TURF GOSSIP

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLI, Issue 5, 29 July 1908, Page 57

TURF GOSSIP

(BX

WHALEBONE.)

CACING FIXTURES. Joly 18, 22, and 25 — Wellington R.C. Winter July 29 — Hawke's Bay Hunt Club Annual July 30 — North Canterbury J.C. Winter Aug. 12.—Fleet Meeting, Ellerslie. August 11, 13, and 15 — Canterbury J.C. Grand National Meeting September 9 and 10 — Horowbenua Hack R.C. Annual September 16 anj 17 — Rangitikei R.C Spring The Hon. J. D. Ormond is stated to have 27 horses actually in training at the present time. The Bradgate Park Plate, run at the Leicester meeting, resulted: Noctuiform 1, Carduff 2, Vanqinckeil 3. With the conclusion of the Wellington Racing Club’s Winter Meeting, the N. Z. racing season of 1908 closes. Mr John Rowe, vice-president of the Auckland Trotting Club, has been elected vicepresident of the N.Z. Trotting Association. No fewer than 60,000 people are officially recorded as having been present at Hurst races recently. This is a record for the course. The hunter Anna. Lombard, which claims engagements at the forthcoming Fleet Meeting,’ is now an inmate of C. Coleman s stable. A prominent American owner. In E. Corrigan,, of Chicago, is retiring from the Turf, and will shortly sell-all his horses. Including mares and foals, they total 200. ■ Cadence has been purchased by Mr. Geo. Hyde, and has gone into G. Irwin’s hands. Lochbuie’ has commenced work again, under the same trainer, and looks well. It is reported that Waipu ricked his shoulder in the early stages of the V.R.C. Grand National Hurdle Race, and it is doubtful if the Torpedo gelding will be able to race at Caulfield. It is stated that what led up to the debacle in the Oaks was that French Partridge struck a cab horse, which had his head over the rails, and, coming down, Rhodora fell over her. The Papakura Racing Club’s application for a totalisator permit has had to be refused by the N.Z. Racing Conference on account of all the available permits having been allotted. A special meeting of the Auckland Racing Club committee will be held on Thursday, the 30th inst., for the purpose of granting trainers’ and jockeys’ licenses for the ensuing season. I have to acknowledge with thanks receipt of Mr J. J. Miller’s annual sporting pamphlet for 1908. As usual, the litle volume contains a vast fund of information of an up-to-date character, and should be in the hands of all sportsmen. When the latest mall to hand left England on June sth, F. Wooton was second in this season’s winning jockey’s list, having passed Maher, who was out of the saddle for nearly three weeks owing to varicose veins. . Volume, which went to India with a New Steaiand St. Leger and other races to his credit, has proved a failure there. He showed abundance of pace in the early stages of his races, but failed to stay, and in all Instances finished last. Says a Melbourne exchange: — “It opened the eyes of some of the New Zealanders at present on a visit to Melbourne, the amount of money to be won over a .minor handicap, and it is likely some of them will send a horse or two along to be raced here in the near future.** The following, from a Victorian writer’s notes, is worth bearing in mind. He says:— *‘The two-year-old Boboli beat the old horses In the V.R.C. Lawn Handicap, but be was lucky. Pink ’Un came with a tremendous rush when it was all over. If bis. rider had got to work a little earlier, it would have been all over with Boboli. Says a Southern writer: There was not much merit in Golden Gate’s second to Martyrium In the Stewards’ Handicap, on the opening day of the Wellington R.C. JJdeetlng, for several boys plainly disregarded the riding out rule when pursuit •f Martyrium was found hopeless.

