TURF GOSSIP

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLV, Issue 18, 2 November 1910, Page 12

TURF GOSSIP

By

WHALEBONE.

FIXTURES.

Nov. 5,7, 9, and 12 — Canterbury J.C. Metropolitan Nov. 5. 9, and 12 — Auckland R.C. Spring Nov. 9 — Waverley-Waiototara R.C. Annual Nov. 19, 23—Otahuhu T.C. Spring. l>ec. 27. 31, Jun. 7 — A.T.C. Summer. Dec. 2«, 29, and Jan. 2 and 3 — Auckland R.C. Summer Dec. 31 and Jan. 2— Greymouth J.C. Midsummer ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. Huntly. — Yes. The winner of the Avondale or Wanganui Guineas has to carry a penalty in the Hawke’s Bay Guineas. In the South, Bridge is favourite for the N.Z. Cup. ’A youngster, by Musketry from l.a Rose, has joined John Rae’s team at Ellerslie. The Mend wee horse Maori King Is stated to be looking well after his racing in New South Wales. Three boxes have been engaged at the Yiarp of Erin for A. Hail, seven tor It. Hannon, and one for W. Coilius.

Mr IT. It. McKenzie advises that PenUry’s list for the present season is now full.

The brood mare Nellie, dam of Advocate, has been sent to the Waikato, on a visit to Spalpeen.

The N.Z. Cup candidate Martist is said to have lightened up a bit, as the result of his recent racing.

Phyllistina, John Harold, and Hamapuka (Were double winners at the Auckland Trotting Chib’s Spring Meeting.

Practically all the southern writers seem agreed that Danube is one of the best three-year-o’ds seen out for some time.

According to the official list of the horses left in the N.Z. Cup, Tawhaki’s name appeared in error in the telegraphed list.

The pony Mailings, which was taken to Australia by A. Peters, is now being trained In Melbourne by her owner, A. Webber.

T. A. Williams has had an addition to bis string, in the shape of a tin ee-y ear-old tllly by Musketry from Repetition, which looks a useful sort.

Nominations for all events at the Qtabuhu □’rotting Chib’s Spring Meeting close with the secretary (Mr. If. D. Yongej on Friday fiext, the 2Hth Inst., at 9 p.m.

The V.R.C. Spring Meeting opens on Saturday, when the Y.R.C. Derby will be decided. On the following Tuesday the Melbourne Cup comes up for decision.

The Auckland horseman, B. Deeley, was the only rider to scoie more than once during the Caulfield meeting, riding Master Boult and Advantage to victory.

Accoidtng to a southern writer, W. Price Will ride North-east and St. Bill, and S. Reid, Goldtinder, In their engagements at the A.R.C. Spring Meeting.

i At the Grattan Downs (Lock Fairnv, Achora has foaled a filly to Salvadan, and is to visit I‘enury. The filly is said to be one of the best yet sired by Salvadan.

Those who are in a good position to judge, stale that the Gaming Bill will affect the inrtrof»olitau bodies more than the smaller clubs.

Word from the South slates that the brood mare Aimee Nou It, owned by J. H. Prosser, lecently injured .herself so badly that she has hud to be destroyed.

The meeting of Formby and Danube in the C.J.C. Derby is being looked forward to with a lot of interest. Danube is almost certain to have the biggest following.

It ta the genera! impression in the South, that provided all goes will in the meantime, Mr T. H. Lowry will rely upon Merriwa in the N.Z. Cup, In preference to Cullinan.

The Explosion gelding Arlstos, which has been indulged in a lengthy spell, has resumed work again nt Ellerslie, and has gone back into hU old Quarters at W. Mobbei ley’s.

□’he Auckland crack, Master Boult, was Mme arfeea he weat Mt »• eeateet Um

Caulfield Cup. and was to have been shipped back to the Dominion by the Westralla, leaving Sydney to-day.

F. Tonge. who has been located at Ngaruawahia for some time past, has taken over the boxes at Ellerslie recently occupied by F. Porter, and is now Quartered there with a team of eight horses.

The Great Northern Guineas candidate Apollon is going on the right way at Ellerslie, and his second meeting this season with King Soult should be brimful of interest.

The victory of Norway in the pony race at Epsom on Wednesday, credited his sire Wairiki with his winner, the previous ones to catch the judge’s eye being Directoire and Miss Wairiki.

The ex-Aucklander Master Delaval was looked upon as having- a good chance in the Aga Kban’s Cup, run at the big meeting last month at Poona, India, but the best he could do was to run third.

By winning the Spring Stakes on the opening day of the Poverty Bay Turf Club’s Spring Meeting, Paisano has incurred a penalty of 51b for the City Handicap, and will now be required to carry 8.10.

