TOPICS OF THE TURF

Waikato Times, Volume 100, Issue 16712, 30 January 1926, Page 17 (Supplement)

TOPICS OF THE TURF

FROM TRACK AND STABLE

(By "Martian.")

COMING EVENTS. January 29, 30—Takapuna J.C. February 3—Tapanui R.G. •February 3, 4—Egmont R:C. February 4, 6—Gisborne R.C. February 6, B—Te Kuiti R.C. February 11, 13—Dunedin J.C. February 11, 13—Taranaki J.C. ■■ February 11,. 13—Poverty Bay Turf C February 13, 15—Rotorua R.C. February 17—Clifden R.C. February 18—Tolaga Bay J.C. February 18, 20 —y/anganui J.C. February 20— Canterbury J.C. February 24, 25—Gore R.C. February 24, 25—Woodville Dis. J.C February 25—Waiapu R.C. February 25, 27— Marlborough R.C. February 27, March I—Te Aroha J.C. March 3, 4—Dannevirke R.C. March 4-—Nelson J.C. March 5, 6—Nelson J.C. March 6—Banks Peninsula R.C. March 6—Matamata R.C. March 10 —Opotibi J.C. March 10, 11—Southland R.C. March 12, 13—Napier Park R.C. March 13, 17 —Ohinemuri J,C. March 17—Opunake R.C. March 17—Otautau R.C. March 18—Waimate R-C March 20—Bay of Plenty J.C. March 20—Masterton R.C. March 20, 22—Westport J.C. March 23, 24 —Oamaru J.C. March 24, 25— Rangitikei R.C. March 27—Hororata R.C.

Trotting Dates,

January 28, 30— Forbury Park. January 30. —Hawke's Bay. February 12-— Poverty Bay. February 13.—N.Z. Metropolitan February 19. —Kaikoura. February 19, 22— Wanganui. February 20, 24. —Otahunti. February 26.— Marlborough. February 27.—Taranaki. March 6.—Waikato (Auckland) March lO.t—Manawatu. March 13.—Northland. March 13.—Timaru March 17. —Wyndham. March 18, 20. —New Brighton. March 20,—Thames. March 27^— Wellington April 3, 7—N-2L Metropolitan. April 3, s.—Hawera. April 17. —Ellersmere. April 17.—Cambridge. \ April 22. —Waimate. April 24-—Ashburton. May 6, 8, —Forbury Park.\ May 22-—Samara.. June 3, s.—r Canterbury Park. June 12.—Ashburton. June 19, 23.—Auckland.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

"Start" Hamilton. —Sun Up started in the Glasgow Handicap at the Auckland Summer meeting. "Curious"- Hamilton.—JLJralla ran third in the Zealandia Handicap at' the Takapuna meeting last season. She ■ is an imported mare by PiedmontPersianeUo.

(GOSSIP FROM ALL PARTS.

Egmont meeting Wednesday and Thl IT s dfl."Y • Several Waikato horses engaged at Gisborne races on Thursday and Saturday next. . Te Kuiti fixture commences next Saturday; concludes on the following Monday. ' of Absurd's progeny, and doubtless of Dal Eaton, who is to return to his native land, Australia, was 500gns. It looks as if the Limonds are going to be good. Among, this sire's winners in the current season are Com- ■ mehdation, Lady. Desmond, Mask, Adavale and Holymond. Followers of the Trentham horseman, R. Reed, had an expensive time, for in seventeen mounts at the Wellington meeting he was only on two dividend-payers. Mr W. Price, of Wanganui, has been appointed starter for the Westport Jockey Club's annual meeting on March 20 and 22. J. H. Jefferd did not wait till the concluding day of the Wellington meeting, but took his team home after the second day. Anklet stays much better than most of Absurb's progeny, and doubtless gets her stamina from Bronze, who was a good performer over long journeys. The Riccarton two year old Paper Boy failed to begin smartly in any of his engagements at Trentham, but on each day he was finishing very fast. On form shown at Trentham, Elysianor should not be long in winning a race.

