TURF TOPICS.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVII, Issue 1002, 20 May 1909, Page 6

TURF TOPICS.

Swagsman, who figures in the Great Northern Hurdles, is reported to be amiss.

Although Tui Cakobau has been allowed to drop out of the Great Northern Hurdles, the big bay is jumping in rare style over the battens in his training, and one morning during the week defeated such good performers as Irish and Le Beau over a mile and a-half.

Ir’s'h, who has often been written off as a past light, once again looks like playing a prominent part in some of the jumping events this season. The Eton gelding is hitting out in great style :’n his work at Ellerslie, and those who number him amongst the “ has beens ” may get a set-back. Irish can jump, and has pace, besides being a genuine stayer. Irish has one Great Northern Hurdle Race down against ■his name, and he also filled the role of runner-up to Merriwai.

“ Glencoe,” in the " Dominion,” says that J. Prosser recently stated that Ghoorka held the record for a. mile on the beach at Porirua. When it is remembered that Prosser has trained Tortulla, Advance, Gold Crest, Achilles, Boreas, and All Red, the son of Lochiel must have been a great horse, and it is certain we never saw the best of him.

W. Young will ride Maidi in the Century Hurdles at Wanganui, and wi’l also ride her in the Great Northern Steeplechase.

Mr. E. J. Watt has sold Aborigine to Mr. Baldock, of India, for, it is stated, 1200 guineas. Aborigine arrived in Auckland on Tuesday, en route to India.

M. McGrath is to leave for Sydney to-morrow with Moloch and Osiris. Mcloch will probably be put to hurdle racing, and should he take to the jumping business the Wellington Cup winner will keep them ail moving when the colours are up. * * * *

Three horses fell at the Taroom (Brisbane) Races on Thursday. A jockey named Webster was killed, and two others were severely injured.

The gold chain and locket stolen from the jockeys’ dressing-room at the recent Patea Race Meeting, held at Hawera, have been traced, through the instrumentality of the police, and have been found in the possession of a person at Christchurch, who has been arrested.

In response to an interviewer in Adelaide recently. Walter Hickenbotham, the trainer of Trafalgar, stated that Newhaven was the fastest horse he ever had through his hands up to a mile and a-quarter, and even went so far as to say that he was faster and better than Carbine up to a mile and flhalf, but beyond that admitted that Carbine was a class unto himself. Hickenbotham considers that Newhaven, when he won the Melbourne Cup, was the fittest horse that had ever left his stable for the post. In answer to the query as to what, in his opinion, was the fastest horse he had ever seen, the veteran replied, “ Mountain King, undoubtedly. For a bighorse he gathered his pace in a remarkable manner, and I have seen him travel half a mile and five furlongs quicker than any other thoroughbred.”

There : s a probability of the Wellington Pony and Galloway Club extending their holiday fixture on June 3rd over two days, concluding on the Saturday. A winter retirement will follow, extending over some six weeks, during which attention will be paid to putting the track in better order and effecting other improvements. About £2OO will be expended.

That first-class rider, H. Cairns, will have the mount on Mocassin in the Wanganui Steeplechase. Cairns will also ride Aorangi and Moscow in their engagements.

A Victorian sportsman has been inquiring as to the price of California’s half-brother, Prospector, and there is a possibility that the Gold Reef gelding and his stable companion Defeat will both find their way to Australia.

The stallion Simmer (by St. Simon) died in Sydney last week, the cause of death being inflammation.

In an article in the “ Taranaki Budget ” a writer says: As for the latest Gaming Act, there is only one thing that a self-respecting Parliament can do with it—repeal it at the earliest possible moment.”

At the Moonee Valley, Melbourne, Meeting on Saturday, the Commonwealth Steeplechase resulted: Boomerang 1, Kauma 2, Falcon 3.

Necktie is galloping attractively just now, and as the daughter of Menschikoff has only 6.10 in the Empire Handicap, she should run well. Of course Necktie is very small, but Carmania is only a pony, and she led from start to finish in the Avondale Handicap.

