TURF NOTES.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXIV, Issue 14, 8 April 1905, Page 18

TURF NOTES.

C. Weal has Newtown and Swagsman In work again at Ellerslie. Bcilo Cole, the ex-New Zealand pony, still keeps on winning races in Australia. The Hon. H. Mosman has leased Lady Jane and The Raven to Mr J. McGuire, the North Shore sportsman. Signalman’s victory in the Thompson Handicap last Thursday gave Sir Geo. Clifford Lis first win in th at race. V. Cotton, the Auckland lightweight horseman, scored his first winning ride in the Thompson Handicap last Thursday. Genera] Average has been removed from Geo. Wright’s stable, and he is now in W. Mobberley’s charge. Mangamahaki walked off the course very lame after competing in the Thames Steeplechase last week. Word fiom Wellington states that the reported sale of Black Reynard was a bit £ remature, and he is still tho property of [*• D. Thomson. The field that started in the Hack Race at the Thames last week was probably about as moderate a lot as it would be possible to get together on a racecourse. Visitors who were present at the Waibi Jockey Club’s Meeting speak in high praise of the manner in which the secretarial duties were carried out by Mr Clark. A. Hall is at present located at Ellerslie with Numa and Kremlin. ’The pair are looking well, and should pick up a stake at the A. R.C. Autumn Meeting. Tunl is now an inmate of r. Conway’s stable, and is a regular attendant on the Elleislie training tracks. He is looking well. The Southern sportsman who leased Laodiee a short time ago did not keep her long, and she was returned to her owner during the week. The racehorses Paritutu. Chela, Mataura, Durable, Laodice, Full Cry, Cavalry, and Hurihuri were brought from the South last Tuesday by the Rarawa. Old Cannongate seems standing up to his work in good style, an don Saturday morning he galloped a couple of miles, moving with all his old freedom. Mr W. Lyons, owner of Up-to-Date. has received word from Sydney that the horse ni rived there in splendid condition after a good trip across. Paritutu, who arrived from the South last Thursday, is looking well, and his gallop this morning in company with Durable and Sir Gilead w T as a very pleasing one. MoCluskie, the Southern light weightLas been engaged to ride Putty In his engagements at Avondale, and he arrived from the South during the week for that purpose. Silicia has improved out of knowledge since going into D. Moraghan’s hands, and there seems every chance of his shortly making a return for the 300 gs expended upon him. San Paulo and Pearl Necklet are to fulfil their engagements at the Manawatu Racing Chib’* meeting next week. The pair were to be shipped south on Sunday in charge of Kuss Heaton. Unless rain falls very soon the trainers around Ellerslie will be troubled with a water famine. Already some of them have been compelled to purchase water for their charges. Hurihuri, who is encaged in the pony events nt the Avondale Jockey Club’s Meeting, hails from tho Taranaki District. Hurihuri has the reputation of being pretty slippery. Mr S. Bradley’s colt Pnmd did not shape any too well In n gnllop on Saturday morning at Ellerslie with Master Delaval. The colt will not bo seen at his best till he gets a bit more age on him.

Betting on the Wellington Racing Club’s Autumn Meeting was very quiet in Auckland. Signalman, the winner of the Thompson Handicap, met with a fair amount of support. P. Macmanemin has a nice cut of a filly in woik by Cyrenian—lrma. The fiPy, which is rising four years old, is a bit on the small side, but is just over pony height, which is unfortunate for her connections. W. G. Irwin arrived from tho South on Thursday, with Cavalry and Full Cry, the latter of whom claims engagements at the Avondale Jockey Club’s meeting. The pair are at present located at Avondale. Entiies for the minor events at the A.R.C. autumn meeting close next Friday, the 7th inst., at 9 p.m. Acceptances for the Easter Handicap, Brighton Hurdles, and Autumn Steeplechase go in at the same time. Tenders have been accepted by the A.R.C. Committee for the required quantity of earth to be used in improvements to the Elleislie racing track, and the contractors are now busy carting the material to tne course. The Middy has been an absentee from the training track for some days. It is understood that he has been in physic, and this being so, it is hardly l&ely he wiil be a starter at the forthcoming Avondale Meeting. A rising three-year-old filly by Daystar— Discount, which is owned by the gentleman who races under the name of Mr Zimmerman, was brought from Taranaki on Thursday, and has gone into W. Mobberley's charge. Deeley is making a good recovery from the accident which befel him last Saturday while riding Elgar in the Hack Race at the Thames, and fully anticipates being able to fulfil his riding engagements at the A.R.C. autumn meeting. The Avondale Jockey Club’s autumn meeting commences to-day (Wednesday), Apr. 5, and concludes on the following Saturday, the Bth. Eveiything at present points to a record meeting, the only thing needed being fine weather. There is very little business doing locally on the Easter Handicap. Lady Annie is the nominal favourite, but several horses have bee nsupported fur small amounts in doubles, with horses in the Hurdle Race. Bellman and Hakaria are the popular picks in the latter event. John Chaafe, sen.’s, stables are at present without an inmate. I think I am pretty safe in saying that this is the first time in lhe whole career of the veteran trainer that such has been the case, but it is hardly likely that his boxes will remain untenanted for any length of time. The old plough gallop at Ellerslie has been sown in grass, and given a fair chance it ought to make a first class working track. What it really wants is a twelve months’ spell before it is used, and It is to be hoped those in authority will see that it gets it. Some little time ago the death of T. Hodson, the well known local horseman was announced as having taken place in Australia. However, to the surprise of numerous friends, the little man turned up in Auckland last ■ week with Wirth’s circus (with whom he is now engaged) looking anything but like a dead man. Word from the South states Riat Mr TatLam, owner of Jeanne d’Arc, intends taking action against the Railway Department for injuries received by his mare through tho partition of a loose box falling on her and preventing ' her fulfilling her engagemi nis at the Wanganui Jockey Club’s spring meeting. The amount claimed is £5OO. As an outcome of an argument, St. Harp and Yolette were matched to run a round of the an at Ellerslie on Saturday morning for a side wager, catch weights. The pair were together for a couple of furlongs, when Yo.ette drew away and never let St. Harp near her, finishing about five lengths ahead of him.

