CANTERBURY DOINGS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2892, 11 August 1909, Page 55

CANTERBURY DOINGS.

By F»rxz.

We are still enjoying the marvellou* weather which has been co general this winter in Canterbury. Reports from tha North Island are to the effect that the conditions have been very unfavourable, an unusual amount of rain having fallen, but with us the season has been a record ono in the opposite direction. It would osrtainly be necessary to go back a good fewyears to find ; ts equal. Under the circumstances the trainers have had every opportunity of getting their charges ready forth© Grand National meeting, which will be in full swinj, this week. The courss and appointments haAe nevei -looked better than they do just now. Everything, in fact, points to the racing carnival this week being more than usually successful. In one respect the fine weather has probably not suited everyone. The track* are harder thac they generally are at this seasor of the - year, and a fevr horses have begun to chow the effects. The latest to go wrong is Jack Pot, about whom, sinister rumours are afloat, leading to the belief that he may not be seen out at the meeting. Irkh has also met with misfortune in the shape of a burst foot, and the prospects of his trainer getting him to the poet do not eeem bright at . present. , Penates had a narrow escape from serious injury while he was being landed at Lytteltora lasfc week. He got excited, and before he was quietened down he had cut bis hind legs considerably. It was fortunate that he cot off co lightly.. Otherwise

Jie looks well, but he appeared to Tie sore * efter galloping on Sunday morning. For some time past it' has been recognised that the stand accommodation at "Riccarton was insufficient for requirements, and it was decided recently to put a second storey on the outside stand for use by patrons of the paddock. The work has now 'been completed, and the stand will be available this week. A charge of half a crown is to be made for admission, the idea of the committee being to prevent overcrowding. That it will be rushed, I ihave little doubt, as the view to be obtained from it is far in advance of what can be got from any other point. The decision of the Canterbury Jockey Club in the matter of preventing the use of shoes or plates with sharp projections is one that will meet with general approval. There is no doubt that, in the past, many horses have been ruined, or at least seriously injured, through being galloped on in xa/oes by other horses wearing shoes of thie nature. There is probably a lot to be said in favour of them, in that they give a horse a firm grip of the ground and prevent slipping, but as they are certainly dangerous to other animals in a field their use should not be countenanced. Forfeits were due on Friday for the Canterbury Jockey Club'e Derby and Oake, and with 37 left in the former and 28 in the latter there is reason to regard the outlook as distinctly promising. So far as the Derby is concerned, nearly all the best of last season's two-year-olds iave held their ground, including Provocation, Expansion, Xautiform, Cronetadt, Xylophone, Ingoda, Broadsword, Sharpshooter, and Taskmaster, and there are also several others whose breeding makes it probable that they will dp something good later on. Among the fillies left in the Oaks there are none with very high two-year-old credentials, but Perle ~d'Or, Ristori, Dreadless, Ingoda, Zemlia, Ploughshare, FaehnakyJe, and Acma have all shown some form. The committee of the Canterbury Jockey Club held its monthly meeting on Tuesday. The following programmes were passed: — Waimate District Hunt, Geraldine Racing Club, Albury Racing Club, Kaiikoura Racing 1 Club, Wairau Valley Jockey Club, and Morven Racing Club. The following gentleman riders' certificates were ■granted: — A. J. Chalmers, J. Earehman, H. Elworthy, W. Glasson, G. W. Hardwick, A. G. Macdonald, 'J. G. Macdonald, T. 2V. Monk, G. Murfitt, J. D. M'Cracken, P. M'Craeken, J. M'Girr, T. W. M'Kay, C. L. Orbell, J. H. B. Oliver, L. Parkinson, J. H. Selby, A. H. Steele, R. J. Taylor, C. E. Thomas, R. C. Wilson, and