Valentine, who figures in the Maiden Handicap at Takapuna with 7.7. ran third in the Manaia Handicap at Egmont on the second day. Valentine led for a good portion of the journey. * * * * Fancy Lochbuie, Sedition, Advocate and Miss Winnie giving Scotty weight over a mile and a-quarter. It is evidently thought the St. Leger gelding b>. lost his pace. It would be a poor look-out for the others should he still retain it. * * * * Writes “ Javelin” in the Melbourne “Leader”: —Dog racing, one of the most popular sports amongst the North of England pitmen, and which appears to be catching on here with the owners of whip-pets and terriers, came under consideration in the smoking carriage one Saturday night. The sport is so new to most Australians that few of them know anything about it. “ Wot gits over me,” remarked one sport, “is that with no hares or rabbits to chase ’em, ’ow they git ’em to run straight, an’ nobody on top ridin’ or guidin’ ’em!” The speaker enjoys the questionable reputation of being able to ride a dead ’un as cleverly as most of them, therefore there was a general and significant laugh when the inevitable little man with the big pipe observed, “P’raps it’s not havin’ ennybody on top as makes ’em run so straight!”

Auratus was far from ready when he ran in the Tongahoe Hurdles at Fgmont, and he quickly dropped to the rear-

Nicotine, who figures in the Borough Handicap at Wanganui with 7.1, it will be remembered defeated Flitaway and Co. at Palmerston North, traversing the distance in 1.15.

Speaking of the Marlborough Racing Club’s meeting, a Marlborough exchange is responsible for the following:—“ One regrettable incident occurred which had nothing to do with the management. The colours of the jockeys were so indistinguishable that it was with great difficulty that the judge was able to sort out the placed division. In the President’s Handicap Merrie Rose, who finished fourth, was placed first, and when the numbers were hoisted naturally the public became excited and gathered round the judge’s box in large numbers. As soon as the horses paraded past the judge’s box the judge was easily convinced that an error heed been made, and it was at once rectified. It is only fair to say that the colours of Merrie Rose and Gaelic (the winner) were identical, and as both were bespattered with mud it was somewhat of a task to distinguish them in such a close finish.”

Prior to North Head starting for the Hack Hurdle Handicap at Hastings, an endeavour was made to buy the Birkenhead—Norsemaid gelding, but the would-be purchaser was informed that the animal was not for sale.

Word received in Wellington states that the pony Maid of All Work, which was shipped to Sydney a couple of weeks ago. has already won a race on the other side.

Multiform’s list for 1909 is full, but the Whittingham studmaster, Mr. W. Brown, is booking a few subscriptions for 1910 at 50 guineas.

Sight, by Carbine, won a. selling steeplechase at Hawthorn Hill, England, in March. At the same meeting Finchale, by Aurum, and Prince Abercorn, by Abercorn, were also winners. Chute, a four-year-old by Carbine, was successful in the Kesteven P’ate at the Lincoln meeting.

It is said that neither The Lark nor Bunyan will race again.

J. McGregor, who last season, received injuries when riding Lull in a hurdle race at Feilding, which it was feared would render him a cripple for life, has apparently made a remarkable recovery, and his medical adviser has intimated he is now quite sound enough to resume his former calling. McGregor is at present riding Maidi over the schooling hurdles at Feilding, and it is rumoured that if he can get his license he will have the mount on the roan mare in her Auckland engagements, including the Great Northern Steeplechase.

Paritutu has been supported to win a fair amount of money in doubles with the fancied candidates in the Great Northern Steeplechase.

It is understood that the well-known rider Geo. Price has been appointed private trainer to “ Mr. Highden,” in succession to A. J. Shearsby, who intends to set up as a public trainer again. Price, it is understood, takes over the horses to-morrow. “ Mr. Highden ” has, it is further stated, purchased training stables and thirteen acres of land at Awapuni, and the horses will be trained there.

Mendip, second to Lady Lucy, has now ran three consecutive seconds.

Sedgemoor’s win in the Tawhiti Scurry would be very popular in Wanganui, as he is owned by “ Mr. H. Jeffery,” the nom-de-plume of Mr. J. H. Nixon, treasurer of the Wanganui Jockey Club.

