NOTES BY MONITOR.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXIV, Issue XX, 19 May 1900, Page 925

NOTES BY MONITOR.

' With this week’s issue we give an excellent likeness of the ex-Australian horse The Grafter. This horse, as will be remembered, hails from the famous Warwick Farm stable, a short distance out of Sydney. This racing establishment has at its head Mr Wm. Forester (“Black Bill”), one of the most popular sportsmen on the Australian turf. The Grafter belongs to a distinguished family, being by Gozo (imp.) from Industry, by Musket. He is, therefore, a full brother to Gaulus, the Melbourne Cup winner of 1897, in which race he finished alongside his relative, with nothing else near them. The Grafter won the big Victorian Spring race in 1898, and was afterwards sent to England, where a recent cable records his victory in the famous City and Suburban Handicap. Although only a commoner in appearance, being one of the ugliest horses in training. The Grafter has proved himself possessed of rare staying power, and with the courage of a lion, which has been proved in many a hard-fought battle. Now that he has struck his old form in England we may expect to hear of further successes by the son of Gozo.

To-day (Wednesday) the Coursing Club commence operations for the season at the Avondale enclosure. The heavy rain that has fallen has made the ground somewhat heavy, but as the hares are in fine going order some excellent sport should be provided. Mr F. W. Coombes will, as usual, occupy the judge's chair, while Mr D. Brennan once again will aet as slipper. There are two stakes to be disposed of, a Maiden Puppy Stakes and the Avondale Cup. Very fair entries have been received.

The Takapuna meeting will be held next week, and as far as at present possible to judge a very big success should be achieved. If the weather keeps fine there can be little doubt that the pretty suburban course will be thronged with visitors on the Queen’s Birthday. Entries have ruled unusually large, and Mr Knight seems to have compiled an exceptionally good scale of weights for the different races so that the various winners will take a lot of finding. Mr Bobt. Wynyard, the popular secretary. has all the arrangements for the meeting well in hand, while as the Ferry Company intend putting on a number of extra boats patrons will have no difficulty in crossing the water. Next week I will be able to criticise the various handicaps, and will hold over further mention until then.

Mr Dan McLeod’s smart little mare Miss Delava I was brought back from her Southern trip last week, and she looks none the worse for her journey. The daughter of Seaton Delaval is now locnteil at F. .Me.Manemin's stable, by whom she is to be trained in future. but at present is to be given a well-deserved holiday. The owners of Okoroi are having rattier hard luck with the mare this season. At the Egmont meeting held last week she ran two seconds, while the week previously at the Wellington meeting Waiuku's sister ran two thirds and a first.

The Sydney-bred mare Minerva IT. whom Mr Beckett purchased when over there some short time ago changed hands last week. Mr A. Hobertson wus the purchaser, the price being .130 guineas. The mure will in future be a stable mate of the speedy Firefly.

The backers of Sundial at the Egmont meeting have been on good terms with themselves. No less than three wins went to the credit of this speedy equine. The races were the Hailway Handicap (dividend .£6 4/), the Borough Handicap (dividend £2 14/), and the Manaia Handicap (dividend £3 16/).

Several well known horses were offered by auction last week, but in each case failed to bring the reserve placed upon them. Among these was the steeplechaser Conscript, who after the bidding had reached 30 guineas was passed in. The ponies Leona and Motokorea were also among the lot.

The old fashioned Chester Cup, at one time one of (he most celebrated races in England, was run for last week. The prize for this is 2500 sovs, a cup valued at 50 guineas, and an immense Chedar cheese to each of the place getters. The winner turned up in Mr C. A. Brown's chestnut horse Roughside, by Higioseope— Disruption, which had as his nearest attendant the Duke of Portland's bay colt Manners, by St. Simon out of Tact, this four-year-old being followed home by Lord Carnavon’s baycolt Baldur by Sheen out of Sunshine.

The Sydney trainer M. McAuliffe, who came over ty Auckland to train for the Hon. Mossman at the latter end of last winter, returned back home in the Mararoa last week. He was accompanied by J. Gainsford, who has given Auckland best. This rider came here with a line reputation, but for some reason or other he utterly failed to uphold it, although manychances were given him.

1 notice in the “Weekly Press” the following list of winning two-year-olds for the season 1899-1900. Renown won three races, £846 5/; Beddington (4), £BO4 15/; Formosan (3), £<67 15/; Cannie Chiel (3), £736; The Shannon (5), £593 15/; Vai Rosa (5), £536 15/; Military (1), £450; Romanoff (1), £340; Heiress (2), £313 10/; Melita (3), £304 5/.

