TURF TOPICS.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XX, Issue 1116, 31 August 1911, Page 4

TURF TOPICS.

Prince Soult has developed nicely during the winter, and should do something worth chronicling before the end of the season.

Crecy, by Hotchkiss —Crescent, has produced a filly foal to Obligado at Cambria Park. Mr R. Cleland’s mare, Sweet Alice, has foaled a filly to the same sire at the same establishment.

* * V v Turf Topics % , bgk bfgwky g Matters at Ellerslie are brightening up a little, now that trainers are getting their charges into fix for the spring campaign, which opens at Avondale on 20th prox. Everything running there is well forward, and the meeting promises to be one of the most interesting of the Club’s spring gatherings.

Ngapuka, which is getting through a solid preparation in satisfactory style, is one of the best fancied candidates for the Avondale Cup. The appearance of the weights caused a bit of a demand to set in for Turbine in the Flying, and with only Bst 9lbs on his back he is nicely placed.

A filly by Carbine’s son Spearmint, out of Adula, won the National Breeders’ Produce Stakes at Sandown Park last month. An English writer picks her as likely to prove a worthy successor to .that great performer Pretty Polly.

The Soult—-Inamorata horse Chauvelin won the Jumpers’ Flat Race at Bendigo last week. Shortly before the race he was offered for 'sale by auction, but was withdrawn at 115 gs.

Five New Zealand horses started at the V.R.C. August meeting on the first day, but not one of them even ran into a place.

Waimangu and Santa Rosa are being worked at Ellerslie under the care of George Absolum. Waimangu looks well and gallops freely, but he has not, judging by appearances, entirely thrown off the effects of the accident which kept him off the tracks after the A.R.C. Summer Meeting. Santa Rosa is galloping well.

Advocate, one of the duet of Auckland horses handicapped for the New Zealand Cup, continues to shape satisfactorily a t Ellerslie. A win in the Avondale Cup would mean a penalty of 71bs, but it is likely that he will be started at the suburban course, provided he continues to come on alright.

Prince Foote is now the best favourite for the Melbourne Cup. He has been backed to win several thousands, and as that meant an outlay of several hundreds, it may be taken that the clients of the ring knew something. But Jacamar, Trafalgar, and Comedy King are scarcely less backed than Mr Baron’s champion, and this quartette practically monopolises the betting in the race so far. “Limits” have hampered the betting in the Caulfield Cup, in which the ex-New Zealander Lady Medallist, Sandbath, and St. Medoc are the best fancies, and in doubles they have been taken with a variety of combinations. Blairgour is the popular choice for the Epsom, and the New Zealander ViceAdmiral for the Metropolitan, with Styria on about the same mark,

Regain went over the hurdles at Ellerslie in fine style when tried over them the other day, but when sent out over the steeplechase course at Avondale he left his form behind him and performed indifferently all round.

The New Zealanders at Randwick, which include Los Angelos, Genius, Vice-Admiral, Peirene, Midnight Sun, Culprit and Bridge, are all going along nicely in their work, and none of them have, so far, struck the troubles which laid up so many of the horses from this side of the Tasman Sea last year.

Although neither bookie nor tote will be allowed on the course during the Waikato Hunt Club’s course at its meeting on September 9, the Club has received excellent nominations, ranging from 9 in the Hunt Club Steeplechase to 23 in the Maiden. On the success or failure of this meeting depends the future of a number of country clubs in the vicinity.

The lists for the minor events of the Avondale Jockey Club’s spring meeting will close with Mr. H. H. Hayr, secretary, at 9 o’clock on Friday evening next, September 1.

The appeal of “Tartar” Julian against his disqualification by the Wanganui Jockey Club for his riding of Napper, will be heard on September 6 by the Wanganui Metropolitan Committee-

Records are always in the making on racecourses, and a new one was established in Warialda, New South Wales, last week. The meeting extended over two days, and the five horses that ran second on the first day won five races on the second day in the same order.

An interesting foaling is that of Little Mabel, who has dropped a full brother to Mastei’ Wairiki, by the Auckland Cup winner Wairiki. He is a fine, strong-looking colt.

The Gisborne Steeplechase winner Dudeen is on the track again at Ellerslie. He is as slow as evei’ in his jumping, and takes time to consider every fence.

The Auckland Trotting Club will holds its annual meeting next week.

Mr. J. Chadwick has been re-ap-pointed handicapper by the Whangarei Jockey Club.

