TURF NOTES.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXVI, Issue 11, 17 March 1906, Page 18

TURF NOTES.

Mr Armitage has disposed of Dear Dolly, by Brigadier Dolly, to a Southern sportsman. was withdrawn from his engagements at the Papakura meeting im* mediately his owner saw the weights. Matters are still very quiet on the tracks al headquarters, but should liven up a bit during the next few weeks. Mr C. O’Connor has been appointed starter for the Taranaki Jockey Chib's autumn meeting. Bookmakers will be licensed to bet at the Ohinenniri Jockey Club's annual meeting on ihe 17th and 19th inst. The mime of I riskie has been claimed for the two-year-old colt by San Francisco — Lady Moth. Frank Maemanemin has tired of Whakatupoto, and she has been thrown out of training, and will probably be returned to her owner. Mr B. Armitage's horses, I.adv Annie, Khama. ami JexrJlery, were brought back from, the South by the Rarawa last week, Varilulu. Cyrano, and Roscplot are the only foreign horses engaged in the principal events a i the Avondale Jockey Club's ant nun. meeting. Owing to .Mr J. (>. Evill’s inability to frame t !io handicaps for the Ohinemuri Jockey Chib's meeting, Mr F. W. Edwards has been appointed to act in his stead. Strat haven is back in his old quarters at John Raes, and the gelding is now a regular attendant on rhe tracks at headThr Avondale Jockey Club. at a meeting held last Friday, decided to license bookmakers to ply their calling at the autumn meeting. Silbda is getting through plenty of schooling work al Ellerslie, and ho may probably make a return for the money spent on him during the jumping season. The Swimmer has been having a fairly easy time of it since going into T. A. Williams' charge, and the son of Cannon has built up splendidly. A lot of money was invested in Auckland on Engraver in the Telephone Huck, on the second day of the Dannevirke Meeting Engraver finished out of a place. The six year old gelding Kruger, by Sabretache, which accounted for both hack races at the recent Rotorua meeting, is now an inmate of C. Coleman’s stable. Mr W. Knight, the well known handicapper. who has been on a visit to the Old Country for the past twelve months, has returned to Auckland. VVaipa, the half sister to Leona tor, made a successful debut on the turf, she accounting for the Trial Handicap at the South Auckland meeting. While exorcising the mare Desdemona last week at Opotlkl. a young hid named Frank Kelly sustained fatal i.ujrtries through the mare running into barbed wire on the course. Everything possible was done for the little sufferer, but he succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday last

Seatonia made her first appearance over the big country at the South Auckland meeting, but was pulled up after she had got over a couple of fences. Lady Clare seems to have completely lost the form she displayed in the spring, and she was beaten after they had gone two fur.'ongs in the Hurdle Race at the South Auckland meeting last Saturday. Te Taniwha, a six year old mare, by Muskapeer, which ran second to Nervine in the Tradesmen’s Plate at the South Auckland Racing Club's meeting, is now an inmate of C. Weal's stable. Mr Maxwell Edgar, the hon. veterinary surgeon of the Wanganui Jockey Club, on examining Ropa, found that the St. Leger gelding had ruptured an artery internally, and bled lo death. The grey mare Lady May. which has been racing at the country meetings around Auckland, will have to have her name changed. A notification to that effect appears in this week's "Gazette." Tommy Dodd, the winner of the Pony Handicap, could have been purchased for £3O before he won that event. As the race was worth 25sovs., the pony would have been a cheap investment. Takaro was made a very hot pot for the Flying Handicap at the South Auckland meeting, and the good thing duly came off, but had Aristocrat, which ran second. b°gan as well as the winner, the placings would probably have been reversed. There will probably be an objection lodged against Tommy Dodd being awarded the stake which ho won in the Pony Race at the South Auckland meeting last Saturday. Ender rule 2»3, par. 8, the horse was not eligible to compete. Master Delava I was badly galloped on while contesting the' Wanganui Stakes on the concluding day of the Wanganui meeting. Master Dela.val also got a bad run in the Wanganui (’up. being badly interfered with throughout the race. Austerlitz was sold at auction on Friday by the N.Z. Loan and Mercantile Co. for 70gs to Mr G. Robinsun. The mare has gon ‘ hack into J. Thorpe's stable. Merry Dolava’ was also offered at the same time, bur was passed in when bidding stopped at 70gs. The Dannevirke Racing Club at this week's meeting paid out sixpences on the dividends, and gave the rest of the fractions la the local hospital. This amounted to £53 12/6, providing with rhe subsidy £llß. The races were the most successful yet held by the club. Acceptances for an r\enis on me opening day of tin; Ohinemuri Jockey Ch»’.> s Annual Meeting close on Monday next. the 12th inst., at 9 p.m. Acceptam-rr- wore originally due this evening, but owing to the delay in publishing the weights. I he committee have extended the tine- as above mentioned The story is reiterated that when the King visits Aintrce to witness this year's Grsnd National Steeplechase. he will, after all. see his colours carried in the race, Lmd Marcus Beresford being in negotiation for the purchase of a well known jumper that has been entered for the great steeplechase. While contesting the hurdle race at the South Auckland meeting last Saturday. Seabird crashed into tin* last fence, smashing it to pieces, and staking herself badly in the chest, which necessitated five stitches being put in. The mare was otherwise knocked about, and it will probably be some time before she races again. At the monthly meeting of the Auckland Racing Club held last Thursday, the Thames Valley Jockey Club's programme for April 21 was pass <l. The following licenses were passed: Trainers’ licenses were granted to W. T. Patterson, jnn.. J. K. Pope, and S. Walker; jockeys’ licenses to F. J. Conze and L. .Tellings, and gentlemen riders’ licenses to Messrs F. J. Selby and M. A. Timms. Although one or two small wagers have already been made on the season’s classic races, nothing of great interest: had transpired at the London Clubs. Recently however, three' horses found backers for the Derby, Lally, naturally enough, being favourite at 300 to 90, while Mahia at 250 to and Gorges at 500 to 25 were also quoted. One or two horses have been competing at country meetings recently that had no chance of getting the stakes if they won. I would advise secretaries of the various country clubs to keep a copy of the “Gazette” by them and prevent horses which are Ineligible from weighing out. If this were done a lot of trouble would be saved, and the public protected from losing their

