SPORTING

Southland Times, Issue 20228, 13 July 1927, Page 10

SPORTING

NOTES BY SIB MODRED. New Zealand Racing Conference tits to-day. Wellington R.C. Winter meeting continues to-morrow. N.Z. Metropolitan T.C. entries close at noon on Thursday. Sotrth Island nurdlers did well at Trentham yesterday. Dunedin Jockey Club sustained a loss of £937 odd this season. Pacing champion, Great Bingen, is working again after a spell. Southland-bred pacer, Black Admiral, has resumed work. Comical failed badly in the Wellington Steeplechase race yesterday. Maligned South Island hurdlers won ■twice at Trentham yesterday. Australian pacer. Machine Gun, is working well at Addington. Tuki got loose and savaged Bonena on the trip up to Wellington. Prior to the meeting, Captain Sarto galloped well every day on the tracks. While South Island hurdlers won yesterday, they had a pull in the weights. Briffiant square trotter, Escapade, is doing good work at New Brighton. Up a stone for winning the Great Northern Steeplechase, Beau Cavalier scores again. From all sources it is learned that Trentham course is in a very bad state. The success of Bonena wlil give C. Geisler a lift on the winning trainers’ list. Ashburton owner-trainer, J. J. Lewis, is always dangerous with jumpers at TrenA Sydney cable, dated July 12, states that Agrion and Phillipic arrived in good condition. It is safe to say that Kawini will now be keenly fancied for the Grand National Steeplechase. It is stated that Chickwbeat has been specially reserved for the Parliamentary Handicap on Thursday. True to prophesies of his Auckland admirers, Delightment was first home in his race at Trentham yesterday. Kawini has been placed in two Great Northerns, a Grand National and a Wellington Steeplechase—a very unlucky run. Seven sportsmen will go to ballot for four places on the committee of the Dunedin Jockey Club at the annual meeting of members. Masterton owner, Mr A. McDonald, appears to have been very close to a great coup with Rowley at Trentham yesterday. It appears that there was some trouble on. the steamer when-the Dunedin horses were crossing from Lyttelton to Wellington. Tuki got loose and savaged Bonena whose neck he bit severely. In the scramble Royal Head was cut on one of his heels. The following is a copy of a telegram received in Invercargill yesterday afternoon, presumably inspired by at least one of the North Island pressmen who last month broadcasted a horse called Birkenella for the Otago Steeplechase and other races at the DJ.C. Winter meeting, scribes who never go nearer racehorses than the shelter of a grandstand or a free seat in a movie picture show:—“Trentham, 3.5 pjn.: Miss’on, Times, Invercargill —Scamp won — thirteen finished, Scamp thirteenth.—Press Gallery.” This little joke cost the writer ninepence, which will probably be recovered in kind later, with interest, good compound interest added. Wildwood Farm, which is now the property of Mr H. Aker (says Christchurch Sun) is in beautfiul condition. It is the home of the famous American sire, Peter Chenault, whose stock in the United States has placed the hall-mark on this American stallion. When inspected in his comfortable quarters, it was quickly realised that Peter Chenault is a much-improved horse. He has built up considerably since ceasing stud duties last season, and displays that superb quality so noticeable among the aristocrats of the U.S.A. Last year he had an exceptionally big season, and from information to hand it is certain that a very big percentage of the mares are in foal. WELLINGTON RACING CLUB. OPENING OF WINTER MEETING. BEAU CAVALIER WINS STEEPLECHASE. SOUTH ISLAND HURDLERS SUCCESSFUL. SLIGHT MACHINE DECREASE. , (Per United Press Association.) Wellington, July 12. For the first day of the Wellington R.C.’s Winter races the weather was fine. The going was very heavy. The totafisator handled £42,524 10/-, as against £42,940 on the corresponding day of last year, a decrease of £415 10/-. The following are the details of the racing as compiled by “Sir Modred”:— VITTORIA HACK HURDLES, £260; second £4O; third £2O. One mile and three-quarters. 2 A. Murdoch’s br g Bonena, by Boniform—Kiilena, 6yre, 9.7 (C. Dawson) 1 11 P. Delargey’s b g Kaikahu, aged, 10.5, (J. T. Humphris) 2 6 J. McMillan’s ch m Vexatious, aged, 9.5 (A. Hobson) 3 (Winner trained by C. Gieseler, Wingatui.) Also started: 5 Perle de Leon 11.7, 3 Gauntlet 10.11, 4 Lord Star 10.8, 3 Mount Marta 10.3, 1 Potoanui 10.0, 10 Guncase 9.10, 7 Peshwa 9.7, 12 Aberfeldy 9.3, 8 Ramblin’ Kid 9.2, 13 Hyama 9.0. Won by three lengths, with a head between second and third; Potoanui was a couple of lengths further back fourth. Time, 3mm 27»secs. TRIAL PLATE, £260. Special conditions. Two-year-oMs and upwards. Six furlongs. 9 R. Heppner's ch f Lady Limond, by Limond—Lady Laddo, 2yrs, 9.0 (A. Driscoll) 1 3 L. G. Clare’s b g Merry Mint, 2yrs, 9.0 (A. McCormack) 2 1 T. A. Duncan’s b g Avro, 3yrs, 9.11 (L. G. Morris) 3 (Winner trained by A. M. Wright, Foxton).

