TURF NOTES.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXIII, Issue XI, 10 September 1904, Page 17

TURF NOTES.

The pony Elgar failed to get under the pony standard.

Akarana is reported to be going in good style at Taka puna.

Word from the South states that PoriTua is unlikely to race again. L. G. King has been retained to ride Lady Lillian in the New Zealand Cup.

Cruciform is going in good style on the tracks at Rand wick.

Many of the Riecarton course watchers regard Oblivion 11. as a waster.

The Avondale Jockey Club have received capital nominations for their Spring Meeting.

Delight was omitted from the acceptances for the Hack Hurdles at the Marton Meeting.

Mr F. L. Armitage, the well known local horse owner, left for a trip to England last Monday.

At Wellington Park, Nannie, by St. Leger—Rungi, has foaled a filly to Hotch kiss.

J. Chaafe. Jr., has a nice cut of a colt, by St. Paul—Electra, under his care at headquarters.

Cannongate is being hacked about the roads, but it is not intended to put him in work for some time yet.

J. Kean is back again at Ellerslie with Mr Roulston’s team, consisting of Up to Date, Mikado, and Coronation.

At Townsville recently, a pony named Tummy recently carried 13.7, and ran half a mile in 50 2-5.

On Saturday morning at Ellerslie Midcyr was again jumped over the hurdles. He is improving slowly.

Matalanta was given a turn over the schooling hurdles at Ellerslie on Saturday morning, fencing in great style.

A number of youngsters were practised at the barrier at Ellerslie during the week. Some of them were very green at it.

Midcyr was schooled over the hurdles at Ellerslie on Tuesday morning, and showed a big improvement on his previous essays.

The annual meeting of the members of the Takapuna Jockey Club will be held next Friday, September 9th,

Amongst the wagers taken recently about the Melbourne Cup was 1000 to 40 about Canteen.

Swimmer, who won a double at the Waikato Hunt Club Meeting, is by Cannon, the sire of Canuongate.

It is reported in the South that S. Lindsav has been engaged to ride Nonette in the New Zealand Cup.

Wairiki was shipped to Melbourne via Sydney on Monday by the Moana, in charge of his trainer. J. McHugh.

At Ellerslie, on Tuesday morning, Belfast and Lady May were companions over a couple of rounds of the schooling hurdles, both fencing well.

Papatu did not return to Auckland from Christchurch. D. Moraghan, his trainer, left him at Gisborne, where he is to be indulged in a spell.

The committee of the Auckland Racing Club had an employee of one of the lead ing trainers before them on Thursday, to answer a charge made against him by the caretaker for working horses on the conrae proper without an order from the secretary. After hearing the explanation, the committee decided to administer a caution.

Telephone, who. I think, is 13 years old this foaling, is in vfrork again at Avondale, lie is still an inmate of Frank Ross’ stable.

The committee of the Auckland Racing Club have postponed the consideration of trainer*’ and Jockeys’ licenses until tomorrow (Thursday).

D. Moraghan’s training establishment is now known by the name of “Straybird's Rest,” evidently out of compliment to his old slave.

On Saturday morning Peter Simple and Straybird wore companions over a couple of rounds of the steeplechase country on the inside of the course. Both jumped well. Aka Aka. Tahae. and Haydn were brought from the South last week. The two first named are to be turned out for at least 12 months. It is understood that Haydn will also be given a spell.

The committee of the A.R.C. have decided to accede to the request of the trainers to convert the old plough gallop into a grass one. This will give satisfaction at headquarters.

At a meeting of the To Aroha Jockey Club last week it was decided to hold a meeting on the 19th and 21st November next. The programme of last year was adopted.

Mr 11. Wootton’s clever and plucky little son Frank, who is riding with success in South Africa, will be only 1.1 years of 4»ge in November, and weighs a little over 4st.

Maroon and Gold was tried over hurdles at Ellerslie last week, and although his display was not very promising, still I think when he gets a little confidence in himself he may turn out useful.

The Messrs Duder are reported to have an exceptionally smart colt, by Soult — Anna, in work at Takapuna. The youngster in question claims an engagement in the Avondale Stakes.

Coronation, who has been added to the list since last season, has quietened down a lot, and may yet prove a worthy relative to his illustflous brother, Record Reign.

The penalties for the A.R.C. Oaks Stakes of 1907 have been fixed as follows: —Winners of any event to the value of SOObovs, 51b; of SOOsovs, 71b; of lOOOsovs, collectively, 101 b. Maidens to be allowed 71b.

