TURF NOTES.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXI, Issue III, 18 July 1903, Page 161

TURF NOTES.

Mornington Cannon, for the first time since 1890, had no mount in the English Derby.

Winners at Gisborne have not incurred penalties at the Wellington meeting, acceptances for which close on Monday.

Mr Charles Westwood, secretary of the Tasmanian Racing Club, (lied recently e froin pneumonia and asthmatic complications.

Hipstone has been absent from the tracks at Eiierslie for some days, and is 1 eport eu slightly amiss.

For the first time since the victory of Diamond Jubilee in 1900 the Royal colours were carried in the Derby by Mead, who finished fourth.

Manumit, winner of the V.R.C. Grand National Hurdle Race, prepare! people for his win by scoring in the hurdle races at Caulfield aud Williamstown.

The stewards of the English jockey Club having received a report from :be stewards of the National Hunt Committee that they have remitted a sentence passed by them upon an owner in 1892.

Mr Walters advertises his thoroughbred imported sire Sou it to be at the services of breeders this season at I’apakura. As the horse's list is filling fast, early application will be necessary.

After the decision of the Derby odds of 110 to 100 were laid on Rock Sand for the St. Leger, after an even “hundred” had been taken. The St. Roger comes up for decision on September 9th.

The field for the Derby was rhe smallest, with one exception, since exactly one hundred years ago. The exception was in when Ladas carried* off the coveted prize. In 1803 only six went to the post.

Medallion’s progeny continue to show to, advantage. Oblivion and-L;f-Vac tta, recent; winners in Australia, are by ,Hie sou of - Xo ;'< denfcklt, whose name appears in the pedl-r grees of most of our cracks.

Recently I mentioned that J. Cameron - had had fourteen horses killed under him. Had I known it I might have added that he has had his left collar bone smashed eleven times, aud his right four times.

Apropos of the debate on the Retting Bill at Home, a yokel is credited with having remarked: “What the country wants is a jolly good leaving alone for a time.”

After Float, was taken home to Hastings from her unlucky trip to the North New Zealand Grand National Mooting, it was decided by her trainer to give her a spell, and she was sent out to Longlauds to be wintered.

Weights for the New Zealand National Steeplechase meeting will be issued on Monday, ,20th July, following the Wellington Racing Club's meeting, with which the racing season of 11)02-3 will no brought to a close.

Mr Hugo Friedlander has purchased a property from Mr Paton, at Papntoitoi, and it is conjectured that the Southern sportsman mav locate a number of his thoroughbi-eds ’ there, and probably ultimately make it a Htud farm.

The conference of delegates of trotting clubs affiliated to the New Zealand Trotting Association is fixed for Tuesday, 14th .Tiily. at Wellington. I have to thank Mr Rolbtt, secretary, for a copy of the order paper.

The French colt Vinieius was absolutely last all the way to the straight in the Derby, when he began to make up his leeway In workmanlike fashion, and, passing his rivals one by one, lie took second place ju*st inside the distance, and made A respectable fight of it,—Exchange.

Mr R. G. Casey, who Is a candidate for a seat on the committee of the Victoria R.C., has written to the press, giving his opinions. He states that he la strongly hi favour of the totallsator, and believes that if the evil of “over racing" tn Victoria was dealt! with by the V.R.C., the opposition to the tote would be very considerably weakened. He is also of opinion that jockeys should be properly apprenticed to respectable trainers, and! taught their business, and that all Inquiries Into suspicious cases of running should be taken on oath, aud open to the pregs aud public.

A contemporary suggests that the stones used in the construction of the “Cathe<lrgl” fence, just dispensed with by the V.R.C., should be made into a monument, bearing the names of the horses killed over them.

At the Gatwh-k Spring Meeting an unnamed two year old filly by the Melbourne Cup winner Patron, run second in the Leonards Plate. On the same day. the New Zealand bred Seahorse. with 8.0 in the saddle, took part in tin* Prince's Handicap. hut failed to get a place.

In his Free Handicap issued before the Derby was run, Mr Weatherby gave Rock Sand 9.2. Vinieius 9.0, Flotsam 8.12, Rabelais 8.8, Mead 8.7, and Acefull 7.12. These six horses finished in the Derby in the exact order as handicapped, which shows how well Mr Weatherby had judged the merits of the field.

A hurried visit was paid to the Cobham stud by the Special Commissioner of the “Sportsman ” on Derby morning, who reported that the stock of Merman is really so astonishingly good that a man needs only to see one or two of his -foals to be convinced of his great value as a stud ho’se. Good old Merman!

The V.R.C. Commit tee have decided to remove the stone wall near the abattoirs in the steeplechase course al Flemington. The obstacle, known as the. Cathedr iL lias 1:1’1 d any number of horses, and has a. ways been regarded as a trap A light fence four feet high. including 12in of brush, Iras been substituted.