The sum of £528 10/ was contributed by bookmakers to the funds of the W.R.C. for the privilege of exposing themselves for some five hours to a biting southerly, accompanied by driving showers, which would penetrate anything but a railway tarpaulin. — “N.Z. Times.’’ The Thames Jockey Club have protested against the Auckland Racing Club holding the second day of their summer meeting on the day after the country club’s second day’s racing, and it is understood the matter is to be threshed out at the forthcoming N.Z. Conference. Not a single Auckland-owned three-year-old has been allowed to remain in the Hawke's Bay Guineas, but Elysian, by Soult — Dreamland, Tetrazzini, by Soult — Miss Annie, and the colt by Eton — Lute, all of which are owned in Auckland, claim engagements in the Hastings Stakes. The Daystar hotse Starina, which broke down during the A.R.C. Autumn Meeting, and which was left behind in F. Ilins charge to be patched up, has been disposed of to Mr G. Hill, of Matahura, and he was shipped to his new home last week, where he will take up stud duties next season. After a long run of bad luck, the exNew Zealand horseman, L. H. Hewitt, managed to secure a dead heat at the recent Manchester meeting, riding Byeway, which finished level with Young Pankhurst in the John o’ Gaunt Plate. The latter was a very warm favourite. Now that Hewitt has broken the ice, it is to be hoped that he will manage to steer a few winners. It transpires that the announcement that the trustees of the late Mrs Coombe were to continue to race the horses owned by that lady at the time of her death is a bit Incorrect. What is intended, I am credibly informed, is that the horses will be kept in training, and will fulfil their engagements until the trustees see their way clear to dispose of them satisfactorily. Putty, the ancient son of St. Leger, which won the Auckland Cup of 1905, and which added to it the A-J.C. Prince of Wales’ Stakes a little over a year ago, has changed hands once more, the price being stated as lOOgs. This time, it is said, the old fellow will be confined to trying his paces in the country districts of Victoria. Prizes may be smaller there, but they are not so difficult to win. • Signorina, dam of the Derby winner Signorinetta, was one of the most brilliant two-year-olds this world ever saw. “Come into this bank here,’’ said Mr Craham, of Yardley, to the Chevalier Ginistrelli, “and count out for yourself 20,000 sovereigns, and you shall have them for her.’’ The bank, relates Mr John Corbett, in the “Sporting Times,’’ was Hammond’s, at Newmarket. The Chevalier “loved his children,’’ and would not sell. In commenting on the running of the Redfern Two-year-old Plate, run in England recently, a writer in the “Sporting Chronicle” says: — Vltrix, the winner, is but a pony, for she stands only about 14.2. But her length and her great wide quarters are out of all proportion to her height, and in galloping she is never off the ground, hence the effectiveness of her work. She is one of the first progeny of the Melbourne Cup winner The Victory, for which, as a Sire, she is a capital advertisement. The dual success of Signorinetta at Epsom, has naturally been hailed with great delight in Italy, where her grand-dam, Star of Portlei, was most popular. What is more, Signori no, the half-brother of the Derby winner, was purchased in 1906 by the Italian Government, aud is at present at the Haras de Castellazzo. His value as a stallion will have greatly increased by reason of the triumphs of his illustrious relative. The Auckland Racing Club’s dates for the ensuing season have been approved by the N.Z. Racing Conference, but a recommendation was passed that the club hold their second day on December 30, Instead of the 29th, on account of the Sunday Intervening. This is on account of the objection lodged by the names Jockey Club that the dates suggested clashed with the second day of their gathering. The Conference regretted that the Thames Club did not make Its objection direct to the Metropolitan Club. The St. Leger gelding Scotty made a creditable first attempt over hurdles at -ae Wellington Racing Club’s Winter Meeting, and his performance in running second to Compass in the Winter Hurdles, although nothing extraordinary, is sufficiently good to encourage the belief that, with experience, he may be useful over the small

