TURF GOSSIP

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLII, Issue 21, 26 May 1909, Page 11

TURF GOSSIP

By

WHALEBONE.)

RACING FIXTURES. May 22, 24—North Otago Jockey Club. May 22, 24—Takapuna Jockey Club. May 22, 24—Wanganui Jockey Club. June 3. 4—Dunedin Jockey Club. June 3, 4— O'takl Maori Racing Club. June 3,5, o—Auckland0 —Auckland Racing Club. June 16, 17—Hawke’s Bay Jockey Club. June 16 —Hawke's Bay Steeplechase. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. E.A.C. — Yes! Irish won the July Steeplechase at the Wellington R.C. Winter Meeting of 1906. .Wilson. — The grounds of protest were never made public, but It is understood that the objection wag on the ground of not being what she was represented to be, and also the question of ownership. Inquirer. Pukekohe. — Lord Rosebery, which Jh engaged at the Takapuna J.C. Winter Meeting, is a six-year-old gelding, by Pilgrim's Progiess — Lady Bevys. G., Avondale. — Jack Tot is an aged gelding, by Chainlink — Georgina. His last winning performance in the Turf Register was In the Tokomaru Hurdle Race, at the Manawatu Summer Meeting, eighteen months ago, w hen he carried 11.4 to victory, running the mile and three-quarters in 3.17 1-5. There is no record of bls having started last year, nor can 1 find any mention of his having yet raced over country.

The Cuirassier gelding Quebec is now an inmate of K. Heaton s stable.

R. Hall has taken over the stables in Green Lane recently vacated by K. Heaton.

The well-known sprinter Lupulite has been blistered, and turned out for a lengthy spell.

The Great Northern Oaks winner, Gold Lace, will In future be trained at Trentham by J. Lowe.

The Masterton-owned horses Moloch and Osiris are to be shipped to Sydney from Wellington on Friday next.

A southern writer is responsible for the staement that the Castor gelding Klatere is very backward at present.

A well-known sport tried to buy North Head prior to the Hastings meeting, but the reply was "Not for sale.’’

Mr T, 11. Lowry has sold Merrigal. Merriwee’s daughter will, in all probability, in the future take a part in pony events.

Moral's broken limb has been encased in plaster of parls, and an effort will thus be made to eave him for stud purposes.

On Thursday morning, nt Ellerslie, Midcyr was schooled over the big fences. The son of St. Cyr jumped cleanly, but a trifle slow.

The next volume of the "New Zealand Stud Book’’ is now in the bands of the printers, and will be issued early next month.

Mr A. Selby received a cablegram from Sydney on Friday, asking him to put a price on Mozart. A reply has been scut, but so far no business has resulted. The Now Zealand gelding Wharckura Is said to be recovering from the injury he received when lie fell in the hurdle race at Rundwick.

Belarlo, which is at the bottom of the list in the Great Northern Hurdles, has been the medium of a lot of support in doubles during the week.

The Ben Godfrey gelding Swagsmnn was very sore after schooling at Ellerslie Inst week, and it will take his trainer all bis time to get a race out of him.

A half brother, by Royal Fusilier, to that brilliant mare Finery, Is reported to be showing more pace on the Hustings tracks than any of the youngsters so far.

The Now Zealand-bred horse Apologue, by Phoebus Apollo- Miss Gladys, which was shipped to India some time ago, has not yet appeared on the courses there, and is not likely to stand training.

T. O’Brien, who rode Creuaot to victory in tbo A. R.C. Autumn Steeple* hneC, has been engaged to ride the son of Torpedo in the Great Northern Hurdles and Steeplechaae*

Word from the South states that Mr Bidwill intends sending Provocation and Tribulation across to Handwick about a month before the A.J.C. Spring Meeting opens.

Although Master Soult and Elysian have not been thrown out of woik, they are having a very easy time of it. The former is as fresh ns if he had not done any racing at all this season.

The Cuirassier gelding Cuiragno is coming on nicely at Ellerslie, but will hardly be seen at his best at the Great Northern meeting, although once he gets on the upgrade be usually strikes form very quickly.

C. Coleman left for Napier on Wednesday evening. It is understood the object of his visit wag to try and secure possession of a well-known jumper, but at present particulars are not available.

It is understood an Auckland sportsman bad practically concluded the purchase of North Head from the Hon. J. D. Ormond, but owing to unforeseen circumstances arising, the deal was not completed.

