SPORTING NOTES.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2199, 14 March 1881, Page 4

SPORTING NOTES.

By Sihbab. From the report of tho Dunedin meeting it appears that in most respects the _ fixture was a most successful one. The majority of tho events did not bring out any very large fields, but moat of tho races were very keenly contested, and the weather being fine and the attendance unusually large tho stewards are to bo congratulated on tho results. And, apropos of results, the totaliaator was a tremendous success, the club netting £759 profit from tho use of the machines, whioh have now become tho property of tho club. Tho Oup Race, of whioh so much has been written and said, was, as I always predicted, a very easy win for Sir Modred. It must be allowed that those in whom I expected ho would find his most formidable opponents, viz., Le Loup, Virginia Water, and Titanic, wore enforced absentees, and this detracted considerably from the interest of tho race. On Dit just, about ran up to the form I exp.cted sho would chow, and the Governor rath r better. The victories of the winner in the Oup, and of tho last-named horse in the Piute, seem to have been very popular. Mr Campbell got into hot water with backers for scratching tho Oup winner for the D J.O. Handicap. I presume his owner was frightened of the penalty, and preferred what so many are fond of—a little oertainty. There appears, however, to have been a good deal more dissatisfaction over tho scratching of Natator for tho Forbury Handicap. 1 was not present at the meeting myself, but on my journey to Invercargill directly after the meeting I clipped the following from “Beacon:”—“Tho second matter was the action taken with reference to Messrs Linoo and Robinson’s Natator and the For bury Handicap. The weights for this race were not declared till Friday night, and acceptances wore not duo till 10 p.m. Natator was accepted for, and was all that evening and during tho next morning backed by many people until at 11.10 a.m. he was Boralched. Now all this was quite bad enough, bub it was not the worst. When racehorses ore going away by a morning train horse boxes have to be engaged tho night before of the railway authorities, and it appears from statements of aomo of tho railway employes that o box was engaged for Natator early on Friday evening, about seven or eight o’clock, and that ho loft Dunedin for Christchurch by Saturday morning’s express train. In other words, ho was accepted for with the full knowledge that ho would not sot a hoof on tho racecourse on tho Saturday, and he was kept in the list of acceptors until he was three or four hours' travelling distance from Dunedin. 1 have suggested that there might be a lame sort of reply for the Sir Modred business, but what can bo tho reply to the Natator affair ? A tremendous amount of indignation baa been expressed at this conduct, especially rssomo of tlie public state that they were also misled by certain people supposed to be “ up to ’.’ everything connected with “ the stable,” apparently backing Natator for tho race in question, when they of oourao followed suit —and dropped their money. There has been a general cry for tho Jockey Club to take up this matter and sift it thoroughly, and if no one has yet written to tho stewards with that object, they will possibly be induced to taka the desired action when they read these remarks and others that have appeared in print. Until I see what step is taken I shall refrain from expressing my fall opinion of tho affair.”

Wo have hoard, of coarse, nothing of tho other side of the question, and as there seems likely to be an enquiry by tho Dunedin Jookey Club into the matter, I shall follow “ Beacon’s ” example, and, “until 1 see what step is taken, I shall refrain from expressing my opinion of the matter.” The southern victory, as I understand, had the effect of inducing a wish on the part of several wealthy and influential citizens of Dunedin to got a team that will be a credit to tho colony. Wellington and Sweetmeat have, 1 hoar, been enquired for ; but, be this as it may, I believe tho geutlemen alluded to really moan business. I learn from those who were present at tho sale of Mr Gardiner’s youngsters that Messrs Mason and Yallance got rather a nibble in the Tubal Cain—Topaz oolt, who is described as a model of symmetry. Topaz, by the way, is own sister to First Water, who, as will bo seen by a telegram elsewhere, won tho Australian Oup the other day. At Mr Dodson’s sale tho Oassivelaunus fillies out of Envy and Oastanetto were purchased for Canterbury, and appear amongst tho nominations for tho O.J.C. Handicap in the name of Mr John Lunn,. by whom they will be trained.

