TURF NOTES

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXX, Issue XXIII, 6 June 1903, Page 1569

TURF NOTES

Fakir and Light have been scratched for all engagements at the Auckland R.C. winter meeting. P. Johnstone Is up with Battleaxe and Sandy for the North N.Z. Grand National Meeting. The Brisbane Cup won by Jessie was not a particularly fast one, the two miles being run in 3.35 J. The entrance gates at Randwick for Tattersall’s May Meeting in Sydney, were sold by auction for £2Ol. Mr 11. Beckett, of Sydney, won the Pony Race at the N.S.W. Trotting Meeting wtth old Sailor Boy 11. on May 18th. Ilay-du was running handy to Awaliurl seven furlongs from home In the Wanganui Steeplechase when he came down. In America recently an offer of £5OOO for a three year old named Africander was refused. The Adelaide Cup was first instituted in 1864, and the last made its thirty-fifth anniversary. Mr J. S. O’Donnell, of West Maitland, N.S.W., is taking a number of horses and ponies to. Java. Mr Dugald Thomson, of Wellington, lias purchased Scallywag, who uas gone into Telford’s hands at the Hutt. Idas has not changed her quarters yet, though it was reported that she would go into a local stable this week. Adelaide, by Lochlei from the Musket mare Beryl, a smart sprinter, has been purchased for Bombay, in South Australia. Martinique and St. Vincent, by a coincidence, finished first and second in a nursery handicap at a South Australian race meeting. The American owner, Mr E. E. Smathers, gave £7OOO for McChesney, ami is credited with losing £4OOO on him in a race a few weeks later. In the tabulated pedigree of Rock Sand, numbered according to the Bruce Lowe system, the No. 1 family is not present in the 32 quarterings. Each of the races on the second day of the Auckland R.C.’s North N.Z. G.N. Meeting will start half an hour earlier than the advertised time. George W. Jenkins, the American crack steeplechaser, died recently, consequent on a fall in a steeplechase. lie won last year s American Grand National. Old Gun, who was sold at the Fe tiding meeting, where one of his tendons showed only the least suspicion of be*ng sprung, completely broke down at Wanganui. The distances of the' two leading handicaps at the Wellington Meeting have been altered from seven furlongs to a mile, and nomination day to Monday next. I notice that a correspondent has credited A Shearsby with riding Orient to victory in the Wanganui Steeplechase of 1887. The honour belongs to P. McConkey. Joe Stewart, who rode Puffing Billy to victory in the Maiden Steeplechase at. Takapuna, is to ride that horse at Ellerslie. C. Ready, who met with an accident last week through Faria falling with him cn the flat while at exercise, was more seriously hurt than was at first supposed, and has been in bed ever since, his back having been badly strained.

The liili bothered Awahuri at Ellerslie, and when ho fell he didn’t get up in a hurry. The big fellow was clean blown. In addition, he twisted one of his plates. Drumcree, the winner of the Liverpool Grand National Steeplechase, is owned by Mr J. S. Morrison, a South African millionaire. Old Scallywag keeps green the name of Turquoise, his sire, and is still voted one of the safest cross-country conveyances in the land. The Endymion gelding Starlight still shows the possession of pace, and must be about the last of the progeny of his sire racing down Taranaki way. Fancy a decrease of over 47,000 horses during 12 months in Australia owing to drought. Our sister colonies in the island continent have Indeed suffered heavily. In the Wellington Steeplechase course of three miles, there are nineteen obstacles. A water jump, brush posts and rails, log and sod fences, and two hurdles. Otalrl and Awahuri, Battleaxe and Awaliurl, and Awahuri and Awahuri are doubles that have ben inose extensively backed for the coming meting. The stud horses at Sylvia Park will stand at the following fees during the coming season:—Seaton Delnvnl. 30 guineas; Explosion and San Francisco, 15 guineas each. The ponies The Imp, Ukase, and Leyland were shipped in the Wesrralin for Wellington yesterday, and will go on by the first boat to South Africa from that port. First forfeits for the Avondale Guineas fall due on the Sth June, a fact which shou’d be remembered by owners having coming three-year olds engaged in that event. With 9st in the saddle, Mr S. 11. Gollan’s New Zealand bred Seahorse started in the Warwickshire Spring Handicap, but he finished ninth behind Wavelet’s Pride. The ex-hacks Llngard and Lady Bell accounted for other ex-haoks in the Remueni Hurdles, who long ago lost their hack status. One of the improvements noted In the saddling paddock at Randwick recently, was a blaekboaf’d near the betting ring, ou which were notified penalties, change of colours, etc. Something more tangible than golden opinions of their racing stock are wanted by those who have to foot the bills. They prefer the sovs., after all. Mr F. L. Armitage is expected to reach Auckland in time to see the N.Z. Grand National Meeting. He was in Sydney on his way back from a trip to England last week. A. Hall came north on Tuesday to rble Waiwera in his Auckland engagements. Mr O’Driscoll has bad no luck in Auckland with the son of Gip.sy King, though he has run several times at Ellerslie. Meteor in the Remuera Hurdles has been given a winning chance. Though only once seen out over hurdles, his performance was rather an impressive one, and with luck he will pay his way over hurdles. What would the North New Zealand Grand National Meeting he without visiting hoi see? The Ngapuhi brought a round dozen from the Taranaki, Wanganui, and Hawke’s Bay side yesterday. More are due to-day. Five trotting horses bred in New South Wales were shipped by the steamer Warrigal for Ireland on the 2nd Inst. They were sold by Mr J. Cameron, of Morcu, to Mr Robinson, a merchant, of Belfast. The famous English trainer, John Dawson, sen., died a fortnight ago. He was seriously 11l when the last mail left England. so that his demise was not unexpected. The champion sprinter In California this season Is Kenilworth, by Sir Mod ml. from Queen Bess, by Marden. Up l > 10th February Kenilworth had started in 19 races, and had won 11 of them. At Barcaldlne, Australia, the “books” struck, owing to the increased fees demanded by the club. Neither side would give In, and Hie totalisator was used. Only £373 was put through. Mr 11. J. McCulloch, long time sporting editor to the “Leader.” now handicapper to the Kalgoorlie Racing Club, was presented with a purse of sovereigns mi his departure for Western Australia. The New Zealand mare Belle Cole mot with solid support, in Hie 14.2 race at Kensington I'ark lately, but though she was prominent in the early stages of the race, she was nut in it at the end. Snaffle, a three year old gelding by Abercorn, who won a selling race at Nottingham on April Glli, was subsequently sold for 200 guineas. Aber corn has thus a winning representative In England.

