NOTES AND COMMENTS

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2440, 20 April 1915, Page 7

NOTES AND COMMENTS

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The riding of Chortle in the Thompson Handicap has been the theme of much discussion since the race was decided, and the supporters of the horse aro of the opinion that the Multifid gelding should have defeated Ladoga. They urge that he was covering far too much ground on the big bond, and then was taken to the front too early. Admitting all this, it has still to be remembered thaifc Ladoga won nicely, and. that his rider (Reid) ceased persevering on Ladoga several lengths off the post. Few riders give satisfaction—not even to themselves— always, ajid furthermore, they cannot all be Deeleys. "Subscriber" is informed that a horse dpes not earn a penalty except for winning a race. The Manawatu Racing Club's Autumn Meeting 'takes place to-morrow and Thursday. Mr. Henrys's adjustments have pleased a large number of owners, and big fields will be seen out in most of the events. Wellington patrons can travel to Awapuni by special 'train, leaving Thorndon Station at 7.45 a.m. Tho presence of Warstep in the Gold Cup will be a special draw, and no doubt a very large attendance will be the result. Chortle was scratched for the TelegTaph Handicap on Friday last, but he is to take his place in the Gold Cup field. Other likely starters in the Gold Cup are Expect, Ventura, Rinaldo, Merry Roe, Goldstrcam, Sauci, Indigo, and Balboa, so that tho race itself should be worth the journey to Awapuni. Oil present appearances there is evory indication that the meeting will bo a highly successful one. '

Hor victory at Tiraaru has earned .Dinner Con? a 51b. penalty in the Woodkey Hack Handicap at Awapnni. This will make her impost 9st. 101b. After racing at Awapuni the Yaldhurst team is to go to Hastings for the Hawke's Bay Cup meeting. W." Ryan will ride Midnight Star in the Hack Welter at the Mauawatu meeting. Several horses which' did not race at Trentham may be expeeited to start in the weight-for-age events at the Awapuni meeting to-morrovr. Amongst tho number are Ventura, who will throwdown the gauntlet to Wajstep in the Gold Cup, and Aaterias, Nones, and Dribble, who will challenge the supremacy of Desert Gold in tho Sires' Produce Stakes. It turns out that J. Buchanan broke a leather early in the raco for the Gold Cup on Saturday at Trenthain, and this was the reason why Merry Roe dropped out of itho race. lier owner is confident she will do iuuch bettor on Wednesday, when the distance is only ton furlongs. All arrangements were made to rail ladoga to Awapuni to contest the Gold Cup. but after racing here on Saturday one of his legs filled slightly, and he is to be spelled for ithe rest of the season. Red Book is an unlikoly starter at Awapuni, and Chudio also will not fulfil his engagements at the Manawatu meeting. A pleasing feature of the Wellington meeting just concluded was the entire lack of any unpleasant incidents. The Tunning throughout the two days was not questioned, and everything passed off well.

Of the New Zealand breeders who sent yearlings to Sydney for sale, llr. Lan G. Duncan fared best, selling four of his half-dozen for a. total of lt)sogns. Mr. J. F. Reid only got rid of a couple and Mr. G, M. Currie of a similar number, and they went for 70gns. and 45gns. The same breeder's fillies by King Rufus and ll'oira-ma-Chrea respectively were knocked down to P. Nolan, but it subsequently transpired that they were bought in. Mr.-H. Friedlander failed to sell any of his trio, and Sir George M'Lean only received an average of slightly over Wgns. for,his seven. Last week's results may cause some of the New Zealand breeders to be content with their own market next year.