Two jockeys had sat for half an hour without exchanging a word, wrapped in admiring astonishment nt JI. W. Stevenson's delicate handling of rhe cue (writes “Javelin.’’) At hist one whispered. “By gum. I’d give sumthin to 'are a wrist like 'is. It must be. like the 'air spring of a watch!” “Yes-, but wot good would b: be for your game, Tommy?'’ cruelly replied his friend.

A question was raised as to whether Umslopagaas, Kia tore and Kanaka are eligible for the Hack and Hunters’ Steeplechases at Wellington. It has been held that Kanaka, who has won a steeplechase exceeding 80sovs in value, is not eligible: but as i.’mslopagiias has never won over country, and Kia tore has never* won a race over country of the value of Sdsovs, the two last named are qualified.

Last year Battleaxe worked with Low'aud Chief, the horse I fancied would win the Grand. National- Hurdle Race, and beat him in a gallop over hurdles, which so impressed the connections- of Lowland Chief that they-took their horse out and backed Battleaxe, who tired, to nothing in Lhe last, pint of lite journey Lowland Chief got well up to the money this time, and just beat Westerly for second place.

The “Sportsman” mentions that American jockeys are achieving quite a record in connection with the English Derby. L. Reiff was the first rider from the States to score when ho had tlic mount on Volodyovski in 1901, J- 11. Martin copied his example on Ard Patrick last year, and it has been left for Maher to complete a notable treble for the Americans by winning on Rock Sand.

J. Thorpe. Mr 11. Friedlander's trainer, informs me that ho doe:- not. ncld out any hope of Sans Peur standing a preparation for the New Zealand Cup, and has recommended Mr Friedlander to at. once retire her and mate her with Pilgrim's Progress this season. Sans Peur is a beautiful tiily, and though it Is a pity that sue may not race again, I would want nothing better to commence a stud with than such a gem and such a proved horse as PP.grlufs Profress has been.

Prior to Westerly running third in the V.R. - . Grand National Hurdle Race, he won a couple of small races in Victoria over hurdles, and, it will be remembered, ran second in a hurdle race at Ilawera in February last, to Ladv Bell, paying a Substantial dividend of ut £2 4. Tills was his first attempt, over hurdles, and he started in two more races of the same kind at Woodville the following week, finishing third in each. Westerly is by vVestmere. son of Escutcheon (by Musket) and Leonessa. by Leollnus from Petroleuse, and his dam, Martha, who won a few races in her time, was got by Cadogan from the Traducer mare Maritana, who was a good performer, and won amongst other races the Canterbury Jockey Club’s Iland.cap (now the N.Z. Cup), Tlinaru Cup. Rangltlkel Cup, Wellington Cup, and many other races.

There seems to be a move in Victoria to curtail horse raving to some extent, and no wonder. A correspondent of a Sydney impel* say*: “i’eople are of opinion tknit we have too much of the game, but wiiile the A.grants but 63 days a year within the 40 mHes radius, and insist* on a distribution of nut less than £4OO in prize money, except in the rase of Warwick Farm and ilawkeabury. the V.R.C. grant* 104 days within a 20 miles radius, and allows a distribution of £2SO in prize money, except on Saturdays ami holidays, when the minimum is £300.”

Training has done a good deal for little Marine, who Is our smallest sleepier ha ser. though one of (he finest made ones in tin? land. He is barely 15 bauds high, but has always been a bold fencer. When the country is not 100 big and the weights are on ii low scale, he will probably be found useful in ordi: ary company. By winning the To llapara Steeplechase on the second day of the Gisborne meeting on Friday, lie again defeated Kanaka, as he did at the North New Zealand Grand National meeting. *‘.t’ Armitage uses Marine as a hunter.

Mr A. R. Robertson, who went through a fortune of £40.060 in a few years, died in lhe Melbourne Hospital recently. He was only 39 years of age. In his pa*tny days he owned The Broker. Dirk Hattcrh k, Dunlop, and other good horses, and he also, I fancy, says tiio Melbourne corresponGent of the “Referee.*' had mi interest In the Newmarket Handicap winner Coronet. At any rate, he had a big win over him.

Thus the racing reporter of the “Sportsman” in his notes on Derby Day: “The rhythm of equine hoofs galloping lightly’ over the springy sward is music to the ear of the sjMirtsman. and the temptation to •join the gind throng that went laughing along’ towards Epsom proved well nigh irresistible. And no wonder, for the morning broke radiant and glorious, and apprehensions on the score of the weather (•titered into the minds of no one.”

