TURF NOTES.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXI, Issue XV, 10 October 1903, Page 16

TURF NOTES.

Hilda's daughter, by St. Leger. who recently won a race in England, will in future be known as ‘‘Lady Saint.” Tiie Te Aroha Jockey Club has decided iu hold a hack meeting on the King s Birthday.

Electra (Castor —Welcome Katie) has. it appears, foaled a filly to Phoebus Apollo—not a colt, as at first reported.

At a meeting of the committee of the Auckland Trotting Club last week. 72 new members were admitted.

Many wondered why Mqunt Zeel'.an was pulled up early hi the First Hurdle Race at Avondale. Her rider broke both stirrup leathers.

Mantilla (An terns—Matana) has foaled a very fine filly to Cyrenian at Cambria Park. This youngster is half sister to Strathavon. Motor, etc.

Mr Walters writes me from Papakura that Helen McGregor has produced a filly by Cuirassier," and Hotcherina has a particularly fine foal by Soule.

Westguard, who went over to Sydney some time back, was well supported iu her engagement on Saturday week. She, however, failed to gain a situation.

Ohl Taplow. who ran in the Welter Handicap, at Avondale, looked very rough: no one who saw him racing a year or two ago, would have recognised him.

D. Wright has joined C. Weal's stables, where ho may assist in educating some of the promising jumpers in that trainer's hands.

The well-bred mare Apparition, by Seaton Delaval—Phantom, has joined the list of mares belonging to the Wellington Park Stud.

The New Z *alaiHler Souica has gone into T. Dempsey's stable. H-t recent stable companion, Miami, was sold tv Mr Symmons for 125 guineas.

Sappho (by Sr. Leger — Rrassolis) and Sparkling Water (Sr. Hippo—Waitemata) have both foaled colts to Cyrenian at Cambria Park this week.

At the Loan .and Mercantile’s Durhamstreet yards <»n Friday last. Austerlitz was sold to Mr F. Arnold for 150 guineas, and Sentinel to Mr C. Smart for 27 guineas.

Awahuri pulled up in a very bad way after the Second Hurdle Race at Randwick. He could not'be walked to the railway station. aud it may be some time before he is fit to travel back to New Zealand.

Sunbeam (Ingomar—Araohia) has foaled a filly ro Explosion at Sylvia Park. This youngster is related to that good mare Tigress, Tigress being by Dreadnought from Tigrcdia, by Looliuus—Amohia. When the mail left England W. Lane was still at the head of the list of winning jockeys. His average was 90 wins in 400 rides. In one week from Saturday to Saturday be had 29 mounts, and won on nine occasions.

Belah is nominally at 2 to 1 for the Derby, but'there is no settled market on the race, because there is a statement that Emir is going on alt right, ami if it appears likely that he will stand a preparation the colt will J>e installed Derby favourite again.

George Absolum, who trained for many years for Mrs Lonnard at Mangere and Ellerslie. was married to Miss Ida Leunard, at Epsom, on Wednesday last. Absolujn is going tv travel Tukapuna for the season.

ami has made arrangements with K. Heaton to train bis mare by Seaton Dclaval — Marjorie.

W. Smith has had his stable strengthened. a patron of hN having leased, from the lion. 11. Mosman, a two-year-014 by Souit—Lady Emmeline. This young lady Is full sister to Cordon Rouge, and is one that Impressed me greatly when I made Imr acquaintance at Favona Park some two or three weeks ago. She is well grown, ami Is altogether a promising filly. Flor way of walking certainly suggests galloping anility, and, seeing that she has got into good liands. I shall expect to write her name down No. 1 when her time comes.

E Davies had a bit of bad hick a day or two ago. Otamoa managed tu come in contact with some barbed wire, cutting bls bind legs about rather severely. Though it is not expected that the gelding will be permanently damaged, it means a few weeks spell.

Several of the later additions to the stallions had representatives .showing good form at Avondale. Eton's son, Noteorini proved an undoubted advertisement for his sire, and the same may be said of Phoebus Apollo’s little daughter Mnthema. Cyrenian had two of his gets running prominently in the shape of Simple Simon and Cyrus.

The. Ohaupo Racing Club have placed an advertisement in the local papers, calling attention to a meeting to be held at the Ohauno Hotel, at 8 p.m. on Saturday, October the 3rd. The Club has now been registered by the Conference., and a good course has been secured on Mr Grcenslade's property. The Otahuhu Raving Club have issued their programme for a meeting to be held cn October 14th (Labour Day). Six events figure ou the card, the Otahuhu Cup of £2O. being the principal item. Entries for all races closed with the secretary, Mr F. D. Yonge, at the Star Hotel, Otahuhu, on Friday,

There seems to bo money in plenty for racing purposes in West Australia. In addition to the sum bandied by the members of the ring, the large amount of £82,000 was invested in the tot a lisa tor at the recent goldfields meetings-. The profits made by the three race dubs concerned arc estimated at £13,00U.

Siege Gun (Hotchkiss—Frailty), who was purchased for stud purposes by rhe Messrs Barnes, of Dryaaba. Richmc<nd River,leaves for his new home this week. La Blaize, who has finished her -turf career, goes by the same boat, and will this season be mated with Siege Gun. The price given for Siege Gun was 250 guineas.

Mr Todd, of Otahuhu. has made arrangements with Ben Nichol to superintend the winding-up of bis horse St ratha von for the New Zealand Cup. Nichol left for the South with Strarhavou on Saturday per s.s. Moura. Sceats has been engaged to ride the horse in the New Zealand Cup. which will be his first mount ou a Cup candidate.

B. Rae, who rode Waipuna the first time he competed at Avondale, is a son of the well-known rider and trainer, J. Rae. This was young Rae’s first effort in public, and it was unfortunate that he should get left badly, as had his mount got away with his field he would have had a win' set down against his name, which would have given the lad confidence.

How Sonoma camo to be so-nominated. Horses sometimes get their names under peculiar circumstances. Sonoma being out of Maratea, which is a species of flying fish, ifaroro, which means flying' fish, was suggested to her owner as being appropriate. On being informed that this name had already been claimed, her owner said, “Ob, well, call her after that other fast steamer, Sonoma.”

They evidently bet on trotters in America. as the following par. w’ill show: —According to American exchanges, the trotting owner Smathers dropped a pot of money when bis horse Billy Buck was beaten in the Bonner Memori.tl. a £4ouo stake, for 2.12 trotters, at Brighton Beach (New York)j on August 21. A week before the race Smathers gave £3OOO for Billy Buck, and at the lowest estimate it is reckoned he put £5OOO on him, while some put the figures as high as £BO9O (TO/KKMoI.) Billy Buck won the firstf beat in 2.8§. but the second, fourth, and fifth heats went to Hawthorne, who was very little fancied. Hawthorne fell in the third heat, but luckily was not injured.

j fotnir Blossom, the Hotchkiss—Pansy fill J t had iu baud at th« North Shore, has unfortunately had to be destroyetl. She injured herself while competing in the Nuraery Handicap at Avondale, and. her case becoming a Unpcless oue, Mr Halstead, who was attending her. advised that it no use attempting to eave her. This is very bad luck for both owner and trainer, as she camo from a Bret class family. Pansy being a half sister tu Record Reign, St. Simon, and company.

Betting on th*' New Zealand Cup has been somewhat quiet during the week, the most substantia! support has been accorded to Shrapnel, who, before his defeat on the second day at Wanganui, was backed down to 100 to 12, with more wanted at that: figure. Ringrum, Kelburne and Heroism have been mildly supported, Mr Cleland has also laid fiOO to 5 against Rose Shield, and 509 to 10 against Rosea!.

