TURF GOSSIP

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLII, Issue 26, 30 June 1909, Page 11

TURF GOSSIP

By

WHALEBONE.)

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. ••Kanieri,” Whangarel. — The Aintree course, over which the Liverpool Grand National Steeplechase is run, in considered to be the most trying cross-country course in the world. The Sabretache gelding Sabre is now an Inmate of R. Hall’s stable. Iranui, Mundic, and Lingerer were all double winners at the recent Napier Park meeting. Word from the South states that Signor is an unlikely starter for the New Zealand Cup.

The gelding Wairaka is to be snipped South next Saturday to fulfil his engagements at the Gisborne meeting.

After a short spell, the Hotchkiss mare All’s Well is to go into F. Hill’s charge, to be prepared for future engagements.

A. McMillan leaves for Gisborne next Saturday with Toa Tere, which claims engagements at the Gisborne Winter Meeting.

A Hawke’s Bay writer states that Mr T. H. Lowry’s team will leave for Australia shortly.

Word from the South states that Polyanthus ig likely to prove useful at the jumping game.

The rising three-year-old filly Tetrazzini has been taken up again by D. Moraghan, after a short spell.

The Auckland horse Capitol was sent out a slightly better favourite than Jack Pot in the Hawke’s Bay Steeplechase.

D. Bannatyne is handling the rising two year-old-filly by Monoform —Antelope, which is a shapely, handsome youngster.

The total nominations received for the Wellington Racing Club’s Winter Meeting are behind those of last year.

Four Auckland horses in Capitol, Cymri, Irish, and Le Beau figure amongst the nominations for the Wellington Steeplechase.

The Stepniak filly, Gipsy Belle, has not been nominated for the Wellington Racing Club’s Winter Meeting, and is to be given a spell.

The Cyrenian gelding Cymri was given his first lesson over big country at Ellerslie on Saturday, and gave a very promising display.

The rising two-year-olds in the Hawke’s Bay district are said to be a bit above the average, and most of them are very forward.

The St. Leger gelding Scotty was schooled ©ver the hurdles at Ellerslie at Tuesday morning, jumping four flights in a creditable manner.

Mr R. Cleland expects to return to the Dominion about September next, and in the meantime, the whole of his horses have been thrown out of active work.

The owner-trainer of Matora and Rock Ferry denies the statement that the pair are likely to be taken to Australia this season.

Mr. J. G. Henry’s adjustments for the C.J.C. Grand National Hurdle Race, Steeplechase, and Winter Cup are due on July 9.

The Pakuranga Hunt Club notify followers of the hounds who are not members that in future a fee of 5/ per meet will be charged.

It has been decided to retire Mahuta to the stud, and the son of Mahaki ran his last race at the recent Hawke’s Bay Winter Meeting.

Mr. John Todd has disposed of the pony Cisco Rose to a Wellington buyer, and the daughter of San Francisco has been shipped to her new home.

North Head, Ngapuka, and Grenadier are the Auckland entrants for the C.J.C. winter meeting. If a starter, the latter will be ridden in the event by B. Deeley.

A. Julian’s term of disqualification by the 'Avondale Jockey Club expired on the 18th liMßt. His application for a license was not granted by the Metropolitan committee at its last meeting.

The next meeting to claim attention Is the Gisborne Racing Club’s Winter Meeting, which takes place on July Bth and 9th. A number of Auckland horses are engaged.

Auckland is fairly well represented In the C.J.C. big jumping events. Capitol, Ben Jonson, Cymri, Le Beau, Irish. Scotty, Bully, Pukenui, and Kremlin all appearing in the list.

Mr Pollock’s adjustments for the first day’s racing of the Wellington Racing Club’s Winter Meeting, and also the Wellington Steeplechase, are due on Monday next, the 28th inst.

The latest aspirant to jumping honours is Explosive, and on Tuesday morning, at Elleislie, he was schooled over six flights of the pony hurdles, shaping satisfactorily for a beginner.

