SPORTING.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2117, 6 December 1880, Page 3

SPORTING.

The following weights have been declared for the Amberley races. Ambbbley Cup. 2 miles 1 furlong. st lb ( st lb Kandwick ... 90 J Doubtful ... 5 7 Lady Florence 6 0 | Nobthbbw Handicap. 1$ miles. Bandwiok ... 9 0 1 Levant 6 7 Talent 8 7 1 First Attempt... 6 7 Clarence ... 7 7 I Ladv Florence 6 0 Blueboy ... 6 12 ] Sludge 6 0 Huntingdon ... 6 9 | Hubdlk Back. 2£ miles. Clarence ... 12 0 Tam O'Shanter 9 0 Mireille ... 10 7 Supplejack ... 9 0 Levant 10 3 Modesty ... 8 9 EobinHood ... 9 7 Waikari ... 8 7 Shark 9 7 Kathleen ]... 8 7 A Bob In ... 9 7 E. Griffith. December 6, 1880. BPORTING NOTES. Br SIKBAD. It is only natural that sporting writers, like the rest of the world, should think their own geese the best of swans. It is, I pre. sume, on these grounds that my two Southern confreres pronounce with one accord that the handioap for the Dunedin Cup " commends itself as the best that has appeared for a long time." Handicaps, of all things in this world, are matters of opinion, and I think I gave mine on the Dunedin Cup pretty plainly last week. If necessary, I am willing and able to go more minutely into the question, but just now I think that, considering the handioap has only appeared a few days, there seems to be a most extraordinary similarity of opinion between "Beacon," " Mazeppa," and myself, as to the three (none of us usually restrict ourselves to a trio so early in the day) who are supposed to be in it. " Beacon " awaits j his leisure to make a full analysis, which I shall really look forward' to with a very unusual amount of interest; for if he can show : that, to nse his own words, " there are a lot in it," I shall indeed be surprised. Alter one little word in " Beacon's" remark, just quoted, and I'm with him. 'fßeacon" is a good tipster, but that would be the straightest he ever made. Both he and his confrere " Mazeppa" agree on the faot that Le Loup might have had a pound or two more, while, as "Beacon" says, "Virginia Water and Sir Modred have nothing to complain of." They are right. It's without exception one of the worst handicaps I've seen sinoo I came to New Zealand, but the owners , of -Le Loup, Sir Modred and Virginia Water won't say so. When Mr Caleb Moore, who could make a handicap when he chose, pitchforked Mata into this very event, there was a great howl over it, and I must say deservedly so; but I consider this time that owners have a greater reason for complaint. "Mazeppa" I see observes in his notes that when the weights for the Dunedin Cup appear there is generally a rush to get on to some presumably " good thing," but he adds, "the takers of the odds were unusually timid this time, and although there was a large attendance at the rooms, very little business was done." I can quite understand this, and if I am any judge at all, the betting on this year's Dunedin Cup will be very harmless from beginning to end. And now a word or two about Mr Griffith, who, I am free to confess, has been a personal friend of the present writer for many years past. I state the faot for the benefit of " Beaoon," who, I fear,'is prejudiced enough to think that no good could ever come out of such a Nazareth as poor Canterbury. " Beaoon " commences his analysis of the Wellington Handicap as follows :—" This is as bright a production as ever any Canterbury handioapper produced." The slur thus cast on the few handicappers this poor province has yet brought forth, is to say the least of it, a little undeserved. Our former handioapper, Mr Lance, gave during his regime, I think, very fair satisfaction all over New Zealand, while I have recollections of handicaps made by the veteran Mr Hustler and Mr Stead (before he went into racing) that would take a lot of beating anywhere. Mr M. Sherwin, too, can bring them together when he so pleases, and if any other province can produoe out of their raoiog annals a better lot I cry peccavi. So far as Mr Griffith is concerned, his labours for the Canterbury Club at the recent meeting, and their results, have been before your readers, who can judge for themselves. It would, I may perhaps be permitted to observe, almost seem as if they had proved satisfactory, as both Auckland and Wellington (the latter being, so far as I am aware, averse to an outside handioapper) have selected him to fix their weights. My remarks on the Auckland Handioap appeared last week. I shall give my opinion on the Wellington one according to promise below. Meanwhile, though, for reasons stated at the commencement of this paragraph, I distinctly disclaim any wish to press Mr Griffith's claims for the office of publio handioapper, I oan truthfully say that on paper both his handicaps are far and away superior to that of Dunedin, and I think—indeed, I am sure—that the results will prove lam correot. One word more and I have done with the subjeot. Every sporting writer in New Zealand has a perfect right to express his opinions as to racing generally, but, as Admiral Bous said of owners, "we should give and take." To be continually ascribing ill motives to men who run straight, to nag perpetually at what I should call a friendly opposition club, is scarcely the way to encourage that amicable feeling between sportsmen which, I believe, is natural to New Zealand racing men, and which I hope may long continue to be so. Owners are reminded that the nominations for the Napier Handicap of 500 sovs., and for the Handioap Hurdle Race of 150 sovs., must be sent to Mr F. D. Lnokie, secretary, Hawke's Bay Jockey Club, before the 18th December.