Handicappers never seem to encourage straight running more than they ean help. A notable instance of this is in the ease of Record Reign, which, as he is always sent to win, is a verypopular selection with the general public, but is always asked to carry tremendous imposts. The first appearance of this son of Castor over sticks was to have been in the Grand National Hurdle Race, but Mr Evett has loaded him up with 11.9, and this, in the best company to lie found in New Zealand. Mr Uoulston, his owner, naturally feels somewhat aggrieved at the harsh measure awarded to his favourite, which, he points out, is a perfectly untried performer at the game, but is asked to give lumps of weight away to winning horses. There seems, therefore. to be. some doubt whether the Fukekohe horse will be started in the event in question.

Sportsmen will regret to hear of the death of the hurdler St. Simon when being schooled last Saturday at Napier. At the time he was being ridden by Sweeney, who came in for a very nasty fall. St. Simon first saw the light at Mr J. Roulstou's form. I’ukekohe, and was by St. Leger—Winnie. Among numerous races which went to his credit, perhaps the best was the Grand National Hurdle Rare which he carried off in 1897. Mr Skipwith has persevered with the horse for a long time past without getting a race out of him: it is therefore very hard luck to lose him just prior to the jumping season. Betting on the Grand National Meeting has been fairly brisk during the week. Popular doubles have been Social Pest aud Dummy, at 1000 to 20 against, the same odds being written about Torpinn and Dummy; Korowai and Dummy figure at 1000 to 12J against. Other selections are Verdi and Dentist, Drum Major and Venture, Record Reign and Black Dust. Blackberry and Kanaka have been withdrawn for nil their Grand National engagements. A cable to hand gives the result of the Grand Jubilee Handicap of 3000

sovs., run at Kempton Park. This resulted in a win fur Mr L. Neumann's black marc Sirenia, by Galin tile—Concussion. which beat Merry Methodist and Koya) Flush. © © © THE NORTH NEWZEALAND GRAND NATIONAL MEETING. Mr Evitt has come out with the weights for the two big events of the winter meeting, these being the G.N. Handicap Hurdles and theG.N.Steeplechase. The task set the veteran handicapper has been rather a severe one, but he has made an apparently very successful adjustment, and the winners will take no end of finding.

In the shorter race Social Pest heads the list, and it must be considered that the aged son of Ahtia could have received no less. St. Simon follows with 12.4, and 1 am afraid has been rather harshly dealt with. It remains to be seen whether Nor’-West will face lhe starter, but this seems improbable. Record Reign, with 11.9, is in a nice position, and if this fine son of Castor can only jump as well as his halfbrother. St. Simon, he should be one of the picks of the handicap. Dummy has 11.7, but 1 like his chance better in the longer race: while Favona might have been let down more leniently. Torpina is a griding for which I have a distinct fancy, and he should prove one of the dangerous division. Light, Troubadour and Tim are overweighted, but Black Dust and Volcano both possess undeniable chances. Drum Major should be quite capable of carrying 10.9, and although it is uncertain at present as to the condition of the big son of Cuirassier, there are many who greatly fancy his chance. Cuckoo is very highly spoken of in well-informed circles, and I am told that the son of Cruiser is one. of the good things of the handicap. Thu Hempie, with 9.9, is a very possible candidate, and should be about when the whips are cracking. Reading down the list of light-weights, Korowai, Pa ria and Cannongate possess outside chances: but to make an early selection I have weeded out the following half dozen which are likely to provide the winner. These are: Record Reign. Blackdust, Torpina, Volcano,

Drum Major and Cuckoo. As might have been expected, Nor’West heads the poll in lhe G.N. Steeplechase, but there is a doubt about this fine jumper starting. Dummy, with 12.4, is left with rosy prospects, as, although the weight is a big one. he has proved his ability to win under it. I have a greater liking for Social Pest in the Hurdle Rac« than across the big limber. Dentist is a popular selection, but 1 am slightly dubious about his ability to last oil 4 such a long trip, although he han many admirers. Muscatel, with 10.12, reads a likely one, but I prefer Black Dust on the same mark. Voltigeur 11.. with 9.9, is very likely to prove u thorn in the sides of some of the more fancied heavy-weights, and this ma) also be said of Dingo, who. I think, has a good race concealed about him. I have no fancy for any other of th *4 light-weight division, and il is probable that the scratching pen will bd fairly busy among this division. To put the matter in a nutshell. th<» horses left with the best winning prospects art* Dummy. Muscatel. Dentist, Black Dust, Voltigeur 11. and Dingo. 'l'he following are the weights; — GRAND NATIONAL HANDICAP HURDLE RACE of 500sovs: second horse SOsovs, and third horse lOsovs out of the stake. Two miles. (Run Saturday. June 9.)

