TURF NOTES.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXIX, Issue XIII, 27 September 1902, Page 785

TURF NOTES.

The annual meeting of the Takapuna Jockey Club is fixed for Monday next.

Queen of Sheba, the Metropolitan Stakes winner. Is said to be on the small side.

.Mr R. Cock, of New Plymouth, was a visitor at Avondale on Saturday.

Mr R. Blaikie’s annual Turf Guide is to hand, and Is got up as usual In good style.

Hawera, by Gipsy King — Vacillation, will be sent back to his owner to Hawera •shortly.

Matarawa, winner of the Steeplechase at Avondale on Saturday., has been regularly hunted with the Pakuranga hounds.

Nominations for the Wanganui Meeting show th.it Ragabrash is the only Aucklander engaged in the Spring Handicap.

The brood mare Trafalgar, dam of Dreadnought, broke a leg recently in Australia . and was destroyed.

Mr Percy Dawson, of Auckland, has received the appointment of clerk to the Auckland Racing Club.

The Avondale Guineas will be the chief attraction on Saturday next at the Avondale J.C.’s meeting. Idas is my present fancy.

Mr Howard’s grey mare Pearl 11., who will be remembered as an excellent performer at suburban meetings here a few years back, has foaled a colt to Phoebus Apollo.

The Auckland Trotting Club, after taking further evidence in the Nobby case last night, adjourned the meeting till next Friday night.

The Hon. J. D. Ormond’s gelding Kelpy was backed for the New Zealand Cup on Monday for several hundreds at hundreds to three and four.

The Taranaki horses Maro and Durable are looking well. Their owner and mentor, J. George, is up from the “butter country’’ with them.

St. t*eter is commencing to 10-'k well, and if the full brother to St. Paul stands another preparation should win a race or two during the season.

E. Hankins was one assisting at Avondale on the opening day. “Good old Dunedin weather, this,” he remarked, as I passed him taking shelter on the lee side of the stewards’ stand.

Mr 11. Nixon, long-time steward of the Wanganui Jockey Club, was present at the Avondale meeting on Saturday, and was pleased to see Matarawa, a horse he bred, win the Steeplechase.

Tenders are invited by Mr Percy Ward, surveyor, for widening the tan track on the Auckland Racing Club’s property at Ellerslie, and other work. It is intended that the work shall be done without delay. Our Christchurch correspondent wires that the thoroughbred stallion Mannlicher, by Maxim—Sapphire, winner of the C.J.C. Champagne Stakes and Challenge Stakes, died suddenly on Saturday. At Mr J. B. Williamson’s, One-t’*'* Hill, the following foaling* are reportedCuirassier—Blanca mare, colt to Cyrenlan. Culrasctle, by Cuirassier—Dolosa, filly to Cyrenlan; and Chiara, by Cuirassier, dam Oulda, colt by Cyrenlan. The Whangarei Jockey Club and the Agricultural and Pastoral Association have decided to erect a grandstand and lay out their grounds in up-to-date style. Mr E. Bartley is the architect for the buildings. A silver mounted riding whip, containing 100 strands, on solid whalebone, was promised by Messrs C. H. Waltham and Co., of </dnoy, to the rider of the winner of the Metropolitan. It is the work of Mr G. Elaud, a well known whip maker.

Mr Montgomerie refused an offer of £lOO for Strathavon on Saturday. A short time since he tried to sell the same horse for £l2. Strathavon is by Blairgowrie from Mantilla, therefore a rare-bred one, and moreover he looks useful.

Talking with a friend of sport the other day, who has had daily opportunities of seeing our horsemen on and off the racecourse,and has been careful to take notice of how they behaved themselves, he declared that he Las noticed a marked improvement during the last two years.

A meeting of trainers and jockeys has been called for 6.30 pan. on Tuesday. 23rd September, at Cairns’ Hall, Ellerslie, for the purpose of forming a trainers! and jockeys’ union. This is the outcome of a meeting held one morning during the week on the racecourse at Ellerslie.

The following foalings are announced from Sylvia Park:—Stepfeldt. full sister to Stepniak, colt to Seaton Delaval: Campania. darn of Miss Delaval, colt to Seaton Delaval: and Liquidation, by King Cole from Realisation, filly to Explosion.

We were on Tuesday informed by cable that Mr R. Slcvler’s renowned filly Sceptre had won altogether in stakes £25.000. This is a large sum, more especially for a filly, to win in her first two seasons, Indeed her winning account is a record one in that respect.

A wager of 200 to 25 was obtained yesterday from a Southern layer about Nonet-le for the New’ Zealand Cup by an Ellerslie resident. Six to one was the best offer yesterday locally, and seven to one was the price quoted about Siege Gun for that race.

A lot of useful work was got through this morning at Ellerslie by horses engaged at the Avondale meeting, but in consequence of the rain that has fallen lately, and during the morning, nothing like ' good time was accomplished, the tracks' being very heavy.

The Australian horses or ponies Moss Rose, Thp Provost, Cambridge, Shylock, and Loch Arden were successful in whining races at Calcutta on August 2nd. On the same day. at Bangalore, Gauline, Allie, Ocean, and Promontory, all Australians won.