The Pakuranga Hunt Club’s steeplechases will be run on Saturday next between Panmure and Otahuhu.

Goidsize, the only three-year-old engaged in the Avondale Cup, is running along very satisfactorily in his work at Ellerslie under the tution of J. Chaafe, Junr.

The tote has proved a boon to racing clubs in Tasmania, and since its introduction the Tasmanian Turf Club has acquired the freehold of its course and has laid by £lOOO for improvements to the course which will make it one of the safest in the Commonwealth.

Whatashot will be sent to Marton next week if he .continues to train on as well as he has been doing up to the present. He was not at the top of his form at the Great Northern meeting, but may make amends •at Marton.

When Sunstar pulled up on three ■legs after winning the Derby it was generally anticipated that he had run his last race. And so it has proved. Mr. Joel endeavoured to get him into shape again, but the leg would not stand working, and the brilliant colt has been retired to the stud-

In future the Spring and Winter meetings of the Wanganui Jockey (Club will be held on successive days instead of with a day in between, the custom of the past. This will prove a great convenience to visiting owners and sportsmen.

The first foal by the imported sire Marble Arch saw the light at Glenora Park recently, Erry Roe, a Gis-borne-owned mare, having thrown a •filly foal to him at Mr. H. R. McKenzie’s farm, at Mangere. Erry Roe will be mated with Penury this season.

Lady Lucy made an inglorious display at the V.R.C. August meeting running a bad last in the August Handicap. She was badly out of condition, and it was questionable policy to send her out to make such a sad display of herself. She was so manifestly unfit that she was not .quoted in the betting. The New Zealand mare may be expected to run better later on.

An English bred horse, Star Shoot, is at the head of the winning sires in the United States, with 20,4 50dol. to the credit of his stock. He is by Isinglass, out of Astrology, and was formerly the property of Major Eustace Loder.

The ex-New Zealand cross-country rider S. Howie, has decided to give up riding over fences, and will in future devote 'himself to training at Glen Huntly, Vic., where he has a good string of horses. He has had a rare share of serious falls, and does not intend to risk his neck again.

The last has been heard, officially, of the famous Hierarch case, the judges appointed to consider the appeal of J. E. Thorpe for a remission of his sentence having delivered the full decision, which is recorded in the official calendar. “In the matter of the appeal of J. E. Thorpe for a remission of the sentence of disqualification for life imposed upon him by the Conference Judges on April 17, 1907. Judgment: The judges .appointed under rule 6 .of part XXXIV. .decide that in view of the .recommendation of the .Auckland Metropolitan Committee favourable consideration be given to the .application, .they hereby remove the balance .of the .sentence from the date hereof.” This is signed by R. H. Nolan, R. «S. Abraham and E. Goodbehere, the special judges appointed by the Conference.

The first horses to call for the scratching pen in the New Zealand Cup list since the issue of the weights wer© Bridge and Cheddar, two of Mr E. J. Watt’s representatives. .Bridge is in Australia, while Cheddar has apparently not gone on any too well in his work. Midnight Sun, another of Mr Watts’ horsey, is still in, and though he is in Sydney just now, the fact that Noctuiform’s brother has been allowed to remain in, indicates that there is at least a possibility of his coming back for the big race.

A - colt ’by the New Zealander San Ilario, All Saints, won the first two-year-old event of the season in Adelaide on Saturday week, beating a field of 23 in easy style. He was recently sold in Sydney for fifty guineas.

Regain 5s doing some attractive work over the hurdles at Ellerslie, and though he makes an occasional blunder the steady improvement which he is making promises well for his •success when the colours are up

W. Sharp has put the Regel—Outcast gelding Friendless into work at Ellerslie. He is being brought stead ily along on the tracks.

Loch Fyne and Lady Patricia were taken across to Sydney by the Maheno on Monday, F. Harold being in charge. They have been entered for the jumping events at the A.J.C. Spring Meeting. Lady Patricia, who showed very moderate form in the earlier stages of her education over the country, improved .considerably in her later essays.

The weights for. the minor .events at the Avondale Jockey Club’s spring meeting will be declared by Mr F. Morse on Wednesday next.

Mavourneen went over the Avondale Steeplechase .course in .attractive -style tha other day, while Ohara, which went with her, also shaped nicely.