Mr Crick was in great form at the settling at Tattersall’s Club, and after r.unouucrng that the bookmakers had laid him 6omethi££r like £43.000 at long odds against Ossian ft.r the Melbourne Cup. expressed his belief that his horse would win that race

“by a street.” A rather tai! order, but if Ossian improves in the same ratio from now to Nove-mLsr as he did between Tattersall’s Club races ami the A.J.C. me»< Ing. his owner’s tip stands a fair chance of coming off, - (

C. Weal has got two additions to fairly long string. The newcomers consist of a half-sister to Rufus, by Leotantis, who is four years old; a big, powerful chestnut mare, she bears a much more commanding appearance than her half-brother, and has a better fore-hand. I have always had ;l strong leaning to Leoiantia. and am confident that, had bo bad a chance, he would have been a success as a stallion, so I shall take this mare, who. like most of his gets, is not handsome, to turn >ut useful. The other addition is a bay griding, four years old. by Recluse. He has a Common appearance. and may be described as a big, bony, rough ’un.

Never before at a big racing carnival at Rand wick did the invading forces fare so badly as at the four-days’ meeting of the IA.J.C., recently concluded. Victorian owners did not win a race, though Sir Rupert Clarke ami Mr C. L. Macdonald participated to a small extent in the place prize money. Queensland was not represented ia the winning list, and the only visitor to appropriate a race was Mr G. G. Stead, who travelled from New Zealand, und won £498 in stakes. The total sum paid in prize money was £14,387, and no fewer than four owners won upwards of £l«Mi each, viz., T. F Scully, £2823; S. Fielder, £1476; J. Bast, £1218; W. I*. Crick £U ‘ 6 ' UA ..I

J. O. Keene, an American trainer, gives an interesting account or the nature or a racing stable iu ltiii>sia. where lie is employed. They begin work witn their Dorses in the summer at tour in the morning; an me animals, in a string, come out togetner, ana remain out un-tii each has (lone tne work allotted to it. In winter tne state or me ground forbids work altogether, ana tne horses never go outside their stables, which are heated by steam. Yentiiauon.is managed by machinery, the vßiated air Demg pumped "out to allow the entrance of rresn. When spring conics round the horses are brought out “hog fat, and sleek as seals." Keene found it useless to try and (trill anything into the heads of Russian stablemen —who are paid £5 a year in wages’—and took an American back to Russia to act as head lad.

It is often asked whether influenza is transmittable, through the stallion to a mare. Most people think not, but some prominent vets: are of a different opinion. In a letter to the London “Live stock journal” a writer makes the following remarks: “During the great outbreaks or influenza in horses that occurred tn America during tne seventies and eighties, veterinary surgeons noticed that certain apparently n-ea-Ups r stallions transmitted infiuenza to t,n% mares that they covered, but many practitioners in Great Britain doubted the correctness or this assertion. However, further experience demonstrated the truthfulness ’or tne statement, and since Mr Clark, in the ’Journal of Comparative Pathology aud i'herapeutics' of 1903. recorded the case of a stallion in Scotland transmitting the disease to nearly every mare that he covered, many, other British veterinary surgeons, among them Messrs Pottie, Kocks, and Ba imam, have met with similar instances, i nis phenomenon has also been observed in venmark by Jensen and many other uonisa veterinary surgeons.”

The acceptances for Hawke's Bay are decidedly disappointing. The meeting of Treadmill and Royal Fusilier may iufuse some Interest, but from al! accounts Treadmill in voted a smasher, while Royal Fusilier has, so far. no reronnnemtartiou. Mr Stead's name is absent from the Guineas’ list.from which it may be inferred that the powerful Southern stable must be very badly off for three-year-olds this season.

Here is another example of the splendid sport big fences provide: At the recent Steeplechase at Randwick. which was run in the rain, with the ground veiy slippery, an enthusiastic sportsman in tho grandstand announced that he liad backed no less than three horses. How he expected to win anything is a mystery, as it Is almost impossible, at bookmakers* prices, to back thiec, and yet have a hope to come out on the right side. But his troubles were soon over, as bis three candidates all fell: and, moreover, they fell in the exact order in which he barked them, the one that he backed flist fell, his second fancy next, and h»s third one last.

The following foalings have taken place at Sylvia F’ark: —Stepfast (St. Hippo — Stepfcldt), colt to Explosion; Robinilla (Robinson Crusoe—Campanilla), a filly to Seaton Delaval; Cantatrice (Goldslwrougii —Songstress), a brown filly to Seaton Delaval.

At Wellington Park: — Field Rose (Hotchkiss —Rose of Wellington), a filly; Chrysolite (Castor —Onyx), a colt; St. Amy (St. Leger—Hazel), a filly; Antelope (Apremont —Miss Kate), a filly; Harpist (Hotchkiss —Lyrellnusl, a colt. nil to Phoebus Apollo. Queen Cole (King Cole —Rosalie), a very fine filly to Menshikoff; Coalscuttle (King Cole—Florence), colt to Hotchkiss; sixteen mares have now foaled at Wellington Park, the sexes being evenly divided. Electra (Castor —Welcome Katie) has dropped a colt to Phoebus Apollo, and Curacoa (Cuirassier—Hubina), a colt to Soult.

Scents, who had the mount on Rex in the last race of his career, which ended in such a disastrous manner, was also his pilot in his palmy days. Among his successes were two Easter Handicaps, the first in 1898, when he carried 7.6, and won by two lengths from Wairongomal, with Daunt in third place, run in the fast time of 1.41£. leaving behind him such cattie as St. Paul. Daystar, Acone, Castashore, and Record Reign, a field of such quality that is rarely seen nowadays. In the following year Rex again triumphed, carrying 8.12. Wafrougomai once more acting as runner up, Battleaxe being in third position, while the field included Douglas, Coronet, Bine Jacket, and St. Ursula. This was Rex’s last success on the turf, he being then six years old, so that he had seen ten summers come and 'go at the time of his death. Mr Patterson, of Otahuhu, must be given credit for his treatment of Rex, as the horse appeared to be ns sound as a bell when he left the paddock for the last time. ,

The New Zealand jockey, Tj. IT. Hewitt, has made many friends during his stay in Sydney. (says “Martindale” in the “Town and Country Journal”), and his win on St. Mars in the Suburban Handicap was a popular one. The Bill of Portland horse started a warm favourite, but he was extremely badly served at the start, so that Hewitt’s easy win at the finish was all the more meritorious. The New Zealander visited America a few months ago while suffering from the injury to his leg, and, judging by his style, has copied the American Sloans. He rides with his stirrups much shorter than the local “Sloanites,” and that he is able to finish in a race was shown by his riding of Cruciform in the Craven Plate, as that mare had to make up several lengths in the straight, and then was only just beaten by shortest of heads.

Saturday’s running thoroughly satisfied racing men that Wakeful was nothing near the mare she was last spring, says “Pilot, ’ Id the Sydney “Referee.* When she is really well, she revels in heavy going, but in the Randwick Plato. Lord Cardigan had her fairly beaten half a mile from home, and though he is a good and game little colt, his previous running at the meeting did not suggest he could be das-

acd with the Wakeful of twelve months ago. Wakeful, It appears got quite poor during her short spell, and when she was taken in hand again it was not Intended to prepare tier fur Sydney. However, she came on so quickly, and one morning showed such u good gallop, without being really asked to so, that It was decided to keep her going with a view to her A.J.C. engagements. Consequently her preparation was somewhat hurried, and it is to be hoped her three hard races will not have the effect of completely knocking her out. I do not think H. Mu uro favoured the idea of starting her in the Randwick Plate, as he felt sure that her tw«> previous runs had not improved her. and he was quite right, too. So far as the relative merits of Cruciform and Wakeful are concerned, he is still confident that the latter, nt her best, would badly beat the New Zealand mare.

