TURF GOSSIP

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLI, Issue 3, 15 July 1908, Page 15

TURF GOSSIP

(BY

WHALEBONE.)

RACING FIXTURES.

July 18, 22, and 25 — Wellington R.C. Winter July 29 — Hawke’s Bay Hunt Club Annual July 30 — North Canterbury J.C. Winter August 11, 13, and 15 — Canterbury J.C. Grand National Meeting September 9 and 10 — Horowhenua Hack R.C. Annual September 16 arid 17 —- Rangitikei R.C. Spring

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Wager.—A horse has to be full 7 years before he is aged. Watter, Herensville.—(l) Master Delaval 3.28 3-5, Wairiki 3.29 4-5. (2) Lord Soult -s credited with running six furlongs in 1.13 2-5 at Feilding in November, 1906. (c) No official time was taken for the first six furlongs, as the post is on a bend, and, therefore, it would be to a certain extent guesswork. The official time for the flrst five furlongs was returned at 59 l-ss.

TURF NOTES.

At Caulfield in future training operations are not to be permitted before daylight.

Mr J.' Chadwick has -been reappointed handicapper to. the Whangarei Racing Club.

Maranui is one of the favourite selections In doubles for both the Caulfield and Meibourne Cups.

At the present time the Hotchkiss horse Uniform is one of the most successful sires In South Africa. - •

N. Cunningham has received an addition to bis team in a rising three-year-old colt by Ililad — Maratea.

News has been received in Australia to the effect that Munjeet and Marguerite have arrived safely in India’.

The Daystar gelding Kotiti is now b«ihg exercised at Ellerslie under A. Morrow’s direction.

Word from Hawera states that Maniapoto ig in commission again, and that he is getting through, useful work.

I have to acknowledge with thanks receipt of the programme of the Australian Jockey Club for the forthcoming season.

In winning the Newmarket Handicap at Newmarket (Eng.) on May. 19, Cargill (7.11) ran a mile and a Quarter in 2.4 3-5.

The New Zealand-bred mare Nightfall, bred by the late Mr G. G. Stead, has been sent to the stud in England. She has been mated with Ugly, sire of Curtain Lecture.

A New Zealand-bred mare named Lady Mack, which was returned as being by St. Crispin — Dolly, was sold in Sydney recently for 32gs. ... - •

A Julian, the well-known horseman, left for the South yesterday to fulfil, riding engagements at Gisborne, Wellington, and Christchurch.

The San Francisco mare Carmania is being hacked about preyiaratory to going into active work again. She is still under the charge of J. B. Williamson.

It is said that Armistice is to be retired from the turf, and that she will be mated with the St. Simon horse, Charlemagne

The Avondale Jockey Club have decided to wipe the pony races off their programme for the coining season, and substitute other events.

■ Mr. W. Holmes, of Bulls, has been appointed,' but of 21 applications, from-all over New Zealand, as starter to the Rangitikei Racing Club.

The Soult — Lady Cuisine mare Kltchenmajd is to fie retired from the turf, and goes to the stud. Iler first mate will be the St. Leger horse Clanranald.

No less than 63 applications were received by the Avondale Jockey Club for the position of caretaker, of the club's course, Mr A. ShirrilT, of Lake Takapuna, being appointed.

Carbine Is having a fairly successful time, and tf his stock continue ns they have done so far, “Old Jack" should be well np among the winning sires at the close of the Eng Itoh season.

Although Auckland owners were well represented at * the Gisborne Racing Club s Winter Meeting, only one stake was captured, Cinque accounting for the Te Hapara Steepleebase.

Most of the lending French race societies have taken out insurance policies securing themselves against all claims made by persous who may receive injuries on the racecourse through accidents eaueed by horses'.

Both the Auckland horses, Notcorlnl and Loch Fyne, were solidly supported for their engagements on the opening day of the Gisborne Racing Cub's Winter Meeting, but both fell.

The Soult—Sprite colt Shuja, which realised the highest price at the Cambria 1 ark sale of 1906, and which so far has not raced, has been left in the Great Northern Guineas.

All the horse boxes at the Racecourse have been booked for the meeting, and the Wellington R.C Winter Meeting, which commences. next Saturday, promises to be a record one.

Private information received in Auckland states that the parties connected with the ex-Auckland pony Balgonie threw in for a good stake over the victory of the 1 hoebus Apollo filly in the Richmond Thousand.

Fred Taral, the American jockey, who 13 riding with such success in Austria, actually reduced his weight by 91b from Saturday to Sunday to ride the Austrian Derby favourite, Peregrin, in the Konig’s Prize at Buda-Pesth.

Mr J. Thompson, the ex-Australian bookmaker, who is now fielding in England, is said to have cleared £11,600 over his double book on this year’s Lincolnshire Handicap and Liverpool Grand National Steeplechase.

The pony Imprimus is now an inmate of P. Conway’s stable. The pony was leased by Mr S. Williams last season, and was trained by S. Hodge, but the lease recently expired, and she was taken over again by her owner.

The “Weekly Press” are out with a Bloodstock- Valuation Competition in connection with the great Yaldhurst sale, which takes place on August 12th, in Christchurch. Particulars appear in our advertising columns.

Mr D. McLeod has decided not to ship Tamainupo and his full sister to Australia at present, and the former will be given a run at the Fleet Meting. There is every probability that the pair will be taken across after that gathering.