Malatour, who won a double each day at Wairoa, is the full brother to Te Kara was owned and raced by a Cambridge sportsman until four seasons ago. ' Up to'perhaps s?s*en furlongs Polyphemus is a brilliant hack, writes "Carbine." He has L-uch great speed out of the barrier that he will alwajs hold his own over short courses. R. CDonnell has decided to cease training Mr W. Higgins's team tit Tre'ntham. It is likely fiat O'Donnell will come to where he should find no difficult..? in getting horses to train, writes "Mascot." The Canterbury sportsman, Mr J. S. Barrett, is credited with, the possession of a promising English-bred filly in Prophet's Mark (by Attalus—Agnesi). Count Cavour looks in great fettle, and he is galloping very freely in h;? track work at Riccarton. lie has a big load to carry in the Dunedin Cup, but he should play a prominent part in that event. "A lot of complaints could be lodged in connection with some of the riding at Trentham. But as some people still insist that Jack o' Lantern is not a fractious horse at the barrier, what is the good of saying anything about anything," writes "Sentinel" in the 1 Otago Daily Times. David, who has contested 98 races, ' and who has recently been put into work again' in Sydney, is stated to look so well that he may be a winne.* again before long. David has won 31,210 sovs in stake money. Demure, "the horse who was kid- ; napped," was sent to Trentham to take her place in the Douro Cup field, but owing to the possibility of some trouble over a lease she was sent home early in the fixture. Ilka ran creditably at the Wellington meeting, and when the class is a little inferior to what she encountered last week, she should prove hard to beat. A race over a mile, in which Rere- ■ ' jnoana and Grand Knight were constants, would be a tit-bit for racing poen at the present time. •Hone does: not look like being anywnere near "the-'class of his brother, ftoseday, but he has pace and can snrln't well, whilo seven furlongs or «ven. a mile may see him winnirig again Ha the near future. wet Sail was an unlucky runner at Trentham last week. Her diminutive pilot ass of no use to her ir; Uv races,,

and the fact that she ran so well under him indicated pretty clearly that with a stronger horseman up she would have been a winner of at least one race, if not more. ; Mr W. H. Gaisford has decided thai. ' Commendation will race at Riccarton at Easter. The long straight has had ■: something to do with this decision. It is interesting to note, too, that LysanI dor and Joy King will not he at this ; meeting. | Nincompoop once had a reputation — i after, he won the Breeders' Plate at j Randwick. Since then lie has beaten i nothing, and at Trentham, in his only run, after showing pace, he dropped i out with three furlongs covered. The strenuous time Kilbronsyth has had of late has probably found him Out writes "Carbine." He is now out of hacVv company, but he has nominations at Egmont to run out. The Kilbroney-Fulsome youngster, who brought top price of 900 guineas at the Elderslie sale, is to be gelded. He will not be rushed next season, and when he does race it may be as ExCBSS I "In welter races Martulla is just

about in a class' of her own in the North Island," writes "Carbine" of the'New Zealand Times. That reads fairly good for the local candidate, Pinon, who beat Martulla at Awapum, even allowing she had an advantage in the weights. Mask looks like staying well, and he will be seen to advantage later in the season in much better ' company than ho'met and defeated at Trentham. When Tommy Dodd finished behind the placed horses in the Summer Handicap at Trentham, it was his first lime out of the money this season. His previous record was eight starts for four wins and an equal number of seconds.

• On his running at Trentham, Tamatcte is a distinct light of other days. Ite had a chance in both his starts, had he been good enough. Strange to say, he did not turn a hair in either of his outings. Local stables will be well represented att he Egmont meeting next week. Pinon and Curraghmore will most likely be taken south by M. J. Carroll, while Bright Day and Bright Knight, E. Wilson's charges, are already on the scene. Bevis is another of the Te Rapa horses with engagements at the fixture.

The New Zealand Derby winner. Bunnymede, made his appearance o.i the tracks' at Victoria Park (NewSouth Wales) last week. Inva reference to the son of King John, the Sydney Telegraph, states that ,he looks well, but that there is nothing impressive about his physique. Glentruin is very well at present, and the Riccarton trained mare looks as if she would be equal to some highclass sprinting performances later in the season. She will probably make her next appearance in the Publicans' Handicap at the Dunedin Jockey Club's meeting next month. R. J. Mason has written to Mr 11. L. James (secretary of the Dunedin Jockey Club) -stating that he will be unable to parade Gloaming at the club's forthcoming Cup meeting. The old champion has been turned out in the paddock for some time, and naturally enough is not. in condition, : The four year old gelding Tommy Dodd can be marked off for improvement in the'future .whether it comes this season or noxt. He raced very solidly at Trentham last week, and With 7.11 in the Dunedin Cup he should give a good account of" himself. Shirley won the City Handicap at Trentham in brilliant style. S. Waddell has always had a big opinion of this Absurd filly, and after many, early disappointments it looks now as if she was going to justify the optimism of her veteran trainer.

