Part 55

The 8th Hussars had some very good players last year, and the transfer of Major Wormald from the 7th should strengthen them and enable them to produce a really good team.

The 11th Hussars were so near the Inniskillings last year that with very slight improvement they should prove themselves dangerous competitors for any regiment.

The Household regiments will be represented probably by much the same teams, except that the Blues may find themselves stronger by the inclusion of Lord A. Innes Kerr, who has joined them from the Royals. In fact, the prospects of a most interesting Regimental Tournament are of the best.

The Champion Cup is sure to produce a good contest with such teams as Roehampton, Ireland, Rugby, Ranelagh, and Moreton Morrell competing for it, and the County Cup should be very even between Rugby (last year’s winners), Cirencester, Eden Park, and the best of the Yorkshire clubs.

I append a list of the tournaments that will probably take place, with the dates.

TOURNAMENTS, 1906.

April 16–21 Warwickshire (Leamington) Spring Tournament.

April 23–28 Eden Park Members’ Tournament.

May 2–5 Ranelagh Handicap Tournament.

May 7–11 Roehampton Handicap Tournament.

May 7-11 Eden Park Open Tournament (Tues. to Sat.).

May 14–19 Ranelagh Hunt Cup.

May 21–26 Roehampton Public Schools’ Cup.

May 28–June 2 Hurlingham Social Clubs’ Tournament.

May 28–June 2 Middlewood County Cup Northern Ties (Tues. to Sat.), and Handicap Tournament.

June 4–9 Ranelagh Army Cup.

June 4–9 Paris International Tournament.

June 18–23 Hurlingham Champion Cup.

June 18–23 Ranelagh Novices’ Cup.

June 25–30 Ranelagh Open Cup.

June 25–30 Roehampton Junior Championship.

June 25–30 Hurlingham University Match (Mon.).

July 2–7 Hurlingham Inter-Regimental Tournament (semi-finals, Wed. and Thurs.; Final, Sat.).

July 2–7 Roehampton Cup.

July 9–14 Hurlingham County Cup (semi-finals, Wed. and Thurs.; final, Sat.).

July 9–14 Ranelagh Subalterns’ Cup.

July 9–14 Roehampton Ladies’ Nomination Tournament.

July 9–14 Otter Vale North Devon Tournament.

July 9–14 Ostend Tournaments commence.

July 16–21 Hurlingham Handicap Tournament.

July 16–21 Ranelagh Hunt Tournament.

July 16–21 Blackmore Vale Junior Championship.

July 16–21 Ostend Tournaments continued.

July 24–29 Stratford-on-Avon Tournament.

July 24–29 Blackmore Vale Country Clubs’ Junior Championship.

July 24–29 Co. Westmeath Tournament.

July 24–29 Ostend Prix des Dames.

July 30–Aug. 4 Warwickshire Tournament.

July 30–Aug. 4 Eden Park Invitation Tournament.

Aug. 6–11 Rugby Tournament.

Aug. 6–11 York Hunt Tournament.

Aug. 6–11 Co. Wexford American Tournament (probably Thurs. to Sat.).

Aug. 13–18 Cirencester Tournament.

Aug. 13–18 Eaton, Chester Tournament.

Aug. 13–18 All Ireland County Cup.

Aug. 13–18 Deauville International Tournament (probably).

Aug. 20–25 Blackmore Vale Tournament.

Aug. 20–25 Catterick Bridge Open Handicap Tournament.

Aug. 20–25 All Ireland County Cup.

Aug. 27–Sept. 1 North Wilts Tournament

Aug. 27–Sept. 1 All Ireland Open Tournament.

Sept. 4–9 All Ireland Regimental Tournament.

Sept. 17–22 Rugby Autumn Tournament.

Oct. 1–6 Rugby October Handicap Tournament.

E. D. MILLER.

“Our Van.”

RACING.

