RACING AND TROTTING.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16542, 28 September 1921, Page 3

RACING AND TROTTING.

(By "

"ARGUS."

FIXTURES. PcptoWhbeT 29. 39—Geraldine Rtoinff Club. October I—Nanier Park Racing Club. October 3, 3. 6, F —Australian Jockey Club. October s—Hawke’s Bay Jockey Club, ■'cteber G—Kurow Jockey Club. October 13, 14—IVhanprarei Racing Club. October 13, 15—Dunedin Jockey Club. October 12, IB—Masterton Racing Club. October 22, 24—Wellington Racing Club. October 22, 24—Greymouth Trotting Club. October 24—Oamaru Trotting Club. «October 24—Waikato Hunt. October 27, 29—Poverty Bay Tnrf Club, -'ovambor 5,7, 9, 12—Canterbury Jockey Club. November 8, 10, 11—Metropolitan Trotting Club. DOMINATIONS. September 29—GrevmoTtth 'Trotting Club. September 80—Waikato Hunt. September 30—Wellington Racing Club. October 7—Oamaru Trotting Club. October 7—Poverty Bay Turf Club. October 7—Canterbury Jockey Club. October 12—Metropolitan Trotting Club. October 21—Canterbury Jockey Club. HANDICAPS. September 30—Masterton Racing Club. October I—Dunedin Jockey Club October 3—Hawke’s Bay jockey Club. October B—• Wellington Racing Club. October 10—Greymouth Trotting Club. October 1C —Oamaru Trotting Club. October 15—Poverty Bay Turf Club. October 17-—Canterbury Jockey Club. October 18 Metropolitan Trotting Club. October 28—Canterbury Jockey Club. ACCEPTANCES. September 28—Kurow Jockey Club. September 28—Napier Park Racing Club. October 4—Hawke’s Bay Jockey Club. October 7—Dunedin Jockey Club. October 7—Masterton Racing Club. October 7 —Whangarci Racing Club. October 14—Wellington Racing Club. October 17—Greymouth Trotting Club. October 18—Oamaru Trotting Club. October 21—Poverty Bay Turf Club. October 21—Canterbury Jockoy Club. November I—Metropolitan Trotting Club. November 2—Canterbury Jockoy Club. The Geraldine Racing Club’s meeting Trill be commenced te-morrow and concluded on Friday. Good-sized fields are engaged in most of the events and there should be some interesting sport. A special train will leave Christchurch each day at 8 a.m., returning from Orari at G p.m. and reaching Christchurch at 9.5 p.m.