Also started.—ls Card Trick 10.0, 8 Greengrocer 10.0 (carried 9,7), 7 Romantic 9.13, 4 Waltzer 9.13, 11 Cornstalk 9.13, 10 Fairy Tidings 9.13, 6 Catapult 9.11, 12 Lady Killer 9.11, 16 Propeller 9.11, 17 Glengassy 9.0, 2 Arikiwai 9.0, 18 Radion 9.0, 14 Hannibal 9.0, 5 Catkin 9.0, 13 Aro De Vai 9.0 and Honey 9.0 (bracketed), 3 Quantum 9.0 (bracketed with Merry Mint). Won by two lengths, a length between second and third, Waltzer was fourth. Time, lmin 19|eecs.

FIRST HACK STEEPLECHASE, £260. Second £4O; third £2O. About two miles and a-half. 1 E. L. Riddiford’s b g Banjuke, by Bisogne—Lady Moor, 4yrs, 10.8 (H. MeSweeney) .. .. .. .. .. 1 3 D. McCauley’s b g Hokioi, 6vrs, 10.2 (P. Mcßreartyi .. 2 8 F. Ormond’s b g Kirkwood, aged, 9.0 (W. Bush) 3 (Wiaaer trailed-by F. C. McKay, Marton).

Also started.—2 Woden 11.0, 5 Comedy Prince 10.6, 6 Taitaiata 9.8, 7 Aotea Roa 9.2 (carried 9.5), 9 Maidos 9.0, (carried 9.3), 4 The Curragh 9.0 (carried 9.2). "Won by eight lengths, 10 lengths between second and third. The Curragh was fourth and Woden next. The others fell. Time, smin 46secs. STEWARDS’ HANDICAP, £4OO. Second £80; third £4O. Six furlongs. 1 J. P. Tierney’s b g Delightment, by Catmint—Delightful, 4yrs, 10.1, (J. Cammick) 1 6 J. Lindsay’s ch m Solrose, 4yrs, 9.7 (A. E. Ellis) 2 2 R. B. Hine’s b c King Lu, 4yrs, 10.3 (A. Tinker) 3 (Winner trained by owner, Whangarei). Also started.y-11 Degage 11.2, 14 Oration 10.5, and Hipo 9.8 (bracketed), 5 Nincompoop 10.3, 8 Royal Game .10.1, 16 Gaillard 9.11, 7 Deluge 9.8, 15 Joy Bird 9.4, 4 Nadarino 9.3, 3 Arpent 9.2, 18 Tame Fox 9.0 (carried 9.1), 17 Anthonie 9.0, 12 Gold Box 9.0, 10 Lady Fingers 9.0, 9 Ned Kelly 9.0, 13 Toapaiti 9.0, 19 Pantagruel 9.0. Won by a head, three lengths between second and third, Hipo was a head behind the third horse. Time, lmin 19secs. WELLINGTON STEEPLECHASE, £lOOO. Second £200; third £lOO. About three miles and a-quarter. 2 A. G. Quartley’s b g Beau Cavalier, by Chesterfield—Finland mare, aged, 10.7 (S. Henderson) .... 1 1 H. A. Swaffield’s b g Kawini, by Formative—Miss Winnie, aged 10.12, (A. McDonald) ........ 2 3 H. Tupaea’s b g Crown Coin, by Crown Imperial H, —Rouble, aged, 10.4 (W. J. Bowden) 3 (Winner trained by S. Tooman, Remuera). Also started. —6 Comical 11.4, 7 Wedding March 11.0, and Royal Abbey 9.4 (coupled), 4 Tuki 10.6, 9 Zircon 10.3, 5 Scamp 10,0, 8 Omahu 9.6, 14 Dick 9.5, 11 Bonny Rill 9.2, 10 Birkenella 9.0 (carried 9.2), 12 San Forte 9.0 (carried 9.01), 13 Sir Wai 9.0. Won by six lengths, two lengths between second and third, Tuki was another four lengths back fourth. Comical and Birkenella did not complete the course. Time, 7min 25secs.

