RACING AND TROTTING.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16405, 20 April 1921, Page 3

RACING AND TROTTING.

(Bt

"ARGUS.”)

FIXTURES. April 20, 31— Hawke’s Bay Jockey Chib. April 21, 32—South Canterbury Jockey Ciub. April 23—Hawk«’s Bay Trotting - Club. April 28— Northland Trotting Club. April : 2B, 50— New Brighton Trotting Club. Miv 7—Forb-ury Parle Trotting Club. May 8, 7—Marlborough Racing Club. Mtv 11, 12—Ecrnont Racing Club. May 12, 18— Ashburton County Racing Club. May 14—Pakuranga Hunt. .Tune 1,8, 4—“ Dunedin Jockey Club. June ft— South Wairarapa Trotting Club. Tune 8. 4 Canterburj’ Park Trotting Clufc. Tune 3,4, 6—Auckland Racing Club. NOMINATIONS. April 22—Egmout Racing Club. Anril 2*2 —Rakuranga. Hunt. A nr 51 25—Ashburton Cminty Racing Club. April 29 —Dunedin Jookey Chib. April 29—Auckland Racing Club. May G—Forbury Park Trotting Club (Trotting Stakes. 3922). m May o—South IVairarapa. Trotting Ciuo. Mar 13—Auckland Racing Club. May 16—Canterbury Park Trotting C!uu. HANDICAPS. April M— Marlborough Racing Club. ApTil 29—Egmont Racing Club. April -29—Pakuranga Hunt. April 30—Ashburton County Racing Club. .Mar 9—Auckland Racing Club. May 16—South Wairarapa Trotting Club. “Mar 21—Dunedin Jockey Ciub. May 28—Canterbury Park Trotting Club. May 23—Auckland Racing Club. ACCEPTANCES. April 22— Forburv Park Trotting Ciub. April 25—New Brighton Trotting Club. April 22- —Marlborough Racing Club. May 6--Egrnont Racing Club. May 6—Ashburton County Racing Club. May 13—Auckland Racing Club. May 23—South Wairarapa Trotting Club. May 25—Dunedin Jockey Club. May 27—Auckland Racing Club. May 30—Canterbury Park Trotting Club. CELDINC ALLOWANCE. Opinions are widely divided on the subject of the gelding allowance. Jn England there is no allowance in weigh t-for-age races, while in the Kpsom* Derby, Two Thousand Guineas, and other important races, geldings are not eligible to run. For a few years geldings were debarred from the -Australian Jockey Club's Derby, but the condition was Tensed, and they ran now run carrying the same weight as rolls. In Now Zealand geldings get no allowance in woight-for-age races, and this condition will doubtless apply in due course in classic events. On the question of the gelding allowance in weight-for-age races. the English “ Field'' has the following: “To our way of looking at it, the allowance n at once illogical, indefensible, and iil calculated to be of per rice to the breeding of the thoroughbred horse ; it indeed, tantamount io putting a premium on cracked china. AVe take, an animal, render him imperfect, and give him an allowance to couuter;balance tb© imperfection which we ourselves have brought about. On general principles, a thoroughbred is gelded, it may bo on account of temper, or because, being a heavy-topped animal, with not the best of legs, his trainer thinks that he will ho more likely to stand training if submitted to an operation, of which one of the results in usually to prevent the development of a heavy crest, or the operation may b© performed because there is no suggestion whatever of future value about the colt in question. He may bo badly shaped, badly bred, given to stable vices—may. in fact, be an undesirable. Tie that as it may, other things being fairly equal, a gelding 6tarts with an unfair advantage over #»n entire horse, because the development of his crest and general bulk having been arrested by the operation of gelding, less strain is imposed upon liis leg? and he is consequently easier to train. To that initial advantage, another is added in. the shape of a concession of weight. Can it, then, be denied that the imperfect animal is thus enabled to compete on unduly favourable terms with the perfect, or that a spurious value is not lent to an animal useless for breeding? AA’e are quite aware that now and again the successful performances of a gelding may serve to direct attention to the merits of his sire or dam. also that geldings do represent a fairly useful asset to the commercial side of breeding and lacing, and we know that they serve as a medium for gambling. In other words, geldings have their uses, but we can see neither rhyme nor reason in giving them the benelit of an allowance of weight.’’ Idle committee of the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club have ui>pointed H. Shirley, caretaker of its course »h Addington, in succession to Mr I*'. French, who resigned recently. Mr Shirley lias for some years been caretaker of the Canterbury Park Trotting Club’s course at So kburn. Two more, yearlings from Sir George ( iifford’s Stonyhurst Stud have arrived at lliccarton, and an early start will lie made to prepare them for next season s engagements. They are a colt by Sanquhar Heather brae anti a colt by An-tagonist--Bonnie Brae. Miss Mimic has hgen turned out for a spell, and she will not be taken in hand again until the spring. She lias done well lately, and as she is a very sound mare, she should earn further distinction next season. Bunny developed lameness after her arrival at lliccarton, and she will be taken back to the North Island, where she w ill bo treated to a spell. AVith the exception of AVhipping Boy, who will he racing at AVaslidvke this •week, the two-year-olds in Cults BroTbers’ team have been cased up, and 1 hey \« ill have a rest, before they arc got ready for spring engagementsA West Coast sportsman has purchased the North Island-bred gelding, Demonstrate- by Demo»tbenes—-Te Awahou, and has placed him with It. W. King at R-iecarton. Demonstrate lias a few useful performances to his credit in the Poverty Bay district and be should pay his way in sprint races. At the Faster meeting of the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club, a number of persons were caught climbing over the fence, the spot in most favour being at the west end of the course, near the entrance to the straight The matter was discussed by the committee of the ciub this week, it was decided to take, no action

on this occasion, but that future offenders would be prosecuted. About thirty Riocartou horses left for AVashdvke this morning, to assist at the South Canterbury Jockey Club’s autumn meeting. Good acceptances have been received for all the events on the first day, and with competitors drawn from a very wide area, including a strong contingent from Southland. there should be some very interesting sport. On Friday a special train will leave Christchurch at 7.55 a m., returning after the last race, so that Christchurch sportsmen Will'have an opportunity of witnessing the second day’s racing tinder favourable conditions. Petunia, who figures among the maidens engaged at the South Canterbury meeting, is a smart galloper, and he looks a class above most of bis opponents. "Marauder may race well in the maiden events at Sxmth Canterbury. He shapes well on the tracks, but he labours under a disability, as lie has had no racing experience. Tndus has been galloping in his best form lately, and be may show up in his engagements at the South Canterbury meeting. Satisfaction, who has recent form to recommend her, should race prominently in sprint events at South Canterbury Going Tp can gallop very fast, and is she, races up to track form she will bo hard to beat in the Smith field Handicap, in which she will be ridden by C. Emerson. Borke’s Drift is coming back to form and he should race well in the Timaru Cup. Egotism should play a leading part in the. Ti-maru Cup. She has shown useful form up V. a mil©, but for the last part of the journey she has lo bo taken on trurt. Moleo and T.indon may l>e dangerous in the Timaru Cup. and the former, in pnr»i<-ulf-r, will he suited by a soft track. Taking his Dunedin Cup running as a guide. Ttoyal Stag must have a. chance in the '1 imam Cup, but ho has been racing below his best form lately. Golden Prince is hard to beat over m short steeplechase course. and lie will keep his opponents very busy in the Olipua Steeplechase at AVashdvke. Five Ricrarton two-year-olds, Kildrrg. Humboldt. Vabbuno, Unio and AVhipping Boy. are engaged in the Electric Stakes at the South Cantprhury meeting. The first-named pair GossarJ. who is-engaged in the Rosewin Hack Handicap at. TVashdyko, has been galloping "'veil lately. M. AV. R. Keniball has resigned his position as a steward of the Master ton ( l ib. but he has been asked to reconsider the matter. The Trent ham trainers, H. Telford and J. W. Lowe, contemplate holiday trips to Sydney this w inter. Unison, a member of \V. Bine’s team a‘ I law era. broke a leg while doing slow work one morning last week. lio was a throe-year-old brother to Seasprite, by Hallowmas-Seaspray, and gave promise of being useful. Mr R. A. APKonssie. a prominent owner on the Mannwatu Raring Club’s executive, has never won a race at Axvaputu. Old Gold, and Askari, ear lying his colours, were served up hot on the opening day of the recent meeting, but the best the former ccmcl do was to inn second. 