Sporting and Dramatic REVIEW AND LICENSED VICTUALLERS’ GAZETTE WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE WEEKLY STANDARD Thursday, April 9, 1903 Sporting Topics

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume IX, Issue 683, 9 April 1903, Page 12

Sporting and Dramatic REVIEW AND LICENSED VICTUALLERS’ GAZETTE WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE WEEKLY STANDARD Thursday, April 9, 1903 Sporting Topics

(By

“The Judge.”)

There are three Auckland nomination® for the Thompson Handicap, to be run at the Wellington Autumn Meeting, ’these are Vai Rosa, Strathavun, arid Green and Gold. The list of entries for the £4OO race includes some cf the very bes* horses to be found in New Zealand to-day.

Hinekoa followed up her win in the Marlborough Cup by also carrying off the Nelson Cup. As the daughter of Merrie England carried 9st 111 b, the performance was full of merit. That Mr Rore’s mare is one of the game sort she amply demonstrated, for both Cups were won, one by a nose, and the other by a neck, after most desperate finishes up the straight.

Our Wellington correspondent replies to Mr Gibbs’ letter, published in this paper as follows ■ —“ Mr Gibbs, of Gore, I no* lice, takes exception to the term amateur handicapper. Mr Gibbs, I learn carries on the business of a chemist, and has not adopted handicapping as' a profession. The term amateur does not necessarily mean that a person is a novice, nor does the fact that Mr Gibbs is a chemist prove that he cannot frame handicaps. The late Air Dowse was a saddler, Mr Evett a journalist, and Mr Henrys a billiard marker. The latest additions to the ranks! of professional handicappers, Messrs Chadwick and Pollock, started life a® journalist and butcher respectively. Both, however, have from the time they scaled 7st been connected with racing, ..and have ridden, raced, and owned horses for years, as reference to Turf records will show. Experience. is admittedly of greater value than* a mere theoretical knowledge, and in the interests of owners all handicapper® should be practical experts, otherwise how can they be expected to assess correctly the weight-carrying capabilities of horses coming under their review ?”

At a meeting of the Trotting Association an appeal was received from), the owner of Typewriter against the decision of the Otahuhu Trotting Club stewards in a protest against Durbar for crossing. A letter was also read from one of the patrol stewards. It was decided to forward a copy of the letter to the club. Correspondence] was read regarding the conduct of the Otahuhu Trotting Club’s meeting. It was decided to forward a copy of the letter to the club for explanation.

It looks as if Advance was going to tackle Machine Gun in the C.J.C. Challenge Stakes, and if such is the case, the meeting should prove a good draw card for the southern club. On the occasion of the crack youngster’s victory over Advance the distance was. six furlongs, and it is thought by most that the extra furlong in the Challenge Stakes will be all in favour of the “ black demon.”

Writing from South Africa, an exSydney racing man.says that he believes it possible to win between £70.000 and £lOO,OOO on the big handicap at . Johannesburg at Easter. He says that two or three firms have £20,000 /books on the race, and that, unlike Sydney, a bookmaker who lays a couple of thousand against a horse does not immediately chase round to get it hack. This is certainly not complimentary to our ringmen.

In Canada they hold trotting meetings on the ice. The Ottawa track is a mile oval, built right out on the river, and there are also grandstands, judges' stands, cooling out sheds, and betting rings, and all are heated and lighted it? a Very comfortable manner. The grounds J are enclosed with a regulation fente, and ' were it not for the snow you would think it was a country fair ground in summer. Says a correspondent to an American paper : “It was quite amusing to me today to see the carpenters building the fence. One man would knock a hole in the ice with a crow-bar and another would come along and stick a post in the hole, pour some water around it and let it freeze. It was about the easiest, fence building I ever saw.” The track mint be pretty fast, too, for I notice the champion, Cresceus, trotted a mile in 2min 15sec. '

The “ Horseman and Breeder,” commenting on a picture of the trotter Taifa oa, which appeared in this paper after the bay gelding had won the New Zealand Great Northern Handicap, has the following : —“ The picture is an odd one to an American. Taihoa is ridden by a jockey that looks to weigh one hundred and fifty pounds, and wears a set of hopples. Several Californian trainers who looked at the picture have expressed the opinion that they would rather ride a wild broncho than a hoppled trotter, even though the prize offered the winner was a big one.” When watching our local trotters perform I had come to the same conclusion some time ago, but the methods adopted by trotting men here are beyond the comprehension of the finite mind.