fences. Although nothing definite has yet been decided, it is understood that, all going well In the meantime, Scotty will be sent on to Christchurch to fulfil hte engagements at the C.J.C. Winter Meeting. The richest jumping race in the world. Grand Steeplechase de Paris, was run h few weeks ago. it was 4J miles in length, aud had 5000sovs added to a work of art of the value of 400sovs, and Is a weight-for-age event. The English horses Selsdon Prince and Albuera were sent over to run, but the former was Injured and. had to be withdrawn. There were only 10 starters, and victory rested with Dandolo, who won the corresponding event four years ago, and in the interim has done remarkably well over other tracks. He carried the top-weight, 12.0, which is the highest ever successfully handled in the French Grand National. The Australian jockey W. Evans, had a mount in the English Derby, and rode the tearaway Mercutlo, who, however, had done racing when he had finished pulling. “Augur” was not very complimentary to the starters, but his view will probably be generally endorsed. He wrote that Signorinetta won- because she was the only real stayer in the race, and perhaps the Derby has seldom beeu contested by a greater number of rank non-stayers. An idea of how much money leading jockeys in England can make, will be gathered from the fact that .H. Randall was recently retained as first mount to the Kingseiere stable at £2OOO a year, and rhe engagements extends over the next three years. The Kingseiere stable is a limited liability company, its registered title being “Kingseiere, Limited.’’ and in this respect it probably stands unique throughout tlic racing world. Randall is a younger son of Sir Henry Randall, and an offer of the amount of his retainer was refused some months ago by Mr R. Wootton for first call on the services of his son Frank. In a training establishment such as that presided over by Richard Marsh, everything (says an English writer) is well done, ana those who can claim the privilege of going to the private chapel on a Sunday evening and hearing some of the lads sinv, will know that the spirit pervading the stable is not one of mere display. One of the most satisfactory indications of the turf of the present day is the greatly improved social status of those connected with a training stable, and Mr Marsh has done a great deal to put a spirit of emulation in all the lads who have come under his can». And (says the writer) that many of the youngsters take the master of Egerton House as a pretty good model on which to mould themselves is a pleasing fact to be noted. Mr. W. Ryan, who returned from his trip to Australia, has had a look at Mahutonga while he was in Sydney. The Auckland Cup winner went amiss soon after his arrival in Australia, and on examination by F. McGrath, in whose charge he was, it was found that his hoof was badly decayed, and had to be cut right away. The horse was then turned out in a swamp, and on being brought in a few days ago for Mr Ryan’s inspection, the hoof was found to have grown down splendidly, and McGrath confidently expects to have Mahutonga in work again shortly, and has no doubt about his standing a preparation. Au New Zealanders would be pleased to see the horse go to the post again thoroughly wound up. According to the New York correspondent of the London “Sportsman,” the jockeys in that city are making au effort to draw the colour-line. A youug Western negro, J. Lee, recently went to New York to ride, and it was announced that the white jockeys intended giving him a bad time of it. However, the stewards and the Pinkertons got hold of the little conspiracy, and so far Lee, who is a fine rider, has not been interfered with. Personally, he seems able to take care of himself, as, meeting Jockey Nicoll, he said: “See, heah, you Nicoll, I heah as how you'se goin’ to put me over de rails. Wall, I don’t want no trouble ou the track, but if you or any of you white boys try to hurt dis heah coon, he meets you outside and twists every bone in you’ body, see.” Readers of racehorse history have often |veen mention made of “The Prophet’s Mares,” but perhaps have not happened across their origin. It Is said in the East that Mahommed set great store by the readiness of horses to obey any signal to which they bad become accustomed, ana he selected mares for breeding purposes by a test of their obedience. He shut up a drove of mares within sight of water, and kept them without a drink till they were almost famished with tlflrst. Then the drove was released, and naturally started at a gallop for the water. When they were Iu full flight a trumpet sounded the “halt."

Only five, some say three, obeyed the call and stopped, the rest being bent on assuaging their thirst. The obedient ones were chosen ns dams, and honoured by the title, “The Prophet’s Mares.”

