Turf Gossip.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXVIII, Issue XVI, 19 April 1902, Page 733

Turf Gossip.

By

WHALEBONE.

TURF FIXTURES.

April 15 and Ifr—Marlborough R.C. * April 16 and 17—Southland R.C. April 24, 26—Wellington Racing Club April 30, May I—Manawatu1 —Manawatu Racing Club May 15, 16—Ashburton County Racing Club May 21, 24—Dunedin Jockey Club May Meeting June 3,4, 7—Auckland Racing Club ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. W.T.8., Auckland. —Carbine was sold for 13,000 guineas to the Duke of Portland. Quiz, Auckland.—(l) Aurous is by Wallace (2) Mr G. G. Stead has a colt a full brother to her. “C.A.8.,” St. Helier’s Bay.—First make sure that the horse did not start. If you will send the name of the horse and the race, we will ascertain from the official report whether the horse started or not. Wager, Auckland.—The totalisator pays out on any number of ‘horses the property of one owner as if they were one horse, the total investments on each being lumped together. In the event of one winning and the other being unplaced, the same process would be followed, all the horses of one owner counting really as one. © ® © TURF NOTES. Glasgow is to be turned out for another season. Lady Avon will be sent to India shortly. Soult’s daughter Yseult won two, races at Riverton. The Taranaki racecourse is undergoing considerable improvement. T. Fordham, the trainer brother to the late George Fordham, is dead There are several metallicians who have £lOO doubles on the Avondale meeting. Revenue, who was injured in the Melbourne Cup is progressing favourably. As surmised, the full-brother to Aohilles was purchased for Mr Douglas Gordon. Menschikoff will not be raced again, but will be brought to Auckland this week. The races at Avondale will be run right-handed, the same as on the Ellerslie course. Clanburn and Terrapin have during the week still further increased Clanrapsfld's winning list. By the Takapuna on Saturday, the racehorse Taplow arrived from New Plymouth in charge of Edgar Russell. An American jockey was, recently ordered to “stand down” for a week “for listless and careless riding in a race.” Mr W. Bailey, the well known Victorian sportsman, has purchased the yearling colt by Haut Brion from Trieste, for 850 guineas. Ebor, who was taken to England by Mr S. H. Gollan recently, fell while Tuning in a steeplechase at Sandown Park. Hector has been put to the jumping business. In a lesson on Thursday in the hands of S. Fergus, he shaped very ’WeU. Hewitt had four winning rides at the C.J.C. Autumn Meeting, the same number as J. Gallagher at the A.R.C. Meeting. Mr D. O’Brien has sold Military to Mr T. McKay, who has placed the son of Light Artillery in Irvine’s charge at Ellerslie. Dandy has been purchased for 800 guineas, together with Caledonia and Peppercorn, and they go to South Africa at an early date. £361 is a satisfactory price obtained for the privileges of the Avondale Jockey Club’s Autumn Meeting yesterday by Messrs Buckland and Sons. Only one of Mr Stead’s pair of representatives in the New Zealand St. Leger can be counted upon to go to the post. This will probably be Cruciform. Regalia 11. has had his weight apportionments increased in Australia without winning. He received list in the hurdle race run for on the 29th March, at Randwick.

San Remo, who was purchased by Mr W. J. Taggart at Mr Stead’s sale for 160gns was resold for £225 to Mr Gaine Carrington, of Gisborne, for stud purposes.

Darebin, son of Lurllne, who won the V.R.C. Derby in 1881. had two winning representatives in America the last week in January, aged respectively 3 and 4 years.

While the Auckland Racing Club’s Autumn Meeting was in progress Mr H. Friedlander purchased the pony Stepaway from his brother, Mr M. Friedlander.

Rufus, the jumper, was offered for sale on Friday by auction, but the bidding stopped at 110 guineas, and this being below the owner’s reserve, he was withdrawn.

Visitors op Saturday next to the Avondale Jockey Club’s course, but for the surrounding country, would not recognise the old spot—it has undergone such a change.

The acceptances for the Avondale Jockey Club’s Autumn Meeting are fairly good, and as most of the horses will stand their ground, we may expect some interesting racing next Saturday.

Paul Seaton and the pony Vulpine have gone into Kos Heaton’s stables, where Golden Rose has been located for some time. Heaton expects to have the full sister to Grey Seaton in hand shortly.

Sir George Clifford did not sell any of his horses after the Autumn Meeting of the C.J.C. Glenaladale, the Autumn Handicap winner, was not offered. Ho is a useful gelding, and will pay to keep.

Mara, the Seaton Delaval pony, is considered by Mr Knight the best of the handicap * horses submitted to him amongst those nominated for the Helensville meeting, which takes place on the 26th instant.

The grass gallop w’as thrown open to trainers on Saturday, and some sound work was done on it, notwithstanding that it was in a sloppy state after the rain we have had. No clock breaking tasks were attempted.

