RACING REVIEWED

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1415, 7 June 1917, Page 20

RACING REVIEWED

AUCKLAND RACING CLUB. GREAT NORTHERN WINTER MEETING. GLADFUL, WINS THE GREAT NORTHERN HURDLES. RED RIBBON THE CORNWALL HANDICAP. The weather was perfect on Saturday for the opening of the Auckland R.C.’s Great Northern meeting. There had been no day like it for over a week, and it was pleasing to see the sun’s rays early in the morning. City folk rolled out in their full strength, and of visitors from everywhere there were a good few, and many in khaki—some who have been to the front and done their bit, some who are on final leave, and a few who have the luck never to miss an Auckland race meeting. We noticed many familiar faces amongst the visitors, and missed a few of the regulars from their wonted places. There may have been a shrinkage in the attendance, but if so it was not marked. In the ordinary course of events increases from meeting to meeting are looked for in a populous city and district like Auckland, and no doubt there would have been more present had the special tra n service not been withdrawn and the trams been able to cope with more of the traffic. We met many who walked from parts of the city and suburbs extending to distances of over five miles, and some of them may have been amongst the number that walked back, as many did. Lovers of racing are not easily deterred from pursuing their favourite pastime. Remembering that May had been the wettest May month that the oldest inhabitant in Auckland had knowledge of —and the records have been kept for over 63 years—it is not to be wondered at that the Ellerslie course? which is not four miles in a direct line from the heart of the city, where the records are taken, received its fair share of the many downpours. The course was well soaked, but a few days makes a big difference, and thirty hours without rain before the business of the day commenced left the ground in good, safe condition, holding and against fast time though it was. This will be judged from the report which follows. The racing was interesting in each department, fiat and jumping, but more particularly owing to there being comparatively few falls. There were good finishes in several of the events, but in quite a number of instances the first and second horses showed up the opposition at their weights in a very unattractive light. It was a case of the unexpected happening in a good many of the events, but while good dividends resulted during the afternoon, either to first or second win-

ners, some of the actual first, second and third favourites ran really well, two firsts winning and others getting inside the money. Though many thought the ground would be against the topweights, quite a number ran conspicuously well. Visiting horses once again had much the best of the deal in the way of stake earnings, the plums of the big cake and other ingredients going to supporters of racing from outside provinces or districts away from headquarters. There was the element of luck in at least one or two instances, where the placings might have been d fferent but for happenings in running and falls. To commence with, Czaronus, who may not have won with his 101 b. penalty, in the Maiden Steeplechase, for which there were seven withdrawals, was kept so far out and ridden with so little judgment, as to suggest that he would have at least disputed pride of place w.th the two leaders, The Channel and Cokely, who finished 'first and second after a good race, Ulster, who got galloped on and a heel cut, being third. Manson had had two falls in a few days -with Czaronus, and this made him extra careful in the handling of his mount, and in pronouncing judgment on his display of horsemanship one should always remember such circumstances. The stewards considered a caution quite sufficient to meet the case, and took the fair view. Czaronus’ owner was not satisfied witn the handling of his horse, and asked the stewards to hold an enquiry before the st pendiary steward had had time to enter a simlar request. This is the right thing for an owner to do. The Channel is trained by Kos Heaton, and the veteran, who was riding over forty years ago, and has

trained a good many winners of jumping and fiat races,, is to be congratulated on his return of luck after a long run of outs. The Channel was a show jumper and hunter before Heaton purchased him for his present owner, and he is a fine fencer. Ulster, next to Czaronus, was the best of the runners.

There was a field of twenty-seven for the Jervois Handicap, and the topweight, Parisian Diamond,' by Charlemagne 11. from Hope Diamond, a four-year-old gelding hailing from Hawke’s Bay, was favour.te. The locallytrained pair Fabriquette and Silvasco, owned by Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Patterson, respectively, of the Commonwealth. were coupled, and were the next best supported. Victory rested with another visitor, however, Mr. J. Hawkins, from Taranaki, winning w.th the Campfire gelding Flying Camp, who was third in request, and won some money for visitors from that quarter, who backed him. . Parisian D amond’s supporters got a bit beside their own. Corregidor, ' second topweight, proved the best of the Auckland lot by running third, though he was five lengths behind the second, which does not make those behind look good, as most of them were receiving liberal allowances. The field was a bit unwieldy, and though the minimum was 8.0 there were a few overweights. So much had been heard of the Hon. J. D. Ormond’s Hylans, and the son of Hymettus and Temerity looked so good and is so much better bred than the majority of the field, which at least some race-

goers take into account, that he finished up favourite in the Maiden Hurdle Race, despite his weight—and a big lot of dead weight, too; not good business in dead or heavy going. He failed, and like the rest of the field had never a ghost of a chance with Penniless, who was an outsider. The last-named raced clean away from the fourteen other starters, winning by a margin of quite ten lengths, which was never less, or much less, after the first hurdle was jumped; indeed, it might easily have been more had E. R. Reid, his rider, let him run on.