The following items anent the recetit English Derby are from the ‘Spurting IJfe”: —Very few people were “ou” winner of the Derby, but oue of the luck; ones, we hear, was Dr. McCalx* who uaev to traiu Mr Croker’s hursea. ▲ member of a well known club drew Signorinetta m the annual sweepstake, but so little did h * fancy Chevalier Glutstrelll’s mare thui he presented the ticket to the hall porter before leaving in his motor for Epsom. L’U feelings when witnessing the ready victory of Signorinetta can be easier imagined than described. W. Bullock, who rode such an excellent race ou Signorinetta, would have l>een ou the previous year’s winner, Orby, but for Mr Richard Croker, against Dr. McCabe's advice, selecting J. Reiff to wear the Yale blue jacket, and it must have been doubly gratifying to the Irish lad to have so well justified his present employer's good opinion. Considerable complaint was voiced regarding the lean given to the hurdles at the recent Wellington meeting, and a u wr ‘ l l cr in the “N.Z. Times’’ says: — if the hurdles had been given a little more lean for Scotty and Co., there would have been no jump ing events nt Trenthani on Saturday. Someone remarked that those at the back were different,but it is difficult to believe that one fence would be 3ft and the next Bft Gin. The fact that with very greasy going there were no mishaps, and that au indifferently schooled horse like Scotty flew the .lot. and showed no disposition to shirk the tasn. speaks for itself. With many New Zealand steeplechase courses reduced to hurdle races, it is perhaps not to be wondered at that therce is a commensurate reduction in the height of the battens. The regulation height of the latter should not be tampered with, and the owner with a proficient jumper would be fully justified iu protesting. The question of complimentary tickets for race meetings seems to be exercising the minds of racing officials in the Wellington district, and in writing on the sublet “Orion’’’ in the “N.Z. Tinies” says:—“’i’’: latest evil in connection with the turf has just come under the writer’s notice in Wellington in the shape of the very dishor - i practice of trafficking in complimentary tickets admitting to the lawn enclosure'’. The cost of these for the three days of forthcoming meeting, if purchased in l -' • ordinary way at Trent ham, would be £1 16 • being at the rate of 12/ per diem. 1 ’I:.• writer will probably be accused of a brea !i of confidence in disclosing the fact thai a ‘complimentary’ for the three days’ meetin;: of tiie Wellington Racing Club was offered and accepted by a visitor to Wellington i day or two ago for the sum of fifteen shil lings, less than half-price. Such traffickiu.; is most reprehensible, and the individual who will stoop to such meanness and IT., grant abuse of a club’s generosity richly deserves beiug severely dealt with.” Mr. Win. Ryan returned from bls trip f u Australia on the 19th, after having had a pleasant time. Mr. Ryan’s visit was prin clpally in connection with the V.R.C. National Meeting, at which Cachuca, owned by that gentleman and his partner, was i contestant. Cachuca was solidly mipporh I for the Keilor Hurdle Race on th** -see ;■ I day of the gathering, but had bad luck J ing the race, being almost down on dit-o occasions. The gelding was left behind hi F. McGrath’s charge, and is to compete at the V.A.T.C. meeting. Mr. Ryan was not very impressed with the form of the jumping horses in Australia, which he state I with one or two exceptions, was poor, and he thought Klatere would have little mi culty. fit and well, in holding his own.. Gatches gave promise of being useful over tihe hurdles, but Tatterdemalion would probably have been returned the winner of the Grand National but for the fact that he broke dowi during the running of the race. Although impressed with the racing »» Aus‘tralia, the Auckland penclller expressed the opinion that he was satisfied at present to remain in New Zealand. The following reference to the licensing of bookmakers appears in the nuuual r oP ovt of the Thames Jockey Club:—‘lt is with fe-1 lugs of regret that the committee view thretrograde step taken by Parliament last session, by including iu ‘The Gamiug Act a provision compelling racing .clubs io P ; y their calling ou the various racecourses hi the Dominion. The clubs from experience found that the presence of bookmakers on racecourses was pernicious, and had decided to exclude them, and did so. but by a com bination of the fraternity’ with the ‘unco guid,’ who desire the abolition of the total isator, an unholy alliance was formed, whi'-h with united efforts secured the passing of a measure which all straight patrons of tn* course deplore. However, it is confidently expected that with the experience that will he gained, the provision will be repealed during the* next session of Parliament, and the business of the management of race courses left untrammelled in the hands of those who know how they should be managed in the best interests of the public.”

In writing of amateur riders an English exchange quotes an anecdote which happened in Ireland. A certain crowd had a mare in a race, and she bad so much in hand that in order to get a price about her the Curragh division decided to run the risk of putting up the “Baron,” an amateur

