RACING AND TROTTING NOTES

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18365, 18 January 1928, Page 2

RACING AND TROTTING NOTES

RACING FIXTURES. January I?—Wairoa Racing: ClubJanuary 19, 21—Bay of Islands and Iv aipapakauri Racing Clubs. January 21. 23—Foxton Racing Club. January 21, 23, 25—Wellington Racing Club. January 2S, 30—Takapuna Jockey CluOFebruary I—Tapanui Racing Club. February l, 2—Pahiatua Racing Club. February 2, 4—Gisborne Racing Club. Feb. uary 2, 4 —Egmont Racing Club. Febv uary 4—Mata ma ta Racing Club. February 9, 11—Taranaki Jockey Club. February 9. 31—Poverty Bay Turf CluD. February 9. 11—Dunedin Jockey Club. February 18—Canterbury Jockey CluD. February 23. 25—Nelson Jockey Club. February 29. March I—Dannevirke1 —Dannevirke Racing Club. . . March 1, 3—Marlborough Racing Club. NOMINATIONS. January 20—Poverty Bay Turf Club. January 23—Taranaki Jockey Club. February 10—Dannevirke Racing Club. February 17—Marlborough Racing Club. HANDICAPS. January 18—Tapanui Racing Club. January 20—Matamnta Racing Club. January 21—Gisborne Racing Club. January 23—Egmont Racing Club. January 26—Dunedin Jockey Club. February 3—Taranaki Jockey Club. February 6—Poverty Bay Turf Club. February 14—Dannevirke Racing Club. February 24—Marlborough Racing CluD. A CCEPTA NCE S. January 20—Takapuna Jockey Club. January 25—Tapanui Racing Club. Januarv 27—Gisborne Racing Club. January 27—Matajnata Racing Club. January 27—Egmont Racing Club. February 3—-Dunedin Jockey Club. February 3—Taranaki Jockey Club. February 6—Poverty Bay Turf Club. February 22—Dannevirke Racing Club. February 27—Marlborough Racing Club. TROTTING FIXTURES. January 27, 28—Forbury Park Trotting January*' 2 S—Hawke’s Bay Trotting January**3l, February I—Nelson Trotting Club. February I—Tapanui Racing Club. February 4—Cheviot Trotting Club. February 11—Metropolitan Trotting Club. „ . March 2 —Marlborough Trotting Club. NOMINATIONS. February 17—Marlborough Trotting Club. HANDICAPS. January 18—Tapanui Racing Club. January 21—Cheviot Trotting Club. February 23—Marlborough Trotting Club. ACCEPTANCES. January 24—Hawke’s Bay Trotting Club. January 24—Hawke’s Bay Trotting Club. January 25—Tapanui Racing Club. January 25—Nelson Trotting Club. January 28—Cheviot Trotting Club. February 27—Marlborough Trotting Club. RACING NOTES. G. Murray Aynsley left for Trentham last night with Paperchase and Starflight. * * * * To-night’s steamer for Wellington will carry a big batch of the Riccarton trainers who have horses engaged at Trentham. They are T. H. GiUett, with Money Order, Magna Charta and" Amor; F. D. Jones, Stormy, Arikiwai and First Sight; J. M'Combe, Amorist; R. Emerson, Assurance; F. P. Claridge, Thorndale; A. M’Aulay, Sir Roy; A. E. Wormald, Bronstell; and J. Boyd, Nincompoop. * * * * Riccarton stables will be represented at Trentham by twenty-nine horses and with about a dozen from Otago and Southland, there will be an unusually wide South Island interest in the Wellington Racing Club’s meeting. * *• * a Arikiwai looks a much improved horse as a result of his racing during the holidays, and he will be hard to beat in any races he contests at Trentham. He will have a strong following in the Apprentices’ Plate on Saturday. * * * * ' Sir Roy is in capital order at present, and with average luck he will win another race at Trentham. His first day’s engagement will be in the Anniversary Handicap, in which he is very favourably treated. * * * * Money Order has had a chequered career and though now a five-year-old, he has done very little racing. He has a great turn of speed and he appears to have got over the physical disabilities which troubled him earlier in his career. He will set the opposition a severe task to head him off in the Telegraph Handicap at Trentham.

R- W. King, who has returned to Riccarton, after residing in Sydney for some time, wi]l take Singlespear to Trentham, but he may race only on the third day.

