Turf Gossip.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3, 17 July 1912, Page 13

Turf Gossip.

By

WHALEBONE.

The Menechlkoff getting Dogger Bank is siated to have changed hands in Gisborne last week for 33 guineas. The total number of totalisator permits used last season was 108; this season 128 permits have been applied for. After a spell of about six months, the i: -re Almeida has resumed work again at Ellerslie, under J. Williamson's guidance. In addition to Scorch, F. Loo mb Wrought 1;<-k with him from Gisborne a rising threey car-old filly by King's Guest —Young Ulra, ‘which has just been handled. The Auckland sportsman, Air Selby, is reported to have purchased the Merriwee gelding Wee Rose at the conclusion of the Gisborne meeting. Returned visitors from Gisborne have a good word to say for Field Force, halfbrother to Necktie, which ran third in the Maiden Hack Race at the recent Gisborne meeting. Mr G. D. Greenwood informed a Sydney interviewer recently that his horses would r« turn to New Zealand after taking part in the Spring Meeting of -the Australian Jockey Club. The Cuirassier gelding John, which claims 3ii engagement in the C.J.C. Grand National Hurdle Race, is reported to be shaping well his schooling over hurdles. G. Trice leaves for Sydney from Weii i-zton this week with the Highden team for the Australian spring campaign. Bronae, and two youngsters by Charlemagne II are to make the trip. The balance-sheet of the New’ Zealand Racing Conference shows that the Accident Fund has £12,81'0 on fixed deposit or !n the tank. The dates applied for by the Wellington Racing Club for their spring Meeting, 0 -tuber 26 and 28, have been objected to by the Canterbury Jockey Club. The old New Zealand gelding Hautapu started second favourite in the Australasian Steeplechase at Williamstown, Melbourne, on June 29, but fell at the first fence. Last season trainers contributed £419 and '. keys £3Bl to the Accident Fund of the New Zealand Racing Conference, while emergency riders’ fees totalled £ll3 4/9, The rising three-year-old Monorail, which I not race up to expectations after he won the Avondale Stakes last September, is in steady work at Ellerslie. Monorail has not grown much, but has furnished weU, ti-d may be decidedly" useful next season. The Leola nils mare Miss Livonia has re- . ned W. Sharp’s team. looking bright and v. • a after her rest. The pony Mahinga, which was badly galloped on while racing /: the autumn, is also back at W. Sharp's king in great heart. Auckland owners are well represented in the acceptances for the Wellington meeting, included in the lists being La Reina, Tui t’akobau, Armagh. Taiaha, Hautere, Black Northern, Salute, Uranium, Master Theory, and Taketumu. The programme of the Auckland Racing <’lub for -the coming season has not yet < een passed by the full committee, and it '> understood nothing definite will be dC’ cided upon until near the end of the month. During the past season no fewer than 2C14 horses were registered under -the New Zealand Racing Conference Accident Fund. The total amount paid in claims during the Same time was £1894 7.4, while £176 still remains in abeyance. Word from the south states that the geld- - Appin has broken down badly, and y never race again. Appin gave promise > f being useful over the big fences, and 1' loss ar this time cf the year is bad k for the owner. The Australian Jockey Club has decided to appoint another stipendiary steward, J king three for the Sydney Metropolitan area, and to enlarge their powers by giving them full control over the racing at Rand At York on 21st ult., the principal race, the Great Northern Handicap, of filosovs, ore mile and a half, resulted in a dead heat after a long protracted duel between Lord Ellesmere's Protestant, ridden by the exNew Zealand jockey L. H. Hewitt, and Major Smith’s Succon, ridden by the crack American horseman Danny Maher. The Auckland horseman B. Deelcy will be unable to gratify his ambition to try d beat C. Jenkins* record of winning rides, as he was compelled to leave for Sydney thte week. He cabled across to Mason asking for pennmsion to ride at Wellington, but received a reply that hia services were required for the Rosehill meeting. In the Auckland district last reason there Were ir, registered racing dubs that did •ot hold race meetings, via.. Coromandel, UukercDui, HunUy, Hamilton Polo, Ka-