W. McLachlan, the well-known Australian jockey, who returned to Australia last week, says that he was driven out of England by the .cold. “While people were fainting in the heat,” he says,, “I was actually frozen into the saddle. ‘What is the matteiwith you?’ remarked Brewer to me just as I was going out one (day to ride- ‘Are you nervous?’ ‘No,’ J. replied, ‘it is the cold that is making me shivei' so much.’ When they 'finish the racing season in Manchester it is snowing, and I thought the best thing that could be done -was to got back to the warm sun. The horses in the Old Country are -superior to the Australians over sprint instances, but there .are very few good stayers in the Mother Country. Wootton and Maher .are very fine jockeys., but out,side these two the jockeys in England are below the average.. I was .offered a very good retainer to remain jn England for the .next season for Mr. Edwardes, but I .could .not stand the climate. .1 had 13 mounts, ,and rode two winners.”

Royal Soult was made a .hot favourite for the Flying Stakes at (Canterbury Park, Sydney, on Saturday week, another New Zealander, Blackpool, being next in demand, while there was also a good bit of money for Alahiuga, the Auckland pony which went into a “horse” course for the first time. Royal Soult .gave his backers their first shock on arriving at the post. He was on the inside, but during a display of temper cut ail sorts of antics, and was ordered to the outside, getting when the barrier rose, Royal Soult was last along the far side and to the three furlongs, but as the field was in close company the visitor was quite near enough. But if Royal Soult’s rider anticipated getting a friendly opening on the rails he was mistaken, and in making the home turn had to go rather wide. Blackpool was much more fortunate. He waited on Quentin and Mavis all through the piece until they swung out a little on entering the straight, and, shooting up on the fence, ’Blackpool was soon in charge. There Royal Soult went out in pursuit, but though his admirers urged him on, and he responded ’liberally enough, was unable to make any impression in the last furlong, and Blackpool beat him by a big margin. The well-known pony performer, Mahinga, whose first appearance it was on a “horse” course in the metropolitan area, was a runner, but after shaping well for nearly five furlongs, .she shut up as if the distance was beyond her. Royal Soult’s display was rather disappointing, and .especially to those who were inclined to fancy his Epsom Handicap chance with 8.9. To win that event, or Metropolitan, with 8.5, .he will require to improve vastly on his Canterbury Park effort. Blackpool, who carried 7.7, including 41b over, ,is also in Epsom Handicap, and as he seems to be improving, is quite a possibility with 6.7.

Mr John Marshall, the well-known Auckland owner; - has left the D'ominion on a visit to the East.

H. French, the well-known trainer, will be in his new -quarters at Avondale next week. He has Sedition, Aval-on, Gloy, Opposition, and Mary Ann :at work, and all are coming along nicely.

Mr I. Coates has been re-elected ■chairman of the South Auckland Racing Club. Other officers were elected as under: —-President, Mr Herries, ALP.; vice-president, Mr Greenslade, M.P.; judge, Mr Storey; treasurer, Mr Dalgleish; secretary, Mr Conradi; clerk of the scales, Mr Davy; clerk of the course, Mr Casey; handicapper, Mr Wynyard; starter, Mr Jackman; hon. surgeon,, Dr. Going; hon. veterinary surgeon, Mr F. Glover; totalisator steward, Mr Gwynne; stewards, Messrs. Brookfield, John Primrose, Coates, Goodwin, Cork, Rowlands, Teddy, Tristram, Brind, Hooper,, Potts, Gwynne, Herries, •Greenslade, Storey, and Dalgleish; •Course Committee, Messrs Goodwin, Teddy, Tristram, and Potts; Finance Committee, Messrs Hooper, Dalgleish, Coates, and Brind; Programme Committee, Messrs Storey, Cork, Dalgleish, and 'Rowland. A trotting race was added to each day’s races and the number of races per day increased to eight. The secretary was instructed to obtain information as to working the totalisator at the meeting. The races will be held on Friday .and Saturday, February 23 and 24, 1912, when about £.900 will be given in stakes, an increase of £2'3o.