When Muth ema made hacks ef her epps* nents iu the Avondale Stakes of 1903, it would have taken a fair sum to have effected her purchase. However, since the* the daughter of Phoebus Apollo has been a big disappointment to her connections, and on FiiUay last, when she was submitted to auction, the highest bid was 15gs., at which price she was knocked down to Mr J. Lindsay.

The Auckland-owned trotter Rebel Boy, who was recently sent to Christchurch, broke one of his legs while enjoying a run iu his trainer's paddock, and had to be destroyed. 'This is Laid luck for his owner, a well known local peuciiier, as the roan gelding was reported to be in great heart,, and his connections were confident of winning a good race with him before long.

The Auckland Trotting Club are out with the programme for their autumn meeting, which is fixed for April 29th and May 3rd and 6th. A noticeable feature about the bulk of the races is a considerable shortening of the limits. This ought to be productive of some highly interesting racing. Altogether the club are giving away £855 in stakes.

Melbourne “Sporting and Dramatic’’ mentions that amongst Melbourne's many advertising tipsters, who are flourishing just now, is a lady. She has been turf advising in a quiet way for some time, and, flushed with her success in picking them, baa launched out in a bolder way. Her Newmarket Handicap forecast was Independence.

From the Sydney “Bulletin:” How some racehorses are found. Little while back at Corowa (N.S.W.) storekeeper had a nag running in a delivery van, and sold him because he got uncontrollable occasionally. Purchaser discovered the animal had pace, and trained him, with the result that be shaped at a recent country meeting (Boorham racesl and easily beat a lot of fancied ones, though left at the post at the start.

Too much notice cannot be taken of Romeo’s defeat by Certainty at the Thames last Saturday. The big gelding looked as if he had not been kept right up to the collar, in addition to which the sharp turns seemed to bother him. The winner,' Certainty, to whom he conceded nearly three stone, is a useful little mare, and under a light weight can be depended upon to run a decent race up to a mile. Under the circumstances, there is ’no disgrace attached to Romeo's defeat. The big English crosscountry event of the year, the Liverpool Grand National Weeplecbase, is set down for decision on Friday, the 31st inst. At latest advices the New Zealand-bred Mcifaa (last yeO’s winner), who Is competing in this year’s event in the nomination of His Majesty the King, was a strong first favourite*. Should Moifaa succeed in again winning the race, it is pietty safe to say that the reception that will be accorded him will probably equal anything that has ever been seen on a racecourse. The result will be known in Auckland on Saturday. Messrs E. W. Alison and W. 11. Herries, M.’sH.R., who for some time past have acted as the delegates of the country clubs around Auckland on the New Zealand Racing Conference, were both present at the Thames Jockey Club’s meeting last Saturday. During- the afternoon the two gentlemen were entertained by the committee of the club, when Mr A. Bruce (Chairman of Committee) welcomed the visitors. The health of Messrs Alison and Herries was toasted, with musical honours, after which both gentlemen responded, thanking the club for its reception, and wishing the club eveiy success in the future.

The Johannesburg “Star” reports that Mr Piceione bns challenged Mr Sol. Green to race Pippermint against Gladsome, over a mile and a quarter, at weight for age, and offers to lay £lO,OOO to £5OOO on the grey. “It is probably fortunate for Mr Piceione,” says the writer, “that there is little likelihood of the match taking place. Gladsome having many valuable engagements in’ AtustTaJtia.” Plppormilit Is a South American bred crack, that has, so far been a pronounced failure in South Africa.

Inspiration and Alba Rose were both taken to the Thames last week, but were not started at the meeting. In Inspiration’s case, Deeley, who was to have ridden her, was rendered incapable by his fall in the preceding race, and Weal was unable to get another rider to take bis place, while Alba Rose cut herself in some wire and had to be withdrawn. There was a lot of money in Auckland for Inspiration, and I think it was as well for her backers that she did not run, as the way in which Millie won made It appear that it would have taken something pretty good to have lowered her colours.

A writer in America, who recently saw the once great Tod Sloan at St. Louis, says that he has aged very perceptibly, and he has not now tho supple and elastic look of the average rider. To a stranger, he would probably appear a bit blase, slightly uppish, with a mild aristocratic smaca; a wee specimen of partially faded fashionable humanity,’and if compr Hod tn talk be would surely say: “Me. Tod Sloan, my dear bay. Who used to hobnob with dozens of the

erowned hezds ot Europe." The writer believes that Tod will settle down to steady riding lie lias not ridden in America for about Arc years. A New York paper states that the lightweight jockey S Dickson, who is under contract to ride in France for Mr Vanderbilt, was sent away from Hot Springs recently by Judge Murphy. Not in the way that a Jockey is generally sent away from a track by the presiding Judge, but sent home to keep him from exposing him self too much to inclement weather. The little fellow was earning the riding honours of the meeting, but after riding three winners one afternoon he had to be carried to the scales with a high fever. Then Mr Morphy, who was instrumental In getting the VaniTerbilt engagement for the boy, insisted that he quit riding and go home until he was well. A new handicapper had been appointed for a country race meeting, and the day after the handicaps were published a friend, who knew the tribulations ot handicappers generally, approached him with a grin. "Well," be said, "how have your handicaps been received?” "Fine," replied the handicapper; “there was no grumbling from anybody." The friendstood aghast. “No grumbling,” he cried. "I never knew a case where there wasn t grumbling. How have you managed?’ The handicapper smiled the smile ot the successful man "Easy,” he replied. *1 took 'em each aside quietly before the handicaps came out. and let 'em understand that the man who grumbled would get a 101 b penalty next time."

The Resident Corespondent at Newmarket of the London “Sporting Chronicle” has formed a highly favourable opinion of Lord Rosebery’s Derby candidate, Cicero, whom he describes as having made much progress during the winter, having filled out Into a splendid specimen of thoroughbred. This contradicts the expressions of some writers who had declared the colt had not developed any. He says: “If I am any judge Cicero will, when seen In public, bo pronounced the beau ideal of a likely Derby winner. None but a biassed critic could describe Lord Roseberry's colt as other than a nicely-sized, racing like animal, and as his fore-legs have nothing more upon them than what are termed ‘Yorkshire boots,’ constructed from pieces of woollen cloth, to fit around his ankle joints, as a preventative against hitting the Inside of his Joints—the colt being a playful, hlghBplrtted animal at exercise—l regard him as being undoubtedly one of the soundest, hest-llmbed classic candidates there Is In training. In short, my belief Is that Cicero’s name will be enrolled on the list of winners of the Blue Riband.”

