RACING NOTES

Evening Star, Issue 19659, 12 September 1927, Page 11

RACING NOTES

[By St. Claib.]

RACING FIXTURES. September 17.—Otago Hunt Club. September 14.—Danuovrrke H.C. September 15.—Dannevirke Hunt Club. September 24. —Ashburton County R.C. September 24 26.—Napier Park R.C. Septembei 24 26 —Avondale J.C. September 29 30.—Geraldine R.C. October I.—Hawke’s Bay J.C. October s.—Manawalu Hunt Club. October 6.—Kurow J.C. October 7. B.—Otaki-Uaon R.C. October 8, 10.—Oamaru J.C. October 8, 10.—Auckland R.C. October 13, 15.—Dunedin J.C. October 19, 20.—Carterton R.C. October 19, 20.—Cromwell J.C. October 21, 22. —Waikato K.C. October 22 24 —Wellington R.C. October 24.—Waikato Hunt Club. October 24, —Waverley R.C.

AN OLD TIMER’S VISIT TO AUSTRALIA No one now living .in Central Otago can talk sc interestingly about oldtime racing in Otago and the Goldfields as Mr Johnny Clare, of Omakau. He rode on nearly all the courses as a lad in the very early days, and a chat with him is always interesting. Recently ho paid a visit to Victoria and Now South Wales, and he was good enough to call on the writer and give some of his experiences of his holiday. During his trip ho ran across several who in the early days took an active part in racing in Otago. He met Mr John Edmond in Melbourne, who at one time was well known as an owner in Southland, and also acted as starter lor some of the clubs. Mr Edmond has got a very promising young one in work now. Another who was very well known in Otago in the early 'seventies he met in Sydney in the person of Mr Jack Samuels. Ho owned and raced a Eg Loup gelding named Shifurt, who was trained by Sam Mercer in those days. With Charlie Johnston, Jim Leo (trainer), and John Mayno (jockey) lie purchased Sultan for a Goldfields circuit. Mayne could not ride under the Canterbury Jockey Club rules, but was eligible to ride at meetings conducted under the Dunedin Jockey and tho Goldfields Clubs’ rules. They mapped out a circuit to include tho Alexandra, Clyde, Cromwell, Wanaka, and Cardrona meetings; but alter getting beaten at Alexandra and Clyde meetings and winning a small race at Cromwell tbs partnership was dissolved. Samuels was a very good runner, and as there was always a loot race on the programme or a day's sports following tho race meetings he had plenty ot chances of showing his speed. At tho Wanaka meeting he was handicapped to give the best’local runner 10yds in 100yds, and beat him very easily. On one occasion ho saved a child from being killed in a runaway in Princes street bv climbing into the hack of a spring cart as it was careering madly past tho old Post Office and taking the child, the only occupant_ left in tho vehicle, in his arms and jumping out. The child landed nnscratehed, though Samuels suffered some .bruises. A few chains further on tho horse charged into a post and completely wrecked the vehicle. Samuels returned to Sydney about ISSS, and has now retired alter a very successful career as a bookmaker. Ted Ilyau was another he came across, His uncle was a publican at Clyde in cho very early days, and owned a mare named Brunette. The latter ho sold to the la to Air James Hazlelt, and under Stuart Waddell’s training and riding won a. lot of races. A Cromwoll-born bny in Bob Solomon. another successful and now retired bookmaker, was another Mr Clare mob who was interested in Otago. His father, in partnership with a imm named Murrell, a watchmaker at Cromwell, owned and worked the first totalisator used in tho Goldfields. He visited Otago a few years ago, but since then has had to have a leg amputated. Air Glare was greatly taken with the horses ho saw at Sydney and Melbourne. and was naturally _ very sorry he could not wait to sco Limerick and Commendation clean up tho Australian cracks. Ho says the Sydney people are frightened of nothing bar New Zealand horses. Over there they claim Carbine, who was bred in New Zealand, as a great Australian horse, but Gloaming, who was bred in the Commonwealth, they describe as a Now Zealander. A VISIT TO RIVERTON After attending the annual meeting of the Riverton Racing Club last Wednesday 1 was tho guest of tho vicepresident, Mr Frank Trail, in a look round the course and horses now being trained at Riverton. The grass training track was where most of the work was being done, and as 1 timed one back to run six furlongs in just a little over Irnin 17sce it must bo in fairly good order. Though the plough was not in use that morning, it was quite dry enough to have been used, and tho course proper fit for last work. After seeing some of the other tracks in Otago and Southland last month, it is surprising to find our trainers going to Whishdykc, Oran, and Riccarton in search of suitable tracks. 1 have seen no better tracks at this time ot the year anywhere during the past three or four seasons, and it seems a pity that they arc not used by more than three trainers. Andy APKay’s team consists of four of tho defunct Souft Boy H.’s progeny, Pi ton, Spcarmaid, and the three-year-old gelding Arrowy, by Archery—Aliss Signal. The latter has grown into a fine gelding since he raced attractively at Wungatui last December and Ecuriiary as a two-year-old. He is well forward in his preparation lor the Dunedin Guineas next mouth, and if be races well there his owners intend starting him m tho Nmv Zealand Derby next November. APlTay thinks he will stay well, and ho certainly shows pace in bis work.

