TURF GOSSIP.

Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20612, 30 July 1932, Page 18

TURF GOSSIP.

Arrivals at Kiccarton. Royal Visitor, who is ;ui acceptor for the Gram] National Steeplechase, is expected to arrive at Riccarton over the week-end, in charge of his trainer, A. P. Brady, and he is to be given some schooling next week. His usual pilot, J. 11. Meßae, will ride him in his engagements. Okapua, Gold Bag, and Jael arrived at headquarters yesterday. Given Time. Royal Estate, who iigures in the miiull field for the Pareora Hack Handicap at Wash dyke to-day, is a threo-year-old gelding by Aere from Lady I'hurnham, anil was purchased as a yearling by his present owner-trainer, S. G. Wure, of Wingatui, for 50 guineas. He was started twice as a two-year-old in the early part of last season, but has not been produced since. A Bad Bargain. High Court, who was purchased for 1000 guineas, after winning the Hawke's Hay Cup, over two years ago, and entered S. G. Ware's stable at Wingatui, i* due to make his reappearance in the Claremont Handicap at Waslidyke today. Tic has proved to be one of the most expensive horses brought south from the North Island. Wanganui's Finances. The annual report of the Wanganui .Toekey Club shows that after allowing a sum of £lOsl for depreciation, there is a loss of £1732 on. the year's operations. There was a loss of £2414 •luring the previous season. Brilliant Spri&ter.

-Merry Peel, who is regarded as a light-weight possibility in the Winter Oup, is down to compete in the Levels Handicap, one mile and 3d yards, at Washdyke to-day. It will bo his first attempt over a distance of ground and should also provide a reliable test regarding his prospects in the big mile race at liiccarton. Merry reel's form at Trentham proved him to be a brilliant galloper, and if he is capable of staying on over longer distances some good handicaps should come his way. A Useful Hurdler. Morena. one of the lightly-weighted division in tho Grand National Hurdle liace, is at the head of the field set down to contest the Hadlow Hack and Hunters' Hurdles at the South Canterbury Meeting to-day. The son of Bifognc has only been once out of a place (and never further back wcond) in his last half dozen starts. He won the Tekapo Hurdles at South Canterbury in April, and annexed the •Tune Hurdles at the Dunedin "Winter Meeting, while he ran unplaced in the Otago Hurdle Race, losing his rider at the first fence, and was second to Captain's Gift in the Greenfield Hurdles at tho same fixture. He won the PuUaki Hurdles at South Canterbury a little later and also scored in the Hinds Hurdles at Ashburton, which was his last start. Hack Representatives. On several occasions in past years the Winter Cup has been won by horses eligible to race in hack class) and a number that come under that heading are engaged in tho mile event next month. The list includes Beacon Fire, Merry Peel, Kinging Cheer, Consono, i Gay Court, Normandy,' and Saltpot, and recent form warrants several of them l>eit)g teriouslr regarded. A National Favourite. Paddon, :op-weight i.-. t!.« Grand National Hurdles, will be ten years old on August Ist. To date lie has contested 44 races and has earned over £2OOO in stake-money, his placed record being 10 firsts, seven seconds, and two thirds. He began racing as a two-year-old iii 1924, and apart from being off the : scene as a five-year-old he has raced continuously ever since. During the present season Paddon lias contested five races and has been successful on three occasions, which is ample proof that he is wearing well and by no means a spent light. ' , Double Totalisator. The Dunedin Jockey Club has decided that representations be made to the Government to permit the double totalisator and tho telegraphing of bets to the course. At the annual meeting of the Southland Bacmg Club last evening it was unanimously decided to request Cabinet to legalise double totalisator betting and also telegraphing of money to racecourses. Rich American Event. The rich Belmont Stakes, a mile and a half three-year-old race of £14,000 was run at Belmont Park (New York) on July 4th, and was won by Faireno, with Osculator second and Flagpole third. Burgoo King (Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner), and Boatswain (Withers Stakes) were not nominated, so tho field was not quite representative of America's best. Faireno who won half a dozen races of the value

