AUGUST MEETING AT RICCARTON.

Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20623, 12 August 1932, Page 14

AUGUST MEETING AT RICCARTON.

Membo's Grand National Hurdles.

August Handicap to Merry Peel. A grey sky and light rain yesterday morning scarcely gave promise of the mild and very pleasant day which followed. Some few who had intended going to Riccarton for the second day's racing of the Canterbury Jockey Club's Meeting were no doubt deterred from leaving the City by the doubtful weather prospect, but a great many more went to Riccarton, trusting perhaps to the club's proverbial good luck in weather, so that there was still a very satisfactory crowd on the course to enjoy an excellent day of racing.

The rain had made the course suiter than on the first day, but the «uing was not actually slow, as the times indicated.

The rating was full of interest throughout and the contest for the popular Grand National Hurdle Race aroused the greatest enthusiasm. The defeat of the favourite, Paddon, was disappointing to his many followers, bat the success of Membo was nevertheless popular, as apart from bis being tieuth' Island-owned, ho has raced consistently during the past couple of meetings, and his win was thoroughly deserved.

The Beaufort Steeplechase gave Uoyal Visitor liis first victory in a crw country event. He gave an ex- < ..iki:.. display throughout, and after liis hard ;utc in the Grand National Steeplechase, in which he finished a good third, his effort was very creditable for a comparative novice at the game* A two-horse race and a sensational dividend cramped speculation to a certain extent. The sum of £18,658 was handled, as against £24,941 10s on the corresponding day last year. The total for the two completed days is £44,220, as comp -1 with £59,046 10s twelve months ago. The u-j o racing was conducted in the usual capable manner associated with meetings at Riccarton, and the acting secretary, Mr F. T. H. Sell, who is being assisted during the week by Mr H. EL. Fraser, of Timaru, had the arrangements complete in every detail. The results are <as follows:

HUNT CUP HANDICAP, Of 160 sovs: second horse to receive 30 sovs, •ad third horse 15 sovs from stake. About two miles and a half. f—W. McCarthy's b g CALHAM by Thumham—Calm aged 11-8 E. Mackie 1 4—E. G. Talbot's bat Peterette aged 10-6 .. ..V. Langford a S—L. H. Oolltason'a blk g Postman and 20-1 .. .. R. Miles 8 *—A. M. Wright's b g Okopua syrs 11-9 .. ..A. Bidpper 0 *—A. Austin's b g Sir Klehard aged Ml .. ..J. Kerr 0 •—W. 3. Doyle's b g Gay Jim aged 9-10 G. Salt 0 7—7. C. Pratt's br g Diamond Jack aged OS .. .. H. Anderton 0 After crossing the kennels double PostKM led from Peterette, Diamond Jack, and Sir Richard. Passing the stands the order vh Diamond Jack, Postman, Gay Jim, Mr Richard, Peterette, Calham,. and Okopua. Diamond Jack led Postman into the back, but ■lter Jumping the kennels double Sir Richard tod charge from Postman, Diamond Jack, Poterette, and Okopua. Sir Bichard fell a* the tap sod wall, while Okopua lost his rider at the brash into .the straight, leaving Postman to lead over the last fence from Diamond Jack, Gay Jim, Peterette, and Caltorn. The last-named finished well to win by » neck from Peterette, with Postman half a length away. Diamond Jack was iontk. Tune, Smin 25sec. Winner trained by owner, South Hillend. WOOLBTOM HANDICAP , Of ISO sovs; second horse to receive 80 sovs, im third horse IS sovs from stave. Back conditions. Six furlongs. 3—O. S. Watkins's br g NORMANDY by Arausic—Hoy Syrs 9-3 E. Voitre 1 6—W. Stewart's b m Mataa 6yrs 8-2 A. Messervy 3 J— 3. Clothier's b g Woodfull Syrs 9-4 A. Parsons 3 11— G. Murray-Ayasley's br m Kakara syr» 9-13 .. .. D. O'Connor 0 9—Aitken and Woods's b m Solitaire 11. syrs 8-13 .. .. S. Wilson 0 7—A. Foster's b g Niggerhead 4yrs 8-13 E. Ludlow 0 6— 3. T. Cracrott Wilson's br m Execution 4yrs 8-10 .. .. B. H. Morris 0 14—A. Loulsson's b g Nightguard 4yrs 8-9 .. .. M. Kirwan 0 4—D. Grant's br m lan's March syrs 8-8 .. .. L. J. ElUs 0 B—Hodgson and Thompson's eh g Hunting Call 6yrs 8-3 car. 8-3| J. W. Jennings 0 Z—3. M. Samson's br f Molten 3yrs 8-3 car. 8-41 .. B. Brodie 0 18— 3. Dow's blk g Prince Tractor 4yrs 8-0 car. 8-3} .. .. R. Jenkins 0 10— 3. Stafford's br g Rebel Song Syrs 8-0 .. .. A. Eastwood 0 16—4. E. Hooper's b c Star Raider Syrs 8-0 .. -. .. T>. Cotton 0 IS—Sir Obas. Clifford's b f Western Ll»h* Syrs 8-0, t -. R. Cpveny 0 18—P. 7. Campbell's b g Goldstead Syrs 8-0 car; 8-1 J. Pine 0 17—Mrs L Upton's br f Gsy Robe 3yrs g-0 - .. ..J. Sheeban 0 Molten and Execution were the first to ■bow est, and when the coarse proper was reached the most prominent were Molten, Elocution, Woodfull, Normandy, Niggerhead. Hatoa, and Hunting Call. Normandy did boat la the ma hone, to win by a length frost Mataa, with Woodfull a neck away. JHggtrlund was fourth. Time, lmin 15 1-5 s«c- Winner trained by J. W. Lowe, Trentkam.

