GRAND NATIONAL DAY

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22167, 10 August 1937, Page 12

GRAND NATIONAL DAY

Fields Reviewed in Detail

A review of the form of all Worses Facing to-day is as follows; — ,

|1.32 a.m.— TRIAL HURDLE RACE, (Of' £3OO. One mile and three-quarters,

Golden Lap 10-12 (T. Boyle)—A much improved jump'er, arid is sure to race well at the meeting. ■ Redolent 10-10 (J. Murfitt)—ls in better fettle than ever previously and looks like being favourite.; Monastic. 10-5 (N. Trillo)—Has been doing well of ’late, and will improve with a race dr two. 7 Rolwlt 10-2 (A. Stove)— Has. stood up to work wonderfully well, considering his infirmities, which have prevented him ' reaching; top class as a hurdler. .. ; < Runny' Comet 10-2 (F. Baker)— Has won his last two races, and win-' ning form at this time pf the year, is always worth .folldwing.' * J (Last Link 9-11—Has raced*consistently without winning; and? always’ possible for, a place. ; - Rlordwa 9-s—Will mot start 'until; the second, day. ' |The 'Surgeon' 9-2 (H. Anderton)—Requires a little more racing oyer ■ battens.' ■ . ■ '• *■■■• SPrimak 9-Q. (G. Ridgway)—A most promising novice, but., distance will trouble him. tfoy Boa 9-0 (W. Cooper)—A fair-. . chance. {Fireguard . 9-0 ,(R. Beale)—Will make .good later, tknble Shot 9-o—Shaped- well at South Canterbury meetings, but requires experience. • ? ” ' Singularly enough, the field'for, the rrrial Hurdles is' composed solely ’ of South Island horses, the first occasion cor many years. There are some smart {hurdlers engaged, and investors will Jfind; difficulty in deciding on a favourite. The pace will be on from the Jearly stages and the most prominent '•at the finish may be Golden Lap, Redolent, and Sunny Comet. ./ 12,7 p.m.— ■ PAPARUA ‘HANDICAP. - ; Of £3OO. Six furlongs. OPakanol 9-3 —Won at his last start, at Marton, and galloped fait yesterday. ' Is,also in -the Winter Cup. ■. Knockfin 9-2. (C. Wilson)— Retains her. Speed, but has not been a betting proposition. ' ■ ' ’ “ X. , Bay- Duke 9-0 (A. E.^Ellis)—Has doner' wellt,.since Trentham, and ’will, * in at .the finish. -; -•% • ' ~ ' (Queen Dorothy, 8-11—Lately to con- , . testjthe .WiriterGup. , <-- , . Matoru 8-10. (Cv Goulsbro)—Has not * raced for some time. ■ Rebel Chief‘B-6 CA. Russell)—On Bra- ' bazon Handicap form’ must vbe a strong candidate over six. - jMay be ;• - a little -too “pretty.” , -f, . , f ’ {Alma. ■ 8-0 ■ (A. Didham)—A, s . speedy. Paper Money filly; may, legd the, ' v field: throughout. '' '' Araboa 8-5 ,(L. J. Ellis)—A place proposition. - -- - U* Greek Gold 8-4 (P., Atkina)—Likes , , .‘soft’going. ' Cerne Abbas 8-3—Reappearing after ■S’ her ‘winter spell. •• : ‘ V Fight 8-0 (W. Broughton!—Not on any'form of late. s . - Metal Bird,.. 8-o—Hardly 1 up, this ' ~ standard at present, j- . ' ') Golden Dart 8-0 (H. HibbcftD—May , _ surprise .during week< - r / Pelmet ; 8-0 (A. Messervy)—Not for- - ' ' ward.‘enough.Top Bank 8-o—Npt ftmcied. , Someof the'best sprinters in the Dominion will‘'parade in .the Paparua . -Handicap, and' speculation ’is sure'to take a wide range.' "Bay Duke, Paka- ; nui/and Rebel Chief make most appeal. , 12,47 p.m.— JUMPERS’ FLAT RACE. Of £3OO. fi , a - One mile and a half. j " " ", r , \ Mount Val, 10-12 (W/ McEwenX—Has good credentials for a-race of this /; .nature, and .iwilT.be in keen demand.

