TURF NOTES.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXVIII, Issue XIX, 10 May 1902, Page 889

TURF NOTES.

The well-known horseman, J. Gainsford, returned to Sydney on Monday.

T. Clarke, at one time a public trainer at Ellerslie, is reported from the South to be dangerously ill. .

The Wellington Racing Club put £3044 more through their totalisators last week than at their Autumn Meeting last year.

Mr R. S. Sievler has refused Vanderbilt’s offer of thirty-five thousand guineas for the three-year-old filly Sceptre.

Since returning to England Colonel Foie Penton has taken up the command of the Militia and Volunteer Artillery, Scarborough sub-district.

A Sydney paper states that there is no racing club in the world that deals so liberally with horse owners as the Australian Jockey Club.

Though Halberdier was placed third in the Autumn Handicap at Wellington,won by Tortulla, the Press Association agent has it that Glenaladale filled that position. The judging does not appear to have given satisfaction.

Footstep, a prolific and noted brood mare, dam of Footprint, Priam, The Admiral, Port Admiral, Captain Cook, Surefoot, Royal Admiral, Footbolt, Fleetfoot, and Footmark, died early in April at the age of 23 years in South Australia. Most of her progeny won good races.

Hchoro has been nominated for the Royal Stakes run at the Randwick June meeting. Racing the good son of Tasman in a warmer climate might be good policy. There are more musical horses in Canterbury than in Auckland, and notse-maklrg is due more to climatic influences than to any other cause.

Sir Foote’s list has, says “Umpire,” nearly filled for the coming season. It has been limited to fifteen mares besides the owner’s, and late applicants will not be able to secure a subscription. There was a rumour that La Carabine was one of the mares booked for Sir Foote, which, it appears, is not the case. Sir Foote’s fee is said to be 25 guineas.

A trainer was showing a bucolic visitor over the stables, and after the inspection the latter said, “After all, I think my game’s the safest; give me bullocks before horses—you can’t make anything out of a horse when he’s dead.” As they left the yard the stable light-weight lit a cigarette and remarked, “’E knows a lot about the safest game, ’e does! 'Ow does ’e think we pay exes, I wonder!”

A Sydney exchange, noticing the purchase of Menschikoff by Mr T. Morrin, remarked that that colt had been re-pur-chased by his breeder. It has come to be an accepted belief that Mr T. Mprrin breeds all the champions, but while Wellington Park keeps up its reputation in this respect well, it may be mentioned that Menschikoff is a Southern production from the Elderslie stud.

Nonette has been nominated for the A. J.C. June meeting to be held at Randwick. The single event in which he is engaged is the Birthday Cup Handicap, of one mile and a-half. It is unlikely that the son of Seaton Delaval and Charente will be asked to compete, however. Mr Ryan may at some future time undertake the trip with his good colt. During the week some schooling work has been going on at Ellerslie. Amongst those that have been given lessons over hurdles are Haydn and Cannongate, who worked in company, and Frances Lovejoy and Hector solus. Rufus was given a turn over some of the bigger obstacles alone.

Ivan, who since his arrival from New Zealand, some months ago (says Sydney •"town and Country”) has been a failure, at last succeeded in winning a race. He was well backed for the Fourteen-two Handicap at Forest Lodge, In whibh he carried 91b over, and won very comfortably. Ivan is evidently growing down. In a 14.2 handicap! It took him all his time to go under 14.3 in New Zealand, under Mr Cutts’ measurement, when three years old.

The Melbourne correspondent of a Sydney paper gets off the following:—“At a recent race meeting one punier remarked to another, referring to an owner who Is reputed to be a pretty straight-goer, 'I always back his horses without asking any questions.’ ‘So do I,’ said the other, who had been longer at The game, ‘but I .chuck away a few minutes first on the track of the chap who does his commissions!’ ”

Auckland pencillers are all doing business over the Great Northern Steeplechase and North New Zealand Grand National Hurdle Handicap double, and already have laid it a good many ways to local punters. There are inquiries from South also for various combinations. This year about half the horses engaged, in the respective events are owned outside Auckland, but there are no South Islanders entered.

Minerva, at one time owned by our local penciller Mr James Beckett, and voted the champion galloway in Australia, according to Sydney papers is being overloaded with weight. At Kensington Park lately she put up two sterling performances, but suffered defeat each time. The “Referee” says that her owner, in the face of the big weight she receives and the short prices she starts at, does not receive much encouragement to continue racing her.

A trainer recently gave up training a couple of horses he had, and decided upon making a book. He tried Avondale for a start. One would have thought a double commencing with Highlander rather risky, but ending with Goetzer, likely to result in a “skinner,” but the fates were unkind, and to make matters worse my amateur friend only got half round. Asked if he intended to try another on the coming meeting at Takapuna, he replied: “Horses are no good to me, I’m going to try hard graft; laying isn’t the game its cracked up to be.” *

London “Truth” hears that the royal colours are not likely to figure often Fn handicaps, but that the * King’s horses will “go for” weight for age stakes, and any animal which is not good enough for this class of race will be got rid of. This is a proper sporting arrangement, being in accordance with the general practice ;of the /ate Duke of Westminster and the late Lord Falmouth, neither of whom often patronised handicaps, and it is also a policy which has the advantage of being sound from the financial point of view.

The ex-New Zealander Regalia 11. scored a very comfortable win in the Jumpers’ Flat Race at Canterbury Park, Sydney, on the 19th inst. Backers laid odds on at the finish, and although Oberon got a long break, he caught the black before the distance was reached and won by about four lengths. The Sydney “Referee,” referring to the event, says:— “Though Regalia's public form in this country has been most unattractive, he did pretty well in New Zealand, and as it was known he was in good racing condition, layers of the odds made up their minds to be careful.” Regalia 11. is trained by P. Nolan. *

The win of the Hon. J. D. Ormond’s fine little mare Ideal in the Manawatu Cup ■on Wednesday was long overdue. Ideal has been over-estimated by the weightadjusters in many of her engagements since she dead-heated with Fulmen in the New Zealand Cup of 1900, but has failed to run up to her best form all the same in races when not over-burdened —and I should say is not always very reliable. She had a moderate field to beat on Wednesday, and came through the ordeal only after a good finish with Motor, which does not suggest any great improvement in form. Strathnairn came as a strong order for the race,.being well backed with Auckland layers of the odds. Ideal was supported only to a moderate extent.

Mr Knight’s handicaps for the Birth day Cup and Steeplechase and Handicap Hurdle Race at the Takapuna Jockey Club’s May Meeting were issued on Friday. I do not see anything I would sooner select for the Birthday Handicap than Highlander if sure he would retain his form to the day; still, the course Is not one upon which horses can command all their galloping powers, even when fit and proved to be capable of good things on the larger tracks. In view of the fact that Mr Evett will next week declare the weights for the chief jumping races of the Auckland Racing Club’s Winter Meeting, I shall refrain from commenting just now on Mr Knight’s adjustments for the jumping events at the Takapuna meeting.