Wairiki was shipped to Melbourne, via Sydney, on Monday, to fulfil his (’up engagement. J. McHugh, his trainer, went in charge.

Gainsford. who has ridden Wairiki In every engagement in which he has started, was offered the mount on him In the Melbourne Cup, but was unable to make the trip.

It Is whispered about that a number of jockeys who have applied for their licenses will have to appear before .the committee to answer a few questions before their applications are granted.

A Southern scribe states that Rosea I, who was in high favour for the New Zealand Cup, has broken down badly, and hence the non-appearance of his name amongst the list of acceptors for the race.

The ponies Solitary, Fashionable, Kyra, Miss Cuirassier, and St. Leger—Lady Thornton colt wore passed under the pony standard by Mr E. H. Hankins, the official measurer of the Avondale Jockey Chib.

The Seaton Delaval — Cantatrice filly purchased by Mr J. B. Reid at the dispersal sale of Sylvia Park Stud, is reported to be one of the most promising two year olds at Riecarton. She may turn out a second Gladsome. Ngatoro, who has had his name changed to Malosi, was taken to Taranaki on Thursday last, and will compete in hack events In that district. Ngatoro was a rank failure in Auckland.

Nominators of horses for the hunters’ events at the Pakuranga Hunt Club Meeting next Saturday are reminded that It Is absolutely necessary that qualification certificates must be obtained from the Master of the dub to which they belong before they will be allowed to start. Up to Date has been having an easy time of it (consequent on bruising his foot) since the A.R.C’. Winter Meeting, is looking bright and well, and should be a good stake earner for his popular owner during the forthcoming season.

The following have been withdrawn from the Great Northern Guineas. to be decided at the A.R.C. Spring Meeting: Bad News, Wairakau. b c Cyrcnkiu Windmill, Lady Commodore, Malakoff, Queen’s MessengerLurcher, who was leased from Mrs Leonard by a Taranaki sportsman. Is hack again In Auckland, the lease having expired. He Is now an inmate of Goo. Absolum's stable. Lurcher is a winner both on the fiat and over hurdles. The general commit tee of the A.R.C.. on Thursday afternoon, confirmed the suggestion of the sub-committee to the effect that all horses trained by licensed trainers after the Ist of September would be ineligible tq compete in hunters’ events. A Sydney writer says: -Bliss, by Trenton —Bridesmaid, is now at Hobartville stud. This mare, whom racegoers will remember as having been a steel grey, is now ml Ik white in colour. She has Just weaned a very fine Simmer colt, a bay, showing plenty of quality aud substance.

Mr J. Lennard has a couple of eolts in work at Te Arolia, both by Seaton Delaval, one out of Ida. and the other out of Vieux Rose. It is more than probable that the last named will lie sen out In the Avondme Stakes at the Avondale Jockey Club’s Spring Meeting.

On last Thursday afternoon, at Ellerslie, Up to Date and Geologist were companions in a gallop of a mile and a half over hurdles on the outside of the course proper. Up to date fenced in great style, but Geologist's display was not altogether pleasing.

The conditions of the Hunt Club Steeplechase. to be decided at the A.R.C. Spring Meeting, have been altered so as to allow lady members of the Hunt Club to nominate horses. Previously this privilege was on’y granted to the gentleman members.

The day after the Trenton colt Galopas won the Zetland Plate at Newmarket last month, he realised top price at the sale of Mr Leonard Brassey’s horses, being purchased by J. E. Brewer’s patron. Mr R. H. Henning, for 1550 guineas.

The black mare Vulpine (by Reynard), who It was reported was to be sent to India, has been put into work at Randwick by r. Nolan. It now transpires that the price received for her when she changed hands was 250 guineas.

Probably the most curious bet ever laid on the English Derby, says the “Sport ing Times,” was the £lO.OOO to a suit of new clothes, hat. ami walking stick. This was laid to Mr Driukald, whose horse. Black Tommy, ran second to Blink Bonny, many thinking that he had won.

Middy, half brother to Bluejacket, who has been off the scene since the A.R.C. Summer Meeting, is again hi work at Ellerslie, and is now an Inmate of D. Moraghan’s stable. The Middy has tilled out a lot, and the spell has evidently benefited him. He was wintered at Papnkura at Mr .Walters’ stud farm, Glenora Park.

The committee of the A.R.C. have had plans drawn up by their architect for roofing the main stand at Ellerslie, and also for covering in the two ends with glass. This is a work which should have been carried out some time ago, as it is not only required to preserve the building, but it will add greatly to the comfort of the patrons of the grandstand.