ATTRACTIVE PROGRAMME AT RICCARTON £ The interest of the race-loving public throughout New Zealand will be centred on Biccartori this week on the occasion of the Canterbury Jockey Club’s Grand National Steeplechase meeting, which will be held to-day, on Thursday, and oh Saturday. The weather yesterday appeared to have definitely set in for a fine period, and .with brilliant sunshine throughout the day the track and grounds should be in remarkably good, order. A large attendance is anticipated, as the city is full of visitors, and accommodation has been at a premium for some time. The fields are all well filled, and are more representative of the whole of the Dominion than -in recent years. Suitable road and rail transport has been .arranged from all parte; and trains will run at frequent intervals from the Christchurch station to the course.

Jolly Beggar 10 : 8 (R. Beale)—The distance will riot trouble him, and Is handily placed at this poundage. Collision .10-6 (C., McGovern)—Will carry strong North Island support. Clarion Call 10-5 -(A,,JenHiriS)—Track work since he came south suggests good form from him throughout the meeting. Is much improved horse. Cottinghain 10-1 (H. Turner)— Has galloping as well as jumping ability, and stays on solidly. Last Link 9-13—Likely ,to start in w hurdle race. * Blue Tiger 9-13 (P. Burgess)— Fair chance. . Toreador 9-12 (H. Andertori)—Not on • recent form; -\i John' Charles <9-10 (A. L6rd)-rWill be better favoured,with obstacles in the way. ;"■<.<’ Journet 9-4 (N. >Trillo) —Must be given a chance. Giggleswick 9-4 (J. Murfitt) —Fair. Master Musk ,9-3 —Raced fairly well at Trentham.. ’ High Quality 9-0 (F. Baker)— Still in want of a race or,’two.' - The . 'Flat Race has yearly been one of the most popular events of the ‘.Grand National.: meeting, and this year’s event will, not be any exception, as several ' well-fancied National Hurdle candidates will be seen in action. There is no' doubt the issue appears exceptionally:- and' ,unusually opeh, but in all probability investors .will show most • confidence in Jolly Beggar, Clarion Call, and Cottingham.

1.32 pan.— CASHMERE PLATE. Of £250. Six furlongs. Aggravate, 8-11. (L. Clifford)— Hue for a win soon, but in smaller field than this. ■; Drinkup, 8-11—Showed promise at Hunt meeting, and may be again prominent.. Great Pal, 8-11—Has been placed. LUstral, 8-11 (W. Broughton)—Will ...■'■have to improve considerably. . Mlshna, 8-11-r-No form. “ Nuipsi, 8-11 ■ (C. Humphries)— Has yet to make good. .Phalanx; 8-11 CJ; Jennings)—Will re- . • quire more time, Pol Roger, 8-11 ; (E. Jones)—Comparativelya novice. . Rosanna; 8-li—"Wis'placed at Waimate. Short /Circuit, 8-11(3. Anderson) —A .smart filly, and fancied at Tren- ' " Itham. Sure to be handy ‘ through-•fjut:-v -• TOc; Wrecker; 8-11 (A. Russell)— Will fdevelbp into a useful galloper with . „■ more racing. .Twilight Song, 8-11—No recent .form. Valantua,?B-n—A speedy, half-brother toPalantua. ‘ Cocksure, ,8.-0 (L. J., Ellis): —Will not need to-improve much oh* Hunt . -r meeting form. Happy Night, $8-0 , (A. ■ Messehy)—Was -"-'/ unlucky at Hu'nt 'fixture. Is -sure ,•, to be prominent at the right,; end, kindly, 8-0 (C. Wilson)—A‘.promising ; half-sister :to Kindheart Love Affair, 8-0 (H. Hibberd)—A smart beginner," and may. be in the money." " ; ‘. - ’ Moonraker, 8-0 (J. McParlane)—Has. to be’; respected on-her second to ■Rockingham'at Hunt-meeting. Rockingham,vß-0' J(C. Gpulsbro)—The, only-winner in the race, and likely to be a good'favourite. Screamer,- 8-0' (H. Goldfinch) —Has the speed, but a hard horse to manage under pressure.. - . .Settlement,, 8-0' (B. H., ' Morris) —A ' good-looking Night Raid youngster; . and/bright prospects, ahead. '•<, Solpit; 8-04-Novrecommendatioh. . Stromboli, 8-0 (A. highly regarded in . the south, but failed at Hunt' m'eeting. ' The Cashmere- Plate is for horses that have - not won-a race at the time of nomination, and this,'allows Rockingham to be eligible.': He created, a big impression when he won at - the Hunt',ip ee ting, and as*he is, likely'fp improve by the outing, hfe is “entitled to be -favourite, . with Happy; Night . and CocTteuie next- in demand. -.-V

