RACING AND TROTTING.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17036, 9 May 1923, Page 2

RACING AND TROTTING.

NOTES BY “ARGUS.”

FIXTURES. Way 9, 3 o—E"raont Racing Club. May 10, 12 —Forbury Trotting Club. May ii, 12—Ashburton County Racing Club. May 17, 19 —Wanganui - Jockey Club. May 25, 26—Oarnaru Jockey Club. June 2, 4—Otaki Maori Racing Club. June 2, -i —Canterbury Park Trotting Club. June 2, J. 6—Dunedin .Jockey Club. June 2, 1. 6—Auckland Racing Club. June I—South Wnirarapa Trotting Club. NOMINATIONS. May &—Oamaru Jockey Club. May 30 —Canterbury Park Trotting Club. May 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 M:>cri Racing Club. ACCEPTANCES. 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? THE NATIONAL STUD. In 1915 Lord Wavevtree (Colonel \Y. Hall Walker he was then) offered, as a gift to the British nation practically the whole ot his valuable collection of thoroughbreds for the establishment ot a stud. The Government was intimidated, to some extent, by the open and veiled opposition offered by a section of the community, and it was only after considerable hesitation that the generous offer was accepted. Never was there grounds for the slightest apprehension that the gift would prove to be a white elephant. From the very first the National Stud, under the capable management of Captain Greer, has been an unqualified success, financially and irom every other point of view. The yearlings that have been sold have brought high prices and those that have been leased lihve done well on the Turf. Although there was a slight all-round drop in the price of the yearlings sold at Newmarket last July, ten from the National Stud realised the fine total of 16,220 guineas. Since the first sale in 1916. eighty-nine yearlings from the National Stud have been disposed of, for an aggregate of 104.080 guineas, making the fine average of 1169 guineas each. A recent cable stated that in presenting the estimates of the Ministry of Agriculture in the House of. Commons, the Minister said that the operations in connection with the breeding of racehorses formed one of the most suc-

cessful instances of State trading. Horses bred by the National Stud were particularly successful last season, there being twenty-five individual winners of forty-two races, worth £32,939. Among the first batch of foals bred at the Tully Stud after it was taken over by the Government was The Panther, who won the Two Thousand Guineas. Since then there have y oome from the National Stud such good winners as Mount Royal (Goodwood Cup), Eagleliawk (Liverpool Summer Cup),. Blandford (a good three-year-old winner last season), Royal Lancer (English and Irish St LogersV All Alone. Nutcracker. Cinderella, Dutch Flight, Flame of Fire, Isle of AYight, Morganatic Marriage, "White Bud (Lincolnshire Handicap this season), Poisoned Arrow. Diligence, White Satin, False Alarm and Cariama’. The brood mare 1 Countess Zia has been a rare money earner for the National Stud. She produced her first foal in 1915 and she has bred one every subsequent season. Sold as yearlings they have yielded a total of 25,460 guineas. Count. Tracy (by Tracery) topping the list with 8000 guineas in 1920. Nominations for the winter meeting of the Canterbury Park Trotting Club will close at noon to-morrow. Nominations for the South Wairarapa Trotting Club’s meeting will close at ten o’clock to-morrow night. The winter meeting of the Forbury Park Trotting Club, which was postponed from last week on account of the weather, is booked to open tomorrow. Latest reports from the south, however, suggest that the track is still very heavy. It is generally expected that South-land-trained horses will race prominently in most of the events at Forbury Park, as they are more likely to i»e used to the heavy track. Since arriving in Dunedin a few have been tried out and have performed very satisfactorily in the mud.