Auckland visitors who were present at the Wanganui-E’gmont Hunt. Club meeting have a good word to say for Springbok’S capabilities as a hurdler. Springbok was bred by the Hon. J. D. Ormond, and Is i>y, Flint’ock out of Mount Ida. consequently he is half-brother to the New Aeaiauu. Cup dead-heater Ideal.

The Auckland Trotting Club have decided upon October 151 h and 19th as the dates for their spring meeting. A liberal programme has been drawn up, the principal events of which are the Spring Trot of GOsovs, Alexandra Trot, of GOsovs, High Class Trot, of 50sovs, and the Electric and Insulation Trots of 40sovs each. As usual there are two pony events on each day’s programme.

Grand Rapids, who was supported for the Epsom Handicap nt 100’s to 8. was knocked gack In the betting to 100 to 3, but subsequently 100's to 5 was the best price on offer. The cable message does not give us any information as to the cause for ms receding in the but there evidently is nothing much the matter with him, as the next morning he reeled off seven furlangs in 1.34. The Wellington Park Stud Company suffered a severe loss on Saturday, when their imported stallion Phoebus Apollo met with an accident which resulted in his death. Phoebus Apollo was a son of tho celebrated St. Simon, was imported from Englund about four years ago by Mr T. Morrin. ami was looked upon as the makings' of a first class stud horse. Several of the yearlings sired by him brought good prices at the Inst two sales, ami a number of now two year olds show fair promise. Phoebus Apollo was Insured for a fair amount with the International Horse Agency, so that the loss is not a total one. An exchange says:—An American club, ft few years back, once found Itself in a similar predicament to that In which the Now Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club were placed by the recent heavy snowfall—ait

Important meeting in danger of being ruin* •d by their track being toe wet to race •u. The American track, however, happened to be in close proximity to sumo oil .wells, and the cute Yanks dried their running ground by saturating it with the combustible and then setting fire to it. The .writer does not recollect if the club had subsequently to water their truck to lay th.! dust.

Rays a South African writer: Quite a Sensation has been caused by the ‘•warning off - ’ by the Jockey Club of Captain Herbert, who took over the training of Mr I’iccione’s Horses after the Chinois —Cordon Kongo affair. It is understood it is in connection with the running of the last-named horse that the edict has gone forth. It will be 1 •‘membered that in the Metropolitan Handicap, at Capetown, Cordon Rouge fell shortly after the start. It is alleged that the horse collapsed from the effects of being “doped.” More, naturally, will be heard of the matter. The report at the time was that Cordon Rouge was seriously injured. That was far from being the case.

Rock Sand has now won 15 races out of 19 starts, and his stake earnings total £38,238. It is understood that his next appearance will be in one of the “ten thousand pounders,” the Jockey Club Stakes, in October. Isinglass still holds the English record for stakes won, his eleven victories returning £57,455. Donovan won 18 races and 55,153 sovs, Flying Fox nine races and 40,CH 16 sovs, and Ayrshire eleven races and 35.915 sovs. Others who won over £34,909 each were Persimmon, Ln Fieche, and Orme ami St. Frusquin creuiied his owner with £32,990.

From America comes word of the death of the three year old Highball, who, a couple of months ago, won the rich American Derby. When running in a race at one of the New York tracks last month, he suddenly dropped back near the finish, and on being pulled up was found to have broken his off fore leg in two places. Later be was chloroformed and shot, but the chapces are that if he had not been injured for £5090 an attempt would have ben made to. save him for stud purposes. He was by Ben Strome from Strychina, and was undoubtedly the best two year old in America last season.

J. Quinton, the Auckland jockey, who was injured while riding Moccasin through bis mount falling in the G.N. Steeplechase, died at Christchurch on Saturday. He received seveie internal injuries, and though he .rallied soon after the accident, he had a relapse on Thursday night, and failed to recover.

J. Quinton was one of our best crosscountry horsemen, and was in the employ of R. Hannon, the well known Waikato trainer, for whom he won a great number of races, including the Great Northern Steeplechase. Quinton was only 30 years of age at the time of his death, and a sad feature-of the ease is the fact that he was to have been married shortly, and he had announced that after the C.J.C. National Meeting he was going to retire from the Baddie. The deceased’s mother, who lives at Waihi, will be sincerely sympathised with in her bereavement.

A writer in one of the English papers •ajs: — That the fashionable cross for mating with Trenton, in view of the great things done by the sisters Memoir and Ln Fieche, is the St. Simon strain could not In the most tortuous argument be disputed. None the less, I feel positive that owners of mares plentifully supplied with Stockwell blood, and a trifle of “laced tea,” as old Jorrocks would have put it, filtered in from the stout Ratnplan tap, wou’d strengthen their studs if dipping into Trenton before it is too late. When I last saw the old horse, he looked quite a decade younger than his age, and it is a big thing to say that even when live year olds were his youngest progeny south of the line, Trenton gallantly stood out as champion Australasian stallion.

