TURF GOSSIP

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLII, Issue 8, 24 February 1909, Page 13

TURF GOSSIP

BY

RACING FIXTURES. Feb. 24, 25, and 27 — Dimediu J.C. AutUihD Feb. 2t5 and 27 — South Auckland R.C.J Annual March 4 and 5 — Wanganui J.C. Autumn March 17 and 18 — Napier Park R.C. Au* tumn ANSWERS TO CORRESPONUUINTS. Diabolo, Newton. — Wakeful won the Newmarket Handicap in 19o]. Fulminate was second and Advance third. The annual race meeting of the Papakura Racing Ciub is fixed for March 20th. An Indian buyer recently priced Master Soult, but, so far, no business has resulted. The big sprint event of Australia, the Newmarket Handicap, comes up for decision on Saturday next. ' A private cable received in Auckland states that the Soult colt Snowfoot airived safely in Sydney, after a splendid trip. R. McMiken is hacking Le Beau about again, preparatory to putting the sou of Leolantis into active service again. Tod Sloan is In England again, and has applied for a jockey’s license for the coming season. Of the half million of money run for on the flat during the past year in England Irish-bred horses won X 125,000. It is expected that the A.R.C. Metio politan committee will resume the inquiry into the Lucio disqua.ideation by the Avondale Club some time next week. It is stated that Mr C. J. Parker recently refused 750 gs for the Hotchkiss — Crescent colt Bally Heigh, which won a double at the recent Poverty Bay meeting. The Soult —lTotcherina filly purchased at the last Glenora Park sale by Mr Greenwood, of Canterbury, has bad the name of Aerina claimed for her. The breakdown of the V.R.C. Derby winner, Alawa, will rob the weight-forage races at the forthcoming V.R.C. autumn meeting of a lot of interest. The Monaco mare Kaitakara, purchased at Gisborne by A. McMillan, was brought from the South on Thursday last, and is now located at the North Shore. The Auckland Trotting Club have fixed Satuiday, March 27th, Wednesday. March 31st. and Saturday, April 3rd, as the dates for their Autumn Meeting. The name of Glucose has been" claimed for the gelding by Gluten —Catch Fly, ami Obsidian for the gelding by Obligado— Peace, purchased at the recent yearling sales by Mr Geo. Dunnett. Several would-be buyers are after the Soult — Lady Hester filly, owned by Mr H. R. McKenzie, but so far no business has resulted. There is a strong probability, however, of her changing hands shortly. Merriwai, which has only been up about four or five weeks, has broken down, and has again been turned out. It is the intention of his trainer, J. Cameron, to fire him before bringing him in again. Mooltan is still at, Bacchus Marsh, Victoria, but may return to Sydney after the V.R.C. Autumn Meeting. No attempt will, however, be made to train him for a considerable time. The St. Simon horse Collar (sire of the Messrs. Stead's Ringdove) was second on the winning sires’ List In Russia for the season Just concluded, and first on the winning sires’ list in Roumania. I have to acknowledge with thanks receipt of complimentary tickets for the South Auckland Racing Club’s annual meeting and the Wanganui Jockey club’s Autumn Meeting. The Seaton Dolaval gelding Master Delaval is, all going well in the meiinlhnt’, to fulfil his engagement in the Wanganui Cup, and will be ridden in that event by R. E. Brown. The winner of the Oakleigh Plate on Saturday last (Irishman) hr.s been strongly suppor’ted for the Newmarket Handicap, which Is run on the 27th Inst. Seeing (hit Scotland won the event hist year, it would be quite within the older of things were Irishman to triumph on this occasion.

WHALEBONE.

The Menschikoff gelding Turbine is back again in his old quaiters at F. Macinanemin’fl, after a lengthy spell. The hitherto disappointing one looks slightly more robust than when he was retired. Some funny tales are in circulation in connection with the recent Otabuhu Trotting Club's summer meeting, ami if report can bo believed, there were several eases of “diamond cut diamond.’' Cuiragno. the C.J.C. Grand National winner of 1206. which has been off the scene Tor some time, has resumed work again at Ellerslie. He is still under D. Moraghan’s charge. Mr W. Casey te making good progress with the new stewards’ stand at Ellers ie, am! the building will be ready for use by the time the A. R.C. Autumn Meeting rolls around. The Dunedin Cup meeting is gradually getting back to its old-time standard, and in addition to large acceptances for the handicap events, no less than twelve two-year-olds remain in the classical race, the Dunedin Champagne Stakes. Tt is understood I hat so far no definite decision has been arrived at as to whether Ngapuka is to fu'til his engagements at the Wanganui J.C. Autumn. Meeting. Probably the owner's intentions will be announced shortly. Canticle, by Seaton Delaval Cantatrice, and therefore full sister to the New Zea land Cup winner Downfall, ran a deadbeat with Carette, by Bobadil The Saucy Girl, in the Trial Handicap at Sandown Park, Melbourne, on January 30. The annual race meeting of the South Auckland Racing Club takes place at Hamilton on Friday and Saturday next, the 26th and 27th inst. The acceptances received for the first, day’s racing are sufficiently encouraging to predict a record gathering for the club. An old racecourse favourite in Irish has resumed active work st Ellerslie, after a long period -of enforced idleness. It will bo little ‘hort of a miracle if his mentor succeeds in getting another race out of the sob of Eton. Nominations for all events at the Ohineniuri Jockey Club s annual meeting, which takes, place on the I.7th ami 18th March. Close with the secretary (Mr. H. Poland) on Saturday next, the 20th inst., at. 9 pm. Nominations will also be taken by Mr. IL 13. Massey, Auckland. A well .known Californian racehorse breeder. Mr C. T. Roots, of the Elmwood Stud Farm, near San Francisco, is. like Mr J. B. 1 laggin. retiring from the business. He holds that injury done to the sport by the recent American legislation has ruined the business of racing and breeding. The tracks at Ellerslie are at present very hard and dusty, and a good downpour is badly wanted. It is really time some steps were taken to have the water la.ld round the course, and how trainers manage to keep their charges on their feet with the hard sun-baked tracks at present prevailing is little short of a mystery. “Where have you been?" asked a friend of a doctor who had just emerged from the “Birdcage” at Aspendale after one of the races. ’Viewing the body of the deceased,’ avowed the medico. ’And what was your conclusion?’ ‘Well, returned the man of physics. ‘I found symptoms of ‘pencllltis, a co in plaint not unknown on racecourses; but the immediate cause of death was undoubtedly violent, strangulation!’ ’’ Says a Sydney paper: Now Zealand racegoers generally are of opinion that the time is ripe for the employment uf stipendiary stewards, and if there are many owners and trainers over there as "hot” as some of those who have visited Australia at dlfferen’t times, we can quite believe it. On the other hand, it Is only fair to say that some of our New Zealand visitois have left nothing to 1»e desired in the matter of straight going. The “Asian” (Calcutta) offered a prize of lObOrs. to anyone correctly placing the first three horses in the Viceroy's Cup. No one gained the prize. In only one or two of the attempts was the winning horse mentioned at all, and, when mentioned, he was given third place. Absentee was absolutely neglected, and Bnntocß had very few foh lowers, even fur a place. The stewards of the Otahuhu Trotting Club met on Friday. and further considered the inquiry Into the riding of Mahinga on the first two days of their recent meeting. After a lot <»f evidence had been taken the inquiry was further ad-

