THE TURF

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3173, 25 August 1917, Page 9

THE TURF

1 NOTES AND COMMENTS *[BY GLBNCOI.I JDutries for all cvcutß at tho Dannevirko Meeting close to-night at 9 o'clock with Secretary R. Takle. Acceptances for tbc barton Meeting must be in tho hands of Secretary A. Way b.y 9 p.m. on Monday. Though tho entry was a pood one, it is not expcctcd that the field for the open Steeplechase at Marton will be a strong one. Since the publication of the nominations Jtecord, Tauira, and Diavolo have gone wrong, aud may bo expected to bo missing from the acceptances. Handicap* per H. Goylc has held out a hearty invitation to Mr. P. S. Easton to scud Master Strowan up from Foxtou. and it is to be hoped tl\at the National Steeplechase winner, who has had anything but an arduous winter .season, will be a competitor.

Mr. \V. J. Ralph, owner of Jill Gallo, one of the greatest steeplechasers ever seen under silk in tho Dominion, received the bad news yesterday that his horse had dropped ! dead after working at tfllerslie. The owner lias received no particulars about the death of the Spalpeen gelding, but he has ordered a po6t mortem to try and solve tho problem. The champion has carried big weights on so many occasions ..that. it is., likely . that he' has j strained himself severely wlien -jumping, and this brought about his end. Lovers of at good horse will sympathise with the Auckland sportsman in his severe loss.

Mr. IV. Richmond can claim to be unlucky with his horse, Hi. Elmn. So far the St. Ambrose gelding has been placed second five times aud third three times in , important, juinpiug events. The Winter Cup frequently serves to bring under notice a horse destined to tak© high' honour.-? in the best handicap company. Muhutonga developed first-class , form subsequent to his run in tho mile I race, while Chortle became a winner in I the best weight-for-age company. Peuates 1 and Nyland were two Winter Cup horses who were successful a few months later in the Stewards' Handicap, and it has now becomo quite the usual thing to anticipate important successes from horses who ran well in the chief flat oveut of the trraud_National Mcetiug. Last week's winner, King Star, may not be brilliant enough to shine in .a Stowards' Handicap held, but Parisiau Diamond, who filled second place, looks a. likely sort for the big sprint event in November. Disdainful is another Stewards' Handicap possibility who raced well last week, though she was not started in thn Winter Cup. Tho field for that event, however; included a number of horses who arc likely to come iuto New Zealand Cup discussions. Snub, I'ierv Cross aud Johnny Walker being a trio specially worthy of reference in this connection, ii who is at present training the l'iiiglish-bved horso Plectham for Mr. Grigg, cxpects to have two more of the Asnburton sportsman's importations under his earn before long. Saxby, Ijy SaxbainJ bormaid, will probably arrivo at Riccarton in about a fortnight,, while Gay Lad, by Cellini—Gaysorac, will join the team later. Both horses aro understood to bear a promising appearance.

During Grand National week a substantial offer was made for Adjutant; "but no business resulted. .

G. M. Aynsley is keeping ■ Snub, Wardancer, and Disdainful going in view of racing them at spring meetings. All rolng well with him Snub will make his third attempt to win the Now Zealand Cup.

Mr. G. D. Greenwood has received cable advice, fom Sydney that all tho members ot his team are getting through satisfactory preparations at Kandwick. The North Canterbury sportsman intends being present at the A.J.C. Spring Meeting, and entertains hopes of seeing Biplane distinguish himself in the Derby. Tho Otaki Maori Racing Club has issued its programme for the Spring Meeting, whichis set down for Monday, September 14. , Ihere aro seven races, as follow:— Maiden Plate, £100. five furlongs; Dominlon Day Hack Handicap, £150, one mile; Hacks and Hunters Steeplechase, ±«>U, about two utiles and a quarter; Tcouoi Makitonoi-e Memorial Stakes Handicap. £400, ouc mile and a quarter; Stewards' Hack Handicap, £120, six furlongs; Flying Handicap. £200, six furlongs; and -Welter Hack Handicap, £100. seven furlongs. Nominations closc on Monday, September 3. at 5.30 p.m. Weights will be declared about September 7, and acceptances closc on Sentcmbcr 10.