The announcement that the Ashburton County Racing Club has postponed its meeting, fixed for this week, will not occasion any surprise, in view of the weather that has been experienced lately. The Ashburton course dries up well after an ordinary fall of rain, but the conditions ruling during the past week have been abnormal, and even if with no more rain, the course would have been heavy had it been decided to carry on this week. The committee of the club is to be congratulated on making its announcement so early. The meeting will be held on Friday and-' Saturday of next week. As might be expected, after the unusually heavy rainfall, the Ricearton tracks are quite unfit for fast work at present. Some of the trainers put in an appearance op Tuesday, with the horses they have engaged at Ashburton, but the only track open was the sand, and the work was confined to useful pacing. There is little chance of the conditions being any better for a few days yet. A good deal of dissatisfaction was expressed among trotting men when it became known that the Forbury Park Trotting Club had postponed its meeting for such a long period, and some owners, including Mr H. F. Nicoil, decided to send their horses home. Anticipating that the track at Forbury Park would not be good, H. Saunders decided not to race Viio in the south, but she will be brought to Christchurch to race at the Canterbury Park Trotting Club’s meeting next month. * Taraire is the only representative from J. Brvce’s stable that will be racing at Forbury Park, as it was decided not to send Ratana south. After a good spell the pacer Silver Shoe was put into work again recently, but he met with a slight injui‘y and has again returned to the paddock. It is nothing serious, however, and G. Reed expects to have his favourite in work within a month. The pacer Coldstream is still enjoying a spell in the paddock, but it is his owner’s intention to bring him; in and have him jogged during the i winter months, so as to be ready for J. Bryce states that the three-year-old pacer Aliuriri is not making any progress towards recovery from the trouble that caused his retirement ; in fact, his trainer is of the opinion that the horse is getting worse and that he will not recover at all. A lot of sympathy has been expressed by Dunedin trotting enthusiasts with A. Pringle in his recent business trouble; through the fire at his hotel last Sunday. Pringle ipai ticularly well-known in Dunedin, where he trained for a number of years. Ho had a team of three horses in Dunedin for the Forbury Park meeting, but when the postponement was announced, like many others, lie left for Christchurch. A number of trainers wired him offering their services willingly in the matter of attending to his horses at the meeting, as it is not expected that he will, under the circumstances, again go, south. Triboulet. who has developed smart sprinting form this season, is engaged in hurdle and fiat events at the Wanganui meeting. He Avon a hunters’ hurdle race last winter Before leaving for Australia last week, A. G. Rae disposed of the trotter Haricot to an Auckland sportsman. Veil, who proved a disappointment when carrying Mr G. D. Greenwood’s colours, is nominated for the hack sprint events at the Wingatui winter meeting. Veil is now trained at Wanganui by AY. Rayner for Mr G. Currie. Arch Salute is looking very bright and healthy at the present time and is going along nibelv in his work at FUerslie in preparation for events ahead. This felloiv is very partial to a soft track, and in the past lias shown bis best form during the winter meetRieearton stables claim a fair number of representatives at the Oamaru Jockey Club’s meeting. and with southern districts also strongly in evideuce, the meeting should turn out well. Bonnie Winkie has been nominated for a couple ofip. six furlong sprints at Oamam. The distance will be rather short for him. but presumably he reouires a bit of racing to get him rirrht for longer ion rue vs at the Dunedin Jockev Club’s winter meeting next month. Sam urn lias shaped well in his earlv schooling efforts at Ricearton and.lie will probable make his first appearance in a hurdle'race at Oamaru.

