SPORTING

Southland Times, Issue 19125, 18 December 1923, Page 3

SPORTING

NOTES BY SIR MODRED. Very satisfactory entries have been received for Southland R.C.’s Summer meeting. Acceptances for Gore Trotting Club’s annual meeting are due on Thursday next at 5 p.m. Nominations for the Wairio Jockey Club s annual fixture are due on Friday in Invercargill. Entries close on Wednesday for the Wellington Trotting Club’s annual fixture—£l,9oo in stakes. The Hawk has been allotted 10.0 in the Carrington Stakes (6f.) run at Randwick on Saturday, December 29. An attempt is being made to match In Memoriam (U.S.) and Epinard (French) on a grass course in France. Jockey A. J. McFlinn will ride the topweight Pavo (9.0) in the Auckland Racing Club’s Railway Handicap (6f.). Deucalion (8.7), Admiral Codrington (7.10) and Little River (6.9) read well in Manawatu Cup, £l,OOO (one mile and a half*. Twelve out of fourteen acceptors in the Great Northern Foal Stakes (Auckland) are descendants of imported English stallions. It is a peculiar fact that fourteen horses remain in each race, G.N. Foal Stakes (two-year-olds) and G.N. Derby (for three-year-olds). The Australian lightweight horseman, B. Rosen, who is now very much in evidence, will ride Boomerday in the Auckland Cup race. For a long time past good things have been expected from the Australian-bred Illumination, who is now reported well in Auckland. Hie northern lightweight. H. Wiggins, who won four races at Tauranga recently, * has been retained to ride Parody in the AJLC. Railway Handicap. On the Southland R.C.’s ploughed circuit on Saturday morning Laughing Eyes and Listening Post moved pleasingly over a six-furlong course. Wellington owner, Mr E. Riddiford, will have a strong team at Auckland, under T. Quinlivan. viz., Quest, Scion, Gazeworthy, Royal Divorce and Glaive (Martian — later). Vagabond is to return to the batten-top-ping game at the Manawatu R.C.’s Summer neeting. The Martian gelding is reported /rell, but he has real weight to carry (11.11).

The Wairarapa district supports racing consistently from year to year and at present over eighty horses are reported to be training in various parts of this N.I. locality.

A three-year-old sister to that good horse Gasbag is to make her debut as Kaohumanu at the Waipukprau Jockey Club’s Summer fixture, a one-day meeting on December 26.

The five-year-old mare Kerb, by Markhope—Fender, who is engaged at southern fixtures, has not started since she finished third (8.131 to Mantua (7.9) and Listening Post (9.6) in the Flying Handicap (6f.) at the Dunedin J.C.’s Autumn meeting in February last. She is a member of D. P. Wilson’s team located at Wingatui.

It may not be generally known, but there are good stakes to be won in steeplechases and hurdle races in America. A syndicate formed in the United States realise this fact, as they recently purchased eight crosscountry horses from the very successful Irish trainer J. J. Parkinson.

Ex-Maorilaiyier, G. Delaney, has a string of nine horses in work at Caulfield including some smart jumpers. His best pupil at the batten game is probably All Aboard, bred by Mr E. J. Watt, a fine big horse who has raced very successfully over the little fences in New South Wales.

W. Bell, at one time a very well known horseman in North and South Islands, was riding again at the Woodville meeting. He promises to be down to a reasonable weight when the Christmas and New Year fixtures come up for consideration.

Deborah, who is engaged in the Maiden Plate at the Manawatu R.C.’s Summer meeting, is a promising pupil of ex-jockey R. Hatch. It was for some time intended to send her to the stud, but Hatch persevered with her and reports state that he is going to be rewarded. She is only a four-year-old and is well bred as a daughter of Martian—Hebrew Maid, granddam of Nones, Menelaus, Wink and Palestrina.

Backers will not be troubled by Kilgour for some time to come. The son of Kilbroney and Angelina moved very scratchily in his preliminary prior to starting at the Dannevirke meeting and afterwards broke down when contesting the principal event.