Since 1881, Sequence is the only horse that has carried such a big weight as 10.3 Into a place in the Epsom Handicap. Marvel won with 10.2 in 1891, and last year Sequence won with 9.4, a weight Dandy finished third with in 1900. These four performances have not been equalled by other horses.

The death is reported of Strathmore, who raced in the late Mr W. R. Wilson’s colours, and first saw the light of day at Wellington Park. Strathmore, as a three year old, won among other events, the Caulfield Guineas, V.R.C. Derby, Champion Stakes, and V.R.C. St. Legor. He was by Nordenfeldt from Onida, hut did not race after his three year old season. Ragabrasb, at racing headquarters, is a daughter of Strathmore.

The Salvation Army in Auckland have hit upon a novel way of attracting the attention of the public. On Thursday night they had a man in the racing colours orange and blue riding a horse through the- streets, to the accompaniment of music, and succeeded in drawing a greater crowd than usual. I was remarking the other morning how well the horses at Ellerslie looked as a lot, when a trainer observed that such was the Caso, but jocularly added that he had a couple of hard cases in his stable, and was afraid that his enemies might be pointing to them as evidence of the high price of horse feed, as both looked like Pharaoh’s lean kine. “Sentinel,” in the “Witness,” says: — Five hundred was pluckily refused for Welbeck last autumn, and Judging by his form at Tlmaru, his owners should have no cause to regret the refusing of that offer. The offer was made by R. Mason, on behalf of Mr G. G. Stead, probably with an eye to this year’s Derby. Mr R. Siovier’s crack filly Sceptre, who on Wednesday won the St. Leg«*r, thus further adding to her wreath of fame, suffered defeat in the Sussex Stakes, I mile, at Goodwood, o-n July 30th. She wont out nt 13 to 8 on, but could only dead heat St. Briuvels for second place, Royal Lancer winning easily. Subsequently Sceptre receded to 4 to 1 for the St. Lvgvr. which race nt latest was looked uj on ns a fair thing for the Irish coit St. Brendan, who failed to gain a place. The report that the Seaton Delaval — Waitomata filly died last week at Sylvii Park is. I am assured by Mr A. Davis, the manager of that stud, incorrect. I am glad to hear further that she is well.

and, being a very nice filly and claiming full-sistership to Porirua and Knmo, is likely to set heads nod ui g when s'qj enters the sale ring in December. In awarding The Shannon 91 bs more in the Wanganui Spring Handicap thadPin the Avondale Cup. and putting the same weight upon Ragabrash in both races, Mr Evett was probably influenced by the comments on the favourable treatment of Mr Watt’s mare, and the fact that Ragabrash declined her Avondale engagement, for Ragabrash has nut shown form over a distance so far.

It Is hard to keep condition on somo of the waste: a that occasionally find their way into stables. A few of the younger horses engaged at Avondale will no doubt look much jaded after putting in an appearance there. It is wonderful what the encct of a first, race or two has on some q,f our juveniles, who become fretful and unsettled, and melt away visibly.

His Majesty King Edward VII. lias taken out five noinhmtlcns for the Derby of 19t>4, and four numluatious for the Oaks uf the same year. Three of His Majesty’s Derby colls are by Peraliumon, ami one each by St. Simon and Orme. Included amongst the nomlna ticcis for the Derby are four Trenton celts, two I.ochiel colts, and one by Carbhne.

People are attaching a lot of importance to the time retarded ar. Tlmaru by Secret Society in a six furlong race. It may interest them tn know that Hurricane ran a mile and a half over hurdles in 2.52 L somewhere about a record, and Hurricane would not be lu It with a good performer. Secret Society evidently lias plenty of pace, but form al Tlmaru. Ashburton, and several fast courses in the South, as judged by the watch, Is deceptive at times.

Cardigan, a chestnut horse by Goitlsbrough from‘Signora, owned by the Hun. H. Mosman, arrived from Sydney by the Eiingamite. and will take up stud duty at Favona Farm. Cardigan, who commenced his turf career at two years old. won one rae? ami ran second on four occasions. He did not start again until four years old. and only ran once at that age: but at five years old won five races, one at seven furlongs, two at a mile and three furlongs, one (the Hawkesbury Grand Handicap) at a mile and a half, and the Sydney Metropolitan Stakes, two miles. At six years old he won the Summer Cup. one mile and a half, at Randwick, carrying 9.2, which was about his best performance.

