TURF NOTES.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXV, Issue 12, 23 September 1905, Page 19

TURF NOTES.

The name of I* rim a litis been claimed for tiie filly by Phoebus Apollo—Lena. At Cambria Parle Rapid, by Flintlock — I'ikhu, has foaled a filly to Eton . The Ashburton Racing Club’s spring meeting commences to-morrow, the 14lk Inst., and will be concluded the folio wing day, the Jsth Inst. Advices received in Auckland yesterday slate that Mania poto’s starting price in the Metropolitan Handicap. which he won, was 1(1 to 1. Nominations for (he Otahuhu Racing Club’s annual meeting, which takes place on October 11th. close on Friday the 29th September at 9 p.m. Amorelle. by Phoebus Apollo—Lady Gertrude, which has never yet faced the starter, was sent to Papakunn on Monday on a visit to Swordfish If. The Otahuhu Trotting Club invite applications for the position of handicapper to tin* club. 'Applications will be received up to Thursday. September 28. Maniapoto has incurred a 141 b penalty for l»lie_. Caulfield . Cup,, and his impost is now 9s t 71b. in the Melbourne Cup he has to carry 101 b extra, which will raise his weight to Sst 101 b. The name Neva, claimed for Hie fillv by MenschikotT- Queen Cole, has been disallowed by (lie chairman of the Racing Conference, and tin* name Az off has been now bestowed upon the filly. Quite a number of Southern horsemen have arrived from the South for the Avondale meeting, amongst them being <». ITice. C. Buchanan, 11. Telford. S. LindBay, and I*. Johnston. The New Zealand-bred Elgin, which was taken to Victoria some time ago by Mr F. Leslie. won a race at a recent Gippshuid meeting. The parties connected with Elgin threw in for a good stake. A copy of the official list of horses registered with the New Zealand Trotting Association to July 31, 1905. is to hand. As usual, tlie list is a complete one, and should hr in the possession of all clubs and owners. At Glenoni Park. TToteherina. hy Hotchkiss - 1 lipporina, has fouled a colt to Soult: lad tie. by Muskapeer -Ladybird, filly to Soult: <’astorline. to Castor Sapphlra, filly to Cuirassier: Vane, by Sou’wester, — Vanity, filly to Eitroelydon. Private advices received from John Rae give the information that ids team have all been suffering fiom strangles, and that he is not likely to have anything competing until the Christmas meeting in Western Australia. Maniapoto has incurred a 141 b penalty for the New Zealand Cup. which brings his Height up to 9.4. Noctuiform and Sungod Aave also incurred penalties, and both will now be. requir' d to carry their weight-for-11. Telford, who recently returned from n visit to Western Australia, whither he took the Auckland-bred Promotion, arrived in Auckland on Thursday last. Telford speaks in high terms of the courses and their appointments in the West, and also of the quality of the horses racing there. A Bombay writer, in dealing with the Tot a lisa tor v. Bookmaker question.says that: ■although in India there is a feeling that the operations of the machine should be extended, it is improbable that the W.LT.C. or Calcutta T.C. will ever adopt it. to the exclusion of the bookmaker. The Quern, out of her gentle disposition. Bent for John Porter at Goodwood, to speak some kindly words to him on his retirement from Kingselere. Her Majesty has. not forgotten that it whs the old trainer who founded the fortunes of the Royal Stud, and he was much affected by her generoti# thought of him. The record put up by New Zealand-bred liorses on the second day of the Australian Jockey Club’s spring meeting, when they .won the whole of the events on the programme. Is one that 1 think will stand for Bonn* time to come, amt will gJye Hie Ausiralians good cause to remember' Hip Pig stand, as they facetiously call New Zealaud.

The Paknranga Hunt Chins annual meeting is fixed for the 3Oth Inst. A splendid programme has been arranged, and the committee are sparing no expense to make the affair a success. The principal events of the gathering are the Open Plate of 20 sovs. the Hunters’ Steeplechase, value 15 sovs: and the Farmers’ Hurdle Race of 15 sovs. Nominations for all events close on Friday next, the 15th Inst., with the hon. secretaries. Messrs Lewis and Kinloch, at Messrs A. Buckland and Son’s, The Haymarket. Betting on the New Zealand Cup has been fairly quiet dm big the week, and no wagers of any couseqnencc have been recorded. Consequent on his success in the A.J.C. Herby. Noctuiform has advanced to the head of the quotations, ami 7 to I, is now the best price on offer against Mr Stead’s colt. Mahutonga Is still at 8 to I. while 12 to 1 is obtainable about Maniapoto and Pari tutu. and 14 to 1 Scotty. Sungod has not shortened as much as one would expect after his foi i < at Randwick, H id 29 to 1 is to be had*abo4i his chance. Although if Maniapolo had won Hie Epsoni Handicap last Saturday, in which i;.e staited at 3 to 1. the bookmakers would have received a severe knock, it is doubtful if more money would have been taken out of the ring than his success in the Metropolitan Handicap took. A large number of punters who supported him in the Epsom, let: him go in the Metropolitan, but there was also a number who followed him right through and reaped the toward. The price he started at was a big shock to the layers, and a prominent member of the ring informed me that he lost more money last Monday than In* has ever lost in one day during his betting career. On Saturday afternoon at Ellerslie some interesting schooling work was witnessed. Vexation and Loch Fyne were the first to (•Ginmem «*. ami did a round of the schooling hurdles, the pair jumping well. Loch Fyne was going the strongest al the finish, f Jakarta and Btigham were sent a similar journey. Brigham, although fencing well, bring of very little* use to Hakarta at tin* rid of the gallop. Major. Straybird, and Swimmer jumped a couple of schooling hurdler?. and then came down over the big fence's in the* centre twice. The* trio fenced v. ell although Swimmer si ruck the first fence of (hr double pretty bald the last time. The.