Local trainer J. Pankhurst may in due course produce a very fair galloper in a three-year-old filly by Nassau—The Spike. She is not being hurried with her work in the meantime, but may be ready for serious business at some of the minor southern fixtures. Nassau’s descendant was a very late foal, hence her late introduction to the work of the training tracks.

According to information received last week in Auckland Hector Gray sailed from London for New Zealand in the Rotorua on Saturday, December 7, and is expected to arrive in Wellington in January. It is said that his stay will be brief, as he is to return to England to ride for Sir Cunliffe Owen. Gray did not do so well last flat racing season in England as in his two previous years. In 1921 he had 100 mounts for. 20 wins, and in 1922 he had 251 rides for 34 wins, but this year he was down to 19 winning essays.

When worked on the local tracks the Buckwheat—Eager Eyes two-year-old filly did not appear to be a companionable equine but since her retirement to give her an opportunity to mature she has found a bosom pal in her dam’s latest produce a foal of Solferino. There was nothing wrong with the Buckwheat filly when she retired from F. Ellis’s string, but her owner desired to give her the benefit of the summer herbage and a chance to grow, as she was slightly on the small side, but not a bad galloper despite this fact.

It would not surprise many Riccarton training ground experts if Parody should carry Mr G. D Greenwood’s colours with honour in the A.R.C.’s Railway Handicap (6f ', a race that calls for speed and stoutness, as she unexpectedly displayed both pace and stamina when stacked up against Razzle Dazzle in the N.Z. Oaks. Her track work has not been of a brilliant nature, but she came out and set the Oaks Stakes winner a task that caused some astonishment to onlookers in general and jockey G. Young in particular. By Absurd from Mimique, by Mimer-Sureto, by Grafton— Maybe, by Splendor—China Rose, by Angler —Nathalie (imp.) there is no reason why R. J. Mason’s pupil should not play a prominent part in the valuable sprint event at Ellerslie under 6.12 and with H. Wiggins in the saddle.

In future applicants for bookmaking membership of Brisbane Tattersails Club (Queensland) will have to find a guarantor for £l,OOO. Evidence is not wanting from

several States of the Commonwealth that the bookmaking fraternity have realised the fact that the totalisator has come to stay in Australia and that this will necessitate ringmen making their financial standing as sound as possible.

Still Sea, who dropped dead shortly after contesting a race at Dannevirke, was a five-year-old gelding by Absurd—Sea Spray, and was trained by A. D. Webster for Mr H. W. Brown. He was formerly raced by Mr B. L. Joll, and won races for the Hawera owner.

At latest advice some difficulty was being experienced in finding a rider for Zouave under 6.7 in the Auckland Cup. However, he still remains in the long race, but he has also been left in the Christmas Handicap (one mile-) on the same day, and in the latter race a 7.7 horseman should be available. On his form at the recent New Zealand Cup fixture, the Martian —Rose Red four-year-old gelding should race well at Ellerslie.

In commenting on the two-year-old event at Dannevirke, “Sir Launcelot,” of Wellington Post, says:—“The surprise of the race was the position occupied by Silver Shadow (Elysian —Baronial at the finish. He is the smallest thoroughbred the writer has ever seen racing. He is said to be a motherless foal, and he certainly looked it.” This little galloping freak is by the sire of two horses raced successfully in Southland, viz., Eleus and Lady Blissful. It is reported from Wanganui that Mr G. Currie is undecided w’hether to send his yearlings to Australia for sale in the Autumn or have them submitted at auction at his homestead. Mr Currie owns the imported stallion Absurd and Limond. WINTON TROTTING CLUB. HANDICAPS FOR ANNUAL MEETING. The following handicaps have been declared by Mr H. A. Pierce in connection with the above club’s annual meeting on December 29: HANDICAP (saddle), novice horses (14m.) —Bell Wood, Ercildoun. Kossalian, Alpha Bingen, Bell Wallace, Winning Point, Railway Chimes, Matilda’s Match, Harvest Queen, Fortune Maid, Homer, Erin Chimes, Sunridge, Christmas Chimes, Canute, Edith Charlotte, Circuit, Bell Harold, Stolen Love, Bayardb, limit; Rose Dale, 48yds bhnd. SOUTH HILLEND HANDICAP (saddle), trotters only (14m.) —Kerrwood Bell, Bessie Mac, Jim Soon, Blue Thorpe, Ora Jay, Marvin Bell, Exotic, Bondo, Engagement. Avalanche, Buck Up, Ulster Maid, Ma Chere, Spoilt Girl, .limit; Billy Moor, 12yds bhnd: Master Peter, Snider, Alpha Wilkes, 24; Kismet, 36; Tipperary, Rodger Wilkes, 48; Exmoor, 108; The Sprinter, 120.