At the South Australian Jockey Club meeting, among the guests of the club weic Admiral Kaiulmuru and other officers of the Japanese squadron and the Sultan of Johure, who was invited as "Mr Ibrahim.*' According to the Sydney “Referee,’* South African buyers are after Abundance., and his owner has, in response to a request from Messrs IL Chisholm and Co., put a price ou him. Nothing further, however, has traspired in the matter. While raving at Takapuna. Dolores cut her stifles, and her owner fears he wilt nat be able to start the mare In the Grand National Hurdle Race on that account, though every effort has been put forward to get her right. J. Cameron, who rides Awahurl in hi> engagements here, and who has ridden that gelding in most of his victories this st ason, lias probably had more horses killed under him than any horseman in the colonies. They total 14. St. Swithin. who died recently in Australia. was the sire of Mcrloolas, Guullo. Insulator. Tjrochon, Florin. and many other winners. St. Swithin was bred In New Zealand, being by the Imported Cadogan from the Traducer mare Malice. Ota 10, the Wanganui hack hurdler. Is by the Australian bred Haere, from St ray shot, herself a fair performer over hurdles, who Is ft descendant of Medora, in her time a vrack performer over hurdles and country. I'aeroa, who has been racing also with success, is a full sister to Otaio. x A W Ie lßf,t meeting of the Tlawkesbnry (N.S.W.) Club, Mr Francis Fey intimated his intention of presenting the club with a cup for competition. He has informed Mr C. Guest, the secretary, that he will donate a lOQga gold cup, to be added to the Hawkesbuiy Spring Handicap. When a visitor from the South to the Auckland meeting saw the race grounds on Thursday partly submerged in water, he said, “I shall go for one of Captain Webb’s progeny for this meeting.’’ A glance over the acceptance list disclosed the fact that one with the appropriate name of Float was engaged. The Flemington trainers have petitioned the V.R.C. Committee to allow them the use of the outer portion of the course proper for training purposes on certain days of the week. The bad state of the training tracks nt Flemington is the cause of this concession being asked for. At Handwick and Caulfield such concessions are made. Nominations for the Australian Jockey Club’s Prince of Wales’ Birthday meeting disclose the fact that six horses were engaged for the first and second hurdle races, including Treshaxn, who will not be there, in one of the events, while there were but eight horses nominated for each of the steepleciia.se events, including Guards van 11., from Auckland. After taking evidence on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday in connection with the Landlock case, the stewards vf the Auckland Racing Chib decided. “ihat George Tuck and the horse Landlock l.c disqualified during the pleasure of the stewards; that C.W. Coleman be disqualified for six months, and that J. EHisdon be warned the ccurse and from all places where the rules of racing are in force.” The valuable records and data of the late Mr F. F. Dakin, used iu connection with his handicapping work, and which arc to be available for the use of the new handicapper. Mr W. A. Menzies, were presented by Mrs Dakin to the V.R.C. They will, therefore, be always available for any handicapper that may be acting under the club. At the first meeting of the English season held at Lincoln, the amount taken for admission to the rings aud stands during the three rare days was £5364, as compared with £4312 last year. The increase of ££1052 is almost wholly accounted for by the attendance on the Lincolnshire Handicap day, when rhe receipts totalled £3700, as against £2736 In 1902. A two year old showing considerable proinie at Ellerslie is the little all black son of Simmer and Kllmorley, purchased by Mr 11. Friedlander at the Cambria Park sale. He stands out. so far, ahead of the rest, of the Ellerslie lot that have been sprinted up. ami is the best goer In J. Thorpe’s stable. Newry, from Klimorle.'t, ran third in the Brokers’ Handicap at Johannesburg. The betting accurately indicated, as it often does, what the result »f the Derby, run for on Wednesday, would be, Rocksand, the favourite, winning, ami Vinicius. tho French-bred colt, who was second favourite, being second. Ro*ksand has proved himself a clinking good colt, and there is every prospect of his following iu the footsteps of Galteo More, Flying Fox, and Diamond Jubilee, the three latest of the triple crown winners, ns he has now won both the Two Thousand Guinea.! ami Derby. The A.J.C. arc causing a false rail to be creeled from a point between the five and six furlongs post to the home turn at Rnmlwlek.on the course proper, about 9ft out from the inside fence, says Sydney “Town and Country.” The reason of this is to give that part of the track a spell. Another improvement to be effected is the digging of a trench under tho inner rails of the course proper, so ns to allow rain water, which formerly remained upon the tracks, to drain off. The new board on which notices of penalties, etc., to be car rlcd by horses at Randwick meetings will be posted has been put in position. It la situated just on tho northern end of the betting ring, aud will bo found to bo very convenient to the betting public and book(lunkers.