Mandrake and The Digger, the two winners over hurdles at Ashburton, will meet again at Geraldine, on the same terms as on the first day of the Ashburton meeting. There should not bo much between the pair. •** The Ricearton pair, Necessity and Headlong, have shown pace in races and they wi]l keep their opponents very busy in tho Ohapi Hack Handicap at Geraldine. The field for the Geraldine Cup will include Foo Chow, Eleus, Almoner, Caverock and Orange Mart, who are candidates for the New Zealand Cup. A repetition of Ashburton form will make Foo Chow very dangerous. Songbird, a winner at Ashburton, has been given a good chance to earn further distinction in tho Squatters’ Handicap at Geraldine. Carnbrea should win a race at Geraldine if he runs up to his best track form. Bonny Mac has been galloping well lately and he should get into the money ut the Geraldine meeting. The Sydney sportsman, Mr W- J. Carter, arrived in Christchurch this week with the trotting pony Jack M’Kinney, who will be raced at Addington in November. Nominations for the benefit trotting meeting, promoted by the Canterbury Breeders and Owners’ Association, and to be held at Addington in a fortnight, will close on Saturday^ Kilboy made his first appearance in winning sires’ list when the two-year-old Bumptious ran second in the Debutante Stakes at Wanganui last week. In connection with the victory of Perlect Dnv in the .Jellicoe Handicap at the Pakuranga Hunt Club’s meeting, it is interesting to note that this was t.he third success trained members of this family in the last few weeks. Country Life, which won at tho Eg-mont-Wanganui Hunt meeting, and Take Take, which was success fid at the North Taranaki Hunt meeting, along with Perfect Dav, are all by Guianforte —Country Picnic. It was stated some time ago that Lady Jellicoe intended to register her racing colours and launch out as an owner, also that T. F. Quinlivan had been commissioned to purchase a horse for her. It is reported that Quinlivan offered 2000gns last week for the three-year-old Thespian, by Absurd—Letu, hut the response o? Mr G. M. Currie -that the colt was not for sale. Mr A. D. MTvor who recently gave up the training of Mr W. Stone’s horses to act as a starter for several Southland clubs, officiated at the Birchwood Hunt meeting on Saturday and discharged his duties very creditably. The fact of prize-money being allotted to four horses in several races at meetings held under tlie auspices of the Avondale Jockey Clujb, and which entails the placing of a fifth horse, tho committee of that body decided recently on appointing an assistant judge, and Mr E. V. Sutherland has been appointed to act with the judge, Mr G. Baiidon. In the event of all continuing well with the Avondale Jockey Club, inti committee of that body intends to place forty well-equipped boxes on its ground for the accommodation of visiting horses, and it is quite certain that c-ith training facilities at Avondale the pressure at Ellerslie will in time be considerably relieved. The Auckland owner-trainer, J Williamson, has gone to Sydney to aee his colt Loyal Irish, by Absurd—Mona-ma-Chree, compete in the Derby and other events at the Australian Jockey Club’s meeting. Mr Williamson has received advice from P. Nolan that Loyal Irish Was very unlucky during the running of the Spring Handicap at Randwick, for which he started favourite. The son of Absurd was going nicely at the bend, but just when he was making a forward move, was badly interfered with, and came down on his knees, his rider shooting out on to his neck. An inquiry was held after the race, but the evidence. although affirming that interference did take place, was not sufficiently strong to justify the stewards taking action. However, a prominent rider had made a statement to Mr Nolan, and it had been forwarded on to the stipendiary stewards, and there was every probability that the case would be re-opened. *