Marshal, which Is reported to be doing attractive gallops on the tracks at Wanganui, is a three-year-old son of Soult and Princess Alice, therefore full-brother to Avalanche, Sweet Alice, and others. f

The Uhlan filly Cha made, which was taken to Sydney by Mr D. O’Brien, but which wag leased by that gentleman to Mr A. Gollan, won a race nt the recent Warwick Farm meeting. Cbamade must have cost Mr O’Brien a lot of money.

The Stepnlak gelding Kremlin is coming into favour for the Great Northern Hurdles, but 1 have very grave doubts a« to whether he will bo nearly forward enough to run out a solid two miles and a-half.

Mr J. L. Carl, the well-known Canter* bury sportsman, and a number of friends, were entertained at a game dinner nt the Royal Hotel on Friday evening by Mr W. Ryan, when a most enjoyable evening was spent.

A Victorian sportsman has boon inquiring as to the price of California’s half-brother. Prospector, and there is a possibility that the Gold Reef gelding and his stable-com-panion, Defeat, will both find their way to Australia.

R. Hatch was the most successful rider at the Ashburton Racing Club’s meeting, and his several wins there bring his total for the season up to 80. With a little luck, he might possibly ride 100 winners before the season closes.

8. Nearcy, who wag placed under the ban by the Whangarei Jockey Club about 18 months ago, during their pleasure, has been advised by that body that they will make no objection to the Metropolitan Club removing the disqualification.

The light weight horseman B. Deeley has been figuring in a new role lately, that of a cross-country rider. On Saturday morning and also yesterday morning Dooley schooled Irish over the hurdles, the old sou of Eton giving a finished display of fencing.

Accommodation has boon secured at Ellerslie for the Handsome Jack mare Maldl, but it Is understood the question of whether the roan mare will fulfil her Gre.it Northern engagements will not be decided until It is seen haw she performs at Wanganui.

The caretaker of the Ellerslie course, Mr C. Hill, and his staff, are now busy on Hie slopes under the- trees at the bottom of the straight, and it is understood that portion is to bo terraced for the benefit of the outside patrons.

Another day er two, and the old sfewnrdti’ stand nt Ellerslie will be completely removed, the different portions being shifted to the Green-lane enframe and to the lop end of the course, to be converted into dwellings.

A Southern writer says: “J Cameron baa had a run of bad link since he took up his residence at Greenmeadows, for since he lias been domiciled there he has lost the services of Ikon. Bullworth. St Albert, and Moral Since the above was penned, however, Ikon ami Bullwortb have resumed work again. 4 .

An Aust i alia n paper atatea that the day he won the Ehler Stakes, "Wuipuna was 11x0’1 up for hl<j race al home, and by special permission a grey pony be likes warn allowed to come on the course and staue In his stall with him."

' Everything Is progressing satisfactorily In Connection with the formation of a Tattersall'a Club |n Auckland. A building baa been secured tu Durham-street, which Is being thoroughly renovated, and it fe expected that everything will be in readiness for an opening about the end of the month.

i During a recent trip down the Coast, n. Eva, the trainer-owner of Uhlando, informed me that the son of Chian waa badly galloped on during the running of the Jlawke'a Bay Cup, haring one of hia htne ege stripped right dowd. He waa bad lor some time, but was making a good recovery.

A meeting of the Palea Racing Club was held last week, when the balance-sheet submitted In connection with the recent race meeting disclosed a profit of nearly £4OO. Mr. A W. Budge, who officiated as starter, baa been accorded a hearty vote of thanks for hia acr vices, and elected a life member of the club.

It la stated that an appeal hag been lodged with the A.R.C. by 8. Darragh and J. Grant against the disqualification inflicted by the Takapuna Jockey Club. One would have thought the case wjm decided on a fines(iou of fact, against which there is no appeal, nnd It will bo interesting to note the view the higher authorities take.

? The Castor gelding Parftutn, which Is One of the favourites for the Great Northera Hurdles, worked on the tan at Ellerslie ©n Thursday morning. The veteran trotted I‘ftek apparently sound, but appeared a trifle tender in front after being dried down.

notwithstanding the fact that Klatere 1$ reported to Ito backward In Us preparation, the son of Castor was supported during the week for the Great Northern steeplechase, coupled with his stable comI»auioQ. Walpu. tn the hurdles, the support being accorded from the right Quarter.

