SPORTING NOTES.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2170, 8 February 1881, Page 4

SPORTING NOTES.

By Sikbad. Another meeting on tho “17th of Ireland.” A two days' meeting has been arranged to come off at Oamaru on March 17th and 18th. The following are tho items : —First day— Maiden Plate of 30 sovs; 0.J.0. Handicap of 100 sovs ; Landon Handicap of 40aova ; St. Patrick’s Handicap of 50 sovs ; SefKDg Stakes of 30 sovs ; and a Benevolent Scurry. Second day—Handicap Hurdle Race of 40 sovs ; Selling Hurdle Baco of 20 sovs ; Hack Race of 10 sovs ; Autumn Handicap of 60 sovs j Novel Handicap of 50Suva; and Consolation of 20 sovs. Nominations for the handicaps mast bo sent to the secretary, Mr John Hardy, on or before 8 p.m., 21at February, and general entries close March 16th. Mr M. Sherwin is tho himdicappor. Tho stakes at Tapanui on March 10th and 11th amount, according to “ Mazeppa,” to about 200 sovs.

Several important sales of thoroughbred stock are now on the tapis. First on the list is that of Mr H. Redwood, which will be held at Spring Creek just prior to the Dunedin Meeting. The Middle Park Company will hold their sale as usual immediately after the Canterbury Autumn Meeting; while Mr Nosworthy, I hear, intends offering his whole stud at aome near date, shortly to he named. Catalogues of all throe will shortly bo issued, when intending purchasers will bo fully informed of all animals to be submitted, actual dates of sale, &o.

I learn from “ Mazeppa ” that Maori, bettor known as Auckland, has arrived at Auckland from Sydney. My Southern confrere says ho is in a bit of a fog about his pedigree, which seems only natural, as tho “Stud Book” does not name him, and tho 11 Turf Register,” which has “ no doubts respecting his sire ” (Tim Whiffier), certainly seems to consider “ tho breed of his dam a thing unknown.” His only performances were winning a Maiden Plato at Bunangong, N. S.W., in which, by the way, Kangatira ran second to him, and winning tho Ladies’ Purre at the same meeting. He ran a fair second to Woodlands in the Maiden Plate at (Hawkeabury. Only moderate form it would seem. At the risk of being considered wearisome, I again remind breeders that Mr Rlliott will close the entries for the coming volume of the “ New Zealand Stud Book ” in tho course of a few weeks. Any owner neglecting to send his returns will be singularly forgetful of bis own interests. Judging from a paragraph I recently came across in the columns of the ” Turf, Field, and Farm,” tho turf nomenclature trouble is not unknown there. “ Breeders and owners,” says the writer, “are daily becoming more reckless in the matter of changing names of racehorses,” and after pointing out the confusion which is sure to arise from this senseless re-christening, he goes on to suggest that the best way to remedy the nuisance would be to charge a good high fee to tho nominator on the first occasion after the change of name. It would seem a good idea, and would possibly work well in other countries besides America.

At the recent sale of Mr A. Town’s yearlings in Sydney, some New Zealand purchasers were present, and some of the beat lots wore knocked down to Mr J. Smith, of Auckland, the owner end original importer of Tim Whiffier and Maid of Honour. The following are Mr Smith’s purchases 80, by Maribyrnong, out of Telopea, 140 guineas. This colt is own brother to that speedy filly Otira, who, as a 2-year-old, in Mr Wentworth’s colours, ran a dead heat for second place for the Maribyrnong Place, ran second for the Ascot Vale Stakes, and won tho Two-Tear-Old Stakes at the Sydney Amateur Meeting, beating the speedy Sapphire, and running tho six furlongs in Imin. 17secs. Should this colt be as good, he will be, indeed, a bad ’un to beat. 80, by Tattendon—Lady Blair, 135 guineas. Lady Blair, his dam, is an imported mare, by Blair Athol. Blk f, by Malta (better known as the Valetta colt), out of The Auk, 105 guineas, This is a nicely bred filly, as apart from his performances, which were of a high order, Malta is a very well bred horse, being by Kingston, out of Valetta. Auk, too, has a grand pedigree, being by The Marquis out of Seagull, by Fisherman out of Omen (imp.), by Melbourne. Mr Elliott, whoever he may bo, bought a couple of fillies, one by Yattondon out of Qulnare, and tho other by the same horse out of Ecstasy, who in his turn is, I think, by the Marquis out of Lady Exeter, by New Warrior. It is very satisfactory to note the fact, that in these purchases New Zealand will acquire additional strains of the famous Maribyrnong and Yattendon blood. Taking advantage of a fine afternoon recently, I was glad to accept an invitation from Mr Delamain to have a look at his stud mares and foals. Wo went first to a paddock down the Avon, adjoining the property of Mr Falairet, and here we found first Flattery, a daughter of Miss Flat, by Traducer, This mare never raced, and was put early to the stud. Running with her was a very neat colt foal by Totara. Further on was old Belle of the Isle, looking as well as when she won tho Canterbury Oup long years ago, Bhe has thrown no colt foal for several seasons, but her last, who was playing at her side, was an exceedingly fine filly by Leolinus. Though rather a late foal, she is well grown and set, and like most of her dam’s progeny shows quality all over. I liked, however, nearly as well a bay oolt foal of Folle Farine’s by Totara—a fine lengthy foal with beautiful action. Folle Farine herself, who it is needless to say is a daughter of Belle of the Isle, has grown into a big roomy mare, and one well adapted for stud purposes. She only, I think, appeared once on the turf, but was in work several times, her eventual retirement being caused by lameness, resulting from a kick from another youngster. On the only occasion in which they wore able to get her pretty fit she showed herself exceptionally speedy. After thia inspection wo drove out to Riccarton, and here in a sequestered paddock, with grass up to their knees, we saw a couple of elder relatives of those we had already interviewed. Those were a yearling colt by Javelin, out of Flattery, and a ohesnut yearling filly, by Leolinus out of Belle of the Isle. The latter is more like her stout sire than her younger sister is. She stands, like most of the Leolinus stock, on a rare set of legs, and her nicely turned quarters look like racing. The oolt by Javelin does not inherit the quality of his sire, but ho looks like one of the cut-and-oome-again sort, and should he get into good hands, will be heard of when his time comes, A three-year-old filly by Anteros, out of Atalanta (Mr Delamain’s), made up the lot. The last is a big, powerful filly, who has beeu broken in, but never trained.

