THE TURF

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 218, 3 June 1918, Page 7

THE TURF

AUCKLAND MEETING WAIMAI'S BIG STEEPLECHASE BON FIEVE WINS THE HURDLES, (By Telegraph-Special Correspondent.) Auckland, Juno l. The Auckland Winter Meeting commenced, to-day in lino weather boforc a largo attendance. After the Cornwall .Handicap a, protest was lodged by J. Buchanan, rido of Colonel Soult, for alleged intereferenco by the second horse in, tho straight. The' protest was not sustained. During the Great Northern Steeplechases Tapp, rider of Bonnie Jean, sustained a broken oollar-bono. Tho totalisntor handled £59,453 against £41,704 on tho corresponding day last year. The Channel, Bore, and Prosper were the only horses much fancied in tho Maiden Bteoplechnse. Tho race resolved itself into a battle between Tho Channel and Prosper. They went to the front at tho 6tart, and were still in lino as they went over tho last hurdle, Prosper winning eventually by nearly two lengths. Boro ran disappointingly and made one or two mistakes. He was never really within striking distance. The winner struck a hurdle during the early part of tho race, and with that exception ho jumped faultlessly.

Thirty-two horses started In tho Jervo'a Handicap. This was again a two-horso race. General Stephen, who drew first position, jumped to the front with Independence, and they fought it out to the finish, Independence winning with something to spare. v New Zealand 6hot up !n the last few strldts, and nearly Bnatohcd second position from General Stephen. Styrax was the only withdrawal from tno Great- Northern Hurdles race. The chances of Sir Fisher, 'Bon Eeve, Thrace, and Fisher found most favour with the public. The winner of the raco was well concealed until the closing stage. Penniless led off with a great rußhandwas in command for tho greater part of the Journey, but tho pace eventually proved too severe a strain and she camo down. Gold Fran also fell. Sir Fisher 'and Bon Eeve were lying handy all the time, and Bortcd themselveß out about half a mile from homo. / They negotiated the last hurdlo on even, terms, but once in the straight it became apparent that Sir Fisher was labouring under his heavy load, and Bon Eeve won decisively. Thrace, who was expected to givo o good account of himself, made a very poor showing. Tho timo registered. 4min. 61bcc, is a record. Mr. E. J. Watt's Wimmero dono tho journey in 1910 in 4min. 52sec.

The Cornwall Handicap was generally regarded an a good thing for Parisian Diamond, and when he shot out ■ into first place many peoplo thought tho race was all ovor. whito Blaze was last at the start, but he-gradually ran, through tho held, • and was in the van. As tho straight was entered ho looked like winning, but Mangamahoe came with a great dash and won by a couple of lengths. A 'field of ton faced tho startor in the Groat Northern Steeplechase, Collector, Coalition, and Bonny Jean being tho public fancy. Eanza Mist ana Hopye fell in; the early 6tagcs of tho race." Gluepot made tho running at flrst, and entering the third round Marton, Gluepot, and Waimal wero together, with Coalition handy. This order was maintained with variations until -about three-quarter's of a mile from home, when Walmai had a pronounced lead.. At this stage Collector, who had fallen away again, came to' the front and looked like winning, but he fell at the last hurdlo. : Wnimai won easily from Coalition. Gluepot, some distanco away,' was third. DETAILED RESULTS. ■ By Telegraph—Press Association. MAIDEN 6TEEPLEOHASE. of 200 sovs. Two miles and a half. 3 Prosper, 9st. 91b (Kcepa) 1 1 Tho Channel, lOst. 61b (Warner) 2 2 Bore, list. 71b (Ellis) 3 Also started: 4 Plenipotent, lflst. 41b.; 6 Captain Lock, 9st. 91b.; 6 Te Manuiri, 9st: 91b.; -7 Sir John, 9st, 71b.; 9 Campiiro Jack, 9st. 71b,; 8 Try Luck, 9st. 71b. Won by a length, with twenty-five lengths botween second and third. Time smin. 6sec. JEKVOIS HANDICAP, 'of 200 sovs. Seven furlongs. 9 Independence, SBt. 91b (M'Flinn) 1 1 General Stephen, Bst. 31b. (R. E. Brown) 2 12 New Zealand, Bat. 71b (EIUb) 3 Also started: 4 Garryowon, lOst. 71b.; 3 All Over, lOst. 61b.; 2 Persian Prince, lOst.; 7 Bluo Cross, 9st, 111b.; 5 Pierrot, 9st, 81b.; 10 Don't, 9st. 81b.; 6 Gold Kip, 9st. 81b., and Lagan, Bst. 71b. (bracketed); 21 Marabout, 9st. 71b.; 8 Caballero, 9st. 51b.; 18 Marble Star, Est. 121b.; 22 Bloomine, Bst. Bib.; 13 King of the Valley, Bat. 71b.; 24 Lady Bunyan, Bst. 71b.; 23 Fotaerau, Bst. 71b.; 25 Kapa, Bst 71b.; 11 Oarmon Sylvo, Bst. 3ib„ and Erinagh, Bst. (bracketed); 17 Meltonio, Bst. 31b.; 1 Tama to Kapu, Bst. 31b.; 16 Little Selyukwe, Bat., and Banacro, Bst.- (bracketed); 20 Pre-eminent, Bst., and Dobutano, Sat. (bracketed); 14 Singular, BBt., and Lady Lyddlto, Bst. (bracketed); 19 Whitehall, Bst.; 15 Koyal Prince, Bst,, and I Golden Petal, Bst. (bracketed). Won by three-quarters of a length, with a head between second and third. Time, lmin, 31 3-Ssec.