Notwithstanding the fact that Moccasin was reported to have hopelessly broken down, the son of Hippocampus has been nominated for the Wellington Steeplechase.

Mr A. E. Hopewell left for Sydney on Monday last with the ponies Etonia and Silent. J. O'Connor also went over with the pair, and will prepare them for their engagements on the other side.

All going well in the meantime, and provided the feights are suitable, F. Macmanemin’ti pair, Scotty and Cymri, are to be taken South to fulfil their engagements at the Wellington Racing Club’s Winter Meeting.

There were 25 obstacles to get over in the Napier Park Steeplechase, but the majority were not of a formidable character, being principally brush, and the stiffest appear to have been a post and rails, .3ft Tin, and a sod wall 3ft Sin.

The Stepniak horse Bonny Glen, which went amiss while contesting the Auckland Cup of 1907, is reported to be getting through serviceable work at Riccarton, and there seems every probability of his owner getting a lace out of him in the spring.

The Eton gelding Excalibur has resumed active work again at Ellerslie, under F. Hill’s charge. The same trainer has also had a couple of additions to his string in the Hamoa gelding Jim and a three-year-old filly by Stepson—Britomarte.

Although Pari tutu was In such a bad way after the Junipers’ Flat Race at Ellerslie, he is evidently being kept going, as his name in the list of nominations for the Winter Hurdles at the Wellington meeting.

Pikipo is the first horse which has won both the Hawke’s Bay Bracelet and the Hawke’s Bay Necklace, but at one time it was not possible to do this, as the winner of the Bracelet was barred from starting for the Necklace.

Contrary to expectation, neither Ben Jonson nor Compass was made favourite for the Hawke’s Bay Hurdles, that honour being conferred on the Hon. J. D. Ormond’s representative, Kairoma, which made a very poor showing in the race.

The rising three-year-old Indian Chief, for which, by the way, a new name will have to be claimed, owing to his present appellation being disallowed, has resumed active work under S. Hodge’s charge, after a couple of months rest.

The local champion three-year-old Master Soult is bearing a bright, healthy appearance, and shows no signs of the racing he went through last season. He is a regular attendant on the tracks at Ellerslie, but is restricted to light exercise.

The attempt to make a jumper of First Gun is to be abandoned for the present, it being generally recognised that there was very little prospect of the son of Hotchkiss becoming sufficiently proficient to earn distinction at the illegitimate game this season.

A Hastings writer states that Mr C. L. Lagor is making arrangements for a visit to Australia with California. If the weightadjuster's opinion is not too flattering, the son of San Fran and Dazzle will be shipped to Sydney at the end of July.

The Birkenhead gelding North Head, which appears to have improved considerably since coming north, was schooled over the pony hurdles at Ellerslie yesterday morning. North Head goes at his fences with plenty of dash, but takes a lot of risk.

After a long spell from active service, the Seaton Delavnl gelding Akarana has made his reappearance, and is now a regular attendant on the tracks at Ellerslie, under the charge of J. B. Willlamsoa.

Akarana, although In the rough, looks healthy and well.

The question is being asked, “When Is the Avondale Jockey (Tub going to finish the Naumai case?” It is now nine months since the occurrence took place, but, so far, no official intimation has been given as to whether a decision has been arrived at, or whether the matter has been dropped.

The following Auckland horses are engaged at the Wellington Racing Club's Winter Meeting: — Kremlin, Pukeuui, Cymri, Scotty, Ben Jonson, North Head, Bully, Explosive, Swagsiuau, Irish, Le Beau, and Capitol, so it will be seen that we will be well represented.

In a conversation with Mr. John Todd, the well-known Otahuhu sportsman, yesterday, he informed me that the veteran gelding Strathavon was healthy and well, and as lively as a two-year-old. If all goes well in the meantime. Strathavon is to be put in work again in the spring.

