AUCKLAND RACING CLUB.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1497, 2 January 1919, Page 9

AUCKLAND RACING CLUB.

SUMMER MEETING.

CUP, RAILWAY, AND FOAL

STAKES DAY.

There was never a more perfect day on which to commence an important race meeting than Boxing Day at Ellerslie proved. The weather was not only all that could be desired, but conditions generally were such as were favourable to a highly successful meeting: The special trains running once more, the trams doing their best, motor services at a stage of development never previously reached, and all available horse vehicles in commission enabled the holiday-makers to reach the old favourite spot in comfort and in good time. It was a large assemblage, equal, some thought, to any previous muster on the corresponding days, while many considered it beat the attendance of Exhibition year. It is no easy matter to estimate the number, but it is probably safe to say that there were not far short of 25,000 present. There were perhaps not so many at the head of the straight under the pines near the Greenlane side, but in the people’s domain below the main buildings there seemed a dense crowd, and it is doubtful whether the lawn and paddock enclosures have held many more at any time. A lot of people were just spoiling for a race meeting, so long has it been since one was held at Ellerslie, the one resort of many thousands. Then there are the thousands who come to Auckland once a year for the great carnival, and they gather from all quarters of the compass—from the east and west coasts of the North Island, from Hawke’s Bay, Wellington and Taranaki provinces, and from every part of the Auckland province. From Canterbury, too, and from Nelson, and no doubt from other parts of the South Island, visitors were in evidence. The returned soldiers, many in khaki, make a formidable force now, and there were well over two thousand, we understand, accounted for through tickets issued. It was indeed a representative assemblage of a 'fine people well dressed in summer attire, and the beautiful day seemed to have been anticipated by the holiday-makers. The perfect condition in which they found the grounds was a theme upon which they were enthusiastic. The club’s gardening staff, under the control of the efficient caretaker, Mr. A, Hill, had made every preparation for weeks and months before, and there was no part of the lawn and enclosures and grounds which did not leave a pleasing effect. The course was covered with an emerald-like green carpet of grass, closely cut, and the running track was in splendid order for time-making and for the horses to gallop on, though perhaps a little bit hard for a few sore ones. The fields were of a little larger average than usual, due to the fact that there had been less spring racing than heretofore and that four days’ racing were being provided. There were never more visiting horses and seldom have there been any better seen at Ellerslie or on other courses in New Zealand. The average class was good, distinctly so, and some in different departments would be fit to race in the best company to b e found south of the line on conditions in the matter of weight which would show them to be little below the top standard. There is, indeed, reason to class at least one — Surveyor, who won the Foal Stakes — as a crack of his age, as he stood out from his opponents amongst the fine lot of two-year-olds seen out, while Sasanof has filled out into a particularly nice gelding since we saw him when he came back two years ago much travel-stained, though with a Melbourne Cup to his credit. To this he has added a New Zealand Cup and other important races, and was never quite so good as hei is now. There were other good ones, which, however, did not quite so well satisfy the demands made upon them. The racing was good. The new totalisator was on its trial and women clerks were largely in evidence in the manipulation of the business connected therewith, and they did well. The handling of £76,149 10s. in itself suggests that the totalisator arrangements were good. They will be improved upon as new conditions are fully mastered. It says something for the new machine that a record sum of £13,388 10s. was handled *over the Auckland

Cup. This is a New Zealand record. We are quite aware that over some of the races a good deal of money was shut out. That would not be so if people would “shop early.” There will always be the late comers. There are matters that will be adjusted as time goes on. The amount handled on Thursday was £4835 10s. less than on the opening day last year. But for a variety of causes it would perhaps have been very much larger, but the shortage need not be put down to any lack of ability or want of experience on the part of the totalisator staff. There will need to be further provision for paying out, and when that part of the business is put on a better footing money will find its way quicker to the machine for re-investment. Congratulations can be offered on the results. The machine formerly in use did not accomplish anything like so much when it was on its trial, for the reason that the staff had to become familiarised with the working, and it was not started at a big meeting like that commenced last week.

We have already stated that the racing was good, and Mr. Macmanemin should be satisfied over the first

day’s experience. The public picked very well —indeed, surprisingly well — though only one actual favourite got home, and that was in the Foal Stakes, a special-weight race. In each race with one exception a favourite was placed, four of them were second, two third and one a winner, and in the largest field, the Robinson Handicap, a short head separated the first and second, Lionskin and Athens 11. No .Ellerslie-owned candidate succeeded in winning during the day, but Loyal Arch, who was sold on the eve of the meeting for 300 guineas and contingencies, lOOsovs. out of the first win and a further lOOsovs. out of winnings, was owned and trained at Ellerslie by D. P. Moraghan, who parted with her to Mr. Harold Brown, owner of' Cyrisian and Form Up. It was good business as. things turned out for both, as the extra hundred came quickly and the new owner won £250 back in stakes, and it is understood had a tidy sum by backing his purchase freely. The value of horses must be gauged by what they can win.

