TURF GOSSIP

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLIII, Issue 6, 11 August 1909, Page 14

TURF GOSSIP

By

WHALEBONE.)

RACING FIXTURES. Aug. 10, 12, and U — C.J.C. Grand National. Sept. 2 and 3 — Marton J.C. Annual. The Lucio and Royal Soult inquiries cost the Avondale Jockey Club £224 19/11. The Avondale Jockey Club made a gross profit of £1998 8/5 on their race meetings last season. The Regel gelding Iloanga lias resumed work again at Ellerslie, and is back in his old quarters at C. Coleman’s. The gelding Soultawa was schooled over the huidles and big fences at Ellerslie last week, jumping in good style. The Menschikoff gelding Dogger Bank Is being schooled over hurdles again this winter. Mr Ilazelby arrived from Gisborne last week with the brood mare Tauhei, which is to be mated this season- with Soult. W. Mobberley has disposed of the Soult Gelding Gay Paris to a Gisborne buyer, fl’he price paid did not transpire. The San Fran filly Kurawaka, which has disappointed her connections on numerous occasions, is to be retired to the stud, and Will be mated with Mahaki. The name of Mr C. D. Rose, famous on the English turf as the breeder of Cyllene, figures in the list of Birthday honours, he having been created a baronet. A hackney stallion, consigned to Mr Gothorpe of the Waikato, arrived in Auckland from England by the last trip of the MorayChi re. While schooling at Hastings recently Jack Pot fell at a gorse fence, but escaped unhurt. His rider had his collarbone broken. A now arrival at Ellerslie is the gelding Regained, by Regel. which is under the charge of C. Norgrove. Regained is a likely looking sort, which showed fajr form around the country districts last season. Although he has boon withdrawn from the big handicaps in Australia, a Southern writer states that California is ready to be given a preparation, and will probably figure In all the principal spring handicaps in the Dominion. t * All Red heads the list of winning horses for the past season, with £3230 against his name. Last season Zimmerman was on top with £3375, and in 1906-7 (Master Delaval was in premier position .with £2365. Word from the South states that L. Wilik)n. who formerly did the light riding for the Ilon.s J. D. Ormond, will in future be attached to F. Davis’ stable at Greenmeadows, and will lide all the horses owned by Mr T. 11. Lowry. (A. Julian left for Christchurch on Thursday evening to ride the Hon. J. D. Ormond’s jumpers at the Grand National meeting. Julian has not yet definitely decided to take up his residence at Napier, but the probabilities are he will do so. Mr. R. G. Casey, the owner of Pilot, thinks the reason of the failure of his horse in the V.R.C. Grand National Steeplechase is that, being half-bred, he will not stand severe training. He was given a Btrong preparation by Scoble, and evidently became sick of the game. T. A. Williams returned from the South last week with Mr Ralph’s recent purchase Dawn, and the son of Birkenhead is now located nt Ellerslie. Another recent addition to Williams’ stable Is the Captain Webb gelding Beach, and the Ellerslie trainer has now the large string of eleven horses under |iie> charge. The Soult horse Seddon has been added to the list of geldings. It seems a pity to tinsex such a fine horse as Seddon, says a Sydney writer, but ho bad become unreliable, and the knife was the only thing for It. The news will probably be unwelcome <to those who have backed Seddon for the Caulfield Cup. The first sign of the opening of the loon! racing season is the announcement of th® Avondale Jockey Club that nominations for the Avondale Cup. First Handicap Steeplechase, Plumpton Handicap, and Flying Stakes Handicap close with the secretary (Mr. H. 11. Hayr) on Friday. August 20l •t 9 p.m.