money when they have no chance of winning. Mr C. M< Master, secretary of the North Island Horseow nets’ Ase»o< iatioii. is in receipt of a letter from Mr E. B. Bell, of the Victorian Association, in the course of which Mr Bell stales that the Victorian body has made great progress since Its formation in 1904. and that it has now upwards of 2i«o memls rs. including all the leading racing men in the State, and consequently exercises an important part in turf affairs. The following is from a book on the horse, published about 170 years ago, but whether present day breeders will agree as to the infallibility of this test is open to question: "Now, in case some time after the mare has taken horse, you are uncertain whether she be with foal or not. pour a spoonful of cold water or vinegar into her ear. If she only shakes her head it is a s’gn she is with foal: but if she shakes her had, body, and all it is a sign she is not.” The English Racehorse Owners' Association held its first meeting recently, with Lord Marcus Beresford in the chair, and in this connection the "Sporting Times” remarks:—At present we do not quite grasp what the Association aims to effect. One object is to obtain free quarters for racehorses at the meetings at which they are to run. Already, however, there is a strong disjiosition to accede to this at many of the big gate money meetings. But what about Newmarki-t? We should like to see Mr Dorling’s face, too, on approached by the Association to provide .free accommodation at Epsom. Then, again, what are we to do about Ascot, Goodwood, and Doncaster? Thus an exchange: A few evenings ago we listened to a discussion on the E<lu<-ation <}uestion. One speaker, in clerical garb, particularly struck us as being eloquent and intelligent. Ills brogue proclaimed his nationality, and we ascertained that he was an Irish priest on a political mission to London, on behalf of his school. lie spoke as one with authority, but somewhat startled us when he declared with vehemence that a certain thing will happen under the new Government, "as sure as I’hil May will win the National." Later we heard him advise one of the other speakers to go to Windsor on ihe morrow and back Mansvelr. with the assurance that "he can't be bate, though twill be odds on. and John Widger will win on Wednesday with Royal Bow for a surety! When we subsequently saw that both horses won we felt that if his "Riverence” was as sound over his school policy as over his racing, he was one to follow. So, when the "Calendar” came in. we turned first of all to the steeplechase to see what weight Phil May was set to carry. Last year, with 11st. he ran prominently, and was lying fifth whim he fell, two fences from home. This year he is given list 51b. Phil May is no longer in Sir Charles Nugent's stable, and is trained at Whatcombe by McNaughton. We have no further information about him for the moment. Says an Eir 'ish writer: The victory o£ St. Hilarious, in the Cesarewitch <>f 1877, recalls a story, which, though I believe I have told it before, I may be forgiven for repeating. Tt. was one Saturday, some two or three weeks before the race was decided, that two or three of us foregathered in the watchmaker's shop at Stokesley - <u.r custom always on Stokesley market days—l 6 discuss the latest intelligence and compare notes and opinions. As we were talking, a well known priest of the Roman Catholic Church came into th«‘ shop (and i - ad us a lecture. "It is bad boys you all are, wasting your Turn* talking about horses and your money backing thorn. Now. there’s tie.- doctor'’ (pointing to the late Dr. Handy side), "he is leading yon all into 'mischief, .‘iiid at bis time of life he should know better. Now. I'm as sure as if I’d heard it, he has been advising you silly boys to waste your money backing Julius Caesar. Disgraceful of him." Then came a pause, and the worthy man. with a twinkle in his eye, said. "Now I could have understood it if he had told you to take lob to 6 Hilarious.” And the worthy man was left standing, as- we knew him to he very friendly with Fred. Bates, and the Stokesley telegraph office was kept busier than usual by eager sportsmen writing to their tame bookmakers. Tn dealing with the starling question in America, \V. J. Pond, in the "Sports of the Times,” relates the following:—"Many quaint happenings surrounded old-time starting before the barrier appeared. In 1860 all running races were still started at the lap of a drum. In one long delay the official bad worked himself nearly into an apop’ectic fit when he caught them in line, and banged the drum so hard that he stove in the ends, with a muffled sound totally distinct from the usual ‘tap.’ Only one horse moved, an outsider at 50 to 1. and the owner, a lank Texan, standing at the start, said. ’Did yo* tap that drum, sah?’ The still irate starter turned the drumhead to him. and said. What in adjective does it look like?' The Texan was vivified; he waved and hollered for his boy to ‘go and the boy completed the course, training the purse, precipitating an awful squabble as to second and third

money, ami necessitating a Dew purse of equal value fur the remainder uf the entry. One of the ufd-time starters was Colonel Montgomery, of Montgomery Park. In an important race the jockeys would not line up, behaved scandalously, and finally he left them, saying, “I’m going to the clubhouse; when you get ready tu start *seii(l for me, and I’ll try yon again.’ The boys dare not dismount, ami after keeping them twenty minutes the Colonel came back to the most lamb-like gathering ever seen at a starting post. In a .steeplechase he once placed Carter Harrison first, and when the jockey drew his attention to the fact that he had missed a jump, replied. ‘Yes. I saw you did, but you had the best horse: that was the only way you could think of to beat him, and you win anyway, rules or uo rules.’ ” In the telegraphed report of the Raglan races, it was stated that Bacchus weighed out for the Cup and went to the post witli the colours up, but that the jockey immediately left for Waitetuna, and the horse, which was favourite, took no part in the race. This, the horse’s owner, Mr T. Ward, informs me is incorrect. The facts of the case are: The rider of the horse weighed out. but as it was raining heavily, the start of the race was delayed for some considerable time, and the horse was never saddled up. nor did he leave the paddock. In the meantime, Ward was anxious to get away, to catch the train for Rotorua, where his horses were engaged, ami as there seemed no reasonable prospect of the race being decided, he withdrew Bacchus from the event, and left to catch the train. At a meeting of the stewards, held in the evening, Ward was lined £2 for late scratching. The late Sir James Miller’s ir.uK in racing had almost became a by-word by frequenters of our racecourses, but the writer remembers an incident at the commencement of the late baronet's racing career which could not by the greatest stretch of imagination be termed a lucky one. At the time in question. IR9I, Sir James Miller was a very enthusiastic officer ’ill the Lothians and Berwickshire Yeomanry, and at their annual race meeting, in June, held on the West Barns course, whereon John McCall now trains his horses was most anxious to win the Barney Hill Open Hurdle Race. With this end in view Sir James ran two horses, one of which, if memory, serves rightly, was named Henry Dunbar. Young “Gib” Steel, the Ayr trainer, and another trainer had also brought likely candidates, and <so favourably ‘did the chances of the two latter appear that Sir James, prior to the race, became their owner. Being now the possessor of four of the six which contested the race, the late baronet naturally felt very confident of success, and accordingly Henry Dunbar started favourite. little thought or consideration being given to Patch, a mean-looking, little, grey horse, which, nevertheless, had always been a consistent performer over this sharp, peculiar course. The favourite. Henry Dunbar, after misbehaving himself in the paddock prior to the race, performed even more disastrously in the actual contest, which the despised Patch won in the commonest of canters. No one laughed more heartily over the result of the race than the late respected baronet, as ho was also one of the first to congratulate Patch’s owner and jockey, Mr E. C. White, one of Scotland's best yeomen, from whom he subsequently purchased. Patch. fTe was an exceedingly popular Roman Catholic priest in a way back Australian township, and. as is usual in these thinly populated centres, ami had a long “round.” and consequently had to keep a good trotter. He was fund of horses an.’ . nothing better than a fast spin ab . good bit of road. It so happened that the Church of England minister had an equally sporting proclivity and also a pretty fast t rut ter. and the priest had long been anxious to have a cut at his rival's horse. It so happened that driving to mass one fine Sunday morning the priest espied high up the road the buggy of the minister. “CTk-clk,” and off his pony was iu a second at his best gait. The parson hoard the rattle of wheels bind him, ami guessing what was up in a minute, he just touched up his horse, and off he went at a rare “bat,” passing through ft little township at such a rate as to call forth from the R.C. population exclamations of wonderment and loud objurgations as to the sinfulness of racing * on a Sunday. “The haytnen it is, racin’ on a Sunday; he ought ro be ashamed of himself.” A second afterwards the priest’s sulky rattled along, the horse decked with foam and the driver with grim determination o’erspreading his features, holding the reins taut and “clucking” encouragingly. The people marvelled for a second till an old North of Ireland man shouted out at the top of his voice:— “God bless the Father; its hurrvin’ to mass he is.” And then they prayed that the Father would win. Whether he did or not is no matter. Mr C. McMdster. secretary of the North Island Horse-owners' Association, has, by,

