TURF GOSSIP

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLII, Issue 10, 10 March 1909, Page 12

TURF GOSSIP

BY

WHALEBONE.

BA- ING FIXTURES. llai<h b and 11 - Danuevirke K.C. Autumn March 13 — Thames J Autumn March 17, 18 — ohiimmuri J» Annual March 17 and Is — Napier Park K.C. Autunin Mar<b 24. 25 — South Canterbury J.C. Autumn March 24. 25 — Turan: ki J.C An umn ■March 27. 31. April 3 — A T.C. Autumn lApril 1,2 - Masterton K.C. Autumn April 1. 3 — NoN-'i! J.C. Annua! April 3 — N »rrh Canterbury J.C. Hack R • 1 \ 12, 13 .. R Autumn Apr;? !•*. 12. 14 17 A I C. Autumn April 12 Pntr-3 R • Annual Meeting April 12. 13 — Feibling J.J.’. Easter April 12. 13 — C J.C. Autumn April 21. 24 - Wvllu cr-'n R J . Autumn April 2*». 2'-’ — M urn warn K.C. Autumn April 29. May 2— Avondale J ’ Autumn May 5. 6 — Hawke’s Bay J.C. Autumn May 22. 24 — Takapv.ua J.C. Winter ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. F M.—Adam. by Castor—The Jirt. w.is 4be firs - of Castor’s progeny t> sport silk in Amkand. parting in the Seprember Stake- a- -lie A.R • . First Spring Meeting in 1893. Three Star was the first • 4\f<r r.-> win c Ellerslie, a'counting f<»r rhe Great Northern Foal Stakes in the J McCluskey. Pcnsonby. — Wakeful 19.0. ran second t»» Lord Cardigan in 19 *3. whiie Vanity Fair. 7.-‘, was second to The Victory in 1902. J.C., Hospital — He was eight years old when he won his last race recorded in the Turf Register. There are no means f finding out the answer to your first ouery. T Murphy and John W.ilsu. — Morion won the Great Northern Derby of 1892. He was ridden by W Cliftord. The two 1 is? t • finish in the Wanganui Cup were Downfall and A lv._»cate. There was no- a first favourite won on the first Jay of rhe Wanganui Meeting. The Auckland horseman J. Buchanan tad the mount on Downfall in the Wanganui Cup. No less *han 28 of rhe 49 horse* nominated for the A.R. 1 . Easter Handicap hail from -he South. The Thames Jockey Club’s Autumn Meeting ’ak~* p’.a-'v cm Saturday next. the 13th inst. Four strong odds-on favomites won on the second day uf the South Auckiau/ Racing Club’s Annual Meeting Several well known An klan ! punters were balanced at rhe recent South Auckland Racing Club’s meeting. The Seaton Delava I g'-Uing Celtic, give a very poor display in the S*nrh An k’and Cup, and was not seen out on the second day of the gathering The Papaknra Raiag Club has n » reason to Rispl.iin of the response made by hors** fwr their annual meeting, and a su - cessfui gathering should result. A Napier paper is responsible for the statement that Mr T. fl. I-owry'a colt Merriwa la to fulfil his engagement in the Great Northern Champagne Stakes, run at the A. K.C. Autumn Meeting. F. Macmanemin had mixed luck at the Booth Auckland meeting, his cbatges winning five races, while be had the misfortune to lose the Leolantls gelding Mark Time. Words of wisdom, from an English country yokel: " ’E«ss. I be a betting man. I’m always ready vor a t»et. A rotted turnup to a leg of mutton ’s always my bet. I bets the rotted turnup’.” The Eton gelding Rarata wag taken to Te Aroha, but the tracks were so rough that Mr Mills, hi# owner, would not slart him and take the risk of breaking him down. The “Te Aroha Ma!!.” tn commencing An the recent Te Aroha meeting, seys: — “The performance of Robex in the Second Trotting Handicap, came in for a lot of adverse comment.” On Wednesday evening last, the stewftrds of the Otahnhu Trotting Club further considered the riding of Making* at their recent meeting, and after a lot of evidence was taken, the Inquiry was adjourned until Wednesday next, the U»th lust., at 2.30 pm.

