Sporting Topics.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XI, Issue 527, 30 August 1900, Page 11

Sporting Topics.

[By

Petronel.]

With this number of the Review there is issued a special supplement —the pictures of Mr Leonard Marshall’s stallions Oyrenian and Eton. The portraits, which are excellent likenesses, are reproduced from photographs taken by our photographer, A. L. Cleave, of Ellerslie. Mr W. Knight has been re appointed handicapper to the Thames Jockey Club. Sant Ilario has recently been backed for the New Zealand Cub.

Record Reign is now a firm favourite for the New Zealand Cup at 7 to 1. Mr Jack Tobias has gone on a holiday to the Hot Lakes. He will return to Auckladd before the Avondale Spring Meeting. Auckland pencillers were on Mondoy asked to lay 500 to 35 about Sant llorio for the New Zealand Cup. No business resulted. Screwgun was shipped on board the Papanui at Wellington, on Saturday, en route for England.

On-Saturday next, September Ist; acceptances are due for the first day’s events f n-the South Canterbury Jockey’s Spring Meeting.

In this ieSue Mr G. G. Stead advertises for an experienced stud groom Applications for the position should be made by telegram.

The latest foalings at Wellington Park are Edith Curelin, by Castor out of Frailty, a colt to St Leger, and Cresent, by Castor from Pungawerewere, a colt to Hotchkiss. The Taranaki Jockey Club has, on appeal, removed the two year's disqualification imposed by the Egmont Racing Club, on Mr James Beckett and Mr Mick McAuliffe, in connection with the Minerva II affair.

Mr J. W. Hirst, the secretary of the Egmont Racing Club, was in Auckland the end of last week. He saw the Auckland—Wellington football match on Saturday, and returned home by the Takapuna on Tuesday.

Lancaster has arrived at Rand wick in order to take part in the A.J.O. Spring Meeting. The Hotchkiss—Frailty colt has engagements in the Trial Stakes, Spring Stakes, Bandwick Plate, and other races at the meeting, which commences on September 8.

Acceptances for the first day’s races at the Avondale Jockey Club’s Spring Meeting close on Friday, September 7th. The events are the Avondale Cup, First Hurdles, Maiden Plate, First Hack Handicap. Handicap Steeplechase First Pony Handicap and Flying Stakes. Mora, Cornquist, Massinissa, Horace, and Sagacity were all quoted at 100 to 4 for the Caulfield Cup at the beginning of the last week. Sagacity, who is one of Lancaster’s stable companions, has journeyed across to Sydney with the Auckland bred colt.

The Christchurch Hunt Club’s Point to Point Steeplechase was decided on Saturday The light weight race, list 71b, was won by Mrs W. H. Woodroffe’s Kawai, while in the heavy weight division 13st 71b, victory rested with Mr Woodroffe’s Victor.

At the annual meeting of the A. J .0. Mr Crick suggested that a Federal Cup, worth 7000sovs, should be run for during the season. He said that though New South Wales had a larger population than Melbourne in racing prestge, it had to give way to the Flemington gatherings. It was his opinion that something ought to be done to eclipse Melbourne in the racing line. The following were the succe. sful riders at the New Zealand Grand b ational Meeting—Messrs R. E Harley and W. G. Stead, two each; WClarke and F. Barry, two each; Messrs L. Rutherford, P. Neagle and P. Holmes, one each ; and D. Naylor, F. Cochrane, 0. Jenkins, McComb, Watt, F. Williams, C. Stratford, B. Wilson, A. Hall, H. Moore, and A. E. Woolley, one each. At the Grand National Meeting Castor, Foulshot, and Rubezahl were equal for first honours, with two winning representatives each. The other sires represented by winners were—Artillery, Stepniak, Vanguard, The Mute, Cap-a-pie, Lakeshell, St George, Flageolet, King Quail, Albert, Blairgowrie, Flintlock, Medallion, Dreadnought, Perkin Warbeck 11., Wanderer, Torpedo, and Maxim, who each sired one winner. Mr Lawrence Cottle, of Napier, the owner of Missfire, Puketoi etc., was up in Auckland last week. He informed, me that Afisafire would stand this season in the Napier district. Missfire, who is by Maxim out of Take Miss, is only seven years of age, and is as handsome a horse as one would desire to see. Maxim’s son, who will be in charge of Jack Roller, will stand at a fee of five guineas.