After ail “the two minute Horse” has proved to be a mare, says a writer in an exchange. She is a chestnut in colour, and five years old. She Is by Sidney Dillon, and is California bred. She is now the property of C. K. G. Billings, a Chicago millionaire, who bought her at an auction some time ago for 12,500d01. Billings says now that 100»000dol. would not buy her. Lou Dillon trotted her two minute mile at Rendville, Mass., on August 24th. The best previous performance was that of Creaceus, who covered n mile In 2.2 i two years ago. The wonderful thing about it _jill is that Lou finished her mile as as a daisy, and seemed equal to the. task of covering another mile at a fast gait, if necessary. her last quarter in 2U sec tells the whole story. It was the fastest quarter she travelled, and thus makes it appear that the further she goes the faster her clip. In her trial against time, Lou Dillon was driven by Millard Saunners. The idea was to reduce, if possible, her previous record of 2.25. If the truth were told, few of those interested in her dreamt she would cover a mile in 2min flat on that particular occasion. Two runners hitched to carts were used as pacemakers. The track Is the same on wh ch Star Pointer paced ft mile on 1.595, and it had been worked in the finest possible condition.

A general quietness has prevailed at Ellerslie since the Avondale meeting, the only work of interest accomplished being done by some of the more backward two-year-olds, including those under Thorpe's, Macmanemiu's. and Wright’s guidance. There is every appearance of several of them turning out higher class than anything seen up to the present, and If all goes well, some of the visitors at Christmas time will meet with strong opposition from the local youngsters. Old Mars is going on as well as could be wished, and may be looked to as a certain starter for the New Zealand Cup, should no accident befall him. Nonete Is fast coming into shape, and last week got round the tan without effort in as fast a time as has been done this spring. No doubt the track was faster than it has been so far, but, as I heard a well known trainer remark, “It does show what an ordinary lot have been working on It, when a horse that has only just been taken up can come out and do. without the slightest trouble, what the others that are at their best have done when punched right out to the bitter end.” This is one of those things that makes a trainer who has the bad luck to have a lot of duffers on hand heartily sick of the whole business. He knows his horses are well, and there is small prospect of them showing better form; he sees a good one trot out and do at three-parrs speed what his lot cannot manage at their best, and afterwards to watch his crocks lifting up their feet and putting them down again In much the same locality, with a sort of I-don’t-care-if-I-drop appearance at the finish. These are moments when a trainer is to be pitied. Mr G. G. Stead thought Wakeful was the only one to beat In the Craven Plate (says “Pilot” in the “Referee”), and it la possible that his Instructions to Hewitt had a lot to do with Cruciform’s defeat in that race. After entering the straight Hewitt looked round to see where Wakeful was, and seemed to delay his effort until Dunn on the latter made his. Then when Wake-

ful was beaten and Cruciform went after Ibex in earnest, she could Dot quite get up. Hewitt thinks if he had used his own Judgment and tackled Ibex Immediately after heads were turned for home, he would have beaten him easily. He may have done so. but 1 do not think there would have been that much in It. as Cruciform was almost on terms with ibex fifty yards from the post, and then could not quite beat him home.

Even allowing that Ibex was the least bit lucky io win the Craven Plate, his performance was an excellent one, as the tare whs run at a terrific pace, and though in difficulties a hundred yards from home, he battled on gamely to the end. His performance dispelled the idea that he could not go beyond a mile, and now he has plenty of backers for the Caulfield Cup, In which he has the luxurious weight (for him) of 8.9. He looks all the better for his racing. and yesterday bowled over a mile and a qp.aiter ai a good pace. Possibly, with something chopping at him all the wav the mile and a half may find him out. but widi ordinary luck he will give his sun porters a good run for their money.

borne exceptionally valuable statistical u , eUC r» "’** s,VPn the New South Hales larilainentary Select Committee on Gambhug by Mr Thomas Manfred Rose, as to the methods and turnover of book--lle P rodne€<l the books of his firm, which showed clearly how moneys handed over tn them were dealt with, and exactly how much they handled during the year. This is an Instance: — They held 4iL*i9l ns the result of bets made with them iu regard to the Metropolitan stakes, just decided at Randwick, and they had to pay, on the winner. Marvel Loeb, the sum of £542 10/, so that they cleared oyer QlOOO. This was nn exceptional stroke of luck, however, for as to the eight months of the year up to August, they were only £34 ahead of the public; up to the present they would be about £BOO to The good, without taking into consideration their working expenses, which would absorb a large portion of the profit. This, of course, had been a very bad year for the firm; last year was very much better. Their books showed a turnover of about £28.0(X) per annum; a fair average was £l2O a day. There were six races per meeting and 60 meetings per year; and the total turnover in 12 months on the racecourses would be £1,598,400. The amount changing hands each year on pony racing totalled £1.216.800. The figures for the year for the ••silver” shops came out at £561,600 and for the ••tote’’ shops at £31.000. The grand total of this calculation is £3,408,000. and this represents the sum that annually changes hands in Sydney city and suburbs over horse and pony racing. It does not include, moreover, the betting which takes place at Tattersall’s and ether large clubs, which are more or less private, or the money which changes hands in the “two-up” schools, the Chinese gambling dens, and other places where the game of chance is carried on.

Mr T. M. Rose, in answer to a question put by Mr Meagher, as to whether bookmakers would object to be taxed, during the examination of witnesses by the Parliamentary Select Committee, said: I don’t know one who would. They would be quite willing to pay 10 per cent. If the Government were open to legalise a syndicate with a monopoly, I would undertake to find enough money in 20 minutes to float a company which would pay an interest to the State of £250,000 per annum, and we would pay the first year's interest in advance. But the status of the bookmakers would have to be defined. Betting would be placed on all fours with the liquor traffic. Mr Justin McSweeney, railway contractor, said that he had very considerable experience of racing between 1892 and 1897, which had cost him about £30,000. His evidence detailed several instances of how he had been swindled by a trainer, who got bookmakers to lay against his horse, and then divided the gains so made. On one occasion he backed a horse, investing £lBOO. The race was deliberately sold. There must have been £5OOO or £6OOO of public money on her that day. The curious part of ihe thing was that, after all this money was on. which, in the ordinary course would have made the horse shorten

in price, the mare went back la price—went back to 0 to 4, and 7 to 4. and thru to 2 to 1. She could have been backed for more money than the bookmakers could have paid, elm ply because she was stiff, and because it was known she was stiff. After detailing other experiences, witness said he noticed that Mr Crick had said that bookmakers were better than the lota lisa tor to back with- “Mr Crick,” he went on, • will find that he will not have a ghost of a show of getting the Melbourne Cup. The makers win take any risk and danger, and will hire Jockeys. They have done it, and they will do it with Crick if ho has a ghost of a show of getting It. They will never allow hi to win £4o,t >OO. I have tried it. and know it. I have been through the mill. One bookmaker said to me one who is something approaching being straight- Never back a horse to win £20,000.' That was a fairly good bookmaker, as bookmakers go. Lf you do.” said witness, “they will buj« your horse, traluer. jockey, anything: or If they can’t do that they will kill the horse.”

A large volume of betting resulted during the hours <*f setting on the New South Wales Spring Meeting, and some largo line** in doubles on the “two Cups” were dispose ed of. Chief among them was the combination of Scots Guard and Ossian, which was backed by the owner of those horses to win about £30.000 at an average of 10»r» to 2. The double of War Chief and Abundance was befriended at 10U0 to 4 for £lO,OOO. and that of War Chief and Postillion at the saint* price for £6OOO. A stronger order thnn either was rhe double of Undecided and Abundance, 100 i» to 4 being taken 20 times, and Ibex and Ossian was backed at the same rate <»f odds for £lO,OOO. All the money in the market £lo.o(X>—at 1000 to 8 was accepted about Rlltali hjk! Betah. and other seta.-tions in demand at a similar figure wore Ibex and Lord Cardigan and Ibex and Abundance, each being taken to win £7OOO. Them was no right out wagering on the D?rby or Melbourne Cup, that kind of speculation being confined to the Caulfield Cup. The most, marketable candidate for that race was Billali. who firmed to 8 to 1. and after 8»H) to 103 had been closed with, 7 to 1 was the best off.er. Ibex was the next best favourite, 100 to 9 being taken and offered, and bar th? two 100 bo 6 was obtainable. St. Mars was very firm at that price, which was taken and offered, and 1060 to 50 wa* accepted each about Maedonovan. Ban Ceonthn. Nothos. and T.M.S. There was no demand for Postillion. who rapidly retired to 100 to 3. and even at that figure he was friendless.