the direction of his association, written to the Minister of Kail ways, bringing under his notice several matters of great interest to horse-owners. The questions the Minister is asked to consider are: That racehorses be allowed to travel by mail trains, provided that two days’ previous notice be given, and that the applicant desiring to use the mail train is a bona tide member of the North Island Horse owners’ Association. That owners be allowed to carry in the horse-box a reasonable quantity of feed, and that one lad to each horse be allowed to travel free. That owners be allowed to break the journey with their horses for the purpose of taking part in any races held at intermediate towns, provided that a certificate is produced from the secretary of the club where such horse is engaged. The letter also diaws thv Minister s attention to the considerable risk attached to valuable racehorses by the continuous shunting of horse-boxes at the vanous stations. Says a writer in an English exchange: Six years ago a winner of the triple crown was‘brought to the hainnmr at Kingsclere, and knocked down fur 37.500 guineas. Me now hear that the whole of the stud of the late Sir Jas. Miller is to be sold, and we shall see the winner of another triple crown in the ring. The question arises, if Flying Fox was worth 37.500 guineas, what is tae value of Rock Sand? It may be said that Flying Fox, at three years of age, won two of the ten thousand pound races, whereas Rock Sand, in making the same attempt, was beaten; but what a contrast the two fields present’. In the case of b lying Fox, iu one race he had Royal Emblem to beat, and in the other Scintillaiit, whereas Rock Sami had for opponents such animals as Sceptre and Ard Patrick. Moreover, at four years of age Rock Sand '.von five races out of six. two of which were ten thousand pounders. His record in all. therefore, was a remarkable one, winning sixteen races out of twenty starts, whereas Flying Fox won nine out of elevon. The horses that beat Flying Fox were Caiman wnd St. (iris, who will not compare with Sceptre, Ard Patrick, ami Zinfandel, who beat Rock Sand. It may be. however, that Flying Fox never ought to have been beaten, and that the victories of St. (Iris and Caiman over him were stolen races. Still, in order to make Flying Fox the wonder as a racehorse that he most undoubtedly was, we must look to his gret private trials rather than his public form. Of the private form of Rock Sand we know very little, and probably we saw the best of him in public. We notice in the sire list that he is full for 190 G. at 200 guineas, and subscriptions were invited fur 1907 at the same price. It is not likely that any would be taken so far in advance, and therefore there will be nothing to prevent the horse from being sold this season. A large and representative meeting of horseowners was held at Wanganui last Thursday, when the North Island Horseowners’ Association was formed and officers elected for the season. The executive is a very strong one, and promises to become a power in the racing world. The following were the proposals submitted to the meeting:— 2. The officers of the club shall consist of a president, vice-presidents, a secretary, a treasurer and eight other members of the association, and shall collectively form the managing committee. The officers shall be those appointed at the general meeting on the Ist of March. .1900, and thereafter the officers shall be proposed, seconded, and elected by ballot at each annual genera meeting, when they shall retire, but shall be eligible for re-election from year to year, ami they shall have the entire management of the business and affairs of the association, subject to the control of the members in general meeting.—Carried. 3. That draft rules be drawn up and submitted to the various owners as soon as possible for consideration, the said rules to he discussed at a meeting in three months’ time.- Carried. 4. The committee shall from time to time make, repeal, and amend all such by-laws and regulations as they s.iall think expedient for the internal management and wellbeing of the association. Carried. 5. There shall be an entrance fee of such amount as the association may determine. All entrance fees shall be paid to the secretary on behalf of the association. —Carried. G. The objects of the association shall be to guard the interests of owners generally, and to oppose any oppressive* proposals, and to bring the same, as well as all matters deemed to be conducive to the Interests of racing and rhe true advancement of sport, under the notice of the Racing Conference. —Carried. 7. To secure telegraph communications on all racecourses for the convenience of patrons and especially horse-owners. —- Held 8. jo secure from racing clubs the rights of owners to hand their commissions to the machine without ing impeded by the general public with the risk of being too late. 9*' To obtain from the Racing Conference official recognition of tne association as representing horseowners, so that all matters affecting their welfare will come before it ami their views expressed with authority. Ui/to take steps to curtail and limit the number of permits now being granted, to secure the refusal of permits to programmes of racing clubs having any race below the Value of 80 sovereigns. Hehl over. 11. To promote *• ie Introduction of rules Into racing whereby the behaviour and riding of jockeys shall no treated with greater firmness than hitherto.—-Carried. I‘A To secure reasonable relluotions and concessions from the railway and shipping authorities.- Carried. 13. To secure the posting and publishing of weights and acceptances promptly. — Serried. , . 11. To endeavour to Introduce a rule Into racing elnt* that where there are less than

seven starters there should be but one dividend only, except iu cases of there being a dead heat. Carried. 15. To secure the payment of totalizator dividends to tile odd money limited to sixpences. Carried. IG. To secure the services of judges and starters who shall be paid officers. Carried. 17. To secure for owners, without exception, the right to witness the running of their horses, provided, of course, that this right shall be claimed for no owner who refuses to comply with the conditions and rules of the club under which he is racing. — Carried. 18. To do generally ail such act® and things as may from .me to time be beneficial to the well-being of the association. — Carried. It was decided i-*.. the next meeting of the association be neld at the Thompson Handicap meeting in Wellington, and the meeting then terminated. A writer in “Bailey’s Magazine'* has given a very readable account of the great English thoroughbred Eclipse. from which the following is extracted: Eclipse was foaled in 1874. his sire being Marske <17501, by Squirt (1734), by Bartlett’s Childers, who was got by the Parley Arabian out of Betty Leeds; his dam was Spiletta (17491. I»y Regulus ♦ 17.’>9i. a son of the famous Godolphiii Arabian. Eclipse* ran his first race at Epsom on May 3. 17G9. It was a £SO stake for horses that had never won £3O, matches excepted, 5-year-ohls to carry Mst and G-year-olds Ps’t 31b, f« nr mile heats. Eclipse beat Gower. Cado. Trial, ami Flume. In the second heat the horses were all together at the threemile post: then Eclipse came away and distanced his field, though Oakley (who then had not the complete understanding of his mount he soon acquired) held him as hard as he could. The fact that Eclipse started at 4 to 1 on needs explanation. He had been highly tried beforehand. and the result of the trial was innocently made known to some touts, who had missed it, by an old woman. who told them she had seen Eclipse and "another horse trying to catch him.” The full tale of Eclipse’s wonderful career is a lengthy one. After his victory at Epsom he won iu succession the King’s Plate at Manchester, Salisbury. Canterbury. Lewes, and Lichfield: also a £SO plate at Ascot, another at Manchester, and the City Bow!—nine races and nine wins. In 1770 he began by beating Bucephalus over the Round Course at Newmarket (Bst 71b each). Bucephalus is said Io be the only opponent who ever made the great horse gallop. In this year Eclipse won also the King’s Plate on the Round Course (two heats, each 3X miles), the King's Plates at Guildford. Nottingham. York. Lincoln, and another at Newmarket: also ;he Great Subscription Stakes at York »50gs entrance), and a similar race at Newmarket (lungs entrance): after which he was sent to the stud by Mr lor Colonel) Denis O’Kelly. Mr O’Kelly purchased from Mr Wildman a half-share in the horse before ho raced at Winchester in June. 17G9, paying 050 gs for it. ami he. afterwards made himself whole owner for a further sum of 11 lugs. After his success at Manchester, Eclipse never started at less than H» t“ 1 on, and on at least on®. occasion, at Lichfield, he started at 20 to 1 on. It must !»•-• borne in mind that the Royal Plates of those days were run under conditions calculated to try the best horses very hii-lily. In 10 out of the 11 King’s Plates that Eclipse won he carried the crushing v. eight of 12st. Eclipse stood at ('lay Hill. Epsom, at 50gs. after his retirement from the turf: but his foe was reduced in subsequent years. In 1772-74 he covered at 25gs; afterwards, by subscript ion. 4<> man s. be - sides his owner’s, at 30gs: in 1779 his fee Io all was 30gs; in 1781-8 1 he covered 50 mares, besides his owner’s, at 20gs; and from 1785 his fee stood at 30gs. 11 • was iu a travelling van io (’annous, in Surrey, where he was advertised at this fee. and at ('animus he died on February 20. 1789. Mr O’Kelly had good reason to congratulate himself on his purchase of Eclipse. He stated that ho made £2s.<mm> out of him as a stallion, apart from his wins on the turf, which would amount to a comparatively small sum beside the total of service fees. Eclipse died of acute infiammation of the bowels. The abnormal size of his heart is admiringly referred to by old writers as “the extraordinary circumstance to which he was supported to owe his great natural means whereby the Royal \ eterianry ( olthoroughbred horse's heart is Gib. and the 141 b which Eclipse’s heart weighed was duo to hypertrophy. It is a curious thing that Eclipse's carcase was indirectly the means whereby the Royal veterinary < ollege was founded. Mr O'Kelly selected the young French veterinary surgeon Sainbel to dissect the carcase, ami prepare the skeleton. Sainbel executed his task, ami afterwards wrote an essay on “The Geometrical Proport ions of Eclipse.” which attracted so much and such favourable attention that the author’s name was made as a veterinary anatomist. Sainhel had previously published proposals for the establishment of a veterinary school in .England, but they had been ignored. Having made his mark with the pamphlet on Eclipse, he renewed his proposition, which was taken up by th - Oldham Agricultural Society, ami. in 1791. the scheme took shape in a farrier’s school, with stabling for 50 horses. The Royal Veterinary College is the very appropriate resting-place of Eclipse's skeleton, which was presented to it by Professor Gamgee in 1871. Mauku Races. The following weights have been declared for the Mauku Racing <’lub's meeting. which takes place on the 15th Inst.: - Hurdle Race. Countess 9.7. Tamaitl 9.7, Kaltangata 9.0. Mauku Cup.—Bacchus 10.4, Paderewski