burned until March 3 It U understood that the stewards intend going thoroughly Into the matter, and. that as an outcome Bonn* sensational developments uiav be expected. J Finn has Golden Slipper and Belfry located at Caultleld The New Zealander had not done a great deal of fast work up to the time she left Sydney, but she presented a bright appearance, and on the few occasions she was sent along, did well enough to show there was no doubt, as to the retention of her two year old pace. That she will ever stay is now doubted by many good judges, remarks the Sydney ••Referee.” Even In Denmark interest in racing is developing. In 1908 43 meetings .were decided on tiro <1 iff err nt courses, there being awarded 60.670 crowns and 39 objets d’art. The major part of the prize money was raced for at Copenhagen, where 45,R10 crowns were awarded. One hundred and one horses disputed the races, and the chief winner was M. C. Moresco’s Machination, a daughter of Bushey Park, which himself has proved the most successful attire. One of the winning jockeys at the recent Oakland (California) meeting weighed only <W»lb. He Is named Harrington, and is presumably the smallest as well as the young- \ est jockey in the world. His unique saddle exploit was greeted with almost hysterical applause by the live thousand spectators present. A big field of eleven unruly horses were engaged, and the extraordinary Confidence and ability with which the precocious youngster extricated his mount from a threatened mix-up at the start and drove her through close quarters into clear sailing on the first turn, evoked exclamations of surprise on every hand. Concerning the recommendation for the 'mutuels in England, made by the guest of the Gim crack Club at their dinner, some horsemen in the Cui ted States have talked of the advisability or the possibility of their being placed in use on the New York tracks next season. The mutuels (says a New York exchange) have been tried lately in Kentucky, where the system was made legal. Even with this they had not much success in a somewhat unfair test, but that Scarcely implies that New York State would accept them next season in lieu, of the old bookmaking system. We have sometimes wondered (says the “Sporting Times’) what has become of Molfaa . . As far as big jumping is concerned, we never saw a horse go over the Liverpool country as he did. He was sold to the King, for whom he did nothing, and eventually was presented by His Majesty to one of bis equerries for a hunter, and. to the disgust of the equerry, he would not jump even the most trivial of fences. When he won the Grand National he had a long tail reaching to the ground, and up to then he had always run in that trim. Possibly cutting his tail had the same effect on him as Delilah’s hair cutting business had on Samson. At the annual meeting of the North New Zealand Coursing 4 Club, the secretary, Mr C. R. Tapper, presented the report and balance-sheet, which showed that the past season was the most successful yet experienced by the club. The following officers were elected for the ensuing season: — Chairman, Mr G. Stevens; judge, Mr F. •W. Coombes; slip steward, Mr James Tapper; call steward, Mr W. C. Griffiths; flag steward, Mr C. Hannigan; gate steward, Mr J. Coulson; slipper. Mr G. W. Stevens; hon. secretary and treasurer, Mr C. R. Tapper, It was decided to open the season early in May. particulars of which will be advertised later. The stipendiary steward movement is gradually gaining ground, converts being won over every day, and It looks to be now only a question of time when they will be an accomplished fact. The latest metropolitan Lady to make a move is the Hawke’s Bay Jockey Club, and at a meeting of the committee held recently, it was decided to write to the clubs under their jurisdiction, asking for ®n expression of opinion on the matter. So far, the Auckland Racing Club have not shown any signs of inteiest in the question, but It Is to be hoped that it will not be long before they throw off their lethargy, and use their powerful Influence to bring about the muchdesired alteration. Although an effort was made by a contemporary to run the Dunedin Cup last. Wednesday, the time-honoured event-is not set down for decision until to-day (Wed nesday). The acceptances for the Cup are the largest for some years, and are as follows: — -DUNEDIN Cl I*, of 400sovs. One mile and a-half.

The victory of Soultline in the St. George's Stakes, which was run over a distance of a mile ami a furlong, at weight-for age, points to the brilliant son of Soult. as having improved as a staver. The field wh’.-h Soultline defeated contained some high • l.iss performers, mid his win was full of merit. Soultline, it will bo remembered, was disposed of by James Twohid last spring for looogs. so that ; . W ■ ■ - new owner, if be Is nt all f P* cylptlv<-)y ijjr;in« <I. will be now well on HiA r'gl-t Hh- of rhe icu'.r SouMßup fob lowed rp Ids'gre-if j'•rforinau<<• in the St. • r!>*« l-v whining the Cnulfu-ld Futurity like a racehorse, and he now takes . uk with the b st spriuters yet seen U AUBinilußU.

Rule 21. part 3, of the rules of racing, provides that no trainer who is also a jockey, shall ride in a race in which more than one horse trained (either wholly or partially) by himself, runs, and if lie rides in a race in which a horse trained by himself runs, he shall ride that horse. The framers of the rule were evidently mon who understood the ins and outs of racing, and it is a pity that the Trotting Conference did not deem it advisable to insert something similar In their rules. At the recent Otahuhu meeting there was regular juggling with the riders and trainers in a couple of the races, and while one does not imply that in the present instance there was any suspicion of fraud, it will be at once seen how easily a swindle could be worked under the prevailing ’conditions. In the interests of all concerned the local representatives of the New Zealand Trotting Association should bring the question up at the n£xt conference, with a view to having an alteration made.

Sir Peter Walker, a prominent racing man and partner in the firm of Walker and Son's, breyvers, has made a munificent gift for the relief of the unemployed of Liverpool. He has placed at the disposal of the Food and Betterment Association a sum no’t to exceed £200,000, for the purpose of furnishing clothing and meals to the poor. An office has been taken in the centre of the city, and the work of relief was begun on December 20, when hot pot dinners were distributed among men, women, and boys. In cases of sickness, or distressed families, motor vehicles will, it is reported, be employed to take food and clothes to the sufferers’ homes. Sir Pe’ter Walker has a string of jumpers at present under the charge eff Latham, at Osmaston Manor, Derby. He is the eldest of four .sons of rhe late Sir Andrew Walker, who died leaving a fortune of three millions sterling. Mr J. Reid Walker, the owner of the smart Duke Michael, and Mr. W. Hall Walker, breeder of Polar Star, are brothers of Sir Peter.