Whether this mare will greatly distinguish herself remains to be seen. She was in receipt of a lot of weight from her opponents, but she is now well on the right side. Mr. W. S. Spence, secretary, and staff had the business in their department well under control. The races were got off punctual to time, no putting back of the clock to get more money on races or anything of that sort. Mr, C. O’Connor, the starter, despatched the large fields well, and only in an odd instance or two did any of the horses get off badly. Colonel Soult played an old trick and was absolutely left in the Cup, and the two-year-old Pentagram, who is erratic, was badly at fault in the Nursery Handicap. There were no complaints regarding the riding of any of th e horsemen, but during the afternoon an inquiry was begun at the instance of Mr Alexander, owner of Silver Link, into something he had been told by another owner, Mr Bennet, owner of Gazique. C, Brown, rider of Silver Link, was on the carpet, but not for the handling of that filly, as some supposed, A number of horses got galloped upon during the races, and in at least a couple of

instances accidents occurred that may keep horses from racing further at the meeting, One rider parted company with his mount, Golden Petal, at the barrier, and evidently the gelding was at fault The racing was not without a little bumping, and that cannot always be avoided when there are big fields, The running was clean throughout, as far as could be witnessed from the stands, though several beaten horses were not ridden out. As may be supposed, there were quite a number of well supported disappointments, and Prince Charleroi in the Foal Stakes was one of the prominent ones, but backers were really expecting too much of the little son of G'eneral Latour in the company. Though he had done his work well, there is not enough of him to cope with good big ones under a substantial scale of weights, The Shortland Plate, under special weights favouring the older horses, drew together twenty-one runners, and three-year-olds had. all the best of the argument, that good filly Karo

beating Tigritiya and Melee (the favourite) by over a length, handily, Afterglow being fourth. Lady Energy performed best of the Auckland division. Melee was favourite and Gold Kip second fancy of the public, but the latter is suited by a shorter distance. Hineamaru failed to stay, and thus disappointed many, as she got away well. It was a fair betting race, but the total investments fell short by £1530 of the turnover on the same race last year. Karo was bred by the late Mr. G. P. Donnelly and is owned by Mrs. Perry, a daughter. There was the large falling off of £2269 on the next event, the Great Northern Foal Stakes, for which Surveyor was backed to an extent that few two-year-olds have been supported before in Auckland, no less than £3377 being planked on Mr. Gerald Stead’s colt, who won and paid by far the smallest dividend of the day. He began well, was steadied while others headed him, and after Crenides and Bitholia had cut at each other Surveyor came along and won in hollow style from the pair of Demosthenes youngsters, neither of which look so seasoned as the winner. That Surveyor is classy he has previously demonstrated by winning the C.J.C. Welcome Stakes and Electric Plate. He is a son of imported Nassau and the Stepniak mare Pedometer, and was bred by his owner. The race was run in lmin. 14 4-ssec., equalling that of last year, but it does not come near that of Biplane. Twenty-four were saddled for the Robinson Handicap, Athens 11., who ran well at Avondale, and Lionskin, who won for Sir George Clifford, her breeder in Canterbury, being made first and second favourites. How well the position was summed up by the public can be gathered from the fact that only a short head separated the pair at the finish. Di Gama’s half-sister, Robur, the fourth fancy, was third, only on sufferance, however as Don’t, who she beat, swerved badly at the half-distance and came out of her course towards the outside rails. Queen Abbey made the pace solid for five and a-half furlongs and then retired. The race was run in the good time of lmin. 27 2-ssec. The Auckland Cup, the forty-fifth since it was first run under that name and won by the game little Templpton c<xxxying as most people know, the most valuable iace in the Dominion, and it was fitting that there should be a good field for so good a stake. Seventeen of the nineteen carded were produced, the scratching of Mullingar and Kilrush on the day being the withdrawals. This is one of the largest of fields for so long a race, and was only one behind the last field for the New Zealand Cup, horses of much the same class competing; indeed, half a dozen of the starters ran for the southern event, and two that were in the first four in that race were placed. Sasanof, the winner of the Melbourne Cup as a three-year-old and of the N.Z,. Cup, with 111 b. more weight than he had in the last-named race, was made a very strong favourite. He looked well, indeed, but was wearing a bandage, but moved in fine style and won many friends as he went his preliminary. There, was not much wrong with the condition of any of the runners. Some were a bit more seasoned than others with racing, and no doubt Depredation and Red Dibbon would have been improved by a few races. Rose Pink may have had more than her share. Colonel Soult and Blackall were two that did not appear to relish the task before them, and the last-named did not want to do a preliminary, while the Colonel stopped at the post and took no part in the race. Mascot looked muscular and well off for condition, and served by her light weight went out early and led all the way after the first furlong, first one and then another getting tired of the ordeal of chasing her, those in the first stages, Heathercote and Glendower, being a brace. Along the back and top stretches the second time Mascot went out clear of the field, Heathercote, Glendower, Depredation. Blue Cross and Bingham being most prominent of the others. Red Ribbon and Sasanof then went up, the last-named running into second place before turning for home and raising the hopes of his admirers, but nothing had a chance with Mascot. They were all in difficulties, and she galloped home an easy winner by three lengths from Sasanof, who had made a good run. Blue Cross, staying on, was two lengths off, third. Red Ribbon fourth, close up, and Kilmoon, also sticking to his task, "fifth. Depredation, Menelaus, Cynic, Mangamahoe were about next in order, with the rest strung out, some of them

easing up, while Blackall was the whipper-in.