10.0, Lord Seaton 10.0. Hu-ihtnl 9.12. Shrewsbury 9.7. The I (mice 9.0. Couutiss 8.7. St. <’y"ren 8.0, Lady Grattan 8 0, Tama iti 8.0, Kaitanguta 8.0. Pony Handicap. Solitary 9.0, Sh ewsbury 8.9. Hurihuri 8.7, (.’oimtess 8.0, T.iuiaiti 7.7. t’ompauion 7.0, Waraue 7.0. Stewards’ Handicap. Lord Seaton 9.0, Hurihuri 9.0. Lunetta 8.10, Shrewsbury B.G. The Dunce 8.0. Countess 7.12. Lacy Winnie 7.7. Freimmnt 7.7. Fortification 7.0, St. Cyren 7.0, Tamaiti 7.0. La<ly Grattan 7.0, Kaltangata 7.0. Don 7.0, Valla 7.0. The Maiden Trot and Forced Handicap® are post entries. + + ♦ Papakura Racing Club s Annual Meeting. The annual meeting of the Papakura Racing Club was held on Saturday last on tin chib’s course at Papakura. The weatlmr was splemlid, and there was a record attendance, close on 1500 people being present, the majority o" wiioin were conveyeil by special train from Auckland. The train arrangements for the home journey were as usual badly managed, and instead of patrons reaching town at 7.35 as advertised, it was Hose upon eight o’clock when the journev ended, a long wait at Otahuhu being the cause of the delay. Evidently the train authorities think that anything is good enough for race goers, and it is on very rare occasions that special race trains keep to the times specified. Mr J. G. Rutherford officiated as judge, and Mr C. O'Connor as starter, and although the latter gentleman is not so successful with the Hag as with the barrier, still he gave very little cause for complaint. The afternoon’s racing was interesting, Mr Edwards, the •handicapper, scoring a success. In the absence of the totalisator speculation was carried on per medium of the bookmakers, who had a trifle the best iff the argument with the punters, only one first favourite being successful during the afternoon. The meeting was well conducted by the secretary (Mr F. D. Yonge), and the various officials, who art* entitled to a word of praise for their efforts. Particulars of ’he racing are as follows:— Maiden Plate of 15sovs, six furlongs.— MrM J. E. Thorpe’s b g Sir Hector, by Lochness— Delilah. 8.10 (Sceats). 1: Integrity. 9.0 (Cress), 2: Midcyr. 8.10 (Whittaker). 3. Also started. Tuakitua, 8.4; Bl ueski n, 7.10: Shrewsbury, 7.12: Rosa. 7.10: Idol. 7.9: Lady Ellen. 7.7. Betting: 5 to 4 Integrity, 3 to 1 Sir Hector. Integrity was first away, followed by Sir Hue-

tor ami Midcyr. ami Hie former showed the way v»» the eutrame to the straight, where Sir Hector put in hi® claim, aud getting the best or it in the run home. wt»u bj three parts t»l a length. Time. 1.17 L B ueskiu fell Just afl< r the start, his rider (Deelvy) being unhurt. Flying Stakes Handicap of 2t»sovs. five furlongs. Mi Robt. Blaikie's b g B< u Glair, by Ben Godfrey Lad\ Blair. 8.12 (Spurkesi 1: Liivreco. 8.0 (Sceats). 2: Discoverer. 9.5 (Phillips), 3. Also started: Luck’s All (carried 8.4). Belting: 5 to 4 on Lm reu.-. 2 to I Ben Blair. Ben Blair shot to the front when the flag fell, ami although LiHTeee made a desperate effort iu tin* straight, she was unable to reach the l-ader, wlih-l: won by a length and a half. Time. LG. Initiative Trot of ‘Jdsovs. one mt e and a half.-Mrs S. Hird’s b g Wailt kauri, by La Rm* Yum Yum, Ins (Hird). 1: Harold Abdallah. 9s (Greenwood). 2: Colenso. Ids (Herbert). 3. Also started: Redleaf. his; Farewell IL. 18s: Little Paul. 21s; Special Light. 245; Withington. 255: Plaint iff. 28s; Snip. 31s. Batting: 2 to I Special Light, 3 to 1 Waitekaurl, 5 to 1 Little Paul. \\ .thington and Snip. I<> to 1 Harold Abdallah and Colenso. Snip was in command for about a mile, when Waltekauri look charge, and the latter trotting steadily won by a length ami a half from Harold Abuai’ah, with Colenso ten lengths further back, third. Time. 3.50. Special Light. the favourite, fell when they had gone a furlong. Papakura Cup of 40sovs. one mile. Mr A. Tooman’s br tn Bonomlana. by Soult — Eileen Bawn. 7.7 (Buchanan). 1; Nervine, 9.0 (Ryan), 2: Defender. 7.10 (Deeley), 3. Also started: Kola Nip. S.i:. Seatonia, 7.5; Paderewski. 7.0: Soult Maid. 7.0; Lord Seaton. 7.0; Little Mabel. G. 7. Betting: 2 to 1 Nervine ami Defend**!*. G Io 1 Kola Nip and Bonomiana. Defender was quickest on his feet, and joined by Soult Maid, the pair carried on the running two lengths clear of the rest of th” flc’.d. which was headed by Bonomiana. Defender nad a sl'czht : dvantage as they raced across tin* top stretch, but entering the straight Bonoinian.a ran into the lead, aud she was first to turn for home, with Nervim*. which had bad luck through the race, coming fast. In tin* run to the post Nervine made a great effort to catch Bonomiana. but he was unable to quite get up. and suffered def ••at by a neck, with Defender three length* away, third Timp. 1.47. Hack Race of 15sovs. five furlongs. Mr H. R. MacKoazie’s b g Th • Dnm-o. by Sylvia Pirk—Patierno, carried 7.11 (Percival). 1: Midcyr. 8.19 (Whittaker). 2: Integrity. 9.0 (Deeley), 3. Also started: Sir