Crusoe still knows how to gallop, and is evidently getting into form again. He won at Nelson on Thursday, his first race since meeting with an accident by breaking his knees on the road near New Plymouth some months ago.

The following scratchings were made yesterday at 12.30 p.m. for the Avondale Jockey Club’s Autumn Meeting:—Laetitia for the Avondale Handicap; Northumberland for the Juvenile Handicap; Laetitia and Rosella for the Railway Handicap.

“Trying to breed horses by the Rule of Three,” Lord Rosebery called Bruce Lowe’s figure system in a witty speech at a Gimcrack dinner. It should be mentioned here that Figure Three horses are generally recommended as the best sire horses.

Heritas and Lepanto, recent winners, are cast-offs from Mr D. O’Brien’s stable, imported from Australia. Calibre, another Australian-bred one, sold some time ago by Mr O’Brien to Mr V. Harris, was in winning form at the South Canterbury J.C. Meeting.

Royal Artillery is bred right to make a good sire, for which purpose Mr Stead, it is reported, will keep him. His full brother, True Blue, claimed his first winner, Blue Spec, at the A.J.C. Autumn Meeting, when he won the Maiden Two-year-old Race.

While working at Ellerslie on Thursday morning Highlander slipped and came down. He walked a little stiffly afterwards, and it was feared had hurt himself seriously, but later in the day was little the worse, as far as bould be judged for his mishap.

C. Clarke, who was with Brabant’s Horse in South Africa, was at one time a prominent football player in Auckland, and did some race riding at meetings held at Potter’s Paddock. His death was recently announced as having taken place early in February.

The programme of the Auckland Trotting Club is out. It shows that there are eight events on the first day, and seven on the second, and the meeting is fixed for the 10th and 14th May. Stakes to value of £560 will be distributed. Nominations close next Friday.

At a meeting of the D.J.C. Committee Mr G. Dowse (handicapper) forwarded an explanation as to his handicapping of the horses of Messrs W. R. Quinn, Jun., McKenzie, and H. Friedlander at the last Autumn Meeting. After consideration the explanation was accepted.

It Is now stated that Nonette will not make the journey to Wallington, and Vai Rosa will be an absentee also, so that there will be no Auckland-owned horses at the meeting. Audi land-bred ones, however, can be trusted to win a good slice of the prise-money, ali the same. The Takapuna Jockey Club out with the programme for their winter meeting, to take place on May Mth and 28th. The prise money amounts to £UttO, the Birthday and Steeplechase Handicaps being the most attractive items. Nomination* are due on Friday, JWh Inst. Every one of the starters in the Riverton Maiden Steeplechase fell or made mistakes, including the winner, Snider, a gelding by Brigadier, who raced as “ No Class ” a short time back- Snider Was class enough to win three times between the flags, however, in his new name. Teddy 8., who showed such good form at the last meeting of the Otahuhu Trotting Club, according to a Sydney correspondent of the “N.Z. Referee,” just prior to leaving Australia for New Zealand, trotted a good race at Bellmore, N.S. Wales. Teddy B. was at one time called Buttons. t “It is astonishing what bad luck a man can have on the turf,” says “Ribbleden.” "Mr Eden George started horses about a hundred times without scoring a trainer. Dobson,has, I believe, been years without winning a race.” We have a New Zealand jockey who should join the combination. Those who are always looking for big horses to accomplish good things should remember that most of our best performers this season have been of medium height. San Fran, Wakeful, Menschlkoff. Cruciform, and Ncrettc are a few of them. Some of our best two-year-olds do not stand high. Beyond the bare statement that tho committee of the Dunedin Jockey Club have accepted the explanation tendered by Mr G. Dowse, their weight-adjuster, of his handicapping of the horses of three complaining owners In Messrs Quinn, McKenzie, and 11. Friedlander, we have no information. We shall probably hear more later on. Telemeter, by Artillery — Adventuress, who was about the best of the gets of the Musket horse in this colony, and at one time gave promise of doing good things, after a long retirement fiom tho racecourse came out at the South Canterbury meeting and created a surprise by winning the Flying Handicap, in which he was a great outsider, backers receiving the fine dividend of £l7 odd for each £1 Investment. Ted Sandall, the well known trotting owner was about on crutches on Friday, and had to undergo a lot of handshaking by friends. His accident was a most severe one, and he has had months of suffering since he was run into by a horse and vehicle that had got out of the control of another horseman. It will be some time before Mr Sandall regains the use of one of his legs, otherwise he is well and in good spirits. Matamataharakeke carried the lightest weight to victory in the Autumn Handicap of the Auckland Racing Club that ever that race has been won with. Yatterina, her maternal ancestress, won in 1875; but none of her descendants have won the race until Matamataharakeke won on Saturday last. Bellona, dam of the long-named one, was got by Nelson, who won in 18S4. from Muskerina, by, Musket from Hipporina by Hippocampus (son of Dainty Ariel) from Yatterlna. The Tasman—Bessie gelding pony, bred by Mr T. Morrin, and purchased by Mr H. B. Massey for Mr T. Brophy, of Suva, has lately been racing there, and hast won two races, beating ponies from Australia and elsewhere. His name is Frank, and he claims half brothershlp to the chestnut .pony Israelite, by Castor, that razeed in the ownership of T. Connop a few years ago. Another winner over there from Auckland in Fairy’ Bower, who raced here with litge success, won the Easter aHndicap at the same meeting. While running in a hurdle race on a Victorian course recently, the fore tendons of one of the competitors gave way, and his connections, who were having a plunge on their horse, lost their cash. It was a case of losing their substance following, not a shadow, but a shadowcatcher. Referring to the race an exchange says: “Shadowcatcher looked like breaking the hitherto unbroken sequence of 94 losses by the stable which shelters him when he broke down lOf) yards from the winning post in the Maiden Plate at Sandown Park.” Blue Cap, who figured as a two-year-old against Halberdier in that memorable event kt the North Shore, when the start was disputed and the case had to ?o to the Racing Conference judges beore it was finally settled whether tho Club or the starter was right, is again in evidence. It will be remembered that the in-bred son of Muskapeer and Jennie got into a wire fence, and had to be given a long rest In consequence of the injuries received. Blue Cap is being hacked about, but may find his way back to •the turf in time, as he looks likely to stand training. It will take a long time to get him fit, however. Pallas, who keeps winning races down South, was got by Chain Armour, son of Chainshot and Apropos. Chain Armour would hf»ve raced, but as a yearling was injured in the shoulder, and was turned into a paddock with a few mares for two seasons, where he became a victim to tho