ROYAL VISITOR WINS BEAUFORT STEEPLECHASE.

BEAUTOBT STEEPLECHASE HANDICAP, Of 300 sovs; second horse to receive 60 sovs, and third horge 80 sovs from stake. About two miles and a half.

2—C. Dawson's br g ROYAL VISITOR b? Lucullus —Sports Queen 6yrs 9-3 L. Duliou 1 s—w. T. Hailett's b g Taramoa 9yrs 9 0 car. 9-1 . . . . G. Dempster 2 6—P. Holman's br g Hard Gold 9yrs 90 A. Gilmer 3 3—M. Mouat's eh g Snowfall 14yrs 10-9 A. E. Ellis 0 I—W. J. McLean's b g Luoess 9yrs 10-9 D. O'Connor 0 4—W. McCarthy** b g French Fleet 9yrs 9-11 .. .. R. Milea 0 B—F. Shaw's b g Matu llyrs 9-0 J. Kerr 0 7—J. Welfare's ch g Nylotls 12yrg 9-0 car. 9-5 .. .. R. Beale 0 9—Mrs N. Rutherford's b g Bon Aryan lOyrs 9-0 .. .. H. Turner 0 Royal Visitor led over the kennela doubla from Taramoa, French Fleet, and Lttcess. Nylotis fell at the first fence of the double, and Lucess went down at the the sod wall. Passing the siands Royal Visitor and French Fleet 'led from Taramoa, Snowfall. Hard Gold, Matu, and Bon Aryan. French Fleet took charge entering the back, and Matu fell at the first sod wall. French Fleet was clear of Royal Visitor over the kennels double, with Taramoa and Hard Gold nest. Royal Visitor took the lead from. French Fleet approaching the home turn, •»*«•* over the last fence from French Fleet, Taramoa, and Hsrd Gold. Royal Visitor weut on to win easily by five length, from Taramoa, with Hard Gold ten lengths awav_ French Fleet was fourth. Time, 6mm 18 l-ssec. Winner trained by A. P. Brady, Frankton.

SPRBYDON HURDLE BACE HAHDIOAP, Of 160 sovs; second horse to rtcslve 80 iovi, and third horse 15 iovs from stake. Hack conditions. On« mile antt three-quarters.

2—T. Rlddler'a b g NINB OF SPADES by Elysian—Watchful aged 9-5 7 ' A. Jenkins 1 1 J. Donaldson's b m Dainty Ways aged IX -a .. H. Turner 2 Dainty Ways was just leading Nine of Spades passing, the stands. They were togother going along the back, but at the far turn Dainty Ways was a length in front. Nine of Spades took charge crosing the top and was clear of Dainty Ways over the last jump. In the run home Nine of Spades won By six lengths. Time, 3mln 28sec. Winner trained by owner, Washdyke. ' HURDLE BAGS HANDICAP, Of 600 sovs; second horse to receive 100 sovs, «sd third horse 50 sovs . from stake. About two miles and a half.