“It is a very curious coincidence,” says the “Field,” “that the winners of the German, the Austrian, the French, and the English Derby are all descendants of Galopin. St. Amant and Con Amore (the latter of whom won both the German and Austrian Derby) are grandsons of St. Simon, through St. Frusquin (the sire of St. Amant), and Matchbox, the sire of Con Amor**; while Ajax, through Flying Fox, Is Closely connected with the Galopin family.

Con Amore was bred in Hungary by M. Aristide Baltazxi, the former owner of Kis l her, and sold as a yearling for £4OB. The **olt has won nearly £lO,OOO. He now belongs to Count Tranttinansdoifl, who won a flue quadruple-event het about St. Amant and" Pretty Polly for the Derby and Oaks, and his own horse Con Amore for the German ami Austrian Derby.” Many of the best horses in Australia are descended from the same source.

The second reading of the Totalisator Bill in the Victorian Legislative Assembly was lost by 27 votes to 20. During the speech of Mr McCutcheon, one of the opponents of the bill, he quoted Sir Robert Stout’s (the Chief Justice of New Zealand) remarks to-the effect that. me totalisator had attracted a lot of scallywags to the racecourses. These remarks caused a great uproar, one member raising a point of order, as the statement made reflected on all those who went to races in Victoria, from the Governor-General downwards. Several of the opponents of the bill stated that although favourable to the totalisator, they could not support the measure unless It was very much improved. Several of the speeches both for and against rhe bin were amusing, one novel reason given for opposing it being that of Mr Mackinnon, who said betting was a great evil, but he thought It would be far better to Jet it continue as at present in all Its hideousness and grossness until public opinion became strong enough to wipe it out altogether.

Another world’s record was put up in America last month, when Broomstick, in winning the Brighton Handicap at Brighton Beach. New York, ran mile in 2.2 4-5. Tin* stake was worth £4400 to the winner, ami there were only’seven runners. Broomstick, who is a 3 year old and was weighted at 7.6, was not much fancied, his owner being doubtful as to whether he could get the distance. Soon after the start, Irish Lad and Broomstick got together in front, and made the pace so merry that the first six furlongs were put. by in 1.12 3-5, and the mile in 1.37 4-5. A hundred yards from home, Irjsh Lad. 9.1, was slightly in the lead, hut a little further on, he swerved badly and stopped, which enabled Broomstick to just boat him. It was not surprising that Irish Lad behaved as he did just at the finish, as it turned oti£ he had broken down. This did not conre altogether as a surprise, as it was known that one of his legs had been giving a lot of trouble, and it. was generally understood that this was to be his last race of the season.

Says the “Austialaslan”: The display of blood horses at the National Association’s Exhibition in Melbourne this year showed a slight improvement on the past few years, but that is not saying that it was anything to be very proud of, seeing that the owners of most of the distinguished blood horses in the northern state have given the metropolitan show a wide berth. There was nothing amongst the dozen exhibits with a possible chance of wrestling the championship from the Trenton horse Elected, who agabi, for the third time consecutively, carried all before him. The little chestnut horse Musket, who went wrong after winning his Derby at Eagle Farm, since when he has been doing stud duty 1n the Tipper Brisbane River district, was the runner-up to Elected; but, in the opinion of many good judges, the horse who should have secured at least second honours was the big St. Loger stallion St. Hippo, who was lecently imported from New Zealand by Mr H. Mosman, and who, on breeding, size ami lookings, notwithstanding his slightly hollow back and weak looking pasterns, was conspicuous by the side of Elected.

That jockeys are nor the best judges of where they finish in races was further demonstrated on a couple of occasions in England last month. Al Lingfleld on July 11, after the Brambletye Selling Handicap, that experienced rider, Halsey, who had the mount on Diakkaway, was rather astonished when, on presenting himself to weigh in, he was told he was not wanted. He was under the impression that his mount had won, whereas it did not got closer than fifth, the finish being a close one between six or seven horses. When the judge declared in favour of Fa riman for the Bury Handicap at Newmarket on July 15. the prominent light weight, Griggs, who had the mount on MouravJff, vowed he had won in a canter, and on returning to

the paddock refused to dismount until taken' into the enclosure reserved for winners. However? that did not affect the judge’s decision, though a good many people besides Griggs questioned the correctness of it. The angles at Newmarket are peculiar, and it was there that Tod Sloan, under the impression that hr was winning easily, threw away a Cambridgeshire on St. Cloud.