Canterbury horse fiend. Nellie, the dwm of Ptdlas. was a rare little mare, aud. iji addition to winning pony r*cef, won the Heathcote Cup. and bred that useful gelding Paladin. Veto, who was a cracM pony In Australia, was a brother to Nellie. wrho is a representative of the Bpray family, one of the best colonial racing families we have had.

Untif Nonette was beaten out of a place !n the Autumn Handicap here, the only horaee that had finished in front of him tyere Menschikoff (twice), St. Michael (tj*ics). Cruciform (once), San Patricia (once), and Okoari (once). On the occasions that Cruciform won the Hawkes Bay Stakes, Cannle Chiel was second and Monette third. When Okoari won the King Edward Handicap at Hastings Perfection was second and Nonette third. Thus only seven horses had beaten him. There were, however, four ahead of him in the Autumn Handicap at Ellens Which performance was registered on false ground and so cannot be seriously considered. They were: Matamataharakeke, in receipt of s*lbs and a year; Beddington. in receipt of 32lbs and a year; Rosella, in receipt of 161bs and two years; and Vai Rosa, receiving 261b* and a year.

The Melbourne correspondent of a Sydney paper mentions that the conditions of the next Melbourne Cup have been decided by the V.R.C. Committee. They wtll be exactly the same as last year. The race will be a sweepstakes of 30sovs each, with BOOOsovs added, two miles. The committee fixed up the conditions of several other events, but made no alteration whatever. The Grand National Hurdle. Race next July will remain a sweepstakes of losovs each, with lOOOsovs added; and the Grand National Steeplechase u, aweepstakes of 20sovs each, with. 1500 9ovs added. lam glad to see that the racing on the two Saturdays of the meeting vrill start at 1 o’clock instead of halfpast 1 o’clock. That will give everybody more time. On the middle day, however, it will start at 2 o’clock. The programme for the Prince of Wales' Meeting on June, a will be the same as last year, when the fixture was known as the Duke of Yorks Birthday Meeting. The policy of the V.R.C. Committee at present appears one Of caution.

The French Jockey Club will this season give £lOO,OOO in added money at the Longchamps and Chantilly meetings, nearly £28,800 in the provinces, and about £2509 to races for Arab horses. This money is really given, and not recovered by the race fund by means of arrangements of forfeit and entrances. The sweepstakes and forfeits also go to the winner in France, and from this source another £50,000 will be added to the value of the races run for. The French Jockey Club gives money to 288 races, of which only nine are for two-year-olds. There are 50 for three-year-olds only, 178 for three-yeur-olds »nd upwards, and 31 for four-year-olds and upwards. Fifty races are run over distances under a mile and a quarter, 181 between a mile and a quarter and a mile and seven furlongs, and 57 of a mile and seven furlongs and further. There are only 28 handicaps and 45 selling races. Of the added money £47,000 is given to races for three-year-olds and upwards, £40,000 for three-year-old stakes, £15,000 to races for four-year-olds and upwards, and only £lO,OOO to two-ycar-old events. Nursery handicaps are prohibited in France, and no two-year-oid is allowed to run before August 1.

