THE GRAND NATIONALS

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 279, 14 August 1918, Page 6

THE GRAND NATIONALS

BIG STEEPLECHASE MEETING DEEDS OF THE HORSES. The big treble of the New Zealand racing year will be run at liiccarton to-mor-row. The fleldß are good in numbers and in quality, and although certain horses have been referred to as favourites the three events all boar that open ap* pearauco which is part of the element of uncertainty which cloa'kß the sport, and is one of its greatest fascinations. The Crand National Hurdles. First on the programme of the three big events is the Grand National Hurdles, which is to be run over a course of about two miles and a half, and carries a Btako of £1200. Gladful, Art, and Sleight-of-Hand, each of whom is weighted at list. 91b., are nt the head of the handicap. The Birkenhead gelding Gladful/ won the Great Northern Hurdles in 1917. Ho carried lOst. 21b., and beat St. Elmu (9st. ) by a head. Te Onga (lOst. 91b.) was a length further away. The time for the two miles and a half was smiu. 2 Msec. . Prior to his Great Northern victory he had won the Mangatarata Hurdles (one mile and threequarters, Hawko's Bay), from Maeta Timi lOst. 21b.), and Braoburn (lOst. 81b.). With ,lßst. 31b. in the saddle he ran second to Tararu Jack (list. 21b.) in the Ponsonby Hurdles; was second (carrying lOst. JOlb.) to Jlaßter Tinii (9at.) in the Karamu Hurdles; and second (with list, lib.) to Sir Fisher (lOst. lib.) in the Hawke's Bay Hurdles. In the 1917 Winter Hurdles at Trentham he suffered a four-lengths defeat from liconta- (lOst. 61b.), who was oarrying 81b. lees than he was. Eewl Poto (list.) was third, a head behind Gladful. In the Final Hurdles at the same meeting, carrying :11st. 41b., he ran second to Tararu Jack (lOst. 51b.). Bon Bevo UOst. 101b.) was third. This season he was 6econd to Golden Glade (9st. 41b.), to whom he oonceded 2st. 21b., in th Ahurirt Hurdles at Napier. With list, up he won the Winter Hurdleß at Trentham, having Sir Fisher (list. 61b.) and Thrace (9st. 21b.) in the places bohin'd him. In the Final Hurdles at Trentham he was beaten by Thrace (9st. olb.), who had a pull of 2st. 91b. in the weights. • Gladful is to bo ridden by Stan. Eeid.

The Sarto—Mist gelding, Art, who has a Grand national to his oredit, carried 12st. 91b. to victory in the Kildare Hurdlea, run over a two-inilo course at Kiccarton in the 1917 season. Behind him were Cast Iron (lOst, 111b.) and Crib H2st. lib.). This season, with list. 61b. up, he ran third to Golden Glade (9at. 41b.) and Gladful (list. 61b.) in the Ahuriri Hurdleß, and second in the Poraites Hurdles (carrying list. 71b.) to Kauri King (lOst. 91b.). The distance of each of these East Coast events was ono mile and three-quarters. Following this he won the Hawke's Bay Hurdles (two miles and a quarter) with list. 51b. in tho saddlo, by three lengths from Pursefiller (list. 51b.), with Sleight-of-Haiid (list. 91b.) third. He did not start at the Wellington Winter Meeting. In last year's National Art was top-weight (list. 81b.). He fell in tho course of a mix-up, which ruined the chances of moro than one horse.