WINTON TROTTING CLUB HANDICAP (harness), 4.50 class (2m.) —Barooga, Glen Wilkes, Lucky Harold, Glen Farg, Hylas, Lou Thorpe, Schoolmate, Miss O’Neill, Dark Rosene, Jean Mac, Pointalena, Quickmatch, limit; Obie M. Wilkes, Passing Shadow, 12yds bhnd; Cottage Girl, Little Rain, Jim Logan, Lucky Dillon, First Toll, Ada Bell, 24yds bhnd; Brown Chequer, Prince Pointer, 36; Clonmel, Norma Dillon, 48; Lenamhor, Downcast, 60; Oaknut, 72.

STEWARDS’ HANDICAP (harness), open (2m.)—Bell Wood, Kossalian, Wallace Chimes, Winkie Bard, Mary Mac, Nellie Derby, Coldstream Guard, Harvest Queen, Chiming Child, Homer, Western Don, Dandy Dragoon, limit; Nihilist Jnr., 24yds bhnd; Dixie Dillon, 36; Menember, McGrath, Bricklayer, 48yds bhnd; Bon Lou, 60; Miss Adonis, 72; Mentor, Eileen Dillon, 84.

PRESIDENT’S HANDICAP (harness*,, trotters only (2m.)—Blue Thorpe, Jim Soon, Ora Jay, Manin Bell, Exotic, Ulster Maid, Young Tom, Bondo, Engagement, Annie Bingen, Avalanche, Kerrwood Bell, Underviewer, Dorinda, limit; Billy Moor, 24yds bhnd; Master Peter, Alpha Wilkes, 36; Kismet, 48; Tipperary, Rodger Wilkes, 60; Wallacetown, 96; Exmoor, 132. SPEEDWELL HANDICAP /(harness), 3.14 class (IJm.)—Miss O’Neill, Master Basil, Dark Rosene, Lucky Harold, Lou Thorpe, Pointalena, Schoolmate, Oakland, Lady Joffre, Roving Don, limit; Greystone, Obie M. Wilkes, Cottage Girl, Lucky Dillon, Ada Bell, Jim Logan, 12yds bhnd; Little Nut, Prince Pointer, Medallius, 24; John Pointer, First Toll, 36; Norma Dillon, 60

MEMBERS’ HANDICAP (saddle), open (Im. 5f.) —Bell Wood, Lady Freeman, Alpha Bingen, Wallace Chimes, Earmark, Winning Point, Kookaburra, (Coldstream Guard, Cameo, Azaleas, Queen’s Own Chiming Child, Northope, Homer, Erin Chimes, Christmas Chimes, Western Don, Circuit, Stolen Love, War Chimes, limit; Tahiti, 24yds bhnd; Dixie John Logan, 24; Bricklayer, Ardlussa, 36; Gala Pointer, Creekbank: Miss Adonis, Rosedale, 48; Meptor, 60; Red Admiral, 84.