The Birkenhead filly Mistime, wk-ch was recently disposed of by tihe Hon. J. D. Ormond, was not long in making a return to her new owner for the money expended, accounting for a double on the second day of the Gisborne meeting.

Although Kaipetipeti has been nominated for the Grand National Steeplechase, he is still running about in the paddock attached to Hickey’s establishment, which fact does not augur well for his appearance at Riccarton next month.

The Wellington Pony and Galloway Club notify that their first meeting of the season will take place on August 22nd, and will be held thereafter every month. The gatherings are to be held under a new management.

The Auckland-bred gelding Lion Heart was brought back from Australia by his owner last week. During his stay in the Commonwealth, Lion Heart won two jumpers’ flat races and two hurdle races in Melbourne, and a junipers’ flat and a handicap ’.n Sydney.

Although the crack Southern sprinter Lupulite has been allowed to drop out of his engagements on the opening day of the Wellington R.C. Winter Meeting, accommodation has been booked for him at Trentham, and he is expected to be seen out at the gathering.

The gelding Hipstone, which has been off the scene for some time, has made his reappearance at Ellerslie, and is now an inmate of K. Hen ton’s stable. Hipstone is very much in the rough at present, and It will be some time before he is in racing trim.

It transpires that the statement appearing in these columns that C. Weal had purchased War Cloud is incorrect. The gelding is being trained by J. Chaafo, Jr., for the Hunters’ Steeplechase at the Fleet Meeting, and is still owned by Mr Wallace,

The connections of Cachuca were confident that the Leolantis gelding Cachuca would run prominently in the Keilor Hurdles on the second day of the V.R.C. Winter Meeting, and they gave him pretty solid support. The cable gives the bare announcement that he ran second.

Ghoorka (which won a Wanganui Cup), Full Cry (a Thompson Handicap winner), Cyrus (which annexed a Feilding Cup), and Stronghold (which won the Middle Park Plate as a three-year-old, carrying 8.9 and ran the six furlongs in 1.14 2-5) are all engaged in- the First Hack Hurdle Race at Trent naui.

Although be has been out of the saddle for some months, the Auckland jockey, B. Deeley, is practically certain to head the list of winning riders ou the flat in New Zealand for the past season. Deeley has 58 wins to his credit, R. Hatch being next on the list with 50.

The Seaton Delaval gelding Celtic Jias been allowed to drop out of his engagements at the Wellington Racing Club’s winter meeting. There, is a probability of Celtic being sent South for the C.J.C. winter meeting, but so far nothing has been definitely decided.

L. Hewitt, the ex-New Zealand horseman, rode Byeway in the Newton Plate at the recent Haydock meeting, in which she was only beaten a head. In connection with Hewitt’s riding. • an exchange says that Byeway did not appear on good terms with her rider, and was unfortunate in being beaten.

On present appearances, it looks as if the hunters’ race put on the programme for the Fleet Race Meeting would attract a big entry. Several are expected from the Waikato and a couple from Hawera, while a number are in work at Ellerslie, Potlkl being under the charge of F. Macmanemin, Comus under F. Hill, and The Abboft under T. A. and several others are privately trained.

In answer to a question as to why the times for distance races were now much faster than 10 years ago, the Special Commiss’oner of the “London Sportsman” said: “The explanation ">f the improved times made to-day is very simple, viz., that since the advent of Tod Sloan races have been run as such from end to end, whereas in the old days the waiting policy was in vogue.

Before the Torpedo gelding Creusot was shipped to Gisborne, It was stated that he had improved considerably since the Great Northern Meeting, and was likely to run forward in his engagements at the Gisborne R.C. Meeting. Creusot, however, disappointed his connection, and on the second day plainly showed that he has not forgotten his bad habits, as he whipped off at the first fence.

The French horse Eider, which a year ago ran a dead heat with The White Knight in the Ascot Gold Cup. but lost his place owing to interfering with the other horse, won his flrst race in England at Newmarket on May 19. He ran second favourite in the Burwell Plate, of 500sovs, and comfortably defeated his two opponents, Bridge of Canny and Patomae. Eider is now owned by Mr g. Joel, and is trained at Newmarket.

The Tauriki case advanced another stage on Monday evening last, when the stewards of the Takapuna Jockey Club sat for close on five hours taking voluminous evidence. The statements of a number of persons were taken, and eventually the Inquiry was adjourned for further investigation. The club are determined to get to the bottom of the affair, and are sparing neither time nor expense to attain their end.

The sand track at Ellerslie is standing well during the- exceptionally wet weather, and the horses claiming engagements at the Southern meetings are being rattled along in their work, and yesterday morning Shrapnel, Scotty, Le Beau, and Haldane all got through serviceable tasks. The greatest drawback at present is the want of a suitable track for schooling purposes, but with such weather as has been experienced of late this is practically out of the question.

C. T. Godby, owner and trainer of the Lochiel gelding Woilara, who ran third in the V.R.C. National Hurdles last Saturday, was interrogated by the V.R.C. Committee the day before the race for the apparently inconsistent running of his horse at ...oonee Valley, and Mentone, where he did not win, and at Williamstown, where he did. The committee expressed dissatisfaction at the in-and-out running of the horses under Godby’s control, and cautioned him as to the future running of his ihorses.

