After the Races.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume IX, Issue 434, 17 November 1898, Page 12

After the Races.

AUCKLAND RACING CLUB’S SPRING MEETING.

[By

Atlas.]

Second Day—Wednesday, November 9.

There was a splendid attendance on the second day of the A.R.C. Spring Meeting, despite the fact that the weather in the early part of the day wore a threatening appearance ; but that did not frighten the public away, and even the fair sex mustered in good force. In all departments the management of the meeting was as satisfactory as on the first day, and a good day’s sport was enjoyed. The sum of £8,682 was passed through the machine, making a total for the two first days of the meeting of £14,022, or £417 in excess of the corresponding days last year. Nine cried content with Mr Evett’s adjustment in the Spring Handicap, but the public seemed to think that Record Reign had the best of the allotments, and consequently he was made favorite. Thus early the punters proved to be right in their estimate. The pace from the start was made solid by St. Ursula and Lufra, while Auld Reekie ran prominently. When heads were fairly turned for home the favorite took charge and won comfortably by a couple of lengths, Lady Marion and Lufra filling the places. The divididend of £2 5s is not a large one when it is remembered that a field of nine started.

Five was the main in the Second Handicap Hurdles, for which Tim was made favorite, but the disappointing Nor’-West also received good support. The order in the first part of the race was —Kapai, South Pacific, Nor’-West, Tim, and St. Simon. Passing the grandstand, Nor’-West raced up to Kapai, and this pair made the pace along the bottom turn, Kapai having a little the best of it. Along the back Tim ran up to the leaders, and had reached the front at the home turn. Tim led over the last hurdle, and then St. Simon came with a strong run, but he couid not catch the leader, who won finally by a couple of lengths. St. Simon beat Kapai for Second place by a length, and then followed Nor' - West and South Pacific.

Nine saddled up for the Musket Stakes, and Hastings was made favorite. Miss Delaval was asked to carry 9.2, which certainly seemed a big load for the little filly, but she demonstrated her ability in a manner that stamps her as the best two-year-old seen out this season in the Auckland district. Hastings and Seahorse were first away, but Mark Ryan kept the top weight pretty handy without bustling her. In the straight it looked as if Seahorse and Hastings were going to battle it out. Approaching the stand Major George’s fine-looking colt appeared to have the best of it, but at this juncture Seaton Delaval’s beautiful little daughter came up on the outside with an undeniable run, and she romped past the post fully two lengths in front of Seahorse. The public like to see a good horse win, and a cheer was bestowed on filly and rider when they returned to scale. Miss Delaval has now started in three races, all of which she has won. No one will begrudge Dan McLeod his luck in getting hold of a filly, whose performances should greatly enhance the value of the Sylvia Park stock this year. Miss Delaval is a compact animal, and many people would regard her as too small, but a close inspection reveals the fact that she is bigger than she looks, and she takes very much after her sire in conformation. Wednesday’s performance convinced all who saw it that Miss Delaval is not only a galloper but that she can carry weight. A dozen were left in the event of the day, the Prince of Wales Handicap. They were nearly all old opponents, most of them having met one another frequently. Fabulist was the public choice, but I was just a little surprised to see the amount of support given to old Panoply, who was better supported even than his old and favorably-handicapped conqueror, Crusoe. When Mr Cutts released the barrier the field jumped away on pretty equal terms, Korowai and Acone just showing clear of the others. Soon afterwards Lady Harriet joined the leaders, who passing the stand were attended by Fabulist and Record Reign, while Crusoe was one of the rear division. Rounding the bottom turn Lady Harriet fell back, and Korowai went on with the lead by herself, her nearest attendants now being Merry Maid, Fabulist, and Record Reign, while Crusoe was threading his way through the rear division. At the home turn Record Reign got on terms with Korowai, who began to fade out of it. Approaching the Derby Stand Record Reign was still in front, but Fabulist and Acone were close up, while Crusoe was coming with a strong run on the inside. He never once faltered, and catching Record Reign opposite the stand he ran home a winner by a length, Fabulist a good third, St. Gordon fourth, and then came Korowai, Acone, and Coronet together, while Lady Harriet was last.

Reindeer was picked out as the good thing in the field of seven starters for the Handicap Steeplechase. Nor’West and Mangare were the first pilots, and then Conscript took a hand in showing the way, followed by Reindeer. At the fence at the foot of the hill Jim fell, and so interlered with Kapai that he lost his rider, but