Tt has always been my opinion (says “Martindale”) that Ibex is not well served if asked to travel over more than seven furlongs. The race for the Epsom proved this. For a little more thin six furlongs ho was doing well, but men he failed. Certainly, in moderate company, he would win a mile, and do it in good time; but It is only at the lessor distance that he can hold his own with the cracks. No horse in the Epsom started in better form, ibex showed himself to bo. a champion under weight; when currying 12.8 he was beaten a head in the fast time of Im 16sec. ‘ I am afraid, my dear,” said a Melbourne business man to his wife last week, “I shall have to take a run over to Sydney on Thursday. I have a big line of business in hand, and I fancy I can make better terms personally tha«u by letter, but ‘f I can push it through in time I’ll leave again by the Monday evening express.” “Oh. you’ll catch that easily, Charley dear,” replied bis belter half with a smile, the candour of which almost made him blush, “it doesn’t leave until a quarter past 7, and the Metropolitan is sure to lie run about half past three.” She had picked it in once.—‘ Javelin.” The brood mare Bragela. imported from Australia to New Zealand by Mr J. Macpherson over 20 years ago. died at Svlvia Park during the week. She was. the oldest mare in the stud, having been foaled as far back as 1877, in Victoria. She was bred by Mr TT. Phillips, and there can bp bur few daughters by Panic, her sire, still living. The List time T saw 'ho old mare she looked likely to live on. being one of the hardy sort. Bragela has been fairly prolific, and loft a number of useful horses,’ amongst which may be mentioned Tela. Dorothy. Grenadier. St. Gordon, and Chancellor IT.; but her bes F representatives, T fancy, were St. Gordon and Ida, dam of Idas and Maroon and Gold. Mary Seaton, now three years old. is her last winning representative, but there is a yearling chestnut filly at SvlvL Park by Seaton Delaval that does the old Panic marc a lot of credit. Tt Is believed that the attendance at Randwick on Derby Day was a record one. ami the number is sot down nt. 22,000. Spring and summer toilettes of the newest fashions were displayed. a«nd. says “The Referee,” a finer effort of that kind, from the leaders of society downwards, was never seen at a racing, or, perhaps. any other out door occasion In New South Wales, ft was n spirited and effective display of colour and life in its most entrancing form, and it becomes evident that Derby Day at Randwick is growing to he a reflex of famous ITomingt< n Id tile spring. There never will be quite

the same huge crowd, but still Rnndwict eu fete is a charming place. There !s n man csays “Javelin”) in one of the sporting clubs in Melbourne who prides himself on Ids smartness io detecting a “sell.” He Is. In fact, generally credited with never “falling in.” The other day another member, who had bet drinkv that he would “have” him first rime, sat down in the club room, ostensibly to write n letter, ami after filling one page, blotting it, aod starling the second, be paused, r.ml addressing the smart man, said, “How would ymi spell Gauleon?” “How?” he immediately answered. “Why O-a-u-1 c-c-u, of course. How would you?" “Ry turning him out in n good g’-ass pnXdo: k, I think," said the other, ami for the first time during the cute man’s iuphiKtshlp of that club, tbbre was a big laugh nt his expense. The Japanese devote a good deal of attention to racing, pony rating being naturally most popular in a country <»( ponies (says a Home authority). The Imperial racecourse at Toki > was laid out by the Emperor of Japan fur his special race meeting, which lasts three days, and is held every year In his birthday week. The course la marly a mile round, and is one- of the best in Japan. To the Western eye It is too picturesque to bo altogether like business, bordered as It is with cherry trees, while in the centre is a lake with various decorative buildings about it. Many of the Japanese Royal Family and the nobles keep racing studs, and give cups and purses, the prize of the birthday week meeting being the Imperial Gup. Count Ito, whose name is well known In Europe, has some of the best ponle.i. The totalisator system of betting is the one most in vogue.

The Evangelical Council, in Sydney, at a meeting recently unanimously adopted the following resolution: “Believing that betring and gambling in all forms are prejudicial to the best interests uf society, and cilcuL'ted to undermine those sound principles of industry and integrity on which the welfare of the community largely depends, this council records its earnest protest against the proposal to legalise the betting machine known as the totalisator. It does so on the ground that, by legalising it. the State will surround with legal sanction a practice In Itself so undesirable; ami Inimical to the best welfare of its citizens; and. by so doing, will give tcnance to the withdrawal from industrial pursuits of valuable time, and energy, and capital, thus weakening the fibre of national life, and sanctioning practices that minister to unhealthy excitement and illegal speculation.”

Melwood, Halberdier, Ringman, Bowman, Fakir, and Sensation were New Zealand Cup candidates that ran at tnc 1 tangitikoi Spring Meeting. Melwood ana Fakir were winners, and Ringman ant* Bowman ran prominently, each having two seconds to their credit. Very little could be learned from the form displayed. Ringman was beaten by a wen-prea one in Armistice in the Maiden Race, Lor which he was regarded as a certainty, and next day over a mile and a distance suffered defeat by Marianthirs, who, however, is smart. Bowman was second iu the Spring Handicap, run over a mile and a-quarter. and second in the September Handicap, at five furlongs, to Fakir, on paper the form of M<’wood and Ringman looks best, and if Melwood trains on he may not unlikely prove the best of tiie lot that raced on Thursday and Friday last.