At a meeting of the English Jockey Club, held last month, the starting gate was again discussed, ami. In reply* to Mr L. de Rothschild. Mr Brassvy said ho thought that the Gray machine could hardly’ be termed a failure, for out of about five thousand races started by it. he could only recall four real fiascos. However, the stewards had inspected a great number of gates, and proposed to go very’ thoroughly into the matter at once.

An important piece of Information was forthcoming at the Waterloo inilway station from the authorities there. Although having nothing to do with the r*erby. it is interesting to those that take interest in racing matters. Asked whether racing traffic generally had increased or fallen off. the answer was that it grow yearly. This mav be taken ns a barometer < f the times, and ihnt the snort of kings Is becoming more popular in England.

It never rains but it pours, says the “Speeial Commissioner” of the “Sportsman,” and no sooner has a son of Sainfoin won the Derby than the Royal Stakes is taken hv Sundridge. who is out of Sierra, own sister to Sainfoin. This, following on Black Sand’s victories and on the great Australian successes of the same family, as represented by such winners as Auriini, Aurr.ria. and The Admiral (sire of The Victory), will create a diversion in favour of what is really very rare blood and may be used with great advantage.

On Wednesday Haydn. Tresham, ami Spalpeen were schooled over hurdles on the Ellerslie course. After a mile and a half had been traversed Spalpeen tired of the business, and the other pair went on. Haydn is In very fine form just now, and shaped in his usual careful style. Spalpeen's gallop (114 not please his trainer* sufficiently to send him to Wellington next day, and* Cygnet, who was expected t<» go’ from the same stable, was not shipped either. St. Olga and Nor’-west, who accompanied Haydn on the Rotoiti, have both been doing satisfactory work. Haydn will be ridden by Fergus in bls engagements, Nor’-west by Dave Wright, and St. Olga by Mark Ryan.

Last year Westerly, who ran third In the V.R.C. ’Grand National Hurdle Race, was a competitor in a few flat races in New Zealand, and after first winning a Maiden Hack Race, secured the Wairarapa Guineas. During the year which is now closihg. Westerly ran a few times only. His owner bring desirous of selling offered to accept n very low figure for the gelding. The writer recommended his purchase to about a dozen racing men, but none of them appeared to want an unmade fencer, and so Westerly went begging for a new owner for a time, until Mr W. Keith bought him. He lias done remarkably well for one with little experience of jump-

It Is expected that there will be a sharp debate on the totalisator question In the New Zealand House of Parliament during this session. According to an exchange the Betting Bill, which was introduced into the House of Lords by Lord Davey, met with short shrift, on May 18, when it came on for its second reading. It primarily aimed at suppressing starting price bet-

ting, by making the word “reeortlng” In the old Act Include the tending of race•ages by telegraph or telephone, but undoubtedly It was only a step to the attempt to make all betting Illegal. The Bari of Durham made a acathing speech in moving the rejection of the Bill, and aald: Of all strange specimens of the human race, be thought the faddist the strangest. If he were asked to define a faddist, he should say he was a cross between a fanatical Pharisee and a lunatic. In the end, the motion for the second reading of the Bill was lost by 48 votes to 39. It transpires thnt Mr J. Davidson was acting for Mr Hugo Friedlander when he purchased Vai Rosa on Friday last at the sale of Mrs Leonard’s racing stock.

Mr W. Walters and Mr E. Abbott were passengers for Wellington by the Ngapubi on Sunday. Mr Patterson, one of the Auckland Racing Club’s delegates, was unable to get away to attend the annual conference of racing clubs this week In Wellington. Major Pitt went alone.

Messrs Harris. Adams, and Mark represent the Auckland Trotting Club at the Trotting Conference. Mr Absolum represents the Otahuhu Trotting Club. G. Absolum, who has trained Vai Rosa throughout his career, says that horse has never been the same since he had a bad attack of influenza. How would it stand in law, if among the many curious insurances of every character possible of arrangement at Lloyd’s, one took out a policy at an agreed rate per cent., which would be the market odds, insuring the success of a certain horse on the Derby? Without question such would be practicable, for the underwriters will practically insure, or lay, against any possible kind of happening. Would not this legitimate proceeding be termed a bet, and is not identically the same as where one “lays” against men’s lives, shipwrecks, or anything else similar? —“Larry Lynx,” in “The People.”

Under the modern conditions of racing, the present generation is never likely to •see fields thirty strong measure strides for the Derby, as was the case lu the early “sixties,” when the opposition often f«4l little short of three dozen, says an exchange. There are too many valuable prizes nowadays, and the form is thoroughly threshed out before the great race comes round. The Turf is subject to violent fluctuations as regards the number of horses worthy to try conclusions for the coveted Blue Riband In various seasons, and the dearth of first class three year olds was. perhaps, never more pronounced than in the present year of grace, as evidenced by the fact that only a meagre lot of seven could be found to face the starter, two of whom were aliens.

