *i * * Under the title “A Bottomless Well,” the Sydney Sun prints an article by “Poseidon.” who estimates that the 'public of New South Wales left half a million in the hands of the bookmakers, over the Sydney Cup and other races on Easter Monday. The writer states that, the day will go down ns the worst day tho backers ever had at Randwick, and quotes estimates in support of the contention. There were just over 400 bookmakers operating, and a calculation put their collective holdings on the Cup, including ante-post, and straight-out wagers, at between £150,000 and £200.000. One man is said to have takeiv £B,OOO into his bag on the Cup. The totalisntor handled £.10,408 on

the big race, and the general compu- ■ tation of the bookmakers' holdings is in the ratio of £5 to £L held by the machine. The betting on doubles would account for another £75,000, and this sum would bring the total loss on the Cup to a quarter of a million at least. Prior to the race, Murray King's backers were looked on as mad speculators, and when settling day came round, to quote the words of "Poseidon," "it was pretty one-way traffic." Two noted backers were credited with having lost amounts ranging into five figures. * • * « Among the visitors at Trentham on Thursday, was Mr. C. N. Douclil, of the Calcutta Turf Club. * * * n Riccarton track-watchers are showing interest, in the rccommissioning of Winkle's Best. * * * * Murray King, the Sydney Cup winner, was the biggest outsider to win in tho history of the race. He is said to be a good stayer but a slow beginner. * * * * Kilbronsyth injured himself when racing, on the last day of tho Auckland meeting, and this no doubt caused his withdrawal from the Thompson Handicap. t » # » Mr. Tom Gaffney, one of the partowners of Murray King, the Sydney Cup- winner, was formerly a booking clerk at; the Prince's Bridge railway station (Melbourne). Nowadays he is a. Flinders-lane merchant on a trip abroad. Writing in,the Sydney Sportsman, in referring to the Auckland gelding Royal Tea, Mr. A. B. Patterson says he can develop a terrifically long stride, and when stretching out reminded some of the old-timers of Mountain King, who will be remembered ns a winner of dual Derby honors. * * * * Suspicion has rested for some time upon the respiratory organs of Victory Bond, and tho Paper Money filly has been thrown out of, work. Victory Bond has shown the speed that characterises most of the Paper Money progeny, but owing to the wind trouble will probably make no further appearances on the course. Charlatan, gave a fine exhibition of jumping in a school over seven of the steeplechase fences at>Riccarton recently (says the Star). He is in good order for the winter campaign, and he should race well in some of the early crosscountry events. Ho may have" his first race at the South Canterbury Jockey Club's meeting, at the end of this month. * < « * Though Germany has not always been able to acquire by purchase Englishbred horses for use as sires, tall figures are connected with recent transactions in that respect by their agents. According to a statement made in answer to a ques. tion in the Prussian House of Representatives, the sum involved in the purchase of the stallion Poisoned Arrow was £30,000. Poisoned Arrow was got by the English Derby winner Spearmint, and ho ranks as a grandson of Carbine. ... WINDBAG'S RECORD. WINS £31,576 IN STAKES. ' When Windbag- set out to contest tho A.J.C. Plate at Randwick last Saturday it marked his 30th. race and in leading the Hold home for the second year in succession in the long-dis-tance weighf.-for-age race he must bo" accounted to have wound-up hisfoiir-year-old career most .attractively (writes "Phaeton.") Windbag's winnings in stakes now amount to £31,57(3,which .gives him fourth place iii the list of Australian -winners. A feature of Windbag's record is that in the 30 races he has contested to date he has captured prize-money on no less than 22 occasions. The following is a record of the placed performances registered by Windbag:— At Two Years. £ First Canterbury Park Nursery Handicap, 5 furlongs .. .. 134 First A..T.C. Nursery Handicap, one mile .. .. \ .. 754 At Three Years. First; A..T.C. Warwick Farm .".- years-old Handicap, (5 fur. 506 First Mooreficld Welter, 1 mile 174 Second A.J.C. Warwick Farm Chipping Norton Stakes, H miles .. .. ... .. 200 First A.J.C. St. Leger Stakes, 1j miles .. .. .. .. 2411 . Second A.J.C. Sydney Cup, 2 miles .. .. .. 1200 ! First A.J.C. Cumberland Stakes, ' 1 13 mile.- .. .. .. 1488 First A.J.C. Plate, 2} miles .. 1477 I First A.J.C. New Mexico Stakes, G furlongs :. .. .. 493 ' At Four Years. First Tattersall's Chelmsford J Stakes, 9 furlongs .. .. 10(12 ] First A.J.C. Spring Sta,kes, H J miles .. .. .. .. 1955 ! First. A.J.C, Craven Plate, 1} ! miles .. .. '.. .. 2340 First A.J.C. Itandwick Plate, 2 miles ..... .. 1912 Third V.Ii.G. Melbourne Stakes, , 1 i miles 150 First V.R.C. Melbourne Cup. 2 miles .. .: .. 10.415 Second C. R. Fisher Plato. .. .100 Second Pawson Stakes .. 120 First Chipping Norton Stakes, 1} miles .. .. .. 750 First A.J.C. Autumn-Stakes, 1J miles .. .. .. .. 1795 Second Cumberland Stakes, 12 miles .. .. | .. ■'•.'.'; 400 First A.J.C. Plate, 2} miles .. 1450 ; The luck involved in the purchase of yearlings is strikingly exemplified in the ease of Windbag. In the autumn of 1923 the colt figured among a draft sent up for salo by Mr. P. Miller, owner of the Kia Ora studi Few of those at the ringside took part in the bidding when the Magpie colt was in. the ring and he fell to the bid of Mr. 1. G. Duncan, of Wellington, at 150 guineas. An inspection of the colt after he left the sale qaused Mr. Duncan to have doubts as to the value of the youngster and he resold him within a short period to Mr. R. Miller for a sum something like that at which he was knocked down by the auctioneer. Mr. Duncan was acting as commissioner for a well-known Auck-