Sleight-of-Hand (Mystification-Wonder-land mare), who will bo ridden ty A. M'Donald, did well on the flat and over the fences last season, His chief win was in the Grand National Hurdles, which ho won by half-a-dozen lengths from Solo, who was four lengths in front of Sir Fißher, On that occasion Sleight-of-Hand and Sir Fiaher each carried lGst. 61b., and Sir Solo wflfl in at 9st. 61b. This year Mr. Armstrong's gelding has another stone and three pounds to oarry, and is en tho Bame mark as Art,, from whom he received a concession of a stone. and two pounds in the last NationaJ. Before last year's National he had run second to Iceberg (9st. 101b.)" in the Turamoo Huixlles (tivo miles) at fiiawko's Bay. He carried lOst. 31b., and Bon Rcve (lOst. 131b.) "was third. On the flat ho won the Jumpers' Flat at Dannevirke, and the' Memorial Stakes (ono mile and a quarter) at Otaki. In tlio Otaki race ho carried Bst. 41b„ and won very nicely from Lady Louißa (Bst. 31b.) and Orleans (7Bt. 131b.). This season he finished third to Art and Pursefiller at Hawke's Bay, giving ouch of them 41b. in weight. In the Wellington Steeplechase, carrying list. Ulb„ he ran prominentls for a considerable, portion of the Journey, but fell at the last fence. Ho was favourite in the last National Hurdles. Sir Fisher (Mauiapoto—Dear Lady), weighted at list. 51b., follows the three top-weights in the handicap. He has a long record of consistency to his credit. Last season he won tho Second Hack Hurdleß at Marton, the Riritakl Jumpers' Flat at Dannevirke, the ICawa h'owa Hurdles at Feilding, the Century Hurdles at Wanganui, and the Hawke's Bay Hurdles. In the Century Hurdles that year he carried 9bl. 31b., and gave a twolengths beating to Bon Iteve (lOst. 71b.). Leonta (lOst. 71b.) wab third. In the Hawke's Bay Hurdles his'weight, was lOst. lib., and Gladful, who ran second to him, carried a stone more. There was three lengths between them. This jumping season he has three firsts and two seconds to his credit. He began with an easy victory over Colorado in the Bracelet at Martont, -when in receipt of 81b. Next- he won the Karere Hurdloß at Awapuni, carrying list. 81b„ and beating Vacuum Oat. 91b.) second, and Paul Moore (9st.. 71b.) third. He again won tho Century Hurdles at Wanganui, this time with lOst. 121b. in the saddle. Collector, who was second, carried 9st. 101b., and Golden Glade,, third, 9st. Ho was a strong favourite in the Great Northern flurleß, In which, with list. 2lb. up, he was beaten by half a length by Bon Iteve (lOst. 61b.) in 4mm. 51scc„ which i 8 record time for the race. For tho Winter Hurdles at Trent,ham ho was favourite, and (carrying list. 81b.) ran a fair second to Gladful (list-.). Thraco* (Sst. 21b.) wap a poor third. A. Ward will be in the saddle. Gang Awa' (l'rovocation-Gold Cord), who is ono of the most fancied candidates, is one of the newcomers to the hurdling branch of the sport, and most or b!B performances have been registered on tho flat. He has lOst. 21b. to carry, and will be ridden by R. M'Sweeney. His victories on the flat in the 1917 season inclu led tho Connolly Handicap and the Empire Handicap at TVanganui, and tho Hankawa Cup at Otaki. Last season lie ran a second and a third on the flat, and at the Wanganui Steeplechase meeting won the Rata Hack Hurdles (one mile and live furlongs), carrying lOst. 111b. WaioLure (9st, 41b.) was. second, and Fionnuala (lOst. 121u.) third. Gang Awa' won with ease by ft dozen lengths. Sir Solo (Sir Laddo-Wepener), whoso weight''is lOst. lib., and -whose pilot will be 11. Thompson, iB among those who havo had experience of tne Grand National course. In tho 1917 season ho ran second in a couple of jumpers' flat cventß at Trentham. second to To Onga in the.Camp. beU Hurdles at Ellerslie, and third in tho Hack Hurdles at Woodville. Also, in tho Grafton Hurdles at Ellerslie ho carried lOet. 111b. to victory in front of Fisher (lOst.. 41b.), who was second, and Gluetamis (9st. 131b.), who was third. He ran Second in the last Grand National, in which ho carried 9st. 81b., and finished ten lengths behind the winner. Kauri King (Soult-Sawdust), who is to carry lOst. lib., was a good performer on tho flat. As a hurdler he ran second in the May Hurdles at Wanganui to Pursefiller, from whom he received a stone and a half in weight. ■ Ho was third to Pursefiller and Con in the Park, Hurdles at O sborne, and at tho same meeting, won tho (JUborne Hurdles from Otara and Oastalia. At Napier Park ho won tho Pornite nurdles, carrying lOst-' 91b. Arl (list. 71b.) was second, and Castalia- (9st. 21b.) tlurd. Wishful (Boniform-Drought). lOat,. won 'a number of good stakes on the flat last season, nnd at Napier Park ho carried list. 51b. and won tho Jloteo Hurdles from Otara (lOst. 21b.), and Castalia (9st. 41b.). At tho Wellington meeting he was unplaced. . . . , Gluetanud (Gluten-Lady Minnie) weightcd at 9st. 101b., is one of the Auckland candidates. Last season ho won over hurdles at the Poverty Bay Spring Meeting, won the Ponsonby Hurdles (one milo and three-quarters) at the Auckland Smnlnet Meeting, and tho Brighton Hurdles (two miles) at the Auckland Autumn Meet, .ing. , | Thrace (Poseidon—Cremona), 9st. 8lb„ won the Hack Hurdles at Avondalc last. April. In tho Great Northern Hurdles he started pecond favourite, and ran unplaced, hut on the second day of the meeting he ran second to Bon Rove in the Romucra Hurdles. At Trentham, with 9st. Sib. up, he ran third to Gladful and Sir Fisher in the Winter Hurdles, and on the following day won the Final Hurdles when in receipt of 2st. 91b. from Gladful, who wbb second. . Fisher (Msnlapoto—Eduam), 9st„ is tho only horse cn the minimum romaining in tho race. The Big Steeplechase, The Grand National Steeplechase is run over a llu'ec mile and a"half comw, and tin.' stake is £1500. Master Strowan (Strowan-The Artist, mare), will will be ridden by li. M'Seveny, is top-weight, 125t.71b. In seven .steeplechases he has run six firsts and one second. The second waß when Braeburn beat him at Wanganui, and tho firsts ore: BrookWn Steciplochase, Wellington, 1917; July Steeplechase, Wellington, 1911; the last Grand National; liangitikci Steeplechase; Grandstand Steeplechase. Wanganui; and the Wellington Steeplechase, 1918 (carrying 12st. 51b.). In tho last Grand National he carried lOst. lllb., and won by eight longthß. Walmai (Spalpecn-Cap-o-ple marei, list. 51b., won the 1916 Grand, National Steeplechase. Lnst season, carrying 12st„ lie won tho Great Northorn Steeplechase. Coalition, lOst. 71b., was second, and Ghiotrot (list. 81b.) third. In the recent\ Wol-