As is generally known, two punters “took the knock” for big money on Newmarket day. says Melbourne “Sporting Judge.” One of them, who recent? arrived with a companion from England, was with the latter staying at a leading hotel In the city, and on the Monday sent the latter to the club to receive from about the only man (a leading Sydneyite) he had to collect from. When the big bookie, who unsuspectingly handed over nbout £l5O. discovered what had happened, he sought the services of a prominent detective, and with him visited the hotel, thinking probably they would bounce from the receiver what he had collected. But it was quite the other way. and Instead of quaking in his shoes on being confronted with the detective, be gave him and the bookie a sound rating In fact, started “throwing dirt.” It was the backing by this punter of Medallist cn Obe course that brought the geldtng to favouritism at one time for the Newmarket. Now. If Medallist bad won, what a different tale there would be to tell. At least one bookmaker stood the backer referred to for about £4OO. Because he Is the brother of a wealthy West Australian they took him oc trust.

“There Is ample warrant for the statement,” says an Australian exchange, “that the failure of the authorities to satisfactorily deal with the question of shop and street betting Is responsible for a large Increase In gambling In the principal country districts, as well as tn the metropolis. Ballarat and Bendigo are noteworthy centres In which the evil has lately been allowed to grow to abnormal proportions. In st centrally situated building In Bendigo

ou a«y afternoon that there Is a race'meeting in Melbourne bookmkers can bo found loudly calllug the odds in the midst of hundreds of backers. Telegrams are received at short intervals from the course announcing the starters, the prices offered by the bookmakers In, the paddock, and the results of each race, and. with this information as a basis, gambling goes on briskly until the result of the last race Is known. The authorities maintain that they have no power to stop these proceedings, and a ludicrous commentary upon the helpless condition of the officials as regards the checking of open gambling Is provided by the fact that constables are present at each assembly, but merely to prevent any breaches of the law that may be the outcome of mob excitement.**

The feeling that the expenses of sending horses to race meetings are very largely lit excess of what they ought reasonably to be is moving several owners to address a memorial to the Jockey Club on the subject. Lord Carnarvon is taking a prominent part In the movement, and the ruling body of the Turf are to be asked to use their great influence to obtain a reduction in the charges made for the carriage of horses and boys by nearly all the railway companies, and the charges for stabling of horses and lodging of boys at race meetings. It is pointed out that the railway companies are, of course, perfectly within their rights In making the charges they do, but as far as the memorialists are aware no organised appeal has ever yet been made to them on the subject, with the view of securing more generous treatment, and the owners are strongly of opinion that, If the matter were represented to them* by a body officially so Influential as the Jockey Club, considerable concessions might be obtained. With regard to stabling, It is the opinion that stabling for horses and lodging for boys should be provided free at all race meetings. This might cause hardship in the case of some of the smaller meetings. If a rule to this effect ware made to apply universally, but they consider a maximum charge might be fixed by the Jockey Club, and in that way some protection would be afforded to owners against the extortionate charges now levied.

The Melbourne correspondent of the “Otago Witness” writes as follows: —If dead people ever do turn In their graves, poor old George Adams must certainly have “squirmed” last Saturady morning, when the Methodist Conference of Victoria and Tasmania were discussing Tattersail's consultations, and passing a resolution calling upon the Commonwealth authorities to suppress them. The Rev. H. Worrall, of Tasmania (like his cricketing cousin, “Jack,” of the same Ilk), was specially “aggressive.” knocking the old “De morthtn nil nisi bonum” axiom into complete smithereens. During the course of his Invective he launched forth as follows:—“Men who were placed in Parliament to make laws were no longer worthy of confidence if they permitted themselves to be forced into what he (the speaker) regarded as an unrighteous position by a gambler’s gold, and the post-mortem generosity of Mr George Adams. The law in Tasmania had given perpetuity to ‘Tattersail,* and all restrictions had been removed from him. Children just tall enough to place their coins ou his counter were_.allowed to go in and invest their money. Schoolboys making purchases in stationers’ shops had ‘Tattersall’s circulars' wrapped round the articles they bought. The thing wag ‘of the devil, devilish,’ and Methodism should stand up against ft.” Phe-e-w! What price for high “postmortem generosity”?

At two of the country meetings I have attended during the last couple of months, I noticed boys riding whose names do not appear In the list of licensed riders, and In one case. I think, one rider is at present a disqualified person. That this state of affairs is allowed to exist reflects anything but credit upon the Metropolitan Club which is supposed to control those meetings, and the sooner they recognise that It would be in the interests of racing for them to appoint an official to attend country meetings, and assist the officials to conduct their gatherings, the better. In the majority of cases, the bulk of the work In connection with the running of the meeting is left to the secretary, who is a local man, and can hardly be expected

to know the different horsemen, and nine times out of ten he is too busy to think about them. Of course, it can be argued that the clerk of the scales should Insist on their producing their licenses l»efore weighing them out. but against this it might bo mentioned that, as a rule, the position is an honorary one, and that ft bey. If asked for his license, simply says. “Oh, I forgot it,” and the official, sooner than have any unpleasantness, passes him. The country meetings are often the means of bringing to light horses that afterwards gain high honours on metropolitan courses, and therefore should receive every encouragement, but unless something is done by the governing bodies to assist the viyious clubs in conducting their gatherings, things will only go on from bail to worse, until the country meetings will have to bj wiped out altogether.