TRENTHAM HURDLES, £400; second £80; third £4O. One mile and three-quarters. 4 J. J. Lewis’s ch g Wharncliffe, by Thurnham—Takahau, aged, 9.12 (A. E. Ellis) 1 1 John Paterson’s b g Royal Form, syrs, 10.9 (W. Bowden) 2 2 Mr J. Bull’s b g Brigadier Bill, aged, 10.4 (A. McDonald) 3 (Winner trained by owner, Ashburton). Also started.—s Koauau 10.5, 6 San Pedro 9.5, 8 Rahepoto 9.3 (carried 9.34), 3 Kamehameha 92, 7 Captain Sarto 9.0 (carried 9.2). Won by five lengths, two lengths between second and third, San Pedro was fourth. Time, 3min 27 isecs. WHITE MEMORIAL HANDICAP, £5OO. Second £100; third £5O. One mile. 14 S. G. Davidson br g Nukumai, by Manchineel—St. Clements mare, aged, 9.12 (W. Bowden) 1 13 R. B. Hine’s b m Queen Arch, 4yrs, 9.0 (A. Tinker) 2 6 V. Riddiford’s b g Indian Sage, 4yrs, 9.6 (B. H. Morris) 3 (Winner trained by A. M. Wright, Foxton). Also started. —2 Sun Up 10.8, 8 Shining Armour 10.6, 9 Merry Damon 10.5, 1 Master Doon 10.5, 12 Mint Leaf 10.3, 3 Black Mint 10.1, 11 Tresham 10.1, 4 Alloway 9.8, 17 Huikai 9.3, 10 Rouex 9.3, 15 Killoch 9.2, 7 Fairy Herald 9.0, 16 Miss Hupana 9.0, 18 Outfit 9.0, 5 Royal Mint 9.0. Won by three lengths, a head between second and third, Merry' Damon was four lengths away fourth. Time, lmin oOteecs. TE ARO HANDICAP, £260. Second £4O; third £2O. Seven furlongs. 13 J. Elieray’s ch m Horomea, by Quarantine —-Harmea, syrs, 10.10, (F. C. Collett) 1 18 A. McDonald’s b g Rowley, syrs, 9.12 (R. S. Bagby) 2 3 F. I. Hunt’s b g Te Kawana, 4yrs, 9.5 (C. Davies) 3 (Winned trained by E. T. Yuile, Levin). Also started.—7 Waicullus 10.13, 4 Merle 10.10, 1 Mister Gamp 10.2, 6 Coot 10.2, 14 Cerf 10.0, 11 Highflown 9.12, 12 Bronstell 9.10, 9 Wild Work 9.10, 5 Denier 9.10, 16 Raukura 9.8, 10 Sir Moment 9.7, 3 Royal Head 9.0 (coupled with Te Kawana), 15 Anolo 9.0, and Mountain Jean 9.0 (bracketed), 2 Piperenzo 9.0, and Thurnus 9.0 (bracketed). Won by a nose, a length between second and third, Cerf was fourth. Time, lmin 37isecs. COMMENT ON THE RACING. THE WELLINGTON STEEPLECHASE RACE. BEAU CAVALIER SCORES EASILY. SCAMP TIRED BY THE WAY. WHARNCLIFE WINS EASILY. (Special to the Times.) Wellington, July 12. The Wellington Racing Club’s Winter meeting was opened to-day in fine weather and in the presence of a large attendance. The race track was very heavy. The totalisator handled £42,524 10/- or only £415 10/- less than on the opening day of last year. The wins of Nukumai and Horomea were big surprises. The South Island won both hurdle races.

Potoanui finished up a better favourite than Bonena for the hack hurdle event. Hyana fell at the second fence and Mount Marta lost his jockey at the second. Bonena was always lying handy and really gave nothing a chance over the last three furlongs. He was a winner under similar track conditions at Dunedin last month and is apparently going to make a useful jumper. In another stride Vexatious would have been second. Vexatious ran a good race. Potoanui ran a creditable race, but had no chance of doing better than fourth. Lord Star jumped very high and was never within striking distance, nor was Perle de Leon, who, however, was finishing on very strongly. Peshwa possibly lost some money through his fall at the last fence, but he had previously made a bad blunder at the fence in front of the stand.

Avro was a good favourite for the Trial Plate, Arikiwai being a good firm second favourite. The best backed of the others were Merry Mint (who was bracketed with Quantum), Waltzer and Catapult. The winner, who is a half-sister to Rouen, showed fair form during the flat racing season. Her performance was a particularly good one as she finished on very strongly and was leading her field at the finish. Merry Mint was responsible for a very creditable performance as he has not raced for eight months and he finished on under pressure after being in or near the lead all the way. Avro drew number one and had every chance, but was beaten a furlong from home. Waltzer ran a good race being prominent all the way, but Arikiwai was never sighted. Romantic ran a very good race and so did Aro de Vai. Catkin and Quantum were both prominent until the straight was entered, Catkin finishing on better than his stablemate.

Betting in the Hack Steeplechase was mainly confined to Banjuke, Wooden and Hokioi. Banjuke led practically throughout, and, apart from one mistake at the brush near the mile post the second time, he gave a good display. Hokioi jumped well and ran a good race, but had no chance with him. The remainder were never dangerous. Woden ran a wretched race.

Delightment was a slightly better favourite for the sprint event than King Lu, with money for Arpent, Nadarino and Nincompoop. Delightment was always handy and his form and track work justified him

being favourite but he had nothing to spare from Solrose. Solrose was in the bunch behind the leaders practically all the way, and,- with a little luck, might have won. King Lu ran a great race and should be all the better for it. Hipo also ran surprisingly well. Arpent was prominent in the bunch behind the leaders to the straight and ran quite a fair race which should improve him. Lady Fingers, Gold Box, Nadarino and Deluge were all well up at the finish, but Galliard finished last after being one of the early leaders. Royal Game was not good enough. Degage drew wide out and was prominent on the outer after they turned into the straight, but was not in the picture at the finish.

