Sporting Topics.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XII, Issue 717, 3 December 1903, Page 7

Sporting Topics.

(By

"The Judge.”)

Owners should bear in mind that entries for the two big events of the Wellington Racing Club's Summer Meeting ar® due on Monday next, December 7 at 9 pm. The races' specified are the Wellington Cup, of 600SOV&, one mile and ahalf, to be run on January 22, and the Wellington Racing Club Handicap, of 400 sovs, one mile and a-quarter, to be decided on the following day. Both events are likely to attract large entries.

Pampero resumed work a few days ago, but had to be eased up again.

Petrovna and Pipi leave Dunedin for Auckland on Friday, their mission being the A.R.C. Summer Meeting.

Treadmill is reported to be doing splendid work at Riccarton, the Auckland Cup favourite looking better than he die at the C.J.C. Meeting.

Mr C M Whittington has been appointed to the position of secretary to the Waipawa County Racing Club, a very popular choice on the part of the committee.

Now that the squire of Yaldhurst will be unrepresented in the Auckland Cup, it is almost certain that Hewitt will have the mount on Sir George Clifford s crac , Treadmill.

On the 27 th of October. Sceptre added the Limekiln Stakes, mile, to her wins. Starting at 100 to 1 on, she beat tier solitary opponent, Paregoric, by eight lengths. *

At Sylvia Park Lissadurn (Bill ot Portland—Cooya) has produced a colt to Seaton Delaval. This is the last foaling of the season, and brings the list up to twelve colts and ten fillies.

My Napier correspondent wires' that Madrigal, whose name has been mentioned in connection with the Railway Handicap, will not be sent to Auckland, her owner being dissatisfied with the weight allotted the Stepniak filly.

The Yaldhurst team for Auckland will consist of Silkworm, Golden Lily, and in all probability Machine Gun. It will indeed be a strange thing if a tno like that- return South without winning something substantial in the way of prizemoney for Mr Stead. # * ■* *

Among the many improvements being effected'at Ellerslie not the least noticeable one is the new judge's stand. The committee are giving Mr Lusk very handsome quarters from which to adjudicate upon the various finishes. * * * *

One of the features of the first day’s l racing at Takapuna was the excellence of the starting, Mr Cutts being in his very 7 best form. A few people made a slight demonstration against the veteran for keeping the competitors over long at the post in the Pony Handicap, but there was no fault to be found when the barrier did go up. hi fact, not a mistake occurred all day.

There is probably no better known firm of commission agents in the colony than Messrs Barnett and Grant. With a desire to centralise their very extensive business they are closing the Dunedin branch, and clients are now notified that all correspondence must in future be addressed to Christchurch.

It will be bad news to Auckland sportsmen to learn that Messrs L. D. and N. A. Nathan have definitely resolved to retire from the turf. The whole of their racehorses in training will be offered at the big dispersal sale of the Sylvia Park Stud. The sky-blue and black sash have always been popular colours to follow, for punters were sure of getting a straight run. Under the blue banner many a good horse has been ridden to victory, and it will be a matter of very sincere regret that after the end of this month the well-known racing jacket will be laid aside. The retirement of the Messrs Nathan means a severe blow to the turf in Auckland.

Mr Marshall’s brown horse Geordie was in fine form on the opening day. of the Takapuna Jockey Club’s Meeting. The four-year-old son of Seaton Delaval annexed in hollow fashion the Trial Handicap, one mile, under 9st 71b, conceding exactly three stone to his nearest competitor. Pulled out again for the Cheltenham Handicap, in wh ch he had but 7st 121 b to carry, for some reason the horse was quite overlooked in the betting. Although’ getting a very poor start Geordie had too much foot for the others when it came to finishing, and his dividend of over £9 came as a bit of a surprise.

There have been several record-breaking performances in America this season, and one of the most remarkable took placat Harlem (Chicago) a few weeks ago, when a three-year-old colt named McGee ran five and a half furlongs in imin 5 i-ssec, easily beating Don Domo„ who is accounted the fastest two-year-old in America. McGee was bred in England, and was taken to America by E. Corrigan, who still owns him. As the previous world’s best was imin 6sec, a substantial lump was cut off the record.