Almont’s record of 4.325 for two miles, registered near Melbourne, is the champion pacing record for the colonies for that distance. Ribbonwood’s record for the distance takes second rank as an actual recon!. but it will be a long time before a four year old beats his time, which stands as a record for one of his age. When he covered two miles at the spring meeting of the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club in November last in 4.43, the achievement was admittedly a marvellously good one for a young four year old, but he afterwards registered a much better performance in private, and will no doubt, in time, go one better than Almont has done, for he is quite capable of a big two mile performance. It is pleasing to find our New Zealand bred pacers showing such good form.

This Is how a writer in the “Sunday Times” refers to the barrier system of starting: — The starting gate is responsible for a lot of in and out running, and now that such an important event as the One Thousand Guineas has been spoilt, the Australian device may be done away with. One thing is certain—a very different gate will have to be designed, unless we are to revert to the old method of starting with the flag, which was occasionally in-

effectual, but much more reliable than the system that has superseded It. It it a pity that Prince Soitykoff’s objection to Friday’s race was not lodged in time to raise the question thoroughly, but it la an advantage to have Prince Soltykoff, a pillar of the turf, personally interested in the matter.

Australian turf people have the notion that 8* Africa is a land of milk and honey, and atop of those already oa the ground and journeying that road, numbers more are arranging to go. Hard to see where inducement comes in. Examination of entrance money paid and prizes available In connection with recent three days’ meeting at Johannesburg showed former total £3124, while latter only aggregated £7450, which means expenses are excessively high and prize money comparatively low. ’Murkan jockey Ames, just back, said It’s the last place racing men should think of going to. Australia, at Its worst, Is heaps better for them. Even Mo. with much the better end of the game, finds things none too agreeable—he has to pay a registration fee of £5OO, and often finds big losers non est on settling day; still, however, the bejewelled one keeps at it, and waxes fat, despite his lamentations.—“ Bulletin.”

It Is said that one Derby Day is much the same as another, and such may be the case (says the racing reporter of the “Sportsman”). Certain it is. however, that no other spectacle in the world can challenge comparison with the so-called “Cockney’s Carnival,” and the painter does ret exist nor has the poet yet been born who could do adequate justice to the scenes of rollicking hilarity and uproarious merriment enacted upon Epsom Downs on the anniversary of each succeeding race for the Blue Riband. To-day, happily, the Fates smiled on the gathering, and nothing essential to the success of the festival was missing. The weather was glorious, the Kiner and Queen graced the proceedings with their presence, and one of the biggest crowds ever seen on such an occasion assisted at what proved to be a thoroughly enoyable entertainment.

In the matter of time making, English racehorses would appear able to hold their own with the best, especially over short distances. Races timed by Benson’s chronograph at Epsom were: Derby Stakes (won by Rock Sand), about 15 miles, 2.42 4-5; Ranmore Plate (won by Blue Diamond), 5 furlongs, 56 2-5; and the Effingham Plate (won by Sun Bonnet), 1 mile, 1 36 3-5; Great Surrey Foal Stakes (won by Bridle Road), 5 furlongs, 58 2-5; Riddlesdown Plate (won by Child’s Guide), 7 furlongs, 1 22 4-5; Royal Stakes (won by Sundridge), 6 furlongs. 1 8 1-5; Coronation Cup (won by Valenza), about 15 miles, 2 41 3-5; and the Durdans Plate (won by Pharisee), 11 miles, 2 8 4-5. Most of these times are remarkably fast, but Blue Diamond’s five furlongs is the only one that equals a previous record.

Referring to the French-bred colt Viuicius, “Vigilant,” in “Sportsman,” wrote on the day following the Derby: He was the chief object of interest iu the paddock, as most of us had often seen the remainder of the competitors, and, when he was taken into a stall to be saddled, there was such a crowd round him that It was impossible to get anywhere near him. When this operation was over he wa-s led out, and then there was ample opportunity of seeing him. He is a big bay horse, standing, as nearly as can be guessed, seventeen hands high, and with proportionate bone and substance. He showed any amount of muscle, and his quarters are magnificent, but, as wa*s only to be expected, I thought that he showed a lack of quality. It is rarely indeed that we can get a Prince Charlie, a horse standing this height, and yet with the action of a blood pony, and the quality of a colt of normal size.

Gisborne wouTfi appear to be a happy hunting ground f<V old Straybird, who on paper looked the worst treated of the horses engaged in the First Steeplechase, which event he however won. Cronje, who had incurred a 71b penalty, was meeting Straybird at a difference of lib, but fell, and The Pullack, who was sent to some Auckland punters a*s a good thing, only

managed after a good race to get second. The double victory of Croupier was quite expected after the way that gelding had run In Auckland. I tere, by Castor, had weak opposition in the Hack and Hunters* Steeplechase, Fencer, the Waikato gelding, Siting second, the only other starter, angamahaki. coming to grief. The victory of Comfort, the Hawke’s Bay gelding, was looked for after that gelding’s performance at Napier Park. Hlnetaupariki, who was second in the Flying Handicap, paid the best dividend of the day, viz., £6 15/. It was pleasing to find that with such small field-s the opening day nevertheless proved a record one, in so far as attendance and speculation are concerned, £3515 being put through the totalisators during the day.