At the annual meeting of the Otahuhw Trotting Club, held on Thursday evening, there was a good attendance of members, Mr R. L. Absolum in the chair. The report and balance-sheet showed that during tiie past season the club had made a loss of £l3O 17/10, which left a balance of £552 11‘9 to credit of profit and loss account. Tiie totalisator investments during the year amounted tn the sum of £11.401, as against £13,834 10/ the previous season, showing a decrease of £2373 10/. The amount given away in stakes last season was £lolo— £1175 to trotting and £435 to pony racing. There were 10 nominations to fill six vacancies, the result being that the following six wore declared duly elected:—Messrs A. R. Harris, J.l*.. J. Todd, A. Dibble, IT. Johnston, W. D. Bush, and W G. Cunnold. Tiie committee will moot at an early date to elect officers and draw up programme for ihn spring meeting, which, as usual, will be held at the end of November Commenting on the racing at the A.J.C. Soring meeting a Sydney paper says:— The finish for the Metropolitan was not a close one, as Queen of Sheba won very easily. In this race the favourites wore bndlv beaten, and we should say that the bookmakers have, so far as the two great handicaps are concerned, done very well. The Derby was won by the favourite —Abundance—a good colt, who. so far, has been raced honestly, and. whnt is more, can be depended upon to do his best, wliieh is not always the case, even with equines. By the way she won the Spring Stakes, it is very evident that Wakeful is still tlio champion, and before she finishes her racing career, we shall be more than surprised if she is not as great an i«lnl with the sporting public as

irajs Carbine. The Australians dearly >ve a good horse, and it Is very doubtful if they ever saw a better than Wafceful. So far, the present A.J.C. Spring Meeting is the most successful that the Club has held.

It la a matter of ancient history that a curious and cruel race at Doncaster on March 1, 1802, was arranged f/. the sake of betting. A Mr Fletcher backed a bay mare he possessed against a grey, belonging to Mr Oswald, for 1000 guineas, which should keep going longest on the racecourse; the “race” was to continue till one of the mares was exhausted. Each had five jockeys to ride in turn. Jackson mounted Mr Fletcher’s mare, and she at once bolted with him. The two mares covered the first ten miles in 38 minutes, .and ran 40 miles before they stopped to bait. Mr Fletcher’s mare had had enough when they had gone 6) miles, and her owner lost his bet. I have only known of one flfty-mile race in this colony, and the competitors were nearly aTT ordinary utility horses, and the contest was from Patea to the W-aingongora and back. One horse died from the effects of the journey, several were knocked up, but one, a horse known as Jack, ccrtnpleted ♦he distance in a little over four hours, and the road was at the time a bad one. This was over 30 years ago.

From the first It was expected that the A.J.C. spring race meeting would be a success, says the "Tywn and Country Journal,” and expectations have been realised. The crowd on Derby Day was a record one, and that on the following Monday was also a good one. Looking at that well-dressed crowd. one could hardly conceive that times were anything but good, and that the country had only recently passed through the most severe drought on record. Such, however, is the case, and is thus further proof that the Australian people are not the sort to sit down and lament over their troubles. It is an excellent trait in their character this. People of such disposition are never beaten or cowed down by adversity—they will bear ft manfully, and always look to the brighter side. It is very evident that the ladies, too, are taking a greater interest in racing than they did. This was evident on both Derby and Metrop. Days, when the lawn was a perfect picture with elegant costumes, as was also the stand, which on Derby Day was crowded in every part; r*o also was the Leger stand and reserve. The same may be said of the flat, and a more orderly or better benaved crowd could not be met with in any part of tae world.

Ii Is generally agreed that racing in thia colony is in a prosperous condition. Good tstakes are open for competition everywhere, and the qualification fees are in the main not at a.l excessive. Owners can race at less expense than was once the case in New Zealand—indeed, as clubs have progressed they have been able to make the cost in the way of entry tees lighter year by year, and clubs that win in the future run their meetings on purely commercial lines, and do not spend money extravagantly in other ways, will be in a position to do still more for owners. A maximum of stakes at a minimum cost is what the majority of owners look for, and they show by their support that they appreciate the efforts of liberal clubs. Owners have really nothing to complain of as a body at the way m whioh clubs treat them, and now that horse-feed has become so much more expensive than it was a year or two bacK, those owners who have private trainers, anl have to foot the corn hills, are gratified to find clubs in a position to make their burdens lighter. For a lone - time past, however, the rise in the price or horse - feed (hay, oats, chaff. bran, straw, a..id other fodder having gone up very considerably) has been seriously felt ployers of stable hands have been finding household necessaries very muon by public trainers, and. Indeed, the emxnore costly as well, meat and bread having gone up In price. While this has been iv» they have not b>en receiving any more •money than before for training horses, and at the fees ruling in Auckland tneir profits must be very small Indeed just now. Owners may not unlikely be asked to pay a little more than they are doing nt present, or to meet their trainers in some way to compensate them. Trainers will no doubt be reasonable tn tneir requests. and owners will see that it is to their interests to be as liberal as pos-sioie under the circumstances. ,