The gelding Mulga Bill paid a big price at Egmont, considering the form he showed at Wanganui in March.

Lady Lucy, who scored in the Hawera Cup, is a hand-reared foal. Her connections are stated to have been quite prepared for her success, and came in for a fair win.

Glenfield changed hands during the Ashburton Racing Club’s Meeting at 175 guineas, with further contingency. The purchaser was Mr. Skinner, owner of British Peer.

The other day Mr. Will Crooks, M.P., had an amusing experience with a newsboy at Charing Cross. Waiting for an omnibus, Mr. Crooks was approached by a boy, shouting, “ ’Ere y’are, guv’nor, ’ere’s the 2.30 winner.” “No thanks,” said the member for Woolwich. “ Buy a paper,” the boy persisted, “ an’ I’ll give y’ a tip for ter-morrer’s selling plate.” “ No, thanks,” again replied Mr. Crooks. “ I don’t bet.” Upon hearing this statement the lively urchin ran across to his mate. “ Hi, Jim,” he cried, “ see that ole bloke over there? He don’t want no bloomin’ winner. Says ’e don’t bet. ’E must be some blessed heathen.”

At the monthly committee meeting of the Canterbury Jockey Club, Sir Geo. Clifford and Mr. F. H; Pyne were appointed to represent the club at the next sitting of the Racing Conference. It was decided to move the following new rule at the Racing Conference: — “ That when any licensed trainer or jockey be called before the stewards or committee of any club and punished, reprimanded, or warned, a report of the proceedings shall be sent to the Metropolitan Committee, who shall forward it to the secretary of the Racing Conference, such report to be entered in a book kept for the purpose, to be open for inspection by officials of any club.” It was resolved that in future no rider in steeplechases or hurdle races shall be weighed out unless wearing a patent skull cap. It was decided to pay second dividends in future when six or more horses started in a race.

It is often urged that a horse was in need of a gallop to get him right. This is after a race. When horses come out to run they are supposed to be (or ought to be) fit, but I am inclined to think that is a rule which is not carried out in its entirety, says an Australian writer. There is at present too much of the “ short of a gallop ” go’ng on. and the sooner it is done away with the better it will bo for all concerned—owners, trainers, racecourses, and the public. The last get sick of the in and out form, and rather than attend a race meeting in tins State invest their money at starting price on some Eastern States race. The owners and trainers would benefit, for they would be able to get a longer price about their horses and a larger number would attend the race meetings. The clubs could then raise the stakes, and again the owners would benefit. Much might be written on the

subject, but it is hoped, in the interests of the sport that racing them into condition in races will be lessened somewhat, for it is deceitful to the public (who support the game) and the handicapper.

Winning jockeys at the Egmont races were: W. Price, four; C. Jenkins, two; W. Young, two; C. Cochrane, N. Campbell, W. Ayres, and A. Oliver, one each. Mr. A. Mitchell rode the winner of the gentlemen riders’ race each day.

R. Hatch was the most successful rider at the Ashburton Racing Club’s meeting, and his several wins there bring his total for the season up to 80. Hatch should go close to the century before the season closes.

It is stated that after the Elder Stakes, and prior to the running of the Adelaide Cup, an offer of £lOOO was refused for the Soult gelding Waipuna. The would-be purchaser is now probably congratulating himself, as Waipuna ran nowhere in the Cup, and did no better in the S.A.J.C. Handicap. As he is rising nine, he is more likely to deteriorate than to improve. * * » ♦ King Edward’s colt Minoru is a firm favourite for the English Derby. * * * * From Adelaide comes word that the Sydney Cup winner Trafalgar got away while returning from Morphettville after the Elder Stakes, and, colliding with a fence, staked himself rather badly. Altogether the Adelaide trip has been a rather unfortunate one for the Messrs. Mitchell.

The brown horse Achillean, by Medallion —Nereid, who cost the late Mr. J. J. Macken 525 guineas as a yearling, but who some few months back became the property of Mr. E. A. Mayo at 200 guineas, returned his new owner portion of his purchase money at the Maitland J.C. meeting recently by annexing the Maiden Stakes. He followed this up with a victory in the Maryland Handicap at the Wallsend J.C. meeting, for which he started an odds on favourite and beat the opposition easily after leading all the way. Achillean is a four-year-old brother to Achilles, the ex-champion racehorse of New Zealand.