Penniless, who is by Penury from Folly, comes of family No. 2, the same family away back as Hylans, and is a half-brother to Waikato, Rauparaha, Waipuna (a good all-round performer on the flat and over hurdles), and to Waiatarua, dam of Corregidor, who was third in the preceding race. Gluetanus and Ditto, who were second and third, are members also of families that have provided us with useful horses, but class was not conspicuous, and if Hylans had not nearly come down twice he might have got second, and Iceberg, who was fifth, and who also nearly came to grief, might have got third. Prince Soult is the only one outside of the winner and Hylans that we count as a possibility, but he is so sour at times that he may not pay his way as a jumper, though it is early yet to write him out. The Great Northern Hurdle Race is always a good betting race. This year backers were undecided what to go for most, but weight of money left Sir Solo, an Auckland Cup win-

ner and always a slug, a bit better in demand than Te Onga, Waimai and Fisher. Te Onga has probably been more often favourite than any other of the starters with the Auckland public, and a win with 9.0 in 1914, and a second last year to El Gallo, helped to keep him still in favour. Waimai, a steeplechaser, really seemed wasted in a race of this kind, and Fisher, though looked upon as a sure winner if he were to keep his legs, did not enjoy the full confidence of even those who did support him. Again it has to be said of him that he might have Avon had he not fallen. It was the last fence chat proved his undoing, too, and there he certainly did look like beating St. E.mn, another long-time unlucky member of the great Ou da family, the same family as Fisher comes from. It was not to be for either, however, as Tararu Jack also fell in Fisher’s track, and this left an opening for Gladful, whom Bush had tried to push through several times, and he got up, and catching St. Elmn a few’ strides from the post won by a good head. Te Onga was not in the p cture, and the judge said was ten lengths away, and we can let it go at that, though they were not ordinary lengths. Waimai was only just beaten for third money, and Guiding Way. who led for nearly half the distance, was fifth, and then came Sir Solo, the favourite, who ran like a bullock and jumped too slow, for lack of faster schooling perhaps, and appeared to need a lot more wak-

ing up. Perhaps he is hard to ride — he gives that impression. Tenacious looked too small and out of place in the company, and with the weight, and perhaps getting a heavy bump when he was cannoned into on the track on Thursday by Billy Wiggs, helped to prevent him doing better. Marconi pulled up after going five furlongs, some of his gear having given way, but he appeared to be stopping at the same stage, as he did on a former occasion when he slipped his friends up. He does not like the course. Thrace wants more experience, Spalperion looked bright and big but did not race as well as his lenient impost would have led some to expect, and the Southern gelding Cast Iron, whose first appearance it was on the Ellerslie course, is too long-bodied for heavy going, and seemed to be in bis wrong place and company on Saturday, and the only ones that were behind him were' Thrace, Tenacious and Spalperion. Tararu Jack was Auckland’s best representative in the race, and had they all stood up there would still have been a leng gap between Gladful, St. Elmn, Fisher and Tararu Jack and Mr. Brown’s representative. Of course some of those behind Gladful and St. Elmn might perhaps have been nearer than they were, as most of the riders must have given up all hope of being in the first four. The winner, Gladful, is by Birkenhead from Gladisla, fullsister to Gladsome, winner of nearly as much money and more good races in her time than any other of her sex in Australasia. Gladful never looked more solid and bright, and we can say with confidence that a lot of

the staying and quality comes from his dam’s sire, Seaton Delaval. St. Elmn, whom he defeated, is a haffbrother to the Auckland Cup winner Mahutonga, and there have been lots of Cup winners from the Ouida line. The time, smin. 2secs., shows how dead the course was. The last halfmile was the fastest, and staying w r on.

The absence of Bisogne from the Cornwall Handicap came not altogether unexpectedly, as many thought he would likely be reserved for a shorter race, but Colonel Soult was an eleventh hour withdrawal that hurt pre-post backers and many who were preparing to support him at the post, as he had been galloping well, albeit with a light impost up. He came over to take part, but it is presumed trod on a s:one and bruised one of his feet on the way, and, walking lame, he was at once scratched. Then backers went for Hopfield and made the son of Malster a better favourite than the topweight, Toatere, Red Ribbon, vho had a good pull in weight from both, being also well supported, and she won after a good race from the Marble Arch gelding Uncle Ned. Toatere finished last, and Hopfield and Housewife each appeared to find the distance, in the going, a bit too far ior them. Housewife and Hopfield were responsible for the pace. We were always prepared for a win from El Gallo for this event, but schooling over country is not a preparation that many horses wanted on the flat will be improved by, and it was onb r in the last stages of the race that El Gallo was seen to advantage.