They are saying now In New York that the real, price of Sir Martin and Edward was 75,000d015, but that only 60,000d01s of this was actual cash paid down by Louis Winans, of Brighton. England, leaving 15.OOOdols to be paid out of the first or second stake won by Sir Martin in one or the other big events for which he is eligible in England. Sir Martin and Edward were offered to John Huggins to train in England for 45 per cent of the winnings, according to the most recent report of this good pair of American two-year-olds, but the latter declined. He had had a long training experience in that country, and besides being himself a well-to-do, if not wealthy horseman, did not care to return to England. Mr Huggins is no longer a young man, and he is very fond of his own country, which is Texas. So the two horses were turned over to Blackwell at Newmarket at the usual training rates, and John Madden will himself overlook tlieir preparation for the English races. Of course, it is quite possible that Sir Martin will make the total price 75,000d015, as it was originally reported. The Derby and the other stake in -which he is entered are Considered not beyond him, even by the best informed English horsemen. The fact that John Huggins was offered the training of the horse, however, ■ Is a matter. of news that hitherto has not been made public.

Mr E. Stevenson, the Indian buyer, who owned Lionheart and Nonette, holds a high opinion of racing as carried on in Calcutta, Lucknow, and other centres in Britain s great tropical possession. He intends to get a shipment ready for next season, but has been rather staggered by the prices asked in New Zealand for horses suitable for the Indian market. Horses can be secured much more cheaply in England and Australia. For example, the champion galloper up to a mile on the Eastern tracks is Stirabout, a horse that cost about a thousand landed in Calcutta. In Mr Stevenson’s opinion, there is no horse in New Zealand that could live with this English or rather Irish importation. The crack sprinter is Molly Darling, w’ho was bought for 300 guineas. This mare has won many races in India under heavy weights. Halvya, another great galloper, was picked up at a Sydney sale for 120 guineas; on a New Zealand valuation this gelding would be worth a thousand. Good ponies are always in demand. They must not be less than five years old, and not exceed fourteen hands. Mr Stevenson saw Volume, with only six stone on his back, beaten out of sight, and Betrayer, one of the finest hurdlers that ever left*Australia, and a horse that won at Flemington with 13.12 up, not able to Win with 9 stone. These two examples show that it takes time before expatriated horses can reproduce their best forhi under the conditions. Following his usual custom at the end. of the season, the Special Commissioner in the “London Sportsman’’ prints interesting particulars relating to brood mares whose stock won races during the season. These mares are arranged under their sires in order of merit. For some years St. Simon or Bend Or headed these annual lists, but this occasion sees Galllniile (19) at the head of the poll. His daughters produced winners of £32.069, St. Simon (11) Is second, bis daughters having turned out winners of £30,507, and ’Melton (8) third with £27,139; then comes St. Simon's- sire, Galopin (3), £24,279. After this there is a drop to £14.348, which is credited to the daughters of Ayrshire- (8), a Son of Hampton, and a grandson of Gniopii), likewise a near relation to Melton’s dam. Bend Or (I>, who hitherto played a star part In these statistics, Is sixth with £12,724; and. is followed by a great racehorse, Isinglass (.’'»■)» with £10.392. Bond Or’s son. Kendal (KB) who holds high records as a stallion In Iceland, Enghtml. and South Ani«»l"ii,' is-next to Isinglass, with £8811; .ami*. thanks to. own winner (LlAflgwn). Father Coilfosaor (1) is on the list with £7878, or £24 In tfrout of : St. Serf (8); >thon'coHi<*H<>|.«H-d Gou-plr. (12D*<wiih £-7464.* *a nd Ainoi’lran (nod .Hunovjer (15) completes the first dozen, with £7380, nil >f whb h was won by the Frtisquln Ally Rhodoi'a, who Is out of a Hanover mure.

In commenting on the appearance of the Kllcheran—-Spun Gold gelding, Tuku Tuku, at the recent Takapuna meeting, “Augur,’’ of the “N.Z. Times,’’ savs:—“There is a little history attached to Spun Gold which is perhaps worth retelling. She was owned by a particularly astute Individual, who, during his association with the New Zealand turf as an owner, brought off some and failed with other very ingeniously planned coups. Spun Gold was the medium of perhaps the most successful of them. It happened tn this wise: Meetings were to take place on the same day at Hawera and Gisborne. At the former Spuu Goto appeared among the acceptances for two events, in both of which there were good fields. The tote odd layers were fairly pepPered with telegrams for various sums on ‘Spun Gold first start,” while numerous stay-at-home backers in Wellington also rang up, as they could In those days, with requests for £5 on “Spun Gold first start.” No questions were asked as to whether it was at Hawera, as this was taken for granted. Spun Gold came down with the scratchings for both events at Egmont. and the layers were lamenting the fact of having to return or refrain from collecting a substantial sum from backers, when, like a bolt from the blue, came the news from the totally unsuspected source that Spun Gold had won at Gisborne a Maiden or a farmers' Plate, or some equally-easy-to-win contest, and had paid a very decent price in a**comparatively small and weak field. Protestations as to being victimised were loudly proclaimed bv the books but as all bets were accepted on “first start, ’ irrespective of time or place, thev had to pay up. and try to do another hard thing under the circumstances— look pleasant. Perhaps they said, “Oh, Jemima.’”

Mr. John Corlett does not believe in taking short odds months before a race Recently he wrote: “Though horses won" great *flces las't season of whose existence last Christmas Day many were not even aware, the bookmakers have not been tempted to open out in connection with forthcoming events, and a short price about Bayardo is all that we know about the Derbv. We well recollect the late James Waugh, who was a very cautious and prudent man, expressing surprise at seeing a horse backed at these odds so long before the race. ‘Every morning when a high-couraged horse goes out 1 never feel sure that he will come back again all right, and here we have people taking two to one about a horse for a race like the Derby six months before the race!’ Au object-lesson of 'this was well brought to our mind when we formed one of the bodyguard that escorted Galtee More from Mr. Ben El lam's stables at The Warren, across the Downs to the paddock. Though there was a gate at the lower end of the paddock through which the horse might have passed, admission was refused there. The result was that the horse had to pass through a long lane of carriages, with every now and again a block. The coachmen flicking their hprses to set them going again, with the customary ‘Gpe-ups,’ was enough . to upset, any thoroughbred, but Galtee More stood it like an angel. Presently we .came to the racecourse, and there W'ere ‘held-up,’ as. a race, was being run. For a moment, in the midst of the turmoil, Galtee More seemed to get excited, and there, fortunately, being room, enough to turn him .round, the lad managed to get his head round the other w r ay. He w r as becoming excited, and if he had lashed out or ‘backed,’ as ninety-nine out of every hundred Derby favourites would have done, an accident must have happened. All this time we kept on thinking as we surveyed the critical situation. ‘Some fellows over there are laying 4 to 1 on this thing? It did not look to us even money on his getting safe into the paddock.”