lington Steeplechase ho ran unplaced. ®> Flynn iB hie pilot. , ' Urib, lOst, 1111)., who won the Wellington Steeplechase ol 1917, is by Saint llano- 1 Cryde. On the third day of that Wellington meeting lie wns beaten in the July Steepiechate by Master Strowan. to whom lie conceded 2st, 61b. He ran third in iho last Grand National, paid third in llio Sydenham Hurdles.

Collector (Conqueror—Grecian Maid);lost. 91b., has won the Mount Albert Steeplechase at Avondalc, the Westmere Hurdles at Wauganui, run a. .Vetoin tho Hahotu Hurdles at New Plyinoutli r won the Kildare Hurdles x at Riccarton, run second to Sir Fisher in the Century Hurdles, and won tho Napier Steeplechase. 11l the Napier Steeplechase Collector carried lint, lib., and won by fifty ,yards from Bracburn (12st. 61b.) who died just after passing the post. In the Jast « ci-■ iington Steeplechase Collector fell. Stan. Keid will again be in the saddle. The Trent ham horse Ooaljtion (Patronus--Pauline), JOat. 91b., has a record whicli. points to' consistency. In 1917 lie won hack steeplechases at Marton, Otaki, and Wellington. In the last Great Northern Steeplechaso he ran becond to Waimai, and on the next day of the meeting won tho Winter Steeplechase, carrying lOst. 101b. lloddite (lOst.) was second. In tha Wellington Steeplecliase (with lOst. lip-) he was second to Jlaster Strowan .2st. 61b. i, and in the July Steeplechase (wittt list. 41b.) he was third to-Bon Hevo (list. Mb.), and St. Elmu (lOst.). In the lastmentioned- event the throe ilrst hordes paEsed tho post almost in a line. Coalition will be ridden by H. M'Swecney. Yellow and Black (All Black—iollow Bird), lOst. lib., is one, of the best-looking steeplechasers in commission. He haiyvon the Petane Hack Steeplechase, tho Hunt Club Steeplechase at Napier, and tho Juno Steeplechaso at Hastings. He waß not started at Wellington. . St. Elmn (St. Ambroses-Maude), 9st. 111b., has n?en a, very consistent place-getter. In 1917 ho ran second in the Great Northern Hurdles, third In the Great Northern Steeplechase, and won the Winter Steeplechase from £1 Gal to, wno conceded Mm three stone. He wat third in the Hawkes Hay and the July Steeplechases, ana seooiid in the Grand National and the BeGAi* tort Stetjplfechaßfeis. lu 1918 he tvm third in the liawke'a Bay and m the Wellington Steeplechasos, and second to Bun Kovo in the July Steeplechase. ' . Nita (Bombardo-Juanila), 9st. 710., won. the June Steeplechase at Hastings in 1917, and was third in the Beaufort Steeplechase at Kiccarton. In 1918 she .won the Haiwke's Bay Stoplechase, carrying 9st. 71b. to victory in front of Bon Kevu (12st. 41b.) and St Eirnn (lOst. li'o.j. In tho Wellington Steeplechase she was -un>Ky Lad (Merriwco-Zaida), 9st. 71b., ran Becond to Crib in the' Wellington chaso of 1917. when Crib had a ipound the wTe of tho weights In 191} he.was unplaced at Napier Part and atWe hngton. Stone Ginger (Lord .Itosslyn-Komur ), 9st. 91b., won tho Enfleld Steeplechase at Kiccarton in 1917. In 1918 he won the Southland Steeplechase, ran a second and. a third at Timaru to Paremata, and .deadheated with Palladia at Wingatui. & Ormc6by (Birkenhoad-Arethusa, 9Bt. 71b., ran third in each of two hack Btetple. chases at Wellington in 1917 and at tho laßt Wellington meeting he won the hack steeplechase on the seoond. day. On the first day he ran off at the last fence when he had a. tremendous lead.