RACING.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVI, Issue 910, 15 August 1907, Page 5

RACING.

BY

“THE LANCER.”

RACING CALENDAR.

SEASON 1907. FIXTURES. Aug. 15 and 17—C.J.C. Grand National Aug. 29—Amberley Steeplechase Club Sept. 4 and s—Marton J.C. s Hack Meeting Sept. 11 and 12—Horowhenua Hack R.C. Annual _ _ _ Sept. 11 and 12—Ashburton County R.C. Spring Meeting . . Sept. 18 and 19 —Rangitikei R.C. Spring Oct. 9 and 12 —Dunedin Jockey Club Spring. NOMINATIONS. Aug. 16—Marton J.C.’s Hack Meeting Aug. 23 —Horowhenua Hack R.C. Annual Aug. 24 —Rangitikei R.C. Spring . Aug. 24—Ashburton County R.C. Spring Meeting „ , _ Sept. 1 (1908) —Manawatu Sires Produce Stakes, 1909 (yearlings of 1907) Sept. 2—Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes, 1908 (yearlings). Sept. 2 —Manawatu Sires Produce Stakes, 1909 (yearlings of 1906). Sept. 20 —Dunedin Jockey Club Spring WEIGHTS ARE DUE. August 19 —Amberley Steeplechase Club Annual T Aug. 21—Marton J.C.’s Hack Meeting Aug. 31—Horowhenua Hack R.C. Annual Sept. I—New1 —New Zealand Cup. . Sept. 2 —Ashburton County R.C. Spring Meeting . Sept. 7 —Rangitikei R.C. Spring . Sept. 30 —Dunedin Jockey Club Spring ACCEPTANCES. Aug. 24—Amberley Steeplechase Club Annual Aug. 27 —Marton J.C. s Hack Meeting Sept. 6 —New Zealand Cup (3sovs). Sent. 6 —Horowhenua Hack R.C. Annual Sept. 6 —Ashburton County R.C. Spring Meeting* Sept. 12—Rangitikei R.C. Spring Oct. 4 —Dunedin Jockey Club Spring. FURTHER PAYMENTS. Oct. 18 —New Zealand Cup (6sovs).

GAME PRESERVATION. In order to avert the total destruction of feathered game it is necessary to form an association for each Island, or for the colony as a whole, of organised local clubs, for the adequate protection of big and small game, and game-fish. Ladies to be enrolled free on application. Sympathy to be enlisted on behalf of chivalrous forbearance and sportsmanlike behaviour by every means, and through every channel at command. A limit to be placed on the number of birds to be shot on one day by any individual, both as regards total, and on a proportional basis laid down to suit local conditions as between varieties. Exportation or the sale of game-birds to be prohibited, or, if sale be permitted, a vigorous supervision to be exercised, and full proof shown by dealers or vendors as to where their game is procured by whom shot. If sales be permitted the vendors’ license to be fixed at a substantial figure for the benefit of Acclimatisation Societies, and subject to immediate cancellation through any infringement of regulations, or attempted sale of game which has not been fairly shot. This has become a burning question in other countries where —protective measures having succeeded —the increase of game has led to wholesale “market-poach-ing,” frequently with the connivance of transport officials, in accepting falsified consignment notes, etc. Further; the issue of separate forms of license at a suitable fee for, and the publication of the names of those who are entitled to shoot and sell, but not to retail, native and imported game, which should be obtainable by consumers only through authorised vendors.

Painful instances of flagrant abuse of hospitality have repeatedly come under the writer’s notice in connection with the sale of game, and have been obviously detrimental to the interests of clean-handed sportsmen. The question of gun licenses should be thoroughly investigated by means of a committee of delegates capable of approaching the subject with minds unbiased, and possessing individual, allround shooting experience of local sporting conditions, including the back bush country. The amount levied as surtax on “gun-dogs” by local bodies who, properly, in most places discriminate in favour of working collies, to be handed over to the Acclimatisation Societies.

