NOTES BY "PAKEHA."

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9874, 14 October 1899, Page 1

NOTES BY "PAKEHA."

Taking advantage, of an oft-repeated invitation, and in the company of one of our most enthusiastic sportsmen, a visit was paid yesterday afternoon to the stables presided over by Mr J. P. Belcher "Jack," as ho is familiarly called, and thero is not a more conscientious •md capable trainer in the island, was busily engaged looking after his particular pet, Rosoplot, and to the New Zealand Cup horso we were first introduced. A beautifully proportioned animal he is, with quality all over, with a splendid temperament, and giving every evidence of tho caro and attention bestowed upon him The son of Catesby and Rosalind has particularly good breeding to recommend him, the sire by the famous Musket out of Prunella (a Goldsbrough mare) and' the dam by Albany from Red Rose, by Traducer. I feel quite satisfied that when thoroughly wound up Roseplot will givo a good account of himself. In an adjoining box was another aristocratic youngster the three-year-old Pu-

nui, by Lcbel— C.ilvi. Here again tho Miihkct strain is well crossed, for Punui's mother was got by Nelson, her dam, Tho Maid, by King of the Ring, out of Maid of All Work, and running back to The Premier. Punui is a fine lengthy horse, possessed of undoubted gnmeness, and with a nno even temper, but up to the present has shown no signs of brilliancy. 110 has a beautiful sweeping stride, moves along well in his work, and probably as with Nelson, he requires ago to bring out his best points on the racing track. A very powerful looking horse is Matarawa, tho five-year-old son of Cap-a-pie and Victress (the dam of Sedgebrook). ne is as pretty as a picture, looking bright and well, and bhould be heard of to advantage in the near future. I understand that he has shown a predilection for hurdle jumping; and on one particular occasion, just before the Jtay meeting, when in company with Fireworks, negotiated the obstacles with easo and without fault. Sedgebrook, looking as handsome as usual, was next brought under inspection, and as appearance indicated, is in tho best of health. I was informed that ho lias served several mares lately, including Waitotara, Ascot Vale, Miss Dauphin, and the dam of Taplow. When Sedgebrook sports silk again I leel satisfied that ho will give backers a veiy good run for their money and reward \m \ owner with a good stake. In a box removed from those above noticed, was tho well-known inaro Famous, who is just recovering from neglect previous to Belcher taking her in hand, and in time tho daughter of Natator and Fame may once, again show her heels to her rivals — when it comes to racing. Having complimented Belcher on the appearanco of his charges, and the general good management everywhere noticeable about the stables, we drove over to tho racecourse, where we were mot by Caretaker Webb. It was with pride lie showed us over the ne.v cottage just receiving its finishing touches, and certainly better accommodation could not be desired, everything being of an up-to-dato character. From the cottage we walked over to tho W.J.C. grounds, noting on the way the. splendid condition of tho track and surroundings. Several alterations and additions havo been made with regard to tho conveniences for visitors to the course, and particular mention may be made of the new ladies' sitting room, which 13 admirably fitted up in. every way, and certainly the best of its kind to bo found amongst Metropolitan Clubs. A cloak room has also been added, which will he an additional convonienco to one and all. During conversation on tlie road home I learnt that Whoreroa, tho three-year-old filly by Vanguard — Waitotara has been knocked out of her engagements owing to a severe cold, also that Silver Ray has been blistered and turned out owing to a sprained fetlock ; nnd further, that Lynch has in hand a half brother to Silver Ray, a six-year-old bay colt by Vanguard — Miss Dauphin. Reverting to the subject matter of alterations and additions of the W.J.C. course appointments, I am but voicing the opinion of my colleagues when I assert that Press representatives do not participate in general conveniences enjoyed by more favoured individuals who attend tho meetings for enjoyment only. The press room is made the dumpingground for band instruments, lor superfluous wraps' and overcoats, and for the dessimination of news through the telephone, which, militates, greatly against the arduous work the press scribe has in hand. .The press stand, cramped in its accommodation is often invaded by nondescripts, and without any facilities for taking notes, the work throughout the races is anything but a pleasure. Were it not for tlie courtesy of the secretary and his assistants, tho collating of necpssivry information would be trebly increased, and I take this opportunity of thanking Messrs Moffatt and Murch, on behalf of the press representatives, for thoir unfailing courtesy and many kindnesses on all occasions. But these officers of the club havo their own duties to perform irrespective of attending to the Press, and should not bo asked thus to safirifice their time. The club might easily take a loaf out of the book of some of the kindred clubs— Auckland for example — and employ or appoint some reliable person to afford the information desired, and to see that the press room is npt one in name only.