Sporting Topics.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume X, Issue 475, 31 August 1899, Page 11

Sporting Topics.

Vashti broke his neck at Flemington recently. The Australian steeplechaser Domino will not be raced again. A full brother to Bobadil has been foaled at St. Albans. Lord Cureton, who was engaged in the Three and Four Year Old Handicap at Flemington, on August 19, was scratched. The New Zealand-bred colts Lancaster and Lord Cureton will not fulfil their Bandwick engagements. It is evident that the wily Ike is reserving them for races in Victoria. The Melbourne header tipped Ace of Diamonds for the A.J.C. Epsom Handicap, and Cravat, Prince Carbine, and War God for the Metropolitan. The well-known Victorian cross-country rider, J. J. Allan, received a nasty fall off Cintra at Flemington on August 19. At first it was thought that he had been killed, but a slight concussion was the extent of the injury. Yale Lock and Islamote ran a dead heat for the Kalgoorlie Cup of £5OO. The sum of £17,000 was passed through the machine, so that there must be money in the West notwithstanding all the bad things said about it. The value of the St. Simon —Musket combination of blood was again exemplified on August 19. Meriwee, who won the Three and Four Year Old Handicap at Flemington on Saturday, is by the St. Simon horse Bill of Portland from Etra Weenie, by Trenton, who was a smart mare in her day. Jimmy Michael, the Welsh cycling wonder, has taken to riding horses instead of the bike. He made his debut at the Brooklyn Jockey Club’s Spring Meeting, but did nothing to warrant the opinion that he will ever make a Tod Sloan. His debut was on Morose, a 200 to 1 chance, and he finished twelfth. The V.8.C., although not assisted by the tote, pay their officials well as will be lean ed by the following increase of salaries : — Stipendiary . steward, Mr C. F. Fraser, from £450 to £5OO per annum ; handicapper, Mr F. F. Dakin, from £550 to £6OO per; and Mr H. Byron Moore, secretary, from £BOO to £9OO per annnum. Plutus, engaged in the Melbourne and Caulfield Cups at 7st 71bs, won the Sydney Tattersail’s Spring Handicap on August 16, with 7st lllbs up, beating fourteen other starters including Cravat 9st 31b. Cravat, like his brother Coronet, does not appear to relish weight, but the Wellington Park bred horse was not mentioned in the betting, and it may be that he was only out for an airing. The following are the drawers of placed horses in Tattersall’s consultation on the Adelaide Grand National Hurdle Race, closed with 19,500 subs., and drawn pro rata-. — First, S. F. Wharff, Minlaton, Y.P., S.A., £1404; second, T. Phillips, Herald Street, Newtown, Wellington, New Zealand, £526 10s; third, Spes., care B. B. Burley, Myrtle Springs, Leigh’s Creek, South Australia, £351. These amounts are nett.

At the Lingfield (Eng.) July meeting a three-year-old named Harrow, in winning the Park Stakes, ran a mile in Imin 35 4-ssec with 8.10 on his back. This lowers the record of Imin 36 2-ssec made by Dornroschen at Nottingham in 1892, but is behind the American record of Imin 35£sec standing to the credit of Salvator. The latter record, however, was not made in a race, but in a match against time. According to a London exchange the English racehorse Orzil is to be given a chance of distinguishing himself in Australia. Orzil, who is a four-year-old by Ayrshire from Merry Miser, was a good performer as a two-year-old, but since then he has earned the reputation of being a brilliant rogue, and Mr Brassey has given him away to be taken to Australia, stipulating for £lOOO should he ever win a race there. We don’t want rogues of this description in New .Zealand.

Defiance is said to have beaten Sir Launcelot in a spin on the flat before he left his home to fulfil his Grand National engagement. If so, his prospect in the New Zealand Cup must be considered good.