Aussie holds the distinction of being one of the only two horses to break lmin 13sec at Ellerslie. He did so when carrying 9.5. and winning the Newmarket Handicap in lmin 12 4-ssec. First Blood won the Railway Handicap in lmin 12 3-ssec, but he only had 7.1 on his back. Aussie has 9.7 in the Telegraph Handicap, to be run at the Wellington Cup meeting.

Celerity 11. will not lose any friends for the Wellington Cup by her defeat in the Wairio Cup. She no doubt was eased up after her mishap at the Invercargill meeting, and hence could not be expected to reproduce the top of her form.

The Southland Racing Club is worthy of congratulation in striking a most progressive note as a metropolitan club in deciding to put on a race for two-year-olds and three-year-olds. It is to be hoped that owners will recognise th<* fact, but the club’s best opportunity in that direction will happen at the next summer meeting, providing the idea is kept alive by publicity, and irrespective of the fact whether the catering for youngsters at the autumn meeting is a success or a failure.

Dark Girl, who is one of the two-year-olds in the Wellington Stakes, is a black fill}- by Absurd from Hinepango. She is raced on lease by Mr J. M’Carten, and trained at Hastings by T. F. Quinlivan. Dark Girl has started only three times this season, running unplaced at the spring meeting of the Hawke’s Bay Jockey Club, and twice similarly at the recent summer meeting there.

The penalty rule with regard to winners applies only to the day’s racing at Trentham itself for the coming meeting, not to any other fixture, so that Sir Roy, who won at Ashburton on Saturday, will not be penalised for his engagement in the Anniversary Handicap.

Since Lady Desmond competed at Manawatu a filling in one of her legs has caused anxiety, and in view of the probability of the track at Trentham being hard it has been deemed inadvisable to start the mare in the Wellington Cup.

According to advices from Wellington, Star Stranger, Set Sail. Mask and Joybird are the popular picks for the Wellington Cup. and Money Order and Joy King are the most in demand for the Telegraph Handicap.

Some good judges in the north consider that Aussie will be better suited by the Trentham track than that at Ellerslie.

Looking a picture of health, Royal Tea has once again joined the active brigade at Ellerslie. Several months ago he was working along steadily, but developed a couple of splints, and had to be eased up. At present he seems sound enough, and it is to be hoped that he will stand a preparation, as it is sixteen months since he had a race. According to “ Archer,” Royal Tea has developed into a fine horse. • * * When Piuthair contested the Manawatu Cup she was sore, yet she ran a great race, being within a length and a half of the winner, Lady Desmond. Piuthair still moved a bit short at Stratford, but she has improved. In the Cup she was kept rather far out over the early stages, and, as Bright Glow had the race won a long way from home, pursuit was hopeless. On the second day Piuthair was always well placed on the rails, and going so well in that position that she quickly took advantage of an opening which presented itself as the leaders swung out entering the straight. Piuthair finished on well. Her performance was not a bad one. She carried 9.0 and ran .1.54 1-5 for the nine furlongs on a track that is anything but fast. There is no doubt that Piuthair’s Stratford victory was a glimpse of her autumn form.

There should be a good opportunity cf seeing just how good Lausanne is at the coming Wellington Meeting. lie won the principal sprint event at Awapuni handsomely, failed on the second day, and then went to Tauherenikau to carry off a double from weak fields. At 7.6 in the Telegraph Handicap at Trentham he should have every chance. His immediate connections will not have it that he is unreliable, and he looks the picture of condition. He sports a bandage on a foreleg, but that is for nothing more serious than a slight knock. * * * * F. Lind’s team are doing beach work these days, having no immediate engagements to fulfil. Civility will shortly be put into work again with a view to taking on some of the big autumn handicap events, and Elysianor, who was unlucky in hurdle events during the holiday will be got ready for the winter jumping campaign. afc , * 4c * Within a radius of a few hundred yards at Flemington are the stables of J. Scobie, R. Bradfield, and E. Fisher. Between them the three establishments shelter about 60 thoroughbreds. What wouid be the value of the lot in actual money. It is a rather interesting question. If all the horses were submitted to public action to-morrow, they would make an average of, say, 500 gns. Some of them might not nearly reach that figure, but horses like Trivalve, Fourth Hand, and Gilt Edge would greatly help in keeping up the average. Several others in the list would also realise well over 500gns. The bidding for Trivalve would certainly not stop until many thousands been offered, and we may also take it for granted that there would be keen demand for Fourth Hand. It would be fairly safe to say that in no other few acres of ground in this country is there so much money invested in thoroughbreds. # s;< * 4c

