Sporting and Dramatic REVIEW AND LICENSED VICTUALLERS' GAZETTE WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE WEEKLY STANDARD Thursday, September 17, 1902. Sporting Topics.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XI, Issue 609, 18 September 1902, Page 12

Sporting and Dramatic REVIEW AND LICENSED VICTUALLERS' GAZETTE WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE WEEKLY STANDARD Thursday, September 17, 1902. Sporting Topics.

American horses in England won between eighty and ninety races during the first four months of the season. Though they have been fairly successful, the Americans have secured ' nothing like the triumphs of last season. •iv Z- w * When members take such an interest in their club as the members of the Ohinemuri Club evidently do, success has been achieved. At the annual meeting, held last week, there were sixty-seven members present, and the report and t alance-sheet submitted wore of a highly satisfactory nature. During the year a number of improvements have been effected, and the accounts show a clear profit on the year’s work of £336. For this success the club is very much indebted to their energetic secretary, Ah- Wliewell, who is entitleci to something more substantial than the vote of thanks that was accorded him by the members. w *X- vf ■X’ Writing about the Metropolitan Stakes, *' Milroy,” in the Sydney “ Mail ” remarks : —•' Patronage does not show anything like the size, bone, and substance of his distinguished brothers, Patron and Ruenalf, though he is all quality, but on his showing against San Fran in the Aletropolitan last year, and his form this spring, warranted the good Cup opinion people have formed of him. The Metropolitan running 1 take no heed| of, because the horse never got a fair chance front the jump to the judge in that big bustling field. If he throws) ofij the soreness that 1 anticipate is coming, and strips lit and well, nobody will he surprised if he demonstrates in Alelbourne that the Randwick running was all wrong. Last year Patronage ran badly in the Trial Stakes, and was unlu.cky to be beaten in the Aletropolitan by San Fran — who, by the way, started for New Zealand on the Bth inst., the anniversary of his Metropolitan win. This year Patronage gave The Persian 31b, and made a of him in the Trial Stakes, out at clb The Persian badly beat his conqueror in the Metropolitan, and had not Queen of Sheba, when under pressure, sheered out in The Persian’s track when lie was making his last run, he may have just beaten her. On the Trial Stakes running Patronage should have been in front •>( The Persian in the Metropolitan, and, no doubt single-handed, he could have beaten him, but it ia a different thing when there in a big field in the road. Queen of Sheba was one of the best-conditioned animals in the race, and to that, and a lucky place at the start, she owes her success. The larto Mr William. Forrester lirSci the ■winner, and sold her when in training to Mr John Stewart, the Randwick veterinary slurgeon, who trained! her for ai while, but not having time to attend to her, he put the mare in the sale ring, and she was purchased by Wootton for a small sum.” * •> -:<• A rather peculiar and unusual incident took place at the AJaisont Lafitte Meeting (writes ” The Ariseocratic Tout After all the runners had got down to the gate, and were under the starter’s orders, one of the horses fouled the ribbon and five covered the course, Le Tartare finishing first. The advance Hag not having fallen, the start was declared.defective, 'but the winner and Severo returned to the paddock, and the race was then run by all the others. Count de Ganay’s Neron winning. The management decided under the starter’s orders, they should be considered non-starters, and also ruled that the money invested in the mutuela should be reimbursed.

The brood mare Trafalgar broke her leg recently, and had to be destroyed.

A Southern writer states that Dundas' racing career is not likely to be of long duration. He shows signs of lameness after work.

A new totalisator tax, which increases the contribution of the racing clubsi from per cent., to 5 per cent., came into force in Queensland on September 6.

The colts again promise to preponderate at Sylvia Park. The foalings reported from this stud during the past week are Stepfeldt, a colt by Seaton Delaval ; Campania, a colt by Seaton Delaval, and therefore a full brother to Miss Delaval ; Roie, a colt by Explosion, and Liquidation a filly by Explosion. * * * *

Mr E. M. Clark's Totalisator Bill, which was introduced in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly recently, provides for the legalisation of the machine racecourses in New South Wales, subject to certain restrictions and regulations. It is proposed to issue licenses to owners of these machines, which will give them exemption from the provisions of the various Acts that are in force for the purpose of prohibiting gaming or wagering. . Such licenses are to be issued lor the period of one year, and there are several clauses in the Bill determining what class of meetings the totalisator may be used at. The amount, of < ommissian that may be charged by the proprietors of the machine is fixed at not more than ten per cent., and any person undrr the age of twenty-one years who may be convicted of wagering I y this means will be liable to a penalty of not less than £l, nor more than £2O for the first offence, and not less than £5 nor more than £3O for each subsequent offence.