The members of the Dunedin Ring laid the winning Canterbury Grand National double to the extent of £l6OO. Barnett and Grant laid £BOO of the amount, and A. Moss £6OO. A. Moss’ share was the result of his trip to the Wellington meeting, where he laid Blackberry and Defiance to the extent already mentioned. The eighty-seven yearlings sent by the American breeder, Mr J. B. Haggin, to test the English market, were disposed of just before the last mail left. They realised an average of but a fraction under 12 guineas, the top price being 1850 guineas, given for a colt by Goldfinch out of Fleurette. A filly by Watercress out of Pansy brought 650 guineas. At the same sales the Duke of Westminster’s Batt, the four-year-old half-brother by Sheen to Flying Fox, was sold for 2100 guineas. Chesney was put on board the Thermopylae a Port Melbourne on August 12, and left in the afternoon with the Sydney horse Kiora, in charge of Joseph Bloomfield, who proved himself a capable custodian of Patron when that horse was shipped to England. Kiora will in future be located in Ireland, and Chesney, who it can now be definitely stated was bought for Mrs Langtry, as he left yesterday consigned to that lady, will race in England. Chesney was put on board without the slightest trouble. Only a few years ago (writes “ Javelin ”) two young Australians, both sons of Biverina pastoralists, came to Melbourne straight from their country homes, and soon became shining lights among the amateur cross-country horsemen of the metropolis. In course of time each established himself as the proprietor of a training stable, one devoting his attention solely to training, and the other dividing his between training and riding. Within the space of five years these two have very practically demonstrated that to completely master the business of training it is not necessary be born a stable boy, by turning out between them the winners of no fewer than seven Grand Nationals. Here are particulars of this remarkable record : —Harry Frew trained Daimio, who won two Grand National Steeplechases at Flemington and one at Caulfield, and Domino, the recent hero. Jack Brewer trained and rode Emmalea and Pat, winners of the Grand National Hurdle Race at Flemington, and Rosestem, who won the Frand National Hurdle Race at Caulfield. In addition, Brewer rode the winner of two other Grand National Hurdle Races, for the late Mr George Davie, at Caulfield and Flemington, on Tim Swiveller.

Writing about the proposal to alter the minimum weight by raising it, a Sydney paper says that in theory it sounds well to demand a breed of thoroughbreds which is of a high standard — animals carrying weight, and showing high speed and sound stamina. But the rank-and-file of horses racing would not be improved in any way —or the sport either—by a scale of weights higher than is necessary to obtain competent jockeys. Handicappers may be trusted to allot high weights to a few exceptional horses which prove out of the common. A higher scale in a race like the Melbourne Cup would give the topweight division loads to carry, which the owners of them would not care to see them racing under. It seems like putting a good animal to an unnecessary strain. Me require speed under fair conditions, and this will be the best obtained under a reasonable scale of weights such as we have at present. And there is no evidence that we are producing an inferior type of racehorse, or that there is retrogression in breeding. The evidence is the other way, as showing the demand for Australian-bred horses in England and India, a demand caused by the demonstrated fact that selected Australian horses are capable of good performances in the best handicap at any rate. .Loading horses unnecessarily cannot improve the breed, or develope a keener interest among studmasters in producing a higher type. They are alr« ady striving in that direction as much as possible, and a visionary idea that the higher the weights the better the horse may become is delusive and not practical.

Regarding the running in the first weight-for-age race at Bandwick this season, “ Milroy,” in the Sydney Mail } remarks : —“ Payten could not give Cocos the least hope of winning the Hampden Stakes, as the horse was backward in condition, the course was heavy, and he was encumbered with a 101 b penalty. Of course, the trainer’s view of things was fully endorsed by everybody who had taken interest in the training of Cocos, and one keen horse watcher went as far as to make a small wager that the son of Abercorn would be nearer last than first; but he badly lost, as Cocos was only half a neck behind the third horse, Gauleon, a colt of his own age, to whom he was conceding 171 b. At the turn Cocos was last, having almost stood on his head at the three-furlong post, but soon he got on his legs again and he was only four lengths behind the lead when the post was reached. When they were both very well, at the last Caulfield Cup Meeting, Cocos beat The Chief over a mile at only 61b difference in weight, and as the younger horse is supposed to improve 161 b then and today, the Wednesday’s race proves Cocos to be a long way behind his form. Allowing him to improve to his best form, Cocos ought to beat The Chief in the Melbourne Cup at 41b, but it is improbable that he can give Gauleon 21b and beat him in the great handicap, because Gauleon has no end of room for improvement, and at even 141 b difference the odds would be in favour of The Grafter’s brother, if only on their form as three-year-olds, when Gauleon was unfurnished and backward, yet he then gave Cocos a bitter race over a mile at a difference of 151 b. Only for stumbling, Cocos would have beaten Gauleon, but I look to the latter to make more improvement by Cup Day than any horse I know of in training.”

