TURF GOSSIP

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXIV, Issue 11, 18 March 1905, Page 17

TURF GOSSIP

RACING FIXTURES, March 17 and 18—Ohlncmurl Jockey Club Annual March 18—Northern Wairc* R.C. Autumn Starch 80 aud April I—Wellington R.C. Autumn April 1 and s—Avondale J.C. Autumn April 22, 24, 25—Auckland R.C. Autumn It has been decided not to persevere with ftanana, aud he is to bo given a spell. Ten horses from outside districts have been nominated for the AR C. Easter Handicap. Watrtki's full sister Eady Rose figures amongst the entries for the A.R.C. Easter Itandicap.

Starshoot Is the only horse nominated by Nr E. J. Watt for the principal handicap •vents at the A.R.C. autumn meeting. Tiro Ohlnemurl Jockey Club's annual meeting takes place on Friday and Saturday next, the 17th and 18th Inst. Baltimore is again In work at Ellerslie. He is etll nn Inmate of Koss Heaton's ■table. Nervine, - In winning the Trial Handicap at the South Auckland Meeting, scored his first victory. Playaway was solidly supported in Auckland for the Newmarket Handicap: very few of the local penclllers escaped laying her. Geyser, who started In the Trial Handicap at the South Auckland Meeting finished fully a quarter of a mile behind the remainder of the field.

The amount, £2460, passed through the machines on Saturday at the South Auckland Racing Club’s Annual Meeting, is a record for the Club.

Roseal was left In both his Wanganui engagements, and thus hud any chance he might otherwise have possessed spoiled. He appears to be barrier shy.

We hear a good deal about popular wins, but nineteen out of twenty times that favourites prove successful their victories are popular, no matter whom they belong to.

Old Nor’-West must b 4 going on all right. His name figures In the steeplechase nominations for both the Avondale and Auckland autumn meetings.

Matters on the training tracks at Ellerslie are very quiet at present. With the Sear approach of the Avondale meeting lings should liven up. shortly.

Idas svas withdrawn from her engagements at the Ohlnemurl Jockey Club's Meeting immediately ou the appearance ♦f the weights.

Lyford. a light weight horseman from the South, has entered Koss Heaton's employ, and will fiil the place as first rider for the stable, vacated by th* resignation of Dceley,

Aunoycd looked very tucked up after her effort In the South Auckland Cup, and It seemed a pity she was not allowed to drop out of her engagement in the Tradesmen's Plate, which was run later In the day.

The supposition that Scotty’s chance of success In the Wanganui Cup was spoiled through the Interference alleged to have taken place Is a wrong one. The son of St. Leger was clearly lu difficulties at the end of a mile.

Moifaa has been awarded list, 121 b. in the Grand National Steeplechase, which ermier up tor decision on the 81st Instant. Moifaa has IHlbs. more to carry than what U» won with last year. Deemster figures at the top of the handicap with 12st. 'lib.

Monoform Is still being Indulged In a spell. The eon of Hotchkiss has furnished into a magnificent, specimen of the thoroughbred, add If he Were never again to see the post, should wake an invaluable sire.

The followlug programmes were passed by the Committee of the A.R.C. at their iSst monthly meeting: —Whakatane, 17th March: Northern Walroa, 18th March: Kawhla Hack Races, 25th March; and Ngaruawahla, 21th Apr!!.

The Wanganui Cup hnS furnished many surprise* since it was first established lu 1874, but only on n few occasions during the time the totnlisator has been lu use lias a better dividend been paid lliau that •n Quarrymau last week.

Quarryman’s trainer told mtutf who asked him what chance that hcuwS had of winning the Wanganui Cup’ that, though he |R?' Rarilng on sonmooney for Sir George . Cll fiord, he coqgMeied It like throwing ■•My away,.

Gcordie was made second favourite for the South Auckland Gup, aud not a few good judges favoured his chance. The horse was very sore when he executed his preHmtoafy, and it never wore off him, and he finished absolutely last.

Very little credit can be attached to Desdemona's victory at the South Auckland meting, as had anything else iu the race got the break at the start that Desdemona did, they would have probably won considerably easier.

Those who saw Reckless win the steeplechase at Hamilton last Saturday will be surprised at the absence of her name from the list of entrants for the Avondale and Auckland Steeplechases. Fairly treated iu the matter of weight, she would have met with a lot of support.

The Avondale Jockey Club should have every reason to be satisfied with the entries received for the principal events at rheir autumn meeting. The weights for the Avondale Handicap and Railway Handicap, run on the opening day, are due on Monday, the 13111 lust.

Since their last annual meeting, the Waiuku Racing Club have made considerable Improvements to tueir racecourse and surroundings, and further alterations are also contemplated, so that in a few years time the course should be at least equal to that of the majority of country clubs.

Tauranga, who ran third 1n the Trial Handicap and second in the District Hack Race at South Auckland looks like turning out useful. With, better handling it was almost a certainty she would have beaten Whakahihi In the latter event.

I.lngard was favourite for the Handicap Hurdles at the South Auckland Meeting last year, when he ran off. He was again installed iu the position of favourite for the Hurdle Race at this year's gathering, when he repeated his performance of last year by again running off.

Frank Maejn&aemin has tired of persevering with Dunmore, and the horse was returned to his owner's farm during the week. The lease of the horse had some time yet to run, but the Hon. Mosman generously cancelled the remainder of the dine. Dunmore will probably be added to the list, which may improve him.