Now and then marvellous stories of horses being substituted for others at races, and of other tricks of a like nature. are related, but no legal confirmation of these peculiar tales ever seems- to be forthcoming, sb states a Paris writer. The latest rumour of this kind emanates from a provincial town, where the police Seized various photographs and papers, and also are asserted to have seized a safe anc' 1 to be holding an investigation into the various photographs and papers, and also are asserted to have seized a safe and to be holding an investigation into the origan of a fire which occurred some time ago in a stable, as a result of which a horse, respecting the identity of which doubt had been entertained, faced from view. Mysterious allusion is also made to a n alleged depot for the “ manufactory ” of racehorses, the appearances, of the animals being altered through the employment of various subtle an ingenious arts, so that they are virtually unrecognisable. What foundation there may be for this new batch of curious reports remains to be seen. The chances are that they will meet with the fate of their predecessors.

The English St. Leger was run on September 10, and the cable informs us that the important classic event was won by R. S. Sevier’s b f Sceptre, by Persimmon —Ornament, with Colonel H . M'Cab mont’s b c Rising Glass, by Isinglass: Hautesse, second, and the Duke of Portland’s br c Friar Tuck, by Friars Balsam —Galopin mare, thiffd. This victory sets the seal on Septre’s fame. This season she won the Two Thousand Guineas, and added the One Thousand Guineas in the following month. Probal. ly through her own fractiousness she lost the Derby, but in the Oaks she made no race of it, and now she has won the St, Leger. It is now 34 years since a filly made such a record, Formosa, - in 1865, annexed the Two Thousand Guineas, Jne Thousand Guineas, Oaks and St. Leger. This reminds us of the fact that the Wellington Park Stud is rich with Formosa blood, as she is the grand dam of Formo, the mother of Multiform, also Forme and Forma. Forme is evidently a worthy descendant of Formosa and Formo, as during nor short career on the stud she has presented the Turf with Cruciform, and her beautiful two-year-old daughter, Sans Peur, is almost certain to increase her fame as a stud matron this season. It is quite on the cards that this will be done on the first day of the Avondale Meeting.

News of the death of Strathmore, in Victoria was received last week. Strathmore was l one of the many great horses, bred at our leading breeding establishment, Wellington Park, where he first saw the light fourteen years ago, and he was sold as a yearling to Mr W. R. Wilson, who at the same sale bought Zalinski, by Nordenfeldt— Frailty, for 995 guineas'. Strathmore was by Nordenfeldt—Onida. Both were undoubtedly great horses, but Strathmore was the better of the pair «pn the Turf, and when he retired Mr Wilson declared him to be the best horse he had •ever raced. IZalinshii, however, has outshone his countryman at the stud, foh he has sired a Melbourne Cup winner m Clean Sweep, and a Grand National winder in Colonel Shilinski.

A lucky Wellingtonian backed twelve winners at the Riccarton meeting, but fared badly at the Trots, where he never even struck a placed horse.

Since the well-known cash fielder, barney Allen has arrived in India, the Indian papers unaccountably style him Dr. Barney Allen, at which Australians smile.

The Parliamentary Petitions Committee has reported that seven thousand people have signed the petition praying for the abolition of the totalisator.

The Wellington Racing Club’s Committee will draw up the season’s programme this week.

Mr R. Siovier’s filly Sceptre suffered defeat in* the Sussex Stakes, one mile, at Goodwood, on July 30. She went out at 13 to 8 on, but could only dead-heat St. Briavels for second place, Royal Lancer winning easily. Subsequently Sceptre receded to 4 to 1 for the St. Leger.

Upon the recommendation of the present Stock Committee it has been, decided to refer the Stud Bill, together with the evidence taken thereon, to the various agricultural associations and farmers' unions in the colony, who are to be invited to forward their views upon the proposed legislation. .» » -:<■ •»

At the conclusion of the York Farm Handicap at Marton, Marianthus was sold to Mr W. Chapman/of Fordell, for £5l 10s', and as she won the Final Welter afterwards, the new owner w a s’ not long tin recouping himself. Pippo also changed hands during the meeting, Mr Dover being the purchaser at £5O.

