Sporting and Dramatic REVIEW . AND . LICENSED VICTUALLERS' GAZETTE WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATBD THIS WEEKLY STANDARD Thursday, November 1, 1900.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XI, Issue 515, 1 November 1900, Page 10

Sporting and Dramatic REVIEW . AND . LICENSED VICTUALLERS' GAZETTE WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATBD THIS WEEKLY STANDARD Thursday, November 1, 1900.

It is an article of faith, held by HORSES many men competent to judge, JOCKEYSHIP? ‘ ha * fe J rao ® B W ° n jockeyship, and that, after all, the horse is the important factor in this business. If he be good enough, it does not seem to require a great artist to get him home. There were two races run recently in England which, despite the success of American jockeys, help to' support that view of the case. In the Hare Park Handicap, for example, several experienced jockeys made a mistake as to the winning post; they were all abroad at the wrong moment, so to speak, losing a lot of backers’ money ; and, save for that error on their part, the horse that won would not probably have been either first or second. Well might unfortunate punters exclaim, “ What is there in jockeyship after all ?* They do not care to reflect that mistakes will occur on the course as well as in the best regulated families. Again, we may derive a useful lesson just now from the result of the Visitors* Plate, for which The Wyvern and Miche, with Yankee riders up, were made warm favourites. Yet Goosander, ridden by an unknown apprentice named Baines, won the race, beating Sloan on The Wyvern by a neck. I, “ Banger,” believe that this was Baines’ first winner, if not his first race; at any rate, the moral is equally instructive and cogent at the moment, when some racegoers are apt to believe that the Americans are the only jockeys worth consideration, and that native talent is not marked by any points of brilliancy. At present, unfortunately, native talent is not encouraged. Money-seeking owners run after the imported article; and if that he not available, they prefer to wait for their turn. The result of such a system will certainly be. inimical to the prospects of lads now apprenticed in English racing stables, as there will be no inducement for trainers to teach them and bring them forward. Even men who were riding winners here a little while ago are now riding nothing. The American jockeys are not afraid that their style can be successfully copied by English rivals of mature age.

The scratching of Seahorse was AN a great blow to those numerous UNLUCKY supporters who backed him for SICKNESS, the Melbourne Cup. The track form after his run in the Caulfield Stakes was excellent, and then the great race he ran against Kinglike in the Eclipse Stakes showed that he would have to be earnestly considered for the Melbourne Cup. The Australian folk began to look upon Seahorse as one of the most dangerous candidates for the Cup, and he advanced to 10 to 1. Then he unfortunately contracted influenza. Up till the 22nd ult. it was hoped that he would get over this with a very light attack. On that day he got worse, and as his throat was in such a swollen state he had to be removed to Kendal s Veterinary Establishment, and Major George had reluctantly to withdraw him from all engagements at the V.R.O. Spring Meeting. We have always considered Seahorse to be a phenomenal colt when fit and well, and advices from Melbourne conveying the estimate placed upon him by good judges there, confirm that impression very emphatically. Seahorse is undoubtedly a great colt, and Hickenbotham, who has been training him, says that he is the best horse he has ever had in his stables. In the Melbourne Cup the chestnut had to carry 9st. Had he continued well he would certainly have run a big race, and it is quite possible that he would have been returned the winner. Melbourne writers were much impressed with the rapid improvement • made by the Nelson colt, and it is no secret that some of the most prominent trainers recognised the possibility of the Melbourne Oup being taken to New Zealand. That opportunity has now gone for another year at least. Like his sire Nelson, Seahorse will very likely be a great five-year-old, and should Major George determine to have another try for the Australian lauiels he would have the best wishes of every sportsman in New Zealand. Hitherto his efforts have been unsuccessful through sickness. At the third attempt it is to be hoped that Seahorse may have the best of health and strength to fit him for the combat with the best horses on the Australian Turf.