From America comes word that the man•grment of the large Singer sewing machine firm at Elisabeth, N.J., has begun a crusade against peripatetic who hare secured employment in the factory from time to time and found a pretty good thing among its 6<km) employees. One man was summarily discharged, preor having been secured that be made books Instead of sewing machines. It is said the Singer management was induced to take the step by the Chief of Police. The following is from the New York “Sports of the Times:**—ln the East there may be bookmakers’ clerks that are conceded to Dave openers for native brightness and glad clothes, but when it comes to distinguished statesmen we claim precedence with Senator David Nelson and the Hon. Richard J. Collins, both members of the Missouri Legislature, and both writing tickets at Little Rock.” Which, boiled down, means that two members of the Missouri Legislature are bookmakers’ clerks. Something went wrong with Battleaxe during the progress of the Remuera Hurdles. Going along the back Jounstone thought he had injured one of his hind iegs, as he seemed to fa iter behind, but he started to run along all right again, and looked like winning to the last hurdle. He appeared lame after the race, but on Sunday was apparent Hy sound, and no trace of injury could be discovered. Johnstone pulled out, fancying his chance was gone, with the intention of giving horses coming behind a chance, and one of them, Lady Bell, "unfortunately went on the outside of him, losing some ground in consequence, or might have won the race. An American exchange lias it that bookmakers on the California tracks, for the six weeks ending April 11th last, won £sc\ 000 making this the greatest s *asoa vu record in that State. At the commencement of the six weeks referred to, trie majority of the books were from £6OO to £4OOO losers on the season. At a rough estimate, they were £20,000 behind in the aggregate, and now they are fully £30,000 to the good. Early in the season, bookmakers lost heavily, as horses ran to Form, but subsequently form was at a discount, and horse after horse won that was practically unbacked. The £lO,OOO World’s Fair Handicap to be run at St. Louis next year did not fill as well as American racing men anticipated. The nominations total 87. 36 owueis being represented. However, the stake wiii be re-*pen-ed, and owners who feel so inclined can come in later on at an entry fee of £l3O. As the race is a handicap, it is safe to say there will be no particular rush to get in at that figure. An endeavour was irade to get a nomination from King Edward, bur nothing of his is engaged so far. Now that the railway strike in Victoria has been settled, and that the State Government has succeeded in commanding the situation, there is reason to hope that the ordinary services will be insta!: d again at once, and that rhe race meetings outside of Melbourne will be held according to contract, says “Umpire” in the Sydney "Referee.” During the railway trouble the Mentone and Williamstown meetings were brought off at Moonee Valley, a course handy to the city, which can he reached easily by road. Mikado 11., sire of Yum Y’um, a mare that has recently been showing good form in the country districts of N.S. Wales and Victoria, was at one time offered to the writer for £3O, with a trial, which duly came off. but was about as bad a gallop as counld be witnessed, yet withlE three weeks he won a double at a country meeting In Canterbury, ami afterwards went to Australia and performed well, and was there sold for a good price, and no doubt was a most useful horse. A month ago at Avondale Meteor was set to receive two stone from G*lnorkie. Both were then beginners over hurdles, and both much on a par as regards achievements ou the flat. Meteor cantered home, Gilnockie nowhere. Gilnockie has had what was a lucky win and a third since, and Meteor has not started. Meteor was set to give Gilnockie 51b in the Remuera Hurdles, a difference of 331 b on the handicap of a month ago. Looking at the running of both horses, the public will be found even now on the side of Meteor.

Our London correspondent writes that twenty one horses competed in th- Lancashire Handicap Steeplechase, over 3$ miles, worth £1725, including many of the field that contested the Grand National. In one respect the race reminded one strongly of “the ’chasers’ Derby,” for of the runners only nine survived long enough to pass the judge The winner, Fairfield, was ridden by Goswell, a young jockey who rides Tod Sloan fashion between fences, and had a remarkable run of ln<-k during the day. He ’hr)d five mounts, rode three winners, dead-heated in a fourth event, and was third in his other race. This must be something like a record in steepiechasing and hurdle racing. There is trouble going on between the American advertising tipsters and the postal authorities (says a confrere). '1 he Department claimed that as betting was ii.rga’, the forwarding of money by letter for that purpose constituted an illegal act, and attached the tipsters’ mail at Washington. An examination showed that one fiun ao .» received nearly 2000 lotteis daily, so that America, as well as any other country, evidently jejoices in its full share of fiats. The tipsters claim that the detention of their letters was instigated by the Washington Jockey Club officials, and talk of re ourse to law, as they hold that in accepting “commissions’’ they are not doing anything illegal. Thus “Javelin” in the “Leader” on crosscountry sport:—“Flat racing and jump!; g alike are carried on all the year round without i* bieak of a single day in either. The prujtice so far as it applies to steepiechasing can oniy be defended from a gate money standpein.. and even in that aspect the result is far from satisfactory. Such fiasco s as have of late been common in connection with steeplechases, not only in the suburbs, but at headquarters, can surely not command the support or rouse the enthusiasm of any reasonable being. Except on special occasions the steeplechase has bocom • the least successful item in racing programmes generally, four or five starters and mistakes innumerable being quite the regular order of things. Assuredly this is a matter that h s been reprehensibly neglected at headquarteis. The deterioration of the Australian steeplechase horse is nothing short of national calamity involving serious financial considerations.” It is about time regulation hurdles were enforced on all courses throughout New Zealand in accordance with a recommendation that was made from the Racing Conference a f-*w years ago to all racing clubs. The oldtime hurdles made of stout iron bark natelial. bolted and shod at the pomts, 3*t 9in erect, which did duty year in :«bd year out, and rarely wanted repairing- the so-called hurdles with saplings bound a-ong the top to strengthen them, and obstacles of various kinds, built to resist the strongest force, and mis-named hurdles,which we were wont to see ridden ovex between 20 and 30 yeais ago on some courses in New Zealand, and even more recently—have certainly given place to lower and less formidable jumps, and the horses for the most part are of a much lighter class, and naturally go faster. Still, even nowadays there is so much C'ff-r--euce in the stiength and dimensions of material of which hurdles are made and the way that they are put up that thcr? are constant complaints from owners and r’ders. In the English House of Commons. Mr Lough. M.P. for Islington, gave notice of the following question to the Home Secretary: "To ask whether his attention has been called to the circumstances under which the recent Grand National Steeplechase was run; and whether, seeing that out of 27 starters only seven finished, and that 14 of the horses fell at various fences, and one broke its leg and was destroyed on the course, and another died of staggers, be will state whether any inspectors under the Home Office were in attendance at this race to prevent cruelty to the animals, and whether H is his Intention to order the prosecution any of the riders.” According to “Who’s Who,” Mr Lough was educated at a Wesleyan Connexional School in Dublin. An Irishman by birth, he is a tea merchant, with a penchant for golf. His qualifications for critic of steeplechasing are therefore obvious. He is wrong, though, in stating that there were 27 starters, as only 23 went to the post, and his statement that a horse died of staggers is likewise inaccurate.