GREAT NORTHERN STL EPMAH ASK HANDICAP of tUMbiovs; second horse 50 •ovs ami third hur«e 25euvs out* of the stake. Winner of any steeplechase of lhe value of ISOsovs after declaration of weights to carry 51b pen ah r. About three miles and a half. (Run Monday, June llj.

© © © EGMONT RAC ING ( LI B’S WINTER MEETING. The winter meeting of ihe Egmont Racing Club was held last Wednesday and Thursday at liawera. Wry heavy rain had fallen, and (hr course was accordingly soft and holding. v»fiile the attendance was considerably below the average. Proceedings opened with the Railway Handicap. in which Sundial defeated Okoroi b\ a length. I n the Hurdle Race, which followed, Haydn and Hautonga fought out :r great finish, the former just struggling home by a neck. IL*, however, failed to survive a protest entered against him. and the rave was accordingly awarded to Hau tonga. The Mokoia Handicap was taken l»v Waylay, w ho had as his iiearrsl al tendance Crawler and Taplovv. In Ihr Telegraph Handicap Momohaki proved successful. the other place-getters being Coma and Somnolent. A tine struggle occurred in lhe Taw hili Handicap, in which Bonus just struggled home ahead of Wav lay and Coma. I’he Waihi Handicap completed the first day's running, and in this Tawara had very little trouble in getting home. The second day’s racing commenced with the Trial Handicap, which fell to Poatauivvha, who was a length to the good from Klondyke. returning the fine dividend of £29 6s. Anol her great finish took place in the Stewards* Handicap, in which Taplovv and Heart Whist ran a dead heat. The Borough Handicap was also productive of a fine struggle. Sundial once again getting the better of Okoroi by a bare length. The Second Hurdle Race resulted in a win for Whetu, who beat Silver Ray by two lengths. As was the case in lhe I'irsi Hurdles, a protest was entered in this race, but it was subsequently dismissed by the stewards. In tin* Opeke Handicap Tawara scored another win, this time having Pyroxylin as her nearest attendant. Sundial was evidently in a tine winning vein, tor yet a third victorv was scored in the Manaia Handicap. Bona Fide and Mau-o’-vvar supplying the other placer. A good dav’s sport terminated with the Ngamoutu Handicap. in which race Momohaki first caught the judges e\e. Bonus and Mainuku being next behind him. © © © TA KA Pl NA JOCKEY <l.l B WINTER MEETING. Mr Win. Knight lias declared the following handieaps f«»r llrst days events to bo decided on May 21 (Querns Birthday):— Handicap Maiden Steeplechase of SOsovs: about 2 miles: Tim 10.12, llnutouga 10.7, Forty seven 10.5. Christmas to. I. La Belle 10.2. Onge 10.2, Jacinth 10.2. Reporter 10 0 Rapid Buy p.m. Tiki 9. 10. Donegal 9.10, Verdi 9.10. Woolman 9.1 b. Pullerk 9.7. Lindon 9.7. Bob 9.7. Kowhai 9.7. Rangitoto 9.7, Pilot 9.7. Tarragon 9.7. Bonnie !>.7. Handicap Mald«*u Blate «»f uOsovs: 7 fur longs: T'nkupa U.S. Honesty Afghan 9.2. Brigham Young 5..». St I unis s./,. (’n.inccllor 11. 8.4, Defender 5.2. Cadiz 7.12, Bacchus 7.12. (’onspirer 7.10. Swiftfoot 7 1. Tiki 7.0, Mirurlr (>. 12. Belfast G. 12. Blossom U. 10. Repetition G.l(». Kegulns G. 10. Voice tt.7, Minri ve G. 7. T*»roa G. 7. Bob <: 7. Major 0.7, Cyclone 0.7, Mlrrnr G. 7. Hamlicnp Maiden flurdl«*s of G*»<ovs: 1J inlle ami too yards: Tukapa io. 12. Cavalier 10.12. Tt'lrphom* io. !<». Dui i.i lO.G. Heart Whist 10.0. <’nn plrer 10.1. Pnliki 9.12. Tu kaka 9.10, Tiki 9.7. Rapid Ba v !».G. t ip 9,0. F'oul Play 9.G. Acom* Report er 9.4. Woolimin 9.1. Lepperum !».4. L ghtning 9.0, Bullion 9.0. What’s Wanted *.» (». Lindon 9.0, Kowhai 9.0. Kangitot.i 9.0. I’iloi 9.0. Bonnie Pony 1I« p. of SOsovs.a furlongs: ’l'he Slave 9.12. Repetition 9.10. Lena '.‘.G.Mara 8.2.(’1an« man 8.2. Cuisine S.O. Trooper 7.12 Athcl 7.G. Tarranto 7.5. Mimoa 7.2. My Lord 7.0. Texas 6.12. Mias Rofdyii 6.7. Irish Mo*,** G. 7. Kukoreu 6.7, Motukorca 6.7. Koval Handicap of jousuvs. 5 furlours: Ihdioro 9.10, OkouH 9.8. Tolstoi !».({, Tide phone 9.2. Holo 8.12. St IZImo H.G. Hastings 8.3. Minerva 11. B.J. Kettledrum 8.0. Mo mviit 7.8. Blalrina 7 7. Rosiphelr 7.4. St. In nls 7.1, Cuirasette 7.2, Alegre 7.0. St. F'.lyu 6.12. The Errtirbmati 8.12. Si. t>lga 8.12, Tiki 8,7. Nereid 6.7. Toroa <1.7. Pornngi Polar 6.7. Brilliant 6.7. Ja« k Brown G. 7.

