RACING AND TROTTING

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22136, 5 July 1937, Page 12

RACING AND TROTTING

LATEST NEWS FROM FAR AND NEAR

RACING FIXTURES

fluly 6. 8, 10—Wellington R.C. PjXUy 17—Hawkc's Bay Hunt Club. & u ly 17—Waimate Hunt Club. &uly 24—Rangitikei Hunt Club. S u ly 24—South Canterbury Hunt Club, uly 29, 31—Poverty Bay T.C. LTuly 31—Christchurch Hunt Club. iAugUSt 7—Poverty Bay Hunt Club. [August 10, 12. 14—Canterbury J.C. August 21 —Pakuranga Hunt Club. September 2—Egmont-Wanganui Hunt. September 4—Taranaki Hunt Club. September 4—Otago Hunt Club. September 9. 11—Wanganui J.C. September 18 —Ashburton County R.C. September 18, 20—Avnndale J.C. September 23, 25—Geraldine R.C. September 25—Foxton R.C. September 25—Marton J.C.

TROTTING FIXTURES

[August 7, 11, 13— N.Z. Metropolitan T.C. August 28—Auckland T.C. September 4—New Brighton T.C. September 11—Wellington T.C. October 2—Methven T.C. October 9—New Brighton T.C. October 16—Waikato T.C. October 16, 18—Westport T.C. October 23, 25—Auckland T.C. October 23, 25—Greymouth T.C. October 25—Oamaru T.C. October 30— Wellington T.C. Oqtober 30—Invercargill T.C. •October 30—Thames T.C.

TURF GOSSIP

Reminder

t Nominations for the Waimate Hunt iClub's annual steeplechase meeting jwlll close at 8 p.m. to-day. pßehandicapped i Catalogue, a winner at Awapuni on Saturday, has been rehandicapped *Bom*B-5 to 8-8 in the Whyte Handicap at Trentham to-morrow. Comforts for Patrons

The weather was very cold at .Oamaru on Saturday, and the club's 'idea of providing some warmth for •patrons was greatly appreciated. Cokeiburning braziers were placed in various [parts of the lawn, and with a thick layer of straw to counteract the effects jof the frozen ground, the conditions were made reasonably pleasant. A

coke heater was installed 3n the jockeys' room, and this also [was in keen demand between races by ithe riders. This latter innovation* could very well be adopted by other clubs during the winter.

An Early Visitor The Auckland-owned High Quality

flias arrived at Riccarton to be trained [by J. S. Shaw for hurdle races at the 'Grand National meeting, and will be [returned home after the gathering. On Another Triail

Gaysome, looking robust after her rspell, during which she must have jJbeen well cared for, has rejoined Mrs ftT. Campbell's active team. THad a Rest

Davolo. topweight in the Whyte Handicap field next Tuesday, has not : raced since he finished third to Last iHefrain and Araboa over a mile and .a quarter at Oamaru in April. He generally races well when fresh, and handles soft ground well. Australian Mares

The Australian Cup winner, Carry On, will shortly be sent across from Australia by her owner, Mr J. S. Brunton, to be mated with the Elderslie stallion Solicitor General. She is by Magpie from Farfadet, an English mare by Hurry On, who also descends from a half-sister to the granddam o: the big English Derby winner. The mating of Solicitor General will give a return of Marco, Desmond, Ayrshire and Cyllene. Accompanying Carry On will be Epigraph, an Elderslie-bred daughter of Paper Money and the flying Epitaph, an own sister to Honour. This mare will also be mated this season with Solicitor General. She is owned by Mr G. W, Magill. who has had considerable success with horses bred in the Dominion. Miss Nottava, an own Bister to Gesture, and one of the best stayers of her inches in Australia when racing, unfortunately slipped a colt foal last month to the successful imported sire Tippler. Irish Comet