The Avondale Jockey Club intend Increasing the stakes to be given away during the coming season by £4OO, and the amount in added money will total the respectable sum of £4OOO. The principal increases are the Cup, raised to 300sovw, Plumpton Handicap to 200rovw, Nursery Handicap to lOOrovs, Grandstand Handl-

cap to 130eovs. Avondale Handicap to 290 aova, and the Autumn Handicap to IJOsovs. The amount is the largest yet offered by the Club, and they are to be < ougratulated on their enterprise.

Thus “.London Opinion” of re. eut date:— “Punters are iuvariably the most hopeful of beings, but I must award ‘the biscuit' to a couple of correspondents who wrote to me last week asking me to recommend tnem a good double for the Cesarewitch and Cambridgeshire. 'Pon my word, some people's requests literally take one's breath away: The best advice one can possibly give to people anxious to give away money In this way is either to send on their stake to my friend The Scout's' Fresh Air Fund, or to purchase an A.B.C. and look up the first train to the nearest lunatic’asylum."

IV riting to a friend in Melbourne a month before the Derby, Mr Joe Thompson gave it as his opinion that Perrier hail no chance of winning. “He may win the Leger, if they train him especially for la,” Mr Thompson thought, ‘but such a heavy, loosemade customer will never be able to come down tile hill at Epsom in comfort it would not surprise me to see him fall down the hill.” The “old man." who was far from well when he wrote, is still a lino judge of racing, and the victory of a rank outsider In the Derby should have cured him of the ailment which was bothering hint.

The Dunedin Jockey Club, in their annual report, state Unit the results of last season s transactions are the best since the Wlngalui course was open, nml will no doubt be considered highly satisfactory by members. The year started with a credit °f £5BO 11/8, /mil after increasing the stakes by £lOOO, and expending £265 in permanent improvements, the Club closed the year with a credit balance of £1656, to which has to be added the sum of £l6O due from the Government Railway Depart, meat, to the credit of the winter meeting. These figures show a profit on the year’s transactions of £1235.

The ox-Sydnoy owner, Mr It. 'l'. Wootton, is reported to have won a fair stake in bets at Kempton on May 16. With Florestan ne took the Shepperton Selling Plate, of 200sovs. An English xyrlter remarks: -

Flores tan was the first horse to carry Mr Wootton’s colours in England. The Australian sportsman gave a monkey for him rather more than two years ago, gaining possession of him with the purpose of exploiting the jockeyship of his son, Frank. The latter has since demonstrated his qualities as a jockey, and it was only fitting that, though a considerable period had elapsed, it was on this horse that the little chap should have ridden one of his best races.

The showing of the N.Z. representative, Waipu, in the V.R.C. Grand National Hurdle Race, was distinctly disappointing, but the showing was anticipated by a number of good judges, who predicted that he would not have sufficient pace to get up with the leaders at any stage, 'rhe winner. Lady Quiz, was one of the light-weighted division, and would probably start at an outside price. During the past ten years the race hag only been won by a horse carrying a greater weight than 10 3. The defeat of Waipu adds one more to the list of failures on the part of New Zealand horses which seem to fail when meeting the pick of Australian jumpers, and amongst others may be mentioned Donald. Record Reign and Battleaxe, all of which were beaten in the three-mire race.

The annual meeting of the Wliangarel Racing Club was held during the week, Mr. A. G. McKenzie presiding. The report and balance-sheet were adopted. The following officers were elected: Patron, Mr. F. Mandor Md*.; president, Mr. F. Foote; vicepresidents, Mr. J. T. Stone and Drs. Baxter and Good; judge, Mr. L. W. Nelson; handicapper. Mr. t—ad wick; secretary. Mr. R. Dent; treasurer, Mr. J. W. McGregor; auditor, Mr. W. A? M. Bain; clerk of scales, Mr. 11. Stewart; clerk of course. Mr. W. Clotworthy; and a committee of 12.

Thirty-two horses still remain In the Great Northern Guineas, and although it is plainly evident tuat a number have been left in through an oversight, -the field looks like being one of the strongest yet seen in the event. Mr. K. J. Watt, the Napier sportsman, holds the strongest hand with .Wimmera, Aboriginie, and Separator engaged, while other outside owners with representatives left in are: Exors. Mn G. G. Stead (Armlet), Messrs. S. E. Cooper, J. Monk, J. 11. Prosser, Ixtnce Woods, G. P. Donnelly, C. Matthews, J. Kilis, T. 11. Lowry, G. F. Morse. Sir Geo. Clifford, and the Hon J. D. Ormond.

The victory of Balgonie in the Richmond Thousand would probably be well anticipated by her owner, who, it is said, had a big opinion of the little daughter cf Phoebus Apollo, and, as he was one who was not afraid to back his opinion, the probabilities are that he has thrown in for a good stake. Balgonie was bred by Mr. J. Marshall, of Auckland, and was out of Balbirnie, a very fast but not altogether reliable mare. Balgonie only carried Mr. Mav-

shaH's coloara on a couple of occasionfl, and was then sold at auction for 32gs, afterwards being disposed of to her present owner for 75ga. She competed with considerable success at the Wellington Pony and Gdlloway meetings, and was afterwards taken to Melbourne for the Richmond Thousand, with the above result.

