SPORTING NEWS

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 467, 30 April 1890, Page 4

SPORTING NEWS

AUCKLAND AUTUMN MEETING. Auckland, April 26. It is nob often postponed race meetings are a success, but such was the case with the concluding day’s racing of the A.R.C. Autumn Meeting. The habitutfs of the inside enclosure mustered in good force, and there was also a fair attendance outside, as will be gathered from the fact that £4,462 was passed through the totalisators, making a total of £9,249 for the two days, against £7,247 at the corresponding gathering last year. Tho Welter Handicap and Flying States provided the only close finishes of tho day, and the Steeplechase can be put down as the worst contest run over the coux-se. It was a race between Rocruib and Darn ley from the second obstacle, and then when everybody was anticipating a finish between the pair, Darnley fell. There are some who opine he "would have won, but I’m not among the number. The horse was run to a standstill, and he evidently wanted a lob more work in climbing hills. Hilda’s performance in the Autumn Handicap was a great one. There are some, I know, who pooh-pooh the field behind her, bub the mare won in such a ridiculously easy manner, and in heavy going too, that her victory in my opinion can bo classed among the “ records ”of the colony. Hilda has now run in twenty-three races, winning twelve, and she has only been twice unplaced. Backers received two severe shocks during the day. The Ellerslie Handicap was looked upon by those connected with Leolantis as tho greatest of “ morals,” bub to the dismay of his party and the many, he went down before The Dreamer, who defeated him fairly on his merits. The Dreamer is a colt I have always had a good word for, and it was a treat to witness the game manner in which he struggled down the straight and cut down Leolantis. The other facer to backers was in the Shorts Handicap, which on Antelope’s form in the Stewards’ HandicaD, justified her being made such a red-hot favourite. The daughter to Apremont gob badly away, but, in any case, I question whether she could have defeated Fiesole, who won easily, and thus secured a winning turn for the popular “ black and white hoops” of Major George. Asusual, Mr Percival worked bard for the success of the day’s sport, and did his part well. In conclusion, to do a grumble, I hope by the time next season comes round that the Club will have erected the much-wanted new stewards’ stand and weighing enclosure, and then, no doubt, we will have decent scratching and number boards, and the times of the races posted for public information. Strangers complain greatly, for they are two of the features of the arrangements in every other metropolitan racecourse in the colony. GRATIFYING. Everybody will be glad to see the name of “Mr E. James” occupy the second position in the list of winning payments over the Auckland Racing Club Autumn Meeting. The amount was gained by the victories of The Dreamer and Nigger, who were the only two representatives of the pretty “ blue body, white sleeves and sash ” that competed at the meeting. The credit of training the pair is due to T. Hodson, and

he was ably seconded by D. O’Meara, who is one of the most promising and steady lads that follow the profession. THE TWO THOUSAND GUINEAS. Next Wednesday the first of the English “classic ” races—the Two Thousand Guineas .—is run at Newmarket. Le Nord, a colt by Tristan from La Noce, is favourite.. He was bred in France, and although he is nominated by M, Lo Fevre, last season carried the colours of Baron de Rothschild. Le Nord started six times as a two-year-old, winning four of his engagements, among them being the rich Dewhursb Plate. The Australian-owned pair Kirkham and Narellan are among the entries. They are also engaged on Tuesday in the Hastings Plate. THE KIRKHAM STABLE. I see by the Sydney papers that the Hon. J. White has granted the use of the famous Kirkham stables, at Randwick, to bis ex-trainer, Mr T. Pay ten, for two years, so we can bid good-bye to seeing the blue and white banner unfurled in Australia for that period. The withdrawal of the colours of the Squire of Kirkham from Australian racecourses must be a blow to the public, and no one will realise it so much at future meetings as tho groat multitudes who periodically assemble at Randwick, Flemington, and Caulfield, and with lusty lungs cheer the representatives of the “ blue and white ” to the echo. During the years the Hon. J. White has been connected with racing and breeding ho has done more to elevate the turf and show how racing can be carried out than anyone I am awaro of. The dispersal of his horses will have a great effect on the future of racing in Australia, and it will bo interesting to note