Horses In these days do not always race up to their private trials, even though the owner and trainer back them.

Regalia 11., however, is not one of this class, says a Sydney paper. In at 10.10, the Jumpers' Flat Race was voted a good thing for the New Zealander by the

“touts,” and as Barden had the mount, they were not afraid to back their opinions. It Is a great compliment to a jockey of the present day—the backing of his horse by the public without any questions being asked. At the finish. Regalia 11., who Is by Regal from May. won easily, but In the early stages of the race, those backers who did not know the horse, but blindly follow the money, did not feel too comfortable.

According to the Special Commissioner of the “ Sportsman,” Mr Abe Bailey, the owner of Chesney, now In South Africa, was In treaty for the purchase of Menschikoff, and would have had the colt but for an accident happening to the son of Stepniak. It is to be hoped Mr Bailey’s loss will prove Mr Morrin’s gain. It may be here mentioned that Menschikoff, when first put Into training, used to brush in front, and occasionally strike himself, and one of his legs filled as a result of a knock just before he won the Hawke’s Bay Guineas. It was all right a few days afterwards. When he won the Derby at the. Auckland Racing Club’s Summer Meeting he was sore from having struck himself, but to-day there is no sign of anything being wrong with the understandings of the little champion.

Those members who intend qualifying horses for the hunters’ events at the Auckland Racing Club's North New Zealand Grand National Meeting should bear in mind that outride the conditions imposed by the Auckland Racing Club there arc others to be observed. The whole of the hunt clubs throughout New Zealand are affiliated, and there is a rule which makes it necessary that members must have paid their subscriptions, after which it is necessary that horses must be hunted to the satisfaction of the master not fewer than four times, members riding. Some such rule was found necessary, and its strict observance is required throughout the colony to prevent complications. The time has gone by, let us hope, when, to misquote Lindsay Gordon, owners “may call hunted fairly horses that rarely are stripped for a trot within sight of the hounds,” which wag at one time all that was required to be done by some socalled hunting men. The master of the P H.C. can be depended upon to issue certificates only to such horses as are properly qualified over fair hunting country when hounds are running-

“Pentagraph,” the long-time turf statician of the “Referee,” has published ms winning table of two-year-olds for the season now coming to a close, and the interesting list will be found in these columns to-day. Orloff, by Stepniak, Forlrua and Idas, each by Seaton De.aval, are a trio that come out on top, each having won over jjiuOO in stakes. Orloff, who is at the top, is a gelding, Forirua a colt, and Jaas a iiLy. Vladimir, who awa.ows them in the list, is a colt by Stepniak, while Achilles, the next on the list, is by Medallion. It is safe to say that these five represent the best form. There are several others that are not far behind the quintette, and it is just on the cards that one or two may have pro'. : i equal to the task of successfully engaging the best when u.ieir three-year-old careers are being discussed this time next year. At the same time, the onus are decidedly in favour of those that have already disclosed their form providing the best .aree-year-old. Seaton Delaval and Stepniak have each the same number of winners, but the Sylvia Park sire’s progeny have secured just double the number of prizes won by the progeny of the Elderslie norse.

The Irish jockey Brazil, who rode in races in Melbourne about 12 years ago, was amongst a number of other jockeys disqualified recently at New Orleans, America, in connection with some steepJechasing swindles, and having been under the ban once before in America, can never ride again there. I remember seeing Brazil ride in a steeplechase at Moonee Valley,near Melbourne,on a horse called Doutta Galla, whose mane had been hogged. He finished a long way behind. and apparently Brazil had a most uncomfortable ride, and would not take the mount next week at Caulfield, w’hen Doutta Galla.with another jockey up. won, beating Jack Rae’s mount, Orangeman, and a fair field badly. It was a foggy day, and the horses could only be seen when passing the stands. Brazil was greatly surprised at the result, but was very pronounced in his opinion that the winner had not been the entire journey. I think Jack Rae and his followers were Unlucky on that day that a dense fog enveloped the course, for like Brazil, there were many who thought that Doutta Galla lost his way on that occasion, but won all the same.

“Martindale,” in the “Town and Country Journal,” recently visited Albury races and witnessed Winoline win the Albury Cup from 13 others. The following from that writer’s pen will interest readers here:—“The top weight.Winoline, looked in great form, but she was set a hard task to win under 9st 51b. However, she performed it, I might say in more than a satisfactory manner, and will be a hard one to beat in any company when well. This chestnut mare is a true daughter of the once speedy Blairgowrie, who won the A.J.C. Champagne Stakes, but was beaten in the Derby by Trident. In this State the mares Winoline and Caroline have been the best Blairgowrie has got, but in New Zealand just now there is a gelding named Highlander, very appropriately owned by a good Scotchman named Mr John McLennan, Now, what a time Mr McLennan would

have had were HtgMander running at Albury on Wednesday; they would naw* carried him off bodily to that Scotch smoke concert, the profits of which, together with the subscriptions, are to be devoted to placing a monument in Albury to the memory of Bobby Burns. Oh! what a night they did have, so I was told next morning.”

A large number of stewards and members of the Auckland Trotting Club assembled in the Club’s offices on Friday evening, for the purpose of giving a sena off to Mr J. G. Ralph, one of the Club’s stewards, who is about to leave New Zealand for South Africa. Mr A. R. Harris, President of the club, occupied the chair. n proposing the toast of the guest (Mr Ralph), the Chairman in eulogistic terms referred to the services Mr Ralph had rendered to the club, and to racing generally. In felicitous terms he also alluded to what Mr Ralph had done for hunting as Master of the Pakurauga Hunt Club, and to his urbanity as a citizen. The toast was received with great enthusiasm. Mr Ralph, in reply, expressed regret that circumstances had caused his severance from the officials of the club, with wh >m he had worked harmoniously. He expressed feelings of great pleasure that a reconciliation had been effected between the trotting clubs and the racing institutions, and ended by expressing the nope that the club would prosper, and that on a future occasion he would have the pleasure of meeting and congratulating the club on having achieved the position of the premier trotting institution Ln Now Zealand. The toast of the Otahuhu Trotting Club was ably responded to oy the Secretary (Mr Lockhart). Mr Ralph proposed the health of the ex-president, Mr F. Lawry, M.H.R., and that of club officials. and an enthusiastic meeting thus terminated.