The only real surprise absentee from the Wellington Steeplechase and Winter Hurdles at acceptances was Irish Comet. The Great Northern winner was not at all overburdened with 10-8 after his second success in the Winter Steeplechase, but possibly he may be in reserve for the Grand National. The field for the big race totals 14 as against 12 last'year. Change of Venue L. G. Morris has purchased a property near the Awapuni racecourse, and when stables are erected he will transfer his team there from Marton. Dual Engagements

Tudor and Black Marlin are the only horses still left in both the Wellington Steeplechase and the Winter Hurdles. Last year Black Marlin was second in the* hurdle race. Unfortunate Accident

L. J. Ellis met with a simple but painful mishap at Oamaru on Saturday, which will keep him out of the saddle for another period. He had the mount on Silver Lark in the Wintdr Handicap, and was tailing the field owing to a slow beginning, when one of the leaders, Mary Pratt, slipped on the bend approaching the straight and fell. Ellis- tried to avoid her; but Silver Lark tripped over her and Ellis was shot across the track. He was soon on his feet again, and walked back into the enclosure, but had to seek medical treatment for an injury to his left shoulder. He was taken to the Oamaru Hospital and an X-ray examination revealed a dislocated bone between the collarbone and the shoulder blade. He returned to the course after having the limb bound up, and although the injury is not serious, it will mean his absence from the Wellington meeting. He is not likely to be able to resume riding until the Grand National meeting. Ellis had only recently returned to his calling after an absence of more than three months because of eye trouble which developed in Australia, and this mishap has certainly come at a bad time, both for him and for several owners who had engaged him for Trentham. One of his mounts was Wino, a fancied candidate for the Whyte Handicap.

No More Risks There was another casualty at Oam; .u on Saturday. Miss Shambles fell at the first fence of the steeplechase event, and her rider, W. Dent, suffered a broken ankle and was sent to the Oamaru Hospital. Miss Shambles, while schooling a few weeks back, caused an injury to D. Hall, who suffered two broken collarbones, and her owner. Mr A. S. Jones, of Timaru, ■was so disgusted with her showing on Saturday that he immediately decided to put her out of commission and to breed from her next season. Impressive Form

Waitaka was not long in getting on the winning list for his new trainer, J. S. Shaw, who brought him to Ric-

carton after last month's meeting at Ellerslie. He has had two races only in the South Island for a win and a second placing, and although he is now well up in the weights amongst southern hacks, he seems likely to earn further distinction. Waitaka is a wellgrown gelding by Robespierre from Mazurka, and was bred by Mr D. McClure, of Prebbleton. Mazurka, who died in 1932, was by Martian from Two Step by Stepniak from Far Away by Bill of Portland, and previously produced Patuki, Bugle Note, Bolero, Mount Shannon, and Weatherstep, all good winners. Waitaka was submitted by Mr McClure at the Trentham sales of 1933, but was passed in at 45 guineas, being subsequently sold at a little above that figure. Owners Suffer

Two engagements which L. J. Ellis was unable to fulfil at Oamaru on Saturday were on Nolana and Forum, and both horse 3 would no doubt have been more prominent at the finish of their respective races if he had been in the saddle. Nolana was slow to move off. and her rider allowed Volo Dale and Prince Flaneur to get too far away over the early stages. She was thereafter always .struggling to bridge the gap, and did well to gain second money. Forum also missed the jump out. but was soon rushed up to the leaders from last place. It was not surprising, therefore, that he was not able to finish as well as previously. Turn of Luck

Volo Dale has been a long time winning a race, but as she-has apparently developed stamina, she may carry on the good work. She is probably the first galloper to win for the trotting owner, Mr W. T. Lowe, and for her trainer, R. B. Berry, both of whom have displayed a lot of patience with the Pajadin mare, who is now approaching her seventh year. Encouraging:

Sir Hugh's finishing effort on Saturday created a big impression, and the general opinion seemed to be that he was the unlucky horse of the race he contested. He is a long-striding galloper, capable of developing into a high-class handicap horse next season. Preparing' For Winter Cup