An instance of a Supposed badly treatcd one getting home is recorded in Tuif Topics in ‘‘The Leader,” and is worth reproducing. Here it is: When Mr A. Vowles gave Veloce 9st 121 b at Mentone on the Wednesday, Mr Leek was very wroth, expressing his opinion that putting such an impost upon his favourite was tantamount to the handicapper saying, “You mustn’t start again.”

I would like to know, says the writer, what he thought when Mr F. Dakin gave her the same weight in a much better field at Sandown Park, and so in reality treated her even worse than Mr Vowles had done. “Total Prohibition’’ would have about met the case, I fancy, to Mr Leek’s way of thinking. ’ Despite her “load,” however, she started, and Mr Leek's face was a study as the mare,

after a flue race, beat Speculation and Progredlor by half a length, to the undisguised delight of the ringmen, the majority of whom had not written her name. To do Mr Leek Justice, he did not expect her to win. and did not back her for a shilling, though Norman Leek had the nice bet of £3OO to £l5 about her. Many people thought Speculation should have won.” This is the sort of luck Mr Evett meets with at times.

After the declaration of forfeits for the New Zealand St. Leger on Monday night there were eight still left in that event, but it is not seriously intended that Manxman. Leo Delaval. and the Qutlt-M altlri colt will face the music. Mr G. G. Stead has both Royal Artillery and Cruciform. Sir George Clifford Windwhistle, Mr J. T. Ryan Nonette. and Mr T. H. Lowry la. It is from the five last named that the field will come. The presence of both Mr Stead's pair of cracks at the Wellington meeting nwy be looked for. *5? engaged In the North Island Challenge Stakes on the first day as well, acceptances for which event are due on the istn April, at which time also the final payments are to be made in the St. Whether they will both compete in the long distance race remains to be seen, but the selected one of the pair in the event of only one starting will be hard to beat. Nonette Is not engaged tn any of the handicap events and Mr Ryan Will not now take on the Southern trip with his good colt seeing that he has already don© a lot of real hard work, and a Mg battle would sure to be in store for him. Windwhistle cfcn have little chance of winning, though a useful filly, and la will be outclassed. The Yaldhurst stable would appear to hold the key of the position. _ _

The principal winning owner at the Autumn Meeting of the Auckland Racing Club was Mr J. T. Ryan, £l2OO, with the aid of Nonette In the Laster Handicap and Century Stakes. Messrs L. D. and N. A. Nathan, with their big team, secured ‘ £835; Mr Douglas Gordon, £600; Mr A. Telfer, £500; Mr J. McLennan, £290; Mrs J. Lennard and Mr L. R. Nelson. £2OO each. Messrs Bradley, Lovett, L. Marshall, and twenty three other owners, amounts ranging from £l9O to £5. Amongst those who won the least was Mr Hugo Friedlander, who is amongst the best supporters that the Auckland Racing Club have. Mr Friedlander’s cheque amounted to £lO. . The most successful sires were Seaton Delaval, with four winners* In Nonette (twice), Porlrua, Rosella (twice), and Idas; . St. Legar with three winners, in Okoari; Matamataharakeks and Golden Rose; Cuirassier with two winners, in Voice and Defender; Muskapeer with one winner, in Rufus (twice); Blairgowrie with one winner, in Highlander (twice); while Gosoon, Stepniak, Tasman, Lord of the Isles, Medallion, Artillery, Reynard, arid Soult each claimed a winning representative. The successful horsemen were J. Gallagher, four wins; Jenkins, two; M. Ryan, two; Speakman, three; McGregor, three; Julian, two; T. Taylor, Abbott, Satman. Jellings, Murtagh, Sceats and Gainsford, and Mr Deeble, one each.

About twelve months ago an Auckland sport wrote me on the subject of race riding, and contended that the Sloan style was all wrong, that instead of jockeys perching on top of. or laying along the necks and withers of their horses, they should sit right back. “BoncH,” in the Sydney ‘Referee” recently offered some suggestions on the subject. His notes attracted the notice of a Melbourne writer, who thus humorously deals with the subject: “There seems to be something altogether wrong with the build of the thoroughbred, horse. The fore legs have to carry a great deal more than their fair share of the animal, as we use him nowadays. They have to support the head, neck, shoulders, a large part of the ribs, heart, and lungs, and with the present crouching style of riding,, the jockey as well. Is it any wonder, then, those over-weighted forelegs are always coming to grief? To balance matters, the position of the rider should be shifted as close to the animal’s tail as possible, In order to relieve the weight in

front, and give the hind legs something like their fair share of the load. Perhaps the way the costermonger rides his donkey Is the right method after all. At all events, horse trainers might be Induced to give the ' back ward crouch’ a trial. The "backward crouch’ versus the foremost ’monkey grip’ Is a real happy thought, and beyond doubt a ‘Coster Champion Race,’ with alt riders turned ‘tail on.' would ‘take well’ and ‘give pleasure to all’—barring the losers, of course. ’’

