Turf Gossip

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXIV, Issue 21, 27 May 1905, Page 17

Turf Gossip

TURF FIXTURES.

May 20 aud 24—Takapuna J.C. Winter May 24 and 25—Wanganui J.C. Winter May 24 and 25—North Otago J.C. Winter June 2 and 3 —Dunedin J.C. Winter June 3 and s—Otaki Maori R.C. Winter June 3,7, and 10—Auckland R.C. Great Northern Steeplechase June 21 and 22 —Hawkes Ray J.C. Winter June 28 and 29—Napier Park R.C. Winter July 6 aud 7—Gisborne R.C. Winter July 11 and 14—Wellington R.C. Winter

TURF NOTES.

A noticeable absentee from the Great Northern Steeplechase is o.d Dingo.

Tlie English Derby will be decided to-day (Wednesday, May 31st).

None of the fancied candidates for the Great Northern Hurdles have declined their engagements.

The Cyrenian—St. Marguerite colt in C. Weal’s stable has had the name of Cyrettus claimed for him.

Toledo, the well known hack hurdler, recently arrived from the South, and has gene into J. Conway’s stable. *

Mr 11. B, Massey, well known in racing circles, has been appointed Registrar of Electors for the Parnell district.

The owners of Gladstone had another offer from Sydney last week for the colt, but so far no business has resulted.

The most noteworthy withdrawals from the Great Northern Steeplechase arc Trumpery, Moccasin, Swimmer, and Eclair.

Messrs A. Hanna and H. T. Gorrie have st nt in their resignations as stewards of the Avondale Jockey Club.

Doral bookmakers have been inundated With inquiries for Trumpery aud Eclair for the Wanganui double.

The Forbury Park races have been po. tfhnivd till Saturday next owing to steady rain setting in.

The latest betting on the English Derby, which is run on the 31st inst., is 9 to *4 Cicero, 4 to 1 Vaider, 9 to 2 .lardy, 8 to 1 Vedas, 25 to 1 Llangibby and Signori no.

The pony Ilinemoa has made her reappearance on the training tracks at Ellerslie after a long absence. She is being trained by IL Barr.

Four of the Hon. If. Mossman’s horses wore shipped to Sydney last week by the Mararoa. the lot being Dunmore, Lily-mc-a. Elspeth, and Ilorsa.

It is stated that J. McGregor, who was recently granted a license by the AuckRacing Club, will have the mount on Kiatere in his engagements.

Although Exmoor has been allowed to drop out of the Great Northern Hurdles, he has been nominated for the welter events at the A.R.C. Winter Meeting.

Mechanic, who was purchased by Mr Brophy, of Suva, after the selling race at the last Avondale Meeting, was sbip1> xb to the Islands by the Moura Inst Wednesday.

Auckland will be without a representative at the Wanganui Jockey Club’s Winter Meeting. Both Haydn and Romeo have been allowed to drop out of their engagements.

Diamond Drill, who figures amongst the nominations for the Jumping events at the A.R.C. Winter Meeting, hails from the •Upper Thames.

The Wanganui Jockey Club’s Winter Meeting takes place to-day. May 24th and 25th. The running (here should throw m little light on th? Great Northern Hurdles and Stet piechase.

Pipiwharauroa, who has been off the acene for a long time, during which time he has been doing duty at the stud, figures amongst the nominations for the pony .events at the A.R.C. Winter Meeting.

Monoform has been put into work again after a spell of five or six months, and he is now a regular attendant on the tracks at Ellerslie. He is stil lan inmate of Frank Marinaneiuln’s stable.

Bast - week, at Ellerslie, Mona and Cuiraguo did a' mile and a-liulf over the hurdles on the course proper, both funding well. Derida, alone?, did a simitar task tn a taking manner. luntskillen and hiKlo were sent a round of the steeplechase country, fencing well until the water waa reached, when Dudo stopped. He was,, however, got over at the second attempt.

Caiinoiigate was sent up to his owner’s farm at Mauku recently. Unless the old gelding makes a surprising recovery, we have probably seen the last of him as a competitor.

In Tennessee (America) a Bill has been passed prohibiting betting on race trucks in that State, it is safe to say that unless the measure is repealed there will not be much racing in Tennessee in future.

Romeo so far has not been given an opportunity to show his jumping abilities at Ellerslie. Were his trainer to fetch him out, and he perfot med satisfactorily, he would see a very short price for the Great Northern Hurdles.

Andy Regan was offered for sale on Friday last by Messrs A. Buckland & Sons, and at 2J guineas was knocked down to Mr W. Kilgour. Th? horse went back to C. Weal’s stable. Kapauui was also offered at the same time, but the bidding stopping at 17 guineas he was passed in.

Romeo still remains tn the Great Northern Hurdles. Opinions as to whether he" has shown ability in private over the hurdles are very divided. Some maintain that ho has done a lot of schooling over the small fences, while others are just as positive that he has not been tried over them. However, the matter ought to be sot at rest during the next few days.

Kamo, who was purchased last Autumn at Mr .11. Friedlander’s dispersal sale and taken to Australia. won the Brighton Handicap, six furlongs, at the V.A.T.C. May Meeting. Kamo, who ran in the nomination of Mr F. Leslie, carried 7.13, and starting at 9 Jo 4, won easily by three lengths.

Rome surprise has been expressed at the absence of Moccasin’s name from the list of acceptors in the Steeplechase, while it appears amongst the iiomiuatlons for some of the minor events. The reason of this is explained by the fact that Mr Brown, the owner of the horse, nominated him for these events before his departure for Australia some little time age.

Up to Dite, who claims an engagement in the Great Northern Steplechase, arrived from Sydney per Victoria on Monday, and was immediately taken out to his new quarters at F. Macmauemiu’s. Mr Lyons’ gelding which came over in charge of S. Howie, was landed in splendid condition, and his supporters will have 110 neea for any fear on that account.

Waikato, who was bp.dly galloped on while contesting the Easter Handicap at the last A.R.C. Autumn Meeting, and has consequently been on the retired list ever siuce, made his reappearance on the tracks last * Monday. Although he lias not yet thoroughly recovered from his injuries, his owner has decided to keep him in light work, In preferuce to turning him out altogether.

Avalanche, who was recently taken in hand after a short spell, again developed symptoms of soreness, and had to be thrown out of work. It is not yet definitely decided whether Avalanche will be asked to race again, or whether she will go to tho stud. It is understood, if the latter course is decided upon, that an effort wilt be made to ge a service from the Hon. J. D. Ormond’s imported sire Birkenhead.

The McCluakie disqualification ease? reached aonother stage last week, when a meeting of the Avondale Jockey Chib stewards was held, and the following resolution was passed: “That as the Auckland Racing Club refused to endorse the disqualification on the jockey J. McCluskio, that the Avondale Jockey Club decide to appeal to the New Zealand Rating Conference for their ruling on the matter.’’ The decision of the Conference win be awaited with Interest.

The display given by I.ady I lune last Thursday afternoon in her schooling gallop created anything but a favourable impression on those who witnessed it. and the general opinion expressed was that the mare will hardly he seasoned enough to play a prominent part in the forthcoming Great Northern Hurdle Race. Of course, there Is stil a fortnight to go, and wonders have been worked with horses lu even shorter time than rnat, but at present there is not much encouragement to support her for the big hurdle race.