rider, who, instead of taking no chances, was ho full ot himself that he essayed to ride a finish with the iate Jock Jones, an awkward customer for a “mug” amateur to take a liberty with. It was only by the grace of Providence that be got home by a head, although he had HtoneH in hand. But the crowd t<n»k it into their heads somehow or other that he had been trying to stop the favourite, and they hooted him vigorously when he returned to the paddock. The poor “Baron’H” self complacency was ruffled by the demonstration, and, white with passion, the moment he weighed in he threw the saddle to the ground and shouted, “Ah. ye sanguinary pigs, when Fred Archer he win by a head they say ‘Grand, magnificent’; when I win by a head they say ‘Taiuned fool and worse than a tamned fool.’ ” After Signorinetta had registered her dual victory in the Derby and Oaks, her owner sent the following letter to the “Sporting Chronicle”: “Sir,- It having been the wish of many of my friends and well-wishers that 1 should take my filly, Signorinetta, to run in the Grand I’rix de Paris, I desire hereby to make it known that 1 have come to the conclusion not to do so. I have not the slightest doubt about having a cordial reception from the French people, and the Grand Prix is a tempting prize, but I prefer not to run the risk of the journey, and to give my well deserving filly a rest. Nor <an 1 let this occasion pass without thanking the people of this great nation, led by His Gracious Majesty King Edward VII.. for the hearty and sincere welcome they gave me over my Epsom victories. I had decided, after having secured the Blue Riband of the Turf, to return with my racing stable to Italy, but the cordial welcome and enthusiasm displayed on all sides has moved me profoundly, a ml I shall be only too glad of the excuse to remain. With thanks and compliments, believe me truly, 4’hevalier E. Ginistrelli, Senator of the Kingdom of Italy.” The “Special Commissioner’’ thinks that if Signorina had not been so much petted at the stud and had been allowed to rough it with other mares she would not have “missed” or had dead foals so frequently. As a matter of fact, however, in this respect Signorina took very much after her dam, Star of Portici, says a writer in the “Sporting Times,” for we read, in the 17th volume of the Stud Book, that she slipped foal in 1885, and ’B9. was not covered in 1885, *B7, 95’, and ’96, and was barren in 1899, ’9l, ’92, '94, and ’95. Whatever she may have (lone in Italy, we have no record of her at the stud here until she was 13 years old. It is clear from this that, there was something very much in common between Star of Portici and her great daughter. There are not many breeders who would have stood out against such a long run of disasters, and it would almost seem as though the Chevalier Ginistrelli had about exhausted his patience, as an advertisement appeared in the last ‘‘Calendar” advertising his establishment at Newmarket for sale, the whole lot not. covering more than twelve acres. Ail this must given encouragement to the “little men.” whe were being swamped by the great breeders. Thus an English Exchange: There wore reasons in plenty why humlnnls of punters flopped it down on Signorina's daughter, and one <»f them was given to a carriageload of dusty race-goers - bold, pert, and dirty as London sparrows—returning from the Hurst on Monday. The speaker was a youth’ of about five-and-twenty, and with nil the self-assertiveness of a stone bottle of ginger pop. he said. “Well, any chap at all well up in racin’ who couldn't see that Signorinetta was a bally cert ought to bring his nurse out with him. One only has to exercise a little discretion to sec these bally pinches literally stickin’ out in the programmes. As soon as I saw she had ‘arrived’ at Epsom I bunged my bit down, anyway, and then lined up near the bookie till they called •All right!'” “Well,” said the man in the corner, pityingly, “I'm ImuKcred if I see how her havin’ ‘arrived’ at Epsom made her out a good thing!” "Don't you really?” chortled the boy. “Yet that's just the point. Great Scott, you don't think they’d send a mare all the. bally way from Italy If they didn't know something, do you?” In the matter of riding winners of the English Derby the famous old-time jockey, J. Robinson. comes out first. lie rode in all six winners, on Adr (18171, Cezorlc (18241 Middleton (1825), Mameluke (1827», Cad land <lB2Bl, and Bay Middleton (1836). Both Clift and F. Archer rode five winners, the former on Waxy (1793), Champion 1800), Ditto (1803), Whalebone (1810), and Tiresias 11819), and the latter was up on Silvio (1877). Bend Or (1880), Iroquois (1881), Melton (1885), and Ormonde (1886). Altogether six jockeys have ridden four winners W. Arnull, S. Arnull. J. Arnull, F. Buckle, \V. Scott, and J. Watts; the latter had the leg up on Merry Hampton (1887), Sainfoin (1890), Ladas (189-4), and Persimmon (1896). Of the jockeys now riding D. Maher stands above all rivals, with three Riicoessos, on Koeksand (1903), Cicero (1905), and Spearmint (1906). Of trainers John Porter, (lie late “Master of Kingsclere,” holds a unique record, as he sent out from his famous Hampshire stables no fewer than seven winners, including Blue Gown (1868), Sholover (1882), St. Blaise (1883). Ormonde (1886). Sainfoin (18)10), ('oinmon (1891», and Flying Fox (1899). “Watt” Dawson trained six winners Thormanby (1860), Kingcraft (1870), Silvio (1877). Melton (IBBsi, Ladas (1894). and Sir Vlsto . (1895). In recent years R. Marsh has sent out Per ■imrnon (1896), Jeddah (1898), and Diamond Jubilee (1900). •' * That It !h possible for a bookmaker to recover on a bettlnjf transaction under certain conditions was decided In an English court of appeal recently. In October iaat the Bum of £IOB 10/ due to Mr 11.