6—D. Jones's br g MBMBO by Balboa —Sweet Memory Byrs 9-6 Q. Salt 1 7—D. P. Wilson's b g Captain's Gift 6yrs 10-6 .. W. Cooper 3 I—W. James's eh g Paddon lOyrs 10-9 J. Burgess 3 9 —J. Irwin's b g High Pitch 9yra 10-5 6. Dempster 0 4—S. G. Davidson's br S Nukunsai 14yra 10-5 .. D. O'Connor 0 2—B. and N. Foreman's b g Full Mark Syrs 10-3 .. B. Miles 0 12— W. Mills's eh g Luminary 9yxs 10-1 ear. 10-2 .. W. Rennie 0 3—J. L. McMillan's b g Pahu 7yrs 9-9 M. Nicol 0 10— W. McLachlan's b g Antrim' Boy 9yrs 0-6 .. E. Beale 0 11— F. J. Conn's b g Morena Byrs 9:8 H. Anderton 0 6—W. J. McLean's eh g Hassock lOyrs 9-0 •.. H. Turner 0 3—C. T. Keeble's br g Jayson Syrs 9-0 S. Anderson 0 Morena and Luminary were the first to show out, but rounding the far turn Morena, and AnMm Boy ware in charge from Lurainary, Paddon, Na*sock, High Fitch, and Captain's Gift. Full Mark fell at the second fence. Passing Jhe stands the order wak Morena, Antrim Boy, Captain's Gift, Pahu, Paddon, Nassock, and High Pitch. Antrim Boy and Morena alternated in the lead going down the back, and at the far turn were followed by Pahu, Captain's Gift, Membo, Nukumai, and Paddon.- Captain's Gift led into the straight frpm Morena, Pahu, Antrim Boy, Membo, Paddon, and Nukumai. Pahu fell at the last fence, leaving Captain's Gift clear of the field, but in the run home Membo beat him by two lengths, with- Paddon three lengths away. Antrim Boy was fourth. Nukumai fell at the last fence. Time, 4min 67 2-ssec. Winner trained by F. TrilfordV Washdyke.

_Pravlom winners of the race are:— j Year Winner. Weight. Rider. Time 1890 Ixiou , 10 BT. Stewart 4 62-6 -1831 Couranto 10 o Redmond 363 1892 Kulnine 11 SW. Clarke 4 Q 1898 Liberator 10 10 Powell 365 1891 Liberator 12 6F. Holmes 45* 1895 Donald MoKinnonlO 8 Aahdown 4 £} 1896 Dummy 913 P. Johnson 3 59J 1897 Omelopoga's 95 R Kin.<jai 353 2-5 1898 Social Pest 10 13 W. Clarke 3 56 1899 Defiance 11 0 P. Williams 8 801-6 190(r Record Reign 13 13 W Claris 3,46 3-8 1901 Haydn HOW Fahey 855 4-5 1902 Treeham 10 0 A. Julian 355 4-5 1903 Waiwera 11 4A. Hall 847 1904 Med&lliue 9 6 McConnoa 4 U-5 1905 Creusot 10 13 P. Lind 8 498-5 1900 Cuiragno 10 B W Wilson 4 4 1907 Sbrapfeel 10 BW. Young 3«8-5 1908 Stormont SOW Jarvis 845 2-5 1909 Compass 10 BJ. Delaney 845 2-5 1910 Paisano 12 OW. Young 8 463-5 1911 Continuance 11 II W. Young 8 45 1912 WaterS>rkt 90 W. Adams 868 orning 912 A. Julian 844 2-5 1914 Roys! Arms 918 H MoSweeney 8 55 8-5 1915 Hurakia 19 9 Jer. O'Connell 4 10 4-5 1916 Art ■ HOD. McKay 4 518-5 1917 Sleight of Hand 10 0 A. McDonald 449 1918 Kauri King - 10 I F Ellia 448 8-5 1919 Sir Solo 9 7 L. Haiertv 44* 8-5 1920 Hytans 11 6 J. T Humphris 4 64 1921 Glsdful 119 A. H. Burt 460 4-6 1922 OUdfui 11 2L G. Morris 4 411-5 1928 Genera! Advance ,9 11 8 Walls . 4K If 1924 Lochson 11 4 J. R. Kwi 4 541-5 1925 Penury Row 9 4 A E Ellis 519 1928 Comical 11.4 A H Burt 4 591-5 '.927 WhnrncliftV 1(1 0* "" ""Hi* 5 1 1928 Nukumai 11 11 W. J. Bowden 520 l«9 Manpani 9 2 H Duliea 447 2-5 '.930 Carinthia 10 8 P Thompson 5 15-5 1931 Callamart 9 0 A. Jenkins 448 . 1932 Membo 9 6 G. Salt 4 57 2-5 Previous to 1915 the distance va# two miles; in that year it was 'rifcased to, abnut two miles and a quarto "1 in 1916 to about two miles and ah.. ♦ Ino. 21b over-weight.

