SPORTING

Southland Times, Issue 18929, 1 May 1923, Page 3

SPORTING

NOTES BY SIR MODRED. Wanganui Jockey Club Winter meeting entries close this evening. Warhaven has been engaged in the Ashburton Cup, £375 (one mile and a quarter). Winning Hit. who ran badly this season, is to be spelled during the winter term. Entries for the Forbury Park N.Z. Trotting Stakes. 1924. are due on Friday next at 5 p.m. Red Gown and Clean Sweep are both schooling well over the battens on Riccarton tracks. Light harness trainer P. Riddle is returning to Sydney, but be back in Auckland next season with new horses. Pedro Pronto, Grand Denver and Trix Pointer are all favoured for the leading event at Forbury on Saturday next.

The winner (Correspondent > and second horse (Zouave' each carried 6.7 in Hawke’s Bay Cup, an unusual experience in big races.

North Island critics nominate Vagabond as likely to take a leading part in some of the valuable hurdle races of the forthcoming jumping season.

Jack Arrah has been nicely placed in Prince of Wales Handicap at Forbury Park T.C. Winter meeting, but he has not won a race since January 1, 1921, at Canterbury Park.

Trainer T. Quinlivan. of Wellington, is expected to win a valuable hurdle race for tfr E. Riddiford with En Route (Advance —Ballarat •, a half-brother to First Line.

It is a pity that the Auckland R.C.’s Great Northern Steeplechase fixture clashes with the Dunedin J.C.’s Winter meeting. Otherwise a number of southern flat and croee-country performers m’.ght have paid a visit to the well-appointed Ellerslie convincing ground.

An entry of 32 for the Great Northern Hurdle Race and a list of a similar number of nominations for the Great Northern Steeplechase should assist in spelling success for the Auckland Winter gathering.

Fashion Queen. Marion Neac, Bing Boy, Nell Pointer, and Bismurate will be public fancies in the Flying Handicap (saddle), class 2.18 (one mile), at Forbury Park on Saturday next. The Southland representatives may be Fashion Queen, First Toll and Downcast, all useful, if in the humour.

The new owner of the flying Absurd filly. Epitaph, is Mr L. K. Mackinnon, chairman of the Victoria R.C., who races in a liberal manner.

The two-year-old Ciandhu, who has been racing at the Hawke's Bay J.C. meeting, is described as a good-looking youngster, with speed to burn. He is a well-bred debutant, as he is by Martian—Black Ada, by All Black—Armada, by Torpedo (son of Musket'—Variety, by Natator—Last Chance, by The Pointer—Chance. Ciandhu races in the colours of his breeder, Mr R. A. McKenzie.

By permission of the Minister of Internal Affairs the Horowhenua R.C. has received permission to have an art union in connection with improvements to the’“racecourse at Neraroa. One of the prizes is the gelding,. Parewanui, by Advance—Taratahi.

The colt of Buckwheat—Petal, knocked down to Dalgety and Co. at the Sydney yearling sales, was purchased by Mr G. Fulton, the Canterbury owner. The youngster has arrived at Riccarton, where he will be prepared by S. Trilford. Quite a number of yearlings have this year changed hands at prices ranging from 1000 guineas upwards. Fifty years ago (writes “The Clubman” in the N.Z. Sporting and Dramatic Review' 1000 guineas was considered an extraordinary sum to pay for a baby racehorse in England, but during the last few seasons prices have increased enormously, and the Maximum of over 14,000 guineas was reached a few years back for a son of The Tetrarch— Blue Tit, who failed to distinguish himself. The most notable of high-priced yearlings was Sceptre, for whom Mr Robert Seivier paid 10,000 guineas over twenty years ago, but she proved a veritable gold mine.