While the Garrison Band at the Wanganui Jockey Club’s Autumn Meeting were playing selections which gained thorn the highest honours at the recent band contest, scows of visitors and others assembled near the rotunda and manifested the greatest delight. Wanganui racegoers get up-to-date music.

The Chairman of the New Zealand Racing Conference has disapproved of the name of Zodiac, claimed by Mr Roulston for the gelding by Castor—Lady Blair, and a now name will have to be found for him. Incognito, the mare by Souit, owned oy Mr J. Callaghan, Is another for which a new name will have to be found, the Chairman disapproving of that also.

Word from the Waikato brings news of the death of Lcolantis. Leolantls was foaled as far back as 1887, but beyond winning tho A.R.C. Guineas was not a greatsuccess on the turf. At the stud he did not got a great many chances, but he sired a number of useful horses, but tho only ono with any pretension to first-class form is Romeo.

The nominations received! by - the A. R.C. for the principal handicap events at their autumn meeting must be considered highly satisfactory. Thirty-four appear In the Easter Handicap, twenty-eight In the St. George’s Handicap, twenty-two In the Autumn Handicap, and fifteen in the Steeplechase. The Hurdle Race has not filled as well as expected, only ten nominating.

After Quarryman had triumphed iu the Wanganui Cup there was a dulness which seemed to envelop the course, and the next rave had started before the peoi>le seemed to realise that business was proceeding. The victory of Sir George Clifford's horse was well received, considering that ho was an outsider, but usually there Is more enthusiasm over tho Cup race.

Last year a field of 17 started for the Thompson Handicap. This y«hr tho nominations for tills race number only 20, nngainst 47 The alteration in the date of the mdeU<Tlf, which now coni as be fore the C.J.O. and A.R.C. and other Ens tor meetings, may not have Operated to Hi advantage of the Wellington Racing Club who are tho least fortunate of all the mo tmpolitan clubs In the matter of racim dates.

For some considerable time there has been dlasatisftictlon expressed by members of the South Auckland Racing Club regtirdtng the name the club races under, but up o tno present no serious effort has been made to change It. However, those In authority have discussed the question on several occasions of late, with the result that

a special meeting of the club is called for this evening to finally settle the mailer for all time. , A writer in tho Sydney ‘Referee pons the following:—Some New Zealand stewards evidently do not regard Interference iu a race as a serious offence- At the rerent Takapuna meeting, the ex Queensland jockey. Mark Ryan, complained of Interference on the part of another rider named Gray, who though adjudged guilty by the stewards, was let off with a fine of X 3. They also threw iu a caution. Dingo is to make another trip tn Sydney. The old chestnut gelding will lompeie in the steeplechase on the concluding day of the Avondale meeting, and will be shipped to the other side on the following Monday. the 10th April. With Slow Tom. Dingo, and Up-to-Date rcpiesenttug New Zealand In the jumplug events at the A.J.<’. autumn meetlug. we ought at least to hold our own, (hat is If the handicapper does r.ot over-estimate their abilities. Vp-te-Date was again schooled over the big fences at Ellerslie on Thursday mornlug, jumping well. Up to Date was shipped to Sydney on Monday by the Victoria ro compete nt the autumn meting of the Australian Jockey Club. He was taken to Sydney by S. Howie (who will probably steer him In bis engagements». and on arrival there will join Ike Earnshaw's team, ami that astute trainer will put him through his facings. About five years ago the Russian Jockey Club purchased In England for £20,000 the great Irish horse, Galtee More. He proved himself also a great sire. Out or the first 14 colts he sired, 12 came to the post and were winners. Amongst them Is Irish Lad. a very high-class horse. Hine won the Derby at Warsaw, Moscow, amt St. Petersburg, last year. Thia year anther son of Galtee More, Caroll, won tho Derby at Warsaw, was second to his stable companion in Moscow, and won again at St. Petersburg.

Remarkable occurrences in racing in South Africa are not uncommon. ah incident at a recent meeting of tho Kimberley Turf Club may, perhaps, claim me record. A 14.1 pony named Liberty ran a bad third In a pony handicap of five furlongs, and. being pulled out an hour later, made all the running iu tho Farewell Handicap (for full grown horses), beating Eva (an English marc), Mimosa, and Pearl d’Or easily. The judge, however, placed, the winner third--a drastic treatment of the situation.

Romeo’s appearance in the South Auckland Cup was looked forward to with a good deal of interest by followers of the sport. When he appeared in the paddock, the general opinion was that he was a trifle too big to do himself justice in the race under notice, aud this opinion was, to a large extent, shared hi by his connections, who nevertheless expected him to run a good race, but were afraid he would net last it out. However, the Leolantis gelding got to the front after six furlongs had been left behind, and managed to last long enough to win. all out, by half a length. Romeo should be cherry ripe by the time the A.R.C. Autumn Meeting rolls around.