Some excuse is being made by southern writers for the defeat of Masterpiece by Culprit, at Oamaru, owing to the fact that the son of Clanranald did not appear to be able to act when the rise had to be taken.

The Hon. J. D. Ormond will have a big team representing him at the C.J.C. Spring Meeting, and the hoises to carry his colours w’ill be Form by. Faunas, Rollin, Morecambe, Birkdale, Humming Bird, Miscount, and Bootle.

The filly by Gluten — Soult Rose, purchased at the last Glenoia Park safes by Mr C. 11. Bailey, for lOOgs, is going on the right way, at the Grattan Downs Stock Farm, but is not to be seen under si k till the autumn.

At the dispersal sale of the late Mr J. B. Wiiliamsou’-s horses, the brood mare Alannah was purchased, with a colt foal by Soult at foot, by Mr G. Currie, for 335g5. This season, Alannah has foaled a filly to the defunct Soult.

Three boxes have been engaged at the Harp of Erin, for Mr E. J. Watt’s horses, and his representatives, which will probably be Cheddar. Winning Post, and Parable, are due to arrive here on Sunday by the Wimmera, in charge of F. Smith.

For probably the first time since both have been in training, Santa Rosa and Waimangu were separated in their work at Ellerslie on Thursday morning, the former galloping with Sir Artegal, and the latter with Waiari. Neither of G. Absolum's pair was fully exttmded.

Numbers of horses in England are laced in a hood and winkers, commonly known as the rogue’s badge, but the adornment is not often seen in New Zealand. Two horses, however, are wearing the badge at present at Ellerslie in their work, Miss Wairiki and Monocle.

It now transpires that Mr T. 11. Lowiy’s colts Sea Pink and Bellan, displayed symptoms of soreness, and instead of being taken on from Wellington, to compete at the Christchurch meeting, were railed home to Greenmeadows, where they will have a short rest.

The Nestor gelding Nelins is being schooled over hurdles at Ellers ie. and yesterday morning, in company with Atawhai (W. McKinnon), and ridden by A. Julian, was given a turn over the pony hurdles and then over the bigger ones, giving a good display for a novice.

S. Howie, Hie well-known cress-country horseman, who is now in Australia, intends returning to New Zealand about March next, for the jumping season. Howie trained Twa Brigs, the winner of the Nursery Handicap on the second day of the V.A.T.C. Spring Meeting.

Killorn, the ex-Sydwey jockey, took the decision of the stewards philosophically when he was wiped out for 12 months for his riding of Ruatamata at Ascot (Vic.) last week. He merely said: “Gentlemen, I am innocent, but 1 suppose I’ve got to grin and bear it.**

The nominations for Tattersail’s Club tournament close with the secretary (Mr. S. Potier) to-night at 10 p.m. Mr. W. E. Hackett will officiate as handicapper, and the prises to be presented are valued at £5O, the division being: First, £35 or open order; second, £10; third, £5. The game is 250 up.

Evidently, the Gisborne colt Goldtinder has gone on the right way since he last carried silk, for he was only beaten a head by Paisano in the Spring Handicap at Gisborne on Thursday. Goldfinder’s inclusion in the field to contest the Great Northern Guineas next Saturday, will invest that event with added interest.

The Auckland Trotting Club concluded a successful meeting on Wednesday last. The one outstanding feature of the gathering was the increased interest in the racing caused by the separating of the saddle and harness classes, and there is uo doubt this will eventually greatly improve trotting in Auckland.

Acceptances for (he minor events on the opening day and the Hunters’ Steeplechase on the third day of the A.R.C. Spring Meeting, and final payments for the Welcome Stakes, Great Northern Guineas, <and City Handicap, close with the secretary (Mr .t. F. Hartland) on Friday next at 9 p.m. Bookmakers wishing to ply their calling at the gathering must make application before noon on Monday next, the 31st inst.

The official timekeeper to the V.A.T.C. -Struck off the various distances of the last Caulfield Cup, and his returns show at what an even pace the race was run. The first half mile w’as got over in 51s, the second half in 525. and the last half mile in 5145. The last six furlongs occupied 1.18, and the last mile 1.43£. This year’s race was the fastest of all Caulfield Cups, and it beat, by a quarter of a second, the previous best time — that made by Poseidon In 1906.

Evidently, the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club's authorities do not anticipate that the Gaming Act will have any serious effect on racing for, according to an exchange, the new stand at the Club's ground is the largest in the Dominion. It cost £9(M)O. and is 20ft longer, sft wider, and 10ft higher than the big stand at Ricearton. Altogether the stands on the ground will seat 4750 people. The new scheme ©T Improvements to the Adding ion ground has already cost £22,000. and needless to say, it is one of the finest in Australasia.