Considerable comment has been Occasioned in the South in connection with the disqualification of Ingoda in the Lyttelton Plate, in which she finished first. The matter was first mentioned by Mr J. B. Reid, who claimed that Ingoda, instead of being by Stepniak—Armigera, as nominated, was in reality the Miss Niente fijly. The “Canterbury Times,” in a leader, speaks very strongly on the matter, and in the course of the article says:—“Altogether, it is a very unsatisfactory case. It is a pity, for the sake of all concerned, that the doubt regarding the identity of the two fillies was not brought under the notice of the stewards before the race, as a lot of unpleasantness might have been averted; But, as the complaint w r as delayed so long, there 'is room for regret that the officials were in such a hurry to conclude their deliberations and announce their decision. As things stand at present, of course, the official position is that it was Zemlia, by (Stepniak—Miss Niente, finished-first, and. Ingoda, by Stepniak—Armigera, last in the Lyttelton Plate. At the same time, andwith all deference to the views of the gentlemen who gave evidence before the stewards as to the identity of the two fillies, it seems far from clear yet that the position has been satisfactorily cleared up. As a matter of fact, if we can rely on current talk, there are many good judges, who. are confident that no mistake has been made by Mr Rutherford. Some of these base their opinions on their recollection of the two fillies as they appeared in the sale ring as yearlings, and they are very emphatic in declaring that the filly by Stepniak—Armigera, for which Mr Rutherford paid 310 gs, is Identical with the one which, under the name Qf Ipgqda, w’op tfie Lyttelton Plate at Riccarton last Thursday. If this view Is correct, quite apart from all question of which is the Armigera' and

which the Misa Niente fifty. It wonts absolve Mr Rutherford from all respousi* bility as to any mistake which may have been made as to the identity of the two ullies. Under all the circumstances, it seems a pity that a little more time w’as not spent over the case before a decision was announced by the stewards of the Canterbury Jockey Chib. We have no de finite information as to whether the matter is finally settled yet, but we sliotid not be surprised to find further action taken. The position at present is that Mr Rutherford, Instead of having some valuable engagements for a good two-year-old, may find himself saddled with liabilities in respect to one which is, as far as can be seen yet, only a moderate, w’hile his good one has to stand in her box, for the reason that she is not entered.”

On the question of w’hether the administering of oxygen to horses was to be considered as dope or ix>t, the secretary of the English Jockey Club, speaking through their servants, Messrs Weatherby, have declared the treatment of horses w’ith oxygen “specially so applied” as coming w’ithin the realm of “dope.” The following ex-’ plains the position:— Veterinary Establishment, Victoria-street. Bishop Auckland, Sept. 21, 1908. To the Stewards of the Jockey Club,— Gentlemen, —I have for some time now been experimenting on racehorses with inhalations of oxygen gas, and find that when a horse has had a continued supply of the gas, administered through a chloroform muzzle, for from three to four minutes, there is a marked difference in his running. More especially is this the case in a long-distance trial; These experiments have not been carried out on rougish horses, but in this case I have tried well known honest animals, with the result that in, say, a mile and a half race, the animal that has been subjected to the oxygen treatment- will, all things being otherwise equal, just be commencing to feel the same amount of distress after having gone a mile as the other horses would do when having gone half a mile. Therefore, you can see what aa advantage it is in a long-distance race, say the Grand' National, for instance, that a horse has over its opponents when it has been oxygenised. Now* that I have explained this treatment to you. I beg to ask if the above treatment practised on a racehorse before running at a meeting under your rules would be a contravention of the law against doping? I may say that the treatment leaves no after ill-effects, but the very reverse, as is well known in the results after administration to the human subject. Awaiting your reply, I am. Yours faithfully. JAMES G. .DEANS. THE REPLY OF THE JOCKEY CLUB. To that letter a reply, dated September 30, 1908, read as follows: — Dear Sir,—in reply to your letter of . September : 2G. addressed. tQ. the stewards of. the Jockey Club, I am instructed to inform you that the administration of oxygen gas, iu the yap you suggest would certainly be considered one of the, methods of affecting the speed of a horse which, under rule 176. would be met with the severest penalty.—l am, yours faithfully. E. M. WEATHERBY* J. G. Deans, Esq., Victoria street, Bishop Auckland. He w'as a charming old gentleman, but of worldly wisdom he was as innocent as any new-born babe. He had mild blue eyes, a long w'hite beard, and a nervous manner; and when the Countess of Appleshire offered him the vacant living of Market Appleton she thought it well to give him a word of advice. “Then there’s the racing set,” she instructed him, and shuddered, for the Countess had serious views on life, and regarded jockeys and trainers and “bookies” as more hopelessly lost than the people who dropped their “h’s.” “You’ll have trouble with them. But I should advise you to cultivate the trainers., for every trainer who comes means .a small army of attendant stableboys.” . . ;? The vicar thanked her and withdrew. He had to admit, after the first Sunday, that the big parish church w ; as deplorably empty, though the Countess was a host hi herself, and was, of course, accompanied by a group of subdued servants from the castle. The vicar decided that he must start cultivating the sportsmen at once.' He had little success, how’ever, until Saturday, 1 when he met Lord Mead'ow'field’s trained out exercising a splendid bay mare. r T didn’t see you in church last Sunddy? ’ Mr. Higgles,” he mentioned timidly. The trainer, a jolly-lookihg man, scratched his head. “Well, you'see; sir, I’m that worried about our Little Mary that 1 stopped at 'ome sort of to watch 1 'er.” The vicar’s face expressed the keenest sympathy. “I'm very sorry to bear that; w r hat ails her?” . ; . i ; :t “That’s jest it; I dunno,” was the reply. “But surely you have called a doctor; what does he say?” ‘‘Oh, he ain’t no good, dodderin’ old fool!Mr. Higgins exHaimed fiercely. Then he 1 glanced keenly at the vicar. “Tell you ' what t sir; If you’ll put In a word for her to- . morrow, the whole jing-bang' of us’ll come to church.” - i The vicar beamed. 1 “I- shall be very glad/* he said, almost trembling with delight. !••••• “Done with you, sir,” said Mr. 'Higgins, and trotted off.