Experience has taught us to look for stayers in the Spearhead family, and it is quite likely that the two-year-old Spearman, who, as name suggests, is by the Noorilim sire, will be found to answer that description later on (says “Musket”). Spearman opened his winning account at Randwick during the holidays. The colt is very nicely bred according to up-to-date ideas, possessing as he does quite a full share of Galopi’n through St Simon, with two helpings of Musket through the Car-bine-Spearmint and Trenton channels to set it off. Spearman’s dam, Scream, is an imported mare by Sceptre’s relation Collar from Cooya, by The Victory (son of The Admiral) from Cooee, by Trenton from Lady Sterling, by Nuneham from Zorilla. This reads very nicely, for it gives promise of plenty of speed with a fair share of stamina combined. Mr A. P. Wade, the owner of Top Gallant, bred Spearman at the Borambolo Park stud, near Wagga. The colt is the property of Mr E. J. Watt, whose colours were carried to victory by Mountain Knight in the A.J.C. Derby and other good races. •

In Mr J. M. Bates’s shop window in Bridge Street, Eltham, there is on view a horse shoe. To the casual observer this would mean nothing but for the accompanying letter, as the shoe is no different in appearance from hundreds of others. The relic will, however, appeal to those with a leaning to the sport of horse racing, it being the last shoe taken from Carbine, the wonderful son of Musket. As is well known, after his dazzling racing career in New Zealand and Australia, Carbine was taken to England and at the time of his death was owned by the Duke of Portland. During a period of convalescence in England, after war service, Mr Bates made the acquaintance of Mr W. Glasby (stud groom ot the Duke of Portland), who presented the shoe and explanatory letter to Mr Bates on the eve of his return to New Zealand. The letter reads as follows; Holbeck, Welback, September 27, 1915. Dear Corporal Bates, —This is to certify that the shoe I gave to you is the last shoe taken from Old Jack (Carbine). Wishing you the best of luck, a speedy recovery and safe return to New Zealand, believe me, 3 r ours faithfully, W. Glasby, Stud Groom to Duke of Portland/’ Needless to say, Mr Bates sets a higfi sentimental value on this reminder of the New Zealand-bred equine wonder, and so far from parting with it for the proverbial song, has already refused an offer of £25 for his treasure.

The New Zealand jockey, O. Cull urn, rode Master Get, the winner of the hurdle race at Tattersall’s meeting at Sydney on December 31. The winner was favourite. On the same day M. M’Carten rode Ulah, the winner of the Chelmsford Handicap. Ulah also was favourite. On the second day, January 2, Jazz Baby, who was not greatly fancied, ran third in the Flying Handicap, and Runnymede also started in Tattersall’s Club Cup, the race being run in 2min 30isec, which equals the Australasian record.

Messrs J. J. and J. P. O’Hara would be pleased by the result of the Perth Cup. Mr J. P. O’Hara purchased Phoenix Park from Mr T. H. Lowry, and the New Zealand-bred gelding just beat Pica Pica, who was bought for West Australia by Mr J. J. O’Hara. The finish was so close that many people thought it was a dead heat. Phoenix Park was sold by Mr O’Hara and won the Cup in the colours of a Mr Guthrie. Apparently like most of the Kilbroneys he has not improved in looks with age, and he is described as plain. A mild sensation was caused prior to the principal event on the third day, owing to the stipendiary stewards compelling Mr Guthrie to substitute A. Waterman for D. Browne as rider of Phoenix Park, and it would appear that they were not altogether satisfied with Browne’s riding of Phoenix Park in the Welter Handicap, run on the second day. An inquiry into Phoenix Park's running in the Welter was being held. It might be added that Mr Guthrie informed a Press representative that Browne would ride Phoenix Park in the Cup, but on the day of the race Marrable was given the mount.

