Racing and Trotting

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17032, 4 May 1923, Page 2

Racing and Trotting

Notes by “Argus”

FIXTURES. May 4. s—Marlborough Racing Club. May s—Thames Trotting Club. May 5, 7—Forbury Park Trotting Club. May g, io—Egxnont Racing Club. May li, 12—Aahhurton County Racing Club. May 17, 19 Wanganui Jockey Club. May 25, 26—Oamaru Jockey Club. June 2, 4—Otaki Maori Racing- Club. •Tune 2, 4—Canterbury Park Trotting Chib. •Tune 2, 4. 6—Dunedin Jockey Club. June 2, 4. 6—Auckland Racing Club. «june I—South IVairarapa Trotting Club. NOMINATIONS. May 4 Forbury Park Trotting Club (Trotting Stakes, 1924). May B—Oamaru Jockey Club. May 10—Canterbury Park Trotting Club, ■lay 10—South Wairarapa Trotting Club. May 11—Auckland Racing Club. May 11—Dunedin Jockey Club. May 11—Otaki Maori Racing Club. HANDICAPS. May 11—Wanganui Jockey Club. May 11—Auckland Racing Club. May 15—Oamaru Jockey Club. May 17—South Wairarapa Trotting Club. May 21—Canterbury Park Trotting Club. May 21—Dunedin Jockey Club. May 21—Auckland Racing Club. May 22—Otaki Maori Racing Club. ACCEPTANCES. May 4—Ashburton County Racing Club. May 4—Egmont Racing Club. May 14—Wanganui Jockey Club. May 19—Oamaru Jockey Club. May 24—South Wairarapa Trotting Club. May 25- Auckland Racing Club. May 25—Otaki Maori Racing Club. May 28—Dunedin Jockey Club.

MIDDLE PARK PLATE,

A year ago the committee of the Canterbury Jockey Club decided to abandon the Middle Park and it was generally believed that this old established event, which was first run in 1884, was contested lor the last time when Murihaupo won it about three months ago. This week, however, the committee revised its previous decision and the race will continue, to find a place on the programme of the summer meeting at tticcarton, though under altered conditions and with a slightly decreased stake. Originally the race was confined to two and three-vear-olds, and so it has continued until this season. In future, however, it will be open also to older horses, the new conditions stating that it is “ for two-year-olds and upwards.” Two-year-okls will carry 7st 41b, three-year-olds Sst 91b, and four-year-olds and up wards 9st. This is a slight variation from the weight for age scale, two year-olds being raised 41b and three year-olds 21b, while the older horses are left on their weight for age marks. The committee, in framing the new conditions, apparently aims at offering special inducements to owners of older horses. The penalties, by the way. remain practically the same as in the past, but the maiden allowances have been dropped. For many years the race has drawn only small fields, usually made up of horses from local stables. It is doubtful if they bill be much larger under the new conditions, as it is only in the case of a crack performer that an old horse may be expected to beat the young ones over six furlongs. The race is not at all likely to attraci additional support now from other parts of the Dominion, as visiting owners patronise the summer meeting of the Canterbury Jockey Club to a very limited extent, and with a reduced stake for the Middle Park Plate the inducement to visit Pic-carton in Feb ruary will not be enhanced. From a sentimental point of view it is a matter for congratulation that the race has been reinstated, even though the conditions have been changed. During the forty years of its existence i+ has provided some notable contests, and lias been won by some high-class horses, among them being Russley. Maxim, Carbine, Gold Medallist, Conqueror, Screw Gun, Mcnschikoff, Cruci form, Achilles. Machine Gun. Fleet fcot. Antagonist, Autumnus, Emnerador. Biplane, and Winning Hit. Mam 7 of these, after being champion racehorses. have had successful stud careers. Tt would be a pity of the club abandoned a race round which sucii and if for no other reason the decision to retain the Middle Park Plate is to 1 be welcomed. Acceptances for handicap events on the first day of the Ashburton County Racing Club's meeting and entries for the Laghmor Plate will close at five o'clock this evening. Nominations for the Canterbury Park Trotting Club’s winter meeting will close at noon next Thursday.

Although Forbury Park was flooded last week, it has dried up wonderfully, owing to excellent drainage, and it is expected to be in good order to-mor-row. when tlie winter meeting will be commenced.

