TURF GOSSIP

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLI, Issue 7, 12 August 1908, Page 73

TURF GOSSIP

By

WHALEBONE.)

RACING FIXTURES.

Aug. 12.—Fleet Meeting, Ellerslie. August 11, 13, and 15 — Canterbury J.C. Grand National Meeting September 9 and 10 — llorowheuua Hack R.C. Annual September 16 anj 17 — Rangitikel R.C. Spring

lURF NOTES/

One of Mr T. H. Lowry's cast-offs, Loftus, .was recently disposed of in Otago for £33. Post Town and Waipuna are favourites for the Caulfield Cup. Immolation lias broken down, hence her withdrawal from her Riccarton engagements. Nadador and Loch Fyne are expected Jo run very well in the Grand National Steeplechase. Zimmerman heads the list of winning horses in New Zealand for last season, with a total of £3375. No Grand National candidate, it is said, presents a more trained to the hour appearance than Nadador. Paritutu has plenty of friends for the Grand National Hurdle Race. Last year he ran second to Shrapnel. At the Cambria Park Stud, twenty yearlings are being wintered, which are to be sold at the annual sale in December. The present is the third occasion upon which Nadador has attempted to annex the C.J.C. Grand National Steeplechase. Offers of £2OOO and £2500 have. It is said, been made for California, but the reply is that the San Fran colt is not for sale. A number of leading Australian sport** men and breeders have left to attend the sale of the late Mr Geo. G. Stead’s stud. The two-year-old colt by Eton — Tournament, has gone into F. Hill’s charge at JEllersiie. For three meetings last season, the Auckland Racing Club received from bookmakers no less than £4906 10/. The Cyrenian horse Cambrian, which went amiss before the last A.R.C. Autumn Meeting is being hacked about again. Mr J. W. Aidworth, of Silverhope, has been appointed starter to the Feilding Jockey Club. The New Plymouth hunters Kura and Rua are to be brought to Auckland to take part in the Connecticut Steeplechase at the Fleet Meeting. It is stated that there are over 60 brood mares located in the paddocks at the Hon. J. D. Ormond’s breeding establishment at Karamu. At Kohimaramara, H. Howe has Creusot, Mistime, Soultmaid, Aimwell, and a twoyear old by Menschikoff—'Gladys May, in work. Consequent on the Anti-Betting Act in New York, Mr .James R. Keene has shipped several dozen yearlings to England, whe’.e they will be raced next season. The gelding Recreation, which has been somewhat of a failure on the flat, is being schooled over hurdles, and Is stated to be shaping well. N. Cunningham has shifted his team from Green Lane, and Is now quartered with D. Bannatyue at the late George Wright’s old stables at Ellerslie. Leona tor is striding along in good style in his W'ork at Ellerslie, and another that has come through his preparation satisfactorily is Celtic. Mr S. IT. Gollan’s unnamed son of Collar find Tiraillerie was among the acceptors for the Goodwood Cup, won by Radium, but failed to run into a place. The San Francisco colt Downfall, which ■was rather a disappointment as a three-year-old. is expected to perform creditably during the coming season. Messrs R. Wynyard and C. O’Connor have been re-appolnted handicapper and Starter respectively to the Avondale Jockey Club for the ensuing season.

Mr j. Muir was the most successful Auckland horse owner duriug the season Just closed, his horses haviug won him £1560. The late Mrs Coombe won £l4BO. For the second successive year the Hon. J. D. Ormond comes -out first in the list of winning owners, his representatives having amassed the fine total of £8825. C. Jenkins has been granted a jockey’s license, and will accompany Prosser’s team to Christchurch, and ride for the stable throughout the C.J.C. meeting. Mr David Buick, a well known farmer, racehorse owner and breeder, is mentioned as a probable candidate for the Palmerston North seat In the Opposition interest. Multifid’s owner (says the Taranaki “Herald”) contemplates sending the Multiform horse to Christchurch during Grand Na tional week, and submitting him for sale. Thanks mainly to the exertions of Zimmerman, Birkenhead conies out second in the list of winning stallions, with £10,204 to his credit. Ben Deeley, despite his license being cancelled during the latter part of the season, came out on top of the winning horsemen for New Zealand. The report of the Australian Jockey Club shows a revenue durlug the past season of £79,345, an excess of £lBOO over expenditure. The added money for the coming season is £40,350. The winner of the N.Z. Cup of 1906, Star Rose, was offered for sale at auction at New Plymouth last week, but only one bid was forthcoming, £l5, and at that price he was passed in. The Auckland sportsman who races under the name of Mr C. Thede recently priced the hurdle horse Sen Sim, but the price quoted, which it is believed was 500 gs, did not lead to business. Word from Napier gives news of the death of the Torpedo mare Lady Warwick, which was a fair performer on the turf. Lady Warwick won a couple of pony races in Auckland a season or so ago. Souit is third in the winning stallion list, with a total of £9536, contributed to by fifty-five winners of stake-money. Lord Souit was his most successful representative. T. O’Brien, the Southern horseman, intends to appeal against the disqualification imposed on him by the Wellington Racing Club in connection with the Full Cry business. Word from the South states that the Handsome Jack mare Janella, which is engaged at both the C.J.C. and Fleet Meetings. is to fulfil her engagements at the former gathering. In connection with the registration of trotting horses, owners would do well to note that the fee has been increased to 10/, half of which will go to the recently established provident fund. Stepniak is at the head of the winning sires of the season, with sixty-oue winners of place-money, of the value of £10,326. This is the fifth occasion on which he has occupied tne post of honour. The White Knight ran the Ascot Gold Cup, two miles and a half, in 4.26, 6s better than when he dead-heated with Eider Inst year. He is to be retired to the stud at the end of the present racing season. The yearling filly by Multiform from Portland Light, for whom her owner and breeder refused an offer of 800 guineas at the annual yearling sales in Sydney last April, has been taken in hand by T. Lamond. Polar Star, subsequent to his Manchester Cup win, accounted for the Rous Memorial Stakes at Ascot. This made his 17tb win for 21 starts. In the Manchester Cup, with 8.7, he ran the mile aud a-half in 2min 31 3-ssec. The two Castor geldings. Paritutu *»nd Kiatere, left New Plymouth on Monday last for Christchurch. Both are reported to be in great nick, the latter especially having improved considerably during the last month. The Merriwec mare, My Darling, is being given n special preparation for the Now Zealand Cup, and her owner, Mr 11. Limmat, has great hopes of landing her nt the post fit and well to contest the two mile event in November.