whia, Ma ungata atari, MatamaM, Northern Wairoa, Oh-aupo, Papakara fdefunct), Paklira Hunt, Taumarunui, Waipa, Waihi end Waimana. The various provident funds of the Auckland Racing Club are in a healthy position. The Distressed Jockeys’ Fund is in credit £2BB 17 6. the Trainers and Jockeys’ Disabled Fund £391 2/7, the Trainers’ Provident Fund £285 19/2, and the Jockeys’ Provident Fund £648 12/11, making a credit total balance of £1614 12/2. A number of thoroughbreds were disposed of by auction at Messrs. A. Buckland and Sons’ yards last week, the prices realised being as follows:— Stallion Highland Chief, by St. Hippo—Kohila, 60gns, Mr. Jobb; Hierarchy, by Hierarch—Tournament. 25gus, Mr Jobb: ills Eminence, by Hierarch — Merry Souh. 33gns. Mr. Jobb; colt Flying Feather, by Obligado—Cadence, 7€>gns. Mr. Brown; brood mare Rambling Rose. 18gns, Mr Fry; trotter Moorish Chief, Signs, Mr. Fry. According to a Wanganui paper, Antarctic has made very promising headway, and there seems io be every reason to believe that James Peachey's painstaking care has removed the last traces of soreness, so tteit it may be reasonably expected the crack ‘chaser will be In a position to reproduce his best form by the time the Grand National comes up for decision. It is understood J. Stewart, who recently returned from Australia, where he has been riding in good form, will have the mount on Antarctic at Riccarton. The victory of Wingarra in the V.R.C. Grand National Hurdle Race had something of a New Zealand flavour about it. He was ridden by Jack McGregor, who. it is claimed, has had more falls than any other cross-country rider of the present day, while his owner-trainer, Mr L. Robertson, is also an ox-New Zealander, who made a name for himself in the South as a trainer of trotters. He had two engaged in last Saturday's race. Merry Monarch and M ingam. and when the last mail left the was one of the favourites for the race. M mgarra won a hurdle race at iUiamstown the week before the Grand National. It is interesting to note that the various racing clubs in and around Auckland are hopeful of having the days’ racing curtailed test season restored. The dates applied for the different meetings are:— Auckland Racing Club: Spring meeting, November 2.6, 9. or 6 and 9; summer meetin* December 26 and 30. January 1 and 2; autumn meeting. Marrh 22 24 25, or 22 and 24- winter meeting. May 31, June 3 and o. AvcaulaJe Jockey Club:Jpnng meeting, September 21, 25, 28. or 25 and 28: autumn meeting, April 16 and 19 ,1a kapuna Jockey Club: Spring meeting, November 27, 30, summer meeting. January 29, February 1 and 5 or January 29 and February 1: winter meeting, May 21 and 24. According to an English exchange, exMaorilander D. H. Hewitt gave a marked demonstration of his skill in riding and managing fractious racers at Lingfield Park (Enzland) recently. Only a couple could be found to contest the Wray Two-Year-Old Selling Plate (five furlongs) out of an entry of fifteen. The race, however, furnished a mile sensation, as at one time 4 and 5 to 1 was offered against Shepherd’s Bush, but eventually bookmakers accepted a shade of Odds on Vsaa colt. Prior to the start Shepherd’s Bush (L. Hewitt) broke the tape?> and then when the barrier went up she tried to bolt to the opposite rails, losing many lengths. She. however, got on terms with Usaa colt at the distance, and amidst considerable excitement won by three-parts of a length. The winner was sold to Sir Abe Bailey for. 410gns. It is not usual for the Derby to be won from end to end. but a cable to the ‘ Asian says that that is how Tagalie treated the opposition In the English Derby last month, and cantered home four lengths in front of Jaeger, while the King s Pintadeau was beaten out of third place by a head. The cable referred to tells in addition that there were 20 starters, and the betting against the first four was 100 to 8 v. Tagalie. 8 to 1 y. Jaeger, 66 to 1 v. Tracery, .and 100 to 8 v. Pintadeau, while Sweeper 11. was a solid favourite at 2 to 1. White Star was ridden by the French jockey and Jingling Geordie by F. Wootton The “Asian'* also contains the starters for the Oaks. There were 13 of them, and the result was a prodigious surprise, for while ihe Derby winner, Tagalie, started at - to 1 “on.” and ran unplaced, the first two, Mirska and Equitable, went nut at 33 to 1 each, and Bill and Co. third at 10 to 1. Reiff rode Tagalie hi the Derby.\ who had been engaged weeks before, had the mount on her in the Oaks.