While one section .f the eommnn-tv !« adverse to the totallsator belntr lecs ’sed In New South Wales, another section is trying to get it. On this subieet. a Rvdney authority writes: “On the motion of Mr E. M. Clark, the Totallsator Bill wa« Introduced in the Legislative Assemhiv last week It is proposed to issue licenses to owners of machines, which will give them exemption from the provisions of the various Acts that are in force f. • the purpose of prohibiting gaming < - wagering. Such licenses are to bn. issue 1 for the period of cne vear. and there ar * clauses in the bill determining what clap ; of race meetings the totallsator may b used at. The amount of commission tha may be charged by the proprietors of th machine Is fixed at 10 per cent., and any person under the age of 21 years convicted of wagering by this means will be Mabie to a penalty of not less than £1 or more than £2O for the first offence, and not less than £5 or more than £5O for each subsequent offence. We flrmlv believe that the totallsator is the fairest moans of wagering, and, therefore, the best for the public. We are not aXpne In this opinion: in fact, many who would vote against the bill hold It. Thev. however. think that it would be against tha Interests of the community to legalise gambling In any wav. It is this class of people who bring about the defeat of measures of this class, as they allow sen-

tlment to overcome common sense. Th* bill appears to be very similar tn thn«« that have been introduced upon previous occasions, so that there Is nothin.? new about it. Special reference la made tn pony racing, the promoters of which are not to be allowed t-o use the machine. This would not interfere with the branch of our national sport so long as the law is allowed to stand as It 1s at present, viz., the allowing of bettine. This we have always maintained should be the case. While agreeing that the totallsator Is the most legitimate means of wagering, we by no means think that the bookmaker should be. as It Is termed, “wined out.” There Is plenty of room for both. The machine is an excellent read” iponev or cash business affair, but all rn-’ -

men cannot attend upon a race day, while othersi prefer to bet with a bookmaker. Tn respect to the last-named - , like to know what amount they ara likely to win. This they do not when the money Is invested In the machine With the bookmaker It Is different. The ,1r made, and the particular sum stated; thus It matters not how the mav travel in the market afterwards. There is also a certain section who are partial to bettine upon set ’nandican«» sue** as the Epsom, Metropolitan. Svdnev. Caulfield, and Melbourne Ci’ns. ’ the ■»*--’ — during the time between catlon of the or»/i the of the race that causes the great Interest to ba taken in them. People at a distance can Invest upon their fancies at a long price. If the wagering on the Melbourne Chin was done away with the Interest in that race would speedily decrease. ?jid we would not find the thousands travelling from all parts of the different Australian States and elsewhere, that will be the case next November. Those opposed to sport in every wav will - av—and £ good thing.tnn. Yet thev would be dead against the totalisator, which might, in a measure. bring such about, that is if betting was not allowed to be done by bookmakers. We fiririv believe that in rime a Totalizator Bill will bo passed, but ret yet.”

AVONDALE JOCKEY CLUB’S SPRING MEETING. A TEMPESTUOUS DAY. After much broken weather for several previous days, Saturday morning broke so promisingly that the sport loving public of Auckland might well be sympathised with for having been deceived into the belief that a fine afternoon was in store for them at Avondale. Shortly after proceedings commenced, though a strong westerly wind was blowing, the sun was shining out brightly enough, and the course saddling paddock, the lawn, and grounds generally wore a spring like greenness, the well defined white shell walks and white fences, nicely - fashioned grandstands, stewards’ stand, stabling, totalisator house, and refreshment buildings, showed up in bold relief on what is certainly a most up to date racing property. Bunting was well displayed. and Hunter’s Garrison Band was there discoursfiig good music, and the Club had left nothing undone to try and achieve success, and put their patrons on good terms with- themselves. While they deserved well, they could not command the elements, however, and no one could have been more thoroughly disappointed than the officers of the Club, for the afternoon proved about the actual worst in the annals of the Club, rain falling in heavy showers, with unrelenting persistency, covering the surface of the green sward on the lawn and in and out of the paddock, and making it unpleasant for all to get about. Hundreds, Indeed, remained almost throughout th e afternoon on the grandstands, nor could they be tempted by brief flashes of sunshine to leave the kindly shelter of these coigns of vantage until it was time to catch returning trains and conveyances. And how the course became cut up, to be sure. The two concluding events were run while heavy rain was descending, and riders and horses presented a sorry sight. From the press room, as no doubt from other snug quarters, they were viewed as objects for pity. It was hard to ask horsemen to strip and don silk, and horses to race, in such weather,- but it could not be helped, and the best was done under the circumstances, and It can only be hoped that the meeting may be continued under more favourable conditions. The starting barrier, as fitted up by Mr Geo. Rhodes, was used by Mr Cutts, who also tried a now cord of stability, which proved effective. Mr R. B. Lusk officiated as judge, in the absence of Mr John Bollard, M.H.R., and President of the Club. Mr A. Davis took the time of the various races, and the catering, In the hands of Mr A. King, left nothing wanting.