'IT »o two-year-old Rational was sent home after racing at Treiitham, and he will be spelled for the winter. In only two of his races this season lias he failed to jump out in front. The races were the Wellesley Stokes and Pacific Handicap at Treiitham. in both of which the trainer considers Rational was unlucky to be beaten. The Wellington sportsman. Dr Newman, has tired of Bonnie Maid and he has sold the Boni.form mare to -Mr Ebb Simpson. Bonnie Maid has only won one race this season, but it was a good one. the President's Handicap at the Mannwatu Racing Club’s summer Sasauof ami Rouen wil probably meet in the J. D. Ormond Memorial Gold Cup. a mile rac«v' at Hastings cm Thursday. This is the last weight-for-uge race oi the season. The following wett_; entered lor the race:— Raceful. Duo. Maiolia, Sunavt, Askari, Parisian Diamond. Silver Link. Ivilrusb, Gasbag. Tigritiya, Chrysostom, Teka, S-isanof. Surveyor, Heathersprig, Kandv, Matatua. l 4 ’oo Chow, Biudle, Halifax. Red Ribbon. The new electric starting machine for troTing races, a Grevmouth invention, was used by Air Angus Keith at the Aiana we tu Trotting Club’s meeting last week, and proved very successful. At each place where the horses start from there is a small switch on tlio rail which connects with a disc at the top of a movable post placed near the limit mark. Each switch ia m charge of a starting steward, and when each""lot of horses is standing in position lo etarf. the starting steward iri charge of those horses pulls his switch, iho disc at the starting jx»st drops, and at the same time a »>ell rings and the horses start. The disc will not start until every switch is on. The progenv of Martian, DemosDiems and Absurd, the three leading sires in the Dominion, played a. very prominent part at the recent meetings the Wellington Racing Ciub and Mannwatu Racing Club. A total of L I 5.g.30 was distributed in stakes at these two meetings. Of this sum Martian wit= credited with £2935, Absurd v, i 111 £2510, an d De mosthen.es with £2205, a total of .G7GSO. The. AA’anganui stud master, Mr G. M. Currie, had n stroke of bad luck reoentlv when he lost a beautiful filly foal by Absurd from Our Lady. The youngster was considered by Mr Currie to lie one of the finest fillies lie ever bred, and the loss is a serious one. One of the surprise sales at Band wick this month was that of the imported stallion Bronzino for lßogs. He was a great racehorse, and was the highestpriced stallion, ever bought in England for Australia. Great things were expected of him at the stud, but though ho -fired numerous Winners, Bronzetti (Caulfield Cup) being one of the number, Sir S. Hordern was disappointed with linn, probably because his progeny did not rise superior to handicap form. Onlv fourteen years old, Bronzino :s .still podd for several years of stud usefulness. and at torbes. to which town h>* has gone, he will sire many more winners. His buyer was certainly lucky in getting him at such a low figure. Bronzino was imported in 1912.

f- being limited to fifteen of his owner’s marcs. These include six purchased in England at the end of last year by Mr ft 8. D. Riddle. When recently measured, it Ainu o' War’s height was 16.2, and ‘s weigjit 12003 b. ?s **'•■ s Tr. is not ungual in Australia, noxva•s days for a bookmaker io guarantee an 1- owner a large bet about a horse in some i- good ante-post betting race oil the nnl- dcrstanding that the market is left to il him (the bookmaker). It saves an 10 owner so much trouble that, lie is quite ;o satisfied to see the bookmaker make a e profit out of the tansaction if possible, e The position is much the some in Engc land, where there are far fever stable commissions now than thorn were. A. London writer says very little money i_ now comes into 1 lie market at the y clubs : it goes mostly to the offices, and e the market is made mainly by the proy- prietors of those businesses adjusting their books. In that respect it is much the same iri Australia, and on the day i- of a big race much longer prices are e obtainable about most of the horses e than were Wing laid by tbe ante-post s bettors two or three weeks earlier. £ HAWKE’S BAY NOTES, (Special to “The Star.”) Z NAPIER. April 19. Slight rain fell at Napier on Tuesday. and it is hoped that Duo may be able to start in. the Ormond Gold Cup d on Thursday--11 Ihe I rent ham trainer. 11. Telford, r| expects to leave A\ cllington about May n 3on a visit to Sydney. If Sasauof can be got io the post right for the Ormond Memorial Gold n Clip there is every probability ol him u adding that trophy ami stake to the oilier gold cups he lias won. iwo Awapuni Gold ('tips, one Stead Memorial i Gold Cup. the Trentham Gold Chip, and n the Ormond Memorial Gold (up would make up quite a nice little lot for one c horse to win. Mr \V. G. Stead must have a. nice collection of those gilt-©dged securities, and if ho desired to calf for B his flagon as the knights of old and ,-j barons bold wore said to have done. L lie would probably he abb- to have a sop a rat© gold flagon for each day of the week. 3 If Red Ribbon runs up to her he>t form her backers will have the pleasure of collecting a dividend at the finish of tin- Hawke's Bay Cup, for none of’ those on tbe top of the handicap can 7- give the Elevation marc the weight alc lolled unless she fails to reproduce her n best form. ! Love match and Gold Kip arc a pair j that should hardly go through the _ Hawke’s Bay meeting without scoring a | win, and a win for Birnllc is about duo p too. r HICH PRICED MARES. j 5 DESCENDANTS OF LOOT LIGHT. The late Sir .Tnlm Thuvsby’s racing s stud was sold in England a, few weeks n ago. Two of the Hir<o_\ear-old fillies offered wen*, a daughter and granddaughter of Lrsbia. dauglilet Ly.fia., by Sivynford. was bought by Mr t H. T/caWi at ItHfOgs, while Mv Jo;-;cph r Watson gave 17of)gs for Ma riss.a. the granddaughter, lrv J-ohn o’ Gaunt out df/Damans. h\ Sunslar. Air AYnlson also scoured tlio untried car-old ' colt .Stratford, brother to Lysia, )>aying - IJOflgR. 