An English writer pens the foilowing on the subject of accidents to racehorses: — If we take the British Truf in a comprehensive surrey we shall find that comparatively few horses have come to what may be called a “bad end.” The twin sports of steeplechasing and hurdle racing exact a considerable toll: but the professional life of an animal “on the Hat” is generally unattended by any terrible climax. When we bear in mind the risks which many animals run, we ought not to be a little surpiised that this is so. Of course the greater number of accidents ou racecourses arise from the neglect of some elementary precaution on the part of the executive, or because human beings, with no consideration for themselves. 01 anybody else, will insist upon crossing the race track when they have no business to. For Any man with leisure time It is both amazing and instructive to read through old sporting books and see what a large total of calamities have arisen from this cause. Now the jockey was Injured, then the hoi sc, then the fool who crossed the course—occasionally all three. Risks connected ivlth the transit of horses are also observation that there must be considervery great. We know from experience and able danger In wailklng steeds through the streets of ctowded towns upon a race day. Not many years ago, an unfortunate animal named Red King, after being run Into by a cab Derby, was afterwards killed on a little West Country track through a horseman who should have been “keeping the course” managing to make himself a nuisance and an obstruction whereby a collision was caused About eight years ago some horses were killed, and the boys attending them severely injured, owing to a railway accident between Leicester and Newmarket. I/Africaine, the steeplechaser, who afterwards met his fate in a steeplechase In France, was In an accident on the railway while on his way to Liverpool to run for the Grand National, for which he had been heavily backed; and Gang Forward, who was nearly flist favourite for the Bt. Leger of 1873. was' equally unfortunate, and could not run.

Fortune on the turf Is varied, and the fact that there Isno royal road to success is emphasised by the racing fortune of His Majesty King Edward VII. In 181)6— Persimmon’s year—the King was close to the front with £26,819. In 1899 his horses only won stakes to the value of £2189, but In 1900, when Diamond Jubilee and Ambush 11. were successful Id winning the double —Derby and Grand National —he won £29,385. East season £3105 was the total of three victories, and the better things which were hoped for this year have not arrived, though Chatsworth has won thrice, £ll6O in all, and should make a useful four-year-old. Ills Majesty started the season with eight good-looking two-year-olds, of whom only one, Rosemarket, not a Persimmon or a Florlzel, but a son of Orlon and Rose Madder, has succeeded in winning races —the City Plate at Manchester, £176, and a Breeders’ Stakes of £567 at Newmarket; and he has been four times beaten ou three occasions out of a place. Peushaw (Persimmon —Vane) has run once, badly; Carstone (Persimmon —La Caroline) has also run once, and finished a bad third in a field of five to Pamflete and Egypt. Periameles (Persimmon —Leveret) cannot win selling races. He was sold some time ago, as was Politely (Persimmon —Courtly), who has descended to the lowest ranks. Last time out he finished a poor fifth to a winner that was sold after the race for lOOgs. La Paix (Perslmmmon—Loadamia) has not run, nor has Cornflower (Persimmon —Wheat ly), nor

an unnamed daughter of Florlzel 11. aud Spyglass. Except the two laat mentioned, all the others were heavily engaged, and their forfeits must amount to a considerable sum. La i’alx and Carat oue nsvlng been in such races ns the Prince of Wales’ stakes, at Goodwood, a sweepstake or 2UO sovb each subscription; the buckeuhuiu Stakes of 3tM>sovs each, half forfeit; the Bosca wen of lOUsovs each. Three out of four of the two-year-olds have proved specially disappointing Some good-looking yearlings bred at Sandringham will carry the royal colours next season, and it cau only be hoped that they will make good amends for the iaUuies of their predecessors.

An instance of an expensive tragedy i< re’nted by Mr Hodgaian in connection with Shillelagh, a horse who. iu 1862, achieved quite a series of victories, the last time being at Worcester. Un the day alter tins races at this place a porter called ou( “Horses for the South come this way.*' That involved their passing a lot of iros gliders strewn upon the ground, mid Shil lelagh. startled oy the renaming of a passing engine, jumped among the obstacles, and was so injured that he died in tbiee days. A verdict for £lOOO damages war afterwards reduced to £so—u considerable margin of difference, and a pa.pabie injustice to the owner of a piece of horseflesh which might easily have brought bim iu a large sum of money In stakes and betf had the horse lived. The most sensational fatal incident «»f horse transit, however, was afforded by the strange case of Klarikoff, a bay colt by De Clare out of Brasilia, who as a two-year-old won the Municipal Stakes at the Doncaster September Meeting, afterwards ran second to Mr Merry's Folkestone in the Tileunlal Produce Stakes at the Newmarket First October, and subsequently carried off the Criterion at the Houghtou. The following year— 1861 —he was favourite for the Two Thousand, in which he was beaten by Diophantus and Kettledrum, who finished first and second and then he ran unplaced In the Derby K.arikoff was the propel ty of “Mr Howward.” but, ou the Saturday before lie rao for the Derby, the late Lord St. Vincent purchased a half share of him for 500 C guineas. Greatly fancied for the Leger which then gave rise to a gteat deal o» betting before the day, the coll was being reserved for that event; and on the 18th of June, 1861, was despatched by a midday train from King’s Cross to Multon. lie never arrived at his destination, for between Retford and Bawtrey the van caught fire, and the unfortunate occupant was burned' to death. Some boys who wer< travelling managed to escape, though tt is related that the fire destroyed Mr and Mrs John Scott’s wearing apparel, together with many handsome presents of jeweller* which had been bestowed upon the eminent trainer by patrons of his stable. Moreover, the whole of William Boyce’s watd'robe, together with £6O In banknotes, perished in the flames. Railway travel foe horses has much Improved within the last thirty years, yet when one sees what lost would have been incurred had such a beast as Donovan been iintimei? cut off before the Duke had won £53.000 with him. one Is tempted to ieffect that hick counts fc* something In every telationship of life. © © @