* July issue of the* German “Raring Calendar” issued by the I nion Club contains the* prohibition against public betting, ami warns all those who are* tempted to infringe* I he* new law that they will he* sum niarily expelled from the racecourse. Tin; percentage* to be* paid by the public or deduction from the winnings is pul down at Il> 2-3 per eent. instead of the* old 20 per e'rnt.. ami a prorortion of this will be* placed at the* disposal of the* different German so<-ieties for the purpose* of l»re*» ding material. Race societies have the* right under the* new law to appoint and arrange* for certain agents to take money for investment at the* “Totalisator.” The Cambria Bark sire Eton is getting a very fine lot e»f mares this season, ami the following have* already been mated with him: Irma, by Neckersgat Perhaps; Bequest, by Dreadnought Legacy; Golf, by St. Andrew—Sabra; Guinevere, by Sir Lancelot—Orientale: Kitiroa. by Cyrenian llineinoa: Lute, by Sir Lane-clot’ Lyrebird: lately Agnes, by Neckerskat Peraelventure: Neriiigla. by Goklsborongh Mabel; Pva<*e*. by The Officer Content; Senga. by Hotchkiss Agnes: Tournament, by Sir Lancelot -Maturi: and Sunshin *, by Favona—The Clouel. Eton’s list is nearly full, anel only a liiniteei number of outside subscriptions ean be taken. A writer in the* “Sporting Chronicle” says • —Much regret will be- felt in sporting circles at the- eleath of Mr Richard Dunn, the* well-known hookmake r. which took place* at Liverpoed at mielnight em Monday. Mr Dunn had been suffering from gout and pneumonia, anel the* eml was not altogether unexpected. 'l'lie* elee-caseel. who was horn at Hoxton in IS4S, was essentially a selfmade man. anel al the time of his death was one of the* leading pem-iliers on the Turf. He was a member of TattersaH’s. anel the action brought against him by the A nt i-Gamhllng League leei to the famous elerisidn that a racecourse* was -not a “place” within the- meaning e»f tin* Betting What wearisome work it is, too! A Grand Natlemal or a Stewards’ Cup is all very well. The* handicapper has gooel horses to eleil with, he* knows the form e»t such as these, ami predialdy has his own bleas about the,*m. There is interest here* in seeing te> wli.it extent these ideas are justified by results; for e*ven in Hie present committee. if tin* jiielgme-qt of one of tlie tri» has t-» he modified by the combined opinion e»f the* other two. each of them is anxious to have* it demoUßtrateel that he* was e-orres't in his estimate, it is the conscientious putting together of foity-eight wretches at Lingfielel in a selling liaiielle-ap, winner te» be* se»ld feu* JCSO, that tries temper; for, ns most pe’ople* are* aware, gemel horses, as a rule, run fairly well up to their form, and rank bad ones cannot teal-

ly be* said to have any form at all. Their perforiva lives differ so wielvly Lhtl it is ui.ieleleiiiug to try and straighten them out, ane race utterly <-untraelii ting another. 1 used to stay much with poor Reggie Mainwaring at Newmatket. ami have* often seen him' suffer* acutely over desperate* attempts to accomplish imposslblities. 1* r-*-«|iie r ntly he* asked mt* to hn»k over his work, anel I have seem something \vhi«-h .-ippe*areel altogether wieie of the* mark, bill which h»* was nearly always aide* to justify «»n some* running. 1 having been going by auotlicr race. That- there arc owiiris an t trainers who will not agr»*e with n'.y mile! little eulogy <»f the* handie-appers. I am aware*: a few stahle*s have* an ieica that they are* always severe’y dealt with, but strict investigation never bears this out, so far as I have* observeel. A racing enthushist al Taltersall’s Club some lime* age» wrote* to Mr Jedni Corlelt. of the* “Sporting Times,” London. and askcel him fe»r an expresshm of eqdnion as t<» which h«»rse* started favourite in the last Warrmtiubool Trial Stakes. The* circumstances siirrouiieling the rave wer«* rather unique. Strathkellar was a hot favourite, yet the event was ele*<-ieleel while* he* was still in the* paeleleiek. No one* knew of that fact until the* rave* had st art eel. amt he kept his price* in the l»e*tllng. Mr Corh-tt has replied: “A bet made at starting price necessitates a start, anel St rat hkellar was not in Unit position. The same <iuestie>u is often a mixeel one at hoiue, ami the* committee* of Newmarket Rooms are* n<»w considering an alteration in tlie* existing l.iw. As Hie rule now stands, there is little doubt, al starting price or otherwise, that al! individual bets made upon Strathkeilar arc voiel. anel the* betting