Tho catalogue Is to hand of the Cambria Park and Glen ora Park yearlings, which are to be offered for sale without reserve

t>y the, New Zealand Loan Mere®ntU< I'ouipaijj oh the daj following tbe conclusion of tbe ARC. summer meeting. In all there are twenty-two lota to be offered, thirteen volts and nine fillies. Roult claims the parentage of eight, ’ Cyiehian eight, ißton five, and Heaton Delava) one. Amongst those catalogued, are fuD brotheis to Wai-, rikl, Harshn) Boult, Ease o’Gowrle, Cordon Henge, Avalanche, a half brother to Lady Annie, and a half sister to Landlock. Taken ail together, the lot to be submitted ore probably the best that the above studs have ever raised. Mr K. A. )‘Trice and ,W. Walters will be pleased to show vlsllore <\cr the studs at any time on application.

The victory of lx»rd Ullin’s Daughter in the Australian Cun, following that of her stable companion in the Newmaiket Handicap, must be very gratifying to their owner, Mr F. Foy. After Playa way’s victory on Saturday in ” the Newmarket, hi which Lord Dilin’g Daughter ran second, Mr Foy publicly stated that ho would have been mw-b better pleased bad the kitter mare woa. uh she won one of his own breeding, in addition io which he hacked her to win the most money. Now that she has scoicd in Hie Australian Cop, Mr Fey can have very little to b<» dissatisfied with, Jbul on tbe contrary must be accounted an exceptionally hv-ky man.

•KpoHsmcn in general wi?L 1 am sure join with me in extending sympathy to young Bert Rae for lhe distressing accident which Jbefel him last Saturday. The lad was just beginning to climb the ladder, after starting at the vei y bottom, and hie horsemanidiin was improving daily, and he gave promise of turning out a first, class rider. The only comforting circumstance of the accident* is that, had and ah as it is, it might have been much worse. As it i«. there is every hope that with nn artificial foot the lad will he again able to ply hie calling, at any rate let us hope so.

John Rae, one of our leading and respected trainers. lijvp entered into an engagement to -train privately for a syndicate of AVest Australian sportsmen (for whom he lias had several two-year-olds in -work at various times), and he will leave for that district to take up his duties immediately •ifier the Auckland 11. C. autumn meeting. Rae has for a long time past •been at the top of the tree in bls profession in New Zealand, and has generally been recognised as a master hand in the art of preparing anil keeping Me fioree* well, in addition to which his honesty and ‘strnightforwardness has been unquestioned. Tn selecting John Rae as their private trainer, the syndicate men* tioned have made an excellent choice, and One that they should have no reason to.regret, aa he 1* a man in whose judgment they can place (he utmost confidence. He will carry the best wishes of a numerous number of friends for success In his new heme.

Mrs Langtry -recently recalled several of the moit Interesting memories of her la«t ♦our in America. Looking up her diary to llhe'representative of an English paper, she camo with delight to the pages that dearrlbect her visit to the last home of tbe famous Ormonde, at Menlo Park. It was n January day, and Ormonde’s box was covered with Marechai Niel roses. "How could be be otherwise than happy in such surroundings,” she wrote, “here where it he sun always shines.” £he found that tbe stud groom was an Englishman, formerly in Lord Lonsdale’s employ. "When ®be wished to be photographed holding Ormonde, the host playfully remarked, "Be careful. He ate a man two days ago.” “I’m not afraid,” replied the fair actress. '.‘Besides he (Ormonde) is worth more than I am.” “I had my way, and tbe ok! horse was very composed during the operation. He died not long afterwards.”

A trainer near Melbourne had never thought it worth while to insure his premises against fire, as he lives within half a mile of the local fire brigade station. He bad une horse in bis stable, which be deviaroi was Ibe slowest thing’ that over etood on four legs, but (says "Javelin”),though he frequently bogged the owner •to get rid of him, the latter persisted in not only starting, but hacking, him. At last even the owner was compelled to realise that the. game wasn’t worth the candle, and one morning he turned up at the. trainer's house and announced that he bad sold the cheat Dut gelding, which would be sent for during tbe afternoon. "Who did yon sell him to 7” asked the trainer, ami the reply was: "The fire brigade people have bought him.” Next day owner mid trainer met In Collins street, when the former said, "Hullo! What’s on 7 No entries dosing to-day, are there?” "No.” Replied the other, "I’ve just been Insuring the bo use and furniture and the stables! ’

Those who attend the annual country meetings held around about Auckland make loud complaints as to the shocking exhibitions of starting which are usually given by the local men appointed by tbe club to •that responsible poshiem. Time after time races are simply spoilt >»y tbe amateur ,-wielder of 1 Ho tlag, who generally seems to have absolutely no control over the boys riding, who do simply as they like unchecked. Why the management of tbe chibs interested do not employ the services of a professional starter is beyond com prehension. It would be money well spent, as in addition to the satisfaction given to tbe homeowner® the public make their investments with much more confidence when they know the starling is in capable hands. Another thing to be considered Is the fact that with a professional starter employed It is almost a certainty that tbe race® will be started well to advertised time, and this 1® a big item .to those who come from some distance to attend the gatherings, and who nave to rely upon the races being over at tbe Mme fixed in order to catch their trains, ♦to. If cinlw* wish to retain the patronage of visitors from Auckland (who in the majority of cases comprise the bulk of tbe •pectatora) they will have to give this mat* ter their immediate consideration.