ELLERSLIE TRAINING NOTES. Saturday. The work on the tracks at E.lerslie thk’ morning was of the serviceable order, there being an absence of anything boldering on the sensational. Waikato was the first to open the ball, running seven furlongs oo the tan In 1.29 1-5. Lycia had inoie tc say than Autahi at the end of six furlongs on the same track. In 1.18. Annette gave St. Cyril a long start and then bea( him over five furlongs on the sand in 1.6. Solitary (alone) did a similar task In 1.7. Coronation and Pukekohe finished together at the end of a mile on the sand, the last seven furlongs in 1.39. Annoyed covered a round of the tan in. 1.56 1-5, Slllcia going with her the first six, which was covered In 1.18. Stepniar, with a light weight up, easi.y beat Soultflsh over six furlongs on the sand in 1.19 J. Foremost and Tc Aroh*. finished together a length In front of Scotty over a three furlong spurt on the tan in 365. Calle Iris (alone) ran six furlongs on the tan In 1.16 4-5. Parltutu. Sir Gilead and Durable weie together at the end of seven furlongs on the sand in 1.34. The former pleased the most. DelanU

4a'on<*>, with a light weight up, ran aronnd the tan. in 1.52. Noteorin! galloped five furlongs on the sand, the last four furlongs taking 325. Desdemona (alone) skipped over five furlongs on the tau in 1.2. Lady Hu no did a round of the tan, the lust mile taking 1.45. Rambler and Gladstone were going easily at the end of seven furlongs on the tau in 1.29 4-5. Simple Simon and la>velink finished together, five lengths in front of Dr. Quest, over six furlongs on the sand In 1.20. Potty spurted four furlongs on the sand in 52 4-5. Btrathavou nntl Gladys Rose were companions over six furlongs on the sand in 1.21 1-5. Walpur.a assisted the pair over the last four. Strath•von moved In good style. Yolette easily beat St. Harp over a round of the tan in 1.541. Bonoiniana covered a mile on the ♦ tin in 1.47. She was not asked to make time. Mataura and Chela spurted four furlongs on the sand in 535. Master De larval was too good for Punul over live furlongs on the sand in 1.6*. llurihurl splinted four furlongs on the sand in 55 4-5. Liicrvc •* (alone) galloped live furlongs on the sand In 1.55. Sonoma and the Cy rente n —lrina filly were companions over four furlongs on the course proper in 555, the latter shaped well for a beginner. A number of others were out and did useful work.

WELLINGTON RACING CLUBS Al TP MN MEETING.

WELLINGTON, Friday. The Wellington Racing Club’s autumn meeting' was commenced in unfavourable weather. A strong wind blowing throughout the day had the effect of drying the course ami iinpiovlag it, though after the rainfall of the previous two days the going was somewhat dead. It suited a number of the sore horses, however, and none more than the winner of the Thompson Handicap, Kir Geo. Clifford’s three-year-old Signalman, who whs in frout after going a furlong, and remained there all the rest of the journey, and won ridden right out, Regulation, Kaharoa, Ghoorka and Dallajat each being close up. Ghoorka aud fitaislioot hung at the post, and Kaharoa «nd Ghoorka wore going strongest iu the home run. where Ballarat died away. The luaie looked big, but Kali area and Ghoorka were in fine form to look at, and both pulSed up well. The Hurdle Race ris won easily by Rungarawa, who was taken io the front at the start, jumped well, and got a good break in the first quarter of a mile. Trumpery disappointed most people, but was clearly in trouble, the weight and the going being against her. besides which she etruek one huulle heavily. Levant ran well for a mile and a half. The North Island Challenge Stakes was won comfortably by Achilles, but Machine Gun headed him and carried him along at a great pace for five furlongs. Dalny. Mr Walts’ two-year-old, was outpaced. Boris easily beet Chryseis In the Railway Handicap, and the double barkers of Signalman and Boris got £23 fo each £1 invested. Nearly all the bookmakers escaped laying the winning combination. Maui, who did not put up a penalty for his previous wins at Ilorowhenns, easily won the Tinakori Hack IL ndicap. in which Matakaklri got up In the last Tew strides and headed I-iukaaka and Galahad, who wore almost la line. Pa tuna led for four furlongs. Hydrant was favourite for the Heretaunga Handicap, but could only just beat Benefactor for ♦second place. F Lunen won comfortably, however, from both, Veneer, the full brother to Mahutonga, again running indifferently. as be bad dc.no in the Wai wet u Handicap, when opposed by Gold Crown, who easily defeated him. Pardon was most fancied for the SHvorstream Hack Handicap. bill Royal Blue never gave anything a t'hsure, the others being of very poor class. ■The attendance was small, and there was a big shrinkage in the totalizator turnover, over £2300 less being handed than the first day last year. Results:—

Hurdles.—Rungarawa. 9.0, 1; Defoe, 9.0, 2; Lissa, 9.7. 3. Scratched Magnificent. Riyigmwa was at once rushed to the Trent, am! was never again headed, winning pulling up by throe lengths. Time. 3.24. Dividend':. £A 7/ ftnd £4 10/. Walwetu Handicap. 7 furlongs. — Gold Crown 1, Veneer 2. These were the only starters. Won in a canter by a length. {Dividend, £1 G/-

Thompson Handicap.—Signalman. 7.8 (Cvtton), 1: Regulation. 8.8, 2; Kabaroa. B.S. 3. Scratched: Black Reynard ami ’Exmoor. Ballarat and Signalman were the flret to break the line, Starshoot getting

away badly. Along the back Signalman took charge and was never again headed, with a late run, finishing close up third, winning by a length. Kan area. who came Time, 1.43 3-5. Dividends, £5 15/ and £1 14/.

Silverst /cam Hack Handicap.—(loB) R. Knox's Royal Blue, 7.0 ((’. Buchanan), 1; (130) Pardon, 5.9, 2; (138) Position. G 10, 3. Also started: (24) Paderewski; (27) Westland. Royal Blue was quickest away, and clearing away fiom the field, gave nothing a chance, and won very easily by six lengths. Time, 1.45 2-5. Dividend, £3 11/. Railway Handleap of IDOsovs, six furlongs.—(l7(s) R. T. Turnbull’s Boils, 8.4 (C. Jeukins), 1; (129) Chrysels, 7.9, 2. These wore the only starters. Chrysvis was indulged with the lead for a couple of furlongs. when Boris took charge, and won, hard hold, by a length. Time, 1.16 3-5. Dividend, £1 11/. Heretanngi Handicap of JOOteovs, nine f>n lungs.—(2oo) lion. W. W. Johnston's Fhtmen. 9.0 (<’. Jenkins), 1; (288) Hydrant, B.G; (39) Benefactor, 8.0, 3. Also started: Veneer. Hydrant and Veneer carried on the running for about half the journey, when Ffa men ran through, and, galloping along in front, won without an effort by two lengths. Time, 1.59 2-5. Dividend, £2 19/.