return, therefore, leaves Hiatus first favemritc.” ’l'lie* sensation of the week has been the support ace-ordcel to Maniapede* for the Caulfield anel Melbourne* Cups ami ids withdrawal from the New Zealand Cup. After liis form in the Metropolitan Haueli-<-ap various e-onjcctures were afloat as t<» which of liis engagements he woulel fulfil, but tlie mutter has now been finally set Heel. In deciding to let the son of Semlt remain in tlie Caullielel ami Melbemrne Cups in preference* te» bringing him Lack f<»r Hie* big New Zealand event. Hie owners were no eloulit infiuene-eel to a great extent by the displays gvien by Noctuifornt and Sungod. and probably they had a lit th* advice from R. Mason, who has been suporiiitendlng Maniapetto's training siue-e he* arriveel hi Sydney. In withdrawing I heir horse from the* New Zealand Cup at the earliest possible enhance the* owners have* shown a e-onsieleration f<»r the public for which they arc to lie* c-ommejid-The annual meeting of the members of the* Otahuhu Trotting Club was hclel at Otahuhu last Thursday evening. Mr R. L. Absedum presided, ami there was a goeul attendance of members. The outgoing e-ommitlee* stalcei that the 4 Inst season had not been quite so sue-e*essfitl as was anticipated: this was to a large extent due to couiiter-aH factious on Hu* elates <»f the summer nie*e»ong. In aelelition several other extraeirelimiry elisbnrscinents hael te» be made* that weie not likely to oe*cur during the* forfhe-omhig se-ason. The balaue-e-sheet showeel the profits for the past year to he £l9 d/5. in aeldiiion to which the* e-lub has £3OO on fixeel eleposlt and a current ae-e-ount <if £27 IS/9. The eh'cHon eu r e-omniittec resulteel in the electiem of Messrs R. L. Absohmi. W. Abbott, J. Harper. 11. Mooeiy. 11. Smailcs, and W. Huut. Mr R. L. Absediini was re-e*keleel chairman of committee. Mr \V. Abbott treasurer, anel Mr F. D. Yonge secretary. “Vigilant,” in the “Londem Sportsman,’’ writes as follows: In advocating the* start.Jug-gate* we belleveel that with its use* one grout e-ause* for making horses baeltempvreel would elisappear. It seenieel reaseuinble to suppose* that jumping a horse off ami thou pulling him up would, in the* long run, if oft repea tee! have the* effect of eh*stre»ying a horse’s temper, anel we* think so slili. Qur anticipations, however, with regard to the* gale have most certainly n«*t beei: realised, as we never saw se» many bael-ten;pore*el Imrscs as there are now. It was meliinchedy to watch the start feV I lie* l.ivorpeml Cup, especially after witnessing Hu vagaries of Stadtholdvr on the* previous <lay. Vri! anel Bibiani we*re elreadfnl. Horses nowaelays seem 1e»o much ine-line*el te» tight eaedi other than pay attention to Hie business in hand, others. whe» are* tradable enough, seem to labemr under Hie fear of their neighbours’ heels, and not without cause, as we* saw when Batchelor's Button, who for a time* was very gooel, suddenly lashed out. The crack trotters. Lem Dillon anel Major Delmar, were* seen out al Cleveland (O.) em July 17, the special mission of each being to heat the* waggem recorel of 2.9. An exchange; gives the following nccemnt of the affair: “ Doe-' 'rainier accompanieel Lon Dillon with a runner. They got the* wore! the* first lime* elown. Lem was on Hie* sleaeliest kinel of striele. She* went to the quarter in 31|seewithout a skip. She steppeel tei the* half hi 1.4, anel tei the* t hree-epiurl<*rs In 1.35}, finishing the* mile in 2.G the* faste*st mile e>f the season. Great applause greeteel tlie* animal, anel an ovation was arcorde*d Tam Dillon ami Mr Bellhigs. Major Delmar, with his owner up. was later in the* afleriioem alsei scut to beat a mile* in 2.9 to wag-

gon. l.ik»* I.on DiLoti, He- Major was i - «*oinpaiiiv(l l»y a ruirucr driven by Tanner They got away «»n the first Ivy. amt wore going al a good clip at (lie quarter wheat the Major br<»k<*. and they c.anic l»a* k l«» try it over. In the sei-mad al tempi M.ai*><went t<» the qmirler iai 3lscr. }s<h* l».*ii a* thaaa Lou Dillon. IL* stepped the half it 1.31. IB<* went t<» the ihre'e-qii.ai t •*» - it 1.34. anal tlaais|ia*d I lac mile hi 2.54. I•« t I Lou Dllhtii’s time lay *scc, aimtln-r nr. ; ■ curd for the r-vasuii.” A very dirtirult task is set tl.o*. win a-ndenvour to revive th** fertames of t that are* <»n the alcdiiae after experieio iag days <»l‘ great prosperity. 'l'lie Nulajct-t hat been liroiiglit into notice re«-eutly, ber.ius* of the l.i'k a»f interest shown this year in two races a- Gooalwood. Time wits when the G'M»dwoo<l SL-’kes amt the Goouwwo'i Cup were* perhaps the* most important < aailests of tin* khial. < if the heavy l*«*tting ‘o which they at m«c period gave its.