THE RACING WORLD

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 264, 3 August 1929, Page 16

THE RACING WORLD

NEW SEASON OPENS TODAY BRIGHT GLOW FOR SYDNEY Tlie 1929-30 racing season opens; to-day with the meetings of the Christchurch and Poverty Bay Hunt Clubs. The latter fixture is of only minor importance, but interest will centre in the Riccarton meeting on account of the fact that several competitors for higher honours at the Grand National meeting will be seen in action.

AT RICCARTON CHRISTCHURCH HUNT FIELDS A REVIEW OF THE FORM (By “The Watcher.”) The first race at Biccarton to-day will start at 12.15 p.m. While disappointing acceptances from the viewpoint of National trials were received they are quite suilicient to ensure a very successful meeting. Reports from the south indicate a drying track, which will no doubt be in its usual good order for August racing. Principal events are the Ilomeby Steeplechase, Longbeach Hurdles and Brabazon Handicap. The programme is as follows: — KENNELS HURDLES HANDICAP, of 120 sovs. About one mile and five furlongs. Just John ... 11 5 Mime 9 12 Scion 10 9 Exlde 9 11 Gnd. National 9 13 Gay Jim .... 9 2 If Grand National runs up to his best northern form he should have a say in the decision of the hunters’ Hurdle race. Gay Jim ia a useful sort who should run well. lAWFORD STEEPLECHASE HANDICAP of 150 sovs. About two miles. Waitaunaha . 10 13 Silver Light.. 9 13 Radiac 10 12 Sea Boy 9 0 Bon Aryan .. 10 11 The southerners are not strong in class and Waitaunaha, if he shows the same form which got him home at Trentham, will be difficult to dispose of. From all accounts Silver Light is a promising young steeplechaser. Bon Aryan ran well on the Hawke’s Bay circuit, but showed very poor form at -Wellington. Possibly the ground beat him here. LONGBEACH HURDLES HANDICAP, of 150 sovs. About One mile and five furlongs. Elysianor ... 11 2 Troilus .... 913 Aberfeldy .. 10 13 Projector ... »13 Kawlni 10 8 Paris 9 0 Lancer 10 6 Heisler 9 0 Perle de Leon 10 3 Rangiawhlo . 9 0 The open hurdle race, although not likely to provide a National trial, should be a good contest. Elysianor is in winning form and must be hard to beat again. Aberfeldy ran below expectations at Wellington, but at his best would have a great chance. Kawlni may find the journey too short. Lancer ran poorly at Timaru, but excuses are made for him on account of the heavy going. As a winner of the Otago hurdles he should be able to reinstate himself on his home track. Perle de Leon, if in form, would be the pick of the handicap. At bis last start he ran a creditable third, but his preparation has been subject to Interruptions and he may not be ready. Possibly this is why he has algo been left in the Brabazon Handicap. The light-weights are overshadowed somewhat, but it would be no surprise if Paris developed good form, and Rangiawhlo must have a chance. Elysianor and Rangiawhio should show up, Aberfeldy being passed until he shows better form than he did jit Wellington.

There is every chance of a surprise in the Maiden Stakes as there is little to go upon as regards public form. Kentish Lady should be the most seasoned runner and Quick Plunge appears to be shaping well on the tracks. This stable was narrowly beaten in the race last year with Hurly- Burly. 'Leader showed good form as a two-year-old and as he has been in work now a couple of mouths he should run well over five furlongs. He is a bit above his field to-day. HOMEBY STEEPLECHASE, of 170 sovs. Two miles and a half. King's Guard 11 5 Radiate .... 10 5 Fabriano ..10 7 Young Lord Ranald. 10 7 Thurnham 9 11 All five in the Honieby Steeplechase are In the Grand National, but the race cannot be expected to produce a great deal in the way of clarifying the position in the big Steeplechase. Bar Radiate ail. will be jumping Riccarton country for the first time. King's Guard is possibly as pro. ficient a fencer as the National field contains. On his Wellington form he will have a lot of friends both to-day and later on. Horses from this stable are all well schooled, and it is unlikely that lie will lie troubled by the fences. Fabriano should run prominently, and Lord Ranald will be tested by this pair and also by Radiate. The shorter distance should be all in favour of Radiate. Young Thurnham will surprise if he gets homo. King’s Guard and Radiate seem likely to run well.