Before returning from their recent trip Io the Curragb, “Ashplant” writes in the London “Sportsman,” from Newmarket: — “Messrs Lionel Robinson and Clark, equally as well known in the racing world of Australia as here at home, paid a visit to Lord Clonmell’s stud at Bishopscombe, and to Mr Kennedy’s, one mile nearer Straffan station. So impressed were they with this locality for blood stock rearing that there and then they arranged that their famous horse The Victory should next season commence stud duties at. the Straffan station farms. Ireland is fortunate In thus obtaining the greatest living descendant of the famous Fisherman, whose departure from these shores had ever ranked in the world of horse breeding as the greatest national loss this country ever made. The Victory is by The Admiral out of The Charmer, and Fisherman,was an ancestor of both sire and dam. In addition to this, he is inbred to Stockwell, and takes yet another line of Birdcatcher—that of Oxford—through his granddam. The Witch, of many memorable performances. That of winning with 8.12 on his back as a four-year-old the Melbourne Cup ranks as one of his best, and Australian records point to him as a champion long-distance runner, not second even to Carbine.”

The “Field” gave some very interesting details respecting the winning sires in England after the Ascot meeting was over, it is there stated that in the principal races the honours rest chiefly with the line of Birdcatcher, from whom there were 12 winners in direct descent, these including Throwaway, Rock Sand, I’ietty Polly, Andover, Delaunay, and the two-year olds Cicero and Llangibby, besides five others of lesser note. The line of Blacklock came second with seven winners; >of Newminster descent there wore three winners; of Melbourne descent two, and one each of the - line of Beadsmen and Wild Dayrell. It is not very usual nowadays for hoises of Birdcatcher descent to score such a signal triumph over those descended from Blacklock, and it is perhaps worthy of note that the Bond Or family made only one mark. Throwaway, Out o’ Sight, and Andover come from Birdcatcher through 'Wisdom, Blinkhoolie, and Rataplan; Pretty Polly, Llangibby, gantry, Challenger, and Delaunay are all from the Isonomy line of Stockwell; Petit Bleu also goes back to Stockwell through Sterling, the sire of Isonomy, and Sainfoin to the same horse through Springfield, while Henry the First traces through Lord Ronald, and Cicero through Cyllene, Bonavista, Bend Or, and Doncaster, to - Stockwell. Of the seven Blacklock successes, St. Simon had one, and his sons Persimmon-, St. Serf, St. Frusquin, and Florizel 11. one each. Brother Bill, though doubtfully bred, may be credited to the Galopin family through Velasquez and Donovan, and Sundridge comes from Vedette (grandsire of St. Simon) through Speculum or Rosebery. The three wins for Newminster blood were gained by sons of Hampton, and those of the line of Melbourne through sons of Barcaldine.

Mr Joe Thompson, in an interesting letter to the “Australasian,” says he went to Paris for the Grand Prix week, but found, as he expected, that there was no chance of betting against the totalisator. At one time, he says, he did a deal of betting in France, and the “mesdames and mademoiselles used to call me Le General.” As regards English horses, Mr Thompson, who was always a pretty fair judge, thinks Pretty Polly stands light out by herself. “I never saw such a furnished mare in my life. There was no room for Improvement in her from a two-year-old. It Is no trouble to her to gallop. They say she crossed her legs on the two last occasions. She may have done. -When being saddled she stands as quietly as old Richmond did. The St. Leger, 1 think, is only a matter of health for her, but I am always a bookmaker. and I have laid £2090 level against her. If Ajax comes over. 1 may not have any the worst of that on the day. Cicero is a good colt, and if all goes well may win

Lord Rosebery his third Derby. Rock Sautf is a nlve little horse. 4rut lie hgs betn lucky to come in a platers’ year. The bfcet opening for a clinking, good Australian jumper is at Liverpool. The Jumps in the National are built up higher and- stronger. Sceptre seems done. All the fire is out of her. 1 do not think Throwaway’s win In rhe Ascot Cup was a fluke. Sceptre headed him at the spagnolctti board, but cbuMl not hold him; then came Zinfandel, and Throwaway wore him down fair and square. Throwaway is one of the Le Gyaud sort — cannot win a handicap, but when properly balanced can go from end to end in a long weight-for-age race. There are a few fine horsemen here. Maher is especially good, and so is Lane, while Halsey and Madden are very hard to beat. Some people fancy M. Cannon, but 1 think his style of sitting straight up Is a thing of the past.”