WING ANU I JOCKEY CLUB’S WINTER MEET I.NG, WANGANUI, Friday. The following weights have been declared l»y Mr Evett for the Wangauui Steeplechase Ku<*et ing:— Wanganui Steeplechase: Plain Bill 12.2, Blackberry 11.6, Khino 11.3, Blackdust 11.2, Wliungaroa 11.0, Dentist 10.10, Light 10.5, Cairo 10.2. Tataramoa 9.12, The Guard 9.11, Cuckoo 9.10. Claymore 9.9, Scallywag 9.8, Haulonga 9.8. Faugh-a-ballagh 9.7, Tangahoe 9.7, Gobo 9.7, Apremcte 9.7, Silver Ray 9.7. First Hurdles: St. Simon 12.7. Torpina 11.7. Light 11.5, Canuoiiade 11.5, Derry 10.2, The Guard 9.9, Tui 9.7. Voltigenr 9.0, Kaimale 9.6, Stockade 9.6, Kauri Gum 9.5, Walwera 9.4, Scallywag 9.4, Haut<>nga 9.o,Whitney 9.0. ( lying Handicap: Tupuhi 9.9, Chasseur 9.5. Bona Fide 8.12. Sundial 8.12, Jadoo 8.6, The H«*mpie 8.6. Sedgebrook B.3.lndian Shot 8.0. Famous 8.0. Ostiak 7.12, Calceolaria 7.10, Return 7.9. Tommy Atkins 7.7. Sentry 7.7. Jewel Gun 7.5. Si. Ada 7.3, Brown Bill 6.10. Suburban Steeplechase: Blackberry 11.12. Wliungaroa 11.6, Dentist 11.0, Barbarossa 10.7. The Friar 10.7. Tataramoa 10.3, Cuckoo 10.2. Claymore 10.0, Fin-works 10.0. Hailtougn 9.10. Scallywag 9.10. Tangahoe 9.9, Pipi 9.7. Silver Ruv 9.7, Ronald 9.7. The following weights have been declared for hack events by Mr G. Morse: — First Hack Flat: Ta plow 9.1. Brilliantine 8.7 Wai iti 8.5. Mazona 8.3. Coma 8.0. Cora Linn 7.1::. Lu bra 7.9. Somnolent 7.7. Legion of Honour 7.7. The Bugler 7.6. Westguard 7.5. Queen’s Guard 7.3. Liable 7.0. Last Spec 7.0, Forest Rose 7.0, Kuseron 7.0, Van 7.0, Manareka 7.0. Firs! Hack Hurdles: Maparu 10.9. W’hetu 10 7. Amethyst 9.12. Black Rose 9.6. Matarawa 9.4. Laddie 9.0. Zaida 9.0, Garfield 9.0, lluka 9.0. Kilkenny 9.0. Hunters’ Hurdles: Whetu 12.0. Egmout 11.7. Amrthvst 11.4. Kaiwhakiroa 10.9. Sun light 10.7. Leighton 10.7. Berber 10.7, Lamplow 10.7. Trafalgar 10.7. © © © DUNEDIN JOCKEY CLUB S WINTER M EFT I NG. DUNEDIN, Saturday. Tin* following acceptances have been recci ve<l in <-ouneciion with the Dunedin Jockey Club’s May meeting:— Hurdle Race, 1-J mile: Ilex 13.1, Voltaire 10.7. Waikaia I 0.::. The Fly 10.0. Clinker 9.12, Seabreeze 9.9, Belmont 9.7, Magic 9.2, St. Hiko 9.0. Hack Handicap. 6 furlongs: Far Niente 8.9, Witchcraft 8.3. La Koine 8.2. Plotter 8.0, Benson S.O. Melia 7.12, Proposal 7.12, Velentiue 7.10. Gitanrlla 7.8. Makautuku 7.8. Birthday Handicap. U mile: Jupiter 8.11, Nihilist 8.9. Paladin 8.5. Fulinen 8.3, Skirmisher 7.13, Scottish Minstrel 7.10, The Spinner 7.8. Whario 7.4, Blackpool 7.3, Brisa 7.1, Derringcotte 6.10. Tradesmen’s Handicap, 6 furlongs: Glcnogte 8.11. Paladin 8.9, St. Denis 8.4, Mareinma 8.3, Vanilla 5.2. First Blood 8.1, Te Tallin 7.13. Brisa 7.5, Gladys 11. 7.4, Decoy 7.3, Red Banner 7.0. Winter Welter Handicap, 7 furlongs: Nihilist 9.12, Vandyke 9.6. Maremnia 9.5, Skirmisher 9. 4. First Blood 9.2, Abercrombie 9.0, Off Chance 8.10. Whario 8.10. Blackpool 8.9, Brisa 8.7. Hippomeues 8.2, Red Banner 8.2.

