TURF NOTES.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXV, Issue 13, 30 September 1905, Page 18

TURF NOTES.

Answers to Correspondents. Subscriber, Avondale. — £1 12/, when he won the Metropolitan Handicap at Wellington. The Wellington Racing Club have reelected the whole of last year’s officials. Not one of t lie pencillers escaped laying the winning Avondale double, Putty and Millie. Lea Beau is in work again at Ellerslie, lie is still in his owner’s (R. MeMlkeu) charge. Several hunters are in work at Ellerslie, in view of the Pakuranga Hunt Club’s sports meeting, on the 30th inst. Nominations for all events at the Ota--11 uhu hack lueetiug, to be held on October 11th, close on Friday next, the 29th inst., at 9 p.iii. The Middy has beeu an absentee from the tracks at 'Ellerslie for a week or so, and it is rumoured that all is not right with the son of Torpedo. Haydn was br<night:back from Sydney by the Zealandia on Sunday in charge of 8. Fergus. Four horses purchased by Mr Geo. Wright at the recent Sydney sales were also brought over in the same boat. Satanella. the dam of those great performers St. Paul and St. Clements, has foaled a filly to Soult. As Satanella shows signs of breaking up, it is not intended to mate her again. Had Inurangi got home first in the Maicb‘n_ Plate, last Saturday, a dividend of £507 7 6 would have attached to her victory. There was only one ticket invested on her chance in the machine. At Wellington Park, Formula, by Hotrhkiss— Fonuo. has foaled a colt i*o Seaton Delaval; Sinionias, by Simonian—Boyne, a filly to Seaton Delaval; and Cressy. by Hippocampus—Jennie, a filly to Hotchkiss. The French sportsman, M. Blanc, has subscribed £IUO to the Rous Memorial rimd. Although the “Racing Calendar” does not announce the fact, it is presumed this £l(m> was given by M. Blanc on the victory of his colt Vai d’Or in the Eclipse Stakes. A most promising filly seen out in the Avondale Stakes was Ladv Frances, by Eton Gwendoline. The filly, which was not nearly so forward as the majority of tlie others, ran a surprisingly good race, ami was only beaten for third place by a very short. head. Mi' George Thorsby, the English amateur horseman, has a better average of winners during the present season than any professional jockey or apprentice. He has already beaten his best previous season; and has put up a score of 21 winners out of 70 mounts, his winning percentage being 30.00. ’l’ho well known trotting horse Specialist, by Specification—Bonnie Vein, is advertised to stand the seasot'i at Onehunga. Specialist is a splendidly bred horse, and has a record of 2.25. It is his owner*intention t » only giv“ the horse a light sts-ison, ami • 'arly application for the horscs’s s-rvices i' necessary. Pnhipuhi showed a lot of temper nt the start of the Avondale Guineas, and on one occasi<»n reared up and fell. During the running of the rare he did not appear to race too kindly in the early part, but he finished up his task in the gninest manner possible, and got to within three parts of a length of the winner. Two New Zealand Cup candidates In Paritutu ami S<-otly were seen out on tin* second ami third days of the Avondale spring meeting. Both looked very big in condition, and although they, showed .all I heir old pace in the early stages of -their engage on* nls, they were not promineht al the business end. Mr 11. Tinker, the well known horse dentist, luis been kept busy during his stay in Auckland, and has operated on 18

horses for F. Macmanemin. 14 for C. Weal, 3 for W. Mobbcrley. 3 for R. 11. McKenzie, 2 for J. McHugh, and one each for D. Moraghan, r. Conway, J. <’haafe, Jr., and J. Scents. Nominations for the City Handicap, Birthday Handicap, and Manukau Hurdle Race, to be run at the A.R.C. Spring Meeting. anti nominations for tin* Auckland Cup, Summer Cup. A.R.C. Handicap, Railway Handl<*ap. and Auckland Steeplechase,, to be decided at the A.R.C. Summer Meeting, close on Friday, September 29, at 9 p.m. One of the most promising light-weights seen out for some time is the lad Brown, who is attached to the stable of the Thames trainer, J. Twohill. Brown can go to scale at a very light weight, anil provided he steers clear of the many pitfalls that beset the young and inexperienced, has a most promising future before him. M. Edmond Blanc, undeterred by the blight which has fallen over his stable this year, has again tlecided to try and’break that spell which prevented him from winning the English Derby with Vinicius, Gouyeuiant, and Jardy. He has entered four colts in the Epsom event. hhd : four fillies in the Oaks, ami a colt, and a filly hr the St. Leger. , The many friends of Mr John Lyiieh, the well known Coromandel sportsman, will regret to hear of the death of his wife, which occurred suddenly in Auckland last Sunday. Mrs Lynch, who hatl reached the good age of 70. came from Coromandel last Saturday to attend the Av<»h’dale races, and ow the Sunday was taken suddenly ill, expiring a few hours after. Mr Lynch has the sympathy of all in his sad bereavement. Matters in connection with the New Zealand Cup have been very quiet during the week, ami nothing of any consequence has transpired. The support accorded Mahutonga for the Melbourne Cup yesterday has not had. the effect of altering .his posilion in the market for the . New Zealand event, and he. along with Noetuiform. Is still at Ihe head of ihe quotations, ♦» to 1 being the best price on offer against either of the pair; 8 to 1 is to be had about Nightfall. 14 to 1 Scotty, and 16 to 1 Paritutu. Amongst the most ideasant successes to chronicle in connection with the opening dav of the Avondale meeting were those gained by Ranana in the Hurdle Race and Steeplechase. Ranana is owned by.Mr A. Hughes, Ihe well, known Onehunga sportsman. who has had anything but the best of luck in his racing ventures. Mr Hughes was not present to witness his horse win. 1 being at present an inmate of the Cambridge Sanatorium, where he is reported to be gradually regaining his health. - A horse that was supposed to bp a rod in pickle, though excuses were constantly being made for his indifferent running, was being discussed, and when they had all Cannon delivered himself thusly: “les, 1 know that kind of animal. On«< time the ground’s too hard, then he can't act in the dirt, and so on ad lib. Well, bv the time the weather's all right, the going perfect, and a race, that he can win has been found—why,-hang it. you want a new horse!” French-bred Xeny. who won the • rewards Cup nt <>oodw«»<>d for J. E. Brower s stable, is. not, according io the “Field.’’ t< i ,O ° k a t*, being a long; wea’kloukfng horse, with very faulty knees. He can gallop fast. h<iwi>ver. anil that, after all. is the raison d'etre of a racehorse, lie is by Pastisson. a son of Kt. (’yr and Pasteque. by Marksman, who is of The Flying Dutchman line of Herod. His dam, Conchita. is by Charihert—also a Herod horse —out of Chiquita. by Blair Athol: her dam Nitocris, by King Tom. “The English thoroughbrid (says Professor Ewart) is a mixture of Oriental. Occidental, and -African varieties. In other words, it is of mulliple origin. Few people Mill contradict the professor in his assertion that the horse is made up of many animals. Wo often come across traces of Hie pig. th<‘ kangaroo, the camel, thr cow. the giraffe, the stag.nnd ekr thF tiger in the characteristics of- our equine friends. Some horses one would even wish had nev« r survived the pre-glacial times’ These are thev who arrived a week after they have been backed.*’—“The Asian.” The success achieved by the local lightweight. B. D<‘<.‘h‘y, on the -lirst and s«‘ronddays of the Avondale Jockey Club s Spring Meeting was well <bservc<l. and is onlv another Instance of thr importamr of. horsemen keeping themselves in form.Throughout the /winter De< hy has been a regular attendant at the Ellerslie track, and has ridden an enormous amount of work for all and sundry. When a lad take* thr interest in his profession that Deeley dors, any su<*crss that falls to his lot i«< only a,.just reward. Others would do well to f<dlow his example. Master Drlaval’s withdrawal from the Avondale Guineas was due to the colt's nueting with an acrideiU during the runniiig of the Plunkel Hanub-np on the open-