Hymns, a bookmaker (the plaintiff), from Messrs Stuart King; in respect of betting transactions. Ou November 4th they sem him a cheque signed iu the name of the firm. The next day they requested him not to present It, but to hold it over for a couple of days. He complied, and agreed to grant a further extension of time for payment. Subsequently he received, at different times, sums which amounted altogether to £6O, and eventually issued a writ claiming £4B 10/, the balance, and on January 16th, 1908. obtained judgment by default against the firm. Later tne judgment was set aside by a Master. Tne case eventually came before Mr Justice Darling, and he, after giving the plaintiff leave to amend, gave judgment for him for the amount sued for, with costs, holding that. In the circumstances of the case, the forbearance of the plaintiff constituted a good consideration of the debt. Sir Gorell Barnes upheld this view’, and was supported by Lord Justice Farwell. Lord Justice Moulton dissented. He declined to think that such a flaw existed in the law which could legalise such a trans. Action as that in question. The appeal, by. a majority of the court, was, therefore, dismissed. < hevalier E. Ginistrelli was asked a few weeks ago by Lord Marcus Beresford to put a price on his filly Signorinetta. It was after she had won the Derby and Oaks that tne request was made, and after much pressing the Chevalier named a price in one word — it was “England.” An Australian in England describes the Chevalier as “a quiet, unpretentious, old gentleman, who never gets in anyone's road, and who just potters about with three or four horses. while a writer in the London “Sportsman.'’ in referring to the filly’s withdrawals from the Grand Prix, says of her owner thus: “Where to look for Ginistrelli’s equal as a sportsman we know not. Fair play, the sportsman's characteristic. is in the marrow of his bones; money is dirt. It would not bo unfair or harmful or anything but. a treat to Signorlnett a to. go', over to Paris and win the Grana I rix, earning, in her stride. £12,000 or so for her owner. Yet for the mere fear that his darling filly might be distressed by tne change of quarters, the short voyage or the contest itself, he puts aside carelessly the rich prize, the fame attaching, and the distinction of a unique triumph in turf annals. ‘When shall his glory fade?’ We arc mightily proud of him as our adopted countryman. He sheds a lustre even on Newmarket, whore probably there are more good men arid true to the square mile than you will find elsewhere in the Empire on which the sun never sets.” Tho annual meeting of the members or the T r " S T C , l ." b took . Pl«ce Mr «i. i . Haney, J.I presiding over a renro tentative attendance. The balance-sheet showed that when certain moneys had been recovered the profits for the year (including carh m hand amounting to £67 15/) would amount to some £BO. Considering that this was the club's first year, and taking into account the drawbacks as to the course, and other matters with .which the club had to contend, this was considered most satisfac:H?l was ,l msse(l as such, on the motion of Mr J. Phillips, who highly complimented the secretary, Mr J>no. Mclntosh, on the* result of his labours. In thanking the club for the compliment, as well as for the bonus of £5 which was voted, Mr Mclntosh, though asked to retain office, regretted his inability to do so. he and the other officials who did not seek re-election (Messrs Keri Toki, Jas. Mclntosh, and D. Moles worth. seiu) receiving a vote of thanks for their services. For the ensuing year the following office bearers were elected, viz.: President, Mr J. P. Bailey, J.P.; secretary, Mr Bert Stewart; treasurer, Mr P. J. Hassett; auditor. Mr T. Black; committee, Messrs J. Darby, J. B. Harris, T. Kearins, Jas. McIntosh, R. Niccolls, and 11. Peckham. For granting the gratuitous use of their racecourse, the Ngaruawahia Domain Board and Racing Club received the hearty thanks of the meeting. Says an exchange: The double victory of Signorinetta at Epsom last week proves that it is'possible to have the best horse iu the world and gallop him day by day at Newmarket in the presence of the cleverest touts in Hie world without anyone being the wiser. It-has been said that, at Newmarket it is impossible to keep a secret/as every man's business is known, and yet no one had the slightest suspicion that a filly that was destined to rival the great Blink Bonny feat of winning the Derby and Oaks was doing her work under his very nose.' The reason for all this was that there was no secret to keep. You may have the best horse in the world but not be in a position to find it out without running the animal in public*. The? moment an attempt is made to make the discovery in private the* touts are on it at once. It has been said, and very truly, of small stables in which there arc* ordinarily only a few plater 3, that if by chance a horse* is discovered- that can gallop at all he Is at once magnified into a second Eclipse*. Ho runs in public, and, as a ride, is found to be one of the* veriest of c ommoners. In the case of Signorinetta there* was absolutely nothing for the touts to go upon, for the simple reason that there was nothing on which the owner himself could act. He could run his horse and trust to Providence, and that is what M. Ginistrelli did. He hoped to win the Derby, but could give no reason why he should have such hope. If every now and agalp Signorinetta had run the Derby distance led by a useful horse that could stay, ti (round opinion might, and probably would, have* been formed; but M. Ginistrelli had no such animal to load his splendid filly In her work. A plater led her in the first half of It, and then another Jumped In and came on to the end. There Is one thing to i>e said, however, and that is -that the mure Ale ped the distance frequently.