The Flying Stakes at the recent Te Aroha meeting. according to a report in the local paper, had to be re-run, owing to an eiror in starting from the wrong post. Hikua! won oxi both occasions. Although not officially intimated, it is understood that a decision in the Lucio appeal case will be given on Monday. rhe 15th inst., the date of the monthly meeting of the Auckland Metropolitan committee. Some of the riding at the recent South Auckland meeting was very indifferent, and iu cue race it was an even money het that two of the hoys would fail off before they rescued the post. Southern papers give the Information that Mr Duncan Rutherford intends appealing against the decision of the Canterbury Jockey Club in awarding the Lyttelton Plate to the second horse, Ploughshare. R MeM token only started Exp’osive on the last day of the South Auckland meeting. and in both events iu which he ran, had to put up with set.*, nd position. Becter handled, he would probably have a counted for a double. At the last monthly meeting of the stewards of the Wellington Racing Club a request was received from Mr. E. J. Watt, asking that the disqualification of the jockey T. O'Brien be removed as from August 1. The request was refused. Mr G. Mills has claimed th? name of Lady Waterford for th? filly by Soult — AJlinga. purchased at the recent Gienora Dark Sale. The filly, which is full of promise, has been handled by S. Hodge, and takes to her duties very kindly. The order of the support accorded the starters in the Wanganui Cup was a? follows: (It Sir Tristram, <2), Apa. (3j. All Red. (4i Downfall, *5) Blue Ribbon, Kilwaraock (7) Taitoko. <B> Advocate. <9» Master Deiava’, (I*s) Tangimoaua, <11; Uhlando, <l2> Roosevelt. The Cambria Park sire Obligado was represented by three winners, viz.. Serenade. Zetland and Liza, at the recent Dunedin meeting. Serenade’s performance was a pretty solid one for a th ree-y ear-old, as he carried 10.6. and ran five furlongs in 1.3 3-5. after being disappointed at the turn for home. The New Zealand-bred Balgonie. by Phoebus Apollo, who won the Richmond Thousand at Ascot (Vic.) last July, has been granted a 14.0 certificate in India. Balgonie recently changed hands at a very high figure. Batg€»nie’s uame appears among the entrants for the Civil Service Cup. F. D. Jones, the well-known Sou*hem horseman, who is at present under engagement to the Hon. J. D. Ormi-nd. was o’Teie.l the position of private trainer to Mr D. Buick. MB. The offer was refused with thanks, Jones stating that he wa> j erfectJy satisfied with his present porition. His M :j?sty has a lengthy string of horses in w-»rk I '-r the present Engl;>b. . o-mg season. I* is sail that there are 23 b-Jng prepared by R. Marsh at Egerlon H rase. Newmarket. to carry the royal •«d. ur<—purple, gold bi aid, scarlet sleeves, bk; k velvet eap. with gold fringe. The Kingja-t season won nine races worth £s4&i> 15 . The Tapakura Racing Club advertise rhe programme for their annua! meeting, wbi ’a is fixed for March 29th. The principal event is the I’apakura Cup of 40soys. and altogether six events will be run off, the added money totalling £l4O, Nominations for all events close with the ?»-retary. Mr F. I>. Yonge. on Friday next, the sth ins:., at 9 p.m. Hawke’s Bay sportsmen are strongly represented in the A R C. Easter Hand! ap. The Hon. J. D. Ormond has Sir Tristram. Bottfi, ami Woodkey: Mr. E. J. Watt. Abd; riginie. -uxd Wimmera; Mr. G. I*. Donnelly, Gold Thread; Mr. A. F. Douglas. Moral and Ikon; and Mr. T. H. Dowry. Bobrlkoff, Chanteuse, and Downfall. Nine out <*f the 12 nron->rs in the Wanganui Cup were winners of different Cups, as f dlows: Al’. Red (Auckland Cup). Downfall (N Z. Cup), Apa 'Raugit!k*>? Cup>. Master Iklavai (Auckland Cup). Tanglmoana fßangitikel and Manawa tn Cups), Bluw Ribbon (Wellington Cup*. Roosevelt (Pabiatua Cup». and Uhiando (Wanganui and Taranaki In England last year the progeny of nine Trenton mures won 18 races, of a total value of £SIOO 19 The principal contributor to that sum was IHhs (out of Greek Glrh. whose fonr races aggregated £3IOO. f uff-*, another colt out of Greek Girt, won two

races. Theodora was another of Trenton’s daughters with two winners to her credit, Venetian Lad and Princess Dash being her progeny. *The Auckland bred Hughse has won another race in India, his most recent success being in the Clyde Plate on the second day of the Calcutta Second Meeting, on January K>. This race was w««rtb 1300 rs. to the winner. a»»d run over six furlongs. Hugbie, which carried 8.11. and started favourite, won easily by five lengths from Russley Rose. 8.6. and Natrgk’y B-.y (late Lord Magnet) 7.7. The winner wi< ridden by J. Killom. • The telegrams published I ere giving the rese ts of the recent Te A:oba meeting, placed Frontiho first and Aimwell second in the Electric Handicap, but it appears the positions were the other about, Airnwel! being the winner. Aim well's victory. in addition t-» being the first to the ci edit of the son of Sguli. is also the first registered in the colours of Mi- W. Handley for some time. Aimwell was ridden by Keenan, who scored bis first winning ride since being granted a license. The nominations received for the principal events a: the A.R.<2. Autumn Meeting are considerably aliove the mest sanguine expectations, and with such a large number »»f Southern horses engaged it will be indeed strange if the forthcoming autumn meeting does not create a fresh record. In all, 162 nominations have been received, as against 153 last year. Mr. Morse’s adjustments for the Easter Handicap, Brighton Hurdles, and Autumn Steeplechase are due on Monday. March 15. Figuring in the nominations for the principal” events at the A.K.C. Autumn M ring are a number which are also engaged at the C.J.C. meeting, which tak s place at the same time as the local fixture. As it is impossible that horses can compete ar both gatherings, their owners will probably await the publication of handicaps before making up their minds which to patronise. The duel between Messrs Henrys and Morse for owners’ patronage should be interesting. The Royal Graditz Stud's racing stai/e will start the coming season iu Germany with a big string. Reginald D y having uo fewer rhaxi 52 horses under his charge, inclusive of 27 two-year-olds. 21 three-year-olds :ind four four year-olds. Among the juveniles are nine sous of Aed Patrick, five of Calus. three of Hannibal, and two of Gairee More, while St. Frusquin. St. Mc.clou. Childwb’k. Boni Visr?.. Gallinule, Manners, and Nines are re-:>■ »a< : «le for one apiece. The Menschikoff gelding Dogger Bank was the hero of the South Auckland meeting, accounting for the three events in which he started. In the Farewell Handicap. Dogger Bank was a strong odds-ou favourite, and getting away well, looked as if he would win easily, but a strong dash of excitement was added in the con-ludmg stages, as Explosive, coining with a great rattle, almost got on terms, and it was only by dint of hard riding that Buchanan got the favourite home from the outsider by a short half-length. Dogger Bank's downfall would have brought great rejoicing to the camp of the bookmakers. Mr Richard Croker, who has for some years been residing in Ireland, recently paid a visit to New York, and was given a re -eption. He declined to talk politics, but regarding racing said: ’’Most of my dealings are with the Irish people, and they are k’ud and hospitable. Ou the race track: in England my treatment has been courteous and fair. The English racing authorities do not discourage American burse owners. At first it may seem that they pile toa much weight on our horses, but the weight brings out the mettle in a horse, and there is uo apparent discrimination. It is my hope to win another Derby. I have a horse in my stable now which .’.ill start iu the L>erby iu 1910.” It is said that there is an nmlerstaxiding between the leaders of the Anri-Gambling League and the English Government that the proposed bill which the League intend to bring before Parliament shall be taken in hand by Ministers, and its progress will l>e officially facilitated. It therefore behoves sportsmen to band themselves together in order to offer an organised resistance to the proposed bill, says the "Sporting Chronicle.” It is well known that the extremists are in favour, not only of the restriction of betting facilities, but of their complete abolition, and many even say that the publication of any betting news should be entirely prohibited. Every inch of ground the fanatics gain gives them a firmer foothold, and makes it more difficult to oppose their next advances. The is obvious. The victory of Kilmarnock, although unexpected tn Auckland, was. there is every reason to believe, well anticipated by his connections, which fact is borne out by the comparatively snort price he paid. Kilmarnock, which must not be confounded with the Sumner colt at one time trained at Ellerslie by John Thorpe, has a very short pedigree, being returned as by St. Paul, dam unknown, and I cannot readily call to mind any important race in New Zealand that has been won by a horse po.s---s-Hsiug poor qualifications. St. Paul’s son, according to the telegraphed accounts,