The race has only once been run faster. That was last year, when Fiery Cross, with 8.8, beat it by l-sth of a second. The official times given for the various stages of the race show that Mascot ran at an even pace throughout, but some made the last mile a bit faster than the first, and the last half-mile was the fastest of the journey, which was traversed in 3min. 26sec., the first half-mile in 51 3-ssec., the mile in lmin. 43sec., and mile and a half in 2min. 35sec. The Messrs. Riddiford purchased Mascot as a yearling at the same sale that Mr. W. G. Stead purchased Sasanof, both being by Martian and the same age, and she is a very shapely, bonny mare of medium size. It is 22 years since a lighter weight was carried to victory by Nestor, a three-year-old, and only four times in the history of the race has any horse won with a lighter impost. The honours were all with Sasanof. Bonnie Maid was reported under suspicion of unsoundness before she ran, but she seemed all right in her preliminary. She, however, got galloped on in the race. Seven horses carried overweight in the race, Blackall having 131 b. more than the allotted impost, but that thoroughly soured gelding would or could not race. The Grafton Hurdle Race saw Sir Solo go out favourite, with Waimai second in demand. The first-named never gave any encouragement to his backers, but Waimai, jumping in great style and showing lots of pace, led practically to the last hurdle and was then gathered up by Loyal Arch, the lightweight, who had the better pace and won handily, Gladful, the topweight, running into second place. Loyal Arch, whose first win it was over hurdles, paid a fair price, while Gladful was the outsider of the field.

The Railway Handicap field, like the Cup field, was one of the best in the history of the club. Backers went most strongly for Gazique against each of the combinations, King Lupin and Mill o ’Gowrie and Hymestra and Nanna, Onslaught being fourth in demand, but well supported also were Form Up and Silver Link. The last-named and King Lupin ,;>'vre but leading early’ end King Lupin was really in front about a furlong from home, but being at-

tacked strongly at that stage, where Birkenvale retired. Nanna, Silver Link and Downham were handy, while Gazique was finishing on the outside and Waiuta on the inside. Nanna, staying on, won by about a neck from Gazique, with Silver Link half a length off, third. Waiuta was a close fourth, Downham and Bedford also finishing well, Form Up being nearest of the rest. Gazique was a bit stiff in one hindquarter and began slowly, but finished so well that he really looked unlucky to miss. Hymestra did not get a good run, and Nanna, the winner, was galloped on. Waiuta never ran better, if so well. Mr. Kemball’s mare is very consistent and, like the Cup winner, is. by Martian. Her dam, like the dam of Surveyor, is by defunct Stepniak. The Nursery Handicap was contested by a field of eighteen, Hetaua, a useful-looking black son of Demosthenes in with 7.5, being selected as the -pick of the basket, the well-grown Macduff, by Antagonist owned by Sir George Clifford, being the second selection. Mr. Gerald Stead’s Sundance, by Sunny Lake, also came in for a lot of support, the Pendil gelding Pentagram being another that carried a good deal of money. He, however, was badly left. A nice bay colt, Solfanello by Solferino, owned by the Messrs. Riddiford, proved equal to the occasion and won nicely by a length and a-half, Hetaua beating Sundance, who finished third under the judge’s box, half a length back, though people on the stand were deceived into the belief that she had actually won. Bindle and Heathermoon were next in order. The race was, run fast, the winner taking lmin. 1 3-ssec. The Christmas Handicap brought the day’s racing to a close, fifteen starting, Teka being the favourite and Killjoy second in demand. This mare went out after going two furlongs and looked like cracking up the field, but cracked first herself. Uncle Ned cam e out at the business end and won in good style by two lengths and a-half from All Talk, who beat Teka a neck, with Killjoy and Meltchikoff next. The results were:— SHORTLAND PLATE of 300sovs; second 50sovs, third 25sovs. One mile. 4—Mrs. M. A. Perry’s hr f Karo, Syrs. by Demosthenes—Kautukn. 7.2 (L. Morris) 1