2.17 p.in.— NEW ZEALAND GRAND NATIONALSTEEPLECHASE, ' Of £ 1275. Three miles and a half. ' Royal Litnond, 11-0 (D. O’Connor)— Last year’s winner, but has not won a race since. Is in excellent order and obstacles arid distance will be no' trouble to him, but he has a tendency to evade the big top brush. General opinion seems 1 to be that if. he does his work-right, he will win; and that • opinion -will be held right up to the time of the race,' Irish Comet, 10-7 (J. F. Fergus)—A little horse to carry 10-7 Over such a trying journey, but is evidently made of the right material. As to jumping the country, he: satisfied all by his display on Saturday. Streamline, 10-O (G. Ridgway)—A much discussed • young steeplechaser this winter. Can be exEected to make a good showing, ut distance will 'find a weakness in a comparative novice at the game. - Nocturmis, 9-12 (F. Baker) —-Has been one of the favourites for some time, and should have won - the Homeby. Is a bpld jumper and has developed stamina in recent months. Is certain to be well in the picture throughout. Burglar, .9-10 (L. Dulieu)—Gained many followers by his two successes at Trentham; but heavy going there may have assisted him. Can stay better than m’oSt present- . day steeplechasers, and will carry solid support. ' . . Forest Glow. 9-7 (J. had several falls this winter, and is thus considered doubtful, from an investing standpoint, Pahu, 9-s—Will plod along in rear, and may gain some jalace- money if many casualties. He filled second place in Wellington Steeplechase •on this account, but has fallen each time he has started , since. Brigadore, 9-3 (G. Thomson) —Another . young steeplechaser. This will be his third attempt over country, and although admittedly a dashing ; fencer, is not fancied this year. Cock o’ the North, 9-0 (W. Cooper)— . Impressed by his Homeby win, but Nocturnus Should have beaten him, and appears to hold him safe here. Shillelagh Wood, 9-0 . (V, Langford)— Also in the Enfield,, but will no doubt be in quest-of National hon- , ours. Is a' great’ jumper, and can be expected to "be one of the leaders frp.m the, early stages. The early casualties in ’the prospec-. tive list of Grand National;: Steeplechase candidates caused .some anxiety to all. concerned, but although several prominent horses had vto forgo their engagements, the material remaining should provide a contest rivell up to,the standard of past years. In fact the race bears a more- open appearance than, previously, and judging by the trend of discussions, there will be an interesting tussle for the favourite division. The i. of all has been well' disclosed during 7 recent weeks,' and the final summing up may be in favour of ‘ JrJsh Shillelagh Wood, and Royal’ Limond. 2.57 p.m.—; 7 * ' ENFIELD STEEPLECHASE, : Of £3OO. About two; miles. Shillelagh Wood 10-9—Her presence in this would be appreciated; but this is only likely should she meet trouble early in the big race. Arctic Star 10-2 (N. Trillo) —A chance to make good In a weakened field.: ? ■ Kelly the Crow 9-10 (R. Beale) — Has i shone in amateur races this, win- ‘ ter,' and will be r a short-priced favourite if started in this. Sunward 9-2 (R. Register)—A useful hurdler, and shows promise over country. , . Lycidas 9-1 (Sullivan)—ls not favoured with soundness. Night Wind 9-9—Will get .round. If Shillelagh Wood and Kelly, the Crow parade for the Enfield Steeplechase they will have an interesting, tussle ..and 'if either starts he will-be a’ shdrt-priced favourite#* In the absence' of'"the pair, will' be forthcoming' for* Arctic Star andSunward.- -

3.42 jp.m.— * , WINTER CUP : Of £700... One , mile. Concertpltch 9-12- ; (A. Ellis) —Has been -the most r consistent horse in the South Tsland <for ,a good while, and is a better horse -than last •. year, when he ran second to Wino. Trench Fight ,9-7 ?(L. G. Morris)— Has' been galloping brilliantly,’- and on ; track form must be a difficult-can-didate. Queen of Song 9-6 (J. Jennings)—Has nqt beep too good since coming to Riccafton'-and will not be in strong •' ■ ' Pcwty'9-6‘;(P.„Atkins)— Must be likely on Whyte Handicap performance. Silver ” Streak 9-5 (R.. Mackie)—Has not been overburdened in the face : of his great reebrd. Will be prominent, at the right; end. Arctic King- 9->5 • Wilson)—A , useful handicapper, usually in the money. • Davolo 9-2 (L. "J.' Ellis) —In need of ■ racing.-. ■ Grey Honour 9-0 (C., Wilson ex-, cellent form, but distance might find him out. ' Wino 8-13—Will not' start.