The six-year-old pacing gelding Huon Lad, by Huon Drift—Blue Rose, winner of the Riverbank Handicap at the non-totalisator meeting, is reported to be a promising performer, and it is to be hoped that he develops into a payable racing proposition. as his owner and breeder, Mr F. Hickenbottom, of Christchurch, has had a run of bad luck that has seldom been equalled. For a space of about eight years he has been breeding, educating and racing trotters and pacers, and two small races at non-totalisator fixtures have been his sole reward. During this period Peter Bell. Lady Esma, Esmeralda, Huon Lad and other horses have borne his colours. Prior to this extended term of non success he won races with Barmiguie, Esma and other horses. Despite his lack of success Mr Hickenbottom follows the light harness game with enthusiasm and never up in his endeavours to produce winners. The first time he leads in a winner at a meeting where the totalisator operates, it is safe to say that his perseverance will command a rousing reception in Canterbury light harness circles.

The progeny of Mr W. Kerr’s double New Zealand Trotting Cup winner, Wildwood Junr, have won £9107 to date this season. Forty horses of the son of Wildwood have been money-earners, Star Queen, who has not won a race, being his biggest stake provider with £1022. His progeny have won 34 races, been second 36 times, third on 41 occasions, and won money on four occasions by finishing in fourth place.

The acceptances for the second day of the Hawke's Bay Jockey Club’s Autumn meeting were not forwarded to Invercargill by the Press Association agent at Hastings, hence the absence of names of starters and weights from the results published in another column.

In his interesting notes in the N.Z. Sporting and Dramatic Review. “The Clubman,” than whom there is no better-informed expert in Maoriland as to the history and breeding of the thcroughbred in this country. has something of interest to say in regard to recent yearling sales, and the lines from which the youngsters sprang:—‘‘The highest price obtained this season in Australia and New Zealand for a yearling thcroughbred was that given for a brown colt by Comedy King (son of Persimmon and Tragedy Queen', foaled on September 10, 1921, and therefore an early foal. The price was 2600 guineas, and thus beat this season's New Zealand records—headed by The Cypher’s brother at 2000 guineas. Comedy King is entitled to rank as the leading living sire of stayers in the Commonwealth, and it is therefore quite in order that cne of his progeny sho.'ld attract foremost attention from those in quest of prospective Melbourne Cup, Derby and other long-distance race winners. In Victoria, Queensland, New South Wales and New Zealand probably over a thousand thoroughbred yearlings have been disposed of during the last six months at auction, and even with prize-money increasing year by year, and at the present time larger in the Australasian colonies than ever before, 2600 guineas can be regarded as a substantial figure for a very promising young thoroughbred. A very interesting fact in

connection with the colt in question is that he is a member on hie dam’s side of the No. 14 family, of which New Zealand has

possessed so many really tip-top exponents in the past. We have at the stud in the Waikato at the present time at the services iof breeders a notable member thereof in the imported St. Frusquin horse, Day Comet, whose dam, Catgut, produced Violoncello and half-a-dozen first-class racehorses, including three full brothers to Day Comet. Ransom, the dam of the high-priced colt referred to, was got by Radium from Monarda. by Florizel 11. from Lady Loverule, by Muncaster. We can go back to famous Lurline. than whom probably no better mare was bred in the colcnies. for a great female representative of the line, and the stout-const itutioned Natator, by the same sire, Traducer, was one of the most useful stockgetters we ever had in the Dominion. The pages of the stud-books and the turf registers of the colonies show what a good family it has been, but outside of England no yearling member of it has ever commanded such a large amount as Ransom’s son, the honour of breeding whom belongs to Mr Norman Falkiner, one of the leading studmasters in Australasia. The highest price ever obtained in the colonies was for a full-brcther to Poseidon, by Posit ano from Jacinth, daughter of the Auckland-bred Musket horse Martini-Henri, but the colt, who was known by the name of Orcus, was a complete failure—unlike his brother, who was undoubtedly one of the greatest three-year-olds ever seen in the Commonwealth, and his winnings Totalled nearly £20,000. The price paid for Orcus was 3050 guineas. There are always some blanks in these yearling lotteries.”

Misgovern, winner of Handicap at the Hawke’s Bay J.C. meeting yesterday, is a consistent twe-year-old filly owned by Mr F. Ormond. She is well bred, as she was got by King Mark from Parula, by Birkenhead—Maluri, by Malua. She has won three races this season, and has been placed several times in a limited number of starts.