Adequate consideration can scarcely be given to the question as a whole

without touching, to some extent, upon its fiscal aspect. Guns, as luxuries, may fairly bear import duty ad valorem to a substantial amount. Below and behind this fact, however, a long and intimate observation of the hands into which they are applied, has convinced us that an inferior class of gun, chiefly of trashy foreign manufacture, is unduly encouraged by the tariff as at present adjusted. The best interests of sport would be promoted by limiting importation of such weapons; an obvious means to this end would be a minimum duty of £ 1 each on double, and 15s each on single-barrelled guns. This could be brought into line with existing measures by levying ad valorem, as at present, but only upon value in excess of £ 5 per gun. In the same interest, and more so in that of safety, no gun should be allowed to be imported into the colony which is not distinctly and genuinely stamped “nitro-proof.” As tending to minimise unsportsmanlike slaughter, the size of bore should be limited to twelve guage, and the weight of a double-barrelled gun to 81bs, single-barrel in proportion, while paper cartridge cases should not exceed 2%in., and thin brass cases 2 9-16th inches, the usual length of so called 22 2 in. cartridge cases. These opinions are tendered by us in no spirit of officiousness, but solely with the desire of furthering the interests of a branch of sport which has scarcely received the measure of intelligent consideration it deserves and requires. Should such desire promote a purely sporting spirit, and the suppression of hen-slayers, gamehogs, and market-baggers, then the time spent on this article will be well spent indeed.

THE SHOULDER OF THE HORSE. There are not so many really good judges of horses. The horse needs a life-long study and experience if we wish to acquire sound, practical knowledge concerning him, and to learn all about his various little ways. Yet some critics who have never had anything to do with horses, are apt to be dogmatic in proportion to their want of useful information. It is saddening to hear them talk on this and other subjects. When an oracle tells us now —though he has never ridden a horse over a fence in his life —how horses should be ridden over fences, our feeling is one of extreme despondency. Why do many of our fellowcreatures persist in expatiating on sporting themes with which they have not even a nodding acquaintance? In the majority of instances, after a man has examined a horse, the man says, referring to the latter with an air of infinite wisdom: “What a beautiful shoulder!” That is often a safe remark to make when the other man does not know any more than we do. Numerous thoroughbred horses have beautiful shoulders; without a doubt, some hunters are almost equally well endowed in that respect. Pure breed gives greater excellence in this branch of anatomy, and the lower we descend in the equine scale the worst conformation offends our aesthetic taste. A good shoulder is necessary, of course, for horses intended to be ridden. If they do not possess that advantage their rider is not likely to enjoy a great deal of pleasure while he is on their back. Still, during Lie progress of our perigrinations we often see hacks with a straight donkey shoulder and low withers, so that the saddle does not stop in its proper place, and the equestrian has a disagreeable impression that he is always riding down hill. “It is a crupper, not a breast-plate, I want,” said the owner of such a hack, with a groan. A large number of so-called hacks ought to do nothing but shaft-work. Some horses, in effect, are not designed by Nature to be ridden. It is scarcely possible to put a saddle on their backs and keep it there as it ought to be without a lot of unnatural appliances. Instead of the shoulder gradually sloping into the back at the

right point, and bearing its true relation to fore-legs, so as to constitute an artistic and harmonious spectacle, we notice that such animals as those indicated are altogether deficient in this respect. They ought to exercise their pulling muscles exclusively. Bestridden, they may drop in the road if their pilot is not careful, and if he is careful he is never easy in his mind until he has dismounted.

One reason, amongst others equally important, why we have always preferred a thoroughbred hack or hunter, especially if he has not been raced, is that he is pretty sure to possess a good shoulder. There is plenty in front of the saddle, which remains in its propei- place accordingly, and if girths become a trifle slack it does not matter. We are not sitting on the horse’s neck.