GREAT NORTHERN HURDLES, of "2EO bovs. Two miles and a half. 3 Bon Hove, lOst. 61b. (S. Reid) 1 1 Sir Fisher, list. 21b (Ward) 2 10 To Onga, 9st, 121b (Roacho) 3 Also started: 6 Gluetanus, lOst. 91b.; 5 Colorado, lOst. 81b.; 8 Tenacious, 9st. 'lib.; 4 Fisher, 9st. 81b.; 7 Gold Fran, 9st. 71b.; 2 Thraco, 9st.; 9 Penniless, 9st.; 11 Wartime, 9st.; 12 Dancaßtor, 9st. Penniless led for over a mile, with Gluotauuß, Tenacloiiß, Colorado, and Sir Fisher handy, and Thraco last. At the five furlongs post the field was bunched. Entering the straight, Bon Reve and Sir Fisher drew away, and in a good finish Bon Reeve won by half a lenßth'. Three lengths .separated second and third. Time, tain. Slsec. CORNWALL HANDICAP, of 650 govs. One milo and a quarter. 2 Mangamahoc, Bst. 21b. ... (Robinson) 1 3 White Blaze, Bat. 61b (Clark) 2 6 Colonel Soult, 9Bt. 21b. ... (Buchanan) 3 Also started:, 1 Parisian Diamond, lOst. Mb.; S Housewife, 9st. 41b.; 9 Bir Ralph, Bst. 81b.; 7 Waiuta, Bst. 61b.; 10 Pendoon, Bst. 51b.; 11 British Arch, Sst. 41b.; 4 Flash Lady, Bst. 21b.; 8 Lady Energy. Sat.; 12 Master Eegol, Sst. A good race. The winner drew away in the straight, and won by three lengths, a neck separating second and third. Time, 2min. 11 3-saec. GREAT NORTHERN STEEPLECHASE, of 14C0 sovs. About three miles and a half. 6 Waiinai, 12st (F. Flynn) 1 2 Coalition, lOst. 71b (M'Sweenoy) 2 5 Gluepot, list. 81b (Henderson) 3 Also started: 1 Collector, lOst. 81b.; 8 Moddite, lOst. 21b.;" 7 Marton, 9st. 121b.: 4 Bonnie Jean. 9sfc. 81b.; 10 Ranza Mist, Sst. 71b.; 9 Hautore, 9st. 71b.; 3 Hopye, 9st. 71b. A good race between tbo placed horses and Collector, who fell at the last jump when running second. Won by two lengths and a half, with four lengths between second and third. The only other to finish wero Hautere and Marton. Time, Binln. 12sec.