The Soult mare Nora Soult gave quite a circus display at the post at Epsom on Wednesday last, and it was quite a relief when Mr. O’Connor decided to leave her altogether. For fully ten minutes she performed all sorts of antics, and after .she had got rid of her rider once or twice she bolted with the boy and ran once around. The youngster stuck to her gamely, but he had not Hie slightest control over her, and the question now before the club is whether they should refuse her nomination or not. Why boys' lives should be endangered and a lot of annoyance and loss of money caused by allowing such a madheaded brute to go to the post is hard to understand.

The Auckland Trotting Club continued the inquiry yesterday into the running of the horses St. Michael and llama puku in the Middle Class Handicap last Saturday. After hearing the evidence of the connections of St. Michael, which was to the effect that the horse had been stopped in his work and was not in condition., the stewards administered a severe reprimand and caution to the trainer and driver for racing the horse out of condition, and expressed the opinion that the owner bad not exercised sufficient firmness in allowing the horse to be started. In the cawe of Hamapuku a veterinary certificate was produced that the Ihorse had chafed himself, and the inquiry was further adjourned to enable the stewards to inspect the horse.

At times, there is a bit of excitement fluriug training operations at Ellerslie, but yesterday morning one of the most exciting finishes to a bet I have ever seen, was witnessed. Two horses were being schooled over the steeplechase fences one of which, a notorious banlker. was ridden by a rider not often seen in the saddle over the big fences. As they started on their journey, 2 to 1 was taken by a wellknown veteran horseman that the horse would either stop or get rid of his lider. Contrary to expectations, the horse jumped splendidly until he came to the last fence, which he struck hard and shot his rider out over his head. By some means or other, he managed to get his legs around the horse's neck, and hanging on to the mane and reins by his hands, he scrambled bark into the saddle, and saved the fall, and incidentally the liet for the layer of the odds, after an exciting finale. * * * TURF TALK FROM THE SOUTH. CHRISTCHURCH, Friday. The continuance of the dry weather appears to be inevitable, and though the prophets are doing their best to cheer everybody by most optimistic forecasts, the rain never materialises. Training is therefore carried on at Riccartou under considerable difficulties, and some trainers are having an anxious time. If the weather .continues dry the New Zealand Cup promises to be run on the hardest track ever experienced at Rlccarton at this time of the year. Probably the state of the tracks has something to do with the disappointing nature of the work undertaken by Cup candidates. A few years ago smashing journey gallops were the rule before the Cnp Meeting, but now there is only a moderate amount of fast work done, and few horses are tried over really long journeys. The arrival yesterday of Mr. Watt’s tram, W'immeri, Bridge, Theodore, and Maori King made the muxt Important addition to the Rlccarton stables since my last message. Ro far as can fee seen all the Cup candidates that Kave travelled appear to be going on «aUafactori]y. No work of importance was done on Wednesday, but on Thursday a nnraber of prominent homes put in sound gallops. Mar-

tint did a naMe and a-quarter at threat quarter pace, and Kopu ran ten furlonga in 2.19 2-5, but was obviously not out to make time. Countermine and Husbandman ran a strong mile in 1.46 2-5, the Cup candidate being hardly at his best. Los Angelos was restricted to half and threequarter pace work, amj Cronstadt was beaten by Wimmera and Tribulation over a mile. sandstream, who appears to be carrying a good deal of condition, was given steady work. Ingoda went a mile and a-half in 2.41 2-5, going very strongly throughout, and thoroughly pleasing trackwatchers. There was little to choose between Rmitade and Lawn Rose at the c®d of a mile, run in 1.27 2-5. Morri wee defeated Cullinan by four lengths in a gallop over a mile and a-quarter, run in 2.14 1-5. galloped a mile, and other Cup horses did useful tasks. On. Friday little work of importance was done. Taskmbaster. who was sent over two circuits at three-quarter speed, is growing in favour. There seems to be every indication that he will see the prepara-Uon through, and will be the elect of the Chokebore stable, as Polymorphous has been' scratched. A. Oliver has been engaged to ride Taskmaster, and this will probably bring the son of Treadmill into further prominence. Los Angelos went a circuit at half-speed, then increased the pace from U>e mile post, running home in 1.46 2-5. The big gelding finished remarkably well, the last half-mile taking 51 l-ss. This was ttae only fast gallop done by a candidate. Of the horses that are to be restricted to shorter journeys, half a dozen are pleasing the track-watchei’s. Formless is looking very well, and put in a brilliant gallop over three furlongs to-day. Formby is running half-miles in great style, and Equltas also is showing brilliant form. Poly mor-* phous has pleased the critics considerably, and 801 l in and Wimmera are both looking much better than when were last at Riccarton. War Song and Kohinoor have also done quite satisfactory work since their arrival.