■ The “Special Commissioner’* of the London ‘ -sportsman” is a groat believer in the turbine horse Spearmint, who won the JOngIUJX Derby in IUO6. He concluded a recent complimentary reference to him liy saying: “I repeat now that tipearmint. In whom I have uo sort of interest, is the J»est horse we have seen in this century, fend it is Questionable whether anyone has fever seen a better.”

5 ’A very Interesting piece of information gleaned from Jos. Prosser recently by the writer “Glencoe” was the fact that Ohoorka held the record for the beach mile at I’orirua. Considering that Advance, MLchiltes, Tortulla, Gold Crest, Boreas, and lA.II Red have in different years been run?ilng on the beach, this makes Ghoorka out o have been a great horse, and It Is no ffronder the biack son of I.ochiel won so Inany cup races.

Louviers, winner of the Newmarket Brakes, was we!! up In the Derby betting when the last mall left, and his defeat of the 1099 guineas winner, Electra, is sure io bring him Into prominence for the lEpsom event on the 26th inst. Isinglass, Who was regarded by h!s trainer, Jewitt, Ms almost the equal of Ormonde, has not •o far been a great success at the stud, but in Louviers he has evidently sired a ’colt of class.

The new t »wer for the. stewards at flSllerslle. which has been placed on the top pf the far end of the main grand stand, is practically completed, and will be used at the forthcoming meeting. The position Is cia ideal one for viewing a race the only drawback being that a lift will probably l>e required to hoist the officiating geutleanen to their exalted position. To walk up and down before and after every race may b? rather too hard a task for some of the better conditioned ones.

AH things considered (says the London •‘Referee”!, If a man wants to speculate, the Turf is about the best and safest knedium he can choose —if. of course, he Binderstsnds racing just a little. It is not pambUng like roulette, a game in which knowledge and judgment have uo part. Many people will not believe this, but you iwould be just as likely to win at Monte A'arla if you played with your eyes shut, fend though luck has an enormous influence on al! racing results, on the Turf knowledge •nd judgment do frequently pay.

A me ting of the Committee of the Avon- ■ ale J»>• key Club was held on Friday • fternoaa, when It was decided that no objection would be made to the Auckland Metropolitan Committee removing the balance of the term of disqualification of A. 'Julian, who. It will be remembered, was tliSAualified for six mouths last December by the Avoadale Club. Julian, it is underfe’ood. intends applying at the next meeting Of the Metropolitan Committee for a license to ride at the Great Northern gathering.

A movement is on foot to start pony racing in Christchurch (says a Wellington -writer). A club has been formed and ths Initial meeting will be held at ’an early flate. Mr. J. M. Cumming, secretary of the [Wetlingjon Tony and Galloway Racing Club, received a letter early i Q the week ■couMnUng him with the movement and auaklag inquiries as to the conditions under which U»o Miramar meetings are held and asking If it would be possible for him to <o South to confer with the Christchurch author it les. In all probability Mr. Cumming will go South one day next week

A Pres* Aasociatioa telegram from CJrisichurch states that a special meeting ©f th* committee of the Canterbury Jock*v * lab waa held yeoterday to consider the Jfcm. J D, Ormond's complaint against the handicapping of bl« horses at the club’s duhnia meet!or. The f allowing resolution >*• ouanimousiy cardedi “Tint aCUff cars-

fully considering the reasons furnished by Mr Henrys as to the weights allotted to BoUlu in the Great Autumn Handicap and Final Handicap, the committee accepts his explanation as entirely satisfactory, and considers that it entirely disproves Mr Ormond's charges of incompetence or unfair treatment, and. were further evidence necessary that Mr lleurys' judgment was right, It is afforded by the subsequent performances of Bollin at Hastings.’* Tbe committee also considered the Hon. J. D. Ormond’s complaint as to Mr Henrys’ handicapping of Woodhoy and Diamond Star with the result that Mr Henrys’ explanation was accepted as perfectly satisfactory.