Powder King gave a good exhibition over the steeplechase fences at Hastings a feAv days ago, but Jvoliu, who started with him, parted company with his rider. Mr AY. G. Stead’s yearlings are very forward, as Luke AYilson already has them sprinting at Napier Park. En Route, Avho will represent Mr E. Riddiford in hurdle races at the principal winter meetings, gave a fine exhibition in a school over ten hurdles at Trentham a few days ago. The steeplechaser Tigerland, who is to run in the Wanganui Steeplechase and then go on to Ellerslie to contest the Great Northern, was schooled on the course proper at Trentham a few days ago. With H. M’S-weeney in the saddle he was put over eight of the big fences and lie got through the whole of his task without a mistake. The Hawke’s Bay Jockey Club’s Committee has adopted the folloAving remit to the Racing Conference: — “That the latter part of Rule 2, Part XXV., reading 1 the jockey of any such horse,’ etc., be altered to read; 4 ln the event of the Judicial Committee finding a cross or jostle had taken place. whether by negligence or intention, the jockey of any such horse shall be punished by suspension from riding.’ ” Air H. M. Speed’s gelding Tvauaka did an extraordinary jump on the local track last Aveek (says a AVellington writer). The big bay, on coming to the second hurdle in hi» 1 schooling essay, did not rise to it until within a feAV feet, and then he simply flew over, making a tremendous jump. Kanaka stumbled on landing. «iia shot E. ("opestake almost on to his mount’s head, but the jockey made a remarkable recovery and climbed back into tbe saddle. Out of curiosity, tlie writer measured tbe spot from which Kanaka, took off to where he landed, and found that the distance was thirty-nine feet. Mr D. Norton, who took several racehorses from New Zealand to Western Australia last year, has not had a very successful trip, and information received in Auckland states that the horses Avere recently submitted to auction. Kilreid, who is reported to be bad at the barrier, avus purchased by Mr J. J. O’Hara for oOogs. Microphone Avns passed in at 308 gs, and Tliurnoria, who had Avon a race, at 2°ogs. The New Zealand-bred gelding Irish Rufus, half-brother to Loyal Irish. who has been racing in cross-country events in Australia, was returned a winner on the fiat at the Epsom meeting in Melbourne last month.. The eA-ent . was a Trial Purse of one mile, and Irish Rufus Avon by two and u half lengths in Imiu 4osec. The son ot King Rufus is only six years old. and on this form he should do well at the jumping game. The New Zealand jockey. H. Gray, -darted the season well in England this year by riding a Winner at Lincoln, irlie first meeting of the English flatracing season. For the Battlivanv Stakes. Precious, a son of The Tetrarcn out of Zoara. started fa\*ourite and Gray won easily on him by a length. Precious, avlio belongs to Sir H. Cunliffe Owen. was subsequently objected to for crossing, but tlio complaint Avas promptly overruled. The crack four year-old English hurdler, G room sport, met. liis first defeat of the season at Cheltenham on March. 7. It was his first appearance in open company, and. notwithstanding he had list 121 b. odds were laid on'him ior j the County Hurdle Race (two miles and a quarter). As usual, lie was ridden by IF. u ootton. but he fell at the last jump Avlien running third. It was ini probable he would have won oven if he had stood up. and in a good finish Assaroe Avon by half a length from Joseph the First. Subsequently Groorasport von a fiat race at rlie Lincoln meeting on the opening day of the fiat racing Unless wet Ai-oather interferes, the totalisator turnover at Randivick this season will exceed that of 1921-22. states “ Pilot ” in the “ Referee. Seventeen of the twenty days custom ary at headquarters have been disposed of, and investments have totalled £1.187,448 10s. against £1.1.18.539 15s for the corresponding period of last season. Of the former sum, hoivever, £892 5s was returned to investors consequent drawn! of horses after their. Aiders had Aveighed out. Still, accepting the full figures ior the tAvo seasons, the difference is not marked, being an increase for this season of only £69,908 5s There avus one more race run on the seventeen days in 1921-22. The average this season has been slightly over £4OOO n day greater than for the seventeen davs in the previous t\A r el\'e months, and. if that is maintained for the concluding three days, the turnover for the current season Avill lie about £1 342.000. against £1,261.633 15s. Totalisator facilities at Randwiek are greater this season than last, and that investments have not made a further advance suggests that totalisator investments have about reached their I limit.

RACING CONFERENCE.

The following have been elected district club representatiA-os to the New Zealand Racing Conference:— Auckland—Hon J. G. Coates, M.P., G. W. Vercoe. Canterbury—H. Lowry, G. N. M’Lean. Dunedin—F. WaHis, sen., W. T. Hazlett. Grey mouth—D. J. Evans, W. A. Stapleton. Hawke’s Bay-W. H. Gaisford, M. H. Strachan. Taranaki—E. H. Nolan, A. Good. Wanganui—J. H. Perrett. E. Goodbehere. Wellington (North)—W. E. Bidwill, C. F. Yallance. Wellington (South) —F. N. Dillon, E. A. Weld. The following have been elected delegates to District Committees:— Auckland—W. Claud Motion, Hon E. W. Alison, H. 11. Hayr, F. J. Dargaville. H. Roth dry. Canterbury—W. F. Parkinson. G. N. M’Lean, H. Lowry, L. G. D. Acland. E. B. Newton. Dunedin—F. Wallis. sen., W. Gardiner, .inn.. W. T. Hazlett. N. O. Potts, Dr Gordon. Greyraouth—D. J. Evans. W. B. Gilbert, A- Perotti, W. E. Williams. F. M’Gregor. Hawke’s Bay—J. Armstrong, M. H. Strachan, C. D. Kennedy, W. H. Gaisford, D. J. Barry. Taranaki—J. Gray. C. H. Washer. A. Good, S. Pitt. D. J. Malone. Wanganui—J. H. Perrett, E. Goodbehere, J. M. Johnston, H. M Manaway, J. R. L. Stanford. Wellington—'W. Pollard. W. E. Bidwill J. W. Card, C. F. Yallance, j. M Leavey.

NOMINATIONS.