Mr Selig, president of the New Zealand Trotting Association, was present at the committee meeting of the N.S.W. Trotting Club to fate recent visit, and according to the Sydney “Referee” delivered an address on the way trotting is carried on in New Zealand, at the same time throwing out suggestions as to the best way to go to work to give the sport a lift here. He was of opinion that a governing body similar to that of New Zealand should be formed, and that with that object in view there should be a meeting of delegates of trotting clubs and shows. He pointed out that New Zealand had as many difficulties as this State to contend with, but yet had succeeded in raising trotting to a high standard and thoroughly popularising it. Be dwelt on the utility of the trotter as compared wltn the racehorse, and finally stated that, from inquiries he had made, there was no doubt as to the present committee of the N.S.W. Trotting Association being earnest iu its efforts to place trotting on a firm basis. At the conclusion of his address Mr Selig was tendered a vote of thanks.

There has been no rush to hack anything In particular since the spring handicap weights came, out (says the “Referee.”) Doubles are open on the Epsom and Metropolitan and the two Cups, and it is in this class of speculation chiefly that bookmakers are trying to do business. For the Epsom Handicap I have heard of Kensington. Air Motor, and Pendant being supported a little, ana the same trio have been used to start doubles with, finishing with Bewitcher, Tatterdemalion, Patronage, Nothos, and a few others in the Metropolitan. In Sydney not much has been done in Cup doubles, but backers have begun to sort out their selections in Melbourne with more fieedom. It is a general opinion that the Epsom and Metropolitan weights are skilfully put together. There are all sorts of differences in the way many horses are treated in the Cups, comparatively, and there is no room for complaint about the weight-adjusters having worked on similar lines this year. Mr Maitland has gone in for flattering figures at the expense of the poorer class of entrants, but the Melbourne Cup production of Mr Menzies is of a different order. There is plenty of scope for critics one way and another.

A new system of amateur harness racing is to be introduced this year at the Empire City Park New York Driving Club, says an exchange. It is proposed to classify the horses at the beginning of the season without reference to their public records, dividing them into 12 groups, or classes, according to their estimated speed capacity. Whenever a horse wins in a race in the class in which he starts, he will go on to the next faster class, and on winning there will again move up to a still faster class, until he reaches the open, or championship, class, if he is capable of doing so. According to this plan a horse will remain in a class until he has won a race in that class, but he cannot win twice in the same class. It is believed that the new system will operate to improve the sport, and force every horse into the class in which he belongs. This is a system I have long advocated in New Zealand. where it appears to me it could be tried advantageously, in Canterbury without doubt successfully.

As a rule, the ringmen in New South Wales and Victoria are opposed to the totalisator. says a Sydney writer, so that It is somewhat refreshing to hear a prominent bookmaker say that racing will not be placed on a proper footing until the introduction of the machine. Speaking for himself, he stated that when taking a holiday in Tasmania some years ago, he

stood up against the machine, and, despite the tact that three favourites won. and he laid £lOO against a winner la running, he won £3OO. As he points out, the 10 per cent, deduction enables the race clubs to give substantial prises, and trainers. Instead of having to look for punters, as Is the case here at present, are paid well if they can win the stake. ,un result being that, instead ef fields of “dead ’uns,” there is a preponderance of triers, which Is not only a good thing for the betting public, but for the ringmea as well In this connection. It baa often been pointed ont in these columns that betting men lu New Zealand are not opponents of the totalisator, but only desire to be allowed to do buslnes where It Is used.

Talking over the Derby race some tew hours before it took place, the trainer of Vlnlcics remarked to “Vigilant”:—"My horse Is a good one, but, If Bock Sand Is a very good one. I shall not win.” Well, there Is no doubt that Rock Sand Is a “very go<'d one,” well worthy of comparison with such as Flying Fox, Cyllene. Persimmon, and St. Frusquln (says that writer), and the trainer of the second summed up the situation with absolute correctness. After it was over, and we were drinking the health of the winner, a partisan of the French colt remarked: “If only Mornington Cannon Lad ridden Vinieins he would have brokeu Bock Sand’s heart.” I told him that this was a big task, for if ever there was a colt with the heart of a lion it Is Rock Sand. He always seems to do what Is required of him with a trifle to spare. There is no doubt that he never ought to have been beaten, and the actual history of his defeat in the Middle Park Plate may never be known. Both he and Viniclus are engaged In the St. Leger, and I only hope that the pair may meet, bctli fit and well, and with a powerful jockey on the back of the French colt I shall have no fear as to the result.