Shanballymore, winner of the Irish Derby at the Curragh last month, is an example of breeders’ luck. Popoff, the sire of Shanballymore, was bred by Colonel Murphy, who gave him away as a yearling. Subsequently the youngster was put up in a country raffle at sixpenny tickets, and later on he again changed hands —this time •over a game of cards., which Mr Kelly won. Having secured the stallion, he afterwards bought Ca’lyce fpr £7, and from her he bred Warned Off .and Kilmucklin, by Popoff, Vitellina, by Vitez. and Shanballymore. Warned Off was not a success on .the turf, but as a three-year old Kilmucklin won a couple of races, worth '£4l4. Afterwards Mr James Daly gave £lOOO ,for Kilmucklin, but he met with .an .accident, and his new owner (did not get 'back any of the purchase money. Last season Shanballymore wan a ■couple of races worth £174, but 'his 'best efforts this year prior .to annexing -the 'blue ribbon of the Irish turf were seconds in races at Limerick and Phoenix Park. When running .as .a •foal with ’his dam in a paddock, a sporting friend of his owner happened along and offered a wager of £lOO to 1 against the son of Popoff winning the classic .race, which Mr Kelly promptly accepted, and the luck which attended his possession of .the sire' and dam still stuck to ’him.

Owning jumpers in England is not a .paying proposition so far as the stakes are concerned. Proprietary clubs .control most of the jumping meetings .and to keep the standards UP, the .prize money as kept Mown. Expenses are heavy, ; and £lO has to go on to the jockey out of : a stake .of £5O, so .that a good betting market, more than the prize money, must .of necessity -be a primary .consideration with most .owners. At least, .owners and trainers contemplated approaching the National Hunt committee with a view to an increase of stakes, and it was suggested that at the meetings of 19 .clubs .named there should foe no race of less value than £lO.O to the winner, and at 18 mot less than £.70; also that an mo .case ishould the entrance .fee 13 :per .cent, of the stake. However, a mew venture, the Clifton Park Club at Blackpool, ,has .given -.owmers vof jumpers something to look .forward to this year. Hitherto there has fo.een .little inducement to keep jumpers in training in England between .April .and October, but the <club named has decided to give mummer (hurdling and steeplechasing a trial, the opening meeting taking place .on the Ist, 2nd and 3rd of next .month. The .programme includes a steeplechase .and a hurdle race .of £,looo<eaoh, and later in the season there will be (four .other races of £lOOO each, and .another tor £2OOO. Every encouragement -is to be given to owners to patronise the club’s meetings, there being 144 loose boxes adjoining the course, and stabling, forage and accommodation for lads are provided free.

The name of Battle Abbey has been bestowed upon the Field Battery—Our Lady colt, which is now being taught his trade by Mr J. Williamson.

Hoanga is again on the tracks at Ellerslie doing light work. He will probably be shipped across the Tasman Sea shortly.

The Grand National Steeplechase winner has broken down in the legs so badly that it is impossible for him ever to race again.

Mr. Theo. Bowling still lies in ,a parlous condition at Christchurch, and his relations were recently summoned to his bedside.

The Rambler gelding Bogey has again been taken up and was worked on the track at E.lers.ie on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings.

Lady Lucy is likely to come back to New Zealand after the A.J.C. Spring Meeting. Hex* progress in Australia has been slow, and if she cannot strike form by then the climatic change may do something for her.

Star Rose, the New Zealand Cup winner of five years ago, is now being used as a hunter in the Taranaki district, and is entered for several hunters’ events at the North Taranaki CLufo’s meeting. When lined as a ’chaser, the D'aystar gelding was a failure, but he has proved a fine horse in the hunting field.

It is now hoped that the breakdown which affected the speedy Antagonist will not prove permanent, and the speedy three-year-old is being kept in light work at Riccarton. The knee was badly affected, and though the Soult three-year-old is (improving under present conditions, it is doubtful whether the leg will stand the wind-ing-up process.

At the annual meeting of members of the Whangarei Racing Club, a satisfactory -report and balance-sheet ■was presented. Theseascm started -with a credit of .£ll3 IM which was increased to £l7l 1:3 s. The report .referred to the refusal of the Licensing Committee (to grant ; a conditional license for the race meeting. It was recommended that an extended ilease of Kensington Park be (.obtained tor racing purposes, and that the inside of (the track foe fenced, ;and other improvements tare recommended. The •following .officers were (elected for the •ensuing (term.:—-Patron, Mr F. Manner, M..P.; president, M>r F_. Foote.; vice-presidents, Dr. (Good, Dr. Bauer, Mr J. T. Stone; judge, Mr J. T. Stone; clerk of (scales, Mr C. Chapman; clerk of course, Air T. Clotworthy; time-keeper, .Mr M. J. iGoodson; handicapper, Mr .J. Chadwick; .secretary, Mr iR. J. Dent:; (auditor, Mr W. A. M. Bain; treasurer, Mr. A. R. Crane; committee., Messrs. A. >R. Crane, J. S. Dent, A. G. Mackenzie, J. R. Mclnnes, H. Hutchinson, H. Weaver, L- W. Nelson, A. J. Mackay, J. T. Stone, J. J. Fraser, C. '.Chapman, T. C. Cox, H. J. Bray, .-and (Captain McCarroll. Air L. W. Nelson having resigned from the position .of starter, the appointment of a successor was left in abeyance. Mr A. .G. Mackenzie was unanimously re-elected chairman of the committee.