Early indications suggest that Tara ire is likely to start favourite in the Prince of Wales Handicap, the principal event, on the first day’s programme at Forbury Park. He has been a very consistent performer this season, and the popular opinion is that he has not yet reached his best. Grand Denver has come in for a lot of support, from early backers, for the Prince of Wales aHnclicap at Forbury Park. Reports from Dunedin state that the pacer Jack Arrah has been showing good form in his training lately. The southern pacer Marvin Mac s reported to have done well lately. He is a very speedy customer when he is at his best. Brutus has been regarded in the past as a good saddle horse, but he lias been worked lately in harness, and is credited with having good prospects i*» that class of race. Quiver was unlucky to be- beaten in the Teviotdale Trot Handicap, at the Amberley meeting last Saturday. He is a very promising four-yearloid, who should develop into a good class performer. The trotter, Count Dee, is reported to liare done exceptionally well since the Faster meeting at Addington, when he showed good form. The following trotters arrived at Lyttelton yesterday morning:—Happy voyage, Worthy Bingen, Snowshoe, Pete Peter, Kewpie, Lady Irving, Alto Chimes, Hex Coronado, Reliance, liatans and Fancy Boy. The appointment of a. handicapper by the Dunedin Jockey Club will probably be made on Monday. The abandonment of the Saturday half-holiday in some parts of the Soutn Island will probably have the effect oi inducing a number of southern clubs tc revert to mid-week dates for their meetings next season. The present arrangement of racing on Saturday is very unpopular with those who have to travel long distances, as it means spending Sunday away from home. With Tigerland available for steeplechases and En Route for hurdle races, Mr E. Riddiford should play a prominent part in important jumping events during the winter. Quest will also do the circuit as the stable representative in flat events. A hitch has occurred in connection with the new grandstand which the Wellington Racing Club contemplates erecting at Trenthani, and the present fixture will not be removed until after the winter meeting.

Mountain Lion, a three-year-old by Mountain Knight from Fairy Gold, has been purchased from the Douglas Estate by the Gisborne sportsman, Mr Parker. This half-brother to Maioha was a useful two-year-old. but he has not run a race this season.

The ex-Highden trainer, George Price, is now doing well in Sydney, having a team of twelve horses under his care. The six-year-old gelding Militaire, by Martian—Vicereine, is being educated as a jumper at Trentham. So far he has shaped fairly well. The question of granting ney permits to racing bodies is sure to come before Parliament shortly, and it ri stated by the Wellington writer, “Carbine,** that Labour members of the House will not vote for the granting of a permit unless the club concerned agrees to grant the seven stone miniThe Auckland sportsman. Mr E. AN Alison, jun., lias sold the imported fslly Dancing Doll, which is to be retired to the stud next season, although she will be asked to carry silk for a while yet. Mr Alison has also got rid of Geoffrc> r . which will in future carry the colours of Mr W. J. Wilson. Tt is stated that Mr Acton Adams was so impressed with Palencia’s j>erformauces over country at Timnru that he offered a big price for the half-brother to Lochelln. but Mr Hazlett declined to treat. The well-known Wingatui trainer. J Rut fledge. lias left on a visit to Melbourne and Sydney on a well deserved holiday. Latterly ho lias had only a modest team under his charge, and in :eeent years Mnhaela is the good winner he has been able to saddle up. With her he won the Stewards’ Han dicap and other races, but his best days were when he won the Winter Cup, Stewards’ Handicap, Great Easter Handicap. Great Autumn Handicap. and other races with the son oi Siepniak. He also trained Canteen for his win in the New Zealand Clip and other races won by the handsome grey in this country.