AUGUST HANDICAP, Of 200 govs; second horse 40 eovs, and third horse 20 sovs from stake. Six furlongs. 2—G. R. Hunter and P. C. Webb's br g MERRY PEEL by Hunting Song— Merry Roe Syrs 8-10 .. L. J. Ellis 1 6—G. Fulton's blk g Ringing Cheer Syrs 8-5 . . A. Eastwood 2 9—P. F. Thorpy's eh g Rational 11. aged 8-10 . . M. Kirwan 3 I—J. Clothier's br g Lord Val 6yrs 9-11 A. Pargons 0 12 —M. O'Brien's br g Grecian Prince 4yrs 9-6 .. A. Messervy 0 7—A. E. Wormald's b g Ranelagh 6yrs 8-13 . . D. O'Connor 0 6— J. Porter's b m Waiwene 4yrs 8-9 R. McTavish 0 4—R. R. McDonald's br g Master Anomaly syrß 8-9 . . A. E. Didham 0 B—o. T. Keeble's ch g Beacon Fire 4yrs 8-9 .. G. Humphries 0 10—A. N. Smith's b g Fair Weather syrs 8-9 .. K. Voitre 0 B—Dr. M. G. Loulsson's ch g Adelphi s yrs 8-5 .. J. Barry 0 11— J. M. Samson's ch g Lord Argosy syrs 8-1 .. S. Wilson 0 I*—P. Holmes's b m Arrowmaid 6yrs 8-0 car. 8-2J .. J. W. Jennings 0 18—Miss M. 0. Wilson's b g Taku Tama | aged 8-0 car. 8-lJ C. McCarthy 0 Among those prominent early were Fair Weather, Beacon Fire, Waiwene, and Master Anomaly. Taku Tama was first on to the course proper, with Waiwene, Beacon Fire, Fair Weather, Merry Peel, and Ringing Cheer showing up. Merry Peel and Ringing Cheer fought out the finish, the former winning by a neck, with Rational 11. three lengths away. Beacon Fire was fourth. Time, lmin 14 2-5 sec. Winner trained by E. J. Ellis, Washdyke. SUMNER HANDICAP, Of 150 sovs; second horse to receive 30 sovs and third horse 15 sovs from stake. Hack conditions. One mile. 15—A. Loulsson's b g WATER POLO by Pombttl—Waterwings 4yrs 8-0 „ „ _ A. Messervy 1 a—H. Duggan's ch m Knocklong 4yrs ,« ,. '• •• L. J. Ellis 2 10— W. H. Ward's b g Weatherly syrs 9-1 _ _ . _ , B. Brodio 3 7—±L A. Knight • b g Dunraven syra i w t tt"* . V B " H - Morris ° i— tt. J. Harman s ch g Gay Court 4yrs = £' 5 m -i, \ •; . •• K - Voitre o 5—F. T. Buchanan's b g Night Recital • ,. V, R - McTavish 0 2—J. J. Mcßride's ch g Consono syrs 9-1 - „ „ . . A - E. Ellis 0 9—G. MnrrayAynsley's eh g Riri syrs „ °\ ls •• • • D. O'Connor 0 B—Clarkson and Pearson's b g Night Flyer 6yrs 8-11 .. m. Kirwan 0 4—W. T. Hazlatt's b g Irish Chieftain 4ym 8-8 ... .. F. J. McKay 0 6—J. G. Macdonald's br g Elude syrs « ■, §T 8 ,V . '' •. H. Donovan 0 11— E. Hay's en g Hounslow aged 8-3 , „ tt ~ ~ G> Humphries 0 18— H. McManaway's b g Tranquillity , „ jj r l 8 -° • • • • E. Ludlow 0 *«—O- J- Pine's br g Pise Gold 6yrs 8-0 J. Pine 0 12—Sir Chss. Clifford's eh e Rocket Byrs __ B- ° • • • • .. R. Coveny 0 Tranquillity and Knocklong were the smartest out, and led round the far turn from Gay Court, Hounslow, Pixie Gold, Weatherly, Riri, and Dunraven. Knocklong led into the straight from . Night Flyer, Oonsono, Gay Court, and Weatherly. Water Polo' came from well back In the run home to beat Knock long by a neok, with Weatherly a length Bway. Elude was fourth. Time, lmin 44 3-Ssec. Winner trained by A. McAulay, Riccarton.

XeUKGTON HANDICAP, Of 200 sovs; second horse to receive 40 sovs, and third horse 20 sovs from stake. One mile and a quarter. 4—-E. Gates's b g MINERVAL by Arrowsmith—Lady Minerva syrs 8-4 R. McTavish 1 I—H. T. Hume's br g Retract 6yrs 9-3 K. Voitre 2 B—C. 0. T. Rutherford's ch g Semper Paratus 6yrs 8-0 .. E. Ludlow 8 IS—P. F. Campbell's b g Compris 6yrs 10-5 ... .. . . R. Coveny 0 2—Sir. Chas. Clifford's br f Fast Passage 4yrs 9-13 .. A. E. Ellis 0 12— J. B. Pearson's b g Ramo 6yrs 9-4 D. O'Connor 0 7—Mrs R. Fleming's ch g Mount Boa aged 8-11 .. .. A. E. Didliam 0 B—J. M. Samson's b h Colonel Cygnus 6yrs 8-9 .. .. B. Brodie 0 10—Colvin and Thomas's b g Ravine aged 8-0 .. .. A. Eastwood 0 11— W. Greenhill'a b g Glggleswick 6yrs 8-0 .. .. . . L. J. Ellis 0 6—B. Hammond's b g Saltpot syrs 8-0 „ -* ~ J- Pl ne ° 9—F. D. Jones's b g Oraigavon syrs 80 G. Humphries 0 «13 —J. Adamson's b g Coll 6yrs 8-0 J. Barry 0 Semper Paratus led Into the back from Baltpot, Mount Boa, Cruigavon, Ravine. Fast Passage, and Minerva!. Saltpot had charge rounding the far turn from Mount Boa, Glggleswick, Craigavon, Semper Paratus, Ravine, Minerval, and Fast Passage. Saltpot retired beqten at the home turn for Giggleswiok to lead into the straight from Minftrval, Ravine, Compris, Ramo, and Retract. Minerval finished well to beat Retract by a head, with Semper FnratUß two lengths away. Compris was fourth. Time, 2min 9 4-ssec. Winner trained by F. Christmas, Rlccarton.