According to the English jockey, Frank Turner, who has been rkiing In Belgium/ racecourse crowds are very turbulent. at times. -"On one. occasion,” he sab), "I *aw‘ the femes t<m» down about the enclosures to get al a boy wbu had ridden a bad race.’ He was not popular anyway, and bls apparently lifeless ride incited the mob io deeds of violeiu-e. It was only by clever work on the part of the officials that he was spirited away and saved from Injury. Hot the crowd vented Its anger on the boys that rode in the following race, and I Was one uf them. The Belgium tracks have a cheap field to which the admission Is one franc, and that naturally catches a low order of patronage. In the race following the one in which they wanted to mob the rider tbe crowd gathered r.t the slatting post and the gendarmes bad to be ♦•ailed ent before Hie race could be started, as ♦ hey crowded on the track and stopped proceedings entirely. As wo came through the stretch in the run home the crowd assaulted the rideis with sticks, stones, or anything it could lay hands on. I was cut on the shot) Ider, and not a buy riding in lhe race escaped some sort of injury. This incident, however, helped to improve conditions, for because of it the police force was increased to such mimberw that the crowd was kept in order without difficulty.”

From America! A blind man in charge' of a large stable of valuable horses that he cares for. rides and drives, and who perfoiws all his duties as well ns they could be dune by any man possessing two good eyes, is a prodigy to be seen at Buckmu Stock Farm, tbe home of Air Russell Halley, at Versailles. Ky. George Davis is the name of this sightless wonder, who has been totally blind from childhood. He is now 35 years old. Mis love of a horse is Inherent, and he has always possessed a certain hypnotic power over nervous and unruly horses that conld not be controlled by other grooms. It is one of Davie’s duties to feed and rub down the horses entrusted to his care, and this ho performs with rapiditv, passing up and down the long stable from stall to stall, never making a mistake. Wlie«n told to saddle or harness any particular anima) he can single that horse out from among a number withamazing promptness. The horse he wants may be running at large in a ten-acre pasture with a dozen other horses It makes no difference to Davis. The negro’s souse of touch and hearing is acute to a marvellous degree. He can open « horse's mouth, run Ills finger across his teeth, and tell the ttuimal’s age with unerring precision. Ilis employer considers him one of the must competent judges of a horse in Kentucky, and is willing to buy on Davis's judgment.

Mr C. 11. Mills, the well known English racing commissioner, neeonipa-nied Mr George Rdwardcs-en his trip to America, Mr Mills going on to-Florida. Before leaving New’ York, howTver, he was ’tackled by the übiquitous reporter, and doubtless Mr Mills would be indignant, as weß as surprised, when he opened his paper the fol•lowlng morning. In big flaring headlines he was heralded to tbe world as ‘Commissioner for King Edward compares racing In America with sport in England”—and so on.

Asked if there was a disposition to drive the American owner, trainer, and jockey out of England, Mr Mills said: "Not at all. Nothing of the kind, I assure you. That Is a wrong idea. Many good sportsmen have gone from here to England, and you may be sure they are always welcome.' The late Mr Whitney was a thorough sportsman, as is Mr Keene, and the English racing people Bke«l them both. Yes, 1 have seen racing here. I’ve been over nine or ten times; also in France, but I really have to stand by home for the sport, because I think there’s more real knowledge of the horse and more racing sentiment there than anywhero else. It’s br<wl in tbe bone there, a.ud fiom the tradesman who has his two bob on to the owner who beta in thousands, there is the same real interest in the sport.”

An English writer says:—The discussion* which has been taking place on "The State of tbe Turf in England ” reveals wide difference of opinion, as was, I suppose, inevitable. There are many kindly, absolutely straightforward, men who go racing, and sometimes own faoiees, who, never dreaming of running any wgy but perfectly straight themselves, are loth to believe that other people are inclined to nun crooked; and often these excellent members of the Turf body politic are a little imperceptlve. ’The "readier” has much in bls favour—the argument that "hoisea are not mnehtnes,” quite incontrovertible, and the assertion that something happened in tbe race when the animal made no show: he was shut in, humped, did not get off, could not art on the hard tor soft) ground, etc. Of one tiling I am convinced, and that is that, though trickery Is practised, racing on the whole is much more honestly conducted than a great many people, vfho should know’ ft little, at any rate, about tbe Turf, are disposed to credit. 1 know men who fancy that a genuine contest is rather the exception than the rule. The truth of the proverb that "money talk® ” is demonstrated in many different and with regard to the "State of the Turf” question, "A Newmarket Trainor.” who contributed 1o the sympushnn, touched tbe spot when be wrote: "1 feel sure that if tne stewards* would only ask for an explanation from owners after horses who have previously shown no form when unbacked and unplaced suddenly become hot favourites for n big handicap, and win it In a trot, It would do much to ston ‘readying? ” The money here would sYiow that the horse was "expected,” notwithstanding the fa« l that on form it could have had no c-hance. What. then, was the meaning of the form which has Induced the handlcnppoF® to let the anima) in at a weight whhTi reduces the rave to a certainty? Steward® might well, and ought to, inquire about «u«4> affaire as these.

