CHRISTCHURCH HUNT MEETING

Press, Volume LXXXV, Issue 25870, 1 August 1949, Page 4

CHRISTCHURCH HUNT MEETING

RACING

Wins For Roman Son And Sir Abbot LISHEEN AND PRIZE RING FATALLY INJURED The Christchurch Hunt Club’s annual meeting at Riccarton on Saturday was marred by two accidents in the Homeby Steeplechase. Lisheen had to be destroyed and Prize Ring was killed. Both were prominent Grand National Steeplechase candidates. The meeting was distinguished by the feat of the Riccarton horseman and trainer, L. J. Ellis, in riding the thousandth winner of his career. Lisheen had an unassailable lead in the Homeby Steeplechase when he fell at the second to last fence, the brush at the top of the straight, and badly fractured his near hind pastern. He was destroyed. Prize Ring, which was going strongly in second place, slipped on landing over the same fence. He galloped riderless down the straight towards the running rail near the mile and a quarter. He dropped his head under the rail, somersaulted, and broke his back.

When Lisheen and Prize Ring went out of the race, the veteran, Roman Son, was left in front, and he went on to beat Bravura and Red Glare. Roman Son was the ninth win favourite in the field of 10, and paid almost £2O for a win.

The Brabazon Handicap, which attracted several well-discussed Winter Cup candidates, was won easily by the Gore-trained Sir Abbot, which was having his first race in open company. Revelling in the soft going and showing his appreciation of his drop from the big weights he carried in his recent races in hack fields, Sir Abbot was always galloping freely near the front of the field and he drew right out for one of the easiest wins at Riccarton since Full Play won the Stewards’ Handicap at the last New Zealand Cup meeting. Sir Abbot was ridden on Saturday the apprentice E. G. Low’, who won the Stewards’ Handicap on Full Play. Flying Sovereign did a pleasing Winter Cup preliminary by finishing strongly for second. She was having her second race after a spell and she should have derived benefit from it. The most impressive Grand National Steeplechase trial of the day

was by St. Simper, which scored an effortless win in the Lawford Hack and Hunters’ Steeplechase. The Sir Simper gelding has had a short but successful career as a jumper and on Saturday he mastered the Riccarton country without any difficulty. He was always going freely in or near the front, and was not asked for his best to win by seven lengths from Matapan. Relampago showed improved stamina to win the Longbeach Hurdles after leading throughout and giving a display of i St J„S le i? n Jumping. He was stoutly challenged by the Awapuni candidate Anstea °X er last half furlong, but lasted long W ™ a „ len S th - Relampago is raced by Mr E. R. Curtis, who lost the services of a good hurdler in Boolamskee earlier in the season. The weather was showery early in the day and a cold wind made conditions unpleasant There was a fair attendance. The totalisator handled £50,281 10s,. compared with £58,965 10s last year.

. , Hornby Steeples .Lisheen ran to rhe front from barrier iri™. Hornby Steeplechase from r irB i 9 ut> Pa § e s Raid and Bravura. Abbey Lu fell at the first of the Kennels double ♦K d u s u eei } las1 as well clear leading to the brush at lhe top of the straight iroin Bravura and Colonel Smart, which started from behind the field after attempting to bolt with his rider before the sta £ - , e stand double Lisheen- was eight lengths clear of Colonel Smart, Bravura, First Out, Roman Son and Red Glare following jn close order, with a e Ring and another to Kassai. At Cutts s Lisheen, jumping brilliantly, was 15 lengths clear of Colonel Smart, First Out, Red Glare, Bravura, and Homan Son, with Kassai and Prize Ring together next. Red Glare ran into second place at the sod wall, where Kassai lost his rider. Lisheen was still going freely in front and jumping brilliantly. . Prize Ring improved his position racing along the back to run into third place benind Lisheen and Bravura with Red Glare starting to lose his position. Colonel Smart lost his rider at the first of the Kennels double, and Lisheen led to the sod W3ll near the fire furlongs well clear of Prize Ring. Bravura, Rec? Glare, Roman Son, First Out, and Eleanor Star. Lisheen was 12 lengths clear at the brush at l- e x to .P of - Ihe straight, where he took nis fall. Prize Ring, which was clear of the others, slipped on landing and fell. Roman Son was left in front, from Bravura, Red Glare, First Out and Eleanor star. Roman Son held his advantage in the run home to beat Bravura by a length. Red Glare was two lengths away third. With First Out 15 lengths away fourth. Eleanor Star, well back, was the only other runner to complete the course.