A coloured supplement, containing portraits of Jenkins, Hewitt, Davis, Donovan, and McCluskey, some of New Zealand’s prominent jockeys, is issued wi n the current number of the “Weekly Press.’’ Jenkins appears in Mr “D-mg lass Gordon’s’’ blue and white hooPA Hewitt in Mr Geo. G. Stead’s familiar colours, Davis in the all cerise of the Hon. J. D. Ormond, Donovan in Mr Hugo Friedlander’s colours, and McCluskey in the blue and gold chequers of Sir George Clifford.

Vai Rosa’s display on Saturday once again demonstrated what an obstinate brute the son of Seaton Delaval is. He was made a very strong favourite but, despite Howard's efforts Co drive hiri along, refused to try at all. It looks as though there are only two things for Mr Friedlander to do with the horse. Either let him run in a cab, or else administer a friendly bullet.

According to the “Argus” the handicaps for the Newmarket Handicap and Australian Cup will be declared a fortnight or so later than usual next year. If the customary practice had been fo : - lowed they would have been declared on January is—a fortnight after the taking of entries—but the committee decided i?'» hold them over until Tuesday, February 2. This will give the handicapper the advantage of knowing a little more of the form of the horses engaged, as the Williamstown, Sydney, and Adelaide anniversary meetings will be taken in, but the Oakleigh Plate and Purse wiD not be run until after the declaration o’ the Newmarket weights. The committee decided not to otherwise interfere wibi the conditions of the Newmarket Handicap and Australian Cup. The former will be a sweepstakes, of 25 sovs each, with 1000 sovsi added, 6 furlongs ; and the latter a sweepstakes of 25 sovs each, with 1000 sovs added, two miles and a quarter. The Champion Stakes will also remain the same as on the last occasion. —a sweepstakes of 25 sovs each, wita 1000 sovs added, three miles. Entries for these three events will close on January 4.

For once in a way, it is safe to say that Mr R. Sievier was not enthusiastic over a performance of Sceptre’s (says an exchange)- This was when that great mare won the Duke of York Stakes at Kempton last month, beating Happy Slave a head in the last stride. The latter is trained by Sceptre’s ex-owner, who was probably going for a good win at a nice price, as his tiorse started at 20 to 1. A couple of furlongs from home i looked almost a certainty that Happy Slave would win, as Sceptre, after being fourth last at the turn, and then getting blocked when attempting to ret up on the rails, appeared to have little chanc r of overhauling him. However, when she did get a clear run, the mare made ligh of her 9st 41b, and got up in time catch the judge’s eye. What made the performance a most extraordinary one was that she ran in ordinary exercise shoes. It seems that her feet are very thin in the sole, and after nlates were put on her on the morning of the race she was so lame that her trainer, Taylor, reckoned that there was no way out of it but to take them off and put the shoes on again. This was done, and then Sceptre went sound enough, but as the going was_ heavy, it can be reckoned what a disadvantage she was at. No Australian owners or trainers would likcto send out a favourite with working shoes on —in fact, if they did so, only one construction would be put upon such an action, and defeat would mean certain enquiry into the animal’s running Under the circumstances, then. Sceptre s effort was a marvellous one, and it is no wonder she is the idol of the English racing public. * *

The Spring Carnival of the Amateur Athletic and Cycling Club. will take place on Saturday next, and in the event of the weather being favourable the fixture should prove as successful. as any which have preceded it. There is certainly a slight want of novelty in the programme, but entries are very good, and some most interesing running may be looked forward to. George Smith intends making an effort to reduce the 120 yards hurdle record, but unless a few fine days intervene before Saturday I greatly doubt, his ability to succeed, for the track will be too heavy. The Amateur Athletic Club’s last few meetings have been run at a considerable loss, but it is to be hoped that next Saturday’s fixture will mark the turn of the tide.