With quite a flourish of trumpets the flat-racing season began simultaneously with the going out of steeplechasing. I do not hesitate to attribute this to the weather, which was exceptionally fine for the first week of flat racing. It can be, and usually is, exceedingly bitter at Lincoln; and those who grumbled at the wind either had no previous experiences to fall back upon, or were troubled with poor memories. The Carholme has so bleak a situation that we are bound to catch any wind there is, and, unfortunately, at this season of the year it blows either into or along the enclosures. There is a meeting between North and South owners and trainers, and the special train from London on the first day bore with it quite as many well-known figures on the Turf as one expects. Amongst them was our amateur owner-jockey—a description which differentiates decidedly from jockey-owner—Mr. George Thursby, not long returned from a winter sojourn in Jamaica. The climate there is so conducive to indolence that Mr. Thursby found himself 19 lb. over weight, 10 lb. of which was got rid of on the way home by the drastic method of assisting the stokers. The keen racing brigade was well represented, and it is as well that the persevering army of backers should be so, for we cannot too soon begin taking notes for future use against the bookmakers. The greatest enthusiasm was aroused by the Batthyany Stakes, in which Rising Falcon, last year’s winner under 9 st., was trying again with 9 lb. more. Even under this burden he started joint favourite with Canty Bay, the fact that he was ridden as usual by Madden, thus making a pair that well understood one another, not being without influence. As matters turned out Madden was wanted. He did not hesitate to push Rising Falcon for all he was worth, and his winning was not in doubt until he was within a hundred yards of the post. There Golden Gleam and Early Bird drew upon him so rapidly that he was all but caught, for he had a short head only to spare from Golden Gleam when he passed the post. The next two, Early Bird and Golden Coin, were also separated by short heads, so the finish may be imagined. Madden came in for quite an ovation, and was actually seen to smile.

The Lincolnshire Handicap day, upon which the pecuniary success of the meeting mainly depends, was very disappointing to the executive, the attendance being quite poor for the occasion. The field, which consisted of twenty-four, has been described as a poor one for quality, but it seemed to me to strike the average. We cannot have a Bendigo or a Clorane every year; as a matter of detail, a horse of this class appears about once every ten years. According to the papers, certain horses were at the top of the betting quotations, but as a visit to the leading club five days previous to the race revealed precisely three bookmakers, representing only two firms, seated at the fire, it is probable that the volume of betting was not great. There was some on the day of the race, however; and in these days of degenerate wagering it was interesting to learn that one layer stood £30,000 against M. Ephrussi’s Ob. It was not difficult to lay that amount, for the lowest price at which the French horse was quoted was 20 to 1, plenty of smaller money being got on at 25 to 1. Ob had won three races in France under good weights as a four-year-old; but probably his failure to make any show in last year’s City and Suburban made the greater impression. The English money was chiefly for Roseate Dawn, upon whom Newmarket pinned its faith, and Dean Swift, the last-named coming with such a rush in the betting as to oust Roseate Dawn from favouritism. The public were not far out, for if the race had been run over again Dean Swift would probably, and Roseate Dawn possibly, have been returned the winner. The delay at the start was something terrible, but a very good one took place. Dean Swift and Roseate Dawn, however, began so badly as to look quite out of it in the earlier stages of the race, whereas Ob was amongst the leading lot; the actual first being the last Cambridgeshire winner, Velocity, and Catty Crag. Each in turn fell away, and Ob was left in command. Dean Swift bore down upon him, with great effect, a very exciting finish resulting. Dean Swift actually got his head in front, but Ob finished the straighter and won by a head, Roseate Dawn making up some lengths from the distance, and finishing a length behind Dean Swift.

