Sporting News.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume VI, Issue 309, 25 June 1896, Page 6

Sporting News.

By

Reviewer.]

Chainshot has arrived in England in splendid condition.

Pyrites has been returned to his owner at Blenheim.

? Mr J. B. Reid has named his yearling St. Leger—Bangle colt Golden Legend.

: The Victorian Newmarket Handicap winner, Maluma, has arrived safely in England. Admiral Hawke (by Nelson) is in winter quarters at Mr Booth’s stables at Hamilton.

I have to acknowledge, with thanks, receipt of the Victorian Racing Calendar for June. ■ Auckland’s favourite, Fishmonger. is in work again, under his old mentor, Frank McManemin. The two-year-old colt by Tim Whiffler Weka has been placed in Teddy Barnes’ care, at Hawera, to train.

Mr “ Portland,” of Hastings, has sold Aphony .{by The Mute) to Mr Rupuhu Te Hianga, the former owner of Tiritea.

' Mr P. F. Tancred has named the two-year-old chestnut colt by Natator — Epsom ‘ln the Swim.” Certainly original.

Mr James Redfern has named his two-year-old filly by Malua—Madcap, Maliarda. This filly is full-sister to Maluma and Malvolio.

• - The mare by Isaac Walton —Molly Hawk (by Natator), advertised by Mr Wotton, is, we are informed by him, rising five years old.

How fast would a filly or colt by St. Leger from Weka gallop ? She was a “ lady ” herself when she made up her mind to get there. Mr De Mestre, who bred True Blue’s granddam, describes that good horse as a speaking likeness of his ancestor, Rose of Denmark.

' Catspaw, by Neckersgat —Cyclone, will, it is said; be J. E. Brewer’s mount in the V.R.C. Grand National Hurdles. He has a lot of pace. ; Who is the trainer that booked £BOO, at 100 to J, in the gaslight, about the double Hop Garden and Levanter? He must haveleft Ellerslie after the races.

Tally-Ho is still in Auckland. She is nearly right again, and I presume will be sent home to Hastings the first opportunity after the Hawkes Bay Meetings L I am informed that “ Onga” is the proper pame for the Herculaneum —Aconite mare, the property of Mr E. Dennis O’Rorke, and trained by John Rae.

Joe Gallagher accompanied Mr J. C. Booth to Sydney, per s.s. Te Anau, on Tuesday. Tit and Romp were the only ones of Mr Booth’s team that were taken.

The yearling black filly by Torpedo —Christina (half sister to Chris) has been named “ Trilby.” ” After the Ball” or “ A Bicycle Built for Two” have not been taken yet. At the V.R.C. “ Saturday” races, on the 13th inst., Dart (12.0) finished second to Rorke’s Drift (10.7) in the two-mile Steeplechase. Won by two length ; time, 3min 23sec. Mr G. P. Donnelly has named his two New Zealand Cup candidates (the two Drerdnoughts) Wehikore and Korematuku. The former gives a promise of being a fair colt. The many friends of Mr Tommy Rowe, formerly of Wanganui, but now residing at Hawera, will be glad to hear he is recovering from the fall he.received some time ago.

The pony Storyteller, by Puriri —Falsehood’ by Traducer, has returned to the scene of her birth, Wanganui, or to be correct, Fordell. She will be mated with The Workman next season.

f One would have thought the name Hazelmere original enough, but the daughter of Tasman — Hazel has been renamed since her arrival on Sydneyside, and now rejoices in the name of Nawnie.

Tonquin, winner of the Two-year-old Plate at the Newmarket (Engl nryl^Meeting, ran without plates; Mr Spencer Gollan noticed this in the paddock before the race, and lost no time in backing Tonquin, for the sole reason that he was running barefooted. Mr S. Ferry gave £ll in the saleyards for the Sydney Steeplechaser, Banjo, when a cast-off from A. Reed’s stable. Since then the horse has won several hurdle races and steeplechases, and by his latest success at Adelaide the party connected with him landed nearly £2OOO in stakes and wagers. The veteran, John Lunn, is now training Dissenter (Puritan —Achievement) and Soretna (a nice brown filly by Remington —Anterose, by Anteros—Sludge) at Grey town North, Wairarapa. Both the above are the property of Mr A. Fabian, and I should like to see “ the brothers” and John have a turn of luck.