won fairly easily, which bears out the <>{Huion farmed by a number who saw him race in the Egmou: Cup, >beu he finished second to Ngapuka Says a Wellington writer: A lot of back era hare burnt their fingers badly over Wanganui doubles—Cup and Flying—an increasingly popular form of a gamble The non-appearance of Gold Thread a and Tamaiuupo's names iu the list of acceptors for the second “leg” brought much sorrow to the “takers* ” camp, while had Consolation’s scratching been notified per the Pros Association when made, further regrets would have been saved. If the Raring Conference. at its next annual meting, wants to do something practical, it should see to it that racing clubs give information regarding scratchings from day to day. Thpublic who supply the sinews of war are deserving of some consideration. Speculation is the life blood of dubs, and they should recognise the fact. At one time the totalisator threatened to oust the bookmaker in Calcutta, but the position of the latter would again appe.tr to be assured. During the course of the recent big race meetings, an informal meeting was convened by the stewards of the Calcutta Turf Club, for the purpose of obtaining the views on several matters of men from various centres. One of the points raised was the continuance or otherwise of the tone of the meeting was In favour of the layers. Iu touching on this the “Asian says: ‘The experiment made in 1907 of doing away with the bookmakers did no* encourage the stewards to persist in their course in face of the general opposition of the racing public, and there is no getting away from the fact that, despite th? cramped odds which he frequently offers, the bookmaker has done his share towards bringing racing to its present pitch of popu lanty. The public waut him, and have plainly shown that, for them, the machinedoes not compensate for the absence of the professional layer.” The English Jockey Club have got so much money that they do not know what to do with it, and this year "fixture fees' are not to be paid (says an exchange'. For all meetings having four da vs consecutively. or six days at a time, *£loo be paid, and for all others £5 a day. Look ing at the number of race meetings*, ft will readily be seen that with this fund a ecu no ilating year after year, it becomes a sort of “nails in the horseshoe” affair, and it now, we understand, stands at au enormous figure. How much we do not know, as the Jockey Club do not publish a balance-sheet, an example that has been followed by General Booth. Out of this war che t money is found to fight attacks made gj rhe Turf, and it was, we believe, very .considerably drawn upon in the famous Kempton Park case. Though lessees kick against it. it is a very wise provision of the Jockey Club as one Race Committee ought not to 5 e called upon to bear the whole of the brunt of an attack in which a hostile ■ cision would be disastrous to them al Furthermore, it ensures all these ca>e< being well fought, and with the mtpowerful weapons. A poor meeting miciit not be able to afford this. It was through cases being badly fought that so many hostile precedents were established in the law book in connectict. with betting. Most of these arose i» connection with some scamp or other that everyone desired to see convicted, no matter whether he had committed a legal offence or not. Appeal cases of this sort were generally conducted by some cunning and avaricious little attorney, who employed io argue it barristers of little standing, and not always of great attainments. On the other side would be a high-class man. and with the case feebly itrgued. and the judges seeing that by stretching the law a very little they would be able to catch a rogue, convictions were affirmed and dangerous precedents formed. The new year opens with a steady continuance of the higher courts deciding every question in favour of racing, without an exception, in America. All those unfortunates who were “Russianised” during the summer, illegally arrested, hauled through crowds, disgraced and humiliated, are being • honourably discharged.’’ and a recent decision has plainly told them there are no • damages” to be expected, it being the duty of every good citizen to thus immolate himself upon the altar of Law and Order in the interests of Community. Ahem, the Community in a vaunted Land of Freedom! AR these decisions have travelled successfully up to and through the Appellate Division, but the sensational Reformers are not satisfied, and will make the State pay for carrying them up to the still final Court of Appeals—the last stand. It is equally certain the previous decisions will be sustained. Under these circumstances racing can be continued under the present Law very successfully. The extreme virus shown by Governor Hughes, and bis clan, in framing the Agnew-Hart law made them defeat their own ends and frame a law which was an object of pity and sympathy, rather than of respect. Not one. but a score coach-and-borses could be driven through ft. AB this sounds very promising, but the pith of the situation Is that the Reformlstic idea Undoubtedly is to go to the Court of Appeal

with clamour of the “bookmaker* and gamblers win/’ and under this slogan stir the Reform element to flood Albany with (manufactured) demands for a new law, which will surely be passed by a Legislature which has lost several of its warmest friends of racing at the recent election.