He came along in the run home with his usual finishing style and got third, the weight being in his favour as compared with Housewife, and it was the distance that favoured him as against Hopfield, who may do better over a shorter course when the going is firmer. It took 2min. 17 3-ssec. to run the mile and a-quarter. Lady Penury did not seem able to act in the going, and Dancaster was not seen at his best, either. Tiniroto looked the best of good things on past form and at the weights for the Hunt Club Hurdles, and carried more than was invested on Merry Dan and Spalspire together. Neither had any chance with him. It was left for Tangihaeri to keep him company for a mile or more, and for the much-improved Dunrobin, and betterbred of the field, to take him along for the last mile, but it was of no avail, for Tinoroto, w’ho is racing for his soldier owner, Sergt. Holbecke, who is in France, came away and won easly by four lengths, Dunrobin swerving over towards the judge’s box. Jacaranda, a big son of Captain Webb, of unknown breeding on his dam’s side, being twenty lengths away, with the very tired, but good jumper, Tangihaeri fourth. The business of the day was concluded with the Members’ Handicap, for which there were twenty-three runners, the aged grey gelding Bluestone, by Bluelight, being made nearly a £3OO better favouite than Croesus, the half-brother to Desert Gold and Egypt, Hyginas coming after the pair named, much less liberally supported, w th Cardrona, Tact and Ring Lupin best backed of the others. Bluestone