’The stewards of the English Jockey Club have at last awakened to the fact that their comparative neglect of th? general public with regard to the Newmarket meetings has not been profitable. This is now evidenced by the abolition of tol’s for cabs driving up to the stands; by the reflagging of the enclosures; aud by th? reduction of the price for admission to the old five shilling ling to half a crown. This Is clearly a move In the right direction, •nd suggests a policy of attraction instead •f repulsion*

''The Pakuranga hounds met on Saturday at the Star and Garter Hotel. Panmure, and from there a move wax n»ndt* to the most popular hunting country about Auckland Sylvia Park. There was a large attendance of followers present, but, unfortunately, hans were very scarce, ami it was well on in the afternoon before the hounds were on the scent, one being put itp on Mr Dibble’s farm, aud giving a merry chase over the properties of Messrs Dibble, Nathan Bros.. Morrison, Why mar. and Wallace, the quarry eventually escaping. The hounds meet next Saturday at St. John's College.

The question of belting is again agitating the public mind in England, and the Street Betting Bill will probably lie before Parliament next session. Refcnhig to the matter, the London “Sportsman’’ says: “I he South of the Thames Commission Agents’ Protection Society anticipates bring able to get two members to block it when it reaches the Commons. There ought to be plenty of good sports in the Lower House willing to do that, for it should never be forgotten that what tin promoters of the Bill aim at is not street betting meieJy. That is but the first step to the attempted suppression of betting in its entirety when applied to sport.’’

John Schorr, the millionaire brewer, announces that hr has quit betting, that his losses in that direction amount to in the past few years Isays Now York “Spcrts of the Times’’) Which shows that while a man may be clever enough to sell a Judith Campbell to a William C. Whitney, he Is not clever enough to make a profit at a rather simple business. There is no fortune in it, Mr Schorr, but surely you must know from a dozen to a score of men who for long years have made a steady income from backing horses on a business basis, with no plunging, and with competent capital. It Is the poor business men of the turf who lose. Then Mr Schorr reduces his two-year-old purchases and lays it to anti-racing legislation!.

An exchange says: As Jack Cobbott, the good-natured philosopher, whose graceful racecourse writings adorn “The Sporting Life,” was hurrying across the ring, one of Tatt’s irrechiimables buttonholed him with: —

“Heie— I ain't touched a winner yet — what’s the tip this time? They tell me the fav’rite ain't spinnin’, and the top *Oll won’t try, and “ ‘Homunculi quanti sunt!' •” says Plautus, “and by gad he's right’.’’ cried Cobbet t, disengaging his jacket and continuing on his way; and five minutes later a puzzled turf-camp follower, who had gone down the whole of the entries with a tobacco-stained forefinger. to!d a pa! that he’d had a tip from the Press Room, but the ruddy horse wasn’t on the card at ail!

The American Year Book shows that, while 1904 was not a champion year, it still has a few to its credit. There was no advance in the world's record and the live and four year old championships. Directum 2.54, still holds the latter from 1893. In the same year Fantasy won the three year old championship in 2.8 J. It still remains. and the 2.10? or Arion in 1891 is still unchallenged. Cresceus, shorn of his record of 1.59 i, still retains the stallion championship with his record of 2.2 i. The championships to the credit of-1904 are as follows: — Dan Patch cut the pacing record to 1.56; Angus Pointer, the paring waggon race record to 2.44; I’harley Mar. to saddle, put the record at 2.14 J; while The Monk, and Equity placed the trotting record fw teams at 2.7 J.

. Betting on the Great Northern Hurdles and Steeplechase is livening up a bit since the declaration of the weights, and during tlie week the following wagers have been booked: 41M) to 6 Trumpery and Princess of Thule, 200 to 2 Trumpery and Major. ♦MX) to 8 Trmnpeiy and Kiatere, 750 to 9 Trumpety and Trumpery, 300 to 3 Romeo and Swimmer. .‘{so to 4 Romeo anil Kiatere, 300 to 6 Dady llune and Haydn, 500 to 6 Lady Hune and Kiatere, 500 to 5 Lady llrne ami Up-to-Date, 300 to 3 Lady Iltiuo and Swimmer, 700 to 7 I.ady Hune and Trumpery, s(r to 76 Daily Hune and limiskillen. 200 to 2 inniskillcn ami I’p-to-Datc, 500 to 5 Innlskillen and liinfakiileii, 500 to 5 Princess of Thule and Princes of Thule. 500 to 2j Fierinosca and Kiatere. 500 to 2 Fleniioscn and Evcrmoie, 250 to 2 Irish ami lni*iskillP!i. 250 to 2 Cavalry and Eclair, 250 to 2 Cavalry and luuiskfllen.

He was a young reporter, and green to the game of race-reporting; but duly called him to one of the local National Hunt meetings, where he was most persistent in his inquiries into the betting, tho description of the races, and the other little matters which go to complete the work of the Turf Journalist. At last th? meeting drew to its conclusion. /here wcie but three runners for the closing race. He had received particulars of the wagering, and the request was for a description of the running. “Well,’’ said the patient soul that had listened to the inquiries of the local pressman all day. “there’s no difficulty about that description. They ran as arranged throughout—winning by a length; a bad thlid.”

Anil the “description” will be found printed in the tiles of a South Wales evening paper within the last fifteen months.

An exchange says that comparison* have been drawn between the French :tn< German rules of stcepteehaslng. In Germany. jockeys arc not |.erniltte<l to pull their horses up when they are beaten, and can claim tt place without distressing their mounts. In France n jockey has no u cd to struggle for a place, and Clemson recently received n very stormy receptioß from the •’Mntmir’ gamblers In the paddo, k ami on the h -nth nt Autenil wlten he visibly beaten, ensetl Cnpitoul. the favourite in the Prix Agenda. He had simply obeyed the orders of his owner, but the new method of turf Speculation does not provide for the owner. The maxim laid down Is that the money for racing Is supplied by the puldie. ami that owners, content to race on such terms, should be compelled to meet the wishes of those w ho. lit backing the favourite to win. are apt to save their investment by speeultitiug on his running Into a place. The racing autlmrities have tried to Interest owners in the place money, which has been increased to a considerable extent. The London “Sperlsman's'* Paris correspondent says tliai M. Itiiau. the Frcneli Minister of Agriculture nn<l Commerce, has been busily visiting the tliiTcfeni racecourses since tlie commenecnieiii of the season on tlie flat. Vmler tlie tilde guidance of Viscount tl Harcomlt. one of the stewards at I.ongehtimps, and M. Itoliert Papin, representing the So, Into Sportive d'Eneoitragement. lie cannot fall to collect all tho details which may serve when tlie special Parliamentary committee's report on the betting question Is discussed in Hie Chamber of Deputies. The writer adds that he believes M. ituan feels convinced that owners require something more than tlie machine betting consecrated by the law of M. Itiotteaii, and that tlie facilities accorded them for hedging during the running of a race are due to those who supply Hie materials for sport, productive of a revenue to the racing societies sis well as to the State. It Is probable that tlie state* quo will lie mnliilalned. Bookmakerst will Ise tolerated, hut no oflieial sanction in tlie form of sut enclosure will be accorded them. A writer in sin English paper sst.vs: — When tlie Hon. Aubrey Hastings mounted Dearslayer in tlie paddock at Aintrce yesterday preparnlory to taking part in Hie Grautl National Steepleeliase. tlie writer was remimleil of st yarn which the Wroughton trainer tells against himself, lie had been at one of tlie west country meetings —Cheltenham or Ludlow, we forget which and one morning sought the services of n toiisorlal artist. As tisttai. Mr Figaro entered into conversation with his eustomer, discussed tho local programme, ami. anon, look up the subject of Hie Grand National. “And what do von fancy for the National?" queried Mr Hastings. “Dearslnyer was my fancy, only I can t stand those damned anniteue jockeys, and I have no great liking for him tinder the circumstances." When tiie payment came to lie made there was an extra piece of silver for the candid barber: “You may put that on Dearslayer. He's mv mount in tlie National." said Mr Hastings. Whether the tip was taken, or whether Figaro acted tip to the strength of his convictions, deponent cannot state.