“Umpire” in the Sydney “Referee” says: —The course had become very sloppy when the Randwick Plate was run. It being Wakeful’s distance, stm was once more favourite at 5 to 4. with Lord Cardigan second in demand. Postillion and Victory were backed, and Sir Leonard was the outsider. Wakeful again showed an objection to face •the barrier, and caused some delay, but finally she went up and got away weP. Taking up the running. «be led Into the straight, and at the end of a mile was leading Postillion a couple of lengths, while Lord Cardigan was three or four lengths off. Then Lord Cardigan began to improve his position, as Postillion began to tire, and along tho back he made up ground very, fast, joining Wakeful at rhe six furlongs. Sir Leonard was labouring hopelessly about 20 lengths behind, and The Victory, who could not gallop at all, was a hundred yards away. From this out Lord Cardigan held Wakeful, and in the next furlong drew away. Ho led her about four lengths into ihe straight, and increased the advantage. Towards the end they were both very tired, but Wakeful could not reduce the gap. and she was beaten by six lengths. Postillion was about a dozen lengths further back. Sir Leonard separated by a bigger gap, and Victory was alvout a furtoag behind. Sir Leonard arid The Victory got fairly anchored In the mud. but Lord Cardigan, a light little colt, who undoubtedly stays, could act better than any of the others. Soft going suits Wakeful, ns a rule, but it does not suit her when she is not in good condition. Their race for the Randwick Plate will not do any one of the horses that ran in It any good, and it was odd to see a Melbourne Cup winner, in fair condition. beaten by n furlong, and never able from the start to make the least show.

.Attention was drawn in the column* of tbla paper to the large number Of luckeye* Uccuaeo imruvd In New Zealand, and a comparison made of the relative number of cozes beued ilm against the number of hordes In training in this country and in Kug'aud. There are two other classes of Recused men in connection with racing that were not referred to, viz., trainers and stable servants. The trainer being the moat Important man in connection with a racing establishment. I must apologise for not making him my first consideration. The granting of trainers’ licenses is a more important matter than many committees, who have the power of issuing licenses, seem to think. If It was only known to those in power how many good men have been turned from the turf by unscrupulous and incapable trainers, there Is do doubt that more consideration would be given to this matter. Not only does the owner who has been badly used suffer, but the clubs, and also the racing public are affected by the loss of often the very class of man whose presence is most required amongst racehorse owners. In no business, perhaps. dots the man who is at the head of affairs, and who finds the money, know so little of the intricacies Id connection with it ae in racing. With few exceptions owners have the merest smattering of racing knowledge, and it is to my mind owing to this fact that most of the trouble arises. Many whose names were included in i'ue trainers’ list last season have a happy knack of being able to tell a really good tale, and these are the gentlemen that the licensing committees should protect the ignorant (in turf matters) owner from. It is no doubt a very difficult matter to say what should constitute eligibility io train, and I do not see how any hard and fast rules could be laid down. The only solution I can offer is that the really practical men od the litensiiag committees should be picked out for this purpose, and make the must searching inquiries as to any applicant’s probable knowledge, experience, and character, both on and off the turf.

In reviewing the first local meeting of the season, it is always interesting to see to whom the different successes fell. On looking up the results, 1 find that the successful trainers were Frank Maemaisemln wWi five wins bo his credit, by the aid of Haydn, Musk er dale (twice), Sonoma, and Cordon Kongo. J. Kae is next with four successful candidates, namely, Porangl, Bopa. Waipuna, and Gatelock. K. llearfon is third on the list, Muthexna, Dolores, and Sally Horner scoring for him. Idas won a double for G. Wright; Girton Girl and Spalpeen won on Williamson's account; Roes scored twice with Kanaka; while J. Thorpe woe a race with both Kamo and Kilmarnock; and the following trainers turned out one winner each:—Townsend with J. Chaafe with St. Olga. <l. George with Maro, and Mr J. Hodge with N'oteorini. ’Turning to the jockeys. I find that Deeley is an easy first with six wins to his credit: the remaining races w?ire evenly distributed amongst the riders—Ryan. Buchanan. Bird, Satm?tn. and McGregor each scored twice; while Stewart. Mooney. Gray. Lindsay. Chaafe, jun., Wilson. Fergus, and Julian each had one winning mount. Seaton Deiaval was the mosft successful sire, his direct descendants winning five races of the value of £5BO net. St Leger holds the second position with two winners, who annexed £235: while the third on the sires’ list for the meeting proves to be Musketry, whose son, Muskerdale. won £l7O on his account. The other stallions repre#»ented are as follow: —Australian, two wins. £155; J*hoebus Apollo, one winner. £150: Soult, two winners. £105: Freedom, one winner, £100; Sou’-wester, £B5: Gossoon and Simmer. £7O each; Lebel and Flintlock, £6O ea< h; St. Hippo. £5O: Medallion. £45: while Finn and Hornpipe have £35 each to their credit.

The class of horses seen out was most certainly moderate. The two-year-olds that started are evidently nothing out of the ordinary. Mu them ais scarcely built on lines that would lead one to suspect her ever aceompllahing anything great: while Kilmarnock and Beau Seaton. though evenly made youngsters, did not impress me, when judged by the form they showed, as likely to furnish the Derby winner. Idas a>nd Dolores ar* two useful mares, and the formers staying ability should assist her in the future; while Rose Shield may turn out up to good handicap c!n«®s. This mare does not strike the eye as b< ing of much account at present, as she curries do condition, and bears a somewhat weary appearance. A trip away from home.without being knocked about and asked to do too much, often has a beneficial effect on her port, and may be her trainer. J. Thorpe, will get an opportunity to treat her this way before the sa*>n closes. Of the others seen out, Romeo stands out by himself as the horse with the greatest possibilities, and Though there has been no opportunity to sum up his capa-hltf-tl«*a on th*» flat, as he has never been seen anything likp well up to the there can be no two questions alxot him when viewed in rhe light of a coming hurdler. Strathnvon is a fair horse when well, which he was nor at the last meeting: while Ropa cannot be wild to be more than useful so far, but he Is one that I look to to improve as tho aesson advances. The lumpers, with the exception of Havdn and Spalpeen, are a very poor lot: and Vulpine and Annoyed, who were not seen at their boat, were the only good ponies seen nut. The following are the latest quotation! tn hand:— CAFEFTTCLD CUP. R to 1 v Rillali 10 tn 1 v They 16 tn 1 v Lord Cardigan 16 tn 1 v Postillion 16 to 1 v Ran Ceontha 16 to 1 v T.M.R. 16 to 1 ▼ Rt Mara