The practice of giving cattle —horses included—molasses in their food is not by any means new. It was commenced in Great Britain after the abolition of the sugar* duties thirty-three years ago. Horses thrive remarkably well on molasses. It has a great influence in laying on fat, and is a powerful addition! to both cattle and horse feed. It has been used with good results for getting horses in»to '■good condition for sale, and also for wintering colts in the yard. In rearing colts there is a risk of their suffering from stoppage of the bowels if fed entirely on dry food, and to avoid this many farmers and breeders give molasses. The way is to dilute the molasses and pour it over the food, taking care that it is well mixed. To induce horses that are a little off their feed, or to cause them to eat food they otherwise reject, sugar or molasses may be very useful. A horse has a great fondness for sweets. This natural taste has often been the means of conquering intractable and vicious animals.

There is sound foundation for the report that Tod Sloan will soon blossom out as a trainer in England (says “ The Breeder and Sportsman ”). The Earl of Carnarvon has offered the little American sole charge of his powerful string now in the hands of Grensil at the Earl’s private establishment, Whatcombe, Berks. Though Tod is loath to settle down permanen'tly, if it is possible for him to again obtain a license from the English Jockey Club, he will probably accept this offer, unless some action is taken in his case at the annual meeting of the club next April. There will be no difficulty as to a trainer’s license, tor anyone can train on outside grounds in England, unless actually ruled off the turf. It is only when a trailer is desirous of using their private grounds—Newmarket Heath—for a training ground that the club has any say in the matter. It is quite possible that Tod might be refused a license to train on the Heath, but it will not be necessary for him to apply for one, as he can train at any outside point, and still run the horses in his charge in any race on the Newmarket courses he sees fit to.

In the year 1833, which was the first in which official returns were published, there were thirty-seven racehorses running in France. By 1890 the total had gone up to 1,012, but from this out the advance was much more rapid, as last year there were no less than 3139 runners. There are 266 racecourses in use to-day in France.

■ It is a singular fact that the English Grand National Steeplechase has been annexed by many indifferent geegees, and whose previous exhibitions afforded not the slightest cue that they could stay the tiring course. Casse Tete, who was the property of Teddy Brayley, was disposed of at the Bromley gathering, after scoring in a hurdle, for something under £5O; whilst Old Joe fetched but fifteen of “ the brightestand Voluptuary, almost a complete failure on the flat, fetched but a very small figure. Many others had no claim to recognition, so that it is very difficult to gauge a horse’s ability from his performances under the Rules of the Jockey Club as to whether he can get such a difficult country aa that at Liverpool.

The famous mare Crucifix in 1837 —with the dam thrown in—was bougnt by Lord George Bentinck at Lord Chester field’s sale for fifty-four guineas, and the elder -John Osborne experienced a similar slice of good fortune when he puschaseti ‘Old Agnes ” and her foal for a paltry twenty guineas. Her descendants include some of the most famous fliers of the century.

The following details of an action brought to recover damages for assault against a racecourse committee may prove interesting and instructive. Lt was an action brought to recover damages for assault and false imprisonment owing to the alleged misconduct of servants of the Harpendcn races committee, and was tried at the Herts Assizes, before Mr Justice Lawrance and a special jury. The plaintiff was Mr (J. IL Robinson, a gentleman of independent means, at Harpendcn. and his case was that, on the afternoon of May 31, 1!)0'2, Mr Robinson and his son went to Harpendcn races, and the former bought two tickets for the 5s enclosure. Mr Robinson, sen., entered the ring without giving his ticket up. His son, who was following him, carried his ticket, with, his stick, in his right hand, and he de. dared that he was not asked for his ticket, but was suddenly seized by the right wrist by a gatekeeper, and, before he could do anything, a Jockey Club licensed official, who also was at the entrance to the ring, took him by the shoulders, pushed him back 1 , and handed him to the police, who were outside. However, he produced his ticket to Superintendent Reynolds, of (he Herts police, and was allowed to enter the ring. The committee declined to apologise and pay a small sum to a charity, hence the action, b'or the defence, it was sought to show that plaintiff when asked for his ticket, did not speak, but went on, and, on the gatekeeper putting up iiis arm to stop him, he (plaintiff) used great violence. Then the gatelcceper spoke to the Jockey Club official, who got in the gangway in front of plaintiff, who endeavoured to push by, but could not. 'The officials referred to and another gatekeeper positively declared that was all *that was done, and that a sergeant of police, hearing the altercation, appeared on the scene, and ordered plaintiff out of the inclosure, and that he'walked out. The jury found for the plaintiff, damages £5O.