On Friday, September 7, Mr F. Moffat, the secretary of the Wanganui Jockey Club, will receive nominations for the following events. Spring Handicap, First Handicap Hurdles, Flying Stakes, Owen Stakes, Second Hurdles, Wanganui Stakes, Marangai Stakes, Trial Hack Handicap, Handicap Hack Flat, Flying Hack Handicap, Final Hack, First Hack Hurdles, and Second Hack Hurdles. The nomination fee in each race is one sov«

At the annual meeting of tne Northern Wairoa Racing Club.h cently, the following stewards were elected in tne place of retiring officers Messrs T. H. Day, H Vail, W. J. Brown, and E. T. Moriarity. The balance sheet for the past year showed an income of £787, and an expendiof £784. The Northern Wairoa Racing Club has found the refusal of a totalisator permit a big disadvantage. It is' to be hoped that the Colonial Secretary will grant the Club apermit before the next meeting takes place, for the Northern Wairoa is one of the most popular country gatherings we have

| |The Carbine horse Clarion has been leased to Mr W. J. Hawthorne of South Grafton, New South Wales, for stud purposes. The Australian Jockey Club has again put upon official record its desire to see the totalisator established in New South Wales.

Hohoro, who has lately been shaping very well in his track work is well fancied for the Avondale Cup.

Gossoon’s stock are coming rapidly into favour with New South Wales sportsmen. Gossoon is by Galopin (St. Simon’s sire), out of Petal, a He mit mare.

J. E. Brewer, at Caulfield, on Saturday, August 18. had his first ride since his return from England. He rode lat in the Hurdle Race, but his mount finished nowhere.

Rosebud, the winner of the V.R. □. Grand National Steeplechase, easily won the big Steeplechase at Caulfield on Saturday, August 18. She carried list 51b, andean ered home Messrs L. D. and N. A. Nathan’s brood mare, Miss Letty, by St Leger out of Necklace, has given birth to a colt by Seaton Delavel. This youngster is full brother to Beddington, and the yearling colt whose portrait appears in this issue.

The V.A T.O. Grand National Steeplechase winner Chelsea was sold as a foal for 29 guineas. His prese t owner, Colonel Campbell, bought him for 200 guineas and contingencies. The Caulfield victory is the first big race that has fallen to Colonel Campbell’s share, for though War God has often been knocking at the door he has yet to win a big race

I relate the following little story to show the good feeling existing between buyer and seller. After Record Reign had so handsomely won the Grand 'ational Hurdles, Mr Dan McLeod wired the following message to Mr James Roulston “ Won easily. Have a bottle with me. Not a bad pup.” In a very short space of time back came the answer, “ Hearty congratulations. You cannot be more pleased than I am.”

The champion horse of Mutltiform, has returned to Yaldhurst after not a lengthy absence. Our Canterbury correspondent wires that the horse arrived on Tuesday, and that he is looking very fit and well. When going on board the boat that brought him back to New Zealand, Multiform was sadly out of condition but on the voyage he picked up wonderfully, and when landed was in admirable fettle. Mr G. G. Stead will be very glad to have his old favourite back again.

Tomorrow (Friday August 31) is genera entry day for the Avondale Jockey Club’s Spring Meeting The races requiring attention from owners and trainers are as follows—Maiden Plate, First Handicap Hurdles, First Hack Handicap, Handicap Steeplechase, First Pony Handicap, Flying Stakes, Second Hurdles, Electric Handicap, Nursery Handicap, Second Pony Handicap, Second Hack Handicap, and Mt Albert Handicap. The secretary, Mr Harry Hayr, will receive nominations at his office, High Street, Auckland, up till nine o'clock in the evening. The handicaps, for the first day’s races will be declared on Monday next, September, 3rd.

In Melbourne on Monday August 20 Lancaster was a strong favourite for the Melbourne Cup, 1000 to 60 being taken three times then 100 to 65, and finally a little money was accepted at 100 to 7. Lancaster was also coupled in doubles with severnl Caulfield Cup horses, Massinissa being backed with him to win £7OOO or £BOOO, but wagers, as ar as known, were not taken for the stable straight out. Lancaster will certainly hold the position of favourite right up to the A.J.C. Spring Meeting Should uovthing show very smart form at Randi wick the Hotchkiss —Frailty eflt may be displa ed.

While at Mr J. B. Williamson’s the other day, I had a look at the yearlings—of these more anon —and amongst them is the Gossoon —Windmill colt. He is a strapping fellow, and lam inclined to think he is the biggest yearling I have seen so far. Mr Lawrence Cottle, who was with me, admired the colt very much, but he told me he had seen a much bigger yearling colt. He had been up to Mr Roulston’s place at Pukekohe a day or two previously and had there gazed admiringly at the colt by Hotchkiss out of that illustrious matron Winnie. This is undoubtedly a remarkably fine yearling, and Mr Cottle gave meja most glowing description of this youngster, the twoyear bld colt by St Hippo, and Pretoria, the three year old filly by Cuirassier. The two lastnamed are also from Winnie. Pretoria is a wonderfully handsome filly, and the St Hippo polt is one of the most likely looking animals my informant has ever seen.