'Tho weights for the Heathcote handicaps are now out. The District Hurdle Race seems to lie between the two top weights, Mireille and Levant, but unless the temper of the former is greatly altered, I should prefer to trust the honest little Levant. Sixteen have nominated for the Trotting Handicap, which is supposed to be a very interesting oonteet, but with a possible -embryo Maud 8.. amongst the unknown ones, it is not easy to hazard any guess as to the probable winner. Of probable-starters, I should select Virginia Water as the winner of the Cup, though I can't .quite understand why Volunteer should concede weight to Betrayer, particularly over such a distance. For the Open Hurdle race, I should select the top weight, Clarence. Acceptances are due to-day (Friday). The big Wellington meeting being later by several weeks than that of Auckland accounts, I suppose, for the fact that the weights for the Wellington Oup Are higher than those of Auckland. I scarcely think Le Loup can give Foul Play a stone over the distance, while Natator has nothing to complain of at Bit, nor Betrayer at Sst 21b. Hornby and Volunteer have both been allotted 7st 131 ban an impost that is decidedly flattering to the Yaldhurst representative. Grip seems to have enough with Sst 31b, though I should have thought his Leger running last season should have entitled him to concede mote weight to Betrayer. Fisoatorious at 7st 61b is certainly the pick of Mr Walker's trio, Libeller being in at 7»t Sib, and Grand Duchess at a pound less. Norseman seems {airly in at 6sfc 131 b, Sinking Fond boa a pound

(or two too muoh, while Hailstorm end Lara hare nothing to complain of at 7st 61b and 7»t 31b respectively. Soukar does not care much for two miles, but Virginia Water, who has reoeived.'agreat deal]of consideration in all uli the handicaps, seems to be well in at 7st 21b, re On Dit and Band wick I don’t care for, while tlo Bing Quail should be about with his light al impost of 7st 11b. Of the lighter weights I should prefer the chances of Lady Emma and Badswortb, but I think the finish will really _ lie between Pisoatcrious, Virginia Water, Foul * Play, and Lara. j(. On looking over the English files again I ,• discover that Lord Vivian’s two-year-old Orange Lily, by Blair Athol out of j Orinon (dam of Mr Stead’s mare. Crinoline), won a five furlong Maiden j from a field of four. Sportsman, ‘ winner of the Newmarket St. Leger ' Stakes, is brother to Mr Carter’s mare Miss Bate, while Bubleborn, who ran third to Thebaie and Lennoxlove for the Triennial Produce Stakes, is nearly related to Mr Redwood’s Anteros, the colt’s dam being own j sister to Adrasta. Bing of the Forest, bis