Ing day. Master Dolaval's form In the Pluuket Handicap was of a most promising character, and his connections had every reason to look forward to his chance in the Avondale Guineas as being second to none. As the owner of the colt has had anything but the best-of luck in his racing ventures, a victory of his colours in an important race would have been well received. A horse malady known as dourine or “maladie du colt” is veiy prevalent in Canada, and. as there is a large trade m Canadian horses with England, the cur-, rent number, of the ‘’Veterinary News’ fears that the disease will be allowed to obtain a film hold in England unless steps are taken by the Board of Agriculture to enforce some sort of inspection of the horses landing. At present there is no, coiopnlsory inspection of any kind in regard to imported horses, and. unless measures are speedily taken, the journal referred to is confident that the malady will be introduced to England with dire results. News has boon received by the secretary of the Kimihia Hack Club (Mr I. Brooks) to the effect that the Auckland Racing Club cannot see its way to grant the permit necessary for the local club to hold a race meeting under its auspices on November 9. .As all arrangements have been made for . v thc meeting, the track on Captain It. It. Ralph's farm having been put in order and the printing well in hand, considerable disappointment has ben causefl by the unfavourable nature of the reply. A general meeting has been called for Friday night to consider the situation. It is generally thought that the race meeting will be proceeded with. —(Huntly Correspondent.) A noteworthy fact In connection with the Avondale Guineas and. Stakes is that the three placed horses in the Guineas and the first two in the Stakes were bought at the annual sales at Cambria Park. Princess Alice, dam. of Sweet Alice, the winner of the Stakes, was bred by Mr Price at Cambria Park, and was presented by him to Mr W. Walters. Both first and second in the Stakes first saw the light of day at Mr Walters’ stud farm, and arc by the successful sire. -Soult; while the second and third in the Guineas arc also by Soult, the former bred at Mr Walters’ estate, while the winner. Kilderkin, by Cyrenian— Kilmorc-y, and the third. Annette, were bred at Cambria Park. Thus the Duke of Portland: “The coining O' the motor car would have a weakening effect o.i the horse-breeding industry. He sugegsteil the Government should buy their yiiuiig sfdrk at three years old instead of four. and "break them in on up-to-date lii.es, instead of buying half-broken horses, often useless through bad habits. Farmers could not afford to keep young horses four years. and ’the Government should encourage them, or the horse-breeding industry would die oiit with the coming of the ntotdr-car. Tt would cost a little more to buy horses a year earlier' mid keep them, but- they would probably be obliged In a few years to do so." • I never see a newspaper article on the gambling mania without realising that, while lotteries, hets, ami sweeps may be a pure speculation with some people, there are others entitled to regard them a a a sound Investment. • The doctor’s groom •explained to me (says “Javelin”) that his last good win at Flemington was only in a degree a matter of chance. “You see,” he- said. “I dreamt number 9 three nights rulinin', so I sez to mcself. ‘three nine is 28.’ I sez ‘and I’ll Rack No. 28 on the card.’ It won all tight, 1 promise you. That's where judgment conies in.” I didn’t like ' to upset his self-complacency by pointing out that this triumph of judgment was in some inqfsme due to ignorance of multiplication. There is one little matter in connection with the various race meetings in Auckland that the management of the clubs seem to entirely overtook, and that is the posting of overweights. Last Saturday at Avondale overweight was carried in several of the events by the different competitors, but no notification was made to the public of the fact. This state of affairs docs not exist at Avondale atone, as the same occurs* at Ellerslie and Takapuna; but with the trotting clubs it is different, as they in all cases post up all overweights and penalties. It seems strange that a metropolitan club like the Auckland Racing Club has made no provision for such-an important item, and it is to be .hoped that when the now season's racing commences at Ellerslie the matter will be attended to. There were talking of racing (says an exchange), and old Dan. who had been puffing solemnly at his pipe in the corner of the bar. gave his views. “I never was what ye might cal! a racin’ man.’’ he began. “but I come out here in ’57. an* I backed every winner o’ the Melbourne Cup since then.” A hush fell over the assemblage. “Oh, come now,” said Flash .Tack, who was the first to recover from the paralysis of Dan’s audacity; “yer don't mean ter say as how yer backed eveiy single winner.” Old Dan pulled at his pipe thoughtfully. “No,” he admitted, “there was one year when I couldn't make up me mind. There wuz two o’ them, an' fur the life o' me I couldn’t sa.v which one 1 win. so I jes’ hacked both o’ them. That was in —let’s see—’«B. I think. Anyhow, they finished a dead heat." Says a Sydney exchange:—“A rumour has been circulated in reference to the Metropolitan winner. Manlapoto. The statement was in circulation in the paddock al Randwick that the horse got away from his trainer when going to-the course on Saturday last, aiyl raced about Kensington Wo are inforim d by Mr Good, the owner, and by Mr Hales, the trainer, that the horse was never out of Halos’ hands until he left him to the care of the lad in the ■addling paddock white he was attending to the weighing out of the jockey. Possibly the fact of Manin polo not being In his •fall may have been the cause of many Inquiries, but the horse was to be seen each

day parading round the ground near the earriage 'paddock, as the trainer was frightened a nervous horse like Manhipoto might injure himself if left lu the stall. In fact, the horse did not use the stall on any rave day. Such rumours are not .worth much at any.time, but owner and trainer wish to correct this latest, one. -Thi* horse, as already rSta ted. is to-fulfil his Melbourne engagements. and«leaves here in a few days under the care of his old trainer, 11. B. Hales. - ■ They do not countenance heavy-betting jockeys in America, any more than in Australia (if they can catch them), and the New York “Sports of the Times’’ of August 1A has the following fluent a jockey whose betting proclivities brought him into collision with the stewards: —“Jockey Treubel, the most successful jockey riding at Latonia, has been barred from further saddle work there, and because of a mania he had for betting. His plunges at times. 5o<)dol at a crack, caused considerable talk, and the judges were not unmindful of what was going on, for the jockey was lectured more than once. Finally, on Friday, the following judicial edict came into the limelight: —‘Jockey Treubel will not be permitted to accept any more mounts at I.atonia. I here is no charge <>t fraud against him. but jock- < vs who become known as heavy operators in tile betting ring are a detriment to raring. and a menace to its good name. 1 tic name’ of Jockey K. Walsh had also been as - soelated with betting operation;, but outside of a judicial lecture and warning nothing drastic was reached in his case. Walsh is among the best riders on hand, and his forced elimination, with that M Treubel. would materially weaken the linin'' force. In addition to the above rule, the following notice was subsequently lio>ted in the Jockeys’ room: Jockeys bit on races except through their **'. will be denied the privilege of J 1 Latouia. but this does not lue'ent t’j'.’" from accepting presents through or with the consent of their employers. It is generally admitted that it would be in the best interests of lacing in the colonies it the number of meetings wme <u tailed, amt the same is evidently the ease iu England, where the sport is being done. Speaking of the indifference which lias been noted lately, “The Held said. ‘There are doubtless many causes. I ho times are not good from au all-ronnd poin. of view, ami biiefiy the turf world is composed at present of millionaires- many of whom are very half-hearted as regards too sport—and men who are feeling the stress of bad times, and are unable to give racing the =oild support they would like to do. Them again, all classes of professional racing men suffer when money is not circulating freely, and when the general public is rot attending in. great numbers this state of affairs must prevail. Many racing men have large sums of money locked up in unremunerative securities, and have in consequence been obliged to reduce the:r studs, or to resign the position of ownership for the time being. In spite of this depression. Ascot was a great meeting, as far as attendance is concerned; but Ascot stands out by itself- as an exceptional meeting, and no sound conclusions can he drawn from it. It is quite possible that all attendances will be found to bo good if only picked meetings are chosen: hut. nevertheless, those who go the weekly round and attend the unfashionable, as well as the popular, fixtures know well that there is a great want of vitality in turf affairs just now. and that many races —and many meetings, also—are badly supported. If the fixture-list were greatly cut tailed it would be all for the best: but. on the contrary, a now racecourse (at Newbury) will shortly be inaugurated, and. if rumour is to be believed, another new racecov.se will also come into existence quite close to London." As a pleasant and profitable adjunct to farming. the special commissioner of the London “Sportsman,” in a recent contribution to that journal, advocates the keeping of a thoroughbred mare or two, aiul gives instances of most satisfactory results accruing from breeding in a ' small way. “There is no doubt.” he says, “that the man who breeds one or two thoroughbred foals as a mere incident of farming is likely to do comparatively better than the proprietor of a big stud farm, no matter how well managed. Many instances there have been of fortunes made from a solitary brood marc, and there is no more striking one than that of Queen Mary, who brought the name of I'Anson into fame and affluence. The same might bo said of Eastern Princess (owned by a farmer of the fens), who produced Prince Charlie (sire of Lochiel). but. apart from sensational results, there have been numerous instances in which tenant farmers have paid the rent, with one thoroughbred mare. Mr Manfield, of Thirkleby. near Thirsk. has now risen to the rank of a leading case in this matter. Jor. from the •lays - at least 30 years ago—-when his mare by Underhand, out of The Slayer's Daughter. commenced breeding, he has always been well represented by a good yearling or two. never sired by an expensive horse, always bringing him a fair price of 200 or 300 guineas, and almost invariably developing into winners, of which Airship (winner of the Manchester Cup) is one of tin* latest specimens. Now. I do not suppose Mr Manfield's blood stock has ever added appreciably to the cost of his farming, and the price of the yearlings has been, to a gr(*at extent, profit. I wish my readers who may happen to be farmers would think about this—not from the point of view of making blood stock a main feature of their farming, but simply subsidiary, and hardly to be thought about, if in any one year it does not pay. You cannot lost? much, and you may gain a very large sum.’ There Is no other breed of animal with which the farmer stands such a chance to realise a tremendous pridit.” A few years ago the names of the Beasleys were great In the land of sport, with Tom perhaps most prominent. Harry and Willy a dead-heat for second (says the latest “Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News" to hand). What they thought about the Liverpool was the question, for they had the form of every competitor to an •uuce If only the animal would run up to