Sibyer Streak made one of his characteristic finishing runs to till second place to Royal Gallant in Saturday's big event at Oamaru, and but for losing valuable ground at the start, he would have reversed places. Silver Streak has still some surplus condition to work off, but it can be taken for granted that he will soon be amongst the winners again, and will be an interesting Winter Cup candidate. Bound for Sydney

Through an oversight, J. Fryer missed the acceptances for the first day of the Wellington meeting. As he is booked to sail for Australia by the Wanganella on Thursday, it is unlikely that he will be represented at Trentham this week. The following members of his team are to make the trip: Wotan, Black Friar, China Clipper, Red Manfred, Tout le Monde, International, Pantoon, and Elanage. Latest advice received by Fryer regarding the condition of his hurdler, Soloist, in Australia, are reassuring, as he is reported to be ready to race on the arrival of his owner. A Remarkable Record

Black Duke had a large following for his jumping engagement at Oamaru on Saturday, but although he had a track to suit him, he failed to show any of his old pace or jumping ability and finished a good way from the place-getters. This indicated that he has gone well past his best. The veteran will be 15 years of age next month, so he is entitled to a retirement. His amazing record began at three years, and he has raced in every season since then, contesting to date 232 races for 47 wins, 32 seconds, 25 thirds, and 128 times unplaced, winning stakes and place-money totalling £8422. Only as a 10-year-old and in. the present season, when he appeared for the first time at the Dunedin meeting, last month, has he failed to win. when he took up hurdling more than His consistency both or the flat and three years ago, has been remarkable, and comparatively recently he established a course record for a mile and a half hurdle race at Wingatui. It is on this course that he has won most of hj s races, especially as a jumper. A. Didham, R. Mackie, J. Jennings, and R. Beale have been his principal pilots. For a horse in more than 11 seasons' racing, averaging 18 races a year, to establish an average of wins of just below 20 per cent., is a record that is likely to remain unchallenged seriously for many years.

TROTTING NOTES

A Useful Pacer

Dusky Sound registered two very good performances at the Oamaru Jockey Club's meeting on Saturday. After giving away 48 yards start in the Oamaru Handicap, of a mile and a half, he was beaten by Loyal Pat. He started at an outside price, but his good showing encouraged more solid support in the Waikaura Handicap later in the day. This race he won in impressive style. Dusky Sound, who is by Happy Voyage from Hector's Own, is rising four years, and in the hands of R. Townley he may prove a good winner next season. Hector's Own was by Sir Hector from a Dragoon mare and a few years ago raced with success in Townley's colours and took a two miles record of 4min 28 2-ssec.

An Improver Early last season Loyal Pat showed promise of developing into a good pacer, and while he has taken some time to produce his best, his win on Saturday at Oamaru suggested still better things to come. At the Timaru meeting last year, he was one of the favourites for the Futurity Stakes, in which he finished second to Southern Chief. He has not been raced a great deal, but he is a well-grown gelding and is likely to do still better. He has breeding behind him, for he is by Grattan Loyal from Pat Dillon by Great Audubon —Floivjie Dillon, the dam of Tom Thumb and Sonoma. Pat Dillon, who had a mile record of 2min 14sec, has already left a useful trotter in Garner. When to Act

Some few years ago a judge. In summing up a case in which a disqualified owner sued a club for damages on the grounds of wrongful disqualification when the horse had won a race, said: "It is obvious that the defendant club acted contrary to the principles of justice by punishing the plaintiff when he did right. Had the plaintiff wished to escape punishment, he would have been compelled to go on doing wrong by not trying to win." It is incumbent upon the authorities, says "Ribbonwood" in the "Evening Post," to take the only just course of making redeemable the tickets of many innocent backers who take the club's acceptance of a horse as an indication that they are supporting a horse eligible to win without question. In recent years, no horse in New Zealand had been disqualified for "not trying to win. - ' Realising that this would be a much more satisfactory way of dealing with such incidents, the board of the New Zealand Trotting Association, in May, 1930, made the following pronouncement:— "That it is desirable to bring under the notice of stewards and stipendiary stewards that where a horse does not run up to its known performances and there does not appear to be any good