Betting on Hie Great Northern double lias been fairly brisk during the week, and the following wagers are reported: 2t»> to 3 Triinipery and Inniskillcit. 300 Io 2 Trumpery and Creusot, 500 to 4 Trumpety and Up-to-Date, 200 to 2 Borneo and Haydn, 300 to 3 Romeo and Up-to-Date. 450 to 4j Romeo and Kiatere. 500 to 10 Lady Hune Lndy Untie and Up-to-Date. 200 to 3 Lady Hune and Inniskillen. 300 to 2 I.ady Hune and Creusot. 300 to 4J Lady linin' aud Haydn. 500 to 5 Inniskillen and Inniskillen. 600 to 3 Inniskillen and Print-ess of Thule. 250 to 2 Inniskillen and Kiatere. 250 to 3 Hantapii and liiniskillen, 1000 to llj; llautapii and Up-to-Date, 500 to 5 Hantapu and Kiatere. 450 to 3 Ttipnra and Up-to-Date. 250 to 2 kish and Haydn. 1000 to 15 Cavalry ami Kiatere, 500 to 5 Cavalry and Up-to-Date. 350 to 3 Cavalry and Inniskillen. 500 to 5 Cavalry and The Guard. 600 to 4 Cavalry anti Creusot, 500 to 5 Cavaby and Miss King. (Mill to 4 Cavalry and Tupara. 850 to lu Levnnt and l.'p-to-Date. 550 to 7J Levant and Kiatere. 500 to 24 Inspan and Creusot. 700 to 7 Inspaii and Kiatere, 1100 to 3 Evet*: more and Evermore.

That English breeders api'i-eeiate tlie mistake that was made when they allowed Flying Fox to be sold and taken Io Frame Is evident from the statement of "Clarion" in "County Gentleman." He says: “The number of English mares that are sent every season to Flying Fox compensates in some measure for tlie loss the British stnd sustained by tlie expatriation. Credit must lie given to those breeders who hav<» been enterprising enough to secure nominations to him nt ills enormous fee of fiOo guineas. Not that there lias been any hick of English applications for services. The horse's success teas been so plienoniemii that M. Blanc would probably have no difficulty in doubting the number of marcs from this country that have been subscribed for this year. I mentioned Inst week that Major Piatt's Primrose had foaled a Ally by Flying Fox. ami thal his mares Sea Air ami Surprise-Mc Not had been sent on a visit to M. Illam-’s horse. I learn now that Mr R. A. Brice's Hamilton mire. Lady Raleigh, has foaled in Fra nee, where she is on a visit to the son of Orniv. The anmnmccineiit la made. too. Hint the nomination secured by the King to Flying Fox this season will be tilled by th ■ voiing mare

Nfidejda, who was a woeful disappointment when in training, but may make amends at the stud. She is a full sister *.o Persimmon, Diamond Jubilee, and Floyixcl 11., and mating her with Flying Fox fe rather a daring experiment in breeding.

It is quite interesting to note the differences of opinion as to the abilities of the different horses that come under Messrs Morse, Evett, ami Knight. In -foine cases the differences are fairly large, while in a number of cases only our nr two pounds are between them. The Quart! is handicapped by Mr Morse at T2st 71b, Mr Evett puts him in at 12st. Haydn Is the horse that seems to be the one that has troubled the three gentlemen to gauge. Mi- Morse makes The Guard concede Haydn 91b, and calls upon him to give I'rlncess of Thule 51b and Kiatere 91b. Mr Evett puts him within 21b of The Guard, and makes him give Princess of Thule 71b, Kiatere 91b, and Papalu 121 b. Mr Knight, on the other hand, puts he am] Princess of Thule on the one mark, puts Kiatere within 21b of idm and Papatu within 71b. However, taking the Steeplechase all through. Mr Morse asks The Guard to meet all the horses that are engaged »n the Great Northern Steeplechase on worse terms than does Mr Evett. In the handicap for the Century Hurdles there is not such a diversity of opinion between the two gentlemen, but Haydn again stands out as an example. Mr Morse makes The Guard give him 71b. Mr Evett puts him within 21b of him. Miss King is another difference, Mr Morse putting the mare within 191 b of The Guard, while Mr Evett makes 161 b difference. There arc also one or two other discrepancies, but these are the most noticeable.

Lord Davey’s Betting Bill has not had quite sc triumphant a passage in the House of Lords as its supporters anticipated Isays the •’Referee”), and, whatever its fate might he, one could hut draw satisfaction from the way in which the Lord Chancellor (Lord Ilalsbury) checked the vindictive ruthlessness of it's promoters. This had always roused indignation on the part of disinterested persons. The bill was most unlikely to touch them, still, they deprecated the severity of the measure as original].' set up. The* amendments, however, went further than the bill itself,and sought to enlarge its scope. It Is good to find so great an authority as the Lord Chancellor Interposing, and in so doing directing the attention of the non-sporting public to the excesses the anti-spoit party wish to have committed. Practically, all that has been done in staging the progress of the measure has been simply out of respect to fair play. The amendments, as proposed, were, like -the main structure, of a nature to raise disputes and difficulties. and I think showed most distinctly that, while, going ,fC»i; street l etting, the inventors of the bill for putting that down were, as has been alleged all along, endeavouring to make it a ste‘pping-stone towards culling at. wagering altogether. The Lord Chancellor’s words state the opinion of all conversant with the ••anti” clique's methods and their aims. Said his lordship. “This seems to me to he a very bail example of < lass legislation,” which was saying a good deal, and exhaustively correct. . not only as regards the fact, but the intention also.