Soul (Hue set the seal on his fame last Saturday in the Newmarket Handicap, when he registered a performance which not been equalled during the 36 years history of the race. In fact, on only three occasions ha® a horse carrying over IM been successful, Btmjebah winning in 1891 with 9-3, Fortunalus in 181)3 with 9.2, and Pendant in 1907 with 9.7. When • Soultline was disposed of last spring for IOOOgs. not one writer but thought that James Twohdl had done exceptionally well in disposing of the gelding at that figure, and, while he can nave no cause to complain of his prolit Mr Mackav, as events now prove, secured one of the great bargains that occasioually offer on the turf. M hen one analyses the performance of Seultline on Saturday, it will be at once seen than it is one of the most brilliant ever recorded on an Australasian course. To carry 9.11 in an ordinary field is a feat of exceptional merit, but to hump that weight up the trying Flemington straight six furlongs, and defeat the cream of the Australian sprinter*, is something marvellous, and, it is safe to say, is a record that will probably stand for *ome time. Next to a Melbourne Cup there is no race in Australia in which such an endeavour is made to bring off a big coup as the Newmarket, and horses are kept for years and specially prepared for the big sprint event. white a commission can be executed to as probably as big an amount as the Cup. The leading trainers, as a rule, don’t look to a mere sprinter to win the Newmarket, but prefer a horse than can run out a solid eight furlongs, and it is recollections such as these that make Soultline’s performance read so miraculous.

When the Gaming Art was first brought into force the bookmakers had a number of staunch supporters who strongly advocated their cause. Unfortunately, however, the Act was not made stringent enough in the matter of granting licenses, and the racing clubs were placed in The unenviable position of being compelled to grant licenses to all and sundry who chose to apply. Th s has brought about a shocking state of affairs, and one has only to visit the country meetings to get some idea of what racing is coming’ to. Meeting after meeting the old tale of welshing and balancing is told, but the game goes on merrily, and one can for see that it will not only be unsafe to bet with some of the bookmakers, but absolute ly unsafe to attend the course at all. This may seem stretching things a bit; but although it may be a bit on the pessimistic side, it is absolute truth that our countrv courses are fast becoming the resort of “thugs.” “spielers/; three card men.” “balancers." “welshers.” and other blacklegs of th? turf. So bad is the game at present that th? better class of pen oilier Is gradual!v dropping out altogether, and the field will soon be cleared for the “catch as catch can” fraternity. In this respect the leading men are greatly to blame, for, Instead of immediately forming a Tattersail’s Club when the Gaming Act became law. and thus assisting the racing clubs to sift the chaff from the straw, they were content to allow matters to drift into the disgraceful state that now prevails. It is not too late to adjust matters yet, but if something is not speedily done those who play the game legitimately and fairly will find tiieir best friends desert them, and they will have themselves entirely to blame. The present condition of affairs cannot be allowed to continue much longer.

The Hurdle Race on the second day of the Dunedin J.C. meeting had a most unsavoury flavour about it. and in commenting on the race the Dunedin “Star” says:— “The Hurdle Race gave rise to a lot of comment. Snip, though conceding to Leonardo only 61b for what seemed to be a ridicuously easy win on the Wednesday, was going begging at almost any price, while Leonardo, the horse that suffered defeat on the previous day, went nut a hot favourite. Add to this that the bookmakers started this knock-out of the winning horse, thereby signalling that they knew something; also that both horses seemed well when stripped yesterday: also that Leonardo and Snip, though separately owned, are in the one stable; also that Leonardo was the outsider in the betting on Wednesday’s race—and in the combined facts there is ample justification for the action of the stewards in instructing Mr L. C. Hazlett, who was on duty at the start, to warn the riders that they would be very closely watched. In the race Leonardo displayed much more activity than on the first day. and led like the Leonardo of the spring meeting, whilst Snip contentedly plodded on in the rear, showing none of

the pace that enabled him to win on Cup Day. This was nut thought much of for .1 while. seeing that Snip ran a waiting race on the Wednesday, and then won. But as furlong after furlong was cast behind and he made no sign, the crowd began to open their eyes. Suddenly, however, from about the three furlongs mark. Snip put on a great spurt, and ran up so close at the finish as to be within two lengths of the winner as they passed the judge. The cause of this spurt was perha|ts not generally known. Perhaps there were two causes. One was this: Mr Hazlett did not return to the paddock after the start, but waited for the horses to come round, and as Snip approached he shouted: ‘Go up. Scoullar. or you’ll go out for life.’ The effect was electric* I. Scoullar did go up. and with a furlong further to gv he would have had Snip an easy winner. The whole of the circum stances are most suspicions. as suggesting that Snip and Leonardo did not compete fairly against each other in either rare, and the stewards would have been justified in asking both to show cause why they should nut be disqualified. What saved this, probably, was the fact that Northern Star proved good enough to beat Leonardo in yesterday’s race, and thua upset wh.it looked like an arrangement. This result was received by the public with much merriment, and the stewards seemed content to let things stay ns they were. If Leonardo had won they must have taken action, so as to find out the whole truth of this ugly looking affair. Even now an investigation would do good, by giving the persons concerned the opportunity of an answer if they have one to make. Meantime the presumption is diequieting.” An interesting letter appears in the English “Sporting Chronicle," from Dr. McCabe. the well known trainer, in which he takes exception to the statement made by •‘Kettledrum.’’ a writer in the paper named, that dope was extensively used by English trainers. He says:— “That statement is not true, and I defy your correspondent to prove that it is. Newmarket trainers have far too murli sense to use gallons of dope on racehorses. I cannot allow ‘Kettledrum to take shelter behind his fear of the law of libel. 1 offer to give £25 to any charity be may name if he can prove his statement privately to a friend of his and a friena of mine, provided that be will give the same sum to the poor of Newmarket if he fails to prove what I describe as a gross libel on Newmarket trainers. “Next, I defy him to name any drug that could possibly make a horse go faster with it than without it. the drug named to be submitted to the opinion of a Fellow of the College of Veterinary Surgeons and a Fellow of the College of Physicians. Their opinions. I may tell your readers beforehand, will agree with mine, which is that drugs are useless for the purpose. "Next. I refuse to believe that he can find In the whole of England a single trainer who honestly believes any drug has enabled him to win. except in so far as ‘rogues’ are concerned, in which case, as I said in my last, a stimulant, of which alcohol is the best, may and sometimes does cause a horse to ‘put it in,’ who otherwise would refuse to try. “Your correspondent refers to the class of drugs known as aphrodisiacs, of which the preparation of cantharides is the best known example, and which has been used by ignorant fools as a dope. Drugs of this Hass are irritants now known to be quite useless for the purpose they were once prescribed for. They could not do anything but immediate barm to a horse’s digestion and kidneys. Of course I never was ignorant enough to do more than pass the claims of such drugs in review. In the nature of things they could not help you to win races, but taking them, provided they did not kill it in time, could not have any remote bad effect on the reproductive system, so that my reply to your question. ‘Would 1 breed from a doped horse?’ is Yes,’ and I may add that except inasmuch as it breaks a rule of racing. I do not consider doping as a vice. I do regard It as a piece of useless stupidity, and perhaps cruelty. " •Kettledrum’ need not attempt to get sarcastic because my qualifications apply to the treatment of man and not of horses. On this globe all animals are only modifications of one design, and are built of the same bones, flesh, and blood. With certain modifications, which I have made it my business *o learn, drugs have the same effect on horses as on men; and on that point I have only to add as an excuse for my ‘industry’ in experimenting with drugs <»n myself and on horses that fifteen years ago. when I was seriously thinking of these things, we—that is, members of the medical profession—believed drugs to possess powers which recent investigation as to the cause of disease shows us they do not and never did possess. "I again repeat that no drug, or combination of drugs, will ever enable a horse to