Mr F. Smith, of Sydney, who recently returned from England, was not greatly impressed by the horses he saw there this time. “They did not look as good, nor were they up to the standard of many previous years,” was Mr Smith’s summing up. “The best sprinter was the French-bred Highborn II.,” said Mr Smith. “He stood out, but wanted things much his own way in races to be seen at his best. Finglas, though not exceptional by any means, was as good as anj’- of the older stayers I saw. As for prices—well, wouldbe sellers certainly know how to ask. I had an idea of buying the three-year-old Curialis, a Spion Kop colt, and just of useful handicap class. However, as the price asked was 5000 guineas,- and that was quite beyond his value, no business resulted.” Sir S. Hordern endorsed Mr Smith’s ideas. Anything worth buying was either not for sale or the price was beyond its true value.

TROTTING NOTES. As usual, many Christchurch trainers will have horses racing at the. Forbury Park Trotting Club's meeting next week, and they are being kept busy in work: in preparation for the trip south. * * * * Mr G. S. Simpson, who was recently appointed handicapper to the Nelson Trotting Club, has come in for praise for the first sample of his work, which made its appearance this week. * * * * D. Withers, who broke three ribs in a fall at the Auckland Trotting Club’s meeting, is making very slow progress towards recovery, and he has been ordered complete rest for a time. F. Bennett will have charge of Mr J. R. M’Kenzie’s horses during Withers’s period of convalescence. -j- * * * Curfew Boy looks none the worse for his racing in the south, where he was successful in his first attempt. W. J. Morland is particularly pleased with the youngster’s showing, as he behaved himself at the post and when hard put to it over the concluding stages he stuck to his work and proved successful. He is only a three-year-old, and being by Rev de Oro from Curfew Bell, it is more than probable that he will considerably improve. * * * * The pacer Pretty Pointer, by Logan Pointer —Scenery, is now being trained at Addington. She showed a lot of speed when she was raced as a three-year-old. * * * * Searchlight Lad is one of the solid, useful sort, who races on all classes of tracks and under any conditions. He is doing well in his training and he may score more wins before the end of the season. * * * * The young trotter by Homeleigh Dick from Amazona is being worked at Addington. She has a very extravagant action, and will take a lot of time to develop speed. * * * * W. J. Morland has just put into work a two-year-old gelding by Rey de Oro from Belette, the dam of Lady Joan and Epigram. Unlike the rest of the mare’s progeny, he does not resemble her in colour, being a dark bay. lie is a very well turned gelding and judged by the way he already paces he will be something out of the ordinary. His critical owner-trainer has a high opinion of the youngster. * * * v Logan Park looks as bright as ever and he is booming along in his work in rare style. Logan Park has beep one of the successes of the season. • * * • Fight. Ever did not race as well as was expected in his latest effort but the Australian bred pacer is working satisfactorily at Addington. 4c 4c sje * Kyana seems to have thrown off his lameness and he is pacing more freely in his training work. Kennerley may get another race out of the pacer.

HAWKES BAY NOTES. (Special to t.h* “Star.”) NAPIER, January 17. Huikai astonished the track watchers before going to Wairoa by doing the fastest once round on the plough that has ever been recorded at Hastings, even though Bobrikoff, Sasanof and Eligible have put up fast times on the same track. However, the plough at Hastings has probably never previously been as fast as it is at present. Huikai was backed to win a double at Wairoa to-day on the strength of this trial, and his backers collected in each instance. King Will onyx was another horse to win a double at the same meeting. Grand National, while proceeding to Wairoa by lorry, cut his leg badly on the side of the truck in which he was being conveyed. He was brought back to Hastings without running at Wairoa, and he is not likely to be a starter at Trentham. The Hawk is doing some good gallops at Hastings, and he may get some stake money at Trentham. His stable i mate, Goshawk, is in good nick, and there are many here who fancy him for the Douro Cup. Bennanee is galloping as well on the track as he ever has done, and he is very fit. He will be hard to beat in the Wellington Cup if the track is firm. Pale Star is back in work after a long spell. He is likely to be tried as a jumper by and bye. Monetize is more sedate on the track than in a race, and his connections have hopes of him being seen to advantage, at Trentham. Mr Hori Tupaea, who formerly raced Crown Coin, has purchased from Sir George Hunter a three-year-old gelding by Crown Imperial 11. from a mare by Renown from Rouble, so that the gelding is thus closely related to Crown Coin, who was by Crown Imperial 11. from Rouble. Raasay is galloping in great style at Hastings. His next start will probably be in the Jackson Stakes at Wanganui. Roadhog and Sneer have been treated to a spell. Moa Bird has come on a lot since the Hastings meetiing, and should race well next time out. Lucky Light, the half-sister to Gold Light and Beacon Light, is, like the last-named, running out at Havelock North. Inner Harbour ran badly at Wairoa to-dav, and it seems as though it will be difficult to place him in open company where he can win. A special train was to proceed to Trentham to-day with a big batch of yearlings ior the Trentham sales. N. P. Neagle, with Merle, Addlepate and Kaihoro, and V. 11. Collelo, with Bennanee, will leave for Trentham tomorrow, while S. Waddell and W. T. Donovan will probably take their teams down on Thursday.