North Island Challenge Stakes of 4(K)sovs, seven fmlongs.—(3l2) J. Monk’s Achilles, 9.8 (C. Jenkins), 1; (134) Machine Gun, 9.5, 2; (41) Dalny, 0.4, 3. These were the only starters. Achilles easily assorted himself In the straight, and won comfortably by two lengths and a half. The filly was a length away, third. Time, 1.20 2-5. Dividend. £1 S/. Tlnakori Hack Handicap of BOsovs. six furlongs.—(sss). J. R. McDonald’s Maui, 7.13 <C. Jenkins). 1: (232) Matakoklri. 7.10, 2; (159). Hukaaka, 7.4, 3. Also started: (28) Galahad, (121) Pntuua, (196) Golden Comb, (27) Te Kainui. Won by n length and a half. Time, 1.17 4-5. Dividends, £1 12/ and £1 5/.

SECOND DAY. WELLINGTON. Saturday. Very heavy rain fell last night, and at eight o’clock this morning it looked impossible for the conditions to improve sufficiently to enable the Wellington Racing Clnb to race to-day. However, before ton a.m. the sky brightened and the stewards decided to go on. A disagreeable day prevented anything like even a moderate attendance, and at no time eonld it have exceeded 1590. Heavy rain fell almost all the afternoon, and a fierce nor’-w'est gale was blowing. The fields were again small, and speculation dull. The amount handled today was £4990 (including the double machine), making £11,527 for the meeting, or a decrease of £8787 compared with the last autumn meeting. The double machine opened on the Autumn Handicap and Belmont Hack Handicap, and had £B-44 invested, the winning combination paying each of the four lucky Investors £lB9 18/. The results of the racing were as fellows:— Hurdles. —Lissa. 9.4, 1; Levant, 10.6, 2; Magnificent, 9.2, 3. These were the only starters. Lissa made play from the start, and won very easily by three lengths. Time 3.0 2-5. Dividend, £2 8/. Hutt Handicap, 1 mile.—Gold Crown, 8.11, 1; Regulation, 8.13, U; Shrapnel Shell. 7.2, 3. Also started: Immersion. Gold Crown and Shrapnel Shell wore in front at the turn, but inside the distance the latter gave place to Regulation. Gold Crown won by two lengths. Time, 1.47 4-5. Dividend. £3 G/.

St. Leger Stakes.—Nightfall (Jones), 1; Fiamen, 2; Signalman, 3. These weic the only starters. The trio were well together until three furlongs from home, when Nightfall went to the front, and won in a canter by six lengths. Signalman was four lengths away. Time, 3.16 4-5. Dividend, £1 7/. Muritai Hack Handicap of 80»ovs, seven furlongs.—A. Mitchell’s I‘ardon, 8.12 (C. Jenkins), 1; Royal Blue, 8.0, 2; Golden Comb, 6.9, 3. Those weie the only starters. Royal Blue led till the straight was entered, when Pardon, who ran a very different race to that run on Thursday, came through and won by two lengths. Time, 1.35 3-5. Dividend, £2 10/.

Autumn Handicap of bOOsovs, one mile and a quarter.—J. Dalton’s Auratus, 6.9 (Pine), 1; Shrapnel Shell, 6.13, 2; CHnnie Chiel, 8.5, 3. Also ran: Ghoorkq, Exmoor (bracketed with Ghoorka), Rapids. Hydrant. From an even start the field suvpt past the stand, with Auratus about

liulf-a-length in trout of Rapids and Hydrant, with the others pretty well in a bnneh. Aurotns and Exmoor carried on th-! miming along the back. Coming round the home turn Ghoorka momentarily nattered his hackers, as he ran np to Auratus’ quarters, but the effort was not long sustained, aud he retired again to the rear. When ha!f way down the etmight Shrapnel Shell challenged the leader, and Pine had to shake Auratna up. He, however, responded gamely, and won comfortably by about two lengths, Canute Chiel being a 'ength behind Shrapnel Shell and half a length in front of Hydrant. Time, 2.143. Dividends, S 9 0/ and £5 12/. Paelfle Handicap of IBOsovs, six fuilongs. —Sir Geo. Clifford's Chryseis, 8.3 (V. Cotton), 1; Prelude, 7.9, 2: Aorangt. 8.9, 3. Also rau : Grand Circle and Venialvro. Grand Circle was caught in the tapes. After a couple of furlongs t'hryscls ran through, and won comfortably by four lenghs. Time, 1.20 2-5. Dividend, £2 8/. Suburban Handicap of ISOsovs, seven furlongs.—lt. T. Turnbull's Boris, 8.2 (C. Jenkins), 1; Matukn, 7.2, 2. These were the only starters. The pair tan together until entering the straight, when Jeukins drew out, and wou easily by three-quarters of a length. Time, 1.80 8-5. Dividend, £1 5/. Belmont Hack Handicap of SOsovs, six furlongs.—W. E. Bidwell’s Declination. 7.8 (Pine). 1; Mani, 9.2, 2: Aotea, 0.12, 3. Also ran: Coxswalu, Matakokirl Hukaaka, Patr.na, Te Kalnul. Coxswain got hung up in the tapes, and took no part in the race. At the etui of three furlongs Declination was a length an<l a half In front of Matakekirl, but at Ute turn the bitter gave way io Maui and Aotea. Decliuatlon came on full of running, ansi won rather easily by thiee lengths. Time, 1.20. Dividends. £0 9/ and £l.

THE WINNING PAYMENTS. The following are the winning owners:— Sir Geo. Clifford, £520; G. G. Stead £410; J. Monk, J 8325: IL T. Turnbull, £270; J. Dalton, £280; J. Ij. Prosser. £190; A. Hutana, £120; the Hon. V,’. W. Johnston, £125; M. W. Paterson, £110; It. Knox, £80; R. Mltebell, £80; J. It. McDonald, £7O; W. M. Bidwell, £7O. Smaller amounts raise the total to £2850.