There is the likelihood of an excellent race iu the Brabazon Handicap, though one would have preferred a more liberal patronage bv Winter Cup horses. King Balboa has been in winning form right along from the autumn meetings, and he should again perform creditably. Gny Sonnet lias been galloping well, and either of the Taranaki pair Bonogne and Anolo mav show up. Solferite and Rascal have recent form in their favour, and Royal Game is a likely sort. It is not an easy race for backers, hut. King Balboa and Royal Game should run well. HUNTERS’ PLATE HANDICAP, of 80 sovs. One mile and a quarter. Exldo 11 . 3 Barrington ..10 3 Gny Jim ... 10 9 Diamond Jack 10 2 Waitaunaha . 10 9 Poetess 10 2 Whiffler ... 10 7 Fresh Breeze. 10 0 Clarenson .. 10 3 Hunters’ form on tlie flat may prove deceptive. Waitaunaha represented the north, and lias won a similar class of event at Taranaki. Exldo easily won the flat race at Timaru last week, and on form looks the best of the South Islanders.

Honeycomb was a winner at Ashburton in June after a good spell of failures, but the most consistent performer Is Red Boa. Sarnia has not raced since December, but her form earlier entitles her to consideration. She seems to be herself again, judging by track -work. She. too. won an open handicap, and at the New Zealand Cup meeting ran third in the Spring Plate to Mendip and Cashier, and again in the Derby to Pride, and Prickles. This is better than hack form. NOTES AND COMMENTS (By “The Watcher.”) J. Fryer left for Sydney by the Marama yesterday with Bright Glow and the two-year-old’filly by Tonbridge—Lady Eglctine by Paper Money—Grey Linnet. B. I-I. Brodie will ride Royal Game at Riccarton to-day.

The Oamaru Jockey Club lost £5BO over its race meetings during the past twelve months.

Speaking at the annual meeting of the Fellding Jockey Club, Mr. B. N. Sandilands, a past president of the club and now a stipendiary steward of the New Zealand Racing Conference, referred to the wisdom the club had shown in appointing Mr. Guy Goodbchere as secretary on the retirement of his father, Mr. Edmund Goodbehere. Everywhere Mr. Sandilands had been he had heard nothing but praise from the owners and trainers on the courtesy and attention which their requests met with from Mr. Goodbehere.

Mr. R. Barnett, the owner of Trigo, the winner of the Derby, distributed 3000 sovs. in charity to celebrate the win of his colt.

Chelone is pleasing Ellerslie trackwatchers by his schooling work over hurdles. For a novice he jumps with plentv of dash an.d confidence and considering the state of the ground his displays are said to be really good.

The New Zealand Turf Register will be available for sale next week. The publication will, as qgual, contain all information relating to the past season’s racing, and appearing as it does immediately prior to New Zealand’s principal winter meeting, it will be appreciated by racegoers, who may desire to, or wisely should, study the vear’s form of the many horses engaged at the forthcoming fixtures. To others not interested for the time being, the journal always fills a useful place in any sportsman’s library and many an interesting hour can be spent by students of form with a Turf Register at their disposal.

Prince Humphrey is pleasing the trackwatchers at Takanlni with the way he is hitting out in his work.

Pyne, Gould, Guinness, Ltd., have sold on behalf of Mr. J. B. Starky, Brackenfield, Ills two-year-old colt by Night Raid from Week End to Mr. J. F. Studholme, the owner of Sir Roland. This colt, which is a half-brother to two good winners in Economist and Evening, is in W. G. Hobbs's stable, and has already shown considerable • promise.

The Waipukurau Jockey Club’s committee has granted the application of the Waipawa Racing Club for the use of the buildings. course and appointments of the club on the occasion of the annual meeting of the Wnipawa Racing Club, to be held on Labour Day, October 28.