Mr F. W. Edwards has been appointed handicappor to the Manawatu Trotting Club. Though apparently not at Ms best yet, Sasanof is reported to bo galloping well, and the two races he has had in Auckland this month should benefit him for important events a littlo further ahead. As the team that H. Goldfinch went to Sydney to ride lias returned to the Dominion, the Auckland horseman will probably get the mount on Loyal Irish in the A.J-C. Derby. A well-known Auckland sportsman, Mr R. Bell, who is at present resident in England, intends doing a bit of racing in the Old Country, and has purchased the four-year-old horse Polymagnus bv Polymelus—Carita, from Lord Glanely. As a yearling Polymagnus cost SOOOgns, but up to the present has only won one race. He is being trained hv the ex-Australian. Mr J. M. D. Bell, at Berks, and it will be interesting to note if tho change of stables brings about a change of form. F. M’Cabe, at one time a well-known cross-country horseman, with important successes in New Zealand and Australia, has forsaken the saddle, and is now" training a team of jumpers in France. Referring to the twc-yenr-old parade, at the Pakuranga Hunt Club’s meet- ; ing, the Auckland writer “ Phaeton ” said that a good percentage of the youthful division carrying a decidedly attractive appearance, there was a very great deal for true lovers of the thoroughbred to feast their eyes on. The particular one to win the enthusiastic note at this particular juncture was Epitaph, a sturdy well-grown daughter of Absurd and the Cicero mare Eulogy, for whom Mr A. B. Williams paid 1500 guineas at the sale of the Koatanui yearlings in February last. In tlie spin over ' three furyjngs Epitaph displayed a brilliant- dash of pace, and it may be taken as pretty certain that she will soon repay Mr "W illiams the large sum expended in her purchase. Another filly to create a favourable impression was Nocturne, a bay daughter of Kilboy and the Birkenhead mare Noctoruni, who can lift her feet smartly, and in addition Is an attractive mover- Refinement, a well set up daughter of Shepherd King and the Seaton Delaral mare Elegance, also stands out as a youngster that may be expected to play her part attractively. Amongst the colts, a quartette that stood out on looks were Steel Bar (by Bardolft—Steel Belle), Sheffield (by Bright Steel—Liane), Master O’Rorke (by Day Comet—Autumn Rose), and Praiseworthy (by Roseworthy—Bahnavar). The last-named is the one most forward for early spring engagements, and he rolls into his task in so vigorous a manner a 9 to convey the impression that he thus early relishes racing, which is to be viewed a highly desirable trait. Auckland can certainly boast the possession of a promising contingent of two-year-olds, from whose ranks more than one classic may be found later on. For some time past the committee of the Avondale Jockey Club has had under consideration a. scheme of improvements at its course. It was hold up owing to uncertainty as to the club’s position, in view of the report of the Gaming Commission, but the work is now being gone on with, the intention being to bring the appointments up to the highest standard. The matter of providing the necessary accommodation at Avondale for visiting horses and their attendants was regarded as of pressing importance, and a long range of comfortable boxes, complete in regard to drainage, etc., now forms a striking feature at the western end of the property. The purchase of three acres,, with a cottage thereon, was recently effected by the club, and that being available for the jockeys and trainers, what might have developed mfij an acute position lias been relieved. • members’ stand has been added to bx the extension of the balcony by Oft in two tiers over the whole 6.6 ft of structure, and that alteration will be regarded with considerable favour, for the pressure under the old order of tilings was x cry pronounced. Matters in the main enclosure have been denTt xvitli, and the removal of the unsightly old building in the corner improxes the outlook in a very pleasing manner The altei ations decided upon hax r e necessitated a rearrangement of the entranct gates, and it is hoped that when completed these will prove quite satisfactory. '1 he matter of extending the stand accommodation has claimed the attention of the committee, and the plans drawn up some time back provide ,or extension of the present structure to almost double its length, the raising of the same by 6ft, and the’ construction of tiers of terraces for the full length cf the stand, which it is considered v.iil meet all requirements for a considerable period. In older to effect these improvements the stand is to be shifted back about 15ft. Altogether the area now owned bv the Avondale Jockey Club extends to 102 acres, and it is hoped that when tinnecessary filling iu lias been completed that there will be a straight run of ovei a quarter of a mile in mile and a quarter races before a turn has to be made. MAV/KE’S BAY NOTES. , (Special to the “ Star.”) NAPIER, September 27. Trainer \V. J Donox r an has arrived back al Otata.ru from his Sydney trip with Duo, Kick-off, Athens 11., Big Chief and Hula Girl. Tho quintet were landed in good health and most of them look in nice racing trim. The brood mare, Fairy Gold, dam of Golden Sky, Gold Plane, Goldshine, Mriolia, Hetaua. Toa Taua and Mountain Lion, foaled a /lead filly to Mountain Knight on Thursday last. As all oi this mare’s progeny hax'e raced well the loss is a severe one to the Douglas Estate. Trainer J. G. M’Cracken has leased the three-year-old filly Whariti, by Mountain Knight—Tinoa Tua, from her owner, Mr A. N. Golds. This filly has filled out a lot since last season, but sho is hardly ready for racing yet. The Speaker is getting through a solid preparation at Hastings and lie diould race well in his early races. The two races Mermin had at Avondale should do him a lot of good, and he may yet demonstrate that his form at that meeting was not his best. Radiant Light is given credit for a very fine race xrhen she won the New Lynn Handicap on the second day at Vvondale. She got away badly and vas knocked right back when attemnt:ng to make a run. but she came again in tho straight and won in good st3 T le. Kilwana. is a hack who may bo worth watching fir is t time out-