An American owner, Mr P. Lorillard, scored a first, second, and third on the first day of the Newmarket meeting, the winner being a two-year-old named Berzak. The other American, Mr Croker, is not doing so well, and, shortly before the last mail left England, he sold the three-year-old Montauk — who had previously been well backed for the Derby—and a batch of two-year-olds to Mr W. Sibary.

.. The Magistrate at Palmerston North, in the case of Sadd v. Stanton, stated that money paid oyer in satisfaction of a betting transaction could be recoverable afterwards as an alleged loan to the winner. The claim (£2) arose out of a betting transaction on the Wanganui races, defendant claiming that he had backed the winning double of Steeplechase ■ and Winter Oats, while fflaintiff alleged that the amount was merely a oan advanced on.race day. Judgment was given for plaintiff for the amount.

Havanna, who is engaged in the V.R.C. Grand National Hurdle Race, ran a mile and a quarter, with.] list (J. Brewer) on his back, in 2.20 a, thus winning the Jumpers’ Flat R ice at Aspendale.

At the Epsom (Melbourne) Meeting, on June 6th, Plain Kate and Vagrant (by Gipsy KingBarbara) ran a dead heat in the Welter Handicap of six furlongs. Time, Imin The runoff was won by Plain Kate.

The handicaps for the Melbourne and Caulfield Cups appear in another column, but as there maybe a number of telegraphic errors in the list, we will await Australian files and take the first opportunity of cheeking the lists. There appears to be quite a division of opinion amongst the critics in Australia as to which of the two colts, Coil and Newhaven, will win the V.R.C. Derby. Haven’t any of the others that are nominated got a chance ? St. Albans’ stable should have something, so should Sam Cook.

Catspaw (10.12), who is said to be J. E. or G. Brewer’s mount in the V.R.C. Grand National Hurdle Race, won the Hurdle Race of one mile and a half at Aspendale Park, Melbourne, doing the distance and winning by three lengths in 2min 53fsec.

Sir William (by Sir Modred—Vesper), who was the Svdney dead-bird for the Melbourne Cup in Malvolio’s year, but finished second, has now taken to the stage. He appears at the Sydney Theatre Royal in a play called “The Derby Winner.”

The Huddard-Parker Company’s steamer Tasmania leaves Auckland, for Sydney, on Monday, 29th June, and another of the same company’s steamers (the Anglian) leaves Auckland for Gisborne, Napier, Wellington, and Dunedin on the following day. The C.J.C. should be thoroughly satisfied with the nomination lists for tho Grand National Hurdles and Steeplechase, and the Beaufort Steeplechase. The Aucklanders are represented in these lists by Bombardier Kingswood, Levanter, and St. Kilda.

The many friends of genial Dick Lawrence, part owner of St. Clements, will be sorry to hear that he is very ill and has been ordered to the dry climate of Ballar .t, Victoria. If our opinion goes for anything, the Auckland climate would kill a horse if it had chest complaint. The Auckland Racing Club would have sent a congratulatory telegram to H.R.H. the Prince of Wales upon the success of Persimmon, but the executive were too busy themselves receiving congratulations upon the success of the North N.Z. Grand National Steeplechase Meeting. The horse-training profession appears to be at a very low ebb in the southern portion of this Island, as I notice by an advertisement in one of the papers down that way : —“ Horses carefully broked to saddle, single or double harness. Trotters and racers trained. Clipping done.” Mr T. Barnett, of Dunedin (brother to Mr Mat. Barnett, of Barnett and Grant, the wellknown turf commission agents of Dunedin and Christchurch), passed through Auckland on Tuesdav on his way to Sydney for a short holiday. He expects to be back in time for the Wellington Meeting.

Old Parnell, the ex-Auckland steeplechaser (winner of the Great Northern Steeplechase in 1891), was submitted to auction at Hawera recently, and was passed in at £l2. He is sound, and worth the money for a good staunch hack. “ J. 8.,” can’t we form a syndicate and buy the old fellow ?

The Elite (Messrs Delohery and Craydon’s) Burlesque Minstrel and Variety Company open at the Opera House on Tuesday night, 30th inst., supported by a large company. The Queensland papers, where the company have been touring recently, write in high praise of them. Popular prices will be charged, viz., 25., Is., and sixpence.