It! Notwithstanding the most natural prejudice against Hve-y->;ir-olds for the National. it was thought that Empress would win in 1880, and so. in Mr Tom Beasley's nccoiu plished hands, she did. I suppose, however, that his name will be chiefly associated with Frigate, the daughter of Gunboat, who had so many tries before she putted it off. As a six-year-old in 1884 she ran second to Voluptuary, with Roquefort third. 11.3. Mr If. Hensley up: and. carrying 11.10. was second again next year, same joekey, to Roquefort. 11.0. 11l 18811 Mr 11. Beasley was second once more a Beasley was almost, invariably placed in the National on Too Good: Frigate, ridden by J. Jones. i*tis time, nowhere. She had passed into the possession of a soldier. Mr F. C. Lawrence, who himself rode her in 1887, but site was not mentioned in the betting, though there were two 100 to 1 chances quoted —and ran accordingly. Iler liftli attempt was a third second to Plavfair: Mr W. Beasley rode her. 11.2: and her sixth effort was successful, Mr T Beaslev getting her home a length in front of Wliy Not. this in 1889. She had a seventh try next year, same jockey, but fell. lie had previously won on Wood brook. 1881. That he should not have won on t’vprus in 1882 is perhaps the most remarkable occurrence in his connection with tlie race: for Lord Manners on Seaman had nothing but a strong seat and boundless courage Io recommend him. If it ever came to finishing. Tom Bensley must beat him. it was confidently believed: but to finishing it did come, and Lord Manners won by a head. There could scarcely be a better steeplechase rider or a shrewder Judge of the game. and. though lie had given up active participation hi it for some years, his death will recall memories of wonderfully welt ridden races in England, Ireland, and In Frame as well. John Thorpe. the Ellerslie trainer, has, at last! managed to break the string of bad luck which has hitherto followed him in connection with the Avondale Stakes. I'aturday was the fourth occasion on which horses from Thorpe's stable were the popular fancies for the Avondale two year old race, and Eweet Alice, last Saturday's winner, was the first to have her name enrolled on the list of winners, in 1902. Thorpe started two. Sans Peue and Kamo; and the race was looked upon as something approaching a moral for one of the pair, but the unexpected happened, and the best they could do was to finish second and I bird. The following year. Ki'marnoek looked to stand out. head and shoulders above everything, but he had to strike his colours to Muthcma and Bean Seaton. Last year. Kilderkin, though not exactly favourite, had within £« invested on his chance, us the favourite, and was looked upon as the best of the Ellerslie contingent, but lie was only able to run second to Cymbal. Last Saturday it would have required a brave man Io have finked anything to have beaten Thorne's filly, but Thorpe himself was a bit superstitious, ami, I nnderstaml. let the filly run for the stake. Sweet. Allee was purchased at the last sale of Glenora Park yearlings, for IHlgs. and the main lines of her pedigree, are as follows:— SWEET ALICE.

Sa vs the English writer, ‘Ranger”:— Kicks at the post arc apt to leave a disagreeable impression, and they are now receiving more attention than is ordinarily allot-fed'"to them. A jockey or two have been hurt: a few horses have been tapped maliciously; several trainers reticent, as a rule—have expressed rather forcible opinions’ Nor are backers optimistic, lighthearted. The existing wave of depression does not quite engulf them, but it leaves a nasty sediment behind, and what else remains is certainly not auriferous. As a member of that fraternity said, when interviewed as to the starting question. “I don’t care how many -gates’ there are. but there will soon be few punters of eminence, and if we attempt to discover the others we are sure to be shocked by the results of our exploration.” A wiser plan is to repress curiosity and take things for granted. Men who used to be doing well hi the ring are now doing badly “outside;” they cannot find winners as they were wont to do In their younger and more sprightly days. Changed conditions of racing operate to complete their failure. One of them, a veteran, scheduled the causes which beat him as follows: -Gate starting, American jockeyship, in-and-out running, cramped prices, increased expenses, “and.” he added with a sigh. “I am getting no younger.” Perhaps the last-mentioned cause is the most serious of the lot; it is sure to defeat Indi before In grows much older. Our dash once lost, we are not likely to achieve triumphs in Messrs Tattersall’s enclosure. When, too, one is almost compelled to take under the odds or keep cash in purse.where it may be safe hut doej not fructify, racing fails to yield a respectable dividend. The pursuit of wealth in that arena is now hopeless unless one's hands are not. tied behind one’s hack, so to speak, by a number of quaint conscientious scruples. Speaking of the luck In drawing prir.es out of the thoroughbred lucky bag, an exchange says the late Sir John Aslhjy little dreamt he was ridding himself of one of the best marcs in England when he willing iy let I.aura go to a miller for £25. Sir .John bought Laura, a tllly by Orlando, out of a selling race, and put tier by for a rare of this sort, intending when - she was thoroughly til to have a plunge on her. Iml when merely canterhtg al exercise she ruptured a blood vessel la the head or

luuga; hi fn t, she cou’.il not hold her blood if i-aRet 1 upon to g«» out of a walk. Sir John tofil Ills trainer t«» give her away to one of his farmer friends, but one <4Oadeit, a miller, who overheard the <»rder. •»ffered the bluff old baronet £25 for the filly. Sir John quickly closed with the man of Hour, who led the dejected invalid home ami rested her for a limo on grass. Concerning this piece of good luck (for thr miller) Sir John writes hi his book. “Fifty Yeats of My Life." “lie got a nuirgel rttdeed. for she bred him 13 or I I foals, live cons<»cntively. of whom all could race, viz.. Proto Martyr, Fraulein, LciuuoTs. RotherUi. and the last and best of al!, I’etrarch. Of these Frauhuu was sold for t*3s(M> or £4(NM> to Stirling Crawfurd ns a brood mare, after having won a lot of races: and I'ctiarcli was sold for £IO,(KM.) to Lord Dlipplln, and the old gentleman was offered very largo stilus for the mare, but woiul» never sell her. That was a bit of bad hick for niv. wasn’t it?’’ Stories on a pur with the above may not be numerous, but bargains in thoroughbreds could b* counted by tliotisnnds during the past 50 years, mid invariably small men got more than thei’’ share of the prizes, though many knew not the value of them. The dam of the guilt Isinglass was fei a time tin* property of a farmer who did aol put her to anything good, but uiiAer the management? of Captain Maclieli she produced the greater* prize-winner in history. Another great 1 rood mare. Margery Daw. by Brocket, was adjudged useless as hack or facer, Hint her owner, George Hodgeman, presented her to one “Billy” Smith, who In turn soo! her to ft small man for £26. To Buccaneer she produced ft colt foal, together with which she was sold for £55 at auction. The foal was the celebrated See Saw, w hose value was counted in t housamls* aiul liis despised dam afterwards changed hands at £I2OO and £l(><X». ® © ® Notes From Our Travelling; Correspondent. The Rangitikei Racing. Club brought off their spring meeting under most ntifavouiable conditions, the weather on the opening day being wet and wintry, the course heavy ami sloppy; on the second day there was a little improvement, but the courswas badly cut up from end to end. Notwithstanding this there was ajot of .speculation, anti money was invested lo .sin h :m extent that no less than £1731 more was handled than at the prev’ous spring meeting. The racing in several of the events on the opening day was very interesting, and a field of tlilrleeu went out for the Rangitikei Bteeplecha.se. on. the first dav. which number was not equalled during the previous racing season in New Zeatytnrt. mid only beaten by one In the season of 1903-4 in the Wellington Bt«‘epleehns<*. Kiatere was lucky to got second, as Hikairoa mid Playfair worn] both have beaten that gelding had they not fallen nt (he last fence, a hen coop. To Koliau and Wiwaka were two others that (nine f(» grief. Nor’-west was tolling in Jltc rear nearly the whole journey, and was in no form to race. Few steeplechasers receive a greater reception than did llntana ami his owner. The ch.if flat race, the Spring Handicap, fell to Hydrant by a bare margin over Lass o'Gowiie. who only just beat Ngatarua and Seagull, Capulet being close up also. Our old favourite Nonotte started, and though big, he ‘ looked well otherwise, but he was bleeding at (ho nose when he passed (he post. This did not prevent his owner starting him next day. Jolly Friar, ridden by Jenkins. < apInred two races at the meeting, As did John Peel, a son of Linstock. St Paul's half brother, and liutana, who won respectively the liiudb- and steeplechase events. Tito running of Gold Seal, who Ueeii iy retirement for S() me time, was eredftable. Compass, bv Daystar from Maluboom, seems a useftti sort.'ami 'so also f,0 | I " l " aid< ' ll M.irlnella. LI ,!l! ; ' P>,| ‘ SPen " ut !lt meetings in Aiieklaml. was one of ttm best of the hacks that starteit mi the first day. bet welghr stopped her in t lie heavy going. There were a few useful horses racing, in the Jumping events, but Daredevil, amongst the hurdlers, and Kiatere amongst the chasers, were the best. John Pee! Is « lilg gelding, with possibilities, but Is rat her straight on his pins. It is not often that after sending their horses to a meeting owueis do not got a run for their money, but such was th • case at the Rangitikei meeting, whore that were sent from Napier, Includ ing King Billy and Boomerang, wore withdrawn owing to the weather, and the condition in which the race track was dis covered. Prior to the meeting, the sward was in good order, but sheets of wa»er lay over its surface in some parts. A few toads of straw would have been of great value iu parts of the enclosures, which became a quagmire with the (raffle. Naivete (pronounce Nav-ve-tav) Is (b>» name Mr D. Scott is claiming for a 5 vear<•’<l gelding by Kempcnfeldt. which lie In tends racing shortly. Naivete, which means iinaffeeteil ti nt hfillness <»r simplicity, is from Veracity, who died last year. Arundella nnd Dcpliine. two members of the same family, also owned by Mr I>. Scott, died this year at Willow Bank. Rangitikei Their maternal ancestor. Elster, was nite of the fit st mares imported to Nelson New Zealand. ® ® ® New Zealanders in Australia. (From Our Travelling Correspondent.) On Thursday 1 met Mr 11. Good (one of the owners of Mania polo). Mr Walter Davies (otic of the owners of Haydn), and other returned visitors who had been t<» lite Australian Jockey dub's Spring Meet ing. including Jackson, who went over with Hales, who had charge of Manlapoto. Naturally, some information was sought nnd vonchsafml concerning the New Zealand horses In Australia, about which w®