Kawani was a better favourite than Beau Cavalier for the Wellington Steeplechase, with Crown Coin a good third favourite and they carried the bulk of the pool. There was money for Tuki, Scamp and Comical. Beau Cavalier was a winner practically all the way. Comical went with him for a round and a half but he made bad jumps and it was only on his pace on the flat that kept him up with the leaders. Eventually, at the stand double the second time, Comical had had enough and retired from the contest. From this stage onwards nothing got near Beau Cavalier and he won very easily. Kawini ran an excellent race. He was not far away throughout and he was interfered with at the brush just over a mile from home by Zircon, but it did not look as if he would have won in any case. Crown Coin ran a very good race, but he was a tired horse over the last four or five furlongs and he showed it by indifferent jumping. Tuki, just after a round had been completed, nearly fell at the five furlongs post. He lost a considerable amount of ground and then finished on solidly into fourth place. It is quite possible that but for this mishap he would have been second. Zircon ran a good race but was beaten just about a mile from home. Scamp was responsible for interference through his habit of running out, and he was never a possibility after a mile had been covered, eventually finishing last of the thirteen. Dick ran quite a good race for his inches, but the rest were never prominent. Comical and Birkenella failed to complete the course. Peter Maxwell was scratched at 6.20 on Monday night, and Cartoon on the course at 1.30 p.m.

Royal Form was a solid favourite for the Trentham Hurdle Handicap from Brigadier Bill and Kamehameha. Wharncliffe lay well back in the early stages of the race, but went up five furlongs from home and once over the last fence he just went away from the field. Royal Form looked a winner turning for home, but, despite his bad jump at the last fence, he would not have beaten the winner. Brigadier Bill was in the running throughout, but never likely to win. San Pedro ran a good race and was a likely sort until the concluding stages when he fell back into fourth place. Rahepoto and Kamehameha were well back at the finish. Captain Sarto never got in the picture, and Kouau ran a bad race, finishing last.

Chickwheat (11.0 a.m.) and Blue Peter were scratched for the Whyte Memorial, in which eighteen started. Master Doon was a substantial favourite from Sun Up with plenty of support for Alloway, Royal Mint and Indian Sage, while the southerners were very confident that Fairy Herald had excellent prospects. Unfortunately for the latter, however, he got badly left and had no chance afterwards. Nukumai created a great surprise as he was practically neglected on the machine. He has been one of the most versatile performers ever seen on the turf, his successes ranging from flat events to hurdle and steeplechases in the best class. This is probably his best flat performance, and despite his versatility and previous good form on the flat, it really does not say a great deal for the remainder of the field that this old battler could defeat them so easily. Queen Arch has some useful form in good class in the north, but generally appears to have to put up with second place. Indian Sage had every chance. He was well placed throughout and his final run was well timed, but he was dying fast at the finish. Merry Damon ran quite a fair race. Fairy Herald was responsible for a particularly good performance as he got badly left and then finished on well into eighth place. The fact that he could do this however is another reason for doubting the credentials of the majority of runners. Sun Up and Master Doon appeared to battle each other out of any finishing run that they might have had. They both had every chance. Shining Armour was noticed at the halfmile post struggling in the middle of the field, and he never improved bis position. Mint Leaf ran a fair race. Black Mint ran very creditably. He was one of the last of the bunch in the first half-mile, but finished on very solidly in the straight. Tresham was never dangerous. Royal Mint was being hard ridden a long way from home and the best that could be said of him was that he stuck it out to the finish into fifth place.

In the Te Aro Handicap, Mister Gamp was a big tip and he started the best backed horse of the day. Piperenzo and Thurnus, who were bracketed on account of the totalisator not having sufficient dial accommodation for the number of acceptors, were the next in demand, and Te Kawana was the third favourite. The backers of Piperengo and Thurnus gave up hope at the start as they were the last of the bunch to leave. Horomea was another reverse for backers as she was very little better backed than Nukumai. However there was no fluke about her win. Rowley, who has been backed by his connections and disappointed them on several occasions of late, very nearly made amends, and it would appear that his best form is to be shown on heavy ground. Te Kawana ran a great race. He was freely used throughout the running, and was prominent all the way. Waicullus was in the picture throughout, but his weight beat him and Merle ran a fair race, also finding her burden a bit too much. Bronstell ran a good race, but the favourite was struggling all the way in the ruck. Thurnus finished very close up into fifth place and he looked the unluckiest runner of the field. Denier failed to see the journey out, but he showed a lot of speed for five or six furlongs. None of the others were dangerous. HANDICAPS FOR THURSDAY. (Per United Press Association.) Wellington, July 12. The following are the weights for the second day of the Wellington Winter meeting on Thursday:— CORUNNA HURDLES (hacks) £260. One and a-half miles.