sire, is dy urianao. r “It is hoped,” eay* “Beacon,” “that the t * financial aspoot,’ bo mysterioutly referred to j is not io bad as to prevent the erection of a I new stand by next spring at the latest, for . the Canterbury course is sadly in want of a ( better structure than the present inconvenient , stand.” ’ Well, "Beacon,” I almost think you can r make your mind easy. We believe wo have nearly managed our “ mysterious financial aspect,” and when yon come to us next Metropolitan wo hope we shall be able to show yon a stand of which we shall be indeed gratified for a slightly favorable notice. Praise from. Sir Hubert “ Beacon ” would be praise indeed. I humbly hope we may deserve it. i “Spectator” says:—“We are pleased to learn that Mr John Rae, the 'wellknown steeplechase rider, has taken Mr J. W. Jackson’s stable on the sandhill, near the racecourse, and intends making use of them as training stables. There is no more suitable place in Wanganui for this purpose, as the boxes are roomy and well-ventilated, and the stable is handy to the training-ground. Mr Rae has several horses in work at present, among which are Astronomer, Grey Momns, and two fillies for the Wanganui Derby. We have no doubt that Mr Rae will soon have his hands full, as bis character for probity and straightforward conduct is well-known, and owners may be sure that if there is any running in the animals entrusted to his care they will render good accounts of themselves, as Mr Rae’s ability as a trainer is undeniable. We wish him every success. ” The same writer also has the following—- “ The whole of Mr Henry Redwood’s blood stock are advertised to be sold at Spring Greek on the 17th February next, together with stud sheep. The entires to be offered are Anteros, Lillipee, Rama Rama, and seven

yearlings by Puriri and Traduoer, somo tiro-year-olds by Daniel O’Rourke, and all the brood mares.” I am indebted to "Phaeton,” of the Auckland “ Weekly Nows ” for the following items: “A New Zealand sportsman in England is in treaty for George Frederick, the winner of the Derby in 1874. “ 1 am glad to report that the grand old mare Sylvia, the dam of Goldsborongh, Eobin Hood, and other celebrities, has dropped a remarkably fine colt to Musket, and, eo far as appearances go, the youngster is quite equal to any of her other sons.” “Phaeton” makes a slight mistake in bis answers to correspondents. He gives Tambnrini as a mare. Tam was a gelding, and was originally purchased by Mr P. Campbell in the yards for 18 sovs. He was by Towton out of Opera, and was one of the best and gamest animals that ever performed here. The “ Australasian ” has made also a slight error ae to Mata’s breeding. He is by Dead Shot out of Raupo. I remind owners, now that the year is drawing to a close, that Mr G. Elliott will close his entries for the forthcoming volume of the "New Zealand Stud Book ” as soon as possible after the Ist January next. Breeders are requested to send their returns as soon as -possible either to “ Martingale,” “ Canterbury Times ” office, or to " Sinbad,” Pekss office. Secretaries of race meetings held outside Canterbury would greatly oblige the editor of the now volume of tbe “ New Zealand Turf Register ” by forwarding accounts of their various meetings to " Martingale,” “ Canterbury Times” office, Christchurch. I have received from Mr Walter Boott, the honorary secretary, the programme of the Cambridge meeting which is to be held on January 12th and 13th, This will give the horses engaged at the Auckland summer meeting a chance of taking part in a very good programme. The following are the various items on the two days First day, Handicap Hurdle Race, of 40 sots , Cambridge Cup Handicap, of 100 sovs. ; Maiden Plate, of 30 sovs ; Flying Stakes, of 20 sovs ; and Maiden Steeplechase, of 20 sovs. On the second day we have a Maiden Hurdle Race for a silver cap ; Publicans’ Puree Handicap, of 75 sovs ; Waikato Steepleohaae, of 60 sovs; Grand Stand Handicap, of 25 sovs ; a Maori Race and a Consolation Stake. Nominations must be sent to the Secretary, or Mr W. Percival. Secretary A.R.C., Auckland, bsfore Friday, Dec. 31st. I see by telegrams that Mr Walters has had another turn with Billingsgate in Wellington, where the speedy son of Fanny Fisher carried off the Railway Stakes from four others. Lone Hand seems to have been an absentee from the Hurdle race, v hich went to Shamrock. Luna got home in front of Lone Hand and four others in the Spring Handicap, and Angler won the Consolation. Mr Redwood’s representatives, Norseman and Miss Domett had, I was sorry to see, again to he content with place honors. In Dunedin, at the same date, I was surprised to see that Atlantic upset a great pot on Le Loup in the St. Andrew’s Handicap. It was a very close thing, being only by a head. I learn from a correspondent that La Loup was beaten owing to Goodman making too much uoo of him through the fearfully heavy ground. The Spring Handicap went to Randwiok, who beat Hilarious and one or two of a more indifferent class. Clarence carried off the Hurdle race, the oft victorious Kildare being second. Scamp it seems broke bis neck. 1 was glad to notice that Mr George, in addition to the St. Andrew’s Handicap, appropriated the Maiden Plato with the aid of Nautilus.