_ “No one will find fault with Mr Menzies for letting Wakeful have a chance at 10.0. though on figures she is entitled to more,” writes a Sydney confrere. Another writer says Mr Menzies has made a much higher handicap for the Melbourne Cup thnn Mr Maitland has for the Caulfield Cup. Mr Menzies has started with Wakeful .nt 100, which seems a tremendous weight for a mare, but compared with the other top weights, she is well In. Through the top weights, Wakeful may be well in, but the achievements of mares In the Melbourne Cups run for iu the past do not justify anyone in saying that Wakeful Is well lu, even presuming her to Be the best of her sex that ever graced the turf. What do the records reveal since the race was started In 1861? That horses have seldom been asked to carry so much weight, and only two have yet succeeded with over 10.0. namely Archer, in 1862, with 10.2, and Carbine with 10.5 In 1890; while only four others carrying over 9.0 have been successful.. These were Archer, 9.7, In 1861; Glencoe, 9.1, in 186 S; Malua. 9.9, in 18S4; Patron, 9.4, in 1894; and Grafter, 9.2, in 1898. Sportlug writers hold Wakeful in such respect that they include her, with all her weight, in their selections. It would be a great performance Indeed were a mare to win the Melbourne Cup carrying 10.0.

Although he only retired from active turf life some three years ago. it may bo reasonably said that John Dawson, sen., the trainer, who died recently, was practically unknown to the great majority of the present generation. His connection with the turf had extended well over 50 years, and bis successes chiefly accrued in the “sixties” and "seventies.” Mr John Dawson, as one of the old school of trainers, never changed bis ideas. His life was spent and his work done during a period absolutely opposite to that of the presentday, when mammoth stakes were unknown, starting gates, apprentice allowances, and other bones of contention never dreamed of; while the American jockey was foreign to English racing. It was chiefly in the handicap line that the deceased was an expert, the winners under his charge scoring quite a mixed record —in fact, iu turn, in every big event in racing. Strangely enough, most of his winners were trained from “commoners.” As the younger brother of the even more famous Matthew Dawson and the father-in-law of the late

Fred Archer, John Dawson had gained certain fame apart from the success of his own efforts. His sou, usually referred to as “young John Dawson,” continues the profession, and will maintain the prestige of an honoured name—that of Dawson—ln the racing world.—“ The People.*’ When the big chronograph was first presentea to the V.K.C. for the information of Flemington race-goers, it was intended moi e as a business "ad.” for the !ate ihoinas Gaunt, the old-time Bourke sneet horologtet, than anything else. Since then (says the “Bulletin”) it has become an institution. John Trowbridge, Gaunt's brother-in-law, devised the first Flemington chronograph. The most intricate feature is the extra-flne-toothed intergearing -the wheels in which have teeth up to 300, of minute exactness. They consist of three circular layers of ebonite, ivory, and gun-metal, placed and cut together, the teeth beiug so fine as to be barely distinguishable to the naked eye. These work into similar wheels in the reverse position, the brass wheel working into the ebonite, and so on—thus the firths of seconds are registered. During the past 25 years the famous speed-recorder has undergone many mechanical changes for the better. It is started by electricity on the latest plan, but its correctness is entirely dependent on the smartness (and coolness) of the man who sets it going, and the man who stops it. If the man who starts is anticipatory at the nerve centre, 01 the man beside the judge gets excited ever a close finish, the time suffers. The V.R.C. official timekeeper is only interested in his ait — a truly difficult one, requiring a cool nerve, nuick eye, and splendid judgment, aud the racing itself doesn’t interest him in the least.