When the Pjublic Reserves Bill is in committee Mr Willis will move a new clause giving power to a racing club holding a meeting on a public reserve, to remove from the course any person whom it is considered desirable to exclude. Mr J. A. Mill ar will move a new clause providing that no racing club, holding! a meeting on a public reserve, shall have issued to it a totalisator permit unless it consents to the admission of all persons on payment of a charge for admission. •

Mr W. C. Whitney, president of the Saratoga Racing Association, with - the avowed object of purifying the Saratoga Racecourse, has suspended the free list, thereby excluding tipsters, selfstyled Pressmen, and other transgressors. He has also increased the price of admission, so as to confine: the attendance to genuine sportsmen. Mr Whitney’s policy is based upon English ideas, and he believes that the best sportsmen will approve of the innovations he proposes to introduce.

The annual meeting of the Ohinemuri Jockey Club was held in the Criterion Theatre, Paeroa, on September 13, and was well attended. Mr Phillips, chairman of the committee, presided, and the report and balance-sheet were read by the secretary. These showed that the season had been a most successful one, and the club had made a profit of £336 on the meeting. A number of improvements had been effected on the course, and a new totalisator house erected. The election of four members of the committee then took place, ehe following being successful : — Messrs P. Delaney, Clarkson, A. E. Fielder and W. J. Ellis.

The committee of the Thames Jockey Club met on Thursday night, and made it evident that the club intends, to adopt a vigorous policy this season. The course committee was instructed to at once put the course in first-class order for the forthcoming season. Amongst the improvements decided upon was the alteration of thq bend of the course between the four and five furlong posts approaching the river ; also the fencing of the course at that point, the erection of a new stewards’ stand, and several other minor improvements. The programme committee meets on Wednesday evening next to draw up the programmes for the ensuing season.

Mr A. W. Rutherford, speaking at Cheviot, said that he did not consider the increase in gambling of late years was due to the totalisator, but.attributed it rather to the increased prosperity of the colony. Gambling in some form or other could not be stopped by legislation, and cards, dice, two-up, football, cricket, and even the innocent “ bike ” were equally associated with it without the help of the totalisator. Towards: minimising the evil he would suggest that those newspapers which periodically denounce the totalisator as the concentrated essence of all that is bad should refrain from publishing betting odds. The bookmakers were just as pernicious, and even in Christchurch would lay the odds to a shilling at any time. The fact was that the people who objected to the totalisator objected to horse-racing, and would like to seel it legislated out of existence, but were not honest enough to say so.

Our Taranaki correspondent informs us that Waiwera will be sent to the Wanganui and Hawke’s Bay meetings if all goes well with. him.

Madman fell in- the Hack Handicap Steeplechase, at Marton, and broke his back. Master Model fell over him,, but fortunately escaped injury. Prior to the accident the jumping of Madman ha< been greatly admired.

The annual meeting of the Auckland Trotting Club will be held at the office, Durham-street, on Monday x afternoon next, when the annual report will be submitted, and six members of Committee will be elected.

Mr J. E. Henrys resigned his position as handicapper for the Lower Valley Jockey Club, as he was unable to comply with the condition requiring him to attend the races. The Club, however, re-appointed Mr Henrys. .» * » ’«

The following foalings are reported by Mr J. B. Williamson : Cuirassier —Bianca mare, colt to Cyrenian, Cuirasette, by Cuirassier —Dolosa, filly to Cyrenian ; and Chiara, by Cuirassier, dam Onida, colt by Cyrenian.

The Avondale Spring Meeting will be commenced on Saturday, and it is fully anticipated that if the weather is at all favourable that the attendance will be a record one, and ample provision has been made by the Railway Department to meet the requirements of the travelling public.

The Pakuranga Hunt Club are getting badly treated by the Clerk of the Weather, as the Committee had again to postpone their sports meeting yesterday owing to the boisterous weather and heavy state of the ground. The meeting, it is hoped will eventuate at Alexandra Park on Saturday, October 4th, that is, of course, weather permitting.

Although the Motu Korea Stud is a thing of the past, the Messrs Alison Bros, have -reason to feel pleased with the success of Regalia IL, at Randwick last week, for it was at Motu Korea that he first saw the light, he being by Regel out of May. At the last meeting at Randwick, in the Sydney Handicap run over a mile and a-half, he beat all his opponents save Cvanide, who won in 2min 36;}sec. On the fourth day of the meeting Regalia 11. covered himself with glory by winning the Waverly Handicap, one mile and three-quarters, in the clinking good time of 3min 4 J t sec. When Mr Dan McLeod parted with Regalia tor £250 he sold a good all-round horse at something under his value.