On Wednesday, August 12th, at Christchurch, Messrs Pyne and Co. will conduct one of the most important sales of bloodstock yet held In the Dominion, when the whole of the stud and horses in training in the estate of the late M. G. G. Stead will be offered without reserve. The horses in training will be sold first, and then the yearling stallions, mares, and fillies. In that order. Such a lot of high-class thoroughbreds have never been offered at one time at any sale, and the opportunity of securing animals specially selected by their late owner for their successful running blood will probably be largely availed of. Of the horses In training, 25 lots will be offered, amongst them being the crack filly Golden Slipper, which is engaged in all the principal events in New Zealand and Australia: Los Angelos, by San Francisco — La Vallere; Sweet Angelas, by MultiformWiki Rose; Nobel, by Seaton Delaval—Problem, half-brother to the great Solution; Idyll, a full sister to Isolt; Ringdove, by Collar—Miss Chiffinch, bred in England, and recently imported by Mr Stead; Soprano, by Menschikoff—Cissy; Count Witte, another half-brother to Solution, by Menschikoff: Armlet, a great performer: Sunglow, full sister to Bouiform; Guianforte, by Multiform—Vallere; Cheshire, by Tarporley — Maybud, bred in England by Ilis Majesty King Edward, and recently imported by Mr Stead; Orimilu, another English Jjred one, by Orme —Hey Presto; Cronstadt, full brother to Munjoei, vesper 8011, full sister to Sweet Angelas; Perle d'Or. full sister to the crack filly Golden Slipper: Nautiform, by Multiform —Rattler: Cymbiform, full brother to Porcelain: Bliss, by Stepniak—Far Away; Ristori, by Royal Artillery—Helen Faucit; Hope Diamond, half-sister to Cuneiform: Roseliko, by Multiform—Soult Rose; Royal Guard, by Royal Artillery—Culroy; Pilgrim’s Rest, by Pilgrim's Progress--Zingara: ami Coroniform, by Multiform - Helen Faucit. The above arc all well engaged, and should realise high prices. The stallions Multiform, Royal Artillery, and Bouiform have been most successful during the short time they have been at the stud, in fact. Hie success of the former has been something phenomena!. Fifteen yearlings, bred much on the samp lines as the horses iu training, are to be submitted, and then the celebrated mares. In all, 29 lots will be put up. Every lot is to be offered without the slightest reserve, and the sale promises to be a record for the Dominion in every way.

TURF TAjLK FROM THE SOUTH.

CHRISTCHURCH, Tuesday. Though the weather has at length taken a turn for the better it will be some time before the training tracks at Riccarton are fit for fast work again. So bad have they been that operations have been practically .at a standstill tor nearly three weeks. Consequent on this Slow Tom’s trip to Wellington was cancelled at the eleventh-hour, as it was found impossible to have him anything like fit. Several others that might have gone north had the tracks been dry had their engagements cancelled, for it is no use sending half fit horses away from home to race. On Monday morning the weather was fine overhead, and some jumping was indulged in, but in no case was the pace at all fast. Storm negotiated a circuit of the big fences in nice style. He ran off at the double, but afterwards fenced faultlessly, jumping cleanly and smartly. Blessbok and Swimmer were companions in a spin over six flights of hurdles. The latter gave a creditable display, but Blessbok clouted several of the hurdles, and fenced in slovenly style. Two hunters, Cacanny and Selim, did a round of the big country, the latter showing to most advantage. A two-year-old trained by D. Roberts slipped on the tram line near the entrance gates to the course, and came down rather heavily. Fortunately neither the filly nor her rider were any the worse for their mishap. Highland Reel has been sold by Messrs Piper and Gorton to a Sydney sportsman. Delivery will not be given until after the August meeting. Riccarton-trained horses that competed at the Wellington Racing Club's meeting on Saturday, gave very sorry exhibitions, but the racing should benefit them greatly. Even so, they will be at a big disadvantage in the matter of condition when competing with their northern rivals at the Grand National meeting. Consequent on their successes at Trentham, Sir 'Frisco will have to put up a lOlbs penalty in the Winter Cup, Compass 141bs, and Defeat 51bs, in the Grand National Hurdle Race. ' The well known Riccarton trainer, C. Piper, returned from his trip to Sydney on Thursday, bringing with him six trotting horses of much pomise. Four of them are the property of Mr J. A. Buckland, being: Count, a five-year-old gelding, by Franz from Countess; V’olcano, a two-year-old son of Valiant and Hattie S.; Prinz, a two-year-old colt by Valiant from Fraulin; and Alpha, a two-year-old colt by California from the Voncleve mare Hush. The two-year-olds are a particularly promising lot, and bred as they are, can, with everything else iu their favour, hardly fail to win races. The other members of Piper’s lot are Patrick G, a pony son of Logan, and Briton, from a daughter of the Duke and Shangnni, by Voncleve from Marigold. This pair are owned by two Sydney sportsmen, and will be raced here by Piper. Both have several smart performances to their credit, especially Patrick G, who. though small, can muster up a lot of pace. Though Gold Dust’s name appeared amongst the acceptors for the Grand National Hurdle Race, It was In error, ap the son of Gold Reef was not paid up for. Stepaside, by Stepniak from Broadside, Is the first mare booked to the recently imported stallion Sarto. Royal Artillery was brought up from Elderslfe last Friday, and is uow located at the Graaslea stud.