He was as good as his word. Ho and Ms wife and a cluster of awkward shuffling stableboy# strewed the Meadowfield pews, and heard “Little Mary Higgins’* prayed for with the utmost reverence. Early on Monday morning the vicar set out to call ftt Mr, Higgln*. In the stable yard he met an impulsive young man with a fresh complexion and an air of irrepressible cheerfulness. He shook the vicar warmly by the hand. “How; do? Hope you’re decent. My name's Mea’dowfleld. Just been seein' Little Mary. Come and see her.” He led the way, chattering volubly: “1 say, Higgins has been tollin’. me; and it s awfully sporting of yon to pray for her. you know. She seems alt right , this morning. Jolly glad, too. for she’s to run in the Appleton Stakes on Wednesday,’* And now the vicar always insists on a birth certificate or some other means of identification. AUCKLAND METROPOLITAN COMMITTEE. A meeting of the Auckland Metropolitan Committee was held on Monday, Mr 11. T. Corrie presiding. The disqualification was removed from the horse Rongakaka. The committee endorsed the disqualification for six months Imposed by the Ngaruawahia Racing Club on Percy Walsh, while the disqualification of AV. Marchant by the Matamata Racing Club was endorsed, and the term increased from three to six months. The appeal by the owners of Master »Soult against the decision of the Auckland Racing Club Committee to pay the stakes in the Rajlway Handicap . to the owner of Royal Soult was dismissed. Licenses were granted as follows: — Trainers: E. Brockelsby and W. J. Bowden. Jockeys: A. Holden, John Percival, and F. Tutclien. The following programmes were passed: — Whakatane Racing Club, March 17; Waipu Racing Club, March 24; Rotorua Jockey Club, Feb. 17 and 18; Auckland Trotting Club, three pony races, March 27 and 31 and April 3. The committee of the Auckland Racing Club met subsequently, ami the following transfers were submitted and approved of: Manawatu Stud Company; To M. Melrose, chestnut filly, lyr, by Sir Laddo— Rufifoe. Allred Kidd: To J. J. Craig, bay ibly, 2yrs. by ' Menschikoff—<St. Margaretta; 1o Harvey Patterson, bay filly, iyr, by Soult- St. Margaretta. W. Handley. To ■’ Kemp, bay 'filly, lyr, by Soult—Merry Maid. g. B. Baldwin: To Sir George Clifford, brown colt, lyr, by Sir Laddo— Purity. J. B. Reid: To E. J. Rae. brown colt, lyr,.by Stepniak—Camille. I. G. Duncan: To J. B. Reid, bay or brown filly, Jyr, by Stepniak—Ranee Nuua; to Alex. •Macfarlane, bay colt, lyr, by Conqueror— Lady Principal; to Alex. Macfarlane, bay < olt, lyr, by Kilcheran—Bulbul; to G. P. Payne, bay colt, lyr, by Kilcheran—Spun Gold; to George Hump, brown colt, lyr, by Kilcheran —Prelude; .to J. Lowe, brown ••olt, lyr, by St. Ambrose—Ekaterini Passeropoulp; to G. D. Greenwood, brown filly, lyr, by Merriwee—Lady Helen; to C. Ma«hcll, bay colt, lyr, by Kilcheran La <H<»ria; to G. P. Payne,’ brown filly, lyr, by St. Ambrose—Su«mx«s; id J. L'owe, brown "'lt, . lyr, by Kilcheran —Strathspey. W. Walters: To A. Hansbn. bay filly, lyr, by Soult - Princess Alice; to J. J. Craig, chestlyr, by Gluten —Gold Web: to Frank Ross, brown colt, lyr, by Soult—l/ady Musket; to G. D.. Greenwood, brown filly, lyr, by Soult— llotcherina; to G. P. Payne, chestnut filly, ' Ist, by Gluten—• Helen McGregor; to Win. Lyons, bay filly, lyr, by Soult—St. Edith: to J. J. Craig, brown colt, lyr, by Soult—Lady B.; to W. Ryan and D. Moraghan, brown colt, lyr, by Soult—Romola. William Dunn: To E. A. Lindsay, bay colt, lyr. by Seaton Delaval — Cardoon. R. H. Duder: To G. D. Greenwood, brown filly, lyr. by Wairiki —Queen Ann. Trustee# of late William Percival: To S. J. B. Stewart, brown filly, lyr, by Merriwee— St. Olga. Accounts totalling £27o•.were passed for payment. TURF TALK FROM THE SOUTH. CHRISTCHURCH, Friday. • hief event of this week has born the Ashburtb'h Trotting, Club's summer meeting. whiAli was held yesterday and to-day. The meeting was generally successful but . fields were not very large, and the totalisafor investments showed a considerable decrease bn last year's'.meeting, which, .was held much Ifit'er in tlie season. The trotting yesterday was,of a very high standard and several houses improved greatly on i heir former times. The most striking performance was that of Dick Fly, who, in winthe Allenton Handicap of one mile and .►half, established. a fy esh. Australasian re'‘T<l, of 3min. 24se.<?. Fusee, who won the principal event yesterday, the Longbeaelx Handicap of two miles,’settled to his. work much more steadily tha,n usual, and won without, any trouble, hi ,4mm. 43 2-ssec. He Improved on this time to-«,ay, When he ran second. The first Amateur 'Handicap served, to introduce a very promising candidate in Ruby S., a three-y,ear-old filly by Prime Imperial. Ruby S. won her first race without any trouble, and to-day carried off the •Stewards’ Handicap, one mile, and a-ha If. easily. She had to run the race twice, as on. the first occasion it was started slightly before advertised time. To-day Miss Florvie broke the run of bad luck which had followed her for some time by winning the Ashburton Trotting Club’s l Handicap in 4 min. 48soc. Most of the Riccartoil horses that are engaged at Wingatui have left for the scene of fiction. * ♦ > Wanganui autumn meeting. WANGANUI. Friday. ~ * o,, °wing weights have bean tip’•area by Mr George Morse for the Wangamn Jockey Club’s autumn meeting:— Westmere Hurdle Race.—Exmoor 11.12, Lyrist 11.12, Lull 11.9, Aorangi 11.7, Xavier JLI, Leonardo 10.10, Stay boy 10.0, Master