The annual meeting of the Hawke’s Bay Joskey Club was held last Thursday. Sir Wm. Russell, who presided, said the racecourse property was free from encumbrance, and the club had a credit balance of £3OB. The money paid in stakes during the year totalled £7490, an increase of £970 on the previous year, and the amount received from bookmakers was £2173. The officials were re-elected. The first foal of the season is announced from the Mangere district, where Mr. H. R. McKenzie's mare Lady Hester, by St. Leger—Musket Maid, which foaled a colt foal to Soult on Monday last. The arrival of the youngster has caused great rejoicing at the Mangere homestead, and for the sake of his owner it is to be hoped that lie turns out as successful as his illustrious brother, Master ‘Soult. A suggestion has been made for the Victoria Racing Club to inaugurate a “King's Plate” in one of its programmes as a compliment to His Majesty, who has probably done more than any other individual in the interests of horse-racing the world over. It is anticipated that some wealthy patron of the sport or other would readily donate a piece of plate with which to supplement the money portion of the prize. In concluding their report to the Auckland Racing Club on matters discussed at the recent Conference, the delegates, Messrs G. W. S. Patterson and J. F. Haitland, expressed their appreciation of the courtesy and kindness shown them by the officials of the Wellington Racing Club, and on their suggestion, a letter expressive of the above sentiment was ordered to be forwarded to the secretary of the Wellington Racing Club. When the new members’ stand at Ellerslie was erected, some dissatisfaction was expressed by the members that the stand w'as not available for ladies. At the annual meeting of the club on Monday the chairman announced that the committee had decided to take a vote of the members as to whether the privilege should be extended to ladies, and whether members should have the right to one or two ladies’ tickets. The leaving of the question to be decided by the members will probably give satisfaction. The plaintiff alleges that the words said to have been uttered meant that he was dishonest in his business as a jockey, and w r as not fit to be licensed as a jockey. The plaintiff alleges, further, that defendant said: “That Lewis (meaning the plaintiff) could have won the race (meaning the Welter Handicap) on Barney O’Hea by half fl furlong; that he (meaning the plaintiff) had pulled the horse (meaning thereby that the plaintiff by unfair and dishonest riding had prevented the horse from winning the race, but for such unfair and dishonest riding).’’ As an outcome of the action of Mr. R. K. Maitland, the V.A.T.C. handicapper, in reporting R. Lewis, the well-knowm jockey, to the V.R.C. Committee for using insulting language to him at Flemington on July 7, a writ has been issued by Lewis against Mr. Maitland, claiming £lOOO damages for alleged slander. The statement of claim sets out that the defendant spoke and published of the plaintiff on the date mentioned the words following: “That Barney O’Hea (meaning a horse called Barney O’Hea) would win the Welter Handicap (a race then about to be run) only Lewis (meaning the plaintiff) was riding him, and that Lewis was the scoundrel amongst the jockeys, and ought to be rubbed out, and ought not to be licensed as a jockey.’’ Quite a large number or sporting men in Victoria have entered a protest against the practice of parading horses at Flemington prior to big races. They say that every facility is given for inspection in the’ bird cage and while the horses are doing the preliminary canter, and an objector has stated that when horses have the colours up they know what is before them; they nre not machines; they are, naturally, all expectancy, and if kept parading about will fret « great deal, particularly the lightwalsted ones, the chances of winning in many cases jbeing thereby entirely (destroyed. This Is unfair to their trainers, who, in a few minutes, may see the labour of many months completely vanish, and especially so to the horse in the case of, say, a Grand National Steeplechase. The Wellington Pony and Galloway Racing Club intends to Introduce a system of fixed colours at its meetings, in order to do away with the confusion that is sometimes caused by owners changing their Colours at short notice (says the “Dominion’’). Under the new system about twenty sets of colours will be selected, as distinct as possible from one another, and will be numbered from 1 to 20. No. 1 in n rare will always carry the same colours, No. 2 the same and so on. A notice-board with a description of the colours will be

placed In a conspicuous place, and so a spectator, after backing his fancy, may refer to the board, making a mental note of the colours carried, and be easily able to follow any horse through a race. The system may have some disadvantages, but the management intends to give it a trial.