The Victorian trainer, J. Scobie, lias a yearling sister to Gloaming in his team. Unless something: has occurred during the last few weeks to bring fresh horses into prominence, the result of the Two Thousand Guineas, the first of this season’s English three-year-old races, would be a great surprise. Ellangowan, the winner, starteed only once last season, finishing only third in moderate company, while the run-ner-up Knockands, did not start at all as a two-year-old. D’Orsay, who filled third place, won a couple of minor events in the early part of the season and his latest form, though he was placed three times, was only moderate. Ramson, whose Comedy King yearhug colt realised 2000 guineas at the recent yearling sales in Sydney, is an imported mare by Radium from Monarda, by Florizel 11. (brother to Persimmon and Diamond Jubilee) from the Hermit mare Lady ivoverule, dam of the Derby winner St Araant, and grand-darn of Catgut, the- dam of Day Comet (at the stud in Auckland) and Quinologist arid Violoncello (good winners in Australia). The imported horse Valais, whose stock sold so well at the Sydney bloodstock sales, is a chestnut horse bred in England in 1913. and got by Cicero from Lily of the Valley, by Martagon —Hampton! a. by Hampton—Feronia, by Ihorman by— Woodbine, bv Stockwell—Honeysuckle, by Touchstone from I lash, by Enfilade- from Frou Frou, by Macaroni. Top price among the Valais yearlings was made by the colt i inaceae, who made 16ogns. Linaeeae was got by Linacre from Miss Bass, by Malster-—Conundrum, by MartiniHenry—Enigma by Chester—Episode It is possible that a conference of non-totalisator racing clubs will be held in Wellington this month for the purpose of discussing the question of vhat action should be taken in the direction of obtaining permits. At a meeting of the committee of the Kaikoura Racing Club, a circular was received from the Takaka Racing Club, stating that- at a special meeting held ro consider the matter of obtaining totalisator permits for those clubs at present denied the privilege, it was decided to circularise the non-totalis-ator clubs in the Dominion, with a view of meeting in conference, to formulate- as strong a case as possible to put before Parliament, in the hope ■d' obtaining its favourable considera r.tion of the matter. It was considered *mat the time was opportune to bring ”‘ ie matter forward, as a more sympathetic hearing was likely to be obtained ironi the present members of Parliament. Tt was suggested that a con rerence be held in Wellington on May l; 5 * ot one delegate or proxy from each club, to go thoroughly into the matter. Tt was decided to reply to the circular stating that the Kaikoura Racing Club was in sympathy with the movement, and would send a delegate •m receipt of advice that the conference would be definitely held on Mat V 5; Mr G - Weston r a was appointed delegate. With the exception of Orcus no yearling has brought so high a price as the Comedy King--Ramson colt, which realised 9600fcns at the Syduev yearling sales. Ocus was a' brother to Loisedon, the only r.o-rse to win the Caulfield and Melbourne Cup, and beta use of the great performances of Poseidon he evoked spirited competition when submitted as a yearling -Jr H. R. Denison, owner of Poseidon, was rot to !>e denied, however, and he hid up to 30.50gns for the colt snd obtained him. Orcus was a rank fa i lure on the turf, ami (says the Australasian ”) did not win a single race. Such is the lottery of yearlinotuning Now ,\t the stud in Queensland. Orcus has sired a few useful norsos The Comedy King colt, sold lor wag bved at Xotmlim m th<? Ooulbm-n Valley, by Mr - oniian calkiaer, whose brother, Mr O. R. Falkiner. purchased the colt through lus trainer. W Booth. Mr 0 R. halkmer is the owner of David, who won £8972 in stakes fo r him at che recent autumn meeting ot the a ustrahan Jockey Club. David furmshes a striking instance of the luck i'- K v '“« yearlings. He was sold at that age for 40gns, and ha* now won about £22.300 in stakes. Eurvthraic who won £30.891 in stakes, cost 310<ms ns a yearling.

HANDICAPS.

VANGANTM JOCKEY CLUB. (Per Press Association*. ) WELLINGTON. May 3. The following handicaps have been declared : WANGANUI STEEPLECHASE. of 650 so vs; three miles.—Oakleiffh list. 131 b. Explorer 11*1 121 b. First Line lOst 91b. Otauru Kid 10st 7lb, Tigerland lOst 71b, War Loan 30et lib. Powder King yst (Jib. Whipcord »«t 9lb. To Maire 9*t 81b. Silent Dick 2st 2lb. Folthogue 9st, Moulu 9at, Onipoto 9st. Black Night 9st. CENTURY HURDLE HANDICAP, of 425 sovs; two miles and a quarter.—(iladful list 121 b, Explorer list Clb. Omaliu 10st 121 b, Vagabond jOst 91b. War Loan lOst Sib, Malingerer lOst 61b, Kohu lOst 61b. Black Art lOst 6lb, Ruddy »6t 121 b. Complex 9st nib. Peter A mans 9*l 111 b, Active 9st 91b, Whipcord 9sfc 6lb. Great Fun 9st 61b. En Route 9st 41b, White Ranger 9M 41b. Gold Star 9st 21b. Tinokaha Oat. Savoury 9st, Moulu 9st, Marigawai 9st. Sling Camp 9M.

RACING CONFERENCE.