Lyrist, which Is now owned by Messrs Bowen and Corrigan, of Hawera, is said to have improved out of all knowledge during the last two mouths, aud there is now every probability of his developing lulu a useful hurdler. Compass did not seem any the worse for bis fall on the concluding day of the recent Trenthaui meeting (says a Wellington writer). Negotiations have been opened up with J. Stewart to ride the horse in the Graud National Hurdle Race. The English bred Campfire has quitted the racing track for stud duties. The Carbine horse has been sent to Pa tea. where be will be at the disposal of breeders during the coming season. He has not been a success as a racer, but may do better at the stud. Mr A. F. Douglas last week cabled from Sydney to Mr j. Munn, asking the latter to put a price on Gold Dust, but it is understood there is not much probability of a sale resulting, as Mr Munn is not by any means anxious to part with the Gold Reel gelding. The annual report of the Hawke’s Bay Jockey Club, to be submitted at the annual meeting of the Club, discloses a satisfactory state of affairs. The sum of £7490 was distributed in stakes for the various meetings, and the year’s operations resulted in a profit of over £2OOO. The statement appealing in these columns on Wednesday to the effect that N. Cunningham was quartered with D. Bannatyue at was incorrect. The stables taken over by the former trainer are those built by the late Gcoig? Wright opposite those occupied by Banaatyne. A writer in the “Field,” in discussing the breeding of Signorinetta, says: “Even where pedigrees of her have been published I saw none that was quite correct, and it is important to notice that the filly comes from a Figure System taproot of which the late Mr Bruce Lowe gives no number, and in fact leaves quite out in the cold.” A. McConnon and H. Tait, who were both rather seriously injured when their mounts, Exmoor and Compass, fell wltn. them at the recent Wellington meeting, were unable to be removed at the conclusion of the day’s racing, and had to remain overnight in ;he casualty room on the course. At latest advices both were well on the road to recovery. A filly by Herod was the first mare to start for the English Derby—in 1781—but the first to be really fancied was Mr O’Kelly’s bay filly Scota, by Eclipse. She started favourite in 1786, but failed to got a place eveu, Noble winning from Meteor and Claret. Four fillies only have wou the Derby—Eleanor in 1801, Blink Bonny in 1857, Shotover iu 1882, and Signorinetta last month. Messrs Ryan and Do Groen. owners of Cachuca, have received a cable from F. McGrath, stating that the gelding struck himself during training operations, which would prevent him being started at the V.A.T.C. Meeting. This is hard luck for bis owners, as Cachuca was striding along in great style in bis work, and they confidently expected to pick up a stake at the gathering. At the annual meeting of the Hawke’s Bay Jockey Club the report stated that the mortgage of £4OOO was paid off, and the racecourse and buildings wer e now free from encumbrances. The money paid in stakes last year amounted to £7490, an increase of £970 on the sum paid during the previous year. The profit and loss account disclosed a profit of £2239. Sir William Russen was re-elected president. The late Earl of Derby had the largest racing establishment at Newmarket (Eng.), that of Stanley House, under the charge of the Hon. George Lambton. His lordship there had thirty brood mares, fifteen yearlings, twenty foals, and about thirty horses in training, nearly 109 men and boys being employed. In all the Earl won 241 races from 1894 to 1898, of the total value of £119,689. When Idealist, won the July Handicap at Flemington recently, he was out in front nearly all the way, and at one part of it had a break of from six to seven lengths on his field, comprising some dozen rfinners. The son of Birkenhead and Ideal left the eight furlongs behind in 43, winning comfortably by two lengths and a half. The going was decidedly soft, which makes the performance an attractive one. C. Lagor informed n Napier scribe last week that, should the weight adjusters not deal too severely with California next season, he will send along the big chestnut in handicap races. On the other hand, if the weight is considered excessive, California will be reserved for weight for age events. San Fran's son has apparently not felt ia the least his exertions nt the lale Wellington Meeting, for he is looking and doing well.