land sportsman atthe sale, and it is unnecessary to indicate on which side the luck' operated on that autumn day in .1923 when a colt destined to win great fame bought at Randwick for 150gns was resold within the space of a few hours at a like figure. GPEATNESSOF HEP.OIC. . Heroic is thoroughly entitled to rank in great company, with Carbine, Malua, Wakeful, and Windbag, as a horse capable of starring equally over a sprint course and a distance (states the Sydney Sun). Not one of the others has excelled his feats of winning a Newmarket with 9.5, and beating a champion at w.f.a. over a mik» and three-quarters within six weeks. Moreover, he was only deprived of victory in the Sydney Cup by the merest mischance.

Heroic has completely disposed of the suggestion that lie is not a stayer. If his run in the. Cup was not sufficient Ills victory over AVindbag proved his stamina. No excuses can be made for the Magpie horse. -It has been argued that Pilliewinkie, for instance, has gained an advantage over him by being held back for the last run, whilo Windbag was making his run in front down the straight. On Wednesday, however, Heroic was taken to the front as the field swung into the straight and Windbag was given the opportunity of running him down. But Mr. Miller's champion met a foe with as much pace as iiisj own, and with the stamina which enabled him to sustain his brilliant effort all the way down the long straight. No finer proof of Heroic's greatness is needed. This is his first victory over Windbag. When they met in tho spring Windbag was the master, but it is only fair to Heroic, to point out that he ran at Flemington after a let up consequent upon a filled foreleg, so that he was not at his best. Now ho is.in the pink of condition, and it is a further tribute to his stamina that ho is in such fine order at the close of a heavy campaign in Melbourne and Sydney. Watching Heroic's almost model behavior at the barrier in his later races, and remembering how wayward he used to be,' the reflection is obvious that his present trainer J. Holt, is entitled to the utmost credit for the reform which his patience has brought about. Holt has been at infinite pains to gain' the goodwill of the horse by kindness, and he has surely had his reward. There is'no doubt that the resurrection of Hugh Cairns in the saddle has been in the interests of the chestnut, but unless the way had been paved for him it ,is scarcely likely that he would have found Heroic so much more amenable than ho had been IS. months before.

Heroic, has now won £32,197 10s, and as he. is as sound as a bell he is not unlikely to pass Gloaming's £43,100. With'Gloaming and Windbag's scalps in. his belt no horse is better en'tilled to the premier stake winning honors of the Australian turf.