Economist'was unlucky at Trentftam. He ran a very good race in the Welter Handicap the first day, finishing fourth after getting a bad bump at the start. .The bump' evidently affected the shoulder, and he was unable to take part in any further racing during'the meeting.

Mask, shapes like being as good under welter weights as his halfbrother, The Monk, was when he was in form in Australia. Mask is h lazy customer on the track and in a race, and needs a strong horseman to shake him up, so that he is likely to be seen to better advantage in welters than under the lighter scale. He is a very promising three year old, who will be greatly improved yet. The lameness which was evident in .Royal Divorce at the finish of the Wellington Cup is reported to be rapidly improving, and the hose may not need to be put aside. Had he, with Fool's Paradise and Black Cat, shown any form worth while at the Wellington meeting, they were destined to do the autumn metings in Sydney, but the trip will now be called "off. Diacquenod, the young sire purchased in England recently for Mr J. F. Buchanan, has reached Wellington, and after a fortnight in quarantine he will be shipped south to take his place at the Kinloch Stud. He is a fouryear old by Diudumenos (son of Orby), and he was a smart performer in England.

Listening Post was disappointing in his efforts at Trentham: life finished on well in the Wellington Cup, although a fair way from the placed horses. On the second day he was third to Star Ranger and Star Stranger. and as .the race was run in record time this effort was sufficient to send, him out heavily supported on Saturday. He was, however, beaten a long way from homo, and was evidently feeling the effects of his previous race. Listening Post docs not appear as good as he was twelve months ago, hue freshened up for the Dunedin Cup meeting he should get some stake money.

After a rather lean period, Sir Georgo Clifford appears to have got something out of the ordinary in the two year old filly Front Rank, by Warplane, out of Discipline, dam of Court Martial, Adjutant, and Dame Straitlace. The two first-named of her progeny were by Martian, and as Warplane is by Martian, Front Rank is therefore their three-quarter sister in blood. At,the end of both her races Front Rank was rapidly drawing up and away from her opponents, and if all goes well with her the popular president of the Racing Conference shGuld have a good three year old next season to carry his colours in the classics. The imported horse Grand Knight was responsible for a brilliant per-

formance when he won the Sumner Handicap at Trentham. He was well placed early, but lost his position at the home turn, following which lie came with a great run over the last furlong. He has made wonderful improvement since Hie spring, and further successes should await him this season, as he represents good class up to a mile. It may not be generally known that the Absurd gelding Limited, winner of the Wellington Stakes has the stout Musket blood running through his veins.' This is the case, however, as his imported dam, Holyrood, is by Symington—Lady Dauboyne, by Carbine —Bonnie Chance, by Minting. Manfred, winner of the A.J.C. and V.P..C. Derbies, who is described as "Ike fljiajr son of.Yaiaiiii" i,s a notp-

worthv absentee from the list of entries for the Australian Cup and Sydney Cup. This can apparently be interpreted in the sense that the colt is to bo restricted to classic and weight-for-age races for the remainder of the present season. Oreum is a disappointing mere writes "Vedette." She appears to have plenty of pace, and, indeed, showoil it in the concluding event at Trentham on Saturday, but it is possible that she is nervous in big fields, and might do better at one of the smaller gatherings up the line. She is a shapely filly, and looked in great order at Trentham. So far she has not done anything lhat one would expect from a daughter of Desert Cold.

It costs money to bring horses to Trentham, especially when they are located as-far away as InvercargJU, and "Sentinel" makes the following comment:—"One could say quite a lot about how some of the southern horses were handled in their races. Let it be sufficient to remark that southerners who next take a horse- to Trentham with a winning-' chance should make different arrangements in connection with the riding." -While contesting the maiden race at Foxton the five year old horse Redmayne, by All Red—Te Hau, owned by Mr J. Bull, fell and sustained injuries which were serious enough to cause his destruction. According to one writer present, Redmayne was one of the nicest looking horses seen at the meeting, and it was harj.l luck that Mr Bull, who kept him entire for his valuable blood strains, should lose him.