Friday, 3rd July (next week), is the date of nominations for the Wellington Racing Club’s Steeplechase and Hunt Club (combined) meeting. The steeplechase jumps, I understand, are to be slightly re-arranged. The abridged programme will be found in another column. It should be recollected that the nominations for both day’s racing close on Friday next. The V.R.C. Grand National Hurdle Race, of three miles, will be decided on the 3rd July. Owing to the non-acceptance of Mutiny and Tiritea for the race, Maorilanders naturally have pretty well allowed their interest in the race to subside. There is now only one New Zealander engaged in the race, and that is Hero (by Gipsy King —Gladiator mare). Culzean, 11.7, must have a lot of pace, or he would not be handicapped at 7.10 for the Caulfield Cup, but from latest Australian papers I notice this horse has not been jumping too well, but he may go allright in the crowd, and if he does I shall take him, Bischoff, and Woonoke to supply the winner. The Steeplechase is decided on the following Saturday. Sydney is full of “ spielers,” says an exchange. Some of the “ camps” consist of 20 or 30 men, and these have meeting-places, passwords, and secret signs, and also a “ bank,” which is drawn upon whenever any of the fraternity get into trouble. Yes, and as soon as the totalisator is abolished that “ bank ” will be opened to find passage money for the “ schools ”to come over to New Zealand. Of course when they arrive they will be in duty bound to offer the chairmanship to Sammy Carnell, as by his tinkering with the totalisator and the “ Gaming and Lotteries Act” he will have assisted them (in the event of the machine being abolished) to a very lucrative business, because if they are able to make a good living in Sydney, where everyone is suspicious of anyone with the tone of a spieler about him, it is any odds that the guileless Maorilanders will be robbed right and left. The New Zealand born spieler is a coward, but the Sydney reated article is more' often than not a desperate character.

Rose of Wellington, one of the gems of the Wellington Park Stud and dam of that, good colt True Blue, was mated with Hotchkiss last season, and if the mare produces a son there will be great bidding for him as a yearling. Owing to the continued wet weather in the Hawke’s Bay district, the Hawke’s Bay races, to be held on Wednesday and Frid iy of this week, have been postponed. The date of meeting will probably be fixed to-day (Thursday). Billy Hadfield, the well-known cross-country horseman, is bound for Wanganui, and trusts to be able to get a horse or two to train down that way. He has excellent testimonials from employers both in Sydney and New Zealand, and being a steafiy fellow he should soon be in harness again.

I am sure every racing man in the colony will be pleased to hear that Dame Fortune has smiled on Mr W. Bobbett, who used to race Tetford, Lady Norah, etc. He has just taken a trip to England for the purpose of receiving a large legacy that has been left him. It will be a pleasure to welcome back the “ blue jacket, amber sash, and white cap,” Mr Bobbett’s racing colours, to the New Zealand Turf.

Commencing this evening the Davis Fantastiques will appear in the Opera House in their delightful entertainments. This is Professor Davis’ farewell visit to Auckland, and those who have not previously attended his entertainments bad better take the present opportunity of seeing this bewildering yet attractive entertainment.' The Professor also claims that it is “ the funniest show on earth.”

Here is a list of a few sires that were advertised in the English Racing Calendar of 1846. Each of the sires mentioned are now cornerstones in the English and Colooial stud books. The Cure at 10 sovs, Cowl at 8 guineas, Melbourne at 15 guineas, Muley Moloch at 20 guineas, Orlando at 10 sovs, Plenipotentiary at 15 sovs, Pantaloon at 12 guineas, Sir Hercules at 25 sovs, Slane at 25 sovs, Touchstone at 30 sovs, Venison at 25 guineas, Velocipede at 15 guineas, and Voltaire at 8 guineas. ■ ■ '

Mr Martin Taylor, the well-known Southern bookmaker, who is just now taking the baths at Rotorua, writes me that he has books open on all forthcoming events, including straight-out Caulfield, Melbourne, and N.Z. Cups, also doubles on the C.J.C. Grand National Steeplechase and Hurdles, and Melbourne and N.Z. Cups. Communications addressed to him, “ lurf Commission Agent, Christchurch,” will find him; if anybody doubts my statement they can refer to his advertisement.