Pony racing is very popular in Australia, and the volume of betting on the miniature racehorse is astounding to a New Zealander (writes Mr. W. P. Russell from Sydney). • At the Rosebery meeting, held at Victoria Park on July 24, one bettor invested £2OOO on Mazamoor, who duly won, and started at quite a liberal price.

In the near future it is probable that Merry Mint will make another trip to Sydney, accompanied by Hunting Cry, the three-year-old half-brother by Hunting Song to White Fang.

The mail which arrived in Christchurch from Sydney this week brought news regarding the Riccarton owner-trainer, J. McCombe, who has been laid up in a hospital during the last few weeks. Two operations have been performed on him, and when the mail left last week he was seriously ill. His daughter (Mrs. R. S. Bagby) and her husband intended to leave last week on their return to New Zealand, but their plans have been changed, and they are remaining in Sydney with Mrs. McCombe.

In the good old days when steeplechasing used to be held at York Farm, near Marton, there was a stiff post-and-rail fence at the back of the course, adjacent to a public house, and the publican and loungers used to stand on the hotel veranda and watch the races. In one event, as the field passed the "pub,” the first time, a humorist shouted out, “Come and have a ‘spot,’ boys!” Things happened in the next round, and only two horses were left in the race when they came to the post-and-rails In the following (and last) round. “What about it?” said one jockey to the other. “I'm on,” replied his opponent. Then both reined in, and hitched their horses to the fence. It was a matter of seconds only to hop over to the “pub.” nnd "stop one.” Then, remounting, they gave their nags a run at the fence, and disappeared round the track followed by a salvo of cheers from the publican and his

friends. The old sport who related this tale to “Moturoa” of the "Taranaki DailyNews," at a point-to-point steeplechase gathering at Marton, finished up by saying that the stewards kicked up n terrible row, but when the reason of the delay was explained they treated the matter as a joke. These happenings probably account for the slow times recorded in “the good old days.”

The weather was fine on Tuesday morning, but tlie tracks were still very wet (says the “Hawera Star”). The sand track was in requisition again for any serious work. With the Taranaki Hunt meeting about four weeks away, traiuers are anxious for better conditions to push horses intended for that meeting along in their preparations. W. Pine intends to take Denier to Auckland for the Pakuranga Hunt Club's meeting, and he was worked tlie reverse way round, striding out freely. Silvermine and Bisox were companions in a gallop over four furlungs, when the former showed that he Is fust returning to a bit of form, by beating Bisox by a head in 54sec. Benzora, Bon Eve and Clever Spear were given half pace work. Benzora does not go well on the sand, his work on the grass or plough tracks being much more attractive, but his appearance shows him to be in robust health. Partaga performed well, giving Calyx a start over half a mile, and beating him home in 57see. Latakia continues to stride out nicely in ids pace work and promises to shape well in his early engagements. Ross Ferry, the half-sister to Avola, performed attractively in a gallop over half a mile, beating Grand Manila by a good length in 54sec. Plkimai did a couple of rounds at a good half pace, and will be in good nick for the Hunt meeting on August 31. Reremoana is getting through his daily tasks in good style. So far the old champion has not been asked to go at more than three-quarter pace, but he looks in excellent health. Royal Satin and Silent went together over half a mile with Silent half a length to the good at the finish, in 561 sec. Coalbag’s portion was a couple of rounds at half-pace, and. this sturdy looking gelding should soon be in racing condition. A number of rising two-year-olds were out doing exercise work. J. Brown has an addition to his team in a rising two-year-old by Bisogne from Pirouette, bred by Mr. A. Alexander. She is a splendidly proportioned youngster, well-grown and with a decided resemblance to Bisogne. TWO-YEAR-OLD PARADE. The following horses have been entered for the two-year-old parade at Riccarton to-day:— First Division. Mr. J. Richardson’s b. c., by Weathervane—Linnet. Mr. J. Aitken’s ch. f., by Tea Tray—Victory Boud. Mr. G. D. Greenwood’s b. f., by Praise, by Limond —Eulogy. Mr. G. B. Greenwood's b. g. Ozone, by Saltash —Aires. Mr. J. F. Studholme’s blk. c. Tarqulnlus, by Nightraid—Week End. Mr. G. Gould’s b. c. Pharaoh, by Shambles —Palestrina. Second Division. Mr. 3V. T. Hazlett’s b. f., by TractorMoulin Rouge. Mr. J. Cracroft Wilson’s b. f. Whatnot, by Shambles —Heath Lass. Mr. J. R. McKenzie’s ch. c., by Solferino —Bon Bord. Mr. W. O. Rutherford’s ch. c., by Valkyrian—Keep Watch. Mr. J. H. Watson’s b. g. Taunton, by Paladin—Sunny Brook. Third Division. Mr. C. G. Dalgety’s b. f. The Geisha, by Tea Trav—Stardancer. Mr. C. G. Dalgety’s b. f. Spoon, by Tea Tray—Warlove. Mr. G. Murray-Aynsley’s ch. g. Riri, by Paladin—Reproachful. Mr. G. Murray-Aynsley’s br. f. Kakara, by Paladin —Orange Blossom. It is reported that Royal Serene, who is one of the few of Realm’s stock racing In New Zealand, will in all probability be started at the August meeting of the Metropolitan Trotting Club. She has a record of 2.12 and a fraction for a mile, and that performance was registered after sbe stood on her mark. Later she won over two miles at Addington after again dwelling on the mark. Since then she lias not improved at the start of her races in harness, anq handily placed off 2.14 in the Electric Handicap (saddle) on the opening day of the August meeting, Royal Serene is afforded a good chance of securing a share of the stake.