3— K. S. Williams’ ch f Tigritiya, 3yrs, 7.6, inc. 41b over (R. Reed) 2 I—G. L. Stead’s b g Melee, 3yrs, 7.4 (Tinker) 3 Also started: 14 Meltonio 8.2 (Ryan), 16 Master Iney 8.2 (C. Sinclair), 7 Benzine 7.13 (McFlinn), 18 Glucian 7.13 (Harvey), 2 Gold Kip 7.13 (Goldfinch), 19 Master Regel 7.13 (Smith), 10 Persian Prince 7.13 (Emerson), 15 Whitehall 7.13 (M. O’Shea), 11 Black Lace 7.11 (A. Reed), 17 Ditto 7.11 (Rennie), 9 Lady Energy 7.11 (Carmont), 12 Sanacre 7.11 (Warner), 8 Happy Captain 7.7 (G. Young), 20 Escaped 7.4 (Gollop), 13 Mandrake 7.4 (Ludlow), 5 Demoiselle 7.2 (Ferguson) and Hineamaru 7.2 (C. Brown) bracketed, 6 Afterglow 7.2 (Mackie), 3 Mary Bruce 7.2 (McCurdie) bracketed with Tigritiya. Won easily by a length and a-quarter, a head separating second and third. Afterglow was fourth and Escaped fifth. Time, lmin 40sec. GREAT NORTHERN FOAL STAKES of lOOOsovs; first horse 600sovs, second 200sovs, third lOOsovs, and 100 sovs to breeder of winner. Six furlongs. 1— G. L. Stead’s ch c Surveyor, 2yrs, by Nassau—Pedometer, 8.10 (C. Emerson) 1 s—Mrs.5 —Mrs. M. A. Perry’s ch g Crenides, 2yrs, by Demosthenes — Gold Thread, 8.7 (Hewitt) 2 4 — E. Short’s ch g Bitholia, 2yrs, by Demosthenes —Rangaio, 8.7 (McFlinn) 3 Also started: 3 Ermine 8.5 (R. Reed), 6 Rebuff 8.7 (Campbell), 7 Canowindra 8.7 (Rennie), 2 Prince Charleroi 8.7 (H. Goldfinch), 9 Emerald Hill 8.7 (Warner), 4 Parorangi 8.7 (Carmont) bracketed with Bitholia, 8 Princess Charming 8.5 (C. Brown). Won by two lengths, a head between second and third. Ermine was fourth, and Prince Charleroi fifth. Time, lmin 14 4-ssec. . ROBINSON HANDICAP of 300sovs; second 50sovs, third 25sovs. Seven furlongs. 2— Sir Geo. Clifford’s b f Lionskin, 3yrs, by Kilbroney—Counterfeit, 8.6 (H. Young) 1 1-—J. Hart’s br g Athens 11., 3yrs, 7.7 (Deeley) 2 4—J. Harle’s b m Robur, syrs, 9.0 (Gray) 3 Also started: 11 Don’t 8.2 (Manson), 7 Pierrot 8.2 (Ryan), 18 Step 8.2 (Buchanan), 9 Singular 8.0 (Warner), 20 Platoon 7.13 (A. Reed), 15 Tieka 7.13 (Sinclair), 10 Multiplane 7.13 (McFlinn), 12 Arch Lassie 7.12 (Chaplin), 14 Slipstitch 7.12 (Dillamore), 17 Miss Leslie 7.12 (C. Brown), 3 Queen Abbey 7.12 (Rennie), 8 War March 7.10 (R. Reed), 16 Empire 7.9 (Ferguson), 6 Mountain Gold 7.7 (M. O’Shea) and Isingarch 7.7 (Mackie) bracketed, 5 New Zealand 7.7 (Goldfinch), 19 Ma Copper 7.0 (Gosper) and Declare 7.0 (Hockley) bracketed, 13 Whitford Belle 7.0 (Harvey) and De7.0 (Gordon) bracketed, 21 Golder- Veto'. 7.0 (Matheson) and Ko Iwi 7.0 (Carmont) bracketed. Won by a head, two lengths and ahalf separating second and third. Don’t was fourth, with isingarch, Slipstitch and Declare next. Time, lmin 27 2-5 sec,, , . .

AUCKLAND CUP HANDICAP of 2750 sovs; second 500sovs, third 250sovs. Two miles. 3 — V. and E. Riddiford’s b m Mascot, syrs,' by Martian—Mary of Argyle, 6.13 (L. Morris) 1 1— W. G. Stead’s br g Sasanof, syrs, by Martian —Ukraine, 9.6 (Gray) 2 14 —W. Colebourne’s b g Blue Cross, syrs, by Marble Arch—Maheno, 6.7 (M. O’Shea) 3 Also started: 12 Snub 9.2 (Campbell), 3 Menelaus 8.11 (A. Reed) bracketed with Mascot, 10 Bonnie Maid 7.9, car. 7.12 (McFlinn), 5 Kilmoon 7.9 (Emerson), 2 Red Ribbon 7.7, car. 7.8 (Deeley), 6 Depredation 7.2, car. 7.5 (R. Reed), 7 Glendower 7.2, car'. 7.4 (Ludlow), 8 Rose Pink 7.1 (C. Brown), 9 Heathercote 7.1 (G. Young), 11 Cynic 6.11 (Gordon), 16 Colonel Soult 6.11, car. 6.12 (Ferguson), 4 Mangamahoe 6.10, car. 7.4 (Rennie), 13 Bingham 6.7 (Hockley), 15 Blackall 6.7, car. 7.6 (C. Sinclair). Won by three lengths, two lengths between second and third. Red Ribbon was fourth, followed by Kilmoon, Depredation, Menelaus, Cynic, Bonnie Maid, Mangamahoe and Glendower in that order. Time, 3min 26sec. GRAFTON HURDLE RACE of 350sovs; second 70sovs, third 30sovs. Two miles. 4 — H. W. Brown’s br m Loyal Arch, 6yrs, by Marble Arch — Lady Minnie, 9.0 (Warner) 1 6 —W. R. Kemball’s b g Gladful, aged, 11.12 (Stan. Reid) 2 2— T. Wilson’s b g Waimai, aged, 10.7 (G. Henderson) 3 Also started: 1 Sir Solo 10.12 (R. Thompson), 5 Tenacious 10.0 (E. Rae), 3 Hexton 10.0 (W. McKinnon). Won by two lengths, a similar distance between second and third. Sir Solo was fourth. Time, 3min 48sec. RAILWAY HANDICAP of lOOOsovs; second 200sovs, third lOOsovs. Six furlongs. 3— W. R. Kemball’s br m Nanna, 4 yrs, by Martian — Nantes, 7.10 (C. Emerson) . 1 I—C. J. Bennett’s b g Gazique, 6yrs, 8.9 (McFlinn) 2 6—A. Alexander’s br f Silver Link, 3yrs, 7.4 (C. Brown) ... 3 Also started: 2 King Lupin 9.5 (Robinson) and Mill o’ Gowrie 7.6 (Rennie) bracketed, 3 Hymestra 9.4 (Campbell) bracketed with Nanna, 5 Form Up 8.11 (Deeley), 4 Onslaught 7.13 (H. Young), 9 Bedford 7.13 (Goldfinch), 7 Birkenvale 7.9 (R. Reed), 10 Downham 7.5 (Dillamore), 16 Cardrona 7.3, car. 7.13 (Warner), 8 Demagogue 7.0 (Morris), 11 Sheila 6.9 (Hockley), 14 Lord Kenilworth 6.9 (M. O’Shea), 17 Gaycium 6.8, car. 6.10 (Tinker), 13 Waiuta 6.7, car. 7.1 (G. Young), 15 Comedy Prince 6.7, car. 7.2 (P. Sinclair), 15 Kilbeg'gan 6.7, car. 7.3 (Gollop), 12 Arran 6.7, car. 6.10 ' (Smith). Won by a length, half a length between second and third. Waiuta was fourth. Time, lmin 14 4-ssec. NURSERY HANDICAP of 350sovs; second 70sovs, third 30sovs. Five furlongs. 5— V. and E. Riddiford’s b c Solfanello, by Solferino — Rosalie, 7.8 (A. Reed) 1