moved off with Ring Lupin, Hushman and Bedford next, and entering the straight Bluestone appeared to be headed -by Ring Lupin and Hushman. Once well with heads for home, Bluestone drew away, and at the distance was well clear of Bedford and Lady Jack, and, sticking to his task, won from Bedford, who put in a good run, by a neck, Lady Jack being nearly three lengths away, third, just clear of Rockfield and Croesus, with Cardrona, Arran, Tact, Glenroy and Hushman just behind them. Bluestone was one of four grey geldings that competed during the day, Hima, Grey Lynn and Iceberg being the others. The results were: — MAIDEN STEEPLECHASE of 200sovs; second 4 Oso vs,' third 20sovs. About two miles and a-half. 4 — Mr. Victor’s ch g The Channel, aged, by Captain Webb — Sou’wester mare, 9.7 (Woods) 1 5— a. Box’s b g Cokely, aged, 9.9 <S. Henderson) - I—J. T. Morton’s ch g Ulster, syrs, 10.13 (E. Reid) 3 Also started: 2 Czaronus 11 0 (H. Manson), 3 Captain Lock 9.11 (Thompson), 6 Kalwhakahaere 9.7 (T. Scott), 8 Lady Whitford 9.7 (Ericksen), 7 Dood 9.7 (McSeveney). Won by half a length, six lengths between second and third. Captain Lock was fourth. Time,- smin 26 2-ssec. JERVOIS HANDICAP of 200sovs; second lOsovs, third 20sovs. Seven furlongs. 3—J. Hawkins’ ch g Flying Camp, 6yrs, by Campfire—La Milo, 9.6 (Stan. Reid) 1 1 — G. n. Beatson’s br g Parisian Diamond, 4yrs, 10.4 (Deeley) ... 2 2 — R. J. Graham’s b g Corregidor, 6yrs, 9.13 (Robinson) • 3 Also started: 15 Sir Ralph 9 9 (R. Hatch). 16 Fidelio 9.6 (Carmont), 2 Fabriquette 9.6 (Buchanan) and Silvasco 8.2 (Rowe) coupled, 7 British Arch 919, inc. 41b over (Sid. Reid) and Plenipotent 8.5 (McCurdy), 6 Cynic 9.2 (McMillan), 4 Monodon 8.13 (O’Shea), IS Finisterre 8.9 (Thompson), 20 Bowler 8.9 (Mcßandall), 9 Pink Tie 8.7 (W. YounS), 17 Independence 8.3 (Lambes.s), 10 Jocular 8.3 (Chaplin), 14 King of the Val.ev 8.3 (Cotton), 21 Pierrot 8.2 (W. Ryan'), 20 Kiriwinning 8.0 (R. Manson), 13 Porphyry 8 0 (Lang). 12 Step 8.0 (Sinclair), 11 Dungannon 8.4, inc. 41b over (Bradv), 22 Blue Cross 8.0 (Ferguson). 5 Gin Sling 5.7, inc. 71b over (Hewitt) and Stilts 8.0 (Conquest) coupled, 19 Bloomine 8.0 (Henderson) and Kill Laval 8.0 (Barton) coupled. Won by a length, five lengths between second and third. Cynic was fourth. Time, Imin 34sec. MAIDEN HURDLES of 200sovs; second 40sovs, third 20sovs. One mile and three-quarters. 7 — W. J. Ralph’s b g Penniless, syrs, by Penury—Folly, 9.6 (E. Reid) 1 5—D. Twohill’s br g Gluetanus, 6yrs, 9.0 (Stan. Reid) 2 2—W. C. Morgan’s br m Ditto, 4yrs, 9.5 (Tapp) 3 Also started: 1 Hylans 11.10 (Bush), 3 Iceberg 10.5 (Deerey), 4 Paramahone 10.3 (A. Rae), 11 Brown Loch 9.12 (Turner), 10 Monathol 9.11 (Chaplin), 6 Prince Soult 9.11 (Kelly), 12 Hima 9 2 (Coleman), 8 Caber Feagh 9.0 (Woods) 9 Kinkora 9.0 (Anderton), 15 Joss 9.0 (Hastedt), 14 Pairere 9.0 (Foulgrain), 13 Wartime 9.0 (Warner). Pairere fell. Won by ten lengths, a length and a-half between second and third. Caber Feagh was fourth. Time, 3min 30sec. GREAT NORTHERN HURDLES of 1250sovs; second 250sovs, third 100 sovs. Two miles and a-half. 8— Hon. J. D. Ormond’s b g Gladful, 6yrs, by Birkenhead —Gladisla, 10.2 (Bush) - • 1 9 — -Cameron and Richmond’s b g St. Elmn, aged, 9.3, inc. 31b over ( Tutchen ) 2W. J. Brown's b g Te Onga, aged. 10.9 (Traill) ,* -\l«o started: 3 Waimai 11.0 (E. Rae), 6 Tararu Jack 10.10 (Tapp), 11 Ten acious 10.5 (A. Rae), 5 Marconi (Henderson), 10 Guiding Way 10.0 (Keilv), 1 Sir Solo 9 11 (McSeveney), 4 Fisher 9.8 (McDonald), 13 Thrace 9.2 (Chaplin), 12 Spalperion 9.2 (Anderton). 7 Cast Iron 9.4, inc. 41b over (Redm Fisher fell at the last fence, Tararu Jack also coming down. Gladful won bv a head. Te Onga being ten lengths away third. Waimai was fourth and Guiding Way fifth. Time. smm 2 --•> sec. CORNWALL HANDICAP of 650 soys: second lOOsovs, third SOsovs. One mile and a-quarter 3y Dorset’s ch m Red Ribbon, 4 yrs by Elevation —Blue Ribbon, 8.7 ’ (P. Brady) •• ••; •• •’ 1 s—y A. Lindsay’s br g Uncle Ned, 3yrs. 8.0 (R. Manson) B—W.8 —W. J. Ralph’s hr g El Gallo, aged, 8.8 (Henderson) Also started: 2 Toa Tere 10.11 O’Shea), 1 Hopfield 9.12 (McMillan), 4 Ladv Penury 9.2 (Hewitt), 7 Housewife 8 11* (Carmont), 9 Fionnuala 8.6 (Conquest) 10 Alf. Delaval 8.0 (Ryan), 6 Dancastor 8.0 (Sinclair). Won easily by a length and a-half, three lengths between second and thirm Hopfield was fourth. Time, 2mm 1< 3-ssec. HUNT CLUB HURDLES of 200sovs; second 40sovs, third 20sovs. Two miles. :V. Holbecke’s br g Tiniroto. syrs. by Glengowrie—Lady Bell, 11. a (j. Roach ) A’ 1 p,j w. Fitzpatrick’s b g Dunrobm, aged, 11.0 (Anderton) 3Green and Gavin’s b g Jacaranda, 6vrs 10.0 (McSweeney) ” Also started: 5 Advancer 11 8 (Kelly). 2 Merry Dan 11.4 (Tutchen) .3 Spalspne 10 10 (Henderson), 9 Swastika 10.5 (LColeman), 11 Salvana 11.0, inc. 141 b over (Mr. Cockerton), 4 Kingsford 1 (E. Rae), 12 King 10.5 (Poulgrain). < Tangihaere 10.0 (Warner). 10 u' . Lynn 10.0 (O’Connell).