have already In ard so much. Mr Good and his co-partners fetched Maniapoto heavily, as is known, for the Epsom Handicap, ami up to the time the barrier was raised, as di-i moi people, ana pretty well all the expert racing men thought Maniapoto would win. Mr Good says, that The Sleeper got tin initial advantage of about a couple of lengths, ami that Maniapoto was asked to go straight to business, but seemed to slip vn the sun baked turf, the aluminium shoes fee wore failing, in Mr Good's opinion, to give him a good grip of the track, whereas on his next appearance he raced in steel plates with raised heels, in which he acted wi 11. He does not blame the horse or rider, but considers That it was nothing but an unfortunate mistake that lost the Taranaki representative the race. Though he also thinks that the gon <»f Soult had had a Hurtled and an interrupted preparation, and Could be made better ami more seasoned, he •till holds that, despite this, and the fact that Mania p«»to sweated profusely before be ran each time, he would certainly have won the Epsom had he run in the plates he wore on the second day, when he won the Metropolitan Handicap. The suggestions that the horse is a quitter he will not have for a moment, ami he accounts for the failure of Maniapoto in the weight-for-age race on his third appearance In that he was meet Ing better horses, ami that Jones would have done belter had he allowed him to run along, instead of restraining him and getting his head In the air. as he was In the habit of getting it when gal'oping with slow horses in New Zealand in work and in races, a matter I commented on last March after ho raced at Manawatu, when not icing a similarity in his style to that of Advance. No horse could have come out ami raced more brilliantly than •he did when asked to come away from Fanhoda in the Syt’aey Metropolitan Handicap, and Mr Good, who is the business man of the syndicate of three in the ownership of Maniapoto. refused to entertain liny offers for the horse, and though pressed to sell by Mr Glen's represent ative, who held a power of attorney, would not hear of such a thing, and. with Mr Curtis, the other partner, I Kicked Maniapoto for the Melbourne Cup. and decided to withdraw him from the Now Zealand Cup, for which he had also backed the horse, a sportsmanlike action. Not only did Mr Good take Ihis course, but he bought Mr Glen's interest out at a figure representing double the original cost. The syndicate won £IOO3 when Man-iapoto won the Metropolitan Handicap, ami one of the returned visitors, who had a substantial bet about him for the Epsom, put a modest two sovs. on at 33 to 1. In none of the races in which Maniaporo has started since the syndicate have owned him did they have such a small investment as they had on the Metropolitan; indeed, their outlay did not represent more •than a sixth of their smallest previous stake, but it nevertheless returned them their largest actual win. Mr Good says that when leaving New Zealand he advised his friends to support Maniapoto each start, and though at first puzzled at his display in the Epsom Handicap, and not fully convinced that it was due to slipping until •iffer new steel plates, with heels, had been tried, he was certain of it after the Metropolitan. Mr Good thinks that Maniapoto has a Miff contract before him in the Melbourne Cup, in which his weight is 8.10, but regarded his prospects with that weight as possibly better than in the New Zealand Cup with 9.4. and the chance of owning a Melbourne Cup winner allowed sentiment to come In as well as the financial reason, the stake, amt the chance of winning a fair parcel from the Australian ring,, which In New’ Zealand hr could not see the same chance of doing, had he still fancied his horse for the Now Zealand Cup at his Increased burden. Mr Good and his copartners have ali along raced Maniapoto fairly, and they naturally felt the hostile demonstration by a section of the Australian public when their horse won the Metropolitan. “Such conduct,'’ said Mr Good, “Is not calculated to cause owners as a body to show first consideration for the public, as we have done, and some of the newspaper comments were unfair, too, but altogether we were nicely treated during our visit, and though J asked the stewards hold an Inquiry If they had the slightest suspicion that there was anything wrong, they would not entertain my suggestion.” Mr Good added: “After losing the Epsom, J cani assure you 1 felt more for my friends In N'w Zealand, who I had advised to back the horse before I left.” Mr Good, J may say. fears that the strongest opposition Maniapoto will have to meet in the Melbourne Cup is from horses below him in the matter <»f weight. While horses from New Zealand have frequently run best after being in Australia only a few r weeks, Mr Hood is hopeful that it may not be so with Maniapoto. but that, the racing he has had nt Kaudwick may make him a better horse when he has to take on Victorian engagements during tbi' months of October ami November. Questioned as to horses that were racing. Mr Good says Emir is the best of the Australians when ho Is trying his best, but his temper is uncertain at any time, as most people know. Of the New Zealand horses, he thinks that a!) fit and well his own is second to none that ran there. Mr Stead’s volts. Noctuiform and Sungod, lire good, but not the best Now Zealand has turned out at the same age, but Isolt is certainly one of the best of her sex. All Hit er met weak opposition. however. Nightfall is a game, good Mayor. ami she and each of Mr Stead’s representatives were wonderfully til, ami Hint went a long way towards success, and Hewitt’s horsemanship counted for a good deal. That horseman was in great form, and was given full credit by the keenest Austraiiaii racing experts for his brilliant I particularly when he got Nightfall home by a head from Gant eon in th“ •Squatters’ Handicap, in which she gave < antern JOlbs. Canteen's legs look suspb’iouH. but ho ran generously enough. Though he has likely seen his best day, he •ooked well. Gladsome retains ber brit*J*hcy when Emir, Gladsome ami d 1,111 * or,ter * the running was Jrobably a pretty true hue of their Individual merits over a nflle and a half at