The Some Boy If.—Satisfied gelding has been tunned Bin Tin Tin. and though a little on the small, side he is a very smart galloper, and with the two-year-old by the same horse from Morse Signal, who lias been named Some Signal, is being prepared for the M'Lcan Stakes. Bin Tin Tin looks the better of the pair, and is certainly the more forward of the pair. The two three-year-olds by Some Boy 11. are»Lady Winton, from an Achilles, and Someform, a full brother to Bin Tin Tin. A. M'Kay’s horses are all well forward, aAd ho rides a great deal of the work himself. W. M'Kay’s team is a much smaller one, and includes Some Bose, who won the M'Lean Stakes last season, Baby Bliss,'by Solferino from Lady Blissful, a candidate for this year’s race, and Bed Leaf, by Marco Bello from Bed Gift.

Some Bose, though engaged in the Noir Zeala<M Oaks Stakes, is not in the Derby, a»d h*r first mission will bo the Dunedin Guineas next month. Sh» ha* filled out into a very fine filly, and he» trsaner is quite satisfied site will stay well. Baby Bliss is an exceptionally well furnished gelding, the best looking two-year-old by Solferino that I have seen. Ho, like Some Bose, is Very forward in condition and is a very smart beginner out of the barrier, a great asset in a two-year-old. Bed Leaf promises to develop into a useful hack, and is big enough to make a jumper, but his trainer thinks lie will be soma-us* on the flat

October 21. 26 —Gore II.C. October 29. —Upper Clutlm R.C. TROTTING FIXTURES. October I.—Wellington T.C. October T.C. October 15, 19.—Auckland T.C. October 22, 24.—Greymouth T.C. October 24. Oamaru T.C. November 8. 10, 11. Metropolitan Spring. November 19, 23.—Otabuim T.C. November 25, 26.—Forbury Park T.C. December 3, Waikato T.C. December 10.—Northland T.C. December 15, 17.—Now Brighton T.C. December 26,—Ashburton T.C. December 26, 27 —Westport T.C. December 26, 27.—South Wairarapa. December 26.—C0r0 T.C. December 28.—Winton T.C.

The only other team being worked at Riverton is 11. M'Nay’s, which includes Stnithnavcr, Divinial, Parader, and a livc-year-old maiden named Pupa to Soldier’s Hope. J. 0. Hymers has not taken Rattle Flag up yet, this mare still enjoying herself in the paddock. JOTTINGS The Hunt fixture postponed from last week will be held next Saturday, the first race commencing at 12.45. To Anau Maid, who is in foal to Soll'orino this season, will visit Last Dart. Mr Alan Cambridge arrived in Dunedin on Thursday evening t'vom Auckland. Mr L. C. Hazlctt's brood marc dropped a lino coll foal to Tractor during the week. A. E. Ellis with seven winning rides to his credit is at the head of the list of jockeys for the season. Nominations for the Knrow and Oamaru Spring Meetings close next Wednesday with the respective secretaries. Owners and trainers should note that the Knrow nominations close at 7 p.m. and Oamaru at S p.m. When the Hon. George Lambton retired as a trainer last year his stables and horses owned by his patrons were taken over by Frank Rutters, it was good business for the latter, as up .to July 15 of this year lie bad trained the winners of twenty-seven races worth £41,01!). The cup presented by Mr Alan Cambridge to the Kurow Jockey Club has been on view in Dunedin during the past few days, and it is very handsome trophy. The chib has added it to the stake of the Knrow Cup, and it is sure to attract the attention of owners.