The importation of Cardigan by Goldsbrough —Signora makes a valuable addision to our thoroughbred stock. He arrived by the Elingamite from Sydney this week, and was at once taken out to the Hon. Hugh Mossman’s farm at Mangere where he will in future do stud duty. Cardigan commenced his turf career at two years old, won one race and ran second on four occasions. He did not start again until four years old, and onlv ran once at that age ; but at five years old won five races, one at seven furlongs, two at a mile and three furlongs, one (the Hawkesbury Grand Handicap) at a mile and a half, and the Sydney Metropolitan Stakes, two miles. At six years old he won the Summer Cup, one mile and a half, at Randwick, carrying 9.2, which was about his best performance.

At the annual meeting of the le Aroha Jockey Club the balance-sheet showed a small* deficiency. The tender of F. W. Strange to lease the racecourse tor ten years at £l7 10s was accepted. It was agreed to hold a Hack Race meeting on November 6. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year President, Mr W. H. Retries, M.H.R. ; vice-presi-dents, Messrs F. Davit t, T. Gavin. F. Pilling R. Somers. H. Rowland ; judge, Mr W & H. Herries, M.H.R. ; handicapper and starter, Mr F. W. Edwards ; handicappers for hack meeting, committee starter for hack meeting, Mr M. O’Meagher ; clerk of course. Mr R. Parr ; treasurer, Mr John Rowe; stewards, Messrs N. Jberguson, Thos. Hinton, A. Lipsey, P. O’Meagher, F. Pilling. H. F. Cox, M. O’Meagher, J. Jackson, G. Lipsey, T. Lennard, P. Gilchrist, W. Roberts. C. Anderson, J. McNicol, W. Windsor, G. Lewis, J. P. Gordon, R. Somers' ; works committee, Messrs Jackson, Windsor and Gordon ; programme committee, Messrs Ferguson, Pilling, Windsor, Somers and Edwards’; secretary, Mr A. W. Edwards. - # * * *

During the last forty years the English St. Leger has been won twelve times by fillies, their names being : Achievement (l.y Stockwell), Formosa (by Buccaneer), Hannah (by King Tom), Marie Stuart (bv Scottish Chief), Apology (by Adventurer), Janette (by Lord I lifeen), Dutch Oven (by Dutch Skater), Sealn-eeze (by Isonomy), Memoir (by St, Simon), La Fleche ’ (by St, Simon), Throstle (byPetrarch), and Sceptre (by Persimmon).

It is intended to proceed with the work of widening the tan track at Ellerslie without delay, and ..tenders have already bern called for the work.

It is understood, that the Committee of the Auckland Trotting Club has concluded its inquiries into what is known as the Wenlock-Nobby case, but it is not likely that the result of their deliberations will be made known for a week.

The old Panic mare Bragela went the way of all horseflesh this week at Sylvia Park, after a useful career at the stud. She was imported to New Zealand over twenty years ago, and the records show that she was foaled in Victoria as far back as 1877. At the stud she has been a prolific mare, amongst her productions being that good mare Ida, dam of Idas, Dorothy, Grenadier, St. Gordon and Chancellor H.

The establishment of an evening school, a reading-room and gymnasium at Ellerslie for jockeys and apprentices is likely to be very soon an accomplished fact. Messrs J. Rae, J. Thorpe, and G. Wright have taken the matter earnestly in hand on behalf of the trainers, who desire to see the social condition of the' 2 boys employed by them improved, and on Monday they had an interview with the committed of the Auckland Racing Club. The matter was heartily taken up, and in a few weeks the full details of the scheme will be prepared and put into operation.

'There is a man (says; “ Javelin ”) in one of the sporting clubs in Melbourne who. prides himself on his smartness’ in detecting a “sell” He is, in fact,, generally credited with never “falling in.” The other day another member, who haci bet drinks that he would “have” him first, time, sat down in the club room ostensibly to write a letter, and after . filling one page, blotting it, and starting the second, he paused, and- addressing the smart man, said, "How would you spell Gatdeon ?" “How ?” he immediately answered, “ Why, G-a-u-l-e-o-n, of course ! How would you ?” “By turning him out in a grass paddock, I think,” said the other, and for the first time during the cute man’s membership of that club there was a big laugh at his expense.

'The wet weather of the past week has somewhat interfered with the work at Ellerslie, ’but considering the .early period of the year, Ellerslie horses are generally pretty well forward. The two-year-olds have done a fair amount of work and so. have the three-year-olds. We therefore expect the Avondale Stakes and Avondale Guineas will furnish interesting contests. The Cup. too, will le an interesting race, and the only candidate wh a has not yet put in an appearance at headquarters is Up-to-Date.