the horse continued to negotiate the fences. Reindeer and Nor’-West continued most of the time in the lead, while old Magpie was toiling on after them, the rest being out of it. Going through the plantation for the last time Nor was in front, and led down the hill to the stonewall, but Reindeer continued to creep up, and the pair were together at the last fence. Nor -West stuck gamely to his work, but Reindeer outlasted him, and wen finally by a couple of lengths. Magpie was third, four lengths away, and the others walked in with the crowd. Nor’-West ran a good, game horse, and would have paid a good dividend had he won. Out of the ten that started for the Maiden Plate Handicap, the chances of Bluejacket (who, I see, had the services of his old jockey, Taylor) and Donneraile were most fancied. The fractiousness of several of the field interfered with the start. Archduke was the first away, and he led Volcano and Knight of Athol. Along the back Knight of Athol began to catch the leader, and was with the ex-pony at the home turn. A good race down the straight was witnessed, Knight of Athol winning by half a length from St. Lawrence, with Admiral Hawke a good third. The favorites, Bluejacket and Donneraile, did not get a good run. Miss Rose, notwithstanding her crushing impost of 10.9, was made a warm favorite in the Pony Handicap, for which nine started. Some punters seem to think that weight eannot stop a horse, but the 10.9 stopped Miss Rose, and the race was won by Little Wonder, to whom. Miss Rone was conceding 431bs. Little Wonder finished gamely, and won all ont by half a length from the somewhat unlucky Rangiuru, while Lena was third, and the favorite close up. The winner paid £l3 18s, certainly a big dividend considering the good form be showed at Avondale. The Ellerslie Handicap brought the second day’s racing to a close, and the race resulted in a boil over and a sensational dividend. St. Clements, La’dy Marion, and St. Elmo were all well backed, while the biggest outsider in the race was Cannongate (by Cannon—Fishfag). Young Satrnan, on the outside, took full advantage of his light weight, and soon had the field chasing him. He landed in the straight- first, and although the others set out in hot pursuit they could not catch the winner, who won by half a length from St. Clements, with Brilliant a good third, and St. Elmo fourth. The winner paid the splendid dividend of £Bl 4s, and five of these tickets were, I understand, invested by Chinese. Third Day—Thursday, Nov. 10. The meeting was brought to a close on Thurs day, and the club has every reason to be satisfied with the result. The weather on the last day was fine and the attendance large. Right through the afternoon the racing was interesting and the speculation brisk. The sum of £5,217 was passed through the machine, making the total for the meeting £19,647, as against £18,872 last year. Thursday’s racing opened with the Maiden Handicap Hurdle Race, for which seven started, Merksman getting most support on the machine. Volcano, Atalanta, and Telephone formed the first division, but along the bottom turn Telephone and Marksman were in front. Marksman was the pilot in the back stretch, and it looked as if the favorite was going to win but Telephone and Volcano were on good terms with him as they entered the straight. Volcano and Marksman jumped the last hurdle together, and Tele phone, who was in close attendance, fell. Volcano had too much pace for Marksman in the run hon e, and won by a couple of lengths; Atalanta was a long way off third. Volcano is owned by Mr Dave Stewart, and shaped remarkably well for his first race over the small jumps. He is a four-year-old, and half-brother to Dummy, of Grand National fame. Record Reign, Lady Marion, Auld Reekie, and Canopus were absentees from the Ascot Handicap, for which nine started. Fabulist was well supported, while Acone was next in demand. The last-named was first away, and passing the stand the order was Acone, Knight of Athol, Panoply, Korowai, St. Gorden, Coronet, and Fabulist. Going out of the straight Gallagher steadied Acone, and Knight of Athol established a lead, with Panoply and Korowai as his nearest attendants. There was not much alteration to note until the home turn was reached, when Panoply, who was going great guns, ran up to Knight of Athol. Something happened to the old Splendor gelding at this stage, as he momentarily dropped back. I subsequently heard that an accidental bump with Knight of Athol was the cause, but young Satrnan was not long in getting him going again, but the bump probably lost him the race' From the Derby Stand a splendid finish was witnessed between Acone, Fabulist, and Panoply, and when they passed the judge’s box there was a diversity of opinion as to what had won. Those in the grandstand thought that Mark Ryan had squeezed Fabulist home, but those in the stewards’ stand favored the chances of Acone. The judge, who on this occasion was Mr W. H. Herries, M.H.R., was in the best position to decide, and his verdict was Acone by a head, while Panoply was a long neck away third ; Coronet was fourth and Knight of Athol fifth.

In the Hunt Club Cup Woodcock was elected favorite in.a field of eight. In tbe first round Forella was in front, and was then supplanted by Jim, who was soon afterwards joined by Dingo, who led through the plantation from Rainbow, Forella, Jim, and Woodcock, running in that order. At the post and rails Forella and Dingo were racing for the lead, the latter having the best of it for a time, and led to the old water jump where Forella and Jim got level, and Dingo soon afterwards parted with his rider, Mr Vallance, who, by the way, has not a gainly seat in the saddle. He, however, diives his horse along, but success depends upon the horse lasting, which is questionable under the pressure which the English amateur brings to bear on his mount. After Vallance had lost his balance, Jim went to the front, followed by Rainbow, Woodcock, and The Monk. This order was maintained over the hill. Going cown the hill Woodcock ran