Won by four lengths, 20 lengths between second and third. Tangihaere was fourth. Time, 4min llsec. MEMBERS' HANDICAP of 350sovs: second 70sovs, third 30sovs. Five furlongs. I—a.1 — a. B. Carley’s gr g Bluestone, aged, by Bluelight — Flirt, 9.11 (J. O’Shea) 1 44 —y. Marshall’s ch g Bedford, syrs, 9.7 (Tapp) • • • 2 B—F. Stenning’s b f Lady Jack, o yrs, 8.4 (Deeley) 3 Also started: 2 Croesus 10.13 (Hatch). 12 Hushman 9.13 (Stan. Reid), 7 Glenroy 9.10 (W. Young), 18 Avon Park 9.4 (Bush), 6 Ring Lupin 9.4 (Conquest), - Hyginas 9.1 (Hewitt), 17 Carlysian 8.10 (McDonald), 4 Cardrona 8.12 (Robinson), 5 Tact 8.11 (J. Brady), 19 Meltchikoff 8.10 (W. Ryan), 21 Te Papapa 8.9 (Sinclair), 10 Torotoro 8.8 (McRandall), 22 Kitty Bellairs 8.7 (Lambess), 20 G-oldfire 8.4 (P. Brady), 16 Arran 8.4 (Rowe), 13 Blairfinde 8.4 (S. Henderson), 15 Rockfield 8.2 (Carmont). 9 Ladv Paula 8.2 (Buchanan), 11 Lady Glen *B.O (Chaplin), 23 All Talk 8.0 (Manson). Won by a head, two lengths and analf between second and third. Rockfield was fourth. Time, Imin ssec. SECOND DAY. GLUEPOT WINS GREAT NORTHERN STEEPLECHASE. PRINCE OF WALES HANDICAP WON BY BEDFORD. The meet'ng was continued on Monday in good weather, though the morning opened du 1 and somewhat doubtful-looking. The courses, flat and steeplechasing, were both improved owing to no watery visitations during the Sunday interval, and again the fields were of good average proportions, a number of horses that had not raced on the open ng day being in evidence. The attendance was large, the day, which was observed as His Majesty’s Birthday, being a general holiday. It is estimated that the crowd that assembled was larger than on Saturday. The trams were again taxed to their utmost, notwithstanding that some thousands of those present made earl er starts than usual from the city. For quite two hours be'ore the races commenced there was one continuous stream of people wending their way to the scene, to which all roads appeared to lead, and all kinds of vehicles were requisitioned for the work of bringing those who d d not walk, motor conveyances doing the lion’s chare of the work. That speculation would be again good was soon manifest, and the totalisator workers were kept pretty busy from start to finish of the day, the sum of £53,475 being handled, as against £43,787 on the corresponding day of 1916, an increase of £9688 on the day, and of £6313 10s. on the two days, the nvestments for the two days amounting to £95,279. The racing was again good, though much interest was lost in the chie* jumping races through the falling of such horses as Tararu Jack and Crown Pearl in the Remuera Hurdles,

and of El Gallo, Waimai, Braeburn, Morecambe, Ranza Mist and Czaronus in the Great Northern Steeplechase; ndeed. it was left for the presumed best of the ’chasers to fall, leaving six to finish the course without mistake. Three favourites won, one got beaten a head, and two were third. The starting, management, and catering genera.ly left nothing wanting. Neither C. Sco:t nor F. Flynn were able to ride as a result of injuries, and after Traill’s name had been hoisted on the board as the rider of El Gallo in the Great Northern Steeplechase, it had to be taken down again, as that rider had a heavy fall with Crown Pearl and was disabled, one oi his collarbones being broken. The rider subst tuted was R. McSeveney. who in turn had a m’shap, but neither he nor the other riders, E. Rae, J. Deerey, W. Bush, T. Scott, McDonald, and Tapp, were any the worse for their spills. The scratching of Spalspire, Swastika and King left five runners for the Hunt Club Steeplechase, and Tiniroto had the hollowest of v ctories from Tangahaeri by three lengths, the pair leading alternately. Jackaranda was twenty lengths away, third, and Grey Lynn finished the course, about two hundred yards away. Advancer only got a short way on the trip, and was not persevered with beyond the first fence of the double. Tiniroto was not au fait at one or two of the obstacles, perhaps because he was being restrained, but he was favourite. and t was always considered only a matter of standing up for the son o: Glengowrie, who is a fair sort, which fact he has several times amply demonstrated in the past. Backers made B. Deeley’s mount, Fidelio, a much better favourite than Sir Ralph (who was carrying the most poundage) n the Ranfurly Welter, Fabriquette, on the same mark with Fidelio, being third fancy. After this trio came Independence, Porphyry and Lady Energy, and then Slipstitch, who drew No. 1 position and was one of the five on the minimum mark. The Irish-bred filly Slipstitch is a four-year-old daughter of Henry the First, whose dam, Quickstitch, claims close relationship to Soult. She is one of the purchases made on behalf of Mr. H. De Latour by Sir James Carroll, M.P., dur'ng that gentleman’s recent trip to the Old Land. Hewitt