A Southern writer says that Kiatere has put on a lot of coudilion aluce being in Percy Johnson’s Lauda, subsequent to the Great Northern Meeting, when he was utterly unfit te carry his big burden over the stiff Ellerslie journey. Kiatere can muster up a good deal more pace (han many people think. He has demonstrated this on several occasions lately In sprints iu company ou the New Plymouth track. He is particularly well as present. TJuring the Hunt Club Meeting at Napier last week, several two-year-olds were given flutters down the straight. The Tfon. J. D. Ormond had half a dozen Birkenheads on view. Xylophone, by Birkenhead Banjo, aud Dawn’s full brother, looking the best of the lot. Mr E. J. Watt had a trio, a half brother to Boomerang, by Kilehernn; Maori Klug, full brother to King Hilly, and Bally Shannon. Mr T. 11. I.owry’s lot consisted of four, a strong, sturdy colt by Royal Fusl Iler out of Bijou, looking the pick of his contingent. When it was decided to take a mall vote for the election of the committee of the Auckland Racing Club, it was thought that this would induce the majority of the mem* tiers to record their votes. Although probably the change has made a little difference, n number of members still show considerable apathy In the matter, and on Monday last. only 164 votes, out of a possible 240, wore recorded, leaving just a third of the total unaccounted for. Victorian officials can be smart at times, particularly when a visitor happens to win a trifle down south. The Richmond Thou sand was won by the New Zealand pony Balgonie last week, and on the following morning the secretary of the club found awaiting him at his office a conntinlea lion from tne income office claiming income tax on the stake from the owner of the winner. The letter was passed on to Balgonie s owner, who, in handing over the amount of the tax — £6 remarked that the commissioner was “quicker off the mark than Balgonie.” As regards the big races at the C.J.C. National Meeting there is no verv pronounced favourite for any one (says the. Weekly Press”). Kiatere was for some time much fancied for the Steeplechase, but he seems to have gone out of favour. Pari tutu, at one time, was the most fancied horse for the National Hurdles, and here again the public choice has wavered. Both the big jumping events are open, and the same may certainly be said of the Winter Cup, in which there may be a record number of starters. The London “Sportsman” states that ons of the most sporting matches of modem times has been a rarnged. aud wjl! take plao at one of the Newmarket meetings. L*r< Durham has matched his three-year-old Miasma against Mr Jarnos de Rothschild’s three-year-old Chimborazo, the conditions being that John Osborne is to ride the former, and Butters, the Newmarket trainer, the latter. Rutters, like Osborne, was in his day a famous jockey, and, also like Osborne, rides regularly at exercise. Th a ever-green John Osborne is 75 years old, and Butters cannot be many years less. The Melbourne “Critic” says the Ne Zealander, D. J. Price, is a gentleman t he closely watched. He finds it profitable to bring horses from the Dominion. He Is evidently a good judge, or has one at the other end to select the horses, for when they get to Melbourne they seem to be able to win pretty quickly. Idealist, who ran away with a mik race at Flemington recently, is one of Price’s latest Importations. He had started only twice in Melbourne, but the touts had their eyes on him, and as soon as the stable commission was known to be In, there was a rush to get ou the good thing. Idealist won in a canter. During the running of the Hardwick?. Stakes at Ascot (Eng.) last month, a tin morons individual pushed his friend off the rails on to the course, just as the horses were within a dozen yards of him. The man rolled almost under the horses’ feet, and it seemed certain he must be killed. Luck was on his side, as one horse grazed him, while another propped, aud then jumped over him, but none struck him. The principal sufferer was the horse Galvani, who jarred himself to such an extent in jumping over the man that he was lame on pulling up. One of the most sporting matches of modern times has been arranged, and will take place at one of the Newmarket meetings. Lord Durham has matched his threeyea r old Miasma against Mr James de Roths child's three year old Chimborazo, the conditions being that John Osborne is to ride the former, and Butters, the Newmarket trainer, tiie latter. Butters, like Osborne, was in his day n famous jockey, and. also like Osborne, rides regularly at exercise. The evergreen John Osborne is seventy five years old. and Butters cannot be many years less.— London “Sportsman.” Writing of Gold Seal’s victory in the Hawke’s Bay Hunt (Nub Cup Steeplechase recently, a Napier writer says: Gold Seal landed the race nil right, but he hud a fair share of good fortune In doing so, for had not Tzara fallen nt the double the last time round. It appeared as if Gold Seal would have bad some difficulty in beat

