RACING AND TROTTING.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16571, 2 November 1921, Page 3

RACING AND TROTTING.

(By

(ARGUS.)

FIXTURES. t'ovember 5, • —Auckland Racing Club. November 5. T, 9, 12- Canterbury Jockey “ Club. November 8, 18, 11—Metropolitan Trotting Club. . November 19, QB—Otahnhu Trotting Club. November 28, 24—Aehhurst-Pohangina Racing Club. _ _ November 25, 26—South Canterbury Jockey Club. NOMINATIONS. !■ 'Timber 1— Ashhutfst-Pohanglna Racing Club. November 4—Otahuhu Trotting Club. Sorember B—South Canterbury Jockey Club HANDICAPS. Kovember 7 —Ashhurat - Pohangina* Racing Club. November B—Otahuhu Trotting Club. N ivember 18—South Canterbury Jockey Club. ACCEPTANCES. Kovember I—Metropolitan Trotting Club. November 2 —Canterbury Jockej Club. November 11—Otahuhu Trotting Club. Noromber 12—Asbhurst-Pokangina Racing Club. November 21—South Canterbury Jockey Club. PENALTIES, 'Hie scratching of Amythas lor the Stewards* Handicap, which was announced this week, serves once more to illustrate the weakness of the system of fixed penalties, under which the value of a performance is calculated fcutoniatically, according to the amount of money that a horse wins. The idea of handicapping is to give every horse in a race a chance, and though, in actual practice, it does not work out this way, for reasons which frequently arc beyond the handicapper’s control, the principle remains the same. Under the system of penalties adopted by most clubs, however, the business is taken cut of the official’s hands, in the case of a horse who happens to win a race after the declaration of the weights. This rule of thumb method of calculating penalties takes no account of distance, how a race was won or any other among the many points which furnish h real guide to the merit of a performance, the only thing that counts being that the horse has secured a certain amount of money. No one would suggest the abolition of the handicapping Bystem in favour of an arrangement by which all horses would receive automatic rises acoording to their stake earnings but it would only bo going a few stejps further with the methods which fiow govern penalties. To take the case of Amythas. he was already weighted in the Stewards* Handicap as the best liorse in the field and hi a Champion Plate win disclosed no improved form; fcn fact, many people would urge that his showing was below expectations. Yet he earns a 141 b penalty for a success which moat people, including the handicappcr, were fully prepared for. With lOst 21b he would have been a tvelcomo addition to the field, but vith list 21b there was no inducement to leave him in. Turning to the New Zealand Cup, the faults of the penalty system are again disclosed. Several horses have earned extra weight as a l result of wins since the handicap ap- | pea red. Not one of the successes, how- " ever, was scored in a race of more 1 ban u mile and a quarter. There is no evidence, in the case of many of the Cup candidates, that they can get to the end of two miles; in fact, several of them can be written off as certain to be in trouble a long way from home, through lack of stamina. In the case of these horses, the only good purpose served by the penalty is that it may induce an owner to decline an engagement for which his horse was never fitted. Some vi the big events decided at Riccarton each season would not suffer if the penalty conditions were eliminated altogether. As a start, the committee might try the experiment with the New Zealand Cup, which is amply safeguarded from risk by the length of the journey. It is too far lor the majority cl the horses who are nominated and the club need never be afraid that the t/TTC mile race will be spoilt by early fcpring form over shorter distances. Final payments and acceptances in connection with the Canterbury Jockev Club*s meeting will close at eight o’clock to-night. Perfect weather favoured the trainers during working hours at Riccarton this morning. The No. 6 grass was open, as well as the sand and plough, tnd all three tracks were patronised by trainers. The work, however, was verv dull and uninteresting, most of the horses Ixfirig restricted to easy tasks, in preparation for the final gallops tomorrow. Warlove and Bluif strode out freely over it cour>le of circuits of thc> grass at three-quarter pace. Warlove has come through a very solid preparation and looks in great fettle to tackle the New Zealand Cup. lcobel moved freely over a circuit cf the plough, but she was not sent at anythin# like her best pace. Sasanof reeled off half a mile smartJv. Tlie veteran Martian gelding looks well. Almoner and Songbird were associated in a strong working gallop over a mile, both going nicely. Good Start and M and rake were associated over four hurdles. They went at a'sound pace all the way. Good Start gave a high class exhibition, while Mandrake also shaned well, though lie hit one of the obstacles hard. The North Island horses who arrived the previous day were out, but their tasks were of an easy character. The barrier was available after breakfast, and a number of trainers took advantage of the opportunite to give their green horses some practice. P. T. Hogan arrived from South Canterbury last night with Almoner. Kerry Star, Songbird, Mandrake and Good Start, all of whom look in good order for their engagements at the Canterbury Jockey Club’s meeting. J. Ruttledge has put rn an appearance from Wingatui with Michaela, who looks in fine trim for her ilicear•ten engagements