A cable received ffiiring the week brought the news concerning the sale by Mr R. Sievier of hi< ‘amous mare Seep tre. The new owner is IT [tain Hamer Bass, who had to pay the huge price >ff twenty thousand guineas before becoming the possessor of the brilliant daughter of Persimmon and Ornament. This is the largest amount ever paid for a mare. Mr Sievier originally gave ten thousand guineas for Sceptre as a yearling, but as she won him nearly twenty-six thousand pounds in stakes, and then realised double the purchase money the bargain was a very profitable one.

They race in a big way in America. The partnership of Mr James R. and his son Foxhall Keene has 66 horses in {reining, in addition to many others who will soon be put into work. ’ Thirty-six <>f the former will carry the colors of the senior member of the firm, and the balance those of the junior.

The “ New York Herald ” is j'.sponsible for the statement that Mrs Langtry (Mrs De Bathe) will race on the American turf this year. She will take Smilax and three other of her English horses over. Rowe, who trains for Mr James R. Keene and Mr Foxall Keene, and Madden, who trains for Mr. W. S. Whitney, will, it is stated, assist Mrs Langtry in opening her racing career in America.

Owing to the contretemps which occurred over a heat in the contest for the “ Sydney Thousand ” recently, City Tattersall’s Club have taken the matter in hand (says “ The Town and Country Journal.”) The matter referred to was the hoisting of Morgan’s number as the winner of a heat, and, after a few minutes had elapsed, during which time the backers of Morgan had collected their money, the race was awarded to M’Don> aid. Naturally, when this became known, M’Donald’s supporters also presented their tickets for payment, the bookmakers thus having to pay twice. To avoid repetition of like occurrences, City Tattersall’s have passed a rule to the effect, that in future, all bets will be paid about the man whose number is first hoisted as the winner of the race, whether he is afterwards disqualified or not. This rule is similar to one passed some months back by the same club in regard to horseracing, which directs that all bets are paid directly on the hoisting of the weight flag. It seems a little strange that City Tattersall’s Club should pass the rule re wagering at the bicycle races, as the cycling authorities pretend not to allow betting, but that this was only pretence was proved every day and night during the recent carnival, the bookmakers being strongly in evidence.

Some time ago Mr Fred Leslie, one of our paddock fielders, paid a visit to New Zealand (says the Melbourne “Sporting Judge”), lie conducted his business in true leviathan style, but somehow or other he gave offence to certain persons who did not operate extensively. The newspapers, at least a section of them, fell foul of Mr Leslie, and accused him of corrupt practices in connection with a couple of races and racehorses. To put the maTter briefly, it was alleged that he dealt with dead ’uns, and that in his double event betting several of the second legs were scratched. This is not by any means a novel experience to backers of doubles in any part of the world. Generally, our fielders are a reputable body of men who transact their business in a straightforward and honourable way. That is our experience of Leslie, who not long ago owned racehorses, which ran at our registered meetings, and although he did not have much luck with them they were invariably doing their best to win: If the ordinary owner of our racehorses wasi to give the public as fair a deal as the field owner does, there would be little or no cause for complaint. Writing of Fred Leslie reminds one of those remarkable series of races between the big penciller’s two year-old Last Glen and Mr Septimus Miller’s three-year-old Hera. They ran at Epsom, and the judge was unable to separate the pair. Again they tried conclusions, but once again the pair camo home together. A third time the pair met, and as they flashed past the post it again looked any odds on a dead heat being given for the third time, but on this occasion the judge considered that Hera just won by half a head. r l bis must surely be without an equal in t.ue sporting records.