Racing Is still flourishing in New South Wales, and according to the "Referee” a grander display has rarely, if ever, been seen at Randwick than that of Easter Monday. There must have been upwards of 20.000 people In the reserves and on the flat, according to that authority. The weather was cool, bright, and pleasant, and therefore Cup Day was one of the most enjoyable racing occasions of the season. I doubt (says “Umpire") whether a much larger crowd of people has ever been seen at Randwick. The St. Leger Day gathering was comparatively a very moderate one. In the grandstand the fair sex made a most impressive display, with their fashionable and seasonable dressing, and the reserve was thronged with more thousands than I have ever seen there. Getting about the betting ring was a matter of difficulty, and viewing the horses was not easy when they were favourites and their saddling up was in progress. Though the tram service was good, there was necessarily some .waiting before the people could be’ carried on the home Journey. Despite all the bustle and excitement of a bfg day, the racing ran with remarkable smoothness. Mr T. S. Clibborn and his staff having everything ordered in the most effective manner. And the sport was high-grade, with the crowning effect of a Cup performance of exceptional merit as the particular feature. There was a strong accession of country and InterState visitors to Improve on the representations from afar of the opening day. Altogether, Cup Day was a great success. The brilliant Wakeful fairly set the seal on her fame when she carried 9.7 to victory in the Sydney Cup. She not only won, but won in dashing style. Getting a splendid run all the way, she claimed her victory in the manner of a flrst-class performer. With a reserve of galloping power at the home turn, she went up to the only horse in the Held at that stage with a chance, and fairly raced him down —to win in the most handsome ’ fashion. And when it was seen that she had made a two-mile time record for Australasia, it was something to hear the cheering that filled the air and to note the excitement of her admirers when she came to weigh in. looking none the worse for having executed such a grand performance. Perhaps the least excitable man among them was Mr C. L. Macdonald, who seems to be stoically imperturbable under conditions that would upset the equilibrium of most owners. No doubt ue quite expected the result, and would nave been disappointed had It been otherwise. It is good odds he would not nave shown it even so.”

The weights for the Thompson Handicap appeared on Friday, and Mr Evett has started high enough in all conscience with Tortulla, with 10.3, who he gave 51bs less in the Easter Handicap here, and who received 81bs less in the C.J.C. Easier. Tortulla did not compete in either of those events. Though it is likely she would have run prominently in either, ghe was withdrawn in favour of Ostiak in the Auckland event, and that gelding is now asked te meet his stable companion on Gibs better terms. Okoari won a shorter race in brilliant style at the Auckland meeting, but Invariably runs badly at Ellerslie over a distance, and on the occasion under notice did not look ready to run out a long race. While Tortulla has gone up 51bs Okoari has come down. Bibs, makirfg a difference of 131bs in Mr Evett’s previous estimate. Okoari usually runs well at the Hutt, and consequently has been given a good show. There is something in the saying “Horses for courses.” Float, who won a race in Hawke's Bay, has had 51bs taken off, while non-wlnners in Vai Rosa, The Shannon, Ideal, Battleaxe and others have had from one to four lbs taken off their

backs. Tsarttza. Cora Linn, Terrapin, Canteen, West Guard, Melwood. Red Gauntlet, are all set to meet Tortulla on widely different term* to what they have recently been asked to meet her on by weight adjusters, Tsaritza, who is somewhat amiss, being the most flattered. Mr

Henrys made a difference between the pair of 201 bs at seven furlongs. Mr Kvett’* estimate at a mile is 401bs. Taking Tortulla, St. Michael and Battleaxe out, the handicap has a flattering appearance all the sama On decent going Ostiak, who, I am convinced, was short of work, and probably puzzled by the up and down hill and right-handed going at Ellerslie. Qlenaladale. Halberdier, Cannle Chiel, Red Gauntlet and Queen's Guard are a half dozen that may furnish the winner. Acceptances are due on the 18th. also final payments for the classic events —North Island Challenge Stakes and N.Z. St. Leger. The meeting blds fair to be a successful one. ® ® ®

TURF TALK FROM THE SOUTH.