FAREWELL HANDICAP (saddle), 2.25 class (Im.)—Master Basil, Glen Wilkes, Stan Wilkes, Jean Mac, Pointalena, Oakland,’ John Wilkes, Lady Joffre, limit; Glen Farg’ Lucky Dillon, Greystone, Passing Shadow’ Quickmatch, 12yds bhnd; Medallius, Little Nut, 24; Lady Embrace, Lenamhor, 36Oaknut, 48. Acceptances close on Friday, December 21. SOUTHLAND RACING CLUB. NOMINATIONS FOR SUMMER MEETING. The following are the nominations for the Southland Racing Club’s Summer meeting on January 2 and 3, 1924: FIRST DAY. AVENAL HURDLE HANDICAP, £2OO dim.). —Blue Socks, Londonderry, Galway Courcelette, Palamon, Cartoon, Blazing Light, Rorke’s Drift, Bill Red Admiral. . ’ MAKAREWA SADDLE TROT, £240, class 3.42 (14m.).—Barooga, Great Count, Lucky Dillon, Sprinter, Oaknut, Red Admiral, Firelight’ Rosedale, Jean Mac, Mentor, Strathlora’ Noiseless, Kingsdale, Verey Light, Aberfeigh’ Golden Nut, Miss O’Neill, Miss Adonis, Medallius, Look Out, Eileen. Dillon, Ardlussa, Ngareta, Darkstream, Bon Lou, Hylas, Lib tie Nut, Lucky Harold, Quickmatch, Moonglow, Van Director, Tahirfe, Lady Joffre, Quo Vadis, Little Rain, Menember. FLYING HANDICAP, £4OO (6f.).—Moorland, Warhaven, Wink, Lovesign, Goldspinner, Uleaborg, Bella Lake, Listening Post, Laughing Eyes, Fairy Ring, Bloom, R;;’ ’ venna, Angelo, Kerb, Morse Signal, Counter- j stroke, Anomaly, Baldowa, Avispado, Rose Lady, Mantua, All British. NEW YEAR HANDICAP, £l5O (6f.). Gold Mark, Wensleydale, The Harp, Side- . light, Gay Gauntlet, Apple Dighton, Wild ' Berry, Stringency, The Parisian, Kyleboa, ' Bright Mark, Beauty Light, Sedna, Moun- ■’ tain Rose, Marmont, Brocart, Elba, Oat- | lands, Obligio, Petal Dust, Red Sol. INVERCARGILL CUP HANDICAP, I £lOOO (Um.). —Royal Star, Sir Otway, Palestrina, Guncase, Lady Bliss- ; ful, Lovesign, Listening Post, Sil- !■ ver Peak, Moorland, Ravenna, Loughrea, Prince Ferouz, Angelo, Kerb, Corn Rigs, Anomaly, General Advance, Silent King, Baldowa, Osterman, Mantua. ORETI HARNESS TROT, £220, class 3.50 (Um.).—Baritone, Peterville, Cameo, Dandy Dragoon, Day Pointer, Homer, free Lance, Kookaburra, Queen’s Own, Te Peka, Northope, Western Don, Wee Spark, Circuit, Bell Wood, Azaleas, Our Nurse, Noiseless, Gala Pointer, Verey Light, St. Maura, Paradox, Bell Harold, Wallace Chimes,’ Landlady, Cheerful Rita, Irish Imp, Dixie Dillon, Sunridge, Divine Bells, Kinness, Look Out, War Chimes, Nellie Derby, Stella Mariss, Winning Point, Bonanza, Chiming King, Ten Bells, Bayardo, Stolen Love, Rothstar, Menember. WAIKIWI HANDICAP, £155 (7f.). Giantkiller, Overproof, Royal Admiral, Markby, Londonderry, Marching Order, Andante, Master Sandstone, Tione, Coastguard, Marconigram, Bonnie Lake, Marmont, S&z