1« to 1 v Nothos 16 to 1 v Tatterdemalion 20 to 1 v Duke of Grafton 20 to 1 v Abundance 20 to 1 v The Idler 2U to 1 v Macdonovan 20 to 1 v Elderalie 25 to 1 v Undecided 25 to 1 v F.J.A. 25 to 1 v War Chief 33 to 1 v Marvel Loch 33 to 1 v Bewitcher 33 to 1 v Brunt wood 33 to 1 v Osaian 33 to 1 v Scottish King 33 to 1 v Flagship 33 to 1 v Sweet Nell S 3 to 1 v Lieutenant Bill 83 to 1 v Walt-a-Blt 33 to 1 v Avalon 33 to 1 v Air Motor 33 to 1 v Florin 33 to 1 v Kensington 33 to 1 v Slnnang 40 to 1 v Foot bolt 40 to 1 v Rapid Pilgrim 40 to 1 v Dr.moot 50 to 1 Emli50 to 1 Vanity Fair 50 to 260 to 1 v others MELBOURNE CUP. 10 to 1 v Postillion 10 to 1 v Abundance 12 to 1 v Belah 16 to 1 v Emii--16 to 1 v Sojourner 20 to 1 v Ossian 20 to 1 v Wakeful 20 to 1 v Duke of Grafton 20 to 1 v Blllali 20 to 1 t Lord Cardigan 25 to 1 v F.J.A. 25 to 1 v Scottish King 25 to 1 v Czarevitch 33 to 1 v Flagship 33 to 1 v T.M.S. 33 to 1 v Ossian 33 to 1 v Patronus 33 to 1 v Macdonovan 33 to 1 v Sweet Nell 33 to 1 v St. Mars 33 to 1 v Famous 33 to 1 Bright Beauty 33 to 1 Tatterdemalion 33 to 1 The Victory 50 to 1 v. Sir Leonard 50 to 1 v Footbolt 50 to 1 v Nothos 50 to 1 v Combat 50 to 1 v St. Modan 50 to 1 Cherson 50 to 1 Jacobite 50 to 1 Dumont 50 to 1 The Farmer 50 to 1 v Vanity Fair 50 to 1 v Bewitcher 50 to 500 to 1 v others © © © WANGANUI JOCKEY CLUB’S SPRING MEETING. FIRST DAY. (By Telegraph.—Special to '•Graphic ”) WANGANUI, Thursday. The spring meeting of the Wanganui Jockey Club commenced to-day, and attracted an unusually large attendance of visitors, notwithstanding that the preceding day had been wet, and that the morning opened threateningly and dull. The fact that His Excellency the Governor, the Countess of Raufurly, Lady Constance Lord Northland, Capt. Alexander the Hous. Hill-Trevor and Bullen, were bestowing their patronage, had much to do with the increased assemblage, and there were a number of well known owners of horses present as well, including Si- George Clifford, his brother, Mr W. Clifford, and other visitors from distant pa its. The course, grounds and surroundings looked extremely pretty, and the day improved ns it wore on, and was a perfect one. The management all through on the part of the officiate the secretary (Mr Moffatt), aud his staff left nothing wanting. Speculition, however, was less keen than on the corresponding day last year. £6923 being the turnover, as against £7056. The course was the least bit slower than we sometimes see It, but the turf was in grand condition, and some excellent times were registered all the same, although most of the races were easily won. In the expectation of seeing a number of J ' e ' , ' z, ' al “ lld cup horses run, a good many of the visitors came especially, bnt they were extremely disappointed at the outset of proceedings, as It as found on arriving at the course that the respective owners of Shrapnel, Rlugman, Heroism, and Auratus had caused the scratching pen to be put through the names of their horses for the Spring Handicap, the opening event of the meeting, leaving Hinetaura the onlv Cup candidate still engaged. The other" withdrawals were Hinetoa and Mussel, so that actually six horses were struck out of the dozen coloured on the card, in which the name of Heroism appeared, though as a matter of fact Mr O’Brien’s eolt was withdrawn on the preceding day at 11 o’clock, at which time, however, the cards had been printed. As there had been some double betting over the races, this fact should be noted. . The start was delayed a few minutes owing to the restiveness of Betsy, who, after bounding in the air a few times, took charge of her rider, aud galloped round the course In an opposite direction, completing about seven furlongs before she was pulled up, thus, of course, jeopardising her chance. From an Indifferent dismissal, of which Wlndwhlstle bad all the best, and Tradewind and Seagull the worst, Betsy soon rushed to the head of affairs, and led out of the straight, and increasing her advantage, was fully twenty lengths ahead going past the six and five furlong posts, the rest being now under pressure to eateh her. Passing tha half mile post the order was Betsy twelvu lengths to tha good, Wtudwhlstle, Dexterity and Hinetaura in

ckwe order next. Beiey w BI now tiring, and when well In the at r sight. WiudwfciWe and Hinetaura closed on her. The ik.vt named catching her Inside the and wearing her down, won with a Ettle to spare by two lengths, Betay beating Wtudwhlstle by three parts of a length, Dexterity, a similar distance off, was fourth. Windwhistle looked more likely to be Improved for the gallop than any of the others, but nearly all looked fresh and lusty. Betsy would probably have won had she not taken so much out of herself prior to, and during, the The Maiden Race calls for little description. Tirolv, the winner, being immeasurably superior in quality to the other four starters, besides being a rare bred one, viz., a descendant of Captain Webb aud Tireuse, who comes from the same family as Tirailleur, proved his worth later on in the day by winning the I’utiki Hack Race in good style, and in which his supporters received the nice dividend of £9 13/. In that event he carried 7.5, including a 51b penalty, but was oposed by better horses, more than one of which I fancy might have done better had different tactics been pursued with them; while several were not strung up to concert pitch, aud upon them the severity of the pace told a tale. There were a dozen runners for the Putiki Hack Handicap, the race referred to, including a number of well bred ones, the New Zealand Cup candidate, Rosea 1, by Handsome Jack —Rosalind, being made favourite, Position and Handsome Rose coming next in favour. The favourite was prominent throughout fighting for his head most of the way, bat, though he finished well, Tiroie, Asteroid and tiie pony Sou It mare Lass o’Gowrle finished in from of him, while Black Squall, who made nearly all the running, finished fifth. Position, who was well supported, never looked dangerous at any stage. Kohupajui only went a furlong before beiug pulled up, and, subsequently when being brought from the course to his stable quarters, dropped dead. The small field of three went to the post for the Wanganui Guineas, which was was looked upon, as it proved, a foregone conclusion for Sir George Clifford’s colt Treadmill, who had the services of McCluskey in the saddle, aud who stripped in splendid condition, as did also the worthy baronet’s second string Quarryman. who was ridden by G. Price. Sea Lion was dressed in his best, and was probably as fit as he can be got. though age may do a good deal for him. The race is easily described. The trio were sent away on good terms. Sea Lion and Treadmill racing almost together for the first three furlongs at a clinking pace, but Treadmill was upside with Sea Lion before reaching the half mile post, which was passed in less than 50s. and be was a couple of lengths in front of the Porirua coit at the end of six furlongs, run in 1.16 2-5. and then had matters all his own way. winning by a clear length at the finish from the brother of Achilles, who ran with gameness, while Quarryman, less vigorously handled, was about three lengths off. third. The time, 1.44. which was done from a flying start, was fair, considering the way the race was run. There was less enthusiasm than usual over the race, due perhaps to the fact there was less monetary interest in the event than in other races. The winners generally, however, were quietly received throughout the day. The favouri-te for the First Handicap Hurdle Race was Otaio, who looked lean and wasted, and really never had the remotest chance as judged by the running, as he could not go tue pace set by Beau Ideal, who indeed had his opponents in trouble f-rom the start, aud made full use of his light impost. A fine cut of a gelding by the St. Leger horse Handsome Jack, he looks good enough for anything, but unfortunately makes a noise, which, however, is not very pronounced just yet. Mourner looked well, and bo did Waiwera, but, while the one was not equal to the task, the weight stopped the Grand National Hurdles winner. The time, 4.2 2-5, for two miles and a distance, was fast, the last mile and three-quarters occupying 3.20. The two miles must have been run in somewhere

about record time for the track. The unfortunate accident which befel Boko, who belonged to Mr W. R. Crawford, of the Wai-ra-rapa, and somewhat severely injured O’Leary, his rider, marred the pleasure of the race. Dr. Tripe’s ambulance corps was on hand, and every as si stance was rendered to O'Leary in a few seconds from the moment of the fall, and his injuries were attended to on hia remo-

xa' to ttee siH*ze<*u'« room. Fean Id.-a! caacc, back to old I*oUcy who «MP>d to wla raoa ou the Wanganui ' raee-4-oci-te a boat 27 ycazs ago, and upon whom Uw writer reaieiubera making hia first bet of balf-a-encwn.