(By Telegraph.—Special to “Graphic.”) • CHRISTCHURCH, Friday. The vagaries of handicappers were curiously exemplified at the iimcru meeting. For the big race of the second day, tor a run of a mile, Mr Dowse handicapped Terrapin 8.12, and Red Gauntlet 7.6. In the Thompson Handicap, over the same distance, Mr Henrys allots Red Gauntlet 7.5, and Terrapin 6.12. The two handicappers thus bold a two-stone difference of opinion regarding the horses. Red Gauntlet, of course, was not on the ground at Timiiru. but one trainer remarked that if it had been his horse ha would have sent to Christchurch for him, if he had had to walk him down all the way. If Mr Dowse’s handicap be correct, the Thompson Handicap is a good thing for Terrapin. Mr W. Patterson, the Wellington bookmaker, was among the bidders for Imperator. who went to 140 guineas before stopping. _ . . , Mr Mason, Mr Stead’s trainer, intends retiring and settling in the North, probably in Auckland. The climate here does not suit his health. San Remo was purchased by Mr Machell,” under which name Mr Herman, the proprietor of V- arner’s Hotel races. He was at once re--old to Mr Carrington, of Gisborne. Mr Machell purchased him at 180 guineas and sold him far £225; It was a prolita jie afternoon s work. , , W.F.A., the £3OO pacing mare, imported from America, started in the Ladies Bracelet at the recent trotting meeting, and showed a lot of puce for about a furlong, but thereafter was never prominent. The mare paced without any gear. She is a good one, and will repay watching. The mare was well backed. Soma dissatisfaction is expressed with her performance. ... ... Bell Boy is to be retired from the track and sent to the stud. The handicaps for the Templeton Handicap at the C.J.C. Easter meeting started with Cruciform, 11.5, and finished, with Wepener, 6.7. This is an extraordinary range for a handicap; it ip doubtful if even live stone would have brought tna two named together. Cruciform of course *The question of allowing ladles to drive at coming meetings in the bracelet raws came before the association at last meeting, but when It was pointed out that all competitors, according to the rules must wear pants and top-boots, the matter was "plumpton Park received splendid “donations for the Autumn Meeting, and there is every prospect of high-c.ass H. Wanklyn, secretary of the etc is still seriously ill. At a meeting at Christchurch of the Canterbury J.C., the following transfers were approved :-Ch c Duke Michael/lyr, and ch f Gipsy Giri, lyr, from Mr G. G. Stead to Mr G. Palmer; b c Imperator, 2yrs, from Mr G. G. Stead to Mr C.

Machell; b c by Castor— Peer, from Mr T. Morrln to Mr F. Chaafe. The programme of the committee is reported to be in favour of keepiu< the condition of the New Zealand Cup race the same as last year, with the exception that the payment to start be £ls instead of £2O. The report was adopted. The sport witnessed at the South Canterbury J.C. autumn meeting on Wednesday and Thursday last could not by any stretch of imagination be described ae exciting. There was a great contrast iu the weather on the two days. Wednesday was cold and bleak, and Thursday a beautiful summer day. The attendance was only fair. The principal event on the first day was won by Terrapin, who adeemed well suited to the heavy going, which on the other hand completely anchored Lilian and Whirlwind. Clanbum made two appearances on the first day. In the Maiden he kept to the rear till the straight, w’hen he put in a Sat run, securing the second place. ;er in the af-ternoon he comfortably appropriated the Welter Handicap. . Clanburn’s form ie evidently improving at each gallop. The second day’s victory was easier even than the first day’s. Rawmore, winner of the Dash Handicap, showed wonderful pace in the first two furlongs, but does not stay too well. On the second day, though he gained a lead of half a dozen lengths from Pallas, his only opponent, he tired to nothing in the last furlong, Pallas winning easily, upsetting the preconceived dictThe Plying Handicap saw the re-ap-pearance of Telemeter for the first time since he broke down several seasons ago. The son of Artillery showed that he had not forgotten how to gallop, as though an outsider he gave nothing else in the race a chance, winning from end to end. Ko to koto, who recently joined F. Holmes’ string, shaped disappointingly. Lady Lilian, after two disappointing efforts, earned a winning bracket in the Farewell Handicap, in which none of her opponents could extend her. Fuimeti has changed hands, being sold during the Timaru meeting to a Temuka sportsman, presumably for stud purpuses. In the Dash Handicap on the first day at Timaru, Rawmore was in very strong order, nothing else being asked for in town. The books ultimately stopped lay- • ing him. ' ~ * The handicaps have been disclosed for the Plumpton trots. At first sight I like:—Trial Handicap: Little Harold or Glenray. Pony Handicap: Whirlwind 11., Mignonette Girl. Plumpton. Handicap: Carrie D or Satin Wood. Electric Handicap: St. Kilda or Vancliff. Dash Handicap: Boldrewood or Sir Hector. Hornby Handicap: Gleniti or Ferony. Mr Victor Harris' 300 guinea purchase, Calibre, has at last got home, winning the big race easily on the second day at Timaru. The owner only supported him to the extent of a fiver, having backed him heavily on the first day. The first of Euroclydon’s stock will be seen out shortly. George Robertson, the Oamaru trainer, is now breaking in a three-year-old filly by Euroclydon from the Cheviot mare Little Paradise, Petrovna, Tsaritz’s full sister, has now been blistered and turned out for a spell. Ilex is being kept at, work in view of winter engagements. CHRISTCHURCH, Tuesday. A special meeting of the Dunedin Jockey Club Committee in connection with the requests by Messrs R. Quinn, J. R. Mackenzie,, and H. Friedlander, for an explanation of the handicapping of their horses at the late autumn meeting, was held on Tuesday night, and was attended by the Hon. G. McLean (Chairman), Messrs Ewing, Carr, Coughlan, Bullock, •Soloman, Hazlett, and Vigers. An explanation was forwarded by Mr Dowse, club handicapper, to the Committee, and was accepted. After consideration it was decided not to communicate anything to the Press or the owners interested, beyond the bare decision. Red Gauntlet is regarded here as the pick of the handicap in the Thompson Handicap. Mr McGuinness took both him and Ayrdale north on Friday. Both were looking in excellent trim. Mr Cutts will leave for Wellington on Thursday next, with Cannie Chiel, Glenaladale, Windwhistle, Tercelet, ana possibly Goldenmere. This is a hot quintette, especially as all are in excellent nick. Fleka will journey north at the same time as the others. The Riccarton candidates are expected to leave during the week. The weather has been so bad for the last week that training operations are practically at a standstill. Still the Riccarton lot are well forward, and a good share of the Wellington Stakes should come this way. Antigone and Rosemere seem to have gone off. Both ran well at the Easter meeting of the C.J.C., but the Timaru displays were most disappointing. Mr Cutts will not take Djin Djin north, being very dissatisfied that Mr Evett should have asked him to concede weight to such horses as Red Gauntlet, Glenaladale and Tsarltza. The last named is not likely to Journey to Wellington, not having fully recovered from the accident at the C.J.C. meeting. Mr G. Matthews is busily engaged in breaking several yearlings, including a colt by St. Leger—The Witch, and a Seaton Delaval—Gladys filly, which were purchased by Mr Reid at Messrs Nathan’s sale in December. They are said to be a pair of good youngsters. Owing to the recent floods in North Canterbury, a batch of fine yearlings which Sir Geo. Clifford will have to represent him next Mason, have not made tbelr appearame at headquarters yet, but