* testimony is afforded by John Kent iia Hie “Rae hig Life of Lord George Ca ven alish Bent hick. When Lord Gvci ge gained the* “doubk* event” with Miss Ellis in 1845. b’s winnings jimnunted Kent re iateas, to about £30.000. Various well-meant suggestions have been made with a ' ’’*w tu restoring the fortunes of the Goodwoml Plate --once the “Stakt-s’’ and ”f the trophy having a place in the 't'hiirsday’s |»r<«gra'iime. coneering which might be written a long am! Interesting chapter of turf histoiy. Veteran lovers of horse racing will dee-lare that the* Goodwood Cup fails to possess its old attraction because w«* m> longer possess tlie great staying and weight-carrying horses once to lie found in the field. Thus an English exchange: 'l’lie official who nowadays comes In f<»r most <»ft<*ii undeserved e-ensure is tin* starter, who L», 1 have before now pointed out, frequently blamed for a start which looks to havo been straggling when the liorses have gone* a hundred and fifty yards, imr which was really admirably level, only two or three of the field were slow beginners, whilst others struck the ground quickly; so that though the* lot were perfectly in line when the barrier ruse there* is a runshlerablc distance between first and last soon afterwards. One* thing which greatly troubles the* starter is when to exercise Ids discretion about leaving an incorrigible beast who will not face the* gate. Fourteen of the fifteen, we will say. arc absolutely in line, hut time after lime the fifteenth swings round, runs hack, swerves, won’t have 11. lit* is a hopeless outside*!-, could not win with a hundred yards advantage, but the starter docs not like Io let the ol hers go without him. misses opportunity after op port unity, and in the* end seizes a inomciH when the brute- is just going up straight. Inti when perhaps two or three of the eilhers. good horses with real chances, are beginning to be troublesome and art* not ready. Oecnslonally, 100. the jockey Is not trying t<» gel off on eepial terms, but to haye a hit (he. best of it. The patience ami uoininautl of temper which (he starters exercise arc phenomenal. Iml if they were a trifle less patient I have* an idea that jock cys would learn a lesson which would du . them good. Most English papers have given up criticising me woi k of handie-appers, .rml in this connect !<?n “Rapier.” in Hie ’’Sporting ami Dramatic News,” says: One thing I have missed" I'rum sportilig papers for a long thin* past, amt that is: cominciuloii the inlqulHes and idiocies of the* hatidir., calipers; indeed. <mc migUl almost suspet that the handicappers were no more regarded as iniquitous or i-lioHe. 't his Is al* the more ciedit to them, because it is sn desperately hard for t hem to please. Un.-, reasonable things a-t* often expected ot 1 hem. You sometimes know that youi horse is, in truth, fairly weighted, but in his last race for some reason or oilier, he did not shovy what you are await: was his real form, an i you an* furious with the hamlb-appers f*»r not paying more attention Io tb.it particular event, for not. in fad. giving you a puli of (»lli oi- 71b. Io which you could m»‘ conscientiously pretend that you wei‘» really entitled. Sometimes, when one ot tin* h.i mlh-a ppers oflicHte, his hrethron criticise him. ’He has left a ‘slt!i*r’ there''* o' “The Klank colt is simply slicking out!” I have* heard said with a goodnatured chuckle, hut veiy f! i*<|iicut ly the “sitter” is shot at by tin- eager back *r ami tin* charge wasted, or the animal that was “slicking out’ runs ami finishes t i imliffereut fifth. I never remember a thn • when, on the* whole, handicaps were so little criticised, and as so many men are eager t<» find fault, this speaks \ohimcs for M'-ssis Lee. Dawkins, and Keyser. Tlvre Is no <l* nbt hut whrtt the French eorrespondent to the* London “Sportsman ’ Is a firm friend of the lumkmaker. If* ronfriKS what I have always written, that in conjunction with the totalisnlur w* should have a few (not many) registered book ma k era. men of good stamliug. to accommodate t hu.-e owners cf horses wh<» wish to bet am! win a good slake. The <-orr<*spondent !’i his remarks says: “it is certain that this measr.r? will p'<»ve a great annoyance to large owners, who are in tin* habit of hefting heavily, attempting thus l<» help Io pay their expenses. S»me owners. In ordc r to get e. good average for their money, patronise the ’mutual’ ••• a certain extent, but the majority or jhetr

invest meets go to the lawk makers, for they understand the working of (be 'mutuals,* ami realise that the more money they invest the shorter price they get. th«- ‘mutuals' never pay out less than half ■ frail*’ for a lea franc Investment, or 20 Io 1 on: if that. si»»n (50 centimes or half :1 franc) is not forthcoming, the money invested is simply returned ali round, so that one man has been laying long odds to nothing. while another has been ‘on’ an outsider without a chance of losing. Evidently tiie fathers of the ‘mutuals' d<> not know’ the H'st law of belling no het can he lost if it cannot be won. What the result of this new law will be cannot yet he ascertained, but I should not be at all surprised to see the large stables either sell off or ••migrate to the Jami of lilterty, where it has |»een proved that racing m»t be carried on without betting. War has also been waged against commission agents ami all clandestine betting houses, mill bribes have liven pndnlsed to the police for any capture they may make. John Porter, of Kingselerv, has for so nany years been one of the leading figures" in* the racing World, that tin- news of iiis upending resignation will be heard with genuine regret, says the “Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News to hand by tin* last London mail. He has ever represented the worthiest traditions of the sport, and it would be bard to mention any one man who would he so missed. It has al wavs been known that Kingselcre horses were not sent to the post unless they were fit to run: anything in the nature of those sharp practices which some trainers of fair repute consider permissible. John Porter utterly disdained; and his brilliant record of sue<’»ss shows that in competent hands an absolutely straightforward polity can be made to pay handsomely. Of course, John Purler has been fortunate in his employers. He was a young man when Sir Joseph Hawley first engaged him. so young, Indeed, that Sir Joseph hesitated on account of his youth: but with quiet confidence. Porter begged for a trial, ami how that confid.