HUNT CLUB HURDLES, of 200 sovs. Two miles.

5 Northland. lOst. 71b' • (HonderEon) 1 2 Delagc, list. 21b (Flynn) 2 10 Tirau, lOst. ; (M Sweeney) 3 Also started: 11 Dunrobin, list. 101b.; 1 Waorenga, list. 21b.; 12 Ambassador. lOst. 121b.; 4 Glenhope, l.Ost. 121b.; 6 Seville, lOst. 71b.; '3 Larry, lOst. 71b., and No Surrender, lOst. 41b. (bracketed); 8 Penston, Wat. 71b.; 13 Transfer, lOst. 71b.; 7 Jacarandn, lOst. 71b.; 9 Newton, lOst. 71b., and Swastika, lOst. (bracketed); 14 Golden Fort, lOst A good race. Won by one length and a half. ■ Four lengths soparated second and third. Time, 3min. 55 3-ssec. MEMBERS' HANDICAP, of 350 sovs. Six furlongs.

10 Hyllus, Bst (Ohftplm 1 1 Mill o' Gowrie, 9st, 111b. (Robinson) * 3 Arran, Bsl. 41b (MFlinn)... * *Dead heat for second place. Also started: 4 Cardrona, lOst. lib.; 12 Hopfield, 9st. 111b.; 2 Hyginas. 9st. l'lb ; 15 King Lupin. 9st. lib.; 6 Lord Kenllworth, 9st., and Rockiield, Bst. 21b. (bracketed)- 19 Loyal Arch. Oat. 101b. : 11 Golden Grafton, 8;t. 91b.; 8 Fabriqnetta, Bst. 81b.; 7 Stilts. Sat. 81b.; 18 Hiero. Est, 71b.; 9 Lady .Tacit, Oat. 61b.; 16 Glad Tidings, Bbl. 131b • 13 Koreonc, Bst. 31b.; 5 Charley. Bst.; 14 Lady Glen, Bst.; 17 Alf Dolaval, Bst. A good race. Won by three-quarters jf a length. Time, lmin. 16 2-ssec.

SECOND DAY'S ACCEPTANCES. Acceptances for the second day are:— BKMTJERA HUKDIjES, of 400 sovb.' Two mileß—Bon Koto, list. 61b.; Gluetanus, lOst 91b.; Colorado, lObI. 71b.; Te Onpta, 9st'l2lb.; Kauri King, 9at. 101b.; Fishor, Oat! 71b.; Ditto, 9st. 31b.; Thrace, 9st.; Penniless, 9at. ORAKEI HURDLES, of ZOO bovs. Oho mile and threc-truartcrß— Penniless, list. lib • Hahzoltov, lOat. Mb.; Dauoastor, lOst. 41b"' PUmipotent, 9st. 131b.; Soultane, 9Bt. 51b' Kin Kora, 9at. 31b.; BWomine, 9st. lib!; Novation, 9st,; Welshman, 9at.; Silver Pine, 9at. WINTER STEEPLECHASE, of 750 sovs. About three luiles.-Qluepot. list. 81b.; Coalition, lOst. 101b.; Sandy Paul, lOst. 31b.; Moddito, lOst.; Harton, 9st. 111b.; Bonny Jean 9st. 71b.; Hopye, 9st. 71b.; Hantcre, 9st. 71b.; The Channel, 9bl. 71b.; Ranza Mint, 9at'. 71b. HUNTERS' STEEPLECHASE, of 200 bovs. About throe miles—Northland, list. 101b.; Advancer, list. 81b.; Te Mfinuiri, Hat. 21b.; Ambassador, list.; Qlenhow, lOst. 121b.; John Bunny, lOst. 121b.; Swastika, lOst. 8lb.; Te Tigi, lOst. 71b. j Jacaranda, 10Bt. 71b.; Transfer, lOst. 71b.; King Park, lOst. 71b.;

