Sporting Topics.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume X, Issue 493, 4 January 1900, Page 10

Sporting Topics.

[BY

PETRONEL.]

It ia stated that Voyou ia in queer street. Haut Boy confirmed the good opinion formed of him by winning the December Stakes on Tuesday, December 26, very easily. Blue Metal, prior to the race he won at Warwick Farm the other day, waa treated to a liberal dose of whisky. Muscatel pulled up lame after the Hurdle Race on Thursday. She must have got a bump or two when the Splinter smash occurred. The Taranaki Jockey Club received the sum of £9238 on the totalieator during the two days of the recent meeting. Last year the money speculated totalled only £5381. The Australian jockey, Gainsford, scored his first win in Auckland on dengist in the Visitors’ Plate on Thursday last. The St Leger—Hilda colt responded very gamely to his rider’s calls, and won by a neck after a fine finish with St. Elyn.

The mare Waimea (by Puriri) has had her name changed to Fuchsia.

The hurdle mare Tui has won her full complement of hack money, and will henceforth have to figure in open company.

The pony Mara by Seaton-Delaval out of Maratea, cost the Hon. Hugh Mosman 30gns. as a yearling.

The money speculated on the machine during the two days of the Manawatu Racing Club’s Meeting amounted to £15,652. Last year the total was £15,357. The Gisborne Facing Club held a very successful meeting on Boxing Day and the succeeding Wednesday. During the two days’ racing the totalisator results were £3,631. The hurdler Watershot fell and broke his neck on the second day of the Manawatu Racing Club’s meeting. His rider, Walls, suffered a broken collar-bone and slight concussion of the brain. Bluejacket, Dayntree, and Volcano won at Takapuna, and they won at Ellerslie; therefore their form at the North Shore was correct, and not flukey, as some people say. Miss Delaval ran a very disappointing mare in the Summer Cup. She was left at the start and never seemed inclined to gallop. She made no decrease at any time in the gap which separated her from the leaders and finished absolutely last.

Minerva proved herself a very smart little mare on Monday. She made light of her 9et in the Pony Handicap,- and in the hands of Gainsford scored a very easy victory from the two Seaton-Delavale—Blue Paul and Mara. On the second day of the A.R.C. Summer Meeting Seaton Delavalfollowed up his first day’s success with three winners, two seconds, and a third. Beddington, Jim Kean, and Mara scored firsts, while Laetitia, Hastings and Blue Paul were the place- getters.

After winning the First Handicap Hurdles on the first day of the Manawatu Summer Meeting, the hurdler Marina was offered for sale, £2lO was offered for the Sou’-Wester mare, but as the reserve of £3OO was not reached, she was passed in.

There was one absentee from the ranks of the Taranaki stewards at the Summer Meeting. I refer to Mr. L. W. Alexander, who has been confined to his house through the prevailing epi demic. I hope ere these lines appear in print that he will be restored to a state of convalescence.

Miss Blair easily accounted for the Maiden Handicap on Monday, and her win must have made up for some of the disappointment caused by Record Reign’s succession of places Mr. Bouston’s mare paid a surprising dividend considering lhe strength, of the field.

Record Reign proved himself a very consistent horse and a good weight-carrier. It was no disgrace to be beaten by Bluejacket and Coronet in the Auckland Cup, while his seconds to Explosion in the Summer Cup and Racing Club Handicap show that Mr. “Roulston” owns one of the two best handicap horses in the colony.

It would have been better fo> Verdi and his rider if the horse had refused at the hurdle at the back where he so often has turned it up. In the race on Thursday Verdi attempted the same jame, but Mclntosh get him over by the aid of plenty of persuasion.

Explosion’s victory in the Summer Cup on Thursday was a gallant one. He made his own pace and ran the mile and a quarter in 2min 10 3-ssec carrying 9st 61b. He paid a big dividend too. His good performances should draw attention to the young Cuirassier’s to be sold to day.

The New Zealand pony, Fair Nell, and her rider (J. Dunlop) and owner (E. Dalton) have been disqualified for a period of three months by the Brighton Club, Sydney. The stewards were not satisfied with the mare’s running at a recent meeting, and, after inquiry, decided upon disqualification for the above term. The Hon. Hugh Mosman’s colours were to the fore twice on Thursday, thanks to Mara and Hengist. It is some time since blue and orange livery was carried first past the judge, and the ■Queensland sportsman, who is a staunch supporter of the Turf, was heartily congratulated -upon his dual success.