with what result. For one thing it may probably resuscitate the interest taken in the Victorian Derby, which for some years past has been jocularly termed “ White’s benefit.” FIRST NELSON. One of the grandest-looking yearlings in Auckland is located in the Lake Takapuna district at the residence of “Mr E. James.” The colt is the first of Nelson’s progeny, hence the name. I renewed acquaintance with him the other day, being accompanied by several lights in the turf world, and one and all “ enthused ” on First Nelson’s even make and shape, and many good points. He is exactly the same colour as Nelson, has the faint marking on the forehead, and a beautiful carriage, in facb, one could nob see a better walker in the paddock. First Nelson i 3 out of Corcyra, an imported mare from Ireland, who was brought out to this colony along with Ingomar. REMINISCENCES OF THE FAST. Referring to the sale of the Hon. J. White’s horses, “ Javlin ” recounts the following The exciting scene at Randwiek, a 3 Mr Clibborn dwelt on “the last call” over Titan, Dreadnought, Prelude and Litigant, must have reminded some of the old stagers amongst the company of interesting and similar occasions which have been celebrated on Victorian soil. It was 24 years last Thursday since Dick Tattergall mounted his specially erected rostrum at Maribyrnong within sight of old Fisherman’s grave, to dispose of Mr Hurtle Fisher’s famous Maribyrnong stud. That - was indeed a red - letter day in tbe history of the Australian turf, which throughout its length and breadth has benefited by the distribution of young stock whose famous sire (Fisherman) has recently been bitterly traduced by fanatical followers of fads. Seven hundred and fifty guineas for Token, a colossal yearling by Fisherman, was the first sale effected on that memorable day, which was destined to mark an auction price record for a two-year-old which up to yesterday had not been clipped in the colonies, although it was nearly a quarter of a century ago. The same buyer on that occasion (Mr Fitt) evoked renewed applause when another yearling, Little Fish, fell to

his nod at 1,150 guineas, and so tho game went merrily onward as Tattersall threw bis spontaneous bursts of eloquence and wit about broadcast. The climax was reached when the princely two-year-old Fishhook was led into the ring, and Pat Keighran started him at 1,500 guineas. The present chairman of the V.R.C., Mr C. B. Fisher, was above disguising his determination to secure at any cost “ the pick of the basket, the show of tho shop,” and after instantly “raising” Mr Keighran 500 guineas, the veteran owner of the white jacket with blue spots, outlasted all opposition and amidst a roar of cheering which must have alarmed ; the bream in the Saltwater River, . secured the clipping son of Fisherman for 3,600 guineas, the highest price ever bid at auction for any hors© in Australia until Titan beat the record yesterday by 1,000 guineas. That famous sale realised 26,455 guineas for 45 lots, giving an average of 588 guineas, wonderful figures, which forcibly show the spirit of tho good old sporting men of that time, for be it remembered that the Melbourne Cup had then added to the sweepstakes only 200 sots, and a trophy. Its value this year will be fifty times as great as then ! As an instance of the well acknowledged luck inseparable from the purchase of yearlings, it is worthy of remark that three subsequent failures, Token, Tho Swell and Little Fish, realised respectively 750, 480 and 1,150 guineas, whilst Fireworks, who lived to perform wonders, and to beget amongst others, the famous Goldsbrough, fell to Pat. Keighran for 200 guineas. Sylvia, the dam of Martini-Henry and Goldsbrough, was one of the yearlings bought on that occasion by Mr C. B. Fisher, who secured her for 600 guineas. HAWKESBURY AUTUMN HANDICAP The following are the details of the run* ning Hawkesbury Autumn Handicap of 400 sovs, 350sovs of which will go to the winner, and 50sovs to the second horse. 1 mile and a-half. Mr J. Brown’s ch h Golden Crown, by Julian Avenal —Tiara, syrs, 6st 121 b (G. Garland) 1 Mr J. Payten ns br g Insigna, by Grandmaster —Enone, 4yrs, 7st 81b (E. Huxley) 2 Mr R. C. Allen’s ch m Mantilla, by Goldsbrough—Signora, 4yrs, 6st 61b, including 41b over (Dunhey) 3 The other starters were : Leichardt, Bst ( (M. Gallagher); Jack, 7at 101 b (J. Seily); Bonnie Spec, 7st 131 b (Vanderwarden); Touchstone, 7st 41b (R. Ellis) ; Hop Bitters, 7st 121 b (J. Gough) ; Tiranna, 7st 21b (W. Grogan) ; Eveline, 7st 61b (C. Parker) ; Grandson, 6st 81b (F. Cleal); Little Dick 11., 6stsJlb (H. Moran), Rosicrucian, 6st 41b (J. Delaney), and Busy Bee, 6st 41b (M. Lander). Betting: 4 to Iv. Mantilla, stol v. each Jack and Hop Bitters, 7 to 1 v. Bonnie Spec, 10 to 1 each v. Eveline and Leich-