J. A. White brought the hurdler Whipcord from the south last night. He bears a well trained appearance. *** Mazama, after a successful trip to the south, where he won a race at the Gore Racing Club’s meeting, is back in his old quarters at Riccarton, under the care of S. Trilford. Jock will forfeit his engagement in the New Zealand Cup when the final payment has to be made to-night. ITo developed a cold recently and P. T. Hogan has found it necessary to give him a spellKilkee has been brought to Riccarton by P. T. Hogan. He is not engaged at the Canterbury Jockey Club’s meeting, but is being got ready for southern fixtures later in the season. Mr W. A. H. Oliver recently resigned his position as secretary to the Southland' Racing Club and the committee lias appointed Mr R. B. Caws to sue- | ceed him. The committee cf the Canterbury j Jockey Club met on Tuesday. The following programmes wore approved : —Methven Racing Club (December 3) and Huruimi Turf Club (December 26). Trainers* licenses were granted to O. P. Bhckeniiam, D. C. M’Donald and W. Wilsou. A jockey’s license was granted to D. E. Cotton- The jockey’s license of E. Ludlow was extended to the end of the season. C. H. Monk’s application was held over. An np- , prentice jockey’s license was granted ; to A. A Yuungman ‘‘available for ap- \ prentice races only until January 18). The control of traffic at the Addington racecourse provides a difficult problem on busy race days, when the roads leading to the course are crowded with trams, private motor-cars and taxis. The subject was discussed this week by representatives of the Tramway Board and the Metropolitan Trotting Club, and the arrangements made should facilitate the handling of vehicular traffic at next week’s meeting. Everything promises well for the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Chib’s meeting next week. The field ieft iit the New Zealand Trotting Cup has been reduced bv* the withdrawal ol Matchlight, Dean Dillon, Cello Sydney Wilkes and Oinako, but they were not expected to go to the post. The thirteen left in include a few horses with only moderate prospects, but with the exception of Author Dillon all the best horses in the Dominion are engaged and the race should be full of interest, in spite of the strong favouritism of Man o’ War. A special train service will be run from the Christchurch station to the racecourse and back on November 5, 7, 9 and 12. Particulars are advertised . A special tram service has been arranged for the Metropolitan Trotting Club’a spring meeting at Addington oti Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, November 8, 10 and 11. The first race each day, will start at 11.30. The recently formed organisation, known as the Dominion Sportsmen’s Association, has issued a circular in connection with a suggested amendment to the Gaming Act, having for its object the legalisation of bookmakers. The circular is drawn ud in lucid and forceful style, and it is quite evident that keen minds have been at work. The concluding clause in the circular reads as follows: —“ If the proposed amend-, meats are adopted it will make for contentment in the sporting world, give the Government and racing clubs a full measure of revenue, keep down the otherwise unnecessary outlay on costly tote houses and machines, give backers fixed prices for their fancies, and provide a law that will be more honoured in the observance than the breach.” The meeting of Otago Horse-owners’ and Breeders’ Association, to confirm tho resolution as to holding a truH sporting and non-money-making race for the benefit of the unemployed (says the Dunedin ‘‘Star”) was of a most enthusiastic nature. Sportsmen are taking up the proposal very willingly, and already have the assurance of organised aid from the commercial travellers and others. It was decided to hold a trotting meeting at Fcrburv on December JO. A programme was drafted providing for six trots. The prizes are to be trophies, not money stakes. A strong committee was formed to go round and canvass for money. Ladies are going to run the tea room?.. All the work will be done free of charge. The admittance fee is | to be half a. crown—everybody at tinone price. Given a fine day, the meeting is bound to be a big magnet, and the promoters aim at a net result of £2000.. (rood luck to them. Crown Jem (Crown Imperial 11. Muhgista), winner of the Railway Handicap at IVaipawa last week. is owned by his breeder. Sir George Hunter. M.P., who was present to see the first win of the progeny of Crown imperial !f. (Martagon- -Macaroon) imported by Mr J. Goring Johnston a tew seasons back. The pacer Honest Ned who started in all four light harness events at the Gore meeting, incidentally carrying out. a very stiff contract for one win. a second and two unplaced efforts, did not get a chance to appear ir. public until late in life. For a number of years, sa-ys the Southland writer, “ Sir Modred. ” ho was engaged in drawing I his owner’s trap in private life, trotting men consulted refusing to believe that he was speed merchant. Eventually his owner retired from farming and the horse chan rod hands, with the result that his chance came ns a racehorse. In the 1919-20 season he was twice unplaced but last season, he won n race and was twice placed third in four starts. The son of Kentucky Yet and May proved him*:df a verv capable horse at Gore and he may do even better in future. His earlv owner has been to the races to mark with pleasure that his c-lafins as to the worth of Honest Ned have been fully borne out. Oversights of the'most, extraordinary order on the part of horseowners are recorded at times in connection with nominations and acceptances, and a rec<mf case is reported from Sydney. Mr R. Raillie, the owner of David, forgot the date of genera! entry day for the Victoria Racing Club’s Spring Meeting, with the result that the wellperformed son of Baverstock is an absentee from all the weight-for-age races at Flemington. O' course, with the probability of Eurthmic being on the scene, David would have had to work very hard for a win in those events, but then the second money alone is substantial ; and now. with Kurythrnic off the scene, David’s owner must more than ever regret the oversight.