MANAWATU RACING CLUB'S AUTUMN MEETING. PALMERSTON N., Monday. The following tteceptanees have been received for the Maua’watu meeting, which opens on April s:— Champion Hack Plate.—San Paulo, Pearl Necklet, Bourrasque, Lady Lyonors, Jolly Friar, Lady Wayward, Fltimen, Huktika, Matakokirl, Sir Perceval, Pretty Maid, Electric Gun, Immolation, St. Winifred, Polyanthus, Pardon, Helhic, Gawain, Lord Soult, Chartreuse. Telegraph Handicap of 150-sovs, 6 furlongs.—Ballarat 9.0, Wet Reef 8.4 Chryseis 7.11, Purdey 7.9, Ztska 7.3, The Stake 0.10, Good Inteut 8.9, Veneer 8.8, Noneeu 0.7, Goldwal 6.7. Welter Hack Handicap of 75sovs, 1 mile. —Mnnlapoto 9.13. Pardon 9.9, Faro 8.13, Spoil 8.12, Royal Blue 8.6, Explode 8.0, Bombastes 8.3, Loch Tay 8.3, Victoria Park 8.3, Commonwealth 8.0, Flshcrmaid 8.0, Chartreuse 8.0. Flrat Handicap Hack Hurdles of 75sovs, 12 mile.—Wind 10.13, lloserse 10.3, Roseplot 10.0, Sleepwell 9.10, Vallma 9.4, In-the-Van 9.2, Gipsy Jack 9.0, Wbataroa 9.0. First Handicap Hurdles of 120sovs, 2 miles.—Trumpery 11.5, Watwera 10.13, Levant 10.2, Killarney 9.12, L!s«a 0.3, Magnificent 9.2. Imugburn Handicap of lOOsovs, 1 mile and a distance.—Regulation 9.0. Cannie Chiel 8.10, Roscal 8.2, Aiiratus 7.9, Submarine 7.7. Gold Dniit 7.0, Ngatarua 0.13, Good Intent 6.7. Veneer 6.7, Noneen 6.7, Crimson Lake 6.7. Electric Hack Handicap of TEsoVs, 8 furlongs. — Mauiapoto 8.13, Gawain 8.5, St. Winifred 7.13, Spoil 7.8, Furneaux 7.T, San Paulo 7.7, Immolation 7.7, Matakoklri 7.5 Tonderghle 7.4, Spark 8.12, St. Amelia 6.11, Aotea 6.10, Chartreuse 6.7, Sir Geraint 0.7. Walkakaho 6.7. © © © GREAT EASTER HANDICAP. CHRISTCHURCH, this day. Master Alix was scratched for the Great Easter Handicap at 11.30 a.in. this morning.

THE A.J.f. DERBY. SYDNEY, this d4y. -' The Australian Jockey Club has decided to increase the stakes for the A.J.C. Derby to ISOOsovs, and also to Increase the stakes in the welght-tor-age races at ths spring and anturnu meetings by £l5O each. Several other events are increased by £lOO. THE LINCOLNSHIRE HANDICAP. LONDON, March 28. The Lincolnshire Handicap, run to-day, resulted as follows:— Mr F. Lnscombe’s Sansovino, 7.6 .... 1 Mr F. Langstaff’s Catty Crag. 6.10.... 2 Gen. A. Paget's Park Hanger, 6.8.... 3 LIVERPOOL GRAND NATIONAL. LONDON, April 2. The King's horse, Moifaa, fell in the race for the Liverpool Grand National Steeplechase. Seahorse and Kia Ora did not finish the course. Kirkland (11.5) won from Napper Tandy (10.0), Buekaway 11. being third. © © ©

TUKF TALK FROM THE SOUTH.

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) CHRIS rCIIURCIfv Saturday. The Oxford Racing Club s &nnna) rate meeting, which was held on Thnreday. wits a purely local gathering. Only two horfiea went up from RiccartoD. and very few townsfolk were present. There was no totftlisator on the course. The Oxford cup fell to the Riccnrton-t rained Sirangw, bV Saracen—Jenny, who won in a canter from Coalgate and Lepanto, the latter ex» ancient Austraiinn bred horse oy ( Corinth. Black Diamond, a three-year-okl gelding by Reflector, appropriated the Stewards’ Handicap, and the Flying Handicap, beating the Riccarton-tralned To Taiaha In both races, gnd I’hrosu, on aged mare by Stronghurst, annexed the Maiden StftKes. A half-brother to Phroso named M.D., by the Ingomar horse Doctor, woh the Se’.Hng Race. The Welter Handicap fell to Blue Peter, a gelding by the Escutcheon horse Banner. Noetulform is still resting as the result of the accident he met with before our summer meeting, and it may be taken for granted that he will-not r.nce again this season. Sungod will probably represent Mr. Stead in the Chanipagne' - takes. The Hotchkiss colt Great Unn changed hands at auction on Saturday. He is not likely to stand another preparation. Vladimir is much in request here for the Great Easter Handicap. Miss Button has had the mlafortune to to lose her three-year-old colt by Cuirassier —Annabelle, which broke its leg, and had to be destroyed. It appears chat G<»ldon Lily took her departure for Western Australia some time ago. The bookmakers who have been faying her for the Great Easter Handicap will have a nice point to set He with their clients. Mr. Stead’s cast-off was nceompanted by Nestling, the yearling fitly by. Royal Artillery from BelHcent. The withdrawal of Master Alix from the Great. Easter Handicap caused some surprise here. It was generally that the son of Stepniak was not badly treated. A great deal Of Interest was taken here in the struggle between Achilles and Machine Gun in the North Island Challenge Stakes. Most people would have been better pleased if the race had been run on absolutely firm ground, but there is a general feeling of satisfaction at Achilles having fully redeemed his tarnished reputation. Matters locally are rather quiet, save for the Akaroa County Racing Club’s annual race meeting, which is being held at Plumpton Park, Riccarton, to-day. With the return of the contingent now in Wellington, Hiecarton will become busier, and continue busy until our Easter meeting is over. At ft meeting of the committee of th© Dunedin Jockey Club, held on Tuesday, ft request from Hewitt, that the committee should reduce his period of diequalnicatlon