Salvador, Balasor, Maytime, All British, Kilbarry, Prompter. WAIHOPAI HANDICAP, £250 (Im.).— Moorland, Blue Socks, Sir Otway, Guncase, Vice Royal, Lady Blissful, Laughing Eyes, Corn Rigs, Francaise, Counterstroke, Anomaly, King Sol, Silent King, Baldowa, San Salvador, Avispado, Osterman, In the Pink. SECOND DAY. GLADSTONE HURDLE HANDICAP, £2OO (Um.). —Blue Socks, Londonderry, Marching Order, Galway, Courcellete, Palamon, Cartoon, Rorke’s Drift, Slavish, Blazing Light, Bill Turpin, Red Admiral. ROSLYN HARNESS TROT, £225, class 4.52 (2m.).—Barooga, Rollicking Bells, Oaknut, Jean Mac, Miss O’Neill, Medallius, Our Nurse, Eileen Dillon, Hylas, Lucky Harold, Lady Joffre, Kossalian, Away, Little Rain, Dark Rosine, Lou Thorpe, Lenamhor, Bricklayer, Lucky Dillon, Norma Dillon, Downcast, Ada Bell, Cottage Girl, Noiseless, Golden Nut, Look Out, Ardlussa. SHORTS HANDICAP, £275 (6f.).—Moorland, Warhaven, Overproof, Lovesign, Goldspinner, Uleaborg, Royal Admiral, Bella Lake, Listening Post, Laughing Eyes, Ravenna, Angelo, Kerb, Morse Signal, Counterstroke, Anomaly, Bonnie Lake, Avispado, Rose Lady, Kilbarry, In the Pink, All British.

SUMMER HANDICAP, £l6O (7f.). Moorland, Kiantkiller, Overproof, Wensleydale, Goldspinner, Uleaborg, Sidelight, Bloom, Fairy Ring, Apple Dighton, Valdamo, Andante, Master Sandstone, Tione, Royal Wink, Coastguard, Marconigram, Boughleen Dhoun, Snowfall, Incursio, Marmont, Balasor,- Maytime, Obligio, Prompter. •

SOUTHLAND HANDICAP, £5OO (Im. and a distance).—Royal Star, Moorland, Sir Otway, Palestrina, Wink, Lovesign, Guncase, Vice Royal, Lady Blissful, Listening Post, Silver Peak, Ravenna, Loughrea, Prince Ferouz, Angelo, Kerb, Corn Rigs, Royal Wink, Counterstroke, Anomaly, King Sol, General Advance, Silent King, Baldowa, San Salvador, Osterman, Mantua. ELECTRIC SADDLE TROT, £2OO, class 2.28 (Ini.).—Alpha Bingen, Moonglow, Van Director, Great Count, Master Basil, Tahire, Oaknut, Lady Joffre, Queen’s Own, Oakland, Stan W'ilkes, Stolen Love, Strathlora,. Rothstar, Kingsdale, Quo Vadis, Wee Spark, Menember, Aberfeigh, Gladiola, Bell Wood, Homer, Gala Pointer, Rosedale, Bell Harold, Mentor, Landlady, Noiseless, Forestvale, Verey Light, Irish Imp, Bell Wallace, Ngareta, Cheerful Rita, Darkstream, Look Out, Bon Lou, Jattle Nut, Coldstream Guard, Creekbank, Passing Shadow, Quickmatch.

ROSEDALE HANDICAP, £155 (6f.). Giantkiller, Sedna, Gold Mark, Border Knight, Goldspinner, Mountain Rose, Uleaborg, Balasor, The Harp, Sidelight, Brocart, Bloom, Elba, Fairy Ring, Oatlands, Valdamo, Maytime, Eaton Bells, Obligio, Red Sol, Markby, Andante, Petal Dust, Wild Berry, Master Sandstone, Tione, Morse Signal, Stringency, Marconigram, The Parisian, Soltoe, Bright Mark, Bonnie Lake, Kyleboa, Beauty Light, Sunlit. FINAL HANDICAP, £275 (Im.).—Royal Star, Blue Socks, Sir Otway, Wink, Lovesign, Avispado, Osterman, Mantua, All British, In' the Pink, Guncase, Vice Royal, Royal Admiral, Lady Blissful, Laughing Eyes, Royal Wink, Corn Rigs, Francaise, Counter Stroke, Anomaly, King Sol, General Advance, Silent King, Baldowa, San Salvador, Marmont. NEW BRIGHTON TROTTING CLUB. CONCLUSION OF SUMMER MEETING. DECREASED TOTALISATOR RETURNS. (Special to the Times.) CHRISTCHURCH, December 17. The weather was fine for Anniversary Day and there was a good attendance for the concluding day of the New Brighton Trotting Club’s popular Summer meeting. The track was in good order and there was some very keen and exciting light harness sport. The square trotter Whispering Willie, who displayed good form on the opening day registered a brilliant performance in winning the New Brighton Trotting Handicap for his lady owner. The totalisator investments for the day were £26,630 10s, as compared with £36,813