welglit-for igv, an opinion shared by others of the party. From Jackson I learned that Maniapoto might have done better in the Epsom had he been educated to jump oft’ and run faster over a few furlongs, though one of his gallops over seven furlongs prior to the meeting was voted the best ever done at Randwick on the outside of the track, and his mile on the same track was better than anything else accomplished prior to the opening of proceedings. One prominent trainer with a team of good stake winners was asked to bring out something to gallop with Maniapoto, but lie declared that he did not think lie could pull out one that would be of any use to the New Zealander. Now. as to the wonderful records that were put up. it should be explained that the time is taken differently at Randw’ick than in this colony. Barriers are erected well back from each of the starting posts, nnd thus a living start is obtained, a white fi«»«r being used to indicate the precise moment ihe horses are at. the starting post, and it is estimated that quite 2 secs, are gained in this way. Then the track was in lightening condition, and the weather was all in favour of fast time, as well as the flying starts. Jackson thinks that Maniapvto can be made a better horse with time, and that he was unlucky in getting beaten oft the mark in the Epsom, and in slipping, lie is of opinion, however, that though the horse sweated a great deal on Epsom day. that he might have been all the better for It. - ami for the sharpening up he got in the race itself, seeing he had not raced for so long. Mr. Davies had something to sav about the horses ami the trip, and he ' set all doubts at rest concerning Haydn's defeat in the steeplechase when he showed the stewards the extent to which he had backed the old horse, and loyally defended the riding of Fergus, whose horsemanship was cavilled at. Fergus told the stewards that he had ridden at Rand wick about twenty years before, that he had been riding before and ever since, and his long record would stand investigating. Mr Davies particularly desired that it should be stated in contradiction of the report that ilavdn ran off in his next essay that he did not do so. but was run off at the very first fence. Mr Davies brought with mini a newspaper cartoon showing a big New Zealand horse representing Machine Gun literally galloping over the little Australian sprinters. Hewitt is riding, and a tatooed Maori chief is standing on the horse’s quarters with a bag of gold in each hand. Another paper came out with a finish for a race between the New Zealanders, and the cal •ch-line, “These arc New Zealand horses - the Australians are following.” Maniapoto has been left in charge of the old mentor. 11. B. Hales, who has had a long experience of Australian racing, and F. Jones, who rode him in his Australian engagements. Mr Good may return for the A ictorian spring meeting. From a reliable source I learned that a would-be buyer was prepared to have given £3.000 for Maniapoto. and that Mr Stead was offered £7,000 for Noctuiform and Isolt. These three-year-olds have such valuable classic engagements in New Zealand, and there are so many other races for which they can compete, that from a business point o*f view it may pay to keep them ; hut the consideration with Mr. Stead would be to retain them and try and add to his marvellous record of wins, and add to the scroll of fame Multiform as a sire. It was a stroke of good fortune that Mr. Stead got Multiform back from England. © © & Avondale Jockey Club's Spring Meeting. SECOND DAY? The second day’s racing of the Avondale Jockey Club's Spring Meeting took place yesterday at Avondale. The weather was wretched, cold showers passing over the course at frequent intervals. The attendance was fair, but speculation was slow, the small sum of £4235 being passed through the machines, a decrease of £865 on last year's amount. As on the first dav. the various officials got through their various duties in a highly satisfactory manner, Particulars of the racing are a» follows :— Racing commenced with the Second Handicap Hurdles, from which Ranana and Leo Feve were withdrawn, leaving a quartette to face the starter, and of these llakaria was made an odds-on favourite. The race needs very little description, as after Lady Clare had been indulged in the load for about a mile, the favourite took charge, ami from that out was never troubled winning at the finish by a length and a-half from Lady Clare, who was fifteen lengths In front of Loch Fyne. Time, 3.36. Uivltlenil. £1 17/. Delanln declined her engagement in tile Presidents Handicap, and punters went atrongly for Austerlitz. Austerlitz gave a lot of trouble at the post, but eventually Mr Haukeus succeeded In getting them away on even terms. Nervine was first to find his feet, and, joined bv Austerlitz the pair showed the way for "about a furlong. when Itookby got on terms, and the trio raced along the back abreast, just clear of t ale Iris ami Paritutu. Austerlitz lost her position crossing the top stretch, Itookby and Nervine racing together to the entrance to the straight, when the former went ou in front, and he was in charge at the distance, where Austerlitz put in her elnlin. and. Full Cry also Joining in. n great race home was witnessed, Rookby lasting long enough to win by half a hea'il from Austerlitz, who was half a length In front of Full Cry. Calle Iris was foutrh and Paritutu fifth. Time, 1.33 2-5. Dividends, £4 12/C and 15/. The field for the Classical three-year-old event, the Avondale Guineas, was reduced to five, and of these Apologue ami Kilderkin were bracketed on the machine, the pair meeting with strong support. I’nblpuhi gave n lot of trouble nt the post, delaying the start for some time, but eventually Mr Ilaukcns succeeded in lifting the barrier to nn cren start. Kilderkin was the first to move, but Apologue coon rushed to the front, ami lie ahoneu the way

around to the back stretch, where he was joined by Annette, and the pair carried ou the running two lengths clear of Kilderkin, with Puiiipuhl next, and Carl Rosa, who got badly bumped soon after they jumped off. Inst. Passing the half-mile pout. Annette assumed commaud. and she showed hte way across the top st retell, where Kilderkin ran up into second place. As they turned for homo Annette was still in charge, but a little firth er on Kilderkin got on terms, and finishing in a determined manner. went on and won by three parts of a length from Puhipuhl, who finished fast nnd beat the tiring Annette a head for second honours, with Apologue a neck away fourth and Carl Roca last. Time, 1.54 1-5. Dividend, £2 3/6. After the race the winner was decorated with the Guineas Ribbon by Mr J. W. Russell. After the race the stewards had M. Ryan, the rider of Kilderkin, before them for alleged interference with Carl Rosa, but after hearing the explanation decided that the bump was the result of an accident and took no futher action. All the acceptors came out for the Nursery Handicap, and Mlg-no. on her form of Saturday. was made favourite. Mignon was in the load after fifty yards had been covered, and although Azoff got within a length of her as they turned for home, the favour*le drew out again in the run for to the post, winning at the finish by two lengths from Primo, who came fast and beat Azoff a length for second honours. Time, 55ece. Dividend. £1 14/6. Annoyed was pulled out of the Plumpton Handicap at the last minute, leaving seven to go to tho post, and Delania was made a slightly bctt<:r favourite than Avalanche. Delania was first to show’ prominent, but she soon gave place to Avalanche, and the latter piloted the field along the back two lengths clear of Soultfish, who was just clear of a bunched field. Avalanche still showed the way as they crossed the top stretch and turned for home. Full Cry being second and Delania third. As they straightened up for the run to the post Full Cry and Delani made their efforts, but it was of no avail, as Avalanche easilyheld her own, winning at the finish by three lengths from Delania. who outstayed Full Cry and beat him half a length. Heroism was fourth. Time, 1.51 4-5. Dividends, £2 16/ and 16/. The largest field of the day came out; for the Kingsland Handicap, from which Soultmaid was the only defection. Trephine was the popular selection. Martyr King was first to ooinmence. followed by Stepmar, tho rest of the field bunched. When they had gone a furlong Dear Dolly was on terms with Martyr King, and the pair were together as they turned for home. When fairly in a line for the run to the post. Franklin shot out, and, coming on under punishment, lasted long enough to win by half a length from Kola Nip and Lady Clements, which the judge was unable to separate for second honours. Time, 1.23 4-5. Dividends: Franklin, £4 12/; Kola Nip 11/; Lady Clements, £2. Orange and Blue was favourite for tho Pony Handicap, for which the whole eight acceptors carded came out. When the barrier lifted Etu whiped round and was left, while Conspiress was slow to move. Orange and Blue was first to find her feet, and setting a merry pace she was first to turn for home, with Merry Delaval and Ilurihuri as her nearest attendants. 'The latter pair ran out wide as they entered the straight, and Lady Nannie* getting through on the rails, challenged Orange and Blue, but the latter held her own, winnig at the finish by two lengths. Lady Nannie beating Hurihuri a neck. Time, 1.8. Dividends. £2 9/ and £2 1/. Millie found solid support for the concluding event, the Mount Albert Handicap, from which Annoyed was the only one to drop out. Getting to the front early, Millie had no difficulty in keeping, the opposition at bay, eventually winuiug by two lengths from Waikato, who was a similar distance In front of Pukekohe. Time, 1.22. Dividends, £2 4/ and £1 11/6.

THIRD DAY.

The cuncluditig' day's racing of the Avon* dale Jockey Club's spring meeting took place on Saturday at Avondale. The weather at the commencement was fine, but during the afternoon several showers fell* making matters the reverse of pleasant. The attendance was up to tho average, and speculation fairly brisk, tho sum of £5309 passing through the machines, making a grand total of £14,723 for the meeting, a decrease of £2558 as compared with the corresponding gathering last season. Mr M. Foley officiated as judge, Mr A. Davis as timekeeper, and Mr K. H. Hankins as starter, the latter gentleman's work being up to his efforts of the previous days. The racing throughout atho day was fairly interesting. and Mr Evett was rewarded with several close finishes. The meeting was well conducted by the seeretaiy. Mr 11. 11. llayr, and the various officials, the events being got off well to time. Hunter's Band was again in attendance, and Mr T. King attended to the catering in his inimitable style. The day's sport commenced witli the Malden Hurdle Race, from which Whaka-i hihi and Lochard were writhdraw’ii, leaving live to toe the mark, and of these Lady Clare found most support. A surprise, however, was in store, as Vexation, the outsider o'f the party, after refusing to leave the barrier until the others had gone nearly a furlong, gradually made up her lost ground, and getting on terms with the leaders as they turned for home, went on and won easily by three lengths from Lady Clare, who was four lengths in front of Te Papa. Time, 3.42 4-5. Dividend, £9 2/. War Cloud w*as the only defection from the New- Lynn Handicap, for which Discoveier was sorted out as the correct pea, but barkers were again at fault, as Lunetta, shooting to the front after they had gone a chain, never gave the rest of the field a look-in, winning at the finish by four lengp’is from the favourite, who was two lengths in front of Ben. 1.7 4-5. Dividends, £4 10/ and 17/6. (Eunetta and Fortification were bracketed on the machine). Itookby, Trephine, General Average, and Soultmaid declined their engagements in the Welter Handicap, leaving eight to fare the barrier, and Waikato was favourite. Waikato was quick to begin and he piloted the field to the entrance to the straight, where Luerece w:|3 on terms, and a good race home resulted in Waikato staying the longest and winning by a hare length. Calle Iris’ was third. 'Time, 1.22 4-5. Dividends, £2 3/ aud 19/. The whole of the acceptors caided filed out for the Second Steeplechase, and Ranana was made the medium of most support. Ranana did not look nearly as bright as on the opening day, and did not move with the same freedom, while he fenced in a very slovenly manner, and was one of the first horses beaten. Hinemoa wont to the front’when the word was given, to go, and led the whole journey, jumping and winning at tho finish, by five lengths from Major, with old Kanaka third, just in front of Straybird. Swimmer fell when racing second, half a mile from home, while Ranana, who cut his stifles badly, pulled up. Time, 6.33. Dividends, £6 2/6 and £2 3/. Seven saddletl up for the Grandstand Handicap. Delania, Annoyed, and Sir Gilead dropping out. Avalanche was made an odds on favourite. S<‘Otty was first to find his feet, but when the field settled down Avalanche was in charge, w’ith Akarana and Waipuna as her nearest attendants. Avalanche showed the way along the back and across the top stretch, aqd she was fust to turn for home, where Waipuna put in n claim. Avalanche, however, was not to be denied, and holding her own in the run to the post, won an Interesting race by a bare length from Waipuna, Putty two lengths »way third, just Jn front of Akarana. Time, 1.52 1-5. Dividends, £1 14/