An English writer remarks: — Rogues have the proverbial habit of showing their best form with little boys on their backs. The whip is indisputably the direct cause of the large number of rogues that there are at present in training, and the powers that be have laudably instituted a series of events at headquarters, such as the Visitors’ Handicap (on May 19), where it Is not permissible for the apprentices to carry whips. Possibly old Canioens was alive to this fact, as well as the ruling of his owner lx>r<i Durham, upon that salient point, for no horse could have finished his race out more resolutely. He travelled three times as fast in the last furlong as in any other part of the race, and his victory may be taken as a fitting protest against the all too frequent use of the flail.”

Tt can be fairly said of St. Simon, the celebrated sire, that, taken all round, there was not much to choose between the best colts and the best fillies by this wonderful sire, and to take half a dozen of each, one might name Persimmon. St. Frusquin, Diamond Jubilee, William the Third, St. Serf, and Florizel IT. as colts, and Signorina, La Fleche, Memoir, Mrs Butterwick, Amiable, and La Roche as fillies. In the second generation the blood looks almost like carrying all before it, for St. Frusquin headed the winning sires last year, Desmond was in third place, and Persimmon and Diamond Jubilee in seventh and eighth places, while a whole host of less known horses by St. Simon were well up in the list.

'About the time when the law was -endeavouring to solve the problem of what is “a place,” four newspaper men belonging to Manchester had a disconcerting experience while travelling homewards from Scotland. The only other occupant of the compartment was a sanctimonious-looking stranger, who sat quietly while one of the four piled up a nice little bank on the seat beside him as the result of his luck at solo. By-and-bye Mr Sanctimonious protested that a railway carriage was “a place,” and added that if the game went on he would inform the authorities. The four grew angry, and a heated argument ended only at Carlisle. There Mr Sanctimonious got out, and there was a rush to the window. He was seen to go in the direction of the station officials, and the four momentarily expected a visit. However, the train moved out without Mr Sanctimonious reappearing, and the four sat down to resume operations. The sequel was provided when an exclamation was made by the ‘‘lucky” one: “By Heavens! He’s pinched my winnings’”

Thus an English writer:—The gentleman rider who gets up because he enjoys the sport and hopes some day to get one of his many mounts home—two runners and the other one to fall —is really never beaten until “stretched.” What to him are such trifling inconveniences as fractured collar bones or displaced ribs; is he not a “sport”? Count Kinsky, who won the Grand National of 1883 on his mare Zoedone, was built upon these lines, only he “did” ride winners Occasionally. No matter how bad a tumble, he was always ready to go on with the “great game” as soon as possible. At Sandown once, while riding Kilworth, the horse blundered and threw his enthusiastic rider into the open ditch, after which the animal awkwardly tried to recover himself, but made matters worse by rolling on to the unfortunate nobleman. Willing hands soon released the Count from his unpleasant, not to say dangerous, position. When assisted to his feet the undaunted sportsman carefully felt his limbs, and happily found he had sustained no injuries “below the belt.” “Ach!” he exclaimed, in delighted tones, when the examination was concluded —“only my nose is brok.”

In England, even nowadays, a horse who proves useful as a sire is occasionally picked up at a low figure, and. touching on the Success of Mr R. Sievier's four-year-old mare Teofani in the Stewards’ Handicap at Kempton Park, of £875, on May 15, a recent London exchange says: “Her sire Black Duck, stood at the low fee of Bsovs In 1903 when he was mated with Cigarette (Teofani’s dam). In the following December Black Duck himself was put up at auction at the Newmarket sales, and realised the trifling sum of llgs. Yet in the next season (1904) one of the despised stallion’s offspring. Romer, then a three-year-old, won three good handicaps, inclusive of the Derby Gold Cup, of the total value of £2205. As a two-year-old Romer had won a race worth 259sovs on the first day of the Kempton Jubilee meeting. Teofant. who likewise Scored her fist success at Kempton, did not run as a two-year-old. and only twice last season, while prior to last Friday she had this season run second to Gold Sand at Epsom. It should be added that after Romer’s successful essays for his joint Owners, Messrs Joseph Davis and A. Knowles, Mr Davis purchased Black Duck from his owner, Mr Westgate, for BOsovs. ■Black Duck was foaled in 1889, and being by Galopin out of Call Duck, by Macaroni, it is not surprising that he has got stock to gallop, although given very few Chances. Tt may be added that he is bred on the same lines as that successful stallion, St. Angelo, who was also by Galopin out of a Macaroni marc.”

“The Aslan” (Calcutta), which camo to Viand this week, contains a cabled account of the English Derby and Oaks, and PerMet -did not, after all, start favourite for the former race, that position being filled by the American bred colt Norman 111.,

■ext in order coming Vamoor. Sea Sick 11.. and Mountain Apple, while Perrier was next fancied. Of the eighteen runners the only one standing at a longer price than Rignori netta was the French representative Aaote, who was at a very long price. Mountain Apple and Sir Archibald in turn flattered their supporters, but at the end Signorinetta fairly rau over everything, winning easily by two lengths from Primer, who beat Llangwm a neck, with Mountain Apple fourth, Eaton Lad fifth. Sea Sick 11. sixth, and Royal Realm seventh. The time, 2.40» was 4sec faster than when Orby won the previous year, but 3 l-ssec worwe than that recorded by Spearmint in 1906. After her Derby win one would have looked to Signorinetta to start favourite for the Oaks; but such was not the case, Mr R. Croker’s Rhodora being sent out a very warm favourite, while Chevalier Ginistrelli’s filly was at a decent price. Signorinetta had everything settled a quarter of a mile from home, and could have won by several lengths. However, VV. Bullock, who rode her in both races, contented himself by beating Courtesy by threequarters of a length. Unfortunately the race did not prove a test of the respective merits of Signorinetta and Rhodara, the latter falling, as a result of getting on to the heels of French Partridge, who also came to grief. bullock, who rode Signorinetta, went from India to Ireland to rjde for Mr Croker, but after being on Orby in most of his work for last year’s Derby, L. Reiff was substituted when it came to the race.