“ Ribbleden,” of the “ Australasian,” writes : Which horse may be considered the best steeplechaser that Australia ha,s produced? It is a hard question; so don’t all speak at once ? Was it Sussex, or Whernside, or Redleap, or Daimio, or Domino, <>r Dungan, or Floater, or Colonel Shilinski, or ——? Mr R. H. Frew, who trained the horse, and, therefore, was personally interested in his career, thinks that Domino has strong claims to the distinction and furnishes me with some particulars in support of his contention. Domino was bred by Messrs T. anci W. Mitchell, at Bringenbrong, on the New South Wales border. Little or nothing is known of his darn,, Belgravia, but his sire, Landsiiorough, was by Goldsborough from Maiden's- Blush, the dam of Zulu, the sensational winner of the Jlelbourne Cup of 1881. For a while Domino‘was used as a hack ; afterwards he was exhibited, and it was at the Corryong show that Mr John M'Donald, of. Tallangatta. picked him up for the- trifle of £25. It waa p intended to send Domino to England as a jumper, but a slight accident, put an end to the project, and Mr George Russell. having been permitted to try the horse in a run with the Findon Harriers-, was- so pleased with his mount that he was so pleased with his mount that he gladly closed with Mr M’Donald’s offer, and got the horse —a rare prize—for £lOO. Epitomising .his career on tne turf,. Domino won nine races out of the twelve jn which he took part ; was once, second, once third, and once fell, his winnings in stakes amounting to £3057. The weights Domino won under, as hunter and racer, ranged from lOst 121 b -to 13st 101 b, and only twice did he carry less than 12st. “ If he wins the Caulfield Grand National Steeplechase.” said Mr Russell, “ Domino will retire from the Turf.” Domino won, , and Domino retired ; lint Domino still carries Mr Russell's 14st 101 b as jauntily as ever in 'the hunting field ; and is still in show condition, with legs as clean as the day he was foaled. No. chase ever too long for sDomino, no fence too big, no weight too heavy ; nor was he ever sick or sorry. One great admirer Domino had the day he won the four-miler at Caulfield. He was just down from j.he bush, and. of course, knew something about “ leppers.” “My colonial ’ he exclaimed, “ he’s no has'-been, nor a willbe ; he’s a izzer !” Domino !

An article by “ Atlas ” on the new Cambria Park Stud will appear in our next issue. * * * * Fifty-five applications were sent in tor the position of clerk in the Auckland Racing Club’s office. These applications were reduced to seven bv the Committee on Monday, and the final appointment will be made this week. The smalleat field numerically, as weir as otherwise, on the first, day of the Avondale races, will line up in the pony race. There does not seem to be as many ponies in work this season as heretofore. ’*■ w * * The famous si one wall at Flemington, which is ' Janoxxn. as the " Cathedral, ’ is 4ft high, and the highest jump on the Randwick Steeplechase course is a log fence which measures 4ft IFin. « * * * Two’ Lochiel colts have been nominated for the English Derby of 1904. Both of them were bred in New South Wales, and are nominated by the brothers, Mi' F. Foy and Mr H. V. Foy. The former gentleman has also nominated a Lochiel filly for the Oaks of the same. year. * * «■ * Colonel Shilinski, who is by the Wellington Park-bred Zalinski, won another steeplechase at Caulfield on September 6th, when he annexed the Champion Steeplechase, carrying 12st. In a field of seven, which included the ex-New Zealander, Kaimate (H»st Mbs), Shilinski was backed down to 6 to 4. Trentoifs stock still continue to win in Australia. In addition to Wakeful’s victories at Randwick, the five-year-old mare Omrah, by Trenton—Oratava, won the Heatherlie Handicap at Caulfield on Septemberi 6th, while Seclusion, by another Auckland-bred horse, Carnage, won the Memsie Stakes. it » * , r rhe- friends of Sequence and Cyanide were’very sore over the Fpsom Handicap, each claiming, that their horse should have Won, but as far as Cyanide is concerned, Air Motor proved in the Metropolitan that the Epsom running was no. fluke by beating the Metal mare all the way, though she was meeting her 101 b worse than in the Epsom. It must l.e remembered that in the mile race Air Motor took on the not too easy task of running down a brilliant cultomer like Ibex, and after doing so had enough left in her. to bling her home. Joe Burton is of opinion that Air Motor would have beaten Sequenc’e and Cvanide comfortably had she stayed back with them and let something else have a cut at Ibex. Racing is a funny pame, and every race-goer should always lie prepared for the unexpected; On public form the Metropolitan looked at the mercy of Patronage or Cyanide, but neither ever flattered their backers, while on late public form neither Queen of Sheba nor the runner-up, The Persian, had a million to one chance, but they ran first and second. Queen of Sheba. w T ho carried a deal of “ stable money,’' was very anxious at the post, where she had the inside berth. She jumped off among the first four and got a good place, which won her the race ; but Patronage turned half round just as Dlr Watson gave the word, and he got off badly, Irut through no fault of the starter. Patronage, -elicitious. and Blue Metal were the last three around the first Lend, and they finished in line behind the placed horses. Patronage moved shortly in his preliminary, and while taking gentle exercise on the tan the next day he sweated suspiciously, in spite of a keen southerly breeze that was blowing at the time. This I lake to I an indication of coming muscle soreness, "that will need skilful treatment to avert. If Patronage becomes sore in his present light condition his Melbourne Cup chance will look blue, for a horse to win such a race will need to be a trifle above himself at this stage, rather than over-done.— (Milrov.”) « * ♦ * The South Australian Derby was won bv Rienzi after a good >' ace > and in a field of six. paid a dividend of £4 12s The amount' of money which passed through the totalisator was £12,004, the smallest. amount on Derby Day for several years. An Adelaide writer remarks:— Then- were two features of the racing to impress it' on the. mind—firstly, a finish in th- Derby as exciting, probably, as anv ever seen in a classic race, and second b. the downfall of the favorite in ever? race.