rkf Hack Hardie horsss were of ■ very poor . teas, tke winner. Tfce Dauber, beta* however, useful. His sire. The Artist te related to the winner of the Open Hurdle Race on bls date’s side. Tutu Flynn w«a favourite, but he is evidently a non-stayer There were 12 rutmers for the Flying Handicap, which was won by Waiuku’s full brat her, Hnwlri, who from a good start forged ahead and soon placed a gap between himself and the rest of the field bnt was slowing down in the hist furlong’ and had to be ridden hard tv keep his place.’ Re was chased home by Rangßata and Black Reynard. who ran well, as also did Melwood, who was fourth, and Gold Seal. who carried Sib over Ms handicap weight This and the Putiki Hack Race were the best betting races of the day. SECOND DAT. WANGANUI, Friday. The Wanganui Jockey Club’s spring meeting was concluded in perfect weather. The sum of £6918 was Invested during the day the total to £13,846. as against £14.039 last year. Business commenced with the Owen Stakes Handicap, for which Black Reynard had such a strong following that he was sent out favourite. Matuku. Melwood. Regulation. and Gold Seal coming next in publie estimation. The last-named, who carrled 111 b overweight, got to the front early and stayed there under pressure, Regulation, the full-sister to Regalia, who was always prominent, and who had 21b overweight, beatlug Melwood home for second place. The favouiite failed to get nearer than fourth. Starahoot and Matuku again ran disappointingly. The time, 1.15. showed the course to be faster than on the preceding day.

There were four scratchings for the Montoa Hack Handicap, for which many people evidently Intended to back Rosea!; bnt, that eolt being withdrawn at the last moment. they fastened on to Lass O’Gowrie, who won cleverly from Sandv, Boult thus claiming the first and second. Kidbrook, who was lidden by Jenkins, came In for a lot of support, but failed to show Improvement on his running on the opening day. The Hurdle Race looked all over, bat shouting, for Beau Ideal, who was leading and galloping strongly after traversing one round of the course. Then he fell, and from that stage out Kohunui. who looked rough of coat and a verv unlikely winner, came on and easily defeated Monmer by several lengths. Bean Ideal did not jump nearly so. well as on the first dav. and made a faulty effort at the hurdles in the straight.

The Hack Hurdle Race was looked upon as a good thing for The Dauber, but Moetoropuku got to him early, and, forcing ihe pace, had him beaten a long way from home, winning easily from Pushful by several lengths. Waireka heading Dauber at the last hurdle, and beating him for third place. The dividend, £5 8/, was a good one for a four-horse field.

The event which excited the keenest interest was the Wanganui Stakes Handicap, but It was won from end to end l.y the greatest outsider engaged, in Mr E. J. Watt’s Tradewind, Dexterity, another little fancied candidate, running second, and Wlndwhlstle third. The pace was not very solid for the first quarter, but from thence on Tradewind kept going, aud had his field demoralised trying to pace it with him. Hinetaura. who got off badly, made strong efforts to ger through, but, though she ran up well, could not get nearer than several lengths from Tradewind,who drew awav in the home run when opposition threatened. Shrapnel was only In front momentarily, and, while running in a good position about three furlongs from home, nearly fell, the breastplate breaking. Battleaxe' was in trouble also, and he accidentally bumped Shrapnell. The latter stripped In too robust condition to do himself credit, notwithstanding which he was made a decided favourite. Ringman was never dangerous or ever prominent. That Tradewind’s victory came as a great surprise goes without saying, as he paid the best dividend of the meeting, via., £Q3 7/, and Dexterity’s backers received £4 0/6. It Is singular that both Tradewind and Dexterity each got off badly on the first d in the'Spring Handle**), which was run a shorter course. Hinetaura did not leave the mark

well, and was not sees at her best, and Battleaxe ran moderately. The last mile of the race occupied 1.43*. Hosea 1 simply cantered in in the Railway Hack Handicap, and the stewards were called on Co determine a protest lodged for Inconsistency. Rosea!’a running was a reversal of ids showing in the Futlki Hack Handicap, but the stewards were evidently satisfied with the explanation tendered on bls behalf. NOTES.

Roseal is one of the last of the Albany mare Rosalind's progeny by Handsome Jack, by St. Leger. He is a useful colt in bis class, and may get a long way in the New Zealand Cup with his Light impost. Were he to strike nothing more forward |han competed at the Wanganui Meeting he would certainly have to be reckoned with, as he is apparently racing into form. After seeing him race on the first day of the meeting I quite expected him to win both hack races to-day, bnt his owner elected to start for one event only. Shrapnel Is in great heart, but will have to make speedy improvement to have a chance in any race at the C.J.C. Meeting. Hinetaura has a suspicious looking leg, and I should say is a doubtful starter. Ringman, who was backed at hundreds to five, after to-day’s running looks a forloru hope. He may kqprove, but looks light. Halberdier, who did not compete at the Wanganui Meeting, is being given swimming exercise in the Wanganui river, and his owner is hopeful of getting him to the post In the New Zealand Cup, and of racing him at Wellington less than three weeks hence.

The betting over the New Zealand Cup has undergone some changes down thia way. Lady Lillian is now quoted at 6to 1, the best price obtainable. Some money could be had about Walriki at nines, or possibly a point longer. Shrapnel has gone back to hundreds to six, at which price several hundreds could have been had easily to-night, while offers of the same price against Roseal were made without result in business. A few small amounts were taken at 20 to 1. But for the fear that Hinetaura may not stand she would have plenty of friends. The fact that so many Cup horses are not too sound and that others are not in form just now makes the prospects of the race look very doubtful. Melwood has not made any friends, though he did pretty well all he was expected to do here, I fancy, at his handicaps, and he certainly ran fairly. The connections of Roseal backed that colt prior to the Wanganui Meeting to win £4OOO for the New Zealand Cup at hundreds to two. Last night an offer of 500 to 5 was made by a firm of Wellington pencillers In my presence. Since winning the Hack Race to-day Roseal has Received solid support In other centres,at latest advices at hundreds to five, and one punter got £BOO at hundreds to four. From the hack ranks to win a New Zealand Cup is a big order for a three-year-old. Roseal, who was purchased as a yearling for 78 guineas, is, of course, well enough bred to win such a race, and his trainer (W. Mitchell) says be wiß stay all right, though other members of the family have been more partial to ahort courses. Up to the present I have seen nothing I like better than Lady LilMan. It remains to be seen whether anything will show up from the Hawke's Bay Meeting. Reclaimer has broken down badly in both forelegs, and may never race again. ® ® ® SYLVIA PARK. (BY ASHBY.) I selected a most unfortunate day for my first visit to Sylvia Park this season, light vain falling all the afternoon. One never can look at things under these circumstances in the same pleasant frame of mind as when the sun is shining brightly on a beautiful summer’s day: but after getting under way, with Harry Wilson as my guide, my interest In the horseflesh to be examined quite made me forget the climatic conditions.