It will be recollected that the many local friends of the late jockey, G. E. Hammond, who was killed at the Egmont Summer Meeting, subscribed through the agency of Mr W. S. Greenwood a sum of money for the purpore of purchasing a suitable monument ta place over the popular jockey’s grave. This has now been completed bi* Mr W. Parkinson, a local sculptor, and reflects great credit on him. The design and workmanship is excellent. The Canterbury Times says more si and accommodation is stated to be required at Ellerslie. We hardly know how to take that paragraph. Perhaps the writer means what he says, and, on the other hand, he might have “ writ them remarks sarcastic.” The grandstand at Ellerslie is the largest in New Zealand, and, besides this immense edifice, there is a large “ peoples ’ stand. When the public crowd the second or top floor of the grandstand at Ellerslie it will be time enough to think of more accommodation, but I think the population of Auckland will have to greatly increase before it will be necessary to build another stand.

The Victoria Racing Club, in their June Calendar, very sensibly draw the attention of stewards and secretaries of clubs under their jurisdiction to the following : —“ In order that the committee of the Victorian Racing Club may thoroughly understand all cases brought before it,' officials of clubs racing under V.R.C. rules are requested to cause full notes of the evidence at their enquiries to be taken in writing, and to forward such notes when the matters are reported to the V.R.C. Before seeking to impose any penalty, it is necessary that an opportunity be afforded the person accused of being heard, and of adducing evidence in his own defence, as the neglect of this precaution may render nugatory any punishment so imposed. I very much regret to hear of the loss Mr D. G. Riddiford, Master of the Raugitikei Hunt Club, has sustained by the death of his wellknown hunter, Awarua, by Ahua — Maminga. He has never won anything since leaving T. Scott’s stables, but “ Gipsy King,” who used to attend to the toilet of Awarua during the time he was at Ponsburn Lodge, informs me that the brown was one of the most honest horses in New Zealand, and if Awarua had died of a broken heart last year when he was asked to carry 13st through the heavy going at the Marton Spring and Rangitikei Hunt Club Combined Meeting, he would not have been surprised. Awarua dropped dead at Crofton (Marton), after doing a working gallop. Messrs Nathan have decided to place St. Hippo and Seaton Delavel at the service of breeders during the ensuing covering season. I have seen several of St. Hippo’s stock, and, judging by their size and strength, I should say his success as a stud horse is assured. Seaton Delavel, who was imported from England at the early part of last season, has of course not been long enough in New Zealand for us to judge him by his progeny, but if quality, a symetrical conformation, and high-class pedigree count for anything, he is likely to prove a very valuable importation to the thoroughbred stock of New Zealand. Leolantis (by Leolinus —Atlantis) is for lease. The halfbrother to St. Leger should be a good spec for the Waikato district this season. It must not be forgotten that Leolantis is a full brother to “Fabulous (the sire of Fabulist), and, besides, Leolantis could gallop.

The Duneedin Jockey Club has purchased a property for a new racecourse immediately opposite and close to the Wingatui railway station." It contains 155 acres. The course will be a mile and a quarter in circumference, a chain and a half wide, with two straights a quarter-mile each.

According to Southern papers, Barnardo and Liberator were much knocked about in the Great; Northern Steeplechase, and could not leave Auckland until they had a spell. Those who were, present at the meeting failed to notice anything amiss with either horse when they pulled up, and ; as far as the trainers of both horses are concerned, they left Auckland at the time they made u p their mind to. Neither horses had immediate 8 engagements, so why rush them from the course on to the boat. •. *. <

I cannot understand Hawera people letting the; dam of Booties go for £9. The old mare, of course, is “ more than six,” but it takes a good ’un to beat her in harness. A friend of mine'; hired an alleged trotter to draw a very light vehicle a few miles beyond Manaia, and asked me to accompany him, which I did. When returning we were close behind a dog-cart containing the well-known sports, Dick Mcßae, Dave Knight, the late Joe Poole, and another whose name I cannot think of at present. However, those mentioned were a fair load. They invited us to pass them, but our alleged trotter, although he struck out in great style and made a terrible clatter on the road, was not equal to the task... My friend assured me the that our moke was . about the best in light harness in the Hawera, district. “If that is so,” I said, “we had better find out what the other moke is.” Of course, when we caught up to the dog cart again we re-,, ceived a great deal of chaffing, and after enquiries, were more than astonished to know that “the., other moke ” was the dam of Booties, one. of the good old sort that would go till they dropped,-