It is mentioned by our Canterbury correspondent that a proposal is afoot to hold a race meeting at the old Forbury Dunedin Racecourse, and that the Colonial Secretary is reported as likely to grant a permit for such meeting. Our correspondent remarks that for the sake of the Dunedin Jockey Club, the Minister should refuse the application. The matter is one that can be viewed from different standpoints. The Dunedin Jockey Club gave up their old course because they could not come to terms with the Forbury Park Company, and the fact that they have spent a few thousand pounds at Wingatui should not ensure them a monopoly of totalizator ’permits. My opinion fes that) a. little healthy rivalry in racing matters in and about the Scotch capital would do good. There is plenty of room for a new Club near Dunedin, and the establishment of one under good men would re illy help racing along in that part of the world. If the Colonial Secretary la satisfied that the new club has a good membershin roll, and that the right people are taking the matter in hand, did will be doing a good service to the sport directly, and to the Dunedin Jockey Club Indirectly, by granting the necessary totallsator privileges. Following the estab’ishment of a good second Club, there would soon be more local owners. Dunedin has the population, and though not so keen on racing as we are In Auckland, could support two good clubs well. One is net sufficient to encourage owners to keep horses? land trainers lack support In consequence.

Among the witnesses examined by tho Lords Committee on Betting was a Mr Markham, who described himself as the hon. secretary of the Racing Correspondents’ Association. which consists of genuine advertising tipsters. Mr Markham (says an exchange) was responsible for the heartiest laugh of tho day. He had been expounding at length on the nature of the avocations of the professional tipster, and was endeavouring to explain to the committee the class of persons who constituted his clientele, when suddenly His Lordship of Durham ejaculated: * Who are the class to whom you refer?'’ “Oh’’ readily replied Mr Markham, amidst a peal of laughter, “to men of your Lordship's house, to the Navy, and the military, clergymen, and all the classes, in fact, except the working man.” This was too much altogether for the Bishop of Hereford, who was gazing at the witness in sheer amazement. “Do you,” he gasped, “say they (the tipsters) supply the clergy?” “Yes,” retorted the witness, with the utmost coolness. “Men of high ecclesiastical rank?” queried the one from Hereford. “Vicars!” came the merciless reply, and the rocm was convulsed, though the witness himself did not stir a muscle of his face. The Bishop had been badly hit, but was not satisfied. “Are you making this statement from individual knowleMge?” he solemnly asked. The ex-’bus conductor was quite equal to the occasion. “Oh, yes!” said he, unconcernedly. “I have here one or two letters from clergymen (pilling them out of a coat pocket), but I should not be acting honourably If I revealed the names of the writers.” The Bishop did not open his mouth again, Until nigh unto the close of the sitting. He had met more than his match in Alfred G. Markham, ’busman, labour leader, and Radical politician.

There are at present 150 head of horses confined in the Royal stables, says an exchange. These are coach and carriage horses chiefly, though there is one stable room containing about 15 hackneys used for saddle purposes. This being the hunting season, and the Royal Family having been at Sandringham for several weeks, some of the King's horses are there and at Windsor Castle, where is the Royal stud, and where most of the horses are bred. With the exception of 16 coal black and an equal number of cream coloured horses, all of the 150 are of a deep bay col-

our. with black point*. Thl* la the colour known as the royal Lay- AU of the horeea have just been cupped, the bays presenting the appearance usual to clip* ped horses of that stripe, a sort of mouse colour. The stalls of all are wide and roomy, being deeply bedded with bay from the Helds of Sandringham. Of course, each and every stable room la scrupulously clean, large and well ventilated, with every necessary appliance for the comfort of the royal beasts. The bays are a hardy looking set, of stocky build, good height, and noted tor bottom and strength, for they have to haul heavy carriages, rather than for speed. The blacks are striking looking animals, of unusual height, and are used tor drawing the royal carriages, all except the carriage of State. Their biack coais glisten as though highly pollened, and .heir tails would reach the ground If the highly spirited animals did not arch them ft the base, as Is the wont of the aristocratic carriage horse. The cream-coloured horses are even taller than the blacks, and while strong and heavy, are built on must graceful lines. They are almost perfectly matched. Any eight of the number are used for drawing the carriage of State when it is occupied, which meant heretofore when Queen Victoria rode in it and which in future will mean when it contains King Edward. This will only be upon State occasions, commencing nrst with his coronation and that of the Queen.

In England in 1844 a foal was born, the oft-sprlng of The Baron and Pocahontas, aad it was bought by John Day. It '.zas called Cam bodes, and there was no possible shadow of doubt that the young one roared desperately. The writer of the above goes on to say that next year an own brother appeared, and was by letter offered to Mr bay, who replied that the one he had was such a bad roarer that he did not think it worth while to go and see the new arrival. The rejected one proved to be the sire of three Derby winners, of three Oaks winners, of six St. Leger winners, and he wou the St. Leger himself. This horse was the great Stockwell, and the case emphatically proves that with reference to roaring no hard and fast theory can be maintained. This latter contention of the writer may be perfectly true, but Pocahontas, who lived to the ripe age of 30 years, and is often referred to as one of the great corner ■ tones of the stud, was a roarer herself, and for many years past I have been collecting data which satisfies me that certain families have a predisposition to the trouble, and it is notorious that Apremout horses have been largely affected, and that daughters of that sire, particularly when mated with certain of the Musket tribe, and also with horses possessing the Stockwell blood, have produced roarers. Apremont himself .vas a pronounced roarer, and his dam, Araucaria, was a daughter of Pocahontas. Apremont was a tine type of horse, but I have always thought It a great pity that he was imported to new Zealand. He got us many very brilliant horses, with good legs, if not always with good feet, but while they were tine horses in the stable, on the racecourse they proved for the most part an excitable cranky lot to have anything to do with, apart from being bad winded. That roaring is hereditary is often contended, but that horses .vhuse parents have been free from such a trouble will become roarers from various causes is easily capable of proof. Accidents, climatic influences, influenza, injudicious feeding, all are contributing Causes to the all-too large number of roarers we have turned out in New Zealand.

A short time since, in noticing the sale of Menschlkoff to Mr Morrin, a con • frere remarked that should that horse succeed in leaving a fair number of horses of the same class as himself, there would be no need to fear of his progeny being well sought after. It is to be hoped that the first batch that go Into the ring will have much of the character, conformation, and substance of “the little Russian," as a friend of mine calls him, for he Is one of the most perfectly formed racehorses In a small compass than can be found, a pocket Hercules in fact, whose cover would more than fit many a supposed bigger horse. It Is a well established fact that we have been getting greater else in our racehorses during the past hundred years, but great size, that is, in height or weight, or both combined, often spells weakness In some department, which Is not found in our well shaped sturdy medium size racehorses, who usually have better legs and sounder constitutions. Good big ones are preferred by most people, but good big ones seldom stand long, while Httle good ones invariably last longer, and like Menschlkoff himself can take their own part against allcomers. Had Menschlkoff been a hand higher, built in the same proportion, and with Increased racing powers in the name degree. Instead of being a New Zealand champion, and the best of his dimensions ever seen In this colony, he would have been a world beater, without p doubt. Our biggest racehorses are not out beat, either on the flat or across lountry, nor are the champions of the Jrottlng track commanding In height. It Would bo interesting In this connection were all winning racehorses measured officially, for statistical purposes, that to to say. winners of classic and leading handicap events. Though we have a good many pony thoroughbreds racing in Auckland. It I* probable that taking our racehorses throughout New Zealand aa a whole, we witness more of the lank and leggy order now-a-days than we were wont to do K years ago. Our climate tends to produce hnrsea of good average height for al! purposes, but we can have such a thing as thoroughbreds that are too big. and we have some that are of little account for racing,

and some that are decided failures at the ■tud. The medium sized horse is the one, either for stud or racing purposes.