I was especially anxious to set eyes on the first of the San Franciscos, and, consequently, made a bee line for the paddock containing the mares and foals. My attention was at once arrested by a superb colt foal, which proved to be one of the new sire's gets, from Miss Gladys. This eolt is a bright bay, with three white feet, and a large blaze on his face, and I way say at once that he is one of the finest foals I have ever had the pleasure of looking at. He is a beautifully turned little fellow, thick, and round as an apple. The palm of your hand would almost cover the top of his back, and he stands slightly over at the knees, which will evidently be one of the characteristics of the San Franciscos. Laetitia was only a chain away, suckling her first foal (by Explosion), which is a nicely - built brown colt, adorned with four white stockings, and a blaze of the same colour. He was a week old at the time of my visit. Role, who is the beau ideal of a brood .mare, has presented her owners with a chestnut colt by San Francisco, who has four white feet and a star on his forehead. This is another really good foal, and like his half sister Rose Ila, has evidently thrown back to St Leger as regards colour. He looks like growing Into a fair sized horse, and is bow nearly four weeks old . Orchestra’s pledge to Explosion is a filly which. Just now. is mouse colour, but will no doubt turn black in time; while Sybil Is the mother of a good sized brown filly with a small white star, by the same sire. Liquidation’s offspring, who is a goodboned youngster, is evidently going to be bigger than bis relations, and is bay in colour, which is rare for anything by Exploaion. St. Edith had a rather small bay colt by Cuirassier running by her side;

while the beautifully bred Stepfekit, who was the only other that had foaled at the time of my visit, was responsible for a neat little brown daughter by San Francisco, who is marked by two white hind feet.

My attention was next turned to the yearling fillies, of which, there are 12. My umbrella evidently attracted the young ladies' attention, and they did their best to share it with me, thus giving me a splendid opportunity of looking them over. •TVhst is that big bay with white hind feet?” I asked, as she singled herself out from her companions. She turned out to be by Seaton Delaval from Keepsake, by St. Leger—Bangle, blue blood in all conscience, and a nice filly at that, deep in front, and good square quarters behind, one that should gallop. Toi Toi was the dam of the next taken, a well grown brown, by Explosion, with a particularly intelligent looking head, down the front of which is a white blaze. Sunbeam's filly Is an all bay, quality everywhere, and one that should race early. The next examined is a likely sort, in the shape of a big brown by Explosion from Liquidation, with a white off hind foot, and a rare set of legs. I like this filly better than anything her dam has thrown, and shall expect her to turn out right. A bay, with a star and a bit of white about her off fore and near hind legs, proved to be by Seaton Delaval from Cantatrtce. At present she is carrying a rather rough coat, but she is of fair size, is lengthy, and has good bone. A medium - sized brown, with a white star, claims Explosion and La Cloche as her parents, and is a neatly turned young lady that should race early. She’ is a first foal. The next to come under consideration proved to be one of the twins of Seaton Delaval from Lady Moth. It is a very rare thing for twins to survive, as this young lady and her brother have done. I have not come across a case before of both doing so. This filly is small, with a white off fore leg, hind coronet, and star, low and thick set, she should make a very smart pony if she does not grow too high. A big strapping dark bay or brown filly, with black points, is one that should make into a likely Oaks candidate, being by C'uirassier from St. Edith. I then had a look at the largest of the collection, which is a bay brown filly, with two white htnd feet, by Explosion from Waitemata. A credit to sire and dam alike, this filly stands over any amount of ground, and has a lean neck, a good pair of racy shoulders, a short back, and plenty of driving power. She is of r different stamp altogether to her half sister Kamo. An all brown filly from Stepfast by Explosion has unfortunately met with an accident to her hip, but should prove valuable on account of her breeding, while St. Loire, who is a half Biter to Nonette, Is represented by a big chestnut filly by Seaton Delaval. She has a somewhat Roman nose, and being evenly balanced, having size, and bred as she is, I shall expect her to be eagerly sought after. The last of the 12 fillies I examined is another of the come early division. being by Seaton Delaval from Lissadurn. She is much thicker than the two year old from the same mare by Wallace. and stands over a little at the knees, which is a point I do not dislike. Bay in colour, with a white near fore leg, and a star on her forehead, she has a speedy appearance.

The colts then claimed attention, and the first to come under observation was got by Seaton Delaval from Campania. This colt does not resemble Northumberland in any way. One of the best Seatons I have seen, he is a big bay, with a white off hind foot and a blazed face. He has a grand set of legs, good bony hocks, and length, depth, and substance. This fellow should make a racehorse.

Perhaps the pick of the colts is a dark bay by Seaton Delaval from Stepfeldt. This colt is quality from the muzzle to the tip of his tail, and is a really racy looking customer, with a sensible looking head, a nice lean neck, with no weakness about it, grand sloping shoulders, good loins, and big square quarters. His legs, which are truly placed, are of the hard flinty description. The colt by Seaton Delaval out of Ellerslie, and therefore half brother to Putty, is another bay. with a white near hind foot, and a suspicion of a star. He is a well grown, evenly made chap, with good legs and exceptionally good loins. Jadestone’s offspring, by Seaton Delaval, is also bay in colour, with black points, and is just now wearing a wintry looking coat. Were it not for colour this colt is not unlike his half brother by Cuirassier. He is of medium size. Miss Gladys, who is no doubt going to be a successful brood mare, had a representative here by Phoebus Apollo, and a really nice colt he is. He posseses wonderfully large bone, and stands over slightly at the knees. Particularly well grown, he is just now high behind, and has those straight hocks which always take my fancy. His quarters are well let down and powerful, and he is a brown with three white coronets. Now comes “Tommy.” as Harry Wilson calls the twin brother from Lady Moth. Tommy and his Bister arc much of a size, and like his sister he Is of the sturdy stamp, and will, if he does not shoot up, make a clinking pony.

The time, which always slips by when amongst the thoroughbreds, was now found to be getting late, but I could not leave without taking a look at the stallions. Seaton Delaval is looking gay and hearty, and is no doubt ft picture; while Explosion, who Is now thickening out into stallion estate, Is a wonderfully fine stamp of the thoroughbred, and would be hard to beat In any company. San Francisco, though not a big horse, has Improved greatly since I last had the pleasure of looking him over. That this horse would fetch a very large figure in England is certain, seeing that hla brother St. Frusquin is. by latest advices, second on the winning siretf

list. This fact, together with his foals, which are a magnificent advertisement, should mean him fetching a very substantial figure when he comes up for sale at the New Year. It is a thousand pities that thia stud should be broken up now. and I yet hope that the Messrs Nathan will change their minds. The rubbish has now been weeded out, and the whole collection. all of whom are in splendid condition. is one that any stud ma* ter should be proud of.

The following is a list of the mares belonging to the stud which go to the different stallious this season:—Miss Rose. Toi Toi, Orchestra, Stepfast, Sunbeam. Laetitia, and Castellina. go to Explosion; Tree Belle, I.issadurn, Robanilla, Inuisfall, Cantinere, Sr. Loire. Jadestone St. Edith, Lake Placid, Certificate, and La Cloche visit Seaton Delaval; while the following go to San Francisco: Liquidation, Sybil, Keepsake, Cantatrtce. Role, Lady Moth. Stepfeldt, Campania. Miss Gladys. Waitemata, Hlklpene, Charentc Ellerslie, and La Valiere. ® ® ® TURF TALK FROM THE SOUTH. • (By Telegraph.—Special to “Graphic.”) CHRISTCHURCH. Saturday. Mr Stead's two-year-old colt Silkworm, by Seato<n Delaval—Lady Moth, left on Wednesday to fulfil his engagements in the Hastings Stakes. The half-brother <to Hotioro will be Mr Stead’s only representative at the Hawke's Bay meeting. Hobbs has sold Dundas to Mr Hardinge, of Winton, Otago. The price paid was £5O. The old son of Perkin Warbeck 11. is none too sound. Mr Friedlander had a bit of bad luck in losing La Gloria’s foal by Seaton Delaval a few hours after it was born. Another of his mares, Quiver, by Stepniak—Aspenleaf, has foiled a colt to Finland, and yet another, Wheedler, by Stony hurst—Flatterer, a filly by the same sire. Molly Dear, by Gipsy Grand from that smart mare Molly Darling, changed hands recently at £l6. The support which Canteen recently received for the New Zealand Cup did not come from his owner.