Douglas 10.6, Maidl 10.6, Commander 10.0, Showman 9.8. I‘aparaehi 9.7. Don Carlos 9.7, Tonderghie 9.5, Prospector 9.5. Coy 9.2, Monarque 9.2, Scenery 9.0, Okaihau 9.0, Waimaria 9.0, Moose 9.0, The Stripper 9.0, Tauira 9.0. |Tay forth. Hiurdle Race.—Stayboy 119, Don Carlos 10.11, Aotea 10.7, Moose 9.10, Grenade 9.10, Eldorado 9.5. Mikotahi 9.4, Whimper 9.3, Rosegrove 9.3, Tauira 9.3, Chase M.ab 9.3, Taupo 9.0, Waimaria 9.0, Carlyle 9.0, Montague 9.0, The Stripper 9.0. Juvenile Handicap.—Gohl Lace 9.3, Gipsy Belle 9.0, Vi 8.12, Lady Menschikoff 8.12, MerrivOnlsC 8.9, Xylophone 8.6, Fasnakyle 8.6, Lady Medallist 8.0, 80-angers 7.12, Castiglione 7.12, Milan 7.2, Celeano 6.12, Subdue 6.10. Stewards’ Handicap.—Crucinella 9.0, Sir Frisco 8.13, Master Delaval 8.13, Maniapoto 8.10, Tiptoe B.’A Vasa 8.0, St. Aidan 7.13, Golden Eagle 7.12, Tan San 7.11, Gold Lace 7.11, Glenullin 7.10, Sir Antrim 7.9, Lady Menschikoff 7.8, Longner 7.7, Are Light 7.6. Eclogue 7.6, Moriarty 7.5, Belario 7.2, Flotilla 7.0. Immolation 7.0. Seatondale 6.10, Mendip 6.12, Fliugol 6.11, Lochiela 6.9. Petrie Hack Handicap.—Eclogue 9.2, Courier 9.0, Miss Mischief 8.9, Waiari 8.7, Te Kahurangi 8.6, Clemora 8.2. Burton 8.0, Awha 7.10, Mulga Bill 7.7, Flying Wind 7.4, Llanwern 7.4, Overtime 7.4. Shannon Lass 7.3, Seawind 7.2, Ukraine 7.1. Ranglkapuka 7.0, Stevens 73), Toanga 7.0, Red Wing 7.0, Mania 7.0, Muse 7.0, Bell Arnie 7.0, Vinco 7.0. Wiritoa Hack Handicap.—Mendip 9.0, Mallet 8.11. Perolina 8.10, Astraea 8.7, Clemora 8.1, North East 7.12. First Mate 7.12, Bismarck 7.5, Parable 7.4, Anemone 7.3, Icel 7.2, Llanwern 7.2. Recreation 7.2, Paione 7.0, Adopted 7.0, Marathon 7.0, Sylvia Maid 7.0, Dennis 7.0, Newport 7.0, Dolce 7.0. ROTORUA RACES. FIRST DAY. ROTO R U A, W ednesda y. The first day of the Rotorua JockeyClub’s meeting, which was held to-day, proved, very successful. The day was warm, and the course was in good order, while there .was an attendance of about 1101) persons.’ The races* were well fought out. and'close finishes were the rule. The results were: — Hurdle Race.—-Anna: Lombard, 10.2, I*. Wai’mutu, 9.2, 2; Lady Ellen, 9.0, 3.’ Als> started: AH Fours, 9.12; Melton Hall, 9.8. Melton Hall lost his rider when lying in a good position at half-way. Maiden' Plate.—Flying Soult, 8.0, 1; Taiaha, 9.0. 2; Weka, 7.12, 3. Also started: Waikuku, 8.10: Master Paul, 8.5; Kaingaroa, 7.10; Jim, 7.7. Time, 1.1%. Rotorua' Cup.—Wauehope, 8.8, 1; Manapouri, 9.0, 2; Prince Leo, 6.7, 3. Also started: Haeremai, 8.2; Tupaea, 7.12; Sergius, 6.12. Time, 2.14. Waimangu Handicap.— Rosewood, 7.4, 1; Mighty Atom, 8.10, 2; Frontino, 7.12,- 3. Also started: Discoverer, 8.6. Time, 57 l-ss. Hack Handicap'—Master Paul, 8.9, T; Weka, 8.2," 2; Lady Weasel, 8.0, 3. Also started: Flying Scud. 8.5: Kaingaroa, 7:10; Kola, 7.10: Nancy, 7.0. Time. I.lB|.Whaka Whiter Handicap..—Waikuku. 8.0, 1: Dainty, 8.8, 2: Taiaha, 8.1, 3. Also started: Haeremai, 9.12; Dodd, 7.11; Lady Ellen, 7.11. Time, 1.34 1-5. Thermal Springs Handicap.—Frontino, 7.7, ,: 1; Azoft*, 8.0, 2; Discoverer, 8.4, 3. Time, 1.4. ROTORUA, Thursday. There was, fine weather for the second day’s inebting of the Rotorua Racing Club, and the attendance was but little short of that of the first day. The fields were not so large, but the races were well contested, and the finishes close. The results were.— Second Hurdles.—Waimutu, 9.4, 1; Melton Hal), 9.8, li; Lady Ellen, 9.2, 3. Also started: Anna Lombard, 11.10; All Fours, 9.0. Anna Lombbrd fell at the first hurdle. Time, 3.2.5 2-5. President’s Handicap. —Azpff, 8.5, 1; Discoverer, 8.0, 2; Frontino. 8.3, 3. Also started: Jiin, 6.10; Flying Soult, 6.10. Time, Arawa Park 7.7, 1; Prince Leo, 7.0* 2. Time, 1.19. Tourists’, Handicap.—Discoverer, 8.0, 1; Mighty Atom, 8.(8, 2; Rosewood, 8.0, 3. Time, 545. - Second Ha<.*k Handicap.—Master Paul, 9.5, 1: Weka, 8.6, 2; Hauberk, 8.8, 3, Also started:. Kaingaroa, 7.3. Second Welter:—Taiaha. 7.11, 1: Dainty, 8.2, 2; Haeremai, 9.3. 3. Time, 1.35. Farewell Handicap.—Front ino. 8.5. 1; Azoft.. 8.5 .overweight), 2: Mauapouri, Oli. 3. WOODVILLE MEETING. FIRST DAY. WOODVILLE. Wednosday. The autumn meeting of the Woodville Jockey Club commenced to-day in fine weather. 1 The suni of £7430 was put through the totalisatof; which is a decrease of £1324 compared with the corresponding day last year. Eight bookmakers were licensed. In’ the hurdle racp Roscgrove came down at the obstacle hi the straight close to the grand stand, and his rider (Tyford) was badly shaken. No bones, however, were broken. The results wore: Maiden Plate.—Waipunui 1, Projectile 2, Seraphic 3. Scratched: Dolce. Hurdles.—Commander 1. Don Carlos 2. Reumac 3, Scratched: Rookby, Grenade, St. Ai'nclia, Stormlight. Won by a couple of reitgfhs. Whatakura and Roscgrove fell, and Lyford, the jockey riding the former, was rather severely hurt. Wliariti Hack Race of 75sovs, seven furlongs. First Mate 1. VI 2, Miss Vera 3. A good racp won by a length. Time, 1.30. Woodville <’up of 200sovs, one mile ami a-quarter. Woodhey 1, Vasa 2. Moloch 3. Also star Phil: Moral, Lolrot, Seatondale, Anemone. At the turn Woodhey came through ami won easily by four lengths. Time,