l'enoton, lOst. 71b.; Nowton, lOflt. 71b.; No Surrender, lOsl. 71b.; Tirau, lOst. 71b. YISITOKS' HANDICAP, of 350 boys. Fiyo furlongs.-Oardroun, list, lib.; Jlymeona, lOst, 101b.; Royal Chef, lOst. 91b.; Hygmas, lOst. 41b.; Housewife, lOst. 31b.; Ring Lupin, lOst. 21b.; Bushman, lOst.; Arran. ?at. 111b.; Mossman, 9at. 81b.; Stilts, 9st. 71b.; lliero, 9st. 61b.; Lady Jack, 9st. 51b.; Lady Elysiau, 9st.; Charley, 9st.; Persian Princu, 9st.; Pink Tie, 9st.; Don Patch, 9st.; Glad Tidings, 9st. YOHK WELTER HANDICAP, of 660 sovs. Ono mile—Parisian Diamond, Hat. 121b.; Maugamohoe, lOst, 71b.; Hopfield, lOst. 61b.; Colonel Soult, lOst. lib.; Meltcllikoff, Wat. 21b.; Housewife, lOst. 21b.; Hy Hun, 10sl. lib.; White Blaze, 9at. 121b.; Golden Grafton, 9sl. 91b.; Bushman, 9st. 61b.; Stilts, 9st. 61b.; Loyal Arch, 9st. 51b.; Pendoon, 9st. 31b.; Sir Ralph, 9st. 41b.; Watota, Set. 31b.; Fabriiiuotte, 9st. 21b.; British Arch, 9at. 21b.; RockMd, 9st.; Hash Lady, 9«t,; Paddington Green, 9st.; Alt Dclayal, 9st. ; King of the Valley, 9st.; Koyal ltufus, 9st.: Pierrot, 9st.; Kereono, 9st. FITZROY WELTER HANDICAP, of 200 bovs. Six furlongs.-Garryowen, iißt. 51b.; All Over, list. 41b.; Persian Pnnce, 10ft. 131b.; Blue Cross, lOst. 111b.; Gold hip, lOst, 71b.; Independence. lOst. 61b.; Dont, lOst, 51b.; Marabout, lOst. 51b.; Gluolan, lOst. 41b.;" Lady Paula, 9st. 131b.; Malizoltov, 9st. 101b.; General Stephen, 9st. 9 b.; Revenue, 9st. 91b.; fiilvasco, 9st, 91b; Lagan, 9st. 71b.: Lady Runyan,,9st. 51b.; Potaerau. 9st. 51b.; Meltonlo, 9et.; Tamo-te-Kapu, 9st.; Sanacre, 9st.; Pre-eminent, 9st.; Singular, 9st.; Erinagli, 9et.; Whitehall, 9st.; Royal Prince, 9st.; Golden Petal, 9st,;. Cambridge, 9st.; Benzine, 9st,; Auldane, 9st.