Au Revoir’s brother, Marlborough, who is 20 yeare old. was vainly offered for sale at 25 guineas at Tiinaru a few days ago. At Sir George Clifford’s stud, Gohlen Crest, by Apremout—Aurifena, has produced a colt; Weathereye, by Maxim—Galatea, a colt; Gold Leaf, by Stonyhuiwt— Golden Crest, a filly; Madowla, by Trenton —Azalea, a filly; and Safeguard, by Maxim —Teredo, a filly—all to Clanranald. Other foallngs are Starshot, by Chainshot —Venn, a filly to Stepniak. and Pleasure-seeker, by Musketry—Psyche, a colt to Castashore. OIIAKA AND EYRETON RACES. The attendance at the Ohoka and Eyreton Jockey Club’s annual race meeting was therefore not much smaller than usual, despite unfavourable weather. The going was soft, and I suspect affected the results of more than one race. The hero of the meeting was Narcissus. After making practically all the running, the son of Reflector and Nenuphar won the Ohoka and Eyreton Handicap with something to spare, and he afterwards appropriated the Welter Handicap. lu each race he was followed home by an inmate of Aynsley’s stable. MenBchikoff’s unworthy sister. Stepdancer, acted as runner-up in the principal event, and Roper in the Welter Handicap. Aynsley’s ill-fortune was not confined to the two races mentioned, for his own colt. Firebrand, the top-priced youngster sold at the Elderslle sale of 1900, finished second to Nautlloid. by Musketry—Nautilus, in the Flying Handicap. Either Firebrand Is improving or Nautiloid is not as smart as her breeding would suggest, for only a neck separated the pair at the finish, and Firebrand was running on still. She Is susceptible of a great deal of improvement. Double Event’s half-brother, Single Event, popped up, as he very occasionally does now, In the Hunter’s Flat Race, and finished first. He had, however, to submit to a protest on the ground that he was in the forfeit list, and the stakes and totalisator investments were impounded pending the receipt of information from Greymouth. Playfair, who finished second, come out again in the Mandeville Welter Handicap, won by Narcissus. but broke a blood vessel during the race, and had to be pulled up. Single Event is by Apremont. and another son of the defunct French-bred sire, in the person of Nor’-wester, appropriated the Novel Handicap. The District Welter Handicap fell to Muskbum. by Musketry — Lady Sockburn. Only one New Zealand Cup candidate ran at the meeting, and that was Great Gun. The son nf Hotchkiss finished a poor third In the Mandeville Welter Handicap. He can be Improved, but not enough to enable him to win the New Zealand Cup. CHRISTCHURCH. Tuesday. I hear that Mr Stead’s youngsters, with the exception of Silkworm, got rather backward during Mason’s absence in Australia. This fact may affect Malakoff’s chance in his spring engagements. Of the older horses at Yaldhurst, Machine Gun, though n brilliant colt, is a roarer. The remaining th rec-yea**, olds arp said to be extremely moderate, and Orloff is amiss, leaving Cruciform as practicn’ly the only hope of the stable in races over a distance. Wairtki caught a cold on his journey South and fans not hern out of a walk sines his a«rrtval. He will probably resume fast work lmmediately t however, hnd as he was pretty’ forward before he left home, 1t la not HWy that bls Cup prospects will be prejudiced by his enforced rest. His trainer

at any’ rate professes to be quite iMtiafied that he will be ready in time WairUU’a stable companion, White Rose. is doing well.

The building operations at Biccacton are being pushed on night and day. and they now fear that they will not be finished by the C.J.C. Spring Meeting. Owing to the frequent showers which have fallen during the past month, the com*' 4 and enclosures are looking uncommonly well.

Mr H. Piper left for the North on Saturday to start at the Hawke’s Bay Jockey Club’s Spring Meeting.

Your readers need not take much notice of Quarryman’s running in the Wanganui Guineas; it was not intended originally to send the son of Madowki North, and not until To-morrovt was thrown out of work was he pushed aiong. He is not likely to be ready until next month.

Among the latest horses backed for the New Zealand Cup is Roseal. a-nd Achilles has again been sought after.

The following business ha? been done locally:--600 to 9 against Secret Society, 500 to 20 against Mars, 500 to 3’* against Rtagiman. 300 to 24 against Achilks. 300 to 21 against Shrapnel, 200 to 16 against Roseal. • New Zealand Cup and Ste 7 a,r^’w H , cap:—1000 to 4 against Rosea, and 1000 to 10 against Roseal and Rose bhtelu, 1000 to 1 against Secret Society and Royal Fusilier, 600 to 2 against Stratum von and Red Gauntlet, 500 to 20 against Lady Lillian and Machine Gun, 500 to 5 Lady Lillian and Madrigal, 500 to 5 against Halberdier and Machine Gun, 500 to B against Shrapnel and Quarryman 450 to 3 against Kelbunn and Red Gauntleit.

NEW PLYMOUTH. Tuesday. A sanguine backer accepted two hundred to fourteen about Roseal for the New Zealand Cup on Friday night at Wanganui, but on the previous evening he refused 8'« hundred to five straight out.

Otalao was sold on the eve of the Wanganul meeting to a syndicate for _2ogs. They expected him to win the hurdles and BO it is said, did the connections of Beau Ideal but Otalao, who has bad little jumping Ute fenced badly and tired quickly. He will be seen to better advantage later on no doubt. Hard Graft takes the of Otalao in J. Green’s stable, and the son of the Workman is to be given Jumping lessons.

Mr McKelvie could have had 500 gs for Beau Ideal, winner of the Hurdle Race at Wanganui a few weeks ago. but declined the offer. The son of Handsome Jack made more noise on the second than on the first day of the meeting, and Is more Ilke1t to get worse than better in the wind. Horses numbered three on the card at the Rangitikei meeting on the second day won six out of the seven events, and in the other race there was no starter bearing that number. Mr Chavannes, the Wanganui starter, has only fined two professional riders during the nine years he has been starting The last one to incur his displeasure was Wilson, rider of Hinetaura In the Wanganui Stakes, whom he had before the stewards and caused to be fined £5. Hinetaura was turned the wrong way when the barrier was raised, and Mr Chavennes blamed ths rider and not the little mare. I saw Halberdier this (Monday) morning at Wanganui, returning from having a long swim against the tide in the Wanganui River and was Invited by the owner to Inspect’ him, so I went to bls quartern, aud felt his legs, and was surprised that nothing could be detected In the shape of inflammation. Indeed, no one would, without the most careful Inspection, detect that there had been anything wrong. After returning to his paddock, for Halberdier has always been paddock trained, he was divested of his rugs, and after walking round a few times, went to a sand bole and enjoyed a couple of good rolls, ano then getting on his feet, started to buck about the section like a two year old. The hero of the Cup of 1902 is In great heart, and a course of swimming, plenty of hill climbing and work, with the rug on occasionally. and a race at Wellington, la the Intended method of treatment to be followed with Cuirassier’s son. "It Is. of course, uncertain how he will fare, for horses that have been unsound must always be a source of trouble to their owners. but with a tan bandy, such na thst at Ellerslie, and facilities for swimming, such as are to be had at Orakel, Halberdier could, I feel certain, be got ready for a big race very much sooner than a number ot candidates that are Just now standing on good legs. I would not like to sny that Halberdier can be got thoroughly fit to do himself justice at Rlccarton a month hence, hut there are more unlikely things. Fred Davies will ride Halberdier should he be got to the post, to attain which end every effort will be made by his owner and his trainer.