NORTH NEW ZEALAND STEEPLECHASE MEETING.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 10053, 3 June 1898, Page 5

NORTH NEW ZEALAND STEEPLECHASE MEETING.

(PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) AUCKLAND, June 2. Dummy and Muaoatel did the best work at Ellerslie this morning. Nor'-west, Levanter, Opai, Voltigeur 11., Toriki, and The Sinner were among many other horses exercised, but nothing else of importance was done. Tbe Friar is said to be a doubtful starter for the Steeplechase. Toriki refused the obstacles in the Steeplechase course yesterday. Opai continues a strong favourite for the National Hurdles, at 3to 1 against. The Sinner, engaged in the Steeplechase, has been sold to Mr R. Skipworth, owner of St. Simon, for 300 guineas. The Sinner was tried over the Steeplechase course to-day and shaped splendidly. By payment of forfeit nominations can to-day be struck out of the Canterbury Racing Club's Great Northern Derby, Great Northern Foal Stakes, and Royal Stakes, 1898-99. Mr J. A. Buckland and his* team of trotters return to Sydney by the Wakatipu, leaving Lyttelton this afternoon. The team hau been reduced by sales, seven returning as against ten brought over. The last disEosed of was Vascoe, purchased yesterday y a patron of'T. W. Price's stable. A notable addition Mr Buckland mode to his string is Hattie 8., jpiobably the beat mare in New Zealand. Much pleased with the conduct of the trotting sport here and the inducements held out to owners by the liberal prizes offered for competition, it is Mr Buckland's intention to pay us another visit in the spring.