-ner was justified the racing world soon became aware. 1 have not come across anyone who remembers John roller as a jockey: bis caretr in that capacity din not. i believe, last long, increasing weight keeping him from the saddle. The impression is that he was just a fair av» ratio horseman, ami it is, of course, as a trainer ami the trainer of some of the best horses that ever lived that his name will go down in racing annals. It will be chiefly associated with Ormonde. We all know what would have happened if the volt had been in many stables; there would in ali probability have been some tempting engagement in the Fttmn.vr which it was thought he could not lose; ho would have been hurried in his preparalhii for this event, ami would possibly have wen it, and suffered in consequence That, of course, was one of the satisfactions of having such an owner ns the late Duke of Westminster to deal with. His Grace ami Porter perceived that the horse wanted time ami there was never a question of hurrying him. so that it was not until October 14th. 1885, that the son if Bend Or ami Lily Agnes made his first appearance in a Post Sweepstakes at the Newmarket Second October meeting. The last mail to hand from England brings news of how the stock of the various stallions in the Old Country are comporting themselves on the turf this season, mid, as we an; on the eve ‘of our breeding reason. a glance «t tin* list should prove of interest. Flying ¥«»x, who is located in France, and has a HfMl-gninea service fee. is not quoted in., the list, but he has had a few winners this year, and li'is stork must have garnered about as much as any other horses, as Vai d’Or landed £9285 Im prizemoney when it won the Eclipse Stakes. This, in addition to other wins, would make his returns compare favoutabl.v with that >f the horses locate*! In England. Two Isonomy horses in Isinglass and Galiinule figure at th** head of the English list, ami • ’yilenr. who comes third. Is out of a ♦b**»g|it.»r of Isonomy. so Hint their position r..\ I»»* attributed more tn the value of :r breeding amt conformation rather a go*»d allowance of the element of k. Isinglass had nine winners of 15 .•r*s. which were worth £17,425 hi prize- • i). Ills b**st representative was Cherry •a is. v ho won four races worth over £12.o.ki. Gallinu’r had 13 winners, who capful vd 22 races worth £14.300. He hud Pretty Polly to capture £ls*is. and a two-

year-old named Sareelle, who won 45*M) sovs. Sarrelle is out of a Ma it a gon (sire of Martian) mare, who is a granddaughter of Musket. (\vlivnc I'; 1 .,I eight winners to r< present him this year, end they garnered £13.559 in prize money, which was attached to 17 races. The Derby winner Cicero was bis most valuable representative. and his two wins this s.*u>mi .«• present a value of £Xt>sO in stakes. Isouomy blood is somewhat ran* in New Z'*alaml. but In Pilgrim's Prog!ess we have as handsome a horse «»s one could wish to see. and his elegance is f’.fiber enhanced by the fact that be has prove*! his quality as a sir** by leaving many firn* performers. The St. Simon horse Flerizel 11. ami Persimmon. both owned by His Majesty the King, rank fourth and fifth, with £11,706 and £9867 respectively to their credit. Florizvll IL had ten winners (including Vedas), ami Persimmon had Zinfandel and eight others gaining winning honours to prove his value as a sire. The ancient St. Simon, by coming sixth, holds a highly creditable place on tin* list, with six winners of £!KS42, but the best part of this was won by St. Dennis when he won the . ince of Wales Stakes. Rightaway (Wisdom— Vanish), whose stock won £5493. ami Pride (Merry Hampton—Superba), with winners of £5013. were the only others to have over £SOOO to their credit. © © © Notes From Our Travelling Correspondent. WELLINGTON, this day. For every pound sent to Australia for investment on Maniapoto from Auckland, and a considerable amount of Auckland money was put on early on that horse, in the Epsom Handicap, ten times as muck would likely be sent from other parts of New Zealand. Many Taranaki, Wanganui, and Wellington backers had substantial bets about the son of Soult, of whose deeds in piivatc before leaving New Zealand everyone seemed to have heard the most glowing ami encouraging accounts. There is no doubt be did some very Impressive gallops at Randwick. so that Lope was in the ascendant until the news that he had faialed to run into a place had been received, then couhl hare been heard the usual conjectures of som? who had lost more or less heavily, those who did not think it probable tha| anything would be unearthed capable of taking the New Zealander’s number down. Some supposed that he had been slow at I he barrier, some that he had been interfered