go faster v. ith !.< in than without them, and I <ay that su-h writings as ‘Kettledrum’**’ on a Diysteri »us '■••metking which enables bur*’s (•» win »ace< is doing mu h to wean the i-'. >!;•• from taking an interest lu the form .«f horses, and from attending races. HN n .s, too. are f unded on ignorance, ami I think he should apologise to the I'tchig pnl»li«- for them, and, above all, to the Newmarket trainers. At any rate, if I am wrong in the definite statement he makes he «an have my ‘pony.’ Can 1 have h * i >r Newmarket?—Yoars faithfully, FREDERICK F. McCABE, MB., Surgeon Captain, Queensherry L«»dge. Newmarket, January 12. 19u». In reply to Dr McCabe, a veterinary surgeon pens (he fol’. »w:ng: Being a qualified veieri ury surgeon honours man and medallist*. ami having trained a few platers in my time. 1 think I am entitled to voice my opin’a.i OH the subject of "doping/’ It Is the ge era! opini>n that the "dope” is administered t-» f-r-nt-heaited horses when they are "wanted.” We see many horses when it cmues to a pinch in a strong-run lace unmi’tak ihlv throw up the sponge, ami they are called rogues. 1 daresay some arc a bit cunning, owing, perhaps, to having had several go >d hidings. Does the average raring man ever take into account that there may be something radically wrong in the interim! anatomy of these so-called faint-hearted horse*? The doctor w;il readily admit that there are many horses and human beings who look healthy enough U» the uninitiated, but on being profession ally examined are found to l»e very much “down the course.” Now, may I ask how many of our modern trainers can differentiate between faint-heartedness ami. say, any caidiac or pulmonary trouble? I have owned a mare wlu> was very fasi for‘four furlongs, but. to use a racing expression, she was stone cold after that, unless sue had a little stimulant. I also had to du with another horse who used to gallop wfcll uniil he came to the people crowded on the rails, when he funked it. Unlike the doctor. 1 do not see much benefit in alcohol for “funks.” as its action is different in horses fi tin that in human beings. In the human being it acts on the sensory nerves, first giving “Dutch courage.” then, ultimately, if the dose is large enough, it acts on the motor nerves. In the horse alcohol acts on the motor nerves first, and ultimately on the sensory nerves, so it is easy to see what a large dose it would take to make him "fit.” I do admit that the “dope” is of little benefit to a strong, healthy hors?, and when 1 hear of a horse having shown symptoms of having been “doped” I put it down to the work of a bungler. Perhaps it would be of interest to some of your readers to know that the South American Indians used to feed (and probably do so now) B their h >rses on the leaves of Erythroxyloii Coca, the plant from which cocaine is derived. They believed It acted as a tonic, and diminished th? sense of fatigue. There can !>e uo doubt but that cocaine, nitro-glycerine, strychnine, digitalis, etc., when judiciously administer?*], are of great service in delicately-cnnstitutioiied horses. Perhaps when the doctor s doped horses were beaten they were beaten ?>y omer horses who had the “needle.” Now, as regards no drugs having a remote bad effect on the reproductive system. I beg to differ, as potassium iodide, when administered freely, will have that effect.

♦ + ♦ TURF TALK FROM THE SOUTH.