Big 1 Book ■ 8-13—Has been . galloping ; impressively, _and .is well fancied in Gisborne quarters; - -■ • - .Catalogue 8-13 (W. Broughton)—A fair prospect. ' , .. Pakanui 8-11—Reads better earlier in the/ day. . Queen: Dorothy. tff7 (J; McFarlane)— An outside chance. Sweet Agnes 8-2—Not on any form of late. Dictate 8-2 (B. R.. iM°rris)—Has had a. creditable record in recent months, and is likely to dispute favour! t- . ism;. . /, i :~ ■

Shy 8-1 (P. Burgess)—lmpressed by his race in Brabazoh, and will, be in demand. . Sovereign Lady 8-1 (S. Anderson)— Has not been freely discussed, but r capable of upsetting earlier ideas. Epris 8-0-—Won Winter.Cup two years . ago with same weight, but until i recent success at Washdyke has not fared well since.. Swordstick 8-0 (H. Hibberd) —Not in this company. Old, Surrey 8-o—Fair chance. Mcnipere 8-0 (J. McCauley)—Speedy, but hardly up to this. Sir Nigel 8-o—Carrying The Hawk’s old colours, but no recent form. v

The.Winter Cup '0f'11937 presents the same intricate problem associated with the popular mile- event for many years, and investors ‘ Will have much difficulty in sorting put the favourite division. ' The field .is: representative of all racing centies in the Dominion, and every one has. the credentials to be included in the card; It was unfortunate -that Trench Fight was not tested out in the rßrabazon Handicap, but in spite of his escapade he is still entitled to carry most support. He is inclined to run., himself out early, but is in good hands; and will be there at the finish. . There is, likely to be a widespread tussle for the - minor favouritism, and ;the best of the remainder may ;be Goncertpitch and Dictate. ....

4.27 p.m.— 1 , , AVONHEAD HANDICAP, Of £275; Seven furlongs.

Mary Pratt 9-11 (A'. Didham)—Does . not look likely. . Rose, of Tralee 9-s—Only fair at this weight. Rebel Mate 9-4—On Trentham form must be prominent. 'Owl**;Gleam- 9-4 XL. G. Morris)— Only* ?■-' . fair. ‘ Petersham 9-1 (R. Mackie)—A useful Mittie 9-0 (P. -Burgess)—Has ’ done Swell in last few days, and galloped encouragingly on Saturday. ? Survey 9-0 (L. J.- Ellis)—No recent form.> ' Palmyra - 8-13 '(H.* Goldfinch)— The - logical favourite.Myrlam 8-12—Fair ‘chance. Waitaka Brl2-^-Mustbe considered, on, Oamaru -form. - 4 Mlriele 8-11: (A. E, Ellis)—Has a track to suit, and will be in request. Countervane 8-10-rrFair. Sir .Hugh- 8-10 ,(B, H. Morris)— Was unlucky at Hunt meeting. Will be better favoured'on top-to-day. ’ Tidewaiter 8-9—Won at Trentham, and sure to have-a large following. ' Rousseau 8-8 ~ (H.,. Hibberd)—Stablemate of. Palmyra, and , been gal- ; loping very well.Made Money 8-7 (J. Jennings)—Not ■ ~ fancied;... ' *V- :":: Colombo 8-6—Needs racing. Grampian; 8-s—Not in this company,; Volo Dale 8-s—Too far. LlaU’e 8-4 v (C. , Goulsbro) —Stays on - well, - and might -be a place proposition. Silver Slipper 8-4 —Not up to standard. Maroha 8-4 (E; -Jones)—Not likely. . Jed-Forest 8-I—Would be fancied with a strong horseman. Gold Boy 8-o—No credentials for this.

form. • Emmeline Girl 8-o—No form,

GRAND NATIONAL STEEPLECHASE

HEROES OF THE PAST NOTABLE PERFORMANCES In the earlier days of the Grand National Steeplechase it was run oyer a much more difficult course than the present one, with a formidable water jump (now deleted) and a ditch in front of the brush fence known as Cutts’. Ploughed fields have had their place in the course, with the result that riders had to use more judgment and “save” a horse for the battle over the concluding stages. Although the course has been tempered down in later years it: is still the most difficult, as far as the jumps are concerned, in the country.