SOUTH CANTERBURY HUNT. HANDICAPS FOR ANNUAL RACES. (Per United Press Association.) Timaru, July 12. The following handicaps have been declared for the South Canterbury Hunt meeting:— HADLOW HURDLES, £lOO (lj miles) —Atapo 10.1, Guncase 10.0, The Harp 9.13, Clontarf 9.11, Gay Queen 9.10, Aberfeldy 9.8, Goldtown 9.8, Relic 9.8, Beauty Light 9.4, Viewpoint 9.4, Jolly Glad 9.3, Gay Jim 9.0, Symons 9.0, Money Bag 9.0. PAREORA STEEPLECHASE, £l2O (two miles). —Greenstone 11.11, Cashman 11.0, Flourish 9.11, Goodfonn 9.10, Peter Marion 9.10, Royal Fashion 9.10, The Babe 9s, Mataipuke 9.9, Kilcannich 9.7, Hyperion 97, Krasnoi 9.5, Auburn 9-5, Tempter 9.5, Monko 9.5, John Peel 9.5. SOUTH CANTERBURY STEEPLECHASE, £2OO (two and a hah miles). — Scamp 11.13, Frenchman 11.7, Charlatan 11.4, Cartoon 11.4, Ranui 10.11, Maungamoe 10.6, Kipling 10.6, Vice Grand 10.2, Blue Hall 9.13, Radiac 9.8, Ida Bank 9.6, Galway 9.5, Nightraid 9.3, Cashman 9.2, Osterman 9.1, Mettle Drift 9.0, Ethiopian 9.0. LEVELS HACK HANDICAP, £9O (Six furlongs).—Dubious 10.9, Shandre 10.4, Moratorium 10.2, Fairy Tidings 9.10, Cassolette 9.9, Laughie 9.1, Philanderer 9.0, Captain Sarto 9.0, Chivalry 9.0, Exide 9.0, Rory O’More 9.0, Greyfinch 9.0, Lighthearted 9.0, Ortego 9.0, Cronstadt mare 9.0. WASHDYKE TROT, £100(14 miles).— Rambler Rose scr., Roaming Boy scr., Roachdale scr., Dan Logan scr., Adon scr., Expedient scr., Wee Brent scr., Harry Locanda scr., Carnival scr., Hilda scr., Orton scr., Sylvie Logan scr., Audubon Lad scr., Bingen Wilkes scr., Audo Spray scr., Audubon’s Chief scr., Du Maurier scr., Heroic scr., Chancery scr., Logan Princess scr., Red Shiner 12yds., Underscrub 24, Tennis 24, Vasiliki 24, First Imperial 36, Marines 36, Meddler 48, Imshi 48, Free Pointer 96, Dillon Gold 120. TESCHEMAKER STEEPLECHASE £l5O (2| miles). —Green stone 11.6, Isla Bank 11.0, Galway 10.12, Nightraid 10.11, Cashman 10.9, Osterman 10.7, Happy Mac 10.0, Message Boy 9.9, Muzzle 9.7, Flourish 9.6, Peter Marion 9.5, Goodfonn 9.5, Royal Wink 9.4, The Babe 9.4, Don Francisca 9.3, Hyperion 97, Auburn 9.0. HUNTER’S PLATE, £lOO (lj miles).— Sasham 11.7, Muzzle 11.6, Royal Despatch 11.3, Luthy 11.2, Royal Wink 11.1, Armchair 11.1, Hyperion 10.10, Royal Fashion 10.10, Gay Jim 10.10, Krasnoi 10.9, Miss Garance 10.7, Arcos 10.7, The Waif 10.7, Tempter 10.7, Diamond Jack 10.7, Fair Exchange 10.7. CLAREMONT HANDICAP, £lOO (7 furlongs)—Chickwheat 10.11, Thorndale 10.9, Soltoe 10.6, Taboo 10.2, Fairy Herald 10.2, Mah Jong 10.1, Solferite 10.1, Carnot 9.13, Gold Mint 9.12, Dubious 9.10, Arrowmir 9.9, Courtly Rose 9.7, Hurdy Gurdy 9.3, Shandre 9.3, Coastguard 9.3, Guncase 9.1, Snatcher 9.0, Kaikahu 9.0, Fairy Tidings 9.0, Philanderer 9.0, Chivalry 9.0, Ortego 9.0.

WINTON JOCKEY CLUB. PROPOSED THREE-YEAR-OLD RACE. NO ACTION TAKEN. The monthly meeting of the W.J.C. last week was presided over by Mr F. Moore (president) and attended by ten committeemen. Mr J. Matheson (says the Winton Record) reported that the work of top-dressing the track was almost completed and an excellent job had been done. Already the grass was coming through, and there should be a good sward by the time the annual racemeeting was held. The caretaker had also been doing good w’ork trimming trees from the main entrance to the enclosures. On the motion of Messrs Swale and Carswell it was decided to top-dress the track with suitable manures and sow two bushels of ryegrass to the acre; the new six-furlong track to be top-dressed as well. Mr Perrelle reported that Messrs A. Baird, T. Hamilton, and the speaker had interviewed Mr J. R. Hamilton, M.P., and asked his support of the provisions in the new Gaming Bill for the publication of dividends, wiring maney to the totalisator, and the installation of the double machine where clubs desired it. Mr Hamilton said he would willingly give his support to the proposals when the Bill came before the House.