st lb st 1 lb Social Pest.... . 12 10 C*a i ro q v> St. Simon . 12 4 The Guard... . . 9 10 Nor'-west ... . 11 9 The llrmpie... . 9 9 Record Reign, . 11 9 Kaimate •> 9 Eavona .. 11 3 The Weaver.. . 9 9 Dummy 11 7 Cannonftate .. . 9 7 Turpina . Il 3 Voltijreur . 9 7 l.iKht . JI 1 Strathbraan . .. 9 ti Troubadour .. . n 11 Korowal . 9 fi Black Dust. .. .. io 11 Gobo 9 5 Tim .. 10 10 Tukapa . 9 3 Volcano .. 10 9 Pa ria .. 9 3 Drum Major. .. J'J 9 Forty-seven 9 3 Hellman . 10 M Ktrnybird . 9 V Cuckoo . 10 6 Pills . » () Ruby . 10 2 Cuirast ttv ... .. 9 0 Kanaka ..... . . 10 2 Verdi 9 0 Cannonade . 2 Whitney ... .. 9 0 Shy lock .. to U Tiki .. 9 0 Cavalier ...Ml 0

Nor’-west ... st lb Voltitfeur II. .. st lb 9 9 IlllillLUV . ... 12 4 Shy lock 9 7 Social I'rHi ■ 12 2 Diuxo 9 7 Blackberry . .11 3 Kailuatv Rhino Il 0 Conscript Dentist no Kort v vu «i 7 Muscatel . 10 12 Silver Ray .... o 7 Black Dust io 12 Strath hraa n .. 9 7 Kanaka . 10 7 Taujcuhoe rroubadour . . 10 3 Ronald «i 7 Eight 10 2 Pilot 9 7 Cairo . IO 0 Volt ijreiir o 7 Bellman ... . 10 O Taragon 9 7 Ruby . 10 o 1 * i11 s • > 7 Tataramoa .. . 9 IO ( 1 ' m|> o 7 Venture . 9 IO I’nujrh a 9 7 Cuckoo . 9 10 Henrt Whist .. The Guard . . 9 ]O Kow hai 7 Jim . 9 10 Tukap.i 9 7