Newhtm Is getting plenty of opportunities at the stud in England, despite bls exclusion from the “Stud Book,” says a Sydney writer. This season he bad twentytwo mares on his list, and he was mated with about 20 in each of his previous seasons, so there will be plenty of his stock racing in the Old Country later on. One of his two-year-olds, lolauthe, was expected to make her appearance on the race track last month. The “Special Commissioner strongly advocates Newhaveu’s admission to the “Stud Book,” and points out that this volume contains horses whose claims are no better than those of the chestnut. He implies that when Australian horses began to be imported the Messrs Weatherby suddenly became sticklers for purity and accuracy of pedigree, but is of opinion that a more liberal policy prevails with them at the present rime, eise Hauiette would not have been declared admissible. Hauiette, it should be mentioned, is a descendant of Onida. who has done so much lor the Wellington Park stud.

Mr Herries, representing country clubs, will move at the coming Racing Conference, the following:—New Rule 143, XV. in tte case of any country club holding a meeting without the totalisator, and not giving away more than £lOO in stakes per the Jockey Club may authorise the stewards to issue permits to ride under the following condition: (a) Such permits shall be available for day cf issue only; (b) no permit shall be issued unless the stewards are satisfied that th re are not sufficient licensed jockeys on the ground who c an ride the weight: (cj a sum of live shillings shall be paid for each permit, to be transmitted to the Jock.ys’ Provident Fund of th? district: (d» a list of permits issued shall be forwarded by the secretary at the conclusion of the meeting to rhe Jo-key club; (e) no permit shat! be issued to anyone who has been refused a jockey’s license or who is disqualified or who is on the forfeit list; (f) the holder of a permit shall for the time b-. Ing be sul joet to ail rules and regulations affecting jockeys. Mr Herries also intends to move the following, of which he has given notice of morion, viz.: “That this conference is of opinion that an appeal for a decision of the stewards of a metropolitan club to the committee of such metropolitan club is not ‘exclusive local business’ within the meaning of rule 169.” Paris-Sport” has devoted an article to the question of training and the gradual absorption uf all functions connected with racing stables by men who have f-ome from America to replace those born and bred in France, or, as the sons and grandsons of their forebears, attach-d to the country of their adoption. A sportsman absent from Longchamps for the past two or three years, would not, says the journal, be able to recognise the paddock. He would look in vain for the jo> keys and trainers of his day, listen in vain for the voices he knew, wood, r at the strange faces and the accents, of those who have, within a very brief period, proved that Frenchmen are apt to forget the services so faithfully rendered to them since the introduction of racing in Fran* e by Englishmen. England also suffered from the invasion of “those wh«> knew more ej»out ‘bluff’ than they did about horses.” Englishmen did not allow themselves to be carried away. They adopted what they thought might be useful, but “the English Turf would not allow itself to Be conquered as France had been by the foreign element.” “Paris-Sport '* pays a grateful tribute to such men as the Carters ariil the Cunningrons, who during the war of 1870 showed that they were actuated by no mercenary consideration, and. while doing their duty, proved how devoted they were to their employers.

A prominent English writer says that the Falmouth House stable seems to be in for a good time this season, and is of opinion that Sir Blundell Maple’s successes are In a great measure due to the fact of his setting up another stud farm at which to rear tne young stock away from the p’ace of their birth. The scribe points out that in the Old Country private breeders with stallions of their own, and mares always kept at home, are rarely so successful as those who send their mares away to horses at other studs. While admitting that theie

have been exceptions to the rule, he s ys that when good horses are bred and reared at the studs where their sire is kept, .l wi 1, on Investigation, generally be found that either the horse or mare has been away from home the previous year. He thus accounts for Doncaster getting Pend Or, B nd Or Ormonde, and Ormonde Orme, ea< h tn his first season at the Eaton Stud. Ornament, who Is the most successful of the Eaton mares, has been sent away each year to horses at other studs, and the only time she stayed at home, and was mated with Blue Green, the lesult was of do account. The Duke of Portlaud has spared u » expense in getting mares to suit St. Simon, and some of these have dou? well, but In most cases at the outset of their careers at Welbeck. The public mares sent to St. Simon have been his mainstay, for from them he has sired stock by which he will he best •- ’.nemberrd.Memoir.Ls Fl ■ be, Florizel. Persimmon, Diamond Jubilee, and St. Maclou. The writer says William the Third was reared at Welbeck, but r.- sons he is the exception proving the rule.