The decision of the Messrs L. D. and N. A. Nathan to break up their Sylvia 1 ark stud at an early date will come as a surprise to many, and the news will not be received with pleasure by those who have come to look upon the stud as one of the attractions of Auckland for sportsmen, who are fond of the thoroughbred, and have periodically goue there in search of yearliugs to add to their racing stables. The stud has gradually been built up from a small affair to an institution of large proportions, and to a paying stage, from the recent sales. People will be wondering why it has been decided to disperse the stud under the circumstances. The proprietors recently let Whitford Park for dairying purposes, alter losing by death an old servant in Mr Dibble, who used to look after the mares during a part of each year on that estate. Mr A. Davis, woe has looked after the racing branch, and managed the stud, has not been enjoying the best of health for some time, though now much better than he was a couple of months ago. The brothers have too many demands ou their time to devote the necessary attention to the stud themselves, and hence have elected to sell, and*the fine collection of mares and sires will thus find their way into other hands, and Sylvia Park, so long the home of the highclass thoroughbred, will in time become a memory of the past. There are no fewer than thirty-three brood mares in the stud, most of them young mares, and a number that have not yet been bred from. There are about twenty foals (yearlings they will be next month), and the four stallions, Seaton Delaval, San Francisco, both imported (the last named a full brother to St. Frusquin), Explosion and St. Hippo. The sale must command attention from breeders of pedigree stock. “Milroy” relates that Mr Love, an Indian buyer present at the Townsville meeting, gave some details with regard to the class of horses required in India. First there was the very heavy battery horse. Then there was the leader of the field artillery teams from 15.1 to 15.3 hands, and the ordinary field artillery horse of 14.31 to 15.2} hands. The centre horse of the same class was the hardest for buyers to obtain, and had to be a big, strong, well-bred animal, with plenty of action. The medium cavalry was 15 to 15.3 hands, and rarely carried less than list. It could be understood what sort of a horse was required to carry that weight. It must have plenty of quality and strength. Then there was the charger. If a shipper had an order for, say, 100 horses, which was a very tall order, he was supposed to include seven chargers, and it was very rarely that a buyer could obtain his proportion of that class of horse, which had to be an animal showing splendid action aud good in every way. The horses were closely inspected, and very many were rejected for cataracts. Out of the last lot of horses he sent to India, there were a number rejected for this fault, which was often difficult to detect. There were various kinds of native cavalry horses. He read a letter from the officer commanding the in th Bengal Lancers, showing that this class of horse must be between 14.2 and 15 hands, with good shoulder and straight legs, four to six years old, well ribbed. Mr Christison said no amount of excellence in a horse would make an army buyer depart- from the conditions laid down. That was to say, if a horse was 16 hands high and another was shown at, say, 15.3 bands, the former would be rejected, even if a finer looking horse than the other, it it was nearer the required height. This supports what I wrote last week concerning the remount. Vitality does not concern the army men in India as much as tape measurements. The programme of the Avondale leekey Club for 1883-94 has been drawn up, and there is an Increase in the stake money tor the year of £5O, the Increase being made at the spring meeting, while the other meetings remain the same as last year. The added money amounts to £4875. After declaration of forfeits twenty ene remain in the Avondale Stakes, and there arc thirty three in the Avondale Guineas. In the two-year-old

events Mr H. Friedlander claims three, Messrs U D. and N. A. Nathan two, and other nominators one each. There are six by Seatou Delaval, five by Hotchkiss, two by the defunct Brigadier, two by Phoebus Apollo, one by Explosion, one by Lochness, one by Cyrenlau, one by Boult, one by Castor, and one by Simmer, the last mentioned being from Kiimorley, therefore a half brother to Dewey, a performer of merit in Australia and South Africa. This colt is named Kilmarnock, and is voted as smart as anything of his age at present in training at Ellerslie, though In the same stable the full sister to Kamo and Porirus and the colt by Seaton Delaval from Mias Gladys are doing nicely. The Messrs Nathan’s pair, the colt by Seaton Delaval from Ties Bell, full sister to Formula aud Multiform, and the Seaton Delaval—Role filly are progressing well. Mr J. B. Williamson's full brother to Casket, Ringman, and Co., is making into a nice colt. Mr Frank's Seaton Delaval—Leocant colt is a fine colt; and the Hotchkiss—St. Mary filly in G. Wright’s team is growing into a strapping big filly. A number of others, some of them trained away from Ellerslie, have not yet come under my purview; but 1 saw last week Mr E. J. Watts’ Soult —Hotcherina filly at Hastings, and she looks likely to come early, and is one that is doing satisfactorily for the time. The opening two-year-old race of the season promises at the present time to be an attractive one, though it is rather much to expect the club to have such a fine field as lined up for the same race last year. Those left In the Avondale Guineas are nearly all known. About two-thirds of the number have raced. Ropa, Lady Anne, Lady Bobs, Roseshield, Sans Peur, Kamo, Merry Soult, Idassa, Alba Rose. Matua, Stibbington, Bonheur, Te Aroha, Agra pus, Bonomiana, Starshoot, Royal Fusileer, and Desdemona are names that are familiar to us that appear in the list.