I find that I was wrong about the venue of the Grand National Steeplechase, which will be bold, os originally stated, at Timaru, Particulars of the Southland meeting are now to hand. This fixture was, in many respects, a groat improvement on that of the preceding yoar. The open races were a little limited as to fields, and the Southland sportsmen wove much disappointed at Sir Modred not appearing in any of the events for which he was engaged, the foot being that Cutts was frightened of the course, which was in one or two places very rough going. All those engaged in the Oup, with the exception of Volunteer and Sir Modred, started, and the race resulted in a clinking finish between liuna and Hilarious. On the second day Hilarious had only to meet Atlantic, who ran very unkindly, and Mr Prince’s horse won easily. The Tradesmen’s Handicap was another close thing between Hilarious and Luna, the former staying the longest and winning by a short half-length. The Agent gave Sat. to his two local opponents in the Hurdle Race, and easily defeated them. Sir Garnet won the Maiden Plate, and the District Handicap brought out a capital field, the race being a very good one. The course, which might be made a very nice one, has not lately received the attention that it might have, as the olub think that they will be enabled to have the use of the park, a public recreation ground in close vicinity to the town. Should they bo successful, the olub will receive any amount of support from the townspeople, as the present course is decidedly too far from town. The arrangements were vary good, and the weather delightful, 1 have to tender my very sincere thanks to the stewards and committee for the kindness and hospitality shown to your representative. Mr Redwood’s catalogue has now appeared, the date of the sale being fixed for Tuesday, April sth, at Spring Creek. Intending purchasers will have plenty of choice, for thoroughbred steak of every description and ago will be offered. The stallions are two in number, Anteros and Rama Rama. Fourteen brood mares will bo submitted, including such animals as Toi Toi, dam of Kakapo and Hornby; Raupo, dam of Mota; and Spritsoil, a daughter of Traduoer. Two other daughters of old Waimea are amongst the matrons—viz, Wai-i ti and Wainni. As it is almost needless to say, the •whole lot are of the now so much valued Sir Hercules blood. The two-year-olds consist of three nice fillies, oil by Maroro, and two geldings by Korari and Totara respectively. "The yearlings are also five in number, and of those tho om a out of Wai-i-ti and Toi Toi are by Traducer, and therefore daily becoming more valuable. The other three are by Puriri. Of the seven fools six are by Oassivelaunus and the other is by Albany out of Spritaiul. They are all well grown, and as Mr Redwood is as well aware as most men of the truth of the saying that most of a colt’s goodness goes in at his month, their condition may be expected to bo faultless. The horses in training are Norseman, Falcon, both fouryoar olds, the latter being by Castaway out of Old Deception; Frailty, 2 yrs, by Daniel O’Rourke out of Constance ; tho Dauphin, by Traducer out of Maria Theresa ; and last, but certainly not least, tho grand colt Mstaku, the son of Raupo. While regretting that tho sale under notice will loao the New Zealand turf such a Nestor os Mr Redwood. I hope ho may get remunerative prices for all bo otock, and that we shall soon see him again in the character of a purchaser instead of a seller, as on tho present occasion. Mr Noswortby advertises his sale for Thursday, April 21st. I have so recently written of his youngsters that I need only say that they are will worthy the attention of intending purchasers. Tho nominations for tho forthcoming Canterbury Handicap are most satisfactory, being sixty-five in number, which 1 think is the largest entry ever mode in New Zealand. I have sometimes wondered that it so seldom happens that wo receive any Australian entries for tho big races ; but I think this may bo accounted for from the fact that tho clinkers on tho other side can find metal more attractive on their own courses and more profitable to their owners than in Maori land. As to their second ■ class ones, they would not da more than ¥ay their way here, it they did that, n reference to Australian entries, it wonld be most advisable for Mr Gardiner and other owners who intend shipping occasionally

yearlings to New Zealand, to nominate them for the best of the two and three-year-old engagements in this colony. The expense would not bo very large, as in no case is the nomination foe more than two sovs., and forfeits aro so far almost unknown. The increase in tho value of the youngsters on account of their engagements would, I feel certain, be thus materially enhanced. Mr Smith, of Auckland (s»ys “Martindale” in tho Sydney “ Town and Country ”) a wellknown Now Zealand sporting gentleman, wishes mo to elate that there is not the slightest foundation in the etatement that Nolan’s death in New Zealand was the result of foul riding. His horse. Libeller, got his foot in a hole, which brought him down. King Quail came down at the same time, and Ariel, in attempting to clear them, must have struck Nolan, fracturing the base of his skull. Mr Smith’s Maid of Honour was racing in front of Libeller when tho accident occurred.

