WELLINGTON.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XV, Issue 861, 6 September 1906, Page 7

WELLINGTON.

WELLINGTON, September 5.

The A.J.C. Spring Meeting has during the last two seasons furnished local sports with a fruitful topic for discussion. A year ago Maniapoto’s movements were closely followed, and as the Australian cable man considered that the Maorilanders required no other items of news but those which concerned Mr. Good’s horse, he supplied, them, daily with unfailing regularity. This year the locally-owned mare Solution has been the subject of much cabling by the Sydney press agents, and the result thereof is that much New Zealand coin (as was the case last year with Maniapoto) has found its way into the pockets of the Australian metallicians. A redeeming feature is the fact that in Solution’s case backers are early relieved of suspense through the mare being withdrawn from the Epsom

Handicap after being milked dry by the Commonwealth bookmakers. The whole affair has left an unpleasant taste in the mouths of those who loyally support New Zealand horses when they go from home, and forms a strong indictment against anti-post wagering. In justice to Solution’s owner (himself a bookmaker) it must be mentioned that he publicly announced that he had not backed his mare for the Epsom Handicap, and further that ue had not even decided which event she would start for. Notwithstanding this public announcement, the cable man continued reporting that Solution was freely backed in Sydney at Bto 1. The result was that Mr. Paterson’s pronouncement was stigmatised as bluff, and money poured in to Australia for investment on Solution for the Epsom Handicap. From information gathered from reliable sources, it transpires that Hewitt, who rides Solution in her training gallops, advised her owner that he considered the mare could win whichever of the two handicaps (the Epsom or Metropolitan) she was started for. Mr. Paterson, finding he had been forestalled in the Epsom Handicap betting market, at once stepped in and freely supported his mare for the longer race. His immediate friends were advised, and all the odds available up to 10 to 1 were booked to Wellington backers. Solution’s owner then cabled scratching his mare for the Epsom, and the following day he sailed for Sydney. The New Zealand Jockey, George Price, who has been in Australia for some months, returned last Wednesday, and reports having seen a lot of racing in Australia. He considers Chivalry was unlucky in being defeated both at Sydney and at the V.A.T.C. meeting. Mr. Payne, Chivalry’s owner, was made much of by the officials of the latter club when he waived his claim to start his horse under the impost allotted him by the club’s handicapper, and decided to run Chivalry with an increased poundage of 321 b. There was no doubt but that the officials were in a tight corner, and had Mr. Payne’s horse won, his victory would have been very popular. E. Price reports that Melodeon has been laid aside with an attack of thrush, but has started work again. Savoury, Beresina, and General Kuroki are doing useful work under D. J. Price’s care. R. J. Mason’s team, Isolt, Porcelain, Hauscar and the two-year-old Boniform, are much admired by Randwick track-watchers. Isolt is decidedly touched in her wind, and may only prove useful in short races. Boniform is galloping in great form, and is considered much the best two-year-old at Randwick. Maniapoto looks in good trim, but moves scratchily in his work, and is not greatly in favour with the touts.

Mr. H. Brown, owner of Hydrant and Togos, has reached Sydney with his horses. The pair will, it is said, be trained by the Sydney trainer, Joe Burton. Mr. Brown is no stranger in Australia, and should he not obtain a fair price for his horses, he purposes racing them in the Commonwealth.

Mr. Walter Young (of Convoy— Gladsome fame) was a passenger to Sydney by the Manuka on Saturday last. Mr. Young accompanied Messrs. Good and Curtis, owners of Maniapoto, on their last year’s trip to Randwick, but he was amongst those who failed to profit by the Maniopoto fiasco, and purposes being present on this occasion to witness the sequel. Wagering on the N.Z. Cup is reported to be at a standstill. Paritutu has supporters, but as only small parcels at 6 to 1 are on offer, there is nothing to record. Armistice is quoted at 12 to 1, whilst Boomerang has receded to 16 to 1 (offered), at which figure Auratus, Martello, and Zimmerman are quoted. Multifid, Solution, and Gladstone are at 20 to 1, and Maniapoto 50 to 1.