Ai ter the Hurdle Race was finished on Thurs day Dennis Morraghan entered a protest on the ..ground of bumping. The stewards heard the evidence, and after a somewhat lengthy enquiry, decided not to disturb the judge’s verdict. Ido not for a moment suppose the bumping was intentional, but it certainly took place. ' At hie second attempt Hengist, the two-year--old. son of St Leger and Hilda won a race, and ; gave Gainsford his first winning mount since his arrival in Auckland. At the 1899 yearling sale Hengist was bought by the Hon. Hugh Mosman ffor 1000 guineas. He is a fine colt, and now that he has become accustomed to the racecourse he will prove himself the possessor of running ability as well as good looks. Dan McLeod was very heartily congratulated ■upon the success of his admirable filly Miss Delaval in the Great Northern Derby. It was just toss up that she did not start for the race, and her, victory came as a welcome surprise to her owner. The win was a very popular one for Miss Delaval is a great favourite with the public, and her owner is a good sport. The cheers were loud when Tommy Taylor brought the game little filly back to the birdcage, and they were doubled and trebled when Mrs L. D. Nathan decorated her with the Blue Riband. There was considerable enthusiasm amongst the spectators on the lawn when this ceremony was taking place, while three hearty cheers were given for the filly, three for her owner, one for her rider, another for her -trainer, and last, but not least, one for her /breeders.

The owner of Vanquish (late Verbena) was fined £5 for late scratching on the first day of the T.J.C. Meeting. The Seaton Delavai pony Blue Paul has been purchased by the well known metallician Mr Jamts Beckett.

frerew Gun has now won the Royal Stakes two years in succession, and Mr Stead has won the race every year since its institution.

The Hon. J. D. Ormond and Mrs Ormond returned to Napier at the end of last week in order to be present at the meeting of the Hawkes Bay Jockey Club. Sant Ilario could never live with Seahorse and Explosion in the strongly-run race for the Auckland Plate, and it is evident that Mr Stead's handsome colt is along way below concert pitch. Tommy Taylor rode Mies Delaval to victory in the Great Nt rthern Derby. The same horseman steered Bluejacket to victory in the same race last year. Minerva 11. got something the worst of the start in the Newmarket Handicap on Tuesday. This was her own fault, and had she got away on terms with the field she would have won the race with a little to spare.

Jabber made light of his extra lllbs in the Glasgow Handicap on Monday. Before the A.R.U. meeting it was said that the St. Andrew gelding could not stay seven furlongs, but he won the Alexandra Handicap with 7.12 up, and then with Bst 91b won the Glasgow Handicap with a good deal to spare. In fact I do not think another 101 b would have stopped him, and I think he was unlucky not to win the Railway Handicap on the first day. Tolstoi was thought to have an excellent chance of distinguishing himself m the County Handicap on Monday. He had done something smart in the way of a trial, and was expected to win. He did not get too good a start, and then got badly placed, so that Holmes had to fight for position. When he did get out he made a good run, but he stood no chance of catching the flying Danytree.

St. Leger was represented by a couple of winners on Thursday. Hengist scored for him in the Visitors’ Plate and La Gloria won the Welter Handicap after an erratic display. The latter swervtd all over the place at the finish, and it was not surprising that there was a protest on behalf of Balberdier. To my mind The Needle was the unfortunate horse. With the other two yawing about in front of him he was completely blocked and his run was very effectually stopped. After hearing the riders of Halberdier and La Gloria the stewards dismissed the protest.

At Sylvia Park on Friday Messrs Hunter and Nolan disposed of some thoroughbred stock, the property of Mr E. F. Roche. The five-year-old gelding Blairearrig, by Blairgowrie out of Cobweb, was bought by Mr Harry Massey for 18 gns, a two-year-old filly by St Hippo out of Cobweb realised 9 gns, the bid of Mr J. Hill. Mr F. Stenning, purchased the brood mare Cobweb, by Ingomar—Titania, for 20 gns, and Mr H. N. Jarvey secured a bargain when he obtained the brood mare Lady Moth by St Leger out of Titania, for 36 gns.

The Taranaki stewards had to consider the question whether St. Vincent (Nelson —Florence) is any longer a hack. It seems the chestnut has been owned by a Maori for some time, and lately the horse had an innings at some small registered meetings in the King Country. Although the stakes were nominal (£lO cups, etc.) some people circulated the report that they were “ open ” meetings, and if St. Vincent won a “ hack ” race he would not get the money. In face of these reports the Taranaki stewards decided to obtain information as to" the status of the meeting or meetings in the King Country.

Hohoro got badly left when the runners for the County Handicap on Monday were despatched. His rider, Batman, when he got his mount going finished the course, and he came up the straight at a good canter when crowds of people were on the track. At the judge’s box there was very nearly an accident, and the stewards called Batman before them and suspended him for the rest of the meeting for his careless behaviour. It was a thoughtless thing to do, and might have caused a serious disaster.