into second place. In the race home "Woodcock had Jim beaten early, and coming down the straight he stalled off an effort on the part of The Monk, and won by a couple of lengths. . Rainbow was an indifferent third, while Jim wasfourth. In the Nursery Handicap I was not surprised to find that Miss Delaval, with 9.12 against her name, was an absentee. Mr Evett penalised her lOlbs for her last victory The ordinary penalty for a win is 71bs, and when the weights are below 9.0 I think the penalty reasonable, but after 9.0 —on the principal that the last straw breaks the camel’s back —every pound has a material effect. On the classic weight-for-age scale Miss Delaval was actually called upon to concede 171bs to Hastings, 191bs to Seahorse, and 191bs to Rosella, to say nothing of Bluecap and Bacchus, who, on the classic weight scale, had an advantage of 2.12over the little mare. Under these circumstances no one could blame Dan. McLeod for putting the pen throng her name. There are few who would have blamed Mr Evett if he had put up the ordinary penalty of 71bs, but 9.12 seemed, to indicate a desire to prohibit the filly for her brilliant performances. George Wright’s stable scratched Hastings, and this caused a demonstration to be made in favour of Rosella. I, myself, was surprised at the demonstration, iu view of the fact that on the second day Major George’s fine looking colt, Seahorse, had finished second to Miss Delaval. On this occasion he was in front off his field in the straight and did not give his backers any anxiety afterwards, winning as he liked from the favorite, with Bluecap in third position. Old time sports were delighted with the success of Major George’s fine looking colt. He is by Nelson out of Moonga, and should furnish into a splendid three-year-old. On returning to scale there was quite a demonstration in favor of Major George’s two-year-old. The Hunt Club Hurdles brought out a field of five, Kapai being made favorite. St. Leonards, with the English amateur, Mr Vallance, up,, made the pace merry, and led all tbe way round, but when he reached the straight it was evident that his bolt had been shot, and Kapai fell at the last jump when on good terms with Woodcook,, who was thus enabled to win easily from the distressed St. Leonards. Tip was an indifferent third. Ten minutes before the start of tbe race, the winner, Woodcock, was purchased by Mr Dave Stewart for £75. The popular and stalwart Thames sportsman, therefore, practically got thehorse for nothing. The Publicans’ Handicap was patronised by ten starters, St. Clements carrying most money. Lady Marion, Rex, St. Ursula, Miss Rose, and Brilliant played a prominent part in the first portion of the race, but at the Derby Stand Lady Marion shot to the front, and although Tommy Taylor made a vigorous effort on St. Clements, the daughter of Malua won by two lengths,. Cannongate being a good third, Miss Rose fourth, Brilliant fifth, and Dayntree sixth. A protest was entered against the winner on the ground of inconsistent form, but it was dismissed, and backers revelled in the satisfactory dividend of £lO 19s.

The Tally-Ho Steeplechase does not require much description. Old Magpie was the popular pick, and he ran in great form, leading for most of the distance. Nor’-West made a game effort to catch him at the finish, but he fell at the last obstacle, and Magpie cantered in nearly a hundred yards in front of Kapai, who was second. Half-a-dozen saddled up for the Farmers’ Handicap Steeplechase, for which Marksman was made favorite. A. fairly good race was witnessed, and when the straight was reached it looked as if Phyllis, ridden by Comer (who bad just previously steered Magpie to victory), would win.. However, at the stand, Marksman came with a great run, and [beat Phyllis home by a neck. This event brought a highly-satisfactory meeting, to an end. LIST OF WINNING- PAYMENTS. The following shows how the prize money inconnection with the above meeting has been allotted : — Mr J. George —3rd City Handicap, £9 10s ; Ist Prince of Wales Handicap, £332 10s £342 0 Mr D. A. McLeod —Ist Welcome Stakes, £199 10s; Ist Musket Stakes, £l2B 5s 327 15 Mr L. D. Nathan —Ist Auckland Guineas, £247 ; 3rd Welcome Stakes, £9 10s; Ist Pony Handicap, £42 15s; 2nd, Nursery Handicap, £9 10s ... 308 15' Mr W. Telfer—lst City Handicap ... 247 0) Hon. H. Mosman —Ist Handicap Hurdles, £BS 10s; Ist Shorts Handicap, £BS 10s; 2nd Flying Handicap, £9 10s ... 180 10' Mr J. Beckett —Ist Flying Handicap, £BS 10s; 2nd Spring Handicap, £9 10s ; Ist Publicans’ Handicap, £BS 10s 180 10 Mr A. Davis—lst Ascot Handicap ... 161 10 Mr J. Roulston—2nd City Handicap, £BS 10s; let Spring Handicap, £BS 10s ; 2nd Prince of Wales Handicap, £3B 152 0 Mr S. Tooman—lst Steeplechase, £BS 10s ; Ist Pony Handicap, £42 15s ... 128 5 Major George—2nd Musket Stakes, £l4 5s ; Ist Ji uraery Handicap, £BS 105... 99 15 Mr J. C. Booth—lst President’s Handicap, £BS 10s ; 2nd Shorts Handicap, £9 10s ... 95 O Mr W. Gordon—lst Hunt Club Cup, £57 ; Ist Hunt Club Hurdles, £3B ... 95 0 Mr A. A. Phillips—lst Maiden Plate ... 85 10 Mr J. Marshall—lst Ellerlie Handicap 85 10 Mr D. Stewart—lst Maiden Hurdles ... 85 10 Mr E. G. Comer —Ist Tally-ho Handicap ... ... ... ... ... 85 10 MrF.Macmanemin—lst. Second Hurdles 85 0 Mr R. Henwood —2nd Maiden Hurdles, £9 10s; Ist Farmers’ Steeplechase, £2B 10s 38 0 Mr J. Lennard—3rd Prince of Wales Handicap, £9 10s ; 2nd .Ascot Handicap, £l9 ... ... ... ... 28 10 Mr G. S. Budge—2nd Auckland Guineas 28 10*-