The National has been contested by some lionhearfed horses. Perhaps the best of those of the old days was The Agent, who has three Nationals to his credit. Faugh-a-Ballagh gets the vote of T. Lyford, who- considers him one of the best jumpers ever seen in New Zealand. Another old favourite was Liberator, who. although he won the Great Northern double and won the Grand National. Hurdles two years in succession, was never a winner c« the big Riccarton steeplechase. However, Mutiny, who won in 1895 and 1896,. is considered in . many quarters as the best-ever seen in New Zealand. He is selected by Mr J. E. Henrys as the

finest steeplechaser he ever handicapped. Other heroes of the Riccarton race are Levanter; and. more recently, Coalition and Valpeen, all of whom ■ were much better than the average. Moifaa. who won the. Great Northern and afterwards earned fame as the only New Zealand winner of the Grapd National at Aintree, was twice unsuccessful at Riccarton, in 1001 and 1902. when , the race was won by.Gobo and Haydn respectively. ..Levanter also we'nt to England, but was successful only in minor events.

Le Toquet 8-o—Has - a North Island . reputation. Laggard' 8-0 (J. ,McCauley)—Has filled : minor: places lately in the north, including one at Trentham last ’ month; ‘ V,: Scrap 8-0 —Only ■ fair chance. Day Dress 8-o—Not on any recent

Bonnie Agnes 8-o—Stable-mate of Sir Hugh. The Sandwichman 8*0 —No recommendation for this. Clubman 8-o—lnexperienced. Brackets are as follows:—Colombo and Grampian; Volo Dale and Liane: Silver Slipper and Maroha; Jed Forest and Gold. Boy: Le Toquet and Laggard; Scrap, fuld Day Dress; Emmeline Girl and Bonnie -Agnes; The- Sandivichman and Clubman. Luck in positions over the early part .of-the Avonhead Handicap will have an important bearing on the result, and slow beginners will not be favoured. Strictly • following recent race and track form, the prospects of Palmyra, Mittie, and Sir Hugh appear, to be the most favourable.

Thrills and Luck

Seldom in a race of this - class over a distance of three miles and a half is there any particular difficulty for the judge. The thrilling finish of the race of 1913 is not likely to be-equalled or surpassed. J Bercola. .the ultimate winner, Glenmure. The Spaniard, Nedra. and Doranda rose together at the final fence, and a stern‘race was contested right, to the post; “Head, head, and head.” was the judge’s decision. while Doranda was- a few lengths back, beaten in the run home. •' ’ .Two Tragedies

In racing, the pendulum ■ -of luck swings this way and. that. ■; but 4 the classic instances ,of misfortune, in' the National are the. tragedy, of .Dromedary’s fail,-and that of - , old - Waiinai. who, in- 1915, was having his fifth run in the . race. ’. .

. 11l .1897 Dromedary appeared .to have a commanding /lead over / the supported, Levanter. In : those:days the outside public were to cross the track and take up positions bn the inside 'rail. A small child'escaped from her parents, and, pursued 'by a police constable, who apprehended danger, ran on to the course in-front of the oncoming horse; Dromedary was brought-down, and the policeman hurt: the luck was with the child, who was unhurt,, and, with Levanter, who won the race. ,

Waimai was being hailed as a winner in 1921, and had a lead of at least eight lengths from Coalition at the final fence, but slipped, on landing and was unable, to recover, and his-.chance for a’ second National was lost for ever. That' full-throated, groan of re-

gret from the congregated multitude at the failure -of a gallant-’attempt is a never-to-be-forgotten memory. ' - Some Surprises

’ Ten separated the two biggest surprises in the history -of- the race.Irmiskillen in 1905 was an erratic' fencer. :and it; was universally ~expected. that he would not finish the. course.' His few supporters hadmany, anxious .moments, but he stood .■up and brought off a surprise packet -Ngatba. When- he won' 10 years -later, completely outclassed the favourite divi-

sion and won very easily, and w followed at long intervals by. ti other outsiders. The Brewer ai Golden Glow. ~ Last year’s race was notable forti accident to the the we performed Diamond, after lev

ing ,for six furlongs/'made two l jumps. He scrambled, oyer the c jlage paddock brush fence at the « «of‘ tne -first'circuit,; but collapsed W a broken,"back and was destroyed.-

i v 'm ' Jf* ; "The Press,” the newspaper for £1 home. The people’s first choice.