last season, when the fixture concluded on a Saturday. The total amount handled for the meeting was £53,974 10s, as against £57,911 at the corresponding gathering last season, a decrease of £3,936 10s. Results: INNOVATION HANDICAP (harness), £125. Class 3.40. One mile and a half. C. Curham’s b g Lord Bingen, by Nelson Bingen—Tarantula’s Child, 4 years, 12yds behind (G. F. Robinson) .. 1 Priscilla .Dean scratch 2 Tarzan scratch 3

Also started—Awamoa scr, Merry Logan scr, Doris Dillon scr, Houdini scr, Passionwood scr, Miss Babs scr, Bill Rich scrs Gala Pointer scr, Eileen Dillon 12yds, Golden Peter scr, Axtel scr, Annerley scr, Glaucus scr, Erin’s Royal scr, Locanda Child scr, Dome scr, Gwen Leigh scr, Homestead scr, Eliza Dalton scr, Stunt Artist 12yds, Hackthorne 12yds, Ozier Beauty 24yds, St. Fillan 24yds, 010 36yds, Wyoming 36yds, Rosie Nut 36yds, Riot 48yds. Won nicely by three lengths, seven lengths between second and third. Time, 3min 32 3-ssecs. ( SHIRLEY HANDICAP (harness), £lB5. Trotters only. Class 3.50. Two miles. M. and J. O’Brien’s ch h Worthy Bingen, by Nelson Bingen —Bertha Bell, aged, 72yds behind (W. J. Tonikinson) .. 1 Merry Peter 12yds behind 2 Theseus 48yds behind 3 Also started—Erl Derby scr, Mushroom scr, Joyful 12yds, The Toff 12yds, Pieter Timmerman 24yrs, Our Lady 24yds, Wild Hebe 24yds, Tiny Moon 60yds, St. Anthony 72yds, Young Blake 96yds, Marietta 96yds, Gay Wilkes 96yds. Won by two lengths, half a length between second and third. Time, 4min 48 2-ssecs. WAIMAIRI HANDICAP (harness), £5OO. Second £lOO, third £5O. Class 4.36. Two miles. T. H. Ivey’s b h Wild Thyme, by Wildwood Junior —Lily F., 6 years, 48yds behind (J. N. Clarke) • • ■ • 1 G. Hiscox’s b h Earl Derby (Australia), 4 years, scr (B. Jarden) 2 W. L. Milne’s ch g Coldwater, aged, scr, (G. Reed) 3 (Winner trained by J. N. Clarke.) Also started —Event scr, Royal Oak scr, I Elite 12yds, Asturio 12yds, Star Queen 124yds, Emperor 24yds, Lady Joan 24yds, I Vice Admiral 36yds, Willie Lincoln 72yds, j Logan Chief 96yds, Onyx * 108yds, Vilo 108yds. Won by a length, three lengths between second and third. The backmarkers had too stiff a task on the track and day. Time, 4min 35 4-ssecs. SUMMER HANDICAP (harness), £175. Class 3.33. One mile and a half. M. Moir’s b m Olive Huon, by Wildwood Junior—Alice Huon, aged, 24yds behind (P. Frost) 1 Becky Logan 24yds behind 2 Vera’s* Doll scratch 3 Also started—Nibbidard scr, Malachy scr, Jim Logan scr, Plywood scr, Prince Burlington 12yds, Colchester 12yds, Blue Star 12yds, Eulius 12yds, Energetic 24yds, Waitaki Girl 24yds, Harold Burwood 48yds. In an exciting finish Olive Huon out-stayed Becky Logan and won by a neck, with the third horse three lengths away. Time, 3min 27 4-ssecs. NEW BRIGHTON TROTTING HANDICAP (harness), £350. Trotters only. Class 3.40. Two miles. Mrs F. C. Allington’s b g Whispering Willie, by Woodland Whispers— Gossip, aged, 108yds behind (R. E. Mills) 1 Pete Peter scr /• 2 Dixie Mac 72yds behind 3 Also started—First Fashion 36yds; Native King 48yds. Won nicely by two lengths, third horse a dozen lengths a4ray. Time, 4min 30 4-ssecs. AVON HANDICAP (harness), £225. Class 2.17. One mile. E. Combridge’s blk g Irvar, by Young Irvington—Ardzigular, aged, scr (W. Warren) .. ' 1 Olive Huon 12yds 2 Rorke’s Drift 12yds ;. .. 3 Also started—Prinzora scr, Our Girl scr, Teneriffe scr, Energetic scr, Tauhinu 12yds, Reta’s Greeting 24yds, Ben Dillon 24yds, Idris 24yds. Won comfortably by five lengths, three lengths between second and third. Time, 2min 19secs.