The ex-Auckland pony Merry Delaval ran second in a pony handicap at Rosebery (Sydney) last week.

At Warrnambool, on April 29, the New Zealand steeplechaser, Pilot, carried top-weight, 13st. 41b., in the Grand .Annual Steeplechase, three miles, but, though ridden by F. Burn, he came to grief half way through the race, and did not finish. Had the gelding jumped with his usual cleverness he must have won, for none of the nine starters got round the course without mishap. The race was run in a heavy downpour of rain, and this made the country more difficult to negotiate. At Cox’s double the first time, The Barber, Seymour, and No Trouble pulled up. Pilot and Juryman came down at a hurdle in the course proper at the end of a lap, leaving four runners. Redlight fell at Cox’s double the second time, and at the second to last fence Romana and Squirm ran off, and Mossbank fell. The llast nlamed was quickly;’ remounted, led over the last fence, and won comfortably, Romana was second, and Redlight, who had been remounted, was third. The time for the three miles was 9min. 4sec.

Reservoir pulled up very distressed after doing a gallop in company with Swagsman and Te Kainui on Tuesday morning.

J. Killorn, the Australian jockey, rode 22 winners out of 77 mounts during the late Calcutta racing season, which closed last month. Killorn is now in Sydney, but returns to India in June.

Lord Rosebery, who, it will be remembered, won a race at the Waioweka Racing Club’s meeting some time ago, figures in the Empire Han--i- C op at Takapuna on Saturday.

The “ Special Commissioner” of the London “Sportsman” recently took a trip to Buenos Ayres, and he mentons that one afternoon was spent on the Palermo racecourse, where magnfieent new stands are beng built and the whole track renovated. He adds ♦here w in be nothing in the world to equal it when it is all finished, for really the Jockey Club seems to have such a superfluity of money that the best of everything is hardly good enough for it.

The Great Northern Hurdles must bear a very open appearance, as during the week Irish, Paritutu, and Belario have been supported for a fair amount in doubles.

The Isonomy horse Common, who won the Two Thousand Guineas, Derby, and St. Leger of 1891, has been such a failure at the stud in England that his fee is now only 9 guineas. In 1897 it was 200 guineas.

It is the intention of the Wellington sportsman, “ Mr. M. Melrose,’’ to nominate some of his juveniles for the two-year-old events at the spring meeting of the Australian Jockey Club.

Mr. W. Mitchell, the well-known Northern District sportsman, who has just returned to Sydney from a trip to New Zealand, was greatly impressed with the racing properties of the Dominion, and states that the courses here surpass those of Australia on the score of beauty, ornamentation, and completeness, a state of affairs which is credited to the use of the totalisator. Mr. Mitchell was shown the sand track whereon Achilles was prepared for all his noted victories, this being a long, low stretch of sand extending for miles, over portions of which at high tide the sea rises to a depth of about two feet.

Those in Calcutta are at present in the midst of a heated controversy concerning a new rule of betting that the Calcutta Turf Club have introduced. The Indian Turf executives recognise betting; the Jockey Club at Home, of course, do not. This new rule relates to bets on dead heats, and reads as follows:—“ 4 (a) In the case of a dead heat for first place between two or more horses, the horses which run the dead heat shall be considered to be horses placed first by the judge within the meaning of tne preceding rule, and the money betted shall be put together and equally divided, irrespective of whether the race be subsequently run off or not.” The dissentient owners say that this rule is a bit Gilbertian, as despite Rule 17, Rules of Betting, which says: ‘‘A bet becomes due when the event on which it depends is decided.” This rule says that a bet is decided before the event on which it depends is decided, for a dead heat is not “ decided ” within the meaning of the rules until (1) it. is run off, (2) the owners divide, or (3) one of the owners scratches. Bets, as a rule, follow the stakes, but this rule says that the stakes depend on the run off, etc.; but bets are payable on tne dead heat.