The Riccarton two year old Wild Work made her first appearance in a race at Trentham last week, and had an unlucky experience. She over-reached just before the start, and cut herself badly, inflicting a severe injury on her hoof, which will necessitate a long spell. Under the circumstances, her rider acted very wisely in pulling her up when the barrier rose, and cantering home behind the field.

Fronk Rank, by winning the Hopeful Stakes Handicap at Trentham on Saturday, has incurred a 101 b penalty in the D.J.C. Champagne Stakes next month. In this race Paper Boy is about the best of those who have so far escaped a penalty, and his trainer, G. J. Pine, only needs to have him as well on the day as he is now to have excellent prospects of providing the winner. On Trentham form, however, Front Rank is 101 b his superior. Epistle was backed as a certainty at . Foxton (says an exchange), but ran wide, allowing Bonideer to take up the running, from which she was never displaced. Rosen, the rider of the favourite, stated that a woman with a perambulator had come up close to the track, and that the horse had shied. However, it is very doubtful whether without .this the Hawke's Bay horse would have won. On her second appearance, Epistle was not so keenly sought after, but under the pilotage of N. F. Johnson, she took the Rangiotu Hack Handicap from Duetto in fine style. There is a fine programme ahead for Rampion, which up to now stands head and.shoulders above the rest of his age. ' All the rich two year old events in the auturar- appear to be at his mercy (says an Australian writer). As a betting proposition he may not make a strong appeal except to those backers who fancy a plunge, seeing [that he is always likely to "be at a somewhat prohibitive price; but his owners do not worry about that. The stake money at the disposal of Rampion will total a handsome sum without "market considerations" entering into the calculations at all. It is true that Rampion so far has not been asked to go beyond five furlongs in public, but there is no reason to fear that he will he found wanting when the distances are increased. As for that he may not be expected to travel further than seven furlongs in the autumn, and this journey, among his own age, should be well within his range. A glance through Rampion's pedigree should justify the belief that when given the opportunity he will prove' that he is possessed of something more than speed, even though he may not be destined to develop into a great stayer. Rossendale, like other sons cf St. Frusqin, generally imparts stoutness to Ifs stock, and on the other side there is another distinguished representative of St. Simon in. Persimmon, whose family is noted for slaying powers. There are also other strong lines in the pedigree which should help Rampion when his turn comes to attempt something more than a short course. The blood is there sure enough, and Rampion alone may bo said to fully uphold the reputation of his sire brought with him from England. The Messrs Brian, who imported Rossendale, have shown much enterprise irislocking their Kingsclere stud, and any success they achieve is therefore well deserved. "Sentinel" of ihe Otago Daily Times writes of a recent topic as follows: It was a foregone conclusion that the terms of disqualification imposed in connection with recent racing on the West Coast would be increased when iJie case came before the District Committee. The original term of punishment has been doubled and the offenders can regard themselves as lucky if they escape so lightly. To frame a field in what appears to have been a particularly impudent manner strongly suggests that these riders regard with contempt the/ racing knowledge o( those under whose supervision they have been riding. If they had any great fear of punishment they would not dream of taking the risk of losing their means-of living in addition to being disgraced in the eyes of the sporting public. The whole thing goes to show that the control of racing in the South Island is not half strict enough. Some riders appear to feel that they can take a risk without any great fear of detection, and- so they go from bad to worse, and finally land themselves no doubt to their surprise, in serious trouble. Ii a rider finds he can take a risk in handling a horse, it creates a growing confidence lhat he is cleverer than the people who are looking at the race. If, on the other hand, the first error was promptly challenged, it would be quite safe to say that developments such as took place on the West Coast would never be heard of. Riders would not take big risks if they were sure of being found out. The whole matter should be considered by the Racing Conference in order to find out what sort of control .is it that educates riders up to. such* things as to frame up racing under notice. It stands to reason that if boys are educated to go wrong, they will do so. It then becomes a duty to punish the schoolmaster and sympathise with the pupil, who errs through the ignorant latitude of those who are supposed to control his racing morals. It is no certainty that J. 11. Jefferd will make the Sydney trip in the autumn. The money at home over the same period would appear easier lo win writes "Carbine."

NEW PROGRAMMES.

RACING AT tZ KUITI.

. The annual meting of the Te Kuiti Club will be held on Saturday next February G, and the following Monday. February 8. The handicaps for events at the first day of this fixture will be announced on Monday and acceptances fall due by Wednesday evening. The fields for the coining meeting promise to be of good size and a s.ucc.vss-

ful gathering should be recorded by the King Country Club.