NOTES ON THE RAGING. A Win for Calham. Okopua was again sent out favourite for the Hunt Cup, but he was ridden a peculiar race, and in being rushed up to the leaders after passing the halfmile he blundered badly at the top brush and lost his pilot. Diamond Jack and Postman disputed the lead for a circuit, and Sir Richard joined them a mile from home. The last-named had a length's advantage going to the second sod wall, but crashed over it, leaving Postman to lead round the top and into the straight from Diamond Jack, (Say Jim, Peterette, and Calham. Postman appeared to be having an easy win until Peterette tackled him, and just as the latter had Postman beaten Calham came on the scene with an undeniable finishing run and got up to beat Peterette by a neck. Postman weakened into third place half a length away. Diamond Jack was four lengths further back, with Gay Jim tailed off. Calham put up a remarkable performance, as he lost a lot of ground through hitting the fence at Cutts's very hard, his riqer making a great recovery. His chance when he was some distance in the rear approaching the last fence looked anything but likely. Peterette was responsible for another game finishing effort. Diamond Jack was always prominent, but was done with early in the run home. Gay Jim ran a satisfactory race. Normandy Makes Amends.

Woodful was installed a staunch favourite for the Woolston Handicap, but again had to be content with a third The early leader was the j seconi choice, Molten, who piloted ' Execution, ' lan's March, Normandy, Niggerhead, Mataa, and Hunting Call into the straight. Normandy assumed charge inside the distance and had the race won at that stage, There was a' keen struggle for second money, Mataa beating woodful by half a length, a length behind the winner. Niggerhead was two lengths away next, in front of Kakara, Execution, Molten, Hunting Call, Solitaire 11., and Prince Tractor. The winner compensated for recent failures, and this was his second success. He is a half-brother to Anomaly, Penelophon, King's Folly, Shirley, King's Jest, and Last Mark, and like most of the family appreciates soft going. Mataa carried a good deal of West Coast money. She ran a solid race, but her supporters may have been fortunate, as the rider of Woodful apS eared to slacken on his mount at the rat winning post. Niggerhead, too, stopped at the same point, but was done with in any case. Kakara loomed up on the outside inside the distance, but could nqt go on, while Execution also failed to Bee the journey through. Eoyal Visitor Impresses. The Beaufort Steeplechase provided some good jumping, but much interest was taken from the contest by the favourite, Lucess, falling at the top brush, the fifth fence on the journey. French Fleet and Boyal Visitor were in the van for most of the way until the former tired two furlongs from home. He led Boyal Visitor by three lengths crossing the top, but the latter had passed him at the entrance to the straight and, jumping the last fence well clear, .went on to win by five lengths. French Fleet tired badly early in the run home, and Taramoa headed

him inside the distance. The latter put in a solid finishing run, but had no chance of troubling Royal Visitor. Hard Gold, who tailed the. field from the start, also made a solid run to get up to deprive French Fleet of third money on the post. Snowfall was about twenty lengths away, with a bigger gap to Bon Aryan, the only other horse to finish. Nylotis did not last long, as he hit the first of the Kennels double and shot his rider out of the saddle. Matu blundered badly at Outts's, but his pilot regained his seat only to crash at the next.

Royal Visitor has not had much racing over country, but is a most promising performer, and next winter should find him reach much higher class. Taramoa was well up in the first circuit, but went back in the middle stages of the second round, and half a mile from home did not give much indication of taking part in the finish. Hard Gold was a long way in tho rear for three parts of the journey and had to make up considerable leeway in the last two furlongs. French Fleet outjumped Boyal Visitor at some of the fences but could not keep up with him. Snowfall made some faulty jumps and had a life at the second of the stand double and also at Cutts's. He was practically out of tho tussle with half tho journey covered. "hock to Public. A two-horse field in a hurdle race at Riccarton was unknown to present-day racegoers until only Dainty Ways and Nine of Spades paraded for the Spreydon Hurdle Race. The general opinion naturally prevailed that Dainty Ways would have an easy task, and the totalisator did very little business, only £137 being handled. Dainty Ways was responsible for the greater portion of the total, but there were some investors who evidently realised the glorious uncertainty of the game and extended their support to Nine of Spades. The race, or rather duel, had not progressed far when it was realised that Dainty Ways was not going or jumping so well as on Tuesday, aud that her opponent was doing everything right. The latter jumped away from Dainty Ways near the six furlong post, and although she drew up again rounding the home turn, it was under sufferance. Nine pf Spades had her well settled at the last fence and won pulling up by six lengths. Tho rdsult left the public astounded, but tho winner received a good reception, mostly from those who participated in his useful price. Nine of Spades, who has reached his twelfth year, has had a varied career and has raced under several ownerships. This was bis first success for a long time, but his second placing to Poterotte in a hunters' flat race at the recent South Canterbury Hunt fixture, and a fast schooling task at Riccarton last week with Pink Note probably prompted much of his support.