Regarding Lancaster’s victory in the Three and Four-yeyr-old Handicap at Flemington on August 18th, “ Reginald,” in the Melbourne Sportsman says: —“I. Foulsham would appear to hold a rather strorgish Cup hand for the spring. It is no exaggera ion to say that Lancaster is one of the most improved horses in training. As a three-yoar old the Frailty colt trained shallow, and he always seemed to be anxious and irritable, but now he has “filled up” all over, and his manners are much more It was not much that Lancaster was asked to do on Saturday, but there could be no mistaking the way he get through with the task set him. Form at this time of the year is not always a reliable guide to the spring, but it should not be forgotten that both Hymettus and Merriwee accounted for that Ti ree and Four-year old Handicap in successive years prior to their more important victories, and it might be that Lancaster is destined, to follow suit. Whatever may follow, it can, at any rate, with truth be said that, at the present-time, Lancaster represents something pretty good, and there is reason to believe that, if nothing happens to mar his prospects, he will keep on making headway for a while yet.

The late Mr W. R. Wilson-left property of the value of £63,584 19s Id. Coupons bearing the following-initials have been received:—Gß.L , W.M , J.F., E.H. The Otago Representative Footballers arrived in Auckland yesterday (Wednesday). Massinnisi wore bandages on both forelegs when he won his race at Caulfield, on Saturday, August 18th.

The Century Stakes has not been reduced to a mile and a-quarter. In 1902 the distance will be a mile and a-half.

The I ondon Sportsman says that Essex, by Sweet William out of Myall, has-been shipped for return to Sydney. Gung?, Din has wintered very well, and his South Australian admirers still like his char.ee in the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups. The New Zealand-bred horse, Clack-na-ouddin, ran in the Southdown Welter Handicap at Lewes, recently, but finished last In a field of four.

Up to the first week in July Trenton’s progeny had scored four wins on the English turf, and earned £3,301, while nine of Carbine’s get had won ten races of the value of £2,818.

Bona Rosa, tbe two-year-old gelding by St Hippo, out of Vieux Rose —the dam of Vai Rosa —is showing good form on the Mangere tracks. The St Hippo—lda gelding is another promising two-year-old, trained by George Absolum.

In Mr W. R. Wilson’s will bequests were made, leaving £lOO each to Mr O. L. Macdonald and Mr Colin Templeton, in order that these gentlemen might purchase momentoes of their many year’s friendship with the deceased sportsman.

Seahorse, who is still in the Melbourne and New Zealand Cups, has been quietly nibbled at for the latter event, but there is nothing to warrant the assumption that the stable connections were supporting the Nelson colt. I suppose we shall not have to wait very long now before the Major makes a selection.

Seahorse, Zealous, Rattler, and the other members of the Waipiti string are going very well in their tasks on the Ellerslie tracks. Zealous, who is in the Avondale Cup with 6st 101 b, has been moving in particularly taking style, while Rattler and Seahorse have also accomplished pleasing tasks.

In an article dealing with the different styles of riding adopted by English and American jockeys, the London paper, the Field, says in America the matter of wind pressure is intelligently taken in consideration. In England it is comprehended by a limited number. Ths majority would scoff at the American who went out into open and presently said, ‘ There’s a 71b wind blowing to-day.” But why scoff ? Speaking roughly, racehorses running short distances travel at the rate of thirty-six miles an hour. Call this a pressure of 51b per square foot and it is at once demonstrated to the commonest intelligence that a jockey who presents 1 foot lees surface of resistance than another has a 51b advantage over him This is why one hears the remark made.that th© American jockeys ride 51b lighter than those of England. What the exact difference is cannot, of course, be determined, but to deny th it there is a difference is to fly in the face of the directest evidence.

It was only to be expected that St Paul would head th i handicap for the Avondale Cup. Mr Kvett has given the horse 9st 121 b, and in his old- ■ time form what a “ bird ”J he would mike of t the ' race I In ’9B St Paul won the race with lOst 81b, and romped home in very heavy| going. Coronet, 7st 101 b, was behind the placed horses. A mile and a-quarter is perhaps St Paul’s best ’ distance, and should he go to the post he would meet with a lot of support just for the sake of old times. Bluejacket, Bst 121 b, i? also spoken of as a horse under suspicion, but he has been galloping well, and he would take some beating. He has 61b less than weight for age. Coronet, Bst 101 b, is about weighted up to his performances. Miss Delaval, Bst 81b, is not harshly treated, and I should take her as one of the likeliest horses in the race. Rosella, Bst 51b, and St Ursula,"Bst lib, ha«e quite enough weight. Hohoro, 7st 121 b, and Dayntree, 7st 101 b, are a well-treated pair, and others that appear to be well handicapped according to the w.f.a. scale, are La Gloria, Laetitia and Zealous. St Jack, 7st 41b, is given a : chance to show what he can do, and I should not like to dismiss Landlock, 7st 61b, as having no possibilty.