The annual meeting of the Auckland Racing Club passed off very quietly, and with practically no comment, so evidently members are satisfied with the present management. The chairman (the Hon. E. Mhchelson), in his speech, outlined a number of contemplated improvements, amongst which was a proposal to erect a people’s stand. As pointed out in these columns some time ago, the outside patrons were not caitered for as they should be, but it is pleasing to record that the club intend remedying this state of affairs. Another interesting announcement was the intention to lay water around the course for use in the summer time, and, taken altogether, the speech gave the impression that the committee intend to bring the Ellerslie course up to date in every respect, and they are to be congratulated on their efforts in this direction. J. O’Connell, who journeyed to Australia to ride Mr Douglas’ horses Waipu and Kia tere, in their engagements, returned to Wellington by the Manuka last Wednesday, and according to “Glencoe,” in the “Dominion,” he states that Kiatere injured his leg in the train journey from Sydney to Melbourne, and poisoning set in. He was started in a Steeplechasers’ flat race, and showed a fair turn of pace, but his leg was in a bad way afterwards, and it will be some time before he is right. Waipu galloped well on the track before the Grand National Hurdle Race, but ran badly iu that event. He developed rheumatics later, and had to be placed in the hands of a veterinary surgeon. J. Cameron will probably return to the Dominion by way of Auckland, this week, but Waipu and Kiatere are to be left in Australia for the present, and, if Ikon is well enough to go over in the spring, they may be raced again. The close voting for seats on the committee of the Auckland Racing Club is a good indication of the interest taken by the members in the management of the club. Out of a membership of 240, no less than 200 recorded their votes, which is easily a record, and the fact that six out of the eight candidates for the five seats polled within twenty-six of each other is clear proof that the members were pretty divided in their opinions. The other two candidates were evidently not 'taken seriously, and did not poll half the votes registered by the lowest of the others. Of those elected, Messrs. Nathan, Duder, and Price were retiring members, while Mr. Dunnett has also previously held office, the new member being Mr. W. C. Somers, who replaces Mr. Davies. The latter gentlefiian has held a seat for the past four years, and has always been looked upon as a hardworking member of committee, with the courage of his convictions. Mr. Somers, the new member, has been connected with the club for some years in the capacity of a steward, and should have a thorough grasp of matters pertaining to racing. The first meeting of the new committee was proceeding this afternoon. In the report of the delegates of me Auckland Racing Club to the annual neeting of the New Zealand Racing Conference, held in Wellington on 22nd July, 1909, they state: Your delegates duly attended the conference at Wellington, a full report of the proceedings of which has already been made public. It is, therefore, only necessary to refer briefly to the main points. The President’s address, among other things, advocates weight-for-age and long distance races, as against short sprints; also deplores the evil results of the Gaming Act, and expresses the opinion that If the bookmakers are to remain, the elimination of the most undesirable element from among their ranks should be done by their own associations, instead of inflicting upon clubs the invidious duty of selection. The frequency of unregistered race meetings was alluded to as a grave evil, and the opinion was voiced by members of the conference that metropolitan committees should be more tardy in removing disqualifications incurred in this respect. A warning was given to the secretaries of clubs receiving nominations or acceptances after the advertised hour of closing, and the action of those secretaries who disregarded rule 15 part VI., was severely commented upon. The report of the committee on number of days’ racing was to the effect that, as compared with the increase in population, the number of days’ racing either by totalisator or uon-totalisator clubs had not increased, and the committee recommended that the number of days’ racing be kept as at present. Unregistered racing has increased, and the committee recommend that disqualifications incurred by participation In such meetings be not removed unless under exceptional circumstances, or in any case ! u which a warning against holding an unregistered meeting has been formally isued by the Metropolitan Committee, and published in the Official Calendar and a local newspaper. This report was adopted. Stipendiary Stewards: Neither of the proposals tabled having any chance of being carried were withdrawn. Your delegates determined to support an amendment affirming the principle, and referring to a sub-com-mitte to elaborate a scheme, and report to the next conference. This, after discussion, was carried, and the following committee was appointed:—The President, and Messrs Bidwill, Goodbehere, Nolan, and McVay. No doubt stipendiary stewards have advanced a step towards becoming an accomplished fact. Colours: The resolutions, with one or two small amendments, were carried. All colours used at totallsator meetings must now be registered, the rules to come in force on Ist March next. The new regulations, while not going so far as this club’s original proposal, are a distinct Improvement upon the present system, and, no doubt, any attempt to go farther would, have met with strong opposition. Disqualified persons: The bar (sub-see. 1, Bule