The very marked changes that have come about in the turf world during recent times •have been (says the “Field”)’ perhaps most pronounced on the social side. The horses that race are very much what they always have been, and the ever present question “Which are the best, those of the past or those of the present?” provides a healthy, bone of contention for all time apparently, for it can certainly never be settled to the satisfaction of both parties of thought. That the horse of to-day is any better off in point of luxurious ease than his forerunner of the earlier half of the century can scarcely be maintained, for. the fact’ that he is whisked hither and thither by railway train instead having to walk from course to course, brings with it the more than counterbalancing condition that an animal may race to-day in the south of England, and to-morrow at a place 203 miles or more northward. "Were the horses consulted, they would no doubt prefer less racing with the penalty of transit on their own legs, to the existing state of things. In everything that affects the large number of persons who either live by, or find their principal source of amusement and recreation in racing, changes that force themselves upon the notice have been brought about, or, where they are slow In making their appearance, the laggards are being goaded into joining the ranks of the advanced brigade. That, sufficient people remain who are satisfied to race under the old uncomfortable conuivions, r and that metlngs were they are preserved still continue to pay their way, is but another instance of the extremely hard deaths which our social traditions die. But it does not follow that that class will be perpetuated, for every. Indication is presented that it is dying out fast, and is being superseded by one that appreciates a better state of things. In the way be goes racing the son is by no means content to do as his father did, andl it is quite Certain that the meeting of the future, if it is to be a paying concern, will be one in which the creature comforts of spectators are considered to be of equal importance with the provision of good stakes.

When the Appeal Court judges gave their decision in the Bagpipes-Petrovna case, Mr Stead raised the point that the appellant, the owner of Petrovna, had no status before the Court, on the ground that rule 48 of the Rules .of Racing , says that iiq entry shall be valid unless it gives the ago of the horse at the time of entry. The age of the appellant’s horse Petrovna was not given at the time of her entry for the race in question, nor was it given in any entry made for that meeting Mr Stead called the secretary of flic Canterbury Jockey Club, who produced the original of the entries in pi oof of this. The judges decided that as the point was not urged before the lower tribunals, the Court of Appeal could not entertain it. Efbiuent members of the Bar gave the opinion that it is quite within the province of a court of appeal to entertain an objection to the status of the appellant, although not raised in the lower court. However, the appeal judges in the Bagpipes case decided that the point could not be entertained, but in giving their judgment wcie very careful not to. order the stakes to bo paid to the qwner of Petrovna, but ordered that they be refunded to the Canterbury Jockey Club, to be paid over to the person who would have been entitled to them had Bagpines not started in the race. The point raised by Mr Stead has now been adjudicated on by the stewards of the Canterbuiy Jockev Club, whom it was brought before, with the result that Mr Stead’s contention has been upheld,

and Petrovua disqualified for the race oa tiie grounds stated by Mr Stead. The question that now arises Is this; Is the derision of the appeal judges binding, seeing that the protest on which Urey were called upon to decide has been ruled to have been made by art owner whose horse was ineligible to compete in the taco, and who therefore had no status before the court. No doubt Mr Jeffs, the owner of Petrovna, will appeal agalft against the last decision of the‘Canterbury Jockey Club, and it will be interesting to See how the question will end.