lit lor teal vied 9.3); Kalpakl, 7.12; i.AU; Ko* a, 7.10; mo!, J.Vj Lady Ehen, 1.7. Belling; 6 to 4 Kaipaki ano integrity, 5 to 1 Mr Hector, 12 to 1 The Dunce, inte/rity •was first tu move, but Tne Dmue Im media it*, y rushed to the front, and was never afterwards headed, whining ar. the finish by a i-oHph* of bug ths. Time, 1.8. Kall way Handicap of 25®ovb, six furlongs. — Air Donald's In- in Lucrece, by Sou It — !*<>*< mi stress, 7.10 (Sceais), I; laird Heaton. 7.0 dV. (’hanfej, 2; DUcoverer, H.lo (Phillips), 3. Also -darted: Little Mabel, 0.7. Betting! 6 t«> 4 on Lnert re, t» l»» 4 toga!iir-, Discoverer. Discoverer made play till a furlong from bom I ', where 1 merer e got on terms, and soon settling thr leader, went *.n ami won by a length mid a half fron Lord Seaton, which brat Dlßcovrrrr a n»ck for second honours. Time. I.IGA. ♦ ♦ ♦ Stratford Jockey Club. STKATb OKD, W« dnrsitay. Fo.lowing ar the Stratford acceptances:— 111 Idles. Dalky. Inglewood, Showman. Mawhili, Flanagan, I«>ojeskin, Durbin, Little Turk. Fishinrre, Heareroa. <'up.—Regulation, Rosral, Cyrano, T»mbonrina, Inglewood, Litt.e Turk. Hack Handicap. Science, Maharanni, Ur»ole, immolation, Refine, Vexation, Walnut!. Welter. Kc( r ra::<»n, Claremont, Lualln. Nero, < 'lementine. Vexation, Tika, Whakatawea, Marvnl. <Huron. Uhland. Flying Handicap. St. Bill, Federation, Pardon. Tainbotiriiia, Kustique, Bowman, Clementine. Railway Handicap- Star, Rose, Gleam, Tin ♦ lipper. Engraver. Silver Shell. Diehard, St. I'yress. Bellevue, and Park Rose. ♦ ♦ ♦ Ohineiuuri Jockey Club's Meeting. Th<‘ following are the prices realised for the privileges at the Ohinemuri Jockey ('lull's annual meeting: Publican's booth, £1.77, A. Montgomery; gates, Mr Bromwich, £2<>s; grand stand and saddling paddock. £lls 15 ; Mr Crosby; racecards. Mr Nicholas, £56 in ; stabling, Mr E. Edwar«ls, 12,6. + + ♦ Dannevirke Races. DANNEV I RKE, Wednesday. The Dannevirke races commenced to-day. Continuous rain fell during th/* afternoon. The results are as follows;— Hmk Hurdle Rare. Florio. 10.8, 1; Silverlene, 9.0. 2:. Pemmican. 9.0, 3. Also started: No Shot. Inglewood. Gob! Dust, Brenda, Oku, Mimitia. Won comfortably. Dividends, £2 15. and £2 17/. Vlakirikiri Hack Karr. Red Cross, 8.0, 1; Ehgnivcr. 7.3. 2: Honynhmn, 7.11, 3. Also start* <1: Waipunchii. Truce, St. Luillam, iMiiriwai. Moata. Won by half a length. Dividends, £3 3/ and .£3 2/. Ciip. -Mystification, 7.9, 1: .Tolly Friar, 7.5, 2; Doiirhe. 8.0, 3. Also started: Barca, Capulet, Laily's Link. Won comfortably. Time, 2.14. Dividends, £4 12- and £1 2 6. Tri.-il ' ILu-k Race. Splendid Idea. 8.3. 1: Aboriginal, 5.3. 2: StrathHllaii. 6.9, 3. Also stnrti d: V-xatimi. Xavier. Gracilis. Pomegranate. lai nd worn. Conclusion,. Naphtha. Splendid l<l , a hold the lead throughout. Dividends, £3 4 and £1 1/. Tohoraile Hark Welter Handicap.-('h‘m. 8.9. 1: Moral. 9.0. 2: Brown Belt. 8.7, 3. A -o started: Oryx, Grey (loose. Pearldiver, Oneilos. Won by a length. Dividends, £■" 3 ’(> aml 16/. ‘- lying Stakes.—Declination. 7.13. 1; "White Ribbon. 5.5. 2: I'a my work. 7.0. 3. Ai«- started: 11ipporofia. Gold Seal. Won by three-quarters of a length. -Dividend. HI -I rir ||a-k 11 aml ir.a p. - -Lord Soult. 7.7, 1; Clementine. 7.8. 2: Truce. 8.11. 3. A isos stalled: Pink-'un. Taibi, Ros'-wood. White Lie Voucher. Swop. Sen Son. Queen’s Messenger. St. Li... Won an the way. Dividends, £S I 6 ,i ml £ 1 16 I'ainaki Welter all mlicap.- Polyanthus. 9.7. 1; Tomnirangi. 8.5, 2: Spoil. 8.10. 3. Also started: Bounce. Mussel!. The winner vva< nevi- headed. Dividend. £6. Tin sum -if £SII3 was put through the ni.irhim . as against £7664 for the first (lav last year. D \NN EV IRK I’. Thursday. Tbnutifu! weather prevailed for the secern. day <>f the Da nnevirke races. Later results arc as follow: llmdivs. Florio 1. Gold Dust 2. Silverlea! .3. Dividends £4 9.-6 and £4 IS I cl<-|ihom. Handicap. Clementine 1. !’>'.l. In 2. Put 3. Dividends 9 an< i £ 15 . Autiimn Handicap. Polyanthus. 8 5 iCapulet. 6.9. 2; .lolly Friar. 7.9, 3. ’ Also Started: Roseal. Douche. SI. Albert, B<uii)co. Dividends, £3 is and £2 6. • apnata Hack Welter Handicap. - 8»-<-m ry. s.n. I: Bonhcur. 9.3. 2: Naphtha, T Als.. startl'd: ihyx. Pearhliver. Guy Go se. Vexation. Won comfortably. Div idemis. £7 11 6 and 15 . _ Maiden Hack Scurry. Aboriginal, 9.0. 1: Xavier. 9.0. 2; Brown Belt. 9.0. 3. Also Ftnrted: Pomegranate. Lmidwvrn, T.ikely. Monkey. Grm iils, Fort st Vale. Won easily. Dividends. £1 15/'G and £1 17/. March Handicap Fancy work, 6.12, 1; White Ribbon, 8.9. 2: Captain Shanmui, 9.7, 3. These vvei-e the only starters. Won easily. Dividend, .£3 7/. Mangntere I lack llandh-ap Honyhnhnni. 7.12. 1; Splendid idea.• 7.10. 2; OncIros. 6.7, 3. Also started: Clem. Won by ;i nose. Dividend. £2 b> <». Kaitoke Welter Handicap. White Ribbon. !♦.!». 1: Toinnirangi. 8.2, 2; Mussell, 8(>. 3. Also started: Spoil, Lmly’s Link. Won by a head. Dividend, £4 12/0. The amount put through the tolalisator wne £16.971. an InrreHse for the meeting of £2310 ou last year.