Easy For Sir Abbot Sir Abbot had a runaway win in the Brabazon Handicap. After disputing the lead with Whitley to the straight entrance, the Royal Chief three-year-old, which was balloted out with the right of reentry when the acceptances were taken, ceme right away from the field to win by 10- lengths Flying Sovereign came home solidly for .second, beating Duvaals by half a length, and Whitley was a similar margin away fourth. Winning Cheer and Distinction w’ere last away, Whitley leading in the early stages from Opulent, Lord Elgin. Sir Abbot, Infatuate, Leeston, Magnaform and Flying Sovereign. Whitley was joined by Sir Abbot and at the five furlongs they were followed by Luminous Knight, Lord Elgin, Opulent, Duvaals, Leeston, Infatuate, Flying Sovereign, Lovemom, Da Vinci, Lexia, Clyde u£?i dge V and F1 V in & Orders. There was little change to the straight but early in tx)J? l" un h° me Sir Abbot drew clear from Whitley, with Duvaals, Infatuate. Flving Sovereign, Opulent and Da Vinci handiest of the others.

Sir Abbot finished full of running to win by a wide margin from the strongly finishing Flying Sovereign and Duvaals. Whitley was fourth ahead of Ooulent, Infatuate. Julius Caesar. St. Bruno, Da Vinci, Clyde Bridge, Flying Orders. Distinction, Magnaform, Leeston and Winning Cheer. Relampago’s Win Relampago jumped brilliantly in front in the Longbeach Hurdles Handicap and. though he was stuggling to hold his place over the last half-furlong, he lasted long enough to beat Aristea by a length. Gunther made up a lot of ground from the half-mile to be third, three lengths away, well clear of Perusha. Relampago led past the stands from Royal Moutoa, Aristea, High Order, and Siegform, with a gap to Perusha. Gunther, Benbecula, Sphere. Voltaire, and Minion, and another to Detain. At the nine furlongs Relampago was three lengths clear of Royal Moutoa. with three lengths to Aristea, two to Siegform. High Order and Perusha. and a gap to Benbecula. which was running on the outside of his stablemate Gunther. In the next furlong Relampago widened his lead from Aristea, which displaced Royal Moutoa in second place. Royal Moutoa fell near the five ! furlongs, leaving Perusha. Minion, Higii Order, and Gunther handiest in the running to Relampago and Aristea. Minion made a likely move from the half-mile, but w’hen he looked like taking a part in. the finish he fell at the last hurdle. Relampago, though tiring, gamely held his advantage in the run to the post from Aristea. Gunther finished better than Perusha for third, and they were followed home at intervals by Sphere, Detain, High Order, and Siegform. with Benbecula and Voltaire at the tail of the field. Keen Finish Penetration and the favourite, Sparkling Lad, had a keen tussle from the last fence in the Christchurch Hunt Cup. Penetration finishing a shade better under a hard ride to win by half a length and return a dividend of more than £2O. Tamerlane, which put in a bad jump at I the brush at the top of the straight, was i third. 20 lengths away, well clear of Trencherman, the leader for nearly a mile : arid a half.

Sir Gara ran off at the first fence, the carriage paddock brush, and Trencherman and Penetration led to the stand double, two lengths clear of Sparkling Lad and Tamerlane, with a gap to Night Prince and Badnock, whose rider lost his irons. Badnock lost his rider at the second of the Kennels double, but was remounted. At that stage Penetration had been joined by Sparkling Lad and they were just shading Trencherfnan, with four lengths to Tamerlane, the only other runner which appeared to have a winning chance.