TURF TALK FROM THE SOUTH.

CHRISTCHURCH, Tuesday. There has been a week of almost continuous wet weather, and at the time of writing it is still going strong. Needless to say the tracks at Riccarton are thoroughly sodden; in fact, one has to don water tights to get through the course gates. This state of affairs has practically put a stop to training operations, and most of the horses in commission are being jogged about the roads in the vicinity of the course. A few of those intended to race at the Wellington R.C. meeting have been making the most of any opportunity to get in a little sprinting work, amongst their number being Eurus, Probable, Virtus, Stronghold, Paragon, and Cavatina, all of which are to be sent North in the course of a few days. Slow Tom is booked to compete in the steeplechase at Trentham. He is in a nice forward condition, and will be ridden by his Old associate, Scoullar. Taggart has received an addition to his string in the Stepniak mare Volodia, which was recently purchased by a patron of his. Mango, which met with rather a bad accident at the North Otago meeting, is almost right again, and has been put into light work. Tremulous, Contender, and Lady Disdain have been making the most of their opportunities, and all three are in robust health. Ainsley’s New Zealand Cup candidate Bonny Glen, is progressing satisfactorily, and so far has shown no signs of his old trouble. Longley has been exercising three of his charges. Fire Brand, Montreal, and Lerusse, about the roads. Ability recently met with a slight mishap to one of his knees, but the injury is of little moment, and should not prejudice bis Grand National Hurdle prospects. During the few hours of fine weather on Saturday, Storm (Cahill), Starlight (O’Connell), and Pacific (Carr) were given a turn over the big fences. Starlight and Pacific both fenced cleverly, but Storm made several mistakes. G. Pine, who a few weeks back received a damaged shoulder through Southern Cross falling with him, is nearly all right again, and hopes to be in the saddle before the national meeting. The well known trotting stallion Specification, which was imported from America about fifteen years ago, died recently at his owner’s station, Bangor. During his racing career the son of* Contractor and Kate Merry ha wk. won several races in good time, and also established the world’s three mile trotting record. At the stud he was fairly successful, his progeny, like himself, all exhibiting great stamina. The New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club has decided to add a valuable silver cup to the National Handicap, the principal harness race at its August meeting, in commemoration of the visit of the American fleet. Waipu had many friends here for the V.R.C. Grand National Hurdle Race, but evidently the solid pace set by Lady Quiz and Wollara from the start soon got him in difficulties. - The hunter Albury is to be given a special preparation for the Grand National, in which he is leniently enough treated at 9.7. Still, like most of his class, Albury will find negotiating the Riccarton country at a solid pace a very different matter to following the hounds, or running in point-to-point steeplechases. It is the pace that finds them out. Lupulite will not bo taken to Wellington meeting, his owner not fancying his chance at the weight apportioned him. The horse has quite recovered from his recent accident, and is almost a sure visitor to Riccarton for the Grand National meeting. Whether he will start in the Winter Cup is problematical, for he has certainly been set a stiff contract. I xi belle has been placed in McKay’s stables at Wingatui, to be prepared for the spring meetings. At present she is decidedly backward in condition, but is sure to pick up with expeditious treatment. vndISTCIIURCIT, Friday. The weather Is still extremely wintrifled, heavy rainstorms, with occasional glimpses of sunshine, being the prevailing conditions for days. Under the circumstances training operations at Riccarton are practically at a

standstill, the tracks being tborou<bly aoddeueu, while pools ot water are detied all over the courses. Thia has pracucaliy put a stop to traiuhig operation*, and even should the weather dear off, of which there ia little prospect, it will be nearly a week before the tracks ure in anythin* like good working order. At Wingatui matters are in a athi worse condition, so it is almost certain that the Southern horses will be placed at a big disadvantage when called on to thee at the Wellington and C.J.C. meetings. Canton, which was rather badly injured in the Wanganui Steeplechase, is in light work again, and looks in nice robust condition. He is how quite recovered from bis damaged legs, but with tracks in iiielr present state there is little chance of bls mentor having him anything like At by August. Slow Tom leaves for Wellington in the course of a few days to take part in the Wellington Steeplechase. His preparation has not been a satisfactory one by any means, and a solidly run race is sure to find him wanting. Word has been received that quite a number of Australian sportsmen intend being at cne r»nie of the Yaldhurst and Grasslea bloodstock, and they will also give their patronage to the C.J.C. Grand National meeting. This should lend zest to that fixture, but 1 am afraid the counter attraction in Auckland, combined with the weakness of fields likely to bo seen out in the steeplechase events, will militate a “rainst the success of next month’s gathering. Dusky Morn is the first to drop out of the Winter Cup, the Sou’ wester gelding having been scratched at 1 p.m. to-day (Friday). The Ground Committee of the Ashburton Racing Club, after a visit of inspection, have decided upon the erection of a commodious tea kiosk on the lawn; addition of twelve horse boxes, and many minor alterations and also intend having three separate entrances to the course, one for racehorses, one for pedestrians, and another for vehicular traffic. At the usual monthly committee meeting of the Canterbury Jockey Club on Wednesday application for registration by the Wairau Valley Racing Club was approved. The application for removal of disqualification incurred by persons and horses taking part in the unregistered meeting of the Kokotahi Sports Club was refused. The committee decided to recommend the N.Z. Racing Conference to cancel the registration of the Lauriston and Lyndhurst Sports Club. It was decided that in future, under special circumstances, dual licenses would be issued to trainers and jockeys. The Programme Committee’s report for the season was approved. At the spring meeting the Stewards’ Handicap was increased from 750sovs to lOOOsovs, and the Epsom, Avon, and Fendalton Handicaps were each increased by 54)sovs. The Jubilee Cup was struck out. its place being taken by the Stead Memorial Gold Cup of 750sovs, a gold cup valued at 200sovs and 550sovs in specie; the second horse lOOsovs and the third horse 50sovs from the stake; weight-forage; one mile and a-quarter. At the autumn meeting an increase of 50sovs was made in the Final Handicap. The total increases for the season amount to £lO2O.