In the hunting field we see many good shoulders. There are, however, old hunting experts who swear more by a short back and strong jumping quarters. “Give me those,” said an enthusiast, “with sound feet and legs, and I am not likely to be hypercritic as to correct shoulders. Of course, I appreciate its value, but I have ridden several horses who could gallop and jump with the best, whom ridge and furrow did not tire more than the others, though they were not built, perhaps, on what are considered perfectly orthodox lines.” There are brilliant exceptions in every branch of sport. Deviations from approved type—we shall learn to know them —may be discarded without making many mistakes.

It is a truism that practical horsemen like to have plenty in front of the saddle. Pottering, proppy action, caused by defect in that way, is very uncomfortable, especially when trotting down hill, with a conviction that our next moment will be our last unless we are lucky. That knuckling over, sticking-toes-in method of walking adopted by some hacks, who are not constructed for riding on, is another grievance which we often feel inclined to ventilate in the pigskin. A good walker, when one is riding on the road, is a priceless possession. We often find, even in the show rings of the colony, many harnessshouldered horses being ridden in the class for walking horses. Their riders or owners being quite unable to classify a walking horse from one that should be in a butcher’s cart. Taking the question by and large, we prefer the orthodox to the unorthodox, and with straight shouldered horses we can see nothing worth admiring under a saddle, though in harness the defect is never so noticeable.

SIRES OF THE SEASON.

OBLIGADO.

Auckland breeders of thoroughbred stock are to be congratulated upon having at their service such a fashion-ably-bred horse as Obligado, of Bruce Lowe’s No. 16 family, from which many great horses trace their descent, including the mighty Ormonde, and the champion mare Sceptre.

Orville, the sire of Obligado, is by Ormonde, a horse all my readers will remember that won the 2000 Guineas, Derby and St. Leger; in fact, he started fifteen times and was never beaten. He won in stakes £28,265. As a sire he has also made his name famous by getting, amongst others, Orme, the sire of Flying Fox and Orby, the winner of this year’s Derby. Shotover, the dam of Orville, was a great mare on the turf, winning the 2000 Guineas and Derby, and was herself got by Hermit, another Derby winner.

Obligado’s dam, The Flirt, is by Trappist, of the No. 1 family—a good performer up to a mile —and a son of Hermit. Trappist was successful as a sire, his daughter, La Abbess de Jouarre ,being a classic winner—out of Frivolity, a daughter of Macaroni, winner of the 2000 Guineas and Derby —and Miss Agnes by Birdcatcher, the grandsire of Stockwell. By this it will be .seen that Obligado traces back to the successful Agnes family through both his sire and dam. A perusal of his extended pedigree disclosed a wonderful array of classic winners—Ormonde, Bend Or, Doncaster, Stockwell (2), Shotover, Macaroni (twice), Thormanby, Teddington, Touchstone (3), Whalebone (2), Newminster (2), Priam, Hermit (2), Mendicant, Miss Letty, etc. So much for breeding. As a horse, Obligado is a magnificent specimen of the thoroughbred, showing great quality and substance. He possesses a beautiful temper, and is very docile. His first season at Cambria Park stamps him a sure foal-getter. Of seventeen mares belonging to the stud mated with him, two missed, one died in foal, and two met with mishaps for which no blame could be attached to the horse; the other twelve will foal this season; in fact, two mares have already produced fine healthy colts. As a mate for mare with St. Simon blood, this horse should prove invaluable, this being the most successful cross of recent years in the Old Country. At the low fee of twelve guineas his list should soon fill, as he will be limited to thirty mares, including his owner’s. His stock have been racing well in the extreme South, where prizes are not too rich. Zetland, Pensive, Cathron, Rosebloom, Red Morn, and Flavour all showing winning form. His progeny won £1335 in stakes last season.

AVONDALE JOCKEY CLUB.

ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1906-7. The following is the Chairman’s report to the members of the Avondale Jockey Club: — “Gentlemen, —Your committee again have pleasure in presenting their annual report and balance sheet for the year ending July 31, 1907, and it will be gratifying to members to find that the club had a most successful year. We have held the usual Spring and Autumn meetings during the season, giving added money to the amount of £3255, and the amount passed through the totalisator amounted to £41,735, as against £22,140 last season, showing an increase of £19,595. We commenced the season with a credit balance in bank of £2O, and during the year made a gross profit on race meetings of £l7OO 6s 2d. The disbursements were as follows: — General account, £7OO 8s sd; improvement account, £9 9s. In addition to thepe amounts we have been able to pay £5OO off the mortgage, and all the old liabilities, amounting to over £5OO. The freehold, shown as £3487, remains the same value as last year, but, as you are aware, this land has much increased in value, and should at least be worth over £5OOO. Our assets amount to £8273 9s 6d, and dur liabilities to £3512, thus showing a balance of £4761 9s 6d, an increase on last year of £906 Is 2d. —M. Foley, Chairman of Committee.”

THE C.J.C. GRAND NATIONAL MEETING. FIRST DAY. The Canterbury Jockey Club did not have the best of weather for the opening day of its Grand National Meeting. A thick, drizzling rain fell early in the morning; towards noon the sky cleared, but the afternoon was cold and unpleasant. The attendance was well up to the average, while the racing was on the whole first class. The Grand National Steeplechase furnished an excellent contest; the exhibition of jumping being equal to that witnessed in any previous National, and the pace was a cracker from the start, a new time record being established. The Hunters Hurdles provided the opening event, five horses going out. Kaikomako, an aged son of Musketry, at once caught the eye of backers, and he was sent out a strong favourite. From an even start the field came on the first hurdle in a line. Roan Banner, who took off too close, coming down. At the next hurdle the favourite fell, leaving Makuri in the lead with Crispinot second, and Canton a dozen lengths away third. Just after passing the mile post Canton ran up to the leaders, and easily drawing away, won by three lengths from Crispinot, who was a similar distance in front of Makuri. There were four withdrawals, Stayboy, Le Beau, Southern Cross, and Magical, from the Trial Hurdles, leaving eight to face the starter. St. Albert was installed a firm favourite, Ability being next in demand. Ability turned round at the start, and took no part in the race. Hop Rose fell at the first hurdle,, at which stage St. Albert was three lengths in front of Royal Shell, with Design and Golden Count following in that order. There was very little change in the positions until the mile post was reached, Catch’em running up into third place. At the six furlongs post St. Albert was still striding along in front, having a good three lengths lead from Royal Shell; a little further on Te Uira moved up and rounding the top turn was level with Royal Shell. St. Albert landed in the straight with a two lengths advantage, and despite a strong challenge in the last furlong by Te Uira, he held his own and won by two lengths; Golden Comb being a dozen lengths behind Te Uira, Design fourth, and Royal Shell fifth. The Winter Cup, the principal flat race handicap of the winter season, next claimed attention. Twenty-three horses figured on the card, and there was only one withdrawal, Don Orsino. The race provided some spirited betting, Seaman, Helen Portland, Jolly Friar, Idealist, and Pas Seul, carrying the most money. The outsiders of the field being Ruapehu, Fandango, St. Bill, and Montigo. There was very