The jockey McKinnon, who was so badly injured when Irish fell with him in the Winter Steeplechase, is making good progress towards recovery, and, all going on satisfactorily, it is expected he will be ab!e to leave his bed in about ten days or a fortnight.

A Press Association cablegram states that the following scratchings are announced:—

Grand National Hurdle Race, Kia Ora, Nganruhoe, Aeolus; Grand National Steeplechase, Kia Ora; Australian Hurdle Race, Lion Heart; Australian Steeplechase, Phaetonitis.

At Flemington on June 7th, the New Zealand jockey, R. Cameron, rode Monody to victory in the Birthday Handicap, one mile and a-half. There was a field of fourteen for this event, and the manner in which Cameron handled his mount earned him further praise in Melbourne.

The tracks at Ellerslie arc in exceptional order for this time of the year, and trainers generally are making the most of the fine weather to send their charges with winter engagements along. Amongst those that are getting through serviceable tasks are Grenadier, Wairaka, Le Be:u, Explosive, Scotty, Cymri, North Head, and Ben Jonson, all of which look in the best of health.

J. Barden, who during bis lengthy career In the saddle in Australia had the first fine recorded against bis name at the recent A.R.C. Birthday Meeting at Adelaide, appealed against the decision. Barden’s alleged offence was disobedience at the post prior

to the sturt of the Birthday Cup, iu whieft l-e rude Walpuna. The appeal was dinnilxsed, the stewards upholding the nctfuii cf the. club's official. Evidently Audax has not yet recovered from the mishap which befel him beftue the Great Northern meeting, as hi® name does not appear in the list of nomifiatiuns for the C.J.C. National events.. The Ham. J. D. Ormond, who, at the beginuiirg of the season looked like sweeping the board in the. big jumping .events, has a solitary representative in each event, Nogi in the Steeplechase and Kairoma in the hurdle race.

After winning the Hack Steeplechase on the opening day of the II B. Meeting, Speeiosa was submitted to auction, but she failed to reach the i eserve of 20Ogs. and was passed in. The highest bid was ITTigs. As it happened, she would have been x great bargain at 200 gs, because she won more than that by annexing the June Steeples, on the second day. and it would have been possible to back her to win £5OO the course, and easily possible to sell her al a profit after she had won.

At the annual meeting of the Ashburte Racing Club, the Chairman (Mr T. G. Up*ton) said it was a question the interests of the sport, the matter «■ bookmakers should not receive the attention of the New Zealand Racing Conference and be controlled by that body mur« directly. The stewards of the chib, so far, had experienced no trouble whatever from the bookmakers, and their behaviour had been all that could be desired, but from reports received from other clubs, it appeared as though undeisiiable pent gm had been licensed.

A Sydney exchange says that among th mares which have finished their racing careers, and go to the stud next season, aie Decollette (by Ilaut Brien, from the Auck-land-bred mare Necklet) and Vernicle (Soul! — Pretoria). Altogether, Decollette wai a rather unlucky animal, as, without winning many races, she worked up to a higl mark in sprints, and as she was not im. proving, her owner probably adopted a wist course in retiring her. Vernicle, who 700 gs in New Zealand, where she showed fair form when racing as Veronica, ran twice without success in Melbourne In the autumn. As she now represents an investment of the greater part of 12100 Q she will need to throw a good foal or twe to recoup her owner.

The re-establishing of Tattersail’s Club In Auckland should go a long way fit strengthen the position of the book ma kerf with the racing clubs, and is undoubted*