An exchange says: Gold Medallist, the •on of Medallion ami Corolla, who successfully carried the colours of Mr G. G. Stead In this colony, has recently gained another King’s premium. There were 13 entries In this class. . so. that the expatriated New Zealamle’- did not have a walk over. The entries of thoroughbreds and hunters totalled 348, which compared with 332 for last yen”. The history of the King’s premiums is an interesting one. and is given as follows: “From the time of Queen Anne until 1887, £3OOO was given yearly by the reigning sovereign to be raced for In the shape of Kings or Queen’s plates. Then, however, matters were re-arranged by the Government, which added £2<K>o to the £3OOO that had previously been devoted to racing, and hand d the amount over to the Royal Commission on horse breeding to award premiums to thoroughbred stallions. For the purpose of apportioning these premiums, the Commission divided Great Britain—excepting Ireland, where King's Plates are stil tin existence into 12 districts, and to every one of these awarded from one to four of th? 28 premhinis. The conditions stipulate that the stallions must be between 4 and 20 years old. if necessary, the successful animals are required to serve 50 half bred mares during the year at a small fee, and have to travel according to the commissioners* directions in tiio district for which thev ar? exhibited.” The acceptances received last Friday by Mr Percival tor tin* two principal events at the A.R.C. Wirier Meeting must be considered highly satisfactory. Eighteen are still left in the Hurdles, nothing ~of anv note dropping onl. Haydn, by the withdrawal of Fp-to-Date and The Guard is now nt the head of the list, and then follow Princess of Thule. Crensot. Truniperv. find Romeo. Medalllus has dropped out. ami so has Exmoor, but the defections of this pair was quite expected. Newtown is ♦ he only one of the lighter weights with any pietemdons to form to decline payment. In the Steeplechase IS are still left In, and both the top weights. Up to Date and The Guard, remain in. The former is due here on Sunday, ami Mr W. Lyons is certainly not wanting in pluck to bring his gelding a matter of 12(H) miles to take part In an event in which he has to carry every ounce lie bns earned. The Guard’s ehnne'e will be better gauged after his running at Wanganui next week. Havdn. Princess of Thule, and Kiatere all stand their ground. Papalu's withdrawal Is due to iinsoumlness: hut one can only surmise that the party connected with Moccasin have overlooked the acceptances, ns he was certainly one of lhe most likely ones on paper. Truniperv Ifi evidently not to be yet asked to race •ver the big country, fiwliumcr only

been up a few weeks, and could not have possibly been got ready. Eclair’s defectkju is a bit of a surprise, but the absentees amongst the lighter weights are only those of tlie moderates.

If I was asked to state the most remarkable win ever recorded in the race for the Liverpool Grand National, I should unhesitatingly say that by Grudun in 1901 on the worst day. in the memory of man, for racing (remarks a writer in an exchange). Snow fell ever so faintly as the 24 horses went to the post, but ere they had gone half a mile there came on a wiki blizzard which made it utterly impossible to see more than five yards. Arthur Nightingall rode Grudon. He knew he was upon n safe conveyance. as the phrase goes, and ho knew that the horse could jump for ever if the blizzard did not affect him. A mile to go, a sudden gust of wind and a blinding drive of snow carried on to Grudoh’s chest a newspaper. It fluttered, with no little noise, into its position, but the old horse hooded it not. The sheet rather upset the equilibrium of the rider more than that of the horse. Would it fall off? And would it fall ami frighten the old beggar? These were queries Nightii*gall asked himself. Lifting it off was out of the question. Grudon bent his equine head down to have a look at the sheet. He seemed to be studying it. Was ho reading the phrase from the prophet’s pen which said that “Grudon had no chance?” Most likely. Just when Night ingall had almost worried himself into a fever about it. and when to all appearances the horse was enjoying his chest protection against the blizzard, there came a side puff of wind, which carried the paper away. Grudon turned his head to look after it. and from the moment travelled the faster, ami ultimately beat Drumcree (who won two years later) and Buffalo Bill.

Talking of judges and races, I, says “Bondi,” was present at a Tambaroora race meeting in the “good old days.” when one of our Supreme Court judges (now dead) actually rode in a flat race, and won after a hard, ding-dong finish under somewhat peculiar circumstances. At the time I speak of the judge referred to was a smart young man. acting as C.P.S. at Sofala, and the horse he rode belonged to Mr Harold Maclean, the Gold Commissioner at the race, dinner which wound up the day's sport. Mr Joseph Cox, the Gold Commissioner at Tambaroora, was in the ••hair, and in the course of his speech he told us that “something had*,occurred -that day which in all probability would never occur again during our lives.” The fact was'that Mr George Innis. who rode Mr Maclean’s horse, was short of weight 121 b, and no “leads” being procurable in town, he (Mr Cox) had lent him 121 b of gold from his office, which was enclosed in a belt fastened round his waist. Amongst some of the trainers and jockeys engaged at that meeting were a few prime “Van Demonian” gaol birds, who would have cheerfully broken Mho other jockey’s neck to get at his belt had they only known what it contained' Mr Cox’s disclosure was the chief topic of their talk for weeks after, and all their confabs ended with the one remark, made with grim determination. “Oh, if we had only known!” Amongst the good, honest jocks 1 saw at that meet were the old-time champions Joe Taeffer. George Burgess. Tommy and Ted Ryan, old Dunn (a real wonder), and old Sam Holmes, who could do more with a length at the finish than any other jockey I ever saw. I don’t think the hero of the golden belt episode ever rode races after he became a judge, but he certainly would never be found denouncing the grand sport as some do who are wholly ignorant of its nature.

The following is an experience of racing in South America, which Mr Martin Cobheft relates in his interesting book. “Rating Life and Easy Characters,” and which we take the liberty of quoting: “Very funny things hapen. oi used to happen, in one of the South American republics, whose Jockey Club undertook all working official functions. One honourable member will lie clerk of the scales, another see to the starting, a third occupy the judge’s seat. Now, what I am writing about a co-operative ramp is true, chapter and verse, though all being said and done you may not believe the anecdote because of its extreme steepness Before going farther 1 must, to show how completely out ami out the swindle was workeel to a highly lucrative conclusion, explain the method of betting in this happy land. Wagering there is prohibited except at the pari-mutuels or totalisators, and business witli tlic machines closes some minutes—ton. if I remember right -before a race is ehie to start. Our precious stewards, or one of them, had a good thing—sure to win. They meant making a haul among them, and keeping all the swag. . . On the day’s card the event booked for the certainty was placed last, and in order to secure its being run in the dark two impromptu affairs, a gentleman riders’ and another, a trotting rare, were interpolated in the programme. ■ thus ensuring a late finis!?. Its turn arrived in due course, and the runners’ numbers telegraphed in ordinary fashion. At the moment for closing accounts at the mutuels an extra number — the good thing’s—was added to the list of starters. Before anyone else could buy tickets and back it ageqts posted for the purpose deposited their mohey. Forthwith “rlen ne vns plus” was the order: the mechanical bookmaker’s shop was shut, and the fraternity had only to get their horse home t«» scoop the whole pool. Some unaccountable mistake in the trial must have been made. The gee was not within three stone of estimated form. Still, scoop was the word, and the stewards sco<med. At the weighing out the steward—clerk of the scales passed the jockey with 21 lb too little, and. he went to the post with that slight pull through an avenue of carriagelamps held on each side to mark, the track’s limits. A bit thick Yes. so was the steward starter’s giving him : ten lengths to go with, and a flying start at that. After all the nefarious plotting the “snip,” "dead cert.” "moral” was Ignominiously d<‘feated by a length and a-half. Thus the elaborately planned “coup” be-

came a “coup manque,” you say. Do yon? So would anyone not aware what'sort of a steward wns in the box. “<’<hip manque” —not u bit -of it. . . No appeal from the judge's verdict is |>erini.ssibie. lie double quick deleted the “manque” off the “coup,” deleted it altogether, by ordering the good thing’s number to be put up as the wtmieiK The clerk of the s&les, hot being particular to a stone and a-half short weight, caH*d “all right,” and all ended happily for the <’o., who collmvd every cent, deposited with the totalisators.