ing him. When he fell there was a deal of daylight betweeu him and the rest of the opposition, apd the mishap occurred only about two furlongs and a half from home. <lol<i Seal got there safely, but he was very tired when he cairn* back to weigh in, and on his showing in this race, will have to Improve a great deal before he can bo given winning prospect* at the Grand National. The laws against horse racing recently passed in several of the United States of America have caused great concern apinng horse owners in general, and the race promoters of Louisiana are preparing to do all they can to effect some sort of compromise measure which will permit the continuance of racing at New Orleans. ’l'he Crescent City and City Park Jockey Clubs have joined forces to combat the proposed anti racing bills in the State Legislature, and will urge in their stead a bill authorising the appointment of a racing commission similar to those acting in New York and Kentucky. An effort is to he made to eliminate* Sunday and night racing, ami under certain conditions It is not expected that racing will be alto gether tabooed. -‘How s Hewitt getting on?” queried someone of Mr Kelso, the Sydney trainer, who recently returned from England. ‘ Iles making money, but at the same time has been somewhat unlucky. Gets plenty of riding, but has not had many wins. Followers of the game will back him in sprints, as they know he is very much alive at the barrier; hut they won’t stand him in long races, liis retainer from Mr Hall-Walker still holds good, though he has not done much riding for the latter since exception was taken to his handling of White Eagle in the Two Thousand. Why any fault, should have been found on that occasion 1 can’t make out. as Hewitt rode a beautiful race. He’s got rid of that motor car you heard about.’’ With reference to Ih<* statement published recently in some of the English papers that the King was greatly disappointed at the continued Indifferent form shown by his horses now in training, and that it was possible His Skdesty would dispose of the whole of his ruu-iug stud at the eml of the present sea sum, ami would take no further active the spprt, though retaining his stud farm at Sandringham and occasionally visiting ifhe racecourse, a correspondent who wrote to Lord Knollys on the subject received the following reply: " Buckingham Palace, June 23, 1908. ‘‘Sir,—l beg 5 to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 2tst inst. and to inform you, in reply, that there is no truth in the report to which you refer. ?'I am,;.Sir. your obedient servant. KNOLDYS. ’’ Some time ago "-Zetland,” a Wairarapa Sporting writer, declared that the statement appearing in the "Dominion,” that Whatakura once occupied the -menial position of drawing logs on the Huamalvanga Flats, was incorrect. There are few writers, who, ru their time, do not commit mistakes, says "<4iem oe,” but in this case the burden is on “Zealand.” Our Wairarapa correspondent has forwarded written testimony by Mr "Jack” Tilson, whic h proves “ rm? Dominion” statement to he absolutely correct. Mr Tilson writes: “My brother ‘Tui,’ myself, and others saw Whatakura pulling logis on the flats. lie was driven by ‘Rang!’ Jury, who owned him at the time. Certainly the Jogs wen* not very large, skill they were too big for a man to carry. The date was November or December. 1905, or just about that time, and the logs were being shifted in ordec to clear a piece of ground for cultivation. Whatakura is also broken into harness, and I have seen him in a gig.” 1 do not know whether it is fancy or not, but since the discussion' raised in the "Express” concerning the pari-mutuel (says a Loudon writer) many layers of odds seem to have become more liberal in the odds. Of course, a few who have made their "pile,” and only keep on to "oblige their connection,” would drop down dead if it were seriously put to them that they must be more liberal. Perhaps one cannot blame a fi-m with a hi” clientele if they do not take chances. If they find takers for the prices offered, why should they extend them? They might argue that this is the privilege o. on lue "outskirts” of the King, who have to tempt to get business. Those who lay odds in the Ring should know that when appealing to a chance lot of clients long prices against outsiders are a splendid advertisement for the layer, and a deal of odd’ money can be got in when the leading lot hav<* been written dov n to make the book fairly secure. Reversals of form, it appears, are not looked upon with favour by racing authorities in Belgium, and if reversals of form were dealt with in New Zealand as they are in the country over which King Leopold holds sway, we should see very little of it. Writing to his paper, -.-n Belgian correspondent says; "Recently litho stewards of the Forest meeting called on an owner, his trainer, and jockey to explain the running of a horse which just wont with his head on Ins chest, after haying been tailed off at a previous gathering behind two horses who had shown that, they were far from belpg good. In fact, the inquiry had for its object an elucidation of the remarkable improvement made by the horse in question. Owner, trainer, ami jockey were pnt on the carpet, with the following result A flue £2O .for the benefit of the Bonevoleut Fund of ’the Jockey <’|ub was imposed on the trainer, the jockey was put on foot for a week on the course nt Forest. ■nd the more severe punishment was meted cut to the unlucky horse, who was bani4hed for a year from the raeeeouse in question.” If horses were dealt with that way here we should soon have quite a number missing.