New Zealand Trotting Association. ♦ lIRISTCHCRCH. Thursday. At the inerting of the New Zealand Trotting Assmiation yesterday the president i.Mr P. SeHgi suggested that it wonhi be a go«rtl thing if the <dtrbs of New Zealand ecmh! comhiirr to organise a spetdal meeting, to be held in Chrisichurch daring the Exhibition. He thought the eluhrf in Christ«-hirrch wonld willingly fall In with such a proposal, anti that those rlnlns in other parts of the rrdmiy which could afford it would al-o» c»»ntribnte to the funds of such a mteting. Hr rotraidered it would be quite within the objeits t»l' the association to subsbiho- such a meeting, anti In- thought they might give a cup for some K|*rci;»i rare. ft was decided to rircularise thr attiliated clubs 011 the matter. ♦ ♦ + Thames Jockey Clnb s Autnmn Meeting. THAMES, Friday. The following is the list of the nominations re<*eivrd for the Thames Jockey Club's autumn meeting: .Maiden Handicap. Luck's AIL Miss Cuirassier. Te Taniwha. Henry Havelock. Fortification, Hellblrd, Frisk. Aristocrat, Seabohm. Silvermere. Matangi. Stepney, lona, Nobrook. Tommy Dodd. Freebird. Handicap Hurdle Race. -Luck's All, Major. Pekepeke. Seabohm. Rolf. Glasgow. lona, Sophia. Stepney. Yolette, Princess of Thule. Lady Clare. Autnmn Stakes. Lucreee. Akarana. Te Taniwha. Soultfish. Agrapus, Franklin, Bully. Bromide. Millie. Zuleika, Yolette, Latty Gladys. Handicap Steeplechase.- Major, T*ekep<*ko. Hylas. Sudden. Sophia. lona. Pony Handicap.—-Mataura. Miss Cuirassier. Goldeye. Frederick, Storyteller. Tommy Dodd, Prince Arthur. Railway Handicap.—Lucrece, Syren, Black and Gold. Ti* Taniwha. Discovereis Henry Havelock. Soultfish. Lunetta. Aristocrat, Fieramosca. Miss Winnie. St. Tui, Bully. Cyrene. Reokby, Freebird. Hack Race. Goldcyr. Bellbird. Ratapuho, Bump. Keep Step. Seabohm. Silvermere, Matangi. lona. Nobrook. Sterling, Lotto, ITiuce Arthur. Final Handicap. -Syren. Mataura. Black and Gold. Discoverer, Henry Havelock, I'rederick. Lunrtla. Alba Rose. Doreen. Aristocrat. Fieramosca. Freebird. Miss Winnie, St. Tui. Bully. T.otto. Cyrene. + ♦ ' + Waipa Racing Club. The following nominations have been received in connection with the Waipa Racing Chib's annual meeting, which takes place «»n the Te Awamutu course on Wednesday, the 28th rnst.. - Handicap Hurdle Rare.—-Louisa, Sandj r Alack. The Frenchman. Stepnev. Sophia, Merry Lad. Fairy. Romp. Adele.' Miss May (late Lady Mayi. Baritone. Glasgow. Green Hill Handicap. Louisa. Ngavvai, Fortification. Matangi. Brilbird. Ruakaka, Lady Ellen. Orakau. I’<‘ Awamutu Cup. Lunetta. Bacchus, Stepney, Romp. Bromide. Lord Seaton, Te Taniwha, Glasgow. Maiden Welter Handicap.- Anna lombard, Nathaniel. Doreen. Starehip. Freehold, Leo, May Blossom. Kihikihi Plate.- Louisa. Fortification, Bacchus. Stepney. Bellbird. Romp. Freehold. Te Taniwha. Lord Seaton. Lady Ellen. I'lying Handicap. Ngavvai. Lunetta, Stepney. Merry Lad. Ruakaka. Doreen. Bromide. Lady Ellen, Laid Seaton. Te Taniwha, Orakau. > > + TUFF TALK FROM THE SOUTH. 'IIKISTCIirrti'II, Saturday. The Ak.iroa County Raring Club provided jiii cii.j.iy ablc day's raring on Wednesday. I hr vvra'lher Was (lull, bin 110 rain fell, end the 1 (‘mperature was warm. The ii’ark was a trifle heavy, but this fart did not materially aftcri form, and barkers were generally near thr mark. The District Hurdle Karr was redm*ed to a match between Ko-hui-u and Runaway Girl, the former a gelding by the defunct Betrayer, winning in n ranter. The Benzoin Lilly As<-?gii was made favourite for tin* liistric.t Maiden Plate, but she failed to reach Mangrove, who. alter making all the running. Lasted long enough to beat the favourite by half a length. Bagpipes was most iu <!• ina.nd in fa.-t. started a s:r>ng H v.ni; ? I e for the principal event, the Penlnsuia Cup, but after batting -into the straignt she was caught and passed by the mu-h improved Czarevna, who won with a trifle (<» spare by three-quarters of a length. Backers were successful in the Flying llamlicap, in which 1 hr Cast ashore Pleasure Seeker filly Hilarity Landed thr odds laid on her, winning very easily from Stepmar. Assegai r< appeared in the Open Hark Rare, but again had to be rontrnt with srroml place, the winnei turning up in the Sydney-bred gelding Narrangerie. by Voyou Titbits. '.Mangrove and Kohtiru also made a second nppcarance during the afternoon, the two comprising tin* field for the District Welter I Lint.licap. Mangrove was most in demand in a good betting race, and after leading from start to finish won comfortably. The weather has been up to its old pranks again this week, and is now ’cold and unsettlcd. This has ha! the effect of still furlh(*r depressing tin* proceedings at Riccarton. Head-quarters, indeed, is dismally q'det, .‘ll <1 is not likely to be otherwise for the next week or two. Tin* Canterbury J.C. has resolved to run the double tote on tin* Great Easter and Autumn Meeting, the Grand. Nat Iona! Hurdle Race and Steeplechase at its Grand National Meeting, ami tin* New Zealand 1119 ami Stewards’ Handicap at. rhe Spring Met 1 ing. Vladimir has returned to his training quarters at Wingaliii, and <f he recovers

from his soreness he will be kept in work; otherwis • he will be treated to a lengthy Spell. It is probable the Dunedin Jockey Club will expend some of the surplus over Its Autumn Meeting on a stand for its shilling enclosure. News from th * South states that Juniper ami Bla«*kstone have been sold to go to Australia. ami that Mr J. K. McKenzie will take tbe pair across. The Hon. G. McLean’s two fillies by Tx>rd Koslyn which dirt not find buyers at his recent sale have gone to Wingatui te be broken in and trained. (By Telegraph.—Sp*t-ial to "Graphic.") CriRISTCnUKFn, Monday. The weather took a turn for thr better towards the end of last week. . Saturday was tine anti Sunday glorious. There have been few finer or hotter mornings this summer than Sunday morning, when tiie thenuometer registered 81 indoors. Fine weather is wanted at Kiecarten. The heavy downpour of Tuesday week soaked thr plpugh gallop, and though the tan anti grass have been available, trainers want no further interference with training operations before Easter. Cutts is peri+*‘vering with Kirriemuir, and the daughter of Clanranald, in spite of her lameness, is standing up to her work. She has done one or two gallops lately, in a style which shows that she has lost none of her early brilliancy. She was lame after each, but not seriously enough to keep her idle. It is strange how horses, after suffering from knee lameness, will stand a preparation. Since her victory at the Akaroa meeting last W’eek, Czarevna has changed hands, Mi- Friedlander having sold her for £35»». The price seems a stiff one, but the purchaser was the filly's trainer, F. Holmes, and he ought to be the best judge of her value. Czarevna has won four races in succession in three weeks. You will be pleased to learn that Mr T. Allen is over the worst of his severe illness. During the early part of last week the worst was feared, but later the patient took a favourable turn, and he has since been pronounced out of danger. €>uaiT.vman returned from Auckland last week. His injured leg is still much enlarged. so much so indeed that no further effort will be made to train him. but the horse himself is in fine order. Up is to be sent to the stud at Stonyhnrst. and such a fine looking and well-bred animal, if judiciously treated, should get capital stock. H. McLaughlin has left Mr Cutts’ employ. and taken sejrviceis with J. McCracken. The yearling filly by Sant Ilario—Maybird. has been named Myrtilla. Lee-Enfield was given a turn over the hurdles on Saturday, accompanied by Wi Waka. He performed creditably for such a sour customer. •

Taggart has taken up Noxious with a view to preparing him for the jumping season. The Benzoin—Corselet filly, Assegai. finished set*t»nd in the Maiden Plate at the Akanta (’tuinty meeting last week, lag since arrived at Rlcrarton. She is te remain here long, however. It is nnrte-r---stotjd that she is tn go to the stud next spring. She wilt be mated with Martian. Solution's doubtfuEy-bred relative. Eirclid, by Seaton Delava) or Soult— Proh|.-*m, has been slightly amiss. The following business has been ♦)••»« during the work on the Great Easter am> Great Autumn Handicaps;—lßUO to 2 against Cross Battery anti Notus, T4«si to 1 against Canticle and Vladimir, 14W to 1 against Cantfel-* anti Multifid, Wkj fo 4 against Cross Battery ami Ghoorka. to 1 against Boseastle ami Boomerang. 909 to 2 against Cross Battery ami Armistice, 890 to 2 against Makaroff and Makaroff, 6<M> to 4 against Solution ami Solution. tP*O to 4 against Cuneiform am! Master Alix, 690 to 4 against Signalman a fid Savoury. 600 to 3 against Ghnorka and Savoury. 600 to 3 against Cuneiform and Canute Chiel, 600 to 3 against Signalman and Ghoorkra, 6Oij to 3 against Signalman and Stepdarwer, 600 to 1 against Crichton and Delaware, 600 to 1 against Crichton and Stepdancer, 600 to 1 against Cross Battery and Oanehattan. 509 to 5 against Porcelain and Solution. 500 to 5 against Miinjeet ami Delawart*, 500 to 5 a gains* Mnnjeet and Melodeon. 500 to 2 againtst Zetland and Zetland. 500 to 1 against ('riehton and Savon ry. Racegoers are frequently treated to the spectacle of horses declining to face the barrier when they are at the post, and all sorts of devices have been resorted to in order to make fractious animals line up with the rest of the tie hl. A Dunedin writer was present a conpre of days ago at a private exhibition of a contrivance for making fractious . horsesstand up to tin* barrier, and after seeing it work the opinion is expressed that it is easily the most practical thing yet bnuight before the public. it consists t»f a half- 1 - hood or rogue’s badge, of which the eyeholes are closed with shutters which arc operated in a similar manner to that of a focus of a camera. In order to make a horse stand quietly at the post tin* shutters are closed, but sufficient light is let in from the rear in order to give the horse a certain amount of light, and the confidence which would not. exist if he were completely blindfolded. When it is do<ired, the shutters are released without noise, and the horse is at once in full jmssession of his vision, so that all things being equal he can jump out with the rest of a field when the barrier flies up. I saw the apparatus used on a three-year-old filly, and she walked about with confidence when the shutters were closed, and gave evidence that the idea is really a