A well-known horseownor voices a complaint concerning th^condit ions governing the hack events vunjit the various meetings around Auckland outshlo LHerslie. These he points out, debar a horse that has won a stake of Wsovs and in some cases 25sovs from competing, which he contends is’unfair. Rule XI. states that races In which any tiorae is debarred from en J ry by reason of his winnings having exceeded n anerified amount are hack races, and the word “back” used in the title of any race ohaH be deemed to Indicate that It Is a baek race There Is a *vaguenaas about the rule, and’the ctaba get over the matter by giving a local name to the event and leaving out the word -hack,” which. It contended, allows the tertustoa <*jftaln conditions. It of course, debatable a«

to whether such is the case, and although I understand a ruling has been given on the matter by the chairman of the Racing Conference, still it would be better if the wording of the rule made tt more explicit. In any case hack conditions are stringent enough, and it is a pity the Auckland clubs don't place events on their programmes under such conditions.

The Hon. J. D. Ormond’s recent purchase, King Mark, was sired by Marco, the sons of which at the stud in England command good fees. Ills dam, Galeta, is by I-adas (winner of the Two Thousand, Derby. Newmarket Stakes, etc.), from Galanthis, by Galopin (winner of the Derby), sire of St. Simon and Donovan (winner of the Derby and St. Leger), from Gertrude, by Saunterer (winner of the Goodwood Cup), from Queen Bertha (winner of the Oaks), dam of Spinaway and Wheel of Fortune (winners of the Oaks and One Thousand Guineas). The latter was unbeaten as a two-year-old, and was only defeated once—in the Great Yorkshire Stakes—as a three-year-old. She produced Busybody (winner of the One Thousand Guineas and Oaks). Queen Bertha was by Kingston, sire of Caractacus (winner of the Derby), from a daughter of Surplice (winner of the Derby and St. Leger). From the above it will be seen that the latest purchase for the Dominion is stoutly bred on both sides, and mated with the Birkenhead mares at Kaiamu, should make a name for himself as a sire.