England's great horse, The White Knight, made his first appearance this season at the Epsom Summer Meeting. The sou of Des-, nionil and Pella was a competitor in the race for the Coronation Cup, one mile and a-half, ruu over the Derby course. The. horse won, and won handsomely, running the distance with 9st 61b in the saddle in 2mln 37 4-ssec. Writing of the The White Knight and his performance, “Augur,” in the “Sporting Life,” says:—“The race and its result showed the wisdom of tin* policy adopted in starting Nairobi to ensure a pace, for without Nairobi’s assistance I doubt whether The White Knight would have won. We have so often seen pacemakers fail in their mission that a word of praise*' is due to ‘Sheets’ Martin for the admirable manner in which he carried out his task. Immediately the barrier ascended, ho dashed Nairobi off at score, with the result (hat she was quickly out lengths in front, with 'l’he White Knight being ridden hard to keep him up. Nairobi compounded as.they approached Tottenham corner, ami ‘The Knight,’ outstaying the rest of the field, went away and scored easily. His veteran’ owner, Colonel Kirkwood, went out to lead him in, appearing as delighted as one likes to see a man who knows he has a good horse, and many were the congratulations showered on him. After the race the lengthy bay seemed as if he would just touch perfection in the way of condition by Ascot.’ The cable has informed us of The White Knight’s victory in the Ascot Gold Cup. Though the leading authorities in what may be called the Jockey Club turf world (says "Martindale,” in "The Town and Country Journal”) have not a good word to say for what is termed “unregistered or pony racing,” it must be admitted that this branch of our national sport, which is under the guidance and management of the Associated Racing Clubs, is making great progress. It is agreed that on no race tracks is the management better, and it is a notable fact that it is on these race tr icks that many improvements have been instituted, which later on the people who manage the more important meetings have been pleased to copy. It is only a couple of seasons or so back that the added money to some of the pony and galloway meetings was about 60 sovs per day. Now at Victoria Park, the latest addition to those tracks, it is never less than 280 sovs. Even at these advanced figures these clubs are doing well. How well can be guessed at when we find one of the four 'Ascotlaunching out with a programme the added money to which is a thousand sovereigns for a meeting oii August 19. Except at’ Randwick,- we have no such amount of stake money offered for a single day’s racing’ in the State. For instance, Rosehill, the leading club so far as those registered under A.J.’C. rules is concerned, has issued a programme to be played out on July 25, the’ added money to which is only 509 sovs- just half what the Ascot Racing 'Club is' offering. This speaks for itself. These As-’ sociated racing dubs are doing Well, and such being the ease, they are very properly assisting the horse owners who’ race under their banner with increased prize money. There is not the least doubt but that there will be an immense attendance at Ascot on August 19. as it is the day prior to the arrival of the American Fleet, when the citv will bo full of country visitors. But that is not ail, for I feel very sure that later on the other three clubs-Kensington. Victoria Park, and Rosebery—which make up the combination, will follow’ suit. Say that each offers a similar programme once during the racing season, that will bo an additional sum of ovdr 2000 sovs to be divided amongst the owners. With such iirdueeinents. and the fact that they can race cheaply, and bet in a “liberal” ring, there is little wonder that the business of the Associated Racing Clubs is growing every month. Tn an article entitled “Archer and After.” "8.,” in "Bailey's Magazine,” tells the following story of the famous jockey: — "Archer, at one time in his career, was particularly pestered by a woman backer. Atone of the Newmarket 'meetings she ap proached him as he was about to leave the birdcage, and implored him to tell her what ho knew. She was going to have . £lO on whatever ho selected. Thinking that a loser might check her. Archer told her that Draycot was the best thing he knew. With a word of thanks, she hurried away to find her commissioner, while Archer pursued his way to the post. Queen Bee, whom Archer rode, however, had been well backed by Captain Machell and party. After an exciting struggle, Queen Bee was beaten a head and, to Archer’s great astonishment, by no other than Draycot. When the lady found her horse had just got home she-was,, naturally, greatly pleaspd, and in tile course, of the next few minutes; happening to meet* Captain* Machell, informed him of luck. Having backed Queen Bee heavily, he was not in a particu’arly amiable mood, but asked her who had if din ed her to back Draycot. l bh! Archer told me,’ responded the lucky lady, to the surprise of Capt.* Mat hell, who, however, smiled grimly when he discovered the reasons which prompted the great jockey to impart the information.” The following is from an American exchange* — New York, June 13.—Between 15,000 ami 20,000 persons, a bumper throng for a Friday, wsnt down to Gravesend' racetrack yesterday to see the- horses run, and if possible to make wagers on their favourites. Hundreds of gaily dressed women were in the crowds in the grandstand and the fieldstand. Six races were run according to the schedule, bu£ not according to schedule'six favourites won. There was betting, too. on every race, notwithstanding the new Agnew Hart anti gambling law was in force, and notwithstanding that John Kavanagh, the master’ of the betting ring, announced that no speculations should be indulged in. Nine persous were taken into oust oily by the police authorities, who, in uniform • nd plain clothes, circulated In large num-

bers among the crowds in the betting pavilion. The prisoners were charged with violating the new anti-gambling law. and each man was held in 200 dollars bail for a bearing. Orlando Jones, one of the leading members of the Metropolitan Turf Association, the big bookmakers’ club, was the most prominent of the bookmakers arrested. A rumour to the effect that Jones would invite arrest to test the constitutionality of the law was current early, and when he was led from thq betting ring and taken to the Coney Island police station no denial of prearranged plan was forthcoming. Something akin to a riot occurred when the first arrest, that of Richard Weldon, a bookmaker, was effected, just as the horses

were going Io the post for the first raes. Detective Carr, In plain clothes, grabbed Weldon, alleging that be had seen him accept a bet. A score of angry men rounded the men, and the detective and his Charge were severely Jostled. Gathered in small knots on the lawns, In the paddeck and elsewhere, could he seen men talking over the situation and speculating as to the effect the new laws have on racing. In the betting ring the bookmakers hesitated to begin business, but doubt as to what would bo permitted was dispelled by John Kavanagh, ihe master of the ring, who warned the layers that neither the Jockey Club nor the Brooklyn Jockey Club would sanction any infringement of the law. As if to emphasise this placards