Mr J. Chaafe—2nd Welcome Stakes ... 28 10 Mr P. Chaafe—2nd Hurdles Handicap, £9 10s ; 2nd Steeplechase, £9 10s ... 19 0 Mr J. Gall—2nd Ellerslie Handicap, £9 10s ; 2nd Publican’s Handicap, £9 10s 19 0 Mr Ralph—2nd President’s Handicap 910 Mr J. Taylor —3rd Auckland Guineas... 910 Mr Skipwith —2nd Second Hurdles ... 910 Mr Grey—2nd Maiden Plate ... ... 910 Mr J. W. Russell—3rd Ascot Handicap 910 Mr Hannon—2nd Hunt Club Cup ... 910 Mr J. Olsen—2nd Hunt Club Hurdles 9 10 Mr M. Banks —2nd Tally-ho Handicap 910 Mr J. O’Brien —2nd Pony Handicap ... 4 15 Mr R. Harris—2nd Second Pony Handicap 4 15 CANTERBURY JOCKEY CLUB’S METROPOLITAN MEETING. Notes From “Petronel’s” HandbookSplendid weather favored the authorities of the Canterbury Jockey Club on the second day of the meeting, and though the attendance was not so large as on Cup day, still the number of spectators must have beeen pleasing to Mr Wanklyn. The totalisacor figures were also satisfactory, and as the racing was of a most interesting character, both the club and the public were well pleased. His Excellency the Earl of Ranfurly was again present, accompanied by Lord Northland, both taking a lively interest in the day’s proceedings. Strolling round the paddock and on the lawn I came across members of the Auckland division. One and all were genuinely sorry about St. Paul’s breakdown, and many were the expressions I heard, both of sympathy and hope that the injury would be only temporary, and that Chaafe’s champion would soon be himself again. The little fellow ran a big race, and seemed to be going very easily until a second or so after commencing his run. As young Chaafe said to me, he was running so strongly up to a furlong and a half from home that he thought he only had to move on him to win. Chaafe thought the race must have been run slowly from the even way his mount progressed, and it was a sad blow to him to find St. Paul stop almost as soon as asked to put in his final run, less than a furlong from the winning post. Nestor’s party were well pleased with the excellent show made by the big chestnut, who, considering the moderate amount of work accomplished at Ricearton, shaped in capital fashion. The other top-weight, Swordfish 11., ran a good race for a mile and a half, but after that stood no chance with the best of the lighter division. Sam Bradley was, I think, just a bit disappointed with his horse’s display, bnt good sportsman as he is, says, “ Better luck next time.” The Hurdle Race, which opened the second day’s sport, was started in the straight, and at the first jump Troubadour made a mistake and brought down gallant old Liberator and Powder Monkey. Luckily no serious damage resulted, for though Laing, Moore, and Kingan, the respective riders, were all more or less dazed, they speedily recovered their usual equanimity. Ahua’s representative, Social Pest, once more proved his liking for the course, carrying his big impost to victory in most handsome manner. Windermere, who was made a hot favorite, was never in the hunt, and though a very nice looking animal, lacked the speed necessary to keep with the field. ,

By the time the Derby was run the spectators were in great force, especially outside the enclosures. Motto was withdrawn owing to some trifling accident, and Yaldhurst depended on the other “ game leg,” Altair. An inspection of the Castor—Cissy colt in the paddock showea that the off fore-foot had been severely bruised, but careful treatment had made the injured member fit for use. Altair was shod with aluminium bar plates, lent by Mr Dan O’Brien, and before the start had cocaine injected into the foot by a member of the medical profession. The evergreen Derrctt took Altair to the front at once, and making the whole of the running, allowed his mount to romp home an easy winner from Dundas and Conspirer. Castor’s son did the mile and a half m 2min 40sec without being pressed in the slightest degree, and won the Blue Riband once again for the Squire of Yaldhurst. The easy victory of Mr Stead’s colt made many wonder at the strange turn of Fortune’s wheel in allowing the coveted N.Z. Cup to slip from the fingers of Multiform’s owner when so completely within his grasp. Surely that wicked elf, Queen Mab, must have visited Mr Gr. G. Stead in his dreams and prompted him to scratch Multiform from the Cup. That the glorious son of Hotchkiss —Formo would have won the race most easily I think is pretty generally conceded; in fact, I do not suppose there are a couple of racing men in the colony who seriously and honestly would dispute that conclusion, and there was some expressions of that feeling given when Altair was decorated with the outward and visible sign of his handsome victory in the Derby upon the lawn. As Lady Ranfurly somewhat apprehensively placed the riband about Altair’s neck someone started to cheer the horse’s owner. Almost simultaneously another sound altogether arose, and though the cheers predominated, the hootings and groanings must have been bitter adjuncts to the sweets of victory. Screw Gun improved on his form with Tolstoi on the first day, scoring decisively from Glenogle in the Juvenile Plate, beating amongst others Jabber, Corselet, Ben Farley, and Nihilist. The Hotchkiss —Rose of Wellington colt is well grown and pleases the eye the more one sees of him. But for the fact that he recovered more slowly from an illness than Tolstoi he must have won the Welcome Stakes, and I would have the chestnut on my side whenever the colts meet. Douglas looked about the best thing on present form in the Metropolitan Handicap, and though Tirant d’Eau, Daunt, Double Event, and Fulmen were better backed, Crawford Priory’s son carried the “scarlet and white hoops” of the popular