In future events the Welcome Stakes of 1909 was increased to lOOOsovs, the Champagne Stakes of 1910 to 750sovs, the Derby of 1910 to 1350sovs, the Oaks of 1910 to 500sovs, and the Challenge Stakes of 1911 to 750sovs.

Payments for the Welcome Stakes of 1909 were increased to lOsovs, and for the Challenge Stakes of 1911 to Bsovs. The second forfeit for the Champagne Stakes of 1910 was reduced from ssovs to 3sovs. The date of the first forfeits for the Middle Park Plate and Challenge Stakes was altered from August to December.

The transfer of Santita,’ by Sant Ilario— Seashell, from J. Breid to 11. F. Nicol was approved. A resolution wps passed expressing regret at the death of Mr. W. Thomson who had been a country member of the •Metropolitan Committee since it was first formed.

AUCKLAND RACING CLUB.

THE GREAT NORTHERN GUINEAS. The following is a list of the hbrses left in:— GREAT NORTHERN GUINEAS, 1908, of 500sovs; second horse to receive 75sovs, and third horse 25sovs from the stake. Colts, 8.10; geldings, 8.7; fillies, 8.5 each. One mile,. Mr. J. T. PauKs b c, by Pukaki—Pauline Mr. J. E. Paul’s br c, by Pnkaki Merry Kate Mr. S. E. Cooper’s ch c Sir Artegal, by Stepnia k—Bri tomart Mr J. Monk’s blk c Diabolo, by Stepniak — Tortulla Mr. R. J. Paterson’s br c, by Stepniak— Royal Plumes Mr. J. 11. Prosser’s br c, by Stepniak Fairy Maid Exors. Mr. G. G. Stead’s b f Armlet, by Menschikoff—Armilia Mr. Lance Wood’s b f Ukraine, by Stepniak —Madder Mr. W. Handley’s hr c Aim well. by Sonlt — Gladys May Mr. John Lynch’s b r Coromandel, by Menschikoff -Golden Rose Mr. W. Percival’s b f Lady Winnie, by Sou It Indian Queen Mr. E. J. Watt’s br g Wimrnera, by Morriwee—Mousqueterio Mr. E. J. Watt’s br c Aborigine, by Merriwee—Sa fa nolla Mr. E. J. Watt’s h g Separator, by Seaton Delnvnl—Brown Alice Mr. W. C. Ring’s b c Hohungatahi, by Freedom—Black Watch Mr. F. Marshall's ch c, by Loolantis—Decoration Mr. G. P. Donnelly’s br f Gold Treasure, by Gold Loaf Pearl Shot Mrs. Coombo's br e Master Sonlt. by Soult—• Lady Hester Mr. C. Matthew’s br c Shuja, by Soult - Sprite

GISBORNE RACES.