practical one which is worthy of adoption by trainers. The idea of the “hUnd” was conceived by Mr R. W. Me Ke wen, a sou of Mr J. McKewen, the well-known homeowner, and it lun» been patented ail over Australasia. It has won favourable comment from all th»* racing men who have seen it at work, and no doutb it will meet with a good sale when it is put on the market. Its mechanism Is so simple that it can be understood by anyone, and it contains nothing to get out of gear, so that 21 false start or two would not affect its utility. Fallas has been put into coinuVssion again, and it is hoped that the speedy son of Nellie will successfully stand up to the work necessary to get him rit ami well. Word comes from Australia that the parties behind Machine Gun dropped a lot of money over the horse’s Futurity Stakes defeat. The New Zealand Polo Association's animal tournament opened in Christchurch on Saturday last, and is now in progress. The annual sports meeting will be held on the Riccartou racecourse next Saturday. ♦ + ♦ Australian Racing. VICTORIA RACING CLUB’S AUTUMN MEETING. MELBOURNE. March 6. The V.K.C. Autumn Meeting was continued at Flemington to-day in beautiful weather. His Excellency the UovernorGeneral. Eord Northome, ami the \ictoriau Stale Governor. Sir Reginald I’aibot, with their respective suites, were present. The Autumn Hurdle Race brought out a tine tiflU of a dozen, the erst New Zealand gelding Tenakoe being installed favourite. However, the winner turned up in Australian. while the favourite did not gain a The following are the details of the racing:— The Autumn Hurdle Race, a handicap sweepstakes of dsovs each, with oOUsovs added: 3 miles.—Australian 1. Si ymour Baronet 3'. Nine others ran. Betting: 4 to 1 Tenakoe, 10 to 1 Australian. Won by several lengths. Time, 5.53 i. The Ascot Vale Stakes, a sweepstake of UOsovs each, with GOOsovs added; second horse to receive lOOsovs and the third GOsovs out of the stake; for two-year-olds, special weights with penalties; j-mile.—Mr J. Mun-ster’s-i> c Antoiiious, by Sir Foote- Antonia, 9.0 (including 101 b penalty) (Coffey), 1; Mr K. S. McLeod's b c lolaire, by GraftonScotch Mary, 8.10 (Bullock). 2; Galerla (Ross). 3. Other starters: Exullition, Gapon, Benbow. Portland Bob. Betting: < to 4 on Antoninus. 4 to 1 Exumtion. 2i» to 1 lolaire. At rhe half-distance Autonious dashed up, ami in an exciting finish the favourite won by a head. Time, ±.174. Tne Australian Cup. a handicap sweepstake of 25sovs each, with l<H.»Osovs added; 2. miles. Mr J. J. Macken’s b h Tartan, syrs, by Lechiel—Colours, 9.6 (Clayton), 1; Mr W. F. Crick’s b g Ossian, aged, by Graf-ton-R<d»ina. 7.10 (Connolly). 2; Hon. A. Wynne’s- hr h Scot Free, 4yrs, by Lochiel Scotch Mary, 8.3 (Coffey), 3; Mr W. 11. Jones’ b g I’roceedcr, aged, by Off Colour — Progression, 8.10, 4; Air .1. N. McArthur s b g Marmont, aged, by Wellington—Lady Gay. 7.'.). (R Mr E. Kelly’s ch g_ Z pho, 4yrs. by Pilgrim s Progress- Zeph, 7.1, 0; Mr J. Wilson, jun.’s. b c Circuit, 3yrs. by Strathmore -Circle, 7.1, o; lion. A. Wynne’s br c Kattirpan. 3yns, by Grafton— Disgrace, 7.0, 0; Mr W. R. Morgan’s br f Murska, 3yrs, by Strathmore — Aiaba< ulia, 6.7, 0. Betting. 5 Io 4 on Tartan, 5 to 1 against Scot Free, S to 1 Ossian, 10 to 1 Zepho and Circuit, 25 io 50 to 1 the Others. At the distance Tartan came our. ami the favourite having his opponents instantly beaten, cantered home full of running Iwo lengths in front; Ossian being a neck in advance of Scot Free. Time. 3.48*1 (?». The March Stcph-chasc. a handicap sweepstake of 3»sovs each. with 2.»osoys added about 2 miles.- Mr G. IL Debuey’s b g Decoration. syrs. by Coronet - Laity Puri. lo.l:;. 1; Airly. II 11. 2: Wamlook, 9.6, 3. Four others ran. Belting: 3 to 1 against Decoration. 4 to 1 Wandook, 5 to 1 Airly. Decoration won easily by 12 !• ngllis. Time, 4.13& ’ The TTouiKo Handicap. a sweepstake of lOsovs each, with Anosovs added: 7 furlongs. Mr .1. Rowen’s i» h Step Out, by Thunder bolt Footstep. S.lo d.odb.yi. 1; Mr I. Foulsham’s uh m l’aliiigdrom<‘. 4yrs. 7.0 (Smith), 2; Mr J. Brennan’s hr f Ist ria, 3yrs, 7.10 (Hood). 3. Ten others stalled. Bitting: 9 to 2 against Ninth Head, 7 to j CorrohorcrIstria. Lachlan, ami Step Out. 10 io 1 Palindrome. In a good finis.i the son of Thunderbolt w.on by half a neck. Timo. I.2b\. 'The Junior Handicap, a sweepstake of ssoys each, with 2i»osovs added; for two-ycar-olds: J-niiie.—-Hon. A. Wynne's b c Meknira ma. by Grafton Drama. 7.11. 1: Mr J. N. McArthur’s b u Sergeant Blue, 6.9, 2; Mr W. T. Nowlan’s hr c Barrenjoey, 7.13, 3. Twelve others started. The winner started The Autumn Handicap, a sweepstakes of lOsovs each, with oOUsovs added, one mile and five furlongs.—Mr W. A. Bladder's br in Phaedra, dvrs, by Thunderbolt— Caliirrhoe, 6.13 (Ross). 1: Mr R. Crawford’s b h Czarovkeh. syrs. by Little Bernie— Czarina. 8.2 t Bullock). 2: Mr E. Frazer’s b c Roycroft. 3yrs, by Grafton— El ra Weenie, 7.6 (Coffey). 3. oth-r staffers: Proceed or, 8.9; Bright Beauty. S.o; Zepho, 6.11: The Infanta. 6.7. Betting: 5 to 2 against Roycroft, 7 to 2 IToceedor, Phaedra. and Zepho, 12 to 1 The Infanta. 2d to 1 Czaroviteh. Phaedra won easily by two lengths from Czarevitch. with Roycroft two lengths away third. Time, 2.52|.

The Nursery Hamlicnp, a sweepstakes of Jfciovs each, with 3Ot>sovs added, six furlongs.—Mr J. E. Stanley’s br f Nanoya, by Simmer—Giril, 7.3 (Ross). 1: Benbow, 8.1 (Lewis), 2; Barronjuey, 8.3 (Brennan), 3.