of 10,395 dollars last season, is by Chatterton, a son of Fair Play, and tho Rock Sand mare Cliit Clint.' I Successful Rider. Ashley Reed has entered a belated appearance for the Victorian jockey premiership, and threatens the entrenched positions of Duncan and Skidmore (says a Melbourne writer). It only requires the best of the deal at the two Meetings before the season closes for Reed to score. His recent riding of Royal Bard was epical and reminded one of the compliment once paid Reed by It. J. Mason, who affirmed that no jockey of his knowledge equalled the riding linnds possessed by Reed. "N A Fresh Start. Affirm is not yet "lagging superfluous," despite his years, labours, and ills for, all being well in tho interim, the brother to Tarleton is to tako his place at tho forthcoming Meetings, says a Melbourne exchange. Affirm is a most remarkable racehorse. 13arly he was a Derby hope, later he was a placegetter in one of the Cups, then liq proved his aptitude at hurdling, and finally excelled as a steeplechaser. Now the Nassau gelding, after having been labelled "a cot case," starts off afroshl May Prove a Champion. S. Wootton owns a smart two-year-old in the colt by Stratford from Honour Bright, who cost him only 280 guineas as a yearling. At Epsom (England) on Juno 2nd ho was niado favourito for tho Groat Surrey Foal Plate, of £940, and won all tho way. He ran unnamed, something which is not permitted in Australia, and which the English Jockey Club may not countenance much longer. Before tho race Wootton stated that tho Stratford colt was the fastest two-year-old lie had ever handled. America's Best Sire. Man o' War was a remarkable racehorse, and because he has never sired anything up to his own standard tliero lias been a disposition to brand him a failure. This recently drew from one American critic the following comment: "Man o' War was expected by persons who havo no knowledge of tho workings of Nature to boget a covey of super-horses. "Performers of his high calibre have never succeeded in siring a racer of their own degree of class. It simply is not being done. "As a matter of fact, Man o' War, according to all available statistics on the subject, now ranks tho greatest living American thoroughbred sire. Ho has sired more big money gleaners than any progenitor remaining among us, and on the list providing "for the whole of the bloodstock breeding industry's history in this country from the time of its inception is surpassed in this regard only by his sire, Fair Play, dead several years." Auckland Racing Club.

The report and balance-sheet for tho year ending Juno iiOtli, to bo presented at the annual mooting of tho Auckland Racing Club, to be lield on August Bth, states that a loss of £2683 10s Id was shown during tho period, which included & 2000 balance of improvements written off, and £54 3a Id written olf the din-ing-room plant. This result may be considered quite satisfactory, considering the difficult times prevailing and the need for keeping up prize money to ns iiirrh a level a,s possible, in order to encourage owners and breeders to continue participation in tho sport. For tho four race meetings held by tho club a sum of £41,740 was disbursed in prize moiiey, which included £340 subscribed by owners as sweepstakes. Notwithstanding the depression, the racing experienced at each Meeting was excellent, tho fields being well up to the average both in quality and numbers. Unfortunately the Spring Meeting was spoilt- by inclement weather, which also affected the Autumu Meeting. The financial outlook for tho forthcoming season still gave cause for grave doubt, and it would be necessary to again curb expenditure. Tho committee, however, felt their responsibility.. to owners, and would endeavour to provide prize uiflmcy that would ensure tho best horses being seen in competition at Ellerslie.