Mercury is reported to be in good order for his engagements this month. Last season he raced well in saddle but very disappointingly in harness. Probably lie will take on the saddle races at Addington. The Southern writer, “Ribbonwood,” states:—Delightful appeared to win with something in hand from Sir Author at the Canterbury Park Trotting Club’s winter meeting, and the satisfactory way he has trained on during the off season would suggest he may be able to meet Sir Author on the same terms with a big measure of success next month. G. McKendry has Delightful In good shape for a two-milc-encounter, and there'is every reason to expect that he will go two miles. Glideaway Is highly thought of for the August Handicap. She is very well and if W. J. Tomkinson holds the reins over her she should be one of the hardest horses to defeat. Logan Park and Glideaway were a few days ago associated in a bout over a mile and five furlongs at Addington. Tlie former conceded about 2 seconds start but Glideaway did best and had something In reserve at the finish. Trimmer pleased in a work-out with Locanda Mac. He is reported to be very well. Audo Bell is attracting attention by the manner in which he is doing his work at Addington and he promises to run well next week. Tonic and .Western Voyage were associated In a spin over a mile and a half, the former giving the best display. Young Blake is pleasing southern critics by the manner in which he is doing his ■work these days, and he gave a great exhibition of trotting in a spin at the beginning of the week. DISQUALIFICATIONS IN AUSTRALIA By Telegraph.—Press Association. Newcastle, August 2. The gelding Chrysotta was disqualified for twelve months, together with the jockey T. Cartwright, and the owner-trainer D. McKinnon, following an inquiry into his running of the Maitland Mile. Perth, August 2. Tom Chandler, one of the State's leading Jockevs, was disqualified for three years for alleged improper practices.