The Egmont Steeplechase has drawn only thirteen entries, but in spite of this there is material to provide a good race.

It would be interesting to know where the information came from, and published in papers other than the Southland Times, to the effect that Frenchman is to be educated for jumping, that Solway has improved in appearance and galloping ability, and so on. It is a crime to steal a man’s firewood or purloin his pay envelope, but it is considered quite the thing in certain circles to pirate the creation of his brain and use them or sell them to other people.

The Okawa Handicap (6f.) decided at Hastings yesterday, was won by the consistent gelding Barrier, by Heather Mixture— Serbia, by Multifid—Lady Cuisine, by Cuirassier—Ladybird. This five-year-old is evidently a galloper above the average, as he has won six races this season out of something like fourteen starts, while he has been in the money on four or five occasions.

Bred in the purple as he is, it is not surprising that Mr C. Elgar’s three-year-old gelding should account for the Burke Memorial Stakes (Um.), the leading event of the concluding day of the Hawke’s Bay J.C. Autumn meeting. He has won five races this season and may add to the number in the near future, as he is racing in better form than ever before. He is a son of the mighty Martian from Rose Bud, by Stepniak—Madder, by Gossoon— Madras, by Chester, and comes from a great family, his dam having^produced Red Rock, Risingham and Raceful, while her maternal ancestor, Madder, gave to the New Zealand turf Madrigal, Rose Madder, Munjeet, Ukraine and Rose Red, all producing daughters of Stepniak, and her sons, All Red and Cronstadt (also by Stepniak) have also sired quite a number of winners, particularly All Red. Under the circumstances, it would not be surprising if Zouave should develop into a very high-class performer with age. HAWKE’S BAY JOCKEY CLUB. CONCLUSION OF AUTUMN MEETING. (Per United Press Association). HASTINGS, April 30. Beautiful weather greeted the second day of the Hawke’s Bay J.C. Autumn meeting. The attendance was good and the course was in good going order. The sum of £21,561 was put through the machine, as compared with £21.173 cn the second day of last year, an increase of £3BB. The totabsator receipts for the meeting were £41,696. as against £40,944 last year, an increase of £752. Results:— KARAMU HURDLES (l?m.)—Vagabond 1. Mountain Peer 2, Powder Kii< 3. Also started—Master Oriflame, Tahunutn. Wen by a length and a-half. Time, 3min 15 l-ssec. APPRENTICE PLATE HANDICAP (Ini. and If.)—Megan 1, Good Mark 2, Queen’s I Ferry 3. Also started—Theic, Slave Mart, i Maunga, Suspicion, Munus, Roamer, Miss [France, Bonomel. Won by a length. Time, I Imin 57sec.

JUVENILE HANDICAP (sf.)—Misgovern 1, Kilris 2. All Gold 3. ' Also started— Orofino, Pati, Ciandhu. Velvet Kina. Won by a length and a-half. Time, Imin 2 4-5 sec.

J. D. ORMOND MEMORIAL GOLD CUP (one mile'—King’s Trumpeter 1. Sunart 2, Kick Off 3. Ako started—Bumptious, Haurangi. Won by a head. Time, Imin 41 sec.

BURKE MEMORIAL STAKES HANDICAP (l]m.) —Zouave 1, Little River 2, Grotesque 3. Ako started—Golden Light,’ Askari, The Speaker, Bonetter, Kaotane’. Won by three lengths. Time, 2min 6 2-ssec. OKAWA HANDICAP (6f.)— Barrier 1. Civilfomi 2, Miss Martian 3. Also started —Chimera, Miss Roseland. Mireusonta. Jcy Ride, Crown Gem. Won by a head. Time, Imin 14sec.

• OHITI HANDICAP (Im. and If.)—Blissfulness 1, Comical 2, Kahikatea 3. Ako started—Orawia, Queen’s Fern-, White Hope, Mosthenes, Rebuff. Kohu. Won by a head. Time. Imin 55 15 sec.