1., part XXXIII.), to employing a dfsqmtk fled person, has been removed, where the employment is unconnected with the training or running of horses, but any disqualified person entering on a racecourse shall thereby incur an addition to his sentence of one-third of the original term, and a fine of not less than £5 for every such act. Your delegates have referred only to the alterations made in the rules, but they desire to draw the committee’s attention to the discussion which took place on the proposal (negatived) to allow disqualified persons to be employed with the consent of the Metropolitan Committee, the tone of which clearly proved that a Metropolitan Committee has no power under the rules to grant a permit to a disqualified person to work in a racing stable, and any person so employed would disqualify the horses in that stable and his employer. The principal item in the report, and which seems to be causing the most diversity of opinion, is the clause relating to disqualified persons, which now gives power to anyone to employ a disqualified person where the employment is unconnected with the training or running of horses. This at first seems unnecessary, but, according to the strict reading of the rules, anyone employing a disqualified person in any capacity totally unconnected with horses was liable to disqualification, and the alteration in the rule rightly does away with this. The discussion on the rule clearly proved that a Metropolitan Club was acting under a misapprehension in granting permits to disqualified persons to w’ork in a stable, and it would be as well for those interested to make themselves conversant with the alterations to the rules. With the opening of a new season a list of the various horses in charge of the different trainers at Ellerslie at present should be interesting. They are as follows:— F. MACMANEMIN. Scotty, Censure, Te Aroha, Dogger Dank Loongana, Maheno, Tattoo, Sea Elf Cymri, Ngapuka First Defence, 3yrs, by Bluejacket—Lady Marion. Colt by Soult —Lady B Colt by Gluten—Gold web Colt by Monoform—Latona Colt by Obligado—Tournament, and Filly by Spalpeen—Waimangu D. MORAGHAN. Master Soult, First Gun, Elysian, Tetrazzini, Roselike, Admiral Souit o Flying Soult, Master Jack, Colt by Soult—Gladys May Colt by 'Soult—Romola C. COLEMAN. North Head, Ben Jonson, Fighting Fish, Micliaeloff, Hoanga T. A. WILLIAMS. Sir Artegal, Monsieur Soult, Tanekaba, St. Maria. Beach, Leo, Dawn, Gelding by Westmere. K. HEATON. Fuss, Bonny Fishwife, 2yrs, by Wairiki—Fishfag Hamadryad, 2yrs, by Eton —The Dell Filly by Seaton Delaval —Bother G. ABSOLUM. Waimangu, Santa Rosa, Carl Ros* S. HODGE. Wairaka, Grenadier, Indian Chief, Rarata, Imprimus, Lady Waterford, 2yrs, by Soult—AKlngg D. BANNATYNE. Bully, Colt by Seaton Delaval—Jennie Deans Colt by Seaton Delaval—Apparition, Brown Rose colt. Filly, 2yrs, by Monoform —Antelope. F. STENNING. Epsom Lass, Dunborve, Paairawatu* Tunitaha, Gelding by Obligado—Peace, Colt by Gluten—Catchfly, Filly by Wairiki—Miss Drury W. TOZER. Stroller, Octoroon, Newtown, Colt by Seaton Delaval — Gladys SouF Colt by Seaton Deleval —Jewellery, Filly by Seaton Delaval—The Slaye; R. HALL, Komata, Sabre, Necktie. P. CONWAY. Lady Phoebe, filly by Explosion R. McMIKEN. Explosive, Le Beau. R. WOODWARD. Filly, 2yrs, Soult—Postmistress Colt, 2yrs, Soult—Nereid A. ROBERTSON. Advocate, Kakama, Tamainupo, Filly, 2yrs, by <Soult—Winsome Filly, 2yrs, by Soult —Princess Alice, Filly, 2yrs, by Gluten —Avalanche J. B. wrLLLIAMSON. Irish, Akarana, Armagh, Colt, 3yrs, by Soult —Vain Irritation, 2yrs, by Soult—Vexation W, MOBBERLEY. Urania, Inglis, Arlstos, Soultawa W. GALL. Blue Garment, Rauparaha, Coromandel* Colt by Salvadan—'Solitary Filly by Golden Rose W. te. IRWIN. Lochbuie, Luscombe, Lady Weasel F, HILL. All’s Well, Excalibur. Echo, 2yrs, by Obligado—Kitiroa Vivace, 2yra, by Obligado—Owenlutf, Antoinette, 2yrg, by Soult— Misa Annife

H. HOWB. Ifaykoff, Afmwell - C. NORGROVE. Regained H. GIBB. Lady Obie, 2yrs, by Obligado—Cytherea E. J. RAE. Uenuku, Colt, 2yrs, by Stepniak—Camille. i i 1: AUCKLAND METROPOLITAN COMMITTEE. At the meeting of the Auckland Metropolitan Committee last week, the Hon. E. Mitchelson presiding, Mr £>. W. Adison and the secretary (Mr J. F. Hartland) were appointed to represent the committee at the hearing of the appeal lodged by S. Darragh against the life disqualification imposed upon him, and which is fixed to be heard at Christchurch to-day (Wednesday). Licenses were issued as follows: — Trainers: D. Bannatyne, Henry Barr, William James Bowden, J. Chaafe, jun., C. W. Coleman, Patrick Conway, William Gall, Koss Heaton, F. A. Hill, S. S. Hodge, J. H. Howe, W. G. Irwin, Patrick Jones, S. A. Lindsay, D. P. Moraghan, T. M. Morris, A. Morrow, J. McHugh, F. J. McManemin, R. McMiken, C. Norgrove, N. J. L. Rae, C. Rasmussen, A. M. Robertson, Frank B. Ross, F. Stenning, F. Tonge, W. J. Tozer, James Twohill, T. A. Williams, J. B. Williamson, H. Wilson, J. A. Winder. Jockeys: Herbert Barr, John Blake, J. Brady, R. E. Brown, C. E. Browne, J. Chaafe, jun., L. H. Coleman, V. Coleman, A H. Cowan, M. Deeble. B. Deeley, J. Deerey, James Duffin, A. J. Gray, Joseph Greenwood, Frank Howard, A. Julian, A. Langdon, J. C. Mother, Percy Major, B. Oliver, A. E. Pearce, John Percival (one month), J. H. J. Percival, J. E. Pinker, G. A. Robson, Mark Ryan, F. L. Speakman (one month), Robert Wilson, William Wilson. Apprentices: R. W. Brown, A. E. Cox, G. Keenan. Gentlemen riders: Messrs A. J. McFlinn, E. D. O’Rorke. The committee have decided to meet on the second Tuesday of each month. £ i CHRISTCHURCH ACCEPTANCES. The following are the acceptances foi the C.J.C. Meeting, which opens on Tues* day:— WINTER CUP of 6(Xteovs. One mile.