Mr Cutts expects them down during the week. The following are the names and breeding of the youngsters: Ard Chateau, by Clanranald—Safe Guard; Treadmill, by Bill of Portland —Catherine Wheel; Tomorrow’, by BUI of Portland —Elusive; and Quarryman, by Bill of Portland—Madowla. • Tsaritza’s full sister, Petrovna, has been blistered and turned out for a spell. Telemeter, who won the Flying Handicap at Timaru, and made his last previous appearance at the same meeting two years ago, will probably figure among the hurdle racers this year. Ordnance’s double win at the Timaru meeting last week was the first Mr E. J. Roden has secured with one of his own horses since Rangefinder won the Ohoka (Eyreton) meeting in October, 1898. Mr Roden was the recipient of numerous congratulations at having broken his long spell of ill luck. Mr P. Butler purchased Lapidary out of the Novel Race at Timaru last Thursday, and is acting. It is understood, on behalf of a friend. Ilex is again in commission at Oamaru. and George Robertson expects to have him ready for the Jumping races at the Dunedin and Oamaru meetings. The Oamaru trainer, George Robertson, is breaking in a three year old filly by Euroclydon from the Cheviot mare. Little Paradise.

® ® ® AVONDALE JOCKEY CLUB’S AUTUMN MEETING. The following acceptances have been received in connection with the above meeting, which opens on Saturday next:— AVONDALE HANDICAP of 200sovs. One mile and a Quarter.

Sly Miss 8.5, Hillflower 8.5, Hector 8.5, Rosiphels 8.3, Scout 8.2, Warwick 7.12, Valedictory 7.11, Gatelock 7.7, Ba Polish 7.3, Aurega 6.11, Yqrra 6.10, Mara 6.10. Hurdle Race of SOsovs. two miles.—Bellman 11.5, Rufus 11.4, Princess of Thule 11.8, Tim 10.11, Voltlgeur 11. 10.11. Pokomoko 10.7, Mars 10*4, Arena 9.9, Papatu 9.3. Juvenile Handicap of ’7ssovs. five furlongs.—Walriki 8.10, Spalpeen 8.5, Austerlitz 8.0, Lavadel 7.7, Muskerdale 7.0,* Swagsman 6.10, Mary Seaton 6.10, Bastion 6.10. First Pony Handicap of 40sovs, six furlongs.—Orange and Blue 10.6, Blue Paul 10.4, Stepaway. 10.0, St. Loanda 8.10, Sentinel 8.6, Vulpine 8.0, Sea Spray 7.12, Girton Girl 7.12, Ukase 7.8, Annoyed 7.7, Polly Perkins kO. Trooper 6.10. First Hack Handicap of 40sovs, six furlongs.—Perseverance 9.5. Gatelock B.f, Bobs 7.10. La Polish 7.7, Minna (late Fairy Seaton) 7.3, Drudge 7.2, Tamemoni 6.10. Railway Handicap of SOsovs, seven furlongs.—Highlander 9.7. Reclaimer 8.11, Defender 8.4, Landlock 3.2, St. Olga 7.12, Sundial 7.10, Despatch 7.8, Firefly 7.7, Goetzer 7.8, Creasy 7.4, Geologist 7.0. ® ® ® WELLINGTON RACING CLUB’S AUTUMN MEETING. Mr Evett has declared the following weights in connection with the Wellington Racing Club’s Autumn Meeting:—