County Hack Handicap of 73sovs, six furlongs. Kelso 1, Swallow 2, Ktmmerian 3. Won comfortably by two lengths. I‘icsident’s Handicap of 100sovs f seven furlongs Waikaraka 1. Bercngaria 2, Investment 3. Won easily by two lengths. ’J line, 1.30 2-5. Victoria Hack Handicap of 75sovs, oife mile.- Sealer 1, Mildura 2, Windage 3. Won by half a length. Time, 1.46. Telephone Hainlicap of lOOsovs, live furlongs.- Sun bonnet 1, Axite 2, Lord Soult 3. A good race. Time, 1.2. SECOND DAY. WOODVILLE, Thursday. Delightful weather was experienced for the concluding day of the Woodville Jockey. Club’s autumn meeting. The attendance was very satisfactory, but not quite so large as the previous day. ’ The sum of £6280 was put through the totalisator, making a total uf £13,710 for the meeting;, a decrease of £3.351 compared with the corresponding meeting last year. Six bookmakers were licensed, and the fees from that source for the two days-amount-ed to £3OO. The results were: — Settlers Hack of 75sovs, six furlongs.— Kelso, 9.1, 1; Miss Vera. 7.10, 2; Awaha, 7.9, 3. Scratched: Genuine, Taumaiio and Kimmerian. Won by a length. Hack Hurdler, 1£ mile. Whatakura, 10.13, 1; Reuniae, 9.5, 2; Rosegrove; 9.13, 3. The only starters. Won by three lengths. Ballance Hack Welter of 75soVs. seven furlongs. - Aberbrothock 1, Mildura 2, Notorious 3. Aberbrothock took charge after the start, and won easily by two lengths. Time* 1.30. Autumn Handicap of 150sovs, one mile and a distance.—Sandstream 1. Merrie Rose 2. Moloch 3. Before reaching the straight Sandstream drew away, and was not afterwards headed, winning easily by three lengths. Time, 1.55 3-5. Kumeroa Hack Handicap of 75sovs, five furlongs. -Genuine 1, Swallow 2i, Hydraulic 3. Genuine won by a short head. Time, 12 15. Shorts Handicap of lOOsovs, five furlongs. —Vi 1, Kareo 2, Lochiel 3. Won by half a length in the excellent time of 1.1. Hack Scurry of 65sbvs. Waimarimarie .1, Kimmerian 2, Valentine 3. An exciting race, won by a neck. Time, 1.2 25. Maharara Handicap. Silken Rein 1, Merfio Zealand 2;"Rangihaeta 3. Won com fortably by a length. Time, 144 15. N.Z. METROPOLITAN TROTTING CLUB S MEETING. . SECOND DAY. CHRISTCHURCH, Sunday. The New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club’s February meeting was concluded today, in fine weather. The attendance was good, and speculation brisk. The totalisator Investments were £8692 10/, making a total of £14,123 10/ for the meeting, as against £13,165 10/ last year. The results were:— • Improvers’ Handicap of llOsov®. one mile’ and a half. —Marie Corelli, -14 s, 1; Bonification, 16s, 2; Milljood, 6s. 3. Won easily by three Time, 3.45. Ladies’ Bracelet Hamlicap, of OOsovs, one mile and a-half. — Ned Egan, scr., 1; (’lassie, ss, 2; Maori Child, 6s, 3. Won by 50 yards. Time, 3.30 4-5. Zealandia Handicap of 230sovs, two miles.—Bell Car, 15s. 1; Derringcottc, 15s* 2; Lord Elmo, scratch, 3. Won by eight lengths. Time, 4.46 3-5. Southern Handicap of 120sovs, two miles. —Submarine. Bs, 1; Turk. 17s, 2: Previous, 17s, 3. Won by eight . lengths. Time, 4.48 2-5. Summer Handicap of loOsovs. two miles. — Havelock, 12s, 1: Marietta' Huon, 14s, 2»; Welfare, 16s, 3. Won by a length. Time, 5.2 3-5. < Sportsmen’s Handicap of 120sovs, one mile. —Terra Nova. Is. 1; Ben Hur. 6s. 2; Lo«li. 4s, 3. Won by four lengths. Time, Councillors’ Handicap of 130sovs t one mile and a half.—Mayoiirneen, 13s, 1; Croesus, Ils, 2: Lady Clare, 9s, 3- Won by a length. Time, 3.43 3-5. Final Handicap of 135sovs. one mile.— Discoverer. 3s. 1; Verax, 2s. 2; Elector, is, 3. Won by three parts of a length. TROTTING RECORD BROKEN. ASHBURTON, Thursday. la the Alleirton Handicap a! the Ashburton: Trotting Club’s summer mooting today, ,Mr W., Tapp’s Dick .Fly (driver. M. Edwards) broke 1 Ln- Australasian record for one milv ami a half, doing the distance in 3.24. The club presented a gold medal to Edwards. The previous record was 3 28. HUNTLY RACES. HUNTLY. 1 Saturday. T-hc Uuntly Racing dub s inci ting was hold to day in tine weather, and there were about. 7(K) present. Results arc as follow: Pepepe Handicap, seven furlongs. Leonrtte 8.10, 1; St. Cyren. 7.10. 2. These two wore in the van throughout, ami Lconctte won easily. Maiden Plate, six furlongs. Fraulein. 8.5 (Deeley), 1: Report, 7.10, 2: Weka. 7.10, 3. Won by .i neck. Etonia was scratched. lluntly <’up, one mile. Zinnia. 7.6. 1; Leonetti*. 8.4, 2: To Tanin ha. 3. Won easily. rntched: Rarata ami St. I’.vrcn. Settlers’ Handicap, five furlong*. Report, 9.0. 1; Atawhal, 9.6, 2; Yankee, 9.0, 3. A .lose finish. Scratched: Kapuaningi and Sunshade. Coalfields Handicap, four fuihrnge I.adv French, 9.5, 1; Cantala, 8.8, 2; Lady Weasel 77, 3. Scratched: Frontino, Etonia, and Weka. A close finish. Makien Walter.—Fraulein, 8 13. 1: Aiderukoi, 8.6. 2; Weka, 8 8, 8. 'Scratched. Roman