W. J. "Wood. The following trainers' licenses were granted: — G. M. Aynsley, E. Blackanore, J. A. Bridges, W. Brown, H. J. Carr, W. C. Clarke,. T. W. Cotton, jun., T. W. Cotton, sen., .A. Cutts, E. Cutts, H. E. Gutts, R. lsen<ett, R. Ellie, R. Emerson, C. F. Evans, J. R. Franks, C. Giesseler, 1. H. Gillett, E. Griffin, K. S. <Groat, M. Hobbs, , F.. W. Holmes. F • Keeper, T. J. Kent, R. Longley, Jt. Mason, R. J. Mason, D. P. Moraehan, J. fi. Moynihan, J. A. M - Guinness, A. M'Aulay, J. Y. M'Cracken, W. M 'Donald, P. M'Grath, R. D. O'Donnell, W. Pine, jun., C. Piper. T. W. Price, D. Roberts, E. J. Roden. T. Sheenan, E. L. Smith, H. Thomson, S. Trilford. and S. "Watson. W. J. Taggart's application was granted with a severe caution. The following jockeys' licenses were granted:— J. W. Ashby, A. Ayres, J. T. Beard, T. GahilJ, H. J. Carr, H. G. Coker, E. J. Cotton, E. V. W. Cotton, C. Cusdin, L. Dahanay, R. Derrett, H. Donovan, F. Douglas, W. H. Emerson, C. E. Hack, J. Hagertv^ L. Hagerty, W. J. Holmes, L. G. King, R. W. King, J. Levi, W. S. Lloyd, P. Milne, G. Musson, J. M'Clusky. J. W. M'Combe, .7. Nolan, M. O'Connell, J. Pagan, R. Parker, G. A. Pine, J. Pine, W. Porter, E. Price. H. Prk-e, E. Redmond, W. Retter, E. Scoullar, A. Trilford, E. J. Tripp, and W. P. Thurston. The applications of H. B. Emerson, I}. J. Price, and "W. Pine, jun., were refused. The disqualification of D. J. Price as from August 1 was removed, and his jockey's license was granted. The following apprentice jockeys' licenses were granted:— J. L. Begbie, A. D. Chapman, H. Curran, A. M. Groat, C. A. Hughes. F. E. Jone3, J. Millar, C. Monk, H. Paul, T. H. Richards, P. Smith. J. Tait. J. Tapp, W. Weir, and G. Williams. It was decided to remove the disqualifications from all persons and horses which took part in the Kokatahi sports meeting. The following transfers were approved : —Trustees Mrs A. M. Ccombe's estate to Mm Fofcs and Mra Stewart, Master Soult, Tetrazzini, and Elyaia,n ; C. G. Dalgety to L. D. Acland. Martino, by Martin —Gipsy Maid; Mrs Shcedy to D. Sheedy, Fermoy. It was decided to vote £10 10* towards the publication of the Turf Register. Il was resolved that a portion of the new stand should be reserved for members and holders of complimentarj tickets, the remainder to be thrown open to the public, ■with a charge of 2s 6d. It was resolved thai horsss shod with shoe* or plates with sharp projections, which, in the opinion of the stewards, were likely to cause injury to other horees, should hot be allowed to • Uur. *nd ti at blackspmiths working on tne oounw should be warned to this effect. The monthly meeting of the New Zealand •TrcHin? Association was held on Wednesday. There were present — Me^rs P. Sejitj (president), C. S. Howel!, W. Hay ward, E. "Olaikson, W. G. fiarrard, A- L. Myers, and B. 0. Duncan. Apolojjies for absence were received from Messrs C. F. Mark and J. H. 'P^-lock. An application for registration Irorn the Southland Trotting Club, which, it was reported, had over 100 members, and -would give at least £250 in stakes for its inaugural meeting, was granted. A letter from the Tuapekz County Jockey Club asking the association to use its influence to prevent the clashing of dates in connection with its meeting and that of the (Southland Trotting Club, which proposed "to race on November 17, one of the days allotted by the Racing Conference to the iTuapeka Club, was referred to the Southland Trotting Club. Correspondence wa6 received from the New South Wales Trotting T3lub and the Victoria Trotting Association agreeing to send delegates to a conference with the New Zealand Trotting Association, ifco be held in Christchurch during the carnival week in November. A letter was read •from bhe Oamaru Trotting Club with reference to the claim of Mir H. B. Hubbaivl for expenses incurred by him through not fcemg allowed to start his mare, May Rothsjchild, at the club's meeting, after his acceptance had been received. The club, while not "admitting any liability, expressed its readine&s to abide by tho association's decison !After some dscussion, it was decided to susr geat to the Oamaru Trotting Clug that,