AKITIO HANDICAP (6fJ—Merry' Imp 1, Watchman 2, Lady Gazeley 3. Ako started—Good Sport, Mcreau, The Author, Soliel d’Or, Bezan, Western Boom, Arbitration, Carnbee, Te Wai, Tea Leaves. Won by a head. Time, Imin 15 l-ssec.

FORBURY TRACK.

DRYING UP WELL. (Per United Press Association). DUNEDIN, April 30. Examination of the Forbury Park track at a late hour this afternoon showed that the flood waters had receded and the full width of the racing circuit, with a continuation of the existing fine weather, will be in working order within the next 24 hours. At present the going is quite good and dry within six feet of the inside rail, and as this margin will be harrowed it will soon be fit for training and racing operations. The flood waters did not penetrate beyond an inch or so of the surface and with anything like favourable weather conditions. the track will be in good order for the meeting. This is important to owners at a distance because they may gather an erroneous impression about the state of the going likely to exist for the opening of the meeting on Saturday.

MILE RECORD. HAPPY VOYAGE EQUALS PREVIOUS TIME. AUCKLAND, April 30. Happy Voyage attempted at Alexandra Park to lower the mile pacing record he recently established at New Brighton. The ; conditions were fairly good and the track was in good order, though there was a fair breeze against the horse in the long back stretch. Two furlongs were covered in 30 3-ssecs ; three in 46 4-5; half mile Imin 2 2-ssecs, six furlongs Imin 33 4-osecs and the mile in 2min 4 l-ssecs, which was equal to the record.

CRICKET

THE M.C.C. VISIT. A FINANCIAL FAILURE. CHRISTCHURCH, April 30. At the quarterly meeting of the New Zealand Cricket Council to-night, the chairman, Mr J. S. Barrett, said that they were not in a position to give financial results of Maclaren’s M.C.C. team’s tour, but he regretted to say that it would undoubtedly end in a loss. The figures from Australia and all provinces had come in except Canterbury and Auckland and these two were holding the matter up. The fact remained however that there would be a loss. Oij the whole he did not think any member of the Council would regret the visit. As a result of replies from various associations, it was decided to make an application to the M.C.C. for le3ve to continue with the eight ball over. In reply to the “watered wicket” allegation, the chairman said that he believed that an inquiry had been held by the Canterbury Association and the result forwarded to the Wellington Association. Dissatisfaction had been expressed at the decision and the Council had been asked to deride the matter. It had been agreed to make an inquiry and it was waiting for the Wellington Association to fix a definite date, which would suit that body. Mr Simpson explained that the Canterbury Association had not inquired into the allegation. It had written to the Wellington Association asking it to assist in the matter. Wellington went past 'the Canterbury Association and on to the Council. The chairman said that there had been no formal inquiry. He did not think that they could do anything more in the matter, except to let it stand over.

FOOTBALL

SOUTHLAND RUGBY UNION WEEKLY MEETING At the weekly meeting of lhe management committee of the Southland Rugby Union last night there were present Messrs T. Meredith (chairman), D. Stalker, H. Kilby, P. Scully, G. Fortune, W. Robison, A. H. Stott, W. Carswell, J. Mawson, A. Courtis and Bro. Anastasius. The Waikiwi Club’s application for assistance in the cost of installation of electric light on the ground, which cost £35 15s, was referred to the Finance Committee. The West Coast Rugby Union wrote stating that it would support the Southland Union’s application for the North-South Island match. Transfers were granted as follows: C. Birss and G. Mcßeath, Taieri to Winton; W. Butt, Waikiwi to Star; P. Isitt, Waikiwi to Winton; L. Cameron, Dunedin University to Invercargill; V. Fraser, Upper Waitati to Invercargill; W. H. Beattie, Star to Invercargill; D. Maloney, Marist to Waikiwi.

The secretary reported that the clubs had been circularised with regard to the teams they could enter either on Wednesday or Saturday or both. Two players who were ordered off in the Woodend-Pirates match on April 21, for fighting, appeared before the Union. Both players admitted that the facts stated by the referee were correct. It was decided that both should be suspended for two playing Saturdays. The chairman commended the referee for the firm action he had taken.