mount val WINS

ROYAL GALLANT AND WAITAKA SUCCEED,

OAMARU JOCKEY CLUB'S WINTER FIXTURE

The Oamaru Jockey Club's winter meeting was held on Saturday in fine but cold weather, and there was a large attendance, which included a bigger train load from Dunedin than usual. A heavy frost left the track and grounds frozen until near midday, and when the thaw set in the surface became sloppy, necessitating a liberal spread of straw on the lawns and enclosures. The track improved as the afternoon progressed, and there was only one mishap caused by Us condition, Mary Pratt slipping when rounding the turn into the straight in the Winter'-Handicap. The racing was most enjoyable and several good finishes were seen, that in the concluding event arousing marked enthusiasm. All this reflected the good work of the club's handicappcr, Mr C. E. Hassall, whose efforts in bringing horses together at recent meetings in the south have met with outstanding success.

The principal event, the Grange Handicap, was won by Mount Val, a half-brother to the well-known soft track performer Mount Boa. He took charge from the pacemaker Travenna a furlong from home, and ran home an easy winner.

Royal Gallant, who has lately proved a sound investment for his Dunedin owner, added another useful stake to his record by winning the Winter Handicap. He had a substantial lead a lurlong from the post, but had to be ridden right out to hold off Silver Streak, who made an auspicious reappearance after & long spell.

Polydora made some amends for recent disappointments by winning the jumping event in an easy manner. The race was described as a steeplechase, but it was nothing more than a brush hurdle race, so that her success need not be regarded as any indication of her prospects over the big country. The club's president, Mr K. Austin, and the vice-president, Mr W. A. Gardiner, assisted by a hard-working committee, spared no effort in ensuring the success of the programme, and visitors were once again loud in their praise of the hospitality extended to them. The secretarial arrangements under the charge of Mr D. V. G. Smith once more left nothing to be desired, and Mr C. Gieseler's starting was quite satisfactory. The totalisator transacted brisk business, the sum of £10,862 10s (win £4937, place £5925 10s) being handled, as against £9039 at last year's meeting, an increase of £1823 10s. As other sources of revenue also showed an advance, the meeting should show a handsome profit.

Details of the racing are as follows;

HACK AND HUNTERS' STEEPLECHASE,

Of 120 sovs; second horse 15 sovs, and third horse 10 sovs from stake. Two miles. 1. I—G. Hall's b m POLYDORA by Polazel—Sweet Smile aged 10-13 H. Turner 1 3. «—G. Fielding's b g Royal Pal aged 9-2 . . B. Shand 2 6. 6—M. Cooney's ch g Hot Tea aged 9-0 .. V. Langford 3 2, 2 Black Duke 10-3 R. Beale; 4, 4 Acena 9-1 E. Jennings; 8, 8 Elgindale 9-0 car. 10-0 A. Stove; 9, 9 Miss Shambles 9-0 car. 9-3J W. Dent; 7, 7 Sunny Comet 9-0 W. Kltto; 5, 5 Trumpet Blast 9-0 L. Pratt also started. Won by three lengths; four lengths between second and third. Acena was fourth. Time. 3min 52 4-ssec. Winner trained by H. Nurse, Riccarton.

OAMARU TROT,

Of 115 sovs; second horse 10 sovs, and „ third horse 5 sovs from stake. 3min 43sec class. One mile and a half. 1. I—R. S. Wood's b g LOYAL PAT by Grattan Loyal—Pat Dillon 3yrs

scr .. J. Pringle 1 10. 10— R. Townley's blk g Dusky Sound 3yrs 48 .. Owner 2 13. 13— H. Brosnahan's ch g Cyrano 4yrs scr .. D. Watts 3

14. 15 Charles Russell scr; 2, 4 Colonel Axworthy scr; 11, 12 Crusheen scr; 6, 6 Don Acron scr; 5, 2 King Drusus scr; 8, 8 Locust scr; 17, 17 Mandrell scr; 7, 7 Maurice Chimes scr and Sylvie's Best scr bracketed; 12. 11 Otapirl Lee scr: 3. 5 Scottish Bard scr; 3. 3 Young Pointer scr; 9, 9 Glenastle 48; 15. 16 Oasis 48; 15, 14 Parrish Chimes 48 also started.