with, and others that he had left his race on the track; some even went so far as to suggest that the weight of money was too much. r l his is a way bad losers have. The owners of Maniapoto are good sportsmen, and it may be here mentioned that directly the news reached the manager of the syndicate some seven weeks ago that an accident nad happened to Maniapoto through the Hip of his shoe becoming imbedded In his toe, he at once communicated the fact t » the press, so that those who were at the time keen on backing the horse should be deterred. Sonm owners are not so ready to take the public into their confl*lence. Had Maniapot** won the Epsom Handicap w»* would have heard people declaring that the reported accident was all a blind to enable interested persons to get on at a better price. At that time it was known that the owners had backed the horse themselves. When Maniapoto first went into Prosser’s hands, be was sore, and an interruption in the preparation of the horse, necessitating a stoppage for over a week or two. won!*! not be in his favour, it. as was stated at th** time, he was on tin* big side, though he made a quick recovery. In the Epsom Handicap he met an unusually small field, but it has to be remembered that he bad a strong pace set for him from the jump, and was beaten In a fry fast time by a well-bred six-year-old in Sleeper, to whom he was conceding a year and 14 lbs. by a four-year-old, by Royal Artillery’s brother Tine Blue, and whom he was giving 15 lbs. and by Truce, a four-ypir-ol<l. whom ht* was making an allowance of 2 lbs. Reading the cable*! iiews it could really be inferred that The Sieeper had cut Maniapoto «l*»wn from the jump, and it is quite possible that Maniapoto. who has not raced since March last in public, may. notwithstanding his useful track work, have l»een really shoi t of a solid gallop or two. We ail know that some horses ar** immensely benefited l>y a

:a**e. From what had been seen of M.inlflpotu in his New Zealand racing, he was inclined to fret a good deal before a race, but whether he *ll*l so on Satunl.iy. which was ieported a very hot day. we shall not know until the mail airives on Monday. He made amends for ills Epsom defeat by winning the Sydney .Meiropolitan Handicap handsomely, in record time for the r.**•»•. ami Im- has thus <*«>nfirm*‘«l the good opinion the writer has always had of him. A few of those who Inicked him for the Epsom followed him for the Mrtro]»ol!tan at starting price, while one backer is reported to have suppoited him for that nice before the Epsom was run. believing that he would race better over the longer distance. As Maniapoto did all that was asked of him in public befor** leaving these shores, one would not be jnstifle*! in suggesting that he may have run ungenerously o’* Saturday, wh**n asked to go a cracker fiom the jump for about the fiist time in his career, but it is within the bounds of j ossibility th’at he may have been at fault, and Hales, who trained him for a tim*-. told the writer that he was a colt of a peculiar temperament, that required a bit of humouring when brought out to rare, though inclined to laziness in work. Horses change in this respect, and it may not be uninteresting to note that Maniaj»oto’s dam. Fisher Maid, was sent to the horse nt three years old without having been tried to race. The successes **f the other New Zealand h< rses have gladdened the hearts of most fMOple who follow racing in the colonies, and have brought some grist to the mills of a goml many backers in Wellington ami <’bristchurch. Many congratiilatmy telegrams have been sent to their respective ov; «ers. It is estimated that something like £25.OtM) would have been won by New ZeaJanders had Manfeipoto got home in the I’l-som Handicap. © © © Avondale Jockey Club's Spring Meeting. The curtain was raised on local racing on Saturday afternoon, when the opening day's racing of the Avondale Jockey (’lub's Spring Meeting took place. The weather was fine, ami The track, though a trifle holding in places, was in far better order than expected. considering the quantity of rain that has fallen of late. Notwithstanding tiie strong counter attraction in the shape of the Australia v. Auckland football match, the attendance was good and well up to the average, ami although speculation was not up to last year’s amount, this is to a large extent due to the fact that the sum of £752 invested on the first race of the day was locked up throughout the afternoon pending . the settlement of the protest against Trephine, the winner, on the ground that his name was in the forfeit list. The matter will be decided immediately on receipt <»f advice from Mr Wanklin, secretary of the Racing Conference, with whom the club is in <-ominunication. Mr M. Foley officiated as judge, ami gave universal satisfaction. One little detail Mr Foley attended to. and which might well be copied by others occupying a similar position, was the notifying of the press the official distances the various events were won by. and for which we tender him thanks. Mr E. 11. Hankin occupied his old position as starter, ami gave probably the best exhibition with the barrier that he has yet given in Auckland. He was very successful in his despatches throughout the aftermmn. The racing during the day was interesting and exciting, Mr