•‘Mr Mandaras,” the owner of the Duke of Sparta. winner of the Lincolnshire, writes Mr John Corlett, is a Greek merchant established In London who has made « fortune out of Turkish tobacco. Like Mr John Hill, the owner of Mlutagon, he is entirely blind. It is curious to note how keen many blind men have been on racing, and what good judges they are as a rule: and we remember that on the occasion of Mlutagon winning the Cesa rewitch, his owner declared that he “saw” he had just won. When a man is deprived of his evesight a kindly Providence seems to give him a new sense in Its place. Mr Mandarns “watched” the Lincolnshire Handicap from the lower steps of the Owners’ Stand, and appeared to know exactly how his horse was going without asking any question. We remember when Lord Glasgow was going round old Jim Goddlng’s stables at Newmarket years ago. the trainer pointed out a horse, and said. “That, my lord, la o’d Volunteer. He has won seventeen laces, and his owner has never seen him run once.” “Dear me.” said Lord Glasgow. “A beautiful horse, a beautiful horse. I should have thought a man would have taken a delight in seeing him run. And what Is the reason, Mr Godding. why his owner has never seen him run?” “Because he’s blind, my lord.” said Jim, with beaming face; but his lordship did not seem to appreciate the joke, and Godding always declared that this little pleasantry was the cause of Lord Glasgow taking his horses away. The fullowing table shows the season's w innings of the crack two year-old Provocation:— £ Second Hastings Stakes 3S First Wellesley Stakes 4<X) •second Welcome Stakes 150 •Second Fei’ding 'Stakes 100 First Jackson Stakes 250 ■First Champagne Stakes 500 Third Challenge Stakes 50 First North Island Challenge Stakes.. 400 First Manawa tn Stake* 350 First Hawke's Bay Stakes 820 £2500 The two-year-old record is held by Multiform. whose total was £2761 13/, including C. Challenge Stakes, when worth 1000 60VS. ♦ ♦ ♦ TURF TALK FROM THE SOUTH. CHRISTCHURCH, Saturday. The fine weather that has been experienced during the last few days has dried the tracks at Riccarton nicely, and they are now in the very best of order. Very few horses are taking advantage of them, however, as a large contingent left for Oamaru on Thursday last, and manv of them will go from there to Dunedin ‘for the D.J.C. winter meeting. Of the local jumpers, Pallada, Orsino, and Sea Dog have all been performing satisfactorily over the hurdles; while Leonardo seems to be gaining a little more confidence in his attempts over the country. The New Zealand pony Balgownle, which won a big race in Australia, and was subsequently sent to India, failed to pass the 14 hand standard. This is hard lines on her new owner, Mr Galstaun, who paid a big figure for the daughter of Phoebus Apollo. Contender, which went lame at the Ashburton R.C. meeting. Is still on the invalid list, and I should say it Is impossible for him to appear again before next spring. ■Stratagem continues to bowl along in great style at Riccarton. and she should be almost at her best by the time the Winter Cup comes round. Mr Niccoll has not decided yet as to whether he will send Spa King to the Otakl or the Dunedin meeting. General satisfaction is expressed locally at the decision of the subcommittee appointed by the Canterbury J.C. to inquire into the complaint lodged by the Hon. J. D. Ormond against Mr Henrys’ handicapping at the Easter meeting. From what I can hear, Mr Ormond’s charge was regarded as almost frivolous, 'and Mr Henrys came out of the unpleasant incident with flying colours. Orsino. which will in future carry Mr J. Buckley’s colours as a hurdler, is shaping particularly well in his work at Riccarton. Inchbonny, which sustained slight injuries a fortnight ago. will be among the competitors at the North Otago meeting, but I doubt if the diminutive daughter of Clanrauald can be at her best. Golden Cairn, a cast-off of Sir Geo. Clifford’s stable, which was taken to Australia a few months ago by Mr G. Payne, has again changed bands. Clanranald’s son 13 row owned bv Mr E Manifold, a member of the committee of the Victorian Racing Club, and will be prepared for hurdle racing by D. J. Price. The entry for the Wlngatul steeplechase has proved so gratifying to members of the D.J.C. that they expressed regret that another steeplechase and two hurdle events were not included in the programme for the forthcoming winter meeting. This may be taken as an indication of what is likely to be found on next season's winter programme. If the Wlngatul steeplechase proves the success which it promises to be. TAKAPUMA JOCKEY CLUB. The opening day’s raring la connection with the Taka puna Jockey Club winter