GOOD PROSPECTS FOR TRENTHAM MEETING. (Special to the “Star.”) WELLINGTON, January 17. Although there is little enough work at Trentham, considering the near approach of Cup Day, to make matters worse this morning a heavy ground fog blacked out a good deal of the early proceedings and quite a number of gallops could not be seen at times. Childsplay, however, did not go untii the fog lifted and she set.an undoubted standard for the meeting by going apparently easily over half a mile, yet finishing up the journey in 47*sec With the exception of one gallop all the work was done on the plough, which had been well watered overnight. It provided first-class going. Lausanne was the first out, before it was properly light, and he put plenty of 'dash into his work, hitting out very well. Catkin could just be seen as he jump ed away at the six furlong post and he ran home in lmin 16£sec, a good gallop. Joy Bird, accompanied by Irish Lad, went a mile and a quarter, the last mile taking lmin 47sec, but she was going easily. Irish Lad, whose rider lost an iron, finished some distance away. Cosmetic, with the better of the weights, finished just ahead of Historic in a gallop over six furlongs in lmin 16*sec. Historic went much better than he did on Saturday on the trial grass. Staghunter was holding Shot Silk comfortably at the finish of their gallop. A trainer on a hack made the time for the half mile 52sec. This was another befogged gallop. Silver Paper put plenty of dash into his work when sprinting down the straight. Childsplay did not appear to be going particularly fast, yet the watches showed 47isec at the end of her half mile. Her stable mates Wild Work, Sudden Storm and Skyquest gallooed six. furlongs, and Full Feather, Impertinence and Front Rank sprinted half a mile. All of these were lost in the fog. Full Feather has developed into a nice colt and Impertinence is a neat two-year-old filly. Kindle and Oratrix galloped a mile in lmin 43sec, the first half mile taking olsec. This was a useful effort. Aussie appeared to be holding Fapatu comfortably over five furlongs, run in lmin 2 l-ssec\ the last half mile taking 49isec. Both these horses look very well. Select and Concentrate sprinted half a mile in 51 l-ssec, but probably both could have done better. Black Mint was well ahead of Royal Game at the end af seven furlongs in lmin 32sec, but Royal Game’s rider lost an iron.

Dancing Star was going very nicely alongside of Australis in a dash over four furlongs in 51scc. The Great Star filly has improved a good deal, and she looks a very likely sort. Shona and’Sambur covered four furlongs in 52sec. « Childsplay and Staghunter have each earned a 141 b penalty in the Wellington Stakes, Prince Humphrey a tenpound penalty. Although Paganelli, Silvermine and Silver Paper have ail won races this season, they have not earned enough money to bring themselves under the penalty conditions. Staghunter will thus have to carry 7.12, and as B. H. Morris is to ride, there will be two or three pounds more, making his weight 8.0 or 8.1. Childsplay will have 7.9 (she will be ridden at about 7.10 by C. Emerson) and Prince Humphrey 7.8. Gascony, Paganelli and Silvermine will carry 8.6, Golden Armour 8.3. Silver Paper .and Baskier 6.12 and Dark Girl 6.9. On the weights and at the distance, Childsplay. looks to have the best prospects of the two-year-olds, while Gascony should do best of the three-vear-old brigade. There is no doubt that Childsplay is one of the most brilliant fillies seen out in recent years. She has made a good recovery from her exertions at Ellerslie, and it is certain that she will strip a better mare at Trentham. The fivefurlong course will suit her, and, without attempting to detract from F. E.