In 1894 the Noth Otatgo Jockey Club gave away <1375 in stake money. During the season just closed £2650 was disbursed, so that in three years the stakes have been nearly doubled. Messrs J. E. Henrys and H. Piper have been re-appolnted to their positions of handicapper and starter to the Dunedin Jockey Club. Lord Rosslyn and his son Notus were shipped to Melbourne on Saturday. They are being sent over to Yuille’s spring sale at Melbourne, their owner, the Hon. G. McLean, having no use for Lord Rosslyn, now he has Sarto to take up stud duties at Warrington. CHRISTCHURCH, Saturday. The Canterbury contingent that visited the Wellington Racing Club’s meeting put in heavily on Cavatina In both her races, but the Lochiel mare let them down badly. Though Seaman is not yet at his best he ran a good race in the Parliamentary Handicap at Wellington, and his form In that event points to him having a really, good chance of annexing the Winter Cup, Ghoorka’s and Exmoor's displays at Wellington meeting have sent them out of favour for their Riccarton engagements next month. Irish Rifle’s poor showing at the Wellington Racing Club’s meeting so disappointed his owner that it is doubtful if the gelding will be sent South to fulfil his engagements at the Canterbury Jockey Club’s meeting. After doing working gallops at Riccarton a few days ago. Stronghold pulled up lame, having ricked one of his fetlocks. After a few days’ spell Clanranald’s son was recommissioned, and now strides along nicely in his work. Eurus is improving nicely, and by National time should be in first rate trim. He jumps well, has a fair amount of pace, and can stay with the best of them. Stormont’s owner. Mr IL Gourlay, is confident of his representative running a good race in the Grand National Hurdle Race, but on his past form it seems doubtful if the Apremont gelding will see out a solidly run two miles. Nadador's victory in the Wellington Steeplechase will necessitate her putting up a stone penalty in the Grand National Steeplechase. As this will bring her weight up to 11.0 her choice must be a remote one. e ’ ’ First-class nominations have been received for the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club’s August meeting, which horses from all parts of the Dominion. Recent arrivals from Australia have also been engaged, and are sure to play a pro* minent part in the meeting.

TROTTING CONFERENCE.

The New Zealand trotting conference opened on July 21, Mr G. Payling (president) in the chair. The chairman, in his annual address, congratulated members and clubs on another successful year. There had been, an increase of £l4OO in stakes, while the totalisator revenue exceeded that of last year by over ,£BOOO. Reference was made to the flourishing condition of affairs on the West Coast. In regard to those nontotalisator clubs whose prize money falls short of the minimum required, the Chairman considered such clubs to be detrimental to sport, and suggested it be a recommendation to the governing body to fix the minimum amount not less than £l5O of stakes per day, and to refuse to pass any programme that did not conform to this condition. The necessity for stipendiary stewards was urged, and reference was made to notices of motion to be considered by the conference. An interpretation of the rules suggested by the Tahuna Park Club, “That ‘performance’ means a start in any race,” was carried unanimously. Mr. Selig, on behalf of the New Zealand Trotting Association, moved a new rule as follows: “In all programmes of clubs there shall be at least one race per day for trotting horses only.” The motion was carried. Mr. Selig moved further. “That at least one-seventh of the stakes given by a club at a meeting shall be allotted to a race or races for unhoppled trotters only.” The motion was canted. The statement of accounts showed a balance to credit of £4O, and there is a credit balance of £316 in regard to the provident fund. It was resolved, “That if more than 20 horses start in a one-mile harness race in which the limit is 15sec. or less the race shall be run in heats.” It was decided that totalisator permits be recommended on last year’s basis. Officers were elected as follows. —President, Mr. George Payling; vice-president* Mr. John Rowe; executive, Mr. F. T. Pannell, W. J. Gore, and A. Hathaway. It was decided to recommend that no club be allowed to hold a meeting giving stakes under £l5O per day. The secretary was thanked for his services, and his salary was increased from £5O to £75 per annum.