ty a tu the right direction. The executive naw want to put the club on a •olid foundation, and should take the greatest pains to see that all their members •Xe men of repute and good character, who wfll not iucur itubilttres they are unable to pay for (t ts only by giving these matters the strictest supervision that the venture will pre-ve a sncceas. The bookmakers hare to thank certain people for the position they are now in as a legalised body, and they ought to do their utmost to pre▼evrt any sNght being- put on those who J*a.re fought so hard for their interests. A splendid suggestion was thrown out by Mr. U, Wynyard, when responding to toast of the “Racing Clubs,’’ in that adl licenses should be issued by the Metropolitan Club, the «ame as traiuers' and Jockeys’ licenses. This would, indeed, be a atep In the right direction, especially for 4be protection of country clubs, and it is Co be hoped that the suggestion will be acted on by those in authority. Unfortunately most clerics turn the cold Ahonlder to any and everyone eininected with Che turf. A striking exception, however, is found in the vicar of St. Matthew’s AaKticnn Chinch, Hastings, the Rev. John Siobbs, who some time back organised a Pastime Club in that town, haying as its main object the uplifting of the many lads connected with local racing stables. JDuring the recent Hawke’s Bay Meeting, Iho uianagement of the Chib entertained Abe members of the local and visiting racing profession. A large number responded to the invitation that had been issued, and . assembled in the club rooms at 8 p.m. Games of cards ami billiards were indulged in, and a spelendid uiusicai programme provided. A feature that gave great amuseTment consisted of a series of boxiug contests, one especially being a very willing go. Shortly before ten o’clock refreshments ;ivere handed round, and the meeting gradually broke up. Before leaving, many of the expressed themselves, as delighted .with the appointments of the club, aud stated that such entertainments on race nights were, without doubt, of incalculable ■benefit to the boys. The newly-formed Tattersail’s Club opened (heir new rooms in Durham-st. West last Ifrkiay evening with a smoke concert, when a most enjoyable evening was spent. The club have secured a splendid suite of rooms, which have been appropriately ftu.nished for the convenience of thd| largest being reserved for a billiard-room, which will be under the control of Mr. ■Beckett, the well-known exponent of the game. There was an exceptionally large attendance, which included a number of dead lug sporting men. aud the committee, prominent of whom were Messrs. J. IBeckett, C. Westbrook, C. BHey, and W< Tidymau (bon. secretary), worked hard to make the gathering the undoubted success it was. Mr. A. E. Glover, M.P., was in .the chair, supported by Mr. F. La wry, IM P. In his remarks, the chairman welcomed the re-establishing of the chib, and hoped the members would worthily uphold the best traditions of the profession. Mr. E. Hackett proposed the toast of “Tattersall’s Club,’’ pointing out that there Mas plenty of room for both the totalizator •nd the bookmakers, and took exception to the action of certain sections of the com•munity who were always dictating to the other section as to how they should take <heir spoi't. Messrs. Leslie aud Tidy man responded on behalf of the club. Mr. F. ILawry, M.P., proposed the “Racing Clubs,” ‘(Messrs H. 11. Ilayr, Lt. Wynyard, and F. ID. Yonge responding, all expressing the opinion that with careful ’attention to the licensing question the bookmakers could Work hand-in hand with the totalizator. A number of other toasts were proposed, and n pleasing programme was rendered, the following gentlemen contributing items: — [Messrs* F. La wry. M.P., A. McElwain, H. Beresford, R. Noton, Wynn-Gray, Blakely, J. W. Ryan, W. Aspiirall, I). Bannatyne, the Lyric Quartet, and Cato's orchestra. Proceedings terminated about 11 pm. with the singing of “God Sr.ve the King.” ♦ + +