An English writer Is responsible for the following: -For the past twenty yea,® there have been rumour® of "Jockey ring®.” The idea that the leading professional hors emeu of the day were tn the habit of

clubbing together with the object of arranging races for their, mu Lua advantage was fit st heard of )n - England soon after tbe period when the great George Fordham, T. Cannon, If. Custance, J. Ixune, T?French, and T. were the Ic.- ding jockeys. There Never has been a suggest ton that any of-these jockeys ever sold a master, in their day jockeys were brought up to reepect their master®, and to eschew heavy betting. F. Archer, who siKceeded Fordham aa the "champion” jockey, was, we are told, a -very heavy better on occasions. And he was not a good loser. He did not like paying up. ami waiting his opportunity to get back the lost money. His idea was to square matters before settling day, and from all accounts he was a past-maater at arranging some coup to effect his object. Archer had privileges. He was a great man. No starter eared to let a field go until he was well ptaced, and he.wa.s not above taking an occasional advantage of a rider when matters were desperate. Once he just squeezed home on a hot favourite of Captain Ma♦•hell’s at G-oorlwotjd, and the stewards disqualified the horse for "boring.” This was the only time Archer was ever disqualified for what most people call foul riding; but there were frequent complaints about him. Still, the talk about there being a ring among the Jockeys was not heard until offer ‘the tinman” shot himself in 1886. HVe do not think anything in the nature of a conspiracy waa proved against the jockeys; but rules frmnwi to slop them betting or owning horses were passed, and from ..time to time several were kept out of tbe saddle for various periods for Infringing one or tbe other of these rules. Also some people were quietly got rid of by the Jockey Club for betting on behalf of jockeys. As far as we know,-the grounds for believing in the existence of the ring did not extend beyond this. Big plungers of the Walton type were In the habit of making leading jockeys handsome pi events. The inference was that these gentry got a quid pro quo in the shape of valuable Information. In more recent times it was believed that some of the leading English riders were a happy family, who exchanged ideas as to the probable* result of races. It does not follow’ from this that their masters were ill-served, as far as getting a straight run was concerned; but to a certain extent It was alleged the running of a race was mapped out, and a tolerably good idea of the result ariived at. The Invasion of the Americans is said to have broken up any little con foil e racy of this kind which may have existed.

"Rapier,” in the "Sporting and Dramatic News?’ says:—At certain times of the year certain things usually happen. In the dull season, for instance—the dull season as regards racing, I mean—there is nearly always a discussion about the Jockey Chib, winding up with the suggestion that new men, of business capacity, should be elected to the "Senate of the. Turf.” Tbe club is smell, it must be admitted. Apart from Royalties, and some French, Amertean, and Australian authorities, etc., there are only--59 members at the beginning of 1905, and seven ef these are honorary, Continental owners—the Doe de la Force, M. Henri Delamarre, tbe Comte .de Berleux, etc.— which leaves a working body of 52, not al) of whom are great)y Interested in raring. We are al) agreed that it is most essential the Jockey Club should be strong from every point of view, but it is far from easy —-difficult in the extreme, indeed—to find the right men to strengthen It. In one or two instances the club has been quite liberal enough in its suffrage, and who is there that ought to be in! Tbe Duke of Westminster succeeded, last year, by a sort of hereditary right, and Lord Howard de Walden is, for various sufficient reasons, a predestined -member. The first qualification for membership is that the candidate must want nothing. There are rich men racing who sorely desire a little popularity; there are popular men who are keenly anxious to make money in any not disreputable way, and both these classes should be decisively barred. Of the 52 English members, how many keep horses in training? I fancy that Mr Hedwerth Barclay has given up; Lord Bradford has two or three; but we never nowadays see the colours of Mr Chaplin, Mr W. G. Craden (Lord Brampton never had a horse, I believe), Lord Fevereham, the Hou. H. W. Fitz william, Sir F. Johnstone (long time an invalid, but much better, 1 hear with pleasure), Sir R. Jardine, Lord Londonderry, tbe Duke of Montrose. If I recollect aright Sir Ernest Paget told me he’ had no horses now. I am not sure that. Lord Rendlesham ever bad any flat racers; the Duke of Richmond has none, though as the lord of Goodwood he is an almost necessary member, and be was, moreover, an excellent steward a few years ago. Lord Suffield is not a racing man, and Lord Zetland seems to have retired. Lord Downe breeds one or two, but his jacket is well-nigh unknown. Ido not mean to support the idea that running horses is a necessary qualification for membership of tbe Jockey Club; but men do lake a keener interest in racfhg if they are actively engaged in it. New members are wanted, but if the right sort of a member be not obtainable, the club is infinitely better without the wrong or without any as to whom there can be the least question.

"Rapier,” in the "Sporting and Dramatic News,” in referring to the death of Snrefont, says:—The death of old Barefoot recalls exciting times. It was only by