The position facing the Union as a result of the recent poll on the half-holiday question was thoroughly discussed. It was decided to .cancel the first grade draw previously published. A member suggested that in view of the serious positiop facing the Union, the Winton Club would be sportsmanlike enough to withdraw from the senior matches, which would have to be arranged till June 1, and that it would give them a chance to reorganise their team, the Union to provide matches for them in the meantime. It was decided to act along the lines suggested and to communicate with Winton.

It was decided in view of the uncertainty regarding the competitions to hold over the mattetr of appointing selectors till next matter of appointing till next it was decided that one member of the selection committee should be a member of the Union-.

The following first grade matches were arranged for next Saturday:— Invercargill v Pirates, No. 1 area 1.30 p.m.

Star v Marist, No. 1 area, 3 p.m. Bluff v Waikiwi No. 2 area, 3 p.m

’VARSITIES MATCH. N.Z. TEAM TO PLAY SYDNEY. (Per United Press Association). WELLINGTON, April 30. Mr Millard has selected the following team to represent the New Zealand ’Varsities in their matches against the Sydney ’Varsities: —Full-back, Robertson (Canterbury) ; three-quarters, Diack, Murray, and MacDonald (Otago). Riggs and Malfroy (Wellington) ; five-eighths, Townsend (Otago), Arkle and Hardy (Auckland) ; half-backs, Brodie (Canterbury), Hopkins (Auckland) ; .forwards, McCullogh, Millar and Drooker (Auckland), C. B. Thomas, Mcßae, Martin, Smith (Wellington), Jackson and Watson (Canterbury), Hart and Stevenson (Otago).

SOCCER

SATURDAY’S GAME. RANGERS (3) v. INVERCARGILL (2). It was ideal weather for the opening matches of the McDonald Cup competition on Saturday. Rangers played Invercargill on No. 1 ground. The game, though lacking combination, was fast from start to finish. Both teams were at full strength, although Invercargill were playing with a few members new to the game. Rangers won the toss, and elected to play with the sun behind them, which was to their favour in the first half. Invercargill were pressing for the first fifteen minutes, with the result that Hobbs, securing the ball, drove hard for goal, thus opening the score for Invercargill. Invercargill 1, Rangers 0. Shortly after Rangers kicked off a good opening was made by W. Cathcart on the right wing who took the ball down the line and centred. Anderson, at inside- left, accepted the pass, and he booted the ball into the far corner of the goal. Invercargill 1, Rangers 1. Rangers were still pressing their opponents when Herricks at right half collided with Blue and Blacks’ goalkeeper, thus stopping play for ten minutes. On resuming Rangers were still pressing when half-time sounded. In the second half, Blue and Blacks’ goal had some narrow escapes, but the goalie eventually secured the ball and kicked to Turrell on the left wing. The latter dribbled the ball down the line and centred, and Hobbs, coming up fast, received the pass and drove a “first, timer” from well out thus registering Invercargill’s second goal. Invercargill 2, Rangers 1. Rangers replied vigorously and with good combination A. Cathcart took the ball before him and put it to good use by equalising. Invercargill 2, Rangers 2. For a time Rangers were kept defending, but Maxwell at right back was safe, and relieved the position by kicking the ball well up the field, where in a scramble in front of Invercargill’s goal a penalty was given to Rangers for hands. A. Cathcart took the kick and drove in a hot shot which gave th#* goalkeeper no chance. Rangers 3, Invercargill 2. Invercargill broke away and a rousing tussle ensued towards half way, but Thom, at left half, relieved the position by kicking into touch. The final whistle blew with the scores still unaltered.

The referee, Mr A. F. Baxter, ably controlled the game. The outstanding feature of the match was the brilliant display given by the Invercargill goalkeeper.

GOLF

AMERICAN TOURNAMENT. NEW YORK, April 30. (Received April 30, 9.5 p.m.) Hutchinson and Barnes won the second day’s matches in the series arranged between the winners of the British open and amateur championships and the corresponding American championships. They had the lowest team score of thirty-six holes, and Barnes had the lowest individual score of 152.