BOWD ABOOT .ELLENS

TUESDAY. Training operations are mow in Jull swing at Ellerslie. McManemin’s Cup candidates, Soultoria .and Sea Elf, .did useful gallops .before breakfast. The latter looks very fit and ,-should -do her trainer justice at AvondaleAfter the breakfast interval McHugh .had Mr. .Sam .Bradley's -.colt First Wairiki at Ellerslie. He was assisted (by the Soult pony Blackbird, and the .pair negotiated ,a ..couple :qf rounds at .half pace. Advocate had Malwa t for a mate ovex* a mile, run at good three-quarter pace, the pair .are both well. Waimangu .and Santa Rosa ,did ,a steady circuit and then broke .away from the six furlong .post, finishing together in Jmin 21 .2 7 5 sec.

•Miss Winsome, -who looks ..a picture, was satisfied .with .a steady gait-

Harenoa alone slipped over .four furlongs in 52sec. Prince Soult beat two stablemates

on the course proper, running three furlongs in 39sec. The Mobnga colt and Welcome News had a two furlong spin. The youngsters shaped well. . Monoline (Monoform — Delania) alone sprinted two furlongs and flhalf. She is a very quick beginner. Turbine was much too solid for Sir Walter over half a mile in 51 2-ssec with weight up. Monotone and Geneva sprinted two furlongs in 26 l-ssec. Frank Ross’ filly (Eton —Senga) ran away from a mate over three furlongs in 39sec. Dido and Allworthy (Colemans) had a three furlong flutter from a standing start in 41 3-ssec. Rae’s two young ones galloped nicely for two furlongs in 25 2-ssec. Captain Soult and Lucille took things leisurely from the four furlong distance in 57 2-ssec. Veitalia and Aristos were running along at top when the latter stopped and it was found he was bleeding from the nose. Rebel and a mate fenced nicely over the steeplechase jumps. St. Wood and Ataahia had a turn over the steeplechase and hurdle jumps, both fencing well. Dudeen and Ohura did good schooling work over the sod double and stone wall a couple of times. Regain and Presently galloped over the schooling battens. The pair are coming on well. . Maheno did a short burst-

The following did useful tasks: Don Quex,. Miss Ada, Peggy Pryde, Virtue, Misere. Ouvert, St. luouis, Miss Explosion, Hoanga, Condamine, Lady Dot, Warenga, Blue Thread, Goodwin Scintls Fuss seemed to hold Master Wairiki at the end of a solid- run of six furlongs in lmin 19 l-ssec. Jack Delaval alone travelled along from the six furlong mark in lmin 20 l-ssec, but could have improved the time.

EGWIONT-WANGANUS HUNT CLUB. ■

The hounds met on Saturday, the 11th inst., at Rapahui, for the last tlunt of the season. The afternoon was gloriously fine, but the fact that several of. the horses were being reserved for the Hunt races on 24 th inst., no doubt accounted for the smallness of the following. The run was over a nice line of country, crossing the properties of Dr. Pairman, Messrs G. Handley, J. Bason, J. Larmer and D. Cullinane, pulling up at Mrs W. Mcßeth's homestead, where a recherche afternoon tea was provided and done ample justice to. Un behall of the Hunt, Mr James Higgle thanked Mrs Mcßeth and her charming daughters for their generous hospitality, and called for three cheers for the fair hostesses, and one for the speedy Crucinella and her popular owner, w’ishing them a big win and a safe return. With a lusty cheer and a hearty handshake the members bade au revoir to their hostess, and a reluctant farewell to the season 1911, with the fervent wish that the coming year would bring its full meed of good fortune and good sport for the E.W. Hunt. Amongst those out were noticed — Miss Dorothy Cutiield on Bubbles, Miss J. Campbell on Myra, Miss Pairman on Medico, Miss Bates on The