little delay at the post, but when the barrier went up fully half the horses were slow to move. Mataari was first to show out, but after the first furlong had been covered, Idealist ran through and soon had a three lengths lead; Jolly Friar and Buccleugh being at the head of the next division. Passing the six furlongs post, Buccleugh ran into second place; behind Idealist; Helen Portland, Jolly Friar, and Czar Kolohol following in the order named. As the field swept round the top turn, Idealist was still holding his own, and entered the straight with a three lengths advantage, which he maintained to the finish, winning comfortably from Seaman, who put in a strong run from the distance aand beat Helen Portland by a neck for second place. Buccleugh was half a length further away fourth, while Jolly Friar and Pas Seul were at the head of the others. The time was the fastest on record for the race, and after the first half-mile the field became strung out; several of the horses being clearly outclassed. The Grand National Steeplechase came next, and of the twelve horses who paid the final acceptance, Hikairoa was the only one to decline the contest. Phaetontis, the early favourite for the race, maintained his position in the betting to the finish. Inniskillen, on the strength of his fine track form, being made second favourite. Phaetontis, Needlework, Eclair, aand Kaitere were voted the best conditioned animals in the race. A fine start was effected, the field coming down the straight like a line of cavalry. The stand double was negotiated safely, Romany Lad, Inniskillen and Irish being in the lead with Needlework at the head of the second division; Kaitere bringing up at the rear. All got over the fence at Cutts’ in fine style, Needlework moving up close behind Irish and Romany Lad. The first of the kennels double proved fatal to Romany Lad, while at the same jump Irish lost ground and allowed Needlework to assume command. The next pair were Evenlode and Phaetontis, Kaitere still being a long way back lyast. As they came into the straight, Needlework, who was jumping beautifully, drew out and led past the stand well clear of Irish, Bvenlode and Phaetontis. Passing Cutts’, Irish fell back, Evenlode running into second position, just clear of Phaetontis, while Eclair, Loch Fyne, and Slow Tom bunched came next. Going round the turn Slow Tom ran into third place, but came down at the sod wall, where Needlework was leading by three lengths from Phaetontis, Eclair just leading Loch Fyne and Evenlode. Before reaching the straight Kaitere could be seen coming through his field in great style, and at the last fence he was close behind the three leaders, Needlework, Phaetontis, and Eclair. After clearing the last jump, Needlework was first into his stride on the flat; but Eclair, finishing gamely under punishment, got up in the last fifty yards, and after a great struggle, beat Needlework by a length; Kaitere being three lengths away third; next came Phaetontis a dozen lengths away, Nadador, Evenlode, and Irish following at intervals.

There were only four starters in the Tally-ho Steeplechase South Canterbury, as usual, furnishing the winner. Brownhill was leading until six furlongs from home when he fell; Albury then went on and won easily by fifty yards from Jack Snipe. When the barrier went up for the Jumpers’ Flat Race, Landlock crossed in front of Merriwai, Warfire, Cavalry, and Levant, completely spoiling their chances. Stronghold was first to show out; but after going a quarter of a mile he had to give way to Ben Jonson; Lady Hune being at the head of the others. This pair practically had the race to themselves. Ben Jonson after leadng throughout, beating the mare by a bare length; Gold Dust was third six lengths away, followed by Leeside, Stronghold and Creusot. The Enfield Steeplechase was a chapter of accidents. The favourite fell at the first fence, where Pitcher ran off; Wet Blanket came down at the sod wall, while Deerslayer came to grief when leading at the top of the straight. Starlight, who was always in a handy position, gave the best display of jumping, and won easily by five lengths from Sir James; Hinemoa finishing a long way behind, in third place. The Hack Handicap was run when the light was getting bad, and it was hard to see the colours. There were seventeen starters; Armamento and Jack-a-shore being the first and second favourites. The winner turned up in Hinupai, who came through from the

distance with a strong run, and beat Heorthen somewhat easily, while Volodia, who was leading in the early part of the race, finished third. On to-day’s form in the Jumpers’ Flat Handicap, Ben Jonson must be hard to beat in the Grand National Hurdles on Thursday. To-day I like the chances of Merriwai, Ben Jonson, and Shrapnel.

TALES OF SPORT. This week’s tale in the above series is entitled “ When Cupid Captains the Team,” and it deals with the everpopular national pastime of Rugby football. The love interest woven into the story so ingeniously makes it very readable and interesting, and all lovers of football will find this clever story most entertaining and well worth reading. Marton nominations to-morrow. * * * * Avondale J.C. in a flourishing condition. * * * * Mr J. E. Henrys has been reappoint handicapper for the Dunedin Jockey Club, and Mr H. Piper has again been appointed starter. * * * * Cuirassier’s death at Morrinsville on Wednesday night was due to stoppage of the bowels. He was in good health up till a few days before his death. * * * * The stewards of the Wellington Racing Club have decided to increase the value of the Wellesley, Wellington, and Challenge Stakes by lOOsovs each, making each stake 500sovs.