National Honours to Membo. All the acceptors paraded for the Grand National Hurdle Baco, and patrons were treated to a spectacular contost. The result, however, was not in accordance with public opinion, and the falling of the second choice, Full Mark, at the second fence, and of Pahu and Nukumai at the final obstacle, combined with the weak effort made by the outstanding favourite, Paddon, robbed the race of much interest. The winner, Membo, nevertheless, thoroughly deserved his win. Jumping much better than usual, he made a/serviceable run rounding the far turn the last time, and < was in close attendance on Captain's Gift and Pahu at the last fence. Captain's Gift jumped the obstacle three lengths in front of Pahu, who crashed, and Membo waß left to tackle Captain's Gift. The last-named hoisted distress signals inside the distance and Membo had him beaten fifty yards from the line to gain a two lengths' victory. Paddon was in behind Membo at the last fenco but never threatened trouble, and his poor third placing was the disappointing feature of the race. Antrim Boy was another three lengths back, with Nassock, Morena, and Jayson following at intervals, with a big gap to High Pitch and Luminary,, Nukumai appeared promising when he moved up nearing the far turn, but was a beaten horse when he fell at the last fence. Membo looked exceptionally well when paraded, and it was evident that ho had required his recent hard racing tb get him up to his present form. He was probably fortunate that Pahu, who gave every indication of winning, was eliminated. Still, hurdles are erected to be jumped, and Membo was entitled to all the honours of the day. There was no excuse for Paddon, except that he risked several fences, which are bigger than those he tackled at Trentham, and it was apparent that he had not had mucll schooling since the Wellington meeting. Captain's Gift improved on his effort in the Jumpers' Flat, but the samo could probably be said of Pahu, who was not much in front of Captain's Gift at the finish of the same race. Captain's Gift has always been, troubled by a distance, and this was the longest journey he has mastered with any degree of success. Antrim Boy made a bold showing from the outset, and only retired from the leading division nearing the home turn. Morena, too, gave a very creditable display for a hack hurdler, and disputed the lead right up to the straight.

Merry Peel Again. Lord Val and Merry Peel had a close contest for favouritism in the August Handicap, only flfty : four tickets separating them. Taku Tama, who drew the rails, was first on to the course proper, and was followed by a bunch comprising Waiwene, Beacon Fire, Fair Weather, and Merry Peel, who were all in line, with Lord Val and Kinging Cheer in close attendance. Taku Tama retired inside the distance, and Merry Peel and Kinging Cheer drew out to engage in an exciting tussle. They raced neck and neck to within a few strides of the post, but Merry Peel completed his task the better to gain the verdict by a neck. The pair had the finish to themselves, as there was a gap of three lengths to Bational 11., and another of two lengths to Beacon Fire, who headed Fair Weather, Lord Val, Taku Tama, and Banelagh, with Waiwene in the rear.

Merry Peel has undoubtedly struck his best form, and has not finished winning. His performance was enhanced by the fact that he drew the extreme outside, while Einging Cheer algp drew wide out. The latter ran up to the form expected of him at the Wellington meeting and in his intervening engagements. He left the mark better than usual, but had to come on the outside of Merry Peel, who was always in front of him to the straight. Rational 11. ran a good-race,. and is collecting a record of placed performances. Beacon Fire had every opportunity, and the same applies to Master Anomaly, Lord Val, and Taku Tama. Waiwene's first day's race apparently left its effect, as she'went from first to last in the run home. The Meeting's Surprise. The biggest dividend paid at Biccarton for a few years was returned by Water Polo in the Sumner HandicapHe was the outsider of the field of fifteen. Knocklong was first into the straight from Night Flyer, with Consono, Gay Court, Tranquillity, and Weatherly close up. Knocklong was in front inside the distance, but Water Polo appeared from the ruck and, finishing resolutely, wore her down to beat her in the last stride. Weatherly fttrag on to secure third money a short length away, with over that margin tp Elude and Irish Chieftain, and then came Gay Court, Pixie Gold, and Riri. Water Polo, a half-brother to Agrion, has been a long time making good, his only previous return for the 600 guineas