While doing a strong gallop on Mr Lance’s private course, On Dit struck her leg. Though no serious damage was done her owner decided not to chance taking her to Wellington. She has cow, however, quite recovered. My confrere “ Martingale ” informs me that after much research amongst ancient tomes of the “ Lyttelton Times ” he has unearthed a pedigree about which there was some time ago much curiosity and argument—l allude to the pedigree of Maritana’s dam Hypatia. She was by Nutwitb, a horse bred by Mr Icely in Now South Wales, but who subsequently came to New Zealand. He was by Sir Hercules out of Flora Molvor,-and thus brother to old Waimea. Maritana, it may bo remembered, visited Koran this season. Thus the progeny, if any, will bo very inbred, as Korari is a grandson of Waimea.

Tho Dunediu general entries augu very favorably for the success of the Southern Meeting. The Forbury and Flying Handicaps have filled remarkably well, and though the cross country nominations are not so numerous as usual, the quality of those engaged is improved. Amongst the latter I notice the name of Artful Joe, a Victorian horse, who will make bis first Southern appearance at Dunedin, The Taranaki nominations are also very good, but, with one or two exceptions, are confined to North Island performers.

In the weights for tho Groymouth Jockey Club Handicap, Libeller is apportioned the rather flattering impost of list, but York at 10st 71b seems about the best thing in it. “ Beacon ” is publishing performances of animals engaged in the Dunedin Cup. Amongst these is Grip. I remind “ Beacon ” that this colt won the Dunedin Loger. Tho nominations for the Autumn Meeting Handicap were received on Tuesday last. For the Great Autumn Handicap there are twentynine nominations, as against thirty-two last year. Messrs Macdonald, the recent purchaser of Foul Play, end the gentleman who races under tho name of Mr T. George, being tho only noticeable ones among tho absentees. Tho Easter and Flurry Handicaps have filled very well. English files by tho mail bring little news of much interest. The staeplechasing season has commenced, and details are to hand of the Croydon and Sandown meetings. At the former the progeny of Uncas seem to have been much in it, as Bacchus won the Great Metropolitan Steeplechase, while Bed skin, Quadroon and the Squaw, all by Uncas, secured winning brackets. The Squaw and Quadroon also came off winners at Sandown. Hero Mr Gretton was again successful with Antient Pistol, who won the Grand Annual Hurdle Baco, Fair Wind carrying the Great Sandown Steeplechase. For the third time tho Middle Park stud has been broken up, on this occasion from the failing health of Mr Blcnkiron. Tho various lots seem to have realised very fair prices, and Sir Hercules Eobinson was amongst tho purchasers. I append his selections, which tho “Sportsman” appears to think are meant for South Africa, but are more probably the ones Sir Hercules was commissed to buy for New Zealand.

Bergere (1873), by Saunterer out of Lass o’Gowrio ; covered by Dutch Skater, last served March IBtb, Sir H. Robinson, SOOgs. (Beauchamp 11. by Victorious, winner of tho Kempton Park November Handicap, is out of

Bergere, one of the mares purchased at the Middle Park sale by Sir Hercules Robinson. Another of Bergere’s colts, by Dutch Skater, was sold for 310 guineas.) Rosette (1876), by Lord Lyon out of Rouge Rcse ; covered by Scottish Chief, last aervod March 30th, Sir H. Robinson, 350ga. Olyteronestra (1867), by Blair Athol, dam by Birdoatoher out of Mickleton Maid ; covered by Scottish Chief, last served April 4th, Sir H. Robinson, 135 gs. Madcap (1873), by Trumpeter, dam by Young Melbourne ; covered by Blue Mantle, last served February 27th, Sir H. Robinson, 55gs.