TURF TALK FROM Trio SOUTH. CHRISTCHURCH, Saturday. 'After 'the unprecedented spell of line weather, rain set iu on Friday, and at the time of writing it looks like lasting. The jumping brigade at Riveartou have been fairly active of late. There bas bt en little to ehoniele in regard to Cup ettudir dates, few of whom are yet asked to do fast work. Stepenfeldt, Grosvenor, and Orsiuo have pleased the critics in their schooljsg work, though the last-named still dwells too long nt his jumps. LapEand is improving, and there is no doubt as to his jumping ability, but he does not take kindly to the business: Highly satisfactory eu'tries have been received for the six leading events at the Canterbury Jockey Chib’s Grand National meeting, the nominations totalling, five more than lust year. Amangst the bestknown of the horses engaged Ln the Grand ■National Steeplechase are Capitol, Waitarere, Emus, Moccasin, Nogi, Jack Pot, tNadador, Le Beau, and Lingerer. There is 41 decided falling off in the Winter Cup, which is compensated by an increase hi most of the other events. As usual. North Island-owned horses have a strong majority In 11m? jumping events. •St. Aidan Is looking particularly well now, mkl he should not be long Ln returning his owner some of his purchase money. Snip is bowling along freely j n work. •nd appears to be in capital fettle. Volodia, who is having an easy time Just now. is looking very well, and is carrying more condition than previously. Her stable companion, Grand Slam, who was added to the list some time ago, looks hearty and well. So far be has douc nothing beyond three-quarter pace work. George Matthews has quite recovered from his recent illness, and will shortly take up a position with Mr. J. B. Held at the Eldershe slud.

Slaney. who has shown much promise st the jumping business, has been haring an easy week of it, aud the rest of J. Taggart’s team have been also doing light work. D. Roberts has put his string into active work agin, after a few weeks’ gentle exercise on the roads.

A lay and Tikitere hare built-up wonderfully well during their spell, but the latter is stll showing symptoms of lameness. Sea Dog, Pallada, and Ability have been out recently with 'the Christchurch bounds, qualifying for hunting erents.

The well-known trainer T. Sheonan, who has been on the sick list for some time, is now almost himself again. Amongst latest recruits to the list of hurdlers at Riccarton is Zetland, but so far he has shown little aptitude for the business.

At the Point-to-Point Steeplechase at Waimate on Thursday Mrs. E. Rhodes’ Puzzler won ia the heavy-weights, and Mr. Elworthy’s Kauri in the light-weights.

J. O’Brien, of Oarnani, is shipping Applegarth and Welbeck to Melbourne, where they will be put under the hammer. Both are w elf-bred, good-looking horses, and shotild not be long in ’the market.

NAPIER PARK RACING CLUB.

NAPIER, Wednesday. The Napier Park Racing Club opened their winter meeting to-day iu fine weather, and before a Large attendance. Most of the events proved easy things for the winners, and with the exception of the last race, in which 12 horses started, the fields were small. The in vestments on the totalisator amounted to £5380, as compared with £6343 on the first day of .the last winter meeting—a decrease of £954. Thirteen bookmakers were on the ground—seven in the outside enclosure at £lO each, and six inside at £2O 10/ each, making a total revenue to the club from that source of £197. The events resulted as follows: — Moteo Hack Hurdles of lOOsovs, one and three-quarter mile. —Forest, 10.11, 1; Le Beccio, 9.9, 2. Scratched: Nero. The others fell. Won in a canter by four lengths. Time, 3.27 4-5. Petane Hack Handicap of 150sovs, seven ;!l r M <>II 5 S -“J? arathon ’ 9 - 3 ’ Guiding Step, J 0.5, 2; Waipunut, 9.13. 3. All started. Kvon by three lengths. Time. 1.34 3-5. Stewards’ S-takes Handicap, of 150sovs one mile.—lran ui, 9.4, 1; Wood hey, 10 9 riss?ma°wan h S< ? ratc , hod : Matora and Cariissmaa. Won by two lengths. Time, 1.48 3-5. 1 h?®e P ‘mil^ ee & leC, ?2? e . of 250 s< >vs. about ..miles. —H. Fryer’s ch g Lingerer T b u>Js^ re « I<>n -~ Taihoa . 9 -8 (F- F&nn), 7’ , . s Speciosa, 11.4, 2; H. E. TrotitEldorado, 9.12, 3. Also startedV’ 2 ’ • Coy , 9 ’ 7, Maid 9.7. Lmgerer. Speciosa (the favourite), and Coy ?°.. get awa y- Passing the th ?i flrst tuue Lingerer was stUl t/11 wa ?’ ? D<l IHi ke P t 1B the iJiJs 6 , *“W easily by a good six g ?. hs - . Speciosa beat Eldorado by a i ll . I .' l a ha,f far second place. Sylvia Time 6 P 48 3 5 tbe ljrue!l lu the straight. lV' a ' c< : i .? t ? £ •"‘•■> soy s. one mile and a K — ¥ ra V- J - Dnngtas’ btk g Maku, syrs, by San Frail—The Brook, 11.9 (Mr G- ■Hrrsth 1; Waiteiso’-Milk, 10.7, 2; Sealer, A,s <> started: Waioriki 11.5, Colossus Malmoe 10.7, Pukehou 10.7. Won easily by about ten lengths. A length, separated tlie second aud third horses. No time was taken. Ah-uriri Handicap Hurdle Race of 120 one mile and three-quarters.—W. Griffiths’ b g Commander, 6yrs. by The Oflu-cr—Nixie, 10.0 (T. Pine), 1: Sir W. R. Russell’s Corazon, 9.10, 2; O. George’s Somali. 9.4, 3. These were the only starters. An interesting race saw Commander get home by a long neck. Time, 3.23 35. Settlers’ Hack Handicap of 80sovs, six furlongs.—W. Cattan-Beh’s blk g Mundic, -yrs. by Gold Reef—Hopeful, 10.10 (G. Jones), 1; S. Pitt’s Timothy, 9.1 J, 2; W. Telford’s Bercoi-a, 9.2, 3. Also started: The Squatter 9.12. Miscast 9.12, Andrew Mark 9.9, Splash 9.7, My Darling 9.4, Miss Tally 9.3, Cork 9.2, Magneto 9.0. Mundic romped home a winner by a dozen lengths. Timothy beat Bercola for second place by a Length. Time, 1.19 3-5.