TE AROHA JOCKEY CLUB. With a total of £4150 in stakes forts annual meeting, ori February 27 and March 1, the Te Aroha Jockey Club is again catering in a very liberal way towards owners who are sure to reciprocate. This is always a very popular gathering with the public and big attendance returns can be expected .on the coining occasion. The stake money attached lo ,thc various events will be found lo hi most'liberal, as no race is of los.-, value than £2OO, while the principal event on the opening day—the Hemes Memorial Cup of ten furlongs—na:i £OOO and gold cup of £SO apportioned as" prize money. The President's Handicap of one mile, the principal event on the second day, has a slake of £4OO, while there are races for hacks, hurdlers, and twoyear olds. Nominations must be in the hands oi the secretary, Mr A. W. Edward.-., on or before 5 p.m. on Wednesday, February 10. TARANAKI TROTTING CLUB. This year the Taranaki Trotting Club has increased stak-zs for its one day meeting to be held on Saturday, February 27, by £305, making in all £IOSO for the eight events. The Club will race on the Taranaki Jockey Club's course which, with its stabling, and up-to-date appointments has been placed at the Trotting Club's disposal. The programme is one which should occupy the attention of owners in these parts. THE TARANAKI FIXTURE. Among the gatherings on the southern circuits which will be given attention by horses, owners and the sporting public from these parts is that of the Taranaki Jockey Club. This gathering will be held at New Plymouth on Thursday, February 11, and Saturday, February 13. WANGANUI TROTTING CLUB. The annual Cup meeting of the Wanganui Trotting Club is set down for the Wanganui racecourse on Friday and Monday, February 19 and 22. The programme is headed by the Wanganui Cup Handicap of £225 (twomiles) on the. first day, and the Liverpool Handicap, of £225 (two miles)' on the second day. The supporting events cater well for all classes of light harness candidates.. Owners in this part 'of the province are advised to peruse the programme. Nominations for all events will close on Monday next by 5 p.m., .with the secretary (Mr W. M. Falconer), P.O. Box 50, Wanganui.

THE MATAMATA CLUB.

MEETING ON MARCH 6

The meeting of the Matamata Racing Club, which is fixed for Saturday, March 6, should attract a useful class of horse, while fine weather and a good attendance of the public will aid in further promoting the enthusiastic endeavours of this institution to cater adequately for the needs of the sport. As the Cxture comes in between the Tc Aroha and Ohinemuri programmes it will suit the travelling needs of owners as their charges will be in the district.

The programme is headed by the Matamata Cup Handicap of £2OO, and a silver Cup valued at £25. This event will be decided over one mile and a quarter, and should attract a good field of handicap horses. The sprinters are to be catered for by the Railway Handicap of £lO5, six furlongs, for which there should be plenty of support with the large number of short distance candidates now in commission. The Tirau High Weight Handicap of £BO, one mile, is for 3-year-olds and upwards with a minimum weight of 9.0. The Waharoa Handicap of £BO is for 3-year-olds and upwards that have not won a flat race of the value of £250 or flat races of the collective value of £SOO at the time of nomination. The event, which will be decided over seven furlongs, should draw a big field. The conditions of the Hineura Handicap of £BO, six furlongs confine the event to 3-year-olds and upwards that have not won a flat race at a lotalisator at Lime of nomination. This class is specially catered for by the Okoroire Hack Cup, of £BO and a silver Cup valued at £2O. This is a mile event for 3-year-olds and upwards that have not won a flat race of the value of £l5O or flat races of the collective, value of £4OO at the time of nomination.' The Putaruru Stakes of £BO. five furlongs, is for a weight for age event, two-year-olds and upwards that have not won a flat race at a totalisator meeting at time of starting. Welter horses arc catered for by the Walton Handicap of £IOO, seven* furlongs,' with a 7.7 weight minimum.

Messrs F. J. M6Manemin (handicap'per), A. Vincent (starter) and G. McGlashan (judge) are three of the prominent officials for the meeting. Nominations for all events will close with the secretary (Mr T. J. Underwood) at Matamata or with MrC. F. Mark, High Street, Auckland on Friday, February 19, at 5 p.m. Handicaps will be declared on February 24, and acceptances will close at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 2. The programme is advertised in this issue.