It Is very certain that the “Special Comtnisstouer" of the London ••Sportsman’’ does not believe that roaring is hereditary, lie brings forward the French colt Ajar as the greatest proof that could be had in the racing world to confirm his opinion. 'Ajax is a wonderfully well-bred colt, being by Flying Fox from Arnie. The pedigree, .when worked out. contains no fewer than eight tines of that grand old mure Pocahontas. two of them through Welling!onia, while Cbtmnrr. maternal grandsire of Ajax, descends from Heroine of Lucknow ((laughter of Pocahontas), but ho It is. and, as a consequence, we find Pocahontas five times In Arnie -the dam of Ajax, and three of r’frnse times through daughters of the famous inare, viz., Heroine of Lucknow, Ayacaiiora. and Araucaria. The other two lines come through Stockwell in Prince Charlie and Caterer. Flying Fox gets Pocahontas twice through Stockwell ami once through King Tom, and as in the pedigree ot Ajax we find the dying Dutchman four times it is manifest that the direct line of Sultain is represented in tremendous strength, and is supplemented, too, by a lot. of Castret blood In Macaroni, etc. Another interesting point In the pedigree of Ajar is* that his dam brings together Surplice (maternal grandsire of Prince Charlie) and his own sister. Penance, who figures at the foot of the pedigree. There is no sounder-winded c.olt than Ajax, and does not this tn itself show what nonsense the Idea of heredity in rourlug really is? First of ail, we know that Pocahontas was a bad roarer, and of her he has eight strains. Then, agaiu, tie combines Ormonde and Prince Charlie, the most famous roarers of all time. Added/to this. Wellington!;!, the maternal great grand sire was also a roarer, and got by a roaring horse, Chattanooga, out of a roaring mare, Araucaria. Lily Agnes, th? dam of Ormonde, was a roarer, and so was Melbourne, (he maternal grandsir? of Biair Athol and Breadalbaue. Eastern Princess, the dam of Prince Charlie. 1 remember very welt. She was a very big chestnut mare, who roared as she walked; and now, with all this concentrated In Ajax, we find him (lie soundest colt imaginable, and not improbably I he best In the world. Does not this show the folly ©f pedantic observance of rules which result in breeding from sound mediocrities rather than brilliant performers with some trilling “if’ about them? (•)(•)(•) WELLINGTON PACING CLUB. WELLINGTON, Wednesday. The annual meeting of the Wellington Rachig 4‘lub was held to-night. The resolution passed at the recent special meeting, authoiisiug the stewards to spend £25,OiM) in the purchase of land and the evection of buildings for the new course at Trentliam was confirmed. Officers were elected as follows: Mr J. B. Harcourt (re-elected); vice-presidents, Messrs W. 11. ft. Moorhouse, and It. T. Turnbull (reelected); stvwatds. tin* Hoti. T. K. MacDonald, Messrs J. Wilkins. J. W. Abbott, 14.‘ F. Johnston. N. McLean. D. J. Nathan, W. H. Turnbull, and James. ® © © AUCKLAND TROTTING CLUB. Th-‘» annual meeting of (he Auckland Trotting Club was held fit the club's offices last •Wednesday. There was a fair attendance of members, Mr A. R. Harris, chairman of committee, presiding. in his speecfc the chairman congratulated the members on having another successful year financially, th? year's working showing a net profit of £lB2. During the year the sum Of £2870 was given away in stakes, a considerable increase on the previous year s •total. The racing* during the year has ibean of a high class order, and an increased public interest has been caused by the •closeness of the contests. A special vote ■of thanks was passed to th? Takapuna Jockey Club for their sportsmanlike spirit in (granting the use of their course for the holding of th? winter meeting. In terms of rules six committeemen and the whole of the stewards retired, but were eligible lor election. The following gentlemen iwere nominated for stewards Messrs L. <’ooke, J. Todd, J. McLeod, J. G. Rut Hertford, A. Bach. R. Menzies, A. Hughes, J. iMcColl, F. Wells, R. J. Kinloch. J. Morrison, and T. Crawford. For committee: (Messrs A. R. Harris, G. Tafmley, J. Mm. ’A. Coates. W. McManus. ami Captain S. •C. Cauiton. As In vault ’ case the number nominal ed did not exceed the number required, the above were elected. The bal-ance-sheet shows receipts from ail sources tn be £l5ll 13/7 and the expenditure «432 f 10/7. I © © © 1 JTHE CAMBRIA PARK YEARLINGS. } . , • UNGS. <By Wluilebone.) Mt was a tine though somewhat cold afternoon when 1 journeyed (<• Cambria Park from thebheeii Lane station In company