An English paper, in referring to the recent death at Newmarket of Mr W. S. Martin, at the age of 84, says that in his youthful days he was engaged in the training stable at Horseheath, which contained the racehorses belonging to Mr S. Batson. One of them was the renowned Plenipotentiary, winner of tho Derby in 1834, beating amongst others, I,ord Jersey’s Glencoe, previously defeated by him for a R.M. Sweepstakes during the Newmarket Craven Meeting. As a boy W. S. Martin rode “Plenipo” in his work, and always spoke with enthusiasm of the exrellence of that remarkable horse. Mr Martin’s version of the cause which led to the defeat of Plenipotentiary for the St. Leger won by Touchstone differed from some of the statements on the point published at the time and in recent years. Tne deceased trainer had at one time under his charge Puste, second to Audrey for the Cesarewitch Stakes of 1861, and he prepared the four-year-old Tim Whiffler for the Ascot Cup of 1663. “Tim” ran a dead heat with Buckstone, and was defeated when they again went to the post. Mr Martin owned and trained Philomelo victorious for the Great Eastern Railway Handicap of 1871, and Rossignol, who in the previous season carried off the Bretby Plate n the Newmarket Craven week. He took interest in various sptorts, notably in coursing. Hia son E. Martin—who in after years became a well-known trainer —had the mount on Bathilde when she beat a huge field for the Cambridgeshire of 1862, and a younger E. Martin, his grandson, rode Oberon to victory for the Lincolnshire Handicap of 1887 and Don Ju a n for the Cesarewitch of 1883. Among other, winners prepared by Mr Martin was Grand Coup, a son of Gladiateur out of the Stockwell mare Aline. In the colors ol Mr “Lancelot” Grand Coup won the Somersetshire Stakes of 1874., but on Epsom Downs a week later he finished no nearer than ninth to Favonius for the Derby.

The last match which the Australian; play in England, that against tha players, promises to result in some tall scorin ~

The well-known sporting writer ‘‘‘ Naughton ” .'pronounces tihe* JTgißtv 'between Jeffries and Fitzsimmons a fake. It was he who' handed the sealed letter to Mayor Schneitz before the fight. Isthe old system doomed ?