io u to entbl* blm to ride at the Canterbury Jockey Clubs Autumn Meeting, »«’ declined. Mr. Brown, who owned Sir Foote when the sou of Sir Hugo -won the Newmarket Handicap. is at present in Duruxllu. One ot the first mares booked to the St. Simon horse St. Ambrose, is Ztpb.vr, the full sister to the defunct Pampero. She has a foul at foot by tho Australian Peer horse Peerage. KaUUinUa, the dam ot St. Dennis, also has a nice looking foal, a colt by Peerage. Wulrlkl, on board Hie Monowai, passed through Lyttelton yesterday. He will be transhipped at Wellington tor Auckland. Considering the trying experience he Isas had. the son of Soult looks wonderfully well. CHRISTCHURCH, Tuesday. The weather was tine on Saturday for the Akaroa County Racing Club's annual race meetlug. which had been transferred frota the club's own course at Little Hirer to ITv.iuptou Park. The country people did not follow the meeting to headquarters in large numbers, but the townsfolk turned out well, and the attendance was fairly large. Speculation was only moderately brisk, the totaiisntor investments being less by £4OO than the amount handled al last year’s meeting. The deficiency is partly accounted for by the fact that investors were very slow in making their Investu’ents. and were often shut out of the machiiH'. The racing was inteleating, without being exciting. It was, however, marled by an accident, which may yet result fatally. Taxpayer fell In the Flying Handicap. and her rider. J. McGuire, was so seriously injured that he had to be removed to the hospital, where on Monday afternoon he was still lying unconscious. Secret Society, who wus made second favoiuite for the Peninsula Cup, ran disgracefully, and is either hopelessly out of form or a most degenerate rogue. The race fc-H to the favourite, lloyal Crown, the son of Musketry and Crown Jewel, who has shaken off the soreness from which he lias been suffering throughout the season. He wort so easily as to suggest that ho will be heard of again betoi e long. AVer Blanket, another improved animal, also ran well, and finished second, some .distance in front of Ability, who finished badly, after threatening danger at the top of the straight. Wet Blanket won the Open Welter Handicap, beating Antigone. The District Hurdle Race fell to Runaway Girl, a mare of unknown pedigree, and the District Maiden Plate to Kohtuu, an aged gelding by Betrayer; and Guard of Honor, an aged gelding by the St. George horse Mount Royal, appropriated the Flying Handicap. and Blythe Maid, who acted as runner up, came out again in the last race of ■the day, Uio District Welter Handicap, which she won easily. Blythe Maid, who Is a t hteo-year-old n!!y by t'lnnranald from Blytliesome, is not nearly ready yet, and is bound to win again before long.

It Is stated here that V. Cotton will ride Sir Geo. Clifford’s horses at the Canterbury Jockey Club's autumn meeting. Cults has returned from Wellington with Connie Chlcl, Signalman. Cfiryseis, and Lady Wayward. The last named did not run at the Hutt, owing to her having Strained a muscle in her side, and Stronghold has. gone on to Palmerston North to fulfil his engagements at the Mauawatu autumn meeting. Qnari-yman is getting through a capital preparation for his autumn engagement. A year old gelding by Musketry from Roseguaid has Joined Holmes’ stable. The Mohican, The Guesser, Tupara, and Bongo have all been schooled during the week. Tupara is coming on fast. Catherine Gordon is taking things easily, and Is not to carry silk until Ute autumn iseetlng.

Klug’s Gnest Is recovering from the effects of the accident he sustained at Walniate. but has not resumed work. The Medallion two-year-old Handel has been added to the list.

Calibre is coming on wonderfully quickly, and will be woitlt watching at out- autumn meeting. Another Autumn Handicap candidate doing good work is Stepdaucer. The following business has been done locally during the week:—Great Easter and Great Autumn Handicap: 1000 to I* against Boris amt Achilles, 1001* to 5 Exmoor and ■Melodeon, 1000 to 5 Golden Vein and Stepdancer, .1000 to 5 Golden Vein and Jeanne d'Arc. 1000 to 5 Petrovna and Jeanne d'Arc, 100*1 to 4 Vladimir and Quogga, IOXi to I Crichton and Welbeek. 750 to 5 Jeanne d'Arc and Nightfall, 01*0 to 8 Golden Vein and Quairyman. GOO to 2 Ghoorka and Savoury, 500 to 3 Lady Lyouors and Quarrywan, 500 to 8 Boris and (juarryman, 500 to 2 ManJeSS and Stepdancer. 500 to 5 Golden Vein and Vladimir, 400 to 2 Achilles and Savoury, 400 to 1 Achilles and Quagga, 300 to 3 Achilles and Qua rrym.ill. 300 to 2 Convoy and Quarryman, 500 to 7 Achilles and Ladv Wavward, 500 to 2 Melodeon and Melodeon.’4oo to 0$ Golden Vein and Melodeon, 400 to 6 Lady Lyouors and Jeanne d'Arc. -WO to 5 Savoury ami Savoury, 800 to 6 Vladimir and Melodeon, 300 to 3 Vladimir and Jeanne d’Arc. 200 to 2 Red Gauntlet and Adhllles. 200 io 2 Alisa and Vladimir.

The ex-champlon sprinter Goldspur Is dead. He was badly Injured on Thursday night, owing to'liis rug slipping and becoming entangled with his legs. In his struggles (o extricate himself the Rubezahl gelding. who was running out In a paddock, got cast between n fence and the stump ot a tree, and seriously injured Ills spine. He was put lu slings, but it was found neeessaiy to destroy him on Saturday. The Southland Racing Club is making considerable Improvements to ita course. It Is doubtful if Red Gauntlet will fulfil his engagements nt tile Canterbury antmnn meeting! He Is suffering from being raced nt Wellington when in trouble with influenza.

The Dnnedin*J.C. Ims ro-considered the decision to eliminate the jumping events from the programme for its winter meeting. The Forbury Park Racing Club will hold It’ winter meeting on May 20th, when £220 will be distributed in stakes.