There is little doubt but that any number of racehorses of fair class could be sold just bow for either South Africa or India at r asonable prices (says the Sydney **Re f e ee”), but owners are beginning to understand that there is a margin of no inconside; able amount sometimes between the prices paid to them and the sum paid by men who race the horses eventually over the *ater. When a decent performer is sold for export there is generally a deal of secrecy abou*: the price, and obviously there are special reasons for that. Some very high prices l ave been got for ponies and galloways both In India and South Africa of late, and substantial protits made by agents nr traders which lock rather out of the way. The result is that owners here have come io the conclusion that they might as well nave a lit»?e of the prolit between the Austral an and the foreign price, and this accounts in a great measure for the fact that as soon as a horse is wanted foi export a long price is generally asked. Just p.-«w there are counnissions in the hands of agents for anything good at fair prices, and the principal t. oubb of the people holding commissions is that stiff r tigures are now* asked than was the case formerly. Still, for al! that, a large numb r of sales Lave been effected within the last few mouths, and a valuable trade continues to develop. Should recent pm chases do well in India or South Africa, there may be some thing like a boom In the racehorse trade, and. if so, the studmasters of this State in particular will ultimately benefit considerably, for tht- man who can get high prices for his exposed performers is the more ready to handle young stock and extend racing operations. During his visit to Adelaid • the Sultan of Johore bought several horses, including Rapid Pilgrim, and before he rets over his journey through Victoria and New South Wales he is pretty sure to add to his collection for India. Sir Roger was sold to an Indian buyer after he won at Randwick, and a few more current performers might easily be disposed of at prices which would be considered fair enough if values had not been somewhat swelled by the knowledge that the demand for export is pretty »-.und just now. The market for thoroughbred stock of good average quality was, perhaps, never better than it is at present. © © © TURF TALK FROM THE SOUTH. (By Telegraph.—Special to “Graphic.”) CHRISTCHURCH. Saturday. For some time past there have been rumours of the formation of a new party in the Canterbury Jockey Club. That there was some foundation for the rumours Is now evident. A number of younger members were candidates for seats on the committee and among the stewards at the general meeting, and in other ways there was evidence of a growth of Interest in the affairs of the club. Some feeling was imported into the proceedings, and it is understood that on more than one occasion the discussion became warm. The new men were beaten, but their Candida-

lure is likely to be a factor for good in the future management of the fciub. Une important change was effected, however, the meeting carried a resolution instructing the incoming committee to take steps to increase the number of long distance races on the club's programme. Last season, omitting steeplechases and hurdle ra<*es, there were at Kiccarton six races over four furlongs, ten over five furlongs, eleven over six furlongs, nine over seven furlongs, ten over a mile, three over a mlie and a quarter, seven over a mile and a half, oue over two miles, and one over two mites and a quarter. Altogether, these were thirtysix races over distances over a mile. Another resolution was carried recommending the committee to reduce the prize money distributed among two year old races. The i’aliiis-Cannie Chiel protest is still one of the leading topics of discussion in local racing circles. The following letter, addressed by Sir George Clifford to the Ashburton Racing Club, speaks for itself: “To the Chairman of the Ashburton County Having Club.—Dear Sir, —As no mail reaches me here on Fridays, my tirst intimation of the occurrence at your races came to hand late on Saturday afternoon, when I also received your telegram. I quite endorse the action of my trainer entering the protest. The rules of racing provide for the case, and, assuming that Pallas actually carried a wrong weight, 1 cannot see that the stewards have any option but to declare Cannie Chiel the winner of the race, and to disqualify Pallas. I claim, therefore, that this be done, and that the stakes be paid to me. I take this course partly in justice to any backers of Cannie Chiel, and also because the owner of the horse placed third, whom I cannot now consult, has an interest in the matter; moreover, it would be a dangerous precedent to admit that non compliance with the rules of racing must be condoned merely from the consequent hardship to the negligent owner, in the memorable case when Sir Joseph Hawley’s Bluegown was disqualified for the Doncaster Champion Stakes (value £1475) for carrying undeclared overweight, the stakes were, as a matter of course, paid to the second horse. So much as to the official position. Personally, when the stakes have been paid to me, I do not intend to keep them, but that is a private matter which does not at present concern your club.—Yours faithfully, signed George Clifford, Stonyhurst, May 24.’’ To this the owner of Pallas retorts with a setter published in a Christchurch daily paper yesterday (Friday), in which he expresses his surprise that, as the questions involved in the protest lodged against Pallas, viz., as to whether he carried overweight, and. so, whether that overweight was declared as required by the rules of racing, are now under consideration of the stewards of the Ashburton Racing Club. Sir G. Clifford should have published his views on matters still sub Judice, the more so as he is the person responsible for the protest, and therefore the chief party to the proceedings. There are, he adds, statements and observations contained in Sir George’s letter which are undoubtedly open to criticism, but I shall refrain from making any comment upon them until the questions at issue have been decided by the proper authorities, in order that no suggestion can be made that i am In any way endeavouring to influence the decision of the stewards. ClanbtWn was priced recently, but £2OO was asked for him, and this figure was thought to be excessive by the would-be purchaser. Social Pest is progressing favourably in his work, and may stand another preparation. It is rumoured that Pallas may be to Australia shortly. Deerstalker, the three-year-old brother to Cannie Chiel, Is for sale. Manson has broken in the imported filly Sevres China, by Patron from Lancer. She was foaled to English time. It Is understood that the case Price v. Parkinson, which is said to have had its origin In negotiations for the purchase of Ribbonwood, has been settled out of court. At a meeting of the Canterbury Jockey Club to-day the following motions were carried: —(1) “That it be a recommendation to the incoming committee to consider the desirability of reducing the amount of money given in classes for two-year-olds at present 25 per cent, of the total stakes”; (2) “That the attention of the committee be also called to the number of sprint races In the programme, and to the desirability of reducing the same and encouraging long-distance racing.” The meeting rejected a motion that the incoming committee be instructed to appoint a stipendiary steward In connection with all. race meetings. Considerable discussion took place on the question of absentees voting in club elections, but a motion to eliminate such votes was lost. The balance sheet showed receipts £31,S 91 —totalisator accounts, £13.280; race receipts. £7584: and nominations and acceptances, £5174. Expenditure, £31.840; stakes amounting to £20,100. CHRISTCHURCH, Tuesday. The weather has been damp and cold during the past two or three days, and anybody who has not been absolutely compelled by force of circumstances to visit Rlecarton in the morning, has kept awav. Training operations have not actually been Impeded, for the reason that the active division is absent in Dunedin, but naturally they have not been conducted under pleasant conditions. Most of the local horses with engagements at the Dunedin meeting left for the South last week, and the balance went yesterday.