bad been posted announcing that no bet ting was permitted on the track, and required a report to be made to the Jockey Club of any violation of the law. It became apparent this afternoon that an attempt will be made to establish the English system of credit betting at the racetracks in the Metropolitan district. Under this system no money Is passed and no settlements are made at the track. The Sydney writer “Milroy” Is well informed on racing events which occurred before the younger generation of sportsmen had commenced to take any interest in turf affairs. Ina recent number of the “Sydney Mail” he wrote: —If it had not been for one mdn .connected with Megaphone, when that brilliant son of Newbold visited Sydney In 1890, the Australian Jockey Club s Craven Plate would have resulted in a pretty scandal. As most people intimate with Randwick know, the Craven Plate is the secund race run on third day, and between it and the first race luncheon takes place, leaving a long interval for idleness. At times, when great champions are down to meet each other in the Craven Plate, the bookmakers start business directly after the decision of the first race, leaving open a chance for owners inclined to be unscrupulous to work a point on them, but, fortunately, the class of owners that strive for races like the Craven Plate are generally above the dirty pointing of “battlers.” Megaphone, it will be remembered, displayed marvellous forfa on the first two days of the’spring meeting of 1890, and his owner gave it out that’he intended to tackle the mighty Carbine in the Craven Plate on the third day. The meeting of this pair, of course, excited no end of interest. There were only four left in the race. Carbine, Megaphone, Cuirassier and Cardigan. The pair last named, however, were out of form, and the race was resblved into a match between Carbine and Megaphone. Directly the Hurdle Race was over the ring started to bet on the Craven Plate, and the partisans of each crack put their money down with a will. Odds of 7 to 4 were laid on Carbine, with 6 to 4 against Megaphone. Mr' Humphrey Oxenham took £7OOO to £4OOO in one hand from Ernest Brodribb, and the other bookmakers wagered heavier than they did on even the Metropolitan. While this was going on a well-known racehorse identity, a horseowner of some note, approached the Megaphone party/ and pointed out that there ■were five minutes left to scratch, and £3OOO to nothing would be laid, if Megaphone'was pulled out. One man in a party of three behind Megaphone would not listen to the proposal, and threatened to “peach” if it were carried out, so Megaphone started, and, after a tremendous race, Carbine beat him by half a length. It was a terrible task for a three-year-old to tackle a horse of Carbine’s calibre, and put up such a battle but it did not prevent Megaphone’s owner from running the colt in the last race of the day, over a mile and a-half, with 9.5 on his back, giving the Metropolitan winner, Little Bernie, « year in age and 171 b in* weight. At the half-distance Megaphone looked like winning, but the weight told, and he finished fourth, hardly a length from Little -Bernie, who won. That even ing the late Mr. D. S. Wallace purchased Megaphone for 2500 guineas, and contingencies that ran into another 500 guineas. The scratching of Tarquin for the Craven Plate won by Paul Pry, a few years ago, left a nasty taste in people’s mouths; that, however, was but a mild circumstance to what would have happened had Megaphone come out. ♦ 4 + TURF TALK FROM THE SOUTH. CHRISTCHURCH, this day. The weather has been favourable for training operations during the past week, and the arrival .of many visiting horses has invested work at Ricca rton with considerable interest. The tracks have dried greatly,“and now afford fair going, though they are still sufficiently holding to make timerecording a matter of impossibility. Little work of any importance was done on: Monday, but on Tuesday most of the Grand National horses were out. Ability, Pitot. Eurus, Stronghold, and Northern Star were all given serviceable tasks. , Contender, who looks well, got over half a mile nicely tn 52 1-5, while there was nothing between