Late advices from Melbourne are to the effect that Ditto has been advertised for sale by public auction.

While galloping on Monday at Flemington, Wild Oats mets with a serious injury to the near foreleg, which will, it is feared, necessitate the horse’s destruction.

Mr W. R. Wilson, the well-known Victorian sportsman, is again on the sick list, and has been compelled to take refuge in Sir T. Fitzgerald’s private hospital. “ Asmodeus,” the well-known Victorian scribe, states that a number of Carbine’s progeny show temper and a disposition not to try —diametrically at variance with the Champion of Champions.

Mr T. O’Brien, a member of the V.R.C., has visited racecourses all over the world, and finds the appointments of these nothing equal to those at Flemington. Bo say many other globetrotters.

Some English race clubs are liberal where owners are concerned. For instance, a London exchange of a recent date contains a notification from the Hurst Park Club that stabling and forage for racehorses taking part at its August meeting would be free. The horses could arrive the week previous , and stay till after the meeting on those conditions. How would our Ellerslie trainers appreciate such treatment. There was a very good entry for the leading events at Avondale next month, the Cup attracting eighteen, including the New Zealand Cup candidates, St. Paul, Crusoe, Miss Delaval, and Coronet. The others are by no means a bad lot, and the race should be a very interesting one. St. Paul has won the event for two years in succession, and people will be particularly anxious to see how the little bounder will shape this year. A tussle between him and Miss Delaval will be well worth seeing. There are twenty’ one in the Hunt Club Steeplechase, twenty six in the Hunt Club Hurdles, and twenty five in the Plumpton Handicap.

Walter Hickenbotham, says an exchange, intends taking Le Var, Fleet Admiral, and Promontory to Randwick, and will at once prepare them with that end in view. Le Var and Promontory showed by their victories at Caulfield that they are in tolerably good racing form, still they are far from being thoroughly wound up. Fleet Admiral continues on the big side, and a few gallops would do him a power of good. I. Foulsham will not be represented at the A.J.C. Spring Meeting, his intention being to keep his horses for the Victorian carnival Some of his team are engaged in important spring races in New Zealand, but he will not take the trip.

Macamas is evidently a pretty good colt. The Sydney Evening News remarks : — “ For a time the stripping of the Clipping Norton colt Macsenas for the Stewards’,Mile at Warwick Farm the other day paralysed the betting, 5 to 2 against him and 7 to 1 bar one being on offer. Wootton’s punters, tempted by the price, came very strong at Plutus, and the public, following the lead, the son of Gozo at the finish was a slightly better favourite than Mr Long’s horse. Alemene, Beverley, and Au Revoir also came in for solid support, but it was left for the favourites to make the running. While Plutus retired beaten after the straight was entered, Macaenas went on and won comfortably from Kelso’s Beverley and Dewey. Macaenas is engaged in the Epsom Handicap, and does not incur a penalty for his win.”

W. Higgins, a jockey employed at Mr W. Homes’ stable, received a nasty accident on the Rangitikei racecourse on August 21. He was schooling Mr Noel Wilson’s horse Rose Marie over the hurdles, and after making a beautiful jump the horse knuckled over when landing, turning a complete somersault and rolling on the jockey. Higgins was conveyed to Bulls on an ambulance stretcher and his injuries were attended to by Dr. Bennett. Besides receiving a severe shaking Higgins is badly bruised about the body. About forty minutes latter Mr Keiller’s well-known hucter Kildare dropped dead on the course. The horse was being schooled over the hurdles by jockey Lloyd, of Home’s stable, and after doing about two miles steady work the horse staggered and fell. The jockey escaped unhurt.