and £1 12/. The biggest fl eld of the day came out for the Electric Handicap. the eleven acceptors faring the barrier, and of these Waitati was made the medium of strong support, carrying more money than any other two horses in the race. Winn the barrier lifted the colours of Waitati were first piomittent. but it was only .uomentarily, as Martyr King immediately lushed to the front, ami making every post a winning one, lasted long enough to win all out- by a length and a half from Millie, with Discoverer a couple of lengths away third. Time, 53 4-5. Dividends, £4 18/6 and £1 16/6. There were no withdrawals from the Pony Handicap, for which E(u and Marisa wert* about .-qua! favourites. The race was a gift to Marisa, but had the bridle of at least one of the competitors broken the •wsult might have been different. The stewards, however, asked no questions. Lu resume finished second, and Hurihur! third. Time. 1.23 1-5. Dividends, £2 19/ and £2 11,. Delania was made a very hot pot for the concluding event of the day. the Publicans’ Handicap, which attracted a field of six. Annoyed being withdrawn. 'The rave was a pretty one to watch, the whole of the field being in a bunch for about half the journey, when Waikato took charge, and he was first to turn for him. with LMlanfa at his heels. As they straightened up for the run to, the post. Delauia made her effort, but Waikato finishing determinedly, beat her a length, with "Wai puna close up third. Time. 1.35 4-5. Dividends, £ll 16/6 and 13/6. The following is a list of the winning, payments over the meeting:—Mr A. Hansen. £235; Mr T. A. Williams, £255; Mr J. Hannon. £180; Mr J. K. Thorpe, £150; Mr R. Thorpe, £156; Mr E. V. Ralph, £145; Mr A. Hughes, £140; Mr W. Foss, £120; Mr H. Barr, £110: Mr N. Banks, £100; Mr E. Morrison. £BS; Hou. H. Mosman, £80; Mr J. Caesar. £6O: Messrs Williamson and Currie. £55: Mr J. McClure, £SO; Mr J. Clarkln, £45; Mr S. Bradley, £4O; Mr M. McLean. £4O: Mr R. Simpson, £35; Mr W. L. Thompson, £25; Mr J. Muir. £2O; Mr J. Roulston, £ls. Mr M. Deeble. £ls: Mr B. T. Bennett. £to; Mr C. Thede. £10; Mr J. W. Flexman. £JO; Messrs R. and R. Duder, £10: Mr L. Schmidt, £10; Mr B. Armitage, £10: Mr F. Wilttams. £10; Mr J. J. McVicker. £10; Mt A. Champion, £10; Mr W. Lovett, £10; Mr B. Cunningham. £10; Mr F. AV. Arnold, £10; Mr 11. Burch, £5; Mr W. A. Scott. £3; Mr T. Wyllle, £5; Mr J. B. Litherland, £2 10'; Mr E. J Sage £2 10/. Total, £2299. © $ © Hawke’s Bay Jockey Club’s Spring Meeting. PALMERSTON NORTH, Thursday. ■The following handicaps have been declared -by Mr J. E. Henrys for the Hawke’s Bay Jockey Club’s spring meeting:— Tomoana Hurdles.—Slecpwcll 11.0. Lady’s Link 10.5, Catspaw 16.0. Romany Girl 9 9, Needlework 9.8, British Navy 9.7. Cavil! do, South Star 9.2, TTikairoa 9.0. Patupaerehae 9.0. Tyrone 9.0. Flo, io 9.0, Waimotu 9.0, Matapiro 9.0, Ker ha bite 9.0. King Edward Handicap.—Mahutonga 9.10, Gohl Crown 9.1, Asteroid 8.8, Boris 8.8, Lass o’Gowrie 8.3. Melodeon 8.3, Cannie Chiel 8.2. Armistice 7.13. Whakawehl T. 13, Rose Madder 7.13, Mystification 7.9, Boomerang 7.9, Probable 7.6. Mobility 6 13, Clanchattan 6.13, Heroism 6.10, Lyrist 6.7. ■ Pakowai Hurdles.—Pushful 11.7. ‘ Comfort 11.2. Cavalry 10.9, Miss King 10.9, Daredevil 9.10. Midia 9.9. St. Lyra 9.7, Inspaa 9.3, Kohunui 9.3, Valium 9.0, Lady’s Link 9.0, Lurcher 9.0. Welter Handicap.—Joe Chamberlain 9.9, Douche 9.9. Heroism 8.13. Captain Shannon 8.12,- Soultina 8.11. Catriigbrni 8.11, Polyanthus 8.11. Catspa w 8.10, Tonderghie 8.9. Benmore 5.7. Pushful 8.7. Taura 8.5, Waiputehu 8.4. Barca 5.3. Outer 8.3, Sweet Helen 8.3. Loiret 8.3. Tyrone 8.0. Seraphine 8.0, Benair 8.0, Benefactor 8.0. Land o’Nod 8.0. Gold Wing 8.0. Waipatii Hack.—Noteorini 9.3, Captain Shannon 8.9, Gawain 8.5. Perdita 8.3, Banzai 8.3. Contender 8.2, Hipporafier 7.10, Aoraugi 7.9, MartyrfeJdt 7.8. Ernie 7.7, Operetta 7.7. King’s Lynn 7.6. Lady Warwick 6.13, Splendid idea 6.13, Merriwlng 8.13, Mecca 6.13. Dalny 6.13. Moata 6 9 Linklock 6.9. Spring Gun 6.9, Reset voir 6.9*. Flying Handicap.—Sta<sh<u*t 9.0 Gold Seal 8.8, King Billy R.K, Sir Tristram 8.6 F»! Cry 8 5 Assayer 7.10, Medallist 7.9, Scotch Reel © © © Wanganui Traii»in K Notes. WANGANUt, Saturday. The weather was fine for (he training operations this morning. Clam-hat tan was the first to get to work, covering two rounds, and the last five fv.rhntgs in fast time’ Glenowlet and Gay Spark ran a mile together. tin* former tinLsbing first in 1.47 2-5. j’annie Chiel went twice round, and the last five furlongs at a fast pace. Prelude spurted five furlongs, moving well, while Clifton and Queeu West ran five furlongs In 1.6. Boomerang and King Billy were associated in six furlongs, rim in 1.20, I he latter having the best of the matter. Whakawehl did two rounds in fast time, and Gargoyle did the same distance at half pace. Chaseiuab and Lass o* Gowrie ran half mile in 545, the latter finishing in front, bid pulling up rather gingerly. St Lyra. Wild Duck. rasslopea. and Valkyrie gave a god exhibition of jumping over two rounds, the former showing to most advantage. Armistice was too good for Beuuiore over a mile, which he cut out In 1.50. Monday. The heavy rain of yesterday prevented any work -»f Imports too being dune on the track* thia mmuiug. The weather, how-