L. G. King has been engaged to ride Oiyot in the Cup, so that the horse should have ■every chance. The Auckland-owned Mandarine is being well supported for the thousand sovs Trotting Cup, in which he will probably be driven by M. Edwards, one of the leading handlers of light harness horses. Revenue is an unlikely starter for the race. * * i AN AUCKLAND RIDER IN AUSTRALIA. The Auckland horseman. B. Deeley, returned to the Dominion by the Maheno on Sunday last, after fulfilling riding engagements at the A.J.C. and V.A.T.C. Spring Meetings. In common witih other New Zealanders, the Auckland lightweight found a certain prejudice existing in Australia against riders from the Dominion, and it was pretty hard to get a footing. W. Ryan was doing well, but he was lucky in being attached to J. Lowe’s stable, which ensured him plenty of riding. In the opinion of the Aucklander, W’. H. Smith was the best horseman in Australia, but Hickey, Foulsham, and McLachlan were all good the latter being after the style of Hewitt. The boys rode very fair, and although, with the big fields prevailing, the .'Shorter races were all scramble and bustle, there was not the wilful obstruction and. blocking which too often prevail in New Zealand. The authorities were very strict with the jockeys, and punished foul r’ding eeverely. In the matter of dress, they were also particular, and the boyts had to wear a white collar and tie, while any slovenlyness at the scale, such as hanging girths or loose rubbers, was promptly met with a fine, and the offender sent back to the jockeys’ room to remedy matters. Another thing they were strict in was the weight of lead carried on the body, aud on no account would a boy be allowed to wear a vest containing more than 71b. Any breach of this rule was severely punished, while the tiainer of the horse the boy w’as riding also got into trouble.

The starting was splendid, and although there were at times delays at the post, bad horses were treated with scant consideration, and were as often as not »eft altogether. The machines v ere much ahead of ours, and instead of shooting straight up they ran away from the horse first, before ascending, which, prevented a horse being caught. At Caulfield, the starting was done by electricity, and a boy bad to watch the barrier, as there was no chance of watching the starter’s hand. The starters were stricter ia Sydney than at Caulfield, aud there was no fighting for places at the hairier; everyone had to take the position drawn or there was trouble. The Sydney tracks were very good, and trainers had the advantage of getting the grass track whenever they wanted it. Taken on the whole, the handicap horses were better than those racing in the Dominion, but their weight-for-age horses were no better than ours. The three-year-olds were fair, the A.J.C. Derby winner. Tanami, being a real good sort. Blairgour, which has been boomed as a champion, was very fast for tluee or four furlongs, but was a sour brute, and curled up quickly. The Phoebus Apollo gelding Annapolte, which earned such a reputation in the West, was suffering from influenra, and was not seen at his best. Master Soult, which only arrived at Caulfield at mid-

night before the first day’s racing, was unable to be started in the Caulfield Stakes, but was produced on the second day, and won the EcUpae Stakes. Hia victoiy was nut gained ao easily as mom people thought, and Oil vaster had him hard at i< and It was only in the last “half furtong that he got tl»e best of it. In the Caulfield Cup, he was lame after doing his preliminary, and although he got a good run, he never had the dash to take advantage of several openings. Under the Mreumstanceii. ho ran' well, and was only sbont etc lengths away from the winner. FUvmtua, which

won, bad <• B«ht throughout th* race, after being one ot the last to leave the hank, and any opening be got be bad to make hlmaett. so his win was a most aneritortous one. Britain, wbk?h finished third, •IHO ran a good race, and his trainer, the ex-Aucklander, P. Nolen, is confident of his putting up a good performance In the Melbourne Cup. In the race won by Advantage, which was ridden by B. Deeley, the N.Z. mare had a lucky run on (he rails at the finish, and landed the stake by half a head, there only being a neck between the mat four.