Mr Dalgety has sold King Stork to McCracken. end the disappointing son of Stepnlak has left Aynsley’s stable. Social Pest has been pushed along faster lately, and if the weather holds up he ought to be forward enough to run at •or Grand National Meeting. His stable

companion Great Gun, by Hoicliklae — Sybil, la Alling out into ■ One youngster. Hewitt wu a passenger tor America by the steamer which carried Price, the owner at the pacer Blbbouwood. Lavalette, who has been resting since the Canterbury Jockey Club's autumn meet Ing, has resumed work. He looks all the better tor his spell A. Frame, who baa been In charge or Sir George Clifford's stud at Stoneyburst for the last 7 or S years, has retired. He has been succeeded by F. Lunn, a sou of the late J. Lunn, who at one time trained Welcome Jack. Although Mr Macbell did coutemplate sending Pallas across to Australia, be has abandoned the idea for the present. The decision come to by the stewards ot the Ashburton County Racing Club la the Asiibnrton Stakes* protest was generally expected. It is difficult tb see what other course the stewards could have taken. The owner ot Pallas has committed a breach ot the rules, and he has to suffer the penalty. At the same time, I think 1 am right In saying that Mr Machell is the object ofi a great deal ot sympathy. The Dunedin Jockey Club's Winter Meeting, which begins on Wednesday, Is likely to be held on a heavy course. If Kelburu is in the humour he ought to win th" Birthday Handicap, and Southerly Buster may take the Hurdle Race. Almanac may will the Hack Race, Miss O'Connell the Maiden Plate, Lolali the Tradesmens Handicap, aud Count of Kolmar the Welter Handicap. The Forbury Park Racing Club has decided to hold three meetings next season. ® ® ® AUCKLAND RACING CLUB'S NORTH NEW ZEALAND GRAND NATIONAL MEETING. inter racing has an attraction for the people in Auckland, when it is carried on at Ellerslie, where the best line of Steeplechase country in north New Zealand is met with, and an uninterrupted view of the whole of the jumps is obtained. As race-goers who hare attended these annual fixtures know, the course is one of great beauty. The fences have been put In order, aud the two post and rail and gorse jumps on top of rhe hill never looked so trim and inviting, and with the exception of the Wanganui Steeplechase winner, Awahurl, all the horses jumped them excellently. The new stone wall just before coming on to the course proper was negotiated without mishap by every competitor iu each of the two cross country events. The course was very heavy. Indeed, on account of the great amount ot rain which fell during the week preceding the meeting, and this w;iii be gathered by those who compare the times with previous performances. Some people will have It that the good horses will succeed no matter what the goin- is b i !t form is usually upset when tracks like those jnet with at the old familiar tryst on Saturday are raced upon, aud the wonder to many is that there were not more accidents. The weather was not sueh as we usually have here at our winter meetings, but it might have been worse, disagreeable though it was at intervals. W e have had larger attendances certainly. All the same it was a representative assemblage, including, as our ■national” meetings always do, visitors from ail parts of this Island, and usually a fair sprinkling from both North and South. There may have been fewer leading racing men than usual on the grounds o'. Saturday than have assembled the-c on opening days in the past, for which the bad weather on the eve of the meeting is responsible, as large numbers would not take on the sea trips from various ports on the eastern and western sides of this island who had Intended do ng so. It would have to be very bad weather Indeed to deter our worthy Governor from assisting at sueh a function, and he and Countess Ranfnrlv Lord Northland, and Capt. Alexander were present throughout the proceedings, aud were received on the lawn by the President and stewards a few minutes before the first race started, and Impey's Band, which helped to enliven matters during t “ e ,, artc ™o°n, ann ounced the arrival of the distinguished visitors. As to the class of horses that competed, it may be said that they were a fair average lot in each departSat. hunjle and steeplechase, with nothing high class standing out In any particular one. The maiden steeplechasers were ordinary, the Maiden Welter candidates of fair average, the Great Northern steeplechasers well up to previous rears Toe Maiden Hurdles fm e shed a Vw nst ful ones, aud so did the Remuera Hurdles ~»1JX tak . e P gleat «tte“*oce la weight to bring the best and the worst ot the Cornwall Handicap lot together just non-, if we except two or three of those n 1? of the race 3 the top weights failed, but nearly all ran respectably, considering the condition of the ground. Actual first favourites also failed in every Instance. The amount of money put through the totalisator during the afternoon, viz., £9095, does not uii.-ate that speculation was excessively Indulged The first race Introduced to notice a field of five the most promising-looking being the Hawke s Bay gelding Great Shot, by t tackshot from a Mute mare, who was made favourite and soon put his backers Io the cart by falling over the first fence, while the St. Hippo—-Jadestone gelding Hlpstoue (therefore half-brother to Explosion) was on his bad behaviour, and stopped at the stone wall. A pretty race resulted between the other three, who jumped nicely; the Wanga-nui-bred gelding The Pullack, who Is by