OAMARU JOCKEY CLUB. (Special to tbe “ Star.”) OAMARU, May 8. The following nominations have been received for the Oamaru Jockey Club’s EMPIRE HURDLE HANDICAP, of 150 sovs: one mile and a half—Apex. General Petain, Grange. Killowen, Lord Nagar Mazama, Mandrake, Mirza, Ron if or m Ruddy Gold, Sainum. Silk Rein, Silk Ribbon, Telemon, Wild Pilgrim and WoodREDCASTLE WELTER HANDICAP, of i. 25 sovs: six furlongs—Agnola, Blazes, Bloom, Brown Willie. Dancing- Days, Geranial, liuncase, Happy Warrior, ‘Hillock, Lin mark. Marauder, Marconigram, MarkBarley. Solferymple and Staff Officer.* OAMARU CUP HANDICAP, of 275 sove; one mile—Almoner, Angelo, Ardour. Bosker Boy, Clean Sweep. Counter Attack. Grim Joke, Kikini. Kilbrin, Lady Blissful. Mantua. Marching Order, Mythology, Piccaninny, Prince Ferouz, Rorke’s Drift, Sunny Loch, Soldier’s Pride and Twinkle. TRIAL PLATE, of 320 sovs: five furlongs —Antagony, Bonskirl, Carpentier, Constant, Espada, Flique, Geranial, Marconigram, Marnfont, Master Sandstone, Monsieur Boutade, Olympia, Overproof. Prompter. Shandre and Tainui 11. MOERAKI WELTER HANDICAP, of 360 sovs; 'seven furlongsV—Bonny Mac, Carmine, Counter Attack, Etta, F&brinade, . (L-im Joke, Hineartiaru, Kikini, Kilharry Lord Nagar. Marching Order, Miss Camouflage. Osteruian. Prince Ferouz, Buena, Silk Ribbon. Soldiers Pride, Twinkle, Vice Royal and Wharfedale. WAIK AURA HACK HANDICAP, of 120 sovs; six furlongs—Brown Lady. Dancing Days, Goldspinner. Guncase. Happy Warrior. Kilbrin, Kilfane, I.inhope, Markby, Marmont. Martial Dance. Monsieur Boutade, Royal Admiral, Solera, Solferymple and Sunlit. STEWARDS’ HANDICAP, of 160 sovs; six furlongs—Bonnie Winkie. Bon Spec. Bos- , ker Boy. Counter Attack, Etta. Faforinade, Kikini. Kilbarry, Mythology, Paphian. Prosperity, Sunny Loch. Tbestius, Weary Willie and Will Oakland. PACIFIC HURDLE HANDICAP, of 120 sovs; one mile and a half—Apex, Clean Sweep. Grange. Killowen. Lord Nagar, Mandrake. Mazama, Mirza-. Roniform, Ruddy Gold. Sarauni. Silk Rein. Silk Ribbon, Staff Officer, Telemon, Wild Pilgrim and Woodrow. THE SHORTS, of 320 sovs; six furlongs— Boinskirl,, Bebef-orm, Carpentier, The Cheat. Constant, Espada, Marconigram. Master Sandstone, Marmont, Monsieur Boutade. Olympia, Overproof. Shandre and Tainui 11. PRESIDENTS HANDICAP, of 200 sovs; one mile and a quarter—Almoner. Angelo. Ardour. Carmine. Counter Attack, Grim Joke, Lady Blissful, Mantua. Miss Camouflage. Prince Ferouz. Roniform, PJorkel's Drift, Soldier’s Pride, Sunnv Loch, Twinkle and Wharfedale. WAIT AN GI HACK HANDICAP, of 120 sovs; six furlongs—Agnola, Blazes, Bloom, Brown Lady, Brown Willie, Guncase, Happy Warrior', Kilbrin, Kilfane. Liuliope, Lin mark. Markby, Martial Dance. Master Sandstone, Monsieur Boutade, Redwing, Rigs o’ Barley, Royal Admiral, Solero and Solferymple. WESTON WELTER HANDICAP, of 120 sovs; seven furlongs—Ardour. Bonnv Mac, Bosker Boy. Carmine, Counter Attack. Etta, labrinadc. Grim Joke, ITineamaru, ‘-ikun. Kilbarry, Marching Order, Osterman, Piccauniny. Prince Ferouz, Ruena. Soldiers Pride, Twinkle, Vice Royal and Wharfedale. FERNEROOK HACK HANDICAP, of 125 sovs; five furlongs—Agnola, Antagony, Blootn. Brown Lady, Brown Willie. Consuta. Dancing Days. Geranial. Goldspinner. Guncase, Happy Warrior, Kilfane, Lm hope. Linniark, Marauder, Marconigram, Markby, Marmont. Overproof, Redwing. Rigs o' Barley, Royal Admiral, Solero, Sunlit, Tainui 11. and Walthea. MEMBERS' HANDICAP, of 150 sove; six furlongs—Ardour, Bonnie Winkie. Bon Spec, Bosker Boy. Counter Attack. Etta, Fa-brinade, Kikini. Kilbarry, Mythology. Paphian, Prosperity, Sunny Loch, Thestius, Wear.v Willie and Will Oakland.