I—Exors. W. J. Douglas’ b c Hetaua, 7.5 (Sinclair) 2 3— G. L. Stead’s ch f Sundance, 7.7 (C. Emerson) 3 Also started: 6 Bindle 7.12 (Morris), 8 Lady Una 7.7 (McCurdy) and Dixie Land 7.5 (M. O’Shea) bracketed, 12 Great Form 7.10 (Warner), 2 Macduff 7.9 (G. Young), 4 Pentagram 7.9 (Deeley), 16 Harpalus 7.7 (Harvey), 13 Melting 7.7, car. 7.12 (H. Young), 7 Negligee 7.7 (R. Reed), 17 Valley Queen 7.5 (Gollop), 9 Phyllona 7.5 (Rennie), 10 Heathermoon 7.5 (Dillamore), 11 Arati 7.5 (Hocklev), 15 Mistress Biddy 7.5, car.' 7.9 (Goldfinch), 14 Hyrax 7.0 (Tinker). Won by a length and a-half, half a length between second and third. Bindle was fourth. Time, Imin 1 3-5 sec. CHRISTMAS HANDICAP of 350sovs; second 70sovs, third 30sovs. One mile. 4— Mrs. E. A. Lindsay’s b g Uncle Ned, syrs, by Marble Arch — Lady Gladys, 7.13 (Emerson) . . 1 9 —j. j. Regan’s br g All Talk, syrs, 6.7, car. 6.12 (Morris) ... 2 I—j.1—j. Hart’s b g Teka, 6yrs, 8.13 (Gray) Also started: 2 Killjoy 8.6 (Campbell), 6 Cleft 8.2 (Sinclair), 7 Vagabond 8.0 (R. Reed), 10 Housewife 7.12 (J. Buchanan), 15 Goldsize 7.12 (McFlinn) 3 Glenopal 7.9 (Rennie), 14 Royal Irish 7 9 (Goldfinch), 13 Meltchikoff 7.3 (Mackie), 5 Tabasco 7.2, car. 7.5 (A. Reed), 11 Fabriquette 7.0 (M. O’Shea), 8 Cherry Mart 6.10, car. 7.1 (G. Young), 12 Alf. Delaval 6.7 (Hockley). Won by two lengths and a-half, a neck separating second and third. Killjoy was fourth, with Meltchikoff fifth. Time, Imin 38 4-ssec. SECOND DAY. GLOAMING WINS ISLINGTON PLATE. CRENIDES ANNEXES THE ROYAL STAKES. MASCOT THE SUMMER CUP. The outlook on Saturday morning was of a character suggesting that weather forecasts might not prove correct. Many had misgivings, and from whatever the cause there was a very marked decrease in the attendance as compared with previous corresponding days. There were showers during the afternoon, starting mistily after the decision of the Islington Plate, when the wind dropped, and coming at intervals, a heavy downpour occurring between the decision of the Ponsonby Hurdles and the Summer Cup. The course was in good order, and very little slower for the rain. It would be improved rather than otherwise for galloping on. Though the afternoon was not really favourable at any time for record making because of the heavy atmo-. spheric conditions, an Australasian record was put up by Gloaming in racehorse style, Mr. Greenwood’s three-year-old running the mile in Imin. 37 l-ssec. from the barrier when he won the Islington Plate, thus lowering Desert Gold’s record of Imin. 37 3-ssec. registered last year. That was a feature of the afternoon’s programme.

Members of the French Mission were present as the guests of the stewards of the racing club, and were received by the Hon. E. Mitchelson. Their arrival brought forth a demonstration of approval from the crowd, who cheered General Pau and his compatriots as they drove down the straight to the lawn gate. With the visitors were the Hons. W. H. Herries, A. M. Myers, and Sir Francis Bell, representing the National Government. The bands of the Auckland Mounted Rifles and New Zealand Garrison Artillery were in evidence, musical selections befitting the occasion being rendered. The visitors saw some interesting racing, but struck a bad day so far as getting an idea of what a New Zealand racecourse crowd was like, though there has probably never been more than thirty thousand at Ellerslie on one day. The second day is the off-day. If a little money was shut out on the opening day it cannot be said that any money was turned away at the totalisators on Saturday. The money was not there for big business, and the falling off in the turnover must not be put down to inefficiency of the staff, who could have handled half as much again if the business had been forthcoming. The total handled for the afternoon was £57,676, as against £69,994 last year. The Islington Plate last year was one of the poorest betting races at Ellerslie for some years, but this time it was the one that showed a substantial increase, while the others showed a falling off more or less pronounced. Racing commenced with the Bowen Handicap, and a field of eighteen went out, the Waikato filly Queen Abbey carrying nearly three times as much money as Black Lace, the Gisborne mare, Happy Valley, another from the same quarter, being third selection, though really after the favourite several others were about