The victory of Mr R. Sevier's ttl’y Sceptre In the Two Thousand Guineas will atone la a measure for her head defeat In the Lincolnshire Handicap, for which she was so strongly supported. It was real bad luck for the daughter of Persimmon and Ornament to be beaten in the last few strides of the big spring handicap, but to win the Two Thousand Guineas is a rare achievement for a filly. Sceptre being the sixth to score since the race was Inaugurated in the year 1809. Thirteen colts won before ever a filly scored, and then it was eighteen years before the next one succeeded, and a still longer period, twenty-eight years, elapsed before Formosa, who. by the way. Is the maternal ancestress of Multiform, Cruciform. and so many great members of the Ellerrdale branch of the 18 line, won. This was in 1868. Ten years later Pilgrimage scored, anl then after a short Interval of four years came Shotover. by Hermit. Since 1882 only one of the sex has triumphed. and that is the highest priced yearling filly ever sold in England, Sceptre, who cost Mr Sevier 10,000 guineas. It will be Interesting to note how she gels on with the colts In the longer distance events. It is gratifying to New Zealand to learn that a representative of our old favourite. Carbine, who was foaled in Auckland, was able to run second in such an important stake. This was Sir Edgar Vincent's consistent colt Pistol, from Wenonah. Sir Edgar is a believer In the colonial thoroughbred, and at least possesses a good colt, who, like Sceptre, showed capital form last season. Air Patrick, Mr Gubblns' colt. Is evidently a good representative of that useful sire, St. Florian, from Morganette. whose son we can lake some interest In in the colony. seeing that we have some representatives of the same family through imported Florence McCarthy and Athole, the first named dam of Tlralleur. Wenonah, the dam of Pistol, the runner-up to Sceptre, It may be here remarked, is by Galopin. sire of St. Simon, and the cross with a son of Musket should be right. It would be a day of great rejoicing in the colonies should Old Jack succeed in siring a Derby winner. Pistol's pedigree reads like one for a Blue Riband colt.

After winning the Two Thousand Guineas last Wednesday it looked odds on Mr Sievier's filly Sceptre winning the One Thousand Guineas on Friday; and this feat she accomplished—a feat, too, that has only been achieved three times by the sex since the inception of these classic events. Sceptre claims an engagement in the May Three-year-old Plate of lOOOsovs, to be run on Friday first, but she may be reserved for the Derby, her next following engagement to be run for on June sth. It is evident that she is highly prized just now when her owner has refused what appears an extravagant price—a price never previously offered for one of her age and sex. Thirty-five thousand guineas for a three-year-old Is a fabulous sum Indeed. To win the Derby, which seems well within the bounds of probability, would set the seal on the fame of this Ally, as the “Blue Riband,” in addition to the Two Thousand Guineas and One Thousand Guineas, has never been won by one and the same racehorse. Besides the Derby, Sceptre is in the Oaks. Prince of Wales’ Stakes. Coronation Stakes, Ascot Biennial Stakes, Ascot Gold Cup, and Hardwick Stakes, Sussex Stakes and Nassau Stakes at Goodwood, the St. Leger and Park Hill Stakes at Doncaster. These engagements,most of which It would only seem a matter of keeping well and starting for Sceptre to secure, make her of great value, but should she win the Derby in Coronation year Mr Sievier will be about the best advertised sportsman in the world next to the King himself. It is a big temptation to a. man to sell a horse’ for more than its weight in gold, and to a man like Mr Sievier, who Is by no means wealthy, one would think such an offer irresistible. However, Mr Sievier is an owner with a lofty ambition, and In characteristic style, when informed at the ring-side that the King wanted the Per-simmon-Ornament filly, replied, “And so do L” and got her at the highest price ever paid for a yearling filly. That his judgment was good has been proved in this particular Instance, as in many others; but Mr Sievier is in luck as well just now.though lastseasln his connection with the sport of kings was an expensive one. Sceptre won two out of three races she competed in. however, winning only £2455 In stakes.

TURF TALK FROM THE SOUTH.

(By Telegraph.—Special to “Graphic.”)

The Christchurch Racing Club has received capital nominations for its Autumn Meeting, the date of which is May 19. The entries tor the principal event, the Christchurch Autumn Handicap of BBsovs, pne mile and a distance, comprise Cameo, Skobeloff, Huku, Scottish Minstrel. Hastings. Calibre, Terrapin, Pallas, Djin Djin. Dundas, and Abydos. The well-known cross-country horseman, W. Clarke, is setting up as a trainer, and he has under his care Gipsy Girl and Duke Michael, the two youngsters purchased at the Taldhurst sale by Mr G. Palmer.

McCluskey, the tod who was disqualified by the stewards of the Wellington Racing Chib for interfering with Cruciform during the race for the North Island Challenge Stakes, has appealed to the Racing Conf sconce ts review his sea-

tence. It is only fair to the youngster to say that hitherto he has borne an exemplary reputation. Cora Linn, after a iong and arduous season, is enjoying a well-deserved rest in the paddock. She will be taken up soon, however, in view of the Canterbury Jockey Club's Grand National meeting. Riccarton-trained horses failed miserably at the Wellington meeting, and backers in this part of the country had a particularly bad settling. The strong team which Sir Geo. Clifford sent to the Hutt failed to bring back a single stake, and this fact, coupled with Cruciform's downfall in the Challenge Stakes, must have cost local punters a tidy sum. Mr J. Grindley, who at present holds the positon of judge for the Dunedin Jockey Club, left last week on a visit to England. He has not resigned from his post, and it is understood that a temporary appointment will be made to cover the period of his absence. News comes from Dunedin to the effect that Blazer Is in work again. The evergreen son of St. Clai? is said to be perfectly sound, and his constitution is so wonderfully good that there is no reason why he should not perform as brilliantly next season as he did last summer. He seems to defy time.

There is a possibility that the Forbury course will be re-opened for racing purposes. It is reported on what is said to be good authority that the Colonial Secretary has promised to favourably consider the Question of granting a totalisator license for a meeting to be held there, and if a permit can be obtained it may be taken for granted that a meeting will be held. For the sake of the Dunedin Jockey Club it is to be hoped that the Minister will see fit to refuse the application.