The spring handicaps have come to hand this week from Sydney, and as the Sydney events, that is, the Epsom and Metropolitan Handicaps, the Caulfield and the Melbourne Cups Handicaps, were framed by different weight adjusters, aud one of them beiug the work of a new man, there has naturally been a great deal more interest than usual in these productions. It was most remarkable how the weight adjusters used to agree up to a couple of seasons back, and suggestions were frequently offered that they used to confer. Be this as it may, there are now noticeable different estimates, and the handicapping certainly bears the appearance of independence of opinion—a good thing for horse owners. “Umpire,” in the Sydney “Referee,” thus comments on the productions in a general way:—Even a casual glance at the weights issued on Monday for the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups shows clearly enough that the handicaps are on very different lines. Those who like to see variety in the appraisement of the capabilities of horses entered for the big things of the spring ought to be satisfied after looking through the respective productions of Messrs W. A. Menzies, R. K. Maitland, and J. Daly. There seems to have been a general desire that the better class of horses should not be hampered with welter weights, but otherwise there is none of that sameness about the weights which has been noted in other years, more or less. Mr Maitland has determined to have handy racing weights at Caulfield, as far as possible, and he has shown that he is prepared to take a little risk about horses which other handicappers are very careful of. The consideration which will safeguard his production is that If he has fixed lenient imposts for some hr-rses, he has done the same thing with others, and they will play tt gainst each other. The lower grade horses will have to suffer, and this will not prevent the Caulfield Cup from being a well-contested race. About three-fourths of the entries are dealt with between 7.7 and 6.7, and there is a range of two stone between the rest. There is a good deal qf difference In the way Mr Menzies has dealt with his horses. He seems to have been particularly careful with some very ordinary performers, and in the majority of cases wherein he differs from his contemporaries he is on the severe side. Both the Victorian handicappers fail to agree with Mr Daly very often, and as far as the Sydney horses are concerned, the argument will probably be easy in support of his figures. Still, variety of treatment is what is wanted, in a measure, and many owners concerned have got it this year.

The death of Malvolio recal’s some stirring incidents connected with his Melbourne Cup in 1891. “Milroy” thus refers to the event:—“There was a lot of mcney about in Malvollo’s year, and there was heavy gambling on the race. Mr Oxenham held something like £50,000 ou that cup, aud all the leading pencillers had big books. This was just before the land and silver boom burst and fairly knocked the bottom out of Melbourne. Malvolio did not run as a two-year-old. In the spring of 1890 a handicap at Oakleigh Park, now called Sandown' was selected for his debut. He looked only half fit, but the ‘happy family,’ headed by the late Morris Jacobs, backed the Malna colt heavily and fielded valiantly against the favourite, Highborn, whom Messrs E. A. Oatley and William Forrester had backed to win a big fortune for the Melbourne Cup, to be run four days later. At a difference of only 101 b the colt wore the old horse down and won by a neck. After this episode Highborn drifted back to 66 t<> 1 for the Cup, in which he had a very rough passage, and ran second to Carbine. His ma Idea effort firmly established Malvollo’s reputation, and he was the first horse backed for the Cup of 1891. All througn tho winter and spring he was well up near the top of the Cup quotations, but as the da> drew near It was whispered around that Bedfoam’s party were not on, and the cream of the market had been well skimmed. Ex-

cltement ran rail-high for days, and when Plgeontoe, Strathmore, Correae, and Highborn were each backed to win the value of a German State the Malvolio patty got their money on the night before the Derby, and next day backed the son of Madcap to win the Melbourne Stakes against such smashers as Marvel, oungebab, and Megaphone, but he ran very badly and bls coidldeht Cup backers looked very blue Indeed. He went badly in the Cup betting on Mcnday, and ou the day of the race there was little or no demand for him; in fact, ons large cash fielder tried hard to "unload" £rOUU to £3O “over the rails” at the finish, but could find custom for only £lOO to 3, while 25 to 1 went a-begging all over the ring against the son of Malua, though he was returned at 16 to L After a slashing race Malvolio beat the Sydney horse Sir William by a long half length, with the fast-coming Strathmore a neck away third. Strathmore was mixed up in the field for the greater part cf the way, and was shuttlecoeked about like a eork on water. Some ugly rumours wen afloat concerning this line colt on the eve of the race, and though naturally dissatisfied at the way Cusdln rode such a brilliant customer—one that could show his heels even to Bungebah over a short course—Messrs W. R. Wilson and L. C. McDonald put the defeat down to bad luck, but before the autumn was a week in they had reasons for believing it was not all luck that beat probably the best three-year-oiu Australia had known. Alter the race there were whispers abroad that Malvolio s owner was not entitled to the stake. The smoke culminated in Are when the trustees of Mr E. De Mestre put in a claim tor the stakes on the ground that Malvollo’s dam belonged to the estate. When MT Redfearn leased the Williamstown course and stables, Mr De Mestre vsed to stay there with his horses when on a visit to Melbourne, and in return for the burly Yorkshireman’s many kindnesses Mr De Mestre made him a present of a Ally by Robinson Crusoe from Giovanna, by Yattendon. This tifly was Madcap, who won Mr Redfearn some nice races before she -went to the stnd and gave him Malvolio. The claim to the stakes was disallowed, as it was proved that the filly was a bona fide gift, and the Malvolio party breathed again."