Mr. ITenrys did not wait for the due date to declare his adjustments for the C.J.C. National events, and they were published a day before time. Mr. Henrys has adopted a high scale in both races, and his handicaps appear to have been given a lot of attention. Te Aral (12.7), which heads the list, is in the paddock, and is not likely to run, so that Continuance (12.3) is the first to be considered. The son of Sabretache must be given a great chance, for he is well up to the weight. Antarctic (12.2) has been weighted up to his best form, as has Hautere (11.9). No chance has been taken with Black Northern (11.3) or Sir Lethe (11.2), while the connections of Paritutu would probablv be surprised at the son of Castor receiving 11.2. It is interesting to note Mr. Pollock’s treatment of the above horses at Wellington as compared with Mr. Henrys’. Mr. Pollock starts Continuance on a 41b lighter scale, and makes him concede Antarctic 31b. Hautere HMbs, Sir Lethe 131bs. Black Northern 161 bs, and Paritutu 18lbs. Mr. Henrys makes Antarctic 11b. Hautere Btbs. Black Northern 141 b«. Sir Lethe 151bs. and Paritutu 15'bs. Okai~ ban (11.2) has been nicely bandied, and mav be the best of the Auckland horses, although Armagh (10.8) is coming on nicely. Tthe race is full of possibilities, and a lot of light-weights cannot be written out. In ihe hurdle race Paisano (11.11), The Rover (10.13). Koran (10.13). John 410.3), and Bully (9.13) catch the eye, but, as in the steeplechase. the handicap is a good one, slid both should attract barge acceptances. * £ WAIRARAPA NOTES. Very little work is being done on the tracks at Opaki just now. There are fewer horses in training there than hits been the case for some years. R. Knox has Sir Knox and other horses in band in view of the Wellington meeting. The Tauherenikau trainer, Harry Fletcher, will take Toney to the Wellington gathering. Leapuki and Hilarian, from Nat Williams’ stable at Clareville, wiU ateo compete at Treniham. J. Gravestock is keeping Nedra and Sir Lethe at solid work in view of forthcoming engagements. Sir Lethe hits lately shown very much improved form, and is much favoured for big events at Trentham and Riccarton. T'wo years ago Sir Lethe ran third in the Grand National Steeplechase. He is now undoubtedly one of the best jumpers in New Zealand. Elevated, by Elevation —Sunfish, who showed by his running at the last Tawherenikau Meeting that he possessed some pace, was operated on this week. He is owned by a Featherston resident, and is to be trained at Trentham by J. Cress, formerly of Masterton. ’ The hunter Miss Gibhs. a seven-year-old mare by Chief Commander, has been placet! in J. Gravestock’s hands at Clareville. She is a good jumper, with a fair amount of pace. Hilarian ricked his fetlock somewhat badly a few days aeo. bi. Williams has had him under special treatment, and the San Fran gelding Is now able to take -walking exercise. The old training track at the Hutt Park racecourse has been finally closed, and -the last of the trainers to leave, C. Pritchard, has now taken up his quarters at Trentham. Bally Shannon did not run up to track form at Gisborne. The Merriwee gelding Is to be put to the jumping gw me. He has shown very good form in his triala, and should turn out a very serviceable hurdler. Mr. C. T. Valiance is spelling his hurdler Hill La hr. G. Neltch has taken British Maid and a youngset or (Surat lira) in hand. Both fire to he got ready for the early spring meetings. •F 4* F TURF TALK FROM THE SOUTH. There is nothing stirring in connection with the Grand National Meeting so far, and though the api»earanee of the- weights tills week aroused tome interest there will nut bo much, excitement for a little time yet until the horses begin to arrive, which in the majority of cases will not be until after the close of the Wellington Meeting next week. In the meantime Continuance and The Native are the popular fancies among double backers. Fortunately there has been a marked improvement in t.he weather during the past week. Thia has naturally had a correspondingly good effect on the training tracks nt Rfrearton, •■which are now in quite a satisfactory condition, and the trainers

have for the moment ample facilities for the working of their charges. It is not wise to venture an opinion as to how long such a desired state of affairs may prevail, for a sudden change in the climatic conditions immediately brings about a transformation, and training operations are again checked.

Facilities provided during the week have been quite satisfactory, by reason of the wisdom displayed by the custodian in opening the outside of the course proper for fast work on three days. This provided the urgent needs of the trainers, and relieved what would have proved an awkward situation.