• lenglh and a h«‘r that bt won tkc Twe Tboueoud-ur'JSKr distance might bate been increased to many lengths had Mddlard. . the -way, tbe Jochem who rode second, third, ana fourth are all dead, short aa the thne is elnce the race: F. Barrett <lx Nord), G. Barrett (Blue Green). J. Watte (St. Serf). Burefoot’s performance was so Impressive, at any rate, that he started for tbe Derby with odds of 05 to 4v on him, and was fourth, beaten Just about a length—three parts a neck and a head. Had he net devoted so much attention to Rathbeat and W. Robinson, whom lie persistently endeavoured to savage for some half-mile of the journey, I suppose be would have won comfortably enough—the great Ormonde, It may be noted, started at only KO to 40 on. Snrefoot must have been a really good eolt when In tbe hnmonr, for he beat Memoir by a couple of lengths for the Prince, of Wales Stakes <£7750) at l,eleester, tbe race cowing between Memoir’s defeat , of Slgnortna In the Oaks, and her victories in the Nassau Stakes’ and the' Boger. The .most remarkable of an Sure-" foot's performances, however was In the Kelipse Stnkes the following year He was a desperate and most wilful savage, and 1 forget how many hours It took to get him from bls stable to the railway station, whence -he had to be despatched to Ksher. Sufficient time was. however, allowed, because his little peculiarities were anticipated, and at length, at long length, to the extreme relief of all concerned,’ lie. was safely boxed. I eould never make out that Common wse a realiy good horse, and more than or .twice, at the period when he was running, expressed, In these columns, doubts on the subject, which led to a subsequent discussion with Str Blundell Maple, who 1 will not say felt convinced bis goose was a srvau, fc r Common was hot a goose In that sense - but that be was a swan of a kind far superior io my estimate. Thl s Kcllpee rather supported my view. Common -was made red-hot favourite, 2 to 1 on, the only, real danger, according io popular opinion,' being Memoir, who, however, only won a single race as a four-year old— and that the July Cup, by a short head. She was infinitely at her best at three. Soon after tbe horses In this Eclipse had rounded the bend, not only were shoots raised for Common, possibly .by men who had backed - him but “20 to 3 Barefoot!" was actually' shouted. Suddenly, when a long way behind the leaders, to ail appearance a hopelessly long way, lie 'ook hold of the bir and galloped as 1 have rarely seen a horse gallop — one might have thought he was anxious to show, for once, • what he could do. He made up the long distance of ground, and won by a length, Gouverneur beating Common a head for second place—and the "ten thousand ponudey” that year was worth £11,075 10/. Barefoot neve? ran again, hut it was truly a brilliant finish.

WAIHI JOfKEY rMTB; ' WAIHI, Monday. • The Walk! Jockey Chib's fifth annual meeting was -heM at Waihi raeecouiße on Saturday. in fine weather. . The. mines closed down for the day; consequently' attendance was larger than usual. The meeting on tne whole was a decided success, everything going off smoothly. During the day the sum of £1203 was put through the machine, and there was also the usual compliment of bookmakers, who seemed to d> fair business. Mr Harries, member for the district, officiated as lodge in a capable manner, and praise la due to Mr.i, S. Clarke, secretary, who, with the assist-, anee of the stewards, did much towards the success of the meeting. Owing '♦o the dry weather the dußi proved a bit of a nuisance, in some of the races it being difficult to see any of the horses. ReeuHs:. Borough Handicap, five furlongs.—Desdemona, 7.5, 1; Minna,-6.13, 2; Bonoinlana, 7.11, 3. Six started. Won easily by two lengths. Scratched: G'wenlad and Tnuranga. Time, 1.5 2-5. Dividends, 25/ on first and second.

Malden Handicap, seven furlongs.—Jean, 9.3, 1; Vanquish, 7.3, 2; Imagination, 7.3, 3. Won comfortably by half a length, Scratched: Whakahibl, Krank-lm. I’sJn.e Arthur, and Lotto. Time, 1.35 4-3. Dividends, £1 IS/ and £3 V/. . Bullion Blate, four furlongs —Desdemona, 7.10, .1; Heetor, 7.12, 2; Ben Blair* 8.10, 3. Won easily. Bcmteheu: G-wenlad, Minna, Whaliahiht, Lady Isabelle. Time, 62 2-3. Dlvldeud, 16/. Waihi Cup, 1£ mile.—Borneo, 10.5, 3; Annoyed, 8.0. 2; Agrapus, 7.4, 3. budo was the only other starter. The field got away well together, Agrapus passing too post first, and maintaining a lead till near the straight, when Romeo drew up, and won without any apparent effort. Undo fell, throwing bls jockey, who was not injured. Time, 2.18 4-5. Dividend, 13/. Flying Handicap, six furlongs.—Desdemona, 8.7, 1; Jean. 7.8. 2; Minna, 7.0, 3. Won easily. Sciatched. Ben Blair, Hector and Tauranga. Dividend, 18/.

Handicap Hurdles, 3J mile.—Rolf, 6.0, 1; Ludo, 10.8, 2; Hakaria, 13.3, 8. Time. 3.3. Dividend, £2 12/. Hack Race, seven furlongs.—Jean, Off, 1; Imagination, 7.2, 2; Tauranga, 7.4, 3. A poor start resulted. The horses were for

■m «M«t at the time pardoned la duet. Kme. 1.86 3-5. Dtrtdeede, 17/ and £5 «/. MoCordr Memorial Stakes, one mile.-' Id re* ohw T. 12, 1; Annoyed. 0.0. 2; Muthema, JJS, S. Time, 1.36. Dividend, £3 »/.

WAIUKU RACING CLUB.