Night Prince fell at the brush at the top of the straight, where Tamerlane made a bad jump. Sparkling Lad and Penetration were on terms to jump the last fence, and in a punishing finish Penetration finished a shade better to win by half a length. Tamerlane was a moderate third well clear of the tubed horse Trencherman, which tired badly. Open Cast was eight lengths away, and Badnock completed the course a long way back. St. Simper Impressive Only four of the nine starters completed the course in the Lawford Hack and Hunters’ Steeplechase, won easily by the Invercargill-trained St. Simper, which

had his second successive win, and his third since his first start over country at the Dunedin Jockey Club’s winter meeting in June. St. Simper was always in or near the front and won unchallenged by seven lengths from Matapan. with San Quentin five lengths away third. Snowdale fell at the first fence, the post and rails, and St. Simper led to the Kennels double from Light Tea. San Quentin,Laindon, Tanga-ta-pai, Matapan, and Supreme Shepherd, which were in close order ahead of Vulnerable. Supreme Shepherd fell at the brush at the top of the straight, and St. Simper and Light Tea led over the stand double six lengths clear of Tanga-ta-pai, with Matapan and San Quentin next, four lengths clear of Laindon. At Cutts’s, Laindon fell, and, after jumping the sod wall, St. Simper, Tanga-ta-pai, Light Tea and San Quentin were in close order with Matapan handy. Matapan ran into second place behind St. Simper at the Kennels double, and they were followed racing to the second to last fence by Tanga-ta-pai, Light Tea, and San Quentin. Tanga-ta-pai lost his rider at the brush at the top of the straight, and St. Simper led to the last fence from Matapan, Light Tea, and San Quentin. St. Simper jumped the last fence cleanly and drew out to win with a lot in hand from Matapan and San Quentin. Light Tea was five lengths further back fourth.

Ellis’s Thousandth Winner L. J. Ellis rode his thousandth winner when the win favourite, Terminus, galloped to an easy win in the Camla Hack Handicap after being in - front for most of the race. Great Bid. Repudiate, and Flying Gleam dwelt slightly at the start, Defectus being the early leader only to be displaced by Terminus. Racing to the half-mile. Terminus was clear from Dark Chief, Defectus. Beau Soir, Highway, Profane, Flying Gleam, Beechwood, Chaffinch, Top Class, and Great Bid. Terminus led into the straight from Dark Chief, Beau Soir, and Highway, and he was not seriously challenged to win by a length and a half from Beau Soir, which finished two lengths clear of Profane. In a photo finish for fourth. Dark Chief beat Highway by half a length. Then there was a big gap to Sally Gold, Chaffinch, Great Bid, Repudiate, Top Class, and Faultrosa. Johnny Peep Easily The Riccarton-trained jShnny Peep scored an impressive win in the Haldon Stakes, taking charge racing to the course proper and drawing away to win unchallength by four lengths from Social News, which was always prominent. Gold Mine finished solidly from the middle of the field for third. Belgravia and Fyxen were most prominent in the early stages, but after a furlong Flying Trixie worked through to the front from her stablemate. Social News, with Johnny Peep, Waihora, Paper Folly, and Winning Gem next in attendance. Johnny Peep ran to the front racing to the course proper from Flying Tixie, Social News, Fyxen. Paper Folly, and Gold Mine. There was little change at the furlong, and Johnny Peep strode away for a clear-cut win from Social News, with Gold Mine finishing on for third. Hobgoblin finished strongly into fourth place ahead of Flying Trixie. Next almost in line were Lady Goldwyn, Colonel Argosy, and Incentive, which were ahead of Nutcracker, Fyxen, Chasemint, Marcus, and Boost.

Colonel Argosy jumped sideways at thr start, interfering with Lady Goldwyn. The interference was found to be accidental Cast High’s Success Cast High went to the front in the firs! furlong of the Kennels Hack Handicap, and ran on strongly to beat Dad’s Pal by a length. Elofa and Terminate finished strongly from the middle of the field to fill third and fourth places respectively, a head separating them at the post. Lady Melville, Don’t Listen. Cast High. Love Letter, and Lights On were most prominent in the early rush for positions. Racing to the seven furlongs. Cast High ran to the front, having Don’t Listen, Ladv Melville, Love Letter, Albert John, Dad's Pal, and Golden Reign as his nearest attendants. At that stage Terminate and Elofa were together in about twelfth place, several lengths from the pacemaker. Dad’s Pal improved his position after passing the half-mile to follow Cast High into the straight. Most prominent of the others Were Don’t Listen, Love Letter (losing ground). Lights On. and Hormond. Cast High won with something in hand from Dad's Pal. Elofa and Terminate ran on strongly for third and fourth places ahead of Hormond. which just shaded Lights On. Next to finish, but several lengths back, were Love Letter. Golden Reign, Don't Listen, Watchword, Excellent Flight, All Pockets, and Albert John. Results ivere:—