GISBORNE, Thursday

The first day of the Gisborne Racing Club’s steeplechase meeting was held to-day in brilliant weather, with a good attendance. Th<* sum of £5204 was put through the lotalisator and 13 bookmakers were licensed. The results of the racing are as follows: — Handicap Hurdle Race, one mile and three-quarters. Reservoir, 10.5, 1; Cinque, 9.6, 2; Whatakura, 10.11, 3. Also started: Tui, Noteorini, Oasis. The last two horses fell.- Reservoir won easily. Maiden Hack Handicap, four furlongs.— ’Andrew Mack, 9.0, 1; Mistime 9.0, 2; Munga Mot is, 9.0, 3. There were twelve starters. Amtrew Mack won by a length and a half. Time, 51 2-ss. Flying Handicap, six furlongs.— Stylish, 9.7, 1; I‘hooka, 9.0, 2; Lady Rohina, 10.7, 3. Then* were eleven starters. Stylish won by hall a length. Time, 1.8 1-5. Park Steeplechase, about three miles.— Bullworth, 9.13, 1: Kapakapa, 10.5, 2; Reay, 9.7, 3. Jjoch I'-yne fell. There were seven starters. Time, (1.315. Hack Flat Handicap, seven furlongs.— Spate, 10.3, 1; Paisa.no, 10.1, 2; Waihekau, 9.4. Then* were nine starters. Spate won by two lengths. Time, 1.34 4-5. Trial Steeplechase, about two miles.— lArohu, Illi, 1: Kuranui, 9.7, 2. There were three starters. Baltic fell. Aroha won by twenty lengths. Time, 3.57. Winter Oats Handicap. —Hinetitama, 10.6, 1; While Lie, 10.2, 2; San Jose, 9.9, 3. There were six starters. Hinetitama won all the way. « GISBORNE, Friday. bor the second day of the Gisborne Racing C lab’s . Steeplechase Meeting line weather prevailed, ami there was a large attendance. The sum of £5351 was put through the lotalisator, making a total of £10,555 for the two days. Second Hurdles.- Whatakura 1. Reservoir ’*• Also started: Cinque Time, Maiilen Hack. -Mistime 1 llapuka 2 lawa’3. . i . Waikanae Handicap, seven furlongs.-— Sarilla, 10.4, 1; Hinetitama. 11.4. 2; Pluck, 9.0, 3. Also started: Stylish 10.4, Phooka 9.4. Sarilla won easily. Time, 1.33. Te Hapara Steeplei'liase, about two miles find a half. Cinque, 10.2. 1: Reay, 9.7 2* Morpeth, 10.0, 3. Also started. Bull worth 10.10, Papatu 10.9. Kapakapa 10.7, Creusot 10.3. Creusot ran oil' at the first hurdle, and Bullworth and Papatu fell. Cinque won by 20 lengths. Time, 5.37 J. Hade Plat Handicap, six furlongs.—Mistime, 9.10, 1; Waihekau. "9.3, 2: Naydine. 9.2, 3. There wore 11 starters. Mistime won by a length. Time, 1.20. .Finn! Steeplechase, about two miles. Aroha 10.12, 1; Baltic, 10.5, 2; Kuranui, 9.7, 3. These were the only starters. Aroha won anyhow. Time, 3.59. Farewell Handicap.—Douche. 10.13, 1; White Lie, 10.5, 2; Sarilla. 10.4. 3. There were 10 starters. Douche won by a length and a-half. Time, 1.481,

WELLINGTON WINTER MEETING.

WEL LI NGTON, Monday. The following are the acceptances for the handicap events on the first day of the Wellington Racing Club's winter meeting, to be held on July 18, 22, aiid 25:— Stewards’ Handicap, seven furlongs.— Irish Ritle 10.10, Martyrium 10.9, Aboriginal "10.3, Simplex 10.0, Lady Disdain 10.0, The Seer 9.13, Immolation 9.10, Land worn 9.9, Golden Gate 9.9, Haldane 9.8, Kurawaka 9.8, Metric Zealand 9.8, Hiro 9.8, Wha reli ura 9.7, Duart 9.0. Miramar Hack Handicap, seven furlongs. —California 10.4, Rangihaeata 10.0, Vasa 10.0, Sand Stream 10.0. Iranui 9.12, Monkey Puzzle 9.10. Spinning Flight 9.10, Blue-Rib-bon 9.9, Research 9.8, Skye 9.4, Truthful 9.4, Glentui 9.0. First Hack Hurdle Handicap, one mile and three-quarters.--Ghoorka 10.11. Stronghold 10.11, Top Rose 10.8. Defeat 10.4, Full Cry 10.0. Pierre 9.13. Strathcona 9.12. Hatley 9.G, Sherlock Holmes 9.4, Cyrus 9.4, Concussion 9.3, Waihekau 9.0, Otaroa 9.0, Oakbourne 9.0, Lingerer 9.0, Forest 9.0, Virtus 9.0. Parliamentary Ilundfcap, one mile.—Mystification 10.11, Truce 10.0. Irish Rifle 10.9, Dawn 10.9. Sir Frisco 10.2, WaJlethe 10.2, Seaman 10.1, Probable 9.11, Clanchattan 9.10, Swimming Belt 9.10, Paragon 9.10, Star Rose 9.10, Landwern 9.8, Ranglpapa 9.8, Merrie Zealand 9.7, Haldane 9.7, Maharanui 9.6, Comedian 9.6, Silken Rein 9.4, Mussel 9.4. Winter Hurdle Handicap, two miles.--Shrapnel 11.10. Lady 11 line 11.5, Exmoor 11.5, Black Reynard 10.11, Sen Sim 10.7, Ability 10.5, Le Beau 10.2, Prospector 10.2, Aorangi 10.0, Kurus 9.12. Scotty 9.12. Compass 9.5. Loch Fyne 9.5, Whatakura 9.2, St. Amelia 9.0. Snip 9.0.

Te Are Hack Handicap. 5 furlongs. Naumai 11.9. Sir Frisco 11.7. North Pole 10.2, Silk Web 10.2, Tumult 10.2, Yosa mi 9.13, Conquer 9.13, IxjrhielaO.ll. Cavatina 9.11, Glen 9.5, Rangina 9.5, Royal Maid 9.3, Mania 9.3, Cohort 9.0, Sir Antrim 9.0, Pronoun 9.0, Dr. Sbimose 9.0, Fideles 9.0.

AUSTRALIAN RACING.

THE ASCOT THOUSAND. MELBOURNE, July 6. The weather was most unfavourable, but the going was good, at Ascot racecourse today, when the cream of Now South Wales, Victoria, and New Zealand galloways competed for the Ascpt Thousand. Notwithstanding a Revere bump when rounding the first turn. Balgonie galloped fast up the long straight, and .cored a Comfortable victory over lhe Sydney gelding Little Port, who looked all over u Mloer JUOyda from home. , .