There is a belief among the followers of the Grand Circuit that this year will practically seal the fate of the old style three in five heat system (writes the San Francisco "Breeder'’). No one subject was more fully discussed during the initial meeting of the circuit and the popularity" of the- two in three system as compared with the other was freely commented on. The public and horsemen have both declared in favour of the shorter programme. The one thing necessary to . make the shorter system of racing a success is for all the circuit managers to agree upon a uniform system of racing. Trainers do not like to prepare their horses for a race of five, six or seven heats one week and on the next race on the shorter plan, and take a chance oi meeting horses prepared especially' for the shorter races. Probably" the greatest victory for the two in three plan would be to have the futurities raced on this system. Once trainers get into the habit of preparing for this style of races they’ would not go back. One stumbling block to the shorter system of racing has keen the manager, who has been afraid that the volume of money bet would be less. There can be no better authority on this question than the privilege men, and thev unanimously declare that more money is bet on the shorter races—the speculators bet heavier and with more confidence when they know the drivers will not be able to lay up three or four heats and kill the good horses. Discussions as to the shortenings of races are generally confined to the winter months and forgotten once the bell taps, but this summer there are many owners of horses and track manage!s carefully 7 observing and discussing the racing system. Owners are getting tired of having good horses spoiled by the strenuous preparation needed for a five or seven-heat race, and are commencing to investigate the merits of shorter races. Of course when they do this there is but one result —they are converted to the shorter system. And soon it will not be three in five with a few two in three, but two in three with a lew dashes —and after that, what .—

The Metropolitan winner, Queen of Sheba, is on the small side, and in taking her out early under her light weight, and thereby evading interference, the best possible course was adopted with her (writes “ Pilot ” in the Sydney “ Referee ”). A little over a week prior to the race she had an extraordinarily good' gallop of about a mile and a-ejuarter, and there is no doubt that the strong support I accorded her was consequent on that spin j She was also backed for the Epsom, but in a bustling race like that her size was against her, and she never got out. It is understood that R. Wootton benefited largely by the mare’s success, and several of his friends also shared in the good thing. As she only cost her owner 55 guineas about a year ago, and since then has won five races, Queen of Shebai. has j proved a good investment. ♦ # » «• In Melbourne Abundance has been made favourite for the Melbourne Cup. For the V.R.C. Derby Abundance is a t strong favourite, with Strata Florida • next in demand. •, • « Seven members of the Australian Eleven have made 1000 runs., or over, in the matches played in England, namely, Trumpet, Hill, Duff, Noble, Darling Flopkins and Armstrong. * * * * San Fran was landed in Wellington in good condition, and by this time has probably reached his new home in the Hawke’s Bay district. # • ® •» Wakeful’s form in Sydney strengthens the idea that with all her weight she v; ill have to be reckoned with in the Melbourne Cup. « » » « Mr T. B. Bell, who 'has raced horses in Auckland for the past fifteen years, died last week. • Mr Bell was comparatively a young man, being only 37 years of age. ° ® St Peter has been taken in hand again by John Chaafe, and appears to be in good health. It is to be hoped that St haul’s brother will stand another preparation, for he is undoubtedly a speedy customer. > # «• Harry Alexander, who has been riding for many years, got the muscles of his back torn badly when Madman fell with him at the Marton meeting, and he says he has had enough of riding now. It will be some time before he can get about. Nonette continues in Auckland to be a prime favourite for the New Zealand Cup, and he also continues to please everyone by the way in which he gets through his work on the training track. On Tuesday morning he got over a mile and a-half on the tan in very pleasing style. At the Durham Yards last Friday Austerlity was submitted to auction. At 175 guineas Austerlity was knocked down to the bid of Mr J. Reginald, and Sentinel went to the same buyer at 90 guineas. The bay mare Lightning by Natator—Gladiator mare changed hands ’at 30 guineas. A three-year-old filly by ! Soult out of Dolly was passed in at 50 guineas. ♦ « o ft ' A recent issue of a San Francisco paper contains the following: —Imp. | Elsie, 1.40, dam of Carlos and other star j sprinters, is to be fitted with a wooden I leg. She was turned into a corral with i a team of truck horses several days ago, I and had her left hind leg broken by a i kick. As she is bred to the celebrated j Yankee Doodle, and the foal would be I worth 1,000 dollars if delivered alive, ' every possible means will be taken to ! save the life of the dam. The leg has j been amputated, and a wooden leg will j be furnished the mare, who, before the accident, was valued at 5,000 dollars.

The Wellington Racing Club’s annual meeting negatived a proposal to license bookmakers, and decided to employ a paid judge in the future.

The Shannon, Durable, and Werekino arrived in Auckland to fulfil their Avondale engagements during the week. « ♦ * «

It will be seen by advertisement that Mr Alfred Coleman has become a fully fledged member of Tattersall’s. Mr Coleman is well-known in sport ng circles, and will, no doubt, receive a liberal share of business.

Mr Hayr, received a very satisfactory acceptance for the events on the programme fur the first day’s lacing at Avondale. Twelve were left in the Cup and a like number in the Flying Stakes.