Mersey (1874), by Knowsley out of Clemonoe; covered by Scottish Chief, last served June 10th, 150 gs, Sister Agnes also fell to the nod of Sir Hercules, for 125 gs.

Mr J. S. Smith purchased for Australia a filly foal, by Scottish Chief out of Czarina, dam of Myra, for 320 guineas. Blue Gown, who was recently purchased by Mr Keene, the well-known American sportsman, died on the passage to America. He was a great performer in his time, and, it is almost needless to say, won the Derby, carrying f he colors of Sir Joseph Hawley. Beauolerc’s eubscription at the Croft Stud is very nearly full. Blair Athol’s fee at Cobham has been reduced to 75gs. In reference to winning owners in 1830, the “ Sportsman ” says :—lt may bo observed here that the position of Lora Falmouth at tho head of the poll is mainly attributable to the successes of Bal Gal, who, out of a total of twenty-one races, baa won eight, and debited £10,606 to the account of his lordship. Thebais has helped to swell Mr Crawford's sum by winning ten races and £SBIB 10s. For Prince Soltikofi Mask has won £5374 and five contests ; Thutio, seven races and £2291 ; and Scobell, three races and £1862. To the £12,571 won for Mr O. Blanton by Robert tho Devil in his five races in England, must bo added tho £6076 secured by his Grand Prize of Paris win, making the total amount taken this season by the son of Bertram and Oast Off £18,647. Bend Or, by his successes in the Derby and the St. James’ Palace Stakes at Ascot, has contributed to the Duka of Westminster’s total, £7625. I see, says the sporting correspondent of the “ Mark Lane Express,” that that good horse, Ohandos, has arrived out at Australia. They have certainly now got some good horses at the Antipodes, and I would not be surprised to sec them teaoh us a lesson at what we call our own sport, as they have done at cricket and rowing, by winning some of our more important races. They certainly possess some splendid jumping cattle, and, I think, would win a good mauy of our hurdle races. Their horses, there can be no doubt, would run better than those from America,where galloping is made subservient to trotting. In Australia racing means galloping, os it does here, and they thoroughly understand tho business. Now that tho flat-racing season is over, says tho English sporting correspondent of the “ Melbourne Leader,” it is interesting to learn that in the matter of “ winning mounts " Fred Archer, for the seventh year in succession, heads the list of professional jockeys, and since ho rode his first winner, ten years ago, he has ridden no less than 1423 times successfully. During the season just now closed ho has won 121 times—and bear in mind ho woo out of the saddle some weeks owing to an accident—lost 243, making his total in mounts 264. Fordham, the “Veteran George ” and the “ Demon ” as he is now and again familiarly termed, stands next on the list, with 105 wins for the season, and 260 lost, reaching a total of 365 mounts. During his now lengthy career 2369 wins have been placed to his credit, and it is noteworthy that although he experienced a break of several years through ill-health, at the present moment ho rides as well as ever, his brilliant and artistic finishes being now, as a dozen years ago, the theme of admiration. We are also reminded by a compiler of interesting statistics for the season of 1880 that thero has been a marked absence of “ dead heats,” though there waa a remarkable finish in tho middle of the season at Lewes for the Astley Stakes, three running locked together home for first place, these being followed by a couple that ran a dead heat for fourth honors. Then, again, in the list of “ objections” for the year a trio oil importance stand recorded, namely, for tho Derby, and for the Liverpool Spring Cup, and for the Cambridgeshire. Of these only one proved fatal, whilst of the whole seventy-five lodged, tho decision of the stewards was in but twenty-nine instances adverse to that of the judge. A bicyclist, who writes to the “Times, of Brooklyn, enthusiastically says :—“ As compared with horseback riding, bicycle riding is safer, gentler, readier and less monotonous, while its less expense and care place it within the reach of many who could not afford the other. Than gymnastic exercises, it is more natural, evenly distributed and stimulating, and it is oat of doors. Physicians, whose attention has been called to it, unanimously pronounce in its favor, and it finds a largo number of votaries among them. The testimony of many a professional man of sedentary habits and impaired health, to which I may add my own, is that of gratitude for its benefits and rejuvenation. Let me say a word in conclusion to the individual who refers to bioycle riding as a nuisance. Let me tell him that mauy things become a nuisance to a man who is biased, selfish and intolerant. To the driver of fast horses, children, horse oars, or any sort of pedestrians are a nuisance. To the horse oars, bakers and milk waggons and a hundred other vehicles that get on the track are a nuisance. Old soreheads call church bells calling people to the house of God a nuisance. And thus the thing goes. Some day one of these fellows will be calling gin mills a nuisance.