It was decided to grant Mr M. Reilly leave of absence and write him expressing regret at the accident that befel him, necessitating the loss of one of his eyes. The president said there had been a request from several owners for a three-year-old race on this year’s programme. After a general discussion, in which it was stated that a 3-year-old race had been given a good trial without satisfactory results, it was decided not to make any move in the matter. Dr Gow asked if anything had been done in the way of repairing spouting round the grandstand or providing a water supply. After discussion it was decided to get prices from local electricians and Power Board for the installation of a motor for pumping purposes. The president said the present was the :ast meeting of the year, and six members would be retiring. He wished to thank the committee for its valuable assistance and support, and remarked that he had been fortunate in being associated with one of the best committees in the history of the club. Mr Swale thanked Mr Moore for his remarks, and congratulated him on the capable manner in whicK he had discharged his duties as president. RACING IN AMERICA. W. J. HOLMES’S EXPERIENCES. SPORT AT TIJUANA. (From Christchurch Press.) W. J. Holmes, well known in New Zealand some years ago as one of our best horsemen and later as a trainer at Riccarton, some time ago accepted an engagement to train for the Vancouver sportsman and ex-New Zealander, Mr Frank Beban. In a letter to a friend in Christchurch Holmes gives a few sidelights on racing conditions on the At the Tijuana Meeting, which lasted a hundred days, Holmes won seven races, but two of his horses, Waihemo and Star Stranger, taken from New Zealand, were not eligible to start. Holmes could not get them registered in New York simply because their dams were not in the New Zealand Stud Book. If they are worth the expense the owner of these horses, Mr Frank Beban, will probably send them back to New Zealand, for, as Holmes explains, “they are not worth a dollar apiece here as racing propositions.” The “claiming” races at Tijuana form a bit of a problem and often comprise nine of the ten events decided in any one day. It is a class of race greatly in favour and covers all classes of horses. The writer goes on to say—“l will explain the classes I ran my team in: Pat Mabrey is a ‘cheap’ horse, so I nominated him for the 800 dollars’ claiming race. Any owner with a horse starting in the same race could have put in a claim for Pat Mabrey up to a quarter of an hour before the race, the amount of claim and horse’s name being placed in a sealed envelope and handed to the secretary. Should the horse win or run into a place the stake goes to the previous owner, and the new purchaser, after the race, slips a ticket to the trainer in charge, puts a head collar on the horse, and leads him away. Should there be more than one claim for the one horse, ‘throwing the dice’ is resorted to, and the highest thrower gets the horse.” —Claiming Races.—

Holmes gives another instance of how things are worked —“Barb Wire, another of my horses, runs in better class than Pat Mabrey. The first race I ran him in was the 1100 dollars’ class. He won, and I then started him in the 900 dollars’ class. Having run in the 1100 dollars’ race, he was entitled to 41b allowance for every 100 dollars’ reduction in that amount, so I got 81b off his back. He won again. I ran him again for 1000 dollars and again won. I then ran him several times for 1000 dollars, and finally he was claimed for that amount. He ran second, securing 150 dollars in stake money, so his owner received 1150 dollars for the race and lost his horse. “There are many horses here much too valuable to run in ‘claiming’ races for the highest ‘claim’ is 5000 dollars. I do not think the class generally is up to either Australian or New Zealand form, but there are some useful sorts seen out in handicap events and are valued at from 10,000 to 20,000 dollars. The top weight in handicaps is only 1181 b (Bst 61b) and the minimum 901 b (6st 61b). -—Personalities.— “There are some good apprentice riders here. They claim 51b allowance up to and for 12 months after they ride their first winner. One especially good lad is Petterson, and another in Dalton is a first-class horseman. Trainers make good money out of their, apprentices, who are sometimes more profitable than a horse. Petterson’s contract for riding at Tijuana was sold for 2000 dollars, and Dalton’s to the Rosedale stable at a high figure. E. Taplin, E. Schaffer, and Elpton are the best of the older riders, but horsemen soon fade out in this part of the world. . . . Jack. Dempsey had a colt running at the meeting and won a race. Dempsey looks well and they seem to think that he will have another fight with Gene Tunney. I saw Tunney at the races amongst a number of well-known personalities, including Suzanne Lenglen, Jackie Coogan, who judged one race, and Tod Sloan, with whom I had a good chat. Tod is feeling the stress of years, but still keeps up an appearance. “The starting here is good, and the starter, Marshall Cassidy, knows his business. He has three ground men (assistants in New Zealand), and with the assistance of nose-twitches and bull-whips, they soon get the horses in their places. I have not seen Sam Hildreth, the leading American trainer, as he does not race his horses in the winter. B. Creech is the ‘king’ amongst them here and nearly every day will ‘claim’ a horse and lose it again in the course of a few days. . . . They waste no time here between races. The first starts at 1.40 p.m., and, as the border to the States closes at 6 p.m., they keep going apace. A few minutes before a race is timed to start the electric bell rings, the valet comes out with the jockey’s gear and saddles the horse. Another ring and the jockeys appear, receive their instructions, and another ring tells them to mount. The pony boy (clerk of the course in New Zealand) takes the lead and the rest fall in behind in order of numbers of saddle cloths, which are also their numbers at the post. After the race the four placed horsemen are weighed in, and the horse is taken charge of by the ‘quiny’ (stable-boy). Boiling water is always ready, and the horse is washed with warm water and scraped, then massaged with a lotion in warm water, then > scraped agajß and. rubbed oyer. A cooler it