CHRISTCHURCH HUNT CUP STEEPLECHASE, Of £260. Amateur riders. Two miles. 7. 7—T. G. Greenall’s PENETRATION by Nightmarch—Epic Byrs 11-0 .. .. Mr W. S. Emrrierson 1 L I—A. T. Horne’s Sparkling Lad lOyrs 11-6 Mr L. H. Hillis 2 2- 2—L. C. Atyeo’s Tamerlane 9yrs t 11*3 • • ■ - Mr D. M. Cameron 3 4, 4 Night. Prince; 6, 6 Badnock; 5, 5 Open Cast; 8. 8 Sir Gara; 3, 3 Trencherman also started. Half length; 20 lengths. Trencherman was fourth. Time. 4min 5 2-ssec. Winner trained by P. H. C. Stock, Orari. LAWFORD HACK AND HUNTERS’ STEEPLECHASE, Of £5OO. About two miles and a half. 1. I—W. E. and estate J. S. Hazlett's ST. SIMPER by Sir Simper—Bon Tor syrs 10-12 .. B. S. Wilson 1 7. B—A. F. Loe’s Matapan 9yrs 9-7 car. 9-8 .. .. R. Drinkwater 2 8. 7—J. J. Woods’s San Quentin 7yrs • • • • B. J. Langford 3 o 2 2 Supreme Shepherd' 4, 5 Laindon; 3, 3 Light Tea; 5, 4 Tanga-ta-pai; 6, 6 Vulnerable; 9, 9 Snowdale also started. Seven lengths; three lengths. Light Tea was fourth. Time, smin 26 l-ssec. Winner trained by W. E. Hazlett, Invercargill. HALDON STAKES, Of £3OO. Special conditions. Six furlongs. 7. B—D. McFarlane’s JOHNNY PEEP by Ruthless—Glow Light 2yrs 8-0 3. 3—H. Halliday’s Social News • • „ • • ..Al. Powell 2 2- I—F. J. Boyle’s Gold Mine 3yrs •• B. J Langford 3 14. 13 Chasemint; 8. 6 Colonel Argosy, Hobgoblin, and Supreme Command bracketed; 6. 7 Beau Esprit; 1. 2 Belgravia; 4, 4 Boost and Fyxen bracketed; 18 18 Cronadun; 16. 15 Debd?n; 3, 3 Flving Trixie bracketed Social News; 13, 16‘ Incentive; 9, 9 Lady Goldwyn; 12. 11 Marcus; 17. 17 Nutcracker; 10, 12 Paper Folly5, 5 Waihora: 11. 10 Winning Gem; 15, 14 Woodrow also started.

Four lengths; two lengths. Hobgoblin was fourth. Time, Imin 16 2-ssec. Winner trained by F. D. Jones, Riccarton. HOMEBY STEEPLECHASE HANDICAP, Of £BOO. About two miles and a half. 9. B—Mrs L. Cox’s ROMAN SON by Inflation—Kippet Lee llyrs 9-7 car. - • • • • Drinkwater 1 5. 5—E. J. and G. J. Francis’s Bravura lOyrs 9-9 car. 9-10 .. W. Barr 2 6- 9—T. A. Duncan’s Red Glare lOyrs „ 9-10 .. .. ..J. Harris 3 4, 1 Lisheen and Kassai bracketed; 8. 7 Eleanor Star; 3,2 Pages Raid; 2. 3 Prize Ring; 1. 4 Colonel Smart; 7, 8 First Out 10. 10 Abbey-Lu also started. Length: two lengths. First Out was fourth. Time. smin 25 l-ssec. Winner trained by A. J. Griffin, Riccarton. CAMLA HACK HANDICAP, Of £350. Seven furlongs. 1- 2—J. A. Cox and J. P. Ryan’s TERMINUS by Airway—Odin’s Lass 3yrs 8-0 .. .. L. J. Ellis 1 11. 11—M. C. Watson’s Beau Soir 4yrs 8-3 .. .. C. H. Mackie 2 4. s—Dr. M. G. Louisson’s Profane 3yrs 8-8 .. .. K. Nuttall 3 8, 9 Beechwood; 5. 4 Dark Chief; 12, 12 Faultrosa; 10, 10 Repudiate; 7, 8 Highway 2. 1 Great Eid; 6, 6 Top Class; 3. 3 Delectus; 14, 13 Chaffinch; 15, 14 Fying Gleam; 16. 16 Franca; 17, 17 Royal Flash; 13. 15 To-Hoo also started. Length and a half; two lengths. Dark Chief was fourth. Time, Imin 32sec. Winner trained by J. A. Cox, Riccarton.

