WELLINGTON.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume V, Issue 219, 4 October 1894, Page 5

WELLINGTON.

September 29. On form this Spring I think Saracen holds every N. Z. Cup candidate that has appeared so far safe for the big prize next November. In fact, good judges consider they have the winner in the St. George horse. The proposal advocated by Mr Samuels, of New Plymouth, to pay out a dividend on the total isator on the three placed horses in a race is in force in South Africa, and is very popular in that colony. Two totalisators are used at meetings in Johannesburg, one for paying out a dividend on the first horse only, and the other for placed horses. I would like to see this system given a trial at a metropolitan gathering in New ’ Zealand, and am sure it would be a success. It would also act as an incentive to owners to run their horses out, instead of the present system of instructing riders not to gain a situation unless it is the first one. I notice from Cape files that the Australian bred Arquebus, after running into a place on several occasions, got his nose in front in a mile and three furlong race at Johannesburg on the 22nd of last month. The stake was worth 300 sovs, with a sweepstake of 10 sovs added. The other Australian, Yarran, obtained second position in the principal event at the same meeting. Splendid prizes are given at Johannesburg, ranging from 200 sovs to 1500 sovs, the Cup being worth 5000 sovs (?), and it is a wonder that more Australian horses are not sent there, as there appears to be a good field open to an enterprising man to make money. Allan-a-dale was staunchly supported here for the double at Rangitikei, but J. Maher’s bad luck has not deserted him yet, and the horse did not even obtain a situation in either place. I hope that Dame Fortune is more kind to Maher in the future as he deserves a better fate, being a very painstaking trainer. Awarua’s supporters in town got a “ point ” on to our local pencillers on Wednesday, obtaining 2 to 1 about the horse’s chance in the Hunters’ Hurdles. They thus profited 15s more on every pound invested than they would have done under the old “ tote” prices. Musket’s victory in the Final Handicap was expected here, and the consistent grey gelding once more did a good turn to Wellington backers. He and old Liberator are, I think, the two best “ poor man’s horses” in the colony. The strong hand shown by “ Dave ” Knight’s team at Bulls—three firsts and two thirds —has caused enquiries to be made about Monte Carlo’s chance for the N. Z. Cup. Rumour says Kaffir, in R. Kingan’s stable at Awahuri, will show he is no duffer before the season is over. Lottie has many supporters in town for the thousand pounder in November, and she bids fair to see a short price before the day. Backers are taking 10 to 1 about her chance at the present time. For myself I fancy she will pay more than 10’s on the machine. There is every prospect of Handicap- ’ per Henry’s opinion expressed some time ago that over 20 horses will go the post for the N. Z. Cup—which would establish ■ ... ■

a record for the race —being fulfilled. And then some people would not be S3-t i • The popular host of the Victoria Hotel (Wanganui), Mr Charlie Chavannes, returned from his Australian trip to-day. He speaks highly of the manner in which the sportsmen of the other side treated him during his stay. Mr W. T. Wynyard, the well-known athlete, was entertained at a dinner last night by his numerous friends, previous to his departure for Auckland. He left for the latter city by this morning’s tram. Great preparations are being made for the Musical Festival next week. There aie 300 performers associated with it, and a musical treat is in store for the Empire City. TBY WIRE.] October 2. From all accounts, Westmere with a more energetic horseman than Manning, would have been returned the winner of the Rangitikei Spring Handicap. The horse is not properly wound up yet, and should be in capital fettle by N.Z. Cup time. He is coming into favour with Wellington backers for that event in view of the consistent form he has recently shown. The stewards of the Wellington Trotting Club have decided to hold a trotting meeting on Friday, November 23. The program me, *in addition to the usual trotting events, will include two pony gallops. The Hawke’s Bay meeting proved disastrous to Wellington backers. Pompom and Golden Fleece had many admirers here for the Hawke’s Bay Guineas, while Monte Carlo was a strong fancy for the Spring Handicap. It is probable that A. McCormick will have the mount on Monte Carlo in the New Zealand Cup if he can ride the weight. The tender of Mr F. Hill has been accepted by the Manawatu Pacing Club for the working of the totalisator. The nomination for the big handicap at the Summer Meeting has been reduced from 3 sovs to 2 sovs and the acceptance fee increased from 7 sovs to 8 sovs. The following were elected to office at the adjourned meeting of the Wairarapa Hunt Club, held on Saturday last:— Master, Mr M. G. Tully ; DeputyMasters, Messrs C. F. Vallance and F. Pearce; Treasurer, Mr N. Grace; and Secretary, Mr R. McKenzie. Mr Harold Welch, the newly-appointed huntsman, has taken charge of the hounds, and the subscription to hunting members has been reduced to £1 per annum. Twentyeight new members were elected at the meeting. A resolution was carried contradicting Constable Smith’s report to the Licensing Committee that there was exceeding drunkenness on the course at the club’s Steeplechase Meeting. Mr H. S. Izard was appointed to wait on the committee of the Wellington Racing Club at their next meeting and argue the matter out on behalf of the club.

The Rangitikei Racing Club made a profit of £75 over their recent Spring meeting. Sylvia Park, the full brother to Hippomenes, was on the big side at Bulls races and is spoken of as a coming horse. I understand that an offer of £350 was made for him, but the owner declined to sell.

An offer of £BOO was made and refused for Bangipuhi at Bulls races.