There has not been a great deal of schooling work, but what little has been performed has on the whole proved satisfactory to those concerned. The only mishap during the week was when Daylight Bill, ridden by L. Haggerty, while schooling in company* with Heirloom, stumbled after landing over a flight of hurd.es, and unseated his rider, who was none the worse for his fall. White Flag gave a nice display over four flights on Saturday. He is a fast jumper, but his style of galloping suggests that he may easily tire. A pleasing piece of schooling over the big fences was performed on Friday when Silver Blaze and. Shillelagh were associated. The former negotiated two circuits, while the latter was eased up after landing over the sod wall the second time. lie also missed the post and rail fence, and was taken over the flight of hurdles ahfcig&tto. It is always a matter of surprise to me why so many of our trainers of jumpers prefer to have their horses miss the p«st and rail fence when schooling over the big fences, as apparently there are no faults to be found in its construction, unless perhaps it is a trifle too solidly built for their liking. • The condition of W. Rotter remains unchanged. He was operated on to relieve the pressure on the brain, and. though still unconscious, is said to be making fair pro-

Tannhauser has recovered from his recent illness, and is again a regular worker on the Ricearton tracks. Armamento, an aged gelding by Loyd Roslyn, with a Dunedin t'up to his credit, is in w : ork at Riecarton. H. Thomson, who has t 4 horses in his active list at present, has just taken up Gay Soult. Anna Carlovna, Special Form, Editah and May Dalrymple, winch are all looking well after their respite. Gay Soult, the brother to General Latour, wiucli has had a lengthy rest, during which time lie was emasculated, lias not grown up much in the interval, but this is not a matter for surprise as the sou of Soult is a low set and sturdily built gelding, which early m. his two-year-old career eave one the impression of being already furnished. Like a large number of Soult's progeny he is of a tiighly strung and excitable temperament. The Hierarch —Peace gelding Valhalla has been showing signs of lameness after fast work, and the infirmity is located in the knee which was so severely injured through, coming in contact With a fence while running in the paddock last year. His trainer, p V Mason, had doubts about his standing a preparation. Valhalla has shown that M has a fair turn of speed, and it will be unfortunate it he does not train on successfully. The Stepniak —Corslet gelding Ow-hetrio is the latest addition to F. P. Claridge's active brigade. Bueco. by Stepniak—Britomarte, was brought from Balclutlia by his ownei, Mr J. P. Anderson, during the week, and has been placed under the care of D. Roberts to be prepared for future engagements. The satisfaction of the Ricearton trainers at the Improvement in the tracks consequent on the cessation of the rain, was shortlived. Rain set in again on Wednesday, and there has been no let up since then. There will now be more delay, and the outlook for those wishing to wind their horses up for engagements at the Grand National Meeting is far from bright. There is likely to be trouble before the Dates Committee of tire Racing Conference next week over the dates for the Wellington Racing Club’s Spring Meeting. The Wellington Club has chosen October -.6 and October 28, the latter day being Labour Day. a holiday, which the club bas engaged for the last two seasons. The Canterbury Jockey Club intends to object to the Wellington dates, as the C.J.C. New Zealand Cup Meeting opens on the Saturday following the Trentham meeting. The Southland trainer, P. T. Hogan, In charge of Lugeon, Vulgar Boy, and Gagdala, has arrived at Ricearton, where he will complete the preparation of Ids three charges for their engagements at the Grand National Meeting. Countermine, White Cockade. Master Paul, and Sea King, the Bieearton horses which are engaged at the Winter Meeting of the Wellington Racing Club next week, are expected to leave for the North on Saturday.

Sea King, which has shaped fairly well in some of his recent schooling displays at Riccarton lately, was given a turn the big hurdles on Tuesday, when he s’lapid badly, and It Is doubtful it he will be further persevered with in the jumping department. The jockey W. Retter, who has been In tIJ Christ, bur. h Hospital L.r three weeks suffering from Injuries received through a fall atßiccarton. remains In an uiiion- .. i.ius state his condition being unchanged. The two wear-old Glen Owl. by Gienapp, which won afrace at the North Otago J.C meeting In Miiy, Is the only «mi"> horse engaged In the Trial I late to kn decided at the Wellington RC. Winter Meeting next week.