Don Orslno and Lapland at the end of seven furlongs compassed in 1.36. A serviceable working gallop was registered by luidy Disdain, Rose Noble, and Cannoneer over six furlongs, the trio finishing together in 1.19 2-5. Chief Lochiei, White Cockade. <tnd Silkweb went freely in a nice gallop over four furlongs In 51 4-5, and there was practically nothing between the trio at the finish. Harvest had a good deal the best of Farley Grove and Maharauui iu a gallop over seven furlongs in 1.34. The last named has not been shaping at all well in his work since arriving at Riccarton. Albury. with a light-weight up, had the measure of Nadador and Loch Fyue in a serviceable task over a mile and a-half, which occupied 2.55. There was nothing to choose between Southern Cross and Sen Sim at the cud of a mile and a-half, which occupied 2.51 2-5. Lupulite spurted four furlongs in 52 1-5, and Leeside and. Pierre did useful tasks. Two Grand National Hurdle candidates in Aorangi (Cairns) and Scotty (Julian) started for schooling work over the hurdles together, but the latter, who was evidently in a generous humour, ran off twice. Aorangi completed his task in taking style, a great contrast to Scotty’s display. Show man (J. O’Connell) and Stormont (Jarvis) were given a turn over the big fences, the latter showing to most advantage. Storm (Kahili), Lingerer (Cochrane), and Mooshen (J. O’Connell) were schooled over country in company. Lingerer and Mooshen soon got rid of their riders, and galloped off the course before being caught. Subsequently they completed their task in anything but taking style, while Storm, though he got round without mishap, did not please critics. Yosami and Silken Rein have been scratched for all engagements at the Grand National meeting, and Multifid for the New Zealand' Cup. The well-known horse Kt. Denis, which has been racing in the South Island for the last ten years, was killed by an electric car at Dunedin on Monday. The veteran gelding was being driven in a buggy by his owner, Mr. McKay, and by some means got struck on the head by a car, the collision breaking his neck. The stewards of the North Canterbury Jockey Club met on Monday, and decided to impose six months’ disqualification on the well-known cross-country rider, 11. Carr. Papatu will be ridden in the Grand National Steeplechase by W. Young. A distresing accident occurred at Mosgiel on _Sunday last. John Beale, .the wellknown horseman, was but shootin* rabbits with a companion, when, by some mischance, the latter’s gun went off. and Beale, received the charge of shot in his eyes. The Clise is regarded as a serious one, Beale’s eyes being both badly injured. , • CHRISTCHURCH, Saturday. Most of the visiting horses for the Grand National Meeting have now' arrived, and there seems every prospect of a successful gathering. So far there are not a great number of Northern visitors in town, and their force is sure to be below the usual standard. Most of the Grand National candidates were exercised on Thursday, thpir doings being witnessed by a large number of spectators. Probable again showed to much advantage in a gallop with Heorthen over the mile, which he covered pleasingly in 1.49. Don Orsino had a lot the better of Lapland in a gallop over eight furlongs, while there was nothing to choose between Cross Battery and Sea King at the end of four furlongs, run in 50 3-SS. Le Beau was much too good for Nadador in a mile and a-quart.er gallop, aud. the former made many friends by the resolute manner in which he completed hts task. Golden Cairn and Lupulite were associated in a spin over six furlongs, which was left behind in 1.22, the former showing to most advantage. Ghoorka, who looks much better than he did at Wellington, was not exteuded, nor were Loch Fyne and Pierre in the tasks apportioned them. Harvest, Scotty, Maharauui, and Sen Sim ran a mile in company. Harvest showing to most advantage. Scotty did not go at all generously, and seems sour with over-racing. All Red had a lot the better of Kurawaka in a gallop over six furlongs, and he is in great heart. Kiatere,

who docs not look as well as he did this time last year, went two. rounds at half pace. His appearance docs not suggest his having done a really solid preparation. Slow Tom was given his usual easy task, and there is no chance of his being ready for the meeting. White Cockade and Silkweb, both of whom are very fit, finished on terms at the end of five furlongs, run in I. a really good gallop. Deerslayer (J. O’Connell), Pilot (T. Cahill), Eurus (W O’Connell), and Ix>chnagar (Mr. J. Selby) went twice round the big fences. Pilot fenced faultlessly throughout. Eurus jumped better as he warmed up. Deerslayer came io grief at the sod wall, and was not remounted. Magnificent (Redmond) Jumped the country, but gave a hopeless exhibition. Southern Cross (Ret ter), Aorangi (11. Cairns), and WhaLakura (.1. O’Connell) jumped six hurdles in company. Southern Cross dwelt very much on landing, but the other two fenced in good style. Wee MacGregor (W. O’Connell) negotiated the hurdles, fencing carefully. Slow Tom’s withdrawal from the Grand National comes as no surprise, as his mentor has been unable to get sufficient work into him to fit him for such country. He will probably be given a run in some of the shorter cross country events at the meeting. Exmoor is reported to be slightly amiss, and has been scratched for all his engage ments at the Grand National meeting. It. ... Mason arrived back in Christchurch on Friday evening. So far he has not decided as to whether he will take up training again or not. He inclines to the opinion that Noctuiform is again striking form, and blames his inferior display to being raced when not thoroughly wound up. Mason was accompanied by a large number of Aus tralian sportsmen, who intend witnessing the Grand National meeting, and making purchases at the Yaldhurst sale. + + + AVONDALE JOCKEY CLUB. The annual meeting of the Avondale Jockey Club was held this afternoon at the club’s offices. High-street, when Mr. M. Foley presided over a good attendance of members. The report was as follows: — Your committee again have pleasure in presenting their annual report and balancesheet for the year ending July 31st, 1908, and it will be gratifying to members to find that the club had a most successful year. We have held the usual spring and autumn meetings during the season, giving added money to the amount of £3600, and the amount passed through the totaiisator amounted to £39,096 10/, as aginst £41.735 last season, showing a decrease of £2638 10/. We commenced the season with ft credit balance in bank of £Bl 7/. and during the year made a gross profit on race meetings of £1430 14/2. The disbursements were as follows:—General account, £657 4/3; Im provement ccount, £37 11/. In addition to these amounts, wo have been able to pay £5OO off the mortgage. The freehold, shown as £3487, remains the same value as last year, but, as you are aware, this land has much increased in value, and should at least be worth over £5OOO. Our assets amount to £8389 18/5, and our liabilities to £3OOO, thus shoeing a balance of £5389 18/5, an increase on last year of £628 8/11. The balance-sheet showed the statement of receipts and expenditure for year ending July 31. 1908, to be as follows:— Receipts.—To balance in Bank. £Bl 7/; to race meetings—Totaiisator £3323 4/1, nominations £lO2O 10/, privileges (grand stand, gates, booths, cards, etc.) £1391 2/6; members’ subscriptions £74 9/; bookmakers £367 10/, accident fund account £42, sun dries £l2 10/6, McNamara fine £lO, Jones fine £1—£6242 6/1. Total, £6323 13/1. Expenditure.—By race meetings—Stakes £3600, Government tax £586 8/11, advertising anc printing £l5O 6/, clerks of course and scales £2O 10/, handicapper £52 10/. starter £52 10/, other expenses £349 7/ — £4Bll 11/11; by general account—lnterest, rent, etc. £225 15/10, caretaker £lO9 4/, secretary £l5O, insurance £24 18/3. sundries £147 G/2 —£657 4/3; by improvement account—By Union Bank, paid off mortgage £5OO, balance in bank £317 5/11. Total, £6323 13/1. Liabilities amount to £3OOO, and the assets to £8389 18/5, leaving a surplus of £5389 18/5. The report and balance-sheet were adopted. The whole of last year’s officials weres re-elected.

