SOUTHLAND.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1349, 2 March 1916, Page 14

SOUTHLAND.

Southland-Owned Horses’ Success at Dunedin Fixture—Youngsters Purchased at Warrington Stud Sale by Local Owners —Death of Trotting Stallion Bellman —The Dunedin Cup Winner, Rorke’s Drift.

INVERCARGILL, February 25. The recent Dunedin Jockey Club’s autumn meeting will live long in the memories of Southlanders by reason of the deeds of racehorses owned in this district at Wingatui last week. Rorke’s Drift (two) and Magdala accounted for the three leading events, and Daringdale (two), Peerless (hardier), Golden Rupee and Magdala, who won mine events. With place money secured by Pinnacle, Hardshot, Lord Frederick, Lady Trent and Joan added, the southern horses accounted for stakes to the value of £2195, and it is almost unnecessary to say that a large sum was won by home backers in combinations and straight out. To many people the monetary result of the southern invasion of Otago’s leading track was the main consideration, but there remain many enthusiasts who derive great satisfaction from the fact that the thoroughbreds from this end upheld the turf reputation of a district hitherto overlooked by the northern racing community and those who have passed it by in the distribution of permits. Following on his success at Wingatui Golden Rupee is to be treated to a spell prior to being schooled for hurdle racing. It would prove something of a coincidence should he and Copper Boy, both sons of the recent-ly-defunct General Average, develop into successful hurdlers, as they are owned by friends and neighbours resident in the Lake County, and the sportmen referred to have designs in the direction of the illegitimate game. The southern-owned horses which competed at the Dunedin Jockey Club fixture do not by any means represent the full strength of local stables, as quite a number of horses have been held in reserve to race at Gore, Invercargill and Riverton during the autumn campaign, and there are several useful racers amongst them. The hard course at Wingatui did not agree with the crack southern sprinter, Buller, and his admirers are anxiously awaiting his appearance under more favourable conditions at home. At the sale of Sir George McLean’s Warrington yearlings in Dunedin last week youngsters weire secured for Southland owners as follows: —Bav colt by Sarto — Veneita, per H.

Woodley (Thornbury), 27%gn5.; bay gelding, Sarto —Ventalera, Mr. P. T. Hogan (Invercargill), 42gns.; bay filly, Sarto—Vintosa, Mr. G. D. Baird (Lakes), Signs.; bay gelding, Sarto — Rubelite, Mr. D. Calder (Morton Mains), 50gns. As there are no two-year-old races in this part of the world, the Sarto importations should be allowed ample time to mature. A stallion well known throughout the Dominion light harness world, in Bellman, by Judge Beldon —Bell, was destroyed here this week owing to growing feebleness by reason of his age. The New South Wales-bred trotter was a good racehorse, but it was as a sire that he was best known. His descendants have raced in all parts of New Zealand, particularly as straight trotters, and no man can say how many of his progeny are in use for track or road purposes, as he was a most prolific horse. Of his square trotting sons and daughters Bell Car, Bellflower, Airana, Tika,

P.C. Redwood, Gumma, Brookbell and Charity Bell have won many races, while the best of his packing stock were Bell Metal, Regina Bell, Benbell, Driving Bell, etc. He sired many other winners of both free-legged and strapped divisions, and there are many promising novices in this district yet to do battle for the credit of the old chestnut. Prior to his success in the principal event of the concluding day of the Dunedin meeting the Messrs. Price were offered 1250 guineas for Rorke’s Drift, the Dunedin Cup winner, but could not be tempted to make a sale under 1500 guineas, and even this figure was net left open for very long. It is said that more than one Canterbury wou’d-be purchaser was after the Calibre gelding with a view to racing him over hurdles at the forthcoming Grand National fixture, as he is a sturdy, sound-legged equine, and it is common knowledge that he has already shown some cleverness as a fencer. The present intention is to race Rorke’s Drift at local autumn gatherings and afterwards to treat him to a spell. At the time of writing sportsmen are looking forward to the Clifden Hack Racing Club’s first totalisator fixture on March 15, for several reasons,’ the principal one being that the gathering is expected to throw some light on the strength of the novice steeplechase brigade in preparation for local autumn meetings. The southern gelding Peerless, who accounted for the Owhiro Hurdle Handicap on the concluding day of the Dunedin gathering, is one of the few descendants of Peerage (at one time owned by Mr. D'. O’Brien), who has proved himself as a stake winner. His dam was Bouquet (Hotchkiss —Bridal Rose), who is said to have won over short courses in Auckland manjr years ago. Peerless is useful, but wi’jl never reach the first flight of hurdle performers, as he does not lump weight too well when faced by obstacles of a batten character.