Hawke’s Bay sportsman easily to the front. The race was a pretty one, but I must leave the description of it to my fellow scribe. In the last race an unfortunate accident occurred, resulting in the death of a most promising young rider named McDonald. The poor fellow had the mount on Murray Hobbs’ Bold, and coming into the straight the gelding crossed his legs and came down, throwing McDonald right in front of Alcestis and Wedlock. The former cleared the unfortunate jockey, but Wedlock carried him along like a ball at his feet for about a chain, and though everything that could be done was done, young McDonald died early on the following morning. His head was very much battered and one leg terribly smashed, and though he spoke a word or so after being placed in the ambulance room he relapsed into merciful unconsciousness. lam told McDonald was a painstaking and industrious lad, and one of the nicest boys in Canterbury. His relatives have received general sympathy, and regrets are universal that such an accident should have so cruelly robbed a life from such a promising rider. Saturday was a beast of a day ; from early morn rain fell heavily, The downpour was incessant throughout the racing, but it was decided to go on with the programme, and the consequence was that the attendance suffered severely by comparison with the number present on the previous days. The Governor and son were again in evidence,[the Premier also gracing Riccarton with his presence. It was unfortunate for the Right Hon. Richard Seddon that the elements were so unpropitious, but I should not be at all surprised that by-and-bye he will be able to make political capital out of his presence on Canterbury’s premier course- Perhaps he will point out that his attendance dampened the ardour of speculators, and will attribute the shortage of the totalisator receipts to the fact that he had his cold grey eye upon the populace, who are aware of his aversion to the revenue earning gambling machines. Whatever the “ People’s Dick ” may think of the totalisator, I have no doubt whatever that the Premier thoroughly enjoyed the racing, and I observed with satisfaction the enjoyment he evidently derived from Multiform’s performance in the Canterbu y Cup. The great horse was looking wonderfully well, and I do not kpow that I ever saw a horse possessing such splendid forearm and such powerful quarters together. Multiform made hacks of Nestor and Swordfish 11., and by his style of galloping confirmed the good impression formed from his wonderful track performance of a week ago. The going, of course, was very bad, so no consideration must be taken of the time occupied ig getting over the two miles and a quarter. Nestor ran an excellent animal, and I shall, on his form in the Canterbury Cnp, give him a big chance in the Auck-"" land Cup. He is a bit beefy now, but, otherwise he is well, and Christmas should find the shapely chestnut in excellent condition. I don’t know what Byers thinks of his show against Stead’s unconquerable, but I am sure Aucklanders will generally be satisfied. The bookmakers here have been fairly well hit over the Melbourne and New Zealand Cups, New Zealand Cup and Stewards’ Handicap doubles. Boss Atyeo, who laid a lucky punter 500 to 2 The Grafter and Tirant d’Eau, Barnett and Grant, and William Ryan, of Wanganui, are all in the fire, but they do not look any the worse for it, each and all evidently thoroughly understanding the act of paying up and looking especially happy. Ryan tells me that a New Plymouth sport struck him for the two Cups double, and a Wanganui blade for the New Zealand Cup and Stewards’ Handicap, a performance repeated by a local sportsman. Talking of doubles reminds me that Fred Duval, Pollard’s business manager, had a narrow shave of winning a cool thousand. He had Wait-a-Bit coupled with Hymettus for the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups. As all the world knows, his second leg just got done by The Grafter’s long neck. To get so close to a good thing is bitter sweet indeed, but as the genial Duval is lucky, as well as plucky, I shall expect to hear he has struck a big double ere a New Zealand Cup comes round again. [By Cub Canteebuby Oobbespondent.] Thibd Day—Satvbday, Nov. 12. The third day’s racing was held in heavy rain, and the attendance suffered in consequence. The receipts from the tote amounted to only £8,175, or £4,881 less than was put through on the third day last year. The total for the three days was £41,342, which falls short of last year’s amount by £1,884. Despite the rain, the racing was interesting. The first race on the card, the Spring Nursery, brought out eight two-year-olds. Glenogle was made a better favorite thhn Deadbeat, while Stead’s pair, St. Lucia and Skbbeloff, received more support than the others. Rougemont and G-lenogle were the first to show in front from a straggling start. These two came into the straight proper well clear of Susannah and Skobeloff. Glenogle then drew away and won comfortably by nearly a length from Rougemont, who was a length in front of Deadbeat; Susannah was fourth, with Skobeloff and St. Lucia next. Mietra, who was left at the post, was last. The Oaks Stakes was contested by six three-year-old fillies, of whom Mr Stead’s Motto was made a decided favorite, Hermosa being next in demand. The favorite occupied a handy position from the start, and at the half-distance was one of the first three, Proposal and Refugee being in the lead, while Hermoaa was following Motto. Once in the straight the favorite came right away from the others and won in a canter by eight lengths from Hermosa, who was three lengths in advance of Proposal; Falka was fourth several lengths further away. Fourteen horses saddled up for the Jockey Club Handicap, which was a good betting race. Douglas started actual favorite, but Target and Female Franchise were almost as well supported. The race created somewhat of a surprise, not one of the favorites finishing in the first three. Boreas