TAKAPUNA J.C. SPRING MEETING. Looking through the horses engaged on the second day of the Takapuna Meeting it is evident that there is plenty of material for some good sport. 'The opening event is the Stanley Handicap, in which a dozen are engaged. Those who look like filling the places are Black and Gold, Te Arolia and Vulpine. Eight are down to compete in the Second Handicap Hurdles, which may go to Inchcape, Up-to-Date and Crespin, that is to say if Vai Rosa continues to show his currish fits. If he would only try I think he could win from end to end.

The Spring Handicap should provide a g‘ood. race. IThq winner will thke, some finding, but Geordie, Maro and Soultfish may supply the placegetters. In the Vauxhall Handicap those which read with the likeliest prospects are Bonomiana, Liberator and Te Aroha. For the Second Pony Handicap Whawhai, Vulpine or Sally Horner may be the safest to trust.

The Cautlev Handicap looks like providing a good race, but Delania, St. Olga and Geordie should prove most dangerous. In the Steeplechase most trouble will probably come from Dingo, Inchcape and Perseverance.

For the Welter Handicap the prizes may possibly go to Soultfish, Swagsman or Bastion.

“ Talking about racing - ,’’ said the little man, who had been listening to the conversation, “ I reckon the closest race I ever saw happened when I was over in the States. When the signal was given, two of the horses made the running, and came along ne'ek and neck the whole of the course.” “ Dead heat, eh ?” queried one of the company, “ Ah, so we all thought at (first ; but it appeared that just as they passed the post one of ’em put out his tongue. Won by two inches; but, goodness, it was a close thing !”

The races at Feilding seem to have proved a great success indeed, the sport being good and a lot of'money goingthrough the machine. Evidently winners were hard to find for - many of the dividends rulled large, a indication of the downfall of the much-fancied brigade. Hinetaura put up a good performance in the St. Andrew’s Handicap, as she carried top-weight and put down a good field. There are more unlikely things than that the daughter of Robinson Crusoe may be equal to pulling off the Auckland Cup.

Growling at the weather, although possibly it does no good, yet certainly relieves the feelings. Anything more abominable than the weather this spring would be indeed hard to find, while December, the first summer month, looks! like keeping the average up. The Takapuna Jockey Club are the sufferers this time, and a postponement of the second day of the Spring Meeting was unavoidable. Persistent rain since last Saturday has rendered the course q.uite unfit to race on, and therefore there was no option but to wait for a more suitable date.

It is a mistaken idea that some driv, _s appear to entertain that the hors • is deaf. They must think so by the way they address him. It is not uncomim n to hear a driver speak to his horse in a voice resembling a fog horn, says an exchange. Especially is this noticeable c.n the part of teamsters and ploughmen. They are men that will sit in a waggon and yell at a horse as if the animal was on the farside of a ten-acre lot Ticre is not the slightest use in boisterous vociferation when addressing the ho se As a matter of fact, the horse is very acute of hearing—much more so than man or even the dog. The trainers of circus horses know better than to yell their commands. They know that it is a use less waste of words and physical energy. They speak to the horse in or dinar, tones. Usually the horse in the ring however, does not obey the word of mouth, but the motion of the whip. But suppose the ringmaster in a towering passion should yell and swear at the horse. Need anyone be told there would be no performance ; that the horse would lose its head like the man ? In many places in this country horses are driven to the plough without reins. They are guided entirely by the word. The horse understands the different words of coi imand, and obeys them implicitly. We have worked a team day in and day out to plough and harrow without reins simply by the word, and we did not veil, either. This is excellent advice. A boisterous driver will keep a nervous tempered horse constantly in a fret, which wih be more wearing on him than the work he does. Besides, very many young ho.es are practically ruined bv such usage, and a very common cause of horses running away is the rough and boisterous treatment meted out to them. Many a man has been rewarded for such treatment by an untimely death as a result of the attempt of his victims to get away. •

Nominations for all events to be dedecided at the Summer Meeting of the Auckland Trotting Club close with Mr C. F. Mark, the secretary, on Friday, December 11, at 9 p.m.