For the Brocklesby it was elected to plump for the St. Simon—Satirical filly, chiefly on the strength of a trial at home with a stable companion that won the day before. In appearance she justified the comparisons that were made to a hare and a whippet respectively, but she was all the more thought likely to win over the four-furlong scramble so early in the year, better furnished ones in Luisis, a bay filly by Orvieto—Filipena, and a colt by Galashiels—Brenda, being looked upon as likely to be seen to advantage later on. No doubt they will be, but as they were they were more than equal to the Satirical filly, who had every chance to win, for she was once in front, but was beaten fair and square.

Lincoln itself has not gone with the times in keeping the town clear of thieves and similar undesirables. One of the hotels greatly frequented by racing people was “gone over” to some purpose. Until recently “till frisking” was a favourite pastime of these gentry at Lincoln, but hotel-keepers have learned to protect themselves by means of pugilistic looking barmen more at home at the East End of London, probably. In the meantime the need of the town is a chief constable such as we have at Chester and Brighton. Brighton, at race times, is a place completely changed from what it was a few years since, when it was not safe to walk the streets in the evening.

“Of course there will not be so many present this year, because the King is not coming.” This, with variants, was a frequent remark made anticipatory of the Liverpool Spring Meeting. But the prophets were wrong, for the crowd on the Grand National day was greater than ever. On each of the three days the paddock was a sight, and it is palpable that with the better classes of Liverpool the races have become more popular than ever. The weather that prevailed on all three days left no excuse for non-attendance, there being plenty of sunshine and a splendid light for seeing the racing, this being no small matter on a course measuring two miles and a quarter in circuit. On the first day the Union Jack Stakes for three-year-olds and the Liverpool Spring Cup were the chief events of a card containing eight races, the unusual number being necessitated in order to bring the programme within the conditions. The Union Jack Stakes might, on occasion, serve as an early public trial for the Derby, and, as a matter of fact, Mr. L. de Rothschild’s Radium had actually been nibbled at for the Epsom race, although his connections were under no illusions as to his lack of quality. But the public thought they knew better and took even money about Radium, whereas another de Rothschild, Mr. J. A., from the Continent, really owned the pea in Beppo, who won in nice style from Bridge of Canny, Radium third, well beaten. In the Spring Cup, Ypsilanti was expected to carry his 9 st 2 lb. first past the post. But there were others too much for him; Flax Park, who is one of those that dislike the look of the starting-gate, leading from end to end. A bay colt by Isinglass—Queen Fairy, named Gnome, showed good form in the Molyneux Stakes, getting away so badly as to appear out of it, but mowing down the others in fine style in the end.

It has been the fate of thousands to attend Aintree for the purpose of witnessing the Grand National and see little or nothing of it, but snow has been the cause. This year, however, in the finest weather there were several who saw nothing of the race, the reason being the simple one that the stands were overcrowded with those that came. An hour before the race was due prudent spectators took their seats on the roof, and those who dallied over the horses in the paddock arrived aloft to find the passage to the top choked with waiting people. For some time previously the racing world had been divided into two sections, one section declaring that John M.P. would not get the course—not half of it, said a subdivision of this section—the other section believing that he would make light of the jumps and win with ease. But the unexpected is always lying in wait upon competitors in the Grand National.

That those who believed in John M.P. were largely in the majority was shown by his being made a strong favourite at 7 to 2, the second favourites being at 10 to 1. A judge of a steeplechaser could scarcely do otherwise than declare for John M.P., for he is about the ideal of what a chaser could be, and nothing better has been seen at Aintree. Then it was difficult to see which of his twenty-two opponents possessed sufficient class to be entitled to win in his place, for they all had flaws in their credentials for winning over such a country. Given that John M.P. was to fall, which of the others was to stand up all the way?