Mr Dowse had a mixed lot to operate on in the Dunedin Jockey Club's Birthday Handicap, and he seems to have Drought them together fairly weii. Pampero, who heads the list, is doing well now, and If he continues to progress satisfactorily is almost certain to start. If he does go to the post in anything like his best form, he is sure to be dangerous. Dundas, too, is in good fettle, and ’as he has shown a partiality for the Wingatui course, may be reckoned dangerous if he goes to the post. Abydos might have had a pound or two less, but is a recent winner, and he is entitled to respect. Jupiter is an unknown quantity, and Glenaladale is overweighted to my way of thinking. Nihilist is in the same category as Jupiter; but Canteen, in the light of his performance in the Thompson Handicap, has a chance, and I suppose it is early to describe the disappointing Skobeloff until he has shown that a change of stables has done him no good. Djiu Djin is fairly sound at the present time, but he is always liable to crack up at any moment, and I shall not stand him till he reaches the post; but Terrapin, Calibre and Lady Lillian will all take some beating, and if I had to select one to win outright I should choose the last named. Canteen and Lady Dundas -have been scratched for the Tradesmen’s Handicap, and in lieu of them I have most regard for Gold Spur, Gauntley and Lady Lillian. Mr Ewing has been appointed to act as judge at the Dunedin Jockey Club May meeting in place of Mr Grindley, who is at present on his way to England.

The Ashburton Jockey Club has received capital nominations for its Autumn Meeting. The following have been entered for the principal event, the Ashburton Handicap, of 70sovs, li miles: Djin Djin, Huku, Skirmish, Minstrel, Cameo, Glenaladale, Siege Gun. Terrapin, Lady Hastings, Calibre, Skobeloff, Abydos and Dundas. Dundas began his studies over hurdles • the other morning, and acquitted himself more than creditably, and if he goes on as he has will be a dangerous candidate for the Grand National Hurdle Race in August. One of the most promising yearlings at Ricearton is Mr Sheenan's colt by Musketry from Psyche. The brother to Greek Maid is an extremely well set up young gentleman, and can hardly fail to gallop. Mr Stead has named some of his yearlings as follows: The Season Delaval — Radiant coit, De La Rey; Hotchkiss— Rubina colt. Machine Gun; HotchkissSybil colt, Great Gun; Stepniak—Fancy Maid colt. King Log; and Hotchkiss— Armllla filly, Armigera. A list of winning two year olds is published dn tha current number of the •’Weekly Press and Referee." it is headed by the Canterbury Welcome and Champagne winner, Orloff, who has just beaten Porirua. Idas is third, Vladimir fourth, and Achilles fifth. Seaton Delaval’s progeny have won more prize money this season than the two year olds of any other sire. CHRISTCHURCH. Tuesday. The Winton Jockey Club (Otago) announces its intention of holding a Winter Meeting next month without the totalisator. It will give £l5O in prize money. The Tuapeka Jockey Club, another Otago country institution, is still trying to diseover the identity of a mare who under the name of Opportunity won a couple of races at its last meeting. The Dunedin Jockey Club is aiding the country club in the prosecution of its investigations, but, according to a Southern writer, people in Auckland who appear to know the mare decline to say anything. Meanwhile, the stakes are impounded. R. Hankins, the well-known Dunedin trainer, has been offered charge of a team in Tlmaru. but is undecided as yet whether he will accept it. He may take up Ws home in the North Island.

Dundas is generally regarded as ttie pick of the weights for the principal event to be decided at the Christchurch Racing CluttTs Autumn Meeting, the handicaps for which were published on Mon-

day. If Skobeloff had ever any right, however, to a place in the Yaldhurst stable, surely he ought to be hard to beat. Mention of Skobeloff reminds me that the son of Stepniak is being schooled over hurdles. It was for the purpose of having him schooled that Mr Dalgetty purchased him last month, and for the sake of his plucky but unlucky owner I am pleased to say that the horse is acquitting himself really well in his early lessons. Dundas also continues to make progress in his studies, and the pair are likely to be dangerous in the principal hurdle races of the approaching winter. Since the return of the local horses, which took part in the Wellington meeting, matters at Ricearton have livened up a little. Quite a number of horses are in strong work in view of the Christchurch Racing Club's Autumn Meeting on Saturday. Khaki and the jumper Vulcan have lately made their re-appearance after a long absence, and Claudeboye resumed work after a rest as the result of an accident which he met with at the South Canterbury Jockey Club’s Autumrt Meeting last month. Heiress, who has also been enjoying a spell since her return from a tour of the West Coast undertaken at Easter, is likewise in harness again.

Holmes is persevering with Cameo, but he shows little of his former brilliancy, and I very much fear that he never will win again. Cruciform and her stable companions. Siege Gun, Grand Rapids, and the two-year-olds Royal Plumes (a half-sister by Hotchkiss to St. Michael), King Log (by Stepniak—Fairy Maid), and a filly by Gipsy Grand from Reel, paid a visit to the racecourse on Monday. All look well, and the Stepniak colt created a very favourable impression.

© ® ® WINNING TWO-TEAR-OLDS FOR 1901-2. (By Pentagraph, in the “Weekly Press and Referee.") With the close of the Wellington Racing Club's Autumn Meeting, as is usual, I have compiled my table of winning two-year-olds. There are a few more events in which two-year-olds can compete, but It is unlikely the results will make any alteration in the positions of the leading youngsters in my table, which reads as follows: — £ Orloff, by Stepniak—Sortie, 3 wins.... 1125 Porirua, by Seaton Delaval—Waitemata, 4 wins » 1040 Idas, by Seaton Delaval—lda. 5 wins 1015 Vladimir, by Stepniak—Mist. 5 wins 660 Achilles,by Medallion—Nereid,4 wins 515 Greek Maid, by Musketry—Psyehe, 2 wins 365 Golden Vein, by Clanranald—Golden Crest, 1 win . 325 Imperator, by Gipsy Grand—Coronal, 2 wins 270 Mary Seaton, by Seaton Delaval— Bragela, 2 wins 270 Gladisla, by Seaton Delaval—Gladys, 4 wins — 268 Austerlitz, by Soult—Sappho, 2 wins 240 Helen Fauci t, by Castor—Cissy, 1 win 240 Kelburn. by Hotchkiss —Lady Augusta, 2 wins - 240 Northumberland, by Seaton Delaval —Campania. 2 wins 240 Grey Seaton, by Seaton Delaval— Vlvandlere, 1 win 225 Aherlow, by Clanranald—Golden Vale, 1 win 160 Terceiet. by Clanranald—Teredina, 0 wins 150 King Stork,by Stepniak—Fairy Maid, 1 win 132 Immersion, by Gipsy Grand—lllusion, 2 wins 110 Welbeck, by Perkin Warbeck ll.— Reverie, 1 win 105 Camelot, by Sir Lancelot—Trentalto, 1 win 100 Eland, by St. Leger—Antelope, 2 wins 100 Lady Rosslyn, by Lord Rossi yn— Lady Gertrude, 1 win 100 Spalpeen, by Gossoon—Windmill, 1 win .......... 95 Drakensburg. by El Draque—Huerfaaa, 1 win . 90 Noblesse, by St. Leger—Lady Emily. I win M Walriki, by Soult—Rosf and White, 1 win So Ballyneety, by Sou'-wester—Hail-storm mare, 1 win 85 Gold Purse, by Gold Reef—Fursenng. 1 win . 75 Sensation, by Hotchkiss—Guida, 1 win «5 Rajah, by Stepniak—Ranee Nuna, 0 wins 55 Stepdaughter, by Stepniak—Marion, 0 wins . 50 Exmoor, by Grafton—La Vivandiere, 1 win <5 Fairy Dream, by Quilt—Nymph. 1 win . . 40 Liquefy, by Seaton Delaval—Liquidation, 1 win 40 Gold Dust, by Gold Ltoef—Poari Powder, 0 wins ...... 10 Gold Seal, by Gold Reef — Seal* Brown, 0 wins SO Optimist, by Apremont—Flatter, • Wifi* ...... . ...... .nna^.a...... .. . .w 30 WhaeUoek. by Flintlock—Miss Evelyn. 0 wins ........................... *9 Capetown, by Mannllehec—Hettie, • wins M