Jones's ability as a horseman, it is submitted that C. Emerson will suit Childsplay better. That combination so far is undefeated. The sequence should be maintained at Trentham. Aussie looks a picture of racing condition, and, even if he is beaten at Trentham, he is not likely to be disgraced. There is little amiss with his stablemate, Papatu. and, if he does not pay expenses on the trip, it will be surprising. It is said that a prominent Wellington owner is negotiating for Aussie.

L. G. Morris, for the last year or two, has more or less favoured the highweight events at Trentham. This year his services naturally were in keen demand and he booked for Historic. He advised S. Reid yesterday, however, that, as he had only the one ride at Trentham on Saturday, he had changed his plans and would be at the Foxton meeting.

The quality of the hacks engaged in the concluding events at Trentham is not improving, and those engaged in the Ruapehu Handicap on Saturday next are below par. These races are unsatisfactory to watch at Trentham, and it is certain that they would not suffer numerically if run over seven furlongs, and the public would appre-. ciate being able to see a good deal more of the race. Broad Acre and The Raider, who head the list, are both fair hacks, but then the quality falls away. Polydectes was a -fairly good two-year-old, but he failed miserably at Wanganui in the spring. He gave Addlepate thirteen pounds w-hen beaten by her at Hastings last week, and now meets her on fourteen pounds better terms. Polydectes should show up with the handy weight of 8.5. It looks as if light-weight apprentice jockeys will be in big demand at Trentham on Saturday. First of all there is the Apprentices’ Plate, set apart for them. In the Fitzherbert Handicap, seventeen of the twentyseven acceptors have 7.7 or less. In the Wellington Cup thirteen of the nineteen have 7.5 or less. In the Telegraph Handicap, the position is not quite so marked, with eleven of the twenty-two at 7.9 or under. In the concluding event, eleven of the eighteen are weighted under 7.10. There should be a good opportunity of seeing just how good Lausanne is at the coming Wellington meeting. He won the principal sprint event at Awapuni handsomely, failed on the second day, and then went to Tauherenikau to carry off a double from weak fields At 7.6 in the Telegraph Handicap at Trentham he should have every chance. His immediate connections will not have it that he is unreliable, and he looks the picture of condition. He sports a bandage on a foreleg, but that is for nothing more serious than a slight knock. R. J. Mason arrived to-day with Eulalie, Goblin Market and Golden Armour, and R. Longley with Rascal.

JUMPING SEASON AROUSES INTEREST

(Special to the “Star.”) LONDON, December 1. We know from the Free Handicap what the official estimation of the two-year-olds is each season, and I sometimes wonder if a similar compilation of the three-year-olds would not be a great boon to lovers of the thoroughbred. It would prove of some value, at all events, in dealing with the Cup outlook for the next season, particularly if care were taken to deal especially with horses known to possess stamina. With this object in view, I have tried to assess the form of the best three-year-olds which ran during 1927, and which are likely to run next 3 T ear. Here is my “ unofficial ” handicap : Book Law 0.5, Hot Night 9.0, Cinq a Sept S.lO, Kincardine 8.10. Son and Heir 8.6, Shian Mor 8.5, Tattoo 8.3, Adieu 8.2, Sledmere 8.2, Grand Vitesse 8.2, Baralong 8.0, Silverstead 8.0. Among this dozen I think we can take it that some prospective Cup horses are included, and I hope the trouble I have taken to try and make a fair estimate will prove profitable. At this stage I should say that Book Law, Cinq a Sept and Kincardine are the most likely animals to develop into Cup horses. There is just a doubt about the stamina of Hot Night, and, good colt though he is, it may be he will eventually shine in middle distance handicaps. Of course, it is taking a risk to say this about a horse that ran second in the Derby, and also second in the St Leger, and I do not suppose Sir Victor Sassoon, or his trainer, Crawford, has similar notions about Hot Night. It is rather gratifying that the splendid filly, Book Law, is to be kept in training another year, and she is certain to continue her already brilliant career satisfactorily. The daughter of Buchan won nearly £28,000 in stakes during the season just passed, and in this connection it is interesting to note that other winning stock of the same sire included Buckfast, Duke of Buckingham, Jennie Deans, Prester John and Shian Mor. Obviously, however, it was Book Law who put Buchan at the head of the winning list. Gay Crusader continues to hold his own as a successful and fashionable sire. Kincardine, unbeaten as a three-year-old, was the best winner last season with a total of well over £7OOO. Other successful progeny of the same, sire included Cap a Pie, Ranjit Singh, Templestowe and Hot Night. Call Boy, one notes, was the best of the offspring of Hurry On. but Coronach. Cresta Run and Toboggan helped to add to the total credited to Lord Woolavington’s fine stallion.