Medallion’s three-quarter brother the New Zealand bred Thnnderbolt (writes “ Milroy ”) has begun the present season exceptionally well, his son Thunder King having won him the Broken Hill Cup on the second day of the season, and his daughter Louise also taking a couple of minor events. This good start has been followed up by his son Pedes, who won the first two-year-old race of the season at the Adelaide R.C.’s meeting on Saturday. Pedes is out of Pantoufle (2), by Richmond (3) —son of Marlbyrnong (3) —from Annie Firmin, by Winterlake (19) —son of Nutbourne (1) —from Instep (imp.), by Lord Clifden (2) from Sandal, by Stockwell (3) from Lady Evelyn, by Don John (2), by Waverley (2), son of Whalebone (1). His is a real Fulham Park pedigree, and the stud owes a deal to his greatgranddam, Instep, who was imported by the late Mr William Blackler, whose son still carries on the stud. Such clinking good horses as The Admiral, Sainfoin, Lord Wilton, Sandal, Annie Firmin, Port Admiral, and Fleet Admiral claim Instep as their cox mon ancestress. The runner-up to Pedes on Saturday was Kingston, an inaptly-named Oakleigh-bred youngster, by Melos out of a Lochiel mare, and a Neckersgat filled the third “ shop.” It would be an uncommon occurrence at an Adelaide meeting if a Neckersgat did not win a race at a big meeting ; the race of the day, the Grand National Hurdle Race, went to a son of Neckersgat. By the way, this is the fourth Grand National run during the past month or so. There should be only one Grand National Steeplechase for all Australia. So many must be confusing to those not in touch with Australian racing, but pernaps the present state of things will be altered when Federation is a fact and in full working order.

Joe Gallagher returned to Auckland from Sydney on Monday.

The New Zealand Grand National winner Blackberry is ten years old. The split in the Melbourne pony racing clubs is accountable for some remarkable vagaries. Here is one : At a recent meeting an owner, after riding one of his ponies to victory, executed a lightning change, and donning the satchel commenced to call the odds about the next event.

For seven years running the North Island hae supplied the winner of the New Zealand Grand National Steeplechase. The North Island winners have been : —Waterbury, 1893; Norton, 1894 ; Mutiny, 1895 and 1896; Levanter, 1897; Dummy, 1898, and Blackberry, 1899.

Several trainers were before the Australian J.C. committee recently, and some of them could not make out why they were wanted. However, in most cases it was nothing serious, attendance at pony meetings being the extent of the offence —if it could be called such. The committee expressed themselves to the effect that though they could not compel any registered trainer to refrain from visiting pony meetings, they would prefer them to do so. The hint was not lost on its hearers, and at Kensington the following day registered trainers were not so much in evidence as usual, though two or three did not see the force of missing the afternoon’s amusement, and were conspicuous owing to the absence of others.”, Perhaps the pluckiest race ever ridden was that at the August meeting at York in 1786. Benjamin Smith (who, by the way, won the St. Leger no fewer than six times) was riding Lord Archibald Hamilton’s grey colt Ironsides, and at the post, when under the starter’s orders, a horse named Brilliante, belonging to Mr Garforth, lashed out and kicked Smith on the leg. The jockey said nothing ; he rode the four mile race out in his usual form, but after passing the post first he nearly fainted in his saddle, and it was necessary to carry him to the scales. When a doctor was brought to attend him, he discovered that Brilliante’s kick had broken Smith’s leg, so that this jockey achieved the unique distinction of riding and winning a race with a fractured leg.

There can be no doubt that Antelope is in foal this season to either St. Leger or Hotchkiss, and the fual should be a good one as the mare has missed for two seasons. Antelope was a brilliant performer on the turf, and it was not to be expected that after such a severe racing career she would be an early success as a matron, but all her progeny have been very shapely. The ill-fated Brown Mantle was undoubtedly a little beauty, x

although small; Canopus was well made; and the aristocratic looking Bluejacket accounted for the Auckland Derby. Talking of Bluejacket reminds us that in Peter Chaafe’s hands he has come on won wonderfully, and is now one of the most handsome horses in work at Ellerslie. It seems a pity that he should have fallen out of the New Zealand Cup, but it is probable that we will see him out at Avondale.

Although an adver e motion was not carried at the annual meeting of the Australian Jockey Ciub, the committee were hauled over the coals by several speakers for having passed a rule that no bookmaker occupying a shop should be licensed to bet at Randwick. Mr Toby Barton, the well known federation advocate, was the first to criticise the action of the committee, and said that the action of the committee was an attempt to interfere with people conducting their business m their own way, and the regulation would not prevent betting outside of the racecourse. Mr Slattery, a well-known solicitor and a prominent member of Sydney Tattersall’s, also criticised the action of the committee, and said it was no more lawful for a bookmaker to receive betting communications at Tattersall’s Club than in an office of his own. It was quite evident from the tone of the discussion that the committee will probably reconsider the regulation they have passed. It was in consequence of this regulation that Mr Humphrey Oxenham did not apply for a license to bet at Randwick.