CHRISTCHURCH, this day. Since the return or the Rlccarton contingent from Dunedin training operations at headquarters have been of a more interesting nature, quite a number of horses being hurried along with a view of competing at the Easter Meeting. All Cults’ team are well forward, especially Broadsword. Glenculloch, and Sharpshooter, the last-named of whom is a greatly improvel colt. The pony by Sant Ilario from Tit Bits was sold to a Victorian sportsman this week, and left for his new home on Friday. Prism, who was recently purchased by a Canterbury sportsman, went lame on Friday morning, after doing a fair gallop, and Will not be able to fulfil any of his immediate engagements. The Annual Meeting of the Akaroa R.C. takes place on Wednesday, and as a number of good class horses are engaged the sport promises to be more interesting than usual. Sir George Clifford has sold Cannie Chiel, by Clanrauald—Weathereye, to Mr. A. Kerr, of Fairlie. A stipulation prevails that the horse is to be used for stud pur poses only. Santita has been turned out for an Indefinite spell owing to having developed

laments while running in a paddock at l(i<*cartun v. TotM’ay Mr. M. Kavanagh’s promi*ing two yearold Caspian, by .-.t.-ptib.k GitanelM, by oouie iiieaus bn ke hi- atal h:i<l to bo *»est n.y od. Another of Mr. Kavaaaah's roc yeara.'.N hi Cron.ta.lt. by Stepmak Madder, in tired one of bi. lea. when beln • biouaht home fr< tu Immdiit race, but fortunately the iui.li. ; i ; ~f a’ very seriovw natnre. J J. laivve's team, comprising Effort Iranua, Trugniilnl, and Adva..ta.e. «hl. h competed at the Him din Jo.-kev ("nl.-s meet ing. w. nt on to Wellington i.v the Ma.aiua oil Thursday. ■iwJerii'ood that a profit of about was made over the ye . ( Dunedin J.C. meeting. Irnganini went amiss when competing in th? Dunedin Cup. rtm | on i c a r:ival in Wellington fs tn b turned out for a 'I The Wellington train* r. J. W !.<>«•?. left for Sydney with Artilleric <>n Fridav even Ins. K.yal Aitilory's speedv daiuhter is engaged m the A.J.C. Horn-aster Handicap ami Sydney Cup. nm-iiur the . mirse of the Onnedlu Cun meeting. Mr. St. John Bn.-klov mmlo a present of the untried tu-.. v nro.l Io Welb.-, k from Itobinella, to 11. Goodman, who formerly trained for him. Sau Severe, winner of the Publicans' Handicap. was saved from a bullet less than a couple of years ;: K . . She had had a fistula and her withers ami neck bear sinus of its virulence In fn o a .nr, was finally effe< ted. Armb't ami Miss Mischief had many friend* Im ally for their engagements on the first nay of th? WnngHmit J.C. meeting, but neither ran up t.; expectations. ♦ ♦ +

WANGANUI AUTUMN MEETING.

WA NG AN C J. Timrsday. The autumn meeting of rhe Wanganui Jockey Chib was opened to-dav. The wn i ♦her was perfect, and the attendance good « l>de the racing was ex. Hing throughout The totallsator handled £12.4(18 a* anaiii’sr £11,048 for the first day last vear Twenty four bookmaker* were licensed £372 being paid In fees. Th? results were:' Stewards’ Handicap.—Tan San. 7.11, 1; Tiptoe. 8.2, 2; Arc-light, 7.6. 3. Scratched: tracinella The latter weighed out, and did her perliminary, but was very sore, and was taken back to the paddoc k. The stewards decided that backers on the machine should have their inonev returned From a splendid start A relight f or three-quarters of a mile, where Tan San ran to the front, and eventually won easily by a length from Tiptoe, which just beat Arellghr. Time, 1.44. Petre Hack Handicap of lOOsovs. six furlongs.—Courier. 9.0, 1; Miss Mischief. 8.9, 2; Mulga Bill, 7.7. 3. Scratched: Owha, Overtime. and Shannon La«ss. A good start Te Kahaurangi led from Flying Wind until the bend into the straight, where the field closed up. Courier put in a great run from the rear, nnd taking the lead, stalled off a determined challenge by living Wind winning by a head. Mulga Bill a length and a half away. Time. 1.1. Westmere Hurdles of 175sovs, two miles. ■ —Maidi, 10.6, 1; Coinmamler, loji _• londerghie. 9.5, 3. All started. Exmoor led for a mile, when Maidi went to the front and stayed there, winning by two lengths easi.y. Time, 4.1. TAYFORTH HACK HURDLES of lOOsovs. About one mile and three-quarters. 11. Alexander’s Whimper, by Wonder-land-Whisper, 9.3 (Campbell) 1 A. E. Tucker's Chase Mab. 9.3 2 J. McDonald’s Tanria. 9.3 3 Also started: Moose, 10.0; Mikotahl, 9.4. Tauria was soon in front, and for a mile led from Chase Mab. with Whimper fast gaining ground. The three entered the straight together, and 100yds from the finish Chase Mab and Whimper were racing neck and-neck. Whimper, however, was the stronger, and won by a length. Tauria being 2J lengths away, third. Time. 3.20. WANGANUI CUP of 65Osovs. One mile and three-quarters. 11. Robertson’s Kilmarnock, by Sr. Paul —dam unknown. 0.10 (Coleman; 1 H. Dorset's Blue Ribbon. 7.11 (Lowe, 2 H. Evans' Üblundo, 7.0 (Carroll; 3 Also started: AU Red, 9 6; Downfall. 8.7; A pa. 8.6; Master Delaval. 8.6; Tangimoana 8.0; Advocate, 7.6: Sir Tristram, 7.5; Roosevelt, 7.5; Taitoko, 7.0. Sir Tristram. Tangimoana. Al! Red. and Üblnndo were first to show out. Entering the straight. Uhlando was just in front of Master Delaval. with Downfall and All Red handy. Approaching the enframe to the straight Kilma riimk <am»- right through, and soon had the race won, eventually win-