hardt, 12 to 15 to 1 v. any other. Jack in the centre was the first to begin, with Little Dick 11. against the rails, and Golden Crown and Insigna on the outside. When they fairly settled down Insigna appeared at the front, bub a few strides afterwards Little Dick 11. ran to the front, and forcing the pace, led past the stand by half a length, followed by Insigna, Grandson, Mantilla, and Tiranna, who were packed, and succeeded at an interval of two lengths by Rosicrucian, Bonnie Spec, and Leichhardt, who were just in front of Jack, while Touchstone acted as whipperin. Very little change took place as they raced down the hill and past the old mile post, but as they opened up the back stretch Tiranna, Grandson, and Rosicrucian were on terms with Little Dick 11., with the rest headed by Bonnie Spec in a cluster, except Touchstone and Busy Bee, and the last-named was a long way out of it, and quite unable to gallop. Rosicrucian, with Tiranna at his girths, forced the pace along the far side of the course, and to the halfmile post, where Little Dick 11., and Grandson were settled, and Jack, Mantilla, Golden Crown and Insigna began to make their way to the front. Rosicrucian and Tiranna then fell out of it, and Mantilla on

the inside and Jack on the outside appeared to the front, with Golden Crown, Bonnie Spec, and Insigna in attendance. Jack, in the centre, was the first to make the home turn, with Mantilla next, against the rails, bub both were in trouble, and crying enough. At the half-distance, Golden Crown took up the running, came away ab a great pace ; he looked like winning easily until Insigna suddenly put in an emphatic claim, and caught him so fast that he was only beaten by half a length. Mantilla was nearly two lengths away, and was closely succeeded by Grandson, Touchstone and Jack, and five lengths from them came Hop Bitters, attended by Leichhardt, Grandson, Bonnie Spec, Rosicrucian, Little Dick, and Tiranna, while Busy Beo was beaten off. Time, 2 minutes 39| seconds. Golden Crown was trained by his owner, and is by Julian Avenal from Tiara, by Yattendon from Q. E. D. (imp.), by Blair Athol, etc. He won the Rowley Mile last year with 6st 121 b, beating Plutarch, 9st 81b, and a pretty eood field in 1 minute 42£ seconds, and since then distinguished himself at Rosehill, bub all his performances indicated that be was more of a sprinter than anything else. BITS OF TURF. Recruit, the winner of the Autumn Steeplechase, and Seaweed are to be shipped to Sydney on Tuesday next en route for Brisbane. Mr D. O’Brien was among the visitors to Ellerslie on Wednesday. He informed me that he left Gatling in the hands of Alsopp, the Sydney trainer. The following nominations were received

lasb night for the Wanganui Steeplechase run on May 24 Goldfish, Gladius, Porotawa, Sir Garnet, Here, Darnley, Chemisb, Uranus, Waipipi, Takapau, Orient, Oceala, Ahua, Gasparini, The Colonel, Oddfellow, Auckland. “ Sterling ” thinks it is time that in all races breeders should be relieved from the necessity of nominating their yearlings for any races. It is reported in England that Joe and Barney Thompson are seriously considering the advisability ot trying their luck with the pencil in America. Plausible, who ran third to Malua and Commotion in the Melbourne Cup of 1884, recently won the principal handicap at the Kiewa races (Victoria.) The gelding is now ten years old. The stallion Leolinus is now located at Whitford Park, the proprietor of that establishment having purchased him. Among the brood mares there is Renga (the dam of Cinderella). Belle has been taken in hand again to see if she will stand a preparation. Britannia started favourite for the Adelaide Cup, Shootover being a 10 to 1 chance. Sultan’s price was 6 to 1, and he just suffered a neck defeat. Mr Brodribb has sold Victor Hugo, whom be purchased from the Hon. J_ White, in disgust. Since purchased in the spring Victor Hugo cost bis late owner about £12,000.