Walwetu Handicap, seven furlongs.— Crusoe 9.4, Halberdier 9.3, Queen’s Guard 8.6, Magnificent 8.5, Weatguard 8.5, Fleka 8.4, Tsaritza 8.3, Aide-de-Camp 8.0, Menura 8.0, Abydos 8.0, Rebel 7.12. Tradewind 7.10, Bowman 7.8, Waterford 7.4, Ayrdale 7.4, Zealous 7.4, Steplna 7.4, Battlecry 7.4, Sainfoin 7.3, la 7.3, Cornea 7.2, Blackwing 7.0, Tawera 6.12, Pure Silver 6.10, Te Pake 6.7, Katriona 6.7. First Hurdle Handicap, one mile and threequarters.—Social Pest 12.3, Huku 12,0, Walwera 11.9, Sabreur 11.7, HoUi 11.5, Plain Bill 1i.4, Tirea 11.3, Gobo 11.2. Haurlri 11.0, Right Metal 10.6, Eucharis 10.5, Derrlngcotte 10.5, Vanquish 10.0, Dr. Bill 10.0, Rlmu 10.0, Duffer 9.12, Frost 9.10, Stockade 9.7, Pukana 9.6, Lady Bell 9.6, Mourner 9.5, Regret 9.6, Aqulnaldo 9.6, Moreen 9.2, Tyrone 9.0, Gipsy Jack 9.0, Sudor 9.0. Welter Handicap, one mile and a fur“S- Magnificent 10.12, Ruamahunga 10.7. Taplow 10.6. Ambrosia 10.4, Abydos 10.8, Huklo 9.7. Comfort 9.7, Alde-de-Camp 9.6, Tradewind 9.8, Cure 2.2. Cornea 9.0, B.lO, Valkyrie 8,7, Forest Oak

Railway Handicap, alx furlongs.—Cruciform 11.3. Okoari 9.12, Ostiak 9.3, Jabber 9.2, Cura Linn 8.11. The Shannon 8.10, Red Gauntlet 8.8. Weatguard 8.6, Queen’s Guard 8.2. Goldenmere 8.2, Canteen 8.2, Torowal 8.2. Tsaritza 7.13, Rebel 7.18, Windwhistle 7.13. Chasseur 7.10, Ringlet 7.7. Sainfoin 7.7. Asaayer 7.7, Antigone 7.6, Terrapin 7.6. Livonia 7.6. Float 7.6. Ayrdale 7.5, Faugh-a-ballagh 7.6, Sentry 7.4. Lady Bell 7.3. Shrapnel Shell 7.2, Green Sleeves 7.0. Sunfish 7.0, Pure Silver 7.0. Katriona 6.12, Te Taiaha 6.10, Te Pake 6.7.

Mr Henrys has declared the following weights:— First Hack Handicap of SOsovs. one mile.—Laureate 8.7, Platypus 8.0. Watwhera 8.10, Herltas 8.9. Sandy 8.8, Anchorite 8.2, North Star 7.12, Waitoa 7.11, Oudenarde 7.11, Malrehau 7.3, En Garde 7.8. Raema 7.2, Walreka 7.1, Artisan 6.10. Wetenga 6.9. Moot 6.7. The Guesser 6.7, Velocity 6.7, Languid 6.7, LeVert 6.7. Seaweed 6.7, Ladyfleld 6.7. _

Bluejacket .... st lb Bt lb 7 9 2 Wilson 7 Bedding-ton ... 8 12 Defender 7 6 Val Rosa 8 11 Sundial . 7 6 Highlander ... 8 3 MatamataharaVoTee 7 9 7 3 7 R Tanlnw . 7 0 Malden Plate of 50sovs, six furlongs.—

THE THOMPSON HANDICAP, mile. st lb One st lb Tortulla 10 3 Glenaladale ... 7 5 St. Michael 9 10 7 5 Battleaxe 9 6 Red Gauntlet 7 5 Cannle Chiel... 8 13 Fleka 7 5 Okoarl 8 10 Skobeloff . 7 4 Crusoe 8 9 Windwhistle .. 7 4 Halberdier .... 8 6 Fakir , 7 2 Vai Rosa 8 5 Float 7 0 Jabber 8 2 Bowman 6 12 The Shannon.. 8 2 Terrapin . 6 12 Ideal 8 1 Tradewind .... 6 13 Ostiak 7 13 Antigone 6 12 Cora Linn 7 9 Hinetaura 6 11 Torowai 7 7 Taplow' 6 10 Melwood 7 7 Shrapnel Shell 6 9 Queen's Quard Westguard .... 7 7 Ta 6 7 7 7 Stepina .. . 6 7 Djin Djin 7 7 Plaldie 6 7 Canteen Motor 7 7 Calibre 7 5 e 7