That was the difficult problem to be solved. Drumcree, the winner in 1903, would probably get the course, but he had been on the shelf for two years, and his appearance at Kempton Park did not suggest sufficient go to win again, even with the best of them on the floor. The sequel spelt catastrophe for John M.P. He did not fall, but what he did do amounted to the same thing, so far as his chance of winning was concerned. He travelled exceedingly well for over a mile, and when he went some lengths clear between Becher’s and Valentine’s brooks, it seemed as though his natural speed was carrying him to the front without an effort. At the jump before Valentine’s, the course takes a curve to the left. Just here enormous numbers of spectators are always assembled, and much enthusiasm is displayed, the appearance of John M.P. leading clear being naturally productive of an extra amount. It is reasonably thought that the cheering distracted the horse’s attention. He was certainly not minding his business, and before he was aware of it he was at the fence, under the guard rail of which he slipped, going into the ditch. For the rest, Aunt May, getting the course for once in a way, showed momentarily in front a mile from home, and Ascetic’s Silver, Oatlands, Gladiator, Timothy Titus, Red Lad, and Pierre were all in the hunt. One by one they fell out till only Ascetic’s Silver, Red Lad, and Aunt May were left. Ascetic’s Silver was the only one to jump the remaining fences cleanly, and he did so in a way that was worthy of his jumping blood. He raced away from the other two, who bungled the last fence and gained a most meritorious victory. Whilst one cannot win without the horse, much of the merit must be given to Mr. Aubrey Hastings, trainer and rider of the winner. The time has gone by when the gentleman trainer was an object of commiseration with the profession, for he is now quite a power in the Turf world, and the circumstance is a remarkable one. Too much credit cannot be given to Mr. Hastings in thus consummating a long period of patience, not unaccompanied by some personal inconvenience.

To continue the story of John M.P., the circumstances of his mishap were such that he was started on the following day for the Champion Steeplechase, again being a good favourite. His jumping soon became a subject of remark, for he screwed badly at three fences. The distance is three miles, and more than half a mile from home John M.P. was a beaten horse. He jumped the remainder of the fences, but he passed the post very tired.

The thing was inexplicable, and, in one respect, though certainly not in another, it was a relief to learn later on that John M.P. had strained himself badly on the first day on the occasion of his mishap, and that, on the whole, it was a wonderful thing that he got the course in any shape or form.

The Champion Steeplechase had a painful sequel. Apollino had won the race last year, and by reason of penalties for winning four races over £100 each, should have carried 12 st. 4 lb. The fact was as clear as noonday to any one perusing the conditions, and the correct weight duly appeared on the card. The jockey was weighed out in accordance with this, but eventually started carrying only 12 st. After a meritorious display Appolino repeated his last year’s victory, and, apparently, another 7 lb. would have made no difference. Alas, on returning to scale an objection was lodged on the score of wrong weight, and the stewards had no alternative to disqualification. Plenty of people in the ring, be it remarked, had worked out the matter for themselves and shouted their readiness to back the second, who was Royal Bow II., as soon as he had passed the post.

With Northampton already forgotten, it was a pleasure to take one’s way to Newbury, which reigns in its stead, and appears likely to do so for some time, if appearances go for anything. By means of a chart the Great Western Railway show how very simple it is to reach the course from anywhere else in England. Going from London, last year’s experiences were repeated, trains doing the 53 miles from Paddington under the hour. The meeting was lucky in having lovely weather, and the drying winds had made the going quite firm, dust even flying on the course. Fields were large, one totalling thirty, and there seemed to be plenty of people. Large attendances will be necessary if the system of good stakes is to be persevered in, for simple arithmetic showed that these were far from paying their way. This is a little difficulty from which no racecourse, however popular, can be exempt, and the question of finance will crop up at Newbury, as elsewhere. What strikes one at Newbury is the absence of much of the stress and worry that attend most meetings. In the members’ enclosure are seen many faces that are not familiar on the metropolitan courses, and the feeling of being locally supported is prominent. The lovely surroundings and ample space give the place a freedom that is very welcome. Mr. John Porter, in his position of Managing Director, is always on the spot, rendered quite young again with new duties. He had introduced a novelty from Australian racecourses in the shape of a stewards’ observation stand, a skeleton structure of considerable elevation designed to enable stewards to see for themselves what has transpired during a course of bumping or crossing. The stand was placed forty yards or so above the winning post, and it is thought that it would be more serviceable at about the distance. Whether stewards would care to walk this distance for each race may be doubtful. Stipendiary stewards would, of course, do so as a mere matter of routine duty. We can imagine the berth being an exceedingly cold one during spring and autumn racing.