handled her in good style, and in a finishing effort she worsted Independence, ridden by J. O’Shea, by half a length. Hewitt met with a kindly reception from some of those present, this being the first time he had had to salute the judge at Ellerslie for many years. The performance of Slipstitch is not one to enthuse over so far as actual merit is concerned, as the field was a poor one, and the Irish lady was receiving 211 b. from Sir Ralph, who was close up third, and 21b. from Independence, who she just beat, and had the advantage also of about six months in age from both. She may, however, improve more than any of those that ran, w’hen properly acclimatised. Slipstitch is of medium size, and covers some ground. Fidelio (the favourite) was fourth, with. Porphyry, Fabriquette and Jocular next. The Remuera Hurdle Race was the next on the list. Time after time it has failed to produce a good field numerically, and eight, under the circumstances, can be regarded as a good result, though, a beit, not big for a 400sov. stake. Bon Reve, who was favourite, certainly looked the best quality and most gentlemanly of the field, but Crown Psarl, who is not so seasoned, ran him close for shape and substance, and Hylans looked a good enough young horse to take his place in any jumping field, and he has the advantage of being a sound-legged one, whereas the pair named have understandings that have seen some wear, and show it unmistakably. The firstnamed wears boots to hide and protect his jo nts, but Crown Pearl’s infirmities were fully disclosed, and only winter racing on soft courses will give him a proper chance. Te Onga looked sharpened up for his race in the Great Northern Hurdles, and had a change of riders, McDonald riding, while Traill was on Crown Pearl. Marconi looked as if a race or two would do him good, and Tararu Jack, the second favourite, seemed no worse for his fall on the first day. Te Onga soon worked his way to the front, under pressure. Crown Pearl fell before going half a mile, and Tararu Jack raced near Te Onga for about six furlongs, when Marconi and Luperino went up. The last-named

joined Te Onga in the lead to the last fence, where Tararu Jack again fell, and Luperino, drawing away, won by a good length from Te Onga Bon Reve who was running behind toi a long ’way with Hylans, who jumped anything but uniformly, gradually came and got within four or five lengths o': Te Onga, and was perhaps a bit unlucky on the journey. Hylans has vet to learn to stay and to jump better. It was clear that the going bothered him. Cast Iron made no improvement on his first appearance. Luperino has been well seasoned by racing, and taking a line through his Manawatu form with Leonta and Sir F slier, who beat Bon Reve m the Century Hurdles, there was reason to expect him to run a fair race. So tar as Te Onga and Marconi are concerned, it was local form of the autumn over again. Luperino won and won nicely, and is another of the Lupins, of which we have had a gooc many useful members. There was very much interest indeed in the Great Northern Steeplechase, and once again the commanding El Gallo was made a favourite for the third- Great Northern Steeplechase for which he was saddled. He looked very bright as McSeveney rode him round the birdcage, and i was always pretty certain that he would command the most support. Morecambe, wearing a bandage on his near foreleg/ also looked pretty well, and was second selection, some £oOU less being placed on his number on the machine. St. Elmn met Witt sound support, too, and carried nearly £lOO more than Waimai, Hawke s Bay money talking so far as St. Elmn and Morecambe were concerned, and even Diavolo (from the same quarter), Record (a beginner over country), and ths washy-coloured little Bonny Jean being better fancied than the very useful Braeburn, who comes from the Hawke’s Bay side, too. Backers apparently did not estimate that good gelding’s Wanganui form highly, nor did they think much of G-luepot, the one that narrowly defeated him, nor of Czaronus, who was a winner at Wanganui also, wh.le Ranza Mist, who followed Gluepot home at Avondale, was the outsider of the field. Troublesome, who has run some good races over long courses, was another of the fairly long-priced ones. It will always be a matter for regret that the fourth fence brought El Gallo to grief, that the new hill fence in the next circuit settled Braeburn s chance and brought down Czaronus, who was running well, and then Waima in the last round when not far away from the leading trio, and though Morecambe fell at the first of the double and Ranza Mist at the back of the course, it can be said chat the second of the new fences on the hill, though safely jumped the first day in the Maiden Steep'echase and by the hunters in the Hunt Cup, spoilt the Great Northern. Diavolo, who pulls hard, forced the pace after following Morecambe along the baek, up and partly over the h 11. Czaronus, Morecambe, Gluepot, Ranza Mist, Record. 'Troublesome, Waimai, Braeburn, was the order going along the centre of the course, and much the same order was observed along the back, but going over the hill Braeburn fell, and Czaronus lost his rider through slipping, and - at the first of the double Morecambe fell. Gluepot, after going over the old water the last time, w th Troublesome, Record, St. Elmn, Diavolo and Waimai in fairly close order, drew away as they went up the hill, shortly before which Ranza Mist fell. Record, Troublesome and St. Elmn were next as they ran along the top and scarfed to come down the hi.l. Waimai hav ng fallen at the second of the hill fences, when very tired fiut handy. Gluepot landed over the stone wall on the flat a tew lengths clear of Record and St. Elmn. Troublesome headed the last-named a little further on, and then passed Record, but failed to get nearer than eight lengths of Gluepot, who won in good style. St. Elmn, finishing the stronger, also passed Record, who was a length away, fourth. Bonnie Jean and D’avolo were at fairly long intervals, and Waimai, who was remounted, was the only other to finish. Gluepot hat now won the Avondale, Wanganui, and Great Northern Steeplechases in succession, and was