Won by a length; three lengths between second and third. King Drusus was fourth. Times—3min 29sec, 3min 25 2-ssec, 3min 31sec. Winner trained by R. J. Humphreys.

WINTER HANDICAP,

Of 130 sovs; second horse 15 sovs, and third horse 10 sovs from stake. Seven furlongs. 6. 5—J. Lindsay's blk g ROYAL GALLANT by Top Gallant—Princess Ilona aged 9-2 .. J. McFarlane 1 7. B—E. H. Aubrey's br g Silver Streak aged 10-1 .. A. E. Ellis 2 8. 7—D. P. Wilson's b m Trivet 6yrs 8-2 .. J. Dooiey 3

reason for its not having done so, then such performance should be the subject of an inquiry. Waiting for a horse's second performance is not nearly so satisfactory as dealing with the matter when the horse first runs." Three-Ycar-Old Trotter The best young trotter raced during the season was the Durbar Lodge's Gerfalcon, and it was bad luck for the stable that he was not nominated for the three-year-old classic decided at Timaru earlier in the season. The class engaged was as poor as could be imagined, and Gerfalcon, if he had started, would have needed to have been much below form to have lost. He is a good, solid trotter, and under pressure lights on without attempting to alter his style of going. He has been very carefully handled during the last few months; but the new season will again find him in action. He is only three years old, and there have been few more solid trotters than this Wrack gelding. Time will further improve him. Some groat trotters have been bred at Durbar Lodge, and Gerfalcon shows promise of adding to Ihe record.

Extra Permits For some time clubs in different parts of New Zealand have been anxious to secure extra totalisator permits; but to' grant these an amendment would have to be made to the Gaming Act, which was framed as far back as 1908. The Government last season received more than £IOO,OOO in taxation from trotting clubs alone, and it is this burden that is restricting activities. Clubs find it very difficult to make ends meet with only one or two meetings a year, and while there is a possibility that the next session of Parliament will bring about some alterations in the act, delegates to the conference in Wellington this week may find it advisable to approach the Minister on the subject. Only 80 permits are issued to trotting clubs, and there is a demand for another 50 days' racing at least. Classic Racing In addition to the Derby, the South Australian Trotting Club is offering further inducement to breeders in the shape of a Sires' Produce Stakes for March, 1939, carrying £350 prize money. A list of sires is furnished, and the number is 37. The race will be for three-year-old horses, the produce of the sires listed, and like other classic events, each horse must compete in harness. Western Australia is also in the field with a Sires' Produce Stakes, of £350, for 1940. Entries closed on June 14, but late entries may be made up to Monday, July 19. The owner of the sire of the winner will receive £SO. the breeder £50," and the owner of the winner £175 ,

3, 3 Half Note 8-10 H. Powell; 5, 6 Double Shot 8-7 C. Wilson; 1. 1 Mary Pratt 8-2 P. Spratt; 4, 4 Carfex 8-0 A. Messervy; 2, 2 Silver Lark 8-0 L. J. Ellis also started. Won by a neck; half a length between second and third. Carfex was fourth. Time, lmin 30 2-ssec. Winner trained by J. Ross, Oamaru.

BURNSIDE HACK HANDICAP,

Of 100 sovs; second horse 15 sovs, and third horse 5 sovs from stake. Six furlongs. 5. 5—W. T. Lowe's ch m VOLO DALE

by Paladin—Ferino 6yrs 8-0 H. Hibberd 1 3. 2—J. H. Watson's br m Nolana 4yrs 8-5 .. P. Spratt 2 8. B—H. Brosnahan's b m Merry del Val syrs 8-2 .. A. Messervy 3

7, 9 New Note 9-1 J. Dooley; 2, 3 Dissemble 8-11 R. Mackie; «, 6 Ilithyia 8-7 J. McFarlane; 9, 7 Sir Rosenor 8-4 J. Jenkins; 1, 1 Prince Flaneur 8-3 J. Jennings; 10, 10 Janet Gaynor 8-0 H. Powell; 4, 4 Master Dingle 8-0 C. Wilson also started.