Phalaris, Son-in-Law, and Grand Parade were credited with many successful sons and daughters, and the last-named of the trio has quite a lengthy list of winners’ including the exceedingly smart two-year-old, Guards Parade. Old Orkney, the three-year-old Irish winner of the Manchester November Handicap, was quite a sensational scorer in view of the wagering which took place on the race. At one stage, and particularly a few days before the race, Old Orkney was a sound second favourite to Pons Asinorum, he drifted badly. The colt was last away, and yet an easy winner at the finish, with Donoghue carrying overweight, too. Pons Asinorum did dreadfully badly, and iti is quite clear that this horse is far from being as good as he used to be. I do not suppose he will be raced next season.

The jumping season has made quite a good start, and even the weather has been kind. At present the horse everybody talks about for the Grand National is Trump Card, but between now' and next March I suppose opinions will change many times. The old-timer Sprig is back in training, but I understand he is not to have such a hard season as last year, and his trainer. Leader, will probably have some othejr National hope, such as Shaun Or. Until the New Year, it is not wise, to worry about the big .Aintree event, and for that reason we can settle down to a waiting period. There is one horse perhaps worth mention, and that is Postino, a very fine type of chaser, trained by Saxby at Cheltenham. I kno\v he is to be put in the “ National,”

and therefore drop a hint, early though it is. to the effect that wc will keep a particular eye on this chaser. Indeed, I will report progress as and when necessary. He ran at Sandown in October when far from fit, but got round well, and was fourth to Confirmation. The mention of this latter horse reminds me, too, that Confirmation may be entered at Liverpool, and that his trainer, Percy Woodland, thinks a lot of him. Some people may recollect that Confirmation was a fine horse on the flat, a splendid hurdler, and it ia therefore only meet that he should give promise over the big obstacles. ACCEPTANCES. BAY OF ISLANDS RACING CLUB. Per Press Association. KAWAKAWA, January 3 7. The following: acceptances have been received:— MAIDEN HANDICAP, five furlongs

and 110yds—Cay Cockade 8.8. Baylv Damon 5.3, Kawiti 7.18. British King 7 13. Kill deer 7.13. Gazerin 7.13. King Leslie 7.13, Kaikore Mai 7.12, Colville Queen AWANUI HACK HANDICAP, six furlongs—Marble Mount 9.3, Fiery bad 5.7. Arch Queen 87. Corinax 7.12. Marble 1.12, Bright Dawn 7.12„ Houfiora. 7.12, Roman Abbey 7.11, Rayly Damon 7.0. Taumua 7.0, Sussex 7.0. . WAI PAPAKAURI CUP. one mile arid a quarter—Aurumavis 9.0. The Author 8.9. Rarakau 8.2. Right and Deft 8.1, Pita 7.7, TresiUian 7.0. Wee Marble 7.0. KAITAIA .HANDICAP, seven furlongs —Marble Mount 9.5, Michael 7.7, Scrap o’ Paper 7.6. Waning Ligljt 7.2. Master Leigh 7.0, Gay Cockade 7.0, Sussex 7.6* Adjure 7.0. AHTPARA HANDICAP, six furlong* —Dave 10.10, Marble Mount 7.12. Bright Dawn 7.2, Arch Queen 7.0, Winning Lass 7.0, British King 7.0, Roman Abbey 7.0, King Leslie 7.0. MANGONUI HIGH-WEIGHT HANDICAP, one mile—Right and Left 11.5, Marble Mount 10.7, Fiery Lad 10.7. Arch Queen 9.11, Comet King 9.10, Maniahera 9.2, Mangataralre 9.0. WAIHARARA HANDICAP, six ftasw longs—Dave 10.7, Aurumavis 10.1* Marble Mount 7.6, Takatama 7.5. Arch Queen 7.0. Winning Lass 7.0, Bright Dawn 7.0. HOUHORA HANDICAP, seven furlongs—The Author 9.6, Rarakau 9.0, Illingar 8.13, Pita 8.4, Marble Mount 7.13, Just Quietly 7.7, Arch Queen 7.3, TresiUian 7.0, Waning bight 7.0.