Out of the whole of the acceptors for the races decided on Monday only nine failed to go to the post. This it another very flattering testimony to Mr Evett’s handicapping. Throughout the meeting the racing was decidedly interesting, and though, of course, there were some easy victories there were many stiffly fought out battles resulting in close finishes, on each day good fields demonstrated the fact that the weight adjuster had done some good work, and it must be admitted that he puzzled the punters for there are very few who will own to braving had a good time in the task of selecting winners. Harry Goodman had a bit of bad luck on New Year’s Day in the Racing Club Handicap. His mare Pitch and Toss, ridden by Harding, looked extremely well, and many good judges thought Explosion would have all his work cut out to concede the racy looking Southerner 311bs. Whatever chance the mare might have had was extinguished early in the race for getting to close to the rails. Just after passing the stewards stand Pitch and Toss grazed her shoulder, and Harding’s knee came in contact with the railings so violently that he could take no further part in the race. The mare could not be pulled up but i an the distance.' On returning to the birdcage Harding was examined by Dr. Sharman, and was afterwards taken to the Hospital. His knee was severely bruised and lacerated, but it is hoped that the injuries are not serious. Goodman had every prospect of making a good race with the top weights, so the unfortunate occurrence is to be deplored on iccoimt of both rider and owner.

It is rumoured that the Hon. Hugh Mosman’s horses in training will shortly be remove.! to Mangere and that Percy Martin will assume the position of private trainer to the Queensland legislator and sportsman. A protest against Hohoro getting the stake f r the Newmarket Handicap was lodged with the stewards of the A.R.C. on Tuesday, on tbe ground that Hodson, the rider of the winner, was guilty of foul riding in striking Dayntree on the head with his whip. After hearing evidence the stewards dismissed the protest. Tommy, Explosion’s devoted attendant, bore a smiling visage as he led the black horse round the Bird-cage before the start for the Auckland Plate. I fancy he was a trifle disappointed at the result of the race, but he soon recovered his usual equanimity and spoke exultantly of the merits of Explosion. Seahorse’s running in the Auckland Plate proved that his form in the Derby on the previous day was not correct. No doubt the race for the Derby improved Major George’s colt, but I fancy if the tactics adopted in the Plate had been followed in the Derby the result would have been different.

The Takapuna Jcckey Club’s Summer programme claims the attention of owners and trainers to-morrow (Friday), when Mr R. H. Wynyard, the secretary of the club, will receive general entries. The meeting will be held on Monday, January 29, Wednesday, January 31, and Saturday, February 3. The acceptance fee for the Autumn Handicap, to be decided at the Autumn Meeting of the Taranaki Jockey Club is 3 sovs, not 4 sovs as printed in the book programmme issued by the club. The weights for the Taranaki Cup will be declared on Saturday, January 13. After Dan McLeod’s beautiful filly, Miss Delaval, had won the Great Northern Derby Mr Stead, like a good sportsman, asked for the owner so that he might congratulate him upon the victory of his filly. Mr Stead is a keen judge of a horse, as well as a geod sportsman, and in recognising Mies Delaval’s ability he also showed that he could take a defeat like a man.

Messrs H. Hayr and Coy. are to be given a word of praise for the capable manner in which the totalisator was managed during the recent meeting. During the four days racing the large sum of £63,645 passed through the bands of the staff. There was never a hitch all through the meeting, and I do not think a pound was shut off the machine. Promptness in paying out the dividends was also noticeable. Seaton Delaval heads tbe list of sires of winners at the A.R.C. Summer Meeting. His progeny won eight races at the gathering. St. Leger’a representatives won six events ; Castor, Cuirassier, and St. Andrew each sired the winners of two races, while the following sires had one winner each : —Dreadnought, Natator, Flintlock, Turquoise, Torpedo, Metal, Blairgowrie, Hotchkiss, Sou’-Wester, Tasman, Nelson, and The Workman.

Ihe great race for the Auckland Plate will live for ever in the memories of those who watched it, therefore it is worth while recording the times for the various stages of the contest Mr Carr made them to be as follows :—Two furlongs, 26 4 ssec ; four furlongs, 50 3-ssec; five furlongs, lmin 5 3-ssec; six furlongs, Imin 17 3-ssec ; one mile, lmin 44 4 seec ; one mile ana a half, 2min 38 3 ssec. Jhe last five furlongs were run in lmin 7 4-ssec, and the last half mile was cut out in 54 2-ssec Peter Chaafe came out of the A.R.C. Summer Meeting with flying colors, and his dual success with Bluejacket in the Cup and Nor’■‘West in the Steeplechase redounds to his credit as a trainer. Bluejacket was sent to the post in admirable fettle, and won the race with very great ease. For the Steeple, Nor’-West went to the post in tip top condition and he won anyhow. Crusado, Nor’-West’s stable companion, finished next, and gained the second money, which will go to make up the purchase price of 50 sovs paid fur him. The death of Monsignor Walter Macdonald (more familiarly known as Father Walter) removes a well-known figure from Auckland society. Nowhere will he be more missed than at Ellerslie. He was rarely absent from a race meeting, and was always one of the first to ride to the aid of a fahen jockey. Only on Thursday last he went quickly to the assistance of Katterns and McIntosh when, through Splinter’s fall, they were brought to earth He was well beloved by all who came in contact with him, and by the Ellerslie boys ” he was revered. lam glad to note that the latter have originated a fund for the purpose of erecting a monument over the tomb of the deceased priest. Such a mark of respect must meet with the approval of all sportsmen.