Evett’s adjustments producing some excellent finishes. The meeting was well conducted by the secretary (Mr H. H. Hayr) and the various officials, and with the exception of the protest in the first event everything passed off without a hitch. The band under Bandmaster Hunter added greatly to the enjoyment of the afternoon, and the catering in the hands of Mr T. King was in accordance with that genthinan’s reputation. During the day the totalisator under the management of Mr J. t'ooke handled the sum of £5179, a decrease on last year's amount of £IOBO. Racing commenced with the time-honour-ed Maiden Plate, which attracted the good field of 19, and of these Puhipuhi found most favour, with Trephine next in demand. From a good start Stepmnr momentarily showed in front, but Lunetta and Puhipulii s*ion *lispla*’e*l her. ami the pair carrle*l <»u the running with Stepinar and Leonator as

their nearest attendants. Stepmar freW charge as they tnrnej ft.n* home, while Leonator also moved up. and this pair were fighting eat the issue to within 10 yards of the post, when Trephine came with a wellsustained run nnd just got up in time, winning by a ue**k, with half a ueck between second and thir*l, Kola Nip fourth, while Puhipuhi and Lmwtfa were close up just in front of a bunched lot. Vivandel fell, her rider escaping without injury. Time, 1.22 1-5. As before mentioned, a protest was entered against the winner. If Trephine is awarded the race th** dividends will IH> £4 2/6 and £2 17/. The live acceptors ,-ame out for the First Handicap Hurdles, and Ranana was installed fav*»urite. After Fi«q*amosca had b**en indulged in the lead for about a mil**, the favourite took charge, and stalling off repeated *’hallenges by Loch Fyue, ran home a winner by a hare length, with Inniskillen io lengths away third. Leo Feve fell, his rider (McGregor) es<*aping with a shaking. Time, 4.8. Dividend, £2 2/. Uonsiderable interest was evinced In the next event, the Avondale Stakes, the first race of the year for two-year-olds; and the various contestants were eagerly s«*anned as they made their toilets. Taken on the whole, the field were a presentable lot. Sweet Alice, a shapely filly, brimful of quality, which ha*l been showring good track form, was made a warm favourite. The favourite was a hit restless at the post, but when the barrier lifted she was quick to move, and taking charge when they had gone a hundretf yar*ls never gave the rest of the field a look in, eventually winning by five lengths from Mignon, who. was a similar distance in front of Le Maseotte, who was a head in front of La«ly Frances. Time, 54 3-5. Dividends. £1 19/ and £1 16. 6. After the ra**e the winner was decorate*! by Mrs J. W. Russell. Apologue was the only withdrawal from th** Avondale (’up. ami punters went strongly for Putty, while Sir Gilead was next in request. The barrier was pulled to an even start, Akarana ami Soultfish being first to fin*! their feet, the former setting out to make the running a length in front of Landlock. ami then came Soultfish. Waipnna, and Sir Gilead. As they went along tiie back the order was: Akarana. Landloek, Waipuna, Lycia, and Putty, and this was the order as they entered the (op str**t«di. where Putty made a forward move, and Landlock fell. Akarana was first to turn for home, but at th** distance Putty took charge, and Lyeia put in her claim: but although Putty shifted about a lot in the run to the post he hud no difficulty in winning by a couple of lengths from Lycia, who was a similar distance in front <»f Akarana. Waipuna was fourth. Time, 2.17 1-5. Dividends, £2 6/6 »»d £1 17/6. Eleven saddled up for th,* Plunket. Handicap. a welter race, ami Nervine was picked upon as the most likely to «<‘ore; but several of the others were evenly backed. Lu<*rwe and Pukekohe were quick to. commen,-**. and they showed the way along th** ba*-k just in front of Rookby. Master Delaval. and Lady Rose. The leading pair still held their advantage as they turned for home, but at the distance Lncreee was settled, and Master Delava 1 putting in his Haim he got on terms with Pukekohe at the bookmakers’ stand, and in an exciting race home beat him a head, with (’all** Iris two lengths away third: then came Rookby and Laicrece. Time, 1.35 2-5. Dividends. £6 11/ and £1 14/. Kanaka declined his engagement in the Handicap Steeplechase, leaving eight to go to the post, ami Ranana was math* th*’ medium of most support. The rare needs very little description, as after Hiiiemoa had made the running for about three parts of the journey Ranana took charge, ami although The Swimmer made desp**rate »*fforts to get on terms with him it was of no avail, as the favourite H«*l<l his advantage, winning at Hie finish by two lengths from The Swimmer, who was a length in front of Major. Tanpiri ran tiff. Hlnemoa fell, and Boxer pulled up. Time. 6.30 4-5. Dividends, £1 16/ and 16/. Lady Rose dropped out of the Pony Race, for which Dr. Quest found most favour. When the barrier lifted Marisa shot to the front, ami stalling off challenges in the straight by Orange and Blue and Girton Girl, won by a length from Girton Girl, who was a neck in front of Orange and Blue, with Dr. Quest last. Time, 1.22. Dividends, £4 19/6 ami £1 T4/6. Thirteen came out for the concluding event of the day, the Flying Stakes, and of. then** Delania was favourite. Martyr King gave a bit of trouble at the post, getting under the barrier and unseating his rider, but eventually the tapFS lifted to a good