meeting took place at the North Shore on Saturday last. The weather in the early morning was dull and showery, and .matters looked so unfavourable that th© wtewarda met to consider the question of postponement, but at the critical moment there were signs of clearing, and it waa decided to go on with the racing. Unfortunately, the rain did not keep off for very long, as after the first race it began to fall, and continued without cessation throughout the afternoon, the sport being conducted under the most disagreeable circumstances experienced in Auckland for years. So bad was the race track that in the last two races It was only with the greatest difficulty that the leading horses could be distinguished, while the jockeys presented anything but a beautiful pictures when they returned to scale, so drenched and bespattered were they. The attendance was good, but hardly up to the average, but tne wonder waa that anyone except those compelled to stayed for the finish. Mr W. J. Ralph officiated as Judge. Mr 3. Kohn as timekeeper, and Mr C. O’Connor ns starter the latter gentleman being In good form. Mrs J. Gallagher catered in her usual efficient manner, and during the afternoon a band, under Bandmaster Whalley Stewart, enlivened proceedings with a choice musical programme. Notwithstanding the unfavourable circumstances under which the racing was conducted, the management of the gathering by the various officials, under the secretary. Mr R. Wynyard. left nothing to be desired, the events being got off well to advertised time. THE TOT ALLS ATORB The weather had a slight effect on speculation, but when the totals came to be added up. It was found that the amount (£5985 10/2 handled by the staff of Messrs W. Blomfleld and Co., was only £127 10/ short of last year. Thirty-two pencillera were licensed, twenty-eight at a fee of £25 for the meeting, and four at £ls for the first day only. HANDICAP MAIDEN PLATE. Seven furlongs. Mr. J. Melville’s b g Valentine, 4yra, 7.7 (Nodder) 1 Mr. W. K. Morrison’s ch m W-aiotahi, 4yrs, 8.6 (Ryan) '-i Mr. R. Hannon’s br m Jill, 3yrs, 7.12 (Brady) All started. The field was dispatched in even line, Waiotahi being quickest on her feet, but before they had gone far Toa Tere had taken charge, and showed the way out of the straight, followed by Waiotahi, Jill, and Castle Blaney, with Valentine at the head of the others. Toa Tere had shot bis bolt when they bad gone half a* mile, Waiotahi rushing to the front, while Valentine rau up into second position, and the pair turned for home in close company. In the run to the post Valentine drew out, eventually winning by a length from Waiotahi, which was three lengths in front of Jill. Laminator and Zinnia were close up, fourth, the last to finish being Toa Tere. Time, 1.36 2-5. Valentine was favourite. FIRST PONY HANDICAP, of lOOsovs. Five furlongs and a hatf. J. George’s b g Maika, Syrs. by Uhlan— St. Ahla. 7.8 (McMillan) 1 A. J. Walker’s br g Etonia, Qyrs, 7.0 (C. Brown) 2 J. Knott s b m Cyrona, aged, 7.10 (McMillan) 8 Also started: Mighty Atom 9.2, Glenora 9.0, Octoroon 8.9, Quadroon 8.0, Mistime 8.6, Nora Soult 7.12, and Tupaea 7.0. Mistime and Nora Soult gave a bit of trouble at the post, the last-named hanging, nnd losing several lengths when the barrier lifted. Maika was first to show out, followed by Mighty Atom, Glenora, and Mistime. Maika made the pace along the back, and was first to turn for home, where Etouia and Cyrona moved up. and an Interesting race was witnessed, Maika lasting long enough to win by a length and a-hatf from Etonia, which was a similar distance in front of Cyrona. Glenora was fourth, and Tupaea was last. Time, Ll 6. Octoroon and Quadroon were bracketted ou the machine as favourites. EMPIRE HANDICAP, of 250 sovs.; second 25sovs.; third, 10 sovs.; one mike and a qnarter. J. C. Colbert’s b.h. Advocate, 4yrs., Hotchkiss-Nellie 7.12, Deeley 1 W. C. Ring’s Wauchope, 7.4, Percival.. 2 F. G . Loomb’s Dardanus, 7.2, R. E. Brown 3 Also started: Lochbuie 88. Miss Winnie 7.11, Scotty 7.10, Walhuku 7.9, Bully 7.8. Carmania 7.6, Necktie 6.10, Rimlock 6.7, Lord Rosebery 6.7, Leafire 6.7. There was a short delay at the post, but eventoally Mr O’Connor got them away on even terms, with the exception ofLeafire, the rider of which got kicked before the start, the horse taking no part in the race. Miss Winnie was first to break the line and when the stand was reached had a couple of Lengths advantage of Carmania. Necktie and Wauchop which were together and then came Lochbuie, Walhuku and Advocate. Necktie was on terms with Miss Winnie when the halfmile post was reached, but a little further on Advocate ran into the lead and showed the way across the top stretch, with Dar<lanus and Wauchope as his nearest attendants. Advocate sctill had charge when they turned for home, easily holding hfs own fa the run to the post, finished up a winner by thr*e lengths from Wauchope, which bear Dardanus by a couple of lengths for 2nd honours. Tx>chbule was fourth and then came Necktie, with Miss Winnie last. Time, 2min. 21secs. Scotty wm favourite. HANDICAP MAIDEN HURDLB3, of 100 boys.; second. Ifieovs.; third, ff sovs, One mile and a half and a hundred J. K«. ENto. Bea God-frer-Houri. 8.9, C01eman....... 1 X Hill's Armagh. 9.0, Grey 3 D. McKinnon's Cymrl, 9.3, Deerey • Also started: Kremlin B>.T, Waikato 10.0, Tul Cakobau 9-13, pukenui 9.T, Sweet Ailed Gladstaulr 9.5. Keltengatn Bed