The racing was, In a great measure, spoilt by the heavy condition of the track. Fast time making was out of the question, and it is possible that on a sound track some at least of the results would have been very different. Romeo and Strathavon looked about the strongest of the runners In the Malden Plate, and the first named, revelling in the heavy going, came home an easy winner. Drudge, who next to Romeo was well backed, failed to show prominently, while the weight stopped La Vallere. Both the winner and runner up are trained In the country. Mars, who only jumped one hurdle badly, and that was when he had the race well In hand, had an easy victory In the Hurdle Race, in which the public made Bellman favourite, and that horse fell when leading at the fifth hurdle, at which stage Mars apparently had taken

Ms measure. Tim had to be ridden hard to catch Cannongate, whom he got on terms with in the home stretch, and beat for second place. Commodore & Winsome misbehaved at the second, and Sirdar fell at the first fence. Though there were fourteen starters for the Avondale Stakes, the race was unsatisfactory owing to most of the youngsters starting badly, and to several of those that did begin well getting into a tangle at the turn for home. It would not do to detract from the merit of the victory of Mr W. Ryan’s colt Cordon Rouge, but mose people recognise that but for Interference that took place between that colt and Kamo, which hampered Sans Peur, and It is said, others, there is a probability that /Che result would have been different Two year olds, early in the season, don’t know what !• required of them, and It is not to be expected that races In which they are engaged can be brought off without mistakes being made. A protest, entered on the grounds of Interference, on behalf of Mr Friedlander, by that owner’s trainer, was given full consideration, and was not sustained. The placed trio knew more of their business than most of the others, of whom Te Aroha. Matua, and Alba Rose were most prominent. Cordon Rouge was bred by Mrs Walters, at Papakura, hud purchased for 55 guineas by Mr W. Ryan, and is certainly a nice colt. The Shannon’s victory in the Avondale Cup was a pronounced one. Macnainara, her rider, waited on the field for a run from the home turn, and not suffering any hindrance on the way cleverly got there with the shapely black, beating Tresham, who had been prominent throughout, and had shaken off the attentions of The Needle, St. Olga, and Formula one after the other. Durable and.. Vai Rosa were fairly close up. probably on sufferance. The Shannon comes of a good racing family, and having been treated with much consideration. Mr E. J. Watt was tempted to send her to the meeting, and she rewarded his enterprise. The contest between Strathavon and Lavalette in the Hack Race was a good one, and public money and public sympathy were with the three-year-old, who was called upon to give away 311bs to Strathavon, an aged but an equally well bred horse, who like himself was making a first appearance in a race. Though defeated, all the honours of the race outside the money were scored by Lavalette, for it was only by a head that Lavalette failed. Marshal Soult ran a good race to within the distance, but then compounded suddenly, and Hippowai, five lengths away, secured the barren honour. Just before the start for the race Lingard, who has been known on tKe track as Manifesto, threw his rider, J. Chaafe, jun., twice, the last time with the result that that rider had his collarbone dislocated.

The Steeplechase was interesting. Stockman and Hinemoa were in the lead from the start and until coming on to the course for the run home, where Matarawa, who closed upon them half a mile away, came on the scene and finally won by several lengths. Nor’-west lay a long way back, and appeared to be going so strongly that it was expected that he would move up to the leaders before the last circuit. He came with a late run in the straight, and was closer than at any stage after the first few fences were jumped. The stewards had Hall before them, who explained that he had dropped his whip. They were not entirely satisfied, and reprimanded him for not making more use of his mount. Dingo, the favourite, ran as if he did not care for the task set him. Pungarehu misbehaved by running off. Dingo and Pullack finis he 1 the course a long way back. The Pony Race was won easily by Girton Girl from Avalanche, the favourite, First Whisper, and St. Loanda; but the five runners could hardly be seen for the rain. Spalpeen made the pace in the Flying Stakes Handicap from Landlock to the turn and well into the straight, where St. Olga, followed by Gladisla, came tnrough, St. Olga winning cleverly. The mare was ridden by M. Ryan. The totalisator turnover amounted to £5756 as against £9424 when the meeting Last year was held at Ellerslie. Mr H. Hayr, the secretary, got through his work well, and was well supported by his assistants. The starting of Mr Cutts was satisfactory in nearly every event. Results :— MAIDEN PLATE HANDICAP of 70sovs, second lOsovs. Six furlongs. 160—Teague’s b g Romeo, by Leolantis —Signet, 7.4 (Phillips) v 1 29—J. Montgomerie’s Strathavon, 6.13 (including 31b over) (Percival).... 2 59—J. Arthur’s Sly Miss, 7.11 (Sceats) 8 96 La Valiere, 8.7 (Gallagher); 61 Mechanic 8.0 (Gainsford); 38 Rosiphele, 7.12 (Buchanan); 110 Drudge, 7.11 (Ryan); 21 Cygnet, 7.10 (Julian); 11 Waimana, 7.7 (Ross); 19 Aurega, 7.0 (Porter); 13 Buster (late Iota), 6.13, including 31b over (Satman), also ran.