'flic two stallions, Last Dart and Anomaly, at the Mantua Stud Farm, look to be iu excellent condition to commence their stud duties. Mr J. Harvey, who is in charge, was at one time in Mr J. R. Reid’s service, and Mr Hill was fortunate iu securing such an experienced man to take charge of his stud.

I have io acknowledge receipt of the booklet programme of the Dunedin Jockey Club, which, in addition to the programme lor the coining season, contains a lot of useful information. The club will give £22,325 in stakes during the present season spring ii store, £‘1,325 at the summer, £6,050 at the autumn, £7,225 at the winter meeting. Amongst the marcs on visit to Last Dart this season is one by All Red from hairy Rose. The latter mare was by Gorton from hairy Queen, hairy Lose was a fairly successful performer both on the Hat and over hurdles twenty years ago. Mr Alf Hill was very anxious to secure a marc with Gorton blood, as be thinks it will nick well with Last Dart.

Wales bad ils Derby at Chepstow this year, and it was a valuable race, being worth £1 .(>lO lor first, £2S(J for scorn!, and £IOO foi third. Of an original entry of 110 only live started, and Chan trey (Gainsborough—Chancery), who is trained by A. Taylor ior Mr W. M. G. Singer, won by ten lengths. As ho was favorite at ] I to 8, his success was generally appreciated. The three-year-old gelding by Songbird from Rhine Gold in R. MTCay’s stable a(, Invercargill has been named Mananui. and will race in the. same colors as Valdamo. Judging by the three-year-olds 1 have seen, Songbird leaves good looking youngsters, and they have just to he half as good ns lie aas to ho more than useful as racehorses.

The programme for the sixty-lirst annual race meeting held by the Cromwell Jockey Club has been issued, and the fourteen races have been endowed with £8:i0 in stake money. Again the programme has been con lined to hack events and trottit.ng races, and in the former the minimum weight lias been fixed at 7st 71 h.

Tlio Gore Racing Club’s programme for ils spring mooting will distribute C”J..‘!2O in stakes, £525 of which will fro to trotters Hurdle races have been reinstated instead of high-weight handicaps, and the. Gore Cup will carry £27-1. Tbc programme is a well balanced one, with three open, two hack, two trotting, and a hurdle race each day. The Nassan-Marsa colt has been named Night March, and has grown into a nice-looking .youngster. Rankhnrsfc has him well forward for Ills M‘Lean Stakes engagement, and during the good weather he was able to spin him out. As bo is growing quickly it is more than likely Mr Kain will not race him much as a two-ycar-old, and may even turn him rut after tbo Dunedin Spring Meeting.

Strathpepper, tho dam of Set Sail, who has always been _ a very .shy breeder, is not in foal this season. She goes back again to Solferino tin's season. Dr Rogers has a yearling running out at his farm at Waimahaka. by Solferino from Strathpepper that he. expects good things from, and according to report be is a good one to look at.

Solferino, though now twenty-two years old, lias wintered exceptionally well, and does not look half his age. His wonderful constitution has certainly 1« n passed down to the 1 est of Ids stock racing in the south—to wit, Mantua, T/istetning Post, and Set Sail. Mr Kain informed mo this week that Solfcrino’s list is practically lull again this season.