Hing easily from Blue Ribbon by four lengths, with Vhlamlo three length* away, third. Tangimoana was fourth, and Apa fifth. Time, 3.8. JUVENILE HANDICAP of IJOsovs. Six furlongs. Clarebnrt’s Lady Menaehfkoff. by Menschikoff—Sister Francis, 8.12 (Clareburt) 1 J. 11. Prossers Lady Medallist, 8.0 .... 2 J. Aines’ Merivonia. 8.9 3 Also started: Xylophone, 8.6; Milan, 7.2; and Subdue. 6.10. Xylophone was quickest away, and soon Lad a lead of about three leiigtbs. However, he gradually came back to the field, ami was caught and passed before the straight was reached. Here Subdue fell. There was a good race up the straight. Lady Menschlkoff winning by half-a-length. with Merrivonia a long neck behind Lady Medallist. Time, 1.16 3-5. .VVIRITOA HACK HANDICAP of 100SOV8. One mile. J. N. Coleman’s Anemone, by St. Cyr— Pourangi, 7.3 (Coleman) 1 .Wire Tokena’s Paione, 7.0 2 11. R. Telford’s First Mate. 7.12 3 Also started: Perolina. 8.10; Astraea, 8.7; Parable 7.4; Recreation, 7.2. With about four furlongs to go. Anemone came through, followed by Paione. Coming up the straight Anemone increased her lead, finally winning easily by three lengths, with First Mate four lengths behind Paione. Time, 1.45 1-5. FLYING HANDICAP of 250sovs. Six furlongs. Jloss Allan’s Ballarat, by Gold Reef— Brown Spec (Price) 1 JT. R. McDonald’s Gold Crest, 9.5 2 G. I>. Greenwood’s Armlet, 8.6 3 Also started: Rangipapa. 8.12; Sir ’Frisco, 8.6; Golden Engie, 7.13; Longner, 7.8; Waikaraka. 7.6; Moriarty. 7.4; Waihuka, 6.11. Ballarat was first away, but Armlet soon displaced her, followed by Longner. This order was maintained till the straight was reached, when Ballarat came again, followed by Gold Crest. A great race ensued. Ballarat winning by a neck. Armlet a good length behind. Waikaraka fell at the entrance to the straight. Time, 1.15 1-5. SECOND DAY. WANGANUI. Sunday. Ideal weather prevailed for the second day of the Wanganui Jockey Club’s autumn meeting. There was a good attendance, and the sum of £12,313 was put through the totalisator, as against £13.439 for the second day last year. The total for the two days was £24,721, an increase of £234 compared with last year’s meeting. Twentyone bookmakers paid £330 10/' in fees, making a total of £6OO 10/ for the two days. Autumn Handicap of 150sbvs, one mile. —• •Moriarty, 7.0, 1; Tiptoe, 8.6, 2; Arc Light, 7.8, 3. Scratched: Tan San. Moriarty took the lead at the start, and stayed in front, winning by three lengths. The .third hoise was four lengths away. Time, 1.41 2-5. Matarrtwa Hack of lOOsovs, six fuflongs. —Mulga Bill. 7.9, 1; Shannon Lass. 7.2, 2; Overtime, 7.4, 3. Scratched: Courier. Te iKaiiurangi was first to take command, with £Jurton and Mulga Bill close up. The order was the same until entering the straight, where Mulga Bill ran to the front and won by a length from Shannon Lass, which finished very fast. Time, 1.16. Jackson Stakes of 300sovs, six furlongs. —Provocation. 7.2, 1; Gold Crest. 9.0, 2; Lady Menschikoff, 8.5, 3. Xlyophone also started. Provocation was ahead after going lialf-a-furlong, with Xylophone next. Gold Crest made a great effort coming round the bend, and quickly settled Xylophone, but. could not get near Provocation, which won by three lengths, the third horse being four lengths away. Time, 1.13 3-5. ' Fordell Hurdles. —Tonderghle 1. Maid! 2, Commander 3. All started. A splendid race. Exmoor led for a mile, when Tonderghle took command, Maid! being second, with Aorangi close up. Maldi made a game effort but Tonderghle, jumping well, held his own over the last half mile, and won by two lengths. Time, 3.16 2-5. Hack Hurdles.—Chase Mab 1. Whimper 2. ’Aotea 3. Also ran: Don Carlos and Sede moor. Aotea led for nearly a mile, when Chase Mab drew level, and, going on, eventually won by several lengths. Whimper just beating Aotea. Time. 2.55 1-5. Wanganui Stakes of 350sovs, 1J miles.— All Red. 9.4. 1; Master Delaval, 8.2, 2; Kilmarnock. 7.11. 3. Scratched: Uhlando, 7.3. Roosevelt made the early running. All Red being handy all the way. Belario was in front half a mile from home, but gave place to All Red in the straight, and the latter won easily by two lengths. Master Delaval just beating Kilmarnock, which got shut in at the back, but finished fast. Apa broke down badly. Time, 2.35 4-5.

Tn the Stakes Apa put his near hind fetlock out. Harrison Hack Handicap.—First Mate' 1. Paloue 2. Anemone 3. Ail started. Won by a length and a-half. Time. 2.11. Fa rewell Handicap, 150 sovs, 6 furlongs.— Moriarty, 7.1, 1; Longner, 7.8. 2; Ballarat, 8.11, 3. All started. Won easily. Time; Imin. 15sec.

♦ ♦ ♦ TE AROHA MEETING.

SECOND DAY. TE AROHA, Tuesday. The Te Aroha Pockey Club’s annual meet, ■ng was concluded to-day, in fair weather, there being a good attendance. TJie following were the results; — Tourist Plate, five furlongs.—Liberty, 7.6, 1; Waiotahi, 7.0. 2; Frontino, 7.10. 3. Also started: Newtown, Waikuku, Master Paul, Dainty. Flying -Soult, Leafire, Taiapa. Hurdle Race, one mile and three-quar-ters.— Melton Hall, 9.5, 1; Post Haste, 10.5, 2; Laddie 9.3, 3. Also started: Lord Crispin and Searchlight. Jockey Club Handicap, one mile.—Azoff, 7.9, 1; Zinnia. 8.0, 2; Tupaea, 7.3, 3. Also started: Celtic and Leonette. Hack Race, seven furlongs.—Grizelle, 9.2. 1; Jill, 7.10, 2; Lady Aroha, 7.12, 3. Also started; Leafire, Leonite, Leonine, TamaPublicans’ Handicap, five furlongs and ahalf.—'Liberty, 7.6, 1; Keepstep, 8.5, 2; Aladam Soult, 7.0, 3. Also started: Newtown. Trotting Handicap, two miles.—Kirikiriroa, 1; Robex, 2. Electric Handicap, four furlongs.—Aimwell 1. Frontino 2. Also started : Lady French. Grizelle, Rosewood, Leo, Madam Soult. Rukuhia.