A good start was effected, Strathavon showing his nose in front, just leading Romeo and Sly Miss as they ran along the back. Romeo and Sly Miss were in company as they turned into the straight, at which stage Rosiphele was showing prominent of the others. Once in the straight Romeo came away and won easily by quite three lengths from Strathavon, who finished strongly and beat Sly Miss a length, Rosiphele and the rest in straggling order. Time, 1.23. Divid<•nils, £2 15/ and £5 1/. FIRST HANDICAP HURDLE RACE Of lOOsovs, second lOsovs. Two miles. 137—E. D. O’Rorke’s ch g Mars, by Ingomar—Lyre, 11.6 (Stewart) 1 63—H. Moody’s Tim, 10.10 (McGregor) 2 109—E. J. Sage’s Cannongate, 10.8 (Ferbus) •

198 Bellman, 10.4 (Quinton); 84Commodora 9.0 (Phillips); 97 Winsome, 9.0 (Hall); 82 Mokomoko (O’Connel); 89 Sirdar, 9.0 (McKinnon), also started. Bellman carried on the running in front of Sirdar, who fell at the first Mars going on second. Commodore stopped at the second, an example followed by Winsome. Bellman continued to lead to the end of a mile and a quarter, when he fell, and Mars then went on alone, winning easily by four lengths from Tim, who wore Cannongate down in the straight, and beat him a similar distance for third place. Time, 4.13. Dividends, £3 9/ and £2 14/. AVONDALE STAKES of 200sovs, second 40sovs, third lOsovs. Four furlongs. 126—W. Ryan’s blk c Cordon Rouge, ■by Soult—Lady Emmeline (Lindsay) 1 •40—H. Friedlander’s b £ Kamo, by Seaton Delaval — Waitemata (Speakman) 2 •318—H. Friedlander’s br f Sans Peur, by Soult —Forme (Buchanan) 3 •Bracketed.’

11 The Middy (Gallagher); 17 Kola Nip (Satman); 48 Stlbbington (Chaafe); 7 Agrapus (Jenkins); Merry Soult (Lesley); 94 Alba Rose (Sceats); 40 Matua (Gainsford); 11 Te Aroha (Phillips); 34 Delanla (Ryan); 11 Bonomiana (Julian); 15 Lady Annie (Bird). Stlbbington showed momentarily in front, and then Cordon Rouge and Kamo took command and ran to the turn in company, with Alba Rose handy, Sans Peur a little further on coming through. Some swerving took place at this stage, and Cordon Rouge came on well clear of his field, Kamo running in second place. Inside the distance Sans Peur came with a good run, but could only get within a neck of Kamo, who finished a clear length behind the winner, To Aroha fourth, Matua fifth. Time, 555. Dividends, £4 6/ and 10/. AVONDALE CUP HANDICAP of 300sovs; second 40sovs, third lOsovs. One mile and a quarter. 303—E. J. Watt’s blk f The Shannon, by Torpedo—Rivulet, 7.11 (Macnamara) j 133—D. Edwards’ Tresham, 7.10 (Julian) 2 70—J. George’s Durable, 7.0 (Phillips) 3 Also ran: 114, Vai Rosa. 8.5, Sceats; 84, The Needle. 8.3, Gainsford: 233. Formula, 8.2, Rvan; SO. St. Olga, 7.12, Chaafe: 137, Matamataharakeke, 7.7, Bird; 137, Un to Date, 7.6. Satman; 28, Solo, 7.5, Jenkins; 123, Grey Seaton, 7.4, Price; 32, Kelburn, 7.2, Buchanan. Solo cut out the work, followed by The Needle and Tresham, and in this order they went out of the straight and to the back of the course, The Shannon running last. The Needle led Into the straight, Tresham, Formula, and St. Olga being all well together at that stage; but Ine Shannon, when heads w r ere once turned for home, made a strong run, and catching her horses one by one landed the stake in an easy and meritorious manner by nearly two lengths, the same distance between second and third; Vai Rosa fourth, the rest easing up. -Time, 2m 21s. Dividends, £3 5/ and £2 9/.

FIRST HACK HANDICAP of «bov«; second lOeove out of stakes. Six furlongs. 60—J. Montgomerie’s ch g Strathavon, by Blairgowrie — Mantilla, aged. 6.10 (Percival) 1 197—L. D. and N. A- Nathan's Lavalette, 3yrs, 8.11 2 83 —J. Reginald's Hlppowai, Byrs, 7.7 (Buchanan) 3 Also ran:—26, Irish, 7.12, Julian; 18, Ben Blair, 7.7, Bird; 15, Seatonla. 7.7. Cotton; 26, Hawera, 7.7. Price; 20. Hipstone, 7.3, Jenkins; 12, Minna, 7.3 (inc. 71bs over). Marshal Soult led well up the straight, but Lavalette, who was handy, and Strathavon came in the centre of the course and ran out a punishing finish, the light-weight gaining the verdict by a Short head; Hippowal five lengths away third. Time, 1.24. Dividends, £6 19/ and M/. HANDICAP STEEPLECHASE of lOOsovs; second lOsovs. About 3 miles. 34—E. D. O’Rorke’s br g Matarawa, by Cap-a-pie—Victress, 9.10 (Morrigan) 1 112—M. Deeble’s Stockman, 9.10 (Mr Deeble) 2 119—H. Barr's Hinemoa,9.l2 (O’Connell) 8 Also ran:—l47, Nor’-west, 11.10, Hall; 171, Dingo, 10.5, Howard; 53, Tarragon, 10.4, Burns; 15, Pungarehu, 9.10, Conway; 20, Jtowhai. 9.9, Bowden; 22, Pullack, 9.7, Butler.