Fourteen others ran. Betting: 7 to 3 Elite, 8 to 1 Zillah ami Beubuw, 1O to 1 Barrciijoey, 15 to 1 Nauoya. Nanoya won by two lengths. Time, 1.165. The Loch Plate, a sweepstakes of losovs each, with soi>sovs added, for three^yenroll Is and upwards, weight-fur-age, two miles.—Mr J. J. Macken’s br h Tartan, 5 yrs, by Lochiel—Colours, 9.0 (Clayton), 1; Hon, A. Wynne’s b h Scot Free, lyrs. by Lochiel—Scotch Mary, 9.0 (Coffey). 2; Mr P. A. Connolly’s br h Blue Spec. 6yrs. by True Blue—Specula (Bullock). 3. The other starters were: Circuit (Miuter) mid North Head (Brennan). Betting: 10 to 1 on Tartan, 15 to 1 against Scot Free, 20 to 1 Circuit ami North Head, 33 to 1 Blue Spec. Scot Free led Tartan to the distance, but the favourite soon disposed of the brother to Great Scot, and drawing away he won with the greatest ease by a length and a quarter. Blue Spec three lengths away third. North Head was last. Time, 3.40 J. The River Handicap, a sweepstakes of 5 sovs, with 20(isovs added, one mile and a quarter. —Mr E. Kelly’s br g Position. 6yrs. by Positano—Myall Queen (McGowan). 1; Mr T. Conway’s br h Newmarket. syrs (Bailey). 2; Quibble (Coffey). 3. Five others ran. Th- winner started at 12 to 1. and won by two lengths. MELBOURNE. March S. The third day of the autumn carnival turned out most enjoyable from every point of view. The weather was all that could be desired. Though the attendance was nut large, it was a truly sporting crowd, who exported some line racing, ami they were rewarded koi. only by good all-round spurt, but were privileged to witness one of the best weight-for-agc contests ever fought over the Flemiugtou course. The best sprinting talent of New South Wales and Victoria took part in the All-Aged Stakes, and the cheering that went up at the elose of the contest could not be exceeded even on Cup day. Added to this the handicaps declared, since the cracks met last Tuesday made these races high y interesting. The other weight-for-age event also proved good, while the fields altogether made the racing ini resting. Tartan went out the strongest favourite ever known for the Lovh Plate, his price being 10 to 1 on. The son of Lochiel justilied the coutldence of backers by winning easily. Tartan has not lost a weight-for-age race since the V.R.C. spring meeting, and it looks very much as though the V.R.C. Champion Stakes is at his mercy. The following are the details of the racing:— The Pines Hurdle Race, a handicap sweepstakes of 3sovs each, with 25t>sovs added, two miles.—Nigel, by Padlock—Widgel, 1; Australian, 2: Seymour. 3. Six others ran. Betting: 2 to 1 against Nigel, 8 to 1 Australian. 12 io 1 Seymour. Nigel won easily full of running. Time. :’.5i).L The All-Aged Stakes, a sweepstakes of lOsovs each, with sOosovs added, welghtfor ag“, one mile.—Mr J. McDonald’s br f Lady Wallace, 3yrs, by Wallace— Lady Mostyn. 8.3 (Clayton). 1: Mr S. Green's ch m Gladsome. syrs. by Seaton Delaval Miss Gladys. 8.11 (McCarthy). 2: Mr J. Munster’s b c Autouious. 2yrs, by Sir Foote — Antonia. G. 12 (Doyle), 3. Mairp (Godby) was the only other starter. Betting: 10 to 9 on Gladsome. 5 to 2 against Antoninus, 3 to 1 Lady Wallace. 25 to 1 Mairp. Antoninus led into the straight, wh-re Lady Walalee dashed up between Gladsome and Antonious. Gladsome, who was being hard ridden under the whip, made a ureat effort, and joining issue with Lady Wallace, one of finest races over seen eventuated. Straining every nerve, the two mares came hmuc locked together. Lad.v Wallace, splendid'y and vigorously ridden, just lasting long enough to win by a head. Antoninus finished six lengths awa ythird. Time, 1.44 j. MELBOURNE, March 10. The concluding day of the V.R.C. Autumn Meeting was hold at Flemington to-day. Weather conditions militated somewhat against the function. Steady rain fell all the morning, with the atmusphere close and oppressive. The rain held off. and the crowd, which was ’’mall when the opening event was called on, increased during the afternoon, but the number present was never large. Showers of rain almost obscured the horses contesting the Steeplechase from view. The field for the Champion Stakes was reduced to four, and the race was regarded as so completely at tlie mercy of Tartan that he started at 5 to 1 on. The presumed moral, however, nearly got bowled over, as the outsider, Proceedor, was found equal to making sm-h a hold fight for victory that the favourite had to be ridden right out to win by a head. Though weighted with tin* steadier of lOst 31b in the Farewell Handicap. Gladsome was saddled up to fulfil her engagement. The Auckland-bred mare was made favourite, and she gave her party a great run; but the three-year-old Roycroft was just a little too good for her at the weights, ami she was beaten a head. The following are the details of th ■ racing:— The Elms Handicap, a sweepstakes of fisovs each, with 290sovs added. Seven furlongs.- .Messrs Clarke Brothers’ b c Jack Smith. 2yrs, by Wallace Glint, 6.7 (McGowan). 1 ; Miss Roby, 8.9 (Turner). 2; Baerami. 6.10 (Doyle). 3. Also ran: Charinaiii, Tulkeroo, Durrwlt, Royal Star. Dahbery. Drumble, Puzzle, ami Trisllna. Betting: 3 to 1 against Royal Star. 6 to 1 .hick Smith. lack Smith won by five lengths. Timo, 1.3 L The Select Stakes, a handicap for two-year-olds. a sweepstakes of lOsovs each, with s(M)sovs added. Seven furlongs. Mr J. Turnbull’s br e Ebullition, by Simmer — Carbcllo, 8.2 (Godby), 1; Melodrama, 7.4 (Coffey), 2; Galeria, 7.G (Ross), 3. Also ran: lolaire. Gapon. Rarrenjoey, Nauoya, Katanga. Sergeant Brue, ami The Shnntee Man. Betting: 3 to 1 against Ebullition. Ebullition came with a fast run in the

closing stage, and won by a length, 'lime, l.ik'U. The Place Handicap, a nweepsaikes of los<»vs each, with -UMtsovs added. One mile and a-lialf. Mr .1. M. McArthur's b g Marmont, ag< d, by Wellington Lady Gay, 7.2 (Smitln. -I; Zepho. <».!<> (McNeil). 2; Bright Beauty, B.U (Lewis!. 3. Als<. ran: North Head. Newmarket, and Kattirpaii. Betting: 5 to 2 ngahisl Katlirpan. :: h» 1 Zepho, 4 to 1 Newmarket, 10 t<» 1 Mariitoiit. Marimmt led from start to finish ami won by a neck. Time. 2.41*. The Autumn Steeplechase, a handicap sweepstakes of ssovs each. with 4«»Osovs added. Alsjut three miles.—Mr M. Atkinson's br g Signet, aged, by Melbourne Slguora, 9.0. 1: Black Tower. 9.7, 2; Airly. 11.12, 3. Betting: Even money on Airly. 6 to 1 against Black Tower ami Evening Star. 8 to 1 Adviser. Time, G. 4OJ. The Champion Slakes, of 25s<»vs each, with lOOtisovs added. For i hree-ye.i r- Ids and upwards. Weight for age. I n»ess the race is run in 5m 455.. or under, the added money will be reduced to s(k)s<.vs. Thrte mill’s. Mr J. J. Macken’s br h Tartan. syrs. by Lochiel Colours. 9.5 (Clay ton!. 1; .Mr W. IL Jones’ b g Proceedor. agCMI. by (iff Col<»ur Progression. 9.0 (Chevally). 2; lion. A. Wynne's br h S« ol Free. 4yrs, by Lochiel Scotch Mary. 9.0 (Coffey). 3; Mr F. A. Connolly's br h Blue Spec. (iyrs. by True B.ue Sp«‘<ula. 0. Betting: 5 to I on Tartan. IO to 1 against Scot Free ami Blue Spec, 20 to 1 Pro<*e'edor. Proceedor led into the straight three lengths from Blue Spec, and Taitnu shot up at the distance, ami in an exciting finish liviue the favourite squeezed home by a head amidst great cheers. Scot Free was a bad third, 'rime, 5.341. The Farewell Handicap, a sweepstakes of ss<ivs each, with :UXMovs added. One mile. Mr E. Frazer’s br c Roycroft. 3yrs. by Grafton Etra Weenie. 7.8. 1: Mr S. Green’s eh m Gladsoim*. syrs. 10.3, 2: Mr C. L. McDonald’s b g Wandin. syrs. 7 2. 3. Betting: to 1 against Gladsome, G to 1 Step Out ami Roycroft. 8 to 1 Wandin ami Turgau. Roycroft won by a head from Gladsome, who was a similar distance in advance of Wamliii. Time. 1.42].