hung at the post at the start, and Douglas, Vandyke, and Red Lancer were in front for half a mile. When the straight was reached Red Lancer was taken to the front, Female Franchise following him. The field then closed up, and Black and Red, coming with a strong run, quickly disposed of the leaders and won easily by three lengths from Cannonshot, who was a neck ahead of Sequin. Djin-Djin, Target, Red Lancer, and Female Franchise finished in a line next. Black and Red, who was fancied and backed by his connections, paid £l7 12s, the largest dividend of the meeting. The Canterbury Cup was reduced to a match between Multiform, Swordfish IT., and Nestor, Epaulet having been withdrawn. Needless to say, Multiform was a hot favorite. The race needs very little description. Multiform and Nestor ran side by side for the first quarler of a mile, when Swordfish drew level with them, but in the next half-mile he dropped back, and was four lengths behind at the mile post. Nestor, under pressure, kept with Multiform until the straight was reached, when the lattar came away and cantered home a length ahead of St. L°ger’s son, Swordfish 11. a dozen lengths away. Another good field came out for the Avon Welter. Mr McLean’s filly, Brisa, started a better favorite than Pitch-and-Toss, and justified the confidence placed in her by winning easily by six lengths from Goodman’s mare, who beat Matlock by a neck for second position ; Peerage was fourth, Jewel fifth, and Skirmisher sixth. The Curragh Steeplechase, over three miles, proved a very interesting race. The field kept in close company until the final round, when Liberator, Powder Monkey, and Kuku drew ahead of the others, and took the fence at the top turn almost in line. Powder Monkey then left the others, but a little farther on Liberator joined him, and they ran to the last fence together. Here Powder Monday ran off, and Liberator following suit left Kuku at the head of affairs. None of the others were near him, and Kuku won by ten lengths from Dundonald. Clarence and Typhoon walked in together. There were only five starters in lhe Electric Plate, for which Blazer went out a strong favorite, Chasseur receiving more support than the others. The favorite g)t away badly, but was level with the field before a furlong had been traversed. He and Chasseur were first into the straight, but they were soon beaten by Jabber, who eventually won by three lengths from Chasseur, who who was about the same distance in front of The Orphan. Blazer was fourth. The Farewell Handicap produced a close, exciting struggle between Daunt and Double Event, the judge being unable to separate them at the finish Rubin was three lengths away third, Pitch and Toss fourth. The owner of Double Event was so confident that the horse won that at first he wanted to run off, but subsequently agreed to divide. WAIPAWA COUNTY CLUB’S BIRTHDAY MEETING. [by oub napier cobrespondent.] This club opened their new courseon the Patangata road on Tuesday, Nov. 8. The weather was of a most superb condition and the attendance of patrons was far in excess of what I have before seen at the old trysting grounds of the club. Unfortunately, a couple of accidents occurred, which greatly marred the enjoyment of the proceedings, * Whaipio, Notoriety, and Palaver falling in the Maiden Plate, however, their riders, Morrigan, Newbery, and Lord respectively escaped scatheless. Strange to say, two of these horsemen, Morrigan and Lord, were participators in the second mishap which took place in the Electric Hack Handicap at exactly the same spot as proved disastrous in the preceding case, peculiar too, it was a trio of horses that came down, Alionora, Morrigan; Corydon, O’Neill, and Jewel Queen, A. Lord. Morrigan got out of the afiair with a shaking, but the two others had to be carried into the stewards’ room unconscious. O’Neill was the first to recover, and was soon able to get about, but Lord was found, upon examination by Dr. Reed, who speedily arrived from Waipawa when news of the accident was conveyed to him, to be suffering from a slight concussion of the brain. He was taken to one of the Waipawa Hotels, where, upon calling this morning, I was informed that he was progressing very favorably, and it was only a question of a few days rest as to his being returned to his usual health again. The place where the accident took place, the home bend, is in no way bad to negotiate, but I am decidedly of the opinion that the straight is too short, and a longer run should be made for the horses. What brought the contestants down was the state of the grass, which at this particular point was undoubtedly too long, causing them to slide about when at their best pace, which had to be turned on here. It was truly unfortunate that the club had the bad luck to meet with such misfortune on its new grounds, for accidents like these tend to greatly prejudice owners and trainers from competing. This, however, can be assured, and that is that measures will be taken to remedy the evils when next the fields face the starter. Another feature of the meeting which did not help to improve matters was the very indifferent starting, which in several races entirely rubbed out the chances of some of the competitors. There is no question that if the club wishes to win the confidence of those interested the services of some other official will have to be secured to wield the flag upon future ventures. If owners do not have confidence in the starter they will not support their horses, and that means a serious loss to the club in totalisator investment. The public must be able to place their faith in the official’s power to give every horse 'the same chance at the point of dismissal, and when this is not done it most certainly follows that their patronage will be found wanting. Every member of the club’s executive labored hard and loyally to make things agreeable to those who attended, and it is to be regretted that matters

over which they had no control should have inlja measure damped the success of the meeting. The five acceptors for the Trial Hurdles ranged up for the fray. Ruby, the dual winner at the late Napier Park meeting, met with most support, as she had over £IOO more invested on her chance than the co equal second favorites, Barbarossa and Outlaw. I never saw the little mare jump so badly, and Barbarossa’s fencing was of a much more tradesmanlike order than he has before shown, which were two big points in his favor, for he led from start to finish and won without pressure. Taking everything into consideration he paid a good price, £4 18s, for although there were five engaged it could be picked easily in two, as the other members of the field were far removed from the class represented by the winner and runner up. Half a-dozen weighed out for the Maiden Plate, Zanella and Blarney’s full sister. Palaver, being accorded the lion’s share of support, The Frenchman being the next best backed Jewel Gun, the outsider of the crowd, he only having £l4 out of a total of £4lO recorded against his number on the machine, led his field from the start for six furlongs, where Toe Frenchman, who got a particularly bad s'art. got his measure, and kept him in check to the man in the box, Nevermore a poor third. The favorite got badly hampered almost from the word go. and at- the home bend was last, but one. Here she put on a bit of a spurt, but. when shaping well she fell, Notoriety falling over her. Morrigan, who was riding Whaipiro, seeing trouble ahead, endeavored to pull his mount up, but his efforts to try and stop her brought her down. The winner paid £3 9s.