Firebrand. by Stepniak—Fire Cross. 0 wins 25 Stepson, by Stepniak—Britomarte, 0 wins 25 Wind, by Sou'-weater—Valetta.O wins 20 Ascension, by Gipsy Grand—Rainbow, wins 15 Cerise and Blue, by Lakeshell — Bloomer, 0 wins 15 Bombardo, by Hotchkiss—Valentlnla. « wins 10 Geordie, by Seaton Delaval—Cuirassier mare. 0 wins 10 Irish, by Eton—Asthore, * wins .... 10 La Vallere. by Seaton Delaval—Charente, 0 wins 10 Latch Fyne, by Lorh Ness—Plkau. 0 wins 10 Madrigal, by Stepniak—Madder, 0 wins 10 Navarre, by Stepniak or Gipsy Grand—Huguenot, 0 wins 10 Sarchedon, by Castor—Lady Peer, 0 wius 10 Stepdaneer, by Stepniak—Pibroch. 0 • wins 10 Swagsman, by Ben Godfrey—Problem, 0 wins TO A table compiled from the statistics annually furnished by ••Pentagraph” shows the following as the leading winning two-year-olds of their respective years:— £ a. d. lSia-a&—Mr G. Hunter’s Cynlsca 1262 H 0 1889- Mr E. Cutts' Pygmalion. .1539 19 0 1890- Mr D. O'Brien's Florrle.. 1239 15 0 1891- ‘-Mr Hungerford’s Wakawatea 1220 6 0 1892- Mr G. G. Stead s Strowan 12W 7 0 1893- Mr G. G. Stead's Blueflre 2087 3 0 1894- —Mr G. G. Stead's Mannlicher ,v 1124 16 0 1895- Mr G. G. Stead's Bombshell 1016 19 0 1896- Mr G. G. Stead’s Multiform 2761 .3 0 1897- Mr G. G. Stead’s Conqueror 1830 19 0 1898- Mr G. G. Stead’s Screw Gun 1782 0 0 1899- —Hon. J. D. Ormond’s Renown 848 5 0 1900- Mr G. G. Stead’s Menschlkoff 2555 0 0 1901- Mr G. G. Stead’s Orloff.. 1125 0 0 The two sires who claim the greatest number of stake earners in the two-year-old ranks are Seaton Delaval and Stepniak. Each of these horses is represented by nine prise winners, but while the progeny of Stepniak have won nine events, the gets of Seaton Delaval have won nineteen. The following are the names of the sires referred to, with the names of their winning representatives, set out below them and the total amount of money won:--Sire. £. s. d. SEATON DELAVAL— Porirua, from Waitemata

Idas, from Ida Mary Seaton, from Bragela Gladlsla, from Miss Gladys Northumberland, from Campania Grey Seaton, from Vivandiere Liquefy, from Liquidation La Valiere, from Charente Geordie, from Cuirassier mare 3106 a 0 STEPNIAK— Orloff, from Sortie Vladimir, from Mist King Stork, from Fairymaid Rajah, from Ranee Nuna Stopdaughter, from Marion Firebrand, from Firecross Stepson, from Britomarte Htepdancer, from Pibroch Madrigal, from Madder 2093 0 0 * Clanranald, Gipsy Grand, Hotchkiss and Gold Reef each claim three stake earners; St. Leger, Castor and Soult two each. ® ® ® SALE OF HORSES. PALMERSTON NORTH, Friday. Sales of Messrs Ormond's and Donnelly's bloodstock, held on Friday by Messrs Abraham and Williams, Limited, were most successful. There was a large attendance of buyers from all parts of the North Island and several from Australia. Bidding was spirited, and good prices were realised. For the mare Kahuwai 400 guineas were offered but refused. It Is expected she will realise 430 guineas. The following are the averages;—Hon. J. D. Ormond’s horses: Thirty-four thoroughbreds averaged 24 guineas, Dauntless (by Dreadnought) fetching 32 guineas. Mr G. P. Donnelly’s horses: Sixteen thoroughbreds averaged 351 guineas. Horses in training: Fairy Dream, 52 gulneaa; Gold Puree, 54 guineas; Walwhera. 170 guineas; Pearl Gun, 67 guineas. Eleven carriage and harness horses, 20 guineas; 20 ponies averaged 12J guineas. Mr J. R. McDonald's Whitney (by Foulshot) brought 10 guineas, and Mr T. Leen’s Sudor (by Bomnua) realised 90 guineas. ® ® ® AUCKLAND TROTTING CLUB AUTUMN MEETING The Auckland Trotting Club have cause to consider themselves most fortunate, for they had excellent weather on Saturday for the opening day of their Autumn Meeting. It was indeed more like a spring day than an autumnal one, and the ground looked verdant and presented a general freshness seldom seen at this season of the year on New Zealand racecourses outside Auckland. The recent reins made the course a little holding, but some fair trotting was witnessed