1 ‘ Lcfiiia was a foilr-vear-old (writes Mr Edward Aloorebousc'in f,on- ' dou “Sporting Life **) when, in Julv. 1 1909, she ea.me up for sale at Newmarket with other mares that bad Tielonged to Sir Daniel Cooper. Tl is por- '■ lia]is worth while i<> recall some of the s incidents of that dispersal, for the oeension cxe.ifed tremendous interest. Eourfcrn of Sir Daniel's brood ma.ro*, t rigid, of them with foals at foot, made •IS.I logs. T* lair and her oolt, foal by j Gallinule went in Mr F. C. Stern at lo.OOOgs, the underbidder being Sir Ernest. Oassel. Tin* following morning r Sir Ernest gave Air Stern 3000ns for 1 j the foal. The record price for a brood i J mare is now of course Ifl.OOOgs. the s | sum Vhseounf. Furness paid for Sainu mandrn a< the last December sales, j j There was no ioal with Salamandra j I (who. like Flair, is a daughter of St. ] | Frusquin). but file was in foal to The | Tetrareh. The foal Sir Ernest Cassel j bouglit was named Gallon. J?e won a little race at l.ii r erpool as n t-brec- \ ear-old*, and Imtie'r ivr.nL S» SAmth ! i\frro. Tlio f,«., of tin. mnlto,- U flair turned out a poor bargain. All f old. T* lair is the dam of winners of four races aggregating £967. At the December sales of 7979 Air Stern offerr ed I'Ta ir for sale, but no one vouhl give the 7 900 gs at which she was reserved. She herself was a brilliant ■ performer. I.csbia was the last of Sir I Darnel Cooper’s mares to come under i the hammer. She was run up to 9000 - c;s. and at that figure knocked down M M 1 • Smith, representing Sir ,J.(» m: fl h iir.fi rii.c f’ollow/.ng dav. , Sir Dan.icl Cooper’s horses, in . training were sold. Air Smith, ao-nin . on behalf of Sir John, bought Hie two- , year-old filly Menda. by Gallinule out m Glare, for 56f*Ogs : w hile Sir Fi nest tassel secured Vivid, sister to Flair «ind Leisbia. for 7CGOgs. 0 r ■; • Vo . t bringing Flair's foal into (ho reckoning (continues Air Aloorcliousc) 1 the lour daughters of (dare, sold those , two days realised 34.200 guineas, and ’ ' niay here mention that the grand total ol 90.310 guineas was obtained 3 for Sir Daniel Cooper’s brood mares. I ioals. yearlings and horses in training. Df that sum 55,160 guineas resulted j from the purchase of a marc for 350 j guineas in 7 BS9. \ allude to Kootliglit. In 18S0 Ijord Rosebery disposed of i some young mares at a sale bold at Epsom. One was Casuistry, who bei came the dam of Paradox : the Graj hams, of A’nrdley, Birmingham, got her t for 1.30 guineas. Footlight was aunt Iter: she was knocked down to Mr Caledon Alexander for 55 guineas. Two years later Footlight became the pro- - pert.y of Lord liosslyn, who seems to l hare bought her. privately, for I can y find no record of a public sale. When s Lord Rosslvn sold off in .1.889 Eootliglit I was offered with a foal by Muncaster, f and covered by Sir Bevys. Mr AYilt liam Cooper, evidently acting for his - elder brother Daniel, got her for 350 J guineas. She slipped her foal by Sir Bevys, was put to Ayrshire, and bred J Glare, and then to Sheen, apd bred Float, the chrm of Flotsam. It was the descendants of Glare and Float who ’ realised over 55.000 guineas iti 7 909. Z One day Sir Daniel Cooper received e and refused an offer of 8000 guineas for 0 Glare, who was the darn of Bright r Steel, Mr© of the Melbourne Cup winner Wofitcourt. The next time lie visited his paddocks at Clievelcy lie went up to tjio marc, patted her on k the ucek- and said, ‘Tt would take a d great deal more than 8000 to buy you.” a Tito affection for Glare thus revealed t- was respected after Sir Daniel's death, d (he mare, then eighteen years old, not :- being included in the sale. Lesbia was h a winner of worth £72,716, tbe •i races she won including the Champagne i- Stakes, ATiddl© Park Plate, Coronad t ion Stakes., and July Cup. She had y Wen covered by Gallinule the. roar Sir t. .Joint Thursby bought her, but proved Is barren. However, to John o’ Gaunt t- she produced in 1971 the filly Torehn light, winner of. two races as a juvee nile. and third in the Oaks. The only y other winner she has bred is the now j. four-year-old colt Passer, by Spearmint,'”