In a private letter to the Auckland writer “ Whalebone,” Mr T. H. Lowry mentions that he had decided on attending the Doncaster yearling sales, with the object of purchasing a couple of fillies to send back to New Zealand with Paradise Duck, but ricked a knee while shooting and was unable to walk on the day the youngsters were offered. There was a marked difference in the prices this year, but a full sister to Paradise Duck brought 5200 guineas. Mr Lowry expects to be back in plenty of time for the Auckland Racing Club’s summer meeting, at which he will have several horses racing.

The committee of the Victoria Racing Club recently held an inquiry, at which R. Lewis, the well-known jockey, was charged under the Rules of Racing with being the owner of, or that he was interested in, the racehorse Boynie R., who was successful in the V.R.C. Gooparle Welter at Fiemington on July 0. in the nomination of Mr J. Elliott. Subsequently Boynie B. was offered at auction and knocked down for 600 gs. Statements have been made to the Victoria Racing Club regarding the ownership of the gelding, an inquiry was instituted and after a lengthy hearing tho committee’s finding was to the effect Hint it viewed the whole circumstances of Lewis’s association with the horse with very grave suspicion, but gave him the benefit of the doubt. No further action will therefore be taken ill the matter. Several witnesses were examined, including Mr J. Elliott, in whose colours Boynie B. raced, and H. D. Parkinson, trainer of the gelding. AUSTRALIAN RAGING. VICTORIA RACING CLUB. SPUING MEETING. SISTER OLIVE WINS MELBOURNE CUP EURYT'HMIC BREAKS DOWN. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. Australian aua J.N.Z.. table Association. MHjL.BOuKajii, November i. The weather was not anti sultry lor the second nay ol tue Victoria xiacmg Ciuo a spring meeting. There was an enormous crowu present, including the Uovertior-uen-erai ana tue estate Governor. Some heavy raindrops lell alLer the second race, but cue weatner Cleared again oeiore tne Gup. Tile xavourite, Shadow Dancer, jumped i mil Terentiy in the hurdle race ana hnishea seventh. Teleciee, trained by J. non, led into tne straignc and won Handsomely irorn the tweive-year-old Coronauus. Green Malt was always prominent m the Railway Handicap, and won narrowly from Oiaore, with the Tasmanian hoi*6e, Talisman. a close third. Green Malt cost his present owner -iOOgs as a yearling. The time was ’half a second outside the race record. Etherian, on the far side, scored decisively in the November Nursery Handicap. She was bred by her owner and was well ridden by K. Lewis. Owing to a fall on Saturday, F. Dempsey' was unable to ride Eurythmic in the Cup and W. H. M’Lacnlari had the mount, J. King replacing him on Kennaquhair. The race provided great excitement. Tho favourite, Eurythmic, got the ropes of the barrier in his mouth at the start. Otherwise he had a clean passage, but he broke down a furlong from home, when he was going well. David met with interference early in the race, but lie finished strongly'. Sister Olive got a bad start, but soon ran into fifth place. She had the race won at the distance and scored decisively. She is owned by her breeder, Mr F. Norman, a member of the Victorian Club, and is trained by •John Williams, at Caulfield. The first half-mile of the Cup took 62sec, the next half 5-lsec, the third 50|seo and the last 81 sec. The top weight, lolaus, won the Steeplechase easily. He was ridden by the New Zealander, S. Thompson. Tararu Jack finished second last. The following are the details of the racing:— CUP HURDLE HANDICAP. Of 5 bovs each, with 500 sovs added; second horse 100 sovs and third horse 50 bovs from the stake. Two miles. Mr W. M’Culloch’s b g Teleclea, by Poseidon —Trinket, aged, 12st . . .1 Mr J. Long's b g Coronatus, by' Fortunatue—Kangulandai, aged, 12st lib . 