THE PENNILESS CASE. Messrs C. P. Skerrett, O. S. Watkins and W. E. Bidwill, the judges appointed by the Racing Conference in connection with the appeal of John Archibald Cyril Fleming, against the decision of the Auckland District Racing Committee imposing certain disqualificatons on the appellant, have delvered the following judgment:— The Auckland District Racing Committee gave the following decision against the appellant, John Archibald Cyril Fleming, and against L. Hector Wynyard:— (1). The entrj, acceptance and starting of the horse ‘ Penniless; ” in the Hikurangi Hack Handicap and Poroti Hack Hurdle Handicap, run at the meeting of the Whangarei Racing Club on the J3th and 15th respectively of October. 1921, were the acts of the said J. A. C. Fleming and the said L. H. Wynyard. (2). At the time of the entry and starting of the horse in the said races there was subsisting between the said Fleming ancl the said. Wy a yard a partnership or joint interest in the running of or the profits of the racing of the said horse, which the said Fleming and the said Wynyard had wilfully failed register, in breach of Rule 2 of Part VII.. of the Rules of Racing. (3). By reason of the wilful failure to register the said partnership or joint interest each of them, the said Fleming and the said Wvnvard, is guilty of a corrupt practice bv virtue of Rule 1 (j) of Part XXXII. of the said rules. (4). The said Fleming and the sain Wyayard wilfully entered the said horse for the races aforesaid, not being entitled under the Rules of Racing to do so, and are eaoh of them guilty of a corrupt practice by virtue of Rule 1 tc) of Part XXXII.. of tlie said rules. (5). Each of them, the said Fleming and the said Wynyard, is guilty of a breach of Rule 7 of Part XV.. of the said rules and liable to the penalties therein provided, inasmuch as he did not give the notice to the secretary of the Whangarei Racing (’lnb re quired by Rule 7 of Part XV., of the said rule in order that the said horses Signature ” and '• Penniless • should be bracketed on the totalisator for the Poroti Hack Hurdle Handicap. (6). The horse *• Per: niless ” is declared to be disqualified for the Poroti Hack Hurdle Handicap and the paid Fleming and the said Wynyard are and each of them is ordered to forthwith refund to the Whangarei Racing Club the stakes paid to the said Wynyard on the winning of the Poroti Hack Hurdle Handi cap of the 15th October 1921 by the horse “ Penniless.” (7). In respect of the corrupt practice mentioned in foregoing paragraph No. 3 each of them, the said J.A.C. Fleming and the said L. H. Wynyard, is hereby declared to be disqualified under the Rules of Racing, the said J. A. C Fleming for the term of five years from the 15th day of March, 1923—and the said L. Hector Wynyard for tlie term of three years from the same date. (8). In respect of the corrupt practice mentioned in foregoing paragraph No. 4 the same disqualifications are inflicted upon each of them, the said J. A. C. Fleming and L. H. Wynyard, as are set forth in paragraph No. From this decision Mr Fleming appealed to the Racing Conference and we were appointed by the president to hear and determine the appeal. We accordingly heard the appellant and the representative of the Auckland District Racing Committee, Mr L. Hector Wynyard intimating to us that he did not intend to be present at the hearing of the appeal. After careful perusal of the evidence ancl a consideration of the arguments sub. mitted to us we are satisfied that at the time of the entry, acceptance and starting of the horse “ Penniless. " in the Hikurangi Hack Handicap and the Poroti Hack Handicap, run at the meeting of the Whangarei Racing Club on the 13th and loth October, 1921, respectively, there was subsisting between Mr Fleming and Mr Wynyard a joint - interest in the running or profits of the racing of the said horse. We are further of opinion that the entry, acceptance and starting of the horse in the said races by Mr Wynyard must he regarded under the circumstances which obtained as the acts of and binding Mr Fleming. The entry therefore must be regarded as the act of both Fleming and Wynyard. The joint interest was not registered as required by the rules. We are of opinion that both parties did wilfully fail to register the joint interest ancl did wilfully enter or start a horse which they knew to be disqualified. It follows therefore that both parties were guilty of a corrupt practice under Rule 1 (j) and 1 (c) of Part XXXII.. and were liable to disqualification under that Rule. We there fore affirm the decision of the Auckland District Racing Committee declaring that the horse “ Penniless " be disqualified for tlie Poroti Hack Hurdle .Handicap and ordering the said Fleming and Wynyard or one of them to forthwith refund the stakes paid to the said Wynyard on the winning of the said race. We. however, differ from the decision ot the Auckland District Racing Committee in one respect. After the most painstakrng consideration of the matter, we sec no reason for differentiating between the guilt of Fleming or Wynyard or between the punishment to be imposed on them. We therefore affirm the decision of the District Board that the said L. H. Wynyard be disqualified under the Rules of Racing for the term of three years from the 15th March, 1923, but we diminish the term of the disqualification imposed upon the said J. A. C. Fleming by reducing the same to the term of three years from tlie 15tb March. 1923. We accordingly order that the said J. A. C. Fleming be disqualified under the Rules of Racing for a term of three years from the 15th March, 1923. The said disqualification is imposed in respect of each of the corrupt- practices committed under Rule 1 (j) and Rule 1 (c) of Part XXXII.. With respect to the racing of the horse ‘• Penniless '' by L. li. Wynyard subsequent to October 1921 we affirm the decision of the Auckland District Racing Committee. We think that the joint interest in the running of the horse must be regarded as determined by the parties shortly after the Whangarei Racing Club’s meeting of October, 1921. From that date the ownership of the horse was in dispute. Each party insisted that lie was the owner of the horse and this question was only determined at a later date by the Supreme Court upon conflicting evidence. We agree with the Auckland District Racing Committee that until the determination of the ownership <4- the horse by the Judge it cannot he said that Wynyard did not genuinely believe that he could establish his claim to the ownership of the horse and that he was entitled to race the horse as the owner thereof. In these circumstances we cannot regard Wynyard as having committed a breach of the Rules of Racing in entering the horse as his own—the joint interest between himself and Fleming having previously been determined.