DUNEDIN. MEETING 1

DEAD HEAT IN THE STEEPLECHASE By Telegraph-Press 'Association. Dunedin, June l. The Dunedin Winter Meeting opened today. A i'ow showers fell in Uie morning, but the weather cleared before tho racing started. Tho totalisator handled £22,977 against, £13,189 on the corresponding day last.year. PACIFIC HURDLES, of 175 sovs. One mile and three-quarters, i Naupata, list. 131b (L. Hegarty) 1 5 Giralda,.9st. 41b (J. Weir) 2 6 CorvilUß, 9st. 111b (W. Robinson) 3 Also started: 2 Master Hamilton, lint. 71b.; 5 Sedd-cl-Bahr, lOst. 61b.; 3 Silver Shield, lOst. 51b.: 4 St.'Olatus, 9st, • Naupata. led until a milo from home. Giralda challenged in the straight, hut Naupata won hy nearly a length. Cervulus was six lengths away. Time, 3min. 24sec. BRIGHTON. HANDICAP, of 120 sovs. One mile. 4 Samicl, 9st. lib (J. Olson) 1 1 Fleetham, Bst, 91b (O. Emcrflon) 2 6 Tin Soldier, Bst. 21b (R. Jl'Lellan)' 3 Also Btarted: 9 Burrangong, 9st. 41b.; 3 Night Alarm, Est. 111b.; 5 John Reilly, 7st. 121b.; 7 Poloniut', 7st. 101b.; 10 Placid, 7st. 91b.; 2.War Hawk, 7st. Bb.; B'tOa.lma, 7nt. 71b. Fleetham led into tho straißht, but Samiel challenged, and won by a length and a quarter. The third horse was lengths away.' Time, lmin. 43 l-ssec. BIRTHDAY HANDICAP, of 400 sovs. One mile and a, quarter. 1 ltorke's Drift, 9st, 61b (J. Olsen) 1 3 Thaddeus, 7st. 101b (O. Emerson) 2 2 Marsa, 7st. 121b (G. Young) i. Also started: 5 Ardenvhor, Bst. 91b.; 4 Don Paciflco, 7st. Don Paciflco and Marsa led at the start, Ardenvhor losing two or three. lengths. ltorke's Drift mado ■ his run at tho distance, and won easily by two and a half lengths. Tho third horse was a neck aVay. Time, 2min. 8 2-saec. OTAGO STEEPLECHASE, of 500 bovs. Threc f . miles. 6 Stone Ginger, list. 61b. (H. Lorrigan) * 9 Palladio, 9st. -71b. .......... (W. Grifilths) * 4 Sylva, 9sl. 71b (J. Weir) 3 *Dead heat for first place. ■

Also started: 2 Kirkby, list. 111b.; 3 Recharge, list, 61b.; 7 l'arouiata, list. 51b.; 1 Zarkoma, list, lib.; 5 Vascular,lOst.'3lb.; 8 Turehaua, lOst. lib.; 10 Golden Grape, 9st. lib. Vascular fell at the first, obstacle, and Recharge- fell at the second fence, Turchaua and Paremata following the example at the post and rails. Golden Grape lost his rider at the brush fence, and Zarkoma and Kirkby fell at tho post and rails, and Sylva fell over Zarkoma. l'alladio and Stono Ginger made a great race up the straight, tho former making a dead heat in tho last stride. Sylva was remounted, and secured third place. Only tho three finished. Time, 6min. 27 l-ssec. Kirkby was seriously injured and died after tho race. The Judicial Committee considered a Question of bumping in tho straight, but decided that neither jockey was to blame. TRADESMEN'S HANDICAP, of 200 sovs. . Six furlongs. 2 Kilboyne, Bst. 131b (A. H. Wilson) 1 4 Benefit, 7st. (It. Reed) 2 3 Kauwhcro, 7st. 111b. ... (0. Emerson) 3 Albo started; 1 Mohawk, 9st. 51b.; 7 Bul- ! lor, 9st. 41b.; 6 Glonspor.se, 7st, 111b.; 5 Robert Bell,' 7st. Ulb. Benefit led to tho distance, where Kilboyne took the lead, winning by a length and a hall. The third horse was a length away. Time, lmin. 16 3-ssco. HACK AND HTJKTEIiS' STEEPLECHASE, of 130 sovs. About two miles. • 3 Golden Butterfly, lOat. 31b. (A. M'Millan) 1 1 Ohappal Moh; list. lib. ... (M'lntosh) 2 4 Luigi, lOst. 51b (Griffiths) 3 Also started: 2 Wellwood, list. 131b.; 5 Captain French, lOst. 41b.; 6 Tho Stunner, lOst. 21b. Wellwood fell at the second obstacle, and broko his neck. Ohappal Moh led over tho double in front of tho stand, where Stunner ran off. Golden Butterfly closed on Ohappal Moh four furlongß from home, and won by a length and a half.. Tho third horse was six lengths &waj-. Time, 4min. 49 2-ssec. MOMONA HANDICAP, of 100 sovs. Soven furlongs. 6 Linden, 9st. 51b (A. H. Wilson) 1 I'Muzzle, 9st. 71b (Emerson) 2 6 Kilmeedy, 98t. lib (Dawson) 3 Also started: Achillous, 9st. 31b.: 2 Glenshine, Bst. Ulb.; 11 Zephland, Bst. 91b.; 12 Leaping Burn, Bat. 61b.; 8 Takedown, Bst. 51b.; 4 Bon Sign, Bst.; 7 Belgian King, Bst.; 14 Moneymaker, Bst.; 3 Royal Star, Bst.j 13 Black Mountain, Bst.; 10 All Pink, Bst. Zephland led to tho straight, where Linden came through and won by two lengths. Kilmeedy heat Muzzle by half a length. Time, lmin. 30 4-ssec. WINTER WELTER HANDICAP,,of 150 sovs. Ona mile. 6 Helicon, Sat. 41b (A. RuthVen) 1 6 Kilbrogan, Bst. 81b :. (Dawson) 2 1 Hot Air, Bst.. (A. Wileon) 3 Also started: 3 Aycliffe, Bat. Ulb. 4 Kazan, Bat.; 7 Wild Pilgrim, Bst.; 8 Kaminohe, Bst.; 4 Borodino, Bst. Helicon headed tho held at tho five-furlong post, and won by four lengths from Kilbrogan, who beat Hot Air by half a longth. Time, 1 urn. 42 4-sseo.