2 Mr E. Brown’s b g Earl Alwyne, by Lord Alwyne—Rosette, syrs, 9st 4lb . 8 Ten horse 3 started. Won, by three-quarters of a length, with the third horse half a length away. Time —3min 47isec. RAILWAY HIGH-WEIGHT HANDICAP. Of 5 sovs each, with 600 sovs added; second horse 100 sovs and third horse 50sovs from the stake. Six furlongs. Mr E. Ecclcs's ch g Green Malt, by Malt King—Faustina, 3yrs, 9st (ilb . . 1 Mrs V. S. Hordern’s br c Otacre, byLi nacre—Otira, 3yrs, 9st 91b . . 2 Mr T. Lyons’s br h Talisman, by White Star—Oakdene, 4yrs, Sat 3lb . . .3 Nineteen horses started. Won by a short head, with the third horse half a neck away. Time—lmin 133 sec. NOVEMBER NURSERY HANDICAP. Of 5 sovs each, with 500 sovs added; second horse 100 sovs and third horse 50sovs from the stake. For two-year-old fillies. Five furlongs. Mr E. E. D. Clarke’s b f Etherian, by The Welkin—Ethne. Bst 10lb . .1 Mr J. I. Winter-Irving’s br f Scarlet, by Bright Steel—Red Ink, Bst 51b 2 Mr S. Brunton's ch f Ursina, by The Welkin—Polaire. Bst 131 b ... .3 Eleven horses started. Won by- a length and three-quarters, with the third horse two lengths away. Time—lmin lsec. MELBOURNE CUP. Of 50 sovs each, with SOOO sovs added, and a trophy valued at £150; second horse 1600 sovs and third horse 800 sovs from the stake. Mr F. W. Norman’s ch f Sister Olive, by Rod Dennis—Jubilee Queen, 3yrs, Gst 91b (E. O’Sullivan) 1 Mr J. Wren’s ch g The Rover, by Sea Prince —Reminder, 6yrs, Bst 4lb . . Mr A. J. Thurgood's br g Amazonia, by St Alwyne—The Amazon, aged. 7st 111 b 3 Furious led for tlie first furlong, with Paratoo and King of the Forest next. Duke Napoli then went to the front, and racing out of the straight he was two length? ahead qf Lionel Attwill. Ue Rover, Ha» vest King, Sinbad the Sailor and Sister Olive. Lionel Attwill reduced Duke Napoli's lead to a length at the mile post, and these two led the field along the bock, with The Rover and Sister Olive next, and David third last. Five furlongs from lmme Lionel Attwill was a length in front of The Rover, followed by Sinbad the Sailor, Amazonia and Sister Olive. The order at the entrance to the straight was Harvest King. Sister Olive, Purser, The Rover. Lionel Attwill, Amazonia and Eurythmic. Sister Olive came awav at the i distance end won bv three-quarters of a length from The Rover. w*»o beat Amaz-nm bv a length. Harvest King was fourth, and David fifth, with Purser. Ethiopian and Honev Pee nevt, and Furious eighteenth. Enrvthmic broke down in the last furlong. Time—3min 27? sec. CUP STEEPLECHASE, Of 5 sovs each, with 500 bovs added: second horse -CO sovs and third horse 50 sovs from the stake. About two miles and half ji furlong. Mr L. Ramsay « ch g lolaus. by Heracles—M*’ss Dunlop, aged, l2st 121 b . 1 Mr M. Mullins’s b g Dorian, by Sojourner—Hibernia. aged, list 21b . 2 Mr R. K inn ear’s b g Glenard, by Silent Friend —Gorin di. aged, lOst Blb . 3 f Ten horses started. Won by five lengths, with a head between second and third horses. Monrose fell. Time -4min sisec. YAN YEAN HANDICAP. Of 5 sovs each, with 500 sovs added ; second horse 10!) bovs and third horse 50 sovs from the stake. One mile. Mr C. Lancaster’s b g Section, by Broadsword—Circle. syrs . ... 1 Mr W. H. Houghton's b or br h. Strathredole, by Tresaady—Perdita, 4yrs 2 Mr H. W. Morton’s br h Yacanmnda, by Ooaltrim —Artemis. 4yrs, 7st. Blb . 3 Sixteen horses started. Won by half a length, with the third horse two lengths away. Time—lmin 40$sec. EURYTHMIC. MELBOURNE. November I. Eurythmic wrenched his olf'-fetlock in the Cup.