evenly supported. Queen Abbey got to the front early, and Rennie made a lot of use of her, but the beautifullybred Taiami, of the same age in receipt of 111 b., had her measure and ended up a winner by half a length, Happy Valley, who lost some ground at the, start and who made it up very fast in the first furlong or two, getting within a length, with General Stephen, a big outsider, fourth, and Meltonio, who seemed very scratchy doing his preliminary, next. The race was for apprentice riders, and M. D. O’Shea was on the winner, who, it will be remembered, was imported from Australia by Mr. Ewen Alison and first raced in that owner’s interests, but has since been leased to Mr. W. J. Wilson. As a very substantial dividend was paid, and it is understood the stable backed it well, the little mare’s win should be remembered favourably. She is now trained by James, who trains for the North Shore owners.

The support awarded Gloaming for the Islington Plate was such as to place him well over the next on the list, Sasanof having less than half the number of investments made on his chance. It was Gloaming’s first appearance on the course, and the chestnut son of The Welkin is a three-year-old gelding, whose form had been so good in Australia and in Wellington and Canterbury as to cause his appearance at Ellerslie to be looked for with considerable interest. As geldings go at that age he fills the eye well, and having plenty of size and length and bone of rather bigger dimensions than many thoroughbreds, it can be conceived that he will grow into a fine four-year-old and with ordinary luck pick up mor e good races. He is a long strider and a free goer —a bit too keen for his work, if possible: Sasanof having raced over two miles and been trained for the longer distance, was expected to have his speed dulled a bit as the result of his Auckland Cup race, and Gazique was known to have become a bit sore behind with the work before and the race for the Railway Handicap. Sasanof moved perfectly in his gallop past and was well warmed up for his task. The others strode along nicely. King Lupin is one of the finest types that ever graced a racecourse, and that horse and the three geldings and the three excellently-shaped fillies made up a really nice field, such as a weight-for-age race should bring together. Mr. O’Connor got them away nicely, Sasanof momentarily showing in front, with Silver Link, who soon went out in the lead followed by Karo, next, Gazique being slow off the mark on account of his soreness. Gloaming was second to last at the end of the first and second furlongs, thus not getting any initial advantage, but on the contrary losing a few lengths. The pace was cracked on by the flying Silver Link, and she and Karo were close together at the end of two and three furlongs, the latter distance being covered in 36secs., the half-mile in 48 3-ssec, with Gloaming some lengths behind the pair at that stage with Sasanof. The five furlongs was run in 60sec., and Karo was then still leading, but Gloaming raced up to her at the end of another furlong, and, followed by Sasanof, drew away to win handily by a length and a-half in Imin. 37 l-ssec. —an Australasian record. Karo was three lengths away, third, and then came Silver Link, King Lupin and Nanna in order. Desert Gold as a three-year-old won in Imin. 39sec., as a four-year-old in Imin. 38 2-ssec., and last year, on the improved course, in Imin. 37 3-ssec., and prior to the success of Desert Gold Bobrikoff won in Imin. 38 4-ssec., Warstep in Imin. 40 3-ssec., and Merry Roe in Imin. 39sec. The course was not quite so good on those occasions. With Desert Gold to make the pace and stay a bit further than Karo did it is likely that Gloaming would have covered the mile in under Imin. 37sec., the mile course at Ellerslie favouring a brilliant miler doing so. The race was the shortest Gloaming has competed in. He now holds the mile and the mile and a furlong Australasian records. This was his fifth win out of six starts, and his victory was well received.

The twenty 7 fourth Royal Stakes was regarded by backers as in the nature of a foregone conclusion for Surveyor, but once again came a lesson that these races for two-year-olds cannot be so accurately summed up. Surveyor was carrying 111 b. over his weight for age, 11b. overweight and 101 b. penalty. Crenides had 41b. over and 31b. penalty, so that Surveyor was only conceding 41b., and it certainly looked as if he could concede more. However, Crenides was evidently the better for his Foal Stakes race, and

Surveyor lost three plates during the race, which was probably sufficient to account for the difference of form, as Crenides beat him half a length. Warplane, whose first race it was at Ellerslie, was finishing on, but Bitholia did not race any better for the advantage he had in weight, and Prince Charleroi, though suited better by a light scale, proved to be overshadowed by the best of the opposition. The winner, Crenides, is owned by Mrs. M. A. Perry, the first lady owner to win the race, and he was bred by her late father, Mr. G. P. Donnelly, whose colours she has adopted. Demosthenes is proving hims’elf a fine sire, and the Royal Stakes is a good race to win. T. F. Quinlivan trained Crenides, and L. Morris rode him well.