In the list of mares purchased in England by Sir Hercules there were only six given. It has now transpired that Sir Hercules also purchased Atlantis, by Thormanby out of Hurricane, by Wild Darrell. Several of the mares are, I hoar, on their way to Melbourne by the Sikh. Owners are reminded that nominations for tho Tiraaru Cup, Flying Handicap, S.C.J.O. Handicap, Hurdle Race, and Winter Oats Handicap ore due on Friday next, March 18th - . # A very good story in connection with the Dunedin meeting came to me a few days ago. A very genial Canterbury boniface, who had been at one lime a very popular sea captain, went down for the races to Dunedin. Looking down his race card he spotted the name of an animal engaged in the Hurdle Race as Sailor Boy. Knowing nothing of the merits of tho horses engaged, he thought he would support the “shellback,” and backed him accordingly on both the first and second doys, winning, to his great satisfaction, on both occasions. When tho layer of the odds came again on the third day, tho skipper, on the difference of the courses being explained to him, declined to support his favorite When the race was over he explained his apparent laches as follows ’ —“ You see, I felt sure those high latitudes (meaning tho sandhills) would never suit him.” Tho captain is understood to have declared that he never enjoyed a race meeting so much in his life.

I have received from Mr Perceval the programme of tho Auckland Autumn Meeting, tho date of which is tho same as Canterbury —Easter Monday and Tuesday. The items are as follows :—First Day—Tradesmen’s Plate Handicap of 50 sovs (1 mile), Ellorslie Handicap, for two and three year olds, of 100 sovs (f mile), Hurdle Race Handicap of 50 sovs (3} miles), Easter Handicap of 100 sovs (2 miles), Novel Handicap of 50 sovs (1 mile), Publicans’ Purse of 60 sovs (w.f.a., miles). Seoopd Day—Flying Stakes of 50 sovs (w.f.a., with penalties, I mile). Handicap Steeplechase of 100 sovs (3.J miles), Autumn Handicap of 100 sovs (1 2 miles), Selling Race of 30 sovs (1( miles), Shorts Handicap of |SO sovs (1 mile and 240 yards), and a Consolation Stake of 25 sovs (I mile). Nominations for tho Easter and Autumn Handicap and Steeplechase must bo sent to the secretary A.R.O. by 8 p.m. on Friday, March 261. h, while general entries close on Friday, April Bth. It is, altogether, a very sice little programme, and will, no doubt, attract u good number of horses. I am informed (says “ Augur ” in the “Australasian”) that tho reason why the Adelaide Racing Club did not endorse the V. 8.0. disqualification of Mata was that the informati.n was not forwarded to tho A.R.0., but that the courtesy was extended to the South Australian Jockey Club. If this be true, then the A.R.O. has soma ground for not taking any notice of the horse’s disqualification, because the A.R.O. is just as much entitled to tho information as the 8.A.J.0. I have received a similar complaint from the Canterbury Jockey Club, of New Zealand.

Among the sporting fraternity whe went over to Launceston last month to attend the races there was “ the Leviathan.” Settling on the meeting over, ho chartered a special train for the Sunday to take to the capital those who wanted to join the steamer leaving there next day for Melbourne. Groat, then, was the consternation in sporting circles in Hobart when it became known that Messrs Joseph Thompson and Louis Bernard had been arrested. It appears (says the" Hobart Mercury") that while journeying to Hobart they began card playing, and were so engaged when tho train stopped at the Jerusalem station, Sub-Inspector Anderson saw them, and immediately took them into custody and lodged them in the Jerusalem watch-house, where they wore able to cogitate over this rather unusual proceeding. When apprehended they gave as an excuse for their Sunday gambling that they belonged to tho Hebrew persuasion, no doubt thinking it “ hard lines ” that a Jew could not play a friendly game of cards in Jerusalem. Next day they were each sentenced to an hour’s imprisonment.