TURF TALK FROM THE SOUTH.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XL, Issue 18, 29 April 1908, Page 14

TURF TALK FROM THE SOUTH.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) CHRISTCHURCH, Tuesday. D. Moraghan has an addition to his team in a roan 3-year-old gelding by Banner from Apiiomete, which promises to develop into a useful soit. Euclid went amiss on the eve of the C.J.C. Meeting, and could not fulfil his engagements at that fixture. A few days ago F. Lunn, arrived at Riccarton with a second batch of Sir George Clifford's yearlings from Stonyhurst. They are four in number, all fillies, the names of which and bleeding are as follows:— Thistle Down, by Clanranald —Elusive; Fasnakye, by Clanrana.ld —Teredina; Ploughshare, by Treadmill—Golden Vale; and Cresset, by Treadmill—Golden Crest. Owing to all accommodation at Choke Lore stables being occupied, these yearlings. are in the meantime quartered at H. Tomson’p Enfield stables. The well-known trainer. F. Holmes, took out a jockey’s license” recently with the idea of . riding in the .hurdle races and steeplechases during the winter season. As the rules of racing prevent the owner of horses receiving a jockey’s license. Holmes Tias given up his original intention. Since 11. Goodman disposed of the Finland —'Circlet gelding. Zero, for 68 guineas, he has won eleven races at Otago and Southland country meetings. Though Boniform was not started at the C.J.C. Autumn Meeting, he accompanied his stable mate. Golden Slipper,, to the. course on the second day, and appeared to be sound again. I'uccleuch broke down badly at the finish of the Great Easter Handicap, and could not fulfil his second day’s engagements. He and the rest of Mr. Buchanan’s team are to be submitted to public auction to-day. Colden Slipper Mr. Stead owns one of the nicest fillies ever raced at Riccarton, and then* is no doubt that she is the best two-year-old seen out this season. She possesses Multiform’s groat propelling power ana also resembles him muchly In her easy style of getting over the ground. Flitaway is another filly of great promise, and altogether this may be regarded as a fillies’ season. for never has any previous year produced such a fine lot as Golden Slipper, b eetfoot, Flitaway, Armlet, Discipline and Elysium. CHRISTCHURCH, Wednesday. Excellent nominations have been recelveo for the North Otago meeting, which takes place next month, and promises to be the greatest success in the history of the club. The next local meeting is that of the Christchurch Racing Club, the competitors at which are confined almost entirely to local horses. At the conclusion of the C.J.C. meeting the well known horseman, J. MeCombe was taken rather seriously ill from the effects of wasting, but he is now almost right again. Sportsmen throughout New Zealand will regret to hear of Mr. G. G. Stead s illness.

for he has done more for racing in the Dominion than any other owner. At first, it whs thought the trouble was only of “a temporary nature, but latest advices’ make it out to be decidedly serious.

Mr. A. P. Rattray, secretary of several Christchurch trotting chibs and the Christchurch Racing (’lut». had the misfortune' to lose liis wife on Thursday, somewhat unexpeutedly. The deciaised lady was the widow of the late Henry Mace, and was greatly respected by all who knew her.

Burclench, the Great Easter llnndieap winner, wits submitted io auction on Wednosdiiy, but failed to change hands. lie

was decidedly lame nt the ringside, and may never stand another preparation. The remainder of Mr. J. F. Buchanan's string were submitted, the sales effected being: Ch f Bantado. I>y Formosa- Escapade. Io W. Pine, nt 21gs; b g Rerglovltch, by MonHchlkoff—Cuirnlba, to D. Mornghan, nt 66gs; br f by Royal Artillery—Whirlwind, to R. Fleming, al 25gs; b g Cohort, by Royal Artillery—Huguenot, to C. Muchcll, 125 gs.

The black gelding Contender waa Bold Ml behalf of J. McLaughlin, to W. Butherford, at 235g5; and Vologda, sister to Petrovna, was secured by A. Pringle at 135 gs. The clearing sale of brood mares and foals at Mr. E. Gates' Welbeck stud (Ashburton) was held on Thursday. But Httlo Interest was taken In it, and prices were not remunerative. Lady Lillian found a new owner In H. F. N’lcoll at 27gs, and her son, Zetland, became P. J. Clay’s proporety at lOOgs. The yearlings and foals, all looking somewhat rough, averaged about 45gs. The Welbeck Stud was also put up" to auction, and, after being passed in, was acquired by T. E. Tarbottorn, of Ealing, at £24 per acre. During the past few days there has been a general exodus of visiting horses, and Riccarton is again very quiet. Local owners have no cause to complain of their share of prize money, for of £5700 given in stakes. Sir Geo. Clifford came in for £llBO, G. G. Stead for £1055; Hon. J. D. Ormond for £Bl5, J. F. Buchanan for £775, F. Holmes for £305, Buckley for £275, A. McKay for £265, and J. Jeffs for £250. Though the track was fetlock deep in mud, some excellent racing was witnessed on second day of New Zealand Metropolitan trotting meeting, and the attendance was quite up to expectations for such a disagreeable day. A high-class field of fourteen contested the Metropolitan Handicap, for which Withington, who has a reputation as a good mud horse, and Dick Fly were in most demand. The latter ran a really good race, being out in front, with Miss Florrie C., for over a mile and a-half. when the latter compounded. Then Elector, who had been most judiciously driven by Fred Holmes, challenged Dick Fly, and just got up in the last few strides. The winner showed staying capabilities of no mean order, and has improved greatly in this respect since going into Holmes’ care. Dick Fly also ran a good race, but Derringcotte disappointed his connections greatly.