tuufer .the circumstances, Mr Hufcbard's application for redress was worthy of consideration. The Forbury Park Trotting Club wrote expressing the opinion that the whole of the expenses in connection with the Conocrah inquiry should have been borne by the association, instead of the association paying £33 and leaving the balance of £27 to be defrayed by the clubs interested. It was resolved to reply that the association, saw no reason to depart from its previous decision. A letter from Messrs Hill and' Frazer, solicitor©, on behalf of J. H&nna, who had been disqualified by the association, was received. A bonus of £5 5s was voted to the cost of publishing the Turf Register. Programmes as passed bjr the executive ■were approved, together with several additional programmes. An application for the inclusion of two trotting events on the Kaikoura Racing Club's programme wa6 refused. Permission was granted to the NewBrighton Trotting Club to hold its October meeting on the Metropolitan dub's course, as the club was making extensive alterations at its own course at New Brighton. It was mentioned that th« Minister of Internal Affairs had given his sanction to the change. On- the recommendation of the Foreign Horse Committee, certificates were issued for M'Kinney Child and Calculate, in the latter case subject to the receipt of further particulars. Licenses as recommended by the' Licensing Committee were granted. The applications of H. Watson, E. O'Brien', and H. E. Barnes were refused, and six others were held over. The committee reportedthat on June 26 a licensed rider and' trainer had been called on to answer questions as to some statements made by him, which he had subsequently admitted were untrue. The committee had ordered his licenses (now expired) to be returned to him, subject to a written apology, and with a caution as to hie future conduct. A meeting of the North Canterbury Jockey Club was held on Tuesday evening, Mr A. 8. Clarkson in the chair. The balance sheet of the recent race meeting was submitted, showing that the receipts had been £205 16s, the principal items being bookmakers' fees £70 ss, gates £54 4s 6d, and nomination fees £45 3s. The expenditure, including stakes £76 had totalled £123 14s, leaving a credit balance of £82 2s. The chairman congratulated the committee on the success of the meeting, and the balance sheet was adopted. An honorarium of £10 wa9 voted to the secretary, Mr A. J. Tut- ' ton. The resignations of Messrs B. Edwards j and H. Collyns as members' of the club were j accepted. The committee was authored to make further improvements to the course. The secretary was instructed to forward a letter of thanks to Mr A. Rosa for his services in decorating the ballroom. It was decided to increase the vice-presidents of the club to two, and Mr W. Cunningham was elected. A meeting of the committee of the Afihburton County Racing Club was held on Friday, Mr T. E. Upton in the chair. The approved programme for the spring meeting, to be held on Thursday and Friday, September 15 and 16, was received. Mr R. O. -Duncan wrote accepting the position of judge. It was decided; to eubxnit proposed alterations to rules 39, 53, and 54, providing that ballots should be carried out before meetings and that the number of stewards should be increased, to a general meeting. It was decided to mako bookmakers' license fees £15 15s per day, including clerks. The secretary was instructed to write to the Upper Ashburton Road Board requesting that the police should be given power to proceed against trespassers on the reserve on race days. The Grounds Committee reported that the work of planting in the saddling paddock and near the entrance gate, and the erection of 10 extra horseboxes and an exercising ring, would be completed in ample time for the next meeting. The New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club's meeting was commenced on Saturday in fine weather, and in the presence of a large gathering of spectators. The track was in excellent order, and the grounds also looked at their bttet. Twentyeight bookmakers were licensed, and the totalisator investments amounted to £8772, as compared with £6807 on the corresponding day last year. Some fair performances were regi«tered, but the sport was disanpointing, and not a single exciting finish was witnessed. A start was made with the Stewards' Handicap, for which the field numbered 16. Richard E. was in front for five furlongs, when Early Dawn took charge, and won easily by 10 lengths from Kaisei Huon, with T<» Kuiti eight lengths away, just in front of Troubadour and Lucky Mount. Thirtj-two was the main in "the Ladies' Bracelet, but with only six seconds between tho scratch and limit horses, many of the competitors haci their prospects ruined at the start. Silverette led till three furiongs from home, when she tired, and Dominion won by eight lengths from Silver Que, with Silverette 50 yards away. Sixteen lined up for •the August Handicap, the principal event of the day. Agese-mos, a four-year-old, by Rothschild— Mies Tracev, was whispered round as a certainty, and he justified the good opinions. Going off smartly he was never caught, and won easily by four lengths from Woodburn Lad, who beat Bright by two lengths, with St. Simon an-d Peacock close up. Ajesemos has a good turn of speed, and we have not seen the best of him yet. There were 12 starter* for the Alexandra Handicap. Phoephorous made the running fov a mil" and a-half, when Viewmoiit drew out, and won easily by six lengths from Jackaroo, who beat Kohine hv a hr-a-d. with Gladsome next. Twenty-thi-ef unhopploil trotters took part in the Ini lodiu tor\ Handicap. To Kuiti took chaige soon after the- «tart, and though Advonturct-3 finished well, she could never got on teims. To Kuiti winning comfortably by c ix lensths. Loid Vi\ian was five lenprths away third, ju^t cl^ai of Wild Palm, Lone Hand, and Myall A field of 13 took pait in the Selwyn Handicap. John M. was soon out in front, and Jie headed a procession all tho way, winning easily by eight lengths from Royal Ribbon, who took second place two furlongs from home, and beat Marie Narelle by a dozen lengths. Plush and Piecewoik being close up. The Elect nc Handicap attracted 15 starters. Jack Tiacey wa« ■ strongly fancied, but ho lost ground at 1 the start, and could only finish fourth. Arts Light led for five furlongs, when Croesus took charge, and eventually won by three lengths from Federation, with Nj?a Raima ; three lengths further back. The day's ' sport was concluded with the Speedway . Handicap, for which the field numbered 11. Tho American stallion, Harold Dillon, was in great demand, but he was done with early in the race, Rose-bery taking charge

" and winning by four lengths from Plush with Royal Ribbon a neck away, followec by Mada, Mambrino, Akabah, and Onward The feature of the day's racing was tin success which followed Mr Ed wards's stable that trainer turning out three- winners - Early Dawn, Agesemos, and Viewmont..