Strenuous from Olga (sister to Loch Lomond, a one-time crack), outpa>*ed Marine and Master Model and won with little to spare by three lengths. The line-looking Napier geldHoseshoot and a visitor from the country called Hurrah—the first-mentioned a full brother to Bush Rose, Primula, and Peiuose —were favourites for the Malden Welter Handicap, but were never dangerous. the Blairgowrie gelding Corporal coming out at the business end and catching the Gisborne gelding Croupier won in good style, S-indy, the Taranaki-owned son of Somt and L<»vales. finishing in third berth. Corporal’s ??S» kers recelv ed the nice dividend of £9 14/6, and those of Croupier £2 14/6. Awahuri. who was last seen at Ellerslie when he won three races over hurdles tn succession at the Easter meeting, was a strong fancy for the Great Northern Steeplechase; f * he Mg fellow seemed to be anchored by the heavy going, and the hill troubled him a deal, and he fell in the final round at the second fence there Cannongate ran about h.s best race in the winter over this particular course: bnt Haydn wore him down, sticking to his task well. Sudden got within a neck of Cannongate in the run home on sufferance, as the two leaders were casing up. Nor’- west fell while going well in the second round. Puffing Billv rau off at the top water jump when, with TunJ. showing in front. Tun! finished verv tired, easing up after cutting out the work for half the journey. Spalpeen jumped in splendid style In the Maiden Hurdle Race tn the last hurdle. but th “Il gave place to Record Reign’s half-brother Up to Date, who stayed the distance out. Gilnockle was bar 1 ridden all the way to the straight in second place in a fruitless attempt to catch Spalpeen. and then dropped out beaten. The Cornwall Handicap was unfortunately lost to Mr E. J. Watt through the misconduct of his mare Float, who bored over to the outside of the track all up the straight, despite the efforts of Lindsay to keep her in the course proper, and was the cause of Durable finishing next the tails. Had Float kept her place she would have won easily all the same, though Durable. Putty, and Rosella were close up. Rosella was favourite. Lingard. the greatest outsider, won the Remuera Hurdle Race by sheer bard riding and perhaps a little luck, ns Lady Bell lost a bit of g’ on nd through going on the outside of Battleaxe in the last three furlongs. wb*n that gliding was milled out. his rider fancying the horse had hurt himself through slipping or striking a hurdle; and Meteor, who fenced boldly and had made all the running, also hit the last two jumps. Oingo was pulled up. having burst a blood vessel: and Waiwera could never got up to the leaders, though under pressure throughout. Starshoot was made favourite for the Ladies’ Bracelet, notwithstanding his running in the Maiden Welter, in whi' n he seemed unable to ac t in the mud; but he did not shape any better, victory resting with the improved Swagsmau over Hipstone, whoso position surprised many. Concluding results:— THE MAIDEN STEEPLECHASE HANDICAP of lOOsors; 2J tulles. 128- Mr A. McMillan’s hr g The Pul’ack. aged, by Strenuous—Ogle, 9.9 (Butler) 1 86— Mr Armitage’s b g Marine. 10.0 (Wilson) 2 54—Mr M. Hogan’s Master Model, 10.6 (Noble) . .. 3 Also ran:—l74. Mr J. Courtney’s Great Shot (McLachlan); 53, Mr J. H. Selby’s Hipstone (Howaid). Great Shot was last to arrive at the first obstacle after climbing the hi’l, where he fell, leaving Ilipstone and Marine in the lead. At the first sod wall Htpstone stopped, aud from this out Puilack, Marine, and Master Model keot close company. Master Model led down the the hill, but The Puilack headed him before reaching the course proper, and Marine passed him at the last hurdle. Puilack won by three lengths, and there were two lengths between the second £3 11/ T<l horses ’ Time « 5m Bs. Dividend, FIRST MAIDEN WELTER HANDICAP of lOOsovs, second horse lOsovs, 7 furlongs. Bb—Mr A. F. MacKeuxie’s b g Corporal, 10.3 (Gosswel!) 1 117 —J- Clark’s br g Croupier, 9.0 (Griffiths) 2 1-B—Mr Fred. Watson’s b g Sandy, 10.0 (Johnson) 3 Also ran: 313, Mr E. J. Watt’s b g Roseshoot, 9.7 (Lindsay); 113, Mrs Leonard s b c Lavadel, 9.4 (Sceats); 38, Mr G. v ercoe’s b m Repetition, 9.3 (Stet rt); 34, Mr H. Weal’s b g Crespln, 9.3 (Taylor); 51, Mr F. Russ’ b g Hillflower, 9.0 (Ross); 37 Messrs Duder’s b m Queen Anne, 9.0 (Smith); 131. Mr G. Adams’ b g Maoriland, 9.0 (Mobberley); 274, Mr P. Bolton s ch g Hurrah. 9.0 (Speakman); 30, Mr J. Mot,gomery’s ch ni Kathleen, 9.0 (Jenkins); 30, Mr J. D. Walkice’s b m Leo Delaval, 9 0 (Stewart): 33, Mr R. McMicken’s br m Mount Zeehan. 9.0 (Teddy). Croupier, Hillflower aud Sandy were leading at the five-furlong post, while the field was •strung out. At the straight Corporal came through strong, and, getting on terms at the people’s stand, won a good race by a length. Croupier was second, Sandy three lengths off third. Time 1.40. Dividends. £9 13/6 and £2 14/6.