Whip, Miss Jack Beard on Pom Pom, Messrs L. Strachan (deputy-Master) on Lornty, Budge Gordon (Huntsman) on Rakuraku, C. Patterson on Cavill, Leo Wilson on Daisy Queen, J. Crawley on The Master, W. K. McLean on Bill, L- Turner on Bell Bird, P. Wotton on Ware Heel, G. Bretherton on Linger Longer, J. Higgie. on Floss, C. Gordon on Myrtle. Per motor were: Messrs W. Duncan, J. Foster, T. Saunderson, J. Cutfield. Amongst those on wheels we were pleased to see Mrs Charles Gordon for the first time this season, since her long illness, now content to look where she one time led, also Mesdames A. Sutherland, Lundius, H. Jackson, Miss Jackson, Misses McBeth, Miss Bayly, Miss Howie, Mrs G. Campbell, Mrs M. Hearn Mr S. Morton, Mr and Mrs H. Clay, Mr A. Howie, Miss McKelvie, Messrs. C. Hair, Webster, C. Enderby, D. Kennedy, Miss Taylor, Mrs McGregor, Mrs McLean, - Mrs M. Higgie, Miss Gibbons-'Miss Blair, Messrs H. H. Enderby, T/ Long, Parkes, Reid ; Smith, Mrs J. Cutfield, J. Crawley, Mr and Mrs G. Handley, Mr J. and Misses Todd, Miss Harper.

NEW ZEALAND TROTTING ASSOCIATION.

THE PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS. Ln his address at the annual meeting of the New Zealand Trotting Association, held at Christchurch on the 23r.d inst. the President made eulogistic reference to the establishment of the New Zealand Sports Protection League, recently established with headquarters at Wellington. Though (he said) the, membership of this body has taken a much wider range than I had in my mind when two years ago •1 suggested the formation of a New Zealand Sporting League, the management is in the hands of leading men of the Dominion, who may be relied upon to give their valuable services and time in the best interests of properly regulated sport. The Executive of the League appear to be losing no time in the effort to organise throughout the Dominion, and there is no doubt that, like the very influential Sporting League in England, the New Zealand body will make itself felt in the proper direction. It remains for those most interested to extend substantial support to the movement, which strongly appeals, of course, to trotting clubs and their patrons. I am more than ever satis tied that the friends of sport must, especially in view of the forthcominggeneral ©lection of members of Parliament, leave no stone unturned in their efforts to prevent undue interference with what they consider rational sports and pastimes. THE VALUE OF RECIPROCITY. Two Trotting Associations which had been formed in Australia communicated with us for information as to the steps to be taken to be p.aced in proper relationship with New Zealand. The information sought for was supplied, but before considering the question of affiliation it was decided to make enquiries from the other authorities in Australia, with which we already have reciprocal relations, as to the position of the new Associations. The applicants were recommended meantime to apply for reciprocal relations with New South Wales and Victoria. Information 1 gained during my recent visit to Sydney goes to show that the Association is acting discreetly in not entering into any arrangements with newly formed trotting authorities in the Commonwealth without being thoroughly well satisfied that the conduct of the sport is in the hands of those who can be relied upon. As once more proving the value of reciprocity agreements with Australia, I might point out that the importer of a number of horses into New Zealand from Sydney, ’who was disqualified by us for life for deliberate violation of the rules regarding the importation of foreign horses and corrupt practices, cannot take any part in the sport either in New South Wales or Victoria. The authorities in those States at once endorsed our action. THE CONDUCT OF SPORT. As to the conduct of the sport there is evidence of a much closer supervision on the part of officials in some districts, with the result that stewards are acting more than ever on their own motion. There were several enquiries into the running, also the driving, of horses. In some cases substantial fines were imposed. In one instance the stewards deemed it advisable to prevent a licensed rider and driver from taking part in a particular race; in another case a driver was not allowed to take part in a race, the officials considering he was not capable, while another set of stewards would not allow a licensed trainer and driver to drive his horse in a race because they were of opinion that he was physically unable to control his horse. I think it is fail- to assume from cases I have quoted that there is an ever increasing desire on the part of officials to watch closely the conduct of meetings. In this connection it is apropos that I should say that, in my opinion, the trotting world is greatly indebted to the Licensing Committee for the efforts they have made to keep the licensed ranks free from objectionables. As can readily be understood, a position on such a committee which deals with between 20 00 and 3 000 applications for licenses annually is not an enviable one. The Licensing Committee in particular are required to devote an immense amount of time in order to do full justice to all concerned to keep this particular branch of the sport clean.