McGregor #.3, Heathen 9.3. Keepstep Hokomst 9.0. There was • long drtay at the post. Sweet Alice giving a lot of trouble and when the word wu given to go she was left altogether. Gladsmulr was quickest to the first fence, where the order of the others was Tut Cakobau, Keep Step, and Kremlin. Gladsmulr and Tul Cakobaa were tp close company when they passed the stand, just clear of Kremlin after which came E'blls. Armagh, and Waikato. Gladsmulr stilt bad charge as they raced along the baek where Tul Cakobau was beaten, and Kremlin, Eblis, Armagh and Cymrl ail moved up closer to the leader. Gladamnlr has a slight advantage at the last fence, with Kremlin on her quarters, bnt once over, Eblis Armagh, and Cymrl all put in their claims and a great race was witnessed. Eblts getting the verdict by a length, with a head between second and third, while Gladsmulr and Kremlin were close up. the last pair to finish being Keepstep and Hokomat. Time, 8m1n.,13 1-5 secs. Waikato was favourite.. HAURAKI HURDLES, of 200 sovs.; second. 25sovs.; third. 10 sovs. Two mttes. C. Monee’s Kg. Te Aral, aged, MonacoFrolic, 10.0, Poster 1 D. Walker’s Te Kanul, 9.4. McGregor,.. 2 J. B. Williamson's Irish, 9.11, McKinnon 3 Also started: Sol 10.6, Reservoir 10.5, Le Beau 10.5. Culragno 10.8. Lnscombe 9.10, Creusot 9.6. Te Kanul was quickest to the first fence, followed by Irish, Le Beau and Culragno. Passing the stand Irish had a slight advantage of Te Kanul, the order of the others being Te Aral, Cnlragno, Luscombe, Le Beau, Creusot, Sol and Reservoir. There was very little change la the positions as they raced past the stand the second time, but going along the back Te Aral ran np to the leaders and the trio crossed the top stretch In close company. When fairly in a line for the post, Te Aral drew out and getting over the last fence safely, won a good race by two lengths from Te Kanul, which beat Irish a length for second honours. Creusot was fourth, and then followed So!{ Reservoir, Le Beau and Culragno! with Lnscombe, which fell but was remounted, last. Time, 4 mlu. 13 3-5 secs. Irish was favourite. N’GATARINGA HANDICAP, of 100 sovs. Five furlongs and a half. W. Handley’s br.g. AimweU. 3yrs, by Soult-Gtadys May, 7.7 (C. Brown) .... 1 B. Nicholls' b.g. Starboard, Syrs, 7.4 (Pearce) 2 J. Melville’s b.g. Valentine, 4yrs, 7.7 (Nodder) 3 Also started: Walotaht (8.7), Norina (7.101, Don Quex (7.0), Silent (7.0). Waikuku (7.(0, Madame Souit (6.13), Leafiri (6.12), Uonmte (6.10), Olive Rose (6.10). The race was run In a blinding shower, and after a slight delay the barrier lifted to a fairly even start. AimweU was first to commence and soon put a break tn on the field, which was headed by Starboard, and then came Norma and Valentine, the colours of the others being hard to distinguish. Aimwell was first to turn foe home, and was never afterwards troubled, winning easily by three lengths from Starboard, which was two lengths in front of Valentine. Waikuku was fourth, the last to finish being Komate. Time, linin 17 l-ssec. Starboard was favourite. ROYAL HANDICAP, of 125sovs; second, SOsovs.; third, ssors. T. A. Williams’ ch g Sir Artegal, 3yrs. by Stepulak—Britomart, 7.7 (C. Brown) 1 Counolly and Winder’s Foremost, 8.9 (McMillan) 2 W. Gali’s Coromandel, 6.10 (R. fi. Brown) 3 Also started: Dogger Bank 8.12, Devoiiport 8.2, Tariua 7.10, John 7.1. The race was run in semi-darkness, and it was next to Impossible to pick the colours. Sir Artegal was quickest to commence, with Devonport as bis nearest attendant. When they had gone two furlongs, Foremost ran Into second position, but from what could be seen of the race Sir Artegal bad no difficulty in holding his own, winning easily by four lengths from Foremost, which was two lengths In front of Coromandel. Tarlna was fourth. Time, 1.16. Devonport was favourite. * * > WANGANUI WINTER MEETING. WANGANUI, Saturday. The Wanganui Jockey Club’s Winter Meeting opened to-day. The weather Is showery, but the track Is In capital order, though a bit on the heavy side. The at. tendance is large, including a Government House party, who motored through from Palmerston. Resultsare as under:— Borough Handicap.—lrish Rifie, 8.0, I; Koreroa, 7.13, 2: St. Bill, 7.5, 3. AH atari, ed. Kareroa got the best of the start, aud led till the entrance of the straight, followed by Gipsy Belle and Hermia, with Irish Rifle bandy. The last named put in a fine run round the bend, and was in the lead when once fairly turned for home. Ila eventually won easily by two lengths. Time, 1.16 1-5. Wanganui Steeplechase, about 3 miles.—* Mocassin, 9.13, 1; Tilson, 10.2. 2: Klatere. 12.6, 3. All started. Tilson led for two and a half miles, his nearest attendants being Mocassin, Northern Star, Playmate, aud Jack Put. The jumping was first-claw for the first mile and a quarter, when Nogl fell, followed by Eurus later on; then Playmate. Jack Pot, who had assumed command. and looked ail over a winner and C'larabelle, also eame to grief. Mocassin took the lead halt a mile from home, eventually winning by three lengths. There was a big gap between second and third) Oryx just beat Ballanee for fourth place. These were the only ones to finish. Time, fi.lT. Connolly Handicap, one mile and a-quar-ter. —Gwendoline, 7.0, It Mahuta, 7.9, 2; Lady Menschlkoff, 6.10. 8. AH started. Mahuta was first away, bat steadied, Daisy Paul having a slight lead passing the stand. Half a mile from home, Mahuta again went to the front, and led till well Into the straight) when Gwendoline got up, and, going •*, won by • length and a-heJt.