Won by two lengths; same between second and third. Dissemble was fourth. Time, lmin 16 3-ssec. Winner trained by R. Berry, Yaldhurst.

GRANGE HANDICAP,

Of 160 sovs; second horse 20 sovs, and third horse 10 sovs from stake. One mile and a quarter. 3. 3—Mrs R. Fleming's b g MOUNT VAL by Valkyrian—Ell Sorella Oyrs

7-11 .. 1 2.2 — J. P. Herlihy's ch g Travenna 6yrs 9-3 .. R. Mackie 2 5. 5—J. Lindsay's blk g Royal Gal-

lant aged 9-; i inc. 5 reliep. Jr. McFarlane 3

1. 1 Queen Dorothy 9-3 A. E. Ellis; <>, 0 Trivet 7-12 J. Dooley; 7, 7 Amy Johnson 7-12 P. Spratt; 4, 4 Daring Deed 7-7 A. Messervy also started.

Won by three lengths; half a length between second and third. Queen Dorothy was fourth. Time, 2min 12sec. Winner trained by T. Hobbs, Oamaru.

WAIKAURA TROT,

Of 120 sovs; second horse 15 sovs, and third horse 5 sovs from stake. 3min lsec class. One mile and a quarter.

2.2 R. Towuley's blk g DUSKY SOUND by Happy Voyage—Hector's Own 3yrs scr .. Owner 1 6. B—W. Freeiand's b g Clenastle 3yrs scr .. G. Barr 2 4. 4—C. L. Rhodes's br c Bill Grattan 4yrs scr .. J. Pringle 3

1, 1 Adverse scr and Black Don 12 bracketed; 7, 6 Andy Watson scr; 12, 14 Cj'iislieen scr; 5, 5 Lazybones scr; 8, 7 Master Potts scr and Parrish Chimes scr bracketed; I), JO Oasis scr; 14, 13 Otapiri Lee scr; 11, 9 Awa Dillon 12; 13, 12 Jainbo 12; 10, 11 Major Guy 12; 3, 3 Nalilin 12 also st.irteu. Won by two lengths; head between second and third. Major Guy was fourth. Times—2min 53 4-ssec, 2min 54 l-ssec, 2 min 54 2-sscc. Winner trained by owner, Washdyke.

FAREWELL HACK HANDICAP,

Of 120 sovs; second horse 15 sovs, and third horse 5 sovs from stake. Seven furlongs. 1. 2—E. J. Morrison's b g WAITAKA by Robespierre—Mazurka syrs 8-11

J. McFarlane 1 2. 3—Mrs M. Irving's b g Salient Knight 4yi\s 9-10 .. A. E. Ellis 2 3. I—D. O. Rutherford's b g Sir Hugh 3yrs 8-6 .. 11. Hibberd 3

7, 6 Hanlon 8-9 C. Wilson; 4, 5 Gold Bov 8-6 A. Messervy; 5, 8 Illora 8-3 J. Dooley; 8, 8 Forum 8-1 R. Coveny; 6, 4 Scrap 8-1 J. Jennings; 9, 9 Jericho Jane 8-0 J. Jenkins also started.

Won by half a head; same between second and third. Forum was fourth. Time, Imin 29 2-ssec. Winner trained by J. S. Shaw, Riccarton.