during the afternoon, if no really fast performances were registered on it. Donizetti, a four-year-old gelding by the imported American sire Wilmington, owned by Mr Brady, of Otahuhu. won the Maiden Trot from end to end. This gelding has trotted frequently without success, but moves in fair style and is an improving sort. Look-on, an aged son of Ingomar, imported thoroughb.-ed, managed to knock off seven seconds of his handicap, and finished five seconds behind the winner, who just broke even time for the distance. Of the other starters. Le Rosier, a two-year-old by imported La Rue, shows promise. He is from old Rosebud, and has the style, but will not need to be hurried. It is only a matter of time for him to beat all such cattle as composed the Malden field. A long start enabled Miss Munroe to win the Pony Trot, but the ancient Eric, who about half his time was mixing his gatt, and did a lot of galloping, finished second, close up. If Eric had won, no judge could have awarded him the prize for trotting without feeling some qualms of conscience. He was. however, given second money. F. Murflt was before the stewards, but explained that he could not control the old pony, who has ever been noted as a mixer and a puller. Murflt has had a long spell from the saddle, and the stewards acted on the side of leniency, taking this fact into consideration in reviewing the performance. Goetzer was made a strong favourite for the Autumn Handican, in which he had the services of Mark Ryan, who does not often ride on this course. Gotng along the back Goetzer nearly fell and finished well back, and so also did Blue Paul—lndeed, the last-named was tbe absolute last. The judge, howevc. placed him third, a position Lanteros filled beyond a doubt. The race was. howeven, won by several lengths in a very pronounced manner by Mr Bray’s good little filly Annoyed, who Is by Regel from Torment, daughter of Musket Annoyed is partial to this course. Lady Desborough, who was second. had only a little the best of her faster-finishing half-brother, and Mars, who ran well. Little Weimer showed good pace In lh“ first half .mile. In the hands 6f C. Hird. K.D. showed some improvement upon previous essays by winning the stewards’ Handican, hut she was assisted greatly by a long handicap, and the public fastened on to tbe daughter of Patch as a good thing and backed it solidly. Lady Retford was less steady, but trotted a fair race. Sir Robert was a hot favour Ite for the Mlddlb Class Trot, but would not begin, and early lost all chance by breaking up. George failed to show anything like form, acting very Indifferently after going half a mile. Pleasant Tom, with half the journey gone, looked likely to win, but at the end of a mile had had enough, and Miss Rue passed him, only, however, to break UP- The consistent Cob, wandering along, got to the front three furlongs from home, and it was then al' over, though Cotton on Miss Rue kept him busy the rest of the journey. Colenso, who had at earlier stage run a moderate third in the Stewards’ Handicap to K.D. and Lady Retford, had things made easy for him in the Northern Harness Trot, in which K.D., penalised six seconds, would not try in harness. Lusitania made a good bid for victory, but could nat get nearer than two lengths and a half at the finish. Sportsman ran away with the Flying Stakes Handicap from twelve others, of whom Girton Girl was made a very strong favourite. Lanteros reproduced his form In the Autumn Handicap, and Leona ran well, and so also did Sea Spray and the favourite, but Sportsman had them all scratching from score, and his backers were well rewarded. After Sir Robert had won the Electric Trot there was a bit of a demonstration against that horse, who trotted more kindly than In his first essay, while Lady Retford hardly displayed form equal to her first performance earlier in the day- Sierra made up very little of her handicap, and finished third. The sum of £2737 10/ was passed through the totalisators during the afternoon.

The following acceptances have been received in connection with tile second day’s racing of the Auckland Trotting Club's meeting which takes place to-day (Wednesday), at Alexandra ParkiClass Trot Handicap, 1 mile: Albert Victor ser, Duke C. Gs. Yum Yum 7s. Thorndean 9s, Lusitania Ils, Three Kings 14s. Aptumn Trot Handicap, 14 mile: Lusitania 3a. Three Kings Ba, Cob 9s. Colenso Sg. Sierra 9s, K.D. Ils. Little Ben 17a. Sir Robert 17s, George 21s, Eager 235. Easter Trot Handicap, 11 mile: Cob 15s, Colenso 15s, Sierra 15s, K.D. 17s, Taihoa 30a Lady Retford 20s, Black Bess 81s, Sir Robert 23sPony Trot Handicap. It mile: Eric ser, Walters 10s. Look-on 13s. Miss Munroe He. Emma 245, Queenle 275, Bert 375. Trial Trot Handicap, 1 mile: Eric scr. Sir Robert 7a, Look-on 10a, George 10s. Schoolboy Ua. Eager Ila, Sydney 13s, Pleasant Tom 13s. Donizetti 15a, K.O. 16s, Nat Gould 20s, Belladonna 235, Bill C. 235. Le Rosier 23a. Farewell Handicap, 5 furlongs: Mara 8.1, Flrot Whisper 8.18. ISttie Wander 8.7. Lady Deaborough 8.6, tjpartenaan 8.0. Sea, Spray 8.0. Lanteros 7,7. Leona 7.7, Ukase 7.6, Inspiration 7.3. Jewel 7.0, Polly Perkins 7.0, Garnet 6.7 May Handicap, 64 furlongs: Orange and Blue 21-8, Blue Paul 10.1, Goetzer 10.0, Btepaway 810, Mara 8.13. Lady Desborough 8.9. Little Wonder 8,1. Annoyed 8-0. Sea Spray 7.8, Leona 7.8. Lanteros 8.10. In the matter of the Inquiry into the alleged Inconsistency of the horse Sir Robert at the above meeting, the protest In the Electric Trot was dismissed.

TAKAPUNA JOCKEY CLUB. Mr W. Kuight has declared the following handicaps for the Takapuna Jockey Club's Winter Meeting, of May 24th and 28th. 1902:— Birthday Handicap ef JOteova. distance 11 miles.—Highlander 9.2, Formula 8-3, Military 7.4, Matamataharakiki 7.2, Golden Rose 7.0, Taplow 7.0, Jewellery 6.10, Helper 6.7, Hikipene 6.7, Doctor 6.7. First Handicap Hurdles of 150sovs, distance two miles.— Cava Hero 115, Evening Wonder 11.12, Rufus 11.6, Cannongate 11.6. Royal Conqueror 11.4, Bellman 11.1 Tim 11.0, Princess of Thule 10.12, Mars 10.12, Haydn 10.5, Parla 10.5, Dingo 10.2, Kanaka 10.0, Sudden 10.0, Sundial 9.12, Mokomoko 9.8, Hippowai 9.4, Firefly 9.0, Papatu £.O. Handicap Steeplechase of 225sovs, distance about 3J miles.—Cavallero 12.12, Evening Wonder 12.2, Cannongate U.S, Voltigeur 11. 10.12, Princess of Thule 10.7, Rufus 10.10, Kanaka 10.3, Dingo 10.3, Bellman 10.2, Sudden 10.2, Sultana 9.12, Taianaki 9.12, Parahaki 9.9. Tarragon 9.9, llyias 9.7, Kowhal 9.7. Sirdar 9.7. © © © ENGLISH RACING. THE GRAND NATIONAL. AN OUTSIDER WINS. (From Our London Correspondent.) Though the Liverpool spring meeting was shorn of much of its glory through the scratching of the King's horse, Ambush 11., out of the Grand National, and the consequent absence of Edward VII. from the Aintree festival, those who attended the meeting got at least their money s worth in good sport, and samples of our glorious British climate. Concerning the sport provided by the executive, time and space forbid more than a passing glance at anything save the principal events, viz., the Grand National Steeplechase- of £2OOO, and the Liverpool Spring Cup. The former event, decided last Friday afternoon, attracted twenty-one chasers of infinitely varied merit, but though winning honours were denied him, all the glory of the race fell to Mr Bulteel's 14-year-old gelding Manifesto, who, in spite of advanced years and the crushing burden of 12st Slbs, gave a grand exhibition of fencing ability and staying power, and secured third place, barely half a dozen lengths behind the lightly weighted winner, Mr Gorham’s six-year-old mare. Shannon Lass, which tenderly and cleverly handled by D. Read got home three lengths ahead of Mr John Wldger’s six-year-old gelding Matthew. The winner carried lost 11b, and the runner up 9st 121 b, and their respective starting prices were 20 and 50 to 1, old Manifesto being very well supported at 100 to 6, despite his weight. Of the rest, favouritism was shared at 6 to 1 by Drumcree (8 years. lOst 101 b), and Inquisitor (Tyrs, lOst 91b), Barsac (lOyrs, 9st 12ib), was heavily backed at sevens, and Drumree (Oyrs, list 41b) was a much fancied article at 10 to 1. Sleet was falling fast, when the runners mustered at the post, but from a capital start Drumree led out from Matthew, Helium and Barsac. The first to cry a go was Gossip—tailed oft—but ere the first round was concluded three more were out of the hunt. Going into the country the second time, Inquisitor came a cropper. Helium refused, and Zodiac and Whitehaven were “spun out" and pulled up before the third fence. At this point Matthew held the lead, closely followed by Detail, Tipperary Boy, Manifesto, and Shannon Lass, the latter of whom oaught and passed her opponents at the final obstacle, and stalling oft the challenge of Matthew, won handsomely. Manifesto’s chance of a place seemed hopeless wnen he cleared the last fence, but running on gamely he managed to secure third honours from Detail. Beyond this four, only seven completed the course.

