OTAGO.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVI, Issue 955, 25 June 1908, Page 7

OTAGO.

DUNEDIN, June 24.

The Tahuna Park Trotting Club is experiencing some little difficulty in getting some roads (which only exist on paper) closed on the piece of ground on which they contemplate building a new track. This may not mean that their scheme will be killed, but only that some extra delay will be experienced before they can get to work on it.

Sarto, the St. Simon stallion, purchased by the Hon. G. McLean in England, is expected to arrive here in a few days.

The first of the Martians (of this planet) have recently had names claimed for them. One of these is a colt named Martist, from Escapade, the Australian-bred daughter of Pilgrim’s Progress and Hera. Another is Beau Brocade, a colt from Cuiralla, a daughter of Cuirassier and Albatross, the dam of Merganser, and a third is a filly named Fireglow, from Fireside, the dam of Fireiron. The three-year-old Ahei, by The Possible —Fair Nell, who has been showing winning form in Bracelet events, was reared in the Elderslie stud paddock at Oamaru, and was sold at the Elderslie yearling sales of 1905 at 35 guineas. Fair Nell, the dam of Ahei, has been a fairly prolific producer. She commenced very well by throwing Saracen, Loyalty, and Bonnie Scotland in three successive years, and has bred each year from 1889 up to 1906, the latter date being her last entry to the stud book. Fair Nell, it may not be generally known, is a half-sister to the crack horse Sir Modred.

The Obligado mare Octave, who has shown good form over short courses this season, is being treated to a spell. Octave ricked one of her knees some time ago, or she would have proved a far more profitable mare than has been the case.

Mr. R. Reynolds, of Christchurch, has been appointed to the position of starter to the Geraldine Racing Club for the forthcoming season. The Waimate Hunt’s annual point-to-point steeplechase will be held on June 25. There will be four events, one for heavy-weights (13st), one for light-weights (11.7), and two for farmers’ horses.

The well-known hurdler Wild Cat died recently. She was will O’Neill’s buckjumpers, but was only a lay member of the team of horses which travelled with the show. B. McEldowney has purchased Lady Ronald, the daughter of Clanranald and Lady Agnes, the dam of Cuiragno. Lady Ronald is returned as a five-year-old, but the stud book gives Miss Musket (sister of Cuiragno as Lady Agnes’ foal of 1903. Lady Rdn-

aid has shown pace in her races, and on her breeding and looks may develop into a useful sort for next season.

H. Goodman has had an addition to his stable in the shape of a rising three-year-old filly by Sant Ilario from 'Norus, which was picked up cheaply at a weeding-out sale from the Redcastle stud.