LONGBEACH HURDLES HANDICAP, Of £600; one mile and three-quarters and 60 yards. 7. B—E. R. Curtis’s RELAMPAGO by Broiefort—Fulojoy 6yrs 9-6 A. J. Murray 1 4. 4—Briant Bros.’ Aristea 6yrs 9-3 J. Harris 2 2. I—W. E. and Est. J. S. Hazlett’s Gunther 6yrs 10-0 .. W. J. Hillis 3 8, 6 Sphere; 11. 11 Voltaire; 2, 1 Benbecula 'bracketed Gunther; 3, 5 Royal Moutoa; 1,2 Detain; 9, 10 Perusha; 6, 7 High Order; 5, 3 Minion; 10, 9 Siegform also started. Length: 10 lengths. Perusha was fourth. Time, 3min 25 3-ssec. Winner trained by A. E. tJidham. Wingatui. BRABAZON HANDICAP, Of £6OO. Seven furlongs. 7. 7—Mrs H. Wilson’s SIR ABBOT by Royal Chief—Wingatui 3yrs 7-7 -E. G. Low 1 2. 3—Mrs G. Murray-Aynsley’s Flying Sovereign 3yrs 8-5 W. J. Broughton 2 3. 2—E. E. Mackie’s Duvaals 8-12 4vrs C. C. Stokes 3 1, 1 Da Vinci; 4, 5 Lord Elgin and Magnaform bracketed; 8, 11 St. Bruno; 15, 15 Distinction; 11. 10 Lexia; 10. 8 Julius Caesar; 6, 4 Whitley and Clyde Bridge bracketed: 9, 12 Lovemorn; 14, 14 Flying Orders; 16, 16 Luminous Knight; 12, 9 Opulent; 5. 6 Infatuate; 13, 13 Lady Christine; 19. 19 Grill: 18. 18 Leeston; 17, 17 Tribute and Winning Cheer bracketed also started. Ten lengths; haff length. Whitley Was fourth. Time, Imin 30 3-ssec. Winner trained by J. R. Cochrane, Gore. KENNELS HACK HANDICAP, Of £4OO. Nine furlongs. 6. B—G. R. Hunter and P. C. Webb’s CAST HIGH by Bulandshar—Pakitere 3yrs 8-6 .. W. Skelton 1 9. 9—G. J. G. Fraser’s Dad’s Pal syrs •8-1 W. F. Ellis 2 2. 2—A; F. Loe’s Elofa 4yrs 8-10 N. A. Crombie 3 13, 14 Hormond; 5, 6 Golden Reign; 12, 10 Sorry; 1, 1 Terminate; 10, 12 Lights On; 4, 4 Don’t Listen; 3, 3 Love Letter; 8, 5 Watchword; 11, 11 Albert John; 15, , 15 All Pockets: 14. 13 Excellent Flight: 7, 1 7 Lady Melville; 16, 16 Lord Robin also started. Length': three lengths. Terminate was fourth. Time. 2min 1 2-ssec. Winner trained by R. B. Robinson, Riccarton. Grand National Rehandicaps Rehandicaps for the Grand National meeting at Riccarton are:— Paparua Handicao. Sir Abbot 8-8. Trial Hurdles: Relampago 11-7. Avonhead Handicap: Cast High 8-13. Grand National Steeples: St. Simper 9-5. Grand National Meeting Acceptances Acceptances for all first-day events will close at 5 p.m. to-day. Advt. Parade of Two-year-olds The usual Parade of Two-year-olds will be held at Riccarton during the Grand National Meeting. The colts and geldi ings section will be on the second day, I and the fillies section on the third day. Entries will be taken at the same time as acceptances for the respective days. Advt. Accident Fees Accident Fees for the 1949-50 Season are now due for payment. The Secretary of the Canterbury Jockey Club requests all owners and trainers with horses engaged at the Grand National Meeting to see that their accident fees are paid before race day, as the collection of fees at the Scales causes considerable delay and inconvenience to all concerned. - Advt.