C.J.C. GRAND NATIONAL NOMINATIONS.

CIIRISTCHimrf’H, Friday. The following nominations have been received by the Canterbury Jockey Club iu connection with their Grand National meeting:— Winter Clip, of GOOsavs, one mile.—First Mate,. North I lead. King Post, Umeraboy, Grenadier, Simplex, North-east, Mundic, Mnskerry, Wimmera, Irish Rifle, Sir Frisco, Gwendcjliua, Tikitere, Merrie Zealand, Aboriginal, Tyrant, Stratagem, WhistlerrafK, Timmerman, Oxton, Dawn, Longner, Chief Lochiel, White Cockade, I’ikapo, Spate, Continuance, Iranvri, St. Aidan, Pukewai, Penates, Hilarian., Federal, Ngapuka, Maiora, Rock Ferry, Sea King, Guiding Step, Lady Disdain, All Gitus. Seaman, Hweet Angelas, Wirrat, Lone Star, Waikaraka. Grand National Steeplechase of lOOOsovs, three miles and a half.—Capitol, Exmoor, Pawn, Waitarere, ICuru*, Northern Star, Ben Jonson, Wanganui. Mooslnui, Mocassin, A-ssnyer, Aorangi, Nogi, Eldorado, Haurangf, Speciosa, Diplomatic, Stormont, Cymri, J;tck Pot, Te Arai, Slaney, Nadador, Xaxier, lx* Beau, Lull, Irish, Maidl, Leonardo* Lingerer. Grand National Hurdle Race of lOOOsovs, two miles.—’North Head, Te Uira, Exmoor, Bully, Pukeirui, BeJario, Stronghold, Vlrtus. Ben Jonson, Stayboy, Claremont, Showman, Lyrist, Whatakura, Rend lock. Kalroma, Gold Duat, Polyanthus, Vfkapo, Itangihaeta, Gold Shower, Auratua, Stormont, Paritutw, Waihuka, Scotty, Con lender,. Southern Cross, Corazon, Kremlin, Xaxier, Ability, Wirral, Silken Rein. Nero, Irish, Compam, Snip, Lapland, Ltonheart.