[The winner, Balgonie, was bred by Mr. J. Marshall, of Auckland, aud Is by Phoebus Apollo—Balbirnie. She was sold U.v auction for 32gs to Mr. F. Hill, acting on behalf of Mr R. Cleland, and was afterwards‘disposed of by the latter for 75gs. She competed at the Wellington Pony and Galloway meetings last season with considerable success.] V.R.C. G.N. STEEPLKCHASfc. MELBOURNE, July 11. The V.R.C. Winter Meeting was concluded to-day at Flemington. The following was the result of the principal event:— THE GRAND NATIONAL STEEPLECHASE, of 1500sovs. Mr A. Miller’s gr g Cardinal, aged, by Richelieu—dam by Humphrey ('linker 11.2 (Dickenson) 1 Ally Sloper, 11.5 (Morphett) 2 Tarpon, 11.7 (Whelan) 3 Also ran: Kuala Lumpur, Napier, Encainbiiie, Boisdale, Quail, Swimmer, Boomerang, Tact, Dalny. Wolseley, Novik. Confederate, Maine, Revealer, No Trouble, Postboy, Middlerise, Conius, Outcast. AJly Sloper and Cardinal rose to the last fence together, and a slashing finish terminated in a short neck victory for Cardinal. Ally Sloper was fourth lengths in advance of Tarpon, with Revealer close up, fourth. Time. 6.42 (?). SYDNEY, this day. ’lhe Sydney pony, Miss Mayfield, ran third in the Ascot Thousand race. The time was 1.4.

HUNTING.

(To the Editor.} Sir,- How few of the many that follow the Pakuranga Hounds ever think at all of the very great privileges they are allowed, or take into consideration the inconvenience the landowners and occupiers of farms are pul to when the- hounds are over their land for a uay s limiting; it matters not in what part of the country, not one meet is held without some of the farmers are put to trouble and expense in some form or other. Many take the trouble to put horses, sheep, also cows near calving, into yards or small padocks near the homesteads. Many, of these owners never come out with the hounds the whole season. How many members of the hunt ever consider the time it lakes Io do as above stated, also, after the hunt and the hounds are gone, to let all the stock out again and drive them back to lhe padodeks they were taken from in the morning. 1 know many of the farmers would rather not have hunting over their farms, but they are such good sportsmen they can t muse or like to prevent others enjoying themselves. It costs many farmers a lot more than the member’s subscription of £3 3/ per annum. Some of the members have the erroneous idea that by paying this annual subscription they can ride where and how they like; this gets the master into a lot of trouble. Many paddocks in crop would be open to the bunt, if the followers would only take the trouble to think and Iqok where they are riding, if all rode close under the hedge or fence very little damage is done, but many win not*do so; one or two will persist in riding out a little way, and then others go wider still, and, in consequence, quite a chain wide is- cut up aiid a lot of damage done? The last meet at Sylvia Park, Mr. W. Wallace took the trouble to yard some sheep he had just purchased, so as to keep them from mixing with his other flock, and naturally thought they would be quite safe then; but no, someone opened the gate and rode through the yard, which was bad-enough, but lie left the gate open behind him. and, of course, all Mr. Wallace’s trouble and time was wasted. This was done because a horse could not jump lhe two bottom rails of a 4-railed fence; the same thing was done on the previous meet at Sylvia Park. That time Mr. Turnbull was the sufferer. The Fakuranga Hunt Club’ have received for years £2OO per annum from the A.R.C., more than the average annual members’ subscriptions; surely it is time the members gave something extra, not taken from the club fund, but a whip round of not less than 21/ or more per member, for a good social dinner to:the farmers and on.some other night a ball for the younger ones. The dinner would .bring the. farmers and members together; they would be able to talk hunting matters over, and this would be a great benefit to the dub. With such a large following of the hunt now on Saturdays, averaging quite 150, it ought not to be any trouble to collect quite £lOO. 1 am sure there are not more than 50 farmers and their sops out of the 150 followers. Being an old member of the hunt, 1 am willing to give £2 2/ if 25 members will give the same. This will show that. I am practising as well as preaching. The above amount has been placed in the hands of the treasurer.—l am, etc., OLD MEMBER

Mr. F. W. AraaM a b c Karat*. br Eton— Peace Mr. J. Molojt'h b f. by B ton—Toarn ament Hon. J. D. Ormond’s b C Miscast, by Birkenhead — Min Never Mrw. J. I*ennard*e blk c Banta Rnaa. by Boult—Vieux Rose Mrs. Leonard's blk c Waimanfu, by Soult — Roxana Mr. J. Nelson’s b f. by Boult—Miss Nelson Mr. J. Ellis’ b c Beueform, by Multiform— St. Onida Mr. J. Ellis’ blk c My Lawyer, by Blackstone— Emmeline Mr. T. H. Lowry’s b f, by Merrlwee—Cants trice Mr. G. F. Moore’s blk c Guiding Step, by Stepniak—Guiding Star Sir Geo. Clifford’s ch c Eaglestone, by Clanranald—Weathereye Mr. W. Davies* b f Carreno, by Soult—• Lottie Mr. D. McKinnon’s b g Rimlock, by Flintlock—Hesper