paid for him as a yearling being from a third placing at Ashburton; Knocklong ran another sound race, and is undoubtedly solid for her inches. Weatherly looked dangerous fifty yards from the post, but was not able to get up. Elude was much better supported than on the first day and was prominent throughout the concluding stages. Night Flyer did not last long in the run homo after being in an unusual position for him right up to the distance. Riri got away well in spite of giving a little trouble, and was well up on the inside for a few furlongs, but gradually retired. The soft track settled his chance. Tranquillity showed a bold front to past the home turn, Avhile Consono was also one of the front division until the home run was commenced. Night Recital assumed a new role for him by being a long way in the rear with half the journey covered and not making up much of the leeway. Rocket was last to leave tho mark, but was up near the middle of the field at the home turn. Gay Court disappointed after having every chance. Irish Chieftain ran better than on Tuesday and carried twice as many tickets as in that day's engagement. A Close rinish, Minerv&l was responsible for an impressive performance in the Islington Handicap, while the second horse, Retract, also did some remarkable work to dispute the finish. Giggleswiok had a slight advantage entering tho straight from Saltpot, Minerval. Ravine, and Compris. The two leaders drifted commencing the run home, and Retract came frcm the back to join issue with Minerval. In a sustained tussle, Minerval stuck on gamely to beat Retract by a head. Semper Paratus put in a strong run to gain third money two lengths away a neck in front of Compris, with Ramo, Fast Passage, Ravine, and Colonel Cygnus following. Minerval was never far fromi the front at any stage, and his win was well deserved. Retract's effort was tho feature of tho race. He tailed off early, and was some distance in the rear of the whole field with over half the journey covered, and did not seem to settle down to gallop until the home turn was reached. It was not surprising, therefore, that he failed at the business end Semper Paratus made a determined run which, but for being so belated, may have had better results. Compris was nearly as badly situated as Retract at half-way, but rush tactics had him behind the leaders entering tho straight. Ramo also came from the rear, and his effort was very encouraging for spring racing. Fast Passage was alwayV in the middle of the field and did not threaten danger at any stage. Colonel Cygnus worked his way into a favourS'fcjf? J ,e£ore the Btrai «ht was reached, but was soon done with in the run home.

HANDICAPS FOR TO-MORROW.

The following; handicaps havs b-ecn d». clared by Mr J. E. Henryß:

AYLESBURY STEEPLECHASE HANDICAP. Of 160 sovs. Hack conditions. About two wiles and a half.

"• !b - st lb Royal Visitor 13 9 Ap.cho .. io' 7 Calham .. 12 3 Royal Reign 10 6 Okopua ..11 8 Heather Lad 9 9 Lancer ..11 7 Sir Richard 9 9 Valves ..11 1 Gay Jim .. 9 S Bon Aryan 10 10 Diamond Jack 9 0 Oriflamb .. 10 10 Quillflre .. 9 0 Fresh Breeze 10 8 Marco Polo 9 0

LONOBEAOK HANDICAP, Of 150 sovs. Hack condition. Six furlongs.

«•*•">• st. lb. Waiwene ..10 S Molten ~.8 8 Belvoir .. 10 1 Wealth ..8 8 Kakara .. 9 11 Chile ....8 8 Th.e Quorn 910 Eupator ..8 3 Night Recital 9 4 l ce ni .. 8 2 Sharpthorn 9 3 Hunting Call 8 1 Ilkley .. 812 High Tor .. 8 D Irish Dignified Chieftain 8 13 March 8 0 Arden's Worship ..-8 0 Beauty /-9 10 Grampian .. 8 0 Crash .. 810 Silver Sight 8 0 Matßn -.8 8 Robin Hood 8 0 Tray Bond 8 8 Lord Masham 8 0 Nightguard 8 8 Rebel Song 8 0 lan's March 8 7 Manetho .. 8 0 Takakau .. 8 7 Natural ..8 0 Hurllugham 8 7 Isadora ..8 0 Shamflght .. 8 6 Irish Lady 8 0 Palantua .. 8 6 Log Quex .. 8 0 Tranquillity 8 5 Western Willowmere 8 4 tight 8 0 SYDENHAM HURDLE RACE HANDICAP, Of 300 sovs. Two mileß. at- "»• st. lb. Captain's Warzone ..0 6 Gift 11 5 Morena ..9 6 Paddon ..11 0 Adventua ..9 0 Membo .. 10 .11 Advance Nukumai .. 10 11 Camp 9 0 jOallamart .. 10 6 Jayson .. 9 0 Cruachan .. 10 6 Nassock .. 9 0 Pull Mark 10 6 Royal Saxon 9 0 P»hu ■ • 9 13 Manuirl ... 9 0 Antrim Boy 913 Moerangi .. 0 0 Claremore .. 913 Air Laddie 9 0 Consent .. 9 13 Camlsader .. 9 0 High Pitch 918 Clopton .. 9 0 Luminary .. 9*12 Royal Limond 9 0 Conjuror 11. 9 11 Pink Note .. 9 0 . STYX HURDLE RACE HANDICAP, Of 160 spve. Hack conditions. Once round and a distance. st. !b. » at. lb. Morena .. 11 2 Noteworthy 9 7 Dainty Ways 10 11 Night Cap 9 2 Jayson .. 10 9 Royal Mint 9 0 Oamlsador .. 9 18 Ohickwheat 9 0 Nine o£ Gold Bag .. 9 0 Spades 918 Jael ' .. 9 0 Pink' Note .. 911 Night Attire 9 0 Barneses .. 9 9 LINCOLN STEEPLECHASE HANDICAP, Of 300 sovs. About three miles. st. lb. " B t. lb. Billy Boy 12 12 Taramoa .. 9 1 Paris •.. 11 2 Deportment 9 0 Wiltshire 10 13 Airtight .. 9 0 Nukumai .. 10 12 Lancer .. 9 0 Copey .. 10 10 Nylotis .. 9 0 Glaremore .. 10 8 Hard Gold 9 0 Omeo ..10 6 Matu .. 9 0 Snowfall .. 10 4 Valves .. 9 0 Lucesß .. 10 4 Thurina .. 9 0 Caliamart ..10 2 Royal Reign 9 0 Master Lu 10 1 High Heather 9 0 Royal Visitor 918 Oriflamb .. 9 0 Town Beauty 910 Kowhatu .. 9 0 Luminary .. 9 9 Peterette .. 9 0 Calham .. 9 4 Bon Aryan 9 0 French Fleet 9 2 .