The Victorian Club is the most important club of its character in Victoria, but it is evident that its members are not what could be truthfully described as a happy family. Recently bookmakers rebelled because a man named Prosper had, in their opinion, got into the billiard tournament on an unfair mark, but the committee reproved the metallicians, and when Prosper eventually did win the chairman actually complimented him. The bookies were, therefore, sat upon, but, led on by that fluent talker, Mr Alfred Joseph (the King of the Ring in Victoria), they appear to be getting their revenge. At the annual meeting of the club, on August 8, at the outset of the proceedings Mr Alf. Joseph moved that Mr Donald Munro be chairman. Mr Arthur Anderson (chairman of committee), by the advice of the club’s solicitor, took the chair and conducted the meeting, though Mr Joseph’s motion was carried by a large majority. The meeting thereupon refused to confirm the minutes of the last annual meeting. Mr Joseph pointed out the injustice which the committee had done to reputable members of the club by vetoing their candidature for the committee. He regarded that action as the death knell of the committee. It was both unmanly and unjust, ohe meeting refused to adopt the annual report and balncesheet, but the chairman declared Messrs Short and Crawford duly elected. Mr Joseph then moved that the ruling of the chairman in this regard be disagreed with. This was carried by an overwhelming majority, and the meeting adjourned till October, to see if some solution of the difficulty can be arranged in the meantime. The rain has again made the Ellerslie tracks heavy, but during the week St. Paul had the opportunity of doing a couple of good gallops, and the work that he did indicated that he-was intended for Avondale. However, his party profess to be disgusted with his weight. St. Ursula, St. Olga, and Auld Reekie, and indeed, all of Chaafe’s string did good work on Monday. Since then the tracks have been heavy.

“ Asmodeus ” thinks that Walter Hickenbotham will make a bold bid for the two Cups with Le Var or Promontory. The latter is by Bill of Portland, and is engaged in the two Cups at 7st 11b. He is also in the V.R.C. Derby, Champion Race, A.J.C. Derby, and Caulfield Guineas. Le Var is in the Melbourne Cup at Bst 111 b, and Caulfield Cup at Bst 131 b. As a three-year-old, with 6st 111 b up, he ran third in the Caulfield Cup, won by Cremorne, Straightfire third. The son of Lochiel, whose record in West Australia is a very good one, is said to have put on a lot of polish since Hickenbotham got him.

Mr Harry Hayr, secretary for the Avondale Club, notifies in our advertising columns that instructions for investments on the totalieator must be accompanied by bank drafts, post office orders, postal notes, or money order telegrams. An important fact should be borne in mind, that telegrams sent on days of racing should be addressed to Avondale, and if sent previous to the days of racing should be sent to Auckland.

Despite the inclemency of the weather on ■ August 22nd the adjourned annual meeting of the members of the Australian Jockey Club was well attended writes the Sydney Mail, and considerable interest was manifested in the matter contained in the business paper. The question of raising the minimum weight in handicaps from 6st 71b to 7st found two champions in Messrs V. Dowling and S. R. Kennedy, who adduced sound arguments in support t f the proposal; but as they did not have the sympathy of the bulk of the committee, the chances of carrying the resolution were hopeless from the start. The chairman (Hon. H. C. Dangar) stated that the committee had not been asked for their support in bringing the matter forward, and pointed out to Mr Kennedy that if the question had to be decided by the casting vote of the chairman, there would be no occasion to alter the present system. The uselessness of a horse that could only carry a lad of 6st 71b, while the greatly despised ponies carried much heavier burdens over similar courses, was urged against the continuation of the present system, while the hardships of jockeys, who under certain conditions had to undergo an almost continuous course of wasting in order to be eligible for a mount were pathetically described. Hon. W. A. Long, who was principal spokesman against the motion, quoted largely from the writings of the wellknown English trainer, John Porter, who favoured even a lower minimum weight than that fixed by the A.J.C., and held that the sys.em was responsible for a better class of riders in England than wes the case later on when the weight was raised. Speaking from bis (Mr Long’s) experience of jockeys and the conditions under which they lived, he was of opinion that they enjoyed life fairly well, inasmuch as they ate and drank enough and got very little physicking. The advantage of the minimum weight was that they could “ catch the jockey young ”- -in fact before he became to worldly wise—and bring him up in the way he (the future jockey) should go. Instances of turf performers who earned well-deserved fame under the old system before even the minimum weight had been raised to its present stage were given, and despite the arguments to the contrary the motion was lost.