The New Zealand horsemen, J. McGregor, F. McCabe, and H. Cairns, were doing fairly well, ljut the latter was undecided as to whether lie would stay there or not after the Melbourne Cup meeting. One thing that amazed the Aucklander, was the extent of the betting at the big meetings, and one instance he knew of, was where an owner put £3OOO on his horse Without it making any. difference in his price in the market. The bookmakers were of a good class, at>d welshing was never heard of amongst the big men. All things considered, however, he was quite satisfied with his lot in N.Z.. which was very hard to beat. In addition to_riding Master Soult, Sunburnt, and Advantage, the horses he went over specially to ride, Deeley bad the mount on TiHijoy in a handicap at the A.J.C. Spring Meeting, and Lithusian in the Breeders’ Plate at the same fixture. The latter is stated, to be a good colt, and was unlucky to be beaten, getting a very bad run. £ i £• A.T.C. SPRING MEETING The concluding day’s racing in connection with the Auckland Trotting Club’s Spring Meeting was held at Epsom yesterday afternoon. The weather was showery and the course heavy, but the attendance was up to the average. The racing was much more interesting than on the opening ♦lay, and the finishes for the most part were close. The management was again satisfactory, everything passing off without a hitch. The stewards continued the inquiry into ihe running of Hamapuku in the Middle Class Trot on Saturday, and, after finding that the condition of the horse bore out the statements tendered, in evidence, accepted the explanation. A couple of small fields had a slight effect on speculation, and the amount <£2583) handled by the staff of Messrs W. Blouifield and Co. was £175 10/ short of last year's amount. The total for the two days (£5886 10/) is an increase of £409 on the figures at last year’s gathering. In addition twelve bookmakers were licensed at a fee of £7 10/. TRIAL HANDICAP (harness). One mile. W. J. Greenwood’s b h Mikado, by Yola Clair—Yum Yum, aged, 13s (Greenwood) 1 J. AV. Walters’ b in Annoyed, 4yrs, 8s (Hamilton) 2 A. T. Lake’s blk c Goldwood, 3yrs, 2s (Cameron) 3 Also started: Dr. Jim Bs, Special Diamond 10s, Pathfinder Ils. (Mikado, the limit horse, had charge when they -passed the stand, followed by Dr. Jim and Annoyed. Running along the back, Annoyed was on terms with Mikado, and jthe pair had the race to themselves, Mikado staying the longest and winning a good race ■by two lengths. Goldwood was six lengths away, third, with Dr. Jim fourth. Goldwood was favourite. Time, 2.4 S 2-5* ELLER'SLIE TROTTING HANDICAP (Harness) of GOsovs. Two miles. T. Richards’ b g Royal Albert, aged, by Albert Victor—Unknown, 4s 1 D. A. McKenzie's ch g Receiver, aged, scratch 2 A. J. Jury’s b in Mersey, Oyrs, 20s .... 3 Also started: Count Ils, Bob G. 20fl, Mikado 225. Passing rhe stand Mikado had twelve lengths’ lead from Bob G., and then came Mersey and Royal Albert. Going along the back Royal Albert ran into second place, while Receiver also made a forward move. Passing the stand the second time Royal Albert had taken the lead, and was three lengths clear of Mikado, who was followed by Receiver. Receiver headed Mikado, which was tiring badly, as they crossed the top stretch, but could not reach Royal Albert, which won easing up by four lengths. Mersey was twenty lengths away, third, and Bob G. last. Time, 5.27 3-5. Bob G. was favourite. ALEXANDRA HANDICAP of lOOsovs. Distance, 2 miles. D. Brophy’s ch g Yankee Doodle. 16s, (Orange) 1 AV. J. Bowden’s b g Viscount, 8s (Bowdon) 2 Stockiey’s b g Tableau, 18s (Tozer) 3 All started. •Black Diamond was in front when they passed the eta nd the first time, by throe lengths, after which came Yankee Doodle and Haldane together, and then Wild Marie. Passing the stand the second time Yankee Doodle had a slight advantage of Haldane, end then came Black Diamond and Viscount. Going along the back Yankee Doodle drew out, and Viscount run up into second place. Yankee Doodle was the first to turn for ’home, and stalling off a run by Viscount, which broke 50 yards from the post, won by one end R-half lengths, with Tableau twelve lengths away, third. Cavn4»er was fourth. Time, 5.14 4 5. Yankee Doodle tvas favourite. REMTTERA HANDICAP of 50 sovs. second lOsovs. Six furlongs and a-half. T. Barr’s ch h Norway, Ryrs, by Wairikl —Nora, 8.9 (R. W. Brown) 1 G. Holt’s Prophesied, 9.0 (Conquest) 2 T. V. Simla’ Mafka, 6.10 (O'Shea) 3 Also started: Fraulein 8.2, Nora Soult 6.9, Nora Soult gave a lot of trouble at the post, and, after she had bolted once around, the field were dispatched without her. Propbesled was first to move, followed by Norway, Malka, and Fraulein, in

