RACING NEWS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXV, Issue 200, 22 August 1904, Page 3

RACING NEWS.

C.JC. NATIONAL MEETING. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) CHRISTCHURCH, this day. A north-west wind made the course in good order, and the warmth enticed a greater display of feminine summer raiment than ou Steeplechase Day: but the wind was too high to be altogether pleasant. The Southland hunter, Andy Regau, was nearly as good a favourite as anything for the Third Hunters' Hurdles, in which race the prevailing proclivity of hunters for falling was once more displayed, four of the ten starters coming down. AndyRegan's only challenge was from Euros, who would, however, have got no nearer than second had he taken the last flight cleanly. The Ladies' Bracelet was a gift to Slow Tom, though the report that he was dead stale caused better than evens to be laid against him. The Sydenham Hurdles was voted an extremely opeu race. Huku and Tupara were the favourites, nnd Merry Boy. Talutie. Himtnpu the outsiders, though even they had supporters. Hippo wal and Zealous made most of the running, with Cavalry always close up, and Huku, after beginning slowly, was prominent in the last halfmile. It was n great finish amongst these four, though the winner had always a little In hand. Catherine Gordon and Scottish Minstrel were close np. The Heothcote Handicap produced another capital race. Lee-Enfield and Wnitarere led the field Into tbe straight, Cannie Chiel at that point being beaten. Waitarere was next to give way, and at the distance Secret Society was with LeeEnfleid. Lo_i v Erne then, shot ©nt, and

after first one and then another of the placed horses having his nose in front. Loch Erne had that advantage as the post was passed, a bead separating second and third. Waftarere, like Lee-Enfield, was troubled by the last furlong, bnt finished fourth, with Bandmaster fifth, and the favourite (Juniper) next. There were seven investors on the double, Hippowai and Loch Erne, and they received a dividend of £SS. The Lincoln Steeplechase brought another batch of falls and blunders, only five of the ten starters completing the journey. None of the riders were seriously injured. but Crespln was badly hurt. Eclair won rather comfortably, neither Haydn nor Tipi having his pace on the flat. Sultana and Saturn also finished. Muscovite won the Selwyn Handicap pretty easily, pulling up very lame. Petrovna, who was favourite., got shut out at the turn, and Kepulse. after getting away I well, soon fell back. Lady Soult and Ability, the latter of whom was heavily backed, were fourth and fifth. The Guesser, who changed hands on Friday, won the Final Hurdles in good style for his new owner, Mr Hamish McLean. Spalpeen, who is evidently quite out of form, finishing last.