Gay Ballerina Reappears. At Bosehill recently Gay Ballerina hiid her first race for over thirteen months. She looked very bright, and, apart from being thicker, has changed but little since she first raced in Sydne3 r at three years. In height she is only a ponv. With Ordinary luck she should soon pick up another race, and not before it is time either, seeing her last win was at Moorefield in November, IP3O. J. King iai training her. Quick Return Possible. While the 47,000 guineas paid for Solario in England sounds a very stiff price, it is not so heavy when it is remembered his stud fee is 500 guineas. There will be no difficulty in getting 25 outside mares for him each season, which means that in four years tho actual purchase money would be covered. Besides which.'any yearlings sent up for the syndicato which now owns him aro sure to bring high prices. As Solario is only ten years old, he should, in ordinary circumstances, bo good for several more years.' .His 6ire, Gainsborough, who was second in the winning sires' list in England last year, with £34,137, is seventeen years old. i and his fee is 400 guineas. High Pitch. Although verging on his ninth year, there is no reason why High Pitch should not do well as a steeplechaser, and his first attempt' at Washdyke today will bo awaited with much interest. He made a start as*a jumper last season when seven, years old in a hurdle race at the T$ Aroha Meeting on March «nd, running unplaced. Four of his wins were, however, gained over hurdles. He won at To Rapa, Franklin, and Ellcrshe (beating Makeup in the Remuera) He was unplaced in the Great Northern Hurdles, won the Baurimu Hurdles at Taumarunui, and was third to Nukumai and Membo in tho Winter Hurdles at Trentham. This season he began by w?»W 1 ? n £ laced in the Wint « c«p. With 9-13 ho was third in the Great Rational Hurdles to Callamart (9-0) and Lancer (9-0). He wps second in the Sydenham Hurdles to Prince Lu. He was next thrice unplaced in flat events, and twice, in hurdle races. In the fnnrH, •^ be in\ last wonth he finished fourth with 10-0. He was unplaced iu CamS? U w a J? UrdleS ' but T ' on the Campbell Hurdles on the last day of the Auckland Meeting. His form at very moderate. He was f i in tJr < \ re ? thaui Hurd ' cs , and sixth J Winte f Hurdles, never threatening danger at any stage.

TROTTING NOTES. Reminder. Acceptances for the first day of the New Zealand Metropolitan T.C. 's August fixture close ou Tuesday at .12 noon. First Arrival. Tho Auckland-owned and trained niaro llorcmai, who claims engagements in tho principal races at tho Addington fixture, arrived from tho north yesterday morning. She is an aged maro by Our Thorpo from Grattan Maid, who was by Grattan Abbey i'l'Ofti the imported maro Elsio Downs, tho dam of First Voyage, whose stock have figured so prominently in unhoppled trotters' events during the past season. Saddle May Suit. Essay has so far proved a very unreliable maro at the barrier and she has failed ropcatedly to leavo tho mark. She will bo raced in saddlo at Tiniaru today, and having the services of M. Holmes, she may be induced to,,begin correctly. Has Left Hospital. O. E. Hoopor loft Lewishani Hospital on Thursday for his home, but it will bo a few weeks before he is able to take his place in tho sulky again. Uncommon. If Derby Thorpe and Tollgato start in the Washdylco Handicap at Tiniaru to-day it will bo an occurrence out of the ordinary, as two-year-olds are seldom seen out in saddle ovonts. The former lias racod; ho finished fourth in tho New Zealand Sapling Shakes, and ho looks quite capable of carrying weight, being a solid type, but Tollgatc has yet to niakb a public appearance. May Race Well. Whether Valchcad can handle tho weight on top or not is a question, but sho raced quite well at the Relief Meeting to fill fifth place to Botty Wrack, Dolly Huou, Dark Girl, and Glcngowrie. With tho exception of Glengowrie, tlioso horses havo all since paid dividends, so taking a lino through their form Valehead should bo handy at tho finish of tho Waslidyke Handicap at Timaru today. Has Improved. When tho Canadian-bred maro Nell Volo arrivod in Auckland sho was in very poor condition, but when placed in training sho rapidly filled out; She is now attracting attention on the Auckland tracks. His Opportunity? Since being in M. B. Edwards's stable War Officer has only been produced twico to rocord at his last start second plaeo to Botty Wrack. In that race he was always close to tho leader throughout the two miles, and ho would probably havo maintained the load which ho took in tho straight but for a break a few yards from tho post. If he performs as well in saddlo as ho doos in harness ho should opon his winning account when he contests tho Washdykc Handicap at the Timaru Meeting todav.