NOTES ON THE RACING

Overdue Success

Polydora justified her favouritism for the Hack and Hunters' Steeplechase by a comfortable win. She was well back over the first few fences but joined Acena in the front with about seven furlongs to go, and had a useful lead entering the straight from Hot Tea, Royal Pal, and Acena. Royal Pal made a promising effort in the run home, but Polydora had too much in hand, and was being eased up at the post. Hot Tea was a fair third and there was then a gap of six lengths to Acena. who was followed at another interval by Black Duke. Miss Shambles fell at the first fence, and Sunny Comet ran off at the fourth fence, when amon.g the leaders. Polydora did not shape well at the first three fences, but when allowed to run along and get to the front she took each obstacle in her stride. Royal Pal beat a tired lot. adding another to his owner's long list of minor placings. Hot Tea shaped satisfactorily, but Acena again lost his chance by faulty jumping. Black Duke mad? a poor showing.

Loyal Pat Wins

Investors showed right judgment in making Loyal Pat favourite for the Oamaru Trot, as she won practically from barrier rise; but outsiders occupied the two minor placings. With a circuit covered. Loyal Pat led from King Drusus, Cyrano, Don Acron. Scottish Bard, and Young Pointer, and the favourite was followed into the straight by King Drusus, Cyrano. Dusky Sound, Glenastle. and Colonel Axworthy. Loyal Pat was never in danger of being overhauled, and Dusky Sound easily accounted for Cyrano for second money, the last named beating King Drusus on the post. Colonel Axworthy headed the remainder. Crusheen and Otapiri Lee failed to off correctly. A Mild Surprise Mary Pratt was sent out favourite for the Winter Handicap, but when racing well in second place to Royal Gallant turning for home she slipped and fell, and" Silver Lark, at the tail of the field, fell over her. The start was a straggling one, Trivet carrying the barrier away and interfering with others, including Silver Streak, Carfex, and Silver Lark. Mary Pratt and Double Shot got a big break early; but Royal Gallant was soon on level terms with them and later had sole charge. He had a clear advantage turning for home from Mary Pratt. Trivet, Double Shot, Half Note, and Silver Streak. The last-named put in a telling run over the final furlong, and although he headed off Trivet in the last stride, he just failed to get up to Royal Gallant. Trivet was half a length away a head in front of Carfex with Double Shot next. Royal Gallant recorded another of his surprise wins and double-figure dividends. He put up an attractive performance, but his task would no doubt have been more difficult but for both Silver Streak and Trivet losing valuable ground at the start.

Her First Victory

Prince Flaneur, favourite for the Burnside Hack Handicap, had every chance. He was one of the first out, and was close up to Volo Dale and Dissemble turning for home, these three racing together • well clear of Ilithyia and Nolana. Prince Flaneur tackled Volo Dale passing the distance, but did not carry on, and Volo Dale had a decisive win. Nolana battled on gamely to get up for second money, while Merry del Val headed off Dissemble for third on the post. Ilithyia and Prince Flaneur were well back next. This was Volo Dale's first success, and she finished much more solidly than previously. Nolana missed the actual jump out. and gave the leaders too big a break entering the straight.

Easy for Mount Val

Travenna made most of the running in the Grange Handicap, and when ho entered the straight clear of Mount Val, Royal Gallant, and Queen Dorothy, his success seemed likely, but Mount VaJ finished very fast and beat Travenna easily. Royal Gallant also put in a solid effort to get within half a length of Travenna. Queen Dorothy was a length away, half a length in front of Trivet. Mount Val outclassed his opponents over the last furlong, and was going away from them at the finish. Travenna had the run of the race on the rails, but the final stretch found him out. Royal Gallant left his effort a little late as he would have been second in another two strides. Queen Dorothy failed under her solid weight.