Lady Menavhikvff was • Time, Hack Hurdles, one and thrceonartor miles. —Feu de Joie, 9.0, 1; Toko- £ M ii HtaybOT, 11.6, 8. Scratched: aaoo«e Lothair led for a mile, when he compounded, Tokoroa taking the lead. Feu de Joie which finished fast, beat Tokoroa by a length and a-balf, the third horse being three lengths away. Time, 8.20 1-4. Electric Hack Handicap, five furlougs.— Waiata, 7.5, 1; Overtime, 0.3, 2; Purakau, 8 4 8. Scratched: Strategist, Brilliancy, Singer, and Captain Bell. From a fair Mart. Waiata was the first to show out, followed by Overtime. The latter closed up at the bend, and a great finish w * B fought out, Waiata winning by half-a head, the third horse being a length arjuy. Bedwing was fourth. Time, 1.4 3-5. Century Hurdles, two miles and a dtstance.—Belario, 9.2, 1; Compass, 9.12, 2; Xavier, 10.3, 3. Scratched: Kalroma and Rangihaeta. The race was a chapter of accidents. Exmoor lost his rider at the back In the first round. Master Douglas broke Ills leg, Aorangi, Snip, and Chase Mnb also fell. Aorangi led for a couple of furs, longs, then Maidl took up the running, loading until the bend Into the straight, where Belario went to the front and won by two lengths, a length between second and third. Whatakura was fourth. Time, 4 pJraa Hack, one mile.— Mendip 9.1, 1; Strategist 8.6, 2; North-east, 8.2. 3. Ser . Quick March. A good race was witnessed. North-east led to half-a-mile from home when Mendip took command, and won by over a length, the same distance between second and third. Time, 1.46.