undoubtedly the most seasoned by hard racing and schooling of the whole of the starters. Though he does not look as good as some of his ■opponents he is a tough customer, and his jumping was excellent and his condition stood to him. He is one that has certainly not been kept in a glass house. Bedford was made a better favourite for the Prince of Wales Handicap than G'lenroy, Kauri King coming next and then Dancastor and tour or five ■others about the same mark. Hushman got away smartest and led into the straight, but Bedford came away and won in a very easy manner by four lengths from Red Ribbon, who was finishing on and beat Kauri King by a length and a-half, Meltchikoff, Hushman, Bluestone, Housewife and Lady Penury being well up. It was a heavy betting race. Fisher was made a better favourite than Black Heart for the Jumpers’ Flat Race, the pair carrying the bulk of the investments between them. Fisher was again unlucky, as he lost a few lengths at the start. Gluetanus, however, served by a liberal allowance in weight, settled down to work, and Fisher getting tired of the business after having caught the leaders and seeming to have the race won, being caught in the last stride or two. Tenacious was some lengths back, just clear of Glendalough. The business of the day ended with the Carbine Plate, tor which Flying Camp was sorted out as the best of good things, and proved it to demon-

stration, winning by three lengths from Corregidor. King of the Valley, who has hitherto been considered better over a short course, was only a neck away, th’rd, with Master Regel fourth. The results were: — HUNT CLUB CUP STEEPLECHASE of 200sovs; second 40sovs, third 20 sovs. About three miles. 1 — V. Holbecke’s br g Tiniroto, syrs, by Glengowrie—Lady Bell, 11.12 (J. Roach) 1 3— Miss Gill’s blk g Tangihaere, 6yrs, 10.7 (Warner) 2 2 — Green and Gavin’s b g Jacaranda, 6yrs, 10.7 (McSweeney) 3 Also started: 4 Advancer 11.13 (J. Anderton), 5 Grey Lynn 10.7 (O’Connell). Won by three lengths, 20 lengths between second and third. Time, 6min 5 7 sec. RANFURLY WELTER of 200sovs; second 40sovs, third 20sovs. One mile. 7—H. D. de Latour’s br m Slipstitch (imp.), by Henry the First— Quickstitch 9.0 (Hewitt) 1 4— W. G. Irwin’s br f Independence, 3yrs, 9.2 (O’Shea) 2 2—R. T. Reid’s br c Sir Ralph, 3yrs, 10.7 (Hatch) 3 Also started: 1 Fidelio 10.3 (Deeleyj, 3 Fabriquette 10 3 (Buchanan), 9 Finisterre 9.10. inc. 51b over J. T. Brady), 6 Lady Energy 9.4 (P. Brady), 11 Plenipotent 9.3 (McCurdy), 12 Sleepy Jack 9.2 (Sinclair), 13 Billy Wiggs 9.2 (Stan. Reid). 10 Jocular 9.2 (Chaplin), 14 Kiriwinning 9.0 (Conquest), 5 Porphyry 9.0 (R. Manson), 8 Step 9.0 (Robinson), 15 Caber Feagh 9.0 (Wood). Won by half a length, two lengths between second and third. Fidelio was fourth. Time, Imin 50sec. REMUERA HURDLE RACE of 400sovs: second 70sovs, third 30sovs Two miles. 7—J. B. Charters’ b g Luperino aged, by Lupin—Matron, 9.7 (J. Roach) 1 6—W. J. Brown’s b g Te Onga, aged, 10.7 (McDonald) 2 1 — H. Neagle’s br g Bon Reve, aged. 11.9 (H. Manson) 3 Also started: 2 Tararu Jack 10.9 (R. Tapp), 5 Crown Pearl 10.5 (Traill). .3 Marconi 1 0.5 (Henderson), 4 Hylans 10.0 (Bush), 8 Cast Iron 9.5, inc. 51b over (Redmond). Crown Pearl fell. Won by a length, four lengths between second and third Marconi ‘ was fourth. Time. 4min 2 2GREAT NORTHERN STEEPLECHASE of IIOOsovs: second 250sovs, third 15<i sovs. About three miles and a-half. 10—W. H. Windsor’s ch g Gluepot,