with a friend and Mr A. E. Price, the manager, who drove us out. The paddocks at the Park were looking well, and there will be plenty of new grass for spring feeding there. The mares and their yearlings were, found in good condition, all being fed and most of-the yearlings being housed, all of which we first saw in their paddocks, and some of (hem inter on In their boxes. There are 18 iu all —10 colts and eight fillies—and they will lie sold at midsummer time as usual, without reserve. Eight of the colts and five of the fillies are by Cy re Ilian: two ot the fillies are by The Officer; one colt by Boult; one colt and one filly by Eton; and all appear to be thoroughly sound and free from blemish. Taking the lots In the order of Inspection, the first noticed was a lengthy, well-grown brown filly by Eton, a son of Castor and Lady Walmsley, full sister to Carbine, her dam Gwendoline, dam of - Gwcniad, a winner last season. Gwendoline was got by Boult from The Sheelah, dam also of Clansman and Sentinel. Eton’s daughter looks like to be useful, and may turn out the best The Sheelah has thrown. The Cyrenian-— I‘it-a-pat fitly is a light bay with a white Star and a white heel. She is a very nice, evenly made, fair-sized lady, whose appearance suggests galloping ability; but neither her nor her two companions were iu a humour to show their paces, but were of an inquisitive turn, and almost wanted pushing out of the way, this one in particular being very friendly. There is plenty of good racing blood, old-fashioned and up-to-date. mingled iu the pedigree of this filly, who should race. A lengthy chestnut filly by Cyrenian from Kllmorey would be selected at once as likely to become useful, and on pedigree tines cannot be surpassed, and 1 shall he surprised should she not turn out a stake-earner. She will be bigger than her brother, sold last year, and much bigger than her dam, who was got by the English horse Kilwarlin, winner of th? St. Leger, and has left those good performers. Newry and Kilmarnock, since being imported. in the next paddock rive fillies were running, and the one of most size and of lengthy proportions whs The Officer’s daughter from Heartsease, by Dreadnought from Queen of Hearts. The other of The Officer’s gets is also a very nice one from Anadyomene, by Dreadnought from Aphrodite. Both are good dark bays. Much to my liking was a black filly by Cyrenian from the Grandmaster mare Hestia, who has bred two representatives to Carbine In Quickfire and Firearm, aud five to Nelson iu Cadiz. Minerve, Shellback, Hardy, and a colt last year. With this exception, and of Firearm and Hardy, all have won. and the filly under notice looks so distinctly useful in the matter of contour and genera! promise that I would not wonder were she to turn out the best of the family, 'i’he Neckersgat—Peradveuture mare Lady Agnes is represented by a rather small but very neat filly, a black tn colour like her dam, and she may earn some winning brackets, if not in early two-year-old races iu pony events. Iler dam won races. A medium-sized • hay filly by Cyrenian from Cygnet’s dam, Iftua. by Neckersgat. from Perhaps, by Gang .Forward, will grow and develop into usefulness, and may eonie to hand unite as soon as ome of the bigger ones. During the next five months a great change will be worked In these yearlings should they go on without a check, but though they nr? being well- fed they are not being forced.

Th? paddock In which w? came to th? first lot of colts Is well sheltered,'and four had it. to themselves. A brown o’ fair size, by Soult, from old Anna, could not well be mistaken, being a Soul I all over, and a very likely one to keep up the name of his family on both sides. Anna, his dam. has left some good performers, and Akai ana, from that mare, was one. of the best two-year-olds, if not the best, owned in Auckland last season. Annabelle and Anita ar? two of her daughters that achieved distinction. A bay by Cyrenian from Songstress.

very like his sire in colour and coufoinuation. and of medium size, was the next noticed. Songstress is a well bred mare, being by Th? Drummer (impelled) from Canary, by Occident's sire Lapidist. A bay by Cyrenian. just such another even made o’ue as the last, fiom Miss Annie by Seaton Delaval. from the Nordenfoldt mare First Love, dam of I.ady Avon and Lady Bobs, should make a useful horse. A very tin? three-year-old half sister, by Hotchkiss, that has been kept expressly for breeding, and Lady Annie, a winner, and tin* filly sold last year, are each fine advertisements for Miss Annie as a brood inaic. Lighter in colour, but shapely and promising, is a bay by Cyrenian front Epine, a good bred one from The Barb mare The Thorn, by the Yattendon horse Sweet William. The Tbarn is a half sister to Aberrant. T.ike his mates tills colt Is of medium size, taking after Lis sire a good deal. Ou entering the next paddock, containing four colls, a most attractive looking young gentleman by Eton came towards us. and he proved to be a half brother to Solo and Sonica. a splendid advertisement for his sire, who Is a very fine horse now. Dolly has probably never thrown one so good at the same age. I was also pleased greatly with Sappho’s roll by Cyrenian. but he has not bron doing too welt for some weeks, possibly owing to getting one of Ids legs hurt. IT? is. however, all right, and by sale time should fill Hie eye well. A chest mil colt by Cyrenian from Pikau. the Anteros - Amohia mare, is fairly well grown, and he should make a useful stamp of horse, with a little age, for either fiat or hurdle racing. The other occupant of Ihr paddock was one of the finest colts I have seen this season, a blown by Cyrenian. full brother to the filly sold last year, more than half I»r<»llirr to Savoury, who has not yet raced, ami half brother to those useful winners, the brothers Midlothian and Melodeon. This colt is somewhat late, a November foal, but all the same hr stands out as an yucominouly good one. ami In* Is much the best Cyrenian I have seen, am! will easily top the sale list of the colts. The colts by Cyrenian from Porangi Polar ami Epin? respectively are on tin* small shir, but on the chance of their bring poiiica will be well competed for uo doubt.