Untitled

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 247, 8 March 1913, Page 7

TURF TOPICS

(By ir Moturoa.*') Racing fixtures for next week include meetings at Napier Park and Nelson on Wednesday and Thursday. Acceptances for "The Park" fell due last evening and should appear to-day. Large entries were received for all events, and 'ihe coining meeting should be a firstclass gathering. Of lesser interest is the Nelson annual meeting. Acceptances for the latter are rather poor, and the horses engaged are not up to the class of recent years. Sinapis will carry a penalty in the big race, but-her opponents are % a very poor lot. She is a popular equine in those parts and will probably start a warm favourite on Wednesday. A Melbourne cable advised that Anna Carlovna reached that city safely this week. " *.

The Victorian Racing Club's Autumn meeting will be concluded at Fleinington to-day. New Zealand horses at present in 'Stralia have done no good at the gathering so far. Xgawera, winner of the hurdle race on the concluding day at Dunedin, has been sold to go to 'Stralia. The price was 70 guineas. Canterbury papers state that Canute is now really well, and the horse may reward Trainer Mason with a victory at Riccarton this month. Autumnus' victory in the Jackson Stakes last week was the first to go down to Sir George Clifford's credit in the Wanganui weight-for-age sprint. Royal Scotch is causing Trainer J. Foulsham no end of trouble, and the handsome black horse can hardlv keep on his legs. The hard tracks may be, responsible, but most people reckon that New Zealand lost him at a good price and at the right time. , I Alecto shows signs of infirmity after her races, and good judges ascribe it to rheumatism ,in the shoulder. Sir Knox has been showing the touts something to talk about at Opaki recently, and the horse should be worth, remembering shortly. Old Seaman changed hands at 20 guineas recently in Auckland. The gelding is now owned by W. Olive, who trained him, and should he good enough for a few hurdle races at the country' meetings. * , Goldsize has brightened up considerably since racing here, and should run well at Hlerslie.

Darby Paul is reported to be looking very well, after his spell, and is now amongst the active brigade at Hawera. Armagh's withdrawal from the A.R.C. Autumn Steeple was owing to vv. J. Williamson's dissatisfaction at the weight apportioned to the 'chaser. Yet it is hard to see how Armagh could have got in with less than 11..). Sir George Clifford and the erratic Masterpiece are still getting it hot from all parts. "Sentinel," in the Otago Witness, remarks:—Sir George Clifford is one of the Kings of the turf. 'The King can do no wrong," but his horses can!

The well-known Auckland 'chaser Hoanga is fast getting into racing trim and promises to do verv well this winter.

Years ago I have seen the clerk of the course at country meetings indulging in horse-play in front of the stand, and at Foxton one year that worthy amused himself jumping his Clydesdale' over the hurdles. But those days are. happily, almost gone. Yet, at Dannevirke the other day, according to the Manawatu Times, the clerk of the course had a "go" with Multiply and General Madero in the finish for the Makirikiri HackHandicap. Festive persons liki that are a danger to the community. One almost doubts the tale.

Winners at Dannevirke were simply standing out a mile, and small dividends were the rule each da v. Astor dul. scored, as did Multiply, but the hitter's dividend could only be made out with a powerful microscope. It reminded one of the days when the late G. G. Stead's champions paralysed the betting.