ACCEPTANCES FOR SECOND DAY. Acceptances for tho second day are:— FAIBITELD HURDLES, of 150 sovs. One mile and a half.—Naupata, 12st. 131b.; Master Hamilton, Hat. 61b.; Silver Shield, lOst. 31b.; Oiral'da, 9st. 131b.; St. Cletus, 9sl, SILVEKSTEEAM HANDICAP, of 100 sovs. Seven furiongs.-Samiel, 10st.; Burrangong, 9at. 31b.; Night Alarm, Bst. 91b.; Achillcus, 831. 81b.; Glenshine, Bst. 61b.; Tin Soldier, Bst. 31b.;.Takedown, 7st. 91b.; Bonsign, 7st. 71b.; John Reilly, 75t.71b.; Placid, 7st.7b.;' War Hawk, 7at. 71b.; Calma, 7st. 71b.; Black Mountain,' 7st. 71b. r PEOVINOIAL HANDICAP, of 200 sovs. One mile.-Korko's Drift, lOst. 91b.; ■ Kilboyno, 9st. 61b.; Mohawk, Bat, 131b.; Thnddcus, Bst. 31b.; Marsa. Bst. 21b.; Gunrest, 7sl. 131b.;' Helicon. 7st. 131b.; Don Pacifico, 7st. 21b. WINGATUT STEEPLECHASE, of 350 sovs. About twomilos and a half.-Stone Gingor, 12et. lib.; Recharge, list, 61b.; Paremata, list. 21b.; Zarkoma, list, lib.; Eongaherc, lOst. 131b.; Vascular. lOst. 111b.; Pallftdio, lOst. 51b.; Turehaua, 9st, 131b.; Golden Grape; 9st. 71b.; Sylva, %l. 71b.; Golden Butterfly, 9st. 71b, WAIEONCIOA HANDIOAP. of 175 sovs. Six furlongs-Mohawk, 9»t. 71b.; Duller, 9st, 31b.; Multiplication, 9at.; Kauwhero, Bst. lib.; Qlcnsponse, 7st. 71b.; Benofit, 7st. 71b.; Spcctual, 7st. 31b.; Kilmeody, 7st. 9!b. HACK AND HUNTEES" STEEPLECHASE, of 130 rovs. About, two miles.-Turehaua, list. 111b.; Sylvn, list, 51b.; Golden Buttorfiv, list. 21b.; Ohappal Moll, list, 21b.; Silver Shield, list. 21b.; Luigi, Wat, lib.; Captain French, 9st. 91b.; The Stunner, 9st. JANEFIELD HANDICAP, of 100 sovs. Six furlougs.-Samiel. 9at. 121b.; Klhncedy,. 9st- 21h.; Achilleus, Bst, 131b.; Leaning I Burn, Est. 21b ; lied Elver,' Bst.; Royal Star, Bsi.; Belgian "King, Bst.; All Pink, Bst.;-j Calma, Out.; Black Mountain, Bst. I INVREMAY WELTER HANDICAP, of 1.50 sovs. Ono milc.-Sc'dd-cl-Bahr,9st, 71h. : Palisade, Bst. 111b.; Hot Air, Bst. 1111).; Kilbrogan. Bst. 111b.: Don Pacifico, Bst. 91b.; Aycliffe, Out. 71b.; Kazan, 7st. 13 >.; Borodino, 7st. 131b.; Burrangong, 7st. 13 b.: Flectham. 7st. 131b.: Knniinolie, 7st. 71b.j Wild Pilgrim. 7st, 71b.; Polonme. 7st. 71b.