A Speedy Lot. Tho International Handicap to bo decided at Addington next Saturday promises to bo au excellent contest, in which some of tho best sprintors in the Dominion aro engaged. Gold Country, Goorgo Itey, and Impromptu are three who aro likely to appeal at this stago, but strangely enough all three have lost moro than one chanco by being a little doubtful at the barrier. A Good Record. G. Mouritz has a. good record since coming to the Dominion. Ho drove Hnon Voyage to a> world's two-mile race record, won the New Zealand Sapling Stakes with Taxpayer at that horse's first time of starting, and in tho only saddle race in which he ba,s taken part ho won on Princess Mauritius. To-day will mark his second appearanco iu saddle, when he mounts Tollgate at Timaru, and it remains to be seen whether he can maintain his good record. GISBORNE R.C. PROGRAMME FOR TO-DAY. The Gisborne < *Racing Club's Winter Meeting will bo concluded to-day, when the following programme will bs presented:— 11.30 a.m.— gisbqrne hurdles, Of 73 sovs. One mile and a half. at. lb. st. lb. Manttiri ..10 9 Kaiti .. 8 5 Neil ..10 0 Kongo .. 9 3 Monetize .. 10 5 King Wanga 9 3 Million .. 912 Cat-i-mes .. 0 0 St. Ames ... 911 Sunglaro .. 9 0 Atholspear 9 8 18.15 p.m.— TRIAL HANDICAP, Of .50 sovs. Six furlongs. st. lb. St. lb. Black ' liovirer . . 8 4 Songster 9 O Evermore .. 8 4, Bird Call .. 8 8 Kalxunoke . . 8 4 Menaderva . . 8 -1 1 p.m.— WAIKANAE HANDICAP, Of 85 sovs. One mile. st. lb. : , st. lb. Malahut . . 9 8 Head Serang 8 1 Teller .. 9 5 Good Idea ■. 8 " 2 Autuinn Sun 9 1 Toboggan . . 8 0 White Tang S 13 Itory Mor . . 8 0 Orby's Choice 8 5 Helium .. 8 0 Moa Bird . . 8 5 Bob In . . S O Sunny Song 8 5 Lady Spy . . 8 0 1.15 p.m.— SECOND HACK HANDICAP, Of 60 sovs. Seven furlongs. st, lb. .st. lb. Good Idea-.. 9 5 Rasouli .. 8 0 Lady Vane 9 3 Stitch . . 8 CP! Beverage .. 9 2 Princess Star 8 2 j Hawthorne ... 8 11 Bird Call .. 8 0' Tnmn Wniata 8 S Measurer .. 8 0 Nalii .. 8 8 Night Spoaker 8 0 Primax .. 8 7 Foulwind ..8 0' 2.30 . p.m.— TE HAPAEA STEEPLECHASE, Of 75 sovs. About two miles and a half. st. lb. s t. lb. Simeon ..11 7 Cat-i-mes .. 9 7 Monetize .-. 10 12 Ilaumariri ~9o' Neil .. 10 l Tall Timber 9 0 Jeu .. 913 Harrowgate 9 0 Freehold . . 9 7 3.15 p.m.— TURANGANUIPLATE, Of 60 sovs. Six furlongs. " st- lb. s i. ib. BothwelJ .. 812 Hunter's Moon 6 3 Black Sunny t Songster 8 13 Bachelor 8 3 Terapeeu .. 8 11 Swift and Mister Tom 8 H Sure 8 3 Hunting Jay ' 8 'J i p.m.— PARE WELL HANDICAP, Of 65 sovs. Six furlongs. st. lb. ' s t. lb. Lordly , King Wanga 8 O Kuiglit 9 6 Sunglarc .. 8 0 Hunting Day O 0 Aiguille . . S3 White Fang 9 1 (.food Idea .. 8 2 Teller . . 9 1 Hawthorn . . 8 0 Bold Front 8 8 Toboggan .. 8 O ■ Manifesto . . 8 8 Princess Stnr 8 O Orby's Choice 8 .% Stitch .. 8 0 Sunny Song 8 0