AUCKLAND RACING CLUB,

THE GREAT NORTHERN MEETING. I he following is a list of the acceptances a, l?i entries received in connection J v »[h the -Great Northern meeting, to be held at Ellerslie under the auspices of the Aiu-kland Raring Club on June 3,7, and GKEAT NORTHERN’ HURDLE RACE .\ .r* H •’►DOsovs; second hoi sc to and third horse 25sovs out " r .. thl ' stake. Over nine Hights ot hurdles. U inner of any luirdle nice after the de•■’‘•rtitioii of weights to carry a 51b penait>. iwo miles and a quarter. (Ruue June 3.)

, st - lb - st lb Haydn ... 11 5 I Taka ria .... 10 3 liin. Ihule. 11 4 Tupara 10 •> Creusot 11 4 Cavalry .... <1 i*> Iruinpery ... 11 2 j..„ ly llulle 9 *5 S?'? e<> 11 o Irish 910 Manvern ...11 o Illllls kii c n .. <llO Levant 10 *; inspan 9 9 U“? tn P". ••• 1,1 4 Wnitarere ... 9 7 -liss -King' .kj 3 Evermore ... 9 2 G^?. A1 ’ XO,ITI *EHX STEEPLECHASE ( andicap) of TSOsovs; second horse to leeeive HJOsovs, and third horse 50sovs out r St ?i kc * AVin,ler of any steeple1 .I. 1 ' ?f Dm value of l.Tosovs after the eelaration of weights to early 511, peualtj. About three miles ami a half. (Hun June 7.) ' st >’» st n, •Vi I ,’ ‘o Dn . te J 2 . (i DiniskHlen .. 910 the Guaiil .. 12 0 Tupara ...... 9 9 lll2 Kanaka ..... 9 9 Princess of Nadador .... 9 9 111I 11 - e 11 5 Nor’-West ... 9 ’9 Kiatere 11 o Irish .... 9 it < M r i l> " so 4. l'» 7 Waitarere " 9 s Miss King ~lo o Evermore ... 9 7 Reckless .... 911 Kowlrni ..... 0 7 Defoe 910 J * 11? u/?; 1 ' 1 w". g ' v,i «"‘s have been declared by Mi Evett In connection with the Great NOl thorn meeting, which opens at Ellers--1I»3 on June 3rd:— MAIDEN STEEPLECHASE of lOOsovs. About two miles and a half. St ll> • «t lh ’ "'j”? 1 ,, UH Throstle 9ip Iniiiskillen ...1110 Llnga.rd 99 Reckless 31 5 Diamond Drill 9 9 o’-’;-- 11 :t De JDie.. . 9 7 Gieat Scott .. Jo 9 Merryflre ...'.. 9 7 V," f 10 " Terence 9 7 Major 10 3 Morehu . 9 7 MAIDEN WELTER HANDICAP of 100 so vs. Seven furlongs. V • st 111 st lb Nil vine ....... 10J2 Pukekohe . 9 4 >oteonni 1010 Klondyke ... ' 93 Seabird ... 10 B Ixl(iv clpmeut ~ i <>oioen Sands Jo ti Soultmaid 9 3 Southern Cross 10 5 Mauku " 9 •> Airgun 9 12 Lnneta 9 o Wlmkahihi ... 9 11 Cyrano 9 0 Simple Simon 910 Takaro ' 9 o Leo Deiaval... 9 9 Star of Smith' 1» 0 Rookby 9 9 Royal Shell... 9 0 Discoverer .... 9 <1 Stepmar 9 0 St Harp 9 (i Loch Fyne.... 9 0 !> ’’ Moliti 9 0 Sir Hector .... 9 5 I.oeh Awe .... 9 o MAIDEN HPRDLE RACE OF lOOsovs. One mill* and three-*iuartcrs. x- <- , st lb »■ st ii> Newtown 11 2 Kcwhai 9 5 Lady Hune.... mm Ciiira.vuo 9 5 Fieramosca ... 10 9 Inglewood 9 4 Major 10 5 Commonwealth 9 3 Rolf 10 3 Yoi< tte .. 90 Tuni 10 o I.oeh Fvne.. " 9 0 Talune 9 In Lndy Clare . 9 0 .Coronation ... 9 (> Mora 9 0 Bagpipes 9 t; L< rlda 9 0 Sunshine 9 5 Kereieu 9 0 llineinoa 9 5 To Papa ... 9 o St. Harp 9 5 Morehu 9 0 Andy Regan .. 9 5 CORNWALL HANDICAP <»f 300sovs. One mile. st lb s t ih Romeo 11 ID Delania I<> 3 Pariti’tn It 9 Znleika .10 o "Kremlin 11 7 Waikato ID o Ghoorka ...... 11 3 Rise Madder 910 Durable 11 2 Idas «) 7 Regulation ... 11 o Gcordie 9 g Full Cry 10 10 Lcvelink 9 5 J’utty 10 7 M.ikikihi 9 4 M!ss_ Lottie ..ID 7 Sir Gilead .... 9 3 Lanulork 10 <» <’alle Iris .... 9 3 Chivalry io 1; Ad. Cerveras 9 2 Exmoor 10 5 Annoyed 9 2 The Leader .. ID 3 Soulttish 9 0 Lady Hune .. io 3

PONY HANDICAP of lOOsors. furlongs. st 1b st lb Honour* 912 Lucy Locket .;*J7 O Fashionable ..9 5 Gleudit L....T. 7 0 Forth' ....-..* 9 3 I‘ipiwharauroa 7 0 Orange & B.ue 812 Dr. Quest .... 619 Hally Horner 7 7 Little Mabel 61U Storyteller .... 7 3 THE GREAT NORTHERN STEEPLECHASE AND HURDLE RACE WEIGHTS. (BY REPEATER.) The long-lobked-for weights in connection with our big winter jumping events made their appearance on Saturday, and. as usual came in for a lot of criticism by the experts. In the Steeplechase-Mr Evett makes a start with Up-to-Date, 12.6, a weight which he has rightly earned. The Guaid, 12.0, has been iPt orf a lot lighter than most people expected, and Mr Evett evidently thinks that his regaining his form of a couple of years back is highly, improbable. Were he to do so one would not want to look further for the winner.Haydn, 11.12, is a horse about whose abilities there seems to be a big difference of opinion, and Mr Evett seems determined to take no liberties with him. Personally, my opinion is that he could have been safely let off with a few pounds lighter. Princess of Thule, 11.5, is about in her right place, and must be given a chance; and KiatOre, 11.0, is another who can be depended upon to run a good race. Papatn, 11.0. is hardly likely, judging from present appearances, to see the post. Creusot, 10.7, is only a beginner, over big country, but more to my liking is Moccassln, at the same weight, which is only lbs more than when he won the same race last year from end to end. Tiumpery, 10.5, is a mare that has long been whispered about as the beau ideal of a steeplechaser, and in this event she has been given a great opportunity to distinguish herself. Swimmer, 10.5, will hardly be ready to. do • himself justice; but Victory, 10.0, if he can be got to the post, must be given a chance. Miss King, 10.0, and Ec1air,,9.12, are both nicely placed, the latter especially so, while of the lighter weights Defoe and Inniskilleu are the only two 1 have at present any fancy for. To sum the matter up. I will take the following half dozen as the ones the winner is likely to come from: Up-to-Date, The ■ Guard," Kiatere, Moccassin, Trumpery, and Eclair. In casting his weights for the Great Northern Hurdles. Mr Evett has not pleased' so well as in‘the Steeplechase, and how he came to allot Up-to-Date 12.7 is inconceivable. Last year Up-to-Date had 11.10, and was never in the hunt, and at Christmas time he failed to show up prominently, and as since he has not won a race over the small fences, how he came to be awarded the weight he is now asked to carry is only a matter of conjecture. He is an unlikely starter. The Guard. 11,7, is not out of place, but Haydn. 11.5. has hardly earned the weight allotted him. Trumpery, 1.2, seems‘to hold safely those above her. Romeo. 11.0, is so far an unknown quantity as a hurdler, but he has been given a great chance to distinguish himself. It would have occasioned no surprise had he been awaided considerably more weight than Mr Evett has let him off with. Wai worn, 11.0, seems to be a light of other days, and might have been given a bit less. Levant, 10.6, must be given a chance, and if Hautapu, 10.4, gets to the post in the same condition as last year, he can bp depended upon to make a bold showing. Miss King, 10.3, is a mare that has earned a good name by a lot of good judges, who prophesy her turning out something out of the ordinary. Of those lower down, Tupara 10.2, Cavalry 9.12, Lady Ilune 9.10. and Inspaa 9.9, read the most likely. The half dozen for which I have the most fancy at present are Tiumpery. Romeo, Levant, Miss King, Cavalry, and Lady Hune.