Mr Dowling’s effort to prevent the early racing of two-year-olds met with a similar fate, but the voting on the question gave the squire of Lue reason to hope in the near future his endeavours would be crowned with success. The gist of Mr Dowling’s proposal was that two-year olds should not be allowed to start in any race before December 1, and the same restriction should apply to all races over a mile and a quarter, or to any handicap event before March 1. Mr Dowling, who has evidently devoted a deal of attention to the subject, pointed out in unmistakable terms the evils accruing from the training and racing of equine babies, and had also fortified himself with the opinions of such experienced breeders as the Hon. H. T. Smith, M.L.0., of Gordon Brook, and Mr H. C. White, of Havilah, as well as the opinion of Mr A. P. Gribben, the well-known veterinary surgeon, each of whom condemned the present system. The remarks of Mr Gribben are so pertinent to the question as to need no apology for their production. He says :—“Looking at the question of the training of yearlings for early two-year-old racing from a scientific aspect, one cannot be in doubt as to the injurious effect it must have upon the system. The growth and development of the body generally is, perhaps, at this stage, the most important in its existence, consequently the animal is subjected to work which its physiological condition and strength are not made to withstand, hence diseases are developed which under more favourable circumstances would not exist to any extent. Take, for example, the bones. They are, at this period, composed mostly of animal matter, and very vascular; and should be allowed to form in a natural manner, instead of being called upon to bear the strain of sprinting, thus inducing disease. In a like manner the foot, which is generally viewed as a block of horn, instead of as the most highly organised and beautiful structure of the body, must suffer from too early work. In this connection, stress is usually laid on the fact that heredity plays a large part in the matter of defective feet; but I am convinced that, if such horses were allowed to mature, the trouble would gradually diminish, instead of, as at present, being aggravated. Again, the amount of work the heart and lungs are called upon to perform is responsible for much after trouble. Titan was a good example of this. Teething must also be borne in mind in considering this question. Another point to be remembered is the method of feeding necessary; the food is unnaturally stimulating for this period of life, and must prejudicially effect the digestive organs. Viewing the question generally, it appears self-evident that your proposition is a step in the right direction, and, if adopted, must eventually be a means towards what you are desirous, viz., ‘ the production of sound, lasting stock for racing and purposes of usefulness.’ ’

Again, Mr Long was in opposition, but this time he did not quote John Porter in support of his argument, as Mr Dowling had already enlisted that noted authority on his side. The squire of Chipping Norton, however, argued that the equine youngsters rather liked early training and racing, that the best of them trained on, and he adduced several instances of early beginners that developed into high-class performers, while on the other hand Mr Dowling gave examples of famous horses that had not been raced until late in their two-year-old season, as well as others that had not appeared under silk until well advanced as three-year-olds. Mr Knox pointed out that a great stumbling block in the way of carrying out Mr Dowling’s proposals was the fact that the V.R.O. ran their Maribyrnong Plate at the end of October, and were not likely to alter their date for that event ; but Dr Traill held that the A.J.C. should not always follow in the wake of the V.R.C. The governing body in this colony should if necessary act independently in cases where other bodies would not co-operate in bringing about turf reforms. It was suggested that during the coming spring carnival a conference should be arranged between the A.J.C. and V.R.C. with the view of bringing about a settlement of the question, but Mr Long, though willing to take part in the deliberations, did not hold out any great hopes of inducing the Victorian authorities to agree to a change. As already stated, the motion was defeated on a show of hands by 20 to 11. Mr A. Knox’s motion, providing that the old system of private arrangement with regard to jockey’s fees in jumping races outside of the metropolitan area be reverted to, met with no opposition ; and similarly the exemption of race meetings for bona fide polo ponies from the ban of unregistered meetings was agreed to.