that order. Going along the back, Norway beaded Prophesied, and, drawing out in the concluding stages, won easing up by four lengths from Prophesied, which was two lengths In front of Malka, with Fraulein last. Time 1.20. Prophesied wag favourite. After the race the stewards had the rider of Norway before them, and administered a severe caution for alleged cutting in at the start of the race, but did not alter the placlngs ot the judge. JUNCTION HANDICAP (Harness) of 35 sove, second 5 so vs. One mile and a-half. B. Keen’s blk ni Phylllstina, aged, by Victor Royal —Unknown, 7s (G.- Robertson) 1 T. Richards’ Specialty, 24s (Richards) .. 2 W. Orange’s Santa Claus, 15s (Orange).. 3 The only starters. Specialty showed the way for half a furlong, when Santa Claus took charge, but was displaced again by Specialty before the stand was reached, with Phylllstina some distance away, last. Specialty and Santa Claus were racing in elose company going along the back, and when they turned for home’ it looked as if the race lay between them, but PhylJisti.ua, (coming with a great run, just got up in time to win by a length and a-half irom Specialty, whleli was a neck in front of Santa Claus. Time, 4.9. Phylllstina was favourite. INNOVATION HANDICAP (Saddle) of 40sovs, second Geovs. One mile and abalf. Mrs. A. T. Dake’s b g Hamapuku, 6yrs, Viking—Unknown, 7s (Cameron) ...... 1 G. Brain’s Good Friday, 7s, (JBraiu) .... 2 C. Nicholson's Madam Melba, scratch (Nicholson) 3 Also started: Receiver 3s, Miss Dunmore 3s, Maureen 6s, Murad 7s, Fiery Cross 9s, Diamond Bell 10s, Mersey 18s, Dick May 19s, Pakunuiga Boy 19s, Black Gin 19s, Ferncliffe 19s. Mersey was in the lead when they reached the half-mile post, but when the dip was reign was short, for when the stand was reached the scratch mare, Madam Melba, reached Diamond Beil was in charge. Her was the leader, followed by Hamapuku, Diamond Bell, and Good Friday. Hamapuku ran up to Madam Melba going along the back, and th* serateh mare tiring to nothing, Hamapuku headed her going through the dip, and from that out the issue was never in doubt, Hamapuku winning as he liked by six lengths from Good Friday, which caught Madam Melba a short distance from the post, and beat her a length for second honours. Maureen was fourth. Time, 4.5. Hamapuku was favourite. HIGH-CLASS HANDICAP of SOsovs, second lOsovs. One mile. Grattan Downs Stock Fann’s b g John Harold, aged. Little John—Harold mare, 6s (Mabee) — 1 Preece and Hamilton's Floranz, 6s (Hamilton) ...... 2 Royal Victor, the only other starter, broke one ot his ho-pples, and pulled up soon after the start. John Harold was slow to begin, but Floranx breaking badly, let him Into the lead before the stand was reached, and from that out the issue was never in doubt, John Harold eventually winning by four lengths. Ttme, 2.36. John Harold was favourite. INSULATION HANDICAP of 40sovs, second ssovs. One mile. Jas. Lyon's ch m Nah Honey, 6yrs, Rothschild—Unknown, 18s (Scott) .... 1 G. Nicholson’s Irish Molly, Ita (Nicholson) 2 T. M. Wade's Manxman, 14s (Wade) .... 3 Also started: Maplewood scratch, Taihoa 9s, John Harold 8s (including 2s penalty), Bell Gray Ils, Lady Park 14s, Autocrat 16s. Mah Honey, from the limit, was quiek to settle to her work, and passing the stand had three lengths’ lead of Irish Molly, after which came Autocrat and Manxman. Mah Honey increased her advantage going along the back, and, striding along at a nice even gait, never left the i»ue in doubt, winning at the finish by tei'i lengths from Irish Molly, which was three lengths in front of Manxman. Autocrat was fourth. Time, 2.38 4-5. Mah Honey was favourite. * i 4 A R C SPRING MEETING. The following acceptances and final payments were rereived last night by Mr. Hartland for events to be run at the'Auckland Racing Club’s Spring Meeting, which opens at Ellerslie on Saturday next:— THE GREAT NORTHERN GUINEAS. Mr. W. S. Davidson's br c Goldfinder. by San Fran—Dazzle. Mrs. W. Davies’ ch c Royal News, by Wairiki—Bad News. Mrs. E. A. Lindsay's br c Kapanga, by Soult —Golden Rose. Mr. F. J. MeManemin's br e Apelion, by Monoform—Latona. Mr. F. E. Ross’ br c King Soult, by Soult— Lady Musket. Mr. E. J. Watts’ br c Cheddar, by Merriwee—Brown Alice. Mr. M. McLean's ch g Polctlers, by Obllgado—Crecy. Mr. J. Shepherd’s ch g Solus, by Salvadau —Solitary. Mr. F. W. Arnold's b f Antoinette, by Soult —Miss Annie. Mr. G. Cremer's br f Monolope, by Monoform —Antelope. City Handicap, one mile and a-quarter.—■ North-East 9.3, Paisano (Including 51b penalty) 8.10, Advocate 8.1. Waiarl 7.13, Walma'ngu 7.10, Sea Elf 7.10, Uranium 7.9, Lochbuhle 7.8. Parable 7.6, Iney (Including r.lb penalty) 7.5. Admiral Soult 7.4, Waltapu 6.18, Coromandel 6.10. Welcome Stakes, live furlongs.—Hemisphere 8.5, Ireland 8.5, Master Baber 8.5, Rylverlyte 8.5, Clondy Dawn 8.2, Harrigan 8.2, Kalpara 8.2, Condamlne 8.0, Miss Winsome 8.0, Panthea 8.0, Tranquil 8.0. Shorts Handicap, five furlongs.—Salute 9.7, Turbine 9.4, Miss Winnie 8.13, St. Bill 8.9, Emblem 8.9. Kakama 8.4, Dogger Rank 8.3, Lady Francos 7.13, Blue Garment 7.12,