C-J.C. GRAND NA.TTONAX MEETING.

THE ACCEPTANCES. CHRISTCHURCH. Friday. The following acceptances have been rt* ccived: - WINTER CUI* of GWsavs. One mile.

Hunters’ Hurdle Handicap of lOOsova. once round and a distance. — Homewari 12.2, Casablanca 12.2, Destroyer IXX, Audax 11.11, Wee McGregor Black Friar 11.7, Dreamy Daniel 11.7, Circus Girl 11.5, Wahfne 114 Leonardo 11.4. Janetta 11.0, Ben Fortuna 11.0, Thunderstorm 11.0. Trial Hurdle Handicap of loOsovs, one mile and three-quarters. . — Scotty 11.4 Compass 11.0, Ghoorka 10.13, Stormont 10-LL Top Rose 10.10, Snip 10.9, Whatakura 104 J» Grosvenor 9.0, Blessbok 9.0, Shimmer 9.0. Jumpers’ Flat Handicap of 150eova, ont mile and a-half. — I’aritutu 11.13, Stronghold 10.9, Pretty Maid 9.13, Sen-Sim 0.1(K Ix'ceide 9.9, Mussel 9.9, Compass 9.7, South ern Cross 9.2, Tessera 9.0, Monkey Russia 9.0. Enfield Steeplechase Handicap of 120sovb» about 2 miles. — Canton 10.13, I*ilot 10.8. Zither 10.5, Lingerer 10.5, Moorebu 0.13» Vallma 9.13, Rose Morn 9.9, Eldorado 9-9. Deerslayer 9.7, Casabianca 9.7, Pacific 9-7. Hack Handicap of 120sovs, 6 furlongs. — Silk Web 11.9, Nancy Stair 10.5, Restless 10.4, Helianthes 9.12, Assault 9.9, Brasenose 9.5, Sea Dog 9.4, Rescued 9.4, Canncnier 0.4, Love Wisely 0.1, Truthful 0.0, Cavatln* 9.0, Farley Grove 9.0, Northern Star 9.0, Red King 0.0, Thyrsusu 9.0. 4- ♦ + AUSTRALIAN RACING. AUSTRALIAN STEBTI/BCH ASIL MELBOURNE, this day. The acceptances for the Australian Steeplechase are as follows: —Bribery 12.0. Cardinal 11.10. Alley Sloper 11.10, Tarpon 11.3, Uoisdale 11.1. Workmaster 11.1. Nigel 10.11. Quail 10.3, Dalny 10.3, Wolseley 10.1. Boomerang 10.1, Charlemagne 9.13, Envoy 0.9, Maine 9.9.

st, lb. 15 t ux Lupulite .... 10 12 Golden Cairo. • All Red 10 8 Harvest V Cross Battery ll> 8 Field Gun . . 9 « Moton 10 8 Simplex .. 8 Sir Frisco (inc. Stvlm'Ing Belt V a 101 b pen J .. 10 IV hue Cvckade 9 • Wai let he 10 3 Laudwern . » a Arma men to <1 12 Mah&ranui .. 9 » Maid of AstoRose Noble .. 9 0 hit 9 10 Lone Star ... 9 3 North Head 9 10 Don Orsino .. 9 & Penates 9 10 Chicane V 0 Probable .... . 9 10 GRAND NATIONAL STEEPLECHASE of lOOOsovs. Three miles and ahnlt. st. 1 lb. st. I lx Kiatere 12 8 Le Reau 10 1 Loch Fyne 1‘apatu 10 0 (inc. iOlb Pierre 9 T pen.* 12 4 Gold Seal .... » T Nadador (inc. Starlight 9 7 141b pen.) . . 11 0 Albury ...... 9 T Tilson 10 5 Storm 9 I Ennis 10 * grand national HURDLE RACE of IOOOsovs. Two miles. st. lb. st, its. Pari tutu 11 9 Prospector ... 9 a Black Reynard 1 10 « Top Rose .... 9 6 Sen-Sim 10 Defeat (me. Ghoorka 10 1 51b yen J ... 9 a Ability 10 1 Stronghold .. 9 8 compass (inc. Stormont . 9 ft I4lb pen.* . . 10 0 Snip 9 0 Scotty 9 13 IVhatakura .. 9 • Pretty Maid . . 9 12 Showman .... 0 9 Aorangi p 9