Mart. Martyr Klug wras quickest to begin, closely attended !«▼ Millie nml Black and Gohl, after whom came Avalanche. Crossing top stretch Millie was in the lead.while Wailatl had run into third position. Millie was first to turn for home, and holding her position in the run to the post won by a length and a-half from Wailatl. who was it couple of lengths in front of Avalanche. Time, 1.19. Dividends. £5 12/ and £8 4/6. © © © Waihi Jockey Club. WAIHI, Thursday. The annual meeting of the Waihi Jockey Club was held last evening. Mr T. Sheen presided. The report and balance-sheet as read were adopted. On the motion of the chairman, seconded by Mr McGlashau, it was unanimously resolved that in future bookmakers be excluded from all meetings of the dub. The election of officers resulted as foTswa: —Patron, Mr Hurries, M.H.R.; vice-pat run. Mr Ji. I*. Barry; vice(iresMeuts, Messrs Moyer, Kelly. Geddis, Power, Brown. Brodie. Gilmour, Jackson, Short, and Mueller, Dr. Guinness. Mrs Pilling; committee, Messis McGlashau. Tanner, Peacocke. Quick. Criiuiiiins. Gooch, Clark. Sheen, Cotter, Corbett, Palmer, Dr. f'larldge: treasurer. Mr Sheen; secretary. Mr A. Clarke; auditors, Messrs Grant and McCotinachie; judge. Mi Gerries; clerk of course. Mr K. Cotter. The appointment of handicapper was allowed stand over. it was resolve J to write to Mr C. O Connor, of Auckland, asking his terms to act as starter. Mr F. Marriott was appointed timekeeper. It was resolved to charge 10/ for training fee per horse. With reference* to the course, it was derided that the chairman should interview Messrs Bloomfield and Mark as to the erection of * grandstand and paddock improvements. © © © Rangitihei Races. BULLS. Thursday. The following arc the acceptances for the Ila iigi tike! races:— , Flying Handicap.—Au rains. Gold Sea., King Billy Jolly Friar, Prelude. ITustlque, Bin’tKf, Kudu, The Leader, Contingent, ■Whataroa. Maiden Plate.—Oryx 8.13, Flying Colours 8.13, Gargoyle 4J.13. Rosewood 8.13. Bnlgowrie 8.13, Spikie 8.13. Tika 8.13. Netherlev 8.13. Fmernld Isle 8.11. Jessie Graham 8.11. Boredom 8 11, Tiratu 8.11, Clementine 8.9. Mai di 8.9. Q.’ceu of the West 5.9, Windy 8.9. Kauginia 8.9. Ebbtide 8.9, Blue Diamond 8.0, Napier 8.9. llapuka 8.9. Alexeielt' 8.0, Chiuchella 8.9. General Stoessel 7.11. The Stripper 7.11, Captain Kidd 7.11. Compassapa 7.11, Genuine 7.11, Are Eight 7.9. Dalny 7.9. Merry wing 7.9, Lady White 7.9. Pukehoe Hack Hurdles. --Ihiredevil. Repulse. Makuri. Wild Cat. Numa. Catspaw. Needlework, Fairwind. Lorida, John Peel. Willowbank Hack Ifa ndieap.—Marlnella, Togos, Marseillaise, Dalky. Fancy work. Ilipporangi. Lualla, Lady Warwick, General S t<vessel. (losma. Rangitikei Steeplechase.—Kaitere, Jack oT.antein. Nor’-west, Te Kohan. Playfair. Hutana. Wiwaka. Rapanui. Koer. Hikiroa. I’atupi’iaohae, lluiriri, Rechabite, The Vagrant. Spring Handicap. —Nonette. Ngatarua. •Eass o’Gowrm. Whaka wehl. Boomerang, Hydrant. St. Joe, The Leader. Capulet, Seagull, King's Birthday. Amaryllis. Rangitoto Hack Handicap.—Amaryllis, Kuroki. Kenmore. Bairs, Dalky, Sir Perri vale, Refine. TekainuL Beiiair, Victoria Park. Operetta. Claremont. Papatawa, Mereslmt. Rangawheuua, Fireball. © © © Ashburton Racing Club’s Spi’ing Meeting. ASHBURTON. Thursday. The Ashburton Racing Club’s spring p eeling commenced to-day in tine weather. There was a good attendance, and the racing was fairly Interesting. Buluwayo won the Cup very easily. Calibre, the favourite, never being prominent. Speculation was good, the sum of £2964 passing through the machine. The results are:— First Hark ami Hunters* Hurdles.—Narcissus 1. ’Leeside 2, Guirtern 3. Scratched: Speculate. Won by two lengths. Thue, 8 28 2-5. Dividends: Narcissus £1 14/, ami LeeHide 18/. Fairfield Plate. —Boscas tie 1. Makarotf 2. Tzltfdiar 3. Scratchings: Count. Lochlel, Mauriiiga. West Wind, and Canticle. Won by half a length. Time. 1.3 3-5. Dividends: Rocsa-sf le £7, Makaroff £2 4/. Braeniar Welter Handieapfl Somaroft* 1. Black Diamond 2 Royal Crown 3. MakarolT was scratched. Won easily by two lengths. Time, 1.45 4-5. Ashburton County Cup of 80s<»vs. one mile and three furlongs.—Buluwayo. 9.9. 1: Ability. 8.7. 2; Claiihitrii. 8.2. 3. Also started: Calibre 8.9. Beau Seaton 8.1, Secret Society 7.19. General Symons 8.5. Bagpipes 7.7. General Symons made most of the running, but Huluwavo drew away at (he turn info the straight and had no difficulty in winning by three lengths Time. 2.29. Dividends, £ll 19/ and £1 4/. Ladies’ Purse of 25sovs, mice round. — Black Diamond. 11.5. 1; Prohibition. 19.9. 2; Ornament. 10.12. 3. Also startl’d: Merginae 11.5, Brookside 10.7. Carolina 10.7. An easy victory. Time. 2.35 1-5. Dividend, £3 4/. Longbearh Trot of 3.»»ovs. one mile.— Veracity, scratch, 1; Little Maty. 15s. 2; Directo, scratch. 3. Opiti was scratched. Won bv ten lengths. Time, 2.23 3-5. Dividends. £4 6/ and £lO 16/. Spring Handicap of 45sovs. six furlongs.— Ingleneuk. 7.13. 1; Gra mlstvml. 6.10, 2; Heirloom, 7.8, 3. Also started: Veneer 8.10. -Largesse 8.13, Hilarity 7.13, Bhie■loue 6.12. Jolly Koger G. 12. Miss Hamilton •JO. A good finish. Won by half a length. Time. 1.17 1-5. Dividends, £3 and £5 8/.