tic, Zinn.*i, Kapuaraug!. Ncwnbam. started. Fraulein won easily. Flying Handicap. Frontino. 83, 1; Gem 7.3. 2; Cantata 85, 3. Scratchcdi Rarata, Doua, Apollinaris, SUir, and Lady Weasel. Five started. A good finish. twenty-one Itookinakers were licensed at the meeting at a fee of £2 “abc. 4 ♦ + AUSTRALIAN RACING. V R.C. AUTUMN MEETING. 1 he following is a list of the horses left in the Newmarket Handicap and Austral.an tup at the V.R.<\ autumn meeting:— Newmarket Handicap, six furlongs.— on U,< l! n r I ’’ Lonl U. 9, Scotland A 9, Nel th 9.7, Moton 9.2, Prophecy 8 13. la race 8.11. Virtu 8.11, Enehanteur 8.9, Legation 8.8, True Scot 8.5, Perkeo 8 5 Togo 83. Akim Foo 8.1, Little Lad 8.1 Golden Slipper 8.1, Cithara 8.0. Edenholme 8.0, Maltine 8.0, Bright Steel 7.13, Bohby 7.1 L Seddon 7.9, Lady Bobadil 7.8, I’eterhof 7.5, Kcrlie 7.5, Curtain Lecture 7.4, Lord Cecil 7.3, Irishman 7.3, Dhobi 7.3, Mc<’alium 7.3, Featherstitch 7.2. Late Hours 7.2, Jolly Kate 7.2, Balantrae 7.1, Mon.,dist 7.1 Submarine 7.1, Warrayure 6.13, Dunolly 6.13, Nalumi 6.13, Mindful 6.11, Idyll 6.7, Fairy Bell 6.7. Francis 6.7, Salvia 6.7, Kilbrido 6.7, Ngurum e 67. Pretty Peg q. 7. Peep Bo 6.7, Wotan 6.7. Medgc 6.7, No Name 6.7, King Berry 6.7. Australian Cup, two and a-half miles.— Signor 9.4, Ncith 9.0. Prophecy 8.12, Dyed Garments 8.9, Lord Nolan 8.5, Perkeo 7.12, Golden Slipper 7.10. Little Lad 7.9. Trafalgar 7.7, Procecder 7.7. Score her 7.7. Demolition 7.5, Zepho 7.5. Seddon 7.5, Nnshka 7 5. Snapshot 7.3, Jack Smith 7.3. Trentmoon 7.3, Lady Diftidence 7.3, Delaware 7.3. Pendil 7.1, Kerlie 71. My Sister 7.1, Cur'tdn Lecture 7.1. Le Jeune 6.13, Five ( town 6 13, Dunolly 6.11, Even Time 6.11. Woolloomcoloo 6.9, Mindful 6.9, Flavel 6.9, Delenda 67, Perilous 6.7. Hauraki 6.7, Somnambulist 6.7. Trelo. V'onni 6.7, Notus 6.7, Medge 6.7, £1 Bastille 6.7. MELBOURNE. February 13. The Vi' toria Amateur Turf Club opened their. . meeting al Caulfield today. The following were the results of the principal The Rond (’up of 300*oys, one mile ,an«« three furlongs. H. W. Morion's Gelignite, 1; Even Time, ?•; Yabba Gabba, 3., Fifteen started. Gelignite won by a length and a quarter. Time, 2.22 J. The Oakleigh I'latc of l<)i)()sovs, live furlongs and a half. J. Johnson’s Dishman, 1; Salvia, by Maltster Gaillardia, 2; Anripern’, by Tom Cringle Hard Hit, 3. Eighteen started. Irishman won easily by five lengths. Time, 1.8. MELBOURNE. February 15. Alawa has been scratched *or all engagements. MELBOURNE. February 20. The V.A.T.C. brought tv >ir autumn meeting to a conclusion at 1 aulfiekl to-day. With a strong field of 21 horses saddled up to measure strides in the Futurity Stakes, the .weight-for age event was invested with the utmost interest., and the- contest that eventuated was in keeping with ths.lmportance of the valuable' race. Honours rested with the Auckland-bred Soultime, and the performance for which the son of Soult was. responsible was such as to • , a,U up enthusiasm, for he won bis race under a stiff penalty. The following arc the details of the principal event:— THE TWELFTH CAI LFIELD FUTURITY STAKES of 15(M)sovs; I<mh) so vs to the owner of the first horse, 250sbvs to the owner of the second horse, lOOsovs to the owner of the third horse, lOOsovs to the nominator of the dinner, 50sovs tb the nominator of the second hoTSCi • Weight for age. with penalties and allowances. For two-year-olds and upwards. Seven furlongs. Mr. S. P. Mackay’s b g Soultline, syi*s’ by Soult -('astor.line. 9.8, iiohiding 101 b penally <M« La< hlan) .T....... . 1 Mr. J. Johnston’s b g Irishman. 3yrs, by 1 Havoc Party. 8.9, Including 71b penalty (Williams) 2. Mr. J. Baron’s »li h King Berry, syrs. by King (’row Mine Berry, 7.1 (Pike) . ; 3 Twenty otic horses started. - * Soultline and Lord (’arlyon were quickest on their legs, and the latter was loading the field at the far turn, three furlongs from home, where Irishman dashed up level with the leader. Scotland. Ncith. ami Soultline being most prominent •'•f th© others. Irishman showed the way into th* straight and up to tin- distance, at which point Soultline was discovered «oming through with a great run. From theno home an exciting battle for supremacyand Soult iitte struggling under his big load like a true ra< ehor*e got the best of his .voting rival in tin* last stride and won bj lialf-.t head. Time. 1.28. I’HE NEWMARKET HANDK Al’ Motoa has been scratched ter th* N< wmarket Handicap.

st lb st lb Qlenculb* -h 8 4 Rose X >l»le ,. 2 Prim H 3 Hiro 7 0 Iianul 7 11 Erskine 7 12 Truganini .. . 7 9 White ("kado 6 9 Field (Jun .. 7 G Ja< k Ashore . 6 Grand Slain . 7 H Sant Rosa leer 6 r* n'ikitere . . 7 FI Gold Dredge . G 7 Outlander 7 6