Mr Mason was again successful on the seoond day, winning the President's and Grand Stands Handicaps with Volunteer and Randwiek. Clarence was again victorious in the jumping race, while lie Loup was scratched. The Auckland Tattersall's Olub has been recognised by the Racing Olub. "Augur" in the last "Australasian" states that it is doubtful if the Mata case will be be reopened, as the stewards' functions ceased a week after the meeting. Mr W. O. Yuille reports having sold on account of Messrs O. and A. Finlay, Glenormiston, the following brood mares: —Realisation (imp.), by Vespasian from Hopeful Duchess (sister to Brown Duchess), with a colt foal by King Cole; Pearl Ash (imp.), by Lord Olifden from Potash, by Voltigenr; and My Idea, by Tattendon from Ladybird, with a colt foal by King Colo (My Idea and Realisation are both served by the Marquis); and Pearl Ash, by Bolton Green (son of Bethnal Green and Beeswing), to Major George, Wapiti Hall, Auckland. They will shortly bo shipped to New Zealand. I see by Northern telegrams that Mr H. Stafford, of Kelson, has joined the majority. Mr Stafford in past years was a leading Now Zealand sportsman, and from his genial disposition was exceedingly popular amongst racing men. Of late years, owing to illhealth, he went out of racing, and it is very long since his colors have been seen on any course. The speedy Lacenfecd, now the property of Mr Seabright, was probably odo of the best ever trained by Mr Stafford. " Beacon," the sporting correspondent of the Melbourne " Leader " informs hia readers that Mr Yullance has sold out his share of Mata and Oamballo to Mr H. Prince. The two horses have gone into Mr Haines' stable to continue tbeir training. The same writer hes the following : " That fine brown colt in Mr F. F. Dakin'a ■table known as Darebin, by The Peer from Lurline, has been sold by one Taamanian gentleman to another inhabitant of the island for a fair sum. He is a very powerfnl colt, with an excellent turn of speed, though at present he has not shown any ability to stay. We are bound to get something good some day from Lurline, and it cannot be said of her that she does not throw them big enough." Perhaps the following paragraph from the pen of the " Leader's "English sporting correspondent will oast some light on the defeat of Triokett:— "I bear strange rumours from those likely

to know concerning your man Triokett. That he a ' all to pieoes ' all are agreed, and, what is worse, he is suffering from a * fit of the blues,' whatever description of complaint that may be. His present condition is put down to ' that beastly climate of ours," and certainly this week the olerk of the weather appears in a strange mood, his visitations being best described by the statement that they all too quickly alternate from ' grave to gay, from lively to severe.' I am informed, too, that his training is too strong, and that a little leas work and a little more ' homebrewed ' would prove most benefioiaL I have seen racehorses get as stale as coach horses from overwork ; the same cause, therefore, is likely to make a Soulier as ' slow as a man in boots.'"