Loyal Arch, with a stone more weight than she carried on the first day, was favourite for the Ponsonby Hurdles, but she hit a hurdle hard, and Ditto, who was out in front jumping like a stag, beat her by two lengths, Pendoon making a good first appearance over hurdles and running third. The success of that good sport Mr. W. Morgan was well received. The Summer Cup was contested by a field of eleven, not a very large field for so popular a distance and such an, important stake, but nevertheless a good one. Kilrush, who was made favourite, was generally regarded as possessing a rare chance, but the Auckland Cup winner, Mascot, was second in demand, though still left paying a good price. The pace was made by Killjoy and Mangamahoe, the favourite having fallen just before getting out of the straight, fortunately with no serious results to young Morris, his rider. Killjoy, pulling hard, still led along the back and into the straight, with Mangarnahoe in attendance, but there the Waikato gelding had had enough and Mascot went up., and after entering upon the last furlong challenged and beat the southerner home by half a length, Rose Pink coming through and securing third place, two lengths away, Heathercote and Killard being next.

The Criterion Handicap attracted a field of ten, Lady Una proving unruly being left. Macduff, who had bolted just before the race,, began too smart for the others and made a runaway race of it, winning by five lengths from Bindle, the favourite 1 / r Hetaua, being two lengths further *" back, with Mistian, who ran in bandages, fourth. Macduff was second favourite, and is a well-grown colt, improving with experience. He was bred by his owner, Sir George Clifford, and is by Antagonist, son of Soult.

There were fifteen starters for the Waitemata Handicap, Melee, Windorah and Multiplane being the best supported. Windorah and Pierrot were in the lead at the end of six furlongs, but over the concluding stages the English-bred mare Slipstitch came on and won in good style by three-parts of a length from Pierrot, who beat the Carl Rosa mare Lady Energy by half a length, Windorah being fourth and Melee next. Slipstitch is owned by the Gisborne sportsman Mr. De Latour, who it is pleasing to see have a win, as his luck has been out a long time. The concluding race, the Salisbury Welter, saw Robur favourite, strongly supported, with Waiuta, Fabriquette and Form Up next in request. Lord Kenilworth made the pace a cracker, but Downham went up and took his measure. Nearing home Waiuta came on the scene and beat Downham by a length and a-half, Bingham, three lengths off, beating Lord Kenilworth for third place, with Form Up and Robur next. Waiiita’s win was well deserved and popular, as the Thames mare has raced with consistent bad luck.

The management left nothing wanting and the races were got off well to time, Mr. O’Connor’s starting being up to that official’s best form. The results were; — BOWEN HANDICAP of 300sovs; second 50sovs, third 25sovs. Six furlongs. 11—W. J. Wilson’s ch f Taiamai, syrs, by The Nut—Lady Molly, 7.0 (M. O’Shea) . i 1— R- Hannon’s br f Queen Abbey, 3yrs, 7.11 (Rennie) 2 3—F. E. Loomb’s ch g Happy Valley, aged, 8.4 (Dillamore) 3 Also started: 2 Black Lace 8.13 (Symon), 5 Engari 8.9 (Garment), 13 Marenga 8.0 (Gordon), 10 Tieki 7.10 (Mackie), 8 Arch Lassie 7.9 (Preston), 12 Miss Leslie 7.9 (McCarthy), 15 Sea Chief 7.8 (Sinclair), 4 War March 7.8 (Stratton), 6 Brown Loch 7.8 (Tinker), 14 Mahzoltov 7.6 (Tricklebank), 16 Penona 7.5 (Prenter), 18 Pretty Bobby 7.5 (Ferguson), 9 General Stephen 7.3 (Hockley), 17 Ohoreka 7.0 (Vossuth), 7 Meltonio 7.0 (Gollop). Won by half a length, a length between second and third. General Stephen was fourth. Time, Imin 15 2-