aged, by Gluten—Cloud, 10.7 (S. Henderson) 1 11 —C. C. Sheath’s b g Troublesome, aged, by Spalpeen—Laodice, 10.12 (Kelly) 2 3—Cameron and Richmond’s b g St. Elmn, aged, by St. Ambrose — Maude, 9.7 (Tutchen) 3 Also started: 1 El Gallo 12.10 (McSeveney), 4 Waimai 12.1 (E. Rae), 8 Braeburn lI.S (Deerey), 2 Morecambe 11.4 (Bush), 7 Bonnie Jean 10.9 (J. Roach), 6 Record 10.2 (Copestake), 12 Ranza Mist 10.0 (T. Scott), 9 Czaronus 9.7 (.McDonald), 5 Diavolo 9.7 (Thompson). El Gallo came to grief just after the start, the second fence on the hill proving his downfall. Braeburn fell at the first fence on the hill the second time round, while Czaronus lost his rider at this stage. Morecambe fell at the first fence of the stand double when entering upon the final circuit. Ranza Mist also came to grief. Waimai fell at the second fence on the hill the last time. Gluepot won by eight lengths, two lengths between second and third. Record was fourth and Bonnie Jean fifth. Time, Smin 32sec. PRINCE OF WALES HANDICAP of 650sovs; second lOOsovs. third 50sovs. Seven furlongs. I—F.1 —F. Marshall’s ch g Bedford, syrs, by Bunyan—Miss Dix, 10.11 (R. Tapp) 1 6—F. Dorset’s ch m Red Ribbon, 4 yrs, 10.7 (P. Brady) 2 3 —A. N. Gibbons’ b g Kauri King. 6yrs, 9.12 (Sid. Reid) 3 Also started: 2 Bluestone 11 6 (J. O’Shea), 15 Hushman 10.9 (Clout), 2 Glenroy 10.5 (W. Young), 7 Lady Penury 9.12 (Hewitt), 5 Housewife 9.9 (C. Carmont), 16 Te Papapa 9.S (Conquest), 11 Cardrona 9.8 (Stan. Reid), 9 Tact 9.7 (McMillan), 10 Meltchikoff 9.6 (W. Ryan), 14 Loyal Arch 9.4 (Buchanan), 19 Goldfire 9.6 (J. Brady), 12 Torotoro 9.0 (Lambess), 4 Dancastor 9.0 (Deeley), 18 Alf. Delaval 9.0 (Henderson), 13 Bairnsdale 9.0 (Robinson), 17 Lady Glen 9 0 (Roach). ’ Won by four lengths, a length .and a-half between second and third. Melt-, chikoff was fourth. Time, Imin 33 1-5 sec. JUMPERS' FLAT HANDICAP of 200 sovs: second 40sovs, third 20sovs. One mile and a-half. 3 — D. Twohill’s br g Gluetanus, 6yrs, by Gluten — Lady Minnie, 9.0 (Stan. Reid) 1 I—Nicholson Bros.’ blk g Fisher, 6 yrs, 10.9 (McDonald) 2 4— E. J. L Rae’s b g Tenacious, 6 yrs, 9.5 (Thompson) 3 Also started:' 2 Black Heart 10.11 (Lorrigan), 5 Glendalough 9.3 (McSeveny), 7 Takanini 9.0 (Coleman), 6 The Channel 9.0 (Wood). 8 • Kaiwhakahaere 9.0 (T. Scott). Won by a head, six lengths between second and third. Glendalough was fourth. Time, 2min 53sec. CARBINE PLATE of 200sovs; second 4 osovs, third 20sovs. Gentlemen riders. One mile. 1- —J. Hawkins’ ch g Flying Camp 6yrs, by Campfire—La Milo, 11.0 (Mr. Clout) 1 3—R. J Graham’s b g Corregidor, 6

yrs, 11.0 (Mr. McDougall) 2 B—D. Beaton's ch g King of the Valley, aged. 11.0 (Mr. Crook) .. 3 Also started: 4 British Arch 11.0 (Mr. Cockerton), 4 Last Call 11.0 (Mr. D. Patton), 9 Gin Sling 11.0 (Mr. Brewer), 6 Master Regel 11.0 (Mr. J. Patton), 2 Rylstone 11.0 (Mr. Beatson), 5 St. Francis 11 0 (Dr. Ring), 10 Wartime 11.0 (Mr. Gahley), 7 AH Talk 10.10 (Mr. Deeble). Won by three lengths, a neck between second and third. Master Regel was fourth. Time. Imin 52sec.