MOERANGI PLEASING.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 161, 9 July 1932, Page 16

MOERANGI PLEASING.

W. RAYNER'S TEAM. 80ME PROMISING JUVEXILES. (Special to "Star.") WAXGANUI, Friday. Since his return from the Hawke's Bay meetings Kowhatu has been given work of a much more solid order on the tracks than formerly. He has not been put over the fences, as he is a very fine jumper, but lie lias been sent over long journeys on the flat. Hopes are entertained that, as u result, he will show to better advantage at Trentham next week than he has yet done in his races. W. H. Dwyer has put Head Lady into work again, and hopes to have her ready for early spring meetings. On her form ns a. two-year-old the Chief Ruler filly is likely to prove a good stake winner next reason. She lias not grown much during the winter, but has filled out nicely, and looks likely to prove a solid little customer. , Moerangi never looked better than he ffoes at present, and in his recent schooliilg essays he has shaped- very pleasingly. TiW brother to Omco will probably pick up' eome money in the hurdle events at Trentham next week. If his form at Trctnthani is up to expectations he will be tafciVn on to Rieearton, but the hurdles there may be rather too stiff for him. How'vever, he is in such great order just now • that he may show up better than ever. W. Bayner is giving his youngsters some sprinting, and they are all shaping well. It ie early yet to form any definite opinion, but track watchers look to Spiral (by Limond—Drax) and Rust (Lysamler—Bronze) to prove very smart two-year-olds. The former is a solid-look-ing gekAing, and handles himself nicely. The Lyisander filly has a very smooth style of .galloping, and she promises to show much of the brilliancy of her sire. Midinettu is coming along well, and if the Limond—Motley filly does not show herself up in an attractive light as a threo-ycar-old it ivill be surprising.

POPULAR TRAINER'S DEATH. MR. F. P. CLARIDGE. (By Telegraph.—Special tn " Star. - ') CHRISTCHURCII, this day. The death of Mr. Francis Pereiyal Claridge removed . a well-known identity from the racing community of Ricearton. He came herer from England about 50 years ago, and for a time wae employed in fanning 'pursuits at .Southbridge and Dunsandel. Then he took aa engagement with Mr. G. A. M. Buckley at Lagmhor, hunting the Ashburton hounds for about ten years, and training Mr. Buckley's hunters, having Charlie Gieeler, now private trainer to Mr. J; M. Samson, as whip during a portion of the time. He then trained hunters for Mr. Hamish McLean, Mount Hutt, also tor Mr. John Grigg. The first hoiwe he raced was Magpie,. a. great jumper, who later won many races when trained by F. Holmes. Other horses he handled during this period included Kuku, another crack hunter, also Rex 11., Zephyr, Skipper 11., and Chance. Xext he had a livery stable at Ashbuiton, and wart engaged in a similar .business later at Timarn and Christchurch. About twenty-five years ago he ibecame private trainer for the Oamaru sportsman, Mr. John Buckley. Deceased was a capable gentleman rider at a time wheu many good amateurs were in action, including G. Murray \vnsley. Cecil and Bertie Wynn Wilhame, \~. Boyle, C. Jefferson, K D. O'Rorke, A G Cox, H. J. Gourley. Pelham Jotics. .f. G. Macdonald and R. Ford. The late Mr. Claridge trained horses several times nt Riccarton, ami in the early days Cindy Grey. Phryne and Sub Roan were among the'useful performers he handled. [Ie i arriod on an auctioneering business for h-.iinc time iii C'liriMtclnireh. and lie Knnlly t-cttlsnl as a "trainer nt ■ liiccnrton about i :i years ago. Since then he has always iiiiil a usefiil te.-im. He won many races with Thorndale. He made a liealth trip to England last year, but though he rerturaed training on his return lie never reiiained hie health. Metal Bird was his last horse, and he relinquished him after the Aeliburton meeting only a fortnight ago.