First Blood, who was not on the ground, and Girofla, were the only defections from the eleven colored on the card for the big event of the day, the W.C.R.C. Handicap, Castashore heading Donovan for first choice by £l3, Waterstone occupying the position of third favorite, Scotia, a stable-mate of the New Zealand Cup winner, Tirant d’Eau, being the next best backed. From the send off Oastashore was always well up, end half a mile from home the good-looking chestnut pulled to the front, and had not the slightest difficulty in maintaining his position, Scotia just pipping Donovan on the post for the secmd money. Oastashore paid the good price, for him, of £4 Is, and his connections have to thank the presence of Donovan for the handsome return that the winner pud. His party had a nice win over his victory. Eleven lined up in the five-furlong dash, the Electric Hack Handicap, The Frenchman, who had to put up a 51b penalty, bringing hie weight up to 8.7, having first call in betting transactions, Alionora only being a couple of pounds behind him in the investments on the machines. The chances of several of the competitors were completely blotted out by the atrocious start, Jewel Gun and Borax being badly left at the post when the flag went down, and the favorite also got none the best of it. Nina, who was favored with a flying start, held sway for four furlongs, when Minnehaha and Moira, who had got fairly well away, wrested the premier position from her. Alionora commenced to move up when the home turn was reached, but no sooner had she got round than she fell, with Corydon and Jewel Gun coming to grief over her. Nukurau, who had commenced to come fast at this juncture, had to make a detour which put his light out. Minnehaha outstayed Moira ' or first position, with Nukurau third. I have previously referred to the mishap, so it is needless for me to further enlarge on the subject. The winner, who is one of the late Mr W. Douglas’ breeding, being by Waterfall—Mystery, paid the dividend of the day, £22. Straybird, who was picked as the select for the Birthday Handicap, got all the worst of a poor start, and his rider bustled him along to get on terms with his field, and this exertion snuffed out his opportunity of scoring. Waterstone, another Te Mahanga-bred lot, waited on the Lochiel filly, Lady Lome, and Amoureaux till well in the straight, when he easily despatched the pair, Lady Lome getting second place from Amoureaux by a bare head. Waterstone paid £5 3s, but I do not fancy his connections had a. good win by his triumph, as he burst up his foot badly in the big race, and they were neariy running the pen through his name in this event. A brace, Daphne and Brennan, contested the Hack Welter, the consistent Forerunner mare having the softest snap possible, for she never at any stage of the game had to put her best foot forward to avert defeat. Out of the £B2 on the machines £42 were invested on her, which shows that opinions as to the relative powers of the pair were evenly assessed. The Hack Flying, six furlongs, wound up the day’s proceedings, for which half of the acceptors, six in number, ranged up. Nukurau was installed a warm favorite, and he never made his supporters the least bit anxious on his account, for when steam was turned on he could be observed lying in a nice handy position, and coming on full of running he captured comfortably, Gold Cup second, Esperanza a moderate third. That capable horseman, J. Delaney, through Nukurau’s agency, secured his second winning mount. Bauer, nominator and rider of Gold Cup, entered a protest against Nukurau on the grounds of inconsistent running, but the stewards, after hearing the evidence of the protestor and trainer of the winner, J. Doucherty, decided that there was no evidence to prove the contention. I am glad to be able to record that the stewards admitted the Press to the enquiry, and it is to be hoped that in this respect other clubs will follow the lead of the Waipawa people. Why these Star Chamber enquiries should be held as regards matters of interest to the racing public is more than I can divine. If every club throughout the land gave the Press access to their tribunals they would most assuredly give better satisfaction te those interested, and the public, who are the backbone of the pastime, would then know exactly and accurately why the decision had been arrived at.

WAVERLEY-WAITOTARA RACING CLUB’S ANNUAL MEETING. [By our West Coast Correspondent.] Wednesday, Nov. 9. Gloriously fine weather favored the WaverleyWaitotara Racing Club for their annual fixture, which was held on Wednesday of last week. Both excursion trains from north and south 'brought a large number of coastal visitors, and the attendance was one of the best the tclub has had. Speculation was brisk, Messrs Neylon and Spriggens putting through the total of £3 850, showing a substantial increase on the amount handled last year (£3,429). The racing throughout was excellent, with the exception, of course, of the Cup and Prince of Wales Handicap, which everyone knew were the best of good things for the well-bred Battleaxe, whose presence completely spoilt the two events mentioned from a racing point of view. The meeting was a. thoroughly well conducted one, and the genial secretary, Mr E. Symes, and his officials can rest assured that their meeting of LB9B has tended to considerably further popularise the fixture. The first event for punters to worry with was the Handicap Hurdles, one mile and a half, from which Mangamahu, Faugh a-Ballagh, Black Rose, Lubra, and Alick were withdrawn, leaving the decent-sized field of seven to line up. Mr Major s Vanguard gelding, Avant Garde, was quickly pounced on as the good thing, mainly owing, probably, to the fact that his stable companion, Eaugh-a-Ballagh, who won at Waitara, was withdrawn. Nayborn and Mainboom were reckoned the next best. The first fence saw Bob Arnott and Spearshot part company. Avant Gar >e was several lengths to the good passing the stand, but on going into the back stretch Banshee assumed command, quickly establishing a several lengths lead. It was not till the home turn was reached that any of those in the ruck began to think it was time to reduce the gap, when Naybom, Taravento, and Kapo made a forward move. Half way up the straight the trio got to Banshee, and all whips were out. The finish was a very exciting one, Kapo, lasting the longest under punishment, getting home by . a little over a length. Banshee just squeezed into second place by a head from Nayborn. Kapo, the winner, is ownedj by Mr D. Noake, the thoroughly up-to-date clerk of the course to the Waverley-Waito-tara Club. No one was in any way surprised to find owners very busy with the scratching pen in the next event the Waverley-Waitotara Cup. Which, with 8.2, was looked upon as a foregone conclusion for the well-bred Battleaxe. For some little time it looked as if the speedy son of Hotchkiss—Queen Cole would have a walk over. Those withdrawn were, Pyroxylin, Taplew, Thrush, Cairo, Kahoi, Derry, Capture, and Doncaster, leaving only Toa and Adam to have a go at the big gun. Out of £5OO invested on the race, £324 was entrusted to Battleaxe, who gave his supporters adsolutely no anxiety at the business end. The race needs very little discription. Adam made the running for the first mile, at the end of which he had enough, leaving the issue to Toa and Battleaxe. The Dreadnought horse soon in trouble, Battleaxe romping home the easiest of winners, and paying the short price of £1 7s.