Jena 7.5, Captain Soult 6.13, Muskewni 6.10, Frontlno 6.9, Master Jack 6.7, Mary Anno 6.7.

President’s Handicap, one mile.—Epsom Lass 8.3, Regain 8.3, Freevata 8.3, First Walrikl 8.3, Flying Soult 8.0, Duma 7.10, Maxwell 7.6, Waiotahi 7.6, Maroon and Black 7.5, Scotch 7.4, Hamadryad" 72, Lloyds 7.2, Lieutenant Soult 6.13, 6.13, Monoplane 6.13, Tipua 6.13, Master Theory 6.13, Lady Betty 6.13, Sinn Fein 6.13, Monocle 6.13, Columbia 6.13. Hobson Handicap, six furlongs.—Kanewars 8.8, Freevata 8.6, Mlehaelolf 8.5, Flying Soult 8.4, Peggy Pryde 7.11, Minstrel 7.10, Maxwell 7.9, Royal News 7.8, Taka 7.7, Princess Soult 7.6, Hamadryad 7.5, Lucille 7.5, Spectre 7.2, Master Walrikl 7.1, Kuratau 7.0, Nupenape 7.0. Prophesied 7.0, Parawai 7.0, Kangiora 7.0, Bonnie Fishwife 7.0, Vivace 7.0, Urukohn 7.0, Bogey 7.0, Caedmon 70, Arawa 7.0, Maykoff 7.0, Goodwin Sands 7.0. Malden Hurdles, one mile and a-half.—-Continuance 11.9, Hoanga 10.13. Black Northern 10.2, Sabre 10.2, King Hippo 9.10, Don Quex 9.9, Delegate 9.8, Paul 9.4, St. Maria 9.0, Seldom 9.0, Nelius 9.0, Miss Explosion 9.0, Penfold 9.0. Flying Handicap, seven furlongs.- Salute 9.3, Santa Rosa 8.4, Sir Artegal 7.13. Iney (including slb penalty) 7.13, Tamalniipo 7.12, Manapouri 7.12, Tattoo 7.12, Lady Frances 7.10, Zinnia 7.10, Admiral Sonlt 7.10, General Soult 7.8, Dazzling 7.6, Haldane 7.6, Golden Loop 6.13. Hunters’ Steeplechase, about three miles. —Cloudy Morn 11,6, Hina 11.6, Star Lass 11.6, Laddie 11.5, Togotsushima 11.1, Raugitana 10.10, Gaiety 10.9 Atawhai 10.7, Ringaway 10.7, Powerful 10.7, Secret Gun 10.7, Cutler 10.7, Lough Finn 10.7, llunakaha 10.7, Rebel 10. 1', Hobartown 10.7, Ronin 10.7. * * i AUSTRALIAN RACING. V.R.C. SPRING MEETING. FLEMINGTON, Saturday. The first day's racing of the Victoria Racing Club’s Spring Meeting was held (it Flemington to-day. The reeults are:-— MAIDEN PLATE. One mile. Mr. J. Samuel’s br f Blue Gum, by San Franeiseo—Real Blue, 7.8 1 First Aurate 2 Bow hill 3 MARIBYRNONG PIaATE. Five furlongs. Mr. J. Wilson, pun.’s, eh c Philip, by Andris—PhyUte .1 Mr. A. Knox’s Popinjay 2 Mr. J. North's t>d c Woolerina 3 Soncliong and Sweet Malt were scratched. Kivaaße and Calidor were first away, but when they settled down Woolerina took charge Irom Phillo, Calidor, Briggs, Popingay and Elvanlte. I‘bilio fell back a little, birt was always In a good ptaee in the cen tie of the field. At the three-furlong post Woolerina still led, Popingay and Flaitli being his closest attendants. Poplngay led up to the distance, where Phllio camo throagh, and the latter, settling his opponents, eame on and won by a length ami ahalf from Pipingay, who was four lengths clear of Woolerina. •lIOTIIAM HANDICAP. One and a-half miles. Mr R. Crawford s b h Flavian, by Flavins—Posted 1 Mr E. S. Davison’s blk h Call Boy .... 2 Mr G. E. Miate’s b h Sonsambnlist .... 3 VICTORIA DKiRBY, a sweepstake of 25sovs each, with 2000sovs added. Colts or geldings, 8.10; fillies, 8.5. One mile and a-lialt'. Mr Colin Smith’s br c Beverage, by Malster—Wild Rose 1 Mr J. Biely’s br t Styria, by Haute Brion —Trieste 2 air J. Wilson's, jun., b c Bobadea, by Bobadil — Ardea 3 Desert Rose was first to show in front from a good start, and she led round the river two lengths in advance of Beverage, St. Wyne, Indiscreet, Styria, Lager, Golden Point and Bobadea following in that order, with Tanami last. At the abattoirs Desert Rose was two lengths in front of Lager and Beverage. Styria moved up into fouitli place at the sheds, five lengths separating the next division, which was led by Gohlen Point. Beverage led into the straight from Styria, Lager and Desert Rose. At the distance, Bobadea took third place. Beverage kept the opposition at bay, and won l>y three-quarters of a length from Styria, who was four lengths in front of Bobadea. Desert Rose was fourth, and then followed Golden Point, Indiscreet, 'Tanami and St. Wyne. Time, 2.37 L MELBOURNE STAKES, n *:weepsthkes of lOsovs each, with lOOOsovs added. One mile and a-quarler. Mr W. Kelso’s eh ti Son of Marsh, by Wildflower—Loo's Pride, 9.1 I Mr J. Whitworth's lu* in Artillerle, 8.13 2 Messrs I’. and W. Mitchell's ch h Trafalgar, 9.4 : 3 Also started: Alawa, Flaviuius, I’atsee, Maltine, Comedy King, Danaus. Son ot the Marsh led from start to finish. At Hie mile post he wns three lengths In front of Maltine, Danaus, Alawa, Trafalgar and Comedy King, Arlllleric being last. Son of the Marsh increased his load to four lengths passing the abattoirsand led Into the straight, where Maltine rajodly fell away. Artillerle and Trafalgar, both coming fast, dashed up in Hie straight, but Sou of the Marsh finished It out well, and won by threequarters of a length from Artillerle who iu turn was Inilf-a-length In front or Trafalgar. Parsed was fourth, and then came Comedy King, Danaus and Flaviuius, 'With Maltine a bad last. Time, 2.7 J. THE COBURG STAKES, of 300 sovs. One mile. tol—Alveary, 6.7 1 J. N. -McArthur's fir h Brasseur. 6.9 .... 2 J. Rowan's ch c Braw Scot • R. A. Affleck's ch h McCulloch. 6.7 • Nineteen ran. Perilous wou by half a length. Time, 1.41*.