HEATHCOTE HANDICAP, Of 100 sovi. One mile.

BELWTN HANDICAP, Of 160 «wt. Seven furlongs.

tt. lb. at. lb. Oompris ..10 a Gay Court .. $ 0 Red Heckle 911 Don Jose .. 8 0. Arlkira .. 9 0 Dunraven .. 8 0 Retract .. 9 6 Weatherly .. 8 0 Marry Peel 9 4 Ravine .. 8 0 Ramo 8 13 Ai Jolson .. 8 0 Royal Bengal 818 Glggleswlek 8 0 Ranelagh .. 812 Taboo .. 8 0 Rational 11. 8 11 T»kn Tama 8 0 Minerval .. 811 Oonsono .. 8 0 Mount Boa 8 8 6'altpot .. 8 0 Colonel Oygnus 8 6 TobAccoland 8 0 Water Power 8 5 High Court 8 0 Beacon Fire 8 4 Noteworthy 8 0 Adolphi .. $4 Craigavoa .. 8 0 Imperial Fame 8 ,3 Beverage .. 8 0 Town Major 8 3 Solitaire 11. 8 0 * Semper Faratns 8 0

RBDcurrs HANDICAP, Of 150 sovs. Hack conditions. ■ Seven furlongs.

st. lb. st. lb. Merry Peel 10 11 Execution .. 8 5 Normandy .. 9 13 Takakau 8 3 Kakara .. 9 9 Metal Bird 8 3 Gay Court .. 9 6 First Song 8 3 Muff .. 0 5 Hounslow .. 8 3 Woodfull .. 9 5 Lord Buchan 8 3 Saltpot .. 9 2 Tranquillity 8 2 Niggerhead 8 11 Deniso .. 8 2 Nisht Flyer 811 Appeal ..8 1 Oraigavon .... 8 10 Sailor's.Love 8 1 Water Polo 8 10 Owlsfligbt ..81 Irish Chieftain 8 9 Pixie Gold 8 0 Solitaire 11. 8 8 Homecoming 8 0 Crash ..83 Porlock .. 80 Lockalcy ..88 Prince Tractor 8 0 /Elude .. 8 8 Rocket .. 8 0 Gold Sand 8 8 Taunton ..8 0 Monastic .. 8 6 Colbasioal 8 0 The Sun .. 8 6 Star 'Raider 6 0 Forest Stag 8 6 Gay Robe .. 8 0

st. lb. st. lb. Meprisant 9 9 Al Jolson .. 8 0 Lord Val .. 9 8 Royal Love 8 0 Merry Peel 9 6 Taboo * ..80 Grecian Prince 9 3 Night Reoital 8 0. Royal Bengal 9 1 Dunraven 8 0 Ranelagh .. 812 Juniper ..80 Rational 11. 811 Lord Argosy 8 0 Last Marci 8 9 Winsome Hind 8 0 Mount Boa 8 9 Taku Tama 8 0 Ringing Cheer 8 9 Copsono .. 8 0 Beacon Fire 8 8 Arrowmaid .. 80 Water Power 8 6 Oiggleswick 8 0 Master Tobaceoland 8 0 Anomaly 8 6 Coll ..80 Fairweather 8 6 Monastic .. 8 0 Imperial Fame 8 5 Knocklong 8 0 Adelphi -.8 4 Beverage .. 8 0