Black Rose, Ikarere, and Chrissie delined the Morton Memorial Stakes of one mile. As at Waitara few could help being struck with the appearance and condition of Gowrie, by Blair gowrie out of Lady Emmeline. Although there were seven others for punters to consider, yet they quickly established Gowrie a very warm favorite, and when the machine closed he was backed down to quite a shade better than,even money chance. The favorite was the first to get going, and he lost little or no time in demonstrating that he possessed a good turn of foot. The further they went the bigger the gap grew between Gowrie and his opponents. At the home bend the only one to make any sembleance of a forward move was Taplow, who failed to cause Gowrie’s numerous supporters the least anxiety, winning practically as he liked. All the nine acceptors were saddled up for the Flying, six furlongs. Singlesbot and Vapour (a half-sister to Lotion by Vanguard) were entrusted with most support, the latter on the strength of his second to Battleaxe at Waitara, whilst Tommy Atkins and May Day also had numerous friends. The once well-known colors, “all green,” of Messrs Hearn and Kennedy, were again unfurled in this event, after an absence of several years. They were carried by a three-year-old son of a onceformidabse representative in Recluse, who has been doing stud duty for several seasons past, and some of his progeny are just beginning their racing career. The one under notice is Dormouse, who, like his sire, is bn the small side. Tommy Atkins, as usual, acted as pacemaker, leading into the home run, with May Day lying handy. May Day, however, died away again, and Singleshot moved up into second place, and when most thought one of the two would get home, something was seen coming very fast on the rails, the other two being out in the middle of the track. The unknown one came on at a great bat and quickly settled Tommy Atkins and Singleshot, eventually winning comfortably by two lengtns. The winner proved to be a rank outsider in Wilson, by Dauphin out of Bombshell, bred by Mr Wm. Wilson, of Whenuakura, and named after that gentleman by his owner, the well known sporting boniface, Mr C. Brewer. Out of £632 on the machine only £l3 was against Wilson, the big dividend of £43 15s being declared. The owner had two tickets, so with the stake of 40 sovs he netted a very tidy win for a hack race. Next came up for settlement the Mocnahaki Stakes, one mile and a quarter, from which Main - boom, Heart Whist, Derry, Doncaster, Ikarere, and Lightning were withdrawn. The well-bred Toa, with all his .9.4, was reckoned the pick , of the eight starters, though Cairo ran him pretty closely in the figures, whilst Thrush and Dahoi were by no means neglected. Capture, and Faugh-a-Ballah shewed the way as they

swept past the stand. The first-mentioned drew out three lengths as they went into the back stretch. Capture and Faugh-a-Ballah were still in command when the home bend was reached, but the former had shot her bolt, and Taplow moved up. Cairo and Thrush also had something left for the right end. Half-way up the straight the straight the excitement began, Faugh-a-Ballah, Taplow, Cairo, and Thrush being all in it, but Cairo gradually drew away and won, ridden right out, by a length, whilst Taplow, who surprised everybody by the good race he ran, just got into second place by a short neck from Thrush. The half-mile flutters are always looked forward to at the Waverley Meeting, being run on a straight course and generally furnishing keenly exciting finishes, the one under notice proving no exception. The good field of fourteen went out, Mr Watson’s intention of not starting Battleaxe at catch weights having been posted early. Darkness, Golden Crown, and Kumi Kumi were also withdrawn. Lady Helena, under a light impost, was served up favorite. The well bred Famous, out of Dudu’s dam, Fame, by Natator also had a strong .following, with Flying Jib and Royal Guard reckoned most likely to upset the supposed good things. When they got close enough to distinguish the colors, Famous and Royal Guard were in front, and as they came on it could be seen the issue lay between these two. It was a stride for stride go, but Royal Guard, favored with young Jack Kennedy’s feather weight of 5.7, just got there by a neck from Famous, on whom Alick McCormick had the mount at 8.6.

The Prince of Wales Handicap, seven furlongs, again saw Battleaxe’s presence, despite his incurrence of two penalties of 71b each, responsible for numerous scratchings, those to decline the engagement being Toa, Taplow, Heart Whist, Queen’s Guard, Wai-iti, The Fox, Chrissie, Wilson, Bandore, Gowrie, and Vapour, leaving only four to try and lower the dead bird’s colors, but for all the chance they had they might as well have stopped in the paddock. Speculation on the event was far from brisk, and there was considerable doubt as to whether punters would get their own money back if the favorite got home. When the machine closed, out of 119 no less than 94 was in favor of the son of Hotchkiss and Queen Cole. After Tommy Atkins had led on suffrance till the home turn Battleaxe moved up, coming right away and winning in a canter. Eight went out for the Final Flutter, four furlongs, minimum weight 9 0, and with Royal Guard carrying a 14lb penalty it certainly looked a good thing for Famous, and so it proved, Fame’s daughter winning comfortably at the finish from Flying Jib by two lengths.