ever. was due. Clan CUatian and Gay Spark covered six furlongs together hi 1.20, Cannie Chiel and Gleuuwlet registering a similar performance. Flatnen, Marguerite. ami Gold Crown were associated in a mile gallop, the first-named pair tin--1 hing together some lengths ahead of Gold Crown in 1.46 3-5. Prelude slipped over five furlongs in 1.5. Boomerang ami King Hilly 4an a mile in 1.48. the former finishing in front. Martello. Solution, St. Joe, Asteroid, Tupono, ami others belonging to Tilly’s stable did useful work. St Joe and Asteroid especially looking well. St. Lyra, Armistice, and Benmore ran once n-und. the former showing to most advantage. Cassiopea and Wild Duck did a round over the hurdles, jumping well. a host of others did from half to three-quarter pace work. © © © Rangitikei Racing Club’s Meeting. Meeting. FIRST DAY. MARTON. Wednesday. Heavy rain fell during the morning, and the course was in a bad state. The sum of £4BIB was put through the totalizator, against £4328 for the first day of last spriug meeting. The results are as follows: — Flying Handicap of TOsovs, six furlongs. —Jolly Friar. 1J Gold Seal. 2: Rustique, •». Scratched: King Billy am! Prelude. Won easily. Time, 1.22. Dividends, £1 16/6 and £2 1/. Maiden Hack Flat of 50sovs. five furlongs.—Coin pass, 1; Windy, 2; Clementine, 3. Also started: Gargoyle, Rangirua, Ebb Tide, Chinchilla. Windy, Napier llapuka, and Dalny. Won by two lengths. Time, 1.9 2-5. Dividends, £2 1/ and £1 P-/-Pukehoe Hurdles. — John Peel. 9.0, 1; Repulse, 10 13, 2; Needlework, 9.8, 3. Scratched — Numa. Catspaw. Time 3.5 1-5. Dividends — £5 13/ and £1 6/. Wwi by half a length. Needlework was ten lengths away. Pukeohe Hurdle Race. -John Peel. 1; Repulse, 2; Needlework. 3. Scratched: Numa, Catspaw. Long Neck. Won five lengths. Time, 3.5 1-5. Dividends, £5 13/ and £1 16/. Willo’.vbank Hack Race. —Fancywork, 1; Dalny, 2: Marinella, 3. scratched: Marsellalse. * Wou by- two lengths. Time, 1.23 1-5. Dividends, £4 4/ and £2. Rangitikei Steeplechase.—llinana, 1; Kaitere. 2: Patupaeraehae, 3. Scratched: Hauriri. Won by several lengths. Time, 6.4. Dividends. £5 18/ and 9/. Spriug Handicap.—Hydrant, 1: Lass o’ Gowrie, 2; Ngatania, 3. Scratched: Boomerang, St. Joe, Leader. Won by half a length. Time, 2.10. Dividends. £9 9/ and £1 10/. „ . f Rangitoto Hack Race.—Papatawa. 1: Percivale 2, Fireball 3. Scratched: Amaryllis, Kuroki Benmore, Claremont. Won by half a length. Time, 1.52 4-5. Dividends, £9 7/ and 15/. SECOND DAY. MARTON. Thursday. The weather was tine and there was a moderate attendance at the races to day. The course was heavy. The sum of £SSS3was put thiough the totalisator for the two days, against £7252 for the previous spring meeting. Ngaio Hurdles.—John Peel. 9.11, 1: Daredevil. 11.11. 2; Makuri. 10.2, 3. Also ran: Ha kava n, Dauber, and Fair Wind. Wou easily by two lengths. Time, 3.10. Dividends, £1 19/ aud £1 4/. Telegraph Handicap.—Jolly Friar, 9.3. If Rustique, 7.12, 2: Whataroa, 7.0. 3. Also ran; Gold Seal, St. Albert and Sedgemoor. Won by a short head. Sedgemoor fell. Timo. 1.10. Dividends, £1 10/ and 1 3/. Clifton Steeplechase.—Hutana, 12.0. 1; Hikairoa, 9.7, 2; Playfair, 11.3, 3. Also ran; jack o’ Lantern, To Kohau, Lurcher. Wiwaka, Rapanui, Vagrant and Patuparaebae. Wiwaka, Vagrant, and Patuparaehe folk Won by several lengths. Time, 6.3. Dividends, £4 and £1 10/. Killiemoon Hack. — Sir Percivale. 8.9. 1; Lady Warwick. 7.6, 2: Compass. 8.4. 3. Also ran — Dalky, Te Kainui, AlexietT. Miss Terina. and General Stoessell. Won by three lengths. Time 1.24. Dividends - £2 12/ and £1 11/. Hack Steeplechase.—First Lesson 1. Roer 2. Waiwaka 3. Also ran: Kalniua. Katoa, Kechabite, Senorlta, Sailor Lad. Won easily by several lengths. Time, 6.14 3-5. Dividends, £1 18/ and £1 6/. September Handicap.—Ngatarua 1. Seagull 2, Hydrant 3. Also ran: Nonette. Whakawhei. Marinella, Leader, Contingent, Capulet. Wou by a length. Time, 1.52. Dividends, £1 18/ and £1 8/. Welter Ilaudieap.—Togus 1, Kuroki 2, Fancy work 3. Also ran: Dalky. Papatawa, Hlperangi, Levent. Lualla, Fireball. Clementine, Ebb Tide. Gargoile. Won by half-a-leugth. Time, 1.37. Dividends, £9 12/ and £3. © © © Canterbury Jockey Club’s Spring; Meeting. CIIRiSTCHT’RCH, this day. The following are the nominations for the C.J.C. meeting:-— . Stewards’ Handicap.—Alisa. Starshoot, King Billy, Boomerang. Cruciform. Porcelain, Savoury. Munjeet, Eden, Delaware, Beres!ma, Apollodorus, Armament, Solution, <’hlvalry Petrovna, Ingleneuk. Gaucho, Polly. Friar. To-morrow. Stroghold, GlonowJet, Ronnie Brae. Veneer, Vladimir, Master Alix, Ballarat, Boris, Red Gauntlet. Crichton, Canticle, Alexis. Kremlin, Mobility, Sir Tristram, Medallist, Achilles, Exmoor, Machine Gun. Canterbury Cup.—Melodeon, Nightfall, Noctuiform, Sungod, Bulawayo. Quarrvman, ■Golden' Knight, Calibre, Paritutu, t’rince Loris, Probable, Mahutonga, Achilles. Joe Chamberlain. Jubilee Cup of 500sors. 1 mile.—Nightfall. Noctuiform, Bungod, Isolt, Cuneiform.

Munjeet, Solution. Buluwayo, Gauchio, Signalman. Sirtmghold. Probable. Boris, Red Gauntlet. Mahutonga. Sir Tristram. Achillea, Joe Chamberlain, Crichton, Machine Gun. Meir.tpolhan Handicap of 750sovs. 1J mile. — Nightfall. Delaware, Savoury, Edeu, St. Joe, Fiamen, Buluwayo, Quarryman. Gay Spark, '.“iirer. Douche, Blythemaid, Vladimir, Convoy. It an Seaton. Armistice. Paritutu, Gohlen Knight, Calibre, l’rol»uble. Alexis, General Symons, Black Reynard. Mahutonga. Lyrist, Sir Tristram, Mobility, Achilles, Ghoorka. Tiroie, Ability. Joe Chamberlain. St. Michael, Stepdancor. Jockey 4'luh Handicap <»f suosovs. 1 mile. — Alisa, Starshmd. King Billy, Boomerang, Savoury. Cuneiform. Apollodoris, St. J«m*. Solution. Buluwayo. Gaucho. Jolly Friar, Quarryman. Signalman. Golden Vein, Cannie t’hiel. Chryseis. Veneer. Bytheniaid, Vladimir. Convoy, Beau Seaton. Paritutu, Golden Knight. Calibre, Cavatina. Boris, Rod Gauntlet. Crichton. Canticle. Euclid. Alexis. General Symons. Black Reynard, Mahutonga. Lyrist. Sir Tristram. Mobility, Achilles, Exm<»or. St. Michael. Joe Chamberlain. Ability, Tirole, Ghoorka. © © © New Zealand Trotting Association. CHRISTCHURCH. Wednesday. The annual meet lug of the New Zealand Trotting Association was held this afternoon. The treasurer's statement showed that, with one or two exceptions, all sources of revenue showed an increase. Not including imported stock. 524 horses were registered during the year, ami drivers’ riders’, and trainers’ licenses totalled 1744. The receipts amounted to £792 in/, the year closing with a bank balance of £7O 8/3. The assets, including £286 10/3 in the Post Office Savings Rank, amounted to £596 15/8, an excess over liabilities of £378 18/6. The president (Mr P. Selig) reviewed the work of the past year, referring to ilip satisfactory progress made by the sport. The election of the new board resulted In Messrs C. F. Mark and J. 11. Pollock being returned unopposed for rhe North Island. For the South Island Messrs p. Selig, A. L. Myers. C. S. Howell. W. G. Garrard. W. Hayward, T. Marr, and E.. Clarkson were elected. The last-named tied with the Hou. 11. Gourley, and was elected by a ballot of the members present. © © © TURF TALK FROM THE SOUTH. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) CHRISTCHCRCII, this day. The Hou. G. McLean has made arrangements to semi his brood mares Escopeta (by Hotchkiss) and Pleona (by Stepniak— Ambush) over to Sydney on a visit. The former goes to Simile ami the latter to Sir Foote. There are eleven two-year-olds in work at Wfngatui this season: an unusually large number for that course. I understand that at the end of the present stud season Welbeck will be put into training again. Having broken the record for the A.J.C.’ Derby. Canterbury is m»w busily engaged in trying to break a record in the matter of rain. It promises to be quite as successful at home as it was at Rand wick. For more than a month now the weather has been as broken as tin* Sydney Derby record. During that period wo have scarcely had a really fine day, and wo have had a great many wet ones. Finally we have hail four of tin* most disagreeable days that it is possible («> conceive. Each has been worse than the last, bitterly cold, with torrmits of rain ami even snow down to the foot of the mountains and a gale of wind. With such a summary of tin* weather siuce Tuesday we might be in July instead of September; even then the weather would bp unusual. The farmers are grumbling bitterly, and the trainers are in despair. The case of the latter is a particularly hard one. as for the last two months they have had no decent galloping, and now within six weeks of the New Zealand Cup they are in a state of idleness. At the time of writing the weather is as bad as ever and the thermometer, wiiii-h has been low for the past ten days, shows no signs of rising. In the circumstances, it is not surprising racing affairs are at a discount ami racing news hard New Zealand Cup betting is unchanged. Achilles, Mahutonga. ami Noctuiform still rule as joint favourites and Nightfall is next in demand. The two-year-old Stepniak filly, which I told you had gone into J. Franks’ stable,

