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New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XII, Issue 716, 26 November 1903, Page 8

At the Poona (India) meeting a few weeks ago Bay Middleton, Sandow, and Adonis ran a dead-heat for the Derby, the first-named horse winning the run-off rather easily. -X- -x'Che English sporting pages are full ( of descriptions of the all-important event, the Jockey Chib Stakes, whi'ch was contested by the smallest field since Isinglass won the first one in 1893. Although the runners numbered five, only Rock Sand and Sceptre were thought of (says ‘‘ Horse and Hound”) and the former was always favourite. He looked remarkably well in the Birdcage, from which all the other competitors were absentees except William Rufus, and I think the stewards make a mistake in allowing this sort of thing. But little could be seen of the competitors until they were nearing the T.Y.C. winning-post, when it became evident Cappa White was in front, but he soon afterwards resigned to the favourite, with Sceptre closing up to Mr Purefoy’s horse on the far rails. At the Bushes the race had become a match, ’with Sceptre evidently winning,- and shortly assuming the lead without any effort, despite Rock Sand’s plucky attempts to resist it, she quickly drew away, and amidst tremendous: cheering cantered home four lengths ahead of the Derby winner. The reception which the beautiful mare had as she was led in by her owner’s wife, Lady Noreen Bass, who now goes almost at once to join her husband in India, was a tremendous one, and shows how truly English sportsmen, be they winners or losers, appreciate a good animal. This she certainly is, and probably no better mare has ever been foaled, not surprising considering' that in her veins flows a combination of blood that produced the two greatest racers the world has ever seen, namely, St. Simon and Ormonde. -x- -x- * # A couple of decades ago Count Nicolay paid a visit to Viscount Camille Dangur, at Chapelle Pres, with the intention of purchasing a few yearlings (says the “Licensed Victuallers’ Gazette”). There were a quantity roaming about in the paddocks, but only a couple took his fancy, and they were Plaisanterie and Balignoll'isi,. for whom he offered 5,000 francs ; but the breeder did not care to accept the terms, as he had just previously disposed of one foal for nearly the sum offered for these two. “All right,” replied the Count; “then I nropose that you send them both to Tattersail’s, and if they fetch 2,500 francs each vou a ill sell them.” Of course the owner did not refuse to take advantage of such an open offer, and the fillies eventually appeared at the rostrum. They were the only thoroughbreds mentioned in the catalogue, as the sale was intended principally for hacks, and Count Nicolay being away hunting, the attendance was anything but a numerous one. Bidding, therefore, was anything but heavy when Plaisanterie was brought into the ring, the highest figure bid. being 825 francs, at which price she became the propertv of Tom Carter, while Balignollis only topped the famous mare by seventy-five francs. When Viscount Camille heard the news he was nearly mad with excitement, he having overlooked the fact that it was a necessary condition to place a “reserve” upon any thoroughbred sent up for auction, the consequence being that he only received a third of the amount he had refused. Tom Carter parted with half share in Plaisanterie to M. Bouy one of his patrons, and they soon discovered what a bargain they had secured, for there was< not a single animal in the stable who could hold her at any distance. Prior to her first French victory she was not herself at all, but yet she went in such fine st 1 that her pilot said to the trainer, “You have a first-class mare here ; in fact, I have never ridden a better one.” The way in which she scored in both the Cesarewitch and Cambridgeshire is a matter of history, and surely it >was a lucky dav for Carter when he became the possessor of Plaisanterie.