. Mr W. A. Long’s retirement from the A.J.O. Committee was the subject of complimentary allusions at the Annual Meeting (says the Sydney Referee}. The Hon. W. P. Crick moved a special vote of thanks to Mr Long, and eulogi ed his work in turf government in no uncertain tone. He had the meeting entirely with him, and the vote was carried by acclamation. In responding, Mr Long eaid that, during his service on the Committee many people had differed with him, and on many different matters. But he had always made it a point to do what he considered to be the right thing, and, having done so, was careless about the opinions of other members, or of those outside the Committee. He did not mean that he was always right. Nobody was. He had, however, designed his actions in the interest of the sport, of the club, and of the people who took part in racing. In his opinion those acting with him had carried out their duties independently and capably. After his intimate association with the Committee, he ’ was sorry to leave the position There was a time for everything Old men must drop out and make room for new blood. New men wculd continue the work. He hoped there would be no revolutionary uprising in the methods of turf government, and was convinced that capable men would always safeguard the interests and properly administer the affairs of the turf in the future.

|SBilly Clarke, who rode (Record Reign in his National and Maiden Hurdle Races, will have the mount on the Castor gelding in the New Zealand Cup and other rac<s at theC.J.C. Spring Meeting

There is some doubt existing whether Malster will journey to Eandwick to take part in the A.J.U. De< by. Ac latest many of the Australian Turf writers favoured the prospects of i aulette for the big classic race.

Record R.ign and Oavaliero returned from the South on Saturday looking none thejWorse for their t fforts at the National Meeting. The Castor gelding was on the Eilers’.ie track on Tuesday, and showed that he w.s as fit as possible.

At the Biobury Club July Meeting the Aus-tralian-bred horse Oban, with 12st 21b in the saddle, was elected favourite for the Biobury Stakes (handicap), 1 mile, in a field of nine ; but the son of Lochiel could only got third to Bonnie Springfield, who carried lOat 121 b

Certificates of the pedigrees of the following Australian-bred horses, recently landed in England by T. G. Muir, have been lodged with Messrs Weatherby:—Bg Fifeshire 11, by Jczo —Florrie; b c Parthian 11, by Grand Flaneur —Archeress j ch f Sweetheait 11, by Ormond —Sylvana ; ch h The Tola, by Gozo —More Pork.

The Spring Meeting of the Auckland Racing Club is fixed for November the 9th, 10th, 14th, when £3520 will be given away in stakes. The Great Northern Guineas, which is this year worth 500 sovs, with second and third money of 30 sovs and 10 sovs respectively, is run on the first day. Another attractive race on the first day is the Welcome Slakes fjt two year-olds. 1 bis is worth 250 sovs The Prince of Wales Handicap, one mile and a-half, is this year to be run on the first day instead of the second as hitherto. This year the race is of the value of 400 sovs. On the second day the chief flat race is the City Handicap, worth 300 sovs, run over one mile and a-quarter. The Musket Stakes, 200 sc vs, four furlongs, for two-year-olds, is always a popular race, and this year, when we have so many promising two-year-olds, there should be a large entry. '1 he Handicap Steeplechase, run over three miles, has 50 sovs added to its value this year, and now it is endowed with 150 sovs. The third day’s sport is largely devoted to the Hunt Club. Jhe Ascot Handicap, one mile and a-quarter, is |worth 250 sots The Tally-ho Steeplechase is wortn lOOsovs. and is run over two rounds of course, or about three miles. The programme all through is an excellent one. It appears in detail in ihis issue, and a perusal of it will well repap owners and trainers. Nominations for the Prince of Wales’ Handicap, City Handicap, and Handicap Hurdles close on Friday, September 28.

Randwick racecourse was the scene of a chapter of accidents on Saturday morning last, says the Sydney Referee of August 23. The first happened to the jockey Peter Harris, who was walking the two year-old Dahomey from the back boxes to the course to work. The colt slipped on the asphalt road that borders the saddling paddock and fell heavily on the lad, crushing the near stirrup iron out of shape, but fortunately the rider was not much hurt. This asphalt is very dangerous. While schooling over the practice steeplechase fences Commissioner struck hard and threw T. Cunninghom heavily. The lad’s right hand was badly injured—it was thought to be broken. P. Fallon had two falls. Echo fell over a steeplechase fence with him, but did not hurt him. Then Alga came down heavily with him after jumping a hurdle near the five-fur-longs post, and rendered him insensible for a time, but after about 20 minutes’ rest Fallon re mounted the horse and schooled him over the course. On his return Fallon showed unmistakeable signs of his fall about the head and back. He was rather sick for a while, but an hour afterwards was little the worse for his falls.