UNRULY HORSES. AUSTRALIAN EXPERIENCES. On th© whole colonial racehorses are not unduly troublesome at the starting machine. Certainly they ore not os bad as English horses, if we may judge by the frequent reports of long delaj'ed starts in the old country. But it takes only two or three unruly animals in a field to upset the lot—sometimes one is enough. We have had evidenco on this score at several recent meetings, says the Melbourne ‘‘ Leader.” Modern racehorses, particularly those in which there is St Simon blood—and their number is legion—are noted for nerves and temper. Th© old-time phlegmatic breed, of which the Yatterdon and Panic stock were typical, has practically disappeared. You could race these horses two or three times a day, and several days a week, xvith°ut upsetting them, and they seldom gave trouble at the post or anyxvhere else. In the old flag start days the riders, not th© horses, were the main cause of any trouble at the post. If there is one characteristic above all others that a stallion or mare is likely to transmit to his or her progeny, it is disposition. During the past fifteen or twenty years Australia has been inundated with English horses, far too many of which wore notorious for their cantankerous dispositions, the result partly of their breeding, and partly to the way in which they were handled as youngsters. As every experienced trainer is aware, a colt with a predisposition to temper or nerves must have a careful and capable man t-o “ look after ” him, if his weakness is to be overcome, or, at all events, kept within bounds. Many of these highly-strung and queer-tempered horses boliavo well enough when under the immediate supervision of their regular attendants, but arc easily upset when away from them, and that is a very sound reason xx'hy a- trainer should be allowed to send a reliable man to tlie post with a horse that is liable to misbehave. A word or txvo in tones and terms with xvhicli the horse is familiar usually is quit© sufficient in these cases to put the would-be rowdy on his best behaviour. He knows his “ boss ” is taking a hand in the game. The clerk of tho course does Ins best to induce unruly horses to face the barrier quietly, but h© cannot manage more than one at. a time. At recent Caulfield and Moonee Valley meetings, txx-o or three horses were “performing” at the one time, notably when Easingwold, Harvest King and on© or two others delayed the start for the Memsie Stakes. At th© start of a recent Moonee \ alley hurdle race. Majestic Mac and Didsbury were conspicuous by their misbehaviour. Tlie clerk of the | course eventually devoted tlie xx’iiole of his attention to Didsbury. leading her up to the barrier. For some minutes Majestic Mac resolutely declined to go near the machine, and in the end got badly axvay. While Majestic Mac xvas playing up a prominent owner was heard to remark that the entry of badmannered horses should be refused. We do not agree with this opinion. There is no need, except m a. very extreme case, for such a drastic remedy. Didsbury stopped her antics when taken in cl large by the clerk of the course, and probably Majestic Mac,would have given little or no trouble had his “hoy” been allowed to lead him up to the barrier. It is to be hoped that tho stipendiary stewards will in future allow an attendant to accompany a known “rowdy” to the post, the attendant, of course, to be subject to the starter’s orders. Nobody can be injured in the least by this, provided a xx’hip is not used. On the contrary, it is to the benefit of all the runners to hax’e a start delayed as little as possible, and one sure way t-o ensure a prompt dispatch is to give the starter every possible assistance with unruly horses.

We remember discussing this mattei some years ago with Mr J. E. Brewer, whose intimate knowledge of the race-