TAKAFUNA JOCKEY CLUB’S WINTER MEETING.

The opening day’s racing of the Takapuna Jockey Club’s Winter Meeting took place last Saturday on the Club’s course at Taka puna. The weather was perfect and there was a good attendance of the general public. Mr W. J. Ralph was in his old position as judge, and Mr C. O'Connor officiated as starter, performing in his usual manner. The racing throughout the afternoon was of an interesting character, Mr Knight succeeding in bringing the fields well tog?ther. Speculation throughout the afternoon was fairly brisk, the machines, under Messrs W. Bloomfield and Co., handling the sum of £5241. of which amount £686 was invested on the double. The winning combination, Putty and llohoro, paid a dividend of £ls 1/. The meeting was well conducted by the secretary, Mr R. Wynyard. and the officials, everything passing off without a hitch. During the afternoon ther? were several falls, but fortunately no one was hurt. Mi- T. King catered in his usual official style. Particulars of the racing are as fololws:—

Corporal, Yolette, Albtiera, Mora. Piper and Terence were withdrawn from the Maiden Hurdles*, the first event on the programme, leaving the good held of 11 to gt» to the post, and of these Le Beau was made a warm favourite. Cuiragno and Jean were quickest to the first fence, but once over Fiernmosca set out to make running, with Jean, Cuiragno, and Lerida as his nearest attendants. Fieramosca was still in the lead as they went past the stand, and although Cuiragno made a big effort t,o get on terms as they raced along the >back, it was, of no avail, as Fiernmosca kept him at bay, eventually winning by three lengths from Cuiragno, with the favourite, who was never dangerous, four lengths away third, a head in front of Doubtful. Loch Fine. Lerida and Kereru fell, their riders escaping without injury.

Lerida was the only one to drop out of the Maiden Plate, for which Golden Sands was. made a slightly, better favourite than Lycia. When the barrier lifted Golden Sands stumbled, losing a lot of ground, Mauku being the quickest on his feet, and he showed the way out of the straight, just clear of Lady Clements and Kookby. Going along the back, Kookby was on terms with Mauku. and a little further on be was in. the lead. Mauku lying second and Lycia third. Passing the mile post, Kookby still had a couple of lengths’ advantage. but as they turned for home Lycia was within a length of him. and at the distance she was on. terms, and from here to the post the pair fought out, a great finish, Lycia staying the longest and winning by half a length, Seatonia was four lengths, further back third, just in front of Mauku and Golden Sands. Romeoj Akirana, and Annoyed declined their engagements iiu the Empire Handicap, the big event of the day. There was very little to choose in the matter of favouritism between Gladstone and Putty, the colt being slightly the better favourite when the barrier lifted. There was no delay at the post. Mr O’Connor succeeding in getting them away to a beautiful start at the first attempt. Certainty and Gladstone were the first to break, the line, but the latter was immediately steadied. and the former took up the running, closely followed by Geordie. Miss Lottie and Zulieka. with Gladstone and Jewellery at thd head of the others, and in this order they raced past the stand and out of the straight. Going along the back Certainty and Geordie were- still in command, Gladstone, who was having a bail passage next to the rails, being third, just in front of Jewellery, with Putty handy. Passing;the mile post. Jewellery was <.n terms with Certainty aud Geordie. the trio being a length in front of Gladstone, who made his run on the outside. Entering the straight the field swung out wide, ami Putty got a clear run through on the rails, and he was almost with the leaders at the distance,, where. Gladstone had a

slight advantage. At the terraces Putty was level with Gladstone, ami. drawing out in the last 20 yards, won a g“od race by three parts of a length from the colt, with Durable two lengths awaj third. Jewd'.ery was fourth, Certainty fifth, and Sonltfish- last.

Black ami Gold. Avalanche. San Paulo, and Celerity were the defections from the Royal Handicap, punters going strong for Te Arolia, although Hohoro ami Waitati were also well supported. Waitati rushed to the front when the word was given to go. and, setting a merry pace, he soon had a break o’ four lengths on the rest of tile field, which was headed by Liberator and Lovcliiik, with Jlohuro and To Arolia a long way in the rear. Waitati was still bowling along in front as they turned for home. whore Loveliuk was second and Millie third, with Hohoro coming fast. At the distance Millie was in the lead, but Hohoro, sustaining his marvellous run, got on terms with her at the end of the stand, aud, battling it right out to the end. won an exciting race by a neck. Loveliuk. was a length and a-lialf away third, ami Waitati fourth.

Inniskillen was the only one to drop out of the Hurdle "Race. Critic*ss of Thule being the popular fancy. Sunshine, showed the way over the first fence, but once over Princess of Thule took up the running, and she made play for about a mile, with Ilakaria, Irish, and Evermore all in close attendance. Passing the stand the last time. Ilakaria was in .charge, and he showed the way out of the straight and along tlie back, three lengths in front of Irish and Princess of Thule, with Haydn hard ridden making up his-leeway. Ilakaria was sail. in front as they turned for home, where his victory was loudly j reclaimed, but Irish caught him at the lust hurdle, and. gradually wearing him down in the rim home, won by two lengths/ with Princess of Thule a length further Luck third and Haydn fourth. Sunshine fell at the hist fence, his rider escaping unhurt. Half the 10 acceptors dropped out of the Maiden Steeplechase, Lt-do, Muriwai. De La Rue, Mora, and Leona being withdrawn. Inniskillen was made an even money favourite. When the flag fell Rolf set out at a great bat. and he piloted the field for two-thirds of the journey, where Inniskillen, who was In second position almost throughout, took charge, and tiu led over the water the last time with Major (who lost a lot of ground by slipping into the water jump the first time around) in second place. Inniskillen was first to jump the last hurdle in the straight, where Major almost got on terms, and Inniskillen had to bo hard ridden to get tiome by a length and.a half: Rolf was* 39 lengths away third. Andy Regan pulled up. end Terence fell on the top of the. hill, his rider escaping injury. Only two. Opotlkl and Miss Cuirassier, failed to come out in the concluding event of the day, the Pony Race, for which punters went strongly for Sonoma. The favourite and Sally Horner we: > quickest to begin, but before they had gone far, Storyteller rushed to the front, and she soon had three lengths* advantage of Sonoma and Sally Horner, who were :»t the head of the others. At I he distance Storyteller still held comma ml, but Sonoma, coming with a rattle, just managed to catch her a few lengths from the post,

and beat her a neck, with Sally Horner two lengtlis away third. - The later lesults are:—