Hunters’ Hurdles.—Homeward 12.9, Glengariff 12.3, Gold Shower 12.0, Sea Dog 11-7, Arty 11.6, Blythe Boy 11.5, King of Trumps 11.3, Ben Fortune 11.3, Roan Banner 11.3, Tyrannit 11.0, Walnut 11.0, Red’ King 11.0, Trial Hurdles. —Auratus 11.6, Rendrc.ck 10.13, Pikipo 10.9, Contender 9.10, Virtus 9.5 Kelso 9.0, Slaney 9.0, Orsino 9.0, Stepfeldt 9.0. Jumpers’ Flat Race.—Scotty 11.9, Compass 10.4, Ringman 9.13, Polyanthus 9.13, Southern Cross 9.7, Lionheart 9.5, Pukenul 9.0, Farley Grove 9.0, W’hatakura 9.0, Homeward 9.0. •fr 4> 4? AUSTRALIAN RACING. VICTORIA AMATEUR TURF CLUB. MELBOURNE, August 7, The Victoria Amateur Turf Club opened their steeplechase meeting at Caulfield today in beautiful weather. The following were the principal results:— THE AUSTRALIAN HURDLE RACE of 1300sovs; three miles and a-half, less 92yds. Mr. E. Manifold’s br g Nightlight, syrs, by The Chevalier —Vesta, 9.13 (Moran) 1 Mr. G. Tantram’s b g The Sun, aged, by Sunrise—Andromache, 10.3 (Ryan) 2 Louise, 9.0 (Koops) 3 Fourteen horses ran. Nightlight drew away, and as they entered the straight was several lengths to the good, running home an easy winner in front of The Sun, with Louise third. Rogue's March was fourth. Time, 6.47. Balaclava Stakes of loOsovs, one mile and a furlong.—Mr, W. T. Rowe's b g Nobel, 4yrs, by Seaton Delaval—Problem, 7.5, 1; Sweet Bird. 7.5, 2; Kerlie, 8.12, 3. Nobel won by three-quarters of a length. Time, 1.572. The Wilgah Steeplechasers’ Flat Handicap of 200sovs, one mile, seven furlongs, and 64yds.—Haeremai, by Freedom—Leoform, 9.0, 1; Confederate, 9.0, 2; Kyuppa, 9.7, 3. Haeremai won by five lengths. Time, 3.224, The Mornington Welter Handicap of 150sovs, one mile.—Mr. W.| Gerrard's ch jni Francis, 4yrs, by San Francisco—Azure, 7- 1; Golden Calm, 4yrs, 8.5, 2; Siege Moi, 8- 3. Francis won by a length. Time, 1.45. ADELAIDE GRAND NATIONAL HURDLE RACE. Deception .. 1 Thodinyerl 2 Ban Toy 3 Won by five lengths. Time, 3.22 J.

st. lb. 9 lb. 8 Zimmerman 11 6 All Guns .... Penates 11 5 Sweet Angelas 9 7 Grenadier ... IO 9 Tikitere 9 5 Lcngner ..... 10 3 Rock Ferry... 9 3 Federal V 13 White Cockade 9 2 Iranui 9 13 Whistlecraft 9 2 Waikaraka ... 9 13 King Post ... 9 1 Gwendolina 9 11 Continuance 9 0 North-east ... 9 9 Lone Star.... 9 0 Merrie Zealand 9 8 Tyrant ...... 9 0