SYDNEY, this day. The “Sydney Morniijg Herald’’ describes tbe.Victoriaa Derby as a veritable boll over. Kigbt up to the rise of the barrier it was all Tamainl. After Hint a lot of other horses were mentioned, but Tanami was he. beard ot. He started oiT as lie finished, at the tall of the field, which was on tile whole well conditioned, and the largest since Carnage wou hi 1892. When i*iiey lined up at the harrier St. Wyne was on the mils, and extended iq order were Beverage, Indiscreet, Tanami, and HartfeD, with Desert Rose on the outer wing. They were quickly ilespatebed on their important mission la lino, which was soon broken by Beverage, Desert Rose, and Styria, while St. Wyne and Tanami dropped to the rear. Setting a sound pace, Beverage carried the tield along the riverside until near the bridge, where Desert Rose ran past him, and, fully maintaining the pace, conducted the field along the back to the half-mile post. Here Beverage, who had been kept within easy striking distance of the lender, again assumed command, and sm-cessfiilly resisting a bold challenge from Styria, who had escorted him Into the straight, won by three-quarters of a length, Bobadea four lengths away, with Il.'irtfell next. The ’’Telegraph’’ says: “By common consent there was not a real smasher among the eleven stnrtem, and many winners of previous Derbys could have wiped the floor with the lot. Desert Rose went to the front at the end of the second furlong, and carried the field along right to the home turn, where Beverage and •Styria joined issue, but once in line for home, the one-eyed Beverage assumed command by two lengths from Styria. At the distance ho shook off a bold bid by that titty, ami won by a short length.”

Young'Son (to mother who has just been invited to join the Optimistic Club of America) : Mamma, dear, what is an optimist? Fond Mother’: An optimist, my son, is a poor woman who lives in a milliondollar mansion, keeps one hundred servants or more, has two or three agents who do nothing but hunt up sonic new way for her to spend her income, and can, in spite of all this, look into the future with a sweet smile ami a brave heart.