WAIHI RACES.

AV Al HI, Saturday. The Waihi Jockey Club’s ninth annual meeting was held to-day in splendid weather. There was a large attendance, and everything passed off without a hitch. The racing was interesting throughout. Miss Winnie won the Cup co'mfortably by a length. The Maiden Handicap proved a close race, all finishing in a bunch. As well as the totalisator, there was a large number of bookmakers present. Mi*. G. Power (secretary) and the stewards worked hard, with good results. Borough Handicap, seven furlongs.—Newtown, 8.7, 1; Leonette, 9.0, 2; Taiaha, 8.2, 3. Won easily by a length and a-half. Scratchel: Keepstep and Elenore. Time, 1.33 3-5. Maiden Handicap, five furlongs.—Miss Stella, 7.2, 1; Leo Grand, 7.0, 2; Kaitakaro. 7.0, 3. Won by barely a bead. Scratched; Tupaea, Matatua, Blue Mountain, Jill. Time, 1.4 3-5. Waihi Cup.—Miss Winnie 1, Azoff 2, Escamillo 3. Won easily by a length. Scratched: Aristocrat, Agincourt, and Newtown. Time, 1.43 4-5. , Publicans’ Purse.—llikuai 1. Rosewood 2, Confide 3. Won easily by four lengths. Elenore lost her rider. Scratched: Waikuku and Miss Stella. Tim€, 5.1 1-5. County Hack Handicap.—Winhaston 1, Jill 2, Leo 3. Won easily by four lengths? Scratched: Liberty, Master Paul, Totika, Blue Mountain, Agincourt, and Leo Grand. Time, 1.18. McCurdy Memorial Stakes, six furlongs. —Miss Winnie, 9.4, 1; Azoff, 8.3, 2; Keepstep, 7.12, 3. Won by two lengths. Time, 1.16 3-5. Flying Handicap, five furlongs.—-Hikuaf, 8.13, 1; Grizelle, 8.2, 2; Rosewood, 7.8, 3Won by a length. Time, 14 3-5.

AUSTRALIAN RACING.

V.R.C. AUTUMN MEETING. MELBOURNE, March 3. The V.R.C. autumn meeting was continued at Flemington to-day. The weather was oppressively hot, but the attendance was fully up to expectations. The big event of the programme, the Australian Cup, saw a brace of three-year-olds tight out the issue for the leading position, the New Zealand-owned horse Signor filling third position. The following are the details of the race:— The Australian Cup of 1250sovs, two miles and a-quarter.—ll. Power’s b c Pendil, 3yrs, by Bobadil —Penitence, 7.1 Tike), 1; M. Dutch’s br e Deienda, 3yr», 6.7 (Thomas), 2; G. F. Moore’s br h Signor, 4yrs, 9.4 (Cameron), 3. Little Lad made the running to the sheds from Snapshot. Flavel, Somnambulist, and Fendi! next. Dyed Garments being last, into the straight Deienda forged ahead, with Little Lad a length in front of Flavel. The field closed up at the riverside. Little Lad and Flavel racing together in the lead. At the bridge the order was Little Lad, Flavel, Five Crown. Signor, Deienda, Le Jeune. At this point l’endil improved his position and ran up second, while Dyed .Garments and Nushka each put in a fast run rounding tlie turn. A most exciting contest then commenced Pendil. in the centre of the field, led, with Deienda challenging on the outside. l’endil, well ridden, got home first by half-a-length, with Deienda two lengths in front of Signor. Dyed Garments was fourth and Demolition fifth, the field being Whipped in by Flavel. Time, 4.0 h MELBOURNE, March 6. Tlie Victoria Racing Club brought their nutumn meeting to a conclusion to-day at Flemington. There was a coo! change in one of tlie most sweltering weeks in the history of the State. Rain commenced to fall during (ho progress of the third race, and continued at intervals during tlie afternoon. The field for the Champion Stakes num-

bered five, and the contest that ensued between the New Zealand horse Signor and the Victorian colt Pendil, for supremacy in the great three-mile race, worked excitement up to fever heat. Pendil proved himself a true stayer, and in a ding-dong battle he got the best of it in the last few strides, and won by a narrow margin. Pendll’s victory was received with enthusiastic cheers. The following are the details of the later racing:— The Place Handicap of 400sovs. one mile and a-half—Karanaud 1, Nushka 2, Lady 'Wilde 3. Also ran: Yabba Gabba. Geglignite. Five Crown, Le Jeune. Snapshot, Cherry Lass. Won by half-a-neck. Time, 2.38 j.

The Autumn Steeplechase of about three miles.—Seymour 1. Decoration 2, Post Boy 3. Seymour won by six lengths. Time. 6.43 f. The Champion Stakes of lOOOsovs. three miles.—Pendil, 7.12 (J. E. Pike), 1; Signor, 9.0 (R. Cameron), 2; Trafalgar, 7.12 (R. Lewis), 3. Also started: Dyed Garments and Even Time. Signor made a bold bid for victory, but the three-year-old son of Bobadil stayed it*out like a racehorse, and won amidst a scene of much excitement. Trafalgar was ten lengths away third. The Farewell Handicap of SOOsovs, one mile.—Maltine 1, Vereuice 2, Scotland 3. Twelve horses started.. Maltine won by 6J lengths. Time, 1.43.