GREAT NORTHERN STEEPLECHASE HANDICAP of 750sovs; second lOOsova Distance about 3> miles. 362—Messrs Macmauemin and Davies’ b g Haydn, 10.0 (Fergus) 1 304—Mr John Marshall's br g Cannongate, 12.7 (Higgins) 2 160—Mr M. Deeb les ch g Sudden, 9.10 (Owner) 8 Also ran: 512 Mr G. P. Donnelly's br g Awahuri, 11.5 (Cameron); 213 Mr E. t cell’s b g Nor’-west, 11.2 (Wright); 49 Mr J. Jack’s br g Tuul, 9.9 (McGregor); 150 -Mr J. Arnaboldi’s br g I’udiug Billy. 9.7 (Stewart). Nor’-west jumped off in front, and with Puffing billy and Tuni led at the hili, Awahuii bringing up the rear. Puffit g Biily and Tuni then went to the front aud led tb“ rest of the field. Increasing their lend they were 20 lengths in front at the end of cuce - ound, all the horses jumping well. Puffing Billy lost his place at the top water jump. Going up the hili a second time Tuni led Sudden, Haydn, and Nor’-west, Awahuri running in the rear, but closing up. Over the double, Tuni, Haydn, Sudden, and Nor’-west were together, Cannoneat< .h;u Awahuri close up. Nor’-West fell at the stone wall. Haydn led at the icp water Jump, and Cannougate joined him along the back, Awahuri running into third place at the bill but all were under pressure, aud Awahuri nearly fell at the first anti came down at !*e next jump on the hill. Haydn came away from Canuongate down the hill, and won by ten lengths from (’annonzafe. who just beat Sudden, who finished strong in the home run, by a neck; Tuni was the only other to finish, cantering in a long way back. Time 9.1. Dividends—£3 4 and £1 s'o. THE FIRST MAIDEN HI’RDLE HANDICAP of lOOsovs: second lOsovs out of the stake. One mile and three-quarters. 214—Mr J. Roulston’s b g Up-to-Dare, syrs. by St. Hippo-Winnie. 10.9 (Howard) 1 282—Mr L. Marshall’s Spalp<>en, 3jt:m, by Gossoon—Windmill. 10.0 (M •- Intosh) 2 24—Mr F. W. Telfer’s b h St. Gordon, aged, by Brigadier or St. Leger— Bragela, 9.0 (Alec. Williams).... 3 Also ran: 61 Mr J. Jack s Pungarehu, 10.0 (McGregor); 144 Mr F. Ziminrrman’s Gilnockie, 10.0 (O’Connell): 36 Mr F. Verran’s Walmana, 9.7 (Mtteliell): 8S Mr A. Morrow’s Marksman, 9.7 (Owner); 18 Mr W. J. Bowden’s Leona, 9.5 (Owner): 194 Mr J. Hannon’s Fencer. 9.5 (Quinton); 30 Mr G. Main’s Tempest. 9.0 {Bird); 30 Mr F. Ross’ Better Days (late May Day), 9.0 (Ross); 122 Mr J. A. Short’s Revealer tlate Confessor), 9.0 (Noble). Spalpeen, followed by Giinorkie. Up-to-Date, and Revealer led. and th • first named was only caught at the last hurdle by Up-to-Date. Gilnockie dropping back beaten in the straight. Fencer, Revealer aml Tern pest fell. Time, 3.47. Dividend, £3 18/ and 19/6.

CORNWALL HANDICAP of 30W.0V)-. sseci»nl horse s<>sovs, third 23sova. Oue tulle. J2S—J. George's b g Durable, Sjrrs. by Svlvla Park—Duriis. 10.7 (George) 1 231—T. McKay's eh g Putty, 10.3 (Mobberly) - 888 Messrs Nathan’s eh m Rosella, 10.12 (Gallagher) 3 Also ran: 68 Strathavon. 11.3 (Stewart); 179 Vai Rosa. 10.6 (Seeatsi: 139 Float 10 3 (Lindsay); 126 St. Olga, 10.4 (Searle): 181 Paul Seaton, 9.13 (Deeley); 59 Pana, 9.12 (Griffiths): 272 Miss Lottie, 9.8 (Owner); 82 Zuleika. 9.5 (Teddy); 35 Bastion, 9-0 (Griffiths). , t Float made the running after the first furlong. Durable. St. Olga and Rosella next in order, then coming Putty. bloat was still leading when the Derby stand was reached, but eoine out from the rails, causing Durable to swerve too, and the pair finished under the judge’s box. Float whining bv a lengta an! a quarter, Putty and Rosella close tip third and fourth. Float was disqualified for interference, and the race awarded to Durable. Time, 1.55. Dividends, £5 17/ and £1 18/. ItEML’ERA HANDICAP HURDLES of 200 sovs, second horse 25sovs. Two miles. 30—E. .1. Sage sch g Llngard. 4yrs, by l.eolantis—The Orphan, 9.10 (Noble) 1 I. —J. McCracken’s br m Lady Bell, 9.10 (Cochrane) .—- 290—F. Watson’s b g Battleaxe, 10.13 (Johnson) --• — 3 Also ran: 271 Mr O’Driseoll’s Walwcra, 11. (Hail); 108 Mr G. P. Donnelly’s Oiugi. 10.7 (Cameron); 161 (Mr R. Hannon’s Meteor. 9.7 (Quinton). Meteor led for a mile and a half, when he struck a hurdle, and Battleaxe, Lady Bell and Lings rd closed on him, the two first mentioned- heading him turning into the straight. Battleaxe. In the centre of the course, led over the last hurdle. Lady Bell losing ground through coming on the outside, but drawing away had Battleaxe beaten, but was eaught in the rui> homo and defeated a’neck by Lingard, Meteor and Waiwera fourth and fifth. Dingo pulled. Time, 4.ICJ. Dividend. £29 19_. THE LADIES’ BRACELET of lOOsovs. A bracelet of the value of 75sovs tor the first horse and a bracelet of the value of 2wsovs for the second horse. Gentlemen riders. One mile and a half. 174—Mrs Chamberlin's b g Swagsman, .’lyrs, by Ben Godfrey—Problem, 10.(5 (Mr Ernest Alison) 1 CS —Mrs Selby’s br g Hipstone. Syrs, bv St. Hippo—Jadestone, 11.2 (Mr C. Selby) 2 75 —Mrs Williamson's b g Irish, Syrs, bv Eton—Astiiore, 10.6 (Mr Heebie) 3 Also ran: 4(1 Mrs F. B. Ross’ Kanaka, 11.2 (Mr Tonge); 251—Miss I. Lennard’s Lavadel, 10.6 (Mr W. Paul): 301 Mrs T. 11. Lowrv’s Roseshoot, 10.6 (Mr E. D. O’Rorke:; 223 Mrs J. Harrison’s Muskerdale. 10.6 (Mr Walker); 87 Mrs J. O’Driscoll’s Commonwealth, 10.(5 (Mr O’Driseoll). Irish and Swagsman were in turn responsible for the running, but Swagsman drew out at the finish ami won by three lengths. Hipstone displacing Irish by a neck. Lavadel fourth. Time, 3.4. Dividends, £4 15/ and £4 1 . ® © ® ENGLISH RACING. THE OAKS. . LONDON. May 29. At the Epsom Summer Meeting, the Oaks resulted as follows:—Our Lassie 1, Ilammerkop 2, Skyscraper 3.