ISLINGTON PLATE of 650sovs; second lOOsovs, third 50sovs. One mile. 1— G. D. Greenwood’s br g Gloaming, 3yrs, by The Welkin—Light, 7.13 (B. Deeley) 1 2— W. G. Stead’s br g Sasanof, syrs, 8.13 (Gray) 2 6—Mrs. M. A. Perry’s br f Karo, 3yrs, 7.11 (L. Morris) 3 Also started: 4 King Lupin 9.2 (H. Robinson), 3 Gazique 8.13 (McFlinn), 7 Nanna 8.9 (Campbell), 4 Silver Link 7.4 (R. Reed). Won easily by a length and a-half, three lengths between second and third. Silver Link was fourth. Time, Imin 37 l-ssec —a record for Australasia. The official timekeeper (Mr. J. K. Douglas) struck off the following times at different stages of the journey: One furlong, 13 4-ssec; two furlongs, 24 3-ssec; three furlongs, 36sec; four furlongs, 48 3— five furlongs, Imin.; mile, Imin 37 l-ssec. TWENTY-FOURTH ROYAL STAKES of lOOOsovs; second 200sovs, third 100 sovs. Six furlongs. 3 — Mrs. M. A. Perry’s ch g Crenides, 2yrs, by Demosthenes — Gold Thread, 6.13, inc. 41b over (Morris) 1 1— G. L. Stead’s ch c Surveyor, 2yrs, by Nassau—Pedometer, 7.6, inc. lib over (Emerson) 2 2— J. Goring Johnston’s b c Warplane, 2yrs, by Martian—Adelicia, 6.9 (Bagby) 3 Also started: 5 Prince Charleroi 6.9 (Hockley), 6 Canowindra 6.7, inc. 71b over (M. O’Shea), 4 Bitholia 6.0 (Garment). Won by half a length, two lengths between second and third. Bitholia was fourth. Time, Imin 14sec. PONSONBY HURDLE RACE of 350 sovs; second 70sovs, third 30sovs. One mile and three-quarters. 2—W. C. Morgan’s b m Ditto, aged, by Spalpeen—Repetition, 9.5 (J. Roach) 1 1 — H. W. Brown’s br m Loyal Arch, 6yrs, 10.0 (Warner) 2 4— Grant and Hodgson’s ch g Pendoon, aged, 9.0 (Keepa) 3 Also started: 5 Hexton 9.2 (McKinnon), 3 Penniless 9.2 (McMillan), 6 Notability 9.0 (Ericksen). Won by two lengths, three lengths between second and third. Notability was fourth. Time, 3min 16sec. SUMMER CUP of lOOOsovs; second 200sovs, third lOOsovs. One mile and a-quarter. 2 — V. and E. Riddiford’s b m Mascot, syrs, by Martian —Mary of Argyle, 8.4 (A. Reed) 1. 5— D. H. Roberts’ b m Killjoy, syrs, 7.13 (Emerson) 2 6— H. Whitney’s br m Rose Pink, syrs, 7.8, inc. 21b over (R. Reed) 3 Also started: 1 Kilrush 7.6 (Morris), 10 Cleft 7.11, inc. 51b over (Goldfinch), 4 Heathercote 7.6, inc. lib over (H. Young), 3 Mangamahoe 7.4 (Mackie), 7 Housewife 7.2 (M. O’Shea), 9 Killard 7.5, inc. 61b over (Ferguson), 8 Tigritiya 6.10, inc. 11b over (Bagby), 11 Cyrisian 6.8, inc. 11b over (Hockley). Won by half a length, two lengths between second and third. Heathercote was fourth. The official timekeeper struck off the following times at various stages of the race: One furlong, 14 2- two furlongs, 26 2-ssec; three furlongs, 39 2-ssec; four furlongs, 51 3- five furlongs, Imin 4sec; six furlongs, Imin 17sec; seven furlongs, Imin 29 2-ssec; one mile and a-quarter, 2min 8 4-ssec. CRITERION HANDICAP of 350sovs; second 70sovs, third SOsovs. For two-year-olds. Six furlongs. 2 —Sir Geo. Clifford’s b c Macduff, by Antagonist — Scottish Star, 7.7, inc. 11b over (Young) 1 4- W. H. Gaisford’s b g Bindle, 7.12 (H. Goldfinch) 2 1 — Exetrs. W. J. Douglas’ b c Hetaua, 7.11 (Emerson) 3 Also started: 5 Mistian 8.0 (R. Reed), 3 Parorangi 8.0, inc. 31b over (McFlinn), 7 Rebuff 7.9 (A. Reed), 10 Lady Una 7.10, inc. 51b over (Mulvihill), 6 Golden Crozier 7.5 (Bagby), 9 Mistress Biddy 7.4 (M. O’Shea), 8 Arati 7.3 (Hockley). Won by five lengths, three lengths between second and third. Mistian was fourth. Time, Imin 15sec. WAITEMATA HANDICAP of 300sovs; second 50sovs, third 25sovs. One mile and a-quarter. 11 —H. De de Lautour’s br m Slipstitch, 6yrs, by Henry the First — Quickstitch, 7.7 (Hockley) .... 1 4 — Robertson and Foster’s b g Pierrot, syrS, 7.12, inc. lib over (W. Ryan) .... 2 5— R. Davis’ b m Lady Energy, syrs, 7.11 (Goldfinch) 3 Also started: 1 Melee 8.11 (Emerson), 6 Thrace 8.2, inc. 41b over (Buchanan), 8 Sanacre 7.11 (Mackie), 7 Marble Star 7.12, inc. lib over (Deeley), 12 Glucian 7.10 (Harvey), 14 Master Regel 7.10 (Smith), 3 Multiplane 7.8 (R. Reed), 13 Empire 7.6, inc. 21b over (Ferguson), 10 Arihia 7.7, inc. 51b over (A. Reed), 2 Windorah 7.0 (Bagby), 15 Ma Copper 7.0 (M. O’Shea), 9 Master Iney 7.7, inc. 71b over (Young). Won by three-quarters of a length, half a length between second and third. Windorah was fourth. Time, 2min 11 2-ssec. SALISBURY WELTER of 350sovs; second 70sovs, third 30sovs. One mile. 2 — w. K. Morrison’s ch m Waiuta, syrs, by Carl Rosa — Waiotahi, 8.12 (Emerson) . 1 6— F. E. Loomb’s ch g Downham, aged, 8.9 (McFlinn) 2 s—l.5 —I. S. Hard ley’s' br g Bingham, ’ 4yrs, 8.0. (A. Reed) 3 Also started: 4 Form Up 10.2 Deeley), 9 Colonel Soult 9.1 (Hewitt), 7 Lord Kenilworth 8.12 (Buchanan), 8 Meltchikoff 8.9 (Warner), 3 Fabriquette 8.4 (Gray), 1 Robur 8.2 (R. Reed), 11 Alf. Delaval 8.0 (McCurdy), 10 Lady Glen 8.0 (R. Brown), 12 Demoiselle 8.0 (Ryan). Won by a length and a-half, three lengths between second and third. Lord Kenilworth was fourth. Time, Imin 40 2-ssec.

Eastcourt was recently sold to P. Bolger, of Perth, and at 500 guineas, the price asked for him after the Melbourne Cup meeting, should not be a dear horse. He should win in the West.