The Invercargill tracks had improved wonderfully during the past fortnight until the heavy rain which fell on Monday and Tuesday. Prior to that the local trainers were aide to send their horses along, and, like the Rivertontrained ones, will be found well forward when they strip for racing. It was particularly bad luck for the Otago Hunt Club that (be weather should have broken so badly on Monday and Tuesday, necessitating the postponement of their annual race meeting. By arriving at this decision

early on Wednesday the committee was able to save most of the visaing owner? and. trainers the inconvenience of travelling to Wingatui this week. The club was fortunate in being able to put the meeting off until nest Saturday without interfering with another fixture. The meeting promises to bo a good one, and a lot of interest is always taken in the first appearance of the open horses Equerry, ia S. Pankhur«t’s stable at Invercargill, is working very well, and is in forward condition for the spring racing. Ho will be found a much improved horse this season, and a very likely proposition for longer distance races. At the present time he still stands his engagement in the Now Zealand Cup, hut whether that is to he continued will depend entirely upon the form he shows at the early spring meetings. No mare ever enjoyed the popularity that Mantua did when she wa? racing in Otago and Southland, and her many admirers will be interested to know that she is duo to foal to Last Dart this week. Looking at her on Thursday, it was difficult to recognise the game little mare rtdio used to carry Mr A. Hill’s colors so successfully, for she was looking at her worst. Her coat is just changing, and after the heavy rains at the beginning of the week there was plenty of mud about; but she is healthy and well. To help perpetuate the name of this good daughter of Solferino and Roso_ Saltnrne, Mr Hill named his conveniently situated stud farm after her, Tho question of control of racing in the earl}’ days has often been discussed by those who took an interest in the sport many years ago. It was frequently the case that someone would get disqualified at one fixture and yet bo eligible to take part in a meeting not many miles distant. In an interesting chat with Mr John Clare, of Omakau, this week he informed me that he had looked up the old files and found that prior to 1870 there were three sets or rules existing in the South Island—viz., those prepared by the Canterbury, Dunedin, and Dunstau Clubs. Up to 1874 the Cromwell Club raced under the Dunstan Club’s rules; then the Cromwell Club adopted its own; and in 1876 the Nevis Club, besides several others, raced under the Cromwell rules. The Now Zealand four-year-olds Limerick and Commendation, who have attracted so much attention lately here and in Australia, are horses of very different typo (says the ‘Lyttelton Times ’). Commendation is a big-bodied horse, who was well furnished when ho commenced racing in the spring of his two-year-old season. Limerick, on the other hand, was immature and very much on the leg as a youngster, and he was obviouslv not done growing until a few months ago. He improved a lot in appearance even after his trip to Sydney last autumn, and it is only recently that bo has commenced to look a really good horse. All things considered, it must be realised that he did wonders as a two and three-year-old, when only half-furnished, and now that he looks the part of a real horse for the first time it is reasonable to expect that he will develop into an exceptional performer. . Even when he was laboring under physical disadvantages lie boat Commendation twice over seven furlongs as a two-year-old, the second time with all the conditions of the race against him. Commendation is a good horse, hut, provided nothing goes wrong with him, Limerick is likely to demonstrate this season that he represents the highest weighl-for-ago class. Ho is a great stayer, and his stamina will be in evidence later in the present Australian campaign. SIRES OF GOOD BROOD MARES In England up to July 6, Bachelor’s Double was the leading sire of brood marcs. For the whole of last-year he was second to his sire, Trcdennis. Cal) ]3oy and Coronach are by Hurry On out of Trcdennis mares. The figures in parenthesis indicate the number of mares by cadi of the leading sires in the last volume of flic English ‘ Stni Rook ’; —

1 - I * I!;iri'.i:lor's Donbb- fC.b by Tri’dvnnls out of l.miv bv I.e Noir a 8 10 x . u 20,840 William lb.’ ’Third bv Si. Simon out o! liravit, by Wisdom n 9 il! 10,032 Orbv f(i!b. bv Ornm out of' Rhoda U., by Hanover 17 18 -•H 12,0% CMbne 1.17', by Rona Vista out of Arcadia, bv 1-sonomy 4 4 0! 11,057 GiillinuR" bv Munoniv (in'; of Mooibrn, by ll'-nnil 10 12 I:U 11,218 Rridgr nf Kem ‘Dab by (,'ylb’iK: oni of Sanu Hrii’ida, bv Sr Simon 4 4 8 11.14(1 Chancer (CW, by Sr. Simon out of Canierbury Pilgrim, by Tristan ... 7 8 13 10,827