This meeting was held In fine weather, and there was & good attendance. The racing was canted on without u hitch until the Pony Kace eatae up for dectslou, and the stewards, tn the Interest of their patrons, de<>ared all bets off on that event, •nd elected .to hold further Investigations before deciding what to do with the stake, rrhe Waluku Maori Band discoursed plenty ot music throughout the day. Results:— Handicap Hurdlo Race of ISaovs, second 3sovs, If mile.—Mr W. Tooman's Murawal, 16.6 (Owner). 1; Mr J. Muir’s Pox, 9.4, 2; Mr J. B. Williamson's Hinau, 10.7, 8. Perseverance, 9.13, and Kapnt, 9.0, also started. Betting: 6 to 4 v. Illnau. 3 to 1 Perseverance, 4 to 1 Murnwal and Fox. Mura.wat and Fox kept pretty welt together throughout, Murawal winning by two lengths, illnau three lengths away third. Kapat ran off, and Perseverance followed him at the second fence. Malden Plate Handicap of 8sor«. second Isov, six furlongs.- Mr J. B. Williamson’s Simple Simon, 8.9 (Chaafe), 1; Mr A. Morrow’s Silent. 8.8 (including 9lbs over), 2; Mr J. M. McFadyeu’s KaJtangata, 8.6 (including ISlbs over), 3. Mischief. 7.11, and Kapua, 7.0, also started. Retting: Even money Simple Simon. Kultangata was left, and Simple Simon and Slleut headed I£anua -nnd Mischief. With halt the journey gone Simple Simon went to the front, winning by two lengths. Waluku Cup Handicap of 25st>vs. second Usova. It miles.—Me W. Gali’s ch g St. Harp, 8.10 (Pinker), 1; Mr T. O. Bray’s 'Annoyed, 8.9 (Taylor), 2; Mr A. J. Kidd’s Mary Seaton, 7.5 (Bird). 3. Betting: 5 to 3 on Annoyed, 4 to 1 St. Harp, 10 to 1 Mary Heaton. Annoyed and Mary Seaton were tn front until going half « tulle, when St. Harp went up and headed the -pair, finally winning by two and a half teegtbs, Mary Heaton three lengths off. Subltcanu’ Purse Handicap of 9sova, winner. to receive 7aovs presented by Mr H. -Toiiee, Kentish Hotel, Waluku. second Soova, presented by Me Jas. MeFadyen. Waluku, 7 furlongs. —Mr W. Sharp’s Glisette, 8.3 (Barr). 4: Mr A. Kemp's. Lady Oesborough, 2; Mr 11. H. Burton’s Freeruouut, 8.13, 3. Belting: 6t04 on Frecniount, 6 to 4 against Lady Desborough, 8 to 1 Grlsette. Grtsettc ..went to the front from the start, and won easily by three lengttis. Tally Deslxu'ougU boating Freemount a .head, for second place. Otaua Huudlcup of Iftsovs. second 2sovs. five furlongs.—Mr W. A. Scott's Celerity, 8,19 (Chaafe), 1: Mr J. B. Williamson’s Simple Simon, 8.4, 2; Mr A. J. Kidd’s Mary Beaton, 8.7, 8. Temptation 7.10, Kaitangata 7.4, Kapua..7.o, also.stalled. Boiijng: Evens Celerity. Won' easily by two lengths, a ©lose second and third. Pony Handicap ot Tsovs. second Isov, Six furlongs.—Mr- A*. Jfeaw’s- Lady Desborough, carrying 9.9, or 14'bs overweight, find ridden by Tooman; started an odds On -favourite, and led from end to end; BHalii, carrying B.B‘, or IBH.s overweight. Und ildden by R. Morrow, came in second, just beating Qriseiite. who started at 5 to 1 against. She carried 9.7, or 241bs overweight, W. Sharp, tn whose name she ran, riding. The stewards viewed matters tn connection with this event with suspicion, aud decided to withold the. stakes ’ nod declared all bels off, pending a later Inquiry, a decision that gave- a good deal At mg.tlsfae.tbm. wafpipi Handlean of lilsovs. second 2sovs. one inlle.—Mr W. Gall's Bt. Have. 9.12. Including fibs penalty (Pinker), 1: Mr T. G. ISray's Annoyed. 9.3 (Taylor). 2. Betting: O to 4 against Annoyed, who led to the top (ff the hill, where St. Harp went to the front. .Halt way down the straight Aunoyed oame at St. Harp, and a hundred yards from' hofiie hart he.r neck hi front, but. In a Slug dong finish St. Harp won bv halt n ead.

! STRATFORD R.U. MEETING. ’ STOATFORD; Wednesday. The following accentanees have been rereived by the Stratford: Racing Club for the first day's racing:—

Hurdles.—lrish 11.6. Raema 10.13, Valima 10.3, Throstle 9.12, Warwick 95, l’a tuna 0.3, Weary Bill 9.2, Sammy 9.0, Lu alia 9.0, Reyardus 9.9, Kingwood 9.0.

Stratford Cup.—Regulation 9.5, Hosea i 9.0. Disable 8.9, Kutftfque 7.9, Heroism 7.1, Crimson Lake 7.0, Makiklhi 6.7. Midhirst Handicap.—lseult 8.7, Makiklhi 8.5, Commonwealth 7.10, Fair Wind 7.9, Starfish 7.4, Silverllne 7.0, Amaryllis 7.0, Pommery 7.0, Etu 7.0. Tarakt Welter.—Lurcher 10.2, Cyrene 9.11, Stampede 9.4, Aureole 8.9, Southern Cross 8.9, Merry luid 8.9, Kohuta 8.9, Apltu 8.7, Pommery 8.7, Miss Thrlna 8.7, Levant 8.7.

Fly lug Handicap.—Regulation 9.10, Noteorlni 8.6, Kusttque 8.2, Turepo 7.5, Utiola 7.5, The Ganger 7.0, Varkshot 6.12, I,e Beau 6.1 t, Love Link «.10. Railway Hack Handicap.—lmmolation 8.5. Curfew 7.9, Mataura 7.8, Bagatelle 7.5, Letherline 7.0, St. Bill 7.0, Eugraver 7.0.