horse and its idiosyncrasies enabled him to train many -winners In Australia and England. He was emphatic in his opinion—shared by all trainers—that a man should be allowed to go to the post xvith an obstreperous horse. When trained in England by Mr Brewer. Uinacre, the sire of many winners in this country, was a bad actor at the post, and without the assistance of his personal attendant it would- have been almost impossible to get him away at all. This is only one ease of very many. Almost anv trainer could tell of rowdy horses which paid slight regal'd to strangers, yet became amenable to reason when approached by a man they knew. ACCEPTANCES. GERALDINE RACING CLUB. (Per Press Association.) TIMARU, September 27. The following acceptances have been received : HURDLE HANDICAP, of 150 sova; one mile and five turlongs—Mandrake list, The Digger lOst 131 b, Bedrock fust, Don Fraucisco Oat 121 b, Admiral Talbot 9at 71b, lied Biaze 9st 71b, Trent,ham Rose 9st 6lb, Indus 9st Sib, Lyroe 9st, Little Doctor Set. OHAPI HACK HANDICAP, of 110 sova; five furlongs—Ancenia 9st, Nope 9st, Blazes 9st, Kerry Star 9at, Headlong 9st, Necessity 9st, Loch Miladi 9at, Seaside 9st, Live Wire Bst 10lb, Kiltartan Bst 7ib, Lady Hope Bst 7lb, Allfcrm Sat 7lb, Prentice Boy Sat 71b, Mainspring Bst 71b. GERALDINE CUP, of 300 bovs; one mile and a quarter—Foo Chow 9«t 61b, Eleus Bst 13lb, Macduff Ssfc 21b, Linden 7st 12lb, Almoner 7at lllb, Caverock 7st 9lb, Orange Mart 6st 7lb, Nautical 6si 71b. GERALDINE TROT HANDICAP, of 130 BOX’S; one mile and a half—Merry Soul rct, Tickletoe 3sec, Child wood 4sec, Ben Ohau 4 c ec, Dusky Dillon ssec, Drum Major ss?ec. King William 6sec, Hostage 6see, Isla Wilkes 83ec. Mistress Mooney Baec, Seamount 9eec, Walter Raleigh 9sec. Orari 9sec, Proud Nell 9sec, Houdini 10sec, Bing Boy lOsec, Kevin Barry lOsec, Solomon Sloxx’ lOsec, Little Pointer lOsec, Dolly Dillon lOsec, Soldiers’ Vote lOsec, Stormy lOsec, Lauriston lOsec, Linden lOsec. SQUATTERS’ HANDICAP, of 125 bovs; aix furlongs—Royal Mao Bst 13lb, Pyjama Bst, Battle Scene 7et 81b, Sonrhird 7st 101 b, Madam Chiron 6st 101 b, Sleepy Head 6st 91b.. Samarane fist 71b. APPRENTICES’ PLATE HANDICAP, of 110 sox*?: six furlone-s—Kilfane Bst 12 T b, St Easel Pst slb, Carnbrae 8s t. Osterman 7st x-.’,, Hallucination 7st lib, Corsica 6st 10lb, Amendment flst 10lb. ORARI TROT HANDICAP, of 110 eovs; one mile and a quarter—Master Basil Spec, W n stewood 4sec. Drum Major ssec, Isla Wilke" 7sec, Ben Mac 7s?ec. Mooney 7sec, Fancy Bov 7sec. Malachv 7st. Kirriemuir Spec, Proud Nell P"ec, Tenot 9sec, Cocoa 9®ec T Orsova 9sec, Dillon Patch 9seo, Drambuie 9*ec. Green Ribbon 9sec, Morven Lass Hsec, Volo 9eec, Kevin Barry 9se>c, Teneriflfe 9sec, Petrix 9sec, Elsie Gav 9sec. Beckenham Lass Ssec, Little Pointer 9eec, Wilke Usee, Stormy 9see, Prosnect 9st. Whitebait go or . Kin "s moor 9?ec, Jimmv Chimes 9sec, Lor*and -1 J*r*Tc 9«ec. B’^LFTEL 7 "' VMNDICAD of 135 sovs: seven fuFongs—Almoner 9st 61b Pitprop 9st 6lb, Sxinnv Loch 9°t, Sembrie Bst 101 b, Bonny M-ac Bst 61b, Nautical Gf?t lib. General Pctain Set. Tiranga Pet-,