The well-known mare, The Shannon, will not be seen out under racing colours again. The daughter of Torpedo and Rivulet went amiss after a gallop the other day, and her owner, Mr E. J. Watt, thereupon decided to persevere with her no longer, but send her to the stud. The Shannon’s best performance probably was when she carried off the Wellington Racing Club Handicap, beating among others St. Michael, Cannie Chiel, Ostiak, and Canteen. 0 $1 O * L. H. Hewitt, the crack horseman, met with a very nasty accident at Addington last week. A mass of steel when being struck’ by the steam hammer at the workshops splintered, and a piece flying off hit Hewitt in the thigh, severing an artery and causing much loss of blood. The young horseman was taken to the hospital, where the metal was removed, but it will be some time before the New Zealand Tod Sloan will be seen in the saddle again. 0 a a • Mr J. Sinclair, of Papakura, is disposing of two geldings and a colt at the Harp of Erio on Wednesday next. The latter is a brown colt by Hotchkiss from I Mantle, by Tasman, breeding which speaks for itself. I am told by those who have seen the colt that he is a real beauty to look at, while his breeding leaves nothing to be desired. There are several gentle men after the son of Hotchkiss, and he ought tQ goi for a good figure,as it is a moral cestainty that his name will short ly be found figuring in the list of win ! ners. The chestnut gelding Blaircarrig, by 1 Blairgowrie —Cobweb, is well-known, while the third to be submitted is a very promising brown gelding by Cuirassier from Retaliation; The latter mare was more than useful over the sticks, and I hear , that her two-year-old son has already dis plaved a partiality in the same direction. There should be no difficulty in finding new owners for the trio. Our Canterbury correspondent selects Orloff, Pampero, and Lady Lillian to fill the places in the C.J.C. Easter Handicap, and Pallas, General Symons, and Cannie . Chiel to catch the judge’s eye in the Au*tumn Handicap. o o ® ® Some thoroughbred stock a"e to be disposed f on Wednesday next, at the Harp of Err stab'e at Ellerslie, which should be well worth the attention of buyers. It is bad news to learn that Mrs. Lem ard is disposing of all her racing stock, for the marc on and gold colours were always up to win if possible, but it is an ill wind that blows no good and owners will have a chance of getting a few good ones. At the head of the list comes that fine horse Vai Rosa, who has placed many a race to his credit. Nothing would surprise me less than to find the bay son of Seaton Telaval land Vieux Rose pulling off the Easter Handic pon Saturday. Quite apart from his racing ability such a finely bred horse shou'd prove a great success at the stud. Then there is that s t art young filly, Idas, who as a two year-old won £lOl5 in stakes alone. There should be no lack of bidders when she is led into the ring. Among the others are Maroon and Gold who has several races to his credit, Lavadel, Idasa —the speedy two-year-old filly who showed some of her sprinting ability at the Christmas meeting,—and Alba Rose who should earn a winning bracket at Raster: Altogether the auctioneer should have very little difficulty in selling such good stock.

Achilles, Melodeon, Waiwai, Battleaxe, Heroism, and Tupara arrived from the South by the Ngapuhi on Tuesday morning, after a smooth trip up. They will all carry silk at the A.R.C. Meeting.

Judgment in the Full Bench of the SuI premc Court has been delivered in the I case of Harrison and another v. Spackman. This was: a case in which appellants had been convicted and fined for acting as agents of Tattersall’s sweeps. The Court was unanimously of opinion that th© Gaming and Lotteries Act only makes it an offence to conduct a lottery in New Zealand, and that canvassing in New Zealand for subscriptions to a foreign lottery or opening an office in New Zealand for receipt of subscriptions and applications for tickets in a foreign lottery is not assisting in managing or conducting a lottery in New Zealand within the meaning of the Act. The Court was also of opinion that what the appellants did in the office occupied by them in Wellington fell short of keeping a gaming house within the meaning of the Act. The convictions were, therefore, quashed. As this is a Unanimous ruling of the Full Bench, there is no doubt that it is perfectly legal to obtain tickets in this colony for Tattersail, which, indeed, is what common, sense would have suggested long ago. Such being the case, the very numerous investors in Auckland in these popular consultations cannot do better when requiring tickets than apply to Messrs Arthur Cleave and Co., who will be in constant communication with “ Tattcrsall ” at Hobart. Such application will be duly forwarded, and tickets will be posted by the ’Tasmanian agency direct to clients.