I expressed some surprise at Tim Whiffler, the sire of a few good-looking hacks on the :nui coast, being sold for two pounds, but a friend; who was at the sale says that Patsy Butler’s old .nag was very low in condition. Of course, onecan hardly expect a horse nineteen years of age to look over gay, but I saw Tim about two years?ago, and he looked the gayest of a lot .of gay’; stallions disporting themselves in the show, ring;-; and before he began to dip in the back he was as. symetrical as they are foaled, and he took a lot ’ of beating. His want of size—in height—has v always been against a profitable stud season with ; him, but strange to say, his stock are fine, big. .. strapping animals, and there is not a better- ; looking racehorse on the Wanganui coast than ; his son Carrick, from Barbarina. This colt won.; the first and only race he started for, but a leg;; ailment, from which I am glad to hear he is re-”, covering, has prevented him*from starting since.;; But when he is well I can assure my readers he - is 18-carat. Still, there is a feeling amongst owners of well-bred mares that Tim’s stock will _ display the same roguishness as be did when, racing. Those who have ridden Tim give him a „ very bad character, but this should not prevent him being worth more than £2 for hackneys. . . .J.

An Arizona and a Montana man met recently,”) and the subject of conversation turned on buck-;/, ing horses, and how the cowboys in the different States of America could stick to them. The Arizona man commenced: —“We have some very . skilful riders down in my country. This, of course, shows out particularly when they are..breaking wild broncos to ride. When an in--, furiated mustang, saddled for the first time, and -. rearing and bucking with all the terrific energy--; of his savage nature, looks up out of the tail of;; his eye and watches his rider calmly roll und r ; light a cigarette, it has an excellent effect on him, v and usually he cools down, realising the hopelessness of his task.” Then the Montana man had his say : —“ That will do very well, I dare say, for the comparatively mild and inoffensive horses of yOur southern latitude, but it has been found to have no influence whatever on onr fierce and vicious beasts. But when one of our epwboys mounts a bronco for the first time it helps greatly to subdue the creature when, after he hasleaped and pitched for fifteen minutes, he happens to glance back and finds his rider quietly shaving, holding a small mirror in one hand and the razor in the other, with the mug, hot water, and bay rum is in a little basket On his arm. Ah, it’s all in knowing how to Subjugate a Mountain bronco ! ” Then the meeting of prominent citizens adjourned. i

The Dunedin Jockey Club has decided that the running track on their new racecourse at Wingati will be a mile and a quarter in circumference. If they want their patrons to enjoy the racing they will very wisely reduce the distance to a mile, or a mile and a distance. Racing people do not enjoy the actual racing on a course, say, of a mile and a half in circumference. Take the Christchurch, Randwick, Flemington, and even the Rangitikei race tracks. After every meeting the public have a feeling that they have boen to the races, but they did not enjoy the sport, simply because the horses are too far away from them for the greater part of any race. Again, in these large or long tracks, it generally means a long straight, and a man who says he can enjoy seeing a lot of horses racing up a half or qurter mile straight, when he is not able to tell which horse is in front, etc., should have his bumps felt. The best course in New Zealand or Australia (and I have seen the lot) for enjoying a race is the Wanganui course, which is a mile and a few yards in circumference. After every New Zealand Cup visitors who have been, to Riecarton for the first time generally remark—“ Oh, yes, it’s a fine course, but too far round. I couldn’t distinguish the various horses at the back of the course, and getting near home they race for a long way up the straight, and you can’t tell which is winning or likely to win.” A telescope is about the handiest thing I know of on a mile-and-a-half or even a mile-and-a-quarter track—that is, judging by the effect they produce.

It has been suggested, by a correspondent, says -<« Delaware,” that a benefit football match should be arranged between the disqualified (pony) jockeys and trainers and the race officials. If the latter cannot muster a team, one or two punters and books of the Noah’s Ark kidney might be added to make up. The above is the only way the idle horsemen can get a bit for the winter, besides they would then have an excellent chance of kicking the stuffing out of their natural -enemies.

I pointed out a week or so ago that the goldmining fever had seized hold of racing men as badly as anyone, and amongst them they hold a Jarge number of shares in different mines in the Auckland district, and as these shares are held purely for speculative purposes —on the buying and sellingprinciple —it will be useful information for those holding such scrip to know the reliable sharebrokers that they can instruct to do business for them, either to buy or sell. The sharebrokers —and their address—we can recommend to our readers are —Mr D. E. Clerk, 37 Exchange Insurance Buildings; Messrs Jones and Eorbes, 13 High Street; Messrs Lennox and Hull, 16 New Zealand Insurance Buildings; and William Shaw, mining agent, 93 Queen Street, Auckland. Each pf the above sharebrokers reply promptly to telegrams referring to share quotations or any business connected with the gold-mining industry.