is out of I.uctunu, u mare l«\ st I.eger -* Katfpe. lu view of his p<H»r tlispiay at Ashburhm it has been decided that MnkaroiT shall not fulfil his engagement in the llawke’e Bay Guineas. Mr P. Campbell, who jouriwyrd to Sydney for the Australian Jockey Clubs Spring Meeting, returned to Christchurch <»ii Thursday. Mr R. Allen, who also went over to Sydney for the same purpose, got back yesterday. Secret Society and his two-year-old stable companion White Shield, by Stepniak—Corselet, have been sent to their owner’s place, where they will l»e turned out. The former. wh<» has been in regular work for the greater part of three y< ars. is badly In need of a spell, and the latter is a big over-grown- filly that it would be unwise to hurry. In their place W. Pine is taking up the two-yenr-okl Fire Iron. The starting machine will he us»il at the Geraldine Raring Club’s Spring Meeting next week for the first time in the history of the club. (By Telegraph. Special to •Graphic.”) CHRISTi’HI'RCH. Monday. The weather has cleared, though whether or not the clearance Is likely to l*e lasting It is impossible to say. On Sunday evening, it might well have been supposed that we were in for a spell of line weather. The south-west gale having blown away, the clouds had subsided, leaving the sky cloudless. The barometer was rising, and it continued to rise slowly throughout Sunday night. Next <lay, how«*v<r. it began to fall again, ami a cold north-eatst wind brought the clouds back, though no rain fell. The strong wind and hrigh* sun of Sunday b»v.\ between them, dried up the country wonderfully, and another few days of tlao weather will put the tracks at Riccartun into good order. In the absence of work on the tracks, the chief topic of conversation iu local sporting circles is the nominations for the Canterbury Jockey Chib’s Spring Meeting, received on Saturday. As /vgards both quality and quanißy, nominations are excellent. If Nightfall and Noctuiform meet Achilles and Mahutonga S.i tin* Canterbury Cup, the race will be quite the event of the meeting. Tin- appearance of Achilles’ name among the entries foe the Stewards’ Handicap has given rise to a doubt as (• whether the son of Medallion will go to the post for the N.Z. Cup. The most notable absentee from the nominations for the Canterbury Cup is Sir Tristram. Apparently Mr Oruioud’s colt has l»<‘en found wanting over a distance. Mr Stead has no less than six in the Jubilee Cup. With his half - dozen, and Solution. Buluwavo. Boris. Red Gauntlet, Mahutonga, Achilles, and Machine Gun engaged, there is abundant material for a magnificent contest. Numerically, Rlccnrton is very strong hi two year olds this season, though i doubt if there is a really good animal among the youngsters in training here. Of the 2< in work. Cutts has six: If we include Blazing Star, the half brother to Treadmill, who has been blistered and laid byfor the present; Hobbs lias five; Clark and Ayusley, three each; McGuinness. Sheelmu ami Taggart two each; and W. cine. Hoinics. I‘iper. am! McCracken, one each. Pine had two in hand until last week, when he returned White Shield tn her owner. <[f the Jot. Kirriemuir, a full sister to belonging to Sir George Clifford; the bon It - Anna colt, and the Stepniak Arline c<dt, Ibe property of Messrs Hobbs ami Allen; and Culmination, by San I’l-aucisco Stopfeldt. trained by Piper show great i ‘oniise. Sir GeoiK.- Clifford left for the North on V* see , l,is . , ‘“ l ses inn at th<> Wankanui Jockey Club’s Spring Meeting a/uh, Hoeing chib's Spring Met (Ing will be opened to morrow. Even if the weather holds tine the course Is cer- ! to .•■*"<l > r more rain falls before Ihutsday raelug uiav be out of iho question. The following horse may rim forward iu their respective engagenieu's- • First Hunters' Hurdle Itaee.' Early VanSquatters'. Hniidleap. Boseastlo aml Graudstand; Geraldine Cup. Calibre ami clanburn: Ladies' Bracelet, Karly Van: Flying Handicap. Tessera; Beltleid Hat.dieno Black Diamond. Mr Stead iminiuat i 12 1; >rscs ami Sir George Clifford ll for tin* C.J.iraces, for which nominations closed on Saturday. Tim former has seven in the Stewards’ Hamli <*ap, and (he latter four. Prosser’s stable has four engaged. Moscow, by Stepniak--Coronal, the high est-priced yearling of last season, is among Ihe entries for Hie .Juvenile PlnU*. to l>6 decided at t lie Cunterbu’ v Jockey Club’* Spring Meeting.

Ah Scotiy’s name is m»t among the entries f«»r the Handicap and Jovkvy Club's Handicap, which closed on Saturday, we arc not expecting that the aun of S’. Lrgrr will fulfil his engagement hi the New Zealand Cup. It is reported here that Jours has severed his connect ion with Hi** Yaldhurst stable, ami that h<* is remaining in Australia to ride Maniapolo in his Victorian engagenients. <'tinh'foriii is t< leave tonlay (Wednesday) for Hastings, io fulfil his engagement in Ihe Hawke's Bay Gntnens. Wi Waka returned on Saturday from his unsuccessful trip to Kangitikei. Rongoa has resumed work after a short rpcll. The following business has been done during the week: New Zealand Cup: 500 to 70 against Nightfall. 500 to 321 against ITubable, ::<M» to Ji against Jeanne d'Arc, 200 to 20 against MahuVonga. 200 to 12 ugainst Melodeon. Cup and Stewards’: 1000 1«> G against Melodeon and Crichton, 1000 to 5 against Noctuiforin and .lolly Friar, fitin 5 against Mahutonga and Crichton, 500 to 5 against Nightfall and Master Alix, to 5 against Nightfall and Ailsa. 400 to 1» against Ghoorka ami Solution, 300 to 4 against Nightfall and Savoury, 300 to 2 against Nightfall and Crichton, IKK) to 2 •gainst Achilles and Ailsa. The following are current quotations on the New Zealand Cup: 7 to 1 against Nightfall and Noduiforni. 9 to I against Achilles. 10 to 1 against Mahutonga, 12 to 1 against Sitngod, 14 to J against Quarryman and H«<dty. 16 to 1 against Faritutu. Melodeon, and Golden Knight: 20 to 1 against Gold Crown. Buluwayo. ami Ghoorka; 33 to 1 against Convoy. Jeanne d'Arc. Veneer, Boomerang, Calibre, Flamen, Probable, and Armistice: 40 to 1 against 1 louche and St. Joe: 50 to 1 against Nom tie. Black Reynard, Tirole. A pollodoris. Gay Spark. Beau Keaton. Clanburn, Bly lhemnid. Ability, and Sweet Helen: GO to 1 against Joe Chamberlain and Mystification: 100 to 1 against <!eiieral Symons, Stepdauecr, and Kings Birthday. © © © Australian Racing. SYDNEY, September 20. Tin- Steeplechaser Haydn was reshipped t«>. Auckland by the s.s. Zealamlia, which hft to-day. The same steamer has on board a number of youngsters, purchased by Mr George Wright, of Auckland, at the It Is understood that Machine Gun is wider offer for sale. The price mentioned its 1000 guineas. September 21. The hurdle horse Levant has arrived in good comUtiom MELBOURNE, September 20. Marvel Loch has been allotted top weight o*4s| 01b) in the Toorak Handicap. Grand Rapids follows with Ost 31b.

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