BLACK HANDICAP (harness), £275. Second £54, third £27. Class 2.48. One mile and a quarter. J- J. Kennerley’s br h Pedro Pronto, by Don Pronto—Doris M., 6 years, 48yds (Owner) 1 Fancy Boy 12yds behind 2 Don Wild 48yds 3 Also started—Trooper Dillon 12yds, Sir Henry 24yds, Emperor 24yds, Loganwood 36yds, Realm 60yds. Won by three lengths, a length between second and third. Time, 2min 47secs. FAREWELL HANDICAP (saddle), £2OO. Class 2.17. One mile. A. E. Messervey’s b g The Rook, by General May—Lady Hope, aged, scr, (Owner) 1 Irish Eyes scr .... .. 2 Reta’s Greeting 24yds behind 3 Also started—Prinzora scr, Henry Tracey scr, Landlord scr, Copa de Oro Junior scr, Tiranua scr, Xavier 48yds, Dalnahine 12yds, Glen Mavis 12yds, Rorke’s Drift 12yds, King Karri 12yds, Phil Smith 24yds, Progress 24yds, Ben Ohau 36yds. Staying on well in a keen finish The Rook prevailed by a neck, two lengths between second and third. Time, 2min 17 2-ssecs. CRICKET. SCHOOLS’ MATCH. (Per United Press Association.) DUNEDIN, December 17. The annual cricket match between Otago Boys’ High School and Christs’ College, commenced to-day in beautiful weather, with a fine wicket. The School, in its first innings, made 172 (Rodger 37, Wilson 28, Tyson 24, Allan 16, MacDonald 13, Pryde 13, Priest, not out, 11 and Young 10). Sugden took four wickets for 52, and Hartley Smith five for 67. The College have lost four wickets for 203 (Lester 64, Miles 44, Hamilton, not out, 51, Hiatt 19 and Jackman, not out, 16). TENNIS MATCH ABANDONED. (Per United Press Association.) NEW PLYMOUTH, December 16. Owing to rain setting in, the final of the doubles match with the New South Wales tennis team was abandoned, the match being a draw, five all. CYCLING LIBERAL INTERPRETATION OF AMATEURISM. SYDNEY, December 17. Spears, the champion cyclist, threw a bombshell into the camp of local amateur cyclists by explaining the liberal interpretation of amateurism in France, rfe says the French amateur, against whom the Australian will compete at the Olympic Games, is constantly competing against himself and the best professional riders in the world. If an amateur wins a mixed race, he does not receive the cash prize, which is paid to the amateur cycling authorities and credited to the winner who purchases bicycles 6 and trophies or pays his travelling expenses to other countries from the sum. Any balance is reserved and paid over to the amateur when transferring to the professional rank. Spears points out that such experience gave the French amateurs a decided advantage over the local men. CROSS-COUNTRY RACE. A WIN FOR OXFORD. LONDON, December 16. In the inter-Varsity cross-country seven and a half miles race, Oxford beat Cambridge.