thrown over him and he is led for 40 minutes. A feed of boiled oats and bran is the next item on the menu, and after the horses’ legs have again been massaged they are bandaged with cotton wool and their feet stopped with mud. The ‘quiny’ will stick to a horse till it is dark, and looks after him well. —Patching up Crocks.— “They have all sorts of remedies for lame horses here. One idea is to ‘nerve’ them. If a horse’s fetlock joint is wrong the nerve is killed. The leg will last for a time, but it is not an unusual thing for the hoof on the ‘nerved’ leg to fly off and the horse has to be destroyed. They train horses here that we would destroy in New Zealand. I do not know whether or not the dirt track is the cause of it, but there are a lot of horses here ‘run down’ on their joints behind. I can put a new set of bandages on Pat Mabrey, and after the race there is a hole right through to the skin as big as a two shilling piece. The sores on this horse have never healed, and in the wet weather I merely use a rubber boot made from a motor-car tyre. —Starting Practice.— “With the exception of the big races it costs nothing to enter a horse for a race. All you require is the ten dollars’ riding fee. The starting gates are working every morning Tirom 9 a.m. till 10 a.m. and if your horse does anything wrong at the start of a race you get a notice to send him to the gate at your convenience. On the notice is stated the education the horse requires whether in standing, or to cure backing or breaking. I had to send The Mask several times. His fault was ducking under the tapes. The assistants made him stand and walk backwards. He is a fine, well-man-nered horse now. Every horse, before he can start at a meeting, must go to the gate. If you wish to run your horse in blinkers you must school him until the starter gives you an O.K. ticket. “The first two-year-old race of the season is run on January 1 over a straight two furlongs, the riders being allowed neither whip nor spur. Mr Cassidy, the starter, puts in a lot of time with the yongsters. Thirtytwo were lined up one morning. He lets them have a good look at the tape, which is moved up and down in front of them. After a few days all the colours are hung on the tape and a few more forward than the others are started without the tapes flat-footed and only with the electric bell. This bell is used at the start of every race here. This business goes on every morning (excepting on Monday) till the meeting is over. Mr Cassidy hands the trainer an O.K. ticket to start in a race when he thinks fit. If you wish to change any gear prior to a race you merely ask the paddock judge. “The jockeys here are in great condition, riding every day, exercise in the morning, and race riding in the afternoon. Many of the boys without a license earn good money merely riding work at rates that vary from fifty cents for slow work to a dollar for a fast gallop. You merely tell the boy what time you want to make for a certain journey and the majority are really good judges and get very close to the time required. —New Zealand Friends.— “When I applied for my license (being a stranger) I had to go before the judges, but when I produced my reference from Mr Sellers, New Zealand Racing Conference, everything was fine. The presiding judge, Mr Nelson, asked me if I knew the late Sir James Carroll. He said he met him at a conference in London and held a very high opinion of New Zealand’s native sportsman. Mr Clive McLaren and Mr Reg. Treleaven, of Christchurch, came out to see me. Mr Treleaven’s father, I think, used to manage the grain business of the late Mr George G. Stead. Mr Treleaven had been in New York and had seen the ‘write up’ the papers gave me. It was good to meet some one from the old home town. The world is small. “The punters here carry the ‘form’ book in their pockets and think that if a horse runs a mile in 1.38 to-day he should do exactly the same in six months’ time. “I would not advise any New Zealand rider to try his luck here as the style of riding would be strange to him. Nearly all the horsemen carry the whip over-hand at the post and when the tapes fly up they go for their lives. There are some good horsemen, but generally the riders are not to be compared with the New Zealanders and Australians.”

st lb st lb Enare . . . 11 4 Guncase . . . 9 8 Perle de Leon 10 11 Bevis . . . 9 8 Kaikaku . . . 10 11 The Harp . . 9 8 Lady Vexatious . . 9 8 Passenger 10 11 Highflown . . 9 7 Gauntlet . . 10 9 Gay Queen . . 9 7 Bonena . . . 10 8 Peshwa . . . 9 7 Lord Star . 10 7 Aberfeldy . . 9 2 York Abbey . 10 7 Relic . . . . 9 0 Mount Marta 10 2 Joyeuse . . . 9 0 Inferno . . . 10 2 Paddy’s Hope 9 0 Potoanui . . 10 0 Hymestrason . 9 0 Passionate . . 10 0 Doyleston . . 9 0 Troilus . . . 9 13 MAIDEN HANDICAP, £200. For horses not having won a race exceeding £100 in value at starting. Six furlongs. Tameterangi . 10 2 Duke Abbey . 9 0 Cerf .... 10 2 Flitter . . . 9 0 Avro .... 9 12 Orchus . . . 9 0 Waltzer . . . 9 11 Philanderer . 9 0 Royal Picture 9 9 Piperenzo . . 9 0 Catapult . . . 9 8 Propeller . . 9 0 Subdivision . 9 6 Town Hall . . 9 0 Oratrix . . . 9 5 Thanks . . . 9 0 Cornstalk . . 9 4 Moutoa Wonder 9 0 Wanderlust . 9 4 Lucre .... 9 0 Goshawk . . 9 2 Ortego .... 9 0 Card Trick . 9 2 Arrow Boy . 9 0 Debate * M 2 2