Soon after the start Stockman and Hlnemoa were taken to the front, followed by Kowhal and Pungarehu, the last-named, having missed a fence, continuing on. Kowhal at the back of the course ran oft. Stockman and Hlnemoa drew right away, and with a circuit gone were a long way in front of Matarawa and the rest of the field, which they increased till entering upon the last round, when Matarawa closed upon them, Nor’west, who looked to be going well, Pullack, and Pungarehu keeping well together. Matarawa raced up to the two leaders half a mile from home and passed them on entering the straight, winning by three lengths from Stockman, who beat Hinemoa the same distance. Nor’west finishing strongly a few lengths further back, Dingo and Pullack coming next. Time, 6.43. Dividends, £l3 5/ and £1 7/. 4 FIRST PONY HANDICAP of 50sovs; second ssovs. Six furiongs. 56—L. Marshall’s ch f Girton Girl, by Medallion—Equation, 7.8 1 155—J. Hanson’s Avalanche, 7.5 2 36—T. Barr’s First Whisper, 8.0 3 Also ran:—24, St. Loanda, 8.10; 40, Sentinel, 8.5; 51, Whereklno, 7.5, Girton Girl led all the way and won by three lengths. Time, L 26 2-ss. Dividends £4 7/ and 10/. FLYING STAKES HANDICAP of lOOsovs; second lOsovs and third Bsovs out of the stakes. 183—J. Chaafe’s b m St. Olga, by St. Leger—Satanelia, Byrs (M. Ryan). 1 79—H. Friedlander’s Gladisla, 7.5 2 94 —T. Barr’s Orange and Blue, 7.0 .... 3

Also ran:—34, Bluejacket, 8.12, Gallagher; 53, Landlock, 7.7; 75, Spalpeen, 7.5. Spalpeen led into the straight. Landlock and Orange and Blue going on next in order, but St. Olga and Gladisla coming through in the home stretch headed the rest, and St. Olga won handily by a length and a half,Gladisla beating Orange and Blue by a length. Time, 1.25 l-ss. Dividends, £1 19/ and £1 4/. THE SECOND DAY'S RACES. Mr Evett has declared the following weights for the second day’s races on Saturday:— Mount Albert Handicap, 6 furlongs: St. Olga 9.5, Maroon and Gold 7.12, Geologist 7.10, Jewellery 7.10, Landlock 7.7, Camille 7.7, Romeo 7.6, Despatch 7.5, Stepaway 7.4, Numa 7.3, Mechanic 6.12, Drudge 6.11, Cygnet 6.10, La Polish 6.7. Hack Handicap, 6 furlongs: Geordle 8.13, Marshal Soult 8.8, Hippowai 8.0, Lavadel 7.12, Irish 7.8, Hawera 7.5, Llngard 7.4, Talavera 7.3, Hypathia 7.3, Loch Fvne 7.0, Hipstone 7.0, Seatona 6.12, Minna 6.7, Modesty 6.7. Nursery Handicap, 4 furlongs: Cordon Rouge 8.12, Kamo 8.10. Stibbington 8.7, Lord Seaton 8.0, Sol 8.0, Desdemona 7.9, Woodmount 7.7, Alba Rose 7.7, Lady Bobs 7.5, Kola Nip 7.5, Delanla 7.0, Te AA>ha 7.0, Agripus 7.0, Matua 7.0, Merry Sou’t 7.0, Bonomanla 7.0. Second Pony Handicap, 5 furlongs: Orange and Blue 10.13, St. Loanda 9.2, Sentinel 8.8, First Whisper 8.5, Girton Girl 8.4, Avalanche 7.12, Werekino 7.7, Cuisine 7.6, Resurgam 7.0, Ngahere 7.0, Yvette 7.0. Plumpton Handicap, 1 mile: Nonette 10.12, Rosella 9.18, Beddington 9.7, Highlander 9.4, The Shannon 8.13, Formula 8.8, St. Olga 8.6, Vai Rosa 8.5, Scotty 8.3, The Needle 7.12, Mars 7.12, Solo 7.11, Military 7.6, Durable 7.5, Grey Seaton 7.5, Winsome 7.5, Ragabrash 7.5, Geordlo 7.4, Up to Date 7.0, Spalpeen 6.11, La Vallere 6.10, Roslphele 6.10, Commodore 6.7, Doctor 6.7. Handicap Hurdle Race, 13 mile: Mars 12.2, Tim 10.13, Cannongate 10.7, Bellman 10.3, Hlppowai 10.0, Dingo 9.9, Winsome 9.3, Sophia 9.2, Mokomoko 9.0, Commodore 8.0, Sirdar 9.0. President’s Handicap, 7 furlongs: Nonette 11.5, Solo 7.10, Maroon and Gold 7.4, Camille 7.0, Maro 6.8. Acceptances for the second day’s racing will close at the club’s office. High-street, on Thursday night at 9 o’clock.