NOTES FROM RICCARTON CHRISTCHURCH HUNT CLUB MEETING Dominion Special Service. Christchurch, August 2. Splendid weather following a hard frost prevailed to-day and there is every promise of a tine day and good track conditions for to-morrow’s Christchurch Hunt meeting. Of the small field carded to contest the opening event, the Kennels Hurdle HaudL cap, Gay Jim has done such good track work lately that his prospects look very favourable. Barrington also drew atteutlon to his chance by his attractive schooling on Thursday, and although only a novice at hurdle racing he must be considered. Just John has North Island form to his credit and will be well The Indications are that Gay Jim, Barrington, and Just John will fight out the finish. Waitaunaha’s winning form at Wellington points to his being seat out a wm favourite for the Lawford Steeplechase. Silver Light is the only other soliciting consideration. . .. An interesting race is promised in the Longbeach Hurdles and the form of the four Grand National Hurdle race candidates engaged in the field will be scrutinised. Elysianor won well at limaru and will be even better suited by the Biccarton going. Aberfeldy’s turn should come over thia distance if he repeats his Wellington performance of being one ot the front division for an appreciable part of the journeys in his two races. Kawini ran third In the Great Northern Hurdles, but it was not a creditable placing and does not recommend him for to-morrow s shorter distance. Lancer has donei well in his first season as a hurdler and "“f® to be handy at the finish. Perle de’Leon is as yet backward and will requ re the race None of the others appeal in thia company and the public will probab y direct most attention to Lancer, Aberfeldy and Elysianor. „ , . . The Malden Stakes is confined to yet-to-wln horses and Investors have not.much knowledge of form to work on. Taking track work as a guide, there are » 0I “ e UB ®' ful candidates and speculation should is sume a wide range. Desert Song, Kentish Lady and Grand Song appear a likely Radiate a doubtful starter and Young Thurnham suffering from acute lameness, the contest for the Home y Steeplechase will be seriously affected King’s Guard nnd Fabriano will be able to fight their Wellington Steeplechase out again. The former should not be troubled by the country and will probably start favourite. Fabriano will lack a certain amount of support owing to a doubt regarding his ability to master the ig fences, but it lias to be borne in mind that he is a better performer on the top of the ground than under the track conditionsi he encountered recently. Lord Ranald will be put to his first serious test. He Is a hold fast fencer and will be responsible for a fast pace, and it will be interesting to see how he fares with the above pair over the concluding stages. He must still be considered a novice at the game and a horse with his little experience will not need to make many mistakes. Kings Guard, Fabriano and Lord Ranald may be supported in that order. Several Winter Cup acceptors figure In the Brabazon Handicap, which promises to be keenly contested. King Balboa will be produced In splendid order, and recent form suggests his possibilities. Gay Sonnet is very well at present, but has seldom shown her best. The first time up after a break, Overdrawn raced prominently at Tlmaru last week, and will be Improved, while Rascal can be expected to run out a solid seven furlongs task. Prickles Is in good fettle just now, and will be in the picture. Subdivision will t>6 having his first race in the South Island, and if the journey does not trouble him ho will be In the money. Malmsey has executed some fast gallops lately, but her chance Is likely to be jeopardised by her slowness over the early stages. Royal Game will contest the race for the third time and will be better favoured by the going than was the case at Trentham. Solferite failed on the heavy track at Tiinaru, nnd he may create a surprise on recent form. However, King Balboa will be the elect of Investors, and Overdrawn and Prickles will also be in demand. A number of those carded in the Hunters Plate Handicap are engaged earlier and much will depnd on their programme. It la worth recording that two years ago Gay Jim ran second in the Kennels Hurdles, and then wot; this event. Exlde won a similar event at Washdyke last Saturday, and If produced will be again prominent. Whiffler’s second to Exide on that occasion serves as a recommendation, and Barrington would be a proposition If reserved. Gay Jim, Whiffler, and Exide make most appeal. A well-balanced field will parade for tbo concluding event, the Flying Hack Handicap, and a trio likely to be well supported Is Red Boa, Huntley, and Honeycomb. Some of the riding engagements made for the meeting are as follow:—E. Stanway, Elysianor, Just John: I. Tilson. Aberfeldy, Exide; R. Olive, Kawini; M. Kirwan, Innisfreo, Malmsey; A. J. Peart, Kentish Lady; A. E. Ellis, Audience, Prickles, Honeycomb; G. Salt, Gay Jim, I’erle de Leon; W. Scobie, Lord Ranald; E. Shaw, Lancer; IV. Bush, Gay Sonnet; C. Eastwood, Raseal, Quick Plunge, The Bailiff; IV. Paseoe, Solferlte, Leader, Hounslow; D. O'Connor, Fabriano, Subdivision, Whiffler; L. J. Ellis, King Balboa. Red Boa, Mar Sham; R. McSeveny, Grand National, Bon Aryon; A. S. Ellis, Barrington, Silver Light; L. Dulieu, King's Guard; J. T. Humphrls, Mime, Trollus, Fresh Breeze.