On the first day we had the Newbury Spring Cup of £1,250, distance a mile. The Thrush looked splendid, and Ob’s Lincoln penalty giving him the same weight of 9 st., he was practically out of it with Thrush, who had won over this very course at the opening meeting in splendid style. Roseate Dawn and Velocity were running; Roseate Dawn doing well, though not well enough to beat Succory, who won rather easily. On the second day the Kingsclere Stakes of £1,000, distance a mile and a quarter, saw Colonia making her essay as a three-year-old. She ran badly, but not more so than many anticipated, from her appearance in the paddock, although she was lively enough in the canter, and was beaten when a mile had been covered. The race was won in sensational fashion, Madden on the Gressoney colt, having made the best of his way home to such purpose as to appear to have the race at his mercy. Bridge of Canny, Maher up, came on the scene at the distance, however, and gained rapidly. Still, his getting up did not seem feasible, but a terrific finish, which took us back to the old times when electric rushes on the post were the rule rather than the exception, gave Bridge of Canny the race by a head. This success gave Maher his five hundredth winning mount in England.

FRENCH RACING.

The French racing season always begins on March 15th and closes on November 15th, the four intervening months being occupied with cross-country sport, which is often of the highest interest, as there are so many valuable prizes to be won that it answers the purpose of owners to pay very high prices for horses that have figured to advantage on the flat. Thus, there is a steeplechase of £5,000 representing genuine added money, while, in addition to this one, there is another (the Grand Prix de Nice) of £4,000, and there are several others that range in value from £2,000 to £1,500 each. No wonder, therefore, that cross-country sport in France is very prosperous, and that the class of horse running is much better than it is in England; but, none the less, genuine sportsmen hail the advent of the flat-racing season, which has begun auspiciously enough, so far as actual sport is concerned, though a shadow has been cast across its track by the additional misfortunes which have befallen M. Edmond Blanc. It will be remembered that his formidable stable was visited last year by an epidemic which struck down all his best three-year-olds (Val d’Or, Jardy, Adam, and Genial), and deprived them of their best races, notably of the Derby, which Jardy or Val d’Or could either have won, and of the Grand Prix de Paris, which Val d’Or had “in his pocket.” It is true that Val d’Or recovered his form after the Grand Prix, and beat Cicero, at a difference of 3 lb., in the Eclipse Stakes, but he went amiss again after that, and nothing more was seen of him or of Jardy, the latter of whom nearly died after running when unfit in the Derby. But it was hoped that the mischief had been stamped out of the stable, so that we should see Val d’Or, Adam, Jardy, and Genial coming out as four-year-olds in their best form, and that two of them would be sent over to England to compete for the £10,000 prizes in which they were engaged. But this hope has to be abandoned, at all events so far as Val d’Or and Adam are concerned, for they have both gone amiss, or rather have met with an accident which has made it necessary to remove them from all their engagements. The mishap to Val d’Or is all the more provoking, because it is understood that he was doing remarkably well, and it is, comparatively speaking, a slight compensation to M. Blanc that he should have since sold Val d’Or to an Argentine-Republic breeder for over £20,000, as he would have fetched that and more after his racing career was over. The case of Adam is not less vexing, for this brother to Ajax was always regarded in the stable as being better than either Val d’Or or Jardy, and he, too, had done well since last season, until he met with the accident which has brought his racing career to an abrupt conclusion. Adam has not up to the present found a purchaser, and he has gone to M. Blanc’s famous stud, where he will rejoin his brother Ajax and his sire, Flying Fox.