SEATOUN HANDICAP (hacks), £260. Seven furlongs. Waicullus . . 10 11 Kiliute . . . 9 6 Merle .... 10 7 Closefire . . 9 6 Peho .... 10 4 Troilus . . . 9 6 Rowley . . . 10 3 Te Kawana . 9 6 Pangolin . . . 10 2 Sir Moment . 9 4 Rahepoto . . 10 0 Greengrocer . 9 0 Mister Gamp 9 13 Cornstalk . . 9 0 Beau Geste . 9 13 Flitter . . . 9 0 Avro . . . 9 12 Kyama . . . 9 0 Romantic . w 9 11 Royal Head . 9 0 Kilmoyler . . 9 9 Wailong . . . 9 0 Bronstell . . 9 7 Thanks . . . 9 0 Wild Work . 9 7 Tin Whistle . 9 0 Royal Picture 9 6 SECOND HACK STEEPLECHASE, £260. Two and a-half miles. Crown Coin . 12 2 Kirkwood . . 9 0 Woden . . . 10 12 The Curragh . 9 0 Hokioi . . . 10 9 Mai do 8 . . . 9 0 Radiac . . . 10 8 Aotea Roa . . 9 0 Comedy Prince 10 4 Roman . . . 9 0 Merry Singer . 9 9 Handy . . . 9 0 Vagabond . . 9 9 Good Mark . 9 0 Tai tai at a . . 9 7 Jovial . . . 9 0 Sir Wni . . . 9 5 Rangi Sarto . 9 0 PARLIAMENTARY HANDICAP, £500. One mile and ar quarter. Nukumai . . 10 9 Lord Star . 9 7 Ngata . . . 10 7 Alloway . . . 9 5 Sun Up . . . 10 4 Indian Sage . 9 5 Shining Queen Arch . 9 4 Armour 10 2 Passionate 9 0 Master Doon 10 2 Rouex . . . 9 0 Merry Damon 10 2 Royal Mint . 9 0 Mint Leaf 9 13 Blue Peter . 9 0 Black Mint . 9 12 Tame Fox . . 9 0 Tresham . . 9 12 Wedding Chickwheat . 9 8 March 9 0 HIGH-WEIGHT HANDICAP, £300. One mile and three furlongs. Zircon . . . 10 10 Sottano . . . 9 9 Passionate . . 10 8 Mister Gamp 9 7 Wedding Guncase . . . 9 7 March 10 6 Gold Rain . 9 7 Alaric . . . 10 6 Glenidle . . 9 7 Gaze . . . 10 6 Crown Coin . 9 6 Royal Form . 10 4 Lady Passenger 9 5 Kawini . . . 10 3 Vexatious . . 9 4 Enare .... 10 2 Closefire . . 9 2 Gauntlet . . . 10 1 Anolo . . . 9 0 Black Cruiser 10 1 Captain Sarto 9 0 Brigadier Bill 10 0 Fairy Tidings 9 0 Tameterangi . 10 0 Goldpiece . . 9 0 Merle . . . 10 0 Matu .... 9 0 Koauau . . . 9 13 Ramblin’ Kid 9 0 Rahepoto . . 9 13 Royal Abbey . 9 0 Mount Marta 9 13 San Pedro 9 0 Kaikahu . . 9 13 Tuki .... 9 0 Beau Cavalier 9 13 Lucullent . . 9 0 Kamehameha . 9 10 Highway . . . 9 0 Outfit . . . 9 10 Rangitahi . . 9 0 Mountain Bell 9 9 MEMBERS’ HANDICAP, £300. Six furlongs. Degage . . . 11 0 Nadarino . . 9 1 Delightment . 10 11 Fairy Herald 9 0 Sun Up . . 10 9 Axpent . . . 9 0 Hoariri . . . 10 8 Anthonie . . 9 0 Orchid . . . 10 5 Gold Box . . 9 0 King Lu . . 10 4 Killoch ... 9 0 Oration . . . 10 3 Kilperon . . . 9 0 Mireusonta . . 10 3 Lady fingers 9 0 Nincompoop . 10 1 Miss Hupana . 9 0 Solrose . . . 9 12 Toapaiti . . 9 0 Royal Game . 9 12 Willow Wai . 9 0 Whenuanui . 9 11 Pop Off . . 9 0 Gaillaird . . 9 9 Phantasy . . 9 0 Hipo . . . 9 7 Solferite . . 9 0 Deluge . . . 9 6 Starboard Huikai . . . 9 5 Light 9 0 PETONE HANDICAP (hacks), £260. Six furlongs. Horomea . . 11 6 Te Kawana 9 7 Waicullus . . 10 12 Catapult . . 9 6 Ned Kelly . 10 8 Royal Land 9 3 Coot .... 10 0 Break-o’-day . 9 2 Denier . . . 9 9 Arrow Boy . 9 0 Waltzer . . . 9 9 Flitter . . . 9 0 N as tori . . . 9 9 Mountain Jean 9 0 Bronstell . . 9 8 Piperenzo . . 9 0 Ruakura . . 9 8 Thurnus . . . 9 0 Cassolette . . 9 8 Thanks . . 9 0 Erin-go-bragh 9 7 Hymestrason . 9 0 Royal Picture 9 7 Lucre .... 9 0 KiUute . . 9 7