Dusky Sound Improves

The Waikawa Trot provided an excellent race and over half of the field was well bunched turning for home. Dusky Sound, always well up, then worked his way to the front, and carried on to record a decisive win from

Glenastle, who just got up to beat Bill Grattan. Major Guy came from a rear position to be two lengths away in fourth xiace, with Crusheen and Nahlin next. An Exciting Tussle

The closest finish seen at Oamaru for some time was provided by the Farewell Hack Handicap, three of the contestants crossing the line locked together. The first to show out were Scrap. Waitaka, and Salient Knight, but roundiog the home turn, Waitaka had charge from Salient Knight, Forum, and Sir Hugh, with little between them. Salient Knight was on terms with Waitaka passing the distance and this pair were fighting out a stubborn battle when Sir Hugh challenged on the outside. Waitaka got in the deciding stride to beat Salient Knight by half a head, with a similar margin to Sir Hugh. Forum was three lengths away in front of Hanlon. It was a fitting finale to an excellent day's racing. Waitaka showed solidity by responding to a final call as Salient Knight was actually in front of him 100 yards from the post. The latter is undoubtedly a high-class hack, in fact the three place-getters can be expected to be well in the limelight in the new season. Sir Hugh was the unluckiest of the trio. He was on the fence trailing the other two, turning for home, but with no chance of carrying on in that position, he had to be taken to the outside and the extra ground covered no doubt cost him the race. He was certainly finishing the fastest and the verdict would have gone his way in another stride. Forum was the last to leave the mark and was then rushed up to the front di-1 vision rounding the far turn, tactics that left him without an effort when in a handy position entering the straight. The remainder were outclassed on the day.

AUSTRALIAN RACING

V.R.C. GRAND NATIONAL HURDLES

TRITELEIA'S SUCCESS

(Received July 4, 6.30 p.m.) MELBOURNE, July 3. The Victoria Racing Club's Grand National Steeplechase meeting was opened at Flemington to-day. Results: —

GRAND NATIONAL HURDLE RACE, Of 1500 sovs. Three miles. H. Freedman's ch g TRITELEIA by Great Star—Mauve syrs 10-3 Dummett 1 H. and M. Bourke's ch g Dakwood by Backwood—Eton Blue 6yrs 9-1 Douglas 2

J. G. Morrison's ch g Devonbrook by Devonshire-Siris 4yrs 9-3 g

Fulham and King's Game were scratched. When the Held settled down Triteleia was lying third, but went to the front after six furlongs, establishing a lead of five lengths from RetfordDevonbrook. Bridge of Mar and rooiey Bridge. With six furlongs to go Devon brook had decreased Trite ela's lead to two lengths. There was little between Triteleia, Devonbrook, and D f< woo £ over the last hurdle, but Trite eia then did best and won by a length and a quarter. Devonbrook being two lengths away. Time, smtn 40isec.

KENSINGTON STEEPLECHASE, Of 500 sovs. About two miles and half

a furlong. D. Zealley'.s ch g SKYMOUR by Sar-chedon-Mary Stewart aged H.XI .. Fuljarton 1 J. P. Consedinc's b c Bermuda by Lanius—Toussaint .4yrs 10-5 Jennings t R. Wilson's b g Montargis by Drake— Montmartre aged 9-7 McMahon t There were 12 starters. Won by three lengths; dead-heat for second. Time, 4min lisec.

MAIDEN HURDLE RACE, Of 400 sovs. Two miles. C. L. Moorliouse's b c CAPE YORK by Cape Horn—Princess Pat syrs 10-10 . Carlmg 1 C. Herbert's b g Ryamann by Cunalis—Tressady Maid syrs 10-0 Blanch 2 G. Muller's br g Drakpho by Drake— Poppeia aged 10-0 .. Johnson 3 There were 10 starters. Won bv 15 lengths; three lengths between second and third. Time, 3min 4JJ Royal Order was unplaced in the Myross Handicap. Riddle was unplaced in the Iramoo Handicap, and Whernside was unplaced in the Winter Handicap.

IN SYDNEY

AT ROSEBERY

(Received July 4, 6.30 p.m.) SYDNEY, July 3. At the Rosebery races to-day. Deputy Ruler was unplaced in the Lakes Handicap. Bronze Tulip was unplaced in the third division of the Three-year-old Handicap. Linklet and Red Clover were unplaced in the Novice Handicap. The Winter Handicap was won by Hastate from Improvement and Monogram. There were 14 starters, including Limoux.