DANNEVIRKE RACING CLUB’S MWING. UtNXfiVIRKB, Wednesday. The folkvwiiig Is the later result of the Dannevirke Cup: Gold Dust, 7.0, 1; Kaiiaroa, 0.7, 2; Sn.ibmai Ine, 8.7, 3. All started. Time, 2.11 2-5. Dividends, JL’tf 11/ ana 14/. The amount pul through the totalizator was £7074, against £5339 on the first day last year.

NAFIIDR PARK RACING CLUB S AUTUMN MRHTING.

The following acceptances have been received for the Napier Park autumn meeting:— Onia ran ul Hack Handicap Hurdle Race, one mile and three-quarters.—Roseplot 10.9, Athol Maid 10.7, Anadeja 10.5, Sleepwell 9.11, Taulw'ha 0.9, Wafcmate 9.0. Usk Handicap, seven furlongs.—Benak* 8.2, Polyanthus 8.0, Bom bastes 7.5, Hipporoafla «.2, Bijouterie 7.0, Golden Stream 6.12. Napier Cup Handicap, one mile and a quarter.—Ghoorka 8.9, Submarine 7.12, Madrigal 7.10. FI ok a 7.8, Needlework 7.5, Whakawehi 6.13. Bose Madder 6.13, Assayer 6.12, Gold Dust 6.12, Mystification. 6.9. Welter Handicap, seven furlongs. —Taura P.!3, ’Pvrone 9.9, Rose Madder 9.4, Lady’s Link 8.13, Optimist 8.10. Sapling Stakes Handicap, four furlongs and a half.—Medallist 8.9, Waipune.hu 7.9, King’s Lynn 7.5, Vardo 7.5, Contender 7.3, Operetta 7.1, Moata 6.13, Laxly White 6.13, Prelude 6.13, Merry wing 6.13, Paneton 6.13, Scottish Reel 6.10. Flying Handicap, six furloncs.—.Sandy 8.2, Wet Reef 7.13, Whakawei 7.3. Assayer 6.13, Royal - Fusilier 6.11, The Stake 6.9, Tattle 8.7; Redellft’e Hack Handicap, six furlongs.— Laertes 8.10. Torpor 8.0, Greenland 7.12, Minister 7.6.

WELLINGTON RACING CLUB’S AUTUMN MEETING. Mr J. Chadwick has declared the following weights for events to bo run on the opening day of the Wellington Racing Club’s Autumn Meeting on March 30:— Hurdle- Race.- Trumpery 11.9, Waiwera 11.2, Levant 1.0.7, Talune 10.3, Raema 9.13, Jeanne d’Albret 9.12, Irish 9.11, Exmoor 6.9, Magnificent 0.9, Lissa 9.7, Defoe 9.0, Rungarawa 9.0, Throstle 9.0. Wai welu Handicap. 7 furlongs.—Black Reynard 9.0, Kaharoa 8.13, Gold Crown 8.7, Field Battery 8.5, Auratiis 7.8, Ngatarun 7.4, Kudu 7.4, Veneer 6.11, Fancywork 6.9, The Stake 6.7. Thompson Handicap, 1 mile.—Convoy 9.4, Jeanne d’Arc 8.11, Golden Vein 8.9, Kaharo'a 8.8, Black Reynard 8.7, Cannie Chlel 8.5, Savoury 8.4. Regulation 8.8, Ghoorka 8.1, Exmoor 7.12, Solution 7.12, Starshoot 7.12, Full Cry 7.10. Ballarat 7.10. Signalman 7.8. Armistice 7.0, Shrapnel Shell 7.5, Auratus 6.13, Rapids 0.9. Ngatarua 6.7. Silvers!ream Hack Handicap, 1 mile.— Manlapoto 9.6, Pardon 8.9. St. Winifred 8.8, Benalr 7.12. Mau! 7.10. Royal Blue 7.0, Portion 6.10, Paderewski 6.10, Maraud! 6.7, Haerera 6 7.

Railway Handicap, « furtougs. Maatee Alix D.fi. Black Reynard P.O, Kahsroa 8.12. Ballarat 8.10, Htrangholfl B 10, Bortu 8.4, Chivalry 8.4. Chryaela 7.0. Lady I.yvnora T 9. Maluku 7.6. Kudu 7.5, Coxiwala. 6.13, Turepo 6.0. The Stake 6.7. Ileretaunga Handicap, l> furlongs.—Gold Crown 0.18, Klgiiatmaii 0.7. Submarine K 4, Flameu 0.0, Platypus 8.0. immersion 8.7, Hydrant 8.(1, Veneer 8.2, Valois 8.2, La Torpedo 8.0. Benefactor 8.0. Ttnakorl Hack Handicap, O furlongs.— Manlapoto 0.7, Sardonyx 8.0. Coxswain 8.8, Maul 7.15. Notos 7.13, Matukoklrl 7.10, Faneywork 7.0, Destruction 7.6. Immolatlou 7.5, Galahad 7.5, Hukaaka 7.4. Aotea 7.8. Patuna 7.1, Golden Count 0.12, Tlroha 6.10, I’etroltiie 6.10, Te Kalnul 6.7.