The winner,who Is an Irish-bred daughter of Butterscotch out of Mazurka, covered the course In IGmin 3sec, the record for the 4 miles 856 yards being 9min 42 2-ssec. by Clolater, who carried 12at 71bs to victory In 1893, and so put up a performance which Manifesto equalled In all but the point of time, when he carried the same weight first past th* post in 1899, his time being 9.49 4-ss. Shannon Lass has a reputation as a safe fencer, but nothing in her past racing history suggested ability to stay the trying National course.

THE SPRING CUP. A meagre field ot second-raters turned out tor the Liverpool Spring Gup, a mile and three furlongs handicap worth £925. Of tho eight runners Over Norton, fiyrs, 7.7, was backed heavily until 13 to 8 was the best offer against him. Nightshade. Syrs, 8.9, was second in demand at 8 to 8; and Lord Stanley’s Pelllszon (Prisoner—Red Spider), syrz, 7.11. was well supported at fives. Blaek Sand, syra, 8.6; Squire Jack, aged, 6.0; Carigavalla, 4yrs. 6.W; Flying Hackle. syrs, 7.4; and Glenart, 6yrs, 7.2, making up the field. From tho start PalUasou led out. only to give way ere a furlong had been traversed to the lightly-burdened Squire Jack, who made play at a rare bat till tho turn for heme, when he ran out and let up PalUsson- The latter was immediately challenged by Glenart,and a grand race home resulted in Lord Stanley's colt gaining the verdict by a short head, Black Sand being third three lengths off at the head of a pulling-up field. PelMaaon wen this same event last year, and generally earns a bracket at Liverpool. THE LINCOLN HANDICAP. Larger fields and better elass animals have contested the Lincoln Handicap than on Tuesday last, but seldom tn the

history of the race has the contest boon fought out under such pleasant climatic conditions, and never has a more exciting finish been seen than that which ended in Colonel McCalmont's four-year-old eon of St. Simon and Mimi . St. Maclou beating Mr R. S. Sievier's three-year-old daughter of Persimmon and Ornament. Sceptre. The latter was carrying 6st 61A and though animals of her age have seldom won the first of the big handicaps, and the field mustered three-and-twentr strong. Mr Sievier'a dearly-bought Ally started a red-hot favourite at 11 to 4 against. Next In demand was Veles, 4yrs, 7.13; and St. Maclou. 7.12, was among the well-backed 100 to 8 division. Tho field Included Mr Gollan's Australian Star, 6yrs, 8.7; and Sir Edward Vincent's Seringapatam. Byrs. 7.13. both then. Antl-podenn-bred horses finding a few friends at 30 to 1 and 25 to 1 respectively; and Mr Binding's Over Norton. syrs. 7.6. and Lord Carnarvon’s The Solicitor. 4yrs, 7.3, which found backers at outside prices. The start of the race was delayed by tho indisposition of Sceptre and some other animals to face the machine, but at length Mr Coventry got the field away on even terms, st. Quentin led the field away at a merry pace till nearing the distance, when the favourite shot to the rront and quickly gained a clear lead, ane was going well, and the race seemed over bar shouting when on a sudden a kaleidoscopic change. Hardy, *“ e ~ a vou r' ,e s Jockey.glanced round.ralsed his whip, and gave Sceptre a cut. Tho hl 3 uneasiness was his discovery ~ ,s,®*- Maclou, Over Norton, and The Solicitor were in hot pursuit and coming up hand over hand. The favourite answered gamely enough to her jockey's call, but her final effort did not last quite home, and amid a terrific hubbub St. Maclou got up on the post and snatched the shortest of head victories from Mr Sievier's “hot pot." Beaten barely a head by the favourite, Over Norton gained third money from The Solicitor by a short neck, and St. Quentin, who had come again, was fifth, bareix half a length behind. It was a magnificent finish, and though the favourite was beaten the public generally benefited more by St. Maclou's win than they would have by Mr Sievier's victory. Colonel McCalmont is more popular with the average race-goer than the owner of Sceptre, and the public recognised In the most hearty fashion that St. Maclou's win was a fitting welcome home to one who has done good service In South Africa. The backers of the two Antipodean runners had a poor show for their money. Australian Star finished fourteenth, and Sertngapatam absolutely last. The time of tho race was Im 47 2-sa. ® ® ® RESULT OF THE ONE THOUSAND GUINEAS. LONDON, May X The Newmarket First Spring Meeting ■was continued to-day. The following was the result of the principal event:— .THE ONE THOUSAND GUINEAS of lOOsovs each. h. ft. For three-year-old fillies, 9st each. The owner of the second filly to receive 200sovs and the owner of the third to save his stake. Rowley Mlle. Mr R. S. Sievier's b f Sceptre, by Persimmon—Ornament 1 Major E. W. Baird's b f St. Wlndellne, by St. Simon—Queen ot the Spring.. 2 Mr L. Brassey's br f Black Fancy, by Ladas—Blaek Duchess 3