Twenty applications were received for the position of secretary to the Wairarapa Racing Club, which has been given, to Mr Laery.

The second day of the Takapuna Jockey Club’s Spring Meeting has been postponed till next Wednesday, December 9. Owing - to the Otahuhu Trotting Club’s Meeting taking place next Saturday, the Takapuna committee could not select an earlier date, as they did not wish to clash with the trotting meeting.

The well-known Kingsclere Racing Stables have been registered as a company. The first directors are the Duke of Portland, the Duke of Westminster, F. Gretton and J. Porter. THE WELLINTON PARK STUD. Particulars of the eighteenth annual sale of the yearlings of the Wellington Park Stud Company, Limited, are advertised in this issue. The sale will take place on Monday, January 4, when thirteen colts and fourteen fillies will be offered for sale. It goes without saying that there are some beautifully-bred youngsters in the list, as Mr Morfin never keeps any stock but the best). Among the colts is a chestnut by Hotphkisit from Lady Augusta, a sister to Ropa ; a grand chestnut by the St. Simon horse, Phoebus Apollo, from Armilia ; a brown by Hotchkiss from Rose of Wellington, and therefore full brother to Screw Gun and Royal Artillery; a brown by Phoebus Apollo from Musket Maid, the dam of Waiuku : a brown by the same imported sire from Forme, the dam of the brilliant Cruciform ; and a brown by the son of the greatest of English stallions from Hilda, dam of Fulmen and. Lady Saint, who has been winning in England recently. Some very aristocratic fillies appear in. the sale list. There is a bay by Phoebus Apollo from Trenton’s sister, Cissy ; a brown by the same sire from Ai'da, the dam of Impulse and Uhlan ; a brown by the same stallion from Bangle, a most noted matron. The imported sire is also responsible for a bay from Crescent and a very nice brown from Field Rose. In adfdition to a grey by Phoebus Apollo from that very prolific matron Vivandiere, there are a number of fillies to be disposed of. I hope to be able to go into the matter at greater length in a future issue. THE SYLVIA PARK STUD. Much interest is being taken everywhere in the great disposal sale of the famousSylvia Park Stud, which will take place on Thursday, December 31. In addition to the eighteen high-class youngsters to come under the hammer, no less than thirty-three brood mares will be disposed of and four stallions. It is a long time since such a great opportunity has occurred for breeders to acquire blood stock of the quality to be offered. The brood mares form the backbone of the sale. Eight of them are covered by San Francisco, an own brother to San Frusquin, the most successful sire in England today. Eight of the mares have been stinted to Explosion, while Seaton Delaval has also been given his full share. Some very choice lots are to be offered among the yearlings, as will be seen on referring to the advertisement of the sale. The stallions should command a big figure, for such horses as Seaton Delaval, San Francisco, Explosion and St. Hippo are not found every day. A specially written article on the stud will appear in a subsequent issue. THE CAMBRIA PARK STUD. Of the several yearling sales which take place at the end of the year by no means the least important will be that of the Cambria Park and Glen ora Park youngsters, which will take place on the 30th inst. The sires represented axe Cyrenian, Eton, Nelson, Flintlock, Soult, Cuirassier, and Seaton Delaval. Among the eleven colts is a bay brother to that good horse Marshall Soult ; a bay by Cyrenian from the Goldsborough mare Windmill, dam of Air Motor and Spalpeen ; a brown bv Soult from the Musket mare Anna ; a brown bv Cyrenian from Kilmorey, the dam of Kilmarnock . a brown bv Soult from Lady Musket. Looking ’ through the ten fillies catalogued there is a bay by Cyrenian from Hinemoa ; a bay sister to Picklock : a bav sister to Lady Annie ; a bay by Cyrenian from Melodia : a brown by Soult from Rose and White, and thus a full-sister to Wairiki : a chestnut by Seaton Delaval—Merry Maid. In addition to the youngsters, that good performer Coronet will be offered for sale, as well as the brood mares The Sheilah, Morceau, Perseverance, and Retaliation.. The yearlings will be reviewed at length in our next issue.