At Sylvia Park on Tuesday Stepfelat, by Nordenfeldt —Steppe, gave birth to a filly by St. Leger. Seahorse and The Laborer left for Hawke’s Bay last week, and have arrived safely at their destination. Percy Martin has them in hand.

Owners and trainers should not forget that the second forfeit in connection with the Auckland Guineas is due to-morrow night.

There has been no betting on the Avondale Meeting, but that probably is because the books have not cared to open out.

Ich Dien, by St. George—Ravenswing, the property of Mr G. G. Stead, has dropped a brown filly to Gipsy Grand She is at present at Wellington Park and will be mated with Hotchkiss.

Nominations for the minor events to be disposed of at the Avondale Spring Meeting must be made with the secretary at the office of the Club before 9pm. to morrow (Friday). At the same time final payments for the Avondale Stakes are due.

The full programme prepared for the Wanganui Jockey Club’s Spring Meeting appears in our advertising columns, and shows an increase of £45 in prize money. The Wanganui Club pay their stakes in full, and the amount provided for this meeting is £1265. The chief event on the first day is the Wanganui'Guineas of 200 sovs, and on the second day the Wanganui Stakes Handicap of 225 sovs, one and a half miles. The programme right through is an attractive one, and it is with a feeling of regret that we notice that the familiar name of Freeman R. Jackson is not appended to it as in the years gone by. The C lub is one well worthy of support, and we hope to find Auckland owners responding liberally to the invitation given them to nominate. General nomination day is Monday, September 25, and the dates of the meeting Thursday, October 19, and Friday October 20.

Mr Moss Isaacs, a well-known member of the Victorian Club, arrived on Tuesday morning by the Moana. Mr Isaacs left Melbourne a little over seven months ago with his wife and daughter, and since then he has visited England, Ireland, Germany, France, and America. Altogether, he has had a good time of it, and has seen a lot of racing in the different parts he has visited. While in England he saw the great Flying Fox win the Eclipse Stakes and Derby, and was thoroughly convinced that he is a wonderfully good horse. He looks upon Tod Sloan as a marvel in the riding world, and was introduced to the American in the Hotel Cecil. Mr Isaacs intends to visit Rotorua, and with Mrs and Miss Isaacs he will remain in the Auckland province for about three weeks, returning to Victoria in time for the Melbourne Cup. Mr Isaacs was a resident of Auckland twenty-five years ago and married here. After leaving Auckland he went to Melbourne where he prospered, “this and the next ” being his principal line.

On Monday a rumour was circulated in the city that the brilliant Seaton Delaval filly Rosella had been seriously injured, and the story got about that after her return from the training track she had been turned out to have a little exercise by herself in the paddock, and that when so engaged she got her leg over a barbed wire and in her struggles the limb had been fearfully injured. Under the circumstances a lot of sympathy was expressed for the owners and trainer, but happily it turns out that the rumours greatly exaggerated the facts, but unfortunately there was some foundation for the story, but there was no barbed wire connected with the sale. It appears that on Monday morning Rosella did a nice working gallop at Ellerslie, and the touts could not help remarking as she left the course that she was very well. She was let out in the home paddock, and on the exuberance of her spirits she at once began to gambol, and when sparring in the air she struck one foreleg with the other inflicting an ugly looking gash just above the hoof. At first it was thought that the wound was a serious one, but it now turns out was not so bad as at first thonght, and is only superficial.

A meeting of the committee of the Napier Park Racing Club was held on August 25, when there were present:—Messrs J. C. McVay in the chair, J. Bicknell, W. Heslop, E W. Knowles, and F. Moeller. Messrs J. McVay and W. White (Kaikora) were nominated to represent the country clubs on the metropolitan club committee. After transacting some routine business the committee adjourned, to meet at the. Park on Saturday to consider some suggested improvements.

Mr J. W. Hirst writes as follows : —To the Editor. Sir, —As my name has been mentioned in your paper in connection with the CoralinnSentry appeal case, may I ask you to kindly publish the following resolution passed by the Taranaki Metropolitan Club on Friday 25th inst. : — “ That Mr Hirst was not pecuniarily interested and had nothing to do with the transaction except to draft up a rough lease gratuitously. He had no knowledge of racing, and was not then connected with any Club, and is exonerated from any charge of improper conduct.” We gladly, in justice to Mr Hirst, give the resolution publicity.