Royal Handicap of IOOsovr; second horse to receive lOso’ys out of stakes. Five furlongs.—Mr W.'Lovett’s b g Hohoro. aged, •by Tasman—Lady Moth, 9.12 (McLeod), 1; Mr J. Hannon’s ch. in Millie, aged. 7.0, 2; Mr J. B. Williamson’s br c Loveliuk. 3yrs, 7.4, 3. Also started: Alba Rose, 8.5: Te Aroha, 8.3; Desdemona,'B.o; Liberator. 7.11; Waitati, 7.2; Klondyke, 7.0; Lady French 6.12; Merry Soult, 6.7. Won bv a neck. Time. 1.5. Dividends, £3 14/6 and £4 2/6. First Handicap Hurdles of Isosovs*; second horse to receive 20sovs out of stakes. Two miles. —Mr J. B. Williamson's b g Irish. %syrs, by Eton—Asthore, 10.2 (Phillips), 1; Mr W. Foss’ br m Ilakaria, aged, 10.12. 2; Mr' M. Deeble’s br in Princess of Thule, aged. 11.6, 3. Also started: Haydn. 11.0; Evermore. 9.6; Sunshine, 9.4. Won by two lengths. Time, 3.59. Dividends, £3 15/6 and £1 4/0.

Handicap Malden Steeplechase of lOOsovs; second horse to receive lOsovs out of stakes. For all horses that have not won a steeplechase exceeding the value of 25sovs at time of entry. About two miles ami a-half.—Mr 11. Waldron's br g Inniskillen. syrs, by Vraternite—Nightingale, 11.0 (Howard), 1: Mr T. Wyllie’s b g Major. agtd. 9.10, 2; Mr W. S. Willett’s hr g Rolf, aged. 10.8, 3. Alsu started: Andy Regan. 10.5;’ Terence. 9.7. Won bv a length and a half. Time, 5.32 3-5. Dividend, £2.

First Pony Handicap of 70sovs; second pony to receive lOsovs out of stakes.. For three-year-olds and upwards, 14 minds 3iu and under: Five furlongs—Mr T. Wyllie’s ch m Sonoma, 4yrs, by Seaton Delava I—-Mara tea. 9.4 (Ryan),* 1; Mr P. James' *b m Storyteller, 4yrs, G.f. 2; Mr 11. Bernard’s b m Sally Horner, aged, 7.3, 3. Also started: Forth, 9.4; Oramge and Blue, 9.0; Inspiration, 8.7; Gladys Rose, 7.7; Grenose, 7.0; Dr. Quest, 6. It); Little Mabel, 6.9. Won by a neck. ’flute, 1.5 2-5. Dividends, £2 11/6 and £2 14/6.

WANGANUI JOCKEY/ CLUB'S WINTER MEETING.

WANGANUI, Friday. The following acceptances have been received in connection with the Wanganui Jockey Club's meeting, which takes place on Wednesday and Thursday next: — WANGANUI STEEPLECHASE. Three UlllCtJ.

st. lb. St. lb. The Girard ..12 7 Victory 912 Slow Tom ... 11 10 Nadiidor .... 9 8 Moccasin .... 10 9 Waitan re ... 9 7 Creusot 10 G Defo? 9 7 Pipi 1» 1 Atlicl Maiil._ 9 7 Tupara 10 3 Cairo 9 7 Evening 10 0 Kaimoe 9 7

Borough Handicap, six furlongs. —Chivalry 9.0, Black Reynard 8.12. Solution 8.10, Ballarat 8.9. Bar’s* 8.7. Shrapnel 8.4, Lass <»’ Gowrie 7.12, Catspaw 7.5, Spoil 7.1. ll.tnn:a 7.0, Nomen 6.13, ITrdy c. 7. E’ec rlc Hack Race, five furlongs.-— Maui 9.G, Sir Geraint 9.3. Bloss-bok 9.0, Gowain 8.12, Royal Flush 8.5. Swop 7.13, St. Claimer 7.10, Sedgemoor, 7.7, ilinupal 7.4, Opaeae 7.4. Ibiper 7.3, .To'ly Filar 7.3. Fontenoy 7.0. Snip 7.0, Zephyrus 7.(1, Aluiadine 7.0, Fair Jess 7.0. Hurrah 7.0. May Hurdles, one mile and three-quar-ters. — Levant lj.o. Miss King 10.11. Waiwcra 10.8, Cavalry 10.7, Inspan. 1)1, Midin 10.0, Pushful 9.13, -Karma 9.5, Valkyrie 9;5, Bagpipes 9.3. Kaitoke Hqck Hurdles, one mile and three-quarters.- Valkyrie 10.12, Sleepweli 10.12, Taluue 10.12. Guelder Res? .10.1, Throstle 9.10. Needlework 9.10, Waitarere 9.10. Katoa 9.6. Queen Bess 0.4, Valima 9.3, Taxpayer 9.3. Coirummwealth 9.0, Kohn t’.i 9.0. Conolly Handicap, one . mile and a distance. —Paiiti’tu 8.12. Ghoorka 8.10, Regulation 8.6, Asteroid 8.3, Auratus 8.1. Solution 7.11, Full Cry 7.11. Exmoor 7 10. Ballarat 7.9. Shrapnel Sh 11 7.9, Heroism 7.4. Spoil 7.2, Noneen 6.13, Hamua 6.13, Ngatarua 6.13, Variation G. 12, St. I<vra 6.12, Flanion 3.12. Puma Hack Flat, one mile. -The Leader 9.5, Maul 8.13, St. Jo? 8.13. Blcssbok 8.9, <lrenade 8.3. Gawain 8.1. Benair 7.13, ManiKihi 7.13, Royal Flush 7.10, Iseult 7.9, Btnmore 7.5. Lethen 7.8, Silverlene 7.8. Immolation 7.8. Opaeae 7.5, Victoria Park 7.5, Amaiyllis 7.5, Bourassqiie 7.3, Shanks 7.3, Barca 7.2, Kuroki 7.1. St. Cyrcss 7.0. Westward 7.0, Moa 7.0, Wild Duck 7.0. Century Hurdles, two miles and a dis-tance-(run on second day).—Creusot 11’.4. Truni]»ery .11.0, Miss King 10.9, Tupara 10.7, Walwera 10.6. Cavalry 10. I, Inspan 10.1, Midln 9.11, Pushful 9.11, Rnema 9.3, Bagpipes 9.2, Needlework 9.0, Waitarere 9.0.

WANGANUI NOTES.