At the Doncaster sale in England on September 12, the Duke of Westminster purchased a yearling filly by Persimmon —Phantasia, for 5,000 guineas. * « * *

The annual meeting of members of the Auckland Trotting Club is convened to* ’ be held on Monday, 22nd inst., at half- L past two p.m. *

At Stibbington Curacoa by Cuirassier —Rubina has produced a filly by StPaul. Curacoa’s half-brother last year brought 340 guineas as a yearling.

The proprietary of Sylvia Park had a bit of bad luck last week when the Seaton Delavel —Waitemata yearling fitly fell when gambolling in the paddock, and breaking her leg had to be destroyed. The loss is a severe one, as anything out of Waitemata is now looked upon as valuable, and the defunct filly had her full share of good looks. » « fl * Grey Seaton, La Valette and Kelburn will probably be sent to Napier to fulfil their Hawke’s Bay Guineas engagements. « » « « The horse that holds the record of most starts for the Australian season, which has just closed, is a circus horse. Miller’s “ Racing Chronicle ” shows 'that the grey Hostage, by Wellesley—Lone Heart, attached to Hyland’s Circus, started at 27 race meetings, took part in 60 races, won 15, was second 13 times, and third 7 times. He won £313 in stakes. It is not a little singular that the horse next to Hostage in the number of starts is Dick Turpin, who, during the past season, took part in 55 races. The circus business was thus well represented on the racecourse, for what hippodrome has not made a feature of Dick Turpin’s ride to York ? t # * * ft An English paper writing of the T ords’ Committee on Betting says : —“ We observe with satisfaction from the report of the Lords’ Committee on Betting that the plain fact of the inherence of betting in human nature is recognised. Laws may be made as legislators will. The Legislature might, if it pleased, declare all betting a crime punishable by imprisonment and hard labour, but by doing so it would not have the smallest effect upon the man who has a dispute with his fellow, and makes a bet to settle it. If the law touched him, in fact, he and his like would very speedily take effective steps to abolish the statute or the people who made it. By Leeming’s Act, Parliament made one abortive attempt to put an end to wagering, and the Courts have driven so many coaches and horses through it that the experiment is never likely to be repeated.” Wakeful has again given unmistakeable proof that • she is a wonderlul mare by winning all the races she started for at the Australian Jockey Club’s Spring Meeting, these races including the Spring Stakes, Craven Plate and Randwick Plate Since Wakeful has been in the hands of Mr Leslie ,Macdonald she has won £11,369 in stakes, and it is not surprising to find her owner refusing £6,000 for her. Here in New Zealand we take a particular interest in Wakeful, as we look upon her as an off-shot of the Wellington Park Stud, as she is by Trenton, the son of Musket and Frailty. Wakeful’s time for the Craven Plate, one mile and a-quarter, 2min Bsec, has only once been beaten, namely, by Carbine in 1890, Carbine’s time being a second faster. New Zealand horses have been fairly successful in this event. Sir Modred won it in 1884, Carbine in 1890, and Loyalty in 1893.

The Hay dock Park Meeting in England in July was noticeable for a triple dead heat. The field for this five-furlong race numbered eleven, and it was only on the post that the favourite, Ardandra, was caught by the four-year-old Pledge and the three-year- old filly by Surefoot — Outcry, the judge being unable to separate them. In the deciding heat Ardandra was again favourite, but Pledge jumping off, made all the running, and passed the post first by three-parts of a length. However, he swerved badly, interfering with Ardandra, and an objection on the grounds of a cross proved fatal. Thus the backers of the favourite landed their money, and they certainly had plenty of excitement for it. Dead heats between three are, of course, of very infrequent occurrence, but, nevertheless, one can remember two or three instances of the same thing. There was one at the Forbury on the day that Sir Modred won the Dunedin Cup. At Sandown Park in in 1882 and at Lewes in 1880 triple dead heats took place, both being in minor races, while at Derby three (or at most four) years ago the same thing happened At Newmarket in 1877 three animals only started in a race, and all finished dead level, while in 1855 it is on record that in a sweepstakes, with five runners, again at Newmarket, the judge could not separate four, and the unique example of a dead heat between the quartette was given. The most notable triple dead heat, however, was in 1857, when in the Cesarewitch Prioress, El Hakin and Queen Bess finished level, and in the run-off the first-named won. • # * • We are in receipt of Mr Robes t Blaikie’s Annual Sporting Guide. The little booklet contains a lot of information, such as the fixtures for the season, the weights for the important V.B.C. Spring events, and information about the candidates for the New Zealand Cup.