i i • 11.-'ACCEPTANCES. - (Per Press Association.) PALMEHSTON N., last night. -, ; The acceptances for the h'r.st day,, of- : the ' Manawatiti Racing G'iub's meeting 1 r ave : | , 6:, furlongs :,Ben.zoi'fl- : .B.lo,';Quilirire'B.9, Bonideer, Dobbin 8.0, Minstrel Boy, Salamis 7.9.' Vivcv 7.2. Windy Night. Rapiata, Grand National.. Mountain Jean. Mister lUanip,. Qtauru. Eclipse, Eiirella 7.0. Karere Hwcdles;, Ls< miles e iXukniuai 12.11, Sir Fanciful 11.3, Ebumark 10.13. Puwhero 10.12-,' Dubious' 10.11, Comedy Prince 10.9, Askari 10.8, Sottano 9.12. First Lint-, Matu. Wilmorcaiia, Slump. Moutoa Lady, Blood Red 9.0. prince of Wales' Handicap, 1 mile and a furlong: Nga.ta, Royal Divorce 9.8. Ulenross 9.5. Degage b\9. The Thorn 8.8. Imperial Spark 8.3, ilipo 8.1. Novar 7.13,, Pinthair (including, 101 b penalty) 7.10. Good Sport. ;Gaze. Pbofiux l'ark. Tioga 7.9, Kiwrfit, Kilfaire. 7.7, Lcs Ambus*. ■• Arc-been, 7.6, Modern .7.5, Diogenes 7.3,.DCrLnxe 7*3, ;Allmarimba, 7.L Vaward/.vJiaragozai',.'Crossfire.- . Star-. Area. .Royal diadem 7.0. v .t^r,Mafai:. Handicap. l.<milo:,and 110 vards: Perle l)e Leon (including 51b penalty) 9.5, Othon 8.8. Rangi, Sai-to 8.5. Dubious 8.3. Serenade 7.11. Kilmiss 7.9, Koauan 7.8. Closeitre 7.4, Panart, Capitulation, Singer Boy 7.0. Awapuni Gold Cup, weight for age. 1| mile: Grand Knight, Reremoana, 'Raping 9.2. Count- C'avditr, Gold Light 9.0, Mask 8.6. Linton Hack Handicap. 7 furlongs:, Indian, Sage;.9.9, Brigadier Pill, Anklet B'.l3y.«ereftade,'SaJajrii.s 8.8. /Red .Fuschia 8.4,- -Eden HalL 8.3. Great,' • Day 8.2, -Joveitse, .8.1>.-.Lady psinglass 7.16, • Lin Arlington. Phantasy,'moonface, Superb King, Windy Night, Imperial Purso 7.11. Telegraph Handicap, 6 furlongs: Peneus, Inferno. 9.5. Rational 9.2. Civility 8.12, Merry: Jest (including 101 b penalty) 8:,5, , Oration 8.3, Pool's Paradise 8,2, Beaumont; ■ 8.1,.,;Lbs Ambus, Father O'Flynn 8.0, Arpheen '.7.13, Killocivi, ■ Ka;tii7.9, Santonib'7.7, Misgovern, Quill; J fire, ißtandnrd;VGold Box. Miss liupann <,7.0. ' Sires' Produce Stakes, special weight: Battlement, Front Rank, Lysander, | Limited, Alyson, Seatoun, Commendation. Hyania, Hymgreat, Limerick, Magna. Ciiarta. , waipapakaJ^acceptances. WHANGAREI, last night. , The""fd]lowing,'are the acceptances .fin? the Waipapakaairi Racing Club's m first amra&l meeting, to be held on Thursday, vpn'the Whangarei racecourse:— Maiden Plate* Adjuster, Bizarre, Delightment, Landslip, Master Arch, ! Papatu, St. Lucas, Sulla, Scotfree, | Schorr, Thursby<:B.o, Cheery Girl 7.12.' » ji,' Awanui Hack (Handicap (six furlongs): '' Anrumavis, *Dave 9.3. Rarangi 8.12, Titaness 8.3, Illingar 8.2, Killute, Major Abbey 7.12, Piton 7.6, Winsome Boy 7.4, King Multifid 7.2, Serang 7.2, Te ,Koripoke, Comet King 7.1, Criss Abbey,, ; Dress Circle, Norma Talmadge 7.0. v i Waipapakauri.iCup: Srjoony 8.10,. Joy' Ride 8.6, Passionate 8.5, Charlady, Aiummavis, Sir .Roseberrv 7.12, Right .Land Left, Ural la' 7.8, Dance, Tresillian 7.0. | Kaitaia Hurdles: Archibald 11.8,

Peter Rose 10.3, Kendall 10.0, Arsonc Lupin 9.3, Manihera- 9.1, Ardath, Miss .Line,...Marble* CYa,g,, Manga.hewa;; Sen Comet 9.0. Waiharera Handicap: Hoariri 8.10, Chairman 8.5, Sleepy Sol, Letter of hCredit 8.3, Exactly .7.5, Quinnctte 7.4. ! Afiipara- Hack ' Welter Handicap: I Titaness-9.o,'Maveelish 8.13, Illingar '} B.l2,uKUlu.te: 8.8, ..Wenday 8.3, Arehi cno;j-.,ludge'R Box 8.2, .Merry Ann 3.1, Alonso.i, Bizano! Comet King, Dress Circle, Golden Krish, King Multifid, Thiwsby, Wild. Arch 8.0. Mangomii Handicap: Anrumavis 11.12. Lndv Patience 11.6. Scran.o' Paper 10.13, Lady Lois 10.10, dust Quietly 10.8. King' Multifid 9.12. Criss Abbey 9.3. Bowman, • Clockwork 9.0, Sussex 8.13. Thurnrosae 8.7, Miss Lucullus 7.9, Adjuster, Delightment, Fleetona, Lady Arch, Lucky French, Ma Boughal, Waning Light 7.0. Houhora Welter Handicap:"Jov Ride 0.12/ Passionate 9.10. Anrumavis 9.3. Nippy. Right and Loft 8.13, Lady patience 8.11, Just Quietly, Light wood. Nocturne 8.0. !— ■———-■ ■ ■■