NOTES AND COMMENTS

fBY GriBKCOB.I

Secretary \V. H. i!. Wanklyn, who was taken seriously ill on the eve of tho taster Meetiug nt Jlicoarton, is still unable to attend nt his olllco, and last week tho O.J.C. granted him a further two months leave. ... The Auckland Meeting will ho conclude;! at EUcralio to-day. The principal event id the Winter Steencchape, three miles. At Wirigatui to-day the Winter Meeting of the Dnnedin Jockey Club will bo brought to a conclusion. An excellent suggestion wan made at the annual meeting of Ilia Geraldine Eacmg Club, whereby all the clubs in the South Canterbury district should form a racing circuit. The idea is for the Ashburton, Geraldine, South Canterbury, and Kurow Clubs to arrange their meetings at intervals of about, a week. This would enable trainors from other parts to go from ono to another with their teams, and uo avoid tho heavy expense of making separate trips from home. J. M'Oombo has put Bolair into commis-

■ siiu again. Sho looks big and well, and is apparently quite sound. ' Ihe recent eUorls of Art, when tried ovor uie steeplechase fences, have not been entirely satisfactory, and it is understood that, tho idoa ot converting him iuto a erosHriioumry punoi-iuor will bo abandoned. Ho is an accomplished jumper over nurdlea and ho should be equal to winning further honours in that department. It ib reported thit Mr. G. Fulton has. sold the imported mare, Winter Cherry, to Air. E. S. Luttrell, and she is expected to. joint It. Hobbs's team at an early date. iho Otaki Meeting opens to-day_ and will bo. concluded to-morrow. At the timo of writing the weather promisoß fair and the public, though without train facilities, will no doubt roll up in large numbers. The opening event is the Maiden Plate, six furlongs, for which there aro 26 entrants. Amongst the probable starters aro Livland, who has been placed several times, Desire, and Ahika. In tho Plying Hack Handicap, six furlongs, the top-weight is Galore, with WapPlng next. The latter may go out favouriti with Flyiug Gowrio and Ayah also well supported \ _ Turaugapito will have many admirers in the Cup, but as he is such an uncertain customer at the barrier he may be called upon to give the field a start. Gold Soult is very well and can be depended upon to shape pleasingly. A likely ono amongst tho light-weights is Bagdad, who can get ten' furlongs well. Ho was greatly fancied for tho Hawke's Bay Cup, but was not fortunate on tho journey. As ho ran two such good races at Wanganui in open company, Arlington may be favourite in the Hack Steeplechase'. The fences aro not very wide, and the rider of the top-weight will find it a difficult matter to keep him on tho course. Onipoto is a good safe conveyance, and a sticker at the end of the journev. Yellow and Black has been going well at Hastings, and may bo one of tho favourito selections when the machine closes. The top-weight in tho mile "Hack Raco Is Hylatus, but the chestnut has not had a race for a considerable time and can be written out. Lord Nelson and Torchlight, can both get tho distance well while Marlborough form points to the Trentham stablo mates, Itienzi and Bluo Gown. ■ The Rahui Handicap is a problem for backers, but the Wanganui place-getters, Rawakore and Movement, will no doubt come in for solid support. Lady Black has not been raught in the humour lately, hut a bad run at Wanganui did not assist, her and sho may do hotter to-day. Arrow/icld and Mann, both of whom act well when the sling is out of the ground, are sure of support, for the Birthday We!to-. 1 Handicap, iii which several of the runners will be making their 6econd appeal, a nee.