A. E. Wormaid has lost the services of Radiac and Hyperion for the coming meetigs at Rlccarton. The former contracted severe lameness to-day and Hyperion is still under treatment for a serious injury received at Timaru. Radiate’s condition has not been very satisfactory during the past couple of days, and it is doubtful if be will be saddled up for the Homeby Steeplechase tomorrow.

Although Young Thurnham has improved he still displayed soreness on the track yesterday, but his trainer hopes to get him to the post to-morrow. In the event of Radiate not starting, E. Shaw will have the mount on the northern gelding. Mime (J. T. Humphris) set out to negotiate a round of the hurdles this morning. He jumped the first three fences fast and clean, but was tiring at the’ last, which he struck and he threw his rider. Exide (I. Tilson} showed promising form in a circuit of the hurdles to-day. He is to contest the Kennels Hurdles tomorrow, and will probably also fulfil his engagement lit the Hunters' Plate Handicap. Projector, has been suffering from a kuock received at Timaru; and is an unlikely starter in the Kennels Hurdles. Mister Gamp, Novar, Wiltshire, Uralla, Gold Cure, Mangani, Horomea, Alarlc, Blrkbeck, Anolo, Bonogne, and Sagittarius, recent arrivals at Rlccarton, were on the track to-day and were given easy work. AUCKLAND NOTES CLOCKWORK TO CROSS TASMAN. Dominion Special Service. Auckland, August 2. R. Lewis is the latest to entertain a trip (o /Uistralia, and he is due to leave with Clockwork on Friday next. Clockwork may contest hurdle races before the spring meeting of the A.J.C., at which his chief mission will be the steeplechases. He appears to be quite sound again and bls condition is satisfactory. A. Love has made a start at Ellerslie with the Day Comet—Flare Gun mare. Onewhcro. She has shown abundance of speed, but so far hns been lacking in stamina. -

Pure Tea, the throe-year-old filly who won once and was second in minor places when trained by George Price at Handwick recently, returned to Auckland and the owner, Mr. C. M. Emanuel, has placed her with C. Morse at Takanlni to be prepared for thp spring racing. Pure Tea has speed above the ordinary and, like her brother, Rpyal Tea, should be a good three-year-old. All "the Auckland horses in the Grand National Steeplechase hvae (heir admirers, but King’s Guard is best fancied of all. It he saddles up all right on the day he will carry a lot of northern support. The weather is fine for the week-end and there is a likelihood of some galloping on tho grass during the next few days. Apart from a little schooling work matters have been very quiet. Stonew*?’, Mountain Guide, Charltaine and Chelone were schooled during the week. Mountain Guide Is progressing well, and Chelone in his few essays to date has been vory encouraging.

MAIDEN STAKES, of 100 sovs. Five furlongs. 0 Haulage .... 9 s Storm Raid .. 9 Marsbnnn ... 9 8 Desert Song . 9 0 Kate Kelly .. 9 8 Swiftray .... 9 0 Kentish Lady 9 s Leader 9 0 The Viscount. 9 8 Fainting 9 0 Huntley 9 8 Innesfree .... 9 0 Audience 9 8 La Pompadour 9 0 Airplane ... 9 8 Academy 9 0 Safety 9 8 Grand Song: . 9 0 Quick Plunge 9 0 Captivate ... 9 0

BRABAZON HANDICAP, of 120 jovs. Seven furlongs. King Balboa. 10 9 Trickles .... 9 4 10 9 9 4 Bonogne ..4.. 10 2 Subdivision . 9 4 Solrose 10 1 Malmsey 9 9 9 Perle de Leon 9 0 Solferite ... 9 G Sagittarius .. 9 0 Chick wheat . 0 o Royal Camo. 9 0 Overdrawn .. 9 5

FLYING HACK HANDICAP, of 100 sovs Honeycomb . Six turlongs. .. 9 0 10 9 Moy nail Sarnia 10 S Waihemo . .. 9 0 Red Bon .... 10 The Bailiff .. 9 0 Grand Acre .. 9 lit Huntley .. ...9 0 Winstar .... 0 11 Morian ... 9 0 Royal Flower 9 2 Hounslow ...9 0