WANGANUI. Saturday

The weather was fine ami the track was in good condition for training operations this morning. Most uf the visiting horses are here, ami some good work was done. Blessbok. Hurrah, ami Zephyrus were first at work, the latter pair slipping over a merry five furlongs. Zephyrus shaping best. The Porlrua team did slow work. The Guard looked particularly well. Fife a couple of rounds at a strong pace, and appears very fit. Shrapnel did a couple of rounds with occasional fast sprints, moving well. Opaeae covered a fast half-mile. Full Cry and Victoria Park were associated for n mll<‘. the former finishing a chain ahead In 1.48. Kuroki ami Fair Wind wore companions in a solid seven furlongs. Catspaw shaped well over the schooling hurdles. Creusot. Athol Maid. Defoe, and Sunmos then hail a go over the fenriK, all jumping splendidly. Sunmos only did one round, but the others continued, Creusot ami Athol Mahl clearing (lie »d»s(acles In great style. The hitler stumbled after taking the lion* coop t.li<* third time, nml turned a somersault, breaking her neck. Iler rider, Jack

Hercock, got a nasty spill, the mare rolling over him. Luckily no bones were broken, though bis chest is injured. Creusot went on for two rounds on the flat at a solid pace. Slow Toni covered two rounds on the flat in good style, while Cavalry shaped well over the hurdles once round. A large number of others did from fair to medium work.

WANGANUI, Monday. Some goo., work was done on tlie tracks yesterday luuiuing. Ghoorka and -Flaiuvii were associated over a mile and a distance, flushing well together. Waiterere had all tht? best of The Guaid in a two mile gallop. Catspaw ran a fast seven furlong.-, the last six in 1.23. Slow Tom covered a mile under 1.48. Moccasin cantered oii the piough, but is apparently not too sound. Full Cry easily held Cavalry, ns did Heroism Grenade. Trumpery, who is iu capital nick, went twice around in great style. Heavy showers feil through the night, and steady rain this morning made thetiacks soft. Shrapnel shaped pleasingly over two rounds. Ghoorka (Oliver) beat Exmoor (G. Price) by eight lengths over a mile, which occupied 1.474- Guelder Rose, with Maui, ran a mile in 1.51, the former finished a bit in front. Waiterere shaped better than The Guard in a useful gallop of two circuits. Blessbok and Catspaw ran five fui longs in 1.6, the former had a slight advantage at the finish. Triimiwry did two rounds at a solid pace, moving splendidly. Full Cry beat Cavalry eight lengths over six furlongs. Slow Tom did a couple of rounds over the hurdles excellently; while Pipi jumped the gorse fences in good style. Taxpayer jumped much better than Bagpipes over the hurdles, while Eurus shaped in better style than Victory and Tupara over the fences. St. Lyra was badly beaten by Benmore over seven furlongs. Moccasin worked on the plough, but there wore strong suspicious of unsoundness as be walked away.

TURF TALK FROM THE SOUTH.

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) CHRISTCHURCH. Friday. The Messrs Friedlander evidently contemplate going out of breeding as we'l as lacing. Not only do they announce the racehorses Catherine Gordon, Maka-I loff. Czarevna, Count Gorton, aud General Symons for sale, but also that their stud at Ashburton is for disposal. The stud is* the largest hi the South Island, and probably In New Zealand, and includes the stallions Pilgrim’s Progress, Finland and Formosan. The San Francisco—Miss Gbidys colt In Mr Stead’s stab e has Improved greatly in appearance since his arrival In Cant( rbviy. McCracken has again taken up his-two-yea’r-old Harvest, by - Clanranald—Golden Vale. The youngster, who-is in poor condition. is being hacked about for the present. The purchaser of the San Francisco - Waitemata filly, one of the yearlings sold privately out of the Kelburu slud, was Mr J. Buckley, of Oamaru. Golden Knight has resumed work after fi lengthy spell, in view, I presume, of a visit to Sydney next spring. Grand March, who was a winner at the Ashburton meeting last week, has had his name changed to Grand Stand. Slow Tom. Bagpipes, Tupara. Eurus ami Taxpayer were shipped for the North on AVednesday to fulfil their respective engagements* nt the Wanganui Jockey Clubs Winter Meeting. They wc r • accompanied by Pipi. who was on liis way through froji Dunedin. The Amberley Steeplechase Chib lias decided to hold its annual race meeting on August 31. The Steeplechaser Pipi passed through (hrlstchurcli from Dunedin on Wednesday cn his way to fulfil his engagement in the Wanganui Steeplechase. Before leaving Dunedin he ran four furlongs in steec. C. O’Connor’s starting at Ashburton was the tin me of general admiration. Mr O’Connor left on his return to Auckland on Monday. Syehem has returned from Wellington to Dunedin, ami is now an inmate of McDonald’s stable. The Dunedin trainer, Mr McDonald, was married a few days ago to Miss Low.

(By Telegraph. Special to “Graphic.’ )

CURTSTCHVKCII, Monday. The weather -'has been cold ai:d wet for the greater part of the last week, and training o|»eratioiis have been conducted at a dixiidvant age. The report circulated last week that Machine Gun had toft for Australia was wrviig — the son of Hotchkiss will nut be shippt d until Friday week at Hie earliest. it is probable Unit he will be accompanied by Sandy. The pair will go in charge u( D. Price, and will be ridden by Hewitt. W. Solomon, part owner of the pair, will al* make the journey. *i he mission ut the horses will be suburban racing i:i Sydney. Machine Gun, who is located at itu-cac-ton, is doing good work, aud is looking very well. The stewards of the Christchurch Racing Club further considered the Manjess casie last week, and decline to alter tuvlr previous decision. it is probable, uowcvrr, that the last lias nut been heard of the matter. Meanwhile, Lewis, owing to his disipialifieation, has decided to sell his training stables at Riccartou. It is probable tlmt the properly will be purchased by D. Roberts. G. Aynsley has broken in three yearlings. They arc a filly by Bunduuk —Myth, a colt by Sant Ilario Nantes, and a liily by Explosion- Sybil. lluku, The Mohican, mid The Guesser, in Aynslcy’s stable, are all being pushed along, in view of the Dunedin meeting. J. McCracken has purchased the rising two-year-old brother to Goodsight from Mr Busch, of North -Canterbury.

It is understood that Mr Buckley has arranged to place Convoy aud Phaetonitis in D. Moraghan’s hands, to be prepat cd for their winter engagements. The pair are to be brought to Riccarton after the North Otago Jockey Club’s Autumn Meeting con test.

A gelding by Manniicher has joined.,C Piper’s team. Jacket, the filly by Grafton—Blue and Gold, has been thrown out of training and been sent up to her owner's place (Stony hurst) for a lengthy spell. Iler place >*i Cutts’ team has been taken by Lady Waxward, who has thrown off the iametiesi which prevented her racing at the Hutt and Riccarton last month. R. Parker, who took Mr J. B. Reid’s yearlings over to Sydney, has returned to Ric caihi’-:.

The only “schooling” work done last week was by Narcissus, Secret Society, lluku, and The Guesser. The two forniec gave'a capital exhibition over the hurdles on Thursday, and Secret Society and Narcissus jumped the small sticks on Saturday. Secret Society showed improved form, and the others fenced well.

The yearling filly by Phoebus Apollo, Is being ridden. Other youngsters which are acquiring the rudiments of their education are a filly by Eurorlydon -Stephanie, and a colt by Stcpniak illusion. The three months’ disqualification imposed on Hewitt by the Dunedin Jockey' Club expired this week.