The horses formerly owned by Mr Dave Knight of Hawera were submitted to auction last Saturday week. All were sold, and some at ruinous prices, as usually occurs at forced sales. The following are the prices realised : —Bay stallion, Tim Whiffler (1887), by Tim Whiffler —Parachute, sire of Voltigeur and many others, Mr J. Corrigan, Hawera, £2; b m Weka, by Dan’l O’Rorke— Minnie, by Traducer, with foal at foot by Tim Whiffler, Mr Pease, Hawera, £lB ; ch m Minnie, by Southern Chief, dam of Boooles, Mr Alexander, Normanby, £9; two-year-old colt by Tim Whiffler —Weka, Mr Budge, Manaia, £37; foal by Judge Beldon (trotter) from Minnie (dam of Booties), Mr A. Scott, Okaiawa, lOgs; ch g Strategy, by Puriri—Minnie, Mr J. Corrigan, Hawera, £7; b g, 2yrs, by Tim Whiffler— Booties’ dam, Mr J. Stone, Manaia, £24. On account of Mr E. N. Calthrop, the following were submitted: —Blk g Monte Carlo, by Ascot— Speculation, passed in at £100; b g Chatterbox, by The Mute —Lady Maxwell, Mr W. Douglas, Hawkes Bay, 37 gs ; b g Cyrus, by Volunteer, Mr J. R. Corrigan, Hawera, 20gs.

Who, amongst the racing fraternity, did not know good-natured “jockey” or “colonel” Dawson (either of which names he answered to) ? He was probably one of the most scientific “ battlers” that the racing world has ever known. It is strange that he should have preferred a rambling sort of life when he had plenty of opportunities of fairly good positions. The hardships and the .“roughing it,” and the many nights spent in “ Starlight Hotel,” were bound to tell upon even a more robust constitution than his, and when he did start to break up it was very suddenly, and some little time ago he was taken to the Gisborne Hospital, but from the time he was taken there no hopes were entertained of his recovery, and the “ colonel,” poor fellow, seemed to know the game was nearly up, and when any sporting friends visited him he always wanted to know how long they thought it would be before he would “ throw in the sixteen marble.” He had not long to wait, as a Gisborne friend, writing to a friend in Auckland, says that Dawson died in the local hospital recently. We have since had this confirmed. J. Dawson died on June 12th. If his reminiscences could have been collected and published, it would have afforded very amusing reading, as at times he was very witty, and when cornered pecuniarly could pitch a “ telling” tale that never failed to act. The revelations would also be worth something to the Railway Department and steamer companies. Many good stories of inoffensive “ jockey” Dawson will be re-told after this paragraph is read. If he found a novice at the “ battling” game “ dead broke,” and Dawson only had a shilling left for himself, he would hand it over to his less experienced pal, with the remark :—“ Take this, I can talk, and can travel without money,” and true enough, he could do both.

A friend of mine, who has been doing the Turf in the Old Country, has sent me a “ krect card” of the Epsom Spring Meeting, and of all the “ get ups” I ever saw it beats all. It is simply a card in book form, of four sheets, and the fourth page is all advertisements. There is neither sex, colour, nor pedigree given, and yet the stewards are Lord Rendlesham, Viscount Downe, Earl of Harewood, and Earl of Roseberry. We should expect something of a higher •class from the hands of such a governing body. Even our Wairarapa sports would want to know •what had gone wrong if such cards fell into their Lands. He also says the Australian Paris ran fourth in the Metropolitan, but could have finished third had he been ridden out. He could ihave won at two miles, but the ’extra quarter was -too far for him. In a description of the surroundings and management at Epsom, he adds it is no more to be compared to Randwick or "Flemington than Opaki would be, while the starter would not have more than one trial given him at any of our meetings. If he gets his field away in twenty minutes from the time they reach the post, it is considered good work. They don’t appear to have any time-keeper, as only • certain races are timed. The condition of the horses varied—some very big, others were light and looked faded. In size they run about the same as our thoroughbreds in the colonies, but with more quality on the whole. In reference -to the time test — the Frenchmen beat the Yankees bad. At the Paris Spring Meeting, Kerym, 8.11, won the Produce Stakes, one mile, four furlongs and a half, time by Benson’s chronograph, 2min 17 l-ssec. I should say the -timing gear was very much out of form, or the man in charge went to bed the night before and jforgot to undress himself.—Wairarapa Observer.